Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Gu Yubai descended the stairs, broom and dustpan in hand, only to find Gu Yihong sprawled unconscious beside his own vomit.

He paused for a two-second deliberation, then set down his cleaning tools, turned, and headed back upstairs. He reappeared moments later with a blanket.

On such a sweltering day, Gu Yihong was unlikely to catch a cold even if he slept in the hallway.

Fearing Gu Yihong might inadvertently suffocate in his own puke, Gu Yubai, with surprising thoughtfulness, dragged him a meter away, then covered him with the blanket—a truly meticulous gesture.

His task complete, Gu Yubai ascended the stairs to bed without a backward glance.

It was already past 3 a.m., and he had a shift at the bubble tea shop at 10 the next morning; he couldn't afford to indulge Gu Yihong's antics. As for the mess at the new neighbor's doorstep? The culprit could clean it up himself!

That night, Gu Yubai’s conscience was clear. He drifted into a deep sleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

He seemed to be having a beautiful dream: birds chirping, flowers blooming, warm sunlight. In this dream, Gu Yubai sat with his adoptive father, basking in the sun, utterly free of worries.

There was just one minor flaw.

Just as he was in the deepest, most comfortable part of his sleep, a thunderous banging erupted from the front door.

Gu Yubai’s eyes snapped open. The next second, his alarm blared.

"The time is now 9:00 a.m."

Simultaneously, Gu Yihong’s hoarse, exhausted voice echoed from outside.

"Big brother, wake up! I don’t have my keys! I cleaned up downstairs—hurry and open the door!"

Gu Yubai rose from bed, yawning as he went to unlock the door.

Gu Yihong burst in, tossing the broom and dustpan behind the door before flinging the blanket onto the floor. He then spun around, glaring at Gu Yubai.

"How could you just abandon me at someone else’s door?!"

"You’d rather give me a blanket than let me sleep inside?!"

"You’re unbelievable! Do you know how I managed to climb up and down the stairs to the property management office for water to clean up, since I didn’t have my keys or elevator card?!"

"And you slept till now! Do you know how long I’ve been knocking? My fists are red!"

While railing against Gu Yubai’s lack of brotherly affection, Gu Yihong kicked off his shoes and padded barefoot to the fridge in search of food.

Gu Yubai yawned again and went to brush his teeth and wash his face.

By the time he emerged, Gu Yihong had already tossed the blanket into the washing machine.

He retrieved a few heated frozen buns from the microwave, casually poured two glasses of milk onto the dining table, then shot Gu Yubai another disgruntled look before heading off to brush his teeth.

Gu Yubai chuckled, taking a bite of his bun and a sip of milk.

Then, a belated thought struck him: the leftover barbecue from last night. He stood up and put it in the microwave to reheat.

When Gu Yihong reappeared, the savory aroma of barbecue filled the air, and he inhaled deeply, utterly captivated.

"Alright, you’re forgiven," he declared.

From start to finish, Gu Yubai hadn’t uttered a single word.

This little rascal was perfectly content directing and starring in his own show.

Gu Yubai subtly raised an eyebrow, watching Gu Yihong yawn while eating.

He initiated the conversation: "I’m heading to work later—that milk tea shop near the hospital. I won't be back for lunch, so you’re on your own."

Gu Yihong nodded slightly, then, after a two-second pause, outlined his plans for the day.

"I didn’t sleep well, so I’ll catch up on sleep this morning. A classmate is coming over this afternoon. Oh, and big brother, let’s not sell our family car. Once we get our driver’s licenses soon and start college, we can take turns driving it."

Gu Yubai nodded slightly. "I know."

This was the second time Gu Yihong had brought it up.

Gu Yubai smiled at Gu Yihong, and the younger boy instantly brightened.

Taking a bite of his bun, Gu Yihong felt as if he’d forgotten something, but his dense brain couldn’t recall it.

Before he could remember, Gu Yubai, sitting opposite him, abruptly spoke.

"What about the Su family?"

Gu Yihong’s eyes widened in shock. He stared blankly at Gu Yubai for two seconds, took two deep breaths, and finally remembered how he had vaguely and incoherently claimed to be "acknowledging his biological family" with the Su family at the barbecue stall last night.

Judging by Gu Yubai’s expression, he seemed to believe it.

But Gu Yihong himself felt a pang of guilt. Faced with his older brother’s probing gaze, he let out a strained chuckle, then uncontrollably broke into a cough.

"Hah… *cough* *cough* *cough* Don’t worry about it."

"Anyway… *cough* I had a fight with them. I’ll deal with it if they come looking for me."

Having said this, Gu Yihong gazed at Gu Yubai with deep affection, showering him with sweet words.

He thumped his chest and promised, "Big brother, don’t worry! Even if we share blood, you and Uncle are the ones I’ll always hold closest to my heart—the family I care about most!"

Seeing the nervousness in the kid’s eyes, Gu Yubai, who had deliberately teased him, couldn’t help but let his smile deepen.

He looked at Gu Yihong and chuckled.

Gu Yubai: "You’ll always be the most important person in Dad’s heart and mine."

Gu Yihong immediately beamed with delight.

It was still summer break.

The two brothers went about their own business. As time drew near, Gu Yubai had no time for further conversation with Gu Yihong. He stood up, grabbed his phone, and headed to work.

Just before leaving, he suddenly remembered their new neighbors downstairs and casually reminded Gu Yihong to try to keep the noise down at home from now on.

Gu Yihong nodded in agreement.

-----

In the eyes of Mingcheng’s elite, the Su family was a rare beacon of integrity and domestic harmony.

Su Wanlin and his wife, Song Manman, had been childhood sweethearts with a profound bond, and it was no surprise when they married and started a family.

Over a decade ago, Old Master Su fully retired, showing no attachment to power, and completely handed over the company to his only son, Su Wanlin. That same year, Su’s daughter-in-law, Song Manman, gave birth to their second son, Su Shengli.

Su Wanlin was a responsible family man who adored his wife. After his eldest son graduated from university, he personally guided him through all aspects of the Su family’s business dealings. The younger son had just turned eighteen this year and was said to be a photography enthusiast. Shortly after the *gaokao*, he had already set his sights on Mingcheng Film Academy.

This family, with its loving father, devoted mother, and harmonious siblings, seemed utterly free of any discord, truly the envy of everyone in high society.

Unfortunately, last night’s sudden outburst of smashing and yelling in the Su household cast a shadow over this idyllic family.

Before dawn, news spread like wildfire from the servants’ phones across the entire villa district: an arrogant youth had appeared out of nowhere, pointing at Su Shengli and calling him a bastard of unknown origins.

The rumors grew wilder and more exaggerated. By the time the Su family woke up, the story had morphed into Su Wanlin’s illegitimate son showing up on their doorstep, demanding recognition as part of the family.

A call rang in the living room. Butler Zhang, who had been arranging the servants’ tasks that morning, picked up the phone to hear Old Master Su’s slightly angry voice.

"Xiao Zhang, what’s going on with all this gossip and rumors outside? Didn’t I instruct you to send out banquet invitations for the True Young Master’s homecoming as soon as he was brought back? Why is everyone saying Wanlin’s illegitimate son has come knocking?"

Before Butler Zhang could respond, Old Master Su’s tone sharpened.

"Don’t tell me Su Wanlin and Song Manman are refusing to acknowledge their own flesh and blood for the sake of that False Young Master! Xiao Zhang, put Wanlin on the phone! I want to hear how he plans to explain himself. The Su family’s century-old reputation—will it be ruined just because he favors a fake son?"

The old master was truly furious, his tone accusatory and his voice nearing a roar.

Before Butler Zhang could find an opportunity to answer, Old Master Su was already wheezing with rage.

The phone was quickly taken by another person. Butler Zhang heard someone calling for a caregiver to administer oxygen to Old Master Su, followed by several soothing words, before the voice on the other end addressed him.

"Xiao Zhang, explain this ‘illegitimate son’ rumor immediately. The old master is deeply concerned about this."

Recognizing the aged but steady voice, Butler Zhang let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Old Steward, I’m afraid this was spread by staff who were present last night. President Su is away on business and entrusted me with bringing the True Young Master home. Yesterday, I went to the hospital to fetch Young Master Gu, but unexpectedly, Young Master Shengli returned early from his trip. The two had a bit of a conflict… and in the end, Young Master Gu, in a fit of rage, trashed the first floor."

Butler Zhang’s voice grew increasingly hesitant.

"Young Master Gu immediately left the Su residence by taxi. The eldest young master chased after him and saw him return to his old residence. When the eldest returned, he was furious and said there would be no homecoming banquet for now—he wanted to let Young Master Gu cool off first."

"Most importantly, President Su hasn’t returned yet. We wanted to wait for him to discuss everything properly."

Butler Zhang stammered, "Originally, President Su planned to pass the two young masters off as twins, but Young Master Gu refused. The eldest was also worried that Young Master Gu might make a scene against Young Master Shengli at the banquet, embarrassing the Su family in front of everyone."

Silence fell on the other end.

Then Old Master Su roared again.

"And shouldn’t Su Shengli be humiliated? That impostor dares to leech off my real grandson’s status?"

"Isn’t my real grandson right? This is just bullying him for being older! Who do those parents with favoritism think they’re fooling with this ‘twins’ nonsense? Do they even look alike?"

"People will think my real grandson, who returned home later, is the illegitimate one! They’re willing to tarnish the Su name for that fake, but I won’t stand for it!"

Old Master Su snatched the phone back and declared sternly to Butler Zhang,

"Xiao Zhang, the moment Wanlin returns, tell him the ‘twins’ idea is off the table! My real grandson has suffered enough out there, and now you’re still coddling an impostor?"

"I’ve already allowed Su Shengli to stay in the Su household, but he won’t keep stealing my grandson’s rightful place. So, Xiao Zhang, prepare the invitations and book a venue immediately. The date? Watch my social media!"

With that, Old Master Su hung up abruptly.

Check his social media?

Butler Zhang stared at the dead phone line, a look of utter horror spreading across his face.

------

At 1 p.m., Su Linyuan finally emerged from the meeting room.

As soon as he turned on his phone, he noticed over a dozen missed calls from Butler Zhang at home.

Thinking it might be urgent, Su Linyuan immediately called back.

The moment the call connected, Butler Zhang, hemming and hawing, told Su Linyuan to check his WeChat Moments.

Su Linyuan couldn’t help but frown. The next second, his phone lit up again—it was Su Shengli calling him.

Without bothering to check his feed, Su Linyuan answered Su Shengli’s call first. As soon as the call connected, Su Shengli’s tearful voice reached his ears.

"Big brother, Grandpa resents me for not being of the Su family’s bloodline. He threw shade at me on his social media, saying I’m a cuckoo chick usurping the nest, refusing to let go of my position, and even stirring trouble to pit Gu Yihong against the family."

"Big brother, I’m so upset. Why has Grandpa never liked me since I was little? He’s always treated me poorly, and now he looks down on me even more, as if he can’t wait to kick me out."

Hearing Su Shengli’s words, Su Linyuan immediately felt his head throbbing.

He managed to comfort Su Shengli with a few words, assuring him that he would fix this mess, and coaxed him by promising to bring his favorite roasted chestnuts that evening. Only then did he hang up and open his WeChat Moments.

Though he had already expected that Old Master Su’s posts wouldn’t be pleasant, seeing those two messages still made Su Linyuan see red.

If he knew why Old Master Su was acting this way, he wouldn’t feel so frustrated!

"Dear friends, I cordially invite you to attend the Recognition Banquet for my biological grandson in a few days.

No illegitimate child here! No illegitimate child here! No illegitimate child here!

Important things must be said three times. My biological grandson is the legitimate, lawfully wedded parents' child!

The current Shengli at home was accidentally swapped at birth! No blood relation, of course, but we’ll raise both children together—we won’t mistreat Su Shengli.

My biological grandson has suffered a tragic fate, unlike the "fake son" Su Shengli, who was accidentally swapped at birth when my daughter-in-law Manman gave birth. He was coddled and spoiled rotten, never enduring the slightest hardship. My biological grandson was lost at birth and went through hell. Fortunately, I happened to discover his true identity and brought him home. He’s not very familiar with everyone yet, but he has a decent character. I hope you’ll all help show him some love when you meet him in the future.

Thank you all!"

"Also, when attending the Recognition Banquet, don’t forget to bring a gift for my biological grandson."

Following this was an e-invite.

Seeing Old Master Su’s repeated backhanded comments about the "fake son" who was "accidentally swapped at birth," "coddled and spoiled rotten," and "unable to endure the slightest hardship," the digs were obvious—even outsiders could see it clearly.

In stark contrast, Old Master Su’s sincere request for friends and family to take care of Gu Yihong made Su Linyuan could barely stomach it.

Shengli had been wronged.

The old man was acting like a petulant child. It wasn’t as if they weren’t planning to hold a Recognition Banquet for Gu Yihong to give him his rightful place—why did he have to act so aggressively?

Su Linyuan frowned slightly, recalling Gu Yihong’s cocky and disruptive behavior the night before. His heart leaned even more decisively toward Su Shengli, who had always been dutiful and sweet-natured, having grown up with him.

He called Butler Zhang again, instructing him to bring Mr. Gu, who had left home, back.

Butler Zhang winced, sighing before hemming and hawing to Su Linyuan,

"I’ve already contacted Mr. Gu, but he said... he said..."

Su Linyuan’s scowl grew so deep you could lose a coin in it. Suppressing his anger, he demanded,

"What did he say?!"

The words came tumbling out of Butler Zhang.

"Master Gu Yihong said that if you want him to return, President Su must come back and personally bring the entire family, not a single one missing, to retrieve him!"

"Otherwise, he won’t come back, and he’ll make the Su family the laughingstock of the entire Ming City!"

God knows how cocky Gu Yihong’s words were!

If Su Linyuan hadn’t pushed him to tell, Butler Zhang wouldn’t have dared to speak so bluntly.

Rage surged through Su Linyuan’s heart. His face turned livid, his brows tightly furrowed, and his usually calm and composed expression twisted slightly.

People nearby started staring, and Su Linyuan struggled to suppress the agitation within him, gritting his teeth before forcing a smile.

Through clenched teeth, he hissed out a few words.

"Very well! Once Father returns, the four of us will go—not a single one missing—to personally fetch him for the Recognition Banquet!"