Chapter 7

In the blink of an eye, autumn passed, winter arrived, and soon it was time for the New Year. The Pei family also became lively. Gardeners were busy all day decorating the garden. What was rare this year was the addition of several very rare orchids. Because they were so precious, Pei Mingshu personally took care of trimming them.

“How does it look?” Pei Mingshu asked Mo Yin beside him. “My craftsmanship isn’t bad, right?”

“It looks very nice,” Mo Yin replied.

Pei Mingshu smiled. He wore white gloves and rolled up his sleeves to reveal his strong forearms. “Shall I put one in your room?”

“No need,” Mo Yin declined. “It’s outside where everyone can see it, and I can come out to see it too.”

Pei Mingshu took off his gloves and ruffled Mo Yin’s hair. “You’re a good boy, Xiao Yin.”

Mo Yin’s expression was slightly embarrassed, but he didn’t dodge. He seemed to have already adapted.

Pei Mingshu, nine years older than Mo Yin and more mature in temperament than his peers, saw Mo Yin as a child. He took off his gloves and stood up. “Let’s go, it’s time for lunch.”

Mo Yin agreed, and the two walked side by side. Pei Mingshu adjusted his sleeves as they walked, matching Mo Yin’s pace.

“Do you want to go home again these two days?” Pei Mingshu asked.

“I’ll go back the day after tomorrow.”

“Go in the morning; it might snow in the afternoon.”

“Okay.”

Pei Mingshu didn’t spend much time at home. He was busy and capable. Shortly after joining the company, he successfully opened up the southern market for Youcheng on a long-time business trip . Pei Jingyou was particularly pleased. He only had two words for his eldest son: “Satisfied.” Soon, he delegated many affairs of the company to Pei Mingshu.

Although Pei Mingshu was busy, he always cared about Mo Yin when he returned home. Since he brought back the ashes and portraits of Mo Yin’s parents, Mo Yin has finally begun to open up to him.

Pei Mingshu was also very happy.

If a father had faults, the son should take responsibility.

Pei Mingshu hoped Mo Yin would feel comfortable in this home and become a true part of their family as soon as possible.

On New Year’s Eve, Mo Yin woke up early. He washed and dressed himself, then pushed his wheelchair out. Pei Mingshu was making a phone call in the hall. He covered the phone with one hand when he saw Mo Yin and smiled. “It fits well.”

The clothes were tailored, but the measurements were estimated by Pei Mingshu, and it turned out his estimate was accurate. The outfit fit Mo Yin perfectly.

“Thank you,” Mo Yin said.

Pei Mingshu smiled. “Are you going home now?”

Mo Yin nodded.

“I didn’t see the driver preparing the car.”

“I ordered a private car.”

“In that case, let the driver take you to the door.”

“It’s already arranged.”

Pei Mingshu nodded and instructed, “Be back before noon.”

“I will.”

The driver took Mo Yin to the left side of the gate of the Pei residence. Turning back, he said, “Xiao Yin, your car hasn’t arrived yet. Should I take you instead? There’s nothing urgent for me to do.”

“No need,” Mo Yin said. “The car will be here soon. Thank you, Uncle Zhang. You can go back.”

The driver lowered the wheelchair, and Mo Yin skillfully secured it with one hand and sat inside from the car.

“Then I’ll go in.”

“Sure, it’s okay. You can go.”

The driver turned the car around and drove back to the residence, while Mo Yin pushed the wheelchair along the wide road. He had only taken a few steps when an executive luxury sedan approached.

For the private driver, a million-dollar car was clearly a bit too much.

The door opened, and Pei Qing got out of the car.

“You’re late,” Pei Qing said.

“I chatted for a few minutes, delayed for two minutes.”

“You talk too much.”

It was unclear whether Pei Qing was referring to Mo Yin or the person he was talking to.

Pei Qing lifted Mo Yin into the car and placed the wheelchair in the back seat skillfully.

The two remained silent until they arrived at Mo’s old house.

Mo’s old house was allocated by Mo’s grandfather’s unit, an old block without an elevator.

Although it was daytime, the building was still dim inside. Mo Yin lay on Pei Qing’s back, smelling a bit of dampness and mildew.

Mo Yin took out the keys from his pocket while on Pei Qing’s back and opened the door. After they entered, Pei Qing placed him on the sofa in the living room. Because the house was usually locked when not in use, it was quite clean inside. Pei Qing opened a window, letting the winter cold seep into the already chilly room. He stood by the window, his profile looking cold. After a while, he turned to Mo Yin and asked, “Do you need to use the bathroom?”

Mo Yin shook his head, feeling somewhat embarrassed.

Pei Qing turned his face away and continued to look outside the window. The distance between the buildings in the block was very close, and the sky seemed narrow, reminiscent of Pei Qing’s childhood memories.

When did his relationship with Mo Yin start to improve?

That afternoon at school, Mo Yin called him, sounding unnaturally calm but secretly anxious, “Hello, sorry, can you come help me?”

“What’s wrong?” Pei Qing frowned.

Mo Yin remained silent for a while, not mentioning the problem but his voice trembling, “Please.”

Pei Qing hung up the phone.

Mo Yin looked at him sadly from the corner of the corridor. Pei Qing had never seen him show such a vulnerable expression before. He felt Mo Yin was somewhat similar to him in some aspects. Unless absolutely necessary, neither of them would easily show weakness.

“What’s wrong?” Pei Qing found himself speaking in a softer tone unconsciously.

“The bathroom is broken.”

“Broken?”

Mo Yin’s face was strained. “The door is stuck.”

Pei Qing walked to the nearby bathroom. The door was open, and someone was using it. His gaze swept over and paused slightly at the end.

The accessible toilet had been locked by someone.

Pei Qing pushed Mo Yin into the bathroom, and the person inside, realizing the situation, quickly left as Pei Qing gave them a cold look.

It was the first time he helped Mo Yin in the bathroom.

Although Pei Qing acted as if nothing had happened, Mo Yin tried his best to pretend it wasn’t a big deal. But his expression and demeanor betrayed his humiliation and restraint.

His legs had become very thin, pale with faint scars, appearing fragile and horrifying. His flesh was soft and delicate, lacking any control as it sank into Pei Qing’s firm grip.

When Pei Qing helped him put on his pants, Mo Yin finally couldn’t help but choke up.

Pei Qing’s hand paused, turning to look at Mo Yin.

Mo Yin lowered his head, his black hair forming a sharp peak, his fair forehead hidden, showing a hint of despairing redness.

Pei Qing had experienced the feeling of shattered dignity before, but perhaps Mo Yin had it worse.

“If you encounter such a situation again, just send me a message,” Pei Qing said indifferently.

He handed his phone to Mo Yin, displaying his WeChat QR code.

Mo Yin didn’t react.

“Do you want me to comfort you as well?” Pei Qing asked.

Mo Yin suddenly lifted his face, his eyes shimmering with shame and frustration.

Pei Qing remained indifferent, showing no sympathy. “You should have accepted reality by now, shouldn’t you?”

“The situation is what it is,” Pei Qing bent down slightly, meeting Mo Yin’s gaze. “We can only accept reality.”

That was the first time Pei Qing used “we” when speaking to Mo Yin. After that, they grew closer in private, and the frequency of “we” increased.

Mo Yin sat in Mo’s old house for about half an hour.

Throughout, Pei Qing sat quietly by the window, accompanying him silently. Neither of them spoke. In this cramped and dilapidated house, it seemed that certain parts of their bodies resonated on some level.

Of course, all of this was deliberately orchestrated by Mo Yin.

He returned home not for himself, but for Pei Qing.

Compared to Pei Mingshu, getting close to Pei Qing was evidently much simpler.

In this secret space, they accompanied each other, allowing their emotions that couldn’t be revealed in public to collide, gradually drawing closer in silence.

Mo Yin didn’t have a hobby of freezing in the broken house. He felt Pei Qing’s emotions should have been released by now and said, “Let’s go, it’s going to snow soon.”

Pei Qing turned to close the window and then turned back. “Are you sure you don’t need to use the bathroom before we leave?”

Mo Yin hesitated.

He admitted that he had deliberately locked the toilet that day, using the incident to quickly break down Pei Qing’s psychological defenses. He traded his own “breakdown” for Pei Qing’s acceptance, and the effect was excellent. But it seemed he had gone too far. Pei Qing was now particularly concerned about his “convenience” issue.

“No need.”

“Don’t pretend to be strong.”

“…Okay.”

Since Pei Qing sincerely wanted to “help” him, he reluctantly agreed. After all, he didn’t feel anything, so it didn’t matter.

On New Year’s Eve, Pei’s father and two sons, along with Mo Yin, had dinner together at home. Pei Jingyou seemed to be in a very good mood, with a rosy complexion. He kept praising Pei Mingshu, even showing a hint of willingness to step down. Pei Mingshu was too outstanding. In just a few months since joining the company, the entire company has seen a revival.

“Pei Qing is also doing well,” Of course, Pei Jingyou also took care of his younger son, “His studies are going very well,” He looked at Mo Yin again, “Mo Yin is also doing great. Yes, all very good.”

Pei Qing’s expression was cold, and Mo Yin just smiled faintly. Only Pei Mingshu remained cooperative throughout.

After the meal, Pei Mingshu helped Pei Jingyou upstairs. Pei Jingyou took some medicine in the bedroom and pressed his chest. “After the new year, I want Qing to come to the company and learn.”

“Okay,” Pei Mingshu replied.

Pei Jingyou looked at him with affection. “Mingshu, you don’t mind?”

“I don’t mind,” Pei Mingshu answered calmly.

“I thought you might be unhappy.”

“There’s nothing to be unhappy about,” Pei Mingshu said, “He is also your son. It’s only natural.”

Pei Jingyou lowered his head slightly. “I owe you…”

“Dad.”

Pei Mingshu interrupted him, patting his father’s back lightly. He whispered, “Happy New Year. Take care of yourself.”

As they descended the stairs, Pei Mingshu saw Pei Qing and Mo Yin in the courtyard. Mo Yin’s wheelchair was parked below, and Pei Qing sat on the steps. It was snowing outside.

“Why are you sitting on the ground?” Pei Mingshu asked.

Mo Yin and Pei Qing turned their heads simultaneously.

This scene seemed familiar. Pei Mingshu smiled.

Pei Qing turned his face away without answering.

Mo Yin turned his head to look at Pei Mingshu. Pei Mingshu went over and pinched Mo Yin’s earlobe. Mo Yin flinched but didn’t completely avoid it. Pei Qing glanced at him with a cold gaze.

“Your ears will fall off.”

Pei Mingshu’s tone was gentle, like coaxing a child.

“I’m not cold,” Mo Yin said.

“Nonsense.”

Mo Yin fell silent, and lowered his head, his face slightly red.

Pei Mingshu let go of his ear and then turned to Pei Qing. “What about you? Aren’t you cold sitting on the ground?”

Pei Qing said, “I’m not cold,” in a forced and stiff tone, as if he had to answer.

Pei Mingshu smiled. “Well, we have two people at home who aren’t afraid of the cold. It looks like we’ll have a prosperous year ahead.” After saying this, he patted Mo Yin’s head and turned to leave.

After Pei Mingshu’s figure disappeared from sight, a hint of disdain and sarcasm briefly appeared on Pei Qing’s face, but it quickly turned into indifference. Mo Yin pretended not to see it and after a while said, “Let’s go inside.”

Pei Qing didn’t respond, quietly watching the falling snow, as if planning to sit there all night.

Mo Yin also fell silent. He hugged his arms tighter and sniffled.

After a while, Pei Qing’s arm moved, and his face slowly turned. He looked at Mo Yin’s red ears and nose. His lips moved. “Let’s go inside.”

Mo Yin went back to the bedroom, took a hot shower, and when he came out, he found Pei Mingshu sitting on the sofa by his bed, facing the French windows.

The sound of the wheelchair rolling approached, and Pei Mingshu turned his face, giving him a slight smile. “Finished showering?”

Mo Yin rubbed his hair with a towel. “Mm.”

He pushed the wheelchair over, and Pei Mingshu reached out to him. After hesitating for a moment, Mo Yin handed him the towel.

Pei Mingshu sat on the sofa, turned sideways, and started to dry Mo Yin’s hair. “You and Pei Qing get along well.”

“Mm.”

“You’re about the same age, so you should have a lot in common.”

“It’s okay.”

Pei Mingshu let out a faint laugh.

“Your personalities are also somewhat similar.”

Mo Yin remained silent.

Pei Mingshu dried his hair halfway and then used his fingers to comb through his wet hair. Mo Yin lowered his head, and his black hair revealed a glimpse of his pale ear. Pei Mingshu tapped his ear, causing Mo Yin to look up at him.

Pei Mingshu smiled and handed Mo Yin a red envelope. “New Year’s money.”

“I don’t want it.”

“Take it. It’s for your safety.”

Mo Yin didn’t take it. Pei Mingshu stood up and placed the red envelope under his pillow. “Sleep with it tonight.”

Mo Yin turned his head. “I didn’t prepare a gift.”

“No need.”

Pei Mingshu waved his hand at him. “Happy New Year.”

After Pei Mingshu left, Mo Yin pushed his wheelchair over to take out the red envelope from under the pillow. After opening it, he found a black and white dual card inside, along with a handwritten folded card.

“Wishing you peace and safety every year – Pei Mingshu.”

Pei Mingshu’s handwriting was slightly different from his usual, with powerful strokes, faintly oppressive. After the New Year’s wishes, his signature seemed more like a proud declaration: ‘I wish you safety, and of course, you will be safe.’

Mo Yin lifted the card and lightly sniffed it.

It carried Pei Mingshu’s unique light fragrance.

Expensive yet elusive.

He felt like he was becoming more and more excited.

He wondered what kind of wonderful scene would occur when such a person eventually fell into despair and collapsed.

Suddenly, Mo Yin felt something, and he turned around abruptly. Pei Qing was standing at his doorway, the door half-open, holding a box in his hands, looking at Mo Yin with a complicated expression.

Mo Yin was still holding the card written by Pei Mingshu, but he quickly put it down when he saw Pei Qing. He adjusted his expression and said, “Is there something you need?”

Pei Qing came in and closed the door behind him.

He approached and casually tossed the box aside, causing the wrapping to shake open, revealing a corner of a brown scarf inside.

Pei Qing took the card from Mo Yin’s hand, and Mo Yin instinctively reached up to grab it back.

Pei Qing lifted the card, blocking his eyes, so Mo Yin couldn’t see his expression.

He didn’t know how much of his overly excited expression, which was a result of wanting to do mischief, Pei Qing had caught. Mo Yin remained silent, deciding to remain unchanged in the face of change.

Pei Qing lowered the card in his hand, his gaze indifferent as he swept it down. He asked in a flat tone, “Do you like Pei Mingshu?”