Song Yuzhang: Chapter 54 - Unforeseen Event
Chapter 54: Unforeseen Event
“Xiao Yu, I'm truly sorry. I was completely out of my mind to have done something like this.”
Song Mingzhao sat in the bathtub, belatedly showing a guilty expression.
He was a tall and well-built man. Even sitting naked and curled up in the tub, he didn’t look weak. On the contrary, his physique was strong and pleasing to the eye.
Such a tall young man curling up like that made him look rather pitiful. Song Yuzhang sat on the edge of the bathtub, leaning against the wall. His hand dipped into the water and splashed a handful onto Song Mingzhao’s face. Song Mingzhao didn’t flinch or dodge. The water stung his eyes a little, but he took that sting as a minor punishment.
Seeing his reddened eyes, Song Yuzhang asked, “Are you crying?”
Song Mingzhao shook his head.
Song Yuzhang smiled and gently patted his head. “Don’t worry, Fourth Brother, it’s not a big deal.”
With Song Yuzhang being this gentle, Song Mingzhao felt even worse. He turned around and wrapped his wet, long arms around Song Yuzhang in an embrace.
Song Yuzhang said nothing. Song Mingzhao didn’t speak either. After a long while, he finally summoned the courage to open up.
“You ignored me for the past couple of days. Even when I talked to you, you barely responded. You looked drained all the time. I thought you were tired from spending time with someone else and didn’t have the energy for me. That’s why I made a mistake—I was upset.”
Song Yuzhang stroked the back of his head. “I know, Fourth Brother. I don’t blame you.”
Song Mingzhao trembled slightly, unable to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
He felt as though he had been emotionally kidnapped by Song Yuzhang. When Yuzhang was happy, he felt like he was dreaming. When Yuzhang was upset, his own emotions would spiral into despair with no relief in sight.
He didn’t even understand how he’d come to be controlled by his younger brother.
But Song Mingzhao had neither the means nor the desire to escape. He just wanted to fall deeper. Even if Song Yuzhang was a pit of fire, he would jump in smiling with his eyes shut.
He had no choice. There was no one around him closer than Song Yuzhang. This rare, heaven-sent little brother had become a treasure to Song Mingzhao.
Other than Song Yuzhang, he had nothing.
The two brothers hugged quietly for a while. Then Song Yuzhang said softly, “Fourth Brother, you got my clothes all wet.”
Embarrassed, Song Mingzhao gave a little “oh,” but still didn’t let go. He clung to Yuzhang like a harmless little water ghost, soaking and snuggling into his arms.
Knowing that Mingzhao had felt wronged the past couple of days, Song Yuzhang said nothing more. He just gently stroked his head. His palm was also a bit damp. Song Mingzhao finally felt safe in his embrace.
When Song Yuzhang ignored him, his heart would be filled with anxiety, like he was floating, feet never touching the ground.
Looking down, Song Mingzhao noticed Song Yuzhang’s bare feet.
Just like his hands, his feet were refined and beautiful, yet still masculine—long, distinct bones, with smooth skin, tendons crisscrossing under the arch, and toes that were well-shaped and neatly trimmed. Every part seemed flawless.
Song Mingzhao thought: His brother is so beautiful, and so kind to him. He truly was happy.
The brothers had officially reconciled. Song Mingzhao was delighted, and even Song Yuzhang smiled, as if nothing had happened. They had a late-night snack together, and in his joy, Song Mingzhao even read poetry to Song Yuzhang.
His pronunciation was precise and pleasant to the ear. Song Yuzhang sat beside him, wearing a peaceful smile, and for once, even he felt a sense of safety.
When it came to Song Mingzhao, he never had to think or be on guard—because Song Mingzhao saw him wholeheartedly as a good brother. He had full control over Song Mingzhao.
And that, he was completely certain of.
The next day, Song Yuzhang went to work at the bank as usual. But when he arrived, Liu Chuanzong was nowhere to be seen, as if he’d vanished. He immediately called someone over to ask.
The employee said he didn’t know where Liu Chuanzong had gone.
Song Yuzhang’s brow furrowed slightly. A thought flashed through his mind, and he picked up the phone to call the hospital where Song Zhenqiao was staying.
The nurse on the line said she didn’t know who Liu Chuanzong was, but someone had indeed come to visit Song Zhenqiao last night. Based on her description, Song Yuzhang confirmed that it must have been Liu Chuanzong.
He immediately understood: Liu Chuanzong must have figured out the situation between him and Shen Chengduo during last night’s car ride. He hadn’t intended to hide it from Liu Chuanzong anyway—this saved him the trouble of putting on a show in front of Song Zhenqiao.
Shen Chengduo was someone who wanted to walk the “righteous path.”
Song Yuzhang, having once walked the crooked road himself, could see that Shen Chengduo harbored a desire to become respectable. He had ambition, endurance, and the potential to succeed. All he needed was a gentle push.
Song Yuzhang was happy to give him that push—elevate him to the spotlight, and take a little reward in return.
Song Mingzhao, being a hothead, had performed just as expected. His outburst brought the police to make a public scene, humiliating Shen Chengduo and showing him that without true social standing, respectability was just an illusion.
The Nie family, being enigmatic and powerful, made the perfect invisible stepping stone. Shen Chengduo wouldn’t dare investigate their true nature and could only assume there was a “special” connection between Song Yuzhang and the Nie family.
The plan had gone perfectly—so smoothly that Song Yuzhang felt a touch of pride.
Apparently, even in a place like Haizhou, the wealthy were still ruled more by luck than brains.
The more Song Yuzhang thought about it, the more pleased he became. He spun his fountain pen between his fingers, but a moment of carelessness sent the pen cap flying. Ink splattered across his white shirt, instantly turning it into a blotchy mess. He looked at the stains on his chest, half amused and half annoyed, and reminded himself once again: one should never get too carried away.
As he was cleaning the ink off his shirt, the phone rang. It was Shen Chengduo, calling as instructed, cautiously asking Song Yuzhang to send someone to pick him up. He was already near the bank and requested a private meeting.
Unfortunately, Liu Chuanzong was still missing. Song Yuzhang thought it over and decided to bring the documents himself. He said to Shen Chengduo, “Brother Shen, let’s meet at the Champs-Élysées Café, to the left of the bank.”
“Alright, I’ll head in first and wait for you.”
After being bailed out by Song Yuzhang last night, Shen Chengduo had spent more money afterward to find out the reason for his arrest: violating Haizhou’s business regulations.
He was furious. With the government in chaos, new regulations were popping up daily. The charge was clearly made up—something they could slap on anyone at will. Enraged, Shen Chengduo finally made up his mind.
The Nie family was out of his reach.
The Meng family—Meng Tingjing had a damn habit of slapping people across the face.
As for the Song family… well, regardless of anything else, Song Yuzhang could be considered a friend. Besides, there was a subtle trend of alliance between the Song and Nie families. Why not take this opportunity to join them and get a piece of the pie? That way, he could truly gain a foothold in Haizhou and no longer have to worry about his business being labeled as ‘violating Haizhou’s business regulations.’
There was no helping it—he was getting to that age where he had to start thinking about his future. He couldn’t keep doing shady side-businesses in Haizhou forever.
Shen Chengduo didn’t come alone for the meeting. This was a major matter involving a lot of money, so he brought along two trusted accountants. Song Yuzhang calmly handed the documents to them and let them examine them at their leisure.
Shen Chengduo cursed, “Damn it, I didn’t sleep a wink last night trying to find that bastard. Damn ghost—couldn’t track him down at all. All that damn money I usually spend was for nothing! At the crucial moment, everyone just stammers that they don’t know anything. Damn it! Once I make it big, I’ll see if they still dare to mess with me like that!”
Song Yuzhang sipped his coffee and smiled mildly. “It’s already in the past, Brother Shen. No need to dwell on it. There’s always a future.”
“Ugh,” Shen Chengduo took a sip of the coffee and nearly spat it out. “What the hell—is this Chinese medicine or what? It’s so damn bitter!”
The two accountants did their job diligently. After reviewing the documents, they said it’d be best to take them back for further study.
Song Yuzhang agreed. “No problem.”
Seeing how generous he was, Shen Chengduo felt a little awkward. “Brother Song, it’s not that I don’t trust you. But when it comes to business, it’s better to be cautious.”
“Of course,” Song Yuzhang extended a hand, “But if you don’t think it’s a good fit, please let me know quickly. I’ve got many matters to finalize—I can’t afford delays. I hope you understand, Brother Shen.”
Shen Chengduo understood the subtle hint immediately. “Three days. I’ll give you a reply within three days.”
Song Yuzhang smiled. “As you like. But I can’t wait just for you. How about this—” he leaned forward sincerely, “If the deadline comes, I’ll secretly give you a heads-up.”
Shen Chengduo slapped his thigh. “Brother Song, you really are something else!”
They didn’t exchange more pleasantries. Song Yuzhang returned to the bank. As soon as he walked into the lobby, he saw one of the Song family’s servants waiting there. The servant rushed up to him in a panic, voice low and urgent. “Fifth Young Master, you’d better hurry to the hospital—the Old Master’s not going to make it!”
The driver raced the car to the hospital. On the way, Song Yuzhang asked, “When did they notify you?”
“Just ten minutes ago, Fifth Young Master. Please don’t worry.”
“Drive faster.”
Song Yuzhang forced his racing heart under control. The doctors had always said Song Zhenqiao’s condition was day-to-day, but he’d seemed lively enough lately. How could he suddenly be at death’s door?
Liu Chuanzong must have already relayed the news about him persuading Shen Chengduo to Song Zhenqiao, right?
Damn it. This was the worst possible timing!
The car screeched to a stop at the hospital. Song Yuzhang rushed to the ward. When he arrived, Song Jincheng and Song Yekang were already there, standing solemnly at the door. They showed no change in expression when they saw him.
He steadied his breathing. “How’s Father?”
Song Jincheng replied, “The doctors are inside trying to save him. They told us to wait outside.”
“They’re resuscitating him, and we’re just supposed to stand here doing nothing?” Song Yuzhang asked.
Song Yekang said, “That was Father’s instruction. Fifth Brother, don’t cause trouble. Just wait patiently.”
Despite his words, Song Yekang was anything but calm inside.
It had been half a year since Song Zhenqiao fell ill. The onset had been sudden, but the condition had remained stable. Song Yekang had even thought his father might linger like this indefinitely. He never imagined a sudden attack could be so deadly!
Had the moment of reckoning finally arrived after all this time?
He kept weighing his importance versus that of his eldest brother in their father’s eyes—at times thinking the family headship was certainly his, and at others fearing all hope had slipped through his fingers.
Whatever the case, let the result come already!
The three stood at the door, each lost in thought. Before long, Meng Sushan also arrived, and then came Song Mingzhao. He had been at dinner when summoned. Upon arrival, his first glance was at Song Yuzhang, and then he asked, “What happened to your clothes?”
Song Yuzhang looked down at the ink stain on his chest. “It’s nothing.”
Song Mingzhao glanced at his elder brothers, then silently moved to stand beside Song Yuzhang.
About ten minutes later, the last to arrive—Song Qiyuan—also showed up.
Usually carefree and unhurried, he now looked travel-worn and serious. “Where’s Father?”
“Inside, being resuscitated,” replied Song Jincheng, the eldest.
Song Qiyuan’s face darkened with worry.
Everyone waited outside anxiously. Eventually, the doctor came out, and they all rushed forward to ask. The doctor shook his head. “Mr. Song wants to see each of his sons one by one—to say goodbye.”
Reactions varied. Song Jincheng immediately stepped into the room. Song Yekang stood frozen for a moment, then turned away, only to return with tears in his eyes. “Father…”
Meng Sushan also began to cry.
Song Mingzhao wanted to cry too, but he was too stunned to manage it. Then Song Yuzhang took his hand, and he turned to see him looking at him gently. Song Mingzhao turned and hugged him.
Only Song Qiyuan stood there unmoving, his eyes the only things betraying a glint of anxiety.
After a while, Song Jincheng emerged, looking like he had wept. Song Yekang hurried in.
Meng Sushan took Jincheng’s hand. “What did Father say?”
Song Jincheng sniffled, then embraced her. “Father… told me to take good care of all of you.”
Song Yuzhang heard this and lowered his lashes, his heart sinking slightly.
Before, he had hoped for Song Zhenqiao to die sooner. Now that it was really happening, he felt the old man was dying too soon—at the worst possible moment!
If only it had happened after Shen Chengduo had invested a huge sum into the Song Bank—then no matter what schemes Song Zhenqiao had in mind, he would’ve had to reconsider everything.
But such is life. When does anything go perfectly according to plan? No matter how cunning he was, how could he compete with death?
Song Yuzhang closed his eyes and suppressed the turmoil in his heart.
If I get it, I’m lucky. If I don’t, it’s fate. Just wait.
A while later, Song Yekang came out too, crying as well.
When Song Qiyuan went in, Song Yuzhang was the most on edge, staring intently at his back.
Song Qiyuan stayed inside only two or three minutes before coming out, his expression still unchanged, but a hint of cold indifference crept into his solemn look.
Song Mingzhao’s turn was also brief. When he came out, eyes red, he told Song Yuzhang, “Father wants to see you.”
Finally, it was his turn. Song Yuzhang was so nervous it felt like he was walking to the examination hall. He calmed himself, took a deep breath, and stepped into the room.
Don’t panic.
No matter what the outcome, it would be a good result for him.
The room was empty save for Song Zhenqiao lying in bed, an oxygen mask loosely placed on his face, mouth and nose visible, face tinged with blue. Upon seeing Song Yuzhang, he smiled faintly.
Song Yuzhang naturally wore a sorrowful expression. “Father.”
Song Zhenqiao’s lips moved, and Song Yuzhang quickly leaned in to hear.
“…Yuzhang, I… I’m sorry…”
His voice was frail. Song Yuzhang didn’t know who his biological father was and never cared. Probably just some nameless client. Still, he responded with full sincerity: “Father, I don’t blame you.”
Then he held his breath, waiting for what came next.
But that one sentence was all there was. There was nothing more.
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