Chapter 38: When Love Rivals Meet!
At the nurse’s station, Dr. Chen said, “The left leg has almost recovered, but make sure it doesn’t get wet these next few days. Try to rely more on your right foot when walking. Oh, and don’t do any intense exercise or gym workouts yet.”
He was about to continue when a faint stir rippled through the corridor.
The young nurse, who had been diligently taking notes, suddenly lifted her head toward the elevator.
This kind of commotion had become quite frequent these days.
Dr. Chen and Zhao Yuheng both looked over—and sure enough, Shen Shuyi appeared in the hallway.
“If you studied patients’ veins half as hard as you stare at handsome guys, I’d be on my knees thanking the heavens,” Dr. Chen teased.
The nurse blushed furiously and ducked her head.
She didn’t mean to stare.
It was just—he was too handsome. How could anyone resist looking?
Compared to Zhao Yuheng’s sharp, clean-cut, masculine good looks, the nurses clearly preferred Shen Shuyi’s type—delicate and refined, like a porcelain doll, with black hair and dark eyes, and that cool, ethereal aura.
Every time they saw him, the nurses couldn’t help but squeal “Wife! Wife!” to each other in private.
Heaven help them! He looked so much better than those so-called “pretty boys” in showbiz. They were tired of forcing themselves to praise their bias online every day.
They needed a real beauty to cleanse their eyes, thank you very much.
Dr. Chen gave Zhao Yuheng a sidelong glance and said teasingly,
“Your frii~end~ is here.”
One look at Dr. Chen’s expression and you could tell he was up to no good.
Zhao Yuheng couldn’t understand why everyone misunderstood his relationship with Shen Shuyi.
They were clearly innocent—why did everyone assume otherwise?
Did he not look straight enough?
“He’s really just a friend,” Zhao Yuheng clarified.
At least for now, nothing had happened between them.
Dr. Chen raised an eyebrow, his tone full of implication:
“Oh, a friend, sure. The kind who shouts your name four or five times in his sleep, right? The last time I saw something like that was when my fat orange cat had a fever and kept calling for its mate.”
Zhao Yuheng: “…”
What kind of medical experience did this orthopedist have, exactly?
“What are you two talking about?”
As they spoke, Shen Shuyi had already walked up to them.
Seeing that Zhao wasn’t using crutches today, he couldn’t help but ask,
“Your leg’s all better?”
“Yeah.” Zhao Yuheng didn’t want him to worry. “Had the final X-ray this morning. The results are out.”
“Show me,” Shen Shuyi said immediately.
Zhao Yuheng, instinctively compliant where Shen was concerned, went into the ward and brought out the X-rays.
Shen Shuyi Yuheng furrowed his brows and examined them seriously.
Zhao Yuheng leaned closer, shrinking the distance between them.
“See anything?”
The low voice so close to his ear made Shen Shuyi’s earlobes itch; his focus wavered for a split second before he recovered.
“…No idea what I’m looking at.”
“I thought you could read them,” Zhao Yuheng said, surprised.
“What do you know,” Shen Shuyi muttered,
“It’s like picking fruit. Even if you don’t know how, you have to pretend you do—otherwise the doctor or the shopkeeper will look down on you.”
This young master’s competitive streak was oddly specific.
He continued pretending to study the images until Zhao Yuheng calmly rotated them 180 degrees.
“You’re holding them upside down.”
Shen Shuyi: “…”
Oh. No wonder they looked weird.
Unbothered, he kept a straight face and continued examining them.
He didn’t understand the images—but he did understand the written notes: Zhao Yuheng had a strong constitution and, being young, recovered quickly and perfectly.
Shen Shuyi finally exhaled in relief.
The rest of the discharge process was easy—payment, paperwork, etc.
This time, Shen Shuyi behaved himself. He stayed by Zhao Yuheng’s side, quietly observing, even learning.
“You’re watching so attentively—did you learn how to do it?” Zhao Yuheng asked, smiling.
“I did,” Shen Shuyi nodded seriously.
“When you’re old, I’ll take care of you the same way.”
Zhao Yuheng: “…”
They weren’t that far apart in age, thank you very much.
Still, the words made Zhao Yuheng’s heart flutter unexpectedly—like someone had stuffed honey into his chest. Sweet, yet bittersweet.
Shen Shuyi’s affection came with desire—the kind of “love” that wanted to possess and spoil.
But his own feelings…
To say he felt nothing would be a lie.
Zhao Yuheng did like him—but it was admiration, fondness, friendship. Not the romantic, physical affection Shen Shuyi desired.
When Shen Shuyi cracked that joke and Zhao Yuheng didn’t reply, Shen Shuyi felt something off.
“Why aren’t you talking?”
“Nothing.” Zhao Yuheng smiled faintly. “I was just thinking… if I grow old and ugly someday, would you still want to be with me?”
Of course not ^ ^
Please. Even now—young, handsome, and broke—he wouldn’t pick him!
Why would he choose Zhao Yuheng? To share a cockroach-infested apartment and live on thin air?
Shen Shuyi’s face said it all.
Zhao Yuheng: “…”
He might’ve overestimated himself.
Shen Shuyi coughed lightly and changed the subject.
“You’re discharged today. Let’s celebrate. I’ll treat you to dinner.”
“You’re treating me?” Zhao Yuheng chuckled.
“With what money? Didn’t you accidentally transfer your salary to Cartier?”
Shen Shuyi: “…”
He still remembered that?!
“Well…” Shen Shuyi blinked.
“I did lose my salary. But you transferred your salary to me, remember? So I’ll use that to treat you.”
Zhao Yuheng: “?”
Why did that sound so familiar…
Shen Shuyi grinned smugly.
“Today it’s on me. Eat whatever you want. Don’t you dare save me money.”
Zhao Yuheng: “…”
He smiled faintly. He might’ve underestimated this young master’s ability to burn through cash.
If Shen Shuyi was the first luxury item in Zhao Yuheng’s life, then yes—he ought to invest heavily in maintaining him.
Despite saying “order whatever,” Shen ultimately chose a French restaurant—moderately priced, around 1,500 per person.
For the first time in his life, he actually compared prices and value before choosing.
If his brother Shen Lu knew, he’d probably drag him to a hospital—or an exorcist—to check if his soul had been swapped.
But Shen Shuyi just thought… Zhao Yuheng worked hard for his money, and even gave him his whole salary.
Once it’s gone, it’s gone. What if they ran out?
For once, Shen Shuyi felt reluctant to spend. He picked the cheapest 1,000-yuan set meal.
Zhao Yuheng noticed.
“Why only that one?” He stopped the waiter. “Change it to the 2,200-yuan set.”
Shen Shuyi: “??”
Wasn’t this his money? Why was Zhao Yuheng the one splurging?
“Why spend so much? The cheaper one’s enough,” Shen Shuyi muttered, a bit guilty—after all, he barely ate anything anyway.
“You like taking photos, right? The 2,200 set looks better,” Zhao Yuheng said evenly.
Shen Shuyi: “…”
What kind of logic was that? He wanted to protest again—but Zhao Yuheng’s tone dropped low.
“Shen Shuyi, when you’re with me, don’t save me money.”
He didn’t like Shen Shuyi lowering his standards. Shen Shuyi should always be that dazzling, untouchable young master.
“I gave you the money so you’d spend it. If it’s not enough, I’ll earn more.”
Shen Shuyi blinked. Why did he suddenly sound so serious? Did his thriftiness hurt Zhao Yuheng’s pride?
Or was Zhao Yuheng some kind of self-proclaimed ATM kink? Creepy!
Still, he nodded obediently.
*
While Zhao Yuheng pondered new ways to earn more, Shen Shuyi secretly snapped a picture of the appetizer and sent it to his brother.
[Photo]
[Brother, I’m eating.]
He even called him brother voluntarily—an unprecedented event.
Shen Lu had just finished a meeting. Seeing the message, he raised an eyebrow.
Shen Lu: [What do you want?]
Shen Shuyi: [????]
Shen Shuyi: [I ran out of money. Please send more ????]
Shen Lu: [How much?]
Shen Shuyi: […200,000 ?]
Shen Lu: [???]
Shen Lu: [What are you eating, gold leaf?]
Shen Shuyi: [It’s called leaving you room to bargain!]
Shen Lu transferred ¥20,000.
Shen Shuyi: “??!!”
He really chopped off a zero!
Shen Lu: [What do you even need so much for? If I gave it, what’s the point of freezing your cards? For the aesthetic?]
Shen: “….”
Then came the killing blow—
Shen Lu: [Shuyi, why do you keep asking me for money lately? …Are you dating someone?]
Shen Shuyi nearly spat out his lemon water.
Zhao Yuheng calmly handed him a napkin.
But Shen Shuyi was too busy texting back to wipe his mouth. So Zhao Yuheng leaned in and gently did it for him—carefully wiping from his soft lips down to his chin.
Shen Shuyi even tilted his head up, obediently cooperating.
Shen Shuyi: [I’m not dating anyone! I’m eating with Zhao Yuheng!]
Zhao Yuheng?
The name made Shen Lu frown. He’d never heard it before.
“Zhang Jun,” he called.
The secretary appeared immediately.
“Look into this Zhao Yuheng—he’s been around my brother lately.”
“Yes, Mr. Shen.”
Shen Lu didn’t ask for much detail. He usually didn’t care who his brother hung out with. He was just curious—he’d never seen this name in Hong Kong’s elite circles.
He texted back:
Shen Lu: [Got it. Don’t stay out too late. Come home early.]
Shen Shuyi: [Okay!]
Then Shen Lu added: [And settle things soon with that Zhao family boy. Grandfather can rest easy then, and I can stop worrying about you.]
Shen Shuyi: [OK!!!!!!!!]
He hammered the exclamation marks so hard his whole face scrunched up.
Zhao Yuheng found him adorable.
“Eat first. We’ll talk later.”
“No way! I have to argue this out with him. My family status is plummeting!”
Zhao Yuheng recalled the times he’d seen Shen Shuyi at Shuiwan One—always surrounded by attendants, treated like royalty. How could his “status” possibly drop?
Shen Shuyi wanted to tell his brother that Yan Chi had joined Yingfutong, but that topic was too sensitive in their family.
He typed several drafts but deleted them all. Forget it. Let his brother handle that kind of mess. He’d stick to maxing out his credit card.
Unfortunately, that kind of wishful thinking never worked.
In the few minutes he spent debating, Zhao Yuheng had already cut his Boston lobster into neat pieces and was feeding him.
Shen Shuyi accepted without thought, even getting picky, “I want orange juice.”
Zhao Yuheng inserted a straw and held it to his lips.
Shen Shuyi took a few sips, satisfied.
Across the room, a blonde Russian girl watched the scene unfold.
After hesitating, she approached, speaking in Russian, and handed Shen Shuyi a watercolor sketch.
Shen Shuyi didn’t understand, so he asked Zhao Yuheng, “What did she say?”
The drawing depicted the two of them in a simple but vivid sketch—instantly recognizable.
Shen Shuyi’s eyes lit up. He guessed she’d drawn them while watching earlier and thanked her politely.
The girl’s pale face flushed bright red, and she began babbling excitedly in Russian.
Zhao Yuheng translated patiently— Most of it was compliments about Shen Shuyi’s beauty, calling him the most exquisite Asian face she’d ever seen.
He’d heard that countless times studying abroad, but it still pleased him. He knew he was handsome—and knew how to use that face for benefits like red envelopes and premium candy.
If an unattractive elder tried to hug him as a child, he’d cry his lungs out.
The Russian girl could converse freely with Zhao Yuheng, but clearly wanted to talk to Shen SHuyi directly.
In halting Chinese, she said, “You are very beautiful. Are you two lovers? You looked very close.”
Shen Shuyi froze.
He’d called Zhao Yuheng his boyfriend before—but always behind his back. And “fiancé”? Way too serious.
Before he could decide what to say, Zhao Yuheng calmly replied in Russian, “Not yet.”
The girl looked disappointed—until Zhao Yuheng added, “But I might pursue him in the future.”
He didn’t know why he said it. The words just slipped out.
The girl beamed, rattled off a string of blessings, wishing him success, and ran off happily.
Shen Shuyi, curious, poked Zhao’s shoulder. “What did you tell her?”
About… their relationship.
Not that Shen Shuyi wanted to know—but if Zhao Yuheng had dared say “just friends,” he’d kill him.
Zhao Yuheng said smoothly, “I told her yes.”
Shen Shuyi blinked slowly. “…Oh.”
Zhao Yuheng sensed something off.
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” Shen Shuyi’s lashes fluttered.
“Just wondering… you never confessed to me, never chased me, yet you tell others we’re dating? Aren’t you afraid they’ll misunderstand?”
Misunderstand?
At this rate, he’d soon have to admit he was being kept. What was there to misunderstand?
Zhao Yuheng was about to say “It’s fine,” meaning as long as his conscience was clear. But the idiom he used—“A clear conscience fears no crooked shadow.”—completely went over Shen Shuyi’s head.
As someone who’d grown up half abroad, he had no idea what it meant. He just nodded blankly. Fake it till you make it.
Then Zhao Yuheng suddenly remembered another matter.
“By the way, about that 500,000 compensation.”
“Compensation? What compensation?”
“The money I asked for the first time I visited your villa.”
Oh. The breakup fee.
Right, Zhao Yuheng called it “compensation.” Well… that wasn’t wrong either. He had been the one breaking off the engagement—compensating a man’s pride seemed fair.
“You don’t have to give it anymore,” Zhao Yuheng said quietly.
Shen Shuyi blinked.
“You don’t want it?”
“No.”
He could now afford his grandfather’s treatment himself. At the time, he’d asked out of sheer spite—didn’t want the guilty party living too comfortably. Zhao Yuheng wasn’t the forgiving type. He remembered every wrong—just waited for the perfect chance to repay tenfold.
But Shen Shuyi… was unexpected.
He wasn’t at all like the rich brats Zhao Yuheng had imagined.
As Zhao Yuheng thought this, on Shen Shuyi’s side of the table, a completely different storm was brewing…
He doesn’t want the breakup fee anymore? Doesn’t that mean he changed his mind and decided to marry him?
This conclusion and reality hit Shen Shuyi like a ton of bricks, leaving him stunned for several seconds. He had seen Zhao Yuheng’s attitude before; he took the breakup fee without hesitation, clearly showing that he did not approve the marriage. Therefore, Shen Shuyi always regarded him as a comrade-in-arms and fought against the family together!
Unexpectedly, Zhao Yuheng betrayed him in just a few months!
Oh my god.
Thinking about it, it’s not entirely incomprehensible. After all, wanting to marry Shen Shuyi is only natural, and falling in love with Shen Shuyi is easier than breathing. Shen Shuyi held the knife and fork with a complicated expression, not moving for a long time.
“How?”
“How about… I give you the compensation money instead?”
Shen Shuyi wanted to struggle a little longer. Cockroach traps, that kind of married life, no way!
Zhao Yuheng’s attitude was resolute: “No need. This is not your fault.”
Even though Shen Shuyi was the one who started it all, Zhao Yuheng said this against his will.
Of course it wasn’t his fault!
Shen Shuyi thought to himself, he was also a serious victim in this arranged marriage!
“You don’t need to give me the remaining 1.5 million.”
When Zhao Yuheng said this, it seemed as if he had made a great decision, saying, “If you really want to, I think we can give it a try.”
Try it?” Shen Shuyi was completely confused, his eyes looking bewildered.
Zhao Yuheng said, “We can try starting by being friends.”
As soon as he finished speaking, a deep male voice rang out from not far away, directed at Shen Shuyi.
“Yi Yi?”
Shen Shuyi was still wondering what Zhao Yuheng meant by those words.
Hearing this, he was taken aback. The nickname “Yi Yi” sounds like a girl’s name, so very few people call him that. The only person who called him that left the country ten years ago.
Shen Shuyi turned his head and saw that it was indeed Yan Chi, whom he hadn’t seen for many years.
Yan Chi seemed surprised to run into Shen Shuyi here, speaking as familiarly as ever: “What a coincidence. I was just saying I’d come to see you and your brother in a few days, but we’ve run into each other sooner than expected.”
Yan Chi’s gaze shifted from Shen Shuyi to Zhao Yuheng, and he asked, “Who is he?”
Zhao Yuheng coldly replied, “I am his fiancé!”
