This boy was his uncle’s child with his previous wife—Li Lin, three years younger than him, still in high school, currently in the second year, seventeen this year. His birthday was at the end of the year, so he started school a little later.
He was clearly displeased. Walking over to Shen Yuan, he grabbed his hand: “Brother, let’s go.”
Shen Yuan was still stunned. “Go where?” he asked as Li Lin pulled him along.
The steps led them up to the third floor, stopping at a window.
“Look,” Li Lin said, pointing, “that’s the woman. See for yourself.”
From this vantage, they could see the garden, where their uncle was walking with a woman, laughing and talking, their behavior intimate.
Shen Yuan didn’t want to watch any longer. He knew he shouldn’t feel this way, but his heart ached all the same.
His uncle was in his prime. More than four years had passed since his mother left. He had thought about the possibility of his uncle remarrying, but… this was just…
Li Lin complained to Shen Yuan: “…She’s a washed-up actress. You can’t tell she’s almost forty, right? Even if he wanted to remarry, he shouldn’t pick someone like her. Don’t you think?”
Shen Yuan stopped listening to the rant, his gaze fixed on his uncle and the woman. Only after a moment did he respond, “Huh? What did you say?”
“You’re spacing out? I said, she’s an actress. I looked into her—there are some bad rumors. If he wanted a proper woman, like Auntie, I could accept it. But this… I can’t. Brother, you’ve got to be on my side, right?”
What right did he have to voice an opinion? What was he to his uncle? Shen Yuan glanced at Li Lin, then back at his uncle, lowering his eyelashes. “I… I think it’s enough if Uncle is happy.”
Li Lin, caught up in his emotions, snapped at Shen Yuan: “You mean you’re not on my side?!”
Shen Yuan’s heart bled, yet he tried to reason gently: “It’s not about sides. You and Uncle are father and son—you’re already on the same side. But adult matters are not for us to meddle in. I think you shouldn’t judge her just based on her profession. Spend some time with her first and then see what kind of person she really is.”
“You really are always so understanding,” Li Lin said sarcastically, storming off in a huff.
At dinner, Li Lin sat with a sullen face, giving no face at all.
Yet Uncle’s girlfriend remained composed, poised, giving no hint of embarrassment or anger. She introduced herself politely, calling herself simply a friend of their uncle.
Li Lin’s expression softened slightly, as if saying, “Fine, you know how to behave.”
Shen Yuan glanced at Ms. Lin, thinking: either her manners were genuinely excellent, tolerant and gracious, or she was just cunning enough to mask her feelings perfectly.
Shen Yuan spoke politely to her, and she had brought gifts for both him and Li Lin. Shen Yuan accepted and thanked her, then looked at Li Lin, who still wore a face full of displeasure.
But Li Lin wasn’t a bad kid—he was spoiled, not arrogant.
Shen Yuan gently tugged his wrist under the table, and with his older brother mediating, Li Lin swallowed his resentment and reluctantly said thank you.
Shen Yuan remembered when he first came to the Li household and met Li Lin.
He had been wary of a boy that age. His cousin, Ye Qingsheng, had bullied him when he lived with his grandfather. They were similar, both spoiled as children. So when Shen Yuan first saw Li Lin, he felt a gloom, imagining the hardships that might come.
But Li Lin had been better raised.
At ten years old, Li Lin was already taller than him. Seeing Shen Yuan, he stared in surprise: “I thought you were older. Why are you so short? Are you really my brother?”
Shen Yuan blushed. He wasn’t short—it was this little brat who was just too tall for his age.
Without much fuss, Li Lin soon accepted him, following him everywhere, calling him “brother” constantly.
Shen Yuan thought that if he had been younger than Li Lin, the dynamic might have been different. Li Lin wanted a brother who would indulge him, not a rival for attention. So he had easily accepted a new “brother,” and Shen Yuan had genuinely played the role of a patient, gentle elder brother.
Li Chen naturally noticed the awkwardness at the table. Blended families always faced challenges with the children.
To ease the tension, Li Chen brought up a topic: “Xiaoyuan, aren’t you supposed to start preparing for internships? My friend has been doing jewelry business in Northern Europe and the Middle East and has recently returned to the country. It fits your major. Do you want an internship? If you agree, I can ask on your behalf.”
Shen Yuan felt a pang of bitterness—his uncle truly treated him as his own, considering everything. Even a biological father couldn’t be so thoughtful. What else could he want?
Yet seeing the woman sitting by his uncle’s side, his chest tightened with an unshakable gloom. He forced a smile: “Thank you, Uncle.”
Later, Li Chen pulled him aside: “Xiaoyuan, you’ve always been sensible. I’m not worried about you. But Li Lin is in his rebellious phase and holds a prejudice against Ms. Lin.” He pressed his temples, sighing: “He listens to you more than me. Could you help me reason with him?”
Shen Yuan admired his own composure—pretending all was normal while every word from his uncle felt like a knife to his heart. Calmly, he agreed: “Sure. I’ll talk to Li Lin later.”
…After all, he was the well-behaved, understanding stepson.
On the surface, Shen Yuan remained unruffled, though his heart was in turmoil. He tried to calm himself, but the feelings surged uncontrollably.
It took him a long moment to suppress the bitter ache in his chest and plan how to persuade Li Lin. This was his uncle’s request, so he had to fulfill it.
Shen Yuan knocked on Li Lin’s door repeatedly, receiving no response.
He leaned closer, hearing keyboard clicks—he knew this brother was venting his frustration through games.
Shen Yuan sent a message, knocked again, called out, and waited. Li Lin, initially pretending not to hear, finally got up and reluctantly opened the door.
Shen Yuan carried snacks and juice: “Here, your favorite cheesecake. You barely ate at dinner, you must be hungry.”
Li Lin grumbled: “Hungry? I’m full of anger.”
Despite his words, he let Shen Yuan in.
Shen Yuan set down the treats but didn’t immediately start persuading him. Instead, he asked, “Playing alone is boring. Want me to join?”
Li Lin didn’t respond, awkwardly setting up another computer for him.
Li Lin loved gaming. His room had several high-end gaming PCs and chairs. During breaks, he’d bring friends over for team matches.
Shen Yuan had played with him a few times but wasn’t very good, always slowing Li Lin down.
Li Lin was playing PUBG, teaming up with friends.
The boy seemed skilled at games and, in a dramatic flourish, had named himself “egoist.” Though he complained verbally, he was considerate in the game, looking out for his “brother.”
“Level three armor for you.”
“Any meds left? Come here, I’ll give you the first-aid kit.”
“Out of bullets? I’ll give you some.”
“Level three helmet too, take it.”
“Be careful, don’t run ahead. Stay behind me. I’ll handle the fighting; you just loot.”
Shen Yuan envied how good Li Lin’s character looked in-game. Without a word, Li Lin stripped off all his gear and handed it to his “brother.”
Shen Yuan trailed behind him with a goofy grin. He wasn’t good at fighting, but he didn’t recklessly show off either, and he spoke pleasantly enough. He could happily serve as the team mascot.
The other two teammates were utterly flabbergasted.
“Damn, ego, are you possessed today? This is way too sappy—I’m getting goosebumps!”
“Let’s not swear. Usually, you’re the one with the foulest mouth. And now you’re acting all innocent?”
“Hey, he’s giving me a level three helmet…! If you don’t give it, you don’t have to curse, right? Why’s the treatment so uneven?”
“Your brother’s voice is so nice—I think I’m turning gay. He must be super handsome, right?”
Li Lin shot back, “Don’t gay my brother. He’s not handsome, and he’s old-fashioned and a dork.”
Shen Yuan wasn’t offended by being called old-fashioned and a dork; he smiled gently: “Yeah, I’m ugly. Totally not handsome.”
Li Lin muttered, “Well, not that ugly…”
After running a few in-game rounds together, seeing that Li Lin seemed in better spirits, Shen Yuan cautiously asked, “Xiao Lin… are you done being angry? Can we talk calmly now?”
Li Lin’s smile faded, his expression darkening: “Talk about what?”
Shen Yuan knew he was still rejecting him, but he pressed on.
“I remember the first day I came to this house, you pulled me aside to share your toys. You’ve always been well-mannered and kind. Why are you so extreme this time?”
Li Lin snapped, “I thought you’d understand me, but you’re just treating me like a little kid again?”
“I’m not… I just think… things may not be as you perceive. Rumors shouldn’t dictate how we judge someone. Your dad knows about them too, of course. I don’t think Uncle would be foolish enough to be fooled, Xiao Lin. You…”
Li Lin’s suppressed anger erupted, knocking over the cake and juice Shen Yuan had brought: “You make it sound so easy, so rational! You’re just standing there speaking, pain-free! You think this isn’t my dad’s matter, so it doesn’t concern you, right?! Shen Yuan, don’t think just because I call you brother you can get away with this!”
His harsh words felt like a slap to Shen Yuan’s face. His cheeks flushed, lips trembled, eyes reddened. Under the table, his fingers shook uncontrollably; he could only clench his fists.
Did he just accept it all? No! He didn’t feel detached—he actually cared more than Li Lin. He, too, didn’t want to see his uncle with another woman.
He wished he could complain, get angry, be selfish like Li Lin. But his surname was Shen, not Li.
He had no right to meddle in his uncle’s marriage. He had always been the sensible, obedient stepson, and that was what he had to be.
Shen Yuan barely touched his dinner; Li Lin had no appetite either. Shen Yuan felt dizzy and nauseated after too many hours playing 3D games on an empty stomach, his stomach twisting painfully.
The hardest part—he couldn’t let anyone see how upset he truly was.
Almost losing control of the negative emotions bubbling in his chest, he muttered to himself in despair: “Yes, I have no right. I’m not your biological brother. I have no right to interfere!”
Then he flung his hand and left.
Shen Yuan went to his room and locked the door.
Li Lin knocked softly: “Brother… I’m sorry.”
“I spoke out of anger.”
“Just don’t mention that woman again.”
“You’re really mad, huh? I haven’t seen you angry in a long time. It’s my fault for saying too much—I apologize. Isn’t that enough?”
Yes, Shen Yuan believed Li Lin spoke without thinking—but sometimes, words said in haste are the truest.
No matter how kind his uncle or Li Lin were, they weren’t truly family. He knew he was a child living under someone else’s roof; only obedience guaranteed him a meal. Life wasn’t equal—he accepted that. Yet being reminded of it so openly by Li Lin still hurt.
Li Lin cautiously said, “Silly brother… I really know I was wrong. If you… won’t forgive me, I’ll stay outside all night.”
After a while, the lock clicked. Li Lin exclaimed with delight: “Brother…”
Shen Yuan, expressionless, interrupted: “Move. I have to go out.”
Li Lin noticed him change into his going-out clothes: “Where are you going? I’m coming too!”
Shen Yuan, holding his usual stern “older brother” stance, refused without mercy: “I’m going drinking. You’re too young! Why go along?”
Without a glance, he brushed past Li Lin, his steps swift, leaving behind only a gust of wind.
Li Lin stood dumbfounded, realizing his brother was really angry—but not just because of him. What else could he be angry about?
Earlier, Shen Yuan had received a call.
Prince Qin had invited him to a nightclub. Normally, he avoided such frivolous entertainments, but today was different. He wanted a few drinks, or he felt he’d go insane.
It wasn’t his first time here. Having accompanied friends before, he knew the layout. His uncle knew he occasionally came and told him to stay safe, but didn’t forbid it. At a certain age, men had to know how to socialize. This was the richest playground in K City. Unlike ordinary clubs, the staff were attractive, well-educated, and patrons could freely find a companion in the bar area.
Shen Yuan, in a foul mood, made brief small talk, then sat silently drinking—one glass after another. People noticed his mood, but he wasn’t someone to comfort. The wealthy young men who invited him soon scattered to their own pursuits, leaving him alone.
Meanwhile, in a VIP room, Qiao Hailou played billiards with his old friend Cen Chuan. Leaning in, he pocketed the last ball: “One more game?”
He glanced at Cen Chuan. “What happened? You’re so bad now.”
Cen Chuan politely declined: “It’s late; I should go home. Another day.”
Qiao Hailou looked at the clock—just past eleven. “Eleven is late?”
Cen Chuan casually revealed his wedding ring: “I have a family now. My partner is young, loves to throw tantrums. I promised I’d go home early to accompany him.”
Everyone knew about Cen Chuan’s marriage. Rumor had it he was previously engaged to an artist of similar age, then it fell through. Not long after, he married a boy twenty years his junior, who came from a good family. People suspected Cen Chuan had been fond of this young man even before the marriage. Post-wedding, he doted on him constantly.
Qiao Hailou laughed, teasing him: “Cen, you really are pathetic, being controlled like that. I don’t like dating younger guys—they’re always whining and troublesome.”
Cen Chuan laughed it off: “Say what you want. I value romance over friends.”
Qiao Hailou, thirty-six, was the only one among his peers still single, while others were divorced, some with children in high school. He clung to his solo lifestyle.
After Cen Chuan left, Qiao Hailou played alone, bored. Though teasing Cen Chuan, he couldn’t help recalling the pretty boy he met at K University two days ago. Thinking of him still made his heart race. Where could he find that boy again?
He didn’t usually date younger men, but a fleeting dalliance to pass time and relieve boredom—he didn’t mind.
At the bar area, Shen Yuan couldn’t recall how many drinks he had—he was fairly drunk.
Next to him sat a friend, Han Feng, who had spotted an attractive, wealthy girl. After some failed attempts to flirt, he secretly spiked her drink while she went to the restroom. When she returned, he urged her to drink.
Sensing something was off, she declined, pushing the drink to the already-drunk Shen Yuan: “Here, you drink it.”
Shen Yuan, foggy-headed, obediently tilted his head back and gulped it down.
Han Feng watched nervously, pretending all was fine: “See? Nothing happened, right?”
The girl didn’t respond, raised an eyebrow, and walked off.
After the failed setup, Han Feng began to worry if Shen Yuan would be harmed by the spiked drink: “Xiao Shen… do you feel unwell? I can get you a room to rest.”
He wasn’t entirely unscrupulous—he would have found a companion for Shen Yuan otherwise.
Shen Yuan, already drunk but showing no visible signs, lips reddened from exertion, said stubbornly: “I’m fine. It’s just… a little alcohol…”
Han Feng still hesitated: “Shall I take you to a room?”
Shen Yuan brushed it off: “I can go back myself… I need the restroom first.”
Stumbling a bit, he took the wrong path halfway and had to ask a staff member for directions.
In the restroom, he relieved himself but still felt unsettled. His legs were weak, body hot, as if streams of fire surged toward his lower abdomen, swelling and pressing, with no outlet.
Not knowing what to do, Shen Yuan washed his face with cold water, but it didn’t cool him. Wetting his hands, he ran them through his hair, droplets sliding down his cheeks.
Turning, he collided with a man just exiting. He caught a faint fragrance—identical to his uncle’s usual cologne—and the man’s physique was similar.
Drunk or overwhelmed by suppressed frustration, Shen Yuan, triggered by the scent, lost reason. He wanted to let everything out. He embraced the man blindly: “Uncle…”
Qiao Hailou, hearing that voice, felt his heart melt. He held the “pretty boy” in his arms, surprised—this was the same boy he had been obsessed with two days ago, never knowing where to find him.
No, it wasn’t coincidence. Fate couldn’t be that generous.
This little beauty had deliberately come to seduce him.
He was no paragon of virtue. A willing, romantic encounter like this—he naturally wouldn’t refuse.