Chapter 67

Chapter 67

Yan Shiqi got back to City A on the evening of the third day of his business trip.

The next morning, at the breakfast table, he asked Yan Shiying about Gao Langdong.

Yan Shiying said, "He doesn't know much either. According to him, since joining Top Star Group, he's been in the research institute all day, with no opportunity to interact with anyone except the research staff."

"Then how did he learn about Top Star Group's secrets?"

"He said he only became suspicious after watching Black Impermanence's live broadcast of Yang Zhongxu's trial online."

Xie Yunshen, who had been playing with Yan Shixin nearby, immediately pricked up his ears.

"He figured out that Yang Zhongxu was likely a member of Top Star Group because the research institute was conducting inhumane medical projects, and Yang Zhongxu fit the profile of an underground elder perfectly."

"After that, he overheard a secret conversation among the higher-ups and learned that the successfully cultivated fetus was likely to become a commodity in dark transactions once 'born.'"

"Gao Langdong shut down all the cultivation angels—he called those simulated wombs for cultivating fetuses 'angels'—and escaped with the parameters."

Gao Langdong looked refined and scholarly, but who would have thought he had such courage.

Yan Shiqi asked, "Does he have any evidence?"

"No, but Top Star Group is now in a rush to find him everywhere, which shows how important he is."

Yan Shiying stood up, placing both hands on the table. "Eldest Brother, we should protect him. He's both a victim and a perfect witness."

Yan Shiying also loathed Top Star Group, so he didn't want to miss this opportunity.

"We can't hide it for long. With Top Star Group's intelligence channels, they'll soon find out he's with the Yan family." Yan Shiqi lowered his gaze, looking at the gray pattern on his tie, his expression impassive.

Clearly, he hadn't yet found a good solution for Gao Langdong's placement.

"Send him abroad. My insurance company is still overseas; let him go there," Yan Shiying suggested.

"Do you really think it would be safer abroad?" Yan Shiqi looked up at him.

Yan Shiying fell silent. That was true—Top Star Group had influence abroad too, and it was even more chaotic there.

"Well, didn't Eldest Brother mention creating a sexual wellness brand before? Let him develop something like male enhancement drugs or male contraceptives."

Everyone fell silent.

Yan Shiying pointed at Xie Yunshen. "Right, if it succeeds, A Xie can use it then."

Xie Yunshen, who was twisting a Rubik's Cube for Yan Shixin, slowly gave him a "?"

Yan Shiying smiled awkwardly. "Third Brother said you went to the hospital with Fifth Brother before to treat that..."

Yan Shizhou, who was drinking porridge nearby, choked twice and buried his head in his food, pretending he hadn't overheard.

Xie Yunshen raised his hand. "Wait, Third Young Master has 'tested' Fifth Brother hundreds of times. What could he possibly not know? How could he say something like that..."

Fifth Brother, who was suddenly mentioned, remained silent, completely unmoved, as if it had nothing to do with him.

"Fifth Brother, can't you say something?!" Xie Yunshen grabbed Yi Wuyi's shoulders and shook him.

Yi Wuyi finally said calmly, "Fine, I'll testify. A Xie and I have no male-related issues. I shouldn't have lied back then."

"..."

"..."

The three Yan brothers stared at them both.

Sometimes, Xie Yunshen really wanted to die.

Yi Wuyi was unnervingly calm in certain aspects. "When we work out together, sometimes I see his..."

Xie Yunshen covered his face with one hand. Better not testify anymore.

Yan Shizhou lowered his head and couldn't help but chuckle into his bowl.

Yan Shiying also turned away, his back toward him.

Xie Yunshen instinctively looked at Yan Shiqi and happened to meet his gaze.

For some reason, this eye contact made his heart skip a beat, and fine hairs suddenly stood up all over his body.

Xie Yunshen frowned in confusion.

Yan Shixin suddenly asked, "What are male enhancement drugs?"

Xie Yunshen: "?"

Young Master Shixin, aren't you supposed to be quiet? Why do you always speak up at the most awkward moments?!

Only Mr. Yan was still pondering these issues. He mused, "During this trip to City C for the meeting, the government placed great emphasis on this year's Global Contribution Award. Gao Langdong could use the Yan family's platform to present his medical achievements. If he can win a medical award, we can then reveal his name."

Yan Shiying thought for a moment and felt it was a good idea. "By then, he'll be a nationally recognized talent. Revealing his identity would put immense pressure on Top Star Group and also benefit our Yan family."

Yan Shiqi stood up. "I need to discuss this with Third Uncle."

Third Uncle was now the Chamber of Commerce President. With his help, certain aspects would be much easier to handle.

Upon hearing "Third Uncle," Yan Shixin's calm face immediately showed a ripple of emotion. "I'll go see Dad too."

Yan Shiqi put on his coat. "Let's go."

Xie Yunshen and Yi Wuyi followed behind.

Xie Yunshen was already feeling somewhat numb.

Third Uncle's workplace was in a public office building in the city center. Since becoming the Chamber of Commerce President, Xie Yunshen had rarely seen him.

Today was a rest day, so the building was mostly empty. Only Third Uncle was still busy working in the lounge.

"Dad!"

When he saw Yan Shixin, Third Uncle was momentarily stunned.

Yan Shiqi explained the situation regarding Gao Langdong to Third Uncle.

Third Uncle said, "There's a document from above urging outstanding enterprises nationwide to respond to the call and participate in the Global Contribution Award—meaning, at least make an appearance. However, in recent editions of the award, Country A hasn't won a single prize, so the higher-ups aren't holding out much hope."

Yan Shiqi stated directly, "So, the Yan family needs a spot in the competition."

"Alright, I'll try to bring it up with the mayor to secure a spot." Third Uncle took out the document.

Xie Yunshen mused to himself. Being in office really does change a person; Third Uncle’s air now was vastly different from before.

Every move he made now exuded the bearing of someone in charge.

"Third Uncle, do you have any thoughts about running for mayor in the future?" Xie Yunshen suddenly asked.

Xie Yunshen remembered that in this novel, Country A's political officials were all elected by the public.

And the chamber of commerce president was eligible to run for mayor.

"How did you know? I've actually been considering it recently. Do you think I can get elected?" Third Uncle smiled.

Xie Yunshen was taken aback. He had just been making casual conversation.

Yan Shiqi, however, didn't seem surprised. "I heard the mayor is likely to be ousted soon due to a scandal."

Third Uncle took out an envelope. "Actually, the reasons are complex. An old teammate of mine wrote to me, letting me know it's because a high-ranking figure above was taken down. The mayor is just mud dragged out with the radish."

"What do you plan to do?"

"Try my best to get elected as mayor. That would provide more protection for the Yan family," Third Uncle said simply.

"Soon, the Region Chief of the Northern Border will be up for re-election. Who do you think has the best chance?"

Third Uncle found it a bit strange that Yan Shiqi was concerned about Northern Border matters.

"It's Mo Huaidou."

A dark look flashed in Yan Shiqi's penetrating gaze. "Why are you so certain?"

"He's the most authoritative figure in the Northern Border, practically without rivals."

Mo Huaidou... why did that name sound so familiar? Xie Yunshen racked his brain, trying to recall the novel, but couldn't.

They only left the public office building after Yan Shixin grew tired of being with his dad.

On the way back, Yan Shiqi’s brow remained furrowed, and he didn't say a word.

Xie Yunshen sat across from him with Yan Shixin.

Shixin was still fiddling with his Rubik's Cube when he suddenly spoke. "Are you from another world?"

"What?"

Xie Yunshen grabbed his shoulders. "What did you say, Shixin?"

Yan Shixin remained expressionless, not even looking at him. "You are from another world. This body doesn't belong to you."

This caught Yan Shiqi's attention. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at Xie Yunshen.

Xie Yunshen was deeply shocked. He felt more incredulous than anyone, a mix of anticipation and a contradictory urge to escape. He forced a laugh. "Shixin, have you been watching too many cartoons?"

"Can you go back later?" Yan Shixin's voice was still flat, as if stating a fact.

"Go back later?"

"Go back to that world later, okay?"

"..."

"Shixin must be quoting a movie line, right? Huh?" Xie Yunshen pressed on Yan Shixin's shoulders, trying desperately to salvage the situation.

Yan Shixin looked at him and said nothing more.

Yan Shiqi was still watching him.

Under his gaze, Xie Yunshen suddenly felt his mouth go dry.

What kind of day was this? It felt like the whole world was against him.

"A Shen," Yan Shiqi spoke.

"What?" A drop of sweat trickled down Xie Yunshen's back.

Please don't ask him about any world-related stuff.

"Come keep me company tonight."

"?"

Xie Yunshen's heart skipped a beat. Mr. Yan never invited him proactively. Could it be... he wanted to interrogate him?

That evening, after training for two hours in the practice room, Xie Yunshen took off his gloves. "I have to go."

Yi Wuyi, beside him, asked, "Going on a date?"

Xie Yunshen raised an eyebrow. "Old Fifth, only someone with a partner like you can call it a date."

"No, I don't have one either."

"What do you mean?" Xie Yunshen immediately caught the scent of gossip.

Yi Wuyi took a men's necklace out of his coat pocket.

"A token of love? Progressing that fast?" Xie Yunshen was startled.

"No. This was given by Han Yuqiu to the Third Young Master."

Xie Yunshen immediately deflated. "Then why do you have it?"

"I found it in the Third Young Master's room last night. He had been keeping it in a safe and only took it out yesterday."

"And then?"

"I said this item could be dangerous and should be checked for things like listening devices."

Old Fifth was too honest. With this, Yan Shizhou would definitely blow up.

"What did Yan Shizhou say?"

"He was very tense. He said okay, but if no problems were found, then I would be in the wrong and couldn't touch his things anymore."

That lunatic Yan Shizhou goes crazy over these things. Xie Yunshen immediately felt indignant. "And if there *is* a problem?"

Yi Wuyi shook his head. "No 'if'. I checked it today. The necklace has no issues."

Xie Yunshen was speechless for a moment. "Well... that still doesn't prove Han Yuqiu himself isn't problematic."

"..."

"So what now? Are you really going to..."

"Shen, that's not the issue." Yi Wuyi lowered his head.

"Then what is it?" Xie Yunshen lowered his voice.

"My heart hurts a little," Yi Wuyi said with a faint smile.

Xie Yunshen was stunned. This was unbelievable—this tough guy, who hadn't even flinched when a triangular blade pierced his heart and required dozens of stitches, was actually saying his heart hurt.

"Old Fifth, honestly, you really shouldn't take it too seriously."

Yi Wuyi looked at him.

Xie Yunshen, a confirmed bachelor himself, could only try to explain: "If... I mean, if the Third Young Master is just using you as a tool for revenge, and you get too serious, you'll lose both your body and your heart. Isn't that a raw deal? When the Third Young Master dumps you later, my good brother, what will you do? You'll just be heartbroken in secret."

Yi Wuyi remained silent. He knew what Xie Yunshen was getting at: "If it really comes to that, I'll cut all ties."

Xie Yunshen patted his shoulder and sighed: "But, Old Fifth, if only your heart were as cold as your face."

Unfortunately, Yi Wuyi was the type to have a tough exterior but a soft heart.

He remembered what the orphanage director had said—it made sense. Yi Wuyi always gets the short end of the stick when he's with the Third Young Master.

He suddenly stood up: "Right, I need to go find Mr. Yan."

Xie Yunshen splashed some cold water on his face, walked through the corridor, and shoved the study door open.

"Mr. Yan, I'm here to keep you company!" His gaze was firm, like a man walking to his doom.

If Mr. Yan wanted to interrogate him, he'd... just have to pretend to have amnesia.

Mr. Yan still hadn't turned on the lights tonight. The corridor light cast a slant of light into the study, illuminating one of Mr. Yan's hands resting on the sofa. The clan emblem ring on his index finger glinted in the dark.

Xie Yunshen's shadow fell into that beam of light, creeping toward him across the floor.

Xie Yunshen tilted his head, making the shadow's head land beside Mr. Yan's hand, its mouth open like a monster's, devouring the ring.

Yan Shiqi sat in the darkness, looking down at the scene; a hint of a smile appeared in his deep gaze.

Xie Yunshen walked over, surprised: "Mr. Yan, you smiled?"

Mr. Yan hadn't been in a great mood today, and Xie Yunshen had been wondering how to cheer him up.

"How old are you?" Yan Shiqi suddenly asked.

Xie Yunshen's heart lurched. This was it. Mr. Yan already suspected him and was planning to grill him on the details.

"Thirty-one," Xie Yunshen answered without hesitation.

He remembered that the Xie Yunshen in the novel was his namesake and the same age.

Yan Shiqi held up five fingers in front of him.

Xie Yunshen was confused.

"What?"

Yan Shiqi: "Your mental age is less than five years old."

Xie Yunshen: "..."

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Author's Note: