Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Staring at the myriad details and evidence of the Lin family's bankruptcy that Xie Guan had sent to his phone, Lin Xingshu felt his entire world spin.

His hands trembled as he switched off his phone, his gaze falling upon Zhou Ruze, who lay sprawled on the sofa.

Zhou Ruze was impeccably dressed in an expensive suit, a wristwatch worth tens of millions adorning his wrist. Everything he wore, everything he used, was a luxury brand.

Yet, all these luxuries were built upon the shattered remains of the Lin family.

Lin Xingshu slowly rose to his feet, his eyes burning with intensified rage as he watched Zhou Ruze still murmuring Xie Guan's name in his sleep. Gritting his teeth, he suddenly raised his hand and landed a fierce punch on Zhou Ruze's face.

"Scum!" he spat, a bitter taste in his mouth.

For so many years, he had naively believed that the Zhou family, out of respect for their old ties, had arranged Zhou Ruze's marriage to him. But it had all been a calculated scheme by Zhou Ruze and his family!

The insider in the Lin family company had been planted by the Zhou family. Not only that, but his debts were also a trap set by them. Their marriage to him was merely a means for the Zhou family to cultivate a good reputation in their circle, and more importantly, to control him more easily. If the truth ever came to light, under the Zhou family's watchful eye, he would be powerless to stir up trouble.

And Zhou Ruze had known all of this from the very beginning.

He had never been forced into this marriage; Lin Xingshu had been played for a fool, manipulated by Zhou Ruze at every turn.

Lin Xingshu collapsed back onto the sofa, burying his face in his hands. He wanted to cry, but no tears would come. Only resentment filled his heart. Through the gaps between his fingers, his eyes, brimming with hatred, fixed on Zhou Ruze.

Buzz—

His phone suddenly vibrated. Lin Xingshu took a deep breath, picked it up, and saw a message from Xie Guan.

"Mr. Lin, interested in making a deal?"

"I can help you bring down the Zhou family."

A sharp glint flashed in Lin Xingshu's eyes. He cast a cold, undisguised look of disgust at Zhou Ruze on the sofa.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch, Xie Guan. What do you want from me?"

Xie Guan replied swiftly: "Once it's done, divorce him and marry me."

Lin Xingshu's brows furrowed almost imperceptibly. He found Xie Guan increasingly perplexing. First, he was entangled with his husband, and now he was offering to help him dismantle the Zhou family. What was his true agenda?

The evidence and details Xie Guan had sent him unequivocally proved the Lin family's past injustice. The information was meticulously organized and extensive—certainly not something that could be collected overnight. The person who gathered this evidence must have invested immense effort and resources to perfect it.

He and Xie Guan were neither kin nor acquaintance. Why would he help him?

"And if it fails?"

"Even if it fails, I can still help you leave the Zhou family and regain your freedom."

Unable to resist, Lin Xingshu sent another message: "Do I know you? Why are you helping me like this?"

The other side remained silent for a long time before replying, half-jokingly, "Love at first sight. I like you. Is that acceptable?"

Lin Xingshu didn't believe that answer for a second. The evidence clearly indicated years of preparation; it couldn't have been compiled overnight. He wasn't buying the "love at first sight" excuse.

Yet, in his memory, he and Xie Guan had no acquaintance. The only time they might have met was a fleeting glance when they were seven or eight years old.

Lin Xingshu shook his head, dismissing these thoughts. For years, he had walked on eggshells in the Zhou family, ignored by Zhou Ruze, looked down upon by his family and friends. Now that he knew the truth, he had had enough of this life.

He would trust Xie Guan, just this once.

Taking a deep breath, he replied, "Deal."

Meanwhile.

Reading Lin Xingshu's reply, Xie Guan calmly raised his eyes and skillfully lit a cigarette. Amidst the swirling smoke, his gaze momentarily drifted into a haze of memories.

He had never imagined that when he saw Lin Xingshu again, he would be in this state.

In the past, Lin Xingshu had been reserved, arrogant, and aloof. He excelled academically, possessed exceptional abilities, and was the school's golden boy in his youth, with admirers as numerous as a river's flow. His desk was constantly filled with dozens of love letters.

But he was singularly focused on his studies, never even glancing at those love letters before tossing them directly into the trash.

Among those who confessed to him, Xie Guan was naturally one.

However, he didn't choose to slip a love letter into the desk. Instead, one evening after school, just as Lin Xingshu was about to leave, he rushed out from a corner, carefully handing over a confession letter, stammering out his feelings, barely able to articulate a coherent sentence.

Lin Xingshu remained silent for a long time. Xie Guan, feeling uneasy, hesitantly looked up, but Lin Xingshu's expression was one he would never forget.

It was as if he had seen something utterly repulsive. Lin Xingshu's eyes were filled with undisguised disgust and impatience, his brows tightly furrowed, and his disdainful gaze swept over him, radiating an aura that warned everyone to keep their distance.

Right in front of him, Lin Xingshu, without even a glance, tossed the love letter to his feet, then slightly raised his chin and coldly said:

"You should lose some weight. There's a mirror on the first floor; why don't you take a look at yourself?"

Lin Xingshu's gaze swept over him, the annoyance in his eyes deepening. He brushed past him, and as he left, he couldn't help but let out an impatient complaint: "Receiving this kind of trash every day is so annoying. All sorts of pathetic losers..."

At that time, in his adolescence, due to family reasons, he was depressed and uncontrollably binge-eating. His body had bloated like an inflated balloon. To avoid Lin Xingshu's disgust, he had already lost twenty pounds that month, but he was still very fat.

He had expected Lin Xingshu to reject him, but he hadn't expected Lin Xingshu to mock him like that. This cracked open his already insecure and anxious heart, and the fissure widened, becoming irreparable.

His condition worsened. His parents finally noticed his illness and arranged for him to undergo intensive treatment abroad.

The treatment environment and methods abroad were far superior to those at home. He no longer remembered what he had experienced in the hospital, but he remembered it was excruciating.

Every day during treatment, Lin Xingshu's words echoed in his mind. He felt trapped in that evening, replaying the scene daily, until, over time, he could no longer distinguish what kind of feelings he had for Lin Xingshu.

Was it hatred? He didn't know, but at least in the hospital, he had hated him.

He hated him for humiliating him like that, hated him for not rejecting him more gently, hated him for crushing his self-esteem so cruelly.

When he learned of the Lin family's bankruptcy and saw the once-proud prodigy fall into ruin, he thought he would feel triumphant. But he didn't. The satisfaction lasted only a moment, followed by an endless emptiness.

And that emptiness erupted uncontrollably when he saw Lin Xingshu carrying construction materials on a building site.

The former golden boy, now stooping low for survival, laboriously carrying building materials in the scorching heat. His fair skin was covered in sunburns, and his body was marked with tiny scars.

His once-clear eyes were clouded with exhaustion. Though barely in his twenties, his demeanor resembled that of an old man nearing seventy.

He only glanced once, unwilling to look again. He frantically tore those photos to shreds, then, like a madman, began to painstakingly investigate the Lin family's bankruptcy.

When he finally uncovered the truth, his long-suppressed emotions finally lifted somewhat. He even had a neurotic thought: what would Lin Xingshu's reaction be when he presented him with this evidence? Would he be overwhelmed with gratitude? Would he weep bitterly? If Lin Xingshu cried too sorrowfully, he was willing to let bygones be bygones and start anew with him, willingly becoming a tool in Lin Xingshu's hands to clear the Lin family's name.

But he hadn't expected that by the time he returned to the country, Lin Xingshu would already be married.

And to Zhou Ruze, the very culprit who had framed the Lin family. Their marriage was rushed, without even a wedding, utterly undignified.

And Lin Xingshu's shallow husband, Zhou Ruze, after a banquet, actually took a liking to him, shamelessly pursued him, and pestered him relentlessly. He had tolerated this idiot for too long. If it weren't for the need to collect evidence of the Zhou family's crimes, he might have beaten this guy half to death.

Finally, tonight, when he heard Zhou Ruze drunkenly badmouthing Lin Xingshu, he couldn't hold back and struck him.

It was at this moment that he met Lin Xingshu again. He had imagined many possibilities, but never expected such a scene.

The young man's complexion was pale, his eyes weary, his figure gaunt, his hair disheveled, and his clothes wrinkled. His posture was slightly hunched. He treated Zhou Ruze like a deity, carefully helping him up, and even endured his husband confessing his feelings to someone else right in front of him.

Lin Xingshu followed behind the two the entire time, silent, a stark contrast to his former spirited and confident self.

He didn't recognize him, didn't even remember the name Xie Guan.

A sudden, nameless anger surged within him, and hatred and jealousy once again spread in his heart, gradually expanding until they enveloped him completely.

Because of a single remark from him, his condition had worsened, forcing him to travel abroad and endure torment for treatment. And now, Lin Xingshu had completely forgotten him. Not only that, he had lost all his pride, even his temper, becoming a completely different person from before.

What he found most unbearable was that Lin Xingshu was actually with someone like Zhou Ruze. His mind uncontrollably conjured images of the two being intimate, intensifying his resentment.

If someone like Zhou Ruze could be his husband, why couldn't he?

Even if he couldn't win Lin Xingshu's heart, he would at least have his body. He might not be a good person, but he was far better than Zhou Ruze, that two-timing scoundrel.

He wanted to prove to Lin Xingshu that he, Xie Guan, was far superior to Zhou Ruze.

Memories gradually returned. Xie Guan calmly extinguished the cigarette in his hand, his gaze falling on the photo album on the bedside table.

It was the love letter Lin Xingshu had once thrown at his feet. He had never discarded it.

During the most painful period abroad, he had relied on that love letter to endure. He repeatedly told himself that he must become outstanding, then stand before Lin Xingshu with his head held high, and tell him that the person he once looked down upon had grown to be just as remarkable as him.

…

So, can you look at me now?

*

"Hey, Lin Xingshu, I'm coming home for dinner tonight. Remember to cook."

Receiving Zhou Ruze's call, Lin Xingshu's eyes instinctively flashed with a hint of disgust. He gave a perfunctory reply, but then heard Zhou Ruze say, "There's an important guest tonight. Don't screw this up."

An important guest?

Lin Xingshu scoffed inwardly. In the past, when he tried to cook to mend their relationship, Zhou Ruze would coldly refuse, followed by various forms of emotional manipulation, making him feel incredibly guilty—as if he were truly the reason Zhou Ruze couldn't be with the one he loved.

Now, he was treating him like a servant. Cook dinner? Dream on.

Lin Xingshu scoffed coldly, crossing his arms as he returned to the bedroom. When Zhou Ruze arrived home with Xie Guan, the first thing they saw was the empty dining table. Enraged, Zhou Ruze stormed over and pounded on Lin Xingshu's bedroom door.

"Didn't I tell you to cook over the phone? Where's the food?"

Lin Xingshu feigned just waking up, groggily opening the door with an apologetic expression. "Sorry... I overslept!"

"Mr. Lin, hello."

A familiar voice sounded. Lin Xingshu froze, his gaze falling on Xie Guan, who stood behind Zhou Ruze. He was smiling, and when he saw Lin Xingshu, his smile grew even brighter.

Losing face in front of his crush, Zhou Ruze's anger flared even more. He instinctively wanted to reprimand Lin Xingshu again, but Xie Guan calmly interjected, "Xiao Zhou, why don't Mr. Lin and I go to the market to buy groceries? I'll cook tonight."

"Oh, how can I ask you to..."

"It's no problem. Mr. Lin looks a bit unwell. I should have been the one to buy groceries, but I only know how to cook, not so much about shopping..."

Xie Guan put on a troubled expression, which made Zhou Ruze even more embarrassed. Lin Xingshu understood that Xie Guan had something he wanted to say to him, so he didn't refuse, playing along with his words:

"I'll accompany Mr. Xie."

Xie Guan's smile widened, and his eyes met Lin Xingshu's. Lin Xingshu frowned slightly and turned his head away.

Zhou Ruze's gaze darted between the two, a strange feeling stirring in his heart.

Ever since Xie Guan brought him home after he got drunk, he had vaguely felt that something was off between them, though he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Lin Xingshu's attitude towards him had also changed recently; he would lose his temper every now and then, and constantly wore a cold face, as if someone owed him a fortune.

Wait a minute, could it be...

An image of two men vying for one husband flashed in his mind. Lin Xingshu cared so much about him; he must be upset about Xie Guan. Perhaps Lin Xingshu agreed to go out with Xie Guan this time precisely because of him.

Although he didn't like Lin Xingshu, as a man, he still enjoyed the feeling of being fought over.

With that thought, Zhou Ruze's gaze towards Lin Xingshu became subtly different.

"Alright, then come back early after shopping. Lin Xingshu, remember to carry the shopping bags for Xie Guan. Don't tire him out."

Lin Xingshu's frown deepened. Without acknowledging Zhou Ruze, he headed downstairs first, while Xie Guan hurried after him, not even sparing Zhou Ruze a glance.

……

In the underground parking lot.

Xie Guan took two quick steps forward, seizing Lin Xingshu's wrist and pulling him close. In the entanglement, Lin Xingshu felt his back press against the cold wall. The next instant, a familiar scent enveloped him.

Breathing heavily, Xie Guan leaned in again, kissing him like a mad dog. One hand had already skillfully slipped under his clothes, gradually sliding downwards. Lin Xingshu coldly raised his eyes and slapped him hard across the face.

Xie Guan's face was turned to one side by the blow. He froze for half a second, then raised a hand to touch his stinging cheek, which burned as if still retaining the warmth of Lin Xingshu's palm.

He didn't know what he thought of, but he chuckled softly. Lin Xingshu sneered, "What, did that feel good?"

"Yeah, felt good, but not good enough. Can you slap me again? Right here."

As he spoke, he smiled and unbuttoned his collar, pointing to his firm chest.

"Are you out of your mind? Xie Guan, do you have no shame?"

"Of course not. If I had shame, would I be your mistress? Ah Shu, kiss me."

Like a dog, he leaned in again, cupping Lin Xingshu's face as if to kiss him. Lin Xingshu sharply turned away, saying coldly:

"Didn't we agree? Not until the Zhou family is brought down, then I'll sleep with you. What, are you going back on your word?"

"Of course I remember, but shouldn't an employee get a basic salary before the final payment?"

"What do you want from me now?"

Lin Xingshu felt he was at his breaking point. Ever since their illicit relationship began, Xie Guan had been cornering him in private every now and then.

Just as Xie Guan himself admitted, he was not normal. He had no shame, no sense of propriety—the kind of pervert who, after being slapped, would say "that felt good" with red eyes.

Being with Xie Guan, he could clearly feel that this person was sick, truly sick. Too obsessive, too crazy, no different from a madman.

He had once been a person of few desires, but after getting involved with Xie Guan, he often found himself uncontrollably doing outrageous things, pushing boundaries he had never dared to imagine. Yet, despite their intimacy, they had never crossed that final line.

Since Xie Guan made some excessive demands that made him furious last time, Xie Guan hadn't dared to approach him for a while, until today, it had been about a week.

"I just want to kiss you."

Though reluctant, Lin Xingshu frowned but didn't refuse. If Xie Guan went crazy, there was no telling what he might do. This month, the Zhou family's business had faced many troubles, causing panic among the entire Zhou family—all his doing.

He still needed to rely on Xie Guan to help him bring down the Zhou family, so it wouldn't be right to give him no benefits.

Xie Guan cupped his face and carefully kissed him, his movements gentle. But as the kiss deepened, he became restless again, his hand straying towards his inner thigh.

"Are you crazy! This is an underground parking lot!"

Lin Xingshu cautiously looked around. Xie Guan leaned in and kissed him a few more times, then pulled him into a dark corner where the walls perfectly concealed them.

"It's fine, no one will see. I'll be gentle, okay?"

"What? You're not going to..."

Before he could finish, Xie Guan skillfully slipped his hand under his shorts. He was wearing loose, breathable shorts today, and when that warm hand touched his skin, he almost cried out, quickly covering his mouth.

"Wait, don't—don't do this..."

Lin Xingshu's legs were about to give out, and he could only weakly rest his hands on Xie Guan's head. As pleasure surged, he instinctively gripped Xie Guan's hair, while also staying alert for anyone passing by.

The intense unease and stimulation made him climax in an instant. His body leaned weakly against the wall, his legs soft. Xie Guan swiftly caught him. Looking at Lin Xingshu, who was flushed and leaning in his arms, his eyes curved into crescent moons.

"That was quick today, Ah Shu. You liked it too, didn't you?"

Lin Xingshu panted heavily, letting out a dissatisfied grunt through his nose. Xie Guan embraced him, feeling the warmth and heartbeat from his body. His long-floating heart seemed to find an anchor at this moment.

He liked this Lin Xingshu.

The one who would get angry, who would coldly mock him, who would look at him with disdain—no longer that withered, stagnant figure. He was vibrant and full of life. He could feel that this Lin Xingshu had warmth.

He wanted Lin Xingshu to lose his temper at him more often, so he would always deliberately say suggestive things. Lin Xingshu was thin-skinned and couldn't stand such words, always blushing and calling him "shameless" or "disgraceful," sometimes even hitting him when his temper flared.

He liked it when Lin Xingshu hit him. It hurt, but it also felt good. That cold, mocking look gradually merged with the arrogant youth from his memories.

Lin Xingshu was naturally meant to have such a personality and temper, not to be submissive and endure everything silently.

"So cute."

Xie Guan couldn't help but pinch his cheek. Lin Xingshu awkwardly turned his head away. "Don't you dare say I came fast again. This was just an accident."

"Alright, alright, I won't say it. Let's go, let's go grocery shopping."

"Grocery shopping for what? You want me to cook for that scum?"

Lin Xingshu looked at him coldly. Xie Guan smiled and shook his head, leaning in to whisper in his ear, "Of course, I'll be the one cooking... Guess what I'll put in his food?"