ABBWW Chapter 23

Chapter 023 The Young Master – “He really just wanted to pour Shi Jingge a glass of water!!” (23/35)

 

Although Mu Jincheng had been sent away, Shi Jingge was clearly in low spirits, looking listless and speaking less than usual.

 

Shi Rongqing watched this anxiously, inwardly cursing Mu Jincheng to high heaven.

 

During dinner, Shi Jingge kept zoning out, nearly stabbing his own teeth with his chopsticks.

 

Alarm bells rang in Shi Rongqing’s mind. He tried to redirect the young master’s attention. “When’s your next livestream?”

 

“In a week,” Shi Jingge replied, snapping back to reality with a subdued tone.

 

Shi Rongqing brought up a few more topics, but the young master seemed uninterested in all of them.

 

Just then, Wen Xusheng picked up the young master’s bowl and ladled some soup into it. “Back to reality.”

 

Shi Jingge frowned at him, a blank look on his face.

 

“Still thinking about Mu Jincheng?” Wen Xusheng asked bluntly, making Shi Rongqing gasp inwardly.

 

He actually dared to ask that outright!

 

Shi Jingge froze, then snapped back in anger, “Who’s thinking about him?”

 

“Indeed.” Wen Xusheng’s tone was flat, yet sincere. “Instead of dwelling on Mu Jincheng, why not think about me?”

 

Shi Rongqing: “?”

 

Shi Jingge: “?”

 

“Why would I think about you?” Shi Jingge asked, raising an eyebrow.

 

“Don’t you remember?” Wen Xusheng looked at Shi Jingge. “Our promise on the plane—have you forgotten?”

 

The young master quickly recalled it, his expression turning complex.

 

Wen Xusheng smiled sweetly. “You can’t go back on your word, you know. I hold grudges. If you can’t keep your promise to me, I’ll stick around and remind you.”

 

The young master picked up a piece of spare rib and tossed it into Wen Xusheng’s bowl, glaring at him. “You’re so annoying! Even eating can’t block your mouth!”

 

“If I block my mouth, I can’t eat,” Wen Xusheng argued confidently. “Hurry up and look at me more. If you don’t look at me, how will you dream of me tonight? Or are you saying you want to back out?”

 

The young master gritted his teeth and began bickering back and forth with Wen Xusheng. The scene was exactly like two elementary school kids squabbling with each other.

 

Shi Rongqing watched the scene unfold, a sudden pang of unease stirring in his heart.

 

…That little brat only has eyes for others, just not for his own big brother.

 

Shi Rongqing sighed deeply, poking at the rice in his bowl with his chopsticks, his expression tinged with loneliness.

 

Shi Jingge poured a bowl of soup for Shi Rongqing and whispered, “Brother?”

 

Shi Rongqing took the bowl and smiled faintly at Shi Jingge. “Nothing. Just a pity I can’t go with you.”

 

“What’s the big deal?” Shi Jingge said casually. “When Big Brother has time, we can all go traveling together! Big Brother can go wherever he wants.”

 

“Mountain climbing?” Shi Rongqing raised an eyebrow. Shi Jingge disliked hiking; he thought it was too tiring and pointless.

 

The young master hesitated for a long moment before declaring with dramatic resolve, “I’ll… I’ll risk my life for my brother!”

 

His expression made even Shi Rongqing chuckle.

 

Successfully redirecting Shi Jingge’s attention back to himself, Shi Rongqing felt refreshed. The look he shot at Wen Xusheng even carried a hint of smugness.

 

Wen Xusheng returned a smile, not forgetting to hand Shi Jingge a napkin.

 

But when you’re under someone’s roof, you have to bow your head.

 

He understood.

 

But…

 

Shi Jingge rubbed his temples, puzzled. “Why does it suddenly feel so much colder?  It’s a bit chilly.”

 

Both Wen Xusheng and Shi Rongqing stiffened, then awkwardly turned their heads away.

 

Shi Jingge: “?”

 

——- —– —-

 

After dinner, Shi Jingge took Wen Xusheng on a tour of the Shi residence.

 

Shi Rongqing was handling official business in his study. Two hours later, with most matters settled, he rubbed his wrists and glanced out the window, catching sight of Shi Jingge and Wen Xusheng playing near the fountain below.

 

Shi Rongqing pushed open the window.

 

Whatever Wen Xusheng said made Shi Jingge laugh, a clear, pleasant sound that reached Shi Rongqing upstairs, revealing just how cheerful he was.

 

Shi Rongqing pursed his lips and called down, “Xiao Ge.”

 

Hearing the voice, Shi Jingge looked up and waved vigorously at his brother. “Brother!”

 

A smile touched Shi Rongqing’s lips as he beckoned to Shi Jingge. “Come up.“

 

Soon, the study door opened, and Shi Jingge poked his head out. “Brother, you wanted me?“

 

”Mhm.“ Shi Rongqing nodded, only to spot Wen Xusheng standing behind Shi Jingge.

 

Shi Jingge pushed open the study door and strode inside. ”What’s up?”

 

“Nothing.” Shi Rongqing ruffled his hair. “You’ve been working nonstop for two days straight. You should rest.”

 

“I’m not tired,” the young master declared casually.

 

“Oh, you.” Shi Rongqing gently poked Shi Jingge’s forehead. The soft skin was so satisfying he couldn’t resist poking a few more times.

 

The young master tilted his head up to look at him, a hint of confusion in his eyes. Shi Rongqing couldn’t resist and gave it two more pokes. In that instant, a wave of envy welled up in Wen Xusheng’s heart.

 

“Aunt Bai prepared the guest room. Take Mr. Wen there. Let him take a bath and get some proper rest. I see the production team has been pushing you guys pretty hard. You should rest more these next couple of days.” Shi Rongqing pinched the young master’s ear, feeling utterly satisfied. “See if the guest room needs anything and make sure to get it for Mr. Wen. You don’t even know how to be a proper host.”

 

Shi Jingge impatiently swatted Shi Rongqing’s hand away, drawing out his words. “Got it. I’ll take him to see the guest room.” Before the young master reached the door, he suddenly darted back. Before Shi Rongqing could process what was happening, he saw Shi Jingge grab the cup from his desk.

 

Shi Rongqing: “…”

 

Oh no!

 

“You drank coffee!” The young master spun around and glared at Shi Rongqing. “What did you promise me?”

 

Shi Rongqing stammered, “Xiao Ge, let–let me explain.“ But caught red-handed, he didn’t know how to justify it.

 

“I won’t listen!” the young master declared firmly. “You promised me you wouldn’t drink coffee!”

 

Shi Rongqing tried to change the subject. “I heard the D family released a new sports car. It looks pretty flashy. Want to take a look, Xiao Ge?”

 

The young master stared at him in disbelief. “I said I won’t listen, and you actually won’t explain?”

 

Shi Rongqing: “…”

 

Shi Rongqing wiped his face. “Alright, Xiao Ge, let me explain.”

 

The young master crossed his arms, his tone fierce. “There’s only half a cup of coffee left. Someone clearly drank it. How do you explain that?”

 

Shi Rongqing: “…”

 

This is so hard QAQ.

 

Shi Jingge glared at him and ran off with the cup.

 

Shi Rongqing pressed his temples, feeling both sweetly touched and somewhat helpless. He glanced at Wen Xusheng and remarked nonchalantly, “Look at this kid. I’ve spoiled him rotten. He even has to micromanage my coffee intake.”

 

Wen Xusheng: “…”

 

This must be what they call ‘bro-con’!

 

Shi Rongqing sighed deeply, looking utterly helpless against Shi Jingge.

 

When you’re under someone’s roof, you have to bow your head.

 

Wen Xusheng offered a few words of comfort, then smiled. “That’s just Xiao Ge caring about you. Such deep brotherly affection—it’s enviable. I wish I could be cared for like that, too.” Wen Xusheng let out a soft sigh, tinged with melancholy.

 

Shi Rongqing narrowed his eyes, alert. “Don’t talk like that. Who doesn’t have people who care about them? From here–”

 

Before Shi Rongqing could finish, Shi Jingge returned, carrying a cup of hot milk. Setting it on Shi Rongqing’s desk, he not only glared at him but also snorted.

 

The amusement in Shi Rongqing’s eyes was impossible to hide.

 

“Drink this,” Shi Jingge said in a deep, resonant voice. “If I catch you drinking coffee again, you’re banned from meat for a week!”

 

Shi Rongqing’s expression stiffened. As a meat-lover, that punishment was pretty harsh.

 

Seeing his reaction, the young master perked up a bit. He grabbed Wen Xusheng’s hand and walked off with an air of superiority. He didn’t forget to close the study door behind him.

 

Shi Rongqing stared at the door, a sudden smile spreading across his face. He lifted the cup, took a sip, and the amusement deepened in his eyes.

 

And it was hot milk, too.

 

Shi Jingge sought out Aunt Bai, then took Wen Xusheng to see the guest room. Along the way, he couldn’t resist complaining about Shi Rongqing’s disobedience: promising not to drink coffee yet doing so anyway, who knew how many times he sneaked sips when no one was looking.

 

Aunt Bai listened with a smile, chiming in, “Young Master Shi really needs to keep a closer eye on the eldest young master.”

 

“Of course! If I catch him drinking coffee again, I’ll make him drink bitter melon juice. They’re both bitter, but at least the juice is nutritious and healthy!” Young Master Shi puffed out his chest proudly, then added with a hint of confusion, “Did you arrange the guest room on this side?”

 

The second floor was divided into left and right wings by the central railing corridor, each wing housing four rooms. Shi Rongqing and Shi Jingge’s bedrooms were on the left side, but now they were heading toward the right wing, meaning Wen Xusheng’s room had been assigned there.

 

In fact, it was the very last room on the right, the one furthest from Shi Jingge on the entire second floor. Otherwise, it might’ve seemed too obvious. Shi Rongqing would’ve preferred to assign Wen Xusheng to the third floor.

 

In short, the farther away from his little brat, the better!

 

Aunt Bai nodded and smiled. “The eldest young master specifically mentioned that Mr. Wen prefers quiet.”

 

Wen Xusheng shook his head, hesitating slightly before speaking. “Actually, I prefer a bit more liveliness.” After a pause, his eyes naturally filled with apology and melancholy. “All these years alone… it’s been rather lonely.”

 

The young master couldn’t bear seeing him like this and quickly waved his hands. “This side is too far. I remember the room across from mine is empty. Why not just put him there?”

 

“Well…” Aunt Bai hesitated, recalling Shi Rongqing’s instructions.

 

Wen Xusheng turned to Shi Jingge. “That would be perfect. Sleeping near Xiao Ge would put my mind at ease.”

 

Shi Jingge beckoned him. “Come on, let’s go see. That room gets cleaned regularly, so it’ll be ready quickly. We can play in my room for a bit first.”

 

Wen Xusheng’s eyes lit up. Could it really be that easy?

 

Aunt Bai saw they’d reached an agreement and couldn’t object, so she followed them. Wen Xusheng kept tossing comments her way, making it hard for her to leave.

 

By the time Shi Rongqing learned of this, hours had passed. The decision was final, and it was time for bed. He clutched his chest, overcome with grief and fury.

 

How could he have raised such an idiotic younger brother!!

 

Whether influenced by Wen Xusheng or not, that very night, Shi Jingge did indeed have a dream. He couldn’t make out the faces in his dream, but vaguely knew there were two men. The slightly shorter one was him.

 

They seemed to be standing beneath a peach blossom grove. Petals drifted down, landing on his shoulders. The other man wrapped an arm around his shoulder, brushing the blossoms from his lapels.

 

The two were talking, but Shi Jingge couldn’t make out their words.

 

Suddenly, Shi Jingge heard his dream self say, “…My luck is truly awful. I was so close!”

 

The taller man beside him ruffled his hair and laughed, “It’s nothing. My luck is good.” He grasped his hand. “I’ll give all my luck to Xiao Ge. May my Xiao Ge have unparalleled fortune.”

 

Those eyes brimmed with laughter and tenderness.

 

Shi Jingge jolted awake.

 

Sitting up, he stared blankly at his surroundings. After a long moment, he rubbed his temples.

 

…Had he just been dreaming?

 

…What had he dreamed about?

 

Shi Jingge strained to recall, but nothing came to mind. Only a vague memory lingered—a pair of eyes brimming with laughter and tenderness.

 

At that moment, Shi Jingge suddenly felt parched. He jumped out of bed, intending to go downstairs for a glass of water.

 

Just as Shi Jingge stepped out, the door opposite his room also opened.

 

“Xiao Ge?” Wen Xusheng asked in surprise. “You’re not asleep yet?”

 

“I woke up,” Shi Jingge explained, his voice slightly hoarse. “Had a dream.”

 

“A dream?” Wen Xusheng’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “Was it about me?”

 

Shi Jingge lifted his head, meeting Wen Xusheng’s gaze directly. In that instant, Shi Jingge felt a flicker of disorientation.

 

It seemed… somehow familiar…?

 

“Xiao Ge?” Wen Xusheng called again.

 

Shi Jingge snapped back to reality and forced a change of subject. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”

 

“I was just about to,” Wen Xusheng replied with a smile. “Are you heading downstairs?”

 

“Yeah, I’m a bit thirsty.” Shi Jingge touched his nose.

 

“I have some in my room.” Wen Xusheng beckoned him over, his tone casual. “Come on over, going downstairs is such a hassle.”

 

Just then, a soft cough sounded.

 

Before Shi Jingge could even move his feet, Shi Rongqing appeared at the staircase entrance. “Perfect timing. I just heated up some milk.”

 

Shi Rongqing strode over, pressed the cup into Shi Jingge’s hand, and watched him obediently drink it down before shooting Wen Xusheng a half-smile, half-glare.

 

Wen Xusheng: “…QAQ!”

 

Shi Rongqing ruffled Shi Jingge’s hair and said casually, “Xiao Ge, why don’t you sleep with your big brother tonight?”

 

Wen Xusheng: “…”

 

“Huh?” Shi Jingge looked confused. “Why?”

 

“Because…” Shi Rongqing’s gaze swept over Wen Xusheng with piercing intensity. “I’m worried.”

 

Shi Jingge: “Huh?”

 

“I just had a nightmare.” Shi Rongqing made up a lie on the spot. “I dreamed Xiao Ge abandoned me. You walked away without looking back, no matter how much I shouted or begged. Big Brother was so scared.” Shi Rongqing gave a bitter smile, his expression desolate. “Just stay with me tonight, okay?”

 

If you don’t stay, what kind of person are you?

 

Shi Jingge scoffed. “Dreams are the opposite of reality. In this modern age, who gets scared by nightmares? You’ve definitely had too much coffee. No more from now on. Isn’t that why you’re up this late?” Shi Jingge pushed open the door to Shi Rongqing’s room next door. “Come to bed! You have to go to work tomorrow. Hurry up!”

 

Shi Rongqing followed the young master inside. Just before closing the door, he flashed Wen Xusheng a faint smile, one brimming with murderous intent.

 

Wen Xusheng: “…”

 

He really just wanted to get Shi Jingge a glass of water!!

 

—– —– —–

 

Author’s Note: Shi Rongqing: Hmph, who’d believe that?

 

 

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Edit: Krone

Proofread: Choux_choux