RMM -Chapter 166 The Uninvited Guest, Part Three

Seeing Bai Xiong silently staring at Xi Yuechen, no one could guess what he was thinking, and for the moment, no one dared to speak.

In recent years, Big Brother’s temper had become increasingly unpredictable. Who knew whether he was pleased or angry at this moment? So everyone pretended to be ostriches.

After all, Big Brother wasn’t looking at me, so why risk becoming the first to speak and possibly incur his displeasure? Better to stay quiet.

Eventually, someone would speak up.

Everyone prepared to lower their heads and pretend not to see, but Brother Long couldn’t stay still. He couldn’t read Big Brother’s expression—he seemed half-smiling at Xi Yuechen—and nervously wiped a hand over his sweat.

No one could predict Big Brother’s thoughts; he could erupt in anger at any moment.

Xi Yuechen, however, remained calm, letting Bai Xiong look at him without flinching. Being stared at like this, he couldn’t try to probe Bai Xiong’s mind—it would be too obvious—so he just waited for Bai Xiong to speak.

The important thing was that he had seen Bai Xiong; that was his biggest advantage. Whatever happened next didn’t matter.

Of course, a bit of visible unease was necessary even while remaining composed.

As the stalemate continued, Bai Xiong suddenly laughed heartily and slowly walked over.

“Well, isn’t this Cheng Yue? Haven’t seen you for a while; I almost forgot.”

Bai Xiong’s laugh stunned everyone. Big Brother actually spoke so pleasantly? Not a single scolding, just smiling?

Brother Long quietly exhaled in relief. Big Brother still remembered Cheng Yue and wasn’t angry—that was good, that was really good. Only then did Brother Long realize that his back was drenched in cold sweat.

“Brother Bai,” Xi Yuechen said respectfully, bowing slightly.

“Hm,” Bai Xiong had reached the group. Seeing everyone silent, he furrowed his brow, displeased. “Why are you all frozen?”

The others dared not wonder why Big Brother was still smiling. They quickly began talking and laughing, as if the earlier awkwardness had never happened.

Bai Xiong sat on the sofa, leaning back comfortably, speaking casually with those around him.

Xi Yuechen did not approach. He quietly stood to the side, silent as the air.

Bai Xiong was now talking with his brothers, who were warmly responsive, showing none of the aloofness they displayed toward Xi Yuechen, subtly excluding him. Xi Yuechen didn’t mind, standing humbly. If he intruded, he might be remembered by these men and suffer later.

At this moment, Bai Xiong didn’t even look at Xi Yuechen, as if forgetting he was there.

Brother Long’s relief was short-lived; Big Brother’s intentions were unreadable. Pleased or not, he said nothing, leaving everyone guessing.

Bai Xiong was actually a little displeased. He knew Cheng Yue had been brought by Brother Long. What kind of gathering allowed outsiders so casually? Previously, Brother Long had been reckless, but this time he had again acted without thinking, blatantly breaking the rules.

Yet seeing that the outsider was Xi Yuechen, Bai Xiong wasn’t too angry—at least he could ignore him as he did now. If it were someone else, they’d likely have been thrown out, and Brother Long would have been scolded.

Although they hadn’t seen each other for some time, Bai Xiong still had a good impression of Xi Yuechen. Somehow, he got along easily with this young man, whose behavior suited Bai Xiong’s tastes. That was why Bai Xiong had once invited Xi Yuechen to the mountaintop villa.

Still, seeing Xi Yuechen at a gathering with his brothers made Bai Xiong unhappy again, especially at Brother Long. Cheng Yue was a newcomer who didn’t understand rules. Brother Long was an experienced elder; didn’t he know gatherings like this shouldn’t have outsiders?

Despite his displeasure, Bai Xiong didn’t make a scene, partly out of brotherly concern and partly because he was satisfied with Xi Yuechen. He rarely found young men he liked, so Xi Yuechen remained in his memory. Even if Brother Long hadn’t brought him today, Bai Xiong would eventually have invited him to the villa—though the timing was uncertain.

Being satisfied didn’t mean approval. In Bai Xiong’s heart, Cheng Yue still wasn’t worthy of staying by his side; he needed more training. But Brother Long’s rashness made him uneasy—he was too impatient and still hadn’t learned to think things through.

Weighing his options, Bai Xiong didn’t scold Brother Long nor expel Xi Yuechen. Instead, he ignored the situation, knowing Brother Long was nervous. He stayed silent to teach him a lesson, preventing him from acting thoughtlessly in the future.

Bai Xiong glanced at Xi Yuechen out of the corner of his eye. The young man stood still, calm, only showing slight unease.

He sneered inwardly, thinking fear was good. Bai Xiong didn’t just smile; he was pleased with Xi Yuechen’s composure. Seeing Brother Long pale, Xi Yuechen remained steady, not rushing to please him, likely waiting for Bai Xiong’s temper to pass.

This made Bai Xiong quite happy. Cheng Yue was interesting—he could be invited along more often. He liked intelligent people with self-awareness.

Those around Bai Xiong noticed his occasional glances at Xi Yuechen and were surprised. What did Big Brother mean? Was he interested in Cheng Yue? Regardless, they knew Big Brother wouldn’t mind Brother Long bringing someone here.

Surprised, they privately marveled at Brother Long’s luck but remained outwardly calm, continuing their conversations.

Brother Long, however, had no idea. Seeing Big Brother ignore him and Xi Yuechen, he thought Big Brother was displeased and dared not approach, sweating nervously.

After chatting casually with a few others, Brother Long grew slightly hungry and asked for dishes to be served, suggesting eating while talking.

Usually at the villa, Brother Long disliked being disturbed and rarely invited people over. Occasional gatherings were fine, but if constant, it would be overwhelming. So on this rare occasion, he appeared relaxed.

Sitting down, Bai Xiong casually looked around. Seeing Brother Long and Xi Yuechen still standing, he scoffed, “Why are you just standing there? Come sit down!”

Brother Long twitched and hurried over, forcing a smile. “Yes, yes!”

Xi Yuechen remained composed, bowing respectfully to Bai Xiong, his slight unease gone, replaced by gratitude and respect.

He was clever—he knew Bai Xiong would no longer be fussy. Bai Xiong looked at him approvingly.

Perhaps out of consideration for Xi Yuechen or not wanting to mention it, Bai Xiong didn’t bring up his recent trip abroad. He only engaged in casual conversation with his brothers.

The gathering ended quickly. Bai Xiong mentioned being tired after just returning and needing rest. He would call everyone together later to discuss the trip.

Hearing Big Brother was tired, everyone obediently stood to leave, urging him to rest and focus on his health.

Bai Xiong smiled, appreciating his brothers’ concern, valuing their loyalty.

Xi Yuechen followed the others downstairs, neither rushing forward nor lagging behind.

When Bai Xiong got into the car, everyone thought it was over, but Bai Xiong said, “Cheng Yue, get in.”

There was a moment of silence outside. No one expected this. What did it mean?

Xi Yuechen remained calm, walked around the group, and called, “Brother Bai.”

“Stop dawdling. Get in. I’m tired too,” Bai Xiong said with closed eyes.

“Yes,” Xi Yuechen said, opening the rear door and getting in.

Except for Brother Long, who looked elated, others remained composed, though their calmness couldn’t hide their curiosity. When had Big Brother ever valued a young man so much—not scolding Brother Long and even bringing him to the villa? Even they had rarely been there.

Internally astonished, outwardly calm—they let Big Brother do as he pleased. After all, he was Big Brother.

No young newcomer could ever surpass them, so why make an enemy? Having another friend was better than another rival. Plus, they knew Cheng Yue was from the mainland, so his future focus would be there. The local market was already saturated. Even if Cheng Yue won Big Brother’s favor, he posed no threat.

Thus, despite the sudden change, everyone was surprised but didn’t overthink it or feel hostility toward Xi Yuechen.

Watching Bai Xiong’s car drive away, Brother Long couldn’t help but smile. Looks like his risky move paid off.

Next, it was up to Cheng Yue.

After Xi Yuechen got in, Bai Xiong said nothing more. Whether ignoring him deliberately or simply fatigued, he kept his eyes closed, pretending to nap.

Xi Yuechen was unhurried, quietly watching the fleeting scenery outside the window, lost in thought.