Chapter 012 The Young Master – “Shit, my mind is broken.” (12/35)
Two hours later, Wen Xusheng was bombarded with question marks from the young master.
[Why didn’t you accept it?]
[Do you look down on me?]
[???]
[Why did you return it?]
Through the phone screen, Wen Xusheng could imagine Shi Jingge’s sulky, confused, and slightly aggrieved expression.
Just thinking about it made him look cute.
Wen Xusheng smiled and replied, “I don’t need money. I need clothes.”
The young master’s barrage of question marks came again, but Wen Xusheng calmly ignored the screen full of question marks.
“You took one of my clothes, so give me one back. It’s only fair, right?”
The young master’s question marks disappeared, followed by a long period of “The other party is typing…”
Wen Xusheng suddenly felt a bit hungry. Chatting with the young master was truly uplifting and made his appetite soar.
Wen Xusheng sent a message to Du Yi, asking him to bring breakfast when he came over.
Du Yi replied instantly with a string of exclamation marks: [You actually want breakfast!]
[Did the sun rise from the west today?]
[I’m so happy!!]
[It must be because I’ve been praying day and night!!]
[I’ll go to the temple tomorrow to make an offering!]
Wen Xusheng sent a few ellipses and casually ignored Du Yi’s subsequent messages.
Du Yi: ???
[Where are you?]
[Say something!]
[What do you want to eat?]
[Answer the phone!]
[Are you playing hard to get?]
[Wen Xusheng, you have no heart! QAQ!!]
A few seconds later, Du Yi covered his chest and withdrew his last sentence with great grievance.
Weak, pitiful, and helpless.
I still have to go buy breakfast… Ugh, damn!
At this moment, Wen Xusheng finally received a reply from the young master.
It was just one word—
[OK]
Wen Xusheng: “…”
That’s it… ?
For a moment, Wen Xusheng’s mood and Du Yi’s mood were strangely in sync.
After replying to the message, Shi Jingge stretched lazily, yawned, went into the bathroom to wash up, then went downstairs to eat breakfast.
Shi Rongqing was also eating breakfast downstairs and was a bit surprised to see Shi Jingge. “You’re up so early today.”
Shi Jingge proudly lifted his head. “Of course.”
Shi Rongqing: “?”
Now what are you proud of?
Anyway, the two brothers’ thought processes never aligned, so Shi Rongqing casually ignored it. “Why get up so early?”
Shi Jingge blinked. He really didn’t know what he was going to do. “…Play games?”
“…” Shi Rongqing remained silent for a few seconds before saying generously, “Go ahead. As long as it’s not going to look for Mu Jincheng, anything is fine.”
The young master was unhappy. “I know, I know. You don’t have to remind me every day, all right?”
Shi Rongqing raised his eyebrows, but before he could speak, Shi Jingge’s phone rang. Looking down, it was a call from Mu Jincheng.
Shi Rongqing gave Shi Jingge a meaningful look. Shi Jingge, embarrassed and angry, hung up immediately. “I didn’t answer! I hung up!”
The young master was furious.
“Okay, okay.” Shi Rongqing placed a shrimp dumpling on Shi Jingge’s chopsticks. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have doubted you. I apologize, okay?”
The young master was stubborn but soft-hearted, and he fell for this trick. With Shi Rongqing lowering his stance like this, the little master couldn’t stay angry.
“Hmph.” The little master snorted and lowered his head to eat the shrimp dumpling.
Shi Rongqing persisted, sighing softly and flashing a bittersweet smile. “Your older brother was just…” He paused, as if unable to continue.
Just then, Shi Jingge’s phone rang—again, it was Mu Jincheng calling.
The young master spoke up, “I won’t answer it.”
At the same time, Shi Rongqing’s voice rang out, “Answer it.”
Shi Jingge froze, looking up at Shi Rongqing.
Shi Rongqing smiled at him and said casually, “Maybe it’s something urgent.”
The young master hesitated. “Forget it… I promised you…”
“It’s okay. I’ll allow it this once.” Shi Rongqing blinked his eyes. “Maybe he wants to give you an explanation.”
“Eh?”
“It’s about the private room last time. He was deceived, wasn’t he? He even made you lose face.” Shi Rongqing paused, reaching out to serve the young master a bowl of porridge. “You complained about it to me when you got home. Did you forget?”
“Oh, right!” The young master remembered and hesitated. “Should I answer it?”
“Answer it.” After a pause, Shi Rongqing quickly added, “But after you answer, you can only talk about business. Don’t mention anything else.”
The young master nodded, answered the call, and, as if possessed, pressed the speakerphone button.
Hearing Mu Jincheng’s voice coming from the phone, then looking up at his own little rascal’s conflicted expression, Shi Rongqing’s heart melted.
Sigh, the sports car in the garage should be delivered to its owner sooner rather than later.
It’s a shame for the car to just sit there gathering dust.
“Xiao Ge?” Mu Jincheng’s voice rang out with a smile. “You finally answered my call.”
The young master heard his voice and smiled instinctively, but then seemed to realize what he had done and quickly suppressed his smile, responding in a serious expression.
His voice was a bit cold, which made Mu Jincheng a little puzzled. “What’s wrong, Xiao Ge?”
“Nothing.” Shi Jingge glanced quickly at Shi Rongqing and said coldly, “By the way, did you catch those people?”
Mu Jincheng was taken aback. In his experience, the young master was very silly, and his temper came and went quickly. Shi Jingge hadn’t really been slapped in the face that day, so he should have forgotten about it long ago. How could he still remember?
Mu Jincheng’s pause gave Shi Jingge plenty of room to maneuver.
“You haven’t forgotten, have you?” Shi Jingge’s tone was a little unpleasant.
It didn’t matter if he had forgotten, but how could Mu Jincheng have forgotten?
“Of course not! How could I forget?”
Mu Jincheng’s mind raced, trying to find a way to brush off Shi Jingge.
But before he could come up with a suitable excuse, he heard Shi Jingge ask, “What about that person? Have you found him yet? I’ve always treated them well, yet they dared to scheme against me like this! And they acted so convincingly! This is clearly treating me like a monkey! Bring them here! I want to ask them myself!”
Shi Jingge grew increasingly angry, slamming his hand on the table. Shi Rongqing cleared his throat softly. Shi Jingge stifled himself.
“Xiao Ge, don’t get angry. It’s not worth getting upset over such trivial matters. Your health is more important…”
Mu Jincheng droned on with a bunch of useless nonsense. Shi Rongqing listened with his brows furrowed, but his little rabbit was eating it up hook, line, and sinker. Look at him—his brow wasn’t even furrowed anymore!
Shi Rongqing was furious.
So this was how Mu Jincheng usually tricked his little rabbit?
Shi Rongqing snatched the phone from Shi Jingge’s hands and hung up. Shi Jingge looked at Shi Rongqing in shock, his eyes wide open.
Shi Rongqing remained silent for a moment before forcing a smile. “I’m sorry. I just got too worked up. I was just angry that he was fooling you like that. The younger brother I cherish so much, he doesn’t even care about him?
“He went out to look for him that very night, clearly saying he’d give you an explanation. Where’s the resolution? It’s been a whole week! Where’s the resolution? What resolution?
“Not only did he not report anything, he just made up some nonsense to brush you off. Where is he? Why doesn’t he dare to answer directly? Did he not find the person, or did he not even bother to look?”
Shi Rongqing grew angrier and angrier, slamming the table with each word.
“If it were me, I would have found the person that very day and given you an explanation immediately! It’s not that big of a deal. It’s such a simple matter, yet there’s still no explanation. If you hadn’t asked, would he have even mentioned it at all?” Shi Rongqing spoke firmly, slamming down the last sentence.
Shi Jingge looked up at him, dazed, confused, yet moved.
Shi Rongqing closed his eyes, unable to stop sighing inwardly.
His little fool–how could he be so easily deceived?
When he opened his eyes again, there was a hint of apology on his face. “I’m sorry, I got a little carried away just now. I’m not questioning your brotherly bond, nor am I saying he doesn’t care about it. You’re right, if it were me, I would have given you an explanation right away.
“Of course, we can’t expect him to be like me. After all, I’m your older brother, so I naturally prioritize you in everything. Maybe he had something important to do, so he couldn’t investigate it. Maybe he has some private matter he can’t tell you.”
After a pause, Shi Rongqing hesitated and said, “The more I talk, the weirder I feel. Never mind.” He waved his hand. “Just pretend I didn’t say anything.”
But how could Shi Jingge pretend his brother didn’t say anything?
Those words, “Your brother cares about you,” “Your brother puts you first,” and “Your brother loves you,” had hit Shi Jingge like a slap in the face!
Even if Shi Jingge were as dumb as a rock, he could hear the full protectiveness in Shi Rongqing’s words!
Shi Jingge cleared his throat and said, “Brother…”
Shi Rongqing stood up. “I’m full. You eat first.”
Saying that, Shi Rongqing ran away as if he were escaping.
Shi Jingge stared at his back, motionless.
Shi Rongqing turned a corner and entered the kitchen, smiling at Auntie Bai. “Thank you for your trouble.”
Auntie Bai looked at him with kindness. “What is the young master saying? If it can make you brothers reconcile, I’ll do anything!”
She stepped out of the kitchen and placed a bowl of shredded pork noodles in front of Shi Jingge. “The young master had me prepare this early this morning.”
Shi Jingge stared blankly at the noodles in front of him, saying nothing.
Auntie Bai sighed deeply. “Did you argue with the young master again?”
Shi Jingge shook his head instinctively, and Auntie Bai stroked his hair. “Why are you hiding it from me? I just saw the young master run away like a scared rabbit. He wasn’t his usual calm and composed self. Besides arguing with you, what else could make the young master act like that?”
Shi Jingge looked up hesitantly. “Does…brother care about me?”
Auntie Bai looked at Shi Jingge in surprise and sighed. “Youngest master, don’t say that in front of him. He’d be heartbroken. Who doesn’t know that the eldest young master cares about you the most?
“Whatever you want, the eldest young master will get it for you; whatever you don’t want to do, the eldest young master will do it for you. If you stay out all night, the eldest young master will wait for you on the sofa. No matter how much trouble you cause, the eldest young master will scold you but will always clean up after you.
“The eldest young master stays up all night working, drinking cup after cup of coffee. But when he remembers that you’ve been sleeping poorly lately, he asked me to bring you a cup of hot milk. If you ask the eldest young master what he likes or dislikes, he might not even be able to say it himself, but if you ask him what you like or dislike, he could talk about it for two hours straight.
“Do you think the young master cares about you? The young master doesn’t care about himself; he only cares about you.”
Shi Jingge stared blankly at Auntie Bai, his eyes growing moist.
“I… I…” He stammered, unable to speak, his expression a mix of guilt, sadness, and gratitude, his eyes red and his head hanging low, looking rather pitiful.
Auntie Bai couldn’t help but stroke his head and whispered, “You wanted that new sports car, didn’t you? On the day you mentioned it, the young master bought it for you. He was going to give it to you as a birthday present, but…”
Auntie Bai paused for a moment before continuing, “Anyway, the young master bought it for you, so he’ll definitely give it to you in the end.”
“I… I…” The young master hung his head. “Am I being too selfish?”
“Auntie Bai is telling you this not because she wants you to feel guilty or upset. The young master definitely doesn’t want you to be unhappy, so he’d rather not tell you anything. Auntie Bai just feels sad seeing you two brothers always arguing.
“If you care so much about each other, why can’t you tell each other? If you don’t tell the other person, how will they know? Right?”
Shi Jingge stood there for a moment, then nodded vigorously.
He stood up. “I’ve made up my mind. I’m going to the company with my older brother today to help him. I will definitely do what I promised him. I will never again… I will never again avoid my brother! I… I want my older brother to know that I also… I also care about him!”
“That’s right.” Auntie Bai raised her thumb, smiling broadly.
“I’ll go change! Auntie Bai, help me stop my older brother from sneaking out!”
“No problem!” Auntie Bai agreed without hesitation.
Shi Jingge ran off.
Auntie Bai finally found Shi Rongqing and told him everything with a smile.
“Did he really say that?” Shi Rongqing’s voice was slightly hoarse.
Auntie Bai laughed. “Would I lie to you?”
A surge of immense joy welled up in Shi Rongqing’s heart, making him feel a bit dizzy. He took a deep breath and thanked Auntie Bai.
It turned out that getting along with his own little rascal wasn’t that hard after all.
Why had he thought it was harder than climbing to the heavens before?
As long as you stroke him the right way, his little rabbit was cuter than anyone else.
Just then, Mu Jincheng arrived. But he was stopped at the gate.
The butler reported this to Shi Rongqing, who raised his brows. Why did Mu Jincheng have to come at this time?
… Good timing!
… Let the scheming come even stronger!
How could Mu Jincheng not come?
As soon as the call ended, Mu Jincheng knew something was wrong.
Recently, Shi Jingge hadn’t answered his calls or messages, which made Mu Jincheng feel uneasy.
Today, after finally getting through, the call ended in less than three minutes.
Even if he were an idiot, he should have realized something was off.
And Mu Jincheng wasn’t stupid.
Mu Jincheng couldn’t afford to lose Shi Jingge right now!
Without Shi Jingge, who would give him money? Who would provide him with resources? Who would serve as his foil?
In the past, when Mu Jincheng wanted to network with someone, Shi Jingge would pay for the gifts; when he wanted to host a banquet, Shi Jingge would provide the venue and cover all expenses, and in the end, Mu Jincheng would reap the benefits of those connections. When he wanted to invest in something, he would ask Shi Jingge for money, and when it lost money, he would just say it was a loss, and Shi Jingge would forget about it.
Shi Jingge was Mu Jincheng’s ATM machine!
Shi Jingge could disappear, could ignore him, but the money couldn’t.
Mu Jincheng needed money.
So Mu Jincheng went to his place.
But he didn’t see Shi Jingge; instead, he saw Shi Rongqing.
Seeing the tall man approaching, Mu Jincheng suddenly had a bad feeling.
“Mr. Shi.” Mu Jincheng smiled politely. “I’m here to see Xiao Ge.”
“I know.” Shi Rongqing sighed deeply. “Xiao Ge doesn’t want to see you.”
“There’s a misunderstanding between Xiao Ge and me.” Mu Jincheng paused before explaining. “I want to clarify things with him. Please let me see him.”
“That’s exactly what I told him,” Shi Rongqing said with a hint of pity in his eyes. “You two have known each other for so many years. It’s normal for good friends to have misunderstandings. Just talk it out.”
“But—”
Shi Rongqing smiled apologetically. “Xiao Ge is my younger brother. I naturally have to listen to him. I’m sorry, but there’s nothing I can do.”
How disgusting!
It’s clearly you who won’t let me see Shi Jingge, yet you insist that Shi Jingge doesn’t want to see me.
How could Shi Jingge possibly not want to see me?
Mu Jincheng was furious.
Especially after noticing Shi Rongqing’s pitying gaze, his composure nearly shattered.
But Shi Rongqing looked so refreshed.
Shi Rongqing felt clear-headed and rejuvenated.
So this is how it feels to stir up trouble—it’s so relieving and satisfying!
Instantly, Shi Rongqing’s gaze toward Mu Jincheng grew much friendlier.
How could he not be friendly?
Mu Jincheng not only lets him vent his frustration but also helps him mend his relationship with Shi Jingge.
This guy is truly a “treasure”!
So this was the correct way to use Mu Jincheng?
Damn it, had he been using the wrong method all these years? Had he been wasting Mu Jincheng’s potential?
No matter what Mu Jincheng said, Shi Rongqing could deflect it effortlessly.
Not only that, but Shi Rongqing could also take the opportunity to boast about his relationship with Shi Jingge.
Those words stung Mu Jincheng deeply.
Shi Rongqing: =v=
Shi Rongqing spoke earnestly, “You’ve known Xiao Ge for so many years, don’t you understand his temperament? He doesn’t want to see you, yet you insist on meeting him, which will only make him dislike you more. You’re here to explain, not to argue with him. Why not wait until he’s willing to listen to your explanation before coming back?
“After knowing Xiao Ge for so long, do you really need me to remind you of such a simple thing? You don’t understand him even a bit?”
Mu Jincheng: “…”
What could Mu Jincheng say? Whatever he said would be wrong!
If he said he understood, it would mean he knew but still insisted on doing it on purpose.
If he said he didn’t understand, after knowing him for so long, it would make them seem like fake friends.
Mu Jincheng felt so frustrated he could die.
Shi Rong felt refreshed and was about to leave.
Just then, a familiar voice rang out beside the two of them.
—“Brother!”
Shi Rong’s eyes narrowed slightly. He felt a hint of unease in his heart.
Mu Jincheng’s face lit up with relief, even a touch of pride.
Heaven was on his side. Look, Shi Jingge had come out on his own.
Mu Jincheng didn’t believe Shi Jingge would really ignore him.
It must be Shi Rongqing who had done something.
“Xiao Ge!” Mu Jincheng took a few steps forward, looking exceptionally delighted. “Xiao Ge, you finally agreed to come see me? I’ve been waiting for you for so long.”
Shi Jingge froze for a moment, not saying a word, only silently looking up at Shi Rongqing.
Shi Rongqing stared at him intently.
The young master’s heart melted instantly.
Normally, anyone would know that if you don’t answer someone’s call, and when they finally do, you hang up, and now you don’t even acknowledge them when you see them, that’s a clear sign of cutting ties.
But the original owner’s way of thinking was different from everyone else’s!
All the previous incidents had already shown this.
His way of thinking had always been, “If you’re brothers, you trust each other,” “If you’re brothers, you can’t doubt each other,” and “If you’re brothers, you always stand by each other.” That’s why he had never doubted Mu Jincheng all these years, believing everything he said.
So if Mu Jincheng was his brother, he should trust him, right?
Doubting this and that so casually—what kind of brother was that?
He had never doubted Mu Jincheng. Therefore, Mu Jincheng shouldn’t doubt him either!
Besides, he had promised Shi Rongqing.
He had just undergone double brainwashing from Shi Rongqing and Bai Yi.
Ignoring Mu Jincheng at this moment couldn’t be called OOC. This was clearly a reasonable action given the current circumstances! His reasonable OOC plan had finally taken its first step.
It was truly moving.
Shi Jingge took one step forward.
Mu Jincheng thought Shi Jingge was coming toward him, and the smugness in his eyes grew even more.
Shi Jingge walked up to Mu Jincheng, who excitedly called out, “Xiao Ge!”
Shi Jingge didn’t say a word; he quietly walked past him. As they brushed past each other, Shi Jingge didn’t even glance at Mu Jincheng.
Mu Jincheng: !!!
Mu Jincheng suddenly turned his head, staring in disbelief at Shi Jingge’s back.
Shi Jingge walked over to Shi Rongqing and called out, “Brother!”
Shi Rongqing smiled, took Shi Jingge’s hand, and ruffled his hair.
The two brothers held hands and walked back, neither of them giving Mu Jincheng a single glance.
As he brushed past Mu Jincheng, Shi Rongqing gave him a pitying glance and added, “Butler, see him out.”
Mu Jincheng: “…”
Damn, my mindset is shattered.
Edited: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
