Chapter 59: Confrontation
No one expected Zhao Yuheng to bring up this topic on his own.
And especially this topic—it had absolutely nothing to do with the warm, “brotherly family” conversation Zhao Qing had been steering toward.
For a while, the study was completely silent.
Zhao Qing’s expression flickered with uncertainty. His eldest son had always been someone with zero interest in romance—men or women alike.
That had always satisfied Zhao Qing. In the six months since his return to the Zhao family, countless eyes had been watching Yuheng, eager to push someone into his orbit.
A young master who’d grown up outside the family, suddenly wealthy, would easily fall prey to indulgence.
And Zhao Yuheng wasn’t just any rich heir—he was the Zhao family’s heir, the peak of the social pyramid.
Anyone who could win him over would skip several lifetimes’ worth of struggle.
So the suitors came in droves: debutantes, socialites, top celebrities, influencers… “chance meetings,” dinner parties, hotel setups, even attempts to drug him—schemes of every kind.
Some of them were truly beautiful and accomplished. Even Zhao Qing, upon hearing about a few, had sighed in amazement.
The families in Hong Kong really went all in—some even sent their biological daughters.
Family background, looks—everything was a match. Zhao Qing thought that even if Yuheng really did take a liking to one of them, or even just wanted to play around, he could turn a blind eye.
As long as it didn’t go too far.
But what shocked him was that Zhao Yuheng had been utterly indifferent to everyone—men or women, all kept at arm’s length.
It had even made Zhao Qing wonder for a while if his eldest son… couldn’t.
Turns out, it wasn’t that he couldn’t—it was that his standards were too high.
That one sentence just now finally made Zhao Qing realize.
He turned to look at Shen Shuyi, who still seemed stunned. Under the lamplight, the boy’s features were exquisite to the point of danger—beauty so striking it bordered on bewitching. In ancient times, he’d be called a calamity to nations.
There were few in Yun City who could outshine him.
If Zhao Yuheng really did fall for him—it would be understandable.
After all, who doesn’t love a beautiful face?
But Shen Shuyi was already with Zhao Ci!
Even if Zhao Qing were muddleheaded, he couldn’t break up a young couple.
Both are his flesh and blood—how could he choose?
For once, this ruthless business giant actually found himself in a dilemma.
While Zhao Qing was still mulling, Zhao Ci wasn’t idle either.
[Holy crap!!! What’s wrong with Zhao Yuhong??? Why did he suddenly say that??? Is he trying to steal you from me???!]
Head down, Zhao Ci was already furiously texting Shen Shuyi.
Shen Shuyi hadn’t wanted to reply—he was still in shock himself.
But Zhao Ci clearly had the determination to text until the end of time if ignored.
His phone was vibrating like it was about to cause an earthquake in Yun City.
And knowing Zhao Ci, if he didn’t get a reply soon, he’d probably shout out loud.
Ugh, this idiot… can I throw him away?
Shen Shuyi sighed and typed back:
[Can you at least spell his name right?]
[It’s Zhao Yuheng, okay :)]
[? Wait, how do you know the exact characters for his name?! Tell me!!]
Shen Shuyi: …
Dangerous topic. He quickly deflected.
[Didn’t you also know his surname’s Zhao? ^ ^]
[…Oh right.]
My god.
Is this really the man I’m going to marry?
Shen Shuyi sighed deeply in his heart.
But Zhao Yuheng’s words… had stirred something faint in him, like a feather brushing across his heart.
Ever since seeing him again, his brain had been a mess—and now, so was his heart. Why had Zhao Yuheng asked that?
Could it be… after two years, he hadn’t forgotten?
Maybe… he still felt something?
Zhao Qing finally broke the suffocating silence.
“Ah-Heng, the marriage alliance between the Zhao and Shen families isn’t child’s play. You’re right—if that tragic incident hadn’t happened, Little Shu would have been your fiancée.”
Shen Shuyi froze, too nervous to speak, waiting breathlessly for what came next.
“But,” Zhao Qing continued, “while the agreement was set, we have to consider reality. Ah-Heng, Little Shu is a person, not a bargaining chip. I hope you can respect his wishes.”
He paused. “For two years, while Little Ci was hospitalized abroad, Xiao Shu personally cared for him. You saw their bond just now—inseparable. If we were to change the engagement, we’d at least need Little Shu’s consent.”
Zhao Yuheng’s gaze met Shen Shuyi’s again. For a moment, their eyes locked—speechless, suspended.
There was so much Shuyi wanted to say.
A flood of questions crowded in his throat—
How have you been these two years?
Is Grandpa Zhao well?
Is your company still running?
How did you end up in Beijing?
Have you been eating and sleeping properly?
Do you… have someone else now?
Two years shouldn’t feel like twenty, yet it did.
Sitting across from each other again in this grand study, pretending not to know each other—it was absurdly painful.
But none of those questions fit this scene.
Zhao Yuheng spoke first, calm and even: “You and Zhao Ci—are dating?”
Shen Shuyi froze, not expecting that to be his first question.
But thinking about it, it made sense.
Zhao Yuheng was the Zhao family’s eldest son now.
If Shen Shuyi really married Zhao Ci one day, he’d have to call Zhao Yuheng “big brother.”
God. From ex-lovers to in-laws. Why me?!
“This…”
He only got one word out before silence swallowed him again.
The long pause said enough.
Zhao Yuheng didn’t need to ask again; he already knew.
“Just kidding,” Zhao Yuheng said lightly, smiling—a soft, unfamiliar smile that carried a chilling undertone. “How could I steal my brother’s beloved wife?”
Only then did Shen Shuyi realize that “just kidding” wasn’t meant for him—it was an answer to Zhao Qing.
So it was a joke.
Then why did it sting so much? Had he been hoping for… something else?
The realization horrified him.
Shen Shuyi, stop it!
Zhao Yuheng clearly had moved on.
If he clung to something nonexistent, he’d only look pathetic.
Forcing a laugh, he said, “Big brother, you really have a sense of humor :D.”
“Big brother,” huh? He said it naturally.
Zhao Yuheng’s hand on the chair tightened until the wood nearly cracked.
Shen Shuyi didn’t notice. He only knew his chest felt tight—maybe the air here was bad?
“I’m going to the restroom,” he said. “Uncle Zhao, Ci, you two talk.”
He didn’t even call Zhao Yuheng.
Out in the hallway, his face burned with embarrassment.
Everything that had just happened—it was like living inside a melodramatic novel.
He’d broken up with his ex to honor his engagement… And two years later, the ex returned—as his real fiancé?!
Then why had he broken up back then? What a pointless heartbreak!
He splashed cold water on his face. The chill helped cool his overworked brain.
He turned off the tap—
And a low, icy voice sounded behind him.
“This is your fiancé?”
His heart lurched. He turned sharply.
Zhao Yuheng stood there in the shadows—half his face lit, half obscured, eyes dark and still. The sight was eerie, ghostlike.
Oh god, a ghost!!
Shen Shuyi’s freshly stabilized composure shattered.
“Why are you here?”
“Am I not allowed to be?”
Well… technically, it’s his house. He can stand wherever he wants.
Fine, I’ll leave then.
Plastering on a polite smile, Shen Shuyi said, “Mr. Zhao, I still have matters to attend to. This isn’t a great place to chat. I’ll head back to the study—you take your time.”
It sounded perfectly dignified, he thought.
But Zhao Yuheng’s face darkened further. Shen Shuyi edged toward the wall to avoid contact.
“Not calling me big brother anymore?”
Shen Shuyi froze. His tone stiffened. “We’re not married yet. Once we are, of course I’ll call you that. No need to rush, Mr. Zhao.”
Ah, “Ci” this, “Ci” that—yet to him it was all “Mr. Zhao.”
Clear boundaries.
As he brushed past, Yuheng suddenly grabbed his wrist.
“Have you not answered me yet—is he your fiancé?”
Shen Shuyi blinked. What’s with him now?
Wasn’t he the one acting all proper earlier? Now he wanted to interrogate him like some scorned lover?
The Zhao–Shen engagement was already finalized.
Next month, their names would be announced publicly.
Shen Shuyi wasn’t the impulsive boy from two years ago anymore.
He had decided to end things for the sake of the families.
Even if Zhao Yuheng turned out to be the real heir—it didn’t change anything. He was not a tradable item.
“Uncle Zhao already introduced him,” Shen Shuyi said, trying to pull free.
Zhao Yuheng’s grip only tightened. His gaze burned. “What’s the rush? Can’t stand to be alone with me for even a minute?”
Well, it’s the bathroom, sir. Not exactly ideal for small talk!
Thankfully, it was a private restroom—otherwise the sight of them like this would be scandal fodder.
Shen Shuyi tugged again. “Please let go, Mr. Zhao.”
Zhao Yuheng ground out, “You don’t even want to be near me. Is it because you’re afraid Zhao Ci will find out we once—?”
Shen Shuyi froze.
So much for polite pretending.
He hadn’t expected Zhao Yuheng to say it outright.
The illusion shattered.
Zhao Yuheng sneered, “So afraid? You can’t bear to break up with him, huh?”
Shen Shuyi sighed inwardly. Not really. Just mortified. Please let go.
“Whether I break up with him or not—it’s none of your business.”
“How’s it not?” Zhao Yuheng’s stare was unrelenting. “You made your choice. Love doesn’t fill stomachs, right? With me, you’d starve. With him, you get cars, watches, bags. That’s why you picked him.”
Wait—what?!
That was the line he’d thrown out two years ago, just to make Zhao Yuheng give up.
He… remembered it?
My god, he holds grudges?!
Zhao Yuheng’s voice was cold. “So you ran when you saw me. Afraid I’d ruin your plans? Didn’t expect the man you dumped to show up again—this time as the Zhao heir? Surprised?”
A little.
Zhao Yuheng’s eyes devoured him—like trying to make up for the two lost years.
“Only surprised?”
He hesitated. “Have you ever… regretted it?”
His voice trembled slightly.
Regret? Of course that’s what he meant.
Two years ago—he must’ve taken the breakup hard.
Not because of lingering love, but pride.
Now the tables had turned. The once-poor man was the powerful heir—and he wanted Shen Shuyi to grovel.
God, am I the “regretful ex” trope in a male-protagonist novel?
Regret? Maybe a little. But not much.
He hadn’t even processed the shock yet.
And it wasn’t like he could undo the engagement anyway.
If he’d been able to be that selfish, he wouldn’t have broken up with Yuheng so decisively back then.
So he steadied himself.
“This has nothing to do with regret,” Shen Shuyi said. “You heard Uncle Zhao—I can’t change the engagement. And it’s not like you want to marry me, right?”
He didn’t wait for Yuheng’s answer—because if the answer was no, it would hurt.
“Besides, Zhao Ci and I are fine. Let’s just leave it at that, Zhao Yuheng.”
It was the first time he’d spoken Yuheng’s full name since they reunited.
“I get it—you’ve got power now. Seeing your ex must be unpleasant. But I didn’t know I’d meet you either. If it bothers you, just stay out of my sight.”
There it was—the classic Shen Shuyi sharpness.
He added, almost defiantly, “Once I marry Zhao Ci, I’ll move back to Hong Kong. You won’t have to see me again.”
Honestly, if he were Yuheng, he’d probably hate himself too.
Zhao Yuheng’s face changed. “That’s not what I meant—”
“It’s fine. No need to explain,” Shen Shuyi cut him off gently. Still so polite, huh?
The situation was too awkward to bear.
And maybe because he’d made up his mind, this time when he pulled, Zhao Yuheng’s grip finally broke—leaving a red mark that would bruise by morning.
Damn it, Zhao Yuheng, you’re brutal.
“I’m leaving.”
He turned away, eyes stinging.
Maybe this really would be their last meeting.
He just wanted to pack and go back to Hong Kong that very night. As for the engagement— Zhao Ci, you can marry into the Shen family and never drag me back here again 🙂
Zhao Yuheng caught the faint shimmer of tears in Shen Shuyi’s eyes and felt his chest tighten. He’s crying?
“Shen Shuyi!”
“Little Shu!”
The first voice was Zhao Yuheng’s. The second—Zhao Ci’s.
Zhao Ci suddenly appeared at the end of the hallway like a startled prairie dog.
He came just in time to see his elder brother grabbing Shen Shuyi’s arm like a predator.
Holy crap, he thought, good thing I showed up when I did!
He rushed forward and pulled Shuyi into his arms—well, more like gently steadied his shoulders.
He knew Shen Shuyi didn’t like being touched; one wrong move and he’d get slapped. No thanks!
When their eyes met, Zhao Yuheng’s glare was venomous—sharp as blades.
Zhao Ci instantly let go. Then, confused: Wait—why am I the one who looks guilty here?! He’s my fiancé!
“Big brother,” Zhao Ci said awkwardly. “I know you’re upset with me, but Little Shu’s innocent.”
He glanced at Shen Shuyi’s reddened eyes and felt his heart twist…
Look, you even made Shen Shuyi cry!
