Song Yuzhang: Chapter 34 - Meet Again
Chapter 34: Meet Again
This scandalous affair indeed spread quickly across Haizhou. Song Mingzhao had expected it and was furious. Song Yuzhang explained to him that he had only taken pity on Xiao Yuxian and hadn’t done anything with him. At first, Song Mingzhao didn’t believe him, but unable to withstand Song Yuzhang’s gentle coaxing, he eventually did—and even made Song Yuzhang swear never to associate with those kinds of lowlifes again.
Seeing how flustered he was, Song Yuzhang suddenly smiled. “Don’t be mad, Fourth Brother.”
“You still dare to smile?” Song Mingzhao snapped.
Song Yuzhang touched his flushed face with the back of his hand.
Song Mingzhao didn’t dodge. Instead, he grabbed Song Yuzhang’s hand. Seeing the bright smile on his face, he didn’t know how else to vent his frustration and actually bit his hand.
Song Yuzhang let out a soft hum from the bite.
“You bit me?” Song Yuzhang’s tone was soft and amused.
Feeling the pleasant sensation of the bite, Song Mingzhao, rather provocatively, bit him again on the palm. “I’ll bite you to death!”
Song Yuzhang looked at him with a half-smile. To him, Song Mingzhao resembled a cute and harmless little puppy.
Song Mingzhao continued to bite him, from palm to fingers. The palm had some flesh, so he could apply more force. But the fingers were long and slender, and without realizing it, Song Mingzhao lightened his bite. He couldn’t bear to hurt Song Yuzhang—this was, after all, his most beloved younger brother, a younger brother who belonged to him alone.
Song Mingzhao was a little dazed. He looked up at Song Yuzhang and found his gaze warm and gentle like a pool of spring water. Suddenly, a jolt of electric shivers ran through Song Mingzhao's body. It was a feeling hard to describe—warm, soft, and irresistible. He tightened his grip on Song Yuzhang’s hand and pulled him into a face-to-face hug. “Fifth Brother, don’t hang out with people like that again, alright?”
Song Yuzhang inhaled his scent and replied softly, “Mm.”
After holding him for a while, Song Mingzhao whispered into his ear, “Xiao Yu, can I call you Xiao Yu from now on?”
“Xiao Yu?” Song Yuzhang chuckled. He wrapped an arm around Song Mingzhao’s waist and replied in a low voice, “Sounds like a girl’s name.”
“I don’t care. You’re Xiao Yu, and you’ll always be Xiao Yu.”
Like a child on a sugar rush, Song Mingzhao repeatedly whispered “Xiao Yu, Xiao Yu” into his ear. Song Yuzhang was ticklish and dodged with a smile. He twisted and turned in Song Mingzhao’s arms to get away, but that only made Song Mingzhao hold on tighter. The two of them tangled like they were play-wrestling. When they finally separated and exchanged a glance, both laughed.
They were nearly the same height. Standing face to face, their eyes, noses— everything— lined up perfectly. Song Mingzhao glanced quickly across Song Yuzhang’s face, then shivered and said, “I’ve got things to do—gotta go!”
Word of the incident reached Song Jincheng, too. His first reaction was, “Xiao Yuxian? He’s not even worthy.” Then he thought, “But it’s just for fun, who cares about worthiness?” He dismissed the affair with indifference. What really troubled him was something else—Song Zhenqiao had suddenly summoned him to the hospital and told him that Song Yuzhang would be joining the bank.
Song Jincheng was immediately alarmed. “Father, Yuzhang is supposed to return to England.”
“No need to worry about that. Let him work at the bank first,” Song Zhenqiao said.
He looked in good spirits—perhaps because his youngest son had returned.
In his thirty-some years of life, Song Jincheng had always been under his father’s tight control.
Half a year ago, Song Zhenqiao had fallen seriously ill. No one had expected him to become so bedridden that he moved out of the family home and into a hospital.
For many years, their father had ruled both the family and the bank with an iron grip. Even when severely ill, no one thought he would ever relinquish power. But surprisingly, he had. Both Song Jincheng and Song Yekang had only begun taking over bank operations with their father’s explicit permission.
Now, with this new order from Song Zhenqiao, Song Jincheng didn’t dare defy him. But he felt deeply uneasy. What exactly did his father mean by this?
A bastard son—could he really be planning to raise him up high?
It was as if Song Zhenqiao had read his thoughts. He gave him a look full of hidden meaning and said, “You’re the eldest. Take good care of your younger brother.”
Suppressing the growing resentment and confusion inside, Song Jincheng bowed his head and obediently replied, “I will.”
So Song Yuzhang really did start working at the bank. Song Jincheng assigned him a cushy, idle job. His so-called duties were mostly sitting in an office enjoying the breeze, sipping coffee, signing papers. He could show up or not—it didn’t really matter. Song Jincheng even assigned him a senior secretary to handle everything for him.
With 200,000 yuan in hand, Yuzhang could have left. But he was reluctant. The Song family was such a golden nest, and now that Meng Tingjing no longer harassed him, he could comfortably stay through the New Year, living the leisurely life of a young master a bit longer. What if the old man suddenly kicks the bucket? Or what if Nie Yinbing doesn’t come back for the holidays?
You never know.
Fortune favors the bold. He’d wait it out patiently.
His most pressing problem now was his lonely body.
Honestly, it was bad luck.
It was like he’d been cursed. He hadn’t touched Fu Mian, had lived like a monk for half a year, and the only real satisfaction he’d had was that few days of fooling around with Chen Hanmin on the boat. Sadly, Chen Hanmin was just too shady now. Otherwise, Song Yuzhang wouldn’t have minded going back for another bite or two of that leftover grass.
But people really do appear when you think about them— Song Yuzhang had just been reminiscing about those boat days that morning, and Chen Hanmin showed up that afternoon.
It was like he had come specifically to ruin Song Yuzhang’s fond memories.
Not only had he gotten darker, his whole demeanor was ragged and downcast. After stammering for a while in Song Yuzhang’s office, it turned out he was hoping the Song family’s bank could loan money to the Chen family.
Song Mingzhao had already mentioned this to Song Yuzhang in passing, so he had some idea. He said, “Hanmin, I think you may have misunderstood. Even though I’ve been placed in the bank, I don’t actually have any real authority.”
Chen Hanmin kept his head down, unable to speak despite the bitterness in his heart. It was only after he returned home that he realized his family was in dire straits. Not only did he have to run around trying to find a solution, but he was also made to meet several young ladies from prominent families—being scrutinized and rejected day after day. Compared to the carefree days he’d enjoyed abroad, this life was nothing short of heaven and hell.
And now, he even had to come begging an old lover for help.
No—Song Yuzhang didn’t even count as his lover.
Chen Hanmin knew perfectly well that Song Yuzhang had never had any special feelings for him. But they had been involved before, and being rejected so bluntly still made his face burn with shame. He felt both despicable and worthless, and just a little overconfident in his hopes.
Seeing Chen Hanmin sit motionless with his head bowed, Song Yuzhang sighed quietly and stood up to gently press a hand on his shoulder. “Hanmin, don’t take it too hard. This too shall pass.”
Chen Hanmin said nothing, then suddenly slapped himself hard across the face. “I’m so useless.”
“Hanmin!” Song Yuzhang called out.
“I wasted my time abroad, partying and fooling around. Never studied, never passed my exams. My family’s drowning in debt, and all I did was play. I’m just trash…”
Song Yuzhang frowned and stopped him from slapping himself again. Chen Hanmin’s face pressed against Song Yuzhang’s abdomen, tears pouring down his cheeks. Song Yuzhang stroked the back of his head and said softly, “Hanmin, you were just too comfortable for too long.”
The sympathy Song Yuzhang felt for him was always mild.
Yes, Chen Hanmin was devastated now, feeling like the most miserable person on earth. But the truth was, he still had a car to ride, a house to live in, a driver to take him out, and servants at home. He just wasn’t living as carefree as before. He should really count his blessings.
After venting his emotions, Chen Hanmin seemed to realize how awkward the situation was. He wiped his tears with the handkerchief he always carried. “Sorry, Mr. Song. I’ve troubled you.”
Song Yuzhang gently patted his head. “It’s fine.”
“The factory probably won’t survive,” Chen Hanmin said slowly. “At this rate, I may have to persuade my father to sell it. If we clear the debts, we might still have a little money left. Maybe we can reinvest and stage a comeback.”
“You’ve grown up quite a bit,” Song Yuzhang said.
Chen Hanmin smiled at him with tears still in the corners of his eyes. “I never got the chance to say this before, but I’m actually a year older than you.”
Song Yuzhang chuckled. “Really?”
“Mhm,” Chen Hanmin replied, then said quietly, “But you’ve always been the more mature one.”
That’s because you’ve never truly suffered, Song Yuzhang thought.
They were silent for a moment before Chen Hanmin offered to treat Song Yuzhang to dinner.
Typical young master, Song Yuzhang thought. Even now, still thinking about footing the bill.
“I’ll treat you,” Song Yuzhang said.
“Really?” Chen Hanmin asked, surprised.
“Would I lie?” Song Yuzhang grabbed his coat. “Let’s go.”
Chen Hanmin had always carried the mindset of a pursuer toward Song Yuzhang. Even the smallest gesture of kindness from him was enough to send Chen Hanmin over the moon— especially now, when he had nothing left to offer. Song Yuzhang didn’t like him anymore.
Song Yuzhang drove them to the International Hotel.
Chen Hanmin had been so overwhelmed lately he hadn’t even sat down for a proper meal. Now that everything was more or less settled—every exit blocked, only destruction and rebirth left—he could finally relax a bit. After two glasses of red wine, he started to look lively again, even a little charming.
Song Yuzhang had been composed, but the way Chen Hanmin’s expression turned coy and flirtatious stirred something in him. He began to wonder if he should take a bite of that so-called ‘leftover grass.’
First of all, he already knew what Chen Hanmin was like in bed—not bad at all.
Second, while Chen Hanmin was tanned now, he hadn’t undressed in front of Song Yuzhang since. Maybe his face was darker, but his body might still be fine?
And lastly—if he could fantasize about dragging that tall, fierce bamboo-stick guy like Meng Tingjing into bed, what harm was there in sleeping with a tanned Chen Hanmin?
Just for fun. That’s all it would be.
If he didn’t vent soon, who knew—he might really start making a move on one of his brothers in the Song family.
And that would be a mess he’d never untangle from.
Song Yuzhang sipped his wine, eyes beginning to roam casually over Chen Hanmin.
Chen Hanmin, for his part, was especially sensitive to this kind of thing. The moment he sensed Song Yuzhang’s gaze, his hand holding the wine glass started trembling. Am I imagining things? he thought. I don’t look that good right now… would Song Yuzhang still want me?
Tentatively, he looked up—and caught Song Yuzhang watching him. Their eyes met. Song Yuzhang smiled at him.
That smile sent a chill down Chen Hanmin’s spine.
Setting his wine glass down, Song Yuzhang said softly, “If you don’t want to go home tonight, stay upstairs.”
Chen Hanmin’s eyes went blank; his tongue twisted. “O-okay.”
The International Hotel had rooms on the third floor. Song Yuzhang got one and led Chen Hanmin upstairs. Chen Hanmin’s legs felt like jelly. Just thinking about what was about to happen made his whole body heat up. He instinctively leaned into Song Yuzhang, tilting his head up, looking at him with soft, expectant eyes.
Maybe tomorrow, his life would begin anew. The beginning would no doubt be bitter—but if he could dream one last dream tonight, with Song Yuzhang by his side… Then he’d die with no regrets.
Chen Hanmin almost felt grateful toward Song Yuzhang. His gaze was so full of attachment and focus that he nearly missed a step on the staircase—fortunately, Song Yuzhang caught him.
“Careful.”
With his wrist gripped by Song Yuzhang, Chen Hanmin’s heart pounded uncontrollably. He gave a small smile to the man looking at him and was just about to say something when he suddenly felt a piercing gaze fixed on them. Song Yuzhang sensed it too. Turning his head, he saw a crowd coming down the stairs from the second floor. Leading the group was Meng Tingjing, and just slightly behind him stood Shen Chengduo.
Meng Tingjing looked at the two of them—still in the act of pulling each other—and his gaze was practically indifferent.
It was Shen Chengduo who greeted Song Yuzhang first. “Young Master Song.”
Last time, during Xiao Yuxian’s incident, Shen Chengduo had given him considerable face. Before leaving, he even said they’d be friends from then on and hadn’t gone after Xiaoyuxian again. So now, Song Yuzhang returned the gesture politely. “Boss Shen.”
Meng Tingjing ignored him, and Song Yuzhang didn’t initiate a greeting either.
Shen Chengduo glanced at Chen Hanmin, who was half-hidden beside Song Yuzhang, and then chuckled aloud. “Young Master Song, your tastes sure change fast. What happened, Xiao Yuxian didn’t serve you well enough? Now you’ve switched to this little dark face?”
He was always blunt and unfiltered, never hesitating to speak his mind regardless of the occasion. But just after he said that, he was met with an icy and terrifying glare from Meng Tingjing standing in front of him.
“Boss Meng,” Shen Chengduo remained nonchalant. “Why are you glaring at me?”
And then—slap.
Meng Tingjing struck him hard across the face, quick and fierce. The movement of his sleeve even gave a sharp snap in the air.
The slap stunned everyone around them.
After the hit, Meng Tingjing’s expression remained calm. Looking at the utterly shocked Shen Chengduo, he said coolly, “How many times have I told you—not to speak so crudely?”
Shen Chengduo wanted to blow up, but Meng Tingjing was no longer someone he could afford to provoke. In fact, he still had to rely on him. With his face burning, Shen Chengduo held his tongue. Internally, though, he was seething. ‘You wait. Just you wait… one day… one day…’
After slapping Shen Chengduo, Meng Tingjing turned his gaze once more to Song Yuzhang and Chen Hanmin.
Chen Hanmin was already scared stiff.
He’d been intimidated by this classmate back in school, and now that Meng Tingjing had grown into a powerful, dominating tycoon, Chen Hanmin’s instinctive fear only deepened. Clutching Song Yuzhang’s sleeve, he trembled and shrank back.
Meng Tingjing stared at Song Yuzhang and said calmly, “Come here. I have a few words with you.”
The two of them descended a few steps together.
Meng Tingjing leaned in close to Song Yuzhang’s face, and Song Yuzhang caught a faint scent of wine on him. Then he clearly heard two cold, razor-sharp words.
“Cheap whore.”
Song Yuzhang didn’t react, not even a flicker of his lashes. He was already used to Meng Tingjing’s unpredictable and explosive temper.
“Xiao Yuxian—did you touch him?”
Meng Tingjing’s voice was calm, but underneath it surged a storm of fury.
Song Yuzhang sighed inwardly. Seeing how even the bold Shen Chengduo had just been cowed into silence, he figured if he dared challenge Meng Tingjing here and now, Xiao Yuxian would truly suffer for it tomorrow. So he replied softly, “No.”
Meng Tingjing was silent for a moment, glancing sideways at Song Yuzhang. Seeing his obedient expression, he didn’t seem to be lying.
And yet, in his slightly tipsy haze, Meng Tingjing couldn’t help but think: How could someone who looks this beautiful be such a liar? How could he stab at my eyes, stab at my heart like this?
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