GSCCO Chapter 25

Several prominent families took to the stage one after another. They were all elders who knew the younger generation, but were completely unfamiliar with them. Even large families like the Yu and Yin families didn’t recognize many of their own relatives.

“Enough,” Mu Huai stopped Yin En, who kept piling food into his bowl. “Do you even know what I like to eat? Why do you keep piling food into my bowl?”

With Chen Hui by his side, Yin En was full of confidence: “If I keep piling food into your bowl, I’ll figure out what you like to eat.”

In that short time, Mu Huai felt that his younger brother had been taking advantage of him. His mother, however, thought they were just being affectionate and watched with a smile.

Mu Huai’s chaotic thoughts, stirred up by Yu Yi, were strangely calmed down by Yin En’s actions. He thought with a hint of sarcasm, “Will you still be able to laugh so nonchalantly when you find out your younger son has taken a liking to your older son?”

Mu Huai didn’t even glance at the Yu family’s side twice, subconsciously trying to avoid Yu Yi’s attention.

Mrs. Yin kept her promise. After the elders finished speaking, she and Mu Huai got up, leaving Yin En to deal with the Yin family relatives. Yin En wanted to come along, but Mu Huai pressed his head down and pushed him back. Mu Huai nodded lightly to everyone, as if to say goodbye; he had no intention of returning to this table.

“The Lin family girls are all about your age. I originally wanted to bring you to meet them. The Chen and Qiu families also have quite a few young people your age; I thought you could get along well,” Chen Hui said politely and softly. “Of course, the Yu family girls are the most outstanding. Befriending her would be very beneficial for you.”

Mu Huai waited for her to finish before speaking, “Don’t you know I like men?”

This was a confident statement. Mrs. Yin wouldn’t have summoned Mu Huai without sufficient information, especially since Mu Huai’s orientation wasn’t a big secret in their circle.

Chen Hui paused slightly, looked up at Mu Huai, and said, “I know, but I was just thinking you might be looking for someone who can be registered on the household register.”

Mu Huai politely replied, “Thank you for your kind intentions, but I don’t need someone who can be registered on the household register.”

Chen Hui: “…There are many talented young men here, perhaps one of them suits your taste. Even if you’re not interested in that kind of thing, making friends would be nice. The Yu family has two sons; the elder son didn’t come, and I heard he’s about your age. The younger son is a bit younger, so you might get along well…”

Introducing women isn’t working, so they’ll introduce men? Mu Huai then remembered what Lan Sha had said about the other aspect of this family dinner. He found it rather amusing and, too lazy to listen to Chen Hui any further, interrupted, “Would you introduce a male partner to Yin En?”

Chen Hui: “He said he likes girls.”

“But, what if?”

“No.” Chen Hui’s gaze shifted away, a hint of coldness in her eyes. “The Yin family needs him.”

They entered the garden. Everyone else was still in the inner hall; there were only one or two servants in the garden. The warm lighting made Chen Hui appear gentle and lovely. This was the longest Mu Huai had ever spent with her, yet it only lasted half an hour. They hadn’t spoken much, but it was enough for him to understand his mother’s personality and thoughts.

Besides, Chen Hui had no intention of hiding anything from him.

He suddenly didn’t know whether to pity himself or Yin En. After all, Chen Hui had abandoned him for the Yin family, but her feelings for Yin En, whom she had raised herself, seemed to end there.

How heartless a person, just like him.

Mu Huai took out his bankbook, his eyes slightly lowered, his expression unreadable. To others, he might be smiling, but Chen Hui could see the disdain and indifference her son held towards her.

The bankbook’s accounts were clearly displayed; Chen Hui didn’t need to look to know where the money came from. She separated from Mu Huai’s father because of poor economic conditions there. That year, Mu Huai’s father couldn’t even guarantee Mu Huai could attend school properly. The man was a good man, but later he experienced setbacks at work, became somewhat of an alcoholic, and often came home very late.

Chen Hui would never continue with someone like that. Now it seems Mu Huai’s father has raised Mu Huai well, and the two of them are very principled and haven’t touched her savings account.

Chen Hui wasn’t surprised and felt that this son was much smarter than the one she had raised herself, and more like her—cold to others and ruthless to himself. Otherwise, how could a kid with absolutely no background have been selected from that circle?

“Take it,” Chen Hui said. “This money is nothing to me.”

Mu Huai chuckled. “It’s nothing to me now either.”

He simply didn’t want to have any more involvement with Chen Hui. Now that things had come to this point, Chen Hui took the passbook and put it in her bag. It seemed that only now could they truly talk.

Chen Hui: “Xiao Huai, you look down on me.”

Mu Huai didn’t deny it. He took a glass from the table and mixed some wine for Chen Hui. It was a low-alcohol, sweet fruit wine, perfect for someone who didn’t drink.

Chen Hui sat down without hesitation. Although Mu Huai didn’t like her, he took good care of her in every way. Just like how Mu Huai clearly disliked Yin En’s approach, yet Yin En was still able to act normally.

“I owe your father nothing. Our separation was mutual.” Chen Hui took a sip of her drink and said, “That year I looked for many people, and Xiao En’s father was the most suitable.”

Mu Huai remained noncommittal, lowering his gaze to prepare a handkerchief for her.

Chen Hui said, “You’re like me. They look down on celebrities, but I know you’re doing well now, thanks to your own hard work. I can’t do much to help you, except perhaps make some connections.”

Mu Huai refused again: “No need.”

Chen Hui knew this would be the outcome, but simply said, “Xiao En really wants an older brother.”

Mu Huai glanced at her, without reacting: “What does this have to do with me?”

“Fine,” Chen Hui frowned. “I don’t know why he likes you so much, but it’s your business.”

Mu Huai: “…”

Chen Hui seemed to want to compensate him as much as possible, to prove that she did indeed remember her son.

Chen Hui said, “The card Xiao En prepared is one that we all have. He dared to make one for you because his father tacitly approved. If you’re willing, you can also come to the Yin Group…”

“Work for Yin En?” Mu Huai blinked, puzzled. “But I heard your monthly salary isn’t even a tenth of what I earn from one event?”

But it’s stable, and it’s prestigious. Chen Hui thought for a moment and swallowed her words. Influenced by her aristocratic relatives, she occasionally felt that being a celebrity wasn’t a proper job. So, after Yin En had been out partying for a few years, she dragged him back to take over the family business. She wasn’t sure how much money Mu Huai would actually get for each event, but since he had already refused, she couldn’t say anything more.

Suddenly, there was a commotion in the inner hall, with the sounds of people moving and chairs being moved mingling. Chen Hui seized the opportunity, saying, “There will be another gathering in the inner hall later. If you’re free, I can introduce you to the other elders; it can’t hurt.”

Mu Huai refused; he was leaving soon, and Lan Sha was probably coming to find him.

A large crowd suddenly entered the garden, including young women and men, and Yin’s cousin was among them. Yin’s cousin was accompanied by several girls, whose eyes lit up when they saw Mu Huai. They first greeted Chen Hui warmly as “Auntie,” then whispered to their friends, “This is auntie’s son.”

With two big stars suddenly appearing at her cousin’s house, her friends were incredibly envious, though they remained somewhat reserved at the back, actually pushing and shoving each other forward.

Mu Huai smiled stiffly, already thinking of a way to escape.

“Let’s go,” Chen Hui said.

Mu Huai nodded.

But his cousin and her group were unhappy. The young men who had followed them suddenly pushed forward, including his two older cousins ​​who had come in later.

“Auntie, Grandma and the others are looking for you. Why don’t you go over there first?”

“Let Mu Huai-ge play with us for a while!”

“Oh, Auntie, please don’t worry about us children…”

Chen Hui thought about it and agreed. She had brought Mu Huai to make friends, so there was no reason for her to keep dragging him along. It seemed this celebrity was quite popular among young people, and besides, Mu Huai, being a grown man, had no reason to feel wronged.

Mu Huai couldn’t bring himself to ask Chen Hui to take him away in public. He cursed inwardly but smiled and watched her leave.

“Mu Huai-ge, why isn’t your surname Yin?”

The first question from this group was very unpleasant. Mu Huai was incredibly annoyed. After sending a message to Lan Sha, he barely responded to them.

Fortunately, this was a group whose mere presence excited them enough.

“So you and Yin En are brothers! We never would have guessed!”

“Huai-ge, can we take a picture together?”

“Mu Huai-ge, will you come to the family banquet again?”

The boy was more direct, and the cousin scoffed, “He’s a big star, why would he come to this kind of family banquet? He just threw away our Yin family’s reputation.”

“He’s not even a member of the Yin family. He’s Mrs. Yin’s illegitimate son, okay?”

“I think Yin En really likes Huai-ge!”

“Has he even acknowledged you guys yet? You’re all getting cold shoulders and you’re still acting all high and mighty?”

“Damn it, can you watch your mouth?”

“Hey, so what if I say what I want to say?”

Mu Huai watched the group argue. Their criticisms were directed at him, but he didn’t react. He was too lazy to explain; even if he did, those who didn’t want to listen wouldn’t listen anyway. Now, two camps had formed: some were Mu Huai’s fans, and others vehemently disliked him.

Mu Huai was now very grateful that these young ladies and gentlemen were well-mannered; at least they weren’t pulling or tugging at him. He wondered if it was because of the elders present.

Yin En’s cousin, who utterly despised Mu Huai, angrily shouted, “You’ll see if he can still sit at my Yin family’s table later!”

Cousin: “How could you say that? Why not?”

Cousin: “You little brat. You’re a traitor! Why are you siding with the outsiders?”

Yin En had just run out from the inner hall after bumping into Chen Hui, and as soon as he came out, he heard his family arguing. The other powerful families were clearly just watching the show. Mu Huai sat alone at the bar, playing on his phone, surrounded by a group of people chattering away.

Yin En walked over: “My brother just doesn’t like the designs and wants to get a nicer one. What’s wrong with that?”

Cousin (female): “Exactly!”

Cousin (male): “You’re the one causing trouble! Your mom cheated on your dad, and you’re still so proud of it!”

Yin En: “Are you crazy? My mom remarried. She didn’t cheat!”

Mu Huai: “…”

The Yin family started arguing. He wondered if Chen Hui would regret leaving him here.

Just then, someone in the crowd had a sudden thought and said, “Yin En, do you like Mu Huai?”

A girl said it, then covered her mouth and hid, but the atmosphere around them became tense. Yin En suddenly looked up at Mu Huai, his eyes bloodshot.

“Damn it, aren’t they both guys? What are you saying? It’s disgusting!”

“They’re brothers, okay? Is it weird to like someone normally? Who’s got a dirty mind!”

Mu Huai was truly speechless now. He glanced at Yin En and looked up to find Lan Sha.

Lan Sha should be here soon enough.

“Why bother preparing a placard for him? It’s disgusting!” The cousin belatedly realized he lost his face, took the placard that Yin En had been holding before throwing it on the ground.

They were a group of young people, their likes and dislikes clearly expressed.

Mu Huai sighed and got up from his chair. Behind him was a table with drinks, and in front of him was a dense crowd. Seeing him try to leave, they all pushed forward.

“Mu Huai-ge, why don’t you sit with me?”

“It’s alright, Huai-ge, I’ll talk to Dad and ask you to come to my place!”

“What right do you have to be here!”

Mu Huai thought he should be used to being surrounded by all sorts of gazes, but at those times there was always a stage between them, or at least staff around. This feeling of being completely alone was a first. Perhaps, there was Yin En in front of him, someone who had once stood shoulder to shoulder with him against the gossip.

But that girl’s words had come true. Yin En tugged at his sleeve, looking at him with a mixture of resentment and grievance.

Is he blaming me for being born your brother, or for putting you in the public eye?

Mu Huai felt a rare sense of frustration, wanting to curse but having to hold back.

Who the hell cares about the Yin family’s position? Who the hell cares about your background? Who the hell wants to sit with you?

The crowd remained deadlocked when suddenly someone covered their mouth and cried out in surprise.

A pair of icy hands draped over Mu Huai’s shoulders from behind, affectionately folding his collar.

The girls in front bit their fists, while those behind began to scream.

Mu Huai turned his head, meeting the boy’s cool, aloof face.

Yu Yi had silently flipped over from the other side of the table. With nowhere to step, he casually leaned against it, his long legs propped on the chair, looking down at Mu Huai.

The boy’s voice was clear and husky, each word carefully chosen.

“Huai-ge, why don’t you come to my house and sit with me? My house… has a better view.”

As he finished speaking, a silver chain slid across Mu Huai’s neck. A translucent, inverted triangular jade pendant dangled from his chest. Against an expensive black suit, the pendant’s exquisite craftsmanship was particularly striking, the two characters in the center standing tall and imposing, exuding an aura of dominance—Yu Yi.