The atmosphere in the room instantly became tense.

Jian Zhi, catching his breath, challenged, “Well, explain what you and Shen Xingsui are doing here?”

“I... we...”

Shen Xingsui interjected, “Can’t you see for yourself?”

Jian Zhi turned his head to face Shen Xingsui, noticing a suitcase next to him, becoming instantly wary, “What's in the suitcase?”

“My belongings.” Shen Xingsui, meeting Jian Zhi’s gaze with clear hostility, said in a cold tone, “Jian Zhi, tell me, did you take the things from my darkroom?”

A fleeting look of guilt passed Jian Zhi’s eyes, but he quickly masked it, retorting, “Is that any of your business?”

“Those are mine.” Shen Xingsui's voice was laced with suppressed fury, “You knew how much I cherished those. Why did you do this?”

Jian Zhi stared into Shen Xingsui’s reddened eyes, hearing the resentment in his voice. An inexplicable shiver ran down his spine, but a sense of vindictive satisfaction welled up within him.

No doubt about it, he despised Fu Jinxiao.

He resented him for stealing what was rightfully his - the status and resources. Had he not been in the way, Jian Zhi would be a top artist by now.

Yes, he also bore a grudge against Shen Xingsui.

Why did this seemingly unsuccessful younger brother possess more talent than him? Why was he flourishing in the entertainment industry?

He should always feel inferior to him, always trailing behind, realizing his own inadequacy in despair!

Jian Zhi said with emphasis, "How is this yours? I think you might be mistaken, Shen Xingsui. The money you spend is from our family's funds. This room, this place, they belong to the Jian family. You're no longer one of us, and everything of the Jian family is under my control—it has nothing to do with you!"

Now, it's winter. Around the onset of spring in Linyi, in this very room, at this exact spot, Jian Kuo once stood, echoing the same words. It feels like the past twenty years have fragmented here, scattering like a cruel joke.

Despite being prepared, Shen Xingsui's eyelashes quivered. The suppressed sadness and anger converged, his heart constricting painfully. Almost instantly, a tear rolled down his cheek. Yet, he didn't wear a sorrowful expression but instead chuckled lightly.

Jian Zhi was taken aback upon seeing him cry.

The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them but didn't know how to make amends.

Shen Xingsui lowered his head, seemingly collecting his emotions. Then he said, "If that's the case, by your logic, if I earned money myself through a job or a side gig, it's not your family's, but mine, right?"

Jian Zhi had no counterargument and could only nod softly, saying, "Yes."

Shen Xingsui took a deep breath and walked to the cabinet by his bed, shifting it slightly. It was a double-sided cabinet. No one had ever discovered its secret. Turning it around, it was filled with albums and CDs, along with other collectibles—all of which belonged to Jian Zhi.

Recognizing the items, Jian Zhi gasped, "You…"

"During my school days, some classmates wanted to learn musical instruments, and I taught them. I bought all these items with the little tuition fees I collected," Shen Xingsui remarked, looking at the dusty shelf. "Later, you forbade me from listening to your music or letting anyone know I'm your younger brother. So, I stored all these things here. They're mine, earned by my labor. So, they belong to me, don't they?"

Sensing something amiss, Jian Zhi moved closer, asking, "What are you doing…"

Shen Xingsui began to smash the items. He dismantled the displays, and the glass collectibles shattered against the sleek floor tiles. Then came the CDs, their breaking echoing through the room. He stood amidst the wreckage, regarding them as if they were trash.

It was a rainy day, with droplets streaking down the windows.

Watching his albums shatter, Jian Zhi exclaimed in rage, "Have you gone mad?!"

Shen Xingsui, with a cold smirk, threw Jian Zhi's words back at him: "It's my property; I can do as I please."

Just when Jian Zhi thought it was over, Shen Xingsui's gaze landed on the concealed door.

Beyond it lay items he had treasured for years. Among the broken CDs and damaged collectibles were his shattered beliefs from over the years.

Shen Xingsui's expression turned icy as he grabbed a wooden cabinet, took a couple of steps, and then violently hurled it to the ground. The already fragile CDs and albums shattered further, leaving the floor littered with debris.

Jian Zhi was livid. It felt as if not just the CDs, but something more profound had been irreparably broken. Enraged and maybe saddened, he watched Shen Xingsui, his heart boiling with fury.

Unable to contain his anger, Jian Zhi shouted, "What do you think you're doing?!"

In a fit of rage, he snapped, "You idiot! Who gave you the right? My albums in this house are mine. Your scribbles are mine too! I can do whatever I want with them. Let me tell you, I've already thrown out the trash from your room. I've always disliked Fu Jinxiao, that hypocrite, and I can't believe you're his fan, both of you are just as senseless..."

"Slap!"

A clear, resounding slap echoed through the room.

Jian Zhi stopped, stunned. A bright red handprint marked his face. No one had ever raised a hand against him, not even his own family. For a moment, he couldn't believe what had just happened.

quite a while

Jian Zhi turned his head, disbelief evident on his face. He whispered, "You hit me?"

Shen Xingsui looked at him coldly, "You disgust me."

Jian Zhi felt as if an icy bucket of water was poured over him from head to toe. When questioned by Shen Xingsui, he wasn't sad; when his album shattered, he only felt rage. But after hearing those final and resolute words from Shen Xingsui, it felt as if his heart was inexplicably struck, leaving him breathless.

Jian Zhi's face contorted with anger. Being someone who deeply cared about his pride, he raised his hand as if to strike Shen Xingsui. However, An Ran rushed over and interjected, "Second brother, you can't hit him. If you do, the Shen family will never let us off the hook!"

Jian Zhi seethed with anger, but An Ran's words injected a hint of reason into him. He nearly forgot that Shen Xingsui wasn't someone he could bully on a whim anymore. However, he wasn't about to let him go that easily.

"What's in that suitcase?" Jian Zhi pointed at the box beside Shen Xingsui, "Is this our property? You can't take it. If you do, I'll report you for burglary!"

Shen Xingsui seemed to have anticipated this turn of events. He smiled at An Ran and responded, "An Ran, your dear younger brother, invited me in at the entrance. If you want to involve the police, that's even better. I can have a good chat with them about your deeds. Perhaps, the media will join, and you can make a live appearance. How about that?"

An Ran blanched.

He could almost feel Jian Zhi's furious glare burning into his back. Despite all his calculations, he never imagined being outmaneuvered by Shen Xingsui.

Jian Zhi wasn't in the mood for deliberations. Knowing the potential fallout if certain documents were exposed, he advanced, intending to forcibly seize Shen Xingsui's suitcase. But at that moment, the piercing ring of a phone shattered the tense standoff.

Jian Zhi halted in his tracks.

Shen Xingsui pulled out his phone. To his surprise, the caller was Fu Jinxiao. He hesitated slightly before answering, "Hello?"

Fu Jinxiao's deep and steady voice came through, instilling an unexpected sense of calm, "Where are you?"

"I'm... at Jian's residence," Shen Xingsui responded honestly, "on the second floor, retrieving my belongings."

Fu Jinxiao, with his acute sense of observation, detected a difference in Shen Xingsui's voice—a raspy undertone that surfaced only after tears. His demeanor shifted, his voice dropping a few notches, "Did they bully you?"

Shen Xingsui paused, uncertain of what to say.

Fu Jinxiao, sharp as ever, grasped the situation in that split second. His voice softened, "Turn on the speaker."

Shen Xingsui complied, amplifying the voice from the phone for everyone in the room to hear. Fu Jinxiao's words came through loud and clear, "Come downstairs. I'm right outside."

Everyone, including Shen Xingsui, Jian Zhi, and An Ran, was taken aback.

Regardless of their reactions, Fu Jinxiao spoke, his voice dripping with a polite yet chilling undertone, "Or, should I come up?"

Silence reigned.

The room was engulfed in quietude.

Jian Zhi wasn't afraid of Shen Xingsui, but he feared Fu Jinxiao. If that man were to step into the room and witness the chaos, Jian Zhi had no doubt Fu Jinxiao wouldn't hesitate to retaliate, even in the face of a potential police report.

Shen Xingsui glanced at the dumbstruck Jian Zhi, his expression much gentler, and responded softly, "Alright, I'm coming down now."

"Keep the line open," Fu Jinxiao instructed.

"Alright," Shen Xingsui acknowledged.

He began walking towards the door, dragging his suitcase behind him. The shattered remnants of their confrontation crunched under his feet. When he was driven out earlier, the uncertainty of his future weighed heavily on him. Unsure where to go, whether his new family would accept him, he had taken very little with him, fearing a life of displacement. Memories of his past life and its hardships made him wary of carrying too many belongings, lest he had no place to put them.

He never expected he would get another chance to take these things home.

Yes, go home.

Now, he has a home. At the beginning of the year, he was evicted with nothing and no one waiting for him. But now, as he leaves this very room, there are people downstairs or not far away, waiting for him. They give him the confidence and strength to stride confidently out of this room, out of this home.

As he passed Jianzhi, he glanced at Shen Xingsui, as if wanting to reach out and stop him. Shen Xingsui paused and looked back, emotionless. After a brief hesitation and glancing towards An Ran not far away, he chuckled at Jianzhi, "You're quite the pitiable one, aren't you?"

Jianzhi was taken aback.

Without giving him time to digest the remark, Shen Xingsui walked past him and left.

Inside, Jianzhi stood frozen, still processing Shen Xingsui's words. He had always been proud and confident, believing he was far superior to Shen Xingsui. He never imagined a day when he would be addressed in such a manner.

Pitiable?

Jianzhi wavered. Was he pitiable?

An Ran rushed over to steady him, asking anxiously, "Second Brother, are you okay?"

Regaining his focus, Jianzhi looked at him, his face darkening. An Ran, instead of showing genuine concern, rambled on, "What if Shen Xingsui complains to Brother Fu and the Shen family? What if they retaliate against us? Did he take something crucial? Would he spread negative rumors about you online? I..."

Before he could finish, he met Jianzhi's wrathful, furious gaze.

"If it weren't for you, would he have been able to get in?" Jianzhi fumed.

Panicking under his gaze, An Ran quickly said, "Brother, why blame me? He threatened me, I had my reasons! Besides... aren't I worried about you right now?"

Jianzhi once thought his younger brother was obedient, sensible, and adorable, definitely better than the foolish Shen Xingsui. But now, for some reason, the more he looked at An Ran, the more insincere he appeared. Knowing that An Ran was responsible for letting Shen Xingsui in, Jianzhi scoffed, "What 'reasons' are you talking about? Speak up. Let me hear them."

Caught off guard by the challenge, An Ran began to speak, seemingly holding back tears, always defending himself, "I can't really explain, but trust me, I had my reasons. And I didn’t expect things to turn out this way. You’ve done nothing wrong, why fear Shen Xingsui? Unless those drafts really were..."

"Slap!"

Furious, Jianzhi's hand struck An Ran's face.

Stunned, a clear handprint appeared on An Ran's cheek. He never expected his usually affectionate brother to hit him. Although he knew Jianzhi wasn't a good person and treated Shen Xingsui terribly, he never thought he would be struck.

Yet, Jianzhi showed no remorse or pity. He looked down at An Ran, coldly saying, "An Ran, I warn you, whatever you've done for your own reasons, if I fall in the entertainment industry, or if the Jian family suffers, don't think you'll escape unscathed!"

An Ran choked up.

Seeing Jianzhi's icy demeanor, An Ran began to realize the magnitude of his mistake and grew fearful. He stepped forward, trying to grasp Jianzhi's sleeve, "Second Brother..."

But Jianzhi swiftly evaded him, turning to leave. The last thing An Ran saw was a cold, dismissive look, "Don't call me 'brother' anymore."

"Bang!"

The door slammed shut, leaving the room in disarray.

The light drizzle outside seemed to foreshadow the muddy future of the Jian family and the chaos that awaited them.

...

downstairs

Shen Xingsui, dragging his suitcase behind him, didn’t expect to see a car not far away. He stood stunned at the building's entrance for a moment, when the car door opened. A tall man in a black trench coat emerged, holding a deep-colored umbrella. His boots tapped on the wet pavement as he walked determinedly through the rain towards him, stopping in front of him with rain providing a misty filter around him.

Almost in disbelief, Shen Xingsui gazed at the man before him and hesitated, "Mr. Fu?"

Fu Jinxiao looked down at him, "Are you alright?"

Shen Xingsui quickly shook his head, looking at him both surprised and delighted, "But, why are you here?"

Fu Jinxiao smirked, "Didn’t I tell you I was around?"

"But, I thought you'd be working or something," Shen Xingsui stammered, "Why are you here?"

"What reason could there be?" Fu Jinxiao, as if reading his thoughts, leaned forward, tilting the umbrella towards him. His handsome face magnified in front of Shen Xingsui. Their eyes met, Fu Jinxiao's alluring eyes slightly raised, lips curling into a smile, "I wanted to see you, so I came."

The sound of rain hitting the umbrella was deafening, but Shen Xingsui felt his heartbeat might be even louder. His face flushed, and he became flustered.

Enjoying his shy expression, Fu Jinxiao took the initiative, lifting the suitcase, "Let's get in the car; the rain is heavy."

Only then did Shen Xingsui respond with a nod.

Once in the car, he noticed the absence of Shen Xingchen and curiously asked, "Where's my brother?"

"He had an urgent task to attend to and was worried about leaving you alone. Fortunately, I was nearby," Fu Jinxiao closed the car door and added, "I'll take you home."

Understanding the situation, Shen Xingsui softly replied, "Thank you, Mr. Fu."

Fu Jinxiao then entered the car from the other side.

Inside, Shen Xingsui was distractedly fidgeting with his fingers when his hand was suddenly seized. Fu Jinxiao looked down, "Hurt?"

A scratch was visible on Shen Xingsui's hand, the result of grabbing a shattered disc, and several other minor cuts, "It's fine, just minor injuries."

Fu Jinxiao raised an eyebrow, his gaze slightly reproachful, "Your hands play the piano; even minor injuries shouldn't be ignored."

Shen Xingsui immediately looked as though he'd been reprimanded by a teacher, "I'm sorry!"

Fu Jinxiao let out an amused sigh.

The traffic ahead was dense due to the rain; it had been nearly half an hour with little progress.

The driver mentioned, "Sir, the traffic is extremely congested ahead. With tonight's downpour, there's no telling when it'll stop."

Glancing at the stalled traffic, Fu Jinxiao suggested, "I have a residence nearby. Your injuries need attention. Why not come over for a while?"

Shen Xingsui tensed up!

Misinterpreting his reaction, Fu Jinxiao began, "If you're uncomfortable, I understand. I might have been too forward…"

Shen Xingsui hurriedly responded, "No, no, I'd like to!"

“......”

A brief silence settled in the car.

The driver pursed his lips, suppressing a chuckle and refraining from glancing back.

Shen Xingsui spoke hastily, fearing misunderstanding. After his words hung in the air, he became self-conscious, blushing slightly. It seemed as if he were overly eager to accept an invitation to someone's home...

The corner of Fu Jinxe's mouth lifted ever so slightly, signaling amusement. He nodded gently, “Understood.”

!!!

Don't phrase it like that!

Shen Xingsui felt like he could dive into a hole and never emerge.

Yet, the very thought of visiting his idol’s house was surreal. At the start of the year, he would have never even dared to dream of such an occasion. Just catching a glimpse of Fu Jinxe was a luxury; the current situation felt absolutely dreamy. Overwhelmed, he felt like he might drown in bubbles of joy.

Pull yourself together, Shen Xingsui! Maintain your dignity!

Throughout the journey, his whirlwind of emotions could fill an entire book. When they finally reached a gated community, Shen Xingsui realized they were in the prestigious district of A city. Even those not from the city had heard of the Imperial Capital Mansion's reputation, a place where ground was worth its weight in gold and where business magnates and entertainment stars resided. Buying a house here reportedly required a minimum of 10 billion in financial verification.

The car descended into an underground parking garage, revealing a line of luxury vehicles.

As they headed upstairs, Fu Jinxe mentioned, “I believe your mentor, Tu Ya, lives just below my floor. If you're lucky, you might run into her.”

A bit awkwardly, Shen Xingsui asked, “What if Teacher Tu Ya inquires about my presence here?”

Fu Jinxe leaned against the elevator wall, exuding an imposing aura. With a teasing smirk, he mimicked, “What brings you here...?”

Oddly, Shen Xingsui felt warmth creeping up to his ears, making it difficult for him to meet the gaze of the handsome man before him.

Unfair, utterly unfair! How can someone be so irresistibly charming and alluring? That smile is unbearable!

Stay calm, stay calm.

You're just a guest, Shen Xingsui, don't overthink things!

Fu Jinxe, however, seemed entirely at ease, almost like a wolf proudly showing off its territory to a newcomer. After unlocking the door with his fingerprint, they entered the apartment. The interior was decorated in cool tones, exuding simplicity and luxury. The coffee table and bookshelves were adorned with delicate items, including limited edition albums and figurines of Fu Jinxe.

Shen Xingsui had once owned and cherished such collectibles.

After witnessing the barren bookshelf in the Jian residence, he'd given up hope of ever seeing these treasures again. Yet, here they were.

A playful voice sounded from behind him, “If you want to explore, there's plenty of time in the future. For now, please change your shoes and come in.”

! !

Shen Xingsui snapped out of his reverie, flustered and embarrassed. Hurriedly changing his shoes, he stood, clutching his suitcase, unsure of where to proceed.

Fu Jinxe instructed, “Place your suitcase there. Take a seat on the sofa, and I'll fetch some clothes for you to change into.”

"Oh, alright then." Without thinking, Shen Xingsui automatically responded. Realization hit him a moment later, causing him to blurt out in panic, "Clothes? Why do I need to change?"

Fu Jinxiao was amused by Shen Xingsui's flustered demeanor, raising an eyebrow in reply, "For a bath."

Considering it had rained, and Shen Xingsui's clothes were dirty due to some unknown activity at Jian's place, he must have felt uncomfortable in his sweaty attire. Although it was raining outside, it made sense to freshen up before tending to his hand. However, Shen Xingsui misinterpreted this, letting his mind wander into a different direction.

Shen Xingsui had heard rumors about the hidden rules within the entertainment industry. Many stories had come to him about celebrities living chaotic private lives, using excuses to lure people into their homes, but he never thought Fu Jinxiao would be one of them…

As those odd thoughts filled his head, a blush spread across Shen Xingsui's refined face. He stuttered while seated on the couch, his fingers curling inward, "A bath right now? I… I feel it might be…inappropriate?"