Married the Abandoned Puppy Alpha - Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Bringing Up the Past

The moment these words were uttered, the others who had been lacking interest—finally perked up, looking at the trio with great intrigue.

Before Shi Yaoran could react, Shi Qingze also stood up and pulled He Xinglou toward him by the shoulder.

“Xinglou is my recognized partner; we will be registering our marriage in a few days. My apologies for not telling you sooner.”

He said “apologies” with his lips, but the threat in his eyes was starkly visible, clearly communicating: “Watch how you behave.”

Shi Yaoran’s expression instantly became as if he were constipated; many words were stifled in his chest, unable to be spoken.

“Xinglou wants to shake your hand,” Shi Qingze urged again.

Only then did Shi Yaoran snap back to reality, realizing everyone else on the scene was staring at him.

Under this “pack of wolves surrounding a tiger” situation, it was impossible for him to say anything detrimental to his own branch of the family. After weighing his options, Shi Yaoran gritted his teeth and took He Xinglou’s hand.

“Long time no see… He, He Xinglou.”

So you actually remember my name? He Xinglou arched an eyebrow in surprise.

The two hands had only successfully clasped for a split second before Shi Qingze directly intervened, unceremoniously brushing Shi Yaoran’s paw away.

“You” Shi Yaoran’s face turned beet red, barely restraining his exploding temper.

There was no choice; currently, their entire generation had lost power. Shi Qingze was the strongest contender for the Shi family inheritance. In the future, the whole family would have to rely on Shi Qingze for their livelihood. Over such a small matter, he naturally endured what had to be endured.

Shi Qingze acted as if he didn’t see his expression, leading He Xinglou back to his seat and placing several portions of food into his bowl.

In this kind of atmosphere, how can anyone actually use chopsticks? Xinglou looked at him helplessly.

Shi Yaoran was left standing aside, his face becoming increasingly unsightly.

Everyone present was observing the movements of the three. By now, they could be certain that what Shi Qingze said was likely the truth, and not just some random person he had found to fool them.

Shi Yu’s father said half-jokingly, “So you’ve known each other for so long? Why didn’t you mention it to the family before? It makes us look like outsiders.”

Shi Qingze flicked his eyelids toward him but said nothing.

Xinglou understood his meaning instantly; these were the very people who had plotted the kidnapping; how could he have introduced him to the “family”?

To let these family elders strike quickly and eliminate the source of future trouble?

Shi Yu’s father felt rebuffed by the look, snorted coldly, and stopped talking.

The banquet instantly fell into a deadlock. No one dared to pick up the conversation, and no one was willing to vacate a seat for Shi Yaoran. The scene became more and more awkward, making He Xinglou feel a bit restless.

At that moment, Old Master Shi spoke up genially: “Child, come sit over here.”

He Xinglou froze, looking nervously at Shi Qingze.

Only after seeing Shi Qingze give him a reassuring smile did he bypass the crowd and sit in the empty seat beside Old Master Shi.

The Old Master took in their subtle interaction, his smile widening.

He turned his head to look earnestly at He Xinglou and asked slowly, “Was it you who found Qingze back then?”

This wasn’t a difficult question. He Xinglou nodded obediently. “I found him near my home. He was covered in injuries at the time and indeed remembered very little.”

Worried the Old Master wouldn’t believe him, he added hesitantly, “I… I still have photos from back then.”

Shi Qingze, sitting opposite him, curled his lips upward. “I’ve also kept those photos in my communicator all this time.”

Which photos? Does that include the ones taken secretly? Those… those aren’t fit for public display.

Xinglou’s face was about to turn red again; he hardly dared look at him.

“…Sappy,” the others said with disgusted expressions.

The Old Master felt even more gratified. He nodded and suddenly asked, “But you only reunited recently. Isn’t the wedding date a bit tight?”

Before He Xinglou could answer, Shi Qingze became nervous first: “Grandfather, I’ve already commissioned the wedding clothes and rings.”

The Old Master laughed heartily. “What are you panicking for? I’m not stopping you from getting married! I just feel, shouldn’t the wedding arrangements be more meticulous and grand?”

After all, this was the marriage of a Shi family heir candidate. Looking at the juniors at the table, Shi Qingze was the first; it was understandable that the Old Master wanted a lavish event.

Shi Qingze lowered his head. “I can’t wait. If it’s not done quickly… perhaps he’ll run away again.”

Silence fell over the table again, clearly recalling He Xinglou’s earlier “runaway” speech.

The Old Master hurriedly said, “Alright, alright, alright. I won’t interfere in you young people’s business.”

Shi Yu looked left and right, quickly raising his hand. “Grandfather, then I also want to arrange”

“Bring someone back for us to look at first,” the Old Master interrupted coldly. “Alright, let’s eat.”

Only then did this feast of many twists and turns finally begin.

Sitting next to an unfamiliar elder, He Xinglou was inevitably a bit constrained. He only dared to eat the dishes directly in front of him. The moment the food entered his mouth, the corners of his lips drooped.

After all that nonsense with these people, the food is cold.

…

After finishing the meal, the Old Master inevitably showed some fatigue and returned to his room supported by servants.

The atmosphere in the hall became more lively.

The golden-haired Alpha and the Omega from earlier were clearly on good terms, leaning into each other’s ears and whispering incessantly.

“Those are the children from the Second and Third Uncles’ families.” Shi Qingze had already pulled He Xinglou away from the crowd, standing on the outdoor balcony.

He introduced them to He Xinglou in a low voice: “The Alpha is Shi Zhao, and the Omega is Shi Qing.”

As he spoke, he opened his communicator and projected a list for He Xinglou to see.

Xinglou noticed something odd. “Why do they all have that kind of character in their names?”

Shi Qingze caught his meaning. “When the Old Master was young, he loved climbing mountains to watch the sunrise; he liked the symbolism of light and brightness. So when the elders named their children, they all chose names with the ‘Sun’ radical (日) to flatter him.”

“Then you…”

Shi Qingze smiled. “Shi Yaoran didn’t like my mother, so naturally he didn’t like me. My name was picked at random by flipping through a dictionary. As far as I know, the name he gave his illegitimate son does fit the symbolism; he chose the character ‘Xuan’ (暄). Before I was kidnapped, he really wanted to bring the illegitimate son back to acknowledge his ancestry. And after I was kidnapped…”

His tone was very calm. “It goes without saying.”

He Xinglou was stunned into silence.

He knew Shi Qingze’s mother had passed away very early. After all, three years ago, he had more than once heard the child crying in his arms, shouting “Mom, don’t die.” Even after losing his memory, the child found it hard to move past the grief of losing his mother.

He Xinglou couldn’t help but feel a bit of concern. “What about that illegitimate son? Will he affect you?”

Shi Qingze said briefly, “He failed to ascend. Grandfather doesn’t recognize him; he’s being kept outside now.”

He didn’t seem to want to elaborate on this topic, instead taking He Xinglou’s hand and shaking it gently.

“Alright, Brother, I saw you didn’t eat much. I’ve asked someone to prepare some hot dishes for you. I’ll go get them for you, okay?”

Unlike his cold words toward others just now, in front of He Xinglou, he habitually performed these “clingy” actions, politely asking “okay?”yet it sounded like acting spoiled.

He Xinglou, still immersed in the “rich family secrets” he had just learned, felt extra pity for Shi Qingze and thus nodded obediently.

“Then stay right here and wait for me, Brother.” Shi Qingze’s smile deepened. He even leaned over, gently cupping the back of He Xinglou’s head, and dropped a kiss on the top of his hair.

He Xinglou: “…” What is he doing?

“People are watching,” Shi Qingze explained with a beaming smile, as if sensing his thoughts. “We have to be professional, Brother.”

He only felt as if the spot just kissed still had a lingering sensation, like a green leaf or a flower petal had landed there, making him want to reach up and touch it.

“Just go already,” he urged in annoyance.

Only then did Shi Qingze leave reluctantly.

Not long after he left, trouble came knocking.

“He Xinglou, how do you still have the face to come back?”

He Xinglou turned around at the voice and reacted for a while to that plain-looking face before remembering this seemed to be Shi Yaoran’s secretary.

Come to think of it, he had seemingly met this person two years ago as well.

“What?” He Xinglou stood tall, entering a battle-ready state. “If you can come, why can’t I?”

The secretary caught the implication and ground his teeth. “Don’t get cocky. Right now, it’s only because Shi Qingze’s future is more important that we are temporarily tolerating you. Back then”

He seemed to recall something and revealed a twisted smile. “Back then, didn’t you already taste the bitterness here? I advise you not to get carried away. We have plenty of ways to deal with you.”

“Shi Qingze can protect you for a moment, but as long as you are in the Shi family, he can never consider only you. Being an heir isn’t that easy; it requires balancing all sides. When that time comes, how much longer do you think you can be the favorite?”

What the hell? It sounds like the Shi family has a throne to inherit. He Xinglou was starting to get angry.

He was about to find the most biting words to hit back when hurried footsteps came from behind the secretary.

Shi Qingze approached with a dark face, standing directly in front of He Xinglou.

“What are you saying? Say it for me to hear too?”

The secretary’s expression shifted, and he quickly forced a smile. “I just came over to ask on behalf of your father…”

“Did I acknowledge him as my father?” Shi Qingze sneered. “You’re getting better and better at flattering yourselves.”

Good roast, ‘filial’ piety. Xinglou struggled to control his expression.

The secretary couldn’t save face, muttering as he tried to explain, but was decisively interrupted by Shi Qingze.

“Go take Shi Yaoran back. He’s drunk and currently making a scene.”

He Xinglou turned to look and indeed saw Shi Yaoran with a flushed face and bleary eyes, complaining about something mostly jokes about “The Old Master is unfair” and “You all look down on me.”

Shi Qingze said plainly, “What does he look like acting like that? Don’t wait until you’re kicked out later and there’s no car to take you home.”

Unexpectedly, after he finished this sentence, the secretary froze for a second, looking at He Xinglou with a strange expression.

“What are you looking at me for?” He Xinglou gave a short laugh. “It’s not like I’m the one making it so you have no car.”

The secretary became even more nervous, his gaze quickly scanning the two. After confirming they had no intention of making things difficult for him, he nodded hurriedly and trotted over to support Shi Yaoran.

Shi Qingze furrowed his brows.

He noticed that after this brief disturbance, He Xinglou’s mood had suddenly become despondent.

Shi Qingze took hold of He Xinglou’s wrist. “Brother, are you starving? I’ll have someone bring the food over immediately.”

He Xinglou was in no mood to eat now.

Although he knew Shi Qingze meant nothing else by those words and was simply threatening the other party, to him… those words inevitably brought back memories of the past.

“The hunger has passed; I don’t want to eat now,” He Xinglou said in a low voice. “I’m going to the restroom.”

He then pulled his hand from Shi Qingze’s palm and hurriedly walked out of the hall.

Shi Qingze watched his back, thought for a moment, and opened his communicator.

He contacted the mansion’s butler directly: “Can the surveillance from two years ago still be retrieved? I want to see the footage from the day He Xinglou came to the mansion.”

The butler’s reply came quickly: “Apologies, Young Master Qingze. It was too long ago; those records have been deleted.”

Impossible. Shi Qingze was almost laughed into anger by the man’s perfunctory excuse.

He then contacted his own people. Within two minutes, a video was sent to his communicator.

It was a night of torrential rain; even the light from the streetlamps was diluted by the downpour, making the video footage dark and blurry.

But Shi Qingze still spotted He Xinglou, standing all alone at the gate of the mansion, at a single glance.

He came here. Why didn’t he ever say so?

He Xinglou’s expression couldn’t be seen in the video, but because it was dark and raining, he hesitated on the spot for a long time, looking a bit lost.

Shi Qingze’s heart wrenched as he watched.

Then, he saw the person in the video seemingly make a decision and plunge directly into the night, quickly becoming soaked by the rain.

The mansion was very far from the main gate, and the road was winding and complex; even driving out took nearly an hour. But no car came to pick up He Xinglou, so he could only grope his way forward in the rain.

His “Brother”… just how long did he walk before he got home?

But soon, Shi Qingze remembered something and hurried to check the video date. He felt as if he had fallen into an ice cellar.

It was exactly the day he had differentiated.