Chapter 89: Old, Brother, Old

Chapter 89: Old Man, Brother, Old Man

Pei Huai: "..."

Pei Huai secretly glanced at Song Yuqing but detected no particular expression on his face, as if he didn’t care at all.

Feeling emboldened, Pei Huai retorted, "That’s such an ugly thing to say. What do you mean by ‘being the third’? The one who isn’t loved is the real third."

"Qi Zhengqing is the third here."

Pei Wei was nearly dizzy with anger. Was Pei Huai out of his mind?

Coveting Qi Zhengqing’s wife and even wanting Qi Zhengqing to become the third—was he acting like Qi Zhengqing was dead, or did he have a death wish himself?

Pei Wei: "You’d better cut it off cleanly and soon. I… I could never agree to this."

He should have realized it earlier—back when Song Yuqing and Pei Huai joined forces to beat Tan Shu. He should have sent Pei Huai straight to the Third District back then.

Now, who knew what stage things had reached?

And who knew whether Qi Zhengqing’s head was covered in dark green or light green by now?

Pei Wei felt a headache coming on, a sense of despair washing over him. "How far have you two gone?"

Pei Huai’s gaze unconsciously returned to Song Yuqing. Two days ago, they’d reached the neck; today, it was the chest.

But when he tried to touch a second time, Song Yuqing had pulled his hand away.

The faint, cool fragrance carried a hint of moisture, and the tip of his nose had sunk into that softness, leaving him craving more.

Between driving and stealing glances at Song Yuqing, Pei Huai was already dividing his attention. He had even less mind to respond to Pei Wei’s questions.

Pei Wei’s voice grew louder, "Pei Huai, you better explain yourself properly to your father."

Jolted back to attention by Pei Wei’s outburst, Pei Huai blurted out, "We’ve reached a point of no return."

Withdraw? Impossible.

Letting go? Never in this lifetime, or the next, or the one after that.

In this life, the next, and all the lives to come, he wanted to be with Song Yuqing.

Pei Wei felt complete despair. Well, that settled it—Qi Zhengqing’s head was now thoroughly dark green.

"Your father is right."

A cold, calm voice cut through, and Pei Wei’s ranting was cut off abruptly.

Pei Wei: "..."

Song Yuqing was right there, and his worthless son hadn’t even bothered to warn him.

And here Pei Huai was, already acting like a shameless third, his allegiance completely skewed.

Pei Huai promptly hung up the phone.

"Right about what?" Pei Huai scoffed under his breath.

Song Yuqing, logical and serious, spoke to Pei Huai about their relationship—the first time he’d ever addressed it so earnestly.

"I will not divorce Qi Zhengqing. If you stay by my side, you’ll gain nothing—not even a proper status."

"Considering the balance of gain and loss, it’s not a worthwhile deal for you."

Pei Huai stomped on the brakes, pulling over to the side of the road. He turned to Song Yuqing, "Song Yuqing, aren’t you tired?"

Song Yuqing hesitated slightly, lifting his eyes to meet Pei Huai’s gaze.

"Can’t you just follow your feelings for once?"

Song Yuqing’s gaze remained cold and impassive, offering no response.

But Pei Huai became annoyed under Song Yuqing’s indifferent stare.

"You evaluate everything by usefulness and benefit. If our interests align, is that enough for you to stay? Then let me tell you—before I met you, I had no interest in emotions."

"All I ever thought about was entering the Third District. I was a scoundrel, an unprincipled rogue. But I never shirk my responsibilities. If you hadn’t appeared, I would have spent my life protecting Xinzhou, fighting for Xinzhou."

"But after meeting you, I want to protect the people of Xinzhou, and I want to protect you."

"If you want our interests to align, then after you enter the parliament, I hope you’ll fully support the Third District. You should know that military power is the foundation of any major region. My requests aren’t unreasonable, are they? The old fools in the Xinzhou parliament are incompetent and colluding, cutting military funding year after year. Your entry into parliament would benefit us both."

"If you fully support the Third District, the Third District will fully support you in return."

"That’s all I’m thinking. That’s the reason you want me to stay by your side."

"Will you still send me away?"

The alpha’s gaze locked intently on Song Yuqing, his light golden pupils glowing like molten gold, burning with an intensity that seemed to sear Song Yuqing’s image into his mind.

Because, even with all his reasoning, he was still afraid—afraid that Song Yuqing would tell him to leave.

He feared that Song Yuqing, swayed by Pei Wei’s words, would see their nascent feelings as immoral.

An alpha’s life was only decades long. He couldn’t care less about morals or conventions.

All he knew was that if he liked someone, he liked them; if his heart stirred, it stirred; if he loved, he would give his all.

Song Yuqing quietly watched Pei Huai, studying him carefully. This rogue… wasn’t just a rogue after all.

He was also…

Song Yuqing beckoned Pei Huai closer. Pei Huai leaned in naturally, his breath brushing against the tip of Song Yuqing’s nose and the corner of his eyes. At such close range, he could see every one of Song Yuqing’s long, fine eyelashes.

Just as Song Yuqing was about to speak, Pei Huai covered his mouth. "If you’re going to tell me to get lost, don’t say it."

"Trying to drive me away won’t work. I’ll be the third if I have to. I’ll make things hard for Qi Zhengqing."

"I won’t let go, even if I die," Pei Huai declared defiantly.

Song Yuqing raised his thin eyelids, moved Pei Huai’s hand away, and slipped his fingers through the alpha’s hair, pulling him closer.

As their breaths mingled and Song Yuqing guided him into a kiss, Pei Huai’s entire body went numb and stunned.

It was Song Yuqing—making the first move.

His heart felt like countless cocoons bursting into butterflies within the confined space, exploding that tight space into chaos. His mind was filled with the magnificent spectacle of that metamorphosis, a sight he would remember for the rest of his life.

Pei Huai couldn't resist the urge to part Song Yuqing's lips, to kiss him more deeply, to leave his scent lingering between Song Yuqing's lips.

Breathless, Song Yuqing grabbed Pei Huai's hair to pull him away. "That's enough."

Pei Huai's Adam's apple bobbed; even while being pulled back, he still leaned in for another kiss.

But Song Yuqing pressed a finger to his chest.

His pale face tilted up, gazing at him, the dark lashes trembling slightly from his labored breathing. Only the faint hint of moisture at the corners of his eyes hinted at the intensity of what had just happened.

"I promise you, I will do everything in my power to ensure your success in the Third District. You will be the sharpest weapon in my arsenal."

Song Yuqing's slender fingers gently stroked Pei Huai's head, as if petting a big dog.

A golden retriever, Song Yuqing thought. Pei Huai was like a golden retriever.

"That's not what we're talking about right now," Pei Huai's voice was rough and strained.

Song Yuqing looked at him, puzzled. His eyes, shining with a drowsy tenderness, made Pei Huai want to kiss him again.

He couldn't help it—he loved Song Yuqing. He was crazy about him.

Pei Huai's gaze burned hot as he stared at Song Yuqing. "You like me a little, don't you? Even if it's just a little, you still like me, right?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

Instead of answering, Song Yuqing pushed Pei Huai away and said coldly, "Let's go. We've taken too long already."

Not getting a definite answer didn't upset Pei Huai in the slightest. On the contrary, he felt overjoyed.

He believed that Song Yuqing knew the difference between liking someone and mere impulse. Song Yuqing was too clever not to know. Song Yuqing did like him.

Song Yuqing wouldn't use a kiss as a reward.

In truth, he shouldn't have been so anxious. Song Yuqing was not one to follow conventions; morality meant nothing to him.

For Song Yuqing, it was only about willingness and unwillingness.

Liking and not liking.

"Stop looking over here. Watch where you're going," Song Yuqing reminded him. "Focus."

"With you like this, I really wonder if you'd get taken captive on the battlefield because you were distracted."

Pei Huai: "..."

Pei Huai: "I wouldn't."

Song Yuqing wasn't on the battlefield, so how could he get captured by the enemy just because he was distracted?

Pei Huai's thoughts drifted, and he suddenly spoke again, "If I ever get captured, don't come to rescue me."

Song Yuqing looked at him, baffled. "What are you going on about now?"

Pei Huai had a habit of saying whatever came to his mind, with no rhyme or reason.

Pei Huai: "Anyway, don't come to save me. I need to be your armor, not your weakness."

"If I die, then I die."

"Just set up a memorial plaque for me, write 'Here Lies My Husband,' and I'll be satisfied. If you remember me, come burn some incense for me. I'll watch over you from beyond."

Song Yuqing rested his chin on his hand, quietly observing Pei Huai as he went on about his own death. He couldn't understand how Pei Huai dared to imagine such things.

Song Yuqing: "Shut up. You talk too much."

Pei Huai's lips curved into a smile, and he raised an eyebrow. "I knew you couldn't bear to see me die."

Song Yuqing: "..."

Song Yuqing originally wanted to say, "I'd love for you to drop dead somewhere," but the words died on his lips.

Perhaps it was because he knew that New Zhou would not be spared from war, and Pei Huai might truly see combat.

Song Yuqing only coldly muttered, "Stupid dog."

"Why aren't they here yet?"

Zheng Kaiji checked the time on his watch and couldn't help but ask again.

Zheng Kaiji was the representative sent by the parliament to negotiate with Song Yuqing, in full charge of the discussions.

Xiao Jinshi said with a sneer, "What's the rush? The appointment was for 3:30. It's only 3:00 now. Anyone would think you're a eunuch."

Zheng Kaiji looked at Xiao Jinshi, confused. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

Xiao Jinshi: "..."

He had been there for half an hour, and Zheng Kaiji had only just noticed his presence. Truly living up to his name—while others were discussing matters, he was still spacing out.

Xiao Jinshi: "Xiao Jinshi. I'm also here to see if I can work with Mr. Song."

Zheng Kaiji's face darkened further. The Xiao family wanted in too.

Then the six-level administrative position they had planned to offer Song Yuqing might not be enough to win him over.

When the parliament was first established, it had ten levels. As it expanded, each level became a symbol of rank and authority.

The higher the level, the higher the position.

Level six was considered a high-level position, with some minor authority.

Zheng Kaiji quickly sent a message to the other waiting councilors, informing them that Xiao Jinshi was also present.

The response from the councilors was clear: secure Song Yuqing at any cost.

Zheng Kaiji now had a plan.

Just then, Qi Zhengqing also entered. No one got up to greet him. Pei Wei stared at Qi Zhengqing's head, on the verge of saying something but holding back. Xiao Jinshi let out a cold laugh. Zheng Kaiji, preoccupied with the negotiation, didn't immediately notice Qi Zhengqing's arrival.

For a moment, the reception room remained dead silent.

Qi Zhengqing stayed for less than fifteen minutes before rising to leave. Pei Wei, who had been keeping a close eye on Qi Zhengqing's movements, stood up as soon as Qi Zhengqing did.

"Where are you headed, Mr. Qi?"

Qi Zhengqing's gaze coldly fell upon Pei Wei, enunciating each word clearly, "Picking up Qingqing."

Pei Wei was completely floored.

Song Yuqing was currently with his good-for-nothing son. For Qi Zhengqing to go pick up Song Yuqing now was no different from catching a cheating partner.

Pei Wei steeled himself to cover for his worthless son, "Da Qi, won’t you have some tea? This tea is quite good."

Qi Zhengqing’s face fell—literally, his face turned black.

"To be honest, aren’t you much older than your wife? There must be a generation gap between you, a lack of common topics. We, on the other hand, share common interests."

"An old husband with a young wife isn’t ideal." Pei Wei hinted pointedly, dropping heavy implications.

With every word Pei Wei spoke, Qi Zhengqing’s face grew darker. Xiao Jinshi watched from the side, amused.

Pei Wei, the marshal father of Pei Huai, was quite a character.

He was getting right in Qi Zhengqing's face with his provocations.

Xiao Jinshi was glad he came today—not only did he get to enjoy the show, but someone was also confronting Qi Zhengqing directly, reminding him that Song Yuqing didn’t belong to him alone. That lifted Xiao Jinshi’s spirits. Moreover, by coming to see Song Yuqing in person, he might even get the cufflinks Song Yuqing made for him.

Qi Zhengqing: "You’re thirty-eight. I’m only twenty-eight. We’re not the same age."

Pei Wei felt as if a knife had been plunged into his heart. "It’s the same thing. After all, both of us have less than ten years left to live. In terms of remaining lifespan, we’re peers. And who knows whether an accident or tomorrow will come first? Of course, I’m not wishing any misfortune upon you—I’m just saying there’s a possibility that an accident could happen tomorrow."

Old, old, brother, you’re old.

If you’re going to die, take me with you. Just leave my son alone.

You must also worry about leaving your wife alone, right?

If you die first, let my son look after your wife. My son is reliable.

Qi Zhengqing: "..."

Qi Zhengqing was speechless. With a dark expression, he turned and left.

Qi Zhengqing met Song Yuqing at the entrance of the club. Song Yuqing was alone there.

Dressed in a clean white T-shirt and black trousers, Song Yuqing stood under a tree. A gentle breeze rustled the leaves, causing the shadows to dance and fragmented light to spill over him.

His figure was clean and aloof, yet overly soft, like a devoted wife waiting for her husband.

One glance was enough to make it impossible to look away.

Who was he waiting for? Pei Huai?

Qi Zhengqing walked up, reached over Song Yuqing’s shoulder, took his hand, and asked softly, "Who are you waiting for?"

"You."

The corner of Qi Zhengqing’s lips turned up almost imperceptibly. "Mm."

"I thought you hadn’t arrived yet," Song Yuqing explained. "So I decided to wait here for a couple of minutes."

Qi Zhengqing responded, "I’ve been here for a while. I went in earlier to chat with Pei Wei for a bit. I figured you’d be here soon, so I came to pick you up."

Song Yuqing blinked slowly. "What did you talk about?"

"Pei Wei said I’m old, that we’re the same age." Qi Zhengqing said it casually but watched Song Yuqing’s expression closely.

Song Yuqing tilted his head slightly. "It’s fine. You’re not very old."

Qi Zhengqing: "A little old?"

A slight curve appeared at the corner of Song Yuqing’s lips. "Mr. Qi, do you care about your age that much?"

Qi Zhengqing sighed helplessly. "What can I do? When I’m with you, people always think I’m taking advantage of you, that I don’t have many years left, that I won’t be able to take care of you."

Song Yuqing: "You have to trust me, Qi Zhengqing."

The irregular patches of light filtering through the tree leaves, like dappled gold light, fell generously on Song Yuqing’s hair and eyelashes.

The light lingered for him, danced for him.

Song Yuqing lowered his head to unfasten Qi Zhengqing’s cufflinks and replaced them with the ones he had made.

As Song Yuqing bent down to fasten the cufflinks, Qi Zhengqing watched him intently.

Under the sunlight, the two cufflinks adorned Qi Zhengqing’s well-tailored suit, their gears glinting with a cold, metallic sheen.

Misaligned yet interlocking, the design was striking.

After admiring his handiwork for a moment, Song Yuqing asked Qi Zhengqing, "A gift for the Bonding Festival. Do you like it?"

Qi Zhengqing took Song Yuqing’s wrist, kissed the slightly cool tips of the young man’s fingers, and met Song Yuqing’s eyes, which held a hint of amusement.

He knew Song Yuqing had probably never celebrated such a festival before, so it felt novel to him. He was anticipating Qi Zhengqing’s reaction.

Qi Zhengqing played along with the kitten who was deliberately hiding his expectations and replied earnestly, "I like it."

"I am honored to yield to you."

Honored to lose himself in the fragments of Song Yuqing’s affection.

Author’s Note:

Da Qi feigned disappointment: "Wife, show me some love."

Song Qingqing: "Comfort what? If there’s a problem, solve it. Don’t wallow in self-pity here lamenting your inadequacies."