After Snagging a Stuffy Giant-Wealthy Daddy - Chapter 17

Zhong Yili and Huo Ziqing returned from snorkeling and were chatting away as they stepped onto the beach. From afar, they saw a tall figure walking steadily along the coastline with someone on his back.

It was Shao Tingyue, and the person on his back was Li Chu.

A flash of surprise crossed Zhong Yili’s eyes. Just as he was about to wave hello, he saw his friend make a shush gesture, indicating that the person behind him was asleep.

The words he had on the tip of his tongue were stuck, and he could not help but raise his eyebrows high.

Is Li Chu really his nephew? Even a biological son would not be treated this well. Could it be that Shao Tingyue had someone else give birth to him?

Things like this were not news in the wealthy circles of Hong Kong, but their age gap was only twelve years. Shao Tingyue should not be beastly enough to create life at such a young age.

Zhong Yili pulled back his thoughts and drew closer, seeing Li Chu’s defenseless sleeping face.

Huo Ziqing also saw them, and she immediately lowered her voice, exclaiming with pure admiration, “Chu Zai is truly good-looking. He looks even more obedient when he is asleep.”

She paused, her gaze shifting between Shao Tingyue and Li Chu’s faces with a hint of doubt. “It is just that he does not really resemble Mr. Shao.”

Zhong Yili’s eyebrows rose even higher as he watched Shao Tingyue steady the person on his back. He did not reply.

The yacht approached the island’s private pier.

Alex and his group had a fruitful sea fishing haul. Several silvery ribbonfish, colorful groupers, and sea urchins collected while snorkeling became today’s dinner.

Li Chu was awakened by the waves and the faint sounds of laughter and conversation.

He rubbed his eyes in a daze and discovered that he was actually lying on Shao Tingyue’s lap.

He jolted, sitting up abruptly. His movement was a bit too much, and his head even felt a little dizzy.

It was already dusk, and the horizon was dyed in a gentle orange-pink.

On the island beach, a white linen tablecloth was spread over a long wooden table, fluttering in the wind. The waiters were hanging strings of warm yellow lights on the palm trees.

Li Chu’s cheeks were flushed pink from sleep, still showing sleep lines, and a few stray hairs stuck up stubbornly.

Shao Tingyue looked at him with dark eyes, remembering the knitted pig doll he had bought from a little girl on the street that night. He was sleeping so soundly, just like a little pig baby.

Having gone through the embarrassment of sharing a bed the previous night, Li Chu’s skin had become a bit thicker.

He rubbed his eyes and quietly touched the corner of his mouth to confirm there were no suspicious signs of drool, then spoke in a low voice, his tone tinged with the laziness of just waking up. “Second Uncle, did I sleep for a long time? Why did you not wake me up?”

Shao Tingyue pulled back his thoughts and did not answer his previous question, only looking down at him. “Are you hungry?”

As if in response, Li Chu’s stomach gave an honest gurgle.

He clutched his stomach and nodded honestly. “I am hungry.”

“Hmm.” Shao Tingyue stood up and very naturally smoothed down a stray lock of his hair. “Then let us go eat.”

Dinner was set by the beach, dotted with strings of warm yellow lights.

The long table was filled with exquisite Western cuisine and freshly caught seafood. The charcoal-grilled fish was tender and juicy, seasoned with lemon and herbs, exuding a fragrant aroma.

After sitting down, Li Chu noticed that Alex and the group of wealthy sons were looking at him even more strangely.

It was as if they were looking at some incredible big shot, filled with an inexplicable sense of reverence.

The group exchanged glances and smiled at Li Chu in a friendly yet cautious manner.

Who could have imagined?

Shao Tingyue, the Shipping Magnate known in the Hong Kong business world for being cold and forceful, actually let a teenager sleep on his lap. How was this any different from napping on a tiger’s leg?

Moreover, judging by his expression, there was not a hint of impatience. There were quite a few mosquitoes on the island, and the Shipping Magnate was patiently chasing them away for Li Chu by hand.

Li Chu felt a bit uncomfortable being watched, but he did not think much of it because he was truly hungry.

Although his tongue did not hurt as much anymore, Shao Tingyue still did not allow him to eat charcoal-grilled food and handed him a plate of pre-cut steak.

After the beach dinner ended, everyone returned to the yacht one after another.

When it came time to sleep at night, Li Chu’s state of mind was quite different from the previous night.

When it comes to sleeping, practice makes perfect.

After washing up, Li Chu obediently lay on the bed, pulled up the quilt, and took on the appearance of someone being very sensible.

When Shao Tingyue came out of the bathroom, only a dim wall lamp was lit in the suite. A small bulge appeared on the bed, rising and falling slightly with his breathing.

Li Chu could not stay disciplined for long. After falling asleep, he turned over and began to nudge toward the heat source.

First, an arm felt its way over, then a leg crossed over, and finally, his fluffy head searched around until it found a familiar and comforting position.

Li Chu rested his head on Shao Tingyue’s arm, his cheek pressing against his chest, and he even let out a sigh of satisfaction.

Shao Tingyue opened his eyes in the darkness, his palm stroking the boy’s spine, and he pulled him closer into his arms.

His breathing deepened, as if he were restraining something. After a long time, a kiss fell on the top of Li Chu’s head.

After returning to Hong Kong, Li Chu gave the largest and most beautiful conch to the Matriarch.

The old lady was so happy she could not stop smiling, as if she had received some treasure, wanting to display it in the most conspicuous place in the house.

Looking at the two sides of the rosewood antique shelf, Uncle Ming saw the Qianlong-era famille rose vase purchased at a sky-high price at the Sotheby’s spring auction the year before last, the Yuan-dynasty blue and white glazed stem cup from last year’s Christie’s autumn auction, and from even earlier, the Rococo-style gilt clock that Shao Tingzhao had purchased from a European antique dealer. Each piece was priceless and unparalleled.

The conch that Li Chu picked up was placed right in the middle, and the Matriarch’s doting on him was self-evident.

Returning from this sea voyage, Li Chu surprisingly suffered from insomnia.

For the past few days, he had been hugging Shao Tingyue while sleeping; the man’s body temperature was a bit higher than an ordinary person’s, just like a warm hugging pillow. So he had slept exceptionally well, and he had not even had many dreams.

However, after all, they were both men, and even if they were uncle and nephew, they could not always sleep together.

Li Chu turned over while hugging his pillow, deciding to have Uncle Ming customize an extra-large human-shaped pillow for him.

Hehe, he was really too smart.

By early September, the summer heat in Hong Kong had not yet faded, and the University of Hong Kong ushered in the beginning of the new semester.

Li Chu also officially registered as a transfer student under the name Shao Chu, entering the Department of Computer Science.

On the day of enrollment, it was Liang Wei who took him to school.

The black Maybach stopped in front of the solemn gate of HKU. Liang Wei got out of the car and opened the door for Li Chu, his face still maintaining that proper, polite smile.

“Young Master Chu, we have arrived. This is your class schedule and the materials you will need for enrollment.”

Li Chu took the file bag and thanked him. Returning to the long-lost student life, he felt quite emotional.

“Thank you for the arrangements for me, Second Uncle.”

Hearing this, Liang Wei nodded and took the initiative to explain, “Boss flew to Singapore this morning. There is an important meeting there, so he could not personally send you to school.”

Li Chu was stunned. Shao Tingyue went to Singapore? No wonder he had not seen him for two days.

“I understand. Thank you, Assistant Liang,” Li Chu said politely.

“You are too kind, Young Master. Then I will not disturb you anymore. I wish you success in your studies.”

Li Chu quickly blended into the university classroom of the eighties and made many new friends.

One day after class, the time was still early, and a classmate named Judy invited him to go grab something to eat nearby.

Li Chu intended to agree, but a familiar Rolls-Royce Silver Spur stopped slowly by the side of the road.

The smooth, classic body of the car gleamed with a low-key yet noble luster, drawing gazes from the surrounding students.

The car window rolled down, and the man in the backseat was wearing a perfectly tailored dark brown patterned suit, a white shirt with an English vest, and a Windsor knot tied meticulously in his tie.

Shao Tingyue, who had been away on business for several days, returned, his deep black eyes looking quietly at Li Chu. “Chu Zai, get in the car.”

“Wow…” Judy let out a low cry, her eyes filled with undisguised amazement and envy. “Chu Zai, who is this to you? So stylish!”

Li Chu blinked, thinking it was a hallucination. “This is my Second Uncle.”

After bidding farewell to Judy, Li Chu got into the car. Before he was even seated, he heard Shao Tingyue ask in a calm voice, “A friend?”

Li Chu placed his books aside, sweat still beaded on his forehead. “Yes, Judy is very nice. She even lent me the notes she made herself.”

Shao Tingyue’s eyes darkened slightly. “If you need any notes, just ask me. Liang Wei will prepare them for you. They are all taught by famous teachers and are more useful than those of this Judy or whoever.”

Li Chu inexplicably felt his tone was a bit displeased, so he had to change the subject. “Why did Second Uncle specifically come to pick me up today?”

Shao Tingyue pulled out a tissue and reached out to wipe his sweat. “Do you not want to see Wen Sitong? I promised before I went on my business trip that I would accompany you to see her.”

Li Chu’s eyes lit up, and he almost bumped into the car roof. Shao Tingyue caught him with sharp eyes and quick hands.

“Sit properly.”

Wen Sitong worked as a cashier and helper at an ice room called Xiji in Yau Ma Tei. It was the afternoon tea period, and the ice room was noisy, filled with the aroma of coffee and baking.

Li Chu stood at the door looking around, and at a glance, he saw the familiar figure behind the cashier counter.

Wen Sitong was wearing a light blue uniform apron, her hair tied neatly behind her head, and she was lowering her head, busy finding change for customers.

“Sister Sitong!” Li Chu could not help but call out, his beautiful eyebrows curving.

Wen Sitong looked up at the sound, and after seeing Li Chu standing at the door, she blossomed with an incredible smile. “Chu Chu? It is really you!”

She handed the work in her hand to her colleague beside her, ran over quickly, and hugged Li Chu. “You, you are okay! I have been worried to death without any news from you for so long!”

Li Chu also felt a wave of soreness in his heart. “I am sorry, Sister Sitong. I have worried you. I am doing quite well.”

Wen Sitong wanted to say something more, but suddenly saw the man walking slowly toward them behind Li Chu. He was tall, fierce, and exuded the pressure of someone who had long held a high position.

Li Chu had his back to him and could not see the cold, dark emotions in his eyes. Wen Sitong felt a shock in her heart and silently let go of Li Chu. She knew who the other party was.

It was just that the person in reality had a much colder temperament than on TV and in the newspapers, and those sharp, three-dimensional features were unforgettable.

Liang Wei entered from outside, and after saying something to the restaurant owner, he took out a stack of cash from his pocket and handed it over.

The boss’s eyes lit up, and after taking it, he started to silently clear the venue.

Wen Sitong timidly invited Li Chu and Shao Tingyue to sit down and asked them what they wanted to drink.

Li Chu missed the iced yuan yang of the tea restaurant and the egg tarts. Shao Tingyue listened quietly as he finished ordering, then added a sentence: “No ice.”

Wen Sitong nodded repeatedly and asked, “Is Mr. Shao not drinking anything? My treat.”

The other party was a big shot, so he probably would not care for this little bit of money, but Wen Sitong felt that Li Chu was her little brother, and she had to treat guests as best she could.

Shao Tingyue: “No need, thank you.”

The waiter quickly delivered the items to the table. The egg tarts were freshly baked and steaming hot.

Li Chu satisfyingly took a sip of iced yuan yang; it was delicious, though it would have been even better with ice.

Wen Sitong watched him with relief in her eyes, and before she knew it, her eyes turned red. The Li Chu before her was already like a different person from the destitute teenager she had picked up at the beginning.

She was happy for Li Chu from the bottom of her heart.

The two had endless things to talk about upon meeting. Li Chu gave her a rough overview of his current situation.

“I am sorry, Sister Sitong. I did not reach out to you all this time and made you worry for so long.”

“Silly boy, it does not matter if you reach out or not, as long as you are okay.” Wen Sitong breathed a sigh of relief, genuine relief in her eyes. “It is so good that you still have family. I am relieved to see you doing well. You do not know how worried I was that you would be sold off!”

As the words fell, Shao Tingyue gave her a cold look. Wen Sitong immediately covered her mouth and laughed awkwardly.

The more Li Chu thought about it, the more guilty he felt, and he asked, “Are those people still coming to harass you?”

Wen Sitong knew Li Chu was referring to the gangsters who were chasing debts, and she shook her head gently. “After that incident, Ah Ken was also scared out of his wits and swore to me that he would quit gambling. I want to give him another chance. I hope he will really reform.”

Speaking at the end, her voice dropped, carrying a trace of helplessness and expectation.

Li Chu could not help but frown when he heard this, but he did not say much. He only reminded her very seriously, “Sister Sitong, you have to be careful yourself. If he commits the same mistake again, you must break up with him. Men, the next one is always sweeter!”

Gambling addicts only have zero times and countless times. Li Chu was originally sold to a creditor by his gambling uncle; if he had not run away in time, he would probably be…

Li Chu could not bear to recall it, and he took a sip of iced yuan yang to calm his shock. He looked up to meet Shao Tingyue’s cold, dark eyes.

He blinked innocently. “?”

The man’s lips pressed down, somewhat displeased. “What do you mean by the next one is always sweeter?”