There was an uncomfortable silence and the air was filled with tension. Killian's father didn't know what to say. Maybe he's happy that the man who holds one half of City A could be so attentive to his own son, yet he couldn't help but feel the young and beautiful cabbage he painstakingly nurtured was threatened to be devoured by a wild boar.
Thinking of Killian, Mr. Philip couldn't help his blood pressure rising. 'Bah! What beautiful cabbage, that brat is a weed!'
Besides, what he should think of is not what he would do in case his son suffers under Alexi's patriarchy, but what he should do when Alexi suffers under Killian obnoxiousness and his son earns the other's ire. When that happens all nine clans of the Philip family might not be an enough compensation.
"Killian isn't really suitable to be CEO Leonardo's companion. He is blunt, but still bites back when sharpened. I'm afraid you'll lose your interest as soon as possible. Maybe it is only momentary, and it is better that the two of you don't venture anything that may only bring damage in the end. Besides, I don't think Killian sees you differently other than a model person to be admired. Aren't you afraid of turning that goodwill into hate if you show your true intentions? He is arrogant, he might not be able to imagine himself being with a man."
Alexi laughed dangerously, making the older man shudder. "I'm not a saint, Mr. Philip. I am not the type of person who can exercise restraint when what I want is right in front of me, without even trying to break that thin window paper in between.
If you are afraid I'd break Killian's wings and turn him into a shell of hatred, you don't have to worry about that. I long to see him shine and succeed in life more than you do, but the premise is that only I stands by his side."
This declaration made Mr. Philip even more certain that Alexi Leonardo is giving him respect by informing him and not taking the object of his obsession directly. He could only resign to fate and let Alexi covet his son openly than to have the man resort to dark means. They say geniuses have weird quirks, and Alexi Leonardo proved it to be true.
'Sure enough! Dreaming of the blessed fat worm really means they need to have another baby!' Mr. Philip decided make one right away tonight.
Killian, on the other hand, didn't know his father sold him off to his savior and plans to have another kid to raise as his successor. Until he was called down to have dinner, his father threw him an indescribable gaze that looked like he had constipation then he proceeded to sigh in regret or pity that you'd think his days are numbered. It was then he noticed Alexi adjacent to his dad's left which was supposed to be his seat. His mom was already on her seat at the right, talking lively to Alexi.
He sat beside the man, who stopped momentarily to smile at him.
"I thought you already left," he said. His dad then showed another constipated look, making him clear his throat and spoke again to save the day. "It's great that you can join us. My mom is a former chef, she's the best! You need to try her cooking at least once in your life!"
Alexi chuckled gently and folded his napkin personally while his mom laughed awkwardly, not expecting her son to throw her into the fire as soon as he opened his mouth. "Really? Then I'm afraid I'd be coming back more to dine with the family."
Killian proudly nodded like a chicken, and started eating right away when his father motioned that they can start. He clamped two chicken thighs marinated and fried, one for him and one for Alexi. He skipped the vegetables and gave the other party meat dishes the same as himself. His father once again shot him a glare so he stopped his itchy hands right away.
Alexi ate gracefully all the dishes he gave him, which made Killian even more fond of the man. "Tell me what you want to eat, I'll get it for you. Do you eat chili crab and shrimp? I think it's not good for those with stomach problems, but it's really delicious."
"Eat less of those in the future," Alexi reminded him.
"I'll try. Have you already tried eating street foods? They're so yummy especially when paired with spicy sauce. If you want to try, we know the best stall. Tell the boss you know me and he'll give you a discount." Killian talked a lot while eating, until he noticed the other party giving him vegetables. "But I don't like vegetables."
"And I don't like kids who don't eat vegetables." Alexi warned softly, making him endure and eat silently.
But why does Alexi keep adding more?!
"I don't want to eat it anymore, I'm full!" He groaned, showing his plump belly.
The other party raised an eyebrow but still took his plate and ate the leftovers. All throughout the dinner, Mr. and Mrs. Philip kept silent as they gauge the boys' degree of getting along but Mr. Philip couldn't help wiping the cold sweat on his brows as he watched the man silently take over his son's plate and eat normally.
"You brat, how could you let Alexi eat your leftovers." He gritted his teeth, wanting to spank Killian to oblivion.
Killian seemed to realize his mistake and looked up at the man wide-eyed. "I'm sorry, don't eat it anymore! I'll get you a new plate!"
The man only rubbed his head softly before continuing to eat. Killian thought it was the man's kindness, but no one knows it was Alexi's selfishness. He doesn't want the little kitten's leftovers to be touched by others, even if it's to be given to stray dogs.
Killian scratched his head and silently ate dessert with the man, using the man's plate. At least this way they're even. This little trick made Alexi happy and was even more energized to eat with the youth. The husband and wife watching them sighed in defeat before continuing to eat. The next half an hour passed by with a comfortable silence and sound of cutlery and dinner plates.
Nearing the end of the meal, Mr. Philip decided to talk about the most important thing. "Killian, you are not young anymore. You can't always do things thoughtlessly and expect someone to save you when things started to go wrong. You need to grow up and start taking things seriously. Today's event won't happen if you were only a little more observant. Good thing that Xi kid is trustworthy and Alexi happened to be cautious of his environment. Otherwise, I think you'd be lying six feet underground."
Killian first noticed the first-name basis used by his father before concentrating on his following words. He apologized sincerely, "Sorry, dad."
Mr. Philip knew the kid would say that so he continued, "Alexi offered you an internship. He decided to train you personally and expose you in the business world as soon as possible, to learn the environment and help hone your decision making skills. Are you willing to be an apprentice under him?"
Killian stared at his father speechlessly before turning his attention to the man beside him, who as already quietly looking at him as well. "Are you really willing to help me? I'm not that smart and patient, you may not know that I have more bad qualities than good ones." He asked lowly. Killian knows himself that he's not the brightest and the best. None of their professors even commended him at all. He actually got used to it, since his parents doesn't really expect anything heavy from him.
Alexi subtly held his hand under the table as he whispered back, "Well, If I can't make you understand through carrots alone, I can always use a stick instead."
Killian's face reddened in shame and he squeezed the man's hand threateningly, "There's no need for that stick! I can do anything if I willed myself to do it. Maybe I'll be even better than you soon."
"Really? Can you do it in three years?" Alexi asked amusedly.
"Of course! But you have to teach me everything! You can't keep the useful knowledge to yourself alone!"
Alexi laughed loudly. It's the first time he saw and experience a prospective apprentice demanding the mentor to impart knowledge exhaustively and indiscriminately. "Deal. I'm afraid merely five to eight hours a day in three years won't suffice. If you are expecting to learn everything in three years, you might need to be an apprentice 24/7. Are you willing to do that?" He asked with an evil glint lighting up deep inside his cold heart.
Alexi's brown eyes darkened even more as the little kitten nodded confidently, "Of course! I'm ready for any hardship!"
Mr. Philip couldn't help face-palming after witnessing firsthand how his son sold himself within the first five minutes of the negotiation.
Dumbass!