Arc 1.11
The Wicked Child of the Stepmother
Recently, Nian Zhen noticed Xia Yanjing had been acting rather oddly.
For instance, he’d often stand and stare at the novels on Nian Zhen’s bookshelf with a thoughtful expression.
Hey, big brother, are you interested in novels too?
Well, the one you’re holding right now is really good, by the way—it’s a BL system novel.
The main character is a hot guy, and the plot’s thick with drama.
“…” Xia Yanjing glanced at Meng Zhenzhen, who was pretending to glance over worriedly from the corner, before he put the novel back on the shelf.
Hey, big brother, that one you were just holding?
It has a totally evil male lead who’s reborn after going back in time.
Poor little protagonist, really.
I actually feel a bit bad for him, but it’s also pretty satisfying seeing those two-faced scoundrels get their comeuppance.
“…” Xia Yanjing considered the odd terms Meng Zhenzhen was throwing around.
Hey, and that one’s kind of similar to us, right?
The male lead goes back in time, like in the last one, to get revenge on the evil stepmother and her nasty son.
I’m basically the stepmom’s son, right?
Playing the white lotus, always bad-mouthing him and scheming to take everything he has.
Truly villainous stuff—this is what white lotuses are made of.
…So that’s where Xiao Zhen learned his techniques.
Xia Yanjing immediately picked up the novel, curious to learn more about what had…inspired his Xiao Zhen.
After he watched Xia Yanjing walk off with the book, Nian Zhen emerged from the shadows.
Is he actually studying enemy tactics right now?
No wonder he looked so serious.
Nian Zhen smirked slyly.
Oh, brother, you’re about to have your mind blown.
The book he took has so many spicy scenes.
As an 18-year-old male protagonist, Nian Zhen knew that Xia Yanjing was only familiar with the love between men and women, and had never encountered love between men before.
He could already imagine Xia Yanjing’s shocked expression as he read it.
Nian Zhen’s wicked grin spread as he laughed quietly to himself.
Serves him right.
Hahaha.
But as it turned out, Xia Yanjing remained much calmer than Nian Zhen had anticipated.
It only took him about an hour to finish the entire novel.
He was now sitting in his study, where a computer screen displayed the results of his recent searches on complex terms he’d encountered in the book.
It was fair to say that Xia Yanjing had indeed broadened his horizons.
It turned out there was really nothing all that different between love between men and that between men and women.
Closing the book, Xia Yanjing shut his eyes.
His face remained cool and composed, yet his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from his chest.
So, does this mean Xiao Zhen likes men?
Xia Yanjing thought about Xiao Zhen’s behavior, and a strange feeling crept up in him.
It wasn’t disgust, but a feeling he couldn’t quite define.
The next day, Nian Zhen received a gift from Xia Yanjing: a plump, red-eyed white rabbit.
“Big brother, this is for me?”
Hey, big brother, it’s so cute.
It’s chubby and soft—feels great to pet.
But why’d you get me a pet?
“Let’s take care of it together,” Xia Yanjing watched Meng Zhenzhen hold the round, fluffy rabbit with satisfaction.
“What’s its name, big brother?”
So cute and gentle—I love it so much.
So adorable I want to squish it.
“…Xiao… Xiao Pang.”
A little chubby one, huh?
Big brother, you picked such a cute name.
Xiao Pang… Xiao Pang, ah…
“Xiao Pang.”
Nian Zhen said its name as he stroked the chubby bunny.
The little rabbit’s long ears twitched as it sniffed around, making Nian Zhen grin in delight.
Ah, too adorable.
Xia Yanjing’s lips curved into a slight smile as he watched Meng Zhenzhen play with the rabbit, his eyes gleaming almost imperceptibly.
…Raising Xiao Zhen is a little different from raising Xiao Pang, after all.
Just then, Nian Zhen seemed to remember something.
“Big brother, did you read my novel yet?” His voice accidentally revealed a hint of expectation.
What did you think?
Hehe.
“I did.” Xia Yanjing responded, seeing Nian Zhen’s eager expression, and added,
“It was excellent.”
What does “excellent” mean?
Nian Zhen was full of questions in his mind.
“Big brother, what do you mean by ‘excellent’? Could you elaborate?” Nian Zhen continued to ask, curious.
“Xiao Zhen… is excellent.”
“…” Wait, why did this become about me all of a sudden?
“It made me realize no one could ever be as good as Xiao Zhen.” Xia Yanjing said this as he reached over to pat Nian Zhen’s head before turning to leave.
“…” Nian Zhen, still sitting, was confused.
But wait—didn’t those lines sound a bit familiar?
At long last, Aunt Du realized she had a son and decided to bring Chairman Xia to visit the villa, along with an armful of gifts meant to showcase her overflowing motherly affection.
Nian Zhen, who was feeding Xiao Pang some grass, had no choice but to go out and greet them.
As always, the tyrannical Chairman Xia arrived in a full suit, exuding his intimidating, high-powered aura.
His handsome face looked at Du Yao with warmth and tenderness, making it obvious he’d been lavishing her with affection recently.
She looked well-pampered, wearing a soft cream-colored dress that complemented her outward image of gentle purity.
What a perfect match—the wicked woman and her scoundrel of a man.
Nian Zhen sneered inwardly while outwardly sitting down on the sofa with impeccable manners, smiling with apparent delight at his mother’s visit.
Naturally, it was time to perform the next act: the harmonious and loving mother-son duo.
“Zhenzhen, how have you been, sweetie? Are you comfortable here?” Du Yao asked, holding Nian Zhen’s hand with motherly concern.
As Nian Zhen caught a glimpse of Xia Yanjing walking toward them, he quickly slipped into his white lotus role.
“I’m very comfortable, Mother. And you? How have you been?” Nian Zhen glanced at Du Yao’s belly, prompting her to gently place a hand over it, her expression softening as she answered.
“I’m doing well, dear. Your Uncle Xia is taking wonderful care of me, and this little one has been very well-behaved.”
Well, well, calling it a little brother already when it’s barely developed enough to even know.
Aunt Du, if it ends up being a girl, I’ll have a good laugh.
Maybe she should try acting like a mother to me first, instead of getting so excited about a new child just to chase after someone else’s fortune.
I don’t want a younger brother.
It’s already tiring enough having a new big brother in Xia Yanjing.
“…” Xia Yanjing took a seat next to Meng Zhenzhen.
“Mother, you need to take care of yourself. It won’t be long before my little brother opens his eyes to see the world. I can’t wait to meet him; I’m sure he’ll be very cute.”
Nian Zhen said with a cheerful tone, which greatly pleased Chairman Xia, who joined in warmly.
“With Xiao Zhen’s mother as lovely as Yaoyao, this little brother is bound to be handsome.”
Sure, handsome, but I doubt he’ll be as good-looking as my big brother here.
That’s wishful thinking.
Xia Yanjing is undoubtedly the best-looking person around.
Since I was born, I haven’t seen anyone with a face that can rival his.
Hehe.
“…” Xia Yanjing sipped his tea, his expression calm as he glanced at Meng Zhenzhen’s innocent-looking face.
But seriously, Aunt Du and this wretched father, all they talk about is the child on the way.
Are they afraid that no one will realize they want to make a point?
News flash: by the time that kid grows up, big brother here will probably be sick of the idea of being the heir.
What a daydream.
But, as the designated villain, I’ll be a dutiful helper to Aunt Du in dealing with my older brother.
“…” Xia Yanjing poured tea for Meng Zhenzhen.
Du Yao immediately turned to greet Xia Yanjing.
“Young Master Xia, I do hope Zhenzhen hasn’t been too much trouble for you.” Her voice was full of politeness.
Big brother might be inconvenienced, but I’m loving it here.
I get to eat delicious food every day, sleep on a soft bed, read novels—such a perfect life.
Sigh, it’s a pity.
If it weren’t for the fact that I’m a shameless little white lotus, I’d want to keep living off big brother forever.
Xia Yanjing looked at Meng Zhenzhen and took note of this thought.
…Spoiling someone into bad habits—working even better than I thought.
“It’s no trouble at all. Xiao Zhen is a very good boy,” Xia Yanjing replied, his tone as cold as usual.
Big brother, you’re really such a good guy.
But to be honest, I wouldn’t dare be a bad kid in front of you.
Just seeing you give me that icy look is enough to keep me from trying any tricks.
I’m afraid you’ll hit me.
If I’m scheming, it has to be behind your back or by using someone else’s hand.
That’s because your aura is just too intense, and I’m not fond of pain.
But mark my words: I’m working on a new plan, and soon enough, you’ll face the full force of it.
This white lotus won’t ever give up!!
“…” The system decided to play dead long-term.
But it was too late, as the protagonist reached over to gently pat Nian Zhen’s head.
Watching the closeness between the two, Du Yao clenched her teeth internally.
This behavior made it clear that Xia Yanjing was now confident he could handle her son.
If it weren’t for that meddlesome old man interfering, would she ever have lost her most trusted pawn?
“This villa feels a bit cramped. During the break, you and Zhenzhen should move back to the mansion,” Xia Heng said to his son.
“Yes, Father,” Xia Yanjing replied, and Chairman Xia looked quite pleased.
Nian Zhen could tell that Aunt Du was hoping for a private moment with him, but that hope was dashed, as Xia Yanjing was seated beside him with one hand resting on Meng Zhenzhen’s shoulder—appearing close yet subtly exerting control.
Du Yao had no chance to make any moves and eventually left, but not without casting a lingering, meaningful look in Nian Zhen’s direction.
Aunt Du can’t make a move yet.
She’s probably too afraid of Old Man Xia.
Big Brother, you’re lucky to have someone protecting you, especially with a stepmother like Du Yao.
Happy days are going to be rare for you.
But I’ll have to rely on myself.
My dad’s gone, and it’s like I don’t even have a mother anymore.
The inheritance is still under Aunt Du’s control because I’m not of age.
If it weren’t for novels and good food, my life would be pretty bleak.
Nian Zhen put on an act of affectionate farewell as he sent Du Yao off.
Hurry up and leave already.
Poor Xiao Pang must be starving by now.
Xia Yanjing followed Nian Zhen back inside, observing him as he fed the chubby rabbit with a thoughtful look.
“Xiao Zhen, if you ever need anything, just let me know. You’re mine now, and I’ll cover all of your expenses.”
Nian Zhen was taken aback by Xia Yanjing’s words.
Big Brother, you’re being way too kind.
After all the trouble I’ve caused you, you’re still this generous?
This isn’t your responsibility at all—I’m only your stepmother’s child, not even your real brother.
And I’ll have to act ungrateful one day.
When the time comes, you’ll regret being this kind to me.
Lowering his gaze, Nian Zhen thought, the male lead really is pitiable, wasting his kindness on an ingrate like the white lotus.
“Thank you, Big Brother.”
Nian Zhen replied sweetly, continuing to pet Xiao Pang.
Xia Yanjing’s lips curved into a faint smile for the first time.
In truth, Xia Yanjing had long ago realized that someone like Xiao Zhen could never truly harm him.
Though Xiao Zhen was clearly pretending, his eyes lacked the usual malice, hostility, or envy.
They appeared innocent on the surface, but deeper within, they were eerily calm, as though his outward expressions weren’t his true self.
Xiao Zhen could fool others, but not Xia Yanjing, who had been trained to read people’s eyes and faces from a young age.
He was acutely aware of the intent of others, friend or foe alike.
Initially, Xia Yanjing did feel resentment toward him, considering him the stepchild of Du Yao, and he had wanted to put Xiao Zhen in his place to stop him from causing trouble.
But Xia Yanjing never truly sought revenge, knowing that if he did, Xiao Zhen wouldn’t be living as peacefully as he was now.
In truth, Xiao Zhen’s acting skills were truly top-notch.
Even Xia Yanjing himself had been fooled a few times by his innocent expressions, so he couldn’t bring himself to act harshly.
He compromised again and again in his mind, quietly watching him playing tricks right in front of him.
If it were anyone else trying to provoke him, Xia Yanjing wouldn’t have allowed them to even appear in his presence again.
But Xiao Zhen’s acting was so good that everyone around him fell for it, believing it without question.
Whatever emotion he wanted to portray, he could display it on his face and in his eyes flawlessly, making it difficult for anyone to doubt him.
Xia Yanjing had no choice but to accept the role of the villain who bullied the weak, as Xiao Zhen was intent on casting him.
He figured that if he didn’t play along, there’d be no way to keep this feisty rabbit in line.
While this little rabbit’s bites didn’t hurt, it still needed to be shown that it shouldn’t bite its owner.
Then Xia Yanjing had unexpectedly gained insight into Xiao Zhen’s inner thoughts, which left him both surprised and, eventually, relieved that he hadn’t done anything too harsh to him.
Any resentment he had melted away.
So this was who Xiao Zhen truly was.
…As his older brother, it was his duty to take good care of Xiao Zhen.
Du Yao… Once the baby is born, I’ll handle you properly.
“Xiao Zhen, you’re a good kid. Just stay with me, and don’t worry about anything else. I’ll take care of it all for you.”
Xia Yanjing said, reaching over to pat Nian Zhen’s head affectionately before walking away, a satisfied smile on his face.
He planned to use Xiao Zhen’s subtle guilt as his tool.
“…” Nian Zhen.
Big Brother, you’re really kind, but why do I feel this strange sense of dread?
I’m not just imagining it, am I?