Chapter 49

Chapter 49

Time flew by after the New Year, and in the blink of an eye, the second semester of senior year was about to begin.

During this period, Pei Yan started working at Pei Corp, but to "create opportunities" for Shen Ju, the tutoring sessions continued as usual.

As previously discussed, they needed to back Shen Ju up, which meant getting together to "act" their parts.

Moreover, now that everything was out in the open, they could use sarcasm without worrying about being misunderstood.

Thus, Pei Haochuan and the others often witnessed conversations between Shen Ju and Guan Mulin that went something like this—

Guan Mulin mentioned wanting to apply to a medical university—he wanted to become a doctor.

Pei Haochuan remarked, "Med school requires top scores," and expressed some surprise that Guan Mulin wanted to be a doctor, as he had never mentioned it before.

Shen Ju, resting his chin on his hands, said, "Medical students have it rough. You’ve spent over a decade as the pampered young master of the Guan family—do you really think you can handle it?"

At this, Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng both fell silent.

Pei Haochuan also glanced at Shen Ju.

Before anyone could speak,

Guan Mulin tsk'ed. "I can definitely handle it better than you. Have you even shaken that fever completely, coming to tutoring like this?"

Then he leaned over and felt Shen Ju’s forehead for fever.

"Let Uncle Xu prescribe you some more nasty medicine."

Uncle Xu was their family doctor.

Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng: "???"

Pei Haochuan glanced at Guan Mulin again.

Before anyone could speak,

Shen Ju made a face, looking utterly miserable. "If someone like you becomes a doctor, patients will definitely be driven crazy."

Guan Mulin nodded. "Yeah, because I’m just that responsible."

The other guys: "???"

Sorry, but they really couldn’t figure it out.

Was this praise, criticism, or just plain bickering?!

Can’t you two just talk normally?!

—Scenes like this had been happening frequently lately.

At first, they had tried to mediate between the two, but now they were just used to it.

It almost felt like Shen Ju and Guan Mulin were playing some kind of "weird flirting game" they couldn’t understand...

As if some barrier had suddenly broken.

Now their conversations had even "less filter" than before.

But for some reason, it also felt like there was an inexplicable chemistry between them when they bickered.

Battling wits yet weirdly close...

It was truly hard to figure out.

There were still a few days left before school started, but since Pei Yan had already begun work, their tutoring sessions usually took place in the afternoon.

Afternoons worked well.

By the time Pei Yan got off work, they could review what they got wrong together, and then the session would wind down.

Pei Haochuan had moved back to Pei Yan’s place, as Yujin Mansion was close to Qichen, making it easy to get to school once school started. So even if Pei Yan hadn’t returned from work, they could usually have dinner there. The chefs hired were top-notch, capable of making almost anything they wanted. If not, they could always order delivery. They even had time to play games together, turning Pei Yan’s place into their little hangout spot.

Pei Haochuan was confused.

They were becoming more and more bold, yet his uncle didn’t seem to mind at all.

In fact, a few days earlier, he had even hired a chef specifically for afternoon snacks and sweets.

Even when they turned the living room into a game room, Pei Yan, upon returning from work and seeing them sitting on the floor playing games, didn’t say a word. The next day, he even had someone put down a thicker carpet.

It was like: ??

But they knew not to push their luck—they still knew their limits.

Well, they should.

At least Little Stone had people around. Occasionally, they would even take Little Stone out for walks in the evening.

Now, after Shen Ju and Guan Mulin finished their "bickering," and since it was almost dinnertime, Shen Ju said they should head to the living room to play games first.

He also wanted to decide what to order—he felt like mixing it up today.

The others were fine with that.

But after Pei Haochuan stood up, he suddenly realized that they were getting more and more comfortable, and it was always Shen Ju who started it...

Shen Ju was the one obsessed with ordering food.

Shen Ju was the one who wanted afternoon tea and desserts.

Shen Ju was the first to suggest playing games in the living room.

Although it was that game that had been in beta testing before, and they had no objections when he suggested playing it, was Shen Ju getting too comfortable at his uncle’s place?

Would he really not get kicked out one day?

Was this not pushing his uncle’s limits?

And then there was Shen Ju and Guan Mulin’s dynamic.

Pei Haochuan always felt like he had missed some development.

All of a sudden, these two didn't seem quite right somehow.

But he couldn’t figure out exactly what was off.

Moreover, Guan Mulin's behavior toward him was also...

Pei Haochuan kept thinking about it more and more...

"Ahhh!!"

Shen Ju and Guan Mulin, among others, were startled.

Han Chengfeng jumped up in fright: "Damn! What's wrong with you all of a sudden?!"

Pei Haochuan ignored Han Chengfeng and grabbed Guan Mulin's arm.

Guan Mulin: "?"

"Mu Lin, let's go out to eat."

Pei Haochuan frowned and spoke word by word: "Just the two of us."

Shen Ju's head snapped around.

996: "Wow~~ Hehe."

Guan Mulin: "............"

Although he couldn't hear 996 and Shen Ju's conversation now, he could guess that 996 must have made some noise.

The problem was that he couldn't refuse.

Han Chengfeng complained: "Why are you two going out alone to eat?"

Ke Cheng: "Shouldn't I be the one complaining?"

After all, it used to be the three of them hanging out together.

But now, they always leave him out, hmph.

Pei Haochuan: "I have something to say to Mu Lin. Do you have something to say to me?"

Han Chengfeng: "Oh, no, not really."

Ke Cheng: "But what do you two need to talk about alone?"

Han Chengfeng: "Yeah, can't you say it here?"

Pei Haochuan: "If it could be said here, would we need to go out alone to talk?"

Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng: "............"

That made sense, and they didn't know how to argue.

The two exchanged a glance, then looked at Shen Ju: "Then the three of us should go out to eat alone as well."

"Right! Let's leave out the two of them!"

Shen Ju: "No."

996: "Yeah, no!"

"These past few days, there haven't been many chances to be alone with Brother Pei, and we haven't been able to coordinate well. Host, if you stay alone, hehe~~"

Shen Ju: .........No need to make the same kind of laughter as for Guan Mulin and Pei Haochuan.

He and Brother Pei were just acting, it wasn't like there was anything real between them.

"If you go out, you won't come back, but I still have mistakes to show Brother Pei."

Han Chengfeng: "But didn't Brother Pei say he's working overtime tonight?"

Shen Ju: "My home is close by."

"I can wait here for Brother Pei to get off work."

Ke Cheng and Han Chengfeng exchanged a look.

"Alright, then we'll go out to eat."

Han Chengfeng shrugged: "Anyway, we've pretty much finished today's tasks. School starts in a few days, so if we don't have fun now, when will we?!"

Ke Cheng sounded a bit disdainful: "Again, it's just you and me..."

"Damn, it's good enough that I'm keeping you company! Didn't you see that Pei Haochuan doesn't want you anymore!"

"Ugh, what do you mean 'want' or 'not want'."

"Hehe, let's go, let's go."

Before long, Han Chengfeng and Ke Cheng, along with Pei Haochuan and Guan Mulin, had all left.

Originally, they had agreed to play games and then have dinner, but now only Shen Ju was left.

Oh, wait, Little Stone was still there to keep him company.

Guan Mulin hesitated before leaving—with only Shen Ju remaining, he and Pei Yan would be alone when Pei Yan returned.

Since everything had been cleared up, this seemed like a rare chance for the two to be alone.

Moreover, Pei Yan toward Shen Ju was also...

But Shen Ju still had to complete tasks, and they had agreed to cooperate...

Guan Mulin struggled for a long time, unsure if he should stay, but in the end, Pei Haochuan dragged him away with a sour expression.

Shen Ju scratched his cheek and sat cross-legged on the carpet.

Actually, the carpet didn't need to be thicker; the whole villa had underfloor heating, so even sitting directly on the floor tiles wouldn't be cold.

But this thick one was indeed comfortable to sit on, soft and cozy.

Shen Ju didn't play games after sitting down. Instead, he turned on the TV and started watching a random melodramatic soap opera.

The reason he could be so uninhibited at Pei Yan's house was that he could fully lean into his character portrayal—acting like someone who pushes their luck, self-importantly thinking they're special in Pei Yan's eyes. This was exactly one of the traits of the malicious true young master—being self-centered and sentimental, doing whatever it takes to be annoying, yet believing the other person's patience is indulgence and doting.

Then later, he would be harshly put in his place and hit rock bottom.

Eventually, he would do something extreme—like seeking revenge on Pei Yan or drugging him.

Shen Ju's face reddened as he thought about it, feeling that he had really been influenced by 996, now making up "plotlines" so smoothly.

He leaned to the side, resting his face on the sofa, watching the soap opera to gain more "knowledge" while mocking himself for getting better and better at making up stories.

As he was lost in thought, he suddenly heard the sound of the door opening.

Shen Ju turned to look, slightly surprised: "Brother Pei? Didn’t you say you were working overtime?"

How come you’re back so soon?

Pei Yan walked in wearing his overcoat: "Checked the cameras."

Shen Ju tilted his head: "Hm?"

Pei Yan cocked an eyebrow at Shen Ju and suddenly said, "You’ve been eating and drinking here at my place, and you even want me to go over your wrong answers and tutor you in the evening. Don't you think you should read the room?"

996 reacted: "Right, host! It’s just you and Pei Yan alone now—now's your chance to make a move!"

"What a rare opportunity! Brother Pei is hinting at you! How come you're so clueless?"

Shen Ju: "..."

Perhaps it was because what he had to do was different.

Even though things had been clarified about it in front of Pei Yan, actually making a move on Pei Yan... was just too embarrassing.

So, Shen Ju instinctively wanted to avoid it.

But now, both Pei Yan and 996 had reminded him...

Shen Ju pressed his lips together and got to his feet.

After a moment’s thought, he approached Pei Yan.

Pei Yan remained motionless.

He hadn’t taken off his overcoat yet.

Since he'd gone to work, he was still wearing a suit underneath. He had changed into slippers, but he hadn't taken off any of his other clothes. As Shen Ju got closer, he could even smell the scent of cologne.

Shen Ju paused.

He noticed that after Pei Yan started working at the Pei Corporation, he hadn't been as casual as he had been at Xinghe. His attire had become more professional and formal, making him appear even more mature.

Now, Pei Yan still had brought in a chill from outside, and the fabric of his clothes felt cold to the touch.

Even wearing flat slippers, he still stood a good half-head taller than Shen Ju.

He had this commanding presence.

Shen Ju felt inexplicably nervous.

He looked up and flashed Pei Yan a placating smile: "Brother Pei, let me help you get your coat off?"

Pei Yan didn’t say anything.

His expression remained neutral as he simply looked at Shen Ju.

Shen Ju met Pei Yan’s gaze for a moment, then immediately lowered his head and reached out to fumble with the overcoat Pei Yan was wearing.

The overcoat wasn’t buttoned up, so it was easy to pull off.

And the draping was good too, so taking it off of Pei Yan wasn't difficult.

But just as he took it off, he saw Pei Yan reach up and loosen the tie at his collar.

In an instant, the stern businessman seemed to relax a bit.

The next second, he lifted a finger to hook under Shen Ju's chin, raising it slightly with his knuckle.

“So well-behaved.”

When Pei Yan said this, his expression remained unchanged, but as he lowered his hand, he raised an eyebrow at Shen Ju.

Shen Ju’s nervous mood eased a little bit.

He thought to himself, Brother Pei is getting really into character.

But he still felt somewhat at a loss around Pei Yan.

It hadn't been noticeable a few days ago.

Now, being alone together, he felt increasingly awkward.

Well, not exactly awkward—just… uncomfortable?

Maybe it was also influenced by what Pei Yan had said earlier, about getting engaged and all that. Those words kept replaying in Shen Ju’s mind over and over lately. Every time he thought about it, he’d turn it over in his mind, thinking that Pei Yan was sacrificing too much for him. Would they really have to be "forced into it" and get engaged? What if Pei Yan found someone he liked later? What if others misunderstood?

And also…

Acting along with Brother Pei was so awkward!!

This feeling wasn't as strong around Guan Mulin or Qin Suxi, but it was exceptionally strong in front of Pei Yan!

If it weren't for the fact that the task energy gauge was actually increasing, Shen Ju really wouldn't know if he had the motivation to keep going!

Fortunately, he didn't have to keep up the act constantly.

Otherwise, how does 996 end up with so many bugs? Even the system's judgment alone was problematic.

But luckily, there were issues, which let them find workarounds.

He shouldn't push his luck beyond that.

Pei Yan strode upstairs, and Shen Ju tagged along eagerly behind, carrying the overcoat.

"Brother Pei, what else can I do for you?"

"Can I come into your room with you?"

"Where should I put this overcoat? I can put it away for you."

Pei Yan pushed open the bedroom door, threw a look back at Shen Ju and said, "Why don't you just help me get changed too?"

After speaking, he held the door open to make it easier for Shen Ju to follow him in.

Pei Yan’s room was the master bedroom, so of course it was huge.

Inside, there was also a spacious walk-in closet, about 30 square meters in size.

Shen Ju had long known where Pei Yan’s bedroom was, but this was the first time he'd actually been inside.

Shen Ju spent most of his time in the study when he was at Pei Yan's house.

He never thought he'd get the chance to check out Pei Yan's bedroom now.

First impression: Wow, it's huge.

Second impression: Wow, it's so barren.

The bedroom was huge, but it had very little in it.

Apart from the essentials, there was hardly any extra stuff to be seen.

After entering the walk-in closet, he noticed there were plenty of clothes, but they were limited to just a few styles, and there were only a few colors.

This reminded Shen Ju of his first visit to Pei Yan's place. Back then, whether it was the study or the living room downstairs, the style was quite similar to Pei Yan's bedroom.

It felt as if, without Little Stone's presence, there wouldn't be much liveliness.

But now, the study, living room, and even the dining room were no longer like that.

Shen Ju scratched his cheek sheepishly, wondering if Brother Pei blamed him for changing his home so much.

Just as he was thinking this, suddenly, Shen Ju froze on the spot.

Because Pei Yan had started taking off his clothes in the walk-in closet.

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Author's note: Brother Pei: Now everything I do is justified.

After all, he's "creating opportunities" for JiuJiu. [sunglasses]