"Father's Kindness and Son's Filial Piety": On the True Essence of Being a Kept Man—Tang Shouye, More Agonizing Than the Mask of Suffering

"Succubus? What succubus? What on earth are you guys talking about?"

Tang Yuyao furrowed her brows, a giant question mark practically popping up above her head. Her eyes were full of confusion. What were they muttering about?

"I..."

Beside her, Wang Defa's eyes widened into perfect circles. Just as he was about to open his mouth to say something, the sharp-eyed Wang Fugui hurriedly held him down and spoke with a smile.

"It's nothing, sister. This little bastard was just talking nonsense. I'll deal with him when we get home!"

Wang Fugui spoke very fast, as if afraid that if he were any slower, he would lose the chance. It was over, but not completely over... It seemed their eldest son had a chance again!

If one looked closely, they could notice that Wang Fugui's body was trembling slightly—trembling with excitement. It felt like instantly ascending from hell to heaven.

He originally thought there was no hope left, but he never expected that there was actually a wild succubus!!!

However, this matter needed to be planned carefully. He couldn't alert the snake by beating the grass. After all... even if Ye Cheng was a scumbag who deceived women's feelings, the family he was deceiving was one Wang Fugui couldn't afford to offend.

Looking closely, the post displayed on the phone Wang Defa was holding was none other than the "mudslinging" post personally directed, written, and published by Du Wanyi earlier.

It was meant for the two old fogeys of the Dongfang family to see, as well as for the other students in the school. The goal was to smear Ye Cheng's image, and when the time came... Muahaha!!!

Oh, foolish Little Hanhan, you should just thank your beautiful, kind, generous, gentle... Mama-chan!

Who asked you to be my daughter?

Hehe...

Du Wanyi had posted quite a few mudslinging posts like this, all written by her alone. After all, as the saying goes, attacking the city is the worst strategy; attacking the heart is the best.

The mysterious pill refined to defeat the Dongfang family's naturally evil brat was certainly a good thing, but it was only the worst of the worst strategies. After all, if exposed, she might be beaten to death or even executed.

After thinking it over again and again, she still classified it as a last resort, deciding to use such despicable means only when there was truly no other way to save the situation.

Mass-posting and spreading rumors... well, although some might not necessarily be rumors, they were ultimately negative news. The final result was that Ye Cheng had been painted as the most despicable, shameless gigolo possible.

Specializing in targeting the rich and powerful young ladies in the school, his methods were incredibly despicable and utterly shameless...

Under Du Wanyi's description, even a passing dog had more redeeming qualities than Ye Cheng. Compared to Ye Cheng, Chen Shimei would be considered a top-tier, family-loving, devoted good man.

Under the influence of such massive negative news, many voices of condemnation had already emerged. Excluding the paid trolls hired by Du Wanyi, more than half of the rest were male students from the school.

As for the girls... not many fell for it.

They fell for it, but not completely. Although their mouths said things like "shameless poor boy" and "despicable gigolo," their bodies were more honest than their words. They claimed that if he ever fell into their hands, they would definitely teach Ye Cheng a good lesson...

Damn it, their ulterior motives were practically written all over their faces. Too shameless!

There was no helping it; that was just how the world worked. Good looks were justice. Especially for these young girls who had just come of age and already enjoyed abundant material conditions, what they liked were handsome, physically fit guys who would give them face when taken out...

Coincidentally, Ye Cheng met all these criteria. It was just a great pity that with the dear Student Council President by Ye Cheng's side, the "righteous" female students in the academy had no way to make a move.

Now that Ye Cheng was "exposed," these young ladies were more proactive than ever, arguing passionately. The more chaotic it was, the higher their chances of success!

Influenced by various factors, the final manifestation was that the boys and girls in the school were practically "harshly criticizing" Ye Cheng!

Seeing that Wang Fugui wasn't speaking, Tang Yuyao turned her questioning gaze to her fourth brother, her personal "ATM," and blinked.

Tang Yuyao: Damn fatty, what were you guys just talking about?

Tang Shouye: "..."

Even though Tang Yuyao hadn't said a word, their years as siblings allowed Tang Shouye to instantly understand what she was expressing. He even perfectly translated the insults directed at him.

Although it wasn't anything nice...

Honestly, she had no sense of respecting her elders and caring for the young.

Tang Shouye only dared to grumble a little in his heart. He didn't dare to actually scold their family's precious darling, otherwise, if she went back and complained, he would be extorted again.

Muttering inwardly, Tang Shouye wasn't in a hurry to speak. Instead, he shifted his gaze to Ye Cheng beside her, sizing him up carefully, constantly comparing him in his mind to the photos in the post he had seen on Wang Defa's phone earlier.

Hmm... exactly the same.

So... this succubus in front of him, oh wait, this kid in front of him, was the shameless gigolo who took down that formidable little girl from the Dongfang family?

How did he end up here with his sister?

Could it be...

Tang Shouye seemed to think of something, his heart skipping a beat. He pretended to be calm on the surface, coughed twice, cleared his throat, and asked.

"Little sister, who is this..."

He hoped it wasn't what he thought it was, hoping it was just a misunderstanding, otherwise...

Gulp.

Some very terrible images appeared in Tang Shouye's mind. No matter how he looked at it, Ye Cheng perfectly met all the conditions his wife had mentioned before: good-looking, great figure, a young man...

Anyone who didn't know better would think she was describing Ye Cheng!

This was too absurd!

"Oh, this is my boyfriend." Tang Yuyao blinked. After a brief pause and a racing heartbeat, she finally said it.

Claiming the status of his girlfriend.

"Holy sh*t!!!" Beside them, Wang Defa couldn't hold back his cursing, even under his dad's strict control.

This was too crazy! To think he actually stumbled upon such a huge piece of gossip today, this was amazing!!!

Where are my cigarettes, where are my cigarettes!

Wang Defa looked excited, and then... he swiped two Hehua cigarettes from his dad, Wang Fugui, and stuffed them into his own pocket.

"Hmm?" Hearing the curse words from the side, Tang Yuyao turned her head and looked at Wang Defa with a confused expression.

"Little fatty, why are you swearing every day? If you keep this up, I'm going to tell your mom." Tang Yuyao frowned, but since Wang Defa's brain didn't seem quite normal, she didn't fuss over it too much and just casually threatened him.

Remembering the time he was reported for smoking, Wang Defa immediately shut his mouth and nodded very honestly, indicating he understood. He also used a pleading look to beg Tang Yuyao to be the bigger person and let him off this time.

Hmph!

Seeing Wang Defa instantly back down, the corners of Tang Yuyao's mouth curled up. She puffed out her chest and pulled Ye Cheng over, who was standing to the side carrying bags of all sizes and playing with his watch like a mentally challenged child.

"Aren't you going to greet your brother-in-law?" Tang Yuyao crossed her arms over her chest, her tone smug.

Wang Defa: "..."

Wang Fugui: "..."

Tang Shouye: "..."

The three people who knew the truth fell silent simultaneously. Wang Defa shot a cry-for-help glance at his old man. Although Wang Defa was a bit slow in the head and seemingly had his brain hijacked by nicotine, he still knew when things were serious.

In a situation like this, if he blabbed and said the wrong thing, the punishment wouldn't be a simple "ten-combo smackdown"—he might actually get beaten to death by his mom.

Just as Wang Defa was agonizingly waiting for a visual cue from his old man, he suddenly caught sight of the Richard Mille on Ye Cheng's wrist.

His tiny, mung-bean-sized eyes instantly lit up!

"Holy shit, a Richard Mille!" Wang Defa launched himself like a rocket, springing up from where he was slumped over the seat. He dashed over to Ye Cheng, cradling Ye Cheng's hand like a sacred offering. He treated it like an absolute treasure, his eyeballs practically glued to the watch.

"You're so loaded, bro. Can I try it on... wait, no, brother-in-law, can I try it on please!" Wang Defa pleaded.

Tang Yuyao: ???

The process was wrong, but the result was correct.

For some reason, Tang Yuyao felt the atmosphere had gotten a bit weird after she stepped out and came back. She couldn't quite put her finger on what exactly was wrong, but something was definitely off.

Whatever, let it be weird. It couldn't be weirder than a certain annoying brat. Tang Yuyao's lips curled into a smile, about to praise Wang Defa, only to see Ye Cheng and Wang Defa pawing at the watch like two brain-dead toddlers.

"Hey, no way, this is my baby..." Ye Cheng put on a stingy look, acting like a total cheapskate.

Wang Defa's face was filled with agony. "I'm begging you, brother-in-law. I've grown up this much and never begged anyone in my life! I wish you and Sister Yuyao a century of marital bliss, an early birth to a precious son, blessings as boundless as the Eastern Sea, and longevity matching the Southern Mountains..."

Wang Defa's words grew increasingly absurd. The beginning was fine and actually pleased Tang Yuyao enough that she considered telling Ye Cheng to let Wang Defa play with the watch for a bit. But when the part about "longevity matching the Southern Mountains" came out, her face instantly darkened.

This little fatty...

"Shoo, shoo! What brother-in-law? Are we even close? Don't break my watch. Do you know what this is? It's the Baleno brand... oh wait, no, Richard Mille, a luxury brand!" Ye Cheng maintained his snarky, mean-spirited facade to shoo away the "pauper" Wang Defa.

Tang Yuyao: ???

Wang Fugui: ...

Tang Shouye: ...

"Wait here a moment." Tang Yuyao's face was deadpan, her previous smug smile entirely gone. She made Ye Cheng put down what he was holding, grabbed him by the arm, and dragged him outside.

A moment later.

"Don't mention it, we're practically brothers. It's just a broken watch anyway. Come here, let me put it on you."

"You're the best, brother-in-law!"

Ye Cheng and Wang Defa were now putting on a show of "deep brotherly love." It was hard to imagine that just moments ago, Ye Cheng had been wearing the ugly face of an unreasonable, stingy jerk.

As for why Ye Cheng's attitude had taken such a massive 180... perhaps it had something to do with the fresh set of teeth marks hidden under the hair on the back of his head?

Watching the two get along so harmoniously, Wang Fugui fell silent.

It was hard to imagine that someone could actually get along with his rebellious son. This kid... could he be a bit loose in the head too?

A normal person wouldn't, or at least... they shouldn't.

While Wang Fugui was questioning his reality, he felt a gaze from the side. It was Tang Shouye. The two old buddies exchanged a brief look and mutually confirmed one thing.

The issue of Ye Cheng's "scandal" blowing up should be kept under wraps for now. They would pretend not to know and resolve it privately.

If they brought it up now, neither family would be able to save face. Handling it privately was the best approach.

"Brother-in-law, if you die in the future, can you give this watch to me?" Wang Defa looked at Ye Cheng with absolute sincerity.

"Of course... not. Don't be silly, little fatty. Getting something for nothing is unacceptable. A person needs to stay grounded; don't spend all day dreaming about taking shortcuts..." Ye Cheng righteously... rejected Wang Defa's unreasonable request.

After rejecting him, he even took on the role of a life coach, lecturing Wang Defa on grand life philosophies, preaching about staying grounded and all that.

This left the bystanders in stunned silence.

Especially Tang Shouye and Wang Fugui. The two old brothers were more silent than the other, both sharing a single thought in their minds.

This kid... is incredibly thick-skinned!

Wang Defa sighed. Ultimately, he reluctantly took off the watch and handed it back. What wasn't his, wasn't his.

"Brother-in-law, can you teach me how to be a sugar baby?" Wang Defa suddenly asked, making the hearts of the people around them skip a beat.

Oh no, this kid is going to ruin everything!!!

In the eyes of Wang Fugui and Tang Shouye, Wang Defa was basically firing shots point-blank, directly insulting Ye Cheng. As long as Ye Cheng wasn't an idiot, he would definitely catch the subtle jab, and things would get extremely complicated.

Wang Fugui couldn't wait to "show some fatherly love."

"Be a sugar baby?" Ye Cheng raised an eyebrow, rubbing his smooth chin. He seriously pondered Wang Defa's question, looking the boy up and down.

He shook his head.

"Hawking standing up, the national football team winning the World Cup, the lottery not being a scam for idiots..."

Ye Cheng rattled off a massive list of things like he was reading a menu, leaving everyone completely bewildered.

Wang Defa looked confused. "Brother-in-law, why are you only listing impossible things?"

"Exactly. I'm only listing impossible things," Ye Cheng repeated Wang Defa's words.

Wang Defa: ...

I'm leaving, this is boring, I'm not playing anymore...

Wang Defa shut down. He squatted on the ground, holding his pen and questioning his life. Barring any miracles, he would never get to wear a Richard Mille in this lifetime...

"Brother Fugui, we'll get going now. Come over to our place sometime."

"Yeah, sure, I'll definitely visit another day..."

Tang Shouye and Wang Fugui suddenly spoke up, forcefully putting an end to today's meeting. If they didn't cut it short, things might spiral completely out of control.

At the same time, both men were anxious to confirm a few things, so they had to leave!

Bang!

The hospital room door closed.

Click. Wang Fugui took out his lighter, fished the last Golden Leaf cigarette out of his pocket, and sat down to smoke. Right now, he didn't even have the energy to discipline his rebellious son.

He inexplicably felt a bit emotional.

"Reality is far more magical than fiction... Two of them. This kid isn't afraid of biting off more than he can chew." Wang Fugui exhaled a long breath, blowing smoke from his mouth.

"Dad, am I really ugly? Why can't I be a sugar baby?"

From the side, a bewildered Wang Defa issued this soul-searching question, his mung-bean-sized eyes staring at his old father.

Wang Fugui looked at his youngest son, who looked almost exactly like him, and stayed silent for a long time. "Although you're very handsome, you shouldn't try to make dirty money. You won't be able to handle it."

"Bullshit, you old geezer! Aren't you a sugar baby yourself? I'm so handsome, why can't I be one!!!" Wang Defa turned red, completely losing his mind in a fit of rage!

Wang Fugui: ???

Silently, Wang Fugui unbuckled his belt...

"Crack!"

"Arghhh!!!"

Oh God, woooo~

...

On the way back.

Tang Shouye sat in the passenger seat, looking in the rearview mirror at his little sister and that scumbag being "lovey-dovey." His face was twisted in pain, as if he were sitting on pins and needles.

What was he supposed to do...

But in reality...

Ye Cheng was on the verge of being strangled to death by Tang Yuyao... The two were grappling with each other, but it ended up looking like "playful flirting" in Tang Shouye's eyes. Right now, Tang Shouye wore an expression more agonized than the Mask of Agony itself.

...