Shen Du lifted his gaze from the menu, looking at Song Yi with a gentle expression as he dodged the main issue. “I checked the guest list from that day and found out you’re one of Shen Li’s classmates.”

Song Yi nodded. “I’ve known Shen Li for a long time.”

It was strange to think that this man could have once become his “big brother-in-law.”

Shen Du gave a faint, knowing smile. “He never mentioned you before. A pity we’re only meeting now.”

In front of Shen Li’s brother, Song Yi kept his composure, offering a polite but distant smile. “I suppose it just wasn’t meant to be.”

Seeing he was met with a gentle rebuff, Shen Du adjusted his approach, his tone taking on a hint of depth. “Did Shen Li mention her engagement to you?”

Engagement?

Song Yi was momentarily stunned, unable to hide his shock. Shen Li was getting engaged? He hadn’t heard even a whisper of it. Just recently on his birthday, he’d been so close with him, and now he was engaged?

Shen Du, noticing his expression, sighed softly. “None of Shen Li’s friends know. He’s been keeping it quiet—only brought him to meet us once.”

Song Yi felt a brief moment of disbelief, forcing a dry smile as he asked. “What kind of person is he?”

Although his feelings for Shen Li had long faded, he still considered Shen Li a good friend and believed Shen Li felt the same. Yet, the fact that he knew nothing about Shen Li’s engagement as if they were strangers was quite hurtful.

Shen Du tapped the rim of his glass with his long fingers, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face. “Just a social-climbing actor,” he said dismissively.

It was clear Shen Du didn’t approve of this new addition to the family. Song Yi narrowed his eyes, feeling a mix of emotions.

“Shen Li is dead set on marrying him.” Shen Du sighed, resigned. “He won’t listen to anyone—not even if it means breaking ties with the Shen family to marry that alpha.”

Song Yi understood the frustration all too well. He remembered his own sister, Song Jie, being similarly stubborn, causing him endless worry as her brother. Looking at Shen Du with a trace of sympathy, he offered, “If it would help, I could talk to Shen Li about it.”

Shen Du shook his head, his gaze softening with a brief flicker of pity. “Shen Li isn’t listening to anyone right now. We’re letting him be, hoping he’ll think it over himself.”

Just as Song Yi was about to respond, he noticed Shen Du’s gaze shift to something—or someone—behind him. Feeling a sudden weight on his shoulder, he turned his head only to find a strong arm casually draped around his neck. Gu Xingchuan had plopped down beside him.

Song Yi froze, sensing the damp fabric of Gu Xingchuan’s sleeve pressing coldly against his neck. With only one umbrella between them, it seemed Gu Xingchuan had dashed through the rain to get here.

Sizing up Shen Du with a quick glance, Gu Xingchuan scoffed under his breath, then turned to Song Yi with mild reproach. “Couldn’t you send a clearer address? Took me forever to find this place.”

Unfazed, Song Yi continued sipping his lemon water, well aware of Gu Xingchuan’s ploy. “This is Shen Li’s brother. We were just talking about him.”

Gu Xingchuan’s gaze sharpened, eyes full of hostility as he looked at Shen Du. “You’re Shen Li’s brother?”

Shen Du observed the two of them with an amused glint in his eyes, nodding with a smile. “You’re also one of Shen Li’s classmates, aren’t you? He mentioned you. Gu Xingchuan, right?”

With a reluctant nod, Gu Xingchuan acknowledged him. Shen Du’s smile grew sly. “I actually like your work quite a bit. That song you performed on the New Year’s Gala—‘Dad, You’ve Worked Hard’—it’s my ringtone.”

“…”

Song Yi, sipping his water, stifled a laugh. Shen Du had quite the way of getting under people’s skin.

Gu Xingchuan’s expression darkened as he forced a cold smile, retorting. “Glad you enjoy it. The song was meant for kids left behind by their parents.”

Shen Du’s brows furrowed slightly as he gave Gu Xingchuan a sidelong glance, only to be met with a challenging stare.

With a chuckle, Shen Du picked up his knife and fork, cutting into his steak, then turned to Song Yi. “Try it—let’s see if it’s to your taste.”

>>