Translator: Lynn
After finishing their “breakfast,” Jiang Yuduo contacted Chen Qing. As they were about to proceed with “checking the accounts,” he requested Chen Qing to drive over and accompany them.
“Why do we need someone else?” Cheng Ke inquired.
“I’m not sure,” Jiang Yuduo replied, “Cheng Yi has an open fracture. If he loses his temper and things escalate, it’s safer to have a few extra people around.”
“Just you coming along should be enough. Who would dare to challenge you and end up with fractures all around?” Cheng Ke chuckled.
“My hands aren’t available,” Jiang Yuduo looked at him, “I have to watch over you. Even with a cast, I might not be able to stop you.”
“Quit your nonsense,” Cheng Ke retorted.
“Aren’t you usually level-headed? You’re always afraid I might impulsively do something good or bad for others,” Jiang Yuduo frowned, “What happened yesterday?”
Cheng Ke remained silent.
“What happened yesterday,” Jiang Yuduo repeated.
Cheng Ke raised his gaze to meet Jiang Yuduo’s eyes.
“What happened yesterday…” Jiang Yuduo was about to reiterate, but Cheng Ke cut in.
“He mentioned you,” Cheng Ke bit his lip, “I lost my cool instantly and couldn’t control myself.”
“Talked about me…” Jiang Yuduo paused for a moment and didn’t continue, “Is that so?”
“Yes, I didn’t anticipate him prying into your affairs, and I didn’t know if it was true or not. So, I blew up regardless. It’s not his place to meddle in your matters,” Cheng Ke typed a message to Xu Ding on his phone.
– Are you trying to contact me?
Jiang Yuduo rested his head on the table, his hand gently tapping on the plaster cast encasing Cheng Ke’s right hand.
Cheng Ke glanced at him. “The table isn’t clean.”
“Got it,” Jiang Yuduo replied, still lying on his stomach.
News from Xu Ding arrived.
– Cheng Yi intends to purchase your shop. He asked me to be present.
Cheng Ke had a hunch that Cheng Yi would likely attempt to acquire the store on his own, helping his wayward and unreliable brother clean up his mess. It was truly disheartening.
– Why do you need to be there?
– You’re not familiar with business matters. Let me assist you.
– Do you want to be there?
Xu Ding sent a voice message: “I won’t go. I won’t involve myself in your family matters. Furthermore, if I do go and it turns out that you suspect him of cheating you, it won’t reflect well if you’re being overly cautious.”
Cheng Ke contemplated saying that he indeed felt cheated, but he hesitated and refrained.
– Is there anything else?
– No, just a piece of advice: don’t bite too hard. It might save you trouble in the long run.
– I’ll let him determine the price himself.
Xu Ding didn’t add anything else and sent an address after a moment.
– You probably aren’t aware of the store’s location.
Cheng Ke chuckled; he truly didn’t know.
“What’s so funny?” Jiang Yuduo inquired from his position on the table.
“Do you want to see that store?” Cheng Ke tapped on the map, entering the street address. “You should be able to view it on the map.”
“Aren’t you heading there soon?” Jiang Yuduo shifted to sit beside him, glancing at the screen of his phone.
“Let’s take a look first. Has Chen Qing arrived yet?” Cheng Ke inquired.
The actual map unfolded, and he gradually zoomed in on the screen. He hadn’t been in this area before; it was a newly developed region that had rapidly grown over the past couple of years.
The shops lining both sides of the street appeared quite appealing, and the surrounding greenery was also vibrant. At the entrance of a narrow alley off the road, a wooden sign swung, bearing the word “Afternoon.”
“It’s here,” Cheng Ke indicated in that direction. As he zoomed in on the map, the view revealed a narrow alley leading to the destination. The actual photograph was taken during summer, with lush greenery extending to the end, making the area seem quite spacious. “It’s a fairly sizable establishment.”
“Who’s your potential buyer?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.
“Cheng Yi is interested in buying it,” Cheng Ke responded.
“I had a feeling it would be him,” Jiang Yuduo remarked with a tsk. “What’s your selling price?”
“I’m leaving it open for bids,” Cheng Ke explained. “I didn’t intend to accept his money. I just want to make him realize that I can’t tolerate him any longer.”
“I’ll offer you ten yuan,” Jiang Yuduo quipped.
“Impossible,” Cheng Ke chuckled. “He’ll make a reasonable offer.”
Chen Qing arrived in front of the bun shop driving an Audi A8. As Jiang Yuduo and Cheng Ke stepped out, he hopped out of the car, greeting, “San-ge.”
“Yeah,” Jiang Yuduo acknowledged.
“I wanted to find a better car, but this is the only one I’m familiar with,” Chen Qing mentioned.
“Why’s that?” Jiang Yuduo inquired.
“Aren’t you planning to wreak havoc?” Chen Qing glanced at Cheng Ke. “You need a decent ride for that. It’s for show.”
“Mock auditing,” Jiang Yuduo sighed. “Making a fuss about a small business. Will smashing it make you want to buy it afterward?”
“I can’t afford it,” Chen Qing turned to open the back door. “Brother Ke, sit in the front. San-ge, you drive.”
“Sure.” Jiang Yuduo circled around and got into the car.
Cheng Ke could sense that Chen Qing held certain opinions about him, but Jiang Yuduo’s younger brother was still present in the car, allowing Cheng Ke some respect.
“Where’s the store located?” Chen Qing queried.
“In the New District,” Jiang Yuduo adjusted the seat and pulled out of the parking spot.
“It’ll be a bit of a drive,” Chen Qing commented.
Cheng Ke cast a glance at the occupants in the back seat. It was still Da Bin, the freshly released ex-convict, and Chen Qing seemed to remain vigilant. They were keeping this affair contained within this limited circle. In case any information leaked, they could easily trace it back to the source.
However, Chen Qing’s caution likely extended to being wary of his “boyfriend.” For Chen Qing, having a mental disorder likely equated to unrestrained aggression.
Yet, Cheng Ke was uncertain about Da Bin and the other two’s thoughts.
From yesterday until now, neither he nor Jiang Yuduo had directly broached this topic. He hoped Jiang Yuduo would initiate the conversation, but it seemed that Jiang Yuduo had no intention of revisiting it.
Cheng Ke let out a soft sigh.
As the car neared the destination, his phone rang. The caller ID displayed a landline number, one that seemed familiar. Answering it, he recognized it as Cheng Yi’s office number.
“Do you have a moment?” Cheng Yi’s voice sounded from the other end.
Strangely, it seemed to be the first time Cheng Ke could recall that Cheng Yi didn’t address him as “brother.”
“Sure, let’s talk,” Cheng Ke agreed.
“I want to purchase that shop,” Cheng Yi declared. “You can name a price.”
“You’re welcome to visit it, you’re not an outsider,” Cheng Ke replied. “If you want me to set a price, you’ll have to wait.”
“What do you mean?” Cheng Yi inquired.
“I’ll reach the store in about ten minutes,” Cheng Ke replied.
“Why are you going to the store?” Cheng Yi’s tone turned slightly harsh.
“I need to review the accounts,” Cheng Ke explained, “And I want to take a look at the store again. It’s about to be sold, so at the very least, I should see its current state.”
Cheng Yi’s voice momentarily lapsed into silence, and it took him a while before he spoke again, this time with a hint of frustration, “Cheng Ke, what do you want?”
“I don’t want anything,” Cheng Ke said, “It’s just that everyone knows you gifted me this store, yet I’ve never seen what it actually looks like…”
“I told you, I’m buying it!” Cheng Yi’s voice raised with agitation.
“Did I say I won’t sell it to you?” Cheng Ke responded.
Cheng Yi’s emotions appeared to be getting the best of him, an unusual occurrence. Perhaps his father had informed him about the store and sparked some reaction.
“One million,” Cheng Yi declared, “Don’t think you can extract a hefty sum from me.”
“Deal,” Cheng Ke hung up the call.
Jiang Yuduo, who was at the wheel, turned to look at Cheng Ke, inquiring, “Cheng Yi?”
“Yes,” Cheng Ke affirmed, “It’s settled.”
“Then do you still plan to go to the store?” Jiang Yuduo questioned, “You said you want to sell, he said he wants to buy, money will change hands, and it’s over. There’s nothing left to investigate about this account, and we don’t even know who the actual owner is.”
“I’m going,” Cheng Ke stated, “I just want to see who the actual owner is.”
As the car pulled up by the store’s entrance, Cheng Ke understood who the actual owner was.
Liu Tiancheng’s vehicle arrived almost simultaneously.
“Step out of the car,” Chen Qing signaled as he exited their vehicle, “Stay calm, don’t stir up any trouble.”
When Cheng Ke moved to open his car door, Chen Qing walked over and opened it for him, giving him significant respect.
“Thanks,” Cheng Ke acknowledged as he stepped out of the car.
Liu Tiancheng emerged from his car on the other side of the street, and upon catching sight of Cheng Ke, his face instantly lit up with a smile. “Xiao Ke! It’s been a while!”
Cheng Ke remained silent.
Liu Tiancheng quickly approached, his expression turning to concern when he noticed the cast on Cheng Ke’s hand. “How did you get injured?”
“How did I get injured? You should know,” Jiang Yuduo intervened.
“How would I know? I haven’t seen Xiao Ke for a while,” Liu Tiancheng recognized Jiang Yuduo, “Oh, it’s you. We met last time…”
“Let’s just act like you don’t recognize him,” Jiang Yuduo interrupted.
Liu Tiancheng’s face displayed a hint of discomfort.
“Let’s go in,” Cheng Ke redirected the conversation and walked into the alley, gesturing to Liu Tiancheng.
Liu Tiancheng paused momentarily before trailing behind him. “Xiao Ke, you see, you’ve never really managed this store. It would be better for someone of your own to take over. In fact, if you don’t want to run this place, you can just tell me. I can help you sell it directly.”
“Thank you,” Cheng Ke responded.
The store was, indeed, rather impressive. Tucked away in a quiet corner, it exuded an air of privacy and sophistication, evident by the meticulous attention to its décor.
The establishment was sparsely populated at this hour, and when a waiter came forward to greet Liu Tiancheng, he promptly gestured to the waiter, “Liu…”
“This is Boss Cheng,” Liu Tiancheng interjected, “Mister Cheng.”
“Boss Cheng,” the waiter acknowledged Cheng Ke.
“Shall we sit over there?” Liu Tiancheng indicated a secluded spot on the right, “It’s quieter over there…”
“No need to sit,” Cheng Ke walked on, intending to observe and leave, “I’m just having a look around before leaving. I have other matters to attend to.”
“Come on, we haven’t seen each other for so long,” Liu Tiancheng followed him, “We should catch up. I’ve already reserved a table.”
“No, just pack the food for me,” Cheng Ke requested.
“Xiao Ke, you’re not very sociable,” Liu Tiancheng sighed, “You and Xiao Yi have had a misunderstanding. We, as a group of friends…”
“Your group of friends,” Cheng Ke interrupted him, “Which one of them is sociable?”
Liu Tiancheng’s face registered a hint of embarrassment.
“Alright, I’m heading out,” Cheng Ke declared abruptly. Seeing Liu Tiancheng triggered memories of the past, the camaraderie with those friends who seemingly shared an intimate bond every day – eating, drinking, and laughing together. It made him realize just how mundane his life had been back then.
“Hey, before you leave, sit down,” Liu Tiancheng halted him, “I’m aware that you’ve had a falling out with Xiao Yi, but there’s no need to be too stubborn! You won’t even return home anymore!”
Cheng Ke remained silent, while Jiang Yuduo intervened, pulling Liu Tiancheng’s arm aside, “Step aside.”
“Cheng Yi might come here,” Cheng Ke shared after rejoining the car, “Liu Tiancheng probably wants me to wait for him.”
“Why is he here?” Jiang Yuduo started the car.
“To extort money or threaten me,” Cheng Ke replied, “Let’s go.”
“Don’t tell me you want to figure out who the boss is?” Chen Qing inquired, “I didn’t even bother.”
“The boss is likely Liu,” Da Bin chimed in, earning him a nod of approval from Chen Qing, “Brother Qing.”
“…Oh? Oh!” Chen Qing paused for a moment, then gave Da Bin a playful stare, “You’re the smartest one.”
“I took a wild guess too,” Da Bin chuckled.
“In that case, no need to guess! Given his demeanor, he must be the boss. If he wasn’t, why would he suddenly show up?” Chen Qing mused, “He must have caught wind of the situation.”
“That does make sense,” Da Bin agreed with a nod.
Chen Qing sighed, “It does make sense. You’re the one with the most sensible take.”
Da Bin responded with a wordless smile.
The car hadn’t covered much distance and was still on the small road when a vehicle emerged from the intersection ahead. It executed a turn and came to a halt on the roadside right in front of them.
Jiang Yuduo frowned and stepped on the brake even before Cheng Ke could react, muttering, “Cheng Yi’s car.”
Cheng Ke was taken aback, then turned his gaze toward Jiang Yuduo.
“I remember the license plate,” Jiang Yuduo explained.
“Why? Blocking us?” Chen Qing queried from the back seat.
“I’m not sure,” Jiang Yuduo opened the car door, “Cheng Ke, stay put.”
Cheng Ke remained seated in the passenger seat, watching as Jiang Yuduo stepped out and stood by the car.
The front door of the approaching vehicle opened, and Cheng Yi emerged with a cast on his foot. The driver alighted and handed him a crutch. Cheng Yi declined the crutch, favoring his own support, and hobbled over.
His driver and another unfamiliar figure stood close by, probably a newly hired bodyguard – insurance against any further recklessness from Jiang Yuduo.
“Is this the damn open fracture?” Jiang Yuduo muttered.
When Cheng Yi reached the front of their car, Da Bin intervened, positioning himself in front of Cheng Yi.
Cheng Yi’s gaze settled on Cheng Ke. “So, is this how you conduct business now?”
Da Bin averted his eyes.
Cheng Ke gestured to Da Bin, who stepped aside. Cheng Yi advanced, placing his hand against the car window, and said, “Your money.”
Cheng Ke observed a bank card he was pressing onto the window, prompting a wry smile. “My money, your card?”
“Your card,” Cheng Yi affirmed, “Remember? You put the first earnings from your sand painting endeavors in this card and gave it to Mom.”
Cheng Ke’s eyes narrowed; Cheng Yi’s words stirred an uncomfortable feeling within him.
Certainly, he remembered – the memory was etched clearly into his mind. He could still visualize the disdain and disappointment that his father wore so blatantly that day.
The card had been accepted by his mother, and treasured over time. Cheng Ke wasn’t aware of how Cheng Yi managed to obtain it, nor did he care to inquire. Cheng Yi had used this card to give him money, not as a generous gesture, but as a provocation—a reminder of the continual disappointment his father had dealt him over many, many years.
“The password remains unchanged,” Cheng Yi handed the card through the window, his tone detached. “No one remembers the password.”
Cheng Ke lowered the window, accepted the card, and placed it in the glove compartment. “Should I give Dad another call?”
Cheng Yi’s lips curled into a sneer. “Should you inform him that I didn’t suffer an open fracture, but merely a fracture?”
“Attend to your own wounds.”
“No need to give me an answer,” Cheng Yi’s gaze remained locked on him. “I hope you’ll hold to your word. From this point on, sever all ties with this family. No more connections, no further contact. Just do it.”
Cheng Yi articulated each word methodically, his voice was frigid and unyielding, his eyes fixed with simmering resentment.
Honestly, Cheng Ke was somewhat taken aback to witness Cheng Yi display such raw emotion without any pretense. He had sensed Cheng Yi’s desire to push him away, but he didn’t fully comprehend the underlying cause, nor did he anticipate the urgency behind Cheng Yi’s stance.
“I’ll adhere to my promise,” Cheng Ke said, maintaining eye contact with Cheng Yi.
“Quit the bullshit!” Cheng Yi rolled down his car window, leaning in closer. His voice dropped into a growl, “I want you gone! I want you out of Dad’s sight!”
Cheng Ke remained silent.
“I don’t want to hear your name ever again!” Cheng Yi’s tone escalated, “I want to eradicate every trace of you from this family! I’m done trying to make things right while having to account for the ghost of Cheng Ke! Dad’s every consideration revolves around what Cheng Ke might do! Do you get that?”
Cheng Ke gazed at the reddened circles around Cheng Yi’s eyes but held his tongue.
Cheng Yi’s words caught him slightly off guard.
“You’re a failure, Cheng Ke—a complete failure. You’re destined to be Dad’s lifelong disappointment, eternally incapable of meeting his expectations,” Cheng Yi’s teeth clenched, “So, please vanish. Please, for the love of everything, don’t make another appearance to let him down in this life!”
“No one can truly decipher Dad’s thoughts,” Cheng Ke replied. “Aren’t you overthinking this?”
“I don’t think at all!” Cheng Yi’s voice was laced with a hint of hoarseness. “I can sense it. I’ve been sensing it for years—every single day!”
Cheng Ke’s brow furrowed.
Cheng Yi’s fingers suddenly clenched around his collar, the grip so tight that Cheng Ke felt his breath constricting.
“I wish you never existed!” Cheng Yi’s voice exploded with vehemence, his reddened eyes gleaming with specks of light. “The last thing I want is to have you as my brother!”
Cheng Ke sought to pry Cheng Yi’s hand away, but his efforts were futile. Just as he was about to apply more force, a knife slid up from the back of Cheng Yi’s neck, its tip grazing his throat lightly.
Cheng Yi’s movement halted abruptly.
“What are you doing? What’s your intention?” Cheng Yi’s driver and bodyguard hurried forward, their faces fraught with concern yet hesitant to draw closer.
Cheng Ke surmised that the newcomer wasn’t a regular bodyguard, as his response was slower than Jiang Yuduo’s.
“Release him,” Jiang Yuduo ordered.
“Who do you think you are, the boss?” Cheng Yi quickly regained his composure, the tempest of emotions disappearing from his gaze. He smirked and said, “I’m not releasing him. Are you going to commit murder?”
“Yes,” Jiang Yuduo responded, “I don’t mind spilling blood.”
Cheng Yi appeared taken aback.
Jiang Yuduo leaned closer to Cheng Yi’s ear, his words hushed, “You know, I’m mentally unstable.”
“San-ge,” Cheng Ke’s voice broke through, grounding Jiang Yuduo’s attention.
“Let him go,” Jiang Yuduo reiterated.
Cheng Yi paused for a brief moment before relinquishing his hold on Cheng Ke’s collar.
Jiang Yuduo withdrew the knife and continued to lock his gaze on Cheng Yi.
“Consider this a lesson learned,” Cheng Yi retreated a couple of steps. “Remember your promise, and remember mine.”
With that, Cheng Yi’s car departed, leaving Cheng Ke leaning back in his seat, exhaling deeply. A sense of relief washed over him, but his thoughts felt a bit muddled.
“Are you alright?” Jiang Yuduo leaned halfway into the car through the open door.
“Kiss me,” Cheng Ke said.
“Right now?” Jiang Yuduo appeared taken aback.
“Right now, in the next second,” Cheng Ke affirmed.
Jiang Yuduo cast a glance back at Chen Qing and the others who were standing at a distance. He then bit his lower lip, turned his head, and leaned down to press a kiss onto Cheng Ke’s lips.
“Oh, fuck!” Chen Qing exclaimed, pivoting away along with Da Bin and the rest.
Translator’s Notes:
I think the one that’s mentally ill is Cheng Yi
Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.
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