Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Meanwhile, Butler Zhang braced his aching lower back.

He politely declined Gu Yihong’s suggestion to go to the hospital first. After a quick self-assessment, he ushered the newly discovered young master into the Maybach.

After a few probing questions confirmed that this impulsive young man was indeed the true heir he sought, Butler Zhang’s smile stiffened.

Their very first encounter had already resulted in a hairline fracture to his tailbone; he dreaded to think what the future held.

Butler Zhang suddenly realized he had only given a cursory explanation of the situation, leaving out many crucial details. He quickly spoke up.

“Gu—”

“Gu Yihong.”

The young man looked at Butler Zhang, a smirk playing on his lips, his expression a mix of amusement and subtle mockery.

Butler Zhang almost thought he was mistaken.

He blinked, pretending not to notice Gu Yihong’s unusual demeanor, and continued,

“Young Master Gu, I was so preoccupied with confirming your identity earlier that I forgot to tell you about the Su family members.”

“The Su family has five main members. Your grandmother passed away many years ago, leaving only Old Master Su, your biological grandfather, as the sole elder. However, three days ago, after instructing Mr. Su to investigate your background and bring you home, Old Master Su went abroad for medical treatment due to ill health. Mr. Su was called away on an urgent business trip yesterday and is still out of town.”

“As for the others…”

A flicker of awkwardness crossed Butler Zhang’s face. He stole a glance at Gu Yihong, and their eyes met.

Gu Yihong seemed amused, holding his gaze steadily.

Butler Zhang suddenly recalled something odd.

He had merely stated his purpose, without even mentioning the stolen DNA report, yet this newly found young master had so readily believed him. Butler Zhang couldn’t help but wonder what Gu Yihong was thinking.

He changed tack, his eyes probing.

“Aren’t you afraid, Young Master Gu, that I might have been lying? What if you’re not the Su family’s young master at all, and I’ve simply come to the wrong person today?”

Gu Yihong’s eyes suddenly crinkled in a smile.

He spoke softly, “Why would you lie to me? You’re the butler of the Su family in Mingcheng. I’m no fool—why would I give up a life of luxury in a mansion with fancy cars to continue working at a milk tea shop, barely making ends meet, especially when I have a vegetative foster father to support?”

“Even if I’m not your family’s young master, since you’ve found me, what do I have to lose by going back with you to take a look? It’s not like I’ll lose a single hair.”

Butler Zhang inexplicably found Gu Yihong’s words familiar.

After a moment’s reflection, he realized they were the exact words spoken by the white car’s driver in the parking lot earlier. He fell silent.

Flustered, he quickly changed the subject.

“I haven’t finished explaining yet. Mr. Su is away on business. The eldest young master is twenty-six and already works at the company. With heavy responsibilities, he’s often busy and rarely returns home before ten at night—though he occasionally stays out. However, knowing I’m bringing you home today, he should be back to meet you.”

“The mistress, née Song, is the second daughter of the Song family in Mingcheng. Her marriage to Mr. Su was a commercial alliance, a perfect match, and their relationship is very strong. Madam runs her own art gallery and often hosts intimate themed gatherings for the ladies of Mingcheng in her free time.”

“As for Young Master Shengli…”

Butler Zhang glanced at Gu Yihong, and seeing no reaction, he couldn’t help but show a hint of sympathy.

“Young Master Shengli is the same age as you and has just finished his gaokao. He’s currently traveling and doesn’t know what’s happened at home.”

Gu Yihong seemed to finally realize who he was talking about, a lightbulb moment dawning on him.

“Shengli? Su Shengli? You mean the fake young master who was switched with me?”

Fake young master…

Butler Zhang immediately cleared his throat uncomfortably.

He glanced at the silent driver and lowered his voice.

“Young Master Shengli doesn’t know about his true background yet. Mr. Su has decided to announce that you and Young Master Shengli are twins. To welcome Young Master Gu home, your room and all your necessities have already been prepared.”

Gu Yihong: “Sounds like the Su family treats me pretty well, even setting up a room for me.”

Butler Zhang offered a subtle smile: “Of course. You are, after all, a child of the Su family.”

The next second, Gu Yihong lifted his eyelids, a malicious grin spreading across his face.

He cut straight to the chase: “Too bad no one actually welcomes me back. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have sent just a butler to pick me up, and there wouldn’t be a single person at home when I arrive!”

Butler Zhang: “……”

Had he been too transparent? No wonder Gu Yihong had remained silent earlier—was mocking the Su family his new pastime?

Butler Zhang suddenly regretted speaking so much. He took a deep breath.

Next time, if he wanted to imply the Su family was biased, he should just say it directly, instead of beating around the bush.

His smile felt even more strained.

Fortunately, Gu Yihong ignored him afterward. Having learned his lesson, Butler Zhang dared not speak further. In just this short time, he had clearly perceived the young man’s disdain for the Su family.

Why?

Just because no one from the Su family came to pick him up today, Young Master Gu was already holding a grudge?

Such pettiness.

The car turned from the brightly lit streets into darkness. In the interplay of shadows and light, the young man, leaning back in his seat with eyes closed as if dozing, wore a sinister expression. Unlike the faint mockery from before, he now resembled a hungry wolf, lurking in the shadows, waiting for the opportune moment to tear into flesh.

Butler Zhang’s heart gave a sudden lurch.

Before he could stop himself, Butler Zhang suddenly spoke.

“The old butler of the Su residence accompanied Old Master Su abroad. The butler serving Mr. Su’s household was also reassigned to oversee Old Master Su’s needs overseas. I… I was only recently reassigned back from the family’s overseas estate two months ago.”

“Young Master Gu… after returning, if you have any needs, you can come to me. As the butler, I’ll see to all your needs within my duties to assist you. Also, before leaving, Old Master Su instructed that once you return to the Su family, all medical expenses for your foster father will be fully covered. Please make yourself at home.”

Gu Yihong, who had kept his eyes closed the entire time, finally reacted. He opened his eyes and looked at Butler Zhang with a faint, knowing smirk, as if amused by his sudden show of loyalty.

-----

According to Butler Zhang, the Su family had five members. Excluding those abroad, on business trips, or traveling, the remaining two wouldn’t be home before ten at night.

Unexpectedly, as the Maybach pulled up to the Su residence in the villa district, the house was ablaze with light, and cheerful laughter and chatter spilled from the small living room beyond the front garden. A bright, youthful voice could be heard.

“Mom, do you like this necklace? When I was in Japan, I attended a small private auction and immediately fell in love with this pearl necklace with fancy-colored gems. I thought it would perfectly complement your refined elegance, so I brought it back for you. Mom, do you like it?”

The young man babbled enthusiastically, nuzzling against his beautiful mother as he took the necklace from its box, eager to clasp it around her neck himself.

The beautiful woman with a jade hairpin in her hair smiled and gave the young man a playful shove, but turned slightly to lower her head, letting him clasp the necklace around her neck.

She laughed, her tone light and tender.

"Coming back early is one thing, but why bother buying me a necklace? As if I didn’t have enough already. But it is quite pretty—it’ll go perfectly with the dress I just bought. I’ll wear it to my next girls’ get-together and let them all envy me for having such a wonderful son."

"It’s because Mom is beautiful and has the right elegance. Otherwise, such a dazzling piece with pearls wouldn’t suit just anyone. Good thing it’s you wearing it; it keeps the jewelry from being wasted. Next time, I’ll bring you something even prettier."

The woman burst into laughter, her eyes and brows brimming with joy.

The harmonious warmth between mother and son left no space for outsiders.

Especially for Gu Yihong, who had just returned home.

Why had Young Master Shengli suddenly returned from his trip? Without even notifying him in advance.

Butler Zhang paused mid-step, instinctively glancing back at Gu Yihong.

But the young man seemed perfectly at ease, looking this way and that after stepping out of the car at the entrance.

He appeared oblivious to the affectionate scene between mother and son in the living room, instead wandering idly to the rosebushes by the garden path. Reaching out, he absentmindedly flicked a white rosebud.

He was even more relaxed than Butler Zhang!

Noticing the gaze, Gu Yihong met his gaze coolly, then looked past him at the two in the living room before suddenly smirking.

He asked, "Butler Zhang, why aren’t you going in?"

This old man’s going in now!

Without further hesitation, Butler Zhang pushed the door open and stepped inside, his footsteps cutting short the laughter from the sofa.

Song Manman turned her head lazily, her eyes flashing with irritation.

"Butler Zhang, is there something you need?"

Su Shengli stood up with a smile, walking to the coffee table in front of Song Manman to straighten up the gifts he had brought back.

He turned and greeted Butler Zhang warmly.

"Butler Zhang, I brought you a gift too. I’ll have someone send it to your room later. By the way, where were you today? I came back in the afternoon but couldn’t find you."

Su Shengli was amiable and kind, his features delicate and his gaze clear. When he smiled, he radiated a camellia-like purity, embodying a pure and innocent aura.

Beside him, Song Manman was gentle and elegant, dressed in a simple yet refined white silk qipao, her hair pinned up with a jade hairpin, exuding refined elegance.

The two of them together looked like a living ink-wash painting—a perfect family portrait.

Just as Butler Zhang was about to answer, Gu Yihong stepped out from behind him.

Dressed in black with a dark cap, his deep-set eyes and rebellious look made it clear he wasn’t the type to obey or care.

At first glance, no one would believe he was the real son, while Su Shengli, standing opposite him, was the fake one.

Song Manman abruptly stood up, as if suddenly remembering Butler Zhang’s task for the day. Staring at the young man who appeared to be around Su Shengli’s age, her face lit up briefly.

"You…"

Su Shengli also rose to his feet, his face alight with curiosity. Before Song Manman could speak, he asked first.

"Mom, who is he?"

Su Shengli’s gaze at Gu Yihong was ambiguous, carrying an unconscious air of condescension and amusement.

His expression made Gu Yihong seem like something filthy and beneath notice.

It made Gu Yihong’s fists itch.

But the next second, Su Shengli’s expression turned innocent.

"Butler Zhang, is this your son? No wonder I couldn’t find you this afternoon—you took leave to pick him up. Had I known he was coming, I would’ve brought an extra gift."

Song Manman finally snapped back to reality. Hearing Su Shengli’s words, she suddenly remembered he still didn’t know the truth.

Her gaze wavered, and before Butler Zhang could speak, she shot Su Shengli a concerned glance.

Her voice was soft and soothing. "Shengli, you’ve misunderstood. This is your twin brother. I actually gave birth to two children, but your brother was born first and then snatched by criminals, which is why he’s been away from home for nearly eighteen years."

"Before… the family was worried you’d be upset if you knew the truth, so we never told you about your brother."

Understanding flashed on Su Shengli’s face.

His eyes filled with disbelief, his face cycling through emotions—first joy, then confusion, and finally settling on happiness.

He glanced at Song Manman as though it had just sunk in that he had gained an older brother, then slowly walked up to Gu Yihong.

"So that’s how it is. Then… he must be my second brother. Second Brother, you must’ve suffered a lot outside. Welcome home."

He looked up earnestly at Gu Yihong, as if memorizing every feature.

Yet a glimmer of secret glee flickered in his eyes.

"If I’d known there’d be such a celebration at home today, I would’ve brought an extra gift. Mom, where are Big Brother and Father? Didn’t they know Second Brother was coming home today?"

Su Shengli was unexpectedly generous and kind, accepting this newfound brother without hesitation.

Before Song Manman’s smile of relief could settle, Su Shengli was suddenly shoved aside with force.

Before anyone could react, Su Shengli went sprawling on his rear with a thud.

"Bang!"

Sitting on the ground, Su Shengli looked up in shock, stunned disbelief in his eyes.

He hadn’t expected his brother to be so openly hostile toward him.

Butler Zhang instinctively grabbed his side.

Suddenly, his tailbone throbbed like it was breaking again.

Su Shengli was remarkably kind and gentle, but the other was anything but.

The black-clad youth, who had remained silent since entering, suddenly let out a mocking laugh. He stepped forward to where Su Shengli still sat stunned on the floor, eyebrows raised and mouth twisted in a taunting grin.

Gu Yihong’s voice dripped with indifference as he looked down at Su Shengli.

"The hell are you? Just because someone gives you a reason, you really take the bait so easily. You’re nothing but a no-name bastard who’s stolen another’s place, yet you’ve got the gall to call me ‘Second Brother’? You actually think you’re a Su family young master."

His scorn couldn’t be clearer.

Turning his head, he flashed an icy look at the stunned Song Manman, his contempt plain to see before giving a humorless laugh.

"What kind of trash are you, to claim you’re my brother?"