On Saturday morning, Xu Guang and a girl from WeChat named “Xiao Yang,” who’s actual name is Yang Xing, took the high-speed train. Yang Xing had sneaked out of her house without telling Xu Guang, but he had already guessed it. She always came out with him in a secretive manner.
Yang Xing was wearing a big coat, wrapped in a scarf, and had a luxury brand bag slung on her arm. Xu Guang recognized the logo; even the cheapest bags from that brand cost over ten thousand yuan. He, on the other hand, was wearing a generic jacket that had cost him a thousand, and he had felt the pinch when buying it.
However, luxury brands were something he would acquire once he had completely won over Yang Xing.
Xu Guang looked Yang Xing up and down, smirking to himself. She might be a bit naive, but she was undeniably good-looking, well-dressed, and most importantly, easy to deceive.
Since she had willingly come to him this time, he planned to make the most of it in the city tonight.
With a gentle tone, Xu Guang asked, “Did you wake up so early? Are you tired?”
Blushing, Yang Xing replied, “Hmm, I’ll catch up on sleep on the high-speed train later.”
Xu Guang directly put his arm around Yang Xing’s shoulder and said, “Alright, you can lean on your brother’s shoulder later.”
Yang Xing chuckled, “Haha, why are you acting so cool!” but it was clear that she was falling for it.
An hour later, the high-speed train arrived at C City’s train station. The two headed straight to the hotel to drop off their things.
The hotel and train tickets were all arranged by Yang Xing. Once they were at the hotel, Yang Xing finished unpacking, while Xu Guang sat on the bed with his hand in his pocket, playing mobile games. When Yang Xing was ready, he stood up and said, “Let’s go, take a stroll at the central square.”
If he remembered correctly, Wenxing Entertainment was located there.
However, when they arrived at the place and looked around for a while, they couldn’t spot Xu Yin’s figure. Instead, Yang Xing kept on talking, “Ah, Wenxing Entertainment is around here. By the way, I’ve been really into Xu Yin lately. Do you know him? He’s an artist from Wenxing Entertainment. He trended recently because he saved someone…”
Xu Guang took a deep puff of his cigarette.
Could he not know?
He impatiently pulled Yang Xing away and said, “Enough, enough. Do you like him or what? Can these celebrities feed you or be your boyfriend? Let’s go, you said you wanted to go shopping, right?”
Yang Xing stumbled from being pulled abruptly; she was wearing high heels.
“Don’t pull me like that. I might twist my ankle,” she complained.
Xu Guang’s face showed even more impatience.
But he hadn’t completely won her over yet, so he suppressed his annoyance.
The two of them went to a nearby shopping mall. Xu Guang was distracted, still thinking about that matter with Xu Yin. The thought of that guy cozying up to a big shot and becoming successful irritated Xu Guang. His parents might be afraid of causing trouble with Wen Congyan, but he… he wasn’t afraid!
What was so great about Xu Yin?
As he continued to search for him, he was determined to show that guy who’s the boss.
Just then, Xu Guang’s peripheral vision caught a familiar figure. He stopped in his tracks and a strange smile crept onto his lips.
On the ground floor of the mall, diagonally across, wasn’t that Xu Yin? Despite wearing a mask and a cap, he recognized him.
Xu Yin was with Wen Congyan, accompanying his little sister for some shopping.
That’s right, Wen Congyan had come out to his little sister first.
Wen Congyan’s sister was named Wen Jiaran. When she first found out about this, her eyes widened like saucers, and then she had teary eyes, saying, “I knew it… I knew something was off about you guys!”
Xu Yin: “…”
Wen Congyan: “…”
And then, Wen Jiaran began to stick to Xu Yin.
She found Xu Yin handsome and kind, a far better match than her aloof and introverted Gege.
“By the way, your brother said you’re a full-time writer,” Xu Yin asked.
Wen Jiaran snorted, “He’s just exaggerating. I’m just a ghostwriter, but I earn enough to support myself, so I went full-time.”
Wen Jiaran asked again, “My brother mentioned that you studied art and want to become a designer?”
“Yep, I’m preparing for the exams,” Xu Yin smiled.
Wen Jiaran was talkative and continued, “That’s impressive. People who are good at art are really something. Speaking of which, we need book covers for our novels, right? I even hired an illustrator to do mine before.”
Xu Yin said, “If you don’t mind, I can help with your book covers.”
“Really, really?” Wen Jiaran was excited and added, “Oh, but I kind of like the style of the illustrator I used before…”
She opened her phone, searched her photo album, and showed the picture to Xu Yin.
Xu Yin: “…”
Wait a minute, isn’t this the picture he drew for Wen Ran?
And wait a minute, Wen Ran? Wen Jiaran?
Wen Congyan had been pushed into the fitting room by the two of them earlier. Now he walked out, looking dashing in a black shirt and pants, broad-shouldered and narrow-waisted, but unfortunately, no one appreciated it.
He walked up behind them, saw Wen Jiaran turn red and stand up in disbelief, and said to Xu Yin, “Are you YIN?”
Wen Congyan: “…”
As he had said, Xu Yin’s art style was very similar to the cover illustration on Wen Jiaran’s book.
The puzzle was solved. Wen Congyan nodded, returned to the fitting room without expression, changed his clothes, and went to pay.
Wen Jiaran and Xu Yin confirmed each other’s identities, one pleasantly surprised and the other feeling quite amused.
Wen Jiaran quickly set both Xu Yin’s main and alternate accounts to “Special Follow” and couldn’t contain her excitement.
Xu Yin chuckled, ruffled her hair, and when Wen Congyan came out with the shopping bags, the three of them left the counter.
As they walked out, Xu Yin paused and looked back.
In the corner, Xu Guang quickly shrank behind a wall.
Yang Xing hadn’t found him at the counter, and when she came out, she saw him leaning against the wall, not sure what he was doing. She wasn’t pleased and said, “Come over quickly and help me take a look at this!”
Xu Guang peeked to see Xu Yin and his group walking away and clicked his tongue.
After spending the afternoon at the mall, Xu Yin and his group decided to have dinner at a Cantonese restaurant.
Midway through the meal, Xu Yin got up, smiled at the two of them, and said, “I’ll go to the restroom for a moment.”
The restroom was located outside the restaurant, within the mall.
On the fifth floor, there was no one in the men’s restroom.
Xu Yin was washing his hands when he heard footsteps, and then a loud “bang” as the door was slammed shut.
He turned to look, raising an eyebrow, and said, “So it’s you who’ve been following us the whole day?”
Xu Guang hesitated. This guy knew they had been followed? But without dwelling on it, he smirked and replied, “Yeah, because we couldn’t get you to come home.”
After that day, the Xu family hadn’t bothered him. Xu Yin had initially been surprised but now, seeing Xu Guang, he thought it made perfect sense.
Xu Yin dried his hands with a paper towel and calmly asked, “So?”
Xu Guang walked over confidently, reaching out to grab Xu Yin’s collar, but Xu Yin deftly sidestepped him, and Xu Guang’s hand ended up grasping thin air. He almost lost his balance.
Xu Guang cursed, spat, and threatened, “Xu Yin! You think you can escape from me and our parents? Dream on! You’ll always be part of our family and you have to give us some money when we ask you to! Don’t even think about cutting ties with us! I’ve encountered you today and I’m going to teach you a lesson!”
With that, he roared and swung a fist at Xu Yin!
Xu Yin sidestepped again, twisting Xu Guang’s hand behind his back.
Xu Guang let out a miserable cry, panting heavily, and tried to swing his other hand. But once again, Xu Yin deftly twisted it, and then he pressed Xu Guang against the wall with a kick, causing Xu Guang’s cheek to throb with pain.
He struggled but found himself unable to move. His face contorted with shock.
Xu Yin had always been a weakling, not to mention that he couldn’t even run. When did he become so strong?
Meanwhile, the person behind him approached. His voice was soft, yet it sent shivers down Xu Guang’s spine. “Do you still want to teach me a lesson?”
Xu Guang was furious and embarrassed.
He had come to C City to intimidate Xu Yin, not to get beaten up!
He roared, “I’ll kill you today!”
“Sure,” the person behind him sighed.
Xu Guang felt something was wrong. The next second, the knees that pressed against his back loosened, and as he attempted to move, he was kicked against the wall. The impact left him seeing stars, almost making him vomit the meal he’d just eaten.
Fvck! Xu Yin’s aggression was way too cruel, right?!
Well, Xu Yin stuck to his principles. No matter what, he couldn’t let himself get hurt.
He shoved Xu Guang against the wall once more and asked, “Do you want to continue?”
Xu Guang, still dazed, muttered, “Fvck!… Fvck you!!”
Then he was kicked against the wall for the third time.
Xu Yin asked curiously, “How did you get here? You weren’t eating alone, were you?”
Xu Guang was completely dizzy, but arguing and talking back had been his strong suit since birth, so he yelled while disoriented, “Why do you care? I’ve got some dumb b*tch keeping me company!”
The language was getting cruder and cruder, so Xu Yin shoved Xu Guang against the wall for the fourth time.
With successive loud thuds, Xu Guang felt like his soul was about to leave his body. Now, he was genuinely scared, trembling. In the midst of his trembles, his phone fell out of his pocket. Suddenly, the restroom door was forcefully pushed open. Wen Congyan and a girl stood in the doorway.
Xu Yin was startled.
Yang Xing had been waiting for Xu Guang at the barbecue restaurant but hadn’t seen him return for a while. She had started feeling uneasy and awkward, so she came to the men’s restroom. When she arrived, the restroom door was closed, and a tall and handsome man with a furrowed brow was trying to open it.
Once that man forced the door open and saw the scene inside, Yang Xing was dumbfounded. She shoved Wen Congyan aside and rushed over to pull Xu Yin away, shouting, “A-Guang! A-Guang, what’s happening to you? Let him go… Are you… Are you Xu Yin? Why are you with A-Guang? Let him go!”
The other girl tried to hit Xu Yin but had her wrist caught.
Wen Congyan held Yang Xing’s hand, furrowing his brow as he asked Xu Yin, “What’s going on?”
He had been concerned that Xu Yin had been away for too long and had come to check, not expecting to find this scene inside.
Xu Yin pondered the situation and estimated that Xu Guang probably didn’t have the strength to move at the moment. So he decided to release his grip
Xu Guang slumped to the ground, and Xu Yin bent down to pick up Xu Guang’s phone. It was recording and still running rapidly.
What on earth was this person recording?
Xu Yin paused it and said to Wen Congyan, “Xu Guang, my younger brother.”
Yang Xing had already brushed off Wen Congyan’s hand and was crouching down to check on Xu Guang’s condition, her eyes filled with tears of concern.
Upon hearing this, she lifted her head in shock and said, “You’re A-Guang’s brother? If you’re his brother, why would you beat him up like this?”
At this point, Xu Guang had fully regained his senses and noticed that the person standing in front of Xu Yin was none other than Wen Congyan.
He had secretly followed Xu Yin into the restroom because he was still somewhat apprehensive about this man in his heart, even though he was unwilling to admit it.
Now, beaten and battered like this, Xu Guang felt apprehensive not only towards Wen Congyan but also towards Xu Yin. The only difference was that, in addition to fear, he felt a bit resentful towards Xu Yin.
In a sudden turnaround, Xu Guang’s anger surged, and he clenched his teeth, struggling to stand up. He pointed a finger at Xu Yin while spitting venom and said to Wen Congyan, “Mr. Wen, take a look at this. This is my real brother! My own brother has beaten me like this, all because we asked him for some money. But our family is facing difficulties, and isn’t it normal for him as a part of the family to lend a helping hand?”
Before Wen Congyan and Xu Yin could respond, Yang Xing widened her eyes and said, “A-Guang, if your family needs money, you should’ve told me… But as your real brother, isn’t it too selfish not to help the family in times of need? Not helping is one thing, but beating up A-Guang like this… he’s not a relative, he’s an enemy!”
Wen Congyan’s expression darkened, and Xu Yin raised an eyebrow.
Seeing the situation, Xu Guang thought that Wen Congyan had accidentally discovered Xu Yin’s true nature and started to resent Xu Yin. He felt a surge of delight, added fuel to the fire, and said, “Mr. Wen, I know you’re good friends with him, but I don’t know if he’s told you anything about our family. But let me tell you, if he said anything, it’s all lies! He has long wanted to sever ties with our entire family! Our parents worked hard to raise him, and when he grows old, their own son doesn’t recognize them. I’m furious, so I came here to find him, and I ended up being beaten like this! Tsk.”
Yang Xing exclaimed, “This is outrageous! How can someone like him be an artist? A-Guang, you should expose this to the public and seek justice!”
Xu Guang felt secretly pleased, thinking, “At this point, this might be the only way. Mr. Wen, you were here today, can you help me?”
With that said, Wen Congyan finally made a move. His gaze swept across the faces of Xu Guang and Yang Xing, then his expression darkened as he made a phone call, saying, “Come over to xx Shopping Mall, fifth floor, men’s restroom.”
Xu Guang’s spirits were lifted, and he put on a modest smile, waving his hand, “Thank you, Mr. Wen. But my injuries are minor. I’ll just buy some ointment from a pharmacy later and apply it. No need to go to the hospital.”
Yang Xing chimed in, “That won’t do! You must go to the hospital for a checkup. What if you’ve injured a bone?”
However, Wen Congyan, with a stern expression, walked up to Xu Yin, examined him, and asked, “Are you injured?”
Xu Yin smiled and replied, “I’m fine.”
Xu Guang and Yang Xing were left bewildered.
Wen Congyan’s face still showed signs of displeasure as he commented, “If you knew he was here and purposely came alone, why didn’t you bring me along? Why didn’t you call me?”
Xu Yin sighed, “Because I can handle this situation on my own. I’m sorry. I just thought that this might not be pleasant to witness.”
After all, they were biological brothers.
Wen Congyan was briefly surprised by this explanation, as he had not expected it.
After a moment of silence, he gently stroked Xu Yin’s ear and whispered, “No matter what, it’s never unpleasant when it comes to you. Yin Yin, you’ll always be the best in my heart.”
Xu Yin was stunned and then chuckled, “Well, no need to worry then. If I dared to come out alone, I’m confident I can handle it properly.”
This was also the initial reason he didn’t want Wen Congyan to get involved. With his memory and knowledge of Xu’s family, he believed he could handle any situation.
As for “keeping a distance,” given a little more time, he believed Xu Guang would not only avoid getting close to him but might even be unable to say a word.
Wen Congyan’s face remained stern as he said, “But I’m still worried.”
Xu Yin replied, “Alright, then from now on, you can just observe, but don’t get involved, just like the time on Shijin Street.”
Wen Congyan responded, “That’ll depend on the situation.”
Xu Yin added, “You must agree!”
Not agreeing, Mr. Wen continued with his stern expression.
Xu Guang: “???”
Wait a moment, he’s still leaning on the wall; thank you!
Yang Xing was also baffled, and after regaining her senses, she stood up indignantly and shouted, “You two have gone too far! What are you saying here? I want to expose this, I want to expose this!”
The next moment, Xu Yin picked up his phone.
As soon as Xu Guang saw it was his own phone, he felt that something was not right, but before he could react, a recording started playing.
“…You’ll always be part of our family and you have to give us some money when we ask you to! Don’t even think about cutting ties with us! I’ve encountered you today and I’m going to teach you a lesson!… Ah!”
“Still want to teach me a lesson?”
…
“Fvck!… Fvck you!!”
“How did you get here? Don’t tell me you came to eat alone?”
“Why do you care? I’ve got some dumb b*tch keeping me company!”
The not-so-long recording came to an end, and there was silence in the restroom.
Xu Yin tilted his head and looked at Yang Xing.
Yang Xing was frozen in place.
Dumb b*tch…
Dumb b*tch…
Dumb…
…Is he insulting her???
Xu Guang froze completely, and he quickly reached out to pull Yang Xing, his conscience pricking, saying, “No, I wasn’t talking about you.”
“Ah!” Yang Xing suddenly screamed!
She grabbed her bag, and the metal pieces on its four corners slammed hard into Xu Guang’s face, sending him crashing into the wall once again.
“Yang Xing?! Fvck! Stop it!”
Yang Xing’s face turned red as she continued to uncontrollably hit Xu Guang with her bag. She asked through tears, “What the fvck?! Dumb b*tch?! Are you insulting me, A-Guang?! You borrowed my clothes, my money, and you still call me a Dumb b*tch? Are you for real!?”
D*mn, is this even a question?!
Xu Guang was defenseless against the relentless assault and felt like his face would end up with holes poked in it.
He realized for the first time how terrifying it could be to provoke a crazy person. Unable to endure it anymore, he started swearing, “I am calling you a Dumb b*tch! You’re the one who willingly gave me the money. Why wouldn’t I take it?! Today’s hotel room was also booked by you yourself! You fvcking drag me into this!”
Yang Xing went completely mad: “Ahhhh!! You rotten d*ck! Pretty boy, pah! Your face isn’t even pretty! You dark-faced boy! You dare to call me a Dumb b*tch?! You, you enoki mushroom head who couldn’t even find it through your pants!”
Xu Guang’s face turned green. He wanted to continue swearing but ended up getting repeatedly beaten by Yang Xing, and eventually, she hit his head so hard that it started bleeding. He collapsed on the restroom floor, while Yang Xing, panting heavily, dealt one final blow by stepping on his crotch!
Xu Guang let out a loud scream in pain and curled up like a shrimp, his face contorted in pain. Yang Xing turned around and ran away in tears.
Xu Yin and Wen Congyan silently watched the girl run off. “…”
One minute later, five tall plainclothes men appeared in the restroom. They were momentarily surprised when they saw Xu Guang but quickly returned to their senses. They nodded to Wen Congyan and said, “Mr. Wen.”
Wen Congyan glanced at Xu Guang, and the five men understood. They approached him.
Xu Yin remarked, “Actually, just let him leave on his own.”
In the end, he let Wen Congyan handle it, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Wen Congyan affectionately patted Xu Yin’s head and spoke with a deep tone, “It’s what I wanted to do. I hope to be involved in everything you do.”
The two gazed at each other, and the air seemed to sweeten in that moment.
As for Xu Guang, he saw the five muscular men, while clutching his groin, and tears welled up in his eyes. Ah, the restroom’s lighting was so bright.
After this, five minutes later, Xu Yin and Wen Congyan exited the restroom and returned to the restaurant.
Wen Jiaran, who had eaten heartily, teased them, “Why did you two take so long in the restroom? Is it really necessary, huh, Gege? Or should I say, Mr. Xu?”
Her tone was quite obscene.
Xu Yin and Wen Congyan exchanged a glance.
Xu Yin: Your sister’s mind needs some cleansing.
Wen Congyan: You’re right.
Meanwhile…
When Xu Guang was mercilessly “escorted” by the five big guys to the train station, he was about to collapse. These five individuals had no regard for whether he was hurt or not. They escorted him relentlessly, not uttering a word, behaving like five emotionless robots.
Xu Guang swore he never wanted to come to C City again!
He endured the aching pain in his body, hunched his neck, and timidly boarded the high-speed train. An hour later, he was shivering from the cold while sitting on a bus back home.
When Xu Guang’s mother saw him and exclaimed, “Weren’t you supposed to come back tomorrow? Why are you back now? Where’s Miss Yang? Why are you shaking like that? It’s not that cold, is it?”
Xu Guang broke down and cried like a child, “Mom, Xu Yin beat me up…”
As soon as Xu Guang mentioned he had gone to find Xu Yin, his mother’s face changed. She urgently asked, “Didn’t I tell you not to provoke him? That Mr. Wen is not someone we can mess with!” But when she saw Xu Guang trembling, her heart softened and she scolded, “You’re his brother! How could he beat you like that? It’s too much! Just wait, Mom will make a call.”
Xu Guang panicked and quickly said, “No, please, Mom, don’t.”
Where did you get the idea that Wen Congyan is not someone to provoke? Right now, you can’t mess with Xu Yin either!
Xu Yin has changed, he has now become ruthless. Xu Guang later realized that things might have turned quite terrifying if Wen Congyan and Yang Xing hadn’t walked in when they did.
“No way we can’t just let this go!” Xu’s mother was furious and couldn’t catch her breath. When Xu’s father came out and heard about the situation, he was furious, calling Xu Yin an “unfilial son,” a “monster with no gratitude,” and “beating his own brother and won’t even support his elderly parents.”
Just then, a series of urgent knocking on the door startled the three.
Xu’s mother was angry and, hearing the knocking, rushed to the door, scolding, “Who is it?! Don’t scare people by knocking so loudly!”
But when she saw the appearance of the people outside, she shook, pulled her hand back, and swallowed hard.
The person in front was smoking a cigarette, had dark skin, a scar on his face, and a menacing look. He said, “Where’s Xu Guang? Get him the fvck out of here!”
“Who are you?” Xu’s father asked boldly.
“You dare to lie to my daughter and not even recognize who I am!?” The man walked in without hesitation, and Xu’s mother retreated in fear.
Wait… this can’t be Yang Xing’s…
She always thought Yang Xing’s family was in business, but the way he’s acting now, he doesn’t seem like a businessman. He looks more like a thug! A gangster!
He spat out the cigarette with a “pah,” crushed it with his foot, and cracked his neck, making a frightening sound, and said, “My daughter might be a fool, but is it your turn to cheat her? She spend money supporting this little pretty boy, and he dares to call her a dumb b*tch? What’s the fvcking matter with your son!?”
“Y-Your daughter was the one who initiated to pursue our A-guang! Our son has nothing to do with this! She threw herself at him!”
“Hey, you’re quite good at adding fuel to the fire.”
Xu’s mother: Uh-oh.
“Come on! All of you, come to me!”
The door closed and screams of the Xu family echoed inside.
What was happening in the Xu family’s house was a mystery to everyone else.
…
Time passed quickly.
During the Chinese New Year, Xu Yin finally went to visit Wen Jia with Wen Congyan, officially meeting Wen Jia’s parents. They had done their homework, and when Xu Yin visited, he received a warm and gentle welcome.
After the Lunar New Year, in March, the case involving the marketing account was resolved. Aside from compensation, the marketing account issued a lengthy apology letter and faced a lot of criticism from netizens before vanishing from the internet.
In October, Xu Yin took the entrance examination for that art college. A month later, he had an interview with the professor he chose as his advisor.
As the year approached its end again, “Chaos Pearl” officially updated its first and second episodes on the TaYang app, which instantly gained massive popularity.
