After Marrying Bigshot Vegetable Boss - Chapter 45

That night, Yu Lan thought he would suffer from insomnia, but to his surprise, he slept quite well and didn’t even dream.

 

However, he still habitually went to Chu Wang’s side upon waking, touched his hand, and rubbed the bead on his wrist three times.

 

There was no response.

 

The familiar figure no longer appeared in mid-air, standing nearby, calling his name with a calm tone.

 

There was no sign of Chu Wang’s presence, and the room was spotless. The empty wooden box from the soothsayer had already been tossed into an unknown corner.

 

When Yu Lan went downstairs, he greeted Xi Jun and had breakfast with her.

 

Of course, Xi Jun didn’t bring up his emotional outburst from the previous day. Instead, she was more gentle than before and asked if he had slept well.

 

“It was okay, Auntie.” Yu Lan gave her a smile.

 

Unlike the initially somewhat sugary obedience, his expression was now more sincere and relaxed.

 

“Yesterday…” Xi Jun’s voice was a bit hesitant, “Did something happen?”

 

Yu Lan paused, realizing that he might have been talking to Chu Wang in a somewhat loud voice yesterday.

 

He quickly shook his head, pressing his lips together. “Nothing much. I just talked to Mr. Chu a few times.”

 

That wasn’t exactly a lie.

 

Xi Jun was considerate and didn’t press further.

 

“I’m going to school now.” Yu Lan had considered taking the day off to wait for Chu Wang to wake up, but after washing up, he changed his mind.

 

Being cooped up in the room all day with nothing to do seemed like waiting at a love stone for a husband to awaken.

 

Yu Lan thought, gulped down the remaining milk from his cup, checked the time, and hurried to the car.

 

In a rush, he didn’t take public transportation and accepted the driver’s offer to take him to school.

 

As for Yu Ling, things hadn’t been going well for him recently.

 

It wasn’t just that Song Sijue’s attitude toward him had taken a sudden turn, though that alone was troubling. Song Sijue had promised to bring him a gift from the auction.

 

Yu Ling was afraid of being too proactive and causing a negative reaction, so this time he waited for Song Sijue to contact him.

 

However, not only did Song Sijue not inform him when he went to the auction, but even a whole day had passed since the event, and there was still no news from Song Sijue.

 

He was becoming increasingly restless.

 

What made him even more anxious was a rumor he heard that night, saying that a big shot spent a fortune on a piece of jade, and many people claimed to have seen Chu Wang, who had been out of the public eye for a long time, in a wheelchair at the event, accompanied by his new wife.

 

Though there was no substantial evidence due to confidentiality agreements, Yu Ling had a vague premonition—despite him repeatedly trying to refute this possibility.

 

How could Yu Lan afford such an enormous expenditure?

 

But every time he thought this, he would remember Yu Lan’s gaze when he looked at him.

 

He scowled and gritted his teeth.

 

There was absolutely no possibility of that.

 

Yu Ling finally became restless. As he entered the school, many people who had heard of him greeted him.

 

This attention was somewhat comforting to him, and with a gentle smile, Yu Ling heard one of the curious people ask, “By the way, Brother Yu, your family is so wealthy?”

 

Yu Ling was momentarily caught off guard, trying to act modest, but before he could speak, the person continued, “The student from the opposite school! He’s exceptionally handsome, and people saw him being driven to school in a globally limited car. It’s so rare I can’t even find a photo of it…”

 

Before the person could finish, Yu Ling felt a sharp pain in his head.

 

He had thought it was just people rehashing their previous encounter, so he simply nodded stiffly and said, “Yes, he is indeed a distant relative…”

 

“What? We’re not talking about the same person, are we?” The classmate, eager for gossip, looked confused. “But I heard he’s your younger brother?”

 

When these words were spoken, Yu Ling felt something in his head explode.

 

He said, “… Younger brother?”

 

What was going on?

 

“Yes, he said so himself,” the person nodded innocently.

 

Yu Ling was still a bit dazed, especially since the uninformed classmates were still enthusiastically discussing the matter.

 

By the time he reached the classroom, he had a general idea of what people were talking about.

 

They said that today, a student from the neighboring university had made a high-profile donation to several financially struggling clubs and activities, and, according to inquiries, was named Yu Ling’s younger brother.

 

Yu Ling struggled hard to keep his expression unchanged.

 

Yet, he still felt a deep sense of unease, trapped in a state of extreme fear.

 

Yu Lan… What was Yu Lan planning?

 

A month ago, he would have been far less anxious.

 

But now, the company his father had given him to test out was falling apart. With so many holes to fill, he had to take advantage of Liang Zhiyu’s inattention and accept bribes from a few senior executives of the subsidiaries, muddling through to get the projects completed.

 

Originally, Song Sijue’s return was a turning point. Yu Ling had planned to use the opportunity to ask Song Sijue for help with himself and the family.

 

But Song Sijue hadn’t contacted him.

 

All day, Yu Ling was restless, and everyone around him suddenly began mentioning those names similar to his own.

 

The key was that even the roommates who had previously defended him now looked evasive, probing, and asked, “Yu Ling, the person who visited us last time, is actually… your younger brother?”

 

“He even asked us to relay messages to you.”

 

“This won’t affect your relationship with him, will it?”

 

Someone nearby also quietly reminded him, “But I noticed that their relationship didn’t seem to be… very good?”

 

Yu Ling closed his eyes and then tried to remain calm as he said, “It’s nothing. He just has a bit of a peculiar personality, nothing more.”

 

He was almost out of breath.

 

Yu Ling knew that most students would have no access to higher-level information, and higher-tier people seemed more like symbols to him.

 

Thus, he wasn’t very worried about others learning these details. After all, the Chu family had been seeking help from them before; for the sake of their dignity, they wouldn’t reveal that they had a wife to counteract bad luck or that the Yu family had found a biological son and then pushed him away.

 

He was still reassured about that.

 

But he was still overshadowed by a massive cloud.

 

Yu Ling finally decided he couldn’t be passive anymore. He disregarded his last class, thought about it, and left from the back row.

 

Yu Lan, on the other hand, sat in the lecture hall, ignoring all the curious gazes directed at him.

 

To avoid traffic, the driver, who was unfamiliar with the route and followed the GPS, stopped directly at the school entrance.

 

At that time, some people at the school who recognized his name and were curious about his relationship with the so-called philanthropist from the neighboring school came over to ask.

 

In the past, Yu Lan might have put on an act or done something else.

 

But now, perhaps finally tired of the annoyance, he simply smiled and said, “Oh, me?”

 

“I’m Yu Ling’s younger brother.”

 

So the news spread at an astonishing speed.

 

During the break, Zhong Jiale stared at him for a while and couldn’t resist poking his elbow. “Hey.”

 

“Why do I feel like you don’t seem quite right today?”

 

Yu Lan’s expression was lazy. “What doesn’t seem right?”

 

“Hard to say.” Zhong Jiale wrinkled his nose and analyzed, “How should I put it? Your face today reads: ‘Don’t mess with me, I’ll go crazy.’”

 

He pinched his chin, approving of his own description. “Yes, that’s the vibe.”

 

Yu Lan found it amusing. “Where’s the problem? I haven’t always been like this?”

 

“Not always? It’s pretty obvious,” Zhong Jiale was quite certain. “You look calmer than before today, but you know, that calmness is all just a facade, right?”

 

“Did something happen these past few days? I heard my mom say you bought two things the other day. Shouldn’t be a big deal, right…”

 

“If I didn’t know you’re related to my brother,” Zhong Jiale analyzed, “I’d think you’re heartbroken.”

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Yu Lan expressionlessly turned his face back and returned to his textbook.

 

Every word was familiar, every sentence understandable.

 

He could keep up with the pace and draw inferences from the text.

 

Today, he had a good meal with Xi Jun and chatted with her.

 

He felt he was calm and doing everything he needed to do.

 

He wasn’t constantly thinking about Chu Wang.

 

But.

 

As the day wore on and it was already afternoon, there was still no news from home.

 

Yu Lan spun his pen around a couple of times, suddenly feeling exhausted, and collapsed onto the desk.

 

He buried his face in the crook of his arm, closed his eyes, and tried to relax.

 

—Was it that obvious?

 

Even Zhong Jiale noticed it.

 

He lay on the desk for a few minutes when the surrounding sounds suddenly changed.

 

Yu Lan didn’t pay attention, but Zhong Jiale tugged at his shirt from under the desk, as if it was related to the current situation.

 

He took a deep breath and slowly raised his head, frowning.

 

Unexpectedly, the person who entered his field of vision was someone he hadn’t anticipated.

 

“Xiao Lan,” Yu Ling had that same tired smile, standing in front of him. “Do you have time now?”

 

Yu Lan smiled when he saw him.

 

It seemed he was aware of the news before Yu Lan arrived today.

 

He was struggling with how to handle this indescribable emotion, but someone had come to him voluntarily.

 

Yu Lan raised an eyebrow. “Sure, brother. What would you like to talk about today?”

 

“Are we discussing your current financial troubles, or the fact that you went to the experimental building because of something someone said last time—”

 

He spoke without thinking.

 

“Xiao Lan,” Yu Ling was startled and raised his voice slightly to interrupt, “How about we step aside and talk?”

 

Yu Lan scoffed and followed Yu Ling out with a swagger.

 

As soon as they left the classroom, the classmates, who were already curious about their relationship, went into an uproar.

 

“What? They’re actually brothers?!”

 

“But they don’t look alike at all! And last time, didn’t he say they were distant relatives? How come now…”

 

“Moreover, it doesn’t seem like they’re very close…”

 

“I don’t really understand rich people.”

 

“Yu Lan is even married, so there must be some hidden circumstances.”

 

“Wow, this is so thrilling!”

 

“Wait, but didn’t he just say Yu Ling’s financial situation is problematic? Didn’t he just donate a batch of supplies to an orphanage?”

 

“He can’t be just putting on a show, can he…”

 

It was clear that people were genuinely anxious. Yu Lan, following him downstairs, was gleefully thinking about it.

 

He didn’t want to walk too far with Yu Ling, so he found a random spot and stood there, looking impatient. “Speak.”

 

Even when asking for help, Yu Ling still maintained a self-righteous air. He glanced at Yu Lan and began, “Xiao Lan, I’ve heard about the auction incident.”

 

Yu Lan didn’t expect such an opening: “?”

 

“I’ve checked,” Yu Ling’s tone was clearly probing, “Even if the Chu family is letting you spend freely due to guilt, you’re spending too much.”

 

Yu Lan: “……?”

 

“What does that have to do with you?”

 

Yu Ling immediately guessed correctly that the person who spent a fortune at the auction was indeed Yu Lan. He struggled to suppress his sudden unease and said, “If the Chu family decides to investigate, it won’t be easy for you to explain.”

 

Yu Lan laughed: “Why should I explain?”

 

“Do you think everyone should revolve around you, you little green tea?” Yu Lan was already quite annoyed and didn’t want to waste more words.

 

His words seemed to finally strip Yu Ling of any remaining pretense, causing his facial muscles to twitch with visible discomfort. It seemed he couldn’t hold back: “You falsely accused me last time…”

 

“You even came looking for evidence,” Yu Lan waved his hand dismissively, “You didn’t find any, so don’t talk to me about it.”

 

“And if you’re here to ask for my help,” Yu Lan said, “Isn’t it to discuss something other than old grievances?”

 

“From now on…” Yu Ling appeared as if he was barely containing himself, “Mom and I will treat you well. You’re part of our family after all.”

 

“Dad is coming back, and he can’t see the current situation. Don’t you have contact with Chu Wang’s secretary? We have a project we can collaborate on, which would be a win-win for you. The Yu family will make money and share it with you. Besides, you’re already with him…”

 

Yu Lan even thought he might have misheard.

 

“I expected you to at least say something sincere,” Yu Lan glared at him, “What makes you think you can coerce me?”

 

“Or trying to use the cheapest means of coercion…” he said, “Liang Zhiyu asked you to give me money? Why don’t you start by paying me that first.”

 

Yu Ling immediately showed an awkward expression.

 

“Young master, have you never begged anyone before?” Yu Lan said with a cold smile.

 

“You can’t use that attitude when begging.” He looked at Yu Ling, who seemed quite discontented, “Do I need to teach you?”

 

“You should first apologize humbly, then list your mistakes, seek forgiveness, and promise benefits that you can actually provide to make the other party consider it.”

 

“Have you never experienced this before?” he said.

 

However, coming to Yu Lan was seemingly the last concession from Yu Ling. He seemed to reflexively take two steps back: “Don’t push me too far!”

 

“I said our cooperation is a win-win, and you’re a Yu too, aren’t you?” Yu Ling gritted his teeth. “You’re so bold to spend Chu Wang’s money like this, aren’t you afraid he’ll come after you when he wakes up?”

 

If he hadn’t said that, it might have been better.

 

Yu Lan paused for two seconds and then suddenly lowered his voice: “Say that again?”

 

“I said, you’re only acting recklessly because Chu Wang is a vegetable—” Yu Ling, thinking Yu Lan was wavering because of his words, couldn’t help but continue, “You’d better pray he never wakes up!”

 

Hearing the last sentence, Yu Lan merely looked up and silently regarded him.

 

He was right.

 

He shouldn’t waste time here.

 

There was no point in talking to someone like him.

 

He suddenly didn’t want to deal with him anymore, turning expressionlessly and unwilling to say another word.

 

Yu Ling became even more anxious: “Do you think you’re something? I just wanted to discuss cooperation, and yet you—”

 

Yu Lan’s footsteps halted.

 

“Listen carefully.” He looked at Yu Ling with an icy gaze, devoid of any emotion.

 

Yu Ling, who had intended to say more, was stunned by this look and couldn’t speak.

 

“I’m still carrying this surname because Auntie at the orphanage loved tulips, and it has nothing to do with you.”

 

“Put away your self-righteous familial affection,” Yu Lan said. “As for whether he’ll wake up, aren’t you eager for him to? Then start the countdown from today.”

 

“For every night he wakes up, I’ll make you pay a day’s price.”

 

“You…”

 

“Wondering what the price is? There’s plenty.” Yu Lan smiled coldly without looking at him. “First, let’s calculate how much you’ve misappropriated pretending to be grand.”

 

“That’s impossible?” Yu Ling said, trying to prove something, “I’m not without help. I just thought of you first—”

 

“You mean your childhood sweetheart brother?” Yu Lan thought this kind of provocative method was low, but it seemed it didn’t need much skill to deal with him. “Didn’t he say he was going to give you something?”

 

Yu Ling’s face changed completely: “How do you know?”

 

“Maybe it’s gone now. The gift he wanted to give you is sitting in my closet.” Yu Lan smiled. “Not to mention that, you also had people bully classmates…”

 

“I didn’t!” Yu Ling shouted, “How do you know those people were sent by me?”

 

“Should I go find them all? How much did you pay them to keep quiet?” Yu Lan found his stubbornness amusing.

 

“You don’t have evidence!” Yu Ling’s voice trembled, “How do you know they’re not framing me?”

 

“Do you think you’re so important that everyone is out to get you?” Yu Lan was about to continue when another voice suddenly intervened.

 

“There is evidence.”

 

Song Sijue stood not far away, walking over, not knowing how much he had overheard.

 

“I was present at the time. I am the evidence.” His expression was complex as he glanced at Yu Ling and then quickly focused on Yu Lan, speaking up.