Chapter 63 The Price of Attraction

Chapter 63: The Price of Love

"Tch," Shen Xiaoguang smirked, a hint of malice in his eyes. "Ten times? A hundred times?"

"What if I told you I want your life?"

Shen Zongnian didn't hesitate. "Fine. Let him go now."

Shen Xiaoguang looked at him with exasperation. "After all these years, you're still the same."

"Zongnian," he said, feigning concern, "Grandpa handed over the entire family fortune to you not so you could chase after men and be a childless homosexual. You truly are the Shen family's fine eldest grandson."

Tan Youming's pupils constricted, his gaze a mix of shock and complexity.

Noticing his expression, Shen Xiaoguang tapped Tan Youming's cheek with the gun. "Didn't you know, Young Master Tan? The Shen family's coffers have nearly been emptied by Zongnian. All the assets Grandpa set aside for his marriage and dowry—antiques, funds, properties, land, even insurance—Zongnian changed the beneficiary to your name."

"Shut up!" Shen Zongnian snarled.

"Oh, hit a nerve, did I?" Shen Xiaoguang laughed heartily, turning back to Tan Youming. "And the trust fund set to activate after marriage—he exploited emergency clauses and loopholes to alter the rules without authorization."

"What a devoted lover! Willing to give up a massive trust fund just to avoid marrying, all for you, Young Master Tan." Shen Xiaoguang stared at Tan Youming like a jackal, utterly baffled. "I never would have imagined that the next master of the Shen family vault would be you."

"Do you know who the previous master was? Zongnian's grandmother." For generations, the matriarchs of the Shen family controlled half of the clan's wealth. The family vault was shrouded in mystery—its size, number of levels, and locations were unknown even to most family members. Only the designated successor held the blueprints and passcodes.

"Ask Zongnian when he stole your fingerprints and palm prints to use as keys."

Shen Zongnian was forced to his knees, head bowed, face to the ground, like a prisoner stripped of all dignity.

Shen Xiaoguang laid out his secrets before Tan Youming like a list of charges. The mountain of evidence hurt him more than any physical blow, making it impossible to lift his head.

He no longer dared to look at Tan Youming.

"Zongnian, tell me, if Grandpa had known you were a deviant who likes men, would he still have sent you to the Tan family? Would he have entrusted the family and its legacy to you? Do you think you've been worthy of your grandfather or the Tan family?"

Thunder rumbled over the sea, echoing across the sky. Tan Youming's head rang, and a flash of lightning cut through the night, illuminating his muddled thoughts with stark clarity.

The faint, ambiguous spark from the Ghost Festival night finally reignited. The face in his dreams snapped into focus at that moment, and the traceable but indefinable palpitations, confusion, anxiety, and unease that had haunted him finally found an outlet.

So that's it.

It was actually like this.

The nocturnal fantasies, the morning dampness, the extreme possessiveness, and the nervous flutters of his heart—none of it was baseless. Since childhood, the favoritism, the countless daily gifts, the anxiety at every separation, the pursuit across 5,849 kilometers—long before Tan Youming understood the meaning of love, he had already been living its essence.

Because one cannot seek new possibilities beyond the confines of their understanding, nor would anyone fantasize about their own family member. When the limits of familial and friendly affection between two people reach their peak, the probability of noticing a qualitative change plummets.

Tan Youming had always believed that what they had was the closest, the best, something to remain unchanged forever. But it turned out it could be better, closer, more thoroughly possessive.

Shen Zongnian was his flesh-and-blood kin, a brother closer than blood, an inseparable best friend—and now, unexpectedly, also mutually enamored lovers.

It felt... strange, but a bizarre yet fitting shudder of sweetness ran through Tan Youming's entire body.

And what about Shen Zongnian? Tan Youming looked up at him, but the other man hung his head, avoiding his gaze.

When did it start for Shen Zongnian? What kind of feelings had he carried all these years by Tan Youming's side?

Tan Youming had possessed Shen Zongnian too early, long before he understood love, already certain and convinced he would have him for life. Thus, realizing his attraction came with a price far greater than for most.

Suddenly, Tan Youming hated himself intensely.

Shen Xiaoguang struck Tan Youming's forehead with the gun. "Your grandfather and father must be thrilled, right? Generations of Shen family assets flowing into the Tan family just like that. You reap the rewards without lifting a finger, while the Shen family won't even get a taste. Young Master, we're practically dying of hunger—do you even know that?"

Tan Youming saw stars, his chest heaving. He spat in Shen Xiaoguang's face and roared, "Those were Shen Zongnian's assets to begin with, legally inherited! He can spend them however he wants—even if he feeds them to dogs, it's none of your business!"

Shen Xiaoguang's face darkened. He gestured to the kidnappers, and Shen Zongnian, like a trapped beast suddenly breaking its cage, lunged to shield Tan Youming beneath him.

Blows instantly rained down on Shen Zongnian. Tan Youming struggled to break free from his protection, but Shen Zongnian held him firmly. "Don't move. I'm fine," Shen Zongnian rasped.

"Stop! Stop, damn it!" Tan Youming clung tightly to Shen Zongnian, trying to shield him with his own arms, but it was futile. "I'll kill you! I swear I'll kill you all!"

Shen Xiaoguang watched with relish. "Young Master Tan can't see clearly like this. Separate them! Beat him right in front of Tan Youming!"

He had known since that birthday banquet fourteen years ago that to make Tan Youming suffer, striking Shen Zongnian was twice the effect.

Likewise, to torture Shen Zongnian, targeting Tan Youming yielded immediate, foolproof results.

"Dear nephew, with your parents gone, I, your uncle, will fulfill their disciplinary duties."

This resentment had festered too long; he could no longer contain it.

"Did you think about today when you drove your own uncle out of the house? Were you proud when you dug up your uncle's coffin and expelled it from the ancestral hall? What were you thinking when you cut off the family funds? It seems you've forgotten your own surname, too busy being the Tan family's dog."

Tan Youming watched helplessly as Shen Zongnian's handsome face was beaten beyond recognition. It felt as if chunks of flesh were being carved from his own heart—one piece, then another. His blood boiled with rage, nearing madness. "Let him go, Shen Xiaoguang! If you have any guts, come at me! Hit me! Come on!"

Shen Xiaoguang grabbed Tan Youming's hair, forcing him to watch Shen Zongnian being punched until his face was swollen and bruised. "Does your family approve of this, Young Master Tan? The Tan family prides itself on respectability, yet they tolerate such filthy affairs."

"How dare you shamelessly seize another family's assets? Keeping a lapdog for money—aren't you afraid he'll turn on you someday?"

"Spit!" Tan Youming, unable to move, panted heavily but glared defiantly. "You're the dog! All of you Shens are pathetic, penniless stray dogs with nowhere to go! Shen Zongnian has long been part of the Tan family—my equal, rightful and proper! What right do you have to speak? Even if we hold a wedding banquet for three days and nights, inviting the whole city, it's none of your business, you sewer-dwelling rats from hell!"

Shen Zongnian jerked his head up, staring at Tan Youming in astonishment. Through the blood covering his face, only his dark eyes shone brightly. He couldn't tell if it was sincerity or just provocation, leaving him like a lone wolf suddenly rescued yet bewildered, his fingers scraping bloody marks on the ground.

Tan Youming gasped for breath, a bloody smile curling his lips as he declared to the world, "Shen Zongnian has bowed to the Tan ancestors, worshipped in the Tan ancestral hall! He is my grandfather's filial descendant, my parents' beloved treasure, my lifelong soulmate, the pride and support of the entire Tan family! If you harm even a hair on his head today, the Tan clan will repay it tenfold, a hundredfold, in the future!"

"Let him go now, and I'll consider this a momentary lapse driven by Shen Xiaochang. I'll blame it all on him. Otherwise, not only will your father's coffin be thrown into an unmarked grave, but you'll meet a bitter end—mark my words."

Shen Xiaoguang viciously grabbed Tan Youming's collar. Shen Zongnian struggled furiously, roaring, "Let him go! Your target is me! Capturing him is useless! I'll sign over my assets, write the documents right now—do whatever you want with me. You want revenge? Fine, kill me, torture me, I won't resist."

"Don't you want to see me dismembered? Or torture me until I beg? I'll comply with anything, just let him go. Whatever game you want to play, I won't say a word against it."

Tan Youming's temples bulged with rage. "What the hell are you saying?!"

Shen Zongnian ignored him, staring fixedly at Shen Xiaoguang. "Shen Xiaochang is a drowning man—what can you gain from him? I can offer you more. But if you harm Tan Youming, I guarantee you'll get nothing. The Tan family will never let you go. However much money you make, you won't live to spend it."

His face was grotesquely swollen, his expression sinister. Shen Xiaoguang laughed uproariously, marveling, "To think the Shen family actually produced such a lovesick fool." He narrowed his eyes, pressing the gun to Shen Zongnian's temple. "You think I'm stupid? You think I'd release the tiger back to the mountains again?"

"You promised Grandpa on his deathbed you'd spare his eldest son—did you? You agreed to leave part of the fund for your younger brothers—did you?"

Shen Zongnian's ruthlessness during the family purge years ago had left a deep impression on Shen Xiaoguang. "Shen Zongnian, I know exactly what kind of person you are."

"And besides—" Shen Xiaoguang feigned regret as he looked at Tan Youming, "it's not that I don't want to give you face, Young Master Tan, but too many people want his life. I'm not the one calling the shots."

Shen Zongnian stiffened. Tan Youming met his gaze and quickly understood, gritting out two words: "The Zeng family."

Shen Xiaoguang smirked disdainfully. "You've made too many enemies. Who else can you blame?"

The Zeng family's stock had plummeted for days, exposing other financial and tax vulnerabilities that drew government investigation. Their co-organizer status with the Maritime Trade Association was at risk of revocation. Cornered, they conspired with the Shen family to plan the kidnapping.

Shen Xiaoguang mused, "If it weren't for Young Master Zeng's help, we might not have been able to meet today."

If we really want to argue about who the mastermind is and who the accomplice is, it's truly hard to pin down.

It can only be said that the timing and conditions were perfect—it was just Tan Youming's fate.

Right now, half the people on this ship are from the Zeng family. The White Crane Hall's influence had long been broken up by He Wufei, leaving them short on both manpower and supplies. Without the Zeng family's heavy support, they wouldn't have succeeded so quickly.

Shen Zongnian's heart dropped like a stone. If it were only Shen Xiaochang coming for him, Tan Youming might still have had a slim chance of survival. But with the Zeng family involved, there was no room for negotiation left.

A metallic taste of blood rose in Shen Zongnian's throat. "What do you want?"

"Nothing," Shen Xiaoguang checked his watch. "Nephew, better make it quick and say your goodbyes to your beloved. We'll soon be in international waters. Once we pass the strait ahead, even the OCTB won't be able to catch up."

With victory in sight, Shen Xiaoguang smiled confidently. "This port has been bought off. Fourth Uncle can only take you this far. Once we're beyond territorial waters, you'll go meet your eldest uncle, and Young Master Tan will meet the Zeng family."

Shen Xiaochang and the remnants of the White Crane Hall planned to use Shen Zongnian as a hostage to pressure the police into calling off the chase so they could escape far away.

The Zeng family intended to use Tan Youming to negotiate with the Tan family, demanding clarifications about the scandal and damage control. They were unwilling to concede any assets or pay compensation but still wanted to retain their seat in the Maritime Trade Association.

Once the plan succeeded, Shen Xiaoguang would take the money and take over Huantu to inherit the Shen family.

The three parties collaborated, each getting what they wanted—killing three birds with one stone.

Shen Xiaoguang looked contentedly out the porthole, estimating that they were less than ten nautical miles from successfully crossing the border. Both sides had arranged for people to meet at a private dock in international waters.

"Once we're there, we'll go our separate ways, each to our own destiny. Where and when we meet again, whether in heaven or hell, will be up to fate."

Tan Youming, a mess and boiling with anger, let out a bitter laugh. He thought of his life of luxury since childhood, where he wanted for nothing, yet he had never properly dated Shen Zongnian, never held him properly, never kissed him.

The heavens weren't merciful—Tan Youming understood Shen Zongnian's love, understood his own love, and realized that Shen Zongnian would leave him, all at the same moment.

Over the years, had Shen Zongnian been happy? Had he ever felt joy? Did he have any regrets?

Tan Youming had dared to betray Shen Zongnian, and now he was being punished.

Regret, resentment, and anger surged in his heart like tidal waves. From a distance, Tan Youming, his forehead bruised and his eyes burning red, suddenly mouthed to Shen Zongnian, "I like you too."

Shen Zongnian froze, unmoving.

Tan Youming's heart ached, and he anxiously mouthed it again: "I really like you."

Though it wasn't the right time or place—reckless, chaotic, messy, and far from solemn, almost like a joke—would Shen Zongnian believe him? But he was afraid that if he didn't say it now, he might never get another chance.

His gaze was fervent and urgent, like a burning brand, scorching Shen Zongnian.

A sharp pain shot through Shen Zongnian's back and limbs—likely a broken bone—and his heart felt as if it were being twisted. Gritting his teeth, he tried to crawl forward but was immediately pinned firmly to the ground.

In the countdown to the storm, two butterflies gazed at each other from afar, beating their fragile wings desperately, yet it was like moths flying into a flame, waiting to be swallowed by the vast, swirling ocean.