Bai Mao was a face-obsessed guy.
To be precise: as long as it didn’t break his principles, his three views (morals, values, worldview) would go running after someone’s facial features. And this was especially true when watching anime.
He’d been in the entertainment circle for a few years, had seen more than enough pretty men and women, and thought he was already immune.
Who knew? The man in front of him.Every inch of him was tailor-made for Bai Mao’s taste.
Bai Mao lazily stuffed a small piece of dessert into his mouth while staring at the man, who was politely chatting with a group of people yet keeping a completely expressionless face.
“Bai Mao.” His so-called elder brother’s stern voice broke the moment.
Without Bai Sheng trailing beside him, Bai Jing came alone. Noticing Bai Mao’s gaze, he lowered his voice and introduced, “The one in the middle is Yu Xiangchen. Current head of the Yu family. A miracle in the business world. Also the youngest son of Old Master Yu, the birthday star tonight. Born late, so although he’s about our age, in terms of seniority we should call him uncle. Don’t mix it up when you greet him later.”
Yu Xiangchen? So it’s him.
Bai Mao remembered the name clearly.
The original novel’s plot here was outrageously dog-blood.
The Yu family’s youngest, Yu Wantian, and the head of the family, Yu Xiangchen, both ended up liking the protagonist shou, Bai Sheng. Uncle and nephew, both rivals in love.
But because Yu Wantian played dirty, he made the first move. He confessed to his little uncle early which forced Yu Xiangchen to bury his own feelings.
Unwilling to break the taboo of family ties. He pressed his emotions down hard and never acted.
Tsk, tsk, tsk.
If Bai Mao remembered correctly…
His heart gave a little thump.
Now what? A bold, spur-of-the-moment idea sparked in his head.
“You listening to me or not?” Bai Jing asked irritably.
“Got it,” Bai Mao drawled.
He recalled the dream.
By this point in the timeline, Yu Wantian had already confessed to his uncle about his feelings for Bai Sheng.
That was the whole reason the Yu family agreed to this “marriage talk” with the Bai family.
Otherwise, with Yu family’s status, even if they wanted a plaything, the Bai family wouldn’t even be in the running.
Unfortunately, Yu Wantian’s wild lifestyle was an open secret in high society.
Even if his feelings for Bai Sheng were sincere and he really wanted to marry him, nobody believed it.
Not even the Bai family.
Sure, the Bai family desperately wanted to cling to the Yu family and climb into the upper circle, but they were genuinely protective of Bai Sheng, their cherished treasure.
They couldn’t bear the thought of him being tossed around and trampled by someone like Yu Wantian.
And just at this tangled moment, Bai Mao appeared.
A perfect cannon fodder always shows up right when the story needs him most!
Honestly, the Bai family owed him a silk banner in thanks.
Soon after, the banquet officially began.
The old man, frail with age, only came out to cut the cake before returning to rest, leaving the younger generation to mingle.
Bai Jing glanced at Bai Mao, who was still busy eating, and frowned almost imperceptibly.
“Enough. Stop eating,” he muttered, a trace of disdain flashing in his eyes.
The Bai family only got into this event because the Yu family graciously allowed it.
Yet here Bai Mao was, wasting the chance to network with powerful people, stuffing his face like he’d never seen sweets before.
No doubt the young ladies from noble families were watching and thinking the Bai family was a bunch of bumpkins.
So humiliating!!
Better settle the matter quickly.
Bai Jing reached out to drag Bai Mao along while scanning the crowd, but oddly enough, Yu Wantian was nowhere in sight.
Where was he?
Bai Jing frowned. Could it be that Yu Wantian regretted it already?
He was anxious to find him, and tried to pull Bai Mao forward, only for Bai Mao to step back, his tone carrying a warning: “Talk properly. Don’t touch me.”
Bai Jing’s brows furrowed. Was that any way for a younger brother to speak to his elder?
He was just about to lecture him when the voice he’d been waiting for finally sounded behind them
“Bai Shao, there you are. Took me forever to find you.”
Yu Wantian had arrived.
Bai Jing secretly breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression grew more serious. He turned and offered his hand politely: “Yu Shao, good evening.”
“No need for all that.”
Yu Wantian shoved both hands deep into his suit pockets, clearly not planning to take them out. His gaze was bold, unrestrained, sweeping over Bai Mao.
Bai Mao, meanwhile, was sizing him up as well.
Dreams were made of words. The novel’s descriptions of looks weren’t very detailed, so he hadn’t had a strong mental image, just “good-looking.”
The reality was far from what he’d pictured.
This “scumbag gong” was twenty-three, only a year older than Bai Mao, yet he looked like he was still stuck in his rebellious phase.
He hadn’t entered the family business yet. He was still a useless playboy type, spending his nights drinking and clubbing with other wastrels. His whole style screamed nightclub brat.
Dyed pink hair, badly damaged from repeated bleaching. The shade didn’t even suit him, only making his skin look darker.
At least three earrings in one ear, plus a lip ring.
Outfit leaning punk, clashing horribly with the banquet’s refined atmosphere.
A textbook case of a second-year-syndrome teenager!
No wonder Bai Sheng hadn’t liked him at first. It wasn’t until much later, when Yu Wantian uncovered his family’s dark secrets, woke up.
Turned over a new leaf, and even overthrew his uncle Yu Xiangchen, the story’s real villain that he finally won Bai Sheng’s heart.
The two men exchanged equally cold glances.
When Yu Wantian didn’t bother responding, Bai Jing withdrew his unshaken hand, fist clenching tightly behind his back, but outwardly calm as ever.
Playing the middleman, he introduced,
“This is Old Master Yu’s grandson, Yu Wantian. Yu Shao, this is my younger brother, Bai Mao. I hope you’ll take care of him in the future.”
Bai Mao said nothing. Because he couldn’t be bothered.
Worried Yu Wantian might take offense, Bai Jing hurriedly nudged him and whispered, “What did I tell you? Call him properly.”
Yu Wantian kept staring at Bai Mao’s face, then sneered, “Forget it. No need for formalities. I don’t care much for rules. As for ‘taking care’ not yet, anyway.”
Remembering his beloved’s reddened eyes from earlier, he smirked and added lazily, “Fine, let’s settle it like this.”
It was just a new toy, after all. And Bai Mao was undeniably beautiful. Even if he was supposedly a “mute,” he was far better looking than any of the random club girls Yu Wantian usually picked up.
Not a loss to play with.
Bai Jing froze. He hadn’t expected things to go so smoothly. He quickly nodded, “Of course, thank you, Yu Shao.”
Bai Mao raised an eyebrow, casting Bai Jing a sidelong glance.
The two men were playing word games in front of him, dropping vague phrases that outsiders would take as casual small talk.
But hidden between the lines, in just a few short exchanges, they had already decided his future.
Not once had anyone asked Bai Mao whether he agreed to this.
And Bai Jing’s audacity. Sending his own brother out to be toyed with by someone else and then thanking them? Truly vile.
If Bai Mao hadn’t dreamed before and known the whole truth, he’d definitely think: no matter what, they’re family. Blood relatives. An elder brother wouldn’t do such a thing to his kin.
In the original story, Bai Mao was sold out precisely because he assumed this.
He lowered his gaze, hiding the madness flickering in his eyes.
Yu Wantian’s mind wasn’t on him or Bai Jing at all. Talking more would just be annoying. Soon, he found an excuse and left.
After he was gone, Bai Jing’s expression darkened. He scolded, “Bai Mao, I don’t know where you picked up your attitude, but since yesterday, you officially became a Bai family member. Your behavior…. ”
“Enough.”
Bai Mao lazily cut him off, glancing sideways with a sardonic edge, “What right do you have to boss me around?”
“…Because I am the elder brother, like a father.”
Bai Jing didn’t catch the deeper meaning in Bai Mao’s words. He truly believed he had the authority to control him.
He had grown up in the Bai family, trained as the heir, schooled in life and etiquette and experienced in dealing with people, none of which Bai Mao could match.
Bai Mao’s lips curled in a faint mocking smile. His eyes met Bai Jing’s.
Most people’s pupils are brown. Bai Mao’s were lighter, clearer, prettier. But at that moment, there was no emotion in them. Looking at him as if he were a stranger.
“You…” Bai Jing frowned, about to speak, when suddenly his phone rang with a special ringtone.
Clearly, this message was extremely important. He zipped his mouth and checked the phone.
After a quick glance, he said briskly,
“I have some business to attend to, so I won’t say much. You’re young, you don’t understand yet. Later, you’ll see everything I’ve taught you is useful. Take care of yourself.”
Bai Mao shrugged. In one ear, out the other.
Once Bai Jing left, Bai Mao tested his freedom. He moved toward the exit of the banquet hall and reached the carved main doors where, unsurprisingly, a bodyguard stopped him.
“Sorry, sir. The banquet hasn’t ended yet.”
Bai Mao smiled mildly, “How come the banquet dictates a time to leave now? Illegal detention, maybe? Want me to call the cops?”
“…Sir, this is the Yu family’s instruction.”
“Calling the cops won’t help either.”
He sized up the surrounding bodyguards, realized he wasn’t exactly dealing with amateurs, and reluctantly returned to the hall, resuming his leisurely dessert eating.
“Second Young Master.”
A waiter in a tailcoat approached, bowing slightly. He carried a tray and respectfully handed a glass of champagne to Bai Mao,“Second Young Master, this is from Young Master Yu.”
Bai Mao ignored him.
The waiter stayed politely bent at the waist. Time dragged, and the onlookers began whispering. Sweat soon dotted the waiter’s forehead from the strain.
He called again,“Second Young Master, please…”
Bai Mao, finally lowering his eyes, took the glass with a cold expression. He raised it slightly, “Please thank Young Master Yu for me.”
But the waiter didn’t leave. He kept glancing between the glass and Bai Mao.
Bai Mao stiffened slightly, mock-smiling, tilting the champagne, “Does this mean I must drink it now? And you’ll be watching?”
The waiter nodded obediently, “I’m terribly sorry, Second Young Master. This is Young Master Yu’s order. I’m just a worker; I can’t disobey.”
Bai Mao blinked.
What’s going on? Was this spiked? This scene hadn’t been in the original story.
He wasn’t an idiot.
If he drank it that would be praying to heaven and earth in vain.
He froze for a moment. Then, relaxing his hand, the champagne glass slipped and crashed onto the thick carpet, the liquid seeping in.
Bai Mao frowned, putting on a faux-surprised voice, “Oh! I didn’t mean it. I was just lost in thought and accidentally dropped the glass… I’m terribly sorry and have wasted Young Master Yu’s kindness. Want me to ask for another glass?”
The waiter went pale. Glaring slightly at Bai Mao, he gave a signal to the guards at the door before bending down to clean up.
Two bodyguards received the signal and started walking toward Bai Mao.
Crap. This guy really can’t play along.
Bai Mao turned to leave, nearly bumping into someone.
The man, unfamiliar to him, saw Bai Mao’s face and raised his eyebrows, “You’re the new Bai family kid? Still here? Your brother and the little one left.”
“…Left?” Bai Mao echoed.
The man, curious now, leaned closer, gossiping a little, “Yeah, Bai Sheng fainted. Bai family’s eldest son took him to the hospital. I thought you’d go with them”
“…Thanks.”
Seeing the approaching guards, Bai Mao cut him off, smiling, “I still have things to do. Thanks for letting me know.”
With that, Bai Mao briskly walked away.
His eyes scanned the hall, quickly spotting his target and he called Bai Jing.
Bai Jing answered relatively quickly.
Bai Mao demanded, “Bai Jing, you took Bai Sheng away! Why didn’t you leave the car for me?”
Bai Jing froze. He’d expected the call to ask why they left, not about the car.
Bai Mao’s tone left him momentarily stunned.
Without even noticing the choice of address, he stammered an explanation, “Bai Sheng’s low blood sugar caused him to faint in the bathroom. I’m taking him to the hospital…. ”
Bai Mao interrupted sharply, “But I had no car when leaving. Everyone else at the banquet would see and think badly of the Bai family. They’d say we’re too poor to even provide a car. Didn’t you always teach me that now, as a Bai family member, I mustn’t bring shame? And you, as the future heir, the elder brother, couldn’t even think of that?”
“Brother…” Bai Sheng’s weak voice mixed with a scolding tone.
Bai Jing suddenly realized, about to reprimand Bai Mao for not caring about Bai Sheng, only to find the line dead.
Bai Mao had hung up.
In the hall, he casually stuffed the phone into his pocket and headed straight for the strikingly handsome man, Yu Xiangchen.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
“Eh, Mr. Yu…”
“Who does he think he is? Not looking where he’s going?” Someone spoke as Bai Mao pushed other around him.
Bai Mao ignored everyone. Grabbing Yu Xiangchen’s arm, he leaned close and whispered, “Mr. Yu, I know your secret.”
In the original story, Yu Xiangchen was ruthless and merciless, but he did have some redeeming qualities, he kept himself clean, never married, and was famously protective.
Anyone under his wing would be well-protected.
Following him, Bai Mao didn’t need to worry about being handed over like in the original plot.
And the best part! This guy was ridiculously handsome.
It’s hard to say who will suffer from loss?
Bai Jing is a jerk! Selling his one brother while cherishing other as if mad of snow?!!! God! I wanna beat some sense into him?
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
This is not a bribe. It is a totally legitimate caffeine-based appreciation system.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · A Nightmare or Reality?Chapter 2 · Yu family’s BanquetChapter 3 · I know your Secret..Chapter 4 · Becoming A Stand-InChapter 5 · Real IntentionChapter 6 · Yu XiangchenChapter 7 · Moved into new houseChapter 8 · Why he’s so perfect?!Chapter 9 · Role stolenChapter 10 · Four Times a WeekChapter 11 · Wrong Message?Chapter 12 · Flower protectorChapter 13 · Study MaterialChapter 14 Part 1 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 14 Part 2 · I don’t have that kind of worldly desireChapter 15 · Four thousand yuan has arrived in AlipayChapter 16 · In the River?Chapter 17 · Boss like him, People would ready to do OvertimeChapter 18 · Does Mr. Yu have two faces?!Chapter 19 · Now we can begin to express our gratitude.Chapter 20 · Split Personality!Chapter 21 · Mr. Yu is busy and may not have time to comeChapter 22 · Call duration: 0:12Chapter 23 · He’s not Worth itChapter 24 · Mr Yu on film setChapter 25 · You can consider me if you decided to leave Mr. YuChapter 26 · Big Sister has unique hobbyChapter 27 · Really? I’m actually the young master of the Bai family?Chapter 28 · Bai Sheng is Pitiful?Chapter 29 · Someone took a picture of themChapter 30 · Your little one is hereChapter 31 · Mr. Yu asked me if I had a stiff neckChapter 32 · The little lucky butterfly’s wings flutteredChapter 33 · Mr. Yu, you came here just once at the beginningChapter 34 · The door wasn’t lockedChapter 35 · You’re an adult nowChapter 36 · Are rooms still available by scrambling?Chapter 37 · I’m definitely going to watch this variety show!Chapter 38 · Who asked Bai Sheng for money to support Bai Mao?Chapter 39 · How many zeros are there?Chapter 40 · You have to be careful with your methodsChapter 41 · Let’s get MarriedChapter 42 · I’m obviously just coveting your body!Chapter 43 · Does what we’re doing count as Sneaking?Chapter 44 · You want to change rooms?Chapter 45 · Isn’t Bai Sheng’s scheming way too deep?Chapter 46 · Mr. Yu in front of me has become calm and composedChapter 47 · You care a lot about Yu Yutian?Chapter 48 · Bai Sheng has found someoneChapter 49 · How to fall in loveChapter 50 · Uncle Long LegsChapter 51 · Bai Mao, I’m a little scaredChapter 52 · I simply told them the truthChapter 53 · That was far too mercilessChapter 54 · Your fans mention it in your fan forumChapter 55 · In your dreamsChapter 56 · Hello, UncleChapter 57 · Verified account had repliedChapter 58 · Maomao, you don’t need to be afraid of themChapter 59 · What a headacheChapter 60 · It’s a bit… tragicChapter 61 · I’m waiting for you at homeChapter 62 · That’s just too much!Chapter 63 · Is this watch really that expensive?Chapter 64 · Tian CityChapter 65 · They’re easy to get along with.Chapter 66 · Want to have a relationship with marriage in mind?Chapter 67 · Is this the joy of being someone’s “little uncle”?Chapter 68 · Has the protagonist finally figured it out?Chapter 69 · I miss youChapter 70 · That whole family is something else.Chapter 71 · Then comfort meChapter 72 · What about sincerity?Chapter 73 · There’s also 10% of the company’s sharesChapter 74 · So called conservativeChapter 75 · I thought you’d be walking with a limpChapter 76 · They’ve been brainwashedChapter 77 · We got marriedChapter 78 · CongratulationsChapter 79 · You already knew it was me?Chapter 80 · You look very good in a shirtChapter 81 · Did you used to like Bai Sheng?Chapter 82 · I never liked himChapter 83 · Uncle is super niceChapter 84 · Extra 1Chapter 85 · Extra 2Chapter 86 · Extra 3