Chapter 118
Note: Early release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi! ʚ( ⸝⸝´꒳`⸝⸝)ɞ
When Lin Ling visited the Pei residence for Mu Cai once again, Pei Congliang had already left the capital for three days.
The Pei family's external statement was that the family head intended to enhance his capabilities, so they dispatched him to be the General Manager of their subsidiary in Haicheng. When he returns, he could more effectively shoulder the responsibility of the family business.
He was well-liked among the second-generation circle in the capital. In theory, since he was to leave the capital for so long, his friends should have thrown him a farewell banquet. Unexpectedly, Pei Congliang departed in such a hurry, as if someone was chasing him. The top executives of the Pei family made their decision one evening and he was already on a plane the very next morning.
This course of action was so strange, causing much speculation within their circle. Some guessed that there was a major issue with the Pei family's subsidiary in Haicheng, hence Pei Congliang's abrupt departure. Others suggested he was heartbroken and didn't want to stay in the capital for a while, reasoning why he volunteered to go to Haicheng silently.
Only Lin Ling knew what was really going on.
Most likely, it was the disrespectful Pei Jingyun causing mischief!
Although he had one less troublesome competitor, Lin Ling didn't feel any lighter. On the contrary, he felt akin to the saying, "the hare's death makes the fox grieve." (Note: Feeling sorrow despite the loss of a competitor or rival.)
Pei Jingyun certainly was a force to be reckoned with, renowned for his decisive and swift actions. In just a few days, without even consulting his elder brother, he sent his obstructive nephew far away, not even giving him the time to say goodbye. If Pei Jingyun could treat his own family, Pei Congliang, in such a way, he certainly wouldn't show mercy to others.
Upon this thought, Lin Ling couldn't help feeling a bit relieved. Luckily, he wasn't part of the Pei family, otherwise, he might have been flattened without a sound. Although his family's business wasn't as large as the Pei's, they were still well-known in the country and ranked among the top companies. Pei Jingyun would inevitably exercise caution, he wouldn't move against him carelessly.
This was also the reason why Lin Ling still dared to visit the Pei's home to see Mu Cai.
He had just graduated from a foreign music academy and had no family business to take over. So, Lin Ling had plenty of free time. When he heard that Mu Cai was preparing to participate in the Queen's International Violin Competition, he hastily made up an excuse to visit him.
At the iron gate of the villa's backyard, the old housekeeper responded to Lin Ling's request to enter with due diligence, "Young Master Lin, Mr. Mu is practicing the violin right now, it's not convenient to see you."
Even though it was Saturday, due to a collaboration meeting, the master had left early in the morning, instructing him to look after things. While the master didn't specify directly, he did respond to Mr. Mu's query, allowing Lin Ling to practice the violin with him. The old housekeeper, having watched the master grow up, understood him thoroughly.
The master appeared aloof, often not saying much. When he agreed to Mr. Mu's query, he seemed indifferent, but in reality, he clenched his jaw tightly. His hand, resting on the armrest of the chair, was balled into a fist. It was clear that he wasn't happy or willing, yet he put on an act of generosity.
So, the old housekeeper couldn't help worrying for his master. He didn't inform Mu Cai of Lin Ling's arrival, instead blocking the entrance and not allowing anyone in. True enough, he hadn't lied; Mr. Mu was indeed practicing the violin. Even if the visitor wasn’t satisfied and decided to make a phone call or verify via WeChat, there was no guarantee Mr. Mu would hear him out.
Sure enough, Lin Ling was discontented.
He looked at the elderly housekeeper standing before him, the man's kindly face devoid of any hint of amusement. Had it not been for the fact that the person before him was an elderly man, Lin Ling, who had endured this cold treatment and stood outside for a considerable time, might have lost his temper.
He had just called Mu Cai and sent a WeChat message, but he received no response. It seemed indeed like Mr. Mu, as the old housekeeper had said, was currently practicing the violin.
Just thinking about it made Lin Ling feel worse. If he hadn't seen the way Mu Cai played the violin, it would have been alright. But he had, and he knew how attractive Mu Cai was when he was practicing. Such an image was enough to captivate any observer, causing their hearts to bloom like a blossoming flower.
The exquisite sensation, as if seeing an angel, intensified Lin Ling's desire to watch Mu Cai's current practice session. He tried to suppress his irritation, pacing outside the iron gate, repeatedly calling and messaging Mu Cai.
Just as Lin Ling's patience was on the verge of collapsing, the call he made was finally answered. From the other end of the phone, a somewhat distorted, ethereal yet pleasing voice came:
"Hello, is this Lin Ling?"
Lin Ling worked hard to control his anger, plaintively saying, "Cai Cai, your back housekeeper won't let me in, saying you're practicing the violin and preventing me from disturbing you."
He sounded pitiful, but his eyes were sharp, directly looking at the old housekeeper standing behind the iron gate. The elder, who had previously stood as still as a sculpture, now revealed a slight crack in his facade, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes.
Even though the other quickly regained his composure, Lin Ling still felt a great sense of satisfaction. On the other end of the phone, there came a few light gasps, as if Mu Cai was running outside, followed by some intermittent voice:
"......Is that so? Then wait a moment, I'll be right there."
After saying this, the other hung up the phone, but Lin Ling did not immediately put down his phone. Mu Cai's words just now, and the slightest panting from walking, were delivered to his ears through the phone, as if a lover was whispering next to him, giving a sense of intimacy.
Lin Ling's heart trembled, forgetting the anger he was just on, his mind was filled with those few light gasps, and those slightly nasal words, just like being coquettish with him. He was spellbound, with the phone still clinging to his ear until Mu Cai appeared at the end of the shaded trail.
The slender young man clearly rushed over, his snow-white face filled with warmth that reddened his cheeks. His eyes were bright and twinkling, exuding an attractive shine under the sunlight. The corners of his bright red lips lifted, revealing a happy smile, "You're here!"
As he spoke, Mu Cai jogged over and smiled at the old housekeeper, "Grandpa housekeeper, please open the door. Lin Ling is my guest, and Mr. Pei said I can invite guests over."
The old housekeeper liked this pleasant young man a lot. At this moment, seeing the still-childish excitement on his face and hearing his coquettish request, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly. No wonder someone as domineering as Mr. Pei couldn't forcefully claim this boy for himself.
If Mu Cai knew the true nature of Mr. Pei, he might be scared and run away.
Thinking of this, the old housekeeper was a bit worried about Mu Cai blaming him and quickly explained, "Young Master Mu, I saw you practicing with your teacher earlier, so I didn't disturb you. After all, you are participating in a competition, I thought to let you prepare well."
This statement was half-true. He really couldn't bear to disturb Young Master Mu immersed in his music, but more because of Mr. Pei's instruction, he had to watch over him for Mr. Pei.
Mu Cai didn't understand all these complexities. He just thought that the housekeeper, although serious and somewhat austere, was definitely looking out for him. With this thought, Mu Cai smiled, revealing two tiny canines, "Hmm, I know! Thank you, Grandpa housekeeper!"
At this, he pondered for a moment, then continued, "But Lin Ling is my friend. He also studies the violin. He helps me a lot with honing my skills and preparing for the competition. Let him in next time, Grandpa housekeeper."
The old housekeeper sighed inwardly but showed a benevolent smile, "Okay, Young Master Mu."
Hearing Mu Cai speak up for him, Lin Ling felt a warm joy in his heart, feeling as if he was about to soar to the sky. His original intention of complaining about the housekeeper vanished into thin air, and he only smiled, "Let's go, Cai Cai."
Mu Cai was about to respond when he suddenly saw two fluffy little heads peeking out from the gate of the villa across the street. One was a junior high school boy, and the other was a little girl probably only a few years old.
The two of them, big and small, stared at Mu Cai with large, curious eyes, expressing a longing for him that made Mu Cai's heart flutter. He didn't know who this little girl was, but he had a vague impression of the boy. He seemed to be the son of the Pei family's second son; they even shared a meal a few days ago.
However, Mu Cai had a mild case of face blindness and wasn't sure if he remembered incorrectly, so he didn't rush to speak.
It was the boy who saw Mu Cai looking over, picked up the little girl from under her arms as if holding a doll, and brought her over. He stood in front of Mu Cai, looking up at him, "I know you're Uncle's guest. I'm his nephew, and this is my sister. She has met you before and wants to play with you. Can we play with you?"
The little girl, being held up, had a look of puzzlement on her chubby cheeks. But she quickly found the person at the center of her vision, reaching out her short, chubby arms towards Mu Cai, "Brother, brother, play!"
Mu Cai rather liked children, especially the two in front of him who seemed very well-behaved. Although he was currently practicing under his teacher's guidance, given his level, the teacher couldn't give much technical advice.
Besides, this was the first time children had taken the initiative to approach him. Mu Cai didn't have the heart to reject them their first time, so he agreed to play with them for a while and planned to practice the violin a bit more at night.
So, Mu Cai took the chubby little girl from the boy's hands, holding the heavy joy, and reached out to pat the boy on the head, smiling, "Okay, let's play inside."
Both children belonged to the Pei family's second son. If they were just playing on the first floor of the small building and in the yard, Pei Jingyun should be okay with it, right?
Thinking this, Mu Cai cast a look towards the old housekeeper nearby.
The old housekeeper, of course, was more than happy with the changes.
He knew his master's mind very well. The arrival of two children disturbed Mr. Mu Cai and Lin Ling, transforming their private moments into taking care of children. Especially since the two children of Mr. Pei Jr. seemed to like Mu Cai very much, if Lin Ling wanted to create any sort of romantic spark, it was now entirely out of reach!
Lin Ling felt uneasy as soon as he saw the two children following Mu Cai's gaze. Why did they have to come at this specific time ?! He was almost suspicious that the two children made this interruption deliberately!
Now, as he watched the two little ones blatantly clinging to Mu Cai, receiving his affection, and even saw the little girl peck Mu Cai several times, Lin Ling felt the flames of jealousy burning in his eyes!
It was outrageous! Surely all the Pei family members are insidious, cunning from a young age!
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Watching as Mu Cai led away the two children, along with a reluctantly following and clearly irritated Lin Ling, a kind smile spread across the old housekeeper's originally stern face. He quickly took out his smartphone and reported what he had witnessed to his master.
The smartphone resting on Pei Jingyun's desk lit up silently.
He glanced at the remark of the incoming message, and without any hesitation, he swiped to open and read through the message. By the end, a faint smile appeared on his normally emotionless face.
In the spacious meeting room, the project staff at the front continued to present the project's features and future profits. The enormous office table was filled with high-level executives and representatives from various companies, who were now looking at Pei Jingyun in surprise.
Whenever this person in charge of the Pei family attended a meeting, the atmosphere was usually quite tense. He was always focused and stern, not even sneaking a peek at his mobile. This made others dare not to use their mobiles either!
Unexpectedly, for the first time ever, Pei Jingyun actually glanced at his phone!
Combined with Pei Jingyun's recent changes, shifting from his previous workaholic attitude to a nine-to-five schedule and only working overtime when necessary, those present started guessing if something has occurred in his life.
Like perhaps, he has found a delicate and beautiful lover.
The attendees completed the otherwise dull meeting with an unprecedented level of excitement as if they were holding onto a shocking secret.
The project showed potential, and Pei Jingyun approved directly, with no objections from others. Several companies would also participate, and each company's representatives began preparing to sign the contract.
Pei Jingyun, naturally, was the first to sign. He sat in a chair, watching as representatives from each company stepped forward. When the representative from the Lin family finished signing the contract, he casually asked, seemingly unintentionally: "I heard Mr. Lin's son has been back in the country for a while now, is that so?"
The representative from Lin family didn't expect Pei Jingyun would strike up a conversation with him, he immediately said, "Yeah, that boy at home just graduated from the music academy; now he wants to pursue music. He doesn’t help out in the company either. Well, never mind, the family doesn’t lack his handful of meals, let him be."
After venting, when he was about to leave, he heard Pei Jingyun say, "How could that be? Sometimes children have to be pushed a bit. Most of the ones coming out from the school of arts are still naive, the road ahead is difficult without suffering a little. Why don't you arrange something for him to do, like managing a symphony orchestra or something of the sort? That's still better than idling around."
The Lin representative felt this made a lot of sense. His own child was indeed idle to the point of restlessness, always running outside, and not doing proper work, just spoiled rotten! Even if he wants to pursue a musical dream, he should at least look like he's pursuing a dream!
The person in charge of the Pei family sees through things clearly. He decided to assign some work to Lin Ling, his son, to keep him busy!
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Author's Notes:
Pei Jingyun, looking at his second brother's two children: "Do you guys want to play with handsome brother?"
The young boy & girl: "Yes, we do"
Pei Jingyun: "This morning, handsome brother will have one opportunity to come out. When the time comes, seize the opportunity, hold onto him, and you can play with him." [Smile.jpg]
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