Chapter 4 (Part 1): Boy and Youth

Merlin stayed in New York for three days, but Xu Qi consistently avoided seeing her, making excuses about being busy. As an adult, this was the least hurtful way he could refuse her.

On the fourth day, Merlin left a note and departed. It contained only three words: "See you in California." Xu Qi held the note, lost in thought.

It was obvious the other person knew he would attend that wedding. The bright red invitation still lay in his drawer, a constant reminder that this man was about to be with another woman. He absolutely refused to accept this outcome, so he chose that path. If the other person discovered he had tampered with it, they might hate him, and he would suffer, but he would never regret it. He had never been a good person; if he wanted something, he would never allow anyone else to have it. Even with someone else's younger brother, who was ultimately destined for him, he had used any means necessary to prevent that person from taking him away.

From the moment he discovered his possessiveness towards Si Qiang, he had a vague sense of foreboding. That day, during his conversation with his younger brother, he was initially angry because his brother denied his feelings, but later, the news of Si Qiang's impending marriage completely stunned him, leaving him speechless. After so much time, he had gradually come to realize that his feelings for Si Qiang were more than just affection and trust, more than just possessiveness. Those feelings were too heavy; admitting them was simply too difficult. But he couldn't deny it anymore. Things had come to this point; to deny it now would be too pretentious, too self-deceptive. But when did this change in his feelings begin? Perhaps it had begun long ago. Otherwise, how could he have been so devastated and heartbroken after she suddenly left him?

Xu Qi snorted coldly. So he had been lost in the wrong direction all along. As for Si Qiang's thoughts, he was certain that, at least before leaving, she had feelings for him—though perhaps not the same feelings he had for her. He also considered the reasons for her sudden change in attitude after leaving. It was probably because of the time she had been held captive. But this also meant that he wasn't entirely without hope—she probably still cared about him.

In any case, there was no turning back for him. Sitting on the plane to California, Xu Qi looked at the clouds by the window, feeling a little melancholy.

Seeing his expression, Xu Yi understood what was going on, but didn't say anything. He could hardly imagine how this wedding would ultimately turn out. He understood their relationship best, and could only hope that this event would strengthen their bond rather than deepen it.

The wedding venue was bustling with people. After passing through the gate, the Xu brothers entered the hall. Seeing that his brother showed no intention of meeting the groom, Xu Yi could only sigh and go to see Si Qiang himself.

Xu Qi stood alone in the corner, his eyes unconsciously fixed on the person who shone brighter than anyone else, watching him smile and talk to the bride—a scene of perfect harmony. He lowered his head, looking at his tightly clenched hands, and gave a self-deprecating smile.

"Mr. Xu!" Merlin ran over as soon as she saw Xu Qi.

The beautiful young boy's face was full of joy, his big eyes sparkling, and his gaze towards Xu Qi was filled with undisguised admiration.

Xu Qi smiled helplessly: "Merlin, you really came."

The Fuqing Gang and the Chang Le Society have always been allies, so it's normal for this child to come to the wedding with Mei Yuanzhi. He immediately looked around and, sure enough, saw Mei Yuanzhi walking towards him with a noblewoman.

“Mr. Xu, I’m so sorry to have troubled you last time. This is my wife, Si Wan.” Mei Yuanzhi first offered some polite words, then stepped aside to introduce the elegant lady beside him.

"Not at all, Merlin is a very good boy." Xu Qi smiled politely and looked at the lady. "I have long admired Madam Mei's reputation, and seeing her today, I can confirm that it is indeed well-deserved."

Despite saying this, Xu Qi's heart was already in turmoil. This Madam Mei was indeed no ordinary person; in fact, her reputation in the underworld far surpassed that of Mei Yuanzhi. But what shocked him most was the striking resemblance between Madam Mei and Si Qiang! Of course, her name was what concerned him most. Xu Yi had told him that Si Qiang's mother had died young, and this woman was probably under 40, making her unlikely to be Si Qiang's mother. However, it was certain that this woman and Si Qiang were related by blood.

Si Wan noticed his surprise and smiled, saying, "Mr. Xu, you flatter me. I'm sure you've noticed that I look a lot like the groom. Actually, I'm his aunt."

Xu Qi was startled, but remained outwardly calm: "I see. I was being presumptuous."

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Merlin's identity is actually quite simple... Please don't hit me~

My cat had her period today, and she was really in so much pain that she was rolling around on the floor whimpering...