Chapter 108
Note: I'm going to do quite a number of early releases today and this weekend. Don't forget to check back so you don't miss a new chapter! (*´▽`*)
Mu Cai was led by the butler. He was walking behind Pei Jingyun, accompanying him through the back gate of the villa into the rear courtyard.
The backyard was separate, equipped with an exclusive metal grille. The yard was much larger than the mini garden in front of the villa. It was adorned with a lawn, trees, and a specially designated flower garden. As the metal grille swung open, a German Shepherd walked out silently, tongue out, gazing at them.
The Shepherd was well-kept. Its fur was oily and smooth, limbs robust, eyes lively. On seeing Pei Jingyun, it pounced at him. Pei Jingyun gently stroked its head before finally standing upright, his deep, black eyes staring at Mu Cai.
Several steps away, a young man stood, slim and simply dressed. He did not pay any attention to him; instead, his shiny eyes focused on the Shepherd cuddling next to him. His rosy lips parted slightly, showing no fear of the dog, appearing rather excited.
Pei Jingyun withdrew his gaze, patted the dog's head. The Shepherd, with its ears perked, calmly left its master's side and walked towards the newcomer.
Mu Cai watched the Shepherd approach him, a hint of panic flashed in his eyes. However, the Shepherd strolled eerily silent, its behavior calm and composed; it did not bark, merely circled him in silence. Its black muzzle sniffed at the corner of his clothing, occasionally brushing against Mu Cai's fingertips, as if trying to remember his scent.
Seeing the black-coated dog showing no hostility towards him, along with its glossy and smooth fur, made him itch for a touch. As these thoughts crossed Mu Cai's mind, the dog paused its circling motion around him, looking up at him with its glossy dark eyes and wagging tail.
The person standing opposite him had his eyes widened, his vibrant red lips slightly parted as if surprised. A light of excitement quickly replaced his surprise and he cautiously touched the dog with his delicate white hand.
The steady black dog did not flinch but instead stood quietly, rubbing its head against the palm of Mu Cai's hand, its tail wagging even more joyfully. With the dog's reaction, Mu Cai felt he had discovered a new world — his eyes shone, his lips curved in a smirk, revealing two petite canine teeth.
He was so happy that he couldn't help but touch it several times before finally putting his hand down reluctantly.
Pei Jingyun, noticing that the beauty his nephew brought home had stopped playing with the dog and was now looking at him. He noticed the slight pursing of his lips and a bit of restraint in his manner. His long eyelashes fluttered several times, and the smile on his face was yet to fade completely.
It was both well-behaved and sweet.
Pei Jingyun fully turned his half-facing body around, beckoning the black-coated dog silently back to his side. Looking at Mu Cai and curling the corners of his mouth, he asked, "Do you like Sirius?"
So, the black-coated dog is named Sirius. Quite a dominant name, he thought to himself, as Mu Cai nodded in agreement.
Pei Jingyun said, "Since you like Sirius, would you like to take him for walks from now on?"
Mu Cai's eyes twinkled, almost involuntarily a smile formed on his face. "Sure, thank you, Mr. Pei."
Pei Jingyun stared at the smile on his face. It was like the sudden colorful burst on a sheet of Xuan paper, a blooming orchid cactus flower in the spring, or a rainbow refracted in the sky.
It was dazzling, rendering him speechless in that moment.
Turning his gaze away, he spoke in a lower voice, "No problem. As long as you're happy."
With that, Pei Jingyun turned back and continued to walk inside.
The butler promptly guided Mu Cai, "Let's move on, Mr. Mu."
They walked for a while longer, and a delicate three-story building appeared hidden among the blooming red flowers and green foliage. It bore a certain charm of the olden times.
However, the appearance of this building was the only aspect that retained this old charm. As Mu Cai followed the others inside, he discovered that the interior facilities and decorations were very modern. The butler led him to a warm and spacious bedroom on the third floor. Looking out from his window, he could see the surrounding garden filled with colorful flowers and lush foliage.
The butler smiled, "Mr. Mu, if you need anything, feel free to come downstairs and find me. I'll always be available on the first floor."
Mu Cai also smiled, "Thank you for your assistance."
The butler glanced at the person standing across from him, bowed, and took his leave. As he walked downstairs, he thought to himself, this young man is so good-looking, gentle, and has a temperament that evokes pity and care from others. No wonder his master's attitude changed as soon as he met him.
Even he, as an old man in his fifties, found it difficult to resist wanting to care for this young man.
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That day, lunch took place in the villa's dining room.
Mu Cai also joined them at the table.
At the table, besides Pei Jingyun sitting at the head of the table, there was the eldest son of the Pei family, Wang Lifang, and Pei Congliang whom he had met before, along with a family of three he hadn't encountered yet. The teenager from that family curiously looked at Mu Cai, but soon received a gentle tap on the head from his mother.
This family of three must be the second son of the Pei family.
When Mu Cai arrived, it was a bit late and the only remaining seat at the long table was one beside Pei Jingyun. Next to this seat was Pei Congliang, and he was directly facing the eldest of the Pei family. He didn't think this was a good spot, but it was the only one available.
The dining table was filled with a variety of dishes. Mu Cai didn't know if he was lucky, but the dishes placed in front of him were all to his liking, with an appropriate balance of meat and vegetables. There was also a clay pot of steaming chicken soup which he could reach with a stretch of his hand. It was the start of spring, and the weather was not too hot, so drinking a bowl of hot chicken soup made him feel comfortable and relaxed.
Although Mu Cai typically had a normal appetite, in unfamiliar surroundings, especially sitting across from two individuals with sullen faces, the atmosphere was rather tense, and he found himself eating with caution. However, once he finished a bowl of rice, he put down his bowl and chopsticks.
Pei Jingyun who was sitting next to him, was the first to notice, his hand holding the chopsticks paused and asked, "Why did you stop eating? Is there something wrong with the food from the kitchen?"
Mu Cai quickly shook his head, lowering his gaze. "No, the food is very delicious. It's just that my appetite isn't very good today."
No sooner had he finished speaking, the eldest of the Pei family seated across from him couldn't help snorting coldly, "Who are you trying to impress..."
Before the Pei family eldest could finish his sentence, Pei Jingyun seated at the head of the table gave him a casual, icy glance.
That glance was as chilling and sharp as a blade buried in snow, making him shiver in broad daylight and forced him to swallow the second half of his sentence.
Mu Cai was fully aware that the eldest of the Pei family was trying to give him a taste of superiority.
Normally, if it were him, he wouldn't care about what others thought. However, the character Mu Cai was playing right now was someone sensitive and easily frightened. Besides, he genuinely didn't have much of an appetite, so he put down his bowl and chopsticks, starting to say, "I've eaten enough..."
Halfway through his words, he felt his hand being held.
Mu Cai lifted his eyes and saw that Pei Jingyun was holding his hand.
The soft and cool touch of the skin under his palm felt wonderfully incredible, making Pei Jingyun couldn't help but hold it lightly.
These fingers were thin, and the palm wasn't large. When it was slightly curled up, it could almost be entirely wrapped around his own hand. Sitting next to him, Mu Cai looked over, his eyes slightly larger than average, very black and bright, focusing on people very attentively. At this moment, those eyes seemed to be veiled by a layer of water light, revealing confusion and helplessness.
Pei Jingyun's breathing quickened for a second, then he timely let go of the other's hand. His expression cold, his voice calm, only his throat moved slightly, "You've eaten too little, at least have some soup."
As he said this, Pei Jingyun slightly knitted his brows. He specifically picked up the soup ladle next to the pot and served a bowl of chicken soup for Mu Cai. A small, delicate porcelain spoon was placed on the side.
The head of the whole Pei family had personally served him a bowl of soup. As a guest staying in their house, there was no reason for Mu Cai to reject this gesture. He could only hold the spoon and start drinking the soup.
Surprisingly, the chicken soup was incredibly delicious. It seemed to have added quite a few medicinal herbs, resulting in a slight bitterness, but the overall flavor was refreshingly salty. A thin layer of oil floated on the soup's surface, with green onion flowers and goji berries scattered over it, as well as two small, bite-sized pieces of chicken breast.
Mu Cai's full attention was immediately drawn to this bowl of soup. The more he drank, the tastier it seemed, and it acted like an appetizer.
Pei Congliang, watching this scene, took the opportunity to interject, "Uncle, I have a request."
There were many rules in the Pei family, especially regarding his uncle, who was very strict. They weren't normally allowed to talk during meals. But since Pei Jingyun had just broken this rule, and seemed to be in a good mood, Pei Congliang wanted to seize the opportunity to ask him a favor.
Pei Jingyun had just swallowed a mouthful of rice and glanced at Pei Congliang. There was no emotion in his eyes, but he didn't reprimand him.
Emboldened, Pei Congliang continued, "Uncle, I would like Mu Cai to join the company and help me. His current job is not good, and I could take care of him better if he comes to work in the company."
No sooner had he finished speaking than Pei Jingyun set down his bowl and chopsticks, coldly saying, "Nonsense."
The reprimanding voice was not loud, and there was no sound when he put down his bowl and chopsticks, but it still made everyone in the room shiver in fear.
The Pei family's eldest, whose face had been gloomy since the start of the meal, looked a bit brighter now. Even though his third brother usually kept to himself, he had done the right thing by stopping Pei Congliang this time.
Pei Jingyun cast a cold gaze over, "Have you discussed this with Mu Cai beforehand?"
Pei Congliang felt goosebumps rise beneath his uncle's gaze and could only answer truthfully, "No. But I think Mu Cai certainly won't refuse me, right Mu Cai?"
He looked eagerly towards Mu Cai as if seeking rescue.
In truth, everything Pei Congliang said was superficial. Mu Cai knew nothing, there was no way he could let him help in the company. Pei Congliang was just thinking that since Lin Ling was about to return, he should keep his relationship with Mu Cai secret for now. Keeping the person under his watch would make it easier to prevent an accidental encounter between the two.
Initially, his thoughts were all about Lin Ling, but in these last two days...
Pei Congliang looked at the figure sitting next to him. His long eyelashes cast down, his delicate nose slightly upturned. Soup stains remained on his bright red lips, making them seem glossy and full—perfect for a kiss. Lower down was a beautiful neckline. Pei Congliang's gaze followed across the white skin, almost disappearing into Mu Cai's shirt collar.
Come to think of it, in all the time he had been with Mu Cai, he hadn't had him yet. He didn't know what it would feel like. If Mu Cai was afraid of pain or prone to tears, it would undoubtedly be delicious...
All Pei Congliang thought about now was Mu Cai to the point he even forgot about Lin Ling. He found himself unable to decide if he wanted to break up with Mu Cai.
Mu Cai, however, did not consider all this. Following his original character setting, he should undoubtedly agree with Pei Congliang's proposition. Thus, Mu Cai replied, "I will listen to Congliang..."
Before he could finish, Pei Jingyun, sitting at the head, interrupted, "Mu Cai, what did you do before?"
Mu Cai paused and answered without any annoyance, "I used to play the violin in a restaurant."
In fact, playing the violin was his main job. In the real world, he was a solo violinist and was quite famous. But after an accident injured his hand, his skill level dropped. Despite still being able to play, he was no longer good enough for the stage, leading him to stop performing.
Now that he could continue playing the violin in this world, Mu Cai was happy. Even though his original body was chosen by Pei Congliang because his violin-playing looked similar to Pei Congliang's previous boyfriend.
After hearing this, Pei Jingyun immediately scolded Pei Congliang: "Mu Cai doesn’t know anything about business management, what are you inviting him for? You came back to take over the company, why are you talking about relationships during work hours?”
His tone was stern, leaving no room for negotiation. Pei Congliang wilted under his scolding, immediately abandoning the idea.
Having chastised Pei Congliang, Pei Jingyun turned his gaze to Mu Cai. His pair of black eyes staring straight at him: "However, it's not quite right for you to be playing the violin in a restaurant."
Mu Cai looked back at him, his eyes wide open.
Pei Jingyun slightly averted his gaze, calmly said, "The company is planning to form a small symphony orchestra, which may serve the company's employee canteen, and may even participate in competitions in the future. Are you interested?"
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Author's Note:
Pei Jingyun: Although I said we're preparing to form a small symphony orchestra, it was actually a decision I made on the spot.
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