Chapter 11: Pretending Nothing Happened
Seeing the slight softening of Bai Zhouyun’s expression, Yun Feiyu felt a surge of joy. Knowing he had successfully played into the man’s thoughts, he pressed on.
“Once Student Nan Yu realizes he was wrong, I’m sure he’ll come to apologize to you. After all, this wasn’t your fault at all. It was the fault of that beast that suddenly appeared. Anyone could see it was just a misunderstanding.”
The implication was clear: Nan Yu was being far too petty, making a fuss over a simple misunderstanding.
Listening to him, Bai Zhouyun felt increasingly vindicated. “You’re right. It wasn’t my fault anyway. If he wants to be angry, let him be angry.”
Having rationalized it, Bai Zhouyun put the matter aside and began chatting and laughing with Yun Feiyu. The atmosphere between them grew increasingly harmonious.
However, the butler standing in the corner did not share this view.
If the relationship between Bai Zhouyun and Nan Yu were that easily maintained, Old Man Bai wouldn’t have constantly urged Bai Zhouyun to take the initiative to strengthen their bond.
Although the two were indeed engaged, still…
After all these years, even Old Man Bai could see that it was mostly Nan Yu’s one-sided devotion. His grandson didn’t seem to care much for Nan Yu. Consequently, the moment Nan Yu grew tired and stopped chasing, their relationship would be over.
Logically, Old Man Bai should have been reasonable, but he truly couldn’t bear to lose a treasure like Nan Yu. Thus, he could only turn a blind eye and pretend not to notice the issues.
As long as they got married before Nan Yu became completely disillusioned with Bai Zhouyun, he wouldn’t care if they were just “politely distant” later—as long as Nan Yu remained in the Bai family…
However, it didn’t take long for Old Man Bai to hear about the incident from the butler.
“What did you say?”
“Xiao Yu actually did that? Was he very angry?”
The butler replied, “I didn’t see him myself. When I arrived, only the Young Master and his two classmates were there. Xiao Yu had already left with his school’s Year Dean. I heard that before he left, he even programmed the aircraft to return home on autopilot.”
That was why Bai Zhouyun had needed someone to pick him up.
Old Man Bai asked, “Do you think Xiao Yu has ever been this angry before?”
“Certainly not. Not even once. Something he simply couldn’t tolerate must have happened this time for him to be so enraged, right?”
Old Man Bai fumed, “So, did you ask him? Does that brat not know how good Xiao Yu is? He didn’t even think to go and coax him? If he went to the Nan family now, what would it matter even if he got a thrashing from their elders?”
In Old Man Bai’s view, as long as Nan Yu could be won back, a few beatings were only natural.
Others would kill for the chance to be “thrashed” by the Nan family elders! Why was this boy’s pride so stubborn? And what use was that pride? He didn’t even work hard to become stronger; all he knew was play, play, play!
At this thought, Old Man Bai felt a wave of frustration. “Why is he the only grandson in this generation? If there were others…”
Old Man Bai trailed off. For an elder to say such a thing, Bai Zhouyun truly was a failure as a junior.
Indeed, Bai Zhouyun was an only child. Because he was the sole heir of the Bai family, he had been pampered since childhood. Given such a family environment, his current personality was entirely predictable.
As soon as Bai Zhouyun returned home, he went to his room, changed his clothes, and immediately headed out to hang out with a group of like-minded friends. He didn’t have a single care in the world.
When Old Man Bai found out, he was furious once again, but eventually, he just waved it off. “Forget it. We’ll talk when he gets back.”
If he dragged the boy back right after he’d gone out, the boy would likely be resentful, which might only worsen the misunderstanding between the two juniors.
Meanwhile, Nan Yu was currently engaging in deep mental communication with his new friend—which is to say, he was cultivating his mental power. Around evening, Nan Zhen came up to knock on his door.
Nan Yu stowed the miniature flowerpot into his space button. Fortunately, his space button was capable of storing living things, allowing him to carry the Nianshen Cao this way. Otherwise…
“Xiao Yu, are you in there?” Nan Zhen called.
Nan Yu replied, “Second Brother, what is it? Is it time for dinner?”
“Come out first,” Nan Zhen said. “I have something to ask you.”
Nan Yu frowned slightly but went to open the door. “Second Brother?”
“Follow me for now,” Nan Zhen said. “We can talk on the way. Dad said he’s taking us out for dinner.”
Nan Yu followed Nan Zhen out, closing his bedroom door behind him.
“Eating out? Are we going to Zhenxiu Ge?”
Nan Zhen’s lips curled into a smirk. “Yeah. I knew you’d like that. Dad happens to be free today, and it’s a rare chance for him to take us.”
Zhenxiu Ge was not open to the general public. Only those with a significant military rank in the Imperial Military could dine there. It was specifically for officers and their families; as long as one’s identity was verified, the meal was free.
This was a benefit provided by the Empire to the military.
Nan Yu’s mood finally improved significantly since his rebirth, and the smile on his face became more genuine. “Really? Then let’s hurry!”
When they reached the ground floor, Nan Ming was already waiting for them.
“What took you so long?” He reached out and ruffled Nan Yu’s hair.
Nan Yu didn’t pull away. “Dad, isn’t it normal for me to walk a bit slower?”
Nan Ming chuckled. “Alright, get in the aircraft. We’re heading to Zhenxiu Ge.”
Nan Ming held the rank of Major General. Only those with the rank of Major or above could bring their families to Zhenxiu Ge, and reservations were mandatory.
Because the seating was limited and the daily ingredients were strictly rationed, there was no guarantee of a meal even if one showed up, which was why a specific time had to be booked.
Tonight, it was finally Nan Ming’s turn.
“Dad, it’s rare that you remembered what I like to eat. It’s been so long since I’ve had it; I’m feeling hungry just thinking about it.”
Nan Ming said, “You little glutton. You just went there last month.”
Nan Yu thought to himself that, including his previous life, it had actually been many years since he’d been there. “Once a month isn’t nearly enough. If only I could eat there every day.”
Unfortunately, the chefs at Zhenxiu Ge (Pavilion of Delicacies) all belonged to the Imperial family; they couldn’t be hired away. Otherwise, how wonderful would it be to bring one to the Nan house?
“I really envy the Imperial family. They get to eat this every day.”
Nan Ming sighed and shook his head. “Just say those things in front of us.”
Nan Yu replied, “I know. I only say it because we’re family. When have I ever said such things outside?”
Nan Ming said, “Let’s go. I booked for six o’clock. It’s already five-ten.”
Nan Yu felt quite happy, even putting Bai Zhouyun out of his mind.
However, during the flight to Zhenxiu Ge, Nan Ming eventually brought up the question.
“Your father just received a communication from Old Man Bai. He said you and that Bai kid had a little disagreement?”
The moment he heard Bai Zhouyun’s name, Nan Yu’s mouth twitched, and his expression turned peculiar. He let out a cold snort. “Hmph!”
“Dad, are you planning to put in a good word for Bai Zhouyun?”
Translator’s Note: Zhenxiu Ge (珍馐阁) roughly translates to “Pavilion of Delicacies.” In this world, military families have some serious perks! Also, Old Man Bai is being quite calculating—he knows Nan Yu is a “treasure” and wants to keep him in the family regardless of his grandson’s behavior. I love Nan Yu’s sassy “Hmph!” Catch you in Chapter 12!
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