Chapter 2.09 – I Like Him, He Also Likes Me

The next day, after coming up with a plan, Xiang Han got his men to invite Ji Wei over for tea.

The Fifth Master Jiang had personally invited her for tea. Ji Wei was very frightened, but at the same time, she dared not reject the invitation. After discussing it with Zhou Chengxi, she still came in fear.

Entering the tearoom, she carefully asked, “M-Mr. Jiang, may I ask what you invited me over for?”

Xiang Han did not reply, lifting an arm in a “please go ahead” gesture and mildly said, “Drink tea.”

How could Ji Wei dare not drink? Rumours has it that the Fifth Master Jiang was a person who killed without seeing blood, even killing his own biological brother. Therefore, she lifted her cup shakily.

After finishing the tea, Ji Wei’s anxiety slowly faded. She only remembered at the end, Xiang Han had duly warned her, “Don’t make trouble for Zhou Yue Ze in the future.”

After leaving the teahouse, she was still puzzled. Did the Fifth Master Jiang have to personally warn her?

She did not have much time to analyse it before she received shocking news: Zhou Yue Qing’s illness had worsened and he was about to die.

After she got out of the car, Ji Wei stumbled into the hospital. She grabbed onto a passing doctor and asked, “Where is Zhou Yue Qing’s room?”

The doctor was expressionless and his voice was odd. “How are you related to him? Zhou Yue Qing’s illness is extremely precarious. If we are still unable to find a suitable donor…”

Ji Wei said without hesitation, “Give him my heart. I’m his mother, his biological mother, there’ll definitely be no problems. Please, I’m begging you, you have to save him…”

Ji Wei froze. She was indeed concerned for Zhou Yue Qing, but she had never thought of using her own life to exchange for his. She had no idea why she had said such a thing.

The doctor’s reaction was also awkward, as if he had just recovered from a shock, and asked with uncertainty, “Miss, what did you just say?”

At the same time, Lu Wan, Zhou Chengxi and the Zhou Family’s elders were also stunned by this scene.

Lu Wan wasn’t sure how she walked over, but she grabbed onto Ji Wei’s collar with trembling hands and asked, “What did you just say? You said Zhou Yue Qing is whose son?”

Ji Wei had just noticed them and immediately paled, her gaze turning to Zhou Chengxi for help. At this moment, she was still worried for Zhou Yue Qing and couldn’t help asking, “Chengxi, how is Yue- Young Master Zhou?”

Zhou Chengxi’s face was dark and he angrily replied, “He’s already out of danger.”

Watching all this, how could Lu Wan still not understand? She suddenly felt frightened, recalling Zhou Yue Ze’s words from yesterday and his reaction at that time. Many possibilities suddenly appeared in her mind.

She grabbed her hair and shook her head madly. “There’s- There’s no way, this cannot be real. I don’t believe it…”

Zhou Chengxi’s mother was also anxious, “Chengxi, what’s going on? Quickly explain.”

Zhou Chengxi looked at them with difficulty and tried to think of a way to tide over this crisis. Lu Wan abruptly stood up with a crazed look and said, “I don’t believe it, it can’t be possible. I want to do a DNA test…”

Seeing that the situation was out of hand as paper cannot contain fire[1], Zhou Chengxi finally admitted, “When Yue Qing was born, his body was too bad and I couldn’t bear to leave him outside, so I, so…” Biting his lip, he continued, “So I swapped him with Yue Ze.”

The old mistress Zhou almost fainted while the old Master immediately picked up his walking stick to beat him. “You evil bastard, how can you be so careless? How can a mistress’s child be compared to Lu Wan’s child? You actually swapped them, and even sent Yue Ze to that kind of person… Are you stupid?”

Thinking of how Zhou Yue Ze had been personally sent to the Jiang Family by them, the Zhou old master could not breathe and fainted.

Lu Wan also thought of this and her face paled. How relieved she had been at that time was how much heartache and regret she felt now. She pointed her trembling fingers at Zhou Chengxi, wanting to scold him, but could not find the words. She simply wanted to tear this scoundrel apart but found that she did not have the strength.

She had actually cursed at her own child and pushed him into the fire pit with her own hands. Lu Wan just had to think of this and her heart ached furiously, unable to even stand properly. The reality was too cruel, she had hoped for even a moment that it was not true, but Zhou Chengxi had admitted it himself. How could it not be real?

As for Zhou Yue Ze… her son probably already knew about this otherwise, why would he have said such words yesterday? But how had she replied to him, did she really say those heartless and cruel words? She had scolded her own child as a shameless person who could only live shamefully in the dark, and even said that he was a bed partner for…

Lu Wan shivered uncontrollably as if the entire sky had fallen down and suffocated her. The doctor that was performing CPR on the old master Zhou noticed her abnormality and quickly called for others to put her on a bed.

When the chaos died down, Ji Wei finally gathered her courage to come forward and said softly, “Chengxi, I want to see Yue Qing.”

Zhou Chengxi did not even hesitate and gave her a slap, fuming, “Bitch, who allowed you to come to the hospital? Are you only satisfied after seeing the Zhou and Lu Family fall out?”

Ji Wei was slapped until she nearly hit a wall, her face swelled up quickly and the corners of her lips were bleeding. Unhappiness flashed through her eyes but after steadying herself, she continued with a tearful expression, “Chengxi, it wasn’t intentional. I really didn’t mean to say those words, it was… it was Fifth Master Jiang. That’s right, it’s him!”

It was as if she had grasped at straws in her final moments, struggling to fight back, “It was him. He invited me for tea, you also knew that. There must have been something wrong with the tea…”

Chengxi did not even think and immediately gave her another slap. “You’re saying this on purpose because you think I don’t dare to make trouble for Jiang Han, right? Scram, I want you to immediately scram. Don’t even think of seeing Zhou Yue Qing ever again!”

Ji Wei stared disbelieving at him with tear-filled eyes, appearing extremely pitiful. Normally, Zhou Chengxi would definitely hold and comfort her, but now, he only felt irritated. Thinking of the Lu Family’s reaction, he even had the desire to kick her.

Ji Wei was frightened by his bloodthirsty gaze and dared not continue speaking, almost breaking into a run when she left.

When Xiang Han heard his subordinate’s report, he was so satisfied that he instructed the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes.

Dinner time, his expression was calm but his heart was secretly overjoyed. “The Zhou family knows of your identity, including Lu Wan.”

Zhou Yue Ze’s chopsticks froze, then he continued as if it did not concern him. “Oh.”

That’s all? Xiang Han was secretly gritting his teeth. What a waste of all his effort.

In reality, Zhou Yue Ze was not as calm as he appeared to be. It was not due to that bunch of people from the Zhou family, but rather, he was guessing who was the one who exposed this matter.

Was it Jiang Han? Apart from him, Zhou Yue Ze could not think of anyone else. But why would he do such a thing? To take revenge for him?

Facing his silence, Xiang Han continued, “I’m only telling you this to inform you that from tomorrow onwards, you have to clean yourself up properly before leaving the house.”

“…” Zhou Yue Ze’s face instantly turned black. What was he talking about, since when was he not clean? Also, how did the conversation shift to this direction?

Seeing his confusion, Xiang Han calmly explained, “The people who will come and find you will increase. In order to ensure that your studies are not affected, you will take my car to school from now on.”

As a parent, he had to be firm and decisive.

Zhou Yue Ze stiffened, an inexplicable sense of warmth suddenly washed over him. He did not want the other person to notice his abnormality and quickly lowered his head to hide his expression.

Xiang Han saw his reaction and was worried. Was he… Was he too harsh?

Hesitating for a moment, he continued in a cold voice, “If you aren’t willing, then forget it.”

Zhou Yue Ze raised his head, feeling baffled but the corners of his lips were raised ever so slightly. He shook his head, “Then I will have to trouble Mr. Jiang for a while.”

Xiang Han felt that he was becoming more and more like a real father lately. Apart from providing food and shelter, he was even solving his son’s psychological problems. And now, he had to fetch him around. But raising a child was interesting, he felt that he might actually be enjoying it.

After the truth came to light, the Lu Family quickly took action. The first people who came were Lu Wan and her parents.

Xiang Han did not meet them and Zhou Yue Ze also did not have any intention of doing so, immediately chasing them away.

The decision to bring Zhou Yue Ze back met with opposing views from both the Zhou and the Lu Family. According to the Lu’s, that was their grandchild, he must be brought back.

After the Old Master Zhou calmed down and carefully considered, he told Zhou Chengxi, “This matter needs to be handled with caution. Firstly, Yue Ze already has a grudge against us. Secondly, Jiang Han is not someone we can afford to offend, and thirdly… The Lu Family is too deep within our company. If Yue Ze sides with them after he comes back…”

In the end, there was only the Lu Family who came for Zhou Yue Ze.

After chasing away the Lu Family, Xiang Han asked Zhou Yue Ze what he planned to do.

Zhou Yue Ze was revising his work and after contemplating for a while, he finally said, “Didn’t I already sell my body to you? In the future, I’ll do whatever Mr. Jiang wants me to do.”

Xiang Han was taken aback but the other person still had an expression full of seriousness. He suddenly felt unhappy and deliberately said, “Oh, even going to bed is fine?”

The tips of Zhou Yue Ze’s ears turned red but he forced himself to remain calm, “Mr. Jiang must be joking.”

Although that was what he said, in his heart, he was thinking that Jiang Han had indeed not given up this thought. But the funny thing was, he actually wasn’t angry?

Zhou Yue Ze’s heart was suddenly thrown into a frenzy, unable to continue solving problems.

Xiang Han saw him stuck and his eyes instantly lit up, thinking: It’s finally my turn to shine.

Putting on an expression of what he thought was extremely “dignified”, he lowered his head and asked, “You don’t know how to do it? Let me take a look.”

“…” Looking at the question, Zhou Yue Ze felt that he might have been able to solve it, but he unexpectedly handed it to the other person as if he’d lost his soul.

Xiang Han scanned the problems then calmly asked his System, [Little Nine, how do I answer this question?]

System: […]

After System finished explaining, Xiang Han was still lost. [Can you… repeat again?]

System: [… Why don’t you let me take control of your voice for a while.]

[No, no, no. What if you accidentally say something wrong?] Xiang Han immediately rejected the idea and quickly suggested, [Why don’t you say one sentence, then I’ll repeat after you?]

[Alright.] System agreed.

Afterwards, Xiang Han searched around but was unable to find a clean piece of paper and took out a piece of tissue paper in the end. As he wrote the answer, he slowly explained, pausing between each line.

But in Zhou Yue Ze’s eyes, this manner of speaking was extremely focused. His pace was neither slow nor fast, as if afraid he wouldn’t be able to understand. Pausing every time he finished a sentence, it was as if the other person was giving him time to think.

But his emotions were a mess, unable to even hear a single word. When Xiang Han asked him, “Understood?”, he instinctively replied, “No.”

Xiang Han was depressed, he had spoken with much difficulty, did he have to repeat one more time?

After this experience, Xiang Han never tried to act self-confident again. What revision, it wasn’t humane.

After Lu Wan left the Jiang Family, she was extremely dejected. After knowing the truth, she actually dared not look for Zhou Yue Ze, but knowing that he was her biological son, she gathered her courage and came.

She was unable to meet him. All her sadness and uneasiness made her unable to endure, crying to Mother Lu, “He definitely hates me now…”

When they returned to the Lu Family, they didn’t think that Zhou Yue Qing would be there.

Seeing his pale face, Lu Wan instinctively walked forward but she suddenly remembered that he was Ji Wei’s son and abruptly stopped.

Zhou Yue Qing saw that she was silent for a while and after half a second, he suddenly broke into tears, asking in a hoarse voice, “Mum, am I really not your son? Do you not want me anymore?”

Lu Wan’s heart ached. After all, she had raised him for so many years. She habitually wanted to go forward and comfort him but was stopped by Mother Lu.

“Young Master Zhou, your body isn’t well. I think it would be better for you to go to the hospital.” Saying this, Mother Lu called for people to send him away before turning to the crestfallen Lu Wan, “How could you not recognise your own son? That was Ji Wei’s son. She caused your son to land into Jiang Han’s hands and now we can’t even meet him. You still have the energy to care about that bastard. Are you stupid?”

Lu Wan was depressed, “It’s only out of habit, I’m unable to adapt so quickly. Also, Zhou Yue Qing doesn’t know anything, he’s innocent.”

“He’s innocent, then Yue Ze isn’t? How do you think Yue Ze feels now?” Mother Lu angrily jabbed her a few times, hating iron for not becoming steel. “I think that even if Yue Ze hates you, it’s also normal. Zhou Yue Qing has a mother and a father, does he still need you to care for him?”

Lu Wan’s heart was extremely stifled, and after being scolded by Mother Lu, she began to think of ways to mend her relationship with Zhou Yue Ze.

After school ended the next day, Zhou Yue Ze saw Lu Wan standing by the school gates.

The Lu Wan of today had lost a lot of weight and her gaze was no longer as ferocious as before. Seeing him appear, she smiled fawningly and carefully began, “Yue Ze, I…”

Zhou Yue Ze ignored her, coldly looking away and walked towards an expensive-looking car.

Lu Wan was momentarily stunned, her face paling.

When Zhou Yue Ze was about to get into the car, she suddenly rushed up and grabbed him, her voice filled with frenzy, “Yue Ze, mum was wrong. 2- I shouldn’t have said those things in the past. At that time, I didn’t know you were my son. Can you forgive mum?”

Zhou Yue Ze’s brows pinched, he slowly but firmly shook her hands off.

Lu Wan froze. She suddenly saw the person sitting in the car and instantly paled even more, “It’s alright even if you can’t forgive me, but go back with me to the Lu Family first, okay? Previously, I was the one who harmed you. You were young and naughty then, mum can’t let you continue staying by his side…”

The corners of Zhou Yue Ze’s lips lifted slightly, his grin was extremely cold-blooded as he mocked, “Apologies, I’m only a bastard who can’t see the light of day, how can I be worthy of being your son?”

Lu Wan was stunned, her face was green and her lips were trembling, unable to continue speaking.

Zhou Yue Ze laughed coldly. So what if she had not known, does that mean that she could erase everything that had happened? Does it mean that he should have to endure all the humiliation then forgive them like a gracious saint? But he did not want to. Does it mean that he wasn’t human, with no feelings or sentience, and wouldn’t feel sad after being hurt?

He directly went into the car and slammed the door shut, “Start the car.”

Seeing the car disappear, Lu Wan could no longer endure and broke down on the roadside.

In the car, Xiang Han was furious: This child’s temper has really grown, even daring to give out orders on his behalf.

But seeing the other person’s deflated expression, he didn’t say anything, only consoling him, “In the future, you are my son.”

Good child, father will dote on you. It’s fine to throw away a few burdensome relatives.

Xiang Han was just casually saying it, he didn’t expect that Zhou Yue Ze would actually reply, “En.” He was immediately startled but after looking back, the other person still had an expression of wanting to die, it was as if he had heard wrongly.

What Xiang Han did not know was that when he retracted his gaze, Zhou Yue Ze laughed silently. He found out that occasionally teasing Mr. Jiang was quite fun.

Xiang Han thought that he had heard wrongly, but reality quickly gave him a slap.

A few days later, as he was finishing his meal, Zhou Yue Ze suddenly announced, “I’ve changed my name. In the future, I’m called Jiang Ze.”

He utterly did not want to have any relation to the Zhou Family, including his surname and seniority. If he could, he might even have wanted to change his entire body.

Xiang Han was stunned. Afterwards, his heart was distressed. Zhou Yue Ze should have told him if he wanted to change his name, Xiang Han guaranteed that he would help him. Why did he have to change to Jiang? Your father, I, was surnamed Xiang.

Xiang Han was depressed. For the first time, he lost his appetite, he did not even feel like eating anymore. A good Xiang Little Ze suddenly became Jiang Little Ze, he suffered a great loss. Even if he changed to Lu… cough, Lu was also no good.

After Lu Wan learnt of this matter, she understood Zhou Yue Ze’s firmness, it was impossible to go back. She listlessly returned to the hospital to look for Zhou Chengxi to finalise the divorce but unexpectedly overheard Zhou Yue Qing complaining that Ji Wei had ruined his plans. She even learnt that the other person had long ago known who was his real mother, sucking up to her was merely because he wanted to become the Zhou Family’s successor.

Lu Wan’s hands instantly turned cold. For so many years, she had been fooled. What filial piety, it turned out to be a bunch of crap in his eyes. That’s right, Ji Wei, Zhou Chengxi and he were all in this together, fooling her, causing her to send her own son to the Jiang Family.

Lu Wan was trembling with rage, wishing she could rush up and kill both of them. But she quickly calmed down, even laughing coldly as she left. She did not intend to divorce him, she wanted to fight them till the end. Didn’t Zhou Yue Qing want the Zhou Family? She will not allow it.

Two months later, the entrance examination started.

As a parent, Xiang Han experienced the feeling of sending his child to exams, and then, he never went again. Apart from the lack of parking space, it was hot and everywhere was noisy. Staying there any longer would give him a mental breakdown.

It wasn’t that he was too haughty, it was this body’s natural reaction that was too damned.

When Zhou Yue Ze returned, he was unhappy and ignored him until the entrance examination ended.

Xiang Han felt that this child had been spoiled too much. If he did not educate him properly, sooner or later, he will scale the wall[3].  He will take the opportunity over the school break and teach him properly.

“Rest well for a few days. Next week, you will follow me and learn how to manage some simple things in the company.” At dinner, Father Jiang said mildly, his tone left no room for rejection.

Zhou Yue Ze shook his head and said, “No need, I can start tomorrow.”

Xiang Han, “…” Young man, you finally finished your exams with much difficulty, don’t you want to relax for a while?

[Little Nine, where’s Big A and Little B?] It seemed like there was a need for external help to construct a strict regimen to educate this child.

System: [They have things to do and currently not around, they said it’ll take a few minutes.]

Xiang Han: […] He actually forgot, at the critical juncture, those two people were unreliable.

[Then… Little Nine, do you have any good methods?] Looks like he could only rely on his system.

System quickly helped him found [Thirty Years of Shang Hai Ups and Downs], [Workplace Situation], [My Day as a Boss], [Marshal’s Little Wife]… Wait a minute, the last one was unnecessary.

Unsurprisingly, apart from the [Marshal’s Little Wife], Xiang Han was unable to read a single one.

[Don’t you have any practical plan?] Xiang Han couldn’t help asking.

System: [There is a mechanical operating system that can create a training plan for its user.]

[Is it difficult?]

[For normal people, the difficulty is quite high.]

[Then lower the difficulty and let him try it.]

System: […]

[How do I teach him about the company?]

System explained, [Mr. Xiang, theory cannot be compared to experience. In the future, just bring him along wherever you go. Jiang Han is a smart person, listening once is enough, he will naturally learn quickly.]

“En, that makes sense,” having settled this problem, Xiang Han happily went to wash up and sleep.

The next day, Xiang Han brought Zhou Yue Ze to the office and let him familiarise himself with every department, setting off a wave of excitement. Many people could not help guessing: The big boss personally brought someone to the office and even introduced him to every department. Was he a lover or a successor?

Previously, for a period of time, Xiang Han’s daily routine was: Go to work, settle some work, get off work early.

But he could not be so careless now that he was teaching another person. Auctions, private banquets, economic forums, he went to everything. Thankfully in the last world, he attended many of such events with Lu Ze before and adding onto the original host’s memories, it was easy for him to handle such matters.

After they returned to the villa, there was still martial arts training. Because the system’s coaching was too high-levelled, he could only let his bodyguards teach him.

But Zhou Yue Ze’s abilities were too brilliant. In just half a month, no one was his opponent.

Xiang Han stood on the battlefield, his gaze cold but in reality, his heart was trembling, [Fuck, Little Nine. This rate of improvement is rarely seen even in the Federation. When you guys were creating characters, did you all set his abilities too high?]

[It wasn’t me and moreover, I don’t have permission to see their data.] System was also confused.

Seeing all his bodyguards falling from just a punch, Xiang Han shivered. [In this world, how many people are as perverted as him?]

He inexplicably felt worried for himself, then saw Zhou Yue Ze drenched in sweat walking over, panting, “I wonder how’s Mr. Jiang’s abilities?”

Xiang Han could feel the heat rising from his body and instinctively stepped back. He hadn’t spoken yet when he heard the bodyguard that had been beaten down reply, “Mr. Jiang’s abilities are far above us.”

“Is that so?” Zhou Yue Ze was suspicious. The other man looked clean and neat, moreover, he was a little skinny.

Xiang Han was furious, feeling that this child’s ambition had grown, he was now looking down on himself. Therefore, he didn’t even think before pushing up his glasses and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll spar with you.”

However, after boasting, he immediately regretted it and turned to System pleadingly, [Little Nine, I’m doomed. I’m going to embarrass myself, you will save me, right?]

[Don’t worry Mr. Xiang. As the highest level combat system in the federation, I will definitely not embarrass you.]

Thankfully, System was extremely reliable. Xiang Han was touched beyond words, [Little Nine, I just knew you were the most reliable one at such a critical time.]

Therefore, when System came forward, Zhou Yue Ze was tragically beaten down without any resistance.

What a joke, people operated a mech in the past. Moreover, the original host’s body was flexible. In a moment of excitement, 009 executed a series of extremely difficult manoeuvres and directly stunned Zhou Yue Ze. 

After it ended, Zhou Yue Ze’s face was red as he asked Xiang Han, “Sir, won’t your back hurt when you do those kinds of actions?”

Xiang Han was currently reading a manhua. Hearing this made him feel puzzled, “Why would my back hurt?”

“N-Nothing,” Zhou Yue Ze shook his head and quickly looked away.

Xiang Han realized that he had perspired and felt very uncomfortable. He quickly went back to take a bath, throwing down a “we’ll end here for today” and left.

Zhou Yue Ze was still recalling the other person’s movements from earlier and his thoughts suddenly strayed: Jiang Han’s waist looked really soft, he couldn’t possibly be a girl, right?

Seeing Xiang Han turn to leave, he subconsciously looked towards his thin waist and then, as if he was possessed, he pounced.

Xiang Han was completely unprepared and was suppressed on the ground in an instant. His glasses fell off, revealing his stunned expression.

Zhou Yue Ze used a knee to force his legs down, one hand holding down his right arm and another on his waist. Using a little strength to pinch, he subconsciously felt him up. There was only a single thought in his mind: It was really soft, and also very thin.

Xiang Han was once again stunned and only felt the heat from his waist followed by a ticklish feeling. The tips of his ears reddened. T-T-This, This child was actually teasing him?

Moreover, his palms were covered in sweat, touching him and pressing him on the floor. No matter how much the floor had been cleaned, they still had been stepped on before.

Xiang Han wanted to faint, itching to send the other person flying with a kick before taking a nice, long shower. Unfortunately, his legs were being suppressed. He could not kick him and could only say coldly, “Get lost!”

Zhou Yue Ze hurriedly released him. Afterwards, he was startled to realise that Jiang Han had been completely unguarded around him.

After training for so many days, Zhou Yue Ze was extremely clear that martial artists were more vigilant than normal people, extremely alert to their surroundings. This was so that once they sensed danger, they would be able to react quickly.

Jiang Han actually trusted him so much? He suddenly recalled that at the company, the other person never hid various classified documents from him.

Zhou Yue Ze’s heart felt complicated, he always believed that Jiang Han only saw him as prey. Because he could not obtain it, he refused to give up. In reality, Jiang Han’s feelings towards him were much deeper than he had thought.

Should he agree? But what kind of feelings should he have towards Jiang Han? Love, or gratitude?

Xiang Han would never have imagined that in that short period of time, the hole in Zhou Yue Ze’s brain would widen so much and break through the horizon. At that moment, he was only concerned about finding his glasses and quickly taking a bath.

He squinted his eyes and searched around, unable to find anything. In the end, he coldly asked, “Where’s my glasses?”

Zhou Yue Ze finally regained his thoughts and helped him find it under the counter.

Thinking of how his glasses had rolled on the ground and stained with dirt, Xiang Han was in a dilemma.

In the end, he gave up, “Wash it up, then send it up to my room.”

Saying this, he walked away and left Zhou Yue Ze standing on the spot in a daze. He could not help thinking: ‘Did Jiang Han purposely find an excuse to let me go to his room?’

Zhou Yue Ze was stuck, deciding that before he clearly thought through his feelings for Jiang Han, he should not casually cross the line in case the other person misunderstood. At that moment, he had completely forgotten about Xiang Han’s mysophobia.

Two days later, the entrance examination results were out. Xiang Han helped him check and found that Zhou Yue Ze was in the first place. He could not help feeling sour.

[Little Nine, in the future, don’t find straight-A students.] This scum student could not stand it.

System: […]

With the housekeeper’s reminder, Xiang Han threw a banquet for Zhou Yue Ze. In the end, all those who came were business partners.

It was not a bad thing, Xiang Han simply introduced them all to Zhou Yue Ze. The two families, Zhou and Lu never came. The Zhou family dared not come while the Lu family could not come.

Zhou Yue Ze also drank a little. When he walked out of the hotel, his head was spinning.

Lu Wan suddenly appeared at this time, scaring him.

“Little- Little Ze, it’s me.” Her voice carried hesitation. Knowing that he had changed his name, she also changed the way she called him.

Zhou Yue Ze frowned and turned to walk away.

Lu Wan caught up with small steps but was unable to stop him, “Little Ze, I heard that you got first placed in the entire country for the exams, mum came here to congratulate you. I know you don’t wish to see me, but there are some things I still want to tell you. The Zhou family’s business, mum will help you protect it. Jiang Han is a very unpredictable person, never getting close to anybody. You have to leave a way out for yourself…”

“Are you done?” Zhou Yue Ze suddenly turned around, his voice icy. For some reason, he suddenly could not stand hearing others badmouth Jiang Han.

Lu Wan was frightened by his fury and suddenly realized that the youth who used to be bullied around suddenly became extremely strong and stern; he was no longer a pushover.

When she finally came back to her senses, the other person had already walked far away while she had been restrained by the bodyguards.

She continued to shout, “If there is a day where you are sick of it, mum will help you leave a way out.”

But as if he hadn’t heard anything, Zhou Yue Ze continued to walk towards Xiang Han, his actions more intimate than usual. The two spoke for a while before getting in a car and leaving.

Lu Wan stood there in a daze, feeling helpless beyond words.

In the car, Xiang Han had drunk a little too much and when he spoke, his voice carried a hint of intoxication. “Why was she looking for you?”

“Nothing, she has nothing better to do.” Zhou Yue Ze’s voice was unhappy, clearly indicating that he did not wish to continue this conversation topic.

Currently, Lu Wan had already entered the Zhou Company and joined forces with the Lu Family to force the Zhou Family to send Zhou Yue Qing away. Half a month ago, Zhou Yue Qing went abroad while Zhou Chengxi was being suppressed by the Lu Family until he could hardly breathe. As for Ji Wei, after being abandoned by her son, her mood was bad and her life wasn’t smooth sailing either.

 Xiang Han never thought they would actually have an internal conflict. If things continued to progress in this direction, Zhou Yue Ze probably wouldn’t even need to do anything before they ruined themselves.

[Hey, Little Nine, this can’t be considered as taking revenge on behalf of the protagonist, right? I only did two minor things but they already tormented themselves to this stage.]

System: […Let’s wait for Mr. Dean to come back first.] What could he say? He was only a combat system.

Xiang Han chatted with System for a while before he fell asleep. Zhou Yue Ze was currently intoxicated and when his gaze fell on the sleeping figure, he was dazed. After a moment, as if he had fallen under a spell, he slowly moved forward and pressed his lips against Xiang Han’s.

The other person’s lips were exactly what he had imagined, soft and carried a hint of alcohol fragrance. His tongue subconsciously licked his lips, savouring the sweet and numb after-taste as his expression was filled with intoxication.

The driver watched the entire scene from the rearview mirror and suffered a fright, his hands trembled and the car swayed a little. Zhou Yue Ze suddenly woke up, the electric shock he felt earlier had subsided. He subconsciously touched his own lips, as if unable to believe what he had just done.

After he recovered, he immediately glanced at the driver and warned him coldly, “Watch what you say.”

The driver quickly nodded, breaking out in a cold sweat.

When they returned, Zhou Yue Ze felt that his emotions were in a mess and began to avoid Xiang Han.

In the face of this, Xiang Han couldn’t help but sigh: The son has grown up, there’s no place for the father.

As for university, Zhou Yue Ze chose to go into University A. After the school break, his internship also came to an end. In order to build up his experience, Xiang Han directly gave him a small company for him to manage. It’ll be good if the company could profit, but it didn’t matter even if it collapsed.

After receiving the company, Zhou Yue Ze returned home less frequently than before. He was usually either at school or the office.

A year later, the company that had been on the verge of collapsing miraculously recovered and business was booming, reaping the highest profit in the last three years. Xiang Han did not doubt that if he gave Zhou Yue Ze a few more years, that company would become the most profitable one under the Jiang Corporation.

But there was no longer any meaning, this small pond was not big enough for Zhou Yue Ze to work for. At the end of the year, he transferred him over to the marketing department of his main company, letting him start from the bottom and gain experience.

When Zhou Yue Ze went to the main company, they were coincidentally having an annual dinner and he was called to stay back to join the party. He thought that Xiang Han was also there, and thus, did not leave. But after drinking for a long time, he didn’t even see the shadow of that man and inevitably felt disappointed.

Excluding the occasional brief exchanges, he had not seen Xiang Han for more than half a year.

That day after he kissed Xiang Han, he kept thinking that it was merely a moment of recklessness and began to avoid him. But after hiding for a few months, he realised that the feeling of longing he had towards Xiang Han did not diminish in the slightest and instead, grew day by day.

At this point, he understood. He did not have any excuses, he had fallen for him. Thankfully, the other man also liked him, so there wasn’t anything bad about it.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yue Ze was elated and even wanted to fly over and tell him immediately. Xiang Han liked him so much, after knowing this, he should be extremely happy, right?

But after he calmed down, he felt that it was not right. Xiang Han had done so many things for him, but he seemed to not have done anything for the other person before. Zhou Yue Ze wished for a relationship between two equals. He also wanted to do something for him.

After thinking for a long time, he finally decided to first save the small company from the brink of collapse and after business picked up, he will gift it to Xiang Han. Perhaps, he might not even look at something so minor, but at least it was his own effort.

So when he reported to the main office, Zhou Yue Ze’s heart was filled with anticipation. He had even imagined that the person listening to his report was Xiang Han. But the reality was cruel, Xiang Han did not even come to the office that day. In the end he left with a belly full of wine, walking towards a taxi with unsteady steps.

At this time, Xiang Han was currently enjoying a hotpot dinner with Housekeeper Zhang. A year had passed and the influence of the original host had reduced a lot. Using a common serving spoon, the two of them could still enjoy from the same pot.

When Zhou Yue Ze came back and saw this scene, his eyes were filled with jealousy: Jiang Han was actually eating hotpot with the housekeeper. He had never eaten hotpot with me before, didn’t he have mysophobia?

The housekeeper saw him and immediately stood up and asked, “Young Master, you’re back. Have you eaten? If not I’ll go get an extra set of cutlery from the kitchen.”

Zhou Yue Ze quickly nodded and seeing that Xiang Han did not say anything, he sat directly across from him. When the housekeeper came back with an extra set of cutlery, he directly used his chopsticks to pick up the food, not bothering about the serving spoon.

Xiang Han immediately lost his appetite and put down his chopsticks. Noticing the smell of alcohol, he left another instruction for the housekeeper, “Boil some sobering soup later.”

Zhou Yue Ze froze. After a moment, he could not help but think: Jiang Han was probably the only person in the world that treats him the best. Coincidentally, he likes Jiang Han and Jiang Han also liked him.

Zhou Yue Ze was drunk. Seeing Xiang Han stand up, he also stood up and followed unsteadily. When he finally caught up, he accidentally tripped over himself.

After smelling the alcohol on him, Xiang Han did not want to support him but he also could not watch as the other person bumped into the stairs. He finally endured his discomfort, reaching out his golden hand to help him.

Zhou Yue Ze unexpectedly used his momentum to throw himself forward and hugged Xiang Han, whispering against his neck, “…Jiang Han, I want to tell you something. I also like you, are you happy? I’m giving the company to you as a present, do you like it…?”

A hot and humid breath continuously fanned against his neck, drilling under his collar and carried a hint of alcoholic smell. Xiang Han’s scalp grew numb and he felt as if there were countless insects crawling over his neck. He couldn’t stand it and directly kicked Zhou Yue Ze away, forcefully rubbing his neck, wanting to take a bath immediately.

Moreover, because Zhou Yue Ze’s voice was too low, and his words were slurred, Xiang Han could not clearly hear what he had said. He only knew that Zhou Yue Ze was confessing to someone, and even wanted to gift the company to them as a present.

In the first place, that company was his, yet this rascal wanted to use it to please another person, he was really generous.

Xiang Han was annoyed, feeling that he had really raised an ungrateful son. Once he found a lover, he forgot about his father.

After Zhou Yue Ze fell to the ground, he quickly awoke from his stupor. Xiang Han had not used much strength so he didn’t feel pain, but he was confused: Didn’t Jiang Han like him? He had confessed, but why was Xiang Han not happy, and instead, kicked him?

***

[1] Paper cannot contain fire: The truth will eventually be revealed

[2] The proverb is, if you go three days without beating a child, he will scale the wall, meaning – he will ‘give an inch, take a mile).

[3] The proverb is, if you go three days without beating a child, he will scale the wall, meaning – he will ‘give an inch, take a mile.

Chapter 2.09 – I Like Him, He Also Likes Me

The next day, after coming up with a plan, Xiang Han got his men to invite Ji Wei over for tea.

The Fifth Master Jiang had personally invited her for tea. Ji Wei was very frightened, but at the same time, she dared not reject the invitation. After discussing it with Zhou Chengxi, she still came in fear.

Entering the tearoom, she carefully asked, “M-Mr. Jiang, may I ask what you invited me over for?”

Xiang Han did not reply, lifting an arm in a “please go ahead” gesture and mildly said, “Drink tea.”

How could Ji Wei dare not drink? Rumours has it that the Fifth Master Jiang was a person who killed without seeing blood, even killing his own biological brother. Therefore, she lifted her cup shakily.

After finishing the tea, Ji Wei’s anxiety slowly faded. She only remembered at the end, Xiang Han had duly warned her, “Don’t make trouble for Zhou Yue Ze in the future.”

After leaving the teahouse, she was still puzzled. Did the Fifth Master Jiang have to personally warn her?

She did not have much time to analyse it before she received shocking news: Zhou Yue Qing’s illness had worsened and he was about to die.

After she got out of the car, Ji Wei stumbled into the hospital. She grabbed onto a passing doctor and asked, “Where is Zhou Yue Qing’s room?”

The doctor was expressionless and his voice was odd. “How are you related to him? Zhou Yue Qing’s illness is extremely precarious. If we are still unable to find a suitable donor…”

Ji Wei said without hesitation, “Give him my heart. I’m his mother, his biological mother, there’ll definitely be no problems. Please, I’m begging you, you have to save him…”

Ji Wei froze. She was indeed concerned for Zhou Yue Qing, but she had never thought of using her own life to exchange for his. She had no idea why she had said such a thing.

The doctor’s reaction was also awkward, as if he had just recovered from a shock, and asked with uncertainty, “Miss, what did you just say?”

At the same time, Lu Wan, Zhou Chengxi and the Zhou Family’s elders were also stunned by this scene.

Lu Wan wasn’t sure how she walked over, but she grabbed onto Ji Wei’s collar with trembling hands and asked, “What did you just say? You said Zhou Yue Qing is whose son?”

Ji Wei had just noticed them and immediately paled, her gaze turning to Zhou Chengxi for help. At this moment, she was still worried for Zhou Yue Qing and couldn’t help asking, “Chengxi, how is Yue- Young Master Zhou?”

Zhou Chengxi’s face was dark and he angrily replied, “He’s already out of danger.”

Watching all this, how could Lu Wan still not understand? She suddenly felt frightened, recalling Zhou Yue Ze’s words from yesterday and his reaction at that time. Many possibilities suddenly appeared in her mind.

She grabbed her hair and shook her head madly. “There’s- There’s no way, this cannot be real. I don’t believe it…”

Zhou Chengxi’s mother was also anxious, “Chengxi, what’s going on? Quickly explain.”

Zhou Chengxi looked at them with difficulty and tried to think of a way to tide over this crisis. Lu Wan abruptly stood up with a crazed look and said, “I don’t believe it, it can’t be possible. I want to do a DNA test…”

Seeing that the situation was out of hand as paper cannot contain fire[1], Zhou Chengxi finally admitted, “When Yue Qing was born, his body was too bad and I couldn’t bear to leave him outside, so I, so…” Biting his lip, he continued, “So I swapped him with Yue Ze.”

The old mistress Zhou almost fainted while the old Master immediately picked up his walking stick to beat him. “You evil bastard, how can you be so careless? How can a mistress’s child be compared to Lu Wan’s child? You actually swapped them, and even sent Yue Ze to that kind of person… Are you stupid?”

Thinking of how Zhou Yue Ze had been personally sent to the Jiang Family by them, the Zhou old master could not breathe and fainted.

Lu Wan also thought of this and her face paled. How relieved she had been at that time was how much heartache and regret she felt now. She pointed her trembling fingers at Zhou Chengxi, wanting to scold him, but could not find the words. She simply wanted to tear this scoundrel apart but found that she did not have the strength.

She had actually cursed at her own child and pushed him into the fire pit with her own hands. Lu Wan just had to think of this and her heart ached furiously, unable to even stand properly. The reality was too cruel, she had hoped for even a moment that it was not true, but Zhou Chengxi had admitted it himself. How could it not be real?

As for Zhou Yue Ze… her son probably already knew about this otherwise, why would he have said such words yesterday? But how had she replied to him, did she really say those heartless and cruel words? She had scolded her own child as a shameless person who could only live shamefully in the dark, and even said that he was a bed partner for…

Lu Wan shivered uncontrollably as if the entire sky had fallen down and suffocated her. The doctor that was performing CPR on the old master Zhou noticed her abnormality and quickly called for others to put her on a bed.

When the chaos died down, Ji Wei finally gathered her courage to come forward and said softly, “Chengxi, I want to see Yue Qing.”

Zhou Chengxi did not even hesitate and gave her a slap, fuming, “Bitch, who allowed you to come to the hospital? Are you only satisfied after seeing the Zhou and Lu Family fall out?”

Ji Wei was slapped until she nearly hit a wall, her face swelled up quickly and the corners of her lips were bleeding. Unhappiness flashed through her eyes but after steadying herself, she continued with a tearful expression, “Chengxi, it wasn’t intentional. I really didn’t mean to say those words, it was… it was Fifth Master Jiang. That’s right, it’s him!”

It was as if she had grasped at straws in her final moments, struggling to fight back, “It was him. He invited me for tea, you also knew that. There must have been something wrong with the tea…”

Chengxi did not even think and immediately gave her another slap. “You’re saying this on purpose because you think I don’t dare to make trouble for Jiang Han, right? Scram, I want you to immediately scram. Don’t even think of seeing Zhou Yue Qing ever again!”

Ji Wei stared disbelieving at him with tear-filled eyes, appearing extremely pitiful. Normally, Zhou Chengxi would definitely hold and comfort her, but now, he only felt irritated. Thinking of the Lu Family’s reaction, he even had the desire to kick her.

Ji Wei was frightened by his bloodthirsty gaze and dared not continue speaking, almost breaking into a run when she left.

When Xiang Han heard his subordinate’s report, he was so satisfied that he instructed the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes.

Dinner time, his expression was calm but his heart was secretly overjoyed. “The Zhou family knows of your identity, including Lu Wan.”

Zhou Yue Ze’s chopsticks froze, then he continued as if it did not concern him. “Oh.”

That’s all? Xiang Han was secretly gritting his teeth. What a waste of all his effort.

In reality, Zhou Yue Ze was not as calm as he appeared to be. It was not due to that bunch of people from the Zhou family, but rather, he was guessing who was the one who exposed this matter.

Was it Jiang Han? Apart from him, Zhou Yue Ze could not think of anyone else. But why would he do such a thing? To take revenge for him?

Facing his silence, Xiang Han continued, “I’m only telling you this to inform you that from tomorrow onwards, you have to clean yourself up properly before leaving the house.”

“…” Zhou Yue Ze’s face instantly turned black. What was he talking about, since when was he not clean? Also, how did the conversation shift to this direction?

Seeing his confusion, Xiang Han calmly explained, “The people who will come and find you will increase. In order to ensure that your studies are not affected, you will take my car to school from now on.”

As a parent, he had to be firm and decisive.

Zhou Yue Ze stiffened, an inexplicable sense of warmth suddenly washed over him. He did not want the other person to notice his abnormality and quickly lowered his head to hide his expression.

Xiang Han saw his reaction and was worried. Was he… Was he too harsh?

Hesitating for a moment, he continued in a cold voice, “If you aren’t willing, then forget it.”

Zhou Yue Ze raised his head, feeling baffled but the corners of his lips were raised ever so slightly. He shook his head, “Then I will have to trouble Mr. Jiang for a while.”

Xiang Han felt that he was becoming more and more like a real father lately. Apart from providing food and shelter, he was even solving his son’s psychological problems. And now, he had to fetch him around. But raising a child was interesting, he felt that he might actually be enjoying it.

After the truth came to light, the Lu Family quickly took action. The first people who came were Lu Wan and her parents.

Xiang Han did not meet them and Zhou Yue Ze also did not have any intention of doing so, immediately chasing them away.

The decision to bring Zhou Yue Ze back met with opposing views from both the Zhou and the Lu Family. According to the Lu’s, that was their grandchild, he must be brought back.

After the Old Master Zhou calmed down and carefully considered, he told Zhou Chengxi, “This matter needs to be handled with caution. Firstly, Yue Ze already has a grudge against us. Secondly, Jiang Han is not someone we can afford to offend, and thirdly… The Lu Family is too deep within our company. If Yue Ze sides with them after he comes back…”

In the end, there was only the Lu Family who came for Zhou Yue Ze.

After chasing away the Lu Family, Xiang Han asked Zhou Yue Ze what he planned to do.

Zhou Yue Ze was revising his work and after contemplating for a while, he finally said, “Didn’t I already sell my body to you? In the future, I’ll do whatever Mr. Jiang wants me to do.”

Xiang Han was taken aback but the other person still had an expression full of seriousness. He suddenly felt unhappy and deliberately said, “Oh, even going to bed is fine?”

The tips of Zhou Yue Ze’s ears turned red but he forced himself to remain calm, “Mr. Jiang must be joking.”

Although that was what he said, in his heart, he was thinking that Jiang Han had indeed not given up this thought. But the funny thing was, he actually wasn’t angry?

Zhou Yue Ze’s heart was suddenly thrown into a frenzy, unable to continue solving problems.

Xiang Han saw him stuck and his eyes instantly lit up, thinking: It’s finally my turn to shine.

Putting on an expression of what he thought was extremely “dignified”, he lowered his head and asked, “You don’t know how to do it? Let me take a look.”

“…” Looking at the question, Zhou Yue Ze felt that he might have been able to solve it, but he unexpectedly handed it to the other person as if he’d lost his soul.

Xiang Han scanned the problems then calmly asked his System, [Little Nine, how do I answer this question?]

System: […]

After System finished explaining, Xiang Han was still lost. [Can you… repeat again?]

System: [… Why don’t you let me take control of your voice for a while.]

[No, no, no. What if you accidentally say something wrong?] Xiang Han immediately rejected the idea and quickly suggested, [Why don’t you say one sentence, then I’ll repeat after you?]

[Alright.] System agreed.

Afterwards, Xiang Han searched around but was unable to find a clean piece of paper and took out a piece of tissue paper in the end. As he wrote the answer, he slowly explained, pausing between each line.

But in Zhou Yue Ze’s eyes, this manner of speaking was extremely focused. His pace was neither slow nor fast, as if afraid he wouldn’t be able to understand. Pausing every time he finished a sentence, it was as if the other person was giving him time to think.

But his emotions were a mess, unable to even hear a single word. When Xiang Han asked him, “Understood?”, he instinctively replied, “No.”

Xiang Han was depressed, he had spoken with much difficulty, did he have to repeat one more time?

After this experience, Xiang Han never tried to act self-confident again. What revision, it wasn’t humane.

After Lu Wan left the Jiang Family, she was extremely dejected. After knowing the truth, she actually dared not look for Zhou Yue Ze, but knowing that he was her biological son, she gathered her courage and came.

She was unable to meet him. All her sadness and uneasiness made her unable to endure, crying to Mother Lu, “He definitely hates me now…”

When they returned to the Lu Family, they didn’t think that Zhou Yue Qing would be there.

Seeing his pale face, Lu Wan instinctively walked forward but she suddenly remembered that he was Ji Wei’s son and abruptly stopped.

Zhou Yue Qing saw that she was silent for a while and after half a second, he suddenly broke into tears, asking in a hoarse voice, “Mum, am I really not your son? Do you not want me anymore?”

Lu Wan’s heart ached. After all, she had raised him for so many years. She habitually wanted to go forward and comfort him but was stopped by Mother Lu.

“Young Master Zhou, your body isn’t well. I think it would be better for you to go to the hospital.” Saying this, Mother Lu called for people to send him away before turning to the crestfallen Lu Wan, “How could you not recognise your own son? That was Ji Wei’s son. She caused your son to land into Jiang Han’s hands and now we can’t even meet him. You still have the energy to care about that bastard. Are you stupid?”

Lu Wan was depressed, “It’s only out of habit, I’m unable to adapt so quickly. Also, Zhou Yue Qing doesn’t know anything, he’s innocent.”

“He’s innocent, then Yue Ze isn’t? How do you think Yue Ze feels now?” Mother Lu angrily jabbed her a few times, hating iron for not becoming steel. “I think that even if Yue Ze hates you, it’s also normal. Zhou Yue Qing has a mother and a father, does he still need you to care for him?”

Lu Wan’s heart was extremely stifled, and after being scolded by Mother Lu, she began to think of ways to mend her relationship with Zhou Yue Ze.

After school ended the next day, Zhou Yue Ze saw Lu Wan standing by the school gates.

The Lu Wan of today had lost a lot of weight and her gaze was no longer as ferocious as before. Seeing him appear, she smiled fawningly and carefully began, “Yue Ze, I…”

Zhou Yue Ze ignored her, coldly looking away and walked towards an expensive-looking car.

Lu Wan was momentarily stunned, her face paling.

When Zhou Yue Ze was about to get into the car, she suddenly rushed up and grabbed him, her voice filled with frenzy, “Yue Ze, mum was wrong. 2- I shouldn’t have said those things in the past. At that time, I didn’t know you were my son. Can you forgive mum?”

Zhou Yue Ze’s brows pinched, he slowly but firmly shook her hands off.

Lu Wan froze. She suddenly saw the person sitting in the car and instantly paled even more, “It’s alright even if you can’t forgive me, but go back with me to the Lu Family first, okay? Previously, I was the one who harmed you. You were young and naughty then, mum can’t let you continue staying by his side…”

The corners of Zhou Yue Ze’s lips lifted slightly, his grin was extremely cold-blooded as he mocked, “Apologies, I’m only a bastard who can’t see the light of day, how can I be worthy of being your son?”

Lu Wan was stunned, her face was green and her lips were trembling, unable to continue speaking.

Zhou Yue Ze laughed coldly. So what if she had not known, does that mean that she could erase everything that had happened? Does it mean that he should have to endure all the humiliation then forgive them like a gracious saint? But he did not want to. Does it mean that he wasn’t human, with no feelings or sentience, and wouldn’t feel sad after being hurt?

He directly went into the car and slammed the door shut, “Start the car.”

Seeing the car disappear, Lu Wan could no longer endure and broke down on the roadside.

In the car, Xiang Han was furious: This child’s temper has really grown, even daring to give out orders on his behalf.

But seeing the other person’s deflated expression, he didn’t say anything, only consoling him, “In the future, you are my son.”

Good child, father will dote on you. It’s fine to throw away a few burdensome relatives.

Xiang Han was just casually saying it, he didn’t expect that Zhou Yue Ze would actually reply, “En.” He was immediately startled but after looking back, the other person still had an expression of wanting to die, it was as if he had heard wrongly.

What Xiang Han did not know was that when he retracted his gaze, Zhou Yue Ze laughed silently. He found out that occasionally teasing Mr. Jiang was quite fun.

Xiang Han thought that he had heard wrongly, but reality quickly gave him a slap.

A few days later, as he was finishing his meal, Zhou Yue Ze suddenly announced, “I’ve changed my name. In the future, I’m called Jiang Ze.”

He utterly did not want to have any relation to the Zhou Family, including his surname and seniority. If he could, he might even have wanted to change his entire body.

Xiang Han was stunned. Afterwards, his heart was distressed. Zhou Yue Ze should have told him if he wanted to change his name, Xiang Han guaranteed that he would help him. Why did he have to change to Jiang? Your father, I, was surnamed Xiang.

Xiang Han was depressed. For the first time, he lost his appetite, he did not even feel like eating anymore. A good Xiang Little Ze suddenly became Jiang Little Ze, he suffered a great loss. Even if he changed to Lu… cough, Lu was also no good.

After Lu Wan learnt of this matter, she understood Zhou Yue Ze’s firmness, it was impossible to go back. She listlessly returned to the hospital to look for Zhou Chengxi to finalise the divorce but unexpectedly overheard Zhou Yue Qing complaining that Ji Wei had ruined his plans. She even learnt that the other person had long ago known who was his real mother, sucking up to her was merely because he wanted to become the Zhou Family’s successor.

Lu Wan’s hands instantly turned cold. For so many years, she had been fooled. What filial piety, it turned out to be a bunch of crap in his eyes. That’s right, Ji Wei, Zhou Chengxi and he were all in this together, fooling her, causing her to send her own son to the Jiang Family.

Lu Wan was trembling with rage, wishing she could rush up and kill both of them. But she quickly calmed down, even laughing coldly as she left. She did not intend to divorce him, she wanted to fight them till the end. Didn’t Zhou Yue Qing want the Zhou Family? She will not allow it.

Two months later, the entrance examination started.

As a parent, Xiang Han experienced the feeling of sending his child to exams, and then, he never went again. Apart from the lack of parking space, it was hot and everywhere was noisy. Staying there any longer would give him a mental breakdown.

It wasn’t that he was too haughty, it was this body’s natural reaction that was too damned.

When Zhou Yue Ze returned, he was unhappy and ignored him until the entrance examination ended.

Xiang Han felt that this child had been spoiled too much. If he did not educate him properly, sooner or later, he will scale the wall[3].  He will take the opportunity over the school break and teach him properly.

“Rest well for a few days. Next week, you will follow me and learn how to manage some simple things in the company.” At dinner, Father Jiang said mildly, his tone left no room for rejection.

Zhou Yue Ze shook his head and said, “No need, I can start tomorrow.”

Xiang Han, “…” Young man, you finally finished your exams with much difficulty, don’t you want to relax for a while?

[Little Nine, where’s Big A and Little B?] It seemed like there was a need for external help to construct a strict regimen to educate this child.

System: [They have things to do and currently not around, they said it’ll take a few minutes.]

Xiang Han: […] He actually forgot, at the critical juncture, those two people were unreliable.

[Then… Little Nine, do you have any good methods?] Looks like he could only rely on his system.

System quickly helped him found [Thirty Years of Shang Hai Ups and Downs], [Workplace Situation], [My Day as a Boss], [Marshal’s Little Wife]… Wait a minute, the last one was unnecessary.

Unsurprisingly, apart from the [Marshal’s Little Wife], Xiang Han was unable to read a single one.

[Don’t you have any practical plan?] Xiang Han couldn’t help asking.

System: [There is a mechanical operating system that can create a training plan for its user.]

[Is it difficult?]

[For normal people, the difficulty is quite high.]

[Then lower the difficulty and let him try it.]

System: […]

[How do I teach him about the company?]

System explained, [Mr. Xiang, theory cannot be compared to experience. In the future, just bring him along wherever you go. Jiang Han is a smart person, listening once is enough, he will naturally learn quickly.]

“En, that makes sense,” having settled this problem, Xiang Han happily went to wash up and sleep.

The next day, Xiang Han brought Zhou Yue Ze to the office and let him familiarise himself with every department, setting off a wave of excitement. Many people could not help guessing: The big boss personally brought someone to the office and even introduced him to every department. Was he a lover or a successor?

Previously, for a period of time, Xiang Han’s daily routine was: Go to work, settle some work, get off work early.

But he could not be so careless now that he was teaching another person. Auctions, private banquets, economic forums, he went to everything. Thankfully in the last world, he attended many of such events with Lu Ze before and adding onto the original host’s memories, it was easy for him to handle such matters.

After they returned to the villa, there was still martial arts training. Because the system’s coaching was too high-levelled, he could only let his bodyguards teach him.

But Zhou Yue Ze’s abilities were too brilliant. In just half a month, no one was his opponent.

Xiang Han stood on the battlefield, his gaze cold but in reality, his heart was trembling, [Fuck, Little Nine. This rate of improvement is rarely seen even in the Federation. When you guys were creating characters, did you all set his abilities too high?]

[It wasn’t me and moreover, I don’t have permission to see their data.] System was also confused.

Seeing all his bodyguards falling from just a punch, Xiang Han shivered. [In this world, how many people are as perverted as him?]

He inexplicably felt worried for himself, then saw Zhou Yue Ze drenched in sweat walking over, panting, “I wonder how’s Mr. Jiang’s abilities?”

Xiang Han could feel the heat rising from his body and instinctively stepped back. He hadn’t spoken yet when he heard the bodyguard that had been beaten down reply, “Mr. Jiang’s abilities are far above us.”

“Is that so?” Zhou Yue Ze was suspicious. The other man looked clean and neat, moreover, he was a little skinny.

Xiang Han was furious, feeling that this child’s ambition had grown, he was now looking down on himself. Therefore, he didn’t even think before pushing up his glasses and said, “Tomorrow, I’ll spar with you.”

However, after boasting, he immediately regretted it and turned to System pleadingly, [Little Nine, I’m doomed. I’m going to embarrass myself, you will save me, right?]

[Don’t worry Mr. Xiang. As the highest level combat system in the federation, I will definitely not embarrass you.]

Thankfully, System was extremely reliable. Xiang Han was touched beyond words, [Little Nine, I just knew you were the most reliable one at such a critical time.]

Therefore, when System came forward, Zhou Yue Ze was tragically beaten down without any resistance.

What a joke, people operated a mech in the past. Moreover, the original host’s body was flexible. In a moment of excitement, 009 executed a series of extremely difficult manoeuvres and directly stunned Zhou Yue Ze. 

After it ended, Zhou Yue Ze’s face was red as he asked Xiang Han, “Sir, won’t your back hurt when you do those kinds of actions?”

Xiang Han was currently reading a manhua. Hearing this made him feel puzzled, “Why would my back hurt?”

“N-Nothing,” Zhou Yue Ze shook his head and quickly looked away.

Xiang Han realized that he had perspired and felt very uncomfortable. He quickly went back to take a bath, throwing down a “we’ll end here for today” and left.

Zhou Yue Ze was still recalling the other person’s movements from earlier and his thoughts suddenly strayed: Jiang Han’s waist looked really soft, he couldn’t possibly be a girl, right?

Seeing Xiang Han turn to leave, he subconsciously looked towards his thin waist and then, as if he was possessed, he pounced.

Xiang Han was completely unprepared and was suppressed on the ground in an instant. His glasses fell off, revealing his stunned expression.

Zhou Yue Ze used a knee to force his legs down, one hand holding down his right arm and another on his waist. Using a little strength to pinch, he subconsciously felt him up. There was only a single thought in his mind: It was really soft, and also very thin.

Xiang Han was once again stunned and only felt the heat from his waist followed by a ticklish feeling. The tips of his ears reddened. T-T-This, This child was actually teasing him?

Moreover, his palms were covered in sweat, touching him and pressing him on the floor. No matter how much the floor had been cleaned, they still had been stepped on before.

Xiang Han wanted to faint, itching to send the other person flying with a kick before taking a nice, long shower. Unfortunately, his legs were being suppressed. He could not kick him and could only say coldly, “Get lost!”

Zhou Yue Ze hurriedly released him. Afterwards, he was startled to realise that Jiang Han had been completely unguarded around him.

After training for so many days, Zhou Yue Ze was extremely clear that martial artists were more vigilant than normal people, extremely alert to their surroundings. This was so that once they sensed danger, they would be able to react quickly.

Jiang Han actually trusted him so much? He suddenly recalled that at the company, the other person never hid various classified documents from him.

Zhou Yue Ze’s heart felt complicated, he always believed that Jiang Han only saw him as prey. Because he could not obtain it, he refused to give up. In reality, Jiang Han’s feelings towards him were much deeper than he had thought.

Should he agree? But what kind of feelings should he have towards Jiang Han? Love, or gratitude?

Xiang Han would never have imagined that in that short period of time, the hole in Zhou Yue Ze’s brain would widen so much and break through the horizon. At that moment, he was only concerned about finding his glasses and quickly taking a bath.

He squinted his eyes and searched around, unable to find anything. In the end, he coldly asked, “Where’s my glasses?”

Zhou Yue Ze finally regained his thoughts and helped him find it under the counter.

Thinking of how his glasses had rolled on the ground and stained with dirt, Xiang Han was in a dilemma.

In the end, he gave up, “Wash it up, then send it up to my room.”

Saying this, he walked away and left Zhou Yue Ze standing on the spot in a daze. He could not help thinking: ‘Did Jiang Han purposely find an excuse to let me go to his room?’

Zhou Yue Ze was stuck, deciding that before he clearly thought through his feelings for Jiang Han, he should not casually cross the line in case the other person misunderstood. At that moment, he had completely forgotten about Xiang Han’s mysophobia.

Two days later, the entrance examination results were out. Xiang Han helped him check and found that Zhou Yue Ze was in the first place. He could not help feeling sour.

[Little Nine, in the future, don’t find straight-A students.] This scum student could not stand it.

System: […]

With the housekeeper’s reminder, Xiang Han threw a banquet for Zhou Yue Ze. In the end, all those who came were business partners.

It was not a bad thing, Xiang Han simply introduced them all to Zhou Yue Ze. The two families, Zhou and Lu never came. The Zhou family dared not come while the Lu family could not come.

Zhou Yue Ze also drank a little. When he walked out of the hotel, his head was spinning.

Lu Wan suddenly appeared at this time, scaring him.

“Little- Little Ze, it’s me.” Her voice carried hesitation. Knowing that he had changed his name, she also changed the way she called him.

Zhou Yue Ze frowned and turned to walk away.

Lu Wan caught up with small steps but was unable to stop him, “Little Ze, I heard that you got first placed in the entire country for the exams, mum came here to congratulate you. I know you don’t wish to see me, but there are some things I still want to tell you. The Zhou family’s business, mum will help you protect it. Jiang Han is a very unpredictable person, never getting close to anybody. You have to leave a way out for yourself…”

“Are you done?” Zhou Yue Ze suddenly turned around, his voice icy. For some reason, he suddenly could not stand hearing others badmouth Jiang Han.

Lu Wan was frightened by his fury and suddenly realized that the youth who used to be bullied around suddenly became extremely strong and stern; he was no longer a pushover.

When she finally came back to her senses, the other person had already walked far away while she had been restrained by the bodyguards.

She continued to shout, “If there is a day where you are sick of it, mum will help you leave a way out.”

But as if he hadn’t heard anything, Zhou Yue Ze continued to walk towards Xiang Han, his actions more intimate than usual. The two spoke for a while before getting in a car and leaving.

Lu Wan stood there in a daze, feeling helpless beyond words.

In the car, Xiang Han had drunk a little too much and when he spoke, his voice carried a hint of intoxication. “Why was she looking for you?”

“Nothing, she has nothing better to do.” Zhou Yue Ze’s voice was unhappy, clearly indicating that he did not wish to continue this conversation topic.

Currently, Lu Wan had already entered the Zhou Company and joined forces with the Lu Family to force the Zhou Family to send Zhou Yue Qing away. Half a month ago, Zhou Yue Qing went abroad while Zhou Chengxi was being suppressed by the Lu Family until he could hardly breathe. As for Ji Wei, after being abandoned by her son, her mood was bad and her life wasn’t smooth sailing either.

 Xiang Han never thought they would actually have an internal conflict. If things continued to progress in this direction, Zhou Yue Ze probably wouldn’t even need to do anything before they ruined themselves.

[Hey, Little Nine, this can’t be considered as taking revenge on behalf of the protagonist, right? I only did two minor things but they already tormented themselves to this stage.]

System: […Let’s wait for Mr. Dean to come back first.] What could he say? He was only a combat system.

Xiang Han chatted with System for a while before he fell asleep. Zhou Yue Ze was currently intoxicated and when his gaze fell on the sleeping figure, he was dazed. After a moment, as if he had fallen under a spell, he slowly moved forward and pressed his lips against Xiang Han’s.

The other person’s lips were exactly what he had imagined, soft and carried a hint of alcohol fragrance. His tongue subconsciously licked his lips, savouring the sweet and numb after-taste as his expression was filled with intoxication.

The driver watched the entire scene from the rearview mirror and suffered a fright, his hands trembled and the car swayed a little. Zhou Yue Ze suddenly woke up, the electric shock he felt earlier had subsided. He subconsciously touched his own lips, as if unable to believe what he had just done.

After he recovered, he immediately glanced at the driver and warned him coldly, “Watch what you say.”

The driver quickly nodded, breaking out in a cold sweat.

When they returned, Zhou Yue Ze felt that his emotions were in a mess and began to avoid Xiang Han.

In the face of this, Xiang Han couldn’t help but sigh: The son has grown up, there’s no place for the father.

As for university, Zhou Yue Ze chose to go into University A. After the school break, his internship also came to an end. In order to build up his experience, Xiang Han directly gave him a small company for him to manage. It’ll be good if the company could profit, but it didn’t matter even if it collapsed.

After receiving the company, Zhou Yue Ze returned home less frequently than before. He was usually either at school or the office.

A year later, the company that had been on the verge of collapsing miraculously recovered and business was booming, reaping the highest profit in the last three years. Xiang Han did not doubt that if he gave Zhou Yue Ze a few more years, that company would become the most profitable one under the Jiang Corporation.

But there was no longer any meaning, this small pond was not big enough for Zhou Yue Ze to work for. At the end of the year, he transferred him over to the marketing department of his main company, letting him start from the bottom and gain experience.

When Zhou Yue Ze went to the main company, they were coincidentally having an annual dinner and he was called to stay back to join the party. He thought that Xiang Han was also there, and thus, did not leave. But after drinking for a long time, he didn’t even see the shadow of that man and inevitably felt disappointed.

Excluding the occasional brief exchanges, he had not seen Xiang Han for more than half a year.

That day after he kissed Xiang Han, he kept thinking that it was merely a moment of recklessness and began to avoid him. But after hiding for a few months, he realised that the feeling of longing he had towards Xiang Han did not diminish in the slightest and instead, grew day by day.

At this point, he understood. He did not have any excuses, he had fallen for him. Thankfully, the other man also liked him, so there wasn’t anything bad about it.

Thinking of this, Zhou Yue Ze was elated and even wanted to fly over and tell him immediately. Xiang Han liked him so much, after knowing this, he should be extremely happy, right?

But after he calmed down, he felt that it was not right. Xiang Han had done so many things for him, but he seemed to not have done anything for the other person before. Zhou Yue Ze wished for a relationship between two equals. He also wanted to do something for him.

After thinking for a long time, he finally decided to first save the small company from the brink of collapse and after business picked up, he will gift it to Xiang Han. Perhaps, he might not even look at something so minor, but at least it was his own effort.

So when he reported to the main office, Zhou Yue Ze’s heart was filled with anticipation. He had even imagined that the person listening to his report was Xiang Han. But the reality was cruel, Xiang Han did not even come to the office that day. In the end he left with a belly full of wine, walking towards a taxi with unsteady steps.

At this time, Xiang Han was currently enjoying a hotpot dinner with Housekeeper Zhang. A year had passed and the influence of the original host had reduced a lot. Using a common serving spoon, the two of them could still enjoy from the same pot.

When Zhou Yue Ze came back and saw this scene, his eyes were filled with jealousy: Jiang Han was actually eating hotpot with the housekeeper. He had never eaten hotpot with me before, didn’t he have mysophobia?

The housekeeper saw him and immediately stood up and asked, “Young Master, you’re back. Have you eaten? If not I’ll go get an extra set of cutlery from the kitchen.”

Zhou Yue Ze quickly nodded and seeing that Xiang Han did not say anything, he sat directly across from him. When the housekeeper came back with an extra set of cutlery, he directly used his chopsticks to pick up the food, not bothering about the serving spoon.

Xiang Han immediately lost his appetite and put down his chopsticks. Noticing the smell of alcohol, he left another instruction for the housekeeper, “Boil some sobering soup later.”

Zhou Yue Ze froze. After a moment, he could not help but think: Jiang Han was probably the only person in the world that treats him the best. Coincidentally, he likes Jiang Han and Jiang Han also liked him.

Zhou Yue Ze was drunk. Seeing Xiang Han stand up, he also stood up and followed unsteadily. When he finally caught up, he accidentally tripped over himself.

After smelling the alcohol on him, Xiang Han did not want to support him but he also could not watch as the other person bumped into the stairs. He finally endured his discomfort, reaching out his golden hand to help him.

Zhou Yue Ze unexpectedly used his momentum to throw himself forward and hugged Xiang Han, whispering against his neck, “…Jiang Han, I want to tell you something. I also like you, are you happy? I’m giving the company to you as a present, do you like it…?”

A hot and humid breath continuously fanned against his neck, drilling under his collar and carried a hint of alcoholic smell. Xiang Han’s scalp grew numb and he felt as if there were countless insects crawling over his neck. He couldn’t stand it and directly kicked Zhou Yue Ze away, forcefully rubbing his neck, wanting to take a bath immediately.

Moreover, because Zhou Yue Ze’s voice was too low, and his words were slurred, Xiang Han could not clearly hear what he had said. He only knew that Zhou Yue Ze was confessing to someone, and even wanted to gift the company to them as a present.

In the first place, that company was his, yet this rascal wanted to use it to please another person, he was really generous.

Xiang Han was annoyed, feeling that he had really raised an ungrateful son. Once he found a lover, he forgot about his father.

After Zhou Yue Ze fell to the ground, he quickly awoke from his stupor. Xiang Han had not used much strength so he didn’t feel pain, but he was confused: Didn’t Jiang Han like him? He had confessed, but why was Xiang Han not happy, and instead, kicked him?

***

[1] Paper cannot contain fire: The truth will eventually be revealed

[2] The proverb is, if you go three days without beating a child, he will scale the wall, meaning – he will ‘give an inch, take a mile).

[3] The proverb is, if you go three days without beating a child, he will scale the wall, meaning – he will ‘give an inch, take a mile.