YM778.TV Chapter 41.1
This was the first time Jian Xingsui visited the Shen familys house.
In his impression, it was very different from the Jian familys house. For example, theres several servants hired in Jians house, while theres only one househelper employed in the Shen familys house. After entering, the living room wasnt typical it wasnt a magnificent, grand room with many precious antiques , cold marble, and leather sofas, but it was instead a tidy and warm room. The house was painted with warm colors, and the furniture consisted mainly of wooden tables and chairs. Theres a couple of hand-woven feather decorations on the walls and wall cabinets with books, bottles, and decorative flowers.
On the far-left wall, there were a few crooked paintings hanging with some certificates it seemed to be excellent education awards or something like that. There was also some handmade dcor in the glass wooden cabinet. The sofa was made of white woven leather. There was a fluffy cushion, with a half-knit scarf and gloves lying on it. On the coffee table, there were two plates of fruit and a half-read book.
The house was warm and homey. Felt down-to-earth for a rich family like the Shens.
Shen Xingchen whispered from Jian Xingsuis side: Handicrafts is my Mothers hobby, sorry if its currently messy around the house.
Jian Xingsui shook his head: No, no problem.
An elderly woman came over, took the jackets of Shen Minglang and the others, and asked in a respectful manner, Madam, Young Masters, Sir just called and said that his plane was delayed, and something happened to the company. He said he will take another two days to come back.
Xu Enzhen said, Thank you Auntie Wu. Its hard work for you, you havent slept despite it being so late.
Auntie Wu took a look at Jian Xingsui, and she politely said, Young Master is coming back late today, and he must eat. Its only natural I also would stay up late to prepare food for him. I left it in the kitchen to keep it warm, go see if theres anything you want, Ill make more of it.
Xu Enzhen smiled and nodded. She turned her head and looked back at Jian Xingsui, Xingsui, you and Xingchen go upstairs to find a room to rest and wash up. After that, go downstairs for dinner.
Shen Xingchen stretched his sore muscles, Okay, Im exhausted, lets go.
Xu Enzhen came over, she took Jian Xingsuis hand, and said softly, If you need something, just tell me, okay?
No matter how many times it had happened, Jian Xingsui was still very touched by Mrs. Shens kindness. Theres nothing. But still, thank you for your generous offer.
Xu Enzhen finally smiled with confidence.
Jian Xingsui was dragged up the stairs by Shen Xingchen, only to find out that the second floor also had the same warm atmosphere. There were many paintings hanging on the wall of the stairs, most of which are photos of the two children of the Shen family growing up. Theres also the whole family photos and the Shen couple by themselves. These photos seemed to be organized chronologically. However, theres a spot in the middle that seemed oddly empty.
Jian Xingsui couldnt help but ask about it in curiosity.
Shen Xingchen, who was walking next to him, knew what he was wondering at a glance, and said, Are you wondering why theres an empty spot here?
Jian Xingsui nodded.
Shen Xingchen explained, Because something happened to our family at that time. My Mother was pregnant with my younger brother when I was about three or four years old, but later, my younger brother died in the hospital.
My Mother had difficulties during her previous pregnancies. She even almost miscarried a couple of times during this one. And in the end well, this cast a shadow on Mom that haunted her for several years. The baby was born during October. Mom said that at that time, she managed to see him and touched him one last time before losing him forever.
There was a little smile in Shen Xingchens eyes and he said: You know, once I heard from Mom that the baby was completely different from my elder brother or me. Other children would cry and their eyes should still be shut, but he didnt. After the nurse took him out, he opened his eyes, isnt it miraculous?
Jian Xingsui said: How can there be such a thing? A newborn baby opens his eyes?
Yes, my Mother said that she was still on the operating table at that time, and the child opened his eyes. My Mother reached out to touch him, and he reached out to hold her finger. But later the nurse said he suddenly died, Shen Xingchen scratched his head while talking, his eyes darkened, and continued in a low voice, Maybe Mom instinctively knew it would be the last time she would see him, so
Perhaps, it was also because of that brief contact in the operating room that made her unable to move on. Its like a seed that fell into the tip of her heart, took root, germinated, and grew wildly.
No matter what everyone and she told herself, let alone moving on, she couldnt even accept it.
Even if it was just a hasty farewell, she couldnt accept the news that the child had suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The heavy blow caused her to suffer from severe postpartum depression. No one noticed her abnormality at first, until one day she began to tell that she saw the hallucination of her dead son. After some counseling with a psychiatrist, she was judged to have severe mental problems.
Shen Xingchen said while taking Jian Xingsui to the guest room, The doctor said that my Mother was too sad and unwilling to face the reality. Those hallucinations are her bodys self-protection mechanism, and only she kept believing its not a mere delusion. But, how can a person come back to life after death? Although sometimes I do wish I had a younger brother.
Jian Xingsui was curious: Why?
It would be nice to have a younger brother. Shen Xingchen said in an incomprehensible expression, My ge scolds me every day when he has nothing to do, and so does Fu-ge. I know that his qualifications and knowledge are better than mine, so they have the privilege. But, if I also have a younger brother, I could do the same to him right? Give him life lessons and things like that. Isnt that awesome?
Jian Xingsui couldnt refute.
After arriving at the guest room, he began to take a shower.
When he came out, he was wearing a bath towel. Not long after tidying up, there was a knock on the door. He hurried to open the door, and was surprised to see Auntie Wu standing outside.
Auntie Wu bowed and said, Hello, Mr. Jian.
Jian Xingsui quickly returned the greeting, Hello.
This is what my Madam asked me to bring to you, Auntie Wu handed him the things in the tray, This is Xingchens old pajamas from two years ago. But they are all clean and comfortable. Also, Madam said that she didnt know your specific sleeping habits, so she prepared eye masks and earplugs for you if you needed it. By the way, this is
This level of care made Jian Xingsui dumbfounded.
He knew his status a guest, not to mention, someone who failed in his career. His family also was just a normal middle-income family. For a family like the noble Shen family, its not an exaggeration to say that hes just an ant in front of them. But everyone in the Shen family didnt look down on him, but they treated him with so much respect and care.
Jian Xingsui took the things and was very grateful, Thank you Auntie, give my thanks to Mrs. Shen also.
You dont have to be so polite. Auntie Wu smiled and said, I can see that you are a good friend of the Young Master, and the Madam likes you very much. You dont have to be cautious here, just tell me what you want.
Jian Xingsui couldnt treat her like a servant, and he bid her goodbye politely.
After going back into the guest room, he changed into his pajamas, and then he went downstairs. When he got downstairs, he smelled a faint fragrance of food. Seeing Xu Enzhen serving noodles on the table downstairs, he hurried over, I can help.
Xu Enzhen was surprised when she saw him, Youre ready so soon?
Jian Xingsui smiled and said, I just need to pack up. It took no time at all. Are you serving noodles? Let me help.
Xu Enzhen cautioned him, This is hot.
Its okay, Jian Xingsui took the big bowl skillfully, then slowly put the noodles into the several smaller serving bowls with a spoon and chopsticks, I have helped in restaurants before, and the noodles there were rough and thick. Since this is very hot, you might want to stay a little farther, so as not to be splashed by the soup.
Xu Enzhen looked at Jian Xingsui serving the noodles, and when he was serving the noodles, he deliberately avoided adding the oil into the noodle soup, so she was curious, Why? Are you afraid of getting fat, so you avoid eating the oil?
Jian Xingsui responded, No, this bowl is for you. I think you must havent eaten much since last night. So I thought of giving you a serving. As for avoiding adding oil to the noodle soup, its because I think your skin is very well-maintained, so you shouldnt touch oily foods. Err, uhm sorry, did I force my own decision on you..? Ill give you another serve again.
Xu Enzhen was slightly stunned at first. Then, she saw that Jian Xingsui really made another serving. The sensitive and careful behavior of this child made her feel a pain in her heart. She quickly stopped Jian Xingsui and took over the bowl in his hand. The bowl was hot, and her heart was warm. With a soft whisper, she told him, I dont take it as an offense. In fact, Im happy you are taking care of me with the little things you do.
Jian Xingsui relaxed his knotted heart. Seeing Xu Enzhen looking at him with a maternal smile, he stammered in response,I-Its nothing, This is uh This is what I should do.
She was so kind to him, of course he would want to do something for her.
Jian Xingsui continued to serve the rice, and Auntie Wu, who was not far away, wanted to come over, but Xu Enzhen stopped her with her eyes. She just stood quietly, watching the boy doing things beside her. He now helped to set the chopsticks after serving the noodles. After he finished, he even wiped the spillage on the table with a rag.
Xu Enzhen was not a stupid woman, she can see that Jian Xingsui was nervous when he came here. She had been trying to make him relax, but it looked like for this type of grateful child, its better to let him do something to make him relax and not feel burdened.
Mom! Suisui! How are you all done already? Shen Xingchens voice came from the stairs. He had just taken a shower, his hair hadnt been blown dry, so his usually spiky hair looked tamed and flat. With a spring on his steps, he trotted over, Wow, todays dinner looks so luxurious! Mom, you actually cook the noodles yourself. Todays not a big day nor do we have distinguished guests, right? Its rare that we can eat these noodles.
Shen Xingchen smiled with a dopey look at Jian Xingsui, You are blessed, my brother. Let me tell you, although my mothers cooking skills are not very good, her egg noodles are to die for! Plus, you cant eat them unless its a special occasion, so that makes it extra, extra special!
Xu Enzhen gave him a blank look that promised pain for her bear child, You really can talk so much, cant you?
She also shouted at her eldest son, telling Shen Minglang to hurry up and come down for dinner.
At the dinner table, Shen Xingchen could be said to be wolfing down his food without a shred of manners. Jian Xingsui took a bite of the noodles and was amazed by the taste the deliciousness of the soup, the springiness of the noodles its all perfect. While it might not be the most delicious noodles he ever tasted, it was full of warmth. He could taste the love Xu Enzhen poured while making it. In that case, it was the best food he ever ate.
After eating a bowl, he actually wanted to have seconds, but he was embarrassed to stand up. He could only give longing looks to the big bowl of noodles not far away. After all, hes still only a guest. Its not a good look to be too presumptuous.
Sitting opposite of him was Shen Minglang. The older man was wearing gold-rimmed glasses, and he had a perpetual stern face. With a serious tone, he called, Auntie Wu?
Auntie Wu who was standing not far away came over: Yes, Young Master?
Please give me another serving. Shen Minglang handed her his half-full bowl, and said casually: Ah, also, they are all hungry too, so please fill up their bowl.
The elderly housekeeper nodded.
Shen Xingchen also muttered while he kept eating, Yes, yes, Im starving to death.
Auntie Wu came over to add some for Shen Minglang, and asked Jian Xingsui softly, You seem to have finished eating, let me add some more.
This question was like a timely rain during the drought. Since hes asked first, he eagerly nodded. With a shy smile, he thanked the housekeeper, Mhmm, thank you.
Auntie Wu had a good impression of this polite child, and she could see that Jian Xingsui wasnt a gold digger by any means. Only sincerity could be repaid by sincerity. She was also very happy for the young master to make friends. After handing the bowl to him, she smiled and said, Youre welcome, there is still enough, my Madam has cooked a lot.
Shen Minglang on the opposite side took another look. He made sure the bashful youth had enough on his bowl, and then looked away.
Xu Enzhens eyes were also full of softness, and she said softly: Suisui, if you like to eat this, then you must come to play often. Auntie can cook for you anytime.
Shen Xingchen sensed this injustice and whined pitifully, Mooomm! Thats not what you said to me when Im hungry.
Shen Minglang refuted his whiny younger brother with cold-blooded words, Thats because youre an absolute glutton without manners. Its good for you to eat less.
Shen Xingchen moaned to express his dissatisfaction.
Jian Xingsui watched the family eating quietly, with a touch of envy in his heart. This family was really nice, and they talked and laughed during the meal. There was no such strict rule that you mustnt speak during meal times. The palpable familial warmth, the occasional bickering, but the intimacy this was completely opposite to the atmosphere at Jian familys home.
After eating, Shen Xingchen said: Come with me, I will take you to my room to see something amazing.
Jian Xingsui was dragged away by him.
Xu Enzhen from behind called out, Its past four oclock in the morning! You two, dont play too late! Shen Xingchen, if you dont sleep, thats fine, thats your body. But dont delay Xingsuis sleep, he is still growing!
Shen Xingchen, who was impatient, replied perfunctorily, I know, I know, Mom, you are so nagging!
After going upstairs, Shen Xingchen brought Jian Xingsui to his room, which was even bigger than Jian Xingsui imagined. Its full of knick-knacks be it the latest games, various posters, or action figurines. Despite being four oclock in the morning, Shen Xingchen was still excited as he spoke to Jian Xingsui, Ill show you my treasures!
Just as Jian Xingsui was curious, he saw Shen Xingchen dragging out a large VR game pod from the cabinet, Hurry up, this is a limited-edition game pod. Most people cant get it, you know. You can only buy it from a special channel, so no matter how much money you throw at the developer, theres no guarantee you can actually buy it! I couldnt get one back then, but thankfully, Fu-ge found a way to acquire one, and he gifted it to me for my birthday! Also, as for this one
Jian Xingsuis pupils widened when he heard Fu Jinxiaos name.
Shen Xingchen pulled him to show the game pods monitor, Okay, okay, Ill show you the functions
When Xu Enzhen came to check her youngest sons room half an hour later, she saw two young men sleeping side-by-side on the carpet. There were many of Shen Xingchens prized possessions scattered about. Its clear that the young master wanted to show them to his close friend.
Xu Enzhen sighed softly, and she took a blanket from the side to cover Jian Xingsui.
Shen Xingchen was lying on the ground on his back, sleeping with a soft snore. Jian Xingsui was sleeping next to him, curled up like a baby. The profiles of the two people were so similar under the dim light, which made Xu Enzhen feel a little dazed, as if these two people were supposed to be like this in the first place.
Like close brothers.