PHM chapter 12

Yan Xi had never met any of Pei Yuxing’s friends. Even when they chatted, the man rarely mentioned them. It wasn’t because he had a bad relationship with them; there simply wasn’t much to talk about beyond eating, drinking, and having fun. Pei Yuxing himself wasn’t interested in pleasure-seeking, while most of his friends were immersed in a life of luxury and indulgence. Yan Xi didn’t even know how they had become friends in the first place.

On the day they registered their marriage, a friend happened to invite Pei Yuxing out for drinks. The man usually wouldn’t accept such invitations, though occasionally he would show up and sit for a while without drinking a drop of alcohol.

Even so, the invitations never stopped.

Yan Xi watched him decisively turn down the invitation on his social app and tilted his head to ask his newlywed husband, “You’re not going?”

They had just gotten married, so he thought Pei Yuxing would want to share his happiness with his friends.

But Pei Yuxing simply said, “I’ll tell them when the time is right.”

He completely understood Yan Xi’s concerns. One was a boy-group member whose name barely registered anywhere, while the other was an internationally renowned film emperor. If news of a relationship like this got out, people would probably tell them to stop dreaming.

For example, Yan Xi’s two older cousins.

Last month, Pei Yuxing’s The Silent One had a charity re-screening, with all proceeds donated to welfare homes and the Red Cross. The two cousins went to support the event and secretly took a photo of Pei Yuxing.

It was near the end of the film. By then, the male protagonist had reached middle age. Having remained unmarried his entire life, he sat beneath a banyan tree at the entrance of the village. He wore a neat indigo Zhongshan suit¹A Zhongshan suit (中山装) is a traditional Chinese men’s suit characterized by its high collar and four front pockets. It became especially common among Chinese men in the 20th century., his clean and tidy face peaceful, his hair meticulously groomed.

The protagonist watched the children laughing and playing. Their bell-like voices echoed around the banyan tree like wind chimes.

It was a sound the protagonist himself had never made.

He heard it, yet he felt neither envy nor jealousy. He was happy.

The photo was a little blurry, but one could still sense the protagonist’s detached calm and tranquility on the screen.

Upon this vast land, having just one corner to call home was enough.

When he was young, Yan Xi hadn’t really understood this kind of literary film. He had simply thought the visuals were beautiful, with a hazy sense of the era, and the music was pleasant too. The ending theme had once been immensely popular, and Pei Yuxing himself had sung it.

The man’s deep, gentle voice slowly narrated the protagonist’s life.

Whether it was his uninhibited recklessness when he first debuted or his calm restraint now, the feeling was completely different.

Actually, compared with films that explored the meaning of life, Yan Xi had preferred watching Pei Yuxing’s television dramas when he was younger. He was carefree and handsome, and there was no need to think about so many profound truths.

It was only after he grew older that he gradually came to appreciate the flavor of The Silent One.

【Older Cousin: Even if your male god really reaches this age, I don’t know how many people will still be throwing themselves at him. You’d better work hard.】

【Older Cousin: Watching the show.jpg】

Yan Xi: ……

His older cousin had brought his younger sister into the conversation as well. The girl was already in high school, exactly at the age when she was curious about the online world. She occasionally shared her celebrity-following notes on Weibo and similar apps. She had never hidden her account from Yan Xi, and his alternate account followed hers.

Recently, the most common photos in his little cousin’s album were of a certain young boy group.

Using her brother’s phone, his little cousin sent him a voice message: “Brother Yan Xi, next time you see Teacher Pei, can you get me his autograph? I really admire him…”

In the background came his older cousin’s teasing: “Why does your idol keep changing? Last time I saw your photos, it was that heavily made-up drag queen.”

The little girl didn’t even have time to finish speaking before she retorted, “You’re the drag queen! Our Xiao Wo is obviously a beautiful young man, the ceiling of boy-group visuals!”

She absolutely didn’t dare mention Pei Yuxing.

Even a girl who had only recently started following celebrities understood Pei Yuxing’s position. None of these young idols in the entertainment industry had the qualifications to jump several levels and compare themselves with him.

Besides, liking young idols didn’t mean she couldn’t also be attracted to someone like Pei Yuxing.

The young version of the male protagonist in the movie practically fulfilled every girl’s fantasy. Because of his physical disability, he was somewhat humble and introverted, yet so quiet and resilient, like tough grass swaying in the wind and rain.

And once he stepped away from the screen, the man himself, tempered by years of experience, didn’t look old at all. Like aged wine, he only became more fragrant with time, exuding an incredibly captivating aura.

It was impossible not to blush and feel one’s heart race.

After finishing her argument with her own brother, the girl used her phone to send another voice message, excitedly talking about all the things about Pei Yuxing that really hit her weak spots.

Even through the screen, Yan Xi could feel the girl’s happiness and shyness.

At the end, she didn’t forget to add, “Of course, our Xiao Wo is great too.”

After promoting her little idol for a while, she returned to the important matter and reminded him, “Keep an eye out for me, too. See if there are any little vixens trying to make a move on my male god.”

“Hmph, I’ll make sure they learn what knowing their place means!”

Another meme immediately followed.

【Little Cousin: Keep it up, keep it up.jpg】

Yan Xi: ……

Teenage girls changed their minds on a whim. After watching one movie, the person occupying the top spot in their hearts could already be replaced.

Yan Xi truly experienced just how great his husband’s charm was. He really appealed to men, women, young and old alike.

He replied with a sweating emoji.

There was no way he dared tell her that her male god had already become her cousin-in-law.

Apart from his grandparents and parents, none of Yan Xi’s relatives or close friends knew about his marriage. The relatives on both sides didn’t know each other either. Within their respective social circles, the two of them were practically like a legend, with their worlds never intersecting.

The drawbacks of a whirlwind marriage were already becoming apparent.

Though compared with Pei Yuxing’s friends, NEVER seemed even worse off. They still didn’t know that their leader was married.

Yan Xi felt a little guilty.

Pei Yuxing wasn’t to the point of never mentioning Yan Xi to his friends. He didn’t avoid talking about him when they chatted, and would occasionally even pull his young husband into laughing at his friends’ misfortunes.

For example, stories about henpecked husbands, someone being driven to tears and nearly jumping from a building because of their child’s homework, or someone fooling around at an entertainment venue only to be caught red-handed by their family—the miserable endings went without saying.

……Come to think of it, they all seemed to be jokes about kicking people when they were down.

There was barely a smile on the man’s face, and he looked completely indifferent, but the next time they chatted, he would casually land a perfectly timed jab at his friend.

Yan Xi hadn’t met many people from Pei Yuxing’s circle. One familiar name was Su Zhixiang.

Of course, it wasn’t because of anything particularly glamorous.

Yan Xi greeted him openly. “I know you. Teacher Pei has mentioned you.”

Su Zhixiang hadn’t expected Pei Yuxing’s partner to be like this.

He was extremely polite and well-mannered, a very gentle person.

He had assumed that Pei Yuxing would find someone with a strong personality, someone with an iron hand and such an imposing presence that even the way they walked would exude authority.

With the Pei family’s enormous wealth and influence, someone who couldn’t hold their own simply wouldn’t do.

But after meeting Yan Xi in person, those imagined images silently disappeared. The image of the two standing together gradually became clearer, and for some inexplicable reason, they seemed perfectly suited to each other.

Hearing Yan Xi say that, Su Zhixiang felt no joy at all. Some people looked like refined gentlemen on the surface, but were full of schemes underneath.

A beast in gentleman’s clothing.

Him: Heh.

He only dared say those two words in his heart. He absolutely didn’t dare let the man in front of him hear them.

Su Zhixiang smiled. “I thought it was just a rumor, so I didn’t prepare anything. How about I treat you tonight and take you to my family’s club? There are tons of handsome guys and beautiful women inside…”

Before he could finish speaking, Pei Yuxing gave him a cool look.

Su Zhixiang immediately became a living reaction meme: Shut up.jpg

“Can’t stay up late. We’re going back tomorrow.” Pei Yuxing gave his friend an out. “I still have work.”

“You wouldn’t stay and enjoy being the young master of the Pei family, but had to go into the entertainment industry and become a workaholic.” Su Zhixiang looked at Yan Xi. “Your man had the life of a crown prince right in front of him and still didn’t want it.”

Yan Xi smiled faintly without nodding or shaking his head.

But it was obvious whose side he was on.

Pei Yuxing poured some fruit tea and placed it in front of Yan Xi. “Have some.”

“Did you cut it yourself?”

“Mm.”

After finishing a cup, Yan Xi turned his head and stared at his husband, generously praising him. “It’s delicious.”

The corners of Pei Yuxing’s lips lifted slightly. Without saying anything, he poured him another cup.

Yan Xi said, “I want to learn.”

Pei Yuxing asked, “To make it for Grandma and Grandpa?”

“Mm.”

“Grandma and Grandpa are old. They shouldn’t drink things that are too sweet.” Pei Yuxing reached out and pinched his earlobe. “I’ll teach you another recipe when we get back.”

Yan Xi smiled brightly. “Okay.”

Su Zhixiang: “……”

He felt like a piece of pickled fish.

Sour, useless, and completely superfluous.

The three of them chatted. Most of the time, Su Zhixiang was the one talking nonstop. He had a lot to say, yet somehow never became boring. The topic naturally shifted to Pei Yuxing’s childhood, and Yan Xi listened with great interest.

Of course, Su Zhixiang couldn’t talk about too much. He wasn’t that brave.

When they moved on to other topics, Pei Yuxing chimed in occasionally, while Yan Xi quietly listened, sometimes being brought into the conversation by Su Zhixiang so that he wouldn’t feel out of place.

He looked like an irresponsible rich second-generation heir, but in reality, he was socially adept, observant, and extremely perceptive.

Pei Yuxing added more water to the pot and stirred it evenly with the mixing stick. The silver ring on his hand was particularly noticeable with every movement.

Sure enough, a married man. He never took off his ring.

Although he had already accepted reality, the storm still hadn’t settled in Su Zhixiang’s heart.

Pei Yuxing had actually willingly trapped himself in a cage.

He subconsciously looked at Yan Xi’s ring finger. Both hands were bare, which surprised him.

Pei Yuxing explained, “We haven’t decided to make it public yet.”

Su Zhixiang wore an expression that said, I understand.

After sitting there for most of the afternoon and being force-fed dog food, he had seen through everything.

He really hadn’t expected Pei Yuxing to be like this after getting married. He was cautious down to the smallest detail.

For Yan Xi’s safety and privacy, keeping the marriage private really was the better choice.

Otherwise, forget the fans—even the media would tear him apart.

That would hurt even more than having a piece of his own flesh carved out.

Later in the afternoon, Pei Yuxing personally went into the kitchen to prepare dinner.

Pei’s father and Yin Shanglan couldn’t make it back in time, but they called and complained at length.

Pei Yuxing was busy in the kitchen, so Yan Xi answered the phone.

Hearing his voice, Yin Shanglan’s tone immediately softened. But the moment she mentioned a business partner, her volume rose several notches again.

Her son and Yan Xi had finally come to visit, only to get stuck there and unable to leave. Their precious family time had been delayed just like that.

If the Pei family were willing to step in, these matters would only require a crook of her finger before countless people scrambled to handle them for her. But Yin Shanglan was stubborn. Even if she gritted her teeth, she would never ask her husband’s family for help.

Starting a business independently was full of hardship.

Yan Xi patiently listened to her finish complaining before finally reminding her, “You and Dad should take care of yourselves.”

“……” Yin Shanglan felt both comforted and bitter.

After hanging up, Pei Yuxing had just finished cooking, and the auntie was setting the table.

With Pei Yuxing’s tacit permission, Su Zhixiang stayed for dinner. He didn’t know where he had pulled a bottle of baijiu²Baijiu (白酒) is a traditional Chinese distilled liquor. It is usually clear, highly alcoholic, and commonly served at meals or during social gatherings. from.

Under Pei Yuxing’s gaze, he raised his hand and swore, “I’ll drink it myself. I absolutely won’t pour any for Yan Xi.”

Yan Xi placed a glass of water on the table and said, “I’ll drink tea instead of alcohol.”

Pei Yuxing spoke up. “Don’t indulge him.”

Su Zhixiang awkwardly laughed.

But Yan Xi was insistent. “He’s your friend. You should treat him well.”

Pei Yuxing withdrew his gaze without saying anything and got up to leave.

Su Zhixiang’s heart sank.

Oh no.

Pei Yuxing was normally a gentleman, polite and measured, but he was actually extremely restrained and rational. He wasn’t the kind of person who indulged others without limits.

If the newlyweds had an argument because of him… he didn’t even dare imagine the consequences.

He had gotten a little carried away.

Su Zhixiang broke out in a cold sweat and looked at Yan Xi across the table. “I was just joking earlier. Actually, I don’t drink much either. Tell Old Pei not to take it to heart…”

Yan Xi: “……”

He felt like he understood, yet somehow didn’t. “You don’t need to apologize.”

“I do.”

Su Zhixiang was quite insistent, but before he could finish, Pei Yuxing returned with a glass pitcher filled with water and mint leaves, cool and refreshing.

He gently placed it beside his partner, serving him with complete obedience.

He was an absolute “wife slave,” and the international film emperor had lowered himself all the way to the ground.

Su Zhixiang felt like the breath had caught in his throat, nearly choking him.

He fell silent. He reflected.

What exactly had he just apologized for?

Acargoreng: Hi, everyone!💕 Just a little announcement: starting next week, PHM will be updating three times a week – every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday! Thanks so much for reading 🥰

You can read the full completed story here with instant full access. ✨

• 1
  A Zhongshan suit (中山装) is a traditional Chinese men’s suit characterized by its high collar and four front pockets. It became especially common among Chinese men in the 20th century.
• 2
  Baijiu (白酒) is a traditional Chinese distilled liquor. It is usually clear, highly alcoholic, and commonly served at meals or during social gatherings.