"You seem unusually quiet."
Lian Zhinan asked as he flipped the pages on the book. The young man seems to read something twisted, his lips purses and the beautiful eyebrows furrowed. Although, his attention was directed to the book, the system's strangeness couldn't escape in his eyes.
System 069 swallowed his nonexistence saliva, reluctantly drifted his eyes on the beauty sitting in the bed. The heat from the sun reflected on the bed, pouring sunlight towards the thrilling beauty, but system 069 had no time to appreciate it. He was now in a deep crisis.
S-Should he tells him about the peculiarity of Chu Yan? Then, wouldn't that just scare his host, right? Yes. It's better for his host to know nothing.
The system had no body, only a spark of light but strangely, Lian Zhinan was able to perceive every emotion that he omit. And the oddness of the system was quickly discerned.
[H-host, it's nothing! I just remember something.] The system chuckled nervously.
Lian Zhinan rose his eyebrow and didn't force the system. He put his focus on the book and completely forgotten the system's matters.
As he stayed longer here, he gets bored and the only thing that he was able to not get crazy about this boredom was to read the book brought by Assistant Gu. Perhaps, it was the habit of the body that wasn't eliminated causing Lian Zhinan to inherit it.
The real Lian Zhinan was homeschooled for his whole life. It wasn't on purpose at first, but as his social anxiety gets worse, Lian Father had no choice but to homeschool him. There is no proper explanation on why Lian Zhinan gets anxious around an outsider, but based on his memory, Lian Zhinan's mother was a famous actress.
Lian Father's first wife died after she gave birth to his eldest son, Lian Chen. Thereafter, he did not remarry anymore as out of respect to his dead wife, who was also his childhood sweetheart. Unfortunately, he met Lian Zhinan's mother who was very similar to his dead wife, perhaps, because of loneliness he found solace in another person's arm. Lian Zhinan's mother wasn't a famous actress back then, but because of Lian Father, she became a star overnight.
Few encounters turned into a hot, intense and deep love. Lian Zhinan's mother got pregnant, but Lian Father had no plan to remarry. He promised that he would support the child and her, but that's his limit. He still loves his dear wife. Lian Zhinan's mother wasn't hurt, she just finds it troublesome, but since the baby was here, she wasn't heartless enough to abandon her blood.
She secretly gave birth to Lian Zhinan and didn't hesitate to return to the spotlight. Lian Zhinan could only see his mother a few times. The nanny his mother hired wasn't a good person, she would let the Lian Zhinan starved and neglect her duties. In the end, Lian Zhinan find it hard to communicate with others. Thankfully, out of guilt, Lian Father discovered this and was immediately angry. He stopped supporting Lian Zhinan's mother and took the child to his house.
But what has happened has already happened.
Lian Zhinan's attention was on the book when the door was push opened. He closed his book and shifted his eyes to the old butler.
It's strange… why does the butler seem didn't sleep well?
As the matter of fact, Lian Zhinan wasn't able to strike a conversation first, and hence, he just sat there, unguarded, eyes full of confusion and the cow pajama made him look more slender and thin.
Butler Zhao erased his worries and smiled warmly, "Is Xiao Lian busy?"
Even though, Lian Zhinan had been living in the villa for almost a month, he still finds it novice to discovered other's concern towards him. It made him shy and flustered, he felt his heart stuffy, but the next question caused him to shudders.
"Does Xiao Lian like school?"
The genuine and soft toned of the old man made it harder for Lian Zhinan to process. Living in the past, even though, their servants would try to communicate with him, Lian Zhinan knew that it was only their duties. They were paid to do that task. It wasn't a surprised when their company fell into crisis and the ungrateful servants heartlessly resign and didn't hide their displeasure towards him.
H-He thought… he was now able to gain sincere family during this time… he didn't expect the butler would quickly abandon him.
He lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes castes a shadow and the overly detected face showed weakness and sadness. However, the butler remain motionless, disregarding the discomfort in his heart, he ignored his pity.
He couched down, held the shoulders of the juvenile, stated calmly, "Xiao Lian, the school is great. You would meet few friends and would enjoy the school life."
"B-but I only want Grandpa Zhao… sister Mei and sister Fei... also brother Gu and big brother…there is no need for other people."
The slightly aggrieved tone would make the stone-hearted man instantly melt down but for the sake's of Lian Zhinan's mentality, butler Zhao shunned his distress. It's for the better. It's for Lian Zhinan's sake, he thought.
"You don't need to worry. We are still here, we won't leave, and you will gain few people in your life when you go to school. Xiao Lian would learn more about the world."
It's not good for a child to be sheltered and ignorant, what Lian Zhinan needs now is a social experience. Perhaps, it was difficult, but it's the only choice.
Lian Zhinan in the end, lifted his face, forcing a shallow smile and slowly nodded. The always delicate face was painted with sorrow and sadness, the verily frailness was suffocating; however, Butler Zhao was already determined.
Butler Zhao beamed with pleasure, he patted the small head and gave it a rubbed several times before he finally let go.
"Xiao Lian is good. Grandpa would pick you up every time, no need to worry."
Despite the finality, Butler Zhao wasn't convinced of the youth's agreement. The child has grown to chained all his emotions and keep it by himself, he was afraid if Lian Zhinan wouldn't able to sleep because of grievance tonight, so, he compromised.
Lian Zhinan was still filled with sadness and could only respond weakly towards the butler's kind advices. In the past, his father would bring up school matters, and he would always felt suffocated and frightened, after a while, Lian Father wouldn't bring out about school anymore. However, he wasn't the rich young master anymore, his resistance would only make other's annoyed. Lian Zhinan was now a canary, supported by his brother's friend.
Butler Zhao sighed and finally took his leave. Closing the door, he could still perceive the youth's silent whimpers. His heart aches not as much as he expected to be. His eyes turned around and saw the cold face of Chu Yan, waiting at the door.
He bowed down and show respect, "Master Chu, Xiao Lian…"
Before he could finish, the cold voice already interrupted, "Let him be." Chu Yan had the striking face painted by an intense aura, the cold air penetrated in the corridor, his eyes were dark behind the eyeglasses, "Don't spoil him too much."
Butler Zhao swallowed his frustration and abolish his protest. Since, Chu Yan arrived here yesterday, he unusually asked about Lian Zhinan. Butler Zhao explained everything to him, about the child's condition and social anxiety. Although, he already expected that Chu Yan wouldn't care, he actually suggested a suggestion.
Chu Yan likes to smoke when he felt stress and bored, the smoke of the cigarettes floated in the midair, he was always emotionless and aloof, but there is a strange glint in his dark eyes right now. He took a sip in his cigarette and stared at the old butler.
"His condition would only worsen if you treated him like that." He spat in an icy voice.
The Butler stiffened and tried to refute his words, but he couldn't find any reason to contradict his ideas. He became speechless.
Chu Yan sneered and added, "Let him come to my study, we will talk about his brother."
He did not wait for the butler's respond and started walking away.
Although, Chu Yan rarely uses his villa, there is always a study room where he can finish his paper works.
Lian Zhinan who was now indulging in a book was suddenly interrupted by the knock. He closed his book with a 'bang' and went to the door in a confusing manner.
"Xiao Lian, master Chu wanted to see you in his study." The voice of the butler came from the outside.
Master… Chu? Chu Yan?
How come he was here? And when did he arrive?
System 069 who was following silently, trembled in fear. What the! How come that wild dog wanted to see his host?
Lian Zhinan was too busy to notice the system's peculiarity. He opened the door and saw the worried face of the butler.
"Xiao Lian, Master Chu was waiting in the study."
The butler went a head and guided Lian Zhinan to the study. Although, he was living here for a month, he was still unfamiliar with the house. He only went to the garden and to the dining room.
Butler Zhao stopped and pushed him in front. Lian Zhinan sighed nervously and opened the wooden door. The butler didn't follow him and stayed outside.
The study room was big, there are some books in the shelves and the design is very modern. Lian Zhinan admired the design of the room for a few second before he finally shifted his eyes to the man, sitting in the swivel chair.
The man was writing something on a paper, without lifting his head, Lian Zhinan could still see the outline of his face.
He looked reserved, distant and even violent. The way he was just sitting and doing nothing but still made Lian Zhinan felt the extreme pressure. His aura screamed superiority, aggression and dominance.
Lian Zhinan stepped back unconsciously. In the original plot, Chu Yan was one of the protagonist's golden backer. He was cold-hearted, ruthless and psychotic. There are many strong competitors that he single-handedly eliminated and of course, he also contributed in the bankruptcy of the Lian Industry. The original Lian Zhinan had met him a few times and based on his memory, he should be called now as brother.
"B-brother Chu."
Chu Yan lifted his eyes when he heard the soft voice. His pupils hidden in the eyeglasses had this dark glint that even he himself didn't know. The Lian Zhinan in his memory wasn't this head turner since he remembers, or maybe he just didn't notice it, or perhaps he had grown so much since he last saw him.
Last night, he was surprised by this dazzling beauty, but now he was in control. There is no other emotion filled in his eyes, nothing but coldness.
"Lian Zhinan…" He called lowly.
Lian Zhinan shudders unconsciously, his slender fingers gripped the end of his shirt and swallowed his nervousness. He quickens his pace and went closer to Chu Yan.
"B-brother Chu… Grandpa Zhao said that you wanted to see me." Lian Zhinan stammered.
Grandpa Zhao? Chu Yan frowned uncontrollably. Based from the report, Lian Zhinan was afraid of approaching others, and it's just a month, he could call the old butler grandpa?
This is strange… and very maddening. Chu Yan suddenly wanted to laugh, without humor.
How long did he has known the youth? The last time he saw him, he was simply seven years old, too young and his appearance was too common. He couldn't believe he turned into this, Chu Yan suddenly felt a strong impulse. He, himself, had no desire, and it's very unusual for him to feel this way.
He put down the pen and stared at the young man once again, deeply and intensely. Lian Zhinan was instantly uncomfortable by his extreme gaze and looked down.
"B-brother Chu… can I return to my room now?"
Lian Zhinan was most afraid of people with a fiercer countenance and this man, certainly had this drive and atmosphere to be felt around.
"Come here." Chu Yan pushed his swivel chair and patted his thighs.
Lian Zhinan's eyes widened and not only him, the quiet system finally couldn't endure it all.
System 069 screamed hysterically in silent. This dog man dare to have thoughts about his host!
Lian Zhinan anxiously retorted, "B-brother Chu… I'm really tired, I will go back now."
Chu Yan was unmoved: "Come here."
This time, Lian Zhinan finally cried. He was always calm and collected, but what he couldn't tolerate was a man who was such a pushover. This damn chicken plot. Isn't Chu Yan supposed to ignore him?
Aggrieved, he slowly walked towards the wolf's den. Chu Yan spread his legs apart, his thigh was big and thick, the pants hugged perfectly his muscle thigh. He is not masculine because of his well-defined body, he was masculine because of his bone structures and the way he acted.
In halfway, Lian Zhinan paused and wanted to gather his strength to run away. But it seems Chu Yan was able to heard his ideas and instantly grabbed his wrist. His body forcibly fell down on his lap and the strong male scent penetrated his nose.
Lian Zhinan's eyes reddened, he was terrified most having contact with a stranger and this man was really triggering him, he spoke in a weak manner, "Brother Chu, I'm really tired. I-I want to go to sleep."
Instead of answering, Chu Yan easily cupped his face and lifted. The youth's eyes were filled with tears, anyone would feel pity in this sight, but Chu Yan wasn't. He was even more interested.
"How old are you?" He asked in a cold voice, he continued, "Staying here won't do me some good. Let's talk about the benefits."
If Lian Zhinan was pretending to be aggrieved and angry a while ago, this time, he was really furious! Although, he had no memories, he still had small knowledge about this matter.
He gnashed his teeth and weakly responded, "I-I'm seventeen." Well, he would be an adult a few months from now, but he would rather not add that.
Chu Yan suddenly frowned and stared at him, more serious this time, "Lian Zhinan, what could you offer in exchange for you to stay here? I'm a businessman and I don't do charity."
I am your close friend's younger brother! Lian Zhinan wanted to shout that. This is unbelievable. He was secure in the past even though he could perceive assistant Gu's coveted eyes because he didn't make a move, but this dog man actually didn't hide the intention in his eyes.
Lian Zhinan who's cold and always calm, was immediately lost for words.
Chu Yan waited for his answered and started caressing the soft waist of the young man. Lian Zhinan flinched and stared at the perpetrator unbelievably.
"Sir, Lian Zhinan should be going to sleep at this time."
The reminder of the Butler widened the courage of Lian Zhinan.
"Brother Chu, I'm going to sleep now!" He immediately stood up from his embraced and quickly ran away.
Chu Yan looked at his back coldly, feeling the hotness on his fingers, he smiled dangerously.