Translated by Eve

Edited by Kara

Xiao Yuanmu handed in his resignation letter the day he had said he would. Because of Song Xuanhes orders, Xiao Yuanmus resignation was processed very quickly. Less than two hours later, his resignation had been approved. Because the new hires had been working with Xiao Yuanmu this whole time, he was able to skip having to teach and easily handed over his work to someone else.

In the venture investment divisions break room, Song Xuanhe leaned against the counter with his arms folded and cast a sidelong glance towards Xiao Yuanmu. When are you going to move your things out?

Xiao Yuanmu said in a flat voice, When youre off work.

Forget it. Song Xuanhe raised his hand and twirled his car keys around his finger. Lets move your things now. I can skip work.

Xiao Yuanmu didnt speak. He looked at Song Xuanhe quietly, eyes slightly lidded. The angle of the lighting here seemed to soften his indifferent features, giving off an illusion that he was looking at Song Xuanhe with deep affection.

However, as soon as he parted his lips, his cold voice split that illusion in half. We havent broken up yet.

Thats right; they still havent broken up yet.

Or rather, Xiao Yuanmu was unilaterally refusing to break up. When they had still been at the hotel this morning, Song Xuanhe had asked him, Why do you think that Ill be willing to keep dating you even after you quit my familys company and move out of my apartment?

At that time, Xiao Yuanmus eyebrows had knitted together slightly. Those unreadable eyes had examined Song Xuanhe inch by inch as if he had really been pondering over this. Or, perhaps he had been wondering whether he should waste time explaining this to Song Xuanhe.

In the end, Xiao Yuanmu had chosen to spend a bit more time on this. He had placed his spoon down. When he looked down, his eyes also had changed. His cool, refreshing voice had become hoarse and deep. It had sounded like there was a smile mixed into his speech. But in reality, he had been very calm as if he had been aggressively advancing his argument over a conference table. Getting together was up to you. Breaking up is up to me. Thats only fair.

Song Xuanhe had been shocked. He hadnt thought that Xiao Yuanmu would say something that sounded both accusatory and shameless. Because of his shock, his eyes had widened. He had asked, Are you joking?

Xiao Yuanmu hadnt been joking. After taking in the others astonished look, he had said in an insipid tone, What do you think?

Song Xuanhe had said, You must be joking. Were breaking up, not getting a divorce. If I want to break up, you have no right to refuse.

Xiao Yuanmu didnt refute him. He had only given him a meaningful look before replying, You know well whether or not we were actually dating before. Since the start and progression of our relationship has been illogical and fake, then the ending of this relationship can be the same.

Song Xuanhe had felt his guard rise as the other had looked at him with his piercing gaze. Although he had already completed most of his scenes already, he still needed to stay in this world for more than a years time. If Xiao Yuanmu realized anything or continued to concern himself with him, his life would not be easy in the future.

Moreover, since Xiao Yuanmu was going to leave the Song Group very soon and even move out of his apartment, that meant that the probability that they would see each other in the future again would be close to zero. There was no reason to argue for an oral agreement over breaking up. Xiao Yuanmu was right. They both knew that they were not like normal lovers when they were together. In the future, when they didnt live together, it would be even less likely for them to seem like genuine boyfriends.

The adaptable Song Xiao Shaoye had weighed the pros and cons of his choice in a blink of an eye. He had then raised his chin in an apathetic but haughty manner. Fine.

Song Xiao Shaoye, who had already thought that the two of them had nothing to do with each other anymore, widened his eyes in surprise when he heard Xiao Yuanmu say that they hadnt broken up yet. I didnt say that we had already broken up. Im saying Im willing to skip work to help you move. Shouldnt loving boyfriends make sacrifices for each other? It cant be that you think were not a loving couple?

After he had said this, Song Xuanhe beamed at Xiao Yuanmu. He thought that hed be able to disgust Xiao Yuanmu for sure with this reply.

When Xiao Yuanmu saw those seemingly innocent, lidded eyes that held a mischievous glint that could not be hidden, the light in his own eyes flickered, and they abruptly curved into a smile. He planted his hands onto the counter and brought his face close to the others. It looked like there was affection swirling in his gleaming eyes. His long, straight lashes looked like glinting swords. He was extremely attractive but also seemed as sharp as a blade. Song Xuanhe couldnt help but shrink back.

What are you doing? Song Xuanhe looked calm, even glancing at the work area outside as part of his facade. Were at work.

A loving couple cant hold themselves back even if theyre at work.

Song Xuanhe had no choice but to admit that Xiao Yuanmu had a pair of devastatingly charming eyes. He was like a siren, lounging on a rock in the sea. As long as he wished for it, with a simple gaze, he could make a vigilant sailor fall so hard that he would be willing to offer his life to the other.

Before he had met Xiao Yuanmu, he had never believed that someone could change their temperament by just changing the look in their eyes. He hadnt thought that even actors could do that.

A persons charisma relied on all their facial features. If you got rid of the eyebrows, it would be hard for an average person to convey emotions with just their eyes.

But right now, Song Xuanhe changed his mind. But, he didnt feel enticed at all. In his memories, Xiao Yuanmus eyes had been free of vulgarity and utterly serene. He would hide his emotions deep beneath the pond that was his eyes. No one could see through them. They were incomparably dangerous.

Song Xuanhe backed up slightly, keeping his calm. After getting up this morning, he had discovered that Xiao Yuanmu had seemed to have changed. Maybe it had been because Song Xuanhe had seen a side of him that he hadnt wanted anyone else to see. Maybe that was why Xiao Yuanmu felt more dangerous to him today. The other was like a trapped beast, who no longer pretended to be calm. The beast was slowly revealing its true nature and eyeing him, its prey, in an attempt to find his weakness. It was like the beast was pondering over where it should strike.

But, they wouldnt do it in the break room where people might come in. Song Xuanhes heart trembled. He reached out to push against Xiao Yuanmus chest. When he saw that the other had backed away, he sighed in relief inwardly. But, he didnt show any of this on his face. He raised his keys again and said, Lets go. Ill help you move.

Regardless of anything else, hed just focus on getting Xiao Yuanmu out of his apartment first. Considering how busy Xiao Yuanmu had been recently, it looked like the other would be too busy to take so much as a step out of his home for a long time. Itd be hard to say whether they would actually see each other again.

As for whether the other would cause trouble for him, by the time Xiao Yuanmu returned to the Xiao Family, he would probably have no energy to pay him any more attention. By the time he did have the time and energy to care about him, Song Xuanhe would already be back in his own world.

Lets go.

Xiao Yuanmu took half a step back, and his expression became indifferent again. His eyes were once again tranquil like a still pond. If it hadnt been because he had seen it for himself just now, Song Xuanhe would never have expected that such a seductive, enticing expression could have ever been on that cold, ascetic face.

The apartment was situated very close to the company. When the two of them had reached the entrance of the apartment, the moving company they had contacted was already waiting for them there. When they saw Song Xuanhe, one of them said, Mr. Song, our movers are already all here. Where is the address of the new home?

Song Xuanhe looked at Xiao Yuanmu. Xiao Yuanmu glanced at him coolly and then said, Youre thoroughly prepared.

We only need two people. Xiao Yuanmu looked at the moving company employee and then pointed to another apartment building just a garden away. He said in a flat voice, The 39th floor.

The mover turned and said hesitantly, Are you saying that youre just moving to the same floor but in that building?

Xiao Yuanmu nodded.

A bad feeling had arisen in Song Xuanhes chest as soon as he had seen Xiao Yuanmu point at the building next to his. Now, that premonition had come true. He then said in a snarky tone, So, youre going to Building 6? Wont we see each other if we open our balconies curtains?

Xiao Yuanmu looked at him coolly but didnt respond.

This neighbourhood was made up of villas and high-rise apartments. The villa district was on the east side, and the high-rises were on the west side. However, because it catered to high-end clientele, regardless of whether it was the villas or the apartments, the facilities and environment were both outstanding. The apartment buildings were also not built too closely together to save money either. There were only two apartment buildings per row, and there was a rather large garden and fountain between each pair of high-rises. Because each tenant owned a whole floor, they had two balconies. One of the balconies faced the garden, which by extension, meant it faced the other buildings balcony. Although they were not close together, if both people in each building were to step out onto their respective balconies, they would be able to see each other.

Moreover, because Song Xuanhe preferred minimalist design, and he never had a neighbour in the opposing building before, he had never thought about covering up his balcony. The sunlight would simply shine into the room. If someone were to use binoculars, they would be able to see his living room very clearly from the balcony of the opposite apartment.

However, Xiao Yuanmu would never use binoculars to spy on him. When he thought of this, Song Xuanhe relaxed.

The mover noticed that the two of them didnt seem to be in the type of relationship he had thought. Neither of them mentioned when they would be moving either. He could only cautiously ask, Mr. Song, thenwhen should we move?

Right now. He then turned to look at Xiao Yuanmu. Youre fine with that, right?

Lets do it.

After having packed up all of Xiao Yuanmus things, Song Xuanhe realized that the other had a pitiful amount of stuff in the apartment. If you didnt include his work computer, it would have been enough for a single mover to just help carry his suitcase. There was no need to involve a moving company at all.

The boss of the moving company also noticed this. He nervously said, How aboutwe charge you for the number of employees that actually worked this time?

When Song Xuanhe had hired them, he had offered fifty thousand. The moving company had thought that it would be a large-scale move in which the entire apartment would be emptied. Therefore, they sent a small team. They hadnt expected that only two people would be needed. All they had carried was a suitcase and a computer. They had rode one elevator down only to ride another up. It had been extremely easy.

If the moving company accepted that much money for such easy work, theyd feel guilty.

Forget it, Song Xuanhe said, Weve wasted your time by making you bring so many people. Ill pay what I promised.

When Xiao Yuanmu heard this, he glanced at Song Xuanhe but looked away before the other looked over.

After the movers had left, Song Xuanhe took a look around Xiao Yuanmus ash grey modern apartment that was even emptier than his. His mood suddenly improved, and he said, Since the move is over, Ill be leaving.

Are you doing anything tonight? Xiao Yuanmu asked.

Song Xuanhe didnt even think and replied, Yes.

What?

I have plans with Zhou Nan and Xiao Shenglin, Song Xuanhe lied without batting an eye, Why?

Xiao Yuanmu said, When you next have time, come visit the Director with me at the orphanage.

Okay.

Song Xuanhe very happily agreed. This was because an idea had popped into his head when he heard Xiao Yuanmu say this. He finally understood why Xiao Yuanmu was unwilling to break up with him despite clearly not liking him: he had been afraid that the Director would worry.

He had nearly forgotten that Xiao Yuanmu currently had a soft spot. This meant that he would not be as vicious and unrestrained as he had been in the book. This also meant that the only reason they were still together was because of the orphanage director.

All he had to do was stay in this fake relationship and go see the Director with Xiao Yuanmu for a short period of time, and then, hed get to return home peacefully. It was definitely worth it.

*

The next morning after work, Song Xuanhe followed Xiao Yuanmus directions to a car with an unfamiliar plate. He had been about to knock on the window when it slid down and revealed Xiao Yuanmus face. Sit in the front.

Song Xuanhe sat in the passenger seat. He looked around this obviously new car and asked in a feigned shocked voice, You said that you had bought the apartment with the money you had earned from playing with stocks. Did you buy this car with that money too?

Xiao Yuanmu glanced at him, the corner of his lips rising slightly. The smile didnt reach his eyes. It was like he was laughing at Song Xuanhes bad acting.

Song Xuanhe shrugged. But, he was genuinely curious. How much did you make?

Three hundred million.

Three. Song Xuanhe laughed. Hahaha, impressive.

Truly worthy of being the protagonist of this world. He had been able to earn such a large sum of money so easily. He remembered that Xiao Yuanmu had only invested about five million yuan in the book. For him to be able to make that into three hundred million in such a short amount of timehe was more impressive than a Wall Street broker.

Neither of them spoke on their way to the orphanage.

It was probably because Xiao Yuanmu had already informed the Director that they were coming over that the Director was waiting for them at the gate. When she saw them climb out of the car and walk over, she gave them a kind, gentle smile. Youre both working men. You can just come over on the weekend. Theres no need to come over after work. You must be tired, ah.

Were not tired. Xiao Yuanmu smiled faintly and went over to support the Director by the arm.

The Director held Song Xuanhes hand on her other side. She beamed at him. Yuanmu, child, you forgot Xuanhe. Is he usually like this?

Her last question was obviously directed at Song Xuanhe. Xiao Yuanmus gaze shifted towards the other mans direction.

No. Song Xuanhes eyes curved into a smile. The yellow glow cast by the setting sun on his pale face made him look especially lovable and warm. Its because he saw you, Granny. If it wasnt because he is faster than me, I would have come to help you.

The Directors smile deepened. She turned to Xiao Yuanmu on her left and said, Our Xuanhe is really sensible and filial. Yuanmu, you have to treat him well. If Xuanhe ever tells Granny youre not treating him well, Granny will scold you for him.

Song Xuanhe hadnt expected that the Director would say this. The smile on his face turned stiff. Xiao Yuanmu noticed this. Originally, he wasnt going to reply, but when he had seen the others unwilling expression, he said, Okay.

The Director then turned back to Song Xuanhe. Xuanhe, ah, Yuanmu isnt very talkative, but hes got a warm heart despite his cold face. You should know that the best. If he ever makes you unhappy in the future, please forgive him.

A warm heart despite his cold face. Song Xuanhe laughed. His heart is colder than his face.

With both the Director and Xiao Yuanmus gazes on him, Song Xuanhe smiled warmly. I will forgive him.

Thats good.

The Director walked back into the orphanage, holding both their hands. They ended up in the centre of a crowd of rather young children. She smiled. You two, help me watch these kids while I go check to see if dinner is ready.

The children had already eaten dinner. The dinner the Director was referring to had been prepared solely for Xiao Yuanmu and Song Xuanhe. Now, she left, leaving behind Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu in an awkward deadlock.

Everything was quiet around them.

When they had just arrived, the children had still been noisy and lively. Why had everything gone quiet?

A thin child tugged on Song Xuanhes sleeve. When he saw Song Xuanhe look down, he raised his head timidly. Gege, are you going to play here?

Song Xuanhe glanced at the bony little children, who had all gathered by his legs, in the area farthest away from Xiao Yuanmu. He finally asked the question that had popped into his head since his second visit. What did you do to make these kids so afraid of you?

Xiao Yuanmu sat on a nearby bench. He didnt even look at Song Xuanhe. He gazed into the distance.

Song Xuanhe followed the others gaze, but Xiao Yuanmu then looked back at him. He said in a flat voice, I dont know.

Gege.

Song Xuanhe looked down again at the skinny little kid and crouched down. How old are you?

Six years old.

Song Xuanhe was taken aback. Because of the others weak, frail appearance, he had thought that he was only four or five years old.

Xiao Yuanmu said coolly, He has a congenital heart disease. He develops more slowly than typical children.

When the boy heard Xiao Yuanmus voice, he cowered towards Song Xuanhe, frightened. He wrapped his arms around Song Xuanhes neck as if afraid that upon Xiao Yuanmu uttering another word, he would eat him.

Xiao Yuanmu looked away again, his eyes slightly hooded. His lips were pressed into a flat line. There was a trace of self-deprecation on his lips.

Gege the boy rested his head on Song Xuanhes shoulder and whispered, Is Yuanmu gege really scary?

Song Xuanhe subconsciously glanced at Xiao Yuanmu, who was once again looking into the distance. He didnt seem to have heard the boys words.

Hes super scary. Song Xuanhe nodded solemnly. The other children, who were listening in, shivered. They got a little closer to Song Xuanhe.

But, Yuanmu gege is only scary because he needs to protect you guys and the Director, Song Xuanhe continued, If he wasnt scary, then the orphanage would be shut down by bad people, and you guys would be left without a home.

The boy blinked and then cautiously glanced at Xiao Yuanmu. When he saw the other look over, he cowered back. In a trembling voice, he said, Really? But, Liang gege said that Yuanmu gege is really really bad. He said that Yuanmu gege would bully kids and that he had even killed a puppy.

Song Xuanhe paused while rubbing the boys head. The smile on his face didnt change. Whos Liang gege? Where is he?

He has already left the orphanage, a girl said, Liang gege used to take care of us. Yuanmu gege wanted to go to university, and Director Granny only had enough money to send one person there. So, Liang gege couldnt go to university. Therefore, he left. He said that he had to go make money.

Is that what Liang gege said?

The kids all nodded. Mn!

Song Xuanhes lips pursed slightly, and his smile disappeared. He was lying.

The children all widened their eyes. Song Xuanhe said, Xiao Yuanmu went to university on a scholarship. The school paid for him to attend, so he didnt use Director Grannys money. Therefore, the reason Liang gege didnt go to university has nothing to do with Xiao Yuanmu.

When a slightly older girl heard this, she puffed out her cheeks. Youre the liar! I saw that dead dog! It was so pitiful. Yuanmu gege had been the one holding it, and it had also been him who had killed it! And, Liang gege couldnt go to university because of Yuanmu gege! Youre a big liar!

After saying that, the girl picked up a rock and threw it at Song Xuanhe. The boy with the congenital heart disease was still in Song Xuanhes arms. If he were to dodge, that rock would scare the child when it hit him. It normally wouldnt matter if a typical child were to be frightened, but Song Xuanhe didnt know how serious this childs condition was. He didnt want to take the risk.

Song Xuanhe changed positions, protecting the boy in his arms. He raised a hand to cover the back of the boys head.

That rock isnt small. It will probably leave a bruise that will last a few days. I can only hope that the girl isnt too strong.

As the rock throttled through the sky, that was the only thought in Song Xuanhes mind.

But, the rock never hit him. It made no sound either. Song Xuanhe lifted his head, frowning, and saw that Xiao Yuanmus hand was in front of his head. He had caught the rock.

Apologize. Xiao Yuanmu looked at the girl coldly. He didnt hold back the chill around him at all. His tone was terrifyingly icy. Apologize in three seconds, or this rock will smash against your head.

The girl was so frightened that her eyes turned red. The other kids also ran away in fear.

Song Xuanhe stood up. He was a bit surprised at Xiao Yuanmus terrifyingly cold expression. However, when his gaze landed on the others injured hand, his jaw tensed.

Lets go treat your wound.

Xiao Yuanmu didnt move. It looked like there was a storm gathering in his eyes. He raised the hand holding the stone and said in a frigid voice, Your last second.

Im sorry! The girl screamed, scared out of her wits. After saying that, she made a run for it, afraid that Xiao Yuanmu would really hit her with that rock.

Song Xuanhe put down the boy in his arms and then picked the rock out of Xiao Yuanmus hand, tossing it to the side. With pursed lips, he said, Thank you.

Xiao Yuanmu gave him an insipid glance, pulled his hand back, and then left.

Song Xuanhe was about to run after him, but the boy with the congenital heart disease hugged his leg. There was a flush on his face, perhaps from the fright he had suffered just now. Quietly, he said, Gege.

Whats wrong? Song Xuanhe looked in the direction that Xiao Yuanmu had headed in and squatted down.

I believe that Yuanmu gege is a good person. The boy blinked. Gege is also a good person, and Director Granny is a good person too.

Song Xuanhe was startled. He then smiled. Its one thing to call your Yuanmu gege and Director Granny good people, but weve only met for the first time. How do you know Im a good person?

You are one. The boy looked at him stubbornly. He then wrapped his arms around Song Xuanhes neck and whispered, I want to tell you a secret.

What secret? Song Xuanhe smiled.

Yuanmu gege didnt kill that puppy. The boy whispered into his ears. Liang gege had been the one to kill the puppy. I saw it. He did it, because Yuanmu gege liked the puppy.

Song Xuanhes gaze fixed onto the boy. Although he believed that Xiao Yuanmu would never do something as senseless as killing a dog, when he had heard this boy tell him something like that, which would seem very cruel to a child his age, in this hushed, calm, childish voice, he didnt know why, but he felt uncomfortable.

The boy let go of Song Xuanhe. He then said in a timid voice, But, no one believed Yuanmu gege, because he had been covered in a lot of blood that day the dog had died. He sounded like the outcome had been expected.

Eve: First, I laughed at the mental image of XYM watching SXH with a pair of binoculars. As amusing as that would be, Im sure Mumu would use more efficient means of surveillance. And then I felt soft for SXH being good with kids and defending Mumu. And then I felt sad for Mumu T^T

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