Chapter 77 The Eldest Young Master Is Back

Chapter 77: The Young Master Returns

As soon as class ended, Cheng Feng, Shang Shaohao, Zhang Yuantao, and Ye Ming—a few strikingly good-looking guys—were instantly mobbed by a crowd of girls.

At an ordinary school, this might not have caused such a stir. But this group was not only kids from powerful, well-known families; they were also top students who got in on their own grades. Whether for friendship or connections, getting close to them was a huge advantage. Who wouldn't want to curry favor with a powerful family?

Cheng Feng was the most popular among them.

It wasn't solely due to his looks, but more because of his incredibly clean, pure vibe, which made people instinctively want to get closer.

Throughout the three years of high school, Cheng Feng became the school's undisputed star, his every move attracting countless attention.

Girls lining up to confess their feelings to him was a constant thing. However, anyone who managed to talk to Cheng Feng a bit more would soon get iced out and picked on by the other girls.

To prevent the girls from fighting over him, Cheng Feng gradually became more and more cold and distant, turning a blind eye to all the girls trying to get his attention. Over time, no one dared to approach him so easily, and the drama around him finally died down.

During these three years, Cheng Feng never gave up on seeking treatment for his mother. He switched hospitals several times, but her mental condition showed no signs of improvement.

Refusing to accept fate, he turned to Shang Shaohao, asking for his help in finding a better hospital.

Shang Shaohao treated him like his own brother and, without a second thought, pulled some strings to get her into a top-tier psychiatric hospital in the country.

Academically, Cheng Feng didn't dare slack off even a little. Neither did he and Shang Shaohao neglect their martial arts training.

Because of this, throughout high school, whenever anyone started trouble or tried to pick a fight, it was always the other party who ended up flat on their back.

In the blink of an eye, the college entrance exams arrived.

Sitting in the examination hall, Cheng Feng felt completely calm inside.

Three years of coming in first had given him absolute certainty about this exam. The countless nights of diligent study and sweat had long since transformed into a confidence that was bone-deep. He was certain he would not only take first place but also become the provincial champion.

A month later, the results were announced. As expected, Cheng Feng, as the provincial champion, was admitted to the country's most famous top-tier university—the very same one Shang Xu had attended years ago.

Stories about Shang Xu were still told within this university.

On the first day of the new semester, as soon as Cheng Feng entered his dorm room, he heard his roommate exclaim excitedly:

"I worked my butt off to get into this school just to follow in Senior Shang Xu's footsteps…"

Cheng Feng didn't hear the rest. He sat at his desk, put on his headphones, and let English music fill his ears.

Thinking about it, it had been four and a half years since he last saw Shang Xu. He wondered how the young master's leg was now. Had it healed completely?

Shang Shaohao and Zhang Yuantao were admitted to the neighboring university, just a ten-minute walk from his school.

A few days after registration, Shang Shaohao excitedly video-called him.

"Hey, Cheng Feng, how's your dorm?"

Cheng Feng put on his headphones, looking at Shang Shaohao on the screen. "Not bad, pretty similar to the high school dorm."

"I've got some huge news for you!" Shang Shaohao's voice was brimming with barely contained excitement. "My brother is back! Just today! He returned to the manor! And his leg is healed! I'm planning to go home for a visit. You wanna come with?"

Home?

Cheng Feng froze for a second. He had long since lost his own home, but over the years, the Shang Family Manor had quietly become the place he thought of as home.

His heart began to pound uncontrollably. Suppressing his excitement, he responded firmly:

"Yeah, let's go back together."

"Then hurry up and pack! Drive over to pick me up!"

"Okay."

Shang Shaohao was only sixteen. Even though he was in university, he wasn't old enough to have a driver's license.

Cheng Feng had just turned eighteen this year. On his birthday, he went and got his license. The car was a gift from Shang Shaohao, said to be his coming-of-age present, for him to use however he wanted.

Cheng Feng never said it out loud, but he always remembered this kindness, planning to prepare an equally valuable gift for Shang Shaohao when he came of age.

He quickly packed a few changes of clothes and drove to the neighboring university. When Zhang Yuantao heard they were going back to the Shang Family Manor, he made a fuss about tagging along. In the end, the three young men set off together, speeding towards City C.

-

Shang Family Manor.

At the entrance of the villa where Shang Xu resided within the Shang Family Manor, Cheng Feng parked the luxury car, got out, and walked to the front door with Shang Shaohao and Zhang Yuantao.

Shang Xu was sitting on the living room sofa. His legs appeared fully healed. He was dressed in black and looked healthy and strong, not much changed from four and a half years ago—still just as handsome.

Only, there was something new in his expression now—the restraint and maturity of an adult. His entire demeanor was more steady and reliable than before.

Shang Xu was surrounded by people: Master Shang, Madam Shang, Shang Nanzhou, Shang Zixuan, Butler Liu, several servants, a few of Shang Xu's friends, and many Shang family relatives Cheng Feng didn't recognize.

Shang Shaohao's eyes instantly reddened. Yelling "Brother!" he rushed into the living room.

Hearing the commotion, everyone in the living room turned to see the boy running over in tears, crying his heart out.

Shang Xu stood up, quickly strode forward, and embraced him, messing up his hair. "You've grown taller again."

Shang Shaohao buried his face in his brother's chest, sobbing loudly:

"Brother, I thought you'd never come back. It's been four and a half years. Didn't you miss us?"

He understood in his heart that his brother hadn't wanted to return home back then because he couldn't bear the blow of being disabled by his leg injury. Someone so proud would never let others see him in such a wretched state.

After crying for a good while, Shang Shaohao finally looked up, sniffling as he asked, "Brother, is your leg completely healed now?"

Shang Xu nodded. "I can run and jump. It's fully recovered. I just can't exercise for too long, or it gets a bit sore. Otherwise, it's fine. The doctor said with proper recuperation, there's a possibility of full recovery."

Shang Shaohao let out a huge sigh of relief, then pressed on:

"Brother, are you going back abroad?"

"No. My primary doctor has moved his practice to the country. I'll continue treatment here from now on."

Cheng Feng and Zhang Yuantao were still standing outside the door. Zhang Yuantao nudged his arm. "Aren't you going in?"

Cheng Feng shook his head. Even if he went in, he wouldn't know what to say to the young master. Besides, what could a mere housekeeper's son have to say? He'd probably just be scolded for being presumptuous.

Zhang Yuantao smiled. "Then let's go for a walk outside. Their family will probably be talking for a long time. We can go get some good food tonight and head back to school tomorrow."

Cheng Feng gave a soft "Mhm," then glanced into the living room one more time, his eyes meeting Butler Liu's gaze.

Butler Liu gave him a meaningful look, signaling for him to go out and have fun first, not to go in and join the crowd—otherwise, he'd just end up being put to work.

Cheng Feng blinked, understanding the message, and followed Zhang Yuantao away from the manor.

The two found a nearby bubble tea shop and sat down for a drink. In the evening, they went for Cheng Feng's favorite spicy clams with vermicelli—fiery, fragrant, and affordable at just fifteen yuan a serving, with free noodle refills.

After a satisfying meal, the two wandered through a nearby night market. They didn't leisurely make their way back until 10:30 p.m., returning to the Shang family villa.

The villa had emptied out. Only Shang Xu remained in the living room, sitting on the sofa and working on his laptop.

Zhang Yuantao had gone to spend the night at Shang Shaohao's villa. Cheng Feng gently pushed open the living room door, walked up to Shang Xu, and gave a slight bow. "Young Master."

Shang Xu looked up, his gaze settling on him, and spoke calmly, "You've grown taller."

His voice carried a hint of magnetism. Cheng Feng listened, thinking the Young Master's voice was even more pleasant than he remembered.

After hesitating for a long while, Cheng Feng finally asked softly, "Young Master, were those years abroad... were you doing alright?"

The corner of Shang Xu's mouth quirked, revealing a faint smile. "Not bad. By the way, I heard about you from Shao Hao. Quite impressive, actually becoming the top scorer in the province."

Cheng Feng pressed his lips together. In truth, he had so much he wanted to say. He wanted to express his gratitude to the Young Master, but when the words reached his lips, he didn't know how to begin.

After being apart for so long, an unaccountable distance seemed to have grown between them.

In the end, he only responded softly:

"Mm."

Shang Xu smiled, with a dismissive wave like an elder. "Go get some sleep."

Cheng Feng stood rooted to the spot, feeling somewhat uneasy. Nominally, he was the Young Master's caretaker, but he hadn't worked for many days. Yet, he received a salary every day and could attend school for free.

If it weren't for the Young Master's support, he couldn't have afforded the tuition fees, let alone saved money for his mother's medical treatment.

"Young Master, shall I help you with washing up?"

Hearing this, Shang Xu put down the laptop in his hand, stood up, and looked at him. He was slightly taken aback. This kid had grown so fast, actually standing a good half-head taller than him now.

"No need, you go and rest. I heard from Shao Hao that you have to return to school for classes tomorrow."

Cheng Feng lowered his gaze. Since the Young Master had said so, he couldn't insist any further. He had no choice but to turn and return to his own room.

After washing up and lying in bed, Cheng Feng tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He couldn't quite explain why. Perhaps it was the guilt in his heart, or perhaps it was the feeling of indebtedness—he owed the Shang family far too much.

He was supposed to be a caretaker, yet he hadn't fulfilled his duty of looking after the Young Master. Just thinking about this made his heart feel heavy.

After graduation, he must repay the Shang family and repay the Young Master for his nurturing.