Chapter 18

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As the car pulled through the hotel gates, Shi Yun hurriedly turned to look at his uncle, Shi Yanchen.

“Uncle, can you try to be a bit nicer to Shang Cheng when you meet him later?”

Shi Yanchen snapped his phone shut with a click, his face unreadable. “What’s wrong with my attitude?”

Wasn’t it obvious?

Shi Yun noticed the faint impatience in his uncle’s eyes and felt compelled to plead, “Anyway, it can’t be like this. This is your first formal meeting with him. You might have opportunities to collaborate in the future.”

He tried to steer his uncle’s thoughts in that direction.

But Shi Yanchen replied, “I can distinguish between business and personal matters.”

Shi Yun said, “Then just speak properly.”

Shi Yanchen glanced at him. “Whose side are you on?”

Shi Yun ignored the question. “I only take the side of reason. If you think Shang Cheng is alright, you shouldn’t give him the cold shoulder. That’s just rude. Uncle, how did you teach me before? There should be principles when dealing with people.”

He still remembered how strict his uncle was when he was a child, always speaking in rehearsed phrases, yet sometimes showing warmth.

Back then, Lan Suzhi never wanted to visit his uncle, so he rarely saw him for a long time. Those days, it was his uncle who would carry him out to play every day. Though his words were often harsh, he cared for him deeply.

He used to think it was all because his uncle was taking care of him for his mother’s sake, but now he realized there was no problem with that. They were family by blood; such bonds couldn’t be severed. Even with “love for the house and everything in it,” there was a special kind of affection reserved just for them.

After a while, the three met. Shang Cheng had chosen a very formal place this time. Upon entering the private room, he politely stood and greeted Shi Yanchen.

Shi Yun glanced at Shang Cheng’s casual, simple attire—it was obvious he had come just to eat—then shifted his gaze to his uncle, who was dressed somewhat more formally.

Shi Yanchen’s face showed little expression. Though not warm, he wasn’t exactly cold either.

Once seated, Shi Yanchen asked some straightforward questions. Shi Yun knew that whatever he really wanted to find out, he’d already looked into it. Now, he was just trying to make conversation—perhaps even looking for faults in Shang Cheng. So when the dishes arrived, Shi Yun couldn’t help but keep putting food into his bowl.

“Chengjia is mainly—”

“Uncle, try some of this.”

“Do your parents know about your orientation?”

“Uncle, pour me some tea.”

“You’re in your thirties?”

“Uncle, have some soup!”

Hearing question after question, Shi Yun was breaking out in a sweat.

Seeing his uncle drink soup with a cold face, he hurriedly said, “Age is not a problem at all, and a ten-year difference isn’t much.”

Shi Yanchen glanced at him. “I’m asking Shang Cheng; why are you answering?”

Shi Yun was speechless.

Faced with these questions, Shang Cheng remained calm. He lifted his teacup and took a sip, then said, “I am indeed older than Shi Yun, but I genuinely like him. You can rest assured.”

Shi Yanchen smiled faintly and changed the subject. “I don’t recall you mentioning him before. How long have you known each other?”

That was a killer question. Shi Yun instinctively wanted to make something up, but Shang Cheng had already answered.

“I’ve known Shi Yun for a long time. He’s excellent and well-known in his field. Previously, due to work stress, he wasn’t sleeping well. One night, I happened to watch his livestream. Over time, I naturally wanted to meet him.”

It was the first time Shi Yun had heard how Shang Cheng came to know him, and he fell silent for a moment.

Shi Yanchen chuckled lightly, then turned to Shi Yun. “And you?”

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“...” Since Shang Cheng had been so sincere, Shi Yun didn’t want to hide it. “A little over half a month.”

As soon as he said this, he saw Shi Yanchen’s expression turn cold instantly. He quickly added, “Isn’t love at first sight possible? Young people’s feelings come suddenly.”

As if unimpressed by his explanation, Shi Yanchen said nothing more.

After the meal, Shi Yanchen accompanied them to a club arranged by He Mosheng, but on the way, they split into two groups. Shi Yanchen invited some friends and didn’t join them.

Once in the car, Shi Yun exhaled deeply. Though no longer with his uncle, he still felt nervous.

“My uncle is a bit difficult, but he’s actually a good person,” he couldn’t help but explain to Shang Cheng.

Shang Cheng simply held his hand. “I know. He cares about you.”

Warmth spread through Shi Yun’s heart. He relaxed and cautiously squeezed Shang Cheng’s hand, then looked out the window.

Such a sense of stability was rare for him now. He carried so many burdens inside, and solving them unnoticed was difficult. But with family and friends around, he felt at ease.

At the lounge, everyone was familiar—people Shi Yun had met earlier in the private room—and they all seemed to know about the relationship, behaving kindly.

After some casual catching-up, everyone went their separate ways.

According to He Mosheng, he was skilled in archery and planned to spar with Shang Cheng. Seeing this, Shi Yun followed them.

It was just a casual game; they weren’t equipped with protective gear.

“Do you need a coach, Shi Yun? I know a professional one who can lend you some gear to protect your muscles,” He Mosheng said as he entered, then glanced at Shang Cheng behind him. “Or you can have Shang Cheng teach you—he’s a qualified instructor.”

Shi Yun was intrigued by that last remark and was about to ask why when Shang Cheng spoke up.

“He can do it himself; no need for a coach.”

Hearing this, He Mosheng nodded and apologized, “I thought you weren’t good at this.”

“No problem,” Shi Yun thought for a moment and explained, “My uncle taught me.”

He Mosheng was not unfamiliar with Shi Yanchen’s name and nodded knowingly.

Slowing his pace quietly, once He Mosheng had moved away, Shi Yun turned to Shang Cheng, eyes sparkling. “How did you know I could do it too?”

Shang Cheng answered honestly without hesitation, “Last year during the New Year, you went back to your mother’s house to practice archery and posted photos.”

“Have you been watching my videos for that long?” Shi Yun was truly shocked.

He had been doubting whether what Shang Cheng and his uncle said was true or not, but now there was no need to question anymore.

Shang Cheng lowered his hand to hold his, gently squeezing his fingers. “Probably since you first started your brand—not very long.”

Shi Yun was surprised. He had started his clothing brand back in his freshman year.

Shang Cheng had quietly watched his livestreams for so long. No wonder he initially just wanted to get to know him simply. He did seem like someone who took things step by step.

He Mosheng had already started urging them on, so they didn’t talk further.

Choosing a bow with the right poundage, Shi Yun adjusted his stance and nocked the arrow. As he drew the string fully, an untimely question flashed through his mind.

He wondered: if Shang Cheng hadn’t confessed at Shuiyuntian but had just controlled himself and taken time to get to know him first, would he have gradually fallen for Shang Cheng?

With a whoosh, the arrow shot through the air and struck the target dead center.

“Wow, that’s some skill!” He Mosheng exclaimed.

Snapping back to reality, Shi Yun glanced at the scores. They were roughly the same.

Suddenly, his competitive spirit was ignited; he challenged them to a match.

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Shang Cheng had no objections and went along with it. He Mosheng, being competitive, was interested as well.

“Alright, you’re tied.” He Mosheng’s last arrow missed the mark, and looking at the scores, he clicked his tongue. “Shi Yun is really good. I thought you were skinny, but you’re quite strong in this.”

Shi Yun held his bow, stretching his aching shoulders and arms, feeling the fatigue.

He had just shot his last arrow—a nine-ring—but Shang Cheng hadn’t finished yet, so the outcome was still uncertain.

“I work out regularly too,” he said casually.

He Mosheng was intrigued. Earlier, trying to win, he had taken off his jacket, leaving just a thin white T-shirt. Now he flexed his muscles toward Shi Yun. “I usually work out. You can’t tell with the clothes on, but I have plenty of muscle.”

Shi Yun couldn’t compete with him there and just smiled.

Unexpectedly, Shang Cheng switched bows and suddenly added, “He has abs.”

“Huh?” He Mosheng looked at Shi Yun’s embarrassed expression, thinking they were showing off affection. “Shang Cheng, don’t mess around. If you throw the game, I’ll know. You’re the only one without any achievements here—hurry up and finish!”

Shi Yun’s mind flashed to the gifts Shang Cheng threw during his last livestream when fans demanded to see his abs.

Feeling awkward, he avoided the topic. “Don’t throw the game.”

Competition must be fair. He wasn’t too concerned about winning or losing, but respect for the opponent was essential. In any case, he had already given his all.

Shang Cheng flexed his arm slightly. His bow was heavier than theirs, and when fully drawn, he looked imposing. His broad shoulders beneath his clothes hinted at muscle contours. Tall and upright, his side stance was like a scenic view.

The next second, his arrow pierced the target, and the staff rushed over to check the score.

“Ten-ring.”

He Mosheng whistled. “Really shouldn’t compete with you.”

He said as he turned to grab Shi Yun’s shoulder, “Shi Yun, let’s go. I’ll take you horseback riding. No more playing with this weirdo.”

Shi Yun laughed at his teasing and turned to see Shang Cheng following behind, a bit helpless.

“Hey, Shi Yun,” He Mosheng couldn’t sit still for a moment. “How did you and Old Shang get together? Seems to have progressed really fast.”

Shi Yun obediently let him put an arm around him and didn’t resist. “Shang Cheng confessed to me, and I said yes.”

“He’s really lucky. By the way, do you have any sisters?”

“No, my mother only had me.”

“I see... Being an only child isn’t bad. What about the Lan family?”

“Legally, I have no relation to them.”

He Mosheng nodded and laughed: “That’s good. I heard Old Shang was interested in you before and was worried for a while.”

Since he reached out to him, Shi Yun had guessed he was hinting at something. He didn’t panic but asked, “Worried about what?”

“Mainly the age difference between you two. And,” He Mosheng hesitated but went on, “I also heard you have a bit of a temper and caused quite a few incidents before. But after spending time with you today, I realize those rumors aren’t reliable. So... you must be sincere with Shang Cheng, right? You’re young, so dating is no big deal. But Shang Cheng isn’t that kind of person. He’s serious. You must have noticed.”

He stopped talking. Shi Yun smiled, but when he looked at He Mosheng, his gaze was tinged with a chill.

“So, what?”