21. Changed Through Time

“Aunt, you said he matured because he was frightened by a nightmare. Did you ask him what kind of nightmare it was?” said Mu JingYuan.

“I did. He wasn’t willing to tell me at first. It’s only when I backed him into a corner did he tell me. That silly boy. He said he dreamed about our family going bankrupt. Our entire household was as poor as dirt, huddling together in a tiny apartment. He himself was also beaten up by people he offended in the past. He was scared silly. He still is a child. How could the Bai family fall so easily? That being said, even if we did, you’re here. How could you let him get beaten up?” said Ma with a hand covering her grinning mouth.

JingYuan tensed up. “Did you ask him who beat him up in his dreams?” he asked.

Ma laughed. “I told you he’s a silly child. Are you infected by him? It’s just a dream. It can’t be you want to beat that other person up over a dream, right?” she said.

“No, Aunt. Everyone says what one thinks about in the day, one will dream of at night. He dreamed about people beating him up after the family goes bankrupt. That must mean he subconsciously know that if he falls from grace, that person will show their true colours. If it’s someone who’s got a grudge against HanHan, that person is a hidden threat. It’s best to resolve it early. Otherwise, they might harm HanHan again someday when our hands are full.” JingYuan said.

Ma’s face darkened as well. “Now that you mention it, I get what you mean. I’ll ask him again later,” she said. After some thought, she smiled again. “Speaking of which, even I as his mother don’t take as great care of him as you do. HanHan really is lucky to have a friend like you. It’s a pity that brat doesn’t understand how fortunate he is. He’s always throwing temper tantrums because he knows you’ll spoil him!”

JingYuan gave a helpless smile. “You overexaggerate. As long as our precious baby can calm down, what’s wrong with spoiling him? Only, I still don’t know how I made him angry this time.”

“He’s got an explosive temper. He knows you’ll still dote on him, so he’ll just blow up at you. I’ll ask him again later. Don’t you worry,” said Ma.

“Thanks for your concern,” JingYuan thanked with a nod.

“What are you so polite for? I watched you grow up too. You’re always so mature and solemn. I can’t criticise the way you treat HanHan at all. If there’s any issues between the two of you, it must HanHan who’s being unreasonable. You’re the only one willing to indulge him,” Ma said with a smile.

“HanHan is pure and naive to the core. He’s the best. He’s worth being doted on by everyone,” JingYuan smiled.

Ma nodded with twinkling eyes.

Bai YiHan quickly ran back to his room and closed the door. He leaned on the door. His heart was about jump out of his throat. His scrambled mind would not calm down. JingYuan’s here. Was it for him? No. JingYuan should be here for his sister, right? Unfortunately, Sis had some urgent business and left for the company early. They missed each other.

It’s been over two years. To YiHan, they’ve all changed through time. He cannot face the only one man he loved, and still loved now, who was going to be his brother-in-law in the future.

To them, nothing has happened now. To him, everything from before was crystal clear in his memory. He can’t act as if nothing had happened.

He remembered JingYuan’s rejection. Remembered watching JingYuan’s back as he left the country without looking back at all. Moreover, he remembered those repulsive photos that were spread everywhere after he was set up. He even remembered, in JingYuan and his “secret base”, the gang rape that disgusted him so much he wanted to peel off a whole layer of his skin. Of course, everything was the result of his own actions. He can’t blame anyone else.

His family and JingYuan were still stuck in the past now, but he was already at the end of his trials. He was no longer that clean child they knew.

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20. Escaping in Panic

To the Bai family, it’s only been half a month. In reality, it’s been more than two years since YiHan last saw Mu JingYuan. Everyone says that a trip back to one’s hometown after a while would incite complicated feelings, but it’s the same when meeting someone again after a long time. While YiHan had already decided to treat JingYuan as his future brother-in-law, when it was time to come face-to-face with him again, it made YiHan remember the heartache from before. Thus, he could only ignore JingYuan for now. The longer he could avoid seeing JingYuan, the better.

Perhaps YiHan was truly weak and a coward. The arrogant and wild personality he had all came from being spoiled by his family. He’s really just pretending to be a tiger with a frail, paper-thin mask that’d crumble with a single poke at it.

However, he didn’t spend too long acting as a cowardly turtle shrinking into its shell. After two weeks or so, YiHan was caught off-guard by JingYuan’s return.

YiHan had just turned around the corner of the staircase when he heard the ever-familiar voice of Mu JingYuan sounding out from downstairs. He knew that voice as well as if it was carved into his bones, yet those deep smooth notes seemed to ring out from far off in the distance. His feet froze. As he died, his greatest wish then was to see JingYuan one last time. But now that he knew for sure JingYuan was just downstairs, he couldn’t move his feet at all. In the end, his cowardly mind decided to run in panic.

Mu JingYuan was paying attention to every creak and noise coming from above the whole time. He clearly heard those familiar footsteps. They walked down, paused before the stairway, then turned back. He heaved a sigh in his mind. It seemed like HanHan was still angry at him. His HanHan was just a tad selfish before, but his temper recently took a turn for the worse. It’d go from being happy to angry and back with no way of predicting it. No, that’s wrong. HanHan’s temper never improved. It’d stay gloomy and he’d always speak in a strange way that kept implying things. Mention it to him and he’d fly into a fury before continuing on with the cold war. It really exhausted JingYuan, mentally and physically.

Bai YiHan was like a child who never learned to grow up. His actions and words were all born from his current feelings. Only this time, no one knew what was making him so angry. He’s been fussing about it for so long and there wasn’t a single sign of his anger abating. In the past, he’d cause a ruckus and start a cold war, which would never last more than a week. Sooner or later, YiHan would not be able to resist from contacting JingYuan. However, JingYuan just so happened to be on a business trip this time. It’s been over half a month since they last saw each other with no contact at all. YiHan would ignore all of JingYuan’s calls. Now that JingYuan’s in YiHan’s home, YiHan still looked as if he was refusing to meet with JingYuan. JingYuan really didn’t know what he should do.

Ma looked on as Mu JingYuan’s brows furrowed further and further before she let out a faint sigh. “JingYuan, did you argue with HanHan? He was in a terrible mood some time ago and you never came over. Did his immaturity and selfish nature anger you? You too know HanHan’s personality is like a child. You’ve got to be more forgiving. He really, really respects you. He might be a bit too impulsive and hasty, but most people and issues can’t affect him at all. He’d usually just let it go and forget about them. It’s only when he argues with you would his mood drop that badly,” she said.

JingYuan gave a bitter smile. “Aunt Bai, how can I not understand HanHan’s personality? You know as well. Just trying to make him happy and soothing him is a task I can’t finish. How could I be angry at him? Perhaps I accidentally offended him or made him angry in some way. He got so very angry and fussed about it for a while. He’s still not willing to talk to me,” he said.

Ma glanced at the empty stairway and let out another sigh. “This child is just too wilful. We’ve spoiled him. We thought he’d matured quite a lot recently. We didn’t think he’d still be so obstinate when it relates to you.” Upon noticing JingYuan’s confused gaze, she continued in a somewhat bragging manner. “You must not know it yet due to your recent absenteeism. Ever since that day when HanHan woke up crying from a nightmare, he’d become much more considerate and mature. Not once has he thrown a temper tantrum since then. He’d also frequently show his care for me and his father, and his brother and sister. We’re all so happy and relieved.”

“He suddenly matured? Did something happen?” JingYuan asked with a deep frown.

“You went on the same train of thought as us,” she said with a smile. “We did wonder if he was bullied or traumatised during his time out of the house. His brother and father even sent bodyguards stalking after him. But during these weeks, he rarely left the house. Even if he did, it was for nothing and he did nothing. He didn’t even hang out with those drinking buddies of his. The men were just withdrawn a few days ago. Looks like he really did just grow up.”

Translator’s Notes

1. “Tiger with a frail, paper-thin mask that’d crumble with a single poke at it”: Literally translated, it means “Paper Tiger”. A slang/idiom/noun for people who pretend to be stronger and cooler than they actually are. An easier way to visualise it is imagining it’s referring to the paper dolls used in shadow puppetry. A tiger paper puppet’s shadow would look like a real tiger, but in the light, it’s just a fragile piece of paper on sticks.

2. “Drinking buddies”: Literal translation = “Meat and wine friends”. Synonymous with the term/idiom “fox and dog friends”. It refers to friends who love to drink, have sex, go clubbing/partying, and are generally viewed as the worst kind of influence ever because they’re only there for one’s money.

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19. Is it Really Alright to hit Yourself in the Face?

When Bai YiHan woke up the next morning, he was still feeling down. Worried, Ma asked, “HanHan, why aren’t you happy?”

“I’m fine. I’m not unhappy,” YiHan replied with a smile.

Ma’s face was covered in worry. Before, when her boy was carefree and inconsiderate, she’d always hope he’d grow up. Now that’s he more understanding of others, she felt like she was being stabbed in the heart every time he forced a smile. How very contradictory

Bai FuRen looked at YiHan. “Are you still upset over last night?” he sighed.

YiHan looked up at FuRen. “No, Dad. You were right,” he said with another forced smile.”

“Is this some kind of riddle for us? What are you talking about?” Ma curiously asked.

FuRen could not hold out against his wife’s stare. “He came to me last night asking to borrow 50 million to buy some property in the southern districts,” he replied.

“If the child wants some immovable assets, that’s a good thing. What’s there to be upset about? However, is that paltry sum really enough for everything?” Ma said.

“You don’t understand. That area is a wasteland. Any property he buys there will only depreciate in value,” FuRen replied with a sigh.

“Han, won’t other areas do? I’ll help you get some,” said Yan.

YiHan moodily shook his head. He intended to borrow some cash from his mother and siblings, separately. Now that his father’s explained everything, how could he open his mouth and ask? It seemed like he’d have to let this matter go. “It’s fine. I was just thinking about it. It’s nothing much even if I don’t buy anything,” he said with another sigh.

XueQing watched as her beloved younger brother drooped his head in resignation. He’d pause for a long while each time he took a small bite of his breakfast. Her grip tightened around her chopsticks and loosened and tightened and loosened. In the end, she couldn’t resist speaking up. “Bro, don’t be upset. I’ll give you some money. Go buy them. Don’t think of it as an investment. Just treat it as something fun to do. Okay?” Having said so, she snuck a peek at her father. Such blatant rebuttal of her father’s words was disrespectful of her father’s lesson to YiHan, but she really couldn’t bear to look at a wilting YiHan.

On the contrary, Ma strongly agreed with her daughter. “That’s right. It’s not a big sum. Is it worth making HanHan upset? He might not have slept at all last night. Good boy. I’ll give you some too. Combined with what your sister’s offering, they should be enough for you to play with.” She lovingly ran her hand through her little son’s hair. In her mind, that darned husband who made YiHan upset was being scolded and lectured to death.

FuRen: “…” So what was he holding out for? If he’d known it’d be like this, he should’ve just given the money straightaway. He’d be able to look good in front of his younger son then. Now, look what’s happened. Only he was the villain. And he made his youngest son unhappy…His wife, who loved her son as if he was her own life, was going to be a difficult challenge for FuRen to overcome now.

YiHan: “…” How did such deus-ex-machina development happen? Why did they not give what he wanted to him when he wanted it, but give it to him when he’d given up on it?

Bai Yan didn’t say anything at the breakfast table, but as soon as he arrived at the office, he silently transferred 50 million into YiHan’s bank account.

YiHan while staring down at the transfer notification: “…?”

That’s not it. Soon after, transfer notifications for the identical amount came from his mother, XueQing, and even Bai FuRen, who did it without a single notice!

Speaking of which, Dad, didn’t you disagree? Is it really alright to hit yourself in the face like this?

It was clear. Everyone thought he just wanted to play with real estate based on an impulse. The money’s just for him to spend. They never thought of asking him to return it in the first place!

YiHan held tight to the phone in his hand. His heart was overwhelmed by the bittersweet emotions swelling in him. This was his family. His family who loved him unconditionally. This time, he will cherish them more. He must never disappoint them again.

The money he’d received was more than he anticipated. YiHan was rather excited and eager, but he didn’t know anything himself. He didn’t dare make a move himself. At last, he asked Yan to help him find a few retail stores in those areas. Fortunately, property prices in those areas were cheaper than usual. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to buy much. Behind YiHan’s back, Yan even topped it up for him. And so, YiHan was able to buy three blocks of tiny 3-storey shops right next to each other in the suburb he was hoping for. After some networking, those shops were quickly transferred over to YiHan.

Once this was done, YiHan became much calmer and steadier. Upon witnessing his improved mood, all of the Bai family members felt happy too. This time, the money was well-spent (thrown).

It’s been half a month since Bai YiHan’s rebirth. Mu JingYuan, who would visit the Bai family nearly every day to the point of being a resident in their home, never once appeared. Similarly, YiHan never went looking for him.

Quick Reminder:

For those who missed out on the previous notes and got weirded out by the large sum, the original translation put it as 5 million and not 50 million. Due to a mistake/typo on my part and some research, I’ve decided to leave it as 50 million RMB as property prices in China are quite high on average (even though there will always be a suburb where you’d never be able to sell anything even for 1$ per sqm).

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18. Not to be His Obstacle

If YiHan started saving now, he could make it. But time waits for no one. He’s afraid by the time he saved enough, all property would be split up and devoured already.

He laid down on his bed. Maybe he should borrow some from his mother, brother and sister. He’d try and get as much as he could. And JingYuan could also lend him some…

Forget about it. YiHan had yet decided on how he should face JingYuan. Soon, JingYuan will announce his engagement with YiHan’s sister. He’d best avoid interacting with JingYuan as much as possible.

Bai YiHan sprawled on his bed like salted fish waiting to be dried. He closed his eyes and recalled the last time he met Mu JingYuan in his last life.

That time, he’d finally understood his emotions for JingYuan had long since been sown deep into his heart. However, their relationship was already broken beyond repair and he’d been so spoiled that he didn’t understand who he really was. He wanted to repair his relationship with JingYuan, fight for a chance to be with him, yet was unable to put away his ego and could only think up an evil plan. He’d pretend to be drunk and confessed to JingYuan with his arms around the other’s neck. “Let’s get together. I quite like you.”

YiHan still remembered the nervous drumbeat of his heart and how laughably secure he was in his actions. Since they were young children, JingYuan had always been doting and spoiling him. He thought JingYuan must’ve had feelings for him. But what were JingYuan’s reactions then?

YiHan laughed mockingly at himself. He’d memorised that single moment. Every one of JingYuan’s expressions. Every one of his words. JingYuan stared down at him with eyes hiding an endless void of disappointment. He spoke with his unique deep bass voice, “Bai YiHan. You really disappoint me. Emotions are not a game. They’re not for you to play with, and not for you to use as tools.”

Heh. Was YiHan already considered helpless in JingYuan’s eyes? True. Now that he looked back at how he was back then, he really wanted to slap himself. It’s rare enough that JingYuan had held it in and not just beat him up then and there.

Back then, he’s maintained his laughable pride. His embarrassment turned into anger. “Scram! Get out! I never want to see you again!” he shouted.

And then? Then, JingYuan really left. He went overseas to his branch office, and never came back again. Just as YiHan said, he never saw him again even when he died.

It’s meant to be too, now that he thought about it. The one JingYuan loved was YiHan’s sister. YiHan’s nonsensical behaviour destroyed his future marriage. As a male, he then shamelessly ran to recommend himself to JingYuan. JingYuan, as a straight man, was probably so disgusted he was about to puke, wasn’t he? No wonder he rushed out of the country as if he was on fire and never came back again.

YiHan couldn’t help but wonder. In his last life, when JingYuan knew of his death many years later, how would he react? Would he be upset? Happy? Or would he let out a sigh of relief?

He should’ve let out a sigh of relief, right? If he knew of what a miserable and cruel death YiHan had, would JingYuan felt like he’d vented his disgust? Would he come back and marry XueQing? Without YiHan as an obstacle, if they married, they’d be happy, right? And with JingYuan, YiHan’s family would be able to rise again. After all, his family’s cursed luck was all because of him. With his death, everything would be alright.

YiHan hoped it was so. He didn’t know if he really did travel back in time or if he travelled into a parallel dimension that looked exactly the same. No matter what, he wouldn’t be JingYuan’s obstacle to love again.

For JingYuan. For his sister. This whole life, YiHan must maintain his distance from JingYuan. He can’t make any other move to create more troubles for his sister and JingYuan. It’d be for the best if he could move out and live alone. That way, he wouldn’t affect his family anymore.

YiHan turned on the bed and stretched his limbs out until there was a starfish lying on the bed. He broodily thought: Why was he reborn? It was clear that without him, everything would be alright. So, why send him back? Why not just make him disappear? He’s so stupid. He’s useless even when he came back. He finally thought of a way to earn money, but it couldn’t be realised. He’s just so useless.

Ah~ So infuriating. His hands wandered up and scrunched his soft hair into a chicken’s nest. Resigned, YiHan showered and slept.

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17. It’s not Easy Raising a Child

YiHan definitely could not tell his father about being reborn. Regardless of whether his father would believe him, Yihan was too ashamed to even mention the dishonourable things he’d done. He had decided to keep this secret in and bring it to the grave with him.

However, he can’t just make a fuss over nothing just because he wanted something like before. How should he word such an “unreasonable” request?

YiHan hung his head. He tried his best for a long time, but he couldn’t think of a way to convince his father. His head drooped as he dejectedly thought: He’s really the most useless child. His elder siblings are all so clever, so why’s he so stupid? Did his family doted on him because they pitied how especially dumb he was? Ah, he’s off-topic. What should he do now?

Bai FuRen looked on at his depressed son. Nothing showed on his face, but his mind spun fast. Based on his youngest son’s personality, if he didn’t give YiHan money when asked, YiHan would definitely display his obvious displeasure. Even if he didn’t dare throw a tantrum in front of FuRen, he’s certain to slam the door with an upset face and find his mother or some other helper. However, he’s just like a little flower being hailed on today, sitting there hanging his head in dejection. Was this a new strategy or did something really happened which made him hold his temper?

Helpless, YiHan could only ask pitifully, “I only want the south. Can’t I?”

FuRen’s kindly father’s heart was harshly triggered. He felt that if his son really was trying out a new strategy, then he’d succeeded for sure. Such a miserable look was much more useful than making a ruckus. Still, he persisted.

“HanHan, you must know that while that’s not a particularly big sum, it’s not small either. It’s good that you want to plan for the future by buying immovable assets. But you need to research deep into such a matter. Weigh the pros and cons, not follow your gut and feelings as if you’re buying a toy. Understand?” FuRen gently said.

YiHan’s face fell. “I know,” he dolefully replied.

FuRen was somewhat uneasy at how obedient YiHan was. His heart softened. “Why don’t I help you look at some land which are more likely to rise in value? Okay?” he asked.

YiHan shook his head.

FuRen pondered as he looked on as YiHan’s disappointed figure. “Can you tell Father why you must have that place?” he said.

YiHan’s mouth gaped and closed. “Property there is very cheap now. Once everything goes as planned, it’ll surely raise in value,” he softly said.

“HanHan, you must know that one can’t be greedy when doing business. Cheap property has its reasons for being cheap. Until now, there’ve been no rumours of any government plans for that area. Your habit of blindly rushing in to take advantage will make you suffer a great loss,” FuRen said with a resigned tone.

By the time word of it gets out, he can’t even squeeze in to buy them, YiHan despondently thought. There’s nothing he can do but to nod in agreement and walk out the door with his head drooped down.

FuRen watched as his young son walked out with his head full of grief. There were a few times when FuRen wanted to call out to YiHan. Stop him and hand him the money to play with. He held it in with immense willpower. He kept chanting in his head: You can’t dote on a child like that. You’ll raise him to be a useless son. That’s not loving him, it’s hurting him.

Ah~

FuRen took off his glasses and massaged his nose bridge. It’s not easy raising a child!

YiHan returned to his bedroom and look at his bank balance via his phone. He let out a heavy sigh. New Year’s, dividends, pocket money from his parents and siblings. Add up how much he’d gotten throughout his life and it’d be a sizeable sum. Pity he never had any notions of saving up before. After all, he had enough cash to spend and he never thought of the future. Money always left him as fast as he got them. That meant there was only one million left in his bank account. It really disheartened him.

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16. Lend Me Some Money

Bai FuRen was very satisfied with how attentive his eldest son was to his youngest son. FuRen raised his hand to invite Bai Yan to sit down. Then, he informed Yan about the discussion from before and what FuRen’s own thoughts were.

Yan frowned. “Something like that happened? This is strange indeed. I’ll arrange some hidden bodyguards for him. I want to see who it is who dares to touch my little brother!”

“This is all just guesswork for now. Perhaps your brother suddenly matured. Nothing’s confirmed yet,” said FuRen.

“Even if it’s maturity, it’d be a slow and gradual process. He won’t suddenly mature overnight. If my brother’s maturity and obedience come from pain and suffering, then I’d rather he doesn’t grow up,” replied Yan.

“So, we shouldn’t make a move now and see what really went on,” said FuRen.

“You’re right,” agreed Yan with a nod.

“You’ve also worked for a whole day. Sleep early and rest up,” said FuRen with a wave of his hand.

“You rest early too,” said Yan.

FuRen nodded and let Yan exit the study.

The evening after, YiHan knocked on the door to FuRen’s study. Carefully, he peeped his head out from behind the door and asked, “Dad, I’d like to talk to you about something.”

FuRen’s heart froze for a beat. Still, he didn’t let it show on his face and replied, “What are you hanging about the door for? Come in if you’ve got something you want to talk to me about.”

YiHan hesitantly stumbled into the room and closed the door behind him. He sat down on the chair before the desk. “Father, can you…lend me some money?” he asked. YiHan had his own little gold coffer and there’s quite a lot in it, but if he wanted to purchase huge amounts of property in the southern suburbs, it wasn’t enough at all. He didn’t plan on touching the property where the new university would be built because even if he did, all he’d get was another pile of compensation money. The average finances of the citizens from that plot of land was currently very low. He wasn’t greedy enough to want to earn money off of pulling the rug from the bottom of poor citizens. That’s rather evil.

YiHan was thinking about purchasing the districts around it where he’d build malls and so on.

“Is your allowance not enough? How much do you want?” asked FuRen.

“F-Fifty million?” YiHan sheepishly said as he scratched his head.

“Why do you want so much money?” FuRen replied in shock. His heart went cold with fear. Was someone blackmailing YiHan? The moment that thought went through his mind, FuRen brow furrowed and his gaze turned cold. “You can talk to me about anything that’s troubling or worrying you. You’re still young. Be careful you’re not lied to by others,” he continued solemnly.

“No. No. It’s just…I’d like to buy some immovable assets like property or shops. The kind that could have raised value later on,” YiHan hurriedly answered.

“That is possible. However, why do you suddenly want such assets? Have you got a place in mind? I can help you research on which area has the best potential,” said FuRen.

“It’s fine,” said YiHan, “I’ve got an area in mind already.”

FuRen was still uneasy. “Is that so? Where is it? I’ll help you purchase the property, in case you get cheated just because of how young you are,” he said.

“Alright. I want the property in the southern districts, particularly near Mount NanXiang,” said YiHan. After pondering about it, he realised what his father said was true.

It was just as FuRen thought. His silly child was being lied and cheated to by someone. Everyone knew the southern suburbs were famous for being useless. Only his own cute and silly little son would think of spending fifty million on property there.

“HanHan, have you researched the market? The south is a place publicly known to be a useless piece of land in the city. The property you buy would only decrease in value,” said FuRen as he frowned.

YiHan’s mind panicked. How was he going to tell his father that, within three years, the southern suburbs would turn into a gold mine that every single businessman would beg to get into but can’t?

Even his father wouldn’t know such sensitive and secretive information. How was he to know about it? It’d only make his father suspicious. But if YiHan doesn’t tell his father, how was he going to convince his father to lend him such a hefty sum knowing it was just a trap?

Translator’s Note:

50 million RMB ≈7.3 million USD

The amount YiHan asked for is upped in the translation (partially due to translation error as I’d mistakenly read it as thousand-10k instead of the hundred-10k it was). It was meant to be 5 million. This mistake was left in as property prices in China are relatively high.

(Below is the ridiculous explanation my brain concocted to explain why I decided to leave a mess-up for the world to see.)

A shop lot can be as small as 200 square metres (for one floor) or 2000 square metres (multi-storey). If one goes by the number given in numbeo.com where the minimum for an apartment is 10k RMB per square metre, YiHan would be spending at least 20 million for one shop lot. If one goes by a more reasonable amount provided by GlobalPropertyGuide, it’d be roughly 630 RMB per square metres – 126k to 1.26m (based on range provided above). As YiHan’s plan would need him to own at least 1 shop lot + the numerous renovations it’d require, it doesn’t really make sense for him to ask his father for just 5 million (which would not really work out as there’s a difference between buying a property and getting it up and running as a shop, a mall, or any sort of rent-able state – especially so if it’s rundown).

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15. Something’s Not Right With Little Brother

Chen Fang paused for a moment. Still, he continued on, “When they arrived back home, I saw Lil Zheng talking to the Little Master. It seemed like Lil Zheng was requesting the Little Master to not mention how late Lil Zheng was to the Madam. He must’ve agreed.” So YiHan wasn’t actually afraid to mention how he was mistreated, but because he didn’t think much of it and had promised someone else not to mention it.

“That’s not right either. Based on HanHan’s personality, when would he ever be considerate of other people? If he wasn’t happy, he would never have let things go so easily,” said Bai FuRen. He raised his head and looked at Chen Fang, “Okay. You may leave.”

“Yes,” replied Chen Fang. Report finished, Chen Fang turned and walked out, satisfied with another job well-done.

Ma closed her eyes. She tried her best to recall her youngest son’s every act, every move and every single person he’d interacted with recently. However, she couldn’t think of anything. “I think XueQing’s correct. HanHan must’ve suffered a great deal. That’s why he suddenly became so quiet and obedient. He woke up quite late this morning. When he came down, he even broke down crying in my arms. XueQing and I asked him about it and he just said he was scared because of a nightmare.”

FuRen frowned. “HanHan cried? He cried this morning. Then when he went out, he showed a calm and even temper which he’d never shown before. When he came home, he hugged you again and said he loved you…”

“No. Not just those,” Ma, searching through her memories, said. “This morning, he had prawn congee. Because he daydreamed for a while, it had cooled down. Usually, he would never have touched it but today he ate it all.”

“When I left the house today, he even told me to drive carefully,” XueQing added. “I was so happy because of it. I even thought the brat finally knew to show his concern for his sister. And during dinner just now, he ate everything we put on his plate. Due to that, he was even stuffed to the point of being uncomfortable. Usually, he wouldn’t force himself to do something just for someone else. Ah, if I’d known he’d be like that, I wouldn’t have given him so much.” Ma nodded in agreement.

FuRen leaned back on the couch and closed his eyes in thought. “The change in HanHan is too much today. This could be a major or a minor problem. He’s a stubborn child. If something really happened to him outside this house, questioning him would only make him dislike us. That way, we’d discover nothing. We need to observe every move he makes. Someone needs to stay by his side all the time. Don’t let him out of the house alone. We’ll still go about our days as normal. We mustn’t let him realise we know something.” His eyes turned frosty. “If it’s just him becoming mature and growing up, then let it be. But if someone actually dared to touch my son, I am not someone they can just trifle with!”

Ma nodded along again.

“Then Big Bro…” said XueQing.

FuRen massaged his temples with two fingers. “I’ll talk to your brother about this,” he said.

As he said so, the two brothers who’d been out on a walk returned. The three in the living room collected themselves and put on their smiles.

“Well, HanHan? Do you still feel uncomfortable? Really. If you can’t eat that much, don’t do it. You’ll only make yourself suffer,” said Ma.

YiHan sat down by her side. “It was nothing much anyway. I just had a little too much. I feel much better now,” he replied with a smile.

XueQing exchanged a glance with her father. “How old are you now, little brother? Don’t you know when you’re full?” said she.

“You put the food on my plate. I didn’t want to waste your efforts, yet you don’t care at all!” YiHan hmphed.

XueQing hurriedly begged for his forgiveness. “How could I not care? I’m so happy about it.”

YiHan pursed his lips and hmphed once more.

Bai Yan ruffled YiHan’s head. With eyes twinkling and a smile on his lips, he said, “My little brother’s growing up.”

YiHan laughed. He should be growing up. He’s someone who’d died once already. How can he not?

Deep in the night, Yan knocked on the door to Bai FuRen’s study. “Father, I’d like to talk to you about my younger brother. Something’s not quite right with him today. Something might’ve happened,” said he, as soon as he walked through the door.

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14. The Little Master’s Changed

YiHan lowered his head and worked hard through the food in front of him, afraid his family would spot his tearing eyes. It’s so weird. In the life before, even though he was spoiled by his family, he’d completely changed his cry-baby personality after disaster struck his home. Even on the day he died, he never cried again. So why had he turned back into a cry-baby when he travelled back to here?

Seeing him bury his face in his food, Ma worriedly spoke up. “HanHan, why do you only eat what’s in your bowl? Why don’t you take some more vegetables?”

Bai YiHan: “…” It’s already a very challenging task for him to just digest all of the food in his bowl. More vegetables? Where would they go?

“The child’s eating. Don’t disturb him. Let him eat what he wants,” said FuRen to his wife.

Ma agreed with a smile and a nod.

Another meal finished and YiHan was stuffed once more. He seriously began to question if he’d become fat during this incarnation.

“Ate too much? It’s not good to overeat at night. Come, let’s go for a walk. Helps you digest faster,” said Bai Yan. He smiled and petted YiHan on the head.

YiHan hurriedly nodded.

Ma pursed her lips in happiness as she watched her two sons walked out the door, shoulder to shoulder. She was suddenly reminded of something and asked Aunt Yang, “Can you go look if Chen Fang is around, Aunt Yang? Tell him to come over.” Chen Fang was Bodyguard A who’d secretly followed YiHan around during the day…

Soon, Chen Fang marched into the living room. “Mr Bai, Mrs Bai, Second Miss,” he said.

“I forgot to ask you this afternoon. When you were following the Little Master around today, where did he go to play?” asked Ma.

Chen Fang relayed every single detail of Bai YiHan’s trip outside.

The more she heard, the more uneasy Ma felt. “You said he went and ate at a small cafeteria? And it’s the kind that don’t look very clean?” she interrupted.

Chen Fang nodded, confused. He too didn’t understand how or why the Little Master suddenly changed.

However, Ma’s focus was clearly on a different channel to his. “Then why didn’t you stop him? His digestive system is weak. Eating any sort of unclean food will make him sick!”

“I didn’t think he’d really eat it. He’d be upset if he knew we were there, so I didn’t dare reveal myself,” said Chen Fang.

FuRen spoke up. “Outside food isn’t poison. It’s fine for him to have some occasionally. Wasn’t he alright this whole afternoon? The main point is why would he suddenly eat in a place he used to look down on? And he adapted quite well.”

XueQing had been silent this whole time. “Did something happen to him that we’re unaware of?” she asked with a sombre face.

“How could it be? That child’s been under our eyes this entire time.”

FuRen went quiet for a moment. “Continue your report,” he said to Chen Fang.

“After the Little Master finished his meal, he began walking about on the streets before heading to the spot where he’d be meeting up with Lil Zheng. However, the driver was not there, and Little Master waited on the spot. It was roughly over 10 minutes before Lil Zheng arrived with the car. The Little Master immediately returned home in the car,” said Chen Fang.

Ma was furious. “I knew the newbie is unreliable. This Lil Zheng actually made HanHan wait for him for over 10 minutes? What time was it? It’s the sunniest time of the day. HanHan’s body can’t handle that. And that child. Really. Why didn’t he say anything after going through such a painful ordeal? We can’t keep employing this man. It’s his first time driving for HanHan and he dared make HanHan wait for him? He might even start bossing HanHan around the next time!”

FuRen patted his wife’s hand, soothing her turbulent emotions. “Lil Zheng’s movements are just a trivial matter. The issue is HanHan waited under the blazing sun for over 10 minutes, yet he didn’t throw a temper tantrum. He didn’t even mention it when he came home. It’s much too strange. It’s out of character,” said he in a deep, thoughtful voice.

XueQing’s heart sank. “Lil Bro must have suffered in the hands of someone some time unknown to us. That’s why he suddenly became so obedient. He didn’t even dare speak up after being wronged! He might be a little spoilt, but he’s not brave. He’s easily frightened. That someone had better not let me know who they are, or I’d make him regret being born!”

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13. What a Good Family

When his emotions calmed down again, YiHan turned to wash up and change. He cleaned himself up and stretched his lips into a strained smile. He wasn’t satisfied with that. He vigorously rubbed his face, and patted it over and over until his white cheeks were flushed before he tried smiling again. He buried his face in his hands. Much better. He gathered his courage, cheered himself on in his mind, and firmly pressed on out of the room.

Downstairs in the living room, with a smile spreading through her face, Ma was describing her youngest son’s hairstyle when he woke up. XueQing was laughed until she fell into Yan’s lap. Yan’s brows softened into a gentle look. Even the ever-dignified FuRen was smiling.

The dinner table was set. All that’s left was for YiHan to come down.

When she heard movement on the stairway, Ma immediately stopped her recollection. XueQing quickly sat up. The whole family turned and watched the stairway with a kind aura blooming around them. They must not be discovered gossiping about YiHan’s inelegant behaviour behind his back. He’d burst into rage from embarrassment.

YiHan: “…” You were so loud just then that I heard everything, okay? But whatever. Just think of it as entertaining his family.

He nonchalantly walked down as if he heard nothing. As he looked at his ever-prim-and-proper father and solemn brother, guilt crept into his heart. He wanted to avoid looking at them, yet he couldn’t bear not to look at them. Stunned, he stood there.

Ma felt her son had been exceedingly cute since he woke up from a nightmare that morning. She couldn’t resist walking over to wave her fair palm before his face. Smiling, she asked, “Come back, little one. It’s only been a day. Don’t you remember your father and brother?”

YiHan snapped out of his daze. He reached out and caught the hand before his eyes. Then, he embraced the entire arm. Only then could he force the big, blaring sign of “terror” of terror out of his mind.

Ma was very appreciative of her son’s endearing actions. She patted YiHan with the other hand and said, “Let’s go eat. You’ve got to eat more to build up your body.”

Bai Yan had been observing his younger brother this whole time. Upon seeing him calm and serene without a single trace of the frustration that’s been looming over him, Yan secretly let out a sigh of relief.

FuRen rose with a smile still hanging on his lips, and led his family to the dinner table. The long, long table was already packed with all sorts of delicacies. The aromatic fragrance in the air enticed their fingers to start moving.

Picking up his chopsticks, FuRen spoke, “It’s been a long day. Eat up, then go shower and rest.”

XueQing squeezed in next to YiHan. She fished out a ball of prawn meat from the platters into YiHan’s plate. “Your favourite prawn balls. Eat up,” she gently said.

YiHan had always loved eating prawn balls. But he was a disaster with his hands. He could never grab any ball-shaped objects with a pair of chopsticks. He even wailed and cried over it once as a child. From then on, if there were any round objects on the dinner table, the closest family member would get it for him. It’s already a habit in this household.

Yan shelled a large prawn and placed it in YiHan’s plate as well. There weren’t a lot of underwater creatures YiHan liked to eat. Large prawns could be said to be one YiHan loved the most. However, he’s lazy and disliked dirtying his hands. Because he thought it was troublesome, he never bothered to eat anything with shells. Yan, this big brother, could do nothing about it. From when he was a little boy until now, as long as they’re eating at the same table, Yan would be the “shelling machine”.

Ma wasn’t willing to back down too. Her son loved to eat this. That’s very nutritious. Her chopsticks never stopped moving. In the blink of an eye, a mountain was build on YiHan’s plate. When they saw that his plate was packed tight, they started attacking his rice bowl in turns. Even FuRen silently moved a chopstick-ful of beef over to YiHan’s bowl.

As YiHan looked at the swaying mountain of food on his plate, he felt like crying again. His family was so good to him. Why did he think it was expected before? Why did he think everyone in his family should treat him like this? Such expectations and “should”s weren’t realistic. His family didn’t owe him anything. On the contrary, he owed his parents an endless amount of gratitude. He owed his siblings all the love in the world.

Translator’s Note:

Large prawn: Also known as scampi. While just “prawn” would do, shelling large prawns is a harder task than smaller prawns. Hence, “large prawn”.

Chopstick-ful: Forkful, spoonful, chopstick-ful. I know. I know. It’s lazy writing, but it’s fun! Especially since thinking spoonful just brings Mary Poppins into my head.

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12. Soft and Fluffy Youngest Son

YiHan counted the time he had left. News of the move started from around April next year. All of the land to be used by the university were all bought out then. Paperwork was done, and work had started. In that case, the officials might even be finalising everything now.

Bai YiHan laid back down with a hand on his head. He didn’t expect to be able to profit much from this business. Even if he knew about it before others, his brain wasn’t good enough to start snatching food from those realty agencies. Perhaps if he headed to the suburbs around the new university and bought up property like shop lots or houses, he might earn a small sum too once everything was done?

And once construction starts, he could buy some shops there. If he can’t manage them, he could at least rent them out. Before his death, he remembered the market was at the point where even begging for one shop lot to rent was hard. Then, he can just sit at home and collect rent, right?

If an emergency happened, selling them out would net him a nice pile of cash too. And with how capable his father and brother were, the Bai family would have no issues rising from the ashes again. If that won’t do, then at least the family won’t have to worry about food and shelter.

As YiHan’s thoughts spiralled down this trail, his heart began to settle down. The house was too quiet. He’d lain down for far too long and had thought too hard. Slowly, he drifted off to sleep.

He only woke up when Ma’s soft knocks reached his ears. Blurrily, he opened his eyes. Was it day? Was it night? What time was it? What day was it? He couldn’t tell.

With a messy bed head and in blue bear pyjamas his mother had bought for him, YiHan open the door with a yawn.

Ma looked at her own soft and fluffy youngest son and hated the fact she couldn’t just press him tight into her embrace or give him a vigorous petting. Reality was too cruel. As her children grew up, they refused to allow her to pet them. If she did so, this son of hers will fly into a rage out of embarrassment.

Even so, she couldn’t resist pinching YiHan’s cheeks and helped him tidy up his messed-up fur. YiHan was still fuzzy from his nap so he blearily let her did as she pleased.

With one hand running through her son’s soft locks, Ma’s heart melted again. With a voice so gentle that words seemed to trickle through her mouth, she asked, “Are you done sleeping? Go freshen yourself up. It’s time for dinner. Your father, brother and sister are all home.”

He blankly nodded. Once Ma had had enough of petting her son’s head, she happily walked back downstairs. When she reached the stairway, she paused then looked back at him. “Hurry. Also, Mother loves you too,” she tenderly spoke.

Like a fool, YiHan just smiled back at her. He closed the door and continued staring blankly at it. Only then did his scrambled mind began focusing and deciphering what Ma had said.

And then…!

His father and brother were home?

YiHan stood there, shocked. He wasn’t ready yet. The last memories he had of his father and brother were their angry, disappointed and hurt eyes glaring right into him, hating him for being how he was.

The last time he saw his father was at Grandfather’s funeral ceremony. His father’s forever-straight back was hunched over. His hair was pale white. His looked so old and powerless. And his big brother, whose face was always calm and mature, was filled with sorrow. He had looked so torn up. His eyes were red, yet he continued to stand straight, for he still had to support his parents and siblings.

And he? He didn’t even dare stand close to where the ceremony was held. He could only watch from afar in silence as his beloved and kind grandfather was turned into a black box of ashes before being buried in cold dirt.

With everything that’d happened that day, how could he bear to go downstairs and see his father and brother again? Even if none of that had happened yet?

Ah, right. Nothing had happened yet. Grandfather’s not dead. The Bai family wasn’t bankrupt. His spine was not broken and cracked yet by torture. His family was not yet beaten down to the point of being shamed wherever they went because of that.

He was just the Little Master of the Bai family who had a bit of a temper issue. As long as he was a good child. Over and over, he repeated to himself. As long as he was good, everything that was bad wouldn’t happen.

Translator’s Note:

Voice so gentle that words seemed to trickle…mouth: It’s a very common Chinese imagery. It doesn’t make much sense and it might not be the best imagery in the world but it fits. To be concise, it’d just be described as “soft” or “smooth as silk” in English.

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