Chapter 2

The younger brother seizes love from the gentle elder brother

Today is March the first, and Lu Sui is away. Every year Lu Zhen arrives at the big city and pays his respects to the family shrine in Lu Sui’s stead.

These past years, Lu Zhen has been continuously trying to get Lu Sui to come back home, yet Lu Sui’s attitude has remained indifferent. Later on, it got to the extent where he didn’t return messages or phone calls. Even though Lu Zhen had tried hard to restore the past, he couldn’t go back . . . Afterwards they had gradually cut off contact.

He didn’t expect to have a reunion in a situation like this without any indication.

Lin Ziran’s [Lu Zhen] eyes were full of incredulity. He suddenly stopped then took a few steps back from Lu Sui. For a long time, he had a complicated expression before softly beginning to speak: “You came back.”

* * *

Lu Sui slowly turned his head and saw Lin Ziran.

The man hadn’t changed much from his memory, it was as if he was still the same as before, refined and cultivated, with a neither too fast nor too slow look. Seemingly very surprised at his return.

[T/N: It has switched to Lu Sui’s POV, then shifts back in the next lines. Basically, Lu Zhen had an unhurried look. I wanted to keep the idiom. lol]

Lu Sui looked at him for a long time. He hid a little bit of deep coldness in his eyes.

Lin Ziran took a deep breath, taking a step forward, earnestly examining the person in front of him.

After not seeing him for five years, the young and inexperienced youth seemed to have matured a lot. Time appeared to have made him more introverted, with hidden depths.

Lu Zhen wasn’t sure if he had to bear many hardships overseas, or even receive grievances. But with his stubborn personality, even if he had encountered something, he would never tell him. Right?

How have you been? Did you come back because you forgive me?

All of these words were unable to be said. Lin Ziran was at a loss. Lu Sui suddenly stretched out both arms and gave him a shallow hug, laughing quietly beside his ear. “Yes, I’m back.”

Lin Ziran was in a daze for a moment, then he hugged Lu Sui back tightly. His voice was unsteady due to excitement. “It’s good you came back.”

He took a deep breath, as if he had finally relaxed. He asked with nervous expectation, “Are you staying . . . at home this time?”

Lu Sui was silent for a moment, then he nodded his head.

Lin Ziran took a glance at the tombstone, his eyes dimmed for a moment. Nevertheless, he was still very happy that Lu Sui was finally willing to come home. These past years, Lu Sui’s distance was something that he wasn’t able to let go from his heart. Now that Lu Sui only had one family member left in the world, naturally they would be like an incomparable treasure. But there was no telling what Lu Sui was really thinking . . .

Lin Ziran paused, and finally just asked, “Have you eaten yet?”

Lu Sui shook his head again.

Lin Ziran smiled, “Then come home and eat.”

Lu Sui silently carried his suitcase to Lin Ziran’s car. One could immediately tell that it meant that he wasn’t objecting.

Throughout the journey, the atmosphere inside the car was taciturn.

Lin Ziran hesitated for a long time as he drove, then cautiously began to speak to break the quiet atmosphere. “How long are you intending to stay here—what’s the plan?”

Lu Sui said, “It depends on the situation-ba, for the time being nothing is planned.”

[T/N: “Ba” is a particle.]

Lin Ziran gave him a meaningful glance, then said, “Shouldn’t you consider working for the company?”

Although Father gave the company to him when he died, Lu Sui never fought to take it over, it was like he didn’t pay attention to it. But this matter continuously made him feel guilty in his heart—it should’ve originally belonged to both of them. He had sincerely wanted Lu Sui to return and come assist him in the company, but he was afraid that asking to meet again would make Lu Sui remember unpleasant matters.

The atmosphere in the car was silent again for a long time. When Lin Ziran thought that Lu Sui would reject him, Lu Sui finally replied, “I’ll consider it.”

There was no agreement, but there wasn’t a refusal either. However the reply had already made Lin Ziranvery cheerful. After all, this was already a great improvement concerning the two whose relationship had been at freezing point for years.

Lin Ziran firmly gripped the steering wheel, and didn’t ask any more questions.

It wasn’t long before the two had returned to the family residence.

Lin Ziran pushed the door open, and he smiled as Lu Sui walked through. “Your room has always been cleaned, but you haven’t come back in a while. If something is missing then you can tell Mrs Xu to buy it.”

* * *

Mrs Xu was earnest and responsible, she had already worked in the Lu Family for a very long time, and both of the brothers were very familiar with her.

Lu Sui paused, looking at Lin Ziran’s smiling and genial face. The darkness in his heart twitched, his lips couldn’t help but purse, inside his eyes appeared a sneering expression.

[T/N: Mrs Xu is the housekeeper.]

You seem to have been doing well these past few years, and you seem to not be taking the past matters to heart. . . Also, it’s not like you’ve lost anything. My mother supported and died for you, my father gave you all of his love, now you feel at ease and justified in what you own. Then you give me a little bit of mercy from above . . . did you think that I would be grateful for that?

If you genuinely cared for me . . . At the time when I needed you, at that moment, where were you? You once said that you would always protect me, but alas why did you leave me alone to suffer-ne?

[T/N: “Ne” is like a particle for a rhetorical question.]

So, now who are you showing this deeply concerned expression to……

My dear elder brother, did you know, that what I detest most is this hypocritical manner of yours?

This time, I’ll take away everything that you care about.

I’ll let you try losing everything too.

* * *

[T/N: It switches to Lu Sui’s POV above, then goes back to Lin Ziran. I’ve tried to indicate when a POV change occurs using three *. I’m not mistranslating – I swear. XD. If I am, please tell meeeee. I do get tired and SOMETIMES, just sometimes, use MTL or ask for help.]

Lin Ziran hadn’t seen Lu Sui for many years, and remembered that the last time the two had spoken on the phone was more than a year ago. At the time he hoped that Lu Sui would come home for New Year’s. But Lu Sui told him that he was busy with his studies, so he couldn’t come home. He most likely just hadn’t forgiven Lu Zhen and his father.

He was silent for a moment, then said: “I . . .”

Lu Sui looked at Lin Ziran’s lost appearance, then all of a sudden he smiled. When he smiled, his grave and stern face seemed to soften a bit, he said, “I’ve let go of the past, you don’t need to take it to heart . . . elder brother.”

Lin Ziran suddenly raised his eyes, his expression visibly moved, it had already been many years since he last heard Lu Sui call him elder brother.

Many years ago, that child would closely follow behind him. Then for the first time, he pushed the other away with a reproachful expression . . . Because he didn’t know how to confront him, he cowered back, and then he acquiesced to his father over Lu Sui’s behaviour. After he decided to change, he tried to fix their relationship, but too much time had already passed. The gap had already formed and was difficult to heal.

The boy had already grown up and no longer needed his protection, much less his care. Thinking of the past, Lin Ziran felt guilty, “I’m sorry.”

Lu Sui however, looked very unaffected. He shrugged his shoulders, laughing at himself. “It doesn’t concern you, it’s my own problem. Sorry I made you worry these past years.”

Lin Ziran thought that the child had finally grown up, that he had started to become mature and steady, understanding how to take others into consideration.

This made him very gratified, and the apprehension from before had also dissipated. He patted Lu Sui’s shoulder, then said meaningful and heartfelt words. “I’m glad that you feel this way, regardless, it’s good that you came back.”

【Lin Ziran: Do you know what the bear child is after it’s grown up? 】

[T/N: A bear child is a brat, aka a devil child.]

【System: What? 】

【Lin Ziran sighed. They become a shrewd bear child! When they do bad things, after some time, they learn how to paralyse the enemy first! 】

【System: . . . 】

That evening, the two people had dinner. Although it was a simple meal, Lin Ziran acted very glad because it had been many years since the two brothers had taken a seat to have a meal together.

He had Mrs Xu make Lu Sui’s favourite dishes from years ago. Lu Sui’s tastes actually hadn’t changed much. From time to time, Lu Sui would speak about foreign matters.

Time passed by quickly, and it was soon 10 o’clock. The two ‘talented actors’ then returned to their rooms.

Lin Ziran closed the door; he went to his bed and slumped. This cheap brother looked like someone that was not so good to deal with. If he wasn’t well acquainted with the script’s contents, today he truly wouldn’t be able to make out any mistake.

Not knowing if his performance could be concealed from the system, Lin Ziran wasn’t too confident in himself and asked the system, “How was my performance? Are there any issues with it?”

【System: Still ok.】

【Lin Ziran: What level is it ok, is it ok or not?】

【System: I’m only a support system. I have no right to judge a player’s actions. Furthermore—are you not a professional? There is no need to ask me about this sort of matter.】

【Lin Ziran: ……I’m merely a student—ying.】

[T/N: Ying is an onomatopoeic word. It’s the calling of birds. XD]

Lin Ziran flipped his body over, and then opened the light screen in front of him. He prepared to review the storyline, the next step was a crucial one! He had to make an opportunity for Lu Sui and Wen Yu to encounter each other!

He had previously come to an agreement with Wen Yu to come out from the set to help him clean. At that time, he would bring Lu Sui along. It would be pretty logical to introduce his dear younger brother to Wen Yu like that.

[T/N: Somewhat unsure of a phrasing here.]

So far, the story line has developed just like the script.

Lin Ziran washed to prepare going to sleep when he suddenly received a text message.

Zhao Ming Ze: Did you go over there again?

Lin Ziran lightly tapped his index finger on his phone, not in a rush to reply.

By the way, this Zhao Ming Ze is also an important character in the main storyline. His role is no less than Lin Ziran’s affectionate male supporter role. However, unlike Lu Zhen, he plays the villain role that’s specialised in going against the gong! It’s even more of a one-dimensional character than the slag gong Lu Sui . . .

If Lu Sui is a scum gong for a reason, in that case, Zhao Ming Ze is scum for no reason. He’s simply a person specifically designed as a villain.

The only purpose of his existence is to create problems for Lu Sui, Lu Zhen, Wen Yu . . . Everyone in this love triangle!

Of course, he ended up even more miserable than the second male lead, Lu Zhen.

On the doctrine that a chairman’s friend is also a chairman, as Lu Zhen’s close friend from the same social class, Zhao Ming Ze is naturally also a company chairman. But he’s Lu Zhen’s close friend only on the surface, always looking out for him. However in fact, he’s secretly conspiring to annex the Lu family’s corporation.

When Lu Sui still hid his true goals and hadn’t yet exposed them, Zhao Ming Ze worked hard to incite disharmony between Lu Sui and Lu Zhen’s relationship, exposing the fact that Lu Sui cuckolded Lu Zhen. This led to Lu Zhen and Wen Yu breaking up. Later, Lu Sui’s real objectives would also be fully revealed and he would snatch Lu Zhen’s company away.

[T/N: Being cuckolded = being cheated on or ‘wearing a green hat’. You can find the ‘green hat’ story online.]

Zhao Ming Ze would also cautiously and conscientiously attack Wen Yu in order to land a psychological blow on Lu Zhen. He would not miss any opportunity and would contribute bricks and tiles towards a building to help Lu Sui in creating a crematorium for Lu Zhen’s relationship.

[T/N: To contribute bricks and tiles to a building is to do their bit to help. In this case to help Lu Sui seek revenge and damage Lu Zhen’s relationship with Wen Yu.]

This is a person who would be uncomfortable if they didn’t seek trouble.

But if you pass over that phenomenon and look at their innate character, you could discover that Zhao Ming Ze’s existence would allow Lu Zhen to take a different route to the same destination.

[T/N: The idiom means doing different means to achieve the same end.]

A person who doesn’t do anything besides dating all day long, a second male lead who specialises in pursuing the shou protagonist and creating a sense of crisis for the gong lead; a deranged person who’s been picking a quarrel for an eternity.

The villain who constantly tries to strike the gong and shou so that they can see who their true friends are while going through difficult times—it seems like it’s all to add onto the gong’s stress. His goal is to actually boost the feelings between the gong and shou ah!

[T/N: The “ah” is an interjection of surprise.]

They would probably only show up in this kind of melodramatic soap opera . . . In reality, which kind of a person like Lu Zhen exists? Is the RMB no good to play with or is becoming the chairman merely a craving? Since even a second male lead with a brain that’s only good for romance and is lacking in logic can exist, why can’t a villain like Zhao Ming Ze with a brain not exist ne?

Talk about a villain, he’s actually his comrade-in-arms ah!

Zhao Ming Ze has always been ‘quite close’ to Lu Zhen. Lu Zhen has chatted to him about many matters. So Lin Ziran understood what Zhao Ming Ze meant when he had asked him that. It meant that Zhao Ming Ze asked whether or not he had gone to visit the cemetery.

[T/N: Recall a long time ago that Zhao Ming Ze texted Lin Ziran – this is what is being referred to above.]

Lin Ziran considered that afterwards he would have to fight alongside elder brother Zhao. He thought about it and then seriously replied: Yes, that’s right.

Zhao Ming Ze very quickly responded: It’s not your fault. You don’t need to blame yourself, it’s already been so many years you should let it go.

Lin Ziran sidestepped the question: Today, I saw Lu Sui.

This time, Zhao Ming Ze went silent, eventually he replied: He came back?

Lin Ziran: Yes, I asked him whether he wants to come back to the company; he said that he would consider it. I think that he’ll probably agree to my question.

Zhao Ming Ze: Congratulations to you.

Lin Ziran: Thanks.

Zhao Ming Ze then asked: Do you have time tomorrow? How about going out for a get-together?

Lin Ziran: Great, the usual place then.

After he said that he felt perfectly content and then put down his phone.

As an excellent player, it’s natural to unite any strong forces. Although we haven’t officially met yet, from now on we’ll be good brother-in-arms!

* * *

Lin Ziran happily went to sleep. The next day, he got out of bed and continued to play the role of the ‘good elder brother’ persona. He started off the morning by pampering Lu Sui, taking care of everything from food and clothing to housing and transportation. It was as if he wanted to make up for these past few years.

Lu Sui’s attitude had always been indifferent. However, Lin Ziran paid no attention to it. After all, he didn’t need anything in return.

Of course there was still an important point, he would subtly signal to Lu Sui that he dearly loves Wen Yu. The more he cares about Wen Yu, the more Lu Sui will try hard to pursue Wen Yu in order to make him suffer the pain of losing someone’s affection!

Lin Ziran looked at Lu Sui lovingly; this child had an unusually clear mind. Even going so far as to pursue others in order to strike his elder brother, thinking that he can toy with other people’s emotions. Do you think being a slag gong is that easy? Then you’ll get serious, regret everything, and in hell trying to chase them back. . .The look Lin Ziran was directing at him was one used when lovingly looking at a moron ah!

He thought of something and then tenderly gave Lu Sui a piece of red braised pork, saying, “Your previous favourite, eat more of it.”

Lu Sui put down his chopsticks, he faintly said, “No appetite.”

He was somewhat unable to endure Lin Ziran’s excessively enthusiastic expression.

When Lin Ziran saw his indifferent attitude, his heart immediately tightened. Could it be that he had overdone it ma? Eh, as the tender and introverted type of chairman that I am, I should be a bit more reserved, sigh! Next time, next time!

“Oh that’s right, there’s someone I want to introduce you to next week.” Lin Ziran also placed down his chopsticks.

Lu Sui raised his eyebrows, asking, “What person?”

A tender, deep loving look appeared within Lin Ziran’seyes, seemingly to recall that person. He couldn’t contain his anticipatory joy, then said, “My boyfriend.”

Lu Sui raised his head, as if he had heard something interesting. His eyes narrowed and he teasingly smiled.”Oh? You have a boyfriend?”

Lin Ziran looked at his apparently somewhat carefree attitude. He took away the genial expression that he had up until now and said in a dignified and serious manner,”That’s right. And I want to be definite with him. Afterwards . . . We’ll be a family.”

* * *

Lu Sui looked at him. Family . . . It seems that you truly value each other ah. If I hadn’t returned, you would’ve had a happily ever after with him later on, right? What a perfect pair of sweethearts, how enviable.

Lu Sui’s expression became a bit cold, but his face was still smiling. He said, “Well ah, if you say it like that then I’ll be somewhat expectant.”

Lin Ziran laughed happily.

Because he knew that Lu Sui had listened!

Since today’s mission was considered done, he guessed that it was time for him to go to the appointment he had made with Zhao Ming Ze.

Lin Ziran stood up, smiled then said, “I have to go out for something, in the evening I won’t be back for dinner. That’s right . . . If you want to go out you can roam around, the car keys are by the door on top of the shoe cupboard.”

Lu Sui nodded. “Alright, I got it.”

Lin Ziran’s facial expression was very gratified; he held his jacket as he left.

* * *

Their same old place was a high-quality club. Lu Zhen and Zhao Ming Ze often met up there to eat, drink, get warned to behave responsibly, play golf, talk about business and so on.

Once Lin Ziran went in, the doorman welcomed him and respectfully went over, saying, “Mr. Lu.”

Lin Ziran nodded, then he familiarly walked in.

The thought of soon meeting up with allies—Lin Ziran still had a bit to look forward to! However, he still had to stay calm. Although they were allies, they were allies without the same morals. Zhao Ming Ze is more scheming than his younger brother. He’s afraid of meeting Lu Zhen because he’s heard that Lu Sui is back. So to probe the meanings behind his words, oneself must be careful whilst responding . . .

Whilst Lin Ziran was walking, he was also pondering. Absent-minded, he bumped into the server. Feeling embarrassed, he said, “Sorry.”

The server repeatedly waved his hands. “It doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter. Are you here to visit Mr.Zhao? He’s inside.”

[T/N: He said it formally since it’s nín.]

Lin Ziran smiled, lifted his head and looked inside. At this moment, there was only one person inside on the golf course.

The male’s attire consisted of a casual-white shirt, collar buttons open wide. Over this he wore a long, black windbreaker jacket. Broad shoulders and narrow waist, both legs as straight as a ramrod and thin, short black hair casually slicked to the back of his head, exposing handsome and abstruse facial features. On the bridge of his nose was a pair of silver coloured glasses that covered his long and narrow pair of eyes, seeming to appear refined and scholarly yet also appearing like a beast in human clothes.

He gripped the golf club tightly with both hands, knuckles slender, arms outstretched, as the club shot a powerful curve through the air, the white ball suddenly flew out of sight.

Then he lowered his hand and smiled towards Lin Ziran.

Lin Ziran was dazed.

【Lin Ziran: Who could’ve thought that . . . 】

【System: ? 】

【Lin Ziran: You seriously can’t judge a book by its cover . . . 】

【System: ? 】

【Lin Ziran: He’s merely a brainless villain and that’s all! The villain is meant to be abused, for what reason does he need a good-looking face? It’s simply a waste of natural resources! What a waste, too much of a waste!】

【The system contemplated for a moment: What you said just now is somewhat reasonable, I can report to my superiors your feedback.】

【Lin Ziran immediately interrupted the system: What report to your superiors ne. I said that it’s a waste but I didn’t mean that it’s no good! I like that I can half-heartedly deal with it, each role is constantly improving! A conscientious company that offers the optimal gameplay experience for players all around! Change it and I won’t play anymore!】