Chapter 114: The Romance Game (15)

Chapter 114: The Romance Game (15)

◎The Birthday Party◎

Bo Huai stared at the message, his whole body tense as if on the verge of eruption, struggling to contain his anger.

Shi Youqing felt his hands being gripped tightly. He looked up at Bo Huai, and in their shared gaze, Bo Huai managed to suppress his emotions.

Shi Youqing, still on the phone with Hao Tianxiang, said, “I’ll discuss this with Feng Bin. Remember, don’t utter those two words from the hint to anyone. And if you hear them from someone else, make sure to inform us.”

Hao Tianxiang, frantic with worry, blurted out, “If those words really do foretell death, please don’t go anywhere alone until the end of the game! If Bo Huai has tasks later, take me with you!”

Shi Youqing acknowledged and hung up, then contacted Feng Bin to briefly explain the situation.

Feng Bin reacted with alarm, “What are you going to do?!”

Shi Youqing calmly replied, “This is just a theory. We can’t be certain it’s a death omen, but if it is, it’s not entirely bad for us as we can anticipate and prevent danger.”

Fate can be altered. Those two words are merely a harbinger, not an absolute rule. Otherwise, it would mean immediate death for anyone who hears or sees them, which is both illogical and indefensible.

Knowing Bo Huai was with him, Feng Bin advised caution before ending the call.

Lying awake in the dark dormitory, Feng Bin pondered deeply.

If it truly was a warning of impending death, who would be plotting against Shi Youqing?

……

Silence persisted in the bedroom.

Shi Youqing sat up straight, refocusing on the character panel in front of him.

During this time, only Lu Yuzhe’s value had changed, surprisingly jumping from 23 to 60!

He had reached the qualifying line for the task.

Shi Youqing was surprised, yet not entirely.

Among the four characters to be pursued, the one whose value was the hardest to increase wasn’t genuinely difficult; it was just that his preferences had little to do with interacting with the living.

The dramatic increase in the score was undoubtedly a hit on Lu Yuzhe's preferences.

The account that sent the message [Love you] could only be Lu Yuzhe.

At this moment, Bo Huai got up to prepare for the next day.

Shi Youqing watched him take out his silver whip and a small dagger, carefully inspecting them before placing them back. He then wiped his eagle claw knife but didn’t put it away, keeping it with him as he returned to Shi Youqing's side.

The first time Shi Youqing saw him use that knife was in the Red Shoes instance. He remembered how agilely Bo Huai wielded the eagle claw knife – it was lightning-fast and lethal.

“You're going to sleep with the knife?” Shi Youqing asked. “This is a safe world; there shouldn’t be ghosts, and people wouldn’t just appear out of nowhere.”

Bo Huai was aware of this, but he couldn’t let his guard down. As long as Shi Youqing was with him, he needed to be prepared for any threat. Anyone who endangered Shi Youqing... deserved death.

Nevertheless, Shi Youqing needed rest due to his frail health.

Bo Huai tucked in the blanket corners, noticing Shi Youqing lying awake. “Can’t sleep?” he inquired.

Shi Youqing admitted, “My mind is too active. It might take a while before I can fall asleep.”

Bo Huai thought for a moment and then began massaging Shi Youqing’s temples, slowly moving to the back of his ears and neck...

This wasn’t the first time Bo Huai had given him a massage. It was so soothing that Shi Youqing’s eyelids began to droop, and he gradually drifted off to sleep.

However, the sleep didn’t last till dawn. Around one or two in the morning, Shi Youqing was awakened by a thumping noise.

It was coming from next door, Lu Yuzhe’s room.

Bo Huai was the first to get out of bed, instructing Shi Youqing to keep sleeping while he got dressed to investigate.

“He shouldn’t see you at my place for now,” Shi Youqing said, moving to the edge of the bed. “I’ll go ask.”

A few minutes later, Bo Huai stood hidden by the door, while Shi Youqing knocked on the neighboring door.

It took a while before it was answered.

Upon seeing Lu Yuzhe, Shi Youqing also detected a faint smell of blood.

“Oh, it’s you… Did I disturb you?” Lu Yuzhe, with a hint of apology on his face, couldn’t take his eyes off Shi Youqing. “Sorry, my father suddenly fell ill and was hospitalized. I bought an old hen when I came back tonight and was busy with work online, only getting time now... Was the sound of chopping chicken too loud?”

Shi Youqing, a frequent consumer of chicken soup, could discern its distinct smell. He inquired about Lu Yuzhe’s father’s condition.

Lu Yuzhe responded with a bitter smile, “Perhaps it's stress I caused him. After I went to cut ties the other day, he fell ill. But he's still my father, and I need to visit him…”

Shi Youqing nodded understandingly, “Then try to keep the noise down.”

As Shi Youqing turned to leave, Lu Yuzhe, seemingly reluctant, quickly added, “You don’t look well either, and I’ve disturbed your rest. How about I bring you some chicken soup tomorrow morning?”

“Thanks, but I’ve already prepared my breakfast for tomorrow,” Shi Youqing, yawning, declined politely, “I'm heading back to sleep.”

“Alright… Goodnight,” Lu Yuzhe watched him intently.

Treating me like a dead person? Disgusting, Shi Youqing thought as he entered his home with a stern face.

Once inside, Bo Huai swiftly put away his eagle claw knife and securely locked the door, examining Shi Youqing thoroughly.

With a smile, Shi Youqing shared his thoughts while they walked, “He said he was chopping chicken, but whatever he’s cutting has to be thrown away as wet waste. We’ll find out soon enough.”

Sleep eluded Bo Huai, his mind preoccupied with thoughts. After Shi Youqing got into bed, Bo Huai once again began massaging him…

This time, Shi Youqing fell asleep in less than two minutes.

In his drowsy state, he felt as if he was enveloped in a warm embrace.

Instinctively, he rubbed his cheek against the person holding him. The person stiffened, then warmed up after a while.

Shi Youqing, asleep, turned away.

The person seemed to move closer to him again, bringing another wave of warmth to his neck. Shi Youqing patted it away and was caught by a large hand, then he turned back again.

This time, he was held tightly in the embrace. Comfortable with the position, he settled down contentedly.

“Goodnight, Youqing.”

……

Early the next morning, Shi Youqing woke to find Bo Huai arranging dishes at the dining table. Hearing Shi Youqing stirring, Bo Huai came over, fussing over him like a child, helping him dress and put on socks…

Shi Youqing couldn't help but laugh, “I can take care of myself.”

“Your body is delicate,” Bo Huai insisted, “What if you strain your back while dressing…”

“Stop,” Shi Youqing quickly interrupted, “At this rate, I’ll turn into glass.”

Bo Huai ceased speaking, yet inwardly he disapproved of the comparison; to him, Shi Youqing was far more precious than glass.

After breakfast, remembering today was Huo Xu's birthday party, Shi Youqing considered what gift to bring. Regardless of Huo Xu being good, bad, or eccentric, a gift was customary. He asked Bo Huai for suggestions.

Hearing Huo Xu's name, Bo Huai scoffed and pointed at the broom by the entrance: “That would be a suitable gift for him.” After all, it was Bo Huai who cleaned; Shi Youqing had never used it.

“….” Shi Youqing decided to select the gift himself.

As a CEO, Huo Xu surely lacked nothing valuable. A gift meeting his needs would be best. Shi Youqing quickly thought of his collection of supplements.

Huo Xu, the oldest of the four targets, though just in his early thirties, was at an age where many start focusing on health. Plus, with his peculiar habits, if he wasn’t careful, his health might suffer.

Seeing Shi Youqing fetching the supplements from the kitchen, Bo Huai froze, then his expression changed drastically: “You’re giving those to Huo Xu?”

Shi Youqing held up one item and asked, “What does this supplement?”

“… Kidneys.”

Remembering his kidneys were fine, Shi Youqing asked, “Do you need it?”

Bo Huai’s face turned green: “Of course not!” Those were from a nutritionist’s prescription, occasionally added to soups to enhance overall health, intended for Shi Youqing.

“Then this it is!” Shi Youqing nodded decisively, “Huo Xu definitely needs it!”

“……”

Bo Huai’s jealousy vanished, lips taut to suppress a smile, as he helped Shi Youqing prepare the gift.

Once ready, Shi Youqing received Huo Xu's call, announcing his arrival in an hour, instructing him and his friend to wait outside the apartment.

Shi Youqing didn’t disclose that his friend was Bo Huai, planning a surprise for the birthday celebrant.

Soon, hearing the neighbor’s door, Shi Youqing stealthily peeked out as Lu Yuzhe left with a thermos and trash bag.

He messaged Hao Tianshuo to inspect the discarded items.

Shortly, Hao Tianshuo reported back: Lu Yuzhe’s wet trash contained only chicken trimmings and vegetable scraps.

Shi Youqing inquired, “Has Lu Yuzhe left the apartment?”

Hao Tianshuo confirmed, “Yes, I saw him take a taxi.”

This would make things easier!

Shi Youqing had once taken advantage of the chaos in the Lu family to sneak a peek into Lu Yuzhe's room. Now that the Lu household was reset and filled with many suspicious elements, it was the perfect opportunity to investigate.

Seeing Shi Youqing eyeing the balcony and moving to get a chair, Bo Huai instantly grasped his intention: "You want to go into Lu Yuzhe's house?"

"Shi Youqing nodded; this matter was important."

"Bo Huai declared, 'I’ll go, no need for a chair.'"

"Knowing Bo Huai’s agility, Shi Youqing still insisted on taking precautions: 'Then go get a sheet...'"

"'A sheet is too conspicuous. Don’t worry, leave it to me.'"

"Shi Youqing pursed his lips, still wanting to check personally, especially the refrigerator that the old man mentioned."

"Seeing his concern, Bo Huai grew fonder, squeezing his shoulder and looking down, 'I’ll video call you once I get there, so it'll be like you're there with me... Is that okay?'"

"With no other option, Shi Youqing agreed, 'Alright, but be careful.'"

"On the balcony, Bo Huai first settled Shi Youqing in a safe area on a rocking chair. Then, gauging the distance ahead, he suddenly lunged forward, toe-tapping for momentum, and swiftly leaped into the air. With one hand, he timely grasped the railing of the opposite balcony and landed steadily inside."

"In almost the blink of an eye, he had vaulted over."

"Such a feat was impossible for most people. Therefore, the glass door from the opposite balcony to the inside was unlocked, and Bo Huai pushed it open to enter."

"Not wanting to waste time, Shi Youqing didn't start the video call. He instructed Bo Huai to check the place thoroughly, take photos with his phone, and especially examine the refrigerator and cardboard boxes that the old man mentioned yesterday."

"In less than ten minutes, Bo Huai was back out."

"After jumping back, before Shi Youqing could ask, Bo Huai handed over an ID card."

Shi Youqing thought he had figured out Lu Yuzhe's identity card trick, only to be surprised again. On closer inspection, isn't the person on the ID card Wang Fan?!

But this wasn't the new ID card Shi Youqing found in his room. It bore the issue date and was Wang Fan's old, lost ID card!

"The ID card was found in a drawer under a corpse model in Lu Yuzhe's house. His house had many opened parcels, all dolls, with more than half dressed up as corpses in various ways of death." Bo Huai led him into the house and handed him a phone, "The fridge was indeed replaced with a new one. There was also a box that perfectly fit the new fridge, corroborating what the old man said yesterday."

Shi Youqing opened the video shot on the phone.

The furniture in Lu Yuzhe's house wasn't much changed, only the wardrobe was larger. In the video, half of the wardrobe contained puppets and their clothes. Lu Yuzhe even discarded some furniture to clear an area specifically for his "dressed corpses," some drowned, some with bleeding chests, and some decapitated...

"However, a more unsettling scene awaited inside the fridge."

Upon opening the new refrigerator, a chilling sight of red stains resembling blood greeted them, with the chilling compartment filled with doll heads…

"That's just paint," Bo Huai clarified, "There's no real blood in the fridge."

Shi Youqing nodded, continuing his scrutiny.

The freezer compartment revealed a more ordinary scene, filled with ice cubes and everyday frozen items.

Closing his phone, Shi Youqing queried, "Do you think Lu Yuzhe could hide inside this fridge with his physique?"

Bo Huai assessed, “It's unlikely. Lu Yuzhe is over 186 centimeters tall, and the fridge's compartments are too cramped. It could possibly conceal dismembered bodies…” But naturally, there were no corpses in there.

Shi Youqing smiled, “This visit has indeed been fruitful.”

……

In the security office.

Hao Tianshuo idly munched on sunflower seeds, his eyes roving around the room.

Until Shi Youqing appeared.

Accompanied by Bo Huai, Shi Youqing passed the security room, offering Hao Tianshuo a slight smile.

Hao Tianshuo immediately returned the smile, but recalling the previous night's conversation, he became visibly worried, his gaze imploring: 'Brother Qing, you must protect yourself. If necessary, push someone in front of you as a shield!!!'

Whether Shi Youqing received his silent message was unclear, as he walked away composedly.

After they got into a luxury car parked roadside, Hao Tianshuo slumped back, sighing heavily.

The elder security guard beside him inquired, "What's bothering you today? You’ve been sighing a lot."

Hao Tianshuo casually replied, “Just annoyed at someone’s reckless parking earlier.”

The talkative elder scoffed, “Today was nothing. It was worse two days ago; not just bad parking, but causing a ruckus in the apartment too…”

“Ruckus? You mean the incident with Room 305’s family? You're mistaken, that wasn't two days ago. It happened the day before yesterday, on Monday!”

“Nonsense, I'm talking about two days ago,” the elder retorted. “On Tuesday evening, Room 305’s family tried to cause trouble again!”

"...Huh?"

"You weren't there at the time. Apparently, the family from room 305 tried to forcefully move his belongings, pressuring him to return home. They even brought a big truck, clearly intending to clear everything out! Unexpectedly, Teacher Lu from 305 returned and caught them... The driver verbally agreed to leave but secretly planned to park nearby, waiting to continue once the coast was clear. Eventually, Teacher Lu sought a locksmith, and the driver was about to leave, but Lu's family insisted he stay another night to look for an opportunity!"

“……”

"The driver had no place to park, and at that time, someone from Mr. Huo's team came to drop off things. The driver saw Mr. Huo's truck parked and wanted to park alongside. I had to intervene... it was blocking the way." The old man pointed to an empty space next to the ground floor flower bed. "Right there... it almost led to an argument. The driver was unreasonable, insisting on parking just because others could."

"Mr. Huo's truck was just a temporary stop, right? Parking overnight is definitely not allowed."

"Yes, but the driver was arrogant and called Teacher Lu's family, and eventually, the matter somehow got linked to Mr. Huo. They seemed to know each other, having business dealings... Mr. Huo asked me to turn a blind eye... There was no other choice but to comply. But the next day, a person died. That driver was so scared after finding out and even got interrogated by the police. He didn't dare go near the apartment again and just drove away."

So, there was such a drama. Huo Xu even knew Lu Yuzhe's family.

Hao Tianshuo quietly took note of this.

……

Inside the car.

Shi Youqing, observing the changing expressions on Huo Xu's face, asked kindly, "What's wrong?"

Huo Xu stared intensely at Bo Huai, several times thinking he was seeing things.

“Why did you bring...”

“You mean Bo Lai?” Shi Youqing made a helpless expression. “He's been desperately begging to get back together, not eating or drinking for days. I feel like I haven't fully let go of him, so I decided to give him another chance... Love isn't always smooth sailing, right?”

“….” Huo Xu’s mouth twitched involuntarily. They really know how to play the game.

But he couldn't show too much reaction. After all, he had already stated to Shi Youqing that he had no romantic interest in him. Now that Shi Youqing brought his boyfriend, Huo Xu really had no say, especially with an indescribable itch in his heart, “Don’t be too impulsive. Breaking up and getting back together can hurt a relationship.”

“That's why we won't break up again,” Bo Lai said sharply, glancing at him.

Huo Xu: “……”

Good, don’t break up. Let me make you watch the person you like end up with me, and experience what true agony feels like!

Shi Youqing, noticing Huo Xu’s rapidly increasing favorability, felt a chill in his heart.

Definitely a cuckold fetish.

…Are there any normal characters to pursue in this game?

An hour later, the car entered a suburban villa area.

As soon as the car parked, Huo Xu stepped out to open the door for Shi Youqing, but Bo Huai beat him to it. Unperturbed, Huo Xu smoothly transitioned his hand gesture into an inviting motion.

Entering the hall, Shi Youqing's eyes met a group of men waiting there.

These men, around Huo Xu's age, appeared composed. Spotting newcomers, they didn't burst into jokes or exclamations, simply waiting for Huo Xu's introduction.

Huo Xu introduced them with a light smile: "This is Shi Youqing, my friend and neighbor, and his boyfriend. Please make sure they're well received."

The group, initially mistaking Shi Youqing for Huo Xu's lover based on his gaze, turned their surprised looks to Bo Huai upon hearing the introduction, thinking: 'This guy really goes to great lengths for his career!'

Business people eager to please Huo Xu naturally speculated about such matters. Even without knowing Huo Xu's cuckold fetish, they understood his type—someone exactly like Shi Youqing.

Fair, handsome, seemingly gentle and sensible.

After brief introductions, everyone settled into casual conversation.

Shi Youqing, noticing many eyes on him, remembered the gift and took it from Bo Huai to hand to Huo Xu.

"Your birthday gift for me? What is it?" Huo Xu finally smiled.

"Kidney supplements. I believe in giving what's needed. I hope you like it," Shi Youqing said with a sincere smile.

“……”

The lively living room fell silent in an instant.

Some faces turned awkward, but most struggled to hold back laughter.

Shi Youqing glanced around, noting Bo Huai's more dignified attempt at restraint. Satisfied, he quipped, "What did you all bring? I hope it's not the same. But no worries, Uncle Huo will surely find it useful."

—Calling him 'uncle' now!

Someone finally laughed, hastily complimenting, "This kid's a real charmer. Huo, you sure know how to make friends! We can't match your skill!"

Compliments sounded more sarcastic than supportive!

Huo Xu's forehead darkened, yet his fondness for Shi Youqing remained unaffected. He assumed Bo Huai, after their reconciliation, must have badmouthed him, despite clarifying his intentions at the café earlier. One little rumor was enough to sway opinions.

Casting a begrudging glance at Bo Huai, Huo Xu saw a smug retort. Fuming inwardly, he laughed at Huo Xu's overestimation of himself.

Accepting the gift, Huo Xu tried to salvage his dignity: "Thanks, Youqing. I'll keep it regardless of its use. It's your thought that counts. No need for 'uncle,' just how much older am I?"

"Okay, Uncle."

“……”

Shi Youqing took a sip of water and earnestly replied, "The term 'uncle' does indeed age you significantly. Just 'uncle' cuts the age by half... What do you think, Uncle?"

Huo Xu, no longer able to mingle with his friends jovially, hastily made an excuse to escape upstairs for some respite.

As soon as he left, the living room burst into laughter.

Huo Xu's friends, clearly quite plastic, were now laughing so hard they were in tears, slapping their thighs, "I've never seen him so flustered before!"

"You're quite a character, but be careful not to upset the birthday man too much!"

"Why say that?" Shi Youqing frowned, seemingly oblivious to their amusement, "I was having a nice talk with my uncle, and you're making fun of him. Is it because you think he's trying to act younger than his age? You're all the same; there's no need to point out each other's flaws."

After a few seconds of silence.

"Hahaha, I can't take it anymore..."

"No wonder Huo Xu brought him along!"

The crowd continued to laugh uproariously.

Shi Youqing shook his head and stood up, "Bo Huai, let's go outside for a walk. I can't bridge the generation gap with these people." He winked at him as he spoke.

—Time for reconnaissance.

Understanding his intent, Bo Huai gently enclosed Shi Youqing's clenched fist with his hand, tenderly leading him out.

[Author's Note]

A big thank you to the angel who launched a rocket: --Waiting for the Aurora-- 1;

Thank you so much for your support, I will continue to work hard!