Sensen’s parents finally managed to book plane tickets on the second day after the blizzard in the Antarctic town stopped. They took the earliest flight and went straight to the Wang family’s home to pick up Sensen as soon as they landed.
Sensen didn’t want to leave. To put it bluntly, the time the little one had spent with his parents this year wasn’t much more than the time he had spent with Bai Shuijin and the family these past few days.
His two small hands clung to the fabric of Bai Shuijin’s T-shirt. If he hadn’t been wearing shoes, he would have used his feet too.
His big eyes were filled with tears, full of reluctance.
Anyone who didn’t know would have thought this child was born to Bai Shuijin and someone else, painting a pitiful picture of not being able to leave his father.
“Sensen.”
Wang Hua and her husband were filled with guilt toward their child. In the quiet, cold Antarctic town with only half a day of electricity each day, the two had felt heartache and guilt after learning about Sensen’s ordeal, and they had talked a lot.
As parents, they had failed in their responsibilities and duties. The abuse and injustice Sensen had suffered…the butler and nanny were at fault, but their own mistakes were even more suffocating.
They had agreed to transfer back to the work district in their home city. Even if they were usually busy, they would ensure one person was at home, taking turns.
With the transfer, the family of three could live together every day, which would also be better for Sensen’s growth and companionship.
After much coaxing and promising to bring him to visit Bai Shuijin often, Sensen finally reluctantly let go.
Held in his father’s arms, Sensen turned his head and looked at Bai Shuijin with pleading eyes. “Sister-in-law, will you miss me?”
Bai Shuijin didn’t hesitate. “Of course, we can still call each other.”
Sensen looked at the phone watch on his wrist and nodded, then turned his gaze to Wang Huanxiu.
“Uncle?”
The man’s smile wasn’t sincere at all. “I’ll miss you too.”
‘No way.’
It was rare to hear such words from Wang Huanxiu’s mouth. Wang Hua was even a bit shocked, never expecting Sensen to have a good relationship with Wang Huanxiu.
After Sensen returned home, the atmosphere in the house instantly became much quieter than before. Everyone missed the little guy a bit, but they also breathed a sigh of relief in tacit understanding. Taking care of a child was really not easy.
Wang Muguang’s handsome face had suffered during these days. Everyone in the family was busy with their own things; Bai Shuijin had classes, Wang Zhenzhu was drawing, and Wang Huanxiu was working.
Only he was leisurely on vacation. Sensen had suffered such harm, so they couldn’t leave him with the servants again. Wang Muguang took care of him the most on weekends, but as a result, the little guy had the best relationship with Bai Shuijin.
He showed nothing but disdain for Wang Muguang’s affection.
What a cold-hearted kid.
With Sensen back home, Wang Muguang was finally free. In the evening, he watched TV with Bai Shuijin again.
It was a modern idol drama, and male leads one through three were all quite good.
Wang Muguang spat out a watermelon seed and said, “Still not as good as me, though.”
Bai Shuijin stuffed his mouth with longan and asked, “When are you going back to work?”
“Probably not until next year.”
It was only September now, and there were still several months until next year.
Bai Shuijin: “Such a long gap?”
“The director told me not to make any rash moves before the movie comes out.”
In simple terms, he was telling Wang Muguang to be less himself.
Bai Shuijin nodded. “That does make some sense.”
Before the movie’s release, Wang Muguang making fewer appearances could add a bit of mystery.
Wang Muguang also peeled a longan for himself and threw it into his mouth. It was sweet. “When will your admission letter arrive?”
Bai Shuijin yawned. “Around late November or early December.”
“Then you’ll be living abroad.”
Bai Shuijin nodded. Actually, he was a bit apprehensive about living alone abroad. After all, it was a foreign country, unfamiliar and with no friends or family.
Wang Muguang spat out the longan pit. “What will you do then?”
“Do about what?”
“You and my big brother are always sticking together. Won’t you miss each other?”
After hearing this, Bai Shuijin finally realized they would be separated.
He had thought about going abroad before and living apart from Wang Huanxiu, but at that time, he had just decided to start dancing again. Later, he was busy with materials and many other things, his attention focused on exams and dance, so he didn’t think about it often.
But Wang Muguang’s words really made Bai Shuijin feel upset.
They were all adults, not little kids who needed coaxing to eat or sleep. But Bai Shuijin was different from others.
It was the first time in his life he had family. When he was young, he couldn’t understand nostalgia because he had no hometown or relatives. Now, even before leaving, he had somehow learned it on his own.
His fingers picked at the sofa leather underneath. “I’ll come back often.”
“I didn’t have time to come back often when I was studying abroad.”
Bai Shuijin: “…”
Always saying such unpleasant things.
“But we can’t only see each other once a year.”
“What?” Wang Muguang didn’t hear clearly.
Bai Shuijin repeated himself, emphasizing each word. “We can’t only see each other once a year.”
“Studies will make you busy. Isn’t once a year about right?”
Bai Shuijin: “…”
He got up and went upstairs.
Wang Muguang was surprised. “Why are you leaving? Aren’t you watching the handsome guys anymore?”
“I’m feeling nauseous.”
Bai Shuijin stomped upstairs, his feet nearly shattering the floor tiles.
Wang Muguang looked at the male actors on TV and said, “Yeah, none of them are as handsome as me anyway.”
Wang Zhenzhu threw an apple at him. “He said looking at you makes him nauseous.”
Wang Muguang: “Don’t spread rumors about Bai Shuijin.”
Wang Zhenzhu: “…”
‘Every day Second Brother lives, his confidence grows.’
When Bai Shuijin returned to the room, Wang Huanxiu had already showered and was leaning against the headboard reading a magazine.
The magazine was an island country edition, and the products featured were all things Wang Huanxiu could use.
Like black skin-tight gloves, small whips, mouth rings, etc…
Bai Shuijin slammed the door open, hurried to the bedside, kicked off his shoes, and pressed himself heavily onto Wang Huanxiu, burying his face in his chest. He looked very depressed and emo.
Wang Huanxiu stroked his tousled hair and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Bai Shuijin didn’t say anything, just lay there, feeling miserable.
Seeing he wouldn’t speak, Wang Huanxiu placed the magazine on top of his head, using it as a bookstand.
Bai Shuijin: “…”
He shook his head, and the magazine slid off and fell to the side.
Bai Shuijin sat up. “You’ve committed a crime.”
Wang Huanxiu raised an eyebrow. “What crime?”
“The crime of being a bad man.”
Seeing Bai Shuijin was in low spirits, he pulled him into his arms and pinched Bai Shuijin’s cheek with two fingers. “What’s wrong?”
Bai Shuijin sighed dramatically. “In a few months, I’ll be going abroad to study. Then we won’t be able to see each other every day, and we might only meet once a year.”
‘Once a year?’
“Who said that?”
“Little Uncle.”
Wang Huanxiu rubbed his temples with his fingers. “Auntie Li knows some needlework.”
Bai Shuijin: “…”
‘Was he going to have Little Uncle’s mouth sewn shut?’
Bai Shuijin gulped. Even after breaking away from the plot, the man still had his villain attributes.
“Little Uncle doesn’t deserve that.”
He would indeed be busy after going abroad. Bai Shuijin asked, “How will we see each other?”
“Two days a week.” Wang Huanxiu: “I’ll come to you.”
Bai Shuijin: “Aren’t you very busy with work?”
“I’ll prioritize. You don’t need to worry about these things.”
When it came to business calculations, no one was better than Wang Huanxiu.
Hearing they could meet two days a week, Bai Shuijin smiled.
Meeting for two days out of seven isn’t bad.
Seeing his smiling eyes, Wang Huanxiu’s gaze lingered on his face for a long time. He pinched the flesh on Bai Shuijin’s cheek, and asked, “Can’t bear to leave me?”
Bai Shuijin: “Laogong-ge, can you bear to leave me?”
“I can’t.”
Bai Shuijin was so clingy that it was hard to bear.
After that, Wang Huanxiu became busier. Even though the day Bai Shuijin would receive his admission letter was getting closer, the other party’s workload kept increasing. Sometimes he didn’t return home until early morning.
Bai Shuijin could faintly sense Wang Huanxiu’s return in his sleep. But when he opened his eyes the next day, the man was already gone from the bed. He was so busy that he didn’t even have time to get a proper night’s rest.
This busy period lasted a full month. By October, strong winds began sweeping through the city, carrying the scent of dust and cold air in the atmosphere.
That night, Bai Shuijin deliberately stayed awake, waiting for Wang Huanxiu to return. He waited until 4 a.m. before the bedroom door finally pushed open.
The man looked more tired than usual, and his features appeared more mature and profound. He also carried a faint smell of tobacco.
Bai Shuijin had never seen Wang Huanxiu smoke before, nor did he know that a cigar box had recently appeared in his office.
When Wang Huanxiu was twenty and under great pressure, he would smoke occasionally. He quit after taking power, but he had picked it up again recently.
The smell of smoke on him wasn’t strong. After entering, he didn’t go directly to the bed but instead went to the bathroom. After showering, he sprayed cologne on his neck before finally returning to bed.
He lifted the covers and lay down, planning to get up again in a few hours to go to the company.
Work had been hectic lately, so much that he could hardly spare a moment. As the plan drew closer, there was more to handle. Similarly, Bai Shuijin had been constantly on his mind.
He didn’t touch Bai Shuijin in the past few days when he returned, for fear of waking him up. When he couldn’t resist, he only relieved himself, almost reverting to his pre-marriage days.
He inhaled Bai Shuijin’s scent from the bedding, as if all the fatigue of the day had vanished at that moment.
Just then, the person beside him shifted slightly, but he didn’t notice.
It wasn’t until Bai Shuijin pressed close that he opened his eyes.
Wang Huanxiu looked at the head nestled near his neck and asked, “You couldn’t sleep?”
Bai Shuijin shook his head. “I missed you.”
Missing him these past few days made Bai Shuijin even more anxious about what would happen after going abroad. Two days a week…why couldn’t it be every day?
Wang Huanxiu’s heart stirred. He lifted Bai Shuijin slightly. “How did you miss me?”
Bai Shuijin didn’t speak.
When they were alone, he always felt very shy.
Wang Huanxiu looked at his flushed face and the way he bit his lower lip as if struggling to speak.
“Take off your pants. I’ll lick it for you.”
After holding back for so long, some twisted thoughts emerged.
Bai Shuijin’s mind felt like a bomb had gone off. “Laogong-ge, your words show no regard for others’ well-being.”
Wang Huanxiu’s large hand slipped into his pants, gripping his buttock. “Didn’t you say you missed me?”
Bai Shuijin fumbled as he took off his pants. Wang Huanxiu sat up and turned him over. “Keep your voice down. If you’re too loud, I won’t be able to leave in the morning.”
Bai Shuijin was overwhelmed with shame. They didn’t settle down until 5:30 a.m.
Wang Huanxiu was clearly in a much better mood. He slept until 8 a.m. before getting up for work. Before leaving, he kissed Bai Shuijin’s face. “After this busy period, let’s go on vacation.”
Bai Shuijin nodded. “Can we go to an island? One with a big beach.”
With sun that could tan people soy sauce brown.
They’re usually many handsome naked men.
The vacation would naturally happen before his school started. They would fly to a resort island near the equator, which was a vacation paradise.
Bai Shuijin soon started buying new clothes to wear during the vacation.
He sat on the floor of the dance studio. It had been a month since Sensen was taken home, and the two spoke on the phone every few days.
To express their longing across two households.
Children’s emotions come and go quickly, and they forget easily. Bai Shuijin thought that without meeting in person, their bond would gradually fade. But the little one still remembered him, often asking his mother to send videos.
He would share his life, and Bai Shuijin would respond in kind. However, since he spent every day in the dance studio, his stories were somewhat monotonous. He wasn’t sure if Sensen enjoyed watching them.
While Bai Shuijin was checking his messages, a WeChat notification from Sensen’s mother popped up.
Clicking into the chat, he found a video.
Today, Sensen’s kindergarten held a parent-child sports day, and Wang Hua and her husband accompanied Sensen to participate.
In the three-legged race for families, Sensen’s family won the championship with an overwhelming victory.
Sensen was a bit nervous when receiving his award. Wang Hua’s phone camera captured the entire award ceremony from the side.
The teacher hung the medal around his neck.
“Congratulations to little friend Sensen for winning the gold medal in the three-legged race at the kindergarten sports day.”
Thunderous applause erupted around them.
The teacher: “Sensen, take the gold medal home and keep it safe.”
Sensen shook his head and said, “I’m not taking it home. I’m going to give it away.”
“Who are you giving it to?” the teacher asked with a smile. “Dad or Mom?”
Whom would this gold medal belong to?
Sensen thought of Bai Shuijin’s smiling face and became excited. He raised the gold medal with both hands sacredly. “It belongs to Sister-in-law!!!”
Bai Shuijin on the other end of the screen was flattered.
Such a good Sensen, already providing for his Sister-in-law in his old age.
The young one offered retirement insurance in the form of a medal.
Today was Wang Huanxiu’s business trip. Bai Shuijin didn’t know how long he would be gone this time. He lay on the floor, gazing at the blue sky outside through the window.
By now, Wang Huanxiu should already be on the private jet.
He was so busy he was spinning like a top. Traveling by private jet was more convenient.
Chen Yuan rolled over to lie beside him. “Brother Shuijin, what are you thinking about?”
Bai Shuijin grinned. “I’m thinking about vacation.”
Hearing this, Chen Yuan also felt like going on vacation. Because of classes, she hadn’t had a chance to go out and have fun in a long time.
“Where? With whom?”
“The location isn’t decided yet, but probably an island.” Bai Shuijin: “I’m going with laogong-ge.”
Chen Yuan hummed. “When? I really want to go too.”
“He said this morning that we’ll go after he returns from this business trip.”
Chen Yuan wondered if she should also go somewhere for vacation. But her dance skills weren’t as solid as Bai Shuijin’s, so she needed more practice.
Looking at Bai Shuijin’s plain, fair fingers, Chen Yuan blinked. “Brother Shuijin, how come I’ve never seen you wear a ring?”
From the first time they met, Bai Shuijin’s hands had always been free of any accessories.
He also didn’t wear a ring strung on a necklace around his neck like some people who were afraid of losing it.
Bai Shuijin went “Ah,” only then realizing she meant a wedding ring.
According to the book’s content, the marriage was rushed. Only vows were exchanged during the wedding…there were no wedding rings.
Both Bai Shuijin and Wang Huanxiu were experiencing love and marriage for the first time, and neither had remembered the matter of wedding rings.
“We don’t have wedding rings yet.”
“Not yet?!” Chen Yuan slapped the floor. “How can that be!”
Wearing a wedding ring could avoid many unnecessary romantic entanglements.
Bai Shuijin didn’t expect Chen Yuan to react so strongly. “What’s wrong?”
Chen Yuan moved closer, her eyes bright and lively. “Brother Shuijin, how about I go with you to order one? You can give it to Brother Huanxiu as a surprise.”
She knew a place that customized rings. The shop owner had extensive connections and could also help with procedures for purchasing gemstones.
“That way, you and Brother Huanxiu can each wear one. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?”
Bai Shuijin spread his fingers, feeling tempted.
They really were missing a pair of wedding rings.
“Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it. Just tell me all the details after you give him the ring.”
Bai Shuijin: “…”
He should have known.
After school, Bai Shuijin followed Chen Yuan to the custom ring shop. On the way, the multimedia screen on a roadside skyscraper was broadcasting breaking news.
The female host, dressed in a suit, looked serious and focused. “We interrupt with breaking news. Today at 16:45, an out-of-control aircraft crashed in the wasteland outside the city. Emergency rescue operations are underway at the scene. XX News will keep you updated.”
After this news, the next report immediately followed.
Bai Shuijin sat in the car, looking up at the skyscraper. The car moved quickly, so his gaze lingered on the large screen for only a few seconds. He didn’t pay much attention to the news.
“Are you sure he got on the plane?”
Wang Wang’s office was playing that breaking news. He looked at the assistant who had just walked in. This person had always been his mole planted within the company.
The assistant had some skills. At first, he had almost been exposed, but somehow he managed to sweet-talk Wang Huanxiu into believing he was on his side.
The assistant was certain. “It’s absolutely true. I saw him board that plane with my own eyes. At first, the pilot said the controls weren’t working properly and they couldn’t take off. I was terrified, thinking our tampering had been discovered. Fortunately, they eventually said it was fixed, and Wang Huanxiu had urgent business to attend to.”
“He boarded the plane at 3:10 p.m. The wreckage of the plane that crashed after 4 p.m. matches the identification marks.”
“Good!” Wang Wang raised his hands to his forehead and clapped them together heavily. “Good! Excellent!”
He had set so many traps before, pulled so many strings behind the scenes, yet Wang Huanxiu remained unscathed. This time, Wang Huanxiu had finally fallen into his trap.
Ever since Wang Huanxiu began to grow up, Wang Wang had felt threatened. After Wang Huanxiu matured, he pressed down on their family so hard they could barely breathe. He had no choice but to grovel and seek an alliance with his eldest brother’s family.
His son being sent to prison made him grind his teeth in anger.
Now that the man was dead, everyone was happy.
Nothing could be more delightful.
You are a leopard in the forest, but there has always been a lion pressing down on you. Now the lion is dead, and the leopard can finally rise.
“Just like that, he’s dead.” Wang Wang laughed wildly. “I thought you, Wang Huanxiu, were so capable.”
Soon, the phone on his coffee table rang. It was the eldest brother from the old man’s side, also his collaborator.
Wang Wang was in a cheerful mood. Whatever was said on the other end of the phone made him laugh again, and he poured himself a glass of wine.
“This is all fate. The pilot too…he clearly noticed something wrong with the plane but still insisted on taking off. It wasn’t entirely our doing.”
“Heaven itself isn’t on his side. He deserved to die.”
Excited, unrestrained voices filled the room, and even the light and shadows seemed tainted with sin. Wang Wang’s facial expression twisted into a smile.
He always knew heaven had not treated him poorly. Wang Huanxiu had been in power for so many years, acting so arrogantly for so long. Only such an outcome could satisfy his anger.
He immersed himself in joy. After hanging up, he called someone else.
“Director Wang, it’s me.”
“How is Pingtian lately?”
With Wang Huanxiu around, he couldn’t get Wang Pingtian out. To ensure his son had a better time in prison, he had spent no small amount of money on bribes.
But those above kept a close watch, and they couldn’t make exceptions. They could only make life more comfortable for him in terms of food and daily necessities.
Thinking about Wang Pingtian suffering in prison made Wang Wang’s heart ache. But now it was fine, Wang Huanxiu was dead. It wouldn’t be long before he could use his means to get Wang Pingtian out.
Then, wouldn’t the headquarters, which Wang Pingtian had begged to enter before but couldn’t, be open to him whenever he wanted? He could come and go as he pleased, all depending on his mood.
Wang Wang spoke into the phone, “I’m not calling for anything else today. Pingtian should be resting after dinner now. The child must be bored after eating. Have someone organize TV time for him.”
“Make sure not to tune to the wrong channel. Put on the news channel. Pingtian always loved watching these at home. I’ll find you for tea in a few days. Hahahaha.”
The assistant stood in the shadows, observing every reaction of Wang Wang after receiving the news. Every word, every action, and every second of his expression was recorded.
The recording pen in his pocket emitted a red light, like Wang Wang’s bloodshot eyes.
When people are excited, they become lower animals without thought and lose all reason.
.
Bai Shuijin sat on the sofa chair in the shop, a white paper covering his face, and a pencil resting beside his hand.
How should he design the ring?
Designing it himself would be more meaningful, but after much deliberation, he still couldn’t come up with the style he wanted.
No matter what image he drew, it seemed unable to express his love.
The attendant even brought over several popular ring styles for him to look at.
But Bai Shuijin was still completely lost. The sharp lead of the pencil had become short and rough.
If only Wang Huanxiu were here, designing together would be faster.
Should he wait until he returns from his business trip and come back together to design and draw?
Although it would lack some surprise, designing together would be more meaningful.
Bai Shuijin thought of Wang Huanxiu and his face grew warm.
He was on another business trip.
When would he be back?
He would have to sleep alone again tonight.
Bai Shuijin was quite clingy. Before they got together, Wang Huanxiu often commented on this trait. After they were together, he found it was actually a very good habit.
Even without speaking, being in the same space was comforting.
Taking the paper off his face, Bai Shuijin raised his hand and looked at his ring finger.
Maybe he should ask Zhenzhu for ideas…she could guide him. He wasn’t a designer, but someone in his family was.
Taking out his phone, Bai Shuijin searched for Wang Zhenzhu’s number in his contacts.
Before he could dial, however, it was as if they had telepathy, and she called first.
What a coincidence.
A smile tugged at Bai Shuijin’s lips. As the call connected, Wang Zhenzhu’s terrified, collapsed voice came through the receiver.
Even her usual nickname was gone.
“Bai Shuijin, something happened!”
Bai Shuijin was startled by her voice. Her throat sounded as if it had been cut with a knife, and it sounded hoarse and grating. He could hear Wang Zhenzhu’s trembling breaths, as if every nerve in her body was stretched taut, her skin and blood vessels congested with blood, about to burst under her skin the next second.
“My big brother is dead!”
