After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 37

Song Sijue arrived at the restaurant early to choose a table. Although he hadn’t been staying with the Yu family these days, he had still kept in touch with Yu Ling.

 

Since that day, he had understood Liang Zhiyu’s intention. In fact, this was the very reason he initially called off the engagement—Song Sijue truly didn’t want to get engaged to a stranger he had never met before.

 

After so many years, Yu Ling was still the same as he remembered—gentle and calm, and still sweetly calling him “brother” when she saw him.

 

However, perhaps because of the broken engagement, Song Sijue wasn’t in a rush to come back and re-engage.

 

Moreover, after returning to the country, he encountered the situation from that day while delivering some documents to a friend.

 

When Song Sijue first saw Li Shu with his broken glasses, looking pitiful as he came out, and heard a bit more of what happened, he roughly understood the situation.

 

He was initially surprised that such things still happened on a university campus and was impressed by the boy who stood up for others.

 

Curiosity was genuine. He went down a few steps and saw the other person’s profile.

 

Completely different from what he imagined, the figure was smaller than he thought, but the facial features were particularly beautiful and delicate.

 

— A person you would never forget after just one glance.

 

He wanted to help, but the other person didn’t seem to need it and walked away directly.

 

In hindsight, he realized he was a bit impulsive, but he didn’t regret it.

 

These days, Song Sijue had considered whether to find out who the person was.

 

The person’s brows and eyes were lively, with a kind of enviable vibrancy. Clearly having an extremely superior face suited for a garden, but was remarkably clean and decisive while dealing with those people.

 

It would be a lie to say he wasn’t impressed.

 

But Song Sijue had only been to that school once and hadn’t gone back in these days. Asking someone else would seem impolite.

 

Plus, after going to the Yu family, various things had come up, so this matter had been replayed many times in his mind over the past few days but hadn’t progressed further.

 

But it didn’t stop him from keeping it on his mind.

 

Yu Ling’s birthday was approaching. Song Sijue hadn’t been back to the country for a long time and wanted to book a nice restaurant. Since he happened to be free today, he decided to come and check it out in person.

 

Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped in, he saw the figure by the window, talking and laughing with the same person from last time.

 

What a surprise.

 

Thinking of this, Song Sijue looked at Yu Lan with an increasingly deeper smile, not minding that the other hadn’t shaken hands with him. He said, “Regarding what happened last time, I hope it didn’t cause you any trouble?”

 

Yu Lan felt something was off.

 

If Yu Lan hadn’t remembered who he was, he would have probably responded politely with a few casual words. But now he just stared at Song Sijue’s face, wondering what this was all about.

 

He said with no emotion, “No trouble, but it might have been better if Mr. Song hadn’t appeared suddenly.”

 

This statement was somewhat confrontational. Yu Lan wanted to test him, but Song Sijue seemed genuinely unaware of who he was and attempted to say, “It wasn’t intentional. How about this: as an apology, let me cover the cost of your meal today.”

 

Before Yu Lan could speak, Zhong Jiale spoke up, “But this reservation was made by my family, and the payment has already been made. No need, no need.”

 

Song Sijue, clearly accustomed to high-profile situations, maintained a stable expression and said, “In that case, as a gesture of apology and to get to know the two of you, how about next time…”

 

Zhong Jiale, who was oblivious to what was going on, asked curiously, “Why are you so interested in knowing his name?”

 

The directness of the question caught Song Sijue off guard: “Of course, I simply think you two are very nice and would like to get to know you better.”

 

“There’s nothing to know,” Yu Lan said, no longer looking at him. He added a few more dishes and returned the menu to the waiter. “Let’s stick to the set menu.”

 

“Do you have any other requests?” Yu Lan asked.

 

Seeing that Song Sijue still wanted to speak, Yu Lan cut him off and said, “If you really want to know, just call me the ordinary, righteous college student.”

 

He had initially thought Song Sijue might be looking for trouble based on something Yu Ling said, but it seemed not the case. He currently didn’t know who he was.

 

That was perfect, Yu Lan thought. He was too lazy to deal with another person related to Yu Ling. How they loved each other was their business; it was best if he didn’t get involved.

 

Song Sijue stood there, feeling somewhat embarrassed but reluctant to leave without saying anything. He tried to find a topic and said, “It looks like this isn’t your first time here. I was just looking to make a reservation. Do you have any recommendations?”

 

Yu Lan raised an eyebrow, glanced around the romantic environment of the restaurant, and thought, could Song Sijue be booking this place for his brother?

 

So this time he didn’t ignore him and nodded, “It’s quite good. Especially suitable for couples.”

 

The implication was, hurry and bring your partner here, and stop bothering me.

 

But Song Sijue couldn’t understand this implication at the moment and took Yu Lan’s suggestion genuinely. He smiled and said, “Thank you.”

 

Since he had already stood there for a while and it wasn’t good to stay longer, he said goodbye to them and went to the front desk to book a table.

 

As soon as Song Sijue walked away, Zhong Jiale craned his neck and leaned in, saying, “Yu Lan…”

 

Yu Lan sensed something off in his tone and responded warily, “Hmm?”

 

“I can’t help but think…” Zhong Jiale, though sometimes not very sharp, wasn’t completely dull, “It seems like he might be interested in you?”

 

Yu Lan couldn’t help but laugh at this. After pausing, he said, “How could that be?”

 

This was the protagonist, who was supposed to have an epic romance with Yu Ling. He was merely a supporting character in their relationship; what did it have to do with him?

 

“Really, look at it—he’s mainly been talking to you. He wanted to ask your name when he first met you, and now he still wants to ask…” Zhong Jiale said with a knowing look, then concluded firmly, “There’s definitely something going on.”

 

Yu Lan found it amusing and joked, “Then it’s a couple’s restaurant. Why doesn’t he misunderstand my relationship with you and stop bothering me?”

 

Zhong Jiale, who had just bitten into a garlic bread and was about to swallow, nearly choked at this unexpected comment and immediately said, “What does that have to do with me! Don’t drag me into this!”

 

Yu Lan also took a piece of bread but suddenly thought, “By the way, you mentioned he’s the head of the Chinese division of a prominent foreign group?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“No wonder…” Yu Lan pondered.

 

No wonder the Yu family, despite its financial struggles, hadn’t made any moves recently. It seemed Song Sijue’s sudden return had given them hope.

 

According to the plot in the book, he should now be leveraging the Chu family’s influence to oppress them. The kind-hearted protagonist would endure hardship for the family business, and the devoted childhood friend would support him without complaints until Chu Wang wakes up and locks him in a mental hospital.

 

How interesting.

 

He wasn’t feeling any guilt, Yu Lan thought. He had been busy talking with Chu Wang lately, so he hadn’t had time to torment them.

 

After all, the entire Yu family seemed quite dull.

 

However, Yu Lan thought confidently that given the current situation, as long as Chu Wang didn’t lose his memory or even if he did, he probably wouldn’t face that kind of ending.

 

But if Yu Ling was as depicted in the book or if she simply had a grudge against him, it could be resolved with a cup of tea.

 

However, thinking of Li Shu, and his father being forced into early retirement and blocked because of a casual remark…

 

If he and Zhong Jiale hadn’t been there that day, if they hadn’t happened to hear the commotion on the stairs… who knows how badly Li Shu would have been bullied.

 

Zhong Jiale, oblivious to these thoughts, was still anxious. “What’s the matter? Tell me!”

 

Yu Lan looked at him and said, “It’s nothing. I just remembered that Sister Zhang Yan mentioned this company.”

 

Zhong Jiale responded with an “Oh” and didn’t think much of it. He then started to pride himself on his information. “See, I told you I wasn’t wrong!”

 

This restaurant, selected rigorously by Zhong Jiale’s parents, was indeed excellent in every way. After they finished their meal, Zhong Jiale’s family driver picked him up. Yu Lan decided to walk around to digest before heading home.

 

But he didn’t expect that bad luck would come around twice in one day.

 

As he was about to go home, he heard an unwelcome voice: “Classmate…”

 

Yu Lan turned around, feeling annoyed. How could he run into Song Sijue again?!

 

Song Sijue, however, looked pleasantly surprised.

 

He began to explain, “I didn’t mean to follow you intentionally. I just finished booking the restaurant and was planning to buy some things nearby. I didn’t expect to run into you before leaving.”

 

He glanced at Yu Lan’s side: “Where’s the person you were dining with?”

 

“He left first,” Yu Lan, not wanting to engage, mumbled as he walked forward. “I’m heading back too.”

 

“So you don’t live together?” Song Sijue seemed to be relieved.

 

Yu Lan: Huh?

 

He had joked about Zhong Jiale earlier at dinner; could someone actually think that was true?

 

But the fact was, Song Sijue continued, “So you’re not a couple, then I can still get to know you, right?”

 

Yu Lan: ……

 

What the hell.

 

Even if he was clueless, he could understand what Song Sijue meant.

 

— How did Zhong Jiale’s casual remark turn out to be true?!

 

This was the protagonist! The protagonist!!

 

What connection does he have with a supporting character like him?!

 

Yu Lan looked up at Song Sijue with a complex expression.

 

He realized that the world in the book might be vastly different from reality, but he hadn’t expected such a chasm.

 

He was in no mood to explain but took a deep breath and decided to give a slight hint without revealing his identity.

 

“Um,” Yu Lan said, “Are you currently single?”

 

Song Sijue visibly hesitated for a moment but quickly nodded.

 

Yu Lan recalled that this person had previously called off an engagement because he heard that the arranged partner might be him. So now that he had returned to the country, he was likely intending to re-engage with Yu Ling. Yu Lan thought for a moment and asked, “Then… do you have any current engagement or something like that?”

 

Song Sijue didn’t expect this question, but he found the person in front of him very interesting, so he answered honestly, “My parents arranged an engagement for me when I was a child, but I have voluntarily dissolved it.”

 

Perhaps this situation was too dramatic, and Yu Lan couldn’t help but ask, “Why did you cancel it?”

 

“Because I believe that marriage should be a personal choice,” Song Sijue even elaborated on his views on choosing a partner.

 

But Yu Lan wasn’t interested in hearing this; he was only curious, “What kind of person was the other party?”

 

“I’ve never met them,” Song Sijue sighed. “But I heard they were gloomy, had a strange temper, and even plotted to harm others.”

 

Yu Lan couldn’t help but laugh.

 

It seemed Yu Ling had been stepping on him in front of others these days.

 

He looked at Song Sijue and asked, “Since you’ve never even seen them, why are you so sure about these things?”

 

Song Sijue actually found it hard to explain.

 

It was just that everyone said so, and Yu Ling had even cried several times when talking about this person… He felt some sympathy for his childhood friend.

 

“Because…”

 

“Forget it, you don’t need to tell me so much,” Yu Lan interrupted, not wanting to listen any longer. “But to disappoint Mr. Song, I’m already married.”

 

Song Sijue’s expression visibly stiffened, and his gaze quickly fell on Yu Lan’s hand. “If you wanted to refuse me, you could use a thousand excuses, rather than such a fantastical one.”

 

“Moreover—”

 

“Moreover, no wedding ring, right?” Noticing Song Sijue’s gaze, Yu Lan finished the thought for him. “But Mr. Song, I respect your views on marriage, so my marriage was also my own choice.”

 

“But—”

 

Song Sijue wanted to say something more, but Yu Lan had already continued.

 

“What if there’s no ring?” Yu Lan looked up at him with a changed expression, one that was practiced to appear pitiful. “Perhaps Mr. Song’s family is wealthy enough to buy better rings, but contentment comes from being with the person you love. I’m already very satisfied, after all—”

 

Yu Lan’s eyes were both fragile and determined. “Love can soothe pain.”

 

Without waiting for Song Sijue’s reaction, Yu Lan turned and walked away without looking back.

 

Song Sijue didn’t know how he made it back.

 

He felt somewhat dazed—

 

Before seeing that person in the restaurant, he had thought he was simply impressed by their appearance and charm, nothing more.

 

But seeing them again in the restaurant, he couldn’t restrain himself and wanted to ask more.

 

Initially, he was somewhat disappointed, as it seemed like the person he was interested in might be paired with someone like Zhong Jiale, who clearly came from a good family. He thought he wouldn’t be able to ask for a name.

 

Yet, fate was unstoppable.

 

He happened to run into them again.

 

This time, Song Sijue didn’t hesitate, knowing he might not get another chance to meet them.

 

When asked about his relationship status, he had nodded, thinking he had nothing to do with the unknown fiancé anymore.

 

However, in the end, he received a devastating piece of news.

 

How could this be?

 

A person who seemed so cheerful and distinctive would choose to marry someone who couldn’t even afford a ring?

 

Song Sijue had never believed in love at first sight, but after seeing that person, he was convinced it existed.

 

But, but—

 

Song Sijue dejectedly opened the door to his apartment.

 

“—Sijue Gege?”

 

Yu Ling was sitting on the sofa, with a steaming late-night snack on the table. Upon seeing him, Yu Ling stood up to greet him.

 

Song Sijue hadn’t expected him to be here and was momentarily stunned. “Xiao Ling, what are you doing here?”

 

Yu Ling had asked him for the current apartment password a few days ago, and Song Sijue had given it without much thought.

 

However, since Yu Ling hadn’t visited before, he had forgotten about it. He didn’t expect Yu Ling to wait for him here today.

 

“I had some free time today, so I wanted to come and see you,” Yu Ling said with a sweet smile. “Just finished work?”

 

Song Sijue was still preoccupied with what had happened earlier and forced a smile. “Yes.”

 

“Xiao Ling,” he had originally wanted to surprise Yu Ling, but now that he thought about it, if Yu Ling wasn’t free that day, going to the restaurant wouldn’t be as meaningful. “Your birthday is coming up. Do you have time that day?”

 

Hearing this, Yu Ling slightly opened his mouth, showing a mix of surprise and shyness. “If you’re asking, then of course I do.”

 

“Great.” Song Sijue nodded. “I’ve booked a restaurant today. I asked around, and it’s supposed to be quite good. I’ll take you there.”

 

“Really?” Yu Ling’s voice rose with excitement. “That sounds great, Sijue Gege!”

 

Song Sijue forced another smile.

 

He recalled the expression of the person he had asked for advice in the restaurant.

 

Yu Ling seemed to sense Song Sijue’s distraction and lowered his voice, tentatively asking, “Sijue Gege?”

 

Song Sijue came back to his senses and glanced at Yu Ling.

 

“Is something wrong at work?” Yu Ling’s expression was a bit worried.

 

Song Sijue thought Yu Ling was concerned about him and smiled faintly. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing.”

 

“That’s good.” Yu Ling sighed in relief. “Do you want anything to eat? I can get it for you—”

 

Song Sijue was still lost in thought and suddenly called out, “Xiao Ling.”

 

“Can you tell me about—”

 

“Your brother who was found?”

 

He kept thinking about what the young man had said earlier and felt he should ask more and understand better about someone he had never met before.

 

However, Yu Ling’s smile froze upon hearing this question.

 

He was about to fall into his usual sad expression, but this time, tears hadn’t yet filled his eyes. Song Sijue seemed to ignore this and continued, “What’s his name? Where is he now?”

 

“He…” Yu Ling hesitated, awkwardly staying in place, on the verge of tears.

 

After a moment, he began to cry as if even mentioning the name was painful. “I, I think of him… Sijue Gege…”

 

“What happened to him?”

 

Yu Ling initially brought up his usual grievances but couldn’t help but add, “Last time, I wanted to visit him, hoping that he wouldn’t be too sad and wanted to comfort him. But he… accused me of trying to harm Mr. Chu…”

 

Song Sijue sighed after hearing this, though he sounded somewhat distracted as if he had heard this too many times. “You’ve suffered.”

 

Yu Ling shook his head, tears still streaming. “It’s okay. I’m just glad you’re back. Otherwise, my mother and I wouldn’t know how to cope.”

 

“So, he framed you. You should gather evidence,” Song Sijue, acting as a listener, gave some comforting advice. “Xiao Ling, you shouldn’t suffer in vain.”

 

However, for Yu Ling, this was exactly the wrong thing to bring up. Mid-cry, he got stuck. “…Forget it, it’s nothing, Sijue Gege. It’s all in the past.”

 

Yu Ling adjusted his most practiced angle of appearing sorrowful, gazing up with teary eyes and a pitiful look. “Sijue Gege—”

 

“So, what’s his name?” Song Sijue, still mulling over the words of the person he had just met, asked Yu Ling again. “Don’t be upset. If he really wronged you, I will make sure justice is served.”

 

Yu Ling found himself in a difficult spot. If he didn’t speak, his previous persona would fall apart. He wiped his tears and, sounding genuinely heartbroken, revealed the name: “Yu Lan.”

 

“Yu… Lan.” Song Sijue repeated the name. “It sounds quite nice.”

 

Yu Ling couldn’t respond: ………

 

“So, since he calls you ‘brother,’ he must still be in school, right?” Song Sijue continued to comfort Yu Ling. “It’s okay, Xiao Ling. I’ll investigate this for you.”

 

“No, Sijue Gege…” Yu Ling was almost in a panic, not understanding what was wrong with Song Sijue today. “He’s very capable; I can’t bear to see him hurt you.”

 

“I’m a few years older than you. How could I be afraid of these things?” Song Sijue replied.

 

Yu Ling bit his lower lip tightly, hesitated for a few seconds, and then said, “He used to be in school, but after he left our family, I don’t know what happened to him.”

 

Song Sijue nodded. “Okay.”

 

Just when Yu Ling thought this might be over, Song Sijue added, “The company headquarters happens to be collaborating with his side this time. There might be a chance to meet him.”

 

Yu Ling couldn’t maintain his crying expression any longer. “Sijue Gege…”

 

“Xiao Ling, don’t be afraid,” Song Sijue said.

 

This wasn’t the outcome Yu Ling wanted. Feeling deeply distressed, he bit his lip, tears streaming again. “But Sijue Gege, you don’t need to do this for me. I always thought that the day you came back was the happiest day of my years…”

 

As he tried to stand up, he seemed too weak from sadness and stumbled, falling back onto the sofa—

 

Coincidentally, he ended up in Song Sijue’s embrace.

 

Yu Ling closed his eyes, still appearing distressed and too weak to get up. His hands gently wrapped around Song Sijue’s waist as if seeking warmth.

 

Song Sijue noticed this and froze momentarily.

 

Yu Ling had bathed before coming, and there was a clean fragrance on him.

 

Song Sijue noticed it and paused slightly.

 

However, he instinctively reached out, holding Yu Ling’s hands and subtly pushing them away.

 

Chu’s reaction upon learning this: Damn it, he wanted to buy a truckload of rings right away.