Song Jingyuan scratched his head, confused. He looked at his uncle, then at the handsome older brother. "Huh? Why is my uncle crying while looking at the handsome older brother? That's so strange."
"Me... I've been like this since I was a child?" Song Yanqing looked at Shang Shujue, doubting his own perception for the first time. "But why don't I remember anything?"
"Besides, if we really grew up together, why didn't you invite me to your wedding and baby showers? Does that mean we have a really bad relationship?"
"..."
Song Yanqing Shujue both asked questions, and then fell silent. Shang Shujue was also silent; he didn't know what to say.
Shang Linyu also fell silent, but he was more of a spectator. This was truly hard to explain; the initiative had been snatched back by Song Yanqing in an instant. Shang Shujue Shang Shujue, it seems you've failed as a mission taker.
"Fine, I'm such an idiot. Why am I telling this to someone whose memories are sealed? Don't ask, I won't tell you even if you do. And even if I did, you wouldn't understand."
Shang Shujue took a deep breath and decided not to tell Song Yanqing about this for now. He could bring it up when Song Yanqing regained his memory, since there was still a long way to go before the main storyline began.
Seeing Shang Shujue's expression, Song Yanqing wanted to say something, but fearing he would anger him, he obediently shut his mouth and dared not say a word.
Seeing the strange atmosphere between his uncle and the handsome older brother, Song Jingyuan didn't dare to speak. So he turned around and went to play with the handsome younger brother. The handsome older brother's son was also very handsome.
Shang Linyu finished the last sip of milk while eating the melon with Shang Shujue and Song Yanqing. Just as he was about to ask Shang Shujue to give him some water, he was poked in the cheek. He paused, turned his head, and saw Song Jingyuan looking at him with a grin.
"Little brother, you're so cute..."
Song Jingyuan is the male lead of the world, so his looks are naturally top-notch. Even as a child, he was exquisitely beautiful and adorable.
Even if he tries hard to act like an adult and seems a bit cold, his cuteness remains unchanged. So when he smiles, he easily makes Shang Linyu jump in surprise.
But Shang Linyu would never admit that his enemy was cute; the two of them were sworn enemies. So Shang Linyu opened his mouth and started howling, howling very loudly.
Song Jingyuan's smile froze. He sensed the gazes of the two adults and immediately withdrew his hand, looking at them with a hint of nervousness and fear.
Shang Shujue picked up Shang Linyu and looked at his little face. There wasn't even a red mark. He knew that the protagonist and the villain were naturally at odds.
But Song Jingyuan isn't a hypocritical protagonist; he wouldn't do something like bullying a child. The most likely explanation is that he suddenly poked at the baby Shang Linyu, startling him.
"I'm so sorry, I really poked my brother's face... I didn't mean to..."
"It's okay, it's okay. Your little brother isn't hurt. He was probably just scared. Next time you want to play with your little brother, make sure he sees you first, then hold his hand. If he wants to play with you, he'll hold your hand."
Fearing that Song Jingyuan would feel too guilty and develop psychological trauma, Shang Shujue gently rubbed his head, then took his son, who hadn't shed a tear, to the balcony.
Show him the large flower buds of his favorite succulent. In a few days, it will bloom with bright yellow double flowers. It's very beautiful. Come to think of it, the little villain is actually a flower lover.
Although Shang Linyu was dissatisfied with Shang Shujue's attempt to appease Song Jingyuan, he gave him face by pretending to be distracted and stopping crying, since he could tell from the way the man's words were protecting him. To be honest, it was quite painful to just wail like that.
Song Yanqing hugged Song Jingyuan and rubbed his head. "It's okay. Babies are easily frightened when they're little. Yuanbao will remember it in the future. Being able to recognize your mistakes and apologize makes you a good baby."
"Mmm," Song Jingyuan nodded softly, and holding Song Yanqing's hand, he said earnestly, "Uncle, Yuanbao likes his little brother, and he'll protect him when he grows up!"
Upon hearing this, Shang Linyu's heart stirred slightly. Images of Song Jingyuan's dying moments flashed through his mind. He unconsciously pursed his lips. "Children speak without thinking; to believe them is to be a dog!"
Then, he didn't take it to heart.
That day, Song Yanqing and Song Jingyuan had dinner at Shang Shujue's place and then went home. But from that day on, an extra family lived in the empty house next door.
The people who moved in were Song Yanqing and Song Jingyuan. Shang Linyu could see Song Jingyuan every day. From crying at the slightest touch to getting used to it, it only took a little over 700 days.
At that time, Shang Linyu was three years old, and Song Jingyuan was already in the second grade. He had more schoolwork, but it didn't affect his ability to chase after Shang Linyu at all. He even brought Mu Linyi along to chase after him.
They were afraid he would fall, afraid he would get cold, afraid he would go hungry... The two of them treated him like their own younger brother, and it only took Shang Linyu half a month to go from resistance to acceptance.
He was so starved for love, and now that someone is finally willing to love him, even if that person died in his schemes in countless past lives, they were mortal enemies.
But he couldn't bear to let go of the few bits of affection they showed. Even the smallest kindness would stay with him for a long time. Besides, now they always put him first and treated him sincerely, making him experience a joy he had never felt before.
Of course, on the surface, he still acted quite aloof, but the two of them didn't seem to mind at all, and it was hard to tell what they were really thinking.
I keep saying he's cute, I'm afraid he'll get tricked by bad guys.
He couldn't see what was cute about it; weren't they all just eyes, nose, and mouth? What was so cute about them?
Time flies like an arrow; in the blink of an eye, the little kids have grown into strong and upright teenagers. Now they are in high school, and the main storyline has officially begun.
Song Yanqing's memories were finally fully unlocked; he regained his memories just after the shareholders' meeting ended.
Before she even entered the office, she remembered everything, turned around, her eyes red, and rushed out of the company to find Shang Shujue.
The people in the company were stunned to see their usually aloof and unapproachable CEO fly away like the wind. They discussed it in the group chat for a long time, but couldn't come up with anything, so they gave up.