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Chapter 20: A Triple-Blended Chapter

"If we suspect someone of lying,

"We should pretend to believe them,

"For they will grow bolder and more self-assured, telling even bigger lies,

"Until, in the end, they unmask themselves..."

In the rainy night, the old apartment building appeared desolate and dilapidated. A female student living downstairs, clutching Schopenhauer's anthology of essays, leaned against her pillow and whispered the words softly. Around nine o'clock, she finally gave in to sleepiness, turning off the light.

The warm yellow glow from the window dimmed, much like the fading of a heart.

"Whoosh!"

Lu Yan, lying on the sofa of his rented room, jolted awake as if electrocuted, abruptly sitting up. He held his chest, panting rapidly, beads of cold sweat covering his forehead, his face as pale as paper.

The searing pain of a blade piercing his heart lingered, causing him to involuntarily curl up. It took a long while before he finally calmed down.

A black heart materialized silently in mid-air, accompanied by the crackling of electricity, reminiscent of an old television with static-filled screens, a relic of a bygone era:

"Host 603, the third game is about to commence. This is your final chance."

The System suddenly drew near Lu Yan, its voice deep and menacing, more so than ever before:

"If you fail this game, your soul will fall under my control."

Lu Yan remained silent at the words, his gaze coldly fixed on the black heart. After a moment, he calmly spoke, "I will survive."

He would survive.

The consecutive deaths had ignited a fire of anger within Lu Yan. Be it his competitive spirit or desire for vengeance, he was determined to win this round.

"Is that so?"

The black heart suddenly soared away, its tone laced with pity,

"Well then, good luck to you."

The moment the system's voice faded, the clock on the wall struck nine, coinciding with the downpour outside. The chaotic noises from all directions threatened to crumble the old building swaying in the storm.

Lu Yan rose and moved to the window, peering down from behind the curtains. True to his suspicion, he spotted a familiar black figure standing at the street corner – none other than Yu Zechuan.

In the first game, Jiang Boyun's arrival had provoked Yu Zechuan into climbing upstairs to kill him.

In the second game, Lu Yan had personally invited him up.

Lu Yan still didn't know what time Yu Zechuan initially intended to strike or if he even had a plan at all. Perhaps it was just due to his recent release from prison and consequent turmoil that led him to target Lu Yan, who was about to meet Jiang Boyun.

Rapidly reviewing the previous two games, Lu Yan realized his mistakes were glaringly obvious. He had made a wrong move from the very beginning. Especially when Yu Zechuan raised his knife to kill, blurting out "I've had a crush on you for a long time" – only a fool would believe that.

Everyone in the company knew that Yu Zechuan was notoriously difficult to please. Despite his seemingly gentle demeanor, his mood swings were unpredictable and volatile. When enraged, no one could calm him down. Those familiar with Yu Zechuan would avoid him at all costs; who would be so foolish as to fall for him?

There were even rumors that Yu Zechuan suffered from severe bipolar disorder following his mother's death. He had been on medication consistently, and during episodes, he'd lock himself in his room, banging his head against the wall and strangling his own neck. Once, his former secretary unintentionally witnessed an episode in the office and was so terrified that her face turned pale; she was promptly fired.

For years, only Jiang Boyun had endured his temperament.

Jiang Boyun, born into poverty, the ambitious poor student, had tolerated Yu Zechuan's antics for five years driven by his desire for power and status. Eventually, he achieved everything he had sought.

In short, before his imprisonment, Yu Zechuan was an unstable and highly unlikable madman, and the pretense of infatuation was simply too absurd and naive.

But it didn't matter. Lu Yan had ample time to reorganize his strategy.

A phrase Yu Zechuan had spoken before his death echoed in Lu Yan's mind:

"If Xue Jin hadn't found evidence of your involvement in those accounts on Jiang Boyun's computer a few days ago, I might have actually let you off."

What did that mean?

Just days before his death, Xue Jin had uncovered incriminating evidence against him on Jiang Boyun's computer? Was this the reason that solidified Yu Zechuan's resolve to kill him?

Lu Yan's thoughts were jumbled, compelling him to search through drawers for pen and paper to organize the crucial clues.

Reasons why Yu Zechuan wanted to kill him:

1. Because he was Jiang Boyun's secret lover.

2. He assisted Jiang Boyun in falsifying accounts to frame Yu Zechuan for imprisonment. (Discovered a few days before the end of the month by Xue Jin.)

Lu Yan circled the second reason and then heavily crossed it out, carefully adding a line beneath: "Causes of Death, must be prevented."

After completing this, Lu Yan darkened his writing, tore the paper into pieces, and threw them into the trash can. Right at that moment, his phone, which was on the coffee table, vibrated with a message from Jiang Boyun:

"Ayan, I'm almost at your building. How are you feeling? Is your stomach still bothering you?"

"I noticed this area seems to be under demolition, with too much noise. I have an apartment near the office; you can move in there in a couple of days."

Lu Yan frowned at the bugged phone, then, remembering something, quietly got up and retrieved the old phone that the original owner had used from the bedside table. Connecting to WiFi, he logged into WeChat and sent a message to Jiang Boyun using the old device:

"Sorry, I just saw your message. My aunt back home suddenly fell ill, so I need to rush over. I'm already at the station now."

Jiang Boyun couldn't come, he absolutely couldn't. That reckless mouth of his was like a ticking time bomb.

As Lu Yan covertly observed Yu Zechuan standing downstairs, he anxiously awaited Jiang Boyun's reply. After half a minute, his phone finally flashed a new message:

Jiang Boyun: "Alright, I'll head back then. Do you need any help?"

The car, which was about to turn onto the street, had to divert its course due to Lu Yan's sudden message. The turn of the steering wheel unknowingly altered someone's destiny.

Lu Yan pondered for a moment and typed, "Can you lend me three hundred thousand? I'll pay you back next month."

Jiang Boyun was relatively generous, considering his current wealth where three hundred thousand was less than the cost of a tailored suit he wore. However, Lu Yan used to be a gambling addict, losing every penny given to him. Jiang Boyun grew impatient. But for the sake of family ties and reputation, Jiang Boyun transferred five hundred thousand to Lu Yan's bank account in no time.

Lu Yan replied with two simple words, "Thank you."

It was a sincere "thank you".

Having resolved two major issues involving Jiang Boyun and his finances, Lu Yan couldn't help but sigh in relief. He confirmed that Yu Zechuan was still at the street corner and didn't leave. With the keys in hand, he turned around and went downstairs. Unlike his previous life, he didn't seek out the man but headed straight to the floor where the neighborhood committee lady lived. He knocked gently on her door.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

"Aunt Zhang, are you asleep?"

With such knocking, even a sleeping person would be awakened. Soon, a drowsy middle-aged auntie wearing a robe opened the door. She yawned, her hair styled into tight curls that looked like a disheveled steel wool ball due to lack of grooming. "Oh, it's Xiao Lu. What brings you here so late at night?"

Lu Yan apologized, "Aunt Zhang, I just came back from shopping and noticed a stranger in black standing by our building. There are many single women and elderly people around, so I got a bit worried. That's why I came to inform you…."

Some things didn't need to be spelled out. Aunt Zhang held a position in the neighborhood committee, indicating her warm-hearted and straightforward nature. Upon hearing this, her expression changed immediately. "Are you serious?"

Lu Yan spoke uncertainly, "He should still be downstairs."

Auntie Zhang immediately put on her coat. "I'll call my husband down to take a look. There have been burglaries lately. It wouldn't be good if someone is scoping the place out. Xiao Lu, you go back first. Don't come downstairs unless it's necessary."

Lu Yan acknowledged her. "Thank you, Auntie Zhang."

After saying that, he turned and left, returning to his own home with light steps. The sound of the door closing was so subtle that one wouldn't notice it without careful attention.

Although Yu Zechuan had a strong inclination towards killing, he was clear about his debts of gratitude and enmity. He would never harm unrelated elderly, weak, or children. Having Auntie Zhang from the neighborhood committee chase him away was actually the best approach.

Lu Yan leaned behind the curtains, secretly observing the situation downstairs. Time ticked by, and before long, he saw Auntie Zhang and Uncle Zhang descend, walking up to Yu Zechuan with their flashlight:

"Ai, young man, where do you live? Why are you staying in our building at this late hour during a rainstorm?"

Yu Zechuan had his back against the wall, still contemplating whether or not to kill. Suddenly, a middle-aged couple approached him with an umbrella, the man's right arm adorned with a red armband, likely indicating some minor official position within the community.

"..."

His silence was unsettling.

Aunt Zhang immediately aimed the flashlight at Yu Zechuan's face, hidden in the shadow of his cap brim. However, she was caught off guard by a pair of cold and fierce eyes, with a scar on the right side, making him appear far from harmless.

Startled, Aunt Zhang dropped the flashlight with a thud by her feet. She grew more convinced that this man before her was up to no good and, trembling, she stepped back, "Y-You... Who are you? Let me tell you, the police station isn't far from here..."

Uncle Zhang's grip on his umbrella wavered. He discreetly tugged on his wife's sleeve and whispered, "Perhaps we should just go back. Let's not meddle in other people's business."

They, two elderly folks, couldn't possibly win against him.

Just as Aunt Zhang was in a state of panic, the silent Yu Zechuan suddenly moved. They cried out in fright and stepped back, only to see the man lift his hand to adjust his sliding cap brim before turning and disappearing into the pouring rain.

"Whoosh—"

The puddle on the ground shattered under his foot, reflecting the dim streetlight for a moment before fragmenting and reassembling.

From upstairs, Lu Yan witnessed this scene, watching Yu Zechuan's figure vanish at the alley's entrance. Only then did he slowly draw the curtains closed.

Yu Zechuan wouldn't make a move.

Not today, at least.

He had already caught the attention of the neighborhood association ladies; he definitely wouldn't choose to kill himself at this moment. Otherwise, it would easily arouse the suspicion of the police.

Lu Yan never smoked, but he found a half-pack of low-quality cigarettes in the original owner's coffee table drawer. He silently took one out, put it in his mouth, and sat on the sofa, lighting it with a lighter. The unfamiliar tobacco smell instantly filled his mouth.

Bitter, pungent, and irritating.

Lu Yan only needed a few seconds to adapt to the taste. Nicotine brought a brief relaxation to his brain. Lowering his eyelids, he aimlessly scrolled through his phone, pondering his next move. His two short-lived deaths had brought about a tremendous transformation, like a sheathed sword, its sharpness concealed.

The path of unrequited love was undoubtedly a dead end. Yu Zechuan would clearly not believe that Jiang Boyun's lover could fall for him. It was too sudden and absurd. In the previous game, Lu Yan had confirmed this answer through death.

His top priority in this life was to find the "evidence" on Jiang Boyun's computer and destroy it promptly, preventing Xue Jin from handing it over to Yu Zechuan.

But Lu Yan had no idea what those so-called evidences were, where Jiang Boyun had stored them, or if there were backups. After he destroyed them, would Xue Jin and Yu Zechuan discover the truth through other means?

He didn't even know Jiang Boyun's computer password.

As Jiang Boyun's right-hand man, Xue Jin had taken years to barely find evidence. Lu Yan didn't think his current identity would give him an advantage over Xue Jin.

These questions surfaced one after another in his mind, yet none found answers, just like the overcast sky outside.

What should I do?

What could he do?

In the blink of an eye, an idea flashed across Lu Yan's mind. Actually, these issues weren't unsolvable unless...

Unless he could stay by Yu Zechuan's side, always aware of his every move.

The problem seemed to have come full circle.

Lu Yan slumped into the sofa, closing his eyes as he exhaled a puff of smoke, obscuring his handsome features. After a moment, he slowly opened his eyes, gazing through the pale haze ahead. His gaze was dark and profound, but it soon vanished into the indistinct shadows of the lamplight.

Yu Zechuan, I lost to you in my previous life.

This time around, let's see who will come out on top.

...

When Yu Zechuan returned to his apartment, it was almost midnight.

Stripping off his damp coat, he entered the bathroom for a shower and emerged in pajamas, too lethargic to bother drying his hair. He simply shut his eyes and collapsed onto the living room sofa, the cool air from the air conditioner enveloping him like a plunge into an icy abyss, with cold waves surging from all directions.

Today's assassination attempt had failed.

Jiang Boyun was still alive, as was his mistress.

Yu Zechuan was deeply dissatisfied with this outcome. Closing his eyes, he buried his head in his arms, feeling a pulsating headache. The dull, distant thunder outside only intensified the sensation of his mind on the verge of explosion.

His fingers dug into his hair, clenching tightly, attempting to suppress his simmering anger, but to no avail.

Just as Yu Zechuan's breathing grew labored and his thoughts began to blur, his phone on the table suddenly rang, pulling him back from the brink of breakdown.

"Vibrating buzz—"

Opening his bloodshot eyes, Yu Zechuan saw the caller ID displayed as "Xue Jin." After a moment of silence, he answered, "Hello..."

His voice was hoarse, revealing the depths of his suppression.

There was some noise on Xue Jin's end, which then faded away as he spoke clearly, "Zechuan, where are you? Why didn't you answer my call just now?"

Yu Zechuan closed his eyes, exhaustion casting a shadow beneath his thick lashes. "I didn't hear anything."

Xue Jin paused. "Did you go and find Jiang Boyun?"

In a neutral tone, Yu Zechuan countered, "So what if I did?"

Xue Jin sounded worried, his voice lowered in reprimand. "I clearly told you not to act hastily. The company is still under Jiang Boyun's control. Wouldn't you be letting him off too easily by killing him now?!"

"Zechuan, listen to me. Don't rush into things just yet..."

Yu Zechuan interrupted, "I didn't kill him."

But he would, sooner or later.

"I'm tired. Let's talk tomorrow if there's anything," Yu Zechuan repeated.

With his words spoken, he hung up the call and slumped back into the sofa. Something seemed to have come to mind as his fingers gently tapped on the phone screen, bringing up an identity profile.

Name: Lu Yan

Gender: Male

...

The screen was filled with a barrage of information, almost revealing Lu Yan's entire family tree. In the top right corner, there was a blurry photo. Due to it being an ID picture, it wasn't particularly attractive nor unattractive – he looked like an average person, not easily recognizable.

Was this Jiang Boyun's lover?

Yu Zechuan's right hand slowly traced the screen. The pressure exerted had turned the edges of his fingertips blue, barely concealing the murderous intent within him.

Lu Yan had only guessed half right. Yu Zechuan didn't want to kill him merely because he was Jiang Boyun's lover; it was also due to Yu Zechuan's innate possessiveness and stubbornness, his abnormal need for exclusivity.

No one could lay a finger on what belonged to him.

Not even if that thing was something he despised or rejected.

Unfortunately, the timing was wrong last night, drawing attention from the middle-aged couple. It wouldn't be feasible to attempt anything again for a while.

Yu Zechuan suppressed his disappointment and slid his phone back under the pillow. He curled up on the couch with his eyes closed, holding onto a folded knife concealed in his pocket as if it were the source of all his security.

Yu Zechuan was a light sleeper, and he didn't have a restful night. The next morning, he was roused by a clatter of noise. A man's gruff shouting echoed in the hallway, unsettling his peace.

Rising from the sofa, Yu Zechuan wiped his face and, frowning, made his way to the bathroom to freshen up. Surprisingly, the noise outside didn't subside but grew louder instead.

The cold water from the tap slightly sobered him up, but his anger flared up abruptly.

Yu Zechuan donned his mask and promptly opened the door, only to find the corridor packed with furniture. A couple of movers were on the verge of an argument due to a bed frame being stuck in the corner. Their voices boomed like cannons:

"I told you we should carry it vertically! Now look, it's stuck!"

"What the hell are you blabbering about? How was I supposed to know this bed was so huge? Change direction quickly, let's not waste time!"

The autumn rain persisted, casting a damp atmosphere that heightened people's sensitivity, especially for someone like Yu Zechuan, who already had a short temper. Five years in prison hadn't extinguished his privileged demeanor; instead, it had exacerbated his abnormal mental state.

Standing expressionless by the door, he slammed his palm against the wooden frame, producing two deep, jarring knocks. The sudden noise startled the three movers, who all turned to look at him. The air became tense and silent.

"You're disturbing me."

Yu Zechuan's voice was cold, carrying an invisible sense of intimidation.

"If I hear your voices above 60 decibels again, I'll directly file a complaint with the property management."

As he spoke, the elevator dinged, and a man in casual white attire stepped out. He wore a black mask, was tall, and had deep-set eyes that were strikingly attractive. One could tell he was handsome even without seeing his face.

Perhaps due to the man's unique aura, there was a strange sense of familiarity. Yu Zechuan took a quick glance before turning to enter his apartment, slamming the door shut with a thunderous bang.

"Bam! —"

That sound seemed like a switch. The movers finally regained their wits, muttering curses under their breath while involuntarily lowering their volume.

"What's so great about being tough? Money can't buy everything, you know!"

The apartment complex was located in the city center, with rent costing nearly thirty thousand yuan per month, including commercial water and electricity – it was definitely not affordable for the average person.

The man in white glanced at Yu Zechuan's apartment number, then approached the movers. "Masters, it's the weekend, and people are likely sleeping. Please be a bit more careful. Consider this extra money as a token of appreciation for your hard work. Use it to enjoy some tea later."

With those words, he pulled out his wallet and extracted a stack of bills, precisely one for each mover. His slender fingers, clean and pristine, seemed to radiate comfort just by sight.

The movers' moods immediately lifted. Grinning, one of them took the money and replied, "Mr. Lu, you're too kind. This is our job. Please take a rest to the side. I assure you, everything will be moved before noon."

Energized by the tip, they worked diligently, this time being extra careful to minimize any noise.

Standing behind the door, Yu Zechuan heard the faint conversation outside, which somewhat alleviated his foul mood. It seemed he was constantly encountering unpleasant people in his life. Meeting a well-mannered and decent neighbor was truly a stroke of luck.

Unbeknownst to him, that neighbor stood at the corridor, gazing intently at his apartment number, his dark eyes holding a cryptic emotion.

The man raised his hand to remove his mask, revealing an impeccable face without a single blemish – it was none other than Lu Yan.

Just the night before, Lu Yan had contacted the landlady to terminate his lease and, in the dead of night, found a real estate agent to rent the vacant unit next to Yu Zechuan's. In the early morning, without even viewing the apartment, he signed the contract under the agent's surprised gaze and paid a substantial deposit –

Perhaps the agent thought him foolish.

Lu Yan smiled, perhaps so, who could tell?

True to their word, the movers finished the job before noon. The furniture was sourced from a second-hand market, eliminating the need for airing out, and could be used right away after a quick tidy-up.

Lu Yan stepped out for the day and returned in the evening, arms loaded with a hodgepodge of shopping bags containing fruits, toiletries, electronics, and even a potted flower.

Closing the door behind him, he unpacked one of the boxes, carefully examining the high-priced bug he had purchased. After a series of tests, he murmured to himself, "Decent quality."

With great care, Lu Yan dug up the entire root system of the light purple Eupatorium, along with its soil, using a spade. He then buried the listening device at the bottom, covering it back with soil, meticulously restoring it to its original state. Satisfied that no trace was visible, he went to the bathroom to wash his hands.

"Knock, knock, knock—"

Yu Zechuan, who had been seated at his desk drafting a proposal, contemplating how to lure Jiang Boyun, heard an unexpected knock on the door. The gentle and polite knocks ceased after three taps.

He immediately ruled out Xue Jin; Xue Jin wasn't that refined.

Who could it be?

Yu Zechuan pulled out his chair, rose, and walked to the door with a furrowed brow. Recalling something, he put on a mask before partially opening the door. "Who's there?"

Standing outside was a tall figure, somewhat familiar – it was the neighbor who had moved in that morning. He still wore a black mask, revealing only a pair of deep, expressive eyes. In his left hand was a bag of pre-cut fruit, while in his right, he held a purple flower. His voice was warm and courteous. "Hello, I'm the new neighbor next door."

Yu Zechuan's demeanor was aloof. "Business?"

He found this neighbor rather peculiar. He wore a mask to conceal his scar, but what was the other person's reason?

Lu Yan explained with a smile, "So it goes like this, I was moving in this morning and accidentally disturbed you. That's why I brought some fruit as an apology. I hope you don't mind."

Yu Zechuan declined outright, "Not necessary."

With that, he tried to close the door, only for the other person, leveraging his long legs, to wedge the door open, "From now on, we're neighbors. Even if it's not for an apology, it'd be nice to become friends... Besides, I cut a lot of fruit, and I can't possibly finish it all by myself. If you don't take it, it'll just go bad, which would be such a waste."

Friends?

The word sounded strange to Yu Zechuan's ears, even a bit amusing. He leaned against the door frame, lowered his head without speaking. Suddenly, he reached up and pulled off his mask, revealing the scar on his right cheek, stark and shocking in the light. It made one involuntarily gasp.

Fixing Lu Yan with a steady gaze, Yu Zechuan's eyes held the cold, sticky intensity of a reptile, "Are you sure you want to be friends with me?"

His voice was light, but full of malice.

Yu Zechuan no longer cared about his disfigured face, but he disliked being stared at with varied expressions, so he always wore a mask. However, if removing it could avoid unnecessary trouble, he wouldn't mind others seeing his wound.

Silently, Yu Zechuan waited for the other man's face to drain of color and for him to flee in panic. In his heart, he swore never again to knock on the door of this madman's home.

That would be ideal.

However, the handsome new neighbor before him merely showed a fleeting hint of surprise before returning to normal: "I might be living here for a long time, so we'll be seeing a lot of each other. Let's become friends."

Throughout their encounter, they hadn't even exchanged names.

While Yu Zechuan was in a daze, he found himself accepting a bag of fruit and a pot of vibrant purple Echinacea from the neighbor, who kindly added, "This flower is easy to take care of. You don't need to water it too often when it gets colder."

In reality, even if he did, it wouldn't matter—the listening device was waterproof.

Yu Zechuan remained silent throughout. He watched as the neighbor politely bid farewell and then knocked on his opposite neighbor's door with another bag of fruit, realizing belatedly that this wasn't something unique to him.

Oh, perhaps he just had an extra pot of flowers.

His mood soured instantly.

Slam!

Yu Zechuan shut the door with a bang. He turned around and threw the bag of fruit straight into the kitchen sink. peeled and sliced fruits would start to rot and sour after two days if left uneaten, but that was not a concern for Yu Zechuan.

He held the weighty bouquet in his hands, pondering how to proceed with it.

Yu Zechuan was no horticulturist, nor did he have a fondness for nurturing flowers. How could someone who was on the verge of withering himself tend to the life of another?

But perhaps because this potted flower was his exclusive possession, its fate was not destined to be as pitiful as that of the bag of fruit. After much contemplation, Yu Zechuan eventually placed it casually in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, where the sunlight was most abundant.

Unfortunately, it was now the desolate autumn season, and the following days were marked by relentless drizzle, with not a single glimpse of sunlight.

Yu Zechuan's life had always been stagnant, with most of his days spent seated before a computer, meticulously crafting the fictitious island development proposal, devising ways to lure Jiang Boyun in. The remaining hours were drowned in a cycle of resentment, clutching a dagger in agony as he tried to find solace in sleepless nights.

By the third day, the fruit had completely spoiled.

The fermented scent was slightly sour, almost akin to alcohol, gradually wafting out from the kitchen.

In truth, Yu Zechuan cleaned the place daily. However, he had selectively overlooked that bag of fruit until the pungent odor caught his attention, making him realize belatedly that he should have discarded them earlier.

At four in the afternoon, when the building was at its quietest, Yu Zechuan donned a hat and a mask before heading downstairs to dispose of the trash. To his surprise, he encountered the new neighbor in the elevator lobby.

The neighbor had changed into a fresh outfit, a clean shirt paired with a light-colored knitted vest, exuding a touch of refined scholarly charm. Yet, they still wore a mask, with a milky-white Bluetooth earpiece tucked behind their right ear.

Their eyes met, and both froze for a moment.

Lu Yan had deliberately kept himself from Yu Zechuan's sight recently, both for his safety and to monitor the other's movements from his room. He hadn't expected to bump into him at the elevator while fetching some food.

Lu Yan was the first to recover, removing his earphones as he smiled into those dark eyes. "What a coincidence. Are you going downstairs to throw out trash?"

His gaze casually swept over the "trash" in Yu Zechuan's hand, recognizing the familiar bag – it was the fruit he had delivered the other day. He wasn't surprised at all.

Someone like Yu Zechuan was too guarded to consume anything from a stranger. Fortunately, the fruit was just an accessory; the crucial item was the flower pot containing the listening device.

Yu Zechuan showed no embarrassment, simply acknowledging with a nonchalant "Mm."

"It seems you don't fancy fruits. Next time, I'll bring something else."

Lu Yan's temperament was excellent, so much so that he seemed like a cloud – pure, soft, and never ruffled no matter how much one tried to manipulate him. This patience was innate, a stark contrast to Jiang Boyun's fake smiles and suppressed anger for the sake of money.

Before his imprisonment, Yu Zechuan would have likely been wildly attracted to someone like Lu Yan, perhaps even feeling an inexplicable possessiveness towards him.

But after his release, even he couldn't pinpoint his own preferences anymore.

Together, they stepped into the elevator.

Yu Zechuan gave Lu Yan a deep look. The confined space of the elevator unintentionally drew them closer, fueling Yu Zechuan's curiosity.

Suddenly, he was eager to see what Lu Yan looked like beneath his mask. He gazed at the reflective golden stainless steel doors, which clearly displayed the attire of the man beside him. Those captivating eyes caught his attention: "Why are you wearing a mask?"

It sounded more like an accusation than a question.

Lu Yan smiled faintly. "Aren't you wearing one too?"

Yu Zechuan felt that he was being deliberately obtuse and retorted with sarcasm, "That's because I'm ugly. Are you saying you are too?"

Lu Yan replied softly, "No, you're not ugly."

Yu Zechuan froze at those words, about to say something in response, but the elevator dinged as it reached the first floor, sliding open. The tall figure nodded at him politely before turning and walking away, gradually disappearing from sight.

Like a gentle breeze, leaving no trace behind.

Yu Zechuan furrowed his brow, feeling inexplicably annoyed. Carrying the trash bag, he walked to the commercial area beneath his apartment building. After disposing of it in a nearby bin, he pondered whether to grab some food to take upstairs. As he did, the corner of his eye caught a familiar silhouette across the street, causing him to halt in his tracks.

Jiang Boyun seemed to be out for dinner today. Having climbed from the bottom rungs of society, he had developed a particular sense of refinement after his success. He was always accompanied by assistants and bodyguards, dressed in impeccable suits, and exuded an air of satisfaction from his high station. Amidst the crowd, he stood out easily.

Yu Zechuan's fingers curled silently upon witnessing this. The brim of his cap cast a small shadow over his face, and his eyes darkened with a brooding intensity that could almost drip with anger. He stood motionless across the bustling road, staring intently at Jiang Boyun. Raindrops drifted diagonally onto him, but nothing could quell the blazing fury within his chest.

"Not yet."

Yu Zechuan repeated this mantra to himself, suppressing the rising urge to kill. Silently, he turned and climbed the stairs. In his mind, a sharp blade seemed to be relentlessly stirring, causing his breaths to quicken and cold sweat to break out.

"Rumble!"

As Yu Zechuan returned to his room, thunder rumbled outside. Lightning streaked across the sky, as if trying to tear the heavens apart, accompanied by a dull, sluggish sound. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, the storm tossed and turned, while the night took on the appearance of spilled ink, spreading rapidly from one corner.

"Phew..."

Covering his neck, Yu Zechuan suddenly felt a constriction in his breathing, causing his steps to falter.

Supporting himself on the table, he struggled to reach the bedroom. From the bedside table, he fumbled for a white pill bottle, hastily swallowing two pills. Then, he slumped to the floor, drained of strength.

Yu Zechuan was drenched, as if he had just been pulled out of water. He clutched his neck with both hands, hunching on the floor, his face pale and twisted in agony.

The blurry shadows above him induced vertigo when stared at for too long, plunging him into nightmarish memories.

At times, it was his mother's frenzied grip on his neck, shaking him violently while spewing curses. At other times, it was his grandfather's cold, stiff face in the morgue. And finally, only Jiang Boyun's smug expression remained, alongside the icy prison bars.

"Don't come closer... Don't come closer..."

"Jiang Boyun... You deserve to die... All of you do..."

Yu Zechuan was clueless about how to regain clarity or alleviate the pain. Desperately, he repeatedly slammed his head against the ground, his entire body trembling as his groans were drowned by the downpour.

On the other side of the wall, Lu Yan sat on the sofa, listening to the sounds from next door. Suddenly, he heard an unusual noise, like something had fallen to the ground. His brows knitted in concern.

Lu Yan pressed his hand to his headphones, listening again to confirm. Eventually, he realized that something was amiss with Yu Zechuan. His expression shifted, and without hesitation, he pulled out his chair and dashed out the door.

Lu Yan didn't hold any grudges against Yu Zechuan; in some sense, he even pitied the man. However, with his own life hanging in the balance, he had no time to spare for sympathy.

Standing at the door, Lu Yan recalled the scene in the rented room where Yu Zechuan had taken a knife for him, lying on the couch, drenched in sweat from the pain. After a moment's hesitation, he finally knocked on the door.

"Knock, knock, knock..."

Lu Yan knocked repeatedly without anyone answering the door. He frowned and tapped gently on the digital lock with his fingertips. A soft beep sounded, and the door swung open automatically.

Lu Yan had secretly memorized the password when he was kidnapped by Yu Zechuan in his previous life; he never thought he'd use it again. Pushing the door open, he found the room dimly lit with the coffee table in the living room tilted and items scattered everywhere.

A familiar figure was curled up in a corner, writhing in pain. It didn't look good.

"Yu Zechuan!"

Seeing this, Lu Yan quickly stepped over the mess on the floor and hurried to Yu Zechuan's side, helping him up. The man's face was deathly pale, and his fingers were ice-cold.

Lu Yan's brows knitted together as he whispered his name, "Yu Zechuan?"

"Rumble..."

Another thunderous boom echoed through the air.

Eyes bloodshot with madness flared open, their intensity sending shivers down one's spine.

Yu Zechuan was lost between reality and dreams, his dilated pupils unfocused as he panted heavily. Countless faces flashed before him – Jiang Boyun's, his grandfather's, his father's, and finally, his long-deceased mother's.

The beautiful woman's face twisted in fury as she clutched tightly at his throat, "Why did I give birth to you! You're a curse! A CURSE!"

"If I hadn't conceived you, I wouldn't have had to marry into this family, and my life wouldn't have been ruined! You're a jinx! Just like your father, deserving of death!"

Yu Zechuan's mother hailed from humble origins but had caught the eye of the then-playboy Yu father, who had employed dishonorable means to force her into marriage. She despised the man, extending her hatred to his offspring; soon after giving birth, she descended into madness, subjecting Yu Zechuan to daily abuse and violence.

Young Yu Zechuan, however, didn't understand the complexities. He only knew that his father was often absent, indulging in debauchery, while his mother was locked away in a room, a rare sight even once a year.

His grandfather forbade him from entering that room, but Yu Zechuan couldn't resist sneaking in. Time and again, he would be discovered by the woman, beaten until bruised and battered, sometimes even nearly choked to death. Yet, he never learned his lesson.

On his tenth birthday, the family hosted a banquet – it was the last time Yu Zechuan saw her. On that day, the usually deranged woman was unexpectedly gentle, whispering his name through the crack of the door, wishing him a happy birthday, promising to take him to an amusement park if only he opened the door.

If only he opened the door...

Then, everything shattered into pieces. The guests present that day could still recall the scene: rain poured heavily outside as a madwoman suddenly burst out of the locked room in the Yu household, leaped from the window, fell into the swimming pool, and died from a brutal impact with the tile edge, blood pooling on the ground.

"Bang!"

Water splashed and burst open, revealing a vivid crimson hue, as if stained with blood.

Yu Zechuan, who was lying on the ground, suddenly started gasping for air. He hugged his head with both hands, his eyes rimmed red, and muttered under his breath, "I was wrong... Mom... I was wrong..."

No one knew what he was crying about, and Lu Yan was no exception. He merely felt that the Yu Zechuan before his eyes resembled a child who had made a mistake, a blend of hurt and helplessness.

A voice crackled in the air, filled with self-reproach, wishing for nothing more than immediate death.

"You... You shouldn't have given birth to me... I shouldn't have let you out..."

"I'm the one who caused your death..."

"I'm a murderer..."

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