Chapter 58: Stealing the Wife!
Zhao Ci looked up—and immediately saw a handsome, noble-looking man.
Without showing any expression, he quietly assessed Zhao Yuheng. So this is my dad’s real son? The real young master?
Involuntarily, he compared himself.
Temperament? Lost.
Looks? Lost.
Height? Lost.
Ability? Right—he’d just heard that this true young master had built his own business from scratch even before returning to the Zhao family!
Then what about family background?
Damn it, that used to be his family background. Now it’s that guy’s.
Little Zhao: utterly defeated!
Wait a second—“Zhao” should technically be his surname too…
Crap.
Zhao Ci realized he’d lost completely.
Aside from having a fiancé as beautiful as a celestial being, he had been utterly crushed by this real young master in every category.
“Little Shu, Little Shu, wake up, wake up!! Snap out of it!! The battle’s already started—don’t you dare fall apart now!!”
Zhao Ci sent frantic signals with his eyes to his teammate.
But Shen Shuyi seemed completely unresponsive, face pale and mind somewhere in the stratosphere.
He looked fragile, like someone who had just suffered a massive emotional blow—or perhaps learned a truth so unbearable that it knocked the life out of him.
Zhao Qing looked from his younger son to his elder one.
Though Zhao Ci wasn’t his biological child, he had still raised him with care for so many years. To say he felt no affection would be a lie.
But he couldn’t just leave the true bloodline of the Zhao family out in the world.
Besides, Zhao Yuheng’s excellence exceeded all expectations—even if he weren’t Zhao Qing’s own son, he’d still earn his respect.
Both sons were dear to him; Zhao Qing hesitated for a moment before saying, “This isn’t the place to talk. You two—come with me to the study.”
Shen Shuyi finally came back to life.
Wait—you two? Did he just say his ex-boyfriend and his “current boyfriend” should go have a private talk together in a closed room?
No way! No way!
“Wait!” Shen Shuyi blurted out.
Zhao Ci nearly cried tears of relief. Teammate!! Finally, you’re online again!!
Zhao Yuheng’s gaze slowly shifted over, landing on Shen Shuyi.
For some reason, though this was a reunion between old lovers, Shen Shuyi found himself unable to utter a single word—he didn’t even dare meet that gaze.
He deliberately avoided looking at him, but that gaze still pinned him in place like a solid weight.
“Uncle Zhao,” Shen Shuyi said softly, “A-Ci is too tired today. Maybe we could talk tomorrow?”
“Yes, yes!” Zhao Ci nodded rapidly like a pecking chick.
Him, in a room alone with the true young master? His dad would obviously take his side—he’d be completely outnumbered!
Two against one? Not fair! At least bring Shen Shuyi in with him—make it two versus two! Perfect!
“It’ll only take a little time,” Zhao Qing said mildly. “A-Ci, come along with your brother.”
“Wait a second!” Shen Shuyi spoke again.
Zhao Qing turned toward him. Shen Shuyi hesitated before forcing the words out: “Uncle Zhao, could I… also come along?”
A rather unreasonable request, considering this was the Zhao household—not somewhere he could act spoiled as he pleased.
But he couldn’t help it.
He was genuinely terrified that Zhao Ci and Zhao Yuheng would start fighting. And if Zhao Qing somehow discovered the awkward truth between him and Zhao Yuheng, he’d want to jump out the nearest window!
What kind of nightmare melodrama was this?
Moments ago, he’d thought he was dreaming. But after pinching Zhao Ci hard enough to make the man’s face twist in pain, he had to accept it—this was real.
Zhao Yuheng… was the Zhao family’s real son?
The long-lost bloodline heir? Impossible.
Impossible! Wasn’t he just some cheap guy? An orphan!?
Shen Shuyi felt the world spinning. He might faint any second.
Zhao Qing frowned, about to speak—when Zhao Yuheng suddenly said, voice low and calm but carrying an inexplicable chill: “The bond between my little brother and his fiancée is… quite touching.”
Shen Shuyi: “…”
Ahhhhhhhhhhhh—
Why did that remind him of that news article?
“A golden retriever chased its owner for 100 kilometers after being abandoned—just to bite them one last time.”
…
Hearing that, Zhao Ci immediately took it as his cue. The war had begun—and as the fake young master, his last bargaining chip was Shen Shuyi. Naturally, he didn’t hesitate to sling an arm around Shen Shuyi’s waist, declaring confidently:
“Of course Little Shu and I are very close! He won’t marry anyone but me—nothing can separate us, not even for a second! Dad, let him come in with me!”
Then, turning to Shen Shuyi with the softest, most loving look he could muster, he added dramatically: “Right, Little Shu?”
Little Shu, still technically conscious, had mentally checked out several minutes ago.
Zhao Qing’s frown eased. Seeing Zhao Ci and Shen Shuyi so affectionate, his heart relaxed a little.
This son had always worried him—constantly chasing thrills like skydiving, racing, skiing. No one could rein him in. Every time he competed, Zhao Qing feared for the Zhao family line’s survival.
Now, finally, there was someone who could tame him.
And with his long-lost eldest son back home, he’d solved two of life’s biggest burdens at once.
After all, the Zhao family needed heirs.
With Zhao Yuheng, he could rest easy letting Zhao Ci and Shen Shuyi be together—two birds, one stone.
Still, there was one small embarrassment: according to the original engagement between the Zhao and Shen families, Shen Shuyi’s fiancé was supposed to be Zhao Yuheng.
But fate had played its tricks. Even as old-fashioned as Zhao Qing was, he couldn’t bring himself to break up his younger son’s relationship just to give his fiancée to his elder son.
After all, Shen Shuyi and Zhao Yuheng didn’t even know each other.
“Very well,” Zhao Qing said after a brief pause. “Since we’re all family now, you can come along and listen.”
Shen Shuyi’s emotions were a tangled mess. He nodded faintly.
They headed toward the study, through a quiet, lamp-lit corridor. The dim lights cast shifting shadows on the walls. Shen Shuyi, lost in thought, walked slower and slower, eventually falling to the back.
Zhao Yuheng suddenly stopped. Zhao Qing, who had been discussing a bridge project with him, asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Just tired,” Zhao Yuheng said evenly. “Let’s slow down.”
“Alright. You’ve been working hard lately.” Zhao Qing nodded, feeling a little guilty.
Since the reunion, his biological son had always been distant. At first Zhao Qing thought it was resentment—after all, losing one’s family for over a decade was hard to accept.
He’d even prepared himself for a slow reconciliation, willing to wait years if necessary.
But to his surprise, although Zhao Yuheng was cold toward him, he was utterly dedicated to the Zhao family business—driven, tireless, almost obsessed with making money.
Zhao Qing had read his résumé: the boy’s twenty years were more dazzling than most people’s two hundred. Even in talent-rich Beijing, his abilities stood out.
He’d even interned at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—when a high-ranking official personally came over to greet him, Zhao Qing nearly gaped.
That man had patted Zhao Qing’s shoulder and said, meaningfully, “Old Zhao, your son is remarkable. You’ll live a blessed life with him around.”
Zhao Qing had played it cool on the outside, but had secretly basked in pride for days.
Sure, Zhao Ci was lively and filial—but who wouldn’t want an outstanding son everyone admired?
Pride was only human.
Zhao Qing slowed his pace, and Shen Shuyi managed to catch up. Zhao Yuheng glanced sideways at him, eyes dark and deep as the sea—an invisible pull that made Shen Shuyi feel like he was being wrapped up and drowned.
But before the tension could thicken, Zhao Ci jumped right in between them.
Zhao Yuheng’s gaze turned glacial as he subtly clenched his fist.
“I’m here, Little Shu!” Zhao Ci whispered conspiratorially, jogging up beside him.
Shen Shuyi still hadn’t recovered from the horror of realizing his ex was now his fiancé’s brother.
Wasn’t this a one-in-a-billion coincidence? With luck this bad, he should’ve won the lottery by now.
“What’s wrong, Little Shu? You don’t look well.” Zhao Ci touched his forehead.
Shen Shuyi murmured weakly, “I’m fine.”
Barely alive.
“I mean, how could you drop the ball at such a critical moment?” Zhao Ci whispered, still replaying the earlier “battle.”
“When I finally gathered my courage, you didn’t even back me up!”
“What courage?”
“When I said you’d only marry me! That was your cue to cling to my arm and coo, ‘Yes yes, hubby’s right, Uncle Zhao, I love A-Ci so much!’ or something like that!”
Shen Shuyi: “???”
What kind of absurd character script are you writing me into?! Get lost.
He didn’t even have the strength to curse. “I’m not in the mood to talk to you.”
“You’re scared of Zhao Yuheng, aren’t you?”
“Actually,” Zhao Ci said seriously, “I feel like he’s more hostile toward you than toward me.”
Shen Shuyi’s steps faltered—his heart pricked sharply.
Hostility? Even Zhao Ci noticed?
Their breakup back then hadn’t been pretty. Shen Shuyi still remembered the desperate look in that glass conservatory, and the cruel words he himself had said.
He’d never thought he’d see Zhao Yuheng again.
“He kept staring at you!” Zhao Ci went on. “That look—like he wanted to eat you alive. You don’t even know him, so why’s he glaring at you like that? Unless…”
“Unless what?”
“Unless it’s because you’re my fiancé!”
Shen Shuyi said nothing, mood sinking lower and lower.
“See! He’s looking again! Damn, those eyes are sharp. How much does he hate you? Don’t worry, Little Shu, I’ll protect you!”
Zhao Ci, not understanding the situation at all, stepped in front of Shen Shuyi like a loyal shield.
Ah, such touching brotherhood! He nearly teared up at his own devotion.
From afar, the scene looked… ambiguous. Shen Shuyi’s slender frame and Zhao Ci’s protective stance looked less like guarding—and more like an embrace.
When they arrived at the study, Zhao Yuheng stopped, turned around, and said coldly: “You two seem to be having quite the heartfelt conversation. Why not continue inside? I’ll have someone bring refreshments—you can talk all night… heart to heart.”
Zhao Qing blinked in surprise.
He’d known his elder son for half a year and always thought of him as calm and composed. But this—this was downright sarcastic.
Zhao Ci missed it completely, but Zhao Qing, a man who’d navigated the business world for decades, heard it loud and clear.
Still… why was Yuheng being so snide toward his brother?
A chill struck Zhao Qing’s heart. Could it be that, despite his calm front, Zhao Yuheng still resented Zhao Ci—for taking the life that was rightfully his?
He silently prayed they wouldn’t start fighting before even sitting down.
“Huh? Really?” Zhao Ci blinked. “Thanks, then!”
Zhao Qing: “…”
Oh, good lord.
He’d overestimated his younger son’s brainpower. This boy was not built for family feuds.
The butler opened the study door. Zhao Qing and Zhao Yuheng went in first.
“I suddenly think that real young master is kind of nice,” Zhao Ci murmured. “He even thoughtfully prepared snacks for us! Want something? Our family chef’s desserts are the best!”
Shen Shuyi just looked at him speechlessly.
Same as Zhao Qing earlier, he too had thought the two brothers were about to fight— Only to realize sarcasm was useless against Zhao Ci’s total obliviousness.
“Didn’t you notice he was being passive-aggressive just now?” Shen Shuyi asked.
“What?!” Zhao Ci gasped. “He was?! Damn! And I was just starting to think he’s a decent guy!!”
Then he added in panic, “Crap—he’s that high level? Little Shu, what do we do? I’m no match for him!”
“…Have you ever considered getting your brain checked?” Shen Shuyi said blankly.
“You mean to… raise my IQ?” Zhao Ci asked innocently.
“No. Literally—see a doctor. To check if your brain still exists. Because I’m not sure what organ you’re using to think with.”
Zhao Ci: “QvQ!”
In the study, Zhao Qing’s intent was clear: Everyone already knew what this was about—the truth of Zhao Yuheng’s return, and how the two brothers should get along moving forward.
He came prepared: to reassure the elder, comfort the younger, and play the emotional father card perfectly.
Though calculating, it was understandable—his affection for Zhao Ci was real, and his guilt toward Zhao Yuheng was, too.
That was when Shen Shuyi finally learned the truth of Zhao Yuheng’s past.
It wasn’t complicated.
His biological mother, Zhuang Lingrou, was the only daughter of a wealthy Hong Kong family—famously known as the “Pearl of Hong Kong.” Her marriage to Zhao Qing had once been the union of the century—news across the entire region.
Soon after marriage, she gave birth to a baby boy while visiting her family in Hong Kong. But not long after, tragedy struck.
The family’s billion-dollar cruise ship Venus suffered a catastrophic accident during its maiden voyage, killing over 300 of the 800 passengers— Including Zhuang Lingrou.
For half a month, the disaster dominated every news outlet. The missing Zhao family heir was the headline—until, three days later, the Zhaos finally found a near-dead child washed ashore.
But that child… was Zhao Ci.
“The situation was chaos,” Zhao Qing sighed. “I had just lost your mother. I didn’t have the heart to even question whether that child was truly mine.”
Silence filled the room.
The incident had happened before Shen Shuyi was born, though he’d heard of it in passing—an infamous tragedy. He’d never imagined Zhao Yuheng had lived through it.
He looked over at Zhao Yuheng, wondering if this would hurt him. But the moment their eyes met—caught red-handed—Shen Shuyi’s heart thumped violently. Those dark, fathomless eyes wrapped around him like an invisible net.
He looked away at once, pulse racing.
“Later,” Zhao Qing continued, “A-Heng was apparently adopted by a childless couple on the cruise. A few years later, they had a child of their own…”
Shen Shuyi’s heart sank. He suddenly remembered—Yuheng had once said he met his grandfather at age five.
So before that… he’d been living with another family. And then—abandoned again.
Twice abandoned in one lifetime.
No—three times, if you counted… himself.
No wonder Zhao Yuheng had begged him, “Don’t leave me.”
Shen Shuyi’s chest ached painfully.
A soft sobbing sound broke his thoughts.
Wait… what? Was he crying out loud?!
Panicked, he touched his face—no tears. He was just emotionally overwhelmed, not weepy.
So… where was the crying coming from?
He turned his head.
Zhao Ci: “QvQ!”
[Little Shu, my brother’s life is so tragic ahhhh! Maybe we shouldn’t take revenge anymore! He finally came home and now he meets the two villainous exes—his life is just endless suffering wuwuwuwuwu!]
[(cry)(cry)(cry)(cry)(cry)(cry)(cry)]
Shen Shuyi: “…”
Who said we’re villains?! Who said we’re taking revenge?! And since when did you start calling him brother?!
He was speechless. This guy was exactly the type to watch Tiny Times and then post a selfie with the caption ‘Little Shu, let’s be best friends forever!’
Useless! Wasn’t he supposed to play the fake young master gone rogue? This performance was pathetic.
“So,” Zhao Qing concluded with a sigh, “A-Heng finally returned to the Zhao family. My only wish now is for you two brothers to support each other. A-Ci has always been soft-hearted. The Zhao legacy is a heavy burden for one man alone.”
“Now that A-Heng’s back, I’m relieved.”
“A-Ci, even though…” Zhao Qing hesitated—unwilling to say not my biological son. He finished gently, “You’ve been my son all these years, and you always will be. Blood or not, that will never change.”
Zhao Ci’s heart burned warm; his nose stung. “Dad…”
He didn’t even know how to feel anymore. But hearing those heartfelt words, he realized— Aside from gaining an older brother… Nothing had really changed at all.
The melodramatic plot of a wealthy family’s real and fake young masters fighting over the inheritance, as imagined, did not seem to happen in the Zhao family.
“I will get along well with my brother,” Zhao Ci said, having already accepted the fact.
Zhao Qing breathed a sigh of relief and turned to look at Zhao Yuheng: “A Heng, what do you think?”
Zhao Yuheng remained silent, but his gaze kept seemingly fixed on Shen Shuyi.
At this moment, Zhao Qing turned the conversation to Zhao Yuheng. All eyes were now on this real prince. Shen Shuyi could finally take this opportunity to openly and properly examine him.
Zhao Yuheng calmly said, “What about the marriage alliance between Shen and Zhao?”
“If I am the biological son of the Zhao family, then Shen Shuyi’s fiancé should be me, right?”
Author’s Note:
Brother Yu: Family wealth isn’t important, but my wife must be mine! [Angry][Angry][Angry]
Little Ci: Family, does anyone understand? I read a hundred melodramatic stories about real and fake young masters fighting over the inheritance, thinking I’d already gotten a perfect score. Turns out I guessed the wrong question! You’re stealing my wife!!! [Crying][Crying][Crying][Crying][Crying]
When I wrote about how Zhao’s father thought he could carry on the family line, a voice popped into my head: “Your Majesty, your son is gay, and both of your sons are gay!”
