Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

Eve: I made a simple character relations.h.i.+p guide that includes most recurring/notable characters. I forgot Yuanyuan and the Director but I think people remember them enough. They also don't show up much after a certain point.

Lu Chao's expression changed. He hadn't expected that Song Xuanhe would still refuse to give him a way out of this embarra.s.sing situation despite all he'd done. In the past, Song Xuanhe had considered him a good friend. Now, he'd fallen out with him over his little lover. It was obvious that their previous camaraderie had been fake. Song Xuanhe had just so happened to be lucky enough to be born in a better family. What right did he have to look down on him and humiliate him like this?

Song Xuanhe's indifference and disregard had utterly humiliated him. The expression on the completely mortified Lu Chao's face turned malevolent. Even though he had already tried to cover it up, he couldn't stop some of the malice from leaking out of his eyes.

Xiao Yuanmu easily sensed the hostile gaze. His own eyes involuntarily paused over Lu Chao's face. Although the pre-rebirth him had memories of Lu Chao, it was his own memories from his previous life that left the greatest impression.

After having returned to the Xiao Family in his last life, the Xiao Family had quickly held a banquet to announce his ident.i.ty. Families from all over China had come to partic.i.p.ate. After finding out his true ident.i.ty, the Song Family had also sent someone to sound out his intentions. Naturally, Xiao Yuanmu hadn't been willing to let Song Xuanhe go. Therefore, he had said that the Song Family was his enemy.

A month after he had said that, the Song Family had sent someone to pa.s.s on a message. They had said that they would not let Song Xuanhe off and would give Xiao Yuanmu a satisfactory outcome. Back then, he had already been trying to a.s.similate into the Xiao Family and had had to guard against other people's malicious covert attacks. He had already forgotten about Song Xuanhe. Another half a month later, he had then received news that Song Xuanhe had been lured into drug addiction.

And, the person who had done the luring had been the person in front of him right now, Lu Chao. He had been Song Xuanhe's best friend back then.

Xiao Yuanmu hadn't really felt anything when he had heard about this. This was because he had already been under great pressure with the Xiao Family's matters. Aside from telling one of his subordinates to make a bit more trouble for the Song Family, he hadn't had any more time to take revenge on Song Xuanhe or the Song Family.

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Who would have expected that, when he had finally gained a steady foothold in the Xiao Family, he would find out that Song Xuanhe had previously fallen to the point of having to sell himself? Furthermore, because he had offended one of his patrons, he had been thrown into a forest that was supposed to be used as a secret colosseum of sorts. He had died with his corpse torn to pieces.

The person who had secretly orchestrated all of this had also been the person in front of him, Lu Chao.

When he had heard of Song Xuanhe's ending in his last life, he had been momentarily surprised. Although he had loathed Song Xuanhe, he hadn't hated him to the point where he'd throw stones at someone who had already died a tragic death. He also knew that, although Song Xuanhe's death hadn't been directly caused by him, it had happened because of him. Although he hadn't directly orchestrated it, his revenge could be considered fulfilled.

After finding out that Song Xuanhe had died, he had thrown all his memories of the Capital and Song Xuanhe to the back of his mind. It had been only another five years later that he had received news of the Song Family and Lu Family again.

——Lu Chao had been murdered in an extremely s.a.d.i.s.tic fas.h.i.+on. His dismembered corpse had been deposited in the wilderness. By the time the Lu Family had found him, all that had been left had been his upper half and one thigh.

Lu Chao's death had been very similar to Song Xuanhe's. Furthermore, the Lu Family had been fully aware how important of a role Lu Chao had played in Song Xuanhe's death. Therefore, after Lu Chao had died, they had immediately thought that the Song Family had been responsible for his death.

Back then, although the Song Family had been on the decline after having been suppressed in all directions, a dying camel was still stronger than a horse. They were not something the small Lu Family could casually accuse. Furthermore, the Song Family would never admit to such a thing. Everyone in the Capital had known that Song Xuanhe had been expelled from the Song Family back then. No one thought that the Song Family would risk offending the Xiao Family Head to get revenge for him.

The Lu Family had been without proof, and they couldn't come up with a motive. Therefore, they could only give up.

Yang Jie had known about what had happened between Xiao Yuanmu and Song Xuanhe. He had told Xiao Yuanmu all of this for fun. Or maybe, he had been hoping that this would have bettered his mood. But, Xiao Yuanmu hadn't been interested. The other's words had gone in one ear and out the other.

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Right now, when he saw how Lu Chao couldn't hide that fierce gaze in his eyes, a cold light emerged in Xiao Yuanmu's own. From what he knew, regardless of which life it had been, Song Xuanhe had treated Lu Chao well prior to the pool party. He really wanted to know just why the other had disregarded their friends.h.i.+p and had been so eager to cause Song Xuanhe's demise.

In his previous life, Lu Chao had meddled with his revenge and messed up his plans. It had been his fault that Xiao Yuanmu had felt little satisfaction after getting revenge on Song Xuanhe. Back then, he hadn't had the time nor interest to haggle over this. But now that he had thought about it, he felt quite unhappy.

Xiao Yuanmu suppressed the coldness in his eyes. Since it was like this, making the Lu Chao of this life pay could be considered karma.

Lu Chao wasn't good at controlling his expressions. Song Xuanhe also noticed this. Originally, Song Xuanhe hadn't really felt anything. But now, a sliver of anger appeared in his chest. Xiao Yuanmu getting revenge on the original host could be considered karmic retribution. But, what Lu Chao had done to the original host had been nothing but a case of repaying kindness with enmity. Song Xuanhe hated ungrateful people like this the most.

He would make Lu Chao experience everything the original host had suffered in the book.

Song Xuanhe wiped the indifferent expression off his face. His slightly hook lip flattened, and he asked in a flat tone, “You said you wanted my help. Tell me, what do you want help with?”

Lu Chao hadn't expected for Song Xuanhe to suddenly change att.i.tudes so quickly. Although he didn't know what had caused this change, it still meant that he finally had some hope. A hint of joy appeared on Lu Chao's face. He parted his lips, about to tell him about his family's situation. However, when he realized where they were and that there were others around, he shut his mouth again.

Song Xuanhe observed Lu Chao's expression the whole time. The original host had known Lu Chao very well. Therefore, Song Xuanhe was able to very easily read Lu Chao's face. He knew what the other was worried about—he was worried that he would not be able to raise his head in the circles if he were to talk about his family's predicament here.

As expected, Lu Chao looked around and then said hesitantly, “

Er shao

, how about we go somewhere else to talk?”

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“I don't have time to go somewhere else with you. Tell me here, or don't ever come pester me again.”

Song Xuanhe didn't hold back. Lu Chao, who had thought that the other had softened and was, thus, prepared to talk about his circ.u.mstances, filled with apprehension. He promptly said, “Don't go. I'll say it here.

Er sha

o, I wanted to ask you to talk to the Song Group's suppliers. Recently, they have teamed up to push out my family. Because of this, we have lost a lot of merchandise supply rights. It's not just with the Song Family. Other companies' suppliers have also been roped in by them, and they now hold a monopoly. They're trying to force my Lu Family into a dead end!”

Lu Chao said that last sentence with a tone of righteous indignation. He looked at Song Xuanhe with wide, reddened eyes, emotions clearly stirred up. He waited with antic.i.p.ation for the other to reply.

When Song Xuanhe heard this, he raised a brow, and his gaze travelled over the other's face. “It's not like I can't help you put in a few words, but how will you repay me?”

When he saw Lu Chao's face flush, Song Xuanhe laughed. He didn't bother to hide the ridicule in his eyes. “Or, were you planning on getting my help for free? Did you want me to interfere with the interests of the suppliers my Song Family have worked with for a long time for you without anything in return?”

Under Song Xuanhe's derisive gaze, Lu Chao clenched his fists. He sucked in a deep breath and then forced out a smile. He tried to put his hand on Song Xuanhe's shoulder. “Aren't we friends? How can you….?”

Before he could finish, his hand was grabbed. The person who had grabbed his hand frowned and then flung his hand away with disdain on his face. That person then said, “Speak with your words. Why are you trying to get physical?”

That person then turned to speak to Song Xuanhe. “Everyone around you is like this. Just like trash. I'm so disgusted that I don't think I'll be able to eat. Remember to take me to that Chinese restaurant in half a month. I'm going to leave first.”

Guan Zhi swaggered off. Lu Chao's expression alternated between that of fury and shame.

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Lu Chao noted down Guan Zhi's appearance. He forced his anger back and asked Song Xuanhe, “

Er shao

, who was that just now?”

“Guan Zhi.” Song Xuanhe noticed Lu Chao's changing expressions and said insipidly, “But, you should be grateful that you didn't manage to lay your hands on me. Otherwise, I would not have the patience to continue speaking to you. Tell me right now, what can you do for me in return? Otherwise, get lost.”

Lu Chao gnashed his teeth. He now knew that Song Xuanhe really didn't care about their past friends.h.i.+p at all. He had no choice but to ease up his tone. “As long as you're willing to help me, the Lu Family will do anything in return.”

Song Xuanhe raised a brow,

“What if I want Lu Yue to come back home?”

When he heard this, Lu Chao's expression changed drastically. He widened his eyes in disbelief. “Song Xuanhe! What do you mean by this?!”

Song Xuanhe smiled and said in a frosty tone, “Tell Uncle Lu that I have no other conditions. I just so happened to have met Lu Yue once and have a good impression of him. Take it as me doing him a favour, because I'm in a good mood. As long as Lu Yue comes back, I'll speak on the Lu Family's behalf.”

After saying this, Song Xuanhe didn't bother paying any attention to Lu Chao's expression. He bypa.s.sed the other and left.

The previously mentioned Mr. Xiao, who had been planning to come to China for inspection purposes, arrived very soon. Less than five days after Old Mr. Wei's birthday banquet, he arrived.

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The young Xiao Family representative hadn't concealed anything at the banquet. The people who had been secretly inquiring about the matter and waiting for news all found out as soon as Mr. Xiao had arrived. They all longed to attend the Xiao Family banquet.

Prior to the banquet, Song Xuanhe unexpectedly heard about this Mr. Xiao, who had come to inspect his family's businesses, from Xiao Ranyun. This Mr. Xiao was actually Xiao Ranyun's father.

Therefore, even without Guan Zhi, Song Xuanhe had been given an invitation to attend the Xiao Family banquet. There were two invitations, actually. Xiao Ranyun was very considerate and had given Xiao Yuanmu his own.

After Old Mr. Wei's birthday banquet, Xiao Yuanmu had been so busy that Song Xuanhe had barely seen him. Typically, aside from at work, Song Xuanhe would not see him around. Xiao Yuanmu had stopped cooking. From that day on, Song Xuanhe ate at the work cafeteria or called for takeout. It was also because of this that Xiao Yuanmu had also stopped coming to eat at his office for lunch.

One morning, after waking up from an urge to pee, Song Xuanhe found it difficult to fall back asleep. Therefore, he decided to go downstairs with the intention of making something simple for breakfast. After all, Xiao Yuanmu had already stopped cooking in the mornings. However, on his way downstairs, he noticed that the study light was on. Xiao Yuanmu was currently speaking English to talk on the phone while also typing on his laptop. It looked like he had worked through the entire night.

Song Xuanhe could guess what the other was doing. Without speaking, he retreated from the study. For the first time, he realized that Xiao Yuanmu would very likely leave this place soon and go where he should go. Xiao Yuanmu would find his true ident.i.ty and his real family. When that happened, they would probably not see each other much right up until he left this world.

He didn't know why, but although he had been looking forward to the Xiao Family banquet all this time, Song Xuanhe suddenly lost interest in it now. He didn't continue to go downstairs. Instead, he turned around and went back into his own room, flopping back onto his bed. Eyes open, he tried to mull over some things. But in the end, he couldn't manage to focus.

Therefore, on the day of the banquet, Song Xuanhe, who had been excited all week didn't feel interested anymore. In contrast, Xiao Yuanmu, who had lost weight after staying up for several nights in a row, seemed to be in a good mood. When he saw Song Xuanhe wearing the tailored suit the Song Family had sent him, he even gave him a rare smile and compliment:

Not bad.

Song Xuanhe looked up and examined Xiao Yuanmu's expression. He pursed his lips. After debating it for a bit, he still asked, “What have you been so busy with lately? I don't remember the company giving you so much to do.”

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Xiao Yuanmu's slightly curled lips flattened back down, and his expression became a bit colder. When he saw Song Xuanhe's probing expression, his expression turned even more frigid. He looked away. “You wanted me to quit all this time, so I've decided to do as you wish.”

Song Xuanhe was taken aback for a moment. He should have masked his emotions and denied Xiao Yuanmu's words, but after coming back to himself a few seconds later, he suddenly realized that he didn't want to act anymore.

Therefore, he turned his face away and laughed. “Then, if I were to say that I want to break up with you right now and for you to move out, will you do as I wish?”

Xiao Yuanmu's expression changed slightly. He turned back to look at Song Xuanhe, his dark gaze fixed on the other's profile. A long time later, he said in a frigid tone, “No.”

“If that's the case,” a sliver of derision flickered through Song Xuanhe's eyes as he said, “Don't use me as an excuse.”

Neither of them spoke to each other on their way over. They didn't even look at each other even after having arrived at the venue. When Zhou Nan saw them, he let out a whistle and joked, “Yo, did you guys fight? Does that mean that I won't be forced to eat dog food today?”

Song Xuanhe paused while walking and then rolled his eyes icily at the other. He was going to reply when he suddenly realized that the emotion that had suddenly arisen in him before they had set out had really been abnormal.

According to his future plans, he shouldn't be angry at Xiao Yuanmu while he was still here. Everything had been fine in the past. He had no idea why his mood had turned sour so abruptly this morning. What he had said hadn't been like him at all either.

When Zhou Nan noticed Song Xuanhe silently pursing his lips, he couldn't help but turn to look at Xiao Yuanmu. He gave the other a look and mouthed:

Did you p.i.s.s him off?

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Xiao Yuanmu gave him an insipid look and then looked away.

Zhou Nan clicked his tongue and spread his hands out. “Fine. I won't disturb you two. I'll be leaving.”

He had just taken a step when Song Xuanhe stopped him. “Have you seen Lin

zi

? He said that he's going to bring someone today.”

Zhou Nan nodded. “I was waiting here for you because of that. He did bring someone. He told me to take you over to him when you came.”

Song Xuanhe looked at Xiao Yuanmu. He had indeed been weird this morning. His goal was originally to get Xiao Yuanmu to quit. And yet, after Xiao Yuanmu had said that he would quit, Song Xuanhe had suddenly turned cold and angry. If he had been in Xiao Yuanmu's shoes, he would probably also be unhappy and think that the other was sick in the head.

“I have a meeting with Lin

zi

and the guest he brought.” Song Xuanhe felt a bit guilty. For once, he softened his expression as he spoke. “Do you want to go with me? You can also rest here on your own, and I can come find you later.”

Xiao Yuanmu's eyes were like a bottomless pool. There was some unreadable emotion hidden in the depths of his serene eyes. He stared at Song Xuanhe, whose att.i.tude had suddenly changed, and responded in a cool voice. “I'll rest here for a while.”

Zhou Nan and Song Xuanhe left together. When they were far enough that they were out of Xiao Yuanmu's hearing range, Zhou Nan b.u.mped his fist against Song Xuanhe's chest and smiled mischievously. “What were you fighting about this morning? Were things not going well last night?”

Song Xuanhe paused. He then elbowed Zhou Nan in the gut. He didn't hold back at all. Zhou Nan bent down in pain.

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“F*ck! Even if it's true, you don't have to take it out on me!” Zhou Nan stood back up, hand on his stomach. “If there's an issue with your s.e.x life, take it up with him. What are you hitting me for?!”

Song Xuanhe turned around and waved his fist at the other. Zhou Nan shut up. After a few more steps, Zhou Nan couldn't hold it back any longer. He asked, “Is his technique bad? Did it not feel good? How about I lend you a few films….?”

“Say that again?”

Zhou Nan shook his head. “I'll be quiet.”

“No, say it again.”

Song Xuanhe narrowed his eyes and said in a threatening tone, “Repeat everything you said just now, word for word.”

Zhou Nan shook his head again and then seriously said, “If you're talking about those films, I can only say that I don't actually have many that would be relevant to you. But if you need them, I can help you find them.”

Song Xuanhe gnashed his teeth and then looped his arm around Zhou Nan's neck. He then whispered, “Listen carefully. I'm the one on top. Don't make this mistake again next time.”

Zhou Nan shrunk back. He widened his eyes, and his mouth opened in clear disbelief. “You're kidding me, right? How is that possible?”

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Song Xuanhe gave him a cold look. Although he had doubted himself after seeing Xiao Yuanmu's body and aura, it was fact that Xiao Yuanmu was supposed to be the bottom. He couldn't explain this without bringing up the book, so he simply said in a very confident tone,

“Why wouldn't it be possible?”

Until they met with Xiao Shenglin, Zhou Nan had looked like his three views had been shattered.

After introducing Song Xuanhe and Feng Tong to each other, he asked, “What's with him?”

“Because his eyes and thoughts were too narrow-minded, he suffered a shock.” Song Xuanhe said plainly.

Zhou Nan didn't speak. He sipped his coffee quietly, gaze vacant.

There was a purpose for this meeting today, so Xiao Shenglin looked away. He then smiled gently. “We haven't had a chance to let the two of you meet until now. There had never been a suitable time. You two should take advantage of today to chat.”

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Song Xuanhe nodded. There was a smile on his face. “Mr. Feng Tong, I really like your designs, especially the last one from your most recent autumn-winter collection. Your original cut paired with that unique use of wool was absolutely stunning.”

Feng Tong had also seen Song Xuanhe's designs before. He already admired the other very much. Now that he heard the other praise the piece he was most proud of, he couldn't help but smile. “I can't take all the credit for that. Actually, the material for making ancient handmade suits is monopolized by my teacher's family. He used his authority to help me find out how the ancients had made clothes out of that material. That had been where I had gotten my inspiration from. Therefore, it was all due to the precious knowledge the ancient people have left behind.”

“Modern machines have already taken over the job of tailoring. No one in the last few decades has come up with a new cut.” Song Xuanhe had never been stingy with his compliments towards a fellow designer who he admired. There was a genuine smile in his eyes. “Mr. Feng Tong, this creation of yours has brought forth a revolution in the world of design. You deserve all praise.”

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Everyone liked to hear kind words, especially when there was substance to it. Feng Tong's smile deepened. “If you praise me like this, then I must praise you back. My breath had been taken away when I had first seen your designs. Actually, I wanted to ask, did you mix your own colours for your clothes? I have always been good with colours in school, but I have never been able to make the colour you did no matter how many times I tried. I'm really curious about your expertise and precision with colours. The combination of colours in every single piece you design is stunning, and it makes it impossible to look away from them.”

Feng Tong had grown up overseas but had been brought up with the traditional values of this country. Therefore, although he was extremely curious, he was still polite and tactful. He gave people a very good impression.

Song Xuanhe indeed had a good impression of him. He didn't hide his mixing technique at all and even told the other about his experiments in blending colours in the past. The two of them had only talked for less than half an hour, but they were already calling each other by their names.

Xiao Shenglin sat on the side, smiling. He quietly listened to them talk. Zhou Nan had come back to himself a long time ago. He couldn't help but feel shocked when he heard those two talk about fas.h.i.+on design with so much confidence and composure. He asked Xiao Shenglin, “How come I never knew that Song

Er

learned fas.h.i.+on design before? And, that he's actually talented in it?”

When Song

Er

heard Zhou Nan's words, he realized that he had gotten carried away just now. He was about to think up an excuse to explain his sudden interest in design when he heard Zhou Nan say, “But, he's always liked to draw as a kid. He probably secretly learned this behind Uncle Song's back. This isn't anything major. Hey, did you know Song

Er

just said that between him and Xiao Yuanmu in bed….”

“Did you forget that I'm sitting right here?” Song Xuanhe turned to side-eye him.

Zhou Nan shrugged. “I don't like talking behind other people's backs, so I'm saying it to your face.”

Xiao Shenglin laughed. “You're quite confident that you're in the right.”

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“As long as I know I've done nothing wrong, why wouldn't I feel like I have justice on my side?” Zhou Nan crossed his legs and shrugged.

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Song Xuanhe couldn't be bothered to deal with him. He continued to chat with Feng Tong until the other had no choice but to leave upon receiving a sudden call. Only then did they end their conversation despite wanting to continue it.

Coincidentally, the young man surnamed Xiao from Old Mr. Wei's banquet had also appeared in the hall. Therefore, the three of them got up and went to look for Xiao Yuanmu.

“Lin

zi

, seriously, thank you for this.” Song Xuanhe recalled the colouring and cutting techniques he had just heard about, which were different to those from his original world. His eyes sparkled, and there was an unprecedented brilliance to his smile. “I was ecstatic, getting to chat with Feng Tong just now. I learned so many things that I've never heard of before. I got a lot from that.”

It was rare for Xiao Shenglin to see him smile so brightly. He couldn't help but rub the other's head. He also smiled and said, “If you like design, you can go learn it in school. Even if Uncle Song doesn't approve, you can think of another way.”

Song Xuanhe shook his head, but his smile didn't change. He had only said that before to convince Xiao Shenglin and Zhou Nan that he had learned design behind Song Guochao's back. But, fas.h.i.+on design meant a lot to him. He didn't want to lie too much about it. Therefore, he changed the topic.

Zhou Nan hadn't been interested at all. He instead searched for Xiao Yuanmu's silhouette, bored to death. Finally, he managed to find the other and shouted, “Xiao Yuanmu!”

Song Xuanhe and Xiao Shenglin also turned at the same time. They noticed Xiao Yuanmu, who was standing not too far from them. Xiao Yuanmu's gaze was on Xiao Shenglin's hand atop of Song Xuanhe's head. His eyes then drifted down to Song Xuanhe's clear, bright smile. The light in his eyes gradually turned cold.

Eve: Ooh, angst is ramping up. Break up talk. But MuMu clearly isn't going to be okay with it. And XYM getting jealous over XSL is never not funny. Also fulfills my love for the jealous!ML trope. It's a guilty pleasure.