Gold-Devouring Bottom: A Guide to Pampering - Chapter 9

Shen Xinghuai quickly scrambled away from the edge of the pond. None of the people in this family were decent; he wouldn’t put it past them to shove him into the water from behind.

Seeing Shen Xinghuai’s guarded retreat, Ye Xiujun, standing behind him, let out a low chuckle. “Why did you back away? Stopped watching?”

Shen Xinghuai gave a faint, awkward smile. “I’ve seen enough.”

Ye Xiujun’s eyes lingered on his face, sizing him up. He sauntered a few steps closer and raised a hand, his tone dropping into a tender, intimate register. “Don’t move. There’s a leaf in your hair.”

Shen Xinghuai didn’t give him the chance to get close. He reached up and gave his hair a vigorous tousle. “There, it’s gone.”

Ye Xiujun’s hand remained suspended in the air, his fingertips twitching awkwardly. “Uh, you certainly are casual, little brother.”

“Thanks.” Shen Xinghuai pointed toward the living room. “It’s a bit chilly out here. I’m going back inside to wait for Xiuchen.” A weasel visiting a chicken—never up to any good.

Ye Xiujun smiled and stepped in front of him, blocking his path. “It’s because you’re dressed too lightly. Here, take my coat.” He began to shrug off his jacket, making a move to drape it over Shen Xinghuai’s shoulders.

“No need, really!” Shen Xinghuai had zero interest in wearing a wolf’s clothing.

But Ye Xiujun was persistent. “Don’t be polite, brother.”

Shen Xinghuai stared at the open jacket. Just as he was about to be enveloped, he ducked his head and scurried away.

Ye Xiujun looked at his empty hands. “…” He didn’t give up; he shook the coat out and pressed in again.

Shen Xinghuai used the same maneuver to dodge once more.

After several rounds of one man brandishing a jacket and the other darting around like a cat, Shen Xinghuai skidded to a halt. “My dear elder brother, do you have a secret passion for bullfighting?”

Ye Xiujun held the jacket aloft. “No, I just thought you looked cold and wanted to cover you up.”

Shen Xinghuai was slightly out of breath. He waved a hand at him. “I’m not cold anymore. I’ve actually worked up a sweat.”

Ye Xiujun sullenly retracted the coat but still blocked the way. He pointed to a nearby pavilion. “Let’s go sit over there. I wanted to meet you last time, but Xiuchen was so protective I didn’t get the chance.”

Recalling the way the crowd at the dinner table had stared at him like a pack of hungry wolves, Shen Xinghuai figured Ye Xiujun was their chosen representative. This guy wasn’t going to let him go easily. A seat in the pavilion was fine; it was better than being dragged off to some dark room in the middle of nowhere. “Fine, let’s go.”

Shen Xinghuai reached the pavilion first and stared at the stone bench.

Ye Xiujun, observing him closely, assumed he was worried about the bench being dirty. “Someone cleans this place every day.”

It was early spring, and the nights were still crisp; the stone bench was even colder. Shen Xinghuai, fearing the chill, pointed at the jacket in the other man’s hand. “Can I borrow that?”

Ye Xiujun handed it over magnanimously, a hint of a smile touching his eyes. So, he was just afraid of being seen by the others earlier. Now that we’re alone, he’s asking for my clothes. “Are you cold again, broth—”

Under his stunned gaze, Shen Xinghuai took the high-end, custom-tailored suit jacket, crumpled it into a ball, padded the stone bench with it, and sat down.

The wolf’s skin might be unwearable, but it makes a decent cushion.

Shen Xinghuai ignored the twitch in Ye Xiujun’s cheek and sat comfortably. Does it hurt your soul? Good! That’s what you get for pestering me.

Ye Xiujun took a few deep breaths to stabilize his emotions, forcing a fake smile. “I’ve seen your performances. I truly admire your talent and have wanted to get to know you for a long time.”

The smile sent a shiver down Shen Xinghuai’s spine. He rubbed his arms. “I appreciate the sentiment.”

Ye Xiujun tapped his knuckles on the table. “I heard your family is in the construction and building materials business. I happen to manage several companies with needs in that area. Since we’re practically family now, we should collaborate more in the future.”

Shen Xinghuai remained impassive, but he had already seen through the man’s intent. Here came the “sugar-coated bullets”—a mix of temptation and threat, using the Shen family business to keep him in check.

Shen Xinghuai beckoned him closer and lowered his voice. “Let me tell you a secret about my family’s company. You must keep it confidential.”

Ye Xiujun promised solemnly, “I won’t tell a soul.”

“Good, I trust you.” Shen Xinghuai glanced around to ensure they were alone. “Between you and me, my family’s company cuts corners on everything. The materials are all sub-standard and defective.”

Ye Xiuju: “???”

Ye Xiujun looked as if he had been turned to stone. He stammered, “Brother, is it really appropriate to tell an outsider something like that?”

Shen Xinghuai smiled. “I’m only telling you because I see how sincerely you want to ruin the Shen family. I’ve never told anyone else.”

The question marks over Ye Xiujun’s head grew larger. Are you serious? Ruining your own family?

He cleared his throat to hide his awkwardness. “Well, I’ll keep that secret. Let’s change the subject.”

Shen Xinghuai’s face crumpled in disappointment. “What? You’re not going to take down the Shens? Are you too chicken? Can’t handle it?”

No normal man can stand being told he “can’t handle it,” but Ye Xiujun belonged to the abnormal camp. “Brother, please don’t make such jokes.”

“You just don’t have the capability.” Shen Xinghuai sighed. His excitement had been for nothing. If the Shen family collapsed, his scumbag father would finally stay quiet. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble the man would cook up from the shadows to annoy him?

Ye Xiujun kept his smile, though the light had left his eyes. “Let’s talk about something else. Let’s talk about you and Xiuchen. He has many virtues—could you tell me what you like most about him?”

“You tell me, and I’ll pick one.”

“What?” Ye Xiujun’s smile finally cracked.

“Didn’t you say he has many virtues and asked what I like? List them out, I’ll pick one, and then I’ll let you know.”

Shen Xinghuai looked perfectly earnest. Ye Xiujun realized he had accidentally dug a hole for himself. Asking him to list Ye Xiuchen’s virtues was like asking him to list reasons why his own life was a failure.

“Ah, well.” He couldn’t keep the act up much longer. “Actually, my main reason for talking to you today was.” He reached for his pocket, only to realize his jacket was under Shen Xinghuai’s backside. “Uh, I have something in my coat. Let me grab it.”

Shen Xinghuai cheerfully handed over the six-figure custom suit. “Here you go.”

Ye Xiujun’s hand trembled as he took the garment. He fished out a card. When he went to hand the jacket back, his hand shook even harder. “Keep, keep sitting.”

Shen Xinghuai didn’t stand on ceremony; he crumpled it back onto the bench and eyed the card.

Ye Xiujun twirled the card between his fingers and said darkly, “Brother, there are thirty million on this card.”

“Thank you, Big Brother!” Shen Xinghuai reached out to snag the card, but it wouldn’t budge. He looked up, surprised. “Hmm?”

Ye Xiujun was gripping the card with a death grip. “Brother, I haven’t finished speaking.”

“That’s fine, take your time.” Shen Xinghuai wasn’t about to let a card like this fly away. You don’t pass up a chance to pluck a wolf’s fur. With a sudden, sharp yank, the card was his.

Ye Xiujun stared at his empty fingers. He had never been this speechless in his life. “Brother, do you know what it means to accept this card?”

Shen Xinghuai glanced at it. “I know. We’re both adults here; no need for long speeches. What’s the PIN?”

Ye Xiujun still didn’t quite trust him. “Do you really understand what I mean?”

Shen Xinghuai nodded solemnly. “I do. Rest assured, from now on, you’re my real brother. What’s the PIN?”

Ye Xiujun hesitated. “The PIN is on the back of the card.”

Shen Xinghuai gave an “OK” sign, his face radiant with a most sincere smile. “Big Brother, our relationship has changed from this moment on. Can you feel it?”

Looking at that earnest smile, Ye Xiujun’s suspicion wavered. “Yes, I can feel it.”

Shen Xinghuai winked at him. “It’s getting late, and Xiuchen should be back soon. I’ll go wait for him in the living room. See you later, Big Brother!” Before leaving, he even made sure to shake the dust off the jacket he’d been sitting on before handing it back, offering one last heartfelt thanks: “Thank you!”

Ye Xiujun watched him walk away, a calculating glint returning to his eyes. “Ye Xiuchen, let’s see how you fight me this time!”

Shen Xinghuai happily tucked the newly swindled card into his pocket and gave it a satisfied pat. Shortly after he reached the living room, Ye Xiuchen emerged from the back courtyard holding a gift box.

Shen Xinghuai rushed to meet him, but as he got closer, he noticed the man’s expression was grim. He skidded to a halt a few steps away and whispered cautiously, “Brother?”

Ye Xiuchen gave him a cold, indifferent glance and handed him the box. “A meeting gift from Grandfather.”

“Where is Grandfather? I should thank him in person.”

Ye Xiuchen brushed past him, heading straight for the exit. “No need. Grandfather is tired and has already retired. We’re leaving.”

Shen Xinghuai considered the gift box for a moment before catching up and naturally taking his hand. “Then I’ll thank him next time we meet!”

Ye Xiuchen’s footsteps faltered. He turned his head, staring coldly at their joined hands.

Shen Xinghuai felt that something was seriously wrong. Everything had been fine during dinner, yet after being apart for just a short while, the man had suddenly turned frigid. “Brother, what’s the matter?”

“Let’s go.” Ye Xiuchen pulled his hand away and walked briskly toward the parking lot.

On the way back, Ye Xiuchen sat in the backseat like a literal ice sculpture.

Several times, Shen Xinghuai opened his mouth to speak, but the biting chill radiating from the man kept him silent. Eventually, he gave up and leaned back against the seat, brooding in turn.

Finally, the car pulled up in front of the Yujun Garden villa. A bodyguard opened the door for Shen Xinghuai. “Mr. Shen, please.”

Shen Xinghuai stepped out, but seeing Ye Xiuchen sitting motionless in the back, he turned around. “Brother, aren’t you getting out?”

Ye Xiuchen let out a low, derisive scoff. “I have matters to attend to. I won’t be staying here tonight.”

Since Shen Xinghuai had moved in, Ye Xiuchen had only stayed over on the very first night.

Actually, his absence was a relief; Shen Xinghuai was more than happy to have the place to himself. “Oh, then be careful on the road, Brother. Get some rest once you’ve finished your work. Bye-bye!”

Ye Xiuchen gave him a nonchalant, sweeping glance. “Hmm.”

Clutching his gift, Shen Xinghuai turned and headed into the house with a cheerful spring in his step.

However, the car behind him showed no sign of moving. Shen Xinghuai looked back and saw the rear door was still wide open. He bent over, peering curiously at the “ice sculpture” in the car. “What is it, Brother? Why haven’t you left? Is there something else you wanted to say?”