After Snagging a Stuffy Giant-Wealthy Daddy - Chapter 8

Ever since Shao Tingyue returned from his business trip in Europe, Li Chu had been walking on eggshells, careful to stay out of trouble.

Early that morning, Li Chu woke up while the mansion was still quiet. Even the servants had yet to start their day. Taking advantage of the fact that the Matriarch had not yet risen for breakfast, Li Chu changed into a pair of swim trunks, draped a large white bath towel over his shoulders, and slipped downstairs in his slippers.

Li Chu tossed the towel onto a lounge chair, performed a few simple warm-up stretches, and slipped into the water.

As the morning light gradually brightened, golden rays pierced through the thin mist, casting a glow across the surface of the pool and outlining the increasingly clear physique of the young man in the water. It was a beauty that sat somewhere between a boy and a young man. It was clean, yet alluring.

After swimming for about twenty minutes, Li Chu felt invigorated and decided to do two more laps before heading out. Suddenly, a subtle sensation flickered in his heart.

It felt as though there was a gaze watching him. Li Chu paused, instinctively looking toward the direction of the main building.

Behind a window on the third floor, the velvet curtains were drawn halfway. Shao Tingyue was standing by the window in a dark-colored bathrobe, holding a cup of black coffee and looking down silently.

The distance was quite far, and Li Chu could not see the expression on his face. Even so, there was an indescribable sense of oppression.

Because he knew Shao Tingyue was watching him, Li Chu’s limbs became stiff, his movements lost their rhythm, and he accidentally choked on a mouthful of water, breaking into a fit of coughing in his embarrassment.

Is it just a coincidence? Was Shao Tingyue just happening to wake up early, standing by the window to drink coffee and look at the scenery?

Li Chu lost his appetite for swimming. He hurriedly swam to the edge, scrambled out, grabbed the towel from the lounge chair, and wrapped it around himself messily. Not even bothering to dry off, he walked away briskly.

In the afternoon, Shao Mingzhu stepped into the Shao mansion with a happy mood, intending to invite Li Chu to go to the nightclub that James had recently discovered. However, her smile froze as soon as she entered.

Shao Tingyue was sitting on the living room sofa, holding a financial newspaper. He sat in a relaxed posture, his shirt and vest hugging his firm, toned muscles. Seeing Shao Mingzhu walk in with her small handbag, he gave her a faint, sweeping glance.

The Shao family had many branches, and currently, the one in charge was the eldest branch, which was Shao Tingyue’s side.

Shao Mingzhu was the apple of the eye of the second branch, Shao Qixin, and she had two younger twin sisters in their early teens. The second branch had branched out years ago to handle trade. While they were not as prominent as the eldest branch, which controlled the shipping lifeline, they were still quite wealthy.

Shao Mingzhu had been pampered since childhood and feared nothing, except for this cousin of hers who possessed such an intimidating aura. When she was little, she was mischievous and had been lectured by Shao Tingyue’s stern face more than a few times, leaving her with deep psychological trauma.

Subconsciously, she wanted to retract her step and slip away unnoticed.

“Mingzhu.” A low, calm voice sounded.

Shao Mingzhu’s footsteps stalled. She turned around stiffly and squeezed out the sweetest, most obedient smile. “Second Brother, you are home? I thought you had gone to the company.”

Shao Tingyue put down the newspaper and looked up. “I remember your classes were not supposed to end until next summer.”

Shao Mingzhu’s scalp tingled. She gave a dry laugh. “Er, yes, that is right. But the weather and food in the UK did not really agree with me, and I did not have any friends there. Mommy said I looked like a skeleton.”

The more she spoke, the softer her voice became. Under Shao Tingyue’s expressionless gaze, she could not continue making things up.

“So you ran back on your own initiative? Does Uncle know?”

“I know. I told Daddy.”

Shao Mingzhu was lacking confidence. She had indeed acted first and reported later, pestering her mother until she agreed to let her return to Hong Kong. Her father was likely still angry.

Shao Tingyue did not press her further about her studies, changing the subject instead: “Why did you come here today?”

“I…” Shao Mingzhu’s eyes darted around, and just then, she saw Li Chu walking down the spiral staircase. She immediately acted as if she had seen a savior. “I came to play with Chu Zai! He just got back, so I want to take him around to familiarize him with the environment!”

Shao Tingyue refused flatly, saying indifferently, “He is busy today. I am taking him out.”

Shao Mingzhu was quick to read the room. She hurried to escape, “OK, then I will not disturb you two! I am leaving, bye-bye!”

Li Chu was completely unaware of what had happened; he only saw Shao Mingzhu run away, stepping on the gas pedal and driving down the mountain as if she were being chased by a ghost.

It seems it is not just me who is afraid of Shao Tingyue; even Sister Mingzhu acts like a mouse seeing a cat when she encounters him.

When it was time, the two of them set off. The driver respectfully opened the door, and Li Chu bent over and climbed in.

Shao Tingyue had changed into a gray three-piece suit, his necktie was a dark blue silk, and his hair was combed back meticulously, exposing his full forehead and brow bone.

Tracing the Shao family history back, one of their wives was British, which is why most of their descendants had a mixed-race look. Li Chu could not help but steal a few extra glances. He had to admit that Shao Tingyue’s appearance would be highly sought after in any era.

The car door closed gently, leaving only the two of them in the confined space.

Li Chu could clearly hear his own breathing and sense the cold, stern presence of the man beside him. He instinctively leaned toward the car door, trying to put as much distance between them as possible.

Shao Tingyue leaned back in his seat, legs crossed, casually picking up a file from the side to flip through, occasionally marking it quickly with a fountain pen. The aura the man exuded while focused on work was even more powerful and intimidating than usual.

Li Chu had no choice but to look at the streetscape outside the window.

The car drove into the bustling Central district of Hong Kong Island, where high-rises stood like a forest and pedestrians swarmed like weavers.

Shao Tingyue closed the file and raised a hand to rub his brow. “What are you nervous about?”

He spoke suddenly, giving Li Chu a fright. He jerked his head around. “No, I am not nervous.”

“Hmm.” Shao Tingyue acknowledged him and said no more.

The Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the private entrance of Landmark in Central, the unique license plate drawing glances from doormen and passersby. The air was filled with the opulent scent of perfume and money.

Since arriving in this era, Li Chu had only been to the Temple Street Night Market with Wen Sitong. This was his first time in a high-end shopping mall, and he could not help but widen his eyes, looking around.

Shao Tingyue was quite familiar with the place. After passing through the lobby, they arrived in front of a high-end clothing store.

“Mr. Shao, welcome.” A good-looking female clerk greeted them.

Shao Tingyue nodded slightly and looked at Li Chu. “Measure him for a suit today. I want a few formal outfits made.”

“Rest assured, Mr. Shao, we will do our best!” The clerk enthusiastically guided them into a VIP room in the back.

The measuring process was detailed and professional. Li Chu tilted his head up slightly, pretending to be a mannequin, and let the tailor’s tape measure roam over his body. Shao Tingyue sat on a velvet sofa nearby, casually flipping through a thick book of fabric samples.

The tailor muttered to himself while calling out the measurements: “Waistline is one foot nine, shoulder width…”

As his fingertips brushed over a page of Italian silk samples, which were smooth, delicate, and shimmering with a pearl-like luster, Shao Tingyue could not help but have the scene from the poolside earlier that morning flash through his mind.

A one-foot-nine waist. It is indeed thin. A single hand could easily hold it.

But yet…

The curve of the hips was full and rounded, and the fabric of the swim trunks dug into the base of his thighs, squeezing out a ring of fair, soft flesh that was blindingly bright under the clear water and morning light.

Shao Tingyue’s fingertips paused, his eyes darkening. In the end, he is still too thin. Someone who did not know better would think the Shao family mistreated him and could not even afford to feed him a full meal.

The tailor smiled as he put away his measuring tape. “The young master is tall, long-legged, and has good proportions. It would be perfect if he gained a little more weight.”

Shao Tingyue closed the fabric sample book and looked up at Li Chu.

The young man had his eyes half-lowered, his thick eyelashes casting a small shadow under his eyes, his lips pursed unconsciously, his side profile looking clean and delicate.

“Did you hear that?” Shao Tingyue said, his voice deep.

Li Chu looked up blankly. Hear what? He had been daydreaming.

“The tailor said you are too thin.” Shao Tingyue’s tone was flat, revealing neither anger nor joy. “From tomorrow on, you must let Uncle Ming watch you eat your three meals. You are not allowed to be picky.”

Li Chu: “…” He has to micromanage this too?

Shao Tingyue added, “The Matriarch has mentioned it to me several times. Her health is poor. Do not make her worry.”

Fine, Li Chu thought, so it is for the Matriarch. Li Chu nodded obediently. “I understand, Second Uncle.”

Though he had not been at the Shao mansion for long, he already regarded the Matriarch as his own grandmother. Even if he were to leave one day, he hoped she would live a long life.

Once the measurements were done, it was time to pick out fabrics and styles.

“The young master is young, has fair skin, and a good build.” The tailor enthusiastically recommended, “This ivory white worsted wool is very flattering, or this wine-red velvet. It would surely be the focal point of any banquet.”

Li Chu was completely clueless about these things and instinctively turned his gaze toward Shao Tingyue.

Shao Tingyue stood up and walked over, his gaze sweeping over them. “Take them all.”

The clerk knew a big client had arrived, so she quickly recommended matching dress shirts, bow ties, and cufflinks. Finally, they finalized the pick-up date.

Shao Tingyue signed the bill decisively. The amount was staggering, but he did not even twitch an eyebrow.

Li Chu glanced at the receipt and almost fainted from the number of zeros. Wuwu, if only this could be converted into cash for me.

After finishing the custom-made outfits, Shao Tingyue took Li Chu to buy other daily necessities. Everything that was needed, from inside to outside, from head to toe, was bought in one go.

By the end of this round of shopping, Li Chu felt his legs go soft. By the time they finished at the last watch shop, it was already dark.

Shao Tingyue instructed the bodyguards to send the items to the car first, then headed to a jewelry store to pick up some accessories pre-ordered by the Matriarch.

“Wait for me here. Do not wander off.”

Li Chu felt like he had been granted an amnesty. He could finally catch his breath, sitting on a bench by the busy atrium to rest.

“Li Chu? … Ah-Chu?! Is that really you?!” An incredulous voice sounded from his side.

Li Chu stiffened all over and turned his head slowly to see the bartender, Jiaming, standing there holding a plastic bag, his face filled with shock.

“You… what are you doing here?” Jiaming widened his eyes, looking Li Chu up and down. “And dressed like this… Where have you gone to make your fortune lately?”

Li Chu pursed his lips and glanced at the driver nearby, not knowing if he should speak.

Seeing that he was not talking, Jiaming seemed to realize something. He leaned in and lowered his voice, “Ah-Chu, are you… are you here accompanying those rich women shopping to strike it rich…”

After all, Li Chu was good-looking, and dressing as a girl at the bar had been eye-catching. A while back, a group of men in black had come to the bar looking for Li Chu, and Ah Le had suffered for it, gnashing his teeth and cursing whenever Li Chu was mentioned. They naturally assumed the kid was scurrying around like a street rat. They never expected that when they saw him again, he would look as fresh and clean as if he had become a different person.

“No! Jiaming, you misunderstood…” Li Chu denied it hurriedly, his face turning red instantly.

“Oh, do not be shy with me!” Jiaming assumed he was embarrassed and patted him on the shoulder. “It does not matter what you do, as long as you can make money. But the consumption here is too high. Whatever you earn will not be enough for you to spend. I know a guy who has a fruit stall in Sham Shui Po looking for a mover. It is a bit tiring, but you can make 80 or 100 dollars a day. If things over there… do not work out, I can introduce you…”

Li Chu knew Jiaming was offering the job out of kindness, so a sense of gratitude welled up in his heart. He said sincerely, “Thanks, Jiaming. Although I do not really need it for now, if I do in the future, I will definitely come to you.”

Jiaming thought Li Chu was looking down on a mover’s job and continued to persuade him, “Ah-Chu, you still need to be grounded. There is no future in making quick money. Have you forgotten what you have been through?”

Li Chu was helpless. “That is not what I meant…”

“I am only helping you because we have known each other. Earning money is hard right now. Many people are fighting over moving jobs…”

Jiaming wanted to say more, but when he turned his head, his eyes suddenly widened, as if he had seen some kind of earth-shattering figure.

Shao Tingyue had returned without anyone noticing, holding a dark velvet gift box, and stood by Li Chu’s side. “Ran into a friend? Why do you not introduce us?”

Jiaming was already too shocked to speak. Was this man not the one who bought all of Li Chu’s drinks at the bar that night?

Li Chu’s palms were sweating. He looked at the imposing Shao Tingyue beside him, then at Jiaming, and said, “This is a friend I met through work, Jiaming. Jiaming, this is my… Second Uncle.”

Second Uncle? Jiaming’s eyes widened even further.

Did Li Chu not say he was from the Mainland and had no relatives in Hong Kong? Where did this rich Second Uncle pop out from?

Shao Tingyue nodded slightly at Jiaming, acknowledging him. The coldness and distance in his demeanor were obvious.

Jiaming felt sweat break out on his forehead from the man’s gaze. He thought to himself that it was fortunate he had not offended Li Chu back then. He lowered his voice, “Ah-Chu, why did you not say you had such a solid backing earlier? I thought you were… With this kind of backing, why are you selling fake alcohol? You could just buy the whole bar!”

With the involved party right next to him, Li Chu was so embarrassed his ears turned red.

Shao Tingyue looked at him and said indifferently, “Everything is in the car. Let us go.”

Li Chu nodded hurriedly and looked at Jiaming, saying in a low voice, “Jiaming, I am leaving first. I will get in touch with you later.”

The black Rolls-Royce pulled slowly to the curb. After the driver got out and opened the door, Shao Tingyue gestured for Li Chu to get in first.

Jiaming stood where he was, suddenly remembering that the license plate of this car looked so familiar. Was this not the exclusive digital plate for the young master of the Shao family, the top tycoon in Hong Kong?

This person is actually the shipping magnate, Shao Tingyue!

Jiaming could not help but break into a cold sweat. He stood there, stunned, watching them leave.