Chapter 42

Chapter 42

After breakfast, Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi went to his foster parents' house, a plan he had arranged with them the night before.

The excuse was that Jing Xi was settling down in this area, and the house they bought was conveniently located near C University. So, when the school term started, Xie Qingfeng would stay there.

Since both of them were young and unfamiliar with C city, they decided to ask their foster parents for help in selecting furniture.

To ensure his foster parents wouldn't hesitate to spend money, Xie Qingfeng specifically mentioned that Jing Xi wasn’t short of funds and suggested buying slightly better furniture.

Ever since the incident of the mistaken child, the foster parents never dared to ask Xie Qingfeng to move back. Knowing he had been staying at a friend's house, they worried about his comfort but never inquired. Now they were unexpectedly asked to help choose furniture.

Not only did they meet this friend, but he also helped with furniture shopping, a chance to see firsthand how well he was doing. The foster parents were naturally willing.

Xie Qingfeng's foster father had been ill recently and had taken a break from work. Although he had recovered, they were waiting for an auspicious day to reopen the business. They were idle at the moment, especially touched by Xie Qingfeng's initiative, which reminded them of times before the child mix-up. They eagerly awaited outside the alley and greeted Jing Xi with even more warmth than before.

Jing Xi was pleasantly surprised. Although they were nominally foster parents, he knew the National Master well enough. After the original person was gone, these foster parents who raised him from a young age were as good as his real parents. Now that he had become the original person, he naturally took good care of them, no different from caring for real parents.

Jing Xi, though usually stoic, was handsome and easily made a good impression. He hadn't performed well last time, but now he charmed the foster parents, leaving them beaming with joy, almost wishing to adopt him as their son.

But, of course, this was just a thought. This young man was handsome and well-off, and they only felt affection due to their fondness for Xie Qingfeng, not daring to presume more.

Xie Qingfeng, wearing a mask and hat, numbly followed behind, watching the harmonious trio ahead. Why did it seem like the Emperor and the foster parents looked more like a family of three?

However, the Emperor’s initiative saved Xie Qingfeng a lot of trouble. He was a loner and not good at handling such situations. It had been easier at home where he could leave after a short stay, but now they had to shop for a long time, and Xie Qingfeng worried the foster parents might notice something amiss.

They first went to a furniture store, ordered a full set of furniture, and gave the address and gate code for installation. Then they went to a department store to choose some household items, naturally trying to cater to the foster parents' preferences.

After shopping, they planned to buy some gifts for the foster parents, using the excuse of buying them for Jing Xi's elders. They weren't sure if young people's tastes differed from the elders', so they asked the foster parents to choose.

The foster parents, touched by Jing Xi's thoughtfulness, readily joined Xie Qingfeng to shop upstairs.

Jing Xi led the foster parents ahead and turned back to Xie Qingfeng with a wink, the relaxed and amused look in his eyes something Xie Qingfeng had never seen. He couldn't help but smile too, responding with a wink of his own.

Jing Xi, seeing such a side of the National Master, was momentarily stunned. Fearing his emotions might show, he quickly turned his head away but couldn’t suppress the smile under his mask.

But as Jing Xi walked a few steps ahead, he suddenly realized the foster parents who had been following stopped. Turning back in confusion, he saw them standing there, frowning and looking at something ahead with complex emotions.

Jing Xi was adept at sensing others' emotions, and these were clearly negative.

Following their gaze, he saw two young men, fashionably dressed. One, looking pale as if just recovered from a long illness, was smiling warmly at something the other, seemingly his friend, said. But that smile seemed uncomfortable and somewhat forced.

Jing Xi's eyes shifted between the young men and the foster parents, guessing their identity. Could it be the other mistakenly taken child? The one who usurped his place and tried to ruin the original’s reputation?

As the National Master now, any offense to his former self was an offense to him.

Xie Qingfeng hadn’t expected to encounter Xie Weihuan here. Since exposing Xie Weihuan’s true colors and severing ties with the Xie family, he hadn’t seen him.

Hao Jixin had mentioned that Xie Weihuan had been bedridden since the backlash of that incident. Xie Qingfeng's parents, busy caring for him, hadn’t troubled Xie Qingfeng anymore. Surprisingly, Xie Weihuan seemed to have recovered enough to be out of bed.

Xie Weihuan, listening to his friend Guo Hang’s repeated advice to appease his parents, was irritated but didn’t show it, maintaining his image as a victim.

In the past, he wouldn’t have cared for someone like Guo Hang, but since the child switch incident, his former friends distanced themselves, though not overtly. The whispers were there, though.

Later, when his foster parents continued to keep him in the Xie family and treated him better than their biological son, he gained importance in his circle again. His plan was to become the victim, drive Xie Qingfeng away, blame his foster father’s death on Xie Qingfeng, and crush him under public opinion.

He would be seen as an innocent victim, deserving of sympathy, and over time, even without blood ties, he would still be the legitimate young master of the Xie family.

But everything went in the opposite direction. He almost succeeded in causing Xie Qingfeng’s foster father’s death, but his plan failed. Not only did he fail to frame Xie Qingfeng, but Hao Jixin also exposed his true nature to many.

Especially after Xie Qingfeng severed ties with the Xie family, his reputation was completely ruined.

Xie Weihuan had wanted to drive Xie Qingfeng away but not like this. Even though the outcome was the same, it wasn’t what he had wanted. He hadn’t even had the chance to rectify things, as he had collapsed, spitting blood, and had been bedridden ever since. His parents had worked hard to suppress the news and delete the live stream videos. Although many still didn’t know about it, those familiar in the circle were informed by Hao Jixin, and his reputation was thoroughly tarnished.

Even though Xie Weihuan remained in the Xie family, receiving sympathy and care from Xie's parents, he found himself without friends in their circle, except for Guo Hang, the unloved illegitimate child of the Guo family.

Although Xie Weihuan didn’t like Guo Hang, everyone knew of Guo Hang’s status as an illegitimate child, but officially he was recognized under Mrs. Guo’s name, thus a legitimate young master of the Guo family.

Out in the social circles, people still treated him with respect. Seeing an opportunity, Xie Weihuan planned to use Guo Hang to re-establish connections and find excuses to absolve himself, still playing the innocent victim.

An easier solution would have been to buy more mind-controlling talismans from that master, but when he tried to contact him after recovering, for some reason, the master was unreachable.

Guo Hang, looking at Xie Weihuan’s pale face, felt even more pity and softened his voice, "Don’t worry, Xie Qingfeng has severed ties and left. You're still the legitimate young master of the Xie family. Who dares say a word against you? I’ve spoken highly of you recently. You were definitely framed that day. Was there something wrong with the video? Was someone trying to harm you?"

Xie Weihuan, looking at Guo Hang making excuses for him, didn’t bother to make his own, "Yes, but I've been ill so long, I missed the chance to explain to everyone. I want to do it face to face. Can you help me?" Saying this, he looked up, his haggard face and moist eyes making him appear even more frail, striking Guo Hang’s heart.

Guo Hang thought, even if it meant being a lapdog or dying for him, he was willing. This was his idol, now fallen but still giving him a chance to be close.

Guo Hang promised, patting his chest, "In a few days, when school starts, I’ll make an excuse to gather everyone. You can explain then. We’ve known each other for years, we’ll believe you over Xie Qingfeng! By the way, didn’t you idolize Jing Mianfeng, the youngest movie star? I’ve inquired for you. He’s really making a comeback soon. I’ll get his schedule and find a way into his company, you’ll definitely get a chance to meet your idol!"

Xie Weihuan gratefully looked at him, "Guo Hang, among so many so-called friends, you’re the most reliable. They believed Hao Jixin’s words because of some rumors. How did Hao Jixin happen to live-stream just then? He's close with Xie Qingfeng now, maybe it was intentional..."

Guo Hang felt deeply sympathetic, "Definitely!"

Xie Weihuan: "I’m counting on you for the Jing Xi matter. If I can meet my idol, I’d die content." His idol had actually changed long ago, no longer Jing Mianfeng. But Jing Mianfeng was popular in their class, and he claimed to like him just to fit in, forgetting him once Jing Mianfeng retired.

But now with Jing Mianfeng's comeback, even a thin camel is bigger than a horse – he was still a movie star. If he could connect with Jing Mianfeng through Guo Hang, he could smoothly enter the entertainment industry.

That was his ultimate goal. Even with Xie's parents treating him well, he didn’t believe blood ties would surpass his status as a mistakenly adopted child. He wanted to use the Xie family as a stepping stone to become a superstar, eventually making the Xie family look up to him.

With this thought, Xie Weihuan was about to urge Guo Hang to gather more information on Jing Mianfeng, when he suddenly felt someone watching him. Looking up, he saw his foster parents, his brows furrowing. Why were they here? Especially his foster father, who should be in bad health. He had used the master’s talisman, believing he wouldn’t live long.

He hadn’t bothered to inquire recently, given his own health, but to his surprise, not only had his foster father not died, but he also seemed perfectly healthy?

Was he deceived by that so-called master?

Guo Hang, following Xie Weihuan's gaze, saw an unfamiliar middle-aged couple, but his attention was soon drawn to the two figures leading them. The man in front, tall and slender, even in simple long sleeves and pants, commanded attention despite wearing a mask and hat.

Guo Hang, who liked men, hadn’t realized his own orientation until chasing after Xie Weihuan. Even after understanding it last year, his infatuation with Xie Weihuan didn’t wane, but it didn’t stop him from being more attentive to men.

Xie Weihuan frowned at Xie Qingfeng, who was two steps behind the foster parents. Even with a mask and hat, those cold eyes looking at him were unforgettable.

Especially the way those eyes mockingly and coldly looked at him that day; he still felt a chill down his spine.

Xie Weihuan hadn’t wanted to encounter these people, but seeing his foster father safe and sound, he impulsively approached, “Uncle, Auntie, what a coincidence.” He paused, then softly addressed Xie Qingfeng, “Brother, you’re here too. Mom and Dad have been missing you these days. They couldn’t visit because I was sick. Blood ties really do matter. You should visit them more when you have time.”

Xie Weihuan’s words were outwardly gentle but were meant to disgust.

Calling his biological parents uncle and auntie, and foster parents mom and dad, and purposely suggesting Xie Qingfeng, who had severed ties, should return home, was clearly a malicious attempt to provoke and disgust the three.

The foster parents turned pale with anger. They had planned to avoid Xie Weihuan but now stood their ground, refusing to alter their shopping plans.

Xie Weihuan, seeing the foster parents’ reaction, slightly curled his lips, about to step forward, when a tall figure suddenly blocked them. Looking down at Xie Weihuan disdainfully, he sneered, “Little dwarf, ever heard of ‘good dogs don’t block the way’?”

The term ‘little dwarf’ turned Xie Weihuan’s victorious expression green.

Lacking the Xie family's good genes, Xie Weihuan was shorter than average. He was only eighteen and could still grow, but this was the first time someone had so precisely targeted his insecurity.

Jing Xi usually wouldn’t mock someone’s shortcomings; it was impolite. But for someone like Xie Weihuan, who had wronged the National Master, he targeted precisely where it hurt.

“Not moving, huh? Maybe your squinting eyes can’t see the path? If you can’t see, better find a doctor to fix your eyes. I’m so kind, yet no thank you? Your manners are lacking; you should be remolded.” Without uttering a single rude word, he said it all.

Xie Weihuan’s face twisted with anger. Just as he tried to approach, he felt an imposing block, stumbling back several steps, clearing a path and nearly knocking over Guo Hang.

An infuriated Guo Hang protested, “What's wrong with you? Why push people?”

Jing Xi, with a slight downward glance, retorted, “Which eye of yours saw me touch him? Trying to scam? Fine, I’ll be the bigger person and not stoop to your level.” He casually tossed a coin at them as if to a beggar, then confidently walked ahead with the foster parents.

Xie Weihuan and Guo Hang, humiliated like never before, turned livid. Just then, a crowd gathered, with someone commenting, “I saw it all clear. That young man and the other guy were a meter or two apart. He didn’t touch him at all; it was a self-fall! These days, young folks resort to scamming, shameless.”

Guo Hang, who hadn't seen anything from the back, now turned pale and red in anger, eventually yelling, "What's it to you? Go away!" Then, looking at Xie Weihuan, who was almost in tears, "Weihuan, don't stoop to the level of lunatics. Who are those two, speaking like that right off the bat?"

He hated that he couldn't retort and had let his beloved suffer.

Xie Weihuan didn't expect Xie Qingfeng to be unaffected and even had a protector by his side. Clearly, that person knew who he was and was intentionally provoking him. Yet, he was unable to respond, especially since it seemed like he was magically repelled without any physical contact.

Xie Weihuan lowered his eyes, "Just now, it was my... biological parents and Xie Qingfeng..."

"What?" Guo Hang was stunned. "But the person who spoke first didn't seem like it. Was it the one behind? But who is that person? They even went to the jewelry counter. Are they buying jewelry? Aren’t they just small restaurant owners? Can they afford it?"

Xie Weihuan, originally worried about not being able to retaliate, now had an idea, "I don't know... maybe they just saw us and wanted to upset me on purpose."

Guo Hang fell for it, gritting his teeth, "Let’s make them lose face later. Pretending to be rich when they have no money, huh!"

Xie Weihuan lowered his eyes, hiding a smile, "Is that really okay? They are... my biological parents, after all..."

Guo Hang dismissed it, "They've treated you like that, Weihuan, you’re just too kind-hearted!"

Xie Qingfeng didn’t expect to find no opportunity to intervene, watching Jing Xi, who had already charmed his foster parents into smiles. He hadn't expected the little emperor to have this side to him, turning into Jing Dudu, a skill previously wasted just being an emperor.

Jing Xi, noticing Xie Qingfeng nearby, looked at him with a slight smile, leaned in close, almost whispering in his ear, "How did I do? Didn’t disgrace the National Master, did I?"

Xie Qingfeng felt the warm breath on his ear, inexplicably tingling. He turned his head as if to look at the jewelry in the glass case, humming, "I’ll give you an extra meal when we get back. Order whatever you like."

Jing Xi's eyes sparkled with deeper amusement, leaning in closer, not wanting others to overhear their private conversation, "The National Master is mighty and generous. Then let's dine lavishly today."

Hearing Jing Xi mention dining lavishly, Xie Qingfeng felt oddly uncomfortable and glanced at him sideways: "Aren't you being a bit dramatic?"

Jing Xi, in a great mood, began asking his foster parents for advice on which jewelry to choose, using the excuse of indecision to have them try on various pieces.

The foster parents, uneasy since entering such a place for the first time, still put on a brave face to help Xiao Jing. They wouldn't show weakness in assisting, especially since Xiao Jing treated their Xiao Feng so well.

Jing Xi pointed out the pieces he had just looked at, asking the saleswoman to bring them out. Though she thought the combination of these four individuals rather odd, her professionalism prevented any outward display of judgment, even though she could tell the middle-aged couple probably couldn't afford even the cheapest item.

Just as she was about to bring out the items, two people appeared beside them, pointing at the pearl necklace she had just picked up: "Show us that one."

Guo Hang, dressed in branded clothes, with Xie Weihuan also donned in designer wear, surprised the saleswoman, who responded with a polite smile, "I'm sorry, sir. This gentleman and lady have shown interest in this piece. You might want to look at our other styles; they're all new this season."

Their boutique prided itself on uniqueness, meaning they only had one of each style.

Guo Hang sneered, about to mock them for affording it when Jing Xi spoke up, "Since this gentleman is so filial, let him have a look first."

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Jing Xi: was he really being kind? More likely he was up to something.

Yet he was pleased to see it happen.

Guo Hang clearly didn't expect such cooperation from someone who had been so confrontational at the entrance.

The saleswoman, grateful, smiled at Jing Xi. She couldn’t afford to offend anyone capable of buying their jewelry.

The piece Guo Hang examined, more suited for middle-aged ladies, didn't appeal to him, but he didn't want to give Jing Xi an advantage. He pretended to examine it, holding it in his hand. Just then, Jing Xi pointed to the most expensive piece in the showcase, suitable for a younger lady.

The saleswoman was about to retrieve it when Guo Hang interjected, "I'm interested in that one too. Show it to me."

The saleswoman, realizing his intention to cause trouble, insisted on showing it to Jing Xi first. Jing Xi, generously, gestured, "Since this gentleman is also interested, it must be one for an elder and one for a loved one. A gentleman doesn’t seize what others desire. To honor this gentleman's filial piety and love, let him have it."

The saleswoman, more puzzled, handed over the jewelry worth twenty million—a fortune— to Guo Hang, "Sir, this is the piece you wanted. It's our newest and most unique design, perfect for your loved one."

Guo Hang twitched his lips, pretending to hold it, about to find an excuse to put it down when he caught Jing Xi’s taunting glance. Sensing something amiss and before he could react, Jing Xi spoke, "It seems the gentleman is quite satisfied. Why the hesitation? Ring up both items for him. He's buying both."

Furious, Guo Hang blurted out, "I..."

Before he could finish, Jing Xi feigned surprise, "Sir, didn’t you snatch these two pieces from us because you absolutely adored them and couldn’t wait to present them to your loved one and elder? Surely you’re not backing out now? You wouldn’t abandon your filial piety and love, would you?"

Jing Xi's voice was loud enough that a lady casually browsing nearby turned to look, surprised at the sight of Guo Hang and Xie Weihuan.

Guo Hang's face turned ashen. He was in a difficult position, especially since Jing Xi's remark "You can't afford it, can you?" was originally what he intended to say! If he put it down now and refused to buy, wouldn't it imply he couldn't afford it?

His lips quivering, Guo Hang scrambled for an excuse, "Who, who said I can't afford it? I’m just being polite, giving way since you were here first. I’ll buy after you’re done."

He was sure they couldn't afford it. Once they didn't buy, he could shift the focus to them, diverting attention from himself.

Jing Xi feigned surprise: "Really? So, you're definitely going to buy if we do?"

Convinced they couldn't afford it and bolstered by the onlookers' attention, Guo Hang confidently declared, "Of course!"

"Jing Xiu drew out his words, turning to the saleswoman: 'Did you hear that? He said he wants to buy. Please bill the items my aunt just chose, and also include the jewelry for this 'kind-hearted gentleman' who just gave way.'"

"Guo Hang initially wanted to object, but then thought the man was just bluffing and decided to call his bluff: 'Go ahead, bill it!'"

"The saleswoman, trembling with excitement over the two large purchases, processed the transactions in a daze: 'This is for you, sir, and this one for this gentleman... Your total for three items is five million and fifty thousand; for this gentleman, as the two items are our latest, the total is twenty-three million.'"

"Hearing the figure of twenty-three million, Guo Hang's face paled, nearly losing his balance. He propped himself against the glass counter, convincing himself that they couldn't afford it, certainly not. His mocking tone grew louder, believing no one would notice his panic."

"Though Guo Hang bore the title of the Guo family's young master, he was just an illegitimate child. Mrs. Guo despised him, giving him only a small allowance. He didn't have twenty-three million, not even three million!"

"But after all, he was still the young master of the Guo family. The people in front of him were mere small eatery owners, even poorer than him. How could they possibly afford such expensive jewelry?"

"The next moment, the assertive young man facing him flashed a particularly 'gentle' smile and pulled out a card: 'Charge it.'"

"After the payment of five million and fifty thousand was made, Jing Xiu slowly addressed the green-faced Guo Hang: 'Your turn.'"