How Did the Top-Tier Male Lead Fall in Love With Me? 36

Chapter 36

In the blink of an eye, it was the New Year.

Shen Wu didn’t want to go home even on New Year’s Eve, but Shen Ping took the initiative to come and knock on his door.

He hadn’t woken up yet in the early morning and had opened the door without checking who it was. By the time he wanted to close it, it was already too late.

“Xiao Wu,” Shen Ping spoke first, “We’re going home for the New Year today. I’m here to pick you up. The dishes for lunch are all your favorites. Auntie specially prepared them for you.”

New Year’s Eve was a special day, and Shen Ping had also brought up Xu Qiongya, whom he hadn’t seen for more than half a month. Shen Wu would easily get angry at her when he was arguing with Shen Tianheng, but she had always been a gentle and patient good mother.

Hearing this, Shen Wu lowered his eyes and only said, “Mm, I know.”

In the past, when Shen Ping would often visit him, he would enthusiastically greet Shen Ping and ask him to sit on the sofa.

But this time, Shen Wu only gave such a few cold words, his hand always on the doorknob.

So Shen Ping politely stayed outside the door, his gentle smile as always, “Mm, you go and wash up and change your clothes first. I’ll wait for you here.”

Shen Wu dawdled for a long time, and Shen Ping, who was waiting outside the door, did not rush him.

Finally, just a few minutes before mealtime, they arrived at the Shen family home.

At the dinner table, Shen Tianheng, who had always hated his youngest son for being a disappointment, was uncharacteristically different and actually proposed that Shen Wu go to the company to gain experience.

“What?” Shen Wu frowned deeply and refused flatly, “I don’t want to. I don’t have time.”

Shen Tianheng said angrily, “You can’t race for the rest of your life. Or do you want to spend your whole life in a messy place like the entertainment industry?”

Shen Wu was unconcerned and did not praise the entire entertainment industry, but only used one person in the industry as an example, “Why do I feel that being with Huaizhi-ge is much simpler and more relaxed than being at home?”

Shen Ping suddenly called out, “Dad, Xiao Wu.”

He had seamlessly interrupted a new round of argument between the father and son.

He seemed to be weighing his words and only continued after a pause, “Dad, in a few months, Xiao Wu is going to a competition. There’s no hurry. Xiao Wu, when the off-season comes next year, you can come to the Shen Corporation headquarters, and I’ll familiarize you with the business. Don’t worry, it’s not tiring, and it won’t take up too much of your time.”

Shen Wu neither agreed nor refused.

After dinner, he went back to his room. Shen Ping followed him and took the initiative to ask, “Xiao Wu… recently, have I done something wrong to make you unhappy?”

“No,” Shen Wu lowered his eyes. “I don’t want to go to the Shen Corporation. I don’t like it, and I won’t fight with you for the family inheritance.”

Shen Ping was slightly taken aback, then chuckled and let out a long sigh of relief, “So that’s it…”

“The family inheritance has your share and Auntie’s share,” Shen Ping said. “So you’re unhappy because you think I’ll be against you for the family inheritance?”

Shen Wu stared at his eyes, trying to confirm if there were any traces of a lie.

And Shen Ping’s expression at this moment was no different from when he had taken care of him as a child.

Shen Ping looked at him with a helpless and tolerant gaze, and said gently, “I won’t. Do you think I’m that kind of greedy person?”

Shen Wu shook his head.

From childhood to adulthood, Shen Ping had always given him the best things.

It was inevitable for siblings to fight, but they were ten years apart. The age difference was too great, so there was no competition, only one side’s tolerance for the other.

Every time Shen Ping went out alone or attended an event, he would remember his younger brother at home and bring him a small gift. Birthdays and various insignificant holiday surprises were never few.

God knows how much the little boy had loved such a brother. He was the best brother in the world, more like a father than his father.

He was too good. If he had deliberately done something bad, and was on guard against his siblings for the family inheritance, Shen Wu would not have minded much. There would have been a reason for it.

But Shen Wu found it hard to accept, hard to accept that he, from the bottom of his heart… had a bit of dislike for him.

“Xiao Wu, the family inheritance that should be given to you is yours. You don’t have to worry about me fighting with you for it,” Shen Ping spoke again. “You can just do what you want to do. You don’t have to worry about money, and you don’t have to worry about anything else. I will always be your backer. I hope you…”

When he said the words “I hope you,” Shen Wu finally looked up and stared at him intently.

Looking at his younger brother’s bright and clear eyes, and seeing his own gray reflection in them, Shen Ping suddenly choked. He found that he could not deceive such a Shen Wu.

The beautiful hopes and solemn promises reached his lips, but in the end, they turned into, “I don’t want you to be hurt in any way.”

Shen Ping lowered his eyelashes with some disappointment, “I’m going back to my room.”

After Shen Ping’s emotional words, the conflict between the two brothers was still not resolved.

After a while, Shen Ping was relentless and came to knock on the door again, “Xiao Wu, are you there?”

He could hear someone walking over behind the door, but no one answered him.

He could almost imagine Shen Wu looking at him through the door, his silent and disappointed look.

Shen Ping lowered his head, his fist against the door. For the first time, he felt an indescribable sense of powerlessness in front of Shen Wu. “…Xiao Wu, can you open the door? I have something to say to you.”

“You can say it now.”

Shen Wu finally spoke.

But his words sounded more resentful than silence.

Shen Ping knew him well and said with certainty, “You’re still angry with me. Can you tell me why?”

Shen Wu was at a loss for words, because Shen Ping had not done anything truly bad.

Shen Ping had just been indulgent, indulging all his bad habits and dangerous hobbies, giving him full freedom.

When he was in trouble at the KTV, and when he was slandered online, Shen Ping had also come, arriving late after he had been wronged.

Compared to the brothers in many wealthy families who fought each other to the death, Shen Ping had been more than benevolent to him.

But the real Shen Ping, compared to the brother in his heart who loved him with all his heart, this gap was so big that it made it hard for him to breathe. But he had no reason to blame Shen Ping.

He felt like a person walking a tightrope over an abyss.

That abyss was the gap between the cold reality and the beautiful memories.

Shen Tianheng always scolded him for not learning to grow up.

Anyway, no matter what he did, his father would misunderstand him, so he might as well be willful to the end.

He would not open the door for Shen Ping.

Shen Ping was not willing to give up and sighed helplessly, “You’re just angry with me.”

Shen Wu just asked in return, “What am I angry with you about?”

“If you don’t say, how would I know?” Shen Ping said gently, and even took the initiative to apologize, “I’m sorry, Xiao Wu, I’m sorry.”

“If you don’t know… why are you saying sorry?”

Shen Ping outside the door was speechless for a moment.

He knew what Shen Wu wanted to hear from him. He had always known.

He was jealous of Shen Wu.

He was jealous that Shen Wu was born with everything, with a mother who loved him and was by his side. Shen Wu’s mother did not have to worry about a living, nor did she have to sacrifice her health for her husband’s career.

Shen Wu did not have to worry about the risks of his father’s work at a young age, or wait at home for him to come back late from a social engagement.

His father had had his youngest son after he had become successful. He was so insincere. Compared to his eldest son, he clearly cared more about the youngest son who was the icing on the cake.

But Shen Ping could not say anything.

He also knew that in the eyes of outsiders, he was much happier than Shen Wu. Shen Wu also never hid his admiration, worship, and envy for him.

Comparing the two, his despicableness and darkness were simply unspeakable.

A thousand words gathered at his lips, but he only said, “…I hope you won’t be angry with me anymore.”

Shen Wu had a feeling of powerlessness, like punching cotton.

“Ge.”

“Mm, what’s wrong? Tell me.”

“Are Zhu Wenwen and Ming Zhe artists from Star Entertainment?”

“Zhu Wenwen is. Wait a minute, let me check,” Shen Ping checked his phone and quickly replied, “Ming Zhe is a newly signed trainee. What’s wrong?”

Shen Wu: “Tell them to focus on filming and not to take any crooked paths.”

Especially not to go against the rising star Nan Dengwei, which would drag down the entire Star Entertainment.

Shen Ping was naturally puzzled, “How do you know them?”

Shen Wu did not answer.

“Alright, it’s okay if you don’t want to say. Ge has noted it down and will have someone keep an eye on them,” Shen Ping kept lowering his requirements. “Can you open the door and let me in?”

“Xiao Wu…”

Shen Ping’s last voice was already filled with a plea.

Shen Wu was unmoved, moved away from the door, and lay down on the bed.

He received a WeChat message.

M: Should I go to your house for the New Year today?

SW: Whatever you want.

Meng Huaizhi looked at his phone screen, thinking.

He should have called. Looking at these three flat words, he could not tell Shen Wu’s emotions.

M: Then I’ll go over now?

After a long while, Shen Wu did not reply.

Shen Wu had answered in his heart, a positive answer.

But he had made up his mind to divorce Meng Huaizhi. Such unnecessary family activities should be as few as possible, so as not to leave any meaningless warm memories.

But deep down, he was looking forward to Meng Huaizhi coming over.

Especially now, he felt that his whole family was like his enemy, and he was like an overly vigilant little cat with his fur standing on end.

He put away his phone, left the chattering Shen Ping outside the locked door, and pushed open the glass door leading to the balcony.

The cold wind of late January was raging, and he shivered.

He put on his sweatshirt hood, crossed his arms, and resolutely walked into the biting winter day.

Shen Wu’s bedroom was on the second floor. The Shen family would not treat any of their children badly. His room was a large suite with a balcony and a bathroom.

From the bedroom’s balcony, one could access the large terrace on the second floor. The terrace was connected to an outdoor staircase that led to the courtyard on the first floor.

Shen Ping might still be begging at the door, but he had already silently left the villa and was hiding in the deserted courtyard.

The first episode of Wonderful Adventure was recorded on New Year’s Eve in the suburbs. At that time, it seemed that it was not as cold as the afternoon in late January.

The winter sky was clear and clean, and the green plants were as if they had been washed. Looking at such a scene, one would probably feel very comfortable, but that was limited to the people who were having a family reunion in the warm indoors.

Shen Wu shrugged his shoulders and hunched his back, sitting on an outdoor bench.

All the rooms in the villa had heating. He was only wearing a thick sweatshirt at home. When he went outdoors, he felt that there were drafts everywhere, as if the thick cotton cloth did not exist.

But he was reluctant to part with this bone-chilling moment of respite.

After a long while.

Shen Wu was so cold that his limbs were a bit stiff. He felt that something was missing in his lungs and was very anxious. He fumbled in his pocket for a lollipop, but unexpectedly, he found an unopened pack of cigarettes.

In the other pants pocket was a lighter.

It was as if God had seen through his thoughts, and God was as indulgent as Shen Ping.

This lighter seemed to be one he had lost for more than half a year. Unexpectedly, it had stayed in the Shen family villa with this pair of pants.

He really did not come home often, which was why he had only discovered it now.

He hesitated for a long time, threw the cigarette pack far away and then picked it up again, opened the pack, skillfully took out a cigarette, and put it in his mouth.

He had been quitting smoking for four or five months, but today he had broken his streak.

Led by muscle memory, he pressed the lighter, and the familiar clicking sound came on.

Nothing happened.

Shen Wu frowned slightly, became more serious, and raised a hand to block the wind. The flame shot out briefly and then disappeared without a trace.

Not only was he afraid of the cold and the wind, but the lighter was too. It poured several basins of cold water on his already low mood.

The lighter was not broken. Shen Wu tried several times. Once, the flame lasted for half a second and almost lit the cigarette.

This small lighter aroused his competitive spirit.

He left the bench that was exposed to the wind on both sides, walked a few steps, and hid behind an evergreen cypress tree that was neatly trimmed and covered with white snow.

In the winter courtyard, the young man was wearing only a black hooded sweatshirt, which made his fair skin look as cold and white as jade.

He was tall and slender, his head slightly lowered, with a lazy and casual air. But up close, one could see that the hand he was using to block the wind had red knuckles from the low temperature, and was not as relaxed as it looked from a distance.

In the cold wind, the orange-red flame was blown out again, and the cigarette could not be lit.

Shen Wu was a little anxious.

Just then, a warm body came from behind, and a well-defined hand silently shielded the weak flame from the biting wind.

On the index finger was a diamond ring, the light of which was more dazzling than the snow under the sun.

Shen Wu was surprised, and the cigarette he had just lit almost fell out of his mouth.

He quickly turned his head.

Meng Huaizhi’s eyelashes were slightly lowered, and a bit of firelight was reflected in his dark eyes. His faint expression seemed to have been tinged with a bit of warmth.

Shen Wu took a step back first, and then quickly took the cigarette out. His frozen hand trembled slightly, along with his voice, “Why are you here…?”

“Didn’t Grandpa always want me to come to the Shen family for the New Year?” Meng Huaizhi’s tone was calm, and he ignored the cigarette, as if he was not the one who had just shielded the wind for Shen Wu.

“I asked you before too.”

Shen Wu remembered that he had not replied to Meng Huaizhi’s “Then I’ll go over now?”

He had given a positive answer in his heart, but he had not been able to type a single word.

Now Meng Huaizhi was here.

The heart that had been hollowed out by the cold wind was suddenly filled with a strange emotion. Shen Wu heard his voice muffled and said an awkward sentence, “…Aren’t you the one who hates smoke the most?”

Why are you shielding the wind for him?

Meng Huaizhi’s expression was faint, “I don’t smoke, but I won’t interfere with other people’s freedom.”

Since the matter of smoking had been discovered, Shen Wu threw caution to the wind and took a casual puff.

Feeling the long-lost nicotine fill his lungs, he returned to his idle appearance, “But smoking is bad for your health.”

There was a hidden meaning in his words, but Meng Huaizhi did not know about the entanglements of the Shen family.

To an outsider, these words only sounded childish and willful. Meng Huaizhi seemed to have answered him with his eyes: You know it’s bad, so why are you still smoking?

But he did not say anything.

“I’ve been smoking since I was sixteen,” Shen Wu lowered his alluring peach blossom eyes and said to himself, “My brother found out as soon as I started. He didn’t care and even helped me hide it from Dad.”

“But I didn’t know,” Meng Huaizhi suddenly took over.

Shen Wu was slightly taken aback and looked up at him.

Meng Huaizhi asked, “Aren’t you quitting?”

Shen Wu shrugged his shoulders, not caring how he knew, and his tone was also indifferent, “Obviously, I failed.”

After a moment, he straightened his face and added, “…I’m only smoking today because I’m in a bad mood.”

When Shen Wu said the second sentence, Meng Huaizhi frowned.

He did not like to see Shen Wu’s defensive look.

In front of him, Shen Wu was clearly indifferent to everything and did not need any extra explanations.

Only those who were overly cautious would be so careful, afraid that the other person would be suspicious, afraid that the other person would leave, and would over-explain trivial matters.

“It’s okay to smoke a few cigarettes when you’re in a bad mood,” Meng Huaizhi said.

“But smoking is bad for your health,” Shen Wu brought the topic back, forming an unreasonable cycle.

But Meng Huaizhi was not angry. His calm and cold voice was lighter than the falling snow in winter.

So light that he could not even feel the cold, only the softness.

“Are you in a better mood now?”

Shen Wu looked up in a daze.

Taking advantage of his daze, Meng Huaizhi directly reached out and snatched his cigarette.

It was the first time he had seen smoke curling around that person’s fingertips.