Chapter 1721

Pei Family old residence.

Pei Jianzhong and Xu Liu both knew today would definitely not be peaceful, so they had their son go to the station to pick up his older brother back, and then they all found excuses to go out and discuss business.

If it were the past, they would surely think the marriage arrangement that the second brother set up for Pei Yinnian before his death was excellent; besides, although the Shen family is rooted in Shanghai, they are also old family friends with us, and in turbulent times, solidifying the family business through marriage ties is not bad.

But the problem now is that Pei Yinnian is the head of the family, and he has someone who looks like a performer but is actually too mysterious, Jin Chen, accompanying him, so they really can't say much more.

After all, Shen Qiuhe's attitude toward Jin Chen these past few days has indeed been... thought-provoking.

Finally, the old couple decided to let the younger generation handle this matter themselves, while they went out to avoid the spotlight.

Just as the carriage stopped, A Xi, the servant responsible for looking after Jin Chen, came forward first, even faster than the manor's steward.

Head of family, Mr. Jin.

A Xi first called out to Pei Yinnian, pretending not to notice the oddness in their aura when they got out of the car, and only when Jin Chen got out of the car did he whisper: 'That person is again trying to intimidate you, preparing a big table of dishes to welcome the head of family, and even drove away two of your attendants, almost treating himself as another master of this manor.'

Who is that person saying that? Jin Chen couldn't possibly not know.

He changed from before—though they didn't see each other often, he would from time to time make Shen Qiuhe so angry he'd cough up blood, and he would cling to Pei Yinnian with a look of grievance.

Look, when you're not home, he does this every day, tormenting me in various ways.

Pei Yiqing, who had just caught up, almost stumbled, thinking, 'Sister-in-law, you're quite bold to say that.'

Open and covert conflict is indeed real; you also haven't let yourself suffer any loss.

Just as they entered the inner residence, several people saw a youth in a moon-white long robe walking out from the arched gate.

Unlike Jin Chen's overly rich and flamboyant cold beauty, Shen Qiuhe possesses a more restrained and warm southern demeanor, like a scholar from bygone times.

Xiao Nian, long time no see.

Shen Qiuhe stopped on the pebble path, as if he could see only him in his eyes, a smile blossoming.

Jin Chen let out a cold snort, holding onto Pei Yinnian's slender waist and not letting go, pretending not to see the person in front of him.

Pei Yinnian patted Jin Chen's arm, stepped forward two steps, and said in a calm tone: 'Long time no see, Elder Brother Shen.'

Shen Qiuhe is half a year older than Pei Yinnian; when they used to live in the old residence, he was also the oldest among all the children.

But this form of address now sounds somewhat polite and distant.

These days I haven't been around, I don't know you've come to Beiping. Pei Yinnian also said: 'Fortunately, my beloved is still at home; I hope I haven't neglected Elder Brother Shen.'

Shen Qiuhe: '……'

Jin Chen chuckled lightly, his tone mixed with a bit of proud delight: 'Yes, I hope you enjoy your stay, Elder Brother Shen.'

He readily went along with Pei Yinnian's Change Address, and Shen Qiuhe's face turned even paler.

Cough cough cough——

Shen Qiuhe hushed, pressing his fist to his lower lip, his cough broken and weak: 'Xiao Nian, can I speak with you alone for a few sentences?'

He wanted to speak but stopped, glancing at Jin Chen, then quickly looked away: 'I hope… Mr. Jin won't interfere.'

【Ah, Host, you've met your match.】 Ling Gun Gun chewed on a tea bag and mused, 【This tea is still quite rich.】

Great. Jin Chen answered first, releasing his arms around Pei Yinnian, "You old friends have reunited; surely you have a lot to say."

Jin Chen.

Pei Yinnian furrowed his brows, not wanting Jin Chen to wrong himself, yet seeing him smile with his eyes, he said, "It's fine, brother, go ahead, I understand."

He's gone. Jin Chen gave Pei Yiqing a look.

Oh oh oh, alright.

Pei Yiqing was engrossed in gossip; hearing that, he hurriedly waddled after them, not forgetting to glance back at his brother's expression.

He looks completely unhappy!

Sister-in-law, why did you let Brother Qiuhe and my brother be alone? Aren't you jealous? Pei Yiqing chased after them and asked.

If I don't leave, should I wait for him to cough up blood again? That'd be scary. Jin Chen thought, his eyes full of mischief, "Axi, go call the doctor from the manor now."

Yes, sir.

—

Xiao Nian, after years apart, you've become even more formidable.

Shen Qiuhe sat beside the stone bench; after saying just a few words, his eyes reddened slightly. "I know, Mr. Jin must have said something to you just now, but before you defend him, could you hear me out for two sentences?"

Speak. Pei Yinnian's expression unchanged, only a hint of weariness in his eyes; the fatigue from the long train ride made him just want to return to his room to rest.

I'm dying.

Shen Qiuhe said.

What?

Pei Yinnian was somewhat surprised; his hand pressing his brow paused and slowly lowered, his gaze finally falling on the pallid Shen Qiuhe.

You weren't cured of your illness in Yingguo?

This illness can't be cured; before I relied on medicine to keep me going, and even Yingguo had no solution. Shen Qiuhe shook his head.

He took a deep breath, his eyes red, and locked gazes with Pei Yinnian. "So, I want to spend my remaining time fulfilling the former marriage pact between our families."

If we marry according to the pact, our business ties will also help you build connections in Hucheng, and after my death… it won't affect your feelings for Mr. Jin.

Pei Yinnian: "……"

From any angle, it's indeed a hundred benefits and no drawbacks for the Pei Family.

Hucheng now has many concessions; entertainment and foreign trade businesses are lucrative, and he also wants to do business there.

But it absolutely cannot be done this way.

I disagree, Brother Shen. Pei Yinnian's face sank slightly. "The marriage pact must not become a tool for profit."

Yingguo can't cure it, but maybe there's a way domestically; I'll have someone keep an eye out for a good hospital.

Shen Qiuhe let out a soft sigh, then gave a bitter smile.

Alright, but if… there's no way, I still hope you can think it through.

Shen Qiuhe suddenly coughed softly, and before long the tea in the cup was stained with blood, which spread across the bottom.

Pei Yinnian took in the whole scene, frowned, and ultimately couldn't bear to finish his words: "Shen Dage, go rest in your room; let this end here."

Shen Qiuhe didn't linger, and was helped by the servant back to his room.

Pei Yinnian, with a headache, drank the tea in the cup, then got up and left.

In the room, Jin Chen was reading the book he had placed at the bedside; phonograph music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.

Pei Yinnian's tense emotions suddenly eased, and he took off his outer coat.

"Brother's back," Jin Chen had just set down the book when Pei Yinnian braced his hands on the headboard, trapping him in an embrace, their breaths mingling.

Jin Chen raised an eyebrow slightly, wrapped his arms around Pei Yinnian's waist to deepen the kiss, and in the process pulled him fully into his embrace, leaning half against the headboard.

After the lingering, tender kiss, Pei Yinnian, still lying in Jin Chen's arms, told him what had just happened.

Lying in a familiar embrace makes it easiest to relax; Pei Yinnian gradually grew drowsy, allowing Jin Chen to cover him with a blanket.

"So that's how it is."

Jin Chen did not doubt the truth of Shen Qiuhe's words in front of his wife, but instead asked, "What do you think, then?"

"I won't agree."

Pei Yinnian lifted his gaze to him, raised a hand to gently stroke Jin Chen's cheek, his voice hoarse with fatigue, and said, "Don't believe what others tell you."

"... Also, try to avoid meeting him; after all, he's in poor health."

Pei Yinnian's words weren't really a demand; they sounded more like he was coaxing Jin Chen.

"Okay, I know."

Jin Chen held him close, affection shimmering in his eyes, and said, "Brother, get some sleep; riding the train must have exhausted you."

Pei Yinnian wrapped his arms around Jin Chen's neck, buried his face, closed his eyes to rest, and soon fell into a deep sleep.