Chapter 115 of “Love Game” (16)

Chapter 115 of "Love Game" (16)

◎Twin Brothers◎

Knowing Huo Xu was likely watching from upstairs, Shi Youqing made sure to appear leisurely as they stepped out, admiring the small garden while chatting sporadically with Bo Huai, looking every bit like a couple seizing the chance for a romantic moment.

As they chatted, they had already scoped out the entire front yard.

The yard was elegantly designed, with the flower area being the most meticulously maintained.

However, next to the stone chairs, there was a space as if something had been moved.

The two moved seamlessly together. When they encountered a lady watering the plants, she coughed and turned away.

Shi Youqing didn't let her avoid them, instead approaching with a smile, “This garden is beautiful, even better than my home… Did you do this?”

“It’s all arranged by Mr. Huo. I just come regularly to water the plants and clean…” The lady, knowing he was a guest, couldn’t just ignore him.

Shi Youqing feigned surprise: “Ah? You don’t live here?”

The lady chuckled awkwardly: “There used to be a live-in maid, but Mr. Huo hasn’t stayed here much in the past two or three months. Everything here is managed by scheduled visits.”

“I wonder about the security around here…” Shi Youqing looked around as if considering something. “If it’s not lived in for long, would there be break-ins?”

“Nothing like that has ever happened in Mr. Huo’s house. The security system here is very good... If you’re thinking of buying a house around here, you might want to ask him.”

Seeing the lady take the bait, Shi Youqing casually pointed towards a nearby stone chair and asked, "That thing over there, wasn’t it stolen?"

The lady was startled at first, then laughed it off, “You’re overthinking it. There used to be a stone statue of a mythical beast there. Mr. Huo didn’t like it and had it removed the day before yesterday. It wasn’t stolen!”

Shi Youqing recalled the surveillance footage from the previous day, remembering people hauling a bunch of large objects to the fourth floor, followed by Mr. Huo’s secretary who came to open the door. Everything was moved into the house temporarily used as a storage.

Shi Youqing commented, “This villa seems pretty big, no space for a stone statue?”

“You don’t understand, Mr. Huo is very particular about Feng Shui. If he finds something unpleasant, he either discards it or temporarily moves it to a less frequented location. Although he doesn’t live in this villa often, it’s still his home. Keeping disliked items would affect the Feng Shui for him... He’s especially particular about this.”

Shi Youqing acknowledged with an "Oh".

Bo Lai added, “I don’t see anything impressive here, it’s quite a hassle to clean up when staying alone occasionally.”

Shi Youqing nodded in agreement.

The lady corrected them, “That’s not the case! As I said, we come regularly to clean and tidy up. We wouldn’t be lazy just because we’re paid. We make sure the house is livable for whenever someone needs to stay. Mr. Huo stayed here the day before yesterday. He only called someone to remove a few things and was alone the whole time. It wasn’t until yesterday morning that he started preparing for the party…”

“I see.”

Shi Youqing and Bo Lai exchanged a look and walked away hand in hand, affectionately.

They strolled around the area and returned only at mealtime.

Huo Xu had already come downstairs, looking calmer, speaking sternly with a few friends. Upon seeing them return, his eyes showed a subtle change before he greeted Shi Youqing, “I was about to call you. Where did you go? You were out of sight for so long.”

The meal was being served dish by dish by the housemaid, and Shi Youqing and Bo Lai took their seats.

Shi Youqing responded with a smile, “Staying inside was boring, so we went for a walk nearby. Uncle, your garden is really beautiful.”

Laughter began to erupt around the table.

Huo Xu, trying to maintain composure, said, “It’s almost neglected. If I had known you liked the garden, I would have had it tidied up in advance.”

Shi Youqing replied, “It’s already very nice, no need for extra effort.”

Huo Xu, gritting his molars, maintained a smile, “Alright, let’s eat.”

After a lively dinner, the group moved upstairs to the home theater to sing, brag, and flatter Mr. Huo. One of them noticed Shi Youqing’s droopy eyelids and lack of energy. Curious, he sidled up to ask, “What’s wrong with you?”

This man was the most marginalized in Huo Xu's friend circle. Through casual conversation at the dinner table, Shi Youqing realized he wasn’t really Huo Xu's friend. He was there to curry favor with Huo Xu for a project and had managed to get an invitation only after giving numerous gifts. However, he was constantly belittled throughout the evening, and it seemed Huo Xu had no intention of agreeing to his proposal.

The man was inwardly disgruntled, not wanting his efforts to be wasted.

He had already noticed Huo Xu’s interest in the young man. Seeing him appear drowsy and pale after dinner, he immediately suspected Huo Xu might have drugged the young man’s food in an attempt to take advantage of him.

He suddenly remembered Huo Xu’s words from earlier that day, “You need to be useful to me before I can help you. I'm not running a charity here…”

An idea dawned on him instantly.

“If you’re not feeling well, you should rest… Hey, where’s your boyfriend?”

Shi Youqing, who only felt drowsy after a full meal, caught the man’s suggestive glance and, recalling his behavior in front of Huo Xu earlier, guessed his intention. He whispered, “I lost something valuable when I went out with him at noon, so he’s gone to look for it.”

Of course, that wasn't true. After going upstairs, Shi Youqing discovered a special room on the floor – the only one locked and not cleaned by the housemaid.

Using this as an excuse, he sent Bo Lai away to sneak into the room to investigate.

Bo Lai, worried about leaving him alone, kept their phones in constant communication. Any trouble on Shi Youqing’s end would bring Bo Lai back immediately.

Shi Youqing, to avoid detection, had his phone on silent, but any noise he made could still be heard on the other end.

“Let me take you to rest for a while,” the man offered helpfully, smiling, “I’ll go tell Mr. Huo and find you a room to rest in.” He certainly couldn’t actually go and ask; that would be too obvious. He had to handle things subtly to win approval.

Shi Youqing, feigning extreme tiredness, seemed ready to faint at any moment, “Then please lead the way.”

Moments later, he followed the man out, yawning heavily as they headed towards the guest room next to Huo Xu’s. “I can’t sleep with light; it gives me nightmares.”

“Ah?”

“Forget it, I don’t want to sleep here.”

“No, don’t leave!” The man was impatient internally but dared not show it, “Don’t worry, I’ll draw the curtains for you. They’re blackout curtains, you’ll sleep well.”

At the door, Shi Youqing added, “Why is the bedsheet blue? I don’t like blue. I want a yellow one.”

Internally cursing, the man quickly went in to search, “Let me see if there’s a yellow bedsheet…”

Shi Youqing: “You take your time; I’ll use the restroom.”

“Go ahead,” the man said, tiredly flipping through the wardrobe for the sheet.

Shi Youqing closed the door and then ran into Bo Huai who had just arrived.

He gestured for silence.

Bo Huai, with a gloomy expression, quickly approached. Before he could speak, Shi Youqing pulled him into the opposite restroom. As soon as the door closed, he smiled at Bo Huai, "Heard everything?"

Given the murderous look in his eyes, the answer was obviously yes. However, Shi Youqing didn't dwell on this topic, instead asking, "Did you go into that room?"

Bo Huai nodded. Seeing him unharmed and apparently having dealt with others, his expression gradually softened as he described the situation in that room.

It was actually a collection room, filled with calligraphy, books, and various items, including many photos, mostly of Huo Xu and his younger brother.

Bo Huai took photos of those pictures.

Shi Youqing glanced over, momentarily at a loss for words.

The thought that twins would be similar crossed his mind, but he hadn't expected them to be this identical.

The brothers in the photo looked as if they were literally copied and pasted!

Shi Youqing said, "So, you mean to say, if it had been the elder brother who died that year, there was also a chance for the identities of the two to be swapped?"

Bo Huai replied, "Yes."

The year Huo Xu's younger brother died, identity card fingerprinting wasn't in practice yet.

With careful planning, it wasn’t impossible for the younger brother to live on under his elder brother’s identity… But since both attended the same university and shared similar academic credentials, and considering the elder brother’s superiority, it wouldn't make sense to forsake one's identity in such a way...

Shi Youqing didn’t continue his train of thought, but his ideas were becoming clearer. He decided to advise Bo Huai against any rash actions and made his way back to the guest room.

The person had finally found a yellow bedsheet. Seeing Shi Youqing approach, he was about to speak, but Shi Youqing interjected, "This room is too small, I'd prefer to sleep next door… Could you please make the bed there?"

The person was taken aback.

Could it be that he didn’t know the next room was Huo Xu’s bedroom?

Then, rethinking it and observing Shi Youqing's expression, his interpretation became more playful—so this is a strategic retreat!

"Is that not okay? Then I..."

"It's fine! Just wait a moment, it’ll be ready soon..."

Of course, Shi Youqing didn’t wait. Watching the man enter, draw the curtains, and turn off the light, he quietly closed the door and went to find Bo Huai, leisurely calling Huo Xu.

He remembered that Huo Xu had drunk quite a bit, being half-drunk.

As expected, Huo Xu slurred over the phone, “Why are you calling? Where are you?”

Shi Youqing whispered, "Come check your bedroom."

There was silence on the other end, perhaps a realization dawning, followed by a satisfied, low chuckle before hanging up.

A minute later, Huo Xu staggered out, peering around to find no one in sight, and quietly headed towards his bedroom.

At the same time, the person in the bedroom had just made the bed and was about to leave when the door suddenly opened.

Huo Xu, somewhat drunk and in the dimly lit room, mistook the person before him for Shi Youqing, given their similar height. Overwhelmed by an uncontrollable itch of excitement, he lunged forward and embraced the figure, exclaiming, "You really do know how to trouble someone..."

“！”

The person was terrified, his face ashen. He wanted to struggle, but then a thought struck him—helping Huo fulfill this deed might not earn his recognition, but if he played his cards right now... Regardless of Huo's dislike for him, he could use this situation to his advantage, almost certainly getting his way.

"For the sake of my future, I'm all in!"

With that thought, he remained motionless.

Huo Xu was about to step closer when he blinked and suddenly realized something was amiss—this person didn't have long hair!

He sobered up considerably in an instant, but before he could push the person away, the door behind him was violently opened.

"Uncle?!" Shi Youqing, leading others, exclaimed in shock, then fell silent before closing the door.

"It's not what it seems!" Huo Xu had never encountered such a situation in his life. On a closer look, the man he was embracing was the very deceitful, despised older man he detested, his mind buzzing!

He hurriedly went to close the door, preparing to explain—

"Uncle, I'm sorry," Shi Youqing, looking terrified as he rushed out, seemed genuinely frightened, his head hanging low. "I didn't mean to. Bo Huai accidentally broke a vase in your living room, and when we couldn't find you, I thought you might be in the bedroom. They insisted on joining the fun to see if you'd get angry..."

In reality, these so-called friends were more interested in seeing how Huo Xu would take advantage of Shi Youqing's boyfriend, not expecting such an eye-sore!

Who would have thought Huo Xu had such varied tastes!

"Didn't you tell me to come to the bedroom?" Huo Xu was livid.

"Yes," Shi Youqing looked like a guilty child. "I thought someone was sneaking around in your room, maybe stealing something. I just wanted to warn you. If I had known you were here, I wouldn’t have come!"

The man widened his eyes, astounded by such blatant lying. He wanted to object, but realized it might be better to remain silent. Clearly, the young man had already known Huo Xu's intentions and was seeking revenge. By speaking, he would only expose his own role in helping Huo Xu trap someone else's partner. How else could he explain leading the person here and willingly making the bed…

At worst, people might think he and Huo Xu were involved, but speaking out would reveal Huo Xu's deceitful schemes and his own complicity, especially since he hadn't managed to resolve the situation. Silence was his only option.

At this point, there was nothing left to do but accept the situation.

So, he remained silent.

"...” Huo Xu took a deep breath, pointing at the self-proclaimed clever man, enunciating every word, "Why are you in my room?!" He couldn't explain that he had intended to embrace Shi Youqing, who had a boyfriend, in front of everyone, could he?

"Mr. Huo, really, I came to tidy up your room and make your bed because I saw you were drunk and wanted to ask you a favor... Who knew you still harbored such feelings for me?" the man retorted defiantly.

“……”

Shi Youqing thought, if Huo Xu had a landmine in his hand, he would surely blast this smug troublemaker to pieces.

Seeing Huo Xu's fury, the others stepped in to mediate, not wanting to completely embarrass him.

"Look, it's all a misunderstanding. Huo probably just leaned on him because he was too drunk... You should have helped him to the bed quickly!"

"Alright, alright, it's your birthday after all, and this is a small matter! We didn't really see much..."

"You should rest now, you look like you're about to collapse... Health is important, don't drink so much next time, old Huo, alcohol leads to trouble!"

……

Lying on the bed, seething with anger, Huo Xu pointed at the man, about to tell him off, but then thought better of it. Doing so would look like he was harassing someone and then denying it. His friends were notoriously fickle and would probably spread the story in a few days... He grudgingly swallowed his pride: "I was too drunk, and I lost my balance. He was just nearby and helped me, it's not what you all are thinking..."

"We know, we know. Huo, you should rest now!"

Huo Xu, no longer feeling drunk, felt exhausted, looking at Shi Youqing standing at the door with mixed feelings of love and resentment.

Shi Youqing's face turned slightly pale: "Uncle, are you alright? Ah, I really lack foresight..."

Huo Xu's mind was a whirl of confusion, and he couldn't tell if Shi Youqing was genuinely scared or pretending. He closed his eyes, weary, "The vase is not a big deal. Just enjoy yourselves, I'm going to take a nap... I was just confused from the drink."

The crowd dispersed downstairs, their expressions varied.

The man who had attempted to play matchmaker for Huo Xu couldn’t stay any longer and hurriedly left with an excuse.

The housekeeper brought in afternoon tea.

They sipped their coffee in silence, but it didn't last long before they couldn't contain themselves.

“Hahaha, damn!”

“Unexpected, totally unexpected…”

“Mr. Huo is indeed extraordinary!”

“And that guy, running off so quickly, didn’t even get a chance to ask him for details!”

Since ancient times, the allure of gossip has been irresistible, and soon they were all animatedly discussing the incident.

Shi Youqing, seeing them engrossed, seized the opportunity to interject: “I haven’t known Uncle Huo for long, and understand too little about him. Had I known, I wouldn’t have opened that door.”

This elicited another round of laughter.

“You really don’t know him well enough. If you did, you wouldn’t have come here.” The group treated him like an innocent, naive soul, unaware he was walking into a lion's den.

“Uncle Huo is a good person, don’t talk about him like that.” Shi Youqing looked remorseful and naturally leaned onto Bo Huai’s shoulder, half-reclining to rest.

Bo Huai stretched a hand behind him, gently massaging his waist.

“The old Huo Xu was indeed quite nice,” a man who was Huo Xu’s former classmate reminisced, “But ever since his brother’s death, the blow was too heavy for him. He fell into a state of decline for a while. Although he eventually recovered, he began to mimic his brother's behaviors, saying it would keep his brother from completely disappearing…”

Shi Youqing’s lips twitched slightly: “Really? They must have had a strong bond.”

“Definitely, they grew up depending on each other, so their relationship was extraordinary,” he sighed, “But his brother's character wasn't very good.”

“Oh?”

“True, I was in the same school with them. Huo Xu was as steady as he is now, but his brother, despite being good at studies, had a rebellious nature and a messy personal life.”

“I know about this,” another person spoke in a hushed tone, “Apparently, the car accident happened because he had an affair with a street gangster's girl, got beaten up because of it, and the accident happened due to his injuries. Not just him, but an old lady also died in that accident…”

Shi Youqing's expression shifted slightly: "The one who was hit?"

“Yes! Many people know about this; it caused quite a stir at the time.”

“Anyway, his brother was quite something. After cuckolding others, he'd even collect their hair as a memento... His elder brother, even if he tried to emulate him, could only copy the superficial aspects, right?”

The group reacted with surprised murmurs.

Shi Youqing also smiled, maintaining an inner calm.

This made it clear; there was ample reason for the younger brother to replace the elder: the younger brother, having caused a fatal accident, switched identities with his brother to escape responsibility...

“Was Mr. Huo gay back then?” Shi Youqing asked.

“No, he was quite straight and even homophobic back then. He was shocked to learn his brother was bisexual and even beat him up once, telling him not to mess around with men... But after his brother's death, he couldn't accept it and saw psychologists many times. He has that kind of trauma and sometimes imitates his brother... Sigh..."

Shi Youqing blinked, remaining silent.

As night fell, the party's theme unfolded.

A well-rested Huo Xu came downstairs, joining everyone in the courtyard for a barbecue, guitar playing, and chatting. Those with talents performed.

However, Huo Xu was notably less talkative.

Everyone understood and didn't probe intentionally.

Eventually, the group surrounded the birthday boy, guiding him to the darkened living room before timely presenting the birthday cake.

Shi Youqing joined them in singing the birthday song.

Huo Xu made a wish, and as he finished, the room lit up brightly. He asked, “Do you know what I wished for?”

A few tried to guess to flatter him but couldn’t. Huo Xu then said with a faint smile, “I just hope that I can live out the life my brother should have had.”

Thunderous applause followed.

Regardless of being moved or not, everyone displayed a solemn expression.

Huo Xu turned to look at Shi Youqing.

Shi Youqing said, “Uncle, you definitely will.”

Huo Xu's smile twitched, then he invited everyone to the billiards room.

Shi Youqing declined, citing the lateness of the hour. Huo Xu, having encountered such an incident today, was not in the mood to insist and had the driver take them home.

As they were about to get into the car, Shi Youqing’s phone vibrated – a call from Hao Tianshuo.

He asked the driver to wait, saying he needed to use the restroom.

Bo Huai followed, waiting outside the restroom for him.

Shi Youqing knew that with his presence, no one else would dare to approach.

Hao Tianshuo, aware that he was at the NPC’s place, whispered, “Qingqing brother, no one's around, right?”

“Go ahead, it's just Bo Huai here.”

“...Be careful of Bai Minglang!”

“What happened?”

“He’s been acting weird today. He kept asking me and the security guard about your whereabouts. He even lied about losing something to check the surveillance footage, specifically for the time when you left the apartment! But he had already left much earlier! Clearly, he was trying to find you... When I wasn't there, the security guard carelessly told him you left in Huo Xu's car... After that, Bai Minglang left with a backpack, which he doesn’t usually carry. I don't know what’s inside it, but you must be wary of him!”

“Okay, got it.”

—If Bai Minglang was making a move, then even better.

After hanging up, Shi Youqing stepped out, his hand immediately and firmly grasped by Bo Huai, like a magnet.

He was used to it, letting Bo Huai lead, lifting his eyes to gaze into the night, as if finally discerning the hidden traces within, smiling relaxedly.

As he opened the car door, Bo Huai caught sight of Shi Youqing’s smile, his smooth profile partially concealed in the dark, eyelashes crowning the shimmer in his eyes, lips darkened by the shadows.

No matter how many times he saw it, his heart couldn’t stay calm… Recollecting, he thought of the phone call the other had just received.

Bai Minglang…

Bo Huai’s gaze darkened, gripping the eagle claw knife hidden in his sleeve.

—Since he’s courting death, it’s better to deal with him sooner.

[Author’s Note]

Thanks to the little angel who threw a mine: A kitten who'll go home when it's had enough fun, 1 mine;

Thanks to the little angels who provided nutrient solution: lilin, 10 bottles;

I'm very grateful for everyone's support, and I will continue to work hard!