PHM chapter 10

This time, Madam Yin Shanglan had made thorough preparations. The dietary habits of Jincheng and Licheng were very different, so in order to make Yan Xi feel comfortable during his stay, she had ordered some local specialties from Jincheng in advance and had them airlifted over.

The room had also been newly prepared. She had complained that Pei Yuxing’s old room was too small, and although the married couple wouldn’t be staying here often, Madam Yin Shanglan still cleared out the largest bedroom on the third floor for them.

When the windows were opened, everything in sight was green. Across the stream was an artificial sea of bamboo, lush and verdant, the stalks tall and sturdy.

The bedroom had been renovated as well. The original austere style had been replaced with a gentle beige palette. The floor had a natural wood finish, while the sheets and duvet cover were a bright light blue. Since Licheng’s nights were cool, she had specially chosen a soft and comfortable down comforter.

The overall decor was warm and cozy, with a lazy, relaxed feel. Perhaps to ensure a good night’s sleep, the curtains were a heavy raven-blue.

Every corner of the room had been personally overseen by Madam Yin Shanglan. She wouldn’t tolerate the slightest mistake.

A new bookshelf and a CD wall had been added to the room, displaying all of Pei Yuxing’s albums and film and television works, along with various other things.

When Old Madam Pei learned that Yan Xi would be visiting her, she had specially called to remind her. Although Licheng was a popular tourist city, it was ultimately not as prosperous as Jincheng. She was afraid they hadn’t prepared everything properly and might slight her new grandson-in-law.

She went on and on.

Even though she and her daughter-in-law normally couldn’t be bothered to contact each other once in eight hundred years.

In the end, Old Madam Pei slowly said, “Have A-Xing come back to visit his grandfather when he’s free. What kind of sense does it make for him to be staying in Jincheng but never coming home? Now that he’s married, he can’t keep being as willful as before. As his mother, you should remind him about these things…”

Yin Shanglan verbally agreed while rolling her eyes several times.

Your husband is the head of the Pei family and can’t even control his grandson. How do you expect her to have that ability?

Yet over the phone, her tone remained firm and polite. “I’ll talk to him about it, but you know A-Xing’s temper. He may not listen…”

Pei Yuxing’s marriage had been decided first and announced later. Although his relatives had plenty of opinions, none of them dared mention anything in front of the elders. In front of Pei Yuxing himself, they could only put on enthusiastic smiles and congratulate him.

Pei Yuxing’s marriage had caused quite a stir in the Pei family. When Old Mr. Pei Huahou heard the news, he had been playing mahjong with some old friends. After hearing his assistant’s report and confirming that he wasn’t being fooled, he threw down his tiles. He even abandoned the perfect Thirteen-orphans hand he had drawn himself.¹Thirteen Orphans (十三幺, shísānyāo) is a special and very difficult winning hand in mahjong. It consists of one of each terminal and honor tile (1 and 9 of each suit, plus the four winds and three dragons), with one duplicate to complete the hand.

His old face blossomed into a grin, his wrinkles practically smoothed flat. The dignified, stern image he had maintained in front of his old friends for years completely collapsed.

……

Yan Xi and Pei Yuxing entered the house and greeted Pei’s father and Yin Shanglan. Yin Shanglan gave Yan Xi a warm hug.

Pei’s father was much more reserved. He smiled at them, his expression exceptionally kind.

He wasn’t good with words and hadn’t received much attention while growing up, so his temperament was relatively mild and honest, completely different from his wife’s.

His own abilities were also not as outstanding as his wife’s. He had rarely involved himself in the Pei family’s businesses and simply lived off his share of the dividends. Now, most of his energy went toward helping his wife manage a newly established niche brand.

It was a very affordable brand, so he dealt with all kinds of customers and countless trivial matters. With his mild temper and patience, Pei’s father handled everything for his wife properly.

Come to think of it, Pei Yuxing was quite similar to his father in this regard. As for his looks, he had inherited more of Yin Shanglan’s striking elegance.

“You’ve been on the plane for so long. You must be tired.”

Yan Xi shook his head. “I’m not tired.”

Yin Shanglan held Yan Xi’s hand and refused to let go. The thought that someone had actually managed to tame her son made her unable to suppress her smile.

She wasn’t normally a talkative person, but the moment she looked into Yan Xi’s eyes, she couldn’t stop talking.

Open, clear, earnest, and stubborn.

She had missed much of her son’s childhood. By the time she finally had the chance to catch her breath, her child no longer needed his mother’s company.

She had never seen such a look in Pei Yuxing’s eyes. Although she never said it aloud, there was still a great deal of regret in her heart.

Yan Xi stood there, listening attentively to everything she said and responding considerately.

When Yan Xi’s feet finally began to ache from standing, Pei Yuxing couldn’t bear to watch anymore. Without making a fuss, he pulled his husband’s hand back and moved the luggage with his other hand.

“We’ll go upstairs first.”

Yin Shanglan swallowed the rest of what she had been saying and looked kindly at Yan Xi. “Once you’ve put your things away, come back down for dinner. I just learned how to make some Jincheng dishes. Give them a try.”

The two men had taken different flights and had spent quite some time waiting for each other along the way. By the time they arrived home, the sun was almost setting.

Yan Xi agreed.

After going upstairs and putting away their luggage, Pei Yuxing took off his long-sleeved jacket and effortlessly moved the suitcase aside.

Yan Xi went to help, but Pei Yuxing stopped him.

“You rest.”

He couldn’t bear to let his young husband do even the slightest bit of work.

While Pei Yuxing stayed busy, Yan Xi looked around the room.

He was particularly amazed by the CD wall. Aside from Pei Yuxing’s own works, it also contained many things related to dance. There were even collections from previous Jinlan Cups.

Yan Xi carefully searched through them and found the year he had competed.

He smiled, feeling nostalgic as he looked at the lettering on the cover.

Further along, he spotted a familiar CD case, though he could only see the spine. He wasn’t sure at first, so he took it down and slowly widened his eyes.

It was NEVER’s debut album.

Not many copies of this album had been released, and it was difficult to find on the market. He had no idea where Madam Yin Shanglan had managed to find one.

“Pei Yuxing.”

He showed it to the man, a hint of delight at the corners of his mouth, as though his most treasured secret had just been discovered.

“It’s our album.”

Pei Yuxing was hanging their long-sleeved sweatshirts in the walk-in closet. Hearing this, he turned around, the corners of his mouth lifting as well.

“There’s an audiovisual room in the basement. If you want to practice, I’ll take you there.”

Yan Xi hurriedly shook his head like a rattle.

Pei Yuxing’s parents were both here. Singing or anything like that was simply too embarrassing.

Pei Yuxing said, “I don’t think you’ve ever sung the songs from your album for me.”

Yan Xi said, “That’s nonsense. You were clearly there when we recorded Entertainment, Life.”

Mm. He had even said that his waist was quite flexible. Luckily, he himself wasn’t popular enough for the fans to tear him apart over it.

“I haven’t heard the other songs,” Pei Yuxing said. “Sing one for me sometime, just for me, okay?”

An international film emperor was lowering himself just to hear the leader of this obscure group sing a song.

Yan Xi felt that refusing would be a little too ungrateful.

After they finished putting everything away, the dining table downstairs was already laden with food.

The dinner was simple and warm.

Knowing that Yan Xi needed to control his weight, Yin Shanglan didn’t urge him to eat more. However, since she had personally cooked everything, she picked a little of each dish for him. Pei’s father drank some alcohol, and Pei Yuxing accompanied him with one glass.

Pei’s father was about to refill his glass when Pei Yuxing shook his head.

“I can’t drink anymore.”

Pei’s father muttered, “Your alcohol tolerance isn’t that bad.”

Pei Yuxing smiled without answering.

Yan Xi lowered his head and took a bite of rice, lightly bumping Pei Yuxing’s knee with his own.

Clearly, he was satisfied.

A large hand immediately caught his, preventing him from moving around again.

After dinner, Yin Shanglan suggested watching a movie together. It was rare for the whole family to gather like this, so naturally, they had to have a family activity.

The four of them went to the home theater in the basement. The auntie brought over fruit and snacks, and Yin Shanglan took a photo and posted it on Weibo.

@YinShanglanLuna: A long-overdue family gathering~ [Photos] x2

The first photo showed the snacks, while the second was a group photo.

Of course, Yan Xi wasn’t in the frame. Most of the space was occupied by Yin Shanglan and Pei’s father, while Pei Yuxing only showed half of his aloof profile and wasn’t even looking at the camera.

But that didn’t stop the fans from screaming in excitement.

Pei Yuxing’s various social media accounts were practically abandoned year-round. There were fewer photos of himself in his own albums than the fans had saved. A private photo like this was something they could hardly even dream of.

A crowd of fans excitedly called her “Mother-in-law” and “Mom.” Their long wait had finally paid off.

Naturally, the photo was enlarged and examined over and over again. Some Photoshop experts even cropped Yin Shanglan and Pei’s father out, carefully editing Pei Yuxing’s half-profile.

And then they noticed something unusual.

【There are four people in the picture, right? The other person is wearing a black T-shirt, so it’s hard to see clearly.】

Yin Shanglan had only one son. She also rarely posted photos of other relatives on her Weibo. Just who was close enough to share such a private, leisurely moment with this family?

The internet’s imagination was powerful. Countless theories immediately sprang up.

【What? What? Don’t tell me it’s what I think it is?】

【Are you sick? Stop making wild guesses. Can’t it just be some relative or something?】

【Can you blame people for thinking that way? This is a family gathering. Would some random relative really be there?】

【Agreed. And our male god is extremely protective of his private life. He doesn’t even interact with us (the resentment is escalating.jpg). Even if it were a relative, he wouldn’t bring them to such a private gathering, right?】

【You’re making it sound more and more mysterious. Hot knowledge: Pei Yuxing is a bachelor for life. Stop spreading rumors.】

Just as an argument was about to break out, Yin Shanglan appeared in the comments and replied to the top-liked comment.

@YinShanglanLuna: They’re a relative who came to visit me. Please don’t speculate wildly or disturb them.

Pei Yuxing lowered his eyes slightly, watching his mother type on her phone, her red lips curling into an unconcealed smile.

Noticing her son’s gaze, Yin Shanglan raised her phone.

“I didn’t say anything.”

Pei Yuxing looked away without comment.

After all, she was his mother. He knew her well enough. Her desire to show off was already blatantly obvious, but unfortunately, her son insisted on keeping things private, so she could only make a few subtle moves behind the scenes.

And she even had the excuse:

“It’s going to happen sooner or later. I’m just laying the groundwork first, so the fans won’t be too shocked later.”

Pei Yuxing finally spoke.

“Don’t make a fuss.”

It wasn’t a scolding tone. It was clear he wasn’t angry.

Yin Shanglan leaned forward slightly, peeking past her son at Yan Xi and giving him a playful wink.

Yan Xi was amused.

Their interaction wasn’t hidden at all, leaving Pei Yuxing somewhat helpless.

The home theater contained a large collection of classic films. While Yin Shanglan was still choosing a movie, Pei Yuxing went out to take a phone call.

The moment her son left, Yin Shanglan handed Yan Xi the movie she had chosen.

It was one of Pei Yuxing’s early films, titled The Man in the Mist.

The cover was shrouded in thick mist. Behind it was the face of the protagonist played by Pei Yuxing. One half of his face wore glasses, gentle and amiable, refined and elegant.

The other half was drenched in blood, his expression crazed. His face was half-hidden in the fog as he secretly stalked his prey, sending chills down one’s spine.

Yin Shanglan smiled and sat beside Yan Xi.

“It was a Chinese-foreign co-production. It was never released domestically, so you probably haven’t seen it.”

Indeed, he hadn’t. In the past, Yan Xi would simply see the trailers for the man’s films and go to the cinema with his friends.

After all, he wasn’t that devoted a fan and had never specifically searched online for the man’s other works.

The Man in the Mist was a film outside the usual mainstream genre. Pei Yuxing played a 27-year-old psychopathic serial killer. During the day, he was refined and gentle; after taking off his white coat, he became a criminal who struck fear into people’s hearts at night.

He was obsessed with young, youthful bodies and loved collecting the most perfect parts of the human body. They were stored in glass containers and preserved in formalin.

During the day, he offered his patients the most considerate care. At night, he took off his glasses and removed his sacred white coat, looking at the helpless young man bound before him, savoring the terror in those wide, terrified eyes.

He trembled with excitement as the scalpel slowly traced the young man’s cheek before finally stopping over his eyes.

Obsession. Madness.

……

Because The Man in the Mist was too bloody, it was never imported into the domestic market. However, Pei Yuxing won an international Best Newcomer award overseas for the film.

He had been only twenty-two that year.

The movie was ninety minutes long. By the time Pei Yuxing returned, the ending theme had just begun.

Yin Shanglan complained, “Why did you take so long?”

“One of the artists ran into some trouble, so I had to attend a meeting.”

Pei Yuxing saw the scene playing on the screen. His expression remained impassive as he turned to Yan Xi.

“Do you want to rest?”

Yan Xi came back to himself and only managed to answer after a long moment.

“Mm.”

The two of them went upstairs. Pei Yuxing reached for his hand, finding it ice-cold.

His brows furrowed involuntarily.

“Did it scare you?”

Yan Xi shook his head.

“No.”

Actually, he had been a little frightened while immersed in the story. The Pei Yuxing on the screen had been completely different from the man himself.

He had treated human life with extreme indifference. Living people were nothing more than items in his collection.

It was impossible to connect that person with his own husband.

Pei Yuxing tightened his grip on his hand.

“It was all fake. Don’t be scared.”

“Mm.”

Back in the room, Yan Xi’s face was a little pale. Pei Yuxing pressed his lips together, his palm gently caressing his cheek.

But in the end, he didn’t offer much more reassurance.

He went to the bathroom to run the bathwater. Not long after, he heard movement behind him. Yan Xi had followed him in and was standing at the doorway, watching the man.

Pei Yuxing didn’t turn around.

From behind, his shoulders looked broad, his back taut and solid, his shirt tucked neatly into his waistband.

Because he was crouching, the muscles in his thighs bulged beneath his trousers, outlining beautiful, powerful curves.

Rather than testing the water temperature with his hand, he looked as though he were performing a flawless dissection.

Yan Xi took two steps forward and softly called out:

“Doctor Chu.”

The man’s body stiffened.

He stood up and looked at him.

Yan Xi’s expression was nervous. He raised his head, looking pitiful and pleading.

“Let me go, okay?”

Pei Yuxing: “……”

The young man gathered his courage, came over to him, and pulled his hand against himself.

“Please.”

Pei Yuxing didn’t move. His expression was utterly cold, his eyes fixed on Yan Xi’s slender neck.

Doctor Chu had finally discovered the object he desired.

Brand-new, flawless—the exquisite anatomy of a dancer.

He closed his eyes and slowly leaned his head toward it, the tip of his nose brushing against the skin as his blood surged through his body.

“You want me to let you go?” Doctor Chu slowly said. “That depends on what you have to offer.”

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  Thirteen Orphans (十三幺, shísānyāo) is a special and very difficult winning hand in mahjong. It consists of one of each terminal and honor tile (1 and 9 of each suit, plus the four winds and three dragons), with one duplicate to complete the hand.