Chapter 26: You Can Do Whatever You Want

Chapter 26: You Can Do Whatever You Want

Huo Yaoyang's entire attention was fixed on Shen Junlan, his narrowed eyes devoid of any warmth.

Someone like Huo Yanchi—cold-blooded, selfish, with a face like a coffin lid and a violent, unrestrained temper—could actually be liked by someone. This person must be blind to see anything in him.

Huo Yaoyang’s gaze drifted downward, settling on Huo Yanchi and Shen Junlan’s intertwined hands. The disgust he felt was almost impossible to conceal.

Heh heh heh, it seemed Huo Yanchi cared deeply about him. Huo Yaoyang’s fingers clenched so hard they turned white, veins bulging, his teeth nearly grinding together to suppress a scornful laugh.

Since Huo Yanchi cared so much about him, he might as well snatch him away and ruin him.

Huo Yaoyang thought, how perfect it would be to peel off that beautiful face entirely. Just the thought made him breathe faster with excitement, as if he could already see Shen Junlan kneeling and begging for mercy.

“Brother, long time no see. How have you been lately?”

In an instant, Huo Yaoyang transformed into the image of a pitiful younger brother. His eyes overflowed with longing, as if he wanted to approach Huo Yanchi but didn’t dare. He silently stepped back, stopping about three feet away. The black parasol he held cast a shadow over his face, making his complexion appear even paler.

Huo Yanchi watched Huo Yaoyang’s performance with keen interest, saying nothing. He gently stroked *Xiao Yezi’s* jade-like fingers, acutely aware of every subtle change in *Xiao Yezi’s* breathing.

As for Huo Yaoyang? Who cared about him?

“Brother Lin Hang, my grandfather and Grandpa Lin are inside. I felt a bit stifled, so I came out for a walk. I didn’t expect to run into all of you.”

Lin Hang responded with a tight-lipped smile. If he weren’t so familiar with Huo Yanchi, he might have been fooled by Huo Yaoyang’s act too.

On the surface, he seemed harmless, but behind the scenes, he engaged in all sorts of underhanded schemes.

“Brother, it’s been so long since we last met. Don’t you have anything to say to me?”

“I’m not your brother. I haven’t been for eight years. I don’t like people who casually claim kinship.”

Huo Yanchi knew Huo Yaoyang’s nature all too well. Somewhere nearby, someone from the Huo family was watching. If his tone were even slightly harsh or his actions excessive, the accusation of bullying Huo Yaoyang would be immediately pinned on him, impossible to shake off.

“Brother, we both had our difficulties eight years ago. It was just an offhand remark meant as a joke. We’re the closest of blood brothers—we shouldn’t let a small matter come between us.”

“The Huo family will always be your home. Nothing will change because of that incident.”

Huo Yaoyang was met with Huo Yanchi’s indifferent snort.

What a joke. Even with only three people present, Huo Yaoyang was still meticulously maintaining his act. So dedicated—he deserved an Oscar.

“Huo Yaoyang, if you’re not feeling well, go back inside and rest. My garden is uneven and full of potholes—don’t trip and fall. Oh, and there’s a flower pond ahead. Don’t ‘accidentally’ fall in again.”

Shen Junlan remembered Huo Yanchi mentioning the incident of falling into the pond once, though he hadn’t gone into detail. But judging by Lin Hang’s reaction, it was likely similar to today’s scene.

First, Huo Yaoyang would provoke with words, then stage a pitiful act of being pushed into the water by Huo Yanchi, framing him.

“*Xiao Yezi*, do you know which animal is most likely to slip and fall?”

Shen Junlan thought seriously for a long time, running through all the animals he could think of. Finally, he had a sudden inspiration, and he exclaimed excitedly, “I know! It’s a fox! Because a cunning fox (*jiaohua*) is ‘slippery-footed’ (*jiaohua*)—and if its feet are slippery, it’ll fall!”

“Right, but not quite. Actually, it’s Huo Yaoyang. He slipped several times, and only when someone appeared in front of me did he ‘accidentally’ fall into the pond.”

“Huo Yanchi, what’s wrong with you?!”

The sharp roar startled Lin Hang, who had been calmly watching the show. He had never seen Huo Yaoyang like this—like an enraged clown, his frantic movements no different from a madman’s.

“*Xiao Yezi*, look, when you encounter a lunatic like this on the street, the first thing you should do is run. Who knows if he might take a bite out of you?”

Huo Yaoyang was twelve when he fell into the water. It was November, and the icy cold was bone-chilling. Huo Yanchi jumped in after him. Huo Yaoyang struggled so violently that he kicked Huo Yanchi several times. Huo Yanchi nearly drowned, his vision blurring, but driven by concern for Huo Yaoyang, he mustered all his strength and managed to pull him out.

The weakened Huo Yaoyang spat out a mouthful of water and, to the hastily arriving Huo Qu, said only one thing: “Don’t blame Brother. It was my own carelessness.”

The incident started with a small handcrafted boat Huo Yanchi had made. Huo Yaoyang had begged and pestered until he got to play with it. Despite Huo Yanchi’s objections, he insisted on testing it in the pond.

Standing on a protruding rock by the lake, Huo Yaoyang repeatedly filled the boat with water and emptied it, over and over again, thoroughly enjoying himself.

When he stood up, he reached out his hand to Huo Yanchi. He slipped several times on the smooth rock, and just as Huo Yanchi grabbed him with all his strength, Huo Yaoyang let go and plunged into the lake with a splash.

Screams and curses mingled together. The moment Huo Yanchi pulled him out, Huo Qu slapped him without another word.

“Huo Yanchi, how could you be so cruel? Pushing your brother into the lake on such a cold day. It’s just a worthless boat—what’s worth fighting over? Your brother is younger—you should know to give in to him.”

“I’ll teach you to play! I’ll teach you to bully your brother!”

Huo Qu stomped his little boat to pieces. A broken vine from the park was whipped harshly across his back. His soaked down jacket burst at the seams. Still not satisfied, Huo Qu tore the ruined clothes off him and whipped his back until it bled before finally stopping.

Huo Yanchi remembered not arguing back then. The Huo family had all gone to the hospital. He lay in bed with a fever for a day before returning to school as usual the next day.

The wounds on his back kept reopening. Living in the dormitory was inconvenient, so Huo Yanchi had to turn to Lin Hang for spare cash to get bandaged at the hospital.

There were too many incidents like this. So many that whenever Huo Yanchi recalled them, all he saw was Huo Yaoyang’s mocking smile—making a show of speaking up for him, yet every step pushing him deeper into trouble.

“Huo Yanchi, I’m not afraid of lunatics biting me. If we meet one, you’ll protect me.”

“Okay, I’ll protect you.”

Shen Junlan’s gaze fell on Huo Yaoyang’s tightly clenched fists. He was probably furious, yet had no retort.

“Brother, aren’t you going to introduce this person?”

Hmph, *Xiao Yezi*. What a disgusting term.

An intimate, almost uncomfortable term of endearment, and it actually came from Huo Yanchi’s mouth. He had always been cold and distant, never showing interest in anyone all these years. It seemed this person was incredibly important to Huo Yanchi.

“Lin Hang, isn’t Grandpa Lin waiting impatiently?”

“Right, Yanchi, let’s go, let’s go.”

A black parasol blocked Lin Hang’s path. He looked up and met Huo Yaoyang’s venomous glare.

“Brother Lin Hang, I’m afraid you won’t be able to leave just yet.”

Under Shen Junlan’s puzzled gaze, Huo Yaoyang swayed precariously. Just as he was about to fall, he used the umbrella to support himself on the ground, barely steadying his stance.

“*Xiao Yang*.”

Huo Qu hurried over with his cane. His exclamation made everything clear to Shen Junlan. He helped Huo Yaoyang sit against a stone pillar, fretting incessantly over him. “Didn’t I tell you to rest in the guest room? Why did you come outside?”

“Sorry, Grandpa, I worried you. I saw someone from the window who looked like Brother. I was afraid I’d miss him, so…”

Huo Yaoyang sniffled, looking somewhat lost as he spoke to Huo Qu. “Grandpa, why won’t Brother even acknowledge me? He used to like me the most.”

Shen Junlan pricked up his ears warily, subtly poking Huo Yanchi’s waist with his finger.

“*Xiao Yezi*, I like you the most. I did before, I do now, and I always will.”

Shen Junlan coughed twice, a satisfied smile curling his lips, his dimples winking in a faint smile. He paid no mind to Huo Qu’s murderous glare.

"Huo Yanchi, what kind of sketchy people have you brought along? Denying your own brother—what are you trying to do?"

Shen Junlan, inexplicably labeled as "dubious," was speechless: "..."

This old man truly couldn’t distinguish right from wrong. The first time they met, he tried to hit Huo Yanchi, and now he was even more determined to come after him.

"Your grandson is faking it. He doesn’t need a check-up; it’s you who should get checked—your brain, your eyes, and finally, your heart."

Shen Junlan’s words carried no sarcastic tone, but to Huo Qu, they sounded extremely harsh. Fuming with rage, he had no outlet for his anger and could only pound his cane fiercely on the ground.

"Who do you think you are? When I discipline Huo Yanchi, you have no right to speak."

"I am with Huo Yanchi. You have no right to discipline him, and your grandson has even less right."

Lin Hang’s eyes widened. Shen Junlan had defied his expectations—he was quick-witted and not someone to be easily bullied. Most importantly, he stood up for Huo Yanchi, which was rare.

"You gave birth but didn’t raise him, and when you did, you showed no fairness. You are the least qualified to speak ill of Huo Yanchi."

Shen Junlan gently stroked the watch on Huo Yanchi’s wrist. The crisscrossing scars hidden beneath the strap were the best evidence. No one in the Huo family had the right to say a single bad word about Huo Yanchi.

Shameless thing, how dare he cling onto Huo Yanchi in public? Where does that leave the dignity of the Huo family?

"Old Huo, don’t overreach. What my person is like is not for you to judge. Keep your precious grandson in check, along with his incessant acting. This is the Lin family, not your Huo ancestral home."

More and more people gathered around. In their circles, there were no secrets. Many had vaguely heard about Huo Yanchi’s fallout with the Huo family, and being on the front lines of the drama was thrilling.

Some even hoped the two sides would get into a fight, so they could profit from it.

Old Lin cleared his throat, squeezed through the crowd and calmly glanced at Huo Yaoyang, who was holding his chest in silence. He said to Huo Qu, "Huo Qu, call an ambulance for Yaoyang. If something happens to him at our Lin residence, I can’t take responsibility."

"Grandpa Lin, I’m fine. I won’t cause you any trouble. Ahem, ahem, ahem."

Huo Yaoyang grabbed Huo Qu’s arm and stood up, standing steady, showing no sign of weakness or discomfort.

"Huo Yanchi, it’s a miracle recovery! The moment everyone arrived, he suddenly recovered. Just now, he couldn’t even stand. I almost thought he was a goner."

Shen Junlan’s voice was soft but clear enough for everyone nearby to hear.

Puzzled glances fell one after another on Huo Yaoyang. Now, even if he wanted to pretend to be unwell, he couldn’t. He forced a smile, through gritted teeth in frustration.

"I’m sorry. My health has always been unpredictable—sometimes good, sometimes bad. It’s my misfortune, my fault. Grandpa Lin, please don’t be angry with me."

"Hmm." Old Lin, experienced, wasn’t buying it from Huo Yaoyang’s little act. Only Huo Qu believed he was genuinely unwell.

The atmosphere grew awkward. Everyone exchanged knowing looks, occasionally stealing glances at Huo Yaoyang with expressions that said, "We all understand."

Huo Yaoyang had never felt more anxious than at this moment. Being scrutinized and judged by everyone was unbearable. He wished he could rush forward and tear Shen Junlan’s mouth apart. Where did this disgusting person come from? He deserved to die.

Shen Junlan blinked at the fuming Huo Yaoyang. Wow, arguing with someone felt so satisfying. He needed to hurry home and learn some good comebacks online to avoid being outdone.

"Old Lin, we heard you have a valuable Clivia. We were wondering if we could have the pleasure of seeing it today."

The speaker was a young man who was sucking up to Old Lin, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a smile, as if brown-nosing was obvious all over his face.

"I do have one, but it’s been sick lately. Many people have come to examine it, but no one can figure out the cause."

Old Lin was also worried. Clivias were known to be delicate, and the one he cultivated was particularly finicky. It had been looking worse lately, and despite consulting several botany experts, no one could identify the problem. He was so anxious that blisters had formed on his lips.

Huo Yaoyang’s eyes lit up, and he volunteered, "Old Lin, why not let me take a look?"

"You?"

It was no wonder Old Lin was skeptical. Huo Yaoyang was like a sheltered flower himself—how could he possibly know about such things?

"Huo Qu, I’ve never heard you mention that Yaoyang knows about these things."

"Oh, the kid likes studying this stuff. It’s nothing major. Xiao Yang, you’ve only learned the basics. For your Grandpa Lin, don’t push yourself if you can’t handle it."

Huo Qu gave a warning in advance. If Huo Yaoyang couldn’t identify the problem, it wouldn’t be an embarrassment.

"Don’t worry, Grandpa. I’ve studied a lot about Clivia cultivation. I dare say no one here knows more than I do."

The actual Clivia, Shen Junlan, blinked silently. He leaned close to Huo Yanchi, stood on his toes, and whispered in his ear, "He definitely doesn’t know the problem. If I say something later, would it be inappropriate?"

"Not at all. My Xiao Yezi is so clever. No one would dare say a word against you."

Shen Junlan smirked. He stared unblinkingly at Huo Yaoyang, eager to see what this so-called Clivia expert would say.

A group of people gathered around the Clivia, their shadows falling over it. The plant looked visibly wilted.

"Such a disgusting person. It’s unbearable to see him."

Shen Junlan glanced at Huo Yaoyang. The Clivia was referring to him.

He sniffed carefully—it really did smell foul. Unlike the fragrant Huo Yanchi, Huo Yaoyang exuded a stench from the very marrow of his bones. The man was completely rotten.

Huo Yaoyang handled the yellowing leaves with his pale fingertips, examining them repeatedly—from the flowers to the leaves and even the soil in the pot. Looking confident, he straightened up and nodded at Old Lin.

"Grandpa Lin, I think it’s been overwatered for some time, causing the roots to rot. Let it get more sun and add some high-quality fertilizer. It should recover within three days."

Old Lin looked at Huo Yaoyang for a moment. His diagnosis was similar to what the experts had said. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have moved the pot outdoors. This was already the third day, but the plant showed no signs of improvement—in fact, the leaves were turning completely yellow.

"What kind of fertilizer would you recommend, Xiao Yang? I’ll give it a try."

The using his first name showed that Old Lin was pleased with Huo Yaoyang’s answer.

"I think phosphorus and potassium—"

"It won’t take three days. In two days, this Clivia will be completely dead."

Shen Junlan interrupted Huo Yaoyang, his finger hovering in the air as he lightly brushed the drooping leaves.

"Hang in there. I’ll save you in a moment."

"Old Lin, it’s not root rot from overwatering. Its roots have been eaten up by bugs. It’s relying on a few remaining small roots to absorb nutrients, which is why the leaves are turning yellow."

"What do you know?" Huo Yaoyang retorted, only then realizing his voice was harsh and shrill. He forced a weird, strained smile.

"What I mean is, have you ever cultivated Clivias? Why are you so sure it’s insects?"

Shen Junlan gave Huo Yaoyang a strange look and said calmly, "Huo Yanchi has been cultivating a Clivia for eight years. I am his person. Why wouldn’t I know?"

Huo Yanchi crossed his arms, looking at Shen Junlan with a loving gaze. His Xiao Yezi was glowing, especially when he said, "I am his person." Huo Yanchi’s heart warmed slightly—he adored Xiao Yezi’s confident and bold demeanor.

For a moment, Shen Junlan’s presence blended with Huo Yanchi’s. Huo Yaoyang was taken aback—he actually saw a hint of Huo Yanchi in Shen Junlan.

Dammit! Dammit! Both of them deserved to die.

Huo Yaoyang's rationality snapped, blinded by jealousy, he spoke without thinking, "Do you dare to bet? I bet it's waterlogged and rotted. You say it's insects—how about a one-yuan wager?"

"Xiao Yang, what nonsense are you talking?" Huo Qu grabbed Huo Yaoyang's wrist. Old Lin cherished this flower deeply; how could he casually propose a bet about it?

"I won't bet. Flowers and plants are living things too; they shouldn't be used as stakes recklessly. It's already suffering from illness—how pitiful. By betting one yuan, are you implying it's only worth that much?"

Shen Junlan tenderly stroked the Clivia in front of him, feeling heartbroken. It looked like it was about to cry—already distressed by the insect damage, and now insulted by the suggestion that it was only worth a single yuan, especially since Old Lin had spent a lot of money to acquire it.

"Old Lin, it really is insect damage. Just replace the soil and remove the pests, and it should recover. Also, it doesn’t like too much water or direct sunlight; it prefers damp and temperate conditions."

Shen Junlan left it at that—after all, the flower belonged to someone else, and he couldn’t just dig it up without permission.

Huo Yanchi pulled Shen Junlan up from his crouching position and ruffled his disheveled hair. His Xiao Yezi could see small animals talk, and it seemed plants were no exception.

The situation reached a stalemate. Old Lin’s expression had been grim ever since the bet was mentioned, though Shen Junlan’s words had soothed him somewhat. This flower was his beloved treasure, bought when Lin Hang’s grandmother was still alive—his emotional comfort, not some wildflower casually plucked from the roadside.

"Grandpa, why not dig it up and take a look? At worst, it might not survive, but we’ll know for sure."

Huo Yanchi’s Clivia was the real gem, much more pampered than his grandfather’s. Since Shen Junlan spoke with such confidence, he likely knew what he was talking about.

"Old Lin, I believe no one understands Clivia better than my Xiao Yezi."

Huo Yaoyang’s face turned pale, then red with anger. Huo Yanchi was truly despicable—first claiming to be the most knowledgeable, now following his lead. Disgusting!

"Yanchi, is the Clivia you raise the same variety?"

"No, mine is one of a kind—the only one in the world."

Huo Yanchi hooked his fingers with Shen Junlan’s, his eyes never leaving him. His tone was intimate, laced with a barely noticeable boast.

Everyone knew Huo Yanchi kept a Clivia, but no one had ever seen it, nor did they know just how special it was to warrant such admiration from him.

"Lin Hang, fetch the tools. I’ll dig it up and see."

Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Old Lin personally dug up the flower.

With a soft plop, a fleshy insect attached to the roots fell to the ground, curling up before slowly stretching out as it wriggled.

"Oh dear, Old Lin, it really has been gnawed away, half of it."

Chatter broke out, each word praising Shen Junlan.

Huo Yaoyang grew increasingly irritated by the grating voices, his face darkening as he fixed a venomous glare full of malice on Shen Junlan.

"Jun Lan, what should we do about these roots?"

"It’s alright. Just replant it with some humus soil, water it when the soil is slightly dry, and add some organic fertilizer. It should recover in a few days."

Shen Junlan quickly touched the Clivia, giving it a bit of his spiritual energy.

Uh-oh.

Shen Junlan swallowed hard. Huo Yanchi’s sharp gaze was fixed on his hand, his dark eyes growing even deeper. Even without a word, Shen Junlan keenly sensed that Huo Yanchi was angry.

They had just agreed the previous night not to use spiritual energy recklessly, and now, right under Huo Yanchi’s watchful eye, he had used it to save a Clivia.

With so many people around, Shen Junlan wanted to explain, but Huo Yanchi’s cold expression silenced him.

Huo Yanchi was truly furious—the kind of anger that wouldn’t be easily soothed.

"Jun Lan, we must exchange tips on plant care later. Humility makes one improve, and you clearly have the skills."

Old Lin glanced pointedly at Huo Yaoyang before quickly looking away.

Shen Junlan gave an awkward laugh. The actual flower expert, Huo Yanchi, looked about to burst like a pufferfish—there would be no exchanging tips today.

"Old Lin, it was all taught to me by Huo Yanchi. He’s the one who raises the plant; he’s skilled. His flower is very obedient, and even when it makes mistakes, Huo Yanchi always forgives it. He’s the best owner in the world."

The crowd felt something was off—this doesn't sound like a plant; it sounds more like a person.

"Yanchi, since Jun Lan says so, you can't escape either. We must exchange insights. If not for Jun Lan, my flower would have been a lost cause."

Huo Yaoyang was completely ignored. He gritted his teeth and took a few deep breaths. Huo Yanchi—just wait, he would find a way to deal with him.

Shen Junlan was too preoccupied to pay attention to the banquet. He kept stealing glances at Huo Yanchi, thinking about how to apologize and make Huo Yanchi acknowledge him.

"Yanchi, leaving so soon? It’s still early; you haven’t even had a drink."

"No need." Huo Yanchi’s tone was cold and devoid of interest.

Lin Hang instinctively looked at Shen Junlan, who also seemed distracted. He couldn’t figure out what was wrong with the two—earlier they were all lovey-dovey, now they seemed about to go their separate ways.

"Yanchi, matters of the heart require mutual consent. Coercion is never advisable."

Lin Hang’s words were like a knife to Huo Yanchi's heart. He wished he could force things, to forcefully possess Xiao Yezi completely.

But it was just a thought—Xiao Yezi was too adorable; how could he bear to bully him?

"We’re leaving."

The car ride back was silent. Even Zhao Qi, who was usually slow on the uptake, noticed the tension, hardly daring to breathe and raising the partition to minimize his presence.

The villa door slammed shut.

Huo Yanchi took two steps forward, then paused abruptly. Turning back, he encircled Xiao Yezi in his arms, pinning him step by step against the cold door.

If Xiao Yezi were more knowledgeable, he might have exclaimed, "This is a kabedon!"

"Master~"

"Hmph." Huo Yanchi sneered. Now he remembers to call me "Master"? Too late.

Shen Junlan stood on tiptoe, wrapping his arms around Huo Yanchi’s neck, his gaze meeting Huo Yanchi’s stern eyes.

"Master, I was wrong. I didn’t listen to you. I won’t do it again. But... it was so pitiful. If I hadn’t saved it, it would have died in two days. Since it's a Clivia too, I..."

"Xiao Yezi." Huo Yanchi interrupted, his thumb gently stroking Shen Junlan’s cheek as he sighed. "I was worried about you."

Those four words left Shen Junlan speechless.

Huo Yanchi was angry that he didn’t take care of himself, angry that he didn’t consider his own well-being—but he wasn’t angry at him.

"Then what should I do, Huo Yanchi? I’ve made you upset. You can do whatever you want; I’ll listen to you."

Huo Yanchi’s Adam’s apple bobbed, he felt like his whole body was about to explode.

Did Xiao Yezi even know what he was doing?!

Was he that kind of person???

Huo Yanchi thought seriously for a long time—and realized, yes, when it came to Xiao Yezi, he was utterly defenseless.