NOVEL NEXT Chapter 4
He Hui rushed over and immediately held onto Chu Mubei, pleading, “Xiao Bei must have been confused and didn’t hear clearly, otherwise, how could he allow someone to insult his father, right? Xiao Bei? Xiao Bei, go apologize. Xiao Bei? Xiao Bei, say something.”
Chu Mubei, for the first time, was subjected to such physical reprimand by Chu Tianhao, and he was utterly flabbergasted. Even when He Hui spoke on his behalf, he remained mute and wide-eyed.
However, Chu Muxi stepped forward, with his eyes filled with concealed hatred, he trailed behind Chu Tianhao.
“Father, don’t be angry. Too much anger isn’t good for your health. I already taught that guy a lesson. Even though, I can’t beat him because he had friends with him, and I was alone. But, for your sake, Xiao Xi is not afraid. Next time we see him, Xiao Xi will fight him again!”
He feigned cuteness and lifted Chu Tianhao’s mood.
Indeed, Chu Tianhao’s anger began to dissipate. He was someone who cherished his reputation, craved control, and wanted everyone to revolve around him. Seeing his often-rebellious son ease the situation for him, he sat down, patted the back of Chu Muxi’s hand, and said with a pretense of sternness,
“Why do you use violence? I didn’t teach you to use violence to resolve issues. What are you thinking at that time?”
“Huh, anyone who disrespects my father, I’ll teach them a lesson or two.” Chu Muxi gazed at Chu Tianhao with admiration.
As expected, Chu Tianhao chuckled at his son. “You still have the temperament of a child. However, for defending me, I’ll let it slide this time. Just remember, be wiser in your approach next time. Use your head more and your fists less, alright?”
“I understand, Father. Please enjoy your breakfast. You have work at the company, don’t you? Oops, your coffee is cold. I’ll bring you a fresh cup. I’ve been learning to make coffee. Would you like to try it? I promise it’s delicious.”
Chu Muxi took the initiative to make amends to Chu Tianhao in a sincere tone, “Father, I’ve been quite headstrong lately. I didn’t listen to you and caused you trouble. Now that I’m almost an adult, I’ve come to realize your good intentions. I’ll make sure to focus on my studies from now on and won’t create problems or embarrass you, Aunt Hui, older brother, and sister. I’m sorry.”
Chu Tianhao glanced at his son, and it appeared that Chu Muxi’s sincerity was not a facade. He said contentedly, “That’s good, it’s good that you’ve figured it out. In the future, don’t get into any more trouble, and remember, don’t talk about your grandfather.”
Chu Muxi nodded seriously and even turned to He Hui, speaking with a sheepish expression, “Aunt Hui, it was my fault before. I listened to others. I hope you can forgive me. And brother, sister, I’m truly sorry.”
Although He Hui felt skeptical about Chu Muxi’s sudden transformation, her face remained gentle.
“Good boy, there’s no need for such talk. It was all just a misunderstanding. It’s enough to know that your father treats you so well.”
Her words touched Chu Tianhao’s heart, and he nodded in approval. He Hui felt much more at ease.
Chu Muxi observed their interaction with a sense of loathing that felt like a fly in his throat, but he put on an even more apologetic expression on his face, saying, “I understand, I’ll be sure to listen carefully to my father from now on.”
Chu Muxi turned to face Chu Lulu, his back to Chu Tianhao, and pleaded, “Sister, can you forgive me?”
He displayed a provoking grin.
Chu Lulu was taken aback and immediately raised her hand as if to slap him. Chu Muxi, pretending to be afraid, winced and feigned a slip of his chair, making it crash into Chu Lulu.
Chu Lulu lunged forward, and her slap barely grazed Chu Tianhao’s chin, but it sent shockwaves through everyone at the table.
Chu Tianhao reacted swiftly, slapping back with a fierce “You wretched brat! Who do you think you’re attacking?”
Chu Lulu let out a shriek as she was slapped, and her fall, in the process, caused a cup filled with scalding hot soy milk on the table to tumble onto her head.
“Ahh! It’s so hot! It burns! Help!”
He Hui rushed over to embrace her daughter and anxiously inquired, “Are you alright? Did it scald your face? Let me check, dear! I’m so sorry, Tianhao, Lulu didn’t mean it. She tripped over a chair and accidentally hurt you. Please don’t blame her.”
Angrily, Chu Tianhao berated, “My entire morning has been ruined. What kind of manners have you taught your children? You’re absolutely useless! Forget it, I’m not hungry anymore. I’m heading to the company.”
Chu Muxi weighed his options and decided that staying there was futile. He promptly followed his father, “Father, are you alright? Does it hurt? Don’t be angry; my sister didn’t do it on purpose.”
“Hmph, she got no brains!” Chu Tianhao grumbled. He angrily boarded the airship, and seeing Chu Muxi timidly trailing behind, he relented and said to him, “Come on, I’ll take you to school.”
“Thank you, Father!” Chu Muxi replied gratefully as he boarded the airship.
.
It had been a trying morning for Chu Tianhao. As he boarded the airship, he spotted his youngest son sitting quietly beside him.
Chu Muxi possessed exquisite features, inheriting the best traits from both parents. It must be acknowledged that back in the day, Chu Tianhao’s good looks and charm were instrumental in winning Shen Lan’s heart, among other things, of course.
However, he always pursued his goals and ambitions through ruthless means, often willing to sacrifice anyone for personal gain.
Upon seeing his son, who resembled him in many ways, his anger subsided, and he softened slightly.
“Your coming-of-age day is approaching. Do you have any plans? However, your grandfather may not be able to make it back in time. I heard he went to the Blue Galaxy No. 1 for business, and he might miss your coming-of-age day.”
Chu Tianhao couldn’t help but feel a surge of excitement as he contemplated his scheme. With the old man gone in the vast expanse of the cosmos, the Shen family’s wealth would be forfeited to him.
What did it matter if it was supposed to go to Chu Muxi? Chu Muxi was his son, and in his mind, his son’s possessions were tantamount to his own. If he wanted them, why should he willingly surrender them to his son?
After all, Chu Muxi had no clue how to manage a business.
Chu Tianhao seemed to foresee his business empire expanding several-fold, and his face beamed with delight.
Chu Muxi hung his head, clenching his fists, taking a deep breath, and then lifting his gaze. “I don’t know, I haven’t talked to my grandpa in a long time. He always has this stern and serious expression, and he’s not very kind to me at all.”
Chu Muxi wrinkled his nose, expressing his dissatisfaction to Chu Tianhao.
This was exactly the effect Chu Tianhao desired, and he put on a pretense of lecturing. “He’s your grandfather, and you will eventually inherit his wealth. You mustn’t speak to your elders that way, do you understand?”
Chu Muxi responded with feigned annoyance, acting a bit coquettish toward Chu Tianhao. “I don’t understand, you can handle it, Father.”
Chu Tianhao was satisfied with his display of obedience and advised him, “Nonsense! What your grandfather left to you is yours. But… you’re still young, and Father will take care of it for you for a few years. Once you’ve grown up, you can manage it yourself.”
Chu Muxi replied nonchalantly, as if he genuinely didn’t care about the Shen family’s fortune.