Shang Wei glanced at Shang Xuci and began explaining his plan for a solution.
To resolve the Shang Group’s predicament, the first step was to sell the tourist village they had invested in. Shang Wei had already assigned Shang Ye to oversee the group’s financing. He himself would meet with the head of the bank as chairman and persuade Shang Yan to change the resort’s operating methods. Although he was rejected, the accounts could still be audited.
Shang Ye had previously asked the head of the finance department to show him the cash deposit details. The head admitted to falsifying the accounts but refused to reveal who had instructed him. Now, thinking back, one person seemed suspicious. He couldn’t help but glance at Xu Rong.
Shang Wei continued, explaining that the first priority was to resolve the group’s debt crisis. The only solution was for all the debt to be consolidated into a single company, which could then be purchased.
Two things needed to be done. First, Shang Yan had to agree to sell the tourist village, transfer the debt to this company, and then find a buyer. The second step was actually securing that buyer.
No one would be foolish enough to buy an unprofitable company that was losing money. Shang Wei and his son had been searching for a buyer, but none had shown interest, rejecting them outright.
Unable to find a buyer, Shang Wei abandoned that path and asked Shang Ye to handle the problem. Shang Ye considered Shang Xuci. Shang Xuci’s New Domain Company was indeed capable, but it wasn’t involved in this industry, so there was no reason they would buy it—especially since Shang Xuci was the boss.
Saving it would have been the easiest option, but it made sense that he wouldn’t. After all, Shang Group had nothing to do with Shang Xuci anymore.
Meanwhile, the bank was urgently demanding payment of 8.2 billion yuan in loan interest, with a one-month deadline, threatening to forcibly confiscate the company’s assets. Competitors were also stealing their customers, and Shang Group’s stock performance was bleak. The company was already mired in a quagmire.
Shang Jue listened to Shang Wei and knew they were on the right track. He had to persuade Shang Yan to agree, since he could handle any internal conflicts.
Finally, the old man summoned Shang Xuci for a private conversation.
…
Study
The light from the corridor slanted through the lattice windows, scattering spots of brightness on the floor. Mahogany bookshelves still lined the walls. A new leather sofa had been placed in the room, large enough for an adult man to lie down on. Shang Jue’s clothes were laid across it. The table was cluttered with medicines, books, old photos, and a ruler that Shang Xuci knew all too well.
The entire table was in disarray, as if the owner had deliberately rummaged through every corner. The room itself seemed much smaller than he had imagined.
“You were the one who suggested it to them, and you know who the best buyer would be, right?” Shang Jue asked bluntly.
“No fool would buy a loss-making tourist resort. But if we add Yuanqu and sell it as an established brand—with the added bonus of a resort—I’m sure someone would be willing.” Shang Xuci pulled out a chair and sat down, crossing his legs as he stared at Shang Jue.
“You were also the one who suggested transferring the debt to a company,” Shang Jue said firmly, looking at Shang Xuci with growing admiration. If the Shang Group had been handed over to him, it wouldn’t be in this predicament now.
“Grandpa knows you’re talented. You’re my eldest grandson. Are you really willing to let the company go to someone else?”
“Grandpa wants to give the company to me now?” Shang Xuci’s innocent face tilted slightly, a mocking smile etched across his features. In his previous life, he had paid a heavy price for what he wanted, but now, with just a word from the old man, he could have it. What did all his past efforts amount to?
“If you save the company this time, all my shares will be transferred to you.” Shang Jue coughed twice, reaching his dry, twig-like hand out from the blanket. He tried to grasp something, but his hand froze in mid-air before finally falling limply back onto the blanket.
Shang Xuci lowered his eyes, silent.
Shang Jue said, “About your mother…”
Shang Xuci interrupted him. “Grandpa should also know about the chronic poisoning I suffered as a child.”
Shang Jue paused. “I only found out later.”
“Yes, you found out later. I can forgive my mother. After all, she was ill—and you drove her crazy,” Shang Xuci said expressionlessly. “I know everything. You don’t need to say more.”
Shang Jue opened his mouth, then sighed. “Grandpa is sorry for you.”
He shouldn’t have trusted Doctor Fang so blindly. He had never investigated the medicine. It wasn’t until after Xu Rong’s miscarriage that he finally ordered an investigation and discovered Shang Xuci’s medicine had been tampered with. He blamed himself: his own health was worsening with each prescription diet, while Gu Ming—the boy who took care of Shang Xuci—only seemed to grow stronger…
“The past is the past. I don’t want to remember it.”
“The more you say that, the more I feel I owe you. I shouldn’t have forced your mother into an arranged marriage. I know Shang Wei’s character—and I know it’s pointless to say more now.” Shang Jue paused, then continued, “I’m getting old. My body and my mind are failing. I don’t know how much longer I have left… Xiao Ci, Grandpa wants to make it up to you.”
Shang Jue had only fallen; his body wasn’t yet in a dying state. The doctor’s examination revealed that he needed brain surgery, but the success rate was less than 30%.
Shang Jue was the only one who knew this. Looking back on his life, he had been successful in his career but had failed his family. He had no one to confide in. Now that the Shang Group had reached this point, who could predict what kind of chaos would erupt if he announced his impending death?
Shang Xuci knew Shang Jue’s fate, but he didn’t interfere. Seeing the old man’s expression remain calm, he said, “No need. I already have everything I want.”
He could achieve whatever he desired through his own efforts.
Shang Jue’s lips trembled. “Don’t say that. Grandpa is really going to die…”
Shang Xuci suddenly stood up. “You’re in this state now. Go back to the hospital and have the surgery.”
It was useless for anyone in the Shang family to play the emotional card now; he would not forgive them.
Shang Xuci turned, picked up his clothes, and left. Shang Jue’s eyes widened slightly.
Did he… notice?
In truth, before Shen Yanran fell ill, Shang Jue had doted on Shang Xuci, giving the child several happy years. But after Shen Yanran’s death, and soon after that Old Madam Shang’s passing, Shang Jue was left heartbroken and buried himself in work. He didn’t even care about Shang Wei, let alone Shang Xuci.
He had turned a blind eye to Xu Rong’s actions, allowing little Shang Xuci to suffer endless bullying. He knew all of this, and he could understand Shang Xuci’s current indifference.
Shang Yuren felt a growing sense of sadness and regret. If only he hadn’t been so consumed by work—how much better it would have been to notice sooner. If only he had been more resolute and never allowed Xu Rong into the family, wouldn’t things have turned out differently?
As Shang Xuci passed through the hall, the butler was setting out food.
“Young Master, aren’t you going to eat?”
Shang Xuci glanced toward the living room, shook his head, and replied calmly, “I have something important to attend to.”
Concert.
After finishing his meal, Jian Xun stood by the roadside, waiting.
With just over ten minutes left until the concert, he sent Shang Xuci his location. The man quickly replied, saying he’d be there soon.
Concert – at the theater entrance.
Jian Xun spotted Shang Xuci standing on tiptoe, waving at him quickly, his fist clenched in excitement. Yet when Jian Xun saw the man’s tired, dejected expression, he immediately understood—he must have been wronged at the Shang household.
Anger flared in Jian Xun’s chest. If he had known, he would have turned into a cat and followed him secretly!
“Have you been waiting long?”
Shang Xuci gave him a faint smile. Then Jian Xun felt a sudden warmth on the back of his hand. Looking down, he found a cup of hot milk tea pressed into his palm.
“Boss, is this for me?”
“Yes.”
Jian Xun took a big gulp right then and there, his face lighting up as he said cheerfully, “It’s delicious.”
Shang Xuci’s smile softened his heart. The dark clouds that lingered on his face dispersed, replaced by clear warmth. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. “As long as you like it.”
The two of them sat down, one across from the other. Jian Xun sipped the milk tea—it was sweet and warm.
By the time the concert ended, it was already ten o’clock.
As Jian Xun made his way out of the crowd, thinking of ways to cheer Shang Xuci up, he suddenly heard a familiar female voice.
“Xu Ci,” Meng Jingxue said softly. “Are you here for the concert?”
Her gaze shifted slightly, landing on Jian Xun—shielded protectively by the man at his side.
Meng Jingxue immediately understood why Jian Xun had agreed so readily. “I was wondering why you chose this restaurant. Turns out you were going to a concert with Shang Xuci.”
She began to let go. It wasn’t that she lacked the time or the feelings—it was that she already had someone else in her heart.
She and Jian Xun had shared dinner and chatted alone, and she could see that the young man was indeed innocent. Though his identity was suspicious, he wasn’t trying to get close to Shang Xuci with any ulterior motive.
“Did you have dinner together?” Shang Xuci frowned, staring at Jian Xun sideways as if waiting for an explanation.
Jian Xun wanted to say that Meng Jingxue had treated him, but he was afraid Shang Xuci would misunderstand. His eyes darted aside, and he only gave a low “hmm.”
Meng Jingxue quickly explained, “I invited him. Didn’t I see him last time at Ludao Garden? I asked about Grandma.”
Shang Xuci looked at her and said, “You can ask me directly.”
“Aren’t you busy?” Meng Jingxue glanced meaningfully at Jian Xun and smiled at Shang Xuci. “I didn’t expect you’d have time for a concert.”
Jian Xun leaned forward. “Miss Meng, are you also going to a concert?”
He should have thought of that. In the book, the two of them often went to concerts together. Maybe this time the boss had invited Meng Jingxue, and since the other person wasn’t available, he asked her to use the tickets instead.
The thought slipped into Jian Xun’s mind, and the corners of his mouth turned downward.
Meng Jingxue shook her head. “I’m working nearby and happened to be waiting for someone here.”
Shang Xuci nodded. “We’ll leave first.”
“Okay.”
She actually wanted to ask Shang Xuci in person about their relationship, but when she saw the man’s possessive expression, she quickly said goodbye.
“I’ll visit Grandma Gu another day.”
After Meng Jingxue left, Shang Xuci looked at Jian Xun. Seeing him still staring longingly at her retreating figure, he said calmly, “She’s already gone.”
“Oh.” Jian Xun pulled his gaze back.
“Meng Jingxue invites you to dinner, and you go?”
The words came out sharper than intended, but the displeasure in his tone was unmistakable.
“I didn’t know how to refuse. Besides, she’s your—”
“My what?”
“Forget it, I won’t go next time,” the boy muttered, lowering his head. Then he looked up at Shang Xuci expectantly. “How about I treat you to dinner?”
“Now?” Shang Xuci studied him, noticing the hope in his eyes. He lifted a hand and ruffled a tuft of hair on the boy’s head. Jian Xun leaned into his palm, his fair neck revealed in the motion.
It was exactly like the little gestures Sui Sui used to show affection.
“Are you hungry?” Jian Xun patted his belly. He and Meng Jingxue had eaten without much enthusiasm, and she had peppered him with questions throughout the meal. Jian Xun hadn’t eaten much, and now he was feeling quite hungry.
Shang Xuci noticed the young man patting his belly and smiled. “What do you want to eat?”
Jian Xun pinched his bulging wallet and said, “A big meal.”
Not only did they enjoy a big meal, but Jian Xun also shared some drinks with Shang Xuci.
“I’ve heard alcohol can help soothe sorrow. I’ll have a few drinks with you. If you’re upset about anything, you can tell me. I’m a tight-lipped person!” Jian Xun had even made advance sales at the front desk to buy the most expensive bottle of wine in the store.
The teetotal cat-man took just one sip, and his fair face flushed red. He gave up pretending. A pair of furry cat ears sprouted from his head, and his tail lashed wildly as he muttered frantically, “Why can’t I stand?”
He swayed, and Shang Xuci’s long arms caught him. Jian Xun raised his eyes to meet his. The man’s handsome face was so close that Jian Xun, captivated by his beauty, collapsed into his arms. His cat ears twitched as he settled directly on Shang Xuci’s lap.
“Come on.” He rubbed his head against Shang Xuci’s chin, his soft ears brushing like feathers against his heart. Wrapping his arms around Shang Xuci’s neck, he leaned on him, moving back and forth.
Shang Xuci rubbed his head, then glanced down. His chin brushed against the boy’s soft lips as he tilted his head back. It was Jian Xun’s first kiss, and he froze, uncertain how to respond.
After a few seconds of silence, he realized he was being too intimate. He tried to pull back, but the boy’s weight pinned him down. The seat sagged, their legs pressed together.
The boy looked at him with a natural, innocent expression. His eyes were large, round, and bright, their pupils gleaming like a cat’s—pure and beautiful—focused solely on him.
Shang Xuci’s heart suddenly pounded. The boy’s face was so close he could feel his breath. His own breathing grew uneven, a tingling sensation rushing through his chest.
Moonlight filtered through the branches outside the window, a gentle breeze drifting in. Shang Xuci felt himself growing a little tipsy, and shamefully, his body reacted to the boy’s restless movements.
His eyes darkened as he averted his gaze. Voice hoarse, he said, “We’ll continue when we get home.”
He carefully lifted Jian Xun and set him beside him. Then he placed his hat back on his head and tucked his tail into his pants. The soft, fluffy tail brushed against his palm, making Shang Xuci’s heart tremble—he couldn’t help but give it a squeeze.
Jian Xun lay still, letting him adjust his clothes. Shang Xuci’s fingertips brushed over him, each touch making him crave something deeper.
He gazed at Shang Xuci and asked softly, “Are you happier now?”
Shang Xuci let out a low chuckle. “Happy.”
“Me too,” Jian Xun replied shyly, a smile tugging at his lips. “When I save up a lot of money, I’ll treat you to dinner every day.”
The boy said with naïve sincerity, “Happy every day.”
Shang Xuci echoed gently, “As long as I’m with you, I’m happy every day.”
Jian Xun froze, his mind going blank. Heat rushed through him, his face growing redder as if drunk. He leaned weakly against Shang Xuci, like soft boneless silk. Thinking of what Meng Jingxue had said during dinner, he pinched the hem of his clothes and whispered, “Do you like me?”
“Yeah.” The man’s voice was deep and magnetic—gentle, yet dropping into Jian Xun’s heart like a stone in a still lake, sending ripples outward.
Jian Xun’s face grew hotter, his breath unsteady. Covering his cheeks with both hands, he shamelessly asked, “Compared to Sui Sui?”
Why compare yourself to a cat? Shang Xuci almost asked, knowing full well Jian Xun was Sui Sui. But instead, he said, “Equally precious.”
Satisfaction flashed in Jian Xun’s eyes. His long lashes trembled, his heavy lids threatening to close.
Shang Xuci wasn’t ready to let him go. He gently pinched the boy’s chin, forcing him to meet his gaze. “What about you? Do you like me?”
Jian Xun’s lips curved into a sweet smile. “Yes!”
“As much as Sui Sui.”