Chapter 13 - 2#

I threw myself into my dad’s arms, Old Madam Ren’s face turning ashen as she viciously said: “……Sure enough, it’s your good wife who taught you well—this old woman has learned something new today! And……truly your good son! Ungrateful wretches, all of you get out!”

I walked down from the second floor and happened to see Uncle Jing and Dr. Xu whispering about something in the atrium on the first floor. Strangely enough, Third Master Ren was also present, his back to me, occasionally nodding toward Dr. Xu who stood opposite him.

What kind of person was Third Master Ren? The number of people in this day and age who could receive such courteous treatment from him could probably be counted on less than one hand.

I just never expected that although Dr. Xu was advanced in years, his eyesight was remarkably sharp. The moment he looked up, his gaze met mine. He adjusted the glasses on his nose bridge and said with a hearty laugh: “Young people should get out of bed and walk around a bit—don’t just lie in bed all day. Your spirits will improve too. Don’t you agree, Third Master?”

Several gazes from downstairs immediately fell on me.

Third Master Ren also turned to look. He was still wearing plain cotton-padded silk clothes. Perhaps it was because of the soft white scarf wrapped around his neck all the way down to his knees that even his somewhat lifeless complexion softened. Come to think of it, Third Master Ren’s preference for wearing silk was something that developed only after his leg injury.

In my previous life, for some major occasions, Third Master Ren would at least wear a Western suit. But later, after his accident, his health seemed increasingly difficult to maintain. His wardrobe probably only contained soft clothes and silk fabrics. Naturally, no one would say anything about it—after all, those intricate yet tasteful materials on Third Master Ren’s body inexplicably created an aura of inviolability.

Later, some self-proclaimed high-class industry professionals tried to follow his style of dress, but none could ever capture that distinctive quality of Third Master Ren.

That aside, in this life, Third Master Ren’s habits had changed rather quickly.

“Young Master, why are you standing there? Come down and have some refreshments.” With that, he glanced at Third Master Ren. “Third Master was just talking about you. Come here, come here.”

Dr. Xu was a naturally familiar person—I hadn’t noticed this about him in my previous life.

I walked downstairs somewhat awkwardly, not daring to look around too much. The main hall was very large, with several dark-toned vintage sofas arranged according to Old Madam Ren’s preferences. I was planning to pick a seat a bit further from them when Dr. Xu waved his hand and said: “Ah, don’t be so formal around an outsider like me. Third Master, look how shy the Young Master is. Anyone would think you uncle and nephew weren’t close.”

Ha ha.

I silently touched my chest—I was probably going to have a heart attack.

To be honest, in my previous life, having lived thirty years, I had never actually sat on the same sofa as Third Master Ren. Uncle Jing had someone bring another tea set, and the pervasive fragrance was like a seductive smoke.

Third Master Ren loved drinking tea—the more bitter, the better. I learned this from outsiders. Back then, many people tried to curry favor with him, and some naturally entrusted me to deliver gifts. Now that I think about it, they might have chosen the wrong person. But if I really think about it, if that incident hadn’t happened in my previous life, I would have genuinely believed that our uncle-nephew relationship was actually decent.

Actually, I couldn’t really blame myself for having poor judgment.

Whether Third Master Ren hated or liked something, he never showed it on his face. Take his love for tea—it was hard to describe precisely. I’d heard he had some research on tea leaves and supposedly collected some rare specimens. Speaking of which, some people had inquired about Third Master Ren’s other tastes. Some said Third Master Ren was elegant and preferred girls with a scholarly air, while others said he liked girls with some spirit, especially in bed.

There were many such rumors, but they were always discussed privately, never brought out into the open. No one dared to test Third Master Ren’s temper. Earlier, some said Third Master Ren conducted affairs exactly like Old Master Ren. Even after Third Master Ren had his accident and lost his power, some older people with discerning eyes said—Third Master Ren wasn’t the slightest bit like Old Master Ren. Starting from scratch wasn’t necessarily that difficult, but living half a lifetime, they had never seen a down-and-out dog live like an emperor, untouchable by anyone.

Whether this was praise or criticism was unclear.

As Dr. Xu talked, Third Master Ren occasionally responded with an “mm,” but mostly signaled Uncle Jing to reply on his behalf. I couldn’t join the conversation, so I just sat up straight, not daring to glance around. Looking down, I happened to catch sight of Third Master Ren’s hand resting on his crossed leg, tapping rhythmically as if planning something.

I sat rigidly upright, not knowing how much time passed. When Dr. Xu finally said his goodbyes, I couldn’t help but raise my hand to rub my eyes.

But my hand had only reached chest height when I felt a chill.

His grip was quite light, easy to shake off, but he gently pressed my hand down. Uncle Jing had just seen Dr. Xu to the door when Third Master Ren made a gesture. Uncle Jing said to Dr. Xu: “Please excuse me.” He walked over quickly, his steps very steady, and bowed slightly to Third Master Ren—a strange feeling, like a soldier meeting his superior.

Third Master Ren turned his head and said something. Uncle Jing simply replied “Yes,” then went to instruct the servants. After a moment, he walked back to Dr. Xu and said with slight apology: “My apologies for the poor hospitality. On behalf of Third Master, I offer my regrets to the doctor.”

Dr. Xu laughed heartily and turned back, whether teasing or with deeper meaning, saying: “Third Master’s prestige is too great for me to handle. I’ve always heard that daughters should be pampered, but rumors shouldn’t always be believed……Third Master is very protective of this nephew. Last time you mentioned it to me, I thought it was some young lady you were keeping close. Ah well, boys should endure some hardship.”

Third Master Ren smiled faintly without responding.

“Dr. Xu, this way please.”

“Alright, alright. I won’t stay and be a nuisance.”

It seemed Uncle Jing and Dr. Xu had some personal friendship. Just before the door closed, I heard Dr. Xu say: “……Third Master’s eye, truly incomparable……”

Soon, a servant brought up a wet towel. Third Master Ren took it with one hand and leaned closer. I was still sitting dazed when I felt a cool sensation near my hand—I nearly jumped up from my seat.

“Th-Third Uncle, I’ll do it myself…”

I felt my vision blur, and my tongue wouldn’t cooperate. Actually, I’ve had this problem since childhood—I could barely speak with him, and I didn’t dare look him straight in the eye.

Come to think of it, the bravest thing I ever did in my previous life was probably at the annual banquet during the transition period after the Ren family incident, when I threw red wine in Third Master Ren’s face.

The scene was chaotic. Wang Zheng felt humiliated and immediately shouted for security to escort me out, bellowing like crazy. I remember his expression wasn’t good either—probably having lived over forty years without meeting someone who dared to splash wine in his face.

Later, when I was inexplicably beaten up in an alley, I suspected he might have ordered it.

Third Master Ren looked very gentle, but was actually tougher than anyone. His grip on my shoulder was quite heavy. I struggled uncomfortably, feeling like a mouse caught by a cat—it gave me an inexplicable sense of panic. The wet towel gently covered my sore eyes. After a moment of discomfort, a soothing feeling spread instead.

I couldn’t help but narrow my eyes. A faint medicinal smell filled my nose.

Somewhat pungent.

His hand slowly circled my neck. There were several distinct scratch marks on it.

A long moment passed.

“Still……hurts……does it?”

Like this, he reminded me of some bad memories.

“Qi……Ri……”

“Don’t……blame……Third……Uncle……”

Actually, I had been recovering well, and there wasn’t much wrong with my eyes. Although they still ached occasionally, I had been managing it well.

That Dr. Xu had been summoned all the way from the mainland because of what happened a few days ago.

A few days ago was my mother’s birthday.

I went to visit my mother. Not for any particular reason—I just remembered that when my father was still alive, my mother always did all sorts of things for her birthday. The most extreme time was when they put me in a shockingly large gift box and gave me to my mother.

At first, my mother was fine, sitting on the bed playing with origami.

Her hair was tied into two braids with pink butterfly bows, and she asked me—Does it look pretty?

I said, Yes, it’s pretty.

Mother asked again—When Xiao Yang sees it, will he like it?

I said, Xiao Yang will like it.

My mother tilted her head delightedly, slightly blushing as she twirled her braids. The window was open, and a breeze blew in, carrying a fallen leaf that landed on her shoulder.

I reached out to brush it off.

When I turned back, she was looking at me.

The floor of the room was covered with paper cranes, colorful flowers……

“Where’s Xiao Yang?”

I said Xiao Yang went to work.

I walked to the desk, opened a drawer, and found her medicine.

“You’re lying. Xiao Yang won’t go to the company today.”

Every year on my mother’s birthday, no matter how big the matters, no matter how busy at the company, my father would take the entire day off to accompany my mother.

I said, Mom, take your medicine.

My mother jumped up from the bed and shouted: “Who are you! Where’s Xiao Yang!”

She stood up and was about to rush toward the door. I quickly ran to stop her: “Mom! Be good, take your medicine.”

She struggled fiercely, her strength terrifying. I wasn’t even as tall as her, so I couldn’t hold her back. “Mom! I’m Qiqi! Mother—! Mom—!!”

I screamed in fright.

She suddenly quieted down and stared at me blankly. After a long moment, as if remembering something, she looked down at me.

“Qiqi……?”

I nodded, carefully supporting her hand, and said: “Mom, be good, don’t be afraid……I’m Qiqi. Dad will be back soon……”

“Qiqi……Qiqi……”

I picked up the medicine and brought it close to her. “Mom, here, take your medicine. Take it and sleep a little, and Dad will come back.” I cautiously placed the medicine near her lips, coaxing her like a child, persuading her to slowly open her mouth.

“Be good……”

My mother nodded dazedly.

But I overestimated myself.

She suddenly bit down hard on my finger. I screamed. Her hand shot out and fiercely grabbed my throat as she roared like a madwoman: “Did you hide Xiao Yang?! Yes! It must be you who hid Xiao Yang!”

“Yes……that must be it……Xiao Yang! Xiao Yang isn’t dead! You’re lying to me! You’re lying to me! You’ve hidden Xiao Yang somewhere!”

“No……you’re not me! I’m not your mother! Don’t call me that! Don’t call me that—! I don’t have a son like you! I don’t have a son like you—!”

“Who are you! You’re not me and Xiao Yang’s child! You’re not—!!”

I suddenly raised my foot and kicked hard at her abdomen. She let go in pain. I scrambled backward, my hand hitting the desk. When I looked up, hot water came pouring down on me.

It landed squarely on my left eye.

Later, when I woke up, I was lying in bed.

When I opened my eyes, I saw an old gentleman in a white coat asking: Young Master, how do you feel?

A strange sensation came from my neck—like a caress.

Very light, very soft.

It could make one feel the illusion of being handled with great care.

I suddenly opened my eyes and met a pair of eyes shining like gems.

Once upon a time, even in my dreams, I silently prayed that those eyes would rest on me forever.

He was lying on top of me. Finally, he buried his head in the hollow of my neck—a bit like childhood, those pitifully brief days of innocent friendship……

“You idiot.”

“How am I an idiot?” I couldn’t help but smile wryly. Wang Zheng’s temperament in this life wasn’t too different from what I knew, except his attitude toward me was a universe apart.

Heaven’s compensation came too fiercely—I really couldn’t handle it.

Wang Zheng’s tone was somewhat gloomy. “I just got home and you end up in trouble. You’re an idiot. There’s no bigger idiot in this world.”

“Yes, yes, yes. Hey, don’t pinch me, that hurts.”

His arm wrapped around my waist. His face still had a bit of childishness, even a hint of girlish delicacy. I knew that in time, his brows would gradually sharpen. In a few more years, his features would become more defined, and then many, many eyes would follow him, trail after him.

Wang Zheng said: “The enrollment procedures are all done for you. I put your student ID……on the table.”

I softly “mmmed” in response.

Wang Zheng seemed to lift his head, but unfortunately I was too tired to pay him much attention.

On the table were also several brochures, all for famous psychiatric nursing homes in the city—well-equipped, highly reputable.

Uncle Jing’s voice still echoed in my ears: Young Master, Third Master would like to hear your thoughts.

—This is for the夫人’s own good, and for Young Master’s own good as well.

I realized that a person’s body temperature is really very warm.

Just holding someone was very comforting.

I even had a wonderful dream.

My mother was holding me, and it seemed my father was standing beside her.

She taught me hand over hand how to make a paper crane.

Placed in my palm, slowly unfolding.

Following the wind.

Soaring—

Volume 2