As the Xiao family's banquet was approaching, a quarrel broke out again in the Song family.
In addition to Song Xuanhe's refusal to attend the Xiao family's banquet, there was also the matter of Song Jiabao entering a drug rehabilitation center. Song Guohua and his wife insisted that it was Song Xuanhe who framed and induced Song Jiabao to take drugs, and they proposed to go to the Xiao family's banquet together as compensation.
Song Guochao, who had been standing with them to condemn Song Xuanhe, immediately turned against them and absolutely disagreed to bring Song Guochao and his wife to the Xiao family banquet. His original words were: "The Xiao family invited Song Yansong and his family on the invitation, and those who went to the scene were all three generations of the direct lineage. How could we bring collateral relatives? People will laugh at us for clinging to the Xiao family and having to bring a whole family with us. It's ugly. Who will be responsible if the Song family's reputation is ruined?"
Song Guohua was no pushover: "Everyone knows who the invitation was for. The person they really want to see is Song Xuanhe. He made Jiabao a half-human now. Shouldn't we be compensated? If we are not allowed to go to the Xiao family this time, I promise to spread the news about Jiabao. I want to see if Song Xuanhe can get into the Xiao family."
"It's not up to you whether Song Xuanhe can enter the Xiao family or not." Song Guochao said with a dark face: "I only know that no one attended the banquet and brought poor relatives. I can't afford to lose face."
"I am a poor relative?" Song Guohua was hit in the sore spot, and his face instantly turned red with anger: "You are useless and worse than me. If you hadn't been born into a good family and had two good sons, how could you have the right to point fingers at me here!"
"You you!" Song Guohua usually praised Song Guochao and never spoke to him like that. Song Guochao was so angry that he pointed at Song Guohua and said "you" several times before he could utter a few words: "How unreasonable!"
Song Xuanhe was drinking tea leisurely, listening to the two people glaring at each other and tearing off each other's fig leaves layer by layer as they gossiped with relish. Li Nian'an was also sitting there calmly. The quarrel between her husband and relatives had no effect on her at all.
Song Yansong had gone to other countries to recuperate due to heart discomfort a few days ago, and he made it clear that he was not feeling well and could not attend the Xiao family's banquet. Without someone in charge of the family, Song Guochao became increasingly relaxed, and he was arrogant in his words and deeds. Song Guohua no longer restrained himself and came to the Song family whenever he had nothing to do. This time, what happened to Song Jiabao made him depressed for a while, but he did not expect that he would regroup now, probably because he thought that his son was gone and his future was gone, so he had to make some money anyway.
Fortunately, Song Xuanlin and Song Xuanhe do not usually live in the Song residence, and Li Nian'an is also in a very good mood. In addition to going out shopping and beauty with friends, she occasionally does charity and public welfare work and rarely stays at home, so the three of them are not affected.
This time everyone gathered at home because of the Xiao family's invitation. Song Guochao forced Song Xuanhe to go to the United States with him to attend the banquet, but his coercion was of no use to Song Xuanhe. He was so angry that he just hoped that Song Guohua would ask to go with him.
[You humans are really weird. Wasn’t Song Guochao very reluctant for you and Xiao Yuanmu to be together before? Now, just because his wealth has increased, he has changed his mind and wants you to be together. 】
[It's not just wealth, but also power and status.] 】Song Xuanhe reminded with a sarcastic tone.
[Then will you go to the Xiao family’s banquet? 】
Song Xuanhe: [What do you think? 】
The system said: [The data tells me that you can’t. 】
Li Nian'an's voice sounded at the same time as the system: "Xuanhe, what happened between you and Xiaoxiao? Did you break up?"
"We broke up." Song Xuanhe paused and added, "But we're still in touch."
The system's voice sounded again: [I noticed that your attitude towards Li Nian'an is different from that of other members of the Song family. Why? Is it because her last name is Li? 】
Li Nian'an frowned slightly and lowered his voice: "Do you still like him?"
Song Xuanhe opened his mouth, pursed his lips and said, "I don't like it."
"You're lying." Li Nian'an smiled and said, "But if you really don't want to attend the Xiao family's banquet, you don't have to go. Don't care about what your father said."
[She is right. My data tells me that you like Xiao Yuanmu more than Li Nian'an. You like Li Nian'an. At the same time, it can be inferred that you also like Xiao Yuanmu. 】
Song Xuanhe's eyes flickered, and he said to shut up in his mind, then said to Li Nian'an: "I want to resign from the company."
Li Nian'an was stunned and looked at Song Xuanhe. It happened that the quarrel between Song Guochao and Song Guohua paused for a moment, and they both heard what Song Xuanhe said.
"Why?"
"Take a break for a while." Song Xuanhe said, "Walk around."
Li Nian'an frowned and looked at Song Xuanhe, hesitating to speak. Before he could say anything, he heard Song Guochao say, "You are young and it is time to fight hard. How can you just rest? I haven't rested yet, why are you resting? I won't allow it."
Song Xuanhe was not surprised at Song Guochao's opposition. Just as Song Guochao wanted to squeeze him out of the company before, he wanted to keep him in the company now. Once he left the company, there would be countless rumors outside. Considering the relationship between Song Xuanhe and Xiao Yuanmu, most people would speculate whether the falling out between Song Xuanhe and Song Guochao meant that the bond between the Song family and the Xiao family was broken, which would be a heavy blow to Song Guochao's current position.
However, Song Xuanhe did not need Song Guochao's permission, he looked at Li Nian'an.
In fact, he had this idea as early as when he agreed to let Feng Tong join the studio. He would resign from Song Corporation and use the few months left in this world to see the world. The free and easy state has always been the time when he is most inspired. He may only participate in this fashion week, but he also wants to do his best.
Li Nian'an gently grabbed Song Xuanhe's hand. It was unknown what he was thinking about. His eyes were full of worry and he didn't speak for a while.
Song Guochao knew that he couldn't persuade Song Xuanhe, so he left Song Guohua behind, walked up to Li Nian'an and said, "Didn't you say you would take care of your son? Now he doesn't even want to manage the company. Will you take care of him?"
"I will take care of it."
Hearing this, Song Guochao breathed a sigh of relief, but the next moment he heard Li Nian'an say, "You and I have already agreed that you should not interfere in Xuanhe's affairs, and you have already agreed. I will be fully responsible for this matter, and you don't need to interfere."
Li Nian'an then pulled Song Xuanhe up and said, "Let's go for a walk in the garden with mom."
Song Guochao looked at the backs of Li Nian'an and her son with a dark face. Song Guohua sneered: "Reincarnation is good, I don't like it. Son is good, son is not rare. Do you really think you are living better than me?"
Song Guohua didn't stay long after his ridicule. He walked towards the door and said, "You should know how much public opinion will be triggered if Song Xuanhe resigns from the Song family. If I spread the news that he framed his cousin for taking drugs at this time, it will not only cause your status to decline, but also the stock of the Song family will plummet. Think about it carefully. Your son is unwilling to go to the Xiao family, but I am still willing to go. I will wait for your news."
Li Nian'an took Song Xuanhe to the pavilion beside the greenhouse and sat down. After the servants put the tea down and quietly left, she looked at Song Xuanhe with a complicated look: "Tell mom, is there a problem with your relationship with Xiao Yuanmu? He hurt your heart, so you want to go out and relax?"
Song Xuanhe had just taken a sip of tea when he heard Li Nian'an's words and choked a few times. After finally stopping his cough, he looked at Li Nian'an with a confused and puzzled look on his face: "What does my travel have to do with Xiao Yuanmu?"
"Don't hide it from mom." Li Nian'an looked at Song Xuanhe with an expression that said, "I know what you are thinking, don't say one thing and mean another," and said earnestly, "You are my son, how can I not know what you are thinking? You and Xiao Xiao clearly didn't break up before, but you said that you did. Now the Xiao family's invitation has been sent to your home, but you don't go. It's not that you are having a quarrel with Xiao Xiao. Mom knows that you must have your own reasons for being angry. Xiao Yuanmu must have done something to make you unhappy, but you are already this old. No matter how unhappy you are, you should find a way to solve the problem instead of avoiding it."
Hearing Li Nian'an's undisguised protective spirit of "It can't be my son's fault no matter what happens", Song Xuanhe couldn't help but laugh and cry. Thinking of the worry and complexity in Li Nian'an's eyes just now, she realized that she thought he wanted to leave the Song family and go out for a walk because he had a quarrel with Xiao Yuanmu.
"I didn't quarrel with him." After Song Xuanhe said this, he didn't know how to explain his current relationship with Xiao Yuanmu, let alone tell Li Nian'an the real reason why he wanted to leave. After thinking for a moment, he could only pick out some truths: "I opened a fashion design studio with a friend some time ago, and I want to go out and find some inspiration."
Li Nian'an was surprised for a moment, but her reason for being surprised was completely different from what Song Xuanhe thought: "You opened it for Xiao Yuanmu?"
Without waiting for Song Xuanhe's answer, Li Nian'an's eyes became more worried. "When mom went to your room before, she found an open notebook with many portraits drawn on it. You can tell who it is at a glance. There were also many clothing designs at the back. I knew at that time...you really fell in love with someone this time. And Xiao Yuanmu said in an interview with a magazine some time ago that he wanted to wear clothes designed by the person he liked. Is that why you decided to open a studio?"
Zhou Nan had read Xiao Yuanmu's interview several times in different ways before. Song Xuanhe felt uncomfortable after hearing it, let alone reading the content of the magazine, so he really didn't know whether Xiao Yuanmu had said in the magazine that he wanted to wear clothes designed by the person he liked.
Moreover, if we talk about the order of precedence, his studio came first and Xiao Yuanmu's interview came later. Even if Xiao Yuanmu was really involved, it was Xiao Yuanmu who said those words because he opened a studio, not him opening a studio because of Xiao Yuanmu's words.
However, he believed that no matter how he explained the first half of his words, Li Nian'an would not believe it. He also did not want to discuss with Li Nian'an whether he opened the studio first or Xiao Yuanmu said those words first in the second half of his words, because the order of precedence did not mean anything.
Song Xuanhe had a complicated expression. For the first time, he didn't know where to start or which sentence to refute.
However, Song Xuanhe's silence made Li Nian'an misunderstand. She felt that Song Xuanhe's current expression showed his discomfort and embarrassment, so she advised: "Hebao, listen to your mother, the most important thing in love is communication. Since you like Xiao Yuanmu and Xiao Yuanmu likes you, you should cherish this relationship and don't let a momentary temper or some minor conflicts lead to results that you will regret in the future..."
Song Xuanhe interrupted Li Nian'an and tried to change the subject: "Aren't you curious about when I learned to paint?"
"When?" Li Nian'an frowned again and said, "It's not important. What's important is that you are already this old. When you encounter problems, you should not avoid them, but solve them."
Song Xuanhe: …
Is this how you humans all talk? 】The system asked:【I feel like the content of your conversation doesn’t seem to be on the same channel. 】
Song Xuanhe also didn't understand why his desire to leave the Song family and go for a walk was linked to the problems between him and Xiao Yuanmu in Li Nian'an's eyes. He also had no idea what he had said that made Li Nian'an misunderstand that there was a problem in his relationship with Xiao Yuanmu and that it needed to be resolved.
Before Song Xuanhe could figure out how to bring the topic back and communicate smoothly, Li Nian'an decided to help him solve the problem: "Call Xiao Yuanmu now and explain everything clearly. Mom is listening."
Song Xuanhe: "...there is really nothing going on between Xiao Yuanmu and me."
Li Nian'an interrupted him and said firmly: "If you want to resign, you must make this call."
Song Xuanhe pursed his lips and compromised: "What should I say to him?"
"Tell me about your feelings for him. Long-distance relationships are most likely to have conflicts, but as long as you know that the other person still loves you, these conflicts can be easily resolved. Believe me, mother, most problems between lovers can be solved by just saying "I love you."
"Xiao Yuanmu and I are not..." in love.
Song Xuanhe maintained a stiff smile: "There is no problem between Xiao Yuanmu and me, you really think too much."
"Then make a phone call now." Li Nian'an said softly, "Be good, don't let mom worry about you. No matter what happened between you and Xiao Yuanmu, let mom know the situation, okay?"
[My data analysis cannot reveal any connection between your initial conversation and your current call to Xiao Yuanmu. According to my data analysis, there are sixty-four possible outcomes for your conversation, but the current outcome is not included. 】
Song Xuanhe said coldly while dialing the phone: [So your data needs to be updated. 】
It was past ten in the morning, US time. Xiao Yuanmu was usually in a meeting at this time, so Song Xuanhe had almost never called him at this time. When he called, he thought it would be best if Xiao Yuanmu was in a meeting and the call could not be connected. However, after just a few seconds of waiting, Xiao Yuanmu's clear voice came over: "Why are you calling at this time?"
Song Xuanhe didn't say anything, but looked at Li Nian'an helplessly. Li Nian'an smiled at him encouragingly and whispered, "Talk nicely."
Not hearing Song Xuanhe's voice, Xiao Yuanmu frowned slightly, waved his hand to signal Qiao not to speak, and waited quietly. However, after waiting for a long time, he still didn't hear Song Xuanhe's voice, only the sound of shallow breathing.
Xiao Yuanmu asked again: "What's wrong?"
Under Li Nian'an's gaze, Song Xuanhe felt more awkward than ever before. He couldn't think of anything to say for a moment, so he just found a random sentence to start with: "I want to tell you something..."
After saying the beginning, he didn't know what to say to Xiao Yuanmu, so he fell silent again.
Song Xuanhe's unprecedented hesitation made Xiao Yuanmu think a lot. The first thing he thought of was whether Song Xuanhe's call at this time was related to the Xiao family's banquet the day after tomorrow. He had said before that not allowing Song Xuanhe to attend the banquet was the best solution after fully considering the pros and cons. He also wanted to see Song Xuanhe more than anyone else, but now was not the right time, and it was not convenient to explain.
Or were Song Jiabao and Zhou Rong admitted to a drug rehabilitation center, and the Song Jiabao family and the Zhou family were using this matter to cause trouble for him?
Xiao Yuanmu quickly denied this speculation. He knew very well that Song Xuanhe would not be affected by these unimportant people in any way.
Could it be Wei Chen’s business?
Xiao Yuanmu tightened his grip on the phone. He had sent people to keep an eye on Zhou Rong after he learned that he had returned to the capital, but he was overseas. The people he hired were capable but no match for the local tyrants. Although they wouldn't lose Zhou Rong by following him, many things were hard to find out. It was not until later that Zhang Siwei sent people to keep a close eye on him that he didn't even know when Song Xuanhe knew Zhou Rong's motives and switched the things in his hands.
Moreover, the people who followed Song Xuanhe were only there to ensure his safety. Except for strangers appearing around him and things that might threaten his safety, they would not tell him everything about Song Xuanhe in detail. So by the time he knew that Song Xuanhe had contacted Zhou Rong, it was already too late. Zhang Siwei couldn't contact him at that time, and he couldn't get away, so he could only tell Guan Zhi about the matter and let him go to China. The people in the Guan family who secretly protected Guan Zhi were much more powerful than the people he placed around Song Xuanhe, and Song Xuanhe's safety was better guaranteed.
But no one expected that Song Xuanhe would directly dump Guan Zhi and meet Zhou Rong. The people who followed Song Xuanhe had already contacted Guan's bodyguards. Song Xuanhe's move disrupted their original plan. They didn't know what to do for a while. Moreover, the club was a membership-based one. No matter how high Guan Zhi's status was, he needed confirmation, and he couldn't get in for a while.
Finally, Guan Zhi heard that Song Xuanhe might be in danger, and for fear of delaying things, he asked Wei Chen for help, and the matter was finally resolved without any danger.
Wei Chen's appearance was completely unexpected, but there was no doubt that he protected Song Xuanhe's safety. Thinking of Guan Zhi's casual mention after he came back that Wei Chen seemed to treat Song Xuanhe differently from others, Xiao Yuanmu's eyes darkened.
Song Xuanhe didn't know that during the half minute of his silence, Xiao Yuanmu had been thinking about so many things in his mind. While he was still thinking about what to say, Xiao Yuanmu asked, "Has Wei Chen looked for you recently?"
"No." Song Xuanhe answered subconsciously, then asked curiously, "Why are you asking him suddenly?"
"Nothing." Xiao Yuanmu's cold and gloomy aura suddenly dissipated, and he calmly turned the topic to Song Xuanhe: "Why are you looking for me at this time? Is there something?"
Song Xuanhe didn't notice anything. When he heard him ask this, he couldn't help but look at Li Nian'an again. Li Nian'an looked at him with a smile on his face, with no intention of speaking.
"What are you doing?" Song Xuanhe made small talk.
"Look at some information."
Song Xuanhe raised his eyebrows. Before, if he asked Xiao Yuanmu what he was doing, he would briefly describe his work content. Although he would not disclose confidential information, he would definitely not be so perfunctory. This made him very curious about what information Xiao Yuanmu was reading.
However, even though he was curious, he knew very well that he and Xiao Yuanmu should not cross the invisible bottom line, so he just said: "If you have something to do, I won't..."
Before he could say anything, Li Nian'an's eyes swept over.
"I won't say so much, let me make it short." Song Xuanhe changed his words, his eyes turned, and said: "I plan to resign from Song's, what do you think?"
Li Nian'an looked up at Song Xuanhe.
Xiao Yuanmu was a little surprised, then he thought of Song Xuanhe's studio and said, "Because the studio is too busy?"
Song Xuanhe pursed his lips slightly and said in a lighter voice: "I just want to walk around and find some inspiration."
Xiao Yuanmu frowned slightly and was silent for a few seconds before asking, "Where do you want to go?"
"I don't know yet, let's go around." Song Xuanhe said, "Maybe we'll go to the United States. If you have time, maybe we can meet."
Xiao Yuanmu bent his fingers at his side, his slightly wrinkled brows relaxed, and he said with his jaw slightly tensed: "When."
Song Xuanhe laughed, looked at Li Nian'an and then looked away, saying, "Maybe in two months."
"Too long."
Song Xuanhe's eyes flickered slightly, and he smiled and said, "Maybe it won't take that long."
Xiao Yuanmu lowered his eyes and sighed softly, mixed with an inaudible sound: "I miss you so much."
Song Xuanhe paused, the smile on his face gradually faded, and he did not answer.
Li Nian'an opened his mouth and made some lip movements.
Song Xuanhe looked away, pretending not to understand.
Unable to hear Song Xuanhe's answer, Xiao Yuanmu's disappointment disappeared in an instant, and he said, "I am looking forward to October."
Something flashed across Song Xuanhe's eyes and he said, "I'm looking forward to it too."
Xiao Yuanmu's lips curled up slightly, then fell again as if thinking of something: "It's just that your model doesn't seem to be that good."
Song Xuanhe raised his eyebrows, glanced at Li Nian'an, and lowered his voice and said, "How do you know that my model is not good? I don't think I told you who my model is."
"Zhou Nan sent the photo of your studio model to Xiao Ranyun, and she sent it to me."
Song Xuanhe didn't believe it at all, and said leisurely: "I think it's not bad, those clothes suit him very well."
Xiao Yuanmu: "It's just that the person who is more suitable hasn't worn it yet."
"I haven't met anyone more suitable yet." Song Xuanhe curled his lips: "If there is, I hope he can be my exclusive model."
"You can hope for it."
Imagining what Xiao Yuanmu would look like wearing the clothes he designed, Song Xuanhe's eyes sparkled. He left the pavilion and walked towards the center of the garden, laughing softly, "I'll send the ready-made clothes to you after the fashion week is over."
Xiao Yuanmu responded with a low "OK" and stopped talking.
Silence spread, Song Xuanhe wanted to hang up the phone, but Li Nian'an sat beside him, looking at him and repeating the lip movements he had just made.
"Xiao Yuanmu." Song Xuanhe looked away and suddenly spoke.
Xiao Yuanmu's slightly drooping eyelashes moved, and he raised the last syllable of his voice and said "hmm".
"I kind of miss you, too."
Everyone in the conference room saw the boss' smile for the first time and their eyes widened in surprise.
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