After a Top Idol Married the Sickly Young Master of a Wealthy Family to Bring Him Good Luck - Chapter 26

The banquet was still in full swing.

Pei Xinglu leaned casually against the bar, mindlessly spinning his wristwatch. His gaze was fixed on two people talking not far away.

One was Ling Suiyao, whose attire was completely out of place at a high-end gala, and the other was President Cheng, the CEO of Louis.

President Cheng wore a smile, occasionally glancing toward Pei Xinglu with an understanding nod. After speaking with Ling Suiyao for a while longer, he patted the youth’s shoulder and said kindly, “Since it’s the Old Madam who wants to see him, how could I possibly stop you? Suisui, give the Old Madam my regards.”

The upper-class circles knew a thing or two about the “auspicious marriage” (Chongxi) between the two of them. However, with the Ling family’s prior hints, no one dared to ask or bring it up of their own accord.

Ling Suiyao smiled and said, “Thank you, Uncle Cheng. Should we head out then?”

“Go ahead.”

Pei Xinglu expressed his apologies to President Cheng. The two did not make a scene, keeping a low profile as they departed through the back door.

Seated nearby, Jiang Yan gripped his knife and fork tightly, his heart filled with resentment.

Once in the car, Pei Xinglu loosened his tie and rubbed the bridge of his nose.

Ling Suiyao had just finished sending a message to his cousin. He reminded him, “Brother Pei, seatbelt.”

Pei Xinglu was exhausted and didn’t feel like moving. With a half-smile, he said lazily, “No strength left. Why doesn’t Young Master Ling fasten it for me?”

“Oh, okay…” Ling Suiyao leaned over, grabbing the seatbelt from Pei’s side and pulling it across. This brought the two of them extremely close.

Pei Xinglu could clearly see the stray hairs on Ling Suiyao’s forehead and his thick, crow-feather-like lashes. His round eyes reflected Pei’s own image.

He was exquisite, fresh and pure, yet still possessing a sense of youthfulness.

Whether it was from his hair or his clothes, a scent of fruit mixed with a faint hint of traditional Chinese medicine wafted over.

With a click, the seatbelt buckled into place.

“There.”

Ling Suiyao proceeded to fasten his own seatbelt and sat back obediently.

Pei Xinglu lightly bit his lower lip, resting his elbow on the armrest. In the confined space, his voice sounded sexy and deep: “Young Master Ling is quite impressive.”

Ling Suiyao’s face flushed instantly. He clutched his phone. “Ah? What?”

“I said, Young Master Ling is quite impressive,” Pei Xinglu repeated, his tone drawn out.

Ling Suiyao’s ears turned red as well. “It’s just a seatbelt. How is that impressive…?”

Pei Xinglu raised an eyebrow. “That President Cheng is a very fastidious and demanding man. To make him agree to a guest leaving early with a smile—Young Master Ling is certainly impressive.”

“I-I’m not impressive,” Ling Suiyao shook his head. “Uncle Cheng is friends with my father; he was doing it for my father’s sake. Including the situation with the Jiang family… the ones who are impressive are my parents and my siblings. I’m just following behind them.”

Pei Xinglu tilted his head to look at him. Why did he seem so silly? It made one want to tease him.

“Oh, so I’m following behind Little Young Master Ling? Are you really planning to keep me as a ‘trophy’?” Pei Xinglu asked provocatively.

Sure enough, Ling Suiyao was at a loss, his eyes blinking rapidly. “N-No! Brother Pei is very capable on your own. Even without the Ling family’s influence, you could carve out a world of your own!”

Pei Xinglu laughed and lightly flicked the boy’s forehead. “Young Master Ling certainly has a way with words.”

Ling Suiyao covered his forehead with a dazed expression, muttering confusedly, “But I’m telling the truth.”

Pei Xinglu looked out the window at the bustling night view of A City, a slight curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.

The Ling family’s ancestral home was an island estate surrounded by water. It was the highest-tier lakeside villa in A City, with prices starting in the hundreds of millions. Pei Xinglu followed Ling Suiyao onto a yacht to reach the island, where a middle-aged man was already waiting.

“Little Young Master, Mr. Pei.”

The Ling estate was distinctly styled as a Chinese-style courtyard. The layout was meticulously designed according to Feng Shui—discreetly luxurious, high-end, steady, and grand.

After their conversation on the balcony, Pei Xinglu had grown weary of the banquet. He had intended to pull himself together and continue navigating the social scene, but Ling Suiyao had suddenly invited him to the Ling family home.

The Little Young Master always spoke with such sincerity; he was a master of the “straight ball.” He had pleaded with blinking eyes, almost like he was acting spoiled. Pei Xinglu, who originally would have refused without a second thought, had somehow agreed as if possessed.

The two entered the main house together, where the air conditioning was set to a perfect temperature.

Just as Ling Suiyao was about to take off his coat, a voice came from the living room: “Suisui, keep it on! Be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Mom, you’re back?” Ling Suiyao zipped his jacket back up, smiling sweetly. He pulled Pei Xinglu forward from behind him. “Pei Xinglu is here.”

In an instant, it felt like a crowd of people appeared.

The butler and the cook peeked out from the kitchen. Two men holding newspapers emerged from behind a screen. One was the young Ling Huan; the older man was someone Pei Xinglu had seen on the financial news—the head of the Ling Group, Ling Yang.

“Where’s Second Brother? Is he not back yet?”

As soon as Ling Suiyao finished speaking, a response came from upstairs. Ling Jing, dressed in casual wear, came out of his room and headed down. “I’m right here. For the sake of this big meal tonight, I specifically pushed back all my work.”

“Of course, Second Brother had to come back!” Ling Suiyao said earnestly.

Although Ling Suiyao had mentioned beforehand that his family wanted to invite him to dinner, being surrounded by so many members of the Ling family still made Pei Xinglu feel uneasy. He could only adopt his usual “media-facing” persona and greet them one by one.

Father Ling said, “Mr. Pei, I’ve been wanting to invite you to dinner to express my gratitude. Finally, there’s an opportunity. However, it was prepared somewhat in haste; please don’t mind, Mr. Pei.”

Father Ling’s temperament was refined, but that elegance held the sharp edge of a man in power.

Ling Suiyao nudged Ling Jing, signaling him with his eyes.

Ling Jing cleared his throat loudly and looked at Pei Xinglu. “Fine, I apologize to you.”

Pei Xinglu: “?”

Is the sun rising in the west?

“At the beginning, Suisui’s situation was serious. My background check wasn’t thorough enough, and I mostly listened to the Jiang family’s side of the story. I thought you were an illegitimate son who intentionally broke up their family. It was a serious misunderstanding, and I didn’t have a good attitude toward you. I am very sorry.”

Pei Xinglu was stunned.

Ling Suiyao leaned in and whispered in his ear: “What you told me earlier is a secret. I haven’t told them a single word.”

Pei Xinglu’s ear felt itchy, as if brushed by the soft fur of a small animal.

Mrs. Ling supported the Old Madam as they came out. “Xiao Pei, we truly did not handle things well. I am very sorry. After three years, we will provide you with compensation. You can ask for any condition you like, as long as you are happy.”

Pei Xinglu felt quite awkward.

What is Ling Suiyao doing? This is so sappy…

He rubbed his ear and said dismissively, “It doesn’t matter to me.”

“Brother Pei, this is my grandmother.”

Ling Suiyao ran over and helped the Old Madam walk over slowly. “Grandma, weren’t you talking about Pei Xinglu last time?”

The Old Madam appeared to be in her seventies. Her white hair was pinned up with an exquisitely carved wooden hairpin. Her clothes were made of a lustrous fabric, and she wore a high-quality emerald bracelet on her wrist.

“Xiao Pei.”

The Old Madam looked Pei Xinglu over, becoming more satisfied the more she looked. “Truly a talented individual with a boundless future. Here, take this. Thank you for the ‘auspicious marriage’ for Suisui. This child has had poor health since he was little, but ever since he married you, he has actually taken a turn for the better.”

She took out a thick red envelope and handed it to Pei Xinglu.

Pei Xinglu instinctively refused. “There’s no need…”

“Take it, Xiao Pei,” Mrs. Ling said with a smile.

Pei Xinglu was in a difficult position.

Ling Suiyao also said, “Brother Pei, just take it. Think of it as ‘New Year’s money’.”

New Year’s money.

Pei Xinglu suddenly remembered seven years ago. Before dawn, his grandmother had gotten up to ride her tricycle to the vegetable market.

Before leaving, she told Pei Xinglu that going early would secure a good spot, so she could earn more money to give her grandson as New Year’s money for a good Chinese New Year.

…

Pei Xinglu closed his eyes for a moment, accepted the red envelope, and said softly, “Thank you.”

Hot dishes were served one after another. They were a feast for the senses, a perfect balance of meat and vegetables—comparable to a Manchu Han Imperial Feast.

The Ling family members, whom he had found annoying before, now seemed a little more agreeable.

Setting aside the forced marriage, the Ling family was indeed sincerely trying to compensate him.

The dinner table wasn’t overly loud or condescending. It was warm and natural, and the domestic chatter made them seem like a normal family.

“Xiao Pei?”

Seeing him lost in thought, the Old Madam asked, “Suisui told us about these dishes. He said you liked them. Suisui’s mother and I specifically had the kitchen prepare them. Are they to your taste?”

“They’re very good.” Pei Xinglu looked at Ling Suiyao. “You know which dishes I like?”

Since the marriage, he hadn’t stayed at Pingye Residence for more than a few days, and he rarely ate lunch there. He was curious how Ling Suiyao knew.

Ling Suiyao smiled. “I saw it on variety shows and interviews. Brother Pei’s palate is quite light.”

Pei Xinglu said, “I used to love spicy food. Later, after my debut, there were many social engagements. I drank for a while and damaged my stomach. Since then, I switched to lighter food.”

Father Ling agreed deeply. “Alcohol is something you should drink as little as possible. You two should learn from him—especially you, Ling Jing. Stop acting as if you’ve never seen a bottle every time you drink.”

Ling Huan nodded. “Dad is right.”

“Dad!” Ling Jing protested. “My tolerance is excellent.”

Father Ling shot him a look, and he immediately shut up.

Mrs. Ling urged him, “Xiao Pei, eat. Have more… Oh, right, do you celebrities have to control your intake to maintain your figure?”

“Mom, Brother Pei has a great figure; he doesn’t need to control it.” Ling Suiyao held his bowl with both hands and handed it over, acting very obediently. “But Brother Pei doesn’t eat sweet and sour ribs. Give that to me.”

Pei Xinglu: “You know that too?”

Ling Suiyao nodded repeatedly. “In Our Life, Season 1, Episode 5, Brother Pei ate salt and pepper ribs and said he didn’t like sweet and sour ones.”

After speaking, he lifted his chin with a hint of pride.

“Aren’t you something?” Mrs. Ling said, placing the ribs into his bowl. “Since Xiao Pei is here today, I’ll settle the score with you later for sneaking off to the banquet and getting yourself an allergy again.”

“Thanks, Mom!”

Ling Suiyao looked up to act cute. Only a few red spots remained on his face; they were faint and actually looked quite cute.

Pei Xinglu chuckled.

After dinner.

Mrs. Ling arranged a room upstairs for Pei Xinglu and stuffed another red envelope into his hand.

Pei Xinglu was startled and refused. “What is this for?”

Mrs. Ling said with a heart full of guilt, “I intended to give this to you when we went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to register, but I kept it until now. Xiao Pei, Suisui, tried so many methods back then. No matter how expensive the medicine was, nothing worked… We were forced to choose an ‘auspicious marriage.’ We were indeed too selfish and arrogant.”

“…Was Ling Suiyao’s condition that serious back then?” Pei Xinglu frowned.

Remembering that scene, Mrs. Ling still felt a lingering fear. “He was one step away from death’s door. His heart rhythm was abnormal multiple times. I was scared to death.”

She pressed the red envelope into Pei Xinglu’s hand. “Fortunately, he pulled through. The master said that as long as he survives this ordeal at age 22, Suisui will be safe and worry-free in the future.”

Pei Xinglu stared blankly at the red envelope in his hand.

Mrs. Ling breathed a sigh of relief. “Xiao Pei, if there’s anything you’re not used to, just say so. We will certainly accommodate you. Thank you for not exposing the forced marriage earlier, and thank you for taking care of Suisui. That child likes you very much. To be honest, in all the years he’s been growing up, this is the first time I’ve seen him like someone this much.”

Pei Xinglu gave a response, remembering how Ling Suiyao had been busy trying to smooth over the relationships just now.

After Mrs. Ling left, Pei Xinglu sat on the sofa. Looking through the floor-to-ceiling window, he saw a sky full of stars over the lake.

When he first signed the contract for the marriage, he never expected that one day he would sit down and eat and talk peacefully with the Ling family.

This kind of warm family atmosphere was something he had never experienced in his memory.

His memories were always of endless arguing and fighting. After being taken to his grandmother’s house, neighbors would visit at first, but after the rumors of his mother being a “mistress” spread, it was just him and his grandmother eating together…

His phone chimed.

A private message came in.

Pei Xinglu clicked on it—

[Suisui’s Little Rice Cake: (Image)]

It was a colorful Q-version drawing.

A fresh, natural countryside landscape with red flowers and green willows. The small river outside the door shimmered with silver light.

A cute little toddler followed behind a kind, elderly grandmother to plant tomatoes. The fields were lush with green. A yellow farm dog ran excitedly through the fields, while a tabby cat lay on the low roof tiles, sleeping soundly.

The colors were bright, and the scene looked like a world from a fairy tale—so beautiful it seemed unreal.

Yet, it was a very real part of Pei Xinglu’s childhood.

He had described this segment on the variety show Our Life; it was one of the most unforgettable moments of his life.

Pei Xinglu looked at the drawing for a long time, his heartstrings touched.

He went directly to find Ling Suiyao.

Ling Suiyao was in his own room. The desk was messy, with various drawing tools scattered about. That drawing was right in the center of the desk.

“Brother Pei,” Ling Suiyao studied his expression. “Do you feel any better?”

Pei Xinglu asked, “You did all this just to make me feel better?”

Ling Suiyao thought for a moment and nodded, saying seriously, “Although our marriage is a contract based on a transaction of interests, if Brother Pei is willing, we can be good friends after three years. You can treat the Ling family as your home. My family is very good; they don’t have all those strange things you find outside. They love me, and they will like you very much too.”

“The past is the past. Keep the things worth remembering in your heart and throw away the things that aren’t like trash. The future will be better.”

The Little Young Master was optimistic as always.

Pei Xinglu: “…”

“What I actually wanted to ask you,” he laughed, picking up his phone, “is what this is about. Hmm? Teacher Rice Cake?”

The interface on the phone was exactly the private message from “Suisui’s Little Rice Cake.”

With this drawing, Ling Suiyao had effectively blown his own cover.

He said softly, “Brother Pei, you’re not angry, are you? I broke the agreement again.”

“More than that. You’ve been breaking it since the night we signed it,” Pei Xinglu tutted. He leaned down and moved closer. “Our Young Master Ling is quite impressive indeed.”

Ling Suiyao immediately grew nervous at his words. “I’m sorry.”

Pei Xinglu raised an eyebrow. “It’s alright, Young Master Ling.”

Ling Suiyao felt an inexplicable sense of shame at being called “Young Master Ling” over and over again.