Chapter 14

After returning home, Shu Shiyun didn’t even have time to say much more to Shu Yanshen before being gently stopped at the doorway.

“I need to rest. If there’s anything, we’ll talk it through tomorrow,” Shu Yanshen said, leaving the door half-closed with only his face visible. Then, his expression darkened slightly as if recalling something. “You’re not planning to go find him again, are you?”

Shu Shiyun hurriedly waved his hand. “Of course not. I’m staying right here at home.”

Only then did Shu Yanshen’s face soften. He coldly told Shu Shiyun to get some rest and firmly shut the door behind him.

Shu Shiyun even heard the sound of the lock clicking.

What was that supposed to mean? Was he worried he might go bother someone in the middle of the night? He really had no idea how his image had changed in his uncle’s eyes.

A mix of joy and inexplicable unease filled him as he returned to his room and checked his phone, noticing a reply from Shang Cheng. His eyes brightened slightly but then hesitated, thinking about how his uncle had just come back after a long time.

[“I’m not sure yet. Can I give you an answer tomorrow? I kind of want to go.”]

At the last gathering, he had already noticed the close relationship between He Mosheng and Shang Cheng. Although Shu Shiyun was not very social, he had a good impression of Shang Cheng’s friends.

To truly understand Shang Cheng, he would have to enter his circle of friends.

With these heavy thoughts, after washing up, he came out and found that Shang Cheng hadn’t replied yet.

It was already late; perhaps he had gone to rest?

Shu Shiyun felt it shouldn’t be this way but obediently said goodnight without disturbing him further.

After a whole day of turmoil, he felt sleepy, curling up on the bed with a mind full of scattered thoughts. Yet, recalling what Shang Cheng had said the day before, his heart suddenly quieted.

Half asleep, he gently nuzzled his cheek against the pillow and drifted off.

—

Early the next morning, as Shu Shiyun descended the stairs, he heard voices from downstairs.

Pausing, he leaned over the stair railing and saw the housekeeper standing by the dining table, speaking to Shu Yanshen, who was leisurely eating breakfast.

The distance was a bit far, but he caught a few keywords.

“Three meals are fairly regular… rarely goes out at night… the one upstairs is Miss Fang, yes… assistant…”

Realizing Shu Yanshen was secretly inquiring about his daily routine, Shu Shiyun’s mood lightened, no longer holding back his steps and hurried down in three strides.

“Good morning, Uncle!”

Their conversation was interrupted. Shu Yanshen showed no discomfort, replying simply, “Morning.”

“Mr. Shu, you said yesterday you wanted fresh shrimp noodles, so I made some for you,” the housekeeper said before turning back to the kitchen.

Shu Shiyun responded with a nod and sat down next to Shu Yanshen, lazily squinting. “Uncle, any plans for today?”

“Going to inspect the domestic headquarters,” Shu Yanshen said succinctly, lifting his coffee cup in one gulp, leaving only four lonely ice cubes behind.

Drinking iced Americano early in the morning—impressive.

Shu Shiyun, who wasn’t fond of sweet things but utterly intolerant of bitterness, couldn’t help but grimace at his uncle’s calm expression.

“How long will you be gone?”

Shu Yanshen glanced at his watch, seemingly calculating. “Three days.”

That meant leaving on Sunday.

The housekeeper brought over a delicate bowl of noodles. Shu Shiyun picked up some noodles, blowing on them to cool, then asked, “So, Uncle, will you go out with me on Saturday?”

“I have an appointment,” Shu Yanshen replied.

Hearing this, Shu Shiyun silently exhaled and flashed a bright smile. “Well, that’s too bad.”

Seeing his genuinely happy expression, Shu Yanshen’s face darkened.

After finishing breakfast and downing a glass of milk, Shu Shiyun finally remembered something.

“Uncle, I have work near your headquarters today. How about we have lunch together after I’m done?”

Shu Yanshen had always known his nephew was simple-minded. Despite his clever appearance and sharp eyes that seemed worldly, he was genuinely sincere and often showed an innocence beyond his years.

He hadn’t liked this personality before, doubting Shu Shiyun’s ability to shoulder great responsibilities and often rejecting his requests. But now, faced with this hopeful, smiling face, he found it impossible to say no.

Sighing inwardly, he gave in.

Well, simplicity isn’t bad; at least the Shu family wouldn’t let him suffer.

“All right.”

—

Meanwhile, Fang Jiahua, who had enjoyed an ultra-luxurious room overnight, woke up to a stunning display of handsome faces in the lobby.

Listening to Shu Shiyun’s introduction, she felt as if she were dreaming.

So the boss had an uncle too—and such a strikingly handsome one at that. His lowered eyes and cold demeanor created an untouchable aura.

“Today we’ll go in one car, meet at noon for lunch. You’re in charge of booking the restaurant,” Shu Shiyun assigned her.

Fang Jiahua observed the resemblance between them and finally confirmed they were indeed uncle and nephew.

The Shu family’s genes were extraordinary—everyone was remarkably good-looking.

—

The grand opening ceremony of YS’s entry into the mall ended with great fanfare. Thanks to prior hype, many fans had booked flights just to attend.

Shu Shiyun chatted with them for a long time, introducing notable local attractions. When it was time to leave, he prepared to go.

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through the crowd: “Shu Shiyun, is that video really you?”

His steps paused before he could react. Fang Jiahua immediately stepped forward with security, blocking the questioner, her expression cool. “Sorry, today Shiyun is only answering questions about the brand. Please don’t stray from the topic.”

Though the tone was harsh, her response was polite enough not to provoke the questioner. The video in question was later selectively edited and posted online.

Shu Shiyun thought for a moment, then patted her shoulder.

Understanding his meaning, Fang Jiahua stepped aside but didn’t leave immediately.

“Yes, the video was deleted, but it really did look like Yunbao,” one fan said.

“Don’t guess wildly. How could it be him?”

“Exactly, Yunbao has had many fans since his brand’s inception. He’s always done things out of interest. How could he be involved in such matters?”

“And I remember Yunbao saying he’s not short of money.”

Many fans grew angry and spoke up in his defense.

A warmth blossomed in his heart as he raised his hand to quiet them.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to respond because anyone with eyes can see it’s fake. But I’ll clarify: the person in the video is me, but…”

Before he could finish, a wave of gasps broke out, and many started filming with their phones.

Unfazed, Shu Shiyun spoke gravely: “The situation is not as others have fabricated. That day was just a private gathering with friends. The so-called ‘throwing oneself into someone’s arms’ was simply me helping a drunk friend, nothing more. The ‘unspoken rules’ are nonsense. If this matter escalates further, I will take legal action.”

After he spoke, the crowd exchanged glances, trying to gauge the truth of his words.

“Yunbao is not that kind of person. I believe you.”

“Isn’t this explanation a bit forced? Weren’t the people in that room all wealthy or powerful?”

The time had come, and Fang Jiahua was urging Shu Shiyun to leave.

But after hearing that remark, he paused.

After a moment’s thought, he turned, his eyes cold as they met the cameras raised at him. “Is it possible that those who can enter that circle are also very ‘valuable’?”

On the phone screen appeared a tall young man in a pale-gradient suit, his cold white skin and sharp features exuding an undeniable aristocratic pride.

“Alright, alright!” Fang Jiahua was startled, quickly telling security to hold back the increasingly agitated fans stirred by Shu Shiyun’s words. “Shiyun is off work now. See you at the livestream tonight.”

Escorted out by her, Shu Shiyun got into the car and, recalling the scene, felt no regrets.

Fang Jiahua, sitting beside him, exhaled sharply and glanced out the window at the many still filming. She patted her chest to calm herself.

“God, how do these haters even find us at the scene? Boss, you’re really famous now.”

Shu Shiyun remained unfazed. The first thing he did after settling was pull out his phone.

“I wasn’t unknown before.”

Fang Jiahua couldn’t deny it. When she started as his assistant, Shu Shiyun hadn’t yet graduated, but his entertainment livestream account already had three million followers. Since then, he’d opened two more accounts for new product promotions and daily updates, each with over a million fans.

With that face, who wouldn’t be popular?

She clicked her tongue but sighed again when she saw the faint smile tugging at his lips.

It was just a shame—such an outstanding person yet so hopelessly romantic.

—

At noon, Shu Shiyun met with his uncle and took him to the restaurant Shang Cheng had recommended.

As they entered the courtyard, an energetic Linda rushed over, as if sensing a familiar guest. She circled Shu Shiyun and, upon hearing the private room number from Boss Fang, cleverly led the way.

“I’ve heard your name before. Didn’t expect to really meet you,” Boss Fang said as he and Shu Yanshen walked ahead, exchanging polite small talk. Suddenly, he remembered something. “Oh, Mr. Shang is also dining here today. Would you like to meet?”

At first, Shu Shiyun thought he meant Shang Cheng and was surprised—Shang Cheng had said just five minutes ago he was busy. Why would he be eating here now?

But Boss Fang explained it was Shang Cheng’s father, Shang Tingye.

“Mr. Shang is quite a bit older than me. We took the initiative to visit,” Shu Yanshen said.

Boss Fang led them to the private room, where they saw a dignified middle-aged man seated in the main seat. His appearance and aura bore a strong resemblance to Shang Cheng, and Shu Shiyun immediately recognized him.

Shang Tingye looked surprised to see Shu Yanshen and stood to chat briefly.

“This is my nephew, Shu Shiyun,” Shu Yanshen introduced.

Shang Tingye’s gaze fell on the slightly nervous Shu Shiyun. He patted his shoulder and asked the question every elder inevitably asks, “Shiyun, you just graduated this year. Are you dating anyone?”

Dating? Yes, with your son.

Shu Shiyun, seeing he was unknown to him, didn’t dare say more and just nodded, “I have a partner.”

Shang Tingye showed a hint of exasperation. “Look at you, so ambitious. I’m already thirty-something and still single.”

It was a casual complaint, but Shu Shiyun was momentarily stunned by the words.

He glanced at his uncle, whose face had suddenly darkened.