Chapter 38

Chapter 38

After New Year's Day, the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival grew more intense. The TV series "Yu Lin Ling," which Su Tinghe invested in, also premiered online during the winter break.

At first, the audience consisted only of some of Su Tinghe's live-stream viewers and a few scattered fans of Ruan Xiting's band. However, as word of mouth spread, a large general audience flooded in, and the popularity of the TV series soared.

Every night, Su Tinghe made sure to watch two episodes with Shang Huoyong before calling it a night.

As the Lunar New Year approached, Su Tinghe and Shang Huoyong discussed what gifts to bring to Shang Huoyong's parents for the Lunar New Year. However, Shang Huoyong told Su Tinghe that they would be spending the New Year at his grandfather's house.

This was the first time Su Tinghe learned that Shang Huoyong had a grandfather, as he had not seen him during their wedding.

Shang Huoyong explained that since his grandmother passed away a few years ago, his grandfather had lived a reclusive life, only appearing during the Lunar New Year.

He seemed like a bit of a quirky, reclusive old man, which made Su Tinghe anxious about what gift to bring for the elderly.

Shang Huoyong reassured him that there was no need to prepare anything expensive, as his father and Second Uncle's gifts had never seemed to particularly please his grandfather. Rather than something expensive, it’s better to give something heartfelt, or even skip the gift altogether.

As a junior, Su Tinghe dared not take Shang Huoyong's advice lightly, especially since it was his first time meeting Shang Huoyong's grandfather. Seeing Su Tinghe pondering every day, Shang Huoyong jokingly said, "If you were really pregnant now, that might be the best New Year's gift."

Embarrassed and annoyed, Su Tinghe hurled a pillow at Shang Huoyong: "Stop saying that!"

Shang Huoyong caught the pillow and pulled Su Tinghe back to continue watching the TV series. While watching, Su Tinghe suddenly thought of making a "Hundred Longevity Characters" painting as a gift for the elderly.

Putting his plan into action, Su Tinghe finished the "Hundred Longevity Characters" painting just before New Year's Eve. He had it framed and brought it, along with Shang Huoyong's parents, to his grandfather's house.

Shang Huoyong's grandfather lived in a remote suburb southwest of the city, set against a mountain backdrop, away from water, with stunning views. When they arrived, the wintersweet in the yard was in full bloom.

Grandpa Shang waited under the pale yellow wintersweet blossoms for their arrival. As they approached, a faint smile crossed his thin face, and he pointed at Su Tinghe, asking Shang Huoyong, "So this is Su Tinghe?"

Shang Huoyong nodded and was about to introduce him when voices calling "Dad" and "Grandpa" came from afar in the yard. Su Tinghe turned and saw Shang Huoyong's Second Uncle, Second Aunt, and cousin Shang Yizhi arriving.

"It's so cold in the yard, Dad, let's go inside quickly," Second Uncle said, helping Grandpa Shang.

The whole family chatted and laughed as they entered the house. After everyone was seated, Second Uncle took out a pre-prepared calligraphy piece, "This is a calligraphy piece Mingzhu heard you admired. Dad, do you like it?"

Second Aunt and Second Uncle held the calligraphy, watching Grandpa Shang's reaction. The calligraphy read "Wei Rui Fan Zhi" in large characters.

Grandpa Shang nodded slightly, "Not bad, quite thoughtful."

Second Uncle looked at Shang Huoyong's father, "Big brother, what did you bring for Dad?"

"I heard Dad has been practicing calligraphy recently, so I bought an inkstone." Shang Huoyong's father took out a rectangular inkstone, its edges carved with intricate cloud patterns, and a few warm jade stones embedded above the cloud patterns. It wasn’t costly, but it was distinctive.

Grandpa Shang rubbed it a couple of times and commented, "Not bad."

Su Tinghe noticed Grandpa Shang's stern expression and thought the old man was difficult to impress. His hand-written "Hundred Longevity Characters" painting probably wouldn't earn a smile from him.

Shang Huoyong gently pushed Su Tinghe forward, "Grandpa, Su Tinghe has prepared a gift for you too. Go ahead and show it to Grandpa."

Su Tinghe unfolded his framed "Hundred Longevity Characters" painting and presented it to everyone. Grandpa Shang stepped closer to take a detailed look and asked, "Did you write this yourself?"

"Yes, I wrote it myself," Su Tinghe nodded.

At last, a visible smile spread across Grandpa Shang's face, and he nodded repeatedly, "I like it very much."

Second Uncle glanced at the 'Hundred Longevity Characters' painting and then at Su Tinghe, thinking a child’s work couldn’t match a master’s.

Grandpa Shang put on his reading glasses and examined each "Longevity" character one by one, asking Su Tinghe, "How long have you been practicing calligraphy?"

Su Tinghe replied, "I've been practicing since I was young."

Shang Yizhi interjected, "I never saw you write back in school."

Su Tinghe calmly said, "I didn't write much back then, but I've recently picked it up again. I hope Grandpa doesn't mind."

Grandpa looked up at the two of them, "You and Yizhi were college classmates, right?"

"Yes, we were in the same major and class, even shared a dorm, so we often went to class together," Shang Yizhi said.

Shang Huoyong: "I remember you commuted to college."

Shang Yizhi smiled, "Yes, Su Tinghe also commuted, but we hung out a lot back then. Who would have thought we'd become family later."

Second Aunt Ye Mingzhu thought for a moment and added, "I never heard you mention Su Tinghe back then."

"I hung out with so many friends, Mom, how could you know them all?" Shang Yizhi leaned against Second Aunt and said.

Ye Mingzhu: "When will you settle down like your big brother? I'd feel better then. I've introduced some people to you, make time to meet them."

Before Shang Yizhi could speak, the old man spoke first, "Kids have their own paths, let him handle his marriage, don't worry so much."

Second Uncle also chimed in, "You worry too much, it's exhausting. Listen to Dad, let it go." Ye Mingzhu smiled and said no more.

Grandpa seemed to really like the longevity chart Su Tinghe gave him, asking many questions about calligraphy. In the afternoon, he even took Su Tinghe to the study to write for a while.

Su Tinghe didn't get why everyone praised his calligraphy for its ancient charm. The more they praised, the more Su Tinghe felt uneasy, as if he had been seen through. As someone from ancient times, having an ancient charm was natural.

Maybe because it was New Year's Eve, Grandpa didn't keep Su Tinghe long. When Shang Huoyong came to the study to find him, the old man went with them to the hall.

In the hall, Shang's mom, dad, Second Aunt, and Shang Yizhi were playing mahjong. Seeing Su Tinghe come out of the study, Shang's mother immediately waved, "Tinghe, take my spot, I'll check on the New Year's Eve dinner."

After Su Tinghe sat down, Second Aunt also called the old man to take her place. Su Tinghe got lucky, winning a few times, but Grandpa won more.

When it was time for the New Year's Eve dinner, everyone moved from the mahjong table to the dining table. In the middle of the lively meal, Second Uncle suddenly said, "The company's been in chaos lately over the home companion robot you pushed for. Shang Huoyong, don't you have something to say about it?"

The old man slammed his wine glass on the table, "It's New Year's, let's not bring up work."

Second Uncle raised his voice, "Dad, the company's stock keeps dropping over this, with claims of plagiarism and privacy breaches. As the CEO, shouldn't Shang Huoyong give an explanation?"

Shang Huoyong leaned back in his chair, calmly saying, "What do you want me to say, Second Uncle? Should I resign?"

"What kind of attitude is that?" Second Uncle pointed at Shang Huoyong, his expression very serious, "It's not just me, the whole board has problems with you."

The New Year's Eve dinner, which had been going well, suddenly took a turn. Su Tinghe heard Second Uncle's words, realizing things looked bad for Shang Huoyong. He quickly grabbed Shang Huoyong's hand to comfort him, but Shang Huoyong just played with his fingers.

"I know," Shang Huoyong showed no panic or worry in the face of Second Uncle's accusations. Compared to the company's current issues, Shang Huoyong found Su Tinghe's fingers more interesting.

Second Uncle felt like he'd hit a wall, powerless. Others stepped in to calm things, and the dinner barely went on, but everyone was distracted, except Shang Huoyong, who kept eating and serving Su Tinghe.

After dinner, the old man called Shang Huoyong to the study. Su Tinghe waited nervously outside, glancing over often, pacing uneasily.

No one knew what the two talked about in the study, only hearing their voices grow louder, accompanied by a booming "Get out!" as Shang Huoyong slammed the door and left.

Su Tinghe quickly ran to Shang Huoyong's side, looking him over, "Did Grandpa hurt you?"

"What are you thinking?" Shang Huoyong ruffled Su Tinghe's hair, taking his hand, "Let's go home."

"Ah!" Su Tinghe was stunned, "Aren't we staying to see the New Year in?"

"Grandpa probably doesn't want to see me right now," Shang Huoyong said as he held Su Tinghe's hand and walked out. Su Tinghe followed Shang Huoyong to the door, where Shang's mother caught up with them.

Shang's mother hesitated, unsure of what to say, and finally said, "Take care on your way back. Tinghe, look after him for me."

Su Tinghe nodded and then left Grandpa's house with Shang Huoyong. Since Grandpa lived on the outskirts, many households nearby were setting off fireworks and firecrackers.

Shang Huoyong asked Su Tinghe, "Do you want to set off fireworks?"

The topic changed too quickly, and Su Tinghe, unsure of Shang Huoyong's mood, didn't respond immediately. Shang Huoyong said, "Once we're back, we won't be able to set off fireworks."

Shang Huoyong had the driver stop the car, got out, and bought some fireworks from the people setting them off. He then took Su Tinghe to an open area and didn't return to the villa until all the fireworks had been set off.

Su Tinghe was concerned about Shang Huoyong, but after New Year's Eve, Shang Huoyong seemed perfectly fine, showing no signs of being affected by the events of that night. Su Tinghe privately followed up on the matter mentioned by Second Uncle and found that Second Uncle hadn't exaggerated at all—the situation was indeed very bad. Even Shen Shixi, who was far abroad, called to inquire.

Calm is the precursor to a storm. Just when Su Tinghe thought things were settling down, one morning, Shang Huoyong's alarm didn't go off.

Su Tinghe lay in Shang Huoyong's arms, looking at the bright light outside the window, urging Shang Huoyong to get up quickly and go to work. But Shang Huoyong only held Su Tinghe tighter and mumbled, "I don't have to go to work anymore."

A bad premonition flashed through Su Tinghe's mind, and he asked Shang Huoyong what was wrong. Shang Huoyong opened his eyes and told him expressionlessly, "The board has fired me. I don't have to go to work anymore."

Su Tinghe's eyes widened in shock as he suddenly remembered Shang Huoyong's words—that a master had told him he shouldn't engage in marital relations after marriage, or else there would be disaster. Previously, Su Tinghe had been half-skeptical about the master Shang Huoyong mentioned, but now he believed that the master was indeed a master.

Su Tinghe's eyes reddened, and his voice trembled with tears, "This is all my fault."

Shang Huoyong was caught off guard by Su Tinghe's reaction. Although, to be honest, his misfortune in his previous life was entirely Su Tinghe's fault, this time it seemed to have nothing to do with Su Tinghe.

"How did you cause this?" Shang Huoyong asked.

Su Tinghe sobbed, "The master told you to abstain, but you and I..." Su Tinghe clung to Shang Huoyong's arm and asked, "Where's the master? Can we find him and see if there's a way to fix this?"

Shang Huoyong hadn't expected that an excuse he had made up long ago would be remembered by Su Tinghe. He quickly thought of a lie to tell Su Tinghe, "The master's still traveling. I have no idea where he is."

Su Tinghe became even more heartbroken, a hint of crimson appearing at the corners of his eyes. Shang Huoyong used his thumb to wipe away the tears at the corners of Su Tinghe's eyes and said, "This isn't your fault. It was just an accident."

Su Tinghe then recalled the glass of wine Su Qingyue had given him and wondered, "Does Su Qingyue know about this? Did he set you up to break the rule?"

"Probably not," Shang Huoyong observed Su Tinghe's expression and said softly, "The person in room 1407 is Shang Yizhi."

Su Tinghe's pupils dilated in shock, tears still welling in his eyes. "Then why did the waiter give me the key to 1407?"

Su Tinghe couldn't figure it out, but then he thought that if he had really drunk the wine and opened the door to room 1407, forcing himself on Shang Yizhi, he would never be able to clear his name. Su Qingyue had it out for him from the beginning.

Su Tinghe felt a wave of fear as he recalled the incident and began to cry in Shang Huoyong's arms. Shang Huoyong had lost his job because of him, and Su Tinghe secretly made up his mind. He said to Shang Huoyong, "Husband, I can make money to support you."

"You?" The sudden turn left Shang Huoyong struggling to follow Su Tinghe's logic.

Su Tinghe explained to Shang Huoyong, "The TV drama *Yu Lin Ling* is a big hit right now. I made a lot from my earlier investment, and many of the drama's songs feature lyrics I wrote. I heard some people have already approached me to write lyrics. I didn't want to bother before, but now I can write for them."

Shang Huoyong wanted to say that just because he wasn't working didn't mean he had no money to spend, but seeing Su Tinghe's serious expression, he decided not to explain. Instead, he said with a touch of sadness, "Then I'll have to depend on you from now on. I'll be living off your earnings."

After deciding to earn money to support the family, Su Tinghe became as energetic as if he had been injected with adrenaline. Considering the need to make money, Su Tinghe withdrew from all his courses at Jiusong Academy. After all, he hadn't been there to truly study—he had already learned pinyin and basic arithmetic, so he no longer needed an excuse to continue attending.

However, Bai Hua's teacher was reluctant to let Su Tinghe go and told him about a calligraphy exhibition after the New Year, hoping Su Tinghe could contribute a few more pieces.

Su Tinghe wanted to say he didn't have time, but the teacher half-jokingly encouraged him, "Maybe someone will take a liking to your work. Being appreciated and collected by someone would be a fortunate thing."

Then he definitely had time. Su Tinghe immediately assured the teacher, "I'll write seriously."

With another way to earn money, Su Tinghe went back and told Shang Huoyong right away. Shang Huoyong wanted to tell Su Tinghe the truth several times—that their family really wasn't short of money—but the words stuck in his throat, and what came out was, "You're really working hard."