Chapter 59

Chapter 59

Gu Dongting knew that Shen Wang wouldn't mention someone irrelevant without reason.

He asked directly, "Could this Yu person be related to this case?"

Shen Wang hesitated, then looking into Gu Dongting’s clear eyes, vaguely replied, "It's just a speculation."

The cursed individuals included Tang Jiu's ex-girlfriend, who had a dispute with him, and a subordinate associated with Tang Jiu.

Thinking back to the original story, anyone who crossed Tang Jiu met a tragic end, even company employees who criticized him were fired and blacklisted in the industry.

Shen Wang’s prime suspect was Tang Jiu.

But this was just a guess mixed with his personal feelings, lacking any evidence. Saying it out loud wouldn’t be very credible.

Gu Dongting, puzzled: "What speculation? Why not meet this Yu person you know and find out?"

Shen Wang chuckled.

True, a personal visit might just yield some results.

Having made up his mind, Shen Wang turned his gaze to Uncle Song, raising an eyebrow, "How should he be dealt with?"

Feeling his gaze, Uncle Song's heart skipped a beat, "Master, I realize my mistake. It was all that man's misleading, his fault!"

"I didn't cause any serious consequences, after all, my brother is my brother. Blood is thicker than water. This is a family matter; there's no need for masters like you to intervene..."

Gu Dongting merely glanced at him and said, "Hand him over to the special department."

Before the establishment of the special department, the metaphysical world might have been a legal gray area.

But after its establishment, the metaphysical world began to develop a set of rules and has been increasingly refined over the years.

Saying this and not wanting to hear any more of Uncle Song's excuses, Gu Dongting silenced him.

Shen Wang feigned realization, "The special department truly is the police station of the metaphysical world. This is attempted murder, isn’t it? He should be imprisoned."

Uncle Song's eyes widened in shock, not expecting that the state actually had a department to handle such matters.

He panicked, trying to plead but unable to speak due to being silenced, unable to utter a single word.

He could only be helplessly taken away to the special department.

The head of the Feng Shui department, Shi Yan, had already been informed by Gu Dongting of Uncle Song's actions. Wearing a smile, he personally escorted Uncle Song into the detention room.

Turning around, he solemnly promised Gu Dongting, "Brother Gu, we will handle this matter seriously."

Before the special department was established, there was an unwritten rule in the metaphysical community: cultivators were not allowed to harm ordinary people.

Any cultivator who harmed an ordinary person would stand against the entire metaphysical community, becoming a universally condemned rogue and heretic.

Gu Dongting nodded, "There are other victims. Shen Wang and I will investigate."

Shi Yan, watching Shen Wang stand aside, his gaze inscrutable, said, "This is a matter for the special department. It’s not appropriate to trouble an outsider."

Shen Wang responded, "I'm paid to handle tasks, it's no trouble."

Shi Yan withdrew his gaze, speaking softly to Gu Dongting, "Should I ask Xie Qingming to accompany you? He’s been idling too long."

"No need, Shen Wang is sufficient."

Having said this, Gu Dongting and Shen Wang left without waiting for Shi Yan to object.

Shi Yan watched their retreating figures, puffing his cheeks and rolling his eyes.

Stepping out of the special department, Shen Wang touched his nose, "Minister Shi is really protective over me, like a father fearing his precious daughter being wooed by some guy outside."

Shen Wang was puzzled by Shi Yan's wariness, unable to comprehend it.

Feeling so scrutinized, he almost wanted to act defiantly, truly eloping with Gu Dongting to confirm Shi Yan's suspicions.

Gu Dongting was also confused, "He doesn’t act like this with others."

Gu Dongting was well-liked, with admirers and friends in both the special department and the metaphysical association, yet Shi Yan had never shown such behavior towards others.

Only towards Shen Wang... Shi Yan's attitude was so strange.

Shen Wang and Gu Dongting exchanged glances, both unable to fathom what was going on.

"We're not even close acquaintances," they both thought at the same time.

It was just a mere acquaintance, far from even being ordinary friends...

Yu Cailiang's home was near the Tang residence, a distance from the special department, so the two decided to use a department car and borrowed a driver.

The driver was a chatterbox, talking non-stop all the way, "When the special department was first established, it rigorously cleaned up the metaphysical community, arresting many rogue cultivators who harmed ordinary people. It was like killing the chicken to scare the monkey, and it wasn't long ago, so why would someone take such a risk now?"

He wore an expression of incomprehension.

Shen Wang, however, understood the cultivators' mindset, "After achieving a certain level in cultivation, a cultivator’s physical strength, mental acuity, martial prowess, even lifespan, are vastly different from ordinary people. Strictly speaking, they are almost like two different species."

"When you can easily command the elements and move mountains, ordinary people become like ants to you. Would you still care about them?"

The driver, temporarily assuming the role, gasped, "What commanding elements and moving mountains, those are just stories from legends. In modern society, the difference between cultivators and ordinary people isn’t that significant."

Gu Dongting, with pursed lips, said, "Even if I reach such a level in cultivation, I would never view people as ants."

Shen Wang glanced at Gu Dongting.

He actually believed Gu Dongting’s words.

This person, even after his dark transformation, had only ever targeted cultivators in the metaphysical world and never harmed ordinary people.

Unaware of Shen Wang's thoughts, Gu Dongting continued, "What makes us human is mutual assistance and the passing down of traditions through generations... If one lacks compassion for the weak, what differentiates them from wild beasts?"

The driver, Qin You Rong, driving the car, nodded vigorously, "Right! Brother Gu is absolutely correct!"

Regretting that he was driving and couldn't applaud, Qin You Rong wished he could give a standing ovation to Gu Dongting's words.

Shen Wang smiled, "You're right."

But not everyone has a kind heart like they do.

Moreover, in modern society, cultivators and ordinary people don't differ fundamentally; cultivators are just more arrogant.

However, in the world of true cultivation, where cultivators often live for a thousand years, ordinary people really are like ants, and simply being ignored is already a kind gesture.

Shen Wang's response was perfunctory, something both Qin You Rong and Gu Dongting noticed.

Qin You Rong wanted to argue, but he forgot what he was going to say when another car sped past them.

Gu Dongting observed Shen Wang's profile, lost in thought.

Amidst the strange atmosphere, the group arrived at Yu Cailiang's neighborhood.

Entering the neighborhood, Shen Wang inadvertently saw the Tang family's house. He turned his face away in discomfort, his gaze unintentionally falling on a rockery.

He suddenly burst into laughter.

Following Shen Wang’s gaze, Gu Dongting saw nothing, "Did you notice something?"

"Didn't notice anything, just remembered someone," Shen Wang asked with interest, "In the metaphysical world, is there a cultivator who likes wearing black clothes, wearing a mask, and moves mysteriously?"

Qin You Rong, always straightforward, commented, "Black clothes and a mask, and moves mysteriously... Shen, the person you know sounds like no good."

"Be careful with your words," Gu Dongting glanced at Qin You Rong, who immediately fell silent, not daring to speak further.

After thinking seriously for a few seconds, Gu Dongting shook his head cautiously, "I haven't heard of such a person, but if he intentionally conceals his identity, he might be a famous figure in the metaphysical world."

Qin You Rong rolled his eyes, "A sneaky figure like that, famous? More likely another rogue cultivator who hides in the shadows."

Shen Wang agreed with Gu Dongting, "You're right. He is quite skilled. In my opinion, his cultivation might be on par with yours, Brother Gu. Perhaps he has his reasons for hiding his identity."

Gu Dongting showed a bit more interest, "If someone catches Shen's interest, he must be a person of exceptional character. If fate allows, I might meet him too."

Hearing this, Shen Wang imagined the scenario and suddenly laughed, "You two, one in black and the other in white, standing together - would you be like a pair of evil spirits or messengers of death?"

Qin You Rong tried to hold back but couldn't help chuckling as well.

While talking, they arrived at Yu Cailiang's doorstep. Shen Wang, being the only one who knew Yu, was the first to ring the doorbell.

A long time passed, but no one came to open the door.

Shen Wang pressed the bell again.

Still no response.

Only on the third ring did movement appear on the video intercom, "Who's there?"

Yu Cailiang, in his pajamas, tensed up seeing Shen Wang at the door, his eyes darting around before he opened the door.

Shen Wang, ready to explain his visit, was taken aback, "???"

That was unexpectedly easy.

He thought entering would require some effort, especially since Yu Cailiang always seemed to dislike him.

As the three entered, Yu Cailiang awkwardly fixed his hair, asking uncomfortably, "Why are you here?"

After a moment of thought, Shen Wang tentatively asked, "I came to check on you. Are your parents... and you, alright? Nothing wrong?"

Qin You Rong winced, "Is that how you ask someone if they're okay? Aren’t we going to be thrown out?"

Surprisingly, Yu Cailiang nodded obediently, answering the question, "Thanks, we're all fine."

He used to always be so proud and arrogant, like a proud little rooster. Even when rebuffed by Shen Wang, he would be livid, full of energy and stomping his feet.

Yet now, he appeared listless and dispirited.

Shen Wang looked him over and asked kindly, "What happened to you?"

Unexpectedly, Shen Wang's question made his eyes well up.

Yu Cailiang kept his head down, stealing glances at Shen Wang, then looked again. His eyes, red and swollen, were filled with unsaid words.

Shen Wang: "???"

Qin You Rong widened his eyes and quietly moved next to Gu Dongting, whispering, "Brother Gu, could Shen Wang be a heartbreaker?"

Shen Wang sharply turned and glared at Qin You Rong.

Startled, Qin You Rong quickly straightened up, pretending he hadn’t said anything.

Turning back, Shen Wang said irritably, "Young Master Yu, I haven't wronged you, have I? It's always you who's been troubling me..."

Even when Yu Cailiang's troublemaking was not particularly smart, Shen Wang didn’t bother retaliating, at most just rebuffing him without seeking revenge.

If those Shen Wang had previously wronged knew this, they’d surely be surprised that the once vengeful Shen Wang had turned over a new leaf.

Hearing Shen Wang's words, Yu Cailiang suddenly burst into tears, dropping to his knees, "Shen Wang, I'm sorry, it was me... I wronged you..."

Shen Wang’s pupils constricted.

Even the composed Gu Dongting involuntarily stepped back.

Qin You Rong gasped, muttering, "Brother Gu, I was wrong. Shen Wang isn’t the heartbreaker; he’s the heartbroken."

Shen Wang almost laughed in exasperation, not bothering to correct Qin You Rong, "Yu Cailiang, what are you playing at?"

Kneeling, Yu Cailiang sobbed and choked out his confession, "I used to think you were illegitimate, so I always troubled you, bullied you, I..."

"I'm sorry, I didn't know that you were the real young master of the Tang family. They treated you so badly, and I even spoke ill of you..."

The drama between Shen Wang and the Tang family was well-known, so Yu Cailiang naturally learned the truth - Shen Wang was the Tang family's biological child, while Tang Jiu was the one switched at birth.

Still reeling from shock and unable to compose himself, the internet exploded with the revelations of Mr. and Mrs. Tang's mistreatment of Shen Wang, as well as Tang Jiu's notorious playboy antics.

Yu Cailiang's long-admired Tang Jiu turned out to be such a person, causing the grand image he had of Tang Jiu to crumble.

After learning the truth, reflecting on his own actions towards Shen Wang filled Yu Cailiang with immense regret.

When Shen Wang was brought back to the Tang family, he was unloved by his parents and had a false brother who despised him. In such a difficult situation, Yu Cailiang still often troubled him and spoke ill of him.

Yu Cailiang regretted his past actions and wanted to apologize to Shen Wang but lacked the courage, living each day in anguish and remorse.

Now, with Shen Wang seeking justice at his doorstep, Yu Cailiang's mind was in chaos, and without a second thought, he knelt to apologize.

Hearing Yu Cailiang's confession, Gu Dongting's gaze towards Shen Wang subtly shifted, realizing that Shen Wang, whom he always saw as resilient, once lived such a life.

Everyone has their weaknesses. Gu Dongting thought of his own warm and harmonious family, a flicker of emotion passing in his eyes before quickly being concealed without Shen Wang noticing.

Qin You Rong, who had also followed Shen Wang's story, was unaware of these details, showing sympathy and even wanting to give Shen Wang a hug.

Shen Wang himself: "..."

Shen Wang: "Your petty tricks never caused me any harm. You don't need to... overthink it."

With Yu Cailiang's intelligence, aside from occasional snide remarks and petty actions like secretly throwing away Shen Wang's blanket or isolating him with other rich kids, he didn't really impact Shen Wang. It was all insignificant to Shen Wang and not worth his concern.

And now, without Shen Wang actually doing much, Yu Cailiang was the one in tears.

Yu Cailiang cried even harder, "Shen, you're truly a good person. I was blind before, prejudiced against you. I'm sorry for siding with that scoundrel Tang Jiu against you."

Shen Wang: "...You've broken ties with Tang Jiu?"

Yu Cailiang nodded vehemently, "He doesn’t deserve to be my brother. I've already cut off our relationship to his face!"

Shen Wang further asked, "What about your family's relationship with his?"

If he remembered correctly, the Yu and Tang families had business dealings.

Yu Cailiang continued nodding, "Yes! Not a single good person in the Tang family. Their conduct is despicable, not trustworthy to partner with. I persuaded my father to terminate our contract with them!"

He even sounded proud, "It’s because of their scandalous behavior that we terminated the contract. They even had to pay us a penalty for breach of contract!"

Alright, Shen Wang was now certain that the surname Yu was likely this Yu.

Yu Cailiang was still kneeling and apologizing. Shen Wang, growing irritated, said, "Stop kneeling, get up."

His voice was deep, carrying an authoritative tone when impatient.

Yu Cailiang's mind hadn’t caught up, but his body instinctively stood up quickly.

He looked earnestly at Shen Wang, "Thank you, Shen. You're really a good person. I wronged you, and you’re not even angry. Maybe you should hit me to vent your anger, I promise I won’t fight back!"

Shen Wang, half amused and half annoyed, said, "What are you, a masochist? If I hit you... believe me, with your frail body, one punch from me and you'd be dead."

Yu Cailiang's eyes widened in terror, his voice trembling, he shut his eyes tightly, "It’s fine! Just hit me, I can take it!"

Shen Wang: "..."

Gu Dongting stepped forward, gently tugging at Shen Wang's hand, and asked, "Are your parents in good health?"

Compared to Shen Wang, Gu Dongting's demeanor was icy. His question left Yu Cailiang with no room for hesitation, who immediately replied, "They're fine... it's just that my dad recently collapsed due to overwork."

It had to be Gu Dongting who took the initiative, concise and to the point, just one word, quick!

Shen Wang’s eyes gleamed as he looked at Gu Dongting.

Gu Dongting continued, "How is your father now, and where is he?"

Yu Cailiang, unsure how the conversation shifted from his confession to his father, didn't dare to ask and honestly answered, "The doctor said it might be due to overworking recently. My mom has insisted he go to a sanatorium for rest."

"Take us to see your father."

Yu Cailiang glanced at Shen Wang, feeling indebted to him. Regardless of what Shen Wang wanted to do to him, he wouldn’t resist, but...

Yu Cailiang tearfully said, "Shen, I'm sorry for what I did to you, but my dad is innocent. Could you please spare my dad and just target me?"

Shen Wang: "..."

At that moment, he really wanted to pry open Yu Cailiang’s head to see what was inside.

Shen Wang irritably explained, "I'm just going to visit him, visit! Do you understand?"

So fierce. Yu Cailiang shrank back, nodding vigorously, "I understand, I understand."

Pulling Yu Cailiang into the car, the group of four drove towards the sanatorium.

Qin You Rong and Yu Cailiang sat in the front, while Shen Wang and Gu Dongting sat in the back.

Shen Wang, looking out the window, suddenly felt a light touch on his hand. Startled, he turned to look at Gu Dongting.

Gu Dongting patted his hand, a gesture of comfort.

Shen Wang was momentarily confused, almost thinking Gu Dongting was flirting with him, but realized the concern in the other's eyes.

Gu Dongting seemed to think that Yu Cailiang’s presence had reminded Shen Wang of unwanted memories, affecting his mood.

Amused and slightly annoyed, Shen Wang never knew he appeared so fragile in Gu Dongting’s eyes.

In Gu Dongting’s view, Shen Wang: a little pitiable, needing comfort.

In Shen Wang’s view, Gu Dongting: a saintly figure, overflowing with kindness.

— Both of them viewing each other through quite intense filters.