Chapter 57: Reunion
“Auntie, I want to be alone for a while.”
After a pause, Zhao Ci spoke.
Hearing this, Zhao Yue let out a sigh of relief.
This was already the best outcome she could have hoped for.
After all, after living for more than twenty years and discovering he wasn’t her biological child, Zhao Ci’s reaction could already be considered rational.
Zhao Yue felt a pang of sympathy, but this matter, like a secret that cannot be hidden, would eventually come out. Even if the Zhao family could have concealed it, sooner or later, Zhao Ci would learn the truth.
Besides, the Zhao family’s biological child had already returned to his ancestral line six months ago.
At that time, Zhao Ci was still undergoing rehabilitation in the hospital. The Zhao family worried that this news would shock him and affect his recovery, so they delayed coming to her in the U.S. for half a year, finally bringing her over to personally confess to Zhao Ci.
“Little Ci, don’t be too upset,” Zhao Yue comforted him. “From what your father said, the Zhao family will only tell the outside world that they’ve found your brother. They won’t publicly announce that you… aren’t of their bloodline. Just consider that you’ve gained a new brother, okay?”
…
Completely impossible to accept!!
“Shen Shuyi, what do I do? What do I do? I’m not the Zhao family’s biological child! Oh my God! This is terrifying! Am I actually some villainous secondary male lead from a novel?”
Zhao Yue said she would give Zhao Ci some time to calm down and returned to the hotel after saying so.
Inside the entire manor, only Zhao Ci and Shen Shuyi remained, along with a few butlers and maids.
Zhao Ci paced anxiously in the living room.
In an instant, countless over-the-top web novel plots about real and fake heirs flashed through his mind.
Although it was hard to digest that he wasn’t biological, Zhao Ci quickly began noticing traces from the past.
For example, why he didn’t resemble his parents or even his grandfather.
Or why his father was a business powerhouse while he himself was clueless about making money.
The only thing he could do was spend the family’s money.jpg
This part really matched Shen Shuyi perfectly.
“What if the real young master holds a grudge and decides to kill me?”
What to do? Go all out in style.
Shen Shuyi opened a watch box in his hands. Inside was a classic Patek Philippe he’d acquired at a London auction. He was taking it back to China.
“How can such an absurd thing happen to me? Am I really some villainous secondary male lead in a novel?”
Relax.
Two years ago, Shen Shuyi thought the same thing—and look, he’s still living fine.
Ah, yes, that Chanel outfit from this year’s spring-autumn haute couture—he was taking that, too. He quite liked that suit.
“Shen Shuyi, don’t worry. No matter what happens to me, I won’t drag you into it!”
Of course.
Shen Shuyi thought: what do the Zhao family’s problems have to do with me?
He closed the suitcase and lifted it.
Zhao Ci turned his head to see Shen Shuyi had unconsciously packed his suitcase.
He was surprised: “Little Shu, why are you packing?”
“Going back to China,” Shen Shuyi said, as if it were obvious.
Zhao Ci paused, touched, and looked at him: “True friendship shows in adversity, Little Shu. I didn’t expect that you still care about me. At such a critical moment, you’re still willing to stand by me!”
Shen Shuyi was very surprised: “So in your heart, am I really such a loyal person?”
Zhao Ci: ?
Zhao Ci felt something was off: “You’re packing not to return to China alone—you’re supposed to team up with me to fight the real young master!”
Your top priority now is to uninstall Tomato Novels.jpg
“Who told you I’m going back to Beijing? I’m going back to Hong Kong, thanks,” Shen Shuyi said politely with a smile.
Ridiculous.
He was staying in the U.S. to fulfill his arranged marriage mission. Now that Zhao Ci was no longer Zhao family blood, why stay?
Hong Kong’s auctions, yachts, and mansions—aren’t they more appealing?
Shen Shuyi dragged his suitcase toward the manor’s exit.
Dragged… couldn’t move it.
Dragged harder… still couldn’t move it.
He turned and saw Zhao Ci, clinging to the suitcase like an octopus.
“Little Shu, Little Shu… don’t go!”
His eyes were like fried eggs, and this over-1.8-meter man was embarrassingly acting cute.
And this was Shen Shuyi’s own tactic.
This little brat dared to copy it! Not just copy, but try to show off!
Shen Shuyi’s heart was made of stone.
He expressionlessly continued to drag the suitcase, preparing to use force, but unexpectedly, looking at Zhao Ci, he gripped the suitcase handle and… didn’t take a step outside.
The three words “don’t go” somehow hit the right nerve, stopping his steps.
Shen Shuyi looked at him blankly: “What exactly are you trying to do?”
Seeing Shen Shuyi give up leaving, Zhao Ci instantly jumped up.
“I’ve decided! I’ll team up with you to take on the real young master!”
“Thanks. Did I agree to that? Besides, what does it have to do with me?” Shen Shuyi smiled politely. “My only task is to marry the Zhao family’s heir. That means whoever is the Zhao heir is my fiancé, understand?”
“What if the heir is a greasy guy?”
Zhao Ci blinked with his handsome, innocent face.
Shen Shuyi: …
“What if he’s bald with a beer belly?”
“What if he has a messy private life?”
“What if he’s a stomach patient?”
Shen Shuyi: …
“See! Now don’t you think I’m better!” Zhao Ci continued: “I’m at least handsome, virtuous, funny, talented, clean in private life, and have eight-pack abs.”
Shen Shuyi was faintly swayed—not because he admired Zhao Ci, but because if the real Zhao heir turned out to be a greasy bald beer-belly guy, his arranged marriage would still have limits!
“Also, teaming up with me doesn’t require any conspiracies,” Zhao Ci said. “Just act like you won’t marry anyone else in front of my dad! The real young master will be isolated, and I’ll have your support! My dad won’t dare to do anything to me!”
Zhao Ci grew more passionate: “Shen Shuyi, we’ve known each other for two years as friends. You wouldn’t want to see me betrayed by the real young master, pushed down the stairs, injured, and left begging on the street, would you?”
…What nonsense. Didn’t I just tell you to uninstall Tomato Novels?
Shen Shuyi was getting a headache from his chatter.
It felt like a big beagle howling in his ear: “werwerwer.”
Before, he couldn’t understand why Shen Lu would get a headache from crying. Now, he could.
Damn. Whoever raises a beagle is doomed.
“Enough,” Shen Shuyi said, pointing at him: “You, three Hermès.”
Zhao Ci looked at him.
Shen Shuyi expressionlessly said: “One emerald, one ruby, a Ferrari, and two flat apartments.”
“Deal!”
“Agreeing so quickly?” Shen Shuyi sneered: “Can you afford it?”
“Once we take down the real young master, won’t the money be ours anyway?” Zhao Ci wiped his nose smugly.
Shen Shuyi doubted Zhao Ci’s intelligence and didn’t think he could survive a battle between real and fake heirs.
Zhao Ci: …
“Enough, have some confidence in your fiancé and partner! If we get kicked out, I’ll just steal my dad’s card to pay for you!”
Shen Shuyi eventually changed his flight to Beijing.
Not because he truly wanted to team up with Zhao Ci—this was just child’s play. In a real aristocratic family, if defeating someone were that easy, arranged marriages wouldn’t exist.
Shen Shuyi was going back to play.
He was bored with Hong Kong parties and yachts and was excited for a fashion show and auction in Beijing.
Having been quiet in the U.S. for two years, he was eager to return to his main stage.
Of course, there was another reason.
The Shen-Zhao marriage was inevitable. Whoever became the heir, Shen Shuyi was destined to marry into the Zhao family.
As Zhao Ci said, better to pair with someone he knew than start from scratch with a stranger. Who knew what the real young master would be like?
Their flight landed in Beijing at 3 PM.
Shen Shuyi returned with Zhao Ci. Upon arrival, the Zhao family sent news that an evening welcome banquet was prepared for Zhao Ci.
Zhao Ci knew the banquet was meant to announce the real young master’s existence.
“So nervous.”
Once in the Rolls-Royce, Zhao Ci started biting his nails without shame.
Shen Shuyi didn’t understand why he had so many fans and moved aside.
“What are you nervous about?” Shen Shuyi asked calmly. Seeing Zhao family’s attitude, he didn’t think Zhao Ci would be publicly shunned tonight.
“You don’t understand. Think from my perspective! If one day your brother suddenly says you’re not his biological sibling…”
Shen Shuyi: ?
Damn.
“My brother Shen Lu is my brother, not my mom ^ ^”
How am I supposed to become my brother’s biological sibling??
“Ohhh,” Zhao Ci suddenly realized.
This wasn’t his fault.
Shen Lu just looked too much like Shen Shuyi’s mother!
When Shen Shuyi first arrived in the U.S., Shen Lu called ten times a day. One night, Shen Shuyi had a low fever. Shen Lu personally flew for hours to L.A. to care for him.
Zhao Ci remembered being there, even though he and Shen Shuyi weren’t familiar yet.
Shen Lu scrutinized him critically, blamed himself for Shen Shuyi’s illness, and told Zhao Ci that as his future fiancé, he must take care of Shen Shuyi 24/7.
Zhao Ci was shocked.
This wasn’t a marriage—it was picking a prince consort for a princess!
Shen Lu’s stern, cold demeanor didn’t feel like a future brother-in-law—it felt like a future tyrannical mother-in-law.
“Now tell me,” Zhao Ci said: “If your brother said you’re not Shen family born, his real brother exists, and you might get kicked out, how would you feel?”
“He dares.”
Shen Shuyi would smash anything he could in the Shen household.
“Exactly!” Zhao Ci excitedly: “Little Shen, that’s the anger you need! Keep it! When we get to the banquet, use that attitude to intimidate the real young master!”
Shen Shuyi scoffed at Zhao Ci’s theatrics but empathized slightly.
If Shen Lu really said he wasn’t biological…
The sky would collapse.
Zhao Ci continued: “Here, I have some reference materials. Study them. We’ll follow the script.”
Shen Shuyi was stunned. Reference materials? Script?
He glanced down:
“After Becoming the Fake Young Master, Watch Me Conquer the World”
“Fake Young Master Goes Mad After Being Kicked Out”
“Fake Young Master Becomes Family Darling by Eavesdropping on Hearts”
Shen Shuyi: …
“What’s the last one?”
“Oh, it’s a new theme—the male lead can eavesdrop on hearts!”
“Then hear my heart.”
Zhao Ci: ?
Zhao Ci leaned in: “What does your heart say?”
Shen Shuyi coldly: “Idiot.”
Zhao Ci: …
So handsome, yet says such nasty things.
Shen Shuyi stayed at Qushui Lanting; Yinghua hotels had a branch in Beijing.
Half an hour after landing, the styling team arrived. As the future “daughter-in-law” of the Zhao family, he had to look presentable.
He chose a neat white suit—appropriate, not flashy.
Zhao Ci wanted matching couple outfits, which Shen Shuyi absolutely refused.
At the banquet, no one cared, and people probably thought they were crazy anyway.
Zhao Ci compromised with a similar grey outfit. One white, one grey; both handsome.
No one could force Shen Shuyi to wear what he disliked—he was that authoritative.
At 8:30, the Zhao family’s car came for them.
It had rained in the afternoon, clearing by evening. Neon lights flashed as Shen Shuyi, in his suit, finally appreciated the scenery.
This northern city’s architecture and culture were totally different from Hong Kong. Snow in October, dry winters, few green plants, a sense of history and northern austerity.
The Zhao family’s Beijing residence was a tranquil courtyard in the city center.
The Bentley drove along a long wall lined with centuries-old acacia trees. The city was still bustling; tourists cycled past ancient palaces.
The Bentley stopped at an unassuming courtyard entrance. Shen Shuyi initially thought the house was modest, but inside, the courtyard was new, recently renovated.
Typical Beijing style: pavilions, staggered heights, rock formations, winding corridors. Shen Shuyi immediately estimated the price—among Beijing’s top-tier, likely tens of millions at least.
Some guests had arrived. Through the corridor lay the banquet hall.
Fragrant attire, laughter, but not noisy—these were all wealthy, cultured people.
Even without following politics, Shen Shuyi recognized a few familiar newsworthy faces.
He finally understood why Shen Lu insisted on opening the mainland market despite opposition. Hong Kong was luxurious, but Beijing was the center of power.
Shen Shuyi felt a twinge of nervousness.
But the next second, someone was more nervous than him.
Shen Shuyi turned to see Zhao Ci hiding behind him, sneakily watching the hall.
Over 1.8 meters tall, yet trying to hide entirely in his shadow—laughably ridiculous.
He: …
“This is your home. Why so cautious?”
“You don’t understand!” Zhao Ci looked around, pale: “Do you know how many people are waiting to see me make a fool of myself tonight? They must be mocking me in their hearts.”
…Paranoid much, big brother?
Shen Shuyi noticed people glancing and felt embarrassed. He tried to grab Zhao Ci from behind.
Then he heard low voices.
“Is it true Zhao Ci isn’t Zhao family born?”
He turned: a few stylish young people were chatting near the food area, likely companions brought by the wealthy.
“Keep it down. I heard it was a birth mix-up.”
“This banquet is to introduce the real heir. Half the elite of Beijing is here.”
They chatted, unaware someone was eavesdropping.
“What about Zhao Ci? Isn’t he embarrassed? Did he even come?”
“I wouldn’t come. The real heir is impressive; he’d already built his business before being recognized.”
“Zhao Ci? Just a useless rich kid. Pathetic. Coming is only embarrassing.”
The last speaker, sharp-faced, continued harshly. He was still bitter from a previous banquet where Zhao Ci had thwarted him.
Suddenly, a light laugh sounded nearby.
The young man turned, seeing a dazzlingly handsome face.
Used to judging faces, he felt a pearl-moon disparity.
“What are you laughing at?”
He didn’t know Shen Shuyi yet.
“Laughing at you. The real heir hasn’t looked at you yet, but you’re already flattering him. Want money? Count me in.”
The young man blushed, humiliated, speechless.
“Quick.” Shen Shuyi nudged Zhao Ci: “He called you useless. What should you reply?”
Zhao Ci hesitated: “Re… rebound?”
Shen Shuyi: ?
“Idiot!”
“QvQ”
Zhao Ci wasn’t good at Chinese insults.
The boy, thinking Shen Shuyi was insulting him, looked up and finally saw Zhao Ci.
He used to fear Zhao Ci; now Zhao Ci wasn’t Zhao blood, old grievances, and Shen Shuyi’s beautiful face—he mistook him for Zhao Ci’s companion.
“You’re following him now?” the boy asked.
Follow?
In Beijing, even fiancés aren’t allowed names?
“You look good, but brainless. Helping Zhao Ci, what benefit do you think you’ll get?”
The boy sneered: “A pathetic dog, a blind little duck. You two—ah!”
Shen Shuyi grabbed a wine bottle and splashed it in the boy’s face.
“Filthy mouth. Rinse with wine?”
“Are you crazy?”
“Apologize.”
Shen Shuyi didn’t repeat himself.
The boy clenched his fists, wondering who this companion was to dare act so bold in the Zhao family’s territory.
“Making noise—what’s going on?”
A deep male voice came. Zhao family head, Zhao Qing, emerged.
Zhao Ci straightened: “Dad.”
Shen Shuyi showed proper respect: “Uncle Zhao.”
“You’re Little Shu?”
“Yes.”
“Dad, yes, he’s Little Shu, Shen Lu’s real brother.”
Zhao Qing’s gaze fell on Shen Shuyi; he felt a chill down his spine.
Zhao Qing glanced at the boy who had spoken; security swiftly removed him. His presence dominated everyone.
Shen Shuyi had never seen someone more imposing than his brother.
Zhao Qing frowned at Zhao Ci: “Since you’re here, why not greet your father?”
Zhao Ci said nothing. Zhao Qing continued: “Your brother is here tonight. Come meet him.”
Damn!
Zhao Ci exchanged a look with Shen Shuyi.
Zhao Ci: Little Shu’s here, remember our script! Act affectionate, let Dad know you won’t marry anyone else, keep the real heir in check, understand?!
Shen Shuyi: Can’t read it, is your left eye twitching?
They exchanged glances; Shen Shuyi couldn’t understand Zhao Ci’s twitching. His own left eye started twitching, as if something big was about to happen.
Zhao Qing gestured to someone in the distance: “A Heng, come meet your brother and brother-in-law.”
Zhao Ci was battle-ready, puffed his chest, and pulled Shen Shuyi into his arms.
Huh? Thought I’d get hit. Why is Shen Shuyi so compliant?
Wait, is he falling? Damn, really falling!
Before Zhao Ci could catch him, his previously unseen brother steadily approached.
Zhao Qing introduced: “Little Ci, this is your brother, Zhao Yuheng.”
