Mr. Pei! Don't force yourself into circles you can't fit into.

Shen Jicheng enjoyed a few peaceful days, as his father would go out in the afternoons to play chess or mahjong with his friends, so he was quite free.

However, on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year.

As always, after his father left, Shen Jicheng told his two older brothers and immediately left the Shen family's old house to find Pei Lin.

What he didn't notice was that no sooner had he left than Shen Yue stood there, watching Shen Jicheng drive away. His expression was rather unpleasant, his mood darkening.

"Old Zhang, go check where that kid went."

After giving his instructions, he slowly walked into the living room.

The moment he appeared in the living room, everything fell silent. Shen Mingxiao and Shen Yanhe exchanged a glance, both able to see the worry in each other's eyes.

Shen Yue sat down on the sofa, his tone becoming more serious.

"Boss, second boss, shouldn't you give me an explanation?" He asked, but he already had a bamboo stick in his hand.

Shen Mingxiao hesitated for a moment before speaking, "What does Father want me to explain?"

From the current perspective, they are unsure whether their father knows about the relationship between Shen Jicheng and Pei Lin.

however……

Shen Yue sneered, "What's there to explain? As the eldest brother, don't you know where your brother went?"

Shen Yanhe spoke up at this moment, "Chengcheng has always been playful, so it's not surprising that he goes anywhere."

Shen Yue, however, was not so easily fooled. He slammed the bamboo stick into the ground with a dull thud, and his sharp gaze swept over the two of them.

"Just playing around?"

"I'm afraid it's not just that, is it?"

Just as Shen Yanhe was about to say something, Shen Yue interrupted her.

"Why do you think I didn't go out today?"

"Do you really think I leave every afternoon just to play chess or cards?"

Shen Yanhe remained silent.

Although I knew I couldn't hide it forever, I didn't expect it to happen so quickly.

"As the older brother, not only did you not advise him, you even indulged him?" Shen Yue's face was grim. "Is this how you act as older brothers?"

Shen Mingxiao was about to speak when Shen Yanhe spoke first.

"Father, this was my fault. I thought Chengcheng was just indulging in something new and that he would be fine once he had had his fill of it. So I advised my elder brother to indulge Chengcheng for the time being to avoid the opposite of what he intended."

Shen Yue narrowed his eyes. "Do you think I'd believe that?"

"Chengcheng has always been this way since he was little, so Father, you might as well give him some time. Maybe he'll settle down once he's had enough fun. If you try to force him, given his personality, he'll definitely not agree," Shen Yanhe advised.

As for when we'll have enough fun... who can say for sure? But for now, let's just get through this.

Shen Yue did not answer, but lowered his eyes as if he was thinking about something.

Finally, he raised his head and looked coldly at Shen Yanhe.

"You go and kneel in the ancestral hall too."

Shen Yanhe was not surprised and agreed with a smile, "Okay."

Just as Shen Mingxiao was about to stop him, Shen Yanhe intervened, shaking his head subtly to signal Shen Mingxiao to stop talking.

It's better for him to be punished alone than for two people to be punished together.

But right now, there's something else he's worried about.

If Chengcheng comes back... will Father interrogate him?

At this moment, however, there was no time to consider anything else.

It was already getting dark when Shen Yanhe came out of the ancestral hall.

He rubbed his slightly sore knees, massaged his shoulders, and chuckled.

"My father has a really strong hand."

Shen Mingxiao glanced at him quietly, "It's much lighter than before."

Shen Yanhe nodded in agreement, turning her neck slightly. "That's true."

"Come to my room, I'll apply the medicine for you," Shen Mingxiao said.

However, Shen Yanhe smiled.

"No, someone will help me apply the medicine when I get back."

Shen Mingxiao: "..."

-

When Shen Jicheng returned home that evening, he sensed that something was off about the atmosphere at home.

"Big brother?" he called out hesitantly, puzzled.

Why is my older brother sitting alone in the living room, lost in thought?

Seeing Shen Jicheng return, Shen Mingxiao snapped out of his daze, his gaze falling on Shen Jicheng as he waved to him.

"come over."

Shen Jicheng sat down, and before he could ask anything, Shen Mingxiao had already instructed him, "Father knows you went to see Pei Lin, so if he asks later, just say you weren't sincere. You were just curious."

These words startled Shen Jicheng for a moment, but he instantly understood the reason.

"Also, don't go against Father," Shen Mingxiao earnestly instructed him. "If you can pin it on me and my second brother, then pin it on us."

"Your father is quite lenient with you. As long as you don't go too far, he won't punish you."

Shen Jicheng clenched his fists, his eyes flickering. He wanted to say something, but ultimately swallowed it back, lowering his eyes to conceal the dark emotions within them.

"Okay, big brother."

Shen Mingxiao and Shen Yanhe were very worried that night, fearing that Shen Jicheng would be summoned to the ancestral hall by his father.

You should know...

Previously, Shen Jicheng's affairs were all under the care of his elder brother. If Shen Jicheng made a mistake, it was always his elder brother who punished him, either by making him kneel in the ancestral hall or by hitting his palms.

So, to be honest, Shen Jicheng didn't get beaten by his father much.

This time, they couldn't help but worry.

Fortunately, Shen Yanhe was relieved to hear from her elder brother that their father had not gone to find Shen Jicheng.

"Damn! That was brutal! Your dad wasn't any better than mine!"

Pei Shuli rode on Shen Yanhe's back, holding medicine in his hand and rubbing it on the area below Shen Yanhe's shoulder, while he was very angry.

"His skin has turned purple!"

"What's going on in that old man's head?!"

Shen Yanhe lay on the sofa, letting Pei Shuli wipe him. He couldn't help but chuckle, "Actually, it's just scary to look at."

"Laugh! You still have the nerve to laugh! If anyone dares to hit me like that, I'll call the police and have them arrested! Even that heartless bastard Pei Lin couldn't hit me this hard!"

Shen Yanhe felt incredibly relaxed; he was always amused by Pei Shuli's words.

Pei Shuli got up from Shen Yanhe, frowned, and said seriously, "I think it would be better to beat your dad up and let him experience what it feels like to be beaten. He'll know how painful it is when a stick hits him!"

"Perfect! I specifically sought out Jiang Jinzhong to learn boxing for you; this time I'll definitely avenge you!"

A warm feeling washed over Shen Yanhe, and he couldn't help but pinch Pei Shuli's nape. "I'll let it go this time, but if anyone hurts me in the future, you'll beat them up for me, right?"

Pei Shuli frowned for a moment, then finally nodded.

He was about to say something when his gaze met Shen Yanhe's smiling eyes, and he was stunned for a moment. He couldn't help but move closer.

Shen Yanhe froze.

As Pei Shuli approached, Shen Yanhe dared not move until their lips were only a few centimeters apart.

Pei Shuli frowned, his lips moving slightly. "There seems to be a reflection of me in your eyes..."

Shen Yanhe: "..." He turned his head and chuckled.

"My gaze is on you, and you are naturally in my eyes."

After he finished speaking, he was about to leave when, unexpectedly, Pei Shuli approached again and kissed Shen Yanhe's lips without hesitation.