Chapter 34 – Two Dumbfounded Faces

Ou Yu's declaration at the banquet quickly spread among the upper class circles. Many people thought that Ou Yu had gone crazy to give his entire industry –which he had exhausted himself for and put his blood, sweat and tears into for twenty years –to his woman and son, but leave nothing for himself. What other reason could there be if not losing his mind?

However, to another group of people, Mu Rou and Mu Ziwen had become objects of envy. Having riches and honour wasn't all it was cracked up to be, the saying 'men go bad with money' wasn't without merit. For the sake of gaining the family property, most sons had to curry favour with their father, while fighting a battle of wits with illegitimate children from the outside at the same time. Even if they weren't living with trepidation, they still had to watch their step.

Meanwhile, Mu Ziwen didn't even need to say anything and his father handed everything to him on his own initiative, shocking many proud Sons of Heaven to their core. Malice inevitably grew inside them when they compared their own rat race situation to Mu Ziwen's, and they mused that with Mu Ziwen's capabilities, it surely wouldn't take long for him to bankrupt the large industry he inherited from his father.

These malicious conjectures were able to ease their hearts greatly. But in the end, that was all they could do—console themselves with this Ah Q1 mentality. Who made them lack a good father?

But a few days after the banquet ended, another piece of information quickly swept over the upper circles—President Ou's son was autistic. Could someone like that manage such a large company?

Jokes, ridicule, and shocked remarks spread like wildfire. This comedy of errors seemed even more brilliant than the annual Beijing opera. For a time, countless eyes watched Ou Yu and his family like a hawk, wondering what they would do.

However, the family those onlookers wanted to watch simply couldn't care less about them at that moment. Since Ou Yu could issue such an audacious declaration, how could he not consider the ramifications at all? After announcing who the successor of his inheritance would be, he immediately took a week of leave for his son, doing his best not to let the opinions of outsiders affect him.

Once he thoroughly settled this affair, no one would gossip in his son's presence anymore. As for the future?

His son would definitely recover, no doubt about it. He was 100% confident about this fact. Mu Ziwen had him for a father, AnAn as his mother, and a friend like Qin An. Even Feng Qi could be factored in. Papa Ou reluctantly thought, with so many people working together to help him, how could his son not recover?

What a joke!

Now he needed to solve an immediate problem.

"AnAn, you and our son don't have to go. I'll make myself clear to the old fogey and won't let anyone disturb you two from now on." Ou Yu pulled at his shirt collar and said gently to Mu Rou and Hao Ritian.

The old fogey he spoke of was his father. But one could tell from how he wasn't even willing to call him 'father' that the two of them weren't close. In fact, after Ou Yu was disowned twenty years ago, his relationship with his parents was considered completely broken off.

For so many years, Old Master Ou had been living with his eldest son's family, but Ou Yu never took the initiative to visit him. Ou Yu could be incredibly gentle and he could also be extremely unfeeling. When he was unfeeling, he never allowed himself to be bound by blood ties or morality.

It was only because the relationship between Ou Yu and his eldest brother's family had been good over the years, that Old Master Feng thought his son was still under his control. In reality, he alone couldn't, or wouldn't, see the facts.

This time, the old master had ordered Ou Yu's attendance in a fit of rage. However, the old master had lost his authority as a father over Ou Yu a long time ago. If Ou Yu wanted to hear what he said, then he would listen. But if he didn't, then no one could force him. Ou Yu could guess why the old fogey was looking for him now.

Being able to attain his present success, Ou Yu was a person no one dared to belittle. Though his inheritance announcement had been genuine and sincere, it incidentally served an additional function, which was now already appearing.

—He had never mentioned that his son had autism and had only just found him, so why would others be so bored as to investigate his son?

Ou Yu had found someone to watch Ou Siyang as early as after the banquet ended, and, as it turned out, he truly was linked to the spreading rumors. Furthermore, even though his eldest brother wasn't directly involved in the matter, he tactically approved of it, which meant Ou Yu couldn't ignore him any longer.

He was willing to go to his Elder Brother Ou's house today, not because he was obediently following the old master's orders, but so he could break it off with Elder Brother Ou's Family and get answers. Even if he wanted to make a move, Ou Yu thought it beneath him to plot against them in the dark. He would rather let them know flat-out.

There was no need for his wife and child to come with him. If they did, they would be targeted, and since it was no longer necessary for him to maintain superficial friendliness, why should he let his wife and child face their malice?

Hence, his current act of conciliation.

With a look of determination, however, Mu Rou refused, "No, Ziwen can stay home, I'll go with you."

It wasn't that she didn't believe in Ou Yu. Quite the opposite. Everything Ou Yu had done had been more than enough to gain her trust. She simply wanted to face his relatives with him. Since the two of them were a right and proper married couple, naturally she should stand shoulder to shoulder with him.

Ou Yu sighed with both happiness and annoyance when he looked into Mu Rou's eyes, which pleaded with him not to refuse her, "Fine. Since you insist, we'll go together. It won't take long and we'll be back soon."

He couldn't be more clear about Mu Rou's stubbornness. Now that she had expressed her stance, it was useless for him to try and persuade her. It was better to agree and, when the moment came, protect her more closely. Alas, he didn't expect his AnAn not to have changed much over the years.

—It would have been more convincing if his lips hadn't been curling up so high as he was thinking that.

As for Hao Ritian, he currently didn't have any right of speech. So, he just silently watched the couple make decisions and after asking him to stay home and wait for their return, the two of them left the house side by side.

Hao Ritian, "…"

He, a big living person, was ignored? Just like that?

This was really a novel experience to him. He held his forehead as if in pain. What was he going to do now?

Having autism meant he couldn't act as he wanted. With that thought, he became especially expectant of the next world. With a mental disorder, he could let himself go however he wanted and it would still be perfectly justifiable. He couldn't wait!

System, "…"

It originally saw that the host's task had been progressing smoothly, and almost relaxed. It turned out he was just waiting for it here? It almost wished that this world would end a little more slowly.

In fact, the host's task completion efficiency was very high and, compared to his other contemporary systems, it hardly needed to worry about the task. However, the host's personality was also extremely hard to deal with. At that moment, its mood was the same as Papa Ou's was before. It was both happy and annoyed!

Just as Hao Ritian was worrying about what to do, his phone suddenly rang.

He pulled the phone out and glanced at it. To his surprise, it was Feng Qi.

Why, the fun has come to his door on its own accord. To him, so long as there was something to do, he could always find pleasure in it.

Urged by the ringing, he accepted the phone call but hung up after a few words.

With a shadow of a smile on his face, Hao Ritian opened a mobile game and sat on the sofa, swinging his legs as he waited to be picked up.

When Feng Qi arrived, he saw Hao Ritian sitting cross-legged on the sofa, his fingers pressing his phone non-stop, looking absolutely engrossed. He made his footsteps light as he walked over to him and suddenly picked him up from the sofa.

The frightened boy subconsciously clung firmly onto him. His hands and feet wrapped around his body and his eyes were frightened and panicked when he raised his head. After seeing that it was Feng Qi, he was no longer panicked but felt shy about his posture and said, "Uncle Feng, put me down."

See, wasn't this spontaneously finding fun from the beginning? He had originally been sitting properly on the sofa when he suddenly wanted to test this idea, so he took off his shoes and sat cross-legged on the sofa. Feng Qi really was a divine assistant; just as he expected, Feng Qi had come and the two of them were engaging intimately again, allowing him to use this chance to become more reliant and close to Feng Qi. Wasn't this perfect?!

Feng Qi laid one hand on Hao Ritian's waist and the other on his bottom. He was quite pleased with their position and the feeling of holding someone in his arms was very enjoyable. His fierce eyes narrowed, which toned down the sharpness in him, making him seem gentler.

Not only did he not put Hao Ritian down, he also stooped down to grab the shoes Hao Ritian took off and then carried him out, holding him like a child all the while.

Hao Ritian's face burned up from shame. His mobile game was still blaring out noise but he buried his face in Feng Qi's neck and didn't dare to move. His little ostrich-like attitude made Feng Qi chuckle. "Shy?"

Hao Ritian didn't speak, he just held him tighter, portraying the feeling of shyness brilliantly. Inwardly, however, he snickered. If this guy wasn't interested in him, then he'll live broadcast himself eating shit! In any case, a man who was interested in him was exactly what he needed. So, not only would he not reject him, he was even going to give his full cooperation.

Feng Qi cheerily carried Hao Ritian all the way to where his car was parked, and then bent down to place him directly on the passenger's seat. Afterwards, he handed Hao Ritian his shoes, leaving him to silently put them on. After Feng Qi sat on driver's seat, he blushingly asked him, "Where are you taking me, Uncle Feng?"

Feng Qi rubbed his head and as the car started, replied with a smile, "Somewhere to sell you."

Hao Ritian, "…"

Do you have nothing to do but break my balls?!

Feng Qi looked at his unconsciously widened round eyes and laughed again. The car had already backed out and during this time, he could hardly count the number of times he had laughed.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Feng Qi saw Wenwen look wrongfully at him and finally stopped teasing him. "Aren't your parents away? I'll take you out for a ride, and then we'll go to my house. My family's old master is a good chess player. Wenwen, how about you bring him down a peg or two and show him how formidable you are?"

Didn't this have the same rhythm as meeting the parents?

Hao Ritian, of course, felt that this was great, but Mu Ziwen shouldn't be feeling that way so soon. The thing people with autism abstained from the most was change; only when staying in familiar territories did he have a sense of security. When they had moved from their rented apartment to the Ou House, he had needed a long time to get adjusted before he stopped becoming restless with anxiety. Now that he suddenly had to go to Feng Qi's house, Mu Ziwen ought to be…

Hao Ritian's originally rosy face paled without warning, and his eyes flashed uneasily. All ten fingers of his intertwined, wringing together tightly, while his formerly straight body curled up a bit. Even the blind would notice there was something wrong with him, let alone Feng Qi who had terrifyingly keen observation skills. It was impossible for him to not notice.

The car had just driven into the villa district's main road when Feng Qi first noticed Hao Ritian's oddness and stopped by the road side. He leaned over Hao Ritian and gripped his chin to make him look directly into his eyes. "You don't want to go?"

He could certainly think up the reasons why, however his occupation was special. It was difficult to find free time, and time to interact with Wenwen like this was limited as well. Therefore, he hoped he could bring Wenwen out of his shell in their limited time of interaction.

He had debated over whether his actions would have the opposite effect, but he consulted a psychologist, describing the specific circumstances to the doctor in detail, and after some consideration, the doctor believed that his method was recommendable.

Since someone inevitably had to take Wenwen out, he rather that person be him.

Hao Ritian looked down without saying anything, not daring to look Feng Qi in the eyes. The previously light atmosphere disappeared, becoming heavy.

They stayed in a deadlock for a moment. Then Feng Qi sighed, causing Hao Ritian to subconsciously stiffen. He cautiously looked up at Feng Qi, but caught his tolerant gaze and unconsciously stared blankly at him.

"Don't be afraid, alright? There are no outsiders in my house. Just consider it your own home and Uncle Feng will be with you. Don't you like chess? You just have to play with the old master when we get there. There's nothing to worry about." Feng Qi leaned closer to Hao Ritian. He watched his long eyelashes flutter as he blinked and couldn't help but drop a light kiss on the corner of his eye.

By the time, the car started again, Hao Ritian had calmed down, but his white cheeks had been once again dyed pink. When the car passed by Ou Siyang's house, he subconsciously glanced at it, though naturally he didn't see anyone.

Music was playing in the car. From time to time, Feng Qi would check Hao Ritian's mood, and after noticing that he was listening quite intently to the music and was no longer so keyed up, Feng Qi finally relaxed.

After leaving the city centre, a look came over Feng Qi's face and he suddenly sped up, barreling down the road. He thought that boys at this age might be interested in exciting activities like street racing and wanted to test it out. Moreover, he was driving a military Jeep. It was especially impressive when it raced and when coupled with his high driving skills, it gave one the illusion that they were flying.

Once the Jeep started burning rubber, Feng Qi paid closer attention to the changes in Hao Ritian's expressions, so that he could slow down as soon as possible if by any chance he was scared. After a while of observation, he found that, as expected, boys his age all liked excitement.

Although his expression still appeared wooden, the twinkle in his eyes and the flush on his cheeks had completely gave his true emotions away. Feng Qi smiled and, under his control, the Jeep shot forward like an arrow from its bow. Yet he didn't forget to warn Hao Ritian, "Give me a shout if you get scared."

Hao Ritian, scared?

From that point on, until the car had almost reached the military compound, not once did he shout. However, the look on his face was bright, carrying an exuberant expression that a boy his age ought to have, satisfying Feng Qi to no end.

Hao Ritian felt a change in the atmosphere immediately after their car entered the military compound. They had even needed to go through an inspection when they came in, a process which made people feel involuntarily unnerved. How could Mu Ziwen, as a person with autism who hadn't seen much of the world, have no reaction?

Although he didn't say a word, his bright expression gradually vanished, his body language unconsciously expounding on the changes in his emotions. Feng Qi had no way around this. After all, the old master's identity was precious and most of the people who lived in this military compound were the country's government dignitaries. So it was natural for the level of defense to be high and for everyone who came in to have to undergo detailed interrogation.

But he would get used to it after coming over several times more.

Feng Qi didn't say much. He just reached his hand out to cover Hao Ritian's head. A sort of silent consolation to him.

When Feng Qi and Hao Ritian had finally arrived at the house, the old master was reading a newspaper with his glasses on. When he heard noises, he looked up and put down the newspaper in his hands. His eyes fell on Hao Ritian, "Which family's child is this?"

His tone was warm.

Although the old master was said to be an imposing man who had been on the battlefield and carried guns, after retiring and self-cultivating for several years, his whole temperament had softened. He carried with him the gentleness and love for children that old people at his age usually had. Inside, the old master was actually surprised that his youngest son had suddenly brought a child over, but didn't show it on his face.

Of course, there was also the fact that this child had clear and pleasing eyes. When one reached the old master's age, they were always more tolerant with the younger generation.

Hao Ritian, however, was a little apprehensive. He subconsciously stood closer to Feng Qi, and with frantic eyes, nearly reached out to grab Feng Qi tightly with his little claws.

Feng Qi caged his shoulder with one hand and led him to the old man. He smoothly explained, "This is Ou Yu's son, Mu Ziwen. You can just call him Ziwen."

Without adding that last sentence, he was afraid that the old master would directly call him 'Wenwen'. That wouldn't do. 'Wenwen' belonged exclusively to him.

The old master put aside his newspaper and was just about to speak when Hao Ritian bowed 90 degrees and spoke in a voice as small as a mosquito, "Hello, Grandpa Feng."

Grandpa, Grandpa, Grandpa…

That one word looped endlessly in Feng Qi's mind and his face stiffened for a second. He didn't think much when Wenwen called him 'Uncle', but it felt rather strange when he called his father 'Grandpa'.

Even though according to the normal way of addressing people, there was absolutely nothing wrong with 'Grandpa', Feng Qi's eyebrows twitched, it still doesn't feel good. However, when he saw how nervous Wenwen was—

Forget, Grandpa it is. They can talk about this again later.

"Hello, hello! Here, Ziwen, is it? Such a clever boy. Come and sit here." The old master was already greeting him with a smile.

Meanwhile, Hao Ritian had already been dragged over by Feng Qi. He glanced nervously at Feng Qi, then uneasily at the old master, looking as though he was afraid of provoking their dislike. His behaviour made those who saw him feel fondness for him.

Feng Qi knew how to relieve his tension. After sitting him down next to the old master, he took out the chess set that the old master frequently used and said with a smile, "Dad, don't judge Wenwen for being young, he's quite good at chess. Here, you two can play some games and you can see Wenwen's skills."

The old master immediately replied with delight, "Really? Hurry up and get the chessboard. I'll play a few games with Ziwen."

However, Hao Ritian was dumbfounded. Dad?

The old master was actually Feng Qi's father. He didn't know much about Feng Qi's family background—after all, he didn't really care about matters unrelated to the task. As a result, he had now made a fool of himself. The person he believed to be Feng Qi's grandfather was actually his father. Exm?

Luckily, he had only thought about it in his mind, otherwise he would be really embarrassed.

Feng Qi mistook his blank expression for nervousness and helplessly shook his head. He pushed him so he and the old master would sit on either side of the chessboard, then sat beside Hao Ritian.

Once all the pieces were in place, Hao Ritian finally came back to his senses.

The old master appeared very happy. He said directly to Hao Ritian, "You're young, you go first."

Since they had already come to this, Hao Ritian had no other choice but to go with the flow and take the first step.

30 minutes later, the first game hadn't even ended yet but the old master's interest had been piqued. He threw himself into it at that moment and became absorbed in the game, treating Hao Ritian like an equal opponent.

Maybe when one was lacking in a certain aspect, God made up for it in another area. Like Mu Ziwen. Despite being autistic, his mind was remarkably bright and he had the enthusiasm to study hard. Because of his love for chess, he bought many professional books to study it and played countless games online. In terms of ability, he definitely wasn't weak.

Hao Ritian didn't abandon this ability after crossing over, and often switched between two kinds of thought patterns to play against himself. So he had been able to use this skill with ease.

Now that he had met his match with the old master, he was extremely high-spirited as well. After all, playing against himself all the time could get boring sometimes. So it was always exciting to find an evenly matched opponent.

The young and old pair were entirely engrossed. Feng Qi smiled. He decided not to disturb them and quietly got up to make tea water.

As a result, no sooner had Feng Qi left, than the old master excitedly exclaimed, "Check."

He lifted his head to look at Hao Ritian, with an expression that said victory was in his grasp. He thought to himself, the old ginger is hotter than young ginger. He's going to win this round for sure.

Hao Ritian stared at the chessboard earnestly. Then after a while, he silently moved a piece. He didn't say anything, he just looked at the old master with twinkling eyes.

The old master looked down and his face immediately collapsed. His originally victorious situation had actually been reversed. He regarded it for a long time but couldn't find an opportunity to turn the tide. Finally, he had no other choice but to grudgingly say, "I've lost."

Though he lost, he didn't look devastated. Instead he was even more excited.

"Another round." How could one game be enough to satisfy him? The old master signaled to Hao Ritian to prepare for another round, and Hao Ritian didn't object. After all, he also thought this fierce game was delightful and fun.

But just as he was about to arrange the chess pieces, the old master suddenly said, "Wait a minute."

Hao Ritian looked at the old master with bemusement. Because the two of them had played a round of chess, he was no longer nervous when facing the old master like in the beginning. The old master smiled mysteriously. "Wait for me."

Afterwards, he got up and left, but soon came back with a small wooden chest in his arms.

The old master sat down, then opened the small wooden chest. He carefully took out his treasures from inside the chest and showed them off to Hao Ritian. "These are the treasures I've collected. I seldomly use them, but I think using one with you now would be very fitting."

It would just be a waste to use his treasures with people with bad chess skills. However, Hao Ritian's strength had obtained his acknowledgement so he was willing to take his darlings out for them to use.

He picked up the two chess sets for Hao Ritian to see. With pride in his voice, he stroked his beard and magnanimously said to him, "One set is first-rate incense wood and the other is first-rate red sandalwood. What do you think? We'll continue with whichever one you like."

Hao Ritian examined the two chess sets. The chess pieces were very radiant and he could even smell faint fragrances on the surface of the boards. Regardless of whether it was the incense wood or the red sandalwood, they were both worth collecting. He could tell from how the old master cherished them that he loved these chess sets. By how he was willing to take them out for him to use, it seemed that the old master really liked him.

Just as he thought that, he saw the old master's expression change. He said with anger, "Actually, there's also a chess set made of white jade, but that stinky boy, Feng Qi, stole it and gave it away to somebody. If he hadn't, I could've shown it to you."

Hao Ritian, "…"

When he didn't hear a reply, the old master looked at Hao Ritian. He saw awkwardness, embarrassment and uneasiness –all sorts of complex emotions –mixed together on his face. Suddenly, he was confused.

Hao Ritian was simply dumbfounded. What the hell is this? How would he know that the white jade chess Feng Qi gave him was actually stolen from the old master? He was practically going to explode on the spot.

When he met the old master's puzzled gaze, no matter how embarrassed he was, he still summoned up the courage to say in a small voice, "I've seen that white jade chess set before."

"Hm?"

"Uncle Feng gave me that white jade chess set." He truly felt off-the-charts ashamed after saying that. The treasure his son stole was actually given to him, the old master must be about to explode too.

Old Master Feng, "…"

It was now his turn to be dumbfounded. He had asked that stinky boy if he had given the chess set to his future daughter-in-law and he didn't deny it. But now this lovely child was saying his stinky son had given the white jade chess set to him. Who could tell him what was going on?

The two dumbfounded people sat facing each other. For a while, no one could say anything. It was at that moment that Feng Qi finished making the tea and carried them over. He took in the old and young ones' dumbfounded expressions.

Feng Qi, "???"

Hadn't they just been getting along? What happened?