Chapter 41: The Resolve to Break Up
After sending that message, Shen Shuyi didn’t wait for Zhao Yuheng’s reply before putting away his phone. Who would’ve thought Zhao Yuheng would respond so quickly?
[What do you mean?]
Shen Shuyi was already in a bad mood from drawing the worst fortune stick at the temple. When Zhao Yuheng just happened to walk right into his line of fire, he snapped back without thinking.
[Why can’t you just answer my question directly? Always dodging — so you’re admitting you’re a scumbag, huh?]
Zhao Yuheng replied helplessly: [I’m not.]
[Heh, too late to deny it now.]
At that point, Zhao Yuheng realized the young master was just picking a fight for fun.
[Then how do I prove I’m not a scumbag?]
Shen Shuyi: [Buy me a bag. A diamond. A car.]
Zhao Yuheng: [Okay.]
?
So quick to agree—how much money do you even have?
Shen Shuyi sternly accused: [You’re just drawing pie in the air (empty promises)!]
Zhao Yuheng replied, “I’m not. I’ll really buy them for you. What do you want?”
…Forget it then.
He knew Zhao Yuheng’s salary — not much, and he handed it all over to him every month. How was he supposed to afford diamonds? Sell a kidney? Shen Shuyi wasn’t that heartless.
[Why did you suddenly call me a scumbag?]
Shen Shuyi typed honestly: [I just drew the worst fortune stick at Baotai Temple TUT]
Zhao Yuheng could imagine his tone and found it endearing. “What did you ask?”
“I asked whether we’d be happy if we got married someday.”
Zhao Yuheng’s breath caught. Shen Shuyi had said ambiguous things like that many times before, and every single time, it still made his heart flutter uncontrollably.
“You shouldn’t be asking the Bodhisattva about that,” Zhao Yuheng said. “You should ask the person involved.”
Shen Shuyi: ?
“For example, me,” Zhao Yuheng said.
Shen Shuyi asked: “Then do you think we’d be happy?”
Zhao Yuheng: [Yes ?]
Shen Shuyi couldn’t help but chuckle.
Sure, “yes.”
Who was he trying to fool? The only one who’d be happy would be Zhao Yuheng for getting him. As for him—living in a cockroach-infested apartment? Yeah, right.
When the monk saw Shen Shuyi getting up to leave, he panicked a little. It wasn’t every day that a golden young master like him came to Baotai Temple—and if he left unhappy after drawing such a terrible fortune, their temple’s renovation funding next year might go up in smoke.
Ah yes. The monk finally realized why Shen Shuyi looked so familiar—when he removed his sunglasses, he recognized him as Shen Lu’s younger brother.
The Shen family was the temple’s biggest donor—even the abbot wouldn’t dare offend them.
The monk thought quickly and called after him, “Benefactor, perhaps you’d like to draw another one?”
Shen Shuyi glanced at the “Worst Fortune” slip in his hand. “This? No need.”
He’d only come to draw a fortune for peace of mind anyway. If it had been the best fortune, great. But since it wasn’t, well, he could take it.
After all, he wasn’t particularly devout, and he knew that love couldn’t be forced by divine intervention—otherwise, why would there be so many broken-hearted fools in the world?
Besides, he believed more in his own judgment than in the gods’.
If—by some 1% chance—this arranged marriage really couldn’t be avoided, and the person was Zhao Yuheng… Shen Shuyi thought about it. Maybe it wouldn’t be that bad.
After all, from the time they’d spent together, Zhao Yuheng seemed like a decent guy. His old prejudice against the “Zhao family name” had completely faded. And maybe—it wasn’t just his imagination—Zhao Yuheng also seemed to like him a little.
Probably. Hopefully.
Thinking of that, Shen Shuyi’s face grew a little warm.
He was a bit of a narcissist, sure, but in love he still had his pride. He was the type who’d rather hurt himself than grovel for affection.
He slipped the bad fortune stick into his bag, all the way to the bottom.
That evening, at the Shen family dinner, Shen Shuyi was dragged around by his older brother, busy dealing with distant relatives and enduring lectures.
As usual, most of it was about his marriage.
The engagement hadn’t been formalized yet, so Shen Lu casually asked when he planned to get married.
Shen Shuyi froze.
Just a few days ago, he’d still been hoping to somehow wriggle out of this arrangement. He didn’t hate Zhao Yuheng anymore, but the idea of living in that cockroach hole made his skin crawl.
He nervously tugged on Shen Lu’s sleeve. “Brother, if I have to marry into the Zhao family, can I still live at Shuibay No.1?”
Shen Lu chuckled. “What are you thinking? The Zhaos aren’t marrying into us. After the wedding, they’ll buy your place. You’ll live wherever you two decide.”
Given the Zhao family’s deep roots in Beijing, it wasn’t even certain they’d stay in Hong Kong.
But as soon as he finished speaking, he saw his little brother’s face turn pale.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Lu asked.
“N-nothing,” Shen Shuyi stammered.
Oh no. With Zhao Yuheng’s pitiful salary, what kind of place could he possibly afford?! Were they seriously going to live in that bug-infested apartment forever?!
“I—uh—if I buy a house after the wedding, can you help me pay for it?”
Shen Lu hadn’t expected his grown-up brother to still rely on him like this. His heart softened. “I’d love to, but if I do, won’t that look like I’m disrespecting the Zhao family? They’d think I look down on them.”
Shen Shuyi was speechless. What “face”? Can face pay rent?!
“Alright, stop overthinking.” Shen Lu sighed and handed him a card. “Pocket money. Don’t overspend. Just this once, understand?”
With a dramatic flourish, Shen Lu gave him five million in pocket money.
Once, that sum would’ve been nothing to him—not even enough for one auction night. Now, it was enough to live comfortably for days and even repay Zhao Yuheng’s two million.
Even though Zhao said he didn’t have to, Shen Shuyi had never stopped thinking about it.
How miserable… that cockroach apartment.
Little Cat Holding Its Head Screaming.gif
Maybe… maybe he could use the five million to buy a place for after marriage!
Then again—where would his luxury bags, designer suits, watches, and cars go?!
He spent the whole morning slacking off at the office, eating the small cake Zhao Yuheng had packed for him the day before. He took out his phone to message him, only to notice—Zhao Yuheng hadn’t sent his usual “good morning.”
Weird. Wasn’t this guy like a clockwork “good morning-good night” bot? Even if Shen Shuyi didn’t reply, he’d still send them religiously.
[Where are you?]
He texted.
Ten minutes later—no reply.
He called. This time Zhao Yuheng picked up, but his voice was hoarse. “Shuyi?”
Something in his tone was off. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. Why’d you call?”
…No real reason. He’d just been bored and wanted to talk.
But hearing that rough voice, he felt uneasy. He listened carefully—background noise, busy chatter, and a female announcement voice. Not an office.
“You’re at a hospital?”
Silence.
“Did… something happen to your grandpa?”
“A little issue, don’t worry,” Zhao Yuheng finally admitted.
No wonder he’d been quiet all morning.
Shen Shuyi checked his schedule—nothing important that afternoon. “I’ll come to the hospital.”
“Shen Shuyi, really, you don’t need to—”
He hung up before Zhao Yuheng could finish.
Zhao Yuheng froze, feeling something soft pluck at his heartstrings.
When Shen Shuyi arrived, Zhao Yuheng was standing outside the operating room. The sight of him made Shen Shuyi’s stomach drop. Even though Zhao Yuheng was forcing himself to stay upright, it was obvious he hadn’t slept in days. His hair was messy, eyes bloodshot—but somehow that rugged look didn’t make him sloppy, just tiredly handsome.
Seeing the “Operating” sign made Shen Shuyi anxious. He approached carefully. “You okay?”
Zhao Yuheng replied with a deflection. “Have you eaten lunch?”
He’d called at 11:30, left immediately—no way he’d eaten.
“Why are you worrying about that now?” Shen Shuyi scolded softly—but secretly, he was pleased.
He could feel it—Zhao Yuheng’s concern was bone-deep.
And now… with that five million in his account, he could finally repay him. Yet standing there, looking at Zhao’s worn-out face, he couldn’t bring himself to say it.
What the hell, Shen Shuyi?! Where’s that sharp tongue now?!
He stole another glance. The stubble, the messy hair— Damn it, even tired, the man looked good.
Maybe it wasn’t time to bring up breaking the engagement… not while his grandfather was in surgery.
He shoved the card deeper into his bag.
“I’ll go get you lunch,” Zhao Yuheng said, standing up.
“I’m not hungry! You rest,” Shen Shuyi protested.
Zhao Yuheng just ruffled his hair. “Be good, baby.”
Shen Shuyi froze.
“…Oh.”
After Zhao Yuheng left, he slowly came to his senses, touching his head.
…Did this cheap fiancé just pat him on the head?
What, did he think he was some kind of pet?!
He’d spent two hours styling that hair!
But… it was kinda nice.
He swallowed his indignation.
Then a chubby young man beside him piped up, “You’re Brother Zhao’s boyfriend, right?”
Shen Shuyi blinked. Only the two of them were in the hall. “No.”
Of course not. They hadn’t confessed, hadn’t even given him a ring or bought him a bag. Dream on.
“But he called you baby!”
“You misheard,” Shen Shuyi said coolly. “He called me dad.”
The boy: “…”
Just moments ago, this ice-cold beauty had been all gentle with Zhao Yuheng. Now, with him, he was frosty as ice.
Two-faced much?!
Still, he’d never seen such a beautiful man. He’d been dying to talk since earlier.
“Do you know why Brother Zhao’s grandpa is in the hospital?” the boy tried again.
So cliché. Did he think gossip would make him talk?
Shen Shuyi rolled his eyes internally but asked anyway, “Why?”
The boy brightened. “Because of that demolition case! Didn’t you see the news? Some rich second-gen forced villagers in Sanhe Bay to sign at half market value. When Zhao’s grandpa refused, the guy sent diggers to demolish the house at night. The old man got so angry he fell ill!”
Shen Shuyi’s jaw dropped slightly. He hadn’t known any of that.
“Who was that rich kid?”
“No idea! But Brother Zhao must hate him. Heard he even went to confront the guy recently.”
Knowing Zhao Yuheng’s temper, he probably did give that guy a good beating—if not worse.
If someone had done that to his grandfather, Shen would’ve gone ballistic too.
“And his cousin’s family is terrible,” the boy continued. “They stay away when the old man’s sick but come running when there’s money to divide! Every surgery, only Brother Zhao stays up all night.”
Shen Shuyi felt a pang in his chest.
“What about his parents?” he asked, already suspecting the answer.
“There aren’t any,” the boy said softly. “Brother Zhao was raised by his grandpa. He’s all he’s got.”
“If only someone could look after him. The old man always says his biggest wish is to see Zhao Yuheng settle down—with a wife by his side. That’d make him happiest of all.”
Shen Shuyi’s heart tightened.
So that’s why Zhao Yuheng had to get married.
When Zhao Yuheng returned, the operating light was off. The room was empty—Shen Shuyi was gone.
Panic flared. Knowing how trouble-prone Shen Shuyi was, Zhao Yuheng rushed down the hallway—until he spotted him inside a ward.
“Shen Shuyi!”
Shen Shuyi turned, finger to his lips, motioning for silence.
Zhao Yuheng saw both him and his grandpa safe and finally relaxed.
“Why’d you come back by yourself?” he asked, setting down the packed food—still hot, clearly from a hotel, not the hospital cafeteria. He’d thought of Shen Shuyi’s picky taste.
Seeing that, Shen Shuyi’s chest ached.
Zhao Yuheng was struggling himself—why was he still worrying about him?
Zhao Yuheng mistook his silence for disapproval. “That was the only place open nearby. Once Grandpa’s stable, I’ll take you somewhere better, okay?”
“…That’s not what I meant.”
Did he really seem that spoiled to him?
He unpacked the food, filling the room with fragrance. Every dish—his favorites. He scooped out rice, split it in half, and placed some in Zhao Yuheng’s bowl.
“You’re not eating?” Zhao Yuheng frowned.
“Eat together,” Shen Shuyi muttered. “Take care of yourself first.”
“I’m not that delicate, okay?” he added under his breath, then took a bite.
“I saw your grandpa’s surgery was done, so I asked the doctor to move him back to the ward.”
Zhao Yuheng paused. “You did good.”
Shen Shuyi: ?
“Are you serious?” His face flushed. “You’re such an idiot. Eat!”
In the days that followed, Shen Shuyi went to Hongshan Hospital every evening after work—so often that even Shen Lu asked questions.
He brushed him off. Wasn’t this exactly what you wanted—me and Zhao getting closer?
But he was still torn. He had the money now—should he repay Zhao Yuheng and end things cleanly?
Every time he resolved to, something came up to stop him. That five million weighed like hot coal in his bag.
That night, he insisted on staying at the hospital. They’d agreed to take turns, but Zhao Yuheng wanted to stay again. Shen SHuyi refused.
So Zhao Yuheng added another bed.
At 10 p.m., after rounds, the doctor pulled Zhao Yuheng aside. “Your grandfather’s stable for now, but it’s unpredictable. We still recommend finding a new kidney donor as soon as possible.”
“I understand.”
When the doctor left, Shen Shuyi crept over. “What’d he say? Is your grandpa okay?”
“He’s fine. Don’t worry about it.”
“What do you mean ‘don’t worry’? He even gave me a thousand yuan! Of course I care!”
And besides… if they really got married, Zhao Yuheng’s grandpa would become his grandpa too.
Zhao Yuheng almost told him the truth—that money had come from his own pocket—but didn’t.
“Go to bed early. I’ll make the bed for you.”
“You’re always telling me to eat faster, sleep earlier—are you raising a pig?”
“Little pig, need help taking off your shoes?”
Shen Shuyi kicked him under the covers, too afraid to wake the old man to yell properly.
Zhao Yuheng, instead of being angry, just smiled faintly.
Shen Shuyi lay there, unable to sleep. He’d planned ahead, sleeping until noon so he could stay up that night—
