Chapter 94

Chapter 94

◎To Be a Beast or a Brother◎

The body tormented by the gu worm was not easy to recover from, and some of the damage was irreversible.

Fortunately, Jiang Yu had a strong physical foundation, and his family was well-off, so they nourished him with various supplements to ensure he wouldn’t become dependent on medication in the future. However, he could no longer continue his career as an idol, as he couldn’t keep up with the intense training required.

Even so, the Jiang family was extremely grateful to Ji Nanxing. If it weren’t for him, and if Jiang Qin had killed the mother gu worm a few days later, their son would have been beyond rescue.

Later, through interrogation, it was revealed that Jiang Qin had originally planned to kill the mother gu worm in the next few days. He saw that Jiang Yu was already on the brink of death and feared that if he killed the mother gu worm, Jiang Yu would immediately die.

He had been waiting for the awards ceremony that night, which was live-streamed. As a newly debuted idol group, it was a rare opportunity for the boy band to perform as guests on stage.

He would also be on stage as a new director to receive an award. Although he had only directed short films, the popularity of short dramas had been growing significantly in recent years, and this year marked the first time a short drama award was established, making it very valuable.

He wanted Jiang Yu, lying in his hospital bed, to see him standing under the spotlight, to see his teammates looking glamorous while he was on the verge of death. The thought of the immense sense of disparity Jiang Yu would feel gave Jiang Qin a sense of revenge.

Moreover, the Jiang family had always believed Jiang Yu was just sick and had never suspected Jiang Qin. Even when Jiang Yu felt something supernatural was wrong and insisted on going to a Taoist temple, no one had found anything wrong during his stay there, which made Jiang Qin even more brazen.

In his heart, Jiang Qin had never imagined that his actions would be discovered. Who would have thought that just a day or two later, Jiang Yu would be cured, and he would end up in prison.

While in custody, Jiang Qin felt his body deteriorating sharply—cold, fatigued, with chest tightness and shortness of breath. He was not yet thirty, but liver spots had already appeared on his skin. In just a few days, he looked more than ten years older.

On the day of the trial, the Jiang family attended and were shocked by Jiang Qin's appearance. Jiang's father felt a pang of pity at first, but thinking of his son still in the hospital, his heart hardened again.

The court finally sentenced him to eight years. The time was neither long nor short, but given Jiang Qin's current state, with his body weakened and his lifespan shortened, by the time he was released eight years later, he would have no future left.

Afterward, Jiang Lei contacted Ji Nanxing to ask about the changes in Jiang Qin's health.

Ji Nanxing said, "There's always a price to pay. While he was absorbing the child gu through the mother gu, he was also nourishing the mother gu. When the mother gu was taken away before he could fully benefit from it, the harm to his body slowly showed."

Jiang Lei went quiet upon hearing this. After hanging up the phone, he couldn't help but reflect on the past years. He truly had never looked down on Jiang Qin, but there was always a difference between a cousin and a brother. He never expected that this would lead to Jiang Qin's intent to kill.

Fortunately, everything was still timely.

The matter was resolved smoothly. For Ji Nanxing, it was just another small case, but the image of Jiang Yu vomiting worms left Xiao Ye with some mental scars. Ji Nanxing only discovered this when he found an empty box of deworming medicine in the trash, realizing that Xiao Ye had been taking it behind his back.

Looking at the empty box and then at Xiao Ye, who was curled up on the sofa playing games on his phone, acting busy, Ji Nanxing chuckled, "Didn't you want to bond with me through a gu?"

Xiao Ye sat up with a start, his expression serious, "Of course I would, but gu worms are fine, but parasites are a no-go."

Ji Nanxing said, "Gu worms are scarier than parasites. Neither is acceptable."

Not wanting to hear the word "worm" again, Xiao Ye sent the camping list to Ji Nanxing, shifting the topic, "Take a look and see what else you want to eat? I'll have someone buy it in advance."

Ji Nanxing opened the list and saw that it included everything from hotpot and barbecue to various meats, vegetables, seafood, and fruits. "With all this food, can we really finish it?"

Xiao Ye replied, "With that bunch of locusts, we'll definitely finish it. I'm more worried about not having enough."

For Xiao Ye, camping was naturally more fun with more people. Playing cards, werewolf games, and grilling skewers together—a lively group made camping enjoyable. So, as soon as Ji Nanxing agreed to go camping, Xiao Ye invited several classmates he got along with.

Zhang Yuan and Chen Shiyi were definitely going. Jiang Tangtang, who had somehow heard about it, also dragged Xiao Xiao and Lin Yi along. Besides them, there was also a guy named Zheng Heng and a class athlete, Yang Fan—nine people in total.

Two seven-seater cars, five large tents, and a pile of food and drinks filled the car trunks and empty seats. Over the weekend, a group of vibrant young men and women set off on a lively outing.

The cars were arranged by Xiao Ye, and the driver was Ji Nanxing's bodyguard. Four of the tents were theirs, and the remaining one was for the bodyguard.

However, the others didn't know he was Ji Nanxing's bodyguard; they thought he was just a driver hired by Xiao Ye.

Jiang Tangtang was still lamenting: "We're still too young for this. When I graduate from high school, I'll be just 18, and then I'll get my driver's license then. By the time I go to university, I can go camping with my classmates without having to hire an extra driver."

Zhang Yuan had a sharp eye for people. Those two didn't look like your average drivers; they seemed a bit too rigid and sharp. He whispered to Xiao Ye, "You didn't borrow your grandpa's orderly, did you?"

Xiao Ye said, "No way, those are my grandpa's people. Would I really do that? These are Naonao's bodyguards. When a group of us go camping in the mountains, and there are three girls, it's better to bring some extra people along."

Xiao Ye always paid attention to safety, never letting his guard down just because he knows how to fight. If something unexpected happened, there’d be no use regretting it later.

Zhang Yuan nodded, then turned to see Jiang Tangtang still arguing with Chen Shiyi. He couldn't help but rub his ears: "Next time we go out, why not just make it the four of us? One car would be plenty, and we wouldn't have to argue."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Tangtang beside him snapped, "Zhang Yuan, what do you mean? Are you looking down on us?"

Zhang Yuan smiled: "I wouldn’t dare. Have you decided how to arrange the cars?"

Jiang Tangtang said, "The three of us plus the academic god and Brother Ye make five people in one car. You four can take the other car. That’s decided then."

Chen Shiyi disagreed: "Who said it’s decided? I want to ride with Nanxing!"

Jiang Tangtang conceded: "Then we’ll add you, and we'll have six in one car, and they can have three in the other."

Zhang Yuan didn't really care. He wasn’t as obsessed with Nanxing as Xiao Ye and Chen Shiyi, who were super protective of Ji Nanxing. But seeing Jiang Tangtang acting like a little rooster, he teased, "Then why are you leaving me out? I want to ride with Nanxing too."

Ji Nanxing, who was being fought over, glanced at Zhang Yuan with a helpless look, conveying the message, "Why are you joining in the fun?"

Zhang Yuan raised an eyebrow at him with a smile. It was fun to stir the pot.

Xiao Ye, who had just finished directing the moving of things, walked over: "Are you guys finished?"

Yang Fan and Zheng Heng had no say in the matter and didn't care where they sat. Zheng Heng was closer to Zhang Yuan because he often helped him with shopping, while Yang Fan was closer to Xiao Ye, as they often played basketball together.

But now, everyone was fighting to sit with Ji Nanxing, so it didn't matter to them. They wouldn’t be left behind anyway.

Jiang Tangtang was about to complain when Xiao Ye pointed and said, "Hey, look who’s over there?"

Jiang Tangtang and the others followed his finger, and then Xiao Ye pulled Ji Nanxing into the car. Chen Shiyi, who was always clinging to Ji Nanxing, immediately followed.

Xiao Ye, while getting into the car, shouted, "Quick, who else is coming? Last call!"

Yang Fan and Zheng Heng, who were closest, instinctively got into the car.

By the time Jiang Tangtang and the others reacted, the car door was already closed, and they were met with Xiao Ye's annoying grin as he waved at them: "You four can take the other car then. We'll go ahead. Bye."

Zhang Yuan looked at the three girls, then at Xiao Ye through the car window, and couldn't help but laugh in frustration: "Xiao Ye!"

Xiao Ye spread his hands: "You were too slow. Don't worry, it's only a two-hour drive. We’ll catch you at the campsite. As a man, take good care of the girls."

The car drove off, and Jiang Tangtang sighed: "I wanted to ride with the academic god. He looks really good today, wearing that little shirt with the open collar. Who gets it?"

Zhang Yuan looked at her: "Would you dare to say that in front of Xiao Ye?"

Jiang Tangtang rolled her eyes at him: "I’m not that dumb."

Craving the academic god's body in front of the school bully? She'd be torn apart.

Lin Yi pushed them: "Alright, let's get in the car. There are only four of us, so we can spread out more comfortably."

The two cars drove one after the other toward the campsite. Ji Nanxing, who was quiet, planned to close his eyes and rest as soon as he got in the car.

Xiao Ye took out his earphones, put one in Ji Nanxing's ear, and patted his own shoulder: "Lean on me and take a nap."

Chen Shiyi sat there, clenching his teeth. Xiao Ye was pretty sneaky; as soon as they got in the car, he pushed Ji Nanxing onto the two-seater and took the spot next to him.

He had been hoping to chat with Ji Nanxing.

However, once the car started moving, he found that Zheng Heng was also a good conversationalist, and along with the quite sociable Yang Fan, the three of them talked non-stop the whole ride.

In the other car, the three also chatted the entire journey. Zhang Yuan dozed off with his hat pulled over his face. He couldn’t figure out how the girls had so much energy; their topics seemed endless.

They started talking about the scent of shampoo when they got in the car and ended up discussing class gossip when they got out. Their conversation never let up during the two-hour drive.

Xiao Ye picked a campsite halfway up the mountain, which was perfect for watching the sunrise. They got there at just the right time, and some of the best viewing spots were still available.

After two hours in the car, everyone hopped out and stretched, turning heads with their good looks and youthful energy.

Xiao Ye opened the trunk: "Four tents, three for the boys and one for the girls. The tents are spacious enough for all three of you."

The two bodyguards came over after parking the car: "Need a hand with the tents?"

Jiang Tangtang raised her hand without hesitation: "Yes, please! We’d really appreciate it! Thanks, guys!"

Xiao Ye said, "Then help the girls set up their tent. We'll handle ours ourselves."

Pitching the tent is half the fun of camping.

The four tents facing the eastern peak were quickly set up. The girls kept busy too, setting up tables, chairs, and stoves. Before long, the campsite was packed, and the best viewing spots were almost all taken.

Zhang Yuan looked around at the crowd and said, "I figured you’d pick a more secluded spot."

Somewhere with few people, just their group eating, drinking, playing games, and enjoying the scenery. He didn't expect Xiao Ye to choose a large campsite full of people.

Xiao Ye said, "It's better to avoid those wild spots; fewer people means more creepy vibes."

If Ji Nanxing spotted any ghosts, their camping trip would turn into a job. So, choosing a crowded place with strong yang energy reduces the chance of encountering ghosts.

Zhang Yuan smiled and said while carrying ingredients, "Did you ever figure out that Gu insect thing?"

Xiao Ye: "It was resolved. Who’d have thought that after years of supporting him, he’d turn out to be such a backstabber? And who would believe the story about the Gu insect? If Naonao hadn’t caught on, Jiang Yu would’ve died clueless."

Zhang Yuan said, "The Gu insect, which sounds like something out of a legend. In the past, I wouldn't have believed it. How do two bugs manage to steal someone’s luck and life force? How does that even work?"

Xiao Ye handed him a large box of cleaned and packed vegetables: "Who knows? If Gu insects are real, what about zombies and stuff?"

Zhang Yuan: "If you want to know, ask your star. He’s probably seen them for real."

Hearing "your star" made Xiao Ye’s heart skip a beat, but when he turned around and didn't see Ji Nanxing, his smile instantly disappeared: "Crap, where’d my star go?"

After looking around and not seeing him, Xiao Ye didn't care about the skewers of meat in his hands anymore. He grabbed a few tissues, wiped his hands, and started searching everywhere.

Ji Nanxing hadn't gone far. Seeing them busy with the tents and ingredients, he wanted to help but was either pushed aside to sit or given a bunch of fruit to eat.

With nothing to do, he decided to walk around and check out the camping environment.

In his life, this was the first time he had gone camping like this, or rather, the first time he had gone out with a group of friends like this.

When Xiao Ye found him, Ji Nanxing was sitting on a large rock surrounded by wild dandelions. The dandelions grew wildly and abundantly, their stems long and the mature seed heads large, white, and soft.

Some were still in bloom, their golden flowers blossoming among the green leaves, almost engulfing Ji Nanxing in this picturesque scene.

Ji Nanxing didn't notice him. He held a dandelion up to the sun, and as the wind blew, the fluffy seeds drifted away, floating in the air, swirling and landing on Ji Nanxing's clothes and hair, only to be carried away by the next gust of wind.

Ji Nanxing tilted his head slightly, the sunlight bathing his face, making him look like he was glowing.

Another gust of wind swept through, making the dandelions sway gently, their seeds swirling in the air and enveloping the person on the rock.

Xiao Ye instinctively pressed a hand to his chest, his heartbeat so loud it felt like it was vibrating his eardrums. At that moment, Ji Nanxing looked like a mythical angel or fairy, bathed in light, as if no words could fully capture his beauty.

He had always known Ji Nanxing was beautiful.

The first time he saw him in the classroom, it felt like Ji Nanxing had brought light with him, transforming the dull atmosphere into something vibrant.

At first, it was Ji Nanxing’s good looks that kept drawing his gaze. Later, it was his brother’s advice that made him consider Ji Nanxing part of his inner circle. Gradually, he found himself becoming a part of Ji Nanxing’s life, until now, when Ji Nanxing seemed to fill every corner of his own.

Before, Xiao Ye hadn’t thought much about it—he just knew he liked Ji Nanxing and wanted to spend time with him, just as he’d bonded with Zhang Yuan because they clicked.

Ji Nanxing was strikingly handsome, delicate and almost ethereal, which made Xiao Ye feel protective and care for him more.

But just now, he realized his feelings for Ji Nanxing had shifted.

As Ji Nanxing closed his eyes and tilted his head, basking in the sunlight and the swirling dandelions, Xiao Ye felt a sudden urge to run over and embrace him.

This urge to hold him felt different from the usual warmth he offered. He couldn’t quite put that difference into words.

Compared to before, in that moment, he felt a surge of something deeper—tenderness, longing, and even possessiveness.

His heart racing uncontrollably, Xiao Ye felt a wave of panic wash over him. He turned away, too afraid to look at Ji Nanxing, steadied himself, and then slapped his own face.

He knew he was shallow, but being drawn to beauty was only human. But he hadn’t expected to feel this way—like he’d crossed some line with his feelings for his friend.

The slap wasn’t hard, but the sharp sound carried to Ji Nanxing nearby.

Noticing Xiao Ye standing with his back turned, Ji Nanxing tilted his head slightly. "Xiao Ye? What are you doing over there?"

Xiao Ye cleared his throat and turned around, avoiding Ji Nanxing’s gaze. "Nothing, just checking on you. The camp’s pretty big, so don’t wander off. Stay here for a bit—I’ll go help with the stove."

With that, Xiao Ye turned and hurried away.

Ji Nanxing watched him go, puzzled. Hadn’t they already set up the stove?

After a brief moment of solitude, Ji Nanxing got up. Everyone else was busy, and it felt odd to stay there alone.

Back at the tents, the girls were already playing with someone’s dog.

As he approached, Chen Shiyi waved him over. "Nanxing, come see this dog—it’s so smart, it can play dead!"

It was a beautiful Border Collie, not the usual black and white or yellow and white, but with a coat of black, gray, and white.

Ji Nanxing walked over and rubbed the dog’s head as it nuzzled his leg. "What breed is this? It’s quite beautiful."

Jiang Tangtang said, "It’s a Merle Border Collie, super handsome. I’ve always wanted to have one, but my mom said high school is too busy to have a dog, and after high school, I immediately went to college, so even less time to have a dog. She said if I want a dog, I should wait until after I graduate and start working."

Chen Shiyi added, "When you start working, you’ll be a corporate slave, even busier with no time to have a dog."

Jiang Tangtang hugged the Border Collie, showering it with kisses and pets, her voice turning sugary as she cooed at it.

Xiao Xiao, seeing her almost throwing herself onto the dog, called out, "Are you still going to eat? Go wash your hands, come over and grill whatever you want to eat!"

Jiang Tangtang gave the dog one last pat. "Coming, coming, little cutie, go back to your owner."

The Border Collie seemed to understand her words, wagging its tail as it trotted back to its owner’s tent.

Jiang Tangtang looked even more envious: "So clever, ugh, I want one."

Lin Yi came over and pulled her towards the handwashing area: "No, you don’t. Go wash your hands."

Ji Nanxing walked towards the grill: "What’s on the menu for grilling?"

If it were before, without Ji Nanxing saying anything, Xiao Ye would have already grilled his favorite foods for him. But now, Xiao Ye was a little hesitant to approach Ji Nanxing.

He felt he needed to calm down, adjust his mindset, and stamp out those beastly thoughts.

But now, they were camping together, and he couldn’t just go home. The tents had been assigned earlier, two guys to a tent. Everyone had pretty much assumed he’d share a tent with Ji Nanxing, and their bags were already inside.

If he asked to share a tent with Zhang Yuan now, Ji Nanxing would definitely overthink it and might even get upset. No way, he couldn’t do something so unmanly.

But was it manly to have these kinds of thoughts about his buddy?

Xiao Ye bit his lower lip, staring at the table piled with skewers, frowning deeply.

Ji Nanxing walked over and poked his arm: "What’s up? Why are you zoning out?"

Ji Nanxing poked once and then withdrew his hand, not noticing Xiao Ye's arm tensing up instantly. Seeing Xiao Ye staring at the ingredients without speaking, he figured he was just indecisive and left him alone, taking some meat and vegetable skewers and heading towards the grill.

Zhang Yuan brought over the washed fruits, two large basins full, while complaining to Xiao Ye: "You bought way too much. We’re only here for one night. How are we supposed to eat all this?"

Xiao Ye didn’t say anything.

Zhang Yuan turned to look at him, puzzled: "Why are your ears so red? You feeling hot?"

As he spoke, he felt the wind. The mountain breeze wasn’t strong, blowing gently. The weather at the end of March was just right, neither cold nor hot. He had been walking around with two large basins of fruit and didn’t feel hot at all.

Meanwhile, Xiao Ye went from biting his lip to pursing it, touching the spot where Ji Nanxing had poked him. It felt warm and tingly, this small gesture of intimacy making him both sweetly happy and deeply troubled.

Should he stay a buddy or give in to these feelings? What to do—it’s such a tough call.