Chapter 90

Chapter 90

Due to Xi Siyan's need to recuperate, Chen Mo indeed stayed at the Xi residence.

He went to work as usual on Monday and returned in the evening, with Xiaolin driving him back and forth.

His status within the Xi family was somewhat delicate; however, he almost never participated in the private gatherings of the Xi family. His daily activities were limited to Xi Siyan's courtyard. As a result, apart from the first day of the accident, the Xi family rarely saw him.

This led to mixed opinions about his presence among the extended family members of the Xi clan.

"A'Yan," one of the elders, a brother of the old patriarch, said earnestly to Xi Siyan, who was seated in a pearwood chair, "you have taken over most of the Xi family affairs now. You should also pay attention to your personal matters."

Xi Siyan leaned against a soft pillow, with two buttons of his shirt undone, looking genuinely like someone recovering from an illness. He casually asked, "I wonder what personal matters you elders are referring to?"

"Of course, it's about your choice of partner and your future marriage," another elderly man with gray hair said seriously. "We've all seen your achievements in recent years, and we've watched you grow up, knowing you've always been steady. We old folks have no qualms about entrusting the Xi family to you. But this one thing cannot be left to your whims. Even if the old patriarch spoils you, we cannot turn a blind eye to matters that concern the future of the Xi family."

Xi Siyan showed no change in expression and continued, "So what do you suggest?"

"Being with a man is not a long-term solution. It's best to end it sooner rather than later."

Xi Siyan suddenly let out a light sneer.

The elders exchanged glances, looking perplexed.

One of them, perhaps thinking it too blunt, softened his tone, "It's not that we want you to completely cut ties with him. After all, the Yang family isn't an ordinary family, but..."

"He's surnamed Chen," Xi Siyan interrupted.

In the silent living room, Xi Siyan slowly turned a porcelain cup in his hand, his voice suddenly turning cold, "Those outdated ideas of the Xi family should have ended with your generation. My personal life is none of your concern."

One of the elders stood up abruptly, "I see you're getting too big for your britches!"

There was a soft thud as Xi Siyan placed the cup on the table.

He remained seated without any intention of standing up, saying, "Whether or not Chen Mo lives here, he is mine. This has nothing to do with the Xi family. Whether I am qualified to make decisions in my current position is not determined by whether I prefer men or women. If you have so much free time, why don't you educate your own children to stay out of trouble? After all, one of the Xi family's ancestral rules is that illegitimate children are not allowed to inherit the family business."

The elders stormed out angrily, vowing to seek an explanation from the old patriarch.

Han Qian appeared mysteriously in the living room and, after glancing outside, said, "They're just trying to gauge the old patriarch's stance since he's shown some leniency. When you went abroad five years ago, they didn't hesitate to push their people into core positions. Now that they can't stir up any trouble, they're using this to assert their status in the family. Just humor them a bit; offending them will only bring unnecessary trouble."

Xi Siyan did not respond but instructed, "Find a reason to remove their people privately."

"All of them?" Han Qian was slightly surprised, "Won't that be too harsh?"

Xi Siyan's gaze remained unwavering, "I don't need to show them any mercy. If they don't learn their lesson, they'll keep overstepping their bounds."

Han Qian took a sharp breath.

Raising an eyebrow, he said, "Alright, but you've been making a lot of moves lately. Don't you know there are rumors inside that this is your true nature? They say you've revealed your true colors now that you're in power."

Xi Siyan glanced at him, "What true colors?"

"They say you've gone mad," Han Qian said, laughing. After a moment, his smile faded, and he frowned, "But I've noticed you've been suppressing your emotions these past few days. What's going on? Is it because Chen Mo goes to work during the day and you feel lonely? And this sudden cleanup, is it also because of him?"

Xi Siyan rubbed his temples without speaking.

Han Qian: "Still have a headache?"

"Yes," Xi Siyan closed his eyes, "Don't tell him."

Han Qian was a bit worried, "At least let me know what's going on with your health, right? On the night of the accident, you wouldn't let anyone in, including Chen Mo. It's been a while, and you still get headaches occasionally. If this continues, people might start spreading rumors about you having some kind of mental illness. He's not blind; he'll notice eventually. Why are you hiding it from him?"

That night, Xi Siyan himself was confused and didn't want Chen Mo to become suspicious in that state.

However, late that night, Chen Mo came on his own.

Xi Siyan concealed the most crucial part from Han Qian, saying, "It's the aftermath of the explosion. It might take a few more days. And it's not that I'm intentionally hiding it from him; the timing just isn't right."

Han Qian understood and hesitated, "Old Man Yang..."

"Yes," Xi Siyan nodded, "He hasn't said anything, but that doesn't mean he doesn't care."

Chen Mo had indeed noticed something off with Xi Siyan these past few days.

He wanted to ask but couldn't find the right opportunity. Moreover, the second phase of the New Edge project had started, and as the leader, he had mountains of work to handle. Even though Xi Siyan was injured, he was still busy every day.

The only time Chen Mo could spare was each evening when he watched Xi Siyan change his bandages.

"Here, you do it," one night, after Chen Mo had just showered, Xi Siyan handed him the medicine box.

Chen Mo paused while drying his hair, "Isn't the doctor coming tonight?"

Xi Siyan nodded.

Chen Mo didn't refuse, taking the medicine box and placing it beside him.

He was still wearing a bathrobe, carrying the scent of moisture as he approached and began unbuttoning Xi Siyan's shirt.

Xi Siyan propped himself up on the bed, staring intently at Chen Mo. Chen Mo met his gaze, and his hands unconsciously slowed down as he undid the buttons.

When they kissed unexpectedly, Chen Mo remembered to remind, "Change the bandages."

"Mm," Xi Siyan pressed him down onto the bed, murmuring softly, "In a moment."

They did not go further.

They only kissed.

Chen Mo was wary of touching the wounds on Yang Zhi's back and thus allowed the person above him to take what he wanted. Xi Siyan's kisses deepened, his hands trailing down Chen Mo's neck and slipping into his robe.

Chen Mo had many scars on his body, most from his youth. Time had faded some, but during intimate moments, Xi Siyan always lingered over these marks, treating them with utmost tenderness.

Tonight felt different.

The skin where scars formed was often sensitive.

From gentle kisses to light bites, Xi Siyan seemed intent on covering those scars with his own touch, as if punishing Chen Mo's body.

Chen Mo defined it as punishment because the tingling sensations kept assaulting his scalp, quickly making his breathing unsteady and eliciting a response.

He tried to stop it, "Xi Siyan."

"Hmm."

"Enough, that's enough. You need to apply the medicine."

...

"Xi Siyan. You're still injured."

...

"Xi Siyan."

Despite several attempts to stop him, Chen Mo, half-opened robe and all, was forced to retreat until he hit the headboard. Xi Siyan pursued him, leaving Chen Mo with no escape or outlet for his desire. Finally, he closed his eyes in a desperate, almost resigned gesture, taking matters into his own hands.

Xi Siyan noticed immediately, smiling slightly and leaning close to whisper hoarsely, "Good job, baby. Keep going, please yourself for me to see."

That term of endearment was one Chen Mo had used jokingly in a text message before.

In this context, it made Chen Mo flush, especially when Xi Siyan bit his ear with skillful precision. Chen Mo couldn't help but let out a muffled moan.

Chen Mo rarely did this, especially under the watchful gaze of another, like a private performance.

The shame mixed with an unfamiliar pleasure broke all his previous notions. From slow to fast, from restrained to unrestrained, Xi Siyan's barely contained desire seemed to bite at his throat, igniting him completely.

Gradually louder sounds, writhing body, tangled sheets.

At the end, his mind went blank.

A few seconds later, he turned to grab the sheets beneath him, muttering, "Damn."

He didn't know how things had escalated so quickly.

Xi Siyan leaned down.

Holding him close, he murmured, "Beautiful."

"Beautiful" was the only word Xi Siyan could think of to describe Chen Mo in that moment.

Vibrant, unique, a side of Chen Mo only he had seen.

Xi Siyan's own reaction was intense, something Chen Mo had noticed early on. But instead of letting Chen Mo assist, he went to the bathroom himself.

What started as applying medicine ended up like this.

Chen Mo attributed it to their youthful vigor, where desire and energy seemed endless. Once unleashed, every move of the loved one became a trigger.

Afterward, Chen Mo carefully changed Xi Siyan's bandages.

As they settled into bed, Chen Mo realized the relief it brought. Lately, he had too much on his mind to sleep well. Tonight, however, sleep came swiftly.

Half asleep, Xi Siyan asked from behind, "Tomorrow?"

Chen Mo opened his eyes in the darkness.

After a long pause, he responded with a soft, "Mm."

Simultaneously, he turned to face Xi Siyan, who gently stroked his back. "I'll be with you. Sleep, I'll hold you."

"Okay." Chen Mo buried his face, saying no more.

The next morning at ten.

Chen Mo finished the morning meeting at the company before driving to the hospital.

Dressed in a suit, he held files that needed immediate attention.

Just as he arrived at the hospital entrance, he heard mocking laughter.

"Really impressive, making us elders wait here for you," said his grandfather's only daughter, nominally Chen Mo's aunt.

Chen Mo gave her a cold glance but remained silent, which infuriated her further. She shouted, "And you, killing someone! I can't understand why the old man favors a grandson raised in the countryside. Everything good goes to you, and now you want to pull the plug? You're heartless..."

"Shut up!" Yang Zhi interrupted, unable to bear it any longer. "It's the doctor's recommendation. Grandfather's condition will only worsen, adding unnecessary suffering. Aunt, think before you speak."

The woman glared at him, perhaps wary of Yang Zhi's position within the company, and fell silent.

"Easy for you to say," her husband chimed in, turning to Yang Qi'an and his wife. "Brother and Sister-in-law have raised such filial sons. One is in jail, and now the other two are in agreement. I wonder what your future holds. At least our children aren't so heartless."

Several members of the Yang family had gathered, mostly indifferent. Chen Mo felt nauseous thinking about these people deciding his grandfather's fate.

He expected Yang Qi'an and his wife to side with the others and oppose him, but he was surprised.

Zhou Yaoqing spoke first, addressing her aunt by her nickname. "Grandpa trusts Xiao Mo because he has been by his side these past years. It's not for you to judge. Don't spew nonsense just because your husband's brother was fired by my eldest son. Respect Grandpa's wishes."

The aunt and her husband were left speechless, their faces turning sour.

As the former chairman of the Yang family, Yang Qi'an still had some influence among his siblings. He looked at his eldest son and then at Chen Mo, taking a few seconds before he spoke: "Don't mind your aunt. We've all discussed it, so let's go with your idea."

Chen Mo nodded coldly.

He turned and walked towards the hospital.

Behind him, he heard the two uncles arguing.

"Did Dad really say something like that about not treating him? Chen Mo is just a kid, and he's not even part of the Yang family anymore. Why should we listen to him?"

"Then you go talk to him! What good does it do to complain to me?"

"You're just a coward! Isn't it all for what Chen Mo has? He doesn't even bear the Yang name; why don't you make him give it back!"

Chen Mo paused on the stone steps and turned around.

He looked down at them from above.

Slowly, he said, "Whether you came today or not, this decision won't change. I don't care about any of your hidden motives. After today, if you want to hire lawyers or take it to court, I'll be ready. But at least today, don't let me hear another word. I don't mind my name, but everyone here seems to care about the Yang name quite a bit, given the annual dividends from the company. Don't lose more than you gain."

The two uncles' faces turned red and then white.

Unable to save face, they accused him, "How dare you speak to your elders like that! Are you threatening us?"

"Exactly, what right do you have?"

Chen Mo remained expressionless. "If I have the right or not, we'll see soon enough."

At that moment, three cars sped up the road.

Chen Mo recognized the first one as belonging to Xi Siyan, and indeed, he quickly got out of the car.

The Yang family fell silent, surprised.

Over the years, the relationship between the Xi and Yang families had grown distant. If not for the crisis with UA, there would have been no business dealings between them.

Now, someone from the Xi family was here, specifically the new heir, Xi Siyan.

Their surprise reached its peak when Xi Siyan went to the second car and helped an elderly man with completely white hair out of it.

Xi Siyan supported the old man and said, "We came to see Grandpa Yang off."

Chen Mo knew he was speaking to him. The lifelong friendship between the elders made their presence unsurprising.

What was surprising was the reaction of the Yang family. They wondered why, after the relationship had become strained, Chen Mo seemed to have a special connection with the Xi family.

The Yang family quickly greeted the elder.

After exchanging pleasantries, the elder approached Chen Mo and patted his shoulder. "I'm going to talk to your grandfather. He lived a dignified life, and he deserves a dignified farewell. Good boy, you've done well. Your grandfather would be proud."

Chen Mo looked at the elder and nodded. "Thank you."

That day, anyone who saw the scene in the hospital would have said the elder was blessed.

Many people came, crying and wailing, as if even the hardest hearts were moved by the final moments, making it truly touching.

Only Chen Mo remained silent throughout.

Looking at the frail body of the elder, Chen Mo felt a deep sense of sorrow, reminding himself that although the decision was difficult, he knew this goodbye was necessary.

The funeral followed swiftly.

Given the elder's age, it was considered a celebration of life. He had countless friends and acquaintances, and the Yang brothers agreed that it must be a grand affair.

Chen Mo moved into the house where his grandfather had lived, staying behind to sort through his belongings and not participating in the preparations.

Among the possessions, Chen Mo found photos taken each year on the elder's birthday, all carefully preserved. He also found notes the elder had written, such as: "Grandson reminded me of something today, a bit nagging." Or: "Remind Aunt Zhang to leave some midnight snacks for Xiao Mo; he's working late tonight."

Most of these notes were about him.

These little details turned the past few years into tangible memories.

On the final day of farewell, it was raining.

Chen Mo wore all black.

People came and went in the cemetery, most leaving, but Chen Mo stood beside the tombstone, holding an umbrella without moving.

Seeing his name etched on the stone, among the many descendants, he didn't stand out.

Raindrops pattered against the umbrella.

When he sensed someone beside him, Chen Mo didn't turn but spoke to the tombstone, "I left the Yang family during high school, but only today do I feel truly disconnected from them."

With a sudden urge to confide, his voice hoarse from long silence, he continued, "This process took longer than I thought and was harder than I imagined."

"You've handled it well, always," Xi Siyan affirmed. He took the umbrella from Chen Mo's hand, moving it to cover both of them, looking at him and saying, "Your parents' desire to reconcile is clear. They're waiting for you at the foot of the hill, but knowing you wouldn't want to see them, I've already declined for you."

Chen Mo looked at him. "Do you have something to ask?"

Xi Siyan dropped the extra umbrella.

It fell into the mud, rainwater washing over it, gradually accumulating into a puddle of muddy water.

Xi Siyan looked at him for a long time before asking, "In your original life, did Grandpa pass away much earlier?" Hearing this, Chen Mo suddenly recalled that distant life.

That self, from birth, was destined for a certain ending. Life was like a long, damp rain, with no hope of clear skies after the storm.

Even he himself, across the cycles of life, had forgotten him.

Forgotten how heavy the rain was on the day of the college entrance exam.

Forgotten the often crowded back garden of the Yang family's villa.

Forgotten the coldness of the Yang Group's building.

And forgotten that initial path leading to a turning point in Yuhuai Village.

"Yes," Chen Mo said.

Lightning split the sky, and the rain intensified.

Everything unusual about Xi Siyan now made sense.

If he could start over, knowing this didn't seem so outrageous.

Chen Mo didn't even ask about the time. He stepped forward, took the other umbrella from Xi Siyan's hand, and let everything be exposed under the daylight.

As the rain pounded down, Chen Mo looked at him and said, "Yes, died of a stroke, didn't suffer much, never went into ICU. Xi Siyan... he still left, just three years later."

Xi Siyan's pierced heart would never fully heal.

Cold rain mixed with icy wind howled through, leaving behind a desolate wasteland. That was a world where "Xi Siyan" could no longer find a place called Chen Mo, and it was also where his lover, bearing scars all over, had come to this point.

How did they still end up apart after those five years?

Even though things were different, he was still left alone.

Xi Siyan, through the pouring rain, pulled him close, grabbed his wet hair, tightly clasped his thin waist, and repeated, "That wasn't losing you, baby. Three years isn't short, never again."

Half an hour later.

The luxury car waiting at the foot of the mountain received two drenched figures.

Xiaolin was terrified, rushing over with an umbrella, "Mr. Xi, Mr. Chen, my goodness, how did you get so soaked?"

Chen Mo pushed Xi Siyan into the car and opened the door.

Frowning, he said, "Get the clothes he usually keeps in the trunk, and the first aid kit."

"Oh, right away!" Xiaolin thought of the large wound on Mr. Xi's back and shuddered.

By the time he hurriedly fetched the items, he saw Mr. Xi pulling off Mr. Chen's clothes, while Mr. Chen struggled, angrily saying, "Xi Siyan, you're the one who's injured."

"I'm almost fully healed," Xi Siyan continued, reaching out of the open car door, "Hand them over."

"...Oh, yes, right away!" Xiaolin quickly handed them over.

He felt that Mr. Xi seemed a bit different somehow.

Specifically, he had an unyielding control over the person in his arms.

Xiaolin dared not ask more questions or look at Mr. Chen's half-naked shoulder. He closed the car door and ran away.

He wondered if they had a fight on the mountain. Would Mr. Chen suffer?

They say Mr. Xi has been in a bad mood lately.