PMWAIAAPM Chapter 68

Chapter 68: New Year Begins

In fact, Xing Yang himself was not afraid of death.

Five years ago, he had become very calm about this matter; what everyone truly feared was not death, but the unknown. On the other side of death, there were his mother and grandmother; the paths they had walked were paths he could inevitably walk as well.

But on the other side of death now was Tan Zhiyu, bright and like a cherished rose.

During the New Year, they could finally hold each other’s hands, lying together waiting for the morning sunlight to arrive. Tan Zhiyu had originally been resting his head on Xing Yang’s arm, but later felt something wasn’t quite right and repositioned himself, wrapping Xing Yang in his embrace.

“When I have surgery, Jiang Cheng will come.”

Xing Yang’s gland couldn’t be relied upon for much longer. Over the last three months, he had been taking pheromone enhancement injections; the load on his gland was heavy, and releasing pheromones came with pain, so he could only take painkillers to ease it.

When Tan Zhiyu entered, he noticed many bottles of painkillers in the living room. Xing Yang’s gland was very small, receiving injection after injection—how much pain must he be in…

Many times, Tan Zhiyu had said that Xing Yang wasn’t worthy of him, but now his mindset had long changed. He didn’t know what about himself made Xing Yang love him so deeply—he was the one who truly didn’t deserve it.

What a man truly feared was not lacking money or power, but being useless. His fingertips brushed the small scar on the back of Xing Yang’s neck as he leaned in and softly blew, “Xing Yang, I love you so much, I can’t leave you…”

At this moment, the person he admired from the heart was Jiang Cheng. Putting himself in Jiang Cheng’s shoes, if Xing Yang were to die, he feared he wouldn’t even have the courage to live in this world.

Jiang Cheng’s attachment to Xing Yang had only ever been a fond thought. After Chen Ying leaped to his death, Jiang Cheng nearly lost his mind. Jiang Cheng’s father could have chosen another way to break them apart, but he saw Chen Ying as just an omega without a background—a country bumpkin from the countryside, unworthy of any remorse.

The treasured one Jiang Cheng held dear was just worthless dust in his father’s eyes, easily cast aside.

Even now, Jiang Cheng’s father couldn’t walk without a wheelchair. This incident had become a joke in the business circle, but no one dared to bring up Chen Ying in front of Jiang Cheng—he truly would go mad.

Later, when Jiang Cheng took over the company, he crushed the stock market in two days. Finally, the Jiang family had no choice but to let their daughter manage, while Jiang Cheng became an idle young lord, deliberately entering the entertainment industry to draw attention, even taking provocative photos that embarrassed the Jiang family.

Tan Zhiyu had once wondered why Jiang Cheng entered the entertainment circle; now everything was clear.

Those older generations filled with money and power, even if they were his own parents, he could never forgive them.

During the New Year, he didn’t share his happiness on Weibo, instead asking his agent to book a flight to Germany. He was going to Germany to eliminate future troubles.

He would not allow Xing Yang to become a second Chen Ying.

The next morning, when Tan Zhiyu woke up, his eyes were still red. Clinging to Xing Yang, he didn’t know how long he had been kissing him, whispering, “When I come back, just one day.”

“Really, you don’t need me to accompany you?” Xing Yang touched his face.

Tan Zhiyu lay on his leg, holding his hand in his palm, rubbing it lovingly, “No, if I can’t handle something this small, then what kind of man am I?”

The little expressions of silent rivalry warmed Xing Yang’s heart.

In Tan Zhiyu’s mind, it was all about him; he wanted to revolve around him for a hundred years.

Xing Yang followed him downstairs. He really didn’t have much here, and Song Tian received the news and hurried over, soon to take him back to Butterfly Manor. At this moment, Tan Zhiyu needed to find someone familiar to watch over Xing Yang, afraid he might run off again.

It had snowed all night; walking on the path made a crunching sound, and the air was filled with the smell of New Year fireworks’ gunpowder. Xing Yang’s scarf was tightly wrapped, and every word he spoke released a puff of white breath.

“Xing President!” Song Tian spotted him at the entrance of the complex and jogged over, his cheeks red from the cold. “The car can’t get through; I’ll come to get you!”

He turned to look at Tan Zhiyu, his face suddenly drooping, “Hello, Brother Tan.”

Tan Zhiyu felt a bit speechless; if anyone were to blame, it was that Xing Yang was so kind to everyone. In the blink of an eye, Xing Yang had already reached out to stroke Song Tian’s cheek, “No rushing, the snow hasn’t melted on the way, be careful of slipping.”

“It’s not slippery, not at all.” Just seeing Xing Yang made him happier than ever; this was the best gift he could have for the New Year.

“I’ve taken care of everything at the company.” He said with a flicker in his eyes.

Especially upon seeing Xing Yang’s slightly rounded belly, Song Tian was cautious; his heart ached for Xing Yang, but he could only stand in front of him and report his work gently.

Tan Zhiyu frowned slightly, pulling Song Tian into his arms as if declaring his territory. Sometimes his childish temper showed, but besides Song Tian, he couldn’t find a second person who treated Xing Yang wholeheartedly without malice.

“When I come back, we’ll go home, and I’ll learn to cook for you. Is that okay?” Tan Zhiyu said.

“Sure, anything’s fine.” Xing Yang replied with a mix of laughter and tears.

When would this naturally spoiled young lord ever cook? Heating up meals in the microwave was his entire culinary skill. However, the sincerity in his eyes was apparent; whether it would be edible by then was another matter.

“I’ll be back soon, very soon; you’ll see me after a quick nap.” His large hand wrapped around Xing Yang’s, bringing it to his lips, planting soft kisses.

Repeated losses had already made Tan Zhiyu fearful; he felt no sense of security.

“Mm.” This time, Xing Yang wouldn’t break his promise, nodding along to the familiar feeling of heart flutter.

Song Tian pouted in displeasure, watching the intimacy between the two, turning to kick at the snow at his feet. He looked somewhat lonely but was undeniably cute in his dejection.

As the New Year began.

People in the complex came downstairs ready to set off firecrackers. Grandma Liu, whose eyesight wasn’t great, saw a man hugging Xing Yang from afar. “Yangyang—”

“Uncle Yang~”

Duo Duo ran over with a handful of small firecrackers, his little red face visible as he came closer, his parents telling him to slow down behind him. Duo Duo looked at Tan Zhiyu curiously, tilting his head to ask, “Who are you? Why are you holding Uncle’s hand?”

Xing Yang ruffled his hair, but before he could respond, a couple from the fourth floor, returning from outside with purchases, said, “Stay away from the Liu family. When you grow up, are you going to learn how to have children with men in the wild? Little boy, don’t learn anything bad.”

Xing Yang had never paid attention to such words; he squeezed Tan Zhiyu’s palm, signaling him not to argue about it.

Most people living here led poor and bitter lives, arguing was utterly pointless; he never held grudges.

Not out of generosity, but out of pity for them.

But beside him, Song Tian rolled up his sleeves, taking a confrontational stance, “What are you saying!?”

“Do you dare do it and not let people say anything? After all these years away and coming back with a belly and two men, teaching the kids in the complex bad things!”

“Don’t think just because you have a child I won’t dare to hit you!” Song Tian was about to take a step forward.

Suddenly, Grandma Liu hurriedly ran over with a man beside her, “Assistant Song? What are you doing here?”

Duo Duo was scared and quickly shrank into the man’s embrace, “Daddy, they are cursing again.”

Usually, Grandma Liu couldn’t handle this domineering couple; now that her son-in-law was here, she stood up straight and began scolding the two loudly, her voice non-stop. Grandma Liu’s son-in-law looked sturdy and honest, and at this moment, the neighbors naturally didn’t dare speak up.

“Assistant Song, you…?” The son-in-law of Grandma Liu asked nervously, “Do you live here too? No way…”

Grandma Liu quickly leaned over to examine Xing Yang, scrutinizing Tan Zhiyu with a complicated look, “This is my son-in-law; I brought him down here, thinking that those couple from next door wouldn’t dare bully anyone!”

In these past few months, Song Tian had been promoted to assistant, spending most of his time running outside with Wang Zuiqing, even signing contracts with Huaxin Technology.

“You are…” Song Tian thought for a long time but couldn’t remember who this person was, scratching his head awkwardly, “Sorry, I don’t quite remember…”

Grandma Liu’s son-in-law was only a small employee at Huaxin Technology, having participated in the project team with Yuanyin Real Estate.

“This… this person…” Even if he was blind, how could he not recognize someone whose face was all over advertisements? He looked shocked at these people, for a moment thinking he was dreaming.

“Assistant Song, this…”

“I’m here to pick up President Xing. If it’s work-related, let’s discuss it when we go back to the office.” Song Tian said.

“Has the project with Huaxin Technology finished?” Xing Yang asked.

Song Tian shook his head, “It’s just starting; we can only determine it after the new year.”

“Let him join the project team.” Xing Yang smiled, glancing at Grandma Liu to repay her care all this time.

Grandma Liu didn’t know who Xing Yang was, but her son-in-law repeatedly nodded his thanks, “Thank you, President Xing! Thank you, President Xing!”

“Mom! I got promoted!! I got promoted! I’m in the project team now!”

The young couple, initially not satisfied with their situation, went home to call relatives, wanting to complain more. But seeing Xing Yang get into a luxury car, he even gave Grandma Liu’s family several tens of thousands in cash for Duo Duo as New Year’s money.

——

On the first day of the New Year, Tan Zhiyu flew to Germany.

After returning to Butterfly Manor, he opened up the house Tan Zhiyu hadn’t had time to tidy up; several boxes were sealed. As the empty house was about to become a rough shell, it finally welcomed a new spring.

Xing Yang entered the bedroom. Although other luggage had been packed, the little bear he had given to Tan Zhiyu lay quietly on the bed.

Perhaps he should send a few more stuffed toys to Zhiyu so that he wouldn’t feel so lonely when he wasn’t around.

Song Tian helped him tidy up the house; the little pet he had been fostering had recently failed in its weight loss efforts, and he planned to bring it back to the nearby house.

During his spare time, Song Tian would always keep an eye on Xing Yang’s belly. He couldn’t understand why Xing Yang wanted to keep this child. Although he knew Xing Yang was an omega, he wasn’t the stereotype of being weak.

In the business world, Xing Yang always kept a way out for himself, just like the piece of land he had given to Tan Zhiyu. Although Tan Yushen had taken the executive director position, the land worth over a hundred million still belonged to Tan Zhiyu; it was a gift during marriage. To develop this land before Xing Yang passed away, they both needed to sign together.

Yuanyin Real Estate’s financial chain was always stable; Tan Yushen believed he had struck it rich. However, all the tax gaps needed to be filled by him as the executive director. Previously, the Xinghai project’s delay left them in debt. Xing Yang had kept the books tidy, mortgaged private property for loans. But now that Xing Yang had been kicked out, these gaps needed new entrants to be filled.

By the time Tan Yushen realized he had been tricked, it was too late. He needed to develop the suddenly valuable land in Tan Zhiyu’s hands to relieve cash flow, but to get Xing Yang’s signature, he had to honestly bring him back, reflecting on how he had originally kicked him out.

Late at night.

Xing Yang sat on the sofa, knitting a small sweater. The lights in the house were off, and the glow from the television illuminated his face. At this moment, although his jawline remained sharp,

there was a radiant and divine light filling his eyes.

Because in this world, someone was about to arrive for him and Tan Zhiyu.

The television was broadcasting yesterday’s Spring Festival Gala; although it was boring, it was a good way to pass the time.

A sudden phone call abruptly broke the tranquility, an unfamiliar number. Xing Yang answered, “Hello.”

“Zhiyu said… if you feel uncomfortable at any time, contact me.” The voice on the other end belonged to Qiu Jing.

His voice was much more tense than the relaxed teasing he had with Tan Zhiyu in the past.

Xing Yang replied, “I understand.”

After a long silence, the person on the other end didn’t speak. Xing Yang glanced at the phone screen, ready to hang up, but Qiu Jing stopped him, “Wait—”

“Xing Yang, about what happened back then, I…”

“It’s fine.” Xing Yang’s voice was light, like a large stone hanging over Qiu Jing’s heart: “I’ve long forgotten what happened back then.”

Qiu Jing couldn’t respond because his breath had become particularly tight. After a long time, he awkwardly said, “I’m sorry.”

His voice was hollow and hoarse, carrying a trace of elusive panic.

He feared he wouldn’t receive Xing Yang’s forgiveness.

Seeing Xing Yang in the hospital, Qiu Jing felt like he had met him long, long ago; that familiar feeling made his heart race. Every time Xing Yang met his gaze calmly, it gripped his heart and repeatedly stirred the remnants of his youth.

In the ten years since, Xing Yang had changed too much. He had transformed from an obedient, thin boy into an easygoing man, making it difficult for Qiu Jing to recognize him.

The Xing Yang who had once been invisible at Ninth High was long gone.

Xing Yang didn’t respond to his words, seemingly wanting to keep that memory sealed away.