Chapter 108 Don’t Entangle in the Next Life

Chapter 108: No More Entanglement in the Next Life

Mu Zhang had been having many dreams during this period of time.

The fragments in his dreams were chaotic and disordered. Every time he opened his eyes, a cold sweat would break out on Mu Zhang's temples.

After waking, he carefully recalled the various details from his dreams. Some scenes, he realized, he had actually dreamt of before.

And so, Mu Zhang gradually became certain that he and Lin Juangui might have known each other in a previous life.

At first, Lin Juangui's face wasn't clear in Mu Zhang's mind. In the stories related to him, there were mostly the rugged faces Mu Zhang preferred in his youth, while Lin Juangui was mostly depicted in various states of crying, collapse, or madness.

He questioned Mu Zhang time and again about why he was treated this way. Mu Zhang's lines were rather classic: "If you didn't have that slight resemblance to him, I wouldn't even look at you."

Mu Zhang could clearly see the light instantly shattered in Lin Juangui's eyes.

Even though Mu Zhang, in his dream, felt his heart ache terribly, wanting to say he didn't mean it, the Mu Zhang in the dream would still turn his head away without hesitation and walk off with those faces that bore not the slightest resemblance to Lin Juangui.

If the real Lin Juangui heard such words, he would only lower his head with a light chuckle. Clearly not very bothered, yet able to pretend to be in great pain, then give Mu Zhang a lecture before finally turning and walking away, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

The nicer someone is day-to-day, the more decisive they are about leaving. You might think they'll come back to find you after a while, but in reality, they've long since vanished without a trace.

Mu Zhang could not imagine such a scene. So, after their first three-year contract ended, he lured and coaxed the amnesiac Lin Juangui into signing that indefinite agreement.

A sense of unease enveloped Mu Zhang. Lin Juangui after his amnesia made Mu Zhang even more on edge and anxious. He always felt this happiness would leave him one day. What if Lin Juangui someday regained his past memories and accused Mu Zhang of taking advantage of his vulnerable state?

Even though Mu Zhang had indeed done just that.

He was a coward, daring to act but not to take responsibility. After using despicable means to possess Lin Juangui, he still waited for Lin Juangui to take the initiative to ease their relationship.

Mu Zhang knew all too well that the former Lin Juangui had hated him intensely.

Whether it was giving Mu Zhang the cold shoulder or being indifferent and unresponsive, it was all part of Lin Juangui's ongoing resistance.

This hatred permeated every plan Lin Juangui devised against Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang watched helplessly as it all unfolded but never once tried to stop it.

He wondered if Lin Juangui's hatred for him would lessen a little if his revenge succeeded.

Could the debts from the past—the resentment buried after Mu Zhang, in his various identities across different worlds, had failed Lin Juangui—ever be settled?

Holding onto this contradictory mindset, Mu Zhang consciously descended into ruin. He knew what he wanted, and understood even more clearly that the federal government was a complete shambles. No matter how much he did, it would be futile to turn the tide. Mu Jie's beautiful vision could only remain a dream; he certainly couldn't realize it.

When the investigation team took him away, Mu Zhang didn't even put up any resistance, nor did he utter a single word.

Mu Zhang was well aware of what he had done. He didn't need anyone to pressure him into confessing. The only person he wanted to see was Lin Juangui, but the investigation team wouldn't allow it, so he refused to say a word.

Until he saw Lin Juangui's live broadcast.

At that time, the investigation team and Mu Zhang, with electronic shackles on his wrists, were together in the office hall watching Lin Juangui appear on screen—how he took the blame for Mu Zhang, said he would bear it together with him, and how he defended Mu Zhang.

Mu Zhang's eyes grew hot then. He understood Lin Juangui wasn't pushing him into danger but saving him.

Especially after Shen Yun shared his discoveries about Lin Juangui's pheromones over the years.

Mu Zhang raised his head, taking a deep breath, looking up at the incandescent light on the ceiling.

Being Lin Juangui's partner was a very fortunate thing. If he said he would help you fulfill your wish, he would absolutely never go back on his word.

Mu Zhang had thought Lin Juangui was just placating him back then, but Lin Juangui had actually done it.

Even without Mu Yuanqing entrusting Mu Zhang to obtain more of Lin Juangui's pheromones for detailed research, Lin Juangui's end already had concrete results.

Lin Juangui handled matters related to the Liang family very cleverly. He had already used the press conference to establish his own image and even garnered some goodwill for Mu Zhang. To press the issue further at this point would make people think today's press conference was entirely malicious, shifting the focus away from the "quasi-king substance" in Lin Juangui's pheromones.

He stopped at just the right point, leaving ample room for those media outlets hungry for scoops. How they would report it, whether they would fabricate stories or defend him, would all become apparent in this storm of public opinion, making it simple to round them all up in the future.

When Lin Juangui left the stage, Mu Zhang knew Lin Juangui had already used this method to prepare a way out for him.

He only needed to defend himself following the line of thought Lin Juangui had provided.

So Mu Zhang spoke up very straightforwardly: "I plead guilty."

After this press conference, Mu Zhang had narrowly escaped disaster. The investigation team members, rather helplessly, spread the word. They knew a major political achievement had just slipped through their fingers.

They couldn't get the arms, and Lin Juangui's company likely wouldn't suffer any impact either.

A little while later, in the live broadcast, Lin Juangui prepared to leave the stage. Immediately after, Mu Zhang saw Lin Juangui's grandmother rush onto the stage and slap Lin Juangui hard across the face. Lin Juangui lost his balance and fell into Zhuang Xi's arms.

Mu Zhang's heart immediately leapt into his throat. He felt Lin Juangui's expression change slightly, then saw several mouthfuls of blood gush from Lin Juangui's mouth before he completely lost consciousness. Zhuang Xi, pulled down by him, sat on the floor, looking up and shouting: "Ambulance!"

The scene descended into chaos. Mu Zhang, frantic, tried to stand up from his chair but was firmly pressed down by the two investigation team members beside him.

Mu Zhang was an unworthy Alpha. Not only could he not be by his Omega's side when needed, but when in peril, he even had to be rescued by his Omega.

But...

Even after being transferred to the detention center, Mu Zhang would still wonder, did Lin Juangui also feel reluctant to part with him?

"He will arrange everything for your futures. I believe him."

Zheng Shi seemed rather disappointed. He asked Mu Zhang, "Do you really not hate him at all?"

From an outsider's perspective, everything Lin Juangui did seemed aimed at divorcing Mu Zhang, installing Huo Zeshen in power, and then flying off together with him.

But Mu Zhang said, "I don't hate him. This is all what I owe him."

His only worry was Lin Juangui's health. Those mouthfuls of blood had truly frightened Mu Zhang, fearing Lin Juangui's physical condition might suddenly deteriorate—a possibility for anyone who had undergone body modification.

Mu Zhang hoped Lin Juangui would be the lucky one.

But remembering Lin Juangui's uncontrollable sudden vomiting, many bad premonitions surfaced in Mu Zhang's mind. Even though he forcefully suppressed them each time, Mu Zhang couldn't help but worry.

Until he saw Lin Juangui with his own eyes.

Crying before him.

Whether these tears were joy at finally being free of Mu Zhang or distress at seeing Mu Zhang in this state was impossible to know. But at least, in these final moments, Mu Zhang had Lin Juangui's gaze and his tears.

Mu Zhang was content.

Only after Lin Juangui's emotions had calmed somewhat did Mu Zhang ask him, "How is your health?"

Lin Juangui took a deep breath and managed a faint smile for Mu Zhang. "It's okay. I was just too emotionally agitated."

Looking closely, there were still faint red marks on Lin Juangui's face. Combined with the marks left by Liang Shanyue choking his neck not long ago, and considering Lin Juangui's own skin was already so delicate, he could now be considered "covered in wounds."

Mu Zhang guiltily lowered his head. "It's my fault you ended up like this."

Lin Juangui slowly wiped the tear stains from his face. He was wearing a soft cashmere sweater today, giving him a completely non-threatening appearance.

"I won't stand on ceremony and pretend none of this is your fault, but... my own personality is part of why we ended up here."

Mu Zhang abruptly looked at Lin Juangui, keenly picking up on what he was hinting at.

Seeing that he understood, Lin Juangui smiled and asked, "Have you ever had dreams? During these days of unconsciousness, I had many dreams. It was like having all these things that aren't mine poured into my mind. It was torture for a long time."

Mu Zhang smiled self-deprecatingly, "You know, besides saying sorry, there's nothing else I can do."

"There is. Can you live for me?"

Lin Juangui always seemed to be like this—reaching out after others had done terrible things to him, asking if something was wrong, if they needed help.

Mu Zhang couldn't comprehend this practice of repaying evil with kindness, let alone learn it.

Unable to figure out Lin Juangui's intention, he could only ask, "Why?"

Lin Juangui's smile took on a hint of inscrutability. He suddenly raised his head and looked toward the surveillance camera in the left corner of the room. "Because my ultimate goal in doing all this wasn't your death, nor was it to divorce you. I just hope you can agree to one thing."

When Lin Juangui mentioned "divorce," Mu Zhang's eyelid twitched. He frowned in disbelief, never imagining that Lin Juangui didn't actually plan to leave him.

Lin Juangui knew that every word he said to Mu Zhang today would be recorded and placed on the desks of those very concerned about whether he and Mu Zhang would divorce.

But as Lin Juangui himself said, he had no need to divorce Mu Zhang.

Lin Juangui's wish had been fulfilled, this world had a new protagonist, and since the story now belonged to Lin Juangui, he would naturally strive for a good ending.

However, whether Mu Zhang would agree was still unknown; some things Lin Juangui couldn't guarantee either.

Mu Zhang's feelings were a tangled mess at the moment—first, because Lin Juangui wasn't abandoning him, and second, because of the thing Lin Juangui wanted him to promise.

Intuition told Mu Zhang that Lin Juangui's next words would tear his heart apart.

Sure enough, after Mu Zhang asked what it was, Lin Juangui's smile suddenly became radiant. "Mu Zhang, let's not be entangled with each other in our next life, okay?"

Let all grievances and debts remain in this world. Lin Juangui had accomplished what neither Mu Zhang nor Mu Yuanqing could achieve, at the cost of them having no further connection in the future.

Tears almost instantly flooded Mu Zhang's face. After experiencing so many dreams, he certainly understood why Lin Juangui would say this.

At the very beginning of many stories, Lin Juangui obtained the means to ascend by killing the Child of Fortune.

Having had his heart severely wounded, he grew indifferent through one mission after another, viewing life as worthless, looking down from on high at all the messy dramas of love and hate, utterly despising his past self.

He would not respond to any mortal's pleas; he had to wait until the situation was most critical before stepping in to swiftly and simply save the plane he was in.

Until he met a handsome fool.

The first time he saw Lin Juangui, he couldn't take his eyes off him. Later, when carrying Lin Juangui away, he didn't even know where to put his hands.

Lin Juangui didn't care what those people intended to do with him after taking him away, until this young man foolishly treated Lin Juangui well, repeatedly calling out the code name Lin Juangui used while traversing worlds.

Even though he received no response from Lin Juangui, the youth still held him in the palm of his hand, as if asking for no reward in return.

And so, Lin Juangui was moved.

He watched the youth grow into a man, be driven to distraction over him in every way, and finally be pushed to a dead end by others.

How pitiful.

If that was the case, he should never have gotten close in the first place, right?

But it was hard for anyone to ignore Lin Juangui's face; he was acutely aware of his own allure.

So, Lin Juangui, with a sense of smugness and a "you deserved it" mentality, shared the blame with the youth.

He wouldn't feel any guilt, but the youth who was implicated was indeed innocent. He considered sharing half his abilities with him repayment.

However, Fan Meiyi's existence wove all the tangled threads together. The Main God meticulously designed a script for them. Through countless cycles, Lin Juangui once again met his nightmare, was used as a substitute and heartlessly discarded. This time, his world included a man who would stop at nothing to be with him.

Until Fan Meiyi's abilities gradually weakened, and Lin Juangui seemed to no longer wallow in the pain of abandonment. He ruthlessly took revenge on the Child of Fortune and stayed with the man who loved him for a while.

But Lin Juangui wasn't happy either during his revenge against the Child of Fortune. No one could heal his wounds unless he could see through everything completely.

So, he ended his own life.

The Child of Fortune, who had been repeatedly defeated, also accumulated resentment. In a plane he could completely control, he generated a Bug with a voice and appearance identical to Lin Juangui's and tormented it repeatedly.

No matter how good-natured a person is, they have their limits. As Lin Juangui's shadow, the Bug developed a will similar to Lin Juangui's. It would not let those heartless people off easily.

But the Bug ultimately lacked Lin Juangui's mental fortitude. After all, it was a product of the Child of Fortune's fantasy—weak, incompetent, sensitive, and indecisive. No matter how much it did, it couldn't succeed, destined only for death in the end.

Until the real Lin Juangui descended, and this world welcomed its cicada.

And the moment Mu Zhang met Lin Juangui, the formal confrontation began.

He was still tormenting Lin Juangui, while Lin Juangui, upgraded many times over, shifted his obsession to someone more deserving. Mu Zhang's storyline also gradually shifted toward the person Lin Juangui cared about.

Could anything Mu Zhang did ever make up for the setbacks and hardships Lin Juangui suffered in those cycles?

Lin Juangui himself didn't care anymore. His only wish and desire was one thing: letting go was the best repayment Mu Zhang could offer.

But Mu Zhang remained mired in regret, a pain that would likely never ease in this lifetime.

Mu Zhang had never been in such agony.

He understood all too well Lin Juangui's desire to break free from him, and he lamented not having treated Lin Juangui better.

No amount of repayment would ever be enough, and Lin Juangui didn't even need him to repay—just a promise.

Making this promise would mean completely severing their ties. Lin Juangui would have peace of mind, and he and Mu Zhang would never meet again, life after life.

Mu Zhang's hands were scratched bloody by his own nails. Lin Juangui occasionally took deep, trembling breaths. He didn't know what choice Mu Zhang would make, nor did he know how to persuade Mu Zhang to let himself go.

"...I actually thought about letting you leave after the three years were up."

Mu Zhang wept bitterly, breaking down and clutching his head, his whole being exuding an intense sense of struggle. "I should have let go, let you fly on your own for a while, then found a way to hold your hand again, to show you all the sincerity I could offer. But some habits, once formed, are hard to change. Once you take a shortcut, you don't want to bother planning meticulously anymore. So after you lost your memory, I never dared to see you. I was afraid of seeing my own despicable face reflected in your eyes."

Indeed, Lin Juangui had also thought about how he would respond if Mu Zhang did that.

Mu Zhang was, after all, the protagonist of this story. He could get whatever he wanted by any means. But Lin Juangui wasn't a child; he had seen too many traps named "feelings." If Mu Zhang tried to pursue him again, it would only make Lin Juangui run farther away. Mu Zhang would likely never have another chance to see Lin Juangui again.

In a way, Mu Zhang did understand Lin Juangui very well.

Lin Juangui remained silent, but his eyes were also moist.

"No matter how much I say or do, it's useless. If this is what you want, I'll let you go." Mu Zhang looked at Lin Juangui's face, another line of tears sliding down. "Lin Juangui, in our next life... we won't be entangled with each other anymore."

After all these years of being tormented by Lin Juangui, to say he wasn't worn out in body and mind would be a lie, but Mu Zhang loved every minute of it—it was his way of experiencing Lin Juangui's love.

Now, Lin Juangui was taking even this torment away. Mu Zhang's eyes were filled with regret and desolation.

When it came to loving someone, he had done nothing right, achieved nothing.

Lin Juangui stared at Mu Zhang's face for a long time before nodding vaguely, perhaps not expecting to be spared by Mu Zhang like this.

"Thank you, Mu Zhang."

The room fell into a long silence.

Others wouldn't understand—this was truly a farewell for good.

"Why do you want me to live?"

Mu Zhang had originally thought death was his best endpoint.

Lin Juangui blinked slowly, his soul seeming to have already departed. "Elder Mu is protecting you; you can at least keep your life. Zheng Shi will absolutely do everything in his power to defend you. If you behave well and strive for a reduced sentence, you could be out in less than ten years. By then... you'll have things you should do. The Political Department isn't suitable for you."

"Will we meet again?" Mu Zhang's eyes still held a pleading hope.

Since next life was out of the question, could he still do something in this one?

Lin Juangui knew he should cut all ties with Mu Zhang, but he had laid out a path for him. At least at this stage, Lin Juangui wouldn't be so heartless as to say a final goodbye.

"We will meet. If you want to see me, have someone send word, and I'll come to see you."

To some extent, Lin Juangui still maintained his persona as a gentleman. He had already done more than enough for Mu Zhang.

It's often said that when the going gets tough, married partners scatter. For Lin Juangui to go this far, who wouldn't be moved?

Except for Huo Zeshen.

On the warship, the moment Lin Juangui applied to visit Mu Zhang at the detention center, Huo Zeshen got the news and immediately connected to the surveillance feed from the visitation room.

Lin Juangui's uncontrollable tears upon seeing Mu Zhang left Huo Zeshen with a sour taste in his mouth. Hearing that Lin Juangui had done so much not to divorce Mu Zhang made Huo Zeshen sink back in his chair, close his eyes, and take a deep breath.

So what was it all for, then? Could it be that Lin Juangui was waiting for Mu Zhang to turn over a new leaf and start anew?! To reunite with him decades later after his release, while using Huo Zeshen as a human-shaped suppressant to play with however he wanted in the meantime?!

Though some thoughts were extreme, Lin Juangui's body probably wouldn't hold out until Mu Zhang's release.

During this time, Lin Juangui could only be Huo Zeshen's.

Just as Huo Zeshen steeled himself, reopened his eyes, and decided to continue facing the surveillance footage, Lin Juangui asked Mu Zhang if they could stop entangling in the next life. Huo Zeshen's expression darkened to an ink-like intensity.

Did this mean these two were not only partners in this world but also had many stories from before that Huo Zeshen might never uncover no matter how hard he tried?

Why?

Huo Zeshen's jealousy was now completely overflowing.

He had no mood to appreciate Mu Zhang's breakdown; instead, he was thinking about how to eliminate Mu Zhang.

However, halfway through his thoughts, a cold sweat broke out on Huo Zeshen's forehead.

Lin Juangui's willingness to soothe Mu Zhang's emotions was actually an indirect way of protecting Huo Zeshen, preventing the two of them from going head-to-head. Any resentment could be directed at Lin Juangui instead—he could take it.

Neither Huo Zeshen nor Mu Zhang wanted to put Lin Juangui in a difficult position. Mu Zhang had already shown his care by being willing to step back. If Huo Zeshen pushed too hard at such a time, how would he be any different from the Mu Zhang who had caused Lin Juangui pain before?

He absolutely must not repeat Mu Zhang's mistakes, Huo Zeshen reminded himself.

On the screen, the conversation between Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang continued.

"Grandmother is old and doesn't always think things through. Like last time, I apologize on her behalf. I support you in whatever you do; don't worry about me."

"I never intended to make things difficult for her. It's not easy for her to come all the way from Yungang Star. I'll make sure she's well taken care of."

After all, Yungang Star was Liang Shanyue's territory. No matter how much Geng Xuelan liked it, she had to seek emergency refuge. Coincidentally, Mu Jie had invited her over to discuss matters, and with Lin Juangui's specific instruction to grant unconditional passage to Mu Zhang's elders, the scene of him being slapped in public unfolded.

Lin Juangui might understand Geng Xuelan's obsession with children.

She wasn't afraid of Mu Zhang having no heirs; she feared that Lin Juangui, with his rising reputation, would become arrogant, mingle with other Alphas, and fail to devote himself to Mu Zhang. Thus, she did things that harmed others without benefiting herself to make Lin Juangui understand who truly controlled his life and to keep him in line.

So, after figuring this out, Lin Juangui stopped waiting passively and took the initiative.

He had to show Geng Xuelan exactly who could control whom.

Having done charity work for so many years, Lin Juangui had countless children calling him brother or uncle. As they grew up, many were grateful to Lin Juangui and repaid Runlin with their own value; many of Lin Juangui's capable aides came from this background.

They remembered his kindness. Although he didn't make many public appearances, Lin Juangui often visited them at the welfare homes, bringing delicious food and toys.

Lin Juangui had no airs and was good-looking, making it impossible for children not to like him.

Compared to having a biological child who might end up resenting their parents for being too busy to care for them, Lin Juangui preferred developing disciples.

People often don't cherish things they obtain too easily.

The voluntary allegiance of adults is far more interesting than random assignments by fate. Everyone must choose a ship to sail to the next harbor. Lin Juangui was willing to build many large ships to carry those who were confused, lost, or struggling to move to the next stage.

This meaning was something Geng Xuelan would never understand.

When parting from Mu Zhang, Lin Juangui turned back and told him not to be too hard on himself. "The path you walk has always been different from ordinary people's. Many things you did, to me, were acts of transcendence to realize your own value. As for me, I've lived until now merely for liberation. What we seek is different. Even if we walk the same road, our hearts are not aligned, making it difficult to reach the end together."

Lin Juangui had wanted to say these words for a long time, but back then, Mu Zhang might not have understood.

Now, Mu Zhang could finally comprehend Lin Juangui a little. He smiled at him. "I know there will never be any 'what ifs' for us. If I said that even if I could start over, I would still do the same, would you think I'm beyond redemption?"

The corner of Lin Juangui's mouth lifted with a hint of helplessness. "It's all in the past."

The story had ended; this cycle should also cease.

The system hadn't told Lin Juangui where he would go after this world ended, whether he would live or die. His role was nearing its conclusion. After arranging the remaining matters, he would follow nature's course, living as long as he could.

On the way home, Lin Juangui stopped at a bakery and bought a popular seasonal cake. Last time, the cake at the amusement park was said to be a failure, but he hadn't noticed. He decided to delve a bit deeper into this area, finding himself a hobby.

The Federation was currently in chaos, but Lin Juangui seemed to have already detached himself from it all.

The remaining tasks no longer required his personal involvement. If Huo Zeshen lacked the capability, he wouldn't be able to hold his position. Any interference from Lin Juangui would only create pitfalls for their future. He was happy to be a hands-off manager, letting Huo Zeshen face things on his own.

However, events ultimately developed contrary to Lin Juangui's predictions.

That night, a coup was launched in the Federation.

Lin Juangui's home was once again surrounded by people sent by Huo Zeshen, ensuring the disturbances wouldn't affect him.

That night, the skies over the Federation's capital star were lit with flames. Lin Juangui slowly ate chestnut cake with a spoon, taking only two bites before setting it aside.

Qu Yang called to report that Huo Zeshen had stormed the Presidential Palace with his men and forced the President to sign a resignation statement. By tomorrow morning, many people's fates would likely be rewritten.

"So impatient."

It seems those supporting Huo Zeshen, upon learning that Tianguang had withdrawn from the Federal Capital Star, wanted to rush to a conclusion and reallocate power immediately. Huo Zeshen himself was happy to speed things along—otherwise, their actions wouldn't have been so swift.

Lin Juangui walked to the bedside, gazing out at the eerily quiet sky—as if this were just another ordinary night.

Yet, a memory from the Bada period surfaced in Lin Juangui's mind.

"I hope he doesn't go down the same old path."