Dying in the Male Lead's Arms Every Time - Chapter 4

The Shi Family mansion, though aged, still exudes a dignified majesty. Its charm surpasses that of luxury homes designed by renowned architects, with every corner and facade steeped in historical gravitas, whether in daylight or under the cloak of night. In the pitch-black night, it appears even more mysterious.

At this moment, in a small room, two children quietly shut the door. The servants nearby pretended not to notice, discreetly leaving the corridor. Although the eldest young master had been married for several years, he had no children, whereas the second young master, who married later, already had two. These siblings were the next generation of the Shi Family, mostly pampered by the old madam and the second young master’s couple.

The newcomer was said to be the child of the third young master, who had left home years ago. Initially, they intended to treat him with respect, as he was family. However, the eldest young master’s attitude towards him was ambiguous, suggesting hidden secrets. It seemed unlikely he would stay in the Shi Family for long, so it was best not to get involved.

The two children exchanged glances after closing the door. The room, although seldom used, was kept clean and tidy by the servants. On the large bed, a small lump rose under the covers. In the quiet room, the sound of a pin drop could be heard. The noise of the door closing was enough to wake the person on the bed.

Shi Qi suddenly opened his eyes, threw off the covers, and sat up, fixing his gaze on the two intruders. The oversized pajamas hung loosely on his frame, clearly ill-fitting. His exposed collarbone was sharp, and the dark pajamas made his skin appear sickly pale, with veins faintly visible on his hands resting on the blanket.

His abrupt movement froze the two children in place. Shi Cong and Shi Hui, after a moment, realized they were afraid of a mere child, not their intimidating uncle, and resumed their mischievous demeanor.

Shi Qi asked, “What do you want?” His voice was dry and hoarse. Shi Hui grimaced; his voice was unpleasant. She patted her brother’s shoulder. Raised in comfort, the siblings were worlds apart from Shi Qi, who had grown up struggling. Despite being the same age as Shi Cong, Shi Qi was noticeably smaller, a product of malnutrition and poverty.

Shi Cong understood his sister’s cue and laughed. They had learned a new boy had arrived, supposedly the third uncle’s child. But Shi Cong had no third uncle; he had left the Shi Family long ago. This boy must be here to compete for the family inheritance. Shi Cong had heard his mother say that, with the eldest young master childless, the Shi Family would be his.

The two rushed to the bed, clambering up in a flash. Shi Qi frowned slightly, tugging the blanket sharply. Shi Cong and Shi Hui, caught off guard, slid off the bed, landing on the floor. Angered by the fall, Shi Hui scrambled up, glaring at Shi Qi, “Are you crazy?”

Shi Cong, heavier than his sister, rose slower, his face flushed, shouting, “I’ll make you pay today!” Shi Qi looked at them coldly. They had come to provoke him, yet now they blamed him. He disliked the Shi Family from the depths of his heart.

…

At the mansion’s entrance, Shi Shanjin had just visited the old madam, returning from the small building, walking with steady strides. The servants greeted him respectfully. Busy with affairs lately, he casually asked, “Is Shi Qi in his room?”

A servant took his coat, cautiously replying, “Yes, Young Master Cong and Miss Hui just went in.” Though “just” meant several minutes had passed, no one dared check the situation inside. Hearing this, Shi Shanjin frowned. Shi Cong and Shi Hui were siblings, Hui nine years old, Cong seven, the only children of the next Shi Family generation, often indulged.

Shi Qi had been here for two or three days, yet they hadn’t sought him out until today. He doubted the children would be kind to Shi Qi. Of course, Shi Qi likely wouldn’t be easily bullied. Shi Qi’s room was at the third-floor corner. The door was tightly shut, well soundproofed, with no sounds audible.

Shi Shanjin opened the door, stepping in, his footsteps heavy on the floor. Shi Cong turned at the sound, his face paling, tugging at his sister. Shi Hui was busy, brushing him off, “What are you doing? Can’t you see I’m busy? Use more force!”

“What are you busy with?” Shi Shanjin asked. Shi Hui froze, not daring to move. The approaching footsteps felt like hammers on Shi Cong and Shi Hui’s hearts, causing cold sweat to bead on their noses. Shi Shanjin glanced over, seeing Shi Qi pinned beneath them, his voice cold, “Get up!”

Shi Cong and Shi Hui quickly stood, heads bowed, feeling as if their small adversary had been shredded to pieces in their minds. Shi Shanjin looked at the now obedient children, anger rising. He and his wife had no children, and he had been lenient with his brother Shi Shanshen’s children, not expecting them to bully their cousin, even if not officially recognized, daring to be so bold.

He reprimanded, “Is this the Shi Family’s upbringing?” Shi Cong and Shi Hui’s faces turned pale, their legs trembling. This uncle was the most fearsome when angry. They feared neither their parents nor the old madam, but him, knowing punishment awaited.

“Uncle, he started-” Shi Hui tried to argue. Shi Shanjin’s cold gaze silenced her, “Do I need you to tell me what I can’t see?” Shi Hui shut her mouth, standing with her brother, not daring to move, though resentful, casting furtive glances at Shi Qi.

Shi Qi silently rose from the floor, saying nothing, his eyes showing disdain. Shi Shanjin noticed their actions, realizing the children hadn’t learned their lesson, feeling his efforts wasted. He glanced at Shi Qi, “You two go to the study to kneel, Shi Qi too.”

Upon hearing this, Shi Cong and Shi Hui finally felt fear, tears gathering in their eyes, soon to fall. They dared not protest, following him to the study. Passing servants lowered their heads at the sight. News of the eldest young master taking the siblings to the study quickly spread through the mansion.

“Looks like they’ll be punished today.” “I wonder what will happen if the eldest young master doesn’t stand up for Young Master Qi?” The chatter ceased as a woman approached. The speakers quickly stood aside, one stepping forward to greet, “Second madam.”

The woman tossed her bag to her, fiddling with her nails, asking, “Where’s Cong? Doesn’t he usually come to greet me?” The servant inwardly groaned but couldn’t avoid answering, “Young Master Cong is being punished in the study…”

Yang Man, Shi Shanshen’s wife, was a renowned international actress, possessing a gentle and alluring appearance, her figure graceful, her gaze seductive. Of course, a mere actress couldn’t marry into the Shi Family; the Yang Group behind her was the key. Though Shi Shanjin held power, her husband was essential for smooth sailing.

Hearing the servant’s words, Yang Man frowned, wondering what had happened. Shi Shanjin’s study was at the end of the second floor. She quickly ascended, finding the door ajar, an unusual occurrence. Normally, she wouldn’t enter, lacking the authority. Today was different.

Yang Man saw her son and daughter kneeling inside, their small bodies seeming insignificant on the floor. Nearby, the child from the junkyard was seated. She suppressed her anger, taking a deep breath, knocking gently, “Brother, may I come in?”

Shi Cong and Shi Hui lifted their heads at their mother’s return, tears in their eyes, filled with hope, yet silent. Shi Shanjin said, “Come in.” Yang Man’s brows furrowed, looking at the elder, “Brother, what did Cong and Hui do to deserve such punishment?”

Shi Shanjin’s expression remained unchanged, “Shi Cong, as an elder brother, bullied his cousin, while Hui incited him. Sister-in-law, as their uncle, I have the right to teach them.” Blocked by his words, Yang Man felt uncomfortable, unaware of the situation, glaring at the servant.

The servant felt helpless, quickly approaching to whisper the recent events to her. After hearing everything, Yang Man cursed inwardly. Her children had stirred trouble unnecessarily. The little brat had no future, and she had told them the Shi Family would be theirs, yet they hadn’t considered it.

But her son was only seven; impatience wouldn’t help. She had to swallow her pride. Shi Shanjin didn’t intend severe punishment, merely instructing them to recite the Three-Character Classic¹. The siblings sighed in relief, fearing a beating, having recited the text countless times.

Yang Man sat on a chair, waiting for them to finish, casting a sharp glance at the child smaller than the chair. After five recitations, Shi Shanjin finally stopped them. Shi Cong and Shi Hui felt pardoned, scrambling up, yet not daring further action, obediently apologizing to Shi Qi.

Shi Qi sat on the wooden chair, uncomfortable from the hard surface. The siblings said in unison, “Shi Qi, we’re sorry.” He observed their reluctant expressions, pursing his lips, his voice hoarse, “It’s okay.” His pointed chin lifted slightly.

Shi Shanjin gave him a closer look. After the apology, the siblings left the study with Yang Man. Silence returned, the room quiet once more. The study was spacious, with two wooden shelves filled with books and documents. The solid wood pear table held dark carved trinkets, gifts from others, exquisitely crafted.

Shi Shanjin smiled, “Choose one if you like.” Seeing his gaze fixed on a jade peach, Shi Shanjin found it curious. Shi Qi hadn’t discovered his yin-yang eyes, unaware of the aura of these items, yet he focused on the best among them. Was it mere coincidence or…

Footnote:

1. Three-Character Classic(三字经):A classic Chinese text written in verse form, traditionally used to teach children basic moral principles, history, and Confucian values. Each line consists of three characters, making it easy to memorize and recite.