Su Lian worriedly watched on as Chen Kai silently moved around the room, changed into casual clothes then fell onto the bed. She couldn’t figure it out fully but she knew he wasn’t in a good mood.
Giving him some peace, she followed his lead in changing into casual clothes and then accompanied him on the bed.
He was watching the ceiling in a daze and she was watching videos on TikTok. ɴᴇᴡ ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀʀᴇ ᴘᴜʙʟɪsʜᴇᴅ ᴏɴ novèlfire.net
A heavy sigh was heard after a silent ten minutes. Chen Kai turned to his side and pulled her towards his body. Su Lian didn’t mind this. She gently caressed the locked arms around her waist, comforting him as the time ticked by. She smiled when he burrowed his face between her neck and shoulders, hiding his head beneath her hair. He can be cute at random times.
Chen Kai appreciated her silent support.
The memories of the old soul surfaced and it took the majority of his attention to view them and also keep his emotions in check. Within the fragments, the image of his mother became clearer; it was mostly of her smiles and her hugs, she would be speaking to him in that memory but he couldn’t hear. There was no hate for this woman, only love and grief. The young Chen Kai understood her actions in providing a roof over his head and an extra parent. He never resented her.
More fragments began to play like a movie. There were vaguely familiar faces who left lasting impressions on him.
Two were of a man old enough to be either a father or grandfather figure and a young man who may be ten years older than him or more.
They appeared at intervals over the years. They can be passers-by but for some reason, the old soul seemed curious of them whenever he spots them. There were no interactions, only within ‘spotting’ distance. It was strange but it didn’t bother him much.
The other memories were of his bullying from kindergarten to high school. He can now fully recall the faces of the Chu family and their actions against him.
After the last memory fragment was viewed, he released a shuddering breath, his hold on Su Lian tightened.
No wonder the old soul was so strong. His will was strengthened by his experience and he forced himself to move past the negative backlash. He was meant to do great things within his scope that would create a butterfly effect but that b’tch cut his fate line.
This seems to be a theme with most Sons of Destiny.
“Kai.” His name was said softly but he heard.
“Hmm?” He kept his face buried feeling a bit angry at the world, angry at his life yet broken at the same time. It’s been ages since he felt such intense emotions. Since he broke the seal, he hasn’t fall into such a state. It was a bit nostalgic and overwhelming.
Su Lian tapped his arms to release her. When he did, she turned to face him. Her heart pained her when she saw the tears marking his handsome face. He looked pitiful like a broken angel. Drying his tears, she didn’t call him out on it and he didn’t hide it from her.
“Bad memories? Did what he said trigger them?” she asked softly.
“As expected of my wife,” he laughed. Though the amused sound was in his voice, his eyes conveyed another.
[All memory fragments are dissolved. It is suggested that the host give in to his body’s adaptation method. Sleep is required.]
“I’m alright. Let me hold you, I feel a bit sleepy.” His head felt heavier by the second and his thoughts were getting jumbled. Years of memories will be hard for a normal man to retain, even more so for a transmigrator with decades of memories. It will take a while.
“Okay.” She allowed him to hold onto her while she stroked his head rhythmically. This was the first time she witnessed this vulnerable side of him. It gave her a reminder that her perfect husband also has his moments. She placed a kiss on his head and waited for him to fall asleep.
Upstairs in the family room, Chi Xuan was trying to remain calm. He never expected his son to be so vicious. They knew he wasn’t close to Chen Kai when they were young and explained the reason why they shared their goodwill with the child. Since he was older they thought he would understand but who can stop social pressure?
The gossip on the streets, the influence the kids his age had on him, and the stigma Chen Kai carried after the child’s origins were revealed.
The words of the masses stained the child’s life.
“Before I touch on the subject of your impromptu visit and your new girlfriend, I want to talk about your callous behavior towards Chen Kai in front of guests. My son has grown so well while he was in the city that he can curse at another person’s existence. I wonder where he received such honor to do so.”
The sarcasm was heavy in Lan Yueran’s words. Her gaze felt heavy on Chi Rulan’s head. He never saw his mother so angry. This wasn’t a violent outburst of anger but a silent and calculating one.
“Was it fun? Was it fun to curse his background when he was simply sharing his good fortune with us? Was it fun to embarrass him in front of the woman he chose to marry and the woman you brought into our house? Chi Rulan, where are the smarts you had in that brain of yours? What did he do to you? You can answer instead of acting like a mute.”
Chi Rulan didn’t answer. He was simply asking reasonable questions and they all got sensitive about the topic.
“I think you can stop your goodwill with him. He’s no longer a kid. Didn’t you hear him? He has money now. He can fend for himself,” he said after a few seconds of silence.
“So it’s still childish jealousy,” Chi Xuan said bluntly. He couldn’t believe they were having this conversation because of their son’s jealousy.
“I am NOT jealous. Who would waste their time on him? He’s a stain on our family. I don’t believe this story of gaining an inheritance. That sounds like a light novel turned into a drama. We can’t be gullible and listen to his stories because he wants to look good.....” Chi Rulan spoke righteously wanting his parents to understand the ways of posers like Chen Kai.
His mother pinched the bridge of her nose in exasperation and raised her hand to stop his blabbering. His words didn’t match the contorted look on his face.
“.... If it’s all fake, let it be. If it’s not, then the gods have blessed him greatly. Whatever is the circumstance that gave him financial freedom is his business, not yours. You have no right to say that he’s a stain on our family. You need to check your thinking and attitude when it comes to speaking. I wonder how you survive in the city,” she said unhurriedly.
“I survive just fine,” he retorted harshly.
Lan Yueran sent him a glare and his father uttered one word in warning, subduing him instantly.
“You are a grown man! For heaven’s sake act like one! Here you are throwing a tantrum and shaming others yet you aren’t bold enough to explain why you came back seeking refuge!” Her shout can be heard down the stairs, thankfully the doors were closed to stop the sound.
Chi Rulan was mortified. He didn’t want Chen Kai to hear him being scolded like a child.
“I’m not taking refuge. Can’t I visit my parents’ house?” he returned with a guarded tone.
“Speak up! How long are you going to hide the fact that you’ve taken advantage of that girl? Do you think we’re fools because of our age?!” Chi Xuan spat out. He was already embarrassed by his son’s earlier behavior. Now that his wife brought up what they found out, he was even more irritated. This child’s sneaky behavior towards them was a slap in the face. If his wife hadn’t spotted the familiar prenatal vitamins at the girl’s bedside, they may have known about the baby after it was born.
The couple wasn’t too sure of their son being a father when he still threw tantrums over petty jealousy.
He’s an adult-sized child.