“Chapter 51”

"Chapter 51"

"Mr. Yin was furious, but he clearly knew that the Master’s previous suggestion for his son to make a choice was genuine. Despite their earnest pleas, he knew his son well: one, he was in his rebellious phase; two, he regarded the Xie family kid as a true friend."

"Once he decided someone was his friend, it was unlikely he'd believe anything else unless he saw the truth with his own eyes."

"That Xie kid and his longtime classmate... but how could he just watch his son ruin his life?"

"Having found Mr. Yin’s family heirloom, Xie Qingfeng had achieved his goal for the day. He noticed Mr. Yin's hesitant expression, knowing well what he wanted to say, yet dared not."

"Xie Qingfeng didn’t look at Mr. Yin again, his gaze falling on the calligraphy supplies next to the study: 'Can I use these?'"

Yin's father eagerly nodded: "Of course, Master, feel free to use them."

Xie Qingfeng, without any courtesy, picked up a brush and, instead of dipping it in ink, drew a talisman in the air using his spiritual energy, invisible to others.

After finishing, he folded the talisman into a tiny piece, which lay in his palm. He gently squeezed it, sealing all its spiritual energy inside, turning it into an ordinary piece of paper.

Yin's father watched, clueless about what the master was doing. He saw Xie Qingfeng gesture for Hao Jixin to come over, but before Hao could reach, the long-haired young man accompanying the master quickly took the item from Xie Qingfeng's hand.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at Jing Xi: "Do you know what to do with this?"

Jing Xi blinked lightly, visible beyond his mask: "Naturally."

Having known the national master for years, he understood Xie Qingfeng’s intentions with just a glance, especially since Xie Qingfeng had decided to let Yin Jinhui make his own choice. This action was simply to avoid the need for another visit should Yin Jinhui seek help later.

Jing Xi didn’t want to leave it to Hao Jixin to explain, as it meant Xie Qingfeng would have to whisper privately to Hao, which was unacceptable to him.

As Hao Jixin approached, he found Jing Xi, the shadow prince, intercepting him. Jing Xi led him aside, whispered the instructions, then handed him the talisman: "Got it?"

Hao Jixin's eyes shone, realizing they wouldn't need a second trip. If Yin Jinhui knew the item that could save him had been with him all along, yet he still had to work to pay off his debt after asking for help, it would surely infuriate him each time he thought about it.

It was his own fault for blindly believing Xie Weihuan and speaking recklessly. After all, listening to advice could save one’s life; if he insisted on being obstinate, he'd learn life’s bitterness.

Hao Jixin, holding the sealed talisman, approached Yin's father and whispered something to him, concluding seriously: "You've seen the master's ability. Your son brought this on himself. If you save him without him learning a lesson, he'll never change. This is the last time we intervene."

Yin's father knew this well. Sighing, he resolved that if his son didn't learn to behave, he couldn’t save him forever. But if his son survived this ordeal, he vowed not to spare the Xie family, blaming them for spoiling such a menace.

As Xie Qingfeng and his group descended the stairs, Ma Zhu and Ai Ye Feng had arrived, handcuffing the fraudsters and herding them out: "Behave! You dare to impersonate and exploit our name? You don’t want to behave outside, then enjoy prison!"

The fraudsters regretted their actions: "We were wrong! We did it under someone’s orders!"

Ma Zhu inquired: "Who?"

The fraudsters hesitated, "We don’t know... someone left us money to do a job." They glanced fearfully at Yin Jinhui, recalling the threats they had received.

Despite Ma Zhu's further questioning, they refused to speak, fearing retribution against their families.

Ma Zhu took them away, planning to extract more information later.

Mu Zhang and Ai Yefeng, seeing Xie Qingfeng's enthusiasm, regretted missing the opportunity to bond with the master due to their work commitments. "Master, these three are credited to you, and I'll apply for a bonus for you," Mu Zhang said. Although it would be less than the last time, it still counted for something, right?

Hao Jixin didn't expect them to be so cooperative and casually replied, "Sure, let us know if there's more work next time." He was thrilled at the prospect of earning a bit each time.

Boss Yin had agreed to pay two million for this service, and with the department's bonus and Jinhui's impending two-million debt, he couldn't help but sympathize with Jinhui, soon to transform from a rich second-generation to a debt-ridden worker.

Jinhui felt uneasy under Hao Jixin's gaze and asked, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

Hao Jixin retorted, "How would you know I'm looking at you if you weren't looking at me? I was just looking at a fool. Are you the fool?"

Jinhui was infuriated, "You're calling me a fool! Don’t think I can’t hear the insult!"

Hao Jixin replied, "If the cap fits, wear it. Besides, I'm not wrong. Do you even know how your family heirloom was found and how it got lost?"

Jinhui was startled and, noticing his father's serious expression coming downstairs, wondered if there was a problem with the heirloom. "Dad, was it really found? Where was it?"

Boss Yin sighed at his son, previously thinking his simplicity might be a sign of hidden wisdom, but never imagined him to be foolish to this extent. "The heirloom was never lost. It was in the box all along, hidden by a concealment talisman underneath it. The moment the talisman was destroyed, it became visible. Do you know who put that talisman there?"

Jinhui hesitated, recalling the talisman he had placed. He nervously looked around, thinking it was the exorcism talisman Xie Weihuan had given, meant to repel evil energies from ancient objects.

Jinhui believed the talisman was to prevent bad luck from spreading to people who frequently touched these ancient items, particularly his father.

He had placed the talisman concerned for his father's well-being, hoping to bring some fortune. But now, to his astonishment, the talisman had a concealing effect. Was it a misunderstanding? Had he missed another effect of the exorcism talisman?

Boss Yin, seeing his son still covering for Xie Weihuan, sighed, "You're hopelessly foolish." He then dismissed the matter and respectfully escorted the master away.

Hao Jixin chuckled and made a funny face as he passed by Yin Jinhui, quickly running away before Yin could react. He shouted, "Kiddo, just a piece of advice: listening to others can save your life. Think about it, who else but your parents truly wishes you well in this world?"

It was his final warning to Yin Jinhui. If even this didn't get through to him, he'd be just as Yin's father said: doomed by his own foolishness. Even the gods couldn't save him if he continued on this path.

Xie Qingfeng and his group soon left the Yin residence. The two hundred thousand from Yin's father was promptly transferred. Xie had initially thought about checking the house's Feng Shui, but now his priority shifted to ensuring the son's safety.

In the next two days, Hao Jixin selected a few more cases for Xie Qingfeng. Once these were dealt with, it was time for Monday's classes.

Xie Qingfeng transferred a portion of the recent earnings to Hao Jixin, who accepted it after some thought. Was this a sign of the Master's approval?

Xie Qingfeng had a light schedule on Monday, with only one long session in the afternoon.

Busy over the weekend, he planned to visit his foster parents after class and have dinner with them.

Jing Xi planned to accompany him, opting for more age-appropriate health supplements and fruits instead of extravagant gift baskets, all pre-ordered and ready in the car's trunk. He proudly showed Xie Qingfeng, "How's this? Didn't drag you down this time, right?"

Seeing no surprise in Xie Qingfeng's eyes, Jing Xi sighed. It seemed the master's senses were sharp, leaving no room for surprises anymore.

Xie Qingfeng coughed softly, trying to flatter: "I just smelled it. I was planning to buy something too, but you've thoughtfully done it already. Very considerate."

Jing Xi gave him a dubious look. Could his acting be any more artificial?

But in a good mood, Jing Xi handed over half of the items: "Fine, since you're so considerate, I want a love-filled fried egg tomorrow morning, made by you personally." Xie Qingfeng had classes early, so he'd have to get up earlier, but a single egg wasn't too much to ask, right?

Xie Qingfeng froze, hesitating. He could save lives but cooking? "Are you sure you want to eat what I cook? Are you brave enough?"

Jing Xi calmly replied, "Even if it's a poison egg, I'll eat it."

Xie Qingfeng: "Alright, you said it yourself." He hoped that when Yin Jinhui ate his cooking tomorrow, he'd still be this confident. It wasn't that he doubted himself, just his culinary skills.

By the time Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xi left his foster parents' house, it was just before eight o'clock. Getting into the car, Xie checked the time, nearing eight. He guessed the other matter must be starting soon.

Meanwhile, Yin's father hadn't left the house all day, not even allowing his son to leave. The master had said within three days, and today was the last. Surviving this day meant his son would be safe.

But his son, confined over the weekend, was fuming. He hadn't come down for lunch, and now Yin's father looked at his wife: "Go call him down for dinner."

Mrs. Yin shook her head, troubled: "I can't. Seeing him makes me want to spill everything..."

Mr. Yin glanced at her: "You bore him, don't you know him? If he'd listen, he wouldn't be sulking. We tell him Xie Weiwei is harming him, what does he say? The talisman thing was a misunderstanding, and Xie meant well, just forgot to explain the side effects. Can you believe such an absurd excuse?"

Mrs. Yin's eyes reddened: "Should we tell him about the talisman the master gave? What if he stubbornly refuses to seek help?"

Mr. Yin sighed: "What about next time? If Xie Weiwei could get these items, we need to let our son see the truth. If he easily learns he's safe, will he stay away from Xie? Then we'd lose the master's trust, and he won't help us again. How many more times can we save him?"

Mrs. Yin understood, but it was her child... watching him possibly walk into danger...

Mr. Yin patted her shoulder: "We've kept him safe. After midnight, he'll be fine." The key was him not recklessly going out.

Aware of his son's nature, Mr. Yin's words were barely spoken when joyful steps echoed upstairs. Their foolish son peeked down, grinning: "Mom, Dad, still waiting here? It's been three days, and I'm fine. Maybe it's already resolved. Hehe, I have a plan later, just a quick one. I'll be back by midnight!"

Mr. and Mrs. Yin exchanged a resigned look: They knew it...

Mrs. Yin watched her son uneasily: "Son, you don't believe that master, right? Look at you, fit as a fiddle. Doesn't seem like you've attracted anything unclean. And I'm not meeting Xie, just an old friend who's back in town. We haven't seen each other in ages!"

But Mrs. Yin said nothing, pulling out a jacket: "Go ahead, but on one condition - wear this."

Yin Jinhui: "???"

Yin Jinhui stared at the bizarrely designed shirt, especially the prominent phone number written in black marker on the collar. It looked eerily familiar, almost like the number Hao Jixin had left him earlier.

He felt a chill: "Mom, what's this about? The shirt's white, and the number's so obvious. How can I go out like this?"

Mrs. Yin's expression was stern: "Either wear it or don't even think of stepping out of this house, even if you hang yourself in front of me."

Yin Jinhui massaged his head in exasperation: "Fine, fine, I'll wear it." He figured he could just buy another one once he was out.

Mrs. Yin seemed to read his thoughts: "I'll video call you randomly to check. If you don't answer, say goodbye to your allowance."

Yin Jinhui eyed his serious mother, then the shirt. Deciding it was better than losing his allowance, he figured he might as well embrace the fashion statement. After all, no allowance seemed far worse.

Remembering the earlier choice and the cold demeanor of the young man who told him to seek help, Yin Jinhui vowed never to beg them. He'd rather die than lose his pride!

He stepped out in the odd shirt, flaunting a carefree wave: "I'm off!"

Mrs. Yin stopped him to take a photo, leaving Yin Jinhui puzzled: "What's this for?"

Mrs. Yin's gaze was deep: "You never listen to us, only strangers. I'm taking a photo for your memorial, in case you end up too disfigured."

Yin Jinhui: "..." Who curses their own son like that?

But two hours later, he realized his mother's curse not only worked but also left him utterly helpless and without escape.

How could he be so unlucky? He felt like crying at his misfortune.

Two hours earlier, he'd gone to the rendezvous with his friend, a fellow racer. They'd planned to meet at a racing spot, which wasn't unusual. However, upon arrival, he found no race, no cars, no audience - the entire area was eerily deserted, especially for a place usually bustling with races.

Yin Jinhui was baffled: "Weren't we meeting to hang out? Why no race? I even brought my newly modified car. I bet my new gear can outrun you this time!"

His friend smiled cryptically: "Why race when I'm back just this once? I'm here on someone's behalf. Guess who?" Pointing behind, out stepped Xie Weiwei.

Jinhui was taken aback, clearly not expecting Xie Weihuan to be there. Normally, he would have been happy to see Xie Weihuan, but now he couldn't help but remember his parents' warning about the 'funeral photo' and their insistence on him not meeting Xie Weihuan.

Jinhui stuttered, "Weihuan? What are you doing here? If you wanted to meet, you could have just told me directly, why..."

Xie Weihuan smiled, though he looked paler and more haggard than before, his smile appearing eerie in the dim light. He took a step forward, revealing his entire face, which looked pitiful: "Cough, cough, I wanted to talk to you alone about something and surprise you, so I asked someone to arrange this meeting."

As he spoke, his eyes shone brightly with an indescribable emotion, leaving Jinhui baffled.

Their mutual friend smirked ambiguously, winked at them, and said, "Alright, I've done my part for today and will be taking off now. Remember to invite me for a drink when you guys decide to get together," and then left without waiting for Jinhui to respond.

Suddenly, it felt like they were the only two people on the winding mountain path. Jinhui, utterly confused, wondered about the mention of 'matchmaker's drink'. Glancing at Xie Weihuan, who was nervously trembling and blushing, Jinhui shuddered: "Damn... Could Weihuan be about to confess his feelings for me?"

Jinhui couldn't think straight. He wasn't into guys and had only seen Xie Weihuan as a good buddy. Could it be that Xie Weihuan had feelings for him?

Torn and feeling guilty, Jinhui couldn't remember his parents' warning and was overwhelmed: "Um... Weihuan, you..."

Xie Weihuan looked up, "Jinhui, I've prepared a surprise for you. Will you come with me?"

Already feeling guilty, Jinhui naturally couldn't refuse and followed Xie Weihuan, agonizing over whether to reject him outright or wait for him to speak.

But what if this meant losing a good friend? He didn't want to lose Xie Weihuan.

Yet, if he spoke now and it turned out to be a misunderstanding, wouldn't that be awkward?

Lost in these thoughts, Jinhui didn't notice Xie Weihuan leading him into a cave. Only when they reached deep inside, with its dimly lit walls, did he realize. Turning back, he couldn't see the cave's entrance anymore: "Weihuan, where are we going?"

As he spoke, Xie Weihuan, who had stopped ahead, turned and walked back towards the direction they came from. Jinhui followed, more perplexed than ever: "Weihuan?"

Xie Weihuan suddenly looked up, stepping back and snapping his fingers. Instantly, many small light bulbs lit up around Jinhui, forming a peculiar totem. Despite being odd, it looked quite beautiful in the cave.

Jinhui jumped, looking down at the lights resembling small flames, “What is this?”

Xie Weihuan suddenly declared, “Jinhui, I like you and want to be with you. Would you be with me?”

Jinhui swallowed hard, “That...” Had he guessed right? “Weihuan, why are you saying this all of a sudden? It’s quite unexpected, I...” How was he supposed to reject him?

Xie Weihuan, seeing his reaction, his eyes welled up, “Don’t you like me at all? Aren’t we the best of friends? Aren’t you my best friend?” At this, probably feeling overwhelmed, he began to cough violently.

Jinhui, startled, wanted to comfort him but stopped as Xie Weihuan raised his hand, “Don’t move, just listen!” Guilt-stricken, Jinhui didn’t dare to move, afraid of upsetting him further.

Xie Weihuan asked, “Do you really not like me at all?”

Jinhui scratched his head, “Sorry, Weihuan…”

Xie Weihuan looked down, seemingly more upset, “But I am wholeheartedly devoted to you. You’re my best friend, I would even die for you…”

Jinhui’s guilt peaked at this moment, hurriedly responding, “I would die for you too, but I don’t like men, I…” But just as he finished, the lights on the ground suddenly burst into flames, startling Jinhui.

“What’s happening?”

He looked up at Xie Weihuan, who had been shivering as if about to cry but was now chuckling lowly, staring expressionlessly at Jinhui. The sight in the firelight was unsettling.

Jinhui didn’t understand the fire, which didn’t burn the skin but felt eerie. Seeing Xie Weihuan like this stunned him further. Xie Weihuan repeated, “Would you really die for me? You’re not lying to me?”

Jinhui felt uncomfortable all over, thinking Xie Weihuan was heartbroken from the rejection. To make up for it, he assured, “Yes, it’s true. You’re my best friend, and I would indeed die for you…” It’s natural to defend a brother, but being lovers was different; that was something he couldn’t change.

Satisfied with the answer, Xie Weihuan took something black out from his pocket and threw it at Jinhui. When it touched the fire-like lights, it burst into flames, emitting a strange scent like burning hair and blood.

"Yin Jinhui felt even more uneasy: 'Weihuan, what are these things? I should leave first...' But as he stepped forward, something suddenly fell over his head. Realizing it was a large iron cage, he was completely dumbfounded. Looking up, he saw Xie Weihuan, who had just seemed ashamed and wronged, smiling at him, 'Jinhui, I’m sick, cough cough, getting worse. Since you’re willing to die for me, can you bear a bit of this illness for me?'"

"'What?' Yin Jinhui was utterly stunned. 'Weihuan, what are you talking about?'"

"Xie Weihuan continued to deceive him: 'Just half an hour. Stay here for half an hour. I’m in so much pain. Can’t you even do this for me?'"

"Yin Jinhui shivered: 'You... you’re not after my life, are you?'"

"Xie Weihuan sadly said: 'Of course not. I’m just sick, not dying. You’re my best friend, why would I want your life?' At most, they’d switch their fates, and all the backlash and misfortunes Xie Qingfeng faced would be transferred to Yin Jinhui’s destiny. As for what repercussions Yin Jinhui might face from this destiny swap, that remained unknown."

"After all, it was Yin Jinhui who willingly offered himself to die in his place, wasn’t it?"

Yin Jinhui opened his mouth to say he trusted him, but memories of his parents' words and the calm gaze of the master sent shivers down his spine.

Xie Weiwei seemed tired of looking at him, glancing at the cage and then back at Yin Jinhui with a pitiful expression: "Just half an hour, and it will be over. I'll come back to let you out, okay?"

Yin Jinhui, frowning, didn’t respond: "Weiwei, let me go now!" He felt increasingly uneasy.

Xie Weiwei, ignoring him, turned and walked away: "I’ll be back in half an hour…" Whether it'd be to collect a corpse or a vegetative body, it was up to his fate.

Yin Jinhui's shouts couldn't stop him. He wanted to sit but dared not touch the flames, the half-hour seeming ominous. Despite shouting, the empty cave echoed back silence. He grew more anxious, remembering the phone number on his shirt but hesitated at the thought of the 200 million debt from working...

He reassured himself, thinking Weiwei must be joking and would surely come to rescue him. After all, he was Weiwei’s best friend, and Weiwei wouldn’t randomly want his life.

But the thought of seeking help for 200 million... How long would he need to work to pay it off?

Time ticked by, and Yin Jinhui battled internally. The sound of dripping water in the cave sent chills down his spine, recalling his parents' last looks and advice. With just five minutes left, he finally dialed the phone.

Whether it was a matter of pride, he wasn’t sure, but it felt better than having his last photo used as an obituary.

As soon as he dialed, the call was picked up, and Hao Jixin's voice came through: "Decided? To seek help or not?"

Yin Jinhui swallowed hard: "Please, help me!"

Hao Jixin: "Remember, 200 million earned by working yourself."

Yin Jinhui, panicking amid the sound of dripping water, pleaded: "Okay, save me, my location is..."

Hao Jixin interrupted: "Three minutes left. Pull open your collar, there's a folded talisman inside. Unfold it to save yourself." Then he hung up.

Confused Yin Jinhui: "What?"

Hastily, he removed his shirt, finding the talisman sewn into the collar. After struggling to remove it and unfolding it, the talisman and the strange patterns on his shirt heated up intensely with no visible markings.

Startled, Yin Jinhui threw everything away. Simultaneously, a force seemed to blast outwards, bending the iron cage open enough for him to escape.

Without hesitation, Yin Jinhui dashed out, only to hear commotion behind him. Turning back, he saw the ceiling collapsing over the cage and a large object crashing down, extinguishing the fire with a loud bang.

Yin Jinhui threw himself forward and, upon regaining his senses, sprinted away, screaming in terror.