Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Unlike wealthy heirs like Li Yanchuan, for an ordinary person like Song Nian, "cars" weren't just luxury vehicles.

Of course, they also weren't just about four wheels.

There were also the legendary two-wheeled e-bikes—fast and nimble, going wherever you pointed them.

The reason he chose to buy this was not for price reasons, but for another, more important reason.

Song Nian wasn't exactly a good driver.

As a so-called "veteran driver" with a license for six years but zero actual driving experience, he had almost no experience driving independently. Having not touched a car in so long, he didn't even know how much his driving skills had rusted.

Probably to the point he could still tell the gas pedal from the brake.

He probably couldn't even work a clutch anymore.

Therefore, when Li Yanchuan suggested picking a car from the garage, he naturally refused outright.

Are you kidding? Let a rookie start with a luxury car? That's setting the bar way too high.

A single scratch and half a month's salary goes down the drain. Just sitting in it gripping the wheel would make him anxious.

In comparison, a two-wheeler was way easier to ride.

But judging by the dark, unreadable look on Li Yanchuan's face, had he done something wrong?

Seeing this, Song Nian blinked rapidly, cautiously gauging his reaction, not daring to speak.

"You... bought this thing?"

Li Yanchuan asked with a frown.

When he heard the yes, his brow furrowed even more.

He hadn't expected the five thousand in that text was the full price, not a deposit.

How did things get even worse?

The big CEO, who'd had zero exposure to e-bikes, was now eyeing this strange two-wheeler suspiciously.

What was so great about this thing? Could it even compare to the ones in his garage?

Why would Song Nian rather buy this than accept the ones he was offering?

It wasn't like he was just offering to let him use them—if he wanted, he could give him the whole lot outright.

After voicing his doubts, a rare flustered look crossed Song Nian's face.

"Uh, actually, this car is pretty good too. Don't let its size fool you—it's super convenient—"

He started stammering as he began listing the e-bike's advantages, clearly trying to change the subject.

Of course, Li Yanchuan wouldn't be fooled by such a lame trick.

"Do you look down on my money, or do you hate the stuff I give you?"

His face went cold, and he asked in a low voice.

Hearing this, Song Nian instantly became alert.

—Something was off. He could smell trouble.

What's up with you rich people? Why are you upset just because I bought an e-bike?

Do places full of money just not allow us common folks to have the things we love?

"I don't."

He pouted, looking totally wronged, and even seemed to be trying to act cute to get out of it.

"Then why won't you drive the cars in the garage, and instead buy this? I can give you every single car in the garage."

Li Yanchuan pressed.

"What would I do with all those cars of yours?"

"So you just don't want to accept my gifts?"

Oh man, how did the conversation get so derailed? Song Nian was so flustered he almost jumped off the bike and stomped his foot.

He had almost forgotten that the man in front of him was extremely sensitive and suspicious. Even though he had just bought an e-bike, if he didn't explain clearly, the guy would probably start imagining all sorts of things again.

Thinking this, Song Nian sighed helplessly and decided to just come out with it.

Seeing the troubled, hesitant look on Song Nian's face, Li Yanchuan's expression darkened.

Countless excuses and possible reasons raced through his mind, even the worst-case scenario.

He held his breath, ready to hear the answer and decide whether it was true or not.

But to his surprise, he heard a plaintive voice say:

"I can't drive. What would I do with all those cars of yours?"

Hearing this, the man in the wheelchair visibly froze for a second, a look of confusion spreading across his face.

"You... can't drive?"

He squinted, asking hesitantly.

"It's not that I can't... I have a license, I just haven't driven in years."

It was kind of embarrassing for a grown man to admit that. Song Nian quickly added, awkwardly scratching his cheek and looking away.

Li Yanchuan had thought it was a refusal to accept a gift, but it turned out the gift was simply no use to him.

After learning the reason, Li Yanchuan lowered his head, lost in thought.

He had so much information on Song Nian, and yet he didn't know he couldn't drive.

Was the information incomplete, incorrect, or was there another reason?

"So... can I still ride my e-bike?"

Seeing the man silent for a long time, Song Nian leaned pitifully on the handlebars and deliberately beeped the little horn to remind him of his presence.

Snapping back to reality, Li Yanchuan was startled, looked up at the man's face, and remained silent, lips tightly pressed.

That look made Song Nian feel uneasy, and he gulped nervously, expecting to be turned down.

Then, the man sighed helplessly and nodded, amused:

"Of course, park it in the garage."

Thus, in the villa's underground garage filled with luxury cars, an out-of-place electric scooter was parked.

————

After buying the scooter, Song Nian had treated it as his primary mode of transportation. He stopped using Li Yanchuan's money for taxis, just rode his scooter to work.

Every day, as he sat by the window, Li Yanchuan watched him putting on his helmet, hopping onto the seat excitedly, then twisting the throttle and zipping away. He found it kind of cute.

Especially when Song Nian got home and spotted him by the window, he'd smile and wave, then give a little honk as a greeting.

Riding the scooter might look cute, but Li Yanchuan couldn't let him be out in the wind and sun like that.

He first had his assistant find a reliable driver for him, then purchased a new van for whenever he needed it for shoots.

On top of that, given the social demands of the entertainment industry, he decided to get him a new car.

Of course, this time he wouldn't ask for Song Nian's opinion—what if he bought another three-wheeler?

After consulting the experienced Qi Ze, who, upon learning it was for Song Nian, thumped his chest and swore he'd take care of it.

He also ragged on his friend's collection of cars with boring colors. Given the need to attend various social events in the entertainment industry, Qi Ze recommended an Aston Martin.

Since the new model required ordering, he said he'd handle it and have it delivered straight to them.

————

"Hey, Song Nian? Want to go to an outdoor barbecue in a few days? Bring your husband along?"

Hiking? He thought, puzzled.

When Song Nian got the call from Lin Yunzhou inviting him, he paused for a moment.

Thinking about it, he hadn't been out to have fun since arriving in this world. He was tempted.

But then again, Li Yanchuan definitely wouldn't go.

After Song Nian said he probably wouldn't go if Li Yanchuan didn't, Lin Yunzhou nodded understandingly and said he'd wait for his answer.

After all, it felt wrong to ditch Li Yanchuan at home and go have fun by himself.

So he ran upstairs to find him and see what he thought.

"What's up?"

Seeing him walk in, Li Yanchuan stopped working and looked up.

Song Nian: "Honey, Lin Yunzhou invited us to a barbecue. Do you want to go?"

Sure enough, the man in the wheelchair answered without hesitation: "No."

Song Nian: "Oh."

Exactly as expected—no surprise there. He wasn't surprised at all and didn't even try to persuade him, just ducked out of the room.

To that, Lin Yunzhou said they could do it another time, and he understood.

Actually, even though Li Yanchuan had taken back the CEO role, he still rarely went out, mostly handling work online.

Staying cooped up at home all the time could mess with his head. Even though he was already a psychologically troubled villain, keeping on like this definitely wasn't good.

He needed to find a way to get him out for some fresh air.

After thinking it over, an idea popped into Song Nian's mind.

————

At dinner, Li Yanchuan felt Song Nian was acting a bit off.

For instance, he deliberately gave him a smaller serving of rice and didn't serve him food as much as usual.

When he shot him a questioning look, he got a nonchalant reply:

"Eat less at dinner; it's healthier."

Hearing that, Li Yanchuan raised an eyebrow but didn't call him out on it, waiting to see what he was plotting.

Sure enough, at nine thirty, Song Nian crept into the study.

Seeing the fluffy chestnut-brown head, Li Yanchuan looked away from the computer and held up a hand to pause.

"Honey~ Are you busy? Hungry?"

He padded over with a purposeful look.

"If you're hungry, I'll have the housekeeper make you a late-night snack."

Staring at the head resting on the wheelchair armrest, Li Yanchuan couldn't help but reach out and ruffle his hair.

Earlier at dinner, Song Nian had eaten little as well, not just making him eat less.

Compared to his usual appetite, that small amount of food certainly wouldn't sustain him long.

It was normal to be hungry at this hour.

But to his surprise, Song Nian shook his head and then pretended to casually suggest:

"Want to go out? I'll take you to a great place."

"No."

Sure enough, another refusal.

"It's not far; we'll be back soon. Just come with me for a little while, okay?"

"If you really want to go, have your assistant or driver go with you."

It wasn't that Li Yanchuan didn't want to accompany Song Nian; he just hadn't wanted to go out since his legs became disabled.

If it weren't for the revenge plan, he wouldn't even go to the company.

Although he was no longer sensitive or suspicious around Song Nian, that only applied to him alone.

It was like moss in the dark corners—exposed to sunlight, it would only turn to ash.

The moment he steps outside, those probing or mocking gazes, as well as the weaknesses he can't hide, will be blatantly exposed.

For him, it's nothing short of torture.

Knowing this, Song Nian was determined to change Li Yanchuan's warped, self-loathing mindset and take him out to relax.

"Come on, come on, just come with me for a bit!"

When that didn't work, he started to play the spoilt brat, grabbing Li Yanchuan's arm and shaking it gently left and right.

Then he pulled Li Yanchuan's arm right against his chest and shook it, his whole body clinging to Li Yanchuan as if boneless.

"Please, husband! You're the best!"

"It's quick, just go out for a little while! I've invited you so warmly, how can you bear to refuse me!"

His tone inadvertently stretched very long, and he deliberately pinched his voice to soften it.

It was just straight-up pouting.

Those honeyed words poured into his ears, making his heart feel like it was swimming in sugar—practically turning into a piece of candy. Even Li Yanchuan, who could stay cool and collected at the worst negotiating table, was now actually getting tempted, his resolve starting to crumble.

In the end, unable to withstand the clingy cajoling, he cleared his throat, a bit awkward, his eyes wandering:

"Then let's go."

When he said this, the tips of his ears turned red, hidden from view.