Page 16

"Why do you, of all people, have such a huge prejudice against Uncle Zhao? Have you forgotten the gifts and red envelopes Uncle Zhao bought you during the holidays? How can you take someone's things, then turn around and curse them?" Cheng Kaiyun reached out and tapped Cheng Yu. "What an ungrateful little brat."

Seeing Cheng Kaiyun's righteous, indignant expression, Cheng Yu could not help letting out a cold laugh. "Whatever."

Cheng Kaiyun and Chen Lingyun watched as Cheng Yu picked up his phone and wallet and headed outside. "Stop! It's so late. Where are you going?"

"None of your business!" Cheng Yu snapped impatiently. After changing his shoes, he slammed the door and stormed out.

"This child's temper is getting worse and worse!" Chen Lingyun turned to Chen Simiao and Lin Sufen. "You two are the ones who spoiled him."

"None of your business either." Chen Simiao snorted. "All you do every day is criticize your own child. If you parents had put your hearts into doing your jobs properly, you would not be left unable to say a word in rebuttal. All you know is how to make unreasonable trouble."

"Your father is right." Lin Sufen stood with her husband as well. "I think Yu is right. You two have been completely fooled by Zhao Jinchui. You really think he's a good person? If he truly knew how to repay kindness, he would not have come looking for you only when he was in trouble all these years. Just as Yu said, isn't his wife related to Feng Guangxu? Why didn't he ask Feng Guangxu for a loan? Isn't it because he knows you two are easy to talk into things?"

"Mom!" Chen Lingyun cut off Lin Sufen's complaints. "I'm the chairman of C&C Jewelry. What use would it be for him to go to Feng Guangxu? Wouldn't the final decision still be mine?"

"If something really happens, you'll be the one taking the blame." Chen Simiao gave a cold snort. "I think Yu is right. If that Zhao Jinchui were truly sincere, he could have discussed it with Feng Guangxu first and then had Feng Guangxu come to you. At least that would have eliminated any future problems."

Cheng Kaiyun disagreed. "Dad, Mom, don't let a child fool you with his words. C&C Jewelry's operations are in excellent condition. How could there possibly be a cash-flow shortage? Yu is worrying over nothing at such a young age. Don't you two elders add to the chaos."

Chen Simiao could not be bothered to deal with the couple anymore and simply said, "Dinner. Go call Shao downstairs to eat."

Seeing his father-in-law refuse to communicate, Cheng Kaiyun could only shake his head.

With his phone and wallet in hand, Cheng Yu instinctively turned into the garage. Looking at the lone BMW and Maybach standing in the otherwise empty space, he finally remembered that he was still in a dream. His garage full of limited-edition supercars from around the world had not even begun to take shape. He was not yet eighteen either, so he could not legally drive on the road.

Cheng Yu stood in the garage with his hands on his hips, fuming for a while before dragging his long legs outside. The night breeze was slightly cool, and the moonlight flowed like water. People jogging, walking their dogs, and strolling after dinner could be seen everywhere in the neighborhood. These neighbors were all shocked to see the second son of the Cheng family, who was usually so particular about his appearance that he nitpicked every detail, actually out in a set of loungewear. Someone could not help teasing him. "Why aren't you dressed so handsomely today? Did you fight with your mom again?"

Cheng Yu shot him a cold glance. Seeing that the speaker was an old man in his seventies, dressed in a white traditional jacket and carrying a taiji sword with a red tassel, he immediately remembered him as He Taijin, the owner of Taijin Antique Shop and a member of his grandfather's morning exercise group. His expression softened slightly, and he obediently greeted him, "Hello, Grandpa He."

He Taijin nodded with a smile. "Don't always get angry with your parents. You're so young, yet your temper is so fierce. Be careful not to harm your health."

Cheng Yu nodded in wholehearted agreement. "You're right. I won't talk to them anymore."

He Taijin was amused by Cheng Yu's childish, petulant words. He continued, "Where are you going now? Want to come sit at my place? The two of us can play a game of chess."

Cheng Yu did not want to play chess. His mind was unsettled right now, and all he wanted was to go out for a couple of drinks.

He Taijin paused briefly, then smiled. "You're seventeen this year and will be an adult soon. Having a couple of drinks is no big deal. Still, don't go somewhere too chaotic. How about the two of us have a drink?"

As they spoke, Cheng Shao came hurrying over from behind, panting. The moment he spotted Cheng Yu talking with He Taijin by the roadside, he breathed a sigh of relief and slowed his pace as he approached. He greeted He Taijin first, then asked Cheng Yu, "Where do you want to go? I'll go with you."

Cheng Yu thought about it. "I haven't had barbecue skewers from a street stall in ages. Let's go."

Cheng Shao relaxed inwardly. When he had come out, he had thought Cheng Yu would not agree to let him tag along. After all, Cheng Yu had always resented their parents' favoritism, and his attitude toward him, his older brother, had been especially cold. Normally, if Cheng Shao said ten sentences and Cheng Yu replied to one, that was already good—and only when Cheng Yu was in a decent mood.

Cheng Shao smiled and handed the coat in his hand to Cheng Yu. "It's cold at night. Put this on."

Cheng Yu took the coat and put it on. Cheng Shao had not expected the process of soothing his younger brother to go so smoothly today, and his mood immediately lifted. He then handed Cheng Yu a packet of milk candies that he had hidden in his pocket. "You must be hungry. Have some candy to tide you over first."

Cheng Yu stared fixedly at Cheng Shao. Cheng Shao's figure was reflected deep in his clear, dark eyes. With that beautiful, cold bearing, Cheng Yu looked like a snow leopard eyeing its prey. An intense, skin-crawling nervous energy radiated from him. Cheng Shao instinctively took half a step back, thinking he had somehow upset Cheng Yu, and cautiously asked, "What's wrong? Don't you like this brand of milk candy?"

"No." Expressionless, Cheng Yu tore open the wrapper and lowered his head to place the candy in his mouth. A rich milky fragrance spread through the air. Cheng Yu subconsciously narrowed his eyes, savoring it for a moment before saying flatly, "Let's go."

The Cheng family lived in a villa district, and there were basically no bus stops nearby. The two brothers had to hitch a ride with a neighbor before making their way to the city center.

Cheng Yu's expression had not been very good the entire way. His face remained blank, the corners of his mouth slightly downturned, and his cold aura kept others at arm's length. Fortunately, the bulge of milk candy in one cheek and the faint milky scent filling the car softened that chill. It also gave Cheng Shao the courage to tease Cheng Yu several times. By the time they got out of the car, he had finally coaxed him into a better mood.