MSRBMH Ch 19

Turning his head, Su Yu saw two familiar faces—his closest family.

His father, Su Zhaofeng, and his older brother, Su Yan. One of them he had just seen a couple of days ago.

The moment Su Zhaofeng spotted him, his stern brows furrowed. Though he kept his voice low in consideration of the banquet’s crowd, his tone was far from pleasant. 

"Where the hell have you been these past few days? Not a single word from you. Truly, what a fine son I’ve raised."

Su Zhaofeng had dared to freeze his credit cards because he knew Su Yu was nothing without money. He never expected his son to last this long without crawling back to beg for forgiveness.

Su Yu merely greeted him. "Dad. Brother."

Su Yan, standing before him, seemed to have either forgotten about the unpleasantness in Bocheng the other day—or was deliberately pretending to.

He smiled gently, his gaze shifting from Su Yu to the man beside him. His eyes lingered imperceptibly for a second before he spoke warmly, "Little brother, why haven’t you sent me a single message these past few days? We’ve all been worried about you."

Worried about him? 

If this were the old Su Yu, he might have believed it. But Su Yan hadn’t reached out to him at all these past few days—nothing like the affectionate brother he usually pretended to be at home.

The atmosphere between the father and sons was stiff. Eventually, Su Yan couldn’t resist breaking the silence to greet Ji Yanli.

"President Ji, what a coincidence. I didn’t expect to see you here with Xiaoyu."

His tone carried a barely concealed edge of resentment.

Ji Yanli finally spoke, his voice indifferent. "Old Master Su."

He ignored Su Yan entirely, only acknowledging Su Zhaofeng out of courtesy.

Su Zhaofeng’s anger faded slightly, forcing a smile as he maintained his dignified facade in front of others. "Ah, President Ji. How is your grandfather’s health these days?"

Ji Yanli’s father was dead, but his grandfather was still alive—though too old and frail to leave the family estate, relying on caretakers.

Su Zhaofeng had only meant to exchange pleasantries, but Ji Yanli’s expression darkened instantly, his reply cutting. "Old Master Su, asking about such trivial matters has nothing to do with the collaboration between our families."

Given Ji Yanli’s status, even Su Zhaofeng—as the elder—had to tread carefully around him.

Su Yan chuckled, trying to ease the tension. "President Ji, my father was just concerned about Old Master Ji. Perhaps I could visit him sometime in the next few days?"

Su Yu stood to the side, watching as his father and brother took turns fawning over Ji Yanli. A bitter laugh rose in his chest.

Just as he turned his head away, the Xie family trio approached.

Old Master Xie, seated in his wheelchair, beamed. "Master Su, how have you been lately?"

Seizing the opportunity to shift the conversation, Su Zhaofeng quickly responded with polite small talk. "Quite well. And how is your leg?"

"Also doing well! My daughter-in-law recently found a doctor for me—specially invited from abroad. His skills are exceptional."

Round and round, the conversation always circled back to that daughter-in-law of his.

The Xie heir flushed slightly at the praise, wrapping an arm around his wife’s slender waist. "This is my wife."

The woman smiled gracefully. Dressed in a qipao, she carried herself with the poised elegance of a true noblewoman. "I’ve been a bit too busy lately. I hope you’ll forgive any lapses in hospitality."

Everyone knew the Xie family was here to show off. Su Zhaofeng and Su Yan offered their congratulations, playing along with the charade.

Old Master Xie’s gaze then landed on Su Yan, hesitating. "And this is…?"

The two families didn’t interact often, and the old man’s memory wasn’t what it used to be.

Su Zhaofeng quickly introduced him. "My son, Su Yan."

Old Master Xie nodded cheerfully. "Ah, already so grown! At the age for marriage, I see."

Elderly small talk was always the same. Su Yan’s eyes flickered almost imperceptibly toward the tall man across from him, his lashes fluttering as if in shyness.

Su Yu, witnessing this display, felt goosebumps rise on his skin.

Since when was Ji Yanli this damn popular?

Old Master Xie followed Su Yan’s gaze, spotting Su Yu and Ji Yanli standing slightly apart.

"And these two are…?"

Before Ji Yanli could speak, Xie Lang leaned in to remind his father. "This is President Ji, from the Ji family."

There was only one Ji family in the city. Old Master Xie immediately nodded in recognition. "Ah, President Ji! This is my son, Xie Lang. We’ll be counting on your support in the future."

Su Yu, who had been quietly sidelined, was now under Old Master Xie’s expectant stare—clearly waiting for an introduction.

Yet the previously lively group had fallen into an abrupt silence.

Su Zhaofeng didn’t speak.

Su Yan didn’t speak.

Not even Xie Lang offered a word of explanation.

Su Yu opened his mouth, but no sound came out. He turned to glance at Su Zhaofeng, meeting those murky, unreadable eyes.

And in that moment, he understood.

These two men—his family—didn’t want him to introduce himself.

An illegitimate son was never meant to be seen in the light. Compared to their pride and reputations, his feelings were irrelevant.

Su Yu’s warmth drained away. He lowered his gaze, letting out a soft, humorless laugh.

Even his own surname felt too heavy to claim.

"Su Yu."

A hand settled on his shoulder, sending a jolt through him.

Ji Yanli stood close behind him, his deep voice resonating where their bodies nearly touched.

"Su Yu. My... friend."

[Sniffles… In the end, it’s still hubby who steps up to introduce him and back him up.]

[I know President Ji really wanted to say wife! Just say it!!!]

[That deadbeat dad… Even without amnesia, he’s worse than President Ji with amnesia. Doesn’t even want to acknowledge his own son. Disgusting.]

[Speechless (sweating emoji). If you didn’t want to claim him, why didn’t you wear a condom back then?]

Su Yu’s expression froze. His heart pounded uncontrollably, as if finally finding solid ground amidst the chaos.

Old Master Xie, having gotten his answer, smiled amiably. "Then let’s call you Young Master Su. Such a handsome young man—are you married yet?"

The Xie family was truly obsessed with marriage. After securing their own son’s future, they were now meddling in others’.

Xie Lang quickly intervened, taking hold of the wheelchair. "Father, we still have other guests to greet. Let me take you over."

He offered the group an apologetic smile. "Excuse us, everyone. Please enjoy the banquet."

The three of them soon disappeared into the crowd.

Su Zhaofeng, belatedly realizing how inappropriate his silence had been, stared at Su Yu’s impassive face. "When are you planning to come home?"

"Dad."

Su Yu’s lips curled into a smile, his tone light. "Didn’t you want me to be independent? I think it’s best if I stay away for now."

Before Su Zhaofeng could respond, Su Yan cut in. "Dad was just joking. Admit your mistake and come back. You don’t have any money right now—stop acting like a child."

One played the villain, the other the peacemaker. Su Zhaofeng kicked him out, Su Yan coaxed him back—and in the end, Su Yu was the one at fault.

A cold laugh echoed in Su Yu’s mind.

Even if he were to apologize, it should be to Ji Yanli—for that impulsive mistake he made that night.

Not to them. 

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