Yuchen's expression immediately transformed as he emerged from his parents' room, where he had just delivered the news of securing a sponsor and the imminent arrival of the funds.
The once smiling face of a dutiful son contorted into one of disgust as memories of the old man's elated expression flooded his mind. It was a face he despised—a man he believed to be nothing more than a disappointment, unfortunately he was born from his sperm.
Yuchen then quickly climbed the stairs to head to the room prepared for him. He just came today from London so he hasn't had time to find a place to stay for him yet.
"You really are here."
A man's voice made Yuchen halt him in his tracks. He then gazed at the man leaning against the wall near the door of his room, arms folded.
Yuchen's irritation was evident, questioning why he had to encounter this man when he was already weary from the day's events. But with practiced grace, he promptly switched his expression to one of amiability, offering a smile.
"Ah, you're here, Brother. My apologies for not finding the time to visit you," Yuchen greeted, bowing his head slightly.
The man with an icy demeanor before him was Weiyang Liu, the CEO of the Liu Group which was a powerhouse in China and Yuchen's half-brother.
"I heard you went to see Jia Ni," Weiyang uttered in a quiet, icy tone.
Yuchen's face contorted in shock upon hearing his stepbrother's words.
Suddenly, everything fell into place, connecting the dots of confusion that had plagued him. It was Weiyang who had orchestrated the request for Yuchen to seek sponsorship from Wu Jia Ni.
"So, it was you who instructed me to go see her," thought Yuchen.
At first he was confused as to why his parents, especially his father, insisted that he should go sell his body to get a sponsor, but it turned out to be a request orchestrated by Weiyang.
Weiyang's lips curled into a sinister smile as he continued with his taunting remarks. "Seems like the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your despicable mother is willing to stoop so low as to seduce married men for money."
Deep-rooted hatred for his half-brother coursed through Weiyang's veins. His mother's actions had shattered their once harmonious family. He still remembers that day, when his twelve-year-old self was confronted with the reality that he had a younger brother who was 3 years younger than him. A younger brother was born not from his mother's womb.
Though his parents ultimately refrained from divorce for the sake of appearances, the damage inflicted on their family was irreparable. Especially when his father, who clearly loves this lowly woman more and his illegitimate child.
"Well, what else can I do? It seems we're just that good," Yuchen said, a sweet smile adorning his face.
If Weiyang thought he would remain silent or become angry at his insinuations, he couldn't be more wrong. He was no longer the child who would passively endure bullying.
"Need some tips, brother? I heard your fiancées called off the wedding, yet again. Maybe you're just not capable of satisfying them. I'd be delighted to offer you some expert advice, you know, we're just that good," Yuchen continued, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
Weiyang clenched his teeth and swiftly reached for Yuchen's neck, gripping it tightly.
"Listen to me, you son of a bitch. Do you honestly believe that escaping to London will grant you a peaceful life?" Weiyang sneered, his voice dripping with venom as he tightened his grip around Yuchen's neck.
Yuchen maintained a stoic expression, not even flinching as he felt Weiyang's grip tighten. He showed no signs of fear, despite sensing the palpable intent to kill emanating from Weiyang.
"I will obliterate you and your wretched family. Do you think that old man's business will run smoothly because you got dirty money? I will bring it to a halt and slowly dismantle you until you beg me to end your pitiful existence," the man declared with a wicked grin on his face.
Eventually, Weiyang released his hold on Yuchen's neck, having said what he wanted. This wasn't the moment to finish him off. He coldly made his way toward the stairs, eager to leave the dirty place.
Yuchen coughed, his throat sore from the pressure. He instinctively reached up to rub his neck, trying to alleviate the discomfort. As he did so, his gaze remained fixed on Weiyang's retreating back.
"Perhaps I shouldn't have provoked him," Yuchen thought, starting to regret his actions.
However, what choice did he have? That man insulted his mother! How could he remain silent?
Yuchen took a step towards his room, quickly removing his shoes, jacket, and shirt, tossing them onto the bed before collapsing onto it.
He stared at the ceiling, letting out a tired sigh. It had been an eventful day, filled with draining encounters.
Never did Yuchen imagine that on his very first day back, his parents would task him with seeking sponsorship from a woman who seemed well-versed in being a Sugar Mommy.
At first, Yuchen was very surprised by it, especially when he heard the rumors surrounding a certain woman named Wu Jia Ni. He never thought his parents would order him to do such a thing. Yet, he remained silent and agreed, knowing he had little choice in the matter.
Plus, a part of him was curious about that woman's skill in the bed. It's been a while since he got laid, so why not?
However, he didn't expect that he would instead meet the wrong woman and be involved in an unexpected situation.
"Marriage, huh..." Yuchen muttered to himself, reflecting on the offer presented by a complete stranger. Doubts crept into his mind. Had he made the right decision? Should he cancel the arrangement?
In truth, Yuchen wasn't in a dire situation where he desperately needed money. He pondered over his options, lost in his thoughts.
Suddenly, his pocket vibrated, jolting Yuchen out of his contemplation. With a weary expression, he retrieved his phone to see who was calling. His forehead furrowed upon seeing an "Unknown" caller ID.
The weariness on his face instantly transformed into a steely resolve. He hastily sat up, fully alert.
"Didn't I tell you not to call me?" Yuchen's voice turned cold and firm
Even though the person calling him was not from his contact, Yuchen could tell immediately who was calling him.
"I apologize, Capo, but there is an urgent situation."