Apart from greeting him at the very beginning of the tea party, Xue Mian did not speak to Song Xuanhe until the very end.
He chose to stay quietly by Mr McPhail’s side, smiling occasionally, yet not letting out a word. Though he had quit the entertainment industry, his spellbinding appearance and pleasant demeanor still drew eyes to himself.
It was evident just how much Mr McPhail liked him. He would always whisper a few words, explaining the jargon to the newbie Xue Mian, and could not even bother to hide his appreciation for the younger man. Everyone could tell just how much McPhail liked his collaborator.
Mr McPhail was a jewelry designer with an independent spirit. He had his own brand and rarely collaborated with his investors. This partnership with the Xue family had astonished his peers, and this was further deepened when everyone saw how much he and the Xue scion was getting along.
These masters were already at the top of their various specialties and were not concerned about the changes in family succession of some jewelry house, but if a fellow peer favored a junior, the story was completely different.
Many of the designers present at the tea party looked at Xue Mian with a far more amiable expression.
Song Xuanhe noticed this, but he didn’t care. Rather than squeezing into a small table for a conversation, he merely sat by the windowside drinking tea as he pondered in thought.
This sort of get-together was what he had dreamed of. Even at the start, there were some senior designers who were able to discuss ideas for design and construction with him and Feng Tong. If it was just a normal conversation, Song Xuanhe would have treated this opportunity to talk about fashion design and trends with his peers as a precious thing.
However, for the last few days, he could not put his heart into it.
For some reason, there was a great unease in his heart and he could not calm down.
Thoughts of the hidden meaning behind Xiao Yuanmu’s words in that afternoon, as well as that terminally long conversation Xiao Yuanmu had with Xiao Lin and that sombre expression he had… There had to be something behind it. But no matter how much he puzzled over his thoughts, he could not form a coherent train of deduction.
“Mr. Song.”
Song Xuanhe was brought to the present when someone called his name, and raised his head to meet a foreign face.
The person gave a friendly smile, and pointed to the table at the center of the tea party, before quietly whispering, “I recall that you were the one to bid for Mr McPhail’s cufflinks. The master is looking for you now.”
Song Xuanhe followed the direction he was pointing to, and found a smiling Mr McPhail looking at him. Besides that, familiar faces such as Feng Tong, Bai Mo and Jiang Deyi along with the already present Xue Mian were there.
“Did you wear those cufflinks?” The person scanned his sleeves and found nothing before reminding him, “My friend, you are able to attend Mr McPhail’s tea party because of those cufflinks. By not wearing those cufflinks, I’m afraid you’re not being respectful to the master.”
Knowing that the person’s intentions were kind, Song Xuanhe thanked him calmly, and then said, “The cufflinks are on the person that suits them best, I believe Mr McPhail would understand.”
The visitor inclined his head. “Mr McPhail has always been gentle and friendly, he will understand.”
Song Xuanhe put down his tea and stood up, before heading to Mr McPhail. As he approached the table, he was able to take in the expressions of the people surrounding the master.
The corner of his mouth further dipped into a smile as he stopped in front of the table. “Mr McPhail.”
“Hello, Mr. Song.” Mr McPhail greeted Song Xuanhe with a casual grin and invited him to sit down. “I heard that you won the auction for my cufflinks. To tell you the truth, this was one of the most satisfactory pieces I have ever worked on, and I have struggled with putting it up for auction. For it to arrive in your hands, I could not think of a more deserving person. ”
Song Xuanhe’s eyes revealed his undisguised admiration and respect with how clear they were. “Among all the things I have bidded for, this pair of cufflinks are my favorite.”
Mr McPhail’s smile grew deeper at this. “Child, can you let me see my pair of cufflinks again?”
Song Xuanhe’s gaze swept over the worried Feng Tong, the frowning Xue Mian, as well as the eager Bai Mo and Jiang Deyi. He shook his head, “I’m afraid not, Mr McPhail, that pair of cufflinks are not on me. ”
“I didn’t expect Mr. Song to cherish his favorite works so much. But he didn’t bring them to a tea party hosted by its creator. ” Bai Mo laughed and said, “I think there may be some misunderstanding, and you simply forgot about it. Or perhaps these clothes that you are currently wearing don’t suit those cufflinks. These are all good reasons.”
The smile on Master McPhail’s face remained unchanged, as if he didn’t hear what Bai Mo said. He continued to ask Song Xuanhe. “Can you tell me the reason, child?”
Song Xuanhe nodded, the delight in his eyes flickering like broken diamonds with a faint glimmer. “Those cufflinks are on the person I love the most. He adores them. ”
Mr McPhail fell silent at his words. After a few seconds, he raised his hand to pat Song Xuanhe’s arms, and said, “I hope that the one who received the pair of cufflinks would also receive my blessing when I designed them. ”
“What blessing?” Song Xuanhe asked.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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Song Xuanhe was taken aback, and met Feng Tong’s surprised eyes. Afraid that Song Xuanhe would refuse, Feng Tong silently pleaded with him to quickly show Feng Tong was afraid that Song Xuanhe would refuse, so he silently urged Song Xuanhe to quickly show that sketch to Mr McPhail.
“Of course I can.”
Feng Tong was worried over nothing. Song Xuanhe would never reject a leading expert in design from giving a few pointers.
Mr McPhail’s eyes lit up as he held up the sketch and there appeared to be surprise creeping across his face. He raised his head, and announced, “If you gentlemen don’t mind, I want to chat with Mr. Song alone.”
Xue Mian chuckled obligingly, and responded, “I happen to want to go over there for a drink, is there anyone going with me?”
Feng Tong came to his senses and hurriedly followed his call.
Bai Mo and Jiang Deyi looked at each other, gave Song Xuanhe a cold look, and then left.
This was originally a tea party meant for an exchange of ideas for creative expression to flow. Many items were put on display for a group to discuss, and there was no need to send anyone away.
So after they left, Song Xuanhe glanced at Mr McPhail with suspicion.
Mr McPhail simply beamed at him again, but gave no explanation for this strange behavior. Instead, he asked about Song Xuanhe’s inspiration for this sketch.
“I’ve seen the stream of your first show. It’s inspirational and creative, especially your use of color. But this seems different from your previous design. Could you tell me more about it?”
Song Xuanhe drew his attention back to his designs, and started to explain his thoughts to Mr McPhail.
This discussion lasted for more than an hour, and even after the tea party had ended, the two of them were still not done. Mr McPhail had even pulled some friends who came to chatter in the middle, and introduced Song Xuanhe to them. One of them was an international luxury designer and was intrigued by Song Xuanhe’s designs, and the two also exchanged contact information.
When the tea party ended, Song Xuanhe had benefited from the conversation.
As dinner time approached, the tea party’s guests left one after another, and only a few of Master McPhail’s old friends were asked to stay back to accompany him.
Because of the pleasant conversation just now, Song Xuanhe had received the invitation as well, but he still tactfully chose to decline.
Hearing his refusal, Xue Mian, who was standing next to Master McPhail, was a little nonplussed. He had initially thought that Song Xuanhe had set up his design studio as a side hobby, but this afternoon had changed his mind.
He could see that Song Xuanhe was very talented in this field. Several masters were favorably inclined towards him, and Song Xuanhe was evidently treasured this opportunity. Thus, Xue Mian had accepted that Song Xuanhe would agree to Mr McPhail’s invitation.
So what if Xiao Yuanmu comes back today? Xue Mian believed that Song Xuanhe did not prioritize Xiao Yuanmu over this.
But, he was wrong again.
Song Xuanhe’s answer to Master McPhail was: “Because I haven’t seen the person wearing your cufflinks for thirty-two hours, and I can’t wait to see him.”
Upon hearing his answer, Mr McPhail and several other masters laughed. Young love! It was always a pleasure to hear of it.
“I wish you a good night.”
After Song Xuan said goodbye, he was about to leave the venue but was stopped by Xue Mian before he could walk out of the garden.
Though he was flummoxed, he stopped.
Xue Mian strode quickly to Song Xuanhe, pointed towards a table at the far side of the garden, and said, “Let’s talk.”
“I don’t think there is anything between us that needs to be said.” Song Xuanhe refused, “But thank you for your efforts today.”
Song Xuanhe knew that Mr McPhail must have invited him because of Xue Mian. Though he was aware that he had some talent and the conversation today was interesting, he knew that he alone was not worth the eye of someone who had come across many young talents in his experience.
Moreover, Mr McPhail did not invite him to dinner during their long chat session, but did so after a conversation with Xue Mian.
“You don’t need to thank me.” Xue Mian replied. “Mr McPhail admired you very much, and it was only a sentence from me. Not to mention I have my own motivation for this.”
Song Xuanhe looked towards him, but did not say a word.
The corners of Xue Mian’s mouth twitched as he cast his gaze away. “You like Xiao Yuanmu more than I imagined, but have you ever thought about whether you can really go on?”
“This is our business.” Song Xuanhe said lightly.
“Of course.” Xue Mian gave a slight mocking laugh. “This has never been my business. Don’t worry, I have already figured it out.”
“Whether you think it through or not won’t affect us.” Song Xuanhe glanced at the time, turned around and excused himself. “If you have nothing else, I’ll leave first.”
Xue Mian looked at Song Xuanhe’s back and questioned, “Do you know why Xiao Yuanmu went to Country F?”
Song Xuanhe paused. “I will find out tonight.”
“I don’t think you will get the answer.” Xue Mian gave another laugh, but this time his eyes betrayed a tinge of regret and bitterness.
“What do you mean by that?” Song Xuanhe twisted on his heel, only to see Xue Mian’s back.
Back at the apartment, a greater unease silently enveloped Song Xuanhe’s heart. From time to time, he looked up at the ticking of their hanging clock, and the corner of his mouth tightened.
As it slipped from five to seven p.m. , the skies changed from a breezy blue to a somber grey. The neon lights of City Y lit up little by little, and the town grew bright as if it continued to be daytime.
[Xiao Yuanmu is back.]
The system’s voice suddenly sprang back to life. Song Xuanhe, immersed in his thoughts, came back to his senses in a daze. He looked up at the wall clock— twenty-five past seven.
As the system spoke, Xiao Huang, who had been lying on the carpet suddenly raised his head, pricked up his ears and looked towards the door. Within a second, he jumped up excitedly, wagging his tail happily and ran towards the exit.
The mechanical sound of the elevator door gave a light chime, and the squeak of leather shoes on marble followed. Xiao Huang jumped up, scratching his nails against the floor.
Song Xuanhe’s eyes lit up as they met Xiao Yuanmu’s own.
“I’m back.” Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes curved. Though his face was pale from his exhaustion, his grin was filled with warmth.
Song Xuanhe got up and examined Xiao Yuanmu. With a sigh of relief, the heavy weight in his heart fell to the side, and he grinned. “Have you had dinner yet?”
Xiao Yuanmu looked back. “I brought some ingredients back.”
Yang Jie had followed him. The former greeted Song Xuanhe before going into the kitchen, placing the bundle of groceries down, before staring silently at Xiao Yuanmu.
“Go back.” Xiao Yuanmu said calmly as he gazed towards him.
Yang Jie opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something, but in the end not a word crept out. He bent down to rub Xiao Huang’s head, before leaving as ordered.
Song Xuanhe felt his apprehension return, and smirked. “Did Yang Jie do something wrong? He couldn’t even meet my eyes even in the same room.”
“I want to transfer him back home.” Xiao Yuanmu meticulously unbuttoned his shirt, and continued, “He doesn’t want to.”
“Why?” Song Xuanhe followed him into the kitchen, with an eager Xiao Huang trailing behind him. “His family should be in China.”
“Yeah.” Xiao Yuanmu paused as he rolled his sleeves up. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Song Xuanhe arranging the ingredients. His eyes dimmed, and he pulled his sleeves back down. “His mother is alone in the country.”
“But with Yang Jie away, who will take his place?” Song Xuanhe asked.
“For the time being, it’s Joe.” Xiao Yuan murmured.
Song Xuanhe stopped the motion of placing the groceries back into the ridge, closed the door, and peered into Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes. “Is there something you are hiding from me?”
“What can it be?”
“This time you went to Country F not because of the Xiao family.” Song Xuanhe grabbed Xiao Yuanmu’s hand, pulled him out of the kitchen, and walked to the study. “Talk.”
Xiao Yuanmu let the other drag him along and stuck to him obediently. He had ducked his head and Song Xuanhe was unable to make out his expression.
When they were in, Song Xuanhe closed the door behind them, and let go of Xiao Yuanmu’s hand.
“You said before that you would not lie to me.” Song Xuanhe looked into Xiao Yuanmu’s eyes, “I believe in you.”
Xiao Yuanmu’s fingers curled imperceptibly, and he started to mess around with his cuffs, revealing his muscular forearms beneath.
Song Xuanhe’s eyes rested on those fidgeting hands, before turning away. “Xiao Yuanmu, why did you go to Country F this time?”
“Something personal.”
“About what?” Song Xuanhe asked, “Since it’s a personal matter, why didn’t you tell me before?”
Xiao Yuanmu took a step forward and embraced Song Xuanhe, propping his head on the other’s shoulder. “I’m so tired.” He said quietly.
Song Xuanhe paused, swallowed his words down, and enveloped the other in his arms.
“When the time is right, I’ll tell you everything.” Xiao Yuanmu buried his face into Song Xuanhe’s shoulder, his voice dull and subdued. “Don’t ask me now, okay?”
After more than ten seconds of silence, Song Xuanhe genially agreed. “Okay.”
Xiao Yuanmu went back to the kitchen to cook, as usual, but Song Xuanhe had no appetite for the first time.
“How was Mr McPhail’s tea party today?” Xiao Yuanmu asked, putting down his chopsticks.
“Awesome.” Song Xuanhe went into the living room and dug about for the design sketch before giving it to Xiao Yuanmu. “This is the draft I rushed out in the past few days. I’ve fine tuned the details, but the material and the measurements are already fixed. Mr McPhail likes this very much.”
Xiao Yuanmu beheld the sketch in hand. “When will it be made?”
“At the autumn and winter fashion week?” Song Xuanhe suggested. “It may be later. I’ve already confirmed the autumn/winter collection, and this appears to conflict with what I planned, so I don’t think it’s suitable to put it in. It could be a long time before the finished product is actually released.”
“Is this designed for me?” Xiao Yuanmu raised his eyes and slowly blinked.
Song Xuanhe fell silent. His eyes turned into crescent slits. “Every piece is designed for you.”
Xiao Yuanmu met Song Xuanhe’s unabashedly loving eyes, and a smile wafted into existence across his face. He looked at the design sketch in his hand again, and hinted, “I want this suit. Custom and tailor-made, just for me.”
“Before next week.” Xiao Yuanmu asked, “Can you do it?”
Song Xuanhe frowned. “It’s still a bit hot to wear this outfit now.”
“The temperature will drop soon.” Xiao Yuanmu argued his case.
Song Xuanhe could only compromise: “You should be glad that I don’t have any more work during this period. But I don’t have any tools, I have to…”
“I’ll have someone deliver it.”
😭😭😭 THANK YOU for the chapter!!!!!
i just checking out cg website when i saw rmle update and i. am. shocked.
login to this account so that i can leave comment here. idk if you’re picking this up or just translating some chapter, but thank you very much for translating this chapter🙏🙏
It’s finished 😇. Thanks for leaving a comment here! All extras are going to be completed!
AAAAAAAA FINALLY !! THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS CHAPTER (╥﹏╥)
Thank you for picking this up 😊❤️
Was just checking my Notifications if there was an update on that one tl that I’m currently obsessed with then saw… RMLE! QWQ I’ve forgotten! I’m thinking of rereading it…. But it’s such a hassle! So many chapters!
Then wait until all the extras are completed? Procastinate then!
QAQ! kuiqe is a bad influence!
Master, after 3 weeks I am back!
I stumbled with upon your other project here in CG, I hope you can translate some more, cause the ones you pick up are always so good~
I also thought that it was a lot to reread… But once you get back to it it’ll all be gone in a flash. 🥲
Chapter 70-ish rn, the memories are flashing before my eyes
Omg, thank you for the update!! Omg omg omg. 😭😭😭
Cmon!!!! I have a big feeling Mumu is about to propose!!! Marriage arc cmon cmon!
Ty for the chapter! 🌸
with the way that this is going I have a feeling that mumu is about to propose lol i felt this way when SXH thought mumu was hiding something from him this confirm my suspicions a little more still not too sure tho 🙃
Thank you for picking this up! Barely remember the plot, but still good!
HAHAHA did XYM ask XM’s company for the ring designs? 😂😂😂
wedding suit? (i am being delusional)
He met the biggest fish! Good for you SXH! (=^w6=)/
Thank You for the chapter ʚ♡⃛ɞ(ू•ᴗ•ू❁)