Chapter 38: The Spoiled Villain in a Period Novel 38
The rain fell in a curtain outside the car window, the pattering sound muffled, making it feel a little stuffy.
This was Shu He’s first time at Xu Nongqing’s company.
From the moment he got out of the car, Xu Nongqing held his hand tightly, as if there was no one else around, all the way to the office. The secretary opened the door in front of them with a smile. Shu He turned his head and whispered a “thank you.”
His eyes were moist, his chin sharp and pretty. The secretary seemed not to have expected him to say thank you. Caught off guard, they had a close-up look, and her face instantly turned red. She waved her hands in a fluster. “N-No need to thank me!”
So this is the “younger brother” in the photo on Mr. Xu’s desk—!
Xu Nongqing held Shu He’s hand tightly all along. Only when he felt Shu He struggle slightly did he slowly let go, and carefully placed the photo frame on the desk.
The photo they had taken back then was also in the most conspicuous place, very well taken care of. The new and the old were placed side by side, so you could see them as soon as you looked up.
Shu He was still looking around curiously.
He secretly poked the system in his heart and said how Xu Nongqing always decorated in such a cold style. It was the same as the first time he had gone to Xu Nongqing’s house, the same cold tone, with no vitality, lifeless.
Now the house had been transformed into a warm style, but the office still had a faint “dead” feeling. Shu He shook his head. Just as he moved to sit next to Xu Nongqing, he heard him say in a low voice, “If you don’t like it, we can change it to the same style as the house.”
When he said this, there were only the two of them in the office.
The room was quiet. Xu Nongqing held his hand, and Shu He looked down at their intertwined fingers, remembering what he had said at the photo studio about love at first sight.
…So curious!
Does love at first sight really exist?
Shu He moved closer and asked, looking into Xu Nongqing’s eyes, “Xu Nongqing, what does love at first sight feel like?”
Xu Nongqing looked up at him.
Shu He said, “You didn’t seem to show anything back then. I was even afraid you would get angry because I made you push the wheelchair.”
“That’s it.”
Shu He’s eyes widened like a cat’s.
Xu Nongqing looked at him, paused for a moment, and said softly, “That’s love at first sight. If someone else had asked me to do that, I would have ignored them.”
Shu He’s eyes were blank. “But you were expressionless back then…”
He paused, and his tilted chin was like a raised tail as he mumbled, “You should smile at the person you like. It’s a good thing I have a good temper. Otherwise, I would have ignored you back then.”
Xu Nongqing held his hand tighter and gave a soft “Mm.”
He has a good temper.
So good that no matter how many times he’s kissed, he won’t say a single harsh word.
Xu Nongqing lowered his eyes, kissed Shu He’s fingers, and then started to handle his busy affairs.
The secretary would occasionally come in. Once, she asked him if the afternoon meeting was still on. Xu Nongqing calmly postponed it to the evening. He was a little busy, but no matter how busy he was, he would still look up every once in a while and look at Shu He carefully.
This time, when he looked up, he found that Shu He had opened a drawer and taken out a familiar little white medicine bottle. There was a computer in front of him. Shu He was looking at the packaging of the medicine bottle and typing them in one by one.
“Why didn’t you just ask me?”
Xu Nongqing took the little medicine bottle from his hand, put it aside, and took his hand, meeting his eyes. “It’s medicine for depression. It’s not severe. I’ve been off it for a while.”
Shu He was dazed.
It was clear that he didn’t quite understand the specific symptoms of this illness, so he asked, “Is it serious?”
“Not serious.”
Shu He tilted his head, looking at Xu Nongqing with a serious expression, trying to see if he was being strong and lying. Who knew that Xu Nongqing was so good at putting on that calm appearance that not a single trace of pretense could be seen?
Seeing that he couldn’t tell, Shu He had to turn his head away in frustration. At this moment, Xu Nongqing grabbed his wrist, the heat of his palm so intense that it made him look back at him.
Shu He only had time to see the man’s dark eyes. The next second, his philtrum was held and licked and bitten, and a hot breath rushed over, making Shu He’s lashes flutter. His hand rested softly on the other person’s tie.
Xu Nongqing encircled Shu He’s slender waist and suddenly lifted him up and placed him on the desk, which was piled with documents. The feeling of being lifted made Shu He let out a soft whimper, and he hugged the man’s neck as if he were scared.
His eyes were wet and pink, and he looked both obedient and a little angry. His fragrant lips were half-parted, and soon his entire mouth was invaded by a moist touch. He couldn’t form a sentence, only able to let out a pitiful whimper.
Xu Nongqing lowered his eyes and bent down, his nose against his. He took the hair tie from the back of his neck, ran his fingers through his hair, and kissed him hard.
He really has a good temper.
When he was kissed to tears, he wouldn’t curse Xu Nongqing as a bastard, only kick him with his legs, his soft tongue retreating as if to escape the man’s entanglement.
…He really has a good temper.
*
Two months later, the wedding was on the agenda.
Shu’s father and mother sometimes felt it was too high-profile and not good, after all, it was not the social norm… but when they thought that they couldn’t even have a complete ceremony, they thought, so what if it wasn’t the norm? They would give their child a grand wedding. No matter how many rumors there were, they wouldn’t dare to come to them.
Everyone was busy, only Shu He was idle every day, playing with the dogs. The two dogs’ relationship was still not good, but at least they could ignore each other.
The German Shepherd had also learned to be a lot more obedient. It wouldn’t suddenly break free from the leash when Shu He was holding it. So every time Shu He went out, he would confidently hold a dog in each hand. Many people on the street would turn to look at the dogs.
The dogs were full of energy. After a walk, Shu He was tired and sleepy, and he returned home with a flushed face. He didn’t delay, grabbed his fluffy animal pajamas, and went into the bathroom, preparing to sleep after his bath.
When he came out, Shu He happened to hear the sound of a door opening.
He knew who it was, so he covered his wet hair and lifted his almond eyes, his voice as soft as if it were filled with steam. “Xu Nongqing, dry my hair for me.”
Xu Nongqing put down his keys. He was still holding a bouquet of flowers. He looked up in a daze, his dark eyes reflecting a beautiful sight.
Shu He was standing by the sofa.
He had just taken a bath, and his cheeks and hands were wet. His eyes were also moist from the steam, and his face was slightly flushed.
He was wearing a thin, simple-style fluffy pajama set, which Xu Nongqing had just given him not long ago. This was the first time Shu He had worn it. His almond eyes were sparkling as he smoothed his wet dark hair and looked at Xu Nongqing, silently urging him.
“…”
Xu Nongqing walked towards him and gave him the flowers in his hand. Shu He took them and returned the favor with a towel, first asking him to dry his hair, and then using a hairdryer.
A few wet droplets fell from his hair, and the neat suit Xu Nongqing was wearing was also stained with a large patch of dark color. Xu Nongqing’s expression didn’t change as he lowered his head and focused on drying Shu He’s hair.
“Alright.” Shu He turned his head, preparing to go into the room to have the system take pictures for him. Oh, he had to take the flowers with him too, to take a picture of a flower Little He.
He subconsciously went to take the flowers, but his wrist was suddenly caught.
Shu He subconsciously turned back, his moist, bright almond eyes flashing, and he was pulled into an embrace. The moisture on his neck was wiped away. It was a little itchy, but now was not the time to worry about that. Shu He realized that Xu Nongqing was about to become a kissing maniac again, so he subconsciously covered his lips.
But it was too late.
His exposed almond eyes were filled with a bright crystal, and in them was reflected Xu Nongqing’s slightly lowered brow. Then, the other person gently pulled down the hand that was covering his lips and lowered his head to kiss him.
The scorching kiss was deep and heavy. Shu He didn’t even have time to say anything before his lips were invaded. His breathing immediately became unsteady, and his already moist eyes seemed to be filled with tears. He let out a soft, sweet sound, and their breaths completely intertwined.
Xu Nongqing’s breath was filled with Shu He’s scent. He lowered his eyes, looking at Shu He’s dazed and bewildered appearance. His arm tightened, and he suddenly lifted him up and walked towards the bedroom.
Just as he was put down, Shu He’s lips were blocked again. He turned his head slightly, as if he couldn’t breathe, his breathing so rapid his heart started to beat faster.
“He He.”
Xu Nongqing lowered his head and kissed the open crook of Shu He’s neck, clearly feeling the person in his arms tremble with sensitivity when his hot lips touched it.
Shu He looked at Xu Nongqing with teary eyes.
“Can I?”
He bent down by his ear, and as if it were also a little difficult, his Adam’s apple bobbed several times before he managed to utter some words that could only be said to him.
Shu He turned his head, his eyelashes trembling slightly. He didn’t speak, until Xu Nongqing kissed the side of his neck, and he couldn’t hold it in anymore, and mumbled, “…I’m a little scared.”
A large palm suddenly intertwined with his fingers.
Then, as his heart was beating chaotically and deafeningly, Shu He heard the man’s low voice by his ear.
“I’ll serve you.”
How will he serve…? He thought vaguely, infected by the scorching atmosphere, and nodded vaguely.
*
He regretted it.
When it really came to that point, Shu He regretted it so much he bit Xu Nongqing’s firm arm. For the first time, his temper was not so good. He cried and said why he was so reckless, couldn’t he have taken it off properly, why did he have to tear his beautiful clothes?
He cursed so fiercely, but soon Shu He didn’t have the energy to be fierce anymore. This night, he was in a daze, not knowing day from night. The system was also blocked for three days. This was no less than a huge slap in the face. Three days! A mosaic countdown!!
The moonlit night was a daze.
In the early morning, the first ray of warm light shone into the room.
When Shu He woke up, he found that Xu Nongqing was already dressed and sitting by the bed, staring at him, for who knows how long.
“…”
Shu He shrank down, burrowing into the covers, and then poked his little head out from the other side. He lay on the edge of the bed and looked sadly at his torn clothes. Xu Nongqing’s dark eyes paused. He bent down and pulled the blanket over him, then pursed his lips and said, “I’ll buy you another one later.”
Shu He shook his head.
He didn’t know.
If an animal’s fur was torn, could it be sewn back on?
Although he had many… this one was the only one!
Shu He decided to ignore Xu Nongqing for a day.
He turned his head, gave Xu Nongqing a spoiled huff, and then puffed out his cheeks and got dressed. Xu Nongqing helped him fix his collar, and his gaze paused when he saw the red marks on his pale neck.
Shu He lowered his head. “…I can’t go out today.”
Xu Nongqing said in a low voice, “I’ll stay home with you.”
“I don’t want to talk to you.”
Xu Nongqing: “I’m sorry. I’ll stay with you.”
“…”
Although he was ignoring him, he still had to eat the breakfast he made, and the little cakes he made by hand, and the new, identical clothes were also to be accepted.
Actually, by the time he received the clothes, Shu He’s anger had already subsided a lot. He held the clothes, his cheeks puffed out, and mumbled awkwardly, “You can’t do this in the future.”
Xu Nongqing seemed to find him cute. He reached out and pressed his puffed-out cheeks, and answered obediently, “Alright.”
And so the anger disappeared, and they made up.
After half a year of preparation, the wedding date arrived as scheduled. Shu He sent invitations to some friends, and almost all of them came, except for Qiao Zelan.
Qiao Zelan’s phone was unreachable.
Only after the wedding did he receive a call from him, saying that he was abroad and there was a time difference, and he was sorry for missing his wedding. He would make up for the gift.
Shu He vaguely felt that Qiao Zelan was a little strange, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. He thought about it and asked worriedly if Qiao Zelan had a terminal illness.
He didn’t know how many melodramatic dramas he had watched.
Qiao Zelan: “…”
Qiao Zelan had drunk a lot of alcohol, and now he was so angry he laughed, and the alcohol also wore off. “A terminal illness? If I really had a terminal illness, would you grant me one last wish?”
Shu He: “…You really have one?”
“No.” Qiao Zelan coughed a couple of times and pushed away the wine in front of him. “I’ve been very busy taking over the family business recently… speaking of which, I have to say one thing, Little He. In the future, if you don’t go into business, will your family’s business be managed by outsiders, or will it be given to Xu Nongqing?”
If it was the latter… then what was the point of Xu Nongqing giving everything? In the end, it would still be his. Wasn’t that just…
“It should be divided among relatives, and then the rest will all be donated.”
Qiao Zelan was stunned for a moment.
“But that’s all a long time from now,” Shu He said understandingly. “Teacher Qiao, when are you coming back to the country? I’ve been keeping the wedding candy I promised you. If you don’t come back soon, it will expire.”
Qiao Zelan was suddenly pulled out of his complex emotions. “…”
He pressed his hand to his forehead, his mind in a daze, and said weakly, “In a while.”
“Mm, then I’m hanging up.”
A “wait” was stuck in his throat, and Qiao Zelan swallowed it. He gave a soft “Mm,” and after hanging up the phone, he just stared at it in a daze.
*
After the wedding, time flew by.
In a few years, Xu Nongqing’s career soared, and he entered multiple business fields, unstoppable.
Smartphones appeared, and the world entered the era of mobile internet. The economy was at its peak, and the position of companies in the domestic business circle was basically stable, making it difficult for a major reshuffle.
At this time, Shu He finally heard the mission completion notification from the backend:
【Mission completed. 1000 points have been credited. The mall system has been successfully unlocked.】
The system’s mechanical voice was icy cold: 【Preparing to send the host to the next world in three minutes. Please be prepared—】
Shu He: 【Wait!】
System: 【…What, do you want to say goodbye? Then I’ll give you ten minutes.】
No. Shu He opened The Complete Guide to Villainy in his mind and said, This book says I can choose to stay or leave. Brother 1, I’m not in a hurry to go.
System: 【…】
Well, it was in a hurry.
One kiss, a five-minute mosaic. One time, a three-day mosaic. Shu He had no idea how it had gotten through these few years.
It was walking on thin ice.
The system’s voice became even colder. 【The mission is already completed. What’s the point of staying?】
Shu He said generously, To be with the protagonist.
“…”
【You like him?】
Shu He thought about it seriously and shook his head.
It thought he was denying it, but then it heard Shu He mumble, I don’t know, but he’s really good to me.
In the first four years, he hadn’t really felt how hard the protagonist was working to rise. He only knew that he could see reports of Xu Nongqing’s achievements in the newspaper every once in a while.
Later, when they were together and lived under the same roof, Shu He finally had a real sense of how busy Xu Nongqing was. Xu Nongqing had to get up very early and sleep very late to handle business matters. He had one meeting after another, and flew abroad again and again.
Even when he was so busy, he had to be with Shu He every day. Sometimes, when Shu He went to bed early, he could hear him coming back from the company in the middle of the night and holding him.
Shu He had never seen anyone like Xu Nongqing before, who would fight for every second of the twenty-four hours in a day.
System: 【…】
Oh, so it was soft-hearted.
The system’s mechanical voice: 【You’re always too soft-hearted, too soft-hearted.】
Shu He: “?”
Shu He asked innocently, “Brother 1, are you singing?”
System: 【…】
The system said coolly, 【Oh, tell me when you want to go.】
“Okay.”
The mission was completed, and Shu He was a little happy.
He turned his face to look at Xu Nongqing at the desk, but just happened to find that he was staring at him. Their eyes met, and Shu He asked, “What is it?”
Xu Nongqing closed his eyes and pressed his brow. After a moment, he put down the pen in his hand and stood up to walk over to Shu He.
Shu He looked up, not understanding, but saw Xu Nongqing reach out and touch his face, as if to confirm something.
“What are you doing?”
Xu Nongqing bent down and held him tightly in his arms. “I feel like you’re about to disappear.”
!
The protagonist could even sense this!
Shu He struggled to lift his face from Xu Nongqing’s arms, his almond eyes sparkling, his hair messy from the struggle, but he had a clear, beautiful look. “What will you do if I disappear?”
Xu Nongqing: “I’ll find you.”
“What if you can’t find me?”
“You know me, Little He.”
“…”
Some old memories surfaced. Shu He buried his face in Xu Nongqing’s chest again, mumbling not to be so extreme. Xu Nongqing lowered his head and kissed his hair, holding him even tighter, before saying, “But I love you.”
“…Mm.”
“Don’t disappear, okay?”
“Oh.”
*
The rest of his life was as usual. After everything had settled, Shu He was summoned back to the system space by the system.
The space was a pure white. Shu He didn’t like this glaring feeling, so he imagined in his mind that it was a candy kingdom. But he wasn’t sure if it was his imagination, but everything in front of him seemed to have really taken the shape of candy.
Shu He’s eyes widened, and he rubbed them hard.
【It’s not an illusion.】 The system suddenly appeared. 【The space is determined by your mind. Whatever you want it to be, it will be.】
Hearing this, Shu He’s eyes were wide with excitement. He said that was great, and then quickly started to imagine various scenes in his mind. And the system watched as the room changed from a modern style to a fairy tale style, and then to a cultivation style.
The room was fixed.
The system said sullenly, 【The points have been added. Now I will begin to sort out your mind and clear away any unnecessary thoughts.】
Shu He nodded seriously.
After a while, he asked, “Are you done, brother?”
【Mm.】
Shu He didn’t feel much of a difference.
He touched his head. “How many points was that bottle of medicine?”
The system didn’t react for a moment, what medicine? It was about to ask when it suddenly remembered that it was the fever-reducing medicine it had exchanged for Shu He with points many years ago.
The system was quiet for a long time before it said, 【Twenty points.】
“Then deduct twenty points.”
Shu He lowered his head and counted seriously. “Plus interest, deduct another twenty.”
System: 【Little He.】
System: 【I don’t need it.】
System: 【Are you going to the next world?】
System: 【Alright, let’s go.】
Hey—
Shu He’s vision flashed. He closed and opened his eyes, and the scenery around him had changed. He hadn’t quite reacted to the rhythm yet. At this moment, he was leaning against a wall in a daze, his line of sight a corner leading to a street. Outside, a hover car slowly floated by in the air, quiet.
Is this the new world…?
The system sorted out the currently known information, and the mechanical youth’s voice narrated: 【This world… mm, the difficulty is quite low.】
【As for the background, you are currently homeless, so you can only rely on a marriage certificate to seek refuge with Chu Chuanbai.】
Shu He: “That sounds amazing. Then he should be the protagonist, right? Wait for me…”
【No.】 The system interrupted. 【He’s the villain.】
Shu He: “!”
Shu He instantly covered his head, his almond eyes wide with disbelief. He hadn’t expected that even the position of a villain would be fought over. “Then if he’s the villain, what am I? I’m the one!”