Chapter 185
Shen Shuyu said, “As long as you don’t have questions.”
Shen Shuyu’s words pulled Wen Jiafei back to reality. He said, “But is it really okay for you to just tell me like this?”
“Why wouldn’t it be?” Shen Shuyu replied. “I told you just now—the reason I didn’t tell you before was because it involved Shen Xili, so it wasn’t my place to speak. But Shen Xili himself asked me to tell you, so there’s nothing to hide anymore.”
He thought for a moment. “However, only the five of us and Brother Yue Cheng know about this. Now that you’re added to the list, just make sure you don’t tell anyone else.”
Shen Shuyu completely trusted Wen Jiafei. After all, Wen Jiafei wasn’t the type of person who enjoyed gossiping behind people’s backs.
Wen Jiafei only felt the steady beat of his heart skip a rhythm. This feeling of being completely trusted was truly wonderful.
He looked at Shen Shuyu and said very seriously, “Don’t worry. I won’t tell anyone.”
Shen Shuyu nodded and went back to his problems with a miserable face.
Wen Jiafei couldn’t help but give a light chuckle at his distressed expression, though he quickly suppressed the smile.
After school in the afternoon, Shen Shuyu needed to head home because Shen Xili was going to the military in a few days. As soon as he exited the school gates, the family car was already waiting.
Shen Shuyu bid farewell to Wen Jiafei and walked over with his bag, but to his surprise, Father and Mother Shen had also come to pick him up today.
Shen Shuyu saw the two of them sitting in the back, so he proactively walked around to sit in the front. As soon as he sat down, Mother Shen asked, “Baby, was the person talking to you just now Wen Jiafei?”
“Yeah, that was Wen Jiafei.” Shen Shuyu buckled his seatbelt and looked back toward the school gate; Wen Jiafei was already gone.
Mother Shen said with a smile, “I didn’t expect him to be so handsome.”
Shen Shuyu nodded. “He is. And his grades are excellent. I asked him to help me with tutoring these past two days. The reason my grades improved so quickly before was also because he helped me.”
“It seems he really is outstanding,” Mother Shen praised. “Are you two very close?”
“We have a good relationship. Brother Xili is also friends with him,” Shen Shuyu answered, only then remembering to ask why they were there. “Mom, Dad, how did you have time to pick me up today?”
“Your dad and I went to order some New Year’s goods. Seeing as it was about time, we stopped by on the way,” Mother Shen said with a smile. “By the way, I’ve scheduled a photographer for tonight to take a new family portrait.”
Shen Shuyu nodded. “Okay.”
He was also very happy to have a family portrait of his own.
Wen Jiafei took a taxi home. He still went to the bakery first and only relaxed slightly when he didn’t see those people.
The shop wasn’t busy today. Wen Yue was a bit surprised to see him. “Why are you back so early today?”
Usually, it took at least another twenty minutes!
Wen Jiafei made up a lie on the spot. “It was a bit cold, so I took a taxi back.”
Wen Yue nodded. “Then hurry home and put on another layer of clothing. Don’t catch a cold. There have been many people getting sick lately, so you have to be careful.”
Wen Jiafei readily agreed. He looked at Wen Yue. Ever since her recovery, she had been smiling happily every day, and Wen Jiafei could feel her good mood.
After giving her instructions, Wen Yue went back to help in the kitchen. However, after taking a few steps and seeing Wen Jiafei still standing there, she asked in confusion, “What’s wrong? Is there something else you wanted to say?”
Wen Jiafei shook his head. “Nothing. I was just thinking about what we should eat tonight. I saw a mutton shop on the way back. How about we have mutton soup tonight?”
“Sure,” Wen Yue said. “Having mutton soup in this weather will warm up the body.”
Wen Jiafei nodded. “Okay, I’ll go buy it.”
Wen Yue remembered something. “Wait a moment for me.”
She quickly went behind the counter, took out her terminal, and happily fiddled with something.
In the next second, Wen Jiafei felt his terminal vibrate. He took it out and saw that Wen Yue had transferred some money to him.
Wen Yue said, “I got my wages today. Mom is treating you to mutton soup. Go and buy it quickly.”
Wen Jiafei also smiled. “Okay. Thank you, Mom.”
The Shen family was also having mutton tonight. The milky-white soup was fresh and sweet, the meat was tender, and with the special sauce, even Shen Shuyu, who didn’t usually like mutton, ate quite a lot.
Shen Yisi sat beside him, watching him eat with a doting smile. He raised his hand and patted his back. “Eat slowly, it’s hot.”
Shen Shuyu gave an “OK” gesture but continued to focus on his meal.
Father Shen asked, “The New Year is coming up soon. How is the company business being handled?”
Shen Yisi withdrew his gaze from Shen Shuyu and replied, “It’s almost all settled.”
The two started talking about company affairs. Father Shen had completed the handover of power last year; aside from a few unfinished projects, almost everything was being handled by Shen Yisi.
Mother Shen glanced at him and said, “Can’t you two just set aside work while eating?”
Father Shen replied, “Just some casual talk.”
Shen Yisi followed with a smile, not forgetting to put some meat into Shen Shuyu’s bowl.
Mother Shen looked at Shen Xili, who was also a man of few words. She said, “Don’t follow their example. You must eat your meals properly.”
Shen Xili said gently, “I understand.”
Mother Shen’s smile made her eyes curve into crescents. Shen Xili’s attitude toward them had clearly softened, and she believed their family bond would improve even more before long.
Having three such well-behaved children made Mother Shen feel proud when talking to other ladies.
Shen Yisi also noticed Shen Xili. He looked at him and said, “The military you are going to is notoriously strict. You must be prepared. I don’t want to receive complaints from the military every few days.”
“Don’t worry,” Shen Xili said. “I will work hard.”
Shen Yisi said, “However, you don’t need to worry about being in an unfamiliar place. I’ve made arrangements.”
“Thank you,” Shen Xili said.
This truly deserved a thank-you. While studying in the preparatory army, the teachers had taught them about various armies. One army stood out among them all—the one he was about to join, the Eagle Hero Army.
Almost every general whose name was known had spent time in this army. Shen Xili had confidence in his own abilities. He believed that one day, he too would become a Great General.
His gaze occasionally fell on Shen Shuyu. Shen Shuyu was full now and was sipping his soup occasionally, not very involved in the conversation at the table.
Sensing Shen Xili’s gaze, Shen Shuyu looked up. After meeting his eyes, he gave him a smile and then quietly continued drinking his soup.
After dinner, the photographer Mother Shen had hired for the family portrait arrived. The whole family, dressed in their newly custom-made clothes, sat on the sofa. After taking many photos in turn, Shen Xili walked to Shen Shuyu’s side.
He asked, “Want to take one?”
Shen Shuyu said, “Sure.”
Shen Xili beckoned to the photographer, who walked over.
The two stood together. The photographer raised the camera and said, “Move a little closer. Good. Smile. Stay like that.”
The photo was taken, and it was developed almost five minutes later. Shen Xili held the photo; both people in it were smiling happily.
Shen Shuyu leaned in and said, “You look really good.”
Shen Xili replied, “You look good too.”
Shen Shuyu shrugged, indicating his agreement.
The Wen family.
Wen Jiafei poured the mutton soup he had bought into a pot. After setting everything up, he went downstairs again.
He was still a bit worried about Wen Yue. After all, people who shouldn’t have appeared had already shown up. No matter what, he had to be more cautious.
When Wen Jiafei arrived at the shop, Wen Yue was just about to leave. Seeing him, she smiled. “Why didn’t you wait at home? It’s so cold outside.”
Wen Jiafei said, “I didn’t have anything to do anyway. I came to pick you up and get some exercise while I was at it.”
Wen Yue smiled. “Alright.”
The mother and son walked back. Wen Yue talked about the new products at the bakery being delicious, though they had sold out today. She said she would buy one in advance for him to eat when he came back tomorrow.
Wen Jiafei chimed in occasionally. Wen Yue then mentioned that after the bakery went on holiday, the two of them could travel around for the New Year. It had been many years since they had such a peaceful trip.
They chatted all the way back home.
Stepping out of the elevator, Wen Yue was thinking about whether to invite the shop manager, but as soon as they saw the person at their door, both of them froze.
The person was still dressed in a suit. Seeing the mother and son, he pulled at the muscles on his face to force a smile. There were still bruises on his face from Wen Jiafei’s beating yesterday, making the smile look somewhat comical.
But the man didn’t care. He said respectfully, “Madam, Young Master, we meet again.”
Translator’s Note: The “Eagle Hero Army” (鹰雄军队 – Yīngxióng jūnduì) is a pun. In Chinese, “Hero” is usually written as “英雄” (Yīngxióng). The author used “鹰” (Eagle) instead, implying an army of heroes that are as sharp and powerful as eagles.
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