Asianovel

Chapter 72: Private Mausoleum (3200+)

As such, the Luo residence was mostly empty except at night. The only problem now was how to sneak in.

The Luo family usually hired new servants at the beginning of each year, but that period had already passed.

Fortunately, the security around the Luo residence wasn't overly tight.

After much deliberation, Luo Le could only think of one solution.

The next morning, when Luo Le brought Chen Chen downstairs, the dining table was already filled with breakfast.

Nutrient solutions were convenient and well-balanced, but Chen Chen didn't like them. Hence, they had always eaten real food ever since he was born.

"Come on, Chen Chen. You have to finish all of this today," he said, pushing the porridge in front of him over.

He had already blown on it to cool it down beforehand.

Chen Chen was notoriously picky, let alone with nutrient solutions; even the most delectable dishes would be subjected to her discerning taste.

Upon thinking of this, Gu Heting glanced at Luo Le.

Luo Le eats everything without being picky, so it must be the other father, Chen Chen, who has culinary preferences.

If this were any other day, Chen Chen might have argued back. But given that he had just caused trouble the day before, he didn't dare to act recklessly now. He could only obediently hold his bowl and eat his meal.

Luo Le prodded the steamed bun in his bowl, filled with mustard green.

"Has everything been settled regarding Chen Chen's enrollment in school?"

Hearing this, he put down his chopsticks and took a sip of milk. "Mm-hmm, I'll go to register today."

"So when will you start work?"

"Let's wait for two weeks, until I've settled all matters at home before I go."

Gu Heting took a bite of the bun and asked, "When are you planning to go for that matter?"

Luo Le didn't touch the buns in his bowl again. He wiped his mouth and said, "Today."

Eyes filled with unwavering resolve.

"Alright, I'll accompany you then."

Luo Le suddenly thought of something and realized that Gu Heting seemed to have secured a job before coming over.

"Have you sorted out your job? Which hospital will it be?"

Could it be a hospital owned by the Hao family?

If that was the case, he had no intention of visiting afterward.

Gu Heting's hands paused slightly, and his eyes darkened as he said, "It's settled, not in the hospital, but in the research institute."

Luo Le heaved a sigh of relief. "Is it far from here? If it is, have you found a place to stay?"

"Oh, come now, you have plenty on your plate. You don't need to worry about my little issue, relax, relax."

Gu Heting said so, and Luo Le didn't ask any further.

Throughout the entire meal, Luo Le did not touch the buns in the bowl. When Gu Heting noticed this, he did not say anything.

However, he suddenly realizes that Chen Chen's fussiness with food might not be an issue stemming from Huo Lanjing.

Luo Le had enrolled Chen Chen in a private kindergarten with excellent security measures in place.

And with only five students per class, closely monitored by three teachers, it's relatively more advantageous.

Earlier, on Planet 423, Chen Chen had seen the older kids in their neighborhood going to school and insisted on joining them.

Luo Le personally saw him off.

He seemed to be enjoying himself, so Luo Le wasn't too worried about him.

After entrusting Chen Chen to his teacher and bidding him farewell, the two of them proceeded directly to Luozhai.

"Is this the place you're talking about?" Gu Heting gestured towards the high wall in front of them and asked in a hushed voice.

Luo Le nods, just as before, not adding any exaggeration.

Gu Heting: ...

Is this the low wall he just mentioned?

Talent is truly something one cannot elucidate.

Back then, Luo Le was only five or six years old, right? Could he have climbed such a high wall?

"Brother Gu, just wait here for me. You'll assist me in a moment."

This area is usually overlooked by Luo family's security personnel; there are no substantial anti-theft measures in place.

Thus, as long as I can cross over and disguise myself as a servant of the Luo family, there shouldn't be any issues, right?

Gu Heting took another glance at the high wall, the alarm device about one meter high on the wall, and the protective cover that reached halfway up the wall, and nodded silently.

Originally, he intended to go over, but this wall proved rather challenging for him.

Gu Heting was unaware that there had previously been no protective shield or alarm system in place here.

Luo Le's figure blurred, and a pair of black gloves along with a stick that could adhere to surfaces appeared in his hands. As he put them on, he moved backward.

With sufficient distance, he sprinted forward, planting a foot on the hovering vehicle. In a leap, he stuck the rod he held onto the wall.

With a swift flip, he landed on the stick, then, using the tip of his foot, he propelled himself to the wall. Nimbly, he scrambled atop the wall, sitting astride with ease.

Witnessing everything, Gu Heting gave him a thumbs up, and then Luo Le disappeared before his eyes.

Luo Le had already donned the attire of a servant beforehand and encountered no one along the way.

Continuing his descent with a sense of unease, not a single soul appeared even after he reached the upper floors.

Could it be that the servants of Luozhai were on holiday?

Or perhaps they took a break when the master was away?

It wasn't an implausible notion, considering their past behavior.

Forget it, let's focus on the task at hand.

Luo Le approached the small room with familiarity, pushing the door open to find it emptier than he remembered.

Frowning, Luo Le searched inside but found nothing.

What happened to the items that were previously in this room? They seemed to have vanished.

Did Luo Lu get rid of everything in here?

If that was indeed the case...

Luo Le pinched the palm of his hand, hoping it wasn't as he feared.

Could they be in his room?

An idea struck Luo Le, and it didn't seem entirely implausible.

With this thought, he hesitated for a moment before opening the door and heading straight towards his old room.

Arriving at the backroom entrance, he pushed the door open and froze upon seeing the scene inside.

The sofa had been moved out and replaced with bookshelves, now filled with items from the previous room, as if on display.

In the center of the house stood a black sandalwood table, upon which rested two memorial tablets.

When did Luo Lu become so considerate, setting aside a room specifically to place his and Mother's tablets?

Had he suddenly found his conscience, or was he afraid of ghosts visiting in the middle of the night?

Luo Le was baffled by this turn of events. After a moment of hesitation, he decided not to dwell on it further.

Reaching into his spatial pocket, he withdrew a black bag. Carefully, he placed the agarwood box on the table into it, followed by the tablets.

After completing these tasks, he rubbed the bag with his fingertips, his eyes darkening as he spoke softly, "Mother, I'm here to take you home."

His tone carried a sense of declaration.

After a long while, Luo Le finally made a move.

Glancing inadvertently at the memorial tablet to his left, a strange sensation surged within him.

After a moment of hesitation, he reached out to take both the tablet and the box on the left side.

Luo Le had anticipated that his plaque would be placed beside his mother's and locked away in that small room.

It never occurred to him that it would be like this.

Taking only one would be too obvious, an easy giveaway.

As time went by, Gu Heting, who was waiting outside the wall, became increasingly anxious. He couldn't help but wonder if he had been caught.

No response to the messages sent.

Just as he was about to attempt the climb, a familiar voice suddenly echoed from behind him.

"Let's go."

Gu Heting turned around and saw Luo Le. He raised his hand with a puzzled expression and pointed at the wall, wondering if he should have come out from there.

"Luo Family had no one around, so I exited through the main gate and altered the surveillance feeds on my way out." Luo Le explained as he got into the car.

Gu Heting thought for a moment, no longer entangled, sat in the driver's seat, unlocked, and manually drove.

Luo Le observed his peculiar behavior, somewhat perplexed.

"What is this?"

Gu Heting glanced at the rearview mirror and, instead of answering, asked, "Did you get it?"

"Um." Though unsure of his intentions, Luo Le answered truthfully.

"Where do you plan on taking Auntie?"

Luo Le shook his head. "Back to my place first, then perhaps somewhere quiet..."

"I have a suitable spot in mind."

"What?"

"You'll understand when you arrive."

Luo Le gazed at his retreating figure, his eyebrows slightly knitted. The way he spoke, it seemed as if he was very familiar with the Empire. Wasn't this his first time in the Empire?

A short while later, the car came to a stop in front of a villa in the suburbs. Ivy covered the walls outside, and the iron gate was no exception.

The doorplate, standing aside, was barren and empty.

"Here we are, let's get off." Gu Heting said, opening the door and stepping out of the car first.

Luo Le appraised the situation from top to bottom before closing the car door.

"Let's go."

After a moment of hesitation, Luo Le decided to follow.

Gu Heting took out the key to unlock the door and then walked all the way inside. Upon opening the door, unlike the dilapidated exterior, the interior was meticulously cleaned.

It wasn't the layout Luo Le was accustomed to seeing; the entrance was a staircase overgrown with vegetation.

In the heart of the second level stands a shelf, its surface entwined with vines. The writing on it has faded with time, rendering it barely discernible.

Ascending steadily, we eventually came to a halt on the third floor.

Gu Heting walked over and poked at the grass, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, "We've arrived."

Luo Le looked up. Every level was filled with flowers and plants, yet their apparent disorder was beautifully tended to.

This place is more of a mausoleum than a villa, if anything.

"Who are you?"

Gu Heting is actually an imperial person. To have such a private cemetery in the empire, his identity must be far from ordinary.

Gu Heting turned his head to look at him and said with a smile, "My surname is Gu."

Luo Le glanced around, a subtle flicker in his eyes. Could it be that...

"Auntie has been away from home for too long. It's time to return, Luo Le, the same goes for you."

From the change in Luo Le's expression, Gu Heting knew that he had understood his meaning.

Placing his hand on the wooden shelf, he pressed down, revealing a hidden compartment beneath the floor.

"Do you want to know about your aunt?"

Luo Le knew that 'aunt' referred to his own mother.

"I do," he replied, his voice slightly hoarse.

Gu Heting patted the compartment, and Luo Le immediately caught on, stepping forward. With a swish, the bulging black bag landed on the ground.

"My aunt, Gu Yin, was the most beloved youngest daughter of the Gu family. She grew up pampered and adored, being an omega with exceptional talents in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting. Her intellect was unmatched, her dance moves were unparalleled, and she was hailed as the Empire's number one maiden. Many sought to marry her, but who could have predicted that during a trip, she fell for Luo Lu and insisted on marrying him? There was no choice but for Grandfather to acquiesce. Later, when the Gu family fell, you already know what happened next..."

Luo Le had conducted his own investigation after growing up and was familiar with all that Gu Heting mentioned.

But he recalled that his mother was the only child in the Gu family, wasn't she?

Feeling Luo Le's intense gaze, Gu Heting paused before continuing, "In fact, the Gu family had two children. One was my aunt, Gu Yin, and the other was my father, Gu Cheng. He fell for my omega mother from a declining planet, but Grandfather disapproved. Eventually, my father eloped with my mother to the Second Planet, which infuriated Grandfather so much that he expelled my father from the Gu family. Unlike my aunt, whose name echoed throughout the Empire, my father had a low profile. Over time, everyone forgot that the Gu family had two children."

Upon hearing this, Luo Le lowered her gaze and looked at the dark wood box. "Then why didn't your father come and take my mother back before?"

Back then, how he wished someone could have taken them away.

Had they arrived sooner, perhaps Mother might not have passed away.

Gu Heting pursed his lips and said, "After my grandparents were forced to commit suicide, my father came to take my great-grandfather away. They sent him to the second planet, but on the way to the empire, they had a car accident. My great-grandfather was busy taking care of my parents, and he originally planned to come after they got better. However, they still didn't make it. My great-grandfather was already having trouble with his legs, and I was still very young at that time, so he entrusted someone else to go there... but I didn't expect that... it was still too late..."

Chapter 149: Opportunity

The 22nd Computer Science Class was having their lesson in the classroom at the far right on the second floor of this building. The first floor was an open square, so their classroom was the first one encountered.

When these people rushed out of the classroom and attempted to descend the stairs, they were met with despair as they saw that the stairway entrance was blocked by a wall of earth, completely sealing off their escape.

As Berros emerged, they huddled together in front of the earthen wall, screaming in terror. Berros frowned. "Shut up."

The low, oppressive tone of his impatience only made some of them scream louder. Berros was too lazy to placate them, so he simply grabbed each one and threw them back into the room.

Watching as they were thrown in, Wen Ying approached with a smile, holding the divine stone. He allowed each of them to touch it, even though they couldn't see his smile. As an NPC-like guide, Wen Ying felt that he should maintain a polite and gentle demeanor.

Compared to Berros' violent disposition, Wen Ying had a very good temper. However, the fear of these college students did not diminish in the slightest.

A villain who appeared kind-hearted was actually more dangerous than one who openly displayed their malevolence!

Wen Ying had enclosed the building within a barrier, so no one outside could hear their voices. But the others within the building could, and as Wen Ying pressed the divine stone, several individuals came over to investigate the situation.

The continuous cries of distress were audible to anyone with functioning ears, so naturally, some came to see what was happening.

These individuals would rather not have approached. After catching a clear glimpse of the situation inside the classroom from the entrance, they bolted away at a speed akin to a hundred-meter dash.

"Damn it!" They kept exclaiming as they ran.

"A demon on the first floor, on the far right!" The terrified and anxious voice informed those in the building about the cause of their commotion. Many paled and immediately rushed out of the classrooms, attempting to call the police with their phones in hand as they did so.

"What do you mean 'out of service'?!"

"Why can't I get through to the police?"

"The stairway exit is blocked by a wall!"

When Wen Ying arrived, he had set up a barrier and constructed a wall at every staircase entrance on each floor. He had sealed off all three staircases on every level to facilitate the process of letting them touch the divine stones one by one.

There were still a dozen or so classrooms in use on this floor. Wen Ying headed for the second classroom and effortlessly unlocked the door that was firmly shut. Those inside let out a piercing scream.

Boros found the noise annoying and didn't even step in; he simply stood outside and continued his cultivation.

Wen Ying rubbed his ears. "There's no need to be so afraid. I'm just here to offer you an opportunity to learn magic."

Studying magic? The university students huddled in the corner exchanged uncertain glances.

Wen Ying picked up the divine stone in his hand. "This is a divine stone, a treasure to those exorcists. If you just touch it, there's a high chance your innate talent will awaken. Once your talent awakens, you can learn magic."

"Even if touching it doesn't work, it's alright," Wen Ying said with a gentle tone, exuding patient persuasion. "I can use the power within this divine stone to help you awaken your talent. If that still fails, then you truly don't have the aptitude for magic."

If the divine stone's magic power couldn't guide an awakening, it wasn't a sign of weak talent; it meant there was no talent at all.

The university students sensed a trap. Why would a demon be so kind as to help them awaken their magical talents? There must be a catch. They were highly aware of scams!

Seeing that no one was willing to come forward to touch the stone, Wen Ying sighed. "Everything I've said is true."

With no other choice, Wen Ying approached them. The students scattered in panic, and he walked among the chaos. Holding the divine stone in one hand, he raised the other, conjuring vines from his magic power that coiled around his arm before shooting out to seal the classroom doors and windows. Like a pet owner coaxing a reluctant cat into a bath, he gently guided the frightened students to touch the divine stone.

After they touched it, they became much quieter.

Wen Ying's ears were finally relieved. He took a moment to recover before moving on to the next classroom.

He swept through each room, allowing everyone on the second floor to touch the divine stone. Then, he removed the earth wall blocking access to the third floor and climbed up. Sealing the entrance again, he captured another group.

Climbing up floor by floor, finally every person in the building had touched the divine stone. Wen Ying felt like his ears no longer belonged to him.

Whether it was boys or girls, their shrill screams threatened to puncture his eardrums. A demon's sense of hearing was far more acute than that of a human's.

Wen Ying rubbed his aching ears with a long face.

Boros was truly remarkable; amidst such chaos, he could still toss a few people aside while cultivating. Wen Ying admired him.

With his objective achieved, Wen Ying didn't linger. He removed the barrier and earth wall before departing. As the barrier disappeared, the mobile phone signals returned, and the people inside the building hurriedly made calls to report the incident to the police. Some even dialed the official number of the Demon Exorcist Church in Mu City or the Association.

When the exorcists who received the message arrived, they were stunned to see a group of people with awakened talents.

The good news was that they finally knew where the stolen divine stone in the Mu City Church had ended up. The bad news was that the demon who stole it was recklessly consuming its power and using it everywhere.

Chen Senshui summoned his courage to approach an exorcist and tentatively asked, "Excuse me, did that demon say that we could learn magic after touching the statue? Is that true or false?"

The exorcist glanced at him but didn't answer immediately. After a few seconds, he said, "I'm not sure. The secrets of the divine stone can only be accessed by those in high positions."

Of course, it was a lie, but he was just a small fry. If he accidentally divulged any sensitive information and triggered a butterfly effect, his superiors would surely make his life miserable.

Initially, they assumed the demons who stole the divine stones were merely playing a whimsical game. However, after targeting Mu City University, local vocational schools also experienced similar incidents. The demons even returned to Mu City University, awakening the magical talents of the students in one of the dormitory buildings.

Focusing on universities and vocational schools, the demons then moved on to high schools. Over a few days, exorcists failed to catch sight of the demons; instead, Mu City was filled with ordinary people who had awakened their magical talents.

With more people involved, rumors spread rapidly. The secret was impossible to keep, and soon, the entire Mu City knew about the demons stealing divine stones from exorcists and bestowing magical abilities upon ordinary folk. News eventually reached outsiders as well.

At first, those who had experienced this thought the demons were deceiving them. But with so many people sharing similar stories, rumors flew wildly, leading them to believe that the two demons might actually be telling the truth – they seemed genuinely interested in awakening their magical talents.

What could the two demons possibly gain? Ordinary folks were perplexed, but their fear of the elusive demons diminished. Some even dared to hope for encounters with them.

Magic, come on, it's magic! Who wouldn't want to wield magic? Even though it was just the awakening of talents for now, perhaps in the future, exorcists and the government might collaborate, establishing an institution to teach magic?

This was an opportunity not to be missed!

As a result, Wen Ying no longer had to endure the complaints when he went to awaken others' talents.

The exorcist church members were furious. The thieves were causing a stir outside while they couldn't catch a glimpse of them. Mocked by fellow exorcists and labeled as the ones who had handed the keys to the demons' all-you-can-eat buffet, they felt utterly humiliated.

Ordinary people might not understand the demons' motives, but they sensed a possible reason. The anger of those who remained ordinary was vastly different from those who had gained magical talents.

Of course, the demons were aiming for better tasting and more nutritious prey.

Chapter 120 - Sunlight

In this will, Ji Min's tone was as calm as usual.

At the beginning, he outlined the disposition of his assets, shares, and miscellaneous affairs.

It wasn't overly detailed, simply stating that everything was to be handled by his lawyer.

Not until he reached the end did he find Ji Min's message for Lu Ran.

Upon seeing the words "For Lu Ran's eyes only," Lu Ran momentarily lost the desire to read on.

He carefully folded the will and placed it on the bedside table.

Sitting on the edge of the bed in a daze for quite some time.

It wasn't until his phone vibrated with a new message from the class group chat that Lu Ran came back to his senses.

Without looking at his phone, he redirected his gaze to the suicide note on the bedside table.

Lu Ran reached out and picked up the piece of paper that was inexplicably heavy despite its redundancy.

He unfolded the neatly folded note and took another glance.

Upon catching sight of the sharp yet steady handwriting on the paper, he promptly closed it again.

Lu Ran glanced at the bedroom door.

In his haste to enter, he had left it open.

Beyond that door, not too far away, the person who had once written this note was still diligently working, breathing vitality into the air.

They were not distant from him.

That was what made the paper in his hand less terrifying.

Lu Ran rose to his feet and first stepped out of the suite, shutting the door and locking it securely.

Then, he returned to the bedroom and closed that door as well.

The room fell into an instant profound silence.

Removing his shoes, Lu Ran sat cross-legged on the bed and began reading the will with utmost attentiveness.

The man's first words were an apology:

"I'm sorry for subjecting you to such a terrible experience.

I once imagined shielding you from all the hardships in life.

Yet, I never anticipated becoming one of the sources of your pain.

Out of sheer rationality, I shouldn't have accepted your confession before the surgery.

If we hadn't been together, perhaps you wouldn't be so heartbroken now."

However, I'm truly sorry."

In the study, Ji Min had finally finished his work. He stretched and glanced at the clock, realizing it was almost lunchtime.

He was about to get up to find Lu Ran.

As Ji Min turned around, he noticed an open drawer beside him.

Memories that had been pushed aside by the meeting rushed back to him.

Wait, which drawer did he ask Lu Ran to open earlier?

Ji Min sprang up from his office chair and hurried over to examine its contents.

Only to find that the parental commitment letter in the drawer was missing, along with the item that Butler Chen had given him last night.

The thief had been incredibly brazen.

After taking what they wanted, they hadn't even bothered to close the drawer, leaving it wide open.

There was no attempt at concealment whatsoever.

Ji Min's scalp prickled in an instant.

Still holding onto some semblance of hope, he casually rifled through the remaining items in the drawer.

Upon realizing what had been taken, he immediately shut his eyes.

Ji Min slammed the drawer shut and strode out of the study in two steps.

Spotting Butler Chen coming towards him, he immediately asked, "Where's Lu Ran?"

Butler Chen frowned. "I haven't seen him come down. He should still be asleep."

Ji Min: "..."

"I'm pretty sure he's awake if I recall correctly," he commented.

Butler Chen was utterly perplexed.

There stood Ji Min in front of his own door, his forehead creased with worry and a pale complexion.

Concerned by his anxious expression, Butler Chen couldn't help asking, "What happened? Did you have an argument?"

Ji Min wiped his face with his hand.

Sighing, he said, "We haven't argued yet, but it might turn out to be more troublesome than a mere dispute."

"Hmm?" Butler Chen wore a look of surprise.

Ji Min scratched his head and then gestured towards Butler Chen. "The items you gave me last night..."

"Xiao Ran saw them?" Butler Chen's eyes widened in shock.

Ji Min nodded, a touch of helplessness in his gesture.

Butler Chen gave him an expression that conveyed good luck was needed.

Letting out another sigh, Ji Min prepared himself mentally before humbly tapping on his own door and softly calling, "Lu Ran?"

Silence greeted him from within, no answer coming.

He knocked again, still receiving no response.

Glancing at Butler Chen, Ji Min reached for the doorknob.

Yet, despite applying pressure, it didn't budge.

The door was locked from the inside.

Furrowing his brows, concern flickered across Ji Min's face.

He promptly turned to ask Butler Chen, "Where's the key?"

Butler Chen swiftly fetched the key.

Ji Min unlocked the door and entered alone.

The small living room was eerily quiet, devoid of any sound. Even the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows remained untouched.

Moving further in, he arrived at the closed door of the bedroom.

Ji Min didn't knock but instead directly grasped the doorknob.

He assumed the door was locked from the inside, but to his surprise, it opened with just a gentle push.

The bedroom was bathed in bright light.

Blinding sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the entire bedroom in a faded, ethereal white glow that seemed plucked straight from a dream.

The youth seated on the bed turned his gaze toward the door upon hearing the sound.

He still held the paper in his hand, and there was a faint redness around his eyes as he looked over.

Even the paper in his hand was crumpled from the grip.

Ji Min softened his tone and whispered his name, "Lu Ran?"

The youth seemed to come to his senses, promptly lifting a hand to brush away the tears from his eyes.

Realizing that the intruder was the very culprit behind the paper's creation.

With the paper in hand, Lu Ran pointed at Ji Min and said,

"You... You actually wrote this..."

The young man's voice was hoarse, laced with a thick nasal tone.

Ji Min stepped in and closed the bedroom door behind him.

Upon seeing the tall figure of the man entering, Lu Ran promptly sat up on the bed.

He was clearly still reeling from the impact of the letter, lost in thought for a long while before he finally pressed his lips together and asked, "How could you write this?"

Ji Min couldn't help but chuckle.

He approached the bedside with a hint of helplessness in his voice, "Isn't everything fine now?"

The man's tone was too gentle, too indulgent.

A surge of suppressed panic, resentment, and anger welled up within Lu Ran.

Perched on the bed, he looked down at the man standing before him, who towered over him by more than twenty centimeters, and declared firmly:

"You must not write, you're not allowed to!"

Lu Ran had never been willful since he was a child.

For he had never had the privilege to be so.

But now, he could, without any reason, tell the person in front of him, "You can't do this, I won't allow it!"

"No more parting, and certainly no more deaths," he vowed.

"Okay, okay, I won't ever again," Ji Min assured him, stepping forward. Worried that Lu Ran might lose his balance and fall off the bed, he promptly reached out to grasp his waist.

Gazing at the man so close before him, Lu Ran attempted to fuel his anger. He stretched out his hand, intending to tear the crumpled piece of paper into shreds.

Yet, in the end, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

With a pouting face as though on the verge of tears, he declared loudly, "I'm really angry!"

However, despite his words, he couldn't resist the urge and ended up wrapping his arms around the man's neck.

Still feeling uneasy, he leaped up and wrapped his legs around the man's waist, clinging to Ji Min like an octopus, holding him tightly.

Nestled against the man's neck, a quivering voice barely escaped his lips:

"How could you do this..."

The mundane details in the suicide note still seemed to linger before his eyes.

Lu Ran held the man tightly, desperately trying to feel his presence.

Ji Min lifted him up, smiling helplessly at him. "Look at you, so worried. Aren't I perfectly fine?"

Lu Ran held him close, not uttering a word.

"Alright then..." Ji Min embraced him with one arm, while his other hand gently lifted Lu Ran's chin.

The youth's eyes were fiercely red.

Ji Min sighed and leaned in to kiss the crease of his eyelid. "They're all meaningless now, so why feel sad?"

He retrieved the tightly clenched suicide note from the youth once more, murmuring, "I was afraid you'd be upset, so I hadn't intended for you to see these."

Lu Ran didn't yield to him.

Despite being furious over the letter, he managed to dodge Ji Min's hand and firmly hold it in his own palm.

Ji Min embraced him, sitting on the edge of the bed.

Lu Ran carefully put away the paper.

Only then did he lift his head to look at Ji Min.

He said, "In your letter, you mentioned feeling that it was too early for us to be together."

Ji Min nodded and leaned in to kiss him again.

He seldom regretted his actions.

But the day before he left Lu Ran to rush to the hospital, Ji Min genuinely experienced regret.

He regretted losing control and kissing Lu Ran in the hospital.

He deeply regretted that when the youth had solemnly confessed his feelings to him, he found himself utterly unable to articulate any words of hesitation or refusal.

Ji Min had intended to settle everything, waiting until his surgery was over, until the danger had passed, to then walk confidently up to Lu Ran's side.

Regrettably, Lu Ran was like the sole surprise in his life.

At any time, Ji Min would never bear to refuse.

Ji Min sometimes even fantasized that if his life had ended on the day of the surgery.

Well, he had at least briefly possessed it.

Yet, in the next moment, he would feel guilt over such selfish thoughts.

Ji Min lifted his head.

Behold, the youth before him reached out his hand, fiercely seizing his face with a brutal grip, ruthlessly contorting it in his grasp.

He said fiercely, "It's not right for you to think like that!"

Ji Min pressed his forehead against Lu Ran's, smiling softly.

Suddenly, he lifted his gaze, meeting Lu Ran's eyes.

At that moment, Ji Min suddenly understood.

The person in front of him appeared angry, acting like a child with his whims, but he understood Ji Min's struggles.

He also understood Ji Min's irresistible "selfishness."

Unable to resist, Ji Min leaned down and kissed him.

It was a gentle kiss.

Their soft touch and breaths seemed to blend into the bright sunlight, almost disappearing within it.

The bedroom door was closed.

It was already past lunchtime, yet no one came to disturb them.

The sun was high, and the weekend day stretched long with a soothing leisure that melted bones.

As if all tensions and worries had quietly retreated, leaving only tranquil sunlight behind.

The room was brightly illuminated.

Ji Min held onto the other person.

At this utterly inappropriate moment, he leaned close to Lu Ran's ear and whispered, "Is it okay?"

Lu Ran paused before climbing out of Ji Min's embrace.

The young man was dressed thinly, and after being hugged, his T-shirt was now creased and rumpled.

Ji Min assumed he was being rejected.

Only to see the young man with a serious expression say, "Just a moment, I'm all prepared."

Ji Min raised an eyebrow in unexpected surprise.

There, Lu Ran turned around, stretched out his arm, and from beneath the bedside table, he fished out a small box.

The young man showed not the slightest trace of embarrassment.

His face now bore an almost smug expression of "See how skilled I am."

With those slightly reddened eyes, it looked unexpectedly amusing.

Ji Min took the small box and saw that it was a bestseller from the supermarket counter.

He then looked at the bottom of the box, where a tiny letter was printed: M.

"It's in size M," Ji Min said.

Lu Ran's face revealed astonishment. Did this thing come in different sizes?

Then he saw the man in front of him curve his lips in a teasing manner and ask, "Is it for yourself?"

From this short sentence, Lu Ran sensed a subtle shade being thrown at him.

His ears turned red with anger.

He reached out and snatched the box away. "Then we're not doing it today!"

Ji Min quickly grabbed him with a smile.

Lu Ran glared as he looked over. He saw the man stretch his arm to retrieve a familiar black box from the nightstand on his side.

Lu Ran: "…"

The mishap in the bathroom last time flashed through Lu Ran's mind.

But when it actually came to using it, Lu Ran still felt a bit uneasy.

He glanced at the brightly lit window beside him and was about to get out of bed.

Halfway through, he was stopped again.

The man asked him in a hoarse voice, "Where are you going?"

Lu Ran: "..."

"I'm going to draw the curtains," he replied.

Ji Min didn't let him move, picking up the remote control instead to draw the sheer curtains for privacy.

The gauzy curtains swayed gently by the window, obscuring the view outside with their translucent veil.

Yet, the bright sunlight still penetrated unobstructed.

Lu Ran's ears turned crimson inch by inch.

He used his arm to shield his eyes for a while but eventually couldn't resist, getting ready to sit up again.

"I'll draw another layer!"

Ji Min held him gently, gazing at him with a smile. "Nervous?"

"I'm not!" Lu Ran denied.

Removing his arm that had been shielding his eyes, he argued persuasively, "I've... I've seen them before."

"Mm? What have you seen?" Ji Min asked, surprised.

"I've seen... rabbits in the laboratory!"

Lu Ran spoke earnestly, "During an experiment, our group shared a workstation with the neighboring group. One of their rabbits suddenly rushed over to our side and tried to mount one of our rabbits!"

Both rabbits in question are males.

At that moment, Lu Ran and his classmates were all stunned, watching as the two rabbits engaged in an indecipherable act under the watchful eyes of everyone in the laboratory.

At the time, Lu Ran had assumed the two rabbits were fighting and, concerned for their safety, attempted to separate them with great effort.

The young man narrated with utmost seriousness, not at all perturbed that the topic might spoil the mood at present.

Ji Min lowered his gaze, gazing at him intently. Suddenly, he couldn't resist and leaned over Lu Ran's body, chuckling softly.

The vibrations from his chest resonated through Lu Ran's body.

Lu Ran was about to say something more, but the man silenced him with a gentle yet firm kiss on his lips.

"Hush," Ji Min breathed softly into his ear.

As sweat blurred Lu Ran's vision, he realized that Ji Min could hold a grudge too.

Complaining about the brightness, he asked the man to draw the curtains.

With his face close to Lu Ran's ear, Ji Min whispered, "Didn't you like it when I suddenly turned on the light?"

Then, during a moment when Lu Ran was utterly speechless, the man paused, smiling leisurely as he inquired, "Why don't you call me Uncle Ji anymore?"

Lu Ran: "..."

He took a deep breath, pressed his lips together, and sternly said, "Focus on your work and don't talk."

Ji Min raised an eyebrow, then deliberately leaned close to his ear and whispered more words.

The warm, brilliant sunlight outside the window eventually took on a passionate hue.

Layer upon layer, it added rich colors.

In the end, it blended into a luscious and dreamy crimson.

Chapter 195: Old Poisonous Woman

"Pack your things. Bring along the food and daily necessities. The newly harvested grain hasn't been dried yet. You can take your share of grain from us."

As Lu Granny spoke, she got up to help her grandson prepare. Wang Chunniang was already on the verge of insanity. She did hate her husband, and sometimes that hatred extended to her children who had betrayed her by locking her away with outsiders. But this kind of hatred was different from the one she felt towards her in-laws, younger brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, and outsiders. It was unstable and fickle, especially when it came to her children. Though she could curse them fiercely in her anger, she would not tolerate anyone harming her children's interests.

Upon hearing Lu Granny's words, Wang Chunniang lost her mind. Her blood rushed to her head, and she began to spew all sorts of insults, calling Lu Granny an old deceitful hag and a poisonous woman. Eventually, her madness led her to curse Ai Wu, wishing him to never grow up and for the Lu family to be cursed with no descendants.

The eldest siblings like Shuanzhu, Tiezhu, and Daniu were shocked and tried to stop her, while the youngest, Shi Tou, was already crying out of fear.

Huizi was ten years old. Although Dahu didn't dare speak in front of his grandparents, he and his brothers could ask her privately when they were cutting rice. They stood there, stunned, watching their mother curse frenziedly, then witnessed their father burst with rage, struggling with their mother through the fence.

Old Lady Lu didn't react much to being scolded herself; she endured it. But when she heard her youngest grandson, Awei, being cursed, her face turned livid with anger. She glanced at Awei, cowering in a corner, and at the weeping Shitou. With great effort, she held back her fury, allowing Old Man Lu, whose face had turned ashen, to take the two younger children out first.

The curses soon turned into muffled sounds as they were stifled.

When Lu Dagang covered Wang Chunniang's mouth, he genuinely entertained the thought of killing her. He believed that if he suffocated her, his family would finally have peace.

Lost in this fleeting thought, he was momentarily distracted. In that moment, Wang Chunniang fiercely bit down on his hand. It was Shuzhu who, having fetched the key from his grandmother, unlocked the door with his brother, allowing them to pull their mother away and bind her hands, silencing her with a gag. Only then did the cave regain a brief respite from the chaos.

This time, although the siblings were still shedding tears, they genuinely understood that they had no choice but to leave. They began packing their belongings voluntarily. Only Lu Dalang remained motionless, his hands trembling as his empty gaze fixated on nothing, not even bothering to move.

Lu Laowu didn't say anything; she merely helped with the packing in silence, occasionally asking if certain items had been included. It took them over an hour of bustling about, estimating the amount of grain belonging to their eldest branch that was still in the fields and deciding to contribute a portion from their own stock. When the larger items were mostly packed, she finally took a bowl and left the cave in the darkness.

...

At the Xu family's residence.

Old Lady Xu never imagined that Lu Laowu would visit at this particular moment. After a momentary surprise, she hurriedly invited her in.

Lu Laowu wasn't in the mood for small talk. "I've come over to ask for something from you."

The Xu family was taken aback. Old Lady Xu responded, "Is there something you need? Just tell me what it is; I'll try my best to provide."

"I recall that when your family entered the valley, you brought some alcohol, didn't you? I wonder if you still have it. If so, I'd like to borrow a few spoons."

Old Lady Xu nodded. "Yes, we did bring some, but not for drinking. We kept it to lower a child's fever; it's effective when applied to the body to reduce heat."

She then called out to Wei Lingzhen to retrieve it.

Intent on asking Lu Cai about the purpose of alcohol at this time, she reconsidered, given the distressing events that had befallen the Lus today. Instead, she changed the subject and asked if Lu Cai had eaten her evening meal.

Lu Cai shook her head. "I have no appetite."

For a moment, Madam Xu was at a loss for words on how to comfort her. Fortunately, the Xu family's cave wasn't large, and Wei Lingzhen had already taken a small wine jar from a shelf. It was unopened, and with Xu Shu's assistance, they removed the clay seal. She then poured wine into a large bowl for Lu Cai, filling it to about three or four cups. Lu Cai hastily said, "That's enough, enough."

Wei Lingzhen raised her gaze. "Is that enough? Auntie, don't hesitate if you need more."

Lu Cai replied, "Enough, thank you both so much. My home is still in chaos, so I'll take my leave now."

The Xu family matriarch and daughter-in-law accompanied her a few steps before returning. Still puzzled as to why the Lus needed wine at this moment, they decided not to dwell on it since it was only a matter of a few cups. Instead, they turned to Wei Qinghe and asked, "Are you really going to call Shen Lie and the others back tonight?"

Wei Qinghe nodded. "I've conveyed the message, and I've also roughly told Village Chief Zhou what happened."

He glanced at the sky. "At this time, Village Chief Zhou should be about to deliver the letter."

Upon hearing this, Madam Xu sighed. "This old lady from the Lu family seems to have aged by four or five years just since this morning."

In the morning, she had been brimming with joy while harvesting rice, but now, all that remained was a weary, weathered appearance. There was no trace left of her earlier vitality.

Zhou Cunzheng had indeed left the valley. At that moment, Shen Lie and the others were already making their way into it, with Shi Erbang assisting in concealing the entrance from the outside.

Meanwhile, Lady Lu had already returned home. She dug out a few pieces of charcoals from her hearth and was meticulously grinding them in a stone mortar.

The whole family had yet to have their evening meal, but no one could fathom what she was up to. Yet, no one bothered to inquire, as everyone's minds were preoccupied.

At this point, Lu Erlang had entered the valley and had a general understanding of the situation from Zhou Cunzheng. The Lu brothers didn't involve Shen Lie, Sang Luo, or Chen Dashan in their affairs. Instead, they asked them to return to their respective homes while the two brothers hurried back to theirs.

Old Lady Lu had finished grinding the charcoal into a fine powder. She picked up the bowl that had been on the wooden table and brought it over. It contained a bit of white wine borrowed from the Xu family. She poured the charcoal powder into the wine, creating a dark, mushy mixture. Then, she walked up to Lu Dalang, who was sitting dazed by the gate. "Get up, how long do you plan on sitting there?"

She handed him the bowl and said, "Go inside and make your wife drink this."

Lu Dalang didn't react, but Lu Shuzhu and his three siblings grew anxious and couldn't help calling out, "Grandma."

As Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang hurried in, they saw this scene.

Old Lady Lu glanced at her returning sons but then turned to her grandchildren and said, "Don't worry, I'm wicked, but not so wicked as to poison your mother with a single dose of medicine. I just want her to behave and not cause any more trouble on the way out."

Lu Shuzhu and his siblings heaved a collective sigh of relief, but then they sensed the faint hint of self-mockery in the old lady's words. For a moment, they were all at a loss.

Lu Dalang held the bowl of medicine in his hand, but his eyes fell on Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang. He seemed to come back to life as he urgently said, "Erlang, Sanlang, please beg Mother for mercy. Huizi and Shi Tou are still so young. How can they survive if they're chased out of the valley? They call you Second Uncle and Third Uncle; please beg her for them."

Madame Lu was angered by how he was still talking about the children instead of himself, and using family ties to pressure his younger brothers. She sternly shouted, "Go pour the medicine! They're Shuzhu's uncles, but you're their father. There are many people in the mountains now. Those without anyone to protect them have to live too, don't they? I never knew your spine was so weak. Do you even know how to stand up straight? No need to beg anyone. It won't make a difference. I've already told you the consequences."

Seeing his mother's expression, Lu Dalang finally dared not say anything more. He watched as Shuzhu opened the door and prepared to administer the medicine.

Would Wang Chunniang simply allow herself to be force-fed medicine? Moreover, she had no idea what it was. The moment the door opened, she struggled to escape. It took the three of them to stop and pin her down. After much commotion, they finally managed to pour the medicine down her throat.

Lu Dalang remained composed, but Shuzhu and Tiezhu's eyes were red-rimmed.

Madame Lu watched this scene, aware that she had played the role of the ultimate villain today. Looking at the two brothers, she asked, "Blame me?"

The two brothers hurriedly shook their heads.

Madame Lu smiled bitterly. "Blaming or not blaming me wouldn't change anything. People must take responsibility for their actions. In a while, I'll have to swallow my pride and beg Dashan to accompany your Second and Third Uncles to find a place to settle your whole family. Your mother mustn't cause chaos during the journey and harm others. We can't endanger everyone in this valley either.

"Your mother wasn't wrong when she scolded me. I am ruthless. On this trip, they might encounter wolves, leopards, or tigers. I can't guarantee that all of you will return safely after a few years, or that none of you will return at all. Who could predict such things? If something unfortunate happens, I'll accept the blame in your hearts. If you want to complain in hell, go ahead."

Only then did Shuanzhu become anxious. "Grandma, we really didn't mean to blame you just now."

Old Lady Lu interrupted him with her words: "I'm not asking for your assurance that you won't blame me. I don't mind whether you do or not. What I want to tell you is that the life you were originally destined to lead would have been much worse—infinitely worse—than what you've experienced. Just like in your mother's mocking description of the Jin family, a household of six reduced to three, and that's only because Shopkeeper Xu and their eldest brother risked their lives to save them."

"Only by barely escaping death can one truly comprehend the harsh reality outside. You've been spared from the real hell on earth; both the Shen and Chen families have shielded you. The peaceful year you've had is a gift of their kindness, not your entitlement. Even so, I must still humble myself to beg for their protection to secure your future, ha."

Madame Lu truly felt that her face was about to bury itself into the ground; how thick-skinned must she be to be able to speak to Chen Dashan after a while.

"If I were truly ruthless, I would have severed your mother's tongue, so that you wouldn't be misled by her twisted logic and end up trapped in her ways for life."

"But are you willing? Do you not hate me to the core?"

"When you leave, I have no other requests. No need to repay a drop of kindness with a spring of water; I've taught you all I could. Just remember not to repay kindness with enmity. Your father and mother, I can't set straight, but out there, if there's something I didn't anticipate, keep an eye on that. Don't let others regret ever helping our family."

"Filial piety, filial piety—it's indeed a duty. But sometimes, being filial doesn't mean simply obeying. You must learn to discern right from wrong on your own. As a grandmother, that's all I can say and do."

She turned around, took a bag of meat from the shelf reserved for their parents and the second and third branches of the family, then called out to Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang, asking them to carry half a stone of grain and half a stone of beans. "Accompany me to the Chen family. We can't let Da Shan put aside his duties for nothing. I propose that the two of you, as uncles, help cover the cost of these grains for your five nieces and nephews. How about it?"

Lu Erlang and Lu Sanlang wouldn't dare refuse. They carried the bags their mother pointed at and followed her out.

Exiting the cave, they could still hear Wang Chunniang's hoarse curses, her voice strained after all that throat-clearing, wishing the old poisonous woman an agonizing death. Lu Erlang and Sanlang clenched their fists; despite their pity for the five children, they couldn't muster any sympathy for Eldest Branch at this moment.

Chapter 57: This Seat Listens to You Play the Zither Again

To everyone's surprise, although Chu Wanning was clumsy at making dumplings, the finished products were surprisingly good. With his slender fingers, he shaped plump and adorable dumplings that were arranged neatly on the cutting board.

All three disciples couldn't help but stare in astonishment.

"Our Master actually knows how to make dumplings..."

"Am I dreaming?"

"He even makes them well."

"Wow..."

Their whispers did not escape Chu Wanning's sharp ears. He pursed his lips, and his eyelashes fluttered. Though his face remained expressionless, the tips of his ears had turned slightly pink.

Xue Meng couldn't resist asking, "Master, is this your first time making dumplings?"

"…Mm."

"How could you wrap them so beautifully?"

"…It's just like building a mecha, only with a few folds. What's so difficult about that?"

Mo Ran gazed at him across the wooden table, gradually losing himself in thought.

In his previous life, the only time he had seen Chu Wanning make any kind of dough-based food was after Shi Mo's passing. That day, Chu Wanning went to the kitchen and slowly wrapped up the wontons that Shi Mo used to excel at making.

But before they could be cooked, Mo Ran, overcome by grief, had knocked them all over the floor. The pristine wontons scattered everywhere.

Mo Ran didn't remember whether those wontons were flat or round, beautiful or ugly.

He only recalled Chu Wanning's expression back then—staring silently at him, his cheeks still dusted with flour. He looked so unfamiliar, somewhat lost, even foolish…

Mo Ran had assumed Chu Wanning would be angry, would lash out. But in the end, Chu Wanning said nothing. He simply bent down, head lowered, and picked up each dirtied wonton one by one, gathering them together before personally discarding them.

What had Chu Wanning been feeling at that time?

Mo Ran didn't know; he hadn't dared to think about it, nor did he want to. In truth, he was afraid to.

The dumplings were ready, carried back to the kitchen by the little snowman, who had cooked them according to tradition. Chu Wanning had placed a copper coin inside one, as was customary; whoever ate it would have good fortune.

The snowman soon returned with the cooked dumplings on a wooden tray, accompanied by a dish of spicy and sour vinegar sauce.

Xue Meng said, "Master, you should eat first."

Chu Wanning didn't refuse. He picked up a dumpling and placed it in his bowl, but instead of eating it, he took three more, giving them in turn to Xue Meng, Mo Ran, and Shi Mo.

"Happy New Year," Chu Wanning said softly.

His disciples were taken aback for a moment before they all burst into laughter. "Happy New Year, Master."

It was truly coincidental that the very first dumpling Mo Ran bit into contained the copper coin. He hadn't been prepared at all and nearly chipped a tooth.

Looking at Mo Ran's pained expression, Shi Mo chuckled. "Ah Ran will have good luck in the new year."

Xue Meng scoffed. "Pfft, what rubbish luck."

With teary eyes, Mo Ran protested, "Master, you aimed too precisely at this dumpling. It's just the first one, and I've already gotten..."

Chu Wanning said, "Speak properly."

Mo Ran replied, "I bit my toe in my shoe."

Chu Wanning: "..................."

Rubbing his cheek, Mo Ran took a sip of tea offered by Shi Mo and finally recovered. He joked, "Haha, could it be that Shifu deliberately tripped me because you remembered which dumpling had the coin?"

"You wish," Chu Wanning said coldly, then lowered his head to continue eating.

But perhaps it was just Mo Ran's illusion, but he saw Chu Wanning's face seemed to flush slightly under the warm candlelight.

After the dumplings, the head chef's sumptuous dinner was soon served plate by plate, with heavy servings of chicken, duck, fish, and meat filling the table.

As the Hall of the Lady of the Bridge became increasingly bustling, Xue Zhengyong and Madame Wang sat at the head of the table, while little snowmen delivered generous red envelopes to ward off evil spirits to each guest.

One small snowman kept bumping into Chu Wanning's knee, with Shi Zhouan's stone-like eyes fixed on him.

Chu Wanning was slightly taken aback. "Me too? Why?"

He took the red envelope and opened it to find a valuable gold leaf inside. He was speechless for a moment, then looked up at Xue Zhengyong, only to see that vulgar man grinning at him while raising his wine cup in a distant salute.

How silly.

But he also found Xue Zhengyong truly... truly...

Chu Wanning stared at him for a while, unable to resist a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. He raised his own cup, toasted the Master, and drained it in one go.

Later, he distributed the gold leaves among his disciples. After three rounds of drinking, the performance on stage continued, and the mood at their table finally warmed up.

Mainly because the three mischievous kids seemed less intimidated by him now.

As for Chu Wanning, he had always been able to drink without getting drunk.

"Master, Master, let me read your palm?"

It was Xue Meng who first lost his senses due to alcohol.

He held Chu Wanning's hand up to his eye, examining it closely. If he hadn't already downed three cups of alcohol, he wouldn't have dared to be so disrespectful, even with ten times his courage.

"Long life line but fragmented – your health doesn't seem optimal," Xue Meng muttered. "You're prone to illnesses."

Mo Ran laughed heartily. "Pretty accurate."

Chu Wanning glared at him.

"The ring finger is long – Master, you have great fortune in accumulating wealth."

"The heart, head, and life lines all stem from the same source, and at the end of the heart line, a branch dips into the head line, indicating a willingness to sacrifice for love..." Xue Meng stared blankly for a moment before suddenly looking up and asking, "Is this real?"

Chu Wanning's face had turned ashen. He gritted his teeth and said, "Xue Ziming, I think you've grown tired of living."

Unbeknownst to himself, the drunk Xue Meng remained oblivious and even gave an innocent smile before continuing his inspection. He then muttered, "Oh, and look, there's an island formation on the heart line, right under the ring finger. Master, your judgment of people might not be that sharp... perhaps you're blind to the truth..."

Chu Wanning could no longer endure it. With a fierce tug, he pulled his hand away and turned to leave, his sleeves flaring.

Mo Ran nearly died from laughter, holding his stomach and chuckling for quite some time. When he finally met Chu Wanning's icy, menacing gaze, he forced himself to stifle his laughter, but his ribs ached from the effort.

Chu Wanning thundered, "What are you laughing about? Is there something amusing?"

Just as he was about to storm off in frustration, his sleeve was tugged on by Xue Meng. Instantly, Mo Ran's smile vanished, for Xue Meng, dazed and disoriented, had pulled Chu Wanning down onto him. He buried his face in Wanning's embrace, his arms wrapped around his waist, his forehead pressed against the hem of his mentor's garment, intimately nuzzling against it with utmost affection.

"Master..." The soft, mellow voice of a young boy, tinged with a hint of playful coquetry, "Please don't leave, come now, have one more cup."

Chu Wanning appeared as if he were choking on his words.

"Xue Ziming! You... You're being utterly reckless! Let go of me at once!"

To everyone's surprise, the tiny snowman on stage suddenly scurried down, indicating that Elder Greedy Wolf's sword dance had ended. According to the schedule, it was now Chu Wanning's turn.

This was a disastrous turn of events. All eyes were now on Chu Wanning, who, after Xue Meng's drunken antics, had dared to cling to Elder Yu Heng's waist and act coquettishly in his embrace. The disciples were utterly stunned; some even held their chopsticks upside down, unable to take their eyes off the corner where this scene unfolded.

Chu Wanning: "............"

The atmosphere became incredibly awkward. Elder Yu Heng didn't know whether to stand or sit, and could only freeze in place while Xue Meng clung to him.

After a long silence, Mo Ran suddenly let out a dry laugh. "Hey, Xue Meng, you're already grown up, why are you still acting like a child?" He reached out to pull Xue Meng away. "Get up, don't lay on your Master like that."

Xue Meng wasn't intentionally being coquettish; had he been sober, he would have slapped himself for it. But in his current state of intoxication, it took Mo Ran quite some effort to pry him away from Chu Wanning.

"Sit up straight and tell me, what's this number?"

Xue Meng looked at the single finger Mo Ran held out and frowned before answering, "Three."

Mo Ran: "............"

Unable to resist, Shi Mo chuckled and joined in, "And who am I?"

"I'm Shi Mo," Xue Meng replied with an annoyed roll of his eyes.

Mo Ran joined in the fun, "Then who am I?"

Xue Meng stared at him for a moment before saying, "You're a dog."

"......" Mo Ran seethed, "This isn't over between you and me, Xue Ziming!"

Suddenly, at the neighboring table, a disciple who was either daringly bold or equally inebriated pointed at Chu Wanning and jovially called out loud, "Young Master, tell us, who is he, eh?"

Xue Meng's alcohol tolerance was indeed poor; he could barely sit upright and leaned on the table, propping his cheek with one hand as he gazed at Chu Wanning with half-lidded eyes for a long while.

Chu Wanning: "..."

Xue Meng: "..."

Chu Wanning: "..."

Xue Meng: "..............."

After an extended silence, just as everyone assumed that Xue Meng was succumbing to the effects of the alcohol and dozing off, he suddenly broke into a smile and reached out to tug on Chu Wanning's sleeve again.

"Immortal Big Brother."

The four words rang clear and distinct.

The crowd of disciples: ".................................."

"Ahem."

Someone giggled, and soon everyone else followed. Even though Chu Wanning's expression was grim and his temper notorious, the law of numbers worked in their favor. They knew he wouldn't be able to strike every single one of them with his divine sword, Tianwen. Thus, the normally solemn Hall of Mother Nian erupted into laughter, with whispers and jests circulating amidst the food and drinks.

"Haha, Immortal Elder Brother."

"Elder Yu Heng is so handsome, he truly resembles an immortal."

"If I may say something cliché, every time I see him, I can't help but think of a phrase."

Someone asked, "What phrase is that?"

"Remove three feet of snow from your body, and no one in this world would match your pure white attire."

"…Well, then you really are quite cliché."

Chu Wanning's face turned from pale to green, then black. He decided to pretend composure and act as if he hadn't heard anything.

After all, he was accustomed to others' distant reverence. This sudden outpouring of warmth and enthusiasm amidst the festive atmosphere and alcohol caught him off guard, leaving him defenseless and retreating. Faced with such a situation, he didn't know how to react, so he could only force himself to stay calm.

Yet the faint flush on his cheeks betrayed the otherwise icy composure of his handsome face.

Mo Ran noticed this and pressed his lips together, not speaking. For some reason, a nagging jealousy stirred abruptly within him.

He was well aware of Chu Wanning's beauty, but like everyone else, he understood that while Chu Wanning was indeed dashing, his attractiveness came with a sharpness akin to being chiseled by a blade. When he didn't smile, he was as cold as frost, discouraging anyone from getting too close.

From Mo Ran's gloomy and narrow perspective, Chu Wanning was like a sumptuous dish of crispy pork, displayed in a dilapidated and dirty food box. In this world, only he had discovered and savored the delectable treat inside. He had no need to worry about others uncovering this culinary delight, becoming addicted to its taste.

But tonight, amidst the warm glow of the fire and the stimulation of the fiery alcohol, numerous eyes were now fixated on that once-ignored food box.

Mo Ran suddenly felt a twinge of anxiety. He wanted to shield the box tightly, as if swatting away annoying flies, driving away those who coveted his meal.

Yet, he suddenly realized that in this life, this crispy pork was not his. With his delicate crystal dumplings in hand, he could no longer afford to chase away the wolves salivating over the meat.

Mo Ran and his companions hadn't expected Chu Wanning to actually prepare a New Year's performance, just like the other elders. Chu Wanning presented a guqin performance, eliciting admiration from his disciples. One whispered, "I never would have guessed Elder Yu Heng could play the qin...

"And he plays so beautifully, it makes me forget the taste of meat."

Mo Ran sat silently in his spot, while Xue Meng had already fallen asleep, his head resting on the table, breathing evenly. Mo Ran took the wine jug beside him and poured himself a full cup. As he listened and sipped, he found himself entranced by the figure on stage.

The irritation within his chest grew stronger.

In his previous life, Chu Wanning had never performed any musical piece during the New Year's Eve gathering.

Very few people had witnessed him playing the zither.

It was likely when he was confined by Mo Ran that Chu Wanning, overwhelmed with pent-up emotions, spotted a old Chinese zither made of catalpa wood in the courtyard. He sat on the ground, closed his eyes, and strummed the strings.

The melody that echoed was distant and serene, as if it could lure phoenixes and butterflies. When Mo Ran returned, he saw the profile of Chu Wanning sitting in the courtyard, exuding an indescribable sense of tranquility, purity, and nobility.

How had he treated him back then?

Ah, yes.

He had pushed Chu Wanning down beside the zither, taking advantage of him right there in the courtyard. Mo Ran had been consumed by his own overwhelming pleasure, ignoring the pain and suffering Chu Wanning must have endured. He hadn't even considered that it was already past the beginning of winter, and how much his Master detested the cold. Yet, Chu Wanning's clothes were torn from his body, leaving him exposed on the cold stone as Mo Ran relentlessly ravaged him until he passed out from the torment.

It took months of recuperation for Chu Wanning to regain his vitality.

With a chilling tone, Mo Ran had said to him, "Chu Wanning, you are never to play the zither in front of others again. You should know how alluring your appearance is when you...

He pressed his lips together, searching for the right words but failing to find them, and thus fell silent.

What more was there?

Despite his composed and tranquil appearance, there was an inexplicable allure that left one powerless to resist.

Chu Wanning remained silent, his lips pale and his eyes closed, his sword-like brows lending an air of severity.

Mo Ran raised his hand, hesitated for a moment, then gently stroked the crease between Chu Wanning's furrowed brows. Though Heaven-Stepping Lord's touch was tender, his voice remained cold and unfeeling.

"If you refuse to listen, I'll chain you to the bed, leaving you able to do nothing but share a bed with this seat. My words are not empty threats."

How had Chu Wanning replied at that time?

Mo Ran took another swig of wine, gazing at the figure on stage as he recalled the moment pensively.

He seemed to have said nothing.

Or perhaps he had opened his eyes and coldly uttered a single word—

"Scram."

He couldn't recall anymore.

In that lifetime, his days intertwined with Chu Wanning were so prolonged that many memories had blurred, losing their sharp edges.

Ultimately, he admitted one thing to himself, monstrous as it was: Chu Wanning belonged to him. Even if he didn't like it, only he had the right to destroy and tear him apart. He would rather crush Chu Wanning's flesh in his palm, like a beast tearing apart his bones and gut, than allow anyone else to touch him.

He wanted Chu Wanning's blood to breed his desires, his bones to bear his curses, and his body to pulse with his fervor.

Didn't he pride himself on his nobility?

What about later? Didn't he still end up with his legs spread wide, beneath the world's most wicked villain, on the bed of the cruelest tyrant, his life taken by a man's searing blade? He had dirtied him, inside and out.

Torn clothes could never be easily worn again.

Mo Ran closed his eyes, his knuckles turning pale as fear gripped his heart.

Lost in his thoughts, he no longer heard the lively New Year's Eve celebrations or Chu Wanning's soothing melodies.

In his mind, there was only a crazed and ruthless voice, swooping down from the past like a vulture, circling persistently.

"Hell is too cold, Chu Wanning. Come, die with me."

"Yes, you're a god, a beacon of light to others. Xue Meng, Mei Hanxue, and the people of Dawn all await your illumination, Master Chu, Sage." The voice chuckled sweetly, but then suddenly turned fierce, like a split soul in a thunderous rage. "But what about me! Have you ever shone upon me? Warmed me? All that's left on me are scars from you! Sage Chu Wanning!"

"I took your body, your life. You want to be their flame, but I'll drag you to my grave. Letting you shine only on my bones, I'll make you rot with me."

"Life and death are not up to you..."

A deafening cheer erupted.

Mo Ran abruptly opened his eyes, drenched in cold sweat.

The performance had ended, and all the disciples were enthusiastically clapping. Mo Ran sat among them, feeling dizzy and pale. He watched as Chu Wanning carried his zither down the wooden steps.

In that moment, for the first time in his life, he felt how absurd it all was. Suddenly, his past self seemed mad and delusional.

Actually, Chu Wanning wasn't that bad... Why was he doing this to himself?

Intoxicating liquor slides down the throat, ultimately leaving one at a loss, lost in a daze, ultimately succumbing to its spell.

Author's Note:

Short Scene:

"The Inner Thoughts of Each Character"

Mo Weiyu: I feel like I was a madman in my past life. The script the director gave me seems more like a role for a lunatic. It's embarrassing, but I have no choice but to play along.

Xue Meng: I believe I'm a straight man, yet today the director asks me to act coquettishly towards my master. This script is humiliating, but I have no choice but to comply.

Shi Mo: I sense that Aran has changed. The director clearly stated he had feelings for me, but today he didn't even glance my way. This script is awkward, but I must follow through.

Chu Wanning: I don't want to do the bed scene. But the director says... I don't care what he says, drag him down and beat him. Let him learn what it means to have no choice but to obey.

Chapter 43: Retention

Chu Ci's calf wasn't seriously injured; at least, no bones were broken.

But he had caught a cold from the rain and his emotions had fluctuated greatly. On the way back, he started running a high fever.

His temperature rose rapidly, and by the time they reached the city, his entire body was burning hot, his consciousness delirious. This kind of fever was harmful, and he struggled to open the window for some cool air, but Han Yue held his hand down, saying, "Are you trying to die?"

Chu Ci's face was flushed red from the fever, his eyelashes fluttering slightly. He looked healthier than usual, no longer so pale and haggard, devoid of vitality.

Han Yue stared at him intently without blinking for a long time, slowly interlacing Chu Ci's hands and holding them in his palm. There was no one else in the car besides the two of them. The sky outside the window was dark, and rain poured down heavily, as if it was an endless night. Han Yue held Chu Ci's icy fingers in the sound of the rain, his movements gentle, but his voice low and cold, "Tell me... before Hou Hongchang, did you kill anyone else?"

Chu Ci kept his eyes closed, swaying slightly with the jolts of the car, his consciousness muddled.

"You don't want to live anymore, right?"

Han Yue waited in silence for a long time before finally lifting his hand to gently stroke Chu Ci's rain-soaked face.

"You can't die yet," he muttered to himself, "You can't die until I'm free."

Since Chu Ci moved out, this was the third time Han Yue returned to their home on the third ring road.

The first time, he rushed over upon hearing that Chu Ci had left, only to find an empty house; the second time, he met with one of Old Wang's men here and discovered Chu Ci's background and records.

This third time, he opened the door, effortlessly picked up Chu Ci, and threw him onto the only tidy bed in the bedroom, saying, "We're home."

Without a sound, Chu Ci fell into the depths of the large bed. He coughed twice due to the jolt, his voice muffled and heavy, before quickly falling silent.

There were no medicines at home, no hot water, not even a single band-aid. Dust had settled everywhere, untouched for months. Han Yue paced about like a caged beast, accidentally knocking over a thermos, the sound echoing loudly in the dark night.

Anxious, he returned to the bedside. Chu Ci's fever had worsened, his face flushed with an alarming flush. His body seemed to tremble from the heat. The wound on his calf had stopped bleeding, the flesh grotesquely split open, revealing bloody scabs beneath.

Han Yue dampened a cool towel to wipe Chu Ci's face, then used his fingers to moisten his cracked lips. After a while, he fetched some salt from the kitchen, dissolved it in the towel, and gently wiped Chu Ci's calf wounds. It must have been excruciatingly painful, but Chu Ci only let out a soft groan and showed no other reaction.

He likely couldn't feel anything anymore.

"Yes... you're someone who isn't afraid of pain," Han Yue murmured softly.

He tossed aside the towel and fumbled for his phone, opening and closing it absentmindedly, over and over again. The room was filled with the sound of his phone flipping open and shut.

In the soundproof bedroom, he couldn't hear Chu Ci's breath, nor the occasional passing cars on the distant road. He felt he might go mad if there were no sounds at all, so he could only alleviate his unanchored panic by repeatedly fiddling with his phone.

Would the night pass?

Would dawn ever come?

Seemingly, those memories under the sun were fading away in this stormy night, even if he struggled to recall them, all that remained were dusty shadows, as if they had never existed.

For whenever he thought of them, a voice would tell him that they were all illusions.

Non-existent from the start.

Those moments of tenderness, endurance, and past happiness and joy – since the beginning of everything two years ago, their endings were destined to be false and cruel.

The news of Commander Han's recovery came just as dawn was breaking.

The Commander's wife's voice was choked with sobs, repeatedly interrupted as she struggled to continue speaking. Han Yue listened silently, occasionally murmuring words of comfort.

The Commander's wife was unable to focus on the key points, so Han Yue had no choice but to interrupt her several times, asking the doctor to come over and briefly describe the injury, potential complications, and so on. After the doctor finished, he returned the phone to the Commander's wife.

"I've arranged for someone to keep watch at the hospital. There might be some elderly visitors in the morning, and I'll take care of them then." Han Yue held back his emotions before adding, "Mom, don't exhaust yourself too much. Go get some rest first."

The Commander's wife sniffled in response and then asked, "That... that murderer, have you c... caught him?"

Han Yue fell silent for a moment. "No."

"He h... hurt your father like this. You must catch him, d... do you understand?"

"..." Han Yue didn't comment. After a few seconds of silence, he unexpectedly responded with a question of his own, "Mom, when Big Brother had that accident involving hitting someone, did our family end up compensating them?"

The Commander's wife sniffled, taken aback. "How c-could I still remember? Why are you asking this? Could it be related to what happened back then...?"

"No, it isn't. I was just curious."

"I didn't make them compensate. Didn't the court rule that they were at fault?" The Commander's wife pondered and added, "Maybe your father asked someone to send them some money... I'm not aware of the amount. Your father, he's already so old, and he had to go through such suffering. The doctor said he almost didn't make it! You must avenge your father, do you hear me? Don't let your personal feelings affect your duty towards him! You need to distinguish between family and outsiders, know where your loyalty lies, and which side your elbow should bend towards. Remember that..."

Han Yue interrupted her. "I understand."

With that, he hung up the phone.

The injury sustained by General Han this time was quite severe, considering his advanced age.

Chu Ci's knife had severed two of his ribs, piercing through his chest and protruding from his back, forming a substantial penetrating wound. Miraculously, the blade missed all of General Han's internal organs, gliding between them without causing any damage. The edges of the fractured ribs were smooth due to the blade's sharpness, preventing any splintered bone fragments from severing vessels or puncturing organs.

For the surgery, all the authoritative doctors available that night were assembled, with Ren Jiayuan only assisting at their level. However, he took care of General Han in the ICU throughout the night and was utterly exhausted by the following morning.

Many visitors came to pay their respects throughout the morning, mostly individuals of General Han's rank. Amidst the chaos, everyone sought to assess whether the Han family would now decline. The loss of an unimportant eldest son wouldn't significantly impact the family's foundation, but if General Han were to succumb to his injuries at this critical juncture, the future of the Hanks, relying solely on Han Yue, would become uncertain.

These visitors were not easy to appease. Accompanied by the General's wife, Han Yue was occupied the entire morning until after lunch, when most of their inquiries were answered, and the guests began to depart.

Under the persuasion of numerous relatives, Commander's wife finally went to rest in the adjacent ward. Han Yue also didn't want to disturb her and stood silently outside the ICU room, gazing at his father.

Ren Jiayuan approached and patted Han Yue on the shoulder, sighing. "Don't overthink it. Your father will be fine. The surgery was very successful, so he should wake up soon without any severe complications. At most, he'll have to step down from the front lines, but the Han family still has you..."

After a moment's thought, he added comforting words. "The old man has always been upright and resilient. He'll pull through this challenge. Just relax."

Han Yue managed a weak smile, the corners of his mouth barely lifting.

Seeing his ashen complexion, Ren Jiayuan suggested, "You shouldn't stand here either. Go get some rest when you can. You look exhausted."

"I'm fine," Han Yue said. "It's just that my heart is aching a bit."

"Aching? ... Ah, I can understand that. Even I find it hard to believe that they're saying Chu Gong he..."

"No, not that. I wasn't surprised by what happened to Chu Ci." Han Yue took a deep breath and whispered, "What puzzles me is that I used to think, despite his impatience and bureaucratic tendencies, our old man was still firm and upright compared to other fathers. I believed that although my mother favored my older brother, she didn't dote on him excessively and still had a sense of right and wrong. Yet, my views from all these years have been completely overturned. It feels like... like I've woken up from a nightmare."

Ren Jiayuan was unaware of the events leading up to this and couldn't understand where Han Yue's words were coming from. He asked, confused, "What do you mean?"

"Nothing much." Han Yue wiped his face and suddenly turned to Ren Jiayuan, lowering his voice. "Come with me this afternoon. There's something I need your help with."

Seeing that no one else was around and that Han Yue seemed odd, Ren Jiayuan felt a chill run down his spine. "What are you up to now? You should at least respect the fact that I'm a respected chief surgeon. Don't treat me like a lackey every time you need something..."

"I found Chu Ci," Han Yue said, silencing Ren Jiayuan instantly.

"You... You found Chu Gong?! Didn't you tell the commander's wife that—"

"I know," Han Yue interrupted. "That's why I dare not take him to the hospital. I can only turn to you. His condition isn't good; he has a high fever and an injury on his leg. When I left this morning, his temperature was almost at 40 degrees Celsius..."

"Then there's no need to save him. It's already too late." Ren Jiayuan's expression hardened. "You've tormented him enough. Just let him pass away peacefully. Remember to remind him in his next life not to encounter a scumbag like you!"

Han Yue seized Ren Jiayuan's collar with a fierce grip. "He won't die before I do!"

The expression on his face was so terrifying that Ren Jiayuan was momentarily stunned.

"I don't want to hand him over to anyone," Han Yue released Ren Jiayuan slowly, his hoarse voice tinged with a sense of desperate helplessness. "Even if he has to die, it shouldn't be... on the execution ground!"

Despite feeling that Han Yue had lost his mind, Ren Jiayuan accompanied him. If Chu Ci truly had a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, neglecting it could prove fatal. Ren Jiayuan couldn't bear to stand by and watch Chu Ci perish.

He brought along an entire large suitcase filled with medicine and injections, as well as glucose and an IV stand, just in case Chu Ci needed intravenous fluids due to severe dehydration.

His preparations proved necessary. Although Chu Ci's injuries were not as severe as General Han's, they were no less dangerous. Simply administering glucose wasn't enough; Ren Jiayuan had to call for blood bags to resolve the situation.

Chu Ci's one hand was cuffed to the bedrail by Han Yue, though it was practically unnecessary since Chu Ci remained unconscious throughout. He stirred briefly only when Ren Jiayuan inserted the needle for the blood transfusion, giving a faint smile and whispering, "It's you."

His voice was incredibly weak, his throat raspy from the high fever, causing Ren Jiayuan's heart to ache. "It's me. Rest well and don't think too much. I won't tell anyone you're here."

"... Let them come and arrest me..." Chu Ci closed his eyes, barely audible in his sigh.

"If I die, please bury me with them..."

Ren Jiayuan didn't understand which 'they' Han Yue was referring to. He looked over at Han Yue, who stood by with a grim expression, not uttering a single word.

The entire process was quite troublesome, involving intravenous drips, blood transfusions, medications, and injections. By the time Chu Ci's high fever stabilized, it was already late into the night. Ren Jiayuan had been on his feet for over twenty hours straight and was so exhausted that his eyes were struggling to stay open. He waved his hand at Han Yue, "I can't go on, I'll come back tomorrow. Let me go home and sleep tonight."

Han Yue replied, "I'll call a driver to send you; you're in no condition to drive."

Ren Jiayuan didn't object. He walked into the living room, sat down on the sofa, and within a second, began snoring loudly.

Han Yue then called his reliable driver with a tight lip to pick up Ren Jiayuan. It took some time before the driver arrived, woke Ren Jiayuan up, and sent him off.

Han Yue checked his watch, realizing it was about time to give Chu Ci his medication.

He went into the bedroom, where Chu Ci was already awake, lying there blankly staring at the air with a somewhat detached expression.

Han Yue prepared the medicine and brought a cup of hot water. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he said, "Come here and take your medicine."

Chu Ci turned his head away, remaining silent.

"Haven't you heard? Take your medicine!"

"..."

Han Yue abruptly slammed the cup down and forcefully turned Chu Ci's chin to face him, shoving the pill into his mouth. Chu Ci clamped his teeth shut, refusing to let go. Han Yue forcefully pried open his jaws, leaving red fingerprints on Chu Ci's pale face.

"You're not going to take your medicine properly, huh?" Han Yue paced around impatiently before stopping to point at Chu Ci. "Do you think I can't do anything to you?"

"..."

"Are you under the illusion that since you're about to die anyway, you have nothing to fear? That you can finally stop deceiving me and enduring my presence, seeking a blissful escape? Let me tell you, that's just a pipe dream! I have plenty of ways to make you wish you were dead but unable to die!"

Chu Ci suddenly opened his eyes, gazing at Han Yue, and chuckled mockingly. "Do you really think I would fail at ending my life twice?"

Han Yue almost sneered, pointing at Chu Ci as he repeated, "Good! Very good!"

He strode out of the bedroom and soon rushed back in, slamming a rectangular box in front of Chu Ci. "You dare try to kill yourself! The moment you draw your last breath, I'll flush this down the toilet! Go ahead and try, if you have the guts! Do it now!"

Upon seeing the box, Chu Ci's expression drastically changed, his lips trembling. "Han Yue, you... you..."

"What's wrong with me? Didn't you already know I'm a bastard?" Han Yue slammed Li Weili's ashes box, gritting his teeth as he sneered. "Let me be honest, I've already arranged for a prime burial site, dug a grave especially for them. If you take your medicine obediently and pull through, I promise to give these two a proper burial. But if you insist on dying, fine! I'll make sure you don't even get to rest together in death! Go on, give it a shot!"

Chu Ci could barely catch his breath, his face contorted with rage, fingers spasmodically clutching the bedsheet.

Han Yue knew he was furious, angrier than ever before.

If he had a knife in his hand at this moment, he might not be able to resist lunging forward to kill Han Yue.

But what difference did it make? Han Yue thought despairingly.

He was already a scumbag, bottomed out, and there was no way things could get any worse.

The once-cherished fantasy of spending a lifetime together, of growing old hand in hand, now seemed like a mere illusion, a dream that would never come true in this life.

As long as he lived.

As long as they... were all still alive.

Merely living was all that mattered; he could no longer dare to ask for more.

"…Bring me the medicine," Chu Ci finally grated out through gritted teeth after an extended deadlock.

Han Yue handed over the medicine and water, and Chu Ci drank it all in one gulp. In his haste to drink the water, he even choked several times.

He didn't have the strength to cough. The water made his face flush red, with tears seemingly welling up in his eyes.

Han Yue slowly sat beside him and patted his back rhythmically. He could feel the protruding shoulder blades, which sharply dug into his palm. Suddenly, he also felt like crying; his nasal cavity filled with a sour sensation. Yet, his eyes remained dry, the pain preventing any tears from falling.

"I'm quite terrible, right?" Han Yue whispered into Chu Ci's ear. After a few seconds, he suddenly burst into a brief laugh.

"—It doesn't matter. You'll find out that I can be even worse."

Chapter 44: Night

The floor-to-ceiling curtains in the bedroom were tightly drawn, blocking out the night. The room was dim, and even with strained eyes, one could only make out vague outlines of the furniture.

Heavy breathing intertwined, carrying a sense of impending doom. The moans seemed on the verge of breaking, provoking the primal instincts of the male. It was a sound that stirred the blood.

Chu Ci clenched his teeth, trembling as he felt his body sway like a ship in a tempest, completely beyond his control. It wasn't pure pain, but it left him disoriented and delirious.

Han Yue, however, seemed to be reveling in it. Suddenly, he turned Chu Ci's face to kiss his jaw. Their sweat-drenched skin rubbed together, creating an erotically suggestive sound.

A sudden fierce thrust made Chu Ci cry out, his trembling hands trying to push Han Yue away. His fingers were cold, and the tremors were noticeable, causing Han Yue to hesitate. He then brushed aside Chu Ci's damp hair to kiss his sweaty forehead.

The kiss was gentle, or perhaps it was rare for Han Yue to be so tender.

He always craved affection from Chu Ci, like a porcupine desperate for something soft to cover itself. But Chu Ci never gave it to him. Chu Ci was generally a reserved and aloof person.

Therefore, Han Yue was often impatient, easily disappointed and frustrated. He would vent his anger without restraint, only to regret it later.

Rarely did he think to initiate tenderness towards Chu Ci, such as gentle kisses and smiles, speaking in a softer tone, occasionally giving gifts, or seeking Chu Ci's opinion before acting. However, when he did, Chu Ci's response would become somewhat more amenable.

In truth, Chu Ci was someone who easily succumbed to gentle persuasion but would never yield to force. Han Yue tried to etch this firmly in his mind, but he would always forget it when the situation called for it.

He continued to kiss Chu Ci's face and licked the most sensitive spot at the tip of his ear, his actions gentle and soothing, a mix of comfort and reconciliation. When he finally climaxed, Chu Ci only let out a muffled groan, his body as stiff as stone. Han Yue was slightly worried that his calf wound might split open due to this, but upon touching it, he found nothing amiss.

Though it was troublesome to clean up after, he still preferred to ejaculate deep within Chu Ci's body, as if doing so satisfied his possessiveness. After carefully cleaning them up and not hearing any movement from Chu Ci, he whispered, "Did you fall asleep?"

The room was deathly quiet.

In reality, regardless of whether Chu Ci was asleep or not, he wouldn't have answered him anyway.

Han Yue embraced Chu Ci in his arms, propping his head on his own arm, occasionally nuzzling his face. After some time had passed, Han Yue suddenly murmured, "My old man woke up today."

Chu Ci remained silent, his breathing soft and indistinct.

"When I went to see him, he even blinked at me. But he still can't speak now, the tubes haven't been removed yet. The doctor said we need to take good care of him in the future, since this injury is severe and he's already quite old."

There was a moment of silence in the room before Han Yue turned his head to nuzzle Chu Ci's face. "…I know it's unfair of me to say this to you, your… foster mother didn't even have the chance to blink her eyes again. But I just want to tell you that my old man isn't dead, he's still alive. Maybe you can have fewer nightmares at night."

Chu Ci still didn't respond, but Han Yue could sense his body tense up slightly.

"When I left the hospital today, the old lady asked if I had found you. Ren Jiayuan was still there, and I was genuinely afraid he might accidentally reveal something. Fortunately, he didn't." Han Yue cleared his throat and continued, "Now, everyone seems to be searching for you except me... perhaps I'm the least concerned."

"Actually, you should have handed me over to the police," Chu Ci said softly all of a sudden.

"..." Han Yue fell silent for a moment before pulling Chu Ci closer. "No, I won't hand you over to anyone... not at all."

"You might gain my gratitude if you did that. Do you remember what you said? 'No one can take the law into their own hands to mete out justice.'"

Chu Ci paused and let out a soft sigh, which quickly vanished into the vast night.

"You're right. No one should wield the power to judge life and death in place of the law. I'm no noble avenger seeking justice. I'm just an ordinary person seeking revenge. My vendetta is over, and now it's time for me to face the legal consequences."

"..."

Han Yue remained silent for a long while, holding Chu Ci tightly in his embrace and burying his head in the crook of his neck.

"Do you know the kind of person I hate the most?" Chu Ci whispered. "Could you prevent me from becoming that person?..."

Without warning, Han Yue bit down on Chu Ci's bare shoulder, initially with force that made Chu Ci wince in pain. But then, he gentled his grip, merely nipping at the flesh lightly and licking it with his tongue.

After a long time, he mumbled, "Maybe you want to bite the bullet, but every year there are many people who should, yet they still live comfortably. There are also many who don't deserve death, but under various circumstances, they end up facing execution. I just feel that if you're not in this world, there's no point for me to live alone. If many years later I'm still alone, thinking that you'll never come back and that I might not even meet you in the next life, I'd feel worse than being dead."

He chuckled bitterly. "I reckon with how terrible I am, if I were reincarnated, I wouldn't have the fate to see you again."

Chu Ci listened silently. At first, when he heard Han Yue talking about biting the bullet, he opened his mouth as if to refute him, but then swallowed his words.

After Han Yue finished speaking, he laughed and skillfully changed the subject. "Speaking of that day when you lectured me on the constitution, I think I was making seafood porridge at that time, right? I had a particularly deep impression. After you returned to your room, I pondered in the kitchen. I didn't expect our engineer to be a human rights activist! But while I was pondering, I forgot that I had already added salt, and then I carelessly added more... That porridge was quite salty that day, wasn't it?"

Chu Ci closed his eyes and remained silent.

"Hmm, later, when I turned around to get water, I saw that the lobster in the pot was gone. Only a big lobster shell was left on the table, leaving me with just plain congee... You ate so quickly, I was really scared at that moment..." Han Yue chuckled softly. "What was even more infuriating was that night, feeling that you hadn't eaten fruit to replenish your vitamins during the day, you took two vitamin C tablets directly after dinner. I was so terrified that I almost sent you to the hospital for gastric lavage..."

Chu Ci suddenly buried his head deeper into the pillow. Han Yue then adjusted his embrace to a more comfortable position, pressing his cheek against Chu Ci's soft hair.

"Without me, would you ever suddenly think of eating seafood and vitamin C together one day, and then accidentally end your life?"

Han Yue's voice was very low, sounding like a mutter to himself.

After a while, he took a deep breath, rubbing Chu Ci's soft bangs against his cheek. He whispered, "I'm sorry, I've always wanted to grow old with you, but I've never truly made you happy. I thought we had a lot of time, but now I can only treat each day as if it were our last. I don't know what will happen in the future, but at least we're still together tonight."

He bent down to kiss Chu Ci and said, "Go to sleep."

{Extra} Meeting: Part 1

Han Yue's first encounter with Chu Ci was purely coincidental.

That day, Han Yue and his group of friends went out for dinner at a Cantonese restaurant, where they ordered a crab noodle dish. The chef brought up the massive king crab in a bucket to show them - almost five kilograms with all its appendages, so large that it barely fit in the bucket. However, when the dish was served, the enormous crab was divided into two plates, significantly smaller than what they had seen.

The group of privileged young men were not pleased - money wasn't an issue, but being taken advantage of was unacceptable! They were shown a huge crab, so how did it become a mere descendant on the plate?

Initially, they didn't reveal their identities, instead pounding on the table and calling for the manager. The restaurant manager, assuming they were easy targets, tried to dodge the issue with vague responses, suggesting that the crab might shrink during cooking or that they had mistaken its size earlier. He insisted they had to pay the price regardless since the dish was already served.

The manager's dismissive attitude was obvious, and as tensions rose, he glanced at them condescendingly, implying, "Our establishment is big and bustling, what can you do about it?" Han Yue's group was not to be trifled with. Among them, only Pei Zhi had a milder temper, while the others were quick to anger. They immediately started slamming the table in protest.

Seeing this, the manager panicked, "What are you doing? Let's talk this out, why are you getting physical?" He then called for security to remove them.

Before the security could intervene, Han Yue calmly removed his cigarette from his mouth, extinguished it on the tablecloth, and then casually picked up a large soup bowl. With a loud slap, he smashed it down in front of the manager!

Shards scattered across the floor, noodles, broth, and crab parts splashed into the air, drenching the manager from head to toe.

The manager was instantly stunned, as was the security guard. Most diners in the restaurant stood up in shock; some timid ones shrieked and hurriedly retreated towards the door.

Han Yue scoffed but was interrupted by Pei Zhi, who stepped forward gracefully and pulled out a business card from his pocket, handing it to the manager with courtesy. "Let's talk this out like civilized people, it loses its appeal once someone gets hurt. Come on, buddy, here's my card. I'll take responsibility for all the damages caused today, your people can come to my place to settle it." Then, he turned around and waved his hand. "Brothers, smash away!"

Upon glimpsing the business card, the restaurant manager's legs promptly turned to jelly, and he instantly realized that they had inadvertently provoked someone truly formidable. His voice quavered uncontrollably as he stammered out, "O-of course! Most certainly, most certainly! By all means, please, please don't! Gentlemen, gentlemen, cease at once! Cease, I implore you!..."

Would those irate gentlemen, filled with frustration, listen to him? Just as they were about to lunge forward, a person suddenly stood up from another table and yelled, "What's going on here? Stop!"

Han Yue, standing nearest to the source of the voice, couldn't help but look up.

That was the first time he laid eyes on Chu Ci.

That day at noon, Chu Ci was actually treating his assistant to lunch. This assistant wasn't Little Wang, but a young and attractive female intern.

Han Yue never found out that the pretty female assistant had feelings for Chu Ci that went beyond the ordinary. However, Chu Ci's innate aura deterred people from getting too close, and eventually, it frightened the girl away.

Leaving that aside, on that day when Chu Ci invited someone to eat, he naturally didn't dress too casually. He wore a particularly fitted black shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a small arm that was grazed by a shard of porcelain, blood flowing steadily—this was caused by the sea bowl Han Yue had thrown, which broke on the edge of the table, sending fragments flying that pierced Chu Ci's arm. Below, he wore a pair of dark denim jeans that appeared a very appealing deep blue indoors.

He had initially been facing away from Han Yue's table, so when he called out to stop, he twisted his waist to look over, accentuating his figure even more. His waist was particularly slender and flexible, making one unable to resist the urge to measure it with their arms upon sight.

Han Yue clicked his tongue at the time, thinking that the girl was average-looking, but the man... the man was...

"Chu Gong, are you alright?" The female assistant panicked and stood up, "Oh, your hand is bleeding!"

Chu Ci waved his hand dismissively, using a napkin to hastily wipe away the blood. He said, "I'm fine." Then, he turned to Han Yue and the others, sternly reprimanding them, "What are you doing in broad daylight?"

His voice was deeply magnetic, even though his tone was filled with annoyance, it still sounded pleasing to the ear.

Han Yue looked at his face and felt a sudden jolt in his heart for some reason. It was as if an electric current of pleasure surged up his spine, leaving him with a tingling and exhilarating sensation.

One of the men from the military unit had lost his temper, cursing as he shoved aside the security guard before barking at Chu Ci, "This has nothing to do with you! Stay out of it!"

Chu Ci slapped down his chopsticks and strode over with large strides.

Strangely, Han Yue felt a sense of inexplicable excitement and exhilaration. It wasn't the feeling one would have when facing an opponent about to charge into battle. Instead, it was like a fierce beast watching a tender and delicate creature inadvertently wander into its territory, provoking an irresistible urge to pounce and devour it in one bite.

"Oh no, what happened to your hand? Did you get cut by a shard? It's all my fault, all my fault..." Before Chu Ci could approach, Han Yue intercepted him halfway and pulled up his arm to inspect the wound without waiting for permission. "Really now! My hand slipped, and I accidentally flung the bowl away!"

"..." Chu Ci almost thought he had misheard. He couldn't help but examine Han Yue's face, only to find the man acting so earnestly without the slightest hint of embarrassment.

"A wound this deep requires medical attention. Look, it's still bleeding. If it gets infected, it'll be troublesome. How about this? My car is parked right outside. I'll take you to the hospital for a checkup?"

"..." Not only did Chu Ci feel like he had misheard, but even Han Yue's group of friends thought their ears were playing tricks on them! One of the guys whispered, "Han Er, are we still going to proceed with the plan today?"

"What are you smashing for? It's just a crab! Sort it out yourselves!" Han Yue waved his hand impatiently. Catching sight of the attractive female assistant, an idea popped into his head as he glanced at Chu Ci and asked, "Are you here on a date with your girlfriend?"

Chu Ci was still young back then, and upon being questioned, he subconsciously shook his head.

Han Yue laughed and slapped Pei Zhi's shoulder vigorously. "Buddy, I'm counting on you to take care of that lady and reassure her. I'll bring this young man to the hospital first!"

Pei Zhi was taken aback: "Han Er, have you been possessed by Uncle Lei Feng today?"

Chu Ci was also taken aback. His anger had been extinguished by Han Yue's earnest apology. He waved it off instinctively. "No need, it's just a small cut. I can just clean it up quickly..."

"This isn't a minor injury!" Han Yue said seriously. "If it's not treated properly and gets infected, it could lead to serious problems! Don't worry too much. My car is parked right outside, so going to the hospital and back will be very convenient. It won't take up much of your time. I'll cover all the medical expenses as well. It's my fault, after all, so it's only right!"

Before Chu Ci could refuse, he was half-supported and half-dragged out of the restaurant by Han Yue.

"...Did Second Young Master Han take the wrong medicine today?" Pei Zhi murmured after they left. "To be honest, that guy looks pretty good... Damn, did he develop a crush on him?"

Chu Ci was naturally someone who responded better to kindness than force. If Han Yue and his companions had refused to back down and caused a scene in the restaurant, Chu Ci might have actually stepped in to stop them. But now that Han Yue was apologizing profusely and taking him to the hospital, Chu Ci found himself unable to give Han Yue a cold shoulder.

Chu Ci was the type with delicate features, a handsome face, and flawless skin that was pleasant to behold. As Han Yue drove, he couldn't help but steal glances at him. After being observed repeatedly, Chu Ci couldn't resist smiling as he touched his own face. "Am I also covered in shattered glass fragments?"

"Not at all," Han Yue smiled, engaging in small talk. "I detect an accent in your speech that doesn't sound Beijingese. Where are you from?"

"I'm from out of town."

"Oh, may I ask your esteemed surname?"

"My surname is Chu, and my name is Chu Ci," he said politely.

Han Yue glanced at Chu Ci with a smile while holding the steering wheel. "Is it Chu Ci from 'Chu Ci's Verses,' or Ci from 'Celadon Porcelain'?"

"It's Ci from 'Compassion.' —And may I ask your surname, sir?"

"Oh, I'm Han Yue. They usually call me Han Er."

Within their circle, even if someone didn't recognize Han Yue's face, they would certainly know the prominent name of this second young master of the Han family. However, Chu Ci had no connection to their circle. Upon hearing 'Han Er,' he chuckled and asked, "Is it because you're particularly... unique, that they call you Han Er?"

Han Yue chuckled. "Perhaps! But actually, I'm the second-born in my family, with an older brother, so that's why I got this nickname."

"So... But you really startled me with that plate smashing. Who just breaks things like that? And in broad daylight, not caring if the restaurant calls the police on you."

"Honestly, that restaurant has always been tricky," Han Yue paused, then apologized with a smile, "But I'm truly sorry for my impulsive behavior just now. I lost control for a moment."

He turned his head to look at Chu Ci. Chu Ci's smile was delightful, his eyes slightly curved without showing his teeth, and his lips formed a charming curve. If someone else had met Han Yue for the first time and said, "Are they calling you Han Er because you're extra foolish?", Han Yue would surely make sure that person never dared to show their face again. But with Chu Ci teasing him with that gentle smile, it caused a warm, electric thrill within Han Yue.

He even wanted to provoke Chu Ci into talking more, even if it meant making fun of himself.

Fortunately, Chu Ci's arm wasn't seriously injured. The shards had pierced the skin but not deeply. After cleaning, disinfecting, and bandaging, it would be fine. The only inconvenience was that he couldn't get the wound wet for a few days to prevent infection.

It was already past three in the afternoon when they left the hospital. Han Yue asked, "Shall I take you home?"

"…Let's go home," Chu Ci looked at his watch, "I'll have to call in sick for the rest of the afternoon..."

Nonchalantly, Han Yue asked, "Where do you work?"

The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them. A normal person would ask, "Where do you work?" not grill them like a military guard questioning a visitor!

"Right next to that restaurant, at the metallurgical research institute. That's why I had time to come out during lunch break," Fortunately, Chu Ci didn't seem to be very suspicious, as he easily revealed this information.

"Wow, a state-owned enterprise! Everyone's striving for those nowadays; you have a promising future."

"Not really. What about you?"

"Hmm," Han Yue paused before continuing, "I'm in the military, on leave to visit Beijing."

Chu Ci studied him for a moment and chuckled. "An officer, I suppose. I've never seen a regular soldier able to take a vacation back home, nor have I encountered one who could afford to break things in a restaurant like that!"

As Han Yue was about to step on the gas pedal, he glanced deeply at Chu Ci and pulled out his phone. "Mind if I get your number?"

Looking out the windshield, Chu Ci merely smiled faintly without responding.

Even Han Yue, who wasn't well-versed in social nuances, understood that this was a subtle refusal.

The person in front of him didn't seem to guard against strangers much but was quite introverted, not someone who would easily befriend outsiders.

With the scholarly air around him and considering he worked at a research institute, Han Yue deduced that Chu Ci was likely an academic.

Han Yue had had partners before, but they were all introduced through friends or approached him themselves, being skilled and socially adept in the nightlife scene. However, Chu Ci's gentle, composed, and rule-abiding demeanor, despite intriguing Han Yue, left him unable to find an opening to make a move.

He couldn't simply approach and say, "I see you like me, why not be my boyfriend?" Nor could he use his status to intimidate the other with, "Submit to me now or face the consequences." All he could do was engage Chu Ci in casual conversation, finding himself increasingly fond of the man as they spoke. The more he looked, the more restless he became, yearning to pull him into his embrace for a proper kiss.

They soon arrived at Chu Ci's residence.

It was a decent apartment complex, though its exterior appeared dull, the surrounding neighborhood was pleasant.

Parking downstairs, before Chu Ci could open the car door, Han Yue calmly asked, "Would you like to invite me up for a cup of tea?"

"…" Chu Ci was momentarily stunned before breaking into a smile. "This sounds like a line from a TV drama between the male and female leads, but unfortunately, there's no female lead here. Besides, we've just moved in, and the place is in disarray, so it wouldn't be convenient."

"Oh... A new house? Living with your family?"

"No," Chu Ci replied. "It's rented."

Han Yue didn't push the matter, waving goodbye through the car window with a smile. "Never mind then. I'm truly sorry for today's incident. Go get some rest."

Chu Ci waved back and walked into the building without looking back.

Han Yue's gaze followed him until he was out of sight. Gradually, the warmth in his eyes faded, replaced by a chilling desire that sent shivers down one's spine.

Every word and expression of Chu Ci replayed in Han Yue's mind, accompanied by a subtle yet exhilarating jolt of electricity that raced through his skin.

Only much later would Han Yue realize that it was love at first sight. Regrettably, while most people would respond to such a feeling with cautious tenderness, Han Yue allowed it to transform into impulsiveness and destruction.

Chu Ci's wounds on his hand quickly healed and scabbed over, and he eventually pushed the memory of Han Yue to the back of his mind.

But not long after, an unexpected call came through on his office phone from an unknown number.

"Hello, how's your hand? Has it recovered?"

Chu Ci, holding the phone, was momentarily stunned. He instinctively asked, "Who are you?"

Han Yue chuckled on the other end. "It's me, the one who caused a scene in the restaurant that day."

In an instant, Chu Ci recalled the officer from that day. Although he had concealed his emotions well, Chu Ci could still sense the commanding aura that came with someone accustomed to giving orders from a position of power.

That aura had made Chu Ci slightly uneasy back then. When Han Yue had asked for his number, Chu Ci pretended not to hear him.

But why was this person calling him now?

"Y-You... How did you get my phone number?" Chu Ci couldn't help but ask.

Han Yue didn't answer directly but changed the subject with enthusiasm, "I happened to be back in Beijing for business. Let me treat you to a meal as an apology! Are you free tonight?"

"......I'm not available."

"What about tomorrow night?"

"No." Chu Ci paused and then tactfully added, "My hand is already fine. You don't need to go through so much trouble. Also, how did you obtain my phone numb—"

"Oh, just come out tonight! It won't take up much of your time!"

Chu Ci was interrupted but still politely declined, "I appreciate the offer, but I really am busy tonight. That day wasn't a big deal, you really don't have to dwell on it!"

"I'm not dwelling on it. It's just a meal, like meeting a new friend. What's the big deal? "

Chu Ci was almost amused by this person's persistence, "Excuse me, sir, I think there's been a misunderstanding. I'm quite sure I'm not the same kind of person as your friends, we probably wouldn't have much to talk about. And I don't wish to inquire about how you got my phone number. Let's leave it at that, shall we? I'm quite busy, you see."

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the line before Han Yue let out a soft sigh and said with a smile, "Then... carry on with your work first."

With that, he hung up the call.

Although Chu Ci found his final words somewhat odd, he didn't give it much thought and mumbled to himself as he hung up, "Why is this guy always being overly attentive? Is he up to no good?"

In truth, Chu Ci was completely fine that night; he merely wanted to be alone.

After work, he went home and hastily prepared something to eat. He then read some professional books until around ten o'clock before going to bed obediently.

What he didn't know was that Han Yue had actually planned on visiting him that night. However, he was urgently summoned back by the Military Commission halfway through, allowing Chu Ci to sleep soundly for one last night.

The next morning, Chu Ci woke up as usual to go to work. For some reason, his eyelids kept twitching. While brushing his teeth, he accidentally knocked over his glass cup, nearly cutting his finger on the shards.

Chu Ci couldn't help but feel a bit irritable.

By the time he cleaned up the broken glass, he was already running late. If there were any traffic jams on the way, he might not make it in time to clock in.

Just as he was about to rush out, the doorbell rang again.

"Coming!" Chu Ci called out, grabbing his laptop as he hurried to open the door. "May I ask who... Huh? It's you?"

"Good morning," Han Yue stood at the door with a slight smile, taking a step further into the room.

Despite his expression not being particularly intimidating, there was an undeniable sense of pressure that made Chu Ci unconsciously take a half-step back, "…What… brings you here?"

Han Yue gestured for him to close the door, "I came to discuss something with you. It wouldn't be proper if we disturbed the neighbors. Come, close the door."

"Sorry, I need to head to work now. Why don't we talk on the way —"

Han Yue gently caught Chu Ci's hand on the doorknob, gently urging him to close the door, which clicked into lock with a soft click.

This gesture gave Chu Ci an ominous feeling. "What do you want?"

"I'm not doing anything. Don't be so nervous, relax." Han Yue surveyed the surroundings. The living room wasn't spacious, and the door to the bedroom was open. With a quick glance, he could see the overall layout of the house.

"You're really single, huh? Not even a pet. Isn't it lonely living alone?" Han Yue clicked his tongue as he walked through the living room, strolled around the study, and peered into the bedroom. "No parents, no relatives, no girlfriend... Oh, and no boyfriend either."

Chu Ci slammed the bedroom door shut, his voice tinged with anger. "You're being too strange! Why are you suddenly barging into someone else's home and talking nonsense? I have to go to work, please leave now!"

Han Yue suddenly grabbed his hand with great force, startling Chu Ci, who then struggled fiercely. "What are you doing? Let go!"

Han Yue didn't utter a sound as he suddenly swept Chu Ci up in his arms, briskly crossing the living room and entering the study. He tossed Chu Ci onto a spacious sofa and then propped one knee against him to prevent escape.

Chu Ci was dazed by the force of the throw. When he regained his senses, he immediately grabbed at the objects on the desk, planning to use them to hit Han Yue's head.

Han Yue wasn't about to let himself get hit. Swiftly snatching away the object, he heard a crash as he swept everything on the desk to the ground.

"You..." Just as Chu Ci was about to explode in anger, he accidentally touched something hard in Han Yue's pocket while struggling. Lowering his head, his face paled as he saw a pitch-black pistol.

"Oh, I scared you." Han Yue nonchalantly stuffed the gun back into his pocket. "It's okay, don't mind it."

A chill ran down Chu Ci's spine. His voice trembled as he asked, "What do you want?"

"Well, I just came to talk to you about something." Han Yue actually smiled. Leaning in with an intimate and ambiguous posture, he whispered in Chu Ci's ear, "I noticed that you don't have a partner, and neither do I. Plus, I quite like you. Would you like to be friends?"

Chu Ci froze for a moment before becoming so furious he could barely speak. After a long while, he gritted his teeth and said, "Get off me!"

One of Han Yue's knees was pressing against Chu Ci's thighs, and his hand held Chu Ci's waist like a vice. In the military, he had been able to carry a 30-kilogram log while running cross-country. Holding down Chu Ci was effortless. "You haven't given me an answer yet..."

"It's impossible! I refuse! Get lost!"

"I won't take no for an answer." Han Yue freed one hand to boldly caress Chu Ci's chin before firmly turning his face and sealing their lips in a fierce kiss.

The kiss was ruthless and impatient, devoid of any tenderness. Like a ravenous predator finally seizing its dream prey, the first thing it did was sink its teeth in eagerly, wishing to devour the entire catch, skin and flesh, in one bite.

Chu Ci groaned, barely managing to free one hand to grab at Han Yue, only to have it swiftly caught and twisted behind his back.

Using his body to pin Chu Ci down, Han Yue urgently grabbed a handful of his hair at the nape of his neck, forcing him to tilt his head back and accept the kiss. This way, he didn't need to pry open Chu Ci's jaw for him to be unable to clench his teeth. Saliva dripped from his roughly handled lips, sliding down Chu Ci's pale, vulnerable throat, and seeping into the skin beneath his shirt.

This violent and forceful kiss, tinged with bloodlust and aggression, set every nerve in Han Yue's body ablaze.

His blood surged like tidal waves, one surge pounding through his temples, making his temples throb; another surging downward, causing him to stiffen uncontrollably early in the morning.

Damn, this is deadly. I don't want to be a rapist... Han Yue eventually bit down on Chu Ci's lower lip, lifting his head while panting heavily.

Chu Ci looked utterly disheveled, his shirt crumpled and two buttons undone, revealing a lovely collarbone. His lips were slightly bloody, his face flushed from lack of oxygen and anger, his gaze burning with a desire to pounce on Han Yue and tear him apart.

Han Yue felt a twinge of regret as he realized he was genuinely aroused.

"I won't touch you if you behave, at least not today," Han Yue gritted his teeth against the incessant cravings, reaching out to gently stroke Chu Ci's face with a low, gravelly, yet unusually gentle tone. "I may have a bad temper and occasionally act foolish, but I'm never stingy with others. Think about what I've said – it'll benefit you."

"You're dreaming! Get out of my house!" Chu Ci slapped away Han Yue's hand, his body trembling with anger. "Leave right now, or I'll call the police!"

Han Yue's face darkened at Chu Ci's resolute rejection, then he sneered. "Call the police? Go ahead and try, I'll even dial 110 for you."

Chu Ci was speechless, reaching for the phone.

There was a cordless phone on his desk that usually worked fine, but today it refused to turn on no matter how many times he pressed the buttons.

"It's useless," Han Yue said casually as he took out his cell phone. "I had your phone line cut before I came. So, I'll help you call 110. But before that, we need to call your workplace and get you a sick day."

Chu Ci watched helplessly as Han Yue dialed a number, which was answered quickly. Han Yue lazily said, "Hello, Mr. Liu? This is Han Yue."

Chu Ci couldn't hear what was said on the other end of the phone, but from Han Yue's casual and somewhat domineering tone, it seemed the response was enthusiastic.

Chu Ci knew Mr. Liu, who was a superior at his workplace, usually arrogant and pompous, bowing and scraping only when dealing with higher-ups. The engineers often made fun of him behind his back.

"Here's the thing, there's a friend of mine named Chu Ci working at your company... Yes, he's sick today, so I'm taking the liberty to ask for a sick leave for him... What? How long? I'm not sure, you decide. ..."

Mr. Liu must have responded with some eager words, as Han Yue hummed in acknowledgment before hanging up.

He handed Chu Ci his phone with an open gesture and asked, "Try dialing 110?"

Although he was still smiling, it was clearly different from the first time Chu Ci had met him.

The first time Chu Ci saw Han Yue, he was disguised, hiding all danger and desire beneath a facade, trying to make a good first impression on Chu Ci. But no matter how much one tried to hide, their aura couldn't be disguised. Thus, Chu Ci could still sense from the tiniest details that Han Yue was an authoritative figure accustomed to giving orders, which made Chu Ci subconsciously keep a distance.

By now, Han Yue had completely torn off his disguise, revealing the ruthless and aggressive nature beneath his skin. Even his smile carried a prickling sense of oppression, sending chills down people's spines.

Chu Ci took the phone, his fingers trembling as he dialed the numbers. He pressed two ones and a zero, then reached for the green call button. Just as he was about to press it, he suddenly stopped, looking up at Han Yue and asking, "You... Your surname is Han?"

Han Yue didn't intend to intimidate Chu Ci with his family background but didn't deny it either. He nodded openly and said, "Yes."

"Like South Korea's Han?"

"Ahh, that's the country known as the Land of the Morning Calm..."

Chu Ci was in no mood to engage in Han Yue's jests. His face paled instantly, nearly losing all its remaining color. "You said you're the second child. Do you have an older brother named... Han Qiang?"

Han Yue was also slightly surprised. "Oh! You know my big brother? Or is he just extra high-profile in Beijing?"

Chu Ci's body instantly froze, leaving Han Yue unable to discern any expression on his face. It only took a few seconds before he suddenly shoved Han Yue away and rushed out of the sofa with a terrifying strength, as if he was on the verge of death. Han Yue was momentarily stunned.

He abruptly stood up and followed Chu Ci outside. Chu Ci dashed into the kitchen, grabbed a fruit knife that was about the length of his palm, then pointed it at Han Yue and yelled, "Get out of here right now!"

"Put the knife d—"

"GET OUT!" Chu Ci's voice was sharp and frightening, with veins popping out in his eyes. "Or I'll chop you up right now!"

"Relax, put the knife down first…" Han Yue wasn't afraid of the small knife. He was more worried that Chu Ci might accidentally stab himself due to his agitation. As he waved his hands, he slowly approached Chu Ci, hoping to seize the knife when Chu Ci wasn't paying attention. However, he didn't expect Chu Ci to be so quick. In a flash, the blade glinted, and Han Yue watched in horror as a horizontal cut opened up on his palm!

The wound wasn't deep, but it spanned across his entire hand, causing blood to seep out immediately. Han Yue gasped in pain.

"Get out now and never show your face to me again," Chu Ci said, knife in one hand and trembling finger pointing at the door. "Next time I see you, I swear I'll kill you! I mean it!"

Before he could finish speaking, Han Yue suddenly lunged forward, snatched Chu Ci's wrist holding the knife, twisted it, and simultaneously kneed him hard in the abdomen, making Chu Ci double over in pain.

Han Yue had calculated the kick's trajectory—it landed precisely on the lower abdomen, enough to cause excruciating pain that would temporarily disable the victim without causing internal organ damage.

However, just as Chu Ci was forced to let go of the knife, he thrust the blade forward. Han Yue was caught off guard and got stabbed in the shoulder.

A fruit knife couldn't inflict severe damage, and the force Chu Ci exerted while twisting his wrist was limited. However, the blade was precise, piercing through Han Yue's coat and grazing the muscles of his shoulder, causing blood to seep out instantly.

Han Yue glanced down, his expression unchanged. He grabbed Chu Ci's hand and pulled it towards him, then swiftly dealt a hard blow to the back of his head!

"Ahh…" Chu Ci cried out in pain before collapsing, only to be caught in Han Yue's arms.

"Hiss, you're quite capable," Han Yue muttered as he wiped the wound on his shoulder and smeared the blood onto a kitchen cloth. Then, he lifted Chu Ci up horizontally.

When unconscious, Chu Ci looked incredibly peaceful with his eyes tightly shut, his long and thick eyelashes casting a half-circle shadow. His disheveled black hair fell across his forehead, highlighting the fairness of his skin like freshly fallen snow.

Despite being slightly frustrated by the two knife wounds, the moment Han Yue held Chu Ci in his embrace, his annoyance vanished in an instant.

"You're quite a versatile one," Han Yue lowered his head and gave Chu Ci's face a fierce kiss.

He carried Chu Ci back to the study, scanning the room before deciding to place him in an armchair. Then, he cuffed his wrists behind the chairback.

This position allowed his head to rest against the chair without causing too much discomfort but ensured that he couldn't move freely.

"Next time, don't step out of this door if you can't agree," Han Yue patted Chu Ci's unconscious face and smoothed away the creases between his brows.

"Why are you so anxious? What is there to be afraid of?" Han Yue paused, as if reassuring himself, he whispered softly, "I'll make it up to you properly... sometime in the future."

{Extra} Meeting: Part 2

When Chu Ci woke up, he felt a piercing pain at the back of his head, causing him to groan involuntarily.

A warm glass of water was immediately placed to his lips. Instinctively, Chu Ci took two sips, gradually regaining consciousness.

Then, he realized something was amiss – his wrists were bound behind the chair!

"What are you doing?!" Chu Ci blurted out, only to groan again from the intense pain in the back of his head. "Ah..."

Han Yue was taken aback before realizing that a blow to the nape would indeed be painful. He hadn't considered that Chu Ci was not like the tough guys in his military unit; he needed to be more cautious with his strength to avoid unforeseen injuries.

Feeling unusually guilty, Han Yue gently massaged Chu Ci's neck. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You were being a bit difficult back then... I won't do it again next time."

His massage skills were exceptional, and for a fleeting moment, Chu Ci felt slightly relaxed under his touch. But then, he quickly regained his senses and started struggling fiercely. "Let me go!"

"No way," Han Yue replied, planting a kiss on Chu Ci's hair. "I'll release you when you agree."

Chu Ci felt a chill run down his spine.

Han Yue's tone was too much like that of a child throwing a tantrum, but children would only threaten, "If you don't agree, I'll cry," not, "If you don't agree, I'll restrict your personal freedom." Most importantly, children didn't hit people; they wouldn't have handcuffs on them, nor would they carry a gun in their pocket!

"Han... Yue, you said your name is Han Yue, right?" Chu Ci calmed down slightly, though his voice still trembled uncontrollably. "Can you let me go first? I can't agree to anything with my hands cuffed like this..."

"I'll unlock them if you agree."

"I... can't promise you that. I don't like men, and I have no intention of being friends with anyone. More importantly..." Chu Ci paused, clenching his teeth abruptly. "I really dislike you."

Han Yue suddenly squatted in front of Chu Ci's knees and asked, "Is it because I barged into your house and touched you?"

Chu Ci shook his head, trembling, then nodded abruptly.

"So, is it or isn't it?"

"...Your surname is Han," Chu Ci said slowly, his voice still unsteady. "I dislike... I hate people like you."

Han Yue was momentarily confused. "So, in the end, you still hate the privileged class, don't you? You think we're arrogant and unreasonable, so you want nothing to do with us? You've got that wrong. Although I can be unscrupulous at times, I'm generally reasonable... Ah, don't look at me like that. I was indeed unreasonable about your situation."

Chu Ci shook his head, gritting his teeth and refusing to engage in further conversation with Han Yue. He repeatedly pleaded, "Let me go first!"

At first, Han Yue tried to coax Chu Ci gently, but as time passed, his patience wore thin, and he sat silently beside him. Occasionally, when he saw a pained expression on Chu Ci's face, he would massage him – sometimes the nape of his neck, sometimes his shoulder blades, and sometimes he would carefully knead one of Chu Ci's calves resting it on his knee.

Before they knew it, it was already noon. Han Yue checked his watch and asked, "Should I make you something to eat?"

Forced to sit still for the entire morning, Chu Ci wasn't hungry at all; he was so furious that he felt full. "Get lost!"

Han Yue shrugged and headed straight for the kitchen. In the study, Chu Ci could only hear the sounds of the refrigerator opening and closing, vegetables being washed and chopped, and various cooking techniques. Soon, Han Yue entered the study with a large tray, carrying three dishes and one soup.

His behavior, taking over as if he were the host, infuriated Chu Ci, who was already emotionally fragile.

Han Yue, however, was oblivious to Chu Ci's feelings and continued to enthusiastically introduce the dishes, "I stir-fried some greens with tofu, prepared a dish of cauliflower with oyster sauce and shrimp, and fried a plate of shrimp balls. The soup is what I found pre-made in your fridge; I just reheated it."

Chu Ci still wanted Han Yue to remove the handcuffs. "I can't eat with these on my wrists..."

"I'll feed you," Han Yue said, promptly picking up a plump, glossy shrimp ball from the plate and holding it to Chu Ci's mouth.

Chu Ci felt utterly hopeless. "Please, I beg you, can you just unlock these? Leave my house now, and I'll pretend I've never met you. I promise not to bother you anymore, alright?"

Han Yue's expression darkened for a moment, and in that instant, he seemed somewhat menacing.

Han Yue embodied the archetype of a stern figure, his smile could be amiable, though not radiating warmth, yet it brought a sense of openness. However, when he wore a solemn expression, an aura of severity and coldness sent chills down people's spines.

Over time, Chu Ci became accustomed to seeing that face, eventually fearless enough to remain indifferent, even ignoring him as if he were mere air when Han Yue put on a stern front.

At that moment, however, Chu Ci was still young. He had only seen guns on television. A mix of emotions—anger, fear, sadness, and frustration—consumed him. Thus, when Han Yue's demeanor shifted, he was inevitably shaken.

But almost instantly, Han Yue broke into a smile, affectionately stroking his cheek. "You can pretend you've never met me, but I can't pretend I haven't met you. Come, darling, taste my cooking. I'm bloody good at it."

Reluctantly, Chu Ci took a few bites, unable to savor the food. Han Yue persistently asked, "How does it taste? Can you handle spicy? Is it aromatic?"

Chu Ci dared not provoke him too much, so he could only nod perfunctorily.

Han Yue's mood instantly lifted. "There are too few ingredients in your kitchen, that's why there's only these few dishes. One day, I'll buy you some good groceries and cook up a feast without any repeats. Let me tell you, even my parents haven't tasted my cooking. Of course, I've never had my mom's food either... Off topic, off topic. In the future, when we're together, I'll take care of everything in the kitchen, and let you witness my skills!"

Chu Ci barely managed to eat half a bowl before he couldn't stomach any more. His stomach was twisting in discomfort. Seeing his arms still trembling slightly, Han Yue assumed he was still scared and asked softly, "What are you afraid of? I won't do anything to you. As soon as you cooperate, I'll let you go. Isn't that good?"

"...I need to use the restroom," Chu Ci hesitated for a long time before cautiously speaking up.

Han Yue looked at his face, seemingly assessing whether he genuinely needed to use the toilet.

Chu Ci had been handcuffed for a whole morning, almost four or five hours. It was not strange that he needed to use the restroom.

Finally, Han Yue sighed and said, "Fine."

He turned around the chair and bent down to unlock the handcuffs with a key.

The moment he took out the key, all of Chu Ci's muscles tensed up. With a click, the handcuffs released his skin, and Chu Ci instantly freed both hands, turning around to swing a fierce punch at Han Yue!

Despite the numbness and ache in his arms from being cuffed in an awkward position for so long, this punch was swift and agile. If it landed directly on Han Yue, it could cause significant pain.

But who was Han Yue? Chu Ci's meager fighting skills were nothing before him.

In the split second before impact, Han Yue swiftly tilted his head aside. Then, he placed a hand on Chu Ci's wrist, forcefully twisting it in the opposite direction! At the same time, his other hand followed Chu Ci's arm, pressing firmly into his armpit. Without even a groan, Chu Ci collapsed.

Han Yue seized the opportunity to catch him, disregarding his struggles as he forcibly cuffed one of Chu Ci's hands to his own.

"F*ck you, bastard!" Chu Ci couldn't hold back his curses any longer.

"Oh, you know how to swear too!"

Han Yue playfully slapped Chu Ci's face, applying a bit more force than necessary, as if to imply a veiled threat. "—Darling, don't try to play games in front of me. You haven't met the truly ruthless and inhumane types… I'm already quite gentle."

Chu Ci lunged forward, trying to hit him, but Han Yue swiftly twisted his arm and pulled him into an embrace, asking affectionately, "Shall we go? Do you still need to use the bathroom?"

Using the bathroom was also a daunting task.

With one hand cuffed to Han Yue's, Chu Ci couldn't bring himself to relieve himself in front of someone else. Seeing his flushed face, Han Yue knew he was being cruel, yet it sent shivers of excitement through him.

"Can you… turn around?" Chu Ci finally couldn't hold back, asking in a muffled whisper.

Han Yue chuckled deliberately. "What are you afraid of, we're both guys? Or is your little brother too… embarrassed to make an appearance?"

Han Yue, a tough and unyielding man, was being shamelessly provocative with these words. If his comrades were to hear this, they would be utterly stunned.

Chu Ci gritted his teeth and turned his head, not sure if he was blushing from embarrassment or anger. His hands trembled as he unzipped his pants.

Han Yue looked down and whistled. "Hey, that looks pretty good. Why are you being shy?"

—For that remark, Han Yue had to put in tremendous effort the next time he cuffed Chu Ci to the chair, nearly losing a tooth when Chu Ci retaliated. In the struggle, the chair was knocked over, crashing onto Han Yue's leg and causing him to gasp in pain.

In the end, he grew fierce, pinning Chu Ci's neck to the chair and yelling, "If you don't behave, I'll fuck you right now!"

Just as he clicked the handcuffs into place, Chu Ci delivered a fierce kick that landed directly on Han Yue.

Although the kick hit its target, his ankle was immediately caught and held by Han Yue. Chu Ci wasn't wearing shoes at home; he only had on a pair of shallow carpet socks. Taking advantage of the situation, Han Yue stripped off the sock and tossed it aside, grabbing hold of Chu Ci's fair ankle.

Chu Ci didn't often engage in outdoor activities and seldom wore shorts or sleeveless shirts, so the skin covered by his clothes was even whiter and smoother. It felt delicate, smooth, and cool to the touch.

Since childhood, Han Yue had always been the one doing the beating, never the one being beaten. After being slashed twice by Chu Ci and kicked multiple times, he was already furious. But when he saw the angry gritted teeth on Chu Ci's face and touched his beautifully-shaped ankle, Han Yue's heart softened without him realizing it, and there was even a slight itchiness like a cat clawing at him.

He originally intended to give that ankle a firm pinch as a lesson, but in that moment, he couldn't resist caressing it first. He stroked up the calf and chuckled softly, "Go ahead and hit me if you want. I won't hold it against you... Damn, who told me to like you?"

Chu Ci shuddered, abruptly trying to withdraw his foot, but Han Yue refused to let go, lowering his head to peck it playfully.

Feet were sensitive areas for both men and women, and fondling them during foreplay or flirting could intensify the romantic atmosphere.

Even Han Yue felt a spark of desire from the kiss.

Chu Ci took a sharp breath and tried to pull his leg back forcefully, but Han Yue stubbornly held on tight.

He gently nibbled on Chu Ci's ankle, then tickled his sole and toes. Chu Ci had the habit of taking a shower every morning, and Han Yue found it anything but unclean; instead, he found it incredibly stimulating.

That excitement urged him to tease Chu Ci more amorously, deliberately provoking his desires. Soon, Chu Ci's attempt to retract his foot lost its strength, and Han Yue lifted his trouser leg to kiss his calf. At the same time, one hand reached upward, roughly pulling down Chu Ci's zipper.

"No!" Chu Ci's voice trembled, tinged with a hint of pleading, "…Please!"

In no time, Han Yue pulled out Chu Ci's compliant member, playing with it for a while. Feeling how Chu Ci's entire body was tense, he slowly and powerfully stroked the side of his waist. Simultaneously, he lifted his head, engulfing that part in his mouth.

The warmth and softness of the oral embrace sent a shiver down Chu Ci's spine. An unprecedented rush of pleasure overwhelmed him like a tidal wave, leaving him gasping for air. He struggled to lift his head, unable to form coherent words, much less resist. All he could do was emit intermittent, muffled moans between his lips.

Han Yue had never done this before nor enjoyed it when others did it to him, as it always seemed disrespectful, a bit too base.

Yet, that deeply ingrained mindset crumbled at this moment. He willingly used his lips and tongue to tease the now-hardening member, gently biting the tip with his teeth and employing all his skills to provoke Chu Ci's deepest desire. He even mimicked the rhythm of intercourse, swallowing and releasing that organ repeatedly, savoring Chu Ci's repressed, pained, yet lustful gasps, which filled him with a sense of accomplishment.

Chu Ci didn't last long. Soon, Han Yue felt the increasing agitation within his mouth. He knew Chu Ci was about to climax, but instead of spitting it out, he deliberately deep-throated him.

Unable to hold back any longer, Chu Ci let out a short, desperate moan, his voice trembling and hoarse. The sound was incredibly alluring, igniting a fire within Han Yue that made his hardness ache.

At that moment, Chu Ci trembled and released his climax. The orgasm lasted several seconds, and he strained to lift his head, momentarily losing consciousness. Only a jolt of pleasure akin to an electric shock lashed at his body, driving him to madness.

That sensation overwhelmed him, as if there was an indescribable element within it – perhaps humiliation and disgrace – but under such intense stimulation, it paradoxically intensified the wicked pleasure.

"I've never swallowed another person's... before," Han Yue stood up, wiping the creamy residue from the corner of his mouth without any concern.

Chu Ci, still in a daze, opened his eyes to look at him. The afterglow of climax lingered in his body, yet Han Yue's presence filled him with extreme fear.

"I should have made it a reciprocal gesture," Han Yue turned Chu Ci's chin, carelessly caressing his cheek with the calloused pad of his finger. Upon seeing the terrified expression in Chu Ci's eyes, he chuckled in a low voice, "Don't worry. Though I'm desperately eager to thoroughly take you, I can still restrain myself for now."

He leaned down to kiss Chu Ci lightly, then pinched his chest. In that moment, Chu Ci's body tensed up as he felt an intensely aroused hardness pressing against his abdomen. The immense threat it conveyed was self-evident.

"I'll give you a little more time to think about it," Han Yue rose to his feet, towering over Chu Ci, "My patience is limited, so you'd better make up your mind quickly."

With a wave of his hand, he turned around and strode towards the bathroom to take care of his own needs.

"Extra: Encounter - Part 2"

Many years later, Chu Ci recalled those two days spent shackled to the chair, and a mingled sense of humiliation and frustration would involuntarily surface in his heart.

Han Yue didn't stop after just one attempt; instead, he relentlessly teased Chu Ci. At times, he'd force him to climax with his hands, at others, he'd fondle Chu Ci's body playfully, and if nothing else, he'd use words to provoke him, delighting in the sight of Chu Ci's face turning red with anger and embarrassment.

Chu Ci gritted his teeth through the first day, his emotions raging. The intense fluctuations led to gastric irritation, and he even vomited the two bites of food he had managed to swallow that night.

But his determined resistance was ineffective against Han Yue, who was far more stubborn. No matter how much Chu Ci begged, screamed, raged, or clenched his teeth in frustration, Han Yue remained steadfast with his words, "Promise me, and I'll release you. Otherwise, I'll stay here with you until you give in."

That night, Chu Ci could only sleep on the chair, finding it extremely uncomfortable. Han Yue was unmoved, bringing over a chair to sit beside him and doze off.

Sometime during the night, Chu Ci vaguely felt himself being moved, as if someone had picked him up, creating a sensation of weightlessness. It was a brief moment, and soon he slipped back into a deep sleep.

Unbeknownst to Chu Ci, Han Yue had unlocked the handcuffs, carried him to the bed, and then nestled close, closing his eyes contentedly.

When dawn had yet to break on the second day, Han Yue woke up first, carrying Chu Ci back to the chair, and re-fastening the handcuffs as they were the previous night.

Chu Ci later believed he had been shackled to the chair for two full days, but that wasn't entirely true. On the chair, he couldn't possibly have slept through the entire night, for the backrest was too hard and uncomfortable, unlike the comfort of a bed.

Han Yue was pleased that Chu Ci hadn't discovered his secret from that night.

In fact, Chu Ci not only hadn't discovered it, but he was also furious. He was a natural at savoring the beautiful aspects of life, with delicate emotions and a sensitive soul, believing in the kindness and camaraderie of humanity. Once someone treated him maliciously and cruelly, he would be deeply hurt.

He had a strong sense of right and wrong, believing that there should be no bullies in the world, no authoritarianism or privileged classes, that one who takes a life should pay with their own, and that after harming others, one should sincerely apologize and seek forgiveness.

However, the Han family shattered his normal understanding of society, leaving him in a state of panic and despair.

He couldn't fathom how, despite all his years of effort, just as he was about to overcome his hardships and see the light at the end of the tunnel, he was suddenly pushed back into the abyss by the Han family with such ease.

Looking at Han Yue's domineering demeanor, Chu Ci felt a chill run down his spine.

When hatred took root in someone like Chu Ci, it became even more extreme and obsessive. The desire for revenge roared within his soul, louder than ever before in his mind.

Never before had he had such a clear and intense urge for vengeance, not when he first learned of his teacher and brother's death, nor when he found out that Han Qiang had escaped legal punishment. Not even when he first laid eyes on Han Yue.

Each straw, one by one, piled up until they crushed the simplicity of Chu Ci's heart.

He knew that avenging himself against Han Qiang was impossible on his own, let alone seeking justice from the corrupt judicial officials. The gap between their social classes was too vast, like heaven and earth, making any form of contact nearly unattainable.

The only way to come face to face with Han Qiang was through Han Yue.

Actually, at that time, Chu Ci didn't have a clear thought of taking Han Yue's life. He just vaguely had the notion of revenge. Although he was despairing towards the law, it wasn't possible for him to suddenly have the urge to kill his enemy with his own hands.

He merely stumbled upon a path in the darkness, a path that Han Qiang's biological younger brother had forcefully placed before him, leaving him no choice but to walk it.

The following day after Chu Ci was handcuffed to the chair, he developed a slight fever.

It wasn't due to physical harm, but rather because he hadn't eaten much the day before and his emotions were highly agitated, resulting in great mental exhaustion.

Han Yue was very attentive, preparing food for him and serving tea, but he didn't think to check Chu Ci's temperature. He assumed that Chu Ci's lack of energy was simply from being tired from being handcuffed in the same position for a whole day.

He couldn't resist teasing Chu Ci like he did the previous day, but seeing that the other party remained unresponsive, he could only reluctantly stop.

That night, Han Yue received a call from Pei Zhi, asking why he had skipped an important social event.

Han Yue described his actions over the past two days without any embarrassment, and Pei Zhi was shocked after listening: "Do you think you're a gangster breaking into someone's house? You've kept him handcuffed for two days?! ... Damn, I don't care about your mess, couldn't you just lock him up at home and come out for a bit?"

Han Yue chuckled and said, "How can I leave him alone at home? I need to keep an eye on him all the time to feel at ease."

"You bloody well could have tried to win him over properly if you really did fall for him at first sight! Why resort to such foolishness that defies reason?"

"Hell, I'm not one for sentimental crap!" Han Yue took a deep breath and continued, "The moment I laid eyes on him, I was so smitten that I forgot my own name. How could I possibly wait a year or half a year before making a move?"

Chu Ci closed his eyes and leaned back in the chair, his eyelashes fluttering at Han Yue's words.

After hanging up the call, Han Yue smiled and lowered his head to kiss Chu Ci's eyelids, asking, "It's been two days now. Have you thought it through?"

"..." Chu Ci turned his head away in silence.

"I have very little patience, darling. You're so delicate; I doubt you could handle much hardship. It'd be best not to provoke me," Han Yue paused, observing Chu Ci's expression, then chuckled softly. "Just joking, just joking. I was messing with you. Damn, how could I bear to let you suffer? I like you so much."

Their proximity was such that Han Yue's lips almost brushed against Chu Ci's face as he spoke. Chu Ci strained his neck to avoid the intimacy, his voice trembling slightly. "You...".

Han Yue caught a snippet of what he said but couldn't make it out clearly. "What?"

"...Are you serious?"

Though faint, those words were no less than a beacon of hope to Han Yue. He hurriedly cleared his throat and spoke earnestly, "As serious as it gets! I've never liked anyone this much before. You're the first, damn it!"

Chu Ci's gaze slowly shifted to Han Yue's face, as if he was suppressing intense emotions, examining him meticulously.

Han Yue, who had never cared about his appearance, suddenly wished he were more handsome for the first time. If only this treasure could fall in love with him at first sight, that would be perfect.

"I... I agree," Chu Ci whispered, his teeth chattering uncontrollably. "Untie me quickly."

Before he could say it again, Han Yue pounced on him in delight and kissed him fiercely, hurriedly unlocking the handcuffs.

Before Chu Ci could react, he was abruptly pulled into a fiery embrace. Han Yue passionately kissed his hair, trailing down from his earlobe to his neck, then forcefully pushed him into the chair, rubbing his head against Chu Ci's neck. This intimate and agitated action made Chu Ci frown deeply, trying to tilt his head back as much as possible. Suddenly, he felt something cold brush against his waist, causing him to shudder.

It was the handgun Han Yue had casually stuffed into his pocket.

Like being electrocuted, Chu Ci abruptly pushed Han Yue away with an unexpectedly strong force, making Han Yue stumble. He stood up and dashed out, but Han Yue's joy was burning fiercely, so how could he let him escape? He immediately reached out to grab him.

In terms of strength, Chu Ci was no match for Han Yue, but he couldn't withstand his desperate struggle while frantically trying to retreat. Though he gritted his teeth and didn't utter a word, his terrified expression was obvious even to someone as insensitive as Han Yue. "Calm down, relax! What's going on? What happened?"

Chu Ci remained silent, shivering as he shook his head and pointed.

Han Yue followed his finger to look at himself and saw the exposed barrel of the gun, not finding anything unusual since he was accustomed to it. It took a moment for him to realize, "You mean this?"

He brandished the gun in front of Chu Ci, laughing heartily at the sight of his even more terrified expression before fiercely tossing it aside.

"Don't be afraid, I didn't mean to scare you, really not! After leaving the military commission yesterday morning, I came straight to find you, so I didn't have time to change my clothes. Come on, don't be scared, the safety's always on…."

Han Yue held Chu Ci tightly in his embrace, repeatedly comforting him with what he believed to be the gentlest and harmless voice possible. Unbeknownst to him, no matter how much he tried to soften his demeanor, he could never alter the violent image he had etched in Chu Ci's mind.

In the end, a long time later, Han Yue would only symbolize violence, privilege, savagery, and irrationality in Chu Ci's heart – an odious emblem closely tied to that very pistol. If Han Yue knew this, he would surely be filled with regret.

But time could not be reversed, and even if Han Yue was willing to pay the ultimate price, they could never go back to the day they first met.

Carrying Chu Ci over his shoulder, Han Yue kicked open the bedroom door and threw him onto the large double bed, immediately pouncing on top of him.

He felt incredibly fortunate; had he not gone to that restaurant that day, had the crab served been significantly smaller, had he not seized the opportunity to decisively confront the person… perhaps they would have passed each other by in the sea of people, or at the very least, he wouldn't have been able to obtain this person so swiftly.

Han Yue was ecstatic. The exhilarating joy of having his wish fulfilled burned within him, leaving him parched with desire. The fruit of his patience for so many days tasted sweet, causing his lower body to ache as his desire swelled. Veins soon began to creep into the corners of his eyes, revealing a terrifying crimson hue.

Ripping apart Chu Ci's clothes in a flurry, he wrapped his arms around his body, kissing from the slender neck all the way down to the dip of his collarbone, leaving behind vivid red marks. Like savoring a rare delicacy, he devoured each bite with relish, wishing to grind it into pieces and forever possess it within his own body, never revealing the slightest bit to share with others.

This is mine, Han Yue thought, his excitement mounting.

It's mine alone, solely mine.

Chu Ci clenched his teeth, shivering uncontrollably, desperately holding back any sound. It wasn't until Han Yue kissed his face that he realized Chu Ci's cheeks were soaked with tears, the droplets continuously sliding down to his delicate neck.

Han Yue brushed his lips against Chu Ci's face, muttering in a hazy tone, "…Crying like a child…"

He lifted Chu Ci's upper body, cradling him tightly in his embrace as if trying to soothe him with all his might.

However, Chu Ci was still trembling. Whenever Han Yue started moving, he couldn't help but curl up, resembling a vulnerable little creature that had been ruthlessly hurt.

Han Yue held him close, whispering Chu Ci's name while using the calloused fingertips of his gun-toughened hands to wipe away the tears at the corners of his eyes.

There was a time when he had desperately desired Chu Ci, that primal possessiveness akin to a male seeking mating, only requiring permission. Yet, he then yearned for Chu Ci's willing consent, not just a reluctant acquiescence born from violence and fear, but a more active, more cooperative, mutual love.

His desires grew increasingly greedy, wanting Chu Ci to accept him, to like him, to treat him tenderly, to spend a lifetime together. He wanted everything from Chu Ci and was willing to give all he had, just like true partners who held nothing back from each other.

But later, he realized that Chu Ci would never give him anything. No matter how proactive or forceful he was, there was no response.

All he had gained, what he thought was acceptance and permission, was merely Chu Ci's reluctant surrender under duress. He believed that by making amends, he could earn Chu Ci's affection, only to discover soon enough that even if he gave everything, he could never hope for a fraction of Chu Ci's warmth in return.

They could not spend their lives together as lovers. Han Yue realized that everything he had offered was not what Chu Ci needed.

It was only after being deeply and utterly hurt by Chu Ci that Han Yue finally gained the sole opportunity to hide him away when everyone else sought to tear Chu Ci apart, to possess him and protect him simultaneously.

That was the first time Han Yue transitioned from being an aggressor to a protector, even though Chu Ci did not want such protection. Desperately, Han Yue clung to this last chance, even if it meant opposing his own mother and family.

"I forgot my own surname the moment I laid eyes on him."

Only much later did Han Yue recall this statement he had once made to Pei Zhi, which eventually proved to be prophetically true.