Chapter 72: Good Little One
Now? So suddenly!
Shen Shuyi typed a reply: “That’s not a good idea, there are so many people here…”
Then he expressionlessly deleted it.
Was Zhao Yuheng’s lust contagious? Why was he acting weird too?
He put his phone down and didn’t reply again.
Since they had just talked about Zhao Yuheng’s “chasing him” plan, Shen Shuyi still felt a bit embarrassed—his face burning—so he decided to ignore him for now.
Cool down a bit.
After breakfast, the group headed for the West Highlands Hunting Ground.
It was located on the outskirts of Beijing, but judging from the surrounding landscape, it looked more like the mountain regions of Yancheng.
“Hunting ground?” Shen Shuyi asked.
“Mm.” Zhao Yuheng said, “Zhao Qing’s birthday banquet lasts three days. The hunting trip is a traditional family gathering activity—usually held once or twice every winter. This time, Zhao Ci’s second uncle also came back from Australia, so it’s been arranged to ‘strengthen brotherhood.’”
Using a hunt to promote brotherly love?
Shen Shuyi was stunned. How exactly did that promote anything?
He’d only stayed at the Zhao house for two days and already felt that second uncle practically hated Zhao Qing. Every chance he got, he’d throw in some backhanded comment.
Were they planning to “strengthen brotherhood” by shooting at each other with hunting rifles?
Zhao Ci was thrilled beyond words—he’d been howling like a beagle ever since Zhao Qing announced the plan.
His stepmother He Shuyuan and his aunt were mortified. The dining room wasn’t just filled with Zhao Qing’s branch of the family—there were also the second and third uncles’ families present.
But beagles are like that.
They don’t stop howling just because humans feel embarrassed.
Shen Shuyi hadn’t expected the Zhao family to have such traditions.
When he was abroad, he’d actually participated in a few aristocratic hunts, though he wasn’t very interested in them.
In China, open hunting grounds for regular tourists were rare. Even though the Yinghua and Hong Kong governments had very close ties, it was still nearly impossible to get a private hunting ground license without serious political connections.
“It’s not really private,” Zhao Yuheng seemed to read his doubts and explained. “It’s open to tourists at times, just very selective. You can find it online.”
Shen Shuyi searched West Highlands Hunting Ground on Little Red Notes—and sure enough, there were plenty of stylish tourists and influencer vlog posts about it.
But Zhao Yuheng also saw something else—Shen Shuyi’s recent search history:
“What to do if boyfriend doesn’t reply for 5 minutes,”
“How long should I make him chase me before reconciling,”
“Excuses for getting back together,”
“How to nurse gastritis,”
“How to take nice wedding photos,”
“Best places to get engaged,” etc.
Shen Shuyi didn’t realize his search history was showing. He looked up and found Zhao Yuheng staring intently—then looked down—
!!!
Crap—
Shen Shuyi immediately closed Little Red Notes, fumbling like crazy. The more he panicked, the guiltier he looked.
“I saw that.”
“It’s your imagination,” Shen Shuyi said flatly, gripping his phone tightly.
“You were searching for wedding photo ideas? I think you’d look good in anything.”
“It’s for marrying Zhao Ci, thank you very much. Don’t overthink it.”
“When did I ever take five minutes to reply to you?”
“?”
“Don’t play dumb. The day before yesterday, 2:35 p.m.—I asked what you were doing, and you didn’t reply for five minutes—”
Halfway through, Shen Shuyi stopped.
He realized he’d fallen right into the trap. Embarrassed and angry, he was momentarily speechless.
“Oh…” Zhao Yuheng smiled with deliberate wickedness—enough to make Shen Shuyi want to slap that grin off his face.
“So the boyfriend in question was me, huh?”
“…”
So that’s how you want to play?
Shen Shuyi smiled sweetly. “Yeah, my boyfriend is you. But my fiancé and husband are not you ^ ^”
This time, Zhao Yuheng went silent.
Shen Shuyi clapped his hands, then patted Zhao Yuheng’s shoulder. “Alright, Little Zhao, let’s stop hurting each other, okay? Listen, when we go hunting later, you need to help me catch a few big fish.”
He glanced at the activity list—ice fishing, skiing, camping, etc.
“Sure,” Zhao Yuheng said helplessly. “Craving fish?”
“I want it grilled and sizzling with oil—but I’ll only take one bite,” Shen Shuyi declared.
“I’ll eat the rest,” Zhao Yuheng said. “I’ll debone it for you too.”
“I also want roast chicken.”
“Someone’s got quite an appetite today.”
“I’ll only take one bite, hehe.”
“Okay.”
Not far away, the butler was already calling Zhao Ci to hurry up and change for the helicopter.
The hunting ground was deep in the Yancheng mountains—four or five hours by car—so flying in was much more convenient.
As they walked toward the helipad, Shen Shuyi muttered, “I don’t want dry meat. I want the wing part. You have to help me take out the bones—I’m not gnawing them myself…”
…
—
The helicopter hovered for about forty minutes before reaching the heart of the West Highlands Hunting Ground.
Shen Shuyi had changed into a classy British-style hunting outfit—a double-breasted trench coat, buttoned neatly to the collar. Pure old money aesthetic.
Underneath, though, he wore a crisp white shirt, a tailored vintage vest, and tall leather hunting boots hugging his calves—a combination that drew the eye irresistibly.
Of course, the usual outcome of staring too long was getting kicked hard.
From above, the entire hunting ground stretched beneath them, and Zhao Yuheng explained dutifully,
“The forest on the left is the main area. Most of these mountains belong to the Zhao family. Because Zhao Qing’s here today, the place has been closed to tourists since yesterday.”
Shen Shuyi nodded. Made sense—protecting the family’s safety would require top-tier security.
“What kind of animals are they hunting?”
“The big predators were driven off. Mostly farmed rabbits, pheasants, wild boars, and so on. Some species were released by the Wildlife Bureau for ecological balance—ones that reproduce too fast.”
Everything was legal and regulated.
Zhao Qing designed this family event as a reminder: one must never grow complacent.
In his words—
“The hunting ground is like the business world. Treat your rivals as prey—with patience, precision, and ruthless decisiveness.”
Shen Shuyi nodded again.
It really did fit the Zhao family’s style—and Zhao Yuheng’s nature.
Genetics were terrifying.
People at their level all seemed to carry a blood-deep instinct to conquer.
Shen Shuyi remembered that his brother Shen Lu also liked shooting—but usually only at a proper range.
“What will you use later?” Zhao Yuheng asked. “Rifle or bow?”
“We’ll see.” Shen Shuyi wasn’t interested. He’d probably just grab an air gun and wander around.
He knew himself well—if he went hunting, the whole family would go hungry.
When Shen Shuyi fell silent, Zhao Yuheng frowned. “What’s wrong? You don’t want to hunt?”
“It’s not that…” Shen Shuyi hesitated, glancing around the empty cabin. Odd—who’d arranged for the brother-in-law to share a helicopter with the eldest brother?
The Zhao family really was too rich—sending out three helicopters at once.
“Promise you won’t think I’m being dramatic?”
“Promise.”
After a few seconds, Shen Shuyi said, “I actually don’t want to hunt, TUT! It’s too hard! I’ve never even killed a fish in my life, TUT!”
Zhao Yuheng blinked. “Alright, then don’t hunt.”
Shen Shuyi eyed him suspiciously. “You’re not secretly judging me, are you?”
Then he mimicked a mocking tone:
“Oh, Shen Shuyi eats chicken and fish all the time, but now he’s pretending to be soft-hearted—such a dramatic little boy, huh…”
That exaggerated, nasal voice was so cute Zhao Yuheng almost melted. He chuckled. “I’m not. I wouldn’t dare.”
“You better not!” Shen Shuyi poked his shoulder. “Other people can think I’m dramatic, but you can’t!”
“I won’t. You said it yourself—I’m chasing you, so I’m at a disadvantage. I’ll listen to you.” Zhao Yuheng smiled sincerely. “And honestly, being dramatic suits you—it’s adorable.”
He added, “If you don’t want to join, I’ll walk around with you instead. You’re dressed too nicely not to take pictures.”
Shen Shuyi could tell from his tone that Zhao Yuheng was definitely the capable type.
“You don’t have to babysit me. Go with them if you want.”
He could be dramatic, sure—but he had limits. He never crossed the line into annoying.
“I don’t want to,” Zhao Yuheng said firmly. “They’re not as important as you.”
Shen Shuyi paused. “…Oh.”
“But Uncle Zhao said there’s a contest today. Tonight, we can only eat what we’ve hunted. If you stay with me and we catch nothing, what’ll we eat?”
“I don’t know. Maybe wild vegetables or fruit.” Zhao Yuheng feigned resignation. “Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog [1], right?”
“Huh?” Shen Shuyi blinked. “Eat… wild plants?”
“Or maybe we can order takeout. Fried food isn’t healthy, but once in a while won’t hurt, right?”
Shen Shuyi tensed, realizing he was being teased again.
“You’re ridiculous,” he said flatly.
Zhao Yuheng pinched his nose lightly. “Then we’ll just steal Zhao Ci’s food, okay? Baby.”
The helicopter suddenly jolted. The pilot apologized quickly: “Sorry, Young Master!”
Oh shit.
Did the pilot just hear the Young Master call his brother-in-law “baby”?
God help me—I didn’t just overhear a family scandal, did I?!
As the chopper rocked, Zhao Yuheng caught Shen Shuyi by the waist.
“Feeling dizzy?”
Shen Shuyi shook his head obediently. Then seriously said, “I think your idea was great. That brat Zhao Ci takes advantage of you all the time—it’s about time he pays you back.”
Just as they landed, Zhao Ci suddenly shivered.
His stepmother He Shuyuan steadied him. “Hey, stand still! You’re a grown man.”
“Not that, Mom,” Zhao Ci frowned, rubbing his chin. “I just got a really bad feeling…”
—
The helicopter landed on the Zhao family’s mountain villa, built halfway up the slope on a rare flat terrace—an enormous estate spanning several thousand square meters.
Even though mountain villas were cheaper to build, Shen Shuyi—who’d seen his share of opulent mansions—couldn’t help but be impressed.
The whole structure was nearly transparent, built of glass and steel. Rumor said it was designed by Italy’s most famous architect and cost over a billion yuan to complete.
All the windows and walls were voice-activated, adjustable between transparent, opaque, or one-way—depending on the owner’s needs.
Standing in the wilderness, it looked almost like something generated by AI.
He even checked Little Red Notes again—tons of posts speculating about the villa, but only from afar, or drone shots.
So this was also Zhao family property.
Once they landed, everyone went to the armory to pick their weapons.
Shen Shuyi didn’t follow—because his phone started ringing again.
It was Shen Lu—his brother.
He’d already called over a dozen times that morning, but Shen Shuyi hadn’t dared answer.
At noon, his brother must have been busy—but now, apparently, he was free—and unleashing the full sibling wrath combo.
Shen Shuyi took a deep breath, bracing himself like he was about to defuse a bomb, and finally accepted the video call.
“Shen Shuyi!!”
The roar hit like thunder.
Shen Shuyi nearly fell to his knees on the spot.
But he had a perfect counterplan—and he couldn’t show weakness now.
He froze—completely motionless.
Expression, posture, everything.
Shen Lu snapped, “Explain yourself! What the hell happened last night? Why did you suddenly hang up? Trying to scare me to death?”
Shen Shuyi didn’t move.
Shen Lu continued, “And this morning you wouldn’t answer—what, your wings have hardened now? Think I can’t discipline you just because you’re in Beijing?”
Still no movement.
“Shen Shuyi?”
Not even a blink.
“…You’re pretending the video froze again, aren’t you?!”
The last few words were practically shouted. Clearly, this wasn’t the first time Shen Shuyi had pulled this stunt.
Still motionless.
Shen Lu rubbed his temples.
If Shen Shuyi was good at anything, it was this—he could “play dead” with saintly patience until the other side gave up.
People are always patient when doing bad things—and Shen Shuyi was a prodigy at it.
He’d always been that way.
Once, in England—
Little Shen Shuyi loved asking everyone, “Am I cute?”
Most people said yes, but occasionally a teasing adult would say “Not really.”
He’d get so mad he’d hold his breath—until they changed their mind.
No one took it seriously—until one day he actually fainted from holding his breath, scaring the family half to death and summoning eight private doctors.
Who would’ve thought—one meter tall, but one thousand meters of stubborn pride.
Now Shen Lu massaged his forehead harder, sighing.
“Shen Shuyi? Little Shu? Good little one?”
“…”
Another sigh.
He clasped his hands on the million-yuan pearwood desk, forcing a gentle smile. “Alright, Little Shu. Brother’s not mad. Let’s not talk about it anymore, okay?”
…
Suddenly, Shen Shuyi “unfroze,” blinking innocently. “Huh? What did you say, brother? The signal was bad just now—did I freeze?”
“…”
You little brat.
—
After Shen Lu reluctantly promised not to pursue the matter, Shen Shuyi sweetly apologized for what he’d said that night.
“I was just joking!” he mumbled.
“That’s not the kind of joke you make. I know you too well—you only joke like that when you’re planning something. You don’t want to marry Zhao Ci, do you?”
Shen Shuyi averted his eyes guiltily.
“Little Shu,” Shen Lu said, “the Zhao family marriage is already set in stone. Listen to me—once you’re married, you can return to Hong Kong. Whatever you want to do after that, I won’t stop you.”
That was a clear hint: even if he had an affair later, Shen Lu would turn a blind eye.
Shen Shuyi was shocked.
Brother, do you really have no bottom line for me?!
“Aiya, don’t worry, brother, I won’t do anything bad. Anyway, anyway… you’ll find out soon enough!”
Shen Lu rubbed his temples, even more exhausted.
He glanced behind Shen Shuyi and frowned. “You’re not at the Zhao house?”
“Uncle Zhao said we’re going hunting. We’re at the West Highlands.”
He flipped the camera to show the scenery.
“Be careful,” Shen Lu nodded. But then—his eyes caught a familiar figure in the frame.
Before he could react, he blurted, “Shen Shuyi, who’s that behind you—”
Beep. The call was cut off.
“…”
So familiar.
So déjà vu.
Just what the hell was this kid hiding?
Shen Lu’s face darkened. “Prepare the jet. I’m flying to Beijing today.”
Author’s Note:
Big Brother (chewing thoughtfully): Something feels off…
Footnotes:
[1]“Marry a chicken, follow a chicken; marry a dog, follow a dog.” This Chinese proverb claims that a woman should always follow her husband’s orders and accept his behavior.
