Chapter 85: He’s Going to Report to the Central Authorities!

Chapter 85: He's Going to Report to the Central Authorities!

Jing Yi lay serenely in bed.

He briefly closed his eyes, pinching his aching muscles under the blanket, feeling that he had overestimated himself earlier. How could he have thought he could stand up to Li Wenzhao?

It was all thanks to last night's snow.

He carefully squirmed under the blanket, turning his head toward the balcony. The curtains weren't fully closed, and a sliver of bright daylight filtered through the gap.

Jing Yi suddenly remembered something and turned to ask Li Wenzhao, "It's already afternoon. Why aren't you at work?"

"Yeah," Li Wenzhao replied, "The snow was too heavy, making it hard to commute, so I gave the employees the day off."

Jing Yi nodded in agreement.

Seeing Jing Yi still curled up under the blanket, reluctant to get up, Li Wenzhao asked softly, "Are you hungry yet?"

Jing Yi was hungry. But he felt uncomfortable. Last night had been too weird—Li Wenzhao had made him keep his legs up for so long that his muscles were now aching. He had good reason to suspect that if he got out of bed, he would immediately collapse weakly to the floor, just like in the novels.

To avoid a close encounter with the carpet, he decided to rest a little longer.

Jing Yi: "Not hungry."

But his stomach and intestines clearly had other ideas—growl, growl, growl.

Jing Yi clutched his stomach: "..."

Li Wenzhao tilted his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He gently patted the blanket cocoon on the bed, "Breakfast is ready. Why don't you eat first and then rest?"

Jing Yi muttered, "Don't want to eat."

Li Wenzhao frowned slightly, his eyes flicking to the marks on Jing Yi's shoulders, "Does it still hurt?"

Jing Yi's back tingled, and he wrapped the blanket even tighter around himself, "It doesn't hurt..."

He was telling the truth.

Li Wenzhao had been very thorough in his preparations. Aside from some initial discomfort, Jing Yi really didn't feel much pain.

But saying that out loud would make it seem like he had been indulging in it, so Jing Yi kept quiet.

"Can you help me get my clothes first?"

Li Wenzhao had already prepared them. He took out a full set of clothes from the wardrobe, "Do you need help?"

The clothes were neatly folded, with a pair of white underwear on top. Jing Yi's face flushed as he hugged the clothes to his chest, "No, I can do it myself."

Li Wenzhao smiled, "Then I'll wait outside for you."

His steps were steady and confident, showing no signs of exhaustion from the night's activities.

Once the door closed, Jing Yi quickly got dressed and slowly walked out.

Breakfast was a light pork porridge and steamed buns, served at just the right temperature.

"By the way, Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang came by this morning," Li Wenzhao suddenly mentioned while they were eating.

Huh?

Jing Yi looked up with a spoon in his mouth, his movements causing his open collar to reveal large patches of red marks of varying depths. "What did they come for?"

"So they escaped Granny Meng's violent sanctions that quickly?"

I wonder if they ended up with black eyes and bruises.

Li Wenzhao gazed at him for a while, then suddenly reached out to touch his face.

Jing Yi shivered, "W-what are you up to?"

They say comfort leads to desire, but he hasn't even finished eating yet. Could Li Wenzhao really be that wild?

"Did I bite you last night?"

Li Wenzhao furrowed his brows, his thumb brushing over a slightly uneven bite mark. He couldn't remember biting anyone last night, but the evidence was clearly imprinted on Jing Yi's fair skin.

"Yeah." Jing Yi moved his neck uncomfortably.

"Sorry." Li Wenzhao's eyes darkened. "I didn't control my emotions well."

Jing Yi pouted in accusation, "And it's not just this one."

He had noticed when dressing that there were marks on his arms, shoulders, legs, and knees. When Li Wenzhao said he would dismantle, he really meant it. The big boss doesn't beat around the bush.

"Where else did I bite you?"

Jing Yi was momentarily stunned, his face turning red. "I forgot, but it doesn't hurt anymore."

Li Wenzhao apologized again, "Sorry."

"You've already apologized."

Li Wenzhao said, "I'll be more careful next time."

Jing Yi was stunned; the asparagus he'd just picked up dropped back onto his plate with a thud.

There's going to be a next time?!

Jing Yi pursed his lips, "Shouldn't you say there won't be a next time?"

Li Wenzhao looked away, "If it's just one mark, it was a mistake."

Jing Yi: "...?"

So?

"But with this many," Li Wenzhao glanced at Jing Yi and coughed lightly, "it probably means I really liked how you reacted."

Jing Yi: "..."

Do all CEOs make their points so convincingly?

Jing Yi stayed silent, his face red, as he focused on eating.

·

After eating, Jing Yi lay on the sofa for a long time before feeling slightly recovered from the earlier exertion. Suddenly recalling their earlier talk, he asked, "By the way, eldest young master, did you say Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang want to take us out to eat?"

"Yeah."

The snow made the ground slippery, and the cleaning lady couldn’t come to clean the house. Li Wenzhao was in the kitchen, loading the dishwasher.

Jing Yi turned over, leaning on the back of the sofa to look at Li Wenzhao: "It’s so cold. Why would they suddenly want to invite us for a meal? Those two cheapskates are definitely up to something."

They don’t strike me as the generous type.

"I bet the real guest of honor is Meng Po, the underworld official," Li Wenzhao said indifferently.

Jing Yi frowned, "What makes you say that?"

Li Wenzhao: "They showed up all beat up."

Jing Yi: "..."

Oh, that explains it.

"Guess I’ll have to get my throat taken out," Jing Yi said.

If someone as big as Meng Po is coming, it couldn’t just be to comfort this poor wandering soul, could it?

They must be after his little toy.

Jing Yi’s heart skipped a beat.

Throat removal, even minor, is risky... What if Meng Po takes his real throat too?

The more Jing Yi thought, the likelier it seemed.

After all, anyone who puts up with Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang, those two clowns, must be an even bigger fool.

"Don’t worry, I’ve got your back," Li Wenzhao said.

Jing Yi lay on the sofa cushion, "Think you can take on Meng Po?"

"No," Li Wenzhao admitted frankly.

Jing Yi: "...Then sticking with me just means one more ghost in the world."

"We can get some help," Li Wenzhao said.

Jing Yi: "Who, who?"

Li Wenzhao smiled lightly, "I already called in the temple master. He’s staying at the Capital Hotel now."

Jing Yi sat up, touching the talisman on his chest: "The master who gave me the exorcism talisman?"

"Yes."

"That’s great," Jing Yi said excitedly. "This boring life could use a little drama to spice things up."

"..."

·

Li Wenzhao skipped work again the next day. Snowplows had cleared the streets all day, and Li Corporation employees were back at work.

Jing Yi spent a day and night recovering, barely feeling like himself again.

In the evening, they went out together to attend the banquet hosted by Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang.

Jing Yi, afraid of the cold, bundled himself up like a bear, satisfied only when he was thoroughly wrapped. After dressing, he finally added a scarf around his neck.

Looking at his round figure in the mirror, he was quite relieved that it was winter. If it were summer, he wouldn't know how to cover the tell-tale marks on his neck.

"Do you need me to hold you?" Li Wenzhao said, "The ground outside is slippery."

Jing Yi pouted in defiance, "Who do you think you're underestimating? I can walk by myself!"

Li Wenzhao reached out and pressed down the scarf covering his mouth, "It's covering your mouth."

"It's warm," Jing Yi argued.

Li Wenzhao sighed, "But your breath will freeze it stiff."

"..."

Jing Yi fell silent.

He obediently tilted his head back, waiting for Li Wenzhao to tuck the scarf under his chin.

He had never lived in such a cold city before; how was he to know the cold here could freeze a scarf solid.

The elevator descended straight to the underground parking lot. As soon as the door opened, Jing Yi walked out.

"Let's go, let's go, we'll be late."

Li Wenzhao reminded him, "We have time, no need to hurry."

"I'm not rushing..." Jing Yi hadn't finished speaking when his feet slipped, nearly sending him sliding into the wall.

"Do you want to show up to Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang with a busted head?"

Li Wenzhao's strong arm caught him, then let go, ruffling his hair to calm him down.

Jing Yi argued, "Someone must have spilled milk tea by the elevator."

Who would do that, how thoughtless.

Almost made him fall.

Li Wenzhao sighed, taking Jing Yi's hand from his pocket, holding it tightly, "Think you can walk straight now?"

Jing Yi's hand warmed at the touch, and he smiled, "Yes."

Li Wenzhao then led him to the car.

"Eldest young master," Jing Yi suddenly remembered while fastening his seatbelt, "Did that slip look familiar to you?"

Li Wenzhao: "Hmm?"

Jing Yi: "Didn't Ning Jiang and that guy... slip out of the house just like that before?"

Li Wenzhao's mind drifted for a moment.

Those memories felt like echoes from another lifetime, distant and unreal. If the young butler hadn't brought it up, he might have forgotten all about it.

"It's not the same," Li Wenzhao replied, turning the ignition.

Jing Yi pressed further, "What's the difference?"

"Ning Jiang was dragging his chin on the ground, but you weren't."

"..."

·

·

The roads were slippery because of the snow, and it took Li Wenzhao and Jing Yi an hour to reach their destination.

"Has the expert arrived?" Jing Yi looked around as soon as he got out of the car.

"He has."

"Where is he?"

Li Wenzhao led him away from the snow pit, "He’s in the shadows, not traveling with us."

Jing Yi understood then; it was to avoid tipping anyone off.

Alright, he decided to be sensible and not press further.

Jing Yi had thought that Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang would choose some eccentric or offbeat restaurants, but to his surprise, the meeting place was a state banquet restaurant.

The modern Chinese-style decor radiated an air of ancient luxury and refinement.

The receptionists were all dressed in elegant cheongsams, "Hello, do you have a reservation?"

Li Wenzhao said, "Yes, we’re meeting someone."

Receptionist: "May I ask the surname of the person who made the reservation?"

Jing Yi: "..."

Li Wenzhao: "..."

What were Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang’s surnames? This was a gap in Jing Yi’s knowledge. Was it Hei? Bai? Or Heibai?

Just as Jing Yi was deep in thought, a tall man suddenly stepped out from the restaurant, "Jing Yi, over here!"

The unfamiliar middle-aged man approached. He had fair skin, was tall and slender, and carried a scholarly air.

Jing Yi hesitantly asked, "Bai Wuchang?"

"That’s me," Bai Wuchang said, turning to smile at the receptionist. "They’re my guests; I’ll handle them myself."

The receptionist gave a knowing smile and stepped back.

Jing Yi, who had never been to a place like this, couldn’t help but glance around, "Why’d you pick this place? It’s pretty fancy."

Bai Wuchang chuckled awkwardly, "We can’t just magic up money to use; that’s against the rules."

Jing Yi: "So this is..."

Bai Wuchang scratched his head, "Isn’t there Mr. Li’s credit card?"

Jing Yi was speechless.

Jing Yi's eyes sharpened instantly, realizing they were using their money to curry favor!

"No choice, Granny Meng is here," Bai Wuchang said with a troubled expression. "We thought snacks were too humble, so we came here instead."

Jing Yi was startled, "Granny Meng is actually here?"

"Yep," Bai Wuchang nodded. "She wants to see you."

Jing Yi instantly became wary, "To take my life? Or to claim my soul?"

Li Wenzhao subtly clenched his fingers, and as he tilted his head, a figure flashed in the corner of his eye.

Bai Wuchang's gaze was complex, "That's our job!"

Jing Yi: "Oh, then it's fine. This way? Let's go."

Bai Wuchang: "..."

Jing Yi stopped walking, "What's wrong?"

Bai Wuchang chuckled awkwardly, with a hint of flattery, "You know, Granny Meng is our boss."

Wow.

Using "you" so formally, how serious is this?

Bai Wuchang got straight to the point, "Can you not report us?"

Jing Yi: "..."

He glanced at Li Wenzhao, his gaze softening, "For my boyfriend's sake, I won't make a fuss."

Li Wenzhao gave a faint smile.

Bai Wuchang sighed deeply in relief.

The three entered the private room together, Li Wenzhao bringing up the rear. Before entering, he subtly signaled the bodyguards behind him, who then escorted the master into the adjacent room.

"Granny Meng," Bai Wuchang announced, "Jing Yi is here."

Jing Yi peeked inside curiously. He had heard many legends but had no idea what the real Granny Meng looked like. This was a once-in-a-lifetime chance.

At the head of the table sat a young woman in ancient attire, sitting upright with painted eyebrows and pearl hairpins, exuding nobility.

...No wonder they chose to dine here. With Granny Meng dressed like this, she'd stand out anywhere.

"Hehehe..." The beautiful woman covered her mouth and chuckled, "So this is Jing Yi. Truly clever and mischievous."

Jing Yi laughed, "Not at all, not as impressive as you."

Granny Meng's eyes curved into a smile, "I heard you were mistakenly killed by these two fools under my command?"

The foolish Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang: "..." They dared not show anger or speak.

Jing Yi: "..."

Granny Meng gracefully approached Jing Yi, "I really caused you trouble. This is a special local product I brought from the underworld as an apology. Please accept it."

Jing Yi was flattered, "Granny Meng, you're too kind. What is it?"

"It's Mengpo Soup," Mengpo giggled, "new recipe, new flavor, one-of-a-kind. If you like it, come back for more."

Jing Yi's outstretched hand snapped back: "..."

Wait, is this really how Mengpo acts?

"What’s wrong with this style?" Mengpo tucked a stray hair behind her ear, "If you worked on Naihe Bridge for thousands of years, you’d probably be even more unhinged than I am."

That makes sense. Jing Yi nodded, "I’ll pass on the specialty, it's not my taste."

Mengpo was a bit surprised, "Then what do you like? Manjusaka? Underworld soil? Three-Life Stone? Or the Baby Well?"

Jing Yi took several steps back, on the verge of losing it, "Can I just not take anything?"

Mengpo hesitated, her expression turning serious, "Then how are you going to return my toy to me?"

Jing Yi: "..."

"Without my little toy, these two are no good to me," Mengpo played with her nails, "You have no idea how hard it is to be a leader. On the surface, your subordinates flatter you, but behind your back, the mess they create, tsk tsk, it's endless!"

Jing Yi was speechless: "..."

"So, what’s your price?" Mengpo said, "What do you want in exchange for your golden voice?"

"I have no terms," Jing Yi finally spoke up, "Just take it."

This thing might not be a benefit—it could expose his privacy, so it’s better to get rid of it now.

"No," Mengpo frowned, "Who do you think I am, bargaining like this? You must ask for something."

Jing Yi was at a loss for words: "..."

This was the first time he’d seen someone bargain like this.

But Jing Yi still didn't know what to ask for. Money can buy anything, but he's already very wealthy, having everything he could want. What else does he lack...

Jing Yi: "Can you extend our lifespans a little?"

"Are you trying to cheat the system here?" Mengpo glared.

Jing Yi flinched: "..."

If you can’t do it, fine, but no need to be so harsh.

Mengpo: "..."

She took a deep breath, "That's within the King of Hell's jurisdiction, I can't interfere. But before coming here, I checked the Book of Life and Death. You two are fated to live healthy, trouble-free lives, so ask for something else."

Jing Yi smiled—he truly had no other requests.

Mengpo smiled slightly and looked at Li Wenzhao, who hadn't spoken since they met, "What about you? You’re part of this too. If he can't think of anything, you come up with something."

Li Wenzhao was startled, then let out a soft laugh, "Then please be gentle when removing the voice, Jing Yi is afraid of pain."

Mengpo clicked her tongue, "Trying to show how much you care, huh?"

She turned to Jing Yi and said, "Close your eyes."

Jing Yi gulped nervously, "You're not going to take my voice too, are you?"

Lady Meng scoffed, "I'm not Hei Wuchang or Bai Wuchang; I wouldn't make such a tacky mistake."

Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang cowered together: "..."

Getting dissed by the boss again, but still gotta keep smiling.

Jing Yi asked again, "Will it scratch my face?"

Lady Meng: "...No!"

Jing Yi kept yammering, "I can still speak in the future, right?"

Lady Meng couldn't bear it anymore, "Are you done yet! I'm losing it!"

She suddenly raised her hand. Jing Yi closed his eyes, feeling a sting in his throat, as if something had been stripped away. He opened his eyes, "Done?"

No sound escaped his lips.

Jing Yi touched his throat—no injury, no blood.

"You won't be able to speak for an hour," Lady Meng said, putting away the card and happily stroking her regained treasure. "Don't eat spicy or stimulating things recently... oh, you can't eat anyway. Nothing else."

Jing Yi: "..."

Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang exchanged a smile. Hei Wuchang said, "I've been wanting to say, the vibes you two give off are too similar. Had I known you were so worn out, we wouldn't have scheduled the dinner for today."

Jing Yi suddenly opened his eyes wide, his face slowly turning red: "..."

Everyone knows?

Can they really see that?

They must have some kind of super vision. He's going to report to the central! Report to the King of Hell's Dark Palace!

Bai Wuchang chimed in, "Hehe, I thought no one noticed."

"Trying to show off, huh?" Lady Meng quickly split the card in two, casually flicked it, and it stuck to the necks of Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang. "You caused such a mess; if I don't say anything, I'd be a fool. Get back there and clean the toilets!"

Hei Wuchang: "No way, ghost toilets are freaky."

Lady Meng's eyes turned icy.

Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang hastily floated away.

The room quickly cleared out. Lady Meng stretched and walked to Jing Yi's side. "Honestly, I kinda like you. If you were also in the underworld, my days would definitely be a lot more fun."

Li Wenzhao's eyes narrowed as he instinctively grabbed Jing Yi.

"Relax, that's against the rules," Lady Meng said with a smile, stroking Jing Yi's chin. "But I can hook you up with a gift."

Jing Yi touched his chin: What gift?

Lady Meng swiftly reached out and tapped Jing Yi's chest. "A little unwanted toy. It's yours now, no need to thank me~"

Lady Meng waved her hand, and her figure vanished. A few seconds later, all the dishes on the table vanished too, leaving only clean plates.

Jing Yi warily touched his chest.

"..."

Li Wenzhao stepped forward: "Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

"I'm not uncomfortable," Jing Yi replied, frowning and shaking his head. He felt...

Li Wenzhao: "Hmm?"

Jing Yi's face turned slightly red. He wanted to curse Meng Po for being so inappropriate. He shook his head, pulled Li Wenzhao to leave, and then touched his stomach, signaling that he was hungry.

Li Wenzhao raised an eyebrow: "But didn't you just eat?"

"Then let's eat again, then," Jing Yi thought, his eyes red with urgency.

He just dragged Li Wenzhao outside, afraid Meng Po might come back and hand him another useless little toy. "Let's go, let's go," he urged.

"..."

Li Wenzhao, looking puzzled, was dragged along by him.