Chapter 104 Found a Little Friend

translator: Eve

editor: kara

As the time for the Xiao Family banquet approached, another fight broke out within the Song Family.

There were two reasons for it. Firstly, Song Xuanhe refused to attend the Xiao Family banquet. There was also the matter regarding Song Jiabao having been admitted into rehab. Song Guohua and his wife were adamant that Song Xuanhe had tricked Song Jiabao into doing drugs. They demanded to be allowed to come along to the Xiao Family banquet as compensation.

Song Guochao, who had originally been on their side, denouncing Song Xuanhe, immediately changed his tune. He did not approve of bringing Song Guohua and his wife along. His exact words were: “The Xiao Family invitation is addressed to Song Yansong and his immediate family. Only his direct descendants are invited. It wouldn’t be appropriate to bring relatives with us. The other attendees would jeer at us for trying to climb up the social ladder via the Xiao Family and for bringing our whole family along while at it. It would be an unsightly event. Who will I blame when the Song name is inevitably ruined?”

Song Guohua was no pushover though. He had said in response, “Everyone knows who the true recipient is. The person they all want to see is Song Xuanhe. He had hurt Jiabao so terribly. Shouldn’t you compensate us? If you don’t let us come to the Xiao Family banquet, I’ll make this matter public. Let’s see if the Xiao Family will let Song Xuanhe marry in then.”

“It’s not up to you whether Song Xuanhe gets to marry into the Xiao Family.” Song Guochao’s expression was dark. “All I know is that no one brings their poor relatives along to banquets. I’m not going to embarrass myself like that.”

“I’m a poor relative?!” Song Guohua’s sore spot had been poked. His face was flushed from anger. “You’re even worse than me. You have no redeeming qualities whatsoever. If it hadn’t been because you just so happened to have been born into a good family and fathered two good sons, you’d never have the right to criticize me!”

“You! You!” Song Guohua usually praised Song Guochao. He had never spoken to him like this before. Infuriated, Song Guochao had pointed at Song Guohua, repeatedly saying “you” for a while. In the end, he finally managed to squeeze out: “Preposterous!”

Song Xuanhe was sipping on his tea in a relaxed manner. He listened as the two of them tore off each other’s last semblance of dignity, enjoying the gossip with keen interest. Li Nianan also was sitting there quietly. She wasn’t the least affected by her husband and relative’s quarrel.

Song Yansong had gone to another country to recuperate for the last few days because of a heart issue. He had also expressed that he would not be attending the Xiao Family banquet because of his ailing health. With no one overseeing the family, Song Guochao had become increasingly relaxed. His tone and actions now had an arrogant air to them. Song Guohua didn’t hold back either, frequently visiting the Song residence. The matter concerning Song Jiabao had caused him to become depressed for some time. No one had expected for him to pick himself back up. It was probably because he realized that his son was ruined, so he had to do everything he could to get something out of all this.

Fortunately, Song Xuanhe and Song Xuanlin were rarely at the Song Residence. Li Nianan was also doing well. Aside from going out with her friends and going to beauty appointments, she would occasionally do some charity work. She was rarely at home. Therefore, the three of them weren’t affected at all.

This family get-together was about the Xiao Family’s invitation. Song Guochao was demanding that Song Xuanhe go to the banquet in America. However, it was to no avail. Even if he had stomped his foot in anger, all he got was Song Guohua’s demand to bring him along.

【You humans are strange. Song Guochao had been so against you being with Xiao Yuanmu in the past, hadn’t he? Now, just because Xiao Yuanmu’s richer, Song Guochao changed his mind and wants you two together.】

【He’s not just richer. He’s got power and status too.】Song Xuanhe reminded him in a teasing tone.

【Are you going to attend the banquet?】

Song Xuanhe：【What do you think?】

The System：【The data says that you won’t.】

Li Nianan’s voice chimed in at the same time as the System. “Xuanhe, what’s going on between you and Xiao Xiao? Did you guys break up or not?”

“We broke up.” Song Xuanhe paused and then added, “But, we’re still in contact.”

The System’s voice echoed in his head again：【I’ve noticed that you treat Li Nianan differently from the rest of the Song Family. Why? Is it because her last name is Li?】

Li Nianan’s brows furrowed. She lowered her voice: “Do you still like him?”

Song Xuanhe parted his lips and then pursed them. “No.”

“Don’t lie.” Li Nianan smiled. “But, if you’re not willing to go, you don’t have to go. Don’t listen to your dad.”

【She’s right. My data says that your goodwill towards Xiao Yuanmu is higher than that of even Li Nianan. You like Li Nianan, which means that you must like Xiao Yuanmu too.】

Song Xuanhe’s expression changed slightly. He told the System to shut up and then spoke to Li Nianan: “I want to resign.”

Li Nianan was taken aback. She looked at Song Xuanhe. Coincidentally, Song Guochao and Song Guohua just so happened to fall silent at the same time. Everyone had heard what he had said.

“Why?”

“I want to take a break,” Song Xuanhe said, “To explore.”

Li Nianan frowned. She seemed to want to say something but hesitated. Before she could say anything, she heard Song Guochao say: “You’re young. It’s the perfect time to work on your career. What break? I haven’t even retired yet, and you want to take a break? I won’t allow it.”

Song Xuanhe wasn’t surprised that Song Guochao was against this. However much Song Guochao once had wanted to push him out of the company was now how much he wanted him to stay. If he were to quit, the rumours outside would multiply like rabbits. People would think that Song Xuanhe’s relationship with Song Guochao had crumbled. Connecting this to what people thought of his relationship with Xiao Yuanmu, people would think that the relationship between the Song Family and Xiao Family was broken. This would negatively affect Song Guochao’s status.

However, Song Xuanhe didn’t need Song Guochao’s permission. He looked at Li Nianan.

Actually, he’d been entertaining this idea ever since he had agreed to team up with Feng Tong. He planned on exploring this world after resigning from the Song Group for the next few months. He got the most inspiration when he was free. It was very likely that he would only be able to participate in this one Fashion Week. He wanted to do his best.

Li Nianan pulled on Song Xuanhe’s hand. Who knew what she was thinking of, but her eyes were filled with concern. For a moment, she didn’t speak.

Song Guochao knew that he couldn’t persuade Song Xuanhe. He cast Song Guohua away and walked over to Li Nianan. “Didn’t you say that you’d take care of your son? He doesn’t even want to bother with the company anymore. Are you going to do anything about it?”

“Of course I will.”

Upon hearing this, Song Guochao sighed in relief. However, a second later, he heard Li Nianan say: “You promised that you wouldn’t meddle in Xuanhe’s affairs. You promised. I’ll take full responsibility for this. There’s no need for you to get involved.”

As she had said this, she pulled Song Xuanhe to his feet. “Come with Mom to the garden.”

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Song Guochao watched as mother and son disappeared with a dark expression on his face. Song Guohua snickered. “You were born into a good family, but your dad doesn’t like you. Your son’s good, but he doesn’t care about you. And, here I thought your life was better than mine.”

Song Guohua didn’t stay long after mocking him. As he made his way to the main entrance, he said, “You know what people will say if Song Xuanhe quits. If I make it public that he had tricked his cousin into using drugs, not only will your status fall, but also the Song Group’s stocks will collapse. Think it over. Your son isn’t willing to go, but I am. I’ll be waiting.”

Li Nianan pulled Song Xuanhe over to the pavilion near the greenhouse. After the servants served some tea, they withdrew nimbly. Li Nianan then cast a complicated gaze at Song Xuanhe. “Tell me, did something happen between you and Xiao Yuanmu? Are you heartbroken? Is that why you want to leave?”

Song Xuanhe had just taken a sip of tea. When he heard what Li Nianan had said, he started to choke. After a long time, his coughing finally eased up. He looked at Li Nianan with a baffled expression. “What does my desire to go travelling have to do with Xiao Yuanmu?”

“Don’t try to hide it from me.” Li Nianan gave him a “I know how you really feel, there’s no need to pretend” look. Her tone was sincere. “You’re my son. How could I not know how you feel? You two clearly hadn’t broken up in the past, but you keep insisting the two of you have. Now, the Xiao Family sent us an invitation, but you refuse to go. If you didn’t fight with Xiao Xiao, what else could it be? Mom knows that you must be angry for a reason. I don’t doubt that Xiao Yuanmu has done something to make you unhappy. But, you’re already an adult. If you’re not happy, you need to think of a way to fix it. You can’t avoid the issue like this.”

Li Nianan’s evident “There’s no way this would ever be my son’s fault” tone made Song Xuanhe feel caught between laughter and tears. He then recalled the complicated emotion and concern in Li Nianan’s eyes just now. Only then did he realize that Li Nianan thought that he wanted to leave the Song Group because he and Xiao Yuanmu had fought.

“We didn’t fight.” After saying this, Song Xuanhe felt puzzled. He didn’t know how to describe his relationship with Xiao Yuanmu. He couldn’t tell her the real reason he wanted to leave either. After mulling over this for a while, he told her a partial truth instead. “A friend of mine started a fashion studio recently. I want to go look for inspiration.”

Li Nianan was surprised. However, the cause of her surprise was not what Song Xuanhe had thought it was. “You opened it for Xiao Yuanmu?”

Before Song Xuanhe could reply, the concern in Li Nianan’s eyes deepened. “I found an open sketchbook in your room in the past. There were many portraits inside. I could tell who it was at first glance. After those, there were many designs. At that time, I realized…you were really in love. And then, there was Xiao Yuanmu’s interview…. He had said that he wished to be able to wear clothes personally designed by his beloved. Did you decide to open a fashion studio because of this?”

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Zhou Nan had read Xiao Yuanmu’s interview in several different styles. Song Xuanhe had felt uncomfortable hearing it. He never actually read the interview in full, so he hadn’t known about that part.

Furthermore, if they were to look at the timeline, he had opened his studio before Xiao Yuanmu had done his interview. Even if one was to involve Xiao Yuanmu, one could only say that Xiao Yuanmu had said what he had because Song Xuanhe had opened a studio and not the other way around.

However, he was certain that Li Nianan wouldn’t believe him no matter how he tried to explain it to her. He also didn’t want to debate with her whether his studio opening or Xiao Yuanmu’s words had come first. Because, that was meaningless.

Song Xuanhe’s expression was complicated. For the first time, he didn’t know what he should refute or even how to go about refuting.

But, Song Xuanhe’s silence only made Li Nianan misunderstand more. She thought that Song Xuanhe’s expression was one of embarrassment and sadness. Therefore, she tried to persuade him. “He bao, listen to Mom. Communication is the most important thing in a relationship. Since you like Xiao Yuanmu, and Xiao Yuanmu likes you, you two should cherish your feelings for each other. Don’t do something you will regret because of a moment of anger or a small conflict like this….”

Song Xuanhe interrupted Li Nianan and tried to change the topic. “Don’t you want to know when I learned how to draw?”

“When?” Li Nianan frowned. “Oh, but that’s not important. What’s important is that you’re a big boy now. You shouldn’t run away from your problems. You should try to resolve them.”

Song Xuanhe:….

【Do conversations between you humans go like this all the time? 】The System asked：【I feel like you’re on different channels, talking about entirely different things.】

Song Xuanhe also had no clue as to how Li Nianan decided that his wanting to leave the Song Group had something to do with his relationship with Xiao Yuanmu. He also had no clue as to what made Li Nianan think that he and Xiao Yuanmu had an issue to resolve.

Before Song Xuanhe could think of a way to fix this conversation and clear things up, Li Nianan decisively decided to help him resolve his “problem.” “Call Xiao Yuanmu right now. Clear things up with him. Mom will listen.”

Song Xuanhe: “…We really aren’t fighting.”

Li Nianan interrupted him and firmly said, “If you want to quit, you have to make this call.”

Song Xuanhe pursed his lips and compromised. “What should I say?”

“Tell him how you feel about him. It’s easy for issues to crop up in long-distance relationships. But as long as one knows that their partner loves them, any and all issues are easy to resolve. Trust Mom. Most problems can be solved by telling your significant other that you love them.”

“Xiao Yuanmu and I don’t…” love each other.

Song Xuanhe kept up his stiff smile. “We’re fine. You’re overthinking things.”

“Then, call him right now.” Li Nianan softened her voice. “Be good. Don’t worry Mom. It doesn’t matter what it’s like between you two. Just let Mom know how it’s going, okay?”

【My data cannot figure out what the topic of your conversation just now has to do with you calling Xiao Yuanmu. I had predicted sixty-four different possible endings to this conversation. However, this was not one of them.】

Song Xuanhe dialed Xiao Yuanmu’s number while coldly saying：【Looks like you need to update your data.】

It was a bit past ten in the morning in America right now. Xiao Yuanmu would typically be in a meeting at this time. Therefore, Song Xuanhe rarely called him at this time of day. As Song Xuanhe called, he secretly hoped that Xiao Yuanmu was in a meeting right now and thus wouldn’t pick up. However, a few seconds later into the call, Xiao Yuanmu’s chilly voice came through, “Why are you calling me at such a time?”

Song Xuanhe didn’t speak. He turned to look at Li Nianan with a helpless look in his eyes. Li Nianan gave him an encouraging smile and quietly said, “Tell him.”

Xiao Yuanmu furrowed his brows when he didn’t hear Song Xuanhe speak. He waved his hand, indicating to Joe not to speak. Joe, thus, waited there quietly. Another few seconds passed, but still, he didn’t hear Song Xuanhe’s voice. There was only the sound of quiet breathing.

Xiao Yuanmu asked again, “What’s wrong?”

Song Xuanhe felt unprecedentedly awkward while under Li Nianan’s gaze. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. Therefore, he randomly picked something to open with: “There’s something I want to talk to you about….”

Although he had opened with this, he didn’t actually know what to talk about. Therefore, he fell silent once more.

Song Xuanhe had never hummed and hawed like this before. It made Xiao Yuanmu imagine all sorts of possible scenarios. His first thought was that maybe Song Xuanhe was calling with regards to the Xiao Family banquet the day after tomorrow. He had undergone considerable consideration before deciding that it would be best to not let Song Xuanhe come. That was why he had said that to him before. He really did want to see Song Xuanhe, more than anyone else. But, it wasn’t a good time for that. However, it wasn’t something he could explain to Song Xuanhe easily.

Song Jiabao and Zhou Rong had also been sent to rehab. Could their families have come to make trouble for Song Xuanhe?

Xiao Yuanmu very quickly dismissed that thought. He knew that Song Xuanhe would never let such insignificant people affect him.

Maybe it had to do with Wei Chen?

Xiao Yuanmu’s grip tightened around his phone. When he had found out that Zhou Rong had returned to China, he had assigned some subordinates to watch over him. But, he himself was abroad. Although he had hired capable people, it still hadn’t been as efficient as it would have been if he had been in the country. Although the people who had been tailing Zhou Rong had been on him the whole time, there had still been some things they hadn’t been able to find out. The people Zhang Siwei had hired afterwards did a better job. Xiao Yuanmu hadn’t even known when Song Xuanhe had found out about Zhou Rong’s schemes or switched out the drug in his hands.

Furthermore, the people he had sent to Song Xuanhe’s side had only been tasked with ensuring his personal safety. Unless a stranger appeared, or he got into some life-threatening situation, these people would not report any details regarding Song Xuanhe to him. Therefore, by the time he had found out that Song Xuanhe and Zhou Rong had been in contact, it was already too late. At that time, he hadn’t been able to contact Zhang Siwei either. He also couldn’t head over there himself. All he had been able to do was tell Guan Zhi to go to China. The people who protected Guan Zhi in secret were much more capable than the people he had assigned to Song Xuanhe’s side. Like this, Song Xuanhe would be much safer.

But, he had never expected for Song Xuanhe to throw off Guan Zhi to go meet with Zhou Rong. The people at Song Xuanhe’s side had already linked up with the Guan Family bodyguards. However, Song Xuanhe’s actions threw a wrench in their plans. At that time, they had floundered. Furthermore, the club was members only. Although Guan Zhi had a high status, he still needed to be verified. They hadn’t been able to enter right away.

In the end, because Guan Zhi had heard that Song Xuanhe might have been in danger, he had called Wei Chen for help to avoid wasting time. Luckily, they had all made it out alive more scared than hurt.

Wei Chen’s appearance had been completely unexpected. However, without a doubt, he had protected Song Xuanhe. When Xiao Yuanmu recalled how Guan Zhi had mentioned that Song Xuanhe seemed to treat Wei Chen differently from others, his gaze darkened.

Song Xuanhe didn’t know that all sorts of crazy thoughts had flickered through Xiao Yuanmu’s mind while he had been silent for these last few minutes. While he had been thinking about what to say, he heard Xiao Yuanmu ask, “Has Wei Chen come to see you lately?”

“No,” Song Xuanhe replied subconsciously. He then asked, “Why are you suddenly bringing him up?”

“No reason.” The chill and gloom that had surrounded Xiao Yuanmu dissipated. He calmly redirected the conversation back to Song Xuanhe. “What did you need me for?”

Song Xuanhe didn’t notice a thing. When he had heard this question, he couldn’t help but turn to glance at Li Nianan again. Li Nianan was smiling at him. She had no intention of speaking.

“What are you doing right now?” Song Xuanhe tried to make small talk.

“Flipping through some documents.”

Song Xuanhe raised a brow. In the past, if he had asked what Xiao Yuanmu was doing, the other would have given him a short description of his work. Although he wouldn’t have revealed anything important, he wouldn’t have given him such a perfunctory answer either. This made him curious as to what Xiao Yuanmu was looking at.

However, even if he was curious, he knew that he shouldn’t overstep that line. Therefore, he simply said, “If you’re busy, I won’t….”

He stopped mid-sentence upon feeling Li Nianan’s gaze on him.

“I won’t say too much. To put it shortly…” Song Xuanhe changed what he was going to say. An idea popped up in his mind. “I want to quit the Song Group. What do you think about that?”

Li Nianan stared at Song Xuanhe.

Xiao Yuanmu was a bit surprised. But shortly after, he remembered that Song Xuanhe had opened up a studio. He said, “Because, the studio’s been keeping you too busy?”

Song Xuanhe pursed his lips slightly, and his voice softened slightly. “I just want to wander around. Find some inspiration.”

Xiao Yuanmu frowned. He was silent for a while. He then said, “Where do you want to go?”

“I don’t know. Everywhere, I guess,” Song Xuanhe said, “I might go to America. If you have time, maybe we can meet.”

The finger hanging at Xiao Yuanmu’s side twitched. His furrowed brows relaxed, and his jaw tensed slightly. “When?”

Song Xuanhe laughed. He shifted his gaze away from Li Nianan’s. “Maybe in two months.”

“That’s too long.”

Song Xuanhe’s expression changed slightly. With a smile, he said, “Maybe I’ll come sooner.”

Xiao Yuanmu looked down and sighed quietly. Underneath his sigh, in a barely audible voice, he said, “I miss you so much.”

Song Xuanhe froze. The smile on his face slowly faded. He didn’t respond.

Li Nianan mouthed a few words at him.

Song Xuanhe looked away and pretended not to see her.

When Xiao Yuanmu didn’t hear a response, the disappointment in his eyes only appeared briefly before disappearing. He said, “I can’t wait for October.”

Something flashed through Song Xuanhe’s eyes. “Me too.”

Xiao Yuanmu’s lips curled up slightly. However, something he thought of quickly pulled it back down. “But, your model’s not particularly good.”

Song Xuanhe raised a brow and then glanced at Li Nianan. With a hushed voice, he said, “How do you know what my model’s like? I don’t think I’ve ever told you who they are.”

“Zhou Nan gave Xiao Ranyun photos of your model. She sent them over to me.”

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Song Xuanhe didn’t believe this one bit. In a leisurely tone, he said, “I think they’re alright. The clothes suit him well.”

Xiao Yuanmu: “That’s just because they haven’t been on someone better yet.”

“I haven’t seen anyone else who suits those clothes more than he does.” Song Xuanhe smiled. “If that person does exist, I’d pray that he’d agree to be my personal model.”

“As long as that’s what you want, it’ll definitely happen.”

When Song Xuanhe pictured what Xiao Yuanmu would look like wearing the clothes he had designed, his eyes twinkled. Song Xuanhe left the greenhouse and walked over to the centre of the garden. He chuckled quietly. “When Fashion Week’s over, I’ll send you the outfits.”

Xiao Yuanmu agreed. He then fell silent.

The silence continued for a while. Song Xuanhe had just been about to hang up when he noticed that Li Nianan was still looking at him. She once again mouthed him a message.

“Xiao Yuanmu.” Song Xuanhe looked away from her as he suddenly broke the silence.

Xiao Yuanmu’s lowered lashes quivered. “Hm?”

“I miss you a little bit too.”

Everyone in the conference room saw their boss smile for the first time. All of their eyes widened in shock.

Eve: I’m soft. SXH’s “I miss you too.”

Kara: I– clenches fist–Why are they so cute? The ending was so soft. I cry. I only love (1) couple, and they’re not even official. ( ´•̥̥̥ω•̥̥̥` )

xiin: I FOUND A WHOLE CHAPTER OF SUGAR wooohoo~