《Seizing Dreams》


 Chapter 1 - Deep Sleep

    Seizing Dreams Ch1 ¨C Deep Sleep


    It is often said that ¡°when men are born, all are free and equal¡±. But the truth is, from the moment we are born, we are doomed to be unequal, and we can never be considered equal.


    This kind of inequality is now reflected in this conference on ¡°how to deal with student Yu Hao for ¡®taking¡¯ other people¡¯s things¡±. The attendees are the counsellor, the vice principal, and the Secretary of the College¡¯s League Committee1.


    Everyone centered on the topic of this problem student as they launched a heated discussion with the aim of clearing his name and discovering the truth of the matter.


    Of course, the party concerned had not been invited to participate in their discussion.


    ¡°Everyone has arrived, so I¡¯m going to start. Firstly, let¡¯s briefly talk about student Yu Hao. Male, local. When he was five, some unforeseen events occurred in his family. His parents left him and he was raised by his grandmother. He has no other relatives.¡±


    ¡°During his third year of high school, Yu Hao¡¯s grandmother was sick in bed and passed away after his college entrance examination. He sold their house, arranged her funeral and paid off several debts. Then he tidied up the rest of his belongings and enrolled in our college. His high school results were average, or else he wouldn¡¯t have enrolled in our college.¡±


    ¡°I observed him briefly during military training, this kid barely talks to anyone. After military training ended, his life was indeed tough. He went to the Student Affairs Department to sign up for their work-study program and obtained the opportunity to work as a part-time tutor, and tutored a sixth-grade student in English.


    ¡°¡­¡­.but what happened in the end? He hadn¡¯t even tutored the kid for two months before her parent came to the college and said that during one of his tutoring sessions, he had taken away a watch that they had left in their study room while his student wasn¡¯t paying attention.


    As the vice principal listened to the counsellor give a brief overview of the situation, he wiped his glasses with a piece of flannel cloth. Yu Hao¡¯s file was placed in front of him. He stared at it intently and said, ¡°I¡¯ve looked at his files. This student even has a criminal record?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, he had taken his classmate¡¯s wallet once when he was in junior high, it¡¯s written in his files. But because he was still underage, that incident was left unresolved.¡±


    The vice principal put on his presbyopic glasses, picked up his files, then slammed it against the table in a fit of fury to express his dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Last Friday, the kid¡¯s parent brought the police over so that they could conduct an investigation. Ai¡ª¡ªyo! My God! All the students in the department were pointing fingers at them. At that time, I was interrogated at the entrance so harshly I couldn¡¯t even come up with a single reply! A watch that costs sixty thousand yuan, sixty thousand! If he were to receive a sentence, he¡¯d be sentenced to jail for at least a few years! The dean had said that this matter must! Must be investigated thoroughly! Must be dealt with seriously! No one can take this matter lightly!¡±


    The counsellor answered with an ¡®un¡¯, and didn¡¯t have much hope in trying to trivialize this matter anymore. He probably can¡¯t escape a deduction from his bonuses either.


    The league committee¡¯s secretary was a young girl. She was very absorbed in using WeChat before she raised her head and asked the counsellor, ¡°How¡¯s his life on campus? Does he have any friends? Maybe we can understand him better from these other aspects?¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao lives in dormitory 405. There are seven people who live in that dormitory ¡ª three are from the sports classes and four are from the psychological classes. They had all said that this Yu Hao has a slight hatred for the rich. He seldom hangs out with them, and usually says that it¡¯s because he¡¯s poor. After their military training ended, there had been several minor conflicts between the roommates in that dormitory.¡±


    ¡°His roommates all don¡¯t like him?¡±


    ¡°He lives a tough life, so he can¡¯t play with them. He¡¯s not being isolated, he¡¯s just a bit on the quiet side.¡±


    At this moment, there was a knock on the door. A boy entered the conference room ¡ª sports department, about 1.8m tall, dressed in sportswear, had just ended training, short red hair, and drenched in sweat. The secretary passed him a bottle of water. The boy accepted it and downed a few mouthfuls.


    The secretary asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t we ask Xiao Fu to come? Why is it you?¡±


    All the leaders in the conference room looked at the red-haired boy with disdain.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, you still haven¡¯t cut your hair.¡± The counsellor pointed at the red-haired boy he called Zhou Sheng and said, ¡°Dye it back!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine when it grows out.¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°Fu Liqun has a match in the afternoon and asked me to attend the meeting in his place.¡± As he talked, he was about to put his foot up2 when he noticed the counsellor¡¯s fierce glare, so he could only put his foot back down and ask, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    The secretary said helplessly, ¡°We wanted our college¡¯s basketball team captain to come, he¡¯s the errand runner for the league committee and the Student Affairs Department. Yu Hao¡¯s work-study schedule was recommended by him¡­¡­.Zhou Sheng, do you know Yu Hao? Talk about him to the teachers?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, then shook his head.


    ¡°Yu Hao? Our dormitory isn¡¯t familiar with his ba? Fu Liqun recommended him because he once saw him drinking tap water by the basketball court. He had guessed that his finances were a bit tight, so he asked him to go find a part-time job. He asked him what he could do, and he said that after he had graduated from high school, he had tutored primary school students. Coincidentally, Fu Liqun was the errand runner for the Student Affairs Department, so he helped him get a form and got him to fill it in¡­¡­that should be it ba? That¡¯s what I heard.¡±


    The secretary said, ¡°What do you think of him as a person?¡±


    Zhou Sheng gave the secretary a suspicious look and casually said, ¡°We¡¯ve never spoken.¡±


    The conference room was dead silent for awhile. Zhou Sheng thought for awhile more and added, ¡°But he looks okay. Fu Liqun said that his English is pretty good, but his science is seriously weak.¡±


    The secretary motioned that he could go. After Zhou Sheng took his bottle of water and left, the counsellor asked again, ¡°At that time, this watch was taken from his bag?¡±


    Counsellor, ¡°The first person to discover it was his roommate. Last Thursday, he saw him fiddling with the watch in their dormitory.¡±


    Vice principal, ¡°He openly wore it on his hand?¡±


    The counsellor wasn¡¯t sure either, so he could only shake his head.


    ¡°Any surveillance?¡±


    ¡°Mr. Shi¡¯s house has no surveillance cameras.¡±


    ¡°I meant, when it was taken from him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a surveillance record. We were in my office, and when I asked him about it, he immediately took it out to give it to me.¡±


    The secretary nodded and said, ¡°At least he didn¡¯t deny it.¡±


    The vice principal helplessly said, ¡°This can be denied? How can it be denied? Has he admitted his mistake?¡±


    The counsellor regretfully answered, ¡°He doesn¡¯t admit it. He said that someone had framed him. But according to his student¡¯s report, she had seen Yu Hao turn around from facing the bookcase where they had kept the watch with her own eyes.¡±


    Secretary, ¡°Could it have been the student¡¯s prank? For example, she wanted to play a joke on him by placing the watch in his bag?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t exclude that possibility. But that Yu Hao¡­¡­how do I put it? He¡¯s quite materialistic ba, he had applied for financial assistance but he¡¯s using an iPhone. On the second day, he had gone to the shop where gold and mobile phones were recycled at the back of the school to get some information on the watch. He let the store¡¯s owner look at the watch cause he wanted to get rid of it, but in the end, he didn¡¯t sell it. He might have regretted his actions then.¡±


    The secretary stopped talking.


    The vice principal fumed, ¡°Horrible! He¡¯s really too horrible! Is there a record of him trying to sell the watch? Was there any surveillance camera around?¡±


    The counsellor helplessly said, ¡°The police made a voice recording of the store owner¡¯s statement, it¡¯s in the files.¡±


    Vice principal, ¡°Xiao Xue, I¡¯ll ask you just one question. He¡¯s your student, do you think that he has been wronged? Just tell us the truth. When we leave this conference room, we won¡¯t tell anyone about what you say here.¡±


    The counsellor thought to himself ¡®I¡¯m not shouldering this blame¡¯, then said in an obscure way, ¡°Even if he hadn¡¯t taken it, the fact that he tried to get rid of it is a bit, un, a bit¡­¡­Miss Li, what do you think?¡±


    The secretary said, ¡°Usually, when people realise that there¡¯s a random valuable in their bag, their first thought would be to return it. This kid¡­¡­.ai¡­¡­¡±


    The vice principal appeared to have suddenly thought of something, then anxiously asked, ¡°The other party¡¯s parent didn¡¯t look for the media did they? Who has the details of this case?¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t.¡± The counsellor immediately clarified, ¡°Witness testimonies and evidence are all with the police. No one wants this matter to blow up, but if the college doesn¡¯t give them an answer, then we don¡¯t know what they might do.¡±


    Vice principal, ¡°This matter must be dealt with as soon as possible in a decisive and peaceful manner. Or else, it¡¯ll have a negative influence on our college.¡±


    The secretary asked, ¡°Xue Laoshi3, when the parent came to the college¡¯s doorstep, based on your observations, did Yu Hao show any sign of shame?¡¯


    The counsellor hesitated, and didn¡¯t know if he should say what he was thinking.


    After a short moment, the counsellor said, ¡°He looked very calm, but it could have been because we hadn¡¯t come to a final conclusion on the matter? I had promised him that I would definitely help him investigate this case thoroughly, and had even arranged for his roomates to carefully observe his every move.¡±


    The secretary muttered an ¡®un¡¯ and said, ¡°After he returns to his dorm, his attitude might be different.¡±


    The counsellor pondered for a long time before he decided to just say it anyway.


    ¡°After the first time Yu Hao went to tutor the kid, he had said in dormitory 405 that this family was very rich. Why did he need to be so poor when there were people who were that rich? And he had even suspected that their family had an illegal source of income. Yesterday night after the lights went out, he chatted with his roommate on the upper bunk and complained that he had been wronged, and that he wanted to kill that father and daughter pair. His roommates had taken a screenshot and sent it to me, take a look.¡±


    The counsellor unlocked his phone to let them see the screenshot. The vice principal took off his spectacles, held the phone in one hand and clicked his tongue.


    The counsellor then replayed the surveillance video that he had downloaded to his phone. However, the office¡¯s surveillance monitor was very blurred. Yu Hao¡¯s back faced the camera, and he had only stood rooted to his spot quietly without any over-the-top reactions.


    The vice principal suddenly got very agitated and said, ¡°These are the signs of Antisocial Personality Disorder! Look at this, look! Especially when he handed the watch over, that attitude of his! He¡¯s obviously a dead pig who doesn¡¯t fear boiling water anymore, he doesn¡¯t even care if he¡¯s caught!¡±


    Secretary, ¡°If he was wronged, it¡¯s reasonable for him to have said things out of spite¡­¡­¡±


    Vice principal interrupted, ¡°He has a previous record of stealing his classmate¡¯s item, so this can be considered as him having recidivated. We¡¯ll see how the case progresses. If it really can¡¯t be settled properly, then we¡¯ll persuade him to withdraw ba. After we persuade him to withdraw, send him to the police station and they¡¯ll deal with him. Don¡¯t agitate him.¡±


    The counsellor thought that this method of handling the situation was a bit too simplistic and crude, but he also felt quite relieved. Actually, the vice principal had just said what he wanted to hear the most.


    If the school can¡¯t discipline him, then let society do it. After entering society, he¡¯ll understand how tolerant the school is. Or else, if another Ma Jiajue appears4, it¡¯ll get even more troublesome.


    The counsellor continued, ¡°Tomorrow, the police will come here again. I¡¯ll fill in the application form first according to the results of their investigations, and I¡¯ll try my best to be as detailed as possible. After I attach a copy of the police¡¯s records to the form, I¡¯ll pass it to Yu Hao to confirm the details then get him to sign the document.¡±


    Originally, the conversation should have ended with on this note, but the secretary couldn¡¯t help but ask one more question.


    ¡°Why do his roommates dislike him? Is it really just because he¡¯s poor?¡±


    The counsellor thought for a long while before he answered.


    ¡°They said that, Yu Hao is gay.¡±


    The secretary wanted to continue to ask ¡°how did they know that?¡±, but, the question never left her mouth.


    ¡°Times are different now.¡± Vice principal said, ¡°There is still this type of discrimination. Boys have their own rules, we can¡¯t ask everyone to treat this matter kindly. But, no matter if he¡¯s a homosexual or a heterosexual or whatever sexual, I don¡¯t think it concerns the case at hand.¡±


    The counsellor quickly agreed with the vice principal, and thus the three of them ended their meeting.


    Ying City had been selected as one of the top ten most beautiful sceneries in Central China during the spring and autumn seasons, and had even made its way to the cover of National Geographic. When spring came, cherry blossoms could be found everywhere, while gingkos would litter the streets during autumn. Huazhong Institute of Science and Technology was located in the more desolate northern part of the city. This third-class independent college had been around for almost twenty years, and a few years ago there were many people who would take their wedding photos at the Gingko Valley located at the mountains behind the college.


    A wall separated the stadium from the back mountains. Teachers would often bring their kids to the stadium to fly kites. During the late afternoons in autumn, the skies were usually clear and the blazing sun would shine brightly. When you wake up from an afternoon nap surrounded by the noise of kids running about chasing one another, it would really make you feel like you had forgotten to keep track of time.


    Yu Hao carried a bulging backpack. He wore a technical jacket, and both his hands were stuffed into his pockets as he left the dormitory building. Then, he walked in a straight path right through the sports field.


    His face was as white as a sheet, and his lips looked pale because of his long-term vegetarian diet. His hair was in a mess as he didn¡¯t have the time to trim it when it had grown out. The strong winds blew and revealed the side of his gloomy face, while his eyebrows looked like willow leaves that fluttered in the wind. The thin figure that hid underneath the technical jacket shrank slightly as it withstood the cold, autumn breeze.


    Recently, he often had a strange dream. He would dream that he was standing on top of the Great Wall as he looked down, and below his feet appeared to be an endless abyss. Someone who would be pushing him from the back, urging him into the abyss.


    He continued along his straight path and passed by the back of his campus. This path divided the back campus into two parts: on the left were six basketball courts, while on the right was a soccer court. There was a period of time before this when he would sit by the soccer court to memorize words after school as he watched a group of big guys train.


    There was a guy who often trained for Triathlons here who was very eye-catching. His red hair appeared to reflect the person¡¯s arrogance and vitality in the midst of this bleak winter. Aside from training for Triathlons, he was also the college team¡¯s forward. But today, Yu Hao didn¡¯t see him around.


    After he paused for awhile, he left the field. He stood facing the wall that surrounded his campus for a moment, then walked along the wall towards the fence at the back mountains. After he made a turn around the equipment room, a voice called out to him.


    ¡°Hey, do you have a lighter? Lend me one.¡±


    A clear, male voice sounded. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but tremble.


    He was that redhead who trains for Triathlons that Yu Hao often saw!


    At this moment, he was hiding behind the equipment room while he tossed a lighter around in his hand. He had short, dyed red hair, wore a set of blue sportswear that was quite filthy and his trousers were rolled up above his knees. Evidently, he had just ended his training.


    This was the first time they spoke face to face. Yu Hao suddenly realised that this guy looked a bit like a delinquent up close.


    Delinquents were a dime a dozen in this third-class independent college. In this institute, most didn¡¯t have the heart to study. Those who wanted to spend their time dating would be dating, those who liked internet cafes would hang out at internet cafes, those who wanted to gamble would gamble ¡ª they lived their lives like they were constantly in a drunken stupor. Yu Hao passed him the lighter in his pocket, red hair lit his cigarette and the back of the equipment room began to reek of cheap cigarette smoke.


    Delinquent passed him a stick, Yu Hao waved his hands to signal that he doesn¡¯t smoke and only took back his lighter. He scrutinised this person: Delinquent actually looked quite handsome, he can¡¯t be considered fair, but he has good skin and was half a head taller than Yu Hao. Yet, his figure wasn¡¯t excessively tall nor straight. He had a sloppy air about him, and there was a faint scar near his eyebrow. You wouldn¡¯t think that he was someone who was very particular about staying clean: the stench of sweat from his body assaulted one¡¯s nostrils and his clothes had probably been left unwashed for days.


    He had heard of his name before: Zhou Sheng from the Department of Physical Education next door. A genteel name and his clear and bright voice seemed to be in stark contrast to this appearance of his. Last last week, when Yu Hao went to the college to hand in his application for impoverished students, this guy was in the corridor enduring the earnest exhortation of the league committee¡¯s secretary. She was asking him to dye his hair back and said that even cutting it short was fine too, so he got a buzz cut.


    ¡°You smell like hot pot.¡± Zhou Sheng sniffed, then said, ¡°Ate hot pot just now?¡±


    Yu Hao ignored him. He took his lighter, stuffed it back into his pocket and walked around the equipment room as he left. Zhou Sheng looked from afar, then went to the field as he held the cigarette in his mouth. He rolled his trousers to his knees and sat down to look at the others as they played basketball.


    Not long after Yu Hao left, the basketball captain walked over and waved at Zhou Sheng, then shouted, ¡°Redhead!¡±


    Zhou Sheng extinguished his cigarette by pressing it against a rubbish bin, took off his shirt and exposed his well-built upper body, then walked forward to join them.


    Yu Hao walked for about ten minutes before he reached the area between the Department of Physical Education building and the campus wall. After he found the hole that lead to the back mountains, he threw his backpack over the wall and climbed over it. Then he walked along the wall and reached the mountaintop opposite the stadium. There was an abandoned house there made from cement, and a net was placed near the door that was used to collect fallen leaves.


    He pushed opened the metal door. There were a few boxes in the house, and in the middle sat a metal basket used for burning rubbish. An old mattress was spread out on the floor.


    There were two windows in this house, both were covered in dust and they looked quite dusky. The sunlight streamed into the cement house through these dusty glass windows.


    Yu Hao ignited one of the stoves in the house.


    A small flame sprang up from the stove. He sat at a side and stared at it, lost in thought. If he had to say if he had any regrets in this short life of his, it would be that he had never had the chance to date ¡ª- even if it was only for a few days.


    He never had the chance, and with the state that he is in now, he no longer expected to have a chance.


    If you didn¡¯t have the chance when you were younger, after a few years of struggling at death¡¯s door, the chances of finding love would be even slimmer when you¡¯re old.


    He wore his earphones and played Li Ronghao¡¯s ¡°Life on a String¡±5 on his phone, took out a medicinal bottle, ate a few Diazepam tablets, gulped down half a bottle of water, then laid down on the mattress and closed his eyes.


    Cheers from the basketball court travelled into the cement house. Someone might have thrown a three-pointer, or caught a rebound, or pulled off a handsome slam dunk¡­¡­kids were laughing unbridledly, the gingko leaves that littered the ground were swept away by a gust of wind, then they danced about in the air.


    In the face of death, everything was finally equal. You didn¡¯t have a choice in being born, but at least you could decide, if you wanted to leave this world.


    Yu Hao thought, this could be considered as a type of freedom and equality.


    Within the darkness, his consciousness gradually drifted away from his body. The music started to fade, and his surroundings suddenly became clear. A huge, meandering city wall appeared that led to the horizon. Mountains towered over it, and the world was dark.


    Before today, he had imagined what the afterworld would look like countless number of times. Ever since his grandmother passed away, he had searched for many legends regarding death. He didn¡¯t believe that ghosts existed in this world, and didn¡¯t believe in the so-called heaven and hell. There was once a pseudoscience explanation of one¡¯s soul that said: people¡¯s souls exist in a higher dimensional space; after one dies and their body is destroyed, their thoughts will continue to exist in this world.


    He reluctantly accepted this explanation. Anyway, it¡¯s not like he had any more hopes in the living world, so no matter what death offered or didn¡¯t offer wouldn¡¯t matter much to him. But he never, ever expected that his consciousness would be this clear at this moment, and that his surroundings would appear to be this real.


    The Great Wall stood tall as it towered over everything else. Beyond the walls was a dark abyss, and from the abyss came deep and low howls that sounded like the roars of a monster. This world was extremely vast, and the surrounding mountain ridges had undulating contours. The insignificantly small him stood atop the city wall that was about thirty metres tall; he had turned into a small, black dot that existed between the heavens and the earth.


    Yu Hao was suddenly at a loss. He looked down, and saw something that looked like a monster climb up the city wall.


    The darkness made him dizzy, and he almost fell into the abyss.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with living? Why do you want to die?¡±


    Suddenly, an icy cold metal hand grabbed him from behind. Yu Hao shouted in surprise, then turned around and retreated instinctively. A man that was clad in full armour appeared in front of him.


    1. This is the committee made up of students that oversees all kinds of school-wide activities. We call it the Student Union in my university?


    2. õνÅ:


    ?


    3. Laoshi = teacher?


    4. Ma Jiajue was a biochemistry major at Yunnan University who was convicted and executed for murdering his roommates.?

 Chapter 2 - Shocked Awake

    Seizing Dreams Ch2 ¨C Shocked Awake


    Notes on the Great Wall of China (it¡¯ll be mentioned a lot in this chapter):


    Beacon towers: Beacon towers, also called watch towers or guard towers, are built throughout or alongside the Great Wall of China to watch enemies and pass military messages. In ancient times, if intruders approached, soldiers on the tower would create smoke in the daytime and light a fire at night to warn their troops, making them the important component of the Great Wall defense system.


    Passes: Being the stronghold where the troops station, passes are often located in the key position of the Great Wall, to get the effect of ¡°if one man guards the pass, tens of thousand never want to get through¡±. Generally speaking, the pass is composed of a city wall, city gate, gate tower, luocheng, wengcheng and moat.


    Example of a pass:


    Walls: The walls are the main bodies of the China Great Wall, linking beacon towers and passes into a continuous defensive line. They mainly consist of battlement, parapet and barrier walls, horse ramps and other parts to block invaders and protect soldiers during the battles.


    Walls:


    But of course, in the following dreamscape the Great Wall won¡¯t be 100% similar to the actual one


    ¡ª¨C


    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Yu Hao shouted. The man clad in armour had a firm grip on Yu Hao as he dragged him back to the city wall, then threw him to the ground.


    Yu Hao fell onto the ground, then cut a sorry figure as he sat up. He leaned against the brick city wall and stared fixatedly at the person in front of him.


    The man in armour walked towards him and soft, clinking sounds could be heard as the metal plates in his armour rubbed against one another. This person was very tall; his head was covered in a silver helmet, and he looked like a medieval knight who was even wearing a longsword at his waist.


    The knight continued walking until he was about five steps away, then stopped.


    ¡°You¡­¡­you¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said in disbelief, ¡°Who are you? Where is this place?¡±


    The knight turned his head and looked at the other end of the Great Wall. Yu Hao was leaning against the brick wall before he gradually got up, then looked in the same direction as the knight.


    All he saw was darkness at the other end of the Great Wall. An autumn breeze suddenly blew; leaves withered and fell, and the wasteland in the distance stretched for a thousand miles.


    On the other hand, outside the Great Wall laid a darkness so dark that you wouldn¡¯t be able to see your fingers if you stretched your hand out in front of you.


    ¡°Yo, this is a bit serious.¡± Armoured Knight said, ¡°No wonder, just a little bit more and¡­but it looks like I made it in time?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. He took advantage of the dim daylight to size up this Armoured Knight.


    ¡°I am the guardian of your dreamscape.¡± Armoured Knight stretched out his right hand that was covered in a metal glove and said, ¡°Call me ¡®General¡¯. First time meeting you, do treat me kindly1.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao stretched his hand out and was about to shake hands with the knight, but right at the next moment, that knight suddenly withdrew his hand and shouted, ¡°Watch out!¡±


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t recovered from his daze. He turned around to take a look, but a ear-splitting roar suddenly sounded. A massive, pitch black monster roared as it dashed up the city wall. That monster ran on four legs, stood about three metres tall and it was covered in scales from head to toe. When it rushed up, ¡°General¡± used his left hand to pull Yu Hao behind him, then his right hand immediately unsheathed the sword on his waist and swung it out as fast as lightning!


    That monster let out a frenzied roar as black, fresh blood spurted out. Immediately afterward, General rapidly turned one round, clenched his left fist that was clad in a heavy metal glove and slammed it down on the monster¡¯s head with a thud. The monster¡¯s head was instantly deformed, then it fell straight down the Great Wall!


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stop panting, and right at this moment, the darkness outside the Great Wall began to spread upwards like flowing mercury as it climbed up the city wall. The howl of wolves sounded one after the other as the rotten, black pack of wolves climbed up the wall in succession.


    Yu Hao panicked and said, ¡°What¡¯s that? What do we do?¡±


    General said, ¡°I¡¯ll cover you! Get out of here first!¡¯


    Yu Hao turned back and looked at the interior of the Great Wall. If he jumped down from this height of about ten metres, he¡¯d probably end up with broken legs. General shouted, ¡°It¡¯s no use escaping into the Great Wall! They¡¯ll catch up sooner or later! Run along the city wall!¡±


    General used his sword to sweep away the rotten wolves that pounced on them, then shouted, ¡°You go first!¡±


    Yu Hao took a few steps back, and when General caught up, he felt slightly more reassured. More and more wolves were appearing as they climbed up the city wall incessantly. Yu Hao ran along the Great Wall while General ran behind him; General was getting faster and faster as his armour made rapid clinking sounds. He actually caught up within a short moment, then dragged Yu Hao and flew towards the other side of the wall.


    The endless Great Wall had many corner rooms in its midst. General shouted, ¡°Run into the room!¡±


    The rotten wolves were rushing forward one after the other. Yu Hao knocked against a door and entered one of the corner rooms, then General immediately turned around and bumped against the rotten wolf that was right in front of them to knock it out. Both of them dashed backwards, pushed the door from both sides and closed it with a loud thump. Then, the world around them turned pitch-black.


    General pushed against the door that wouldn¡¯t stop vibrating and shouted, ¡°Look for the latch!¡±


    Yu Hao fumbled about everywhere, tripped on the ground once, found the latch, hugged it, and latched the door with a loud bang. The door then stabilised without budging an inch, then it suddenly turned quiet outside.


    Yu Hao panted in the dark and said, ¡°What¡­¡­what kind of place is this exactly?¡±


    ¡°Look for tinder.¡± General answered in the dark.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, but there¡¯ll definitely be tinder.¡± General replied.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Yu Hao was so giddy his head was spinning. He had obviously been¡­¡­burning charcoal2, but for some reason he ended up here where he¡¯s being chased by a group of strange wolves, while an armoured knight had appeared out of nowhere.


    ¡°If you believe that there¡¯s tinder, then it will appear.¡± General explained, ¡°The soldiers that guard the Great Wall will leave tinders behind won¡¯t they? Or else how would they light up the beacons.¡±


    Yu Hao thought ¡®that¡¯s true¡¯, so he turned around and felt along the wall until he found a shelf. He groped around the shelf for half a day before his hands finally touched something small.


    ¡°It¡¯s a lighter.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It should still work.¡± General said.


    Yu Hao pressed down on the lighter3. It spit out a flame with a humming sound and illuminated a small part of the room. As expected, there was a lamp underneath the shelf. General picked it up, Yu Hao lit it with the lighter, then the entire corner room immediately turned bright.


    Their surroundings were absolutely empty.


    Yu Hao looked at the armour under the light of the lamp and was suddenly a little curious about the man inside it.


    ¡°What exactly is this place?!¡± Yu Hao asked for the third time, ¡°Tell me!¡±


    General didn¡¯t move a muscle. He faced the lamp motionlessly as if he was in a daze.


    ¡°Life is short.¡± General lightly said, ¡°Since you had already given up on the idea of living, why did you escape from the wolves?¡±


    Yu Hao sighed, then answered, ¡°As long as there¡¯s a chance to live, why die?¡± As he spoke, he leaned against the corner room¡¯s wall and sat on the floor, a little vexed.


    ¡°What made you want to live?¡± General sat down next to Yu Hao and placed one hand on his shoulder. That armour was extremely cold, yet Yu Hao felt a sudden urge to cry.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao murmured.


    ¡°This is your dreamscape.¡± General said, ¡°The abyss beyond the Great Wall is your subconsciousness. Once you jump down, your life will end, and your final will to live would be extinguished. Your desire to live and your last hopes of doing so would thus fall into your subconsciousness.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want to keep on living?¡± General said, ¡°Decide for yourself ba.¡±


    ¡°I remember¡­¡­that I¡¯ve never had this dream, no, I have!¡± Yu Hao murmured to himself, but he recalled in an instant. There was a long period of time after his grandmother passed away when he would have the same dream over and over again: a dream where he was standing on top of a high wall as he hesitated over whether or not he should jump down.


    Within the walls was a stretch of wasteland, while beyond the walls was an abyss. He paced back and forth on the city wall incessantly, and did so for several years.


    ¡°Everything here is subjected to the suggestions you give yourself, so they may change as a result.¡± General casually said, ¡°Latching the door implied that you thought this room was completely safe, so, can you hear anything? It¡¯s dead quiet outside.¡±


    After a long silence, General¡¯s voice rang out again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me for meddling, but you don¡¯t really want to die.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re still here,¡± General said, then patted Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder like a reliable big brother and stood up, ¡°You didn¡¯t jump off the wall.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Yu Hao sighed, yet his eyes suddenly became bright, ¡°I¡¯m still hesitating, but I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m hesitating.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s enough. Since you haven¡¯t made the decision, why not give it a try?¡± General used the lamplight to scrutinize the corner room¡¯s ceiling.


    ¡°Give what a try?¡± Yu Hao furrowed his brows as he said.


    General murmured, ¡°To let the sun rise, or else, if you were to return to reality like this, then next time you¡¯ll still¡­¡­anyway¡­¡­un¡­¡­look at the top.¡±


    Yu Hao held the lamp and looked up. There was a sealed hatchway on the ceiling of the corner room. General said, ¡°Come, I¡¯ll get you up first. There should be a ladder on top, go up and let it down.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, puzzled, ¡°Isn¡¯t it my dream? Why do you know it better than I do?¡±


    ¡°This is common sense¡­¡­¡± As General spoke, he bent his knees slightly to get into a horse stance4 and held his palms out with one over the other. He motioned for Yu Hao to come over, then Yu Hao stepped onto his palms.


    ¡°¡­¡­and also to give your mind a¡­¡­suggestion¡­¡­¡± General lifted him upwards. Yu Hao opened up the hatchway and placed the lamp outside, then climbed out of the room.


    Yu Hao was standing on an elevated platform above the Great Wall¡¯s corner room. On top of his head was a massive crossbow used for besieging towns, and there really was a ladder laying next to it. He looked beyond the platform, and within a split second, he saw more and more rotten wolves climb over the Great Wall. They were heading for the walls of this huge pass like a school of silver carps moving down a stream.


    The roaring black current looked like a fast-growing vegetation that was continuously spreading through the Great Wall.


    ¡°Their numbers are increasing!¡± Yu Hao shouted downwards.


    General answered from the bottom, ¡°Let me go up first! Is there a ladder!?¡±


    Yu Hao let the ladder down. General quickly climbed up onto the platform, took a glance, and said, ¡°Damn it, they¡¯re faster than I thought.¡±


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    General looked into the distance. A towering pedestal was erected nearly half a kilometre away.


    ¡°Our target are the beacon towers. If we light them up,¡± General said, ¡°there¡¯ll be people who will come to save you.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask yourself that.¡± General said, ¡°We¡¯ll rush there through the top of the Great Wall.¡±


    The road that led to the beacon tower had already been flooded with rotten wolves, yet they didn¡¯t seem to notice the man clad in armour next to Yu Hao. Instead, they continued climbing over the Great Wall and advanced dauntlessly in waves towards the pass, as if the distant horizon within the Great Wall contained a delicacy that was attracting them over in droves.


    ¡°Prepare yourself.¡± General said, ¡°I¡¯ll jump down first. Follow me, don¡¯t be scared.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Yu Hao gathered his thoughts, then suddenly asked, ¡°This is my dream, right?¡±


    General uttered an ¡°un?¡±, then turned around and looked at Yu Hao from underneath his helmet. Yu Hao asked again, ¡°If I want a lighter, there¡¯ll be a lighter. If I want a ladder, there¡¯ll be a ladder. So¡­¡­can I turn you into a stronger knight?¡±


    General answered without a second thought, ¡°Impossible.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao furrowed his brows and said.


    General said, ¡°We don¡¯t have much time left, are you sure you want me to explain that now?¡±


    Yu Hao hesitated for a moment. General said, ¡°You only need to remember that right now, our strength is limited. The you who is standing here now isn¡¯t the real you; you¡¯re just a fragment of the self-consciousness that belongs to the whole ¡®you¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wh¡­¡­what? Then what about you? Why are you a guardian?¡±


    General unsheathed his sword, then murmured, ¡°I¡¯m not a part of this dream, you can treat me as an outsider¡­¡­prepare yourself, I¡¯m jumping!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t heard him clearly before General waved his sword and jumped down onto the Great Wall¡¯s corridor!


    Yu Hao could only renew his determination, then chase after General by jumping onto the corridor that was about three metres tall. The wolves that were climbing up the wall discovered them within an instant and they immediately rushed towards General.


    ¡°Give me a weapon!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    General threw him his sword. Yu Hao caught it, and General actually began fighting with his bare fists as he opened up a path in front of them. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°What about you?!¡±


    General grabbed a rotten wolf and smashed its head. His iron fist had the strength of 10 000 juns5, while the heavy armour he was clad in had the force of about 200 catties. Relying on the weight of his armours, General went on a rampage as he collided vigorously with the wolves ahead of them. Yu Hao held a lamp in one hand and a sword in the other. He used the sword to sweep away the wolves in front of him; this sword was incomparably sharp, so with just one swing it could cut the rotten wolves into half.


    Howls and roars thundered and rang through their eardrums. Amidst the melee, Yu Hao unconsciously followed behind General as they ran forward like madmen; the two of them cleared a path as they rushed towards the Great Wall¡¯s beacon tower. Yu Hao almost fell a couple of times, so General forcefully grabbed his wrist and shouted, ¡°Hold onto the lamp!¡±


    Soon after, Yu Hao felt a hand around his waist and his feet leave the ground as General carried him in his arms. General ran a few steps forward, then leaped up and bumped into the wolves in front of them which made them scatter in all directions. 50 steps, 30 steps¡­¡­like an arrow that was released from its bow, they rushed towards the beacon tower.


    Yu Hao saw the platform underneath the beacon tower and shouted, ¡°We¡¯ve reached!¡±


    ¡°Go up!¡± General took his sword, then turned around and blocked the way to the platform. Hundreds and thousands of rotten wolves were startled, then they rushed towards them as they tried to jump onto the platform and drag Yu Hao down the Great Wall. General kept killing the rotten wolves with his sword ¡ª wherever his blade went, the rotten wolves it slashed would tear apart like paper and disintegrate into a puff of black smoke.


    Yu Hao stumbled up the beacon tower with a lamp in his hand, while General retreated step by step as he went up the tower. The number of wolves continued to increase and they began to surround them on all sides.


    ¡°Hurry!¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath, will there really be reinforcements?


    Within and beyond the Great Wall was an expanse of darkness where fierce gales blustered. This was a dream filled with despair.


    He threw the lamp onto the wood pile, and at the same time, General could no longer hold off the wolves and had been knocked onto the ground. Right when the beacon tower was lit, a raging fire burst ten metres up into the sky!


    ¡°General!¡± Yu Hao rushed towards the man in armour who was being held down by wolves, but right after he rushed out, a miracle occurred behind him. A raging pillar of fire suddenly rose into the midst of the fierce gales and burst right through the skies! The wolves appeared to be extremely terrified of this blaze; when the beacons were lit, they immediately fled and scattered in all directions.


    In the next moment, along the meandering Great Wall, the rest of the beacon towers appeared to have sensed the blaze as they began to light up one by one. The light from the pillar of fire shot out in all directions, which made it look like a lighthouse that could light up the world; yet, it also looked like a divine punishment dished out from the heavens during an apocalypse!


    ¡°Your defence mechanisms have been activated.¡± General struggled to get up, then adjusted his shoulder plate and sheathed his long sword.


    Yu Hao stared blankly at the scene in front of him. From where they stood, the beacon towers lit up one by one in two opposite directions from the east to the west. Under this light, the Great Wall looked majestic and vast. The entire world was illuminated, and this light was expelling the vast expanse of darkness beyond the walls!


    ¡°No reinforcements.¡± Yu Hao gasped, ¡°What next? What do we do?¡±


    General raised his hand to cup his ear and made a ¡°listen¡± gesture ¡ª as a hint to Yu Hao to listen carefully. Yu Hao suddenly turned his head and looked at the endless stretch of wasteland within the Great Wall.


    And on that desolate wasteland, thousands and ten thousands of troops began to roll in!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We succeeded! The defence line has been established! We¡¯re safe!¡± General said in a deep voice.


    Nearly 100 000 cavalry troops gushed towards the Great Wall like an unstoppable tide. Yu Hao quickly ran to the other side and said, ¡°Where did they come from? I¡­¡­¡±


    General walked up behind Yu Hao and looked towards the wasteland. There was an endless stream of combat-ready troops flooding in; they looked like red clouds that swept across the wasteland as they collided with the wolves that had crossed the Great Wall. Upon collision, all the wolves collapsed in an instant! Yu Hao saw how his reinforcements looked like under the illumination of the glaring light: all of them were clad in leather armour, and the Chinese character ¡°±ø¡± was written in the clerical script font on their chest6. Behind them flew countless flags that looked like fire clouds with the word ¡°Ê¿¡±7 on them. Military tanks drove over, lined up in one row, adjusted the angle of its barrels, then launched a barrage of artillery shells out of the Great Wall!


    General said, ¡°These are the guardians in your memory. Go back to look for them?¡±


    Thunder clapped, the artillery shells carried with them a surging and raging blaze as they flew over the city in an arc and bombarded the rotten wolves that were advancing towards the Great Wall. Yu Hao turned around again to face the other side.


    ¡°That¡¯s great¡ª¡ª¡±


    The blinding light from the beacon towers pierced straight through the sky. Suddenly, Yu Hao found it difficult to breath and his whole body went limp as he fell to his knees.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± General immediately came over and knelt down on one knee as he caught him.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao calmed himself down, but he could only feel like the world around him was spinning and trembling non-stop.


    ¡°You¡¯re about to awake.¡± General¡¯s deep voice sounded next to Yu Hao¡¯s ear.


    Yu Hao raised his head up in a daze and looked at the helmet above him. General continued, ¡°Go back and live your life to the fullest. When you feel like giving up on everything¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­don¡¯t forget that you still have me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± An anxious voice rang out next to his ear.


    Yu Hao felt like he was being jerked around violently, like someone was running madly with him on his back. He heard the sound of someone wheezing and smelled the odour of sweat as icy-cold air poured into his windpipe.


    He was regaining consciousness bit by bit. Unfamiliar voices around him were engaged in an incessant discourse.


    ¡°Turn out his pockets, see if his campus card is in it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go register for him¡­¡­¡±


    The back of his hand felt a stinging pain.


    ¡°Too skinny. Why is he this skinny?¡± A female voice said, ¡°Set him up with an oxygen tank and put him on a drip. Observe him for the next 24 hours to see if any swelling occurs, ai? He¡¯s awake.¡±


    Yu Hao wearily opened his eyes; the whitewashed walls of a hospital and a blue privacy screen came into sight. A nurse was adjusted his drip bottle and helped him wear an oxygen mask, then she went out to call for someone. Soon after, the counsellor came in.


    ¡°Yu Hao, you¡­¡­what the hell were you thinking?¡± The counsellor had been scared half to death, ¡°You didn¡¯t need to do that right?¡±


    Yu Hao was still a bit muddleheaded. He opened his mouth, yet he couldn¡¯t speak, so he could only stare quietly at the counsellor.


    The counsellor called Xue Long sighed.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to persevere for your grandmother who had passed away?¡± Xue Long said, ¡°What kind of obstacles can¡¯t be overcome in life?¡±


    Yu Hao opened his mouth again, and this time he could make some sounds.


    ¡°Xue Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°Sigh.¡± Xue Long said helplessly.


    Xue Long had been wondering if the matter of persuading Yu Hao to withdraw could be given some leeway. But looking at the situation now, if he lets Yu Hao stay, he might just be bringing more trouble upon himself. This student was basically a hot potato, yet he seems so pitiful when you look at him. But then again, persuading him to withdraw and giving him some guidance aren¡¯t mutually exclusive.


    When a students is enrolled in a school, both the college and counsellor won¡¯t be absolved of responsibility if the student were to commit suicide or murder. But once they drop out, the school won¡¯t be responsible for them anymore.


    ¡°I chose a place outside of the school compound.¡± Yu Hao calmly said, ¡°So that I wouldn¡¯t cause trouble for you.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t about whether or not you could cause trouble for us.¡± Xue Long thus said, ¡°Today, we just had an internal meeting inside the college and I was still speaking up for you then, but once I turned back this was what you did, you¡­¡­ai! Put your hand on your heart and ask yourself, did you let Laoshi down?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Xue Long looked at his watch and thought, there was going to be a Manchester United game this evening so he had to hurry home, thus he faced Yu Hao and said, ¡°Have a good rest first. Tomorrow, your new form teacher will look for you to have a chat. Come and find me once you¡¯ve rested up.¡±


    Yu Hao answered with an ¡°un¡±. He suddenly felt that after he had experienced that dream, something inside of him had changed.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Yu Hao added right when Xue Long was about to leave.


    Xue Long didn¡¯t say anything else as he was afraid of agitating him. Working with students was a high-risk occupation: if anything happened, the one who would end up shouldering the blame would definitely be the counsellor. He thought that homosexuals were all psychologically fragile. There was a one case last year in a certain high school where two homosexuals fell in love and they ended up causing an earth-shattering commotion. One of them found out that he had AIDS and committed suicide, while the other didn¡¯t know anything but ended his life as well so that they could die together in the name of love. Their parents wouldn¡¯t stop hounding their schools and forced the schools to compensate them with 700 000 yuan as well as fire the counsellor before they rested their case.


    Sometimes, Xue Long felt like he should erect an altar for the ¡°Yang Yongxin God8¡± at his home. There were some students who could only be treated with electric shocks. For a student like Yu Hao, even if he were electrocuted ten or eight times, he wouldn¡¯t feel the least bit sympathy for him.


    1. Chinese version of ¡®hajimemashite something something¡¯ I forgot the full phrase in Jap LOL. Just a common greeting you say to someone you¡¯ve just met for the first time.?


    2. Also an euphemism for using charcoal to die by carbon monoxide poisoning?


    3. Same type of lighter he had passed to Zhou Sheng in chap 1?


    4. Horse stance (Âí²½):


    ?


    5. One jun = 30 catties, one catty = 500~600g?


    6. ±ø (soldier) in clerical font:


    ?


    7. Ê¿ = high-level soldiers?


    8. Yang Yongxin is a highly controversial Chinese clinical psychiatrist who advocated and practiced electroconvulsive therapy without anesthesia or muscle relaxants as a cure for claimed Internet addiction in teenagers.


    T/N: Omg. I¡¯m dead. This took me so long to edit because 1. I know nothing about the Great Wall except that it¡¯s hot and climbing up the Great Wall underneath the scorching afternoon sun is a horrible experience and 2. THE AUTHOR¡¯S. SENTENCE. STRUCTURE.


    The only upside is that I loved this chapter.


    I need to go hibernate for awhile.


    Edit: Oh right, audio drama is from 04:21 ¨C 10:29. Hahahahaha I just listened to the audio drama while reading my own translation¡­¡­.and realised¡­..THEY SKIPPED SO MANY PARTS but okay I guess that¡¯s normal

 Chapter 3 - Recalling Old Memories

    Seizing Dreams Ch3 ¨C Recalling Old Memories


    Yu Hao lay quietly on the bed with only the ceiling of the school¡¯s infirmary in his eyes. He heard Xue Long speak to a doctor outside to gain a better understanding of his current situation.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to transfer to another hospital. He didn¡¯t inhale much, so we just need to observe him for awhile more.¡±


    Xue Long ensured that his life was no longer in danger before he left.


    It has been said that those who¡¯ve died once wouldn¡¯t seek death again. Right now, it seems that he had really gotten rid of the idea. It was as if ¡°General¡± had stayed in his heart and was repeatedly telling him, ¡°you will be fine¡±.


    Someone knocked on the door a few times. Yu Hao turned his head, then widened his eyes in surprise. That person was carrying his backpack and he was the Sports Department¡¯s basketball captain ¡ª Fu Liqun. He thought of the familiar voice he heard when he was unconscious ¡ª the one who had carried him to the hospital was him!


    He knows Fu Liqun. He had helped him fill in an application form for a work-study program, and they have had brief conversations. Right now, his hair was drenched in sweat, yet he still looked very energetic. He had thick and black eyebrows, and his nickname was ¡°Sports Department¡¯s Wang Leehom1¡±.


    ¡°Feeling better?¡± Fu Liqun said, then put his medical record next to his pillow and passed Yu Hao his campus card and mobile phone.


    Yu Hao wanted to get up, but Fu Liqun asked him to lie down and said, ¡°I have a roommate who said that he saw you near the field.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡±, then Fu Liqun continued, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. If someone asks, we¡¯ll just say that you just got dumped, so you went up the mountains to take pictures of gingkos and entered that old house to burn your diary but ended up choking on the smoke instead.¡± As he spoke, he laughed to himself and said, ¡°It actually sounds quite reasonable when I put it that way.¡±


    ¡°No one will ask me anyway.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°But there¡¯ll always be people who like to gossip.¡± Fu Liqun answered.


    Yu Hao whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Fu Liqun was wearing a sports jacket with a basketball vest underneath it and a pair of training pants that he hadn¡¯t changed out of. He bent over slightly as he sat on a chair. He had carried Yu Hao to the infirmary as soon as he left the court so he was still gasping for breath as he looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao remembered that there was once when he saw from afar someone drive a BMW to school to pick him up. Rumours has it that the car belonged to Fu Liqun¡¯s girlfriend from the Dance Department at Sichuan Conservatory of Music ¡ª a beautiful woman with fair skin and long legs.


    There were many girls in the college who had a secret crush on Fu Liqun, plus he came from a well-to-do family as well. This kind of male-god-like existence seemed to be destined to live a bright and magnificent life. He belonged to a different world from Yu Hao, and had rarely taken the initiative to talk to him.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Fu Liqun had stayed silent for a long while before he replied. His expression looked like he was trying to find something to talk about, but his mobile phone rang. Fu Liqun thus lowered his head and began to reply on his WeChat.


    Sneezing sounds could be heard outside, and the sneezes sounded one after the other.


    ¡°Redhead?¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Someone followed behind the nurse and entered the ward. The school infirmary¡¯s ward was partitioned into two with a privacy screen. Zhou Sheng entered while he sneezed, looked at the Yu Hao who was on a drip and uttered a ¡°yo¡±, then said, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s sick.¡± Fu Liqun answered for Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re not getting enough nutrition ba, look at how skinny you are.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s snot was dripping as he walked to the other side of the privacy screen. The nurse smiled as she held a tongue depressor2. She has seen all kinds of weirdos in the school infirmary, so she didn¡¯t make any comment. She held up Zhou Sheng¡¯s chin and asked, ¡°Where does it hurt?¡±


    ¡°Everywhere hurts. My throat hurts, and my head hurts too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re faking it right.¡± The nurse said, ¡°Say ¡®ah¡¯.¡±


    Their voices travelled over from behind the screen. Zhou Sheng whined as he refused to get a shot and asked the nurse to prescribe him some medicine instead. Then he was lectured once again about how the weather had turned chilly recently and why they weren¡¯t taking better care of themselves in this kind of weather.


    ¡°You always take off your shirt when you play basketball, but what for? Ah? To act handsome?¡± The nurse said.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s unbecoming to take off my pants.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly laughed because he was so amused, then started coughing violently. The nurse walked over to take a look, then said, ¡°We¡¯ll take you off the oxygen tank, do you feel dizzy?¡±


    The nurse took off Yu Hao¡¯s oxygen mask which made him feel much better. Zhou Sheng looked at the drip bottle, then glanced at Fu Liqun to hint him the question ¡°Leaving?¡±. Fu Liqun answered, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany him until this drip bottle finishes.¡±


    ¡°You guys go back first ba.¡± Yu Hao felt very apologetic. He didn¡¯t know how he could ever repay Fu Liqun, yet Fu Liqun only smiled and said, ¡°Your form teacher sent me a message to say that he had just gotten off the train. He¡¯ll be coming over soon to see you.¡±


    Yu Hao could only nod his head. College freshmen were first under the supervision of the college¡¯s counsellor. Their entire cohort had about 70 people, so Xue Long couldn¡¯t possibly handle so many of them. The college thus appointed a form teacher ¡ª who was most likely a postgraduate student ¡ª to each class. Yu Hao didn¡¯t like to owe other people favours. He had always hoped that he could cut off all ties with the outside world as much as possible. It was like he had sealed himself off, which gave him a lot of freedom most of the time. But the favour he owed Fu Liqun for discovering his whereabouts and carrying him to the hospital is a favour that Yu Hao would never be able to repay for the rest of his life.


    This gratitude he felt weighed down on his heart ¡ª it was like a gift, yet also like a shackle that was so heavy it suffocated him a little bit.


    I must be crazy. Yu Hao really hated his current self right now.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait with you ba, let¡¯s eat some hot pot later.¡± Zhou Sheng lied down on the other sickbed, and the ward suddenly fell silent. Fu Liqun lowered his head and fiddled about with his phone, while Yu Hao quietly recalled the ¡°General¡± he saw in his dreams. He didn¡¯t know why, but when General appeared, he didn¡¯t feel like rejecting this person¡¯s help at all. It was as if he was an old friend that Yu Hao had known for many years.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that you still have me.¡±


    Maybe this could be my reason for living, Yu Hao thought in a daze. He will never forget this dream for the rest of his life, and he will never forget about Fu Liqun; it was as if these two occurrences had coincided miraculously.


    He scrutinized Fu Liqun, and without knowing how much time has passed, someone¡¯s voice broke through the silence in the ward.


    ¡°Are you Yu Hao Tongxue3?¡±


    Yu Hao snapped out of his daze and raised his head. A man dressed in a casual linen suit was dragging his luggage behind him as he strutted4 into the ward.


    The bespectacled man had handsome and refined facial features; his lips looked moist, the edges of his thick hair curled up slightly and he exuded an amiable and scholarly vibe. The buttons on his linen suit jacket were undone, and he wore a scarf around his neck. This man rubbed his hands a few times until his hands were warm, then walked up and patted the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Chen Yekai.¡± That man introduced himself and said, ¡°Your form teacher. You can just call me Shixiong5, I have just completed my postgraduate studies.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. He didn¡¯t quite know how to handle this kind of one-on-one self-introduction situations, but Chen Yekai adjusted to it very quickly. He looked towards Fu Liqun and said, ¡°I¡¯m in charge of your Sports Class 1 and Yu Hao Tongxue¡¯s Psychology Class 1.¡±


    Fu Liqun quickly stood up to shake hands with Chen Yekai and called him Chen Laoshi6. Chen Yekai pulled a chair over to sit down, looked at Fu Liqun, then looked at Yu Hao, and suddenly felt a little embarrassed as he smiled and said, ¡°How would the two of you rank in your respective classes in terms of looks?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°Above average I guess.¡±


    ¡°Then that¡¯s great.¡± Chen Yekai looked as if a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders as he said, ¡°There should be a lot more people who¡¯re more handsome than me, so I won¡¯t be surrounded all the time by girls who want to flirt with me anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry. Fu Liqun patted Chen Yekai¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Trust me Chen Laoshi, the girls will still flirt with you. Look¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he motioned for Chen Yekai to look, and the young nurses who were leaning on the doorframe secretly taking pictures of Chen Yekai with their phones immediately turned around and left.


    Chen Yekai tried to suppress his embarrassment and didn¡¯t turn around. He looked like he was at a loss and Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t help but laugh aloud. Chen Yekai was indeed very good-looking, to the point that he even looked like a celebrity. He smiled as he looked at Yu Hao, then said, ¡°Life will always give good-looking people preferential treatment, but I didn¡¯t think of that at all.¡±


    ¡°Am I good-looking?¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    Chen Yekai scrutinized Yu Hao, then said, ¡°You¡¯re just too skinny, you need to eat more.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Can¡¯t afford to, I¡¯m too poor.¡±


    ¡°What did you eat for lunch?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Hot pot.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°And I was thinking of bringing you out to eat that later.¡±


    Yu Hao spent 200 yuan on that meal. He had squandered away the last bit of his living expenses.


    ¡°If you want to chat, then let¡¯s chat.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to bottle it up all the time, I did that when I was younger too.¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit surprised; Chen Yekai looked like a pretty optimistic person to him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t steal anything.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    Chen Yekai scrutinised Yu Hao, then looked like he suddenly made up his mind about something and said, ¡°I believe you.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard those words, he was completely stunned. Ever since this whole incident started, this was the first time someone told him ¡°I believe you¡±. Both the counsellor and the police only answered him with ¡°don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll definitely uncover the truth¡±s. There had never been someone who gave him a definite answer as they were all afraid of shouldering the blame if they said something wrong too soon.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao asked instead.


    ¡°The police working on your case said so.¡± Chen Yekai opened up his WeChat, put his phone on loudspeaker, then played a voice message.


    ¡°The kid¡¯s lying, I¡¯ve seen too many of such cases¡­¡­but we can¡¯t prove it, so it¡¯s not convenient for us to mention it to her parent¡­¡­we can¡¯t accuse the guy of stealing just because he¡¯s poor¡­¡­¡±


    After he finished playing the voice message, Chen Yekai explained, ¡°The police who handle cases have seen all kinds of people, they can tell if someone is lying just from their eyes. But that kid is too smart, no matter how much they questioned her, they couldn¡¯t catch any loopholes in her testimony.¡± As he spoke, he looked towards Fu Liqun again and said, ¡°When he went to tutor the kid, the kid placed her father¡¯s watch in Yu Hao¡¯s bag and framed him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s too much.¡± Fu Liqun understood the gist of the situation from their conversation, then said, ¡°Why did she do that?¡±


    Chen Yekai shrugged7, then said, ¡°Now we need to find a way to obtain evidence.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There won¡¯t be any evidence, unless she admits to it herself.¡±


    Chen Yekai thought about it, then answered, ¡°Not necessarily.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°The same thing happened when I was in junior high.¡±


    Chen Yekai was extremely surprised. He has never seen Yu Hao¡¯s files, and counsellor Xue Long hadn¡¯t mentioned this inside story to him.


    ¡°Can you talk about it?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a bit, then said, ¡°Actually, the person who did it was quite a good buddy of mine.¡±


    In the latter half of his second year in junior high, a rather wealthy boy transferred into his class. His nickname was Hua Lun, his father dealt with coal in Shanxi and had so much money he could use it as kindling. Hua Lun often gathered a clique to accompany him out to play, and he would foot the bill whenever they went out. Whenever he went out on the weekends, he would buy Zhonghua cigarettes in strips8, and he even had a car of his own when he was still a minor. His family had a good relationship with the city officials as well, so he was never investigated.


    Hua Lun bought over9 quite a few so-called ¡°useful¡± people, just like their language textbook¡¯s ¡°Gentleman Meng Chang¡¯s Three Thousand Spongers10¡±. His followers would help him copy his homework, help him cheat during exams, bring textbooks for him, clean the classroom for him, take over his cleaning duties and so on and so forth¡­¡­.everyone realised their worth as they divided up numerous and diverse tasks amongst themselves and took charge of their own specific duties.


    Yu Hao had felt the distinct disparity between him and the other kids ever since he was in kindergarten, so he had an inferiority complex and was particularly sensitive during junior high. So naturally, he wasn¡¯t willing to join this group of guys and become one of Hua Lun¡¯s hangers-on. But, he had a buddy whom he was quite close with who was from a working class family; this buddy of his learnt a lot from Hua Lun and would hang out with him all day. He often borrowed money from Hua Lun and could easily borrow two to three hundred yuan from him each time. If he needed a bit more money, he could even borrow up to a thousand yuan in one shot.


    Subsequently, the coal boss¡¯ coal mine met with some problems. After some introspection, he gave his son a good lecture and deducted half of his allowance. Since then, Hua Lun¡¯s glory was no more, and his hangers-on immediately fled helter-skelter. However, it¡¯s easy to switch from a thrifty lifestyle to a luxurious one, but difficult to do the opposite. After Yu Hao¡¯s buddy realised that his ATM had shut down, it was inevitable for him to feel the sudden discrepancy in his standard of living.


    Thus after their physical education class ended, he took Hua Lun¡¯s wallet, turned it out, took a few of the notes inside it then stuffed it back into his table. But right after he placed the wallet in the table, the students began to return to the classroom one after the other. Hua Lun realised that his wallet was stolen, so he quickly reported his loss to the teacher.


    The form teacher was a quick-witted one too. He knew that it wouldn¡¯t be smart to approach this matter by enforcing a class-wide body search for the wallet, so he asked Hua Lun not to disclose his loss first. They would search for his wallet through careful observation and try their best to capture the thief red-handed. After school ended, Hua Lun finally found his wallet in Yu Hao¡¯s table¡­¡­.


    ¡°Why?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Yu Hao calmly answered, ¡°He was too nervous, so he stuffed it into a table without much thought and had accidentally misplaced it. Coincidentally, my seat was adjacent to his.¡±


    Yu Hao had done his best to argue with reason then, but as luck would have it, he also had 300 yuan on him which was given to him by his grandmother ¨C it was his living expenses for the month. After they argued for awhile, Yu Hao ended up getting into a fight with Hua Lun. Hua Lun had disliked him for a long time; after all, when he was at the peak of his glory, he had tried to recruit Yu Hao a few times but Yu Hao never agreed be his hanger-on. On the other hand, Yu Hao was furious about being accused, so he took a cup and used it to smash Hua Lun¡¯s head.


    After the matter was blown up, Hua Lun¡¯s mother came to the school and brought along proof that Hua Lun was suffering from a grade 3 disability11, and had proclaimed that she would definitely not let this matter rest easily. In the end, Yu Hao¡¯s grandmother went to the school as well and knelt down to Hua Lun¡¯s mother in front of a lot of people. This matter had shocked everyone in their grade, and had completely shocked Yu Hao too.


    ¡°Within the entire grade, only my English teacher spoke up for me.¡± Yu Hao calmly said, ¡°I still remember what she had said. She said, ¡®When Hua Lun was gathering his clique, Yu Hao never hung out with them, so why would he go and steal his money now?¡±


    Subsequently, this incident left a criminal record on Yu Hao¡¯s file, but he still managed to graduate. After he graduated from junior high, that buddy of his told him the truth. In the beginning Yu Hao wanted to let bygones be bygones, but that buddy had actually looked for him to borrow money from him again. In the end, Yu Hao unintentionally discovered that his buddy had been roped into taking drugs by some gangsters, which was why he always lacked money. Yu Hao lent him money, then called the police while he was taking drugs in his friend¡¯s house who then sent him to a drug rehabilitation centre.


    A few years later, his buddy quit his drug addiction and was released from the centre, but he has never contacted Yu Hao since then. After Yu Hao graduated from senior high and was on his way home, he bumped into him by chance and greeted him, but the other party treated him like he was invisible.


    ¡°Drink some water.¡± Chen Yekai had brewed a cup of glucose water which he passed to Yu Hao.


    Fu Liqun had never encountered this sort of thing before. If it wasn¡¯t because he was seriously ill right before his college entrance examination and had screwed it up as a result, he wouldn¡¯t have enrolled in this third-rate college. Hearing Yu Hao¡¯s story was like viewing a whole other world up close.


    Yu Hao drank some water. After he started talking, he couldn¡¯t help but want to pour his heart out and talk to Chen Yekai. By doing so, it was as if he would be able to get rid of all his pent-up resentment that had accumulated over the years.


    ¡°What happened next?¡± Chen Yekai asked again.


    Afterwards, Yu Hao kept up a very strong guard as he completed his third year of high school. During that period, he had read a few Psychology books due to certain reasons and learnt that his personality was intrinsically linked to the environment that he grew up in. His grandmother was a very overbearing woman; she was so overbearing that his mother couldn¡¯t stand this mother-in-law of hers at all. After his father passed away, his mother had once brought him to the East River¡¯s reservoir to play. She had given him a shovel and a small bucket, then asked him to use those tools to dig up some snails.


    The reservoir was very slippery. If you weren¡¯t careful, you would slip straight into the waters.


    As Yu Hao narrated this part of his past, even Chen Yekai and Fu Liqun shuddered a bit.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it.¡± Fu Liqun comforted.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That was the intention. I didn¡¯t understand it when I was young, but when I thought about it a little after I had grown up, I could comprehend it.¡±


    Yu Hao gradually gained a better understanding of himself. But the more he understood himself, the more he wanted to seal himself off and build a wall around him. Within that wall was where he would truly be free. He had always been a man of few words, and his only relative was his old grandmother. He studied for her sake, and he took the college entrance examination for her sake as well. Sometimes, he had even thought that if it wasn¡¯t because he couldn¡¯t bear to hurt his grandmother, there may have been nothing in this world that he could feel happy about.


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Love, and friendship are all beautiful things.¡±


    ¡°Love is truly beautiful.¡± Yu Hao muttered to himself, ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°A handsome boy like you,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°is just like the melancholy prince. You¡¯ll definitely be very popular with the girls, I¡¯ll introduce you to one another day.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Yu Hao stiffly rejected. There was one part about his past that he didn¡¯t divulge. What he hadn¡¯t told them was that: his buddy who had stolen money in junior high was the person that he had been secretly in love with. And after he sent him to the drug rehabilitation centre, he finally confessed to him. But what he got in return was a barrage of curses from a madman and vicious insults.


    1. Wang Leehom is a singer who¡¯s pretty handsome i.e. Fu Liqun looks like an idol lolol


    ?


    2. Tongue depressor:


    ?


    3. Tongxue = student?


    4. Added connotation is that he walked in ¡®without consulting anyone¡¯; this phrase is often used to describe Kaikai to make him seem more imposing I think?


    5. Shixiong = senior brother?


    6. Laoshi = teacher?


    7. ¡¥_(¥Ä)_/¡¥?


    8. A strip of Zhonghua costs about 450 Yuan, which is approx $67 USD:


    ?


    9. Original phrase is °üÑø, which is a term commonly used to say that you¡¯re keeping someone, like a mistress. Eg. if a man °üÑøs a girl, he¡¯s being the sugar daddy. So in this context Hua Lun is like being the sugar daddy to his friends, but sugar daddy didn¡¯t sound exactly right either¡­..he¡¯s basically just buying their friendship?


    10. Translating this novel teaches me more about my culture than my Chinese teachers ever did (I apologise to all my Laoshis). Anyway, in the Warring States period, there was a common practice amongst monarchs to ¡®raise¡¯ spongers who had all sorts of talents. Some would know martial arts, others would know how to plot schemes etc. And amongst Meng Chang¡¯s spongers were a few people who were very good at mimicking a dog¡¯s bark and a cock¡¯s crowing, so Meng Chang kept them. In the end, when they had to escape through some Hangu pass, it were these people who saved him and he¡¯s like ¡°wow I keep so many talented people and it were because of these few guys who¡¯re only good at mimicking a dog¡¯s bark and a cock¡¯s crowing that I managed to live¡±. <- I don¡¯t think the latter part of this was relevant¡­Hua Lun is just collecting a group of talented spongers?


    11. Grade 3: Severe damage to or deformity of an organ; serious functional deficiencies or complications; requiring special medical care and support; partial loss of ability to care for oneself, e.g. loss of a hand, dangerous and impulsive behaviour caused by psychotic disorders; serious disfiguration on the face; compensation for a grade 3 disability: a lump sum amount equivalent to 20 months of wages and a disability allowance paid each month and equivalent to 80% of their monthly wage?

 Chapter 4 - Expectations

    Seizing Dreams Ch4 ¨C Expectations


    Chen Yekai smiled and said, ¡°I was just making a random comment, don¡¯t mind it.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. He didn¡¯t even have any goals he wanted to achieve before he took his college entrance examination. But his grandmother had been stricken with breast cancer, and the doctor suggested conservative treatment for her1, so in order to make her slightly happier, Yu Hao decided to sit for the college entrance examination.


    About half a year ago in June, Yu Hao went to sit for his last examination in the morning. Before that, his grandmother had heated up some milk and left bread for him on the table. After his examination ended in the afternoon, he went back and realised that she had already left.


    He had incurred quite a bit of debt from paying for his grandmother¡¯s medical expenses, so Yu Hao sold his house to repay most of it. He decided not to attend university, and instead chose to look for a job in the city first to pay off all his remaining debts; he planned to leave his hometown after doing so in order to say goodbye to his past and start a new life from scratch as he searched for the meaning of life.


    But in the end, after he had provided a takeout service for two months during his summer holidays, he changed his mind. His manager who was suffering from a lack of educational qualifications had talked to him.


    ¡°I returned to attend college, because even a random diploma would be more useful than a high school diploma for job hunting. Education can change one¡¯s destiny, if you don¡¯t further your studies, you can only repeat your old paths wherever you go.¡± Yu Hao explained.


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty well said.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But, I don¡¯t think we pursue education just so that we can change our destiny. If in the morning I were to gain knowledge of the truth, then it¡¯ll be okay if I were to die at sunset2. The experience of learning itself should be more enjoyable than it is rewarding. Whatever you do shouldn¡¯t always just be done because it¡¯s ¡®useful¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t quite understand. No one had told him these things before, so after he heard these words he simply nodded his head.


    Afterwards, he saved up a few months worth of his salary and enrolled in a college. He could only owe his tuition and accommodation fees in advance. He had a monthly allowance of 400 yuan which was used for his phone bill, transportation fees for tutoring, bedding for when the weather turned cold¡­¡­and a lot of other expenses that he would have to bear until winter vacation started. When he first moved into his dormitory, he did have hopes of developing a good relationship with his roommates as he started this new phase of his life. However, ever since military training started for them, he gradually began to realize that the problems that had plagued him for many years would likely never disappear.


    When his roommates smoked during military training, he couldn¡¯t smoke with them; when everyone wanted to treat their instructor to dinner after military training ended, each person would have to fork out 50 yuan and 50 yuan was equivalent to his food expenses for four days, so he didn¡¯t join them. When his roommates asked him to stay overnight with them in an internet cafe, one night would cost him 18 yuan, and they would probably eat supper as well which would cost about 25 yuan ¡ª which was two days worth of his food expenses ¡ª so he couldn¡¯t join them in the cafe either. Others said that they would treat him, but he didn¡¯t have the money to treat them back, so he wasn¡¯t willing to scrounge free foods off others.


    His roommates had pooled some funds to set up an internet line which he had contributed to as well. He intended to use the internet to play some free games on his phone so that his life wouldn¡¯t be so dull, but in the end, those who downloaded xunlei3 kept downloading xunlei, and those who watched videos kept watching videos. This had irritated him to no end4, so he got into an argument with his roommates because of this matter.


    ¡°This iPhone was given to me by Grandma.¡± Yu Hao treasured this phone a lot. When he was tidying up his grandmother¡¯s belongings, he had discovered this gift that had been wrapped up neatly. She had planned to pass it to him after he entered university, and there were signs of it having been dropped.


    ¡°I¡¯m prepared to sell it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°For food expenses.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. Earning money may be difficult, but it shouldn¡¯t force you to go that far. Keep it ba.¡±


    Yu Hao then finally recognised the truth of his reality. He gave up on his plans to blend in with this university¡¯s society that was built on favours and reverted to his high school lifestyle. He sealed himself off from everyone else, and wouldn¡¯t speak unless he had to. He studied hard, hoped that he could get a scholarship, and as for the application for financial aid given to impoverished students ¡ª he had prepared all the necessary documents for it, but never submitted it in the end. He was already in this third-class independent college, how serious can he be about studying? Who was he putting on a pretense for?


    ¡°What about a student loan? Didn¡¯t you apply for that?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been approved.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The college said that my application materials aren¡¯t complete. They need my mother¡¯s signature, but I don¡¯t know where my mother is¡­¡­so I can¡¯t get it.¡±


    Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un¡±, then said, ¡°Go and ask them again later.¡±


    Afterwards, Yu Hao was isolated from the rest in his dormitory. He was like a gloomy wild fungus that made others feel uncomfortable, and he was treated like an eyesore. His dorm room was often filled with chatter and laughter. Whenever he returned, he would put on his earphones and lie on his bed. His roommates deliberately ridiculed him when they thought he couldn¡¯t hear them, but actually, he had heard it all.


    Before their mid-term exam, his roommates wanted to copy his English examination paper answers. He didn¡¯t agree, but neither did he refuse, so everyone tacitly acknowledged it as he had agreed. But after the exam started, he didn¡¯t hand out notes to anyone, and this triggered a public indignation within his dorm. After the lights went out, they used a blanket to cover Yu Hao and gave him a good beating and even poured a few cups of cold water in as well.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± The Zhou Sheng who had been sleeping behind the screen couldn¡¯t bear to listen any further, so he sat up, walked over to Yu Hao¡¯s bed and asked, ¡°Who did it? Those from 405? Laozi will fuck them up real nicely!¡±


    Chen Yekai had no idea that someone would be listening in on their conversation from behind the screen. He said angrily, ¡°Sit down right now!¡±


    Chen Yekai looked proper and polite on the surface yet his words contained an undoubtedly imposing tone. Zhou Sheng had to give him face, so he could only sit down at one side.


    Fu Liqun smiled and said, ¡°Redhead learned boxing before, just him alone will be enough to take down their whole class. There was once when we saw a couple of guys who were messing around with a girl outside. He went up and downed those guys with just one fist.¡±


    ¡°So you plan on beating them up? Even if you manage to hurt them, they wouldn¡¯t pester you for compensation and instead shift the blame to him. Still wanna go?¡± Chen Yekai said to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng thought, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± No one dared to provoke him, so they would definitely make Yu Hao shoulder the blame.


    As Yu Hao looked at them, he didn¡¯t know why his heart felt a bit moved. If he had gotten them as roommates when he first enrolled in college, his life right now might have been much better. But then again, maybe after they got along for awhile they would come to hate him too ba.


    That right, he remembered what had happened very clearly. He was half asleep when a blanket suddenly enveloped his head, but he only understood what was happening after he woke up. They had beaten him up for a very long time, and when they finally dispersed in a hubbub, Yu Hao didn¡¯t lift the blanket. He curled up in the blanket as he couldn¡¯t stop his tears from streaming down his face.


    ¡°They better be careful.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who needs to be careful. If anyone in their dorm breaks a leg, I¡¯ll look for you immediately, you¡¯ll be the prime suspect.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but laugh, then said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that, thank you. I¡¯ve already gotten over it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng asked him, ¡°I¡¯m practically certain that those in your dorm played their part in accusing you of stealing. How could they behave like that? Aren¡¯t they afraid of being struck by lightning?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t blame them for hating me. Sometimes, I actually kind of hate myself too.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Then after that, Fu Liqun introduced him to the work-study program because he saw him drinking tap water by the basketball court. In fact, Yu Hao had understood it clearly in his heart, so after that he never played basketball again5. As a tutor, he received 80 yuan per session, and he taught four sessions per month. He cherished this opportunity a lot.


    His student wasn¡¯t very cooperative at first. Yu Hao didn¡¯t scold her, only spoke frankly about their sessions to her parent. After seven lessons, the kid might have wanted to get rid of him by placing the watch in his bag. He couldn¡¯t figure it out at first, and when he discovered that there was an extra watch in his bag, he was extremely vigilant because of what had happened in the past.


    ¡£


    He thought that his roommate had stuffed it into his bag, so he took the watch out and placed it on the table silently. But when his roommates noticed the watch, they didn¡¯t say anything about it.


    The doubts in Yu Hao¡¯s heart grew, and since he wanted to sell his phone, he brought the watch along as well to ask the recycling shop owner how much it was worth. When he knew its price, he was taken by surprise, and just as he was about to post a lost property notice outside the self study room, the student¡¯s parent had called the police.


    Every time he went to the other party¡¯s house, he went directly into their study. Although he had thought that this family was rich, the thought that the watch was theirs never crossed his mind. Up till the point when the police arrived, he had always thought that he had taken it by accident when he was keeping his things in the study room, or that the people who sat behind him had left their watch on the table so it accidentally dropped into his bag.


    ¡°Did you tell Xue Laoshi all of these?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said some of it, and omitted the rest.¡± Yu Hao said wearily, ¡°He doesn¡¯t believe me.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Xue Laoshi is a good teacher, why would you say that?¡±


    ¡°He had the exact same gaze as my form teacher in junior high.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°There was once when Laoshi caught me for smoking. But I don¡¯t smoke. When I was eating, the person sitting next to me was smoking which made me smell of smoke too, but Laoshi was certain that I did it. They are biased against me, so it was useless to explain too much.¡±


    ¡°If it were me I wouldn¡¯t want to live either.¡± Zhou Sheng sighed, ¡°It¡¯s way too fucking disgusting to be alive.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then, you¡¯ve never had a single friend ever since you were a kid?¡± Chen Yekai ignored Zhou Sheng and said as he faced Yu Hao.


    Chen Yekai said this merely to pave the way for his next sentence. After he said this, he waited for Yu Hao¡¯s response. Yu Hao quietly thought about it for a moment, and only wanted to shake his head and tell him that for him to be where he is today, half of the reason was because of his poverty-stricken circumstance, and the other half was probably due to his personality. But just as he was about to say ¡°no¡±, he suddenly remembered the General in his dream.


    ¡°I do have one.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve decided to move on and live a fulfilling life.¡±


    Chen Yekai thought ¡°why didn¡¯t you follow the script¡±, but he still smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯m your friend too.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡± Fu Liqun smiled as he said, ¡°There are some matters that you shouldn¡¯t think too much about, let bygones be bygones.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When I heard you say that, I thought of a movie called ¡¶L¨¦on: The Professional¡·. There¡¯s a classic line in it that said¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t bear to listen any further so he interrupted, ¡°Your drip¡¯s finished, let¡¯s go, how do you feel?¡±


    Yu Hao felt much better. The nurse came over to pull the needles out for him. Chen Yekai planned to bring them out to eat hotpot, as a so-called ¡°everyone is helping you celebrate your new life¡± feast.


    Yu Hao had more or less digested his lunch by now. He felt a vague sense of discomfort ¡ª both from self-reproach, and from his resistance towards ¡°friendship¡±. It was as if after he knew Chen Yekai, Fu Liqun, and even Zhou Sheng for awhile, he would gradually begin to hate himself.


    As long as a relationship didn¡¯t begin, it would never have an end, expectations, or disappointment. From this point of view, Yu Hao would rather have the friends whom he had just been acquainted with go eat hot pot by themselves, while he slowly walks over alone. But Zhou Sheng had dragged him along without even giving him a chance to speak.


    Chen Yekai had just finished ordering and took a few bites before he received a call from the college, so he could only foot the bill and leave in advance; meanwhile, Fu Liqun took two packets of fried rice as takeouts and brought him back to the college just in case he couldn¡¯t find his way back. Only Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were left to face four people¡¯s portions worth of food.


    Zhou Sheng had a cigarette between his lips as he ordered one more bottle of wine for himself. He kept putting food on Yu Hao¡¯s plate as he said, ¡°When you go back to ur dorm just say that you¡¯re under my protection, and that if anyone dares to bully you, I¡¯ll show them who¡¯s boss.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how to associate with this kind of university delinquent, so he could only nod awkwardly.


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Guess how much Chen Yekai¡¯s scarf costs?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How much?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Enough to pay our tuition fees for an entire year.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Forget it, eat up.¡± It was only after the two had forced themselves to finish the whole table of food and Yu Hao was on the verge of puking before Zhou Sheng sent him back to his dormitory.


    ¡°Pass me the lighter.¡± Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao¡¯s lighter, then said, ¡°Confiscating this. Go back, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    When the autumn breeze blew, the temperatures in Ying city dropped overnight. Yu Hao was so cold he shivered uncontrollably, and when he returned to his dorm, he realised that his roommates were all spending the night out in an internet cafe. He bent down and pulled out a knitted bag from underneath his bed ¡ª all his assets were in this bag.


    After he sold his house, he was left with a few photo frames. Pictures that he had taken together with his grandmother were slotted into these frames, and there was even a laminated class photo amongst them that was taken after he had graduated from high school. When his class took their graduation photo, he was accompanying his grandmother in the hospital for a checkup, so he wasn¡¯t in the photo.


    Yu Hao kept the photos and tried to find a down vest that he could wear tomorrow, but he discovered a wooden box underneath the knitted bag instead. When he opened the wooden box, Yu Hao¡¯s hands were trembling slightly.


    There was a chess set inside.


    Soldier, cannon, chariot, counsellor, horse6¡­¡­


    He remembered the day when his father had taught him how to play chess. That day, his father showed him how to recognise which piece was the ¡®soldier¡¯, and which piece was the ¡®governor¡¯. He liked the side with red words7, so they had manifested as the scarlet flags that danced in the winds below the Great Wall ¡ª their prowess akin to that of an irresistible tide.


    He remembered the times when his grandmother would play chess with him after his father passed away. She had always let him win, and in his memories, his grandmother had never won him even once in chess.


    ¡°I always win!¡± The young him had caught his grandmother¡¯s general in a checkmate, then his grandmother would laugh as she rearranged the chess board and restarted the game.


    Yu Hao gathered up his chess pieces, lied on his bed, and within this darkness where there was nobody else¡­he fell asleep.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    He said to himself that he must live his life to the fullest tomorrow, just like what General had said in the dreamscape where he had been reborn. Yu Hao believed in the phrase ¡°one dreams at night what one thinks of in the day¡±. When the dream appeared, it had coincided with the last moments of his life. The fact that he had that dream could have implied that deep down in his heart, he still carried some hope in trying his best to continue living.


    ¡°You returned?¡± He heard General¡¯s voice say.


    Yu Hao was shocked awake, then shouted out loud and sat straight up. General was kneeling down on one knee as he kept watch by his bedside like a faithful guardian.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­why is it you again?¡± Yu Hao was thoroughly stunned.


    The first time he had this dream, Yu Hao thought that it was a natural phenomenon. But now he had entered this dream a second time and met him once again.


    General sat down cross-legged and folded his arms. His movements looked a bit clumsy because of the friction between his armour plates.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be safe for now because you lit up the fire beacons.¡± General said earnestly, ¡°But if you want to find yourself, you¡¯ll have to work harder.¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao said in disbelief, ¡°Wait, this¡­¡­.this is real?¡±


    He turned around to look at his surroundings. He was situated in a house8 with wooden walls, wooden cabinets and a mattress spread out on the floor.


    ¡°This is your dream.¡± General said matter-of-factly.


    ¡°I know this is my dream¡­¡­..¡± Yu Hao was a bit confused, then said, ¡°But why does this dream resemble a TV serial?¡±


    ¡°Is it weird?¡± General said, ¡°This place is the fixed manifestation of your conscious world. Get up, you wanna take a look outside?¡±


    General reached out to Yu Hao and pulled him up. He motioned for him to open the door, so Yu Hao opened the door and after the glaring light that blinded him disappeared, he saw a scenery filled with vast mountain ridges, hills and fertile fields. There were herds of cattle and sheep wandering about between the mountains. The sky was dark, but it was much brighter now compared to when he was standing on the Great Wall.


    Yu Hao stared at the scene before him in a daze. General walked out of the house and closed the door, then explained, ¡°The dream world is very big, and its boundaries will continue to expand as you garner more experiences.¡±


    I¡¯ve never dreamt of this place.¡± Yu Hao said as he frowned.


    ¡°You must have.¡± General looked down to adjust his metal gloves, stretched his fingers out and clenched his fist, then said casually, ¡°It¡¯s just that you¡¯ve forgotten about it. I¡¯m much stronger this time, so I should be able to escort you safely to the totem.¡±


    ¡°Totem?¡± Yu Hao turned around to look at General.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk as we walk ba.¡±


    ¡°A totem is something that you have always held fast to, and is also known as your ¡®conscience¡¯. The place that it¡¯s situated in is this world¡¯s core, and it decides how your ¡®self¡¯ is manifested.¡±


    There were herds of cattle and sheep on the prairie. There was a road paved with a mixture of soil and rocks underneath their feet as General and Yu Hao walked straight ahead.


    ¡°You still have beliefs and hopes. It¡¯s just that with the passing of time, they became increasingly marginalised and had been driven to the edge of your consciousness. Just a little bit more and they would¡¯ve fallen into your subconscious. Do you remember standing on the edge of the Great Wall last time?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yeah, I¡­¡­..I always wanted to jump down, and I felt like there was someone who kept pushing me from behind.¡±


    General said, ¡°Now, you¡¯ve turned back. So I¡¯m bringing you to where your totem is, then you can regain control over this world.¡±


    ¡°Then after that?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°What would happen to me?¡±


    ¡°You will turn into a better version of yourself.¡± General simply said, ¡°Or rather, you¡¯ll ¡®revert¡¯ to your previous self.¡±


    1. Conservative management is a type of medical treatment defined by the avoidance of invasive measures such as surgery or other invasive procedures, usually with the intent to preserve function or body parts.?


    2. Wow much philosophy. I expended all my Google prowess in researching this phrase. The original phrase is ¡°³¯ÎŵÀϦËÀ¿ÉÒÓ¡±, famous words by Confucius¡¯ disciple. The context for this phrase is that as humans, we are gifted with the ability to think/reason (which differentiates us from other animals). And if we are to one day able to understand everything, then we would no longer need to continue trying to think/reason, and thus lead a life no better than death from then onwards (If we know the truth in the morning, it¡¯s okay if we die at night) So basically I think what¡¯s most befitting in this context of what Chen Yekai is trying to say that knowledge is great and we live to learn THE END.


    3. Xunlei = China¡¯s Bittorrent?


    4. In China their hostel¡¯s internet connection gets pretty slow at night when all the students are watching vids/downloading stuff (like tragically slow) which is why Yu Hao got so annoyed?


    5. This was really how ambiguous it sounded in the raws. I¡¯m guessing that Yu Hao understood that Fu Liqun helped him because he saw him drinking tap water, so after that Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to play basketball again lest he gets seen drinking tap water again?


    6. Chinese chess pieces (±ø¡¢ÅÚ¡¢³µ¡¢Ê¿¡¢Âí)?


    7. In Chinese chess, one side has black characters while the other has red characters:


    ?


    8. Ãñ·¿:

 Chapter 5 - Escort

    Seizing Dreams Ch5 ¨C Escort


    When Yu Hao left the village, he was extremely surprised to see a shepherd by the road. The shepherd shot him a suspicious look, and Yu Hao turned around to look at him as well.


    The shepherd passed right by him.


    ¡°They are the NPC residents in your dreamscape.¡± General said, ¡°Don¡¯t greet them right now.¡±


    After they left the village, the sound of an elephant¡¯s call from the vast prairie startled Yu Hao. There was a lake within the prairie not too far away them, and an elephant was drinking water from it.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao faced General and asked.


    General answered, ¡°Every time someone dreams, their dream will take place in this huge world. It¡¯s like a jigsaw puzzle that has a new piece fitted onto it ¡ª a new section will be added to the puzzle with each piece. For example, if you dream of lying in a plain today, then that plain will become part of your newborn dream. Whenever you dream of someone, that person will be added to your dream as a NPC, and these NPCs are permanent ¡ª they are the impressions you have of the people in the outside world. If you talk to them now, we might run into some trouble.¡±


    ¡°What trouble?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why would there be trouble?¡±


    General suddenly stopped walking and said, ¡°Did you hear that?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t hear anything. General stood in front of him in a protective stance, his palm flipped over as he reached behind his back and pulled out a broad sword. Yu Hao noticed that his sword was much bigger than when they first met.


    ¡°Somebody¡¯s here to capture us.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t finished speaking when the sound of hooves striking the earth could be heard in the distance. A contingent of soldiers were rushing towards the village.


    ¡°There! Found them!¡± A familiar voice roared.


    Soon after, hundreds of people were rushing towards the village. General made a prompt decision and shouted, ¡°Run!¡±


    Yu Hao was bewildered1. This place was an open plain, they would be discovered no matter where they escaped to. But in the next instant, a sharp arrow flew towards him and grazed the side of his face! General quickly turned around and pushed Yu Hao onto the floor to protect him with his back. Arrows rained down on them like a torrential downpour and made a bunch of clanging sounds as they landed on General¡¯s armour; this rain of arrows had created numerous dents in his armour.


    When this wave of arrows ended, General shouted, ¡°Go to the lake! Hide!¡±


    In the next moment, soldiers who rode war horses2 rushed towards them. When Yu Hao fled, he took a quick glance and saw that more and more cavalry were closing in on them from all sides. All of them were covered in black leather armour from head to toe while their bodies emitted pitch black fumes, and the one leading them was actually¡­¡­


    ¡°Go!!¡± General shouted, then immediately swung his broad sword ruthlessly at the one who was leading the group!


    Both the leader and his horse were thrown off their feet, General swept away all the weapons in his way and actually single-handedly went head to head with hundreds of cavalry!


    Yu Hao fled to the lake where there was a forest nearby. General had asked him to ¡°hide¡±, but he looked around nervously as he kept feeling like he should try to help in some way. The elephant who had been drinking water from the lake heard the commotion, so it turned around and looked at him.


    More and more cavalry were appearing on the plain. General wanted to retreat while he fought off the cavalry in front of him, but it was to no avail as hook ropes suddenly shot towards him from all sides and wound around his wrists, then dragged him onto the floor. The cavalry steered their war horses to step all over him viciously, General forcefully grabbed one of the horse¡¯s legs and overturned the war horse.


    Then, with a single whistle, the earth shook.


    An elephant came rushing through the plain with the force of a thunderbolt as it headed towards the cavalry. Everything in this world appeared to vibrate with each step the elephant took, and Yu Hao was riding on its back.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    That elephant¡¯s cry sounded like the blow of a bugle used to signal an assault, and with just one bump, the cavalry was instantly defeated as they scattered in all directions! General rolled sideways on the ground to avoid its huge leg that was as thick as a pillar and roared, ¡°You almost trampled me to death!¡±


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Come up!¡±


    General seized a lone war horse, jumped onto its back and rushed out of the encirclement. The elephant stomped about wreaking havoc which caused the cavalry to fall off their horses and flee. All of them held a halberd in their hands, but just as they were about to fight again, the elephant turned around and rushed towards their leader.


    Their leader was in a terrible state as he shouted, ¡°Yu Hao! You thief!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General shouted, ¡°Who¡¯s that?! Get rid of him!


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s our grade¡¯s counsellor!¡±


    The helmet of the cavalry¡¯s leader slipped off and revealed his face ¡ª it was Yu Hao¡¯s counsellor, Xue Long¡­¡­


    ¡°Who cares about him!¡± General rode his horse and broke through the periphery. He used both his legs to control his horse, then lifted his broad sword and rushed in again as he shouted, ¡°Stomp him to death!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The elephant didn¡¯t wait for Yu Hao¡¯s command. After it let out a prolonged cry, it stepped on Xue Long. Xue Long screamed, and the cavalry instantly cried out in panic as they fled helter-skelter.


    ¡°Go!¡± General cut down a few more soldiers as he urged.


    More pursuers could be seen in the distance, but they didn¡¯t know who their leader was this time. Yu Hao patted the elephant¡¯s head, and without waiting for his instructions, the elephant turned around and sprinted away. General chased after them on his horse and their mounts ended up running side by side, then he flipped his hand and returned his sword to its hilt on his back. Yu Hao stretched his hand towards General, but General abruptly leaped onto the back of the elephant instead.


    The war horses fled. General sat securely behind Yu Hao with both his arms around Yu Hao¡¯s waist.


    The elephant had left their pursuers in the dust, but Yu Hao never looked back. Both of them heaved a sigh of relief.


    General said, ¡°The totem¡¯s owner has discovered us. The moment it¡¯s alerted, more and more pursuers will chase us.¡±


    ¡°And who¡¯s the owner of the totem?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to answer that yourself.¡± General answered, ¡°But I don¡¯t think you know either.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why this elephant was willing to help me. When I reached the lake, it appeared to know that I was in danger so it knelt down and let me ride on it¡­¡­..¡±


    ¡°Everything appears in your dream for a reason.¡± General said, ¡°Along the way, try your best not to talk to the NPCs in your dream, or else you¡¯ll alarm the totem¡¯s owner.¡±


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°Why do you know all these? General, are you human?¡±


    General didn¡¯t answer.


    Yu Hao recalled how General said before ¡°I¡¯m not part of your consciousness¡±, that is to say, General came from outside his dream.


    ¡°Why did you come into my dream?¡± Yu Hao relentlessly pursued, ¡°Why did you save me?¡±


    General answered, ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you die.¡±


    ¡°Are you human or a¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ghost?¡± General was quite self-aware.


    Yu Hao placed one hand on his forehead. He felt like he was asking too many questions which might be a little annoying, but General had always been very patient with him.


    General finally said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore. The more you know, the more easily it would influence your dreamscape in a complicated way, and it won¡¯t be anything good.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, then suppressed his curiosity and didn¡¯t ask any more questions.


    At the end of the road, a magnificent mountain had blocked their way, so they walked along the mountain road instead. A gust of wind blew and the sky began to darken. Their elephant mount started to become restless, the rugged mountain road was difficult to traverse as it was filled with thistles and thorns. Yet, the elephant kept moving forward steadfastly until they reached the mountainside where a thoroughfare came into sight.


    Yu Hao and General dismounted their elephant and faced the narrow path. It had steep cliffs on one side of it, and a bottomless abyss on the other. General said, ¡°I¡¯m heavy, I¡¯ll carry you across.¡±


    Yu Hao let him carry him. General turned around with his back to the cliff as he faced the abyss, then stretched both his hands out and moved along the path carefully step by step.


    He really wanted to know what General looked like. Judging by his tone, General shouldn¡¯t be very old. He would occasionally act cute like a youngster, but he was trying to make himself sound more mature.


    Yu Hao suddenly asked, ¡°General, can I see what you look like?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± General answered without thinking.


    Yu Hao could only give up. General continued, ¡°If you succeed in seizing the totem, I¡¯ll take off my helmet once.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard the word ¡°seize¡±, he vaguely felt like they would be facing a challenge soon. According to what General said, the totem¡¯s current owner wields a lot of power and had even dispatched pursuers to kill him, as if it didn¡¯t want him to return to his original position.


    ¡°What should I do?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Is our opponent very difficult to handle?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know when we get there.¡± General still said the same thing. He carefully crossed the narrow path and let Yu Hao down. Night as near at hand, they reached the edge of the cliff and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but let out an alarmed cry.


    On the plain below the mountain, a huge city surrounded by a moat came into sight. And in the middle of this city stood a grand palace that towered over everything else! The palace¡¯s lights were brilliant and resplendent with variegated colours, its upturned eaves3 that were concealed in the night had an indistinct outline, and there was a huge, black dragon flying about in the skies above it!


    ¡°This¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing at all.


    General adjusted his helmet and metal gloves, then casually said, ¡°Next, I¡¯ll have to escort you into the palace to make you the master of this world. But the palace has already been occupied, so we have to be very careful.¡±


    ¡°What about our reinforcements last time?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Can we call them for help?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t, they¡¯re guarding the Great Wall to protect you.¡± General answered.


    Yu Hao thought of the assault they had endured along the way and said, ¡°I can¡¯t do anything.¡±


    General said, ¡°Your strength will return bit by bit. When you reach the totem, you will become omnipotent.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But how are we going to get in? Can I do anything? Like use magic or something?¡±


    ¡°What are your strengths¡­or interests?¡± General brought him near the walls of the city to look for a way in, then asked after he had hesitated for a moment.


    Yu Hao, ¡°English.¡±


    General, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ok then, does chess count?¡±


    General, ¡°Anything else?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Singing¡­¡­my singing¡¯s not bad.¡±


    General, ¡°Don¡¯t you have any talent in sports or the like?¡±


    Yu Hao felt helpless.


    The lofty city wall towered over them. Some voices came from the other side of the wall, then the city gate opened in an instant and thousands of soldiers and horses flooded out as they scattered onto the plain.


    ¡°They¡¯re searching for our whereabouts.¡± Yu Hao said.


    General said, ¡°Think of a way to mix in. See if there are any elements here that can be connected to your reality.¡±


    The crease between Yu Hao¡¯s eyebrows deepened considerably. He looked at the city gate that had opened and closed, then raised his head to look at the city wall.


    Not long after, from the plain outside of the city, Yu Hao gathered a group of elephants. The elephants were stacked atop one another like a circus¡¯ human pyramid opening act4.


    General, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I only know how to command elephants.¡± He realised that the elephants in his dream were particularly obedient, they would do anything he told them to.


    General said, ¡°This is possible too?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ve entered a lot of people¡¯s dreams right? Shouldn¡¯t you be used to seeing this kind of weird things?¡±


    General, ¡°Not a lot.¡±


    Yu Hao really wanted to ask a few more questions, but out of courtesy, he didn¡¯t display his curiosity too blatantly. He climbed up an elephant with General. These elephants were like his guardian angels; at a certain point of his life, they must have had something to do with something, or someone who was protecting him.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Yu Hao stood on top of the wall and scanned the colourful city in front of him. The community of palaces were located in the middle of this huge city, and its layers were stacked one on top of the other. Its architectural style looked a lot like the high-rise buildings in the Tang dynasty5.


    Yu Hao had never expected that his inner world would manifest in such a way. The significance of that dragon, and the question of when it had appeared in his dreamscape puzzled him even more. But when he saw these palace buildings, an idea suddenly popped into his mind forcefully.


    This was his kingdom ¡ª the structure and passages within the palaces suddenly became clear to him in an instant.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve begun to remember this place.¡±


    General answered, ¡°Your strength is gradually awakening.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This was the first building block I assembled when I was a kid. They were the toys that my father had sent me when he was working outside.¡±


    General, ¡°And the dragon?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Follow me!¡±


    He walked along the city wall and reached the roofs that belonged to a row of houses, then he jumped onto a roof and ran along it quickly. General followed closely behind. The sound of footsteps could be heard clearly as the two of them leaped from roof to roof. After they traversed more than half of the city, they were nearing the grand palace in the middle.


    ¡°There¡¯s an entrance below.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°We can¡¯t go through the main door.¡± General answered.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°The backdoor then.¡±


    After they entered the city, Yu Hao took the initiative in leading the way. General stopped expressing his opinions and only followed behind him silently like a loyal guard. Currently, the two of them had stopped on the roof of the last dwelling at the end of the street. The streets were crowded, which obstructed their path.


    The NPCs were all emitting faintly discernible black fumes. Yu Hao said, ¡°Walk through them.¡±


    ¡°Too dangerous, we should be more cautious. What¡¯s that?¡± General motioned for Yu Hao to look.


    In the northeast corner of the city far from the central palace stood a strange temple. Compared to the brilliant lights in the city, the temple appeared much more desolate and lonely. It was like an abrupt addition to its surroundings and thus seemed unreal.


    Yu Hao face went blank. He recalled General¡¯s explanation and began to learn how to connect his dreamscape and reality.


    Everything exists here for a reason, but time didn¡¯t accord him enough time to think about it too deeply.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and take a look?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    General was hesitant, then said, ¡°It might be one of your safe havens.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to ask him what he meant, but suddenly figured it out. It should be like a safe zone within his memories, but his goal now was to reach the deepest part of the palace. He thought about it for awhile before he finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    He jumped down first, followed by the General who said, ¡°If it was just you, you wouldn¡¯t be discovered too easily. But I¡¯m an outsider, and under these kinds of circumstances, it would be easy for me to alert our surroundings.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We just need to walk behind them¡­¡­.¡±


    The crowd had gathered in the middle of the streets where an open air movie was playing. Yu Hao heard the voices from the movie ¡ª it was his favourite film, Wang Kar-wai¡¯s¡¶Happy Together¡·6. His face immediately flushed. General turned around and casted him a glance, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    Of course, he was wearing a helmet, so it¡¯s not like Yu Hao could see his expression.


    They crept stealthily across the crowd. Yu Hao felt extremely unsettled; the fact that he likes guys is something that he had hidden in the deepest corners of his heart, and it was something he had never mentioned to anyone. But since General came in, it meant that he would have a good view of his inner world. This really was a bit embarrassing.


    Opposite the long street stood the grand palace. There was a parapet behind the palace, they became more focused and kept their eyes on the crowd at all times. But up above in the skies behind, the black dragon that was circling in the air suddenly discovered them.


    1. Bewildered:


    ??


    2. War horse:


    3. Upturned eaves:


    ?


    4. Circus human pyramid:


    ?


    5. High-rise in Tang dynasty:


    ?


    6. Movie about the love story between two gays?

 Chapter 6 - Elephant God

    Seizing Dreams Ch6 ¨C Elephant God


    In the next moment, the black dragon uttered a roar, then this giant winding snake in the sky dove straight down to the ground at breakneck speed!


    ¡°We¡¯ve been discovered!¡± General jumped to his feet and shouted, ¡°Run!¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to rush into the palace, but General caught hold of him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so hasty!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But we¡¯re so close!¡±


    Their destination was right in front of them yet they had to give up on it. Yu Hao sighed angrily, then rushed into the market with General. But within the blink of an eye, everything between heaven and earth appeared to have changed: dark clouds rolled across the skies, thunderstorms erupted one after another, and streaks of lightning crackled around the black dragon as it spewed out a violent black torrent which swept across the entire street!


    The houses that lined the street were submerged under the flood one by one and the whole city turned into a vast expanse of water; only the roofs in this huge city remained to be seen above the waters.


    ¡°Damn it my dream is going to be ruined!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    General led him into a street filled with NPCs, then answered with a shout, ¡°It¡¯ll be restored! As long as you regain control of this world!¡±


    The repressed dreamscape had turned into a nightmare within an instant: endless cries of sorrow, shouts and curses lingered on in one¡¯s ears. Wherever the black flood passed, countless houses would crumble immediately. The NPCs on the street emitted black gas, and one after another, they began to attack Yu Hao and General!


    ¡°Where do we run to?¡± Yu Hao said.


    General pushed aside the NPC that had rushed towards them, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t you have a single friend in the real world?!¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Yu Hao said unhappily.


    General picked Yu Hao up and carried him bridal style, then rushed into a small alley. The black dragon swooped upon them from behind, the torrent gushed into the alley and pushed the two onto the ground.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± General jumped up, unsheathed the broad sword on his back and turned around to guard the alley. He murmured, ¡°If you don¡¯t have any then so be it, it doesn¡¯t matter because you still have me. Go to your safe haven! Hurry!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ll go together! I can¡¯t leave you behind!¡±


    Yu Hao dragged General along by his wrist and they bolted through the alley. Behind them came the angry roar of the black dragon; houses around them were collapsing rapidly one after the other. Yu Hao ran at the fore as he rushed towards the abandoned temple and prayed incessantly that it must definitely be useful!


    General waded through the waters behind him. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°General!¡±


    General didn¡¯t reply, he only shouted back, ¡°Just run!¡±


    The temple was within arm¡¯s reach, it looked even more dilapidated up close. Yu Hao stopped running and shot it a skeptical look.


    ¡°Believe in yourself!¡± General rushed to his back as he shouted. He wrapped one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s waist and the two of them rushed to the front of the temple, then threw themselves forward simultaneously.


    And at the same time, the black dragon summoned a huge tsunami that hovered overhead as it threatened to crush them.


    Yu Hao looked up at the black dragon in horror while General held him in his arms. The two of them looked up at the same time, and at that moment, a miracle occurred.


    The tsunami controlled by the black dragon slammed down with a loud boom, but a bright light suddenly flashed within the temple and an invisible barrier blocked this flood from gushing into the dilapidated temple!


    Yu Hao turned around to look at the temple, then looked at the black dragon, utterly shocked. The temple was so old and dilapidated that it seemed like it would disintegrate into ashes with just a slight bump, yet it managed to firmly withstand the forceful impact of the black dragon¡¯s attack!


    ¡°This is my first time encountering such a powerful monster.¡± General said, ¡°Almost drowned me to death.¡±


    General waved his hand, but soon after, the space around the dilapidated temple shook. The black dragon was ramming into the invisible barrier that surrounded the temple!


    Its fury was unparalleled as it roared loudly and pounded the barrier incessantly with its monstrous rage. Every time it rammed into the barrier, the temple would tremble and dust would fall off from its exterior structures.


    ¡°It¡¯ll destroy this place!¡± Yu Hao was at a loss for a moment.


    An old voice rang out from behind Yu Hao.


    ¡°Get away from here!¡±


    General was lying on the ground. Yu Hao turned around abruptly, but all he saw was a dazzling golden light within the dilapidated temple ¡ª a figure was standing on top of a chariot as it gradually drove out of the temple.


    The human figure had an elephant¡¯s head ¡ª it was an elephant god adorned with gold ornaments all over its body!


    Elephant God wielded a huge golden staff that was about 1.5m long, then pointed it towards the ground and shouted angrily, ¡°Go back to where you came from!¡±


    In the next instant, Elephant God brandished the golden staff at the roaring black dragon and shot out a bolt of lightning that levelled the ground as it travelled towards the black dragon. It immediately electrocuted the black dragon so badly that it began to struggle and convulse violently. Immediately afterwards, a tornado was sent out which rammed into the black dragon ruthlessly and swept it into midair, then threw it into the distance.


    Hurricanes erupted all around the dilapidated temple. Elephants that came from nowhere began to move towards the temple spontaneously, then they formed a sturdy wall of elephants and faced the sky as they cried out in unison.


    The light receded, and the elephant god began to morph. In Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, the elephant god turned into a stooping, wrinkly old person.


    ¡°Grandma?¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice was trembling as he called out, ¡°Grandma¡ª-!¡±


    When the elephant god disappeared, Yu Hao scrambled to stand up and rushed into the temple.


    The moment he entered the temple, Yu Hao felt like he had returned to his narrow, cramped house that was littered with newspapers, flyers and plastic bottles. All these waste were emitting a faint golden light that could barely be seen with the naked eye.


    Yu Hao¡¯s tears instantly began to flow ¡ª this was his home! This was the 20-square-metre house that he had sold after his grandmother passed away!


    The clanking of armour could be heard, General had entered the temple as well.


    ¡°This is an absolutely safe zone within your consciousness.¡± General said as he glanced around the surroundings.


    There was a TV in the living room that was broadcasting a silent serial drama. Dusty bookshelves, a wheelchair, a palm-leaf fan1 dotted with holes, his father¡¯s deceased portrait on the wall, the squeaky ceiling fan that was rotating slowly above their heads¡­¡­..there was a golden cane that had a forked end leaning against the corner of the wall, and there were still remnant streaks of lightning flickering around the it.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Grandma¡¯s voice travelled out from the kitchen, ¡°I¡¯ll heat up some soymilk for you.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s feet felt like they had been welded to the ground. He saw his grandmother carry a pot out of the kitchen, then she poured soymilk into a bowl with her trembling hands. After she finished pouring the soymilk, she used a rag to wipe up the soymilk that had spilled onto the table.


    ¡°After you finish drinking this go and study ah. When you get into college, Grandma will reward you with a new handphone.¡± Grandma handed the bowl of soymilk over to Yu Hao, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll go watch some TV.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s grandmother didn¡¯t seem like she could see General. General sat down quietly in Yu Hao¡¯s house. Yu Hao put down the bowl of soymilk and walked over to his grandmother¡¯s side. His grandmother was sitting on the sofa, and her eyes looked slightly vacant as she watched each and every move on the TV.


    Yu Hao collapsed onto her knees and began to wail loudly.


    His grandmother rubbed his head and said, ¡°Haohao, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head, then raised his hand to wipe away his tears.


    General walked over to the window and looked out. The water had receded, and only the ruined ancient city remained. The black dragon had disappeared as well. The world beyond the window had overcast skies; a thick black vapour that emanated from the top of the palace was gathering in front of the palace.


    He turned back to look at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said to his grandmother, ¡°Nothing, everything¡¯s fine.¡±


    Grandma looked at Yu Hao, then said, ¡°Are there any bad guys who are bullying Haohao?¡±


    Yu Hao choked back a sob, ¡°No.¡±


    Grandma said, ¡°If someone hits you, hit them back, don¡¯t endure it silently okay?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and sniffed, then said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give that to you.¡± Grandma pointed at the golden cane leaning against the corner of the wall, ¡°Haohao, hold onto it properly. Your father¡¯s not coming back anymore, so you are the only one who can stand up for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Okay okay.¡± Yu Hao said reluctantly, ¡°I know.¡±


    Grandma smiled, and the wrinkles on her face huddled together. Yu Hao suddenly recalled that he would often say how his grandmother¡¯s wrinkles looked similar to that of an elephant¡¯s. Now he knew how the elephant god had come about.


    ¡°We can¡¯t stay here for too long.¡± General said, ¡°Yu Hao, I know saying this isn¡¯t very appropriate, but¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao looked up at his grandmother, then murmured, ¡°She¡¯s just the Grandma from my memories.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡±


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°When she passed away, I had already cried for her and thought about her.¡±


    He had already experienced the sorrow from losing her a few months ago, and right now, what Yu Hao had gained was not so much sadness as it is joy ¡ª she had never really left, she would always have a place in his consciousness where she would quietly protect him from.


    Grandma stood up and walked over to the corner, then picked up the golden staff. A simple pattern entwined around the staff, and the head of the staff was slightly forked like a tree branch.


    Yu Hao instinctively accepted it, and the moment the staff touched his hand, it began to glow brightly with a white light. With one glimmer, it had turned into a retractable laundry fork2.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°HAHAHAHA¡ª!¡± General burst out laughing and said, ¡°Were you often smacked with this laundry fork when you were a kid?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red as he said, ¡°How do you know that too? Stop laughing!¡±


    There was an obvious hint of laughter in General¡¯s voice, but he didn¡¯t continue talking. Yu Hao said goodbye to his grandmother and left his safe haven. He thought about how he would always see his grandmother hold this laundry fork when he returned home after school as she hung clothes up to dry on the balcony.


    It suddenly dawned on him that during his childhood years, this fork had symbolised strength and a type of power. When he thought of this, he felt that it was quite funny as well. He turned the fork around in his hand twice then said, ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be able to use it as well as Grandma.¡±


    ¡°If you believe so then you can.¡± General unsheathed the broad sword at his back. The two of them stood on the street shoulder to shoulder. At the end of the street stood the huge, black entrance of the palace.


    A large group of soldiers had gathered in front of the palace, each of them wielding a halberd. This dense, dark mass of troops that stood in front of the palace looked like a raging sea that could cause the sky to collapse; the black dragon was nowhere in sight.


    ¡°Are you confident?¡± General murmured, ¡°They¡¯re not easy to deal with, you¡¯re the only one we can count on now.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao no longer hesitated. He elongated the laundry fork and murmured, ¡°If I¡¯m bullied, I need to fight back. I¡¯m no longer afraid of them.¡±


    General chuckled from inside of his helmet. He wielded his sword and roared, ¡°Come at us!¡±


    Immediately afterwards, the thousands of troops in front of the palace began to charge towards them!


    But right at this moment, a peal of ¡°dididi¡± sounds rang. Yu Hao looked all around him to search for the source of the sound.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What sound is that?¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± General faced the army in front of them and shouted as he blew his top, ¡°You set an alarm?!¡±


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m about to wake up¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Never mind¡­¡­¡±


    He hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when Yu Hao suddenly opened his eyes, traces of dried up tears could be seen at the corners of his eyes. He groped around for his handphone and turned the alarm off.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What the hell?¡±


    Yu Hao turned over and closed his eyes to try and sleep a little longer, but no matter what he did, he couldn¡¯t fall asleep anymore. After tossing and turning for a long while, he reluctantly got up and heaved a big sigh, then scratched his head.


    Do dreams end when the dreamer awakes, or would it pause momentarily? Wait no, what kind of theory is that?


    If he entered that dream the first time because ¡°one dreams at night what one thinks of in the day¡±, then the second time was just strange through and through. Yu Hao tried his best to recall his dreamscape, but his memory became more and more blur in the few minutes after he had awoken. Was there really a person called ¡°General¡±? What exactly is his identity?


    But no matter what, Yu Hao felt like he was in a better mood than before he went to bed last night. The heavy stone that was weighing on his heart had disappeared, and although he still had many worries, they didn¡¯t seem to be as worrisome or painful as before.


    Dawn broke; there was a sudden drop in temperature last night, the overcast and rainy skies covered the entire Ying city. Gingko leaves littered the floor after they had been pelted by the rain. When Yu Hao left after washing up, his roommates returned one by one and curled up in their beds as they shivered from the cold.


    ¡°Going to class?¡± His roommate¡¯s gaze was hesitant and speculative.


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao answered simply. His roommate¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t seem quite right, he probably knows about what had happened yesterday.


    The drizzle fell continuously with a pitter patter. Yu Hao pulled up his hood and filled his thermos cup with hot water in front of the teaching building, then entered his classroom. His first period on Tuesdays was Higher Mathematics. In the beginning, there weren¡¯t many people who attended lecture, but after half the cohort failed their mid terms, the entire department had been scared to death so the lecture was currently full house.


    Yu Hao had been dreaming all night, and he kept feeling like there was a problem in the connection between the time in his dream and the time in reality ¡ª time in his dream could pass really fast sometimes but slow at others. After a whole night of dreaming, it made him feel like he hadn¡¯t slept. He sat at the third row from the back. There was a guy who was lying on the table next to him. In this kind of ten degree weather, this guy was only wearing a short sleeve shirt and was using a sports jacket to cover his head. When he heard Yu Hao moving in, he took off his jacket and glanced at him.


    Red hair, it was actually Zhou Sheng again.


    They looked at each other for a moment, then Yu Hao took the initiative to say, ¡°You have a cold and yet you¡¯re still wearing so little.¡±


    Zhou Sheng yawned, then wore his sports jacket and took out his cold medicine without much concern. He didn¡¯t ask for permission before he unscrewed Yu Hao¡¯s thermos cup and drank the water in it to take his medicine. Afterwards, he used his sleeve to wipe the water that had spilled onto his table, then hugged Yu Hao¡¯s thermos cup and continued to lie on the table.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t you wash your clothes?¡±


    ¡°Will you wash them for me?¡± Zhou Sheng said mischievously.


    ¡°Ok.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s switch, I just washed the one I¡¯m wearing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was just joking at first, but when he heard this he took off his jacket without another word and passed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao then took off his own jacket to give it to Zhou Sheng. People began to stream into the lecture hall, and the teacher began his class.


    ¡°No roll call?!¡± Zhou Sheng lashed out irritably, then looked to his left and right before he said, ¡°To actually not take roll call, is this teacher still human?¡±


    Soft laughter could be heard from the row behind them.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Yu Hao motioned.


    Zhou Sheng lamented a few times for his bed during this wintry afternoon, then took his phone out and began to scroll through the news. He suddenly thought of something, then asked Yu Hao for his QQ to add him as a friend.


    Yu Hao was extremely sleepy. After he dreamed for a whole night, it was as if he hadn¡¯t slept at all, plus he kept thinking about ¡°General¡± so he couldn¡¯t concentrate in class.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡­I¡¯m currently in my Higher Mathematics class, I¡¯ll let you guys see our Higher Mathematics teacher¡­¡­¡± The girl in front of them was live streaming. She tidied up her long hair such that it covered half her face, then lowered her head slightly and revealed a sweet smile.


    She¡¯s streaming during Higher Mathematics? Yu Hao wanted to kneel before her, but what she said next almost made him hide under his table.


    ¡°Yeah, there are two handsome guys behind me, I¡¯ll let you guys see them¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng used a textbook to block his face, then said in an impatient tone, ¡°Stop broadcasting, I didn¡¯t wash my hair in the morning!¡± While he was at it, he placed one hand on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and got him to move in a bit closer, then whispered to him, ¡°Did our form teacher look for you yesterday?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was leaning very close to Yu Hao and their faces were just inches away from each other. Yu Hao suddenly became nervous; he rarely comes into such close contact with another person, and Zhou Sheng had a faint smell of smoke on his body.


    ¡°Then have you brushed your teeth?¡± The girl turned around to ask.


    ¡°Brushed.¡± Zhou Sheng grinned to show off his neat row of beautifully white teeth, then coldly said, ¡°Turn off your stream, or else I¡¯ll upload your un-photoshopped photo onto my Qzone3.¡±


    Yu Hao helplessly tried to move away and said, ¡°He didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s really willing to help you, or that he¡¯s just doing it for his job performance review?¡± Zhou Sheng was practically hugging Yu Hao as he whispered.


    The girl wasn¡¯t scared of Zhou Sheng at all. She put on her earphones and whispered, ¡°The redhead on the left is wearing the clothes of the xiao shou4 on the right. Just now I overheard the xiao shou promise redhead to wash his clothes¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    The ignorant Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°What¡¯s xiao shou5?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop broadcasting! Turn it off quickly or else Laoshi will find out!¡± He pondered for a bit, then said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t think so ba, don¡¯t think so badly of people¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He feels a bit fake to me. Be a little more careful, don¡¯t just tell him everything¡­¡­¡±


    Girl in front, ¡°You guys want the handsome guys to kiss? Lemme ask them¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Kiss your ass.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    The girl said, ¡°Give him a kiss and I¡¯ll treat you guys to lunch. C¡¯mon everyone~ send us some rockets6~¡±


    ¡°Send us some rockets! Send us some mansions yo~!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said as he faced the screen, ¡°Look veeery carefully! Our lunch depends on you guys!¡±


    And immediately afterwards, Zhou Sheng quickly slipped his hand onto Yu Hao¡¯s waist and pressed down on it.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Yu Hao immediately shouted.


    The girl promptly faced the row behind and held up her handphone. Zhou Sheng inched closer to Yu Hao, Yu Hao began to move backwards to dodge Zhou Sheng¡¯s advances but failed, then the two of them ended up falling off their chairs because of their unstable center of gravity.


    ¡°Students at the back!¡± The teacher called out.


    The last three rows burst out laughing. Yu Hao was stuck in an awkward predicament with his face flushed red. He crawled up from underneath the table, while Zhou Sheng casually sat up straight and stretched lazily, then lied back down on his table as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°The student sitting at the third row from the back on the rightmost seat, come up here to solve this problem.¡±


    Another round of guffaws immediately rang out from the back. Yu Hao could only lower his head and walk up to the platform with a blush that reached his ears, then he began to work on the problem.


    Zhou Sheng craned his neck to take a look, then asked the person behind him, ¡°Did he get it right?¡±


    Luckily Yu Hao¡¯s answer was right, so Zhou Sheng was relieved.


    After class, Zhou Sheng went to attend his sports theory class while Yu Hao went to attend his psychology class.


    And it just so happens that this psychology class mentioned the topic of ¡°emotions in dreams¡±, and used the occurrence of robberies in dreams as an example. When we evaluate emotions of the mind, we often link the emergence of these emotions to a certain concept. For example, when robbers show up, we would assume that their appearance should definitely be accompanied by the emotion of ¡®fear¡¯.


    But the truth is, situations in dreams often have nothing to do with our emotions. For example, when you see a knife-wielding robber in your dreams, not only would you be devoid of fear, but you would even be extremely amused instead. On the other hand, if you were to see bright and vivid colours in your dream, these colours could make you terrified for no apparent reason.


    When he heard this, Yu Hao suddenly understood his dreamscape a lot better. At the same time, his teacher explained this further by talking about how real life incidents could be repacked in dreams. An actual example would be when a little girl began to bawl after she saw a red balloon. The reason for this was because she had just seen a movie not too long ago where the family in that movie had been sitting in a red car when they got into a car accident.


    Then, what did the black dragon represent?


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered the reservoir that his mother had brought him to when he was five. Perhaps the dragon was a manifestation of a creature that lurked in its waters ¡ª as a symbol of his fear of being abandoned. This was the first time he made such a direct analysis of his inner world, which stirred up a motley of anger, fear and reluctance within him.


    1. ÆÑÉÈ Palm-leaf fan:


    ?


    2. Laundry fork:


    ?


    3. Qzone is a social networking website based in China which was created by Tencent in 2005. It allows users to write blogs, keep diaries, send photos, listen to music, and watch videos.?


    4. Little shou (shou as in uke)?


    5. Xiao shou here = little skinny (shou and skinny have the same pronunciation lmfao)?


    6. A rocket is something you can send a streamer during their broadcast, each rocket is 500 yuan (74.30 USD)


    ?


    T/N: Translating SD truly tests the limits of my descriptive capabilities (which is, sad to say, not very refined). There¡¯s a reason why I avoided writing any kind of descriptive essay during my youthful years ??Òæ?)?


    Haohao!!!!! Y u set an alarm!!!!!!!!!!!

 Chapter 7 - Reservoir

    Seizing Dreams Ch7 ¨C Reservoir


    After his morning classes ended, Yu Hao left his classroom and saw Zhou Sheng waiting for him by the stairway entrance. Zhou Sheng waved the cafeteria card in his hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    The streamer girl had handed Zhou Sheng her cafeteria card after being coaxed and pestered by him with the reason ¡°I have a share in those rockets too¡±. Zhou Sheng then promised her that they would only spend twenty yuan in the card before he came over to bring Yu Hao to the teacher¡¯s canteen. Coincidentally, counsellor Xue Long and their new form teacher Chen Yekai sat at the table opposite them and were in the midst of an argument. After Yu Hao sat down, the two of them stopped their discourse.


    They must be talking about me, Yu Hao thought.


    ¡°Come to my office at 2pm.¡± Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao. Xue Long didn¡¯t say a word before he took his bowl and left.


    Yu Hao felt a bit uneasy, but Chen Yekai nodded at him as a signal for asking him to relax.


    ¡°Yo, Kaikai!¡± Zhou Sheng came back with some dishes and greeted Chen Yekai in an overly familiar way.


    Chen Yekai pensively uttered an ¡°un¡±, then got up and left.


    Zhou Sheng watched him leave, then silently muttered something under his breath. Yu Hao said, ¡°I wonder how they¡¯re going to deal with me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You haven¡¯t done anything wrong, so what are you afraid of? Eat ba. If Xue Long looks for you then just tell him what happened. Tell him the truth. Don¡¯t keep silent and end up getting the short end of the stick because of your silence.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I need to argue for myself, got it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a bit taken aback, then he nodded approvingly and said, ¡°Correct.¡±


    Yu Hao thought for a bit, then suddenly said, ¡°What can I do to overcome my fear of some things?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao was silent again. He actually hadn¡¯t stopped thinking about the relationship between the black dragon in his dreamscape and the reservoir.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Beat them up, it¡¯ll be fine after one fight. When I was a kid I couldn¡¯t retaliate when my Dad hit me, but when I finally duked it out with him once I was no longer afraid of him.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But I can¡¯t beat up a reservoir¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Reservoir?¡± Then he remembered Yu Hao¡¯s narration of his past last night and said, ¡°O, so that¡¯s it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was in the sports department, but he took Psychology as an elective module. Even though it wasn¡¯t as difficult as Yu Hao¡¯s course, he did understand a bit of the basic principles.


    Zhou Sheng piled some meat on Yu Hao¡¯s plate, though these so-called meat were just meatballs stuffed with a lot of flour. He scooped up some rice, pondered for a bit, then said, ¡°There are a few ways. The first way is to see the reservoir being filled up with your own eyes.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, oh yeah, it¡¯s already been so many years, what if it had already been filled up?


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The second option is to go for a swim in it once then you might not be scared of it anymore¡­..do you know how to swim? You definitely can¡¯t go alone. And the third method is to convince yourself, that your mum¡­¡­un¡­¡­¡± He didn¡¯t finish the rest of his sentence.


    Yu Hao clearly knew that the best method was to personally ask his mother and convince himself, that the truth was¡­¡­.that she loved him, and never had other intentions.


    After they finished eating, Yu Hao returned first. Zhou Sheng was still scrolling through his phone with a bored face as he sent him away with a ¡°go ba¡±.


    When Yu Hao returned to his dormitory, he placed Zhou Sheng¡¯s jacket in a basin and helped him wash it. The water in winter was so cold that it froze Yu Hao¡¯s hands until they had turned completely red.


    I should add some hot water, Yu Hao thought. So he went to look for a kettle. There was still some water left in it from the the day before yesterday. After he poured it into the water, he continued to wash Zhou Sheng¡¯s jacket. It was as if his sports jacket hadn¡¯t been washed in a week, just one squeeze and all you could see was dirty water being squeezed out of it. He suddenly realised that he wasn¡¯t very resistant to the idea of making new friends, or at least he wasn¡¯t resistant to the idea of making friends with the overly familiar Zhou Sheng.


    Perhaps it was¡­¡­.because Zhou Sheng¡¯s manner of speech and actions were extremely casual, so it had easily eliminated his own sense of restraint.


    After Yu Hao finished washing the jacket and hung it up to dry, he tried to take an afternoon nap. His roommates were still sleeping and hadn¡¯t gotten out of their beds. He really couldn¡¯t fall asleep, and when he thought of how he needed to go to Xue Long¡¯s office in the afternoon, he suddenly felt a bit nervous again. He repeatedly practiced what he wanted to say in his heart, and when it was nearing the appointed time, he quietly got up and pushed the door of his dormitory room open.


    The vice principal, counsellor Xue Long and his form teacher Chen Yekai were all present. The police who was in charge of the case was also here, he had just taken off his police cap and was smoothing out his hair with his fingers. This police looked very young and seemed to be about the same age as Chen Yekai. He had rather dark skin and a skinny figure.


    The first thing Chen Yekai said was, ¡°Do you have any evidence to prove that you never touched his watch?¡±


    The policeman nodded at Yu Hao. Everything Yu Hao had prepared to say was forgotten in an instant.


    ¡°I¡¯ve really never touched their bookcase.¡± Yu Hao faced the policeman and said, ¡°Are there any fingerprints?¡±


    The vice principal was currently looking at the policeman¡¯s police ID. This policeman¡¯s surname was Huang, and was called Huang Ting. He spoke even less than Yu Hao himself. When Yu Hao saw him on Saturday, they barely had any form of communication. Yu Hao once thought that he already had the preconceived notion of him as the thief, but when he heard the voice message on WeChat that Chen Yekai had played for him, his impression of the policeman changed.


    ¡°Before they reported this to the police, their family¡¯s maid had already cleaned up their place.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°The bookcase had already been wiped down once, so we can¡¯t obtain any fingerprints.¡±


    Yu Hao took another glance at the vice principal, while the vice principal stared at him skeptically from behind his glasses. Xue Long¡¯s face didn¡¯t look too good, and it appeared to be due to the dispute he had with Chen Yekai in the afternoon.


    ¡°If you want everyone to believe in your innocence, then you¡¯ll have to produce some evidence.¡± Xue Long said helplessly, ¡°In a society that abides by the law, words alone can¡¯t be treated as proof.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they doing the same?¡± Yu Hao remembered the scene where Xue Long was trampled on by his elephant and suddenly thought that it was quite funny.


    ¡°They have evidence!¡± Vice principal said, ¡°The watch was found on you ¡ª that is evidence!¡±


    ¡°I took it out myself.¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°I had always been looking for its owner. That kid lied to frame me, it definitely wasn¡¯t her first time doing so, you can go investigate her previous tutors. She didn¡¯t want to continue with her tuition, so she thought of this method to chase me away¡­¡­.¡±


    When he spoke to this point, Yu Hao thought for a bit before he added, ¡°Actually, she¡¯s quite pitiful.¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t know whether he should cry or laugh as he said, ¡°And you¡¯re even pitying her now? Do you know how big of a trouble this has caused for the college?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s impression of Chen Yekai changed within an instant. It seemed as if Xue Long¡¯s obvious change in attitude today was because of him, and the insinuation behind Chen Yekai¡¯s words had simultaneously mitigated their opponent¡¯s accusations and pointed the finger of suspicion towards his tutee. Those who were present didn¡¯t raise any objection. Evidently, they had agreed with his statement.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Now, the most important thing we need to do is to find a breakthrough to prove that you didn¡¯t steal anything. Think carefully, starting from your motive, does anyone else know that you were trying to find the owner of that watch?¡±


    ¡°Does the contents of a Lost and Found notice count?¡± Yu Hao immediately said. ¡°I have a Lost and Found notice in my email. I wrote it in an internet cafe and sent it to my own email as I was getting ready to download it in the printing room. I wanted to print out a few notices and post them up to look for the watch¡¯s owner.¡±


    ¡°Show us.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Huang Ting said disapprovingly, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be of much use.¡± But his gaze still followed Yu Hao as he moved over to Chen Yekai¡¯s computer to operate it. Chen Yekai suddenly recalled something and was about to close his webpage, but Yu Hao had already seen it by accident.


    It was a crisis intervention website1.


    Yu Hao suddenly felt his nose turn a bit sour. He didn¡¯t dare to look at Chen Yekai as he logged into his email. Huang Ting motioned for him to wait, then recorded the email¡¯s date, attachments and the whole process of Yu Hao opening the attachment in the email; he specially zoomed in on the electronic version of the lost and found notice.


    Chen Yekai took over his computer and Yu Hao didn¡¯t look at it anymore. Warmth surged through his heart, then he decided that he had to rid himself of this grievance no matter what.


    Half an hour later, Chen Yekai and Yu Hao sent Huang Ting out of the college. Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯ll communicate with the other party and fight for a chance to have the two of you talk face to face either tomorrow or the day after. This video should help in eliminating the prejudice he has against you.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to speak when Chen Yekai motioned for him to remain silent and leave the rest to him.


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯ll be for the best if Yu Hao gets to speak to the kid alone.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Huang Ting took off his police cap and ran his fingers through his hair.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°If that really can¡¯t be arranged, then we¡¯ll have to use mediation.¡±


    ¡°I just want to help him clear his name.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Huang Ting looked at Chen Yekai, then looked at Yu Hao. Huang Ting had high cheekbones, deep-set eyes, distinctly sharp facial features, thick eyebrows and big eyes that appeared to be able to see through Yu Hao¡¯s heart with just one look.


    ¡°Sometimes, it¡¯s enough as long as the ones who are important to you trust you.¡± Huang Ting was saying this to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how to answer that for a moment. Huang Ting nodded at Chen Yekai, then got into his car and drove away. Chen Yekai motioned for him to walk over to the front of the french windows2 in his office, then the two of them watched the downpour outside.


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai¡¯s reflection in the french windows. Yesterday night, the ward¡¯s light was dreadfully pale and dim, and he was in a pretty bad state himself so he couldn¡¯t pay much attention to Chen Yekai. Today, Chen Yekai wore a slim fit black sweater and a pair of black trousers. He had a very simple kind of handsomeness that would awe onlookers, and combined with what Zhou Sheng had said yesterday, Chen Yekai looked exactly like the male protagonist of a korean drama whose set of clothes may have a price tag that was too expensive for Yu Hao to even imagine.


    Yu Hao felt like like an old-fashioned and dumb country bumpkin as he stood next to him.


    Chen Yekai grinned at Yu Hao through their reflections, ¡°What do you want to say?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a long while before he said, ¡°I think her father¡­won¡¯t admit it.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai answered in a daze, ¡°No one would be willing to admit their own mistake. But Huang Ting will take care of him, the police have their ways. There are many perpetrators who can¡¯t be arrested because of the lack of evidence when a case first opens, but after some psychological warfare, the other party would end up admitting to their crimes themselves. You should be more optimistic.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi.¡±


    Chen Yekai raised his eyebrows slightly, then turned his head sideways to look at him.


    ¡°I will keep on living.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me anymore, I¡¯ll promise you that.¡±


    ¡°I believe you.¡± Chen Yekai said with a smile.


    Yu Hao left the college. He faced the path that led to his dormitory, and after a moment of silence, he walked out of the college.


    Zhou Sheng was buying cigarettes at the small shop near the school gate. When he saw Yu Hao pass by, he uttered a ¡°hey¡±. But their surroundings were too noisy, so Yu Hao didn¡¯t hear him. Zhou Sheng followed him and saw Yu Hao board a bus. He looked at the bus stop board with a puzzled face.


    ¡°That rascal¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng quickly hailed a cab.


    An hour later, Yu Hao was shivering from the cold in the rainy suburbs as he walked down the grass patch in front of the reservoir¡¯s dam.


    As he walked, he thought that nothing must happen to him here or else he would anger Chen Yekai to death. He had said that he would ¡°keep on living¡± just this afternoon, and the next day his body had to be fished out from a reservoir.


    He quickly got rid of this thought ¡ª compared to when he was five, the weeds near the reservoir were already tall enough to reach his waist. The ladders here that led to a shallow cement slope were mottled with rust.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± A voice suddenly rang out from the top of the dam. Yu Hao immediately shouted in fright and almost slipped down the grassy slope.


    Zhou Sheng threw away the cigarette butt in his hand, then turned sideways and slid down from the dam as he shouted angrily, ¡°Are you crazy?!¡±


    Yu Hao said in astonishment, ¡°How did you know that I was coming here?¡±


    ¡°You still need to ask that?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s only this reservoir in the area, if you¡¯re not coming here then where else would you go?!¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao still wanted to ask another question, but Zhou Sheng stuffed both his hands into his pockets and gave him a ruthless kick before he said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to come here alone?¡±


    Yu Hao stood in the rain looking like an idiot. Zhou Sheng shouted angrily again, ¡°Put your hood up!¡±


    Both of them wore their hoods. The skies turned dark as dusk fell.


    Zhou Sheng had been waiting in the rain for close to half an hour and was almost completely drenched. He sneezed, then Yu Hao said, ¡°I only came here to take a look, I don¡¯t plan on going into the waters.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply him. He held his phone up and turned on its flashlight as he walked in front, then turned around to say, ¡°When we reach the place let me know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s here.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Zhou Sheng asked from the bridge opening.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Very sure. I remember that ¡®No Fishing¡¯ sign.¡±


    He also remembered that when he came here for the first time, his mother had looked at him from underneath the ¡®No Fishing¡¯ sign as she asked him to go dig for snails. Fourteen years later, the reservoir had hardly changed. Only the grass had grown a little taller.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head down first.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wait here ba.¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t someone who feared death either. He said, ¡°Then hold onto my hand, and no matter what, don¡¯t let go.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the pitch black waters and finally felt fear creep up on him. He hadn¡¯t noticed anything that year, but the more he thought about it afterwards, the worse he felt about this place. An indistinct outline of the black dragon¡¯s eyes emerged in front of him as they stared at him from underneath the waters.


    That was fear, that was death ¡ª it was the despair that had followed him like a shadow, despair that had been engraved into his bones.


    Yu Hao took a deep breath. He turned around to look at Zhou Sheng. In the darkness, nothing could be seen. He could feel Zhou Sheng¡¯s scorching body temperature through their interlocked hands; and in this dark night, he thought that perhaps, what he would remember most clearly for life would probably be Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Go on.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    Yu Hao walked down one step at a time, then Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I think you¡¯re sick.¡±


    Yu Hao answered in the darkness, ¡°I think I¡¯m sick too, or else why would I commit suicide?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t say that, I was just spouting nonsense.¡±


    Yu Hao stood knee-deep in the waters and didn¡¯t speak for a long time.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Go on, I won¡¯t let go.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°The water isn¡¯t deep¡­¡­.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Zhou Sheng came down too. The water here was extremely shallow. Yu Hao was 1.75 tall, and the water only reached his knees. Zhou Sheng was 1.8m tall, plus he had long legs, so the water didn¡¯t even reach his knees.


    Zhou Sheng scratched his head, then said, ¡°Swim a few rounds? I¡¯ll take photos for you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly burst out laughing in the dark waters and thought that nothing was important anymore. Zhou Sheng walked a few steps to test the depth of the waters, then said, ¡°What¡¯s so scary about this?¡±


    Yu Hao also waded through the water, and he suddenly felt relieved. The young him had still dug for snails here, but the feeling this place gave him now was completely different.


    ¡°You can¡¯t see how deep the water is from the outside¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly cried out, then his shout was immediately followed by an exaggerated sound of him falling into the water. Yu Hao was so frightened that he called out in an instant, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± then pounced in his direction. Zhou Sheng grabbed him, and suddenly the two of them were drenched. Zhou Sheng had slipped and looked like a mess as he sat in the water, but he stood up soon after and said, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± before he lifted a squarish garbage bag from the water.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Crap, now the scope of your psychological shadows3 would probably widen even further, don¡¯t let this be anything bad please¡­¡­¡±


    An hour later, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were at the Zhongshan Road 4¡¯s police station in the Yingkou district as they explained the origin of this plastic bag to the police. Chen Yekai¡¯s mouth was twitching as he listened to their explanation.


    When Yu Hao first saw the plastic bag, he immediately thought that it was linked to some dismembered body incident, but Zhou Sheng was the most courageous person he has ever met ¡ª he just tore the bag open straight away on the spot. Huang Ting was currently recording their testimonies. The plastic bag was open, and there were twelve neat bundles of crisp new paper notes stacked together; each note was a hundred yuan, and there were two bricks at the bottom of the bag too.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­.¡±


    1.Crisis intervention is an immediate and short-term psychological care aimed at assisting individuals in a crisis situation in order to restore equilibrium to their bio-psycho-social functioning and to minimize the potential of long-term psychological trauma.?


    2. Windows that reach the floor:


    ?


    3. psychological shadows is something like PTSD. Zhou Sheng is saying that Yu Hao will have more things to fear about the reservoir after they found the suspicious plastic bag lolol?

 Chapter 8 - Picked up Money

    Seizing Dreams Ch8 ¨C Picked up Money


    ¡°100,0001 per stack.¡± Yu Hao said to Huang Ting, ¡°1,200,000.¡±


    Yu Hao had sold his house for 240,000 yuan during his summer holidays. He went to the bank to collect cash in order to repay the medical fees that he had owed; each stack was 100,000 yuan, just like the ones they¡¯re looking at now.


    Zhou Sheng said to Huang Ting, ¡°Who would put so much money in a reservoir?¡±


    The entire police station had been stirred up, everyone came over to look at the bag of money that the two of them had found.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°What were the two of you doing in Zhongshan¡¯s reservoir?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Uh¡­¡­..¡±


    Zhou Sheng shot Huang Ting a provocative look, ¡°Does it have anything to do with you guys?¡±


    ¡°Of course it does.¡± Huang Ting, ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night, why would two university students be at a reservoir?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t I just be teaching him how to swim.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Tell the truth! Yu Hao, explain it clearly yourself.¡±


    So Yu Hao had to tell them the truth. But of course, he didn¡¯t mention the black dragon in his dream. He just told them that he had read about ways to overcome the fears in his heart in his textbook. Huang Ting looked at Zhou Sheng, then he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that this money must belong to some corrupt government official!¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°¡®Holding a huge amount of property with unidentified sources2¡¯, isn¡¯t that what they always report on the news? A big tiger3 might even be uncovered with this. We¡¯re the ones who rendered a meritorious service! Shouldn¡¯t you guys be thanking us right now?¡±


    Sometimes Chen Yekai would wear an expression that¡¯s practically begging Zhou Sheng to stop talking, but he didn¡¯t expect Yu Hao to also say, ¡°That¡¯s quite possible, this case needs to be investigated thoroughly.¡±


    ¡°But that has nothing to do with you guys.¡± After Huang Ting finished recording their testimonies, he closed his laptop, ¡°As salty radish eaters, you don¡¯t need to worry about what bland radishes taste like4¡­¡­yo! Superintendent?¡±


    After the superintendent had received their call, he rushed over before finishing his dinner. Everyone stood up to shake hands with the superintendent. The superintendent patted Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulders and showered them with praises along the line of ¡°it¡¯s not easy for youngsters to resist such temptations¡±. A bright idea suddenly occurred to Chen Yekai, so he said in passing, ¡°Could you guys confer on student Yu Hao a silk banner5?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­we haven¡¯t found the owner yet.¡± The superintendent hesitated, ¡°Under what name could we confer it under? Why not¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°¡®In the name of the people¡¯6 of course! Speaking of which, don¡¯t customs dictate that if you don¡¯t pocket the money you pick up, 10% of it would go to the ones who found it as thanks?¡±


    Superintendent immediately answered, ¡°A silk banner should definitely be conferred.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make one myself.¡± Chen Yekai immediately said, ¡°Signing it under our station¡¯s name is enough.¡± After he spoke, he looked at Zhou Sheng and quickly added, ¡°Both of you will write it together.¡±


    Huang Ting also helped to add as he explained to the superintendent, ¡°This kid is currently being framed. A silk banner could change the impression his college leaders has of him. Student Yu Hao is an honest person¡­¡­of course, this red¡­¡­golden¡­¡­haired student is the same.¡± No one dared to provoke Zhou Sheng as they didn¡¯t want be ridiculed by him again, so he added in a quick word for Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like clapping furiously for Chen Yekai and Huang Ting.


    After they left the police station, Chen Yekai hailed a cab and browsed Taobao7 in the front seat, then said, ¡°Why did you think of coming to Zhongshan Police Station to report your case?¡±


    ¡°I only know the address of this police station.¡± Zhou Sheng looked out of the window and said indifferently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you an upvote8.¡± Chen Yekai found a shop that makes silk banners in the city and ordered it to be delivered tomorrow using an express service. After he spoke, he turned around to look at Yu Hao and said, ¡°You did well too, for not being tempted by money.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t really think that much.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It was the first time I saw that much money in my life. But it¡¯s not mine, so I shouldn¡¯t have it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°Chen Laoshi, why are you getting someone to make a silk banner? The moment it¡¯s made, wouldn¡¯t everyone know that the police station had picked up money? We shouldn¡¯t have said anything and just leave the money covertly at the station, then secretly leave as we gently flick our sleeves without bringing away even a wisp of cloud9. In any case, it¡¯s money stolen by corrupt officials. If we hand it over to the state, it would just fill our national treasury and end up in the pockets of those corrupt officials again.¡±


    ¡°But if the police station takes it, it could help improve the lives of the policemen who serve the people¡­¡­at the end of the year, they could get a bonus of 50 000 or 100 000 yuan, then everyone would be happy¡­¡­¡±


    A scene in which the superintendent opens the plastic bag with gleaming eyes suddenly surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m just kidding, Huang Ting¡¯s a good cop. But I¡¯ll say one thing ¡ª that superintendent is bad news.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to explain it, in any case he¡¯s a rotten guy. This case won¡¯t get a any proper closure.¡±


    Chen Yekai was at a loss as to how to deal with Zhou Sheng. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t spout nonsense. 1.2 million¡­what can this bit of money do? Don¡¯t describe our Superintendent Li as such a hypocritical and indecent person will you? And there are so many people watching too.¡±


    ¡°This bit of money? This bit of money!¡± Zhou Sheng slapped his thigh and said, ¡°If I had 1.2 million, why would I still need to study?¡±


    Chen Yekai said sternly, ¡°You¡¯re not going to earn just this 1 million or so throughout your lifetime. If you really think that way then you¡¯re finished. If it was me, I would hand it over to our nation too. Zhou Sheng na, why do you always say words you don¡¯t mean? Can¡¯t you be a bit more sincere?¡±


    Zhou Sheng resolutely stated, ¡°Then again, just one of our Chen Laoshi¡¯s scarves costs 24 000 yuan, so of course you wouldn¡¯t think much of this mere¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai immediately intercepted Zhou Sheng, ¡°You definitely, definitely can¡¯t say that in the college!¡±


    When Chen Yekai answered Xue Long¡¯s call that day, he immediately rushed to the hospital to see Yu Hao and had forgotten to take off his scarf. Zhou Sheng was very perceptive and saw it at a glance, but Chen Yekai didn¡¯t expect to have left Zhou Sheng something that could be used against him. For a form teacher to flaunt his wealth like this¡­wouldn¡¯t be a very good influence.


    ¡°1.2 million.¡± The DiDi10 driver held the steering wheel and said, ¡°If I had 1.2 million, why would I still need to be a DiDi driver?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng burst out into raucous laughter and grabbed Yu Hao into his embrace to mess around with him while Chen Yekai looked helpless. After they reached their college, Chen Yekai repeatedly ordered Zhou Sheng not to spread the matter about his scarf around before he let the two of them go.


    1.2 million¡­¡­Yu Hao had already forgotten almost everything that happened the past few days, his mind was full of the scene in which he had picked up the money.


    ¡¾Why couldn¡¯t we have picked up 100 yuan?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng sent him a message on QQ.


    Yu Hao:¡¾If we had picked up a 100 we really might not have handed it to the police. After all, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to find its owner.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng: ¡¾(purses lips) Even 50 yuan would be good too.¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡¾10 yuan¡¯s not bad too.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng: ¡¾What the hell can 10 yuan buy?! Let¡¯s find a job together some other day. I suddenly remembered something, doesn¡¯t that parent still owe you your tutoring fees?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾It¡¯ll be good enough if he doesn¡¯t send me to jail, I don¡¯t expect him to pay me¡¿


    Zhou Sheng: ¡¾When he comes I¡¯ll accompany you to get your money back, then you¡¯ll treat me to a meal. Buffet, one that costs 160.¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡¾No problem.¡¿


    Yu Hao turned his phone off. Today was the first time he had to deal with this many people in his life, and it was also the first time he ever had to talk this much. He couldn¡¯t be any more tired than he is now. His roommates weren¡¯t staying out overnight today, the one on the adjacent bunk was snoring loudly while the upper bunk was shaking like crazy. He stretched his leg out to kick the bedboard twice because he didn¡¯t want to indulge the upper bunk anymore.


    ¡°Go to sleep!¡± Yu Hao simply and crudely shouted with impatience, ¡°If you want to jerk off go do it in the toilet!¡±


    His dormitory room erupted into a loud bout of laughter. Yu Hao was a bit surprised that he wasn¡¯t such a steamed bun11anymore, but anyway the upper bunk finally stopped shaking. Yu Hao put on his earphones to block out the sound of snoring and fell into a deep sleep.


    Music that sounded like the roar of an ocean tide began to blare, and in the next moment, he opened his eyes amongst a horde of troops! He heard General¡¯s angry roar next to his ear.


    ¡°Why the hell did you bring BGM into our fight?!¡±


    ¡°I just fell asleep! While listening to music!¡± Yu Hao waved the laundry fork in his hand and saw the cavalry rushing towards them. The enemy¡¯s general was clad in armour from head to toe ¡ª it was his form teacher in junior high.


    ¡°Screw him over!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    General brandished his huge sword and roared, ¡°Then do something!!¡±


    Deafening music was playing in the skies, and under that majestic blanket of music, Yu Hao wielded a laundry fork with both his hands. That laundry forked appeared to have sensed something as golden light immediately burst out from it, which was instantly followed by bursts of thunderbolts!


    Yu Hao was suspended within the light and he was surprised to find that his appearance had changed. He wore an unbuttoned short tunic cardigan12 which had suddenly opened up as it materialised on his body. It was embroidered with lightning patterns, and looked like a black imperial robe that had an inner snow-white shirt lining. The golden light that burst out of the laundry fork in his hands shot out in all directions; it broke apart at its forked end, and the flowing light was reconstructed into two long, bronze knives!


    Yu Hao whistled. He held a knife in each hand, and like a dual wield warrior, he bowed slightly when he landed on the ground and pushed his knives forward. Lightning burst forth from its tip like tidal lines ¡ª he looked like a deity who spread his wings as he collided with the vanguard troop units!


    General cheered loudly. He swung his huge sword and followed closely behind. Lightning and thunder were bursting out in all directions which instantly overturned the cavalry troops ahead. The two rushed into the battle array, and amongst the gentle music that played in the background, they forcefully tore a hole in the enemy¡¯s formation and kept pushing forward. General shouted, ¡°Get rid of their leader!¡±


    A fiendish look appeared on Yu Hao¡¯s junior high form teacher¡¯s face as he rushed towards them clad in full body armour. He wielded a zhanmadao13 in his hand and rushed right in front of them within an instant. But no sooner said than done, General had swung his sword out horizontally, then Yu Hao stepped on the broadsword, leaped into the air and turned a somersault in midair.


    General withdrew his sword, turned sideways and forcefully knocked into the enemy general¡¯s warhorse. The warhorse raised its front legs and the leader who rode it was lifted up along with it.


    ¡°Die!¡± Yu Hao stepped on air, flipped over and swung both his knives out at the same time. Within an instant, he had chopped the enemy general¡¯s head off.


    Black fumes immediately burst out, and the cavalry troops scattered in an uproar.


    Yu Hao landed on the ground, then turned around to look at General. General took note of their surroundings. The two of them broke through the palace¡¯s backdoor and slipped into its interior.


    Behind the door was a pitch-black corridor.


    ¡°Do you have fire?¡± General said.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao answered honestly, ¡°When did you enter my dream?¡±


    ¡°About the same time as you.¡± General answered in the dark. His voice was accompanied by the clanking sounds his armour made while he walked as he explained, ¡°When your dream ends, all outsiders will be ejected from your dreamscape.¡±


    ¡°And I thought that you would have stayed here to fight alone.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Give me a moment.¡± He tried to piece his two short knives together.


    General stopped walking and answered, ¡°Then I would have been finished.¡±


    Yu Hao said in the dark, ¡°What happens if you die in a dream?¡±


    General said, ¡°You¡¯re the owner of this dreamscape. After you die, you would return to the master of the totem and lose all your strength. Then you would be under its complete control, get banished to the borders, thrown into the subconscious world beyond the boundaries of your consciousness and fall into the darkness where you would wander in forever without a chance to ever come back again. It signifies that one of the ¡®selves¡¯ in your heart would have completely disappeared, while in reality¡­¡­.¡±


    General pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°Maybe you would try to end your life again? It¡¯s hard to say. As for me¡­¡­un¡­¡­forget it, don¡¯t dig too deep into it.¡±


    An idea flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s mind. Didn¡¯t these words mean that General¡¯s true identity¡­could be that of a human?¡±


    ¡°You would die in reality too, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    General seemed to realise that he had said something he shouldn¡¯t have, so he continued, ¡°But you¡¯ve recovered most of your strength, so we should be able to win.¡±


    So when you came to the Great Wall to save me, you had placed yourself in danger as well. Yu Hao thought, then who are you in the real world? If possible, I¡¯d like to get to know you.


    But no matter who General was, the moment he confirmed that he was human, he had also ascertained another truth: General had the ability to dream travel. Was this some kind of superpower? Yu Hao sort of understood why General wasn¡¯t willing to talk too much about himself, he probably didn¡¯t want him to know that he had that kind of ability.


    Inferring the answer to one question led to the emergence of even more questions. Why did General have that ability?


    After Yu Hao pieced the two short knives together, it emitted a ray of light and the laundry fork resumed its original staff form. But it was different from the resplendent golden appearance it took on in his grandmother¡¯s hands; in Yu Hao¡¯s hands, it had turned into a long, bronze staff.


    There was an exaggerated shape of a bird with big, round eyes at the top of the staff.


    The staff shone brightly and illuminated the darkness that surrounded them.


    General, ¡°This is¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t know why either¡­¡­but it seems like I was born with the ability to use magic.¡±


    He could feel an endless stream of strength in his body that was currently flowing through his bloodstream. Once he injected it into his staff, the staff would begin to shine brightly.


    ¡°It¡¯s natural for you to know magic because this is your world. What I¡¯m curious about is this bird¡­¡­¡± General turned around and placed one hand on his helmet as if he wanted to lift it up to take a closer look, but he resisted the urge to do so in the end.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯ve never seen it before though? But then again, there are many things that I thought I had never seen before when I actually have.¡±


    ¡°Have you been to Sanxingdui14?¡± General asked as he used his finger to flick the bird.


    When Yu Hao was reminded of that, he suddenly recalled, ¡°On a magazine!¡¶Chinese Heritage¡·! My family ordered it before. But what does it have to do with Sanxingdui?¡±


    General waved his hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his staff and illuminated the corridor. They walked into the palace with a labyrinth of complicated underground passages. Yu Hao explored the area purely based on instinct ¡ª he had a nagging feeling that he had been here before, so even amongst the various stairs and corridors that existed here, he would always be able to find the correct path to take.


    ¡°I can sense the totem.¡± Yu Hao said.


    There was something not too far away that was beckoning him over strongly.


    General had been silent ever since he saw the bronze bird of Sanxingdui. Yu Hao called him again, ¡°General?¡±


    General, ¡°Un¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me walk this last stretch to the totem by myself ba.¡±


    General said without a second thought, ¡°No.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at General and said earnestly, ¡°This should be my own battle.¡±


    General said, ¡°Don¡¯t you want someone to witness it for you?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how to answer to that immediately. He was actually afraid that General would be in danger if he follows along. No matter what he was hiding from him, dying in someone else¡¯s dream is not a problem that could be made light of, it would most likely be accompanied by grave consequences. If General is human, then it was more than enough for him to have accompanied him up to this point.


    ¡°I won¡¯t do anything, I¡¯ll just spectate at a side.¡± General said, ¡°You need to learn how to accept other people¡¯s goodwill, don¡¯t always feel like you¡¯re indebted to them.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled a bit sadly and said, ¡°I really do mind it though.¡±


    General placed one hand on his shoulder and gave him a light push as a signal for him to continue moving forward.


    ¡°Talk about one thing that you can¡¯t let go of the most in this lifetime ba.¡± General said, ¡°You can say it no matter how important or insignificant you may think it is.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve already let go of what I couldn¡¯t let go of the most.¡±


    ¡°Just one?¡± General asked again.


    Yu Hao roughly summarised what had happened during this third year of junior high, while General quietly listened.


    Yu Hao spoke as he walked up a long staircase. After he had ascended this flight of steps, a sudden flash of light blinded them. A spacious passageway appeared in front of them, and on both sides of the passageway stood giant statues carved out of pure gold. There were two huge doors at the end of the passageway, and there was a knight standing in front of those doors. That knight¡¯s face was incomparably clear, though Yu Hao thought that he had long forgotten how he looked like.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± General unsheathed the long sword on his back.


    ¡°My¡­¡­friend.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°He¡¯s called Liu Pengxuan. Pengxuan, long time no see.¡±


    He was his deskmate in junior high, the one who stole Hua Lun¡¯s wallet and ended up causing his grandmother to kneel down in front of the whole school. Yu Hao said, ¡°I actually thought that the one guarding this place would be Hua Lun, I didn¡¯t expect it to be you.¡±


    ¡°You fucking gay.¡± That knight had a slim face and sunken eyes. He held a long rod in his hand as he said, ¡°You¡¯re a sickening jerk who would sell your friends out, I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    General roared angrily, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    When Yu Hao¡¯s most sensitive, most vulnerable secret had been exposed, he was instantly at a loss. But General¡¯s angry shout had saved him.


    General¡¯s loud voice boomed, ¡°If you¡¯re not going to do anything, I¡¯ll teach him a lesson for you!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    1. 100k yuan = 15k USD; 1.2m = 180k USD holy shit?


    2. This is an actual crime. Article 395 of Criminal Law stipulates: ¡°Any State officers whose property or expenditure obviously exceeds his lawful income, if the difference is enormous, may be ordered to explain the sources of his property. If he cannot prove that the sources are legitimate, the part that exceeds his lawful income shall be regarded as illegal gains.¡± This law was created to crack down crimes of bribery and corruption?


    3. Corrupt high-ranking officials ?


    4. don¡¯t be so idle that you wanna meddle in stuff you¡¯re not supposed to?


    5. A silk banner conferred as an award: ?


    6. In the Name of the People (Chinese: ÈËÃñµÄÃûÒå; pinyin: R¨¦nm¨ªn de m¨ªngy¨¬) is a 2017 Chinese TV drama series based on the web novel of the same name by Zhou Meisen. Its plot revolves around a prosecutor¡¯s efforts to unearth corruption in a present-day fictional Chinese city.?


    7. an online shopping site?


    8. Internet slang for +1?


    9. From the poem ¡°Goodbye Cambridge¡± ¡¶ÔÙ±ð¿µÇÅ¡·. Zhou Sheng¡¯s just being stupidly romantic(?) for no reason hahaha I love him?


    10. Didi Chuxing Technology Co., formerly Didi Kuaidi, is a Chinese ride-sharing, artificial intelligence and autonomous technology conglomerate.?


    11. steamed bun = wimp?


    12. a kind of Chinese-style garment which buttons down the front or on the right


    ¡ú but unbuttoned and short


    ?


    13. The zhanmadao (Chinese: ”ØñRµ¶; pinyin: zh¨£nm¨£d¨¡o; literally: ¡®horse chopping saber¡¯) was a single-bladed anti-cavalry Chinese sword?


    14. Sanxingdui is the name of an archaeological site and a major Bronze Age culture in modern Guanghan, Sichuan, China.


    This might be the bird at the top of Yu Hao¡¯s staff:


    ?


    T/N: WOW 14 footnotes!! That¡¯s a record!! Dies internally


    Favourite dialogue of the chapter:


    ¡°Screw him over!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    General brandished his huge sword and roared, ¡°Then do something!!¡±


    Omg I just love Yu Hao x General so damn much.


    Also, gonna try to force get next chapter out by tonight! IT¡¯S A GREAT CHAPTER. IF YOU THINK CHAPTER 2 WAS GREAT CHAPTER 9 IS EVEN BETTER


    Possible spoiler alert:


    ¨CHighlight below to see¨C


    Now that I¡¯m rereading the novel, I¡¯m realising how fking smart and oscar-deserving this damn Zhou Sheng is

 Chapter 9 - Totem

    Seizing Dreams Ch9 ¨C Totem


    Note: Intense fighting scene upcoming, recommended to listen to epic battle music hehe


    ¡ª


    General stepped forward, dragged his broad sword behind him and bowed down slightly.


    Liu Pengxuan said in a gloomy voice, ¡°Come! I¡¯ve been waiting for this day for far too long!!¡±


    When Yu Hao heard him say that, he instantly recalled the past. For the past three years, he had always hoped that Liu Pengxuan would come look for him and give him a good beating, then all their past enmities would come to an end. But Liu Pengxuan didn¡¯t do that, so he had always been around in his conscious world and had never left.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong!¡± Yu Hao suddenly shouted, ¡°You¡¯re the one who betrayed me first!¡¯


    In the next moment, General had already turned into a streak of silver light as he rushed forward to fight with Liu Pengxuan. Liu Pengxuan uttered a loud shout and a bright light burst forth from the long rod in his hand. All of the golden sculptures within the huge hall began to move!


    The eight golden sculptures all looked like his junior high schoolmates. They rushed towards the two people who stood in the middle of the corridor; General brandished his large sword while Liu Pengxuan waved his long rod, and within an instant the both of them had exchanged several blows ¡ª they moved so fast that Yu Hao¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t keep up with their fight. Yu Hao dismantled his staff and turned it into two long knives, then joined the battle.


    General relied on his armour to forcefully endure his opponent¡¯s blows as he and Liu Pengxuan fought to gain the upper hand over each other, while the golden sculptures turned their heads together simultaneously and rushed towards Yu Hao!


    Yu Hao anxiously called out, ¡°General!¡±


    ¡°Believe in me!¡± General roared angrily, ¡°No matter who he is! Believe that I can beat him up!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao calmed himself down. He wanted to assist General, but the two who were engaged in the fight were just way too fast. They kept changing their positions and moved to and fro like gales of wind in between the innumerable golden sculptures. Yu Hao could only piece his staff together again and release a current of lightning which ran through the golden sculptures.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to use this weapon to kill you bastards!¡± Yu Hao roared angrily.


    Within an instant, a scene emerged in his mind of him bringing a laundry fork out of his home and beating up Hua Lun¡¯s followers with it until they were looking for their teeth on the floor. In a split second, his staff had shot out bursts of thunderbolts that exploded with a blast and the eight golden sculptures immediately tumbled in all directions, then they blew up into millions of golden coins that scattered all over the ground.


    As of this moment, General was in the midst of an intense struggle with Liu Pengxuan. They fought from behind the huge red pillars to the top of the beams, then the two of them fell down together and landed harshly on the ground.


    General shouted, ¡°Yu Hao, help me!¡±


    Yu Hao rushed forward, but Liu Pengxuan took a sudden big stride forward and raced towards General. General raised his broad sword to block the incoming attack, but with a loud ¡°clang¡± his sword was knocked out of his hand under the huge impact. His back rammed into the huge pillar behind him and the red lacquer wooden pillar instantly broke apart round its middle!


    ¡°Not help in that way¡­¡­give me strength! You are the owner of this world!¡± General said.


    ¡°How do I give you strength?!¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t catch up to them no matter how hard he tried. Liu Pengxuan appeared to be chasing General with all his might, so as not to give General a chance to escape.


    General roared angrily, ¡°Believe in me!¡±


    ¡°I believe you!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Jiayou1!¡±


    ¡°How the fuck is that believing in me!!¡± General flipped over and leapt up, then clashed with Liu Pengxuan. But he was immediately thrown up into the air again before he slammed onto the ground harshly.


    ¡°You obviously still have lingering feelings for him, that¡¯s helping him!!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao saw that General was constantly getting beaten up and flew closer, but the two suddenly separated again. Yu Hao released streaks of lightning, but when his lightning burst forth it didn¡¯t seem to be able to get close to Liu Pengxuan at all.


    General groaned as he crawled up and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to get beaten to death soon¡­¡­this is just great¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t love him!¡±


    ¡°Transfer your affection!¡± General roared angrily, ¡°Do you know what ¡®transfer your affection¡¯ means? Go like someone else! That guy is invincible right now!¡±


    Yu Hao stood in front of General; Liu Pengxuan spun the long knife in his hand to change it from a horizontal sweep to a straight stab. He let out a loud roar and raced towards them so quickly that only his afterimage could be seen, but General managed to exchange positions with Yu Hao within the moment he vanished and blocked in front of Yu Hao; he threw away his broad sword, twisted his left wrist while executing a horizontal chop with his right hand, and with one move he had locked Liu Pengxuan¡¯s blade in place!


    When General and Yu Hao collided with Liu Pengxuan, they were hurtled out at the same time like a kite that had its string cut and were flung harshly onto the ground. However, as soon as he had fallen to the ground, General struggled to sit up and his first reaction was to raise his hand to hold Yu Hao in his arms and protect him with his body.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Liu Pengxuan picked up General¡¯s broadsword. He wielded a knife in his right hand and the sword in his left and overlapped them. Black fumes burst out of his body as he slowly said, ¡°Accept your retribution.¡±


    Yu Hao was slightly out of breath, but General stretched his hand out and pulled on Yu Hao¡¯s chin, then looked into his eyes through his helmet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel moved by me protecting you like this?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m very moved.¡±


    General, ¡°So wouldn¡¯t it be better to like me instead of that scum?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao felt his heart begin to beat wildly within an instant. But immediately afterwards, Liu Pengxuan let out a crazy roar as he brandished his knife and sword, then turned into an afterimage as he suddenly shot towards General.


    Liu Pengxuan was just inches away in the next moment. His swords flashed brightly as he approached, then General murmured.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s¡­¡­better.¡±


    A loud bang sounded and General¡¯s armour shot out rays of blinding silver light. He stomped on the ground with one foot, tensioned his back and held Yu Hao around his waist with his left hand. Then he stood up sideways and threw out a punch with his right fist; his beautiful uppercut went right past the incoming swords before it ruthlessly landed on Liu Pengxuan¡¯s chin and sent him flying. Immediately afterwards, he turned one more round and made use of the momentum to send Liu Pengxuan careening like a tornado with a roundhouse kick.


    ¡°Sword!¡±


    The moment General said that, Yu Hao threw him the broad sword that Liu Pengxuan had dropped. General raised his hand to catch it. Liu Pengxuan struggled to crawl up, then scrambled off as he tried to escape.


    ¡°Go and die¡ª¡ª£¡You scum!!¡±


    In the next moment, General devoted all his strength into viciously swinging his broad sword down. Liu Pengxuan shrieked in anguish as he was instantly chopped into two by General!


    Yu Hao instinctively turned his head as he couldn¡¯t bear to look. Liu Pengxuan¡¯s blood exploded everywhere, but right at the moment his blood spurted out, all the meat, bones and blood in his body morphed into black fumes and rose into the air. Then, it completely disappeared within the corridor.


    The corridor sunk into silence. And right then, Yu Hao suddenly left like everything had come to a complete end along with the swing of General¡¯s sword. Liu Pengxuan may still be alive in some part of the world, but from now onwards, he would no longer have any connection with him. He no longer loved him, or hated him. He had no more regrets about Liu Pengxuan, and neither did he miss him anymore.


    General slowly stood up with his back facing Yu Hao, then said, ¡°In your reality, you need to find a lover who can teach that guy a lesson on your behalf.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything in reply. His heart was filled with a mixture of conflicting feelings.


    General turned around, walked over to stand in front of Yu Hao and stretched out a hand enclosed in a metal glove to rub Yu Hao¡¯s head, then said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, just now I was only¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao interrupted him and laughed a bit sadly, ¡°You had no other choice then.¡±


    ¡°In reality, you¡¯ll definitely be able to meet the right person for you.¡± General explained, ¡°But, it won¡¯t be me. I¡¯ll tell you why later.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve also promised me before that you would take off your helmet and let me have a look.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I still remember that.¡± As General spoke, he walked to the front of the huge door at the end of the corridor.


    General asked again, ¡°Why do you want to keep on living?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un?¡±


    General said, ¡°I¡¯m asking you seriously.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is this very important?¡±


    General, ¡°Extremely important. Before you think that question over carefully, we won¡¯t go out.¡±


    Yu Hao stood behind General. He gazed attentively at this back and said, ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out.¡±


    ¡°You need to be absolutely certain of your answer.¡± General said, ¡°And you must firmly believe in it. Your belief can¡¯t be shaken, because it will be the key to seizing your totem back.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out.¡±


    General was a bit surprised that Yu Hao didn¡¯t tell him his answer, but after awhile he said, ¡°If you¡¯ve figured it out then that¡¯s fine.¡± As he spoke, he inched closer to the huge door.


    Yu Hao followed along. He felt a sudden upsurge of emotions; he held General¡¯s hand, and General¡¯s metal hand slightly gripped it back in return before it relaxed, then he didn¡¯t say anything as he propped his shoulder against the door to push it open slowly.


    Yu Hao went to the other side and pushed the door open with General. He turned sideways to look at General ¡ª General¡¯s helmet was coincidentally facing his direction as well.


    ¡°If I really like you, will your strength increase?¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t reject me and I upkeep my belief in your strength, you won¡¯t lose it.¡±


    ¡°That depends on you.¡± General stopped moving, then said, ¡°Not on me.¡±


    ¡°But it wasn¡¯t easy for me to let Liu Pengxuan go.¡± Yu Hao smiled as he said, ¡°And now I can¡¯t forget about you, that¡¯s not useful at all.¡±


    ¡°Only those whom you¡¯ve loved in reality can leave a projection in your conscious world.¡± General said seriously, ¡°I¡¯m only a visitor in your dream. When I leave, I will really leave, and won¡¯t occupy any space in your heart.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, I would rather you stay here forever, and occupy a space here that belongs only to you.


    ¡°Jiayou.¡± General encouraged.


    Yu Hao felt his heart jolt for no reason, and thought could it be him?


    Yu Hao, ¡°Dad?¡±


    General said, ¡°Ai, good boy. Call me that again?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said in annoyance, ¡°You¡¯re taking advantage of me!¡±


    General seemed like he was laughing, and he laughed so hard that he didn¡¯t even have the strength to push the door open anymore. His whole body bent over as he placed his hands on his knees. Yu Hao gave him a kick, then General said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who wanted to call me Dad.¡±


    Yu Hao muttered to himself, ¡°I was just trying.¡±


    General stayed silent for awhile, then said, ¡°Push the door open! The king is back!¡±


    Yu Hao was a little sad at first, but General¡¯s words immediately made his blood boil. He pushed the door open with General, and within an instant, a bright light shot out from beyond the door that blinded them. In the midst of the blaring noise, the walls that surrounded them collapsed and shattered with a loud rumble before scattering in all directions. Dark clouds loomed overhead, and an open-air altar came into view.


    In the middle of the altar, a king¡¯s throne appeared. The black dragon in the skies above roared before it gradually began its descent.


    The platform was at least a thousand square metres wide and its entire surface was engraved with strange patterns. The palace constructed from wood was disintegrating rapidly as it fell apart. It was as if they had reached the zenith ¡ª as long as they reached out, they would be able to touch the dark clouds that loomed above their heads.


    ¡°You¡¯re finally here.¡± A tender voice said.


    In the middle of the king¡¯s throne sat a kid adorned in a black garment. The golden light that filled the sky retracted and turned into a huge, twisted symbol that spewed out black flames as it floated in midair.


    ¡°That¡¯s your totem.¡± General raised his head and looked up into the sky.


    Yu Hao, ¡°This is¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± General answered, ¡°He¡¯s the other side of you. Or in other words, your dark personality.¡±


    Yu Hao took a step forward. The black dragon suddenly descended and protected the dark Yu Hao; Yu Hao¡¯s small stature began to elongate unceasingly as he morphed into his adult self.


    Yu Hao seriously scrutinised himself for the first time. Even though it was another him, he had a strong sense of dissociation from reality. Dark Yuhao looked frail and pale; he had a sickly quality to him, slightly long hair, was currently barefoot and since he was looking down, no one could tell what he was looking at.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Dark Yu Hao said softly, ¡°You gave up on this place voluntarily, why do you still want to come back?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking that what Chen Laoshi said was right. I am pretty good-looking; it¡¯s just that I¡¯m too poor, so I¡¯m always wearing worn out clothes. I need to change into something nicer.¡±


    ¡°No one will like you.¡± Dark Yu Hao said, ¡°Your personality has always been detestable in the first place.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled slightly, ¡°Changing my dressing and tidying myself up isn¡¯t for the sake of others, it¡¯s to let myself feel a bit better.¡±


    Dark Yu Hao said, ¡°No matter how nice your clothes are, with just a few words you¡¯ll still be beaten back to the person you originally were. You have an inferiority complex, you¡¯re sensitive, you¡¯re a child who was brought up by an old woman, you¡¯re stubborn. You always think that the harmless words of others are an attempt on their part to scorn you, to laugh at you for being poor, for being outdated.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Yu Hao continued, ¡°Because of my inferiority complex, I¡¯m not willing to owe other people any favours. I always feel like I¡¯ll never be able to make any friends. Poverty stifles ambition, I always think that the whole world has abandoned me, that it has betrayed me¡­¡­¡±


    When he spoke up to this point, Dark Yu Hao finally raised his head and looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    Then Yu Hao continued, ¡°I¡¯m a coward, I don¡¯t seek progress, I¡¯m full of myself, I¡¯m a hypocrite, and I¡¯m just trash. Even an Angry Youth2 would know how to concern themselves with reality through their keyboards, but I can¡¯t even match up to an Angry Youth. In any case, it all doesn¡¯t matter to me.¡±


    Dark Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah, so what the fuck is the point of living? Why not just die? Go into the subconsciousness ba, that¡¯s the place where you truly belong.¡±


    Yu Hao took another step forward. The black dragon roared and stopped him from getting any closer.


    ¡°Answer carefully.¡± General suddenly said.


    Yu Hao gazed at his own dark personality.


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°After this, I want to slowly search for that answer. I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m going to keep on living. But I believe that this question, would definitely have an answer.¡±


    ¡°So, I will keep on living and make full use of the rest of my life to search for that answer!¡±


    When his dark personality heard him say that, he suddenly let out an angry roar.


    ¡°Keep dreaming¡ª¡ªI¡¯m going to banish you¡ª¡ª¡±


    Within an instant, the black dragon rushed towards Yu Hao with its mouth wide open and let out an angry roar.


    ¡°Now!¡± General swept past Yu Hao to stand in front of him, and shouted towards the black dragon, ¡°Stretch your hand out!¡±


    Yu Hao stretched his hand out at the same time as Dark Yu Hao. The totem that was suspended high up in the air suddenly shot out bursts of golden light; Yu Hao¡¯s left hand faced the sky while his right hand wielded his staff, then he shouted angrily.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who will be banished!¡±


    The thunderbolts in Yu Hao¡¯s hands exploded upwards and struck the black dragon; the black dragon opened its mouth, but was unable to trigger its tsunamis and could only spray out splashes of water. After it got electrocuted, it convulsed and suddenly collapsed onto the high platform. General abruptly turned a somersault in midair and leapt onto the black dragon¡¯s back. The black dragon struggled incessantly, but General let out an explosive roar, ¡°Die!!¡±


    General ruthlessly stabbed into the black dragon¡¯s head with his sword. The black dragon was struggling to soar into the air, but with one cry of anguish, it tumbled off the platform instead.


    ¡°General!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    ¡°Don¡¯t care about me!¡± General¡¯s voice travelled over from the end of the platform. At the most critical juncture, he had caught ahold of the edge of the platform.


    Dark Yu Hao uttered in shock, ¡°You¡­¡­you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of you anymore!¡± Yu Hao raised his voice and shouted.


    In the next moment, Dark Yu Hao pushed both his hands forward and gathered a ball of energy that he released towards Yu Hao. Yu Hao shouted fiercely as he pointed his staff at the king¡¯s throne; the two energy forces collided and ended up conjuring a huge hurricane that swept across the entire altar. General had tried a few times to climb up with much difficulty, but he could never resist the strong winds of the hurricane and always ended up getting blown away.


    The power of darkness had formed a crazy whirlpool that trapped Yu Hao and Dark Yu Hao in its midst. Dark Yu Hao refused to give up and stretched his hand out to summon the luminous totem that was suspended at the zenith. The totem began to reveal a concrete form, then descended towards the middle of the altar. Yu Hao roared, ¡°Do you still remember this weapon?!¡±


    Dark Yu Hao¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. Within the hurricane, the staff in Yu Hao¡¯s hand revealed its original form ¡ª a laundry fork!


    ¡°That is, that is¡­¡­Grandma¡¯s¡­¡­¡± Dark Yu Hao said with a trembling voice.


    ¡°Hit his legs!¡± General caught them by surprise as he roared, ¡°His legs are his weakness!¡±


    Yu Hao rushed forward and rolled over on the spot. Dark Yu Hao was instantly paralyzed with fear, then he instinctively took a step back to dodge ¡ª he wanted to avoid the ultimate3 fear of his childhood ¡ª getting his legs beaten by a laundry fork!


    Yu Hao flipped over and leapt up. A hint of sarcasm could be found in his slightly upturned lips, then he reached out while he was high up in the air to grab the falling totem!


    The moment he grabbed the totem, Dark Yu Hao uttered a mad howl and a golden light zipped towards them along the skyline. The dark clouds that were looming overhead instantly changed into billowing white clouds, then flew towards Yu Hao¡¯s hand¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªthe totem revealed itself!


    Golden light burst forth and the hurricane stopped along with it. Time seemed to stand still, and a triangular silver metallic shield appeared in Yu Hao¡¯s hands.


    ¡°This is¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao suddenly understood something.


    Dark Yu Hao wailed bitterly. He released black fireballs that looked like meteors from both his hands that struck the shield, but the metallic shield emitted a brilliant light which completely enveloped the dark flames. The bright light then recoiled onto Yu Hao as it wrapped around his entire body!


    ¡°I¡¯m going to¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­banish you!¡±


    Yu Hao shouted angrily.


    The shield released a shockwave that diffused silently in the air. Dark Yu Hao appeared to have suffered a harsh blow within the explosion; it turned him into a black meteor that swept past the skyline and flew towards the distant horizon before it fell into the subconscious world beyond the Great Wall.


    The black flames billowed into the air, dispersed and scattered in all directions.


    ¡°You will never be able to get rid of me¡­¡­¡± Dark Yu Hao¡¯s voice faded into the distance and turned into an echo.


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°But you can stay quiet for awhile. I¡¯ll always be wary of your return.¡±


    His shield turned into golden dust and dissipated; the dust rose into the air and formed the totem once again. The reformed totem revolved slowly in midair.


    ¡°Give me a hand.¡± General¡¯s voice travelled over from the end of the platform.


    Yu Hao immediately threw his weapon away and ran over with large strides, then pulled General up from the edge of the platform. The two of them walked to the front of the king¡¯s throne, then sat down thoroughly exhausted as they gasped for breath.


    ¡°I won.¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°I¡¯m back.¡±


    ¡°From the moment you said ¡®I want to keep on living¡¯.¡± General mumbled, ¡°This outcome was guaranteed.¡±


    General sat for awhile, then stood up and walked slowly to the edge of the platform. Yu Hao was still stuck in a stupor but he quickly got up and followed along.


    ¡°You promised me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± General turned around with his finger on his lips, then said, ¡°Look.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What do I look at?¡±


    General got him to turn around and stand in front of him. Yu Hao wanted to turn his head, but General forced him to face the outside of the platform and said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that later, look carefully first.¡±


    The looming dark clouds dispersed as a golden ray appeared in the horizon.


    ¡°Sun¡­¡­the sun¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice trembled.


    The glow of the sunrise surged before it retreated towards the end of the earth; golden rays of light burst forth from the horizon like ten thousand streaks of lightning that shattered the night sky; like a rolling tide that flooded the earth; like an ear-splitting alarm that shook the world¡­¡­


    Clear skies could be seen for thousands of miles as the newborn sun rose for the first time!


    This was the most magnificent sunrise that Yu Hao has ever seen in his life. It was as if the sun god had overturned the furnace used to refine all things such that a red glow poured out of it endlessly; the rising sun was like a blazing fire that illuminated his dreamscape, his life, and his soul.


    The sunlight illuminated the Great Wall; the beacons were extinguished, and the flood of darkness gradually receded. His army let out cheers so loud it shook the heavens, and beyond the Great Wall, a calm, mirror-like sea without waves that took up thousands of hectares of space appeared. It reflected the white clouds in the sky, as well as the resplendent sunrise.


    The sunlight illuminated the grassland; animals ran around freely and the herd of elephants trumpeted in unison.


    The sunlight illuminated the countless mountain ranges and cities in this dreamscape; the residents all raised their heads one after the other as they looked at the sky, and the black fumes that surrounded their bodies began to disperse.


    The sunlight illuminated the capital; the remnant pieces of the tiles that had been smashed into pieces by the flood rose into the air and returned to their original positions. The pure white masonry and glazed tiles flew over from all directions and embedded themselves onto the temple, and an elephant god statue arose in the garden. The doors to his safe haven began to close slowly.


    The altar gradually sunk. Its broken pillars and walls rose from the earth and were assembled into a magnificent palace again like they were building blocks. A gentle breeze blew, and the millions of wind chimes on its eaves rang out at the same time. The totem floated above the palace as it emitted golden rays of light.


    Yu Hao and General stood by the window as they looked out into the distance.The mountain ranges that they had set out from were covered in lush green vegetation; the summit of its mountains were enveloped in misty clouds.


    The sunlight shone in through the window and fell upon the two of them. Yu Hao turned around, raised his head slightly and looked at General.


    ¡°I have to go.¡± General said, ¡°Friend, this is what I¡¯ve promised you.¡±


    He reached out, then took off his helmet.


    1. Chinese version of gambatte! English equivalent is like ¡°all the best!¡± or ¡°you can do it!¡±?


    2. Fenqing, or FQ, which is itself an abbreviation for Fennu Qingnian, means literally ¡°angry youth¡±. It mainly refers to Chinese youth who display a high level of Chinese nationalism.?


    3. A phrase that refers to the ulti move in a game. Those who don¡¯t play games can just think of it as like¡­the signature move that can maybe one hit KO enemies?

 Chapter 10 - Interview

    Seizing Dreams Ch10 ¨C Interview


    And at that moment, Yu Hao felt like his blood had stopped flowing.


    He saw what General looked like underneath the helmet¡­but within that helmet, there was nothing.


    Yes, nothing. The place where a head was supposed to be was just a mass of blurry mist and light.


    ¡°You¡­¡­General?¡± Yu Hao murmured, then reached out to touch the place where his face was supposed to be, but his fingers passed straight through the mist.


    ¡°I¡¯m not human.¡± General said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t even know what I am.¡±


    Yu Hao stared at him with a vacant look.


    General said, ¡°When I travel through the consciousness of you humans, I have no concrete form, and I have nothing to do with your real world. So, you should understand everything now right?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s tears trickled down his face, yet he was smiling as he said, ¡°Thank you, General. Can I give you something?¡±


    General wore his helmet and said with slight bewilderment, ¡°You want to give me something?¡±


    Yu Hao raised his hand toward his totem; the golden light that surrounded his totem spilled a little and formed a bright, golden track along the sky, then transformed into a shield in Yu Hao¡¯s hands.


    ¡°For you.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This is the strongest shield in my heart. Will you still be entering other people¡¯s dreams in the future?¡±


    ¡°This¡­¡­¡± General was actually at a loss for a moment.


    Yu Hao pushed the shield towards him. General said, ¡°Will it be okay to give me your totem?¡±


    Yu Hao motioned to the General to look at his totem. It was still there, but its light had imperceptibly dimmed a little.


    ¡°If possible, I¡¯d like to give you the whole totem.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t really want to leave a shield in my heart.¡±


    General mumbled to himself, ¡°But this is the first time someone is giving me¡­¡­something from their conscious world, and it¡¯s even¡­¡­the totem, I don¡¯t know if I can take it away.¡±


    General lowered his head, lifted his hand and touched the shield, then he raised his head up again and looked at Yu Hao. He suddenly said, ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Of course!¡±


    General said, ¡°Do you know what you just gave me?¡±


    Yu Hao insisted, ¡°Of course I do!¡±


    General held the shield, and his hands began to tremble involuntarily. Yu Hao continued, ¡°This shield will protect you for me.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll¡­¡­accept it.¡± General took the shield, then his right hand dashingly swept it behind him so that he could carry it on his back.


    Immediately afterwards, Yu Hao hugged him.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    General raised his hand, then rubbed Yu Hao¡¯s head.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    This word was like a magic spell ¡ª General turned into dust and suddenly scattered in all directions while Yu Hao ended up hugging air. His hands gradually let go, then he stared at the air in front of him in disbelief.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡± Yu Hao said.


    The sunlight fell upon his face, and Yu Hao opened his eyes within an instant. He sat up from his bed and put one hand over his forehead. He had forgotten to draw the curtains last night, so the sunlight shone in from the balcony at a slanted angle and coincidentally landed on the lower bunk he was on.


    7.35, crap! I¡¯m late! Yu Hao got up in a rush and realised that his phone didn¡¯t ring.


    O, there are no classes today¡­¡­Yu Hao lied back down on his bad thoroughly exhausted. All his roommates were sleeping soundly with their quilts over their heads. Yu Hao stared at the bedboard of the upper bunk with his eyes wide open. The scenes from his dreamscape flashed through his mind one by one, and right here, right now, he felt neither sorrow nor excitement. Instead, his mind was perfectly tranquil.


    The light from the morning sun shone on Zhou Sheng¡¯s dry sports jacket; it emitted a pleasant fragrance of scented soap. Ying city gradually awoke under the illumination of the morning sunlight; the ringing sounds of bicycle bells whizzed onto the balcony from time to time and jumped into the room.


    Ying City¡¯s winter was a very suitable time for sleeping in while basking in the sunshine. It was as if the whole city had tacitly agreed to shift its working hours forward by half an hour. Companies silently acquiesced to not doing any business before 9.30am, universities silently acquiesced to not impart new knowledge before 8.30am, citizens silently acquiesced to not ordering takeout or express delivery before 11.30am¡­¡­if you were to compare the major cities1 to a wild fire-breathing dragon that coerced its people to constantly move forward, then a second-tier city like Ying City located in central China would be a giant creature that stumbled as it moved forward in a slow and lazy manner.


    Yu Hao once thought of leaving this place, solely because his hometown had not left him with many good memories. It was as if leaving his home would lead to new beginnings for him. But he had to admit, regaining a new life is something that had nothing to do with time or place.


    Even though his troubles were far from over, after the sun still rose as usual, his new beginning had approached him quietly.


    Yu Hao had just arrived at the library to sit down and spread out his notes when he received news from Chen Yekai¡ª¡ªMr. Shi agreed to meet tomorrow afternoon. He would notify Yu Hao on the specific location soon, and asked Yu Hao to set aside some time.


    Yu Hao was no longer afraid of them. He said ¡®yes¡¯, then asked if there was anything else he needed to prepare.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s reply was: ¡¾Just say whatever you want, we¡¯ll help you.¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡¾If I say whatever I want it¡¯s very likely for us to end up fighting, so it¡¯s better to take away the fire extinguisher and other stuff first. ¡¿


    The person who sat opposite him couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Yu Hao looked up in shock, and saw Chen Yekai who was sitting diagonally across him smile at him.


    Yu Hao immediately felt awkward. He quickly lowered his head to reply Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai kept looking at him while he tried to suppress his laughter. Yu Hao erected a copy of ¡¶Analysis of Dreams¡·in front of him, and Chen Yekai nodded his head. Then the teacher-student pair began their revision separately in the library. When Yu Hao took a break from studying, he sent Chen Yekai another message.


    ¡¾You¡¯re not working today?¡¿


    ¡¾Preparing for my PhD exam. The dean said that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I didn¡¯t leave the school.¡¿


    Chen Yekai had changed into a navy blue sweater today; the collar of his checkered shirt peeked out from his sweater. He didn¡¯t look much different from other undergraduates. Yu Hao studied a little longer, then suddenly realised that within this entire library, only he and Chen Yekai seemed to be studying.


    In front, behind and almost all the seats around them had been occupied by girls! They were all holding their handphones up as they pretended to smooth their hair, but their cameras were all pointed at Chen Yekai from all directions.


    Yu Hao immediately lowered his head to send him a message: ¡¾Laoshi, a lot of people are sneaking shots of you, be careful not to look up.¡¿


    Chen Yekai: ¡¾How many?¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡¾About 20 to 30 ba, and they¡¯re still increasing.¡¿


    Chen Yekai: ¡¾Help me borrow some books, I¡¯ll go off first.¡¿


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t seem to be surprised by this. He sent Yu Hao the titles of the books he wanted as well as a document: ¡¾Fill up the interview manuscript. I¡¯ll be contacting the media tomorrow and get you on Tencent2 news.¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡°!!!¡±


    This operation was truly too ostentatious! Yu Hao once again reformed his opinion of Chen Yekai. There was an interview manuscript within the document that he had sent over. Chen Yekai quickly packed up, then lowered his head as he brisk walked out of the library.


    Someone said from the back: ¡°Search him up on Baidu¡­¡­it¡¯s him it¡¯s him! That¡¯s him!!¡±


    A bright idea occurred to Yu Hao. He opened up Baidu and searched for ¡®Chen Yekai¡¯. The keywords in the search bar were ¡°Chen Yekai Zhongshan University¡¯s Hunk¡±, and ¡°Chen Yekai Columbia University¡±.


    Yu Hao was completely blinded by the content on Chen Yekai.


    ¡¾Rest well today.¡¿Chen Yekai said, ¡¾Let¡¯s do our best tomorrow to take down the father-daughter pair in one fell swoop.¡¿


    Yu Hao laughed.


    The next day, when he sent the interview manuscript to Chen Yekai, his office door was still closed. He seemed like he was discussing something important inside.


    Yu Hao sat silently outside his office. He was a little nervous.


    He thought about how to communicate with Mr. Shi and his daughter when they came over later. Yesterday, he had a dreamless night. It was weird when he thought about it. After the sun rose in his dreamscape, he couldn¡¯t return to the palace anymore, and he slept soundly all night.


    Mr. Shi and his daughter Shi Ni chose to meet at the college. Chen Yekai didn¡¯t tell Yu Hao anything beforehand, and had only asked him to relax.


    At 12.30pm, Mr. Shi hadn¡¯t arrived. But Zhou Sheng did.


    Zhou Sheng was unusually well dressed today as he wore a black sweater. He uttered a ¡°wei¡± to Yu Hao, then nodded his head apathetically.


    Yu Hao moved over to let him sit down.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to come.¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    ¡°How could I not?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If there¡¯s a show to watch then of course I have to watch it, this is one of life¡¯s basic pleasures.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When Yu Hao was so nervous his palms were sweating, Fu Liqun arrived as well and was unexpectedly not wearing any sportswear. He sat in between the two of them.


    ¡°How are my two beloved concubines doing today?¡± The moment Fu Liqun sat down, he casually asked this.


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Zhou Sheng crossed one leg over the other as he shouted angrily.


    The office¡¯s door opened, Huang Ting and Chen Yekai walked out along with a lady they didn¡¯t recognise. Chen Yekai was holding a folder as he said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, go into the conference room ba. The two of them are here to accompany you.¡±


    The moment before they entered the conference room, Yu Hao¡¯s mind was still blank, and no one else had spoken to him. But in the instant when he sat down and saw the little girl, Yu Hao suddenly seemed to have a lot of things he wanted to say that he wanted to spill out without restraint.


    Chen Yekai shook hands with Mr. Shi first and introduced himself. Yu Hao sat down with four people on his side, while there were two people on Mr. Shi¡¯s side. His daughter was still carrying her school bag, and the police were sitting in the middle.


    Mr. Shi is a middle-aged man in his forties. He wore a suit and had placed his car keys on the table and an electronic cigarette at one side.


    ¡°Give us a moment, we still have an interview with a reporter.¡± Chen Yekai said to Mr. Shi, ¡°It won¡¯t take longer than 10 minutes.¡±


    Mr. Shi was immediately stunned silly, ¡°Interview? Who decided that?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with your side.¡± Huang Ting took off his police cap, brushed his hair then said, ¡°Yu Hao and his friend picked up a sum of money ¡ª 1.2 million ¡ª and had passed it to our station. So we decided to write them a commendation letter and give them some publicity in the news to spread some positive energy around.¡±


    Mr. Shi, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The ¡°friend¡± was displeased, ¡°Is my presence that insignificant?¡±


    Chen Yekai quickly said to the reporter, ¡°He¡¯s called Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We picked it up together. But we only managed to find it because he had stepped on that bag of money.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already received the interview manuscripts you guys filled in.¡± The female reporter said, ¡°The entire process was written very clearly, so there¡¯s no problem. I¡¯m just going to add a few more points, it won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°The station¡¯s silk banner will only be sent over in the afternoon.¡± Huang Ting said to the reporter, ¡°When it arrives, their college will take a picture of it and send it to you.¡±


    The female reporter asked a few more questions. Zhou Sheng pushed Yu Hao by his shoulders and made him move next to the conference table to answer them one by one. Yu Hao looked sideways at Zhou Sheng, then at the reporter. He thought for a bit before he finally said, ¡°I won¡¯t take anything that doesn¡¯t belong to me. I feel that in our society, most people would do the same, it¡¯s just that they don¡¯t have the opportunity to find this much money. We¡¯re not an exemplar or anything, it was just a coincidence.¡±


    Female reporter, ¡°But that¡¯s not easy to do at all.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not considered positive energy.¡± Yu Hao sincerely said, ¡°It¡¯s what we should do. When someone is willing to extend a helping hand to another person in distress, to believe in him, to help him, and to pull him out of his quagmire without asking for anything in return so that he can see the light again ¡ª that is what I consider to be the true definition of ¡®positive energy¡¯.¡±


    The female reporter suddenly laughed and said, ¡°Who are you talking about? Ah?¡±


    When Yu Hao said that, he thought of the ¡°General¡± in his dreams. Yet the female reporter turned around and glanced at Chen Yekai, then she looked at Huang Ting, Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng doubtfully.


    Everyone¡¯s expression was a little strange, as if a faintly discernible smile were hanging on their lips. They even looked a little embarrassed.


    Zhou Sheng suddenly blushed and said, ¡°He should be talking about me.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Un¡­¡­I was talking about¡­¡­everyone. Thank you, all of you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Weren¡¯t you talking about me?¡±


    Yu Hao motioned for him to stop talking. Zhou Sheng changed the subject and said earnestly to the female reporter, ¡°I still have an exclusive story¡­¡­do you know? Student Yu Hao is being framed by someone!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡± Chen Yekai promptly walked over and sent the reporter away.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, this is my name card¡­¡­¡± The female reporter passed by Chen Yekai and gave Zhou Sheng her name card, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about that in detail when we¡¯re free¡­¡­feel free to look for me if anything comes up!¡± Zhou Sheng was about to stand up to accept her card when Fu Liqun immediately tugged his pants. Yu Hao understood his intention and accepted her card in Zhou Sheng¡¯s stead.


    After Chen Yekai sent her out, he decisively took her name card from Yu Hao and placed into his own suit pocket.


    1. Major cities = Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou?


    2. Tencent Holdings Limited is a Chinese multinational investment holding conglomerate founded in 1998, whose subsidiaries specialise in various Internet-related services and products, entertainment, artificial intelligence and technology both in China and globally.?

 Chapter 11 - Speaking Face to Face

    Seizing Dreams Ch11 ¨C Speaking Face


    After the reporter left, the conference room fell into a minute-long silence.


    ¡°If you have something you want to say then say it ba.¡± Mr. Shi smiled sarcastically, ¡°Nini still has school in the afternoon.¡±


    Huang Ting said slowly and unperturbed, ¡°Our main objective for the day is to get the two parties to talk it out and resolve this misunderstanding.¡±


    Yu Hao refocused his attention onto Shi Ni. Ever since the reporter entered and left, Shi Ni¡¯s gaze had never left her phone.


    Mr. Shi said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what that misunderstanding is. So your station wants to gloss over this incident now?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Mr. Shi should have heard about how student Yu Hao had returned the money he found ba. It¡¯s not likely for him to touch other people¡¯s things.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°There should be some kind of misunderstanding here. Yu Hao isn¡¯t very good at expressing himself, it shouldn¡¯t be the fault of either party. It¡¯ll be fine once you talk it out.¡±


    As Yu Hao heard Chen Yekai and Huang Ting complement each other in perfect harmony, he suddenly had a hunch: did the two of them know each other before this?


    Mr. Shi said, ¡°We¡¯re a society governed by law; we can¡¯t be idealistic, everything needs to be proven with evidence. Isn¡¯t that right, Officer Huang?¡±


    Huang Ting repeated another round of taking his police cap off and putting it back on again before he said pensively, ¡°Right now, we have no evidence to prove that Yu Hao had taken your item either.¡±


    ¡°This still isn¡¯t considered as evidence?¡± Mr. Shi couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°But you¡¯ve seen this too.¡± Chen Yekai took out Yu Hao¡¯s Lost and Found notice, ¡°He really wasn¡¯t in the know. Could it have dropped into his bag by accident?¡±


    This was when Shi Ni raised her head and looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary to talk any further.¡± Mr. Shi said, ¡°This is just a waste of time. At first I thought that he came here today to admit his mistake, and if he had been sincere in admitting his fault, I could have considered not to prosecute him. But now¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Can I talk to Shi Ni?¡±


    Mr. Shi¡¯s expression changed instantly, ¡°What right do you have?¡±


    Chen Yekai and Huang Ting exchanged a quick look; everyone who was present understood it clearly in their hearts.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Cooperative with the investigation ba, let both parties communicate a little more. It may help in resolving the misunderstandings.¡±


    ¡°There are no misunderstandings in the first place!¡± Mr. Shi said.


    Huang Ting only looked at Mr. Shi. Mr. Shi met his gaze with an angry glare. For a moment, everyone in the conference room was looking at Mr. Shi.


    Mr. Shi said again, ¡°Talk about what?¡±


    No one spoke. Everyone in the conference room thought unanimously, you¡¯re trying to play with us who study Psychology?


    When Mr. Shi didn¡¯t get the reply he wanted, he continued, ¡°Nini, are you willing to talk to him?¡±


    Shi Ni remained silent, so Mr. Shi faced the rest again and said, ¡°You see? Nini doesn¡¯t even want to talk to him.¡±


    Everyone in the conference room stood up at the same time, then opened the door and walked out. Only Yu Hao and Shi Ni were left behind. Yu Hao thought that this was a true psychological warfare victory in practice ¡ª when you¡¯re in a negotiation, quote a price first before observing your opponent; at this kind of moment, whoever speaks first loses, and sure enough, Mr. Shi had lost the battle.


    He only had 5 minutes. Yu Hao noticed that Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng¡¯s mobile phones had been left in the conference room; their audio recorders should be turned on.


    ¡°Nini.¡± Yu Hao faced Shi Ni as he spoke.


    Shi Ni sat opposite Yu Hao. She was looking down at her phone as she uttered an ¡°un¡±.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I forgive you ¡ª this is the premise for our dialogue.¡±


    The expression on Shi Ni¡¯s face suddenly changed. She said, ¡°What right do you have to say that? I didn¡¯t do anything wrong, so why would I need to be forgiven?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You placed the watch in my bag ¡ª I saw everything. That day, you took advantage of the time when I went out to receive a call to step on my chair and open the watch case. You wanted to take another watch at first, right? Your fingerprints were left on all the other watches.¡±


    Shi Ni looked up at Yu Hao and was instantaneously shocked.


    Shi Ni was in state of chaos. Her father had 11 watches, all of them were kept in a large wooden watch case which was kept in the bookcase. After Yu Hao left, Shi Ni specially used a tissue to wipe the doors of the bookcase, yet she forgot that she would leave her fingerprints on the other watches while she was selecting one to stuff into his bag.


    And the cleaning lady would only clean the bookcase; she wouldn¡¯t clean Mr. Shi¡¯s watches for him.


    ¡°I told them not to tell your father about the fingerprints.¡± Yu Hao said patiently, ¡°Let¡¯s think of a way to hide this for you, okay? Laoshi promises to not let you get scolded, but you shouldn¡¯t frame me anymore. Why do you hate me so much? Is it because your Dad felt humiliated, so he forced you to¡­¡­¡±


    Fear and despair beyond compare appeared in Shi Ni¡¯s eyes; Yu Hao was only halfway through his sentence when he keenly felt like something was amiss, but reality didn¡¯t give him enough time to think too deeply about it ¡ª Shi Ni burst into tears with a ¡°waaa¡±. Yu Hao was about to comfort her when an angry roar rang out outside the conference room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare her!¡± Mr. Shi had been staring into the room through the window ever since he left. The moment Shi Ni cried, he rushed inside.


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted angrily, ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been 5 minutes?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng followed closely behind and wanted to drag Mr. Shi out. Yu Hao thought, crap, now that she was crying, the words he wanted to say had to be cut off midway by this sudden incident.


    ¡°Give me 2 more minutes!¡±


    ¡°Nini!¡± Mr. Shi said angrily, ¡°Leave with Daddy!¡±


    ¡°How could you go back on your words?¡±


    After Shi Ni stood up, she kept moving towards the other end of the conference room to hide. Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng dragging Mr. Shi and quickly said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk it out peacefully¡­don¡¯t start a fight!¡±


    When Mr. Shi was being dragged away by Zhou Sheng, he flew into a fit of rage and turned around to slap him. He gritted his teeth as he said, ¡°You delinquent garbage¡­¡­¡±


    Unexpectedly, Zhou Sheng merely took a step back and easily dodged his slap, before he immediately followed up with a fist!


    Within that instant, Yu Hao was smacked with two words that had abruptly appeared in front of him ¡ª we¡¯re finished.


    When Zhou Sheng¡¯s fist landed, the conference room fell into disarray. Mr. Shi roared before he pounced forward to grapple Zhou Sheng, but Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t fight! Let¡¯s talk things out instead!¡± And as he spoke, he grabbed Mr. Shi from behind.


    ¡°Hehe¨C¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately bounced twice, clenched both his fists and actually treated Mr. Shi as a target as he aimed another fist at him. Mr. Shi turned abnormally silent; the blood all over his face splattered everywhere after a bang sounded.


    ¡°Stop it right now!¡± Chen Yekai finally brought Officer Huang Ting over. His voice boomed like thunder and the students in the college who were attending classes suddenly showed up ¡ª they crowded along the corridor until not even a single drop of water could leak out. This spectacle couldn¡¯t be brought under control for awhile, yet Yu Hao inadvertently noticed that Shi Ni who was hiding under the table had stuck her head out to observe the situation.


    ¡°Just wait for it! If I don¡¯t screw you all over, then my surname won¡¯t be Shi!¡±


    In the end, Mr. Shi exasperatedly howled in anger.


    ¡°Absolutely horrible!¡± The vice principal was practically roaring, ¡°What a horrible character!¡±


    Half an hour later, the dean concluded her meeting and hurried back to the college. The dean was an old woman in her sixties; she was sitting in the conference room as she flipped through the report with a straight face. Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Chen Yekai and Fu Liqun stood in one row opposite her with their hands clasped behind their backs as they endured a scolding.


    ¡°A student had grabbed her Dad.¡± Vice Principal faced the dean as he said. He pointed at the opposite side and explained, ¡°He was so obviously taking sides while trying to stop the fight! I saw it with my own eyes! Another student was jumping around and hitting the man like he¡¯s a sandbag! How could our college have this kind of student, it¡¯s just¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Student Yu Hao.¡± The moment the dean spoke, the vice principal shut his mouth up.


    Yu Hao was looking down at the blood on Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand at first. There was an inquiring look in his eyes, but Zhou Sheng motioned that he was ok. When he was called, Yu Hao looked up and met the dean¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Previously, your counsellor Mr. Xue had submitted a ¡°Persuade to Leave¡±1 application for you.¡± The dean said, ¡°But last night, when it was close to 12 midnight, your Chen Laoshi came to my house and talked to me for a whole two hours.¡±


    Yu Hao was lost in thought as he remained silent. The dean suddenly threw the materials onto the table and said angrily, ¡°And this is how you guys deal with things?! Absolutely ridiculous!¡±


    The corner of the dean¡¯s lips were surrounded by nasolabial folds. Chen Yekai wanted to explain at first, but after he was scolded, he kept quiet for a moment.


    ¡°I was the one who hit him.¡± Zhou Sheng wore an indifferent expression on his face, ¡°It has nothing to do with him. If there¡¯s someone you want to persuade to leave, it should be me. Persuade me ba, persuade me and I¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Fu Liqun suddenly burst into laughter with a ¡°pu¡±; the conference room instantly fell into a state of awkwardness.


    ¡°It has nothing to do with them!¡± Yu Hao said immediately, ¡°I¡¯m the one who called them over to help! And Mr. Shi was the one who started the fight, we can check the surveillance.¡±


    The old dean ¡ª whose surname was Ning ¡ª was once quite famous in the judicious circle. After she retired early, she was employed by the college; she might seem indifferent but she¡¯s actually a person who¡¯s keenly aware of the situations around her. After all, she had encountered all kinds of murder and crime cases, so when it came to a trivial case like Yu Hao¡¯s, she could tell what the inside story was at a glance. Additionally, she had listened to Chen Yekai talk about Yu Hao for half a day the night before yesterday in her pajamas, so she more or less knew what was going on.


    ¡°It¡¯s my problem.¡± Chen Yekai bowed towards Dean Ning and answerd, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with it ba.¡±


    Dean Ning had hurried back in a rush. When she reached the entrance of the college, she coincidentally bumped into the Mr. Shi who was marching out. Mr. Shi¡¯s face was covered in blood and he had left in the midst of the students¡¯ mocking laughter; the moment he saw the old lady he couldn¡¯t help hurl a torrent of abuse at her and ignored her apologies before he got into his car and drove away.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng will stay in school to serve his detention.¡± Dean Ning said coldly, ¡°Yu Hao gets a serious warning; next monday we¡¯ll convene the students for a meeting, Yu Hao will recite a self-reflection in front of them. Yekai, think this matter over carefully, don¡¯t bury the futures of these students.¡±


    Her words were rather severe. Chen Yekai answered her immediately, then Dean Ning stood up and left in a fit of rage.


    After he left the college, Yu Hao was silent for a moment before he tried to head towards the corridor. Chen Yekai stopped him and said, ¡°What are you trying to do again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to look for the dean.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I dragged Zhou Sheng into this!¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Zhou Sheng said apathetically, then dragged Yu Hao away along with Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Yu Hao, you won¡¯t be persuaded to leave anymore?¡± Fu Liqun suddenly said.


    Zhou Sheng recalled it too, ¡°Oh yeah, didn¡¯t they say that they wanted to persuade you to leave?¡±


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t endure it any longer. He shouted angrily outside the college, ¡°So you guys think you managed to pick up a bargain from this?!¡±


    Chen Yekai had already looked for the dean to clearly explain the reasons behind theft accusation, and because of the money pick-up incident, the dean had formed a good impression of Yu Hao. He had intended to allow the involved parties to finish their discussion today and settle the matter amicably, then everything would have been smoothed over. On the night after Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had picked up the money, the dean was full of praise for these two students. Moreover, since Mr. Shi had pointed his finger at the college, it made her very unhappy.


    So the dean¡¯s stand was that if the other party wasn¡¯t willing to compromise, then they didn¡¯t need to be afraid of him either. This was why Chen Yekai was so full of confidence and vigour, but he didn¡¯t expect new problems to crop up, and that Zhou Sheng would throw out another punch that would go down in history.


    Fortunately, Fu Liqun hadn¡¯t been dragged into it.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the canteen for a meal ba. Did you bring your cafeteria card?¡± Zhou Sheng faced Fu Liqun as he said indifferently again.


    ¡°All of you get your asses back to your dorms!¡± Chen Yekai finally lost his rationality as he shouted angrily at the three of them. Yu Hao opened his mouth and said, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai raised his hand like he wanted to hit Yu Hao; Yu Hao subconsciously lowered his head and closed his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m utterly disappointed in you.¡±


    Yu Hao fell into a daze; his heart suddenly felt like it had been stabbed.


    Zhou Sheng stuffed both his hands into his pockets as he kicked the door to Yu Hao¡¯s dormitory open. His dorm mates all got a shock.


    ¡°We¡¯re having a meeting.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Lend us a place.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao quickly pulled Zhou Sheng back. This was his dormitory after all, but as soon as Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng came in, his dorm mates looked like they saw ghosts as they all stood up and left without a word.


    Zhou Sheng carried a chair over to sit on while Fu Liqun just lied on Yu Hao¡¯s bed straight away. Yu Hao went to collect Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes and passed it to him. Zhou sheng uttered a ¡°wu¡± before he accepted it, then buried his head in his phone to send messages on QQ.


    Yu Hao felt extremely guilty for dragging everyone into this, and for causing them to suffer so much.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Did you get any information out of her?¡±


    Zhou Sheng cast a glance at Yu Hao, then placed his phone near his ear to listen to a voice message.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Just a little bit more and she would¡¯ve talked.¡±


    Fu Liqun continued, ¡°Her Dad¡¯s very alert, he was so afraid that you would manage to fish some information out of his daughter. Kaikai was accompanying the officer as they smoked outside, but the officer had to leave all of a sudden after he received a call. If he had been around, that Shi guy wouldn¡¯t have dared to go in.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why¡­but I always feel like Shi Ni has something she wants to say.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Then shall we go to her school to wait for her tomorrow? Do you know where her school is?¡±


    Of course Yu Hao knew, it was a key primary school2 in the city centre. But after what had just happened, Mr. Shi would definitely be on high alert and may even shuttle her back and forth personally. The few of them probably wouldn¡¯t be able to approach his daughter at all. He looked askance at Zhou Sheng ¡ª Zhou Sheng remained weirdly quiet and hadn¡¯t uttered a single word until now.


    ¡°Redhead.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Stop chatting, think of something.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone and only saw chunks of text on it. The other party was Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai had sent him tons of voice messages, and they were all 60 seconds long.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at him anymore.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who let him down, Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I need to make it clear to him! Why is he disappointed in you?! I¡¯m the one who hit the guy, it has nothing to do with you!¡±


    Yu Hao was in a complete mess. In the past, he wouldn¡¯t have dared to think that he could do such a thing.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Zhou Sheng placed his phone in his pocket and said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°The one who should apologise is me.¡± Yu Hao said gloomily, ¡°You got punished because of me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Then wash all my dirty clothes for me ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ve always felt like Zhou Sheng should get punished though. So it¡¯s great now, I finally feel at ease.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The girl you talked about just now, what¡¯s her situation?¡±


    Yu Hao doesn¡¯t know why but he always had a strange feeling about it. Shi Ni¡¯s cries didn¡¯t seem like they were cries of fear, but rather because she had been repressed for too long with a kind of grievance and sorrow, so she cried as a means of catharsis. But he didn¡¯t have any feud with Mr. Shi, so the other party didn¡¯t have any motive to instruct his daughter to frame him.


    The three of them discussed here and there, but they still couldn¡¯t reach a conclusion. During their discussion, the phone in the dorm rang. Yu Hao went to pick it up. It was Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s anger had dissipated, he called to apologise to Yu Hao. He said on the phone, ¡°I lost my mind just now. This matter has nothing to do with you, it¡¯s all because of that bastard Zhou Sheng, we¡¯re the victims here. Ask them to get their asses back to their own dorms and stop trying to stir up any more trouble. Do up your self-reflection.¡±


    Yu Hao sneaked a look at the other two: Fu Liqun was sleeping on Yu Hao¡¯s bed with his head covered, while Zhou Sheng had connected to the Wi-Fi in Yu Hao¡¯s dorm to play some games as if nothing had happened.


    Yu Hao kept saying ¡°okay¡± and ¡°okay¡± before he finally hung up the phone.


    ¡°He asked you guys to go back.¡± Yu Hao woke Fu Liqun up. Fu Liqun got off his bed groggily while Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go eat.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s daily life was always accompanied by food. Yu Hao brought his cafeteria card and wanted to treat them to a meal, he still had some money left in his card. Although he couldn¡¯t get his tutoring fees back, he had to pay for this meal. After dinner, Zhou Sheng passed him a huge pile of clothes.


    Yu Hao wore his headphones and washed clothes from 8pm until the lights went out, but they were still soaking in a bucket. If it was just outerwear and T-shirts then so be it, but Zhou Sheng had even given him his socks and underwear¡­¡­this was the first time Yu Hao was washing someone else¡¯s socks and underwear, so his mood was rather complicated right now. If he had known Zhou Sheng in high school, he might have already thought of him as his boyfriend.


    But Yu Hao wouldn¡¯t fall in love at first sight with guys like Zhou Sheng. He wouldn¡¯t be able to explain clearly what kind of type he liked either. Zhou Sheng might have been protecting him in all respects, but this ¡°protection¡± display was too straight for him. Since he didn¡¯t feel his heart palpitate with excitement for Zhou Sheng, he told himself that he was prohibited from liking him. He definitely couldn¡¯t let Zhou Sheng know about his sexual orientation, or else he might find him disgusting.


    Then what type do I like? The Liu Pengxuan type? Yu Hao thought of the Liu Pengxuan who was full of hatred as he stood in front of the gate and felt a bit surprised, I actually liked him in the past? What¡¯s so good about him?


    As he washed Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes, Yu Hao suddenly thought, does Zhou Sheng have a girlfriend? He couldn¡¯t help but wish that he could be in a relationship. This was the first time in his life that he hoped for love so strongly. But perhaps, in this lifetime, there was already ¡°someone¡± who had left an indelible mark in his conscious world ¡ª where is General? How is he doing? If it were possible, he might even ask General to enter Shi Ni¡¯s dream to take a look, to find out what exactly had happened.


    I can¡¯t finish washing all these¡ªaaaahhhhh¡ª


    The lights were going to be turned off soon, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes were still soaking in a huge bucket. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t done anything that night aside from washing clothes, and he still needed to continue washing them tomorrow for the whole day. Thus, he could only go to bed helplessly.


    1. This is different from straight up expelling the students, and like it¡¯s name, it¡¯s a form that ¡®persuades¡¯ the students to leave the institution. It¡¯s usually written for students who committed a huge misgiving, won¡¯t change no matter what or engaged in a huge fight etc. It¡¯s a notch lighter than an expulsion?


    2. Key schools differ from ordinary schools in that key schools generally have better opportunities for their students, better environments, are more expensive etc.?

 Chapter 12 - Shi Ni

    Seizing Dreams Ch12 ¨C Shi Ni


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes took three days to dry, during which, this guy expressed his outrage at Yu Hao¡¯s self-reflection.


    ¡°What self-reflection?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°How are you going to self-reflect? What on earth did you do wrong? Even if someone should write a self-reflection, it should be me.¡±


    Yu Hao seriously wrote his self-reflection before he sent it to Chen Yekai. He had taken upon all of Zhou Sheng¡¯s faults onto himself, and thought that if he wrote his self-reflection sincerely, the dean might retract the detention punishment she gave Zhou Sheng.


    But his wish was soon shattered. Chen Yekai notified him that on 30th December before the New Year Day¡¯s holiday, the college would send out a notice.


    ¡°The Shi guy contacted the media.¡± Zhou Sheng scrolled through his phone, his screen was filled with topics related to the incident where he and Yu Hao had picked up money without pocketing it, then he continued, ¡°He¡¯s going to report us for stealing and hitting him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What will happen?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll get scolded by the netizens ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    When Yu Hao was thinking, Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Shi guy wants to sue us for intentional assault and sue you for theft.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°When?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply. He continued to scroll through his phone as he read the news.


    ¡°I want to look for Shi Ni.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Before the 30th, I must talk to her. I¡¯ll talk to her myself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shifted his attention from his phone to Yu Hao¡¯s face.


    It was a Friday. During their grade conference, Yu Hao recited his self-reflection in front of their entire cohort. When he finished, the sports classes that sat at the last few rows suddenly burst into a round of applause, then they instigated all the other students to smack their tables, clap loudly and cheer with them.


    The counsellor¡¯s expression instantly turned particularly ugly. Form teacher Chen Yekai stood up immediately and glared at the back rows. He was about to reprimand them when he was met with half a classroom worth of cameras and the shrieks of girls who owned them. Thus, before he could start scolding people, he had blushed furiously and retreated as he hastily sat back down in the midst of a background of laughter.


    ¡°Mr. Shi¡¯s family will not accept civil mediation. After New Year¡¯s, the college plans to find a lawyer for you guys.¡± After the conference was over, Chen Yekai stopped Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng outside the venue and explained, ¡°The lawyer will be responsible for both Yu Hao¡¯s case and Zhou Sheng¡¯s intentional assault.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me do it myself ba, I¡¯ll go to the Legal Aid Center to fill in the application form.¡±


    Chen Yekai waved his hand and drank some water. He frowned deeply and said to Yu Hao, ¡°The dean is very concerned about this matter now, it is no longer a problem that only concerns the two of you. Now that they¡¯re pushing this onto the college too, the dean¡¯s thoughts are: since they¡¯re not willing to talk it out amicably, then she won¡¯t quietly tolerate their accusations either.¡±


    That came as a complete surprise to Yu Hao. Chen Yekai continued, ¡°No one wanted this to happen. I¡¯ve been so busy the past few days my feet hardly touched the ground, and this situation will last for awhile. Don¡¯t be too hard on yourselves over this.¡±


    Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t look for Yu Hao again for several days in a row, as if he was treating him a bit coldly. There were a few times when Yu Hao wanted to talk to Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai always ignored him. After their conversation today, Yu Hao finally felt at ease.


    Zhou Sheng was obedient this time. He said, ¡°Sorry, Chen Laoshi.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Zhou Sheng, then patted his shoulder and said, ¡°Do me a favour and we¡¯ll consider your debt repaid.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your finals be affected, don¡¯t fail, and definitely don¡¯t cheat.¡± Chen Yekai pointed at Zhou Sheng and said, ¡°This has a lot to do with my job. Zhou Sheng, you¡¯re the only one I¡¯m worried about in your class.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When he was about to leave, Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°There should be some evidence regarding the 1.2 million yuan that you guys picked up. That day, Huang Ting was called back to investigate this matter.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely surprised. He was about to ask some questions when Chen Yekai told them that he had to keep it a secret for now, and that he wasn¡¯t clear on the specifics as well before he turned around and left.


    Today was Friday, and it will be Christmas Eve tomorrow. By 3pm, the college had turned a deserted and desolate place. Yu Hao put his last 300 yuan into his pocket and was going to find a part-time job that would pay him daily. He wanted to earn 200 yuan or so and use it as food expenses that would last him till the weekend.


    Fu Liqun went to find his girlfriend. The streets were littered with couples. Zhou Sheng glanced around on the subway, and only couples that were embracing each other surrounded them. He said helplessly, ¡°Ai, Christmas is always like this every year, they¡¯re not letting us single dogs live.¡±


    ¡°Have you had a girlfriend before?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Zhou Sheng reluctantly answered, ¡°Sort of. In any case, I wasn¡¯t wanted in the end.¡± As he spoke he became refreshed again. He leaned over and said to Yu Hao, ¡°That girl¡¯s legs are really long, did you see her?¡±


    This had confirmed Yu Hao¡¯s speculation: Zhou Sheng was indeed a straight guy who would rather break than bend.


    Yu Hao took a look and said, ¡°Really pretty.¡±


    Even though he likes guys, he could understand why guys liked beautiful girls. There were a lot of girls who ¡ª after they seriously tidied themselves up ¡ª emitted an air similar to that of a tranquil harbour. When you¡¯re by her side, there would be no wind or rain, and you need not feel vexed; all tempestuous waves would morph into two people, one family ¡ª and within it, all you had to bear were tiny, trivial annoyances and the little joys in life.


    In the city centre, there was a huge Christmas tree erected in Wanda Plaza. Almost all of the shops were having crazy promotions and discounts, and crowds of people were hurrying to and fro. Yu Hao waited outside a flower cafe; Zhou Sheng said doubtfully, ¡°Are you sure they¡¯ll come?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and said, ¡°When I was tutoring Shi Ni, she would often exchange voice messages with her classmate. They liked coming to this shop a lot.¡± It has been a week since Zhou Sheng beat Mr. Shi up until his whole face was covered in blood; the other party should be less vigilant now, so Yu Hao wanted to take his chances and see if he could bump into her.


    The sky gradually darkened. Yu Hao brought his student ID along as he went to a pizza shop to ask some questions and got a job distributing leaflets. Coincidentally, the manager was around. He gave Yu Hao his name card and asked him to come over tomorrow to collect the leaflets. Zhou Sheng wore an expression on his face that said ¡°you can do that?¡±.


    ¡°That¡¯s all?¡± Zhou Sheng asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°But the pay isn¡¯t much, it¡¯s only 40 a day.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had never worked before. He only stood at a side and watched how Yu Hao managed to get a part-time job so easily. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s really little. Just do the math, if you work here for 30 days, you¡¯d only earn 1200 yuan.¡±


    Yu Hao would have to stand in the cold winds all day, from 10am in the morning until the sky was dark, yet the money he earned would only be enough for him to buy one cup of coffee; Ying city¡¯s per capita income this year was 3500 yuan. Zhou Sheng suddenly nudged Yu Hao and motioned for him to look. Within the flower cafe, Shi Ni had indeed arrived with a bunch of her classmates.


    Yu Hao quickly motioned to Zhou Sheng to ask him not to meddle, then lowered his head as he wanted to send a message to Shi Ni. But while doing so, he realised that he had been blacklisted.


    He opened the door to go in, walked to the cashier and looked up at their desserts. He bought two slices of tiramisu that he knew Shi Ni liked ¡ª this had costed him quite a bit of money ¡ª before he got a waiter to deliver it over. Afterwards, he sat quite a distance away as he looked at her in silence.


    Shi Ni was talking to another girl when the waiter delivered the tiramisu over, then the two of them saw Yu Hao.


    The two primary school students were wearing their school uniforms. Yu Hao opened up a magazine and drank a cup of free water without raising his head to look at them.


    ¡°Nini wants to ask, ¡®what on earth do you want?''¡± The other primary school student had come over and sat opposite Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao gazed at the primary school student; a primary six student could already be considered a ¡°teenager¡±.


    ¡°I want to talk to her.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Nothing more.¡±


    ¡°I know you.¡± That primary school student said, ¡°You¡¯re her English teacher. She asked me to apologise to you in private.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he was thoroughly stunned. That girl quickly said, ¡°My name is Xiaoxiao. I¡¯ll transfer you the money for the cakes through WeChat.¡±


    As she spoke, the girl took her phone out and wanted to transfer money to Yu Hao. Yu Hao refused and asked, ¡°Is Nini okay?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore.¡± Xiaoxiao said, ¡°Her father is going to¡­¡­forget it, in any case¡­¡­¡±


    She looked at Yu Hao and said, ¡°We¡¯re leaving. Don¡¯t follow her anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave.¡± Yu Hao said as he stood up, ¡°The two of you should stay and have fun.¡±


    Xiaoxiao raised her head to look at Yu Hao, then suddenly asked, ¡°Are you going to take her father to court?¡±


    Yu Hao hesitated, ¡°I don¡¯t want to, but I have no choice. I must. I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    Xiaoxiao said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s exchange contacts ba.¡±


    Yu Hao took the initiative to add Xiaoxiao¡¯s QQ, then Xiaoxiao said again, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you my number.¡±


    When he left the flower cafe, he turned around to take a look. Shi Ni had raised her head up too and their eyes met.


    ¡°You see, I got something. We didn¡¯t make this trip in vain.¡±


    ¡°Un, that is a breakthrough.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng held their chopsticks as they waited for their Mala Xiangguo1 at Mei Shi Hui. Zhou Sheng scrolled through Xiaoxiao¡¯s QQ as he listened to Yu Hao¡¯s narration, then said, ¡°Why do I have a strange feeling about this?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Right? I thought it was weird from the start.¡±


    Yu Hao always felt that after they went back that day, Shi Ni was beaten by her father. Also, ever since their first lesson together, he realised that this kid couldn¡¯t focus very well and didn¡¯t like to talk ¡ª just like how he was during his junior high days.


    ¡°Maybe her parents are the type to quarrel all the time?¡± Yu Hao recalled Shi Ni¡¯s family situation. Most of the time, there would only be a nanny around. Mr. Shi seldom appeared, and Shi Ni¡¯s mother had actually never even showed up once.


    The Mala Xiangguo was served. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kids who grow up in a family where their parents are fighting all the time should be like me.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng indifferently said, ¡°Very aggressive. My dad and mum have been fighting since I was a kid, and they would fight like hell. Aside from exchanging blows with each other, they would hit me too. And they would use a belt to whip me like they were whipping a spinning top¡­¡­you¡¯re laughing? The hell you laughing at!¡±


    When Yu Hao heard Zhou Sheng¡¯s vivid analogy, a scene surfaced in his mind of his dad whipping him like a spinning top as he spun round and round, so he really couldn¡¯t help but laugh.


    ¡°I was a spectator and had to endure their beatings, so now that I¡¯m all grown-up I like to hit other people too.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Zhou Sheng to actually talk about his past right now.


    ¡°So I went to learn boxing. I wanted to beat my Dad to death. In the end, the two of them finally got divorced.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Thank god, they don¡¯t need to torture each other anymore.¡±


    ¡°So you need to restrain yourself a bit.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You can be a bit impulsive sometimes.¡±


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t understand the theory behind that?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I can¡¯t help it, I¡¯m too used to it. People don¡¯t like me either.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I like you. I like you a lot.¡±


    Zhou Sheng blushed, then motioned to Yu Hao to ask him to eat.


    That night, Zhou Sheng gave Yu Hao another huge pile of clothes. It was the weekend today; his roommates either went to look for their girlfriends to get a room, or played games to join Christmas events. Yu Hao could only stay in his dorm to wash clothes, and thought that it was a plausible idea to open a dormitory laundry shop where he would wash his schoolmates¡¯ clothes and earn some living expenses on the side. His tuition fees cost 12 000, and he didn¡¯t know when he would be able to earn that amount of money. He didn¡¯t even know how he was going to survive the period between New Year¡¯s Day and Spring Festival right now.


    He was already poor in the first place, and now he even had to exchange his time for money. Poverty really stifles ambition¡­¡­Yu Hao was extremely envious of those students who didn¡¯t need to work. They didn¡¯t need to worry about their food and clothing, and could spend all their time in the library to gain new knowledge and broaden their horizons. Meanwhile, he had to run around everywhere just to survive, and he would be so exhausted after work that he wouldn¡¯t have any surplus energy to expend on studying or extra-curricular activities where he could broaden his own horizons.


    In the long run, this would become a vicious cycle. The rich could buy more time with money, so they would be able to progress further and further, while their standard of living would get better and better; on the other hand, the poor exchange their time for money. As they struggle in their quagmires, they sink deeper and deeper into it, and they would face more and more troubles. Yu Hao has always been thinking of a way to break free from his circumstance, or else he would gradually get sucked into this quagmire with each step he took. First of all, he had to free himself from working day in and day out every year to earn his living expenses and tuition fees.


    Why is it so cold? Yu Hao¡¯s blanket was yanked away by someone, and immediately afterwards a golden light fell upon him. Within his dream, he could feel himself rushing towards the sun involuntarily. The sun grew bigger and bigger, then a tremendous strength pulled him into the sun by force; the scene in front of him fell into complete darkness within an instant.


    And in the next moment, innumerable slippery tentacles entangled themselves around him.


    ¡°Let go of me¡ª¡ª!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°What is this?!¡±


    A strong wind suddenly blew, and he found himself in a dark world. Some unknown creature was strangling him ruthlessly until he was unable to breathe, then it dragged him into an icy cold snowfield.


    ¡°Hit its¡­¡­joint¡­¡­¡± A voice said weakly.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t tell where he was because it was so dark he couldn¡¯t even see his fingers, but the moment he heard that familiar voice, Yu Hao suddenly remembered it!


    General?


    ¡°General!!¡±


    General¡¯s voice was fleeting; Yu Hao¡¯s hands had been pulled straight as he was suspended in the air. In the next moment, a large, round mouth filled with spiralling teeth dripping with mucus opened up right in front of him, then it emitted a hurricane-like sound wave!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had countless fleeting thoughts, including ¡®why am I here, what is this place¡­¡­my weapon¡­¡­weapon!¡¯


    Weapon!!!


    best to retract his hand, but the tentacles around him suddenly gave him a good yank as if they wanted to tear his limbs apart! He held his staff in his hands and exhausted all his strength ¡ª a bright, white light instantly burst forth from his staff.


    The light was dazzling; the huge monster roared and withdrew all its tentacles, then flung Yu Hao onto the ground. Every inch of the ground was covered in snow; Yu Hao struggled to flip over in the snow and crawled up, then ran towards that monster and shouted, ¡°General!¡±


    He took his staff apart and turned them into two bronze daggers, then wielded one in each hand. The white light from his daggers illuminated the heavens and the earth, so he managed to clearly see what the monster looked like.


    Where is this? The South pole? He was surrounded by a vast expanse of snow that covered ten thousand miles, and a layer of ice cracked loudly as it broke apart. That monster was a sea monster that looked like a lamprey2: its round and swarthy body was ten metres long; it was surrounded by dozens of giant python-like bodies that were protruding out and half their bodies floated above the snow. Its mouthpart was filled with rows of sharp teeth packed densely together that spiralled round and round, and deep down in its throat, its scarlet flesh walls squirmed constantly.


    Hundreds of eyes lined the perimeter of its mouthpart in a circle and they could be seen looking at Yu Hao. Those tentacles were like the heads of snakes: they wrapped around a struggling body in its midst ¡ª one tentacle pulled on his head while the other tugged on his feet, and within an instant they were about to twist its captive into two halves!


    ¡°General¡ª¡ª!¡± Yu Hao flew forward as he flung his daggers out.


    Both daggers were released from his hand; they circled around in the air and nailed the two tentacles that were grabbing General with a whoosh! The sea monster immediately faced the skies and roared like crazy; all of its tentacles waved about, the snowfield exploded and the layer of ice below it broke apart as sea water spewed out ¡ª the monster quickly sank into the pitch-dark seabed!


    ¡°General¡± fell down onto the snow. Yu Hao stepped through the snow as he made his way over as quickly as he could. He rushed to the place where General had fallen onto and began groping around in the snow.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    He felt like he had a grabbed a furry hand that was dripping wet.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°General?¡± Yu Hao forcefully pulled him out and dragged out half a hairy body covered in ice shards, then continued to drag the rest of his body out of the snow. General spewed out a mouthful of seawater and sprayed it all on Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    A huge monkey that was nearly two metres tall went limp as it laid on Yu Hao¡¯s body.


    Yu Hao was dumbfounded. He dragged the huge monkey to a safe place.


    That monkey adorned a golden circlet on his head. Its whole body was drenched, and it had furry hands and feet. It was clad from head to toe in a strange armour: its shoulder plate and waist plate had covered half its body but its skinny, downy underbelly was exposed. The monkey was wearing a pair of dark red martial trousers, the cloth around its knees was torn and one of its martial boots had fallen off. On an area that wasn¡¯t covered in armour below its ribs, a gash about ten centimetre long could be found where blood was gushing out from nonstop. It had dyed the surrounding snow in a crimson red.


    Yu Hao became anxious again. He pressed down on the wound below the monkey¡¯s ribs and said, ¡°General? Is it you?!¡± As he spoke, he looked back at the cracked ice and thought, the one who fell from above just now should be him!


    The monkey opened his eyes a little and said weakly, ¡°Give me¡­¡­your strength¡­¡­¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he knew that it was General within an instant!


    Yu Hao closed his eyes, muttered to himself, then pressed his hands against the wound below the monkey¡¯s ribs. The white light that was emitted from his palms infiltrated the monkey¡¯s entire body, and the wound began to miraculously close up!


    With a face full of doubt, Yu Hao raised both his hands up and looked at his palms, then murmured, ¡°What happened?¡±


    The monkey began to cough violently. Yu Hao quickly helped him to sit up. He couldn¡¯t stop panting as he looked at Yu Hao, then he wearily broke out into a wide grin. His canine teeth were exposed as he began to laugh.


    Yu Hao suddenly broke out into laughter too. His eyes were filled with joy as he suddenly hugged him.


    ¡°This is so great! I get to see you again!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    ¡°It hurts¡ª¡ª!¡± The monkey shouted frantically, ¡°My leg¡¯s broken! Be gentler!¡±


    Afterwards, the monkey instructed Yu Hao on how to connect his fractured leg together, then made use of his healing powers to recover. The clanking sounds of ice could be heard in the distance. The winds had stopped, and the black sea water was rushing into the cracks wave after wave. Yu Hao asked, ¡°What exactly is this place?¡±


    ¡°A dream of course.¡± The monkey scrutinised him with a weird look as he answered.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But¡­¡­how did you become like this?¡±


    The monkey rubbed his head and answered, ¡°I still look ok ba?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and said, ¡°What should I call you?¡±


    The monkey answered, ¡°Just call me General. Let¡¯s go look around in the snow for my boot, and my sword.¡±


    Yu Hao found General¡¯s martial boot and asked him to wear it, then found a sword in the water which General carried on his body. Then General said, ¡°Lend me your arm.¡± Yu Hao quickly let him hold his shoulder as he used it to struggle up.


    ¡°What if I carry you on my back?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m much better now.¡± General said, ¡°That monster was too powerful, let¡¯s get out of here first.¡±


    Yu Hao scanned their surroundings and realised that they were in the middle of a vast snowfield ¡ª it was like an Arctic version of the word ¡®barren¡¯. There were mountain ranges in the distance underneath the pitch-black curtain of the night; the black reefs on the mountain bared their fangs and brandished their claws as if they were evil spirits.


    1. I love this dish so much!!! It might not look much but it¡¯s supeeer delicious crap now I want to eat it


    ?


    2. Lamprey (ÆßÈú÷©) Ok I wanted to add the picture in the footnote but it might be a bit disturbing for some readers¡­ so if you¡¯re interested to know how the monster looks like, you can Google ÆßÈú÷© hehe. It looks like an eel with spiralling teeth that looks kinda gross tbh shudders?

 Chapter 13 - Monkey

    Seizing Dreams Ch13 ¨C Monkey


    Notes: The author took a lot of inspiration from WoW for dreamscape 2.


    The sea monster that looks like Cthulhu is inspired by:


    Howling Fjord (part of the setting for this dreamscape):


    ¡ª


    After General turned into a monkey, he would hunch a bit. But since he had a huge physique in the first place, even if he was slightly hunched, he was still half a head taller than Yu Hao. He said, ¡°I¡¯ve turned into the Monkey King.¡±


    General shook his monkey head violently a few times; water sprayed out everywhere and splashed onto Yu Hao¡¯s head. General looked down at his torn and tattered pants before saying, ¡°This is really uncomfortable. Let¡¯s talk after we go down the mountains, it¡¯s too dangerous here.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about his weapon, yet General said, ¡°As long as you summon it, it will return.¡±


    Yu Hao stretched his hand out and recalled the time when his staff first appeared. A white light really did flash as it appeared in his hand again. General reminded Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t use your strength, it¡¯ll rouse their vigilance.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡±, then let General put one hand on his shoulder as he supported him before they slowly moved towards the peak. Within the darkness, rustling sounds could be heard all around them, as if something was currently spying on them. Scattered green lights lit up behind the snow slope. Yu Hao sensed something and turned around, but all the green lights disappeared again.


    ¡°Snakes.¡± General said, ¡°They¡¯re all snakes.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart was full of doubts. It¡¯s impossible for this place to be his dreamscape; a sea monster that looks like Cthulhu and icy cold polar regions wouldn¡¯t appear in his dream. The only answer he could infer from this was that General was currently trying to save someone else, and for some reason, he had been summoned over as well. But why would he be summoned to someone else¡¯s dream?


    They walked to the bottom of the mountain surrounded by jagged rocks of grotesque shapes. The accumulated snow on the windward face of the mountain had been blown off. General had recovered quite a bit; he climbed up first before he stretched his hand downwards, then pulled Yu Hao onto a protruding rock. The two of them sat on the rock as they looked far into the distance.


    General shaded his eyes with his hand as he looked around like he was searching for something.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the shield I gave you?¡± Yu Hao had a vague conjecture that it might have been because he gave a part of the ¡°totem¡± in his conscious world to General that they had developed a strange connection, so he had been dragged in here as well.


    ¡°Here.¡± General stretched his furry finger out and flicked the golden circle on top of his forehead.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    With the sword on his back, General squatted in front of the pitch-black rock and looked into the distance as he faced the north winds; his tattered cloak drooped behind him.


    ¡°What should we do?¡± General muttered to himself.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you Sun Wukong now?¡±


    General looked down at his own body, then looked at Yu Hao with a strange look in his eyes, ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡±


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°I gave you a shield, but why did it turn into the circlet on your head? Where¡¯s your Dinghaishenzhen1?


    General shrugged helplessly, ¡°How would I know?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, this is so weird. He scrutinised General doubtfully; General pondered for a short while before he stretched his finger out and pointed under the tree, ¡°Look.¡±


    A group of black snakes were spreading out as they covered the snowfield below them. General mumbled, ¡°This person¡¯s dreamscape is even darker than yours. If it was just dark then so be it, but it¡¯s so damn cold too. This is really troublesome¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was shivering from the cold. He thought, it was already cold enough in the day yet he still had to endure the cold at night in his dreams, why is he so miserable?!


    General warned again, ¡°Don¡¯t die, if you die here you will never be able to return. And don¡¯t ask so many questions, I can¡¯t explain many things clearly. In any case, after I entered this dream, I became a huge monkey for no reason.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡­what about that?¡± Yu Hao tested the waters as he tugged the golden circlet on his head. General said, ¡°It can¡¯t be taken off! I¡¯ve tried! Ouch! Don¡¯t touch it!¡±


    They had hugged and said their goodbyes underneath the sunlight that illuminated the universe. After that, Yu Hao always wondered where General would go. Perhaps he would go and save more people like himself.


    He gradually regarded him as a hero. He had thought that he would never be able to see him again in this lifetime, but now they were suddenly reunited. His heart was overwhelmed by the excitement and joy he felt, and a lot of his doubts had been thrown to the back of his mind in an instant.


    General¡¯s monkey face revealed a suspicious look. He looked left and right, then said, ¡°Let¡¯s look for the dreamscape owner¡¯s ¡®self¡¯ first, I¡¯ll slowly explain everything to you later.¡±


    ¡°Why did I still appear here in my original form?¡± Yu Hao frowned.


    ¡°Because you were summoned here by me. The form you take here depends on my impression of you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then who does your form depend on? The owner of this dreamscape?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t really understand it. General was a suit of armour when he first appeared in his dreams; logically speaking, if he ¡°wasn¡¯t human¡±, then Yu Hao definitely wouldn¡¯t have seen him before and would thus have no inherent impression of him. In accordance with this inference, General ought to show up clad in armour in this stranger¡¯s dream as well, but why did he turn into Sun Wukong?


    General snapped his fingers; a flame burst out in between his long fingers, then he waved it towards the ground. The group of snakes that were climbing up the rocks were afraid of the flames so they immediately dispersed. General suddenly jumped and leaped onto another protruding rock. He stretched his long arm out as he climbed the rocks and stretched one hand out to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao tried to emulate General¡¯s leap, but he couldn¡¯t jump onto that piece of rock. His leg slipped and he let out a loud cry as he almost fell into the group of snakes below, but General¡¯s hand had grabbed onto him tightly in midair.


    Yu Hao realised that his speed, strength and reaction time had reduced considerably.


    ¡°It¡¯s normal,¡± General pulled him over to another rock and said, ¡°for your strength to weaken. To be able to scare that monster away was already quite a feat.¡±


    Yu Hao thought of what General said to him when he had last entered his dream: when the owner of the dreamscape is banished, the strength of outsiders in the dream will weaken.


    Yu Hao, ¡°But you¡¯re still stronger than me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a given.¡± General wrapped one arm around Yu Hao and stretched his other hand out to grab a neighbouring protrusion.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General had to take care of Yu Hao and climb from one bare rock to another at the same time which was extremely troublesome. A short while later, he thought of a plan. He pulled Yu Hao¡¯s arm and made Yu Hao hug him around his furry neck so that Yu Hao could hang from his body, then he increased his jumping speed and continued his ascent without stopping.


    ¡°But where does your strength come from?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°My self-awareness, self-confidence and constant suggestion.¡± General looked up to differentiate between the canopies, ¡°You will slowly turn into the kind of person who you believe yourself to be.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°That¡¯s impossible ba, then wouldn¡¯t I be invincible?¡±


    General said, ¡°They key is, do you really believe that you¡¯re invincible? There are people who always declare that they have a strong mind, but just a few sentences can agitate them into a frenzy of rage.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°There are some people who mistakenly think that they are invincible, but the moment they suffer a small setback, they¡¯ll choose to retreat and escape¡­¡­I think I sort of understand now.¡±


    ¡°Correct understanding of the self and a candid self-confidence are the sources of your strength.¡± General answered.


    General held Yu Hao with one hand ¡ª monkeys have arms that are so long they could tie a knot ¡ª which encircled his waist, and his thumb could still casually and gracefully be fastened onto Yu Hao¡¯s waistband.


    ¡°I can heal you.¡± Yu Hao hugged him and moved along with this huge monkey, ¡°I have that ability.¡±


    General, ¡°Un, you can.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Does having this ability mean that you think I have the capability to heal?¡±


    General didn¡¯t look at Yu Hao anymore as he said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you? Why are you still so dumb? Don¡¯t you also believe that the current you can heal others?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao said in surprise, ¡°Do I? I¡¯ve never thought about it before though?¡±


    General didn¡¯t talk anymore. Yu Hao observed the side of General¡¯s monkey face, but a monkey¡¯s expression isn¡¯t very obvious ¡ª it only had a reddish face and thick sideburns. General suddenly turned around; Yu Hao wasn¡¯t paying much attention and their lips almost met inadvertently in a kiss. The two of them quickly put some distance in between them. Yu Hao felt his face burn up, and thought that his face must be as red as this monkey¡¯s butt right now¡­¡­


    General, ¡°If you keep asking so many questions, I¡¯ll kick you out of the dreamscape.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    General went to the cliff at the end of the dense forest, took off his boots and tied them around his waist before he climbed up on all four limbs with Yu Hao on his back.


    Yu Hao suddenly asked again, ¡°General, you¡¯re actually human. Did I guess that right?¡±


    General suddenly stopped moving; a gust of wind blew by.


    ¡°Get lost! Goodnight!¡± General suddenly said.


    Yu Hao instantly opened his eyes and woke up in his dormitory.


    ¡°I was wrong! General!¡± Yu Hao cried out in regret, but it was too late. He had actually been chased out from a dream!


    He turned over impatiently as he tried to sleep again, but he couldn¡¯t fall back asleep. So he got up to drink some water before he went back to tossing and turning in his bed. However, it was daybreak before long. Yu Hao wailed for a moment before he hugged his blanket and sat up. He really wanted to slap himself twice. Why did I have to talk so much? I really might not be able to see him again this time!


    After daybreak, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t fall back asleep, so he could only wash up with a bed of messy hair before going out to work as a leaflet distributor. The temperature had been dropping for the past three days, and it was even colder today. He shivered in the bitingly cold wind and tried his best to hide behind shelters to distribute his leaflets. He shot an envious look at the person adorned in a huge cartoon doll costume who was jumping around.


    He¡¯s wrapped up so well, that¡¯s so warm in winter¡­¡­Yu Hao thought, I¡¯ll see what you guys do during summer.


    It¡¯s not that he was being unprofessional; insufficient sleep was already making him shiver in the first place, and now that he had to endure these winds, it was really too cold for him to bear. In a 6-degree winter day, he was only wearing three layers of clothing. It was especially bad when the dark clouds blocked the sun as his whole body would tremble instantly, and he would tremble so badly that he wouldn¡¯t even be able to speak properly.


    I have an idea!


    The idea had suddenly occurred to Yu Hao: he would enter the shopping mall every half an hour to warm up for ten minutes, then after he feels warm enough, he would go out again to cool off. Going in and out of the mall would be better than enduring the cold winds outside for the entire day.


    Fortunately, it was Christmas Eve today, so there were surprisingly many couples and Yu Hao had almost finished distributing his leaflets by the time it hit 4pm.


    I can¡¯t do this anymore¡­¡­Yu Hao thought, I¡¯m going to freeze to death soon¡­¡­I should go in to rest for awhile first.


    ¡°Yu Hao do you have a fucking death wish?! You¡¯re wearing that little to distribute leaflets?! Aren¡¯t you cold!!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice suddenly roared like crazy.


    Yu Hao was taken aback, there was still a thin stack of flyers left in his hands. He didn¡¯t know when Zhou Sheng had arrived; he was wearing a down vest with a cigarette in his mouth as he stared at Yu Hao in disbelief.


    Beside Zhou Sheng stood a tall, skinny and beautiful woman. She was wrapped in a black windbreaker, had delicate facial features and wore a surprised expression on her face as she looked at Zhou Sheng uneasily.


    ¡°Put this on quickly! Are you crazy?!¡± Zhou Sheng took his down vest off and stuffed it into Yu Hao¡¯s hands. Yu Hao blushed ¡ª everyone in their vicinity was looking at him, and it made him feel very embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be done distributing soon!¡± Yu Hao hurriedly pushed Zhou Sheng, then looked at the girl with a smile plastered to his face as he asked him to enter the mall.


    ¡°Wear it!¡± Zhou Sheng ordered, then he pushed the shopping mall¡¯s door open and went in to enjoy its warm air. Yu Hao felt a little relieved; with an extra down vest on him, it felt much warmer. Moreover, because of Zhou Sheng¡¯s shouts, the people who were standing outside Wanda suddenly walked over to look for Yu Hao and take his leaflets.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao was at a bit of a loss, so he could only say, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    He really disliked this feeling. If this had occurred in the past, he might have felt upset for at least three days because their actions harmed his self-esteem ¡ª his leaflets had turned into handouts.


    But now, he only felt a warmth that spread out from the bottom of his heart. He stuffed both his hands into his pockets.


    There was a violent knock on the french glass window behind him; in the cafe sat an irritated Zhou Sheng who was only wearing a sweater, while the girl from just now was sitting next to him. Zhou Sheng wore an expression on his face that scolded ¡®you¡¯re done distributing those leaflets yet you¡¯re still not getting your ass in here?¡¯


    10 minutes later, Yu Hao held a glass that was filled to the brim with hot water as he sat opposite Zhou Sheng and the girl beside him. He kept trying to guess the girl¡¯s identity.


    ¡°Call her sis-in-law.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently while he stretched one hand out to test the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand ¡ª it was still freezing. He pried Yu Hao¡¯s bright red fingers from the hot water cup and held them in his own hands.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands were very hot, as if they were on fire.


    The girl smiled while Yu Hao anxiously said, ¡°Hello sis-in-law.¡± And thought, this is Zhou Sheng¡¯s girlfriend? His girlfriend is so beautiful? He already has such a beautiful girlfriend, and yet he was still looking at long-legged girls on the subway?!


    ¡°Hello Eyelash Baby.¡± The girl stretched her hand out. Yu Hao wanted to wipe his hands before shaking hands with her, but the girl had covered his hands with her slender fingers to help warm them up too. Yu Hao¡¯s face immediately flushed red as he quickly retracted his hands.


    ¡°Eyelash Baby?¡± Yu Hao was bewildered, then he said, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    The girl smiled as she explained, ¡°They said that you have longer eyelashes and bigger eyes than girls, and it¡¯s true!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed ever redder, ¡°Who said that?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°When you were reciting your self-reflection last week, the girls in our class said that.¡±


    Yu Hao was going crazy with embarrassment. The girl said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll send you back.¡±


    The girl insisted, ¡°Accompany Yu Hao ba. Buy a bowl of ginger soup for him to drink. I¡¯ll hail a cab and go back straight away, you don¡¯t need to care about me.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave now¡­¡­¡±


    When Zhou Sheng heard her words, he casually sat back down. The girl said goodbye to them, ¡°See you guys next time.¡±


    ¡°Go and send her back!¡± Yu Hao hurriedly pushed Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression changed. Yu Hao had just been scolded by General yesterday, so he suddenly didn¡¯t dare to continue talking. He could only hold his hot cup of water and turn around to watch the girl leave the shopping mall. He hadn¡¯t even asked for her name.


    So beautiful! Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but sigh with admiration; Zhou Sheng¡¯s girlfriend was practically of a campus belle level. He suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to ask for her name.


    ¡°Why¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng seemed like he was in a bad mood, ¡°Can you stop asking so many questions? Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s irritating?¡±


    Yu Hao sensibly stopped talking and reminded himself to keep his mouth shut in the future so that he wouldn¡¯t be annoying.


    Zhou Sheng looked at the french windows in a bit of a daze, then he looked down at his phone. Yu Hao didn¡¯t sleep well last night, and he had been enduring the cold winds for an entire day today so it felt like he had been frozen silly. He could only sit opposite Zhou Sheng as he stared blankly at the news on his phone.


    News at the end of the year were filled with negativity: thousands of migrant workers were turned homeless overnight after a huge fire broke out; child abuse caught on surveillance in a kindergarten; a husband hacked his wife to death before jumping off a building himself; national old-style private schools assaulted students with electrical shocks¡­¡­Zhou Sheng was already irritated in the first place, but after he finished reading all these he got even more irritated and casually cursed the world.


    Were there more good or bad people in this world? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall the people who had gathered around him in the mall an hour ago. The cafe was playing the classic Christmas song¡¶Birth of Christ¡·. On this dark afternoon, all the colourful lights on the two-storey tall Christmas tree that towered over the mall lit up within an instant.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wear my clothes?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Aren¡¯t they drying in your dorm?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect it to be so cold today.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his phone off, ¡°Got your money?¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back ba.¡± Zhou Sheng brought Yu Hao to the subway and sent him back to school. After dinner, Zhou Sheng forced Yu Hao to drink a big bowl of ginger soup before he chased him down to his own dormitory to sleep.


    Yu Hao had thought that he would definitely catch a cold at the end of the day, but after he drank the ginger soup, he began to sweat and it made him feel a lot better. Zhou Sheng had even lent him an electric blanket too. In the quiet winter night, rustling sounds could be heard outside the dormitory ¡ª light snow had begun to fall. Yu Hao felt relieved as he curled up underneath the blanket; the electric blanket¡¯s power regulator was emitting a red glow that illuminated a small area around it. It looked like a small sun that was guarding him.


    The huge monkey was squatting on the top of the mountain. He yawned idly, which revealed his sharp teeth.


    Yu Hao slipped and almost fell down again; a furry arm immediately hugged him around his waist.


    ¡°Calm down.¡± General casually said.


    Yu Hao looked around his surroundings and discovered that General had brought him to the top of the mountain. The gales here were fierce, and they blew him till he was trembling like a massage stick. General thus opened up his arms and let him huddle in his embrace. From afar, it looked like there was a huge monkey crouching on the top of the mountain that had one human head and one monkey head.


    Yu Hao warmed up a little. He didn¡¯t dare to ask any more questions and only wondered in his heart. His eyes were scrutinising General¡¯s face.


    ¡°There¡¯s a village over there.¡± General said in a daze.


    Yu Hao looked over, and saw that he was situated on a vast fjord that was near the mountains and the sea; there was a settlement adjacent to the sea, while the highlands of the fjord gently sloped inland. It looked a bit like the Howling Fjord in World of Warcraft.


    He looked back in the opposite direction and saw a stretch of mountain ranges behind them that faced the inland; the area behind the mountain ranges was pitch-black. This dreamscape seemed to be enshrouded in darkness, and visibility here was very poor. The only thing he could distinguished were the medieval wooden buildings that littered the coastline. At the end of the seaside village settlement stood a pagoda-shaped building that was hidden behind a curtain of darkness.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the village to take a look.¡± General hugged Yu Hao and jumped down from the mountaintop, then walked along the mountain road. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk by myself.¡± Before he got off General¡¯s body and followed him from behind. They advanced through the snow with one deep foot imprint followed by a shallow one.


    There was a thick layer of accumulated snow and Yu Hao struggled to walk through it. Within this dark world, only the rustling of snow could be heard; from time to time, he would look at the tall monkey¡¯s back in front of him ¡ª a skinny back that helped him block the wind.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you talking?¡± General turned back and looked at Yu Hao, then asked, ¡°Angry?¡±


    The moment Yu Hao separated from General, he had no way of preventing the loss of heat from his whole body. He said, ¡°I-I-I¡­¡­I¡¯m too cold.¡±


    Thus, General picked him up and let him ride on his back, then he ran through the snow on all four limbs like he was a mount.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be warm when we reach the village.¡± It was rare for General to take the initiative to explain, ¡°This is a little girl¡¯s dream.¡±


    Yu Hao vaguely thought of something, but that thought had merely flashed through his mind.


    1. The name of Sun Wukong¡¯s weapon. Sun Wukong¡¯s weapon has two names: Dinghaishenzhen and Jingubang. Dinghaishenzhen was the name of his weapon in the beginning when it was a pillar at the dragon place. After Sun Wukong took it, he renamed it as Jingubang?

 Chapter 14 - A Child’s Dream

    Seizing Dreams Ch14 ¨C A Child¡¯s Dream


    ¡°It¡¯s Christmas Eve today.¡± General continued.


    Yu Hao was sprawled on General¡¯s back as he said, ¡°It¡¯s already cold enough in the day, I didn¡¯t expect it to still be this cold at night in my dream.¡±


    General casually asked, ¡°What did you do during the day?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Working part-time.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know why ¡ª maybe it was intuition ¡ª but Yu Hao always feels like he knows General in reality, and General was deliberately trying to hide his identity.


    ¡°What kind of work was it?¡±


    ¡°Distributing leaflets.¡±


    ¡°O, then that is quite cold.¡± General said, ¡°Fortunately I have a lot of fur, so I¡¯m not afraid of the cold.¡±


    Yu Hao began to laugh. He hugged General¡¯s neck and his whole body leaned forward onto his back.


    ¡°Be a bit more serious, keep your furry hands to yourself1.¡± General scratched his neck and said, ¡°Reproductive isolation exists between monkeys and humans.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help himself from breaking out into laughter after he heard a monkey use the phrase ¡°keep your furry hands to yourself¡±. General asked again, ¡°Did you find a boyfriend in the real world?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only been a few days!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°My problems haven¡¯t been resolved yet, how could I spare time for a relationship?¡±


    As they were approaching the village, General suddenly stopped. Yu Hao said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    The huge monkey looked to his left and right as if he had sensed some kind of danger. He whispered, ¡°Shh.¡±


    The seaside village was clearly more visible now: most of the wooden houses were covered with a thick layer of frost; the surface of the sea was frozen solid, and frozen Viking boats were spread out in a disorderly mess along the harbour. It was as if a chilly, piercingly cold wind had swept across the harbour and froze all the living things it touched within an instant.


    At the end of the harbour stood a towering lighthouse; a black mass of air levitated above it.


    ¡°Is that a ¡®totem¡¯?¡± Yu Hao whispered as he asked.


    General motioned for Yu Hao to come down, then whispered, ¡°Maybe, but we haven¡¯t found the owner of the dreamscape, what should we do?¡±


    It was impossible for anyone to survive on this snowfield sealed in ice for thousands of miles ¡ª this was a true Land of the Dead. General had already scanned their surroundings when they were on the mountain; after he turned into Sun Wukong, it seemed like he had inherited the skills of the monkey¡¯s fiery golden eyes2, so he could be absolutely certain that the banished owner was not on the snowfield or within the mountain ranges.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Could the owner have been banished to the subconscious?¡±


    He knew little about dreamscapes, and most of his deductions were based on what General had told him and the knowledge he had gleaned from books.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be?¡± General rubbed his head as he muttered to himself.


    ¡°Then what about the safe haven?¡± Yu Hao said uneasily, ¡°Let¡¯s look for that?¡±


    General said, ¡°There isn¡¯t a place that looks like a safe haven here.¡±


    Yu Hao thought for awhile before he said, ¡°There isn¡¯t any aboveground, but what about underground? You said that this is a little girl¡¯s dream. Kids all love to build their own secret base, it could be analogous to a sort of ¡®underground work¡¯2.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty good at Psychology.¡± General suddenly said, ¡°You might have guessed right, let¡¯s go in and take a look ba.¡±


    In front of the frozen dwellings, General used his sword to forcefully prise a door open. Yu Hao¡¯s staff emitted a bright light that illuminated its interior.


    ¡°It¡¯s a shop that sells sweets.¡± General and Yu Hao looked at each other; the inside of the shop was covered with a layer of frost and its NPCs had been frozen into ice sculptures. Yu Hao suddenly noticed something in the corner, and it was retreating rapidly.


    It was a tentacle-like shadow.


    ¡°General?¡± Yu Hao lit up the corner with his staff¡¯s light.


    ¡°Un?¡± General was biting on a piece of frozen chocolate, but he couldn¡¯t bite off a piece no matter how hard he tried.


    ¡°Don¡¯t stray too far away from me.¡± The huge monkey said vaguely.


    Yu Hao wasn¡¯t too sure if he was hallucinating or not; General hid a whole plate of liqueur chocolate in his clothes to try and melt it, then continued, ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else to take a look.¡±


    The other dwelling across the street was a fondant cake shop. Yu Hao could almost imagine the original appearance of this place ¡ª it should have been a beautiful and prosperous commercial street in the past. Along the street, there were even shops that sold children¡¯s clothes and toys. But just as General held up a huge cake that was seven-layers tall, Yu Hao sensed something strange again.


    This time, he discovered another tentacle!


    ¡°General!¡± Yu Hao warned, ¡°There are enemies!¡±


    General suddenly turned around and pulled Yu Hao behind him; the two of them quickly retreated from the dwelling. On the village¡¯s commercial street, both the winds and snow flurries had suddenly stopped.


    Their surroundings fell silent.


    ¡°I think something¡¯s wrong with this place¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao whispered, ¡°Should we leave first?¡±


    General looked around vigilantly. When he was about to shield Yu Hao to leave the village with him, the ground below their feet suddenly quaked! The snow that had accumulated on the street shook and its layers began to crush one another, bricks and stones broke apart, and shortly afterwards tentacles began to rise from all sides!


    Immediately afterwards, they were surrounded by a burst of bright light ¡ª the glaring indigo light had illuminated the entire village. Yu Hao quickly raised his arm to shield his eyes, and the only thing he could see was a giant demonic eye that floated above the lighthouse at the end of the harbour! That demonic eye let out an ear-piercing guffaw, and he felt like he had heard that voice somewhere before:


    ¡°Just watch as I kill you guys this time¡ª¡±


    Mr. Shi¡¯s voice!


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t even have time to be shocked before General roared, ¡°Run!¡±


    However, the dwellings on both sides had collapsed in an instant, and the giant lamprey-like sea monster from before had risen from the ground! All of its tentacles wrapped around Yu Hao and General at the same time. General was about to rush towards Yu Hao when the tentacles entwined themselves around him; he ruthlessly flung them away and crashed into one of the houses with a loud bang, which caused the walls of the fondant cake store to collapse!


    Yu Hao was being strangled around his neck and could barely gasp for breath at the moment. Both his eyes were fixated on General; General jumped up from the debris and unsheathed his sword, then roared as he pounced towards the huge sea monster!


    The sea monster swung its tentacles out. Yu Hao spinned the staff in his left hand and pressed it against a tentacle ¡ª a thunderbolt penetrated that tentacle and it instantly turned rigid before it loosened its grip, then Yu Hao began to fall. He almost fell into the lamprey¡¯s mouth filled with spiralling sharp teeth! But right at the most critical juncture, he managed to hug onto another tentacle tightly. General rushed over from a side and brutally slashed the tentacles with his sword, but his attempts to chop them up were to no avail.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be eaten by it!¡±


    ¡°What will happen if I fall down you can tell me now right!?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll die! You¡¯ll die!! You¡¯ll sleep forever and never wake up again¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s back was immediately drenched with sweat; he vigorously drove his leg into the edge of the sea monster¡¯s huge mouth. General was currently wrestling with multiple tentacles, Yu Hao turned around with his staff in his hand, but a tentacle whipped him horizontally across until his viscera were throbbing with pain. His staff slipped out of his hand and dropped onto the snowfield!


    General roared angrily, ¡°To deal with this fellow! Our combined strength isn¡¯t enough! Return to reality to find a way¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How do I find a way?!¡±


    ¡°Wake Shi Ni up!¡±


    Immediately afterwards, the tentacles blotted out the sky and covered the earth as they swept toward General and Yu Hao; General somersaulted into the air and stepped on the tentacles as he flew towards Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao turned around. General¡¯s slender body rushed straight towards him, then he whipped one hand out as quick as lightning and placed it on Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Goodnight¡ª¡ª!¡± General roared angrily.


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes turned blank. The next moment, General¡¯s hand released a golden light that he firmly pressed onto Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    It struck into his consciousness with a bang like a streak of lightning. Yu Hao let out a cry, then he sat up in his bed.


    The last scene in his memory was the instance when innumerable tentacles had wrapped themselves around General before dragging him into the giant mouth full of sharp teeth!


    Yu Hao immediately searched for his phone, he couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. He dialed the number left to him by Xiaoxiao yesterday afternoon.


    At the other end of the line, a ringback tone rang out. Yu Hao kept praying, pick up, pick up! Pick up the call!!! Countless scenes flashed through his mind: the demonic eye above the lighthouse, the snakes in the snowfield, the sea monster with its tentacles and sharp teeth, Mr. Shi¡¯s crazy laughter¡­¡­Yu Hao vaguely understood who the owner of the dreamscape was, and what all the symbols in the dreamscape represented.


    A sudden sense of fear and fury surged through his heart; if his guess was true, then how despondent must Shi Ni be right now?!


    The call went through.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Xiaoxiao¡¯s sleepy voice answered.


    ¡°Wake Shi Ni up! Hurry and wake her up!¡± Yu Hao was practically shouting in desperation.


    The Xiaoxiao at the other end of the call was frightened, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What¡¯s wrong??¡±


    ¡°Hurry! Do you have her number?¡± Yu Hao knew that as long as Shi Ni woke up, the dream would end immediately. Just like before when he and General were facing the cavalry in his own dream, all outsiders would be forcefully kicked out of the dreamscape, then the dream would continue the next time they entered.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Shi Ni¡¯s voice rang out at the other end of the line, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Yu Hao finally heaved a sigh of relief, ¡°Are you staying overnight at Xiaoxiao¡¯s place?¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°What does that have to do with you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hang up.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There are some things that I want to talk to you about.¡±


    Shi Ni said with a weary voice, ¡°I have nothing to talk about with you.¡±


    ¡°Listen to him ba.¡± Xiaoxiao¡¯s whispered as she urged, ¡°He¡¯s an adult.¡±


    The other side was put on speaker mode. While Yu Hao tried to gather his thoughts and search for the words to say, he was thinking about how to get rid of the darkness in her dream. He put on his down jacket, wore his earphones, got off his bed and walked to a place with a better signal. Then he opened his window a little until a small slit could be seen before he looked at the alarm clock.


    11:07, it was still early¡­¡­if he had a good grasp on time, he could enter the dream again.


    ¡°Nini.¡± Yu Hao took a deep breath, then tried his best to make his voice sound steady as he whispered, ¡°What did your father do to you?¡±


    On the night of Christmas Eve, light snow began to fall outside. Across the road from the dormitory, the colourful lights that were twined around their college¡¯s fence twinkled. A warm and quiet atmosphere could be felt in this winter night.


    There was a prolonged period of silence on the other end of the line. Yu Hao waited patiently. And after what seemed like a century, he heard soft sobs travel over from the other end.


    ¡°How old were you when it started?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    ¡°Eleven.¡± Shi Ni choked on her sobs, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yu Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    At this moment, the rage that had welled up in his heart was threatening to explode through his chest ¡ª this feeling was smothering him and it made him extremely upset. Right now, all he wanted to do was to forcefully scratch himself or beat something up brutally so that he could vent his frustrations.


    After Shi Ni cried for awhile, Yu Hao sighed and searched for change. He needed some alcohol to calm himself down.


    He didn¡¯t comfort Shi Ni. He just quietly listened to the sound of her cries that were coming out of his earphones.


    ¡°I have to leave tomorrow.¡± Xiaoxiao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do¡­Nini¡¯s too miserable. She also knows that she was wrong in the past¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡± Yu Hao quickly ran downstairs and asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Xiaoxiao said, ¡°I have to transfer to another school¡­in Hong Kong.¡±


    Yu Hao understood it now. Tonight was the night for Shi Ni and Xiaoxiao to say their goodbyes; the two of them should have been asleep, but they were awoken by his call.


    Xiaoxiao said, ¡°Yu Laoshi, can you take care of Nini for me please?¡±


    Shi Ni stopped crying and said, ¡°Yu Laoshi, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao repeatedly expressed his forgiveness, then Shi Ni said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid of the study. I¡¯m afraid of the swivel chair you sit on, I don¡¯t want to think¡­¡­don¡¯t want to think¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t want to spend even a second longer in that study, right?¡± Yu Hao reached the convenience store. The boss hadn¡¯t closed his shop and was still watching TV. Yu Hao took a bottle of Erguotou4, then settled the bill with the boss.


    ¡°Go on.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you still remember this, but there was one day when you grabbed my arm¡­¡­¡± Shi Ni choked again, ¡°Which was when I felt like I couldn¡¯t stand it anymore¡­¡­and wanted to chase you away.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao answered. He stood outside the shop and twisted the cap off the Erguotou in the snow. He downed a few mouthfuls. The burning wine passed through his esophagus and into his stomach, which made him exhale a mouthful of hot air.


    There had been one day when Shi Ni was very restless and wanted to leave class early, so Yu Hao took her by the arm and tried to get her to sit back down. He had done something so forceful because he was a little stern that day ¡ª presumably, his action had ignited a sense of fear in Shi Ni¡¯s heart.


    ¡°I had no other ideas.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I had only hoped that you would study hard. Now that I know all this, I won¡¯t sit idly by. Don¡¯t worry about the watch, let¡¯s resolve your problem first.¡±


    Shi Ni finally regained her composure, ¡°Is it ok?¡±


    Yu Hao took another sip of his Erguotuo, then looked up at the snow. He said, ¡°You have to trust me.¡±


    Xiaoxiao said, ¡°Nini said that you know that officer. Will it be of any use if we tell the police?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll call the police for you.¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°Will the police care?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°They will definitely care, this is a crime!¡±


    Shi Ni¡¯s voice began to tremble, ¡°But, will people believe me?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°They will! I guarantee it.¡±


    Shi Ni whispered, ¡°But I¡¯m scared¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Nini, I promise you that first of all, I will not breathe a word of this to anyone. Only the police and I will know about it. Second of all, you must be brave. Also, you have to trust me wholeheartedly before I can help you.¡±


    Shi Ni didn¡¯t speak. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s true that I¡¯m just an ordinary college student. I¡¯m very poor, and sometimes, I can¡¯t even protect myself.¡±


    ¡°But from you, I can draw strength.¡± Yu Hao whispered, ¡°You must be hoping for someone who can help you, right? In fact, you do trust me in your heart. You need to think this through carefully.¡±


    Xiaoxiao immediately said, ¡°Yes, she trusts you, Yu Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°Then think about it, where did your trust for me come from?¡± Yu Hao calmly drank his Erguotou as he asked.


    Shi Ni said, ¡°I caused you to be so miserable, yet you still don¡¯t hate me.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Because I know¡­that you¡¯re a good kid.¡±


    Shi Ni cried again, and this time she no longer suppressed her cries. Instead, she wailed until she was gasping for breath.


    She said, ¡°Thank¡­¡­thank you¡­¡­Yu Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You may never be able to forget about this for the rest of your life, but I¡¯m sure that you¡¯ll come through it. I¡¯ve experienced many unpleasant things in the past too, but they were all wounds that others had inflicted on us. These wounds shouldn¡¯t have appeared in the first place¡­¡­¡±


    Tears welled up in his eyes, then he took another sip of wine. He thought of that suit of armour, the General who held his hand on the Great Wall.


    ¡°¡­¡­yet they did. We did not cause all these things to happen, it¡¯s not our fault.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The one who should go to hell is them. Be brave, and send them to hell so that they can get the punishment they deserve. It¡¯s Christmas Eve today, right?¡±


    Shi Ni uttered an ¡°un¡±, then Yu Hao ended off with, ¡°People say that all human suffering is inherent. ¡®In this world you will have trouble, but in me you may have peace¡¯5. You will slowly get better; trust me, and trust yourself.¡±


    After he listened to the silence in his phone for awhile, Shi Ni said, ¡°Yu Laoshi, I trust you.¡±


    ¡°As long as you support me, I will fight for you till the end.¡± Yu Hao wearily said, ¡°And I will never give up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Shi Ni said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s meet tomorrow at the flower cafe ba. We need to think of a plan first to ensure that you don¡¯t need to stay at home anymore.¡±


    ¡°My Dad¡¯s on a business trip.¡± Shi Ni whispered, ¡°He won¡¯t be back until the day after tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your mother?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Shi Ni answered, ¡°She¡¯s usually not at home. But she knows everything; she¡¯s scared of my Dad, so she has never said anything about it.¡±


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°Do you have any other relatives whom you can stay with temporarily?¡±


    Shi Ni answered, ¡°Yes, my uncle and aunt both like me very much.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a bit before he said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk about that next time.¡±


    Shi Yan softly said, ¡°That redhead big brother¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned, then asked, ¡°What about him?¡±


    Shi Ni seemed to be thinking very hard about it before she said, ¡°Did you tell him?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°Will he be coming too?¡±


    Yu Hao hurriedly said, ¡°No, it¡¯ll just be me and you.¡±


    ¡°Is he very good at fighting?¡± Xiaoxiao chipped in.


    ¡°Yes, why?¡± Yu Hao was somewhat puzzled, then he suddenly understood and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll bring him along. Nini, do you mind me telling him the truth?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Shi Ni answered, ¡°Was he ok after he hit my Dad?¡±


    Yu Hao comforted her, ¡°You¡¯ll know when you see him tomorrow. Are you sleepy?¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Shi Ni was already very sleepy, then Yu Hao continued, ¡°Okay, then go and sleep ba. Goodnight. I promise you, when the sun rises, everything will get better.¡±


    1. ëÊÖë½Å: the phrase actually means you¡¯re being very touchy, literal translation is furry hands and legs. But I included the furry part cause Yu Hao thinks it¡¯s quite a joke for a monkey to have said it lmao?


    2. Sun Wukong¡¯s fiery golden eyes allows him to identify evil no matter what form it takes; however, it also causes smoke to sting his eyes. ?


    3. The ¡®underground work¡¯ term in the raws could refer to either people who work underground/undercover spies, so I¡¯m guessing that Yu Hao is inferring that kids would relate secret bases = the dwelling of spies who work undercover = an underground area?


    4. ?


    5. Bible verse from John 16:33, the order is changed a little.?

 Chapter 15 - Lone Island

    Seizing Dreams Ch15 ¨C Lone Island


    After he hung up the phone, Yu Hao slowly walked back to his dormitory in the snow. He felt a bit dizzy; he had drank about one or two Erguotous.


    He collapsed weakly onto his bed. Before he closed his eyes, he looked at the alarm clock.


    11.50.


    There was the glowing golden light again, and this time, Yu Hao could sense it more clearly than before. His body floated off the ground, then he flew towards the blazing sun in the sky. Within a blink of an eye, he had rushed straight into the sun.


    The sound of destruction and decay blared; the world around him spun round and round as it was accompanied by General¡¯s angry roar.


    General, ¡°Why are you back again?! Couldn¡¯t you have waited a day¡­¡­¡±


    The next moment, the tentacles surrounding the sea monster had entwined around the two of them, and the first thing it tried to do was to ruthlessly stuff Yu Hao into its huge mouth filled with sharp teeth!


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t react in time, but he suddenly felt like his whole body had begun to shine as a warm current coursed through his entire body.


    General¡¯s eyes widened as he wore a bewildered expression on his face.


    One could only see beams of bright light burst out in all directions from within the clump of tentacles that was covering Yu Hao, and amongst a background of blasting noises, the flickering white lights blew up the tentacles that were entwined around Yu Hao into bits! Above the lighthouse in the distance, the demonic eye let out a loud roar and released an indigo light beam that was shot straight towards Yu Hao!


    Wherever the beam swept through, all the debris in its path would be covered with a solid layer of ice. General shouted,


    ¡°Be careful¡ª¡ª!¡±


    The beam swept towards Yu Hao; Yu Hao felt a tremendous energy bubbling within his body that wanted to burst through his back and gush out ¡ª a loud blare sounded as he shook out two bright wings that fluttered open from his back.


    The Archangel had arrived!


    Sacred Christmas songs rang out from the sky, and the faint ringing of a bell could be heard in the distance.


    Dang¡ª¡ªdang¡ª¡ªdang¡ª¡ªthe real world was counting down!


    At this moment, everyone who was sleeping could hear the ringing of the Christmas Eve countdown bell.


    Yu Hao was floating in mid-air. He stretched his right arm out to summon his staff before dismantling it into two knives; he pointed one knife at the sky and the other at the ground, then used them to draw an outline of a full moon wheel!


    The beam shot towards him and collided with his full moon wheel; their collision triggered a snow hurricane that made a clean sweep of all the houses within a ten metre radius and instantly crushed them into smithereens!


    ¡°Haaaahhh¡ª¡ª!¡± Streaks of lightning crackled around Yu Hao as he circled one round in the air, then he swept across the tentacles that were entangling General and cut them all off one after the other!


    General broke free of his constraints and fell to the ground, then climbed back up with much difficulty. As Yu Hao glided down, he withdrew his wings. General said, ¡°You¡¯re really something! You¡¯re the Messiah?! Kill it!!¡±


    ¡°This-this, I don¡¯t really know how to use this power!¡± Yu Hao brandished his two long knives to deal with the increasing number of tentacles that were swinging toward the two of them.


    General, ¡°Don¡¯t you already have wings?¡±


    ¡°But I can¡¯t control them!¡±


    ¡°Consciousness! Use your consciousness to mobilize your power! Then send that power out!¡±


    When Yu Hao used that first move to resist the beam from the demonic eyes, he had relied solely on a conditioned reflex ¡ª it was an action he had done in complete haste. Even though he couldn¡¯t use it anymore, he always felt like there was a warm current and holy light whirling around in both his hands, but he just couldn¡¯t send them out.


    When the sea monster got injured, it suddenly went crazy and began to randomly bombard its surroundings with its tentacles; the havoc it caused smashed the villages around it to bits. Yu Hao and General instantly fled in a panic as they tried to find a place to hide.


    General shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared! Recall your dreamscape! Trust me ¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Again?! You¡¯re kidding right?!¡±


    General shouted, ¡°Hurry!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­I do want to give it all to you! But how?!¡± Yu Hao felt like a white flame had begun blazing in his chest and was pulsating wildly at the moment. The energy in this dreamscape had created a whirlpool with him at the centre as it surged uncontrollably into his body, but this energy was overfilling his body to the point where it was about to burst!


    General had just taken a step forward when he suddenly stopped. He stood in front of Yu Hao with his back facing him and wielded his sword with both his hands, then shouted, ¡°Press your hands on my back, then transfer your power over¡ª¡ª!¡±


    The huge sea monster had risen up again; under the illumination of the light from the demonic eyes, all its tentacles were reviving one after the other. It let out a loud roar before sending its tentacles hurtling toward them.


    Yu Hao circulated the energy in his body, and oddly enough, a glaring light burst forth from both his hands which he pressed onto General¡¯s back¡ª¡ª


    General had brandished his weapon and was about to rush over when he received this energy. There was a sudden faint pop, and like a cork that jumped out of a wine bottle, the golden circlet on his forehead was lightly flicked off.


    General, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    The sea monster opened its mouth full of sharp teeth, bowed slightly and dove towards the ground! It swallowed up all the snow around it as it rushed towards them with a loud rumble, ready to devour the two!


    ¡°Hurry!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°We¡¯re going to die!!¡±


    General subconsciously grabbed the golden circlet and with a buzz, the golden circlet shot out two glaring beams of light on both its right and left sides, then it turned into a giant stick that he held horizontally in his hand!


    ¡°Ding, hai, shen, zhen¡ª¡ª!¡±


    In the twinkling of an eye, the huge monkey had let out an angry roar while Yu Hao took a quick step back; General grabbed his ruyi jingubang and wielded it with both his hands, his ruyi jingubang instantly elongated until it was about ten metres long while this rod had become as thick as a giant tree trunk. This one rod stirred up the heavens and the earth as it swept across the mountain ranges, and with the irresistible force of a thunderbolt, it smashed down on the sea monster!


    There were hurricanes whirling with snow and crushed ice everywhere. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even see what had happened; he only heard the sound of a loud explosion and had felt the earth reverberate violently before they got caught up in a strong wind that blew them away. With one slam of the Great Sage¡¯s1 rod, the sea monster had been smashed into a pool of mud; its entire body exploded and black juices spewed out in all directions which dyed the snowfield within a thirty square metre radius entirely black.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. General withdrew his ruyi jingubang and turned it into a rod as long as a shaolin cudgel2. His red cloak flapped noisily in the wind, and his whole body was glowing with a golden glimmer. A golden hoop appeared around his neck while his chest was now covered with a heavy scale armour, and his tattered martial clothing had somehow been repaired automatically. General was clad from head to toe in a resplendent, golden Great Sage chainmail!


    This huge monkey turned sideways with a provocative look on his face. He placed his ruyi jingubang on one shoulder with his right hand, then with his left hand, he beckoned the demonic eyes above the lighthouse in the distance.


    ¡°Bring it on!¡±


    Yu Hao was standing behind him as he thought, so damn cool¡­¡­


    Then, the demonic eye trembled before it let out a mad roar. All the ice within a 10-mile radius of the seafront shattered within an instant; the black sea surged up and formed a tsunami that was nearly five metres high.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Within the tsunami, almost ten sea monsters similar to the one they encountered before rushed to the fore and leaped out!


    Yu Hao, ¡°No way!! So many of them?!¡±


    ¡°Stop fighting! Follow me!¡± A girl¡¯s voice shouted.


    One human and one monkey abruptly turned their heads and saw several white reindeers rush over. General said, ¡°The master3? Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Yu Hao and General mounted the reindeer; the reindeer herd scattered in all directions to lure the sea monsters that had rushed over away. Yu Hao could only hear the whirring of the wind in his ears as a snowstorm was raging all around them and they couldn¡¯t tell where they were going. More and more reindeer rushed along the seaside villages and scattered themselves amongst the villages to divert the sea monster herd¡¯s attention. Dozens of sea monsters wreaked havoc in the coastal villages, while the two reindeer who were carrying Yu Hao and General rushed into an inconspicuous village one after the other. They slammed into the door of a woodshed and rushed inside.


    Their surroundings instantly plunged into darkness; a yellow light was shining at the end of this darkness which lit up a slanted passage that lead underground. The reindeers gradually slowed down as they made their way into a small room.


    There was a warm fireplace in this small room, as well as a bed. The bedside was filled with display shelves which was stocked full of comic books. A little girl sat on the bed ¡ª it was Shi Ni, and a beautiful reindeer was lying near the bottom of the bed.


    Yu Hao had finally found a warm place in this bitterly cold world, it¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t expect to arrive at Shi Ni¡¯s inner safe haven in such a way. When he looked around the room, he had a hunch that this place might be Xiaoxiao¡¯s bedroom.


    But he didn¡¯t know why Xiaoxiao would take the form of a reindeer.


    Shi Ni looked a bit bewildered as she looked up at the two of them. She had a very beautiful and delicate appearance, and looked just like a princess who was waiting in her attic.


    ¡°Nini?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Hello¡­¡­¡± Shi Ni hesitated a bit before she said, ¡°Great Sage and¡­¡­Christ.¡±


    ¡°I say¡­¡± General casually picked up a comic book and flipped through it ¡ª they were all shoujo mangas ¡ª before he placed it back.


    ¡°My strength is weakening.¡± The reindeer actually spoke, and Yu Hao remembered that this was Xiaoxiao¡¯s voice.


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This safe haven will disappear tomorrow, right? Because you¡¯re going to¡­¡­¡±


    General immediately made an almost imperceptible ¡°shh¡± gesture to motion that he would talk instead.


    Shi Ni put down the comic book in her hands and got off her bed. She looked uneasily at General and Yu Hao.


    ¡°I will bring her to her totem.¡± General stated.


    ¡°What¡¯s a totem?¡± Shi Ni asked with a confused expression.


    ¡°A totem is the most important thing in your heart.¡± General said, ¡°It is the cornerstone of this world and the source of your strength. Do you want to seize back this world?¡±


    Shi Ni looked at the reindeer, then she looked back at General and said, ¡°After I get it back, will everything return to normal?¡±


    General nodded and said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You must be brave.¡± The reindeer said in a gentle voice, ¡°Nini.¡±


    Shi Ni¡¯s gaze passed by General and landed upon Yu Hao. Yu Hao smiled and said, ¡°Nini, we will protect you. We will protect you all the way until you get your totem back and become yourself again.¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°I trust you, Christ.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t call me Christ. Only you can truly save yourself.¡±


    ¡°Ai.¡± General was displeased, ¡°What about me, the Monkey King? The first person you summoned here was me you know?¡±


    Shi Ni asked curiously, ¡°Who are you?¡±


    General could only wave his hand and said, ¡°Forget it.¡±


    Those words had suddenly tugged on Yu Hao¡¯s heartstrings, and made his previous vague conjecture a little clearer.


    However, right at this moment, the ground far above them began to tremble violently.


    Shi Ni immediately looked up in terror.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid.¡± General said to Shi Ni, ¡°For tonight, this place is absolutely safe.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go out to take a look.¡± Yu Hao explained.


    ¡°When we meet again tomorrow, I will come and pick you up.¡± General said to Shi Ni again before he left the safe haven with Yu Hao, then they closed the small underground door.


    The overhead passage kept quaking, and the dirt overhead shook off with a rustle and fell to the ground.


    ¡°What will happen if the safe haven disappears?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°In a normal conscious world, there are no safe havens.¡± General was walking in front as he ignored the impending crisis, ¡°It¡¯s only when the conscious world is in turmoil that a safe haven will be created by the owner.¡±


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°Then will she create a new safe haven?¡±


    General said, ¡°Un, maybe. But don¡¯t tell her too much. Not everyone can accept these things like you did.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned as he said, ¡°But she¡¯ll remember when she wakes up.¡±


    General said, ¡°She¡¯ll forget it soon enough. If you don¡¯t believe me, just think about it. Aside from a few events that are linked to the real world and the key points that had left a deep impression on you, how much of your own dream can you remember?¡±


    The moment Yu Hao thought about it, he realised that General was right. He couldn¡¯t even remember what had happened in his dream clearly. If he hadn¡¯t come into Shi Ni¡¯s dream with General again, then in a few years time, there would probably only be a few fragments of their fortuitous encounter left in his memory: the meandering Great Wall, the black dragon that circled in the sky, the iron man clad in a suit of armour¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­if he had recalled it a few years later, Yu Hao probably would have subconsciously given himself a reasonable explanation for his dream ¡ª¡ª when he was 18, his life was filled with despair and he had been driven to desperation, so he had a strange dream one night, and when he woke up again, the light from the sun gradually returned to his life again.


    Would it be the same for Shi Ni? Perhaps she would think that after she was woken up by Yu Hao on Christmas Eve and went back to sleep again, she had a dream that was related to Yu Hao. The phrase ¡°one dreams at night what one thinks of in the day¡± would thus be the most apt explanation for such an occurrence. But how would she explain General¡¯s existence in her dream?


    Yu Hao looked at General¡¯s back. This huge monkey was walking in front of him as he dragged his Dinghaishenzhen along, and he had to bend over as he walked to avoid knocking his head into the apex of the passageway. His irritated look was a bit amusing.


    ¡°May I ask you a question?¡±


    ¡°Why do you have so many questions?¡±


    General turned around and looked at Yu Hao helplessly as he scratched his neck. Yu Hao laughed and moved forward to observe his Jingubang.


    ¡°Why will the Jingubang¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It came from your conscious world and is a part of your totem. When I took it from you, it might have lacked some sort of activation mechanism.¡±


    ¡°But shouldn¡¯t its original form be a shield?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Who knows?¡± The huge monkey shrugged indifferently, ¡°I don¡¯t know how these symbols in the dream world operate. It¡¯s just that I¡¯ve seen a lot, so most of my knowledge is based off my own conjectures.¡±


    Yu Hao realised something and said, ¡°Your personality seems to have changed a little compared to when we first met, is it because of the dreamscape¡¯s owner?¡±


    General subconsciously looked at Yu Hao and said, ¡°Maybe. After I turned into a monkey, I always seem to speak like a monkey without realising it. I scolded you a few times right? Are you angry?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a little anxious.¡±


    ¡°What are you anxious about?¡±


    Yu Hao and General pushed the door open together and returned to the surface, and within an instant, Yu Hao had seen an incomparably terrifying scene! They were only surrounded by a vast expanse of water, and the world had undergone another huge change. The sea monsters had found the safe haven and were currently attacking the barrier around this woodshed one after the other!


    General raised one hand and said, ¡°They can¡¯t get in.¡±


    Their surroundings had already turned into a winter apocalypse. The sea monsters roared in the sea; raging waves were tossing about, and the tsunami had destroyed almost all of the villages¡¯ houses along the coastline. Only this small, lone island was left amidst the boundless body of water ¡ª it looked just like a large-scale maritime disaster scene with no end in sight.


    General, ¡°This dreamscape is filled with so much despair that it¡¯s affecting my mood to a certain extent.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow night?¡± Yu Hao stared at the sea monsters in front of them vigilantly.


    ¡°Tomorrow night.¡± General said, ¡°You still need to work a little harder in the real world.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is it because you wanted to help me that you¡­¡­¡±


    General, ¡°Good night.¡±


    Within that apocalyptic scene, the huge monkey suddenly smiled. The smile had appeared on a monkey¡¯s face, yet Yu Hao thought it made him look very handsome and his heart began to jump wildly within an instant.


    General didn¡¯t wait for Yu Hao to finish asking his question before he stretched his palm out and pressed it against his face. Yu Hao¡¯s soul was instantly ejected from Shi Ni¡¯s dreamscape.


    Yu Hao suddenly opened his eyes underneath the glow of the sun. Remnants of the sensation of his palpitating heart remained in his consciousness, and as it accompanied the warmth of his blanket as well as the feeling of waking up on a winter morning, it made him feel extremely happy.


    ¡°Fuck! It¡¯s already 10?!¡±


    Yu Hao got up and kept Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes, then went to his dormitory to find him. No one answered the door after he knocked for half a day. When Yu Hao was about to call him, he received Zhou Sheng¡¯s message.


    ¡¾Get one breakfast set and come to the field.¡¿


    After Zhou Sheng finished his ten-mile morning run on a wet field, he sat side by side with Yu Hao next to the field and began to wolf down his breakfast. He listened to Yu Hao narrate a rough overview of the entire story, and Yu Hao was afraid that he would suddenly curse Mr. Shi so he had prepared himself to be splashed with rice noodles.


    But unexpectedly, Zhou Sheng only patiently listened to his story before saying, ¡°When will her father come back?¡±


    ¡°At the very least, she¡¯ll be safe for today.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t afford any further delays.¡± Zhou Sheng cleaned up his trash and threw them away before he said, ¡°Let¡¯s leave after I take a bath, we need to call the police immediately. I have Huang Ting¡¯s number so I¡¯ll call him, you go and contact Nini.¡±


    1. Full title is Great Sage, Equal of Heaven which is the Monkey King¡¯s title?


    2. its English translation is Shaolin Cudgel Level with Eyebrow¡­¡­ which is a very literal translation¡­.I found a nice pic of it here:


    ?


    3. The term here used was for the real monarch of a country?

 Chapter 16 - Demonic Eye

    Seizing Dreams Ch16 ¨C Demonic Eye


    There were four beds in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dormitory. Two were piled up with sundries ¡ª his roommates had rented a room outside. The other bed belonged to Fu Liqun, and looking at it now, you could tell that he didn¡¯t return to the dorm last night.


    Yu Hao, ¡°There¡¯s only the two of you in your dorm?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had taken his shirt off the moment he entered. He had lean muscles and neat packs of abdominal muscles as he walked around shirtless in front of Yu Hao. For a homosexual, this was simply a temptation that was at the level of a celestial dish. Yu Hao had always told himself that he couldn¡¯t fall for a straight guy again, otherwise he would eventually die a terrible death. However, he was a little overwhelmed when he was faced with the physique of an excellent male specimen right before his eyes, so he could only try his best to not look at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Fu Liqun stayed out overnight.¡± Zhou Sheng opened his wardrobe and rummaged through his rumpled shirts; he had to sniff them one by one to find one that he could wear. Yu Hao passed him the clothes and socks that he had cleaned, then Zhou Sheng threw him a kiss and said, ¡°Wonderful, love you~¡± before he turned around and entered the bathroom.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s table was in a mess. It was piled up with a few EVA figurines1, the complete set of One Piece, as well as swimsuit ladies lying on top of cup noodles2. There were a few time cards3 that had been scratched and a brand new English CET-4 book thrown to a side ¡ª only the first three questions of the book had been completed as expected.


    But the sports shoes underneath the table were laid out very neatly.


    Yu Hao inadvertently caught a glimpse of a golden handicraft that had a large dial on it next to the alarm clock ¡ª¡ª within the circle was a hollowed-out solar ornamentation, and it was surrounded by four hollowed-out bird-shaped patterns that had been carved into it. It looked like a classically gorgeous gold ring.


    Yu Hao had a nagging feeling that he had seen it somewhere before, so he faced the bathroom and asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was humming as he bathed. When he heard Yu Hao, he stopped, ¡°What is it? Bring it over and I¡¯ll take a look.¡±


    Yu hao didn¡¯t ask any more questions. After Zhou Sheng finished bathing, he came out wearing only his briefs and Yu Hao almost suffered a nosebleed. He quickly said, ¡°Put your clothes on, don¡¯t catch a cold again.¡±


    Zhou Sheng went to take a look at his phone with an indifferent expression on his face. After he sent a message out, Huang Ting called him back a few times. Yu Hao picked up the artifact on display. Zhou Sheng put his clothes on and casually took it from Yu Hao to place it in his pocket, ¡°Lucky item. I carry it around with me when I go for competitions so that I can have a peace of mind, it¡­¡­put on more clothes, our battle begins! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Zhou Sheng patted Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders. Yu Hao suddenly felt a lot more at ease, and all the concerns he had vanished within an instant. It was as if with a strong friend like Zhou Sheng by his side, he had nothing to fear.


    Ying city turned even colder after it had snowed throughout the night, but it was as warm as spring within the flower cafe. Yu Hao wore too many layers today so the heat made him feel a bit restless. He and Shi Ni both had a cup of chocolate in their hands, while Zhou Sheng was drinking black coffee. Silence fell upon the three of them.


    ¡°For you guys.¡± When Shi Ni took out her Christmas gifts, her hands were trembling from nervousness.


    Yu Hao accepted her gift ¡ª it was a box of exquisite chocolates. There were only four pieces inside and it looked very expensive. He casually asked, ¡°Did you sleep well last night?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Shi Ni was obviously a little tired. She was wrapped up in a down jacket with her long hair tucked behind her ears and could already be considered a small adult. She looked up at him and asked, ¡°What do I need to do?¡±


    Yu Hao sincerely said, ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng leaned back on his chair as he scrutinised Shi Ni; he hadn¡¯t said a single word from the start. His gaze was filled with pity, sorrow and anger, but he sensibly left this up to Yu Hao to handle.


    Shi Ni fell silent again. Yu Hao knows that she must be feeling very uneasy right now, and she might even be regretting her decision. After all, the one who had accompanied her by her side was Xiaoxiao, but now that all her support had disappeared within an instant, she needed to rebuild the bridge of trust between her, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao had gone through something similar before; there was once a period in his life that made him distrust everyone around him. But now, he was beginning to understand that the most genuine and sincere relationship people can share¡­is one of mutual trust. The words ¡°I trust you¡± have been said ¡ª this was the premise that all emotional bonds are formed upon, and it marked the beginning of someone¡¯s journey out of their darkness as they ventured towards the sun.


    The first bonds of trust form in one¡¯s family during childhood, but Mr. Shi¡¯s actions had completely disintegrated and shattered her trust, so she didn¡¯t dare have faith in anyone anymore. But now, she was trying to trust them. Or rather, she could not completely extinguish the hopes she had for others hidden in the depths of her heart. When she said the words ¡°I trust you¡± under Xiaoxiao¡¯s encouragement, it triggered Yu Hao¡¯s memory of his past self. Slowly, he began to understand the crucial element that was necessary in undoing the knot in Shi Ni¡¯s heart.


    ¡¾Do you have some time today?¡¿


    Yu Hao inadvertently glanced at his phone and saw Chen Yekai¡¯s WeChat message.


    Yu Hao could only reply him with a simple message and told him that he was outside.


    ¡°What¡¯s Xiaoxiao¡¯s surname?¡± Yu Hao locked his phone screen and suddenly changed the topic by asking a completely unrelated question.


    ¡°Her surname is Lu4.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°Why?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, this had confirmed his speculation. He was trying to search for the links between her dreamscape and reality, as if he was navigating through a maze.


    ¡°Has she left?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    ¡°She left in the morning.¡± Shi Ni took her phone out for a look and said, ¡°She has already boarded the plane.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Did she leave any souvenirs for you?¡±


    Shi Ni stretched her left hand out ¡ª she was wearing a braided bracelet around her wrist. She said, ¡°We have one each.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that when they enter her dream again, this bracelet could be of some use, like his laundry fork. But after Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, he felt a little uneasy. He had been trying his best to analyse Shi Ni¡¯s dream the whole day today, and the only volatile element in it was the demonic eye above the lighthouse.


    As stated in¡¶Lord of the Rings¡·5, the demonic eye serves as a symbol of an omniscient being¡¯s surveillance; which is to say, Shi Ni¡¯s every single move was being monitored by Mr. Shi. Even though this was only how Shi Ni perceived it to be, there must be a reason why she had formed this perception over the years.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to bring this matter up bluntly, otherwise it would trigger an even greater sense of fear within Shi Ni which would allow the demonic eye in her dream to grow even stronger.


    ¡°When will your father come back?¡±


    ¡°The day after tomorrow.¡± Shi Ni said dejectedly.


    Yu Hao pondered for a long while. Zhou Sheng suddenly stretched his leg out under the table and bumped him lightly. Yu Hao looked up at Zhou Sheng and knew what he was thinking¡ª¡ª brief and sharp pains were better than lasting, dull ones. He had to say what he needed to.


    But Yu Hao suddenly changed his mind and faced Shi Ni as he asked, ¡°What is your father most afraid of?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Shi Ni looked surprised.


    She had always been waiting for Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng to bring her to the police station, as if she was being taken there for an injection. The future terrified her, and she felt as if she was waiting for a sentence.


    Yet Yu Hao never mentioned it, so Shi Ni¡¯s tense nerves had begun to relax without her notice.


    ¡°Think about it, treat him as a big boss.¡± Yu Hao frowned and said, ¡°What kind of weakness does he have that would make him fear you?¡±


    But what Yu Hao was thinking about was actually the demonic eye that floated above the lighthouse in her dreamscape. When he enters the dreamscape again tonight, he would have to engage in their final battle with the demonic eye. He connected this to the last time when he had used a laundry fork to ruthlessly get rid of his dark self, and even though he and General were the main forces this time, Shi Ni¡¯s help may play a very important role in their impending fight.


    ¡°Weakness?¡± Shi Ni seemed like she had never thought of that question before.


    Zhou Sheng finally spoke, ¡°For example, who he¡¯s most afraid of, or what he¡¯s most afraid of? Does he have some secret that he doesn¡¯t want other people to know about? Is he involved in any bribery cases? How much money is he hiding under his bed?¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s impossible for her to know those kinds of things!¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°He¡¯s afraid of fire.¡±


    ¡°O¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why? Have you seen how he looks like when he sees fire?¡±


    Shi Ni tried to recall a time like that and Yu Hao felt like they had caught onto something, but he didn¡¯t know if it would be of any use. After all, the demonic eye symbolises the impression Shi Ni has of Mr. Shi in her mind. But if they could enter Mr. Shi¡¯s dreamscape, it might be a different matter altogether.


    Shi Ni once lit up a scented candle at home before, which brought upon her a deluge of rebuke from a Mr. Shi who had looked like a rabid dog. When Yu Hao heard that, he thought that his idea was pretty good, so he asked Shi Ni to continue recalling such incidents. Shi Ni seemed to have completely overcome her fear as she began to talk more and more. After much deliberation, Yu Hao felt that the biggest obstacle Shi Ni had to face was the fear of being unable to resist her father. As long as she could overcome that fear, everything else would naturally move along smoothly.


    He guided Shi Ni patiently, and had even asked her to imagine the scene of Mr. Shi being brought to justice, and to imagine herself pointing a torch at Mr. Shi and how Mr. Shi would panic when he sees her fire. Then, he asked her to imagine how she would start her new life in a brand new place.


    ¡°How would you like to live your life in the future?¡± Zhou Sheng held a cigarette in his hand as he spun it around like a pencil.


    ¡°I never want to see him again.¡± Shi Ni stated, ¡°And I don¡¯t want to see my mum either.¡±


    ¡°Will your uncle and aunt be willing to take care of you?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°You¡¯re only 13 this year, so you¡¯ll need a new guardian¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fourteen soon.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°My birthday¡¯s in January.¡±


    ¡°Just two more years and you¡¯ll be of legal age.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to talk about that.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s not too early, I could already take care of my grandma when I was in my first year of high school. Nini, you¡¯re good at your studies, so you¡¯ll be able to go abroad after you graduate from junior high. Everything¡¯s going to be alright.¡±


    Shi Ni nodded her head. Yu Hao had taught her before, so he was very clear about her results; she was doing well in all her subjects, though she had some room for improvement when it came to English. He had tutored her in English so that she would be able to go abroad for her senior high school education after she graduates from junior high.


    Zhou Sheng sat up straight and bent over slightly, then seriously said to Shi Ni, ¡°Then, let¡¯s come up with a plan ba.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that since they were getting straight to the point, he would hand the conversation over to Zhou Sheng. He has always been very radical, but this radicalism of his made him feel very reliable.


    ¡°Should I notify my officer friend?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Shi Ni nodded, then became a little nervous again. Yu Hao said, ¡°We will stay by your side at all times until this whole matter is over.¡±


    Zhou Sheng called Huang Ting. Huang Ting had been waiting in this shopping mall a long time ago, so he arrived in just five minutes. Yu Hao had actually been slightly worried about whether the appearance of an officer in a cafe for a discussion would attract any attention, but reality dispelled his concerns ¡ª Huang Ting was dressed in informal wear.


    Shi Ni had seen him several times before. This officer felt like a reliable person, and he seemed to be able to see right through her heart. The moment Huang Ting sat down, he said, ¡°So? Has the little girl thought it through carefully?¡±


    Shi Ni finally revealed everything. Yu Hao thought that she would cry and had already prepared tissues beforehand, but he didn¡¯t expect Shi Ni to be so extraordinarily strong. Before they began, Huang Ting took out a recording pen and looked at Shi Ni with an inquiring eye. Shi Ni nodded. There were much fewer people in the flower cafe now, and their environment slowly began to quieten down. When Shi Ni was narrating a brief overview of what she had experienced, there were several times when Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng felt like they couldn¡¯t bear to listen any further.


    At the very end, after Shi Ni¡¯s narration ended, Huang Ting said, ¡°Decide for yourself when you want us to bring you to the hospital for an examination.¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°Let¡¯s go now ba.¡±


    Everything that Yu Hao was worried about didn¡¯t happen. Huang Ting contacted a nearby hospital and drove Shi Ni over there for the check-up; he was no stranger to the hospital as he navigated through the place. Dusk had fallen without anyone¡¯s notice. A gentle female doctor spoke softly to Shi Ni for a bit before bringing her in for an examination, while Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng waited for her outside.


    The examination took a very long time. Yu Hao asked softly, ¡°What should we do tonight?¡±


    ¡°Listen to Huang Ting.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let him make the arrangements.¡± Then he yawned and said, ¡°The moment winter rolls around I just want to sleep.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were thoroughly exhausted for the day. Their nerves had always been stretched taut, especially when they were conversing with Shi Ni. They were fully focused on observing her emotions the whole time and everything they said were carefully worded, so they felt like they had just finished fighting a war.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Take note of what¡¯s going on inside, I¡¯ll sleep for a bit.¡± And as he spoke, he lied down on the long bench and used Yu Hao¡¯s thigh as a pillow. Yu Hao covered him with a jacket before he turned around and looked inside.


    When Zhou Sheng fell asleep, it was as if someone had said ¡®one, two, three¡¯ and the aura that surrounded his body vanished without a trace in an instant. The moment he closed his eyes, Zhou Sheng suddenly looked like a slightly childish big guy, and the shallow scar on his eyebrow lightened up a lot too.


    Yu Hao had woken up once last night before dreaming through the rest of the night, so he was extremely sleepy right now as well. However, he had to force himself to endure it and wait for Shi Ni to come out. His sleepiness assaulted him constantly, which caused his upper and lower eyelids to engage in a never ending battle. Thus, his head ended up drooping while he maintained his sitting posture. He had placed one hand on Zhou Sheng¡¯s chest and was about to fall asleep when he suddenly received a short message from Chen Yekai.


    ¡¾Not in your dorm?¡¿


    Yu Hao subconsciously looked at the time. It was only 6pm, so there shouldn¡¯t be a dormitory inspection now right? He quickly replied Chen Yekai and told him that he had just finished studying with Zhou Sheng.


    ¡¾It¡¯s Christmas, so I wanted to treat you to dinner tonight. And take the chance to ask you about some other things as well.¡¿


    Shi Ni came out at this moment. Yu Hao quickly turned around and saw Shi Ni frowning, ¡°My nanny told my Dad that I haven¡¯t been home for the entire day. What should I do?¡±


    Yu Hao took Shi Ni¡¯s phone and pondered for a moment, he wasn¡¯t very good at lying. Zhou Sheng woke up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll send you a picture. You just need to say that you¡¯re buying him a New Year gift at the commercial street across the road, then ask him to choose one.¡±


    Huang Ting took the examination report and walked out. He looked at the three of them before he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll go back together to file the case and record your testimonies.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that this examination report would be very useful. Huang Ting looked for a female officer, and after the three of them had finished recording their testimonies, he got her to deal with it quickly as it was an urgent case. They needed to have a meeting regarding this at night.


    ¡°Where will she stay tonight?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Home.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Give him a call using your house phone and tell him that you¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°But I¡­¡­¡± Shi Ni was a bit hesitant before she asked, ¡°Can you stay over at my house tonight?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Huang Ting to seek his opinion. Huang Ting said, ¡°We can¡¯t interfere in that, that¡¯s your own private arrangement.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you ba.¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll sleep in your living room tonight.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Nini, stay at home and don¡¯t go anywhere. Lock the door. I¡¯ll check his flight, and if everything goes well, I¡¯ll notify your uncle and aunt to come down here tomorrow. On the day after tomorrow, we¡¯ll keep watch at the airport in the morning; after he gets off the plane, we¡¯ll bring him back to the station first. From that moment onward, you will be safe.¡±


    When they heard this, all three of them heaved a sigh of relief.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the airport the day after tomorrow too.¡±


    Huang Ting thought for a bit. He didn¡¯t promise anything as he said, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s finish eating this box of chocolates ba.¡± Yu Hao said to Shi Ni.


    Shi Ni took one piece, Zhou Sheng took one piece, and Yu Hao took one piece. Huang Ting naturally knew what Yu Hao meant, but he could only wave his hand as he said, ¡°This is my duty, keep it. For these few days, all of you must keep your phones turned on at all times so that we can keep in touch whenever necessary.¡±


    1. From the anime Neon Genesis Evangelion?


    2. Wtf I didn¡¯t know these existed:


    ?


    3. A game time card (GTC,also called game time code) generally refers to any one-time use code that allows you subscription time to a certain game?


    4. Lu = deer?


    5. The Eye of Sauron/All-seeing eye in LOTR. I¡¯ve never watched the series so I¡¯m not very sure about its specifics but from what I¡¯ve gathered from my best friend (Google), it symbolises the ability of Sauron to know everything/has knowledge of everything/can invade the minds of others?

 Chapter 17 - Dormitory Inspection

    Seizing Dreams Ch17 ¨C Dormitory Inspection


    Note: There¡¯s one bolded word, I bold words when they were originally in English in the raws.


    ¡ª


    When they were leaving the station, Yu Hao stayed back by himself and asked Huang Ting, ¡°Can this case be brought to court?¡±


    ¡°Yours should be fine. I¡¯ll make everything clear at the meeting later, you can¡¯t be wronged any further. But the premise is that Shi Liang has to admit to his crimes¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I meant her case.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry as he said, ¡°Mine isn¡¯t even worth mentioning.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to say.¡± Huang Ting stated, ¡°The medical report is strong evidence, but it can¡¯t prove that it was done by her father. We need to wait for the prosecution to raise an indictment; Shi Liang¡¯s an extremely cunning guy, if he¡¯s dead set on insisting that he didn¡¯t do it and he manages to get an amazing lawyer, the case could be locked in a stalemate for a long time.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned as he pondered. Huang Ting said, ¡°The only thing we can do now is to protect her well. Yu Hao, I would strongly advise you against staying at her house tonight¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao interrupted, ¡°I know. I just wanted to set her mind at ease, I won¡¯t stay at her house.¡±


    Yu Hao knows that Shi Ni must be filled with a strong sense of insecurity right now, and probably never fully trusted the police as she was afraid that this matter would just go back and forth. Also, he was still worried about the demonic eye in the dreamscape.


    ¡°And if there¡¯s any surveillance in Nini¡¯s house¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°No surveillance.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯m very sure about that, or else we wouldn¡¯t have been bogged down by your case for so long.¡±


    After thinking about it, Yu Hao asked, ¡°What about the nanny?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Her nanny is only around on Mondays and Thursdays, she won¡¯t be around tomorrow or the day after.¡±


    Then¡­¡­what exactly does the demonic eye represent? The nanny? Yu Hao kept thinking.


    ¡°In any case, you should advise her well. Tomorrow night, I will get a colleague to stay with her for one night to wait for the day after tomorrow. We can only detain him for 24 hours, if she¡¯s willing to confront Shi Liang, there may be progress¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao interrupted, ¡°She doesn¡¯t want to see him ever again. Can you judge him if she doesn¡¯t see him?¡±


    ¡°This is a criminal case.¡± Huang Ting suppressed his voice as he said sternly, ¡°Not a civil dispute. If the witness is absent, a certain amount of credibility will be lost. I understand that you want to protect a minor, but it would be better if she can attend the court session.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was waiting in front of the restaurant, and when he managed to get some seats, he shouted at Yu Hao.


    ¡°The most you can do right now is to adjust her frame of mind. As of now, you¡¯re the one she trusts the most.¡± Huang Ting continued, ¡°I told her that I¡¯ll let a colleague follow her home to stay the night, but she insists on asking you to accompany her back or else she wouldn¡¯t go home. She has always had a very strong guard up, but right now, she¡¯s willing to listen to and consider whatever you say.¡±


    ¡°Easy for you to say.¡± It was rare for Yu Hao to talk back.


    Yet Huang Ting smiled. He took his cap off and scrutinised Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re a healing lad.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°How¡¯re you faring as a Glory healer1? Wanna join our party?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­no time, final exams are coming up!¡±


    ¡°But you need to both work and play ma.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Your form teacher lacks milk2, go back and practice.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted again, ¡°Ai! Yu Hao what are you doing?! Hurry up!¡± He looked just like a huge monkey with all his fur standing on end.


    Yu Hao could only hurry over to join him, Shi Ni was already waiting in the restaurant. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng briefly exchanged some information, but Zhou Sheng managed to understand the gist and said, ¡°I¡¯ll think of a way.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can sleep in her corridor for one night too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai don¡¯t be silly, leave it to me. We¡¯ll talk about it later.¡±


    Shi Ni felt heavy-hearted throughout their meal. Yu Hao could tell that she was full of anxiety about the future. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng kept sending out WeChat messages. Yu Hao thought about it a little before chatting with Shi Ni about English Literature, and he successfully diverted Shi Ni¡¯s attention. When they were settling the bill, Zhou Sheng said to Shi Ni, ¡°Nini, I thought about it, and it¡¯s better if Yu Hao doesn¡¯t stay at your house. Let¡¯s stay outside today ba, we¡¯ll get two rooms ¡ª one for you and one for me and Yu Hao.¡±


    Shi Ni pondered for a bit. She understood what Zhou Sheng was trying to say: if her tutor slept over at her house, it wouldn¡¯t be good if it was made known to others. So she said, ¡°I think it¡¯s better if I go home to sleep ba, I¡¯m afraid that he¡¯ll call my home phone.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s fine too, then I can save on the money for one room. As soon as we wake up tomorrow, we¡¯ll go and find you and take you to the amusement park.¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°Really?! It¡¯s a promise then!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Of course. If I make a promise, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to fulfill it.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng asked for a room at the hotel reception. This hotel was right below Shi Ni¡¯s house. After they got a room, Zhou Sheng took his phone out to pay for it and saw a bunch of messages in his WeChat.


    ¡°They¡¯re inspecting the dorms, I need to go back.¡± Zhou Sheng said immediately.


    Dormitory inspection?! Yu Hao instantly went berserk, why are they inspecting the dorms at this kind of timing?! He had almost forgotten that Chen Yekai was a new official, and a new broom sweeps clean3. Although everyone was staying out all night, if Chen Yekai wanted to deal with them seriously, they were bound to have to endure a harsh scolding.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Before the lights go out at 10pm, he will begin inspecting from Building 4 onwards. When I get back I¡¯ll go to your dorm immediately and sleep under the quilt, then once he¡¯s done inspecting your dorm, I¡¯ll rush back to my own dorm.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Ok then.¡±


    ¡°Whoooosh¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng zoomed to the subway so quickly he looked like he was flying.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    On the contrary, Shi Ni was so amused she laughed for half a day as she stood in the hotel lobby. Yu Hao was suddenly infected by her mood and began to laugh too; the two of them looked at each other as they laugh, as if they had just gone through a major event in their lives.


    Shi Ni, ¡°Send me home ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Yu Hao kept the room card and brought Shi Ni home. Her house was quiet and deserted. Shi Liang had installed a row of blue lights on the ceiling, and his original intention could have been to emphasize a modern style for the interior, but when it was turned on, its illumination made the house feel chilly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a bath first.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°Wait for me, I still want to talk to you a little.¡±


    Shi Ni went to bathe, then Yu Hao leaned on the sofa as he continued thinking about the demonic eye. Was there really no surveillance in this house? Could it be hidden in some obscure corner? But since Huang Ting has already said there wasn¡¯t any, no surveillance should be able to escape the eye of an experienced guy like him.


    After she took a bath, Shi Ni¡¯s long hair draped behind her shoulders as she wore her pajamas ¡ª she looked just like a fragrant and soft little animal. She found two bottles of yoghurt and gave one to Yu Hao while she kept one for herself, then she took out a scented candle that she had hidden and lit it.


    Yu Hao was lying down as he watched her with a slight furrow between his brows. The two of them were speechless for a moment, Shi Ni looked a bit embarrassed.


    ¡°Nini, do you have a guy you like?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Shi Ni bit on her straw as she looked at Yu Hao, then shook her head.


    Yu Hao smiled as he said, ¡°What about girls?¡±


    ¡°Lu Xiaoxiao.¡± Shi Ni answered.


    Yu Hao had just mentioned it casually, yet he had unintentionally gotten Shi Ni to share her secret with him. Shi Ni thought for a bit before she said, ¡°What about you? Do you have any guys you like?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao was shocked, ¡°You¡­¡­¡± On second thought, girls nowadays have pretty sharp eyes, so she might have seen through something.


    ¡°My Dad told me, your counsellor said so.¡±


    Yu Hao was a little annoyed. He frowned and said, ¡°Xue Laoshi? How did he know?¡±


    Those few words uttered by Shi Ni had given him a lot of information. Yu Hao speculated that his counsellor had probably looked for the people in his dorm room to speak to them, cause he had only ever told his roommate on the upper bunk because he was gay too. As for why his counsellor would disclose a student¡¯s secret to Shi Ni¡¯s father? It was probably because Shi Liang wanted to frame him for an even more disgusting charge, so the counsellor had to divulge his sexual orientation.


    ¡°Is Zhou Sheng your boyfriend?¡± Shi Ni asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s straight. He¡¯s as straight as an electrical pole.¡±


    Shi Ni nodded, then sighed, ¡°We were both dealt a hard hand in life.¡±


    Yu Hao had wanted to say, you¡¯re still young, your sexual orientation remains to be determined, but when the words reached his mouth he changed his mind and quipped, ¡°Love will come.¡± When he said this, he suddenly remembered General¡¯s words.


    ¡°I hope so.¡± Shi Ni said a bit sentimentally, then immediately asked, ¡°Are you a gong or a shou?¡±


    ¡°Er¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao felt embarrassed. He said, ¡°I¡¯ve never been in a relationship, but I think I¡¯m a gong. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°Xiaoxiao said that you¡¯re like a friendly neighbourhood big bro shou, she thinks your kind is the most meng type.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that primary school students knew too much nowadays. He was merely a muddle headed child when he was in primary school.


    ¡°Shall I help you confess to Zhou Sheng?¡± Shi Ni continued, ¡°Straight men can be bent too~¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving, go and sleep ba.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh as he said, ¡°He has a girlfriend! Don¡¯t worry yourself over nothing.¡±


    ¡°Last question.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°Why are you willing to help me?¡±


    ¡°To help you is to help myself.¡± Yu Hao casually said.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t think that way.¡± Shi Ni said.


    Yu Hao smiled and said, ¡°My friend pulled me out from my quagmire. He wants to pull you out too, I¡¯m just assisting him.¡±


    Shi Ni frowned with a face full of doubt. Yu Hao continued, ¡°The one who¡¯s helping you is him, not me.¡± He had indeed been summoned by General to Shi Ni¡¯s dream. Without General, he and Shi Ni wouldn¡¯t have been saved.


    ¡°Who?¡± Shi Ni asked again.


    ¡°Sleep ba.¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall Shi Ni¡¯s words just now as she asked him if he had someone he liked. Perhaps, holding a torch as he waited for his General in the darkness had already become a memory that he can never forget for the rest of his life ba.


    ¡°When you wake up tomorrow, you might be ushering in your new life.¡±


    Shi Ni looked at Yu Hao for awhile and said, ¡°I dreamed about you last night.¡± As she spoke, she finished her yoghurt and went to brush her teeth, ¡°You were with a huge monkey.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he walked downstairs. When he reached the hotel and glanced at his phone, his smile froze instantly.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s message: ¡¾Get back to your dorm right now, immediately! ¡¿


    Zhou Sheng: ¡¾I was discovered, don¡¯t mind him. He won¡¯t do anything to us.¡¿


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s angry appearance surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind. He quickly replied Chen Yekai and said that he¡¯s in his high school classmate¡¯s dormitory, and now that the lights were out it was even more impossible for him to return, so he¡¯ll go back tomorrow morning instead.


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t reply him. After waiting apprehensively for half a day, he wailed mournfully in his heart and thought that he was finished. Zhou Sheng sent him a lot of voice messages, so Yu Hao placed his phone next to his ear to listen to them. The gist was that Zhou Sheng was snacking as he lied on Yu Hao¡¯s bed with the quilt over him, and Chen Yekai thought that Yu Hao was sick so he came over to lift the quilt up out of concern.


    When the quilt was lifted, Chen Yekai saw a Zhou Sheng who was gnawing on some chicken feet with pickled peppers and their eyes met in that instant.


    According to Zhou Sheng¡¯s vivid description, the scene at that time was quite strange, yet Yu Hao wanted to knock his head against a wall when he was listening to it.


    At the end, Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice said, ¡°I accidentally dropped a bit of my chicken feet on your bed, come back and wash it ba. There¡¯s a bottle of iced black tea here that I bought but didn¡¯t drink, I placed it on your desk.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai never replied Yu Hao, it was as if he had suspended a sword over his head. Yu Hao could only force himself to fall asleep quickly. He tossed and turned for awhile before he finally fell asleep around 12am.


    Just like before, he passed through a golden light before Shi Ni¡¯s dreamscape appeared in front of him. He found himself in the midst of blaring noises, layers of ice being blasted away, Shi Ni¡¯s shrill shriek and General¡¯s loud shouts; tempestuous waves dotted with razor-sharp ice shards surged towards him, and it had formed a hurricane that covered the world!


    The moment Yu Hao opened his eyes in the conscious world, he was surrounded by chaos; his strength burst out from his back and turned into wings, then he subconsciously shook them open to avoid the raging ice shards that were falling from the sky and flew along the dark seas!


    The world had already turned into a vast expanse of water; thousands of gigantic sea monsters were roaring and leaping out of the waters, and the icebergs overhead were ruthlessly smashing down into the sea like meteorite showers. The entire conscious world was beginning to disintegrate and collapse; the seas had turned black, while the ice sheets were being shattered into pieces by the icebergs that fell from the sky. Ice caps drifted among the raging seas, sea water gushed into the sky and a floating iceberg was on the verge of splitting apart. On top of a high cliff, General was hanging onto an ice wall; he was kicking the air fiercely with both his legs, but there was no place for him to kick off. Shi Ni was anxiously grabbing ahold of one of the monkey¡¯s hands as she tried to drag him back up.


    Right behind them were six sea monsters who roared as they flew out from the sea bed; they soared into the sky and turned around, then opened their giant mouths and rushed towards the two who were on the iceberg to gobble them up!


    ¡°Let go¡ª¡ª!¡± General roared angrily.


    ¡°I won¡¯t!¡± Shi Ni cried back worriedly.


    The six sea monsters rushed down at the same time, but with a sudden whoosh, Yu Hao glided past at a high velocity and picked both of them up at the same time, then he flew away from the iceberg. A second later, the sea monsters had brutally crashed down on the iceberg behind them and shattered it into pieces!


    ¡°Why are you so late?!¡± General shouted angrily.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t fall asleep!¡± Yu Hao shouted back, ¡°I had insomnia! Sorry!¡±


    General, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Shi Ni rode on Yu Hao¡¯s back, while General¡¯s legs were wrapped around Yu Hao as he hung upside down. Yu Hao swept across the sea laboriously like a slanted cannonball that was at risk of falling into the sea, yet he still had to keep looking up to avoid the huge ice ridges that were falling from the sky!


    ¡°How did it turn out like this?!¡±


    ¡°Fly higher!¡± General shouted, ¡°Be careful!¡±


    Countless sea monsters were roaring as they followed behind in hot pursuit; Yu Hao left a trail of white light behind him as he darted across the sea.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re too heavy! I can¡¯t fly up! Get down first ba!¡±


    General, ¡°Are you kidding me?!¡±


    A smile hung on Yu Hao¡¯s lips, ¡°I even heard you shout ¡®let go of me¡¯ just now!¡±


    ¡°That was different!!¡±


    The three of them flew above the raging seas, but Yu Hao¡¯s strength was limited. With a huge monkey that was almost two-metres tall hanging off him and a Shi Ni riding on his back, he was getting closer and closer to the surface of the water. General screamed, ¡°I¡¯m going to fall in!¡± before he desperately tried to climb higher. Yu Hao immediately shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t move!!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing this on purpose!¡± General¡¯s head was almost submerged in water. Yu Hao arduously flapped his wings and flew higher when Shi Ni suddenly shouted, ¡°Lighthouse!¡±


    A lighthouse appeared in the distance. Yu Hao said, ¡°Why is there another one?¡±


    Plop! ¡°Glug glug¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had accidentally flown a little too low, so General¡¯s head dipped into the sea and he choked on a few mouthfuls of sea water. He bent over and shouted angrily, ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really trying my best!¡± Yu Hao cried bitterly. He really was trying to constantly flutter his wings as hard as he could to fly higher, all the while dodging the icebergs that were falling from the sky and the sea monsters that were chasing after them relentlessly. He shouted again, ¡°I¡¯m turning! Hold onto me tightly!¡±


    General could bear it no longer. His two legs clamped down tightly on Yu Hao¡¯s waist as he flipped up and embraced Yu Hao; within an instant, the two of them were stuck close to each another.


    ¡°Turn.¡± This monkey General had wrapped his entire body around Yu Hao. As he was speaking right next to his ear, General¡¯s deep voice and breath made Yu Hao¡¯s heart accelerate uncontrollably. Soon after, dozens of sea monsters that were even bigger than the ones from before broke through the ice opposite the lighthouse!


    Yu Hao immediately regained his balance. He spread out both his hands and suddenly made a turn in the air to avoid the multiple icebergs that were falling from the sky one after the other.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    With these three blasts in succession, a monstrous wave burst forth from the seas. General and Shi Ni shouted at the same time, Yu Hao turned sideways and broke through the wave wall by swooping straight through it! Then he made a sudden ascent, and just as the herd of sea monsters closed in on them, he swooshed through all the gaps between the innumerable tentacles with unimaginable precision!


    This conscious world had already turned into a boundless expanse of water; the lofty mountain ranges had turned into lone isles, and the sea continued to spread out as it submerged all of the villages near the harbour. Broken pieces of wood drifted about, and only a platform at the bottom of the lighthouse was covered in snow.


    The three of them shouted loudly as they plunged right into the snow, but they had a safe landing.


    General¡¯s hair and eyebrows were all covered with snow. He was the first to crawl out from the thick layer of snow on the ground before he picked Yu Hao up. Then, he turned around to search for Shi Ni as he cleared the pile of snow around him. Shi Ni was shivering from the cold. The black sea water swept onto the shores and gradually eroded the snow on the platform.


    ¡°Go!¡± General said.


    Yu Hao picked Shi Ni up and turned around to run towards the lighthouse. Shi Ni looked up; her eyes were filled with fear and she wasn¡¯t willing to approach it.


    A huge black door appeared at the bottom of the lighthouse.


    ¡°Open the door quickly!¡± General made Shi Ni snap out of her daze. Shi Ni said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to open it, I can¡¯t!¡±


    The sea monsters in the vast ocean were gathering toward the light house. Shi Ni took a step back and said, ¡°What is this place?¡±


    Yu Hao stared at the door blankly; the surrounding seawater was spreading out rapidly, and the sea monsters continued to converge toward the lighthouse.


    ¡°Nini.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°This is the study in your house. Face your fears head on and fight him!¡±


    Shi Ni took a deep breath, then looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°Laoshi will watch over you.¡±


    Yu Hao stretched his hand out, and Shi Ni placed her hand on Yu Hao¡¯s palm. The three of them approached the huge black metal door, and with a buzz, Yu Hao and Shi Ni passed straight through it while General bumped his head on the door.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General shouted angrily outside the door, ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately raised his head and pushed the latch up, while General shouldered the door to open it a crack. After he passed through the crack, he looked at Yu Hao without saying anything.


    ¡°I would like to leave now.¡± General stated.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry!¡±


    The moment Yu Hao saw this door, he had vaguely guessed the location of this place ¡ª the Shi residence¡¯s study.


    With his status as Shi Ni¡¯s tutor, he had obtained the right to enter this study ¡ª which is to say that within Shi Ni¡¯s consciousness, he has the ability to freely enter and leave this place at will. But General didn¡¯t have that ability, because General had never entered the Shi residence¡¯s study before.


    ¡°I¡¯ll massage it for you?¡± Yu Hao quickly said, and thought that if it were him he would have blown up too. General had been fleeing helter-skelter with Shi Ni for half a day as he waited for the comrade who took so long to get here. But after his comrade arrived, he still had to swallow a bellyful of seawater and get a bump on his head after he tried to pass through a door.


    He knelt on one knee as he wanted to look at the part of General¡¯s forehead that had bumped into the door, but he was blocked by the General who was in a bad mood. However, he persevered and managed to take a look. He had to massage it a few times before General got up with a face full of reluctance.


    The outside had suddenly turned quiet, General turned around to take a look. Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°I want to rest!¡± General said, ¡°It was so exhausting when you weren¡¯t around!¡±


    Yu Hao thus sat down with him to rest. He raised his hand and released a warm, white glow that he pressed onto General¡¯s forehead. Meanwhile, Shi Ni had walked to one side to look up at the tower. General casually gave him a brief overview about what had happened, so Yu Hao knew that when General first appeared in the dreamscape, the demonic eye had suddenly grown stronger. It had summoned the seas and raised it high up into the sky, then froze it into an iceberg before smashing it down on the ground. Ice sheets shattered and the sea level rose incessantly, then thousands of sea monsters sprung out of the sea and began to hunt down General and Shi Ni.


    General took Shi Ni with him as they fled from one iceberg to another, but they ended up encountering a tsunami that pushed them farther and farther away. If they had been driven out just a bit further, they would have fallen into the subconscious.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the boundary of the subconscious?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°In the sea.¡± General answered, ¡°If you¡¯re dragged into the deep sea by a monster, you¡¯ll never be able to come back. I want to ask you something¡­¡­¡± As General spoke, he stretched out his long arm and hugged Yu Hao close to him, then whispered into his ear, ¡°How are things going in the real world?¡±


    Yu Hao looked askance at General. This human-monkey pair were stuck close together, and their lips almost touched.


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry.¡± General said, ¡°I just don¡¯t want her to hear me so I wanted to talk to you alone.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly understood what he meant, so he suppressed his voice as he recounted what had happened briefly to General. General just listened in silence, then Yu Hao continued, ¡°How do we fight this battle?¡±


    ¡°She trusts you, and you need to trust her too.¡± General leaned close to Yu Hao and his lips touched his ear; the fur on his face tickled Yu Hao a little.


    ¡°When we reach the top, do as I say¡­¡­¡± General said, ¡°We¡¯ll definitely win.¡±


    After he heard this, Yu Hao abruptly turned around to look at General as his eyes glimmered with joy. General asked again, ¡°Understood?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. At this moment, the palm that he was pressing against the floor suddenly felt cold; the two of them immediately looked down at the floor ¡ª sea water was seeping into the tower through the crack in the door.


    General and Yu Hao quickly stood up, then they began to walk up the stairs of the lighthouse. The inner walls of the lighthouse were lined with bookshelves, and countless books made clattering noises as they bounced around on the them. The books were all opened up which revealed their sharp teeth within ¡ª they looked like they were trying to choose who they wanted to eat. General turned sideways so that Shi Ni could walk between him and Yu Hao as he blocked them from the bookshelves.


    Another crash sounded outside. The lighthouse began to shake violently, and Yu Hao could sense an impending danger.


    ¡°We need to hurry up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll carry you.¡± General said to Shi Ni.


    Shi Ni said, ¡°What¡¯s at the top?¡±


    ¡°Your father.¡±


    That was Yu Hao¡¯s guess. General said, ¡°We¡¯ll think of a way to defeat him, you have to trust us.¡±


    Shi Ni nodded.


    1. The bunch of them (Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, Chen Yekai and Huang Ting) play this Chinese MOBA called Wangzhe Rongyao/King of Glory. Yu Hao just started the game though, and he usually plays a healer. I find it so cute that they¡¯re all playing this game together alkjsnfajs?


    2. Milk = healing?


    3. A newly appointed official works hard to show his efficiency?

 Chapter 18 - Goodbyes

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch18 ¨C Goodbyes


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars


    At the same time, the sea water level outside the lighthouse was constantly rising. All the lamprey-like sea monsters had gathered around and were entwining the lighthouse with their tentacles as they began climbing up.


    The books on the shelves were getting more and more restless; they had jumped out on several occasions to attack the three of them. General quickened his pace and leaped off the banister. Yu Hao began to run as he chased after them from behind.


    ¡°Will there be a gatekeeper?¡± Yu Hao remembered that the gatekeeper of his palace was the person he had a secret crush on. A character who would guard one¡¯s inner darkness and fear¡­for Shi Ni, her gatekeeper might be her mother?


    When they arrived at the top floor, General put Shi Ni down and said, ¡°It¡¯s best if you don¡¯t¡­¡­¡±


    The top floor was a loft. All around them were blurred, flashing images that floated in mid-air, and they looked like photos from a memory as they revolved around them.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°What are these?¡± Yu Hao wondered.


    General and Yu Hao both held their weapons at the ready, prepared for battle, but the attic was empty. The two of them looked around before General suddenly reacted, ¡°Take this chance now and go!¡±


    Within an instant, black flames began to swirl around them. A huge open platform appeared at the top of the lighthouse, and in the centre of the platform laid a single office swivel chair. Shi Ni¡¯s father, Shi Liang, was sitting on it, and he was holding a tattered bear doll in his hands. The black flames that surrounded him transformed into an energy that rose into the air to form a giant demonic eye.


    The demonic eye drooped slightly and looked at the three of them. There was a symbol enshrouded in a mass of black air in the middle of the demonic eye.


    Totem!


    General waved his Jingubang while Yu Hao pulled his hands apart and his staff split into two knives.


    ¡°Nini, you¡¯re here.¡± Shi Liang¡¯s hair fell and he had an obscene smile on his face, ¡°Let Daddy take a look? Why are you always hiding at the back?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Shi Ni stood behind Yu Hao and General as she wheezed harshly.


    The sea monsters rose up from around the lighthouse and waved their tentacles. The demonic eye turned around and emitted a ray of light that enveloped the entire platform.


    Yu Hao and General pointed their weapons at Shi Liang simultaneously as they shouted, ¡°You¡¯re finished now!¡±


    General, ¡°We¡¯ve already called the police!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯ll be tomorrow at the latest! Then you¡¯ll be going to jail!¡±


    Shi Ni¡¯s eyes suddenly widened as she remembered. And the instant she remembered, the dark sky burst forth with millions of thunderstorms that whirled towards the lighthouse and struck it head-on!


    ¡°You¡¯re finished¡ª¡ª!¡± Shi Ni released all of the anger that she had been suppressing in her dreamscape as she shouted, ¡°You can¡¯t hurt me anymore! You beast¡ª¡ª!¡±


    The lightning of judgement exploded towards them and instantly electrocuted all of the sea monsters that were entrenched on the lighthouse, causing them to fall off!


    Shi Liang¡¯s eyes suddenly widened and he roared, ¡°Impossible!¡±


    Yu Hao never could have expected that after Shi Ni realised that her father was about to be brought to justice in her dreamscape, she would unleash such power. He heard General shout, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    The two of them rushed forward at the same time. Shi Liang raised his hand and the demonic eye released a beam of light that swept towards the two of them. Yu Hao¡¯s wings fluttered open, he suddenly grabbed General from behind and with one turn, he had flown high up into the sky. The thunderstorm that Shi Ni had released suddenly disappeared.


    Shi Liang¡¯s demonic eye aimed its glaring light at Shi Ni, and the sound of its sneers shook the sky.


    ¡°I know everything you do; your each and every move is under Daddy¡¯s watchful eye.¡±


    Shi Ni suddenly screamed; the thunderstorm that had filled the sky vanished without a trace. Shi Liang once again regained control of the conscious world.


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    Yu Hao, ¡°Shi Ni!¡±


    General, ¡°She can hold on! She has an amulet! Avoid the beam and throw me down!¡±


    Under the illumination of the demonic eye, Shi Ni¡¯s body was beginning to freeze, but just as the ice was about to spread throughout her body, a red halo suddenly appeared around her wrist. Immediately afterwards, the halo released a sound wave that shattered the ice into pieces!


    ¡°He¡¯s afraid of fire!¡± Yu Hao suddenly remembered their conversation that day.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    General chuckled and swept his Jingubang; the tip of his rod burst into blazing flames and he shouted, ¡°Encircle him!¡±


    Pa kjr jr lo Te Ljb kjr tbivlcu j oijwfatgbkfg jr tf rkfqa jgbecv lc mlgmifr klat atf yijhf atja Xfcfgji kjr gfifjrlcu; atf qijaobgw lcrajcais aegcfv lcab j rfj bo olgf. Ktf mlgmif bo olgf xfqa mibrlcu lc abkjgvr Vtl Oljcu, jcv joafg la tjv reggbecvfv Vtl Oljcu, tf lwwfvljafis gfagfjafv lc ofjg jr tf ibbxfv jii jgbecv tlw.


    ¡°Go!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao let go of General. While he was in midair, General swung his Jingubang down like he was splitting a mountain and the fiery blaze that it had set off pierced straight through Shi Liang with a loud explosion, setting him on fire.


    Yu Hao and General landed on the ground. The two men rolled over on the ground before they stood up, positioning themselves to protect Shi Ni who was standing in the middle as they formed a circle around her. Within the circle of fire, Shi Liang struggled and released a reluctant roar.


    ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± Yu Hao observed Shi Liang who was surrounded by the flames. Shi Liang tumbled around on the ground and climbed up. The demonic eye above suddenly emitted a mass of black smoke that began to converge towards Shi Liang. The demonic eye disappeared, and the totem took its place!


    ¡°Seize the totem!¡± General shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with him!¡±


    Within the circle of fire, a giant mutant sea monster sprang up into the sky.All of its tentacles swung toward Shi Ni and wrapped around her. Shi Ni let out a loud cry; General turned around and waved his Jingubang, then he rushed forward to attract its attention.


    Yu Hao took this opportunity to fly up into the sky. He swung both of his knives outwards as he circled in the air and ruthlessly hacked down with all his strength ¡ª he cut off all the tentacles that were entangled around Shi Ni with this one move!


    The totem gradually descended. Yu Hao rolled over on the ground; more tentacles curled toward them. Yu Hao pushed Shi Ni away and pointed at the totem in the air as he shouted, ¡°Grab it!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Shi Ni staggered to her feet. But it was as if the totem had recognised the true owner of this dreamscape as it began to disintegrate into light particles that flowed toward Shi Ni ¡ª these particles gradually began building a bridge in the air. Yu Hao darted towards one side as he swept his two knives apart. A bright light burst forth from his body which attracted the attention of the mutant sea monster.


    It had tens of millions of tentacles; within an instant they had all curled toward Yu Hao and formed a huge cage that blotted out the sky ¡ª but right at this moment, a loud whistle could be heard not too far away.


    The huge monkey bit the pinched fingers between his lips in a whistling gesture and swept past Yu Hao to once again draw all the tentacles away. Next, he stepped onto a tentacle that had swung over and with two jumps, he leaped into the sky. Yu Hao suddenly fluttered his wings open and was about to fly forward to support him when the huge monkey shouted loudly in the air.


    ¡°Drop, dead¡ª¡ª!¡±


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    The bright red flame released from the Jingubang instantly illuminated the entire conscious world that was enshrouded in darkness ¡ª like a fiery Milky Way that surged through the sky, it let out a huge roar within the darkness to light up the stars in this vast and boundless universe!


    Oh God, he¡¯s so handsome¡­¡­Yu Hao was flying in the sky as he looked at that figure holding up his heavenly fire. The fire was akin to a meteorite that could set all the evil in this world on fire; in that instant, he felt like all his reason had been smashed into smithereens along with that fall!


    General swung his first rod out; and the rod emitted a glaring light that ignited the sea monster.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    The second rod! The earth trembled, and the mutant sea monster that looked like a mountain was flung up into the air.


    The third rod!


    General spun once in the air, then exerted a tremendous force to transfer the Jingubang onto his shoulder. The Jingubang suddenly turned into a gigantic iron pillar that General used to sweep the sea monster off the lighthouse¡¯s platform!


    The mutant sea monster had been burnt to a crisp in the air and its remains scattered everywhere. Its tentacles waved about and forcefully yanked General downwards.


    ¡°General¡ª¡ª!¡±


    General was gasping for breath after he got caught up in the tentacles, then he fell into the raging sea below the lighthouse. Yu Hao immediately bent forward and flew towards General.


    General was panting with a triumphant smile on his face; his back faced the sea while his ankles were entwined by tentacles.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡­¡± General hadn¡¯t even finished speaking when Yu Hao had already rushed into his arms and grabbed him forcefully; he flung his wings backwards at full speed, but the fall of the mutant sea monster was really too great ¡ª Yu Hao couldn¡¯t resist its momentum as it dragged both of them into the deep, dark sea together!


    Yu Hao felt a coldness envelop his entire body, yet he had no strength left to struggle. His wings disappeared and he couldn¡¯t stop himself from falling into the darkness along with General. The bone-chilling cold overwhelmed him, and it began to blur his consciousness.


    So this is the subconscious¡­¡­it was as if all of Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts had been forcibly taken away. His mind was in a state of chaos, and all he could see was General shouting at him anxiously as bubbles emerged from his mouth.


    In that moment, the only thing he could feel was the heartbeat in General¡¯s chest, as if there was still a blazing sun deep in his heart that was currently thumping nonstop to wake him up so that he wouldn¡¯t completely lose consciousness.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao and General were locked in an embrace as they continued to fall, yet the darkness that surrounded them suddenly turned clear. It changed from a pitch-black colour to a navy blue one, then light blue, dark green, and then the sea turned completely transparent.


    A ray of light shot over from a distance.


    Shi Ni stood on the lighthouse platform and raised her hand towards the totem; the totem miraculously transformed into silver light particles that looked like they could be interwoven into a Milky Way. They wrapped all around her body before turning into a glittering, gorgeous snow white princess dress.


    Shi Ni, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The gauze on her dress fluttered in the wind. The moment the totem returned onto Shi Ni¡¯s body, a light wave was released from the top of the lighthouse which formed a shock wave that dispersed throughout the entire world of her consciousness.


    With a loud bang, the huge monsters deep in the sea shattered and disappeared; the sea level that was a couple hundreds of meters high collapsed like an avalanche and vanished without a trace. Yu Hao regained consciousness. He was still locked in an embrace with General as they fell toward the sea once again!


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    His consciousness had returned. General suddenly hugged him tightly. All the strength in Yu Hao had disappeared, and the world around them was spinning. For the second time, they fell from a height of a hundred metres and yelled in tandem.


    ¡°Aaaaahhhhhh¡ª¡ª¡±


    The two of them fell toward the sea like shooting stars, but right before they fell in, a whistle sounded. General held Yu Hao around his waist and turned a somersault in the air. Brilliant rays of light shot out of the golden chainmail he was clad in; he stepped onto his jindouyun and pulled both of them up from the surface of the sea, then flew into the air and spiralled away!


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Yahoo¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    General turned around and shouted at Yu Hao, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of dying?!¡±


    Yu Hao stood on the jindouyun and hugged General¡¯s waist from his back, then he began to laugh.


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    The sky was as white as a fish¡¯s belly; General stepped on his jindouyun and brought Yu Hao along as he circled around the lighthouse. Shi Ni was standing in the middle of the lighthouse. Yu Hao looked back. Shi Ni lifted up her princess dress and performed a curtsy underneath the light of Venus.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Shi Ni¡¯s eyes had welled up with tears.


    Yu Hao thought that he would still have to go down to say a few words, but General wielded his Jingubang in one hand while he pinched his index and middle finger together on the other, then waved at the dreamscape¡¯s owner before he took Yu Hao and flew away without any further explanation.


    At the peak of the lofty mountains, Yu Hao and General sat on a platform as they faced the East. The protruding rock platform was very small. General leaned against the rock wall while Yu Hao sat in his embrace; the two of them looked out into the distance and waited for that first ray of dawn to come.


    ¡°If you had the jindouyun you should have used it a lot sooner ba!¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh as he said, ¡°Why did you summon it only at the very end?¡±


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know about it!¡± General said innocently, ¡°I don¡¯t know why I had both the golden chainmail and jindouyun at the very last moment.¡±


    ¡°Now I feel like I¡¯m incredibly strong.¡± General continued, ¡°I can kill a whole bunch of monsters with one sweep of my rod, but unfortunately there aren¡¯t any left for me to fight.¡±


    Yu Hao began to laugh, his back was pressed tightly against the huge monkey¡¯s chest and he could feel his strong and warm heartbeat through his back.


    ¡°The sun is coming out.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Un.¡± General said, ¡°It¡¯s daybreak, so it¡¯s time to say good night.¡±


    The sun rose; it illuminated the dream world and the sea took on a transparent jelly-like colour under its light. The tides swept over corals and colourful shells before receding rapidly with a swish, and its waters glistened in the sunlight.


    Broken pieces of wood floated onto the surface of the sea one after another, then flew towards the bay as they began to reassemble themselves into villages.


    The sun rose; walls and roofs looked brightly-coloured under its illumination. One house after another spontaneously constructed itself like they were made out of building blocks. The construction rapidly spread along the harbour adjacent to the mountains that faced the sea and extended all the way to the top of the mountain.


    All the vegetation outside the harbour was revived in an instant, and like a magic carpet that unfurled itself in a flash, fresh flowers burst into beautiful blooms.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The sun rose; the mountain ranges turned into snow. A clear river streamed down and passed the green fields before flowing into the sea.


    A gentle breeze blew across the forest; the birds that soared overhead chirped and thousands of leaves could be heard rustling. The NPCs began to wake up in succession, and shouts could be heard travelling over from far away.


    The blackness of the lighthouse faded and its external walls turned pure white. The ¡°dang, dang¡± sound of bells rang in the city. Fishing boats bobbed up and down in the waters; when their sails were hoisted, they sailed towards the sea amidst gentle breezes under the sunshine.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The sun has risen, its light shone upon Yu Hao and General.


    ¡°Will we meet again?¡± As Yu Hao watched the blazing sun that was bursting with golden rays of light. General lifted his palm up to Yu Hao¡¯s forehead to shield his eyes from the glare.


    ¡°We really won¡¯t meet again this time.¡±


    The two of them fell into a moment of silence. Yu Hao looked sideways at this fairytale-like harbour and said, ¡°I have so many things I want to ask you, but I know you won¡¯t say anything. General, I don¡¯t want to say goodbye to you like this.¡±


    General said, ¡°To tell you the truth, I have always yearned for someone who would still stand before me after countless sunrises and find me once again. On the day you gave me your totem, I¡­¡­forget it, Yu Hao¡­¡­¡±


    When he heard this, Yu Hao immediately felt disconcerted.


    Yu Hao turned around and questioned, ¡°Where are you? I¡¯ll find you! General! I will come to you!¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, dreams are just dreams, and they can only stay as dreams. When the sun rises, we have to say goodbye.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°From today onwards, live a good life. You¡¯ll gradually come to forget me.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No! I will never forget you!¡±


    ¡°Many years later, your memory will become more and more fuzzy, and you¡¯ll begin to convince yourself that everything was just a dream.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I still have a lot of things I want to say!¡±


    The hand that General had placed on Yu Hao¡¯s forehead released a golden light; he wanted to press it against Yu Hao, but Yu Hao had raised his own hand and resisted his palm, then intertwined his fingers with General¡¯s.


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to bid farewell to you forever like this! Let me say my goodbyes properly! General!¡±


    Yu Hao turned his body, but General had already covered his forehead with one hand and pressed against it.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°I exist in the sunlight, the winds, between the heavens and the earth, and also in dreams; I¡¯ve always been around, and have never been apart from you. Good night.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s whole body disintegrated into particles of light and abruptly scattered in General¡¯s arms; he had been ejected from Shi Ni¡¯s dream.


    At daybreak, the sunlight streamed in through the living room¡¯s french windows and shone on Yu Hao¡¯s face. He struggled to open his eyes under the glaring sunlight, and when he remembered the last moment he shared with General in the dreamscape, his heart began to thump wildly like someone was beating a drum in it ¡ª it made him a little out of breath.


    He looked at his phone, 7.30. Shi Ni should still be asleep. Let her enjoy her dreamscape after the sunrise for a little longer ba.


    Chen Yekai still hadn¡¯t replied him. Soon after, Zhou Sheng sent him a message.


    ¡¾Are you awake? I¡¯m going over now, after I wash up.¡¿


    He replied to Zhou Sheng¡¯s message, then stood up to wash up himself while he recalled every detail about General since they had first met. The most difficult thing for people to do was to recognise their own feelings. Yu Hao has always been reluctant to think too much about it before, but even if he didn¡¯t examine it carefully, it would still be there.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Just like how he had actually fallen in love with someone from a dream.


    Yu Hao decided to keep a diary and record what he knew about General in it. In reality, after he woke up from the dream, he could barely recall General¡¯s monkey appearance and his voice anymore. Every time he wakes up from these dreams, its details, occurrences and even the conversations he had would gradually fade away like ice cubes in running water, before completely disappearing from his memories.


    Only that one moment from his dream ¡ª that violent surge of emotions and the impression it had left behind ¡ª was still flowing throughout the veins in his body.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao tried to type a few lines, yet he could never accurately describe his dreams. So he could only delete them, type it out again, then delete them again; he stubbornly thought that he must write them down, these will become some of the most important memories in his life.


    Shi Ni sent him a message, ¡¾Laoshi, are you awake?¡¿


    Yu Hao replied to Shi Ni, then Shi Ni said, ¡¾I want to eat McDonald¡¯s breakfast.¡¿


    Thus Yu Hao went down to buy breakfast and brought it up to Shi Ni. Shi Ni was wearing her pajamas and looked tired out as she opened the door for him. She said, ¡°Is Zhou Sheng coming over to eat too?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°He¡¯s coming.¡± Yu Hao was a little absentminded, his mind was still full of his dreams and General. He answered, ¡°He¡¯ll arrive soon.¡±


    Shi Ni went into her room to change. Yu Hao sat on the sofa and took his phone out to send Zhou Sheng a message.


    Suddenly, an audible click from the door lock sounded. He looked up.


    Didn¡¯t they say that the nanny won¡¯t be coming today?


    Yu Hao quickly smoothed his hair out. He was thinking about how to explain himself when the door opened, and a middle-aged man entered. He closed the door, inserted a key and locked the door again ¡ª Shi Liang who was dressed in a down coat had returned.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 19 - Fear Comes After

    Ch19 ¨C Fear Comes After


    Explanation for this pic at the end of the chap¡­


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t have time to react. Shi Liang did not expect for someone else to be in his living room, so when he turned around and inadvertently saw Yu Hao, he was stunned..


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao¡¯s breath caught in his throat. He was at a loss for words, yet a completely unrelated thought flashed through his mind. The origin of the demonic eye! Shi Liang has always been monitoring his daughter! It¡¯s very possible that he keeps track of Shi Ni¡¯s location through her phone!


    ¡°I say¡­¡­¡± Shi Liang was so flabbergasted he was speechless, and he was so angry his whole body was trembling.


    Yu Hao calmed down, then he slowly got up and stood in front of Shi Ni¡¯s room. He watched Mr. Shi vigilantly as he tried to figure out how to get them both away from him. He held his phone behind his back and planned to press down on its emergency call button.


    When Shi Liang noticed his hand behind his back, he seemed to come to a realisation and shouted angrily, ¡°You dare break into my house?! Laozi¡¯s gonna kill you!!¡± As he spoke, he grabbed one of the decorations in his living room and suddenly flung it at Yu Hao!


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao had just unlocked his phone screen, but he quickly threw his phone to the side when Shi Liang attacked. He bent over slightly and pounced towards Shi Liang, then hugged his waist as he charged through the living room and knocked Shi Liang down onto the floor of the dining room!


    Shi Ni rushed out and shouted, ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Go back to your room! Don¡¯t come out!¡± Yu Hao shouted back, ¡°Take my phone and call Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Yu Hao tried to get back on his feet when Shi Liang hoisted up a chair and smashed it down brutally on his head ¨C it made Yu Hao¡¯s head spin and his vision go black. All he could see were stars as he swayed from side to side. Shi Ni rushed forward and wanted to pull her father away, but she was given a strong slap by Shi Liang which knocked her onto the ground. Blood instantly began to flow out from the corners of her mouth.


    Yu Hao rarely fought, but if he really had to he could do so without much regard for his own safety. He immediately grabbed another chair and smashed it onto Shi Liang¡¯s back. Shi Liang picked Shi Ni up by her collar and dragged her up, then turned around and pushed Yu Hao to the front of a cupboard. The two of them were locked in a scuffle. But Yu Hao was at a disadvantage because he had just woken up, and was currently barefoot, so when he stepped onto the glass shards on the floor, his blood gushed out freely from his feet. He even had to protect Shi Ni too, so he took another blow to his head.


    ¡°Open up!¡±


    The house was in a mess from their fight. Zhou Sheng¡¯s angry roar travelled in from outside the door, ¡°Yu Hao! Are you inside? Open the door!¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao held Shi Liang back and shouted, ¡°Nini go and open the door!¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°It¡¯s locked from the inside!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood in the corridor as he brutally kicked the door and a loud blare sounded, but the anti-theft door couldn¡¯t be opened no matter what. It was early in the morning. The neighbours had all been alerted and were coming out of their homes one after the other.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Within the chaos inside, the electrical appliances and TV in Shi Liang¡¯s house had all been smashed and scattered during their tussle. The two of them were bleeding from head injuries. Shi Liang held a broken wine bottle in his hand and pointed it towards Yu Hao. Yu Hao¡¯s head was badly battered and bleeding, and the ground littered with glass shards cut into his bare feet as he moved. He couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath, but he was still protecting Nini who stood behind him.


    ¡°You broke into my house.¡± Shi Liang panted as he said fiercely, ¡°Even if I kill you now, it can be justified as self-defense!¡±


    Yu Hao tried to catch his breath. Then he suddenly turned around and hugged Shi Ni¡¯s head, rolling both of them into a corner!


    Behind Shi Liang, Zhou Sheng had climbed up the steel clothes hanger and with one hand on the balcony, he threw out a flying kick. With a loud crash, the french windows turned into glass shards that filled the air as they flew into the living room. Zhou Sheng let out an absolutely furious roar similar to that of a wild beast. Shi Liang spun around and abject fear was reflected in his eyes. He couldn¡¯t even shout before a kick landed on his chest, knocking him into a bookshelf.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng let out another angry roar. Shi Liang had just gotten up when he got another punch straight to his face, and he fell back onto the ground.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hit him anymore!¡± Yu Hao urgently shouted, afraid that Zhou Sheng would really kill him. He darted forward to open the door, and Huang Ting brought his colleagues along with him as they rushed inside.


    Zhou Sheng was like a wild beast that had just broken free of its cage. He roared angrily as he rushed forward and threw out another punch.


    Shi Liang suffered another punch to his face, which was now covered in blood. He collapsed onto the ground and lost consciousness.


    Yu Hao thought he heard the sound of bones breaking, so he quickly turned around and pushed Zhou Sheng into the corner of the wall. Zhou Sheng¡¯s fury blazed as brightly as a furnace fire used to smelt steel, but it finally began to calm down. Then, he suddenly picked Yu Hao up and carried him bridal style before rushing out like a gust of wind.


    When they were in the car, Zhou Sheng was still gasping for breath like a leopard after a hunt, while Yu Hao¡¯s mind was blank. He couldn¡¯t help but look back as he asked, ¡°Shi Ni¡­¡­.¡±


    ¡°Huang Ting will take care of her.¡± Zhou Sheng snapped out of his trance, then rebuked angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t you know how to close the door? Why didn¡¯t you hide in a room?!¡±


    Te Ljb mbeivc¡¯a tjnf tlvvfc lc atja xlcv bo rlaejalbc, jcv fnfc lo tf mbeiv, tf kbeivc¡¯a tjnf atbeuta bo la lc tlr wbwfca bo vfrqfgjalbc. Ca atja alwf, atf bcis atbeuta tf tjv kjr ab qgbafma Vtl Rl.


    ¡°Lbk vlv sbe ufa lc?¡± Te Ljb gfwfwyfgfv atf wbwfca ktfc Itbe Vtfcu jqqfjgfv bc atf yjimbcs.


    ¡°I jumped over.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°36th floor!¡± Blood instantly rushed up to Yu Hao¡¯s head as he said angrily, ¡°Did you want to die?!¡±


    Shi Liang lived near the top floor of a high-rise building. Its external walls were bare, and there was only his neighbour¡¯s balcony nearby that was around 3 metres away. Zhou Sheng first pulled open the windows of the sunroom at his neighbour¡¯s balcony, then jumped onto the air-conditioning rack outside the walls of Shi Liang¡¯s house and clung onto it before jumping onto the platform outside the Shi residence¡¯s sunroom. Then he pulled open the small windows of the sunroom and squeezed his way into the balcony. Yu Hao looked below the balcony ¡ª there wasn¡¯t even a place where you could land. A scene surfaced in his mind of Zhou Sheng hanging onto the edge of the balcony with his life, and if he was just slightly careless, he would fall all the way down from the 36th floor and onto the marble platform built above the second floor ¡ª he would have turned into meat mush instantly!


    Only then did Yu Hao realise that he was afraid. Panic could be seen in his eyes as he couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. Yet, Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao out of the car and ran towards the hospital.


    ¡°What else could I have done?!¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°Let me down!¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Zhou Sheng flared up again.


    When he thought of the scene where Zhou Sheng was suspended by the edge of the balcony, Yu Hao felt extremely conflicted. His heart felt like it had been clutched tight, but with this one roar from Zhou Sheng, all the emotions that filled his heart vanished into thin air.


    He had a lot of broken glass shards from the coffee table in his feet so he was bleeding quite a bit along the way. It looked extremely frightening, especially with Zhou Sheng carrying him. The moment a nurse saw him, she said, ¡°Go to the innermost room of that corridor! I¡¯ll look for a doctor!¡±


    ¡°Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics?¡± Zhou Sheng entered the ward with question marks all over his head.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The nurse was in a hurry just now so she mistook Yu Hao as a girl and thought that something serious had happened. Yu Hao struggled to get down and limped his way to the surgical ward, while Zhou Sheng rushed out to find a nurse so that he could get some iodine and bandages. The nurse took a pair of tweezers and cleaned Yu Hao¡¯s wounds for him.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t noticed anything at first, but now that the shards were being plucked out of his feet, he began to feel pain. He pursed his lips as he tried to endure it, but his face had turned ghastly pale.


    After the nurse was done cleaning his wounds up, Zhou Sheng knelt down on one knee and applied some medication on them for Yu Hao. He suddenly looked up and met Yu Hao¡¯s gaze, then the two of them completely relaxed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t go to the amusement park today.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why this was the first thing he thought of.


    ¡°I remember.¡± Zhou Sheng patted his pocket and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already bought the tickets, they¡¯re valid for a year.¡± As he spoke, he picked up a call. Only then did Yu Hao remember that he had left his phone at the Shi residence.


    After all the chaotic turmoil and flurries of confusion, only Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were left in the ward as they looked at each other in silence. It was very quiet.


    ¡°You¡¯ll need to protect yourself better next time, got it?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°And you have to promise me that you¡¯ll never climb up to the 36th floor again.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°If you weren¡¯t locked inside, I wouldn¡¯t have needed to climb up there!¡± Zhou Sheng exploded again.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not like he¡¯ll really kill me?! If worst comes to worst I¡¯ll just get beaten up, but if you had fallen down you would have died!¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were both out of breath for a while, and silence returned to the ward.


    Yu Hao had never thought that someone would do something that dangerous for him in this life, though for Zhou Sheng, he might have just done it out of pure instinct.


    There was someone in this world who was this concerned for his own safety ¡ª the feeling that this knowledge brought him tasted like a bitter olive. After you chewed on it long enough, it would taste slightly different.


    ¡°You¡¯ve saved me twice now.¡± Yu Hao said uneasily within this silence, ¡°I¡­¡­.sorry, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t hum and haw so much.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know whether he should cry or laugh when he heard that. He stood up and said, ¡°That¡¯s too corny.¡± As he spoke, he looked at his phone and went out to take a call. The moment he turned around, Yu Hao suddenly caught a glimpse of a blush on Zhou Sheng¡¯s face.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why but he couldn¡¯t help himself from laughing out loud. Zhou Sheng angrily gesticulated, motioning for him to keep his voice down, then told the other person on the line that his bleeding had stopped. Huang Ting was probably asking them to go over as soon as possible.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao up, then asked, ¡°Can you walk?¡±


    ¡°I can walk by myself.¡± Yu Hao said hurriedly.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t pick him up again. He bowed down slightly as he helped him out of the hospital.


    Half an hour later at the station, Shi Ni hugged Zhou Sheng as she cried for a while. She tried to hold her tears back in front of Yu Hao and asked in a soft voice, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he looked at Shi Ni, ¡°It¡¯s a minor injury.¡± Then he saw the middle-aged man and woman behind Shi Ni, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to introduce us?¡±


    Shi Ni¡¯s crying face broke out into a smile. She introduced her uncle and aunt, and both of them kept thanking Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng profusely for their help. Their expressions were very forced. Evidently, they were still coming to terms with the truth that Huang Ting had just revealed to them and had not calmed down their rage yet.


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    Huang Ting personally interrogated Shi Liang. Everyone was worried that Shi Liang would rather die than admit his crime, and thought that he might even counter charge against Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng for breaking into his house to attempt his murder. They could only interrogate Shi Liang for a maximum of 24 hours. Once time was up, if he refused to confess, the police would have to release him.


    Shi Ni looked into the interrogation room and said, ¡°I want to see him.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°At the very least, you¡¯ll truly be safe from now onwards.¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°No, I must go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°We¡¯ll accompany you.¡±


    Yet Shi Ni wiped her tears away before she said, ¡°Let me go by myself. Trust me, Yu Laoshi.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered over it for a moment. Shi Ni stood in front of him somewhat stubbornly, still dressed in her pajamas. He looked down and saw Shi Ni¡¯s hands ¡ª her fingers were trembling nonstop.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao opened his hand up. Shi Ni placed her hand atop his palm, then Yu Hao closed his hand and earnestly said, ¡°Ok, I trust you.¡±


    In this moment, he felt Shi Ni¡¯s newborn soul. Her gaze made him recall one moment ¡ª after he stepped onto General¡¯s jindouyun, the two of them flew past the top of the tower and said farewell to the princess who wore a Western-style dress. In response, she had picked up the ends of her dress to perform a curtsy ¡ª her gaze seemed to convey that from that moment on, she no longer feared anything.


    Just like how Yu Hao had felt after the sun rose in his dreamscape ¡ª it was as if all the haze in his heart had vanished without a trace.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Shi Ni turned around and went into the interrogation room by herself. She only spent five minutes in there before Huang Ting brought her out.


    Everyone started getting anxious.


    Huang Ting made an OK gesture as a signal that they had succeeded.


    Shi Ni looked extremely worn out. Her aunt took her to one side before the two of them talked to each other softly.


    ¡°She unlocked her father¡¯s phone.¡± Huang Ting whispered, ¡°There were some¡­¡­.of Shi Liang¡¯s photos on it. Shi Liang can¡¯t deny it any further.¡±


    Yu Hao almost instantaneously thought of the top floor of the lighthouse, where blurry images had revolved around them in the loft.


    Shi Liang abandoned his charges against Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, then began searching for a lawyer straight away.


    Meanwhile, Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Shi Ni and Shi Ni¡¯s uncle and aunt sat in a cafe as they chatted for a bit. Shi Ni¡¯s uncle decided to bring her to her grandmother¡¯s house in the neighbouring city first. Her grandmother wanted to see her.


    ¡°Nini, you can call me whenever you want if anything comes up.¡± Yu Hao knew that the next step was to wait for the hearing. They were all involved in this, so they would meet again when the time comes.


    Shi Ni nodded and made a gesture that meant that they should keep in contact through QQ, before she got into her uncle¡¯s car.


    Zhou Sheng let Yu Hao hold onto his shoulder as the two of them stood in front of the station entrance. Ying city ushered in the day with the best weather in this wintry period.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The winds blew and gathered all the dead leaves on the treetops away from the branches, which then whirled away in all directions. The sky was painted an azure blue, and heavy traffic packed the streets. Rear view mirrors, car windows and the glass walls of high-rise buildings all reflected the white clouds in the horizon, as if someone had poured down a bucket of a blue and white paint mixture from the sky, which turned into a soft graffiti that drifted through the city.


    The sun shone brightly and warmly down on everyone in the city.


    ¡°Do you want a cup of coffee?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯ve notified your form teacher, he¡¯s coming over now. We still need to wrap up some matters.¡±


    Huang Ting went to buy coffee for them in the cafe across the street from the station. Chen Yekai wore a weird expression on his face as he sat opposite Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Laoshi, your hair¡­¡­..¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look good?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It looks really good, I just didn¡¯t expect you to be so trendy!¡±


    When Chen Yekai received the news that ¡°something bad is happening¡± he was getting a haircut in a luxurious styling salon. The barber had pushed up the hair at both sides of his head and was prepared to level off the top of his head like he was cutting grass, but Chen Yekai turned pale with fright after he saw his phone and kept urging Mr. Tony to hurry up because he had something urgent to attend to. Mr. Tony could only leave his hair be. After he combed it through and briefly blow-dried it, Chen Yekai flew over. But in the end, when he saw Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng eating cakes and drinking coffee, he was almost scared to death.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Shi Ni?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s been picked up.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Let her have a good rest ba.¡±


    ¡°He admitted it?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu hao and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know how to reply to that for a moment. Huang Ting returned and placed the cups of coffee down, ¡°He admitted it.¡±


    Huang Ting and Chen Yekai looked at each other. Yu Hao could vaguely sense that Chen Yekai had already guessed the gist of what had happened ¡ª from how Yu Hao spent the night at the Shi residence, from how much Yu Hao was protecting Shi Ni, as well as the looks that he had observed on their faces. After Chen Yekai sat down, he hardly asked any questions.


    ¡°Laoshi, I¡¯ll treat you to this.¡± Yu Hao fished out the box of chocolates that Shi Ni gave him yesterday. There was still one more piece left inside. Chen Yekai scrutinised Yu Hao before his slender fingers took the chocolate out of the box.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s make a deal, Kaikai, let us off for the dormitory inspection bei.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really¡­¡­..¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°The two of them were afraid of getting punished, so they specially asked me to act as their witness.¡±


    Chen Yekai waved his hand to motion that it didn¡¯t matter, then said to Huang Ting, ¡°He admitted it so easily?¡±


    Huang Ting nodded. The four of them remained silent for a long time. Chen Yekai put the chocolate in his mouth; his eyes narrowed as he chewed it a few times, ¡°That¡¯s good, everything has ended then. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll bring the two of you to go get a haircut.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t go!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao, ¡°My feet aren¡¯t okay yet!¡±


    Their protests were invalid. Chen Yekai filled in the form before bringing the two of them out for their haircuts. He looked at his new hairstyle in the mirror, then asked Yu Hao, ¡°Do you think that Laoshi would look better with this hairstyle or a buzz cut?¡±


    ¡°Of course you look better like this.¡± It was the first time for Yu Hao to enter such an upscale salon, so he felt uneasy from head to toe.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be so narcissistic anymore, you won¡¯t look as good as Laozi even with a buzz cut.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    T/N: I have a harem editors now!! And they¡¯re making my life so much easier for SD omg I¡¯m so grateful for all the assistance FistFullofDollars and Amelea are offering me.


    We now have our own group chat where we gush over SD like the fangirls we are lmao. Join the CG discord to fangirl over SD with us! I have hot fanarts


    Also, the fanart at the top depicts the scene where ZS friggin brought Yu Hao to the Obstetrics department LMAO

 Chapter 20 - Tuition

    Ch20 ¨C Tuition


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea


    ¡ª


    Today, Yu Hao truly ushered in a new life ¡ª it may be Shi Ni¡¯s new life, but it was also his. Chen Yekai pressed him down as he changed his hairstyle, and he saw the person in the mirror become much more spirited. He couldn¡¯t really hear what Chen Yekai was saying, he had been absent-minded the whole day.


    Thoughts of his parting with General had filled up his mind.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°You will fall in love with the person you like¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You will go to many places¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And you will do what you want to do, and live how you want to live¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Today, when the sun rises, it will also herald your new life¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng called Yu Hao back to reality.


    ¡°How is it?¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look at his new hairstyle.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair had been shaved into a decent-looking buzz cut, you could no longer see his dyed hair. The young hairstylist even took the initiative to carve two cuts into his eyebrows, and the way it was shaped happened to align with the shallow scar above his eyebrow, making the scar unnoticeable. His appearance with the cut eyebrow actually seemed quite handsome.


    ¡°It¡¯s so damn ugly!¡± The corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched.


    ¡°Handsome!¡± Yu Hao and Chen Yekai both understood the proud Zhou Sheng very well, so they quickly racked their brains for compliments to shower upon him.


    Yu Hao suddenly really wanted to go out and play, or just do something to commemorate how he had overcome his predestined fate and announce his rebirth after his 18 years of life. He left his past behind, and now his future was filled with limitless possibilities. There was a path before him that was waiting for him to dash through. Even though it was bumpy, and possibly crowded with thistles and thorns, he was still eager to traverse through it and start his journey.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    But when night fell, he was shivering in the cold winds and didn¡¯t want to go out anymore. Instead, he just really wanted to hurry back to his dormitory as soon as possible. This winter day was really too cold. Chen Yekai had also made a request regarding what he discussed with Yu Hao yesterday night ¡ª to get him to free up some time to tutor Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun on their English.


    ¡°I hope that in the final examinations this year, no one in the two classes I¡¯m in charge of will fail.¡± Chen Yekai checked the course¡¯s schedule. Zhou Sheng responded with indifference. After they sent Yu Hao back to his dormitory, Zhou Sheng looked at Chen Yekai¡¯s receding figure and said helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s not easy being a form teacher either.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Did you hear that? From tomorrow onwards, I¡¯ll be giving the two of you make-up lessons.¡±


    ¡°Hey, why don¡¯t you consider my suggestion seriously? To move over to our place.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


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    Lately, Fu Liqun rarely stayed in their dorm. It wasn¡¯t that Zhou Sheng felt bored and lonesome living by himself, but he was concerned that it would be inconvenient for Yu Hao to move around because of his injury. It would be better to get Yu Hao to move to their dormitory for the time being.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Yu Hao pushed the door inwards and answered, ¡°I can take care of myself, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t press the matter further, ¡°Then, bye-bye.¡±


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    Yu Hao returned to his dormitory. His roommates still acted as if he didn¡¯t exist ¡ª they just continued eating and chatting as if he hadn¡¯t entered. But they would surreptitiously glance at him from time to time. Yu Hao propped himself up on the table as he shifted over bit by bit, then he took the bedsheet ¡ª that Zhou Sheng had dirtied when he had eaten on it ¡ª out to wash it.


    Not one of them asked how his feet had gotten injured, but Yu Hao was indifferent. He washed his sheets and hung them out to dry, then read his books and listened to some songs as usual.


    Before the lights went out, Shi Ni gave him a call. She had only briefly talked about her day when another person took over the call ¡ª it was Shi Ni¡¯s mother.


    So you¡¯ve finally shown up? Yu Hao thought. Glancing at his roommates, he put on his earphones and slowly hobbled to the corridor to continue the call. Shi Ni¡¯s mother seemed to have cried recently. She apologised to him in a soft and anxious voice, and also thanked him profusely.


    Yu Hao only listened to her quietly and uttered an ¡°un¡± in response from time to time. He actually wanted to interject, ¡°If you knew that this was going to happen, then why are you only now regretting your past conduct? You are an accomplice to everything that had happened too. The harm you caused Nini is no less than that of Shi Liang.¡± But the words were caught in his throat. Now that things have come this far, agitating her any further was meaningless.


    ¡°Forget it ba.¡± Yu Hao endured it until the end, not voicing anything that would provoke her, ¡°I just hope that you¡¯ve overcome the cowardice of a parent¡¯s love, and that you wouldn¡¯t hurt Nini anymore.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know¡­..¡± Shi Ni¡¯s mother¡¯s voice was trembling, ¡°I tried, he not only hit me, but he also threatened to kill Nini¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Yu Hao said coldly, ¡°So you gave in?¡±


    ¡°What could I have done?¡± Shi Ni¡¯s mother started crying, ¡°I even thought about dying. I am a weak woman at heart¡­¡­perhaps all of you would stop scolding me after I die.¡±


    When he heard those words, Yu Hao was reminded of when he tried to use this kind of cowardly method to escape his life before. In the end, he didn¡¯t have the right to criticise Shi Ni¡¯s mother. Perhaps, in this world, the only person who had the right to pardon her or let her bear regrets was Shi Ni.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Shi Ni¡¯s guardian now?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The lights in the dormitory building all went out at the same time. Their college was constructed next to a mountain located far away from the city, so there was little light pollution in their area. After the lights went out, only the bright galaxy above remained in this wintry night . Yu Hao gazed up at the starry sky and recalled the clear, night sky in her dreamscape before the sun rose ¡ª it was as clear as her eyes were today.


    ¡°My older brother.¡± Shi Ni¡¯s mother stopped sobbing and answered, ¡°They will take good care of her.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°She has my contact information. If anything else happens, she can reach out to me at any time. Even if she is in a place as far away as the edge of the heavens, I will not ignore her troubles.¡±


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    ¡°Ktjcx sbe. Rb wjaafg ktja, P¡¯v ilxf ab atjcx sbe¡­¡­¡± Vtl Rl¡¯r wbatfg rjlv, ¡°Qf¡¯nf qgfqjgfv j yla bo wbcfs jr j rwjii uloa, P xcbk atja sbe¡¯gf lc j yla bo j vloolmeia rlaejalbc¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Rb.¡± Te Ljb rjlv, ¡°P vbc¡¯a cffv la, jcv P kbc¡¯a jmmfqa la.¡±


    Someone whistled from across the dormitory building. Yu Hao looked up and saw Zhou Sheng smoking on the balcony as he held his phone with his bare arms.


    ¡°Don¡¯t catch a cold!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng went back in. Yu Hao said into the phone, ¡°Just pay me my salary, don¡¯t give me a single cent more.¡±


    She allowed Shi Ni to take the call again, and seemed to have asked Shi Ni to persuade Yu Hao. Nini said, ¡°I already told them that you wouldn¡¯t want it. Let¡¯s go to the amusement park together when I go back, Zhou Sheng promised me.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll remind him of that. Good night, Nini.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡± He could hear a slight hint of laughter in Shi Ni¡¯s voice. From tonight onwards, she would no longer have any nightmares.


    For several nights in a row, Yu Hao never dreamt of General again. In the beginning, he did have some intermittent, fragmented dreams , but he couldn¡¯t remember anything after waking. The days after those were all dreamless nights. As time passed, his memories of General gradually became more and more obscured. He couldn¡¯t help but begin to doubt whether everything that had occurred was real or not.


    He wrote about the Great Wall, the lighthouse and the snowy fjord he had experienced in his dreams on his phone. He even wrote down the distinctive traits and details of General clearly, of when he appeared the last two times so that he wouldn¡¯t forget about him ¡ª but just like how General had stated ¡°you will forget about me¡±, these words were like a curse, and as time passed, the more he looked at it, the more Yu Hao felt like he suffered from hysteria.


    ¡°Hey, Yu Hao? Why¡¯re you a little absent-minded?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    Yu Hao raised his head from the questions he was working on and looked at Fu Liqun.


    Chen Yekai had asked for an activity room from the college for them and reserved it under the name of their form teacher. The windows were clean and the lighting was good. The adjacent room was the Chess and Cards room of the Student Union. Every day, three groups of students would conduct make up lessons for one another in the activity room.


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    ¡°Oh, is that so.¡± Fu Liqun spun the pen in his hand as he randomly answered, then buried himself in his books again as he flipped a few pages.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s absent-minded.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun sighed again. Yu Hao heard that Fu Liqun rarely returned to his dormitory recently and was acting all enigmatic. Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t said anything, so it didn¡¯t seem appropriate to ask about it.


    After half a day, both of them had finished a set of questions before Zhou Sheng came over while yawning. He was quite annoyed with the fact that he needed to suddenly attend make up classes even though college entrance examinations were already over.


    ¡°Study ba.¡± Yu Hao urged.


    For the next few days, Yu Hao tutored Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun in English in the activity room. CET-4 was too inconceivable, at the very least they should aim to not fail their final examinations this year. While the two of them did comprehension questions, Yu Hao would rack his brains to study for his Higher Mathematics ¡ª Math was really too difficult for him.


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s English was so terrible that it was even painful to look at their papers ¡ª Yu Hao wanted to cry the moment he saw it.


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    ¡°Even if you chose ¡®A¡¯ for everything, you wouldn¡¯t get this many questions wrong!¡± Yu Hao had been driven mad.


    ¡°This proves that I did it very diligently.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao could only explain to them question by question, and after they finished four passages, Zhou Sheng gave up. He had never studied for such a long time before. He asked Yu Hao to let them play some games to balance out the work with rest. Yu Hao only allowed them to play for 20 minutes. Fu Liqun immediately grabbed his phone and pulled Yu Hao in with them to play and added two other people as usual.


    ¡°This is our team.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°You¡¯ll be the healer ba, we lack a healer.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just follow me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t run around to other places, and don¡¯t do the tasks for newbies.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°What did you choose?¡±


    ¡°Sun Wukong.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao rarely played games. He felt extremely confused and disoriented, and he seemed absolutely flustered in-game. Fu Liqun played a warrior while Zhou Sheng played Sun Wukong, and they were introducing the roles to Yu Hao one by one. They selected Bian Que for him, then pulled an archer, Hou Yi, and a female mage, Angela. Yu Hao thought, is it Fu Liqun¡¯s girlfriend? And he was about to greet her when:


    Hou Yi:¡¾Aren¡¯t then slag students attending make up lessons?! Why are you guys playing?¡¿


    Sun Wukong:¡¾Aren¡¯t you playing too? Stop acting.¡¿


    Yu Hao: ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Angela:¡¾Let¡¯s play ba. We¡¯ll talk after we¡¯re done with two rounds, then we can go eat lunch afterwards.¡¿


    Hou Yi said to Angela:¡¾You don¡¯t need to work today?¡¿


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The archer is Kaikai.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°The female mage is Huang Ting.¡±


    All Yu Hao wanted to do was throw his phone away, and thought: Are you guys kidding me?! He was about to explain himself to Chen Yekai when the game suddenly started. Yu Hao was disoriented again as he tailed Zhou Sheng, while Zhou Sheng shouted ¡°milk, milk!¡± the whole time.


    ¡°I¡¯m very stupid!¡± Yu Hao became frantic, ¡°Don¡¯t urge me! I¡¯ll get anxious if you pressure me!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s just a game! What¡¯s there to get anxious over? Go!¡±


    Yu Hao followed behind Zhou Sheng and tried his best to add blood for him, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t give me anymore milk! I¡¯m already full! I¡¯m going to burp and puke from all this milk!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


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    Zhou Sheng was tapping away on his phone furiously, but he would also reach over to tap on Yu Hao¡¯s phone for him. The two of them tapped here and there and finally ended up fighting. Fu Liqun shouted angrily, ¡°He¡¯s a newbie! Keep quiet!¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t even know what his skills did, so he could only follow behind Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng laughed and suddenly stopped moving, then went to look at Yu Hao¡¯s phone instead. Yu Hao was still running around randomly on the map as he sighed sorrowfully, ¡°This game is too! Damn! Difficult!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Didn¡¯t you realise something?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    ¡°Gege has already died! That¡¯s the enemy! Are you blind??¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand. After they played for half a day, they still won in the end and Yu Hao thought thank god. He grabbed his phone and went to one side, ¡°Give me some time to practice by myself, I¡¯ll definitely get this down pat.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng leaned in to teach him. Yu Hao grasped a better understanding of the system, then said, ¡°Playtime is over. Let¡¯s continue working on the questions, everyone.¡±


    Zhou Sheng & Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At first, they thought that after they threw Yu Hao into the pit as well, the three of them would be able to play games for the whole day. But they didn¡¯t expect Yu Hao to be so mindful of his mission. He even pressed down on their heads to get them to finish their comprehension questions. Afterwards, Yu Hao made plans with the two of them to treat them to a buffet at night since he got his tuition salary. He wanted to thank them for their help.


    After their make up lessons in the morning, it was Yu Hao¡¯s turn to attend his own make up lessons in the afternoon. Chen Yekai personally brought his own notes over to tutor some students in Higher Mathematics. That was when Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai studied mathematics before.His abilities as a teacher when compared to Yu Hao was like the difference between the heavens and the earth.


    ¡°Does anyone have any questions?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about your scores first, but everyone should at least pass.¡±


    All the students responded with an ¡°un¡±. Chen Yekai distributed a few papers amongst them ¡ª these were all the final examination questions of last year¡¯s Higher Mathematics examination. He probably got it through private means. After the other students left, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao, stay behind for awhile.¡±


    The sunshine at dusk streamed in through the windows of the activity room. Yu Hao wanted to invite Chen Yekai to eat together with them too. All the students looked at Yu Hao with a strange gaze ¡ª you could tell that there must be a number of rumours spreading around in their college. Chen Yekai looked at them and waited for them to leave.


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    Although Chen Yekai had just arrived at the college not too long ago, he had quickly established a good reputation for himself. He was extremely knowledgeable and came from a rich family as well. According to Zhou Sheng¡¯s deductions, Chen Yekai¡¯s family should be richer than all the rich second gens and kids of officials in their college, plus he had studied overseas, so the prestige of a curve wrecker like him could kill everyone else and no one dared to provoke him. Presumably, there must be a lot of speculation done behind his back.


    He wore a sweater that looked very expensive today, and always looked very tidy and clean no matter when you saw him. He had the perfect male god appearance. Even if he was mixing around with a bunch of students, he would still pay immaculate attention to his manners and bearing.


    Yu Hao guessed that for the past few days, Chen Yekai must have had something that he wanted to discuss. Not long afterwards, he breathed a sigh of relief and leaned back onto a chair. The glow of the sunset passed through the windows and illuminated them gently.


    ¡°Shi Liang withdrew his lawsuit. Huang Ting wants to conclude the case about the watch for you, so go through the process with him when you have some free time.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ve explained it to the leaders as well. There¡¯s nothing much, I just wanted to let you know. This would serve as a conclusion to those matters. As for the other case, the hearing for it should be after your final examinations. You¡¯ll have to testify as a witness then.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t join you guys for dinner tonight.¡± Chen Yekai looked at his watch, ¡°I need to go pick up my own Laoshi later.¡±


    Yu Hao acknowledged him with an ¡°ah¡±, then Chen Yekai continued, ¡°Professor Lin, a teacher I respect a lot. You can become his postgraduate student next time.¡±


    ¡°Post¡­¡­..postgraduate?¡± Yu Hao was shocked, ¡°I can¡¯t do math.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You can learn. The postgraduate examination for Psychology isn¡¯t difficult.¡±


    Yu Hao had never thought that a slag student like him could ever become a postgraduate student. It was as if Chen Yekai knew what he was thinking, ¡°You¡¯re always thinking about the past, but have you ever seriously thought about your future?¡±


    Yu Hao was startled, ¡°I haven¡¯t.¡±


    The sunset glow shone on Chen Yekai. There were some people who looked as if they naturally shone with a noble light. Yu Hao sat opposite him, and only felt like an inconspicuous rock in comparison.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Laoshi, what you may not think of as ¡®difficult¡¯ is actually very ¡®difficult¡¯ for me.¡±


    Chen Yekai took a sip of his coffee as he tapped his finger on the table rhythmically.


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    Yu Hao pondered for awhile before he said again, ¡°My qualifications aren¡¯t that good. In the beginning, I just wanted to get a degree, then find a stable job after I graduate to support myself.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯re not lacking at all, you¡¯re a really good student. Yu Hao, I¡¯ve always regarded you as my little brother, so I do hope that you can mature well. Your English is really good. Through your own efforts, you would not only be admitted to graduate school, but you could also go abroad for further studies. You can pursue the life you want.¡±


    ¡°Those are all things that I dare not dream of.¡± Yu Hao smiled a bit sadly.


    ¡°What you lack is just an opportunity for change.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°One day, you¡¯ll suddenly figure it all out and understand what it is that you want, what you want to do, and what kind of life you want to live¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly thought of General¡¯s words.


    ¡°You will go to many places¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And you will do what you want to do, and live how you want to live¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Chen Yekai continued, ¡°¡­¡­and I hope that moment will come soon for you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But in this world, not everyone can abandon all their worries and completely let themselves run free to pursue their future. We are all bounded by the limitations of the environment we grew up in, that¡¯s my outlook on life.¡±


    Chen Yekai was slightly startled, then smiled, ¡°The fact that you realised that means that a seed has already been sown in your heart.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I¡¯m still trying my best to get my grades up. I hope that I can apply for a scholarship.¡±


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    ¡°Your student loan will be approved before winter.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Oh right, could you do me a favour?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Of course, I¡¯m willing to do anything.¡±


    His feelings toward Chen Yekai was practically at the point of worship, but the more time he spent with Chen Yekai, the more he felt like his brilliance did not come about by chance.


    ¡°There will be a literary arts performance for our college¡¯s anniversary.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember seeing on your form that you can sing?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sing?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao doubtfully, ¡°You¡¯ll be singing on stage?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Uh¡­¡­..¡±


    Yu Hao began to regret his promise to Chen Yekai. Although he sang some songs now and then, he had never performed on stage before. Just thinking about performing in front of so many people made him so nervous that he felt a gripping pain in his stomach.


    ¡°Come on, sing something for Daye!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master Zhou, prepare some brocade headbands and some other stuff for this!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You want to give him brocade headbands? What kind of era do you think we live in?! Sing one for us, host! Come on~ Roses! Rockets! Lamborghinis are waiting for you~!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Stop messing around!¡± Yu Hao went crazy, ¡°What should I do aaaahhhhh!¡±


    On New Year¡¯s Eve, the three of them ate at a buffet. Zhou Sheng was extremely satisfied with the meal, ¡°You can do it, just sing ba. Be more confident in yourself.¡±


    The day after their final examinations ended would be the college¡¯s anniversary. Before the Spring Festival this year, the college poached a superstar of the Psychologicy industry with a high salary. His name was Lin Xun, and he was preparing to move into the college. And next year would mark the start of the sprint of this third-tier college. Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao and Fu Liqun discussed it for half a day before they knew that Chen Yekai was the student that Lin Xun was most proud of.


    When they connected him to this superstar Professor Lin ¡ª the talent that the dean had personally poached over to oversee the college ¡ª they realised it meant that Chen Yekai¡¯s backer was no ordinary person. This was perhaps the reason why their grade¡¯s counsellor and the Vice Principal weren¡¯t willing to risk an acrimonious fall out with Chen Yekai.


    ¡°There are some people in your class who said that your case solely depended on your relationship with Chen Yekai.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If he didn¡¯t have a solid background, this matter definitely wouldn¡¯t have been resolved.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Forget it, let others say what they want. Shi Ni also played a key role in this, didn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°Do you guys know?¡± Fu Liqun poured beer for the two of them, ¡°Huang Ting and the reporter that came the other day were both Chen Laoshi¡¯s classmates.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°oh¡± somewhat disappointedly, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, it¡¯s okay as long as everyone¡¯s clear about it in their hearts.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    But why would such an outstanding person like Chen Yekai return to a third-tier college in Ying city to be a form teacher?


    ¡ª

 Chapter 21 - Dress Rehearsal

    Ch21 ¨C Dress Rehearsal


    Kaikai you gorgeous male god


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    The three of them discussed Chen Yekai for awhile. Yu Hao recalled the words that Chen Yekai had said to him. Perhaps this form teacher of his, who shone with the resplendence of a male god, was someone who knew what he wanted out of life a long time ago ba.


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    ¡°But the academic circle is really messy too.¡± Fu Liqun peeled his shrimp as he answered, ¡°All those papers and plagiarism, teacher-student relationships, and they would even fight and scheme against one another.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not that kind of person.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Do you idolize him a lot?¡± Zhou Sheng scrutinised Yu Hao. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°No, I idolize you the most.¡±


    ¡°Why does that sound so sarcastic?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°No no, I truly meant it.¡±


    Yu Hao and the rest ate so much that they had to hold onto the wall for support as they walked out. He thought about where he should go next to find a part-time job ¡ª he needed to earn enough for his food and board expenses for the winter vacation, as well as the winter clothing he would need soon. Not long after the end of their final examinations, winter vacation would begin and everyone would be going home. Yu Hao didn¡¯t have a home he could return to, so he could only stay in the dormitory over the New Year.


    It¡¯s good if everyone leaves anyway. It¡¯ll finally be peaceful, then it would be perfect for me to read some books to prepare for my next semester. Most shops lack staff at the end of the year, so it¡¯ll be easy for students to find a part-time job too. It¡¯s too cold to be a delivery man, frying fries at KFC seems like a better option.


    They had just passed by the fourth floor of a shopping mall when the three of them suddenly saw Chen Yekai eating Western food with a couple.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s interest was piqued. On the opposite side of Chen Yekai sat a middle-aged man around fifty years old, and a woman who looked like she was around forty. The woman looked very classy and wore pearl-shaped earrings.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at them anymore.¡± Yu Hao wanted to get Zhou Sheng to leave quickly. He thought that Chen Yekai didn¡¯t join them tonight because he needed to entertain some friends. He had his own circle, yet he also cared for them in his capacity as their form teacher, so it wouldn¡¯t be good if they constantly bothered him.


    Zhou Sheng had even wanted to go over to greet Chen Yekai, but he was hauled away by Fu Liqun and Yu Hao. Yu Hao planned to return to his dormitory after their dinner, but the other two dragged him to the city center to watch the countdown. All three of them held an inflatable stick that they used to knock one another with.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys going to accompany your girlfriends?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Fu Liqun was currently hitting them both with his inflatable stick, but he suddenly smiled, ¡°Introduce one to your bro here?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shot him a look, signaling Yu Hao to let it drop. Yu Hao thought, wah that¡¯s such big news, they broke up? Then he looked at Zhou Sheng again, and thought that Zhou Sheng probably didn¡¯t invite anyone out tonight because he wanted to accompany Fu Liqun and distract him. Yu Hao tactfully stopped asking further.


    The large clock tower in the city center sounded. Yu Hao watched over his grandmother on New Year¡¯s Eve last year as the clock struck midnight. In retrospect, he felt like he experienced many things over the past year.


    Balloons rose up into the sky one after the other ¡ª it was an incredibly spectacular scene, yet Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts suddenly turned to General. When they had bid farewell to each other, he was almost certain that General was human. He wondered if, at this moment, he was celebrating the New Year just like them.


    ¡°Happy New Year!¡± Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun knocked Yu Hao at the same time. Yu Hao snapped out of his daze and let out a cry, then the three of them started hitting one other with their inflatable sticks while laughing happily.


    Suddenly, all their phones rang out at the same time. Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng quickly took their phones out and either picked up a call or replied to the messages they received. Zhou Sheng put on his earphones. He listened to the sounds coming from the other side and laughed handsomely in response.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Meanwhile, Fu Liqun looked down as he replied to his WeChat messages.


    Only Yu Hao didn¡¯t bother to check; he thought that no one would send him any New Year greetings. This was when Zhou Sheng hung up.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Whose message are you waiting for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze was a little strange, as if he was concealing a smile. Yet at this moment, what Yu Hao was thinking about was whether General would cross the boundary between dreams and reality to say ¡®Happy New Year¡¯ to him? But after he thought about it, he knew it was impossible. General wouldn¡¯t have the means to contact him.


    But what if¡­¡­it was someone who he knew in reality? Yu Hao didn¡¯t know where this bold thought suddenly came from.


    He took his phone out and was looking at the messaging box when the other party sent him a message first.


    ¡°Happy New Year. A new year signifies a new life. Don¡¯t forget about your song.¡± Chen Yekai had even sent him a red packet.


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    ¡°Why are you the only one who got a red packet!¡± Fu Liqun glanced at Yu Hao¡¯s screen. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you guys some!¡±


    ¡°We only got a mass text from him!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is too unfair!¡± They only got 8.80 yuan in their red packets.


    Fu Liqun shouted angrily again, ¡°Who gives a crap about this!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Right! We both don¡¯t give a crap!¡± Zhou Sheng grumbled with a bellyful of discontentment. Yu Hao had to send them each a red packet to quell their dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Happy New Year¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Happy New Year¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao hugged Fu Liqun, then when he was about to hug Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng pushed back against his chin to keep him away.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so corny!¡±


    The three of them laughed aloud. Ying city was instantly drowned in an ocean of balloons and hearty laughter.


    Yu Hao thought, Happy New Year, General. No matter where you are.


    During the three-day holiday for the New Year¡¯s, Yu Hao found a job riding an electric bicycle during the holidays and weekends. He rode it to the various claw machines in shopping malls to refill them with dolls, and after he ran about for the entire day, he was so exhausted he felt like he was going to collapse. He thought that couples in this city really seemed to like claw machines. He didn¡¯t know where the huge volume of dolls kept disappearing to. He was waiting at a red light alongside other electric bike riders who were delivering takeout and express deliveries. When he looked at the endless stream of people in front of him while he wore a pair of thick gloves and a face mask, he often thought that they seemed just like the NPCs in the dreamscapes.


    Everyone was used to placing an order and having their takeout and express deliveries sent right to their doorstep. As he watched the bustle of the people working in the service industry come and go, it was as if they had, much like the trees by the roadside, the traffic lights and the sewer covers, become part of the public facilities in this city. When he cooked the fries at McDonald¡¯s before, he felt like an automated, intelligent robot whose function was to take orders ¡ª in the eyes of his customers, he was merely a part of a cash register.


    And Chen Yekai, the one who had taught him to ¡°pursue the life he wanted¡±, would probably never need to experience these things.


    Everyone wanted to break through their stratum and stop struggling at the bottom of the social ladder.This is something that people always strived for. But really, how much could this world change because of him?


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    During the last few days of their final examinations, heavy snow could be seen through the windows. Ying city was situated in the south, so it didn¡¯t have much warmth. Everyone¡¯s hands were frozen stiff. Zhou Sheng sat not too far away from Yu Hao. Occasionally, Yu Hao would catch a glimpse of him from behind and it would seem like Zhou Sheng was in the midst of racking his brains ¡ª especially when it came to the English exam. Yu Hao was more nervous for Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun then he was for himself. When he saw Zhou Sheng sprawled on the table for a nap before even an hour had passed, he shouted angrily in his heart, why are you sleeping?! Get up and answer those questions!! And check your answers once you¡¯re done!


    ¡°I really did know how to answer them all!¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who said not to get too hung up about English? And that I might change my answers from right to wrong if I rework them?¡±


    ¡°You really finished everything?¡± Yu Hao shot Zhou Sheng a suspicious look.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°It¡¯s all done!¡± Zhou Sheng put his arm around Yu Hao and brought him to the canteen to eat, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely pass!¡±


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°You finished writing your composition too?¡±


    ¡°P olclrtfv la!¡± Itbe Vtfcu rjlv, ¡°Qts jgf sbe yflcu rb oerrs?¡±


    Coafg atflg Scuilrt fzjwlcjalbc fcvfv, atflg ijra reypfma lc atf joafgcbbc kjr Llutfg Zjatfwjalmr. Dfobgf atfs fcafgfv atf fzjwlcjalbc nfcef, Itbe Vtfcu revvfcis rjlv ab tlw, ¡°P kjccj afii sbe rbwfatlcu, Te Ljb.¡±


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    Te Ljb, ¡°?¡±


    Dea Itbe Vtfcu pera jr delmxis vlrwlrrfv la, ¡°Mbgufa la, ifa¡¯r ajix jybea la ijafg.¡±


    Yu Hao was absolutely bewildered. They sat separately for Higher Mathematics. When Yu Hao saw the paper, he thanked the heavens that Chen Yekai was so skilled at explaining mathematical concepts. He could do most of the questions, but he still didn¡¯t have enough time to finish the paper in the end¡­¡­when he handed in his paper, Yu Hao had exhausted all the strength in his body so he collapsed while he was on his chair. He was wondering about what Zhou Sheng wanted to tell him when he saw the message Chen Yekai sent him.


    ¡¾Come and see me, I¡¯ll be waiting for you in the dormitory.¡¿


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to Chen Laoshi¡¯s dormitory!¡± Yu Hao quickly went downstairs and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll be getting paid for my part-time job tonight, so I¡¯ll treat you and Fu Liqun to a meal tomorrow!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s head popped out around the corner as he said, ¡°What?! You¡¯re going to Kaikai¡¯s dormitory? Can¡¯t you guys talk in his office? Is he going to take advantage of you?!¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The college had arranged for Chen Yekai to live in a dormitory set aside for young teachers. It was located in the West-most side of the school and had a pretty good environment. Even though there were insufficient applicants and qualified teachers for this educational institution, financially it was still quite well off ¡ª they collected money from the students, received their allocation of public funds and could even sell land. Teachers who lived outside the college enjoyed family resettlement allowances and similar benefits, while those who resided in the college like Chen Yekai had their own lavish single-person suite.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s house was very tidy; a nanny would come over every day to clean it. Yu Hao waited at the door for awhile. Chen Yekai had just returned, and he opened the door for him, ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside. Do you want anything to drink?¡±


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    Yu Hao seldom went over to a friend¡¯s house. The first thing he thought of when he entered was that he was afraid of dirtying Chen Yekai¡¯s house. Chen Yekai took off his jacket and got a pair of slippers for Yu Hao before offering, ¡°Sit.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need anything to drink¡­..¡±


    ¡°Drink ba.¡± Chen Yekai turned on his coffee machine and made a cup of coffee for Yu Hao. He sat down at one side. There was a huge stack of PS4 games below the TV, as well as chocolates brought back from abroad. Chen Yekai passed the chocolates to Yu Hao, ¡°This kind of chocolate goes well with coffee.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s apartment looked like it belonged to a wealthy bachelor. Yu Hao had been curious about it before ¡ª Chen Yekai wore a different set of clothes every day, so wouldn¡¯t it be a hassle to wash?


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    ¡°That guy definitely gets someone to collect them at his doorstep with just one call!¡± Zhou Sheng had actually remarked then, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about something like that for him, just worry about washing my clothes clean.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s answer was, ¡°Rich people throw their clothes away after wearing it once, don¡¯t you know that?¡±


    Okay then, my poverty has really limited the powers of my imagination. Yu Hao looked at the myriad of things in Chen Yekai¡¯s suite and couldn¡¯t even comprehend what most of them were supposed to be used for. Yu Hao could wear one parka for three days in a row. He would be so exhausted by the time he got home that he couldn¡¯t even bother to wash it before collapsing onto his bed. Now that he was just sitting here like this, he felt extremely uncomfortable. When Chen Yekai opened the shoe cabinet just now to find some slippers for him, Yu Hao saw a pair of limited edition sneakers that had a sky-high price, so he awkwardly made some small talk.


    ¡°Laoshi, do you play basketball too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not good at it.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m okay at soccer though. It gets busy at the end of the semester, but let¡¯s play a game during the next winter vacation.¡±


    Yu Hao was even more of a noob. He knew that Chen Yekai¡¯s so-called ¡®not good at it¡¯ was equivalent to a curve wrecker¡¯s ¡®I screwed up my exam again this time¡¯. When Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t around the last time and Chen Yekai was the one leading him in Glory, he had also said ¡°I¡¯m not very good at this game so don¡¯t laugh at me¡± but he got 20 over kills in the end. Yu Hao only felt like he was following behind a lawnmower, and after the game ended, the two of them had even been reported for using an add-on.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you play soccer before.¡± Yu Hao said.


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    Chen Yekai held up his cup of coffee, ¡°I was in the team for our department during my undergraduate years, but I stopped playing as often when I started my postgraduate studies. Don¡¯t keep calling me Laoshi anymore, just call me Kaikai like Zhou Sheng and the rest.¡±


    Yu Hao thought I knew it, even though you said you were just ¡®okay at it¡¯. I should just call you Male God like the girls in my class do ba¡­¡­.but he really couldn¡¯t say these words out loud. When he sat opposite Chen Yekai, he didn¡¯t know why but he felt like he had been brought in to learn about the unspoken rules of the trade.


    ¡°As for what we talked about the last time, have you thought it through?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Why is our conversation beginning to sound more and more like the lines out of a TV drama, Yu Hao thought.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao thought about it for a bit before he said this, somewhat confused.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°You haven¡¯t selected a song yet?¡±


    ¡°Oh, that!!¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ve chosen one! And I¡¯ve reported it to the League Committee! I selected a song before our exams started.¡±


    He actually thought that Chen Yekai had begun to care about his life vision and plans for the future so he felt a little out of sorts, but now he was smiling as he said, ¡°You should have said that much earlier! I was wondering what you wanted to talk to me about.¡±


    A form teacher had called a student over to his house alone and asked ¡°have you thought it through¡±¡­ Yu Hao relaxed at once. But it was impossible for Chen Yekai to have taken a fancy to him. This male god form teacher of his ¡ª whose handsomeness transcended the heavens ¡ª was shrouded in mysteries ¡ª his family origins and sexual orientation were riddles that others haven¡¯t figured out yet. Some people say that he likes the Older Sister type, while some people said that he was already married. And there were some people who said that he was gay.


    If he really wanted to take advantage of me¡­¡­.


    ¡­¡­..then that would be great of course! That¡¯s exactly what I¡¯ve been wishing for ba!


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao thought this in his heart. But he had never actually thought of such fantasies before.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but ever since he began liking General, he had been constantly tortured by his hyperactive hormones. He decided that after the upcoming Spring Festival, he would try to find a boyfriend. After all, it was a brand new beginning for him. He will no longer isolate himself, and he will attempt to understand and love someone else. That person might be someone from college, or someone already working, but it definitely wouldn¡¯t be Chen Yekai.


    He wasn¡¯t worthy of him, and of course, Chen Yekai wouldn¡¯t date a student. Besides, he didn¡¯t even know if Chen Yekai was gay or not. If he ever gets a boyfriend in the future, he hopes that his boyfriend wouldn¡¯t be such a dazzling person as it would make him feel way too insecure.


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    ¡°What song did you choose?¡±


    Yu Hao was checking his phone, and Chen Yekai leaned in closer to take a look. He had a very faint scene of cologne on his body which made Yu Hao a little nervous, so he suddenly changed his mind and said, ¡°Is it okay if I don¡¯t sing it now?¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t you still have to participate in the dress rehearsal anyway?¡± Chen Yekai smiled and got up, ¡°You¡¯ll have to sing then. But I can walk away first without listening to it.¡±


    ¡°Dress¡­¡­dress rehearsal?!¡± Yu Hao was stunned, he didn¡¯t expect the rehearsal to be so early.


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    Chen Yekai, ¡°You¡¯ll have to go on stage tomorrow night. I didn¡¯t bother you about it before because I didn¡¯t want it to affect your exams. Come over here.¡±


    Yu Hao had barely practiced, so he was instantly even more nervous than before. Fortunately, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t mention it to him beforehand, or else he definitely would have screwed up his exams. He followed Chen Yekai and entered a room. Chen Yekai opened up a wardrobe and said, ¡°Have you picked what you want to wear? You can choose something you like from here ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was 176cm, while Chen Yekai was 180cm, so Yu Hao could wear his clothes. There were a few suits in the wardrobe that looked way too formal. After Yu Hao thought over it for awhile, he said, ¡°I should go buy one for myself ba?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you can just wear mine.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to spend your money on one.¡±


    It¡¯s not like Yu Hao could go up on stage like this. Also, he knew that Chen Yekai was doing this for his sake, so he nodded gratefully. He had never cared very much for his dressing, and it wasn¡¯t like he could afford the expenditure anyway. He probably wouldn¡¯t be used to wearing such formal attire all of a sudden, so after pondering it briefly, he said, ¡°I won¡¯t wear the blazer, just the shirt will be fine.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Up to you.¡±


    ¡°Is this one okay?¡± Yu Hao took out two shirts that were hung together ¡ª the one outside was a navy blue, while the shirt inside was white. The white one looked a bit worn out, and didn¡¯t look like it was made out of a very expensive material. So he took the navy blue one off and compared the white one against him.


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    ¡°That shirt¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You should choose a better one ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°This one ba, white shirts go well with suit pants.¡±


    Chen Yekai was surprised, ¡°You like this style?¡±


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    Yu Hao said, ¡°I liked it the moment I saw it.¡±


    So Chen Yekai didn¡¯t press Yu Hao any further. He said, ¡°Try it on?¡± After casually throwing the navy blue shirt into another wardrobe, he then found a pair of slim suit pants to pass to Yu Hao. He looked at his watch, ¡°Hurry, I¡¯ll take you to the dress rehearsal.¡±


    After Yu Hao changed, he wanted Chen Yekai to take a look at it. Chen Yekai was looking at his phone in the living room, and said without even lifting his head, ¡°Looks good.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You haven¡¯t even seen it yet!¡±


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    Chen Yekai looked up. The two of them suddenly fell silent for awhile.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Wear that then. After you put on some light makeup and trim your eyebrows, you¡¯ll look quite handsome.¡±


    Yu Hao intuitively felt that Chen Yekai seemed a bit angry ¡ª perhaps it was because he had chosen the cheapest shirt. But he didn¡¯t do so out of a sense of inferiority, but because he felt that¡­¡­


    ¡°Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao kept the clothes in his bag as he spoke apprehensively.


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai had both his hands stuffed into his pockets and was pacing around. He turned around to look at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I was just thinking, that I wanted to let the real me stand on stage to sing.¡± Yu Hao explained, ¡°So¡­¡­so¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Attractive people look good no matter what they wear.¡± The corners of Chen Yekai¡¯s lips were slightly upturned, ¡°You¡¯re pretty confident in yourself now.¡±


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    Yu Hao laughed. Chen Yekai took him to the auditorium for the dress rehearsal. The League Secretary was there too, and she nodded at them.


    Yu Hao looked at his watch. He needed to finish his last job before 8pm today, then settle his wages with his supervisor, so he wondered if the dress rehearsal could conclude successfully by then. However, the dress rehearsal seemed to go on and on without an end in sight. That was when Yu Hao realised a very serious problem ¡ª dress rehearsals usually took longer than the actual performance.


    He kept looking at his watch, and finally, Chen Yekai asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao explained his situation. Chen Yekai said, ¡°You haven¡¯t had dinner yet.¡±


    Yu Hao was afraid that his supervisor would be in arrears with his salary, so he said, ¡°What if I make a trip down first?¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Chen Yekai notified the student union. The president wore a bewildered expression and said, ¡°Then what do we do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sing for him then.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m a bit tone deaf, so I hope everyone wouldn¡¯t mind it too much.¡±


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    Everyone immediately ignored Yu Hao as they said in unison, ¡°Okay okay!¡± Yu Hao thought, thank God, I¡¯m finally free.


    He rushed to the place as fast as he could and refilled the claw machine with dolls for the day. In the meantime, Zhou Sheng kept messaging him to ask him where he was and what time he would be returning to school. Yu Hao replied to him saying that he was working. Zhou Sheng called him, but Yu Hao was propping the glass cabinet up by himself at the time to keep it from falling down, and he was fumbling around as he tried to fill it up with dolls as well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be really late!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What on earth is it? I¡¯m still refilling dolls, so I¡¯m hanging up now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why are you working again?¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t work I¡¯ll have to go cold and hungry!¡±


    ¡°Could you hurry up?!¡± The couple waiting for the claw machine became angry, so Yu Hao could only say, ¡°I¡¯ll be right on it!¡±


    ¡°Complain about him!¡± The customer said, ¡°He¡¯s been on his phone¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao quickly tried to appease them, ¡°That number¡¯s for repair, not for complaints! Okay okay, I won¡¯t use my phone anymore.¡± This could be complained about too? He would be getting his wages today, so it would be horrible if his boss used this as an excuse to dock his wages.


    Yu Hao tried his very best to persuade them, and after he hung up the phone, he apologised to the customers again before running to the next mall. He busied himself for an entire night, and after he successfully received his wages, he sent a message to Chen Yekai to ask if the dress rehearsal was over. Chen Yekai didn¡¯t reply to him.


    Crap, he must be angry. Yu hao rushed to the auditorium before lights out. The auditorium was already locked and it was pitch-dark inside.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    After he returned to his dormitory and lied down, Chen Yekai replied him.


    ¡¾If you screw up tomorrow night, you¡¯re dead.¡¿


    Yu Hao quickly apologised. Chen Yekai still ignored him, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s call came.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice travelled through the phone, ¡°Laozi¡¯s gonna start beating someone up! Do you know how long I¡¯ve been waiting for you?!¡±


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    Yu Hao was completely baffled. He didn¡¯t arrange to meet up with Zhou Sheng today?


    Yu Hao was dead tired, but it was pointless no matter how much he tried to explain. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°What did Chen Yekai ask you to do again?¡±


    ¡°I was working!¡± Yu Hao huddled under his quilt. His roommates had all gone out to play after their examinations were over, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything else!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m angry!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting for you the whole night!¡±


    ¡°Why were you waiting for me?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We weren¡¯t supposed to meet up today, right??¡±


    Zhou Sheng stopped talking. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what to say at all. He hadn¡¯t eaten dinner, so his stomach was suffering from an unbearable hunger, yet he still had to get scolded wherever he went. He didn¡¯t have a very good temper now.


    ¡°Then look for me again after your anger dissipates ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Open the door!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted angrily outside the door.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got up to go open the door, Zhou Sheng entered his dormitory and casually threw a packed dinner on the table. Then he turned around with both hands stuffed into his pockets and left.


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    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao was about to chase after him when a cold wind blew in from outside. Yu Hao hurried back and put on his trousers, then ran downstairs. The lights in the dormitory buildings were all out. He could only see Zhou Sheng jump over the railings of the second floor and sprint back to his own dormitory after he landed.


    Yu Hao jumped down as well, but after Zhou Sheng passed the courtyard, he jumped onto the railings behind their dormitory and ¡ª as if he was doing parkour ¡ª he jumped a few times up to the second floor on the opposite dormitory and entered his own dorm.


    Yu Hao stood in the courtyard, completely dumbfounded. He couldn¡¯t jump onto the opposite building. Fortunately, another guy from his own dormitory had returned, so after shouting for half a day outside the entrance downstairs, the dorm supervisor finally opened the door and Yu Hao managed to return to his own dormitory.


    The meal that Zhou Sheng had packed for him was already cold. Yu Hao was so ravenous that he wolfed it down in a hurry. He called Zhou Sheng, but he didn¡¯t pick up. He messaged him too, but he didn¡¯t receive a reply. Yu Hao suddenly remembered that Zhou Sheng had something he wanted to tell him today, so he could only apologise to him first. Actually, he didn¡¯t know why he had to apologise in the first place. In the end, he fell asleep in a dreary mood.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    He didn¡¯t need to work, go to class or do any revision the next day.


    From the start of New Year¡¯s until the 17th this month, Yu Hao had managed to save a total of 2200 yuan. This would be enough to tide him over for the winter vacation. Prices during the Spring Festival period would skyrocket, but he still had to buy some clothes for himself. He decided that in the near future, he would go to the supermarket to find a part-time job as an inventory clerk.


    General¡¯s existence had gradually begun to fade away. When he recalled his dreamscape from half a month ago, it was enshrouded in a hazy fog. But he still tried his best to remind himself over and over again that the person from his memories was real.


    Yu Hao prepared a cup of instant noodles for himself in his dormitory. Then he looked at his phone and opened up Changba to practice the song that he would be singing on stage tonight. He believed that he would be able to sing it well, even though he hadn¡¯t sang in awhile. He practiced all the way till noon and wanted to ask Zhou Sheng out for lunch, but Zhou Sheng never sent him a message.


    He asked Fu Liqun out for a meal after the performance tonight, and Fu Liqun replied:¡¾I¡¯m not in school today, do your own things ba.¡¿


    Yu Hao suddenly felt a little lonely. He never felt this way when he kept to himself in the past, but after he made a new friend like Zhou Sheng, he felt like something was missing after Zhou Sheng started to ignore him.


    Yu Hao thought that maybe he was hated now, so he could only return to how it was before and eat in the canteen alone. After he took a bath and changed into the shirt and suit pants that Chen Yekai had loaned him, he put on a down vest and went to the auditorium for today¡¯s performance at the appointed time.


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    The performance was scheduled to start at 3pm. The Dean gave the opening speech, and introduced Professor Lin along with his spouse. She then reported on the development of the academic atmosphere in their college for the past year, and discussed how she looked forward to the college¡¯s future goals in the new year.


    ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± The League Secretary said when she saw Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao peeked out from the gap while he was backstage, and realised that Professor Lin and his spouse were the couple who had dinner with Chen Yekai on New Year¡¯s Eve. He hurriedly apologised to the League Secretary for not attending the dress rehearsal, and everyone backstage all said that it was understandable. They might have said that ¡®it was understandable¡¯, but there was a vague sense of estrangement in their eyes. Yu Hao was used to enduring such gazes, and didn¡¯t say anything. Everyone in the literary arts department knew one another. They were all gnawing on melon seeds, eating snacks or chatting away happily while they waited for their turn on stage, but Yu Hao merely stood to the side.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°It¡¯s too cold there.¡± The League Secretary said, ¡°I¡¯ll comb your hair and put on some light makeup for you.¡±


    Yu Hao allowed them to handle his hair. He heard Chen Yekai¡¯s voice outside, ¡°Is he here yet?¡±


    The League Secretary answered that he was here, and Chen Yekai didn¡¯t even come in to take a look at him before he said, ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as he¡¯s here.¡± Then he turned around and left.


    After Yu Hao¡¯s hair was styled and light makeup had been applied to his face, he returned backstage. Everyone fell silent.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Does it look weird?¡± Yu Hao said.


    The girls all remained silent for awhile, then expressed in succession, ¡°You look quite handsome.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He took a chair over and sat down on it, and didn¡¯t notice the gazes of the people around him. He wore his earphones as he played the song that he was about to sing over and over again.


    Zhou Sheng finally sent him a short message as he asked, ¡°Have you eaten?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I have a performance tonight.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sent him an angry QQ expression:¡¾I know, I¡¯m asking if you¡¯ve eaten yet.¡¿


    Yu Hao quickly said that he had eaten, then Zhou Sheng replied:¡¾Sing properly, don¡¯t go out of tune.¡¿


    Yu Hao was never afraid of going out of tune, but now that Zhou Sheng mentioned it, he began to dread that he might actually go out of tune. Zhou Sheng asked what he was singing, and who he was singing for. Yu Hao answered:¡¾For a friend.¡¿


    ¡¾Oh?¡¿After Zhou Sheng sent this message, he didn¡¯t say anything else.


    As the time for his turn on stage approached, Yu Hao began to tense up uncontrollably.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink water all the time.¡± The League Secretary reminded.


    Yu Hao had already finished drinking two bottles of water, but his throat still felt dry. He was worried that his voice would sound hoarse on stage.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the bathroom for a bit¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said as he trembled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± The League Secretary said, ¡°It¡¯s just a performance anyway, nothing much would happen even if you mess up. Is it your first time performing on stage?¡±


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    Yu Hao waved his hand and ran away to pee, by the time he rushed back, the backstage staff were urging him, ¡°Hurry, hurry! It¡¯s your turn!!¡±


    ¡°Take off your down vest!¡± The League Secretary got him to take off his down vest before passing the microphone to him, ¡°Don¡¯t pat it and don¡¯t say ¡®wei¡¯. When you get on stage, welcome Professor Lin to our college first, then just sing straight away. After you¡¯re done singing the first sentence, the accompaniment will follow. Don¡¯t be nervous!¡±


    ¡°Watch out for the steps, don¡¯t trip!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t raise your head when you¡¯re singing! It¡¯s not a good angle for camera shots!¡±


    When Yu Hao stepped onto the stage, he inadvertently looked up and the first person he saw was actually Zhou Sheng. He was standing at the last row of the auditorium.


    Zhou Sheng watched the performance from the last row of the auditorium. He bowed down slightly and sloppily leaned on the railings, while his girlfriend stood beside him ¡ª that beautiful girl who helped to warm Yu Hao¡¯s hands up on that cold, winter day.


    All of the nervousness that he had accumulated throughout his life reached a certain peak and collapsed ¡ª just like the snow that had gathered on a snowy mountain peak for thousands of years. It all fell down on him now, submerging him with a loud rumble.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 22 - School Anniversary

    Ch22 ¨C School Anniversary


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    It was pitch-dark on stage. The spotlight suddenly shone down on his head, like accumulated snow that cascaded onto him with a loud rumble, and a glaring light suddenly flashed.


    It was full of people below! Close to a thousand!


    The dark mass of people was completely silent, but suddenly, loud screams clamoured.


    Yu Hao looked all around him, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to start with saying ¡®dedicated to a friend of mine¡¯, but he was distracted by the sudden screaming and became a bit flustered.


    ¡°I exist in the sunlight, the winds, between the heavens and the earth, and also in dreams; I¡¯ve always been around, and have never been apart from you. Good night.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know why, but he suddenly heard General¡¯s voice in his mind.


    Yu Hao lowered his gaze slightly, and saw Chen Yekai sitting beside Lin Xun at the first row.


    Chen Yekai wore a cold expression on his face and looked a bit impatient.


    Yu Hao was aware that he must look really foolish right now. His shirt was loose and baggy, he wore a black T-shirt inside, and though his hair was waxed once, it was now tousled and a bit messy.


    ¡°I was so fortunate, to have met you¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s voice trembled slightly. He tried his best to calm himself down.


    ¡°But I¡¯ve already lost all right to cry for you.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully, beyond a horizon that I can¡¯t see¡­¡­¡±


    After he sang unaccompanied, the mild and sweet accompaniment began to play. Only then did the audience snap out of its trance, and a roaring applause immediately drowned out Yu Hao¡¯s voice. Chen Yekai¡¯s expression had changed instantly.


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    No one had thought that Yu Hao¡¯s singing voice would be so pleasant to the ears.


    Those were the expressions that Yu Hao was used to seeing on his friends¡¯ or classmates¡¯ faces whenever he sang in a KTV, though he rarely got the chance to. He knew that the moment he started singing, everyone would look very surprised.


    Yu Hao¡¯s grandmother was a Dan actress before the foundation of PRC by Mao Zedong in 1949, and she looked very beautiful when she was younger. She taught him how to sing a few songs when he was little, and after he grew up, she would listen to him sing once in awhile and advise him on his vocal techniques. Compared to how he usually sounds, Yu Hao¡¯s voice sounds very different when he sings. His usual voice had a youthful quality to it, but his singing voice is rich and deep, and it resonates from his chest. Once he switches into his singing mode, all of his nervousness will vanish. Just like when he sings in the KTV, his gaze will turn hazy as he immerses himself in the music.


    ¡°I heard the pitter patter of rain drops on the meadow¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And also the ringing of the school bell not too far away¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai stared blankly at Yu Hao. By the time he reached the chorus, Yu Hao had forgotten that he was on stage and became completely engrossed in singing.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re the happiness that I wanted to hold onto the most, looks like we were actually so close to love. That person who fought against the world for me¡­¡­¡±


    The original version of this song overflowed with feelings from a maiden¡¯s heart, but Yu Hao¡¯s rendition imbued it with the mood of a confession from a Casanova. The background of the stage had transitioned into snowflakes that filled the sky, and accompanied by the flashing lights, the ambience engulfed the entire auditorium.


    ¡°That person who fought against the world for me, that person who stood in the rain with me, every scene was filled with your pure feelings that was untainted by even a speck of dust¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao wore a white shirt, black suit pants, and his sleeves were slightly rolled up. One of his hands was stuffed into his pants pocket while the other held the microphone. His eyelashes reflected the flashing lights that shone on the stage ¡ª his gaze was both hazy and filled with sorrow. When the chorus ended, the world turned silent before his voice rang out again unaccompanied.


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    ¡°I was so fortunate, to have met you. But I¡¯ve already lost all right to cry for you.¡±


    He looked up, and once again saw Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes met Zhou Sheng¡¯s across the auditorium. Yu Hao suddenly smiled out of embarrassment. That shy and nervous smile immediately triggered another round of sensational screams.


    Zhou Sheng applauded with all his might. He fished out a glow stick from god knows where and, like he was attending a concert, he waved it around with the girl beside him. Yu Hao became even more embarrassed. He could only turn his head away slightly as he walked across the stage.


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    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re the happiness that I wanted to hold onto the most, looks like we were actually, so close to love.¡±


    ¡°That person who fought against the world for me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Every scene was filled with¡­¡­I was so fortunate, to have met you¡­¡­¡±


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    Chen Yekai¡¯s expression seemed to be frozen. His eyebrows slightly furrowed as he looked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao¡¯s gaze swept over the auditorium once more and he thought to himself: this lousy microphone¡¯s timbre is so horrible, can¡¯t they replace it with a better one?


    The music finally came to an end. Yu Hao took a deep breath and said, ¡°Welcome to our college, Professor Lin.¡±


    A third round of thunderous applause erupted. Yu Hao suddenly remembered that he hadn¡¯t said the most important words for the evening, so he added, ¡°This song is dedicated to a friend of mine.¡±


    The host went on stage. Yu Hao hurriedly bowed, then turned around and went backstage. As soon as he entered backstage, everyone there clapped loudly for him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that!¡± League Secretary exclaimed, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could sing so well!¡±


    ¡°When you were singing on stage, it was as if you were shining!¡± A girl said.


    ¡°Re¡­¡­.really?¡± Yu Hao thought to himself that she shouldn¡¯t exaggerate so much ba.


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    League Secretary asked again, ¡°Yu Hao! Why didn¡¯t you enter the Music Department?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not talented enough.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°Really, my voice isn¡¯t that good¡­¡­¡±


    In comparison to a professional singer, Yu Hao¡¯s vocal foundations truly weren¡¯t good enough.


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    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red instantly and he only wanted to get out of there as soon as possible. After he changed out of Chen Yekai¡¯s clothes and folded them neatly, everyone was still encouraging him to participate in a Singing Talent Show. Yu Hao was going crazy with embarrassment, so he quickly cut in, ¡°I¡­..I have to go now, bye everyone! Thank you!¡± As he spoke, he quickly bowed to the people in the backstage and fled out of the auditorium.


    When he was chilled by the wind, his nervousness returned, but the performance was already over. He had prepared for an entire day, yet he had only sung for three minutes. Yu Hao wanted to quickly find a place to sit down, or find someone to talk to.


    ¡°Qtfgf jgf sbe ublcu boo ab jujlc?¡± Itbe Vtfcu¡¯r nblmf gjcu bea lc atf recrfa yftlcv Te Ljb.


    Te Ljb delmxis rabbv eq. Itbe Vtfcu¡¯r ulgioglfcv rwlifv, ¡°Tbe rjcu rb kfii! Cgf sbe vjalcu rbwfbcf?¡±


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    ¡°Gbc¡¯a wfrr jgbecv!¡± Itbe Vtfcu rjlv ab tlr ulgioglfcv, atfc qijmfv bcf jgw jgbecv Te Ljb jcv bnfgyfjglcuis mbcolcfv tlw lc tlr afgglabgs, ¡°Ofa¡¯r ub ufa vlccfg!¡±


    Yu Hao really wanted to go, but now that he met this couple, they might want to get a room later so he shouldn¡¯t third wheel. He looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s girlfriend and said, ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you guys.¡±


    She burst out laughing, yet Zhou Sheng was extremely embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll head back first.¡± The girl pursed her lips and said, ¡°My chauffeur is still waiting for me outside.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You won¡¯t reconsider it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it.¡± The girl answered.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for you to come here. Zhou Sheng missed you to death, though he would never admit it. Accompany him for a little longer ba?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± That girl was stunned. She looked at Zhou Sheng, then looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Do you want to die?!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately tried to clear up the misunderstanding, ¡°Yu Hao! Don¡¯t get me into trouble!!


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°The two of you aren¡¯t¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao looked at them.


    Zhou Sheng looked like he was about to fall apart. He turned one round on the spot and said, ¡°Even if I jumped into the yellow springs, I wouldn¡¯t be able to wash myself clean now! Yu Hao! Explain yourself!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Yu Hao realised that they might not have confirmed their relationship yet, and Zhou Sheng might have only said ¡®sis-in-law¡¯ as a joke so he hurriedly said, ¡°I don¡¯t know anything! I thought the two of you were already together!¡±


    The girl hurriedly waved her hand, and she looked really embarrassed as well. She walked to the college entrance and got into a black Lincoln, ¡°I¡¯ll contact you again some other time.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao smiled as he waved at her. After the car drove away, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were someone who would bear grudges? I only scolded you a bit yesterday, yet now you¡¯re taking revenge?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I¡­¡­.I really didn¡¯t know. You haven¡¯t confessed yet?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s Fu Liqun¡¯s girlfriend!¡± Zhou Sheng became a little frantic.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then why did you ask me to call her sis-in-law!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Fu Liqun¡¯s nickname is Gege! So why wouldn¡¯t his wife be called sis-in-law! Last time I meant that she¡¯s our sis-in-law!!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand. Yu Hao remembered that Fu Liqun was the tallest person in the Sports Department, and there were quite a few girls in his class who called him ¡°Gege¡±. So after everyone called him that for awhile, it had become his nickname.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Half an hour later, Yu Hao returned to his dormitory to change back into his plain clothing. He wanted to return the shirt to Chen Yekai in a few days, but Chen Yekai told him that he didn¡¯t need to wash it. Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to wash his clothes either as he was afraid of ruining them.


    Zhou Sheng smoked in a shabu-shabu shop, looking gloomy and depressed. Yu Hao said, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me! Before you got me to call her sis-in-law! How the hell was I supposed to know whose sis-in-law you meant??¡±


    Zhou Sheng said sincerely and earnestly, ¡°How could I get that kind of goddess-like girlfriend? Are you blind?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Then what kind of girlfriend do you want?¡± Yu Hao asked, baffled. ¡°You don¡¯t like the Older Sister type? You¡¯re such a good catch, why say that you can¡¯t get that kind of girlfriend? I don¡¯t mean Shan Jie, I meant¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao really did think that even though Zhou Sheng was usually quite slovenly in both dress and manner, he was like a diamond in the rough that glowed with a light that was hidden underneath the surface. He was worthy of an outstanding girlfriend.


    But Zhou Sheng was both sincere and blunt as he answered, ¡°Ah, that¡¯s true, I¡¯m quite okay ba? Actually, I never wanted to date or start a family anyway, so it doesn¡¯t matter to me since I don¡¯t want to get married.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to be like my parents who quarrel all day. It¡¯ll exhaust me to death.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So damn troublesome. I can¡¯t take care of a wife, and I can¡¯t look after kids either.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s cause you haven¡¯t found someone you like, someone you want to spend the rest of your life with.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But I only saw her from afar once. I really didn¡¯t recognise her as Liqun¡¯s¡­¡­..wife.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Shan Jie broke up with him.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao felt astonished. He only knew that when Cen Shan came over before Christmas, she had fallen out with Fu Liqun. But she had come over today to try and part with Fu Liqun on good terms. Every time Cen Shan fought with Fu Liqun, Zhou Sheng would be the middleman who had to pass their messages on to each other, which irritated Zhou Sheng to no end.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask so many questions about this later.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why do you have so many ¡®why¡¯s? Can¡¯t we talk about something else? If you ask so much it¡¯ll seem like I¡¯m gossiping about Fu Liqun because I have nothing better to do, but if I don¡¯t talk about it, you¡¯ll ask more questions again.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not angry anymore?¡± Yu Hao thought, I shouldn¡¯t ask about Fu Liqun¡¯s gossip anymore, let¡¯s change the topic ba. He still has no idea why Zhou Sheng suddenly flared up yesterday.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do you know that you were wrong?¡±


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    Yu Hao sincerely said, ¡°I know now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What were you wrong about?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t say anything in reply.


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    ¡°The shirt should be lent to you by Kaikai ba?¡± When Zhou Sheng thought about it, he got angry again, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you look for me to borrow my clothes? I always asked you to wear my clothes cause you don¡¯t have any but you never wore them, are you afraid of owing me? Then why aren¡¯t you afraid of owing Kaikai?¡±


    Yu Hao could obviously sense Zhou Sheng¡¯s jealousy now. Truly, his possessiveness over his friends is too strong. He wanted to explain himself, but he knew that with Zhou Sheng¡¯s temper, he should just admit that he was in the wrong right away.


    ¡°I was wrong.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I was afraid of causing trouble for you. I¡¯m returning his clothes to him tonight.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°I really don¡¯t understand why you think you¡¯d cause trouble for me. Won¡¯t you be the one washing the clothes anyway?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao thought of the words that the dark him had said to him in his dreamscape. After he thought about it for awhile, he suddenly admitted it very openly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Maybe because unconsciously, I think that it¡¯s not easy to make friends, so I don¡¯t want to use¡­¡­.other people¡¯s things. Especially things like clothes which are more personal. Just like when I was young, I feel like I should try my best not to freeload off of others ba. ¡±


    Zhou Sheng never thought that Yu Hao would explain himself so clearly and straightforwardly. In the end, he could only answer with one word, ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I will try my best to change.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Kaikai got me to perform with the reasoning that I was ¡®helping him¡¯, and even then, I didn¡¯t dare to borrow clothes that were too expensive.¡±


    ¡°But you did help him a lot.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You gave him a lot of face today. It¡¯s not a big deal, so long as we¡¯ve made it clear, it¡¯s fine. After our exams ended yesterday, I was going to take you somewhere to buy some clothes for your performance. Did you ask me what I was doing yesterday? When I found out that you were going over to his place and had to go work after that, I wanted to go to the mall you worked at to buy clothes for you to wear today. But after I waited and waited, you still hadn¡¯t returned to your dorm, so I packed a meal for you and went to the auditorium to look for you. Do you know what time I waited for you until? They said that you had to return for the rehearsal, so I waited for you until the lights went out! Was it that irritating for you to pick up my call?¡±


    A scene surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind of Zhou Sheng waiting in the auditorium until the dress rehearsal was over, just because he didn¡¯t want him to starve. His heart stirred. Just as he was about to say something, Fu Liqun came.


    Zhou Sheng looked out of sorts. He raised his eyebrow at Yu Hao and said nothing more.


    ¡°You¡¯ve sent her away?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°She left.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°You sang quite well.¡± Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°Your photos are spreading all over my class¡¯ group chat.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao quickly took his phone and looked at it. He was a little happy about it, but he had to act modest as he saw a wave of his own photos. He was a little surprised too, that¡¯s me?


    ¡°Are you looking for a girlfriend?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m too broke to date.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And people won¡¯t like me either, I¡¯ll think about it next time.¡±


    ¡°You have your face!¡± Fu Liqun, ¡°Your good looks! What are you afraid of? You can sponge off a woman! Find a rich girlfriend! Let her pay!¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When they connected it to Cen Shan, both of them understood that Fu Liqun¡¯s ironic remarks were borne from his resentment. Fu Liqun might have been provoked by someone who claimed things like he was living off a woman. He was currently enveloped in an aura of negativity.


    In comparison to Yu Hao¡¯s first impression of him as an idol-like male god, Fu Liqun now seemed much more haggard than before. This Wang Leehom of the Sports Department has many female fans in his class, and most of them idolise him because he was the captain of the basketball team. But after getting to know him, you would slowly realise that Fu Liqun can be kind of dumb and cute. His speech and thoughts can be as unrestrained as a heavenly steed that soars through the skies ¡ª just like a MP4 that got infected with a virus so it ends up randomly playing music throughout the day. If you wanted to listen to a radio station, he would start playing some English Listening Comprehension audio; if you wanted to listen to music, he would start telling ghost stories. His grades were okay but it wasn¡¯t at the level of a curve wrecker; only his basketball skills were outstanding. His family was slightly well off, but they weren¡¯t wealthy to the point that he would be considered a rich second gen. Perhaps, because he had a girlfriend, he would always be very polite in the company of girls or act dumb just in case he accidentally teased someone.


    But as a friend, Yu Hao liked him a lot, because Fu Liqun is a really kind person.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drink! Our final exams are over, and I didn¡¯t fail a single one of them. We can celebrate by spending all the money that was supposed to be used for make-up exams and retaking any failed courses!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Boss! Get us some wine!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to thank Yu Laoshi for tutoring me, cheers¡ª¡ª¡± Fu Liqun looked for Yu Hao to knock glasses with. It began snowing outside as the three of them ate shabu-shabu in the shop. It was only then did Yu Hao find out that their results had already been released. They had practised the Higher Mathematics questions before, so he was certain he would pass. He rushed to check his results and discovered that he had passed all the subjects that had released results. He even scored a 90 for his English, so he was instantly on cloud nine.


    ¡°I wanna discuss something with you.¡± After they drank for awhile, Zhou Sheng spoke to Yu Hao.


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    Yu Hao thought of what Zhou Sheng said yesterday, so he immediately sat upright and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Move over to our dorm ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°One of our roommates rented a room outside. He wants to look for someone to get an eight-person room to save some money. Do you want to change dorms? You just need to fork out a small sum every semester.¡±


    Yu Hao felt like he just got smacked in the face by happiness. Returning to his own dormitory felt like he was returning to prison, so he had come to dislike going back. He never talked to his roommates anyway, and the atmosphere there made him very uncomfortable. But he was worried that he would have conflicts with Zhou Sheng after he moved over to their dormitory.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao with an expectant gaze. Yu Hao¡¯s heart suddenly jolted.


    ¡°You can just owe him the money first.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And return it to him after New Year¡¯s. Or we could pay for you first? You can treat it as the tutoring fees for our make-up lessons. You get 80 per hour as a tutor outside, so after you tutored us for so many days¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao immediately interrupted, ¡°Of course I¡¯d be willing! I¡¯ll fork out the money myself! But I¡¯m afraid¡­¡­.afraid of¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng looked doubtfully at Yu Hao.


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    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯re like a little daughter-in-law.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately spat out a mouthful of beer, then burst out into raucous laughter.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m afraid of quarrelling with Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Now it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s turn to be embarrassed. He said, ¡°If we quarrel then so be it, or are you afraid that I¡¯ll beat you up?¡±


    Yu Hao stammered, ¡°I¡­¡­I¡¯m often disliked by other people, like yesterday. If I annoy you again, I¡¯m worried that we wouldn¡¯t even be able to remain friends anymore¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°How could that be?!¡± Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t understand this kind of thinking at all. The corners of Fu Liqun¡¯s mouth twitched as he said, ¡°Do you really think that way? How could that be possible! You¡¯re so neat and tidy, Zhou Sheng can¡¯t match up to you at all!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly tried to explain himself. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai, Fu Liqun what do you mean by that? Fine fine fine, Yu Hao, I do get pissed off once in awhile, but it goes as quickly as it comes. I won¡¯t scold you anymore next time, okay?¡±


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    ¡°He treats everyone like that.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°We often bicker too.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay.¡± Yu Hao felt quite touched at this moment. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll go let them know. From now on, I¡¯ll be in charge of washing both of your clothes ba.¡±


    The two of them almost spat their beer out again. Fu Liqun said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t get him to wash your clothes for you! You bully! Yu Hao has finally made his first public performance today, you better keep a lookout for the girls in our class who¡¯ll come and hunt you down!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I love him so dearly, so what if he washes some clothes for me? Why don¡¯t you ask him? So what if he has launched his career? Even if he becomes a superstar, he¡¯ll still have to wash my clothes for me.¡±


    Yu Hao thought in his heart, you two straight men are even gayer than those who are bent. He hurriedly urged them to stop fighting and to just focus on drinking their beer.


    After three rounds of drinks, Fu Liqun sighed again and rubbed his face forcefully. Yu Hao wanted to comfort him, but he was afraid that he would find out that Zhou Sheng had betrayed him by talking about his break up. However, before their three plates of shabu meat were finished, Fu Liqun had already drank 7 or 8 bottles of beer and still thought it wasn¡¯t enough so he asked for more white wine. In the end, he was the one who started talking about his relationship first.


    ¡°Let him talk about it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯s been holding it in for too long.¡±


    Fu Liqun knew Cen Shan since high school. The two of them were in a relationship for three years. His parents knew about it, and they liked Cen Shan very much. But Cen Shan was always reluctant to mention it to her own family, which made Fu Liqun somewhat unhappy.


    Cen Shan¡¯s family was engaged in various real estate projects. Her father had always wanted her to study hard and graduate smoothly, then marry a local civil servant, or a guy whose parents worked for the government. Then they would be able to build a bright future with a marriage between an official and a businessman, and everyone could act in collusion to make even greater profits.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s father used to be a professor in a university. He later went to a pharmaceutical company in Shanghai to act as their consultant, so his family can be considered well off. They had a few houses, a car that costs about 300 000, were intellectuals, and had a relatively good standard of living. His father was the sole breadwinner of the family, earning about 50 000 a month, while his mother looked after the family full-time. They were a happy family. Following his parents¡¯ footsteps to create this kind of beautiful family had always been their son¡¯s greatest wish.


    Though Fu Liqun¡¯s grades couldn¡¯t be considered bad, you could only say that it was good at most, so naturally he wouldn¡¯t be accepted by Cen Shan¡¯s parents.


    Ever since they started college, Cen Shan often argued with Fu Liqun about their future. Cen Shan hoped that Fu Liqun would become a bit more ambitious, but Fu Liqun didn¡¯t really have any plans for the future. Then one day, one of Cen Shan¡¯s relatives inadvertently spotted the two of them holding hands while they were out shopping, so their relationship was exposed and they were asked to break up.


    Cen Shan is a rich second gen. Her family had chanced upon the golden age for real estate, so their assets were worth at least 5 to 6 billion. Fu Liqun¡¯s family only had two houses, and his father still had to work even though he was so old. Naturally, he couldn¡¯t try to connect with people of a higher social class.


    ¡°If you¡¯re marrying off your daughter, you marry her off to someone richer.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°If you¡¯re getting a wife, you get one who¡¯s poorer, that¡¯s what they say ba? There¡¯s nothing wrong with that, right?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything. Zhou Sheng never had much of an interest in marriage or dating in the first place. He had grown up in a violent family, with parents who were constantly at odds with each other, so a psychological shadow was already cast over his heart. On the other hand, Yu Hao¡¯s world view was constrained by his poverty. His mind was still preoccupied with thoughts of ¡®how much interest can a fixed deposit of 5 to 6 billion earn in a year¡±. He couldn¡¯t comprehend the family planning of the rich and powerful.


    In fact, even Fu Liqun¡¯s 50 000 yuan per month salary was an astronomical number in Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Why is it so tough to be human?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao ah¡­¡­¡±


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    After they finished drinking, the three of them sat next to a flower bed by the roadside. Yu Hao watched Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng chat as they smoked.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t we just started college?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Your future still has many possibilities, don¡¯t give up.¡±


    Fu Liqun placed an arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders. He leaned in with a hazy and drunk gaze and stared at him, ¡°I¡¯ve always found life too difficult to live through, but after I came to know you, and knew what kind of life you were living, in comparison, my troubles really aren¡¯t much¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng reached over and patted Yu Hao¡¯s back, ¡°He¡¯s drunk, don¡¯t take it personally.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not drunk!¡± Fu Liqun began to strip in the snow and said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely make a name for myself someday! And make her father regret it!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We need to get him back as soon as possible, or else he¡¯ll catch a cold.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng stood on the left and right sides of Fu Liqun respectively, then hauled him back. Yu Hao had always thought that if two people were in love, then they shouldn¡¯t talk about breaking up so easily. Perhaps, for heterosexuals, it was very simple for them to fall in love. But for a homosexual, it was really too difficult to find someone to love, and who loves them in return.


    Yu Hao wanted to encourage Fu Liqun to communicate properly with the other party, but Zhou Sheng made a ¡°shh¡± gesture and signalled for him to stop talking. Both of them placed Fu Liqun on his dormitory bed. Fu Liqun flipped over and faced the wall with a blanket covering his head. Yu Hao patted him.


    ¡°Move over tonight?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao quickly waved his hand. He hadn¡¯t changed dormitories yet, so there would be trouble if there was a dormitory inspection.


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    ¡°Exams are already over, so why would there still be an inspection?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I need to sort some things out.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And complete the procedures over the next few days. Anyway, it¡¯s the winter holidays and both of you need to go home. I¡¯ll come over to clean up this dormitory first.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going back¡­¡­oh¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng remembered that Yu Hao didn¡¯t have a home to return to anymore.


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    But Yu Hao was extremely unperturbed. He smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll be working during the winter vacation; I¡¯ve already found a job. Then I¡¯ll be going on a holiday, so don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Zhou Sheng called out to Yu Hao who was about to leave, ¡°Do you know how to weave a bracelet?¡± As he spoke, he passed him something. It was the golden, hollowed-out ring.


    ¡°Weave one for me with red rope ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao thought, you actually knew that I could weave bracelets? Then he said, ¡°Let me measure your wrist.¡±


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    ¡°You really know how to?!¡± Zhou Sheng was surprised.


    Yu Hao had overseen a crafts stall before, so even though his weaved bracelets didn¡¯t look too good, he did know how to weave one. He measured the circumference of Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist while he was slightly drunk, ¡°I¡¯ll return it to you before the holidays.¡±


    Zhou Sheng whistled, ¡°You¡¯d better not lose it.¡±


    After night fell, Yu Hao said goodbye to Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun, and they made plans for Zhou Sheng to come over a few days later to help him move out of his dormitory. Then, he returned to his own dormitory building. It was already past 9pm, and he was hesitating over whether or not to return Chen Yekai¡¯s clothes when he received a call.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°What are you doing~?¡±


    His tone seemed a little off. Yu Hao thought, it can¡¯t be that he¡¯s drunk, right?


    ¡°Chen Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Did you drink?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Return my clothes¡ª¡ªstraight away!¡± Chen Yekai said, then hung up.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao called him back, wanting to ask where he was, but his phone was turned off.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Final examinations were over, so his roommates had all gone out to play. Yu Hao locked his dormitory door. Today, the dormitory buildings were all eerily quiet as only a few people remained. Yu Hao walked over to Chen Yekai¡¯s dormitory. The door was locked, and the lights were out.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡± Yu Hao shouted. He hasn¡¯t returned? It can¡¯t be ba? Where did he call from? The dinner party organized by the college should already be over. Could it be that he was on his way back?


    Yu Hao went downstairs again and walked along the path towards the teacher¡¯s canteen. He found someone sitting in a bicycle shed beside a road full of snow ¡ª it was Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai was drunk ¡ª he reeked of alcohol. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    Chen Yekai looked up at him. Under the dim light of the bicycle shed, Yu Hao had seen that sort of gaze just half an hour ago ¡ª¡ª it looked exactly like Fu Liqun¡¯s as it was both hazy and filled with sorrow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back.¡± Yu Hao said. He didn¡¯t know what kind of fortuitous luck he had tonight for him to have picked up two drunken male gods.


    ¡°I¡­¡­can walk by myself.¡±


    Chen Yekai held a bottle of mineral water and staggered about for a few steps in the snow. Snowflakes were falling down steadily, and his sorry figure in the snow suddenly made Yu Hao feel a little sad.


    You definitely can¡¯t let other students see you like this. Please don¡¯t slip and tumble onto the street, and please do not start stripping in this world of ice and snow. Or else the idol image that you hold would be completely obliterated.


    Yu Hao hurried forward and placed Chen Yekai¡¯s arm over his shoulders, then helped him walk back to his dormitory building.


    ¡ª


    T/N: I remember being so ridiculously excited about his performance cause he sang the song from the one movie I really liked, ¡°ÎÒµÄÉÙŮʱ´ú Our Times¡±. The song is called ¡°A Little Happiness¡±. And uggggghhh translating the song into English¡­¡­¡­.the feels¡­¡­¡­..


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Also, the two long chaps are finally over ;____; next chap will be shorter~


    Ame: ZS¡­ getting angry at Haohao for wearing another guy¡¯s shirt. Cute~~


    Dollars: ZS needs you to know he¡¯s dead serious about boyfriend-shirt

 Chapter 23 - The Past

    Ch23 ¨C The Past


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    ¡°That¡­¡­song of yours, who did you sing it for?¡± Chen Yekai suddenly asked.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent and didn¡¯t answer. He brought Chen Yekai to his dormitory building and up the stairs. Chen Yekai smiled as he said, ¡°Who is the friend?¡±


    ¡°General.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Who¡­¡­is General?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Someone in my heart.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It¡¯s not you, Chen Laoshi. But¡­¡­you can treat it as a song I sang for you ba, I sang the song for all of my friends.¡±


    He sang that song for Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, and even that journalist that he hadn¡¯t met before whose name he didn¡¯t even know. He sang it for everyone who had ever helped him¡­¡­but the only one under the sunlight, was still General.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s body became heavier. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t be bothered to think anymore. He took him by the arm and helped him walk upstairs. He rummaged around in Chen Yekai¡¯s trouser pockets ¡ª there was no key inside. Chen Yekai was propped against the door on one shoulder. Yu Hao remembered that this door had a fingerprint lock, so he pulled Chen Yekai¡¯s hand up to press down on it. The door opened.


    It was warm in Chen Yekai¡¯s house. Yu Hao placed him on the sofa. Chen Yekai laid down on his side and muttered to himself, ¡°I hear you, I hear you¡ª¡ª£¡


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Drink some water ba.¡± Then he turned around and walked to the kitchen to get some water, while Chen Yekai continued lying on the sofa as he gasped for breath.


    He turned on the water purifier. For some reason, starting from the moment he met the General, memories from Yu Hao¡¯s past were gradually becoming more lucid. Previously forgotten memories ¡ª like obscure negatives that were soaking in the solution used to develop photograph films ¡ª slowly came into focus as they floated up to the surface of the water.


    The day Chen Yekai arrived at Ying city was exactly when that incident had happened. But they didn¡¯t know each other before that. Can someone dream of a person that he has never met?


    If we assume that he can, then under the premise that General has the ability to enter anyone¡¯s dreamscape without having met them, he should be able to come and go freely in these dreams. So why did he say to Shi Ni, ¡°You¡¯re the one who summoned me here¡±?


    If we assume that he can¡¯t, then both he and Shi Ni should have met General before, and both of them must have hoped for someone who could save them. General would have then used this impression in their minds to occupy a place for himself in their dreams.


    Chen Yekai has seen Shi Ni before. If he was General, then why would he turn into Sun Wukong in Shi Ni¡¯s dreamscape? Also, before that incident occurred, he had never seen Chen Yekai before and never knew of his existence. So it couldn¡¯t be Chen Yekai, could it be Zhou Sheng?! When he thought of this, Yu Hao¡¯s heart suddenly began to beat wildly.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The hearing is tomorrow, so he will see Shi Ni then. He has to confirm one thing with Shi Ni first. He just needs a little time with Shi Ni so she can answer that one question.


    In the living room, Chen Yekai vomited.


    Yu Hao quickly took a cup and went over. Chen Yekai had vomited all over the floor. Yu Hao supported him up and helped him drink the water, making sure he didn¡¯t choke. Chen Yekai sighed, and Yu Hao realised that there were traces of tears on his face. He had actually cried!


    ¡°Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao was instantly at a loss. Chen Yekai¡¯s drunkenness had already gone far beyond his ability to manage it. Chen Yekai laid back down and began to hum softly, and the song he hummed was actually the one that Yu Hao sang tonight! Yu Hao felt so embarrassed; why did he have to choose the kind of song that only teenage girls would like?!


    ¡°Obbxr ilxf sbe¡¯gf atf tjqqlcfrr atja P kjcafv ab tbiv bcab atf wbra, ibbxr ilxf kf kfgf jmaejiis, rb mibrf ab ibnf. Ktja qfgrbc ktb obeuta jujlcra atf kbgiv obg wf¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Snfgs rmfcf kjr oliifv klat¡­¡­P kjr rb obgaecjaf, ab tjnf wfa sbe¡­¡­¡±


    Vagjcufis fcbeut, Te Ljb mbeivc¡¯a tfiq yea rwlif jcv rlcu abufatfg klat Jtfc Tfxjl. Lf byrfgnfv Jtfc Tfxjl obg jktlif, yfobgf tf vfafgwlcfv atja tf kjr pera vgecx jcv vlvc¡¯a cffv ab ufa tlr rabwjmt qewqfv. Ktfc tf kfca ab atf yjatgbbw ab olcv rbwf mifjclcu reqqilfr ab alvs eq atf wfrr.


    I should take a photo¡­¡­Yu Hao laughed to himself as he mopped the floor. Chen Yekai, who was as perfect and flawless as a superstar, could have such miserable moments too.


    ¡°Do you still want to puke?¡± Yu Hao asked Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯ll prepare a basin for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll hang your clothes back up.¡±


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    As he spoke, he washed his hands and placed the clothes that Chen Yekai had lent him back in the wardrobe. After he hung up the white shirt, he thought of the navy blue one so he opened up the other door of the wardrobe. He suddenly saw a photo slip out of the navy blue shirt ¡ª that Chen Yekai had casually stuffed inside his wardrobe last time ¡ª and fall to the ground.


    Yu Hao bent down to pick up the photo. He only took one look at it before he quickly turned, his eyes darting towards the living room.


    In that moment, he had inadvertently uncovered a certain truth, and now somewhat understood why Chen Yekai reacted the way he did.


    The Chen Yekai in the photo looked even more youthful than he did now; it seemed like it was taken about five to six years ago. He was wearing that navy blue shirt as he held the hand of another guy, their fingers intertwined. The guy had very handsome and delicate features and he was Chinese. The two of them stood in front of a waterfall and their smiles seemed so brilliant and carefree in that moment.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    The guy was wearing what Chen Yekai had kept to one side of this wardrobe ¡ª the white shirt that Yu Hao wore today! Also, that guy¡¯s appearance may look very different from Yu Hao¡¯s, but he did look slightly melancholy ¡ª just like how Yu Hao sees himself in a mirror. When he smiled, he still looked a little sad.


    Yu Hao could even recognise the waterfall in their background ¡ª it came from the film¡¶Happy Together¡·that he had watched several times, the place that Liang Chaowei and Zhang Guorong never managed to visit even once in their life¡­¡­


    The Iguazu Falls.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    A mix of feelings stirred within Yu Hao¡¯s heart. Was that Chen Yekai¡¯s ex-boyfriend? He¡¯s gay? Have they broken up? Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to touch it anymore. He quickly placed the photo back into the navy blue shirt, and tried his best to pretend that nothing had happened. He felt extremely guilty, like he had really let Chen Yekai down.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, I¡¯m sorry, I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡±


    He was not yet aware of the sensitive implications that he had inadvertently touched upon, and only acted like a child who was worrying about what he had done wrong. He decisively closed the wardrobe, and after some consideration, decided that perhaps the best course of action was to hide this secret in his heart forever, and to never let Chen Yekai know.


    So, he had to take the shirt off again, fold it, put it back in its plastic bag and place it on one side of the sofa.


    Chen Yekai was lying down flat on the sofa. Yu Hao turned Chen Yekai over onto his side, so that his vomit wouldn¡¯t clog his airway and cause him to suffocate. He said, ¡°Laoshi, I¡¯ll go back first.¡±


    Chen Yekai broke free from Yu Hao¡¯s hand as he didn¡¯t want to lie on his side, but rather on his back.


    Yu Hao found a blanket and covered him with it. Chen Yekai¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao tried to make him turn to his side several times, yet Chen Yekai remained stubborn. Yu Hao pondered for a moment and ended up sitting on another sofa that could only fit one person. He took off his clothes, covered himself with them and decided that he needed to take care of him for at least tonight, in case something happened.


    He really had too many thoughts, and they were all extremely complicated and in disarray, tiring him out. For Yu Hao, perhaps the most shocking revelation today was that after seeing the photo, Chen Yekai seemed like a gong.


    Had he also suffered because of love? Yu Hao thought of the two shirts that were hung together, and another movie¡¯s plot surfaced in his mind:


    Ang Lee¡¯s¡¶Brokeback Mountain¡·.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Why didn¡¯t I think of it when I borrowed the shirt? Yu Hao really wanted to give himself a good slap. He turned the lights off and wearily closed his eyes in the darkness. As of this moment, he didn¡¯t feel very excited or curious, he only thought that tonight, when Chen Yekai got drunk, he had recklessly charged into his heart.


    He knew that Chen Yekai must have gone through a very sad period in his life, but he didn¡¯t dare to say anything to him. He could only close the door to his heart, carefully, and take advantage of his ignorance to slowly walk away, so that everything remained tranquil and at peace. He wouldn¡¯t be so presumptuous as to disturb the owner of that space again.


    Sorry sorry sorry¡­¡­Yu Hao uttered to himself countless times, I really didn¡¯t do it on purpose¡­¡­in the darkness, General¡¯s voice rang out in his mind for some reason, ¡°Good night.¡±


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Then he slept.


    When he opened his eyes again, the sunlight was streaming in through the french windows. Yu Hao had curled up on a sofa for the entire night, so he felt like his body was falling apart. He found a blanket covering him, and the blanket smelled like the sun. The bag of clothes had also been taken away. The sound of running water could be heard from the bathroom, where Chen Yekai was taking a bath.


    Yu Hao yawned, then got up and called out. Chen Yekai responded from the bathroom.


    ¡°I¡¯ve prepared a toothbrush and towels on the wash basin for you, they¡¯re all brand new.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You have to go to court today, right?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered that he had arranged to meet up with Zhou Sheng today before heading to court. He hurriedly brushed his teeth and washed his face. Soon after, the sound of running water stopped. Chen Yekai came out wearing a bathrobe, then dried his hair behind Yu Hao. He asked, ¡°Do you need me to accompany you?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly waved his hand to motion that it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Go after you take a bath? I¡¯ll find some new underclothes for you.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao waved his hand again. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then just wash your hair ba.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s hair was very messy, so that was okay. Chen Yekai blew his hair dry. Yu Hao heard the sound of a rice cooker coming from the kitchen ¡ª¡ª Chen Yekai was cooking breakfast.


    This kind of life seemed a bit unimaginable to Yu Hao. Perhaps, this was the kind of life he longed for? As he allowed the hot water run through his ears and hair, he recalled the guy who had a slight melancholic quality in the photo. Have they broken up? They should have broken up, but Chen Yekai was such a good person, so why would they break up?


    Yu Hao blew his hair dry. Chen Yekai had already changed into a checkered set of pajamas. Two hot bowls of white rice were placed on the table, as well as a bowl of lotus root soup and some pickled cabbage.


    ¡°Have you gone through the details of the trial?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao picked up a pair of chopsticks, ¡°We can¡¯t collude with the witness beforehand. Huang Ting said that I should just answer whatever they ask me during the court session.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded, then said again, ¡°This lotus root soup was cooked by an Aunt last night. Make do with it ba, and be mindful of the time.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao looked at his watch, he still had a lot of time. He felt a bit anxious. He looked up at Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai began laughing.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The food you cooked is delicious.¡±


    ¡°I just cooked a pot of white rice!¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°My ex always complained that my cooking didn¡¯t taste good, and said that I didn¡¯t seem at all like a Chinese student who was studying abroad.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard the word ¡®ex¡¯, it confirmed his speculation, but he didn¡¯t dare to ask any questions. He just smiled at Chen Yekai and drank his coffee, which made him feel much more energetic. The Aunt came over to clean up and said, ¡°Your student?¡±


    ¡°Un, a younger brother.¡± Chen Yekai casually replied, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll hail a cab for you. Ask Zhou Sheng to come down and wait.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say ¡°no need¡±, but he knew that Chen Yekai wanted to thank him for taking care of him last night, so he nodded and accepted his goodwill. When he reached the college gates, Zhou Sheng was waiting for him.


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You weren¡¯t in your dorm this early in the morning?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to tell Zhou Sheng that he had spent the night at Chen Yekai¡¯s residence, so he nodded.


    ¡°You washed your hair?¡± Zhou Sheng continued.


    Yu Hao thought, why are you observing me so carefully today?


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Changed your shampoo?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The cab arrived. Yu Hao studied Zhou Sheng with a doubtful gaze. Zhou Sheng looked puzzled as he asked, ¡°Did you make my bracelet for me yet?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°How could it be done that fast?¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why are you acting a little strange today?¡±


    Since the night before, Yu Hao had been preoccupied with questions relating to General, but his train of thought had been derailed by Chen Yekai¡¯s secret. Now that he saw Zhou Sheng, he couldn¡¯t help but think about it again. Aside from Shi Ni, he also wanted to question Zhou Sheng, but now didn¡¯t seem to be the right time for it.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 24 - Court in Session

    Ch24 ¨C Court in Session


    Hello butlers


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng lazed about as he smoked outside the court with Huang Ting. Huang Ting noticed that Yu Hao seemed absent-minded, so he asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao shook his head. Huang Ting said, ¡°Just answer whatever they ask you later, it¡¯ll be fine as long as you tell them the truth.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng both responded with an ¡°un¡±. Not long after, someone from court came to pick them up so Huang Ting had to part with them. The receptionist brought them to a small room to wait.


    Zhou Sheng saw that Yu Hao had remained silent, so he said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too nervous. We¡¯re witnesses, and witnesses are all kings here.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°I¡¯ve been preoccupied over something these days.¡±


    Please visit chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng raised his eyebrow to prompt him to continue. Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Now that Nini is standing up to testify against her father, she seems to have changed a lot compared to how she was like in the beginning.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually lay down on the sofa and said in a bored voice, ¡°She probably figured things out ba?¡±


    At that moment, Yu Hao felt that Zhou Sheng seemed to have something on his mind, and his gaze seemed to not be on him any longer. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly.


    ¡°In such a short span of time, can one person really muster so much courage and change themselves to the point they can face the fears they had never managed to overcome in the past?¡± Yu Hao continued.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s tone turned serious, and he suddenly seemed different from his usual self. Sometimes, Yu Hao felt like he couldn¡¯t understand Zhou Sheng. He was really lazy most of the time, but in the rare moments he became serious, he would have a peculiar aura around him and would speak with complete conviction.


    Zhou Sheng is a very astute person, and was much more clever than himself. Yu Hao thinks that he¡¯s smarter even when compared to Chen Yekai and Huang Ting. He could sense that the demeanour that Zhou Sheng presented most of the time was some kind of disguise. His true character was very observant, who was also reluctant to reveal what he knows most of the time and instead gives careful consideration to the people around him. Just like how he had dealt with Fu Liqun¡¯s heartbreak, as well as his care for Yu Hao.


    For example, when he got Yu Hao to change dormitories. He knew that Yu Hao wasn¡¯t willing to take advantage of other people, so he gave him the chance to fork out some money. After treating him to a meal, he would allow Yu Hao to return the favour as well, but he has always chosen places that Yu Hao could afford.


    Zhou Sheng was even aware of a tiny detail like Yu Hao washing his hair at Chen Yekai¡¯s place after he got up in the morning. Sometimes, he would just casually poke fun at it, but at other times, when his gaze turns fierce, he would look even more ferocious than Huang Ting.


    ¡°Students, it¡¯s your turn to appear in court.¡± A clerk came in and led them out.


    Yu Hao¡¯s impression of courts were entirely based on what he saw in TVB dramas: the plaintiff would sit down at one side while the defendant would sit down at the other and lawyers would walk up and down the courtroom. Now that he was in a courtroom for the first time, he realised that it looked completely different from what he had imagined. The procuratorate and the court seemed to attach great significance to this case. A group of people adorned with peaked caps sat solemnly in an upright position.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    The plaintiffs were Shi Ni¡¯s uncle and aunt. After a summary of the case was presented, everything went unexpectedly smoothly, and Yu Hao was only questioned about the events that had occurred. Yu Hao only nodded as he said ¡°yes¡± most of the time, since the evidence that had been gathered was rather comprehensive. Shi Liang had his head lowered throughout the entire session, and the defendant¡¯s lawyer didn¡¯t make things difficult for the witnesses. Aside from the time when the defendant had to give his statement, Shi Liang remained silent for a long time.


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart was instantly filled with a miscellaneous mix of emotions. He glanced at Zhou Sheng ¡ª Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression appeared normal, as if he had long expected that this would happen.


    ¡°I admit my mistake.¡± Shi Liang finally said, ¡°I didn¡¯t differentiate properly, the kind of love I had for my daughter.¡±


    Shi Liang finally pleaded guilty!


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao was quite stunned. The lawyer began to fight for leniency on Shi Liang¡¯s behalf ¡ª by urging the court to look at the father-daughter relationship he had with Shi Ni and how Shi Liang¡¯s ¡®love¡¯ was only skirting the line of legality. Yu Hao immediately felt another kind of ¡®evil¡¯ ¡ª within the construct of the legal system, it was the kind of evil that zealously seeks for opportunities to defend someone who had committed a crime.


    ¡°I implore everyone to forgive¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t agree, and we won¡¯t accept his apology either.¡± Shi Ni¡¯s uncle interjected, ¡°Shi Ni disagrees with it even more.¡±


    ¡°You fucking deserve to go to hell!¡± An angry roar sounded; it came from the person on the witness stand ¡ª Yu Hao. Even Zhou Sheng was startled. Animated murmuring broke out across the courtroom, and a staff member came over to try remove Yu Hao from the premises. Yu Hao continued to shout, ¡°That¡¯s what you call ¡®admitting your guilt¡¯? That¡¯s your repentance?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch him!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll leave by ourselves.¡±


    On the plaintiff¡¯s side, Shi Ni¡¯s uncle will take her out of Ying city to begin a new life. After Shi Liang pleaded guilty, the judge listened impatiently to him expressing his remorse before finally adjourning the court.


    There were a lot of reporters waiting outside the court. Yu Hao hurried across the corridor to look for Shi Ni.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, hurry!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Nini!¡±


    Shi Ni¡¯s uncle and aunt took her to the car. Her uncle then ran towards Yu Hao and said, ¡°I¡¯ve hailed another cab. We¡¯ll wait for you two at the place we arranged to meet at.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng walked out. A lot of reporters were waiting outside the court who had gotten their news from god knows where. The two of them got into the car and were driven to the amusement park to meet Shi Ni.


    ¡°Hurry!¡± Zhou Sheng took the card first and brought Yu Hao into the park.


    Shi Ni had gone back to the hotel to change before she arrived at the amusement park.


    Shi Ni, ¡°Where are they?¡±


    Te Ljb jcv Itbe Vtfcu ybat kbgf rilw-mea relar, ktlaf rtlgar, yijmx alfr, jcv j qjlg bo cbc-qgfrmglqalbc uijrrfr. Ktfs ibbxfv ybat gfolcfv jcv mbegafber jr atfs rabbv ja flatfg rlvf bo atf jwerfwfca qjgx¡¯r fcagjcmf, ¡°Tbeg tlutcfrr, qifjrf.¡±


    Vtl Rl, ¡°!!!¡±


    Te Ljb jcv Itbe Vtfcu tjv qgfqjgfv yfobgftjcv. Ktfs ybggbkfv akb rfar bo Begbrtlarepl mbrqijs eclobgwr lc atf jwerfwfca qjgx pera obg abvjs ktfc atfs kbeiv yglcu Vtl Rl tfgf ab qijs. Vtl Rl lwwfvljafis rmgfjwfv, ¡°Te Ljb! Tbe¡¯gf rb tjcvrbwf!¡±


    Yu Hao had looked at his reflection when he changed, and he didn¡¯t expect that his figure would look this good in a suit either. Moreover, the suit was very fitting for him. Zhou Sheng, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t as refined, so his aura was a bit lacking.


    ¡°Hey hey.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you have something against me? Aren¡¯t I handsome?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very handsome too, okay?¡± Shi Ni looked at Yu Hao, ¡°You really look like the black butler!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What about me?!¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°You look like a big bro from the underworld¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll pick you up in the evening.¡± Shi Ni¡¯s uncle waved at her, then Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng brought Shi Ni into the amusement park.


    Yu Hao had always thought it was kind of strange to bring Shi Ni to the amusement park with Zhou Sheng, as if they were bringing their daughter there to play. But with these two black suits that Zhou Sheng had rented, they immediately transformed into butlers accompanying their princess. Their attire had attracted the gazes of countless couples, and all of them envied Shi Ni who lived in an atmosphere akin to that of a Mary Sue novel.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng had even bought three express VIP passes, so they were able to bypass queues the whole day. They rode the roller coaster a whole seven times, after which even Shi Ni couldn¡¯t bear it anymore, ¡°The two of you should continue playing ba, I¡¯ll wait for you guys below.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got?¡±


    Shi Ni, ¡°I¡¯m going to throw up! Who would bring a girl here to take the roller coaster seven times!!¡±


    ¡°I wanna go on it a few more times.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You can go play by yourself ba¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Where¡¯s the fun in playing alone?!¡± And as he spoke, he looped his arm around Yu Hao and dragged him away without allowing him any further protests.


    If we were to say that roller coasters are a nightmare for Yu Hao, then being in the company of Zhou Sheng who had the amusement park¡¯s VIP pass is the nightmare within the nightmare, because he would always choose to sit in the first row.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Can¡¯t you play something else?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I can. You want something more thrilling? Let¡¯s both buy a bowl of hot and sour noodles to eat on our ride, then we can see who¡¯ll finish the bowl on the roller coaster first?¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± Yu Hao immediately stopped him, ¡°This is fine! I¡¯ll just sit!¡±


    ¡°Aaahhhhhh¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao was rather honest. Every time he rode the roller coaster, he wouldn¡¯t close his eyes. The feeling of soaring into the skies was similar to how he had felt when he stepped onto the jindouyun with General, before they soared into the sky from the surface of the sea.


    ¡°Okay let¡¯s stop playing.¡± Half an hour later, Zhou Sheng got tired of going on the roller coaster, ¡°Let¡¯s take the Mega Drop instead.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Shi Ni and Yu Hao refused in unison.


    ¡°The ferris wheel then.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The ferris wheel should be fine ba.¡±


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    ¡°The two of you go ahead first.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°I need to go to the bathroom!¡±


    They couldn¡¯t help her queue for the bathroom, so Zhou Sheng dragged Yu Hao along to go sit on the ferris wheel. After they got on the ferris wheel, they sat facing each other before Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why does this feel so weird?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng took off his blazer and was now wearing just a white shirt, while Yu Hao was still adorned in the full suit. Yu Hao said, ¡°They must think that we¡¯re gangsters who are here for a spring excursion.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°It should be ¡®accompanying our boss¡¯ daughter to the amusement park to play¡¯.¡± Zhou Sheng looked out of the ferris wheel and said, ¡°This is my first time riding on a ferris wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao sincerely said, ¡°Today was my 13th time on the roller coaster, 7th time on the pendulum and my first time on a ferris wheel.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Look at that.¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look outside.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Yu Hao looked in the direction that he pointed at ¡ª there was a cloud there that had enveloped the peak of a mountain.


    ¡°What¡¯s there?¡±


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    ¡°It just looks nice.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So I asked you to take a look.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng was in a good mood today, though he didn¡¯t know why Zhou Sheng was happy.


    ¡°Do you think Nini will get better?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng leaned back on the chair and pondered over it, then replied earnestly, ¡°Of course, weren¡¯t you the same?¡±


    Yu Hao felt that the him of today was a completely different person from who he was before.


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°When you send her off to the airport later, I¡¯ll develop the photos we took today and make a photo album for her.¡±


    Yu Hao just smiled at him. Zhou Sheng was baffled. He looked outside the window, then looked at Yu Hao, ¡°What are you smiling so foolishly for?¡±


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    ¡°You have a halo around you.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°When I performed on stage, they said that my body was surrounded by a halo of light¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh, I remember now. Shan Jie said the same thing. She said that you seemed like a different person, and even had your own spotlight effect.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°You¡¯re the same today.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao suspiciously and said, ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao sincerely said. Zhou Sheng suddenly felt embarrassed, ¡°Okay stop being so corny, my current get-up is just passable ba!¡±


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    ¡°Your get-up¡¯s passable.¡¯ Yu Hao smiled, ¡°But your character gets an A+.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Was the ferris wheel fun?¡± Shi Ni asked them after they alighted.


    ¡°It was really fun, I¡¯ll take you on it again.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We won¡¯t have to queue anyway.¡±


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    ¡°I want to take it with Yu Hao.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°You should go to the toilet ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao took the ferris wheel again with Shi Ni. Shi Ni said worriedly, ¡°Zhou Sheng won¡¯t get angry ba, I just wanted to talk to you alone¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he won¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°You looked so cool when you shouted at my Dad today.¡± Shi Ni said.


    Yu Hao was a little embarrassed as he said, ¡°I just felt really angry.¡±


    Shi Ni answered, ¡°But don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m alright now. Today, someone came to find me and asked if I would be willing to cooperate with her, for something like an exclusive interview.¡±


    Yu Hao got nervous and asked, ¡°Who?¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°A representative from the Municipal People¡¯s Congress.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ah!¡±


    Shi Ni took out a name card and passed it to Yu Hao, ¡°I told her that you and Zhou Sheng were the ones who helped me, so she wanted to meet the both of you. Would you like to see her? You know a lot, and I think you can tell her what you know.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the name card carefully, then answered, ¡°What does she want?¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°She wants to organise some Social Studies classes in a few kindergartens and elementary schools in the city¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Social Studies classes?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay! I¡¯ll help her. It¡¯ll be great if we could promote such lessons!¡±


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    Yu Hao took a picture of the name card. The two of them got off the ferris wheel and saw an unhappy Zhou Sheng who had bought some drinks and fried chicken while he waited for them. Shi Ni smiled, ¡°It¡¯s your turn now.¡± Then dragged Zhou Sheng onto the ferris wheel too.


    At 5pm, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng changed their clothes and took Shi Ni out of the park to send her off to the airport. Zhou Sheng said to Shi Ni, ¡°I¡¯ll go prepare a gift for you, I¡¯ll see you at the airport later.¡±


    When they arrived at Ying city¡¯s airport, Shi Ni¡¯s uncle and aunt were waiting for them outside the security checkpoint.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You will come back, right? Nini.¡±


    Shi Ni answered, ¡°By the time I come back, I may already be an adult.¡±


    ¡°Protect yourself well.¡± Yu Hao smiled.


    ¡°You need to protect yourself well too.¡± Shi Ni said, ¡°Don¡¯t bump into a damned child like me again.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly burst into laughter, but Shi Ni¡¯s eyes watered as tears threatened to overflow. After Yu Hao finished laughing, he said, ¡°You¡¯re not a ¡®damned child¡¯. One of the things I don¡¯t regret the most in my life, was getting to know you.¡±


    Shi Ni was overwhelmed with tears and she rushed forward to embrace Yu Hao tightly.


    ¡°Okay now, when Zhou Sheng comes over later he¡¯ll get upset again.¡± Yu Hao laughed, ¡°Actually, Zhou Sheng is my mental pillar of support. So if you always thank me without thanking him, it¡¯ll be too unfair towards him.¡±


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    Shi Ni parted from Yu Hao and said abashedly, ¡°What¡­I do like him too, but he¡¯s such an arrogant guy. Yu Hao, look¡­¡­.does my dress look nice?¡±


    She delicately picked up the edges of her dress ¡ª just like that moment under the totem in her dreamscape when she had performed a curtsy.


    Yu Hao scrutinised her dress and thought of her dreamscape. This dress of hers is the materialisation of her totem ¡ª it was both an armour that could protect her, as well as a gorgeous dress that belonged to a princess.


    ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡±I¡¯ve been meaning to say this all day.¡±


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    Shi Ni said, ¡°On the day my Dad was arrested, I even dreamt that I had worn this dress.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°And you also dreamt of me, right?¡±


    Shi Ni smiled and said, ¡°I¡¯ve dreamt of the both of you several times.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, ¡°Un, what was I doing in your dream?¡±


    ¡°In my dream¡­¡­¡± Shi Ni tried her best to recall the details in her dreamscape. Yu Hao¡¯s heart suddenly began to thud violently.


    ¡°Dreamt of you and the Great Sage.¡± Shi Ni thought about it briefly and said, ¡°Both of you defeated a¡­¡­monster that my Dad had transformed into. Then the sunlight spilled everywhere, and I was no longer afraid.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Great Sage? Who¡¯s that? Have you ever seen Sun Wukong before?¡±


    Shi Ni pondered for a bit, then laughed, ¡°Why are you asking me that? Un¡­¡­I should have seen him before ba? I feel like, one dreams at night what one thinks of in the day, so it should be you and¡­¡­Zhou Sheng? Aren¡¯t the two of you always together? That¡¯s why I asked if he was your boyfriend. What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    In that moment, all the sounds around Yu Hao seemed to escape into the distance. Shi Ni¡¯s uncle arrived at the airport. Shi Ni stopped talking and smiled knowingly at Yu Hao. Yu Hao bid farewell to her, and Shi Ni walked through the security checkpoint.


    Yu Hao turned around. Zhou Sheng was running into the airport as he looked all around him. He had a perplexed and irritated expression on his face as he searched for their figures.


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    ¡°Yu Hao! Yu Hao!¡± Zhou Sheng had already ran through more than half of the airport with a photo album in his hand. He was stopped by security, but Shi Ni shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Shi Ni ran back again. Zhou Sheng passed the photo album to her, then the two of them said their goodbyes in front of the security checkpoint before Shi Ni entered again.


    ¡°Whew.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I finally caught up, there was a jam on the way here!¡± As he spoke, he made a ¡®yeah¡¯ gesture at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao felt like a flood had burst through the dams in his heart. He stared blankly at Zhou Sheng. Through the roof of the airport hall, the sunset cast down and descended upon Zhou Sheng like a resplendent spotlight.


    ¡ª¡ªEnd of Volume 1: The Great Wall¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 25 - - Conjecture

    Ch25 ¨C Conjecture


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    ¡°Will there ever be someone, who after countless sunrises, could still stand before me and find me once again¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Unfortunately, dreams are just dreams, and they can only stay as dreams. When the sun rises, we have to say goodbye.¡±


    ¡°From today onwards, live a good life. You¡¯ll gradually come to forget me.¡±


    A bolt of lightning flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s consciousness. But unexpectedly, he wasn¡¯t surprised in the slightest, as if this answer had long been waiting for him to bring to light.


    ¡°He¡± is Zhou Sheng? Yu Hao considered the implications of this. He didn¡¯t dare to believe it, but he had to, because it was the most reasonable explanation. When Shi Ni told him the truth, Yu Hao unconsciously turned around and wanted to get the truth out of Zhou Sheng. But when he saw Zhou Sheng bathed in the glow of the sunset, Yu Hao changed his mind again.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    There are too many confusing thoughts in my head, I need to sort this out for myself first.


    The one who appeared in our dreams is Zhou Sheng, then does Zhou Sheng know that he has this ability? Is he someone who has superpowers? Yu Hao thought this all seemed absurd, and one theory led to another which then gave rise to millions of other theories. In the end, Yu Hao even began to doubt if the world he lived in was real.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± Zhou Sheng shot a suspicious look at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao scrutinised Zhou Sheng with a strange expression on his face, and decided to temporarily suppress all these emerging thoughts.


    On the last day before winter vacation, Ying city ushered in the coldest season of the year. Yu Hao met with Zhou Sheng¡¯s roommate, and they went together to apply for a transfer of dormitories. On their way there, he unexpectedly discovered that he was now famous. Everyone who saw him had the same expression on their faces, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s you!¡±


    The application was approved very easily. Yu Hao counted out 800 yuan and passed it to the Sports student called Zhuang Weiming, and even bought two packs of cigarettes for him. From the next semester onwards, Yu Hao would have to fork out 1,600 for his dormitory expenses per semester.


    His student loan had been approved too, and he would be receiving 6,000 a year. Although it still wasn¡¯t enough for his tuition fees of 8,500, it still lightened the burden on Yu Hao considerably. With this, along with the wages he earned from incessantly working, he would have about 7,000 yuan. After the winter vacation, he would be able to pay his tuition fees in full for the first year.


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    ¡°I was going to apply for a scholarship for you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But you didn¡¯t score an 85 for your Higher Mathematics, so that held you back. Continue working hard next semester ba. Zhou Sheng did pretty well though, he actually got a 90. Look, if you study seriously, you could get good results ma.¡±


    Yu Hao was already extremely satisfied, why would he still hold out hope for a scholarship? But the moment the look of happiness appeared on his face, he was scolded by Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai ordered him to spend some time revising over the holidays, and he would review his progress when he was free.


    ¡°Laoshi, you won¡¯t be going home for the Spring Festival?¡± Yu hao asked as he tried to sound him out.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be returning for three days.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t slack off, go back ba.¡±


    Yu Hao began to move out of his dormitory. Originally, he felt very resistant to the idea of moving his few remaining belongings around ¡ª the moment his clothes, pillow, blanket, outdated stationery and worn-out shoes were seen, it would seem as if he was putting his poverty on display for the whole world to see.


    But Zhou Sheng had prepared two PP bags ahead of time, and he didn¡¯t even look around much before he stuffed all of Yu Hao¡¯s belongings into the bags. Zhou Sheng carried one on his back and held the other one in his hand. Yu Hao could only follow along behind him empty-handed as they passed through the atrium of the dormitory buildings and moved the bags into their four-bedroom dormitory. There were a lot of students around, lugging their suitcases back home. Many noticed them and even took the initiative to greet Yu Hao.


    ¡°Why are you smiling like a fool?¡± Zhou Sheng studied Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao immediately wore his usual expression on his face and answered, ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    He really looked forward to moving into Zhou Sheng¡¯s dormitory. After the PP bags were dragged inside, he looked around the dormitory and said, ¡°Okay! Leave this to me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s luggage was only half packed. He leaned forward and sat down on a bed, ¡°After I go home for the holidays, you can wear any of my clothes. You can call me whenever something comes up.¡±


    ¡°Nothing will happen.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you out to buy some clothes in a few days?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can manage my own life!¡±


    Yu Hao was very satisfied with his new dormitory. It was much more spacious, so they didn¡¯t need to squeeze together into a cramped space. There were beds on the top and study desks at the bottom, and the dormitory was filled with a strong masculine scent similar to the smell on Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao tidied up his own bed first before he mopped the floor and wiped the windows. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t move, and just lay down on his bed and took an afternoon nap while listening to music with his earphones on, as if it was a matter of fact for Yu Hao to work like this.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng got up in the afternoon and realised that the dormitory was different. Not only was the communal area, Zhou Sheng¡¯s table and the area underneath his table all tidied up neatly, even the clothes that were strewn messily in the wardrobes had been folded.


    ¡°Ofa¡¯r ub qijs rbwf yjrxfayjii.¡± Itbe Vtfcu rjlv.


    ¡°P¡¯w cba ublcu.¡± Te Ljb jcrkfgfv, ¡°P cffv ab olclrt kfjnlcu atlr abvjs.¡±


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    Te Ljb mtjrfv Itbe Vtfcu bea. Mbg atfrf ofk vjsr, jii tf mbeiv atlcx jybea kjr Xfcfgji, rb yfobgf tf fnfc gfjilrfv la, tf tjv olclrtfv kfjnlcu wbgf atjc tjio bo atf ygjmfifa.


    Firstly, does General really exist? When Yu Hao was weaving the bracelet, he thought that his deductions could only move forward under the premise that the series of dreamscapes he had experienced were all real.


    From a logical standpoint, if only Yu Hao had dreamt of General, then he was most likely just a figment of his dreams. But Shi Ni¡¯s impression of him is strong evidence in support of Yu Hao¡¯s hypothesis. Since their experiences seemed to coincide, then the dream would not just be an illusion or a figment of their imaginations.


    The next question was: whether General¡¯s true identity was Zhou Sheng. Does Zhou Sheng know that he can appear in other people¡¯s dreamscapes? Did he do it consciously, or subconsciously? Would he forget everything when he wakes up?


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    From how General¡¯s monkey form had said the words ¡®you¡¯re the one who summoned me¡¯ to Shi Ni, Yu Hao could be sure that Zhou Sheng must be aware of it, and he must be doing everything deliberately. When he hit Shi Liang in the conference room that day, it definitely wasn¡¯t an impetuous act that he had committed on impulse¡­¡­Zhou Sheng did so because he wanted to leave a deep impression on Shi Ni!


    The ingenuity of this psychological suggestion lies in this: Zhou Sheng had beaten up the father that Shi Ni believed was someone who couldn¡¯t be defied no matter what, so in the bottom of Shi Ni¡¯s heart, the hero ¡°Sun Wukong¡± that she hoped would come forward to save her had overlapped with Zhou Sheng¡¯s image.


    Next question: does Zhou Sheng possess a superpower that allows him to enter other people¡¯s dreams? That obviously goes against the doctrine of materialism! Yu Hao world views were about to collapse just thinking about it. If General wasn¡¯t someone from the real world, then everything could be explained as some sort of strange phenomenon, and it could even be linked to aliens or radio waves ¡ª like in some¡¶Top Ten Wonders of the World¡·novel.


    But now that this phenomenon had actually occurred, it made Yu Hao feel a strong sense of dissociation from reality. And there was only one person who had the answers to all his questions.


    But will he answer me seriously? Even if he asked, Yu Hao wouldn¡¯t be able to judge if Zhou Sheng was telling him the truth. What was even more bizarre was that even Yu Hao himself felt like this all seemed too farfetched, and at this moment¡­¡­


    Fu Liqun pushed the door open and walked in. He uttered a ¡°wah¡± in surprise when he saw Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re dating someone?¡± Fu Liqun said, flabbergasted, ¡°Which girl are you giving it to?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s for Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


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    Fu Liqun, ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to say this¡­¡­but you really look like a little wife.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡± Yu Hao shouted angrily.


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng live in the neighbouring cities ¡ª one was to the East while the other was to the West. They bought the 11pm train ticket for tonight. They would be leaving today, but both of them were afraid that Yu Hao would feel lonely because he was staying in the dormitory alone. Fu Liqun even called his ex-girlfriend, who lived in this city, and asked her to come find Yu Hao whenever she has time over the New Year.


    This made Yu Hao very embarrassed, so he hurriedly said that there was no need for that.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I want to say this, but you¡¯ve been really weird recently.¡± Fu Liqun observed Yu Hao and asked, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about something, don¡¯t hold back and just speak up about it ba.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao had been a little absent-minded lately as his mind was filled with Shi Ni¡¯s words. He quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m not worried, I¡¯m just thinking about something else.¡±


    Fu Liqun pulled a chair over. He stepped across the back of the chair opposite Yu Hao and sat down to watch him weave Zhou Sheng¡¯s bracelet.


    ¡°You¡¯re pretty good at weaving.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°What are you thinking about? Weave one for me too if you have the time?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Sure, just wait till I¡¯m done with this one and finish thinking about the past.¡±


    ¡°The past?¡± Fu Liqun watched Yu Hao weave the bracelet as he asked.


    ¡°When I was at the back mountains that day¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao thought about it for awhile. This question had always lingered around the back of his mind for a very long time, ¡°Did Zhou Sheng tell you?¡±


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    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Why are you always thinking about that?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a bit. He motioned for Fu Liqun to stretch his hand out. The width of his wrist was about the same as Zhou Sheng¡¯s, so Fu Liqun raised his hand to try wearing the bracelet.


    ¡°Did he?¡± Yu Hao raised his eyebrow and asked gently.


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    ¡°Yeah.¡± Fu Liqun didn¡¯t try to hide it either, ¡°He said that he saw you buying charcoal and kerosene outside the college, and that you had brought a lighter even though you didn¡¯t smoke. He thought it was a little strange, so he asked me to go look for you.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart began to thump violently as he asked, ¡°Then where did he go?¡±


    ¡°He went to look for you too.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°We split up to find you. Zhou Sheng was in charge of searching the area behind the field. I found you first, then I called him. Yu Hao, don¡¯t keep thinking about that anymore.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I know. Afterwards¡­¡­did he only come over after you called him?¡±


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    ¡°I forgot.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°But he went to the college¡¯s infirmary by himself anyway, didn¡¯t he? What about it?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head.


    Fu Liqun smiled, then got up and went out for a bit. When he came back, he saw that Zhou Sheng had just taken a bath and was wearing slippers as he sat with his ankle on his knee. He had his left hand stretched out as Yu Hao tied a red rope bracelet on his wrist ¡ª the width was just right, and it strung through a dial-like golden wheel, so it looked like a watch.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Fu Liqun, there¡¯s too much drama going on in your heart! I can hear it all!¡±


    Fu Liqun quickly waved his hand. After the three of them ate dinner, Yu Hao thought of the fourth roommate whom he had never met before. Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°Sports Class 3, he failed too many subjects so he¡¯s being persuaded to quit. He¡¯s preparing to go abroad now, so you don¡¯t need to care about him.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯re worried about something?¡± Fu Liqun observed Yu Hao with a doubtful gaze. Yu Hao did seem like he was troubled by something these days ¡ª one moment he would be in high spirits, but in the next he would look like he was deep in thought.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Yu Hao denied it. He saw off the two of them from the bus stop that night. Zhou Sheng whistled to him and drew a ¡°phone¡± gesture ¡ª it meant that they should keep in touch at all times. Then they left.


    Yu Hao walked back to the dormitory alone. He felt as lithe as a swallow and rolled onto his bed. When he lied down on his new bed, his heart was feeling conflicted, but he felt quite relaxed as well. He tapped around on his phone and scrolled through his friends¡¯ QQ space.


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    ¡°General¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°Do you really want me to find you?¡±


    He scrolled a few times before he suddenly saw Chen Yekai inviting him to King of Glory, so he entered the game. He was surprised to see Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun inside too, they were already on the train.


    ¡¾Yu Hao, get over here.¡¿Zhou Sheng said the moment he saw Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao chose Zhuang Zhou. He was baffled, why were there two sides? He was on one side with Chen Yekai, while the other side had Huang Ting, Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun.


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    ¡¾Cut the crap, let¡¯s start.¡¿Chen Yekai answered.


    Yu Hao,¡¾What¡¯s going on¡­¡­¡¿He hadn¡¯t even finished typing when the game started!


    ¡°Yu Hao! You¡¯re finished!¡± Zhou Sheng sent him an angry voice message, but Chen Yekai said, ¡¾You just need to clear my status effects, don¡¯t be afraid of him.¡¿


    The battle was extremely chaotic. While Chen Yekai killed the other three, he was being hunted down by Zhou Sheng. Whenever Chen Yekai died, Yu Hao would quickly hide in the bushes. Zhou Sheng still selected Sun Wukong as usual. He saw Zhou Sheng walk around searching for people, but he didn¡¯t dare to mount a sneak attack on him. When Chen Yekai came over, the two of them became locked in a scuffle in the middle of the road and Chen Yekai was killed again.


    Yu Hao had just come out to support Chen Yekai when Sun Wukong circled around him twice, but didn¡¯t touch him. As soon as Yu Hao ran, Sun Wukong began to chase him and Chen Yekai said in a hurry, ¡°Stall him, I¡¯ll take the pagoda down.¡±


    Sun Wukong chased Zhuang Zhou into a corner, then the two of them stopped moving. When Huang Ting saw his ally and his enemy stuck together for half a day without separating, he lost his temper,¡¾Are you guys dating or what?! Kill him!¡¿


    Yu Hao was about to ask Zhou Sheng something when Zhou Sheng suddenly went offline, and his opponent¡¯s pagoda exploded. He won.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng sent him a message on QQ:¡¾Kaikai wanted it to be a 1v3 just now.¡¿


    Yu Hao was about to explain when Zhou Sheng sent another message:¡¾Be honest, did you spend the night at Kaikai¡¯s house the day before court? I bought breakfast and went to your dormitory, but I didn¡¯t see you.¡¿


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like he had been caught red-handed. He knew that he couldn¡¯t hide it from Zhou Sheng, so he summoned up his courage to answer,¡¾It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking!¡¿


    ¡¾What am I thinking?¡¿Zhou Sheng sent him a ¡®questioning¡¯ expression,¡¾Why don¡¯t you tell me what I¡¯m thinking? Can¡¯t I just be curious?¡¿


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao wanted to throw his phone away. Zhou Sheng that bastard! He already managed to guess everything!


    ¡¾After the holidays are over, I have something to talk to you about.¡¿Yu Hao sent a message to Zhou Sheng, but there was no reply. Yu Hao waited apprehensively for a long time, but there was still no reply by the time it was midnight. Chen Yekai chatted with him for awhile, but Yu Hao was a little absent-minded. Then he went straight to bed.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s reply came at 2am.


    ¡¾There was no signal when we were passing through a cave. What do you want to talk about? We can talk about it now.¡¿


    ¡¾Are you asleep? Then I¡¯ll go sleep too, good night.¡¿


    Yu Hao read Zhou Sheng¡¯s message in a drowsy state. He yawned before he went back to sleep. The next day, he tidied himself up and began a new round of work during the winter vacation.


    His goal was to earn at least 3,000 yuan before the 28th of December. He wanted to buy some clothes, eat a good meal, pay his tuition fees after the New Year and buy a dryer for his dormitory. Business picked up everywhere before the New Year. The average salary in Ying city was very low, but the cost of living here was so high that it could rival New York. Yu Hao saw that the flower cafe was hiring staff, so he went to try his luck. Unexpectedly, they actually hired him. The working hours were from 10am to 10pm every day, 12 hours, he would have to rotate between the cash register and the coffee counter, and he would earn 200 a day. Yu Hao was practically over the moon, it really was very easy to earn money over the New Year.


    But after a full day of standing, he realised that this 200 yuan wasn¡¯t that easy to earn. Yu Hao¡¯s back was about to break from standing for so long. He only had a 10-minute toilet break every 2 hours. The shop was understaffed ¡ª there were only two servers, yet it was a very busy cafe so they received orders nonstop. The boss even started a 1 for 1 promotion, so the end of the queue was barely in sight.


    ¡°Vanilla! I wanted four cups of Vanilla!¡± The customer shouted angrily at Yu Hao, ¡°What are you doing? I¡¯ve already repeated myself thrice!¡±


    ¡°Sorry sorry.¡± Yu Hao really wanted to turn into a sea monster with dozens of tentacles that could all press the buttons on the control panel. By the time it was 7pm, he was both ravenous and irritable, and he felt like he was going to explode. His whole body had broken out in sweat.


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    ¡°I¡¯m sorry!¡± Their surroundings were really too noisy, and it was so noisy that it made Yu Hao¡¯s head spin. He shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll redo them for you!¡±


    The customers in the queue all turned silent within an instant. Yu Hao repeated, ¡°I¡¯ll go redo them right now.¡±


    Yu Hao asked another waiter to come over to take orders. He tied his apron around him and went to make coffee for the customer. The customer was already drinking his Caramel Macchiato while he waited for Yu Hao¡¯s four cups of Vanilla coffee. 1 for 1 meant that he had ordered 8 cups, and the money for 4 of these cups would come from Yu Hao¡¯s own pockets. One cup costs 35, so it would be 140 in total. His work today was practically for naught.


    This customer had changed his order thrice before. At first, he wanted two cups of Vanilla and two cups of Caramel Macchiato, then after he finished ordering he wanted another cup of Vanilla and Caramel Macchiato, as well as two cups of Winter Warmth Mocha. There was no more chocolate left to make the mochas, so the customer wanted four cups of Caramel Macchiatos in the end. Yu Hao was absolutely certain that the customer was thinking about Vanilla when he said Caramel, so his order was wrong.


    But it was pointless to argue with customers, not many would admit that it was their fault, so he could only wait for them to lodge a complaint against him. Good customers would at most say ¡®forget it¡¯, but you could tell that this customer had been working the whole day and was very exhausted, so he needed to vent his frustrations.


    After Yu Hao made the coffee, he glanced at the customer when he was packing them and forced himself to smile, ¡°You can think of those four cups as my treat.¡±


    But his words had angered the customer for some reason, and a cup of coffee was suddenly thrown at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re yelling? What the hell are yelling at me for?! Laozi doesn¡¯t want them anymore!¡± That customer shouted angrily.


    Yu Hao had been splashed all over with coffee, and he stood there feeling a bit bewildered for a moment. When the customers in line saw that a fight had broken out, they all took their phones out one after the other and began taking photos.


    The customer was a middle-aged man. He shouted at him, ¡°Who do you think you are? Fuck you, you damn garbage! You dared to yell at me?¡±


    ¡°Forget it, forget it.¡± Someone tried to intervene. Yu Hao¡¯s mind had gone blank as he looked at the coffee that had spilled on the coffee counter. He had been packing the coffees into the bag just now, so when he was unexpectedly hit by that paper cup, the coffee in his hands spilled all over the counter and onto the ground.


    ¡ª


    Ame: ZS furious that YH got poached by Kaikai, but still can¡¯t kill him in-game~ WHAT A SOFTIE.


    Zryuu: I have too many favourite moments in this chapter¡­ our comments on the bf shirt, Fu Liqun¡¯s inner drama and ZS and Haohao locked in a standstill like they were dating in-game lmfao


    ¡°After I go home for the holidays, you can wear any of my clothes.¡±


    Ame: The time to make up for your betrayal of the bf shirt is now


    Dollars: +1


    Zryuu: +2

 Chapter 26 - End of the Year

    Ch26 ¨C End of the Year


    K¡­kaikai¡­ <3


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± A familiar voice rang out. Coffee had been splashed all over Yu Hao¡¯s head and he looked absolutely miserable. When he looked over, he realised that it was Chen Yekai.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    He didn¡¯t know when Chen Yekai had arrived at the cafe. He suddenly shouted, ¡°Are you looking for a fight?!¡±


    With this one roar from Chen Yekai, the middle-aged man was instantly frightened. Whenever his teacher, Chen Yekai, turned fierce, he would be extremely imposing. He had shouted at Yu Hao before, but he appeared even more frightening today. Yu Hao was afraid of Zhou Sheng, but he was even more afraid of Chen Yekai, because Zhou Sheng would throw a fist to your face the moment he got angry, with no time for you to react before the punch connected. But when Chen Yekai gets mad, he would destroy the other party¡¯s psychological defences.


    ¡°Pay up.¡± Chen Yekai pointed at the floor covered in coffee, ¡°You trash.¡±


    That customer struggled for breath as he stared at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai was wearing a casual suit jacket and looked just like an unreasonable rich second generation. The customer instantly turned meek and only looked at Chen Yekai.


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    ¡°You dare avoid payment?! You think Laozi wouldn¡¯t beat you to death right here?!¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s voice sounded out like thunder as he exerted 80% of his lecture theatre shouting abilities. Yu Hao felt as if the french windows in the flower cafe were about to get destroyed by a hurricane.


    That customer didn¡¯t say another word as he opened up his WeChat app on his phone to pay. The clerk in charge of collecting payment scanned his code and said, ¡°Four cups of Vanilla coffee.¡±


    The customer didn¡¯t even want the coffees anymore, and he left quickly.


    Their surroundings fell silent. Yu Hao went to look for a paper towel to wipe his face. The clerk said, ¡°Next, please.¡±


    Chen Yekai left the coffee counter as if nothing had happened. Yu Hao whispered to the clerk, ¡°I¡¯ll clean up the mess.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you.¡± The clerk was a big man who had just entered the workforce. He patted Yu Hao¡¯s hair that was soaked in coffee.


    As Yu Hao wiped the coffee counter, he looked towards where Chen Yekai was sitting. When did he come? He had been receiving orders the whole day today, so he hadn¡¯t noticed him. Yu Hao had suffered from many such setbacks before that made him feel like he was braving through stormy seas. When he delivered takeout in the past, some people would even slam the door in his face, but it would always be okay once he had settled down. Not all customers are like that, and there were more good people in this world than bad.


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    Chen Yekai was currently drinking coffee and chatting with another woman that Yu Hao recognised. She was Professor Lin Xun¡¯s wife, ¡°Liang Laoshi¡± Liang Jinmin, who was introduced during the college performance. Liang Jinmin wore a pair of sunglasses today, and was speaking to Chen Yekai in the corner in a low voice. Chen Yekai was listening to her silently with a stern expression on his face.


    To meet Chen Yekai at the cafe after 8pm and wear sunglasses ¡ª was she previously a movie star? Was she afraid of being recognised? Yu Hao glanced at them a few more times. Liang Jinmin only stayed in the cafe for a short while longer before she got up and left.


    When it was close to 9pm, Yu Hao was wiping the floor as he knelt down on one knee. Chen Yekai walked over and said to him over the coffee counter, ¡°Don¡¯t work anymore, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao looked up and smiled, ¡°I have to work.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find a job for you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You can¡¯t go on like this either, where will you find the time to study?¡±


    There were hardly any customers left in the cafe. Yu Hao stood up. He felt a bit dizzy after kneeling for so long, so he supported himself with the coffee counter for awhile. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Have you eaten? Go and change, I¡¯ll bring you out for a meal.¡±


    Yu Hao stubbornly said, ¡°I need to finish my work for today.¡±


    He didn¡¯t reject Chen Yekai because he was afraid that he would get angry, but he didn¡¯t promise him either. He felt like Chen Yekai seemed to be in a very bad mood. Although he had a serene expression on his face, the air around him seemed to have frozen over. After being rejected, Chen Yekai went over to one side and sat down again.


    Yu Hao made a cup of coffee and got the clerk to pass it to him. At 9:40pm, the two of them began to check the inventory to prepare for closing. The clerk asked him, ¡°Will you come back tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Your family?¡± The clerk motioned towards Chen Yekai as he asked.


    Yu Hao waved his hand and didn¡¯t want to talk any further. He untied his apron, changed his clothes, and by the time the lights were turned off, Chen Yekai was still sitting by himself in a corner. Rather than looking at his phone, he was instead quietly lost in thought.


    ¡°Hi!¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Yu Hao packed two boxes of salads and passed one to Chen Yekai, ¡°I made this myself, have a taste.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t say a single word as he brought Yu Hao downstairs. Yu Hao said, ¡°The exit is over here.¡±


    Chen Yekai fished out his car keys and pressed it. The lights in a BMW lit up.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Chen Yekai remained silent the whole time. Yu Hao continued, ¡°When I worked in the past, I¡¯ve had to deal with a lot more troubles than today. It¡¯s nothing much.¡±


    There was a light red perfume bottle in front of the driver¡¯s seat. A beeping sound rang out incessantly in the car. Yu Hao thought that he had broken something, so he was a bit flustered.


    ¡°Fasten your seatbelt.¡±


    Yu Hao fastened the seatbelt and the beeping noise stopped.


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    Chen Yekai¡¯s expression looked frighteningly cold. He maneuvered the steering wheel and drove towards a 24 hour hot pot shop. Yu Hao buckled his seatbelt and said, ¡°I¡¯m not eating. I¡¯ve already eaten dinner, Laoshi.¡±


    Jtfc Tfxjl wjvf jcbatfg aegc ja atf lcafgrfmalbc jr tf qgfqjgfv ab vglnf yjmx ab atf rmtbbi.


    Te Ljb byrfgnfv tlr fzqgfrrlbc jcv jrxfv, ¡°Cgf sbe lc j yjv wbbv abvjs?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai watched the road ahead.


    Yu Hao thought, we could listen to some music? He stretched his hand out to press a button on the car¡¯s external stereo as he wanted to play some music, but Chen Yekai reached out and turned it off.


    Te Ljb, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Te Ljb mbeiv bcis ibbx bea bo atf klcvbk. Cr atfs qjrrfv j agjoolm iluta, Te Ljb rjlv, ¡°P¡¯w bcis kbgxlcu ecali atf fcv bo atlr wbcat. Coafg Rfk Tfjg¡¯r, P klii raevs rfglberis.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been very irritable for the past few days, it¡¯s not because of you. However, Professor Lin has helped me obtain approval for my topic.¡± Chen Yekai finally spoke, ¡°I¡¯ll need to write up at least three papers this year, so I need an assistant. Come help me after the Spring Festival ba, don¡¯t work at the cafe anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I¡¯m just an undergraduate, what can I help you with?¡±


    ¡°Questionnaires, surveys, sampling, literature reviews.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s a lot of things you can do. Yu Hao, you¡¯re doing well in your major¡¯s courses. You¡¯ll have to learn how to be more confident in yourself eventually. Why don¡¯t you believe in yourself?¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t believe in myself, but¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai turned the steering wheel and said, ¡°You don¡¯t want to accept my help, right? You consider it as owing me a favour, and if this were the case, I won¡¯t be able to ask you for help again. Do you know, Yu Hao, with my former temperament, I was never someone who would consider other people¡¯s feelings.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao smiled as he spoke.


    Chen Yekai had a very unyielding tone today, and his usual courteous attitude was absent, ¡°The affable me you see is just a facade. I¡¯m only that fake towards people I¡¯m not very familiar with. But I¡¯ll always speak frankly to my friends.¡±


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    Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°So, come help me ba.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I can help you, but I won¡¯t take your money.¡±


    Chen Yekai was startled, then began to laugh and shook his head helplessly. Yu Hao¡¯s meaning was clear ¡ª this isn¡¯t charity, so don¡¯t pay me.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Alright then, but you don¡¯t need to give me a reply so soon. You should reconsider it.¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±. They arrived at the college and the car stopped outside the dormitory buildings. Yu Hao got out of the car with both salads in his hands. Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s my dinner, aren¡¯t you giving it to me?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Chen Yekai didn¡¯t want to eat it, so he was immediately dumbfounded, ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten dinner?¡±


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    ¡°Treat it as if I¡¯m on a diet.¡± Chen Yekai pointed at the passenger seat to motion to him to leave one behind. Only then did Yu Hao know that Chen Yekai might have wanted to chat with him when he had brought him to Haidilao. Now, he could only helplessly return to his dormitory to eat his cold salad.


    At 10pm, Zhou Sheng called the dormitory and asked what he ate and how his day went. He was worried that he might have starved to death in the dormitory since no one was around to take care of him. Yu Hao told him that nothing much had happened while he ate his salad.


    ¡°Nothing happened?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why does your voice sound off?¡±


    ¡°Are you inspecting the dorm?¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yeah, this is an inspection.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s play a game ba.¡±


    So Zhou Sheng hung up the phone. No one else was playing tonight, so only Zhou Sheng was around to help Yu Hao improve his rank. They played for the whole night, during which both of them didn¡¯t talk to each other at all. Zhou Sheng selected an assassin, Yu Hao rode a fish and followed behind Zhou Sheng. They played for more than two hours before Zhou Sheng went offline. Yu Hao was incredibly sleepy, so he sent a WeChat message to Zhou Sheng telling him that he wasn¡¯t going to play anymore.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply to him. Yu Hao scrolled through his phone for awhile, and for some reason, he thought of Liang Jinmin wearing sunglasses. Then he remembered that his form teacher in elementary school would wear sunglasses in broad daylight to teach them once in awhile. Both of them had similar temperaments, yet for now, he couldn¡¯t explain why he thought so.


    The empty dormitory was quiet. Most of the students had returned home, so only a few, sporadic dorms had their lights turned on. Yu Hao finally began to feel lonely.


    He continued working at the flower cafe. Yu Hao ruminated over it; if Chen Yekai hasn¡¯t changed his mind after the New Year, he really would like to become his assistant. Chen Yekai is a good teacher, and he would be able to impart a lot of knowledge to him which might help him broaden his horizons. But¡­¡­does he treat him as his ex? This was actually the point that Yu Hao was most concerned about.


    He was also afraid that the customer from yesterday would come again today for revenge, so he was on edge for the entire afternoon. Nothing happened, but he could still come over at night¡­¡­


    ¡°Two hot Lattes.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s whole body had leaned in so much he almost crossed over the cashier¡¯s counter.


    With a loud exclamation, Yu Hao burst into laughter and said, ¡°Why are you¡­¡­didn¡¯t you go home?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Two hot Lattes!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly took Zhou Sheng¡¯s order. He took out his phone to scan the code from his own WeChat, but Zhou Sheng took his phone away roughly and said, ¡°Scan mine.¡±


    Yu Hao had to scan Zhou Sheng¡¯s in the end. Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone screen was cracked. When he saw that someone else had come, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°One cup is for you, I¡¯ll drink by myself.¡± As he spoke, he took the hot cup of coffee away and walked towards the french windows to look at his phone.


    When he turned around, Yu Hao saw a few scratches on Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand and went over to sit down. He used his phone with a cracked screen to play Glory. Yu Hao saw luggage next to Zhou Sheng¡¯s seat and thought, what¡¯s going on?


    Throughout the day, other than going to the toilet and having lunch and dinner, it was as if Zhou Sheng had been welded to his seat. It was only when Yu Hao got off of work that Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, back to our dorm.¡±


    Yu Hao took the last bus and asked, still astonished, ¡°Why did you come back?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said with a vexed face, ¡°Didn¡¯t want to stay at home, got into a fight the moment I went back.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao had a vague idea of what had happened, and continued, ¡°What happened to your neck? Let me take a look.¡±


    ¡°My mom scratched it.¡± Zhou Sheng let Yu Hao look at it for awhile before pulling his collar back up, ¡°Don¡¯t look at it anymore.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s iodine in the dormitory.¡±


    ¡°I know, I brought it back the last time for your feet.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng returned to the dormitory and took off his shirt. He was now bare-chested, which exposed his lean shoulder and back muscles. He had a sexy silhouette, broad shoulders and a narrow waist, and his scorching body temperature could almost be felt through the air. Yu Hao blushed as he applied iodine to the back of his neck, and thought it was fortunate that Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t see his expression right now.


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    ¡°Why did you end up fighting with your mother?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I had to cook for her when I got back, and she even scolded me too, so what else could we do but fight?¡±


    When Zhou Sheng went home, his mother wanted to look at his report card, so Zhou Sheng told her that he passed everything. But she insisted on seeing it, so Zhou Sheng had to go online to find it for her. However, the campus network has always been lousy, and there were always a lot of people checking their results at the end of the year, so it was on the verge of being crippled. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother waited for a long time and ended up suspecting that he was lying to her by finding a 404 website as a stopgap, so the mother-son pair began to quarrel. At 4am, Zhou Sheng finally managed to open the webpage and went over to wake her up, so that she could see it with her own eyes¡­¡­


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao thought, can¡¯t you communicate with your mother properly?


    Then Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother began crying, during which she had even talked about Zhou Sheng¡¯s father. After they parted on bad terms, Zhou Sheng loafed around at home for the whole day. His mother was a very controlling person, and when she saw him on his phone all the time after she got home from work, they got into another dispute. Mama Zhou then grabbed his phone and threw it onto the ground¡­¡­


    Afterwards, they began fighting. Zhou Sheng pushed his mother away, and she had scratched his neck.


    At that time, Zhou Sheng was moving up the ranks with Yu Hao in the game, and he had gone offline after they played for awhile. Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with you!¡± Zhou Sheng said irritatedly, ¡°Can you not be such a wimp all the time? When I saw someone splash coffee all over you, Lao! Zi¡¯s! Lung! Almost exploded with rage because of you! It took me a really long time to get over it!¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How did you know about that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng passed him his phone with a cracked screen, ¡°It¡¯s all over Weibo.¡±


    Yu Hao took a look at his phone. Fortunately, there weren¡¯t a lot of reposts. He thought that it must have been recorded by a customer at the scene, and the locals had fanned the flames. When he heard about their argument, Yu Hao had felt really guilty, but he couldn¡¯t help himself from feeling a little happy that Zhou Sheng had returned to the dormitory.


    ¡°Your anger will dissipate after a few days, then go back again ba.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going back.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You go and be her son. A deranged person and a coward, she¡¯ll definitely like you a lot.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng flipped onto the bed. Yu Hao quickly cushioned him with a towel. Zhou Sheng laid down properly, then Yu Hao got onto his bed too. Yu Hao was lying on his stomach, while Zhou Sheng laid on his back, so they were facing each other.


    ¡°This is your first time celebrating the New Year alone ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Un, yep.¡± Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng has a very prominent nose bridge, and he could see the outline of his facial features through the bed railings. But that feeling seemed a bit unfamiliar.


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    Yu Hao thought that he had become numb to being alone a long time ago, but it was not until the New Year when he realised that he had no home, and no more relatives. Thus, he still more or less felt a little lonely.


    ¡°Go back ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How could your mother celebrate the New Year alone?¡±


    ¡°She got herself a boyfriend.¡± Zhou Sheng casually replied and entered Glory, ¡°When you see Kaikai and Liqun later, don¡¯t tell them that I came back.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then go to your father¡¯s house?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°My Dad¡¯s already remarried. Come in, I¡¯ll bring you to go push the pagoda down.¡±


    After they finished two rounds, Zhou Sheng suddenly thought of something and asked, ¡°What did you want to talk to me about the other day?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered over it for awhile before he answered, ¡°Nothing much. Sleep ba, I need to work tomorrow.¡±


    They turned off the lights. Within the tranquil darkness, Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡± Yu Hao smiled. This was the first night he was spending with Zhou Sheng after he moved to this dormitory. He didn¡¯t want to think about many things, and didn¡¯t dare to think about them either. But on this night, his life seemed to be filled with blinking starlights of different sizes.


    ¡°The fluorescent stars you pasted on the ceiling are so beautiful.¡± Zhou Sheng looked up and scrutinised the decor that Yu Hao had put up for their dormitory a few days ago, then continued, ¡°Living just like a little girl, you¡¯re so romantic.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t hear him, he had already drifted off the sleep.


    From that day onwards, Yu Hao continued to work every day. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng would sleep in their dormitory until 2pm, then he would either go to the flower cafe to look for Yu Hao, or find a random place near Wanda to surf the internet. He was always on time to pick up Yu Hao after work. As they approached the New Year, the number of customers began to dwindle. On the last day, Yu Hao received his wages, and unexpectedly, his boss had even added a red packet, so it all added up to 3,000 yuan. Yu Hao¡¯s eyes immediately began to brim with tears of excitement.


    ¡°Your boyfriend¡¯s about to arrive.¡± The clerk said, ¡°You can go off first ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was currently bursting with joy as he counted his money, but when he heard those words he rushed to correct him. The little clerk bro said, ¡°You¡¯re still denying it?¡±


    ¡°Why on earth would you say that?¡± Yu Hao was still immersed in his money, his mind was full of thoughts about money, ¡°And if you were gonna say that, then it should be the guy from that day¡­¡­the one who seems more like an overbearing CEO, right?¡±


    ¡°When you saw him the other day, your eyes lit up immediately.¡± The clerk bro lowered his head as he washed the coffee cups, then hung them up and smiled, ¡°It was the exact same expression on my girlfriend¡¯s face when I pick her up from work.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, what kind of gaze would that be? But coincidentally, Zhou Sheng had come over to pick him up, and nodded at the little clerk bro. The little bro said, ¡°When you¡¯re free, bring me up the ranks too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng made an ¡°OK¡± gesture, then took Yu Hao away.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao, ¡°What did you buy?¡±


    ¡°Spring Festival couplets, ¡°He¡± and ¡°Fu¡±.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°To paste in our dormitory.¡±


    Yu Hao was choosing some vegetables in the supermarket while Zhou Sheng pushed the shopping cart. Yu Hao placed the meat and the vegetables in the cart, and the two of them looked like a young couple going grocery shopping to celebrate the New Year. It had been 0 degrees for the past few days, so if the meat and vegetables were sealed properly and placed somewhere without sunlight, they could be kept for quite a few days.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Buy some more, let¡¯s eat hot pot tonight.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We just need to buy enough for my portion, you go home for the New Year.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Your mother must not have intended to quarrel with you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng warned, ¡°If we talk about this again, then we don¡¯t need to celebrate the New Year anymore. Are you going to stop me from staying in the dormitory? Fine, I¡¯ll go sleep underneath some bridge then.¡±


    Yu Hao knows that Zhou Sheng is a paper tiger who does want to go home for the New Year, yet he didn¡¯t have a way to do so while still keeping face. Although he really wanted to celebrate the New Year with Zhou Sheng, he hoped even more strongly for Zhou Sheng to be able to celebrate this New Year happily.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng bickered like a young couple again on the subway. With a feeling akin to the moment before an impending rainfall, Yu Hao felt a sense of nervousness like he had raised his fist and was eager to try and find a crack in Zhou Sheng¡¯s defence.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even have the chance to spend the New Year with my mother.¡± Yu Hao made this move.


    ¡°Okay, then you go and be her son.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s defence was watertight.


    After they returned to the dormitory, Zhou Sheng kept silent as he pasted the couplets outside their dormitory. Yu Hao went to paste ¡°Fu¡±, and when he walked over, he saw that Zhou Sheng was secretly sorting out some red packets. Just then, Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone rang. Zhou Sheng only cast a brief glance at it before hanging it up. It rang again, and he hung up again, then turned his phone off.


    Yu Hao thought, what¡¯s the use of turning off your phone? She¡¯s going to end up calling the dormitory anyway.


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    Today, they were going to start eating hot pot. Zhou Sheng went downstairs, and the call did come as expected. Yu Hao thought that it was deeply amusing and went to pick up the call. It was Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother, as expected.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He went down to buy cigarettes, I¡¯ll ask him to call you back later?¡±


    Yu Hao moved a chair outside and sat at the door. When the person on the other line heard that, she said, ¡°Yu Hao? Are you Yu Hao? Oh my, hello hello!¡±


    She sounded very enthusiastic, and didn¡¯t seem like a woman who would scratch her own son¡¯s neck at all. She was very polite too and kept saying that she had caused trouble for Yu Hao, but Yu Hao modestly declined and explained that Zhou Sheng was the one who always took care of him. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother didn¡¯t know what had happened to Yu Hao. She asked about his household register, then asked if he has a girlfriend, what his family does and what his grades were like.


    Yu Hao answered all of her questions one by one, and thought, you probably want me to help coax your son to go home¡­¡­ and unsurprisingly, after they chatted for awhile, Mama Zhou began to choke back her sobs as she apologised to Yu Hao. She said that she had been very short-tempered and upset recently, so she scolded Zhou Sheng a few times and they ended up quarrelling.


    ¡°Aunt knows that she was wrong¡­..he doesn¡¯t reply to my messages or pick up any of my calls now¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°How upsetting must it be for the two of you to spend the New Year by yourselves outside? Zhou Sheng has never spent the New Year outside before.¡± Mama Zhou said, ¡°I¡¯ve already prepared all the groceries at home, and now I¡¯m just waiting for him to come back. Yu Hao, can you help me talk to Zhou Sheng, and tell him that I¡¯ve also bought new clothes for him? Wouldn¡¯t it be good if both of you came back? Bring him back for the New Year, will you?¡±


    ¡ª


    Ame: /blinded by Kaikai¡¯s gong aura. Please continue¡­


    Dollars: this time YH gets the two gangster butlers heheh


    Zryuu is in the middle of straddling two boats.

 Chapter 27 - Going Home

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch27 ¨C Going Home


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: FistFullOfDollars and Amelea


    ¡ª


    When Zhou Sheng returned, he found Yu Hao on the phone with his mother and almost blew up. Yu Hao was sharp-sighted and deft so he instantly protected the telephone cord. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother continued to choke back sobs on the other end as she talked about how she only had this one son and so on and so forth. She begged Yu Hao, pleading him to urge Zhou Sheng to come back, and also insisted that Yu Hao must return with him.


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°O¡­¡­kay¡­¡­okay¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were fighting over the telephone cord, but Yu Hao wasn¡¯t Zhou Sheng¡¯s opponent at all. Zhou Sheng twisted his arm and pressed him down onto the table, while Yu Hao turned his head and spoke into the phone, ¡°Auntie, I¡¯ll hang up first okay!¡±


    Zhou Sheng successfully plucked the telephone cord out. He was still pressing Yu Hao down; Yu Hao turned around to smile at him so he had to let go.


    ¡°Promise me one thing.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No.¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao, ¡°I haven¡¯t even said it yet!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You want me to go home!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What if that¡¯s not it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng conceded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll promise you as long as you¡¯re not asking me to go home.¡±


    During dinnertime, Yu Hao washed the vegetables and cut up the meat while Zhou Sheng lay on his bed playing games on his phone. Both of them had hot pot for dinner. Yu Hao scrolled through his phone while picking out the meat and vegetables for Zhou Sheng, so Zhou Sheng just ate quietly. After they were done, Zhou Sheng washed the dishes. Yu Hao opened up his bag and packed both their clothes inside it. Zhou Sheng wiped his hands before walking over. Yu Hao carried his bag and Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Going on a holiday to celebrate the New Year.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao, ¡°Send me to the train station ba, you promised me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng realised that Yu Hao wanted to force him to go home, so he said, ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going back on your words, I¡¯m leaving.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Good bye.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression was quite a spectacular sight, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to lie to me! Aren¡¯t you just going to walk around outside? Do you think I¡¯m a fool?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I really am going on a holiday. I finished all my work today, didn¡¯t I tell you about it before? Happy New Year.¡±


    Yu Hao closed the door, then left just like that.


    Zhou Sheng was being completely led around by the nose by Yu Hao, so he could only grab his jacket and with both hands stuffed into his pockets, follow him out quickly.


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao got on the train, and so did Zhou Sheng. The two of them were in adjacent train carriages; Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng could see him too. Zhou Sheng was pulling a long face. Yu Hao saw it from across the empty carriage, and his gaze carried a hint of laughter in it.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s face showed his displeasure blatantly. He had followed Yu Hao to the train station, and when he saw him taking his ticket, he realised that he really was leaving. He said, ¡°You¡¯re really going on a holiday?!¡±


    Yu Hao took off his earphones and said, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Then what about me?¡± Zhou Sheng flared up, ¡°You¡¯re leaving me behind to celebrate the New Year in our dorm alone?!¡±


    ¡°Go home.¡± Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°Listen to me and go back ba. She¡¯s your mother, why are the both of you torturing each other like this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng finally lost to Yu Hao. He could only say gloomily, ¡°Wait for me for awhile.¡± And as he spoke, he left.


    Yu Hao waited in line and took his ticket, and not long after, Zhou Sheng carried a box of duck necks over. He seemed as if he had accepted this reality, and knew that Yu Hao was doing this for his sake, so he said, ¡°Keep your phone turned on.¡±


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    ¡°For going back.¡± Yu Hao passed the train ticket and Zhou Sheng¡¯s identity card to him. He had bought two tickets for the trip back to Zhou Sheng¡¯s home.


    ¡°You rummaged through my wallet?¡± Zhou Sheng said in disbelief.


    ¡°I wash your underwear every day.¡± Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with rummaging through your wallet a little?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    A lot of people suddenly turned their heads to look over and Zhou Sheng instantly felt embarrassed, ¡°Keep your voice down!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was thus tricked onto a train back home by Yu Hao. They sat on neighbouring seats, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s face couldn¡¯t look any worse than it did now.


    Yu Hao gave Chen Yekai a call and told him that he went out to celebrate the New Year. Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°I saw the two of you at the college gates just now.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, then hung up. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I didn¡¯t bring a phone charger¡­¡­¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°I took it.¡±


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Itbe Vtfcu, ¡°Zs mibatfr jgf vgslcu¡­..¡±


    Te Ljb, ¡°P¡¯nf xfqa atfw.¡±


    ¡°Ktf ugbmfglfr kf ybeuta abvjs¡­¡­¡±


    Te Ljb, ¡°P¡¯nf xfqa atfw jii qgbqfgis.¡±


    Itbe Vtfcu jcv Te Ljb ibbxfv ja fjmt batfg. Te Ljb, ¡°Uijs j ujwf?¡±


    ¡°Rb rlucji!¡± Itbe Vtfcu vfmlvfv ab lucbgf tlw.


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    The train plodded along as it moved forward. There were a lot of migrant workers in their carriage who were on their way home for the New Year. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, come on, let¡¯s get high! I¡¯ll sing a song for you ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng: a cold and detached face.jpg


    Yu Hao sang along with the puttering of the train, ¡°Di da di da di da¡­¡­¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°Cgf sbe jc jijgw mibmx?!¡± Itbe Vtfcu mbeivc¡¯a yfjg la jcswbgf.


    ¡°Life is a thriller novel¡­¡­.¡± As soon as Yu Hao began to sing, half the carriage turned quiet.


    The train whistled and left Ying city. Lights streamed into the carriage, and the distant rivers and mountains all fell asleep, as if they had entered a bright and resplendent dream.


    Zhou Sheng fell asleep. His head drooped sideways and leaned on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder. His sportswear covered both of them and Yu Hao could smell Zhou Sheng¡¯s warmth. He looked outside the window at the endless winter night, the glass windows reflected the figures of him and Zhou Sheng snuggling together.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    In this lifetime, he had never felt like he was this close to love. Even if this feeling was borne from an earlier emotion dwelling in the depths of his heart, at least on this night, on this whistling train, and by this person¡¯s side, this feeling felt as real as the existence of the objective world ¡ª it was so real it left no room for doubt.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª! You¡¯re Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother had set up a table filled with food at home. She hurriedly called out to Yu Hao to get him to eat. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had slept for 8 hours on the train, so he was crippled by fatigue. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say a word before he entered his room, and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Get in here!¡±


    ¡°I was worried that Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t be able to make a friend at school¡­¡­aiyo aiyo! You even brought tea leaves! What tea leaves are those? Come and take a seat, you even brought a gift¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng said that you were the one who taught him English. It was the first time in his life that he passed English! He loves beating people up when he has nothing better to do, he didn¡¯t hit you ba? Give me a moment, I¡¯ll arrange it for you while I smoke a cigarette okay.¡­¡­¡±


    While Yu Hao tried his best to discern what she was saying to him, his head drooped as he was on the verge of dozing off.


    ¡°¡­¡­for more than ten years, I was the one who fucking raised that son of an eighth wife with a handful of shit and urine, and all I was afraid of was that I¡¯d bring him up to become an idiotic white-eyed wolf¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao truly underestimated Mama Zhou¡¯s combat ability.


    After Zhou Sheng got home, he stayed in his room for a little while, then forcefully pushed his door open with a loud bang. When he walked out, he was already in a new set of clothes. Yu Hao got a good scare, but Mama Zhou seemed like she didn¡¯t hear him as she pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and said, ¡°In the future, which girl would be willing to¡­..aiyo, I¡¯m so worried that I¡¯ve started sprouting white hairs on my head¡­¡­¡±


    From the corner of his eyes, Yu Hao watched Zhou Sheng walk towards the kitchen and rummage through the fridge. He got out some fruit juice and gulped down a few mouthfuls, then threw some cabbage, chicken, pork, chayote etc. onto the counter. He hacked a knife onto the chopping board before tying an apron around himself.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I was blind last time¡­¡­¡± Mama Zhou stretched her neck out to call out, ¡°The rice hasn¡¯t been cooked yet!¡± Before she turned back to Yu Hao, ¡°And married a lard head who only knew how to cook, ai¡ª¡ªya!¡±


    The corners of Yu Hao¡¯s mouth twitched. Mama Zhou continued, ¡°Forget it forget it, I¡¯ll do it ba.¡±


    ¡°Even dogs won¡¯t eat the food you cook!¡± These were the first words Zhou Sheng had officially said to his mother after he returned.


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    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll help him.¡±


    ¡°Just stay there and sit!¡± Zhou Sheng raised his head up to say as he sliced the chayote into shreds. Yu Hao was so terrified his soul scattered, and all he could see was Zhou Sheng cutting up the vegetables so quickly that it looked like his knife was flying, so he quickly cautioned, ¡°Careful, don¡¯t cut your fingers!¡±


    ¡°Leave him alone.¡± Mama Zhou said, ¡°If he chops it off we can treat it as an extra dish. Little bro Yu, listen to me¡­¡­¡±


    An hour later, Zhou Sheng threw a few dishes down onto the table, took off his apron and scooped up a bowl of rice and soup for Yu Hao. Mama Zhou was still talking to him at one side, ¡°Doesn¡¯t even learn anything useful, how much can you earn from cooking?¡±


    Zhou Sheng cast a glance at Yu Hao as if to ask, ¡°You understand now?¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand and continued nodding at Mama Zhou.


    Four dishes and one soup. Sesame oil chicken with scallions that was tender and slightly yellowish, claypot fried beancurd saturated with sauce, 6 rolls of cabbage-wrapped shrimps, stir fried chayote shreds and a bowl of pickled vegetable and fish soup.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao kept telling himself, this is my first visit, I definitely can¡¯t lick the plate later¡­¡­


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t eat much before he stopped. Yu Hao said, ¡°You cook so well, yet you can stomach the food from our canteen?¡±


    ¡°As long as it¡¯s not something I cooked, it all tastes the same to me.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually.


    ¡°Yu Hao na.¡± Mama Zhou asked, ¡°Is Zhou Sheng close to any girls in school?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Shut up! All of you shut up!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°So many girls are chasing him.¡±


    ¡°Tsktsktsk¡­¡­¡± The shape of Mama Zhou¡¯s face changed, ¡°In the past, his Dad was also, ai¡ª¡ªyo¡ª¡ª¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that his words could incite another lengthy monologue that lasted for half an hour. He had only been in Zhou Sheng¡¯s home for less than 2 hours, but his mother had already told him all about how his father had abandoned her. He even knew the angle at which Papa Zhou would hold a wok spatula to hit her.


    Fortunately, Mama Zhou finally left after dinner. When he closed the door to change, Yu Hao saw a hole in her door that had been kicked in.


    Zhou Sheng was washing dishes in front of the sink. After he was done washing, he passed them to Yu Hao, then Yu Hao would use a cloth to wipe it dry and put it back on the rack.


    ¡°Be honest, are you about to fall in love with me?¡± Zhou Sheng abruptly said this as he was washing the dishes.


    Yu Hao replied honestly, ¡°I¡¯m already in love with you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked helpless as he said, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have answered with something else?! Get lost!¡±


    Yu Hao burst out into laughter. Zhou Sheng said in a gloomy and irritated voice, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry and finish celebrating the New Year here so we can go back ba, I really can¡¯t stand it anymore. Just think about it, staying in this kind of household for more than ten years while you¡¯re hounded incessantly with talk about my father, would you be able to endure it?¡±


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    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said honestly, ¡°I was wrong, it¡¯ll be better for us to go back to our dorm¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We¡¯re already back anyway, what are you laughing at, ah? What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t! Your mother might suddenly come back!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s not coming back!¡± Zhou Sheng wrung Yu Hao and wanted to hit him. He pushed him onto the sofa and laid down sideways on him, and Yu Hao cried out when he landed on him. Zhou Sheng kicked him aside before taking out a few snacks and cokes from underneath the coffee table for him to eat and drink. Then he fished his phone out to play games.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fall asleep.¡± Zhou Sheng saw Yu Hao begin to doze off and put his phone down, ¡°If you sleep too much in the day, you won¡¯t be able to fall asleep at night.¡±


    Yu Hao curled up on the blanket. When he saw the pile of PP bags on his balcony, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Clothes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The goods my mum bought. She has her own shop.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡±. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°My Dad was a first-class chef in the past, and an alcoholic. He married a rich woman after his divorce and cheated a lot of money out of her, then divorced the rich woman again and took the money to open a restaurant called ¡°Yun Lai Chun¡±. I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve eaten there before.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng said that name, Yu Hao was instantly dumbfounded.


    ¡°Yun Lai Chun was opened by your father?!¡± Yu Hao said in disbelief.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng looked up and cast a glance at Yu Hao, then answered, ¡°It¡¯s quite shocking ba. His name is Zhou Laichun, I¡¯ll bring you over for a meal on the first day of the New Year.¡±


    Yu Hao had seen Zhou Sheng¡¯s father¡¯s name before on the news online. It was a feature on local entrepreneurs ¡ª his restaurant has chain stores all over the country!


    Yu Hao snapped out of his stupor when Zhou Sheng kicked him.


    ¡°Then why are you studying in our college?¡±


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    ¡°My Mum doesn¡¯t allow me to use my Dad¡¯s money.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at his phone, ¡°Or rely on his connections. She said that if I dare study in a college that my Dad contacted, she¡¯d jump down from this 16th floor. She even sat on the balcony to threaten me after the college entrance examination.¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand.


    Zhou Sheng concentrated his attention on tapping his phone, ¡°But, I really didn¡¯t want to study in the medical college that my Dad found for me. If I become a doctor with such lousy grades, wouldn¡¯t I just be harming people? Let¡¯s find a job together after the next semester ba.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard him say this, he almost went mad. After he thought it over for a bit, he said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy.¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    The murderous air around Zhou Sheng finally dissipated. He leaned on the sofa at a crooked angle and used one foot to rub Yu Hao¡¯s waist here and there ¡ª this movement was completely unconscious, and was just a simple exchange between straight men as they kicked each other. However, Yu Hao suddenly got hard, so he quickly covered it with the blanket.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why did you choose sports?¡±


    ¡°I like exercising.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°Sweating to my heart¡¯s content makes me forget all of my troubles ¡ª like when I¡¯m swimming, running or doing any sort of aerobic exercise. When my body feels like it¡¯s approaching a tipping point, it feels like I¡¯m flying.¡±


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    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± He used to play basketball occasionally and run at night too, and it did help in relieving his stress.


    ¡°When I¡¯m in a bad mood, I¡¯ll run laps of 5km.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°After running 10km, I¡¯ll feel much more relaxed.¡±


    ¡°10km.¡± Zhou Sheng was practically turning up his nose at such a distance.


    But later on, Yu Hao was really too exhausted from working so he couldn¡¯t run anymore. If he still ran 10km after working for 12 hours, he¡¯d probably die a sudden death. But it was also because he had a lot of stress that he couldn¡¯t relieve that he gradually became more of a shut-in.


    He chatted idly with Zhou Sheng, but he really couldn¡¯t fight off his sleepiness. Zhou Sheng even placed a warm oil heater next to him, which made him feel very warm and cozy, so he ended up sleeping. While he was in a groggy daze, he heard Zhou Sheng say, ¡°Go to the room to sleep, don¡¯t catch a cold¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao responded once, but he didn¡¯t move and only wanted to turn around and continue sleeping. In the end, he felt like he was picked up by Zhou Sheng who carried him into the room and placed him on the bed.


    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed before the first time he woke up. He could sense that Zhou Sheng had entered the room carefully, and was laying beside him to play games on his phone. Yu Hao turned around and continued sleeping.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out beside his ear, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


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    When Yu Hao opened his eyes, the sky outside was bright.


    Zhou Sheng had one hand on his forehead as he checked to see if he had a fever.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Are you a pig?!¡± Zhou Sheng scolded, ¡°You slept for a whole 18 hours! I thought you died of overwork!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Ah!¡± Yu Hao said feebly, ¡°It must be because I¡¯ve been working a lot lately and got exhausted¡­ is there anything to eat? I¡¯m starving¡­¡­.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was at his wit¡¯s end. Yu Hao wanted to buy groceries for the New Year, but how could Zhou Sheng possibly make him pay for that? So he said, ¡°Help me clean up the room ba.¡±


    Yu Hao began to tidy up Zhou Sheng¡¯s room. Zhou Sheng¡¯s room looked like a dog¡¯s kennel, he couldn¡¯t tell when Zhou Sheng had last tidied it. Zhou Sheng himself was a bit embarrassed as he said, ¡°You know what, forget it.¡±


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    Yu Hao took the blanket to hang it out in the sun. Zhou Sheng continued impatiently, ¡°We¡¯re only staying until the third! What are you tidying up all that for? Do me a favour and not be a little house elf, will you? If my Mum sees you, I don¡¯t know how long she would nag me for.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going to start growing on your clothes¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Okay! Do it! Don¡¯t nag!¡± Then continued, ¡°I must owe both of you a lot, I feel like I¡¯ve been bound with a Shackle Curse.¡±


    Yu Hao was standing on the balcony. When he heard the words ¡®Shackle Curse¡¯, his heart immediately stirred. He stopped moving and turned around to look at Zhou Sheng. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng was packing up stacks of his ¡¶Saiyuki¡·and¡¶Naruto¡·mangas, and as he packed them, he somehow started reading them instead.


    After Yu Hao finished cleaning the windows, he lay down on the bed to rest for awhile.


    ¡°Your mother¡¯s door has a hole in it that collapsed inwards.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not blind, did you think I couldn¡¯t see it?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°I meant¡­¡­.do you want to paste a ¡°Fu¡± on it to cover it up?¡±


    ¡°Do people paste ¡°Fu¡±s at the bottom of a door? Don¡¯t be so meddlesome.¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw a book of ¡°Naruto¡± at him. Yu Hao laid down on his stomach as he began to read, and as he read the manga, his attention wasn¡¯t actually on it as it occasionally drifted towards Zhou Sheng, who had his back facing him. Zhou Sheng was laughing as he read his manga, and his shoulders trembled a few times.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Zhou Sheng turned around to look at Yu Hao. Yu Hao immediately lowered his head and gazed at his manga, but Zhou Sheng had already realised that Yu Hao was looking at him in that moment. He turned his head to look at his shoulders and back, ¡°Is there something on my body?¡± Then he patted himself down.


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    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, do you remember how I said that there are some things that I want to ask you about?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had a bewildered look on his face. He put down his manga and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for awhile before saying, ¡°What are we eating? Let¡¯s talk outside ba.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng brought Yu Hao to Yun Lai Chun, and Yu Hao finally realised what it meant to be a tycoon: the best room, the most luxurious decorations, gold and jade in glorious splendor. When the two of them sat on the sofa in the room to order their dishes, Zhou Sheng wore sportswear from head to toe, yet he sat like a rich second generation ¡ª he didn¡¯t seem the least bit restrained, as if this was the kind of life he was supposed to live. Yu Hao finally saw a side of Zhou Sheng that rarely appears ¡ª but had still always existed ¡ª the Zhou Sheng who had a formidable and imposing air around him.


    A waitress wearing a cheongsam walked over and knelt on the ground as she served them tea. Yu Hao hurriedly asked the waitress to get up.


    When Yu Hao was in high school, he had worked during night self-study sessions behind his grandmother¡¯s back. When he opened up wine bottles for people in a nightclub, he had to kneel as he offered the red wine to his customers, and it was really unbearable for him. On top of that, the customers would flirt and proposition him again and again, so he only worked there for three days before he quit.


    Yu Hao and the waitress looked at each other, then he smiled apologetically. The girl smiled in an understanding manner. When Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng again, the way he looked at him had changed.


    Zhou Sheng took the menu and threw it to Yu Hao, ¡°Order anything you want.¡±


    Yun Lai Chun often received public funds for both food and drink, but now, there were more sanctions from the higher ups, so there were two menus ¡ª one menu was used for its money laundering commission, while the other menu contained its usual prices. Yu Hao thought, isn¡¯t this kind of expenditure a bit too exaggerated? After he looked through a few pages, he said, ¡°You should order ba.¡±


    ¡°Everything on these three pages and this page.¡± Zhou Sheng spoke to the foreman as he selected three pages, and chose one additional page in the menu. Then he threw the big menu aside and took the seasonal menu, ¡°Everything on this menu, the whole menu.¡±


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    This was the first time Yu Hao encountered someone who would order dishes by saying ¡°everything on this page¡±. And as if that wasn¡¯t enough, this same person had also said ¡°everything on this menu¡±, so he was left speechless on the spot.


    ¡ª


    Ame: Wife-in-training YH: I¡¯ve already washed your underwear, what¡¯s a little thing like your wallet?


    Dollars: ZS mama¡¯s mouth makes my ears burn! RIP my poor, innocent self!


    Zryuu: Aaaaahhhhhhhh the train scene made me meeeeelllllllt


    ¡°In this lifetime, he had never felt like he was this close to love.¡±

 Chapter 28 - Sounding Out

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch28 ¨C Sounding Out


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    This was the first time for Yu Hao to encounter someone who ordered this many dishes, so he quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t order so much, it¡¯ll be a waste.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°We can finish it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you have some sort of misunderstanding about how much I can eat?¡±


    Everyone laughed again. Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay then, if we can¡¯t finish the food we can pack it away and bring it back. It¡¯ll be enough to eat for several days.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t bring any back, if my Mum knows that we came here, she¡¯ll turn into a madwoman.¡± Zhou Sheng said to the foreman, ¡°Bring two strips of Agarwood over.¡±


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    The foreman brought over two strips of cigarettes that Yu Hao had never seen before, then Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Put them all in your bag, my Mum won¡¯t rummage through yours. When we get back to college, we can give them to the others.¡±


    The dishes they ordered filled their huge table. Zhou Sheng poured a cup of tea for Yu Hao and asked, ¡°What did you want to talk to me about?¡±


    All the waiters sensibly stepped out, so only Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao remained in the palatial room. The impact of this scene was truly too strong, so Yu Hao was trapped in a daze for awhile. However, when Zhou Sheng was the one putting on such a show of extravagance, it was nothing like going to Chen Yekai¡¯s house, since no sense of inferiority emerged in Yu Hao¡¯s heart.


    Perhaps it was because of this guy¡¯s sloppy appearance as he sat in front of him. It stood in stark contrast to this opulent scene, and the difference was so striking that it seemed a bit absurd, as if the drawing style of this scene had changed within an instant.


    A few days ago, he was still living in a down-to-earth documentary about an impoverished student that was playing on CCTV-8, but within the blink of an eye, he suddenly transmigrated into an idol drama where the characters were indulging in a life of luxury.


    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Yu Hao said in the end.


    Zhou Sheng lowered his voice and said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you a secret, Yu Hao.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what to expect so he leaned in closer apprehensively. Yet Zhou Sheng said mysteriously, ¡°Actually, everything here today is totally fake! I was deceiving you!¡±


    ¡°My Dad isn¡¯t the boss of Yun Lai Chun! I paid over 20,000 yuan today to get everyone here to act this all out with me! When we return, you¡¯ll need to pay my credit card bills! Let¡¯s both go wash the dishes ba!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately spat out a mouthful of soup. Zhou Sheng burst into laughter and motioned for him to continue eating and indicated that he wouldn¡¯t tease him anymore. Halfway through their meal, someone knocked on the door and came in. Zhou Sheng impatiently chased that person away ¡ª the one who had come in was a man who looked to be about thirty years old. After he retreated to the door, he said respectfully towards them, ¡°Director Zhou is out of town today.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°I especially chose this time to come because he¡¯s away.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is it strange?¡± Then he said to Yu Hao, ¡°My Dad¡¯s chauffeur.¡±


    ¡°Director Zhou said,¡± That man continued, ¡°If you need to use the car later, please let me know. He asked me to accompany both of you to the department store and buy something good for the New Year.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We won¡¯t go, I have legs. Close the door, it¡¯s so damn noisy outside.¡±


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    The chauffeur closed the door with very precise and clean movements, Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that. You¡¯re so polite to the staff here, so why are you so aggressive towards your father¡¯s chauffeur?¡±


    ¡°He often uses his position to bully the staff.¡± Zhou Sheng snorted disdainfully, ¡°Disgust¡¯s mother would cry as she says, ¡®so damn disgusting¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°I take my words back.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said with concern, ¡°Eat a little more, I won¡¯t be cooking after tomorrow. I¡¯ll let you have a taste of my Mum¡¯s universally appalling Motherwort bitter gourd stew with fish soup.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng saw the expression on Yu Hao¡¯s face, he laughed so hard that he couldn¡¯t sit up straight anymore. Yu Hao said, ¡°You must be doing this out of revenge!¡±


    ¡°What am I taking revenge for?¡± Zhou Sheng tried to hold his laughter back and asked seriously.


    ¡°For abducting you home!¡± Yu Hao felt like after Zhou Sheng came back, he began to let go of himself more and seemed a little different from how he was at school, though he couldn¡¯t explain how he was different.


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    ¡°Just eat ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you want the Hermes scarf that Kaikai wears? Get that chauffeur outside to buy 10 of those for you.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Yu Hao said expressionlessly.


    ¡°Do your friends know that you¡¯re¡­¡­you¡¯re¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°The young master of Yun Lai Chun?¡± Zhou Sheng continued his sentence for him.


    Zhou Sheng was riding his bike while Yu Hao sat on the front bumper. After their dinner, they wanted to slowly ride back home to digest their meal. Yu Hao had stuffed himself so much that he almost vomited.


    ¡°Un.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°In high school, some knew, and some didn¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°In college, no one knows.¡±


    ¡°Qts vlv sbe afii wf?¡± Te Ljb aegcfv tlr tfjv rilutais. Ktfrf akb ylu uesr kfgf rlaalcu bc bcf ylmsmif ¡ª bcf rja bc atf ogbca yewqfg ktlif atf batfg gbvf atf ylxf rb atfs kfgf ralmxlcu abb mibrf ab fjmt batfg. Po Te Ljb aegcr jgbecv, tf kbeiv jmmlvfcajiis xlrr Itbe Vtfcu.


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Laozi wanted to.¡±


    ¡°Why do you take care of me so much?¡± Yu Hao suddenly asked again.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yo, you¡¯re stirring things up again. Could you not be so corny?¡±


    Zhou Sheng stopped. He supported his bicycle with one foot as he said, ¡°Yu Hao, why have you been so strange lately? What the hell do you want to say? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re really going to confess to Laozi ba? I¡¯m not gay, I like girls!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart jolted. He hurriedly clarified, ¡°No! Let¡¯s go ba.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng sized Yu Hao up with a doubtful look and said, ¡°Oh right. Yu Hao, are you gay?¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°How could I be?! I like girls too!¡±


    Zhou Sheng studied Yu Hao and asked suspiciously, ¡°Really?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts were immediately reduced to a chaotic mess. Countless thoughts surfaced in his mind: Zhou Sheng was a straight guy through and through, but on the train, he had a vague feeling that he had begun liking him a little. No matter if¡­¡­he was the ¡°General¡± in his dream.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    When Yu Hao was cornered like this, he instantly panicked, as if all his plans had fallen apart without warning.


    Yu Hao hastily asked, ¡°Have you ever been liked by a guy?¡±


    ¡°Never!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily.


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    ¡°It¡¯s not like I said you liked guys.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°Being pursued by a guy isn¡¯t something you can decide.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°Never.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao urged.


    ¡°It¡¯s a red light!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Where are you looking at?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng suddenly began laughing again. Yu Hao laughed so hard he leaned over the handlebars. Zhou Sheng had one foot on the pedal while his other foot was planted on the ground, and after they laughed for awhile, he suddenly raised his hand to rub Yu Hao¡¯s head.


    Yu Hao understood. Zhou Sheng might just treat him as a younger brother that he needed to take care of ¡ª such protective tendencies were a man¡¯s natural instinct.


    ¡°I have a girl I like.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


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    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at the cars on both sides of the road a bit absent-mindedly, ¡°And?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t have the guts to confess; I¡¯m really too poor.¡±


    Yu Hao thought Zhou Sheng would sigh ruefully or something, yet he suddenly uttered an earth-shattering shout, ¡°Good job!¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Swear to be a single dog for life! It¡¯s great to have such freedom, right? Why stifle ourselves for no reason?¡±


    Yu Hao really didn¡¯t know how to evaluate Zhou Sheng¡¯s life creed at this moment, so he could only say, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    It would be New Year¡¯s Eve tomorrow. When Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao returned home in the evening, they saw Mama Zhou and another guy sitting on the sofa. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t even spare them a single glance before he went to take a bath. Mama Zhou went to cut some fruit for Yu Hao and quickly tried to act the genial host to him, ¡°Come come come, Yu Hao, sit here.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng came out after he took his bath, he saw his mother pulling Yu Hao¡¯s hand as she said,


    ¡°¡­¡­that old white-eyed wolf wanted to get the small white-eyed wolf to learn medicine at that time¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao tossed Zhou Sheng a gaze that said ¡®save me¡¯.


    Mama Zhou, ¡°Aiyo, hasn¡¯t he heard of that saying? Persuade someone to learn medicine and you¡¯ll get struck by lightning, persuade someone to learn magic and you¡¯ll get chopped up by ten thousand knives¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted angrily, ¡°Get in the room!¡±


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    Yu Hao quickly slid into the room, and Mama Zhou¡¯s demonic voice that had irrigated his ears finally disappeared.


    In the end, Yu Hao took out his¡¶Higher Mathematics, Volume II¡·out and took the opportunity when he wasn¡¯t working to study.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is my territory, could you put your textbook away?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°My math sucks too badly, I have to prepare for it in advance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you. This is my territory, put your textbook away! When I see it I just think Disgust¡¯s mother¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Would cry as she says.¡± Yu Hao completed his sentence for him.


    ¡°No, she opened the door for Disgust.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Disgust has come into my house.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    So Yu Hao could only put his textbook away, then he and Zhou Sheng looked at each other. Right at this moment, from the adjacent room came a voice¡­¡­Mama Zhou¡¯s¡­¡­voice as she cried out.


    ¡°Read your textbook ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao had never encountered such a mortifying event in his life before, so he could only say, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Never mind, that guy lasts for 3 minutes and 40 seconds at most.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That being said, 3 minutes and 40 seconds felt infinitely long right now. If it was just the usual situation then so be it, but after a few seconds, the words uttered by that man were simply too unbearable, and his reverberating voice was filled with passion that colored his words and language in a way that Yu Hao could have never imagined. Yu Hao quickly searched everywhere for his earphones. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stand it any longer. He went out and violently knocked on the door, then shouted angrily, ¡°Disgust¡¯s mother! I dare you to open the door for your fucking Disgust!!¡± Then he kicked the door, and they immediately quietened down.


    Zhou Sheng went back to his room and picked up his manga, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°I scared him so much he shot it out.¡±


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    Only then did Yu Hao realise how the hole in that door was kicked in.


    When night fell, it began snowing outside again. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had one blanket over them. Zhou Sheng slept half naked. His arms were placed outside the quilt, and the bracelet that Yu Hao had woven for him was tied on his wrist. The golden wheel ornament on his wrist reflected the faint, twinkling light outside the window.


    Yu Hao looked at the bracelet, then at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t snoring.


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    ¡°Zhou Sheng, are you asleep?¡± Yu Hao asked softly.


    Zhou Sheng said groggily, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Nothing.¡±


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    He turned around, and his back faced Zhou Sheng. His mind was filled with thoughts about what Zhou Sheng had said in the day, as well as the General in his dreams ¡ª he saw the one he used to love so much that he couldn¡¯t extricate himself from that feeling of love.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you feel moved by me protecting you like this?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m very moved.¡±


    ¡°So wouldn¡¯t it be better to like me instead of that scum?¡±


    ¡°I have always yearned for someone who would still stand before me after countless sunrises, and find me once again¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, dreams are just dreams, and they can only stay as dreams. When the sun rises, we have to say goodbye¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°Zhou Sheng, are you asleep?¡±


    Yu Hao turned around to look at Zhou Sheng. He didn¡¯t move. After a short moment, he softly responded with an ¡°un¡±.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t slept?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


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    Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­¡­still want to talk to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened his eyes and exploded with impatience, ¡°What? Yu Hao?! What did you say?¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng had probably fallen asleep, and that ¡°un¡± could have been him sleep talking. Now that Zhou Sheng had been awoken by Yu Hao, he looked like his temper had erupted, ¡°Nothing, go back to sleep ba. Good night.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lifted the blanket and sat straight up, ¡°Yu Hao! What the hell do you want to say? Say it, and do it all at once, or else I¡¯ll beat you to death!¡±


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    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng stretched his hand out to turn on his bedroom lamp. When the light switched on, both of them exclaimed at the same time. Even Zhou Sheng ¡ª the one who had turned the light on ¡ª couldn¡¯t stand it so he quickly turned the light off again and turned on the table lamp instead.


    ¡°Talk.¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed a short-sleeved T-shirt and sat cross-legged on the bed. He stared at Yu Hao angrily, and the two of them looked at each other for a moment before Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Finish saying everything that you want to today, otherwise we both won¡¯t need to sleep anymore!¡±


    The room suddenly fell incredibly silent, and only the rusting sound of the falling snow outside the window could be heard.


    Yu Hao finally looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes within this tranquil scene and began speaking slowly.


    ¡°I exist in the sunlight, the winds, between the heavens and the earth, and also in dreams.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng frowned slightly, ¡°Whose poem is that?¡±


    ¡°Yours.¡± It was as if Yu Hao¡¯s heart had stopped beating, ¡°Are you General?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s face was full of doubt as he said, ¡°What the hell is that? Yu Hao, are you okay? Did you just have a dream?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You came into my dream before, Zhou Sheng. You¡¯re General.¡±


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    ¡°Wait wait wait.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression twisted, ¡°What the hell are you saying?!¡±


    ¡°Before I jumped down the Great Wall in my dream and fell into my subconscious, you pulled me back.¡± Yu Hao said uneasily, ¡°Zhou Sheng, you brought me along as we lit up the fire beacons in my dreamscape. The first time you came, you protected me and convinced me not to give up on life. The second time you came, you brought me to the center of my dreamscape. The third time you came, you helped me seize my totem back and restored my previous self.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression looked incredibly complicated. As Yu Hao fumbled about, even he himself didn¡¯t know what he was saying anymore.


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    ¡°After that, you entered Shi Ni¡¯s dream, to save her and to help her seize her totem back¡­¡­¡±


    Then Yu Hao described the entire process of him meeting General in his dreams from the beginning to the end to Zhou Sheng. When Zhou Sheng heard Yu Hao¡¯s outrageous story, he said, ¡°Oh, so I did that many things in your dreams? Wait, you don¡¯t actually think I have some sort of superpower that can help me enter other people¡¯s dreams ba! Don¡¯t joke around anymore, let¡¯s sleep¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said uneasily, ¡°This is just my delusion, I have hysteria, right? Zhou Sheng, I¡¯m too confused!¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao in deep contemplation.


    Both of them fell silent. Zhou Sheng seemed to have made a very difficult decision, ¡°You¡¯re serious? That¡¯s too ridiculous!¡±


    The furrow between Yu Hao¡¯s eyebrows deepened considerably, ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been a little schizophrenic recently, is it very serious¡­¡­forget it¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao gave up and said, ¡°When we go back, I¡¯ll look for a psychiatrist.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Zhou Sheng raised his hand and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have hysteria! We¡¯ve been taught this before, the main manifestations of hysteria are dissociation and¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Conversion.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You don¡¯t have any symptoms that belong to either of these two groups.¡±


    Yu Hao said uneasily, ¡°But if you¡¯re not General, then I am mentally ill, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Zhou Sheng finally reacted and blew up, ¡°Aren¡¯t you digging a pit for me to jump into?! Are you making me decide whether or not to send you to a psychiatric hospital?!¡±


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    Yu Hao quickly clarified, ¡°I¡¯m not digging any pits! I really do suspect that I¡¯m going crazy! For the past few days, I¡¯ve been thinking about it over and over again. I can¡¯t even repudiate my own deductions with logic anymore. Firstly, you can only enter my dream after I form an impression of you, which is why my first impression of you is ¡®Iron Man¡¯, because the event you were training for was the ¡°Iron Man Triathlon¡±. That¡¯s why you appeared in my dream as an ¡°Iron Man.¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead, ¡°I had just inadvertently seen you buy some things at the shop near our college¡¯s back gate, and when you opened up your bag, there was a pack of charcoal inside!¡±


    Yu Hao said a bit vacantly, ¡°So you asked me for a lighter, to see if I had one to confirm your speculation, right?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng admitted, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. Let me ask you, at that time, did you still possess the will to live? Did you hope that someone would save you? And that person could have been me? Because only I could possibly know your whereabouts, right?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Yes, in my heart, I still had that last bit of desire to live. In my subconsciousness, I had some hope that you would realise something was amiss, and that you would come to save my life¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s right! Which is why you had that strange dream, it¡¯s very normal. I¡¯m surprised you even remembered that much. Sleep ba, don¡¯t think so much about it anymore.¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: Ahaha¡­¡­.blame Feitian (author) for the cliffy¡­¡­¡­¡­.


    Ame: ;O;


    Dollars: Someone pls give a trophy to Zryuu for trans of the mind bending Disgust metapho

 Chapter 29 - Confession

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch29 ¨C Confession


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng was about to lie down when Yu Hao asked, ¡°Then how would you explain Shi Ni¡¯s dream? Why would there be another person who would dream of the same thing as me?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Also, you didn¡¯t need to assault Shi Liang in the conference room, but you did, and you even did it in front of his daughter. Your intention was to create a firm impression in Shi Ni¡¯s mind. She likes characters in cartoons and comics, and one of the heroes in them was Sun Wukong! Your red hair was also a unique feature of Sun Wukong. She unconsciously associated you with Sun Wukong, so you managed to appear in her dream, then you tried to save her.¡± Yu Hao nervously rattled on about the innumerable conjectures that he had thought of countless times.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°You¡¯re really overthinking things, Yu Hao! I just hit him because I saw you getting bullied!¡±


    ¡°If you were really just hitting him out of anger, you wouldn¡¯t have acted like that. You wouldn¡¯t laugh, and you wouldn¡¯t discuss it beforehand with Liqun outside ¡ª arranging for him to come in and hold Shi Liang back before you started hitting him.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to look at Zhou Sheng, ¡°You had planned to hit him, but why did you conceive such a plan? Also, you even thought that the totem I gave you turned into the Shackle Curse? It¡¯s because you thought you needed to find a way to solve my problem ¡ª you couldn¡¯t bear watching it any longer, so it had turned into your responsibility.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, don¡¯t get so caught up in your dreams anymore. You don¡¯t have hysteria, you just overthink too much! You¡¯re always going on such wild goose chases, aren¡¯t you just being foolish?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao said, ¡°One last question. This is the one I really couldn¡¯t figure out. Answer me ba, then I won¡¯t ask you anything else.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said patiently, ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°When I was burning charcoal, what were you doing?¡± Yu Hao asked his last question, and Zhou Sheng really was taken aback. His expression showed that he was at a loss as he pondered, ¡°I asked Fu Liqun to go look for you.¡±


    But when he was startled for that brief moment, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze had met; a glint suddenly flashed through Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes, and an intuition stirred within Yu Hao. Then Zhou Sheng turned around and turned off the table lamp.


    ¡°You were sleeping!¡± It was as if Yu Hao had suddenly been knocked on the head with a stick ¡ª he had figured it all out!


    Yu Hao seriously looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes in the darkness, ¡°Based on your character, you definitely wouldn¡¯t rely on someone else to come save me after you realised that I was carrying a pack of charcoal in my bag. It was a dire matter. You would follow me, all the way until you knew where I was going and what I was doing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t thinking so deeply then! After I played some soccer, I went back to my dorm to take a bath! I was in the middle of my bath when I realised that something wasn¡¯t right, so I quickly went out to notify Fu Liqun! Which was why I caught a cold! Do you want to call him to ask? Here! I¡¯ll give you my phone! Ask him!¡±


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    Zhou Sheng passed his phone to Yu Hao. Yu Hao found Fu Liqun¡¯s number; his hand that he was holding the phone with couldn¡¯t stop trembling. He looked up again at Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao thought that he really must be crazy this time, but he had to know, otherwise he might actually develop a mental disorder from this torturous ordeal.


    Zhou Sheng was staring at Yu Hao¡¯s hand, then looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    The second before he was about to press the ¡®call¡¯ button, Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Wait, forget it. Let¡¯s stop this game.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    When Yu Hao heard that voice, he knew that Zhou Sheng had finally admitted it.


    ¡°General?¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice was trembling.


    Zhou Sheng enunciated every word clearly, ¡°Yu Hao, I really want to give you a good beating today.¡±


    The moment he said this, Yu Hao recognised that familiar tone, it really is him! At this moment, all of his strength completely drained from him with a whoosh like a receding tide. He got up and knelt on the bed, then nervously moved a little closer to Zhou Sheng and Zhou Sheng smiled helplessly. He turned his head, pressed one hand on Yu Hao¡¯s forehead and forcefully pushed him down.


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    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said in an unquestionably overbearing tone, ¡°Yu Hao! Forget everything that had happened in your dreams!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wait¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hold was so strong that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t struggle against it at all; with this one push from Zhou Sheng, he had fallen onto the bed.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Tfa cbatlcu tjqqfcfv.


    Te Ljb, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Itbe Vtfcu, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Itbe Vtfcu wbnfv tlr tjcv jkjs jcv ibbxfv lcab Te Ljb¡¯r fsfr, atfc wegwegfv, ¡°Qtja atf tfii?!¡±


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    Te Ljb, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Good night, Yu Hao. Forget everything ba.¡±


    Pwwfvljafis joafgkjgvr, Itbe Vtfcu erfv tlr tjcv atja tjv atf gfv ygjmfifa alfv bcab la ab qgfrr vbkc jujlc. Te Ljb ujnf eq jii oealif gfrlrajcmf, yea lc atf cfza wbwfca, Te Ljb ralii vlvc¡¯a offi atf rilutafra yla vgbkrs.


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Zhou Sheng reacted instantly, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have taken your fucking totem! I must¡¯ve seriously taken the wrong medicine that day!¡±


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    Yu Hao grabbed Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand and looked at him breathlessly. This time, it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s turn to have a strange expression on his face. Yu Hao held his hand. Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers unconsciously curled up and Yu Hao buried his head onto the back of his hand. The room fell silent, and the two remained in this position as if they were sculptures.


    After a long time passed, Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice finally broke through the silence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°I really can¡¯t stand seeing people cry. This¡¯ll be the only time, and if you cry again in front of me, I¡¯ll seriously hit you next time.¡±


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    For a period of time, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t tell if he was excited, happy, or sad.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll tell you. No one will believe you if you told them anyway, they¡¯ll just think you¡¯re crazy.¡±


    Yu Hao calmed down and released Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, ¡°Don¡¯t say it. Don¡¯t say anything, General.¡±


    In the darkness, he couldn¡¯t see Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression clearly. He pressed his hand onto his palm, ¡°I just wanted to find you, and say ¡®thank you¡¯ to you. You could call it stubbornness or my reluctance to give up. That song¡­was for you.¡±


    ¡°I heard it, and I know you sang it for me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I already felt like it was a bit dangerous that night, but I didn¡¯t want¡­¡­I didn¡¯t want you to be haunted by this dream for the rest of your life. It was my fault, I said things that I shouldn¡¯t have in the world of the consciousness.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll just treat it as a dream ba. When I wake up tomorrow, I¡¯ll no longer be so attached to this matter, and you can just pretend as if nothing had ever happened. No matter what I ask you, you just¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly gripped Yu Hao¡¯s hand tightly and rubbed it with his fingers, then intertwined their fingers together.


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    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. Actually, this is our fate.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°It really doesn¡¯t matter, I don¡¯t blame you. Perhaps from the moment I saw you at the back of our college, everything you asked me today might have already been predestined.¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng let go of his hand, releasing Yu Hao, ¡°Sleep ba, Yu Hao. You¡¯re the one who said so just now, that you didn¡¯t want to know anything.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°For me, this is enough. I¡¯ll use my life to guarantee that I won¡¯t say anything about this.¡±


    ¡°The main point is that even if you did, no one would believe you.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that how novels are written?¡±


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    Yu Hao said uneasily, ¡°Believing and saying it out loud are two different matters. If you¡¯re afraid that I¡¯ll divulge this, I¡¯ll apply for a transfer and go somewhere else¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No need! Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice sounded like he didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh. He lay back down on the bed and sighed, ¡°I really did wish that there¡¯d be someone who I could share my secret with.¡±


    Yu Hao got a shock. He couldn¡¯t see Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression and could only hear his voice. In this moment, his tone had completely matched with the one that belonged to General in his dreams.


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    Zhou Sheng whispered wearily, ¡°I¡¯ve been suppressing this in the bottom of my heart for many years. But now, someone finally managed to break into my world and became my true friend. That person is you, Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao who was sitting in front of him and continued, ¡°If something like this happened to you, would you tell someone about it? Would anyone believe you? But you¡¯re really too smart. You unmasked this secret with your own inferences alone, and now I¡¯m the one who feels a sense of relief instead¡­¡­lie down ba, don¡¯t keep sitting. Lie down and talk.¡±


    Yu Hao laid down beside Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng leaned over a little and pressed the back of his hand against Yu Hao¡¯s head to make him move closer to him.


    ¡°Lately, I often thought that amongst the tens of millions of people in this world.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°If you would be the only one out of all of them who would give your own totem to me¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he turned his head around and smiled sadly at Yu Hao.


    In this moment, Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng looked extremely handsome, that he was the most handsome guy that he had ever seen in his life.


    ¡°Sleep ba, don¡¯t say anything anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng stretched his hand out and pressed it down on Yu Hao¡¯s forehead, then rubbed it in passing to make him close his eyes. He turned around with his back facing Yu Hao, ¡°This news actually isn¡¯t more shocking than the fact that my Dad is Zhou Laichun. I¡¯m serious.¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It was as if Yu Hao had just accomplished a mission and ran a marathon. His consciousness felt much heavier, and he could no longer stay awake.


    It was daybreak outside. Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Un, good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said underneath the warm glow of the morning light.


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    It was a fine day on New Year¡¯s Eve. The sunlight streamed into the kitchen through the windows. It shone upon Zhou Sheng until he was about to explode from impatience as he reluctantly cooked New Year¡¯s Eve dinner for four people. But this year was at least better than the last¡ª¡ªlast year, he was so sick of cooking, but this year, Yu Hao was around to eat it.


    For the sake of Yu Hao, this time he was a little more motivated to cook this meal.


    Every chef has their own taboos, yet all liked the same thing ¡ª the look of admiration in a foodie¡¯s eyes. The first time Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng cook, his jaw almost dropped off, and he even cleaned off the entire table of his dishes. Just because of this, Zhou Sheng was very willing to cook for him; Yu Hao is not like his mother who would be so picky towards everything on the table and would even think they weren¡¯t good enough.


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    Zhou Sheng was prepared to make deep fried ribbonfish, diced chicken with sponge gourd and red peppers stuffed in cucumbers, roast a duck and cover it with a thin film of pastry, along with some spiced chicken with chili sauce, sweet and sour fish, steamed shrimp with egg tofu, sweet and sour pork ribs and Eight Treasure rice. Then one more stewed soup with ham and bamboo shoots and that would be enough.


    While Zhou Sheng plucked the hairs of the duck, he thought that he would need to get Yu Hao to stop when he was full before he stuffed himself to death. However, he didn¡¯t know what kind of gift Yu Hao would buy in return for celebrating the New Year here and eating all these meals at his home. Sometimes, Zhou Sheng would get pretty annoyed by this trait of Yu Hao¡¯s. Every time he treated him to a meal or a drink, Yu Hao would always insist on gifting him with something in return. Yesterday, Zhou Sheng had inadvertently caught a glimpse of Yu Hao searching for shoes on Taobao. Yu Hao has never worn basketball shoes before, so it must have been for him. To put it politely, Yu Hao wasn¡¯t someone who would freeload off others, but to put it in a more negative light, he just didn¡¯t like owing other people favours.


    Was it necessary though? They were so familiar with each other already anyway. Zhou Sheng thought while he was squeezing the shrimp, that the steamed egg tofu falls apart really easily, so he had to be careful.


    The first time he saw Yu Hao was when they were at the field. At that time, Zhou Sheng had already run 20km and was going through a kind of out-of-body experience, while Yu Hao sat on the stands in a daze. Zhou Sheng ran round after round, seeing him with each round he ran. Yu Hao¡¯s wilted appearance reminded him of a dirty dog at his old home who would limp over and bark for food.


    Every day after Zhou Sheng got home, he would have packed something to feed it. It was a typical stray puppy ¡ª its coat looked beautiful, but it was very dirty. Sometimes, even if Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t bring any food, the puppy would still come and nuzzle against his trousers and follow him upstairs as it wagged its tail and barked noisily. Zhou Sheng wanted to raise it, but he had misgivings about his neurotic mother, so he gave up on that idea in the end.


    Yu Hao ¡ª who sat next to the field ¡ª was just like that puppy, which always made Zhou Sheng want to go over to rub his head. And every time his body approached its limit, Zhou Sheng¡¯s mind would be filled with Yu Hao¡¯s appearance, round after round, Yu Hao Yu Hao Yu Hao¡­¡­it was as if the impression of Yu Hao in his mind had been linked to the physical limits of his body like a conditioned reflex.


    For a month after that, Yu Hao would go to the field a few times per week. Zhou Sheng would see him carry a basketball once in awhile as he joined a group of people who were playing, but he would be knocked flying here and there by Fu Liqun. Gradually, Yu Hao began to give up on playing and chose to sit next to the field instead. Zhou Sheng thought that he must have felt that the others didn¡¯t think his skills were good enough. Rather than saying that his teammates thought he wasn¡¯t good enough, it was more like Yu Hao thought he wasn¡¯t good enough ¡ª he was always mindful of gains and losses, so if he felt like he was holding his teammates back, then he would gradually come less often.


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    ¡°Why do you treat me so well?¡± When Yu Hao was sitting on the front bumper of his bicycle yesterday, he suddenly asked this.


    I like you bei, Zhou Sheng thought in his heart, but student Yu Hao, please take note: I ¡®like¡¯ you, not ¡®love¡¯ you.


    Zhou Sheng lifted the Beijing roast duck and hung it in the iron stove on the balcony to roast it. That iron stove was even older than him.


    Why do I like you? Because I couldn¡¯t overlook a lot of things, and I wanted to protect the weak you so that you would continue living on ba. Zhou Sheng secured the roast duck.


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    As for why it¡¯s you, and not someone else, it¡¯s because receiving a response is important. No matter how well someone treats another, if he gets no response in return, he¡¯ll gradually come to find that person annoying. Zhou Sheng might say that he doesn¡¯t mind not receiving any reciprocation, but at the bottom of his heart, he still hoped that this person would give him a kind of blazing trust that had no reservations, a sense of adoration, as well as friendship.


    The moment when Yu Hao passed him his totem was the first time for Zhou Sheng to feel that strongly moved in his life. It was as if what he had given him was not just his totem, but his everything.


    Zhou Sheng could also feel that every time Yu Hao saw him, he would be in a very good mood. And after he moved to their dormitory, although he never showed his happiness on his face, he could tell that Yu Hao did feel very excited about it.


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    When Zhou Sheng went to the cafe to look for him the other day, Yu Hao was originally quite listless, but he immediately brightened up when he saw him ¡ª as if in his dark and gloomy world, a streak of sunlight had shone in. This sunlight had illuminated Yu Hao, and it had also illuminated the Zhou Sheng who was trying to suppress his rage.


    If I don¡¯t take care of you, who will? Zhou Sheng said in his heart. But he could guess what kind of feelings Yu Hao held for him, and these feelings had turned into his Shackle Curse.


    Yu Hao held steadfast to his vow to find him, which made Zhou Sheng feel very surprised. But truthfully, he had longed for this outcome. Yu Hao was the first person who managed to find him in the real world, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s wish had been fulfilled. What about the future though? Should he tell him about the origin of this power?


    Zhou Sheng held his wrist up and looked at the bracelet that Yu Hao had woven for him. The red rope went through the golden wheel, and it looked like a gorgeous watch.


    Forget it ba, Zhou Sheng thought. There were a lot of things that even he hadn¡¯t figured out yet, and it¡¯s not like he would meddle and enter other people¡¯s dreams to wreck them.


    Zhou Sheng first noticed that he seemed to hold special feelings for Yu Hao on the day after he was discharged: they were all sitting in the hot pot shop, and Yu Hao had sat directly opposite him ¡ª that perplexed expression of his made Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart ache. For a few days after that, every time Zhou Sheng entered the classroom and sat beside Yu Hao, Yu Hao¡¯s eyes would light up, as if he had been waiting for him for a long time. Zhou Sheng knew that despite not saying anything, Yu Hao was very happy in his heart.


    This made him think of a book that he had read when he was little.


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    ¡°But if you tame me, then we shall need each other. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world.¡±


    ¡°But if you tame me, it will be as if the sun came to shine on my life. I shall know the sound of a step that will be different from all the others. Other steps send me hurrying back underneath the ground. Yours will call me, like music, out of my burrow.¡±


    Zhou Sheng rubbed his head. His dyed red hair had faded, and the colour that remained looked like a golden yellow. This was why Yu Hao would think of golden wheat fields whenever he saw him, and even the breeze that blew across the fields became gentle.


    ¡ª


    Video Player


    00:00


    00:14


    YH: Why do you treat me so well?


    ZS: I like you bei. But student Yu Hao, please take note: I ¡®like¡¯ you, not ¡®love¡¯ you.


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    ¡ª


    Ame: Cooks a feast like it¡¯s no big deal, protecting him, waxing lyrical¡­ AND HE SAYS IT¡¯S NOT LOVE¡­


    Zryuu: ^ (??Òæ?)? THIS CHAPTER WAS A ROLLERCOASTER OF EMOTIONS. Also, ZS was reciting excerpts from ¡®Little Prince¡¯ and I actually went to translate the excerpts before realising that it had an English version¡­¡­¡­¡­

 Chapter 30 - Chinese New Year’s Eve

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch30 ¨C Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng had already prepared all of the dishes. He had chopped up everything that needed to be chopped and simmered everything that needed to be simmered, so he was only waiting on the final step of the the cooking process. He washed his hands, looked up at the clock, then went in to wake up Yu Hao.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Yu Hao, don¡¯t sleep anymore, wake up.¡± Zhou Sheng patted Yu Hao sleepily.


    Yu Hao was lying on his stomach as he slept, revealing his fair shoulders and back while his thigh outside the blanket was fully exposed. His hair was mussed up, so it didn¡¯t cover most of his handsome and perfect face. Under the sunlight, his outline seemed gentle and beautiful, which made one sentence flash through Zhou Sheng¡¯s mind¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªthis fucking little fresh meat.


    Even though he was a guy, Yu Hao¡¯s sleeping appearance stirred up sexual urges in Zhou Sheng, who suddenly wanted to ride on his body and give him a kiss.


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Get up!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted loudly before his tent was completely pitched.


    Yu Hao sprang straight up ¡ª he seemed quite startled ¡ª and their eyes met. Zhou Sheng looked at him with an apathetic expression.


    With his bare, slim upper body on display and alarm in his eyes, Yu Hao asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Get up!¡± Zhou Sheng was so sleepy he was about to lose his temper. He hadn¡¯t slept a wink since last night, ¡°If you sleep too much during the day, you won¡¯t be able to fall asleep at night.¡±


    Yu Hao, who was still in a daze, anxiously responded with an ¡°oh¡±. Zhou Sheng lifted the blanket and laid on the bed, ¡°It¡¯s my turn to sleep.¡±


    ¡°Wu¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao tunneled under the blanket again and curled up comfortably. He uncovered his head as he faced Zhou Sheng to ask, ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep?¡¯


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t be bothered with answering him. He turned around and lay on his front as well to squash his hard object and like Yu Hao, also left his head uncovered. They stared at each other with their bright eyes.


    Yu Hao wore a bewildered expression, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head away, ¡°Nothing.¡±


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    Yu Hao helped him pull the blanket up to cover him properly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go get lunch, there¡¯s some on the table. And don¡¯t be curious about what¡¯s in the pot. If I catch you sneaking some, I¡¯ll hit you.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡± before he got up to put on a T-shirt. Zhou Sheng was lying on his stomach with a head full of jumbled up thoughts. He hadn¡¯t been exercising as much recently, so there was no way for him to vent all his frustration, which meant that he was much more hot-tempered these days. He decided that when the weather wasn¡¯t so cold anymore, he would need to go sweat it out.


    When Yu Hao was eating breakfast, he suddenly snapped out of his daze and thought of the conversation they had last night. He really couldn¡¯t believe what he had done. It all seemed so unrealistic, as if last night was a dream. He decided to treat everything as if it was a dream, and to never mention it to Zhou Sheng again.


    Now, he heaved a big sigh of relief, as if something truly had come to a close.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    It was reasonable that a story that started in a dream would thus end with a dream. In fact, he was no longer concerned about why Zhou Sheng had such a strange power. But at the same time that his preoccupation with questions about superpowers and dreams became a thing of the past, a new and even more serious problem emerged.


    Yu Hao knew that he must have fallen in love with Zhou Sheng.


    Nowadays, he would feel incredibly happy as long as he could see Zhou Sheng, but he would become slightly troubled if he couldn¡¯t. Zhou Sheng had already surpassed money to become his greatest source of happiness. He now seemed like someone who was on the verge of dying from thirst, who needed to drink water incessantly. Except that in his case, when he was drinking, he needed to be mindful of his image, and be even more mindful of choking.


    He often heard people say that love would make you addicted to someone. When he was in junior high, he was ignorant and couldn¡¯t comprehend such a concept, but now it really did seem like he was addicted.


    Yu Hao gathered his utensils carefully and tried not to make any noise while he was washing them. At this moment, Mama Zhou¡¯s boyfriend woke up. He came out and lifted the cover of the pot, ¡°Wah, there¡¯s so much good food? Did you make it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou, Zhou Sheng made them¡­¡­¡±


    That man uttered several tsks, and before he could comment on it, Zhou Sheng shouted angrily from his room, ¡°Yu Hao! Get in here!¡±


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    That was a most welcome order for Yu Hao. He quickly went in and knew that Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t fallen asleep yet, so he didn¡¯t dare provoke him. He lay on the bed to read his Higher Mathematics textbook, but his thoughts weren¡¯t focused on the book at all. He really wished he could just stare at Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s back was facing him so all he could see was the back of his head.


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was straight, and the possibility of being liked by him was even rarer than winning the lottery. Zhou Sheng must know that he likes ¡°General¡± too. But the things that had occurred in the dream were easy to dismiss. All he needed to explain was that he had always been inclined towards the same sex deep down in his heart and had just transferred his feelings onto General. Then, everyone would be able to come to a tacit mutual understanding and muddle through it together.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


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    Zhou Sheng turned around out of discomfort. Yu Hao shifted his gaze immediately. Zhou Sheng wore an extremely irritated expression on his face. He took his phone out from underneath the pillow and threw it to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Phone¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng had finally fallen asleep when he was awoken by the vibration of Yu Hao¡¯s phone. He muttered, ¡°Let Laozi off ba¡­¡­¡±


    When Yu Hao saw that the call came from Chen Yekai, he quickly went out to take the call. Zhou Sheng said irritably, ¡°Could you not go to the living room?¡±


    Yu Hao went to the balcony. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s -3 degrees outside. Yu Hao, are you tired of living?¡±


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    So Yu Hao could only go back to the bed and cover Zhou Sheng with the blanket.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± This was the first thing Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, then said into the phone, ¡°I¡¯m having fun outside, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°At, my, home!¡± Zhou Sheng could guess that it was Chen Yekai asking that question from Yu Hao¡¯s answer, so he answered loudly with impatience.


    Chen Yekai heard Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice, and at the same time, Yu Hao heard the sound of an ambulance over on Chen Yekai¡¯s side. He was startled, ¡°Chen Laoshi, are you okay?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around and cast a doubtful glance at Yu Hao. Yu Hao switched to loudspeaker. On the other end, the wee woo sounds of a siren were blaring.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just suddenly thought of you. I was afraid that it wouldn¡¯t be safe for you to spend the 30th outside if you had gone travelling alone, but it¡¯s fine if you¡¯re at a friend¡¯s house.¡±


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    The ¡°friend¡± asked, ¡°An ambulance? Kaikai, you¡¯re okay ba?¡±


    ¡°Police car.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Something happened to Lin Laoshi and Liang Laoshi. Let¡¯s talk about it later.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other. Yu Hao asked Chen Yekai not to worry too much, Chen Yekai responded with an ¡°un¡±, then hung up. Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°Why would he suddenly give you this call? It wasn¡¯t some sort of secret signal because he was kidnapped ba?¡±


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    The more Yu Hao thought about it, the more he felt something was amiss. He asked Zhou Sheng to go to sleep first and patted him, then after a short moment sent Chen Yekai a WeChat message. Chen Yekai took a picture of the hospital and said:¡¾I¡¯m really okay.¡¿Immediately afterwards, he took a selfie and sent it over ¡ª it was a picture of him and Huang Ting. When Yu Hao saw Huang Ting, he knew that he wasn¡¯t in any danger, so he felt slightly more at ease.


    Zhou Sheng finally fell asleep. After he slept for about half an hour, Mama Zhou came in to nag and ask him to get up to cook. She wanted to eat a little earlier with her boyfriend, then go out for a round of mahjong after the meal.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng lifted the blanket and sat up straight away.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you ashamed of sleeping all day?!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother pointed at Yu Hao, ¡°Why don¡¯t you learn from Yu Hao! And study seriously every day?!¡±


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    Yu Hao was really afraid that Zhou Sheng would stab his mother, so he quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year! Don¡¯t fight!¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath and finally calmed down.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll cook.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Once I¡¯m done, get lost.¡±


    ¡°What kind of son speaks to their mother like that?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother¡¯s voice suddenly rose eight octaves, ¡°This is my house! If someone needs to get lost, it should be you! Yu Hao! You don¡¯t need to get lost, you¡¯re a guest¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t sleep well last night, it¡¯s my fault¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao na you¡¯re a good child don¡¯t try to speak up for Zhou Sheng. I was the one who gave birth to Zhou Sheng so I know him the best¡­¡­he doesn¡¯t sleep at night and doesn¡¯t get up in the morning¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao quickly held Zhou Sheng down and begged his Grandpa to tell Grandma not to let Zhou Sheng get angry. Zhou Sheng used up a year¡¯s worth of willpower suppressing his rage, and then said wearily, ¡°Forget it.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    When he got up and went to the kitchen to cook, Mama Zhou was still nagging him with words like ¡®you only know how to talk to your mother like this, you dare talk to your mother this way in front of your classmate¡­¡­¡¯


    Zhou Sheng placed a dish in a bamboo steamer, prepared the roast duck Peking-style, removed the lid to scoop some soup out, arranged the dishes on plates, chopped garlic, and fried some chilli. Yu Hao assisted him from the side while Mama Zhou curled her hair and thought up cutting remarks about Zhou Sheng, such as how it would have been better giving birth to a piece of char siu pork than to give birth to him. Meanwhile, Yu Hao tried his best to change the topic, but no matter what topic he changed it to, it would always make a detour back to char siu. However, Zhou Sheng was abnormally calm. In the end, Mama Zhou began to compare Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng and talked about how Yu Hao was better in all aspects, while Zhou Sheng was practically a bastard in comparison. Finally, even Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stand listening to her any more, so he said, ¡°Aunt, I¡¯ll go turn on the TV.¡±


    As he spoke, Yu Hao turned on the TV and turned its volume up such that it would mask Mama Zhou¡¯s endless rambles. He thought that if she blamed him for being impolite, then he would just go out to eat with Zhou Sheng ba. But it seemed as if Mama Zhou was tired of talking, so she got up and left.


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    ¡°This is why I don¡¯t want to date, and why I don¡¯t want to get married.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly.


    ¡°A lot of girls aren¡¯t like that.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Children will treat the parents in their original families as role models and learn from them.¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed some dough and started to knead them into thin pancakes, then motioned to Yu Hao to remove a lid, ¡°Careful, don¡¯t burn your hands¡­¡­so, your future family would be like how your parents were. Don¡¯t you understand that after reading so many case studies?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°A person¡¯s life is a process that integrates our personality that was formed during childhood. The influence of the families we grew up in is so strong that it¡¯s almost impossible for us to break free from it, but we still need to strive to nurture our willpower to keep our psychological state in line with our external reality. Through an appropriate adjustment of our mental state and some self-suggestion, as well as to our partners¡­¡­¡±


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    Zhou Sheng only responded with, ¡°Too troublesome. If it¡¯s a problem that can be resolved by staying single, then why expend so much effort?¡± to shut down all of Yu Hao¡¯s words.


    ¡°¡­¡­after a series of collisions, the scene was cleared¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao placed a plate of pancakes used to wrap the roast duck on the table and inadvertently saw the news. Zhou Sheng quickly sliced up a cucumber into shreds and was currently tearing apart the scallion when Yu Hao was suddenly stunned.


    A red BMW had been smashed up after a crash, that license plate number was¡­¡­


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zhou Sheng quickly felt that something was wrong with Yu Hao, so he raised his head and looked at him. Yu Hao hurriedly searched for his phone, trembling as he dialled Chen Yekai¡¯s number.


    ¡°Laoshi, are you okay?¡± Yu Hao asked.


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    Chen Yekai answered over the phone, ¡°You saw the news? The car isn¡¯t mine, Professor Lin was the one driving; he was fetching Shimu. I wasn¡¯t in the car.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai definitely wouldn¡¯t be going home for the New Year. He asked, ¡°How are they doing?¡±


    ¡°Laoshi¡¯s fine.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But Shimu¡¯s not doing so well.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng was standing at one side. Chen Yekai continued, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I¡¯ll stay at the hospital tonight to take care of her. I¡¯ll wish both of you a Happy New Year in advance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got the gist of what had happened. Both of them looked at each other in silence, then Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Will get better.¡±


    Yu Hao felt a bit heavy-hearted, but luckily, Chen Yekai wasn¡¯t in that car.


    Zhou Sheng set the table with all his dishes. The four of them sat around the table, and the atmosphere on this New Year¡¯s Eve night seemed quite strange. In the end, Yu Hao really felt too embarrassed, so he said, ¡°I wish for Auntie to be in good health, cheers¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t call that guy ¡°uncle¡± on purpose. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have good judgment.¡±


    Thus the atmosphere became even more awkward. But since it was a reunion dinner, everyone tried their best not to start any arguments. Zhou Sheng only wrapped the roast duck for Yu Hao and kept piling his plate up with food, ¡°Eat more, I made everything on this table specifically for you.¡±


    Yu Hao lightly kicked him under the table to get him to stop picking a fight. Mama Zhou smiled, ¡°This is the first time a friend of Zhou Sheng has come over to celebrate the New Year. Yu Hao, take good care of him in the future.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Usually, he¡¯s the one taking care of me.¡±


    This meal was finished rather quickly. Zhou Sheng cooked for six hours, but Mama Zhou and her boyfriend ate for only half an hour before dressing to the nines and leaving the house to go play mahjong. Yu Hao was still eating what was left on the table.


    ¡°If you¡¯re full, stop.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t stuff yourself too much.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s too delicious, I can still eat a little more.¡±


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    This was the first time for Yu Hao to eat such delicious food. Zhou Sheng¡¯s cooking was indeed better than Yun Lai Chun. Although the ingredients weren¡¯t expensive, he had put a lot of heart into it. Zhou Sheng bit a cigarette in his mouth as he watched Yu Hao eat, as if he was thinking of something, but eventually he couldn¡¯t stand watching any longer, ¡°You better not puke later.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t eat any more. He said, ¡°Then what do we do with the rest?¡±


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    ¡°Keep it for the next meal ah!¡± Zhou Sheng blew up, ¡°Did we buy the fridge to keep it on display?!¡±


    Only then did Yu Hao prop himself up. Zhou Sheng asked him to rest while he went to wash the dishes. In the end, under Yu Hao¡¯s insistence, both of them cleaned up the dishes on the table and covered themselves with a blanket as they laid on the sofa to watch the Spring Festival Gala.


    Yu Hao could sense that Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t talk as much today. Perhaps it was because his identity had been exposed, so there was a mutually tacit awkwardness between them now. For example, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say, ¡®did you fall in love with me,¡¯ anymore to tease him and wouldn¡¯t use his leg to rub Yu Hao¡¯s waist underneath the blanket either. Both of them just quietly watched the Spring Festival Gala playing on TV.


    The living room was quiet. There was a short romantic scene played by two men and one woman on the show, and they even pandered to the rotten ones. A sissy came out, facing the girlfriend, then pointed at his straight bro and said, ¡°the one I love, isn¡¯t, him!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao felt a bit awkward. He could see that Zhou Sheng was dozing off from the corner of his eye, so he turned the TV¡¯s volume down.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao turned around and looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for awhile before he asked, ¡°Do you want to date?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart suddenly exploded like firecrackers bursting within an instant, and a feeling of vertigo rushed to his brain. However, Zhou Sheng¡¯s following words were, ¡°It¡¯s a new year, go find a partner ba?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s fingers pressed a button on the remote control to change the channel, but it was still playing the Spring Festival Gala.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao turned around to watch the TV. He pondered over it a little, then said, ¡°But a partner isn¡¯t easy to find.¡±


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    Both of them understood it implicitly. Yu Hao doesn¡¯t want to look for a boyfriend, but since Zhou Sheng took the initiative to say this, Yu Hao understood what he meant. Find a boyfriend and transfer his feelings to him, then they could perhaps become good bros.


    A song rang out in Yu Hao¡¯s mind:


    ¡°Pass on the warmth from one to another¡¯s bosom¡­¡­¡±


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    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard before of an app that could help you make friends?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°You know that too?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I saw it on the news before, an app for homosexuals to make friends.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve seen that news story. It was a report that investigated the incidence of AIDS; a lot of people use it for one night stands.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng immediately clarified, ¡°It¡¯s not that I dislike you.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry, ¡°I know. If you disliked me, you would have ignored me a long time ago, why would you still treat me so well?¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°wu¡±, ¡°I see you as a little brother, you know that.¡±


    ¡°I might be older than you though?¡± Yu Hao joked and kicked Zhou Sheng. He then remembered that when he was buying a ticket for Zhou Sheng, his identity card had his birth date. He was older than Yu Hao by two years.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s solemn expression that he had worn the whole day disappeared. He kicked Yu Hao in return, ¡°Laozi retained for two years, you¡¯re definitely younger than me.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I know, I¡¯ll go look for a boyfriend after the New Year.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But don¡¯t get tricked into bed by bad people. You¡¯re kinda stupid.¡±


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    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t. I won¡¯t look for someone on a one night stand app, I¡¯ll ask around on Zhihu. Don¡¯t worry about it anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that they would talk about this one day, and understood what Zhou Sheng was thinking in his heart ¡ª¡ª when he had turned into General, he was forced to take an action that had crossed a line. But that was for the sake of saving him, to help him recover the sunlight in his world. However, in the depths of Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart, maybe he was thinking that this action of his caused him to transfer his feelings, which made Yu Hao like him, so this was Zhou Sheng¡¯s responsibility.


    So¡­¡­Yu Hao finally understood now, this was the golden circlet on Sun Wukong! Zhou Sheng wanted to take the golden circlet off, it¡¯s just that¡­¡­Yu Hao had no idea that this moment would come so fast.


    ¡ª


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    Ame:ZS no D:<


    Zryuu:;-; before going off on ZS, do take note that 1. ZS is someone who rejects love bc of the environment he grew up in and; 2. As YH had mentioned, ZS feels like it¡¯s his fault for doing what he did in the first dreamscape which he thought was what caused YH to like him

 Chapter 31 - New Year

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch31 ¨C New Year


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything else.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


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    Usually, ¡®didn¡¯t mean anything else¡¯ meant that one ¡®did mean something else¡¯. Yu Hao smiled and changed to another channel. It was still broadcasting the Spring Festival Gala.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao thought, the one who tied the bell must be the one to take it off, let me take off the golden circlet ba, ¡°I do want to date, I just haven¡¯t found someone suitable.¡± As he spoke, he looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng curled into the blanket and suddenly asked, ¡°Why did Kaikai call you this afternoon?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why Zhou Sheng would ask this. In fact, he realised that as soon as he and Chen Yekai got close, Zhou Sheng would suddenly pay close attention.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°He was probably worried that something might happen to me if I was outside by myself ba?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t tell Zhou Sheng about the photo, ¡°It was a normal greeting. Maybe he gave everyone a call?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t call me.¡± Zhou Sheng said evenly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Since we¡¯re together.¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned to his phone, ¡°Do you want to ask if he gave big guy a call? You can wish him a Happy New Year in passing.¡±


    Sometimes, Yu Hao felt like Zhou Sheng¡¯s perceptiveness could be described with the word ¡®terrifying¡¯. But in the next moment, Zhou Sheng was even more amazing as he accurately grasped Yu Hao¡¯s train of thought, ¡°Learnt it from my Mum. When she was investigating my Dad to see if he was having an affair, that¡¯s what you call not missing a single clue.


    Yu Hao thought he might as well ask, ¡°Then why do you think he called me?¡±


    Actually, Yu Hao had vaguely felt that Chen Yekai treated him differently from the other students, and he had guessed the reason from the photo:


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Chen Yekai was treating Yu Hao like his ex.


    ¡°Because Professor Lin¡¯s car accident made him feel like anything could happen in life.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a bored voice, ¡°Maybe he was supposed to be in that car too. After he found out about the accident, he couldn¡¯t help but call the people who are important to him.¡±


    This time, Yu Hao knelt down to Zhou Sheng through and through. He might fool around a lot, but when he gets serious, he turns into that ¡°General¡± in his dreamscapes.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°And after that?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng narrowed his eyes and scrutinised Yu Hao, ¡°I think he¡¯s a little interested in you, it¡¯s just that he¡¯s afraid to say it straight. He has the heart of a thief, but not a thief¡¯s guts.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t respond and just watched the TV.


    After so much foreshadowing, Zhou Sheng finally got to the point, ¡°If you¡¯re going to look for a boyfriend, it¡¯s best if you don¡¯t consider him.¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°Why?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t like it.¡±


    Yu Hao mocked, ¡°But if I really end up liking him, it¡¯s not like I can do anything about it. Just think about it, if you were to find a girlfriend and I said that I didn¡¯t like her, would you break up with her?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said as if it was only natural, ¡°I¡¯ll break up ah, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s most important of course.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­..¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he had only one thought¡ª¡ªworth it.


    But he still stubbornly said, ¡°You¡¯re just saying that, you know that it¡¯s impossible for me to force you to break up.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you really like him ba?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What if I really do? Do you think that I like you? Actually, I don¡¯t, I¡¯ve always¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it over and over, then suddenly thought of a good idea and finally made up his mind, ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that he was General.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So I¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression instantly became an extremely spectacular sight. Yu Hao thought that with this, Zhou Sheng¡¯s golden circlet would finally be removed. He just didn¡¯t know if the totem he gave him would still be around.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Really?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


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    Ktf ilnlcu gbbw ofii rlifca. Itbe Vtfcu vlvc¡¯a gfrqbcv, jcv atf rlifcmf ijrafv obg j ibcu alwf. Te Ljb ofia ilxf tf mbeivc¡¯a mbcmievf atlr abqlm cfjais jcswbgf¡ª¡ªItbe Vtfcu kjr wemt rwjgafg atjc tlw. Te Ljb tjv j tjgv alwf vfjilcu klat atlr mbcnfgrjalbc lc atf olgra qijmf, jcv cbk tf mbeivc¡¯a fnfc uefrr ktja Itbe Vtfcu kjr atlcxlcu.


    ¡°You¡¯re a shou ba?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly went on a tangent.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao answered honestly, ¡°I¡¯ve never dated a guy before, maybe?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can¡¯t accept you being, being¡­by him¡­¡­¡±


    When he spoke to this point, Yu Hao who had just been staring at the TV suddenly found it amusing, yet Zhou Sheng¡¯s face was slightly red.


    ¡°What if he¡¯s a gong?¡± Yu Hao asked.


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    Zhou Sheng fell silent again. After a long time passed, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Pass me the remote control.¡±


    Yu Hao threw the remote control over. Zhou Sheng caught it, then pressed the mute button and the whole world turned deathly silent within a moment.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like¡­¡­un, my bro being pressed down underneath someone else. But if you really like that,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°A feeling like ¡®love¡¯ has no reason, so I can only endure it, but try not to ba.¡±


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    This was the second time Yu Hao felt moved by Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡± Yu Hao still admitted the truth in the end.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Zhou Sheng flared up, ¡°Then what the hell were you talking about?! Were you making fun of me!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately burst out into laughter as he looked at Zhou Sheng. Only then did Zhou Sheng realise that Yu Hao was lying the whole time. If Yu Hao had mistaken Chen Yekai as General, then why would he have said all those things to him last night?


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    Zhou Sheng was at a loss. Neither of them spoke anymore and the conversation came to an abrupt end. After awhile, Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng as he had wanted to say something, but discovered that Zhou Sheng had fallen asleep while lying on the sofa.


    By 11pm, Zhou Sheng was snoring lightly. He really was very tired. Yu Hao yawned as well and nudged him. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t react.


    Yu Hao thought, we should go back and sleep ba, let¡¯s not usher in the New Year. He went forward and wanted to copy what Zhou Sheng had done before, to pick him up and carry Zhou Sheng like a princess onto the bed.


    He tried his best, but he couldn¡¯t carry him.


    He tried harder, but he still couldn¡¯t carry him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, this guy is so skinny, so why the hell is he so heavy?! Is it because he¡¯s a sports student? So Yu Hao could only resort to carrying him on his back, and wanted to get him into the room by any means. In the end, he was half carrying Zhou Sheng and was about to leave the living room when Zhou Sheng turned sideways and got off. He walked into the room as he mocked,


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Weakling.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Outside, the sound of firecrackers rang out. The two of them got onto the bed to sleep separately.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to Ying city tomorrow ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s only been two days, but you finally can¡¯t stand it either? What happened to the family reunion you were talking about?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I was wrong.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Would you still persuade me to come home next year?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then how should I spend the New Year next year?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you. We can stay in the dormitory or go outside to play.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was extremely satisfied, ¡°Un, good boy. Good night.¡±


    The sound of firecrackers went off round after round; Yu Hao felt like he had returned to the conscious world within his dreams. On this night, the city was decorated with lanterns and coloured banners. Red lanterns hung behind the seven-storey palaces, illuminating the curtain of night, while the fire beacons along the great wall lit up with blazing fires one after the other and burned brilliantly at the summit of the mountain ranges.


    Zhou Sheng was still clad in armour from head to toe. This time he had taken off his helmet and instead of a mass of mist within, there was a familiar face. The real General appeared within his armour. He sat with Yu Hao in front of the beacon tower at the top of the Great Wall ¡ª¡ª the place where they had first met each other within the dream. Both of them looked into the distance as they waited for the New Year¡¯s sunrise in the dream. When the sun rose, Yu Hao felt like Zhou Sheng had said something to him while smiling.


    ¡°Happy New Year.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng.


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    It was daybreak. When Yu Hao woke up, he only remembered fragmented pieces of his dream as usual. He suspected that Zhou Sheng had entered his dream again, but he couldn¡¯t remember much from his dream this time.


    Zhou Sheng was half lying next to him while he was on the phone, and an almost imperceptible smile could be seen hanging on the edge of his lips. When he saw Yu Hao wake up, he said casually, ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll be going back to the college today, you too.¡± Then he hung up.


    Yu Hao remembered that on New Year¡¯s Day, Zhou Sheng had called someone like this before too, but he never mentioned who it was. At first he thought it was his mother, but from what he had seen, it obviously wasn¡¯t.


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    Yu Hao yawned, but Zhou Sheng seemed to have lots of energy. He sprang up from the bed and began packing up, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ve bought the tickets.¡±


    Escaping this house was like obtaining a new lease on life for Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao had been taught a good lesson by him, so he kept promising that he would never force him to come back home for the New Year ever again. When he put on his jacket as he prepared to go out, he inadvertently stuffed his hand in his pocket and felt a red packet in it. There was 800 yuan inside.


    ¡°Why are you so stunned? Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°There¡¯s a red packet! Who put it here? They must have misplaced it ba?¡±


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao wore a bewildered expression on his face. Zhou Sheng was so angry he almost had a heart attack, ¡°I¡­¡­you¡­¡­who else would it be but me? Are you going to look for the person who lost it?!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, don¡¯t get angry! Thank you boss! May you have a prosperous New Year!¡± Only then did Zhou Sheng¡¯s face look a little better. They went downstairs and Yu Hao noticed an SUV parked outside of the house. Zhou Sheng opened the door and motioned for him to get in.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to come pick us up?¡± Zhou Sheng promptly sat at the back.


    The middle-aged man driving the car cast a glance at Yu Hao through the rearview mirror and answered, ¡°It¡¯s difficult to buy tickets for today, I¡¯ll send you there.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, he seems more courteous to the chauffeur today, but he didn¡¯t expect the chauffeur to turn around and shake his hand, ¡°Zhou Sheng has a bad temper because he has been spoiled by his mother. Yu Hao, do pardon him.¡±


    ¡°How is that any of your business?!¡± Zhou Sheng exploded, ¡°Yu Hao! Get off the car!¡±


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    Yu Hao saw that the middle-aged man was dressed in a suit and was driving the car himself, and immediately guessed the other person¡¯s identity: Zhou Sheng¡¯s father! The entrepreneur known far and wide ¡ª Zhou Laichun!


    But Zhou Sheng¡¯s father started up the car and drove away from the neighbourhood.


    ¡°Is your skin itching because you haven¡¯t been beaten for too long?¡±


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    ¡°Come at me then?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wanna try and see if you can beat me in a fight?¡±


    ¡°If your friend wasn¡¯t around, Laozi would¡¯ve already smashed your head in.¡± Zhou Laichun said lightly, ¡°Do you think you¡¯re invincible just because you learnt boxing for a few years? You weakling!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t¡­¡­uncle, don¡¯t fight, it¡¯s the first day of the New Year.¡±


    Zhou Laichun remembered something and took two red packets from the passenger seat before passing it to the back. Yu Hao said in a hurry, ¡°No no, that¡¯s not what I meant¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°Just take it!¡± Zhou Sheng and Zhou Laichun practically said this at the same time, and even their tone was exactly the same. Yu Hao could only accept it, and Zhou Sheng added, ¡°How do you have so much nonsense to spout?¡±


    ¡°Why do you talk to your friend like that?¡± Zhou Laichun scolded his son again.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I like to! Can¡¯t I?! Why don¡¯t you ask him if he has any objections?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao could sense that Zhou Sheng¡¯s father didn¡¯t have a good temper either, and might have even been more terrifying than his mother when he was younger. Zhou Sheng had mentioned that he often got hit by both his parents when he was a kid ¡ª if one side couldn¡¯t win in an argument over the other, they would beat him up instead to vent their frustrations. But since he was now a businessman, he probably had to control his temper. It was the first day of the New Year and he had especially come over to send his son back to his school, and it was even less appropriate to flare up in front of a classmate. If Yu Hao wasn¡¯t around, these two people might have just ended up greeting each other with some punching and kicking.


    Along the way, Zhou Laichun asked a few questions about how Zhou Sheng was doing in school. Zhou Sheng put on his earphones and ignored him, so Yu Hao answered on his behalf: his results were very good, and he wasn¡¯t failing anything.


    ¡°Aside from you, does he have any other friends?¡± Zhou Laichun asked.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Fu Liqun.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Our college¡¯s basketball team captain¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Laozi¡¯s not familiar with him!¡± Zhou Sheng interjected rudely.


    ¡°What about a girlfriend?¡± Zhou Laichun continued asking.


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    Yu Hao thought, as expected, they would all be concerned about this matter. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°None! I can¡¯t afford to!¡±


    ¡°If you need money, just ask me.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°It would be fine even if she got pregnant. After the parents of both sides meet, both of you can get the certificate, hold a banquet then marry her back home¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up ba old man!¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t endure it anymore and said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, aren¡¯t you being too annoying?¡±


    Zhou Laichun stopped talking. After they got on the expressway, he focused on driving. Yu Hao saw his gaze in the rearview mirror ¡ª it was exactly like Zhou Sheng¡¯s. They were practically cast in the same mould.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao lowered his head and sent a message to Chen Yekai, wishing him a happy New Year. Chen Yekai told him that he was looking after his Shimu in the hospital. Zhou Sheng leaned against the window in a slanted position as he glanced at Yu Hao¡¯s phone screen.


    Yu Hao sent a message:¡¾I¡¯ll pay you guys a visit after I get back to the college ba?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾It¡¯s the New Year, don¡¯t come over.¡¿


    Yu Hao wanted to ask Chen Yekai when he would come back. Chen Yekai took a picture of the ward, the TV was replaying the Spring Festival Gala. Then he added:¡¾Last night was alright, I came over to take care of Shimu.¡¿


    ¡°We¡¯re getting off here.¡± After they returned to the city center, Zhou Sheng said this to his father.


    The car stopped at the city center, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re visiting a friend.¡±


    Zhou Laichun alighted from the car. He and Zhou Sheng both smoked a cigarette. Zhou Laichun wanted to pass Yu Hao a cigarette too but Yu Hao quickly waved his hand and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t smoke!¡± As he spoke, he carried his bag and went to one side.


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    Zhou Laichun took out an envelope and passed it to Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, my son isn¡¯t very reliable, so do take care of him a little more. Just eat and drink whenever you should, don¡¯t hold back on those kinds of expenditures.¡±


    Yu Hao felt like he was continually being stuffed with money today; this was already the third wave. Zhou Sheng threw his cigarette butt beside a trash can and glanced at him, so Yu Hao had to accept it, ¡°I¡¯ll charge it to his campus card.¡±


    Zhou Laichun patted Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder solemnly before he said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°If something comes up, you can call me any time.¡±


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    Yu Hao noticed that when Zhou Sheng watched his father drive away, his gaze was extremely complicated ¡ª as if it contained remorse mixed with disdain.


    ¡°How much did he give you?¡±


    When Yu Hao was stuffing the money into Zhou Sheng¡¯s bag, Zhou Sheng asked this.


    Yu Hao let him take a look, and there was the red packet too. After Zhou Sheng weighed it in his hand, he said, ¡°The packet has 8,000 each, the envelope has 20,000. You don¡¯t need to count it.¡±


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    A total of 36,800. It was equivalent to half a year of Yu Hao¡¯s income. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll give them all to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand, and his irritation finally began to settle now that he was alone with Yu Hao.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to buy clothes.¡±


    Yu Hao refused at first. But there were sales everywhere during the first day of the New Year, and he also thought that he needed to buy some new clothes. The last time he was escorted onto the stage by Chen Yekai, it was as if it had imperceptibly changed his life. The clothes he was wearing now were bought when he was in the second year of senior high, and they were really too old and outdated. Although he usually groomed himself pretty well and was never sloppy, the clothes do make the man ¡ª this saying was true.


    It was as if Zhou Sheng knew what kind of price range he could accept as he brought him to Uniqlo. Yu Hao changed into a new set of clothes and looked much more refreshed afterwards.


    ¡°Handsome.¡± Zhou Sheng said. He finally abandoned his usual sportswear outfit and changed into a pair of casual pants and this year¡¯s Kandinsky¡¯s geometric abstraction co-op style sweater. Then he picked a piece from the same series for Yu Hao, and got him to buy shoes too. After Yu Hao changed into everything, Zhou Sheng just smiled as he looked at him.


    ¡°What do I look like?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Like a Korean.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The girl behind the cash register couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Yu Hao insisted on paying for Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t stop him. He just glanced over once in awhile to see if he was using the red packet¡¯s money to pay, but Yu Hao had paid with his card.


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    ¡°The money my Dad gave you belongs to you, just use it.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to.¡± Yu Hao said obstinately.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look too good, but he forced himself to endure it. Yu Hao said, ¡°I just want to buy clothes for you. Even though this is usually done by a girlfriend, but before you get a girlfriend, let me take charge of that ba.¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°You work so hard, and you don¡¯t even earn much.¡± Yet despite his words, Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression had improved, ¡°Aside from my parents, you¡¯re the first person to buy clothes for me.¡±


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    ¡°You¡¯re also the one who treats me the best aside from my Grandma.¡±


    ¡°Could you not be so corny?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can¡¯t stand you anymore.¡±


    ¡ª


    Ame: Meeting the parents, check, grocery and clothes shopping (with COUPLE WEAR), check, spending New Year¡¯s together, check¡­ (even in the dream!! Wow ZS you just can¡¯t pull yourself away)


    Dollars: Zhou I-will-enter-your-dreams-to-watch-the-sunrise-with-you Sheng is fooling no one.


    Zryuu: Disclaimer: ZS is not against being gay, he¡¯s against love/overcoming his familial issues. This will be clarified in a muuuuuuch later chap but just thought I could give a heads up heh. Also, I¡¯d just like to add that I¡¯m amazed by ZS¡¯s magical money estimation hands. It would be really useful in robbing¨C I mean, it would be a very useful skill to have.

 Chapter 32 - Origin

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch32 ¨C Origin


    Look at his wrist!


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    The two of them walked past a shopping mall. Zhou Sheng stopped and looked at a shop that sold ridiculously expensive men¡¯s clothes. Yu Hao was worried that he wanted to buy clothes again ¡ª one piece of clothing from this shop was priced at 2,000 ¡ª so he quickly said, ¡°I don¡¯t think it looks as nice as this Kandinsky piece.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°You actually know him?¡± Zhou Sheng was extremely surprised.


    ¡°I really like his abstract paintings.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Poor students have their right to like art too ma.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I like it a lot too. I¡¯m not buying any more, let¡¯s go ba.¡±


    When they left, Zhou Sheng suddenly felt inspired, ¡°The money you spent was at least earned with your own two hands, but what about me? I¡¯m still being supported by my family, so I don¡¯t have the face to be saying these kinds of things to you.¡±


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    Yu Hao smiled and answered, ¡°What does it matter?¡±


    ¡°Take a guess, whose dream did I enter first?¡± Zhou Sheng turned around and asked Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Sheng would suddenly mention that with no prior warning, so he was instantly stunned.


    ¡°Your Dad¡¯s.¡± Yu Hao eventually said after thinking about it for a long moment.


    ¡°Full marks.¡± Zhou Sheng revealed a gentle smile and gave Yu Hao a thumbs up. Both of them had a tacit understanding at this moment. Zhou Sheng¡¯s happiness came from having a friend who could truly understand him.


    During the Spring Festival period, people hurried to and fro with a lively bustle, yet Yu Hao was thinking, if I keep working for the next few days, I might be able to earn a thousand or so which would be as much as I could usually earn in a month.


    They sat in the cake shop on the first floor. Zhou Sheng ordered a cake gift box as they were going to visit Chen Yekai and Professor Lin later, then took a cup of coffee and passed it to Yu Hao. The two of them sat down and drank for awhile. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When I was a kid, I went to the river to swim and picked this up in the mud.¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±, and his gaze shifted from the golden wheel to Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Golden Crow Wheel.¡± Yu Hao recalled that earlier today, he had guessed that this ornament was closely related to Zhou Sheng¡¯s strange ability, and this was indeed the case.


    Zhou Sheng lifted his wrist and tilted his head sideways to scrutinise it. On his wrist was the red rope that Yu Hao had woven for him.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered something and began looking through his phone, it had the information that he was looking for today. He showed it to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Look at this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at his phone and said, ¡°I did my research on it a long time ago, and yes, that¡¯s it.¡±


    On Yu Hao¡¯s phone was the treasure of the Jinsha museum in Chengdu, the Jinsha Sun Wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°When did you know that you had this ability?¡±


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    ¡°7.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It took a lot of effort to figure out what had happened.¡±


    Rather than saying Zhou Sheng innately possessed this ability, it was more like it had been awakened by the Golden Crow Wheel. When he was a kid, he often had to suffer domestic violence at the hands of both his parents. His father wouldn¡¯t even say a word before he started hitting him, while his mother would come up with all kinds of ways to make digs at him ¡ª it was both verbal and physical violence. The young Zhou Sheng thus became irritable, sensitive and irascible. Every night, he would hide in his room and sleep alone.


    One day in a dream, he saw a gorgeous blazing sun that emitted fierce, raging flames. Energy flowed, and it emanated a bright light that radiated outwards, revealing the form of the Golden Crow Wheel. The Golden Crow Wheel told him that this was the world of consciousness, and what it represented was an assembly of the impressions that every person had of their reality.


    ¡°It can speak?!¡± Yu Hao was completely astonished.


    The waiter placed their packaged cake on the table so the two of them briefly stopped talking. After he left, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It can speak, but not in the typical sense. When you stand in front of it and accept its flames, some information is directly¡­¡­conveyed into your consciousness.¡±


    Yu Hao stared blankly at Zhou Sheng.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Ktja kjr tbk P xcfk atja la kjr j ¡®ujaf¡¯. Zs wlrrlbc yfujc atf wbwfca P tjv mgbrrfv atgbeut la.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Ktf Xbivfc Jgbk Qtffi lc tlr vgfjw kjr fcbgwber, jcv kbeiv fwla j ubivfc iluta lc jii vlgfmalbcr. Pa kjr pera ilxf atf rmlfcmf olmalbc wbnlf¡¶Vajgujaf VX-1¡·; Itbe Vtfcu rabbv bc abq bo j ibcu yglvuf, ktlira atf obgw bo atf Xbivfc Jgbk Qtffi ijs jmgbrr atf wlvvif bo atf yglvuf ¡ª ilxf j teuf ujaf atja ifv ab j vloofgfca vlwfcrlbc.


    ¡°You crossed it.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It let me cross it, and so, I appeared in my Dad¡¯s dream.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


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    Yu Hao had a shocked expression. Zhou Sheng began to recall his father¡¯s dream ¡ª it was a battlefield swarming with bloodthirsty beasts, bloody limbs, graves¡­¡­there were wild beasts wreaking havoc everywhere. The young Zhou Sheng stood in the middle of this battlefield, completely at a loss.


    ¡°He used to be a soldier.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He became a cook after he switched professions. In his dream, its beasts had a distinct hierarchy ¡ª a King of the Beasts commands all of the flying and land beasts, which symbolises the impression of his belief that power is supreme.¡±


    At that time, Zhou Sheng was only 7, so it was impossible for him to rival a group of fierce-looking monsters. But luckily, it was his father¡¯s dream. In his dream, his son had a protective halo that surrounded him, and that may be the ¡°love¡± for his son that Zhou Laichun had never declared.


    When he said this, Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression became extremely conflicted. He had tried to explore his father¡¯s mental world, though he didn¡¯t understand what it all meant at first.


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    ¡°So your father¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Under the influence you had on his mental world, he successfully transformed his character in reality.¡±


    Zhou Sheng absent-mindedly uttered an ¡°un¡±. His long and beautiful fingers fiddled with the coffee cup in his hands ¡ª he took off the insulator paper cup holder off, tore it apart, then pieced it back on like a jigsaw puzzle.


    ¡°You defeated the King of the Beasts?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Zhou Sheng leaned back on his chair and his gaze swept towards Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, then answered, ¡°In my Dad¡¯s consciousness, I will never be able to defeat him. So for me, that would be impossible.¡±


    Yu Hao understood that, so he put forward another idea.


    ¡°Then, if one day your achievements surpass his, then the King of Beasts in his dream would no longer be your opponent.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said with a voice that was bored stiff, ¡°I thought of that before. My strength comes from the understanding the dreamscape¡¯s owner has of me, which is very reasonable. But I¡¯m not very interested.¡±


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    ¡°What about the ¡®self¡¯ in his dream?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°The one that was banished.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He has never been banished before, he¡¯s different from you guys. The King of Beasts is his embodiment. The King of Beasts is his truest self, but my invasion did have some sort of impact ba¡­¡­¡±


    In his father¡¯s dream, Zhou Sheng had defeated a lot of corrupted monsters, so his father Zhou Laichun in reality gradually became more decisive ¡ª he decided to completely cut off his life of wading through mud and water. This action had facilitated his final decision in divorcing his wife, and to be himself.


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    And thus, this had further triggered Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother¡¯s hysterics. When Zhou Sheng talked about this, guilt could be seen in his eyes.


    ¡°If it were me,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯d really wish for them to go their separate ways and not use me as an excuse to say something like ¡®we¡¯re not getting a divorce because of you¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I guess so.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, then said, ¡°Afterwards, I entered my Mum¡¯s dream.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely curious about the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s strength. Could he enter anyone¡¯s dream as long as he wanted to do so?


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°In her dream.¡± Zhou Sheng made light of it as he said, ¡°I had no protection, so I almost died.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao knew the implication behind that: Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother, probably didn¡¯t love him very much.


    ¡°So when you crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel told me that as long as I crossed through it, I would be able to enter another person¡¯s dream. But the premise was: that person must have an impression of me, and amongst his impressions, I must exist, before this passage can be opened seamlessly. Later on, I had entered the dreams of several other people, like my senior high¡¯s ¡®Boss¡¯, form teacher, and my deskmate¡­¡­¡±


    After his parents divorced, Zhou Sheng gradually began to understand the conscious world. At first, he was just seeking novelty as he wandered through their dreams like a traveller. Dreams appeared in a myriad of forms: there had been a distorted reality map comprising monsters that shuttled back and forth between high-rise buildings, a seemingly familiar scene from an ancient TV drama that aroused a sense of deja vu, as well as ashen and barren hills.


    Zhou Sheng was very clever, he gradually managed to connect reality with the elements presented in the conscious world, then interpreted them. Most people¡¯s dreams seem chaotic and filled with fragmentary symbols of their impressions, but gradually, he became accustomed to them, so he no longer had much interest in dreams.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Even though he possessed such an ability, in reality he still lived a life that was in shambles. After the end of his college entrance examination, Zhou Sheng relied on the points accrued from sports to enroll in a college. He had planned to keep the Golden Crow Wheel after he entered college. However, not too long ago, due to a freak combination of factors, he came to know Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao understood, and nodded his head.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The first time we met, ¡®it¡¯ told me that since I had come across it, there would be a mission that I would need to accomplish in the future.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng rubbed his head and revealed a baffled look on his face. Then he thought for a bit before saying, ¡°Maybe my mission was to save you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You know that¡¯s not it.¡±


    ¡°Whatever.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a bored tone, ¡°In any case, I¡¯ve never cared much about other people¡¯s dreams. After this time, I won¡¯t use the Golden Crow Wheel anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao asked seriously, ¡°Will it appear in your dreams every night?¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯ll only appear when I want to dream of it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Or else I would¡¯ve been so tormented I¡¯d go crazy. How am I supposed to sleep with a huge sun in my face every night?¡±


    ¡°Did the Golden Crow Wheel say anything else?¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    ¡°It only spoke the first time I saw it.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Voices in dreams are all just feelings, you can¡¯t tell if it belongs to a man or woman. Later on, no matter what I asked, it never spoke again.¡±


    Yu Hao still had a lot of doubts, but he was constantly reminding himself to not irritate Zhou Sheng with his questions, so he could only force himself to suppress them.


    ¡°Why are you grinning so happily?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. That¡¯s it, I just explained it to you a bit. I thought you would¡¯ve been pretty curious about it.¡±


    Rather than just saying Yu Hao was curious, it was also that Zhou Sheng needed to pour his heart out. He had been holding this secret in his heart for far too long, and he had been holding it in for more than ten years. Today, there was finally someone who could listen to him properly, which made Zhou Sheng heave a long sigh of relief.


    Zhou Sheng stuffed one hand into his pocket, carrying his bag and the cake as he walked in front. Yu Hao followed him from behind. Zhou Sheng would look at the display windows at both sides from time to time, but Yu Hao only looked at Zhou Sheng. In the past two days, he had been feeling extremely conflicted. He realised that he seemed to be liking Zhou Sheng more and more. If you were to say that at first it was a kind of love that made his heart palpitate, then now it had turned into an admiration that he couldn¡¯t control.


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    What¡¯s more, this wasn¡¯t just an attraction to Zhou Sheng¡¯s appearance or a hormonal one, but rather a feeling that made Yu Hao dead set upon him, one that he couldn¡¯t break free from. This feeling, like a surging undercurrent, was for both the Zhou Sheng in reality, as well as the heroic General in his dreamscape.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    ¡°To see your future boyfriend.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


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    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend!¡± Yu Hao said without knowing whether to cry or laugh.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s why I said ¡®future¡¯ ma. No, wait. Yu Hao, you know who I¡¯m talking about?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them arrived at the hospital that Chen Yekai was in and registered their names. Yu Hao knocked on the door and entered the ward, but he suddenly got a huge shock.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Liang Jinmin lay unconscious in bed while her whole body was connected with tubes and lines. When Chen Yekai heard the noise, he got up wearily from the sickbed.


    Chen Yekai seemed completely different from his usual self, and even Zhou Sheng was shocked. His complexion looked horrible, his hair was messy and his stubble was unshaven. As he laid sideways on the sickbed, he looked like a dispirited patient.


    ¡°You came?¡± Chen Yekai rubbed his face and tried his best to sober up,¡± Why didn¡¯t you let me know first?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I thought¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯ll go wash my face first. I didn¡¯t sleep last night, Shimu just transferred over from the ICU ward.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said immediately, ¡°We just came for a short visit, we¡¯ll leave soon.¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to put down their cake before taking their leave, yet Chen Yekai said from the washroom, ¡°Sit ba, it¡¯s fine.¡±


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    This was the best suite in the hospital. Yu Hao sat down on the sofa, but Zhou Sheng walked over to the sickbed to observe Liang Jinmin. Liang Jinmin¡¯s forehead and eyes were covered in bandages. She had a nasal feeding tube inserted, and there was a heart rate detector turned on beside her.


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to come over to take a look, and pointed at the corner of Liang Jinmin¡¯s eyes.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


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    Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°She was hit by her husband. A car crash wouldn¡¯t cause that.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He instantly recalled the time when he had last seen Liang Jinmin ¡ª she was wearing sunglasses when she met up with Chen Yekai in the flower cafe. At the time, he had associated her with his female teacher who occasionally went to class wearing sunglasses, and explained herself by saying that she had dark circles under her eyes because she hadn¡¯t slept well the night before.


    Zhou Sheng said nothing more. He sat down beside Yu Hao. After Chen Yekai washed up, he went to the coffee table to open up the gift box, ¡°Bought this for me ba?¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s not like the patient can eat it.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Chen Yekai forced himself to smile, ¡°But now, her condition has stabilised.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Is it serious?¡±


    Chen Yekai tore the box open while looking preoccupied with his worries and answered, ¡°Concussion, deep coma, they need to keep her under observation.¡±


    It was close to dusk. Chen Yekai began to wolf down the snacks, and Yu Hao went to fetch him a cup of water. There was a quiet moment in the ward.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten since last night?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Chen Yekai simply nodded, then drank his water.


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    ¡°Shimu¡¯s just like an older sister to me.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I have been with her and Laoshi for many years, since I¡¯ve been helping them with their projects since my freshman year. I didn¡¯t expect something like this to happen after we returned to the country this time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Professor Lin?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°He¡¯s at the Dean¡¯s place, he wasn¡¯t seriously injured.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other. Chen Yekai began tidying up, and said two words, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    For a moment, all three of them were speechless. Yu Hao could sense that Chen Yekai was extremely dejected and in pain, and a moment later, Yu Hao suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s play a round?¡±


    Chen Yekai thought about it and said, ¡°Okay. When Professor Lin comes over later, I¡¯ll introduce him to you guys. I want to use Sun Wukong today.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll let you use him.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡ª


    Dollars: Oof this one got me right in the feels. Group hug with ZS and Kaikai everyone.


    Ame: ;w; Group hug!!


    Zryuu: We¡¯re finally getting started on the third arc!!!! Exciteddddddddd <3

 Chapter 33 - Plans

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch33 ¨C Plans


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    So the three of them played games for two hours in the ward. Chen Yekai was actually killed several times in a row, no matter how much milk Yu Hao tried to give him. But Chen Yekai kept rushing forward like he was throwing away his life. They lost 5 or 6 times in a row on the first day of the New Year, and even Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t bear to watch any longer.


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    ¡°I¡¯m not playing anymore, I can¡¯t use the Great Sage well.¡± Chen Yekai breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, yet I made you guys lose so miserably.¡± As he spoke, he remembered that it was the first day of the New Year so he fished his phone out to send them red packets.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, it¡¯ll cost you too much!¡± Yu Hao had already received so much money today, he wouldn¡¯t ever be able to repay it.


    ¡°Laoshi¡¯s family has money.¡± Chen Yekai casually said, ¡°It¡¯s not a huge cost.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Chen Yekai seemed a little sleepy, he didn¡¯t seem to pay as much attention to his words as usual. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao accepted his red packets.


    Professor Lin didn¡¯t come, and without their realisation, it was already very late at night. Zhou Sheng suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner together?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You guys go ahead ba, after you¡¯re done eating, ask the shop to pack a meal and send it to the ward. I ate those snacks in the afternoon, so I¡¯m not hungry yet. Ask the shop to deliver two bottles of beer here.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t force him either. He brought Yu Hao to a place near the hospital to eat, and after they were done, Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll send it to him ba.¡±


    Yu Hao carried a packed meal and beer as he knocked on Chen Yekai¡¯s door, but the scene that appeared before him overwhelmed him completely for a moment.


    ¡ª¡ªChen Yekai sat before the sickbed. His eyes were bloodshot, and he was currently choking back sobs in front of Liang Jinmin. When he heard the noise, he raised his head and their eyes met.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    At that moment, he could sense that the Chen Yekai whose hair was in a mess and had bloodshot eyes looked just like an angry, wild beast!


    Yu Hao snapped out of his daze and quickly retreated, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Laoshi.¡±


    Yu Hao closed the door. His heart was beating loudly, yet Chen Yekai said from the inside, ¡°Come in ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡­¡­¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Chen Yekai tried to compose himself and wiped his face. It took him a long time to calm down. He looked at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, and could also see that behind him stood a worried Yu Hao.


    Chen Yekai laughed bitterly, ¡°Drink with me?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s still waiting downstairs.¡±


    If you¡¯re reading this, this translation is stolen. Please support our translators at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao meant to ask Zhou Sheng to come up to drink together, yet Chen Yekai misunderstood it, ¡°Then go back ba, it¡¯s very late.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to call Zhou Sheng up, yet Chen Yekai motioned for him to go back, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine after some time alone.¡±


    Yu Hao stared into his eyes with concern and suddenly said, ¡°You have friends too, don¡¯t stifle yourself if you have something to say.¡±


    Chen Yekai remembered that when he first met Yu Hao, the last thing he had said was ¡°You¡¯ve never had a single friend ever since you were a kid?¡± and immediately laughed in embarrassment.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°If I need to, I¡¯ll talk.¡±


    Tonight Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but keep thinking about Chen Yekai¡¯s appearance that made him seem like a trapped beast. When he went to bed that night, he couldn¡¯t help but toss and turn restlessly. He asked Zhou Sheng, ¡°Was Liang Laoshi beat up?¡±


    Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t asleep either. He answered, ¡°Looks like it. When my Mum was beaten up by my Dad in the past, she looked like that too.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Forget I said anything.¡±


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    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Zhou Sheng lightly said, ¡°It¡¯s alright. Your childhood was a documentary on the lowest rungs of society, my childhood was a Hollywood action movie.¡±


    Te Ljb ijeutfv, jcv Itbe Vtfcu mbcalcefv wegweglcu ab tlwrfio, ¡°Me Oldec¡¯r mtlivtbbv kjr jc lvbi vgjwj.¡±


    Te Ljb, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai, Yu Hao. Let¡¯s go work tomorrow ba.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said.


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    ¡°Yxjs!¡± Te Ljb kjr nfgs kliilcu, tf kjcafv ab rjnf eq rbwf wbgf wbcfs veglcu atf Rfk Tfjg qfglbv. Itbe Vtfcu rjlv, ¡°P mjc¡¯a yf j aeabg, P¡¯w jogjlv atja P kbc¡¯a yf jyif ab tbiv wsrfio yjmx ogbw tlaalcu atf xlv.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll be our manager. Leave everything to me.¡±


    When it comes to finding a part-time job, Yu Hao¡¯s skin has always been very thick. He didn¡¯t take the initiative to find part-time work last semester and instead accepted the tutoring job from the work-study program because he had just entered college and needed to adapt to the environment. He was really afraid of failing his final examinations, so he didn¡¯t dare to spend too much time working.


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    But now that his situation had improved, Yu Hao began his attack in earnest on all sides. He specifically targeted places that would be busy during the winter vacation and Spring Festival, and finally found an amusement park called ¡°Happy World¡± in the city center. Yu Hao was dressed in a butler uniform from Kuroshitsuji. He was holding up a sign as he acted as a guide and had to coax the crying children who were running around. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng was making popcorn and barbecuing chicken wings with a bored expression on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll switch with you, daily wages for barbecuing are higher too.¡± When they were eating the lunch prepared for the staff, Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart ached a little when he saw how exhausted Yu Hao was from guiding people around the park.


    ¡°I don¡¯t cook as well as you do.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°In order to not betray everyone¡¯s expectations, we can¡¯t swap!¡±


    Before the seventh day of the New Year, Yu Hao¡¯s daily wages amounted to 300 while Zhou Sheng got 360.


    Within the short span of three days, Zhou Sheng¡¯s barbecued chicken wings had become a new favourite in the amusement park. Everyday, he would even personally barbecue a whole chicken for Yu Hao to eat. The second afternoon after Zhou Sheng began barbecuing meat, the long, winding queue that lined up for his stall was nearly 50 meters long. However, on the third day, Zhou Sheng began to find it troublesome and wanted to stop barbecuing.


    Pay raise! The manager quickly played his played his trump card, and increased Zhou Sheng¡¯s wages by 120 yuan. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t really care about it. He always transferred his daily wages directly to Yu Hao and let him be responsible for managing the money. He didn¡¯t carry money on him, so if he needed to pay for something, he¡¯d ask Yu Hao to pay.


    It was not until three days before college resumed that the manager reluctantly let them go, and even asked Zhou Sheng to visit them frequently. Zhou Sheng just said ¡®okay okay I got it¡¯ plainly showing his annoyance, before he and Yu Hao left with their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°We earned more than 8,000!¡± On the last morning, Yu Hao was bursting with joy after he received their wages. Zhou Sheng received more than 5,000, while he received more than 3,000. Zhou Sheng sighed ruefully, ¡°Money isn¡¯t that hard to earn ma.¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s really important to have a special skill.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile. He had still benefited from his association with Zhou Sheng this time. At the very least, his expenses for this semester were settled.


    ¡°But it¡¯s not like I can barbecue chicken wings forever.¡± In contrast, Zhou Sheng was rather sober.


    Yu Hao suddenly snapped out of his daze and looked at Zhou Sheng. He understood the meaning behind his words. He has lived in fear of poverty since he was a child, and as a result, he has always focused all his time and energy on earning money without even realising it himself. A student¡¯s duty was to study, not just to be satisfied with a few thousand dollars in remuneration from part-time work.


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    Chen Yekai had said something similar before, but Yu Hao had spent his entire winter vacation on working and earning money for the next semester¡¯s living expenses. Although he could take pride in providing for himself, he had missed a lot of opportunities to learn new things during the holidays.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhou Sheng saw that Yu Hao seemed a bit dejected, so he patted his back forcefully, ¡°Let¡¯s eat a good meal later! Then you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


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    Under Zhou Sheng¡¯s guidance, Yu Hao struggled to cut his steak. They had ordered a 1kg Angus steak, and Zhou Sheng taught him to hold his fork with his left hand and a knife in his right.


    Yu Hao spoke as he cut his steak, ¡°I need to start planning for my future, I can¡¯t always be satisfied with just working part-time.¡±


    ¡°Why are you saying that all of a sudden?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I was just mentioning it casually, you¡¯re not treating it seriously ba?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But I really am at a loss, General.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng heard that form of address, he suddenly became serious. Yu Hao rarely called him that, and they seldom discussed the dreamscapes. But aside from being Yu Hao¡¯s friend, he had also assumed another identity ¡ª¡ª Yu Hao had always regarded him as the one who could show him the way when he felt lost.


    ¡°What I want to do in the future.¡± Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°The kind of person I want to be, what I like¡­¡­these are all really difficult to convey. It¡¯s just, I want¡­¡­un¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You want to live a meaningful life.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


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    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Just like what you taught me, to eventually be who I am.¡±


    Zhou Sheng mocked himself, ¡°I didn¡¯t teach you anything, don¡¯t say that, that¡¯s too fucking awkward. I haven¡¯t even figured out how I want to live my life¡­¡­forget it, let me do it, eat more.¡± Zhou Sheng took the steak and split it, then passed the bigger half to Yu Hao. He continued, ¡°Look at this. Don¡¯t keep looking at me like that, I¡¯ll feel very stressed!¡±


    Zhou Sheng fished out a folded poster and handed it to Yu Hao. On the poster, the words ¡°Notice for Registration of the International College Cycling Competition in Spring¡± were written on it.


    ¡°You want to go?¡± Yu Hao was a bit surprised.


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    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡±, ¡°I wanted to ask for your opinion today, do you think I can?¡±


    ¡°Of course you can!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You definitely can! You¡¯re doing so well in your major!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was hesitating, but Yu Hao said, ¡°Go! Why don¡¯t you want to go?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng liked exercising. He liked the unbridled exhilaration of pushing himself to the extreme, and especially liked cycling and running because it made him feel like he was flying within the wind. He liked swimming too; when he swam, it was as if he had turned into a fish in the sea.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t really want to compete that much¡­¡­but have you seen the back of the poster?¡±


    Yu Hao ignored Zhou Sheng¡¯s ambivalence and said, ¡°Go! I¡¯ll support you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I just want to know my approximate ranking amongst the rest.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ll definitely win! And even if you don¡¯t, it doesn¡¯t matter! What¡¯s important is your participation!¡±


    Originally, Zhou Sheng was just slightly curious. He wanted to discuss it with Yu Hao beforehand, and now he was convinced, ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll sign up for the competition.¡±


    ¡°Just like what you said, General wants to live a slightly more meaningful life too.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°I¡¯ll try to take one step at a time before I find my answers ba. So you don¡¯t need to worry so much.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao smiled, and a bright idea suddenly occurred to Zhou Sheng, ¡°If I¡¯m going to sign up for the cycling competition, then why don¡¯t you sign up for a Singing Talent show?¡±


    ¡°Never mind that.¡± Yu Hao immediately said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Who was the one who said to live a more meaningful life just now?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But I definitely don¡¯t want to be a singer!¡±


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then what do you want to be? In any case, you have to accompany me.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s mouth was stuffed with steak. He chewed it for awhile before saying, ¡°I can aim for a scholarship.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, that¡¯s settled then.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I want to take a Spanish course too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°You want to learn how to sing¡¶Despacito¡·for me?¡±


    Yu Hao really did want to learn that song. It was quite a chore to take a language course just for a song, but he liked it.


    That afternoon, Zhou Sheng downloaded the form online and printed it out, then went to look for a college recommendation and have the document stamped. However, there was no one in the office. Yu Hao messaged Chen Yekai, and Chen Yekai replied to him very quickly.


    ¡¾Get someone to come and keep watch beside the sickbed. I¡¯ll come over right now.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng went straight to the hospital to take over from Chen Yekai. Yu Hao waited for him in the office. It was as if Chen Yekai had forgotten what happened that day, but he still looked very worn out. He came over to open the door, took the stamp, wrote a recommendation and attached Zhou Sheng¡¯s report card. He said, ¡°Do you think Zhou Sheng can win?¡±


    Chen Yekai just needed one glance at him to guess what he was thinking. Yu Hao was laughing with a ¡®hehe¡¯; he didn¡¯t really know how good Zhou Sheng was, but he believed that Zhou Sheng could win.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°You can just leave this with me.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s phone suddenly rang with a ¡°deng deng deng¡± like beating drums. Chen Yekai immediately picked up his phone and said, ¡°I¡¯ll hand it in for you guys, go back and jiayou ba. Yu Hao, don¡¯t fall behind either.¡±


    When Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng again in the evening, he seemed a bit off.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Yu Hao guessed that something had happened in the hospital.


    ¡°How are you so good at discerning people¡¯s moods?¡± Zhou Sheng scrutinised Yu Hao with a doubtful gaze, ¡°Nothing much, Professor Lin was at the hospital.¡±


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    Yu Hao tried to sound him out, ¡°And then?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought over it for a bit, ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®and then¡¯. We¡¯ve handed in the form, so where are we going next?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m going to study.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll go play ball¡­¡­forget it I¡¯ll go study too ba.¡±


    And thus, what happened next was that Yu Hao studied in the library while Zhou Sheng took a nap beside him. Sometimes, Yu Hao felt that Zhou Sheng could really sleep a lot. He was always either eating or sleeping, yet he didn¡¯t get fat.


    A new semester commenced, so students began returning to college one after another. Yu Hao decided to spend more time on preparing for next semester¡¯s courses. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng would spend half his time accompanying Yu Hao in the library, and the other half sleeping or playing games. In the beginning, both of them would go everywhere together ¡ª wherever one of them was, the other would be there too. And after Fu Liqun returned to the college and joined in, the three of them would always move around the campus as a group. With the addition of Fu Liqun who was half a head taller than the other two, this trio seemed very peculiar to onlookers.


    Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t looked for Yu Hao for a long time. When Yu Hao messaged him, Chen Yekai would only chat with him briefly. Yu Hao was really worried about his mental well-being, yet he didn¡¯t dare mention it to Zhou Sheng.


    Winter passed in Yin city. Now that it was spring, couples could be seen everywhere. In spring, everything was imbued with new life, and a sentimental feeling inexplicably struck him, rending Yu Hao¡¯s heart apart. Especially when he was alone with Zhou Sheng, he wouldn¡¯t dare to get too close to him and he would always worry about losing what they had.


    Every morning, after waking up, Zhou Sheng would call out to him before going out for a jog. He would come back with breakfast while Yu Hao would be brushing his teeth, then greet him with a ¡°wu¡± and glance at him ¡ª and this was what he felt was most difficult to suppress; at that kind of timing, his heart would already be stirred up, but coupled with Zhou Sheng¡¯s masculine scent that seemed to invade his senses, he always felt like something was going to happen while he was half-asleep.


    He was aware of his own thoughts, and Zhou Sheng was mostly aware of them too ¡ª what could he hide from him? But Yu Hao was always doing his utmost to contain their relationship within the boundary of friendship, and wouldn¡¯t dare to do anything that would cross this boundary in the slightest. But Zhou Sheng seemed to care even more for Yu Hao then he did before, though he joked with him a lot less, and he wouldn¡¯t tease him occasionally like before.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Your hubby¡¯s not here?¡±


    When he attended his Higher Mathematics class, the students in the front row turned around and teased him.


    Yu Hao¡¯s face immediately flushed red, ¡°He went for a competition.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that a lot of people in class were already starting to gossip about them. They were always stuck together; when Zhou Sheng goes for his runs, Yu Hao would memorise his words at the field with his earphones on, buy water for him and look after his clothes. When everyone was playing basketball, Zhou Sheng would always pass the ball to him too.


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    Yu Hao remembered that his previous roommate was gay too, so he was probably the one who spread it around.


    Yu Hao reserved a seat for Zhou Sheng in the afternoon. When he returned to his dormitory, Fu Liqun was wiping his shoes.


    ¡°Yu Hao, you don¡¯t have anything on with Zhou Sheng ba.¡± Even Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t help but ask.


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    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao looked like he was going mad. A lot of people in their college called Fu Liqun ¡°Gege¡±. He thought, why is Fu Liqun asking that too? You live with us every day, so wouldn¡¯t you know if there really was something between us? But he changed his mind as he said, ¡°What if there really was something between us?¡±


    ¡°Calm down!¡± Fu Liqun immediately said, ¡°Of course I would wish you both well!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Ame: ZS already delegating control of finances to wife¡­ daily morning greetings and bringing breakfast back¡­


    Dollars: I need Yu Yu singing Despacito to ZS to become a reality. Have you checked out those lyrics? Fufufu


    Zryuu: This¡­. is so wholesome. How they¡¯re encouraging each other to live a more meaningful life ahhhh. ^ Dollars I literally only know the words ¡®despacito¡¯ from the song Despacito, also, +1 for an audio version of it

 Chapter 34 - Spring Excursion

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch34 ¨C Spring Excursion


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    When Zhou Sheng returned he was surrounded by a strong, murderous aura. Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Won?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Lost!¡± Zhou Sheng said in a bad mood, then forcefully shifted the blame onto Yu Hao, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come watch me compete? Laozi lost because of that!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly felt like a basin of cold water had been poured onto him.


    ¡°Did you get into the semifinals?¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°Got in.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, still in a bad mood.


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    Yu Hao almost went up to hit Zhou Sheng, ¡°Could you stop exaggerating?! You¡¯re the one who said that there wouldn¡¯t be a problem today! And asked me to take notes for you! We¡¯ll definitely watch the finals!¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed as he briskly took off his sports singlet , then threw it to Yu Hao before taking a towel and heading into the bathroom for a shower. Yu Hao got up, picked up the socks that had been thrown on the floor then went to soak his clothes for him. A short moment later, Zhou Sheng walked out of the bathroom and passed his pants and underwear to Yu Hao; their movements were unbelievably natural and well-coordinated.


    The corners of Fu Liqun¡¯s mouth twitched as he scrutinised Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°You spoil him too much.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I wash your clothes too?¡± Yu Hao could only force himself to say this, and thought that he needed to be more self-aware when they were outside. He is gay, but Zhou Sheng isn¡¯t, so it would be troublesome if he were to implicate him. Zhou Sheng acts like that to everyone ¡ª cats, dogs and even trees wouldn¡¯t be able to escape his teasing. He would always speak crudely to his classmates and Fu Liqun as well.


    It was only in front of Yu Hao that¡­¡­


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    Yu Hao now realised what the problem was. Nowadays, Zhou Sheng would go to class with him every day. He always sat at the back row in the past, but recently, he would sit closer and closer to the front, and now he usually sat at the third row from the front. He would even listen to the lecture instead of falling asleep. The most obvious thing was: Zhou Sheng would always laugh and joke around with outsiders, yet he would always take Yu Hao extremely seriously.


    It was as if Zhou Sheng had two modes. The A mode was the Hooligan mode, especially used to deal with outsiders and contained a set mode for consistently dealing with others in the same way ¡ª no matter if you were a form teacher or a classmate; B mode was the Serious Dialogue mode, which only expresses itself when he is with Yu Hao. Regardless of whether Yu Hao was teaching him English, or if they were conversing normally, he would rarely smile mischievously or joke around in a flirtatious manner.


    Moreover, when they hung out with each other, most of their attention would be focused on the other person. For Yu Hao, it went without saying ¡ª most of the time, as long as Zhou Sheng was around, Zhou Sheng would be the only person in his eyes. On the other hand, Zhou Sheng was observant and always vigilant, but the moment Yu Hao exhibited any slight movement, Zhou Sheng would immediately turn towards him. It was as if he had cast a net with vast coverage, yet its withdrawal node would follow Yu Hao at all times.


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    Yu Hao doesn¡¯t want to negatively affect Zhou Sheng. If more people were to start gossiping about them, they would definitely start to feel awkward around each other. After some time, he would have to put some distance between them, and the situation would improve once they stop sticking to each other so much. Fu Liqun has had a girlfriend before, so even if he is often with them, others probably wouldn¡¯t say much about him¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­what¡¯s wrong with me? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing in his heart. He had always been in solitude for so many years, and now he can¡¯t live without someone¡¯s company?


    Just as he thought this, the League Secretary came in to collect money. In mid-March, the college will organize a spring excursion. In the past, Yu Hao probably wouldn¡¯t go, but now that he had a bit more money this semester, affording it wasn¡¯t a problem.


    ¡°Yo.¡± The League Secretary greeted him, ¡°You¡¯re washing Zhou Sheng¡¯s underwear?¡±


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    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Wah! Seriously?!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted from the bathroom, ¡°You even know what kind of underwear I wear?! You¡¯re such a pervert~!¡±


    Fu Liqun wanted to burst out into laughter at once, and Yu Hao spammed +1s for Zhou Sheng in his heart. When the League Secretary saw the sports clothes that Yu Hao was washing, he still wanted to throw in a few more mocking words before he was one-hit KO-ed by Zhou Sheng, so he could only admit defeat and take his phone out. Fu Liqun looked at Yu Hao as a signal for him to pay.


    Yu Hao transferred the money to the League Secretary and said, ¡°For all three of us.¡±


    Suddenly, Yu Hao realised something. He glanced at Fu Liqun, but Fu Liqun was watching videos with his earphones in. The League Secretary left after receiving the money.


    Fu Liqun has never allowed others to pay for him first, or borrowed money from others, except for today. Yu Hao discovered this strange detail. Originally, when he took out his phone, he would have said ¡°for me and Zhou Sheng¡±. But since Fu Liqun let him pay for all of them first, it became ¡°for our dormitory¡±.


    Yu Hao was thinking about what that meant when Fu Liqun took off his earphones and said, ¡°How much is it? I¡¯ll transfer it to you.¡± Then immediately returned it to Yu Hao on the spot.


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    Yu Hao understood that his worries weren¡¯t unfounded. This strengthened his resolve: gossip is a fearful thing, even if he didn¡¯t fear it, he needed to consider Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Last semester was the first time we got to know one another. But now, I see all of you cooped up in your dormitories, not even leaving through the main or side gate, just like young ladies from a rich family¡­¡­¡±


    On the bus, Chen Yekai¡¯s words stirred up bursts of laughter. Chen Yekai was in charge of two classes. He wore sportswear from head to toe to tread the green.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t!¡± Students from the sports classes all cried out their grievances in succession, ¡°We¡¯ve obviously been playing sports every day!¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Our bodies are always colliding with one another!¡± Another person shouted, which was followed by another round of raucous laughter.


    Chen Yekai paused for a moment before continuing, ¡°So, this time, everyone should socialise more and disengage from the world in your mobile phones. If you have a girl you like, don¡¯t hesitate anymore, hurry and confess to her ba!¡±


    There was a sudden uproar in the bus as everyone began to clap wildly for Chen Yekai.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Jtfc Tfxjl qjerfv jujlc yfobgf tf rjlv, ¡°Tbe tjnf obeg sfjgr bo mbiifuf, vbc¡¯a kjraf sbeg sbeat.¡±


    Ktf gbjgr bo ijeutafg lc atf yer jiwbra vgbkcfv bea Jtfc Tfxjl¡¯r nblmf. Te Ljb rwlifv jr tf ibbxfv ja tlw, jcv obg rbwf gfjrbc, Jtfc Tfxjl lcjvnfgafcais uijcmfv ja Te Ljb, j gfwcjca bo wlgat ralii klatlc tlr fsfr. Qtfc atflg ujhfr wfa, Jtfc Tfxjl delmxis aegcfv jgbecv. Itbe Vtfcu tjv tlr fjgqtbcfr bc ogbw atf yfulcclcu. Lf ibbxfv bearlvf atf yer klat j ojmf atja qijlcis rtbkfv tlr jccbsjcmf klat atf gemxer atf ugbeq kjr wjxlcu.


    ¡°Of course, girls can also confess to guys too!¡± Chen Yekai continued.


    Yu Hao¡¯s ex-roommate suddenly said, ¡°What about guys confessing to guys?¡±


    Another round of hooting laughter rang out. Chen Yekai casually answered, ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as it¡¯s love; but it must be on the premise that you believe it is love.¡±


    A few girls in the front row who he didn¡¯t recognise turned around to look at him and Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao felt a little awkward. In the end, Chen Yekai said, ¡°If you have any problems that you need help with, you can look for Kaikai Ge.¡±


    A girl immediately shouted, ¡°Chen Laoshi! I want to confess to you!¡±


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    The whole bus was shaking with laughter, and another guy shouted almost immediately, ¡°Kaikai! I wanna confess to you¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Chen Yekai waved his hand and sat down. He put down his microphone, but the rest didn¡¯t let him escape so easily as they continued their ruckus.


    ¡°Laoshi! Help me confess to Chen Yekai!¡±


    Chen Yekai had to take the microphone again, ¡°Laoshi has someone he likes.¡±


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    ¡°Oh¡ª¡ª¡± Sighs of regret could be heard.


    ¡°A guy or a girl?¡± Another person asked, and this immediately made the atmosphere explode, but Chen Yekai stopped talking. Yu Hao¡¯s heart jumped with a thud. He felt like Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t been in a good mood lately, and he might have begun to feel even worse now.


    ¡°Who will sing a song?¡±


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    ¡°Yu Hao! Yu Hao!¡±


    It was really too boring on the bus. Yu Hao really didn¡¯t want to sing, and Chen Yekai said, ¡°Could you guys bear to let him sing with such a lousy microphone? Next time ba.¡± Only then did the other students let Yu Hao off.


    Yu Hao thought, thank God, and at this moment, Zhou Sheng turned around and looked at him with a hint of a smile in his eyes.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng patted Yu Hao¡¯s head. Yu Hao leaned over and took one side of his earphones out as he wanted to listen too, but Zhou Sheng immediately used his finger to hook the earpiece and pulled it back.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao kept feeling that the atmosphere today seemed a little strange. He took his phone out, pondered over it a little, then sent a WeChat message to Chen Yekai.


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    ¡¾How have you been lately?¡¿


    ¡¾If you want to talk, come to the front.¡¿Chen Yekai replied.


    The bus was driving along the expressway, students had either laid down to sleep or were playing games. Yu Hao decided that during this excursion, he can¡¯t stick to Zhou Sheng all the time and he would need to put some distance between them, so he signalled to Fu Liqun and motioned for him to come sit beside Zhou Sheng. He then walked over to the front row and sat next to Chen Yekai.


    Zhou Sheng shot him a strange look as he left.


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    Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes looked a little dull, and he was also looking out the window with his earphones on. When he glanced at Yu Hao, a sense of fatigue could be seen in his gaze. Chen Yekai seemed even more tired than the last time they met at the hospital, and his lips were so dry it was beginning to peel off.


    Yu Hao was worried about him, so he asked, ¡°Is she awake?¡±


    Chen Yekai shook his head, but smiled to indicate that everything was alright.


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    It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for Yu Hao to say much either. He recalled the days shortly after his Grandma had passed away and thought about how he was feeling then: at that time, he didn¡¯t want to say anything. He stayed at home all alone, yet he still had to pack up, arrange her funeral, sell the house, and repay his debts. When his relative had met with a mishap, he needed someone to accompany him ¡ª not because he needed to pour his heart out, but because he just needed someone to stay quietly beside him, and that would be more than enough.


    When he considered it from this standpoint, he felt that Liang Jinmin could possibly exist in the capacity of a ¡®relative¡¯ to Chen Yekai. Therefore, he shouldn¡¯t say anything, and just needed to sit next to him right now.


    In spring, the sun shone resplendently and streamed through the bus windows. Chen Yekai dazedly looked out the window, while Yu Hao quietly sat beside him. A short while later, Chen Yekai passed him one side of his earphones.


    When Yu Hao put it on, he heard his own voice.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai began to laugh again. He closed his eyes and passed him a pack of snacks.


    ¡°You actually saved it?!¡± Yu Hao really wanted to delete it immediately.


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    ¡°Found the audio from the college.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You can download it in the class¡¯ group chat.¡±


    A volcano instantly erupted in Yu Hao¡¯s heart, you guys shared the song I sang in the class¡¯ group chat?! And no one told me?! He searched around for half a day before he found his phone. Chen Yekai stretched a finger out and helped him scroll up the column of his class¡¯ group chat¡¯s shared documents.


    Yu Hao wanted to get the monitor to quickly delete the file, yet he saw a message that Zhou Sheng sent him which popped up in the horizontal banner bar as a notification.


    ¡¾Yo, you went to confess? Wish you all the best!¡¿


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    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao immediately felt like an exploding firework, yet Chen Yekai calmly slid the WeChat notification banner upwards so that it wouldn¡¯t be in the way, then tapped on the audio and let Yu Hao download it so he could listen to it himself.


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    Yu Hao took a deep breath as he tried to calm down. Chen Yekai didn¡¯t say anything else, and the two of them just continued sitting in their seats like this. Yu Hao began listening to the recording of¡¶A Little Happiness¡·that he had sung that day, and the more he listened to it, the more he wanted to die. In the end, he had to hypnotise himself to forget it and forget Zhou Sheng¡¯s WeChat message, then began to read the travel information for his destination ¡ª Mt. Tianqing.


    After lunch, the bus reached the foot of Mt. Tianqing, and Zhou Sheng still looked like he hadn¡¯t woken up even though he just ate lunch. Both his hands were stuffed in his pockets as he studied Yu Hao, who looked like he was on the brink of madness.


    ¡°I was right beside him!¡± Yu Hao said through gritted teeth, ¡°He, saw, it!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng looked baffled, ¡°Isn¡¯t that good?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t like him!¡±


    Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°I thought you liked him though, let¡¯s go let¡¯s go, we can go explain it clearly to him, don¡¯t worry too much about it ah~¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


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    Yu Hao almost died from anger. Chen Yekai had gone to buy tickets. Zhou Sheng was about to walk over when Yu Hao grabbed him and said, ¡°Stop it!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng chuckled with a ¡®hehe¡¯, then put his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s neck and made him walk all over the place together. Yu Hao could smell Zhou Sheng¡¯s scent, so he felt ill at ease and struggled to break free.


    ¡°Stop it stop it¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao felt extremely conflicted. It wasn¡¯t easy for him to control himself, and he was afraid that if Zhou Sheng teases him again, he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop himself from wanting to stick close to him. He had already decided to keep a proper distance between them, so they shouldn¡¯t be too intimate in front of others anymore.


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    Chen Yekai whistled from the front to signal to everyone that he had bought the tickets.


    ¡°We¡¯ll reach midway up the mountain in an hour.¡± Chen Yekai distributed the meal, entrance and cable car tickets, ¡°Once we reach it, you can use the meal tickets for a buffet there. After a half hour break, get to the peak in four hours before taking the cable car back down. We¡¯ll be gathering here afterwards. If you can¡¯t walk anymore, take the car, don¡¯t force yourself. There are four paths that lead to the peak from the midpoint, everyone should take care of one another.¡±


    After the students took their tickets, they hastily dispersed. A group of sports students were young and filled with vitality but had nowhere to vent their energy, so it was as if Chen Yekai had just released a pack of mad dogs who immediately ran off and quickly disappeared from sight.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao walked at the back of the group. Yu Hao said, ¡°You should walk in front ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Chen Yekai was currently speaking with a group of girls. When he heard him, he turned around. Yu Hao instantly sensed that something was amiss, but Zhou Sheng shouted again, ¡°Yu Hao said that you¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything!¡± Yu Hao immediately shouted too.


    Zhou Sheng changed his tune, ¡°He said that you didn¡¯t give him enough time! Psychology students aren¡¯t as fit as the sports students! He¡¯s afraid that he can¡¯t get to the peak!¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. Chen Yekai shielded his face and shouted back, ¡°If you can¡¯t climb up anymore, take the car! Calculate the time needed by yourselves. Don¡¯t take pictures anymore¡­¡­we¡¯re setting off!¡±


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    Zhou Sheng smiled as he looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao¡¯s face darkened, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Yu Hao felt depressed. He walked behind everyone else with Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°The sun¡¯s great today.¡± Zhou Sheng stretched as he said. He saw Yu Hao in a daze after he finished taking some photos standing on a plank walkway, so he urged, ¡°Let¡¯s keep going?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not a sports student.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng gestured for Yu Hao to come over. He put his arm around Yu Hao and stretched out his hand with his phone to take a selfie, but people kept walking past them. Zhou Sheng was practically driven mad, ¡°Can¡¯t we even take a picture now?!¡±


    ¡°Forget it, the scenery is nicer at the top. Let¡¯s take our photos there.¡± Yu Hao said.


    As soon as the students left, the foot of the mountain became quiet again. Mt. Tianqing is a neglected scenic spot near Ying city. There usually weren¡¯t many tourists around, but there were stone inscriptions engraved into the cliff that had been preserved since the Ming dynasty. At the entrance of the mountain, there was the inscription, ¡°The sea of bitterness is boundless, repent and the shore will be at hand.¡± Beneath it there were stone sculptures that depicted a scene of struggling in a sea of bitterness.


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    Yu Hao thought, this stone inscription really was quite fitting for the scene, so he stopped and took a picture. Zhou Sheng had walked quite a distance in front of him, and would occasionally turn around to wait for him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao thought, I need to somehow get Zhou Sheng to walk at the front, or else other people will start gossiping endlessly again. At the very least, they shouldn¡¯t be together all the time today, but he didn¡¯t know where Fu Liqun had disappeared to either.


    ¡°Are you angry?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly sensed that something was up.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao had long forgotten how he had used Chen Yekai to joke around with him, ¡°I¡¯m not fit enough, it¡¯s tiring to hike up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m always asking you to eat more, but you never listen to me.¡± Zhou Sheng slowed down.


    The two of them caught up with Chen Yekai and four girls from one of the dormitories. Chen Yekai was holding a phone that belonged to god knows who while he knelt down on one knee. He was taking a group photo for them, angling the shot from the bottom because that it would make their legs seem longer.


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    They didn¡¯t know when Fu Liqun appeared, but he was standing at one side watching them get their photo taken. All the girls in this dormitory were very beautiful, and everyone liked beautiful girls.


    Yu Hao thought sympathetically, but Chen Yekai definitely doesn¡¯t want to be with them right now. Perhaps, he just wanted to walk alone in peace and get some fresh air.


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡± Chen Yekai said to the girls, ¡°Go ah.¡±


    ¡°Forget it.¡± A girl from the sports class who was taking the lead said, ¡°Let the two of them stay together ba, don¡¯t split them up.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you guys say it? Be brave. Come, Zhou Sheng, get over here!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± One of the girls who looked really sweet said, ¡°Walk with us bei.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Now, it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s turn to explode.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going!¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t expect that Chen Yekai would retaliate so swiftly.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯s thin-skinned, sorry.¡±


    The girls began to laugh again. Zhou Sheng immediately felt embarrassed and stayed where he was, but he didn¡¯t walk over.


    ¡°Go ba.¡± This time, Yu Hao was the one speaking, ¡°Go ah.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that this was a very good thing. After all, Zhou Sheng was straight, and he had always been a bit shy around girls. With his kind of personality, you needed to give him a little push.


    Yet Zhou Sheng got angry and glanced at Yu Hao.


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    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng will take you guys up the mountain.¡± As he spoke, he patted Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to take us!¡± The other three girls said in succession, ¡°Just take her!¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng seriously. An irritated expression remained firmly on his features. Yu Hao leaned in and said, ¡°I¡¯ll walk behind you guys.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t go over, and the girls didn¡¯t leave either. That girl was still waiting for Zhou Sheng, and after Chen Yekai saw that Zhou Sheng was put on a spot, he decided to let him off the hook and said, ¡°What if we all go together?¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you guys at the buffet place ba.¡± Zhou Sheng finally relented.


    Anyway, the buffet restaurant midway up the mountain was only half an hour on foot. Zhou Sheng took the girl away with a face full of reluctance. Chen Yekai was about to motion to Yu Hao when Fu Liqun fell behind the group a little and placed his arm around Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you.¡± The two of them didn¡¯t go forward, and looking at Fu Liqun, it seemed like he wanted to wait for Chen Yekai to leave before he and Yu Hao would follow along slowly.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Chen Yekai had wanted to take the chance to escape, but he didn¡¯t expect that Yu Hao and Fu Liqun wouldn¡¯t help him out of his predicament at all. In the end, he had to continue taking pictures for the girls and give up his struggle.


    ¡ª


    Ame: Giving Kaikai the side-eye.


    Dollars: eats popcorn, watching ZS and Kaikai quietly, sneakily duel¡­


    Zryuu: This is just the first of many showdowns between ZS and Kaikai. I love watching them duke it out. Popcorn, anyone?

 Chapter 35 - Mountain Path

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao suddenly said to Fu Liqun, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°What are you thanking me for?¡± Fu Liqun asked in bewilderment. He had an arm around Yu Hao as they leaned against the railings of the plank walkway, then extended his arm to capture a selfie with him.


    Sometimes, Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t tell if Fu Liqun was just acting dumb or if he was honestly dumb. He always felt that this guy was often aware and had insight into many things, but he would just refrain from disclosing what he knew.


    ¡°You¡¯re too tall, walk inside.¡± Yu Hao motioned for him to walk along the inner part of the walkway. After Fu Liqun became more familiar with Yu Hao, he was fond of putting his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders.


    ¡°This is pretty good.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m not your hiking stick!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°You¡¯re about the same height as my wife, so this is really comfortable.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You guys reconciled?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Nope, ex-wife.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, he¡¯s quite pitiful actually, then said, ¡°Go reconcile ba.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Fu Liqun can be very stubborn.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why? The two of you are still in love anyway.¡± When he said this, he thought, at least the two of you are in love with each other, and mutual love can conquer anything. If Zhou Sheng liked him, then he would be undaunted no matter what others said about them.


    Yu Hao frequently saw Fu Liqun scroll through QQ spaces and his circle of friend¡¯s WeChat ¡ª and whose would it be? His ex-girlfriend¡¯s, of course. When he spoke, he couldn¡¯t go three sentences without talking about Cen Shan. He refused to move on from her, and always paid attention to her every move. He clearly wanted to get back together with her, but just lacked an opportunity to do so.


    Yu Hao wanted to talk some sense into him, but then he thought, I should probably just let nature take its course, even I¡¯m not being pitied by people yet. So he raised his spirits and said, ¡°Let me tell you about these stone inscriptions ba.¡±


    ¡°Tour guide, please.¡± Fu Liqun was very cooperative.


    Yu Hao began to tell Fu Liqun about the stories in Buddhist texts as they passed by the stone inscriptions that were carved into the precipice. Most of the stories urged people to be kind, and explored how to absolve people from their suffering. And the so-called ¡°heart demons¡± were very frequently mentioned in them. As he spoke, Yu Hao remembered the ¡°dark self¡± in his inner heart, and thought that perhaps, heart demons were an inherent part of human nature.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Wah, you¡¯re really good at telling those stories.¡±


    Yu Hao said modestly, ¡°You¡¯re flattering me too much.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°You study that?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We¡¯re in the same college.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I meant, you studied history in your spare time?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I read about it at the last minute on the bus just now¡­¡­¡±


    Both of them were relatively speechless. Fu Liqun said, ¡°When my wife and I went out to play, she would always talk to me about this and that because she read a lot of books. She said that Buddha was actually a guy, and said Bage Shanren¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Bada Shanren!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Bada Shanren¡¯s a person! You clearly didn¡¯t hear a word she said.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, it must have been hard on Cen Shan, how on earth did you manage to find such a good girlfriend?


    Fu Liqun smiled abashedly, then placed his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders again. He said in a daze, ¡°Actually, I really didn¡¯t hear anything she said. I only remember how earnest she looked while she was talking to me, and how she looked as she smiled at me. She seemed just like a fairy that had walked out of a mural. Do you know? Yu Hao¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun sighed ruefully, ¡°She seemed like she was shining, and you wouldn¡¯t want to take your eyes away from her for even a moment. It was as if, just standing by her side would illuminate the entire world.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, I take back my previous misunderstanding, you¡¯re actually not that bad.


    ¡°You¡¯re so good at saying such romantic words.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Say it to her then.¡±


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Fu Liqun answered with overwhelming despondence, ¡°It¡¯s not like we can be together anyway, I don¡¯t want to break her heart anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Sigh¡ª¡ª¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Sigh¡ª¡ª¡±


    They didn¡¯t know where Zhou Sheng had walked off to. The next time they saw Chen Yekai was at the buffet restaurant located at the mountain¡¯s midpoint. Chen Yekai was sitting with a look of helplessness on his face as he watched over the girls¡¯ bags for them, while the girls had all gone to the washroom.


    ¡°Liqun, could you help me tide it over just once this afternoon?¡± Chen Yekai asked sincerely.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Next month, Lifan VS Evergrande, two tickets for the match.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I¡¯ve already broken up, so one ticket¡¯s enough. I¡¯ll help you until we reach the rest station at Cloud Pier.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯ll add another CBA League ticket. Until the Golden peak.¡±


    Fu Liqun began to hesitate, but Chen Yekai added, ¡°And another box of Maidong.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Deal!¡±


    Chen Yekai got up in an instant and ran even faster than a rabbit, ¡°Yu Hao! Go! Let¡¯s eat upstairs!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun waved goodbye at them. Chen Yekai took Yu Hao to the second floor to order some dishes, but Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll just have the buffet¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Just treat it as you¡¯re accompanying me for a meal, we don¡¯t have many chances left.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Chen Yekai realised that he had said something he wasn¡¯t supposed to, so he explained, ¡°The college doesn¡¯t like having such a huge group of people out to tread the green, they¡¯re concerned about complications.¡±


    Yu Hao heaved a sigh of relief, he had thought that Chen Yekai was leaving. The two of them ordered some dishes on the second floor. Suddenly, Yu Hao discovered that Zhou Sheng was here as well, and was chatting and laughing idly with the girl sitting across from him. He clearly looked very happy. When he saw that Yu Hao was here too, he threw him a blank glance and pointed at his phone on the table, ¡°Transfer some money to my WeChat.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t add a card to his WeChat and Alipay, because his bank cards are linked to his mother¡¯s phone. Whenever Mama Zhou received a notification, she liked to ask her son what he had bought and her questions would go on and on. Last semester, he charged most of his money to his WeChat, and would withdraw cash once in awhile, when he needed to. This semester, there was still quite a bit of money remaining from their wages. Yu Hao transfers a few hundred to him every week. Zhou Sheng is usually quite muddle-headed too; he doesn¡¯t keep track of how much he spends, and would just look for Yu Hao once he finished spending everything.


    ¡°Finish eating first ba, let¡¯s leave together later.¡± Zhou Sheng passed by Yu Hao on his way to settle the bill, but the girl had already settled it after she went to the washroom.


    Chen Yekai looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao didn¡¯t respond. At that moment, he kind of wanted to lament about his grievances to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai would definitely understand why he was so distressed. But Yu Hao couldn¡¯t say that he had seen the two shirts that were hung together like in¡¶Brokeback Mountain¡·when he was at his house.


    I live such a conflicted life, Yu Hao mocked in his heart. After his previous worries had been resolved, new troubles arose to bother him.


    ¡°When will your project start?¡± Yu Hao asked Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai snapped out of his daze and answered, ¡°I¡¯ll notify you when we officially start. Why, can¡¯t wait?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I feel like I need a heavy workload to get my mind off some other things.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai didn¡¯t ask why, and instead answered, ¡°I feel like I need that too.¡±


    When they were almost done with their meal, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Shimu¡¯s condition is much better now.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°But it will take a long time for her to regain consciousness.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What exactly happened?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°On New Year¡¯s Eve, Laoshi brought Shimu over to their friend¡¯s house to celebrate the New Year. They got into an accident on the way, and Shimu didn¡¯t fasten her seatbelt, so she had been flung out. It was already considered fortunate for her to have survived.¡±


    ¡°The safety airbags?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect it to be so grave.


    ¡°It had little effect.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It was a problem with the angle. The car windows had all been smashed into pieces.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent, then nodded. Chen Yekai said, ¡°The passenger¡¯s seat is the most dangerous position to be in, you must remember to fasten your seatbelt in the future.¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡°, ¡°She¡¯ll get better.¡±


    ¡°I believe that.¡± Chen Yekai seemed like he had gradually come to terms with it after such a long time had passed. He called a waiter over to settle the bill, ¡°Let¡¯s go ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely apprehensive about calling Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng had gone to the washroom and only the girl remained at her seat. She even turned around to smile and wave at Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Let¡¯s walk ahead.¡± Chen Yekai said to the girl, ¡°Catch up later.¡±


    ¡°Okay! Go ahead first ba Kaikai!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng doesn¡¯t seem to be very interested in Ye Jin.¡± A hint of a smile hung on Chen Yekai¡¯s lips as he walked downstairs with Yu Hao, ¡°But he¡¯s very good at taking care of other people¡¯s feelings. He¡¯s really kind too, and very gentlemanly, so I¡¯m guessing that he¡¯ll definitely accompany her to the peak.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, all of you are human spirits, I really wonder where you guys have been cultivating.


    After they left the mountain¡¯s midpoint, an abundance of clouds and mist had emerged without forewarning. The mountain now had an ethereal quality to it, its plank walkway meandered through a convoluted path that constantly changed its course. Chen Yekai asked some passers-by to take pictures for him and Yu Hao. Yu Hao had been roped into taking photos with them for most of the day, yet he didn¡¯t even get a single one of those photos.


    ¡°Let me see?¡±


    ¡°You look good in what you¡¯re wearing today.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯re finally willing to tidy yourself up.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng bought it for me.¡± Yu Hao answered honestly. After school had resumed, he, Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun went to buy some clothes for the New Year. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother is in the clothing business, so her son¡¯s fashion and sense of aesthetics weren¡¯t too bad. He didn¡¯t pay much mind to his own attire, but the clothes he picked out for Yu Hao and Fu Liqun made them look very handsome and flattered their physiques.


    ¡°The two of you have a pretty good relationship.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°And we¡¯re always being misunderstood by others too.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Misunderstood?¡± As he spoke, he looked down from the walkway. It looked like a bottomless ravine. Yu Hao quickly pulled him back.


    ¡°Do you want to jump down?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao¡¯s face immediately changed, ¡°You definitely can¡¯t!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I went to the Iguazu Falls before. After hiking for a really long time, I reached a very high place, and I was suddenly struck by a strong impulse to fall all the way down¡­¡­have you watched¡¶Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon¡·?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve watched it.¡± Yu Hao remembered Yu Jiao and Xiao Hu from the movie, ¡°In our hometown, we have a legend: if someone dared to jump down from that mountain, the Gods would grant him one wish, and it would only work if one believes in it sincerely.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Hopefully the one who¡¯s in a deep slumber can awake, and the dead can come back to life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better to leave that last breath for training the mind to return to the void ba.¡± Yu Hao smiled as he said, then pushed Chen Yekai, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    A peal of hysterical shrieks carried over from a distance. Presumably, they were walking along the Heavenly suspension bridge between the two mountain peaks.


    As expected, after they left the precipice, they arrived in front of a suspension bridge that led into a dense fog. There was a plaque erected in front that was inscribed with the words ¡°Cloud Peak Walkway¡±. The opposite side was difficult to see; only a vast expanse of white was discernible.


    ¡°Do you dare to walk across?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s just the two of us here, do you want to wait for a few more people to go together?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­should be ok ba.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°It looks a bit scary. Let¡¯s go. Don¡¯t wait any longer.¡±


    The suspension bridge looked like it could collapse at any moment. The misty clouds were still rolling towards them, carried by the wind. As they drifted past the suspension bridge, each one that swept by would drench one¡¯s clothes.


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai held onto the rope of the suspension bridge for support as they crossed it. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but tighten his grip on the rope as a gust of wind wailed. The suspension bridge was swaying a lot. Chen Yekai firmly grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s other arm.


    Yu Hao thought of the famous ¡°suspension bridge effect¡± in psychology. In the face of danger, the violent beating of a person¡¯s heart and the rapid rise of their adrenaline resembles the physiological reactions of falling in love. Thus, in your subconscious, it is easy to unconsciously regard it as an impulse to fall in love, so you would mistake the feelings that arose as love for your partner.


    If he pulled Zhou Sheng over to walk on the suspension bridge or go bungee jumping together, maybe he would¡­¡­


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too nervous.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Most of the time, we¡¯re just scaring ourselves.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It looks very dangerous, but once you make up your mind to walk across it, you¡¯ll be on the other side before you know it. Sometimes, once you try doing something, you¡¯ll realise that it¡¯s far less difficult than it seems.¡±


    Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un¡°, ¡°There are some things, that are far less difficult than they seem.¡±


    Yu Hao always felt that Chen Yekai seemed a little strange recently, though he couldn¡¯t exactly pinpoint what was off.


    After they passed through the suspension bridge, Chen Yekai and Yu Hao looked back. Cold sweat had broken out all over Yu Hao¡¯s back. That suspension bridge was too dilapidated, it was just like a straw rope as it swung in the wind.


    ¡°Walk back and forth again?¡± Chen Yekai suddenly said.


    ¡°No thanks!¡± Yu Hao decisively declined. He said that he wasn¡¯t scared, but his face had already blanched. Chen Yekai laughed, and it was as if the two of them had just accomplished something together.


    ¡°There used to be a saying here.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°What saying?¡± Yu Hao turned back again to take a look. Chen Yekai brought him to the Golden peak and casually said, ¡°Un¡­¡­I forgot. In any case, I remember that the suspension bridge was related to some classic.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why did you say it if you had forgotten?¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°I was asking if you knew about it.¡±


    The corners of Yu Hao¡¯s mouth twitched.


    Chen Yekai looked at his watch. They still had a lot of time. There wasn¡¯t anyone ahead or behind them, and Yu Hao thought, Zhou Sheng hasn¡¯t caught up after such a long time has passed, he¡¯s probably chatting with that girl called Ye Jin as they walk over.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡±


    Chen Yekai was walking in front, and would reach over to pull him along once in awhile. Yu Hao waved his hand to convey that he could walk by himself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s rest for awhile ba. Have you ever thought of what kind of person you want to be in the future?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it.¡± Yu Hao answered sincerely, ¡°But I haven¡¯t figured it out.¡±


    The steps that led to the Golden peak were very steep. They had to stop for awhile after they walked up a few steps. Yu Hao leaned against the precipice as he gasped for breath, ¡°You asked me that question before, so I began thinking about it. Perhaps it will take me a very, very long time to figure it out, but, I do have an initial goal that I want to achieve.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Have you imagined what you¡¯ll be like in 10 years?¡±


    Yu Hao struggled to climb up a few more steps. He was drenched in sweat, ¡°Find a job, and earn a salary of about four to five thousand a month.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Yu Hao exerted a little more strength and passed Chen Yekai. When he was in front of him, he turned around to ask, ¡°Chen Laoshi, may I ask you a question?¡±


    Chen Yekai made an effort to climb up. He was slightly fitter than Yu Hao, who was really too skinny.


    ¡°Usually when you phrase it like that, it¡¯s useless even if I tell you not to ask.¡± Chen Yekai smiled.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why did you give up the opportunity to work abroad, and instead came back here to be a form teacher?¡±


    ¡°Because I wanted to find myself.¡± Chen Yekai passed Yu Hao, ¡°Life abroad isn¡¯t what I want.¡±


    ¡°How can we find ourselves?¡±


    ¡°Find a job that you¡¯re willing to devote your life to.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Be with a person whom you truly love: without being trapped by fame and profit, without the disturbance of the secular world, without being burdened by money. Don¡¯t suffer because of choices, or abandonment, and truly, find your freedom.¡±


    Yu Hao leapt up and caught up to Chen Yekai within a few steps, ¡°I haven¡¯t reached that kind of realm yet.¡±


    ¡°You will understand very soon.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±


    A vast, encompassing scene emerged before them. Only then did Yu Hao realise that he had actually arrived at the peak just like that, and suddenly the misty clouds that had enveloped the mountain peaks retreated. The bells that signalled the advent of dusk rang out with a ¡°dang, dang¡± in the old Buddhist temple hidden within the ravine in the distance. And at the same time, Yu Hao suddenly felt like he had seen the light.


    ¡°You¡¯re really great.¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°Chen Laoshi.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re willing to devote your life to being a teacher.¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m about to die of annoyance from taking care of students, but it¡¯s not annoying to take care of you.¡± He added, ¡°I want to do academic research, and my next topic is on mental health. But I think I have some psychological troubles of my own.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°You have no problem at all. Eat a good meal, fall in love and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Have you fallen in love?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°You¡¯re a very good example. Within just a month, you¡¯ve made a complete recovery. Now you¡¯re just like a little sun. Let¡¯s buy a cup of coffee ba, it¡¯s so cold at the peak.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy it this time.¡±


    Yu Hao went to buy coffee for Chen Yekai, while Chen Yekai walked around taking pictures. The Golden peak was very spacious, and a lot of students had already gone down after they reached the Golden peak. A lot of students nearby had seen him and greeted him. Their expressions were a little strange, and it seemed as if it was because Yu Hao had actually walked over with Chen Yukai.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s really windy on the mountain today¡­¡­¡±


    A girl was streaming, holding a selfie stick while wearing earphones.


    Yu Hao looked left and right. Nobody noticed him. Now no one should talk about me and Zhou Sheng anymore¡­¡­ Yu Hao thought, don¡¯t start gossiping about me and Chen Yekai next. But Chen Yekai is a teacher, and was unintimidated by them.


    He went to the shop on the peak to buy two cups of instant coffee. But as soon as he turned around, he suddenly saw Zhou Sheng.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 36 - Throwing Down the Gauntlet

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng was wearing a casual suit jacket today. He had been holding it when they were at the foot of the mountain, but only wore it when he reached the mountain peak. Yu Hao didn¡¯t register this change at first, so he almost walked right by him twice. After composing himself, he saw that guy¡¯s expression ¡ª Zhou Sheng looked like he was on the verge of killing someone. If anger could materialize into a concrete form, it would surely have a special effect of rushing into the skies right now.


    He didn¡¯t know where the girl called Ye Jin had gone; Zhou Sheng was sitting by himself.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how but, even if Zhou Sheng doesn¡¯t speak, he could clearly sense his anger, happiness and other emotions. In the past he had always thought it was based on intuition, but it was particularly obvious today.


    ¡°Why are you here alone?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°What about the others?¡±


    ¡°Ran away after my scolding.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Why did you scold her?¡± Yu Hao was dumbfounded, and felt that he needed to quickly apologise to her soon.


    Zhou Sheng raised his head and looked at Yu Hao, ¡°Let me ask you this, what are you thinking? I asked you to wait for me, yet you just went ahead?¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was truly angry, and was currently in a state where he was suppressing his anger and hadn¡¯t exploded yet.


    ¡°Say something!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I wanted to give you two¡­¡­some alone time.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You guys were chatting quite happily ah, I saw the both of you laughing and talking¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Is there something wrong with you lately?!¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t endure much more.


    Yu Hao quickly replied, ¡°Yes yes yes, I¡¯m sick, it can¡¯t be cured anymore. Don¡¯t get angry, it¡¯s all my fault.¡±


    After Zhou Sheng heard this, his expression finally relaxed a little. He took a cup of coffee from Yu Hao¡¯s hands. Right now Yu Hao definitely didn¡¯t dare to say that he had bought it for Chen Yekai.


    The furrow between Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows was very deep as he scolded Yu Hao, ¡°You made me very, un, happy!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao was perplexed.


    ¡°Xiao gong and xiao shou are fighting again¡­¡­¡± As soon as they had started quarrelling, the girl who was streaming immediately came over, ¡°Yeah, that pair who were going to kiss during Higher Mathematics the last time¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The students around them who hadn¡¯t yet returned to the foot of the mountain noticed them once again. Yu Hao thought, that just made the situation worse. Forget it, he has given up on fighting so hard against it, just let them say what they want ba. When he thought this, he felt a bit more relaxed, as if a burden had just been lifted off his shoulders. He smiled and was about to explain himself to Zhou Sheng when some other people came over from the side.


    ¡ª¡ªguys from two whole dormitories.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng! What were you getting at?!¡± A Sports Class 3 guy approached and immediately said angrily, ¡°You bullied my sister?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yo, you want a fight? Call your sister over! How did I bully her?¡±


    ¡°If you wanna fucking be gay then go be gay.¡± That guy said, ¡°What did you scold Ye Jin for?!¡±


    That guy was in a different class from Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun. He was also here to tread the green, under the supervision of another form teacher. Zhou Sheng quickly stood in front of Yu Hao and said, ¡°Say that again?!¡±


    They were instantly surrounded by a group of people. Yu Hao could vaguely guess what had happened. A girl ran over to them quickly, ¡°Are you guys crazy?! What does it have to do with Yu Hao?! Don¡¯t fight here! It¡¯s too disgraceful!¡±


    ¡°Get Yu Hao to explain it clearly!¡±


    ¡°You dare try to lay a finger on him!?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    The guy who instigated the conflict strode over to haul Yu Hao away; Zhou Sheng was instantly incensed. He seized the other guy by the wrist and drew back his other hand to punch him. The opposing side had a lot of people, and they all proceeded forward one after another to lock Zhou Sheng¡¯s arms down ¡ª several of them wanted to keep this one Zhou Sheng under control.


    ¡°All of you, stop!¡± Chen Yekai roared angrily as he stormed over.


    The crowd immediately dispersed with this one roar from Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng had been suppressing a bellyful of anger, so how could he so easily relinquish his attack on them? He immediately seized this opportunity, preparing to throw a punch exerting all of his strength to strike the ringleader down to the ground.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Chen Yekai pointed at Yu Hao, ¡°Get out here!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately realised that something was awry, so he ceased his pursuit and shouted at Chen Yekai, ¡°This has nothing to do with him! What do you want?!¡±


    ¡°I know it has nothing to do with him.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I just wanted my coffee.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai had effectively managed to divert Zhou Sheng¡¯s attention. After considering it, Zhou Sheng realised that he had been tricked, so he said frigidly, ¡°Good job, Kaikai.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re about to fight because of this xiao shou¡­¡­¡± A girl¡¯s voice said from the side, ¡°The form teacher is currently protecting xiao shou¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop broadcasting!¡± Everyone shouted angrily at that girl.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you see that we¡¯re currently in a fight?! Move aside!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Live broadcasting is prohibited during extracurricular activities!¡±


    That girl wanted to broadcast Chen Yekai too, but she was scared of angering him so she quickly fled like a gust of wind. The crowd now couldn¡¯t fight anymore, so they could only glare at each other resentfully.


    Chen Yekai said to the group, ¡°Where¡¯s your form teacher?¡±


    ¡°He already went down the mountain.¡± The leader of the group said.


    ¡°If there¡¯s any problem, talk it out without using your fists.¡± Chen Yekai took a coffee and promptly left. The guys could no longer continue their fight.


    Yu Hao thought, thank God. The ringleader threatened, ¡°Zhou Sheng, just wait for it.¡±


    ¡°Come come come.¡± Zhou Sheng barked impatiently, ¡°Bite me, bite me, bite me to death. All talk and no action just means you¡¯re incompetent.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡± The opposing group endured it, then completely dispersed.


    At this moment, Fu Liqun finally managed to climb up to the Golden peak with women¡¯s bags hanging all over him. He was like a huge, panting golden retriever, ¡°I¡¯m here at last! I¡¯m so damn exhausted! Un? What are you guys doing?¡¯


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Move aside, I¡¯m irritated!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The loitering people who had been taking videos had left as well, and only Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng remained as they stood at the edge of the Golden peak.


    ¡°You bought the coffee for Kaikai ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un.¡±


    ¡°Buy another two cups.¡± Zhou Sheng said, immediately throwing away the coffee he held, ¡°Then pass one to me.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, Zhou Sheng really is quite peculiar today. He almost got into a brawl just moments ago, yet now he¡¯s so concerned about a cup of coffee?


    He also noticed that Ye Jin was speaking with a few other girls from her dormitory in another corner of the Golden peak, so he bought a cup of coffee and brought it over to them.


    ¡°Where are you going?! Come back here!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yu Hao ignored Zhou Sheng and walked over to stand in front of Ye Jin. He passed a cup of coffee to her and said, ¡°Zhou Sheng always says things like that. We often argue too, so don¡¯t take it to heart.¡±


    The girls all looked at Yu Hao with a strange expression on their faces.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Ye Jin answered, ¡°I didn¡¯t know the two of you were together. Yu Hao, don¡¯t mind it.¡±


    Yu Hao almost fell down, ¡°Us? No no, Zhou Sheng and I aren¡¯t ¡®together¡¯, and we have never been together either.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Ye Jin looked bewildered.


    Yu Hao learned that Ye Jin began liking Zhou Sheng soon after entering college last year. Apparently, it started during the sprinting competition during military training, and she finally mustered up the courage to confess to Zhou Sheng today, only to be rejected by him.


    When she associated it with the rumour in the college, Ye Jin thus tried to sound him out and asked if Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were a pair. After all, after being rejected she couldn¡¯t help but want to know if the other party just had no feelings for her, or if it was because of his sexual orientation.


    Zhou Sheng clearly didn¡¯t have a girlfriend. If he was gay, Ye Jin would then be able to give up on him entirely. However, Zhou Sheng¡¯s reaction was a little over the top. It was roughly ¡°who said that?¡±, ¡°who¡¯s talking about Yu Hao like that all the time?¡± After all, Zhou Sheng knew about Yu Hao¡¯s sexual orientation, and what it meant for it to be exposed. If even Ye Jin knows about it, it can be deduced that people have been talking about Yu Hao for a very long time.


    But Ye Jin has never interacted much with Zhou Sheng before, so she was immediately scared silly. Afterwards, Zhou Sheng had a long face the whole time he sent Ye Jin back to her dormitory mates and left without uttering a word. Ye Jin¡¯s confession failed, and Zhou Sheng even gave her the cold shoulder, so she was extremely upset and couldn¡¯t help but cry for a while.


    Then the guys from Sports Class 3 came over. The guy who led them had pursued Ye Jin before, but he was rejected. He knows that Ye Jin likes Zhou Sheng, and a lot of people found Zhou Sheng an eye-sore to begin with. They connected it to the rumour about how Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were ¡°being gay¡±, so they decided to come over and teach him a lesson¡­¡­


    Yu Hao was laughing his heart out. He quickly waved his hand and said, ¡°You¡¯re really overthinking it, Ye Jin. Zhou Sheng is as straight as straight can get.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said, he didn¡¯t seem like it at all ah.¡± Another girl said, ¡°I was the Wanchai Pier in high school, all four of my ex-boyfriends were gay, and I¡¯m telling you that Zhou Sheng isn¡¯t.¡±


    They were all being very considerate as they avoided making any judgments about Yu Hao and only spoke about Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao felt deeply grateful for that.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Almost everyone on the Golden peak could hear Zhou Sheng¡¯s angry roar.


    ¡°Jiayou ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I can¡¯t wait for someone to come cure him.¡±


    Ye Jin breathed a sigh of relief, but she seemed to be in a very complicated mood.


    Yu Hao went to buy another cup of coffee before returning to Zhou Sheng¡¯s side. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t like her! I don¡¯t want to give her any false hopes! That would just hurt her!¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I just wanted to explain it to her clearly.¡±


    ¡°Explain what?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, what do you have to explain? Do I have to go and explain it to them too? Would you ever finish your explanations if you went to explain it to all of them one by one?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s different!¡± It was rare for Yu Hao to get agitated too. He said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t want you to be misunderstood!¡±


    Zhou Sheng straddled the stone seat with his long legs and faced Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, look into my eyes. Look at me while we talk.¡±


    Yu Hao gazed attentively into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have a clear conscience, so what are you afraid of?¡±


    ¡°I have a guilty conscience.¡± Yu Hao answered without thinking, and thought, damn it why did I turn into Zhou Zhiruo¡­¡­


    Evidently, Zhou Sheng has never watched¡¶The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber¡·. He had been completely caught off guard by Yu Hao¡¯s ¡®guilty conscience¡¯ remark, and was at a loss for what to say.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, I think, why don¡¯t I move back to my original dorm¡­¡­I¡¯ll keep paying, I just don¡¯t want¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    Zhou Sheng only said one word, then got up and left without looking back.


    Yu Hao¡¯s mind went blank, just like the hazy fog that enshrouded the Golden peak. He didn¡¯t know why he ended up saying something like ¡°I¡¯ll keep paying¡±, even he thought that there was something wrong with himself.


    He took his phone out and checked the time, then got up to chase Zhou Sheng. But Zhou Sheng¡¯s figure could only be glimpsed around a corner after turning several corners on the plank walkway.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao had regretted his words as soon as he said it. He shouted at the end of the precipice, ¡°I was wrong!¡±


    Zhou Sheng had a brisk pace in the first place, so after he walked down several twists and turns of the steps to the Golden peak, he had already passed the suspension bridge.


    Yu Hao followed behind him and shouted, ¡°General!¡±


    Yu Hao got on the suspension bridge. A gust of wind blew past; he was the only one on the bridge this time, and he immediately lost his footing a little.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s figure suddenly reappeared from the fog. He grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s arm firmly and took him straight across the suspension bridge.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, I¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng left again. Yu Hao could only follow along behind and say in the end, ¡°We haven¡¯t taken a photo together yet.¡±


    Yu Hao had suddenly remembered that he hadn¡¯t taken a picture with Zhou Sheng yet.


    Zhou Sheng walked all the way down without saying a word. Yu Hao was gasping for breath as he tried to catch up, and Zhou Sheng slowed down on purpose to ensure that he wouldn¡¯t be left alone on the mountain, yet he still didn¡¯t speak to him. Both of them walked down to the parking lot and saw that everyone had gathered at the bus, and were all waiting for the two of them.


    Everyone on the bus watched Yu Hao follow behind Zhou Sheng as they walked through the parking lot, then get on the bus one after the other like a bickering couple.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao apologised in haste.


    ¡°It¡¯s not time yet.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologise. Since everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s go and eat hot pot!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat at the last row. Yu Hao looked at his surroundings, then sat next to Fu Liqun. He took his phone out as he wanted to talk to Zhou Sheng, but he saw a photo of the two of them that Zhou Sheng had sent over.


    It really was a picture of the two of them ¡ª¡ª in the restaurant midway up the mountain.


    When he was eating, Zhou Sheng made a funny face as he took a selfie. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai were sitting at another table not too far behind him. Yu Hao was looking out of the restaurant in a daze, and no one could tell what he was looking at.


    Only the two of them were in the picture. The angle of the photo was perfect, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t show up in the shot.


    Yu Hao had no choice during dinner, he could only sit at the table with the people from his class. Everyone was chatting idly. Most of them didn¡¯t know what had happened at the Golden peak. Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng¡¯s table and saw that he was currently playing a drinking game with Chen Yekai. Both of their faces were flushed red from drinking, and it looked like they might break into a fight at any moment.


    The group disbanded after dinner, those who had finished could leave first. Yu Hao didn¡¯t have much of an appetite. After he waited for awhile, he saw that the sports class didn¡¯t seem like they would be leaving any time soon, so he could only notify Chen Yekai that he was leaving. Chen Yekai thus nodded while Zhou Sheng was talking to the people in his class and didn¡¯t even spare Yu Hao a glance.


    Yu Hao returned to the dormitory first. When he turned on the lights, he saw Fu Liqun quietly lying on his bed playing games and cried out in horror.


    ¡°You¡¯re back so early?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Is something wrong?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s angry.¡±


    Fu Liqun minded his own business as he continued looking at his phone and casually said, ¡°I just knew he was gonna blow up.¡±


    Yu Hao felt extremely remorseful, he felt like he was the one who had sought his own death today. He rolled up his sleeves, collected his clothes and took out Zhou Sheng¡¯s dirty clothes that were left soaking yesterday to wash them. Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Is Zhou Sheng jealous?¡±


    Yu Hao threw the clothes he had gathered to Fu Liqun, ¡°Do you have any more? Throw all your underwear and socks in to wash. Jealous? Who¡¯s he jealous of?¡±


    ¡°Kaikai ah.¡± Fu Liqun looked bewildered, ¡°Didn¡¯t he mess around with Kaikai? Why else would Kaikai get him to accompany Ye Jin up the mountain?¡±


    ¡°He didn¡¯t mess around with him ba?¡± Yu Hao said, embarrassed.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s too possessive.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Yu Hao thought that he was right, but the key was that he didn¡¯t know what to do about it. He felt like he was living in a haze that couldn¡¯t be any murkier than it was now, just like the fog that had assaulted his senses on the suspension bridge.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even know what I should do anymore.¡± Yu Hao stopped moving and said, ¡°Everything I do is wrong. I just don¡¯t want¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun turned over and interrupted, ¡°It¡¯s all because you¡¯ve been spoiling him too much.¡±


    Yu Hao felt extremely helpless. Fu Liqun said into his WeChat, ¡°Is it still on? If not I¡¯m gonna strip and sleep.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice travelled over from the other end, ¡°It¡¯s not for now! Kaikai asked me to give him face! We¡¯ll talk about it another day ba!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s ¡®on¡¯?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You guys are going to play ball in the middle of the night?¡±


    ¡°A fight.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°We arranged it on the way back. We were going to throw down with those guys from Class 3 outside of the school. Zhou Sheng was going to take on their entire dormitory alone, the rest will just be there to root for him, and they¡¯d just be spectating without lending him a hand. If the other party dared to call for more help, we would then get involved as well.¡±


    Yu Hao blew his top and shouted, ¡°You¡¯ll get punished ba!!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°It¡¯s a fight outside the school, so we won¡¯t la. We just need to be careful not to get taken away by the police.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone tell me?!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Our class has a small group chat of our own with ten or so people, we¡¯re all pretty tight. Zhou Sheng said that they bullied you on Golden peak, so he needed to go and teach them a lesson.¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t! They didn¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao quickly refuted, ¡°They didn¡¯t bully me! Don¡¯t use any violence!¡±


    Yu Hao had been involved in fights before, and he wouldn¡¯t be afraid if he did get into one since he just needed to hit the other party as if his life depended on it. But he had never arranged for a group fight before. With the entire group of sports students involved, wouldn¡¯t it turn into a huge scene? Besides, if it develops into a story where Zhou Sheng had stirred up this large group into partaking in a group fight for his sake, then he really wouldn¡¯t be able to wash himself clean even if he jumps into the yellow springs.


    ¡°He said that Kaikai knows about it, and that he¡¯ll give him face this time so he¡¯ll forget it.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep now. I sent you the pictures we took together today, and touched up your skin. But you have good skin, so my touch-ups didn¡¯t much have of an effect.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, how could you be so calm about fighting? Looks like he should¡¯ve been pretty capable in high school too. Zhou Sheng was really that popular in his class? He was usually with Yu Hao most of the time, and doesn¡¯t hang out with his classmates often. But he recalled that Zhou Sheng was doing really well in his course, so perhaps that was what had helped him convince the masses ba.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 37 - Saw Blood

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    After he finished washing the clothes, Yu Hao laid down on his bed and looked at the stars on the ceiling.


    10:45pm, Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t back yet. It was closing time for the dormitory building.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s phone screen reflected his face that was as handsome as Wang Leehom, and they looked especially alike from the side.


    Yu Hao, ¡°To buy cigarettes.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°But you don¡¯t smoke.¡±


    Ever since Fu Liqun broke up with Cen Shan, he would always speak in a flat tone that was neither sad nor happy, and it really resembled the male Siri voice on his phone.


    ¡°For coaxing someone.¡± Yu Hao said, then put on his shorts, slippers and T-shirt. When he reached the second floor, he slid down the heating pipe.


    The dormitory curfew wouldn¡¯t deter this group of sports students, especially Zhou Sheng, who was the first person to discover a way to get into the dormitory after 10pm.


    Zhou Sheng was practically an expert at parkour ¡ª he would leap onto roofs and vault over walls as if he was walking on level ground; he jumped from the first floor to the anti-theft window, then did one more flip to reach the second floor. But Yu Hao couldn¡¯t do that. Zhou Sheng had tried to teach him the ropes several times before, but he could never get the hang of it. In the end, he could only change tack and teach him how to climb up the heating pipe while mocking him mercilessly.


    Yu Hao bought a pack of Zhonghua for Zhou Sheng and stuffed it into his pocket. He remembered that Zhou Sheng¡¯s lighter ran out of fuel a few days ago. The dormitory had been filled with the sounds of arduous flicking, so he bought a lighter as well.


    He suddenly felt an impulse to tear it open and smoke one.


    On this spring night, there was a a big ruckus erupting on campus. Male hormones meant that wild wolves had been confined within the physical bodies of men, and they were walking around in the corridor half naked. They would occasionally let loose a few howls as they had nowhere to vent the energy from their youthful bodies, so they were all feeling immeasurably dejected.


    Yu Hao walked along the trail behind the dormitory and gradually left the dormitory area. The world then seemed to quieten; on this intoxicating spring night, only cigarettes, alcohol and sex could provide consolation, but he didn¡¯t have even one of these three.


    I need to get Zhou Sheng to smoke less. Yu Hao tore the packet of cigarettes open. He was sitting next to the field, and thought that smoking while he still needed to train for the Iron Man Triathlon wouldn¡¯t be good for his heart. It would be best if he could find an electronic cigarette to gradually replace real cigarettes. But Yu Hao liked the subtle scent of smoke on him ¡ª it mixed with Zhou Sheng¡¯s natural odour and this mixture had turned into his signature scent.


    He took a cigarette out, ruminated for awhile, then put it back away.


    Within the deathly silence, Yu Hao suddenly looked up. He seemed to have caught a glimpse of a figure walking straight through the garden behind the basketball court, towards the dormitory building outside the field.


    Yu Hao frowned as he watched; that figure hardly made a sound as it moved parallel to the building, and soon disappeared behind the dormitory.


    Yu Hao felt that something was wrong ¡ª that was the teacher¡¯s dormitory building. It didn¡¯t have a curfew, but those returning to the dormitory building wouldn¡¯t usually pay such special attention to the sound of their footsteps. Only one kind of person would try their best to not make a sound as they moved ¡ª someone who was trying to conceal something.


    Yu Hao got up and looked through the barbed wire of the field. This time, he really did see it ¡ª a figure had entered the dormitory building, but he didn¡¯t go upstairs, and didn¡¯t open the door! He just went into a space below the corner of the stairwell!


    A chill suddenly shot down Yu Hao¡¯s spine. Who¡¯s that? There was a very narrow triangular space below the dormitory building¡¯s stairwell, and it was usually used to store broomsticks and paraphernalia. Now it was approaching 11pm and someone had actually entered the place used to store broomsticks?!


    He held his breath. Yu Hao carefully walked through the parking lot and made a detour along another path towards the back of the teacher¡¯s dormitory building, then headed to the stairwell.


    The figure stood quietly with its back to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    His breathing quickened The figure turned around and faced him.


    Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai stood quietly below the stairwell, as if he was a ghost.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao felt his hair stand on end, and his voice almost sounded like it didn¡¯t belong to himself.


    The sound of a car drifted in from outside. Its bright headlights swept over the first floor of the dormitory building ¡ª a car was coming, and it was about to illuminate the place where Yu Hao stood. Chen Yekai reacted instantly; he grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s wrist and forcibly dragged him into the stairwell!


    Yu Hao¡¯s body collided with Chen Yekai¡¯s. He could smell the lingering scent of alcohol emanating from his coat and shirt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a sound.¡± Chen Yekai whispered very softly into Yu Hao¡¯s ear.


    The coat Chen Yekai was wearing was not the one he had worn when they went hiking today. It masked the scent of alcohol that he had at dinner. Yu Hao¡¯s blood completely chilled. He didn¡¯t know what Chen Yekai planned to do, but he didn¡¯t utter a sound because of his trust in him. The car stalled outside the dormitory building. They heard the sound of a door closing, its alarm system activated and repetitive ringing resounded. Then, the insidious sound of a man¡¯s footsteps approached the stairs.


    ¡°Okay, the most important thing is that she hasn¡¯t woken up.¡± The man was on the phone. He sighed, ¡°I really don¡¯t know, what else is there to say?¡±


    Yu Hao heard Chen Yekai¡¯s heartbeat instantly shoot up to 160bpm. One of his hands remained in his pocket ¡ª he has never taken it out. At this moment, Chen Yekai¡¯s whole body was trembling.


    Yu Hao held Chen Yekai¡¯s hand through his coat and pressed down. He felt something in his coat pocket.


    ¡°Okay.¡± A man¡¯s voice said, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡±


    The man passed by without noticing the two people hiding nearby in the darkness, then walked up the stairs.


    ¡°I hope so ba¡­¡­¡±


    The voice gradually faded. The electronic lock on the third floor beeped, then they heard the sound of a door closing.


    Only then did Chen Yekai put his hand down. Neither of them spoke, and stood still within the darkness. Yu Hao held his wrist.


    ¡°Give it to me, Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai trembled constantly, but eventually, he slowly loosened his grip and allowed Yu Hao to pull his hand out of his pocket, revealing a sharp scalpel in his hand.


    Through the coat pocket, the scalpel had cut into Yu Hao¡¯s hand so it was bleeding a little, and it had dyed the corner of Chen Yekai¡¯s clothes red.


    ¡°Yu Hao, why did you find me at such a time?¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s voice was abnormally calm, ¡°Is this really dictated by fate?¡±


    Yu Hao whispered, ¡°If that¡¯s what you wish, then you can believe that it¡¯s fate. Alright, it¡¯s okay now, Laoshi, I¡¯ll take care of the knife for now. Don¡¯t think about anything else, forget about it ba.¡±


    It was as if the allusions in Chen Yekai¡¯s speech, his minute expressions and movements for the past few days, had all suddenly become clear with what had transpired tonight.


    Yu Hao held the knife in his grasp and motioned for Chen Yekai to go up and return to his dormitory.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Come up for a cup of coffee ba.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°We¡¯ll talk tomorrow, I¡¯m sleepy. Good night.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Good night.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see Chen Yekai¡¯s expression clearly in the dark, but he knew that tonight had ¡ª to a certain extent ¡ª changed Chen Yekai¡¯s entire life completely.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡±


    Yu Hao walked across the field with a heavy heart and was completely startled by Zhou Sheng. He subconsciously shifted his hand behind him.


    Zhou Sheng had drunk quite a bit of alcohol, and was standing quietly underneath the basketball hoop.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you a question.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice had an obvious hint of impatience, ¡°Answer me!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­¡­went to buy cigarettes for you.¡±


    ¡°You came all the way here to buy cigarettes?¡± Zhou Sheng clearly didn¡¯t believe him.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t sleep, so I came out for a walk too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Where¡¯s the cigarettes?¡±


    Yu Hao searched for the cigarettes and passed them to him. Zhou Sheng uttered a ¡°hei¡± and bit one in his mouth as he swayed to and fro. He made a gesture of pressing a lighter, and Yu Hao took out a lighter.


    Zhou Sheng gave Yu Hao a sidelong glance, and with a smile that didn¡¯t look like a smile, he said, ¡°Light it for me ah, why are you standing there like an idiot?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back first ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood in front of Yu Hao to block him. Yu Hao helplessly lit his cigarette for him.


    With a click, the flame illuminated Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s faces. When Zhou Sheng leaned in, his eyes suddenly widened ¡ª he saw Yu Hao¡¯s hand that was holding the lighter covered in blood.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s roar had violently awoken the three dormitory buildings to the core in the dead of the night.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t get too agitated!¡±


    Zhou Sheng roared hysterically, ¡°Explain this clearly to me!!!¡±


    Half an hour later, in a standard room of a small hotel outside the school.


    ¡°Are you crazy?!¡± Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t endure it anymore. No matter what, he had to retaliate once. He would explode from all his restraint if he kept holding himself back from calling Zhou Sheng out.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t know!¡± Zhou Sheng had half sobered up, ¡°When I saw blood, the first thought I had was that you had slit your wrists!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is there something wrong with me?? Why the hell would I slit my wrists?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Haven¡¯t you always been like that?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Since when?!¡±


    Yu Hao took a pillow and whacked Zhou Sheng with it, but Zhou Sheng kept dodging it. In the end, Yu Hao threw the pillow away furiously because he knew that Zhou Sheng was just letting him off easy. After all, he was someone who could take on an entire dormitory alone.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± Zhou Sheng was meeker than usual now. He was standing at the corner of another bed as he admitted, embarrassed, ¡°I was wrong I was wrong okay?! Be careful, your bandages could fall off!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s palm was wrapped in bandages, and now he actually did want to die. His phone was ringing endlessly from the constant stream of messages in both his WeChat and QQ group chats ¡ª everyone in the dormitories and their entire cohort had heard Zhou Sheng shout Yu Hao¡¯s name like he had lost it on the field in the middle of the night.


    Fu Liqun gave Yu Hao a call and asked, ¡°You found him ba?¡±


    Yu Hao told Fu Liqun what had happened. Then he learned that Zhou Sheng was originally drunk. After he returned to the dormitory and found out that Yu Hao wasn¡¯t around, he left again to go look for him.


    ¡°He was the one who shouted your name just now ba?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°It was me!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Snap out of your drunken fit, hurry and come back to sleep. Where are you? Should I come down to get you guys?¡±


    ¡°I brought him out and got a room.¡± Yu Hao said and motioned to Zhou Sheng to stop talking. Zhou Sheng nodded.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Okay, then I¡¯ll really sleep now.¡± He hung up, leaving Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng to stare at each other speechlessly. Eventually, Zhou Sheng got up and packed away the iodine and bandages that had been used. Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t people slit wrists instead of palms? Why don¡¯t you try it once for me to see?¡±


    Zhou Sheng picked the scalpel up to scrutinise it carefully, ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night, how would I have known where the cut was!¡±


    Yu Hao held his phone in his left hand and slid up the screen to unlock it, and as expected, all he saw were @him: Zhou Sheng¡¯s shouting your name downstairs, hurry and take him back. Zhou Sheng¡¯s calling for you, he¡¯s calling for you. You better explain this to me clearly¡­¡­Yu Hao roared angrily in his heart, I heard it! I don¡¯t need all of your reminders! Then he turned his phone off.


    After Zhou Sheng finished packing up, he put his ID away and collapsed onto the bed. He was terribly exhausted.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you still going to listen to my explanation?¡±


    Zhou Sheng covered his face with a pillow, then outstretched a finger from beneath the blanket and pointed at Yu Hao¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Sleep.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice sounded somewhat stern, as if he had resumed his identity as General, ¡°I¡¯m sleepy, we¡¯ll talk in the dream.¡±


    This was the first time after Shi Ni¡¯s matter concluded four months ago for Yu Hao to properly enter the dream world of his own accord again.


    When he opened his eyes, he found himself sitting on the throne in the centre of the palace in his dream. He was flanked by military officers on either side, with a huge screen behind him. Floating clouds and mountain ranges were visible overhead ¡ª it was the Mt. Tianqing that they had hiked in the morning.


    The interior of the palace was embellished with golden, red and silver materials that exhibited magnificence and resplendence. The sliding red lacquer doors carved with decorative patterns slid open automatically in succession, and outside the palace, gilded carpets were revealed within each layer. Yu Hao looked down upon himself and realised that his dressing was very inconsistent with the setting. It wasn¡¯t a regalia, but instead, he was dressed in a black butler uniform from head to toe. In comparison, Zhou Sheng was adorned with a red and black dragon-plated armour and carried a shield on his back. He wore a three-inch long golden iron rod at his waist as he strode in.


    ¡°Welcome, General!¡± The military officers on both sides all knelt down on one knee in unison.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yo, your interior decoration¡¯s pretty beautiful.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled out a¡¶Linear Algebra II¡·from the bookshelf on one side of the palace and flipped through it, ¡°You¡¯re still studying in your dream.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are my NPCs kneeling down to you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Can¡¯t they worship me?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re so stuck-up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Wanna fight?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You can defeat me here?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You never know, let¡¯s practice?¡±


    Zhou Sheng walked over to the throne and Yu Hao thought that this crazy Zhou Sheng was really going to start a fight with him. He placed his left fist on his right chest and saluted Yu Hao by bowing slightly, then made a ¡°please¡± gesture, ¡°Little fox, let¡¯s take a walk outside?¡±


    ¡°How am I like a fox?!¡±


    Yu Hao then got up and left the palace with Zhou Sheng, and they headed to the rooftop. The capital in his dream had changed slightly compared to the last time he was here: the lanterns and fireworks had all disappeared, replaced by the warm glow of the sun, as well as the beautiful, fresh flowers of spring.


    The scenery in his conscious world seemed to change based on how he felt during the four seasons in reality. Outside the palaces on a platform that faced the mountain ranges, an additional suspension bridge had appeared out of the blue. The suspension bridge led into the clouds, and it was the place that Yu Hao had walked through in the day.


    ¡°Recall what happened.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Imagine you have a screen in front of you, and let me see it. You don¡¯t mind it ba?¡±


    An image of the memory was projected in front of Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, and it was shown from Yu Hao¡¯s perspective ¡ª it played out the entire timeline of what Yu Hao had caught a glimpse of underneath the stairwell in the middle of the night.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng remained quiet for a long time. Yu Hao gave him a sidelong look and asked, ¡°What should we do?¡±


    ¡°What can we do?¡± Zhou Sheng murmured, ¡°He wanted to kill someone.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t dare ask, the knife is still in the room. Why does he bear such a huge grudge against Professor Lin? Don¡¯t they have a teacher-student relationship?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask him that.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°How would I know?¡±


    Yu Hao sized Zhou Sheng up doubtfully. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is a dream, you don¡¯t need to give me such a meaningful look.¡±


    ¡°Do you know something?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment. Yu Hao thought that he was thinking it over, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Look.¡±


    Yu Hao then realised that a screen had manifested in front of Zhou Sheng. The screen played out memories from Zhou Sheng¡¯s perspective of what had happened in the hospital.


    In front of Zhou Sheng, a fierce-looking Professor Lin appeared who was listening to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°When was this?¡± Yu Hao spent most of his time with Zhou Sheng, and he didn¡¯t recall meeting Lin Xun with him.


    ¡°On the day we handed in my registration for the cycling competition.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I was guarding Liang Laoshi in the hospital, and coincidentally, this guy came.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered now. That day he had realised that Zhou Sheng looked a bit off, so it was because of this?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Student Zhou Sheng, if you have any difficulties, feel free to talk about it.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said sincerely, ¡°Why don¡¯t I sell you a sandbag for cheap? We have lots of them in our boxing club, it won¡¯t cost much to buy one. It¡¯s not good to use your wife as a sandbag to practice your punches on everyday, Professor Lin!¡±


    ¡°Why are you always picking a fight wherever you go?¡± Yu Hao said helplessly.


    Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°I just made a little crack at him by asking if he usually hits his wife at home.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 38 - Group Fight

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao motioned to Zhou Sheng to wait, then ordered the warriors who were guarding the front of his palace to bring them some drinks. A moment later, the warriors had carried a table over. The table was laid with two cups of coffee and some snacks. Only then did Yu Hao sit down with Zhou Sheng as they continued watching.


    ¡°What a bunch of nonsense!¡±


    ¡°Look at this, and this, these are obviously marks left behind by an uppercut, then a straight punch. Do you need me to simulate it for you? Come, stand up! Let¡¯s do a simulation of the original scene¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?! Doctor! Nurse!¡±


    ¡°You have horrible upbringing!¡± Lin Xun shouted angrily, ¡°Horrible! Get out!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice could be heard, ¡°Yo Professor don¡¯t get so agitated, I¡¯ll ring the bell for you to call the doctor!¡±


    When he saw how Lin Xun had been enraged and Zhou Sheng¡¯s signature ¡®meaningful smile¡¯, Yu Hao almost spat his coffee out.


    ¡°Then afterwards he turned into a madman.¡± Zhou Sheng shrugged and his armour made a soft clanging sound. He took a sip of his coffee and said, ¡°The coffee in your dream tastes better than the one in reality¡­¡­he scolded me for rumour-mongering and notified Kaikai to quickly get his ass over, then I was¡­¡­chased out of the ward. End of story.¡±


    In the end, Zhou Sheng added while Yu Hao was still in thought, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to meddle with another couple¡¯s affairs, but I really couldn¡¯t bear to watch any longer. After being exposed, he would have more misgivings and probably wouldn¡¯t use as much strength next time.¡± He sighed again as he spoke, ¡°Why does this kind of asshole exist in the world?¡±


    Yu Hao contemplated, ¡°Laoshi must know about Lin Xun¡¯s domestic violence, do you think that¡¯s his motive for murder?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Your thinking is too simplistic, there must be something else that¡¯s fishy about this.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°What else could there be?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You sure you want to hear it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course, isn¡¯t that why we came here?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Not entirely¡­¡­ok ba, it¡¯s just my guess. I think the car accident was contrived by someone.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Yu Hao instantly exclaimed, ¡°Don¡¯t think that way!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°See! I knew you¡¯d scold me.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly changed his tune, ¡°I just think¡­that it isn¡¯t necessary for him to do that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He drove the car, his wife sat in the passenger¡¯s seat, she didn¡¯t fasten her seatbelt, after the accident he didn¡¯t even come on the first day of New Year, I can¡¯t be sure that this was a homicide, but I can tell that this person wants his wife dead. Haven¡¯t you heard of the ¡®Three Main Pleasures of Middle-Aged Men¡¯? Promotion, getting rich, dead wife ¡ª perhaps, this kind of violent scum really does want his wife to die soon.¡±


    A sudden chill came over Yu Hao. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Think about it. For a normal couple, if the wife suffers from a severe concussion after a car accident, why wouldn¡¯t he be by her side the next day? And instead lets Chen Yekai watch over her by himself? Connecting it to the bruises caused by domestic violence, the relationship between that couple must have already¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was talking, but Yu Hao couldn¡¯t listen to him anymore. Like a flash of lightning, a realization suddenly struck him and an important detail became elucidated ¡­¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ve sat on that BMW.¡± Yu Hao murmured.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao with a baffled expression.


    Yu Hao clearly remembered the day he sat in Chen Yekai¡¯s car and was driven back to school after he had been scolded at the flower cafe. In front of the driver¡¯s seat that day, there was a light red perfume bottle, and the car was beeping nonstop. Yu Hao even thought that he had broken something, so he was quite flustered.


    ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡±


    Yu Hao fastened the seat belt and the beeping noise stopped.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s expression looked frighteningly cold. He maneuvered the steering wheel and drove towards a 24 hour hot pot shop. Yu Hao buckled his seat belt and said, ¡°I¡¯m not eating. I¡¯ve already eaten dinner, Laoshi.¡±


    Yu Hao told Zhou Sheng what happened that day. Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao suspiciously, ¡°Oh? So he drove Lin Xun¡¯s car and sent you back?¡±


    ¡°If she didn¡¯t wear her seat belt.¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°The car alarm would go off!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do you not know that there is something called a seat belt buckle in this world?¡±


    Yu Hao seldom rode private cars, so he didn¡¯t really understand. Zhou Sheng was halfway through explaining when he suddenly thought of something, ¡°No, when you sat in the car that day, there was no seat belt buckle.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi even reminded me to fasten my seat belt at that time.¡±


    After Zhou Sheng mulled it over for a moment, he said, ¡°In other words, it was at least after that day that Lin Xun inserted the seat belt buckle.¡±


    That didn¡¯t prove much, but Yu Hao already has some faith in Zhou Sheng¡¯s theories. Though it seemed really horrifying after considering everything carefully¡­¡­


    ¡°Liang Jinmin actually wouldn¡¯t fasten her seat belt?¡± Zhou Sheng ate one of the snacks, ¡°That is quite amazing of her. That couple has been abroad for so long, foreigners get fined if they don¡¯t wear seat belts, yet they didn¡¯t form a habit of doing so while they were there?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I think Chen Laoshi definitely has more inside information about this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Insufficient information, unable to determine anything.¡±


    ¡°Is it good?¡± Yu Hao was distracted by Zhou Sheng¡¯s actions.


    ¡°Not bad.¡± Zhou Sheng chewed on the snack, ¡°The delicious food you eat in reality will appear in your dreamscape, symbolising your happy memories of it. In fact, we can¡¯t actually taste anything. The only signal that gets sent to our consciousness is that it ¡®tastes good¡¯, but it¡¯s not real.¡±


    Yu Hao was suddenly burning with questions, yet his mind was in a frantic and jumbled mess so he didn¡¯t know where to start.


    Zhou Sheng suggested, ¡°It¡¯s too late today, do you want to enter his dream tomorrow night to take a look?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s possible?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Of course it¡¯s possible. He usually helps us a lot, so we can treat this as repaying the favour ba.¡±


    The two of them looked at each other in silence. Yu Hao was still immersed in Zhou Sheng¡¯s deductions.


    ¡°How could such a thing happen?¡± Yu Hao looked around him. The glow of the sunset shone upon them, and the bricks of the palaces glimmered with a golden brilliance. He said, ¡°Dreams are much more beautiful than reality.¡±


    ¡°Otherwise, why would people say ¡®sweet dreams¡¯?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But you definitely can¡¯t get too engrossed in dreams. For a period of time, all General wanted to do was sleep, because whatever he wanted would appear in his dreams. So he became more and more disillusioned with reality, and at last, it burst with a pop like a soap bubble.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t enter his palace at will when he dreamed, and perhaps he had been here, but he wouldn¡¯t remember anything after he woke up. He could only construct such a beautiful dream by relying on Zhou Sheng¡¯s ability. Listening to Zhou Sheng¡¯s words now, perhaps his sense of loss would double after he woke up.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But, let me remember this dream tonight ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t insist on anything. He raised his hand, and the light from the setting sun spilled gently onto him.


    Yu Hao closed his eyes. Zhou Sheng pressed his hand against his forehead.


    ¡°You were right, General.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Even in my dream, I wouldn¡¯t be your opponent.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be corny!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Good night!¡±


    Yu Hao woke up. He felt about for his phone groggily and checked the time ¡ª 4am, he could continue to sleep. But Zhou Sheng got up from the adjacent bed and went to take a bath. Yu Hao played games on his phone for awhile and yawned. When Zhou Sheng came back in his underwear, he lifted his blanket and burrowed underneath it.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng was staring at his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to implicate you.¡±


    ¡°Never mind what they say.¡± Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°I don¡¯t care about it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If there are people pointing at and talking about you behind your back, how could they be ignored? If it was really just that then so be it, but they even accused you unfairly like that¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Are you picking a fight again?¡±


    So Yu Hao could only stop talking while riddled with guilt. Zhou Sheng said helplessly, ¡°My little ancestor! Why the hell do you care about other people¡¯s opinions so much? Does it affect your graduation? How much money you earn? What you eat? Would you lose a piece of meat if they talk about you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because my Grandma used to care, so because I was raised by her, I also became very particular about other people discussing my parents. Also, if they talk about me, I can accept it, but if they talk about you, I can¡¯t.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just pretend you can¡¯t hear anything people say behind your back, and catch anyone who dares to say anything. I¡¯ll hit one whenever one comes along, once you hit them enough, no one will say anything anymore. It¡¯s not any of their damn business, they¡¯re just salty carrot eaters who worry about the taste of bland ones because they have nothing better to do. Come come, what did they say in your class chat? Add me in, I¡¯ll cuss them out for you one by one.¡±


    How could Yu Hao dare to add Zhou Sheng in? He quickly said, ¡°They didn¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then you dragged this out with me for half a day? Do you think it¡¯s amusing to make fun of me like this?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s irascible appearance immediately reminded him of the Great Sage who carried a Jingubang on his shoulder and looked like he wasn¡¯t afraid of the heavens or the earth ¡ª he would smash whoever dared to block his way with one swing of his rod. Then he began to laugh.


    ¡°Are you still changing dorms?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Sheng turned off the lights and put his phone down. Yu Hao laid down on his side in the darkness as he faced Zhou Sheng.


    After awhile, Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°That day, you didn¡¯t see the back of the cycling competition¡¯s poster, did you?¡±


    Yu Hao replied, baffled, ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    The next day, they attended classes as usual, and Yu Hao still sat with Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao knew that everyone in the lecture hall was snickering and staring at them, and it felt like his back was being repeatedly pricked with thorns. But Zhou Sheng just did whatever he wanted. He laid sprawled on the table as he took a nap and didn¡¯t show the slightest reaction.


    Yu Hao kept composing his mental state and told himself not to care about other people¡¯s opinions. In the afternoon, Zhou Sheng went for his volleyball class while Yu Hao took a nap and did his own revision in the library. The spring sunshine streamed in through the large french windows, making him drowsy, and he couldn¡¯t help but lie on the table to take a short nap.


    He felt like he had been trapped so deeply that it was impossible to extricate himself from the pit ¡ª he liked Zhou Sheng too much. Why did he always end up liking straight men? And the worse thing was, Zhou Sheng always treats him so well. This caused Yu Hao to be walking on eggshells everyday as he was afraid of losing what he had, and it was exhausting. Once someone was afraid of losing what they had, they couldn¡¯t help but court their own death ¡ª to torment others, and to torment themselves.


    If this torment continues, Zhou Sheng would get irritated with him sooner or later and tell him to get lost. Countless thoughts turned over in Yu Hao¡¯s mind during his afternoon nap, but they all subsided gradually. After awhile, those thoughts would bubble to the surface again ¡ª sometimes it would be sweet, sometimes upsetting, until he was smacked awake by someone¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯re not going to the gym to take a look?¡± A guy from a sports class said, ¡°Something happened, a fight broke out, let¡¯s go!¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t fully roused yet, his face looked blank.


    This afternoon, the gymnasium ushered in the largest-scale group fight between two classes since the establishment of the college, which caused a huge sensation throughout the entire school. Zhou Sheng had taken down ten people by himself with ease, and with this one battle, he had turned into a god!


    When Yu Hao rushed to the gymnasium, there was a student from the photography club with a DSLR who was showing off his excellent photography skills to his juniors: high-speed dynamic high-speed continuous capture, 20 shots per second, continuous fast playback like a 24 fps movie. Within his shots, Zhou Sheng had wrapped up his fist with his sports clothes as he beat up the students from Sports Class 3 until they were crawling around on the floor.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The huge volleyball court was completely empty, and a lot of nosebleeds had sprayed onto the walls. There was even the leather shoe of a security guard discarded on the floor. Yu Hao looked at this scene for a moment before turning tail and running towards the administrative office of the college.


    ¡°You¡¯ve come just at the right moment, Yu Hao.¡± When the League Secretary saw Yu Hao arrive, she waved to him, ¡°I was about to go look for you.¡±


    Yu Hao had just arrived at the corridor when he saw Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun and a huge group of guys from Sports Class 2 standing on the left side of the corridor as if they were made to stand there as a punishment. The guy who had led the guys in Sports Class 3 to provoke them at Golden peak still had an active nose bleed ¡ª he looked just like a defeated cock as he stood still at the other side of the corridor and awaited punishment.


    Zhou Sheng had both his hands stuffed into his pockets as he looked to the other side like he was bored stiff. But as soon as Yu Hao came, Zhou Sheng immediately started frowning.


    ¡°He¡¯s here.¡± The League Secretary pushed the door of the conference room and brought Yu Hao in. The Dean, Lin Xun, Xue Long, the Vice Principal and Class 3¡¯s form teacher were all there, and even Ye Jin was there as well. Only Chen Yekai was nowhere to be found.


    Zhou Sheng immediately pushed the door open and came in, ¡°This has nothing to do with Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, get out.¡± The Dean said coldly, ¡°We will not tolerate your impudence!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly waved his hand at Zhou Sheng to ask him not to be impulsive. Originally, he thought that everything had been settled, but he really didn¡¯t expect that they would still end up fighting. And Chen Yekai¡¯s absence now perturbed him.


    Xue Long said, ¡°Yu Hao, do you know what happened?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I was studying alone in the library.¡±


    In the past, Yu Hao would have probably cooperated with Xue Long, but after Shi Ni¡¯s case, he already knew that the Vice Principal and Xue Long were biased against him. This time, even the Dean was here, so the situation must be even more serious than the previous time.


    ¡°Sit down and talk.¡± Professor Lin Xun offered politely.


    The Dean sighed. This was the third time Yu Hao saw Lin Xun. The first time was at the college¡¯s literary art¡¯s performance, and the second time was in Zhou Sheng¡¯s memory playback when they were in the conscious world.


    ¡°What is there to even say about this?!¡± The Vice Principal exclaimed, ¡°This is absolutely ridiculous! It¡¯s not even something that can be discussed!¡±


    Xue Long said to everyone, ¡°Let me say it ba.¡±


    ¡°O.¡± Yu Hao looked tentatively at Xue Long and asked, ¡°Xue Laoshi, what happened?¡±


    Xue Long could instinctively sense that Yu Hao seemed to have changed a lot as compared to how he was like in the past. He took this reaction to mean that he had become even more slippery than before.


    ¡°To make a long story short.¡± Xue Long said, ¡°Zhou Sheng fought with the students in Sports Class 3 over some prior disputes, and some of them were related to you, so we called you to come to ask you about the situation.¡±


    It was exactly like what Yu Hao had guessed. Sports Class 2 and Sports Class 3 had volleyball classes today. Someone from the other side called Lei Hongbo started it first; he spiked the ball with deadly intent and had spiked it at the setter¡¯s head.


    The setter was Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun gave the others a meaningful look, then he got another hit to his head. Five seconds later, Fu Liqun jumped up to intercept the ball at the net as he cooperated with another tall guy called Xia Ye, then they smashed two balls in succession into Lei Hongbo¡¯s face. Immediately afterwards, both sides gave the other a few pushes, then they broke out into a fight as they had been spoiling for.


    In the next moment, Lei Hongbo rushed forward with a group of people to come to blows with the other side, but Sports Class 2 suddenly dispersed with a whoosh, and Zhou Sheng ¡ª who had just finished warming up ¡ª appeared.


    Yu Hao only hated the fact that he had not been present at the battle where Zhou Sheng completely turned into a God.


    ¡°Tell us about what happened on Golden peak ba.¡± Xue Long said, ¡°According to what the other students said, after you came back from treading the green, you egged Zhou Sheng on to ask Hong Leibo to fight outside the school. Was that the case?¡±


    Yu Hao gazed at Xue Long calmly, ¡°I egged Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what someone else said.¡± Xue Long said uneasily.


    Yu Hao thought, you¡¯re doing that again? So he said, ¡°Who said it? Ask that person to come out and confront me.¡±


    The Vice Principal put his glasses down and said, ¡°Yu Hao, what on earth is wrong with you? Why are you always stirring up trouble?¡±


    The Dean had been staring at Yu Hao with a complicated gaze the whole time. It was as if her sharp eyes could look straight through Yu Hao¡¯s heart. All of Yu Hao¡¯s hairs were standing on end from her gaze, and he paid even more attention to the fact that Lin Xun was present. Why was he here? This matter had nothing to do with him at all.


    ¡°What trouble did I cause?¡± Yu Hao asked innocently, ¡°Lei Hongbo was the one who threatened us on Golden peak first, and he almost attacked Zhou Sheng then.¡±


    The form teacher of Sports Class 3 was a tall and skinny pole-vaulting graduate student from the sports department. He didn¡¯t know how to deal with this situation. After all, he was a newly graduated student who had just obtained his master¡¯s degree and dealing with a large-scale group fight far surpassed the limits of his ability. He did his best to say, ¡°I wasn¡¯t around then, and after Hongbo came back, he said that nothing was wrong and that it was all just a misunderstanding.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Laoshi?¡± He can testify that after we came back, we had all talked it out properly.¡±


    ¡°Chen Yekai has resigned.¡± The Dean said calmly, ¡°He handed in his resignation letter today, and I¡¯ve already approved it.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 39 - Resignation

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea and FistFullOfDollars


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao instantly realised that the problem might be quite serious.


    ¡°Why?!¡± Yu Hao asked in disbelief, but at the same time it was as if a certain speculation in his heart had been confirmed.


    Lin Xun appeared to have been observing Yu Hao¡¯s reactions from the beginning, and at this moment he exchanged a look with the Dean ¡ª and Yu Hao was keenly aware of this exchange! They were hiding something!


    ¡°Let the other students go back to class.¡± The Dean didn¡¯t ask Yu Hao any more questions, ¡°Call Zhou Sheng in.¡±


    The League Secretary stood up and went outside to notify the rest. Not long after, everyone else left except for Zhou Sheng, who entered and pulled out a chair to sit next to Yu Hao. He assumed a slovenly attitude as he looked at the Dean.


    ¡°Openly engaging in a group fight within the school.¡± The Dean said, ¡°Xue Laoshi has given your father a call. He¡¯ll be coming over later in the afternoon, we¡¯ll see what he says.¡±


    Yu Hao held his breath. Zhou Sheng frowned and didn¡¯t respond, but his gaze shifted towards Lin Xun.


    ¡°Just say what you want to ba.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°Why involve a parent? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a high school student.¡±


    The Dean said, ¡°This is the kind of thing that only a high school student would do, so we can only handle it like how they would in high school.¡±


    ¡°Dean¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was about to speak when Zhou Sheng stopped him with a gesture.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re gonna persuade me to withdraw again? How many times does this make it now?¡±


    Lin Xun said to the Dean, ¡°Just look at his attitude, he¡¯s so arrogant and despotic.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sneered, ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a sandbag who lets people beat me up without putting up any resistance.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just rumour-mongering!¡± Lin Xun roared angrily and slammed the table. Yu Hao jumped in fright.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± The Dean said angrily, ¡°Do you even have any respect for your teachers?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What the hell do you guys want? Can¡¯t you just be more straightforward?¡±


    Clearly, the Dean seemed like she had been thoroughly angered. Xue Long stood up and said, ¡°Get out! Get out of here right now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked like he was completely uninterested, ¡°Fine fine fine. Asking me to come in one moment then chasing me out the next, all these mixed signals¡­¡­¡±


    He Jin and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help themselves from laughing with a pfft, but this only added fuel to the fire. The Dean¡¯s face couldn¡¯t look any uglier than it does now.


    Zhou Sheng had just stood up when two knocks sounded on the door, and Chen Yekai entered.


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    The first thing Chen Yekai did when he came in was to look at Yu Hao¡¯s palm ¡ª Yu Hao¡¯s palm was still wrapped in a layer of bandages.


    Chen Yekai motioned for Zhou Sheng to sit down first, ¡°I just heard about this, so I came over.¡±


    The Dean said to Chen Yekai, ¡°Go back and complete your handover, Yekai, the matters here have nothing to do with you.¡±


    This was how Zhou Sheng learned that Chen Yekai was resigning, and surprise flashed through his eyes.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Before the handover, they are still my students. Everyone, please view this surveillance video of the volleyball court. I just obtained this from the gymnasium; his attitude is one thing, but we should still try to be as fair as possible, right?¡±


    The Dean raised her voice, ¡°Chen Yekai, are you trying to smash the pot to pieces just because it¡¯s cracked?!¡±


    Chen Yekai opened up his phone and actually ignored the Dean. He said to the League Secretary, ¡°Help me lower the the projection screen. Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, go and draw the curtains.¡±


    Chen Yekai projected the video on his phone onto the projection screen. It played out everything, including the circumstances that led up to the group fight. Yu Hao thought, I definitely need to get a copy of this video from Chen Yekai later, Zhou Sheng looks way too handsome in this. Towards the end of the fight, he even took a billiard stick from the corner and used it like it was a Jingubang, and squatted on a vault like he was Sun Wukong as he looked down on the group of people that had suffered defeat at his hands.


    ¡°Lei Hongbo started the fight.¡± After Chen Yekai watched the whole video, he replayed it and walked up to the projection screen to point at the instant Lei Hongpo spiked a ball at Fu Liqun. Then he said to Ye Jin, ¡°After we descended the mountains yesterday evening, Hongbo should have still been angry then, right? Ye Jin. Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have sent me that WeChat message.¡±


    Ye Jin was at a loss for a moment. Chen Yekai gazed at her with a serious expression.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ye Jin said uneasily, ¡°So I wanted to ask Chen Laoshi to¡­¡­persuade Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Chen Yekai said to the rest, ¡°I had spoken to Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng promised me that as long as Hei Longbo didn¡¯t try to provoke him again, he wouldn¡¯t start a fight. Okay, that¡¯s it then, I¡¯m going back to complete my handover. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±


    Chen Yekai retrieved his phone and pushed the door to leave. The Dean had never bothered to watch the surveillance video, and her face was now ashen.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡± Zhou Sheng abruptly stood up as well and rushed out like a gust of wind.


    Yu Hao also got up as he wanted to follow them, but the Dean said, ¡°Yu Hao, stay behind. I have some questions for you. The rest of the teachers should be busy ba, all of you can leave first.¡±


    The conference door closed once again, and only Lin Xun, the Dean and Yu Hao remained. Yu Hao narrowed his eyes and tried deciphering Lin Xun¡¯s expression to obtain some clues, but the two people sitting across the long table were extremely calm.


    ¡°What are you trying to analyse?¡± The Dean said, ¡°Student Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°Please, go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Kaikai!¡± Zhou Sheng chased him all the way out of the college and called out to Chen Yekai.


    Today, Chen Yekai was wearing a slim, white long-sleeved T-shirt, and underneath his thin T-shirt, the outline of his shoulders and back appeared distinct and erotic underneath the illumination of the sunlight. His slightly long hair covered his eyebrow on one side. The youthful appearance of his side profile made him seem no different than the many students on campus who were walking around to and fro.


    ¡°Why?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Chen Yekai turned around, and his gaze looked a bit vacant.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°I can only help you up to this point. In the future, you should¡­¡­not¡­¡­never mind.¡±


    Zhou Sheng knew what he wanted to say: in the future, he should be more prudent and stop causing trouble or get into fights so easily. You can¡¯t rely on resolving everything with fights in this society. But Chen Yekai¡¯s words,¡¯never mind¡¯ were laden with emotion.


    ¡°Kaikai, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Zhou Sheng, ¡°For causing you trouble again. But why didn¡¯t you even say a word before you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Chen Yekai interrupted Zhou Sheng and said earnestly, ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve always been envious of you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed. He really liked the cut brow styled by the barber Chen Yekai brought them to before. Now, every time he went to get a haircut, he would stubbornly insist on trimming his eyebrows.


    ¡°Sometimes, I really wish I could have a Jingubang in my hands.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°So that I can utterly smash into pieces all those ugly and greedy things, all the hypocrites that I abhor, and even this entire world.¡±


    Zhou Sheng remembered what Chen Yekai had said on the night of the first day of the New Year.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t know how to play Sun Wukong well.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s smile contained an inexplicable bitterness, ¡°So¡­¡­¡± He thought about it for a bit before he said, ¡°I can¡¯t be your Laoshi. You¡¯re not afraid of anything, and I envy you a lot, Zhou Sheng. I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good or bad thing. If it were another student, I might have said: you need to learn how to be more steady and mature in the future¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression became very complicated for a moment as he looked at Chen Yekai.


    ¡°But in you, I see the persistence and impulsiveness that I tried my hardest to retain, but was resigned to lose a long time ago.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Life has a way of slowly beating you down. I¡¯ve already been battered so badly that I¡¯m bruised all over now, so I¡¯m no longer qualified to be your teacher. I can only say¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai shrugged, ¡°I wish you guys the best of luck. Learn how to protect yourself well ba, and also protect Yu Hao well.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned around to leave, but Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°In this world, no one can bring me down.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned his head and answered, ¡°Everyone thinks that when they are 21. One day, you¡¯ll realise how insignificant you are in the face of destiny.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°No, I¡¯m not the same, because I have a shield.¡±


    Within the conference room, Yu Hao calmly looked at Lin Xun.


    ¡°You¡¯re doing pretty well in your major.¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°But Psychology isn¡¯t a so-called ¡°manipulating other people¡¯s thoughts¡± major, neither is it some sort of mind reading¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°It is a science of studying psychological phenomena, and a human¡¯s mental functions and behavioural activities under their influence.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± The Dean tried to make light of the conversation as she said, ¡°You¡¯re quite popular. Xue Long said that you¡¯re adept at establishing social connections, so you get along well with your classmates in the sports classes.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Only Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun and Chen Laoshi are my friends. Zhou Sheng is the one who¡¯s popular. What does the Dean want to remind me of? I didn¡¯t try to provoke anyone to start a fight.¡±


    ¡°I believe that you didn¡¯t.¡± The Dean said, ¡°Because of you, some things have occurred and I don¡¯t think it¡¯s completely unrelated to you, so I wanted to hear your thoughts.¡±


    ¡°What things?¡± Yu Hao became alert. He always thought that Lin Xun must have some other purpose or motive for being here.


    Lin Xun fished his phone out and played an audio recording. The voice wasn¡¯t clear, but he could tell that it belonged to Chen Yekai.


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s him. When I saw him, only one thought filled my mind ¡ª in this reincarnation cycle, I¡¯ve met another kid like Ryuusei again¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao trusts me, and relies on me. I asked him to pick a shirt, and he picked Ryuusei¡¯s favourite when he was still alive. This sounds really ridiculous¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± A woman¡¯s voice said, ¡°Nicky, stop wasting your time trying to find the impossible, you¡¯ve gone a little mad.¡±


    After a moment of silence, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Of course it¡¯s impossible. Even if we were to go by China¡¯s  reincarnation cycle timeframe, he wouldn¡¯t come back to find me so soon. But I thought that, if it were possible, then perhaps, someday, I would have a new life¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Firstly, love is not all that there is in life.¡± The woman¡¯s voice urged, ¡°Secondly, Nicky, the society in China would not accept¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Xun stopped the recording.


    Yu Hao looked up and met Lin Xun¡¯s gaze. Scenes flashed through his mind ¡ª the white shirt at Chen Yekai¡¯s home, the picture taken in front of the Iguazu Falls, and¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­their conversation before the precipice at Mt. Tianqing.


    ¡°Before Yekai returned to the country, there was a period of time when he suffered from quite severe hallucinations.¡± Lin Xun said to Yu Hao, ¡°I thought that if his environment changed, his condition would improve, but I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°From the sounds in that recording, the venue it was recorded in should¡¯ve been the flower cafe.¡± Yu Hao suddenly interrupted Lin Xun and said, ¡°Replay it?¡±


    Lin Xun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The Dean frowned as she scrutinised Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao tried to sound him out when he asked, ¡°I heard my voice in the background just now, ¡®Mr. Wang, a cup of Matcha Milk Green Tea¡¯.¡±


    Lin Xun¡¯s expression changed slightly, but he quickly composed himself. Yu Hao said, ¡°At that time, there were only two people ¡ª Liang Laoshi and Chen Laoshi. Why did you eavesdrop on their conversation?¡±


    Lin Xun¡¯s expression changed instantly. The Dean said, ¡°Watch your words! Student Yu Hao! Professor Lin has always been very concerned about Chen Yekai¡¯s situation, so he had asked Jinmin to counsel him about his psychological problems at all times!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh, is that so?¡±


    Yu Hao always felt that he seemed to have developed a strange hobby that he picked up from Zhou Sheng ¡ª he now possesses the ability to shine and regards himself as a sun. Whenever he sees something murky, he couldn¡¯t help but want to emit a strong light to illuminate it, as well as scrutinise the nervousness of that lump of darkness as it constantly tries to evade his light.


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But what does that have to do with me?¡±


    The Dean said, ¡°On the premise that Chen Laoshi¡¯s condition is deteriorating, he feels that he is no longer fit to be a form teacher. And I don¡¯t want to hear any sort of rumours spreading from the college after his resignation. After all, under the current system¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°Homosexuality may not be considered a mental illness anymore, but it¡¯s still undesirable.¡±


    Lin Xun said, ¡°Not just homosexuality, but also teacher-student relationships.¡±


    The Dean answered, ¡°That¡¯s right. Personally, I wouldn¡¯t interfere with the private lives of students and teachers. But you need to remind yourself that there is always a distinct line between one¡¯s private life and one¡¯s identity in society. There¡¯s a time and place for everything. Likewise, in recent years, the domestic political environment and public opinion have been regressing in this regard, and you have no way of controlling that.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t respond. He now understood the meaning behind the Dean¡¯s complicated gaze just now.


    Yu Hao, ¡°The development of human morality is filled with many twists and turns as it progresses.¡±


    Dean, ¡°That is true in the long run, but the key words are ¡®twists and turns¡¯. In the short run, it may not necessarily progress, and could only be filled with twists and turns. For example, the life of an individual.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s view this from a different perspective ba.¡± The Dean continued, ¡°Let¡¯s discuss this as if it was a heterosexual relationship. On the premise of equality, teacher-student relationships are also against professional ethics, and this is true even in European and American countries, as well as in public and private universities. It not only affects the sense of fairness in that environment, but also destroys the ethical relations within it. The ¡°seven red articles¡± of universities and colleges also explicitly prohibit this kind of behaviour.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯re not in a relationship.¡±


    ¡°Someone saw you spend the night at Chen Yekai¡¯s dormitory.¡± The Dean said coldly.


    Yu Hao broke into laughter, ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a girl. He was drunk that day, so I sent him back and I was worried that he had no one who would take care of him ¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Xun said, ¡°If this recording didn¡¯t exist, perhaps you would be innocent. But since Chen Yekai mentioned you, it is of quite some significance.¡±


    Dean, ¡°Yu Hao, I still believe that you¡¯re not responsible for anything that is currently happening. I just thought that it was necessary for me to explain it to you clearly.¡±


    ¡°Does Chen Laoshi know that you guys were recording him?¡± Yu Hao asked towards the end.


    ¡°He resigned of his own accord.¡± The Dean said, ¡°On the grounds that he needed to rest, so naturally no one would remind him of this.¡±


    At this moment in the adjacent office, the faint roars of Zhou Laichun and the angry shouts of Zhou Sheng travelled over ¡ª they had broken out into a fight. Yu Hao immediately sat upright, then a loud noise sounded right after. No one knew what had been broken.


    They¡¯re smashing things in the college?! Yu Hao was restless, but the Dean was used to seeing all sorts of violent storms, so she was completely unperturbed as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Thank you, Laoshis.¡± Yu Hao was beginning to worry about Zhou Sheng. He got up and said, ¡°I have no further questions.¡±


    In the end, Lin Xun said, ¡°I hope you won¡¯t contact Yekai again. Let him calm down by himself first ba. Today, for your sake¡­¡­¡±


    The Dean said, ¡°Lin Laoshi, that¡¯s enough.¡±


    So Lin Xun didn¡¯t speak further. Yu Hao was suppressing his fury, and if it wasn¡¯t because Zhou Sheng had reminded him not to say too much, Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how many ugly truths he would¡¯ve unleashed upon Lin Xun, like a machine gun firing shots in quick succession.


    ¨C

 Chapter 40 - Protection

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars, AutumnBreeze and DarlingV


    ¡ª


    When Yu Hao left the conference room, the quarrel between Zhou Sheng and his father had ended. Zhou Laichun kept apologising to the Vice Principal, while Xue Long and the Vice Principal left with ghastly pale faces.


    ¡°You son of a bitch¡­¡­¡± In the middle of the corridor, Zhou Laichun even hit Zhou Sheng on the head.


    Zhou Sheng was giving Yu Hao a meaningful glance when he was unexpectedly hit on the head; exploding again, he roared, ¡°Stop it!¡±


    Seeing how the father and son pair were about to argue again, Yu Hao hurriedly ran up and pulled Zhou Sheng away. As soon as Zhou Laichun saw the Dean, he quickly approached her to apologise, while Zhou Sheng went to the back of the college building to smoke, looking agitated.


    ¡°I was disqualified from the semi-finals.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sorry, I can¡¯t take you to Australia anymore.¡±


    ¡°What? Australia?¡± When Yu Hao suddenly heard this irrelevant piece of information, his mind clouded with confusion for a moment.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Never mind.¡± As he spoke, he gazed at the woods behind the college; the furrow between his brows deepened, as if he was considering possible countermeasures. When he noticed Yu Hao leaving, he frowned. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I have to look for Chen Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted harshly at Yu Hao to stop.


    Yu Hao retorted, ¡°He resigned! He¡¯s leaving! I can¡¯t let him leave like this!¡±


    Zhou Sheng pointed at the path behind the college, ¡°Go, just go. Will you choose him or me?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng! This is different, it doesn¡¯t mean anything else. I just want to persuade him!¡±


    Zhou Sheng merely stared at Yu Hao. Yu Hao frowned as he gazed back at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°If you want to go, then go.¡± As he spoke, he sat down to one side and didn¡¯t look at Yu Hao anymore.


    Yu Hao could only sit beside him. Zhou Sheng glanced at him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Satisfied?¡±


    Zhou Sheng put out his cigarette and got up, ¡°From now on, don¡¯t look for Kaikai. Leave the rest to me.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly came to a realization, and surprise flooded his eyes.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Are you satisfied?¡±


    Yu Hao immediately felt a bit embarrassed. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you forget something? Aren¡¯t you going to care about me at all? Ah?!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got up, ¡°Your dad he¡­¡­Zhou Sheng! Don¡¯t be like that! It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know how I feel!¡±


    ¡°Okay okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Stop, don¡¯t be so corny. At least that Xue Long had tact and didn¡¯t slander you in front of my Dad. What did they ask you in the conference room?¡±


    Yu Hao gave him a brief overview of what had happened in a soft voice. In the middle of his recount, Zhou Laichun¡¯s infuriated voice carried over from the college, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Get over here you son of a bitch!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately cut Yu Hao off, ¡°I need to do something, I¡¯ll come back and look for you later. Send me a message regarding whatever you haven¡¯t finished talking about, but do it through text, not voice. Pay attention to your phone and ignore Kaikai, don¡¯t reply to him no matter what he says to you.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely worried about Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng just forcefully rubbed Yu Hao¡¯s head and left without saying another word. In the evening, Yu Hao sat in the dormitory and waited apprehensively for news from Zhou Sheng. Fu Liqun hadn¡¯t returned yet either.


    Thus, Yu Hao began to type out his message and sent Zhou Sheng several messages regarding the events in the afternoon. But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply. At 7.30pm, Zhou Sheng finally sent him one message:


    ¡¾Got it. Fu Liqun¡¯s with me.¡¿


    After Yu Hao received Zhou Sheng¡¯s message, his nerves finally abated. He climbed onto his bed to lie down and read the message Zhou Sheng had sent him.


    Zhou Sheng had taken a photo ¡ª they were in a restaurant¡¯s private room. There were two tables. Zhou Laichun took Zhou Sheng to the guys he had beaten up from the other dormitory to apologise to them, and even gifted them a box of cigarettes. Afterwards, he even invited the students who had participated in the fight out for a meal.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I¡¯ll bring some food back for you later.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Eat your food first, you don¡¯t need to mind me. I¡¯ll just cook some instant noodles, I¡¯m not hungry tonight anyway.¡¿


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows were set in a deep frown. After he typed out a few sentences, he deleted them, but the general idea was that Chen Yekai could have been forced to resign by Lin Xun, and the conversation between them was also secretly recorded by Lin Xun. But as he typed, he suddenly managed to sort out his fuzzy thoughts. It was just like what Zhou Sheng had said ¡ª there was something fishy about this!


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾The matter of Lei Hongbo being beat up has been settled, but Lin Xun really dislikes me now. It was him who got that fucker Xue Long to revoke my eligibility for the cycling race. Xue Long called the organising committee of the competition a week ago, the college wants to put up a Notice of Criticism, make me apologise to Lin Xun at the General Assembly and prohibited me from participating in any more competitions. We¡¯ve just settled the bill, I¡¯ll tell you in more detail once I¡¯m back. Only you can get this done, wait for me.¡± ¡¿


    Yu Hao,¡¾Actually, there¡¯s no need for you to explain yourself so much. I know that you just want to help him, that you¡¯re not doing it for us, and it¡¯s not because you want to repay him either. You just need to tell me what you want to do.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply to his message. Yu Hao turned over to lay on his side, his mind a chaotic mess. That recording was made covertly by Lin Xun, which meant that Chen Yekai was unaware that he had been exposed. He never mentioned anything about resigning before, so why did he resign now of all times? Lin Xun¡¯s purpose for presenting that audio now was very obvious: he wanted to drive Chen Yekai out!


    Suddenly, the scene of Chen Yekai shedding tears in front of a comatose Liang Jinmin flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s mind. Last night, Chen Yekai took a scalpel and planned to stab Lin Xun with it¡­ was it to avenge Liang Jinmin?


    Revenge¡­¡­when he thought of this word, a slight chill immediately ran down Yu Hao¡¯s spine. It was unlikely he would go that far ba. Did Chen Yekai want to kill him because of Lin Xun¡¯s domestic violence towards Liang Jinmin? Why didn¡¯t he call the police and persuade Liang Jinmin to get a divorce instead?


    Maybe he had already tried to persuade her! Yu Hao still remembered the scene where Chen Yekai and Liang Jinmin had met in private at the flower cafe. When he recalled the recording that Lin Xun played¡­¡­he suddenly remembered that there were still a lot of things he hadn¡¯t mentioned to Zhou Sheng. So he immediately wanted to send a few messages to Zhou Sheng again. Glancing at his phone, he saw that Zhou Sheng had finally replied to the message he sent him half an hour ago.


    ¡¾Okay then, you understand me.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t returned yet. Yu Hao only felt like today had been very, very tiring. He closed his eyes, and kept feeling like he had missed some vital clues.


    A light flickered, and he heard Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice whisper next to his ear, ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao opened his eyes and found himself standing on a platform outside the palaces. Zhou Sheng was still clad in the same armour as he suspiciously gave Yu Hao an assessing look.


    The guards in his dreamscape lined up on both sides of the platform; all of them appeared to be combat-ready in full battle array. Yu Hao¡¯s attire was still the same slim, black butler uniform.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Why does your complexion look so bad?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hungry? It¡¯s already 11pm, so when I saw you sleeping, I didn¡¯t wake you up. Fu Liqun is back too, we brought some food back for you. Want to get up to fill your stomach first?¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao immediately refused, ¡°I always feel that¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve finished reading through your WeChat messages.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°But the information we have is still incomplete. Follow me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng jumped down from the palaces and landed on another eave, and Yu Hao jumped down with him.


    Zhou Sheng pinched his fingers between his lips and whistled. A jindouyun flew over from the horizon.


    ¡°How can you still summon the jindouyun in my dream?¡± Yu Hao asked in disbelief.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you believe that I can, then I¡¯ll be able to. Get on.¡±


    Yu Hao stepped onto the jindouyun. Zhou Sheng rose up, and took him along as they smoothly soared into the skies. Yu Hao said, ¡°Where are we going?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°To find the most crucial clue.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But we¡¯re flying so high! What¡¯s going to happen?¡±


    Zhou Sheng flew towards the sun, and as they drew closer and closer to the sun, Yu Hao was surprised to discover an intriguing difference between the conscious world and reality. In here, they could actually get close to the sun that was suspended in the air! And it wasn¡¯t very far from the ground! As Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao approached it, the sun grew bigger and bigger as well!


    Yu Hao was barely able to keep his eyes open during Zhou Sheng¡¯s constant ascent as they faced the scorching sun wheel in the sky. But, to his surprise, the sun was actually in the form of the Golden Crow Wheel!


    ¡°This¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving at the station ahead.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°At General¡¯s Dreamscape. Please remain seated and hold onto the handrails¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Zhou Sheng was stepping on his jindouyun with Yu Hao on it and rushed towards the sun wheel!


    The two rushed through the Golden Crow Wheel and before they could even register it, the shield behind Zhou Sheng and the totem hovering above the palaces in the distance both emitted a glaringly bright light that seemed to resonate with each other!


    Then, with a flash of light, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel together.


    Yu Hao had no time to carefully observe anything before realising that he had entered another dreamscape. Zhou Sheng then steered the jindouyun to land onto solid ground.


    A magnificent and vast stone bridge emerged before them. An enormous golden wheel ¡ª that seemed like a heavenly moat ¡ª effused a circle of fire just like a solar prominence as it extended horizontally across the entirety of the bridge. They were surrounded by a boundless sea of clouds.


    ¡°Welcome to the world in my dreamscape.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice said.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream!


    Yu Hao never imagined that he would bring him in here so easily, and that this day would come so suddenly!


    After Zhou Sheng crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel, his attire had transformed into a strange leather suit, just like the armour of an ancient Roman gladiator. His muscular chest was bare, and the leather strap that hung obliquely across his chest was strapped through a breastplate. His lower body was clothed in a pair of tight trousers that wrapped around his legs, and he was wearing a pair of pitch-black riding boots.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What is this place?¡±


    ¡°Are you a pig?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can¡¯t understand human language? How many times do you want me to explain myself? This is my dream!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I meant¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you mean? Un?¡± Zhou Sheng turned around and faced the Golden Crow Wheel. He looked up to study the center of the Golden Crow Wheel, which looked completely different from the sun in Yu Hao¡¯s world. In Zhou Sheng¡¯s conscious world, the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s light was much gentler, yet it didn¡¯t seem dull.


    In the midst of the golden wheel, a screen unfurled like ripples in water, and Yu Hao¡¯s conscious world appeared within the screen ¡ª the Great Wall and palaces from his dreamscape.


    This reminded Yu Hao of the portals in the major cities in World of Warcraft.


    Yu Hao, ¡°This¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked up at the portal that had formed within the Golden Crow Wheel, seeming as if he was anticipating something. He said, ¡°Can you stop asking so many questions? You¡¯re still useful today, so I don¡¯t want to kick you out so soon, little fox.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Yu Hao shouted angrily, ¡°You must let me know! Otherwise I won¡¯t¡ª¡ªdie¡ª¡ªin¡ª¡ªpeace!¡±


    ¡°Also, I¡¯m not a fox.¡± Yu Hao added, ¡°Don¡¯t call me a fox.¡±


    ¡°Ask ba, ask ba.¡± Zhou Sheng helplessly acceded, then he muttered to himself, ¡°That guy isn¡¯t asleep yet, don¡¯t tell me he¡¯ll suffer from insomnia all night¡­¡­what do you want to ask? You¡¯re so damn cunning, always putting on the disguise of a pig as you gobble tigers up, don¡¯t think that I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Yu Hao struggled to compose his thoughts. He raised a finger and unconsciously drew a circle in the air.


    ¡°Ask ah.¡± Zhou Sheng walked over to one side and jumped up, then sat on the railing of the stone bridge.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how I should ask.¡±


    Unconcerned, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you everything? This thing gave me the power to travel through dreams, you see it now? Has your curiosity been satisfied?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But¡­¡­isn¡¯t it yours? Why would it appear in my conscious world? And even become the sun?¡±


    Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°Because of your totem ba? You gave me your totem and I brought it back to my dream, and it became a part of my conscious world. So the Golden Crow Wheel considers you as one of us, which is why our dreamscapes became interconnected.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How do you know that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look at the Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°A scene of your world appeared on this side of the ¡®gate¡¯. Then one day, I inadvertently realised that the sun in your world had turned into the Golden Crow Wheel, and there was also a scene of my world in it.¡±


    ¡°Is it the same in Shi Ni¡¯s dreamscape?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you thinking? Logic! Have you fed your logic to the dogs? The difference between you and Shi Ni lies within the fact that she didn¡¯t pass her totem to me, but you had given me a part of your totem. That¡¯s why your world is connected to mine!¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Second question, where is this place?¡±


    Zhou Sheng blew up. ¡°This is my dream! How many times do you want me to say that?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Your dream can¡¯t be this small ba!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°There¡¯s more below!¡±


    Yu Hao looked down and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t look! You might fall!¡±


    An earth-shattering clamour resonated from beneath the stone bridge. Yu Hao looked down, and through the sea of clouds, he could discern a huge, ring-shaped building on the ground. Zhou Sheng immediately grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s collar and dragged him back.


    ¡°I want to go down and take a look.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯! I said no, so no!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Both of them stared at each other. Yu Hao had a persistent impression that Zhou Sheng was hiding something from him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to invite me to your dream to play?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not inviting you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m not familiar with you, so I don¡¯t want you to roam about in my heart.¡±


    ¡°Oh, ok then.¡± Yu Hao could only answer with this.


    Zhou Sheng immediately changed his tune, ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to see, young master, please spare me.¡±


    Yu Hao abruptly turned around and jumped onto the railing of the stone bridge. Zhou Sheng immediately shouted. He flipped over into the air and summoned his jindouyun, but he was too late ¡ª Yu Hao had already fluttered his wings open with a swish, adhered closely to the sea of clouds and flew away.


    Zhou Sheng shouted angrily, ¡°Yu Hao! You bastard! I¡¯m gonna beat you to death!!¡±


    ¡°Come and catch me then¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao taunted triumphantly.


    Yu Hao¡¯s conjecture was indeed correct. He had flown before in Shi Ni¡¯s conscious world, and Zhou Sheng had a very deep impression of that, so now that he was in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, he still retained his wings and was able to fly freely. Although he had flown away, he didn¡¯t pass through the clouds and rush to the ground to see what was down below; still keeping the propriety that a guest should have.


    ¡°Get back here!¡± Zhou Sheng returned to the stone bridge and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t be so mischievous! I¡¯m going to get angry!¡±


    Yu Hao flew around the sea of clouds and shouted from afar, ¡°You¡¯ve already seen everything in my inner world, so what¡¯s wrong with me taking a look at yours!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll give you three seconds! Three!¡±


    The sea of clouds that surrounded Yu Hao began to change. The white clouds darkened as they converged, and within the mass, thunder and lightning surged as if a roaring monster was about to emerge.


    ¡°Two!¡± Zhou Sheng pointed his left index and ring finger at the horizon. A bolt of lightning erupted and shot rapidly through the sky!


    Yu Hao jumped in fright. The colossal monster within the clouds seemed to react to this, and a thundering Western dragon leapt out and roared as it charged towards him! It unfurled its wings with one beat and outstretched both claws towards Yu Hao as it tried to firmly capture him within its grasp!


    ¡°One!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    The Western dragon rushed towards Yu Hao within an instant, but a white light suddenly burst out from Yu Hao with a buzz. It served as a protective shield, and with a loud bang, it actually managed to deflect the colossal dragon, whose size was comparable to that of a mountain!


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, who was floating above the sea of clouds, was just as dumbstruck as a realisation appeared to dawn on him. Before the two of them broke out of their trance, the Western dragon roared again and rushed towards Yu Hao, intending to take Yu Hao back to the stone bridge. But another white light emitted from Yu Hao¡¯s body, and with a buzz, the Western dragon rebounded and was sent flying once again.


    The Western dragon wailed in anguish, then flapped its wings and escaped.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned around to look at Zhou Sheng and seemed to have comprehended something as he shouted, ¡°Your¡­¡­Zhou Sheng! Your monster can¡¯t catch me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood silently on the stone bridge.


    Yu Hao flew around as he said, ¡°Yay! You can¡¯t do anything to me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao flew around for awhile as he wanted to tease Zhou Sheng, but seeing as how he remained silent, he flew back because he was afraid that Zhou Sheng would become angry.


    ¡°I¡¯m not bringing you into my dream anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly.


    ¡°I was wrong.¡± Yu Hao quickly apologised, ¡°I still have more questions.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m angry!¡±


    Zhou Sheng had been driven completely mad.


    Yu Hao merely smiled as he looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng rebuked, ¡°Smiling? You¡¯re still smiling?!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯m so happy. Zhou Sheng, you can get me to do anything you want in the future.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand as if he had just been struck a heavy blow. He walked to one side and Yu Hao said, ¡°You told me before that you had a halo that protected you in your dad¡¯s dreamscape, right? I have a protective halo in your dream too, so what does that mean?¡±


    ¡°That means that you¡¯re my son!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°Yu Hao! I can get you to do whatever I want right? Then I want you to get lost right now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand and the Golden Crow Wheel behind him seemed to instantaneously react. It released countless streams of golden flames that cannoned towards Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand. With a wave of his hand, they burst towards Yu Hao.


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao immediately blurted. He subconsciously raised his hands to block it. The moment the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s bright fire blazed towards Yu Hao, a loud bang sounded, and it was once again deflected by his protective barrier, dispersing in all directions before evanescing.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Even Zhou Sheng¡¯s last move had failed. Yu Hao immediately understood one thing ¡ª perhaps in Zhou Sheng¡¯s consciousness, a firm belief had taken root: no matter what, he could never harm Yu Hao.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 41 - Solar Prominence

    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, Celtic and DarlingV


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡­¡­go through the Golden Crow Wheel and go back to your own dream.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really won¡¯t mess around anymore. What are we going to do next? Are we entering Kaikai¡¯s dream?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had a sullen expression, ¡°I won¡¯t answer any of your questions, and I don¡¯t want to talk to you either.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was furious. He jumped onto the railings and sat down, seeming just like a huge monkey brimming with discontent. Yu Hao had only just approached when ¡°clanking¡± noises sounded out in an erratic sequence. Iron armour began to cover Zhou Sheng. As it wrapped around his body, his helmet fell and with a clang, his appearance had changed into that of the iron armour-clad General.


    Yu Hao could only return to the railings and sit quietly on it as well.


    ¡°General.¡± Something suddenly occurred to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Shut up.¡± Zhou Sheng coldly said from within the iron armour.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s a question from reality, it has nothing to do with this place. It suddenly came to mind.¡±


    General ignored Yu Hao. Yu Hao continued, ¡°What was written behind the cycling competition poster? You want to bring me to Australia?¡±


    The huge iron man remained silent, so Yu Hao could only peer about. The clouds surged, and one drifted by just a short distance away. As soon as Yu Hao thought about it, that cloud drew closer to him and a fragment of it split away to form a snowball-shaped cloud.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t disturb my clouds!¡± Zhou Sheng said irritably as he pushed up his helmet.


    Yu Hao had no choice but to give it a feeble push, and the cloud slowly drifted away with discretion.


    Within the Golden Crow Wheel, a brilliant lustre shone like the opalescence of pearls metamorphosed. It illuminated General¡¯s silver armour, painting it with a symphony of colours and made him seem like an otherworldly being.


    Yu Hao was momentarily speechless. He looked up at the Golden Crow Wheel, and it seemed as if the Golden Crow Wheel sensed his mood. The scenes it displayed began to fluctuate erratically ¡ª within it were scenes of mountain ranges, rivers, high-rise buildings and other similar structures. Yu Hao unconsciously descended from the railing and approached the Golden Crow Wheel.


    The fierce prominence emitted by the Golden Crow Wheel flickered and scattered in all directions, and its brightness flared. Yu Hao¡¯s figure appeared extremely insignificant before the Golden Crow Wheel. The closer he got to the Golden Crow Wheel, the stronger the sense of oppression he felt from this colossal object. Where did you come from? What¡¯s your mission? This great prehistoric existence ¡ª that was like a sacred totem which concealed innumerable secrets ¡ª was illuminating his soul.


    The clanking sounds of an armour could be heard as Zhou Sheng followed Yu Hao.


    ¡°Don¡¯t pass through it.¡± Zhou Sheng said solemnly, ¡°Otherwise, if you were to enter the wrong dream, I might not be able to find you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    The ring of light surrounding the Golden Crow Wheel diffused, then converged and suddenly transformed into a torrent of flame that shot towards Yu Hao!


    ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡± Zhou Sheng stopped Yu Hao from reacting, and looked up nervously at the Golden Crow Wheel. The scene was exceptionally beautiful and magnificent; all the flames on the Golden Crow Wheel shot towards Yu Hao as if they were alive and converged in his hands!


    Yu Hao raised his right hand, and a flare of flame gathered in his palm.


    ¡°It¡¯s getting to know you.¡± Zhou Sheng said nervously, ¡°Don¡¯t resist it; it was the same when I was getting acquainted with it as well!¡±


    Just as the blaze completely engulfed Yu Hao¡¯s body, Yu Hao experienced the feeling of what Zhou Sheng had mentioned before ¡ª how the ¡®Golden Crow Wheel will talk to you¡¯! Countless information flooded his mind: the fragments of the conscious world, the power of the Golden Crow Wheel, the weapons and totem formed by the convergence of mental energies¡­¡­


    With a loud boom, the flames vanished. A lot of information had been forcefully injected into Yu Hao¡¯s mind, but when he tried to recall them, he felt empty and couldn¡¯t actually remember them in detail.


    ¡°What did it tell you?¡± Zhou Sheng asked nervously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao frowned, ¡°It feels as if I know a lot, but I can¡¯t remember anything right now. Like¡­¡­it has¡­¡­a lot of functions related to the conscious world, I think it seems a bit like a precision machine?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s the same as me, then. It¡¯s okay; you¡¯ll naturally understand it when the time comes.¡±


    Yu Hao vaguely understood that what the Golden Crow Wheel had conveyed to him should be some kind of knowledge and memories regarding the rules that govern the conscious world. It was like linguistics; if you asked him to recall it instantly, he wouldn¡¯t be able to remember much, but when the time comes when he had to talk about it, he would blurt it all out naturally.


    ¡°For example¡­¡­how I can use my ability to activate it.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his hand and pointed at the Golden Crow Wheel; within an instant, the flame turned into a meteor-like missile that shot towards the centre of the ring-shaped Golden Crow Wheel! This action seemed to have activated a certain mechanism; the screen circulating in the midst of the Golden Crow Wheel emitted a loud noise and a silver ray of light began diffusing throughout the entire wheel!


    A new scene emerged on the screen along with this change; Yu Hao was stunned.


    ¡°Yes, this means that someone is dreaming of you.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Both of them looked up at the large circular screen in the middle of the Golden Crow Wheel.


    A scene of someone driving appeared on the screen; it was in the perspective of a driver, and the car was driving along an expressway. There was a bottle of perfume at the front ¡ª it was Chen Yekai¡¯s car, and it was the BMW that Lin Xun and Liang Jinmin were in when they got into a car accident!


    ¡°The first person to dream of you is him.¡± Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Will a scene only appear in the Golden Crow Wheel when someone dreams of you?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Theoretically speaking, yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I¡¯m not clear on the exact principles behind it.¡±


    Based on this point, inferential pictures surfaced in his mind. The day he went to burn charcoal, when Zhou Sheng fell asleep, he must have seen Yu Hao pacing back and forth on the Great Wall through the Golden Crow Wheel, so he crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel and grabbed his hand.


    But when he was entering Shi Ni¡¯s dream, Zhou Sheng had seen a sea monster that had bared its fangs and brandished its claws instead.


    ¡°I see.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°So now, we can enter Chen Laoshi¡¯s dream.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s right, do you want to try entering? For now it seems like he hasn¡¯t dreamt of me, but he has definitely dreamt of you, so only you can bring me in.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What¡¯s our goal?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°To call him back, if possible¡­¡­¡±


    Immediately afterwards, another scene appeared in the Golden Crow Wheel: the sky was overcast and resounding claps of thunder could be heard ¡ª it looked just like a dark, apocalyptic world. Within the dense forest, a conflagration was currently blazing brightly.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Looks like the situation is worse than expected, it¡¯s all burning up.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What does burning represent?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Suffering ba? I¡¯m just guessing¡­¡­let¡¯s go in and take a look? Do you think you¡¯ll have a protective halo in his dream?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Will I appear in his safe haven?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s possible. In his dream, you were originally an NPC. Now that you¡¯re personally entering, you will replace the NPC and stand in its original position. Hopefully it¡¯ll be the safe haven; I¡¯ll need to thank you for that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s armour receded with a swish like a transformer¡¯s. He reached out and held Yu Hao¡¯s hand. Yu Hao was extremely nervous. He stretched his hand out to test the portal, and his finger had just touched it when the light screen instantly changed and began to ripple.


    Without any further explanation, Zhou Sheng pressed down on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder with his other hand before rushing in directly.


    ¡°Ah¡ª¡ª!¡±


    This wasn¡¯t the first time Yu Hao entered a dream that didn¡¯t belong to Zhou Sheng, but the entire process was too distinct, and he instantly let out a huge cry. However, the grip on his hand loosened, and Zhou Sheng disappeared!


    Yu Hao rushed forward a few steps, only to feel like the world was being turned upside down. He subconsciously turned back and shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    In the next moment, a blusterous gale swept over and Yu Hao instinctively grabbed at whatever he could get ahold of nearby, and he ended up hugging a rope. His body ¡ª that was tens of thousands of feet above the ground ¡ª dangled from the rope and he ended up turning one huge round in the air. Smoke curled upwards all around him. Yu Hao tried to spread his wings, but his wings didn¡¯t appear! He had lost almost all of his strength, so he could only hold firmly onto the thick rope in front of him as he was tossed about in the air.


    ¡°General¡ª¡ª!¡± Yu Hao shouted, but he received no response in the hurricane. He finally managed to see the scene in front of him ¡ª the place he was at, was a suspension bridge that was floating in the air!


    Mt. Tianqing¡¯s suspension bridge¡­¡­


    Both ends of the suspension bridge led to an immensely dense fog; booming claps of thunder rang all around him, and lightning split through the mountaintop and ignited a fierce fire. Yu Hao began coughing harshly within the smoke. He tried to find a stable footing on the suspension bridge, but it began revolving 360 degrees in the air just like a swing, circling round and round.


    Yu Hao, ¡°This is a fucking skipping rope aaahhhhhh¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Both the heavens and the earth would not accede to his pleas, and he didn¡¯t know where Zhou Sheng had gone either. Could he have been teleported away the moment they passed through the Golden Crow Wheel? Yu Hao was on the brink of vomiting from being turned round and round, but he couldn¡¯t puke in a dreamscape. He needed to leave this place immediately, so he instantly grabbed both sides of the suspension bridge and began running forward like a madman during one swing of the suspension bridge.


    Fear of heights? That doesn¡¯t exist! In a life or death situation, Yu Hao was no longer afraid of this suspension bridge. With additional momentum from the centrifugal force, he sped all the way to the end of the suspension bridge while screaming.


    The smoke completely dispersed. At the end of the suspension bridge was a bare stone pillar with no foothold in sight!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao subconsciously turned around abruptly, then dashed towards the other end of the suspension bridge. His head was spinning, and after he broke through a cloud of smoke, a bare, solitary mountain appeared in front of him. It seemed as if there had been a dilapidated building on the solitary mountain¡¯s peak before, but lightning had already splintered it into pieces.


    One lone mountain and one stone pillar just stood there in solitary starkness in the midst of a bottomless abyss. In the middle of which, a suspension bridge that was only wide enough for one person to walk through was spinning around like a jumping rope!


    Yu Hao was dumbstruck. He shouted, ¡°Chen Laoshi! Are you trying to kill me?!¡±


    A bolt of lightning descended from the sky and suddenly struck the solitary mountain in the distance; the mountain began to collapse along with the ruins on it. Yu Hao let out another loud shout, there was nowhere else he could escape to. He turned around and ran towards the side with the intact stone pillar.


    The stone pillars that were holding the suspension bridge together hundreds of meters high began to disintegrate within the blusterous gales, and the suspension bridge began collapsing at a very slow rate. Yu Hao ran like a madman on the broken wood, his mind completely blank. The collapse of the suspension bridge was speeding up and had already reached Yu Hao¡¯s feet. Yu Hao suspected that he almost created a new record for sprinting; he could probably compete with Zhou Sheng now!


    In the next moment, another unexpected event occurred. A mountain road suddenly appeared at the side with the stone pillar!


    That¡¯s great! Yu Hao leapt forward during the last 10-metre stretch before the suspension bridge collapsed entirely, and stepped onto a fractured plank mid air.


    One step, two steps, three steps¡ª¡ª Yu Hao successfully caught the rope that was falling. A loud roar sounded behind him, and the entire suspension bridge fell into the bottomless abyss. Yu Hao grabbed onto the rope and gasped for breath, his eyes flooded with terror as he was suspended on the edge of the cliff.


    In Chen Yekai¡¯s heart, the original position he should have been at, was exactly where he would stand when he came in and replaced the NPC.


    That is to say, in Chen Yekai¡¯s heart, he had always been standing on Mt. Tianqing¡¯s suspension bridge?! What kind of a joke was this?! Why is it that after he ran back and forth, the scene would undergo this sort of change, and such a passageway would appear?! Yu Hao was still in a panicked state as he climbed up the cliff. Before him was a path that led down the mountains. He suddenly remembered what Chen Yekai had told him after they passed through the suspension bridge that day.


    ¡°Walk back and forth again?¡±


    Was this related to that? Yu Hao slowed down, and then shouted on the mountain path, ¡°General!¡±


    Right after they crossed through the Golden Crow gate, Zhou Sheng disappeared. This was the first time they encountered such a situation; what should he do? Zhou Sheng has the ¡°power¡± to leave at will in other people¡¯s dreams. As long as he said ¡®good night¡¯, he would wake up in reality. This time, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t escape.


    However, as long as they paid attention to their safety and waited for Chen Yekai to wake up naturally, they would be ejected from his dreamscape as well. Yu Hao gradually calmed down and went to the other edge of the cliff and looked down.


    All he could see was a dense mass of forests below the mountains that looked just like a tropical rainforest. A part of Mt. Tianqing was located at the edge of this forest. As for the other end¡­¡­there was a dark fog that was currently encroaching upon the mountain top as it crawled through Chen Yekai¡¯s conscious world incessantly like an invader.


    Lightning could be seen everywhere in the skies above the tropical rainforest. Within the dense rainforest, many places had already been set ablaze and was currently burning up. Black smoke rose into the sky and accumulated into dark clouds; they converged with the dark fog beyond the mountains and became part of the darkness that was invading this world.


    Yu Hao first needed to determine where the center of this conscious world was. According to the direction that the dark fog was moving towards, there was a circle of mountain ranges near the depths of the rainforest ¡ª that must be where the center is located, and the totem should be there.


    But where would Chen Yekai¡¯s banished self be? There were two possibilities ¡ª one, he could be like his past self that had been banished to the end of the Great Wall which was at the border of the subconscious. But that was an extreme case, that is: the owner of the dreamscape must have a desire to commit suicide.


    Shi Ni, however, existed in her safe haven. After a short period of consideration, Yu Hao determined that Chen Yekai should not be wandering around Mt. Tianqing, so he resolutely decided to descend the mountains and enter the rainforest.


    At the same time, he needed to find a way to contact Zhou Sheng as well. But that wasn¡¯t urgent. When Chen Yekai wakes up and they get ejected back to reality, they would still have the chance to communicate. Zhou Sheng was familiar with the rules of the conscious world; his familiarity far surpassed Yu Hao¡¯s, and he wasn¡¯t someone that Chen Yekai particularly cared about so he shouldn¡¯t be in too much danger for now.


    The direction of the mountain path was quite strange. Its walkways twisted and turned like a labyrinth and was entirely different from the Mt. Tianqing in reality. Its exit was completely engulfed in a thick layer of smoke.


    Yu Hao looked all around him and tried to summon his weapon. He managed to summon his laundry fork, but he had no magic. Therefore, he could only keep his laundry fork and take off his shirt to cover his nose and mouth before rushing over.


    This shirt was actually the white shirt that Chen Yekai had once lent him!


    ¡°It¡¯s this shirt¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao took off the shirt and became bare-chested. At this time, he began to examine his clothes; his fair upper body was bare and he was wearing a pair of black suit pants, as well as black leather shoes that came from somewhere. The first impression Yu Hao had of himself was¡ª¡ª


    Why do I look like a pimp?! Whatever, I¡¯ll just rush over first!


    Yu Hao covered his face with the shirt, observing the timing for when the winds changed direction, did a slight run-up, then rushed towards the mountain pass exit that was on fire. Thick smoke covered his vision, and ash choked the air around him. The moment Yu Hao passed through the thick smoke, a roar sounded next to him! An animal alight with flame pounced towards Yu Hao!


    Caught off guard, Yu Hao was thrown to the ground. His bare shoulder and back instantly turned bloody because of its scratches.


    Yu Hao shouted out in pain and before he could clearly see what monster he had encountered, he rolled on the ground and grabbed his shirt to hold his breath, then got up and ran again to rush out of the mountain pass.


    The blazing animal behind him roared loudly and darted towards him. Yu Hao turned around, and saw that the animal was actually a fierce-looking, rotting panther! Just like the corpse wolves on the Great Wall, it was also emitting a black vapour. Its whole body looked like it was covered in a layer of tar and asphalt, and it was burning!


    ¡ª


    Ame: Kaikai¡¯s dream is crazy¡­ his mental state ;w;¡­


    Zryuu: Kaikai¡¯s dreamscape, START!!! EXCITED!!!!!!!!!


    ¡ª

 Chapter 42 - Rainforest

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch42 ¨C Rainforest


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and DarlingV


    ¡ª


    ¡°What is this?¡± Yu Hao muttered to himself.


    More monsters had discovered him. They charged out of the sea of flames and advanced towards him dauntlessly! And they were all panthers! Yu Hao turned around; within the rainforest behind him was a thistle field, and before him was an increasing number of rotten, burning monsters. Yu Hao realised that he had left the mountain area and entered the rainforest zone. He now had an unobstructed view of the area.


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes were bloodshot and tearing up from the smoke, while the burning asphalt panthers were gathering in the open area and encircling him. Yu Hao slowly retreated as he said, ¡°Easy, easy¡­¡­¡±


    The black panthers were ablaze and seemed as if they were experiencing intense pain. Suddenly, Yu Hao thought he heard a whistle in the distance.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao turned his head while remaining on guard.


    But the group of panthers had received their orders, so they all swiftly leaped towards Yu Hao!


    Yu Hao cried out, then turned tail and ran like a madman into the rainforest. Yu Hao grabbed his shirt with one hand and shouted angrily as he ran, ¡°Chen Yekai! What the hell is up with your damn dream aaaaahhhh¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Yu Hao had just rushed into the thistle-filled woodland when the decaying group of panthers behind him was less than three meters away ¡ª the sparks from their flames had already spattered onto Yu Hao¡¯s head. Yu Hao immediately somersaulted on the ground and hid underneath a huge thistle leaf, then rolled over and leaped before darting through the bumpy path in the rainforest.


    Suddenly, four burning panthers jumped closely over Yu Hao¡¯s head. With the extra momentum gained from nimbly rebounding off a tree in front of Yu Hao, they turned and pounced straight onto his head! Yu Hao quickly came to a halt, but even more panthers had rushed over from behind.


    Yu Hao had nowhere to escape. He raised his hand to protect his head; as he ran, four panthers blocked his path and leaped into the air¡ª¡ª


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ooh¡ª¡ªoh oh oh oh¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out loud and clear, and was immediately followed by four thumps ¡ª the panthers in the air immediately tumbled away after being shot. Yu Hao was picked up from the ground before he rapidly ascended!


    ¡°Hold tight!¡± Zhou Sheng roared.


    Thank goodness Zhou Sheng is finally here¡­¡­Yu Hao exclaimed, ¡°Where have you been?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng wore a military camouflage uniform with a shield on his back and was gripping onto a vine with one hand. His ears were ringing from Yu Hao¡¯s shout, so he complained resentfully, ¡°Don¡¯t shout, I¡¯m going deaf¡­¡­why are there so many of them?! Grab that vine! Your other hand! Raise your feet up!¡±


    A moment later, Yu Hao instinctively reached out and grabbed a sturdy vine. Zhou Sheng adjusted himself mid-air, single-handedly pinning the gun behind him, onto his lower back. As Zhou Sheng travelled through the air, he stepped against Yu Hao¡¯s knee, slightly launching himself before holding Yu Hao¡¯s waist with an arm and shouted, ¡°Let go! Jump!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In that short moment, Yu Hao didn¡¯t even know how many trees he had passed. He only listened to Zhou Sheng¡¯s orders and responded purely by reflex. Both of them abandoned the vine and jumped onto the fork of a tree, then rebounded off it and flew away again.


    A steep cliff emerged within the dense tropical rainforest. They leaped onto the steep cliff by riding on the momentum of their rebound from the tree fork. There was a jeep with a running engine parked on the edge of the steep cliff, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Get in!¡± As he spoke, he hoisted Yu Hao up and into the car, then climbed into the driver¡¯s seat and put it in gear. He stepped on the accelerator and turned around in the same movement.


    Yu Hao turned around in the back seat and saw two more burning panthers leap over, but before he could process this, Zhou Sheng abruptly reversed and the jeep rammed into their pursuers which sent them flying and rolling off the edge of the steep cliff. He immediately shifted gears, the tires skidding rapidly as he floored the accelerator. The jeep shot into the rainforest like an arrow released from its bow.


    ¡°Come into the front.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao crawled over to the jeep¡¯s passenger seat, pulled the seat belt down and buckled it as he kept turning around to look behind him. The panthers were fast enough to keep up with the jeep. More than a dozen panthers incessantly swarmed them. Zhou Sheng raised his shield to block and strike the panthers, forcefully repelling them from the car.


    ¡°Shoot them with a gun!¡± Zhou Sheng drove faster and faster, ¡°There¡¯s a pistol in the back seat!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use a gun¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then you drive!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to drive either¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    So Zhou Sheng could only operate the steering wheel while turning around and firing at the same time. The sounds of gunfire were deafening. Yu Hao grabbed the gun and randomly opened fire behind the car, bullets ricocheted off the thick bars overhead. Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t! Leave it! Just watch the road ba!¡±


    From within the violently jerking jeep, Zhou Sheng managed to deal with one panther in just two or three shots. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°There¡¯s a tree! Turn left¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Zhou Sheng violently swerved the steering wheel. Both of them shouted, the jeep crashed into a tree. A panther lunged towards Yu Hao, its bloody mouth agape. Yu Hao suddenly drew his gun and fired a shot at its head.


    Within the loud boom, black asphalt completely splattered the back seat. Yu Hao said, ¡°I hit it!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Treat it like a shooting game!¡±


    Zhou Sheng reversed again. He steered the jeep and drove along the muddy forest path, and the panthers behind them eventually ceased their pursuit. Yu Hao could still feel his heart palpitating. His eyes met Zhou Sheng¡¯s. Zhou Sheng kept looking at the side mirror to ascertain that it was safe. The jeep drove through a stream before driving onto the opposing muddy road, then turned onto an uneven high ground that was littered with rocks.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Is everything alright now?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Qf¡¯gf rjof obg cbk.¡± Itbe Vtfcu rjlv, ¡°Ktja¡¯r ragjcuf. Ktfs¡¯gf cba vfjv sfa, rb kts vlv atfs rabq mtjrlcu er?¡±


    Te Ljb ibra jii tlr ragfcuat jcv mbiijqrfv lc atf qjrrfcufg rfja, jcv bcis atfc vlv Itbe Vtfcu jrx, ¡°Qtfgf atf tfii tjnf sbe yffc?!¡±


    Te Ljb kjnfv tlr tjcv, eaafgis fztjerafv.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You weren¡¯t in the safe haven?¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Where¡¯s your halo?¡±


    Yu Hao mustered all the strength he had remaining to shout angrily, ¡°Shuuuuut¡ª¡ªup¡ª¡ªahh!¡±


    Yu Hao used all his energy to turn over and seize Zhou Sheng to shake him violently. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t shake me! We¡¯ll fall!¡±


    The jeep was swerving haphazardly from side to side as it drove along the high ground. Yu Hao loosened his grip on Zhou Sheng¡¯s collar and thought that he looked quite handsome in this military camouflage uniform¡­¡­and he even had a beret.


    ¡°Where did you get your clothes from?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng picked up the sunglasses at the front of the car and put them on, ¡°Picked them up on the road. Handsome ba, ah?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s such a cloudy day today who are you trying to show off to with your sunglasses?!¡±


    As soon as Zhou Sheng entered the dream, he discovered that he had been inexplicably transported to a rainforest clearing. He searched for Yu Hao everywhere and inadvertently came across a deserted three-storey building. The building was rather run down and seemed like an unmanned inn. There was even a jeep parked in front of the inn. He scoured the inn for awhile, and realised that every room had the same furnishings. There was a pistol on every table, so he collected all the pistols and went to the front desk to search for a bag. When he chanced upon a military camouflage uniform, he casually put it on.


    ¡°Here.¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look. A cloth bag had been thrown onto the backseat, and it was filled with identical pistols.


    Yu Hao, ¡°How did you know that I was in the rainforest?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I was leisurely driving around for a couple of laps until I realised that the mountain in the distance seemed more and more like the place where we went for our spring excursion¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ah!¡±


    So Zhou Sheng had suspected that if Yu Hao wasn¡¯t the owner of Chen Yekai¡¯s safe haven, then he should be on Mt. Tianqing ¡ª or they could even speculate that the safe haven was also on Mt. Tianqing.


    ¡°So you drove over.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And found me at the foot of Mt. Tianqing.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Whew, that was a close one. Don¡¯t roam around randomly in the future, just wait for me at your original spot.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare tell Zhou Sheng that before he encountered the panthers, the suspension bridge that rotated 360 degrees was even more horrifying, lest he got another fright. So he could only utter an ¡°un¡± in response. He suddenly remembered that his back had been scratched by a panther, and as he turned around, he instantly realised something.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange.¡± Yu Hao murmured.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Zhou Sheng slowed down and gave Yu Hao a sidelong look.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Look at my back.¡±


    Yu Hao had been bare chested ever since he descended the mountains. He shifted sideways so for Zhou Sheng to see and muttered to himself, ¡°Why is it gone?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s fair shoulders and back were very slim and looked extremely erotic. The corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Hey, could you put on your clothes first? Are you trying to seduce me?¡±


    Yu Hao patted about with his hand behind him. The wounds on his back had really disappeared.


    ¡°A mon¡­¡­I accidentally injured myself.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And it¡¯s healed now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stepped on the pedal and stopped the car. His fingers caressed Yu Hao¡¯s back, ¡°Where? How did you injure it?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt a little uneasy. Zhou Sheng was also acting a bit unnaturally. This action was extremely ambiguous, and as far as Yu Hao could remember, Zhou Sheng had never treated him this intimately before.


    ¡°Put your clothes on first.¡± Zhou Sheng snapped out of his trance. He took Yu Hao¡¯s shirt and shook it open, then Yu Hao put his hand through a sleeve. The white shirt was so dirty that it was unbearable to look at.


    ¡°Your wounds will heal automatically¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao pulled down the cover of the compartment in front of him and found a swiss army knife. It sprung open, and Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±


    Yu Hao gently sliced his finger. Blood oozed out, but the wound healed on its own very quickly.


    ¡°See?¡±


    ¡°But you still can¡¯t cut yourself!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, then confiscated the army knife.


    ¡°So in his impression of me, I can ¡®Regenerate¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng said with discontent, ¡°Kaikai thinks that you can heal on your own no matter what kind of injury you suffer.¡±


    Yu Hao seemed to understand something. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re here, get down and have a look.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao got off the car and slammed the door closed. Yu Hao was facing a three-storey building situated on high ground, hidden within the woods. ¡°What is this place?¡±


    ¡°His conscious world is too big.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When I was driving around looking for you, I saw an assortment of strange statues in the distance. There were even some trees with pictures hanging off their branches.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Kaikai must have been to many places, but where is he?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about looking for him now, it¡¯s about the right time for him to be waking up in reality. Help me look at something else first.¡±


    They approached the front of the building, where a sign was displayed outside it.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What does it mean? Can you translate it?¡±


    ¡°Comenz¨® a Final. It¡¯s Spanish.¡± Yu Hao had just enrolled in Spanish this semester, so he could roughly understand the words.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡®final¡¯ means the end, right?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡®final¡¯ has the same meaning in English and Spanish. The name of this inn is ¡®Beginning and the End¡¯.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao passed by the front desk of the inn: this was a typical inn that could be found in South America. In the hall outside the front desk on the first floor, the ceiling fan was still revolving despite electricity being absent in the conscious world. But everything here and the rules that governed it were formed by the owner¡¯s understanding of reality, so Yu Hao didn¡¯t think it was strange anymore.


    ¡°Have you seen an NPC?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not even one. NPCs don¡¯t exist in this dream, and that¡¯s the weirdest thing about it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Could they have been dragged away by the monsters?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, ¡°There aren¡¯t any traces of fighting, so that¡¯s unlikely. Let¡¯s go upstairs.¡±


    When they reached the second floor, Yu Hao pushed open the door to a room. There were a few outdated movie posters stuck onto the walls of the minimally furnished room. There was a disorderly bed and a desk, but aside from those, there was nothing else inside the room. Zhou Sheng pointed at the desk, ¡°I found the pistol there.¡±


    Yu Hao had a persistent sensation of an ominous atmosphere within this room.


    ¡°What does this represent?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Take note of the floor, and the desk.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    The floor was a bit dirty, but a small area in front of the desk and the desk itself had been wiped clean.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Take note of everything that exists in the dream world, they¡¯re all closely linked to reality. When we find the dream Kaikai, we need to carefully think through what everything that we have seen symbolises.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If even you can¡¯t understand it, then how could I guess what it means?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°You definitely understand him better than I do. You¡¯ve been to his house, did his dormitory look like this?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao laid down on the bed and said, ¡°Clearly, this was an inn that he had stayed in before.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is the sole modern building in his conscious world. Yu Hao, I always feel that this room had left a very deep impression in his mind.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for awhile. ¡°Even though all the rooms in this inn are similar, not all the rooms should present itself in exactly the same way. However, even the messy angles of the bedsheets and position of the guns are the same.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said meaningfully, ¡°So he had stayed in this room before.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was splitting. If they were in the real world, he could still rely on logic, but this is the conscious world, so the owner¡¯s thoughts became even more elusive.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t know him as well as you do¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been to Iguazu Falls.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And he¡¯s been to South America too. I do know that.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°He told you?¡±


    Yu Hao was instantly paralyzed with shock. He thought about it for a moment. He had never told Zhou Sheng Chen Yekai¡¯s secret, and just as he was hesitating over whether or not to divulge it, Zhou Sheng had keenly grasped the key point within:


    ¡°He went alone?¡±


    Yu Hao was silent. Zhou Sheng promptly snapped his fingers, ¡°I understand now.¡±


    ¡°What did you understand?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh.


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Did he lend you that shirt?¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±. Zhou Sheng grasped Yu Hao¡¯s shirt with his fingers, ¡°This isn¡¯t new, and it isn¡¯t his style.¡±


    ¡°I happened to choose it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What does that have to do with this inn?¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°This is a place that left a very deep impression on him. He went to Iguazu Falls with his boyfriend, right? When they were travelling in South America, they stayed at this inn.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Connect it to the gun that was placed here.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Think about it, what could have happened?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Yu Hao blurted out, ¡°You think that he killed his boyfriend here? I won¡¯t believe that! I won¡¯t!¡±


    Zhou Sheng exploded immediately, ¡°Are you crazy?! Who would think that way?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Think about that recording, that recording! Lin Xun¡¯s recording!¡±


    Suddenly, a thought flashed through the turmoil of thoughts in Yu Hao¡¯s mind.


    ¡°¡­¡­it¡¯s him. When I saw him, only one thought filled my mind ¡ª in this reincarnation cycle, I¡¯ve met another kid like Ryuusei again¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei committed suicide here!¡± Yu Hao bolted upright from the bed.


    Zhou Sheng answered calmly, ¡°That¡¯s right, and he did it with this pistol.¡±


    Zhou Sheng also laid on the bed. Yu Hao muttered, ¡°No wonder¡­¡­I get it now.¡±


    Yu Hao recalled the day after he burned charcoal. When he went to the college, he saw Chen Yekai looking up information on crisis intervention on the internet¡­¡­in that photo, a slightly melancholic young man stood in front of Iguazu Falls ¡ª that young man¡¯s name was ¡°Ryuusei¡±.


    Chen Yekai was once in love with Ryuusei. They visited the Iguazu Falls, and perhaps they had gone to other places in South and Central America too, and stayed in this inn before.


    ¡°But halfway through the trip.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why would he¡­¡­commit suicide? And he didn¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the name of this place ¡®Beginning and the End¡¯?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In his conscious world, the alternative name he gave this inn comprises both a ¡®beginning¡¯, and an ¡®end¡¯. Their feelings began here, and in the end, Ryuusei returned to this place to commit suicide.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Dollars: cries a river for beloved Kaikai.


    Ame: ;O;


    Zryuu: Ryuusei ;-;


    ¡ª

 Chapter 43 - Ryuusei

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch43 ¨C Ryuusei


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°So we can roughly guess the source of the suffering in his heart. Get up, let¡¯s go to the rooftop.¡±


    Zhou Sheng reached out to Yu Hao with a hand that was wearing black fingerless gloves, then vigorously pulled him up. They walked up the stairs from the third floor to reach the inn¡¯s rooftop. From here, they could see most of the rainforest. In the centre of it, under the dusk sky, Yu Hao could clearly make out an enormous waterfall.


    On the other side of the waterfall was an enclosed area that appeared to be a stone city.


    ¡°That¡¯s a South American something- a pyramid.¡± Zhou Sheng said doubtfully, ¡°Perhaps it was one of the scenic spots they visited during their travels, I¡¯m not very familiar with these things. Take another look at this conscious world, what else can you sense?¡±


    Yu Hao stood against the backdrop of the vast pitch-black sky. The dark clouds above exuded a heavy and oppressive presence. In every direction, they could see the parts of the rainforest that were burning. Fiery punishments incessantly descended from the heavens, and most of the rainforest blazed brightly within the thunderstorm.


    ¡°It¡¯s falling apart.¡± This was the first thing Yu Hao sensed, ¡°Why is there so much lightning? I remember it appearing in Shi Ni¡¯s dreamscape as well.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Lightning represents the owner¡¯s anger. He¡¯s destroying his own conscious world. Those bolts of lightning are Kaikai¡¯s emotional outbursts.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s destroying his own world?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the crux.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly turned around and looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng was staring into the distance, ¡°He has already realised that he¡¯s going out of control.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about the panthers that chased him; they had been covered in asphalt from head to toe. He murmured, ¡°So he set all these fires by himself! He wants to burn all the monsters here! Where the hell is he?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This place is too big. As long as he hides in the rainforest, no one will be able to find him, so we can only wait for him to come out by himself. Are you sure that you really weren¡¯t in his safe haven when you appeared here?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I¡¯m very sure! No one would use that suspension bridge as a safe haven!¡±


    ¡°Then nearby?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao narrowed his eyes. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Theoretically speaking, safe havens can be self-destructive.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What?! You never told me that!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°Hypothetically, if a person is determined to never seek asylum again and chooses to abandon the only safe haven he has left, then that place would gradually disappear from his conscious world or get destroyed. That should be the principle ba?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered the debris he saw after he ran across the suspension bridge.


    ¡°You need to find a way to help him rebuild his safe haven, then call him to the safe haven and make him wait there.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Or jog his memory and make him return to this inn. We can only find that guy if he appears of his own accord¡­¡­Yu Hao, he¡¯s about to wake up.¡±


    The surrounding scenery began to disintegrate. The mountain ranges in the distance gradually twisted before vanishing into the air like a fog ¡ª this was the first time Yu Hao watched the whole process of waking up from a dream. The world was rapidly disappearing, starting from the boundary of the subconscious as it spread towards the center.


    The time they spent in the rainforest world was very short. Perhaps it was because Chen Yekai had long suffered from insomnia and didn¡¯t fall asleep until dawn, so Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had waited for quite awhile beside the Golden Crow Wheel.


    This meant that they did not have much time left to search for the whereabouts of Chen Yekai in his dream.


    ¡°Ready?¡± Zhou Sheng raised his hand and his palm shone with a golden light, ¡°Get ready to wake up and eat breakfast.¡±


    ¡°What happens after someone gets ejected by the owner?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your head hurts after waking up, it¡¯ll feel like someone woke you up while you were still in a deep slumber.¡±


    No wonder Zhou Sheng is always lying on his table to take a nap. Yu Hao suddenly noticed a rumble that could be heard rising up from the middle of the rainforest, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around and realised that something was wrong.


    In a covert area of the tropical rainforest, dull footsteps could be heard, accompanied by the sound of collapsing trees, as if a road was being cleared.


    ¡°It¡¯s coming towards us.¡± Yu Hao said.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Seems like something huge.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And it¡¯s getting faster, but we don¡¯t need to be afraid of it now.¡±


    Ktf qjat ajxfc ys atf mbibrrji atlcu atja kjr tlvlcu lc atf gjlcobgfra kjr nfgs mifjg. Pa kjr tfjvlcu ragjluta obg atf lcc atja atfs kfgf rffxlcu rtfiafg lc. Itbe Vtfcu rjlv, ¡°Qtfc kf mbwf yjmx cfza alwf, ufa gfjvs obg yjaaif, la¡¯r eq ab sbe lc gfjilas cbk!¡±


    While this was happening, the unremitting disappearance of the dream world had spread all the way to the place they were standing. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng vanished simultaneously with a ¡°buzz¡±; the sky, the earth, the rainforest, and Iguazu Falls all evaporated, like a universe collapsing and shrinking into a small speck of flashing light¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªChen Yekai awoke from his dream.


    He sighed. He was surrounded by a mess of sealed cartons and dust. He lay quietly as he stared blankly at the ceiling, then turned around and curled up on the sofa. For some reason, last night he had dreamed of countless images of the past that flashed before his eyes, one after another.


    The dirty inn, their naked bodies, the fair skin of that young man, their physical bodies that were entangled with each other, as well as the sounds of their heavy breathing. For Chen Yekai, the strongest impression that remained from that afternoon was of Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s moist red lips, his pure white teeth, as well as the provocative sensation of warmth from his body.


    Their sweat had almost soaked the sheets entirely. Behind the dense canopy of leaves and the dark curtains outside the window, the sunlight that flooded through them landed upon his naked back and made him appear so dazzling that it seemed like a dream.


    They had once been so in love that Chen Yekai had been so entranced to the point where the outside world seemed to disappear. That year, he was 21 years old, and it was the first time he tried making love to the 19-year-old man, and it was also the first time in his life to do so. When Nakagawa Ryuusei looked at him, he seemed as if he was looking at a blazing sun that belonged only to him.


    Chen Yekai had also tried to control and suppress himself, to construct a dam and repress those unreasonable feelings. But in the end, it collapsed, and the moment it gave way, his emotions roared as they overflowed, rushing downwards like the Iguazu falls. Chen Yekai fucked him like he had gone crazy, and at the moment he shot into Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s body, he couldn¡¯t even believe that his heart could contain such an intense and boundless love, until those turbulent feelings were within reach below him.


    ¡°What do you like about me?¡± Chen Yekai had asked Nakagawa Ryuusei before.


    Nakagawa Ryuusei thought for a long time, and finally answered him seriously in Spanish. Afterwards, Chen Yekai went to ask a few people, and all their reactions were the same after they heard his question ¡ª they laughed until they had to hold their stomachs and refused to answer him.


    Later on, a Chinese student answered him with a smile. That slang had several meanings in Spanish, but he was sure that Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s meaning after translation into Chinese was: ¡°Big and lively dick.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s face immediately flushed red.


    It has already been four years since he lost Nakagawa Ryuusei, yet everything still seemed as if it had just happened yesterday. Every detail, every word, and even the feeling of the sunlight that streamed in through the windows onto his bare back and their kisses that were blended with sweat, all still felt incredibly real.


    The doorbell rang twice.


    ¡°Coming.¡± Chen Yekai replied in a soft voice.


    The doorbell rang again.


    ¡°Coming!¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, absolutely worn out. He picked up the cup of water beside the sofa and finished what was left inside in one gulp before he went to open the door. A few couriers were waiting outside the door. They carried his boxes downstairs, then passed him the bill to sign.


    Chen Yekai stood in front of the door for awhile.


    Just as he was about to close the door, a hand rested against the door frame before slowly pushing open the door, and Yu Hao¡¯s pale and restless face appeared before him.


    ¡°Morning.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Morning.¡± Chen Yekai said softly. From Yu Hao¡¯s expression, he could tell that it seemed like he was in quite a poor state today, so he quickly wiped his face with his hand before turning around to go wash up.


    Yu Hao had come unannounced. He went to one side to draw the curtains, and with a swish, the glaring sunlight illuminated the empty dormitory.


    Yu Hao drew open all the curtains, and the sunlight began to burn Chen Yekai¡¯s soul. He used his hand to shield himself and gradually became accustomed to the late spring¡¯s warm sun. After he finished washing up, Chen Yekai twisted the hot water tap and bent over to wash his hair in the sink. The hot water flowed past his ears and into his eyes. He stretched his hand out to try and find something, Yu Hao handed him a towel.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Chen Yekai placed his passport in his backpack.


    Yu Hao pulled a chair out and sat down at the dining table.


    ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer, and only stared at Chen Yekai quietly.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°What do you want to drink?¡± Then immediately realised, ¡°The coffee machine has already been moved out.¡±


    Yu Hao studied the dormitory that had been emptied out. He and Chen Yekai sat on opposite ends of the dining table, and within this empty world, only sunlight remained. Chen Yekai never looked at Yu Hao from the start, he only stared at the table in a trance.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t there anything you want to say?¡± Yu Hao suddenly asked.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°My flight¡¯s at 12:50. I wanted to find you at 9:30 to say goodbye, but you came early.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What if I had class?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°You have no classes today.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What if I went out?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have left the college. You would have/watched your phone all day, waiting for my message.¡±


    After their simple conversation, they quietened down again. Chen Yekai smiled a bit sadly, ¡°Thank you very much for that night.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but joke, ¡°You¡¯re welcome. This tablecloth looks quite nice.¡± After all, ever since the two of them met today, they have just been staring blankly at the tablecloth.


    Chen Yekai knew what Yu Hao meant, so he began to laugh after he heard his words. He had a handsome countenance, his laughter was very infectious, and he even had small dimples on his cheeks. Even if Yu Hao didn¡¯t like him, he still felt quite happy to see such a handsome guy. If he had an older brother like him, then it would¡¯ve been something he could have been very proud of ba.


    The two of them looked at the tablecloth on the dining table again. Chen Yekai said, ¡°A skilled expert is like a magician. Once they grab a tablecloth, they can pull it away with one swift and neat movement. Everything on the table remains, but the tablecloth would be gone.¡±


    ¡°Are you talking about love?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°A moment in your life, a memory, these should all be like that ba.¡± Chen Yekai finally looked at Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°The world is much bigger than you think. Once you leave college and enter society, I believe that you¡¯ll meet someone who likes you, who you will also like in return. This path is very difficult, but it¡¯s not as difficult as you imagine it to be. The important thing is, you definitely shouldn¡¯t torture yourself.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart began jumping wildly. He knew that Chen Yekai could tell he likes Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai, ¡°May I ask a question? Why are you resigning? Can you tell me the truth?¡±


    After a brief silence, Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Because in this lifetime, there are too many things that I don¡¯t have the power to change. It made me gradually realise that changing an environment didn¡¯t mean that everything could restart from scratch.¡±


    ¡°For example?¡± Yu Hao said, and tried to suppress the questions that Zhou Sheng told him to ask about the truth behind Liang Jinmin¡¯s incident.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°For example, Nakagawa Ryuusei. You should¡¯ve heard of that name before ba?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Chen Yekai to actually take the initiative to raise this issue, so he became nervous at once. Yet Chen Yekai smiled as he said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s not something that can be concealed. Did you search me up online?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face looked blank, ¡°I didn¡¯t ah.¡±


    Now it was Chen Yekai¡¯s turn to be a little surprised.


    What Yu Hao was most worried about wasn¡¯t Ryuusei, but the extreme action Chen Yekai was about to take with his scalpel that night. But Chen Yekai clearly didn¡¯t want to mention it again and being trapped in such a mental state was quite dangerous.


    ¡°You really didn¡¯t?¡±


    Yu Hao recalled the past and said, ¡°I have, I remember now. I¡¯ve searched before, but I only found out that your English name is Nicky, and how you used to be the¡­¡­hottest guy at Columbia University.¡±


    ¡°It has been a lot of years since then.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°I was still an undergraduate then.¡±


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t find anything else.¡± Yu Hao felt about for his phone and flipped through its search record as he showed it to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai smiled as he waved his hand, ¡°I trust you.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s Ryuusei?¡± Yu Hao said.


    He had just finished asking his question when the doorbell suddenly rang. Yu Hao got up to open the door, Zhou Sheng walked in with breakfast from McDonald¡¯s. But it seemed as if Chen Yekai had expected this beforehand, and he smiled, ¡°And I was wondering why you didn¡¯t come, turns out you went to buy breakfast.¡±


    ¡°And you knew that I would come?¡± Zhou Sheng took out a coffee and a breakfast with the M mark on it and passed it to Chen Yekai.


    ¡°The two of you are inseparable.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°If Yu Hao¡¯s here, there¡¯s no reason for you not to come.¡±


    ¡°Originally I really didn¡¯t want to come, I thought that yesterday was our farewell.¡± Zhou Sheng removed the lid from his coffee cup. After he added some sugar and milk in it, he handed it to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Today doesn¡¯t count either. I don¡¯t like to say goodbye so seriously.¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t say goodbye, it¡¯ll seem like it¡¯s not over yet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only after you say ¡®see you again¡¯, that we really will see you again.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°So we¡¯ll still need to bid farewell with the words ¡®see you again¡¯.¡±


    This sentence seemed to have touched Chen Yekai, who once again fell into silence.


    ¡°If you want to talk, then let¡¯s chat ba.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°Don¡¯t try to bottle it all up.¡±


    These were the words that Chen Yekai had said to Yu Hao when they first met. After Zhou Sheng finished his breakfast, he cleaned everything up and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to class.¡±


    ¡°Sit ba.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You don¡¯t have classes today either, who are you putting on an act for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw the rubbish away and sat down at the dining table. Chen Yekai once again fell into a long period of silence.


    ¡°I believe you.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said. This was also what Chen Yekai had said to him the first time they met.


    ¡°What do you know? What¡¯s there to believe? Yet you still say that you¡¯ll believe me just like that.¡± Chen Yekai smiled as he spoke.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°We¡¯ll believe whatever you say.¡±


    They all held a cup of coffee in their hands. Chen Yekai took a sip of his black coffee, ¡°When I look at you sometimes, it¡¯s like I¡¯m looking at Nakagawa Ryuusei. Both of you are about the same height, and during our first meeting, you were both like melancholic princes. He was my junior, majoring in anthropology. He was Liang Laoshi¡¯s student, an undergraduate, Liang Laoshi seldom takes undergraduates under her wing¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng listened quietly.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s father is a very famous barrister, while his mother is a housewife. Since childhood, Chen Yekai has always had the best educational resources and by the time he was 17, he had already completed all of the courses in high school and had been admitted into Columbia University. His parents expected him to study abroad before returning to the country to get married, to look for a wife that he could live with in wedded bliss and have a happy life.


    And ever since he was a child, he had never seriously been in a relationship with anyone. He bore in mind what his family had taught him¡ª¡ªto leave all the feelings he had in this lifetime for the person that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Although he had never lacked suitors, Chen Yekai spent most of his time reading and learning instead.


    Within just two and a half years, he graduated from his undergraduate course. He became Lin Xun¡¯s postgraduate student when he was 20-years-old, and after he got to know Lin Xun and Liang Jinmin, he became Liang Jinmin¡¯s assistant teacher.


    He¡¯s practically that kid you see in the newspapers ¡ª the perfect example of an outstanding person. When Yu Hao heard Chen Yekai¡¯s history, he couldn¡¯t help but think this in his heart.


    When he was an assistant teacher, Chen Yekai often helped Liang Jinmin grade papers and read her students¡¯ papers, which was how he came to know the name ¡®Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯. Ryuusei¡¯s father was Chinese, while his mother was Japanese. She was the daughter of the chairman of a multinational corporation, and coincidentally, his father was an employee of said corporation who was in charge of receiving the charmain and his family. That was when he and Ryuusei¡¯s mother fell into the river of love.


    After she returned to Japan, Nakagawa Tenshu gave birth to a very good-looking mixed-blood child, and Ryuusei also acquired another identity ¡ª a son born out of wedlock.


    Ryuusei was a lonely child. His parents¡¯ transnational marriage, coupled with his maternal and paternal families¡¯ hostility, their scorn for his father, the mockery and disdain for their love, his relatives¡¯ gazes, and everything else, had caused him to seal his heart. In the end, his maternal grandfather forked out a sum of money and made arrangements for him to study abroad, and Ryuusei finally managed to escape that ¡®suffocating place¡¯.


    Chen Yekai then walked into his life, but he didn¡¯t realise how his existence had illuminated Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s world. After they got acquainted, Chen Yekai began to take care of Ryuusei in his capacity as a senior, and gradually, the feelings between them grew deeper and deeper.


    It was not until Chen Yekai realised that Ryuusei was in love with him before he knew it was too late. He had already begun to be infatuated with Ryuusei¡¯s melancholic and quiet temperament, as well as his dependence on himself ¡ª that kind of feeling where he was the only one in his whole world.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly had a vague realisation of the hidden meaning behind Chen Yekai¡¯s remarks today. This wasn¡¯t just his memory of his old lover, but also a message to Zhou Sheng, telling them to face their feelings directly.


    It was as if Yu Hao was getting to know Chen Yekai again. A violent undercurrent of gratitude surged through his heart for Chen Yekai.


    He wanted to thank Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai seemed to have read it from his eyes, and he gave him a simple smile in return.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 44 - Pouring Your Heart Out

    Seizing Dreams


    Ch44 ¨C Pouring Your Heart Out


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Naturally, Lin Xun was opposed to the relationship. Lin Xun wanted to nurture Chen Yekai, get him to hold a teaching position in Columbia as well as become his assistant. However, dating a student while he was a teacher¡¯s assistant would greatly affect Chen Yekai¡¯s future.


    But Liang Jinmin encouraged Chen Yekai. She told him that as long as he was clear about his own feelings, then he had nothing to fear. He could take the initiative to resign, or change universities, or even cease his studies and plot a new course for his future.


    Chen Yekai spent a long time hesitating. Ryuusei also understood that although Chen Yekai was the only one in his world, Chen Yekai¡¯s life couldn¡¯t solely revolve around him. Ryuusei didn¡¯t understand love, and also never knew how to express himself well. He chose to retreat and escape; he decided that he didn¡¯t want to be a burden on Chen Yekai anymore, so he prepared to drop out from college and return to Japan. But right before submitting his application to discontinue his studies, he asked Chen Yekai to accompany him to Argentina to see the Iguazu Falls.


    During that trip, Chen Yekai finally faced his feelings. To him, Ryuusei was like a drug that could make him forget everything, indulge in it, and feel true happiness. It was as if he had been born for him, and existed just for him.


    But after they returned to school, the effects of the love drug disappeared. Chen Yekai had to directly deal with Lin Xun¡¯s anger and the complaints lodged by the students in Liang Jinmin¡¯s class. On one side was the profession that he had loved since childhood, while on the other was Ryuusei¡¯s future. Finally, with Lin Xun¡¯s intervention, the college relented and gave him a lenient punishment by removing Chen Yekai from his position and allowing him to continue his postgraduate studies with Lin Xun.


    Lin Xun had considered being a matchmaker for Chen Yekai by arranging a marriage between his favourite pupil and the daughter of an old acquaintance. However, in the end, Chen Yekai had not only gotten involved in a relationship with an undergraduate, he even came out to his family. They had arguments so heated that the heavens and earth trembled, and he almost broke off all ties with his family. Usually within the country, homosexuality was understood and tolerated, but not when it came to their own son. Yet Chen Yekai disregarded other people¡¯s opinions and lived together with Ryuusei after resigning from his teaching assistant position.


    After their relationship had stabilised, Lin Xun asked Chen Yekai to spend more time on his studies and research. Chen Yekai began to settle down after the initial honeymoon phase of their relationship and started to consider his plans for the future.


    But like all couples, Chen Yekai and Ryuusei entered a period of friction after the initial period of infatuation., They began to face all sorts of difficulties, such as¡­¡­Ryuusei¡¯s need for company, but Chen Yekai had to spend most of his time at college working on his research; Chen Yekai occasionally neglected Ryuusei¡¯s feelings; having different attitudes towards their families, friends, relatives, mentors¡­¡­ and so on, it was Chen Yekai¡¯s first relationship, so he felt a bit lost when he was suddenly bombarded with all these conflicts and he neglected Ryuusei¡¯s feelings.


    He needed time to read and study and was used to being alone. In fact, for many years, he had spent most of his time studying and rarely cared about the thoughts of the people around him. Living together with Ryuusei was tantamount to entering a marriage, and he did not understand how to make their marriage work back then.


    ¡°I still remember, Ryuusei would always wake up in the middle of the night with a start.¡± Chen Yekai pondered, ¡°Then turn around and hug me. He was so afraid of losing me¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng listened quietly. The coffee had already turned cold.


    Chen Yekai continued, ¡°At that time, I was tired, very very tired. I had hoped that he would be a little quieter. I was always exhausted during the day, yet I couldn¡¯t get enough sleep at night. Sometimes when I was in my lab, I would even become a little apprehensive about returning home. During that time, we seldom spoke. I was always anxious. I didn¡¯t know when he would suddenly flare up and start shouting at me¡­¡­you haven¡¯t been in a relationship yet, so you won¡¯t quite understand that feeling.¡±


    For Chen Yekai, the responsibility of ¡°family¡± became heavier and heavier. He tried to improve his communication with Ryuusei, but every time after they talked it out, within a few days everything would return to how it was before. And afterwards, something happened that dealt a devastating blow to their relationship¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªOne of Ryuusei¡¯s friends borrowed his phone and found a short video of them having sex and transferred it to his own phone, then began circulating it within a small circle. But in the end, they didn¡¯t know who uploaded it onto Tumblr, and it caused quite a stir.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It has already been deleted.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There were some downloads, but we couldn¡¯t do anything about that. When we had just gotten together, we were so in love that we lost our minds and filmed a few parts. Later on, I almost shot Ryuusei¡¯s friend to death¡­¡­but fortunately, I restrained myself at the last moment under his persuasion¡­¡­sometimes I feel that I have a kind of hysterical tendency towards violence that is inherent in my personality, it¡¯s just that in most situations, it is hidden very well.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately remembered Chen Yekai¡¯s method of resolving the conflict that night.


    ¡°Well, a lot of foreigners like to make such videos.¡± Zhou Sheng changed the subject, ¡°Heterosexuals are the same too, what¡¯s wrong with trying to keep memories of your youth?¡±


    Chen Yekai laughed, ¡°You probably won¡¯t be interested in it. Yu Hao, don¡¯t search for it, it¡¯s too embarrassing. But you shouldn¡¯t be able to find it.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said in embarrassment, ¡°I¡­¡­I promise I won¡¯t search for it!¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei has always incessantly apologised to me for that.¡± Chen Yekai sighed, ¡°I was just really irritated. The attitudes of my students, the comments my friends made behind my back¡­¡­I was so irritated that it was intolerable, and a lot of people came to my INS to leave messages¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei should have been the one who was most distressed ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But later on, I suggested that we should separate for awhile to calm ourselves down. I wanted to finish writing my graduation thesis before taking him to South America ¡ª somewhere we travelled to before ¡ª to Peru¡¯s Macchu Pichu, and many other places¡­¡­ including a visit to the white chapel at the southernmost part of the world to get married.¡±


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    Shortly afterwards, Ryuusei came back again. Chen Yekai noticed that Ryuusei¡¯s mental state seemed a bit off, so he brought him to the doctor and discovered that he was suffering from depression. It had several causes: hereditary (due to his family¡¯s history), the insecurity he felt in their relationship, anxiety, the guilt he felt from the video that circulated, how he had to face all of the ¡°kind and comforting words¡± of others¡­¡­this was a physiological problem, so he needed to take medication for it. During that period, Chen Yekai was overwrought because of how busy he was. He wanted to give up on his graduation thesis, but Ryuusei insisted that he should continue with what he was doing, or else he wouldn¡¯t stay with him.


    Chen Yekai could only supervise him to ensure that he would take his medicine on time and bought the tickets as he prepared to take Ryuusei away after his thesis defence. However, on the day of the defence, Ryuusei didn¡¯t come over for a dinner date with Chen Yekai, as they had planned.


    He had left home by himself again. Chen Yekai immediately went to report it to the police, but the police ignored it because it did not constitute a disappearance. Chen Yekai discovered Ryuusei had changed his flight reservation, so he flew directly to Argentina from New York that day. He chased him to Argentina and went to the inn that they had booked¡­¡­


    ¡°He had already committed suicide.¡± Chen Yekai said calmly.


    ¡°When I arrived, the scene had already been cleaned up. The inn changed its bed sheets, hired a few workers to paint the walls. The police showed me the gun that he bought from the black market that was placed in a plastic bag.¡± Chen Yekai said in a daze, ¡°I remember every single detail from that day¡­¡­there was a white bed sheet covering his body, and all the blood had dried¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it, Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    Chen Yekai briefly laughed, ¡°Outside of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ is a broad Cuju court. Legend has it that one of the ancient Mayan customs was that within a Cuju match, the leader of the victorious side would become a sacrifice. Their heads would be cut off and offered to the gods.¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei liked watching me play soccer. I scored a goal for him in front of some tourists that day.¡± Chen Yekai murmured, ¡°I kicked the ball from the court that passed through the iron ring used in matches, and perhaps, at that time, I already liked him¡­¡­I was willing to dedicate the rest of my life, and even sacrifice my life, to my one and only god.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s also a well in the middle of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Ryuusei told me that he believes that was the path for the Mayans¡¯ reincarnation. He always wanted to go there, from this life, to the next. He knew that I didn¡¯t love him, but he still wanted to make a wish with me by the well to be best friends in this lifetime. And in the next life, to take it a step further, and become my lover.¡±


    ¡°I could feel how deep his love was for me, so deep that it extended from this incarnation to the next. But I thought, I have enough courage to say the words ¡®I love you too¡¯ in this lifetime, so why wait for the next?¡±


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s the end of the story. I have to go now.¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent for awhile. Chen Yekai finished the rest of his coffee and stood up, ¡°When I heard your story in the treatment room, I wanted to comfort you, Yu Hao. But I understood that after all is said and done, the power of speech is limited. So I could only say that, you can consider me as your friend, and as a big brother who would be willing to listen to you.¡±


    ¡°I also knew that I didn¡¯t know how to comfort you that night; just like how you didn¡¯t know how to comfort me this morning. Anything we say would be too feeble and futile, but our souls can produce a kind of weak resonance right here and now, from the hardships that we have suffered.¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°And from my betrayal of another soul. I will never be able to redeem myself for the mistakes I¡¯ve made, but you still have a long life ahead of you, so you¡¯ll have even more possibilities and sunlight.¡±


    ¡°How you wanted to comfort me today, was just like how I felt at that time. I think that perhaps, this is enough.¡±


    Chen Yekai had only one backpack for luggage since the rest had already been sent away. He walked downstairs, and a car was waiting behind the college.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± Chen Yekai said to them, ¡°A hug?¡±


    Chen Yekai gave Zhou Sheng a hug first, then Yu Hao. When he embraced Yu Hao, he forcefully patted his back, ¡°Remember what I said.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes were completely red, but Chen Yekai got on the car and left through the college¡¯s back gate.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng sat down in front of the steps to the teacher¡¯s dormitory building. They looked at each other, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were a little red too. ¡°This sunlight is really too fucking glaring.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°In his heart, he doesn¡¯t even have a safe haven now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Where was his express delivery sent to? Did you take note of it?¡±


    Yu Hao calmed down and retrieved his phone, ¡°I took a picture.¡±


    ¡°Check the address.¡± Zhou Sheng shook his cigarette pack. Only one cigarette butt was left.


    ¡°Stop smoking.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not good for the heart.¡±


    ¡°Just two puffs.¡± Zhou Sheng pinched his nose, ¡°My nose is blocked, just two puffs. He still hasn¡¯t said anything about that night.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Could it be because of the conflict with Ryuusei in the past, combined with how Liang Laoshi had to suffer domestic violence at home, so he¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered in a calm voice, ¡°His speech and actions were very normal. Ryuusei¡¯s death wasn¡¯t Lin Xun¡¯s fault, and domestic violence wouldn¡¯t make him so angry that he would want to kill Lin Xun with his own hands¡­¡­remember his conscious world? There was lightning everywhere. He wants to destroy himself. This is a more radical course of action to take than falling into his subconscious of his own accord. We need to drag him back and ask him clearly, if it was just like what we had guessed.¡±


    Yu Hao looked down as he checked the address of Chen Yekai¡¯s express delivery and ruminated on Zhou Sheng¡¯s words. Under the sunlight, Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao quietly. He had a very complicated gaze, and his brows were locked in a deep furrow.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yu Hao looked up from his phone and asked, baffled.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhou Sheng turned his head away and felt about for his phone. After he thought for a bit, he stretched out the hand that was holding his phone and took a selfie of them both.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Smile?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re crazy ba¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Smile ba.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the camera and took a selfie with Zhou Sheng. His expression looked like he was both crying and laughing at the same time, and also looked like he had been blinded by the sunlight.


    ¡°Will life always be so painful? Or is it only like this when we¡¯re young?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°It¡¯ll always be the case.¡± Yu Hao casually answered. He found the address of Chen Yekai¡¯s express delivery; he had paid special attention to it when it was being taken away as he went up the stairs, ¡°This is the address of a public welfare organization¡­¡­that¡¯s strange¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He wants to donate his things.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where will he go? I saw him take his passport.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He should be returning to the United States. He has already cut off ties with his family, so he won¡¯t go home. And he even emptied everything in his house to give it all away. I keep feeling that this all seems very ominous¡­¡­let¡¯s go to sleep ba. Go and get our identity cards, then we¡¯ll get a room outside the school.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure that he¡¯ll fall asleep later?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He didn¡¯t sleep much last night, so he must be very tired right now. I¡¯m guessing that he¡¯ll sleep for a short while on the plane. Ah I need to sleep too¡­¡­¡± He yawned as he spoke, ¡°I keep feeling like I didn¡¯t get much sleep last night.¡±


    Yu Hao said stubbornly, ¡°If you take an afternoon nap, what if you can¡¯t fall asleep at night?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then I¡¯ll take sleeping pills bei!¡±


    Two guys buying sleeping pills and getting a room together, that¡¯s really weird, Yu Hao thought.


    At noon, Chen Yekai arrived at Ying city¡¯s airport. After he passed through the security checks, he entered the first-class area.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be eating.¡± Chen Yekai said to the flight attendant, ¡°Don¡¯t disturb me later, I¡¯ll be sleeping. Thank you.¡±


    In the world of consciousness.


    ¡°See! Didn¡¯t I say so!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He would definitely fall asleep!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where do we go to look for him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let¡¯s just drive away from this place first!¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s words had confirmed Zhou Sheng¡¯s conjecture. This three-storey building wouldn¡¯t be the safe haven, and they needed to find the Chen Yekai in this world as soon as possible. Yu Hao went downstairs and looked at the dense amalgamation of dark clouds that covered the horizon and the raging thunderstorms in this world of rainforest


    Compared with yesterday, there were even more places in the tropical rainforest on fire now.


    The trees were still collapsing, showing the tracks of a colossal thing that had rampaged through it. Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Zhou Sheng had already left the inn. He shouted from outside, ¡°Jump down! Yu Hao!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Something¡¯s coming!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then run!!¡±


    Yu Hao vaulted over the rooftop¡¯s guardrail, stepped on the third floor¡¯s window, then jumped onto the awning of the second floor and slid down. Zhou Sheng drove the jeep over and securely caught hold of Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are your eggs alright!¡±


    ¡°Quit it!¡± Yu Hao picked up a pistol and unlocked its safety catch. Zhou Sheng drove around to the front door of the inn, then placed one hand on the back of his seat, turned his head and drove the car in reverse.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Your clothes¡­¡­why did they change?¡±


    Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng¡¯s shirt had actually turned into the navy blue shirt that Chen Yekai wore when he took the picture with Nakagawa Ryuusei in front of the Iguazu Falls!


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng had no time to pay attention to his clothes, so he only realised it when Yu Hao reminded him. He was wearing a navy blue shirt and the camouflage trousers from his military camouflage set from before, ¡°I don¡¯t know?! This is what I wore the last time, it¡¯s so damn effeminate!¡±


    ¡°How is it effeminate?!¡± Yu Hao roared angrily.


    ¡°Yu Hao are you nuts?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re on the run, and you¡¯re telling me a shirt like this isn¡¯t effeminate?!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who mentioned it first!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s here!¡±¡± Zhou Sheng had just reversed when a roar suddenly reverberated around them. A black giant crashed through the rainforest and rushed headlong up the hill!


    With a gun in hand, Yu Hao actually forgot to shoot for a moment. All they could see was a 10-metre-tall Tyrannosaurus Rex appear and step over their jeep, and a shadow was instantly cast over their heads.


    ¡°Wah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That guy Kaikai has such a huge hole in his brain, there are even dinosaurs in his dream?¡±


    In the next moment, the Tyrannosaurus Rex smashed into the inn that was constructed out of bricks and tiles and knocked half of the building down.. Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Go ah!!¡±


    Both of them snapped out of their stupor. Zhou Sheng stepped on the accelerator, and the jeep almost hurtled straight down the hill. When the Tyrannosaurus Rex noticed the noise, it immediately looked down and released a loud ¡°ao¡± roar as it bolted towards them!


    ¡°Where did you learn how to drive?¡±


    ¡°I have no license! I learned it in the arcade!¡±


    ¡°Shooting too?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s all your nonsense coming from?!¡± Zhou Sheng drove with Yu Hao in the car, then accelerated in full force as they raced all the way down the hill. It was as if the world was trembling when the Tyrannosaurus Rex chased after them. Yu Hao turned around with a gun in hand and fired several shots at the Tyrannosaurus Rex in succession.


    ¡°I think I really do need to learn a skill that I could turn into my forte.¡± Yu Hao said as he looked at the Tyrannosaurus Rex.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I think so too!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 45 - Apology

    Ch45 ¨C Apology


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars, Juurensha and Wuxian


    ¡ª


    A loud rumble resounded with each stride of the Tyrannosaurus Rex, and each step spanned a distance of nearly five to six metres as it relentlessly pursued them. It suddenly unleashed a loud ¡°ao¡± which shook the windshield of the jeep until it was rattling nonstop. Yu Hao said, ¡°This gun is useless against it!¡±


    ¡°Aim at its eyes!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Or its nostrils!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t aim!¡±


    The large head of the Tyrannosaurus Rex swayed from side to side and crushed a huge tree trunk it collided with. Yu Hao constantly fired at it as it quickly gained on them, and one of the bullets had hit somewhere that caused the Tyrannosaurus Rex to roar in fury. It had been thoroughly enraged. It quickened, but suddenly, the whole world violently quaked!


    The Tyrannosaurus Rex, the jeep, and even the surrounding trees and the soil they were rooted in tossed upwards.


    Yu Hao, ¡°An earthquake?¡±


    The conscious world immediately sank down again. Zhou Sheng instantly reacted, ¡°He¡¯s on the plane! Could he have encountered turbulence?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Yu Hao had never been on an airplane before.


    The world shook a few times. The Tyrannosaurus Rex wavered and tenaciously struggled to regain its footing, then chased after them again.


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°We¡¯re rushing over right now!¡±


    Ahead of them and to their left was a waterfall that converged into a slippery brook. After the stream flowed for about ten metres or so, it plunged down a cliff that was nearly twenty metres high to form another waterfall.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! Our plane has encountered some turbulence during our ascent, so it might get a bit bumpy¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng abruptly slammed the steering wheel and the jeep swerved on the spot with Yu Hao shouting like a madman. The Tyrannosaurus Rex¡¯s head had almost reached the back seat of the car. Zhou Sheng floored the accelerator, and the jeep rushed out with a loud ¡°boom¡±. It pulled away from the Tyrannosaurus Rex and careened through the stream. The Tyrannosaurus Rex let out a mad roar as it chased them, but Zhou Sheng turned again and rushed right back!


    Yu Hao¡¯s entire face had been doused with water.


    Zhou Sheng gritted his teeth. Both of them were drenched from head to toe after being swamped with cold water. The car drove through the waterfall and the Tyrannosaurus Rex quickly opened its mouth and bit into the cascading water.


    Zhou Sheng shouted at the Tyrannosaurus Rex, ¡°Please return to your seat and fasten your seatbelt. The toilet will be temporarily unavailable¡ª¡ª¡±


    And at that moment, the entire conscious world quaked again. The Tyrannosaurus Rex instantly stumbled and fell, slipping on the bottom of the stream that was covered with rocks smoothed from countless years of erosion. When the Tyrannosaurus Rex fell down, the colossal monster was washed several meters away by the force of the current and the momentum created by its own sideways fall. It suddenly let out an ear-splitting roar as it was swept by the current off the edge of the stream and fell down the 20-metre high cliff.


    Zhou Sheng drove the car out of the waterfall. Yu Hao watched the Tyrannosaurus Rex desperately claw and scratch before letting out a helpless wail of anguish as it hurtled down the cliff, still swinging its head violently from side to side.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Yu Hao ran over to the edge of the cliff and looked down. He saw that the Tyrannosaurus Rex had fallen all the way down and currently seemed quite confused and disoriented. It crawled out of the puddle at the bottom of the cliff, then staggered as it ran away.


    Zhou Sheng smoothed out his short hair and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao nodded.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re really amazing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s for sure.¡±


    Against the dusky backdrop of the sky, Zhou Sheng sat beside a rock as he bit a straw in his mouth. The top three buttons of his navy blue shirt were unbuttoned and its sleeves were rolled up. This shirt made Chen Yekai seem refined and handsome when he wore it, but on Zhou Sheng it made him look like a hired thug.


    Zhou Sheng used a branch to draw a map of the rainforest on the ground from memory.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long his flight is.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ve already covered this area, there¡¯s nothing else there aside from the inn.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been to the center yet.¡± Yu Hao stood knee-deep in the stream. His upper body was bare as he washed the white shirt that had been dirtied, then wrung it out to dry. There was no sunlight here, and the feeling of wet clothes on his body was difficult to bear.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Here, here, and here¡­¡­are all on fire, so we don¡¯t need to go there. There¡¯s only the central area left, and the entire path that we just came through.¡±


    The sky grew even darker. The jeep¡¯s headlights were turned on, and the two bursts of light were shining upon Yu Hao in the stream. Several black shadows loomed within the jungle.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Suddenly, several panthers leaped toward Zhou Sheng, who was still sitting on the rock. A shield immediately appeared behind Zhou Sheng¡¯s back, and with a ¡°clang¡±, it blocked the sharp claws of the panthers. Zhou Sheng rolled away and grabbed the shield that had appeared behind him, but even more panthers had rushed out and swiftly drove him into the stream!


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Xfa atf uec¡­¡­¡± Itbe Vtfcu iloafv atf rtlfiv jr tf kjr vglnfc lcab atf ragfjw jcv mtbxfv bc j wbeatoei bo kjafg. Lf obgmfoeiis xlmxfv beakjgvr klat ybat ifur. Te Ljb rtbeafv jcv lwwfvljafis aegcfv jgbecv ab rqglca abkjgvr atf pffq, yea atfgf kfgf jigfjvs atgff qjcatfgr bc atflg pffq!


    The panthers¡¯ eyes glowed green and they simultaneously roared before pouncing toward Yu Hao! Yu Hao waded through the water to dodge them. He flung out his thoroughly drenched shirt and whacked a panther with it!


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Yu Hao shouted and spun around as even more panthers encircled him, but in the next moment, a miracle occurred!


    When the panther in mid air was whipped by the shirt, it seemed as if it had been abruptly hit by an invisible bat which sent it flying!


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    He suddenly had an epiphany. He swung the shirt out, and wherever the shirt was swept, the panthers would be sent flying in all directions before landing harshly on the ground.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± As soon as Yu Hao broke through his encirclement, he quickly darted towards Zhou Sheng. He used the shirt to repel the panther that was pressing down on Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng struggled at first, but when the pressure on him was relieved, he immediately sprang out of the stream and began coughing incessantly. Yu Hao roared angrily, ¡°Come ba!¡± Then he pushed forward again, swinging his shirt in all directions. In an instant, all the panthers were sent flying and filled the whole sky like a celestial fairy had scattered petals from the heavens, accompanied by their anguished wails.


    ¡°What kind of an obscene function is that?¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t believe the sight before his eyes.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately turned around and got in the car. After Yu Hao chased the panthers away, he got in as well, and Zhou Sheng immediately drove them away from the waterfall.


    They had not yet settled down from their panicked states when their gazes met. Yu Hao said, ¡°This shirt, might be¡­¡­the protective halo he gave me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°What does that mean? Now that I think about it, is this shirt the one you wore on stage? Ohhhh¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s that ¡®oh¡¯ for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Did he fall in love when he saw you singing on stage that day?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No way!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then how would you explain¡ª¡ª¡±


    Suddenly, another mad roar resounded. They had just driven down the mountain when the Tyrannosaurus Rex emerged from the rainforest and raced headlong towards them. Zhou Sheng jerked the steering wheel abruptly and Yu Hao shouted, ¡°It¡¯s coming again!¡±


    Zhou Sheng lost his temper, ¡°I¡¯m so done with this dream!!!!¡±


    ¡°I have a plan!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Just do as I say¡ª¡ª!¡±


    The Tyrannosaurus Rex cleared a path by smashing its way through and charged at the jeep that was rushing towards the jungle clearing in the darkness of the night. Thump, thump, the Tyrannosaurus Rex produced a loud rumble with each step it took.


    At the end of the muddy road, Zhou Sheng turned on the high beam and the engine roared with a ¡°buzz¡ª¡ªbuzz¡ª¡ª¡± whirring sound. Yu Hao was incredibly nervous. His upper body was bare, and he held his white shirt in front of him with both hands as he stood within the range of the headlights¡¯ illumination.


    Zhou Sheng stared closely at the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Tyrannosaurus Rex roared loudly and charged towards the jeep.


    In an instant, Yu Hao waved his white shirt as if he was in a bullfight, and with this one shake, the Tyrannosaurus Rex immediately deviated from its original direction and crashed into the dense forest!


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned around quickly. Zhou Sheng searched through the jeep for a cassette and stuffed it into the stereo.


    ¡°Dong dong ta! Dong dong ta!¡±


    ¡°Buddy, you¡¯re a boy make a big noise¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let¡¯s play some music!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Stop it! I¡¯m about to die from stress!¡±


    The Tyrannosaurus Rex rushed back again towards the deafening noise. Yu Hao waved his shirt to the beat of the music while the Tyrannosaurus Rex let out another ¡°ao¡± and rushed towards the other side of the forest, crashing harshly into it again!


    ¡°We¡ª¡ªwill we¡ª¡ªwill, rock you£¡¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yoho¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The Tyrannosaurus Rex got up and shook its head like a dog, uncertain about whether it should rush forward again. Zhou Sheng jumped over the front cover of the car and said, ¡°Let me play with it too!¡±


    Yu Hao threw the shirt at him and hid behind Zhou Sheng. The Tyrannosaurus Rex was absolutely furious. It charged forward while roaring angrily, and in the next moment, Zhou Sheng jerked the shirt out in one swift move. The Tyrannosaurus Rex stumbled and staggered into the woods, but Zhou Sheng actually chased after it. The Tyrannosaurus Rex had just opened its mouth when Zhou Sheng shouted at it, ¡°Get the hell up!¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved the shirt and jerked it at the Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Tyrannosaurus Rex was whipped onto its back, and all its limbs faced the sky as it flew straight upwards. As Zhou Sheng unfurled the shirt, the Tyrannosaurus Rex flew over their heads and harshly crashed into the jungle ten metres away. A loud crash immediately followed, then a tumble and a ¡°boom¡± as the entire forest collapsed. It was actually an edge of a canyon.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng kept gasping for breath. Zhou Sheng passed the shirt back to Yu Hao, ¡°Put it on; let¡¯s go.¡±


    The jeep drove through the jungle. Zhou Sheng focused intently on driving, but would occasionally glance at Yu Hao who was leaning on the passenger seat.


    ¡°Sleepy?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°A little.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°What would happen if I fell asleep in a dream?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, you can try¡­¡­by the way, shall we exchange shirts?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao simply refused¡ª¡ªZhou Sheng had never seen Chen Yekai¡¯s photo before; he wasn¡¯t aware of the sentiments in the clothes they wore in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream, and what it meant to the owner of this world of consciousness.


    As of this moment, Yu Hao was also in a very complicated mood.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to exchange shirts then so be it, but why are you staring at me like that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only drop the subject. The car turned out of the jungle, and Yu Hao asked, ¡°Where are you driving to? Why are you driving farther and farther away?¡±


    ¡°Look.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s light near the boundary of the subconscious.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly sat up straight and looked into the distance. Sure enough, near the top of Mt. Tianqing, a faint ray of light beamed down from the sky.


    ¡°Have you ever been there?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°I came down from that mountain.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Then before you came down, was that thing there?¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look in another direction, where the mountain peak was connected to the mountain ranges.


    Yu Hao saw a suspension bridge. At one end of the suspension bridge a solitary peak had appeared, and on top of that solitary peak, a ray of light resembling a beam was cast from the gap between dense layers of cloud and illuminated the peak of the mountain.


    Yu Hao murmured, ¡°That mountain had already been destroyed by lightning.¡±


    ¡°The safe haven has been rebuilt.¡± Zhou Sheng turned the steering wheel and drove the car up the mountain, ¡°This time, it¡¯s right.¡±


    As they drove to the midway point of the mountain, the restaurant they had recently dined in appeared. Zhou Sheng went to inspect it, just in case they missed anything. There was only one table in the entire restaurant ¡ª the table that Yu Hao and Chen Yekai had eaten at.


    Next, they hiked up the mountain. Yu Hao was extremely embarrassed, yet Zhou Sheng seemed to be his usual self.


    Yu Hao, ¡°After we finished our meal that day¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, I just have a bad temper.¡± Zhou Sheng knew what Yu Hao wanted to say and answered in an uncharacteristic manner, ¡°Yu Hao, are there times when, I¡­¡­make you feel like you¡¯re at a loss?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°N¡­¡­no.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Really?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you seriously, do you like him?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°You know what I mean.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to say ¡°I do like him very much as a friend¡±, but he knew what Zhou Sheng meant so he blurted out without much hesitation, ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng grinned, ¡°Compared to me?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Will you knock it off, please?¡±


    The mountain road was pitch-black. Zhou Sheng leaned a little closer to Yu Hao and Yu Hao¡¯s heart began to beat violently. Did Chen Yekai¡¯s words affect Zhou Sheng? He could instinctively sense that Zhou Sheng had raised his hand as if he wanted to hold his own, and for an instant, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even breathe.


    But Zhou Sheng raised his hand and placed it on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression, but he could guess what Zhou Sheng was thinking. It has already been several months since New Year, and during this period, they have been avoiding a problem that they both tacitly understood.


    Yu Hao still likes Zhou Sheng and Zhou Sheng knows it. Rather than mention it, they both just pretended that the issue didn¡¯t exist. Although Zhou Sheng had asked Yu Hao to go find a boyfriend and date, he was always hostile towards anyone who stood a chance of becoming Yu Hao¡¯s boyfriend as he couldn¡¯t stand seeing Yu Hao with other people. In one of his major¡¯s classes last week, it was mentioned that for some people, their possessive desires within their friendships was even stronger than that of love.


    What the hell do you want me to do? Just say it yourself ba. Sometimes, Yu Hao felt like Zhou Sheng was even more childish than he was, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s feelings seemed even more conflicted than his. But even if you asked him to explain himself, he wouldn¡¯t be able to.


    Every time Zhou Sheng gets angry, Yu Hao would feel somewhat at a loss. He doesn¡¯t know what Zhou Sheng wants, and he doesn¡¯t know what to do either. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t like Chen Yekai at first because he could tell that Chen Yekai had some kind of special interest in Yu Hao. So Yu Hao could only try his best not to get too close to Chen Yekai, and the only exception for this was that one time on Mt. Tianqing.


    In retrospect, Chen Yekai might have already decided to take action that day. Although he never told them why he had wanted to kill Lin Xun¡ª¡ªbut Yu Hao has always felt some guilt after he took the knife from Chen Yekai¡¯s hands. If he had been a bit more concerned about Chen Yekai in the month after school had reopened, he might not have needed to go that far.


    But of course, this responsibility couldn¡¯t be pushed onto Zhou Sheng either; one could only say that it was Yu Hao¡¯s own choice.


    ¡°He¡¯s pretty good.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°He is pretty good, but this is just a transference of feelings, and I don¡¯t like him. He still loves Ryuusei.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at the darkness that surrounded them, ¡°He¡¯ll move on from it one day.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You know what I mean. Besides, there won¡¯t be feelings where there are none. He¡¯s too outstanding; I don¡¯t like it.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m not outstanding ah?!¡± When Zhou Sheng heard that, he instantly felt like he had been mercilessly ridiculed.


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°You¡¯re very outstanding, you¡¯re General! It¡¯s just that I think, we¡­¡­ai, could you stop talking about it? It wasn¡¯t easy for me to force myself to stop thinking about it!¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I also don¡¯t know why¡­¡­anyway, I won¡¯t eat anyone¡¯s vinegar anymore, just hang out with whoever you want to ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What I mean is, ai, forget it, it¡¯s fine as long as you understand. If I act up like that again, just scold me ba. No, treat me like a nutjob. Ignore me and give me the cold shoulder for a few days, and I¡¯ll calm down on my own. I feel quite guilty towards Kaikai because of this too. If I hadn¡¯t said those things to you, perhaps you would have cared more for him¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­and maybe then, he would still have a safe haven here¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng had his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder as they walked forward. They circled around the cliff and arrived at the suspension bridge. Everything was tranquil and quiet. The suspension bridge disappeared into the misty clouds, and the pillar of light that beamed down from a crack in the dark mass of clouds illuminated the peak of the opposite mountain like a sacred light.


    ¡°I just want you to be happy.¡±


    In the end, this was what Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I understand.¡± He wanted to say something else, but he held back.


    I am pretty happy with how things are now. Of course, if you liked me just a little bit, I would be even happier.


    ¡°Cross the bridge.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao stepped onto the bridge. Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand naturally slid off his shoulder and very naturally held his hand as he led him across the suspension bridge. In Chen Yekai¡¯s dream, this suspension bridge suddenly became incredibly sturdy; there was no longer a sense of danger from it swaying about like it did at Mt. Tianqing.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Yu Hao laughed, ¡°The suspension bridge is very stable.¡±


    ¡°You were so nervous when you crossed it last time.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I got used to it after walking across a few more times.¡±


    Zhou Sheng released Yu Hao¡¯s hand. The two of them walked forward with one in front of the other. They crossed the suspension bridge and passed through the fog. Yu Hao saw the ruins of bricks and tiles strewn all over the floor, and it looked just like it did when he entered the dream world for the first time.


    A ray of light cast down from the sky and coincidentally landed on the ruins.


    In the middle of the ruins, Chen Yekai stood looking perplexed. He turned around and saw Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao emerge from the fog.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 46 - Doubts

    Ch46 ¨C Doubts


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars, Juurensha and Sora


    ¡ª


    ¡°Finally found you.¡± Yu Hao said wearily.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Where is this place?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly realised their conundrum. Now that they found Chen Yekai, how should they explain this to him?


    But Zhou Sheng interjected, ¡°Follow us.¡±


    ¡°Where to?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time, I¡¯ll explain later.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hurry! Kaikai! Trust us!¡±


    Chen Yekai hesitantly walked towards them. Yu Hao thought, nice one. Zhou Sheng signalled to Yu Hao with his eyes.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Are you angry with me?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how to respond. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yeah, everyone¡¯s angry at you. Why would you leave without saying anything?¡±


    Chen Yekai sighed. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Chen Laoshi, where are you going?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Back to New York, then transferring to another flight to Mexico.¡±


    Zhou Sheng secretly gave Yu Hao a thumbs up. It meant that Chen Yekai will be sleeping on the plane for a while, so they wouldn¡¯t need to panic.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to Argentina now.¡± Zhou Sheng brought Chen Yekai to the path they had come from, then got into the car, ¡°You drive.¡± As he spoke, he sat in the back seat with Yu Hao. Chen Yekai turned around to cast a doubtful look at Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng before he started up the jeep, then drove it away from Mt. Tianqing and towards the center of his conscious world.


    Yu Hao leaned in to whisper very quietly into Zhou Sheng¡¯s ear, ¡°Are you sure that he won¡¯t discover the truth?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered quietly, ¡°He won¡¯t. This is just a dream to him. Think about it, there¡¯s barely any logic in dreams. Just like with Shi Ni, she did whatever we asked her to do. As long as we don¡¯t agitate him too much, the dream won¡¯t change much.¡±


    The jeep emitted a bright light as it travelled through the dark rainforest. Chen Yekai focused intently on driving the car.


    ¡°Did you realise something?¡± Zhou Sheng moved closer to whisper into Yu Hao¡¯s ear, ¡°Why are the monsters not attacking us anymore?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly realised that ever since they discovered how the shirt could be used and defeated that Tyrannosaurus Rex, the panthers no longer harassed them.


    Yu Hao said quietly, ¡°Perhaps in his conscious world, there¡¯s a tacit rule to not attack the people wearing this shirt?¡±


    Zhou Sheng replied quietly as well, ¡°But I think there¡¯s another possibility: all the monsters that attacked us are under¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he pointed to the center of the rainforest that they were steadily approaching, ¡°¡­¡­the control of a certain existence.¡±


    Yu Hao shuddered. If that was the case, then the monsters appeared to be extremely clever. Panthers wouldn¡¯t chase the car anymore. He connected it with the time he went down the mountain ¡ª he had vaguely heard a whistle then, and didn¡¯t think much of it because he had thought it was Zhou Sheng, but now that he recalled it, it could have been a signal to attack. Someone was commanding them.


    ¡°Aside from Kaikai, there¡¯s someone else who¡¯s issuing orders¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to not let Chen Yekai hear them. Chen Yekai was still driving attentively. The jeep passed by the cliff again, and the inn at the top was now in ruins.


    ¡°Ryuusei¡­¡­¡±


    The car slowed down slightly. Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°Ryuusei isn¡¯t there anymore.¡±


    ¡°He is.¡± Chen Yekai said stubbornly, ¡°I found him. He¡¯s in the room.¡±


    Zhou Sheng signalled to Yu Hao. Yu Hao immediately answered, ¡°He¡¯s not there. I went there to look for him, so I¡¯m sure of it. Chen Laoshi, do you trust me?¡±


    Chen Yekai thought about it, ¡°I trust you.¡±


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then let¡¯s go ba!¡±


    Jtfc Tfxjl tfrlajafv obg j wbwfca yfobgf tf mbcalcefv vglnlcu, yea lcrafjv bo vglnlcu vlgfmais jibcu atf qjat, tf wjvf njglber aegcr lc atf gjlcobgfra jr lo atfs kfgf cjnlujalcu j wjhf. Itbe Vtfcu jcv Te Ljb fzmtjcufv uijcmfr. Pa kjr obgaecjaf atja atfs tjv wjcjufv ab olcv Jtfc Tfxjl, batfgklrf, atfs wluta cba tjnf yffc jyif ab ufa mibrf ab atf mfcafg ys atfwrfinfr.


    The roaring of the waterfalls in this conscious world would sometimes sound distant and sometimes close. Chen Yekai drove attentively, and he eventually made a turn in the dense forest. They arrived at a wide clearing and a magnificent waterfall suddenly came into view ¡ª that encircled an imposing and towering pyramid at its centre!


    Behind the pyramid was the Iguazu Falls, which seemed as formidable as the mountain ranges.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Chen Yekai alighted from the car and murmured, ¡°The Argentina and Mexico of my dream, I¡¯m back.¡±


    Yu Hao tried to compose his thoughts. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Where should we go next?¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised a finger, ¡°Do you see that pyramid? At its centre is a treasure. You will only truly be able to overcome yourself when we seize it back together.¡±


    The Iguazu Falls is located in South America, while Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ is in Mexico. But in Chen Yekai¡¯s dreams, they strangely overlapped in one place. The three sides of the ancient pyramid of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ were surrounded by the Iguazu Falls. Within this dark world, the turbulent waters roared endlessly in a torrential downfall.


    Chen Yekai had a bewildered expression. He looked at Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, then looked at the pyramid of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    ¡°Together?¡± Chen Yekai frowned.


    ¡°Together.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Okay, but please give me some time first.¡±


    Chen Yekai slowly walked towards the huge waterfall, while Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng quickly made preparations in the car.


    ¡°The bullets in the gun are infinite.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°As long as we both take one, it¡¯ll be enough, and also take one more for Kaikai.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai¡¯s back as he stood in front of the huge waterfall ¡ª it was a lofty and spectacular sight. As he stood in the open space outside the ancient city, the waterfall almost seemed to encompass the world, and Chen Yekai¡¯s figure seemed utterly insignificant in its presence.


    Yu Hao momentarily fell into a complicated mood, ¡°Will he discover the truth?¡±


    Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if he knows, then so be it. It won¡¯t matter much even if he does. I still have one more trick I can use to make him forget everything. Only I can use it, remember the night before New Year¡¯s Eve?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    That night, Zhou Sheng had pressed his hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead to try and force him to forget.


    ¡°But it failed when you used it on me.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Because I took your totem, so the Golden Crow Wheel tacitly acknowledged us as partners. When we leave, you definitely can¡¯t take anything away from his conscious world. If he finds out the truth, then we need to think of a way to trick him into coming back from New York. I will then make him lose all the memories he has of this conscious world.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Will there be any consequences?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°None, but it¡¯s better if I don¡¯t use it too often ba.¡± As he spoke, he drew slightly closer again and said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m guessing that later, you may have to fight a decisive battle with Nakagawa Ryuusei¡­¡­so take this gun¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can¡¯t do that!¡±


    Chen Yekai turned and eyed them suspiciously from where he stood in front of the waterfall.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Zhou Sheng placed his arm around Yu Hao and whispered into his ear, ¡°There are two possible identities for the one who seized the totem: it¡¯s either Lin Xun, or the dark Kaikai himself. On our way to the totem¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°There will be a gatekeeper.¡±


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers, ¡°Yes. Just like what we saw in your dream, Ryuusei will be extremely strong.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What if he transfers his feelings?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it then said helplessly, ¡°His feelings were transferred a long time ago, and you¡¯ll need to defeat Ryuusei so that he can be released from his dark world.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyebrows were locked in a deep furrow as he remained silent. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Yu Hao, think about it carefully. He¡¯ll only be able to find himself again after the sun rises. Otherwise, it¡¯s too dangerous for him with his current mental condition. As long as Ryuusei exists in this world, it¡¯s almost impossible to win.¡±


    Yu Hao thought of what he had discussed with Zhou Sheng earlier, then answered, ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll try my best.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao immediately separated. Zhou Sheng acted as if nothing had happened; there were two guns in his rear trouser pockets and a shield on his back.


    ¡°We were saying,¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°That we wanted to go see Ryuusei with you, and undo the past.¡±


    Chen Yekai gazed at them with slightly melancholic eyes, then suddenly said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°The shirt you¡¯re wearing is mine.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh, then you want to swap?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As soon as he spoke, Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai¡¯s shirts simultaneously flashed and were exchanged. Yu Hao thought, could you guys not swap? But even though the heavens are great, the earth is great, the owner of the dreamscape is even more great. Just think what you want ba¡­¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ll protect you guys; especially you.¡± Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao.


    The corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched. Chen Yekai looked around, seeming to have made his resolve as he turned around and walked towards the grand square in front of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ like a solitary warrior.


    Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°What is he doing?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡­¡­did he guess something?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Impossible, he¡¯s not that smart.¡± He motioned to Yu Hao as he spoke, and the two of them followed Chen Yekai. Within this dark world, the three of them stood in the centre of the grand square in front of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. An iron ring was floating mid-air in the middle of the pyramid¡¯s entrance, and beside it was a huge brazier. Mounds of skeletal remains could be seen underneath the brazier.


    In front of the pyramid of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, there was a mystical light that enshrouded it like a barrier blockading the entrance.


    Zhou Sheng approached it and reached out to touch the barrier, but was unable to pass through it. He was about to quietly discuss it with Yu Hao when Chen Yekai said abruptly, ¡°Zhou Sheng, I have something to ask you.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart lurched and he suddenly felt that Chen Yekai¡¯s tone had changed.


    The three of them stood in the middle of the square. Chen Yekai asked, ¡°This is my dream, right?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°Yeah, you just realised that?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Why haven¡¯t I woken up? Whenever I realise I¡¯m in a dream, I should awaken.¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao not to speak and that he would resolve it himself, ¡°It¡¯s your own dream, how would I know if you¡¯re awake or not?¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Zhou Sheng suspiciously, ¡°Why did the two of you appear in my dream?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You dreamt of us, is it really that strange?¡±


    Yu Hao found it very amusing to witness this absurd spontaneous dialogue. He recalled the first time General entered his dream. Perhaps, because of his frame of mind back then, he had accepted it very quickly and didn¡¯t question it at all. In contrast, Chen Yekai has been doubting them the entire time, and now that he thought about it, Chen Yekai had seldom spoken on their way here not because he was in a daze, but because he was in contemplation.


    I guess this is the difference between a curve wrecker and a slag student¡­¡­Yu Hao thought. After all, when Chen Yekai was tutoring him in Higher Mathematics and encountered a problem with no clear solution, he would thoroughly think it through and wouldn¡¯t give up until he managed to figure it out.


    ¡°Are the two of you the Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao from reality, or impressions from my memory?¡± In the next moment, Chen Yekai very accurately grasped the crux of the situation.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng hardly hesitated as he answered straightforwardly, ¡°Are you crazy Kaikai?! We just chatted this morning! And now you don¡¯t know who we are anymore?!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly cheered loudly for Zhou Sheng in his heart. It was dangerous no matter how they answered that question, as it could trigger even more questions that Chen Yekai could use to interrogate them with to get to the heart of the matter. If Zhou Sheng answered ¡°we are impressions¡±, Chen Yekai would definitely get suspicious.


    How could there ever be a situation where a person in a memory would say ¡°I¡¯m a memory¡±?


    And Zhou Sheng definitely couldn¡¯t answer with something like ¡°I don¡¯t know what I am either¡± or not give a reply. If he had done so, Chen Yekai would have found it even more difficult to make a judgment.


    ¡°No no.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°What I meant was¡­¡­are the two of you real?¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said it yourself, that you wanted us to help you?¡± Zhou Sheng prompted Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We are the guardians of your dreamscape.¡±


    With these words, Chen Yekai¡¯s thoughts that he had just straightened out were instantly in disarray again.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but sigh ruefully in his heart. Zhou Sheng¡¯s IQ was clearly on the same level as Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng¡¯s this smart, so why are his results always so average?


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry and go look for your totem, and don¡¯t dawdle anymore. We¡¯ll go together.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We¡¯ll accompany you to the end.¡±


    Chen Yekai ruminated for a moment, then took a step towards the square. Within an instant, all the braziers that surrounded the square burst into flames and illuminated the dark world until it looked as bright as daytime.


    In stark contrast to Yu Hao¡¯s world of consciousness, the flames in the square burned blue, seeming like ghost fire. The entire world of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ seemed to transform as the atmosphere was pervaded with a sense of surrealism and fantasy.


    A whistle penetrated through the horizon. Yu Hao immediately thought of the signal he had heard when he was hunted by the group of panthers, and as expected, thousands of dark panthers covered in asphalt emerged from all around the square and encircled the three of them. The skeletal remains under the numerous braziers began to assemble themselves together and stood up, as if the dead had just been resurrected. The scene became incredibly strange and horrifying.


    ¡°You came back.¡± A voice rang out from within the pyramid and resonated through the dark sky.


    Yu Hao immediately turned around to look at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng motioned for him to stay calm.


    Chen Yekai stepped forward, but three skeletons immediately rose and blocked the way towards the pyramid.


    ¡°But you came back too late.¡± That voice said, ¡°I¡¯ve already entered the world of the dead. Do you still want to enter to pay respects to your God?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ve come to accompany you. We made a promise before: neither of us is allowed to go before the other.¡±


    ¡°You liar who¡¯s full of deceit!¡± That voice suddenly let out a shrill roar, ¡°Even now, you¡¯re still trying to deceive me!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Chen Yekai seemed to be enraged as he roared angrily without regard for anything else.


    By his side, as if a storm had been set off, the eerie blue flames began curling in all directions. Under the twilight sky, lightning frequently struck down, triggering the wide-scale destruction of the tropical rainforest.


    ¡°Who did you bring?¡± That voice said with great sorrow, ¡°Have you finally decided to forget me?¡±


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. Suddenly, with a loud rumble, three blue flames flew out of the braziers in the square and converged into a sphere that landed in front of the three of them.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This is my oath. It has nothing to do with them, Ryuusei!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s fight one round ba.¡± That voice said gloomily, ¡°Fulfill your oath in front of me. If you want to enter my temple, you must win.¡±

 Chapter 47 - Rushing the Pagoda

    Ch47 ¨C Rushing the Pagoda


    ¡ª


    The three ancient skeletons turned and approached the square. Countless jaguars surrounded the square and eyed those inside ravenously.


    ¡°Two out of three wins the match.¡± The voice said, and then the door to Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ abruptly opened.


    The skeleton soldiers each raised a foot and stepped on the blue ball of fire in front of them.


    ¡°Can you do it?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao, glancing at the iron ring that floated in the distance.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How could I?!¡±


    The ring was so far away that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even hope to shoot it in.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s up to the two of us.¡± Zhou Sheng said as he looked at Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai turned his head, looked at the skeleton soldiers, then said, ¡°Yu Hao, you go first.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, of all the things you could do in your dream, why did it have to be soccer?! Couldn¡¯t you have chosen something I was good at?!


    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s 2 out of 3, so I¡¯ll leave it up to you guys.¡±


    Zhou Sheng conveyed with his gaze for Yu Hao to remain calm. Yu Hao surveyed his surroundings for a long time, then raised his foot and violently kicked the fireball. The blue ball of fire sailed upwards and whizzedthrough the air in an arc. Chen Yekai immediately began to cheer.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Nice!¡±


    But in the next moment, that skeleton soldier suddenly kicked and another blue light catapulted through the air and collided with Yu Hao¡¯s ball, which ricocheted off and passed by the floating ring of light at a sharp angle!


    ¡°That¡¯s not fair!¡± Yu Hao was still immersed in the shock of actually scoring a goal a minute ago, but now he cried out furiously at the injustice.


    That voice rang out again, ¡°You have failed, await death ba, just like me¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said angrily, ¡°You cheater! There¡¯s no way to win! He¡¯s making his own rules!¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand to stop Yu Hao, then he stepped forward, ¡°Mr. Nakagawa, 2 out of 3, that¡¯s our deal. If you¡¯re going to make a bet, then you should be willing to accept a loss. It¡¯s our turn now, who¡¯ll go first?¡±


    Chen Yekai pondered for a moment, then looked at the skeleton soldiers beside them, ¡°I¡¯ll go first ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai gestured to Yu Hao to reassure him. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao took two steps back. Chen Yekai murmured, ¡°Ryuusei, I still have a lot that I want to say to you. I have been waiting for this opportunity all my life.¡±


    At the same time, Chen Yekai quickly moved forward, lifted his foot ¡ª while another of the skeleton soldiers beside him lifted its foot as well ¡ª and kicked the ball!


    But the veteran Chen Yekai had feinted. He spun around, crouched slightly, and delayed for a moment before kicking the ball after the skeleton soldier had made its move!


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng cheered loudly together. All that could be seen were two blue fire shots that rushed towards the ring one after the other; the ball that Chen Yekai kicked arced beautifully and knocked away the skeleton soldier¡¯s ball before passing through the ring!


    That voice suddenly burst into a rage, ¡°You hypocritical scum!¡±


    Chen Yekai looked up towards the pyramid and said calmly, ¡°Take me away, Ryuusei, then everything will end!¡±


    ¡°Not yet!¡± Zhou Sheng said lazily. He walked forward and stepped on the flaming ball, ¡°It¡¯s the last ball, how could we let you go alone?¡±


    Yu Hao immediately became nervous. That voice said coldly, ¡°Then come ba, let me see how capable you are.¡±


    ¡°Te Ljb, ulnf wf ragfcuat.¡± Itbe Vtfcu aegcfv tlr tfjv jcv rboais rqbxf.


    Te Ljb rafqqfv obgkjgv. Itbe Vtfcu gfwbnfv atf rtlfiv ogbw tlr yjmx jcv tfiv la lc tlr tjcv. Jtfc Tfxjl ogbkcfv, ¡°Qtja jgf sbe vblcu?¡±


    Te Ljb kjr fzagfwfis mbcoerfv. Itbe Vtfcu rjlv, ¡°Helmx, pera ilxf ijra alwf.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But I don¡¯t have a lot of strength.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Just give me as much as you have.¡±


    Yu Hao tried to press his hand against Zhou Sheng¡¯s back. Chen Yekai eyed the two of them suspiciously, but the shield in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand suddenly flashed and began to morph rapidly. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Get back!¡±


    Yu Hao promptly retreated. Zhou Sheng stepped on the ball and quickly shook the shield to reveal the form of a shining jingubang¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Fuck you!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily. He turned and swung his jingubang, harshly smashing down the skeleton captain on the other side of the square.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng briefly transformed into Sun Wukong while he was in the air. He did a mid-air somersault and swung his dinghaishenzhen down, immediately obliterating an entire whole row of tiles in the square along with the skeleton captain!


    Chen Yekai was completely stunned. Next Zhou Sheng spun around in the air, returned to his human form, then kicked out a shot of blue light ¡ª it flew like a meteor whistling through the sky, and scored!


    The third ball passed through the ring. The barrier that blocked Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s gate disintegrated with a bang. The floating iron ring emitted a glaring light that formed a stairway up to the pyramid. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai both cheered, but Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    With Zhou Sheng in the lead, the three of them rushed towards the stairway as that voice roared angrily, ¡°You didn¡¯t abide by the rules!¡±


    Zhou Sheng mocked him, ¡°It¡¯s my rule.¡±


    Within an instant, the whole world began to quake violently. All the panthers quickly advanced upon them as the stairway began to disintegrate. Chen Yekai was behind them. He shouted, ¡°The two of you go ahead! Don¡¯t worry about me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao upwards, and the two of them sprinted up the stairway and rushed towards the entrance to Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ with Chen Yekai following closely behind. When Yu Hao looked behind him, his vision filled with imminently advancing lightning strikes that blanketed the sky and covered the earth. Chen Yekai turned around and guarded the stairway. From the periphery of this world, the storm of lightning bestowed by the heavens converged towards the center; all of the rainforest areas were ablaze with raging fires, and the panthers that had reached them were rapidly set ablaze one after the other by lightning before falling off right in front of the stairway!


    ¡°Kaikai!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    Chen Yekai seemed to realise that he could control the lightning, so he immediately ignited all of the panthers that were almost upon them before turning around to follow the other two. While Yu Hao ran, he shouted to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Everywhere outside is on fire!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! We have time! It¡¯s safe inside!¡±


    The area around the pyramid had already been engulfed in a sea of fire. The flames illuminated the dim conscious world into stark brightness. The three of them rushed madly into the entrance of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, and the pyramid¡¯s gate slammed shut.


    The three of them then dashed into a spacious hall.


    Zhou Sheng came to a sudden halt. Only another huge gate was visible before him; there were massive gems in a myriad of colours embedded into the gate in a haphazard arrangement, and the ceiling that surrounded them had grooves that looked like ditches. The gems filled the grooves and sparkled with a bright luster.


    ¡°And what the hell is this?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Chen Yekai stood in the middle of the hall with a blank face.


    Yu Hao stepped forward and tried to press a gemstone on the gate that was near the ground. The gemstone lit up with a ¡°ding¡±.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°A mechanism?¡±


    Yu Hao pressed another one, and the second gemstone that was of the same colour began to shine as well.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao pressed a third stone. The gemstones began to rotate and switch positions, and after they aligned in a straight line, they disappeared with a ¡°dang¡±. The gemstones above them fell into place after the gems vanished with a few ¡°thud¡±s.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be ba?!¡± Zhou Sheng cried miserably, ¡°Why the hell is there Anipop in your dream?!¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei liked to play that game!¡± Chen Yekai immediately said after recalling it, ¡°Let me think of something! We need to open up this gate to get inside!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it! I know how to play this!¡±


    The sound of surging water could be heard from the ceiling. Chen Yekai turned around and saw water gushing through the holes that the gemstones had vacated. Before Zhou Sheng could ask, Chen Yekai immediately said, ¡°The water from Iguazu Falls is pouring in!¡±


    As the water level began to rise, Zhou Sheng urged, ¡°Yu Hao! Hurry!!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m looking for it!¡± Yu Hao had just cleared two lines. He suddenly noticed the two golden gemstones at the top, as well as the two hollow grooves in the middle of the gate and suddenly understood ¡ª he had to make those two gemstones fall into those grooves! He began pressing gemstones quickly ¡ª ¡°ding ding, dang dang, thud thud¡± sounds blared out. All of the gemstones on the gate began to rapidly vanish, and gemstones from the grooves of the floor and ceiling quickly filled in the spaces left behind by the three gems that disappeared each time.


    ¡°I can¡¯t reach the rest!¡± Yu Hao shouted. Zhou Sheng rushed forward and crouched down before the gate. He clasped his hands together and let Yu Hao jump on and step on his back; Yu Hao pressed a gemstone high up, while Chen Yekai rushed forward and copied Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao tapped thrice in succession, and ¡°ding ding ding¡±¡ª¡ª¡±dang¡±! The golden gemstone on the left fell into the groove and buzzed as it shone brightly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°There¡¯s still one more!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng spoke in unison, ¡°Hurry!¡±


    The water relentlessly poured into the hall through the ceiling like a deluge as the gemstones vanished. The water level was rising persistently, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulders were now submerged. Yu Hao could press the gemstones that were higher up without stepping on him anymore, but he couldn¡¯t get rid of the ones on the gate, so he could only swim to the other side.


    ¡°Over there! There are two of the same colour over there!¡± Chen Yekai alerted Yu Hao as he treaded water.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°There¡¯s some there too! The ones there are nearer!¡±


    Yu Hao swam over and eliminated a set before he suddenly realised one problem.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why do I know how to swim now?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Yu Hao, you don¡¯t know how to swim?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao immediately began to drown. Zhou Sheng grabbed him and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly understood ¡ª¡ª Chen Yekai had not known that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t swim. In his consciousness, Yu Hao knows how to, so Yu Hao could swim, but now that he suddenly discovered that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t swim, Yu Hao almost drowned. Zhou Sheng responded very quickly. He immediately caught ahold of Yu Hao and shouted, ¡°Just say where they are! Kaikai, go and press them!¡±


    The last three were below Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao was currently being embraced by Zhou Sheng. He calmed down slightly before pointing downwards. Zhou Sheng nodded, kicked out, and their upper bodies emerged from the waters. They took a deep breath at the same time before plunging back into the water together.


    Underwater, Zhou Sheng brought Yu Hao along, and they saw those three purple gemstones. Yu Hao tapped thrice, and with a ¡°dang¡± the gemstones were erased. A golden gemstone immediately fell into a groove on the other side of the gate. The gate began shining, then opened inwards with a loud rumble.


    Before Yu Hao could even utter a sound, he had been swept inside by the strong current. Zhou Sheng firmly grabbed onto Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and along with Chen Yekai, they were swept into the secret passage within Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    Yu Hao was holding his breath, but he was at the limits of his endurance. After being tossed about by the current, he exhaled a large volume of air. Zhou Sheng was about to move closer to him to give him some air when a black figure suddenly rushed out from the depths in front and collided with them. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t expect an underwater sneak attack, so he was caught off guard and got forcibly separated from Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao could only feel something tighten around his neck. He opened his mouth, but was unable to utter a sound. He was helplessly tugged away from Zhou Sheng and abruptly hauled into an expanse of darkness.


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand, and his eyes widened. He wanted to shout, but no sound could be made. That dark form looked like a snake ¡ª it spread out its wings and coiled around Yu Hao before swiftly rushing to the other end. Zhou Sheng emerged from the water. Chen Yekai had swum over, but only saw a huge Feathered Serpent wrapping itself around Yu Hao. It unfurled its wings, ignoring Yu Hao¡¯s struggles, and charged towards the light from the opening at the end of the passage and soared up!


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Zhou Sheng rushed out of the water and stepped onto the ground. He chased them for a few steps, but the exit at the top was surrounded by stone walls.


    Chen Yekai coughed up a few mouthfuls of water and met Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°He was captured by Ryuusei.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng surveyed his surroundings to search for a way up. They had already entered the interior of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯ and were currently surrounded by ancient rocks covered with moss and crawling vines. Crooked stone pillars stacked against each other, and at the centre of the temple stood a tall and upright Feathered Serpent God statue.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the well?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Follow me, the path behind has been sealed off. We need to climb over.¡±


    Zhou Sheng fell silent for awhile, then he suddenly roared, ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s brows were locked in a deep furrow.


    ¡°Come and save him ba.¡± That voice said, ¡°Nicky, I want to see just how powerful you can be¡­¡­¡±


    The voice faded. Zhou Sheng immediately flared up with unprecedented fury. Chen Yekai turned around and began searching for a path. Not a moment later, Zhou Sheng composed himself and said, ¡°Until we meet Ryuusei, he should be fine. But we need to hurry.¡±


    Yu Hao was harshly flung onto the ground. He constantly coughed and spat out several mouthfuls of water while he took in his surroundings through his peripheral vision. It was an empty space surrounded by stone pillars and corridors. Just like the empty space at the centre of the pyramid¡¯s courtyard, in the middle of this open space, there was an altar-like well; a mist of black vapour curled exuded from the well.


    No totem.


    Where¡¯s the totem? Yu Hao thought.


    The Feathered Serpent that had abducted him glowed with a golden light and transformed into a statue carved out of pure gold. Its coiled up form was stood vigil to one side of the flat clearing.


    A slender young man approached Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are you Ryuusei?¡± Yu Hao held the wall for support as he slowly stood up. He turned around and faced the young man.


    ¡°That¡¯s my shirt.¡± Ryuusei answered with a trembling voice, ¡°Give me back my shirt, I¡¯m so cold.¡±


    Yu Hao watched Ryuusei quietly. Ryuusei had a pale complexion and slightly long hair. His upper body was currently bare, and he had a very thin figure; there was overwhelming pain and fear within his gaze. Yu Hao thought of Zhou Sheng¡¯s directives, and right now, what he should do is to draw his gun and shoot him. He didn¡¯t know what would happen if he opened fire, but the first thought he had upon seeing Ryuusei was actually to go to him and give him a hug¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­this is not the real Ryuusei, he¡¯s only the Ryuusei in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream. When he thought of this, Yu Hao suddenly felt that it was extremely weird.


    Ryuusei was so thin that he looked almost morbid, with protruding collarbones and slender arms. With a complicated gaze, he approached Yu Hao in an unhurried manner; his facial features appeared somewhat fierce from how his hatred had twisted them.


    The hand that Yu Hao had behind him never stopped trembling.


    ¡°You want to kill me?¡± Ryuusei uttered in disbelief, ¡°You snatched my shirt away, and now you even want to kill me?¡±


    Yu Hao loosened his grip and didn¡¯t try to draw his gun anymore, but Ryuusei let out an angry roar, ¡°You want to kill me?!¡±


    Suddenly, the gun in Yu Hao¡¯s pocket flew up and away from him. Yu Hao cried out, and Ryuusei grabbed the gun and pointed it at Yu Hao.


    ¡°That shirt can¡¯t protect you.¡± Ryuusei held the gun and levelled it at Yu Hao as he gnashed his teeth, ¡°Take it off! Give it back to me! You thief! You took something that doesn¡¯t belong to you! I¡¯m its owner!¡±


    Yu Hao gasped violently for breath, then suddenly said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you come over and take it off yourself?¡±


    Tears slowly fell from Ryuusei¡¯s eyes. Yu Hao stared at him in shock, and then finally, Ryuusei began to slowly lower the gun.


    ¡°Just wait.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°You¡¯ll regret it.¡±


    As he spoke, the Feathered Serpent god left its deity sculpture and wandered over. It coiled its body and created a small space ¡ª the Feathered Serpent God circled Yu Hao to prevent him from escaping.


    Ryuusei approached the well and set down the gun. His skinny back faced Yu Hao, and his scapula was so distinct that you could even faintly make out the bones of his spine.


    ¡°Come ba.¡± Ryuusei slowly said into the well, ¡°I want to¡­¡­kill him with my own hands in front of you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 48 - Diamong Ring

    Ch48 ¨C Diamong Ring


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng scaled the stone wall using the hanging vines,, the sound of their ascent echoing through the entire pyramid. Chen Yekai looked up and glanced into the distance ¡ª there was a broken stone bridge. They had to climb up to higher ground, jump onto the stone bridge, then walk along the passage behind the stone bridge to enter the central area of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ before they could arrive in front of the well of reincarnation.


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about your grumpy little friend ba, we¡¯ll need to deal with him head-on later.¡±


    Chen Yekai tugged on a vine. Zhou Sheng reached out from beside him and pulled his hand. With the extra momentum, Chen Yekai landed onto another protruding rock, then they continued to advance carefully.


    ¡°Takin has always been like that.¡± Chen Yekai spoke in an unhurried manner, ¡°He rejects almost all of my friends ¡ª no matter if they¡¯re a guy or a girl.¡±


    ¡°That proves that he wants to monopolise you.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, then jumped onto a ridge in the brickwork. He thought for a moment before whistling.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chen Yekai asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhou Sheng wanted to try and summon his jindouyun, but was unable to.


    ¡°Love can¡¯t tolerate a third party.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But if it goes too far, you¡¯ll suffer a lot. My social media, phone, email, and blog were thoroughly inspected, and every girl who had a secret crush on me had to endure his interrogation¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That is quite scary.¡±


    In the huge shrine that was nearly 20 metres above ground, Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai edged slowly across with their backs stuck to the wall; they were approaching the vines suspended mid-air above the shrine.


    ¡°Do you feel guilty?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Chen Yekai replied with another question, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Zhou Sheng felt helpless, ¡°He¡¯s too strong. You need to overcome the guilt in your heart. After all, the him in your dreams, is no longer the real him. You have to prevail over yourself.¡±


    Chen Yekai reflected on this for a moment before saying, ¡°Yeah, but I can¡¯t help it. For many nights, I often dreamt of that inn, and also dreamt of Ryuusei, standing under the sun as he waited for me to return¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­if I had known just a little earlier¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I locked the door, but I always couldn¡¯t help but go in to see him. Until I met Yu Hao¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Is it because you didn¡¯t visit the Ryuusei in your dreams, that he escaped and became even stronger?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°You¡¯re right. We need to save Yu Hao. If I don¡¯t get over this, I won¡¯t be able to defeat Ryuusei.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for awhile, ¡°I think you¡¯ve already¡­¡­it¡¯s not your fault, Kaikai. Also, even if it was your fault, your confession should be for the pursuit of salvation, not to torture yourself.¡±


    ¡°Who should I confess to?¡± Chen Yekai asked, ¡°He¡¯s already dead; no one can forgive me anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Think about it. What would he say if he were still alive? I¡¯m saying, the real him¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t respond. He stopped, and Zhou Sheng followed suit.


    ¡°On the day Takin left me, he wrote a letter to me.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°On his blog.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Oh? What did he say?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°It¡¯s protected with a password, and the password is my birthday. I¡¯ve never opened it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng remained silent. The two of them came to a standstill on a long brick platform that was barely 20 centimeters wide.


    ¡°I know he forgave me long ago. I¡¯m just afraid that after I see that letter.¡± Chen Yekai said in a daze, ¡°I¡¯ll end up forgiving myself in the days to come.¡±


    ¡°Go take a look ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s not a matter that only concerns you anymore.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I think that I¡¯m not worthy of redemption. But on the last day of my life, I will read that letter¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was silent for a moment before he answered, ¡°Actually, the one who has been punishing you all this time was you yourself.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes. I can only continue to live on in this world by doing that.¡±


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Zhou Sheng shot Chen Yekai an inexplicable glance, ¡°Four years, is that still not enough?¡±


    ¡°Rba fcbeut.¡± Jtfc Tfxjl jcrkfgfv, ¡°Pa¡¯r cbktfgf cfjg fcbeut.¡±


    Ca atlr wbwfca, atf ktbif kbgiv yfujc ab dejxf nlbifcais jujlc. Itbe Vtfcu jcv Jtfc Tfxjl ibbxfv eqkjgvr.


    ¡°Cw P jybea ab kjxf eq?¡± Jtfc Tfxjl jrxfv Itbe Vtfcu.


    Itbe Vtfcu vlvc¡¯a gfqis ab tlw. Qlatlc jc lcrajca, tf bqfcfv tlr fsfr jcv kjr fpfmafv ogbw Jtfc Tfxjl¡¯r vgfjwrmjqf.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately flipped over and went to the other bed to find Yu Hao. He patted Yu Hao¡¯s face; Yu Hao had also woken up.


    ¡°Thank God.¡± Zhou Sheng immediately embraced him and stroked his head in passing.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was embraced by Zhou Sheng the moment he woke up, so his heart immediately began to thump wildly. The two of them sat on the bed, Zhou Sheng looked at his watch ¡ª¡ª 3am.


    ¡°He arrived at New York.¡± Zhou Sheng, ¡°Slept for 10 hours too, that¡¯s really long. How¡¯s the situation on your side?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I should be alright until the two of you arrive.¡± Yu Hao answered, then described the situation at the well of reincarnation, and about the Ryuusei he encountered.


    ¡°No totem?¡± Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡±


    Yu Hao really didn¡¯t see a totem. In the end, he was trapped by the Feathered Serpent God, but he should be safe for the time being as long as he doesn¡¯t mess around or provoke Nakagawa Ryuusei.


    Zhou Sheng sat cross-legged at the foot of the bed with his arms crossed and thought about it for a moment, ¡°There are two possibilities: one, the totem is in the well; two, the totem is Ryuusei.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so smart!¡± If it was Yu Hao, he would have never thought that the totem could be Ryuusei.


    Zhou Sheng felt both irritated and agitated as he said, ¡°Kaikai¡¯s dreamscape is way too damn difficult to get through.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is it considered a very difficult one compared to the other dreams you¡¯ve been to?¡±


    One could tell just by thinking about it that an ordinary person¡¯s dreams wouldn¡¯t have a place like Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ that¡¯s as far away as the distant horizon, neither would there be wild beasts like panthers, and they were even less likely to have guns. Chen Yekai had not only read thousands of books, but he had also travelled thousands of miles, so his dream would definitely be more expansive and on a larger scale compared to others.


    ¡°Actually, before I met you, I had never really busted through anyone¡¯s dream and reached the totem.¡± Zhou Sheng eventually spoke after thinking for a long time, ¡°Most of the time, I would just abandon it halfway.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡± Yu Hao said in surprise.


    Yu Hao has always thought that Zhou Sheng must have entered a lot of people¡¯s dreams ¡ª if not 1,000 of them, then at least 800, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t know so much about the connections between dreams and reality. Yet Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°I crossed into most dreams only out of curiosity, and there were many dreams where the darkness that wreaked havoc in them was too strong. I wanted to change them, but most of the time I would just give up halfway¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­usually, as long as the person in reality changes at least a little bit, I¡¯d think that it would be enough.¡± Zhou Sheng stated, ¡°Just like my deskmate in my first year of junior high. She loved scratching me and always bothered me for no reason. I¡¯ve had to suffer through a lot of my Mum¡¯s pinching and scratching, so I really couldn¡¯t stand it, which is why I paid her dream a visit.¡±


    In addition to his father¡¯s dreamscape, in junior high, Zhou Sheng had entered his deskmate¡¯s dream and realised that the girl often suffered from domestic violence at home. Her dreamscape was devastated by monsters that were a projection of the violence she suffered in reality. He helped that girl destroy a number of them, then when he thought that it was more or less sufficient, he no longer went in it. It was too mentally exhausting.


    Then he entered the dream of his form teacher in junior high. His form teacher received unfair treatment and had been abandoned by his wife, so he blamed the heavens and the earth and often vented his frustrations on the students. Zhou Sheng also resolved a part of his problem and thought that it was more or less okay ¡ª but he was even more concerned that others would become aware of his ability ¡ª before he carefully retreated.


    There were many dreams where it wasn¡¯t that he was unwilling to get through to the end, but that he lacked the strength to ¡ª until he met Yu Hao. Otherwise, perhaps in Shi Ni¡¯s dream, he would only be able to last until after he defeated the monster, but he would not have been able to fight all the way until the end.


    Yu Hao remembered now. When he was summoned into the dream by Zhou Sheng, it was at the most critical moment. If he hadn¡¯t been there, Zhou Sheng might not have died, but with Shi Ni¡¯s impression of Zhou Sheng, it would¡¯ve been too difficult for him to break through that dark dream.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other in silence. Yu Hao suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s analyze it like last time ba. Your guess was very accurate, the one in front of the totem was Ryuusei.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Un. We don¡¯t know who the gatekeeper will be, but it¡¯s most likely Lin Xun.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We might be able to defeat the gatekeeper, but Ryuusei¡¯s too difficult.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Because Kaikai is unable to let go of him in his heart. Right now, both you and Ryuusei have halos.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, how the hell should we deal with this. Actually, both he and Zhou Sheng knew very clearly that the most effective way of defeating Ryuusei ¡ª and the simplest way ¡ª was for Yu Hao to date Chen Yekai and snatch away the love in the depths of his heart that belongs to Ryuusei. Once he did that, all of Ryuusei¡¯s power would completely disappear, and he would lose to Yu Hao in the dreamscape.


    But Yu Hao would not, and could not do that.


    ¡°Can you guide him out of his past?¡± Although Yu Hao said that, he knew was certain in his heart that it would be very, very difficult. He had already exhausted so much effort to defeat Liu Peng Xuan, let alone Chen Yekai¡¯s former lover who had passed away.


    Zhou Sheng said dismissively, ¡°I¡¯m still trying to help him move on from the reality he¡¯s trapped in through his dreamscape.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent. Zhou Sheng thought about it for awhile before he continued, ¡°Moreover, we should be very careful when we¡¯re communicating with Kaikai in reality. He¡¯s not a little girl like Shi Ni, he¡¯ll have his doubts soon enough.¡±


    In fact, the reason why Zhou Sheng left halfway in most of the previous dreams he entered was that he was worried about disturbing the owner of the dreamscape too often and creating an irreversible influence on that person in reality.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll give him a call and talk to him about Ryuusei?¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly remembered something, ¡°Wait, do you know when his birthday is?¡±


    Zhou Sheng told Yu Hao about the blog post written by Ryuusei. Yu Hao was slightly apprehensive, ¡°Are you sure you want to see it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took his phone out, and after he considered it for a moment, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s hold off on deciding whether we¡¯ll see it for now, but I want to see the blog that Ryuusei¡¯s posted online. At least with that, we¡¯ll be able to understand him a bit more. Kaikai slept on the plane for so long, so he probably won¡¯t sleep again soon. Get up, I need some exercise, let¡¯s go for a run ba.¡±


    At 5am in the morning, at the break of dawn, Yu Hao took his phone out and changed it to the American timezone for easy comparison. Right now, it was 7pm in New York. Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao to the field, and they began their run.


    Fu Liqun, who was wearing sportswear with a hood over his head, watched the two with a bored expression on his face by the field.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°It¡¯s a Saturday, why the hell are you two running?¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved to Fu Liqun, so Fu Liqun had to join them. Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was thinking while he ran, so he didn¡¯t bother him. It was a really strange habit of his. Yu Hao was about to stop breathing after running 10 laps, where would he still find the energy to think?


    On this early weekend morning, the three of them ran laps around the field as if they were deranged. Yu Hao was the first to lose the battle; he couldn¡¯t run anymore. Fu Liqun ran two extra laps before saying, ¡°I¡¯m not running anymore! You didn¡¯t even come for our physical training yesterday, what¡¯re you even running for now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was still running with earphones on. The two of them went over to one side. Yu Hao kept gasping for breath, and Fu Liqun handed him some water, ¡°Where did you guys go again last night?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We came back too late, so we got a room outside.¡± He felt a little guilty towards Fu Liqun. He hasn¡¯t considered his feelings recently and he has gotten a room outside with Zhou Sheng two times in a row now.


    Yet Fu Liqun said, unconcerned, ¡°Call me next time too.¡±


    ¡°Call you for a 3P?¡± Zhou Sheng interjected as he ran past them.


    Fu Liqun burst into laughter instantly, and Yu Hao spat out a mouthful of water.


    Zhou Sheng ran 24 laps. He took off his earphones and gasped for breath for awhile. The three of them returned to their dormitory and took turns bathing and changing clothes. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Bros, accompany me to pick out a diamond ring bei.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go if you treat us to breakfast.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°No problem!¡±


    At 9:30am, after Fu Liqun treated Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng to breakfast, they entered a jewelry shop with an interior styled in teal.


    The corners of Yu Hao¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°So you¡¯ve decided to look for sis-in-law?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had also guessed that Fu Liqun wanted to reconcile, ¡°Don¡¯t pick a diamond ring, choose a pair of ear studs ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll consider it after taking a look. Once we buy it, accompany Gege to go look for sis-in-law bei.¡±


    Yu Hao was hesitating when Zhou Sheng immediately rejected the invitation, ¡°No way. It just happens that we can enjoy a world for just the two of us, so why should we be your third wheel?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°She won¡¯t necessarily forgive me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Shan Jie wanted you to apologise to her long ago, the hell you afraid of?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Really?? What did she say? Show me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing! Just go ba! Cut the crap, I¡¯m taking Yu Hao to the movies later.¡±


    These three big men crowded at the counter to look at rings. The lady at the counter laughed as she spread the velvet cloth into place and took out a diamond ring for Fu Liqun to consider. When Yu Hao saw it, he was both envious and amazed and didn¡¯t dare touch it. Zhou Sheng picked one up to casually inspect it before asking the counter lady to bring them its certificate and introduction.


    ¡°It¡¯s too expensive.¡± Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s over my budget.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll lend you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°How much do you have?¡± As he spoke, he flipped the tag over and blew up in an instant upon seeing it, ¡°What the fuck one diamond ring here costs 60,000?! Why don¡¯t you guys go rob a bank? Oh, Tiffany¡­¡­forget I said anything.¡±


    Fu Liqun waved his hand, ¡°I have a bit, so I don¡¯t need to borrow any for now. Her jewelry is all from Bulgari, it¡¯s even more expensive than Tiffany.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This price is too horrifying ba. Would you consider giving her ear studs? This ear stud¡¯s so shiny.¡±


    Fu Liqun hesitated for a moment. Yu Hao tried to persuade him; he told him that diamond rings weren¡¯t worth it, and how it was best if he prepared thoroughly before proposing. Proposing in passing while trying to reconcile was a bit hasty¡­¡­After Zhou Sheng listened to him for awhile, he cast a glance filled with praise at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Really?¡± Fu Liqun asked Yu Hao, ¡°If it were you, would you accept it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡± He thought, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m a girl, how am I supposed to answer that question? Why don¡¯t you ask Zhou Sheng? Do you know that I¡¯m gay too? But even if I¡¯m gay, it doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m a girl! How would I know how Shan Jie thinks?


    ¡°A woman¡¯s heart, is like a needle at the bottom of the sea.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just properly go back and beg for reconciliation first ba, don¡¯t try to overreach.¡±


    Fu Liqun said in the end, ¡°Ok then. Yu Hao, choose a pair, I trust your aesthetic sense.¡±


    Zhou Sheng exploded, ¡°And I don¡¯t have aesthetic sense?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really don¡¯t have any aesthetic sense¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Just pick ba!¡±


    ¡°This pair. I think she might¡­¡­like it.¡± Yu Hao very apprehensively chose a pair of ear studs.


    ¡°You just want Yu Hao to choose the cheaper ones for you ba?!¡± Zhou Sheng exposed him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The ones Yu Hao choose would definitely have the highest price to quality ratio, wouldn¡¯t you just choose the most expensive ones?¡±


    Yu Hao picked out a pair of ear studs for Fu Liqun that cost more than 9,000, and his heart ached for Fu Liqun as he looked at them. Fu Liqun paid for them with his credit card and stuffed the small blue pouch into his bag. The two of them then sent him to the train station.


    ¡°Bye bye.¡± Fu Liqun bought a standing ticket and said, ¡°For the next three months, I¡¯ll have to survive on instant noodles. Do give me some material assistance next time please, my brothers.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Fu Liqun rarely spent money on impulse, and he would always compare prices when shopping. Yet he bought this gift for his girlfriend without even the slightest frown, and Yu Hao was extremely moved by him, ¡°You¡¯ll definitely succeed, Gege.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay, you¡¯ll get a bite of whatever I eat. Go ba, don¡¯t come back if you don¡¯t succeed.¡±


    Fu Liqun entered the station. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng watched him for awhile, then Zhou Sheng said with a slightly rueful tone, ¡°Let¡¯s go watch a movie ba.¡±


    Yu Hao recalled Fu Liqun¡¯s phrase ¡®of course I would wish you both well¡¯, and couldn¡¯t help but feel deeply moved. Fu Liqun and Cen Shan have known each other since their first year of high school, and it was their fourth year dating now. If something like that hadn¡¯t happened to Chen Yekai, then right now he should be with Ryuusei in a certain corner of the world living a blissful life together ba?


    ¡°What do you think Chen Laoshi¡¯s totem will be?¡± An idea suddenly struck Yu Hao, so he asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll have to ask him to find out, how could I guess that? Do you want to say that it¡¯ll be a diamond ring?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts were practically aligned with Zhou Sheng¡¯s now, ¡°You can even read my mind?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so difficult to guess about that?¡± Zhou Sheng sunk into the sofa chair in the cinema and said absentmindedly, ¡°He said so before, after his graduation thesis defence was over, he would take Ryuusei to walk through Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ again and propose to him, right? Diamond ring ma, he would have probably prepared one.¡±


    Yu Hao had thought of that too. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Imagine this, do you think he¡¯ll throw the diamond ring into the well?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, you¡¯re really amazing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Of course.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m talking about the time when you kicked the ball below Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Un I also noticed your worshipping little eyes then. Let¡¯s watch the movie ba.¡±


    ¡ª


    Read

 Chapter 49 - Search

    Ch49 ¨C Search


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The movie started, so they began watching it. After it finished, Yu Hao was about to suggest returning to college to study when Zhou Sheng sat down in the flower cafe instead. He ordered two drinks, and asked as he sat opposite Yu Hao, ¡°Do you have VPN?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy one now ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Here, open it first. Log in to my account; I¡¯ve registered an account on Facebook before, but it¡¯s too troublesome to breach the wall, so I didn¡¯t use it. Your English is good, search ¡®Takin¡¯ and ¡®Columbia University¡¯ and see if you can find his Facebook or blog.¡±


    There are hardly any secrets in the Internet age. Ryuusei¡¯s name was relatively unique. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng each began searching, starting with ¡®Chen Yekai¡¯ and ¡®Columbia University¡¯. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Is this considered internet stalking? I really don¡¯t feel good about this¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°Then do you want to watch another movie? You don¡¯t mind if he dies?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s still a bit¡­¡­okay let¡¯s just search ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who asked you to search, so isn¡¯t it fine if you just blame it all on me. Or I can search on my own and send you a screenshot once I find something? Then you can help me translate?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course we should bear the responsibility together. I just think that¡­¡­you won¡¯t be able to find the information you want.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s it then, what are you wasting time for? Just look for it first, okay?¡±


    Yu Hao was just afraid of finding Chen Yekai¡¯s¡­¡­the thought had just occurred to him when it popped up: on the account of an overseas student, he came across a photo of Chen Yekai¡¯s naked body¡­¡­but fortunately, it was only the upper half.


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let me see? Take it easy, it¡¯s at a swimming pool. He¡¯s wearing swimming trunks, the photo was secretly taken.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng searched for awhile. There were quite a few sneak shots of Chen Yekai, and one of them was a group photo with a few girls at a party.


    ¡°Look at the comments.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Search the comments.¡±


    This was from almost four and a half years ago, and it was posted on Thanksgiving. Yu Hao searched through several comments, but never saw ¡®Takin¡¯ or someone he suspected as ¡®Takin¡¯, but he did find Chen Yekai¡¯s account.


    ¡°Look at Kaikai¡¯s.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s Facebook was almost empty, with only one post:


    ¡°Thus have I had thee, as a dream doth flatter,


    In sleep a king, but waking no such matter.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What does it mean?¡±


    ¡°Thus, the time in which I had you was like a fleeting dream; while I was asleep, I thought I was a king, but when I woke up, I found that was not the case.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s quite poetic.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Shakespeare¡¯s original text.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I meant the translation is very good¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It was translated by Gu Zhengkun Laoshi.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay shut up ba, continue searching.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao searched through Chen Yekai¡¯s close friends. He didn¡¯t have many of them, but he did have a lot of fans, yet not one of them was Nakagawa Ryuusei. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Login to my Twitter to check.¡±


    Yu Hao downloaded Twitter and logged in to Zhou Sheng¡¯s account. He accessed Chen Yekai¡¯s Twitter through his Facebook page, but all the content on his Twitter had been completely purged. Their sleuthing trail thus came to a dead end.


    Zhou Sheng refused to give up, ¡°Search ¡®Nicky¡¯ and ¡®Takin¡¯ as keywords, what about the cached versions of the webpage?¡±


    Yu Hao had already searched through all that could be searched. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Check Ryuusei¡¯s name in katakana. His name in katakana plus ¡®Takin¡¯, ¡®Nicky¡¯, try all possible combinations. Wait, see if Kaikai has any other nicknames? What about his email prefixes and domain names?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh yeah!¡±


    Yu Hao returned to Chen Yekai¡¯s Twitter and Facebook and found the prefix of his domain name, and managed to find the domain name ¡®Nick_0928¡¯. He used this and added ¡®Takin¡¯, as well as Ryuusei¡¯s katakana name as search combinations.


    Yu Hao found a picture on Google.


    It was the one he saw before ¡ª the photo Ryuusei and Chen Yekai had taken together below Iguazu Falls.


    Yu Hao used google image search, and now they finally found it; Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s Facebook. He didn¡¯t even have a single close friend, and existed alone in the clamour of the lively Internet. Just like a solitary island isolated from the world, with no routes that can reach it.


    On this lonely island, there were only two posts. One was the photo he took with Chen Yekai under Iguazu Falls, captioned with a Japanese sentence. Yu Hao copied it into an online translator, and learned that it meant ¡°Beginning¡±.


    The other post was password-protected. The title was in Chinese, and its title read ¡°End¡±. A photo of a curtain with sunlight shining upon it was attached.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng sat opposite each other in silence. Zhou Sheng quietly looked at Ryuusei¡¯s Facebook.


    ¡°Want to go and take a look?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng put his phone down, ¡°Forget it.¡±


    ¡°I guessed as much.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s why from the beginning, I thought that you might not find what you were looking for.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was completely exhausted. He looked at the sun through the french windows.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He came to this world and left in the end. He felt completely disconnected from the world, and didn¡¯t want to leave behind a single trace when he left. The only thing he wanted to convey, was his¡­¡­farewell to his lover. He had a very calm frame of mind¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng answered irritably, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear you recall whatever because you can empathise with him.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent. Actually, he did have the same mindset before: this world was so noisy and lively, yet he was just a lonesome island. But eventually, Zhou Sheng opened up a route, and became the ship that sailed towards this island, and his world gradually became more and more vibrant.


    Zhou Sheng tore up five or six packets of sugar in a row and poured them all into Yu Hao¡¯s cup of coffee, then added several packets of sugar to his own as well. He began stirring it before saying, ¡°Here, cheers! If there are good feelings between us, then down it in one shot!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had no choice but to tap his cup against Zhou Sheng¡¯s and finish his coffee, ¡°It¡¯s too sweet, I can¡¯t stand it.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s throat was practically on fire and it throbbed painfully. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back ba.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s next? What should we do?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, ¡°This is bad, even General doesn¡¯t know ah¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng suspiciously, yet the corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth slowly began to curve upwards. Yu Hao keenly took notice of this instant when Zhou Sheng seemed like he had had something up his sleeve¡­¡­


    ¡°You must have thought of something!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Tell me!¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng expectantly, and Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you quite clever?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll test you. The clue is this letter. Think about it ba, if you can figure it out, I¡¯ll cook a delicious meal for you later.¡±


    Yu Hao was immediately distracted, ¡°What will you cook?¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at his watch, ¡°I¡¯ll give you ten minutes. When it¡¯s 5pm, we¡¯ll eat at the college¡¯s canteen.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°No! Let me think about it¡­¡­letter, letter¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Uh huh?¡± Zhou Sheng leaned lazily against the back of his chair.


    ¡°This letter.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Did you want to look at it?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I¡¯ll need quite a lot of cooperation from you later on, so I¡¯ll get you to guess first.¡±


    Yu Hao racked his brains, ¡°Letter? What do we do with it? I¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why are you so stupid? If I don¡¯t take a look at it, does it mean no one else can?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°So I¡¯ll look at it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Who else is there besides us? I¡¯ve already given away this much, if you still can¡¯t guess I¡¯ll really¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Kaikai! Let him see!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yeah, but how do we do that? So let¡¯s look at it from another perspective ba. Right now, no one knows what¡¯s written in that letter, but theoretically speaking, who else knows?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s mind once again fell into a state of chaos. Zhou Sheng just watched Yu Hao and started to lose his temper. Yu Hao said, ¡°But Chen Laoshi said himself, that he doesn¡¯t want to open that letter because he can¡¯t forgive himself¡­¡­the one who wrote it will know of course¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with a hand. Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Yu Hao finally put it together and asked Zhou Sheng, ¡°So I can ask the ¡®Ryuusei¡¯ in his heart, what was written in that letter?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your IQ finally came online.¡±


    With Zhou Sheng¡¯s guidance, Yu Hao began making his inferences, ¡°I sort of understand it now. Let me sort out the clues¡­¡­¡± After a full five minutes had passed, Yu Hao said, ¡°Firstly, Chen Laoshi doesn¡¯t know what¡¯s written on the letter, but in his consciousness, this letter must exist!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Correct.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Moreover, his impression of it must have been created by ¡®imagining the contents of this letter¡¯.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the key.¡± Zhou Sheng said approvingly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°So, when the two of you find Ryuusei, I¡¯ll have to ask Ryuusei! What¡¯s written in this letter!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Full marks, you¡¯ve got it now? Also, we need to get him to hand the letter over, otherwise if we don¡¯t figure it out, Kaikai won¡¯t be able to die. He said it himself, that he would only open that letter on the last day of his life¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up to leave, but Yu Hao pulled him back. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go buy some groceries first ba, if we¡¯re too late there won¡¯t be any good ingredients left.¡±


    Yu Hao followed behind Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pushed the shopping cart, and the two of them were deciding on what to eat at the shopping mall.


    The more Yu Hao thought about it, the more shocked he became. Zhou Sheng pointed to a chicken on the shelf that had been freshly slaughtered, ¡°To amend a minor point: based on our previous operations, when we defeated the gatekeepers and arrived at the totem, we¡¯ve always had to activate our trash talk, right? When we get to where Ryuusei is, I¡¯ll mention that letter.¡±


    ¡°Then it¡¯ll be your turn.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We need to get Ryuusei to hand over his final letter.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But that¡¯s the letter in Chen Yekai¡¯s imagination, not the letter Ryuusei left him in reality.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s right. How do you think he imagined the letter?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­¡­I don¡¯t know. Perhaps, it would be something along the lines of ¡®I¡¯ll go ahead and wait for you at the other side of reincarnation¡¯ or something.¡±


    .Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll encourage him and say something like ¡®live well¡¯? Or ¡®don¡¯t waste air by staying alive, hurry and come and die with me ba!¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s the key; it doesn¡¯t matter what¡¯s in that suicide note in the real world, what¡¯s important is the letter that¡¯s imagined in Kaikai¡¯s world.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°If Ryuusei¡¯s last wish was for him to live on, then in his conscious world, Ryuusei would to some extent no longer be that dark and crazy person.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yes¡ª¡ª!¡± So Ryuusei¡¯s power will be weakened and some of it might even be transferred to you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But if Ryuusei¡¯s last wish was to ask him to die¡­¡­then¡­¡­then¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Then there would be a discrepancy between the real Ryuusei and the one in his imagination. He would immediately realise that he isn¡¯t the Ryuusei he loved, or at least not entirely. As soon as Kaikai¡¯s beliefs are shaken, we will have a chance to defeat Ryuusei, because the halo he bestowed upon the ¡®imaginary Ryuusei¡¯ would disappear.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very sure that the former situation will occur, because I remember he said before, ¡®I know he forgave me long ago. I¡¯m just afraid that after I see that letter. I¡¯ll end up forgiving myself in the days ahead¡¯. So Kaikai is very clear about his understanding of Ryuusei. Ryuusei forgave him in his letter and also hoped that he would be able to live on well. Let¡¯s go and buy a bottle of soy sauce, why¡¯re you in a daze?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly went on a tangent, ¡°It¡¯s not very nice if we cook in the dormitory right after Fu Liqun left ba?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s buy some Cantonese sausages, and the remaining sauce would be good for some claypot rice¡­¡­are you stupid! Do you think you¡¯ll get to eat if he¡¯s around?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°You really are a genius, Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s train of thought returned as he sighed ruefully, ¡°How can you be so smart? How¡¯s that possible?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Can you change up the way you praise me once in awhile? I¡¯m tired of hearing the same thing over and over.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That night, Zhou Sheng washed the chicken in the dorm and lightly marinated it with some soy sauce, scallions, ginger, star anise, fennel, and sugar. Then he placed it in the induction cooker and added some soy sauce before cooking it. Yu Hao was rinsing the rice while Zhou Sheng offered some guidance from the side, ¡°When you¡¯re rinsing rice, wash it in a clockwise direction with a sieve. Once you¡¯re done rinsing, lift the sieve immediately and wash the bran off the surface of the rice grains. Don¡¯t rub it, or else you¡¯ll break the grains. Wash it until the water runs clear, and the rice will have a luster to it after cooking.¡±


    ¡°Dry it after soaking it for awhile, and dry it until the rice grains turn white before adding water to it again to steep it. This is new rice, so it¡¯ll be fine if you just soak it for about 10 minutes or so. If you want, you could even add two drops of sesame oil, you¡¯ll probably like the taste.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took over. He opened up a bottle of mineral water and added the water to it, then covered the rice cooker and waited for the rice to finish soaking, ¡°Lock the door and close the windows.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    15 minutes later, when Zhou Sheng uncovered the induction cooker and skilfully turned the soy sauce chicken over, Yu Hao knew why. Zhou Sheng wore a bored expression as he chopped up the Cantonese sausages and taught Yu Hao how to cut the sausages so that they would taste good. The sauce that was left after cooking the soy sauce chicken could be added to the claypot rice along with chicken oil¡­¡­Yu Hao had already gone deaf. He only stared, transfixed on that delectable chicken through the glass lid of the induction cooker.


    ¡°Are the windows closed?¡± Zhou Sheng said in the end, ¡°Don¡¯t let others smell it, or else there won¡¯t be any left.¡±


    Yu Hao checked one more time. Zhou Sheng uncovered the lid and shredded the chicken with his bare hands. Even though he only filled two lunch boxes, he still shredded it neatly before pouring some scallion oil over it, then he opened the rice cooker and stirred the claypot rice.


    ¡°¡­¡­sausages from Huangshanghuang are top-tier, but the best can only be bought from Guangzhou¡­¡­fuck! Yu Hao! Where¡¯s the chicken? It¡¯s gone?!¡± Zhou Sheng was halfway through tossing the claypot rice when he turned around and half a box was already gone. He said angrily, ¡°Leave some for Laozi!¡±


    Yu Hao made a gesture as a signal to say ¡®I¡¯m not talking anymore I want to eat chicken¡¯.


    The two of them polished off a chicken and a pot of rice together. Yu Hao was very depressed that there was no crunchy scorched rice bits at the bottom of the rice cooker. After they finished the food, Zhou Sheng opened the windows to air out the room.


    ¡°Are you guys cooking in your dorm?¡± Their neighbors were already beginning to knock on their door, ¡°What are you guys eating? It smells so good!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s cooking?¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Laozi¡¯s sleeping! Don¡¯t be noisy!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Those from the adjacent dormitory came over as well and were all chatting outside their door, ¡°The fragrance came from this dorm! Is it braised pork?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The braised pork from your dreams!¡±


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you open the door?!¡± A few more knocks sounded from the outside as they shouted, ¡°If you don¡¯t open up we¡¯ll knock the door down!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng went forward and opened the door. A group of people from the opposite and adjacent dormitories came in and began sniffing about like they were huskies. Finally, they saw the dishes in the sink and just uttered a ¡°fuck¡± before leaving in resentment.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I need to lie down for awhile. Quiz me again tomorrow ba, I want to eat it again¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°What time is it in America?¡±


    It was 9am on Chen Yekai¡¯s side of the world. Yu Hao was worried that he may not necessarily fall asleep because of jet lag. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go into my dream to take a look.¡±


    When Fu Liqun wasn¡¯t in the dormitory, the two of them became much more casual with their words. Yu Hao asked, ¡°If we enter his dream, where will we be when we wake up?¡±


    ¡°The same place.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Be prepared for it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°??¡±


    Yu Hao spoke while in a lot of pain, ¡°I¡¯m too full, I can¡¯t fall asleep¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I let you eat so much, so forget it. Get up and rest for awhile ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try first.¡±


    Yu Hao had finished half a pot of rice and half a chicken. He was so stuffed that the food was reaching his throat, but he had absolutely no regrets. He was still reminiscing over the taste.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I can¡¯t fall asleep either¡­¡­if I knew this would happen, I wouldn¡¯t have downed that cup of coffee in the afternoon¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 50 - - Battle of Wits

    Ch50 ¨C Battle of Wits


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng got up and sat on the bed listlessly. He and Yu Hao just stared at each other.


    ¡°Let¡¯s play a game ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Call Kaikai for a game.¡±


    Yu Hao called Chen Yekai, but he didn¡¯t pick up. Yu Hao thought, crap, is he sleeping? Not a moment later, Chen Yekai replied to his WeChat message, ¡°I don¡¯t have good reception here, you guys go ahead.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Talk to him, don¡¯t let him sleep.¡±


    Yu hao chatted idly with Chen Yekai intermittently, and Chen Yekai also responded every so often. Their messages were spaced about five to ten minutes apart in their conversation. Rather than being in the United States, Yu Hao felt that Chen Yekai was on Saturn instead.


    Not long after, the group chat that Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun were part of began to light up with messages. Inside it was a selfie that Fu Liqun and Cen Shan had taken at night by a river.


    ¡°Pei!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m quitting the group!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    Cen Shan sent a sweet voice message in the group, ¡°I¡¯ll come see you guys some other day.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pressed the voice key, ¡°It¡¯s good that you guys got back together.¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°Zhou Sheng, when will you¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng cut it off halfway. Yu Hao didn¡¯t react and just played Cen Shan¡¯s complete voice message.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, when will you start dating too, un? You know what I mean.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said into his phone, ¡°Shan Jie, I¡¯m really quitting the group this time.¡±


    Yu Hao began laughing. At first he didn¡¯t understand what Cen Shan meant, but after coming to a sudden realisation, both of them were a little embarrassed.


    In this group of four, Cen Shan only asked Zhou Sheng ¡°when will you start dating¡± and didn¡¯t tease Yu Hao at all¡­¡­


    In the end, Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°How¡¯re things on Kaikai¡¯s side?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still there.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Sleep ba.¡± Zhou Seng said, ¡°See you in the dream.¡±


    Both of them were a bit sleepy. They laid down separately, and Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, we¡¯ll come save you now.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say something else at that moment, but held back in the end. If there are words left unsaid, then he¡¯ll still be able to eat chicken later. But once spoken, he might not be able to eat the chicken anymore.


    Yu Hao drifted in and out of slumber. The effects of the caffeine from the coffee he drank during the day hadn¡¯t waned, but then he felt Zhou Sheng reach over with his hand and gently pat his forehead. Yu Hao then fell into the dream.


    Zhou Sheng was standing in front of the Golden Crow Wheel clad in a suit of armour.


    Yu Hao, ¡°He hasn¡¯t slept yet?¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned as he shook his head, ¡°We could wake up and wait awhile longer? It¡¯s only 1pm on his side.¡±


    ¡°What would happen if a situation like this occurs?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    But this time, instead of Zhou Sheng, the Golden Crow Wheel erupted with a bright flare that engulfed Yu Hao¡¯s body and answered him ¡ª the answer rushed directly into Yu Hao¡¯s consciousness.


    If Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t enter the dreamscape in time when the owner fell asleep, then they would still be dragged into the owner¡¯s conscious world when they next entered the dream. No matter what kind of events had taken place in that conscious world.


    It also meant that if Chen Yekai¡¯s conscious world was destroyed in their absence, and the owner fell into his subconscious, when Yu Hao enters the dream again, he would be forcibly pulled into the subconsciousness of the previous dreamscape.


    ¡°It seems a bit dire.¡± Yu Hao muttered.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That depends on whether our Chen Laoshi would get KO-ed by Ryuusei after he rushes over to Ryuusei without our help.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯ll happen if he gets KO-ed?¡± Yu Hao asked again, but he could vaguely guess even without Zhou Sheng¡¯s answer. The situation in Chen Yekai¡¯s conscious world was quite critical now: the rainforest outside Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ was on fire, and his conscious world had almost completely disintegrated. However, he had never encountered such a situation.


    ¡°Mental breakdown.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Through destroying his consciousness himself. Let¡¯s get up and wait ba. Good night.¡±


    The time zone difference was tortuous. Yu Hao suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go out for an all-nighter?¡±


    The dormitory wasn¡¯t closed yet. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng went to the Internet cafe outside their college for an all-nighter. Zhou Sheng watched a soccer match as he bitterly complained, ¡°Why the hell are you still working on your English Listening Comprehension during an all-nighter? Could you not be so annoying?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But it¡¯s not like I know how to play online games! What do you want me to do?!¡±


    So Zhou Sheng could only ignore him. He took a short nap on the sofa later in the night. Half an hour later, he got up, ¡°He hasn¡¯t slept yet.¡±


    The two of them stayed up until 7am before yawning as they returned to their dormitory. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just hold on a little longer.¡±


    ¡°What if Fu Liqun returns in the afternoon?¡± Yu Hao was concerned about being woken up by Fu Liqun.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I sent him a message saying that we did an all-nighter, and asked him to be quiet when he comes back.¡±


    Yu Hao could tell that he wasn¡¯t very lucid anymore. It was hard for him to stay up until 9am.


    ¡°I can¡¯t¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m so damn sleepy, I don¡¯t care anymore¡­¡­¡±


    But when they entered the dream again, they were still standing in front of the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He¡¯s still not asleep? That kid can really hold out, huh.¡±


    Yu Hao sat on the bridge railings and looked at Zhou Sheng with an utterly listless expression. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re already in the dream! We¡¯re not sleepy anymore!¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m still really sleepy¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao only wanted to lie down on the bridge. He didn¡¯t know why the sleepiness from reality had followed him into the dream.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t sleep, I don¡¯t know how to wake up someone who falls asleep in a dream!!¡±


    Yu Hao rallied and was about to say something when he suddenly heard a noise.


    ¡°Fu Liqun is back.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll go open the door.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell him to keep it down?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao felt muddleheaded and thought, what¡¯s going on? He forced himself to open his eyes. His eyes were painfully dry, and someone was knocking on the door.


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Yu Hao got off the bed and looked at the time. 1pm. He had to go open the door.


    When he opened the door, Yu Hao¡¯s heart almost stopped, and he thought that he was still in the dream.


    Chen Yekai was standing in the corridor outside the door.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Is it convenient to talk now?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Get up!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately turned around and was still wondering if he was actually dreaming, or if this was reality. But Chen Yekai naturally entered the dormitory and casually closed the door behind him.


    Yu Hao shook Zhou Sheng a few times. Zhou Sheng was woken up, so he sat up in annoyance, ¡°What are you guys doing¡ª¡ª


    He abruptly stopped speaking. When Zhou Sheng saw Chen Yekai standing in their dormitory, he was also stunned speechless.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I¡¯m back.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk ba.¡±


    Yu Hao had been very sleepy, but Chen Yekai¡¯s sudden return completely stirred him into alertness with fright..


    Chen Yekai rubbed his face, ¡°Do you have coffee?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other as they wondered if Chen Yekai knew something, but Zhou Sheng shot him a glance, signalling him to not fumble.


    ¡°Only the instant kind.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Any is fine.¡± Chen Yekai said simply, ¡°Have you guys eaten lunch? Let¡¯s go for lunch together?¡±


    Yu Hao hurriedly went to boil water for a cup of instant coffee and threw the handling of this impossible matter to Zhou Sheng. He listened to their conversation as he stirred the cup of coffee.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Drink some coffee first ba. Yu Hao, make one cup for me too. Kaikai, you didn¡¯t sleep on the plane?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I didn¡¯t dare fall asleep. I¡¯ll dream once I sleep. I want to talk to you guys about something.¡±


    When he heard this, Yu Hao¡¯s tensed heart relaxed a little. He remembered that every time after he and Shi Ni experienced her dreamscape, there would be some changes, so Chen Yekai should have resolved some things.


    But Zhou Sheng was still very vigilant, ¡°What can¡¯t you tell us over WeChat? You even especially came all the way back here to talk.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and didn¡¯t say anything. He took the coffee that Yu Hao handed to him. The three of them sat down, and all of them were irritated from sleep deprivation. Yu Hao even suspected that Zhou Sheng was on the verge of hitting Chen Yekai.


    It was extremely quiet in the dormitory. Chen Yekai tapped his finger on the table rhythmically and deliberated for a moment, ¡°I don¡¯t want to avoid it anymore, I have to face it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then that¡¯s really good!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯ve finally come around! Congratulations!¡±


    Some vitality seemed to finally return to Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes ¡ª they no longer looked as lifeless as before. Zhou Sheng might not think much of it, but Yu Hao knew how difficult it was for him to make that decision.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Chen Yekai said earnestly. Yu Hao could tell that he seemed very weary, but his soul seemed to have gained a new life.


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything at all ma, you¡¯re the one who got over it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good as long as you got over it.¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other.


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The two of you saved me. But to be precise, it was you, Zhou Sheng, who saved me.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart instantly started beating wildly. Chen Yekai must have guessed it! He thought about it, then cast an inquiring glance at Zhou Sheng. He also reminded himself that he definitely couldn¡¯t give himself away. From here on out, they would be competing to see who was the better actor ¡ª Zhou Sheng¡¯s acting skills were practically on a film emperor level, but Chen Yekai was also very clever. If they had colluded earlier they might just be able to muddle through it¡­¡­but Chen Yekai had obviously come prepared and had almost caught them off guard.


    ¡°Me?¡± Zhou Sheng looked like he had just heard the joke of the century. His mouth twitched, ¡°That¡­¡­Chen Laoshi, do you have some kind of misunderstanding?¡± As he spoke, he looked at Yu Hao with a bewildered expression on his face, while Yu Hao tried his best to also feign a similar expression as the both of them looked at each other.


    Chen Yekai turned on his phone and found a screenshot, then turned his phone towards Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    On it was an IP address, and beside it was the English name of the region it was in.


    Chen Yekai stared closely at Zhou Sheng, then scrolled through his phone. The next page was a screenshot of Zhou Sheng¡¯s account, then he scrolled to the next page ¡ª it was a photo taken by his phone of an analysis of command strings and IP addresses.


    Zhou Sheng immediately asked, puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s this? I don¡¯t understand it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You were very careful. You deleted all of your visiting records, but you can¡¯t delete the page views on Ryuusei¡¯s homepage. I asked my postgraduate senior who¡¯s a hacker to help me investigate the IPs that had visited the page. It was a proxy, the real address was in mainland China.¡±


    Zhou Sheng instantly understood. Ryuusei¡¯s homepage, birthday, and password might have all just been traps set by Chen Yekai!


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng brazenly continued, ¡°I was too curious.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who went to search for it. I¡¯m sorry, Chen Laoshi, but I didn¡¯t find your video or anything¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°How would the two of you know that Ryuusei was called Takin?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure at first, until I told Zhou Sheng in my dream that there was that letter, then I saw the page views on Ryuusei¡¯s homepage suddenly increase after four years¡­¡­¡±


    When he got to this point, Chen Yekai¡¯s voice trembled slightly.


    ¡°Wait wait wait!¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng almost cried out in surprise at the same time, ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Dream? What dream?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Chen Laoshi are you alright?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Tell me! That this isn¡¯t a hallucination! How did the two of you get into my dream?! Otherwise, Zhou Sheng, why would you know what I said to you in my dream?!¡±


    The dormitory immediately quietened down. Three seconds later, Zhou Sheng burst into laughter.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Kaikai, there¡¯s nothing wrong with you ba? Say that again?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt that Chen Yekai was very pitiful.


    Chen Yekai said calmly, ¡°I know that I have psychological problems, but I¡¯m not crazy. Zhou Sheng, you came into my dream, otherwise you wouldn¡¯t know about this letter, and you wouldn¡¯t know Ryuusei¡¯s English name.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in disbelief, ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I found it online, isn¡¯t that the translation of his name in katakana?¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°Then how can you guys explain why the page view of this letter would become 1? Zhou Sheng, you even knew the password to it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were both dumbstruck. Zhou Sheng was about to turn around to look at Yu Hao, but he abruptly reacted almost instantaneously, ¡°I didn¡¯t see it! We didn¡¯t click on that page at all!¡±


    Yu Hao reacted as well; Chen Yekai had tricked them! When they heard that, if he and Zhou Sheng both knew the password, then they might suspect each other of viewing it in secret. So when Chen Yekai said that, they would definitely look at each other for a short duration ¡ª even if it was just for a fraction of a second.


    However, Zhou Sheng vigilantly guarded this psychological defense line and didn¡¯t look at Yu Hao. But Yu Hao reacted too slowly, and hadn¡¯t thought that far ahead.


    ¡°Let me see?¡± Zhou Sheng reached out to take Chen Yekai¡¯s phone and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t pass his phone to Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao thought that the two of them were really too cunning; they kept trying to find gaps in each other¡¯s defences. Zhou Sheng was practically defending his own to the point that not even a drop of water could escape.


    ¡°In the dream.¡± Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°I never knew that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t swim. It was Yu Hao who said it himself, then immediately afterwards he sank. How would you explain that?¡±


    ¡°How can I explain it?¡± Zhou Sheng looked utterly baffled, ¡°It¡¯s your own dream, and you¡¯re asking me to explain it?¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao¡¯s anxiety was plain as day on his face, ¡°You really dreamt of me?¡±


    ¡°He said that we have superpowers and went into his dream!¡± Zhou Sheng explain, ¡°How could that be possible?¡±


    Chen Yekai gave up on breaking through Zhou Sheng¡¯s defences and instead changed his target and began to pursue and relentlessly corner Yu Hao, ¡°You don¡¯t know how to swim ¡ª that¡¯s what you said in my dream. I thought you could, so there was no problem when you tried to swim in my dream. The moment you said that you didn¡¯t know how to swim, I realised it, which is why you lost the ability to swim in my dream.¡±


    ¡°But if you were just the Yu Hao of my imagination, then when I was sure you knew how to swim, you wouldn¡¯t tell me yourself that you actually didn¡¯t know how to! Because the you in my imagination depends on my understanding of you!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t deny my own knowledge!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart jumped with a ¡°thud¡±. So Chen Yekai had made his judgment from that detail!


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao¡¯s brows were locked in a deep furrow, ¡°Chen Laoshi, let¡¯s not talk about how ridiculous that assumption is first. Regarding the matter of whether or not I know how to swim, aside from your knowledge in the real world and the phenomenon in your dream, wouldn¡¯t it also depend on the suggestions of your own subconsciousness?¡±


    ¡°You might have just forgotten some things.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why the cogs in his brain suddenly started spinning so fast at this time, ¡°Through a reminder of your subconsciousness, you suddenly remembered it in your dream¡­¡­remember a few months ago, when we picked up the money in the reservoir? At that time, Zhou Sheng said¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng smacked his thigh and said, ¡°That¡¯s right ma, I said that ¡®I want to teach Yu Hao how to swim¡¯; the implication being that Yu Hao doesn¡¯t know how to swim, so you were reminded by your subconscious in your dream¡­¡­Wait, no, why are we discussing such a topic right now that makes it seem like we¡¯re crazy?! Kaikai, are you okay?¡±


    Chen Yekai fell silent.


    Yu Hao gave himself a +1 in his heart, he did sooo well today!


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m serious, Kaikai. You¡¯re too exhausted. You should rest.¡±


    Chen Yekai said helplessly, ¡°Since it¡¯s like this, then accompany me to do an experiment ba.¡±


    A sense of foreboding immediately loomed over Yu Hao, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed.


    ¡°Wait until Fu Liqun returns.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let him accompany you guys and ensure that the two of you don¡¯t sleep while I go back to sleep. This time, I¡¯ll see what will happen in my dreamscape then¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Spare me ba!¡± Zhou Sheng bitterly exclaimed, ¡°We just pulled an all-nighter!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then the two of you can sleep first, I won¡¯t disturb you guys. I can still hold on. Once the two of you have slept for ten hours, I¡¯ll come back again.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng instantly fell silent. The deathly still silence dragged on, and after three seconds, Chen Yekai knew that the truth had finally come to light, while Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were still speechless. Zhou Sheng was racking his brains, but even he couldn¡¯t think of a way to handle this.


    There was a sound of a key opening the door. Fu Liqun pushed the door open and entered, and was dumbstruck when he saw the three people who had turned into statues.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 51 - Reason

    Ch51 ¨C Reason


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°Kaikai?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°What are you guys doing?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Discussing matters concerning our majors.¡±


    Zhou Sheng promptly followed up, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it later.¡±


    This scene seemed bizarre no matter how you looked at it, as if Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng were¡­¡­conducting a diplomatic negotiation between love rivals for Yu Hao??! When he linked this to all the gossip he had heard, Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t help but reveal a strange expression on his face.


    Yu Hao looked hesitantly at Zhou Sheng, and from the gentle shake of his head, Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng had decided to tell him.


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Thank you, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re good.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly but he didn¡¯t hound Zhou Sheng further with Fu Liqun present. He asked the three people in the dormitory, ¡°Want to head out for lunch? My treat.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Fu Liqun agreed immediately, ¡°And pack some dinner for me too! I only have 300 yuan left to tide me over for the rest of the month!¡±


    The strange atmosphere in the dormitory continued into their meal. Yu Hao felt extremely apprehensive and kept watching Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. He hoped that Zhou Sheng would give some obvious or subtle clues on how to counter Chen Yekai¡¯s suspicions while resisting and neutralizing his attacks. But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t look at him. Instead, he spoke to Fu Liqun and asked how he had reconciled, his expression unchanged.


    Meanwhile, Chen Yekai had returned to his usual self as if nothing had happened. But within the short span of the past two days, the news of his resignation had already spread throughout the college, and many people had privately discussed about how Chen Yekai and Yu Hao were caught in the woods having a teacher-student love affair, and it was all described in vivid detail. Chen Yekai could only ignore the gossip on campus, let alone try to clarify anything.


    But Fu Liqun was the most baffled one. One time in class when someone asked him about Yu Hao and Chen Yekai, Fu Liqun had bluntly asked the person to shut up or else he could just wait for Zhou Sheng to beat him until he looked like an ink wash scroll painting. But after he returned to the dormitory today and saw the scene made by Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, and Zhou Sheng, even Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t really hold on anymore. He feared that something would really happen.


    ¡°Was Shan Jie so touched that she cried?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, yes.¡± Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°Let me tell you what happened.¡±


    So Fu Liqun could only try his best to liven up the mood. He talked about how he had managed to reconcile with and deeply move Cen Shan, with the other three applauding all together in the end.


    ¡°That¡¯s really great!¡± Yu Hao spoke first, then glanced meaningfully at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pretended that he didn¡¯t notice.


    ¡°Congratulations to you both.¡± Chen Yekai smiled.


    The three of them were already very sleepy. One of them had just taken an 11-hour flight on top of suffering jet lag from his previous trip, while the other two had forced themselves to stay up all night.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°You all haven¡¯t slept yet?¡±


    Chen Yekai waved his hand and packed dinner for Fu Liqun, then got up to settle the bill.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°You look exhausted, go back and sleep ba.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve still got something to do.¡± Zhou Sheng said solemnly, ¡°I¡¯ll go back to the dorm later.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Do you need help, bro?¡± As he spoke, he looked at Yu Hao again and comforted him, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t always endure things by yourself.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard this, he suddenly felt extremely moved, yet Zhou Sheng remained silent. After a long time, he looked up at Fu Liqun and said earnestly, ¡°Thank you, Gege.¡±


    Yu Hao began to worry again. After Chen Yekai settled the bill, he actually appeared to be in high spirits, ¡°Let¡¯s continue discussing the project from this afternoon. Liqun, see you tomorrow.¡±


    So Fu Liqun had to get up and leave. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s go talk somewhere else?¡±


    ¡°Give us ten minutes.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his hand as a signal. Chen Yekai knew that he had gotten to the truth upon hearing this and he nodded briskly, ¡°Let¡¯s look for a cafe ba.¡±


    In the flower cafe, Zhou Sheng bought two cups of hot chocolate, ¡°Don¡¯t drink coffee anymore, or else you won¡¯t be able to sleep later.¡±


    Yu Hao was at his wits¡¯ end and kept glancing at Chen Yekai.


    ¡°We have two options now.¡± Zhou Sheng briefly thought about it and irritably smoothed out his hair, ¡°One, initiate our backup plan, tell him the truth, and after we save him, use the Golden Crow Wheel to erase his memory.¡±


    Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°Pressing your forehead is just a trigger; the purpose of it is to return to your dreamscape and erase all your memories regarding me in the dream.¡±


    ¡°How do you erase them?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Through demolition, but you have to obtain the owner¡¯s permission first. I¡¯ll teach you when the time comes; there shouldn¡¯t be any issues.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Two: I still have another way, and he¡¯s bound to lose.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Things have already reached this point, but you still have a way to reverse the situation?¡±


    Zhou Sheng leaned a little closer to Yu Hao and whispered, ¡°As long as we play dumb all the way to the end and are dead set on not admitting anything, there¡¯s nothing he can do.¡±


    Yu Hao turned around to look at Chen Yekai from afar, and said in a low voice, ¡°That won¡¯t dispel his doubts. Besides, in the dormitory, you¡¯re the one who said ¡®you¡¯re good¡¯, so you already admitted it!¡±


    Chen Yekai ordered a cup of hot tea and was currently standing in front of the French windows in a daze. The scenery outside looked exceptionally beautiful, with the flowers outside the flower cafe in full bloom, lit by the early summer¡¯s afternoon sunshine.


    ¡°We can withdraw our confessions!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Later on, we¡¯ll go over and tell him that we¡¯ve thought it through and say that we¡¯ll tell him the truth, but that we¡¯ll have to go somewhere first. Next, flank him on both sides and take him to Fourth People¡¯s Hospital. Don¡¯t mind anything else, just abduct him and rush inside¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao instantly understood ¡ª Fourth People¡¯s Hospital was a psychiatric hospital! Zhou Sheng¡¯s plan was too cruel. Like this, Chen Yekai would think that the two of them were discussing how to send him to a psychiatric hospital right now, and afterwards, regardless of whether he was diagnosed with a mental illness, it would be unlikely that Chen Yekai would continue to zealously pursue this matter.


    Yu Hao deeply felt that every time it seemed like there was no way out, Zhou Sheng would come up with a cunning, elaborate scheme that was like the light at the end of a tunnel; it was really too godly. It seemed that in the final battle between Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng was still the victor by a slight margin.


    ¡°This method can effectively solve our current dilemma.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Chen Yekai before he lowered his voice and said to Yu Hao, ¡°But it won¡¯t solve the ones that will follow, including the matter with Liang Laoshi. You make the call ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng examined Yu Hao. Yu Hao thought, how could I decide? In fact, he had been in a difficult position from the moment they started helping Chen Yekai. On one hand, Zhou Sheng has always seemed subtly jealous of Chen Yekai; and on the other hand, he seemed to give Yu Hao the impression of ¡®I¡¯m only saving him for your sake¡¯.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make the call.¡± Yu Hao said honestly, ¡°How could I decide for you? It¡¯ll be a gesture of generosity at your expense ba.¡±


    ¡°Gesture of generosity at my expense?!¡± Zhou Sheng looked like he was in utter disbelief, ¡°So that¡¯s how you¡¯ve always seen me? Yu Hao?! What do you mean by that? Explain in detail?¡±


    ¡°I was wrong!¡± Yu Hao realised that his old habit had resurfaced, so he quickly said, ¡°I¡­¡­sorry, Zhou Sheng, don¡¯t be angry! Okay, I¡¯ll definitely reflect on my behaviour¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng suppressed his displeasure and said with slight impatience, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t argue with you now. Why don¡¯t you consider it from a different perspective? When you¡¯re facing a problem where you can¡¯t come to a decision, would you be willing to let me make the decision for you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Of course.¡±


    For Yu Hao, if he could give Zhou Sheng the authority to make decisions for any significant events and Zhou Sheng was willing to help him make those decisions, he would actually be very happy instead.


    ¡°Then that¡¯s it, isn¡¯t it?¡± Zhou Sheng got up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go smoke a cig, think it over carefully ba.¡± (WHAT???)


    Zhou Sheng simply exited the flower cafe and smoked while he sat within the sunshine. Yu Hao understood the meaning behind Zhou Sheng¡¯s words, and by the time Zhou Sheng came back, Yu Hao decided to tell Zhou Sheng what he really thought.


    ¡°I think Chen Laoshi is a very good person.¡± Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng, he¡¯s also helped us before, we can¡¯t just ignore him.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng became slightly more solemn and nodded.


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°Tell him ba.¡±


    ¡°I was also inclined towards telling him.¡± Zhou Sheng finished drinking his cup of hot chocolate and answered, ¡°But this isn¡¯t a decision you made just for me, because you have to enter his dream too, so your opinion also matters.¡±


    Chen Yekai had waited for nearly half an hour before Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao finally came to an agreement.


    ¡°Finished discussing it thoroughly?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I won¡¯t say anything I¡¯m not supposed to; I know the inside story must be quite complicated. You can also believe me selectively, and retain your reservations.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk elsewhere.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao suddenly realised that his ¡®discussion¡¯ with Zhou Sheng seemed irrelevant to their actual concern. Instead, Zhou Sheng seemed most concerned with the issue of whether ¡®their opinions were unanimous¡¯. They hadn¡¯t even planned out how to resolve the problem at hand. But looking at Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression, it seemed like he had already anticipated that this day long ago.


    Zhou Sheng, with the other two, walked past the hotel that they had stayed in the day before. Just as he was about to enter and book a room, Chen Yekai took the initiative as he asked, ¡°Are we going to sleep? Let me ba.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have my ID card.¡± Zhou Sheng realised.


    ¡°I do.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s IDs were all with him. He walked them to a five-star hotel and got a room at the front desk. The three of them remained silent the whole time. It was only when they entered the elevator that Chen Yekai said one sentence.


    ¡°Within the dream of the dreamer, the one who was dreamed of awoke.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng both looked at Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ever since Ryuusei¡¯s death, I¡¯ve always felt like I¡¯ve been living in a fleeting dream. Thank you.¡±


    With a ¡°ding¡±, the elevator arrived on their floor. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nothing¡¯s certain yet, you need to buck up.¡±


    ¡°Wah!¡± Yu Hao was completely stunned by the room. He had never stayed in such a fancy hotel before. And this was just a standard luxury room, so it wasn¡¯t even considered the best. There were two huge beds, and the room was well-lit with ample sunlight. Chen Yekai opened the fridge, took out some drinks, and passed them to the other two.


    Chen Yekai sat down. He looked at Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao expectantly, waiting for them to speak.


    ¡°Sleep there.¡± Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to sleep in one of the beds, then said to Chen Yekai, ¡°You sleep in the other one.¡± Before he entered the bathroom, ¡°I¡¯ll take a bath first. I pulled an all nighter last night.¡±


    Yu Hao had already taken a bath in the morning, so he didn¡¯t need to take another one before going to sleep. From the side, Chen Yekai took off his sweater and loosened the buttons of his shirt, ¡°It¡¯s hot.¡±


    As they laid down on the beds, Yu Hao could barely fight back his sleepiness. He was relying solely on willpower to hold on as he listened to the sound of running water from the bathroom.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Chen Yekai was wearing a short-sleeved T-shirt. He was laying on his side as he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao turned sideways to also look at him.


    Yet Chen Yekai only quietly watched Yu Hao. Yu Hao muttered under his breath, ¡°Find a job that you¡¯re willing to devote your life to. Be with a person whom you truly love: without being trapped by fame and profit, without the disturbance of the secular world, without being burdened by money. Don¡¯t suffer because of choices or abandonment, and truly, find your freedom.¡±


    ¡°Those are your words.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°That¡¯s my ideal.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But I couldn¡¯t do it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You can achieve it someday. After graduating from high school, I also wanted to start a new life somewhere. But then I thought, starting a new chapter of my life has nothing to do with where I am.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai sighed, ¡°Ultimately, it all depends on your heart. You¡¯re a strong and nurturing kid. Yu Hao¡­¡­I want to ask¡­¡­never mind.¡±


    ¡°Ask ah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You can ask me anything.¡±


    ¡°If¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai made a very difficult decision, ¡°I know this analogy is very offensive, but if you were Ryuusei, then on the very last day¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao remembered his ¡°last moment¡±. When that moment was about to come, his heart no longer held any hatred for anyone, ¡°I think, since he chose that place, it meant that he still loved you. And I understand Ryuusei.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You said that he was too insecure.¡± Yu Hao smiled a little helplessly, ¡°But that was only natural. Because you¡¯re too outstanding, that kind of¡­¡­it¡¯s very hard for me to describe, it¡¯s a kind of excellence that goes beyond reason. From ideas, from knowledge, from¡­¡­how you view problems, it¡¯s all very difficult to feel that one is worthy of your excellence.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been like this since I was a kid.¡± Chen Yekai nodded.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, you¡¯re rich, a curve wrecker, and you have such elegance too. You should be the pride of many ¡ª no matter of your family, or your lover. But actually, you are quite indifferent to a lot of things.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai had to admit to it, ¡°Most of the time, my polite attitude towards outsiders don¡¯t reflect my true thoughts.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned over to lie flat on his back and looked at the ceiling.


    The sound of running water in the bathroom stopped, then a blow dryer could be heard . A moment later, Zhou Sheng, using a cotton swab to dig his ears, walked out of the hotel¡¯s bathroom. He said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve already washed and aired out my clothes and underwear by myself.¡±


    When Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s wheat-coloured chest and his well-built calves underneath his bathrobe, he thought, you you you¡­¡­why aren¡¯t you wearing anything inside??!!


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Now you can tell me what happened ba.¡±


    ¡°In short, we are the patron saints of dreams.¡± Zhou Sheng walked over to Yu Hao¡¯s bedside and said to Chen Yekai, ¡°You can think of us as some kind of superhero or something; our duty is to help resolve the serious psychological problems of you mortals. But this all depends on the trust you place in us. I¡¯m Sun Wukong, and Yu Hao is, the Archangel. Imagine that for a moment?¡±


    Chen Yekai was very obedient as he strove to imagine it.


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Kaikai, the more you trust us, the more powerful we become in your dream.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng blurted out words like ¡®superhero¡¯ so smoothly that Yu Hao almost spat out his drink involuntarily. But Chen Yekai listened to him with unprecedented earnestness, and his expression immediately produced an atmosphere of absurdity.


    Chen Yekai held no doubts towards Zhou Sheng¡¯s words. He answered, ¡°Just like how I think Yu Hao can swim?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng picked up an iced cola and drank it in two gulps, ¡°If you want redemption, ultimately, it¡¯ll still depend on you. Do you think Lin Xun will still be too strong for you to overcome?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao exchanged a look. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So you¡¯re not scared of him.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Only Ryuusei is a barrier that I can¡¯t overcome. But after listening to Yu Hao, I can sort of understand myself better now.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Right now, the existence before the well is confirmed to be Ryuusei.¡±


    ¡°The gatekeeper may be Lin Xun.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But if Kaikai¡¯s not afraid of him, then he won¡¯t be difficult to deal with.¡±


    Chen Yekai frowned as he listened to their conversation.


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered something, so he asked, ¡°Chen Laoshi, why did you want to do that that night? Can you tell me?¡±


    Chen Yekai took a deep breath and answered, ¡°Lin Laoshi had spoken to Ryuusei before he committed suicide. But, I¡­¡­never knew that, Ryuusei and Lin Xun had met each other alone. Until that day, in the flower cafe, when you got splashed with coffee¡­¡­I happened to hear it from Liang Laoshi.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt a chill in his heart; the entire sequence of events instantly connected.


    ¡°Wait wait wait!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately exclaimed, ¡°Kaikai! Be specific about what could have occurred! Don¡¯t hide anything! It¡¯s very important for you to tell us everything!¡±


    Chen Yekai said wearily, ¡°I have reason to believe that Lin Xun had conducted some¡­¡­psychological manipulation on Ryuusei.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What does it have to do with him?!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He hated Ryuusei very much. From the very start, he had already expressed his opposition towards our relationship and didn¡¯t want me to marry Ryuusei. He persistently asked me to reconsider, and he had always wanted to persuade Ryuusei to leave me.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Yu Hao recalled an indistinct memory. He looked at Chen Yekai and kept feeling that he could uncover many more clues from this¡­¡­


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°In order to break the two of you up, he persuaded Ryuusei to commit suicide through psychological manipulation?!¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei suffered from depression.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s thoughts were in utter chaos, ¡°This is a physiological disease. When it flares up, and when death was a type of liberation for them in the first place, under this sort of pain, the effects of any psychological manipulation would be magnified¡­¡­I¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s own psychological state had already been slightly unstable. Right now, he took quite a long time before he could compose himself.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao was thinking the whole time and hadn¡¯t uttered a word.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t hear that recording in the office, but Yu Hao did!


    That day in the flower cafe, Liang Jinmin and Chen Yekai had sat down as they talked, and the recording that Lin Xun provided included a portion of what Chen Yekai said, ¡°In this reincarnation cycle, I¡¯ve met another kid like Ryuusei again¡­¡­¡±


    According to the situation, it could be deduced that this must have been said before Liang Jinmin told Chen Yekai about her own conjecture. Yu Hao began to try and recreate the entire conversation in his mind ¡ª Liang Jinmin invited Chen Yekai out, Chen Yekai first mentioned Yu Hao to Liang Jinmin, then after consoling him briefly, she mentioned what happened four years ago.


    ¡°That recording.¡± Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng understood within an instant and very accurately grasped the most vital point.


    ¡°Does Lin Xun know that the two of you spoke privately?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai was a little baffled. He began frowning and seemed to have figured something out.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Your conversation was being monitored!¡±

 Chapter 52 - Bridge

    Ch52 ¨C Bridge


    Mayan Cenote (so pretty!!!)


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Evidently, Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t been aware of this, so it came as a sudden shock to him. Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°What else did you talk about in the flower cafe that afternoon?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°That¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Has Liang Jinmin been a victim of long-term domestic violence? And she wanted a divorce? So she wanted to collect some evidence, and approached you to expose that scum?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°A few days after Lin Xun heard your conversation through his monitoring, he continued to beat Liang Jinmin, and on the night of the 30th, he was prepared to kill her so that she wouldn¡¯t be able to reveal anything. That was why he planned a car accident¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°That¡¯s what Huang Ting and I suspected! But we have no evidence!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How could Liang Jinmin not use a seat belt?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve been in that car, if you don¡¯t fasten your seat belt the alarm will go off!¡± (¡­..why did this sound so cute to me lmfao)


    Zhou Sheng began speaking at the pace of a machine gun, ¡°He most likely struck Liang Jinmin unconscious at home, or drugged her before moving her into the car. After he inserted the seat belt buckle, he got on the expressway, then with one ¡°bang¡±, the deed was done. Have you seen the CCTV?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no surveillance!¡± Chen Yekai practically shouted, ¡°The building he lives in is located in a new residential area that the college just built; the garages there are all separate!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it then.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m no longer curious about what the two of you talked about. In short, he was afraid that his past actions would get exposed, so he wanted to kill Liang Jinmin in an attempt to silence her. Which means that Liang Jinmin must know quite a lot!¡±


    A deathly still and horrifying silence engulfed the room.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, has Lin Xun performed any psychological intervention on you?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng swore, then said to Chen Yekai, ¡°It should¡¯ve been quite often ba. During the days you accompanied your Shimu, the two of you didn¡¯t even meet once?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I asked him. Afterwards, there was only one time when we actually met and held a conversation, it didn¡¯t even last half an hour. It was the first day of the New Year, that night when the two of you came and left.¡±


    Yu Hao felt so shocked that he couldn¡¯t possibly be stunned any further. That day, they played games with Chen Yekai for a long time in the hospital. Yu Hao had even packed dinner for Chen Yekai after that and saw him kneeling in front of Liang Jinmin¡¯s bed as he wept.


    Zhou Sheng murmured, ¡°No ba. Kaikai, I remember you saying that you wanted to introduce us to Lin Laoshi that day?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°At that time, the two of you were just students, and his psychological manipulation of Ryuusei was just Liang Laoshi¡¯s conjecture, so that was the only thing I could say. Otherwise, how else was I supposed to phrase it? As a matter of fact, after Liang Laoshi and I met up in the cafe, Lin Xun behaved as usual, so I started to doubt whether it was Shimu whose emotions weren¡¯t very stable¡­¡­ After the two of you left, that night in the ward, I couldn¡¯t help but completely lay everything out on the table to question him. But that day, I still didn¡¯t know that he caused the car accident¡­¡­no, that still remains unconfirmed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not important.¡± As soon as Zhou Sheng said that, he apologised, ¡°Sorry, Kaikai, what I meant was, that matter is not our top priority. Right now, what we need to make sure of is whether or not you¡¯re afraid of him, and how we should deal with him if he appears in your dream.¡±


    ¡°Lin Xun?¡± Chen Yekai laughed bitterly, ¡°I want to kill him, so do you think I¡¯m afraid of him?¡±


    Yu Hao also considered this question. He asked, ¡°What did he say to you that day when you guys were in the hospital?¡±


    Chen Yekai said wearily, ¡°I can¡¯t really remember the details clearly. He has always been very arrogant, as if there is nothing in this world that can affect him. His belief in himself is too strong.¡±


    Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°I¡¯m beginning to regret telling you so much.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then¡­¡­how do we defeat Lin Xun?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Shoot him, or just go up to him and beat him up. You can do whatever you want.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Now I really just want to kill him, I¡¯m not afraid of him anymore. But you have to understand that ever since I graduated from my undergraduate studies, I¡¯ve always been following Lin Xun. In fact, even now, I still feel very conflicted about all this¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh my god, I reeaaally regret our conversation today.¡±


    Of course, Yu Hao understood what Zhou Sheng meant. This conversation provided yet even more reinforcement for Lin Xun in Chen Yekai¡¯s mind that would make the Lin Xun in his dreams even more difficult to fight.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°He used to be my most respected¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop! Stop!¡± Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s expressions changed at the same time.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Stop giving yourself any more suggestions!!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, perhaps on that night, Chen Yekai had already summoned up enough courage to set fire to all his bridges, so he no longer feared him anymore.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be alright.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I think the most difficult hurdle is still Ryuusei. The gatekeeper won¡¯t be more difficult to deal with than Ryuusei.¡±


    Chen Yekai fell silent again.


    After Zhou Sheng scooped out the water in his ears, he said to Chen Yekai, ¡°Now we have to work together to seize back the totem in the depths of your heart.¡±


    ¡°Totem?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Your source of strength in your mental world.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The beliefs you¡¯ve built up for yourself and firmly held fast to ever since childhood. What do you think that will be?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­I don¡¯t know.¡± Chen Yekai muttered, ¡°If there really is such a thing, then I think, it could be the ideal future I once wished for ba.¡±


    ¡°Concrete representation.¡± Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°Understand it in concrete terms. Everything that appears in your dream has a physical form.¡±


    Chen Yekai became engrossed in his thoughts, and in the end, Zhou Sheng added, ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious, you can look for it while you think. It¡¯s fine as long as we¡¯re clear on how to deal with the enemy. Let¡¯s try our best to deal with the gatekeeper Lin Xun together ba. As for Ryuusei¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I could already be in front of his totem.¡±


    ¡°Then, wait for the answer to reveal itself.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re responsible for finding the totem, and you have to remember what we discussed before.¡±


    Yu Hao recalled that letter, then nodded.


    Chen Yekai understood, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about the rest after you wake up.¡± Zhou Sheng laid on the bed, and Yu Hao instantly tensed up. He turned his head to look sidelong at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were sleeping in a single bed together, and Zhou Sheng was only wearing a white bathrobe!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t the first time Yu Hao had slept with Zhou Sheng in the same bed. When he went to Zhou Sheng¡¯s house during the New Year, the two of them had slept together. But Zhou Sheng had always slept bare chested while wearing a pair of sports shorts, and had never slept like this before.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao took a deep breath and tried to lay flat so that he wouldn¡¯t have any strange reactions.


    ¡°Sleep ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you have anything to say, we¡¯ll talk in the dream. Yu Hao, take care of yourself, we¡¯ll be there soon.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao was so sleepy he could barely keep his eyes open. But the more tired he was, the more aroused his subconscious sexual urges were. He only wanted to turn around and hug Zhou Sheng, and that was the natural reaction of his parasympathetic nerves after his sympathetic nerves were suppressed. He could feel his own arm draw closer to Zhou Sheng¡¯s chest, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s skin was very smooth and delicate. Fragrance from the shower gel he used wafted from his body, which made Yu Hao¡¯s blood vessels almost rupture for a moment.


    The Golden Crow Wheel emitted a scorching light; the place Yu Hao appeared in was the bridge in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream world that led to the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°He hasn¡¯t slept yet.¡± Zhou Sheng was in much higher spirits now as he explained to Yu Hao, ¡°When he falls asleep later, we¡¯ll get sucked into the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, why hasn¡¯t Chen Yekai fallen asleep? Maybe he was too agitated, so perhaps he wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep for awhile. He tried to flutter his wings open and fly up, ¡°Oh right, aside from us, can other things cross through the Golden Crow Wheel?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s mind was enshrouded by fog.


    Yu Hao, ¡°The military generals in my dream, and that dragon in yours. Can they leave our respective dreams?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Ah? The things from his dream can¡¯t cross over here, but whether or not the things from our dreams can enter his isn¡¯t something I¡¯ve considered before.¡±


    From Zhou Sheng¡¯s reaction, Yu Hao realised that he seemed to have raised a question that Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t thought of. But this didn¡¯t require a very huge brain in one¡¯s hole, so with Zhou Sheng¡¯s intelligence, why didn¡¯t he think of it before?


    Yu Hao spread his wings open and flew above the sea of clouds, searching for the dragon that Zhou Sheng summoned from the clouds that day. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng remained on the bridge and fell into contemplation. Yu Hao looked left and right; never mind his soldiers, but if the dragon could reach Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, then it could end up playing a very significant role.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wander around!¡± Zhou Sheng snapped out of his trance and shouted at Yu Hao, so Yu Hao flew back.


    ¡°To bring the impressions in our conscious world into other people¡¯s dreams.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s theoretically feasible.¡±


    ¡°But it depends on the dreamscape owner¡¯s impressions of us.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng stated, ¡°Just like how I made Shi Ni think that I¡¯m Sun Wukong, and that you¡¯re the Archangel, it¡¯s the same principle. Let¡¯s try using my dream first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng let Yu Hao go to the Golden Crow Wheel and said, ¡°Go back to your dreamscape.¡±


    The light within the Golden Crow Wheel projected an image of Yu Hao¡¯s dream, and a portal appeared. When Yu Hao passed through the Golden Crow Wheel, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Imagine a bridge here that leads to the ground.¡±


    Yu Hao tried to imagine it, while Zhou Sheng waited patiently. A bridge appeared in front of Yu Hao; it extended from the Golden Crow Wheel all the way to the sunlight draped capital, but only a very short section of the bridge appeared.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    Afterwards, no matter how he tried to imagine it, he couldn¡¯t extend the bridge¡¯s length any longer, so a very short bridge, suspended in mid air, had appeared within the dream¡¯s sun.


    ¡°Imagine it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Connect it with reality. What does a bridge symbolise? Stairs are okay too.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered the bridges and stairs that led to higher ground in the books he read ¡ª they symbolised desires that haven¡¯t been satisfied as well as a constant approach towards them, so he glanced at Zhou Sheng. That passage came from his supplementary reading materials for the next semester; Zhou Sheng hasn¡¯t read it yet.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Jiayou.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that in reality, right now, he was lying on the bed underneath the same blanket with Zhou Sheng, who was only wearing a bathrobe.


    I¡¯m not someone with very strong desires¡­¡­but oh well. Yu Hao took a deep breath, and his face flushed slightly red. This could actually be effective. And sure enough, his fantasy had just begun ¡ª by imagining the moment when he turned around to hug Zhou Sheng, then took it a step further by imagining Zhou Sheng¡¯s body under his armour ¡ª before the bridge began to extend again towards the ground. (I¡¯M. DEAD.)


    ¡°It¡¯s successful!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nice!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly understood the implications of this. This bridge connected his mental world to Zhou Sheng¡¯s, and was also a metaphor for the progression of their relationship in reality. Perhaps it could be understood as Yu Hao¡¯s desire to take his relationship with Zhou Sheng further.


    But this bridge constructed with stairs that led to the sun was just like how Yu Hao understood it ¡ª it was very unstable, and there was no support underneath, as if it would collapse at any moment.


    ¡°Make it a bit more stable.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Add some materials.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t, I¡¯ve tried my best.¡± Yu Hao said a little angrily. (YH: I can¡¯t, our relationship ISN¡¯T stable)


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Be confident, anything is possible.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve really tried my best!¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh. He didn¡¯t want to explain to Zhou Sheng that this bridge only appeared because it was built based on his own sexual fantasies about him.


    Zhou Sheng could only let the matter drop and said, ¡°Then summon them over to try ba, and definitely don¡¯t fantasize about this bridge collapsing.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand, ¡°I think it¡¯ll just exist like this for awhile, it won¡¯t collapse. Unless something else happens in the real world. The bridge symbolises a certain desire.¡±


    ¡°Oh? What desire of yours is this?¡± Zhou Sheng snapped out of his daze and looked at Yu Hao suspiciously.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to say it!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Immediately afterwards, the guards in Yu Hao¡¯s dream began to ascend onto this bridge. When they came to the Golden Crow Wheel, Yu Hao said, ¡°Everyone¡­¡­I have a favour to ask.¡±


    It was quite strange to talk to your own dreamscape; it was like talking to yourself. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t bear to watch any longer, ¡°Why are you being so polite to yourself? Children! Follow me!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao, then turned around and entered the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s space suspended above the sea of clouds that supported the Golden Crow Wheel underwent a remarkable change ¡ª similarly, from a bridge, it began extending into a seemingly endless platform that covered an area of several hectares above the sea of clouds. At the centre of the platform was the Golden Crow Wheel that radiated a golden-coloured flare!


    Yu Hao turned to survey his surroundings. Zhou Sheng motioned for him to look: the first soldier entered Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, followed by the second, the third, and the soldiers continued marching out before assembling on the floating platform in a square-shaped formation.


    ¡°We succeeded!¡± Yu Hao said in surprise.


    Zhou Sheng whistled at the clouds. The clouds that had congregated into the shape of a little hill parted. The pitch-black Western dragon spread out its sharp wings, and with some remnant clouds on its wings, it suddenly rushed out! Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but quietly retreat half a step back upon seeing it again, but Zhou Sheng placed a hand on his shoulder to calm him down.


    The last time Yu Hao flew through the sky, he was caught off guard by its sudden appearance, so he hadn¡¯t felt such a strong sense of oppression. Now, he was standing on the square, and the black dragon circled the square several times. When it dove down, all of the soldiers immediately became nervous along with Yu Hao, and they all nocked their arrows on their bowstring and drew it back before pointing it towards the sky ¡ª this scene made it seem like a huge battle was imminent!


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of it! It¡¯s a part of me!¡±


    Yu Hao struggled to calm down. Only when the guards began to slowly retreat did the black dragon slowly land on the square. It attentively gazed sideways at Yu Hao.


    ¡°What the hell does it symbolise for you?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°A memory?¡±


    Yu Hao remembered the spiralling black dragon in his dream; it had symbolised the reservoir in his memory, so for Zhou Sheng¡­¡­


    ¡°It¡¯s my beastly nature.¡± Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°It might be the concrete form of my impulsiveness and anger ba. You have a protective halo in my dream so what are you afraid of?¡±


    That black dragon steadily gazed at Yu Hao, which made him a little uncomfortable. He tried to avoid the black dragon¡¯s gaze, but he could persistently feel that regardless of the direction that dangerous behemoth faced, its golden eyes never ceased sizing him up.


    ¡°Now we need to think about how to bring them into Kaikai¡¯s dream.¡± Zhou Sheng was unconcerned about the black dragon. He looked up at the scene displayed on the screen in the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Yu Hao turned back to look. A huge sacrificial altar had appeared in the square, and in the middle of the altar was the Golden Crow Wheel. That enormous black dragon crouched on the square grounds, while behind it were nearly 2,000 Chinese ancient guards clad in armour, arranged in a square formation. The scene looked quite grand, and it seemed like they were waiting for a mysterious ceremony to begin.


    Yu Hao, ¡°But the passage will only open after the sun rises, otherwise we won¡¯t be able to find the sun in Kaikai¡¯s world. That passage is temporarily sealed off.¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand; the flare from the Golden Crow Wheel covered his armour and became a magnificent, iridescent golden colour. He frowned and murmured, ¡°That¡¯s true, but that would be useless right? If the sun has already risen, then why would we need reinforcements? We only need them in a dark consciousness¡­¡­yo, it actually is quite an imposing sight ma.¡± Zhou Sheng turned around and even he was surprised. There were thousands of troops on the square under the altar, yet they soundlessly awaited their orders.


    ¡°Ask the Golden Crow Wheel? Does it have a way?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his hand as he communicated with the Golden Crow Wheel, then answered, ¡°I don¡¯t really understand what the Golden Crow Wheel said. It said that we need to establish a passage¡­¡­¡±


    Before he could finish speaking, a scene of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ suddenly appeared on the Golden Crow Wheel. The two of them were caught off guard and shouted at the same time when they got pulled in.


    ¡°This bastard actually fell asleep now?!¡±


    Everything before Yu Hao¡¯s eyes sunk into darkness, all he could hear in the end was Zhou Sheng¡¯s angry shout.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who asked me to sleep?¡± Chen Yekai was slightly bewildered.


    ¡°Never mind, never mind.¡± Zhou Sheng held his forehead with a hand and didn¡¯t want to explain it any further, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry and go ba.¡±


    The two of them still appeared on the bridge they were on the last time they left the dreamscape. Zhou Sheng carried a jingubang and led the way with a bored expression as they walked traversed Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s passageways. After they entered the dreamscape, they passed a stone gate, crossed a bridge over a cliff and encountered a lot of stone men who rushed towards them with flailing fists. But ultimately, they were all easily demolished with a simple sweep of Zhou Sheng¡¯s jingubang.


    ¡°How much farther is it?¡± Zhou Sheng observed his surroundings, ¡°I think we¡¯ve gone the wrong way.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was still in his human form. He held the jingubang in his hands as he surveyed the terrain around them.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the real Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s just the impression I have of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai were confronted with a bottomless abyss. On the opposite side of the cliff stood a gigantic door, which was densely covered with glowing English words and diagrams. When Zhou Sheng raised his head to inspect it, Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s my graduation thesis.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s an abyss in the middle.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Does it mean you¡¯ll never be able to graduate?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I think, this symbolises the regret in my heart ba? I had hoped to graduate smoothly, but I didn¡¯t realise that there was an abyss in front of me. And that if I took one step further, I would fall into it.¡±


    Once Chen Yekai comprehended it, he recovered his composure and began to analyse the meaning behind all the representations in his dream. Although it sounds strange to analyse his own symbols, Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t help but admire Chen Yekai. In his field of expertise, Chen Yekai was someone who was very knowledgeable.


    With a loud bang, a bright light flashed before Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, then all the harsh lights faded. He had returned to the central courtyard in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ once again.


    But the Nakagawa Ryuusei who was supposed to appear here had disappeared!


    Only Yu Hao remained in the cenote. The restraints on him had disappeared as well, and he was still wearing Ryuusei¡¯s white shirt. The silence in his surroundings was so oppressive that it was almost terrifying. The lone golden statue of the Feathered Serpent God stood in a corner and quietly watched him.


    ¡°General?¡± Yu Hao said as he looked around.


    That gun was still on the ground. Yu Hao stooped down and picked it up, then secured it in his back pocket before carefully observing his surroundings.


    No one answered. Zhou Sheng should have been transported to the place where they had separated. Yu Hao recalled Zhou Sheng mentioning that from when they last separated, they had left the waterway and entered another spacious area.


    He approached the well and gazed into its depths. It was pitch-dark inside, something seemed to flash with a multi-coloured, ethereal light at the bottom of the well.


    Yu Hao turned around, reaching out with his hand, and tried to grasp something ¡ª a long staff appeared in his hand. Chen Yekai¡¯s impression had worked! He tried to spread his wings open again and his wings appeared as well, luminescent with a silver lustre.


    He could now fly, but across the top of the cenote was a sewer-like metal grate, with water seeping in from outside. He tried to fly, but he couldn¡¯t break through that grate and escape.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 53 - Gunshot

    Ch53 ¨C Gunshot


    ¡ª


    The jingubang trembled in Zhou Sheng¡¯s grip, growing longer and extending to the other side of the cliff before expanding to form a cylindrical bridge for the two of them to walk over.


    ¡°Be careful.¡± Zhou Sheng said absentmindedly. He was thinking about how to obtain Chen Yekai¡¯s permission to summon over the dragon and soldiers that were on standby outside the Golden Crow Wheel.


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    Along the way, he tried all different manner of approaches, including but not limited to telling Chen Yekai that he has a dragon and asking him to imagine the dragon appearing in his dream. But ultimately, his efforts were in vain. There must be some other conditions that haven¡¯t been met¡­¡­Zhou Sheng thought.


    ¡°You and Yu Hao¡­¡­have known each other for a long time?¡± Chen Yekai asked tentatively as he stepped onto the jingubang.


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng roughly explained how he had rescued Yu Hao.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Just as I suspected then.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought that Chen Yekai must have made countless deductions before inquiring about the truth ¡ª and this would have included Yu Hao¡¯s self-destructive tendencies in the past.


    Chen Yekai came to an abrupt stop.


    Standing in the middle of the jingubang bridge with nothing around to support them, Zhou Sheng keenly sensed that something was imminently rushing towards them from the bottomless abyss!


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Run!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted decisively.


    But just a short moment later, hundreds of shrieking eyes and mouths shot out from within the unfathomable abyss, and the mouths were even spitting out sharp knives. Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng quickened their pace, but Zhou Sheng roared, ¡°Dodge!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng staggered to the side, narrowly avoiding the crisscrossing bladestorm that grazed past them by hanging from the edge of the jingubang bridge.


    An enormous black shadow emerged from the bottomless abyss and transformed into a humanoid form; its two eyes were as wide as basketballs, and it was yelling in English. It lunged towards them.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Kaikai!¡±


    While holding onto the jingubang bridge, Chen Yekai¡¯s arm was cut by a sharp knife, and fresh blood immediately gushed from the wound; his grip loosened and he almost fell into the bottomless abyss before Zhou Sheng seized his shirt collar with his right hand. He arduously held on to the jingubang bridge using the crook of his left arm.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai stared, transfixed on the black shadow, ¡°Solimai¡­¡­it¡¯s him, it was him who posted our video¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°This is a dream! Don¡¯t be afraid of him!¡±


    Chen Yekai was shocked out of his stupor by Zhou Sheng¡¯s shout and instantly sobered up. He drew a gun from behind his back and fired three shots at the black shadow. Within the blares of gunfire, the black figure wailed in anguish and collapsed; it disintegrated into a mass of black smoke only to once again converge on the other side. Immediately afterwards, even more floating mouths loomed. Sharp knives emerged from the gaping mouths and shot towards the two of them.


    ¡°Aim for the eyes!¡± Zhou Sheng was grabbing the jingubang bridge with one hand while he held Chen Yekai with the other. He exerted some strength and hoisted up Chen Yekai, who turned over and hung from the jingubang bridge as well.


    Only eyes and mouths could be seen floating above the abyss, and all the mouths were incessantly chittering in English, Japanese, Spanish, Italian¡­¡­


    ¡°What are they saying?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go through another English Listening test!¡±


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    Chen Yekai suddenly became indignant and roared out a sentence in English.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng instantly realised what had emerged from this bottomless abyss ¡ª these were the slandering accusations incited by this man that Chen Yekai and Ryuusei had to suffer through. They had to constantly avoid the sharp daggers that relentlessly hurled past. Chen Yekai started shooting at them, and after a burst of gunfire, their surroundings gradually began to quieten.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Where¡¯s your shield?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s the jingubang. It either becomes a shield or a weapon. I can¡¯t use these two items at the same time unless I¡¯m in Yu Hao¡¯s dream.¡±


    They were still in a state of panic as they gasped for breath. Within the darkness, it seemed as if there were more monsters that were scaling the cliff.


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    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Zhou Sheng urged.


    Chen Yekai flipped over onto the jingubang, then pulled Zhou Sheng up with one hand. The mass of black smoke swarmed in front of a gate and transformed into another man.


    Zhou Sheng caught up with quick steps. The man¡¯s gaze suddenly flooded with terror, and he retreated. Chen Yekai slammed his face in with a punch; the man immediately raised both his hands and slowly knelt down on the ground.


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t stop trembling. He turned sideways, drew his gun and pressed it against the figure¡¯s forehead.


    Zhou Sheng withdrew his jingubang and watched Chen Yekai carefully from the platform. Chen Yekai arduously gasped for breath as he began to gently pull back the trigger with a finger.


    Zhou Sheng waited for the sound of a gunshot, but Chen Yekai never pulled the trigger.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    ¡°Blii tlw.¡± Eseerfl¡¯r nblmf gjcu bea klatlc atf vjgx jysrr, ¡°Kjxf gfnfcuf obg wf, sbe mbkjgv¡­¡­xlii tlw, kts jgfc¡¯a sbe rtbbalcu tlw?¡±


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    Itbe Vtfcu kjr lcrajcais bc tlut jifga: ktja¡¯r atja reqqbrfv ab wfjc? Ktfbgfalmjiis rqfjxlcu, xliilcu jc lwqgfrrlbc lc j vgfjw tjr cb yfjglcu bc gfjilas ¡ª pera ilxf tbk Te Ljb vgbnf jc fifqtjca ab rabwq atflg mbecrfiibg, Wef Obcu, jcv tlr obgw afjmtfg ab vfjat. Cc fnfc vffqfg lwqilmjalbc mbeiv yf atja bcf tjv vlrqfiifv atflg ofjg bo mfgajlc qfbqif lc gfjilas ys vblcu rb.


    But similar to the idea of how ¡®you can¡¯t play into the enemy¡¯s hands¡¯, Zhou Sheng realised that perhaps at this moment, Chen Yekai shouldn¡¯t pull the trigger. What changes would take place if he shot this perpetrator in his dream?


    One second, two seconds, three seconds¡­¡­


    Chen Yekai regained his composure.


    ¡°Get lost.¡± Chen Yekai said in a deep voice, ¡°Never appear in front of me again.¡±


    Solimai instantly wailed, and the black smoke dispersed. Huge rocks rose from the bottomless abyss and rapidly covered the darkness below the cliff. The surrounding area transformed into a spacious passageway, and in front of them was the gate to the core area of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    ¡°Nicky, you trash¡ª¡ª¡± Ryuusei¡¯s voice let out a shrill outcry within the void.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ryuusei, if doing so could make you feel a little better, then I¡¯m willing to pay the price of being imprisoned for 20 years, or even my whole life.¡±


    He retrieved his gun, ¡°But I clearly remember the day you said you didn¡¯t want me to kill, because you couldn¡¯t bear that price, and that all of this would gradually become a part of the past. You said that being together was more important than anything else.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it¡ª¡ª!¡± Ryuusei¡¯s roar was almost hysterical.


    ¡°Come back ba.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ryuusei, which one is the real you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The huge gate before them slowly opened to reveal a dazzling beam of light.


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    ¡°Is anybody here?¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Nakagawa Ryuusei! Where are you? Show yourself!¡±


    ¡°Is anybody here is anybody here¡­¡­¡± Echoes could be heard from the well.


    Yu Hao suddenly heard it ¡ª the echoes didn¡¯t seem to be his own.


    ¡°Is anybody here?¡± A weak voice said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head abruptly; that voice came from the well! What¡¯s going on? Aside from him and Ryuusei, there was another person here?!


    ¡°Who are you?!¡± Yu Hao asked.


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    ¡°Who are you?¡± The voice in the well answered.


    Yu Hao could discern a figure as he looked into the well. He looked everywhere to search for a rope, but found none.


    ¡°Give me a moment!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll pull you up right now!¡±


    Yu Hao dismantled his long staff into daggers, cut the vines that surrounded the cenote, tied them together, then lowered it down. When he felt someone grasp the rope from below, he quickly pulled it up.


    Not a moment later, a young man looked up from within the well and stared blankly at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao was completely dumbfounded. A fair face, frail and thin body, bare upper body, black hair and black eyes ¡ª¡ª another Nakagawa Ryuusei! Compared to the dark Ryuusei Yu Hao saw before, this young man¡¯s expression was filled with more melancholy and nervous unease.


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    ¡°Ryuusei?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Ryuusei?¡± Ryuusei repeated Yu Hao¡¯s words, then looked at him uneasily.


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°Who¡­¡­who are you? Don¡¯t let go! Come up!¡±


    The Ryuusei in the well seemed a little afraid of Yu Hao and wanted to release his grip, but no matter what Yu Hao said, this Ryuusei would only repeat his words. Yu Hao was a bit flabbergasted. This is¡­¡­the other Nakagawa Ryuusei in Chen Yekai¡¯s dreamscape? Is he the original, kind Ryuusei? Where did Dark Ryuusei go?


    ¡°You still want to struggle?¡± A cold voice called out from behind him, followed by a kick that pushed Yu Hao into the well. Yu Hao immediately cried out and fell in, but before he realised what he was doing, he forcefully grabbed the wrist of the well Ryuusei. When he looked up again, he saw the other cold, sorrowful Ryuusei outside the well!


    Yu Hao tenaciously grabbed onto the vines, while his other arm wrapped around Ryuusei¡¯s waist. He shouted, ¡°Ryuusei! Don¡¯t let go!¡± Although he didn¡¯t know what was in the well, his instincts told him that he definitely couldn¡¯t fall in!


    Dark Ryuusei roared madly, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about snatching a dead person¡¯s lover! Yu Hao! You beast¡ª¡ª¡± As he spoke, he grabbed the vine tied around a pillar, but the muffled sound of a gate opening could be heard in the distance. Dark Ryuusei turned around. Something seemed to have happened outside.


    Immediately afterwards, Dark Ryuusei leaped onto the opening of the well again. He held a huge stone in his hand and ferociously glared at Yu Hao and the other Ryuusei.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    But at this moment, he suddenly had a hunch that something was about to happen¡­¡­the other Ryuusei holding onto his shoulders trembled; with one hand, he took the gun from Yu Hao¡¯s back pocket and handed it to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao had no time to think about it; he freed one hand and pointed the gun at the Dark Ryuusei standing outside the well ¡ª Dark Ryuusei¡¯s eyes widened considerably.


    With the blast of a gunshot, the head of Dark Ryuusei who stood outside the well was pierced through. Blood and brains burst out in all directions, and that huge rock fell into the well. Yu Hao was unable to avoid it. He abruptly turned around, protecting Ryuusei with his back, and they fell to the bottom of the well together.


    The instant the huge rock fell, Yu Hao turned and hugged Ryuusei and flapped his wings as hard as he could. But as soon as his wings unfolded, they harshly scraped across the walls of the well so he couldn¡¯t fly at all.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted towards the top.


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    No one answered. Yu Hao fell into the darkness together with the shining Ryuusei. The bottom of the well seemed to be pulling them in with an immense force, causing them to fall rapidly; Ryuusei grabbed onto Yu Hao¡¯s shirt and kept tugging on it, his eyes filled with earnest expectation.


    The buttons on Yu Hao¡¯s shirt tore off, and his white shirt began flapping crazily as they fell. His eyes widened as he looked at Ryuusei, then nodded. The moment he nodded, the shirt immediately disintegrated into a golden powder and with a whoosh, it reformed on the shining Ryuusei. The Ryuusei who now possessed that white shirt instantly scattered into light particles that illuminated the bottom of the well. The light particles rapidly dispersed and transformed into a strange space.


    Yu Hao looked down, and a ball of bright light drew closer and closer, and in the next moment, another loud cry could be heard ¡ª he had landed solidly in a room filled with light!


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai passed through the gate and sprinted through the tunnel. Suddenly, the sound of a gunshot cracked from the end of the tunnel ¡ª it was so earth-shattering that the entire dream world seemed to shake.


    Chen Yekai slowed down, and at this moment, Zhou Sheng seemed to have realised something ¡ª the gunshot appeared to have a very intense stimulating effect on Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


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    It was quiet at the end of the tunnel; no one answered his call.


    Zhou Sheng was about to rush forward when Chen Yekai began gasping violently. He pressed against the wall of the tunnel with a hand. The entire Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ shook unsteadily in waves, and dust showered down with every quake of the pyramid.


    ¡°Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng had to slow down and turn around to inspect Chen Yekai, ¡°Calm down! You¡¯ve already decided to face all this!¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s mental condition was in an extremely fragile state right now ¡ª especially after the gunshot had sounded. If he had a mental breakdown, everything would be completely destroyed.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes, okay, I know. I just haven¡¯t, for now¡­¡­I haven¡¯t managed to convince myself yet¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Take a break.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And adjust your state of mind; I¡¯ll go ahead to take a look.¡±


    Suddenly, Zhou Sheng vanished into thin air.


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    Chen Yekai said, bewildered, ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    In the real world.


    Yu Hao felt like he was endlessly falling, and then he suddenly came to a stop as he landed on something. A bright light shot towards him, and before he could register anything, Zhou Sheng reflexively reached out and grabbed him while still in the dream, then he opened his eyes and pulled him back onto the bed.


    Yu Hao realised that he almost fell off the bed.


    He was sleeping too close to the edge of the bed¡­¡­the two of them were sleeping on a single bed, so it was very cramped. Zhou Sheng was only wearing a bathrobe too, so Yu Hao was really afraid that he would unconsciously take the initiative to hug him while they were sleeping.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Zhou Sheng motioned to Yu Hao to not wake Chen Yekai up, ¡°Move in closer to sleep. How¡¯s the situation?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something at the bottom of the well.¡± Yu Hao described the situation to Zhou Sheng. He wore a doubtful expression on his face, and seemed to have suddenly comprehended something. He whispered, ¡°Sleep ba, I¡¯ll go down and get you out later.¡±


    Zhou Sheng rolled sideways and let Yu Hao lie on his shoulder. With their bodies in close proximity, they covered themselves with the blanket and continued to dream.


    Dream World¡¤Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢


    With a ray of light, Zhou Sheng reappeared.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, accidentally woke up just now.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Chen Yekai was about to walk forward when Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wait, Kaikai.¡±


    Chen Yekai stopped, then looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Before going through this door, you must think everything through clearly in order to face your true self.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s breathing became ragged, and his eyes widened. They looked up at the door ¡ª an image of the Feathered Serpent God was carved into it.


    ¡°What do you regret?¡± Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and looked at Chen Yekai, ¡°What would you live on for in the future? What kind of life do you want to have? And what kind of person do you want to be?¡±


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    ¡°Before thinking through all these questions clearly,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We won¡¯t open the door. You want to be rescued with our help, but before that can happen, you have to save yourself.¡±


    Chen Yekai whispered, ¡°Actually, what I feel the most guilt for all this time is not entirely Ryuusei¡¯s death.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai sighed and answered, ¡°When he was alive, I gave him too little love.¡± He looked at Zhou Sheng with an apologetic gaze, ¡°Everything came so suddenly and easily that I didn¡¯t know how to cherish it. In this relationship, I think, from the very beginning, Ryuusei felt it was imbalanced. He was too afraid of losing me.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­that was the true cause of everything that happened afterwards¡­¡­and what I really regret the most¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Since you¡¯ve figured that out, then go and find the real you ba. Go, push the door!¡±


    Chen Yekai raised his voice, ¡°I¡¯m coming! Ryuusei!¡±


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    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yu Hao! We¡¯re coming!¡±


    Together, the two of them slowly pushed the door open, revealing the central area located in the deepest chambers of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. There was a huge well in the interior, as well as a Feathered Serpent god statue. Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s corpse hung on the railings around the well, with half of his body dangling into the well while the other half was exposed outside. His bare upper body was drenched in blood, and the back of his head had a bloody, gaping hole from where it had been pierced through by a bullet.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng steadily approached the well.


    Suddenly, a mass of black vapour erupted from the well and billowed into the skies before surging into Ryuusei¡¯s corpse. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Kaikai! Watch out!¡±


    ¡°Nicky, looks like you¡¯re determined to bid farewell to the past me?¡±


    The black vapour erupting from the well was injected into Ryuusei¡¯s corpse, which stirred in the next moment. Scuffling sounds could be heard as he crawled up; that black vapour now obscured the sky and covered the earth!


    ¡°Kaikai! Calm down! Think about what you said outside the door!¡± Zhou Sheng wielded the jingubang in his hand, still searching for Yu Hao¡¯s whereabouts. The central area was surrounded by walls; there weren¡¯t any hiding places and the environment here was exactly the same as what Yu Hao had described, so where on earth did he go?


    Suddenly, Zhou Sheng thought of the only remaining possibility, and his gaze fell upon the well at the centre.


    Ryuusei sneered, ¡°Nicky, do you think that all the fault lies with me?¡±


    Chen Yekai said urgently, ¡°Ryuusei, on the day of my graduation, I wanted to propose to you.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes widened, but Zhou Sheng was slowly approaching the well from the side.


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    ¡°Ryuusei¡­¡­Ryuusei¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s voice was trembling as he continued to approach Dark Ryuusei.


    Dark Ryuusei was revived once again. He held onto the well platform for support as he slowly stood up. Within his mouth that was dripping with blood, sharp teeth could be seen and he looked just like a zombie. He roared madly at Chen Yekai!


    Zhou Sheng could distinctly see something in the well ¡ª a speck of light suddenly flashed within the darkness.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Yu Hao?¡± Chen Yekai asked in disbelief.


    Zhou Sheng motioned to Chen Yekai. He pointed to Ryuusei, which meant that he was asking him to delay him, before pointing at himself, then the well, as a secret hint to him that he would think of a way to save Yu Hao.


    Dark Ryuusei became instantly aware of Zhou Sheng¡¯s proximity. The mass of black vapour erupted again from the well and condensed into a shock wave that sent the other two flying.


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    The World in the Bottom of the Well.


    Yu Hao struggled to get out of bed.


    He found himself in a bright room, and it looked a bit like Chen Yekai¡¯s dormitory, but the layout of the room was very different. Only the sofa, bookshelves, and the arrangement on the dining table were similar, yet the tablecloth was exactly the same.


    Flowers were arranged on both the table in front of the sofa, as well as the dining table.


    ¡°Where is this place?¡± Yu Hao was utterly baffled. He looked up at the ceiling. This is a room, yet the ceiling has no cracks or openings. This is the world in the bottom of well?!


    Is this Chen Yekai and Ryuusei¡¯s home? Yu Hao had a sudden flash of inspiration. But how could there be such a place at the bottom of the well?


    ¡ª

 Chapter 54 - Tears

    Ch54 ¨C Tears


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°Ryuusei? Are you there? Does this house belong to the two of you?¡± Yu Hao looked around the room that was completely empty.


    ¡°Yes. This was our home in Manhattan.¡± Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°And it was our ¡®next life¡¯ that Nicky promised.¡±


    As soon as he stopped speaking, Ryuusei walked over from the living room.


    Yu Hao immediately got off the bed and asked in astonishment, ¡°Ryuusei, you can talk? Then why didn¡¯t you talk just before?¡±


    Ryuusei was a little restrained as he nodded, ¡°I am unable to speak the moment I leave this place. I can only speak when I¡¯m at home. I know you¡¯re Yu Hao, I¡¯ll¡­¡­make a cup of coffee for you ba? Please, take a seat.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s only thought was that this entire situation completely and thoroughly put into practice all the rules of dreamscapes ¡ª it seemed incredibly surreal. One minute he was still in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, and the next he had crossed into Chen Yekai¡¯s house in New York.


    Yu Hao looked up at the ceiling. There were no cracks in it, so how was he supposed to get out?


    ¡°I don¡¯t really have any friends.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°You¡¯re welcome to visit.¡±


    Ryuusei¡¯s Chinese seemed a bit unnatural. Yu Hao noticed that he was wearing a black Japanese high school uniform over his white shirt, looking quite refined and handsome. He twisted open the coffee pot and added some Japanese-style UCC instant coffee into two bamboo cups.


    ¡°Did you buy this house?¡± Yu Hao¡¯s attention was distracted, ¡°A house in Manhattan, Chen Laoshi really is rich.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ryuusei answered simply.


    ¡°Why do I care about this?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m really too crass.¡±


    There were no doors in Ryuusei and Chen Yekai¡¯s home. Yu Hao tried to draw the curtains that were illuminated by the sun only to find a wall behind them. This meant that he would be unable to leave by the usual means.


    Ryuusei carried a wooden tray over; it was set with coffee, sugar, and milk, and there was even a small Napoleon cake on it. Yu Hao took a sip; the coffee was very fragrant.


    ¡°That¡¯s the kind Nicky likes.¡± Ryuusei¡¯s expression was serene, ¡°I hope you like it too. There¡¯s only this dessert in the house. I brought it for Nicky too, but he has never eaten it.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I like it a lot.¡±


    The two of them sat at the dining table. Yu Hao wanted to say something, but he was mostly preoccupied with thoughts of how to leave this place, whether or not Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai had arrived at the well in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, and what will happen next. But then he recalled the events that had transpired before he fell here: the Dark Ryuusei outside the well had been indirectly shot and killed by this bright Ryuusei, so maybe when they arrived at the well, they would also be looking for Yu Hao?


    Yu Hao¡¯s mind was swirling with chaotic thoughts and he didn¡¯t know where to start. The two of them just stared at the table cloth. For some reason, Yu Hao had a strong impression that there was a peaceful, tacit understanding between he and Ryuusei as they enjoyed their time together, even if they didn¡¯t speak much.


    Finally, Ryuusei spoke.


    Ryuusei, ¡°When I was with Nicky, we could also sit here quietly for an entire day. He would sit in your seat and read.¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I¡¯d watch him.¡± Ryuusei answered.


    His hair was slightly long, but his eyes were very bright, as if the whole world would become tranquil in his presence.


    ¡°Are you here to save him?¡± Ryuusei asked.


    Yu Hao and Ryuusei looked at each other, and happened to set down their cups at the same time.


    Yu Hao nodded and asked doubtfully, ¡°What is the meaning behind your existence here? Is this a safe haven?¡±


    This was a question Yu Hao asked himself. He didn¡¯t expect an answer. In fact, he had tried to converse with the NPCs in his dream world, and the answers he got were always specious.


    At that time, he had said, ¡°The totem could be in the well, or Ryuusei himself could be the totem.¡± And both guesses were right! It was basically a divine prophecy!


    ¡°But¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Outside the well, who was the other you who attacked us?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s start from the beginning ba.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°I should have left a long time ago. But Nicky couldn¡¯t bear to part with me, so he locked me in the inn and didn¡¯t let me leave.¡±


    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± Yu Hao frowned, and thought that this whole world was Chen Yekai¡¯s inner heart, so where could Ryuusei go?¡±


    ¡°Here.¡± Ryuusei pointed at the dining table, ¡°This was the next life we promised each other, but he refused.¡±


    ¡°He said that he would often go to the inn to see me, so I just continued living like that in the inn. Until one day, when this shirt disappeared from my body.¡± As he spoke, he opened his student blazer to show Yu Hao the white shirt within, ¡°I thought that perhaps the time had come,, so I decided to leave and find him, and come to the place that I would eventually return to.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao recalled how he had borrowed Chen Yekai¡¯s white shirt on the night of the college¡¯s celebratory performance, and immediately felt guilty.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao muttered, ¡°So it was because of me.¡±


    Outside the well.


    After Dark Ryuusei revived, a dark and dense fog swept through the cenote of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Chen Yekai could no longer see anything else, while Zhou Sheng remained vigilant as he scrutinised everything in the vicinity ¡ª especially the Feathered Serpent god statue that was nearly five-metres tall. He was on guard against its possible revival at any time.


    ¡°Nicky.¡± Dark Ryuusei spoke within the chaotic, churning darkness , ¡°Do you feel guilty?¡±


    Chen Yekai choked, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ryuusei, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­that¡¯s what I¡¯ve always wanted to say.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not your true confession.¡± Dark Ryuusei let out a roar at the brink of madness, ¡°Even now, you¡¯re still not willing to truly face me?!¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­your arrogance and pride was your downfall.¡± Ryuusei¡¯s voice was deep and low, like a devil borne from darkness, ¡°You occupied the superior position in this relationship; you thought that the love you gave me was a reward, that it was out of your pity for me!¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s expression suddenly became calm. He held back the tears that welled up in his eyes, ¡°Yes, Ryuusei, I understand now.¡±


    Dark Ryuusei¡¯s voice held a hint of surprise, ¡°What do you understand?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I understand your love for me.¡±


    The dense fog that had engulfed the cenote began to gradually disperse, revealing Chen Yekai and Dark Ryuusei¡¯s figures. Zhou Sheng thought in his heart, good job! Ryuusei¡¯s dark power seemed to slowly diminish in front of Chen Yekai and gathered towards an area near the entrance of the well.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I also understand the words you said to me every day when we were together.¡±


    Dark Ryuusei walked slowly towards Chen Yekai and looked at him from across the well.


    ¡°I understand your unease.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Your gaze that always looked like you were on the verge of saying something, and your fear of losing me. But, you¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t understand! I loved you too! Ryuusei!¡±


    Chen Yekai practically roared out these last few sentences, which actually made Dark Ryuusei take a step back.


    Chen Yekai said sorrowfully, ¡°I was also learning how to love someone! Learning how to get along with you! I didn¡¯t know how to care for our marriage. I didn¡¯t know what I had to do to give you what you wanted. I wanted to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you! I know, my life is filled with an abundance of choices, but you only had me in yours.¡±


    After he spoke up to this point, Chen Yekai let out a long sigh. The sound of running water encompassed them. Zhou Sheng immediately turned to take in his surroundings. Water was beginning to drip down from the ceiling and seep into this room; it was what he had suppressed in his heart for four entire years ¡ª his repressed tears that had converged to form the immense Iguazu Falls.


    In the hotel.


    Tears trickled from the corner of Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes, sliding down his cheek and dropping onto his pillow.


    Yu Hao unconsciously turned his head, while Zhou Sheng raised his arm in his sleep to let Yu Hao rest on his shoulder.


    Bottom of the Well: Next Life.


    ¡°No.¡± Ryuusei said earnestly, ¡°Please don¡¯t blame yourself. I just hope that he can be happy. My original intention for doing that wasn¡¯t to punish him, but because I wished for him to not have to face so many choices, and accept the pain that comes from finally making a decision.¡±


    ¡°Everything else can start anew.¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°But the one thing he couldn¡¯t bear was losing you.¡±


    In this moment, Yu Hao suddenly had the strange sense that the person before him wasn¡¯t the Ryuusei in Chen Yekai¡¯s consciousness, but the soul of the real Ryuusei that had transcended time and space.


    Nakagawa Ryuusei got up, walked over to the gramophone and played a song. The music started, and it was the song¡¶Perfect ¡·that ED and Beyonce sung together.


    ¡°Cause we were just kids when we fell in love.¡±


    ¡°Not knowing what it was¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Everyone thinks that death might be very painful.¡± Ryuusei said calmly, ¡°But for someone who suffers from depression, death is a kind of relief instead, so why can¡¯t we regard it as a parting that was predestined? We spent the happiest days of our lives together, but I became ill, and it was from an incurable hereditary disease. Rather than suffer through the last days of life, why not¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was starting to understand Ryuusei¡¯s final thoughts.


    ¡°Why not cherish every day, every minute, and every second that you still had left together?¡± Yu Hao said softly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°That really was the case for me. I know very well that my illness was something I inherited from my family, and I was doomed to never recover. I had no regrets over the time I spent with him either¡­¡­if you think of it in that way, is it easier to understand?¡±


    Yu Hao recalled a chapter on cognitive behavioural therapy from one of his major¡¯s classes ¡ª it mentioned that the causes of depression weren¡¯t entirely clear, but their present understanding was that it had a very complex relationship with heredity, the endocrine system, and the functions and regeneration of nerves; there were even specific gene locations within chromosomes that had been discovered to have a clear correlation with severe depression.


    According to unofficial data, the prevalence of depression in China has reached a prevalence of approximately 3%, and this wasn¡¯t a kind of psychological disorder that could be resolved just by asking patients to ¡°get over it¡±. Once it was diagnosed, the patients would need to regularly take medication, and for those who suffer from severe depression, even if they do obtain temporary relief from their condition, the rate of relapse is as high as 60%. Many patients need to take medication for life.


    However, in China, depression is still merely framed as a mental disorder and has rarely been taken seriously.


    ¡°In the Mayan civilization, death is not the end, but the beginning of a new journey. Life is splendid, but fleeting ¡ª however, just like a flower, it will bloom again after it withers. We will constantly move back and forth in samsara, so we¡¯ll definitely meet again in the end, it¡¯s not a final farewell¡­¡­I digress.¡± Ryuusei explained with the flowing music in the background, ¡°So, I returned to Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ and went to that well.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He locked the you in his heart in the inn, maybe because he didn¡¯t want you to leave just like that; he wasn¡¯t willing to move on, yet he didn¡¯t want to let you go either, and he¡¯s even less willing to let you enter samsara like this.¡±


    Nakagawa Ryuusei watched Yu Hao, and answered in almost a whisper, ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right.¡±


    The connections between the series of events in Chen Yekai¡¯s conscious world suddenly became very clear in Yu Hao¡¯s mind ¡ª the dead Ryuusei in his heart wanted to walk towards Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ and go to the so-called ¡®next life¡¯ to wait for Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai had never been able to accept Ryuusei¡¯s departure.


    Thus, in his dream, the totem Ryuusei has always stayed in the inn ¡®Beginning and the End¡¯.


    ¡°Just as I wanted to head to the next life, I met Lin Laoshi at the well in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°He polluted me and separated me into two halves. He took away a part of me, that dark consciousness, then cast the current me down to the bottom of the well. I don¡¯t want things to end like this, so, Yu Hao, I would like to seek your help.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s very outstanding.¡± Ryuusei said, ¡°But I think, I¡¯m just a transient guest in his life. What he gave me in this life, to be exact, was not love, but sympathy. The half that Lin Laoshi took away¡­was the sole obsession I held for Nicky, in this relationship.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No, it¡¯s not like that, Ryuusei.¡±


    Nakagawa Ryuusei looked up at Yu Hao, and Yu Hao gave him a sad, and faint smile.


    ¡°Your existence is proof of his love for you.¡± Yu Hao said with an expectant gaze, ¡°I believe that in his past world, his totem wasn¡¯t you. But ever since you entered his life, you had turned into the sole totem he possesses.¡±


    Nakagawa Ryuusei¡¯s gaze contained slight surprise. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Everyone¡¯s totem is the embodiment of their meaning, their persistence, as well as the person they want to be. Ryuusei, go back with me ba, return to his side. Only you can do it ¡ª you can give him the courage to return to that place under the sun.¡±


    ¡°I remember that you wrote him a letter.¡±


    Ryuusei, ¡°I remember too. But, I think he should have also given you something, which would be indispensable in defeating Lin Laoshi.¡±


    A chill ran through Yu Hao¡¯s heart, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Ryuusei slowly shook his head.


    Outside the well.


    ¡°They told me that everyone has a totem in their heart; it is the symbol of what I hold dearest to me. If I find it, I¡¯ll be able to become myself¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai enunciated each word clearly, ¡°Ryuusei, I think, if this totem really exists in my heart, then¡­¡­it should look like you ba.¡±


    Dark Ryuusei stood startled, and momentarily speechless.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Destroying you, would be akin to destroying myself. But I¡¯m certain that I love you. Until now, that is the one conviction that I firmly believe in. Even now, after four years have passed, those best moments in our lives are still engraved in my memory, and I don¡¯t want to let you leave like this.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s as if, as long as I don¡¯t open that letter and say goodbye to you, then we would never part ¡ª whether in this life, or the next.¡±


    ¡°Liar¡­¡­you liar¡­¡­¡± Dark Ryuusei¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Ryuusei! You left Nicky a letter, didn¡¯t you?! What did you say in the letter? Have you forgiven him, or do you want him to die with you?¡±


    A sudden silence descended on the central area. Dark Ryuusei¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at Chen Yekai, and for a moment, he was unable to respond to that question.


    Chen Yekai said slowly, ¡°Ryuusei, the past you would rather hurt yourself than let me suffer any pain¡­¡­Ryuusei?¡± Realisation seemed to dawn upon Chen Yekai, and his voice trembled, ¡°Is that really what you think? Why¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ryuusei!¡± Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°This isn¡¯t you! Who deluded you?!¡±


    After Dark Ryuusei heard these words, he let out a pained cry; Chen Yekai¡¯s acknowledgement seemed to have a very strong impact on him; it made the black smoke that had enshrouded him scatter behind him to reveal a ferocious gaze.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s not him! Kaikai! That¡¯s a fake! Shoot him!¡±


    Dark Ryuusei let out a mad roar and rushed towards Chen Yekai. Before Zhou Sheng could brandish his jingubang, Chen Yekai suddenly drew his gun, and after a brief moment of hesitation, Ryuusei¡¯s face underwent a bizarre change. Chen Yekai no longer hesitated. He pointed the muzzle of the gun at ¡°Ryuusei¡± and pulled the trigger!


    The sound of the gunshot was so jarring that Zhou Sheng¡¯s eardrums suffered. The bullet left the muzzle of the gun, rotated, and whistled towards Ryuusei; but the Feathered Serpent god moved instantaneously, and with one swoop, it rushed past Ryuusei and blocked the shot!


    The Feathered Serpent god flew away, revealing the appearance of Lin Xun.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahaha¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Xun laughed with a sinister expression, then said coldly, ¡°Nicky, it seems¡­¡­you¡¯ve finally decided to abandon Ryuusei! I spent so much effort separating the two of you, and it looks like they have not been made in vain.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly realised a serious problem, ¡°No way, the boss is you?!¡±


    The surrounding walls in the cenote area instantly began to fall apart; the overhead wire mesh crumbled, and a huge platform rose. Under the dark sky, Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ was disintegrating! A hurricane swept through countless huge stones and bricks in all directions; this massive pyramid was disintegrating layer by layer, and only a lone platform rose towards the sky.


    Dark clouds raced across the horizon and bolts of lightning struck everywhere; the conscious world had already transformed into a sea of fire. Amidst Lin Xun¡¯s mad roars, black flames burst forth from his body. Bricks fell as the grand platform rose to a great height, and only the throne of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ in front of the well remained. The ground expanded until it became a square that occupied nearly ten thousand square metres of space; Lin Xun turned and sat on the throne. The Feathered Serpent god behind him revived and began to wander.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s voice was hoarse, ¡°Laoshi, why did you¡­¡­do that! Why¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Lin Xun said coldly, ¡°You should always heed Laoshi¡¯s words, why get so involved with a depressed youngster?I went through a lot of trouble and used so many methods before Ryuusei finally left you. A bright future awaits you, and you¡¯ll become someone even more outstanding than you think in the future, Nicky. Don¡¯t let all my kindness go in one ear and out the other¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You hid this secret for four years!¡± Chen Yekai was immensely aggrieved and indignant; he held his gun with both hands and pointed it at Lin Xun, then shouted, ¡°I should have killed you a long time ago!¡±


    Lin Xun said coldly, ¡°The cause of his death had been sown a long time ago. No matter how good I am at psychologically manipulating people, I could have never persuaded him to commit suicide ¡ª if you hadn¡¯t ignored him, how could Ryuusei have died?¡±


    Against the pitch black backdrop of the sky, the entire conscious world had already been submerged in a sea of fire. Flames ran rampant everywhere on the earth, clouds of ash rose and billowed upwards into the horizon. Thunder and lightning shook the dark sky. The Feathered Serpent god whizzed through the air as it rushed forth, but Zhou Sheng had long since been prepared for it. Right before it lunged towards Chen Yekai, he shot forward and stood in front of Chen Yekai with his shield raised to block the attack!


    The shield suddenly expanded, and with a ¡°dang¡±, it collided with the Feathered Serpent god. The Feathered Serpent god unleashed a discordant cry that sounded like the clashing of gold and steel. It soared into the air and beat its wings to bring forth a violent gale.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 55 - Strong Opponent

    Ch55 ¨C Strong Opponent


    ¡°What do we do now?!¡± Chen Yekai roared as he took cover behind the shield.


    Zhou Sheng firmly raised the shield to defend against the violent gale and roared, ¡°Defeat him!! I have to go and save Yu Hao!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡­¡­I don¡¯t know how to defeat him! I already shot him!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you weren¡¯t afraid of him?! You¡¯re still afraid of him in your subconscious! Strike him with lightning! Direct all your anger at him!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t help it!¡±


    ¡°Overcome your fear of him!¡±


    Chen Yekai peered at Lin Xun from behind the shield. After he took a deep breath, he rushed out from the shield¡¯s cover and took a direct shot at him!


    ¡°Wait!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Take it easy¡­¡­come back! Kaikai!¡±


    Another shot was fired, but the Feathered Serpent god flew past and blocked the bullet for Lin Xun. Zhou Sheng carried the shield and rushed forward as he shouted at Chen Yekai, ¡°Get back!!¡±


    Lin Xun was adorned in a black robe and resembled a wizard from some fantasy genre; he raised his hand and countless flaming black meteors burst forth from it, then launched a vicious onslaught on Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng!


    ¡°Where¡¯s Yu Hao?!¡± Chen Yekai wheezed, ¡°Where the hell did Yu Hao go?¡±


    ¡°In the well!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°He fell down! I didn¡¯t get a chance to get in!¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Lin Xun¡¯s offence is too strong! We won¡¯t last!¡±


    The Feathered Serpent god roared past, leaving a blustering gale in its wake that battered the shield. Then it suddenly soared upwards and the meteors ablaze with black flames endlessly rained down upon the shield. Zhou Sheng shouted fiercely, ¡°Nothing¡­¡­can beat me down! Come with me!¡±


    Before anyone could react, Zhou Sheng raised his shield and swiftly rushed forward, forcibly defending against the flaming black meteors that rained down on them with the might of a torrential deluge. Then, he rushed onto the railings of the well.


    ¡°Cooperate with me!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted before moving quickly away from Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng crouched down, and as flaming black meteors swept past, Chen Yekai stepped onto the shield, turned in mid air and rapidly shot several bullets at Lin Xun who was sitting on the throne!


    Gunfire roared and the Feathered Serpent god rushed over to once again shield Lin Xun from the bullets. With a sweep of its tail, it ruthlessly knocked Chen Yekai onto the ground!


    Zhou Sheng transformed his shield into his jingubang, but the Feathered Serpent flew past him and rammed into Zhou Sheng¡¯s shield. With a ¡°buzz¡±, the deafening sound waves produced were like sonic booms, and Zhou Sheng was hurled into the air.


    ¡°Go!¡± Zhou Sheng whistled as he was thrown back, and his jindouyun finally appeared! He braced his feet against the jindouyun, rushed to the top of the cenote as he lured the flying Feathered Serpent god away, and back-flipped in mid-air before sharply plummeting downwards, racing towards the well¡¯s entrance!


    Chen Yekai almost vomited blood. He struggled on the platform and was momentarily unable to get up. Lin Xun stood up from the throne, reached out and clenched his hand into a fist; a gun flew over and landed in his hand.


    He advanced on Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai was laboriously crawling on the ground towards the edge of the platform.


    Flames raged furiously under the lofty platform; masses of black smoke billowed up from the sea of fire and coalesced into the dark clouds that raced overhead.


    Lin Xun spoke in a low voice, ¡°In your heart, you¡¯ve always been waiting for this shot ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai gasped for breath, ¡°No¡­¡­it¡¯s not¡­¡­over, until I¡­¡­get the truth¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Kaikai!¡±


    The Feathered Serpent god was hot on Zhou Sheng¡¯s heels as he rushed towards the entrance of the well. It looked like he would fly straight into it any moment now ¡ª but Lin Xun was already pointing his gun at Chen Yekai¡¯s forehead. In the next moment, right at the last second before Zhou Sheng arrived at the entrance of the well, he shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    He hurled his jingubang towards the entrance of the well, then rapidly pulled back, turned around, and with a swish, he raced back to Chen Yekai. At about the same time, a gunshot sounded and Zhou Sheng let out a pained yelp; he had blocked the shot for Chen Yekai with his shoulder and blood was gushing from his wound, but he had managed to swoop past and save Chen Yekai right at the last moment.


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t stop coughing. Blood dripped from Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder as he flew past the platform with Chen Yekai.


    ¡°What do we do?!¡± Chen Yekai shouted.


    Zhou Sheng turned around and looked at the entrance of the well.


    Outside the well.


    ¡°It¡¯s here again!¡± Zhou Sheng had thrown his jingubang into the well, so he lost the protection of his shield. His shoulder bled continuously, and the Feathered Serpent god was relentlessly pursuing them. He tried to steer the jindouyun to escape the platform with Chen Yekai, but was forced back to the platform by the extreme temperature of the burning rainforest. They coughed incessantly, thick smoke billowed until they could no longer discern where the sky and earth was. Within the thick smoke, countless black fire meteors whistled towards them.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a dream?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Your anger has already set this entire world on fire!¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°What would happen if one dies here?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re only asking that now?!¡± Zhou Sheng steered the jindouyun to drift to one side, avoiding the black fire meteor that had shot towards them from within the smoke, ¡°We¡¯ll be banished to the subconscious! And we¡¯ll never be able to wake up again!¡±


    ¡°Get me close to Lin Xun!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°And I¡¯ll fire a shot at him! I just don¡¯t believe he won¡¯t die from that!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay then¡­¡­¡±


    Like the transience of lightning and sparks, they vanished; Zhou Sheng exerted some force and the two of them rapidly flew towards the center of the platform, closing in on the throne. However, in the next moment, the Feathered Serpent god rushed out of the dense mass of smoke with a whoosh; a light flashed, and the two of them were knocked off the jindouyun!


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai both cried out loudly . The impact sent Zhou Sheng flying straight up while Chen Yekai slid all the way to the edge of the platform, but he clung onto the edge tightly before falling.


    The Feathered Serpent god turned in mid-air, its gaping maw exposing sharp teeth as it flew towards Zhou Sheng with a deafening roar. Its wings obscured the sky, and it was about to bite into Zhou Sheng who was suspended in mid air. Zhou Sheng inhaled deeply; he seemed to have sensed something, then he whistled.


    As Zhou Sheng was flung into the air, he coincidentally passed the vicinity of entrance of the well. The Feathered Serpent god with a mouth brimming with sharp snake teeth had already reached right in front of him.


    ¡°You¡¯re finished.¡± Zhou Sheng turned in the air; he moved his chest back to give way as he mocked the Feathered Serpent god.


    Suddenly, the jingubang shone with boundless radiance, and like lightning, it sped out of the well with Yu Hao on it! The rapid extension of the jingubang was so incredibly precise that it squarely struck the Feathered Serpent god¡¯s chin!


    The Feathered Serpent god suffered an unexpected blow and suddenly closed its snake maw. Its head jerked up when it was sent flying by this blow, then wheeled uncontrollably in the air as it was propelled away!


    Yu Hao, ¡°Finally got out!¡±


    ¡°Are you alright?!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted and whistled again in mid air; his jindouyun flew over and caught the two of them. Zhou Sheng grabbed his jingubang, withdrew it, then released it again.


    ¡°Get¡­¡­the hell away!¡± Zhou Sheng swung out with his jingubang at the same time the Feathered Serpent god surged up. The rod violently smashed down on the head of the Feathered Serpent god with a loud blunt thud, and the earth trembled as the Feathered Serpent god fell!


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes welled up with tears as soon as he escaped ¡ª white smoke filled his surroundings, and he could barely breathe. He shouted, ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Laoshi?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t ask any more questions. He turned and flew towards Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Why is there smoke everywhere?¡±


    ¡°Everywhere below us is burning!¡±


    ¡°Then why isn¡¯t your face black from the soot?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why???¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°This is a dream! If you¡¯re not aware that your face will turn black from the soot then of course it will not, turn, black! Yu Hao why the hell is your attention always fixated on the strangest things?!¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng passed through the thick smoke, dragging out a trail of light in the smog as they passed through. Zhou Sheng realised something.


    ¡°Totem?¡±


    Chen Yekai climbed onto the platform, coughing while stooped over, then raised his head.


    Zhou Sheng released Yu Hao, who began flying in the air. After a short pause, he flew away with a whoosh. The white shirt he wore remained in the air above Chen Yekai like an afterimage, then the shirt began to shine and transformed into a glowing Ryuusei.


    ¡°Ryuusei?¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s voice trembled.


    ¡°Longsheng.¡± Nakagawa Ryuusei said calmly.


    The billowing smoke retreated slightly. A wide platform appeared in front of Chen Yekai, and Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng landed on one side. Yu Hao¡¯s hands glowed, then he pressed them against Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder. The pain was unbearable for Zhou Sheng and his other hand gripped Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder tightly.


    The blood disappeared and the gunshot wound completely healed. Yu Hao asked nervously, ¡°How is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still a bit numb.¡± Zhou Sheng pressed his shoulder and moved his arm around, ¡°Did you fall asleep while using my arm as a pillow? It¡¯s affecting my combat abilities.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­¡­ba!¡± Yu Hao said, then turned his head and looked at Lin Xun, who was standing in front of the throne in the middle of the platform. He murmured, ¡°It really is him.¡±


    The Feathered Serpent god spiraled in the air in front of him, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about regaining your reign over your inner world. Everything here was doomed to vanish a long time ago, no matter how much effort¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Guard Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng brandished his jingubang, ¡°Let¡¯s fight ba. Support him until he takes his totem back!¡±


    ¡°Die!¡± Under the protection of the Feathered Serpent god, Lin Xun raised his hand and roared angrily; a seemingly infinite number of black fire meteors shot forth!


    ¡°The one who should die is you!¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng shouted in unison, then rushed forward at the same time!


    At the edge of the platform, Chen Yekai was staring vacantly at the glowing Ryuusei.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Zhongchuan Longsheng.¡±


    ¡°Zhong, chuan, long, sheng.¡± Nakagawa Ryuusei whispered.


    ¡°Yekai.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Yekai.¡± Ryuusei closed his eyes, as if reminiscing one of their shared memories.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Chen Yekai.¡±


    ¡°Chen, ye, kai.¡± Ryuusei slowly descended and landed on the platform; his body glowed with a warm, golden light.


    Tears welled up in Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes as he watched Ryuusei in a daze. On a certain afternoon six years ago, after Ryuusei finished his classes, he passed by a lectern and noticed the Chinese name on a form written by Chen Yekai.


    Ryuusei stared at it blankly for awhile, then looked at Chen Yekai before pointing at his own name. Chen Yekai nodded and said, ¡°Longsheng.¡±


    ¡°Longsheng.¡± Nakagawa Ryuusei learnt from Chen Yekai¡¯s pronunciation, so it sounded extremely accurate.


    Chen Yekai taught him how to say ¡°Zhongchuan Longsheng¡±, as well as his own name, then finally, Ryuusei told him in English that he liked Chinese and left.


    That was the first conversation Chen Yekai had with Ryuusei.


    ¡°kimi ga suki da.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s the one and only Japanese sentence you taught me.¡±


    Ryuusei¡¯s calm expression did not change. Finally, he bowed slightly towards Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai could no longer restrain his sadness. He took a step forward and choked back a sob as he wanted to hold Ryuusei¡¯s hand, yet Ryuusei smiled and just looked at Chen Yekai¡¯s hand.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s entire body had sustained injuries.. Blood was still trickling down the side of his face, and his hands were trembling. He opened up his palm and light particles condensed onto his palm, revealing two very small rings.


    They were their wedding rings.


    Ryuusei gently nodded. He reached out with a hand that gripped a glowing letter. He placed it on Chen Yekai¡¯s palm and covered those two rings.


    Then, everything disappeared. The world seemed to plunge into darkness, and within this darkness, only the glowing Ryuusei and the Chen Yekai he illuminated remained. Ryuusei took his hand, leaned forward, and gently kissed Chen Yekai¡¯s lips.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s face was covered with tears as he shouted, ¡°Ryuusei!¡±


    The moment they embraced each other, Ryuusei suddenly transformed, disintegrating into particles of light that covered the sky before swirling around Chen Yekai.


    The totem appeared!


    Meanwhile, Lin Xun steadily advanced on the other two as he roared, ¡°You will never be able to seize this dream back!¡±


    The power of the flaming black meteors intensified, and they swarmed to densely cover the small area of the platform where they stood. Zhou Sheng raised his shield to arduously resist against Lin Xun¡¯s attack. His teeth were grit so tightly that he could barely even speak.


    ¡°This guy is too strong!¡± Yu Hao was barely able to hold on against the rampaging bombardment of Lin Xun¡¯s magic, ¡°Didn¡¯t Kaikai say that he wasn¡¯t afraid of him anymore?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already dissed him about it!¡± Zhou Sheng used the shield to protect Yu Hao. The two of them were helpless once Lin Xun had summoned the Feathered Serpent god back. The body of the Feathered Serpent god was impenetrable; every time Zhou Sheng smashed down upon it with his jingubang, a loud blare would resonate, and the recoil from the impact nearly crippled his arm.


    Yu Hao¡¯s two daggers were even more useless against the Feathered Serpent god. As soon as they separated, Lin Xun¡¯s black fire meteor missiles would track them, but Zhou Sheng would always rescue Yu Hao in the nick of time whenever he was in danger.


    ¡°He won!¡± Yu Hao turned around to look in the midst of the chaos, ¡°He¡¯s seizing his totem back!¡±


    ¡°Withdraw!¡± Zhou Sheng was utterly exhausted, ¡°I really don¡¯t want to fight anymore!¡±


    Chen Yekai stood at the edge of the platform. The light particles of his totem whirled and eddied around him, embracing him like a warm and gentle breeze; within the glistening particles of light, countless memories from the past constantly flashed past: Ryuusei¡¯s smile under the sunlight, Chen Yekai¡¯s rebukes, Ryuusei and Chen Yekai looking up at the huge Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil in the New York Museum of Natural History, their house in Manhattan, the template models Ryuusei had put together for him¡­¡­


    The first time they held hands, their first kiss, the first time they entangled with one another under the scorching sunlight in the inn until they couldn¡¯t bear to part.


    ¡°Nicky, what use is there to pine for another until you die? A joyous meeting during one¡¯s life, will always be better than a vast expanse of gold.¡± Ryuusei¡¯s voice whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve never regretted falling in love with you. You already know what I want to say to you, let¡¯s meet in our next life ba. Continue living on bravely.¡±


    Chen Yekai raised his head, and within an instant, all the light particles surged into his body; Chen Yekai¡¯s whole body instantly began to shine!


    ¡°We succeeded!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Lin Xun¡¯s movements immediately stilled. Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao back and into his embrace, then turned around to dodge. Chen Yekai¡¯s body emitted a strong light, and a gun revolved between his fingers.


    ¡°Get executed in reality!¡± Chen Yekai shone resplendently as he roared angrily, ¡°You scum!¡±


    Chen Yekai pulled the trigger.


    Yu Hao almost shouted ¡°handsome!¡±, but fortunately, he reined himself in the nick of time and didn¡¯t do something that would so obviously court death in front of Zhou Sheng. In the next moment, a golden bullet shot out from the muzzle of Chen Yekai¡¯s gun; it whistled through the air, a column of light spiralling behind it; it penetrated through the revolving body of the Feathered Serpent god, then pierced through Lin Xun¡¯s chest!


    Lin Xun uttered a howl of anguish and flew away from the platform with the Feathered Serpent god before falling into the sea of fire beneath the platform.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng breathed a sigh of relief in unison. Zhou Sheng placed the shield on his back and said, ¡°We¡¯re done. Let¡¯s find a place to watch the sunrise ba.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai; Chen Yekai was standing quietly at the edge of the platform as he looked up at the horizon.


    Dark clouds still raced through the sky. Chen Yekai looked down at the gun in his hand, then gently released his grip, and that gun dissolved into golden light particles before evanescing.


    As he steadily approached the throne, thunderous claps resounded from the horizon.


    Chen Yekai turned around and whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng walked towards Chen Yekai. However, right at the next moment, Yu Hao felt that something was amiss ¡ª he immediately turned around and shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª¡ª!¡± Yu Hao could no longer be concerned with Chen Yekai; he turned around and rushed towards Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng¡¯s smile instantly froze on his face.


    A sharp snake tail suddenly flew up from below the platform and shot towards the back of Zhou Sheng¡¯s head with the force of a lightning bolt. Yu Hao leapt up, unfolding his wings, and darted swiftly towards Zhou Sheng, hugging his waist with both hands before spinning obliquely to dodge the snake tail. Their bodies spun around in the air; Zhou Sheng had a faster reaction time as he wielded his shield at the same time to protect them both. But that snake tail changed direction, and slid through the gap exposed by the shield.


    At that moment, the sharp snake tail was like an iron divination lot that penetrated Yu Hao below his ribs from the side and exited through the front of his chest; it opened up its inverted scales within Yu Hao¡¯s body before it was wrenched out with a whoosh!


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao¡ª¡ª!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately roared madly.


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t even felt pain when the snake tail pierced through him but the fatal moment was when it pulled out ¡ª Yu Hao immediately vomited a mouthful of blood, which spat onto Zhou Sheng¡¯s body.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 56.1 - Hidden Sun

    Ch56.1 ¨C Hidden Sun


    This unforeseen event really happened too quickly; Chen Yekai was the first to react. He raised his gun to aim and fire several rapid shots at the snake tail, but it had swiftly disappeared. Zhou Sheng was in complete disbelief. When he raised his head again, the platform tilted, and a blazing colossal monster spread its wings as it clambered up.


    The titan was about 10-metres tall, its upper body had Lin Xun¡¯s human form while its lower body was the snake tail of the Feathered Serpent god. He laughed maniacally, ¡°You¡¯ve been under my control for so long, and now, you still dare to think about seizing your dreamscape back?! It¡¯s precisely your anger that ruins you¡ª¡ª!


    ¡°Chen Laoshi¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao struggled to press down on his wound.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Chen Yekai shouted frantically.


    ¡°Believe¡­¡­in yourself.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid¡­¡­I¡­¡­I¡¯m capable of regeneration¡­¡­¡±


    There was none of the anticipated sunlight illuminating the dreamscape. The platform was crumbling at an alarming rate, and the blazing fires had brought ruin to this entire world. Bursts of lightning rained down, and the world sunk into suffocating darkness. The burning asphalt monster unfurled its wings and flew towards them, charging towards the ruins of the falling platform.


    Thousands of asphalt monsters revived, and like demons spawned from hell, they walked into the world of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    Chen Yekai was engaged in a difficult battle with Lin Xun with his gun, but with a powerful strike, he got slammed into the ruins.


    ¡°YU HAO¡ª¡ª¡±


    Within the darkness, only Zhou Sheng¡¯s sorrowful cry that carried his heartrending pain could be heard.


    Dream World¡¤Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢


    The huge fire that obscured the sky had destroyed the entire conscious world. The platform collapsed. Chen Yekai roared madly as he fired at the huge serpentine monster, yet it betrayed not the slightest trace of fear.


    ¡°Since you¡¯ve already pledged your allegiance to me, why bother taking such unnecessary actions?¡± Lin Xun¡¯s sinister voice rang throughout the world.


    ¡°No!¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s body was completely battered, yet he refused to give up. His voice trembled, ¡°I¡­¡­won¡¯t fear you anymore¡­¡­I won¡¯t!¡±


    It seemed like the sun would never rise, dark clouds still loomed overhead.


    ¡°End this ba!¡± Lin Xun¡¯s voice resonated through the entire dreamscape, ¡°No matter what you do, you¡¯ll never be able to change reality¡ª¡ª¡± It then proceeded to immediately strangle Chen Yekai with a gigantic hand engulfed in flames.


    ¡°In my world¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai gasped for breath, ¡°Aside from Ryuusei, there are still my friends¡­¡­there¡¯s Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng¡­¡­I can¡¯t let them just, in my dreamscape¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai tenaciously struggled and let out a loud roar; he wrenched Lin Xun¡¯s demonic hands away and fired a shot that penetrated through Lin Xun¡¯s massive left eye. Lin Xun let out a wail of anguish as he grabbed his eye and ruthlessly flung Chen Yekai into the sea of fire.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was lying in Zhou Sheng¡¯s embrace. His hand dripped with blood as he raised it and pointed towards the horizon. He could feel his body healing, but the power of the serpent demon was too malicious; it wreaked havoc in his body, and it fought with Chen Yekai for the power to reign over this world!


    ¡°The sun is just¡­¡­being blocked¡­¡­by the¡­¡­the clouds¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng inhaled deeply. He closed his eyes, knelt on his jindouyun on one knee and tightly hugged Yu Hao.


    ¡°As long as¡­¡­the sunlight¡­¡­appears¡­¡­I will¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Come.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a low voice. Under this dark sky, their bodies shone just like Chen Yekai¡¯s after he had seized his totem back. Zhou Sheng¡¯s short hair burned like golden fire, like a scorching sun illuminating the vaults of heaven.


    Meanwhile, the plumage of Yu Hao¡¯s wings that were drooping on the jindouyun fluttered about in the air, just like fragmented pieces of moonlight falling onto this dark world of despair.


    In the hotel room.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s breathing became frantic in his dream; sweat had broken out on his forehead as if he were in the clutches of a nightmare.


    Yu Hao shivered slightly in his deep slumber. He had been unconsciously using Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm as a pillow, and now, he turned around while he dreamt and hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist. At the same time, Zhou Sheng rolled to face Yu Hao; the two of them embraced each other in this manner with Yu Hao stuck close to the front of Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulders, and they nestled against each other in a tight embrace.


    Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ in the Dream World.


    ¡°Come¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Come.¡±


    ¡°ALL, OF, YOU, COME¡ª¡ª!¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly raised his head and let out a thunderous roar that levelled the ground at the dark heavens.


    A strong light rose in the sky. Yu Hao weakly opened his eyes and gazed at the sky. Within his bright pupils, the reflection of the cloud layers that had been scattered could be seen; blazing sunlight streamed through the gap in the clouds.


    The sun has risen! It penetrated through the layers of clouds and illuminated both of them.


    Yu Hao¡¯s injured body began to rapidly repair itself, his wounds healing even faster under the sunlight.


    ¡°My¡­¡­sunlight¡­¡­¡± He raised his hand towards the sun, and in the next moment, the scorching sun that had been hidden by the dark clouds transformed into the Golden Crow Wheel, suddenly erupting with countless fiery meteors!


    Under the illumination of that sunlight! Yu Hao¡¯s body healed completely!


    ¡°I¡¯m okay now!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng! I¡¯ve recovered!¡±


    The serpent demon embodiment of Lin Xun roared and looked up at the sky in fear; he grabbed Chen Yekai with one hand and raised his other hand up to shield against the glare of the sun.


    Flying fiery meteors plummeted, penetrating layers and layers of thick cloud; they fell relentlessly, and every meteor transformed into a warrior clad in full-body armour upon impact. They converged into an army on earth and rushed into the sea of fire, waging war against the burning asphalt monsters!


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head and looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°They¡¯re here.¡± Yu Hao smiled. His wounds had already recovered, he shook his wings out and left Zhou Sheng¡¯s embrace. He unsheathed his two daggers and shouted, ¡°Let¡¯s fight!¡±


    Zhou Sheng straightened up and looked towards the gap where the sunlight streamed through. The roar of a dragon made the world tremble; in the wake of millions of meteors, the black dragon was the last to pass through the Golden Crow Wheel! Zhou Sheng spun in the air and stepped onto the black dragon¡¯s back to mount it, then shouted, ¡°Lin Xun¡ª¡ª! You beast!!¡±


    Lin Xun roared at Yu Hao. Yu Hao dodged in midair; with the daggers in his grasp, he drew a beautiful full moon arc in the air ¡ª a strong light burst forth and shot towards Lin Xun who had a human body and a snake¡¯s tail. Zhou Sheng then took control of the massive dragon, passed through the full moon arc and ruthlessly slammed into the huge serpent demon.


    The enormous dragon subdued the serpent demon; it spewed out teal-coloured, scorching dragon fire from its mouth. Zhou Sheng was clad in full-body silver armour, a dragon knight incarnate; he swung his jingubang and smashed his rod down on the serpent¡¯s head!


    With daggers in both hands, Yu Hao unfurled his wings and led thousands of troops to rush into the center of the ruins!


    Overhead, the scattered clouds coalesced, and this world once more descended into a fiery purgatory. Blood gushed out from all over the giant serpent demon and its scales were peeling off. But once the sunlight disappeared, it began healing rapidly within the darkness.


    ¡°We can¡¯t kill that guy!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted from the back of his dragon, ¡°Think of something!¡±


    Yu Hao glided through the air while avoiding the burning asphalt monsters that flew past. The warriors on the ground shot arrows into the sky, felling the monsters one after another.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Laoshi?!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    ¡°Go look for him!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Think of something! There must be a way to kill him!¡±


    Yu Hao glimpsed Chen Yekai¡¯s ragged body as he struggled out of the ruins.


    ¡°Forget about me!¡± Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Think of how to escape! I¡¯ll lure it away!¡±


    How do we kill it?! Yu Hao desperately scoured through his memories and suddenly remembered what Nakagawa Ryuusei said to him before they left the well.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yu Hao shouted at Zhou Sheng, ¡°Ryuusei said, that as long as we have one thing, we can defeat Lin Xun! Where do we go to look for it? We need to hurry! Otherwise this world will be ruined!¡±


    Zhou Sheng struck that giant snake serpent onto the ground with his jingubang. With a resounding blast, flames and ashes exploded outwards in all directions; he turned around while fully engaged and answered, ¡°You don¡¯t need to look for it! Just think about it, and it¡¯ll appear!¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡± Yu Hao asked anxiously.


    ¡°What is it?!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted at Yu Hao, ¡°How would I know?! Whose hands did he say it was in!¡±


    Suddenly, the snake serpent roared as it rushed out from the sea of fire and seized the huge dragon. Zhou Sheng lost his footing and was flung off. Just as his body was momentarily suspended in the air, about to fall, Yu Hao flew past and caught him.


    Yu Hao cried out, ¡°Ryuusei said, it¡¯s something Kaikai gave me?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang and swept away hundreds of flying flaming monsters with one sweep, ¡°Is it the shirt?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No! I¡¯ve already returned it!¡±


    Chen Yekai fired a shot within the ruins, and a pillar of light squarely hit the serpent demon¡¯s arm. The serpent demon roared angrily and a fiery shock wave burst forth from its entire body, flinging Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon mount away. Then it turned and lunged towards Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Both of you, leave¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai turned around and sprinted off; he was actually trying to lure the serpent demon away.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Kaikai! Don¡¯t be reckless!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where is he going?¡±


    ¡°The waterfall!¡± Zhou Sheng saw the path that Chen Yekai was running through and knew that he intended to rush towards the waterfall. Only the surging Iguazu Falls could resist the flames of the serpent demon.


    The huge dragon flew over and grabbed Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist, and the two of them dove down and flew towards the running Chen Yekai.


    ¡°If it¡¯s not the shirt then what is it?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Calm down! Calm down! Think carefully! Yu Hao! Has he given you a lot of things?¡±


    ¡°Just that one¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He must have given you something else? Did you ask him for something? That night!¡± Zhou Sheng remembered now, ¡°Knife! Knife! The scalpel!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly recalled it too and shouted, ¡°We¡¯re coming!¡±


    Chen Yekai was already on fire. He rushed to the front of the Iguazu falls. Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao with him as they guided the huge black dragon and led thousands of troops to the Iguazu Falls to create a defensive array.


    ¡°Kaikai! Take the weapon¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out. The two of them rode the huge dragon while Yu Hao pointed two fingers at the sky. He closed his eyes and recalled that night. Blood suddenly gushed from his palm, and then the endless thunderstorms that stretched as far as the eyes could see were drawn into his palm.


    Within a raging thunderstorm that seemed to herald the apocalypse, Chen Yekai raised his head as he stood in front of the Iguazu Falls.


    The serpent demon spread its wings, relentlessly pursuing the three of them as it flew behind them.


    Yu Hao directed the seemingly endless bursts of lightning bolts to illuminate this dark world, and immediately afterwards all of the lightning disappeared without a trace. A silver light flashed in the darkness before converging into the form of a silver white scalpel.


    Zhou Sheng grasped the scalpel with two fingers and flung it at the ground; the scalpel was surrounded by streaks of lightning, and Chen Yekai caught ahold of it.


    ¡°Kill him.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled his helmet down and gathered his strength! His whole body was erupting with golden flames!


    Yu Hao parted from Zhou Sheng.


    The Archangel spread his wings open, and General brandished his shining jingubang!


    The huge dragon spewed out dragon fire! The thousands of troops released their arrows all at once!


    The current of the Iguazu Falls cascaded down with a thundering rumble, and tens of thousands tonnes of water jets exploded out towards the horizon!


    ¡ª


    Finale of Kaikai¡¯s dreamscape coming up!

 Chapter 56.2 - Hidden Sun

    Ch56.2 ¨C Hidden Sun


    Iron-clad General resisted the serpent demon¡¯s assault of scorching flames. Yu Hao rushed towards the curtain of water and grabbed Chen Yekai¡¯s hand before launching him into the air.


    The serpent demon roared angrily; it was being overpowered by Zhou Sheng¡¯s huge dragon, and after its head was directly struck by the jingubang, it collapsed to the ground.


    The immense dragon flapped its wings and retreated; General leapt into the air and grabbed Chen Yekai who had flown over. Chen Yekai reached out with his left hand ¡ª the scalpel rapidly spun between his five slender fingers. General swept his jingubang out and used it as a mid air relay. Chen Yekai stepped onto the jingubang, leaped up, and flew towards the serpent demon!


    The serpent demon raised its head and roared. Chen Yekai quickly switched the scalpel to his right hand and shot over like a meteor; he flit past Lin Xun¡¯s neck, the scalpel flying out of his hands with a whoosh and a stream of golden light!


    A mad cry shook the entire dream world. A fiery blaze erupted from the mouth of the snake serpent before it abruptly disintegrated into ashes and exploded within a violent gale.


    With a loud crash, the water curtain collapsed entirely. Yu Hao was thoroughly drenched, and his wings became so heavy that he began to plummet. The huge dragon passed through the current and caught him.


    ¡°Is it dead?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s dead ba.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his helmet to watch this final scene clearly before adding, ¡°It¡¯s dead, right?¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at the sky, but it seemed almost unchanged. The earth was still submerged in a sea of fire, and the army under his command was still nervously guarding the front of the waterfall; all of them had their arrows nocked and bowstrings pulled back as they vigilantly kept watch for enemies that could appear at any time.


    ¡°What about him?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to look. All he could see was that the asphalt monsters had all disappeared, Chen Yekai¡¯s clothes had all been burnt into rags as he stood in front of the sea of fire.


    Zhou Sheng stretched his left hand out, and with his iron-clad hand, he flicked his thumb; it made a clear and melodious sound, as if he had snapped his fingers. His dragon mount slowly ascended and brought the two of them into the sky; they had an aerial view of this burning hell.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go up to the clouds to take a look?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Shh.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Look.¡±


    Chen Yekai seemed to have undergone a peculiar change. His body was radiating light and he stepped out into the burning world, yet he remained undaunted by the raging fire in his heart.


    The sound of running water was unceasing. Yu Hao looked into the distance, and could see the current of the Iguazu Falls rise again. But this time, it gently turned into water droplets that floated before ascending into the sky.


    The black dragon mount uttered a cry. Zhou Sheng then steered it to fly to another solitary peak. This was the highest place in the dreamscape, and coincidentally, it could overlook the entire world as well as the Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ in the distance.


    Yu Hao looked around him and discovered that this was actually the solitary peak of Mt. Tianqing that connected to the suspension bridge ¡ª the place he found himself at the first time he entered this dreamscape!


    The moment Chen Yekai disappeared into the sea of fire, the entire dreamscape began to change. A breeze whispered past; it was a gentle wind that brought with it a breath of vitality.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s armour disappeared. He placed one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, and the two of them leaned against the the black dragon¡¯s side as they gazed into the distance.


    In a world encompassed within a vast white expanse, the water from the Iguazu Falls rose towards the horizon as the thunderstorms in the clouds disappeared without a trace. Then a torrential deluge descended upon the whole world.


    The rainwater fell upon the burning rainforest, rapidly extinguishing the raging blazes. The ashes that had choked the air was washed into the soil by the rainfall and seeped into the earth.


    Zhou Sheng casually thumped the black dragon lying beside them. The huge dragon raised its wings and covered them from overhead; the rainwater gushed down with a whoosh. Yu Hao thought it was amusing, and when he raised his head to look, he realised that the wing raised to shelter them from the rain was in a posture that looked like the heart gesture people used while taking photos.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What¡¯s with that stupid grin on your face?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao looked into the distance, ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve thought that falling rain could be this beautiful.¡±


    The downpour continued endlessly, and the world was covered in a vast expanse of white.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°On rainy days, it¡¯ll be perfect with chocolates and music. But it¡¯s a pity that there¡¯s no chocolate, or music.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Cough cough.¡±


    Itbe Vtfcu, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I found a love for ohoh¡ª¡ªme.¡±


    Itbe Vtfcu, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Darling just dive right in and, I¡¯ll follow your lead¡­¡±


    ¡°Well, I found a boy, handsome and bright.¡±


    The corpses of the asphalt panthers were washed away by the rain and faded into soil before they disappeared. Tens of millions of trees began growing from the earth; verdant buds sprouted and began to spread out.


    ¡°Oh£¬I never knew you were the someone waiting for me,


    ¡®Cause we were just kids when we fell in love¡­¡±


    Under the drizzle that swirled about in the sky, Yu Hao smiled as he glanced at Zhou Sheng and sang softly; his singing voice seemed to resonate through the sky.


    The rain stopped.


    A gentle breeze blew, the clouds split apart amongst the wind, countless light pillars descended like sacred light to fall upon the land.


    Chen Yekai stood in the center of the ruins. The bricks began rising from the ruins and embedded themselves in one place.


    The sun appeared; it illuminated mother earth from between the dispersed clouds. The light pillars moved in a meandering fashion, and all living things touched by the light grew and thrive with great vitality.


    It shone down upon Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢; the sacrificial altar on the pyramid that bore Chen Yekai¡®s weight rose unceasingly upwards. Mossy boulders joined together one after another to erect this ancient and glorious miracle of mankind.


    ¡°He shares my dreams, I hope that someday I¡¯ll share his home¡­¡±


    The sun had emerged, its light shining upon the earth.


    The sunlight also illuminated Chen Yekai; his burnt clothes transformed into flowing light particles. The shirt vanished from his upper body, revealing a fair chest and well-built arms. An ancient attire of American Indians then gently covered his entire body instead ¡ª he had two laces on his upper body embedded with turquoise stones, while his lower body was clad in a maroon war skirt, as well as leather hunting pants and boots.


    Birds appeared in the forest. Their scattered feathers gently flew towards the center of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ and gathered on top of his hair, forming a crested war bonnet comprising hundreds of falcon feathers.


    Chen Yekai raised his head, and looked at the solitary peak of Mt. Tianqing facing Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Yu Hao¡¯s singing voice was echoing through this entire world.


    ¡°We are still kids, but we¡¯re so in love£¬


    Fighting against all odds, I know we¡¯ll be alright this time¡­¡±


    The sun had emerged, its light shining upon the earth.


    In the clear blue sky above, its rainy clouds had all disappeared and only large patches of soft, white clouds remained. Their shadows traversed the earth; as the sunlight fell upon the jungle, the leaves shone so brightly it looked just like a glittering, golden sea. The birds and beasts in the jungle all rapidly came back to life and began voicing their cries.


    There was a loud noise from a Tyrannosaurus Rex as it walked towards the pyramid; it roared towards a lofty place before falling beneath the pyramid.


    The sun had emerged, its light shining upon the earth, and also upon Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao. The dragon suddenly rose up, flapped its wings, and soared into the sky before disappearing into the horizon.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng stood in the middle of the solitary peak as they looked at Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ in the distance.


    Chen Yekai faced the solitary peak, reached out with both hands, then gently pinned his gun and scalpel to the weapon girdles by his waist. He bowed towards that place far in the distance.


    The sunlight was shining down on the top of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢; a wooden house emerged on the platform. The furniture and floors of the wooden house exhibited the same appearance as the interior of Chen Yekai and Ryuusei¡¯s home.


    The curtains fluttered in the wind. Sunlight cast into the room and landed upon the dining table. Glimmering light particles slowly rose from the table cloth and took the form of two wedding rings. A light flashed; the totem seemed just like two binary stars slowly revolving around each other within the boundless universe.


    The sunlight was shining upon the ruins on the solitary peak. Noises could be heard from the suspension bridge; pieces of wood rose up from the bottom of the ravine, reattached to the bridge, and the ropes were reconnected. Meanwhile, the rubble surrounding Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng also rose.


    White bricks revolved around them, then landed; layer by layer, they constructed a wall and formed a spire. Fragmented stained glass pieced themselves back into place as they returned to the windows, and tables and chairs in their original positions.


    On the solitary peak, a small white chapel appeared. A gust of wind blew and petals scattered in all directions before gathering into fresh flowers. The red carpet unfurled itself; Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao stood in front of the sacrificial altar with blank faces.


    The sun had risen; it illuminated Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, lighting up this newborn world.


    ¡°Looks pretty good.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his head to look at the ceiling, ¡°Kaikai¡¯s a romantic guy.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, ¡°I think, this is his safe haven ba.¡±


    The two of them fell silent for a moment as they faced each other.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When you got stabbed by that snake¡¯s tail just now, it really scared me to death.¡±


    Yu Hao was at a loss for words for a moment, so the two of them just stood like that in the small white chapel, surrounded by flowers.


    ¡°I¡­¡­I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao said out of habit, ¡°I was too rash.¡± After he said this, Yu Hao thought it sounded a bit wrong; in the situation at that moment, there were no alternative methods at all, what else could he have done?


    ¡°No.¡± Yet Zhou Sheng became more ill at ease. After he pondered for a moment, he continued, ¡°I¡¯ll cook up something nice for you when we get back, what do you want to eat?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Write a menu ba.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then¡­¡­there¡¯s nothing else to see, so let¡¯s go?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to go back to reality to take a rest. Now I feel like I can¡¯t even rest well when I¡¯m sleeping, dreaming is so tiring¡­¡­¡±


    Those words strangely tickled Zhou Sheng and he laughed for a long time. The two of them looked out the window; the sunlight was shining brilliantly. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and was about to press it against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead, before he suddenly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the name of the song you sang? Can you record it for me when we get back?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng stood in front of Yu Hao and looked into his eyes, then gently pressed his hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    The moment the two of them vanished, a flurry of light particles gathered in the white chapel; they turned into Nakagawa Ryuusei, who had his back facing the main door as he waited quietly.


    The sunlight faded abruptly, and Yu Hao opened his eyes in Zhou Sheng¡¯s embrace.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them were hugging each other while lying on a single bed. Yu Hao was using Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm as a pillow, and his other free hand was wrapped around his neck; meanwhile, Zhou Sheng was hugging Yu Hao with one arm, while his other arm embraced his waist¡­¡­their lips were on the verge of touching! Yu Hao¡¯s heart rate immediately shot up to a 180bpm; he could feel Zhou Sheng¡¯s scorching chest against his shoulder. What made it worse was how Zhou Sheng only had a bathrobe on, and one of his legs was even wrapped around Yu Hao¡¯s waist with his inner thigh stuck to Yu Hao¡¯s waist.


    In this position, their ¡°things¡± both stood erect because of their morning woods. It was still okay for Yu Hao because he was wearing his underwear, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s was directly poking against Yu Hao!


    So¡­¡­so big! And it¡¯s so hard too! Yu Hao¡¯s first thought was, with this size¡­it must be at least 20cm ba! Normally, he didn¡¯t dare to pay much attention to it, and when he catches a glimpse of it occasionally from the corner of his eye, he just thought that Zhou Sheng¡¯s shouldn¡¯t be small. But he didn¡¯t expect it to be to this big!


    Zhou Sheng woke up too and opened his eyes. Yu Hao immediately moved and tried to separate himself from Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I say you were using my arm as a pillow,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, towards the end, my arm was about to break!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao had just turned around when he felt like the bottom half of his body was wet and slippery, so he instantly stopped talking.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Zhou Sheng noticed it too and immediately pulled his bathrobe to conceal his raised object, looking extremely embarrassed.


    Yu Hao sat up. The bottom half of his T-shirt, his underwear and his upper thighs were all wet. Both of them couldn¡¯t be any more embarrassed, and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know why his brain short-circuited as he suddenly asked, ¡°You or me?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red, ¡°It must be you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How would you know?¡±


    ¡°The day before yesterday, mine just¡­¡­that. You¡­¡­there¡¯s so much¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It shot all over me¡­¡­even my T-shirt¡¯s wet¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Could you stop talking about it?! Why are you touching it?! Go and wash it!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve been running all day so I didn¡¯t¡­¡­for the past two weeks¡­¡­so there¡¯ll definitely be a lot¡­¡­no, why do I need to explain this?! Forget about this quickly!!¡±


    Chen Yekai got up too, and the two of them immediately stopped talking. Zhou Sheng firmly wrapped his bathrobe around himself and sat up on the bed with Yu Hao as they watched Chen Yekai together.


    Chen Yekai walked over to the windows and drew the curtains. Sunlight streamed in and shone upon the three of them.


    Yu Hao was so blinded by the sun that he could barely keep his eyes open. Chen Yekai narrowed his eyes and turned his head sideways, as if he was avoiding the sunlight, yet also looking like he was accepting the baptism of the sun¡¯s burning warmth.


    Zhou Sheng pointed at the bathroom and motioned for Yu Hao to go in quickly. Yu Hao swiftly got up, grabbed his trousers, and ran into the bathroom to take a bath.


    Chen Yekai stood by the window and gazed into the far distance. This hotel was midway up the mountain, and across the city, you could see the ferris wheel by the horizon.


    This was the ¡°beautiful place¡± that Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had taken a photo of when they sat on the ferris wheel a long time ago.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any more clothes to wear, Zhou Sheng! Can I wear yours?¡± Yu Hao asked from the bathroom.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then what do I wear?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then what do I wear? I don¡¯t care! This is all your fault!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to stop talking about it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a bathrobe and walked straight in to hand it to Yu Hao. He didn¡¯t even spare Yu Hao a glance before picking up his clothes from the floor, and began washing it for him with his back facing the bathtub. Yu Hao sat in the bathtub and looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s bronze-coloured calves under his bathrobe.


    ¡°Is he alright?¡± Yu Hao also wrapped himself in a bathrobe and digged his ears out at a side. Both of them were wearing bathrobes, and he looked at his reflection in the mirror. Zhou Sheng brushed his teeth after washing the clothes and responded with a ¡°wu¡±. Yu Hao held a hairdryer over his head to blow his hair dry, then Zhou Sheng took it from him to help him blow dry the hair at the back of his head, ¡°Your hair¡¯s getting long, it¡¯s time to cut it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t hear him, so he asked with a puzzled look.


    Zhou Sheng turned off the hairdryer and shouted, ¡°I said you¡¯re getting harder and harder to serve!¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued to blow dry his hair, and after he was done, he began blowing dry Yu Hao¡¯s T-shirt and pants. It wasn¡¯t easy to dry them, and after blowing them with the hairdryer for half a day, he then passed them to Yu Hao and asked him to get his ass out so he could finally take a bath himself. After they finished getting dressed, Chen Yekai was still standing by the window.


    ¡°He¡¯s already been standing there for an hour.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is he okay?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Chen Laoshi?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯m okay, just thinking about a lot of things from the past.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned around and smiled at them ¡ª that smile was extremely warm, just like when Yu Hao first saw him. He felt that the old Chen Yekai had returned.


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath. Chen Yekai pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°You really want to give me a good scolding, right?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No, I want to ask you if this room includes the breakfast buffet downstairs.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 57 - Lin Xun

    Ch57 ¨C Lin Xun


    15 minutes later, Chen Yekai, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao were in front of the five-star hotel¡¯s garden lobby, with a table filled with food in front of them.


    Yu Hao, ¡°There¡¯s so much to eat for breakfast!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It costs 168 yuan per person after all. Eat ba, don¡¯t hold back, just treat it as a gesture of generosity at his expense.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You still remember that¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai only took a cup of coffee and looked down at his phone quietly. Yu Hao knew that he was reading Ryuusei¡¯s letter. Finally, Chen Yekai put his phone down, rubbed his face, and finally looked a bit more energetic.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°For causing you guys so much trouble. It was all my fault; that was too dangerous.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually replied, ¡°It was a misjudgment on our part too, can¡¯t blame you for that.¡±


    For Zhou Sheng, this was the most serious and potentially perilous miscalculation that he has ever made. They had not anticipated that Lin Xun would wield so much power in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream, and certainly not to the extent that he could suppress the sun in his conscious world. In the end, they were nearly defeated by Lin Xun and barely escaped with their lives. Fortunately, the three had joined forces and together, they overcame the many obstacles that they had faced. But this incident also added a very real precedent for both of them.


    ¡°Now that I think about it.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°My Dad¡¯s and Mum¡¯s dreams are nothing in comparison.¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Yu Hao snapped out of his reverie; compared to Chen Yekai¡¯s Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Shi Ni¡¯s lighthouse and the Great Wall all seemed like a tutorial mode for newbies.


    ¡°There will be countless things to overcome in the future.¡± Chen Yekai looked out the restaurant¡¯s window. The sunlight spilled onto the hotel¡¯s garden, ¡°But I¡¯ve already been reborn. Even though I was confined within a shell, I still thought that I was the king of the infinite universe.¡±


    Yu Hao began laughing, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Think about what to do next ba? Laozi¡¯s eligibility for the cycling race hasn¡¯t been settled yet.¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly became much more invigorated. He took his phone out and said, ¡°Leave it to me. If the two of you¡­¡­need me to do anything, just let me know?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to do anything.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just answer a few of my questions. From the first day we met, you¡¯ve always helped us like it was your duty to do so. So don¡¯t treat us like outsiders.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± The corners of Chen Yekai¡¯s lips curved up slightly, and he said while lost in thought, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t treat you guys that way.¡±


    Zhou Sheng signalled to Yu Hao, which meant ¡®What do you want to ask? Ask your questions first?¡¯


    Yu Hao waited until the waiters had cleared their plates. He took a sip of his coffee and thought for a moment before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t have anything in particular that I want to ask. But I think, Ryuusei had something he wanted me to convey to you.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s eyebrows rose slightly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Since it¡¯s something Ryuusei said, then the two of you should talk about it in private when you¡¯re free ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°Okay. I also have something I want to explain clearly to Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, satisfied.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Then, Zhou Sheng, what do you want to ask?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about how to express my doubts.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ve already clarified a lot of things that happened in the past, but Kaikai, do you have anything else you need to apologise for? Aside from having your psychological state meddled with by Lin Xun.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°Lin Xun¡¯s psychological manipulations significantly affected me, which caused me to¡­¡­make a lot of misguided decisions. Let¡¯s start from the beginning ba, including what we had talked about¡­¡­I think, that would help clear things up for you both. We¡¯ll need to start from¡­¡­let me think about it, that period when we decided to return to the country. Lin Laoshi¡­¡­Lin Xun and Liang Laoshi¡¯s marriage has always been very problematic.¡±


    Chen Yekai first came to know Lin Xun through one of his father¡¯s friend¡¯s when he went to study in New Yorks; the general idea was that Lin Xun would look out for him a bit. Very quickly, this professor couple formed a favourable impression of Chen Yekai. After all, amongst the younger generation, Chen Yekai was considered quite outstanding.


    Chen Yekai also gradually came to better understand them through his interactions with Lin Xun and his wife. Lin Xun was born to a relatively poor family in China; he dated Liang Jinmin in college, and Liang Jinmin had greatly admired his talent and self-confidence. After they got married, she funded Lin Xun¡¯s research abroad, and she left her hometown and went with him to New York. Within the local Chinese community, Lin Xun and his wife had always portrayed themselves as a loving couple.


    But only Chen Yekai knew that in private, Lin Xun¡¯s extramarital affairs were crippling their relationship, and he had many disputes with Liang Jinmin over this. Lin Xun has a really strange hobby ¡ª he loved getting involved with married women.


    ¡°He harrasses female students?¡± Zhou Sheng asked in disbelief.


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The situation was worse than that.¡±


    Lin Xun is extremely smart; he would get complaints if he harassed students. His targets for extramarital affairs were young teaching assistants, lecturers, or wives of postgraduate students in the academic circle. These young people crossed the ocean to come to New York, and after settling down, they applied to the U.S. authorities for permission to reunite with their family, then brought their wives over who were still in the country. During the period of applying for or holding a green card, Lin Xun would look for a suitable opportunity to take advantage of, and after he found a target, he would start an extramarital affair.


    Yu Hao was completely dumbstruck.


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t believe what he had heard at all, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t the other person¡¯s spouse beat him to death?¡±


    ¡°It depends on his methods.¡± Chen Yekai said helplessly, ¡°Don¡¯t forget what he¡¯s studying.¡±


    Normally, in extramarital affairs, one party desires to hit the other, who¡¯s also willing to endure the hits of their own accord. Lin Xun had both the connections and a shrewd approach, and he was very precise when it came to selecting his targets ¡ª he would target the wives of those male scholars who didn¡¯t have that clean of a background themselves. Some of these male scholars might have looked for prostitutes before in the United States, while others had been involved in scandals with students.


    And as a well-maintained refined man in his fifties, courting their wives was basically like child¡¯s play.


    Those young people themselves had emotional stains ¡ª such as cheating on their partners while living in the United States alone, or they didn¡¯t dare to offend Lin Xun¡­¡­in the end, after Lin Xun finished his extramarital affair, the other party wouldn¡¯t even dare to expose him. After all, if they had an extramarital affair while they were applying for a reunion visa, the immigration bureau would doubt the authenticity of their marriage, and it would likely expose evidence that could be used against them during the examination and approval of immigration procedures.


    Liang Jinmin was extremely furious about this. There was a period when she had several significant arguments with Lin Xun, and that was when Chen Yekai discovered that Lin Xun was abusing Liang Jinmin at home.


    Chen Yekai was a bit baffled. After all, in his own family, his parents had always had mutual respect for each other and would never raise their voices. The scene of Lin Xun hitting Liang Jinmin left a very deep impression on him.


    His first thought was to just report it to the police, but he was stopped by Liang Jinmin. After that, Liang Jinmin talked to him countless times and begged him to not call the police. After all, in the United States, domestic violence was a very serious offence, so Lin Xun would definitely be arrested. Later on, Lin Xun knelt down on his hands and knees and begged Liang Jinmin for forgiveness, which she granted..


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t she get a divorce?¡± Yu Hao asked in disbelief.


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t get a divorce.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled out a cigarette box and lit a cigarette.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ve asked that very question before too; Liang Laoshi still loves him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sneered. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Give me one too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lit a cigarette for Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°I seldom smoke, let me smoke just one now.¡±


    Under Yu Hao¡¯s supervision, Zhou Sheng rarely smokes nowadays and would only smoke two or three per day now.


    ¡°For a long time after that.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It didn¡¯t happen again¡­¡­¡±


    Over the next few years, Chen Yekai kept a vigilant eye on Liang Jinmin. Lin Xun hardly laid a finger on her anymore, but Chen Yekai still suspected that Lin Xun would occasionally slap Liang Jinmin or hit her without leaving any marks. But the person involved, Liang Jinmin, was unwilling to give up on their relationship no matter what. Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t help her even if he wanted to.


    At that time, Chen Yekai felt very conflicted. Lin Xun had guided him and treated him like his own son, yet he had a rather dark side to him as well¡­¡­


    ¡°You won¡¯t understand that kind of feeling.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°I understand.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It¡¯s like if your Dad would hit your Mum all the time, but you can still feel that he cares about you a lot when he faces you.¡±


    Chen Yekai said helplessly, ¡°Yes. Aside from that, I still felt elements of hero-worship towards him. He¡¯s very learned and treats his work very¡­¡­seriously. He¡¯s accomplished both in terms of his knowledge and his field, yet he¡¯s a scholar who has abandoned morality and is practically a demon now.¡±


    Lin Xun was Chen Yekai¡¯s life mentor; aside from the knowledge in their field, he also taught him the guiding principles of life ¡ª including in regard to feelings, friends, society, family etc., these were all things that Chen Yekai had never learnt from his father who was a barrister. After all, in a barrister¡¯s eyes, there were only rules. To them, society was just a huge, ruthless machine.


    Yet Lin Xun¡¯s nature in this respect has always been peerless; Chen Yekai unquestioningly deferred to him in a professional context, yet his morality infuriated him. Fortunately, Chen Yekai never heard so much as a whisper about Lin Xun¡¯s extramarital affairs after that, but after a period of stability, the incident with Ryuusei occurred.


    Lin Xun always did his utmost when it came to this incident, and even though his persuasion was to no avail, he had ultimately respected Chen Yekai¡¯s decision.


    ¡°I was very grateful to Lin Laoshi for that.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°At that time, I didn¡¯t notice any abnormalities.¡±


    ¡°Then you graduated.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai nodded.


    After he obtained his master¡¯s degree, Chen Yekai muddled through life for an entire year. He tried to bury himself into his work as a kind of remedy. However, the stress nearly caused him to collapse. Liang Jinmin persuaded him to return to Columbia to help, so Chen Yekai would occasionally go back and forth between the company and college.


    Over the years, the conflict between Liang Jinmin and Lin Xun escalated once again ¡ª but it wasn¡¯t over domestic violence. Lin Xun had an affair with the wife of a small-time lecturer. This time, their conflict was a bit more serious; Liang Jinmin finally couldn¡¯t bear it any longer and decided to divorce Lin Xun. The two of them fought until the world was turned upside down. The other party in the affair began threatening to expose Lin Xun¡¯s obscene affairs and to sue him.


    Lin Xun earnestly pleaded for Liang Jinmin¡¯s forgiveness. After their negotiation, Liang Jinmin hoped that Lin Xun would return to the country and bid farewell to this kind of rotten life, change his environment, and start anew. Coincidentally, Liang Jinmin¡¯s mother was aging, so she also wished to return to the country so she could visit her mother more often and stay by her side. If Lin Xun wasn¡¯t willing, then they could just get a divorce ba.


    Eventually, Lin Xun gave in and promised that from then on, he would devote himself to his wife.


    So that¡¯s what happened¡­¡­Yu Hao finally understood now.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Liang Laoshi asked me if I wanted to return. It just so happens that there was a very generous Talent Recruitment plan in central China. One of their friends in the United States introduced Dean Ning to Lin Laoshi. Ying city was situated near Liang Laoshi¡¯s home, and I happened to be a transfer student in high school there and had studied in Ying city for a year, so I thought, ok then. Afterwards, I completed the procedures and reported to the college first. I thought that when I started, I wouldn¡¯t try to complicate things for myself; apply for the position of a form teacher, relax a little, prepare for my project, and continue my doctorate with Lin Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No wonder the Dean is so courteous towards you.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Because the college is relying on an academic powerhouse like Lin Laoshi.¡± Chen Yekai extinguished the cigarette in the ashtray, ¡°And I¡¯m the student he¡¯s most proud of. It¡¯s just using one¡¯s position to bully others ma, what is Xue Long worth? Even the Dean¡¯s office and the League Committee must be polite when they speak to a form teacher like me.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh. Chen Yekai said, ¡°But the status of a dog like me depends on my owner. See, now that Lin Laoshi is beginning to target me, the Dean definitely wouldn¡¯t defend me.¡±


    ¡°It should be the climax of the story next ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai said, You can roughly guess it based on the events that had happened in the past.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°He started another extramarital affair after returning to the country?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easier to change mountains and rivers, than to alter one¡¯s character.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Chen Yekai came over to report first, and after he dealt with Yu Hao¡¯s affairs, Lin Xun and Liang Jinmin returned to the country on New Year¡¯s. But Lin Xun was up to his old tricks; his target this time was the wife of his high school classmate who lived in the neighbouring city. They dated twice in private and were discovered by Liang Jinmin the second time. Another quarrel erupted between the couple, and after that, Lin Xun began to perform all kinds of martial arts at home. He didn¡¯t dare act so excessively when they were in the United States because he would be imprisoned. But here, no one would care if he hit his wife in the country, and even if it was reported to the police, it would just be dealt with as a family¡¯s private affairs. After the police came over to persuade them a little, they would return like nothing had happened.


    Lin Xun had been stifling an insidious breath in the United States for nearly ten years, and now he could revel in this change of circumstance and finally not hold back from beating his wife.


    ¡°After he beat Shimu,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°For a period of time, he would slap himself and weep bitterly, and kneel down in front of Shimu to apologise to her¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in disbelief, ¡°That guy is seriously evil to the extreme.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t comprehend what Zhou Sheng meant, but Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes, even you can tell that he¡¯s just acting. His kneeling, tears, begging for forgiveness, were all just acts used to fool Shimu.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like his entire life had been turned on its head in a moment. Chen Yekai said, ¡°According to my understanding of him, he must have regarded this process as a kind of game, like a cat-and-mouse game. Shimu was manipulated by him, and through his performance, he would obtain Shimu¡¯s forgiveness, then hit her again, then beg for her forgiveness, before hitting her again¡­¡­it¡¯s a never-ending cycle. Perhaps, Lin Laoshi found it very interesting, and only a demon¡­¡­would do that.¡±


    A sense of dread suddenly arose in Yu Hao¡¯s heart.


    Chen Yekai continued, ¡°I tried everything I could. Divorce was the only option, but I had no evidence. I wanted to take Shimu to get her injuries examined, but Shimu refused me. If the one involved isn¡¯t willing to cooperate with me, then I could only hate myself for not being able to do anything. I asked Huang Ting for help and invited Shimu out, but on the very last day, Shimu changed her mind again. This happened time and time again¡­¡­and I couldn¡¯t let Lin Xun know of the actions I took in private. He understands me too well. Sometimes, with just a few conversations, he would be able to guess what I was thinking.¡±


    ¡°It was very difficult.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But shortly after Yu Hao went on stage, Shimu suddenly relented to my requests.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡± Yu Hao asked, baffled.


    Chen Yekai nodded and said, ¡°She said that that song and the you who sang it reminded her of Ryuusei, and also reminded her of the days she spent in the United States. We chatted for a long time that day, and we inevitably ended up talking about you¡­¡­she didn¡¯t know why her life turned out this way. She forgave him time and time again, yet she would get hurt over and over again as well. She didn¡¯t believe in any so-called fate, but she no longer had the courage to find any kind of excuse for her life. In short, she finally decided to get a divorce.¡±


    Getting a divorce would be very cumbersome. Aside from getting a divorce, Liang Jinmin also decided that she couldn¡¯t let Lin Xun indulge himself as he pleased any longer. Before meeting Chen Yekai, she tried to gather evidence of the extramarital affairs Lin Xun always had until now.


    As a result, through GPS-tracking records on his Apple account, Liang Jinmin inadvertently found out that four years ago, Lin Xun had visited a cafe near Chen Yekai¡¯s house.


    That day, Liang Jinmin presented the pieces of evidence one by one to Chen Yekai. When she mentioned that, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t know why he suddenly remembered something three days before his graduation defence. After Ryuusei was diagnosed with depression, he barely took a step out of the house, yet he had uncharacteristically gone out that day, and after he returned, he had even gotten a gift for Chen Yekai, a¡­¡­


    ¡°Napoleon cake.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said calmly, ¡°I asked him where he went and who he met. He said that he just went to Central Park to bask in the sun. Liang Laoshi asked me, if Lin Xun went to my house that day to look for me, or if he had arranged to meet someone else. I might not remember other days, but I have a very deep impression of that day. Lin Xun wasn¡¯t in the laboratory. He must have met up with Ryuusei. It¡¯s just that afterwards, Ryuusei didn¡¯t mention it to me.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 58 - Self-Reflection

    Ch58 ¨C Self-Reflection


    ¡ª


    ¡°But he didn¡¯t leave any evidence behind.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can¡¯t do anything to him at all.¡±


    Following his conversation with Liang Jinmin that day, after Chen Yekai parted ways with her, Liang Jinmin had asked another friend out. She loaned the car to Chen Yekai, and a preoccupied Chen Yekai drove Yu Hao back to the college.


    Several days later, before the New Year, Chen Yekai was going to drive the couple through the expressway to send them to Liang Jinmin¡¯s mother¡¯s home for the New Year. But Lin Xun changed his mind at the last minute ¡ª¡ª he decided to bring Liang Jinmin to his high school classmate¡¯s house and spend the New Year with the other couple.


    ¡°Going to the home of the person he cheated on her with?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Do you think that¡¯s possible?¡±


    ¡°Your Shimu wouldn¡¯t agree.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°That was the one and only loophole in Lin Xun¡¯s detailed plan. Aside from the ones involved, only I knew of the inside story, but it¡¯s limited to Shimu¡¯s message, so it can¡¯t serve as evidence.¡±


    ¡°That day, Lin Xun told me that I didn¡¯t need to pick them up anymore, and that he would drive there himself. On the evening of the same day, a car accident occurred on the expressway. Huang Ting and I both think that this was a premeditated murder, but no matter how hard we searched, we couldn¡¯t find the smoking gun. They had even been fined for not wearing seat belts abroad before.¡±


    After that, Chen Yekai began to realise that something was wrong. From New Year¡¯s Eve to the first day of the New Year, he accompanied Liang Jinmin and stayed by her bedside. After Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao left on the night of the first day, Chen Yekai waited for Lin Xun. This was the one and only conversation they had during the entire month following the accident.


    Chen Yekai tried all sorts of ways to draw out any sort of clues from Lin Xun and even prepared a recording device beforehand. But Lin Xun wouldn¡¯t be outdone by Chen Yekai at all. What made him even more terrifying was that while maintaining an impenetrable defence, a faintly discernible smile would always hang on the corner of his lips.


    ¡°What he wanted to tell me was, ¡®yes, you guessed it right, I did it all¡¯.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°He knew that I must have started a recording, so he both defended and retaliated against me; he spoke in an angry and hurt tone, all the while with a mocking smile on his face.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately trembled with fear.


    Lin Xun only gave Chen Yekai 20 minutes before he left the ward. After that, when Yu Hao returned to the ward to bring Chen Yekai food, he then saw the scene of him kneeling in front of Liang Jinmin as he choked back his sobs.


    ¡°Later on, Huang Ting called him out for some routine questioning.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But he was too skilful, and even Huang Ting couldn¡¯t get anything out of him. The college paid a lot of attention to this incident too, so they persistently pressured the police. Huang Ting could only watch Lin Xun and hope that he¡¯d be able to obtain evidence of Lin Xun meeting with his partner in the affair.¡±


    After a long time passed, Huang Ting and Chen Yekai talked again and again, yet they were at their wits¡¯ end. In the end, they could only momentarily shelve the case, because they still had one hope ¡ª that is, to wait for Liang Jinmin to wake up.


    ¡°Lin Xun wouldn¡¯t give you that opportunity.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If all your previous speculations are correct, he will wait patiently, and after he takes Shimu home, he¡¯ll plan to kill her again or wait for her condition to worsen and give up on treatment. He¡¯s her family recognised by law, so he has the authority to sign.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Huang Ting told me to be patient and to not visit Shimu, to act like nothing happened so that Lin Xun would relax his vigilance. But for a long time after that, there was no progress, and I couldn¡¯t wait any longer. As long as the initial dust has settled, Lin Xun would certainly start dealing with me.¡±


    On the night after the spring excursion, Chen Yekai waited below the teacher¡¯s dormitory with a scalpel. Lin Xun moved back to the college temporarily, but that day¡­¡­


    ¡°Did you really want to kill him then?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°No, I wanted to interrogate him.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to go up to him and immediately kill him with one stab. That day, I set up my phone to record, and drank some wine because I wanted to use the alcohol to bolster my courage. I intended to press the knife against his throat and force him to tell me the truth.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hardly knew how to evaluate that, ¡°Did you really think he¡¯d tell you?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But that was the only way I could think of. I know he has one weakness ¡ª¡ª he fears death; he is terrified of death.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ah? He fears death? Isn¡¯t he a psychologist? In the face of danger, he should stay cool-headed to deal with the situation, right?¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°When I accompanied him to a social survey interview, we once returned late and came across a group of people who were in the midst of an armed robbery; there was even a murdered corpse on the roadside. At that time, he was extremely terrified, and it didn¡¯t seem like a pretence.¡±


    ¡°He dared not put up any resistance. He froze up when confronted with the threat of death, and couldn¡¯t think of any way out either. At that time, he had to rely on me to deal with the robbers and the situation.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The robbers were all juvenile delinquents and were extremely cruel. After we gave all the money we had to them, they still weren¡¯t satisfied. Sometimes, when you deal with those types of people, you need to be even fiercer than them. Once you become fierce, the other party will turn meek instead. It was hard to see anything in the darkness, and afterwards the robbers left by themselves. I immediately called the police and recorded my testimony, and it was only when I arrived at the police station that I realised Lin Xun had been scared into incontinence at the time.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But it can¡¯t be acknowledged as legal evidence if you use those kinds of means to obtain it.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It can¡¯t. I don¡¯t know why I did that either; momentary impulsiveness and anger had blinded me, like the omnipresent lightning strikes in my dream. I even thought about killing him. In short, I was fortunate to have you both.¡±


    The next morning, Chen Yekai offered to resign. The Dean wasn¡¯t surprised at all and approved it that early afternoon. Following which was the series of events that happened¡­¡­


    ¡°That¡¯s all.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s the whole story. By the way, the one who helped Lin Xun with his divorce consultation was my father. My dad has never lost a single lawsuit in the past 12 years.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao both leaned back on their chairs with vexed expressions.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Any other questions you want to ask me? I can answer anything.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, then at Chen Yekai again, ¡°Until now, we¡¯ve never considered, if¡­¡­uh, what I mean is, throughout everything, what I¡¯m trying to say is, what if was actually Lin Xun who was wronged?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve considered that.¡± Chen Yekai smiled slightly, then answered, ¡°So I¡¯ve always been tormenting myself with it. But I¡¯m too familiar with Laoshi; I¡¯ve known him for nearly seven years. Whatever he wants to say, as long as he says the first half of the sentence, I¡¯ll be able to understand the latter half of it. You asked if he had conducted any psychological manipulations on me, and now in retrospect, I can say with utmost certainty: yes.¡±


    ¡°He wants to banish me.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°He wants to cleanly eliminate all uncertainties, even Zhou Sheng, who had just guessed that he beat Liang Laoshi. He¡¯s very good at discerning fine details, then magnifying them and inducing you into making a mistake. But this time, he had clearly misjudged the two of you. He never would¡¯ve expected that there could actually be supernatural forces at work behind all this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Without evidence, we can¡¯t convict anyone. It¡¯s only proper. We¡¯re not going to convict him now anyway, right?¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao considered it briefly, and that was indeed the case. They don¡¯t intend to do anything to Lin Xun now. According to the principle of giving someone the benefit of doubt, no one would cause trouble for Lin Xun now, unless new evidence was obtained.


    The three of them fell silent again. Chen Yekai smoothed his hair out; his hair was slightly longer now.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you two to go get a haircut?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°I have one more question.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Kaikai, you¡¯re so rich, where does all your money come from? Didn¡¯t you cut off all ties with your family a long time ago?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, oh yeah. But that topic was too gossipy, so he was always too embarrassed to ask it outright.


    Zhou Sheng stared at Chen Yekai suspiciously. Chen Yekai felt helpless, then laughed, ¡°After graduation, I partnered with one of my bros to start up a science and tech company. We received psychological and behavioural big data analytics, including crowd profiling, some trend forecasting¡­¡­it was that senior of mine who helped me track down the IP address of the visitor to the home page.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng nodded.


    ¡°A lot of software and websites desperately need these services.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We originally agreed that we would list the company on the Nasdaq, but I really didn¡¯t want to continue anymore, so we sold the company.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, how much could the company have been sold for? But he refrained from asking.


    Zhou Sheng also really wanted to ask, but he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°A lot of websites are still using our old data analysis framework and regularly pay us some licencing fees every year. Why? Zhou Sheng, do you need money? If you need any, just let me know¡­¡­Yu Hao, you too. Don¡¯t stand on ceremony with me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°I was just curious.¡±


    Chen Yekai casually replied, ¡°Your family¡¯s rich, so money doesn¡¯t seem as important anymore. As long as we¡¯re all able to live our lives happily, then that would be enough.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It all belongs to my Dad. It¡¯s hard to say if I¡¯ll even be able to survive once I enter society.¡±


    ¡°Why would you care about something like that?¡± Chen Yekai began laughing. After giving it some thought, he continued, ¡°How about this, I planned a little in the morning, and the best thing we can do now is to keep a low profile.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°That¡¯s the most appropriate method. And since you¡¯ve already resigned, don¡¯t go back to the college anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll find a place to live first.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°When I¡¯m free, I¡¯ll look for Huang Ting and organise the leads we have. Don¡¯t worry Zhou Sheng, even if I die, I¡¯ll never say those things to anyone.¡±


    ¡°I believe you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°The both of you should still return to the college first.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Right now, only you guys can monitor Lin Xun.¡±


    ¡°If it was so easy for him to give himself away,¡± Zhou Sheng said helplessly, ¡°Then you would¡¯ve taken care of him yourself, why would you still need us?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°In his mind, I¡¯m someone who has already left.¡±


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re not dead,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯ll definitely still be very wary. Let¡¯s not talk about that now; we¡¯re all tired today, so let¡¯s head back first¡­¡­wait, it¡¯s Monday today?!¡±


    Only then did Yu Hao remember, they had classes today! And they had both turned off their alarm clocks. Now that they looked at their phones, there were more than 400 unread messages in them ¡ª Xue Long was scolding the two of them madly in the group chat. They skipped classes in the morning and didn¡¯t even reply to any messages. Where were their self-reflection manuscripts? Hand in their self-reflection manuscripts immediately!


    Meanwhile, Fu Liqun just calmly asked them where they had gone off to because he didn¡¯t find them in the area around the hotel.


    ¡°The cohort meeting will be held in 20 minutes, come back soon kay.¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s voice rang out in their four-people group.


    Yu Hao, ¡°We¡¯re finished!! We need to do a self-reflection today? What do we do?!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you scared of?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Leave it, I¡¯ll handle it!¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall the fear that had overwhelmed him during his self-reflection in the previous cohort general assembly. However, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care about that at all and hailed a cab back to the college. He stuffed both hands into his pockets, his sportswear¡¯s hoodie covering his head; an overbearing air emanated from his profile as he walked straight through the multi-purpose classroom¡¯s door.


    Yu Hao trailed behind him, then hurried through the doorway before sitting down in his seat in class, immediately triggering a burst of laughter.


    Xue Long stood on the stage with an infuriated expression. After Yu Hao sat down, his gaze swept over the classroom ¡ª Lin Xun didn¡¯t come. That person was quite strange, he made Zhou Sheng do a self-reflection yet he didn¡¯t come to listen to it.


    Zhou Sheng went directly onto the stage.


    Xue Long, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Cough!¡± Zhou Sheng stuffed one hand in his pocket while the other held the microphone, ¡°Wei, wei, can everyone hear me?¡±


    Another peal of laughter rang out; the entire multi-purpose classroom was cheering and clapping madly, and some were even smacking their tables. Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. He remembered the self-reflection he did a few months ago, and the seat in which Chen Yekai sat then was now empty.


    ¡°Sorry ah.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Today I am here to sincerely apologise to Lei Hongbo, as well as everyone in Class 3.¡±


    The whole multi-purpose classroom fell silent.


    Xue Long¡¯s expression was extremely terrible. Yet Zhou Sheng bowed politely and said, ¡°It was a moment of impulse for me, I hope everyone won¡¯t take it to heart. I¡¯ll definitely restrain myself in the future and talk it out instead of starting fights. I hope everyone will help me out by supervising me too.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely surprised by his tone; he had thought that Zhou Sheng was going to make some kind of sensational joke. He didn¡¯t expect Zhou Sheng to actually apologise so earnestly.


    Then he looked at the ones from Class 3, and his expression relaxed a little. Class 2 began applauding as a group again and cheered for Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s line of sight shifted; it landed upon Yu Hao, and their eyes met. Yu Hao immediately clapped for him and mouthed the word ¡®handsome¡¯. Zhou Sheng smiled, then suddenly said, ¡°As for our family¡¯s Yu Hao, I hope everyone can give me some face and stop teasing him all the time, okay?¡±


    The audience instantly erupted in an uproar. Yu Hao was still in a daze when a bunch of guys from Sports Class 2 sitting behind him laughed so hard they laid sprawled on their tables.


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Also, regarding Lin Laoshi, even though he¡¯s not here today, I would also like to sincerely apologise to him. I shouldn¡¯t have spouted nonsense in college, I hope Lin Laoshi will forgive me. Thank you!¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng bowed again. Everyone in the classroom turned around, and countless gazes from all sides converged on Yu Hao. When Zhou Sheng stood upright again, no one dared to look at Yu Hao anymore, and they all acted as if nothing had happened.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze suddenly turned incredibly sharp ¡ª it swept across the classroom with a sharp edge to it for a moment, but immediately resumed its lazy appearance not a moment later. He passed the microphone back to Xue Long, then walked off the stage.


    ¡°So cool.¡±


    Yu Hao heard a girl in the front row start talking about Zhou Sheng. A lot of people never seemed to realise how cool Zhou Sheng was in the past, but today, everyone could feel Zhou Sheng¡¯s unrestrained and confident temperament. Once that guy turned refined and courteous, his gaze could really captivate people.


    Xue Long began talking about truancy and their grades in various subjects, as well as notifying the class of Chen Yekai¡¯s resignation. Without anyone¡¯s notice, the beginning of the summer season was upon them. The weather gradually grew warmer, and in another month or so, their freshman year would be over.


    The cicadas on campus began chirping, and the guys in the sports department were all in the same T-shirt and shorts now. Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun ate some stir-fry in the dining hall, and Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and asked what exactly had happened the day before. Zhou Sheng kicked Yu Hao under the table to signal that he would deal with it. After that, he briefly talked to Fu Liqun about how Liang Jinmin suffered from domestic violence under the hands of Lin Xun, and Lin Xun¡¯s intention to force Chen Yekai away.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s expression was very complicated, yet Zhou Sheng looked calm. Fu Liqun said, ¡°That won¡¯t be easy to resolve.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°If we resolve it, do you think Chen Laoshi will come back?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t ba?¡± Zhou Sheng said with some regret.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s a real pity for such a good teacher.¡±


    The three of them sighed for a long time simultaneously. When night fell, Chen Yekai gave Zhou Sheng a call. Zhou Sheng laid on his bed and handed one earphone over the railing on the side of his bed to Yu Hao.


    ¡°The issue regarding your bicycle race is resolved.¡± Chen Yekai said in the phone.


    Yu Hao almost cried out, that¡¯s great!


    Zhou Sheng seemed to have anticipated this result long ago, so he just casually responded with an ¡°un¡±.


    ¡°I called the organising committee of the contest this afternoon.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Actually I didn¡¯t have much to do with it. Xue Long had already notified their side in advance, but, the organising committee didn¡¯t seem to take him seriously.¡±


    Zhou Sheng instantly uttered a pfft and burst into laughter. Apparently, Chen Yekai heard the laments from the organising committee¡¯s office in the afternoon. He was the one who helped Zhou Sheng register; he had stamped his registration with the official seal, and the contact information he wrote on it was his as well. This time, Xue Long asked the organising committee as a representative of the college to cancel Zhou Sheng¡¯s qualification for the race. The organising committee inquired about what had occurred, and Xue Long truthfully informed them that Zhou Sheng received a Notice of Criticism for being involved in a fight, and suggested they disqualify him from the competition.


    But the organising committee replied: I¡¯m sorry, but we don¡¯t accept your suggestion. Our activity is sponsored by a company ¡ª as long as the participants didn¡¯t break the law and get detained as a result, nor persuaded to withdraw and therefore still maintain their status as a college student, then even if he was placed under surveillance in school, he would still be eligible to participate. The implication behind these words were, ¡°What does a Notice of Criticism have to do with us? If you want to discipline your students, then do it yourselves. Sports competitions are sacred, we won¡¯t cooperate with you and be used as a means for punishment.¡±


    Chen Yekai had planned to personally make a trip down to the organising committee, but after he heard these laments, he laughed so hard that he couldn¡¯t rein himself in. In the end, the other side informed him that everything would continue on as normal for Zhou Sheng, and that it would be fine as long as he joins the competition as usual when the competition comes up before ending the call.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that Xue Long will continue keeping this from you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°To make you think that you¡¯ve been disqualified. Don¡¯t fall out with Xue Long over this, it¡¯s not worth it. Anyway, just do what you should be doing.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng answered casually.


    The finals will be held during their summer vacation, so there was still some time before that. Zhou Sheng raised his hand, Yu Hao understood this gesture and smiled as he gave him a high-five.


    As for Lin Xun¡¯s case, Chen Yekai¡¯s reply was, ¡°I¡¯ve already communicated with Huang Ting. Next, we¡¯ll have to wait patiently.¡±


    It has already been four months since the car accident. Liang Jinmin was still bedridden in hospital and hasn¡¯t woken up yet. Lin Xun began his application to the hospital to take Liang Jinmin home, but the hospital recommended continuing to observe her condition for a while longer. Huang Ting and his colleagues monitored every single move of Lin Xun¡¯s as they waited for him to give himself away.


    Chen Yekai also began collecting evidence of Lin Xun¡¯s extramarital affairs abroad. This was comparatively difficult, but he had a general idea of how to go about it. If Liang Jinmin regained consciousness, they could even deal Lin Xun a decisive blow.


    ¡°There must be a way.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ve contacted Lin Xun¡¯s partners in his previous affairs, and there are a few who are willing to provide me with evidence. I plan to make a trip back to New York this week to meet up with them for a talk.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°At first, many things always seem to be obscured by a dense fog.¡± Chen Yekai stated, ¡°But now I believe that a day will come when the clouds would disperse and the sun will show itself.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 59 - Concealment

    Ch59 ¨C Concealment


    For several days, the college seemed unusually calm. It looks like Chen Yekai¡¯s departure had not set off a huge storm, but Yu Hao could sense that Chen Yekai¡¯s two classes were talking about it privately. For nearly a week, Yu Hao constantly felt that something was amiss, yet he couldn¡¯t exactly pinpoint what it was.


    After they left Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Zhou Sheng¡¯s attitude suddenly became strange as well. When he saw Yu Hao, he always looked like he wanted to say something, and the frequency of his jokes also lessened. Sometimes, he would even get a little angry out of the blue, as if he was restraining himself from quarrelling with Yu Hao while they were together.


    ¡°Are you unhappy?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s usual answer was, ¡°You want to play a game?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really not angry?¡± Yu Hao observed Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression.


    ¡°No, what are you talking about?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why would you think that I¡¯m angry? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a powder keg!¡±


    But Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng still maintained his amicable appearance when he was with other people. Previously, Zhou Sheng said that he would cook for him, and he really did cook for Yu Hao. He even wrote a menu for Yu Hao to order from on a piece of hard cardboard with a photo of a beautiful syrup landscape on it.


    ¡°Can I really order?¡± Yu Hao asked in disbelief.


    ¡°Order!¡± Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you wanted?¡±


    Happiness had overcome Yu Hao so suddenly that he was still in a state of extreme vertigo, ¡°I was just casually mentioning it the other day¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you playing with me?!¡± Zhou Sheng threw the menu down.


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°This is great! I mean! Un, I¡¯d like to start with braised pork with dried bamboo shoots¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hm.¡± Zhou Sheng uttered indifferently.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Can I ask Gege to come eat with us?¡±


    Recently, Fu Liqun has been sponging off their meals, and all this freeloading was making him a little embarrassed. The day before yesterday, Yu Hao saw Fu Liqun buy half a jin of rice to add to free soup. He really couldn¡¯t bear watching any longer, so he gave him half of his food.


    ¡°No, tell him to eat shit.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    But an hour later, Fu Liqun came back with groceries like a big dog who was bursting with joy; evidently, Zhou Sheng had transferred him some money through WeChat to get him to buy it from the supermarket.


    ¡°Young Master, you¡¯re cooking right? You¡¯re cooking, right??? It¡¯s soooooo great that you¡¯re cooking!!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let me help! Wah! What¡¯s this? There¡¯s even a menu too? Can we order whatever we want? Fry up this whole page! Young Master! Is there more on the back?¡±


    ¡°You can only eat whatever Yu Hao orders!¡± Zhou Sheng said immediately, ¡°You can¡¯t order!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s menu had practically illuminated Fu Liqun¡¯s entire life. Zhou Sheng made two dishes and one soup in their dormitory ¡ª Mapo tofu and braised pork with dried bamboo shoots, as well as a lotus root stewed pork rib soup. From then on, as long as Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t have classes in the afternoon and evening, he would make something for Yu Hao to eat in their dormitory. One induction cooker and one electric rice cooker ¡ª in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands, all sorts of dishes could be whipped up with just these two appliances.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s face was covered in tears, ¡°I finally don¡¯t need to eat braised pork with brown sauce from the canteen anymore.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng texting.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The two of you go ahead.¡± Then he took his phone and went to the balcony with a grave expression.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾What¡¯s the situation?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Look at this list, the action plan is written out on it. Can we really enter Shimu¡¯s dream?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Not sure, I¡¯ll try my best.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Are you sure there won¡¯t be any problems hiding this from Yu Hao?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Didn¡¯t we agree to do as I say?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Okay then, I was just a little worried.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾And you even created an action plan, aren¡¯t you afraid that it¡¯d get leaked out?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Only you and I know about it. The first half of it concerns searching for witnesses in reality, and I even sent Huang Ting a copy of that. Rest assured ba, nothing will happen. No matter how amazing Lin Xun is, he can¡¯t possibly check our WeChat message records.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Okay then, let¡¯s follow this plan first.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Zhou Sheng, I want to ask you a question.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾If it¡¯s about the dreams, I refuse to answer all questions.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾No, it¡¯s about Yu Hao.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Then ask Yu Hao, why are you asking me?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Too embarrassed to ask , Are you guys dating?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Do you like him? Are you guys together?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Kaikai, is your brain alright?¡¿


    ¡°What does dating mean?¡± Zhou Sheng returned to the dormitory and asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are you in a bad mood?¡± After a few days, when Yu Hao returned to their dormitory, he saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s bored face again. He had his earphones on and listened to music while braising some chicken wings.


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng took off his earphones impatiently and scrutinised Yu Hao with a baffled expression, ¡°No! Why are you always asking questions like these?!¡±


    Yu Hao hastily waved his hands, but actually, he had the persistent impression that the atmosphere around Zhou Sheng has been very off recently. Did he think that it was too troublesome to cook for him everyday? But a week passed within a blink of an eye, Zhou Sheng¡¯s promise has been fulfilled, and now he just didn¡¯t know when the next time he gets to eat something that delicious would ever come.


    But after the week ended, Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao again, ¡°What do you want to eat tomorrow?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s already been a week, you won¡¯t be cooking anymore ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll cook for you whenever I¡¯m free. I don¡¯t have classes tomorrow evening either.¡±


    Yu Hao was thoroughly stunned. Zhou Sheng scrutinised Yu Hao and frowned, ¡°What?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Never mind ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in disbelief, ¡°Yo! I¡¯m cooking for you, and yet you don¡¯t want to eat my cooking anymore?¡±


    Yu Hao cried out bitterly, ¡°I don¡¯t want to cause trouble for you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s really not troublesome! Yu Hao what¡¯s up with you lately? Why have you been so strange?¡±


    Yu Hao thought the one who¡¯s being strange is you!


    Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°No! Young Master, continue cooking please!¡±


    Zhou Sheng ignored Fu Liqun and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Oh, Yu Hao are you sick of my cooking now? Eat in the canteen for a few days for a change then.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°No, I just really don¡¯t want to trouble you. It¡¯s a lot of effort to cook everyday.¡±


    But Zhou Sheng ignored him. He got up and changed into a T-shirt, Yu Hao said, ¡°You already wore that yesterday, there are dry ones on the balcony¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll wash it myself later.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Going out for a run!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shut the door and left.


    Yu Hao looked at Fu Liqun and was a little embarrassed for a moment.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°???¡±


    Night fell, and Zhou Sheng still hadn¡¯t returned. Fu Liqun turned on his laptop and asked Yu Hao to join him in watching a variety show together. Yu Hao watched half of it before saying, ¡°Gege, why do I feel like Zhou Sheng¡¯s been acting a little strange recently?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Fu Liqun was uncomprehending. He lowered the volume and said, ¡°He¡¯s been acting strange? I don¡¯t think so though?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh¡­¡­yeah?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I think you¡¯re the stranger one in comparison.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How am I strange?!¡±


    Fu Liqun thought about it for a bit, ¡°Did the two of you quarrel over something?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We didn¡¯t quarrel.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯s still the same in class¡­¡­but now that you mentioned it, something does seem a little off between you two. Oh yeah, why hasn¡¯t Zhou Sheng been taking the initiative to talk to you recently?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Right?¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at Yu Hao suspiciously. Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I feel like he¡¯s always angry with me about something.¡±


    ¡°Go ask him bei.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve asked him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He said he¡¯s not.¡±


    Fu Liqun suddenly started laughing, and Yu Hao asked with a bewildered expression, ¡°Why¡¯re you laughing?¡±


    Fu Liqun waved his hand, ¡°Just watch the video!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Ai I¡¯m not in the mood.¡±


    Yu Hao has always been sensitive to Zhou Sheng¡¯s various actions and behaviour. He was always on the more perceptive side, and he could even discern if a normal friend¡¯s gaze seemed peculiar, let alone Zhou Sheng¡¯s.


    And ever since Zhou Sheng¡¯s last self-reflection, the students in their cohort didn¡¯t make jokes about them anymore. Zhou Sheng¡¯s words that day had a hidden implication underneath, as if he wasn¡¯t reciting a self-reflection but making a threat instead¡ª¡ª ¡°if you dare talk about Yu Hao again, be wary of getting beaten up¡±, ¡ª¡ª with that one battle where he had become a God overnight, coupled with his serious attitude, no one dared to talk about Yu Hao behind his back anymore.


    Zhou Sheng hurried down the dormitory building, looked at his phone, then began replying to Chen Yekai¡¯s messages.


    Chen Yekai:¡¾It was indeed too dangerous the previous time.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾In any case, we¡¯ll just go in once and bring her back from her subconscious and into her dream world; Don¡¯t be concerned about whether there¡¯s a sun or not. As long as she regains consciousness, a lot of problems can be easily resolved. Are you sure that she has evidence that can deal a fatal blow to Lin Xun?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾I think so. Our last conversation progressed while focusing on that, but since Lin Xun heard us, he might try to destroy the evidence. Let¡¯s hope everything goes smoothly ba. As for Yu Hao, I¡¯d like to confirm it once again.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾It¡¯s just like what I¡¯ve said before, cut the crap, Kaikai.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Does he have someone he likes?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I don¡¯t know, I¡¯m going for a run.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Come out for a drink when you¡¯re free ba.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Mm. ¡¿


    Zhou Sheng, with both his hands on the track, raised his head and looked at the hazy skyline.


    The track field was built midway up the mountain. It was surrounded by mountains behind, and a vast and boundless cityscape sprawled out before it. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t start running. Instead, he got up, stood up straight, then crouched down again.


    At this moment, he suddenly had a feeling that he might be about to lose Yu Hao.


    That one instant in the dream had surfaced countless times in his memory: the moment Yu Hao spread his wings and rushed forward to embrace him, Zhou Sheng watching as a sharp snake tail whistle across his vision while he was still frozen with shock.


    That embrace sent his pulse racing like it had never had before, but it lasted just a moment before it was completely replaced by fury and abject pain.


    ¡°You really scared me to death that day.¡± Zhou Sheng only knew how to repeat this over and over again. When he entered Yu Hao¡¯s dream a few days ago and was teaching him how to parkour on the city wall under the Great Wall, Zhou Sheng caught Yu Hao, who had fallen down, and after getting him to stand up properly, couldn¡¯t help but repeat that sentence again.


    ¡°You¡¯ve already said that several times.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you a repeater ? I¡¯ll definitely be more careful from now on, definitely!¡±


    ¡°You even know how to talk back to me now?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao as if he didn¡¯t know who he was anymore.


    Yu Hao laughed, how could he be careful? At the time, that was the only thing he could have done.


    In the dormitory room.


    ¡°Dating?¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Yu Hao briefly considered it, ¡°Oh, that does seem like it, he might be dating. Oh yeah! He has been sending someone WeChat messages recently!¡±


    Every day, as long as they were awake, they would spend most of their time together aside from periods when they didn¡¯t share the same class. Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng¡¯s WeChat chatting frequency has been pretty high recently, and he often frowned while looking at his phone.


    ¡°But that doesn¡¯t seem right either?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He hasn¡¯t been cooking congee over his phone recently. Don¡¯t couples usually like to call each other?¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that in Zhou Sheng¡¯s life, there was someone who did fit some minute and secretive particulars, such as the person Zhou Sheng called while smiling when the three of them spent the New Year together.


    Was that his safe haven?


    ¡°Ah? I¡¯m talking about the two of you! Aren¡¯t you guys dating?¡± Fu Liqun had a strange expression on his face.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course not!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°How could that be!! Then the menu? And all the ordering? I thought the two of you have already gotten a room and slept together by now!¡±


    ¡°We really aren¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao hastily clarified before he suddenly realised a serious problem: in Fu Liqun¡¯s eyes, the two of them really did seem like a couple. Looking back on this whole semester, from their dormitory mate, Fu Liqun¡¯s perspective, Zhou Sheng initially got into a fight for Yu Hao¡®s sake, then shouted out a confession in the middle of the night below the dormitory, and after that happened, they even went out to get a room together¡­¡­


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t like guys.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Oh? Then you¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao decided that he might as well be frank, ¡°Yes, I like him.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that since both Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng are smarter than him, it wouldn¡¯t matter much even if he told him. In any case, a lot of people have already discussed this in private before.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°If you like him then go confess ah, isn¡¯t that pretty good?¡±


    ¡°He knows.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If he was willing, he would have accepted me a long time ago. Okay, let¡¯s not talk about the past anymore.¡±


    But Fu Liqun¡¯s next sentence was, ¡°Oh? He doesn¡¯t like you?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh. He got up as he prepared to go look for Zhou Sheng, ¡°He doesn¡¯t.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I think he likes you, it¡¯s just that he hasn¡¯t worked out his own feelings yet. You should be a bit more proactive ah, aren¡¯t you always persuading me to take the initiative to reconcile with your sis-in-law?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Straight men can¡¯t be bent, no matter how much he likes me, it¡¯ll be in the capacity of a friend at most.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true, who said that? Some can be bent, some can¡¯t. It depends from case to case ba? Also, I¡¯ve always thought Zhou Sheng has always been a little¡­¡­un?¡±


    As he spoke, Fu Liqun threw Yu Hao a ¡®you know¡¯ gaze.


    Yu Hao laughed bitterly. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°Whether homosexuality is congenital or acquired hasn¡¯t been decided yet. Everyone has studied psychology: if you give an example of how heterosexuals can¡¯t turn into homosexuals, I can also cite examples of heterosexuals who at some point did become homosexuals. Besides, aren¡¯t there bisexuals within the LGBT spectrum too?¡±


    Yu Hao was changing his T-shirt, and when he heard these words, the fog in front of him suddenly seemed to clear significantly.


    The electric fan buzzed overhead, and a low pressure surged through the stuffy dormitory. The rain hasn¡¯t fallen yet, there wasn¡¯t a single whisper of wind, and the vegetation was quietly waiting for the advent of a storm.


    Yu Hao went to the field to look for Zhou Sheng. He recalled that they had hardly seen each other in their dreams recently. He vaguely recalled that last week, Zhou Sheng came into his dream. The two of them did parkour below the Great Wall, and he had wanted to run upwards along the city walls. But he didn¡¯t know why there were some dreams he could remember very clearly, while there were others that he would almost completely forget about after waking.


    Just like the night on New Year¡¯s Eve, when he was watching the fireworks with Zhou Sheng in the capital ¡ª he could hardly remember what Zhou Sheng had said to him in the dream. It was the same when they were below the Great Wall ¡ª it seemed as if Zhou Sheng had deliberately erased the memories pertaining to some dreams.


    As Yu Hao passed the college¡¯s path, he suddenly thought about Chen Yekai and lowered his head to send him a message.


    ¡¾Chen Laoshi, may I ask you a question?¡¿


    Chen Yekai answered within a few seconds:¡¾What is it?¡¿


    Yu Hao raised his head and looked at the track field. Zhou Sheng had just finished running; his whole body was drenched with sweat, and he was lying in the middle of the field as he gazed up at the sky.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go for dinner?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    A handsome smile spread across Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. He had his earphones on, and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t tell what he was thinking. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer him and just lay gasping for breath ¡ª clearly, he had just finished running. Yu Hao went forward and was about to take his earphones off when Zhou Sheng closed his eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯m here! Why¡¯re you being so noisy?¡± As he spoke, he raised his hand and made a gun gesture, and motioned a ¡°bang¡± at Yu Hao before he opened his hand up.


    Yu Hao pulled him up, and the two of them went to the canteen. Zhou Sheng was playing on his phone and acted as if nothing had happened. He glanced at Yu Hao¡¯s phone and saw Chen Yekai¡¯s WeChat picture, then asked, ¡°What did Kaikai say?¡±


    ¡°No news.¡± Yu Hao said. He decided not to talk to Chen Yekai about other matters for now, so that it wouldn¡¯t be seen by Zhou Sheng.


    That night, Yu Hao laid on his bed and couldn¡¯t help but browse through all kinds of posts about straight men turning bent. There were a lot of men on the internet who shared about the moment when they developed feelings for the same sex, but most of them only developed feelings for a specific person during a certain phase in their lives. Once the two of them separated in the end, they returned to their usual lives and still loved their girlfriends, got married, started a family, and had children.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s words seemed to have shaken a certain resolve in his heart, and made him consider another possibility. Chen Yekai gave him a call at this moment, Yu Hao quickly hung up and sent him a message on WeChat:¡¾Let¡¯s talk here.¡¿


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng ¡ª Zhou Sheng was currently lying down with his earphones on as he sent WeChat messages. His phone screen was coincidentally facing Yu Hao, and Yu Hao saw that his screen remained on his chat box with Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai had sent him ten voice messages that were about 1-minute long in a row, while Zhou Sheng was replying to his messages through text.


    What are they talking about? Why won¡¯t they talk about it in the group chat? Yu Hao found it a bit weird. He, Zhou Sheng, and Chen Yekai had a three-person group chat. From what he saw, it seems that Zhou Sheng has been in contact with Chen Yekai recently and was discussing something with him.


    ¡ªc

 Chapter 60.1 - Conflicted

    Ch60.1 ¨C Conflicted


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Chen Yekai:¡¾What did you want to ask me this afternoon?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Chen Laoshi, have you ever liked girls before?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Why are you suddenly asking about this?¡¿


    Yu Hao realised that this topic was a bit impolite, and considered what to say to change the topic so Chen Yekai could just ignore it, when Chen Yekai replied to him with a long message.


    ¡¾From the moment I became conscious of the difference between genders, I think I¡¯ve had normal feelings towards the opposite sex. I did like beautiful and sexy girls. When I was in high school, I happened to come across some AVs and my sexual desire for the opposite sex was aroused. After studying abroad, I would be attracted to intellectual, gentle women who were one or two years older than me, but relatively speaking, my family was more on the conservative side, and were strict towards premarital sexual behaviour.¡¿


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Chen Yekai to answer him so seriously. It really was embarrassing to discuss this topic.


    Yu Hao:¡¾Okay, I got it.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Let¡¯s meet up tomorrow for lunch? It just so happens that I wanted to talk to you alone too.¡¿


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao looked towards the bed on the other side. Zhou Sheng laid on his bed with the back of his head facing him, ¡°Tomorrow, I¡­¡­¡±


    With just one glance, Zhou Sheng knew what Yu Hao wanted to ask him, ¡°Kaikai asked you out? Go ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun went to take a bath. Yu Hao said, ¡°Have you been looking for him often recently? What are you guys talking about in private?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How can it have nothing to do with me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I said it¡¯s got nothing to do with you, so it¡¯s got nothing to do with you. Yu Hao, are you trying to pick a fight?¡±


    Yu Hao sensed that something was wrong, ¡°Have you guys already discussed the case? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat upright and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°What¡¯s going on? I have the right to know too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought for a moment, ¡°We¡¯re just casually chatting. If there¡¯s a pressing matter, we¡¯ll let you know.¡±


    Yu Hao stared at Zhou Sheng suspiciously, ¡°Really??¡±


    Fu Liqun walked out after he finished his bath, so Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng abruptly stopped this line of conversation. Yu Hao replied to Chen Yekai, and Chen Yekai just asked him to wait at the college¡¯s gates tomorrow:¡¾We¡¯ll talk when we meet.¡¿


    Chen Yekai sat in a small reserved room in front of the landing windows; he was looking down at the information that Zhou Sheng sent him on his phone.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Cherish it a little ba. Once this is over, most of your memories regarding this period will be gone.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾I know, that¡¯s what we agreed on. But will I forget everything completely? Will I get suspicious about it later on?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Depends on how much you want to keep. At the very least, everything regarding special abilities and the dreamscape can¡¯t be kept. As long as you don¡¯t forget too much, losing a few fragments of your memory wouldn¡¯t rouse your suspicion, because people won¡¯t go out of their way to find something they don¡¯t have.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾What¡¯s the theory behind the mechanism of forgetting one¡¯s memories? Are they erased or sealed off?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Why are you asking so many questions about this? The most convenient way is to roughly regress your memory to a certain day, then obscure the rest. Or get you to fabricate a false memory to cover it up.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Sounds kind of fantastical.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾It¡¯s not that fantastical. Identify the corresponding place in your dreamscape, determine where that place is, then demolish it and rebuild it again, or just level it. It¡¯s a bit troublesome to find it, but you¡¯ll have a lot of time in your dream that you can use to slowly search for it. You¡¯re the master of the dreamscape, so it¡¯s not like you won¡¯t be able to find it.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Then can I choose the point in time myself?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Which day do you want to regress to?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾The day after the college celebration.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾The operation itself wouldn¡¯t be that precise, but I¡¯ll try my best ba. No guarantees.¡¿


    Yu Hao thought that Huang Ting would be there as well, but in front of the room, there was only Chen Yekai. There also weren¡¯t many guests in the restaurant at noon. Chen Yekai ordered some dishes, ¡°The weather isn¡¯t that good today. If it was clear, the scenery would look very beautiful.¡±


    When Yu Hao saw Chen Yekai, he noticed that he had cut his hair into a buzz cut, and it was almost shorter than Zhou Sheng¡¯s. Buzz cuts rely a lot on one¡¯s jawline and head shape to look good, but this Chen Yekai is someone who practically has no dead angles from a 360 degree view. After he changed his hairstyle, he actually seemed even more masculine.


    ¡°Does it look good?¡± Chen Yekai smiled as he touched his hair.


    ¡°Handsome.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°If you show up at school again, people would definitely start cheering and taking photos of you secretly.¡±


    Dark clouds loomed overhead outside the landing windows. When you looked out, a cloud of fog could be seen.


    ¡°This restaurant should be very expensive right?¡± The style of the interior decoration here startled Yu Hao a little.


    ¡°It¡¯s not too bad.¡± Chen Yekai didn¡¯t allow him to see the menu, nor did he intend to let him know the prices. Of course, he wouldn¡¯t order everything on a menu like Zhou Sheng, ¡°Just consider it as accompanying me for a meal. I¡¯ve been wanting to eat here anyway, Thai food is both sour and spicy, so it¡¯ll be quite appetizing. I¡¯m in a good mood today so I want to eat a little more.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like he was on a date with a CEO. Fortunately, Zhou Sheng reminded him to change before leaving the dorm today, otherwise he was planning to leave in just a T-shirt, a pair of baggy pants, and slippers.


    ¡°I rented an apartment upstairs for the time being.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Everything¡¯s prepared, so you don¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Prepared? What¡¯s prepared?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°There has been significant progress with the case. I¡¯ve obtained the statements of two parties who were involved who¡¯re willing to cooperate with me. Since they¡¯re transnational witnesses, it¡¯ll be a bit troublesome, but it¡¯s not something that can¡¯t be overcome.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s great! What else?¡±


    Chen Yekai considered it for a moment before he continued, ¡°Now the most crucial issue is that there is still no evidence to prove that the car accident was contrived. Zhou Sheng suggested this: if we can prove that Shimu was comatose when she was taken into the car, then all the connections in this case will become tenable, and Lin Xun wouldn¡¯t be able to deny it anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao agreed enthusiastically, ¡°Yes!¡±


    On the afternoon of New Year¡¯s Eve, if Liang Jinmin was comatose when Lin Xun took her to the car, then why would Lin Xun take his wife who was suffering from shock onto the expressway? And not buckle her seatbelt for her when they went to visit their friends? This series of suspicious actions would then no longer be justifiable.


    Yu Hao asked doubtfully, ¡°But why didn¡¯t Zhou Sheng tell me anything!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We were just talking about it casually.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If Liang Laoshi can wake up, it should be of great help to the case.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But at present, we need to wait patiently. I believe the future looks optimistic.¡±


    A small plate of shrimp slices with salad dressing was served. Yu Hao didn¡¯t touch it. He looked outside, then looked at Chen Yekai, who happened to be looking at him as well. Yu Hao felt a little embarrassed from his gaze.


    ¡°What did Zhou Sheng say?¡± Chen Yekai suddenly asked with a hint of a sly smile in his eyes.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    He didn¡¯t say anything ah, Yu Hao thought, what did Zhou Sheng say to you? Then he shook his head doubtfully and began to ruminate.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to resign.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I even talked to my Dad a while back and told him not to accept Lin Xun¡¯s request for legal advice.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that night when Lin Xun was on the phone as he walked upstairs ¡ª presumably, he was consulting Chen Yekai¡¯s father then.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Yu Hao became nervous again.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°He told me to mind my own business.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows were immediately locked in a deep furrow.


    ¡°I know I can¡¯t dissuade him, but I can at least get him to consider it more seriously. This was the first time I took the initiative to break our deadlock, so I think he¡¯ll take this problem seriously.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°When I came out of the closet to him four years ago, in his eyes, I was still a kid who needed my parents to pay for my tuition fees. Now he thinks that I¡¯ve already grown up, and my mother has always been concerned all these years, so he has gradually come to accept it as well.¡±


    ¡°I thought he¡¯d persuade you to return and get married.¡± Yu Hao smiled.


    ¡°He did happen to say that.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°But I refused.¡±


    When their dishes arrived, Chen Yekai portioned out some soup for Yu Hao. Thai food really was appetizing. Yu Hao drank a bit of soup and looked at Chen Yekai carefully, ¡°Then will you get married to a girl in the future?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Chen Yekai pondered, then smiled, ¡°I¡¯m a bit perplexed.¡±


    In the past two days, Yu Hao had always been reminiscing ¡ª he remembered his own budding feelings of love with someone of the same sex, and tried to analyse and understand various circumstances in which men began developing feelings for the same sex.


    ¡°Are you really concerned about it?¡± Chen Yekai asked, ¡°When you asked me about my relationship history last night, was it because of Zhou Sheng? That¡¯s why I asked you what Zhou Sheng said to you.¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai understood what he was thinking and could easily see through him. In fact, Chen Yekai, Fu Liqun, and Zhou Sheng all seemed to be able to guess what he was thinking, so it would be useless to deny otherwise.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao could only admit it honestly, ¡°I was wondering, if he could like me, or rather, if we¡­¡­un¡­¡­if it would be possible for us¡­¡­even if there was only a slight possibility¡­¡­¡±


    When Yu Hao said this in front of Chen Yekai, he felt like he was talking about a somewhat shameful wishful thinking, such as ¡°if only I could become the mayor¡± and other such unrealistic fantasies. He was suddenly overcome with embarrassment.


    But Chen Yekai didn¡¯t laugh, and only said gently, ¡°I think, maybe? He¡¯s someone who isn¡¯t really willing to face his own feelings; I think I understand him better in that respect than you do.¡± As he spoke, he picked up the cold water flask and topped up Yu Hao¡¯s water for him.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Chen Yekai said as he looked like he was at a loss, then the two of them began to laugh.


    ¡°What¡¯re you laughing for?¡± Chen Yekai wore a bewildered expression. Yu Hao shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know either.¡±


    He found it easy to get along with Chen Yekai, and he was once again able to talk about anything under the sun without worrying about getting laughed at by the other party.


    ¡°Do you need any help?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    Chen Yekai became deeply lost in his thoughts, ¡°Wu, let me see, what ways are there¡­ Do you want to confess to Zhou Sheng? Take ten thousand steps back to see, in the best scenario, even if the confession isn¡¯t successful, you can continue to be friends¡­¡±


    When Yu Hao said ¡®okay¡¯, his original intention was to listen to what Chen Yekai thinks about this matter. He didn¡¯t expect Chen Yekai to earnestly think of strategies for him, so he quickly said, ¡°No I¡¯m not talking about that kind of help! I was just thinking, under what kind of circumstance would a straight guy maybe develop feelings for the same sex. What I want, is a direction for me to strive towards.¡±


    Chen Yekai broke out of his reverie and smiled. He answered, ¡°I understand. A direction for you to strive towards ¡ª that¡¯s the motive behind your question to me last night.¡±


    Yu Hao sighed, ¡°Some people say that liking a friend of the same sex is like waiting for a ship at the airport. Sometimes, I really don¡¯t think it¡¯s very possible, but I¡¯m also reluctant to give up just like that. I feel quite conflicted about this.¡±

 Chapter 60.2 - Conflicted

    Ch60.2 ¨C Conflicted


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Chen Yekai held a knife and fork between his fingers and twirled them around beautifully. His slender fingers manipulated the knife and fork nimbly and pressed a huge shrimp down on the clean plate, then skilfully peeled it with ease. This movement that seemed extremely elegant attracted Yu Hao¡¯s attention.


    ¡°What did Ryuusei say to you that day in my memory?¡± Chen Yekai changed the topic, ¡°Is there anything he wanted to convey?¡±


    Yu Hao told Chen Yekai what Ryuusei had told him in the ¡°next life¡±. Chen Yekai laughed and answered, ¡°It sounds a lot like what he wrote in his letter. Cognitive behavioural therapy for depression is the future direction of my professional research as well. After resolving this problem, I want to become a psychological consultant.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Ryuusei will definitely be very happy for you!¡±


    ¡°Freud said,¡± Chen Yekai continued, ¡°Dreams reflect the most important desires in our heart, and every dreamscape represents the expectations we have of our own lives.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered now, it had been mentioned in one of his psychology classes as well. Though it was part of the course in his second year, he had already looked through it in advance, ¡°But dreamscapes are very good at the art of camouflage. In order to bypass the scrutiny of our consciousness, it would conceal itself underneath several layers of meaning, or even manifest itself as a contradiction.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded and answered, ¡°Now that I think about it, everything in the Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ of my dreams embodied that wish of mine ba, which was to move on from my suffering, engrave my love for Ryuusei in my heart, and greet a new life for my future.¡±


    ¡°Just like today, I don¡¯t need to avoid mentioning Ryuusei anymore, or the mistakes I made in the past. I no longer need to torture myself. I can remember those beautiful memories from the past and usher in new sunlight.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled slightly as he looked at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai drank some ice water and reflected for a moment before continuing.


    ¡°When I first liked Ryuusei, it was only a kind of concern and care out of obligation. Afterwards, without any sort of preparation, I was unexpectedly bombarded by some of his issues. If I had rejected him at first, then perhaps no matter what he did, I wouldn¡¯t have felt moved and would only think of it as a kind of burden. At the same time, I would just think of it as a kind of material exchange: the investment of efforts was just in exchange for love.¡±


    ¡°I understand!¡± Yu Hao immediately understood and continued this line of thought, ¡°The two of you were still very good friends at that time. You had no idea at all, and also thought that his original intention was just for you to be¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes, just for me to be happy. As long as I could keep smiling, he was willing to do anything. He liked making me happy, because it would make him feel blessed too. So I thought that I definitely needed to cherish a friend like him.¡±


    ¡°Love isn¡¯t simply an exchange.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s not something where after I give you a present, you would then come to love me a little. If the goal isn¡¯t achieved, then the money spent would be in vain¡­¡­I just want you to be happy, and from that, I would feel fortunate from the bottom of my heart as well.¡±


    ¡°I slowly came to realise that I also wanted Ryuusei to be happy, and maybe, that was love. We were used to each other¡¯s company, and until the end, I couldn¡¯t avoid thinking about him whenever I was free. When I saw him, it was as if my life was filled with sunlight. I wanted to share many things with him, and that should be¡­¡­love ba.¡±


    The two of them fell silent, and Yu Hao gradually began to understand.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But when you slept with¡­¡­sorry, Chen Laoshi, when you slept with him, you didn¡¯t¡­¡­consider doing it with the same sex as a deterrent?¡±


    ¡°With feelings as the foundation,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°In your subconscious, you¡¯ll want to take it a step further and wish for intimate contact with the other. It was a bit awkward at first, but because I liked it, I quickly got used to it, and it was even more intense than the stimulation I got from watching AVs. I think, my body was also spontaneously taking the initiative to learn about my sexual orientation ba?¡±


    ¡°A lot of dopamine should be released as a reward when you like a particular person, so it would establish a kind of conditioned reflex? Then¡­¡­okay, that part¡¯s uncertain, it¡¯s just a bit of my personal experience that I¡¯d like to provide to your highness, the Archangel, for your reference.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s someone whom your soul would resonate with.¡± Chen Yekai finished peeling the shrimp and placed it on Yu Hao¡¯s plate, then explained, ¡°Whether they¡¯re of the same or opposite sex, I think, isn¡¯t that important. Even if they never have a gender in this lifetime, and only a platonic love exists between the two, what does it matter?¡± As he spoke, he smiled at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I think¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes, I don¡¯t want to deceive myself anymore. I like him. I want to¡­¡­pursue him? That¡¯s what it¡¯s called ba? That phrasing sounds a bit weird, I want to¡­¡­I want to take a step further with him. But after listening to you, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary to be too focused on the material gains and losses, and just let nature take its course.¡±


    Yu Hao had summoned up the courage to confess to another guy before, but ultimately, that incident had devastated his life, which made him reject love from then on. It had also cast a significant shadow over his heart ¡ª it was not until General hit the gatekeeper and turned him into a meteor that flew through the horizon before he was infatuated with the feeling of love again.


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty good.¡± Chen Yekai began peeling shrimps for Yu Hao again.


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m not eating anymore, leave it for yourself ba.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± A hint of a smile could be seen in Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes, ¡°What do you plan to do first?¡±


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t thought about it yet. He knew that Zhou Sheng was instinctively resistant to the idea of love and marriage because of his family, and this internalisation could also be present in his mental world¡­¡­but his train of thought suddenly derailed as he suddenly thought of something strange.


    In Zhou Sheng¡¯s conscious world, what was under the sea of clouds? He once said that his life was also a mess. In his dreamscape, would underneath the sea of clouds also be a¡­¡­a world similar to an abyss of darkness? In retrospect, the Golden Crow Wheel stood above the clouds, so wouldn¡¯t it be unable to shine upon the area under the dense layers of clouds?


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao snapped out of his trance and realised that his expression just now might have been a little grave.


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao returned from his chaotic mess of thoughts, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought about it yet.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s very possessive of you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I think you¡¯ve already moved him, and now he¡¯s stuck hesitating. He thinks that he likes you, but he¡¯s not willing to admit it.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try letting him realise that he doesn¡¯t want you to leave? Most of the time, I think he¡¯s acting like a spoiled child towards you in his own unique way, because you would then pay attention to him and return to his side. Your commitment to him makes him feel like he¡¯s very important to you, and that is unrivalled.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That is true! Chen Laoshi, you¡¯re very amazing too!¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Don¡¯t call me Laoshi anymore, I¡¯ve already resigned. Zhou Sheng¡¯s current attitude could partly be due to the fact that he doesn¡¯t feel very threatened and believes that you won¡¯t leave him. But once crisis becomes a reality, he might be aware of a serious threat and would have no choice but to get serious¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­so why don¡¯t you find someone to cooperate with you and date that person? If the pretense seems real enough, he might understand exactly how he feels about you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Who do I look for? That¡¯s too much of a stretch ba. And that doesn¡¯t seem too good, what if the one I¡¯m cooperating with starts taking it seriously¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°For instance, me?¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Eat a little more, you¡¯re too skinny. I¡¯m not good at cooking, the only thing I have is money. Where do you want to eat? In this world, as long as it¡¯s a place that accepts money, I can take you there at any time.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Three hours later, in the dormitory.


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°My beloved concubine, you¡¯re back?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Did you pack dinner for Zhen?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts weighed heavily on his mind. He placed the plastic bag with packed food on the table, showing the restaurant¡¯s logo on it. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Wah that place isn¡¯t cheap. Eating and packing food away should cost more than 2,000 ba.¡±


    ¡°That expensive?!¡± Yu Hao immediately exploded, ¡°I knew it!¡±


    ¡°Kaikai doesn¡¯t lack money!¡± Zhou Sheng pulled a pair of chopsticks out and opened up the pack of coconut curry chicken; it was still hot, ¡°Don¡¯t help him save money.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you eat too?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao¡¯s mind wasn¡¯t on food at all now. He went to the balcony to wash clothes.


    Fu Liqun held his packed dinner and put on his earphones to watch his variety show. Zhou Sheng took his packed dinner to the balcony and asked Yu Hao, ¡°What did you guys talk about?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Yu Hao roughly described their conversation, and of course, he didn¡¯t mention a single word of their discussion regarding Zhou Sheng. In the end, Chen Yekai saw that he truly seemed too embarrassed, so he diverged from the topic and sent him an electronic version of a contract.


    ¡°He helped me find a part-time job.¡± Yu Hao wiped his hands and showed Zhou Sheng the email in his phone, ¡°To translate some survey reports, and I¡¯ll be paid by word count.¡±


    Chen Yekai wanted to give his laptop to Yu Hao to use, but Yu Hao insisted on translating by himself at an Internet cafe. Chen Yekai then asked him to go back and sign the electronic contract for confirmation. If everything goes well, after he works for two months, he would be able to earn 7,800 yuan.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s pretty good.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can¡¯t understand the letter, how much does it pay?¡±


    ¡°A few thousand?¡± Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. He reached out to help him wipe off a grain of rice from the corner of his mouth.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Didn¡¯t talk about anything else?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stared at Yu Hao doubtfully. Yu Hao felt a little guilty and stressed, ¡°We really didn¡¯t. You know I¡¯ve always been tight-lipped.¡±


    ¡°Ohh¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao felt a little guilty, and he was about to change the subject when Zhou Sheng went back in with his packed dinner. Then he put Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop on speaker mode, and the two of them watched the variety show together.


    Today, Chen Yekai¡¯s words were just like a tempestuous storm where wave after wave inundated him. Even now, Yu Hao still hadn¡¯t managed to break out of his stupor. Of course, Chen Yekai was very smart; he didn¡¯t wait for Yu Hao to reject him, and after the topic diverged, both of them had a tacit understanding and didn¡¯t speak of it again.


    I¡¯ll just focus on earning money first, Yu Hao thought about it for awhile. He decided not to accept Chen Yekai¡¯s suggestion, but he had also understood something. He has always wanted to buy Zhou Sheng a birthday gift to make him happy, such as a phone or something else.


    ¡°Where are you going again?¡± Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng turned away from their variety show and looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Internet cafe.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I need to translate something.¡±


    ¡°Look at the time though, you¡¯re pulling an all nighter?¡± Zhou Sheng got up and took off his earphones, ¡°Go go, let¡¯s go together.¡±


    ¡°Use my laptop?¡± Fu Liqun closed his laptop and handed it to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m sleeping now; I need to take the train tomorrow morning to go look for your sis-in-law. Help me take attendance then.¡±


    It would be Friday again tomorrow. The sports classes only had two common classes. Fu Liqun was going to meet his girlfriend in the neighbouring city, and was elated about being able to spend three days together with her.


    ¡°Stop abusing single dogs, will you? Zhou Sheng flipped over and easily flopped onto his bed, then added, ¡°When will you introduce one to Laozi too?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao seldom received such a critical hit in the dormitory room. He knew that Zhou Sheng must have said that on purpose, so he immediately felt a little upset.


    ¡°You already have Yu Hao, get lost!¡± Fu Liqun very beautifully threw one back at him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You get lost!¡± Zhou Sheng actually didn¡¯t say anything more and their conversation ended just like that.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t have time to ruminate on the meaning hidden within. He turned on the laptop, logged into his email. When the other side received the contract, they asked Yu Hao to add his contact information.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, can I borrow your VPN for awhile?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng while facing him.


    Zhou Sheng reached out from his bed and passed his phone to Yu Hao, and his VPN password was on his notebook. When Yu Hao was looking at it while he input the password, he saw that Fu Liqun had sent Zhou Sheng three messages in a row. Fu Liqun suddenly realised that the phone was in Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and immediately glanced at Yu Hao, who was on the opposite lower bunk.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 61 - Summoned

    Ch61 ¨C Summoned


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng stared blankly at Fu Liqun, who was embarrassed and had stuck his tongue out at him like a dog.


    Yu Hao was sorely tempted to look at it, but he resisted the urge. After he flipped over the wall, he returned the phone to Zhou Sheng, with his own heart almost flipping up into the sky. He initiated communication with his contact.


    It was morning on their side. The liaison quickly gave him a huge volume of Chinese materials and asked him to start by translating all of them into English. Yu Hao looked through it. It included parts of news publications from the United States from the years 1993-2015; they were scanned into electronic files in the form of clippings, and were related to WHO, mental health, and other related content. These documents needed to be translated into Chinese for citations in literature in the future.


    In the meantime, Chen Yekai sent him a message to ask about his progress on the translations. Yu Hao then asked how the materials would be used, and Chen Yekai answered:¡¾When writing a paper, the data cited in the reference database should be as accurate as possible; requirements for the sentences themselves aren¡¯t as stringent.¡¿


    Yu Hao researched as he translated. Zhou Sheng reached out and snapped his fingers.


    ¡°Look at the time, you¡¯re still not going to sleep?¡±


    Yu Hao raised his head. Zhou Sheng leaned his head forward with some weariness while looking at Yu Hao. The two of them looked at each other for awhile, then Yu Hao said, ¡°Go and sleep ba, I still want to work on this for a little longer.¡±


    ¡°Hungry?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°I¡¯ll cook some noodles for you?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed and turned over to get up. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t, it¡¯s too troublesome. I¡¯ll sleep now.¡±


    ¡°How brazen!¡± Fu Liqun hadn¡¯t fallen asleep yet either, and called out from the bed on the other side, ¡°He¡¯s cooking noodles for you, and you dare refuse them?! That¡­¡­if he won¡¯t eat it then I will. Cook up a pot ba, young master, I¡¯m so hungry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Starting from May, the dormitory would no longer get its electricity cut off. Electric fans needed to remain functional due to concern that the students would suffer from a heatstroke. Fu Liqun became spirited when Zhou Sheng turned on the light. Zhou Sheng went to the balcony to wash his hands, then cooked a pot of instant noodles and also fried nine eggs ¡ª three eggs per person. Once they had finished eating, Fu Liqun washed the pot. They finally fell asleep after whiling away the time until 4am.


    ¡°You¡¯re cooking again in your dorm? What are you frying in the middle of the night? Are you trying to kill us?!¡±


    People from the opposite dormitory came over to knock on their door again. Fu Liqun said, ¡°We finished it a long time ago! Please come earlier next time ba everyone!¡±


    Yu Hao was really sleepy, and while he was in a muddle-headed state, he suddenly felt Zhou Sheng reach over with his hand and pat the side of his face twice.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    He dreamt again. This time, Zhou Sheng built a roller coaster in his dream. When he woke up, Yu Hao could only remember the roller coaster, and had completely forgotten everything else.


    ¡°What did you do in my dream?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng, who was in the middle of brushing his teeth. Zhou Sheng looked at him with foam all around his mouth and evaded his question.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Why don¡¯t I remember the things I¡¯ve dreamt anymore?¡±


    Zhou Sheng gargled, ¡°What do you want for breakfast? I¡¯ll go buy it.¡±


    Yu Hao was so sleepy he was about to die; he had slept for less than five hours last night. He said, ¡°Why do I feel like I can¡¯t ever remember my dreams anymore¡­¡­okay then.¡±


    Zhou Sheng put his phone into his pocket and went out. Before leaving, he said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that normal?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Including the dream with the roller coaster last night, Yu Hao already had three dreams that he couldn¡¯t recall in a row ¡ª including the fireworks they watched on New Year¡¯s Eve, last month¡¯s parkour practice under the Great Wall, and last night¡¯s dream. Are dreams easy to forget if he doesn¡¯t enter other people¡¯s dreams? That can¡¯t be right. When Zhou Sheng entered his dream to talk to him about Lin Xun, Yu Hao remembered it clearly.


    Did Zhou Sheng use some sort of method to make him forget? Yu Hao brushed his teeth and washed his face in a befuddled state. Zhou Sheng bought breakfast and asked upon his return, ¡°Have you finished translating?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng must be hiding something from him, and was trying to divert his attention. But he tactfully didn¡¯t probe into it and answered, ¡°I need to translate for a month.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy you a laptop ba.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately refused. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°I¡¯ve wanted to buy one for ages, to watch shows.¡±


    ¡°Study!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Watching shows¡­you do nothing but watch shows all day long.¡±


    ¡°Me Oldec.¡±


    ¡°Here!¡± Yu Hao was incredibly nervous as he waited for roll call. Of course, there would be roll call as soon as he didn¡¯t show up, and the one who was called just had to be Fu Liqun.


    The hall immediately hooted with laughter, and Yu Hao roared angrily in his heart, Fu Liqun! You never said that Laoshi recognised you okay?!


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Zhou Sheng immediately raised his head, ¡°There¡¯s no other Fu Liqun! Why, is there a problem?¡±


    Another peal of laughter rang out. The teacher scrutinised him doubtfully, then a huge guy from Zhou Sheng¡¯s class immediately shifted over and blocked Yu Hao from sight, ¡°We all admire Fu Liqun a lot; he has great technique!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the three-pointer god.¡± Another person added.


    The teacher didn¡¯t say anything further, and called out the next person¡¯s name.


    Yu Hao was utterly speechless.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to do more work?¡± After their class ended, Zhou Sheng spun a basketball on a finger in their dormitory and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s go play ball ah.¡±


    ¡°Not going.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I need to translate part-time, there¡¯s too much and I can¡¯t finish it all!¡±


    Today, after the client finished looking through Yu Hao¡¯s translation, they were quite satisfied with his work. They then promptly sent him all the content that he was supposed to work through, and Yu Hao blew up the moment he saw it. Yesterday, it had taken him six hours to translate four reports, and after he clicked on the dropbox link to view the remaining content, there were 1,145 reports in it. Even if he didn¡¯t eat or drink, he would still need to translate for a full half a year before he could finish.


    Yu Hao concentrated as he read the English report. First, he read through the whole report, then translated it word-for-word. He also had to check the names of many places. When he turned around, he saw Zhou Sheng dressed in a full set of basketball clothes. But he wasn¡¯t going to play basketball anymore and instead sat at one side and watched.


    ¡°Go ah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not going. I need to study hard and mature well, that¡¯s what Yu Laoshi taught me bei. What does that phrase mean?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the name of a place, translated from Italian. Don¡¯t be mischievous!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Just go and play your basketball.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stayed beside him and didn¡¯t leave. Yu Hao turned around and assessed him for awhile, and suddenly thought that Zhou Sheng looked quite cool in his set of red basketball clothes. No, he looked very cool, and he always felt that Zhou Sheng seemed taller now.


    ¡°What¡¯re you looking at?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re looking at me ¡®cause you don¡¯t know? I¡¯m not a dictionary, I don¡¯t know anything either.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, and felt that Zhou Sheng seemed a bit unusual today. For nearly a month, neither of them have been cracking silly jokes at one another.


    ¡°Did you grow taller?¡± Yu Hao asked doubtfully.


    Zhou Sheng got up and removed his basketball shoes, put on his socks, then stood next to the ruler by the window, ¡°Did I grow taller? Didn¡¯t notice.¡±


    Yu Hao stood up to look. He pressed a book against Zhou Sheng¡¯s head, ¡°185! You grew 5cm!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I was originally 185 anyway, what about you? Wanna measure?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to ignore him as he was busy translating, but he couldn¡¯t get Zhou Sheng to change his mind so he had to stand upright. Zhou Sheng looked as he held the book at a slightly crooked angle, ¡°Still 176. See, who asked you to not eat my cooking? Now you can¡¯t grow taller anymore ba?¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at him through the corner of his eye, ¡°Take a picture and show me? You¡¯re lying, I must¡¯ve grown taller too.¡±


    ¡°Okay okay, I¡¯ll continue earning money from you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What do you want to eat tonight? I¡¯ll buy groceries. Fu Liqun¡¯s not around, so just order whatever you want ba.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to tell him not to go through the trouble, but he was afraid that Zhou Sheng would misunderstand again, so he said, ¡°I want to eat mushroom and winter bamboo shoots with chicken claypot rice.¡±


    ¡°What month do you think it is? Where would I find winter bamboo shoots?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll just eat whatever I can buy ba.¡± He shut the door as he spoke and left.


    Yu Hao translated until his head spun. The weather had been dark and cloudy recently; he felt sticky all over, and it was stifling hot, which always caused him to develop migraines. When Zhou Sheng returned in the evening, he had managed to get a can of winter bamboo shoots from somewhere and started cooking for Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Still translating?¡±


    Yu Hao sat down to translate after he finished washing the dishes. He uttered an ¡°un¡± in response. Zhou Sheng said something, but Yu Hao couldn¡¯t make it out at first. He looked up at him, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nothing, continue with your work ba.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that Zhou Sheng mentioned ¡°discussing¡± something with him today, so he asked, ¡°What did you want to discuss with me? I¡¯m not as busy anymore.¡±


    The last time Zhou Sheng mentioned ¡°discuss¡± in a serious tone, it was to ask Yu Hao to change dormitories. Yu Hao felt that the matter this time should also be about something significant.


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at his phone, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought it through yet. I¡¯m sleeping, keep your voice down.¡±


    Yu Hao dimmed his screen and typed a little lighter with a heart full of uncertainty. He went to bed late last night, and the two of them didn¡¯t sleep during class today either, so Yu Hao quickly became sleepy too. He looked up at Zhou Sheng, who was already asleep.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao said softly.


    Zhou Sheng was silent and breathing evenly. Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t endure his exhaustion any longer, but the translation wasn¡¯t done! So he had to brace himself and make a cup of coffee, then sit down and continue working. He did this until 4am, at which he reached his limit and felt like throwing up. So he closed the laptop and breathed a sigh of relief.


    The dormitory plunged into darkness. Yu Hao felt about in the dark to stand up and went to brush his teeth. When he closed the balcony door, his eyes had adjusted to the darkness and he suddenly noticed an almost imperceptible light in the room.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao looked around him. It wasn¡¯t the red light emitted from a charger, but a warm yellow light. He climbed up the ladder and saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist hanging in front of the railing. His slender and strong fingers were curled up slightly, and the Golden Crow Wheel on his wrist was shining with a very dim light!


    The Golden Crow Wheel is shining? Yu Hao had never noticed that before. Is Zhou Sheng in a dream? In whose dream? Would the Golden Crow Wheel shine every time he enters a dream?


    The light of the Golden Crow Wheel slowly dimmed until it vanished completely, before lighting up again. It seemed to alternate between lighting up and dimming at regular intervals. Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare wake Zhou Sheng up, and after he observed him for a moment, he kept feeling that it seemed slightly strange.


    So this is what it¡¯s like when Zhou Sheng enters a dream¡­¡­Yu Hao stood on the ladder and reached out to hold Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand to push it back onto the bed. However, the moment he touched the Golden Crow Wheel, there was a sudden loud ¡°bang¡± in his mind!


    Yu Hao instantly felt like there was something summoning him. The moment he moved his hand away, that sensation suddenly vanished without a trace.


    Yu Hao placed his hand back on it again, and this time the feeling was very obvious ¡ª the Golden Crow Wheel was summoning him! Especially when the brightness of its light reached its peak!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao shook Zhou Sheng, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had fallen into a deep slumber and didn¡¯t respond at all.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao sensed that something was amiss, so he immediately said, ¡°Wake up! Can you wake up?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got onto Zhou Sheng¡¯s bed. He placed one hand behind his head and tried to get him to sit up as he spoke in a low and anxious voice, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Zhou Sheng! Wake up!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s head drooped sideways, and Yu Hao thought, crap, what¡¯s going on?


    He pressed down on the Golden Crow Wheel with his hand. A streak of lightning flashed through his mind; the Golden Crow Wheel was talking to him! It was summoning him! Just like the first time he saw the Golden Crow Wheel, they were communicating purely through his consciousness. He needed to enter the dreamscape by touching the Golden Crow Wheel; Zhou Sheng had run into some kind of trouble.


    Yu Hao immediately laid down on his bed and held Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist. But with this arrangement, Zhou Sheng would have to raise his hand onto the railing while he was fast asleep, and it didn¡¯t seem right no matter how Yu Hao tried to shift it, so he had to return to Zhou Sheng¡¯s bed and lie to his left while resting his head on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder.


    The bed in their dormitory was very small, so he couldn¡¯t avoid squeezing tightly together with Zhou Sheng in the cramped space. Yu Hao thought, I can¡¯t help it, I¡¯ll just take advantage of you a little ba. You probably wouldn¡¯t mind it anyway¡­¡­


    Yu Hao pulled up his hand that was wearing the Golden Crow Wheel and placed it on Zhou Sheng¡¯s chest, then he raised his left hand and placed it over Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist before closing his eyes.


    The last thought Yu Hao had before closing his eyes was about Zhou Sheng¡¯s side profile under the faint illumination of the Golden Crow Wheel. He wanted to kiss him a little, but as soon as he closed his eyes, a loud blare immediately sounded and he was dragged straight into the dream!


    The light of the Golden Crow Wheel withdrew, and Yu Hao started flying in his dream. He turned around to look at the mountains and the earth, flapped his wings, then looked up and flew towards the Golden Crow Wheel in the sky.


    The first time he crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel, Yu Hao entered Zhou Sheng¡¯s dreamscape.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon mount sat on the edge of the huge square that floated in the sky. When it saw Yu Hao appear, it immediately let out a great dragon cry.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem right?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Where¡¯s your master? Is Zhou Sheng still in his dream?¡±


    Yu Hao flew to the edge of the square since he suspected that Zhou Sheng had crossed the sea of clouds. He was about to descend to look around when the black dragon let out another cry and flew past Yu Hao. Yu Hao turned around and saw the black dragon fly towards the center of the square. There was a huge Golden Crow Wheel on top of the sacrificial altar, and it had rushed straight into it.


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Yu Hao wondered. He spread his wings out and flew towards the Golden Crow Wheel in Zhou Sheng¡¯s conscious world. Through the scene inside the Golden Crow Wheel, he saw Chen Yekai¡¯s Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ world again ¡ª but only the boundless rainforest remained, the pyramid was gone!


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to exit the dream and call Chen Yekai when he suddenly realised an even more dire problem ¡ª¡ª Zhou Sheng had always been the one who forcefully woke him up in the past; he doesn¡¯t know how to wake up by himself!


    ¡°Crap.¡± Yu Hao muttered to himself, ¡°Let¡¯s figure out what happened first.¡±


    He fluttered his wings again, following the black dragon, and flew into Chen Yekai¡¯s Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ world.


    The appearance of the Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ world also implied that Chen Yekai had fallen asleep. When Yu Hao crossed through Zhou Sheng¡¯s Golden Crow Wheel, he suddenly flew out of the sun that was at the top of the pyramid.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    The pyramid was still here! It¡¯s just that when Yu Hao looked out from inside Zhou Sheng¡¯s Golden Crow Wheel, the sun in the Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ world happened to be above the pyramid, so it was as if Yu Hao was looking out from a window, only seeing the rainforest!


    At the top of the pyramid, there was a square with a white Feathered Serpent god on the left, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon on the right. A strange light had engulfed the vicinity, and the world seemed pitch dark, yet also filled with a pale, omnipresent light. Yu Hao turned around and looked at the Golden Crow Wheel in the center of the square.


    An eclipse!


    A black inferno raged in the centre of the Golden Crow Wheel. It covered the heart of the Golden Crow Wheel, and only the rim of the wheel still radiated a fierce, golden flame!


    What¡¯s going on? Yu Hao approached the Golden Crow Wheel. The interior of the wheel was submerged in complete darkness.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng? Chen Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao turned his head, ¡°Where are you guys?¡±


    A completely dark space had appeared within the wheel. Did Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai get sucked into it together? Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to rush in hastily. He was afraid that if the two of them were still around, he might cause trouble if he were to run around carelessly and would even end up implicating them.


    Yu Hao approached the Golden Crow Wheel, and suddenly, the Golden Crow Wheel emitted a strong flare that completely engulfed Yu Hao.


    They¡¯re inside! Through the exchange in his consciousness, Yu Hao understood that the Golden Crow Wheel wanted to convey that Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai had entered it. At the same time, he sensed a strange oscillation, and it felt exactly like what he had felt in reality. Zhou Sheng was summoning him incessantly right now, like an electronic transmitter sounding an alarm.


    ¡°Looks like I have to break in by myself.¡± Yu Hao turned his head and looked at the black dragon and the Feathered Serpent god, ¡°Wish me luck ba, bye-bye.¡±


    After he spoke, Yu Hao picked up his pace and rushed to the front of the Golden Crow Wheel. He hit the barrier side-on and was instantly plunged into darkness!


    The world was pitch black, and he couldn¡¯t see his own fingers when he stretched out his hand in front of him. As soon as Yu Hao entered, he was hit by some unknown object, so he immediately cried out.


    But why is it that when he shouted, he couldn¡¯t even hear his own voice!


    Yu Hao turned around and shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng?! Where are you?¡±


    When he shouted those words out, he couldn¡¯t hear himself. Something smashed into Yu Hao again, so he instantly turned around to try and avoid it. He swung his hands out and from the void, he pulled out a¡ª¡ª


    Laundry fork!


    I can use my weapon! Yu Hao unconsciously used his weapon to defend, yet the surrounding objects that were attacking him had already disappeared.


    His magic staff shone with a dim, silver-white light which illuminated a small area around it.


    ¡°This is great! There¡¯s light!¡± Yu Hao said, but he suddenly noticed a strange detail, ¡°Eh? Why is it that I can hear again?¡±


    ¡°Where is this place?¡± Yu Hao turned around and illuminated the darkness with his magic staff, ¡°What is that? Why can¡¯t I think anymore? Weird, why is it that whatever I think, I blurt out uncontrollably like this?¡±


    Yu Hao could now clearly see what was flying around in the darkness ¡ª they were fragmented squares, diamonds and circles that looked like the broken shards of a mirror. They reflected the silver-white light that was cast from the magic staff in Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Where the fuck is this weird place? Ah, why am I swearing again¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it 2D? How did it turn 3D? Eh why does it seem 2D again from here? Wait no that¡¯s not what I should be concerned with right now, Zhou Sheng! Where are you!¡±


    Yu Hao turned around and flew away. This space was filled with mirror debris that flew around everywhere ¡ª they looked 2D when seen from afar, but when seen from up close at a different angle as they swept past Yu Hao, they turned into hard, marble-like minerals that reflected a silver-white light. Yu Hao dismantled his staff into daggers, spread his wings, and held the light up to search within this zero-gravity space. The illumination from the light on his body didn¡¯t seem to disappear wherever he flew past, and instead left a gorgeous trail behind him that looked like the Milky Way.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 62.1 - Ruins

    Ch62.1 ¨C Ruins


    The Milky Way and its spiral arms


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao thought aloud, ¡°There¡¯s something shining! Is that you?¡±


    Within this dark galaxy, Yu Hao found the sole source of light. He flew towards the luminous object that mingled with some debris in the distance. It was slower than all of the other debris and drifted along leisurely.


    ¡°Not Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What is this?¡±


    It was the only object that emitted light within this dark world, and was at least 4 metres tall and 3 metres wide. It was an ancient Mayan wood carving that looked a bit like a cultural relic; the wood carving¡¯s left eye happened to be glowing.


    ¡°Is this someone¡¯s totem?¡± Yu Hao continued, ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it though, forget it, I should continue looking for them, I¡¯ll just leave it alone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m finding that if I blurt out whatever comes to mind, it makes me sound like a retard.¡± Yu Hao said to himself, ¡°But do I¡­¡­usually act like a retard anyway? What should I do?! Zhou Sheng where are you? Please be okay¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something down there?¡± Yu Hao started to getting accustomed to this area and all the various echoes produced from his brain. At a place a great distance away that appeared to be the center of this space, he saw a gigantic vortex that seemed just like a black hole. Upon approaching it, Yu Hao discovered that everything from all around it was being sucked into its nexus.


    ¡°That thing looks so dangerous.¡± Yu Hao said instinctively, ¡°I¡¯d better not get close to it. Could this be the subconscious? Whose subconscious is it? Don¡¯t tell me Zhou Sheng got sucked inside it?! Oh my god! What should I do??¡±


    ¡°Subconscious.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s two daggers suddenly rang out, ¡°The Alpha frequency band of the life spectrum, blueshift of the consciousness impression wave, an energy subset formed after a weak transition.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on! My weapon can speak?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How is that possible? Are you a man or a woman? Why can¡¯t I tell from your voice? It¡¯s a ghost! Are you talking? Weapon! It was obviously talking just now! Ai my reasoning is a complete mess right now, I need to seriously study logic next semester.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his daggers and merged them back into a staff, before dismantling it again and asking, ¡°Are you talking?¡±


    ¡°Subconscious, subconscious, sub-sub-sub-subconscious¡­¡­sub, sub¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hahaha this is so dumb.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s like a calculator¡¯s ze-ze-zero, zero¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No no, where¡¯s Zhou Sheng? I¡¯m about to turn schizophrenic¡­¡­where the hell are you?!¡± Yu Hao flew over a vast area, but he couldn¡¯t find Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Wait a minute, is this a clue for finding him? I need to calm down first. Is this an AI? That would answer me if I prompt it with keywords?¡± Yu Hao thought aloud, ¡°But what kind of keywords would get it to speak? And what are the principles behind this anyway? Oh yeah, even if I can¡¯t find keywords to activate it, I can use it to explain the meaning of the words within! That¡¯s what we were taught during our Literature Retrieval class, I¡¯m so smart I really am a genius! Life spectrum?¡±


    ¡°Life spectrum, the cosmic spectrum formed naturally in a lifeform.¡±


    ¡°Blueshift?¡±


    No response.


    ¡°Sion blueshift? Impression blueshift?¡±


    ¡°Impression blueshift, the process of a surface impression transforming into a deep impression.¡±


    ¡°Weak transition?¡±


    ¡°Weak transition, a change in frequency bands.¡±


    ¡°Consciousness wave?¡±


    ¡°Consciousness wave, one type of life¡¯s waveforms, it has the following four characteristics¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What does that mean? The more I listen the more confused I get!¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to hear anymore and said, ¡°Stop! Stop! What the hell are you? Zhou Sheng! Hurry and find Zhou Sheng! Can you tell me exactly where Zhou Sheng is? This stream of consciousness is seriously too chaotic, is there a switch to turn off the function that makes me say whatever I¡¯m thinking aaahhhh!! It derails my train of thought too much!! Wait! That¡¯s not right! Saying whatever I¡¯m thinking, my consciousness would turn into a voice in the subconscious? Then¡­¡­whose consciousness is in this weapon? Is it my consciousness? That¡¯s not right, how could my consciousness contain someone else¡¯s consciousness? An existence that communicates with me through my consciousness¡­there¡¯s only one possibility ¡ª you¡¯re the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s consciousness?! You¡¯re the Golden Crow Wheel!¡±


    While working through his chaotic logic that was in complete disarray, Yu Hao was actually able to miraculously understand this strange and illogical situation and get to the heart of the matter!


    ¡°It¡¯s no wonder information about the consciousness that¡¯s directly conveyed from the Golden Crow Wheel isn¡¯t presented in the form of language or images ¡ª an exchange purely between consciousness becomes vocalised in this strange space!¡± Yu Hao talked to himself as he searched for Zhou Sheng, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then would it be more productive to just ask the Golden Crow Wheel questions?¡±


    Suddenly, the summons came again, and something seemed to repeatedly broadcast radio signals that targeted Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao flew towards the origin of the signal. He remembered how he had initially obtained ¡°information¡± from the Golden Crow Wheel. It was just like using the ¡°search¡± on a supercomputer ¡ª every time he entered a keyword, its content would surface in his mind.


    ¡°But what are the guiding principles for this?¡± Yu Hao flew high and low, and suddenly noticed something strange. The place he was located in was a gigantic spiral arm!


    All of the 2D or 3D fragments had converged into a majestic stream that was currently heading towards the black hole at the core of this world. In the distance, there were similarly several other spiral arms made of fragments.


    Yu Hao said to himself again, ¡°Seems like this is the only thing here. They should be nearby. Golden Crow Wheel, are you an AI or human? I think you¡¯re an AI, can I call you Xiao Gold?¡±


    This time, his weapon didn¡¯t shine or make a sound. Yu Hao approached the vortex and noticed another spiral arm. When he arrived at the vicinity of the black hole, he could sort of see it clearly ¡ª the black hole located at the centre was spinning with six spiral arms. A large amalgamation of bizarre things gathered at the ends of the suspended arms and converged into a stream that poured into the black hole on a grand scale.


    ¡°Are those things being forgotten?¡± Yu Hao approached the black hole and suddenly saw something flash at the center. The signal became clearer!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao flew towards the black hole.


    ¡°Warning.¡± His daggers suddenly shone, ¡°Corrector, warning, Danger Reminder for Transition Destination. Danger Level: Very Low. Please take note of the opening of the interference barrier.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What? Xiao Gold, what did you call me? Corrector?¡±


    ¡°Corrector: the only position in the binary star system that can form a resonance link with the Overseer. During the operation of the consciousness wave acquisition repeater, assist the Overseer and correct all possibilities of¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly found Zhou Sheng¡¯s jingubang!


    The jingubang tumbled around in the black hole and revolved along with countless other fragments. It slowly approached the center of the black hole vortex, yet it didn¡¯t sink and was constantly sending out signals to Yu Hao!


    So it came from that! Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Yu Hao flew into the vortex and grabbed the jingubang.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    As soon as he left the spiral arm, the voice disappeared. Yu Hao kept feeling that the Golden Crow Wheel had presented him with some strange information, but he couldn¡¯t think about that right now. After he grabbed the jingubang, he wanted to fly up higher to observe the black hole in the middle of the vortex. But the memory fragments surrounding him multiplied, piled onto him, and directly pushed him in!


    So cold! As soon as Yu Hao entered the black hole, he immediately felt like his entire body was frozen stiff!


    And what the hell is this?? Yu Hao thought, and within an instant, the phenomenon of his consciousness being voiced was no more! That¡¯s great! Then I won¡¯t confuse myself anymore. But the cold here was beyond his imagination ¡ª the chill was completely different from the coldness in reality, or even that of Shi Ni¡¯s dream.


    It was a kind of calmness that came from the conscious world ¡ª its stillness was unparalleled, and Yu Hao¡¯s consciousness was constantly dissipating in all directions. This dark area seemed to be unremittingly drawing out his consciousness, and Yu Hao instantly understood! This wasn¡¯t a sense of coldness, but a loss of energy!


    It was just like how the body¡¯s heat constantly disperses in cold winters, and you can¡¯t retain it even if you wanted to. Yu Hao was about to lose his ability to fly as he kept falling. He tried to make his body emit a stronger light, as if he was burning his soul for heat, but this environment began to absorb his energy even more rapidly!


    ¡°No¡­¡­I¡¯m about to fall in!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What should I do? What¡¯s the barrier?¡±


    He pushed all the strength in his body to its maximum intensity, just like how Zhou Sheng would always shout ¡®give me strength¡¯. Before anyone could register it, when his mental energy reached a certain threshold, it formed a spherical protective barrier around Yu Hao¡¯s body with a ¡°buzz¡±!


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    The barrier that was several meters in diameter shone with a faint, silver-white luster. The light would occasionally revolve around the surface in an arc, and the loss of energy stopped. This is the barrier?


    Yu Hao spread his wings and turned into a celestial body in the sky that emitted silver light, seeming just like the moon.


    This is great, Yu Hao realised that he no longer experienced any interference. The light outside his barrier illuminated the entire world within an instant, and filled the heavens and the earth with silver-white moonlight.


    The earth was full of strangely shaped memory fragments, like a massive, boundless wasteland. Things still soundlessly fell from the sky like silent rain. The scene reminded Yu Hao of the legendary marine snow.


    In the deep sea, white snow fell incessantly, until it came to rest at the bottom of the sea.

 Chapter 62.2 - Ruins

    Ch62.2 ¨C Ruins


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted, and slowly descended.


    A faint light appeared in the distance. Yu Hao immediately turned around and flew over; his light illuminated the depths of the subconscious world.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao finally found Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng stood amidst the land that looked like a garbage dump! He was with Chen Yekai, and both of them held a lamp. Zhou Sheng had his palm near the lamp that emitted a weak, linear golden flame that he was injecting into the lamp to sustain the flame and prevent it from being extinguished.


    As soon as Yu Hao¡¯s barrier passed Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, the two of them instantly let out a loud shout.


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and said in disbelief, ¡°Yu Hao! Why are you here? Did you hear me calling for you? How did you hear me? That¡¯s impossible! You can hear me calling you from the subconscious?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I was looking for you! Why are the two of you here?¡±


    ¡°Why are you okay?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is the end of the subconscious! And what¡¯s this? Why do you have a protective halo in Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by the end of the subconscious?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve had enough! Why did you come in by yourself without telling me?! You¡¯ve gone too far!¡±


    ¡°What time is it outside?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°How long have we been asleep?¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°One question at a time!¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng was more meek today. He raised his laundry fork because he wanted to hit him, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t dare dodge and merely stood waiting to be beaten.


    Chen Yekai held the lamp up and said, ¡°This is great, you¡¯re here. I thought that we wouldn¡¯t be able to get out of here this time.¡±


    ¡°Between the two of you, who came up with this idea!¡± Yu Hao said angrily.


    ¡°Him!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately betrayed Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai explained the situation in two or three sentences.


    ¡°We discussed this beforehand, to enter Liang Laoshi¡¯s dream. We hoped that by finding her, we could wake her up in reality. Zhou Sheng surmised that Liang Laoshi had already fallen into her subconscious. Firstly, the subconscious isn¡¯t safe, and secondly, we don¡¯t understand it very well. Zhou Sheng was afraid that you would be in danger just like last time, so we decided to not let you in on this operation.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng appeared indifferent as he said, ¡°Who asked you to cut such a sorry figure last time?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s lungs were on the verge of exploding from anger. He had been beside himself when he couldn¡¯t find him. Now when they finally met, Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression that seemed like he was blaming him instead finally impelled Yu Hao to whack him with his stick. Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t! Don¡¯t!¡±


    Yu Hao held his laundry fork in his left hand, and the jingubang in his right. He was about to hit Zhou Sheng when Zhou Sheng immediately dodged and said angrily, ¡°Yu Hao are you rebelling now?!¡±


    It was the first time Yu Hao was struck by such an impulse to hit Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng was faster than him. He chopped down on his wrist with one stroke and before Yu Hao snapped out of his daze, the jingubang was already in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands. He subconsciously dodged, yet Zhou Sheng pulled his jingubang back and seized his wrist instead, dragging him forcibly into his embrace. Then, he hugged him very tightly.


    Zhou Sheng had just embraced him for a short moment before they immediately separated. He caught a glimpse of Chen Yekai from the corner of his eye. Chen Yekai was illuminating the surroundings with the faint light in the lamp, ¡°Let¡¯s look for a place to analyse the situation first ba? Hopefully, no one else will fall in here and get trapped.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng? See, the flame is stable now.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng was still shivering slightly from the cold, ¡°I don¡¯t need to sustain it anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s barrier protected the two of them as they arrived at a hill of heaped fragments. Zhou Sheng breathed a sigh of relief and found a place to sit down, then motioned to Yu Hao to come to his side.


    ¡°Ask your questions ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Where is this place?¡± Yu Hao asked doubtfully.


    ¡°Our presumption is that it¡¯s the deepest part of the subconscious.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°A place to deal with forgotten memories.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can call this a garbage dump, or the Forgotten Ruins. Did you come in from the subconscious just now?¡±


    Yu Hao remembered how the whole world was revolving around the black hole; the fragments in the six spiral arms were all sucked in one after another. He could somewhat comprehend it, ¡°So the things from the dreamscape will be sucked into here, and after they fall into the garbage dump, they¡¯ll be forgotten.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps so.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s our guess.¡±


    ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel told me.¡± Zhou Sheng corrected, ¡°It¡¯s not just a guess.¡±


    Chen Yekai frowned and glanced at Zhou Sheng. Evidently, Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t told him that.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t it tell me?¡± Yu Hao remembered the information he obtained from the Golden Crow Wheel after entering this place.


    Zhou Sheng gave him a meaningful glance and Yu Hao understood it at once. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t want to reveal too much in front of Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn to ask.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°One question per person, why isn¡¯t your mental energy being absorbed by this place?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao looked baffled. He roughly described how he had found the jingubang, and how he had inadvertently created this barrier after entering to resist the cold around him.


    ¡°Does it feel uncomfortable now?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao asked, confused, ¡°It feels normal.¡±


    ¡°To hell with it!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why would it only absorb my energy and not yours?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ve already asked so many questions, it¡¯s my turn now!¡±


    Yet Zhou Sheng turned and left Yu Hao¡¯s barrier, then snapped his fingers. His whole body emitted a golden flare, but that flare instantly vanished without a trace.


    ¡°The stronger the energy I release,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The faster it gets absorbed! Why don¡¯t I have a barrier?¡±


    ¡°How would I know?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Come in! It¡¯s too cold outside!¡±


    Zhou Sheng refused to give up and tried several more times, but he had to give up in the end and hid in Yu Hao¡¯s barrier. Suddenly, he seemed to understand something, ¡°Oh, and I was wondering too. So it was the jingubang that was left outside that called out to you and let you in.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Yu Hao uttered, ¡°Because that¡¯s my¡­¡­¡± Then he immediately noticed Zhou Sheng¡¯s glance and didn¡¯t continue speaking. Because the jingubang is the transformed form of Yu Hao¡¯s totem, so when Zhou Sheng was dragged in here, it had remained behind?


    ¡°And what is this?¡± Yu Hao looked at the lamp in Chen Yekai¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Fire.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The last remnant of Liang Jinmin¡¯s will to live. It took a lot of effort to find it.¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t ask anything. He only looked up at the sky and frowned as he ruminated.


    ¡°How did the two of you fall in?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°By accident. A moment of carelessness within our carefully formulated plans ma.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng thought of a way.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°To build a tunnel that would lead to Liang Laoshi¡¯s dreamscape through the Golden Crow Wheel in my dream. After we came in, we couldn¡¯t see anything in the subconscious world¡­¡­¡±


    After that, Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai searched everywhere for the ¡°fire¡± in this dark world. The moment they found it, a powerful monster had emerged from the dark void and started attacking them.


    In order to protect the fire, Zhou Sheng ignited all the energy in his body to resist the fierce attacks from the dictator of the conscious world. After a violent battle, they were ruthlessly thrown into the center of the vortex in the subconscious and fell into the Forgotten Ruins.


    As soon as they entered the Forgotten Ruins, the fire immediately dimmed and was almost extinguished. Zhou Sheng had to exhaust all his means to keep it burning. With the passage of time, their energy was being drained away unremittingly, so Zhou Sheng could only pace himself and think of how to leave this place while maintaining the fire. However, he couldn¡¯t summon the jindouyun, and Chen Yekai¡¯s weapon was ineffective.


    It was extremely fortunate that Yu Hao had arrived at the very last moment when the fire was about to go out


    Time seemed to slow down a lot in the subconscious. So the problem had now changed ¡ª they had to take Liang Jinmin¡¯s self-consciousness out of the Forgotten Ruins and back into the subconscious, then think of a way to return to the upper layer of the conscious world; that is, her dreamscape.


    As long as she returns to her dream, she¡¯ll be able to wake up in the hospital, and the situation will improve greatly.


    ¡°The two of you actually did so many things behind my back!¡± Yu Hao could hardly believe it, ¡°Also, Zhou Sheng, when did you learn how to use other people¡¯s Golden Crow Wheels to cross into other people¡¯s dreams?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kaikai and I deduced that in a number of ways. A lot of things were based on our conjectures, but it was successful. What I really don¡¯t understand is¡­¡­why are you perfectly fine in the subconscious?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered the form of address he heard when he had entered ¡ª ¡°Corrector¡±, the only position that can form a resonance link with the Overseer. What does this mean? Does the Golden Crow Wheel regard him as the Corrector? Then what is Zhou Sheng? The Overseer? And what¡¯s the binary star system?


    ¡°Fly up and take a look?¡± Zhou Sheng signalled.


    Yu Hao rose slowly within the barrier, and the strange thing was, he didn¡¯t need to flap his wings to fly in this world. Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai also rose along with him. Chen Yekai held the lamp, and under the protection of Yu Hao¡¯s barrier, the golden flame now burned much brighter than before. They flew towards the zenith amidst the rain of memory fragments that filled the sky.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use.¡± Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°We can¡¯t find where the memory fragments are falling from. Look, the fragments are all falling vertically; no radiation is present, and there¡¯s no entrance either.¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°It¡¯s impossible for them to appear out of nowhere, there must be an entrance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten that this is a dream; it doesn¡¯t follow the logic of reality.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that they must have discussed it long before he came. He thought about it for awhile, then said, ¡°Have you guys ever attacked the sky?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s sword disappeared when his jingubang was returned earlier. But Chen Yekai had retained his gun. He drew his gun and said, ¡°I¡¯ve tried it a few times, but it wasn¡¯t effective.¡±


    From within the barrier, Chen Yekai pulled the trigger and a golden pillar of light shot towards the zenith before disappearing into nothingness.


    ¡°It¡¯s no use.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai retrieved the knife from his harness and threw it out. No one knew how much time had passed before the knife turned around and flew back.


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then dismantled his staff and gripped his daggers in both hands, ¡°Let me try!¡±


    Immediately afterwards, Yu Hao leaped up and somersaulted in midair, and released an arc of lightning! The arc was like a crescent moon that dispersed the curtain of night. With a ¡°whoosh¡±, it cut through the rain of memory fragments and flew towards the zenith!


    A crack soundlessly tore open in the pitch dark sky, and Zhou Sheng was instantly dumbstruck.


    ¡°Go!¡± Chen Yekai immediately exclaimed.


    Yu Hao led the other two and rushed through the gap with a whoosh to leave the Forgotten Ruins. They returned to the subconscious world.


    ¡°Great!¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t expect to leave so easily. He shouted, ¡°We¡¯re back! Prepare for battle!¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 63.1 - Lamp’s Fire

    ¡°I want to wake up with you in the same bed everyday.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Before anyone could react, a guttural roar thundered above them. Yu Hao had completely missed it earlier when he arrived, but now when he looked up, he saw a dark, colossal mechanical monster above the nexus of the black hole. The monster seemed like a mechanical spider with its countless outstretched metal arms. Various sharp and blunt weapons jutted from the end of its metal arms: knives, saws, guns, hammers and other such sharp and blunt weapons. It moved towards them with lightning speed!


    ¡°Oh my god, what is that?!¡± Yu Hao immediately cried out upon seeing the mechanical monster.


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°The monster that knocked us into the ruins!¡±


    Yu Hao hovered before Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, protecting them with his barrier. He shouted, ¡°Do we fight it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened up a huge shield, and all of the mechanical monster¡¯s weapons simultaneously collided with it. A loud ¡°clang¡± sounded, almost deafening Yu Hao¡¯s ears. From behind the shield, Chen Yekai suddenly fired a shot, and the light pillar that shot out broke one of the metal arms. The metal arm that wielded a sharp knife was immediately sucked into the depths of the subconscious.


    Even more metal arms began pursuing them. Zhou Sheng grasped his shield and transformed it into the jingubang. A few clangs rang out as the jingubang clashed with the metal arms all around them. He shouted, ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    ¡°But where do we go?¡±


    Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Follow intuition! Intuition!¡±


    ¡°But I have no intuition¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao flew through the sky, and his barrier was just like a spaceship. Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai stayed beside him, guarding him while attacking the monster with innumerable metal arms that encompassed the heavens and the earth. Its metal arms would constantly break and fall off, yet rather than decreasing in number, its numerous weapons only  seemed to multiply.


    ¡°Intuition!¡± Zhou Sheng urged, ¡°Where are you flying to? The six channels are analogous with the six senses, go after the intuition channel!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly understood: the six spiral arms around the black hole represent Liang Jinmin¡¯s six senses ¡ª hearing, sight, touch, taste, smell, and intuition! In addition, her dream world that currently relied on those six channels was being sucked unremittingly into the Forgotten Ruins!


    ¡°Does it lead to the upper conscious world?¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    ¡°There¡¯s no upper world!¡± Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°Her dreamscape has already been shattered. Head to the end of Intuition, I¡¯ll explain later!¡±


    ¡°But how do I get to Intuition?¡± Yu Hao searched the fragment-filled galaxy. Chen Yekai accurately shot at the sharp claw that headed towards them and shouted, ¡°A path constituted of similar fragments!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately understood and found a peculiar path amongst the six spiral arms. On that path, all the memory fragments that were being sucked in were spherical and identical in size and shape. Yu Hao doubled back, quickly dove down and began flying against the flow of the Intuition current.


    A miracle occurred as they flew along the Intuition Milky Way: the teardrop-like spheres along the path were continuously drawn towards the lamp in Yu Hao¡¯s hand as if attracted to it!


    The memories in Intuition were entering the flame, and the lamp¡¯s light grew brighter and brighter.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It worked!¡±


    ¡°I guessed right!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, and in the next moment, a giant hammer swung violently towards all of them. Zhou Sheng let out an angry roar, and the golden flame that enveloped his body was unleashed with a blast. His shield had assumed a golden colour, and a faint sun wheel motif appeared on the surface of his shield ¡ª it blocked that hammer!


    Yu Hao saw a platform emerge at the end of the Intuition path and instantly flew towards it with Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai.


    ¡°We succeeded!¡± Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°That¡¯s great!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When they rushed onto the high platform with the lamp, all of the fragments on the path of Intuition had been sucked into the lamp, and an altar appeared on that platform!


    Zhou Sheng shook his jingubang, turned around¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Haaaaai¡ª¡ªyaaaaaa!¡± With a loud cry, Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang down and smashed all of the metal arms that were closing in on them into pieces.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What do we do next?¡±


    ¡°Look at me¡­¡­perform a magic trick for you!¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, turned to the side, then blew into the lamp.


    With a soft swish, the lamp wick separated from the flame and struck the altar like a bolt of lightning. A pillar of fire erupted from the altar with a ¡°buzz¡±! It then illuminated the entire world!


    When the golden fire began burning, the world turned bright.


    Yu Hao was already in a chaotic mess; he was only following Zhou Sheng¡¯s directives and had no idea what he was doing at all. Zhou Sheng said again, ¡°Quick! Baby¡ª¡ª! Next path!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Go!¡±


    Yu Hao flew with the other two towards the second path, which was filled with bizarre, multi-coloured picture fragments that looked like stained glass. As they flew along the path, all of the picture fragments were sucked into the lamp. After they reached the end of the path of Sight, another altar appeared there as well!


    Zhou Sheng blew into the lamp a second time, and a golden fire pillar also shot up from the altar at the end of Sight path.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Keep going!¡±


    The mechanical monster at the zenith seemed to sense a threat. It emitted a harsh shriek that grinded against their ears, and even more metal arms that tore at the air shot down. The entire subconscious world quaked violently. However, the monster was extremely terrified of the areas where the golden pillars of fire already burned, and didn¡¯t dare to approach them.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stall it!¡± Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°The rest is up to you guys!¡±


    As he spoke, Chen Yekai rushed out of Yu Hao¡¯s barrier and went back and forth between the metal arms to draw the attention of the gigantic monster.


    ¡°Keep going!!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    Taste, Touch, Smell, Hearing¡­¡­Yu Hao grabbed Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, Zhou Sheng carried his jingubang on his shoulder, and the two of them protected the lamp as they flew towards each altar. Each time they got to an altar, Zhou Sheng would blow once and the flame from the lamp would shoot out; a golden pillar of flame would then erupt from the altar!


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°A new magic spell of yours?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the hope to live.¡±


    When the last altar burst into flames, Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao and smiled, ¡°We¡¯re done, time to call it a day!¡±


    They worked their way through until the end of the last path. The altars on all six platforms burned brightly with raging flames, and the entire subconscious was lit up in an instant! All of the darkness retreated, and the lamp¡¯s flame disappeared completely!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw Yu Hao an enigmatic wink, ¡°Did you forget about the day we first met? How did the fire beacon on the Great Wall come about?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered that a long time ago, General took him along to light up the fire beacons! He was the one who found the lighter, and he had passed it to Zhou Sheng. After Zhou Sheng lit up the lamp, he brought him along as they crossed the Great Wall and lit up the beacon.


    At that time, he had not yet fallen into his subconscious world, and the flames that were lit up illuminated the boundary between the subconscious and his consciousness.


    Zhou Sheng carried the jingubang with one hand while his other was draped over Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder. The entire subconscious world began to vibrate. Chen Yekai flew towards them. The blaze on the six altars began to change direction and converge towards the black hole in the middle. The six flame pillars travelled along the six paths of the senses and flowed into the black hole, which began rotating after being fed with flames. The skies and the earth trembled, and the metallic monster let out a mad roar.


    Lin Xun, ¡°You actually¡­¡­managed to return from the subconscious¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Lin Xun.¡± Liang Jinmin¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Are you unsatisfied because you didn¡¯t manage to kill me?!¡±


    The revolving black hole erupted, lighting up the vast space around it. A white light flashed by, the periphery of the black hole expanded continuously, and a luminous area that looked like an island appeared in the center. Following which, it turned into a shockwave that swept past the three of them, and within this tempestuous storm, Zhou Sheng immediately turned around and protected Yu Hao.


    The moment the storm came into contact with Yu Hao¡¯s barrier, it disappeared instantly!


    ¡°We succeeded¡­¡­¡±Chen Yekai¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°We succeeded!¡±


    The world suddenly transformed: the earth turned into solid rock, mountain ranges rose, and erupting volcanoes materialised everywhere. Volcanic ash rose into the sky, and the conscious world appeared!


    The world was dark, but compared to the dark void in the subconscious, it now had an indistinct outline. Magma flowed continuously from the volcano and into a mechanical city in the middle of a lowland. A humongous monster that was at least 10,000 metres tall was also entrenched in the center of the city!


    That monster opened its massive, insect-like eyes that looked like black spheres. At first glance, Yu Hao¡¯s first impression of it was that it looked like¡­¡­Lin Xun¡¯s head! His eyes protruded slightly, and his forehead and face looked extremely similar to the huge metal bug! But its mouth and ears seemed to belong to someone else.


    Their opponent in the subconscious was the lower half of that monster, and at this time, the lava had almost covered the entire conscious world and had surrounded the city.


    That ¡°Lin Xun Bug¡±¡¯s metal arm could stretch out for thousands of metres. Utilising extremely complex mechanisms, it thrashed about in the air as it smashed, hacked, and wreaked havoc to destroy this world. The volcanoes erupted incessantly and even more magma gushed out and flowed towards the city.

 Chapter 63.2 - Lamp’s Fire

    Ch63.2 ¨C Lamp¡¯s Fire


    Yu Hao, Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng were standing on a cliff in front of a volcano. Heat waves surged through the air around them.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng? Look!¡± Yu Hao motioned for Zhou Sheng to look to his left. A pure white temple had appeared on the tallest volcano, and there seemed to be a priest adorned in a dress in front of the temple. The altar in front of her burned with a maroon flame, and every time its intensity flared, the volcano would erupt, then magma would pour out and flow towards the city in the distance.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi?¡± Chen Yekai frowned.


    The metal ¡°Lin Xun Bug¡± refused to give up as it extended its weapons in an attempt to destroy the temple atop the volcano.


    The sounds of incantations incessantly carried over. Every time the volcano erupted, it would form a fierce meteor that fell into the city. Under the violent earthquake, Yu Hao almost thought that Liang Jinmin planned to take herself down along with the monster in the city, yet this city proved strong enough to continually withstand the impacts.


    ¡°That guy isn¡¯t as strong as he was in your dream ma.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai said helplessly, ¡°Of course. We have a mentor-student relationship, but for Liang Laoshi, they are husband and wife. In Liang Laoshi¡¯s dream, they are equal. Once she had decided to burn her boats, perhaps¡­¡­deep down, she still thinks that she can perish together with him ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was extremely satisfied, ¡°In that case, we don¡¯t have to meddle any more. I wish Liang Laoshi success in blowing up that monster and seizing back her totem!¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai observed for awhile longer. If the magma continued to erupt, then maybe it would be able to slowly melt that metallic monster. Even if the dreamscape turns into ruins, after the metallic monster is destroyed by the anger of the God of Fire, it could still be gradually rebuilt¡­although this process would take a very long time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary for the time being.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We need to properly protect her in reality and ensure her safety.¡±


    ¡°Then, good night.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t even spare Chen Yekai a glance before he casually pressed against his forehead.


    Chen Yekai suddenly disintegrated into light particles with a bang and disappeared just like that.


    ¡°Wah.¡± It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing the moment when someone leaves a dream.


    ¡°What are you ¡®wah¡¯-ing for?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, bewildered.


    ¡°That looked so cool.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Are you leaving?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°We¡¯re the only ones left.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng doubtfully, ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything you want to say?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°Ah?¡±


    Yu Hao was still a little upset and stared at Zhou Sheng. When Chen Yekai was around, it wasn¡¯t convenient for him to say a lot of things, and now that it was just the two of them, Yu Hao hadn¡¯t thought of how he should scold him yet. He actually kept him in the dark about running into someone else¡¯s dream; that was way too dangerous!


    ¡°You can¡¯t take action without letting me know next time! Got it?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t nag me, will you? Get up ba? Let¡¯s go and eat breakfast?¡±


    Yu Hao still harbored a lot of suspicions in his heart. He had a lot of questions he wanted to ask Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to see, let¡¯s talk in my dream.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his head slightly and closed his eyes.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao waited for a few seconds, but didn¡¯t hear the words ¡®good night¡¯ that he was waiting for. He opened his eyes and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly laughed and blushed a little, ¡°What are you doing with your eyes closed?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said, then pressed his hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    In the darkness, Yu Hao woke up while Zhou Sheng shifted slightly to the side. He tried to raise his hand and realised that Yu Hao was sprawled on top of him. When he tried to move his other hand, he found that it was being held by Yu Hao, then he gripped Yu Hao¡¯s hand tightly.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± Yu Hao felt even more exhausted this time than all the previous times he had woken up, and it wasn¡¯t bright out yet. Zhou Sheng freed his other hand to look at his phone.


    ¡°5.05.¡± Zhou Sheng yawned.


    ¡°Why did I only sleep for half an hour?¡± Yu Hao was about to blow up from how sleepy he felt.


    ¡°Time passes very slowly in the subconscious.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Sleep awhile more.¡± As he spoke, he gently patted Yu Hao¡¯s body with the hand that was wrapped around him.


    Suddenly, a flash of lightning illuminated the dormitory into stark contrast. The sound of thunder seemed to explode overhead, which startled Yu Hao and sobered him up immediately. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were crowded onto a narrow single bed. His head had been resting on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder, but now he suddenly snapped out of his daze and quickly crawled back to his own bed.


    Zhou Sheng got off his bed and moved his arms about as he went to the balcony to close the window. It was the most humid day of summer last night, so Ying city was as hot as a steamer. Everyone had waited for this bout of rain for three days, and it finally fell this morning in an omnipresent downpour. Water vapour rushed into the dormitory amidst the fierce gales, just like a steamer that was finally uncovered. After the summer heat dissipated, along with the loud ¡°bang¡±s throughout the entire dormitory building as doors and windows were slammed shut, the world finally cooled down.


    Yu Hao laid back on his bed, yet his heart still tossed and turned. All he could think about was how in the moment he had awakened, Zhou Sheng¡¯s movements were so natural as if that situation was natural for them.


    Zhou Sheng left a crack open in the windows and brought in all the clothes. Yu Hao drowsily looked at his phone, and saw Chen Yekai say in the group chat:¡¾Liang Laoshi woke up.¡¿


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng had folded the clothes and was currently brushing his teeth. He took his phone and glanced at it.


    ¡¾I¡¯m in the hospital.¡¿Chen Yekai said,¡¾They¡¯re currently giving Liang Laoshi a check-up. Huang Ting has already arrived, so don¡¯t worry about it anymore.¡¿


    The rain grew heavier and heavier. Yu Hao replied to Chen Yekai¡¯s message. Outside the balcony, a dense downpour fell; heavy rain bombarded the plastic shed below their building. Chen Yekai was evidently busy, and he didn¡¯t reply to Yu Hao¡¯s messages.


    ¡°He slept in the hospital last night.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°As long as Liang Laoshi wakes up, Huang Ting will stay in the hospital and guard her, and lie to Lin Xun that his wife¡¯s condition has deteriorated. It won¡¯t be like the last time.¡±


    ¡°The plan is pretty well thought-out ma. Let me see your phone?¡± Yu Hao extended a hand towards Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°To see what?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°To see how you guys discussed it ah.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I won¡¯t give it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Will you give it or not?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How long did you guys take to prepare for this operation?¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his phone and scrolled through his conversation with Chen Yekai, then showed Yu Hao. Their conversation mostly revolved around the Golden Crow Wheel and Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious. Yu Hao skimmed through it and saw that there were still a lot of voice messages within, so he could only drop the matter. He glanced at Zhou Sheng and thought, he obviously has a guilty conscience.


    ¡°Are you still gonna sleep?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao curled under his blanket in a daze, and thought if you hug me to sleep, I¡¯ll sleep. But of course, he didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    Last night, I was busy saving you so I didn¡¯t have the time to eat your tofu. He had already been hugged to sleep by Zhou Sheng twice: once when they were occupied with entering Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, while the other time was when they entered the subconscious. Although it only lasted for a short moment, Zhou Sheng¡¯s body temperature and scent still seemed to linger on his own body.


    The temperature of Zhou Sheng¡¯s firm chest and his vigorous heartbeat were just like a dream to Yu Hao. Yu Hao remembered the most moving words of love ¡ª¡ª I want to wake up with you in the same bed every day.


    ¡°Wei!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Are you still gonna sleep? I¡¯m asking you na.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head to look at Zhou Sheng and said helplessly, ¡°I can¡¯t fall asleep anymore, but I¡¯ll try again.¡±


    ¡°Still angry?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, bewildered, ¡°Let¡¯s just go eat breakfast?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart was still in upheaval. He kept thinking about Zhou Sheng, even though Zhou Sheng was right beside him now while he held up a big black umbrella. He even tilted the umbrella more towards Yu Hao¡¯s side while his own shoulder was exposed to the rain, and the left side of his body got drenched. They were wearing shorts and slippers as they passed through a path in their college to get to the canteen for their breakfast.


    Ying city¡¯s rainy season had arrived. On this morning under the deluge of a torrential downpour, Yu Hao inexplicably had an irrepressible impulse in his heart. It was as if the depression he felt several days ago had been completely swept away by the heavy rain. The moment Zhou Sheng held up the umbrella reminded Yu Hao of the black dragon in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ that had sheltered them from the rain.


    The words that Fu Liqun and Chen Yekai had said to him whirled through his mind, just like how countless beads spiralled around in a lottery¡¯s revolving drum. During these past few days, he had been thinking constantly, shaking the thoughts in his head violently over and over again, round after round, yet never daring to stop. He was transfixed on that one and only lottery prize, hoping that it would be the final one that that would come out.


    Confront yourself¡­¡­everyone says so. It seemed that to many people, the Zhou Sheng who was holding an umbrella up for them was already his boyfriend. But Yu Hao had experienced the tragic failure of love before, and it made him understand that when you like someone, many minute details tend to be subconsciously magnified ¡ª¡ª for example, when the other party¡¯s actions are often unintentional, and don¡¯t align with what he was envisioning.


    When you like someone, there will inevitably be ups and downs. Just one smile or a simple movement could easily raise one¡¯s hope, and be used as proof that ¡°he likes me¡±. Ignoring unfavourable signs and only retaining favourable evidence is just human nature.


    Zhou Sheng had already expressed his attitude towards him during the conversation they had on New Year¡¯s Eve. It would be reasonable for Yu Hao to not hold any more unrealistic expectations. But throughout this whole semester, a faintly discernible trace of hope arose in his heart again. Zhou Sheng might have said he didn¡¯t like him at that time, but it didn¡¯t mean that he didn¡¯t like him now. Or just like what Chen Yekai and Fu Liqun had said, maybe he just wasn¡¯t willing to face up to his own feelings?


    Spectators see the chess game better than the players do. Perhaps, if he tried once more, there could still be hope?


    Yu Hao really wanted to stop shaking and just draw the lottery already. He¡¯ll just accept whatever gets drawn in the end. But shaking the prize box had already turned into a habit, such that he would subconsciously shake it day after day, year after year. On New Year¡¯s Eve, Zhou Sheng had told him to look for a boyfriend. And if it really wouldn¡¯t work out, Yu Hao felt like he really should find a boyfriend and let go of his feelings then. Otherwise, these days of worrying over everything he could stand to lose or gain would be too difficult to endure.

 Chapter 64 - Boarding the Cruise

    Ch64 ¨C Boarding the Cruise


    ¡°Young Master, morning~¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s classmate saw them as he walked over from one of the paths within the college. He grinned as he looked at Yu Hao and wanted to say something, but after noticing Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression, he held back and whistled at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°??¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still angry?!¡± But Zhou Sheng misunderstood Yu Hao¡¯s silence. He draped his arm over Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°I said I won¡¯t do that again!¡±


    Yet Yu Hao changed the topic, ¡°Your nickname is Young Master?¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡±, and casually replied, ¡°After my Dad treated them to a meal, they gave me that nickname.¡±


    Yu Hao thought of something else and said, ¡°Then have you heard of any other nickname for me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng answered very quickly, ¡°No one calls you Eyelash Baby anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You said you wanted to discuss something with me last time, what is it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it before he answered, ¡°Another day ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have something to say too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked doubtfully at Yu Hao. Yu Hao came to a stop. The rain was growing heavier and heavier. Zhou Sheng held the umbrella, and the two stood to one side of the college¡¯s path.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the canteen.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What could it be that you must talk about it here¡­¡­¡±


    Students passed by one after another, each one eyeballing them as they passed by. Yu Hao¡¯s brows were set in a deep furrow. Just as he was about to speak, his line of sight suddenly passed Zhou Sheng and landed upon a figure below the teacher¡¯s dormitory in the distance.


    ¡°Look!!¡± Yu Hao hastily motioned to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng turned around, and his brows immediately scrunched up.


    Lin Xun was holding a single-person umbrella. He walked down the dormitory building, bypassing the canteen, and walked towards the college¡¯s East gate.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to the hospital?¡± Zhou Sheng wondered, ¡°Notify Kaikai?¡±


    Right now, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t concern himself with the other things weighing on his mind. He took out his phone and dialled Chen Yekai¡¯s number, but he must be busy as no one picked up. After Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao arrived at a tree, Yu Hao nervously asked, ¡°He didn¡¯t pick up. Should we follow him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t cry or laugh, ¡°Why are you asking if I¡¯m hungry at a time like this? This is clearly more important! Can you even be cured anymore?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You lose your temper more easily when you¡¯re hungry, so of course you have to eat first! Why are you scolding me?¡± As he spoke, he handed the umbrella to Yu Hao, then turned around and ran.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Yu Hao shouted. Zhou Sheng braved the rain and ran away. Yu Hao was going crazy. He quickly called Chen Yekai. By all rights, Chen Yekai and Huang Ting should¡¯ve already set up their trap as they waited for Lin Xun in the hospital, so there shouldn¡¯t be much of a problem. However, Yu Hao still had some misgivings.


    Yu Hao hid behind the tree and peeked at Lin Xun, who was waiting for a car and looking over his shoulder from time to time. Zhou Sheng sprinted back towards the dormitory building like he was in a 100m race and returned in no time at all. He threw Yu Hao a sports jacket and put on a jacket of his own.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Follow him and see what he¡¯s doing!¡±


    They were both wearing slippers as they quickly waded through the water beyond the college path. After they exited the college¡¯s gate, they saw that Lin Xun had booked a cab online that he was hurrying into now. Zhou Sheng merely glanced once and said, ¡°Follow him! He¡¯s not going to the hospital!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately hailed a cab. They got on and Zhou Sheng said to the taxi driver, ¡°Follow the car in front.¡±


    The taxi driver was tactful and followed the car Lin Xun was on without asking many questions. Yu Hao asked, ¡°How did you know that he isn¡¯t going to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s carrying a laptop bag.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If he was rushing to the hospital, he wouldn¡¯t carry such a huge bag. How did the news leak out? He¡¯s going on the run!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately gave Chen Yekai a call, but there was still no answer. The taxi driver interjected, ¡°This isn¡¯t the way to the airport.¡±


    The car in front didn¡¯t veer off onto the expressway. Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed deeply, then he started to call Huang Ting. This time, Huang Ting picked up and Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°That guy¡¯s on the run, his destination is unknown. We¡¯re following him now.¡±


    ¡°Send me your location through the phone.¡± Huang Ting said on the other end and hung up.


    ¡°Are you two students?¡± The taxi driver asked.


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡±. They passed a traffic light, and the taxi they were following had shaken them off and was now several cars away from them. This junction quickly changed to a red light, creating a jam shortly after. The taxi they were in didn¡¯t cross the intersection, and Lin Xun¡¯s cab had already driven away.


    ¡°Crap!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We might be able to catch up after we cross the intersection.¡±


    The taxi driver said, ¡°This road should head out to the pier, if my guess isn¡¯t wrong.¡±


    Chen Yekai called. Yu Hao picked up and asked him to immediately notify Huang Ting to dispatch people to the pier. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Strange, how did the news get leaked?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Look at this.¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That guy installed a bug under the bed!¡±


    Huang Ting took the phone, ¡°Think of a way to stall him, we¡¯re relying on you guys now. The traffic¡¯s pretty bad at the moment, so stall him for at least 20 minutes. The first time we called him into the station without any evidence, he retaliated fiercely in front of my superiors. This is the second time now, I¡¯m under pressure from above, and it¡¯s a very thorny situation. We need to wait for the victim to completely regain alertness, and under the premise that she¡¯s proven to have mental capacity and identifies Lin Xun as the one who planned the premeditated murder, then can we begin going through the process.¡±


    Chen Yekai said from beside the phone, ¡°The entire process requires some time. Right now, Liang Laoshi is beginning to recall more details. She¡¯s been unconscious for too long, so there are gaps in her memory, I¡¯ll strive to¡­¡­speed it up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t expected that it would be so troublesome just to arrest someone.


    The taxi driver said, ¡°We¡¯re here, nuo, look, the pier.¡±


    Lin Xun¡¯s cab had already left. Yu Hao quickly took his phone out to pay, Zhou Sheng held the umbrella, and they hurriedly walked down the pier. From higher ground, Yu Hao glimpsed people walking to and fro under the umbrellas of various shapes and colours as they boarded a cruise ship by the river.


    ¡°Which one?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you see him?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That one¡¯s leaving soon, it must be that ship! I saw his umbrella!¡±


    ¡°Smart¡±! Zhou Sheng praised.


    ¡°Learnt it from you.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    The rain didn¡¯t seem to be letting up at all as it whooshed down the steps by the road. Yu Hao slipped on the steps and nearly fell. Zhou Sheng quickly grabbed him, ¡°Careful!¡±


    The road was covered in water and was really too slippery. There was a sign erected by the river with the words ¡°Five Days and Four Nights Cruise¡± on it; after setting out from Ying City, they could go upstream with beautiful scenery on both shores ¡ª this cruise¡¯s itinerary was practically the favourite of the retired elderly. After Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao walked down the big steps, they had to walk down smaller steps too and saw nearly 40 retired elderly moving slowly and arduously.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Their anxiety was unparalleled right now; they only wanted to board as soon as possible to drag Lin Xun back, but the queue in front of them was getting slower and slower. Yu Hao said, ¡°Where¡¯s Huang Ting¡¯s people? They¡¯re not here yet! What do we do after we get on?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Start a fight once we meet him and make a scene, then the ship won¡¯t be able to set sail anymore.¡±


    A tour guide was still doing an introduction for the elderly group in front. Zhou Sheng saw a gap, then folded up his umbrella and squeezed in by the side of the tour guide. He turned around, grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and dragged him over.


    At the entrance of the cruise ship, two crew members were checking their tickets. Yu Hao said, ¡°We can¡¯t go any further, what do we do?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought for a moment, then asked Yu Hao to wait. He went to the pier, and a short moment later, he had returned with two mangoes that he had bought. He threw one to Yu Hao and Yu Hao caught it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°??¡±


    ¡°Leave it to me, don¡¯t talk.¡± Zhou Sheng, along with Yu Hao, casually squeezed to the front of the group before walking straight in. A crew member said, ¡°Hey, you two!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We got off the ship to buy fruits.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your nametag?¡± The crew member pointed to their chest.


    Zhou Sheng casually patted his pocket and said, ¡°Forgot to take it with me.¡±


    There were so many people who were making a clamour, and the crew members had their hands full, so they could only let Zhou Sheng in. In any case, with this kind of large-scale sightseeing cruise ship, those who bought tickets all had rooms. Even if they got in without a ticket, they would have no place to stay, and a lot of people who came here to send people off had boarded as well.


    ¡°Wah.¡± Yu Hao entered the cruise ship, and the interior didn¡¯t look like a ship at all ¡ª it was decorated to look just like a hotel! Guests were queuing for their registration in the lobby of the hotel, and there was even tea and biscuits for receiving guests. Zhou Sheng took a few biscuits and got Yu Hao to hold them, ¡°Let¡¯s go look for him.¡±


    Guests with luggage trailing behind them were everywhere. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but look all around. This cruise ship had everything ¡ª tea shops, jade shops, handicraft shops¡­¡­and there was even a buffet dining hall on the first floor.


    ¡°Wanna play?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Let¡¯s take one during the summer holidays ba? Let¡¯s find him first, stop looking about. Guess where he¡¯ll be?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I think he should¡¯ve booked his ticket at the last minute this morning after he heard that Liang Laoshi had awoken through his wiretap.¡±


    Zhou Sheng murmured, ¡°Yes, booked at the last minute, not through a tour group¡­¡­usually only the most expensive tickets would be left¡­¡­which means that we should head up. All the high-class rooms are at the top.¡±


    Zhou Sheng ate his mango and entered the elevator with Yu Hao. Yu Hao asked, ¡°How much would this cost per day?¡±


    ¡°4,800.¡± Zhou Sheng pressed the button for the third floor and answered, ¡°The advertisement outside said so, Five Days and Four Nights Luxury Cruise Tour.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, wages from two months squandered away in four days, the life of the rich really is extravagant.


    The elevator reached the third floor with a ¡°ding¡±. They had to walk up a spiral staircase to reach the top floor. The top floor only had 12 luxury rooms ¡ª each guest room was attached to a private balcony on the deck of the ship, and super VIP presidential suites were located at the two ends of the floor. A loud clamour could be heard downstairs, but the top floor was extremely quiet.


    ¡°Which room?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Knock on them one by one?¡±


    ¡°Dear passengers, this ship will be leaving in 15 minutes. This is the last round of announcements. For those who are sending your relatives and friends off, please leave the ship as soon as possible.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s call came, ¡°How¡¯s the situation?¡±


    ¡°The ship¡¯s about to sail! Hurry up!¡± Yu Hao urged.


    ¡°Huang Ting went back to the station to handle the procedure.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon, stall him!¡±


    After he hung up, the two of them looked at each other. They haven¡¯t even found the person in question yet, so who were they supposed to stall? Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We can¡¯t knock. If we knock too often and he sees us through his peephole, we¡¯ll get chased off by the crew.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not even sure if Lin Xun had boarded this cruise now. Is there a registration list in the lobby? Can we check that?¡±


    ¡°Trust your intuition.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He must be on this floor, and besides, they won¡¯t let us look at the guest list.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood in the corridor, facing towards one side of it. After he pondered for a moment, he turned around and faced the other side. Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng had some sort of superpower in reality too, but after Zhou Sheng stood for awhile, nothing happened.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got an idea, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    The two of them went downstairs again. Zhou Sheng looked at the map that identified the fire escapes, then walked downstairs. He found his way with ease, pushed open a door and entered the corridor.


    Where is this place? Yu Hao was utterly baffled. He saw stainless steel shelves and sinks on both sides ¡ª this was the kitchen?


    Zhou Sheng glanced at the office at the end of the kitchen ¡ª a crew member was checking through the number of registrations. After Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to hide behind a shelf, he said, ¡°There¡¯s a list of names for the rooms on the table. I¡¯ll lure him away, then you go in to steal the namelist.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s so smart!


    Zhou Sheng began knocking on the door forcefully. Just one knock on that metal door was deafening, and after the crew member got a shock, he hurried over.


    ¡°When does dinner start?!¡± Zhou Sheng scolded, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that there would be snacks?¡±


    The crew quickly replied, ¡°Look for the manager, this is the kitchen!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Fuck! You don¡¯t even serve breakfast for such an expensive cruise ticket? I¡¯m starving to death!¡±


    Zhou Sheng caused a huge commotion in the style of an overbearing rich second generation and played the role perfectly. The crew member didn¡¯t dare to provoke him and could only try to get him to leave quickly. Yu Hao immediately slipped behind the crew member and into the office to the side of the kitchen. He took the copy of the passenger list, folded it, and slid it underneath his shirt.


    The crew member reasoned with Zhou Sheng in every possible way, hoping to chase him away and asked him to wait in the buffet hall. When the crew member turned around and was about to return to the office, someone came over from the other end of the corridor to notify him of a meeting.


    Zhou Sheng turned around the corner of the kitchen and met up with Yu Hao.


    ¡°V402,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Mr. Lin, 1 person. V406, Mr. Lin, 3 people. Two people with the surname Lin, this family of three isn¡¯t him, so it¡¯s definitely 402.¡±


    When the ship horn blared, the entire ship suddenly shook and Yu Hao said, ¡°Crap! It¡¯s about time to go ashore!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The hell you scared of? Just wait here, it¡¯s not like they¡¯ll check us¡­¡­yo, there really is breakfast. This cake¡¯s not bad, Western chefs make it better than Chinese chefs do. Let¡¯s talk after we eat ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually lifted a lid, and a row of Caramel Mousse desserts were neatly arranged inside. He picked one up to eat, then handed one to Yu Hao too.


    ¡°It¡¯s too sweet.¡± Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t stand it. He heard footsteps approaching outside and became nervous, ¡°Let¡¯s hurry and leave ba!¡±


    ¡°Why the heck should we leave now? We haven¡¯t even eaten breakfast yet, let¡¯s look for the steamed snacks.¡± Zhou Sheng discovered another row of steamers filled with Cantonese dimsum, ¡°Do you like steamed ribs? It looks like it¡¯s been steamed for a little too long, come and have a taste?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°There are chopsticks too.¡± Yu Hao was both nervous and excited as he began stealing food in the kitchen with Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng opened up a soup pot and scooped out two bowls of winter melon barley oxtail soup. While he drank, he paid attention to their surroundings and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m keeping a lookout. They¡¯re in a meeting, no one will come in.¡±


    Yu Hao was apprehensive about being caught, but stopped worrying because Zhou Sheng could always escape from imminent peril.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Are you full?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m full.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng fed Yu Hao another crab roe shaomai, took a disposable cup to fill it with coffee, and even helped the chef clean up the counter in passing. The two of them walked along the corridor and passed the meeting room. They saw a number of chefs who were either sitting down or standing as they listened to the head chef in the meeting.


    ¡°Ai?¡± Yu Hao saw the dining car in the storage room and said, ¡°I have a plan.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Pretend to deliver meals? Don¡¯t, he recognises us. Please don¡¯t let the incident with Shi Liang happen again. Let¡¯s notify Kaikai first to tell him that he¡¯s on this ship.¡±


    The two of them returned to the lobby and were momentarily at their wits¡¯ end. Zhou Sheng motioned to Yu Hao to move over and not stand in the atrium, just in case Lin Xun spots them while out for a stroll, although the possibility of him leaving his room was slim.


    Yu Hao gave Chen Yekai a call and informed him of the details. The ship had already set sail, so they wouldn¡¯t be able to return for awhile. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng kept an eye on the people who were passing through the lobby. After the ship set sail, there were much fewer guests since most of them had returned to their rooms to watch the scenery. A uniformed crew member noticed the two of them, so he walked over and said, ¡°Which room are you two? Do you need me to bring you to your room?¡±


    Yu Hao was talking to Chen Yekai, ¡°We¡¯re on the ship now and can¡¯t go back, what do we do now?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Book a room and keep an eye on his movements at all times.¡±


    Huang Ting took the phone, ¡°We¡¯ll reimburse you both, but you can only stay in a standard room. Find a place to stay in first ba, as for your IDs, I¡¯ll send you a number. Get the ship¡¯s crew to call that number, and we¡¯ll resolve the problem for you in the station.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just here to look around a little, and we tarried cause we didn¡¯t notice the time.¡± Zhou Sheng said to the crew, ¡°I¡¯ll just pay for a ticket now.¡±


    Crew, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said into his phone, ¡°We didn¡¯t bring our IDs¡­¡­Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Crew, ¡°Come with me to the office to explain it clearly ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll buy a ticket now, ai! Don¡¯t touch him! What? You wanna fight?¡±


    Liang Jinmin¡¯s voice rang out at the other end of the call, ¡°Nicky, give me the phone.¡±


    The scene descended into chaos. Yu Hao was really afraid that Zhou Sheng would start a brawl, and he quickly signalled to him with his gaze for Zhou Sheng to keep his calm. Zhou Sheng took the earphones, and Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Is this Yu Hao?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Zhou Sheng.¡± Zhou Sheng stood in front of Yu Hao in a protective stance and looked at the crew member, ¡°Hello, Liang Laoshi. Do you feel better now?¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I woke up, but I still need some time to recall the details. Please stay next door to Lin Laoshi and monitor his every move, I¡¯ll pay for the expenses.¡±


    ¡°Okay lei!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s cheer shocked Yu Hao, ¡°Kaikai, did you hear that? Transfer it through WeChat ba?¡± As he spoke, he took out his and Yu Hao¡¯s ID cards from his pocket with pinched fingers and handed them to the crew member.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 65 - Surveillance

    Ch65 ¨C Surveillance


    ¡°You actually brought our ID cards!¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng went to room 406 at the top cabin, and Yu Hao was instantly over the moon. The VIP guest rooms weren¡¯t fully occupied yet, so Zhou Sheng bought the tickets. He signalled to Yu Hao to keep his voice down and scanned the room card to open the door, then the two slipped in. Coincidentally, the door to presidential suite 402 opened at the same time, and Lin Xun walked out.


    The moment Lin Xun came out, the door to 406 slammed shut. Yu Hao had just entered the room when he heard the sound of the door to the presidential suite closing. Zhou Sheng immediately made a shh gesture, then leaned against the peephole to look through it.


    ¡°He went out.¡± Zhou Sheng placed his ID card on top of the bedside cabinet, ¡°I was afraid that we wouldn¡¯t be able to pass through the security checks if we were going to chase him to the airport, so I brought our ID cards along, and it¡¯s lucky I did so. Just look at the manager¡¯s face when we were booking the VIP room, he was absolutely delighted. It¡¯s a problem that can be resolved with money, so what¡¯re you so nervous for?¡±


    Yu Hao once again became acquainted with this world where anything goes so long as you had money. As soon as Zhou Sheng said that he wanted to reserve the 9,888 premium set, and furthermore upgrade it to the luxurious package, everyone immediately stopped bothering them. The presidential suite faced Lin Xun¡¯s room as it would be inconvenient to be separated by a corridor. The VIP room costs 9,800, and Yu Hao managed to enjoy some super VIP treatment too. Zhou Sheng made another call and got the crew to send them their meals. Yu Hao asked, ¡°You¡¯re still eating? I can¡¯t eat anymore.¡±


    ¡°Eat ba.¡± Zhou Sheng went to the liquor cabinet to search for drinks, ¡°Catch up on some sleep first, that guy can¡¯t escape.¡±


    ¡°Aiya.¡± Yu Hao was utterly elated. He was on a business trip at public expense, and even got top-notch treatment. He hoped that Lin Xun wouldn¡¯t leave this ship too quickly, then they could play here for a few days in passing too. Moreover, this room is a king, size, room!


    ¡°Food and sex are men¡¯s greatest desires.¡± Zhou Sheng went to the balcony to observe the surrounding terrain, ¡°Young¡­¡­student Yu Hao, eat well and have fun.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He laid in bed and pressed a button on the remote control to watch TV. Huang Ting¡¯s call came.


    ¡°I¡¯m at the pier.¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already been sailing for 2 hours!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°I know. The ship will leave the province soon, I¡¯ll go complete the procedures for detaining him in a foreign place.¡±


    Zhou Sheng returned and sat on the side of the bed. Yu Hao changed the phone to speaker mode.


    ¡°¡­¡­Lin Xun still doesn¡¯t know that we¡¯re pursuing him. His destination is the municipality that the ship will eventually dock at. He might call on Chen Laoshi¡¯s father, or he could fly directly to Los Angeles from there and leave the country¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay. We¡¯ll keep track of him and report to you promptly!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t draw his attention before we arrive.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°The ship you¡¯re on will stop at its first supply station at noon today, but it¡¯ll only stop there for 10 minutes. Tomorrow, it¡¯ll stop over at its first big stop to let passengers off for some sightseeing. I sent the location of the berth and the time when the ship is supposed to dock there to Zhou Sheng¡¯s WeChat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m calling the public security bureau of the first province to request for their assistance, then I¡¯ll go back to pick up Chen Yekai and set off through a land route. However, that province is very small, and we¡¯re afraid of missing it. If we can smoothly obtain assistance, we¡¯ll be able to get on that ship by tomorrow morning at the latest and take him back. Wait for the station to notify the captain of that ship now; don¡¯t worry, he can¡¯t escape.¡±


    On Zhou Sheng¡¯s side, Chen Yekai¡¯s call came again.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kaikai, where¡¯s the ulti we agreed on? When will Liang Laoshi unleash her ulti?¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s tone sounded a little irritable, ¡°We¡¯re in the midst of recollecting her memory, don¡¯t be so anxious.¡±


    ¡°Is it Zhou Sheng?¡± Liang Jinmin¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Or Yu Hao?¡±


    ¡°Ai, Liang Laoshi, we¡¯re together!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Liang Jinmin asked, ¡°Have you checked in yet?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty good!¡± Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao spoke in unison.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Thank you Liang Laoshi for treating us to such a luxurious cruise!¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Thank you, you¡¯re all good children. I¡¯d like to implore you to pay attention to one thing, he has a laptop¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That he carries around with him.¡± Zhou Sheng immediately continued.


    ¡°Sure enough, it¡¯s with him.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s voice rang out from beside the phone.


    Liang Jinmin talked to Chen Yekai, ¡°I can¡¯t, Nicky, I¡¯ve really tried my best. I really can¡¯t remember, I keep thinking that there¡¯s still something else¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Please keep trying, Liang Laoshi.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is it very important?¡± But it didn¡¯t require much thought for him to realise that a laptop that Lin Xun carried around while on the run would definitely have secrets on it that can¡¯t be divulged. Yet Zhou Sheng just waved his hand dismissively and motioned to Yu Hao to not ask anymore questions.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about something else, before I lost consciousness¡­¡­there are some electronic receipts, forms, and chatting records inside it.¡± Liang Jinmin didn¡¯t try to conceal anything and spoke unperturbed, ¡°It¡¯s very important evidence regarding the report of his projects¡¯ expenditures. Since he¡¯s carrying it around with him, then I¡¯m sure of it now. Okay then, thank you both.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Yu Hao suddenly asked again, ¡°Liang Laoshi, do you know his password?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other. Yu Hao said, ¡°Later ba, if I can get that laptop.¡±


    ¡°Was that the Dean?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°The Dean went to visit her.¡± Zhou Sheng stated casually, ¡°Money can make the devil turn the millstone¡­¡­Liang Laoshi isn¡¯t someone who¡¯s easy to deal with either na.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the ulti?¡± Yu Hao asked, baffled.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kaikai said, Liang Laoshi had already thought of a way to collect some evidence on Lin Xun before she fell unconscious. Don¡¯t tell me she forgot everything after her nap ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°She¡¯s thinking about it now, isn¡¯t she? Hopefully¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao yawned, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sleep for awhile first.¡±


    The two of them heard the door to the adjacent room close; Lin Xun was back. Yu Hao became vigilant again. Zhou Sheng waved his hand to motion that it was okay, then jumped onto the bed and laid beside Yu Hao. He turned on the silent mode for the TV and played around with the remote control.


    Yu Hao turned sideways and fell asleep beside Zhou Sheng. This bed was too big, and it was so comfortable to sleep in. He didn¡¯t know how much time passed before he felt Zhou Sheng get up. He looked up and saw Zhou Sheng holding a glass cup, and was propping it against the wall to listen to any activity on the other side.


    Yu Hao quickly got up. Zhou Sheng made a ¡°calling¡± gesture, and Yu Hao mouthed the words ¡°what is he saying?¡¯. Zhou Sheng shook his head to mean that he couldn¡¯t hear it clearly and got Yu Hao to come over to listen.


    Not a moment later, they heard the door of the adjacent room open. Lin Xun went out again.


    ¡°There¡¯s still 20 minutes before the first stop.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Would he get off the ship?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shook his head, ¡°Not sure, let¡¯s go steal his laptop?¡±


    There was a wall that separated the balconies of these two rooms, but that wasn¡¯t a problem for Zhou Sheng at all. Zhou Sheng went to the balcony and looked at the adjacent room. Strong winds blew, and there was a heavy downpour as the ship sailed to the heart of the river. Yu Hao said, ¡°Be careful. Or just don¡¯t go over ba, what if he suddenly comes back?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a bit hesitant, ¡°I¡¯ll make it quick.¡±


    The storm raged on, and once the ship left the river, the tempestuous storm intensified. Zhou Sheng was blown until his whole body was drenched, and his white T-shirt that stuck to his chest was now the colour of his flesh. His whole body was dripping with water.


    Zhou Sheng climbed over. Yu Hao didn¡¯t want him to take this risk alone, so he followed along and climbed into the presidential suite¡¯s balcony. The balcony door was locked, but there was a ventilation window on top that could be pushed outwards. Yu Hao got into a horse stance and intertwined his fingers. Zhou Sheng took off his slippers and stepped onto his interlocked hands, then rode the momentum up and flipped into the presidential suite. He opened the balcony door from the inside. Yu Hao hurried in as he carried the slippers, then turned around and locked the door.


    The storm battered against the balcony door time and time again. The presidential suite was more spacious and luxurious than the VIP room. The laptop bag was placed on the sofa. Zhou Sheng went forward to rummage through it ¡ª no laptop. Yu Hao was drenched from head to toe as well, and quite a bit of water dripped from the two of them onto the wood flooring. They quickly looked for something to clean the stains up with lest it gets discovered by Lin Xun.


    The air conditioner was too strong, and Yu Hao shivered all over from the cold.


    ¡°He carries the laptop with him everywhere he goes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That guy¡¯s too careful.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Do we just snatch it from him? Then after we snatch it, we can lock the door from the inside. We only need half an hour after we get the laptop to connect to our hotspot and send over what Liang Laoshi wants.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We can¡¯t. That laptop is considered his personal belonging. Once the ship calls the police, he¡¯ll definitely take the laptop back with the help of security, and we¡¯ll be locked in the office. By then, once his vigilance is roused, he¡¯ll end up deleting the evidence, then we¡¯ll lose out even more.¡±


    A ¡°beep¡± sounded from the door, and before he could react, Zhou Sheng yanked Yu Hao into a wardrobe. Zhou Sheng quietly closed the wardrobe door. The door opened, and Lin Xun walked in.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡­¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°That¡¯s the situation now. They can¡¯t arrest me, and can only summon me.¡±


    Lin Xun had a laptop clamped under his arm. Apparently, he had received a call on his way out, so he returned to his room to take it. He placed the laptop on his desk in passing, charged it, turned it on, and after pondering for a moment, he pressed down several keys. A program started running on his laptop, then Lin Xun got up and walked to the balcony window.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were hiding in the wardrobe. Yu Hao thought, this presidential suite¡¯s wardrobe is too big ba, I thought we¡¯d have to hug and squeeze together.


    ¡°It¡¯s a common occurrence in our generation for couples to hit each other, our life abroad changed her¡­¡­ai¡­¡­¡± Lin Xun glanced around while he was on the phone, ¡°You know what Jinmin is like, she has a particularly foul mouth, sometimes she¡¯s just reaping what she sowed when she gets hit. Of course, I¡¯m at fault too, I got a bit high from drinking and couldn¡¯t hold back for a moment. But running over now to say that I tried to murder her, that¡¯s too¡­¡­a day together as husband and wife means endless devotion for the rest of your life. We¡¯ve already been married for 20 years, but just for the sake of getting a divorce¡­that¡¯s completely unscrupulous. Yes, yes, what love between husband and wife? It¡¯s all nothing in the face of money¡­¡­by the way, what can prove that a person, at a particular time, was in a coma? I thought about it, and that charge shouldn¡¯t be tagged onto me¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng gently kicked off his slippers in the wardrobe.


    ¡°I admit that our altercation escalated into a physical fight, and now I¡¯m at a disadvantage because I didn¡¯t get my wounds inspected¡­¡­¡± Lin Xun looked down and saw the water stains below the balcony window. He stretched his hand out to pull it open and looked outside.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng came barefoot out of the wardrobe silently. Zhou Sheng looked at the laptop on the desk and his brow furrowed. Yu Hao carefully turned around with his back to the door. Zhou Sheng reached his hand out without making a sound and approached the desk.


    However, in the next moment, Lin Xun unexpectedly turned around, and his voice immediately stopped.


    Zhou Sheng made a prompt decision on the spot; he went forward to close his laptop, and Yu Hao immediately opened the door. But Lin Xun was even faster than Zhou Sheng ¡ª with one sudden big stride forward, he grabbed his laptop!


    Zhou Sheng simply changed his intention from stealing to snatching. He stepped onto the desk barefoot, then spun around, and his foot swept through the air. Lin Xun shouted, ¡°There are thieves!¡±


    Within that very short moment, the cruise ship suddenly shook violently ¡ª it had reached the shore.


    This one shake made Zhou Sheng suddenly lose his balance. He slipped on the desk and fell down ¡ª it was rare for Zhou Sheng to slip up. Yu Hao immediately rushed towards the desk. There was still water on the wooden floor that hadn¡¯t been wiped dry; Zhou Sheng slid on the slippery floor, lost his footing, and fell out along the balcony window!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao rushed forward. Outside was the side of the ship, and with that one slip, Zhou Sheng almost fell through the ship¡¯s railing and into the river. Fortunately, Yu Hao had rushed right in front of him and grasped him tightly.


    Lin Xun immediately shouted, ¡°Thieves! Thieves!¡± Then he stuffed his laptop into his laptop bag, grabbed his laptop bag, and ran out.


    ¡°This floor is too slippery! Fuck!¡± Zhou Sheng almost died from anger, The two of them both rolled and crawled to get up, then turned around to run past the carpet. Yu Hao found the slippers and threw them to Zhou Sheng. They strode forward, drifting and darting out of the room.


    ¡°Why did you want to take his laptop?¡± Yu Hao only mentioned this now.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted to take it?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I was just saying that¡­¡­in any case, he can¡¯t escape now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He was deleting something just now, didn¡¯t you see it?¡±


    The two of them rushed down the stairs and knocked into a waiter who was carrying tea, and the tea splashed all over their bodies.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Sorry!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Catch him!¡±


    Lin Xun flew down to the lobby at top speed, but he slowed down at the last few steps before walking down, composed. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s rapid dash down from the top floor had already attracted the crew¡¯s attention. Lin Xun looked back doubtfully, and after a brief glance, he turned around and entered the deck corridor.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?!¡± Someone rushed forward. Zhou Sheng bent down, yanked Yu Hao down the lobby, and rushed onto the deck. When they reached the deck, Lin Xun was already walking swiftly off the ship.


    ¡°What the hell is your ship doing?!¡± Zhou Sheng dissed angrily, ¡°No one¡¯s catching the one who¡¯s supposed to be caught! Is no one keeping an eye on him at all!?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned sideways, sat on the railings of the ship ramp, and slid down. Lin Xun looked back. He carried his laptop bag as he ran onto the pier!


    ¡°Catch him!¡± Yu Hao urged anxiously, ¡°He stole something!¡±


    ¡°Catch him!¡± Zhou Sheng rushed onto the pier, and Yu Hao slid down behind him. There was still a slight drizzle on the pier. The two of them chased Lin Xun, Lin Xun looked back again and in a panicked state, rushed into the bazaar located on the side of the pier.


    ¡°Chase him ah!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind me!¡±


    It¡¯s really too difficult to chase people in slippers.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can¡¯t run too fast either!¡±


    This was a small county town near the mountains and rivers. The highway was halfway up the mountain, and there was a bazaar at the foot of the mountain. It was drizzling today, yet there were still quite a lot of people. As soon as Lin Xun slipped into the crowd, they lost sight of him immediately. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao crossed half a street and were gasping for breath when Yu Hao suddenly found Lin Xun, who was still carrying his bag, hailing a cab by the road.


    ¡°There!¡± Yu Hao called out.


    Zhou Sheng immediately ran onto the steps leading to higher ground and dashed to the road. Yu Hao tried his best to catch up with him from behind.


    Lin Xun stood at the roadside on elevated ground outside the pier. He was extremely nervous and uneasy, and when he looked down at his phone, he heard a ¡°buzz¡± as a motorcycle rushed past him. Lin Xun was caught off guard and stumbled forward ¡ª his laptop was snatched away.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them rushed to the side of the road. When Lin Xun saw that they had caught up to him, he immediately turned around and ran along the road. Zhou Sheng gave chase, and when Yu Hao caught up, he turned around and dashed towards the other end of the road.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Lin Xun!¡±


    Lin Xun, ¡°You¡­¡­why¡­¡­you¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Xun ran until he was out of breath, and he wasn¡¯t Zhou Sheng¡¯s opponent at all. Zhou Sheng rushed to his back, leapt up in one move, twisted in mid air, and immediately wrung Lin Xun over onto the ground. Lin Xun still struggled in an attempt to escape.


    ¡°Who told you to not stay obediently on the ship, wasted Laozi¡¯s 9,800¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng exerted 80% of his strength to give Lin Xun a punch in his face, and the world turned quiet.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± When Zhou Sheng turned around and realised that Yu Hao had disappeared. He immediately shouted, ¡°YU HAO¡ª¡ª!¡± Then he looked at the bazaar below again, and three crew members had caught up, so he immediately ignored Lin Xun in favor of turning around to chase after Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao dashed down the road, but the motorcycle had already disappeared without a trace. There was a waste collection station by the side of the road, and there was a pile of worn out bicycles parked outside it. Yu Hao asked the boss at the station a question, who gave him a direction by pointing at the other side of the mountain. Yu Hao took his slippers off and darted all the way down to chase the motorbike.


    This is a downslope, so it¡¯s still okay, still okay¡­¡­Yu Hao almost exhausted himself to death when he was running uphill, so the chase downhill was much better. He rode the force of his momentum to dash all the way down, and when he reached midway down the mountain, the path converged onto another highway. Yu Hao looked left and right, then chose a direction to run towards. The rain was lighter now, but the path was still extremely difficult to traverse. Yu Hao was on the verge of breathing his last from all this running, but he suddenly saw a trail next to the highway. There were a few farm houses at the end of the trail, so he immediately got off the highway and ran towards those farm houses.


    Zhou Sheng chased Yu Hao along the road that Yu Hao had ran towards. He passed by the waste station, got on a worn-out bicycle, and the boss immediately shouted, ¡°Wei! Wei!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Here¡¯s 200! I¡¯ll take this bike!¡± As he spoke, he fished his phone out and scanned the code on the refrigerator, then continued, ¡°Give this to me ba, go and pick up another one for yourself!¡±


    As he spoke, he grabbed a brick with a plastic rope tied around it that was used to hold down some plastic bags outside the waste station. With a ¡°whoosh¡±, he mounted the bike and rushed down the mountain as swift as the wind.


    ¡°Did anyone see¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao ran to the farmhouse and slowed down. A big dog tied up with a metal chain rushed out and began barking madly at him. Outside the dilapidated farmhouse, there was a motorcycle parked in the middle of the road. One person was riding on the motorbike while another was rummaging through Lin Xun¡¯s laptop bag. Both of them had cigarettes in their mouth, and there was a well beside them. They were in the midst of casually rummaging through the bag to find any valuables and were prepared to throw the laptop bag away afterwards.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two men spoke in the local dialect. They threw their cigarettes away, and biker A came forward, grabbed a thick rod, and walked over as he prepared to beat Yu Hao. Yu Hao took half a step back.


    ¡°Oh found them, but it¡¯s troublesome now.¡± Yu Hao muttered to himself, ¡°Zhou Sheng hurry up¡­¡­¡±


    Immediately afterwards, biker A ruthlessly swung the rod down at Yu Hao! As a conditioned reflex, Yu Hao dodged by ducking under his armpit, then he used both of his hands to protect his head. The two of them looked like they were in a boxing ring as Yu Hao passed by, turned around, lifted his leg, and kicked his leg until it bent. That guy actually staggered from getting kicked and immediately swore loudly!


    Yi? Why do I know that move? Yu Hao subconsciously shielded his face with his arms. Biker A rushed forward again, while biker B came forward and hooped his arms around Yu Hao! In front of him, biker A used a rod to stab Yu Hao¡¯s stomach.


    Suddenly, Yu Hao was struck with an epiphany and, seemingly out of pure instinct, jumped off from where he was standing; he flipped around while he was locked down by biker B from behind, spun around, and kicked the chin of the person in front of him. Following up, he then turned sideways and caused the person behind him to lose balance, then both of them fell to the ground at the same time!


    Yu Hao was dumbstruck, ¡°When did I learn how to fight?¡±


    However, his movements were done out of pure instinct. Biker A in front of him bit his tongue when he was kicked, and now his mouth was full of blood. He turned ruthless in an instant and fished out a knife before lunging towards Yu Hao. Yu Hao quickly locked down his wrists with ease, twisted them, kneed him, and threw him onto the ground.


    Biker B, who was behind him, had already pushed the motorbike forward. He pulled out a watermelon knife from the covered box at the back and cursed viciously in his dialect. Yu Hao retreated instantly. In the next moment, a bicycle flashed past his side like a bolt of lightning, and Yu Hao felt his vision blur for a moment. Zhou Sheng collided with the biker along with his bicycle, thereby knocking the motorbike onto the ground and sending that guy flying more than two metres away!


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Zhou Sheng was holding a clothesline with a brick tied to it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m¡­¡­I¡¯m okay, I suddenly know how to fight? What¡¯s going on? It¡¯s all self-taught too!¡±


    ¡°Laozi taught you!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Self-taught?! Don¡¯t get ahead of yourself!!¡±


    The biker crawled and staggered up from the ground. Zhou Sheng wielded the clothesline-cum-brick like a meteorite hammer and swung it out in one move.


    ¡°Who told you to go become a biker or whatever instead of a decent human being, huh?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s move struck the biker¡¯s ankle, which knocked the guy onto the ground. His watermelon knife slipped out of his hands, and the biker was flung onto the ground so hard his face was all bloody now. He kept pleading for mercy and had kicked the brick away with a swift kick from both feet. Zhou Sheng kept his ¡°meteorite hammer¡±. He turned around and saw that biker A, who had knocked Yu Hao down, was planning to escape, so he threw another move at him.


    ¡°You dare snatch a bag in front of Laozi? Shouldn¡¯t you ask who I am first?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them had just crawled up when they were smacked onto the ground again. Yu Hao quickly picked up the laptop bag and rummaged through it ¡ª the laptop and passport were still there, along with quite a few materials, cash, and bank cards.


    ¡°Found it! This is great!¡± Yu Hao cheered.


    Zhou Sheng picked up the worn-out bicycle and flung it to the side. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Where did you get that?¡±


    ¡°Bought it on the way.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t want it anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao rebuked, ¡°How much was it? What a waste!¡±


    ¡°200! We have a motorbike now so who cares about a bicycle?¡± Zhou Sheng lifted up the bikers¡¯ motorbike, straddled it, then said with much satisfaction, ¡°Just a small fight and a bicycle turns into a motorbike¡­¡­let¡¯s go! To the police station!¡±


    Yu Hao picked up Lin Xun¡¯s laptop bag and sat on the back seat of the motor bike. Zhou Sheng twisted the handle and started the motorbike. With a ¡°vrooooooom¡±, the motorbike rolled up quite a bit of mud and made a turn out of the trail and onto the highway. He took Yu Hao away on the motorbike that rumbled loudly and passed through the rain that fell everywhere as they sped towards the end of the highway.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 66 - Ideal

    Ideal


    ¡°Why do I know how to fight now?¡± Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist. Violent winds swept past their faces, the two of them were drenched from head to toe, and their clothes clung to their bodies. Zhou Sheng¡¯s back still emitted a scorching warmth through his T-shirt.


    Zhou Sheng turned his head towards Yu Hao, ¡°You can fight? Dream on!¡±


    ¡°I really can!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me I¡¯ll show you later!¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s practice a little later?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Did you teach me in a dream?¡±


    ¡°If you say I did then I did bei.¡± Zhou Sheng replied, refraining from divulging further.


    15 minutes later, Tong County¡¯s Police Station.


    The electric fan rotated with a buzz. The police station was stuffy and humid. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s clothes had yet to dry, and the muggy climate of the station had caused them to break out in sweat during their lengthy questioning by the local police. They didn¡¯t even have their phones nor a single cent on them. The sky was gradually growing darker, and it looked as if they would be forced to stay overnight at the police station.


    Fortunately, the laptop bag they snatched back was temporarily safeguarded by the police, while Lin Xun was sent to the clinic for a mild concussion. At 4pm, the police began having their afternoon tea ¡ª¡ª sour and spicy noodles. In the midst of their meal, they were called out. Not long after, Huang Ting and Chen Yekai arrived. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao both breathed a sigh of relief since they knew that the problem had been resolved.


    Chen Yekai gave the two of them a thumbs up, but Huang Ting¡¯s expression was very ugly. After he handed in the proof, he went to the office to attend the meeting. Chen Yekai took out two transparent plastic bags ¡ª they contained Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s phones and ID cards that were procured from the ship.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the ship?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°It has already set sail.¡± Chen Yekai replied, ¡°You¡¯ve both worked very hard.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, my buffet, my Five Days Four Nights Luxury Cruise¡­¡­he felt like he had just suffered a great blow. Chen Yekai took them to the car. All sounds gradually faded into the background, and the entire world dissolved into black and white.


    ¡°The two bikers you guys beat up,¡± Chen Yekai started the car and waited for Huang Ting to get in, ¡°Were the uncles of the director of this county¡¯s Women¡¯s Association, which was why they detained you for so long.¡±


    ¡°But I wanted to get a silk banner for my heroic acts!¡± Zhou Sheng complained, ¡°Everything ended just like that?¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. His phone was out of battery, his whole body was drenched, and he didn¡¯t even get to enjoy any privileges before the whole matter ended just like this. Chen Yekai said, ¡°After we get back, we can all hold a celebration banquet together?¡±


    ¡°Can he be brought to justice?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but worry, yet Zhou Sheng made an offhand remark, ¡°It¡¯s out of our hands now, that depends on how good Huang Ting is ba.¡±


    Huang Ting completed the procedures and walked out with the laptop bag in hand. He stayed next to the car for a long while before finally vomiting.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Your Chen Laoshi¡­¡­¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Exceeded the speed limit the whole way to Tong county. There was even a long mountain path in the middle¡­¡­I can¡¯t, give me a moment.¡±


    ¡°Where are the others?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Three of us came. Two of my colleagues went to the county¡¯s hospital as they¡¯re in charge of taking him back to Ying city.¡± Huang Ting drank some mineral water, rinsed his mouth and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back and find out ba. Do the two of you want to take the police exam in the future? The execution of your operation this time was pretty well done.¡±


    ¡°Persuade someone to join the police, and you¡¯ll get struck by lightning.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°My Mum said so.¡±


    Chen Yekai burst out into laughter. Yu Hao was in the back drinking water and he immediately spat it all out when he heard this. This was the first time he saw Chen Yekai looking this happy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go ba!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s go back and slowly wear that scum down!¡±


    Late at night, car lights rapidly flashed past. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng fell asleep in the back seat. In the dream, Zhou Sheng seemed to understand Yu Hao¡¯s unwillingness very well. He took out a piece of paper in the mountains outside the capital and folded a ship for him; as soon as the paper boat entered the water, it swelled up and turned into a magnificent ship on the river.


    ¡°This works too?¡± Yu Hao asked in surprise.


    ¡°Go! Get on board!¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    There was only one room on board ¡ª it was the VIP suite that they had stayed in. The lobby became a buffet hall, and it was filled with food. Within this illusion, Yu Hao only felt that the chandelier was so bright that it was almost glaring. In the end, the ship shuddered and gradually came to a stop.


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Wake up.¡±


    Yu Hao was leaning on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder, the two of them in a deep slumber. He opened his eyes in a daze. They had already arrived at the back gate of the college. Huang Ting, who was in the passenger seat, had disappeared; he had probably left first.


    ¡°I need to make a trip down to the hospital to accompany Liang Laoshi.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s meet again later this week ba, there are still a lot of things to be settled. Liang Laoshi especially prepared gifts of gratitude for the both of you.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, I didn¡¯t get to eat the buffet on the ship, and now I didn¡¯t get to eat the buffet in my dream either. What an ill star I was born under¡­ Eventually, Chen Yekai reminded them, ¡°Final examinations are coming up. Study hard, don¡¯t fail any subjects.¡±


    ¡°What did you want to ask before we set off in the morning?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°Nothing much.¡± After being tormented for a whole day, Yu Hao no longer wanted to ask, and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t pursue it either. He just draped his arm over Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and they returned to their dormitory in this intimate manner.


    ¡°Can¡¯t accept it? Can¡¯t accept it na, it¡¯s alright. Once the bicycle race is over, I¡¯ll take you to Australia to play¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°So damn expensive! I haven¡¯t settled my tuition fee for next semester yet.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s free, a prize for the top three.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Yu Hao shouted loudly, and all the sound controlled lights on the first floor of the dormitory building lit up.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?! You haven¡¯t been paying any attention to this at all!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then what the hell have I been working so hard for?!¡±


    All the sound controlled lights on the dormitory building¡¯s second floor lit up as well. It was a little after 8pm, and there were couples everywhere who were on dates. Yu Hao quickly pulled Zhou Sheng away.


    Late that night, Huang Ting sent them a message to inform them of what had happened since: Lin Xun had already been brought back to Ying city for an interrogation. Liang Jinmin was beginning to provide evidence for them, so there was nothing to worry about.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng discussed the matter for a long time. Embezzlement of project funds wasn¡¯t a severe charge, but premeditated murder was. However, just Liang Jinmin¡¯s identification of him wasn¡¯t enough; it wouldn¡¯t be effective in convicting Lin Xun, unless Lin Xun admits to it himself. But Lin Xun would never confess his real crime, so from now on they would have to truly engage in bitter psychological warfare.


    Ryuusei¡¯s death ¡ª that Chen Yekai was most concerned about, and how Lin Xun contrived the car accident after he assaulted Liang Jinmin and made her lose consciousness were all crimes that they had no evidence of. With just Liang Jinmin¡¯s identification of him as a suspect and their lack of evidence, they had no chance of being able to convict Lin Xun of anything.


    The sinners are at large; the dead was now buried in the yellow springs; the survivors walked out of a dense fog and are now trying their best to live under the sun.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao entered their dreams several times, and Zhou Sheng would always watch the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°Whose dream do you want to enter?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, it¡¯s not like I can get in anyway.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say much.


    Yu Hao knew that he wanted to enter Lin Xun¡¯s dream, and force him to confess everything through seizing his dream back. But Yu Hao felt conflicted from the depths of his heart about ¡°redeeming sinners¡±. He would prefer to let Lin Xun languish and suffer his punishment rather than redeem him. Compared with Gabriel, who brought enlightenment to all, he preferred to be Uriel, the one who governed Punishment and Wrath.


    As they approached the day of their final examinations, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t offer any further comments on the case. But Yu Hao could tell that he felt dissatisfied, and he himself felt the same. As the CET-4 and CET-6 approached, Zhou Sheng said something out of the norm, ¡°Study ba. Tutor me a little. I¡¯ll pass the CET-4.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was exceptionally serious this semester, and rarely skipped class. Aside from attending classes, he spent most of his time training on a bicycle in the simulation room. On Saturdays, he would go train at the racecourse downtown. Yu Hao tutored Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun in English in the evenings, and once in awhile Zhou Sheng would even teach him Higher Mathematics. Yu Hao spent practically all of his remaining free time on the part-time translation work that Chen Yekai had introduced to him. There were so many reports of human crimes and cases caused by psychological problems that Yu Hao began feeling a bit disillusioned about life.


    Is this world really that dark? Then what about my surroundings? Yu Hao was completely immersed in the innumerable atrocious criminal records that he was reading.


    ¡°Lin Xun has been detained!¡± One day, after Fu Liqun returned to the dormitory, he brought with him the latest news in the college, ¡°Embezzlement of project funds, he¡¯s that bold? Embezzlement right after he arrived?¡±


    Yu Hao had already learned from Huang Ting that Lin Xun was temporarily detained for the embezzlement of project funds and would be prosecuted for it. But there was still no progress for the murder case. Meanwhile, the college helped Lin Xun apply for bail pending his trial.


    ¡°He still wants a bail pending trial?¡± Yu Hao uttered in disbelief, ¡°It can¡¯t be ba?!¡±


    Fu Liqun sighed, ¡°There¡¯s no conclusion regarding the domestic violence case. Evil people really don¡¯t get their retribution.¡±


    Yu Hao had already finished translating half of his reports, and his head spun for a moment. He should be able to submit the scripts within the stipulated time limit, but after he heard this news, he couldn¡¯t feel the slightest bit happy.


    Zhou Sheng returned to the dormitory drenched in sweat. Today, the first heat wave hit Ying city. He was bare chested and only wore a pair of skin-tight cycling pants. His hair was so drenched in sweat that it all stuck up like a hedgehog¡¯s, and he went straight into the bathroom to take a bath.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Do you know about Lin Xun?¡±


    ¡°I saw him!¡± Zhou Sheng answered from the bathroom.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was obviously in a bad mood today. Yu Hao motioned to Fu Liqun to not mention it anymore. Everyone knew that Zhou Sheng really disliked Lin Xun, and the matter regarding Lin Xun¡¯s domestic abuse of Liang Jinmin had gradually spread too. There were some who said that Lin Xun cooked up imaginary charges to frame Chen Yekai and had forced Chen Yekai away as well. This week, Lin Xun returned to the college with a low profile, yet the rumours were still animatedly discussed throughout the entire college for a while.


    Yu Hao thought that Lin Xun¡¯s case would probably be given a suspended sentence, and he might even think of ways to take revenge against him and Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted from the bathroom.


    Yu Hao responded, turning his head, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come over for awhile.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°To take your underwear?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer, so Yu Hao stood up and went over. The bathroom door was half open, while Zhou Sheng¡¯s upper body was exposed and revealed his back that was covered in droplets of water. His cold water shower gave his body a slight chill that assaulted Yu Hao¡¯s face.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi wants to see us.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°She asked us out for dinner tomorrow.¡±


    On the second day of Lin Xun¡¯s bail, Liang Jinmin finally invited them out.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Are you going?¡±


    ¡°I need to make a trip to the organising committee.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They want the players to have a meeting tonight to introduce the topography of the race course and the rules we have to take note of, so I¡¯m not going. You go ba, listen to what she has to say.¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng put on a pair of sports pants without wearing any underwear, ¡°Wear some expensive clothes when you go.¡±


    Yu Hao took a T-shirt and handed it to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng put it on with a dazed expression, and his hair was wet. Yu Hao dried his hair for him. Zhou Sheng wanted to take the towel, but Yu Hao didn¡¯t give it to him. Zhou Sheng lit up a cigarette and sat on a chair in the balcony as he entered a trance.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What about Lin Xun?¡±


    ¡°Same old.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of any revenge he might take; at most we¡¯ll just have to drop out of this school. I¡¯ll take you away and we can go somewhere else to study.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s not that bold.¡±


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t go that far ba.¡± Fu Liqun was unaware of how they had besieged Lin Xun, ¡°Lin Xun doesn¡¯t like you for sure, but isn¡¯t that quite trivial?¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡± and didn¡¯t say anything more. He looked at Yu Hao, ¡°Go ba, change into something better and wax your hair a little.¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    ¡°There aren¡¯t any instant noodles left in the dorm¡­Young Madam, are you attending a banquet?!¡± Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Bring me some¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately sat upright with a reproachful gaze. Fu Liqun realised that he had made a blunder and immediately shut up. Yu Hao was opening the wardrobe to look for clothes and hadn¡¯t heard the first half of Fu Liqun¡¯s sentence, ¡°I¡¯ll remember to bring some food back for you!¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± When Fu Liqun met Zhou Sheng¡¯s infuriated gaze, he knew that he was really angry now. He had been careless when he spoke, so he immediately turned meek.


    Yu Hao went to wax his hair in front of the mirror. Fu Liqun quickly helped him curry some favour, while Zhou Sheng casually observed Yu Hao from the side. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Is this okay?¡±


    ¡°Go ba, I¡¯ll buy the instant noodles on my way back.¡± Zhou Sheng put out his cigarette and said calmly, ¡°Little fox looks pretty handsome.¡±


    Their dinner venue was at the top floor of the tallest building in Ying city ¡ª a very high-end Japanese restaurant. Yu Hao thought to himself that it was fortunate Zhou Sheng had reminded him, so he was wearing the best clothes he owned. Otherwise, he probably wouldn¡¯t even be able to make it through the entrance. He went in and reported the number of the private room. He thought that Chen Yekai would have come as well, but he was unexpectedly absent.


    Aside from Liang Jinmin, there was another middle-aged woman wearing plain clothes who was treating him to dinner too. Liang Jinmin didn¡¯t wear sunglasses today. She had light make-up on and was wearing a beautiful pearl necklace.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Liang Jinmin smiled, then got up and hugged Yu Hao.


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time formally speaking with Liang Jinmin face to face. When he saw how enthusiastic she was, he really wasn¡¯t very used to it. The other middle-aged woman stood up and shook hands with Yu Hao. Liang Jinmin introduced, ¡°She¡¯s Wang Hongyan.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Wang Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao thought, why do I feel like I¡¯ve seen that name somewhere before? Then he uttered an ¡°ah¡± and immediately said, ¡°You¡¯re¡­¡­you¡¯re¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Remember now?¡± Wang Hongyan smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve always been waiting for your call, but never received it. Ai¡ª¡ªyou must have forgotten me by now!¡±


    Yu Hao hurriedly apologised. Wang Hongyan was the NPC¡¯s representative who passed him her name card before Shi Ni left!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng told me.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I¡¯ll invite him out again next time. Yu Hao, what do you prefer to eat?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Anything is fine, I¡¯m not picky.¡±


    Liang Jinmin ordered some dishes, and the Japanese food here was extremely exquisite. The three of them chatted idly for awhile. Wang Hongyan¡¯s attire didn¡¯t seem as luxurious as Liang Jinmin¡¯s, yet she still had a very elegant demeanour. She expressed an unusual amount of concern and praise for him, while on the contrary, Liang Jinmin spoke little.


    Yu Hao was asked so many questions that it was as if he was meeting an enthusiastic parent on a blind date. Wang Hongyan asked about his grades, his hobbies, how he has been getting along with the students in his school, and when she asked him about his parents, Liang Jinmin said, ¡°That¡¯s enough, Hongyan, are you trying to marry your daughter off?¡±


    Wang Hongyan laughed and joked, ¡°Now that you mention it, I really do like that idea. This young man is so handsome.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, please no! He thought in his heart that Liang Jinmin probably knew about his family situation, so she helped him out with appropriate timing. He tossed Liang Jinmin a grateful glance that Liang Jinmin returned with a gentle smile.


    ¡°Last question.¡± Wang Hongyan said, ¡°Yu Hao, what do you intend to do after graduation?¡±


    ¡°My freshman year¡¯s not over yet.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought that far.¡±


    Liang Jinmin teased, ¡°You¡¯re trying to snare a talent already?¡±


    ¡°You should at least have an ideal ba?¡±


    ¡°Ideal¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao had never considered it before, but for some reason, he suddenly said at this time, ¡°I hope to emit light that can illuminate dark places ba?¡± After experiencing the past two events, he began feeling like the light from a firefly ¡ª the light he could emit was truly too dim.


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯re a really great person.¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°It should be Zhou Sheng, he¡¯s the most amazing one. Although he¡¯s a little¡­¡­ruffian-like, a bit sloppy, and always acts on impulse, but I think that he¡¯s as dazzling as the sun.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Then I imagine you as the moon. You can¡¯t look straight at the sun, but you can at the moon.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It can only reflect the light of the sun.¡±


    Wang Hongyan was a little surprised that Yu Hao would actually give her such an answer. But for Yu Hao himself, this vague and strange idea only emerged from the bottom of his heart tonight.


    Wang Hongyan said, ¡°That¡¯s very difficult, but it¡¯s very worth it to pursue as well.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°But unfortunately, there¡¯s too much evil that we are powerless to prosecute ¡ª even society can¡¯t manage to.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± Yu Hao knew that Liang Jinmin was talking about Lin Xun.


    Liang Jinmin was slightly taken aback. She stared at Yu Hao earnestly and seemed like she wanted to say something, yet held back.


    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Wang Hongyan said, ¡°Yu Hao, I took the liberty to come meet you today because I hoped that you could do me a favour. I was wondering if you could help me sort out some details regarding your understanding of Shi Ni¡¯s case. Of course, all of the names will be hidden, and your signature will be included. It¡¯ll be used as the basis of my proposal.¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll write it out for you once I get back.¡±


    ¡°Consider it first.¡± Wang Hongyan picked up her bag and said, ¡°It¡¯s not urgent. I¡¯m sorry, I still have another appointment, so I have to take my leave now.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Get Xiao Kai to send you over? He¡¯ll be here in awhile.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Wang Hongyan, ¡°I¡¯ll hail a cab.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got up to send her off, yet Wang Hongyan waved her hand and left.


    Only he and Liang Jinmin remained as they faced each other. After a short moment of silence, Liang Jinmin suddenly said, ¡°Thank you, Yu Hao. I¡¯d like to hear your true thoughts.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao asked, baffled, while getting nervous at the same time. He thought, it can¡¯t be ba, I only brought you out of your subconscious, we didn¡¯t even meet each other ah. We got seen through just like that??


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Nicky tell you?¡± On the contrary, Liang Jinmin was a little surprised, then realisation dawned upon her and she explained, ¡°Right now, we can¡¯t do anything to Lin Xun, so it¡¯s very likely that he¡¯ll continue to hold his post in the college. I understand Dean Ning Yu¡¯s thoughts very well, and I don¡¯t plan on saying anything either. Embezzlement of project funds¡­would only get us so far.¡±


    ¡°Nicky¡¯s Alma mater, Zhongshan University, has also offered me a contract as they want to add another course to their curriculum. But since they didn¡¯t invite Lin Laoshi at that time, and I had decided to follow him to Ying city, I rejected their offer in the end. Now, I¡¯ve decided to take up a post there and take charge of some graduate students who study anthropology. And Nicky will be applying to be a doctoral candidate under one of my friends.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Congratulations!¡±


    Liang Jinmin smiled and explained, ¡°But Lin Xun would definitely bide his time and take revenge against you two. What I was hoping for was to help arrange a transfer for you guys, or for the two of you to retake your college entrance examination. The faculty in this college isn¡¯t that strong after all. Nicky is willing to pay for your undergraduate course fees¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Liang Jinmin, ¡°Ryuusei was my favourite student. Nicky has always felt very lonely after he lost him, and I¡¯m glad that he has a friend like you.¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­he may need a new life and a lover who can accompany him for life.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It¡¯s just that, I don¡¯t think that person will be me.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 67 - Talk in the Night

    Ch67 ¨C Talk in the Night


    ¡°Then, what about a new school and environment?¡± Liang Jinmin asked.


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    Yu Hao understood the implication. With Liang Jinmin¡¯s care, after he retakes the college entrance examination, as long as he passes the admission cut-off point, the college would admit him with her help. The reallocation of his major afterwards would proceed smoothly as well. And more importantly, after he finished his studies, he would be able to obtain a university degree!


    ¡°I¡¯ve asked Zhou Sheng.¡± Liang Jinmin, ¡°Zhou Sheng has already given me a reply, but he said that he didn¡¯t want to influence your decision, so I wanted to hear your thoughts first.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, no wonder Zhou Sheng would suddenly say something like that today.


    ¡°Depends on Zhou Sheng ba.¡± It only took Yu Hao a short moment to think it through, and he continued, ¡°If he wants to drop out and retake the exam, then it¡¯s not a big deal for me to go elsewhere. It¡¯s just that¡­¡­I think, studying in this college doesn¡¯t mean that I won¡¯t have a future path. If I do well, I can take the postgraduate examination at one of the first-tier universities.¡±


    For a long time Yu Hao hadn¡¯t been able to imagine his future, prospects, or his ideal life. But now, it all suddenly became clear.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t have an opinion on it.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It¡¯s just that, I¡¯m not very good at expressing myself. My thoughts tend to be similar to Zhou Sheng¡¯s; only he can express it more clearly. After we graduate, if we have the opportunity to apply to be a graduate student under you and my grades meet the criteria, you¡¯ll accept me too, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Liang Jinmin smiled, ¡°I understand now. I have nothing else I can offer you guys to show my gratitude. I just thought that I should at least exert my humble efforts to the utmost in order to protect two kids who are about to endure a retaliation from evil because they protected me.¡±


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    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Liang Laoshi.¡±


    Liang Jinmin was stunned.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Will it end just like that? You intend to make a clean break from your past, right? You plan to stay far away from him for the rest of your life and forget your past so that you won¡¯t be hurt again?¡±


    Liang Jinmin continued staring at Yu Hao in a daze.


    Yu Hao knew the reason for this in his heart ¡ª¡ª Liang Jinmin has not been able to defeat the metallic monster entrenched in her dreamscape¡¯s city until now.


    ¡°There must be a way.¡± Yu Hao thought about it for awhile, ¡°I think, this may not be over yet¡­¡­¡± He frowned and shook his head. He had the nagging sensation that he had overlooked something which could completely could completely turn their situation around. If there was really nothing he could do, then so be it. It¡¯s not like he would be unable to accept reality when confronted with hopelessness.


    But he has a hunch that things could still take a favourable turn.


    If only I was as smart as Zhou Sheng¡­¡­Yu Hao has repeatedly discussed this case with Zhou Sheng over and over again, but their answers arrived at the same conclusion each time.


    While they spoke, the waiter pulled open the partition and Chen Yekai came in.


    ¡°Sorry, I came late.¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Are you almost finished with your meal? I¡¯m starving, let me eat a little first.¡±


    Liang Jinmin¡¯s expression returned to normal and she seemed to consider Yu Hao¡¯s words. Yu Hao passed the menu to Chen Yekai and asked him to order. Chen Yekai was wearing a navy shirt that he hadn¡¯t worn in a long time and a pair of black casual pants. A fragrant, refreshing cologne scent wafted from his body, mixed with the warmth of his body in summer, thoroughly revealing the sex appeal of an intellectual.


    ¡°What were you talking about?¡± Chen Yekai ordered sushi, ¡°This restaurant¡¯s uni is quite good. Yu Hao, have a taste.¡±


    ¡°Just some idle conversation.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It was nothing important.¡±


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    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Nicky, Yu Hao doesn¡¯t want to restart his undergraduate course in your Alma mater.¡±


    ¡°I guessed as much.¡± Chen Yekai arduously swallowed his sushi, took a sip of his tea, and said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t want to return to my Alma mater either. I¡¯ve decided to stay here, Liang Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°No no, please do whatever you want!¡±


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


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    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Liang Jinmin seemed a little disheartened, and could only nod.


    ¡°Do you want to bring some food back for Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao saw that the cost of the sushi in this restaurant started from 128 per pair. He hastily said, ¡°No need. Zhou Sheng must have eaten already, and I can just get some scallion pancakes for Fu Liqun¡­¡­¡±


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    ¡°Nicky.¡± Liang Jinmin suddenly said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai continued flipping through the menu and didn¡¯t look at Liang Jinmin, ¡°I¡¯ll order ba, it¡¯s my treat today.¡± As he spoke, he called for the bill.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    After Liang Jinmin called for Chen Yekai, she fell silent again. For a moment, the three said nothing. After the waiter came over, Chen Yekai ordered some takeout and smiled as he lowered his head to message Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Yu Hao, you na¡­¡­¡± The corners of Chen Yekai¡¯s lips were slightly upturned.


    ¡°What is it, Chen Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao asked uneasily.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me Chen Laoshi anymore.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I resigned a long time ago, just call me whatever ba. In any case, I don¡¯t want to hear the title ¡®laoshi¡¯ anymore, I¡¯m tired.¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Yu Hao laughed. He suddenly noticed that Liang Jinmin, who had just been sitting quietly, now seemed to have unshed tears glimmering in her eyes.


    After the takeout was delivered to their table, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll send the both of you back.¡±


    Chen Yekai went to get the car while Yu Hao and Liang Jinmin stood under a street lamp. At night, all the office buildings in this business district were lit up, seeming like towering crystals in the dark.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, Yu Hao.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who doesn¡¯t understand.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head to the side and looked into Liang Jinmin¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°When I was unconscious, I saw an Archangel with pure white wings dressed in a black suit, as well as a warrior clad in armour.¡± Liang Jinmin looked at the busy roads and said in a daze, ¡°The Archangel looked like you, while the other warrior wore a helmet that covered his face. The two of you held a lamp and guided me out of the darkness¡­¡­perhaps, that was some kind of providence ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai drove up and stopped at the curb, ¡°Let¡¯s go pick up Zhou Sheng on the way later? He¡¯s not far from here.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to get into the car when Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Wait. Yu Hao, Nicky, would you guys be willing to come to my house for a drink?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai, and Chen Yekai also had a slightly baffled expression. He didn¡¯t know why Liang Jinmin would suddenly extend such an invitation.


    ¡°Just like before.¡± Liang Jinmin said.


    ¡°I can, depending on Yu Hao.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°His reply would definitely be ¡®it depends on Zhou Sheng¡¯. Let¡¯s decide after we pick him up.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You understand me too well.¡±


    Yu Hao got in the car. Chen Yekai started driving and crossed two intersections, then picked up Zhou Sheng in front of a hotel. Zhou Sheng was carrying a sports bag slung over one shoulder and had just attended a reception in the hotel. After he heard it, he said, ¡°Okay ah, Liang Laoshi. First time meeting you, do treat me kindly.¡±


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    Liang Jinmin smiled as she nodded at him. Chen Yekai drove past the back of the college and passed through a road with no street lamps. A bright moon appeared between the mountains on the horizon, its silver light spilling over all the earth.


    This was the townhouse with its own courtyard that the college had prepared for Lin Xun. It was separated from the college by a mountain, and the buildings faced each other across a distance.


    The house was extremely spacious, and it had already been cleaned by someone. Liang Jinmin turned on the floor lamp and a warm yellow glow flooded the room.


    ¡°What do you guys want to drink?¡± Liang Jinmin asked, ¡°Whisky? Nicky, don¡¯t drive later. Call a cab instead.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had a tour of the wine cabinet in Liang Jinmin¡¯s house. ¡°Yo, Liang Laoshi, you have quite a collection of good wine.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said lightly, ¡°Just open whichever you take a fancy to ba. It probably isn¡¯t as good as the wine you¡¯ve had, but do put up with it.¡±


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    Yu Hao used his gaze as a signal, and Zhou Sheng nodded, ¡°This bottle costs over 4,000.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember that there¡¯s a bottle of Macallan, I¡¯ll drink that ba. Do you want some too, Young Master Zhou?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t really mind what wine I drink, just don¡¯t open something too expensive.¡±


    ¡°Open this bottle of Canadian Ice wine.¡± Zhou Sheng knew that Yu Hao was afraid that it would be a waste, so he said, ¡°It¡¯s not expensive, a little over a thousand. I¡¯ll mix something up for you. It¡¯s sweet, so you can just treat it as fruit juice.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately motioned ¡®okay, that one then¡¯ and thought of Fu Liqun who was back at their dormitory still waiting for his dinner¡­¡­yet he himself was accompanying them here to drink wines that cost tens of thousands of yuan. It really fits the proverb ¡®while the rich wine and dine, the poor die of cold by the roadside¡¯.


    Chen Yekai poured a glass of wine for Liang Jinmin, then he, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao sat on the sofa. Chen Yekai and Liang Jinmin were sitting on single-person sofas, while Zhou Sheng leaned against a long sofa and left a seat for Yu Hao.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    Under the warm light of the floor lamp, Liang Jinmin lit a cigarette and exhaled a puff of smoke gracefully.


    ¡°For Takin.¡± Liang Jinmin raised her glass slightly in the darkness unlit by the floor lamp.


    ¡°For Takin.¡± The rest raised their glasses one after another.


    ¡°What does Laoshi want to talk about today?¡± Chen Yekai swirled the wine in his glass gently, and the ball of ice in his glass collided against the walls of the glass with a crisp sound.


    Yu Hao drank a sip of the ice wine that Zhou Sheng mixed for him. It was quite sweet, but not too sweet, and tasted really good. He cast his eyes around the room, paying attention to the furnishings, and was struck by the thought that in the past, Lin Xun had abused Liang Jinmin in this very house and hit her with such force that she lost consciousness, then dragged her to the garage, and placed her in the passenger seat to fabricate a car accident.


    After the accident, Huang Ting promptly sealed this house off and had undertaken a thorough investigation of every corner in this house. Unexpectedly, nothing was found.


    Yu Hao thought, could there have been some clues that had been overlooked? But with the professionalism of the police, if they couldn¡¯t find anything after checking it thoroughly, then it was even less likely for him to find anything.


    Just as he was thinking about it, Zhou Sheng lifted his leg and gently nudged Yu Hao. His gaze seemed to convey that he had something he wanted to say. Yu Hao understood immediately ¡ª Zhou Sheng had the same thought as him right now. He hasn¡¯t given up yet either.


    ¡°To talk about my failure of a life.¡± Liang Jinmin set down her glass and said lightly, ¡°To talk about the understanding and feelings us mayfly-like individuals have towards fate, within this vast world, throughout the history of human civilisation.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin today¡¯s lesson with one of Delphi¡¯s oracle ba. There¡¯s a famous inscription on the Temple of Apollo: know thyself. What does being human mean? Are souls good or evil by nature? We slaughter one another in this world and launch crusades, on large scales that could encompass an entire ethnic group and country, or on small scales that could involve just one family¡­¡­¡±


    Lighting, wine, sofas¡­¡­in this dead of night, Yu Hao could vaguely imagine Liang Jinmin¡¯s late-night classes discussing topics ranging from the bricks of ancient civilizations, to firearms and war in the steam age; from Maya in the Pre-Classical Age to China¡¯s Yin and Shang dynasties, from Alexander the Great to Genghis Khan; from Tutankhamun¡¯s golden statue to Napoleon¡¯s Battle of Waterloo¡­¡­that all glisten in the grand river of history, just like a dream ¡ª vast and boundless, with no end in sight.


    And the power of knowledge, which guides human beings to transcend individual limitations, stands at the end of this river, overseeing all the scenes of carnage while shrouded in fog.


    Using mainstream academic theories, Liang Jinmin spoke about the beginning of the universe to the birth of stars, then about the energy released by nuclear fusion; the melting of ice into water and photosynthesis of plants that provide the prerequisites for the birth of intelligent lifeforms on a planet, then to the legends of the sun god in various civilizations. Therefore, the sun was worshipped as the Supreme God in ancient civilization, and ¡®light¡¯ was also considered as the origin of all living things.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    This was the first time Yu Hao listened to a lecture through this sort of method. Liang Jinmin maintained the salon method of teaching that she used abroad as she spoke to them about everything under the sun. Chen Yekai would occasionally express his views, and Zhou Sheng also became engrossed in listening to her. For a moment, the two of them forgot what they were most concerned about and were immersed in the sea of Liang Jinmin¡¯s knowledge.


    Yu Hao suddenly felt a little regret for actually rejecting Liang Jinmin¡¯s offer to transfer to another school. If he studied under a teacher like her, he might actually become quite an erudite person.


    ¡°¡­¡­under the influence of this phototaxis.¡± Liang Jinmin said in the end, ¡°We live in the day, and when we fall asleep and enter our dreams at night, our dreams release the most primitive desires in our heart that are hidden in our imperceptible personalities. Our personalities are moulded from the impressions we formed of the environment we grew up in, as well as of the world and of ourselves.¡±


    Chen Yekai added, ¡°That¡¯s one of the more influential views in the field of psychology at present.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liang Jinmin nodded, ¡°Take myself as an example: my family has always been filled with violence. My father was a frustrated intellectual. Because his brother stayed in the United States, he was strongly criticised and treated unfairly in the 1970s. On the other hand, my mother was the descendant of landowners. My maternal grandparents¡¯ entire family fled to Hong Kong, and only my mother stayed behind for my father. You guys didn¡¯t live through that era, so you can¡¯t understand what that meant¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve read a little about it.¡± Yu Hao recalled the reports he translated, and some had included the history of that period.


    Liang Jinmin smiled slightly, ¡°My parents have two daughters, and I was the younger one. Ever since I was able to comprehend things, my family was saturated with omnipresent violence. My father even suffered from severe hysteria¡­¡­¡±


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°Dissociative disorder.¡± Chen Yekai explained to Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, ¡°Also known as hysteria.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said calmly, ¡°My father would beat our mother and us throughout the night. My mother submitted meekly to the maltreatment, while my sister and I were always filled with dread. We would always look forward to the advent of morning, when the sun would rise¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­but whenever the storm passed, my father would resume his intellectual and gentle self. He taught us how to read and study and always urged us to take our studies seriously¡­¡­I couldn¡¯t even tell which one was the real him. It was as if he had been split into two sides ¡ª a God and a Devil. Whenever the sun set, our nightmares would begin. In that era, mental illness was not taken seriously, and many people in China didn¡¯t even have any knowledge in this area at all.¡±


    ¡°Later on, I thought about it. Throughout my married life with Lin Xun, the psychological shadow cast over my heart because of my own family may have affected my entire life.¡± Liang Jinmin took out a second cigarette from the cigarette pack. Zhou Sheng took out a lighter and lit it for her.


    ¡°But of course, that is a story for another time.¡± Liang Jinmin continued, ¡°After we grew up a little, our father¡¯s violence alleviated. From his face, you could see the kind of disappointment and desolation that a middle-aged man would have upon realizing that he wouldn¡¯t be able to change his circumstances. But when he was seriously ill and bedridden, he would still call our mother over to scold and hit her from time to time. One day, my elder sister couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. When we were washing the dishes, she put down the dishes, stuffed my mouth, tied me to a chair with a belt, then walked silently over to the bed and suffocated him to death with rubber gloves.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    It was also Chen Yekai¡¯s first time hearing Liang Jinmin describe her past, and he was momentarily speechless.


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    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your elder sister didn¡¯t want to drag you down with her, so she tied you up.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Yes. But that incident didn¡¯t cause too much trouble. My father had a brain tumour and often had hysterical thoughts that people wanted to harm him. During his final days, he had already deteriorated to the point where he couldn¡¯t even fall asleep anymore. When news of his death spread, it was clear that everyone ¡ª including our neighbours and relatives ¡ª was relieved.


    ¡°Later on, my elder sister married, and my mother lived with her. My maternal grandparents who fled to Hong Kong had already passed away, and my two uncles found my mother and gave her a large inheritance from their father. That inheritance was enough for us to live a very good life. I got into college and met Lin Xun. At that time, he was absolutely dashing, and though his appearance was merely average and his family background wasn¡¯t considered excellent, he had a quality to him that I found impossible to stay away from.¡±


    ¡°The air of an intellectual.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Liang Jinmin said to Chen Yekai, ¡°The temperament of a scholar is also very evident in you. That kind of air would infatuate many women.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Looks like I don¡¯t have it.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Take note, that is just one characteristic of a human. The number of books someone reads has little to do with whether or not they¡¯re kind.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Loyal people are the ones who slaughter dogs, while heartless ones are scholars.¡±


    Everyone laughed.


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°It¡¯s not appropriate to generalise across any group.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a joke.¡± Chen Yekai laughed.


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I felt it from Lin Xun ¡ª the kind of romanticism when my father would teach my sister and I how to read in the afternoon, the same kind of frustrated intellectual temperament, and a kind of silent pride. To openly possess nothing, yet always in pursuit of freedom in one¡¯s thoughts and soul¡­¡­¡±


    Liang Jinmin pulled out a drawer in the coffee table, rummaged through it, and took out a framed photograph. She passed it around to the others ¡ª the picture was of Lin Xun and Liang Jinmin when they had just arrived at Stanford University in San Francisco, and they were standing in front of the college¡¯s gate.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 68.1 - The Key

    Ch68.1 ¨C The Key


    ¡°Despite the objections of my elder sister, I sponsored Lin Xun.¡± Liang Jinmin said. ¡°At that time, I firmly believed that he was my soulmate for life. I felt a brilliant sunlight illuminate my soul every day I spent with him, and even now when I recall it, it really was wonderful. Yu Hao, you said that I don¡¯t understand, and I truly don¡¯t. Or you could say that from the bottom of my heart, I had never been willing to admit my cowardice. And it was this cowardice that caused me to sink into an endless cycle of the ¡®tragedy of life¡¯¡­¡­¡±


    The living room became quiet. Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to cry, yet he couldn¡¯t help but shed tears. He could empathise with how much Liang Jinmin had loved Lin Xun at that time, yet when he thought of the Liang Jinmin of today, he felt an incomparable sadness.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes had also reddened, and the faint sound of him drawing a breath could be heard.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao. Liang Jinmin drew out a tissue and handed it to Yu Hao. She smiled, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Liang Laoshi. It was too presumptuous of me to have said that.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Come, have some chocolate.¡± And as she spoke, she took out some premium chocolates from the coffee table and gave it to them.


    ¡°Lin Xun and I supported each other. We left our homes and went to San Francisco to study; just like what a marriage vow says ¡ª for better or worse, in sickness and in health, whether young and beautiful or old and wrinkly, we always supported and depended on each other in hard times.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Later on, my elder sister died of lung cancer four years later. And the prelude to the start of many trivial conflicts in our marriage began.¡±


    Yu Hao listened to Liang Jinmin recall every small detail of the bloody reality and conflicts between her and Lin Xun ¡ª all of which had taken on the form of the knives, axes, blades, saws, and hammers on the huge metallic monster¡¯s robotic arms in her dreamscape. The image of Lin Xun and her father gradually overlapped and became difficult to differentiate.


    ¡°A girl who had witnessed so much domestic violence in her childhood had also fallen into an endless cycle of tragedy when she grew up.¡± Liang Jinmin sighed, ¡°Is that a kind of habit? Or yearning? It¡¯s really humiliating for me to analyse myself, but tonight, I¡¯m willing to bare my soul in its entirety under the illumination of your sunlight and moonlight, and accept judgement.¡±


    Zhou Sheng adjusted his posture on the sofa and laughed, ¡°Sunlight?¡±


    Liang Jinmin nodded, ¡°I¡¯m a pessimist. Nietzsche mentioned in¡¶The Birth of Tragedy¡·that endless cycles of tragedy actually provide a kind of aesthetic attitude towards life, so that we can obtain the final liberation. Ryuusei once said frankly that in my subconscious, because of the psychological shadows that originated from my own family history, there was a sort of imperceptible self-pity within that made it difficult for me to escape this cycle of events.¡±


    ¡°Secondly, I think, my tolerance of Lin Xun originated from a feeling of guilt and indebtedness that I felt after witnessing my elder sister killing my father that night. Accepting my husband¡¯s repeated acts of violence and enduring them had turned into my atonement.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°If I was the one to put you on trial, I would have only one sentence, ¡®they all deserve to die¡¯.¡±


    Liang Jinmin looked at Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t express any opinions and just said, ¡°Go on.¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I grew up in that kind of environment and was accustomed to it. My mother told me that all couples, everywhere in the world, will quarrel and may even resort to violence. And at one time, I also unquestioningly believed that to be true. After adolescence, I once told myself that I would never get married¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just like me.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll be like my dad and won¡¯t be able to restrain myself one day.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng.


    Liang Jinmin laughed, ¡°But love is beyond anyone¡¯s control. On numerous occasions I¡¯ve convinced myself to muster the courage and usher in a new life, and I even finally took that step. But I didn¡¯t expect that with that one step, I had stepped straight into an abyss¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°When Lin Xun knelt down to beg for my forgiveness after the first time he hit me, I was still convincing myself that it was a normal occurrence in marriage, though I knew it couldn¡¯t be.¡± Liang Jinmin lit up her third cigarette, ¡°I always thought that all couples everywhere in this world were like my parents. I couldn¡¯t imagine what having a happy and blissful family would be like. Afterwards, it was Nicky and Takin¡¯s love which made me realise that a person could be so understanding of their own lover, making it possible for them to grow old together with absolute devotion to each other.¡±


    Chen Yekai laughed bitterly and shook his head.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± An idea slowly began to surface in Yu Hao¡¯s mind, but he couldn¡¯t quite grasp it. He was waiting, waiting for the moment it finally became clear.


    ¡°If there¡¯s anything else, then I think it should be love ba.¡± Liang Jinmin closed her eyes, ¡°That day, when I was talking to Nicky about the future, I decided to make up for my mistakes and devote the rest of my life to my work. But not long after I got home, the incident as you know it occurred¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember you said at that time that you would make preparations.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Liang Jinmin answered as she rubbed between her eyebrows with her ring finger, ¡°But a lot of things that happened during those three days seems disjointed now, and I can¡¯t really recall much.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression suddenly turned stern, yet he didn¡¯t interject and instead glanced at Yu Hao. At this time, Yu Hao chose to remain silent.


    After a seemingly endless silence, Liang Jinmin continued, ¡°Yu Hao said today that I didn¡¯t understand. And yes. Perhaps, in the depths of my heart, I still have lingering foolish love and expectations of him, that¡¯s holding me back and sealing off a portion of my memories¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re subconsciously hindering yourself.¡± Yu Hao picked up the frame and scrutinised the picture of Liang Jinmin and Lin Xun, ¡°You don¡¯t want him imprisoned, even though he tried to murder you, right?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡± Liang Jinmin opened her eyes and said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao, it¡¯s no use blaming Liang Laoshi. We can¡¯t control our subconscious¡­¡­¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°It¡¯s okay. That¡¯s the reason I wanted to talk to you guys too. Over all these years, I may have never really understood myself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So after you woke up in the hospital that day, you¡¯ve been trying to recall what happened?¡±


    Liang Jinmin nodded, ¡°Yes. The doctor believes that the gaps in my memory are a result of my long-term coma. I have been thinking about it all day. Nicky and Officer Huang Ting suggested that I could wait, but only I know the real reason is that I have deliberately forgotten those memories.¡±


    The living room fell into a long silence. The lit cigarette in Liang Jinmin¡¯s hand had been burnt till its end.


    ¡°To finish off, let¡¯s make some slight adjustments to Nietzsche¡¯s argument to conclude today¡¯s lesson ba.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Under the light of the Sun God, everything shows a beautiful appearance. It changes the essence of tragedy, eliminating the pain and deranged aspects, and reflects an exceptionally beautiful light ¡ª that is our understanding of ourselves.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finished his wine and set the glass down. He was still thinking as he looked at Yu Hao again.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What else did you talk about the day you two met at the cafe?¡±


    Liang Jinmin was immersed in her thoughts and didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°At that time, I thought the evidence you had might not be strong enough. I remember Liang Laoshi said,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°¡®Then I¡¯ll go back and continue collecting evidence until it¡¯s enough to send him to prison.¡¯¡±


    Liang Jinmin said, ¡°I believe that was what I said at that time, but my recollection of it is poor.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This is just my inference. Huang Ting¡¯s analysis of this was, if Liang Laoshi¡¯s last thoughts before losing consciousness were about the location of the concealed evidence, then the moment she lost consciousness could have caused that memory to¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Break.¡± Zhou Sheng continued.


    Liang Jinmin nodded, ¡°When I was going over what had happened and recording my testimony, I still remember Lin Xun said something to me before he knocked me unconscious, but I can¡¯t remember what it was.¡±


    Her eyeliner was smudged because of her tears. She put down her empty wine glass and walked to the bathroom.


    When Yu Hao heard her last sentence, a myriad of impressions flashed through his mind and suddenly connected ¡ª¡ª speculating from the scenes he witnessed in her dreamscape, how Liang Jinmin struggled as she fought against the metallic monster, and within her consciousness, the metallic monster had seized something that could protect her, an item that could not be destroyed¡­¡­


    He looked down at the photo within the frame. Within an instant, Lin Xun¡¯s face and that metallic monster overlapped! That ¡°evidence¡±, he had seen it in the subconscious!


    It was a wooden Maya sculpture! At that time, Yu Hao thought it seemed really strange. Why would it be the only glowing object within the entire subconscious!


    When he thought of this, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but widen his eyes and tremble slightly.


    ¡°What did you think of?¡± Zhou Sheng was the first to notice Yu Hao¡¯s change in demeanour.


    Chen Yekai frowned and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°Has there ever been a decorative wood carving in this house?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t expect Yu Hao to suddenly ask that.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi!¡± Yu Hao immediately got up, ¡°Do you remember a wood carving? About this big, dark brown, Mayan style¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai immediately got up and followed Yu Hao. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember now! That was the artefact Ryuusei and I brought back four years ago as a gift for Liang Laoshi¡­¡­¡±


    Liang Jinmin came out of the bathroom with a towel in her hand. When she heard those words, she suddenly began trembling involuntarily.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi?¡± Up until now, Yu Hao still hasn¡¯t understood the significance of the wood carving, but the moment Zhou Sheng saw Liang Jinmin¡¯s expression, he knew that Yu Hao had finally found a vital clue.


    ¡°Think about it slowly, don¡¯t rush¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Liang Laoshi! Don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Liang Laoshi!¡±


    ¡°Liang Laoshi!¡±


    Liang Jinmin¡¯s eyes were wide open, and her face had turned ghastly pale.


    ¡°I remember now. In the end, he said that, to collect¡­¡­what evidence? You can¡¯t hide¡­¡­hide your plans¡­¡­from me¡­¡­¡± Liang Jinmin said in a trembling voice, then fainted as if she had just suffered a blow to her mental state. Chen Yekai and Yu Hao jumped up in fright. They quickly supported her, and the situation was chaotic for a moment. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Take her in, quickly¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai carried her into the bedroom. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s that wood carving? Kaikai! Do you remember what it looks like?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai placed Liang Jinmin properly on the bed, and everyone became nervous.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not in the living room, I already looked over that place just now!¡±


    ¡°It should be in the living room.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It was still here the last time I came. What does it represent? Yu Hao, why do you know about it?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Find it first! There must be a surveillance camera in it!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s words had pierced through Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts. Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s a surveillance camera in its eyes! Yes! There must be!¡±


    ¡°It¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Should be right there!¡±


    Chen Yekai pointed to the TV. There was a row of decorations on the TV cabinet, ¡°When I was helping them move, I specifically took it out and placed it here¡­¡­¡±


    A noise travelled over from inside, sounding like something had fallen down. The three of them immediately turned around and dashed into the bedroom. Yu Hao thought that the statue had been found, but the noise came from Liang Jinmin falling onto the floor after struggling to get off the bed. Chen Yekai quickly supported her up. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°She¡¯s mentally unstable right now; Kaikai watch over her.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao returned to the living room. Yu Hao ran his fingers through his hair, he was at his wits¡¯ end. ¡°Where could she have put it?¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t get anxious, calm down and analyse.¡±


    Yu Hao stayed silent for a long time before saying, ¡°Why did Liang Laoshi suddenly faint?¡±


    ¡°Because you mentioned the evidence.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a low voice, ¡°The existence of the ¡®evidence¡¯ had caused Lin Xun to beat her into unconsciousness, and in her mental world, she responded reflexively. When she recalled it, she spontaneously remembered the heavy blow that had landed her in a coma.¡±


    Yu Hao understood and frowned, ¡°Logically speaking, after the accident, Huang Ting had sealed off the scene of the crime and didn¡¯t allow Lin Xun to return, so it should still be around.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He must¡¯ve taken it away, that¡¯s the only possibility.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Before Lin Xun knocked Liang Jinmin unconscious, he had roughly guessed the existence of this ¡®evidence¡¯. So he manipulated her by placing a psychological suggestion on her when he delivered the final blow, then searched the whole house before destroying the evidence.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was reluctant to accept that explanation, but it was the only possibility. He sat down helplessly.


    ¡°Would Lin Xun keep it?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He must have destroyed it completely. Wait, if it was a surveillance video that had recorded his acts of domestic violence, could he have viewed it on his computer before destroying it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He must have deleted it after he watched it, he wouldn¡¯t keep it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Even if he had deleted it, the data on the hard drive can be restored, even if he didn¡¯t use his own computer to watch it¡­¡­wait, would she have a cloud backup?!¡±


    At that moment, the sound of a car¡¯s engine could be heard outside. The two of them were instantly on guard. Zhou Sheng drew the living room curtains and looked out; a car was parked outside the door. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Who is it? Just passing by?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°Cars won¡¯t pass by this place. Lin Xun must have come back.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be ba! Isn¡¯t that too much of a coincidence?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Today was the day Lin Xun was released from custody. Yu Hao instantly recalled the day when Shi Liang suddenly returned home without warning and immediately felt a bit scared.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m here. What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°Keep drinking, let¡¯s have a chat with him.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The car outside the house drove away. Zhou Sheng went straight up to the wine cabinet and poured more whisky for himself when someone rang the doorbell.


    ¡°Jinmin.¡± Lin Xun called out, ¡°I know you¡¯re home. Open the door, I want to talk to you.¡±


    Chen Yekai walked out quickly from the room. The three of them looked at one another. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Liang Laoshi¡¯s better now.¡±

 Chapter 68.2 - The Key

    Ch68.2 ¨C The Key


    Chen Yekai walked out quickly from the room. The three of them looked at one another. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Liang Laoshi¡¯s better now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for him to go back, and to allow him to handle the situation from here. Chen Yekai nodded. Yu Hao sat down on the sofa, Zhou Sheng went to open the door with a glass of wine in hand. The moment the door was opened, Lin Xun¡¯s face was an extremely spectacular sight.


    ¡°Yo, Professor Lin.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his glass at him, ¡°I wish you good health!¡±


    Lin Xun immediately regained his composure and said in a low voice, ¡°It¡¯s you, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Zhou Sheng let Lin Xun in, then closed and locked the door.


    Lin Xun only needed to see the wine glasses and ashtray on the coffee table to guess what had happened. He shouted, ¡°Jinmin!¡±


    No reply. Lin Xun wanted to go in, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be in such a rush to go in, let¡¯s have a chat bei. I haven¡¯t apologised to you yet.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Professor Lin, what drink do you want?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t trouble you guys.¡± Lin Xun said coldly, ¡°Looks like Liang Laoshi¡¯s Academic Salon had just ended, and you¡¯ve learnt quite a bit too. Do you want a continuation? I brought water, what do you want to talk about?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about how you panicked and dashed like a madman for thirty miles that day.¡± Zhou Sheng looked slightly drunk as he smiled, ¡°When the next college sports meet is held, Lin Laoshi must sign up for the Teacher¡¯s Team ah, you ran so damn fast!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a human¡¯s natural instinct to protect themselves in times of crisis, that¡¯s very normal.¡± Lin Xun didn¡¯t betray the slightest hint of guilt as he calmly responded.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is that still the case even after we¡¯re certain that we¡¯ve committed a crime, and are trying to evade the legal consequences of our actions?¡±


    ¡°I admit to breaking the law.¡± Lin Xun said in earnest, ¡°I couldn¡¯t withstand the temptation of money. Now, Laoshi has repented, After you enter the workforce, you must bear this in mind and not follow my path.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t Yu Hao¡¯s first time having a conversation with Lin Xun face-to-face. Previously, he had been on the verge of choking from his anger at Lin Xun, and it wasn¡¯t any better this time. They were so close to finding the evidence, yet they had missed their opportunity.


    ¡°You¡¯re very poor ba, Yu Hao.¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen your file. It¡¯s already hard on you to be poor, but your sexual orientation isn¡¯t normal either. Isn¡¯t that a very painful thing?¡±


    Yu Hao took a deep breath. He knew that Lin Xun was trying to provoke him, but Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao and said to Lin Xun, ¡°So minorities are abnormal? Then what about me? What¡¯s my evaluation?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re from a pretty good family.¡± Lin Xun smiled mockingly, ¡°It¡¯s once said, ¡®children of the poor walk about in the streets with their dishevelled hair and dirty faces; children of the rich walk around their homes, barbaric and pampered. After they grow up, they all walk around society deliriously, just like their fathers, or even worse off¡¯. In this regard, Lu Xun described it quite accurately.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat on the single-person sofa that Liang Jinmin had sat on just now. He lit a cigarette and said, ¡°Do Lin Laoshi¡¯s Academic Salons always discuss that kind of topic?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°I¡¯m a realistic person, different from your Liang Laoshi. She likes Romanticism, tragedy, the classical school of thought, and she likes brainwashing your Chen Laoshi too. He¡¯s so indoctrinated that he doesn¡¯t even remember who he was anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was thinking about how to confront Lin Xun when Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°You¡¯re not the first, Lin Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°First what?¡±


    ¡°The first to say that you¡¯re someone who worships realism.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°They have always taught me many great life principles. For example, how our society adheres to the law of the jungle: if you don¡¯t harm others, they will come to harm you; if you don¡¯t take the money in front of you, then you¡¯re an idiot, and you¡¯ll regret it sooner or later; life is meaningless in the first place, since everyone dies anyway¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Correct that a bit.¡± Lin Xun said, ¡°That last point of view is called ¡®nihilism¡¯, and it has nothing to do with realism. You need to read more. Once you¡¯ve read enough, you¡¯ll begin to question the world and form your own outlook on life. Do you know, Yu Hao? People study to choose what to believe in. You will come into contact with this marvelous world, which is filled with many theories. Along with your experiences in life, your ideas will be vanquished one by one. You¡¯ll believe in one thing when you¡¯re 20, believe in another when you¡¯re 30, and then another when you¡¯re 40. You¡¯ll keep doubting yourself, denying yourself, and then ¡®realizing¡¯ new rules by which to live your life. There is no absolute right or wrong, only choices that will allow you to live more freely. And you¡¯ll only have room for choice if you have power.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not as knowledgeable as you, who¡¯s very well read. My belief comes from the introspection of my innermost self. I think that perhaps, you have never examined yourself. You have power and wisdom, but you used them to do evil, and perhaps no one can punish you, so you can go unpunished as you go on with your life. But your conscious world has already fallen into ruins. A dense mass of dark clouds cover its sky, the sun will never rise, and no life will ever grow in its wasteland. You¡¯ll never be able to experience all the beautiful things in this world again!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought that he would be the one engaging in a fierce confrontation with Lin Xun; he never would¡¯ve expected that Yu Hao would be so much more agitated than him. This was the first time he saw Yu Hao argue with others with such a lengthy speech, and on the contrary, Zhou Sheng was the one who couldn¡¯t even say a word now.


    He never thought that Yu Hao would have so much to say in his heart! At this moment, the screen of the phone on the coffee table lit up. Three messages that Chen Yekai sent him from the bedroom popped up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to introspect.¡± Lin Xun sneered, ¡°I live a very good life. I¡¯m living a better life than any of you, and I¡¯m much more successful than you guys. This is the life that my belief has brought me. I don¡¯t need a student to lecture me. All of you, even Nicky and Ryuusei included, are just children who¡¯re living in a puddle of mud. You¡¯re not qualified to judge me, no, you can say whatever you want, and it won¡¯t influence me at all. I don¡¯t care, I don¡¯t care!¡±


    ¡°This is the inequality that makes you helpless. When you leave your college and enter society, you¡¯ll realise that there¡¯s a lot of unfairness in this world. That¡¯s the ¡®reality¡¯ I¡¯m talking about. In the end, it¡¯ll be just as I predicted today. Understand that this world is realistic and materialistic. In the future, you two will definitely remember what I said tonight. Right now, a winner is sharing his thoughts with the losers, and also some of my experiences as someone who had gone through something similar.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re like a blind man.¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°Ever since the day you began doing evil, you¡¯ve lost the most precious thing that the Creator had bestowed upon us ¡ª that¡¯s the price you have to pay for all of this!¡±


    Lin Xun mocked, ¡°Maybe ba. We can¡¯t convince each other, but the conclusion is obvious. All of you have already lost.¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly answered.


    At this moment, Zhou Sheng made a move that surprised Yu Hao. He placed his wine glass down, moved over to the long sofa and sat beside Yu Hao, then took out the TV remote control from the coffee table.


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. He turned his head to look at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and returned Yu Hao¡¯s glance. He raised an eyebrow and revealed his usual, signature smirk that looked downright mischievous.


    Soon after, Zhou Sheng pressed a button on the remote control. The TV lit up with a blue screen. At the bottom of the screen, an Apple TV Option popped up, then the screen mirroring option was selected. Videos were scrolled through, one was selected, and then the screen was unlocked, set to horizontal display, and the video started to play.


    Chen Yekai was operating his phone in the bedroom!


    Yu Hao stared at the TV screen in a daze. Lin Xun immediately began to tremble violently; his eyes were wide open, and his face had turned pale.


    It was a video that was seven minutes and twenty-five seconds long: it started from the quarrel Liang Jinmin had with Linxun in the living room. Lin Xun held a suit in one hand and walked past the sofa. Liang Jinmin pulled Lin Xun¡¯s suit, then Lin Xun suddenly turned around and pushed Liang Jinmin onto the floor. Liang Jinmin trembled as she stood up. Lin Xun threw his suit jacket down, loosened his cufflinks, and dragged her over. One slap.


    This was the first time Yu Hao had seen a surveillance video of domestic violence, so he couldn¡¯t help but clench his fists. Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand with his palm covering the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    Liang Jinmin kept trying to dodge. Lin Xun grabbed her hair and dragged her back, then punched her temple. When Liang Jinmin turned sideways, she deliberately fled to the TV. Yu Hao caught a glimpse of her pained and bawling face. She fled to the door, but Lin Xun stopped her, then grabbed her head and slammed it against the wall. When Liang Jinmin swerved around and broke away from his grip, Lin Xun clutched her neck with one hand, then rammed her into the wall two more times.


    Liang Jinmin slid down the wall as she fell with dishevelled hair, her head drooping down. Lin Xun grabbed her hair, knelt down on one knee and whispered something into her ear. Then he held her head and ruthlessly slammed it again. Liang Jinmin went limp and fell to the floor, losing consciousness.


    The entire scene lasted just three minutes.


    Lin Xun kicked Liang Jinmin again before returning to the sofa to sit down. He cast a sideways glance at her, then poured a glass of wine for himself. He bowed down slightly, seeming as if he was thinking about something. He got up and carried Liang Jinmin down the stairs at the corner, heading down to the underground garage. Two minutes later, he returned. He looked around as if he was wondering if there was anything unusual.


    At the seventh minute, Lin Xun got up. He had figured out that Liang Jinmin¡¯s action of fleeing towards the TV was somewhat peculiar. He began inspecting all of the decorations on it from left to right, but he was only halfway through his inspection when he discovered the surveillance camera. He reached out and took it off; the surveillance camera tilted to one side and swayed past Liang Jinmin who was lying at the corner. Not long after, the screen went black, and the surveillance video ended.


    Lin Xun seemed petrified as he sunk into the sofa and didn¡¯t get up for a very long time. Zhou Sheng turned up the brightness of the floor lamp. Yu Hao saw Lin Xun¡¯s expression ¡ª it looked as if it belonged to a dead person.


    A noise travelled over from the bedroom. Chen Yekai opened the door.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi remembered.¡± Chen Yekai said to them, ¡°After she went back that day, she installed a camera in the wood carving and uploaded it to an independent cloud account at the same time, it¡¯s just that it didn¡¯t come to mind until now. I¡¯ve already notified Huang Ting, they¡¯ll be here in a minute.¡±


    ¡°Looks like after all the twists and turns we went through, things have finally taken a turn for the better.¡± Zhou Sheng sighed, ¡°Well¡­¡­you may really have to go to jail this time, Lin Laoshi? Let¡¯s have a short interview, how are you feeling right now?¡±


    Lin Xun didn¡¯t say anything. Zhou Sheng looked at Lin Xun and said earnestly, ¡°Lin Laoshi, you¡¯re very ¡®realistic¡¯, so you think that this world is what you understand it to be. But don¡¯t forget, we live in this world too, and we¡¯re also a part of this ¡®reality¡¯.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Someone outside rang the doorbell. Zhou Sheng got up to open the door, and Huang Ting brought in his colleagues.


    ¡°Go back ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao. The two of them got up, went to the door, and Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Goodbye, Liang Laoshi!¡±


    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Liang Jinmin¡¯s calm voice travelled over from the bedroom.


    Liang Jinmin never came out of the bedroom and didn¡¯t take another look at Lin Xun.


    ¡°Good bye, Lin Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said to Lin Xun.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 69 - Sealed for Safekeeping

    Ch69 ¨C Sealed for Safekeeping


    By 1am that morning, the entire college had fallen into a deep slumber.


    ¡°The words you said to Lin Xun,¡± Under the moonlight, Zhou Sheng propped Yu Hao up to climb over the wall so that they could get back to their dormitory, ¡°Have you been thinking about them for awhile now?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know why I suddenly said all that. So naggy, I felt like Xuanzang¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It was really well said.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ai he must think that I¡¯m just a brat ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Don¡¯t laugh, I¡¯m going to fall!¡±


    It wasn¡¯t easy for Yu Hao to climb up, yet Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He died at the hands of two brats ¡ª Lin Xun will remember that for the rest of his life.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s good if he remembers.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯ll be best if he gets life imprisonment.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s finally over.¡± Zhou Sheng was both mentally and physically worn out.


    ¡°It¡¯s over.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect reality to be even more difficult to deal with than dreams.¡±


    The two of them passed through the corridor. Zhou Sheng draped his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, ¡°The moon is really round today.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s the 15th.¡±


    They stood in the corridor and looked at the lone moon in the sky. Its light looked both sacred and pure; under its illumination, the darkness and evil in the world seemed to vanish into nothingness, to reveal a tranquil and grand dreamscape.


    ¡°It¡¯s not unusual for the sun to appear in the day, but it¡¯s really rare for the moon to appear at night.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So even at night, we feel no fear.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s wrong.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The sun comes first, day follows after.¡±


    The door to their dormitory rang softly. Zhou Sheng used his phone to illuminate their surroundings and entered quietly. Yu Hao saw a laptop on Fu Liqun¡¯s table. There was a cup of water and a torn pack of instant noodle condiment beside it.


    We¡¯ve committed a sin¡­¡­Yu Hao couldn¡¯t bear to imagine how Fu Liqun must have longed for the food that he was supposed to bring from 8pm, and how he passed the time by watching some American TV series and endured with cold water and a packet of instant noodle condiment from yesterday; all the way until 12am, with no one replying to his messages, so he could only go to bed in despair.


    When Zhou Sheng saw Fu Liqun¡¯s table, he too was speechless for a moment. He looked at the bed and both of them heard Fu Liqun¡¯s stomach grumble with a ¡°gu¡ª¡ª¡±.


    ¡°You guys are finally back?¡± Fu Liqun said in a hopeless voice that sounded as if he had nothing left to live for in this world, from where he lay in bed.


    Zhou Sheng quickly turned on the light, ¡°I forgot to buy the instant noodles, I¡¯ll definitely buy it tomorrow. Yu Hao brought dinner back for you. Come down and eat it ba.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s Japanese fried rice and sushi! And there¡¯s two portions of fried rice!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege, I¡¯m sorry, we won¡¯t leave you alone in the dorm again!¡±


    It was not until the latter half of the night that Yu Hao began to finally feel excited and agitated. They had actually defeated Lin Xun! Afterwards, it got harder for him to fall asleep, until Chen Yekai sent a message:¡¾He¡¯s been arrested.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾Things finally took a turn for the better, we found the light at the end of the tunnel. Please accept my bended knees, both of you.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Make haste the preparations for a silk banner, arrange for it to be sent on an auspicious day.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾Aye!¡¿


    Yu Hao found it even harder to fall asleep now. For a moment, he didn¡¯t know how to reply to them and just sent them a bunch of ¡°hahahahaha¡±s, then tossed and turned restlessly. He heard Zhou Sheng get off the bed. Yu Hao peeked out from his bed and saw him go out onto the balcony. Zhou Sheng sat on the floor with his legs slightly parted, looking tired and indolent as he smoked.


    Yu Hao also got out of bed and followed him out onto the balcony. Both of them looked at each other. Zhou Sheng shifted slightly to the side to make space for Yu Hao to sit beside him. They sat there quietly as they watched the starry sky. Neither of them spoke, yet their hearts were connected on this quiet moonlit night. This silence¡­was better than a million words.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao. He took out his cigarette and handed it to him, as if signaling ¡®take a puff?¡¯


    Yu Hao tried it once and immediately broke into a fit of violent coughing. Zhou Sheng burst out laughing like he had just pulled a prank and patted his back. Yu Hao looked embarrassed and watched Zhou Sheng laugh, yet Zhou Sheng threw his cigarette away and hugged him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng hugged him and patted his back. Not long after, he released him, got up, and went to the bathroom to pee. Yu Hao gazed up at the moon. He leaned against the wall, closed his eyes, and dozed off. In this moment, he felt that life was really wonderful, just like the full moon in the sky.


    The sun shone brightly for the next few days, and Yu Hao expected that hardly anyone would know about Lin Xun. But unexpectedly, the news had spread like wildfire throughout the college overnight. The local news directly exposed it, so it couldn¡¯t be kept under wraps at all. Lin Xun was detained on suspicion of murder. Fortunately, the college had prepared for this eventuality a long time ago, so they issued a campus-wide announcement the next day: Lin Xun was dismissed. Then the college turned into an ostrich and refused to respond to any queries.


    ¡°Daring, aren¡¯t they.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do they think everything will be fine so long as they fire him?¡±


    ¡°As long as it¡¯s not a scandal in the office.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It won¡¯t turn into some kind of sensational news. You read so little that it can¡¯t even match up to the number of Chicken Soup stories Mimeng wrote.¡±


    In the canteen, Yu Hao put down his lunch and said, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡¯s back!¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care at all and answered, ¡°Why is he back again?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°To teach.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The college leaders held a two-day meeting. Liang Jinmin and Chen Yekai had returned, and at this time, Dean Ning undertook a flawless countermeasure to remedy the situation ¡ª¡ª she apologised to Liang Jinmin and urged her to continue teaching there.


    Liang Jinmin stated that the leaders in the college had nothing to apologise for as they had been unaware. One didn¡¯t need to think that deeply to know that if Lin Xun had really been successful in his attempt to murder his wife, Ning Yu wouldn¡¯t have hired him regardless of how brazen she was. Otherwise, it would be disastrous if this matter were to spread in the academic circles.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stay then.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°After I teach for a few more years, I plan to retire. Ying city is close to my home too, so it¡¯ll be convenient for me to visit my mother. Nicky wants to stay too.¡±


    Thus, the college succeeded in distancing themselves from this situation, limiting the conflict between Lin Xun and Liang Jinmin to just the scope of their marital relationship. But everyone knew clearly in their hearts ¡ª teachers in the college were so frequently in contact with one another that it was impossible for them to have not noticed the traces of Lin Xun¡¯s assault on Liang Jinmin. Everyone just tacitly remained silent about it.


    Chen Yekai resigned as a form teacher and hoped to be an academic advisor in the school who teaches elective courses.


    ¡°If the Dean cares about Lin Laoshi¡¯s previous accusations,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then I won¡¯t teach Psychology Class 1. After teaching for awhile, I¡¯ll take the doctorate exam. I¡¯ll plan and arrange everything by myself.¡±


    Dean Ning magnanimously kicked the ball back to Chen Yekai¡¯s court, ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can start from next semester onwards, decide for yourself ba.¡±


    What about principles? When Yu Hao heard the inside story, he thought, weren¡¯t you concerned about teacher-student relationships before? In the face of an even bigger scandal, homosexuality and teacher-student relationships can all be swept aside? The winds certainly veered quickly. Liang Jinmin still stayed in her original house as she prepared to testify in court. Chen Yekai moved back to his teacher¡¯s dormitory.


    The news of Chen Yekai¡¯s return spread all over the cohort, and the ones who were most elated about it were naturally his enthusiastic female fans. Everyone began speculating that there was a power struggle between Liang Jinmin and Lin Xun, and since she eventually won, Chen Yekai naturally followed along. There were even people who came up with all sorts of dog blood drama plots.


    Only Yu Hao was still very worried about this.


    ¡°When will his memory be erased?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng in private.


    Zhou Sheng was warming up next to the field as he answered, ¡°I¡¯ll let him decide for himself when he¡¯s ready.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for awhile but didn¡¯t say anything else. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°I even thought before that after erasing this portion of his memories, I¡¯ll either seal the Golden Crow Wheel or throw it away.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Zhou Sheng to have such an idea. If he did that, they would no longer have a way to construct their dreams anymore.


    ¡°It was just a thought.¡± Zhou Sheng turned sideways and, pressed down on his leg and continued, ¡°I haven¡¯t thought it through yet.¡±


    ¡°Was that what you wanted to discuss with me?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m going to run, bye!¡± As he spoke, he ran onto the track.


    The next day, Zhou Sheng tossed the Golden Crow Wheel into a drawer in their dormitory and locked it.


    Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore and asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Isn¡¯t it good to live a simple life as we should have been?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But¡­¡­don¡¯t you think, since it chose you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to persuade me anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit bewildered, ¡°I never thought that you would make such a decision.¡±


    ¡°I thought about it before.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°I thought about it more than once. I¡¯ve thought about it ever since the first day I discovered what it could do.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But you can¡¯t throw it away.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was about to respond when Fu Liqun returned, so the two of them had to stop discussing this topic. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Revise ba, it¡¯ll be our finals soon.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s study.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°There¡¯s so much to memorise, it¡¯s horrible. Please don¡¯t let me fail, I still want to go to Japan with your sis-in-law during the summer vacation!¡±


    So Yu Hao could only close the laptop while he was halfway through his translations and revise with them. Fu Liqun memorised the contents of his common course while Zhou Sheng taught Yu Hao mathematics. Yu Hao was a bit absent-minded and looked at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ll understand after you do this question.¡±


    Yu Hao actually didn¡¯t understand and could only say, ¡°Okay.¡±


    The three of them wore their earphones and listened to music as they revised. When Yu Hao was looking for songs, Zhou Sheng sent him a WeChat message.


    ¡¾You want to hear the truth?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Yes, why?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾After I tell you, can you promise not to nag me about it anymore in the future?¡¿


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, then said:¡¾Ok.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Promise me.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I promise you.¡¿


    There was no more activity on Zhou Sheng¡¯s side. Yu Hao looked at him. Zhou Sheng was typing on his phone; he would type out a paragraph, then delete a paragraph, and it seemed he was thinking about how to word his reply. As he was glancing at him, Zhou Sheng raised one hand to point at Yu Hao¡¯s paper to signal to him to stop looking at him and study.


    Yu Hao¡¯s head spun from studying Higher Mathematics. After a whole half an hour, Zhou Sheng finally sent a long message.


    ¡¾Because if we continue living this kind of life, it¡¯s very likely that we¡¯ll run into dangers that are out of our control again. Especially you; that day in Kaikai¡¯s Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ dreamscape, in order to save me, you suffered such a serious injury in my place, and we were nearly trapped in there forever. You can heal me, but I can¡¯t heal you. Unless the sun rises, and the sun shines down in x¡¯s dreamscape, only then would you be able to recover. We were lucky in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, but what about next time? It really is interesting to have the Golden Crow Wheel and be able to travel about freely in dreams, but who can pat their chest and say that we wouldn¡¯t seize someone else¡¯s dream because of some things that we can¡¯t bear to see? You¡¯re a kind person; you won¡¯t be willing to sit back and watch things happen. And of course, you know I won¡¯t either. It feels pretty good to be a hero who fights for justice, but for me, staying alive comes before anything else. I can¡¯t let you be in any danger. Even if we were to save a thousand or ten thousand people, it still wouldn¡¯t be worth paying the price of losing you. For me, nothing else matters. It doesn¡¯t even matter if I don¡¯t get to be a hero, but no harm must come to you. A true understanding of ourselves is the source of all our beliefs and strength. Moreover, I¡¯ve always had a hunch that a time would come when we would let our hot-bloodedness rush to our heads and become arrogant, which would inevitably lead to tragedy. By then, what use would regret be? You usually see me throwing my fists around whenever I want to, right? But I assess the situation and make my judgments before doing so. If I can¡¯t win, then I definitely won¡¯t insist on fighting. The one and only time I didn¡¯t have time to consider the risks was when I climbed up to Shi Liang¡¯s house.¡¿


    When Yu Hao saw this message, he didn¡¯t know how to respond to Zhou Sheng for a long time.


    Yu Hao:¡¾There was still one more time, when you entered Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Yes, and that proves my point. Did I have a choice? If I did, I wouldn¡¯t have gone, and I wouldn¡¯t have let you worry. But I had no choice. That¡¯s why I think that if we continue like this, there will come a day where we will once again encounter a situation where we can¡¯t make a choice. So, I must give up the Golden Crow Wheel.¡¿


    ¡¾I¡¯ve discussed it with Kaikai too, and he agrees with what I think, but he suggested that I give him the Golden Crow Wheel. He will get it appraised at a laboratory in Beijing through the connections Liang Laoshi has and hand it over to them for research purposes. He won¡¯t say that he got it from me. But I haven¡¯t thought that through yet. After handing it over, we¡¯ll be ordinary people and resume our ordinary lives, wouldn¡¯t that be good?¡¿


    ¡¾Everyone in this world is ordinary. No one has a golden finger, and our lives can¡¯t depend on a golden finger to resolve it.¡¿


    Yu Hao took off his earphones and gave Zhou Sheng a sidelong look. Zhou Sheng looked up from his phone to glance at him.


    ¡¾Yu Hao, I know you won¡¯t want to do that.¡¿


    ¡¾No, Zhou Sheng, you¡¯re right.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng stopped and nodded at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao:¡¾You¡¯ve convinced me, Zhou Sheng, you¡¯re right. I was actually really conflicted about it too, let me think about how I should say this¡­¡­¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾You don¡¯t need to say it, I understand how you feel, because I once felt that conflict too. Okay, this topic ends here.¡¿


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°I think I did it wrong.¡± Yu Hao said somewhat angrily.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You weren¡¯t listening to me properly in the first place.¡±


    Zhou Sheng came over with his chair and repeated his explanation for Yu Hao. But Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but think about the Golden Crow Wheel. When he first obtained the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s recognition, he had also thought about whether the Golden Crow Wheel existed to make the world a better place. Did it bestow upon them the ability to travel through dreams so that they could save more people and eliminate the darkness in their conscious worlds?


    With great power comes great responsibility. Possessing the Golden Crow Wheel with unknown origins¡­¡­Yu Hao really didn¡¯t know how to describe it. With his understanding of it, it seemed like an instrument? It could be called a precision instrument for the time being. There must be some significance behind its existence. After that day, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had also discussed some of the messages that the Golden Crow Wheel had conveyed to him, but they never reached a clear conclusion in the end. Because of this, Zhou Sheng especially went to communicate with the Golden Crow Wheel for a long time. It¡¯s just that the effects of a communication purely through consciousness weren¡¯t very obvious. He always felt that there were a lot of messages in his mind, yet he couldn¡¯t extract its contents clearly for a period of time.


    At that time, Zhou Sheng said something that left a very deep impression on Yu Hao, ¡°I keep feeling that this was something left behind by aliens. It¡¯s definitely not for my usage; I was just lucky and inadvertently obtained something that doesn¡¯t belong to me.¡± But there was no way to verify this. After all, Liang Jinmin¡¯s case at that time was extremely unique. They wouldn¡¯t be able to find a suitable subconscious and enter the path of Hearing within the six senses to verify it again.


    Besides, unless it was a unique situation where the conscious world in the upper layer collapsed and all memories turned into fragments that fell into the Forgotten Ruins, a normal subconscious wouldn¡¯t have the path of Hearing as memories would take on real forms in one¡¯s dreamscape. That day, Yu Hao had even specifically asked Zhou Sheng how he had managed to set up a passageway into Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious from Chen Yekai¡¯s dream.


    Zhou Sheng answered him with, ¡®the Golden Crow Wheel taught me¡¯. He and Chen Yekai had discussed it for a long time. Chen Yekai was extremely smart, and had deduced that the ¡°sun¡± in every dreamscape was a pivotal point. They were all under Zhou Sheng¡¯s control, and he could also build passages through these suns.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m sorry General, I got distracted again.¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand, ¡°I¡¯m a little confused myself.¡±


    Fu Liqun moved over and said, ¡°General? That¡¯s a nice nickname. Explain the next question for me bei, Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about it anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng casually patted Yu Hao on the back of his head.


    Ok then. Yu Hao decided to stop thinking about it. No matter how smart he was, he couldn¡¯t be smarter than Zhou Sheng. Since Zhou Sheng had already considered it, then he wouldn¡¯t need to worry too much about it anymore.


    It was nearing the end of June. Aside from revising with Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun, Yu Hao spent the rest of his time translating nonstop.


    Chen Yekai invited them out a few times, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s reason for rejection was, ¡°I¡¯m busy right now, I need to compete and study for my exams, I have no time! We¡¯ll talk when they¡¯re all over!¡±


    At the same time, Yu Hao had even less time because he also had to work; he still had over two hundred reports that were crushing him. Chen Yekai would occasionally visit their dormitory unannounced, but he would always do so only when Zhou Sheng was absent. He would bring some cakes or other desserts to their dormitory, sit for five minutes or so, and chat idly for awhile before tactfully leaving.


    During lunch, as long as Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t come, Chen Yekai would carry his tray in the canteen and sit opposite Yu Hao to eat lunch with him. They would also casually chat about the progress of his part-time job and Yu Hao¡¯s grades. Chen Yekai had a very keen sense of propriety and never mentioned the previous incident. Most of the things they talked about focused on the topic of Lin Xun.


    Lin Xun was waiting for his hearing, and the time of the hearing depended on the official notice from the prosecutors.


    ¡°Did you go see him?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Did you think he would tell me about the conversation he had with Ryuusei that afternoon? I think that¡¯s impossible.¡±


    Yu Hao also felt that Lin Xun wouldn¡¯t tell Chen Yekai the truth, or else it would just add on to his crimes.


    ¡°Then his motive for killing Liang Laoshi¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°At present, the reason he gave the police was that after he eavesdropped on our conversation, he learned that Liang Laoshi had gathered evidence of his embezzlement and affairs and wanted to get a divorce. Because of their altercation after they got home, a conflict broke out, and he lost control, so he ended up beating her until she got a concussion. And since things had already gone that far, he thought that he might as well kill her to silence her as well.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How many years would he get in that case?¡±


    ¡°Attempted murder, we¡¯ll try for a life imprisonment sentence.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The nature of the case is extremely vile, but the specifics depend on the defense lawyer. But no matter what, his social status, reputation, and benefits are all gone.¡±


    Yu Hao stared at Chen Yekai quietly. He thought that if Chen Yekai never figured out the truth behind Ryuusei¡¯s death, then it may never truly be over for him.


    Chen Yekai knew what Yu Hao was thinking. He smiled and said, ¡°Sometimes, one needs to wait patiently for the truth to come to light. At the very least, I will always remember this matter in my heart.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 70 - Silk Banner

    Ch70 ¨C Silk Banner


    ¡°Yu Hao, is Kaikai wooing you?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao took off his earphones with an irascible expression. After hearing it clearly, he said, ¡°He¡¯s wooing me in your dreams!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Don¡¯t copy the way Zhou Sheng speaks.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy!¡± Yu Hao cried, ¡°These scripts are due on 19th July! If I don¡¯t hand it in by then, I need to pay a penalty!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a contract.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°There are plenty of people who drag out the deadline. Your sis-in-law knows a scriptwriter who usually delays handing in the script until a whole row of producers have dried up from hanging outside the house.¡±


    ¡°How could that be done; we need to uphold the spirit of fulfilling the contract!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡¯s not wooing me, don¡¯t mention that anymore or else Zhou Sheng will explode again.¡±


    ¡°In any case, don¡¯t accept him if he¡¯s wooing you.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Then we can have an endless supply of cakes¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Summer vacation will start in 15 days. Yu Hao, I will remember these days where we shared good and hard times together for the rest of my life¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered something, ¡°Gege, after finals are over, can you help me with something after I get paid for my scripts ba?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°?¡±


    Their final examinations arrived as scheduled. Ying city was bombarded with continuous torrential rainstorms. Water flooded the college until it almost reached people¡¯s thighs, and tables on the first floor drifted about. Yu Hao breathed a sigh of relief when he finished his last paper. He then hurried back to finish translating the last three reports, and handed in his scripts!


    ¡°I¡¯m done translating! Hallelujah¡ª¡ª!¡± Now the only thing Yu Hao wanted to do was throw Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop down the building.


    Chen Yekai called Yu Hao, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to just translate as much as you could? You finished translating everything?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yeah!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Wait¡­¡­how much time did you take? It didn¡¯t affect your exams ba?¡±


    Yu Hao wasn¡¯t sure about how much time it had taken either. These days, as long as Zhou Sheng went to train, he would be translating. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll discuss with Party A, they need to give you more money in this case.¡±


    ¡°No, no need!¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°7,000 is good enough, really!¡±


    Chen Yekai hung up. In the end, Yu Hao got 13,000 in his account.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Party A thinks highly of the quality of your translations. You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to dinner!¡±


    But Chen Yekai laughed, ¡°Didn¡¯t we just eat together the day before? You want to eat with me that much?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had an exam the day before yesterday, and Yu Hao did run into Chen Yekai in the canteen at noon. The times the two of them ate together would always be coincidental. Yu Hao instantly felt awkward, and Chen Yekai said, ¡°I was joking. Zhou Sheng¡¯s going to compete soon ba? Let¡¯s get together as a group after it ends? Invite Huang Ting, Liqun, and Cen Shan too; get everyone to come to my house to hang out. I¡¯ll cook for you guys, I¡¯ve been learning how to recently.¡±


    Yu Hao planned to ask Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng after he returned. There were no issues after he submitted his scripts, and he could finally return the laptop to Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop was practically monopolized by Yu Hao during this period; he couldn¡¯t watch his American shows or play any games, so he could only revise.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you the laptop bei.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao felt quite moved, ¡°Thank you, I survived this period all thanks to this.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Fu Liqun was really too good of a person. When he borrowed his laptop, Fu Liqun never asked him to return it. Neither was it passed back and forth between them, and just like that, he had allowed Yu Hao to use it for more than two months.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave it on the table.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°You can use it whenever you want.¡±


    Was he joking?! Fu Liqun¡¯s about to start his summer vacation, who would still want that laptop! Hurry and go to your girlfriend!


    Zhou Sheng seldom shows up in the dormitory these days. He spent most of his time practicing under his teacher¡¯s guidance and didn¡¯t even smoke anymore. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing Zhou Sheng this serious, as if he had turned into a completely different person. He wanted to accompany him in the training hall, but Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao not to come. He just put his earphones on and earnestly trained.


    Yu Hao had finished all his work, and could finally go watch Zhou Sheng practice, bringing two bottles of water for him along the way. It was the last week of Zhou Sheng¡¯s training plan; after going through the phase of intensive training, the intensity will be gradually reduced and the focus of his training will change to building up endurance.


    Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t in the training hall. Yu Hao asked a teacher and the answer he received was that Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t come today as he wanted to rest. Yu Hao had a lot of doubts as he waited for the entire afternoon before Zhou Sheng returned to the training hall.


    ¡°Where have you been?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Went out to do something.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Why do you care about where I go? Are you my Mum? Let¡¯s go ba, basketball?¡±


    After the final examinations, many students fled once their summer vacations started. Only Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao remained on the basketball court to shoot hoops, and Zhou Sheng even helped Yu Hao adjust his shooting posture.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be your birthday soon right?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but look at Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯re a Cancer.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Zhou Sheng seemed to be in a very good mood. He walked like a crab for a few steps beside Yu Hao and clamped him with his scissor hands, then said in a completely serious tone, ¡°Look at the backboard! What¡¯re you looking at me for? Be careful not to lean forward. What do you want to eat the day after the competition?¡±


    ¡°How could I make you cook on your birthday?!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Who said I¡¯m cooking!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Where¡¯s the face? Pick it up quick! We¡¯re going out to eat!¡±


    Yu Hao shot and missed. Zhou Sheng dribbled the ball a few times, then pulled a layup shot. He turned and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Learn a little.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What kind of birthday gift does our young master want?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, then passed the ball to Yu Hao, ¡°Record a song for me ba? I¡¯m sick of hearing¡¶Perfect¡·.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s fine. You just want a song? Don¡¯t you want anything else?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°??¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Zhou Sheng remembered, ¡°Gege¡¯s birthday is in August. He¡¯ll be in Japan by then, so let¡¯s buy him something in advance? Most of my money¡¯s with you, think of what we can get him together ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay, that¡¯s what I was thinking too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Gege is everyone¡¯s Gege, we can buy him something a little more expensive.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How expensive?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t quote a price, ¡°Up to you ba.¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°You even used his laptop for two months.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I know! I was planning on buying him a present anyway.¡±


    Yu Hao had planned to buy a birthday gift for Fu Liqun with the money earnt from his part-time work. He will never forget the memory of Fu Liqun carrying him to the hospital for the rest of his life.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Zhou Sheng said sourly, ¡°You were?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. At this moment, Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone rang. He took out his phone and talked for awhile with a strange expression on his face. He looked at Yu Hao after hanging up, ¡°Xue Long¡¯s looking for me.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao thought, it¡¯s never good whenever that counsellor comes looking for us; he had better not make an issue with the bicycle race again this time ba.


    In the office, Zhou Sheng¡¯s and Yu Hao¡¯s ¡®returned the money that was found¡¯ silk banner hung on the wall. Xue Long looked at Yu Hao, who was standing outside, ¡°You came at just the right time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at the counsellor warily. Xue Long flipped through a report card and said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, do you know why I¡¯m looking for you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How would I know? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a roundworm in your stomach.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but want to laugh. Xue Long took a deep breath and said, ¡°Take a look at your results yourself?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was ranked second in the whole cohort!


    Yu Hao was dumbstruck and looked at Zhou Sheng. Xue Long said, ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You suspect I cheated?¡±


    Xue Long immediately said, ¡°Of course not, how could Laoshi think that way? I called you over to praise you. Yu Hao did pretty well too, keep it up.¡±


    Yu Hao flipped through his report card. He was ranked third in his class.


    ¡°Do you want to apply for a scholarship next semester?¡± Xue Long said, ¡°Both of you have a chance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said coldly, ¡°Yeah, why not apply?¡±


    Xue Long said, ¡°Yu Hao can, of course, it¡¯s just that Zhou Sheng you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Xue Long said to Yu Hao, ¡°What about this, Yu Hao, I¡¯ll apply for you ba. Fill in the form and hand it to me after school resumes. Zhou Sheng, look at who the fourth place is.¡±


    ¡°What does that have to do with me?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Oh him, I know his family¡¯s not doing too well.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t take the form. Xue Long said, ¡°You received two Notices of Criticism this semester: one for hitting Shi Ni¡¯s parent and another for the group fight. It is possible for me to not approve this scholarship for either of you.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t endure it anymore, ¡°What the fuck has that got to do with me again? I didn¡¯t get a Notice of Criticism.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly burst out into laughter. Yu Hao had a bewildered expression on his face, Zhou Sheng laughed so hard he almost cried, ¡°You actually know how to curse?¡±


    Yu Hao understood Xue Long¡¯s intention and only felt incomparable anger. Xue Long wanted to get Zhou Sheng to forfeit his scholarship to the fourth place scorer. In fact, Xue Long has the means to do so. He would be able to prevent Zhou Sheng from getting the scholarship as long as he wrote about his problematic moral behaviour this semester in his evaluation.


    Yu Hao was on the brink of exploding from anger, but his anger instantly dissipated because of Zhou Sheng¡¯s laughter.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t I discussing it with you two right now?¡± Xue Long was clearly very unhappy now. He handed the form to Yu Hao. He couldn¡¯t brazenly say whatever he wanted now because Chen Yekai had returned to the college, ¡°Zhou Sheng, give it some more thought after you go back ba. Your family¡¯s doing pretty well, so I suggest you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want the form.¡± Yu Hao refused to take it and said coldly, ¡°Keep it for yourself ba, and give it to whoever you want. Looks like you can even do that too now.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so prickly? Yu Hao!¡± Xue Long almost couldn¡¯t recognise Yu Hao anymore.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why don¡¯t you want it! Of course you do! Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll fill it in for you!¡± The moment he took the scholarship application form, someone knocked on the office door. Chen Yekai¡¯s voice could be heard as he asked, ¡°Xue Laoshi, are you in?¡±


    ¡°Chen Laoshi?¡± Xue Long immediately shrank. How could the news be leaked so quickly? It shouldn¡¯t have ba?


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were also a bit bewildered. Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°He¡¯s in, Kaikai, what¡¯re you doing? Hurry in and take a seat!¡±


    Xue Long, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I did want to come in and take a seat.¡±


    Chen Yekai pushed the door open and entered. Behind him was Huang Ting and a female reporter that Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had seen once before. The female reporter sat down, crossing her legs confidently, as if she was a born socializer. She smiled, ¡°Ai, it¡¯s good that I made it in time. Your college would be empty in just two days!¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°What a coincidence, I¡¯m here on behalf of my station to send a silk banner to these two students.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s hang it in the office during summer vacation first, then we can take it back when school resumes?¡±


    ¡°Hang it, hang it!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And there are two? Who wrote these?¡±


    Both banners were created to thank Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao.


    The first silk banner came from the police station of Fengyang District¡¯s Tong County: acting courageously for the sake of justice.


    The second banner came from Ying city¡¯s Public Security Bureau: Fighting Evildoers with Wits.


    Xue Long, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to interview these two handsome men too.¡± The female reporter said, ¡°I¡¯m called Junjun, you can just call me Jun Jie.¡±


    Chen Yekai noticed the meaningful look Yu Hao gave him, and understood it in a second, ¡°Oh right, what are you guys doing here?¡±


    ¡°To get the scholarship form.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We just got Yu Hao¡¯s, and we were about to get mine.¡±


    ¡°Yo! Not bad ma!¡± Junjun said, ¡°Are you inviting people out to eat after you get your scholarship?¡±


    ¡°Certainly!¡± Yu Hao immediately said.


    Xue Long was completely baffled. Three silk banners were hung up, and Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not going home during the summer vacation, can I take it back to hang in the dorm?¡±


    Because the previous ¡°returned the money that was found¡± was created by Chen Yekai, Yu Hao asked him to hang it in the office. Now that Chen Yekai moved to Liang Jinmin¡¯s office and was no longer their form teacher, they could now remove it. Zhou Sheng thought the same. Since that was the case, then they might as well go all the way and he told Xue Long, ¡°Then we¡¯ll take the silk banners back now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll begin the interview.¡± Junjun turned on a recording pen, and Chen Yekai prompted, ¡°Xue Laoshi?¡±


    ¡°With honour! With honour!¡± Xue Long changed his tune quicker than he flipped through books and immediately handed Zhou Sheng¡¯s form to him, ¡°These two students are among the best in terms of their studies too!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, Xue Long is so disgusting that it has reached a whole new level of its own, and now it even had a strange sense of beauty to it.


    After the interview, the three of them heard Yu Hao¡¯s indignant accusations of the injustice outside, and immediately started laughing until they could barely stand up straight. Chen Yekai wanted to treat them to a meal, but Zhou Sheng had to pay special attention to his diet as his competition was next week. So they arranged to meet up after his competition.


    In the dormitory.


    ¡°Could you call me once in awhile when you¡¯re committing brave acts in the name of justice?¡± When Fu Liqun saw the silk banner, his heart felt really empty, ¡°Are we still dorm mates?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll remember to inform them next time to add your name to the silk banner. You just need to lie down in the dormitory.¡±


    Fu Liqun was rather straightforward as he said, ¡°That¡¯s even better, then I wouldn¡¯t be scolded by your sis-in-law the whole day for staying in the dormitory all the time.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The next day, Zhou Sheng went to train as usual. Yu Hao suspected Zhou Sheng of going outside of college premises because he had recently been acting so secretively. Coincidentally, Fu Liqun was going home that night, so Yu Hao asked, ¡°Gege, accompany me to go buy Zhou Sheng¡¯s birthday present ba?¡±


    ¡°What do you want to buy?¡± Fu Liqun asked, ¡°I was just thinking about that too, I need to buy one as well.¡±


    ¡°Buy a cake for him then ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet, but I¡¯ve already prepared the money.¡±


    Fu Liqun agreed. He slung a sports bag over his shoulder, stuffed both hands in his pockets, and went shopping with Yu Hao. Whenever he went out with Fu Liqun, Yu Hao could always feel the gazes cast at them by all the surrounding girls. It seemed like this was the case when he was out with Chen Yekai too. But he wouldn¡¯t notice this at all when he was with Zhou Sheng¡­¡­but Zhou Sheng clearly looks very handsome too ah!


    ¡°What¡¯s your budget?¡± Fu Liqun stood in the shopping mall and said, ¡°Gege will help you choose.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°8¡­¡­9,000 ba? No more than 10,000, I need to save some for next semester¡¯s living expenses. I already took out a student loan to pay for tuition, and it¡¯s not like I can cancel it. Do you think it¡¯s ok to buy a phone?¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled as he said, ¡°Damn it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°??¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The most expensive thing your sis-in-law got for me was at most over 10,000.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I haven¡¯t spent 10,000 yet.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Your sis-in-law¡¯s credit card limit is 300,000, so she can spend however much she wants. But how much do you have on your card? That should be everything you earned from working for the past two months ba!¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t compare it like that.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Sis-in-law¡¯s afraid that you¡¯d feel pressured. I want to buy a phone and buy him a pair of shoes that are a little more expensive¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What phone do you want to buy?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Gege will take you to go buy shoes!¡±


    ¡°Hold on¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao suddenly noticed Zhou Sheng standing on an escalator going to the second floor of the shopping mall, ¡°Zhou Sheng isn¡¯t training. So why is he outside?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was still his usual slovenly self. He looked at the dogs at a pet shop for awhile, then turned into one of the corridors of the mall and walked along some crafts stores.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Fu Liqun looked at him doubtfully, ¡°Follow him?¡±


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t snapped out of his daze when Fu Liqun continued, ¡°Are we still going? That shop¡¯s going to close soon. If you want to know something, just ask him directly ah. It¡¯s not as if he¡¯ll hide something from you with how close the two of you are?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, forget it, give Zhou Sheng some personal space. Don¡¯t ask him so many questions. Perhaps he was feeling stressed out, so he¡¯s out for a walk to relax? If he didn¡¯t want to tell me, then he must have his reasons for doing so. Yu Hao changed his mind and said to Fu Liqun, ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, to the shop.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 71 - Present

    Ch71 ¨C Present


    Fu Liqun entered the subway from the shopping mall. He seemed very familiar with the place as he showed Yu Hao the way to another shopping mall. They took a bus and rode for four stops, then arrived at a fairly remote location to find a buyer¡¯s shop filled with basketball shoes.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re a man, you would like all the shoes here!¡±


    Confronted by the pile of basketball shoes, Yu Hao almost fainted. He thought, then maybe I¡¯m an eunuch ba¡­¡­


    The two of them were the only customers in the shop. The boss was a strong man that stood 2m tall and looked to be about 100kg, with stubble, dark skin and dressed in basketball clothes. He said to Fu Liqun, ¡°The one who only browses and doesn¡¯t buy anything, you¡¯re back again?¡±


    Fu Liqun chuckled, ¡°Today we¡¯re here to buy something.¡±


    Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng definitely likes this model.¡±


    The boss scrutinised Yu Hao, disapproval written all over his face, and didn¡¯t bother entertaining them.


    Yu Hao took the pair that Fu Liqun handed to him and asked, ¡°How much is this pair?¡±


    Boss, ¡°Prices are stated on the soles, can¡¯t you see for yourself?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that this shopkeeper was really arrogant. He immediately vomited blood when he saw the price on the sole. A pair of basketball shoes cost 8,300???


    Yu Hao¡¯s expression was quite a spectacular sight. He whispered to Fu Liqun, ¡°Is this an official store?¡±


    ¡°A buyer¡¯s shop.¡± Fu Liqun answered.


    ¡°These shoes are bought back by the boss and sold in the store?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    The boss immediately exploded. He stood up and wanted to chase them away, his stature resembling that of a mountain, ¡°Knock it off! Both of you should go back ba, I¡¯m closing shop to buy groceries. Don¡¯t idle here for fun anymore, brothers.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°He¡¯s picking a birthday present for his boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Not my boyfriend!¡± This time, it was Yu Hao¡¯s turn to explode.


    ¡°Ohhh¡ª¡ª¡± The boss had already stood up, but sat down when he heard this.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t understand, he¡¯ll be in the pit soon.¡±


    ¡°Take your time then.¡± The boss turned his phone on and began watching¡¶Empresses in the Palace¡·.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng likes basketball shoes and all kinds of anime figurines, but picking a pair of shoes that Zhou Sheng would like was practically like finding an AWP for Yu Hao.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯ll like any pair you pick from this shop.¡±


    As he spoke, Fu Liqun took another pair and stared at it for a long while. Yu Hao said, ¡°That pair?¡±


    Fu Liqun put it back and said, ¡°This pair doesn¡¯t have his size, I was just looking around.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then¡­¡­what about this? Yi? Nintendo?¡±


    ¡°A model made in collaboration with NES, black white red limited edition.¡± The boss said in a gruff voice, ¡°Only 10 pairs were released in North America. Do you want to check the size first? Can he wear a size US 10?¡±


    ¡°The size is fine.¡± When Yu Hao saw that the price of the shoes was 9,600, ten thousand alpacas immediately stampeded through his heart. His heart jolted, will Zhou Sheng really like these?


    ¡°Then this pair¡­¡­ba?¡± Yu Hao said and thought that this pair of shoes would be the most expensive thing he had ever bought in his entire life.


    The boss took out his phone and prepared to collect the money. He took out the shoe box, and Yu Hao asked, ¡°That was a question just now¡­¡­wait, I haven¡¯t decided yet! Is there a newer one?¡±


    ¡°There are only 10 pairs in North America, what do you think?¡± The boss asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°Forget I said anything.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Tear the cling film off and cut the tag on it ba.¡±


    ¡°If you cut it you won¡¯t be able to return it anymore.¡± The boss said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Even if he wants to return it, don¡¯t let him.¡±


    Boss, ¡°I¡¯ll help you step around in it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Well, that¡¯s not necessary¡­¡­¡±


    The boss casually tore off the film, cut the tag, stuffed it into the shoe box, then casually took out a black plastic bag and put the shoe box in it. Yu Hao took his phone out to pay the boss. The boss handed the plastic bag to him, accepted the money, and continued watching¡¶Empresses in the Palace¡·.


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Boss, ¡°Yeah, what else do you expect?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is there a receipt?¡±


    Boss, ¡°Of course not! What are you thinking?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun was still looking at shoes. Yu Hao said, ¡°Then what if it¡­¡­spoils?¡± If it was fake, then Zhou Sheng would hack this shop¡¯s boss to death ba.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t any fakes here¡ª¡ª¡± The boss clearly understood Yu Hao¡¯s crooked thoughts, ¡°If anyone says that it¡¯s fake, then come trash my shop. I won¡¯t retaliate, you can trash it however you want.¡±


    Yu Hao replied awkwardly, ¡°I don¡¯t doubt its authenticity¡­¡­I was just wondering if there¡¯s a warranty or something¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No warranty.¡± The boss said, ¡°Your boyfriend will know how to maintain it himself. Stop fussing, the emperor¡¯s dead.¡± After he said this, he continued watching¡¶Empresses in the Palace¡·.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun picked up a pair of shoes, put them down, then picked up another pair of shoes, and put them down as well. After browsing through the store once, he stopped in front of the first pair of shoes he had looked at. He seemed really reluctant to part from them. Until now, Yu Hao still hadn¡¯t accepted the reality that he had just spent 9,800 on a pair of shoes in a shop that looks like a grocery store which didn¡¯t even issue receipts!


    ¡°Are you still buying it or not?¡± The boss asked, ¡°I¡¯m closing shop soon.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, did you buy it? Let me see our young master¡¯s pair?¡±


    Yu Hao and Fu Liqun stood at the subway station under the shopping mall. Fu Liqun took the shoes out to look at them and suddenly sighed.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Ai¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao immediately became nervous and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Fu Liqun solemnly patted Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, ¡°It¡¯s pretty good.¡±


    Yu Hao noticed that a lot of people were looking at them.


    ¡°Um¡­¡­¡± A man walked up to them in the subway and said, ¡°Dage, could I take a look at that?¡±


    Fu Liqun picked up one shoe, ¡°Look ba.¡±


    The man reached out to take it, Fu Liqun retreated a little, ¡°I¡¯ll hold it for you to take a look, look ah. You can only look at it, not touch it.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, you don¡¯t need to do that ba, even if he just took one shoe and fled, it would be of no use!


    ¡°Can I take a picture?¡± That guy asked.


    ¡°Take ba.¡± Fu Liqun held the shoe up for the man to take a photo, ¡°Remember to smooth out my skin.¡±


    After the man took a picture of the shoe, he asked, ¡°Where did you buy it?¡±


    ¡°A friend bought it abroad.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°There are only 10 pairs in North America.¡±


    The man nodded and left, looking both envious and reluctant. Fu Liqun explained to Yu Hao, ¡°That shop only does business with acquaintances, they don¡¯t sell things to just anyone.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao began to realise why the shoes and that boss were so amazing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Fu Liqun seemed a little disappointed, ¡°See you next week. Don¡¯t get discovered when you go back, hide it well.¡±


    Yu Hao bid farewell to Fu Liqun in front of the subway station. Fu Liqun squeezed onto the subway and headed to the high-speed railway station to take a train home.


    Yu Hao kept the shoes in their packaging, stood for awhile, then returned to the shop. It was 4pm, and the boss was already preparing to close shop. He saw Yu Hao walk over, who said, ¡°I¡¯m just asking out of curiosity, how much is the other pair?¡±


    Boss, ¡°I¡¯m also just asking out of curiosity, how many more boyfriends do you have? Could you buy all the shoes you want for them in one go?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t even have one! Stop asking!¡±


    ¡°This pair¡¯s cheaper, 4,700.¡± The boss said, ¡°I¡¯ll charge you 4,500 ba.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Is it because I bought two pairs?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The boss collected the money and said, ¡°Because your eyes look like my wife¡¯s, my wife¡¯s a woman. Go back ba, don¡¯t get robbed on your way back.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao returned to the dormitory and hid the shoes at the bottom of the wardrobe. He planned to buy some wrapping paper to wrap the gifts. He couldn¡¯t just give it to Zhou Sheng in the black plastic bag that it was kept in. He had only just hidden it when Zhou Sheng came back.


    ¡°Where did you go?¡± Yu Hao took the preemptive strike.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What does it have to do with you? What about you? Where did you go?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve always been in the dorm.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Your back¡¯s drenched in sweat in the dorm? Who¡¯re you trying to deceive?¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°I sent Gege to the subway station.¡±


    ¡°You guys are that close?¡± Zhou Sheng casually said before laying down on his bed, then asked, ¡°Where do you want to go during the summer vacation?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Aren¡¯t you competing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯ll be over next week.¡±


    ¡°What about Australia?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s winter, you want to turn into a popsicle there?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It only starts in November, and it¡¯s not confirmed that we¡¯ll get to go, only the top 3 can. Hurry, I¡¯ll book the hotel in advance.¡± As he spoke, he scrolled through his phone.


    ¡°Let me think about it some more.¡± Yu Hao kind of wanted to work. He ended up spending all his money on impulse purchases today.


    ¡°Did you buy a gift for Kaikai?¡± Zhou Sheng asked lazily.


    ¡°Buy a gift?¡± Yu Hao was now extremely nervous, ¡°What gift? Why do I need to buy him a gift?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He introduced you to your part-time job, aren¡¯t you going to thank him?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve already sent him a red packet, though I think he doesn¡¯t need it, and he has already accepted it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You only sent him a red packet? Student Yu Hao, are you serious? Why did you put so little thought into it? How much did you send him?¡±


    ¡°I transferred 888.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng was satisfied and didn¡¯t question him further. The dormitory was extremely quiet. Yu Hao began to imagine Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression when he receives his birthday gift. Would he be touched? Or would he scold him for buying such an expensive item?


    After a short silence, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll be competing next week, will you come and watch?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Do you even need to ask?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Our whole class will be going, Kaikai and Huang Ting too.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t stress, just do it as you usually would.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What I meant was, when I¡¯m receiving the prize, remember to step forward a little yourself and get everyone else to move their asses to the side, got it?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    Throughout the following week, Yu Hao was even more nervous than Zhou Sheng while Zhou Sheng was no different to usual. He ate and slept as he should and even stewed oxtail soup in their dormitory. Ying City in July was as hot as a furnace, and their balcony that faced the West was still sunny. Zhou Sheng raised his head to look at the balcony and said, ¡°We need to buy an air conditioner, or else we¡¯re gonna die from the heat.¡±


    But Yu Hao wasn¡¯t bothered by it. In the past, his house was even stuffier than the dormitory, so he was used to it. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come and stay in the training hall ba.¡±


    Yu Hao accepted an online part-time job to translate two magazine manuscripts. After the editor saw his sample manuscripts, he was extremely satisfied with Yu Hao¡¯s work. So Yu Hao carried the laptop that Fu Liqun left in their dormitory to the training hall, where the temperature was regulated, to translate. He and Zhou Sheng were the only ones in the huge training hall. After Zhou Sheng trained for awhile, he would visit Yu Hao during his break, and the two of them would drink some water as they watched shows.


    The night before the competition, Zhou Sheng took a bath and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Wanna bask in the moonlight?¡±


    It was a cool evening. Yu Hao submitted his translations and received 800 for his work. Work that relies on the brain pays more than work that relies on brawn. In the past, after standing for a whole day in the cafe he would only earn 120. He began thinking that what Chen Yekai said was right: money was hard to make, but it wasn¡¯t that hard to make.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao lay down on the grass in the field. The moonlight spilled onto their bodies. During the summer vacation, the entire college was extremely quiet.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a daze.


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao looked sideways at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m a little nervous.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Because of the competition tomorrow?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer. Yu Hao sat up, ¡°When I sang for the college¡¯s celebration performance, I was really nervous too. But at that time I imagined that there was only one person in the audience below the stage ¡ª and that person was General. So I didn¡¯t feel that nervous anymore. If you¡¯re still nervous when you¡¯re competing tomorrow, you can imagine that I¡¯m the only one who¡¯s there to watch you compete, just like how I usually watch you practice¡­¡­¡±


    But Zhou Sheng began laughing for some unknown reason and answered, ¡°Why are you always so dumb? I¡¯m not talking about the competition.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll return to the dorm first. You can bask for a little longer?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go together ba.¡±


    But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t wait for him. He got up and walked through the field, looking up at the moon. Yu Hao patted the grass off his body and got up. Zhou Sheng stuffed two hands into the pockets of his sportswear, and called out to Yu Hao from across half the field, ¡°Yu Hao! Look at the moon!¡±


    Yu Hao also looked up. Zhou Sheng shouted again, ¡°The moon tonight is really beautiful!¡±


    Yu Hao turned towards Zhou Sheng and laughed. He looked up, looked at Zhou Sheng again, before shifting his gaze back to the moon ¡ª there was some surprise mixed with confusion in his gaze.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Yeah!¡±


    His side profile was embraced by the warm moonlight as he gazed upwards. A gust of wind whispered by and gently tousled his short hair, forming a gentle and handsome silhouette.


    ¡ª¡ªVolume 2¡¤Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¤End¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª

 Chapter 72 - Competition

    Ch72 ¨C Competition


    Zhou Sheng got up early on the day of the finals of the National College Cycling Invitationals and bought breakfast for Yu Hao, but he didn¡¯t wake Yu Hao up before leaving to take the urine test. It wasn¡¯t until Chen Yekai knocked on the door that Yu Hao got up groggily.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go watch the competition?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Crap! Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng? Why did he leave without calling me?¡± Yu Hao sat up abruptly. His alarm hadn¡¯t gone off either, and his heart almost jumped out of his chest in fright.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°It¡¯s still early, it only starts in the afternoon. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Ying City ushered in its hottest day in ten years. Intense heat emanated from the asphalt roads, yet there were large crowds of people on both sides of the race track. Contestants weren¡¯t allowed to see the track before the race and had to stay in the rest area. Yu Hao wanted to go to the preparation area to say ¡®jiayou¡¯ to Zhou Sheng, but he couldn¡¯t find him. He was almost about to be sunburned just looking over the racecourse.


    Yu Hao nervously sent messages to Zhou Sheng to ask about his whereabouts, but Zhou Sheng only replied with a grinning emoji.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go anywhere, just stand there!¡± Huang Ting was waiting in front of the race track as he talked to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s so hot today, would they get a heatstroke?!¡±


    The clamour that surrounded them was deafening. Chen Yekai handed out whistles, and people from Sports Class 1 began arriving one after another. The last people to arrive were Fu Liqun and Cen Shan. Chen Shan was wearing a red hat and the crowd roared, ¡°Hello sis-in-law!¡±


    ¡°Hello¡ª¡ªhi hi everyone.¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°Yu Hao come over here.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t move anymore, both of you stand properly. Gege will shield you guys from the sun.¡±


    Fu Liqun stood behind Yu Hao and Cen Shan, subtly shielding them from the sun.


    Yu Hao began laughing. Cen Shan held up a small fan and turned it towards the three of them. Everyone had a whistle in their mouths as they turned around to look at the starting line.


    ¡°When Young Master rides over later.¡± Someone called Xia Lei from Sports Class 1 said, ¡°Then Gege, shift to the back a little.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Why move?¡± Cen Shan asked, baffled.


    ¡°To highlight Yu Hao, so that he can be seen ah.¡± Fu Liqun answered.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t listen to their idle chat any longer. He looked towards the starting line. The contestants all pushed their bikes out one after another, and they were more than thirty metres away from the starting line. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t tell which one was Zhou Sheng.


    The starting pistol fired with a ¡°bang¡±, the race started!


    All of the contestants raced forward on their bicycles. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t snapped out of his daze yet, and not long after, a group of colourful guys on their bikes flew past his eyes. Yu Hao could only recognise Zhou Sheng¡¯s bicycle helmet, yet he couldn¡¯t tell which one was him. When he was looking towards the front, someone who had fallen behind shouted angrily, ¡°Where the hell are you looking at?! Laozi¡¯s here!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw a kiss at them, and they all whistled back. This scene shook the heavens and the earth, and Yu Hao laughed. He shouted, ¡°Jiayou!¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand again and waved, then disappeared into the large peloton. He had fallen quite far behind.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The next track!¡±


    Everyone immediately moved on to the next track. In response to the 40-degree heat, the organiser distributed paper cups and medicinal concoctions to provide relief from the summer heat. Chen Yekai bought ice water for the whole class. Everyone walked through the park, and outside of it, a group of athletes swept by them again.


    This time, Yu Hao exerted his utmost force to whistle ¡ª he saw Zhou Sheng! The distance between the cyclists had opened up; after he passed by, the next contestant only followed a whole 20 seconds later.


    ¡°Jiayou!¡± Fu Liqun shouted, ¡°Young Master! Good luck! Let¡¯s eat chicken tonight!¡±


    The crowd roared with laughter; they followed the organiser across the road and moved on to the next location to watch the race. A strong wind blew by the river. Yu Hao was the first to notice Zhou Sheng; this time, he was very much ahead! Yu Hao counted as he whistled. Huang Ting said, ¡°14th.¡±


    Everyone shouted ¡°yeah¡± in unison. As long as he entered the top 10, he would receive a prize!


    Chen Yekai shouted at the group of bicycles in the distance, ¡°Jiayou!¡±


    They continued to move. In the park at the foot of the mountain, the viewing platform in front of a cafe was crowded with people. The lady boss personally came forward and rebuked, ¡°No one else get on! There¡¯s too many people! Spectate from below! What are you guys trying to do?!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°28 cups of coffee frappuccinos, super large, and 30 double scoops of sea salt matcha ice cream. We¡¯ll book the entire second floor.¡±


    Lady boss, ¡°Ah okokok, then open up the sunshades in the corner by yourselves okay?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Liqun you robbed me of my lines¡­¡­¡±


    It was Fu Liqun¡¯s treat. Everyone held a cup of frappuccino and an ice cream in their hands. Fu Liqun could eat three portions by himself. Yu Hao was so nervous his stomach hurt; he kept staring at the race track at the point where the contestants were expected to first come into view. They arrived!


    ¡°11th.¡± Huang Ting¡¯s gaze swept over and reported calmly, ¡°Can we get another cup of ice cream?¡±


    Everyone whistled, Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Jiayou¡ª¡ª!¡±


    ¡°The next checkpoint!¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Everyone hastened down the stairs. The fifth checkpoint was at Yunding Mountain Nature National Park in Ying City. Zhou Sheng was now in 7th place!


    The sixth checkpoint was outside the amusement park that Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had worked at before. Yu Hao got distracted and didn¡¯t see Zhou Sheng; his eyes darted around rapidly as he searched for his figure and thought, crap, something couldn¡¯t have happened to him right?


    ¡°9th.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He passed us already?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Believe me, there¡¯s no mistake.¡±


    At dusk, the last checkpoint. The organising staff removed the flags and changed the starting line to the finish line. Cen Shan asked, ¡°Which places get the trip to Australia for two people?¡±


    ¡°Top 3.¡± Fu Liqun replied.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be easy.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°There are too many professionals.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°As long as he gets into top 10, the college will have to give him a prize. Just getting into top 10 would already be considered pretty good.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao are you alright?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t get heatstroke.¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯m still okay, do I look really nervous?¡±


    ¡°You barely spoke today.¡± Cen Shan comforted, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Zhou Sheng himself isn¡¯t worried.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, ¡°He must be tired, he¡¯s been cycling for so long.¡±


    ¡°Go back and massage Young Master tonight.¡± A guy from the sports class said, ¡°He still needs to celebrate his birthday tomorrow.¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing. Yu Hao thought that it seemed like there would be a course in TCM next year for those studying Psychology; it seemed to be about massage and acupuncture in TCM, and is often joked to be the ¡°Big Health Care Major¡± by the sports students¡­¡­he should take that, then maybe he could help massage Zhou Sheng.


    The scorching sun that boiled the city finally ended its task for the day, turning into a fireball sunset that sank into the horizon and shone on the track until it turned a bloody red. Yu Hao placed one hand on his forehead, his brows were scrunched up with anxiety. He looked towards the horizon to see a figure appear, backlit by the setting sun!


    On both sides of the track, everyone ¡ª including Yu Hao and gang ¡ª shouted together!


    It wasn¡¯t Zhou Sheng, but their cheers had nothing to do with the competition or contestants ¡ª their cheers represented everyone¡¯s praise and respect for the one in first place.


    The first place cyclist rushed through the finishing line in the midst of everyone¡¯s cheers.


    Yu Hao felt like he had returned to the time when his junior high school was reciting the rankings as everyone had to take their papers, and his heart was about to jump out of his chest. He kept trying to compose himself. When he closed his eyes and regulated his breathing, a whistle that shook the heavens and earth suddenly rang out!


    Just ten seconds after first place rushed by the finishing line, the second place cyclist darted towards the finish ¡ª it was Zhou Sheng!


    Yu Hao let out a loud shout and subconsciously reached out. Zhou Sheng wore sports glasses and an expressionless face, bent forward on his bike, and swept past like a gale ¡ª that appearance of his was so cool that it made everyone on the track shout out together. Before anyone could register it, Zhou Sheng hugged the periphery of the track, stretched his hand out and ¡ª with incredible precision ¡ª gave Yu Hao¡¯s outstretched hand a high five.


    The setting sun pooled around them like liquid gold, leaving behind only their silhouettes against a bright backdrop. Time seemed to come to a standstill at that moment, and Zhou Sheng crossed the finish line like a bolt of lightning!


    Only then did Yu Hao react. A loud ¡°AHHH¡ª¡ª¡± sounded. The result was completely unexpected for all of his classmates, and they started to shout like they had lost their minds. They all turned around and rushed towards the finish line.


    ¡°The race isn¡¯t over yet!¡± One of the volunteers for the organisation shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t go there! Don¡¯t crowd around!¡±


    The third place arrived, followed by the 4th, then the grandiose army hurried over, and the scene started to descend into chaos. Chen Yekai immediately said, ¡°Retreat! The awards will be presented later!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat on the grass field behind the race track. His bike was on the ground beside him, and the champion was sitting on the roadside, gasping for breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re amazing!¡± Zhou Sheng said to the champion.


    The champion replied, ¡°I had the advantage since it¡¯s my own bike.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°My bike belongs to the college, let¡¯s go for a one-on-one next time.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± The champion came over and gave Zhou Sheng a high five, then pulled him up.


    Following which, a formidable array of people rushed towards Zhou Sheng, lifted him up, and threw him into the air. Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Knock it off! Hold on¡­¡­I need to go to the toilet!¡±


    Cen Shan was at the side, taking pictures like crazy. The whole class took turns and it looked as if they were there for a group fight. The champion could only slowly walk away with his bike. Zhou Sheng struggled to break free and looked outside the crowd, and in the end, Yu Hao rushed towards him to give him a bear hug.


    ¡°Bring me my basketball pants.¡± After the sound of running water stopped in the bathroom, Zhou Sheng wore an expression on his face that made it seem like there wasn¡¯t anything worth living for in this world. Yu Hao laughed and threw him his basketball pants.


    Zhou Sheng put it on over his skintight shorts and took off his skintight top. Yu Hao said, ¡°You still need to accept your prize, don¡¯t take it off!¡±


    So Zhou Sheng could only take half of it off, revealing his beautiful and chiselled abs before lowering his head under the tap¡¯s running water.


    ¡°Your neck looks sunburned.¡± Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao, ¡°Your skin will definitely peel off tomorrow, come over and wash it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll wash it when I get back ba. Hurry, go and get your prize.¡±


    ¡°Get what prize¡­¡­come over to Laozi¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng pressed Yu Hao down and rinsed him with water.


    Yu Hao kept shouting, and the two of them got water all over themselves outside the bathroom. The organising committee had already come over to summon Zhou Sheng, so Zhou Sheng threw his helmet and glasses to Yu Hao and smiled as he went to collect his prize. In contrast, the champion was alone as he stood quietly. When he bowed to receive the medal, Yu Hao took the lead in whistling, followed by the whistles and applause of the entire class.


    Zhou Sheng smiled and gave Yu Hao a thumbs up. When it was his turn to go on stage, the crowd erupted in an uproar.


    ¡°Woah fuck, those good looks can practically kill the whole crowd in seconds.¡±


    Yu Hao overheard a comment made in private.


    Late at night, everyone went down the mountain and entered a small stir-fry shop. This shop didn¡¯t have many seats, and it only served a range of stir-fries. Zhou Sheng treated everyone to dinner. Chen Yekai and Huang Ting had an appointment with the plaintiff¡¯s lawyer, so they had to take their leave in advance. Zhou Sheng led the bubbling group of locusts that rushed in, and they completely occupied the shop within an instant.


    ¡°What does everyone wanna eat? The menu¡¯s on the wall, look for yourselves ba.¡± The boss glanced over and saw that there were so many people who came in, so he hurriedly put on his reading glasses and took out a notebook to take orders.


    ¡°Fry up this whole wall!¡± The pack of wolves instantly cheered.


    Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°Yes! Fry up this whole wall!¡±


    Yu Hao was laughing really hard. Fu Liqun went to open a bottle, and everyone in the shop began to drink. However, Zhou Sheng had been thrown to one side and sat in a corner. He and Yu Hao looked at each other, and within this lively world, only the two of them remained as they sat opposite each other. Zhou Sheng hunched over slightly as he sat, looking just like a monkey, and only smiled when he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Australia.¡± Zhou Sheng held his phone and showed Yu Hao the content of his chat. The organising committee requested that Zhou Sheng fill in the names, and Zhou Sheng filled in his and Yu Hao¡¯s ID information and names.


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect that you would get second place!¡±


    ¡°The first place¡¯s bike is too good.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°If I rode that bike I would¡¯ve been faster than him, forget it.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why but he was momentarily at a loss for words. He wanted to praise Zhou Sheng for being way too handsome today, so much so that he was even shining, yet he was too embarrassed to say it. Shortly afterwards, the boss served the dishes, and Zhou Sheng encouraged everyone to eat up. The group of people from the sports class were like wolves and tigers. Yu Hao was suffering from heatstroke and didn¡¯t have much of an appetite. He poured some alcohol for Zhou Sheng, who said, ¡°Drink less and eat more. This boss is my Dad¡¯s Shige, the taste of his dishes is superb.¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit surprised. He wanted to eat more, but firstly he was too excited, and secondly he had stood under the sun the whole day and didn¡¯t have much of an appetite. After awhile, Cen Shan was the first to come over. She was holding a beer and rubbed Zhou Sheng¡¯s head, ¡°You did pretty well today, sis-in-law has stuff to do so I have to leave first. Cheers to the both of you.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly held up a glass with Zhou Sheng and drank it. Cen Shan said goodbye to the rest before she left. Fu Liqun sent her out to the car and said to the crowd, ¡°Wait till I get back before you guys start drinking! Open up some white wine!¡±


    After filling up his stomach, Yu Hao once again realised that this group of people could drink as much as bandits; those who drank beer only did so because they were thirsty, and they all began drinking white wine from 7pm onwards. At the start, he thought that they had neglected Zhou Sheng, but it turns out that everyone was just hungry, and once they were sated, they began making Zhou Sheng drink. After they made him drink a few cups, they made Yu Hao drink too. Not only did they make the two of them drink, they were all forcing their own dormitory mates to drink as well. Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao not to get drunk, and when Yu Hao got any drinks he would take it. Yu Hao didn¡¯t let him drink too much; he was afraid that after today¡¯s high-intensity race, drinking would badly affect his heart.


    After a while, Fu Liqun came back and roared angrily, ¡°Gege wasn¡¯t around! And you guys dared to sneak away?! Come? Ai that¡­¡­Yu Hao take a drink for me, I need to mentally prep myself first.¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Fu Liqun began to display his strength as fresh reinforcements and managed to drink for nearly an hour. In the end, the crowd was so drunk that they collapsed everywhere and cheered loudly for Yu Hao to sing. Yu Hao was a bit tipsy, though his mind was still sober, so he asked Zhou Sheng to choose a song.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Sing one yourself, I¡¯ll choose the next one.¡±


    ¡°Then¡ª¡ªlet¡¯s go ba, who knows what¡¯s ahead¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Then¡ª¡ªlet¡¯s go ba, the scenery there is the same.¡± Yu Hao laughed as he sang.


    Yu Hao started directly from the chorus, and the whole restaurant fell silent once he began to sing. The guests sitting outside all turned around at the same time, and even the boss moved a chair out from the kitchen to sit down and listen. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng earnestly chose the accompaniment from his phone and found¡¶Drown One¡¯s Sorrows¡·.


    Once the accompaniment started, along with the dim sunlight in the pub, the revolving green electric fans, the scent of summer grass, the moonlight in the sky, and the slight intoxication from the wine, it seemed even more ethereal, as if everyone had fallen into a dream for a moment.


    ¡°Cheers to the morning sun, cheers to the moonlight, wake up my yearning, turn the cold windows gentle.¡±


    When he sang part of the chorus, everyone actually sang along with Yu Hao; half of them sounded desolate while the other sounded rueful as they all began singing in unison. It was as if there was an inconceivable depth of indescribable melancholy within these 20-year-olds. The last moments of their youth was about to end, just like the gentle breeze in this summer night. It silently penetrated their restless souls, assaulting their senses before brushing past their face.


    After the song ended, there was silence.


    ¡°The last song.¡± Zhou Sheng said in the silence, ¡°After we finish this glass, let¡¯s disperse for the night ba.¡±


    ¡°Good flowers don¡¯t bloom often¡ª¡ªbeautiful sceneries don¡¯t appear often¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao sang again. When he sings, his eyebrows would raise slightly. He grinned as he looked at Zhou Sheng. Fu Liqun then played an accompaniment.


    When it ended, the crowd bumped their glasses against one another and they all said, ¡°See you next term.¡±


    ¡°See you next term¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s money was all with Yu Hao, so he motioned for Yu Hao to settle the bill. Yu Hao used his phone to pay: 26 people, 7 tables, including all the alcohol, and the total came up to 920. The boss even rounded it off for Yu Hao and only charged them 900; this was really too cheap.


    ¡°See you next term lo!¡±


    Yu Hao was very glad to bid farewell to the rest. From now on, Zhou Sheng was his.


    Fu Liqun, Yu Hao, and Zhou Sheng walked together, ¡°See you again when school reopens lo.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why are you following us?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, baffled, ¡°To return to the dormitory ah, otherwise where would I stay?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna get a room with your wife!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Are you blind?! Didn¡¯t you see her leave long ago, where would I go to get one? I only brought a 1,000 with me when I left, and I spent it all on treating them to coffee and ice cream.¡±


    Yu Hao exploded when he heard this, ¡°The ice cream was that expensive?! Are you crazy?!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go ba let¡¯s go.¡± Fu Liqun was drunk too. He asked, ¡°Can you walk? Do you guys want Gege to carry you back?¡±


    At 11pm in the evening, the three of them arrived at the foot of their dormitory building. Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun stood as they sang¡¶A Little Happiness¡·. As Yu Hao watched, he thought they looked funny but he still earnestly directed them. After they sang for awhile they got scolded by the 7th floor; Zhou Sheng wanted to go up to pick a fight, and Fu Liqun quickly said ¡®never mind, never mind¡¯, then rested his arm around Yu Hao and flipped onto the second floor to return to their dormitory.


    ¡°Ai! We¡¯re finally back!¡± Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning; his tipsiness hadn¡¯t faded yet.


    Fu Liqun waved his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t mix drinks next time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng collapsed into a chair, ¡°Kaikai and Huang Ting ran away pretty quickly, I wanted to get him drunk today.¡±


    Fu Liqun dry retched a few times but didn¡¯t vomit. He drank some water and gargled, then turned around, ¡°He¡¯s afraid that we wouldn¡¯t be able to drink to our heart¡¯s content if he was around, so he found an excuse to leave first.¡±


    ¡°How could the light of a firefly compete with the light from the sun and moon!¡± Zhou Sheng laid on his chair with legs spread, looking just like a huge crab. He kicked away a stool with one leg, ¡°Yu Hao am I right?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I didn¡¯t understand.¡± As he spoke, he took a wet towel and folded it before handing it to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng opened his eyes to look at Yu Hao. His eyes were a little red from being drunk.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Place it over your eyes, they¡¯re red.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lifted his hand and pointed at his eyes, then laughed. Yu Hao folded the towel, ¡°Close your eyes.¡± Then he placed it on his eyes.


    Fu Liqun lit up a cigarette. Yu Hao said, ¡°Why did you start smoking too?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Just one.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao, you ah¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng said slowly with his eyes blindfolded.


    ¡°What about me again?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Fu Liqun laughed.


    Zhou Sheng stopped talking. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Fell asleep?¡± He turned around to look at Fu Liqun, then looked at Zhou Sheng again with question marks all over his head. Fu Liqun placed one foot over his other knee and looked down at his watch.


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Yu Hao you¡¯re a Sagittarius ba? I remember that.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Sagittarius.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, a womanizer.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un, not as family-oriented as you Cancers, okay okay.¡± As he spoke, he patted Zhou Sheng again.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you the medal~ do you like it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I like it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then that¡¯s good.¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing Zhou Sheng this drunk, and he was on the verge of laughing himself to death. Fu Liqun teased, ¡°Why don¡¯t I have one? You¡¯re too biased!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, blindfolded, ¡°Or you can talk it over with Yu Hao? Yu Hao, do you want to give it to him?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°He gets Australia and the medal too! Why?! I won¡¯t accept it!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll give you everything next time?¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately said, ¡°Then please do!¡±


    Yu Hao was on the brink of madness from laughing. Zhou Sheng uttered another ¡°un¡±. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± As he spoke, he took out a lighter and motioned to Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng waited for a while. The electric fan in the dormitory stopped, and he said, ¡°Yu Hao, have you recorded the song for me? Where¡¯s the song?¡±


    No one answered. Within the silence, Zhou Sheng waited for awhile longer, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    There was still no answer. Zhou Sheng removed the cloth covering his eyes. In the darkness, Fu Liqun held a birthday cake with candles all over it, and stood in front of Zhou Sheng with Yu Hao, the light illuminating their entire dormitory.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 73.1 - Birthday

    Ch73.1 ¨C Birthday


    ¡°Happy birthday to you¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday to you¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath, followed by an ¡°aowu¡± that sounded like a wolf¡¯s howl, and shouted, ¡°Why did you buy such a huge cake? Who would eat it?!¡± Yu Hao also jumped in fright after singing the birthday song. He asked Fu Liqun to buy a cake, and he ended up buying a five-pound one!


    ¡°There¡¯s more! Quick!¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately handed the cake to Yu Hao and turned on the accompaniment with his phone.


    ¡°Comin¡¯ over in my direction!¡± Yu Hao held the cake and twirled around, unbridled. He moved in synchrony with Fu Liqun as they began to sing.


    Zhou Sheng burst out laughing. Yu Hao began singing¡¶Despacito¡·, which had a robust rhythm and was very lively as well. Yu Hao and Fu Liqun sang as they danced, and their dance steps looked extremely beautiful too. Zhou Sheng was bowled over with laughter as he watched them earnestly dance. In the end, Fu Liqun spun around, swung his hips twice, and shouted ¡°Yeah!¡± to end this performance.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t catch his breath, ¡°Blow¡­¡­blow out the candles, the whole thing¡¯s about to melt.¡±


    Fu Liqun was so hot he stuck his tongue out, ¡°It¡¯s too hot, Young Master, hurry, we need to turn on the electric fan or else I¡¯m gonna die from the heat!¡±


    Yu Hao placed the cake in front of Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng smiled as he closed his eyes and made a wish, a very short wish. Not long after, he blew out the candles. The two people clapped their hands. Yu Hao sped over to turn on the ceiling fan in their dormitory before breathing a sigh of relief.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything and just smiled as he cut the cake seriously, yet that smile seemed slightly melancholic as well.


    As soon as the room turned quiet, the atmosphere had turned a bit strange. No one spoke for nearly ten seconds. Yu Hao was trying to figure out what to say, while Zhou Sheng seemed like he had been very moved.


    ¡°Do you want a large or small slice?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°A smaller one, I can¡¯t eat anything too sweet.¡±


    ¡°Gege, what about you?¡± Zhou Sheng passed the cake to Yu Hao before cutting a slice for Fu Liqun.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Large or small doesn¡¯t matter, anyway, once I get one¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll cut a large one for you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll feed, it, to, YOU!¡±


    Fu Liqun took the large slice of cake that Zhou Sheng handed to him and threw it out quickly. The cake flew away and smashed into Zhou Sheng¡¯s face with a loud ¡°pa¡±.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hahahahahahaha!! Hahaha!! Hahahahaha!!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Hahahahaha!! Hahahaha! Hahaha!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was still seated when he was smashed in the face with cake by Fu Liqun. Yu Hao had no idea that Fu Liqun would suddenly do that, and only saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s bewildered expression after he was smashed with cake and burst out laughing instantly. He was holding his own cake and almost fell to the ground from laughing too hard. Three seconds later, Zhou Sheng wiped his face, grabbed a piece of cake and roared angrily, ¡°You wanna die?!¡±


    The cake wars began. Yu Hao laughed until he was exhausted and collapsed onto another chair. He was laughing with a hahaha when Zhou Sheng smashed his head with cake. He shouted, ¡°What does this have to do with me!?¡±


    ¡°Attack him together!¡± Fu Liqun shouted, then the two of them began smashing Zhou Sheng with cake. Once the scuffle broke out, it was almost impossible to stop. Fu Liqun threw some cake at them, but Zhou Sheng took Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop and smacked the cake away, and a huge slice of cake flew up to the ceiling fan.


    Yu Hao suddenly became aware of a very serious problem ¡ª Fu Liqun will be going home tomorrow, and it¡¯ll be Zhou Sheng¡¯s birthday tomorrow so there¡¯s no reason for him to clean up and do housework. And that meant that, all the cake in the dormitory would be left to him to clean up!


    ¡°Stop, don¡¯t throw anymore!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop! Stop! Stop it! Please!¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s war was reaching its peak. The two of them were slugging it out with fistfuls of cakes; Fu Liqun even grabbed Yu Hao to use as a shield against Zhou Sheng, which incensed Zhou Sheng. He snatched Yu Hao back and made him stand behind as Zhou Sheng shielded him. At the sight of an opportune moment, Zhou Sheng set Fu Liqun up by luring him to a particularly slippery part of the floor, causing him to slip and fall. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao cornered Fu Liqun into a dead end in the dormitory. Fu Liqun let out a huge shout as he knew that defeat was at hand; he immediately turned his body to the side to face the wardrobe, but Zhou Sheng grabbed the cake and forcefully stuffed it into his nostrils.


    ¡°No more, no more.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t throw it! It¡¯s all gone!¡±


    As¡¶Despacito¡·played, the dormitory was in a chaotic mess: the floor, table, wardrobe, balcony window, and the balcony were all covered in cake and cream.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun forcibly sneezed the cake in his nostrils out. Zhou Sheng was drenched in sweat and set the ceiling fan to its maximum speed, but Fu Liqun and Yu Hao roared at the same time, ¡°Stop!!!¡±


    But it was too late. The cake on the ceiling fan flung off. Zhou Sheng burst out laughing because he had forgotten about it.


    After the three washed their faces, they all sat down, gasping for breath.


    ¡°This is really the most unforgettable birthday I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Zhou Sheng said weakly, ¡°I didn¡¯t even get to eat my cake!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s some here.¡± Yu Hao took the small slice that he had placed on the table.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let me have a taste, it¡¯s my first time ordering from this shop. Black and white chocolate mousse.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s really good, there¡¯s even ice cream in it.¡±


    And thus, the three of them each took a plastic fork and divided Yu Hao¡¯s small slice up to eat. Yu Hao still wanted more, and considered finding some to eat in the dormitory. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t look anymore, we can order another one tomorrow to eat in the dorm. Go take a bath ba, who wants to go first?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still more.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    Fu Liqun was also waiting for this moment. He fished his phone out and prepared to record Zhou Sheng¡¯s reaction.


    Yu Hao opened up the wardrobe, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s soul immediately scattered, ¡°There¡¯s another cake? No more ba!¡±


    ¡°Jiang jiang~! Happy birthday!¡± Yu Hao handed the wrapped shoe box to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng felt slightly apprehensive as he said, ¡°Oh it¡¯s a birthday gift, you gave me a fright. Didn¡¯t I say that you didn¡¯t need to buy me anything?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled as he tore apart the shoe box. He looked up at Yu Hao, ¡°I knew you wanted to buy shoes.¡± Then he looked down, lifted the lid, and suddenly fell silent.


    Zhou Sheng was completely dumbstruck as he picked up the limited edition AJ model. He looked at the shoes, then looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao just smiled as he looked at him.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Where¡­¡­did you get this from?¡±


    ¡°It fell from the sky.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    ¡°Why did you buy such expensive shoes?¡± Zhou Sheng looked even more bewildered than when he was smashed with cake. He took out one shoe, then took out the other, before raising his head to look at Yu Hao in a daze.


    ¡°For you of course.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Happy birthday, I thought that you¡¯d like it. Gege brought me out to buy it.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes met Zhou Sheng¡¯s, but only for a fleeting moment before Zhou Sheng looked down again. He didn¡¯t say anything. Fu Liqun finally captured that classic moment. Yu Hao realised it too ¡ª in that brief moment, Zhou Sheng seemed like he was on the verge of tears!


    ¡°Stop recording!¡±


    In the next moment, Zhou Sheng figured out that Fu Liqun was recording and immediately got up, ¡°Delete that video¡­¡­¡±


    The shoes almost fell to the ground before Zhou Sheng hurriedly caught them. Fu Liqun was still recording and he said in a sentimental voice, ¡°Wuwuwu, I¡¯m so touched, I¡¯m so touched I¡¯m going to die¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao, and now it was Yu Hao¡¯s turn to feel a little embarrassed. ¡°You¡¯re not going to try them on?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned them over and over in his hands to look at it, ¡°I¡¯ll try them on after we clean the floor tomorrow, there¡¯s cake everywhere.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­this is too moving.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s bringing tears to my eyes.¡±


    ¡°I suddenly remembered something.¡± Yu Hao said sincerely, ¡°Gege, this pair is for you.¡± As he spoke, he took out another wrapped shoebox from the wardrobe.


    ¡°Nice one!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately took his phone out and recorded Fu Liqun.


    Now it was Fu Liqun¡¯s turn to be dumbstruck. Yu Hao stuffed the shoebox into his hands, ¡°Take it ah.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Where did you buy another pair?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Got it for free when I bought Zhou Sheng¡¯s pair.¡±


    Zhou Sheng burst out into laughter instantly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Take it ah.¡± Yu Hao urged.


    Fu Liqun accepted it with a dazed expression. He sat down, opened the shoebox, and inside it was the pair that he had looked at for a long time but couldn¡¯t bear to buy.


    ¡°Can I take it?¡± Fu Liqun faced Zhou Sheng as he asked, ¡°Young Master?¡±


    ¡°Take it ba.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    ¡°After I take it, will we still be friends?¡± Fu Liqun asked, worried.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll be friends for a lifetime.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s from both me and Yu Hao.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s heart was at ease and nodded, ¡°Aside from your sis-in-law, this is the first time someone has given me something so expensive.¡±


    ¡°Then what about me?¡± When Yu Hao heard the words ¡®friends for a lifetime¡¯, his slightly drunk self was suddenly interested, and he smiled at Zhou Sheng, ¡°What do you consider me as?¡±


    The dormitory suddenly fell silent. Fu Liqun quickly grabbed his phone and started a video recording.


    Yet Zhou Sheng smiled as he looked at Yu Hao, his eyebrow slightly raised, ¡°Why don¡¯t you say it yourself, what do you consider yourself as?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Zhou Sheng to answer in that way. Zhou Sheng angrily said to Fu Liqun again, ¡°Stop recording! Haven¡¯t you had enough?! If you keep recording I¡¯ll throw your shoes away!¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately hugged his shoebox and darted to his bed. Yu Hao quickly got up, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a bath.¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng was still slightly tipsy. He turned around from his chair and looked at the AJ that Yu Hao bought for him. He turned on the table lamp, placed the shoes on the desk, and took a photo with his phone, ¡°Don¡¯t buy such expensive things in the future.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not expensive if you like it.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    It was only when they went to bed when Zhou Sheng sent Yu Hao a WeChat message:


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾How did you know that those were the shoes I wanted the most? I didn¡¯t even tell Fu Liqun, so he couldn¡¯t possibly know. Did you see them in my dream? But even I never saw them in my dream.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Ah? I didn¡¯t know, I just thought that you might like them so I picked that pair, that¡¯s great!¡¿


    Yu Hao looked up at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng reached over and touched Yu Hao¡¯s forehead, ¡°Sleep ba, good night.¡±

 Chapter 73.2 - Birthday

    Ch73.2 ¨C Birthday


    Yu Hao thought that he would suffer from insomnia that night, but unexpectedly he quickly fell asleep due to the nervousness he felt all day, in addition to the alcohol he drank that night and the energy he spent after Zhou Sheng¡¯s race. The next morning, Zhou Sheng was still asleep when Yu Hao was roused by the heat. Summer vacation officially began for Yu Hao starting from today.


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning when he woke up, and he had a slight headache too. When he got off the bed, he especially climbed the ladder and reached out to test Zhou Sheng¡¯s breathing. He was afraid that after he exercised so much and drank, something might happen to him in the morning. Zhou Sheng¡¯s breathing was normal, so Yu Hao opened the dormitory door to ventilate the room.


    Fu Liqun got up early in the morning for fear of being captured and roped into helping clean up. He took advantage of the time when Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were asleep to put on his new shoes and sneak off. The stuffy dormitory cooled down a little with the wind that came in from the corridor. Yu Hao looked over the dormitory that was covered with cake debris and stared dumbly for awhile. He began to calculate the amount of time needed to clean up the whole place ¡ª at least 7 hours, and the most difficult task would be wiping the windows.


    Yu Hao looked at the new shoes that Zhou Sheng had placed on the desk for awhile. When he bought them, he didn¡¯t think much of it, but now that he earnestly looked at them again, he did think that they seemed expensive and beautiful. He began to understand why Zhou Sheng was fond of them now.


    Where should I start cleaning from? Yu Hao took water, wrung a rag, and looked at the balcony window, feeling like his heart was falling apart. He thought, I¡¯ll just start from the hardest place then. So he pulled up the window and looked into the dormitory from the balcony. I¡¯ll clean up the outside part first. Yesterday, Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng fought from inside the dormitory to out on the balcony, so there were a lot of stains outside too.


    There¡¯s a huge clump here stuck onto the window¡­¡­that still looks like it can be eaten. Yu Hao looked at it for awhile, and thought that it wouldn¡¯t be an issue if he ate a little ba. He didn¡¯t know if it had gone bad, but nobody would know anyway.


    So he leaned closer and tried to lick it. The taste didn¡¯t seem to change, it was just dry now¡­¡­


    As Yu Hao licked that piece of cake, he looked across the dormitory ¡ª someone had walked into their dormitory, and their eyes met. He had seen that person before. It was Zhou Sheng¡¯s father, Zhou Laichun!


    Zhou Laichun suddenly saw Yu Hao face him as he licked the glass of the balcony window, and a strange expression appeared on his face.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao really wanted to pretend like he hadn¡¯t seen him, but that was impossible.


    ¡°He¡­¡­llo¡­¡­uncle¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun nodded. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t completely awake yet. He quickly moved a chair over for him and said, ¡°Please sit!¡±


    Zhou Laichun walked one round around the dormitory and almost slipped when he stepped on some cake. Yu Hao hurriedly got him to sit, then climbed the ladder and shook Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Your father¡¯s here!¡±


    Zhou Sheng had woken up long ago. He turned around and faced the wall.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zhou Sheng said irritably, ¡°Running over without letting me know. Do you have nothing better to do?¡±


    Yu Hao went down to wash the rag. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Had a party in your dormitory yesterday night? Looks like you guys got pretty high ma. Yo, who gave this to you? These shoes aren¡¯t cheap ba¡­¡­you got a girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t touch my things!¡± Zhou Sheng roared and sat up in annoyance.


    Yu Hao quickly shot Zhou Sheng a meaningful glance. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Get me some clean clothes.¡±


    Yu Hao took some clothes and threw them at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng changed into them and went to take a bath. ¡°Don¡¯t mop the floor anymore. Wait for me, we¡¯ll clean up together.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll treat you to lunch. Let¡¯s celebrate Zhou Sheng¡¯s birthday today, and we¡¯ll wish him a happy 21st birthday from afar.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered a pfft and laughed aloud. Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°Where¡¯s your other dorm mate who stands out a lot?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Fu Liqun¡­¡­went home.¡±


    Zhou Laichun bit a cigarette in his mouth and took out a Vertu. He called his chauffeur and instructed him to look for a cleaner to help clean up the dormitory room. When he hung up, Zhou Sheng came out of the bathroom; his head was dripping wet, and he was digging his ears with a cotton swab.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡±


    ¡°Do we go?¡± Zhou Sheng motioned to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao was driven mad, why are you pushing this onto me again?! Your father¡¯s here to celebrate your birthday!!


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course ah, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The boss didn¡¯t invite me and only invited you. Bring some food back for me later bei?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Yu Hao, do you want to ask another friend to come along?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, the two of you really are a biological father-son pair, both of you even have the same style of speaking, ¡°Then Zhou Sheng, let¡¯s go together ba.¡±


    So Zhou Laichun drove Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao to a clubhouse in Ying city. Over the past year and a half, Yun Lai Chun had opened three high-end F&B clubhouses under its franchise, and this was one of them. It was called ¡°Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain¡±, and was located midway up a mountain with Mt. Yunding in front of it and a valley behind it.


    The bamboo sea in the waste valley had not been developed yet. There were only two plank walkways which people rarely used. There was a cascading waterfall as well, and the environment was extremely tranquil and secluded. Three sides of the first-class rooms faced the valley, which all had French windows that acted as partitions. The room was mounted midway up the mountain. At this height, you could have a panoramic view of the emerald green bamboo sea and the silvery white waterfall.


    Within the room, Zhou Sheng idly flipped through a magazine. Two blonde, blue-eyed Belarusian twin girls who wore cheongsams were making tea for them. Yu Hao looked at the waterfall through the glass window and was once again shocked by the luxury enjoyed by the rich.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Zhou Laichun asked, ¡°Longevity noodles are a must, eat a small bowl for the occasion ba.¡±


    ¡°Anything.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Yu Hao, what would you like to eat?¡± Zhou Laichun knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to obtain a meaningful response from his son, so he turned towards Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Is soy sauce chicken okay?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that it would be too greasy?¡± Zhou Laichun asked, ¡°One tradition is enough, let¡¯s order some yellow-breasted bunting then.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, don¡¯t ba, that sounds so cruel. But he didn¡¯t say it.


    ¡°No wildlife or shark fin.¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°More home-cooked dishes.¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°Sichuan?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Just ate that yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just cook as I see fit.¡± Zhou Laichun took off his suit and hung it to one side. He rolled up his sleeves and actually planned to cook himself, ¡°Eat some snacks first to whet your appetite, the two of you haven¡¯t eaten anything since you woke up.¡±


    Yu Hao had a hunch that after he ate this meal, he would have accomplished some kind of lifetime achievement.


    ¡°After eating his food, you won¡¯t want to eat mine anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng threw his magazine away and laid down on the sofa. ¡°Annoying.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Yours isn¡¯t the same.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You haven¡¯t even tried his yet, why don¡¯t you tell me how it¡¯s different?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°You put your heart into your cooking.¡±


    Yet Zhou Sheng laughed. He looked out of the French windows. Yu Hao sat down cross-legged in front of the window; he faced the verdant green and the beautiful scene of nature¡¯s mountains and forests that filled his sight, and took a deep breath. He felt like he had entered a state of Zen along with Mother Nature in front of him.


    ¡°You can actually open a restaurant in a forest park.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°If you have money, you can open one anywhere.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Guess how much it costs to have a meal here?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°At least a few thousands ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°Thousands? Not enough for the soup appetizer. Each meal starts from 100,000.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A Belarusian beauty knelt down on one knee and poured some Gongfu tea for Yu Hao. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself, thank you.¡± He took a sip of the tea. The tea should be a premium kind, but he couldn¡¯t tell after he had a taste.


    ¡°Knock it off.¡± Zhou Sheng said as the beautiful woman proffered a tray full of cigars and chocolates, ¡°All of you just go and rest ba, ignore whatever my Dad says. He¡¯s really quite sick.¡±


    The two Belarusian beauties laughed, walked out of the room and closed the door.


    Yu Hao just laughed as he laid on the carpet in front of the French windows. Zhou Sheng looked like he couldn¡¯t bear to watch any further, ¡°Irritating, you wanna go down to take some pictures?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t move¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao wanted to laugh, but he didn¡¯t have the energy. He flipped over and laid down, ¡°Too hungry, let¡¯s go after we eat ba.¡±


    Yu Hao had been too excited last night. He didn¡¯t eat much during dinner itself and didn¡¯t eat much cake either. Fortunately, it only took 40 minutes for Zhou Laichun to return.


    Everyone had a bowl of soup before the meal. It was a clear soup with a small cabbage steeped in it; they were stacked on one another, layer by layer like flower petals, and looked very beautiful. Yu Hao was going mad from hunger, yet only this bowl was served. He wanted to down the entire bowl in one go, but he was too embarrassed to do so too.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to serve more home-cooked meals? This is home-cooked? Who are you showing off to?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, isn¡¯t a bowl of cabbage home-cooked?


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Who are you showing all these fancy tricks to?¡±


    ¡°The soup was simmered yesterday.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I just happened to see it in the kitchen, so I used it. The rest are all home-cooked dishes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Just eat whatever ba, if you¡¯re still not full, I¡¯ll bring you to a stir-fry place later.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts were seen through by Zhou Sheng. He quickly said, ¡°It must be delicious.¡± As he spoke, he tasted the soup, and he instantly felt like a bolt struck him out of the blue. Before he could comment on the soup, the rest of the dishes were served up one by one.The dishes were all divided up properly first before they were placed on their plates, and the only step they didn¡¯t take was to feed it into their mouths. Half the soy sauce pigeon was especially left for Yu Hao, then mango caviar and duck skin on crackers were served. It was the first time Yu Hao knew that those dishes could be eaten in that way.


    When another dish arrived, Yu Hao asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Steamed Pine Leaf Crab.¡±


    Afterwards, they couldn¡¯t name most of the dishes served. Zhou Sheng was also too lazy to ask, so he said to Yu Hao, ¡°Actually I don¡¯t know what all these random dishes are.¡±


    ¡°Truffle goose liver.¡± Zhou Laichun glanced at it and answered.


    Zhou Sheng just ate whatever was served, and he motioned to Yu Hao to not hold back. Zhou Laichun only ate a small amount. He lit up a cigarette and lowered his head to chat over WeChat, and Yu Hao stopped asking. Zhou Laichun¡¯s dishes were really delicious, but they did lack a certain feeling. The environment was great, the ingredients were of a high quality¡­¡­Yu Hao knew what it was missing.


    In comparison, he preferred the atmosphere in their dormitory, as he watched Zhou Sheng wear an apron, open the rice cooker and scoop up some of the shrimp porridge he was cooking for a taste.


    ¡°Yu Hao add me on WeChat, it¡¯ll be more convenient to contact each other.¡± Zhou Laichun said.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything, so Yu Hao handed his phone over to Zhou Laichun for him to scan his code.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°What do you want to do after graduation?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve only just finished my freshman year, it¡¯s still early.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not too early.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to put in so much effort into studying at college. If you¡¯re interested, do you want to work in uncle¡¯s company after graduation?¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: Zhou Sheng gives Yu Hao Australia, Yu Hao gives Zhou Sheng the shoes that he has always wanted. MELTS


    Juurensha: I¡¯ve been waiting for this gift scene for ages, and it did not disappoint. Sadly, an ice cream mousse cake was wasted, but at least the sweetness of the scenes made up for it.


    Dollars: Reading this chapter is like being wrapped is a soft, cuddly blanket *sighs*


    Ame: ZS: You won¡¯t want to eat my cooking anymore. Annoying.

 Chapter 74 - Paving the Way

    Ch74 ¨C Paving the Way


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Un, if I get the chance to.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng can get a scholarship next year?¡± Zhou Laichun asked.


    Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°That grandson Xue Long called you?¡±


    ¡°Your counsellor cares about you!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Stop being so prickly all the time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng almost laughed out of anger, ¡°That grandson really is cunning. While he tries to screw me over and failed on one side, he¡¯s here taking credit on the other.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Xue Long he¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Forget it, don¡¯t say it.¡± Zhou Sheng stopped Yu Hao from explaining, ¡°I don¡¯t have the time to get into a palace fight with him.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Yu Hao, the two of you live together, and one who stays near vermillion gets stained red. The appearance of this civilised Zhou Sheng is as if he has been reborn, and it must have been partly thanks to you. But Zhou Sheng ah, that¡¯s how it is in society,¡± Within the smoke, Zhou Laichun frowned and lectured Zhou Sheng, ¡°Be a bit more round and smooth, then your life will be both round and full, round and full, got it?¡±


    ¡°Well, your life¡¯s perfect enough.¡± Zhou Sheng sighed, ¡°But what a pity, the only imperfection is that you gave birth to a piece of barbequed pork.¡±


    Yu Hao almost spat out the tea in his mouth.


    Zhou Laichun snorted disdainfully at Zhou Sheng. When Yu Hao saw this, he thought that expressions really could be inherited.


    ¡°Then say it yourself, what do you want to do after graduation?¡± Zhou Laichun asked, ¡°See, I was right. You can do well in your studies and you even ranked second in your cohort. What can¡¯t you do? What can¡¯t you do well?¡±


    Yu Hao thought this was quite right. For as long as he had known Zhou Sheng, he felt that there was more to him than meets the eye. He was just too rebellious. If he was born and raised in a family like Chen Yekai¡¯s, he would also surely have his own male god halo as he climbed all the way to the top.


    Yet Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This cow¡¯s tongue is a bit overcooked.¡±


    Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t respond to that, and only said, ¡°In that kind of school, competition is meaningless. Winning them is pointless, come out earlier and compete with society ba.¡±


    ¡°What competition?¡± Zhou Sheng was impatient now, ¡°Learn from you and start picking up girls?¡±


    Yu Hao was worried that this father-son pair would start quarrelling, yet Zhou Laichun smiled and wasn¡¯t angered. He said to Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, are the two of you interested in starting a business?¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°No, no¡­¡­it¡¯s too early ba.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s, not, early!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°When I was your age, I had already been following my senior brother as a second chef for five years.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered the boss of the small stir-fry shop. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao studies Psychology, not Entrepreneurship. Stop trying to con him, can¡¯t you just let him eat in peace?¡±


    Zhou Laichun put out his cigarette, ¡°Zhou Sheng, you¡¯ll be 21 years old today. I deposited a sum of money in your bank account. If you¡¯re not too busy with your studies, then start a company and practice a bit ba. Yu Hao, uncle knows that the two of you are close, persuade him a little now and then.¡± As he spoke, he took out a bank card and spun the rotating table until the card was right in front of Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao thought, wah, start a company? Then how much would there be in this card? Would there be a million? Zhou Sheng probably wouldn¡¯t want it. And indeed, Zhou Sheng just patiently turned the table back without even picking up the card to look at it. He said to Zhou Laichun, ¡°Old man, why do you think that I¡¯ll follow the plan you laid out for me?¡±


    Zhou Laichun lit up another cigarette, ¡°If you don¡¯t learn how to do business, then how will you take over Yun Lai Chun in the future?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°Who said that I¡¯ll take over Yun Lai Chun?¡±


    Zhou Laichun laughed, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me that¡¯s what you really think in your heart. Zhou Sheng, can¡¯t you just have a proper talk with me today?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, have a proper talk, then let¡¯s chat a little ba.¡±


    Zhou Laichun took a cigarette out and passed it to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng accepted it, and Zhou Laichun lit it up for his son. Yu Hao felt extremely embarrassed. Just as he was about to stand up, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just sit there and eat your food.¡±


    ¡°Your mother has been holding you back.¡± Zhou Laichun narrowed his eyes, ¡°You should know clearly in your heart what kind of person you should become.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Honestly speaking, old man, I really don¡¯t know what kind of person I will become. But there¡¯s one thing I know for certain ¡ª I won¡¯t become someone like you.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it good to be like your Dad? I admit that I let your mother down. Try to put yourself in my shoes and think about it from another perspective, would you have been able to tolerate it if you were me?¡±


    Yu Hao felt more awkward the more he listened. The image of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother surfaced in his mind.


    ¡°Where¡¯s all your resentment coming from?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You¡¯re just rebelling for the sake of rebelling. Zhou Sheng, think about those friends of yours, the ones I treated to dinner last time. I don¡¯t remember their names, that guy who stands out from the crowd¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°His name is Fu Liqun!¡± Zhou Sheng blew up.


    ¡°How many envy you for having such an old man?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Are you looking down on money? Do you know how important money is? Without money, you won¡¯t even be able to take a single step!¡±


    ¡°Drop it ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t you just have some dirty money? But look at how arrogant that made you!¡±


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Zhou Laichun smiled, ¡°Look down on money, look down on your father, where do you think your life comes from? Nothing goes well for a destitute couple. If your mother and I had lived a good life, do you think our family would¡¯ve ended up the way it did?¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly fell silent. Zhou Laichun said patiently, ¡°You don¡¯t look up to anyone, and naturally you disdain the people in your class too. Yes, you¡¯re all rich second generations, but their parents either got rich through demolition work or work as contractors. If they really had connections in society, do you think they would¡¯ve enrolled in your school? How many of their parents can be like your Laozi who can help you pave the way? Let¡¯s put this another way: you want to rely on yourself? Okay. After you graduate, start from scratch, do some business and endure the occasional storm, get up early and go to bed late, make money and get rich, then you¡¯ll feel like you¡¯ve earned your face. But when you look back, you¡¯ll realise that you wasted 10 or so years repeating your Dad¡¯s old road, and what for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I really don¡¯t think we can communicate.¡±


    ¡°Then say it for yourself!¡± Zhou Laichun patiently said, ¡°What are you thinking? If you don¡¯t say anything, then how can we communicate?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Old man, there are other things to do in this world aside from making money and spending money. Is there only money in your eyes now?¡±


    ¡°Well said!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Then let me ask you this now, what do you want to do? Do you want to join the Tour de France? One bicycle costs 100,000.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You want to play the piano and learn music?¡± Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°A piano costs 800,000. Your Uncle Lei¡¯s son plays the saxophone, and his instrument costs 120,000, and this is without considering the costs for a teacher! Drawing? Becoming an athlete! Tell me, what dreams do you have? I¡¯ll analyze how much money they would cost for you. Ideals in life are built with money! Without financial freedom, your only choice is to work an honest 9 to 5 job, you won¡¯t have any other options! You won¡¯t have freedom! You can only be a slave to money!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m full, I want to go back. Yu Hao, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Uncle¡¯s right.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°The poor have no equality, no dignity, and no choice.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was stunned and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s the truth. For people who find it difficult to just survive, they won¡¯t have the energy to talk about ideals. They can only be slaves.¡±


    ¡°See?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Yu Hao has a much clearer understanding of it than you. You¡¯ve never endured his kind of suffering, so you don¡¯t understand, Zhou Sheng. I know you have dreams, and I support your dreams. I just hope that before you pursue them, you would spend just that¡­¡­little bit of time¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he made a gesture, ¡°It¡¯ll just be for three to five years. Settle your living expenses first, okay?¡±


    ¡°Dad has thought of just helping you save a sum of money and leaving it in the bank for your own personal financing and just letting it be.¡± Zhou Laichun said helplessly, ¡°But how could I know if you¡¯d be able to safeguard that bit of capital? Go ba, Zhou Sheng, go and learn, then you¡¯ll know how much use a certain sum of money can be. After your first business is established, I bet that you¡¯ll definitely go to a business graduate school. You can¡¯t escape from the kitchen chimney smoke in the human world na, you¡¯ll have to face it eventually.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao. The two of them looked at each other for a moment. Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to keep the card for him, so Yu Hao took the card. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave now, is there anything else?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°There is, don¡¯t be in such a hurry to leave. Your Uncle Huang has a daughter, do you know her? We ate together last time, the one who said that you were humorous and witty.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, crap, a disaster is imminent.


    ¡°I sent you her WeChat. Next week, take some time out to meet up and have a chat.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Don¡¯t tell your mother.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finally exploded, ¡°Are you crazy, old man?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun was very patient, ¡°Zhou Sheng, do you have any troubles that you find hard to talk about? Any physiological problems? Do you want to go for a check-up?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re the one with fucking physiological problems! Take care of yourself first before trying to talk about others, will you?¡±


    ¡°Then what about your girlfriend?¡± Zhou Laichun suddenly said, ¡°Let me meet her ah! What the hell are you doing? Your mother told you to not find a wife, and you really won¡¯t look for one?¡±


    ¡°She didn¡¯t stick her nose into that business!¡± Zhou Sheng retorted.


    Yu Hao quickly added, ¡°Auntie even asked about it last New Year¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Does he have a girlfriend?¡± Zhou Laichun asked Yu Hao, ¡°No? Then go for the blind date and meet her once ah. It¡¯s not like you know whether you¡¯ll like her or not. What¡¯s wrong with Jingya? She studied abroad, and her family works in the government too. Zhou Sheng, you have to think it over carefully. Your Dad is an entrepreneur, and to say it frankly, I¡¯m a noveau riche. Now that the economy isn¡¯t doing so well, money, isn¡¯t, easy, to, earn. Look at the province, which are the profitable businesses? If you want to climb up the social ladder, you¡¯ll have to find a girl like Jingya. In China, no matter how much money you have, whatever you do would all depend on your connections to the government in the end, you can¡¯t escape that! Zhou Sheng, even if you want to start up a business or work part-time, you¡¯ll eventually embark on this road¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you treat me as a tool?!¡±


    ¡°If you want to play, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m not letting you play.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You can play however you want, marriage and love are two separate things, do you get that?¡±


    Yu Hao has never felt more awkward in his life.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay okay, a blind date it is, I¡¯ll add her.¡±


    Zhou Laichun was about to nod when Zhou Sheng added, ¡°If you end up falling out with Huang Baiguang don¡¯t blame me.¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°I¡¯ve already said this much, do you still not understand?!¡±


    When Zhou Laichun roared, Yu Hao jumped in fright. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it just to get your son to marry the daughter of an official so that it¡¯d be easier for a snake and mouse like you and Huang Baiguang to continue raking in money and become a listed company to cut chives?


    Zhou Laichun roared, ¡°Yun Lai Chun doesn¡¯t just belong to your Dad alone! Do you know how many people are eyeing it?! Do you know that your Laozi is acting like a grandson outside just to earn this bit of money for you?! Listed listed! I don¡¯t even want to fucking do it anymore! What can I say?! I only have one son ¡ª you, Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was infuriated too, ¡°Then you go and be Huang Baiguang¡¯s son-in-law yourself! Do you treat me as a dog?! The kind that you just take out to mate whenever you want me to?!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t bear to listen to any more. He quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t fight anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have come for this meal, I knew it wouldn¡¯t amount to anything good.¡± As he spoke, he stood up and signalled to Yu Hao to leave.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I¡¯ve already made everything clear to you. Go back and think over it yourself ba. You know yourself that you regret not going to Ying University like I told you to and instead enrolled in such a lousy college¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t regret it!¡± Zhou Sheng walked to the door, turned back and said, ¡°Could you stop acting? I, don¡¯t, regret, it! Did you look at how I mouthed it? Do you understand?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly motioned to Zhou Sheng to stop arguing and to hurry back. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Yu Hao, thank you! Go back and persuade him a little!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the one who has to thank you na!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted from outside.


    Zhou Sheng walked out, thoroughly angered. Yu Hao held the card and didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment. He already had a conclusion regarding Zhou Sheng¡¯s coping style when he gets angry. Don¡¯t comfort him, just stay by his side, and his anger will gradually dissipate after a while.


    They left the clubhouse. It was halfway up Mt. Yunding, so they couldn¡¯t even hail a cab. The chauffeur was standing at the entrance as he teased the lobby manager in a lecherous manner while he waited outside. When he saw Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao come over, he immediately said, ¡°Young Master, your dormitory is already cleaned up. Just let me know if you need to use the car.¡±


    Zhou Sheng ignored him. He immediately left Yun Lai Chun and headed towards the plankway at the back of the mountains. Yu Hao quickened his pace and followed Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a stroll?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger seemed to gradually subside as he spoke with Yu Hao.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao said.


    The plank walkway crossed through the bamboo forest, and the air was extremely fresh. Compared to the urban areas where the summer heat was inescapable, the natural park was just like a paradise. The whole piece of land at the back mountains was within the boundary of Yun Lai Chun, within which golden pheasants and peacocks were reared. In the spring, suspended in mid-air beside the plankways, and koi were swimming here and there.


    At the end was a transparent glass walkway. Zhou Sheng stepped onto it, Yu Hao looked down at his feet, and the two of them walked into the clouds halfway up the mountain.


    ¡°Do you really think so?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s how reality is ba.¡± Yu Hao understood what Zhou Laichun meant. His words were coarse, but the underlying meaning wasn¡¯t. People who have been poor would never want to experience that kind of poverty again in their lifetime.


    Eventually, Yu Hao continued, ¡°Think about it, take Chen Laoshi as an example. If he had no financial ability, didn¡¯t have shares and patents in his friend¡¯s company, and even owed student loans in America while finding it difficult to get a job, how would he be able to do as he pleased and return to the country whenever he wanted to, and become a third-tier college¡¯s form teacher?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, if I were to say that I actually don¡¯t like sports competitions, would you believe it?¡±


    ¡°Ah?!¡±


    Yu Hao never expected that Zhou Sheng would say that.


    Zhou Sheng leaned on the railings of the glass plankway and looked down. There was a deep valley with a waterfall, and water vapour was curling upwards. Yu Hao fished his phone out and took pictures of him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like competing for a rank.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yesterday was the first time I participated in such a competition. I know that it¡¯s an honour to stand on the podium. Everyone cheered and crowded around because they were happy for me, but I felt very annoyed.¡±


    ¡°How come?¡± Yu Hao put down his phone, ¡°But your own feelings are the most important. If you don¡¯t like it then don¡¯t participate in the future? I thought you liked sports.¡±


    ¡°I like sports, but I only like the process of cycling, running, and swimming.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just like how you like singing. You get very engrossed in it, but you don¡¯t like singing on stage and being judged.¡±


    ¡°I understand it now.¡± Yu Hao understood it within seconds, ¡°I understand that very well.¡±


    ¡°So I think, I shouldn¡¯t be in this field.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I don¡¯t know what I want to do in the future either. Actually, that old man was quite right, money is very important. If I had assets like Kaikai who made it through his own means, then I wouldn¡¯t need to eat his meal today, and I wouldn¡¯t even need to ask him for my own living expenses.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Even if you did do the same as Chen Laoshi, it would just be a small-scale business in your father¡¯s eyes ba.¡±


    ¡°He wants to plan out my entire life for me.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at the clouds in the valley in a daze, ¡°And I can¡¯t say that he¡¯s wrong ba, he has good intentions. If I knew what I wanted to do, I could have been more confident about being in the right today, but I don¡¯t even understand myself yet.¡±


    Yu Hao carefully studied Zhou Sheng¡¯s side profile and thought that when he was rational and calm, he did look quite handsome. This was the Zhou Sheng he knew.


    ¡°I really want a jindouyun.¡± Zhou Sheng subconsciously drew a stroke with his hand, ¡°Xiu¡ª¡ª then we¡¯d be able to step on it and fly away.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m a melodramatic person.¡± Zhou Sheng finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s go down the mountain ba.¡±


    On their way down, Yu Hao kept pondering. He has already liked Zhou Sheng for a long time, yet Zhou Laichun¡¯s words today reminded him of something that he had never considered before, which made him feel a little scared. For most of the year, his only thought was ¡°like¡±, and yearned for a day that Zhou Sheng would be moved by him and respond to his feelings. Yet he had never thought about whether this kind of like would harm Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng was different from him; he has many options for his future.


    Yu Hao was all alone in this world, and he may not have to care about other people¡¯s evaluations of him, but Zhou Sheng has to. His Dad gave him money to support his entrepreneurship, but that money was just a tuition fee for ¡°hands-on practice¡± ¡ª his purpose was to get Zhou Sheng to inherit Yun Lai Chun Corporation in the future. Then get him to marry a beautiful and outstanding girl, rise to the social stratum of the rice and powerful, become the CEO of a listed company¡­¡­


    Yu Hao was beginning to understand Nakagawa Ryuusei more and more now.


    Did the past him ever have these thoughts? But at least, he and Chen Yekai were in love with each other. But he and Zhou Sheng were different.


    ¡°Are you full?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°I forgot that there were still longevity noodles left.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Your father¡¯s cooking really isn¡¯t as good as yours.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Ever since his divorce with my Mum, his cooking isn¡¯t as good anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But the stir-fry yesterday was really good.¡±


    Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°Un, so if we only talk about cooking, that old man will never be better than his senior brother in this lifetime.¡±


    They left the plankways and waited at the roadside bus stop. The buses to the forest park ran every hour. Zhou Sheng thought about it for a bit before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go, follow me.¡± And as he spoke, he took Yu Hao to the forest park.


    ¡°How much money does your father have?¡± Yu Hao suddenly asked.


    Zhou Sheng thought it over and said, ¡°Are you asking about how much Yun Lai Chun is worth, or my Dad¡¯s own personal property?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°His own money.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Interested in his money?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°I¡¯m curious.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°The old man¡­¡­should have one billion ba. I¡¯m not really sure about that rich woman, I just know that she has more than him.¡±


    Yu Hao said sincerely, ¡°Too rich.¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡±, ¡°Even if he gave all that money to me, I wouldn¡¯t know what to do with it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Your father has always wanted to nurture you. From the very beginning, he has never thought of neglecting you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zhou Sheng walked to the front of the park, there was a row of shared bicycles parked there. Each of them scanned one, and Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°My mum was causing such a huge fuss last time, so he couldn¡¯t get involved. Now that I¡¯ve left home and enrolled in college, he thinks that it¡¯s time.¡±


    Yu Hao gradually understood that perhaps in Zhou Laichun¡¯s eyes, sanben and a sports major were all just¡­¡­as long as one had money, it wouldn¡¯t be an issue to train Zhou Sheng to take over his business.


    ¡°Let¡¯s compete to see who reaches the school first?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you kidding me?! How¡¯s that possible?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a one foot handicap!¡± Zhou Sheng stepped on the slanted front bumper of the shared bike and only used his left foot to cycle, ¡°Win, and the card is yours! One, two, three, start!¡± As he spoke, he rode off first.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 75.1

    ¡°This General has decided to face himself squarely and overcome his fears¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao gasped for breath as he followed Zhou Sheng and rode a full 30 kilometres. Zhou Sheng would even stop to wait for him now and then. In the end, Yu Hao arrived at their college in second place.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡­¡­can¡¯t do it anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, the card¡¯s yours.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even win!¡± Yu Hao exploded.


    ¡°I said, ¡®win¡¯, which meant ¡®if I win¡¯, the card is yours!¡± Zhou Sheng said triumphantly, ¡°I omitted an ¡®I¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll keep it for you ba.¡± Yu Hao had watched Zhou Sheng cycle in front of him the entire way, stopping to occasionally wait for him to catch up, then continue to ride again. He could only feel that this road vaguely resembled the relationship between them.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna see how much money you have?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


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    ¡°I won¡¯t! Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m determined to never see it! Stifle you to death!¡±


    The dormitory was thoroughly cleaned, even the black tiles were washed until they gleamed with a white lustre. The wooden cabinet doors and wooden tables had also been waxed and now looked as if they were brand new furniture. New cotton four-piece sets had replaced the old ones on their beds. The bookshelves and wardrobes were neatly arranged; their bathroom had new bathroom curtains, and their light bulbs were replaced with 60-watt ones. An extra mobile air conditioner had been added as well. On one side of the balcony, there was a small refrigerator filled with ice, drinks, and beer, and there were even two reclining chairs on the balcony. On the other side of the balcony was a flower rack and potted plants on the rack.


    Now there was both cold drinks and air-conditioning. No wall-mounted air-conditioning was allowed in the dormitory, so the exhaust hose of the small mobile air-conditioner led outside the balcony. Although its cooling effect isn¡¯t as strong as wall-mounted air-conditioning, it had resolved the problem of their stuffy dormitory.


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. He felt like he had entered someone else¡¯s house.


    ¡°He got someone to renovate it ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It must not have been easy to do all this in one afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he know to buy a washing machine¡­¡­¡± He hadn¡¯t finished speaking when a ¡°bang¡± sounded ¡ª Zhou Sheng had accidentally bumped into the balcony¡¯s landing window. He said angrily, ¡°Why did they make it this clean?! This is attempted murder!¡±


    At night, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng lay in bed and spent the first day of summer vacation with nothing better to do than to idle about. Zhou Sheng brought Yu Hao along to play games for awhile. Yu Hao recorded two songs, but he wasn¡¯t satisfied with either, so he deleted them. He thought that the money from his translation was about to be completely depleted, so he had to find a part-time job. Fortunately, he would have the scholarship next semester, so he would be relatively more financially well-off.


    It wasn¡¯t easy to find good translation and writing work; there were too many fraudulent ones. Yu Hao spent a long time looking through the translation forum, and a lot of people on it were cursing about how they got cheated out of their scripts, which made him feel a little frightened. It was easy to move from a thrifty to an extravagant lifestyle, but difficult to do so vice versa; after his translation job, he wasn¡¯t very willing to do manual work anymore. Sure enough, it was most productive to do skilled work, so having a specialised skill was particularly important.


    Of course, both him and Chen Yekai were passing their days relying on their specialised skills, but in the face of a capitalist like Zhou Laichun, they would turn into slags within seconds.


    Around 9pm, Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother called the dormitory phone. Yu Hao answered. When she heard that Zhou Sheng was in the dormitory, Mama Zhou asked a lot of questions and also wished her son a happy birthday in passing, and Zhou Sheng just gave perfunctory answers like ¡®I got it¡¯.


    ¡°When will you come home?¡± Mama Zhou said, ¡°Yu Hao, come back with him too!¡±


    Yu Hao could only say as Zhou Sheng had taught him to, ¡°There¡¯s a competition.¡±


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    ¡°Ahh that¡¯s good, that¡¯s good! Where are you competing? We¡¯ll go watch!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be annoying.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t want to talk anymore. Yu Hao could only answer with soft ¡°un¡± and ¡°ok¡±s as he replied to Mama Zhou. Mama Zhou began to reminisce about the day she gave birth to Zhou Sheng, and the call lasted for more than an hour before she hung up.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to sleep?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Have you thought about where you want to go on vacation?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Then keep thinking ba.¡± Zhou Sheng took the laundry fork leaning against the bed and poked the light switch in their dormitory room, ¡°Sleep.¡± The dormitory turned dark. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time to live so comfortably in a dormitory, and this was all thanks to Zhou Laichun¡¯s money.


    Chen Yekai:¡¾You¡¯re back? Is the air conditioner okay?¡¿


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    Yu Hao:¡¾¡­¡­¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾What¡¯s wrong?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾You bought it?¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Ordered it online last week. I got them to deliver it to your dorm today as Zhou Sheng¡¯s birthday gift. I saw four aunts cleaning, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s family chauffeur said that they would buy a refrigerator.¡¿


    ¡°Kaikai bought the air conditioner.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at his WeChat in a daze. The light from his phone screen illuminated both Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s faces. In the darkness, Zhou Sheng suddenly sighed and threw his phone aside.


    ¡°Did you add Jingya?¡± Yu Hao turned sideways and raised his head slightly to ask him.


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    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer but just lay quietly, while Yu Hao continued to scroll through his phone. After a long silence, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Didn¡¯t add, don¡¯t want to bother. Irritated, wanna go bask in the moonlight.¡±


    In the dead of night, many worries and melancholy will always be magnified. There¡¯s a saying that goes ¡®he who gives no thought to far-flung problems soon finds suffering nearby¡¯. Before their finals, Yu Hao often heard Fu Liqun lie in his bed and sigh as he worried about what he should do if he failed, as he would be scolded to death when he got home.


    Male dormitories always seem to be like this: everyone would play to their hearts¡¯ content in the day, then the gloominess that has always relentlessly pursued them would show itself before they went to bed. When the teacher droned endlessly during mental health class, they would specifically mention that this was due to the guilt people felt towards wasting time on worthless activities ¡ª once one feels that they haven¡¯t done much in the day and have no goals in life, then they would get agitated, upset, and regretful before going to bed at night; they would always feel useless and staying up late would further strengthen and magnify these negative emotions.


    But Yu Hao seldom suffered from this torment. He was already doing his utmost just to survive, so he couldn¡¯t imagine problems at the higher levels of Maslow¡¯s hierarchy of needs.


    ¡°There¡¯s no moon today.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Un?¡±


    After nearly three minutes of silence, Zhou Sheng finally said in the dark, ¡°What do you think we would be like in ten years¡¯ time?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s question had triggered a train of thought. His line of sight shifted from his phone screen to the void and darkness around him. There was an expression of bewilderment on his face.


    ¡°Would we part ways?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Yu Hao answered. He was suddenly suffocated with an unfathomable sadness. He couldn¡¯t bear to think too much about it ¡ª¡ª he only needed to study in college for four years. After four years, he would part from Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun ¡ª whether it be in terms of friendship or love.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let me imagine it for awhile.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Could you not be so cruel?¡±


    After four years of college, many friends and lovers would go their separate ways ¡ª some would stay in the city, some would go north to Guangzhou and Shenzhen, some would go abroad, and some would go to graduate school. Perhaps they would still keep in touch, but there would no longer be a situation where they could live under the same roof again.


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    Even the finest feast must come to an end sometime; everyone would settle down and start their careers, they wouldn¡¯t contact one another as often anymore, get differentiated by their places in the social hierarchy, and their circumstances would be as different as night and day. When students gathered, they would toast time and again, but they would still be strangers in the end. The only thing that would be mentioned over and over again would be the vague memories of their past.


    Sometimes, life really is like a dream, Yu Hao thought, many will gradually fade from memory, including this cool summer night.


    ¡°So.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I wanted to discuss it with you seriously¡­¡­what are you looking at?¡±


    Yu Hao was still scrolling through his phone, but towards the end, his thoughts weren¡¯t on his phone anymore, and neither was it on Zhou Sheng¡¯s words.


    ¡°Nothing much.¡± Yu Hao was in a rather bad mood today, especially after he made that decision. It was almost past 12 and Zhou Sheng¡¯s birthday was coming to an end.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao¡¯s phone. Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m making friends in a Q&A site.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What Q&A?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Q&A regarding men finding boyfriends.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao showed Zhou Sheng, there were a few private messages on his phone. Zhou Sheng immediately sat up and asked, ¡°You uploaded your photos? Delete them!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t, I just messaged a few who had pictures. They all replied to me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened the private messages one by one, all of which were filled with greetings. Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to see, give it back ba.¡±


    Yu Hao observed Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression. Zhou Sheng flipped the phone over and pressed it down, his expression hidden in the darkness, ¡°Why are you suddenly looking for a boyfriend again?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I already planned to before.¡±


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    Zhou Sheng was sitting while Yu Hao lay down. In this darkness, neither of them spoke. Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Zhou Sheng said at last, ¡°Do as you like.¡±


    Yu Hao recalled the conversation he had with Zhou Sheng that day at Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢,


    ¡°You said before at Mt. Tianqing in the dream¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I remember.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice was extremely cold and detached, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to remind me. That¡¯s why I said ¡®do as you like¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Give me back my phone.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng handed his phone over, laid down, and the two of them stopped talking for a moment. Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng would definitely be jealous, but this matter had to be settled eventually. In the past, Yu Hao had never been willing to take this step: firstly, he liked Zhou Sheng too much and couldn¡¯t deceive himself; secondly, he couldn¡¯t let go, so it would be unfair for the partner he would be searching for.


    But today, after he heard Zhou Laichun¡¯s words, Yu Hao realised that he couldn¡¯t go on like this anymore. Tormenting himself alone would be fine, but he would hurt Zhou Sheng. No matter how Zhou Sheng considers these kinds of feelings, it was impossible for it to bear fruit for them both.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Good night, General.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Yu Hao put his phone down and sighed very softly. At this moment, he experienced a great sadness, as if mountains had collapsed on his heart. If the Golden Crow Wheel wasn¡¯t sealed away, he suspected that his dream would definitely be overcast now with thunderstorms and torrential downpours abound.


    This feeling was even worse than the punch he received from Liu Pengxuan when he had confessed. Liu Pengxuan¡¯s fist had landed on his face, but this time, Yu Hao had taken a dagger himself and after considering it time and time again, decided to turn it around and stab it into his own soul.

 Chapter 75.2 - Decision

    Ch75.2 ¨C Decision


    The bugle horns sounded in unison, and the grand competition began.


    Under the dark sky, the ancient Roman Colosseum was surrounded by crowds of cheering spectators. The huge and lofty circular building was situated in the middle of a lone island within an endless ocean.


    Dark clouds loomed overhead. The black dragon carried Zhou Sheng as it flew over. It flapped its wings, suspended just above the Colosseum, and slowly descended. Zhou Sheng shouldered his jingubang; he was clad in a pair of AJ shoes that were like gold-plated combat boots and an iron scale mail, and had one foot on the head of the dragon.


    ¡°I¡¯m here as a challenger!¡± Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang, turned to the side and levelled his weapon at the audience.


    Chariots thundered out from the tunnels in the Colosseum and formed a ring. Each chariot held a huge and fierce monster.


    On Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder stood a little fox doll. He turned his head sideways, raised his hand and touched the little fox¡¯s furry back.


    ¡°Which one should I fight first? Say it!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Of course, the doll wouldn¡¯t answer him. Zhou Sheng looked at the thirteen chariots that were in a circular arrangement. At their center was the Devil king Satan, who had a tall, sturdy stature and ram horns. He calmed down and looked at the rest of the chariots.


    ¡°Then you ba.¡± Zhou Sheng pointed indifferently at one of them.


    ¡°Dang¡ª¡ª¡± A loud noise blared, and the crowd once again began cheering like crazy.


    Satan, ¡°You¡¯re finally willing to make a deal with me? What do you want?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in a calm voice, ¡°You know what I want better than I do.¡±


    Satan turned to the audience and said aloud, ¡°Very good! The master of the dreamscape, this General has decided to face himself squarely and overcome his fears! Let¡¯s wait and see if he will succeed!¡±


    The black dragon landed. Amidst loud cheers that made even the skies tremble, the curtains were drawn on the huge battle.


    When Yu Hao got up the next day, Zhou Sheng had already left, and he didn¡¯t know where he had gone.


    Yu Hao recalled their conversation from the previous night and it all seemed just like a dream. He messaged Zhou Sheng. No reply.


    Chen Yekai called Yu Hao and asked him out to watch a movie today. Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng left early this morning, and I don¡¯t even know where he went.¡±


    ¡°I asked him.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°He said that he¡¯s not going and asked me to find you.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit and finally said, ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll treat you.¡±


    ¡°Treat me to a meal ba.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ve already bought the tickets. I¡¯ll call Huang Ting too.¡±


    Yu Hao saw the message that Zhou Sheng had sent him after he hung up.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I have something to do today, so settle lunch yourself today? I¡¯ll bring back dinner for you?¡¿


    After Yu Hao replied to him, he and Chen Yekai went to eat with Huang Ting. The two of them waited for a long time before Huang Ting said, ¡°I finally managed to slip out, let¡¯s eat barbeque ba.¡±


    In the meantime, Huang Ting noticed that Yu Hao was looking at his private messages and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Making friends.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t intend to hide it from Huang Ting, who knew his sexual orientation anyway. He remembered that Huang Ting never seemed to have mentioned a girlfriend so he said, ¡°Are you in a relationship? Just showing some concern, if you think I¡¯m being too gossipy you can just ignore me.¡±


    Chen Yekai laughed, ¡°Do you remember Junjun?¡±


    ¡°Ahhhh¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao immediately remembered the female reporter.


    Huang Ting hastily clarified, ¡°That¡¯s still up in the air! Don¡¯t spout nonsense. You¡¯re looking online?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao showed Huang Ting.


    ¡°Make sure to keep safe.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Especially regarding physical hygiene.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m making friends.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Not finding one night stands!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You got rejected after confessing?¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Chen Yekai. Huang Ting said, ¡°Confessed? Who did you confess to?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that, Officer Huang.¡±


    ¡°Occupational hazard.¡± Huang Ting answered.


    ¡°The two of you sound like you¡¯re doing a crosstalk.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai went to collect the tickets before the movie started. Yu Hao and Huang Ting sat at the resting area outside the venue. Huang Ting wore plain clothes today. He grasped a straw between his fingers as he sat upright and asked Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, please give a truthful account of the situation.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Are you going to record my statement?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Do you usually have any feelings towards or contradictions with your Chen Laoshi?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting watched Yu Hao attentively with his hawk-like eyes, ¡°Why is it that now, you would rather go online to look for a partner ¡ª to be more precise, to go online to look for a friend ¡ª than consider Chen Laoshi?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Officer Huang, this isn¡¯t very good of you. Be careful, I might tell Junjun Jie.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have her contact information.¡± Huang Ting looked like he had it well thought-out. He had an unreadable gaze as he said, ¡°Now, please don¡¯t evade the question I asked and answer me truthfully.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Chen Yekai came over. Yu Hao thought, I¡¯m not coming out with you two again.


    In the end, Huang Ting and Chen Yekai sat on either side of Yu Hao and sandwiched him in between them for the duration of the movie. Yu Hao felt like he was a prisoner that was being escorted the whole time.


    Chen Yekai would even softly speak to Yu Hao from time to time. After a while, Huang Ting¡¯s head tilted and leaned against Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder as he fell asleep. Yu Hao was rendered completely speechless. Chen Yekai made a shh gesture, ¡°He¡¯s been very tired recently, let him sleep a little.¡± Then he pointed at the 3D glasses that Huang Ting was holding, indicating to hide them without being found out.


    Huang Ting woke up when the movie finished. Yu Hao was really curious about what this guy¡¯s dream would be like. With how capable he was, his dream shouldn¡¯t be enshrouded in haze.


    ¡°It was a pretty good movie.¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°Did you really watch it?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Huang Ting, ¡°Of course I did.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Where are your 3D glasses? Go and personally apologise and pay the compensation fee.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Of course it was taken by you two. This kind of prank is too outdated. Chen Laoshi, as a teacher, you shouldn¡¯t set a bad example. Hurry and pass it to the staff, I have to go now, I have a mission tonight. See you later.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t faze Huang Ting at all. In the evening, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Do you want to have dinner at my house?¡±


    ¡°I need to go back to the dorm.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s bringing dinner for me.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll invite you again when you¡¯re free.¡± Chen Yekai sent Yu Hao to his dormitory building before he turned around and left. Yu Hao had just raised his head when he saw Zhou Sheng looking out from the corridor upstairs. The two of them looked at each other, then Zhou Sheng went back in.


    ¡°Eat ba.¡± Zhou Sheng opened up the box and dismantled the chopsticks. He brushed off the bamboo thorns before handing it to Yu Hao, ¡°What did you watch today?¡±


    Yu Hao answered. The two of them chatted idly for awhile, then Zhou Sheng put on his earphones and watched shows on Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop as he ate. Yu Hao remained silent and looked down at his phone. The atmosphere in the dormitory seemed to return to how it used to be two months ago.


    ¡°Where did you go today?¡± Yu Hao recalled the last time he happened to catch sight of Zhou Sheng in the mall.


    Zhou Sheng took off his earphones and asked, baffled, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao waved his hand. Zhou Sheng put his earphones back on and continued eating.


    Yu Hao wanted to delete all his private messages, but one of his online friends messaged him. He spoke very politely, and said that he was willing to get to know Yu Hao. Yu Hao hesitated for a long time before using his private WeChat number to add him.


    Huang Ting sent Yu Hao a message:¡¾Pay attention to your safety when you¡¯re meeting up with online friends. If you need a police officer as a bodyguard, I would suggest that you make an appointment three days in advance.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I¡¯ll take note, thanks for the reminder.¡¿


    Huang Ting shared several¡­¡­news articles with Yu Hao about being cheated by online friends, getting SM-ed, getting robbed, and big fights occurring due to the goods not being as promised. Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t bear it anymore:¡¾Stop sending me those!¡¿


    In the end, Huang Ting shared a song with him:¡¶You Won¡¯t Even Give Me a Hundred Yuan¡·.


    Yu Hao:¡¾I¡¯m going to blacklist you.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾I would advise against that, it¡¯s more convenient to find someone you¡¯re acquainted with when you call the police, and they¡¯ll respond faster too.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng came over to take Yu Hao¡¯s finished packet and went to throw it. He glanced at Yu Hao who was currently switching between his WeChat public and private numbers. ¡°How¡¯s the chat going? When are you guys meeting up?¡±


    ¡°Just added.¡± Yu Hao was really gloomy now and even wanted to pretend to be dead.


    Zhou Sheng returned after throwing out the rubbish. Yu Hao asked, ¡°What about Jingya? Did you invite her for a meal yet?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just added too.¡± He put on his earphones as he spoke and ignored Yu Hao. That person sent some messages and chatted with Yu Hao for awhile. Yu Hao occasionally replied to him until late into the night. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Good night,¡± and then immediately turned off the lights. The two of them hadn¡¯t spoken more than ten sentences to each other for the entire day.


    Ancient Roman Colosseum.


    The roar of the black dragon reverberated throughout the entire colosseum, followed by the thunderous cheers and applause of the crowd!


    Zhou Sheng carried his shield as he stood atop the black dragon¡¯s head. The black dragon rose into the sky. Before them, their enemy had goat horns and an exposed hairy chest; its eyes slanted towards the top of its forehead, and its long and narrow pupils flashed with a sinister, crimson glint.

 Chapter 76.1 - Meeting

    Ch76.1 ¨C Meeting


    Lightning burst forth from the horns of the goat monster, drawing thunder and illuminating the dark world; millions of thunderbolts chased after the hovering black dragon. Both sides were evenly matched and were embroiled in a bitter battle. Zhou Sheng clenched his teeth and raised his shield to protect himself and the black dragon from being obliterated by lightning.


    All of his energy was expended on defence. Every time he challenged God Pan, he would almost always get trapped in this muddy deadlock.


    But today, he has another artifact in his dreamscape.


    God Pan let out a prolonged roar, ¡°Your ending will be the same no matter how many times¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Not today.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly from within the gap between the thunderbolts.


    He then transferred his shield to his right hand and flipped his left hand over. Amidst the loud roars, a silver metal gem appeared in his palm; the gem expanded into a protective shield with a ¡°buzz¡±!


    God Pan, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In the next moment, the gem flashed. Its white light swept through the entire arena, as if a hurricane had passed! Zhou Sheng steered the black dragon, and the shield in his hand turned into a jingubang which shot towards God Pan like a bolt of lightning!


    With this one flick of the rod, God Pan was caught off guard and was sent flying into the air.


    With a second sweep of the rod, God Pan¡¯s goat horns ruptured with a loud bang!


    On his third strike, the rod struck dead-on, and God Pan was instantly knocked into the lofty Roman pillars of the arena like a missile, smashing the pillars into pieces!


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s short hair was scorched black and he was in a terrible condition. He used his jingubang to support himself and gasped for breath in the middle of the arena.


    ¡°Let me see what the hell you are ba.¡± Zhou Sheng held the metal gem and faced it towards God Pan in the rubble.


    At this time, in the quiet arena, another round of applause and cheers roared through the audience.


    The horns of God Pan faded under the radiance of the heart-shaped gemstone. It revealed the struggling figure of an ordinary male ancient Greek God in the ruins of the Roman pillars trying to escape the light.


    ¡°Don¡¯t recognise you.¡± Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°Have I seen you before?¡±


    ¡°Priapus.¡± Satan¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°During your teenage years, your feelings of inferiority came from him. Because of the development of your sexual characteristics and the size of your tool, you stood out among your peers, so you were often mocked. Later on, when you referred to a popular mass-market medical science book, you happened to recognise this God of Fertility.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood upright and regulated his breathing with an evil smile on his face.


    Zhou Sheng mocked himself, ¡°And what is his pretense of God Pan supposed to remind me of?¡±


    The black fire in Satan¡¯s hand controlled Priapus to rise into the air.


    ¡°Priapus considers rape a punishment for human beings, reminding them that mortals are born for the purpose of reproduction, so abnormal relationships are evil.¡± Satan laughed wickedly, ¡°You want to redefine your sexual needs and purposes, yet you struggle bitterly within the prison of morals. General, is admitting your fall from grace so difficult?¡±


    ¡°Indulge in your lust ba!¡± Satan raised both hands, and his whole body shone with a brilliant splendor , ¡°Whether it¡¯s God Pan or Priapus, what¡¯s wrong with admitting that it¡¯s a sin?¡±


    ¡°You fucking¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    Priapus let out an enraged roar and revealed two machetes, then rushed at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng brandished his jingubang and flagrantly swung it down! With the force of a thousand juns, he smashed down and an anguished wail sounded; Priapus exploded into countless light particles that burst into the air and flew like meteors towards the black dragon behind Zhou Sheng. Light suddenly flowed through the black dragon¡¯s scales and glowed briefly with a bright golden colour. A sharp horn appeared on its forehead, and a strong light burst forth from the horn. It raised its head and let out a prolonged cry before gradually quieting down.


    ¡°You came prepared.¡± Satan stepped on the black fire and reappeared in the arena, ¡°Master of the dreamscape confronted God Pan, the incarnation of Priapus, and won.¡±


    Another round of cheers resounded, but Zhou Sheng just stood in the same place in a daze with his jingubang in hand. After a long time passed, he seemed to snap out of his stupor and beckoned Satan with his other hand.


    Satan lowered his head slightly, a black flame flashed past his eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve succeeded.¡± Satan said coldly, ¡°General.¡±


    ¡°What does that success mean?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows were locked in a deep furrow, ¡°That it¡¯s no longer a sin?¡±


    Satan sneered, ¡°The right is returned to you, but the next enemy may not be so simple anymore.¡±


    ¡°Next.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll solve it all at once.¡±


    ¡°I feel fear.¡± Satan said, ¡°Your soul is trembling.¡±


    ¡°I said next!¡± Zhou Sheng turned indignant.


    Satan slowly retreated, black streaks of light criss-crossing in front of him, and a huge cage emerged. Within the cage, a female demon with a human body and a snake¡¯s tail screamed sharply, grabbing the cage¡¯s metal bars and shaking it frantically!


    ¡°Next!¡± Satan announced loud and clear, ¡°Master of the dreamscape, this General is going to challenge Medusa! To overcome his resistance towards Love and Family! Let¡¯s give him our warmest round of applause!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes slightly widened and reflected the ferocious Medusa who had sharp claws.


    ¡°This is a bit difficult to fight¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    At daybreak, Zhou Sheng was frowning deeply and opened his eyes from his nightmare. He let out a long breath.


    For a week after that, although it was summer vacation, Yu Hao didn¡¯t feel like he was on a summer vacation at all. Zhou Sheng would go out for a run in the morning and bring breakfast back as usual, no matter if Yu Hao ate it or not. If he found out that Yu Hao had slept till noon, then Zhou Sheng would throw the breakfast away. At noon, they would sometimes go to the canteen to eat stir-fry together. They often bumped into Chen Yekai, and the three of them would have lunch together. In the late afternoon, Zhou Sheng would either go for a run or leave without telling Yu Hao where he was going.


    It was really too hot. Zhou Sheng¡¯s exercise was slightly reduced, and most of it was moved to the nighttime. Unexpectedly, Yu Hao received a translation contract from the previous research institute he worked for. They hoped that he would assist in translating some of the Chinese reports into English for their reference repository.


    This time, the fees for the scripts had slightly increased, and Yu Hao thought this is great! After he looked at the workload, Yu Hao accepted the job. Even if he took his time translating them, he would earn more than 3,000 in a month!


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys going to go out and play a few days during the summer vacation?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡¯s making some online friends.¡± Zhou Sheng casually replied, ¡°Vico.¡±


    ¡°Vico?¡± Chen Yekai was a little surprised, ¡°What¡¯s Vico?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a person!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I added him on my private WeChat number.¡±


    Yu Hao roughly shared with Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng that person¡¯s information ¡ª a white collar worker, model 0.5, 180cm, likes playing basketball.


    The three of them sat in the canteen, and Yu Hao kept feeling like the atmosphere was a little weird. He asked Zhou Sheng a few times if they were going to erase that portion of Chen Yekai¡¯s memories, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s answer was always, ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    A week later, the person in Yu Hao¡¯s phone had sent him a bunch of photos, yet the only photo he had seen of Yu Hao was his profile picture in WeChat, and he finally couldn¡¯t bear it anymore.


    Vico:¡¾Would you like to meet up? I don¡¯t have a meeting after work tomorrow.¡¿


    Drum Washing Machine:¡¾Let me think about it.¡¿


    Vico:¡¾Let¡¯s meet up ba, I dreamt of you last night.¡¿


    Drum Washing Machine sent him an emoticon and neither agreed nor refused.


    Zhou Sheng wanted to see how he looked, so Yu Hao showed him his picture. Vico looked pretty okay, but he wasn¡¯t Yu Hao¡¯s type. Of course, even Yu Hao himself couldn¡¯t say what kind of type he liked. He could be considered a 7, white-collar man, bespectacled, good temperament, and even joins marathons despite not being able to place. Likes music, red wine and coffee.


    ¡°A yuppie.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You didn¡¯t give him your picture?¡±


    ¡°My profile picture is my picture, it¡¯s just a bit blurry. Didn¡¯t you tell me not to send my pictures to other people?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can just send them if you want to, it¡¯s not a big deal.¡±


    Yu Hao still decided not to send them, but he was okay with meeting the other party face to face.


    ¡°I¡¯ll meet up with him tomorrow ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Have you thought it through?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°If you have, then go ba, I¡¯ll accompany you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No need, I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll regret it at the last minute.¡±


    ¡°Decide for yourself then.¡± Zhou Sheng said nothing more. He had just finished running and was sweating all over as he went to take a bath.


    Yu Hao remained silent for awhile. Chen Yekai asked:¡¾Huang Ting wants to ask Junjun out for dinner tomorrow night, but it would be difficult for him to ask her out alone. I asked Zhou Sheng, but he¡¯s not going, so shall we accompany them for dinner?¡¿


    Yu Hao told Chen Yekai that he might be meeting an online friend. Chen Yekai said:¡¾Go ba, jiayou. I¡¯ll pick you up tomorrow.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I haven¡¯t decided yet!¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Go and take a look, how long have you guys been chatting for? Do you feel anything?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I don¡¯t actually feel anything, why does this seem like a blind date?!¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾It is a blind date; you might end up feeling something when you¡¯re there? It¡¯s okay, even if you don¡¯t feel anything, it¡¯s okay to just be friends.¡¿


    Yu Hao hesitated apprehensively for a long time and only sent Vico a message when he was about to fall asleep. The other party replied within seconds:¡¾You¡¯ve thought it over?¡¿


    Then the other party sent him a location; it was a restaurant, so there shouldn¡¯t be any problems.


    Zhou Sheng asked from his bed, ¡°Are you going tomorrow?¡±


    Yu Hao replied, ¡°Going¡­¡­ba? This restaurant, we¡¯ve eaten there quite a few times.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll pick you up once you¡¯re done. Send me the location. I¡¯ll be busy all day tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Yu Hao glanced at it out of curiosity.


    Zhou Sheng was using Fu Liqun¡¯s laptop to look up some information, and the legend of God Pan was shown on screen. He casually clicked on another page, and it unexpectedly revealed an entry on Priapus, and then he closed the entire browser.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Has your Psychology of Sex classes issued its textbooks?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was a little strange and said, ¡°I borrowed the textbooks to read through them first. I have other extra readings and relevant materials as well, do you want them?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for a bit, then asked Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m just asking, but during puberty, do people generally feel a sense of shame?¡±


    Yu Hao thought but you shouldn¡¯t have had any sense of shame ba. He muddled through his own puberty, but just like how girls would feel ashamed if their breasts developed too early, boys would also feel uneasy about the premature growth of their sexual characteristics sometimes.


    ¡°Depends on the case.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The majority of young people mature and pass through this period smoothly, while a small portion would form some autosuggestions that can be both good and bad. Actually, I think it depends on the attitude of their peers.¡±


    Yu Hao sat down to search for a book and explained to Zhou Sheng, ¡°In your previous classes, did you have any people whose ¡®that¡¯ developed earlier and appeared bigger, so they got mocked by their classmates when going to the toilet and appeared to lack self-confidence; or girls whose secondary sexual characteristics developed earlier so their peers began talking behind their backs and maybe bully them?¡±


    ¡°There were ba?¡± Zhou Sheng took the book and flipped through it as he began recalling the time when he was about 12 or 13-years-old.


    ¡°That was the most irritating phase of my life.¡± Zhou Sheng flipped through the book and answered, ¡°My parents divorced, I didn¡¯t get along with my classmates, and they often mocked me because of my dad¡¯s affair. They asked if my dick was as big as my Dad¡¯s and treated me like a little monster and said that I would sponge off women everywhere¡­¡­in the beginning there was only one girl who was my friend¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit surprised. He didn¡¯t know why Zhou Sheng would suddenly talk about his past at this strange timing.


    ¡°The viciousness of young people is always very hurtful.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°When I was in the first year of junior high, my friend had a similar experience, and she was a girl.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was immersed in his past memories.


    Yu Hao knew a girl in his first year of junior high. Because her mother changed boyfriends frequently, she was often humiliated in school, especially during puberty.


    ¡°What happened to that friend?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Repeated a year, and then we drifted apart.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We didn¡¯t contact each other after junior high.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past. The secretion of hormones during puberty would increase the severity of this effect; one must have an accurate understanding of themselves.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This kind of uneasiness would soon disappear. Of course, students shouldn¡¯t use this as a joke just because it seems new and exciting. After puberty, the presentation of male sexual characteristics would instead become the source of their self-confidence. It really is important for more people to be exposed to such knowledge on sex.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head and read the book. After a while, he said, ¡°Got it, go meet your online friend ba.¡±


    Yu Hao still wanted to say something else, but Zhou Sheng placed a bookmark inside and got up to take a bath.

 Chapter 76.2 - Meeting

    Ch76.2 ¨C Meeting


    This was the first time Yu Hao had ever met an online friend in real life. He didn¡¯t know why the people around him kept urging him to do it. He always felt it strange and inexplicable,, as if Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng were up to something. However, Zhou Sheng seemed to be more or less back to normal and no longer got jealous. Yu Hao felt a little unresigned in his heart. His emotions were in turmoil, and it made him feel incomparably conflicted for a moment. Still, he was gradually beginning to accept the fact that it was unlikely for him to get together with Zhou Sheng. He kept hypnotising himself over and over: try it like this first ba, the restaurant that he is meeting Vico at has pretty good sweet and sour ribs; he and Zhou Sheng had eaten them the last time they went there. It was a must-have every time they went, and making a trip down there for the sweet and sour ribs¡­¡­wasn¡¯t unacceptable to him.


    The next morning, Zhou Sheng had gone off somewhere again. Yu Hao sat in the dormitory, feeling extremely irritated. He felt like he was falling apart a little and began to regret his decision the moment he woke up. He shouldn¡¯t have agreed to meet, nor should he have even done this kind of thing in the first place.


    What the hell is wrong with me? Yu Hao sat alone in the dormitory and suddenly felt very upset.


    I don¡¯t like him, why should I go see him?


    Yu Hao felt like he had unconsciously lost something. His annoyance made his negative emotions accumulate to their peak.


    On that day, ever since he came back after their meal and decided to give up on his unrealistic fantasies toward Zhou Sheng, that frustration had always persisted in his heart. It constantly urged him to do things that he didn¡¯t want to do.


    He heard someone knock on the door. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao? Are you up?¡±


    Yu Hao rushed to the balcony, turned on the tap and doused his head in cold water. Then he grabbed a towel and wiped his hair as he opened the door for Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai was dressed in sports attire today, and looked like he was about to go walk his dog any minute. He was only lacking a dog now.


    ¡°It¡¯s so hot.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and eat lunch. I asked Zhou Sheng, he said that he was already out.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Give me a minute¡­¡­I¡¯ll change.¡±


    Chen Yekai was very self-aware now. Every time he wanted to ask Yu Hao out somewhere, he would always add ¡®I¡¯ve already asked Zhou Sheng, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s not going, so he asked me to find you¡¯. Yu Hao had already discerned his methods, but when he asked Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng would also ask him to go. Fortunately, it was a lot more relaxing to be with Chen Yekai. It seems that as long as he appears, his conflicting feelings of indecisiveness would gradually calm down.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Buying clothes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you meeting your friend tonight? How about tidying yourself up a little from time to time?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t need to be that formal ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s necessary to make a good impression, that¡¯s basic courtesy.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then I¡¯ll pay for it myself. I got a new job.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Okay, I have coupons, I got them for free when I was buying furniture. Take it and use them ba, buy a loose pair of jeans and a T-shirt from Evisu, their brand is decent.¡±


    Chen Yekai gave Yu Hao a stack of vouchers that would discount 300 for every 500 spent and could even be stacked together for use. Yu Hao said, ¡°How much furniture did you buy?! Keep it for yourself ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ever since their stores began having discounts, I stopped wearing their clothes. Too many people buy the same kind so it¡¯s too easy to run into someone wearing the same clothes. It makes it embarrassing to go out.¡±


    Yu Hao thought so as well. Every word of Chen Yekai¡¯s was true, yet every word also stabbed his heart. Shopping at that store was probably like shopping at a wholesale market for Chen Yekai, but for students and those in the working class, it was already a very, very good brand. Then Chen Yekai took him to get his hair cut and quite a bit of his hair was trimmed.


    ¡°Do you skateboard?¡± Tony Laoshi asked, ¡°Do you have abs?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t skateboard. I have a bit of abs ba, what does it have to do with abs?¡± But he thought that it would be good to learn skateboarding.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°When college reopens, you can sign up for the club. Your figure¡¯s pretty suitable for it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty good to change your style once in awhile.¡± Chen Yekai said in the evening.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This is too deceptive, it does seem like I skateboard. I just lack a cap.¡±


    ¡°Want to get one now?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao quickly said ¡®never mind¡¯. He had already spent over 1000 yuan today on impulse. This won¡¯t do, he can¡¯t play with Chen Yekai all day, whose expenditures would make other people end up eating dirt. He definitely couldn¡¯t go shopping for clothes with Chen Yekai next time. As soon as the staff became enthusiastic, Yu Hao will try on the clothes, and Chen Yekai at the side would keep offering to pay, so Yu Hao couldn¡¯t get out of buying them.


    Fortunately, he had sufficient living expenses, and he still had his scholarship next semester.


    Yu Hao waited for awhile in the restaurant they were supposed to meet at. Vico came and actually seemed a little nervous when he saw Yu Hao.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Yu Hao smiled. Vico didn¡¯t look like how he had imagined him to be ¡ª he wasn¡¯t as good-looking compared to his photos and looked slightly greasy. But he had worked for a whole day after all, so it was quite normal for his face to be oily.


    ¡°I almost didn¡¯t dare to approach.¡± Vico seemed overwhelmed by pleasant surprise, ¡°You¡¯re so handsome! Why did you come up with such a funny WeChat name?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and said, ¡°Un¡­¡­I run a laundry, forget it, let¡¯s not talk about that. What do you want to eat? I¡¯ll treat you?¡±


    ¡°No no, I will. Wei! Pour some tea ah! Why isn¡¯t there anyone?¡± Vico immediately snapped his fingers to call a waiter over. Yu Hao inadvertently glanced over and suddenly saw Zhou Sheng holding a numbered ticket and following behind a waiter as he walked in. He just so happened to sit in the neighbouring seat with his back facing Vico.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Vico began chatting idly with Yu Hao and inquired about what his family does. He said, ¡°Your family should be pretty well off ba? Wei! Pour some tea! How many times do you want me to repeat myself?!¡±


    ¡°They really aren¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I have to work to earn my own tuition fees.¡±


    Vico said, ¡°I work in the financial management field.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao kept looking behind him. Zhou Sheng started ordering while Vico began to chatter on and introduce his financial products.


    ¡°You can open an account with us.¡± Vico said, ¡°The tuition fees your family provides you and your pocket money can all appreciate in value. If you don¡¯t manage your money, your money won¡¯t care about you¡­¡­Wei! Pour us tea! What the hell are they all doing?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, but I really don¡¯t have money, I want to manage my money as well, okay? He maintained a smile on his face as he listened to Vico¡¯s introduction, but Zhou Sheng uttered a ¡°pfft¡± behind him and almost spat his tea out.


    ¡°When I was your age, I was very confused too.¡± Vico began inquiring about Yu Hao¡¯s relationship experience again.


    Yu Hao thought that this wasn¡¯t the right person. At the very least, for the person he was now, he wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Can I order? This family¡¯s sweet and sour¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was a bit hungry, and that was when Vico finally thought of ordering.


    He quickly said, ¡°Order. Wei! We want to order!¡± Then he ordered one soup and one vegetable, ¡°I¡¯ve been working out recently, and I have to control my diet.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, but I¡¯m not controlling my diet, Dage! Can¡¯t I treat you? I want to eat sweet and sour ribs! Every time he went out with Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng would always order enough dishes to make Yu Hao feel like he was on the verge of exploding, yet it was still at the exact threshold where they could finish everything without needing to bring any leftovers back. However, this one vegetable and one soup would definitely be far from enough ba! Wei!


    Forget it, I¡¯ll order extra food later.


    ¡°You¡¯re so skinny, you don¡¯t usually eat much, do you?¡± Vico asked out of concern.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Y¡­¡­yes.¡± And thought, shouldn¡¯t you be saying ¡®you¡¯re so skinny, please eat more¡¯?


    ¡°Skinny people all have abs.¡± Vico smiled, ¡°Do you have any?¡±


    ¡°A little.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Let me see?¡± Vico reached out to lift Yu Hao¡¯s T-shirt. Yu Hao immediately raised his hand, chopped at Vico¡¯s wrist, and restrained it. The other party didn¡¯t expect for Yu Hao to have trained before, so he was a bit baffled.


    ¡°I won¡¯t show you.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s face was expressionless.


    At this moment, Zhou Sheng turned around and scrutinised Vico. Yu Hao suddenly felt a terrifying murderous intent, but Zhou Sheng remained silent and continued to eat his own dinner.


    ¡°I have to go back now.¡± Yu Hao thought, just end this and forget it, I don¡¯t want to eat anymore. What a failure of an experience. If Zhou Sheng ends up hitting him, he would still need to compensate Vico for his medical expenses.


    Vico said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it, wei! The bill!¡±


    Wei! Wei! Wei! That ¡®wei¡¯ was used so often by Vico that it had reached the acme of perfection. Yu Hao felt like his mind was full of his ¡®wei!¡¯s, and his demonic voice filled his ears.


    ¡°Let me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, I want to take away one sweet¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai I¡¯m coming I¡¯m coming!¡±


    ¡°A gentleman has already settled your bill for you just now.¡± The staff said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Vico, ¡°Who? Someone I know? That¡¯s strange, which one of my friends is here? Why didn¡¯t I notice anyone?¡± Then he smiled at Yu Hao, ¡°Our bank¡¯s right behind this place, so I often bump into people I know here. But to not even come over to say hi, they really¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, forget it as long as you¡¯re happy, anyway this meal only costs 55 including the tea we drank.


    ¡°I have a car, I¡¯ll send you back to your college.¡± Vico said.


    ¡°No need no need!¡± Yu Hao immediately said.


    Vico, ¡°Aiya, why are you being so polite? My car¡¯s right across! I just bought a new car, let¡¯s go!¡±


    The two of them had just gone downstairs when they saw a Benz parked at the entrance ¡ª it was Chen Yekai¡¯s new car.


    ¡°Wei!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice travelled over from beside the car, ¡°Ai! Wei! Wei! The two of you!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Finished your talk?¡± Chen Yekai was chatting idly with Zhou Sheng beside the car and smiled when he saw Yu Hao.


    The smile on Vico¡¯s face instantly disappeared. ¡°Director Chen, the two of you know each other?¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned. He saw that Zhou Sheng was carrying a packaged lunch box.


    Sweet and Sour Ribs!


    ¡°My younger brother.¡± Chen Yekai said to Vico, ¡°And I was wondering why the person in the photo looked so familiar. I couldn¡¯t recall it for a moment, but it really was you.¡±


    ¡°Hello hello!¡± Vico quickly shook hands with Chen Yekai.


    Yu Hao snapped out of his daze and asked, ¡°The two of you know each other?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the financial manager of my bank account in a private bank.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°No no!¡± Vico quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m only in charge of receiving customers at the front desk. You can just call me Xiao Tang.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s go back? Or do you still want to walk around?¡±


    Yu Hao hurriedly escaped. He said goodbye to Xiao Tang, while Xiao Tang smiled as he watched them leave.


    In the car.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Was he okay to talk to?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s gaze shifted from the packed box to Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I think you can blacklist him now ba?¡±


    ¡°I think¡­¡­keep it ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Blacklisting him straight away doesn¡¯t seem too good.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. If you think he¡¯s not suitable, then just give him the cold shoulder. I opened a private bank account in that bank, and he¡¯s in charge of entertaining guests in the VIP room. He might have been able to discern my sexual orientation, and he¡¯s pretty polite. He¡¯s a good guy, he should act appropriately.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why do I think that he¡¯s not the type to know what appropriate means?¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Is that so? What did he do that made him seem like that?¡±


    Yu Hao threw Zhou Sheng a meaningful glance. He didn¡¯t want to speak badly of Vico behind his back and answered, ¡°He didn¡¯t do anything.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t manage your money, your money won¡¯t care about you.¡± Chen Yekai sighed, ¡°Managers in banks who work with private clients are all earning money the hard way, it¡¯s not easy. He should have more tact now.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true that¡¯s true.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    After they returned to their dormitory, Yu Hao ate the sweet and sour pork ribs that Zhou Sheng brought back while Zhou Sheng continued watching his shows with earphones on. After Yu Hao finished eating, Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Are you still going on blind dates?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer. He got up and threw the box away, then laid on his bed. Meeting an online friend had been turned into a farce by Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, which effectively diluted the gloominess he had felt. When he remembered how he had even cried in the dormitory this afternoon, Yu Hao thought it seemed way too embarrassing. Fortunately, no one saw him.


    But when he thought of Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao began feeling upset again.


    He climbed onto his bed to lay down and pondered over it for awhile, ¡°I¡¯ll try again.¡±


    ¡°Jiayou.¡± Zhou Sheng encouraged.


    Ancient Roman Colosseum, the entire arena was silent.


    Along with the clanking sounds made by the iron bars grating against one another as they opened, Medusa slowly slithered out of the cage. Zhou Sheng unconsciously took a step back, until his back was against the black dragon¡¯s head.


    The black dragon nudged him forward a little. Zhou Sheng took a deep breath and raised his shield up. A light rotated once around the surface of his shield, and the surface transformed into a mirror-like smoothness.


    ¡°I remember the guy that chopped your head off used this shield.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Medusa, ¡°What¡¯s his name again?¡±


    All the miniature snakes that made up Medusa¡¯s hair opened their mouths at the same time and spit their tongues out as they hissed at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°You¡¯re so foolish.¡± Medusa sneered, ¡°Your attempts to challenge me are futile.¡±


    A red glint then flashed through Medusa¡¯s eyes. Zhou Sheng immediately raised his shield to block, while the black dragon took the initiative in rushing forward!


    The bell rang, and the audience erupted into an uproar!


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes reflected Medusa¡¯s ferocious appearance. The deafening cheers in the arena and the lightning flashing in the horizon seemed to weave into an impossible to dispel nightmare.


    Daybreak.


    Zhou Sheng violently bolted upright from his dreams and struggled to catch his breath. Terror flooded his eyes. He gradually calmed down, closed his eyes, and regulated his breathing.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 77.1 - Valentine’s

    Ch77.1 ¨C Valentine¡¯s


    A red glint then flashed through Medusa¡¯s eyes. Zhou Sheng immediately raised his shield to block, while the black dragon took the lead in rushing forward!


    The bell rang, and the audience erupted into an uproar!


    During summer vacation, Zhou Sheng went out almost every day ¡ª either for a morning or night run. Meanwhile, Yu Hao began his second job. He had to translate Chinese reports into English scripts this time, assisting the World Health Organization in establishing a database for the Greater China region for easier referencing.


    Amongst them, the cases of crimes caused by psychological issues were just horrifying. Compared to the last batch of manuscripts, the current one was even harder for Yu Hao to go through. As he translated, he often stopped to wonder if the report was real. He checked the sources of the reports and the content of the newspaper clippings ¡ª they were all published by the local news media.


    ¡°Some people commit homicide.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Like those cases with dismembered corpses, and in order to get away with the crime, they would bribe the doctor to give them a false diagnosis. Of course, it doesn¡¯t rule out the fact that homicide can be committed by people who are actually psychotic, but nothing can be done about that. There are a lot of people who have been acquitted under the juvenile protection law as well.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s too cruel.¡±


    In the news he read before this, every single one of them had caused quite a sensation, like the case in Chongqing where a small girl had beaten up a one-and-a-half-year-old toddler in an elevator, or the rape and murder case in Changping¡¯s New Oriental School. However, those were merely the tip of the iceberg covered by the media.


    What made him most uncomfortable were the cases he had never heard of before: the revenge killing in Tonghe, Heilongjiang Province; revenge for habitual theft of a minor in Dongguan¡­¡­these cases were a little too much for his heart. Apart from the cruelty of the acts, what made him even more angry was how the criminals would only stay in the reformatory for one and a half years or even get released since they weren¡¯t deemed guilty under juvenile protection laws.


    ¡°I¡¯ll translate it in a few days.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to read these anymore, it makes me really upset.¡±


    ¡°Those are just the ones you¡¯ve seen.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There are still tons of cases out there in the world that you can¡¯t see. I had a classmate in junior high; he was a pretty good guy, but we weren¡¯t that close. He always bumped into me when we played basketball. I repeated a year while he went to high school, and he got into a pretty good school too. But because he was wooing a girl, he got surrounded by a bunch of people and got beat up in an alley. His skull was fractured, and he had to enter ICU; after he stayed bedridden for a month, he died.¡±


    ¡°What about the murderers?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Ran away.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Their parents helped. After staying away for a year, they were captured and got a three-year sentence. The case wasn¡¯t reported. The school and parents both thought of ways to suppress the case. Learning a bit of self-defence still has its use, at the very least you wouldn¡¯t die in such a stifling way. If anyone dares to touch Laozi, then let¡¯s all die together ba.¡±


    Yu Hao got a WeChat message. Zhou Sheng was playing games in the upper bunk and had just unleashed a big move. His gaze shifted from his phone screen; he ignored Sun Wukong for awhile and turned sideways to glance at Yu Hao, who had his head buried in his phone to reply to his messages.


    ¡°That rich guy again?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    After Yu Hao translated those scripts, he still hadn¡¯t recovered from his depressed mood, ¡°Un¡­¡­he asked me out for dinner.¡±


    Half their summer vacation was over, and at the end of July, another guy looked for Yu Hao. Yu Hao had added him and just left his contact in his phone. He didn¡¯t expect that after such a long time passed, that guy would take the initiative to talk to him, then he chatted with him for awhile. That guy just so happened to have fallen out of love, and provoked Yu Hao¡¯s angelic nature so he started comforting the other guy. Unfortunately, that guy just droned on and on about how meaningless life was.


    Thus, Yu Hao put his knowledge of psychological treatments and guidance to practical use and chatted with him for two hours. The man felt better the next day and transferred a thousand to him. Yu Hao was immediately frightened and didn¡¯t dare to accept it, but the other man kept sending him messages. Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t around during the day and was also ignoring him. Yu Hao translated documents in the dormitory and would sometimes reply to him in his spare time.


    The guy was called ¡°Gothic Armour¡±, and his profile picture was Luffy. He¡¯s bisexual and has had both boyfriends and girlfriends. His ex-girlfriend went abroad and didn¡¯t want to come back, while Gothic Armour didn¡¯t like the environment abroad and wouldn¡¯t go with her, so they peacefully broke up.


    Yu Hao did find him easy to talk to, like he was just a normal online friend. The topics they covered were hardly related to love or dating, and he just felt like a straight guy that Yu Hao had gotten to know through a game as they talked about this and that during their idle chats. Gothic Armour enumerated all his exes to Yu Hao ¡ª there were a dozen or so, and there were even two who had terminated pregnancies for him. One of them cooked for him every day, while the other often bought things for him.


    But there were no more feelings anymore, and love was dead.


    Gothic Armour asked Yu Hao:¡¾Do you think I¡¯m a scummy guy?¡¿


    Yu Hao thought, more importantly, are you even gay? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re just using me to pass time ba. However, even though this person has a rich relationship history, he was still a very earnest and persistent guy. Aside from his prolonged and short lovelorn sighs, he was pretty upright when it came to his views on a lot of societal issues.


    It was only when Gothic Armour asked him what he looked like one day that Yu Hao casually sent him a picture of him singing in the college.


    Gothic Armour was stunned at once:¡¾You¡¯re a celebrity?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾How¡¯s that possible? Take a closer look, wouldn¡¯t it be too sad if a celebrity performed on such a shabby stage?¡¿


    Gothic Armour:¡¾Don¡¯t lie to me, I¡¯ve seen that person before. He¡¯s been on ¡®My Style, My Show¡¯.¡¿


    Then he said a name and Yu Hao replied:¡¾That really is me!¡¿


    Gothic Armour was stunned at once:¡¾Take another photo then? You guys can¡¯t look that alike. Do you have any brothers or cousins who are in showbiz?¡¿


    Yu Hao casually took a photo and suddenly wondered if he had been tricked, but he had already sent the photo.


    From that day on, Gothic Armour began throwing money at him.


    A 200 yuan red packet in the morning titled¡¾Baby have you woken up¡¿, then another 188 yuan red packet after a short while:¡¾Baby why are you ignoring me?¡¿Yu Hao accidentally fell into his trap once and accepted 180 yuan from him. That guy wouldn¡¯t take it back when Yu Hao tried to return it to him, so he could only set it aside for now. After that, as soon as the message ¡®the current version does not support checking this message, please check your message on the mobile phone¡¯ appears on the WeChat on his desktop, Yu Hao would wonder, why are you sending me a red packet again? Do you have nowhere else to spend your money?


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°How much did he send you today?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t touch it!¡¯


    Zhou Sheng tapped the entire row of ¡®Ba, by, Ha, ppy, Valentine¡¯s, Day¡¯, and 1,200 yuan entered his account. Yu Hao blew up and shouted, but Zhou Sheng tapped on the last red packet¡¾Have dinner with me?¡¿and said, ¡°1400, not bad.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°AHHHHH¡ª¡ª YOU JUST RUINED ME¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Go ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Won¡¯t you be able to return it all to him if you treat him?¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand and really wanted to close his laptop, then smack Zhou Sheng with it.


    The other party sent him a location:¡¾When you arrive, just tell them ¡®Mr. Zhang, last few digits of the mobile number is 2520¡¯.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng looked at it and said, ¡°It costs about 500 per person at this restaurant, and just casually ordering some dishes would jack the price up to a thousand. After you order, go to the bathroom in advance and settle the bill, then the matter will be over.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I keep feeling like there¡¯s something wrong with this; it¡¯s not like he gave me those red packets for this meal.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Who cares? At most you could just buy something else for him as a gift afterwards.¡±


    So Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    He definitely had to dress in a simpler attire this time. Gothic Armour wanted to pick him up at his college tomorrow, and Yu Hao adamantly refused. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege will be coming over tomorrow. We¡¯ll just eat at a random place outside and wait for you. After your blind date, let¡¯s all celebrate Valentine¡¯s together?¡±


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s great!¡± Yu Hao said immediately. He hadn¡¯t seen Fu Liqun in a long time and missed him very much.


    The day after the next day, Fu Liqun flew to Tokyo from Ying City and then flew over with Cen Shan. They arranged to meet up in the group chat. Zhou Sheng sent a message:¡¾Yu Hao¡¯s going for a blind date, let¡¯s stand in a circle outside to watch tomorrow?¡¿


    Cen Shan sent a bunch of ellipsises while Fu Liqun sent out a bunch of question marks. Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop talking about it!!¡±


    The next day, Yu Hao wore a white T-shirt, black shorts, and sandals. He was ready to leave in this attire, just in case the other party thought that he came from a well-off family.


    The restaurant was also a high-level clubhouse, and was called ¡°Clear Clouds Autumn Moon¡±. It served exquisite Sichuan cuisine and was located in the center of the city by an artificial lake named Autumn River Lake. Those who entered and left the place were all beautiful girls who carried branded bags and hooked their arms around their lover¡¯s, as well as successful figures who were immaculately dressed.


    ¡°Mr. Yu, this way please.¡± The manager came over with a menu and helped Yu Hao open the door.


    ¡°Mr. Yu! This way please!¡±


    ¡°Mr. Yu, happy holidays!¡± The attendants all bowed to Yu Hao one after another.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He thought, how does that guy know that my surname is Yu? After he entered the room and saw ¡°Gothic Armour¡±, he realised that he had never asked him for a picture before.


    At first glance, he looked okay; he had thick eyebrows, big eyes, and appeared as if he wasn¡¯t fully awake yet. He had an indolent air around him, his skin wasn¡¯t that good because he often stayed up late, and he didn¡¯t seem to pay much attention to his image. The room was an extremely elegant lake view room. Tatami mats covered the floor, and Gothic Armour was sitting in front of the table. He smiled when he saw Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re here?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly greeted him and that person said, ¡°You can just call me Zhang Liang. Sit ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was a little distracted and suddenly realised why he was willing to meet the person named Vico and this Gothic Armour.


    Because on them, he could find some tiny similarities with Zhou Sheng, and even though it was just a tiny bit, Yu Hao was unconsciously drawn to them because of it. Vico flaunted himself as a sports guy, and when he spoke he would flirt from time to time with Yu Hao in an improper manner, which seemed a bit like the times when Zhou Sheng teased him. In a similar manner, this Zhang Liang always talked about how he wasn¡¯t fully awake and would occasionally send him voice messages, which always sounded really lazy, and he had an indolent temperament akin to Zhou Sheng¡¯s.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Zhang Liang rubbed the back of his neck again, ¡°Order yourself?¡± As he spoke, he drank the gongfu tea in front of him.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can¡¯t eat, I¡¯ll treat you today ba?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still studying.¡± Zhang Liang smiled, ¡°How much money could you have? Let Gege do it ba, your clothes look pretty nice. Simple and clean, where did you buy them?¡±


    Yu Hao looked down and said, ¡°Taobao.¡±


    ¡°When I was your age,¡± Zhang Liang said, ¡°I liked to buy stuff on Taobao too. Later on I liked to buy luxury goods, but now I like Taobao again. It¡¯s fine as long as the items can be used, it¡¯s not necessary to pursue quality.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± Yu Hao quickly said and thought, why does everyone like to use the phrase ¡®when I was your age¡¯.


    Zhang Liang said, ¡°Do you work everyday?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t on the menu at all, ¡°I translate as part of my work-study program.¡±


    Zhang Liang asked, ¡°No one pays for your tuition fees?¡±


    Yu Hao saw that Zhang Liang looked like he was feeling about for his wallet and was afraid that he would start writing cheques for him every minute like they do in dramas, so he quickly said, ¡°There is! There¡¯s no problem with my tuition fees, I¡¯m just earning some pocket money.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t really spend much ba.¡± Zhang Liang laughed helplessly, ¡°I¡¯m always badgering you for counselling sessions, yet I haven¡¯t paid you yet¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why talk about ¡®payment¡¯ between friends? I¡¯ve never done counselling for anyone before, don¡¯t give me anymore money. It¡¯s not easy to earn.¡±


    Zhang Liang said, ¡°My family has a few apartments that were demolished, and the spare money is just sitting around collecting interest. All I do is sleep and play games at home all day, ai¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 77.2 - Valentine’s

    Ch77.2 ¨C Valentine¡¯s


    A handsome old man in a suit walked over, wearing a breastplate with his name written on it. The inscribed title showed that he was the senior manager. He knelt down on one knee and poured tea for Yu Hao.


    ¡°Young Master Yu.¡± The manager took over the tea pastries handed over by the attendant and said, ¡°This is the chen pu tea that our restaurant especially prepared for you, we wish you a happy Valentine¡¯s Day.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhang Liang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhang Liang looked at the tea in his hand, then looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao was sitting down, and the moment the manager knelt down on one knee, he silently uttered ¡®crap¡¯ to himself. This was this third time experiencing this signature kneeling style of service, so this restaurant must be the ubiquitous¡ª¡ª


    Yun, Lai, Chun!


    ¡°The dishes have already been ordered for you.¡± The manager who wore golden-rimmed glasses looked very elegant and said, ¡°What does Young Master want to drink?¡±


    Zhang Liang was filled with doubts, but he didn¡¯t say anything as he observed the manager. Yu Hao thought that it was really troublesome now, Zhou Sheng was going to tease him again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just have tea.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Suzhou¡¯s Pingtan and Kunqu Opera were invited over today, which would you like to listen to?¡±


    The manager¡¯s voice was so damn Sue! He looked like he was approaching his forties, had an elegant demeanor, and spoke in an extremely gentle and refined tone. Yu Hao thought, and I even get to listen to Pingtan now?


    ¡°This one¡¯s good.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I haven¡¯t listened to one in a really long time, is it convenient? Pingtan then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call them in at once.¡± The manager smiled and said, ¡°We¡¯re right outside the door, please instruct us whenever you need to.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s grandmother used to sing some Pingtan when she had nothing to do, among which¡¶Jade Dragonfly¡·and¡¶Warring Changsha¡·left very deep impressions on him.


    Zhang Liang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said to Zhang Liang, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I listened to that¡­¡­uh¡­¡­that¡­¡­¡±


    Zhang Liang wore a bewildered expression on his face, ¡°You¡¯re the Young Master of Yun Lai Chun? And I was wondering why they led me straight into a private room when I reserved seats in the hall!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately explained, ¡°I¡¯m not! It¡¯s a bro of mine, he¡¯s the Young Master! We live in the same dorm, he knew I was coming today¡­¡­¡±


    Zhang Liang observed Yu Hao doubtfully, ¡°The same dorm? Which college do you attend?¡±


    ¡°An ordinary college.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Very ordinary.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to divulge too much personal information to Zhang Liang, and it just so happens that the Pingtan gentleman came over with a guqin. He smiled and asked, ¡°What does Young Master want to hear?¡±


    ¡°Yue Yun ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°The bright galaxy desires for dawn, dancing in front of the thatched cottage at midnight¡­¡­¡± The gentleman performing Pingtan sang.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help himself from singing along, ¡°Silver crown reflects the moon and gazes at limpid autumn waters, iron armour faces the wind and gazes at smoke¡ª¡ª¡±


    At the end of the song, Yu Hao clapped for him. Although he didn¡¯t sing as well as his Grandma did, the lyrics were very close to his heart.


    ¡°Did you like it?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhang Liang.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t understand it.¡± Zhang Liang said with a bewildered expression He still hadn¡¯t recovered from the ¡°Young Master¡± form of address shock.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not very cultured.¡± Zhang Liang admitted frankly, ¡°I¡¯m rather unrefined.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m unrefined too, but my grandmother sang this before.¡±


    Zhang Liang, ¡°Oh¡ª¡ªyour grandmother was pretty elegant then. And I was wondering, looks like you¡¯re the young master of a rich family.¡±


    Yu Hao sometimes felt like his life was a play; it would be a poverty alleviation program for a moment, and the next day it turns into an ancient costume xuanhuan, then he would be acting in a variety show where he undergoes a transformation, then it would turn into a popcorn movie, and now he was in an Overbearing CEO romance drama.


    ¡°I¡¯m really not.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°My bro¡¯s teasing me on purpose.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that he needed to change the topic right away, and he didn¡¯t know where Zhou Sheng and the rest were now. Then, he saw Fu Liqun and Cen Shan walk hand in hand outside their lake view room.


    Cen Shan waved at him. Yu Hao smiled and waved back as he thought, where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?


    Zhang Liang turned around to take a look, ¡°Your friend?¡±


    ¡°My sis-in-law.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°She should¡¯ve come over for dinner because it¡¯s Valentine¡¯s.¡±


    Zhang Liang responded with an ¡°oh¡±. Fortunately, the dishes were served, so the awkwardness was effectively defused. Just like in ¡®Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain¡¯, the manager divided up and plated the dishes at one side. Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Have you decided to find your ex-girlfriend to reconcile?¡±


    Zhang Liang, ¡°You really want me to look for her to reconcile?¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It is not easy for two people to fall in love.¡±


    Zhang Liang shook his head and smiled helplessly. In the end, Yu Hao chatted idly for a bit, and they finished their meal. The manager wore white gloves as he held a bottle of wine to show it to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Before Yu Hao could even ask what it was, the manager picked up the wine and placed it in front of Zhang Liang.


    ¡°This is the wine that Young Master specially prepared for you.¡± The manager said, ¡°There must be good wine on a good day. Take it back for a drink, this is just an expression of our goodwill.¡±


    Zhang Liang laughed, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so polite.¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao knew at once that this was Zhou Sheng¡¯s return gift because he didn¡¯t want to accept his red packets for nothing, ¡°Accept it ba, it¡¯s just a bottle of wine.¡±


    ¡°Then okay.¡± Zhang Liang didn¡¯t even talk about the next date before he went out with the wine. There weren¡¯t a lot of people in the hall. Yu Hao caught a glimpse of Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, and Cen Shan at one glance.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back?¡± Zhang Liang asked.


    Zhou Sheng was wearing a casual suit as he waited in the lobby.


    ¡°Done talking?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao with one hand stuffed into his pocket.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­that¡¯s the true Young Master.¡±


    Zhang Liang promptly went up to shake hands. Zhou Sheng looked calm as he forcefully shook his hands back, and Zhang Liang¡¯s facial features instantly became a little twisted. Cen Shan said, ¡°Yu Hao, let¡¯s go stargazing, shall we?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you have a good meal?¡±


    Zhang Liang could only say, ¡°It¡¯s not bad.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You are welcome to visit us often in the future. Oh do you to stargaze too?¡±


    Zhang Liang quickly refused, ¡°No no.¡±


    Fu Liqun was following behind, and he was laughing so hard that he swayed unsteadily from side to side. After they left, a Bentley was parked at the entrance. Fu Liqun fished the keys out,pressed it, then got into the driver¡¯s seat. Zhou Sheng opened the door for Cen Shan first and said, ¡°Sis-in-law, you first.¡± Cen Shan sat inside. Zhou Sheng then opened the door for Yu Hao, revealing a blinding diamond watch on his wrist.


    ¡°Little Young Master, get in ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­see you next time?¡± Yu Hao said to Zhang Liang.


    ¡°See you next time! See you next time!¡± Zhang Liang was carrying a bag and raised his hand towards Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng got in the car. Fu Liqun drove and began laughing wildly.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Hahahahaha!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°All of you knock it off!!¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Was it that fun? You guys really are just a bunch of kids.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took his watch off and said, ¡°Gege, go by the back door and wait there for a bit.¡±


    When they arrived at the back gate, Zhou Sheng whistled and asked someone to call the manager over. He took off the watch and said, ¡°Return this to my Dad, thanks Uncle Lin!¡±


    The manager smiled as he accepted it. Fu Liqun turned the steering wheel and drove the Bentley away.


    ¡°Where did this car come from?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Woah fuck! Sis-in-law, you¡¯re too cool!¡±


    Cen Shan laughed and said, ¡°I borrowed it from my Dad too.¡±


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng burst out laughing, and Yu Hao was absolutely baffled, ¡°What the hell are you guys trying to do?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said all proper, ¡°Nothing much, are you full? Let¡¯s go eat some stir-fry?¡±


    Fu Liqun burped, ¡°I really can¡¯t eat anymore, Young Master.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can¡¯t either, I ate a lot today somehow.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Looking at the situation now¡­¡­you¡¯ll need to blacklist this one too ba?¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡ª¡± Cen Shan finally couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore and laughed so hard in the passenger seat until her stomach hurt, ¡°Aiya oh my goodness, you guys are way too amusing.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why are we amusing? Zhou Sheng! I didn¡¯t want to date him! I was just making a friend!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°So, to the riverside or the observatory on Mt. Yunding?¡±


    ¡°Shifu, let¡¯s go to the sandbank and have some wine bei.¡± Cen Shan suggested.


    ¡°Beep beep, accepted a passenger with numbers ending in 250.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°There¡¯s a camera three kilometers ahead.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the 250!¡± Cen Shan and Zhou Sheng retorted in unison.


    Yu Hao leaned on the car window and looked up at the stars. The sky was clear and cloudless on the night of Valentine¡¯s but the lights from the city were too bright, so he couldn¡¯t see the Milky Way clearly. Fu Liqun drove across the river bridge and onto the sand bang opposite. Once they entered the sandbank, there were fewer lights. They turned into a silent, desolate row of cafes in the Wenchuang area, and the Milky Way suddenly appeared in the sky.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Beep beep, no more orders will be received.¡±


    The open air balcony of the cafe was lit with candles, and soft music played. A lot of guests were stargazing as they drank. On the third floor, the shop manager had set up sofas, tables, two bottles of wine, and mosquito repellent incense everywhere. After your eyes got accustomed to the dark, the Milky Way¡¯s splendour and beauty were unparalleled as it stretched all the way across the dome of the night.


    ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How did you guys find this place? Yi? Why is our table the only one on the rooftop? Are there no other guests?¡±


    ¡°Your sis-in-law is a hipster when it comes to the arts.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°She knows how to find all these strange places.¡±


    ¡°This Wenchuang area should have been opened by your acquaintance ba?¡± Zhou Sheng exposed the secret.


    Cen Shan laughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s not as luxurious as Yun Lai Chun though.¡±


    ¡°Yun Lai Chun only has three branches in Ying City.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s only a small restaurant left you haven¡¯t been to in the suburbs. How could it be compared to sis-in-law¡¯s huge conglomeration that¡¯s everywhere?¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed so hard he ended up leaning over the table. Yu Hao uttered in surprise, ¡°Sis-in-law! Your family opened this shop?¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°It¡¯s all my Dad¡¯s, what does it have to do with me? Ai¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Ai¡ª¡ª¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Ai¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao heard the underlying meaning behind those three ¡°ai¡±s and thought, I¡¯m the one who should be uttering the most ¡®ai¡¯s, what are you guys sighing for? If my Dad was an official, boss Zhou would itch to start beating the drums and stuff me and Zhou Sheng into a bridal chamber¡­¡­but then again would they be able to accept a marriage between their sons? I guess not ba. But they would definitely be delighted and hope that we could get closer, ai¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Still going on more blind dates?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°You¡¯ve gone on blind dates with both poor and rich ones, yet they¡¯re all so ugly.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°That guy should be a scum guy ba? He already knew that you wouldn¡¯t accept red packets yet he kept sending you¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay don¡¯t talk about it anymore, I was wrong.¡±


    Cen Shan drank some wine and stared at the Milky Way quietly. She said, ¡°Yu Hao, can you tell which star is your father?¡±


    Yu Hao looked for awhile and said, ¡°He didn¡¯t blink at me today, can¡¯t find him.¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°I forgot which star is my mother too.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But they¡¯re definitely there, they wouldn¡¯t lie to us.¡±


    All four of them were quiet. Cen Shan said, ¡°Yeah, I believe that too.¡± She smiled and raised her glass at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao smiled too, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Cheers! To wish Vico and Zhang Liang good health!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Quit it!¡±


    The four of them raised their glasses that reflected the Milky Way within.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 78.1 - Summer Vacation

    Ch78.1 ¨C Summer Vacation


    ¡ª


    After Valentine¡¯s, summer vacation was almost half over. After Yu Hao handed in the first round of translations, the second round was sent to his mailbox immediately. It seemed that the organisation couldn¡¯t find suitable outsourcing, so when they saw that Yu Hao handed in translations quickly, they immediately threw another pile at him. Yu Hao thought, is it that hard for you guys to find a few translators? But okay, okay¡­¡­since I¡¯m getting money I¡¯ll just accept it ba.


    Yu Hao looked through the translation forum for a long time and realised that his own work really was like moving bricks, low-paying but essential. Except for the first time he got paid when Chen Yekai served as an intermediary, the organization bypassed Chen Yekai and the second time and directly contacted Yu Hao for a remuneration 20% lower than the market price. A lot of foreign language students would not accept such work.


    However,Yu Hao was already extremely satisfied with this. At least it was better than actually moving bricks.


    ¡°How much was that bottle of wine?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°2,000. Added a bit more, so you won¡¯t owe him anything.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How much was the meal?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Laozi¡¯s the Young Master of Yun Lai Chun, why would I need to pay for a meal in my own family¡¯s shop?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We ate that meal!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I signed the bill, it was counted alongside our dinner. Yu Hao, could you stop being annoying?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll transfer you the money for the wine¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°Isn¡¯t my money always with you?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true, so he could only add the red packets he received into Zhou Sheng¡¯s living expenses. But he had only received 1,580 from the red packets, so Yu Hao decided that he might as well go whole hog and scrolled through his WeChat to tap on the two red packets that Gothic Armour had sent him within the past 24 hours, and only then did he consider the whole situation more balanced.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve been blacklisted¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°He¡¯s just scum; he¡¯s been tricking you with the usual routine, and you didn¡¯t even know.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know at all how to appraise if someone was scum or not. When he kept asking Zhou Sheng how he managed to tell, Zhou Sheng ignored him and fell asleep.


    No more blind dates¡­¡­just let my life be like this ba.


    Yu Hao gave up completely. His life recently was like a chaotic farce that had gone out of control. He didn¡¯t want to drive around repeatedly while thinking about Zhou Sheng, thinking about transferring his feelings, thinking about General, thinking about love, and thinking about life anymore. He couldn¡¯t understand anything and ended up tiring himself out too. Love was indeed like a lottery for him ¡ª not only was it impossible for him to win, but he also didn¡¯t know where he had thrown his lottery ticket.


    I¡¯ll just continue crushing on him one-sidedly ba, Yu Hao thought. If worst comes to worst, he would just take note of the distance between them so that Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t be called a homo. After he decided this, Yu Hao relaxed a little.


    In midsummer, there were gradually fewer and fewer students at college, and even those students who didn¡¯t go home and stayed in college had left. It was very quiet every night; it was so quiet that this place seemed to be isolated from the rest of the world. The last window of the canteen closed as well, public buses stopped running, and even Chen Yekai went home. Every day, Zhou Sheng either cooked, or the two of them would walk about 2 kilometers to eat at the stir-fry shop at the foot of the mountain.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± One night, Yu Hao found out that Zhou Sheng had brought back several sets of clothing and hung them up in the wardrobe. They were all China-styled T-shirts and hemp trousers.


    ¡°Boss gave them to me.¡± Zhou Sheng said as if nothing had happened, ¡°Found a part-time job as an online model. Just ended today and got 4,000.¡±


    ¡°So you went out everyday to be a model?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said without any expression on his face, then turned over, and lay down to sleep.


    Yu Hao was full of doubts. He finished translating the manuscript for today and would be able to hand in the second round before summer vacation ended. He would need to take some time out to study when school reopened, but after nearly five months of translating part-time, his foreign language comprehension and Chinese writing level had improved by leaps and bounds. He would probably be able to pass the CET-4 in January next year with his eyes closed.


    Find a job that you¡¯re willing to devote your life to, be with a person whom you truly love¡­¡­ every quiet night after Yu Hao finished his work, he couldn¡¯t help but recall Chen Yekai¡¯s words. Is translating a work that I¡¯m willing to devote my life to? Yu Hao doesn¡¯t think so, but this part-time translation job had awakened a sense of responsibility in his heart.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± When Yu Hao was about to get off his bed and go wash up, he suddenly saw the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s light in the dormitory.


    Zhou Sheng wore the Golden Crow Wheel to sleep!


    Yu Hao suddenly felt nervous and shook Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng opened his eyes in a split second. Since he was woken up, he said angrily, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat up in annoyance. Yu Hao got quite a fright and asked, ¡°Whose dream did you enter?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked up at Yu Hao, who looked just like a bullied child,and was frowning deeply. Yu Hao asked nervously, ¡°Are you okay? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath and calmed down, ¡°Didn¡¯t I promise you that I wouldn¡¯t enter other people¡¯s dreams by myself again?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah! Then why did you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s my own dream ah, could you relax?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Half of Yu Hao¡¯s life had disappeared from fright, ¡°You were in your own dream, okay. It¡¯s nothing, I was just too nervous, go back to sleep ba.¡±


    Yu Hao went to brush his teeth. Zhou Sheng plopped back down on his bed and let out a prolonged breath.


    When Yu Hao was washing up, he suddenly remembered that he hadn¡¯t been paying much attention recently, but Zhou Sheng seemed to have been sleeping with his hands under his pillow. How long has he been using the Golden Crow Wheel for? But he never came to Yu Hao¡¯s dream? What was Zhou Sheng doing in his dream?


    Yu Hao went to bed and studied Zhou Sheng. When Zhou Sheng fell asleep, he was frowning deeply with one hand under his blanket and the other shifted a bit unconsciously. Yu Hao observed him for a moment, but didn¡¯t ask any more questions and laid down to sleep.


    At this time, he got a notification on WeChat to remind him that a stranger had added him around 8pm.


    Yu Hao took a look at it. He was added through a search, but his WeChat was his mobile number, so who was this person?


    Yu Hao accepted the request and took another look at Zhou Sheng, who was fast asleep. He was just about to go to bed when his phone screen lit up.


    Stranded:¡¾Still not asleep even though it¡¯s this late?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾It¡¯s summer vacation, who are you?¡¿


    Stranded sent an emoticon and said:¡¾Going to sleep, my Mum might confiscate my phone. I¡¯ll talk to you tomorrow, good night.¡¿


    Yu Hao was utterly baffled. Looking at the tone of the messages, it seemed like someone he knew. He put his phone down, looked at Zhou Sheng again who didn¡¯t seem to have moved, then fell asleep apprehensively.


    For the next few days, Zhou Sheng always went to sleep wearing the Golden Crow Wheel and got up everyday without saying a word. Yu Hao sensed that something seemed a little off.


    One morning, Zhou Sheng was brushing his teeth wearily. Yu Hao didn¡¯t dream at all during the night, which meant that Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t go to find him. Yu Hao therefore observed Zhou Sheng, ¡°Were you okay last night?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In a few days, wanna go to the amusement park? Summer vacation¡¯s almost over.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What are you doing in your dream?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer. He looked at the phone in Yu Hao¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Who are you talking to?¡±


    ¡°A kid.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how he managed to add me.¡±


    ¡°A kid?¡± Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°How young?¡±


    ¡°Third year of senior high.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°How did you guys hook up?¡±


    That guy named ¡°Stranded¡± added Yu Hao and would talk to him every day. He was 19 years old, just finished his second year, and was now in his third year. He took a gap year before, so he was actually older than Yu Hao by a few months. Yu Hao had always thought it seemed strange and kept asking him how he managed to find his WeChat number. The other party just said that his friend was the one who introduced him.


    Yu Hao suspected that this kid may have an older brother or sister in the same college, or they could even be in the same cohort as him. The senior high student named ¡°Stranded¡± went to cram school during summer vacation. He asked Yu Hao if he could tutor him in English and offered to pay him. Yu Hao looked at the questions ¡ª they were indeed college entrance examination questions, so he would explain them to the other party on WeChat once in awhile. He thought that the kid shouldn¡¯t be deceiving him ba? It didn¡¯t seem like it. If he even wrote an entire English composition to fool Yu Hao, then he would have really been putting too much effort into it.


    ¡°When are you gonna meet up for a date? Zhou Sheng had a mocking smile on his face.


    Yu Hao, ¡°No dates, I¡¯m not interested in high schoolers.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How would you know if you haven¡¯t seen him? Go ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao saw on Zhou Sheng¡¯s locked phone screen that there was a WeChat message from ¡°Jingya¡±.


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng was waxing his hair in front of the mirror and asked Yu Hao, ¡°Do you prefer my hair longer or shorter?¡±


    But Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts weren¡¯t on Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair at all, ¡°You can call me anytime there¡¯s a problem, okay? I feel like something¡¯s been off about you these days.¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s off¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m doing very well, so hey, which hairstyle looks good?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The hairstyle I first saw you in was nice, the colour looked good too.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll dye it again for you then?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I prefer black hair. Are you going out today? Zhou Sheng, I think we need to talk.¡±


    ¡°In a few days ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m busy today, don¡¯t wait for me to eat dinner. The jeans Kaikai bought for you looked pretty good, lend me that pair?¡±


    ¡°I bought it myself .¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The original price was 2,400.¡±


    Yu Hao found the jeans and passed it to Zhou Sheng. When Zhou Sheng wore it, it seemed to fit him better than Yu Hao, making him appear very street-like and trendy. ¡°How is it?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re practically born to be a clothes hanger.¡± Yu Hao said helplessly, ¡°The jeans are yours from now on, who are you meeting today?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, then took his jacket and went out. It was a rainy day today. Yu Hao stood on the balcony and looked at the road that was wet from the rain.


    Zhou Sheng pulled up his hood and appeared lonely as he walked along the road outside the dormitory.


    Yu Hao attached the last of his manuscripts to an email and sent it out. He recalled the sea of clouds and dense fog in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, then got up to open Zhou Sheng¡¯s drawer ¡ª¡ª the Golden Crow Wheel was taken away by Zhou Sheng.


    What the hell is that guy doing? Yu Hao thought.


    Before the end of summer vacation, he had finished all his work. Fu Liqun and Cen Shan uploaded a lot of pictures they took in Hokkaido to their group chat. Yu Hao¡¯s train of thought was temporarily diverted as he scrolled through the photos in the group and was struck violently by their affectionate displays. He thought, it must be nice to be dating, I really wanna go to Hokkaido with Zhou Sheng too, and just do nothing all day but be lovey-dovey with each other.


    Stranded:¡¾Huu, I¡¯m finally done with cram school, and my own school¡¯s about to reopen. Are you free today? Do you want to eat together?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾It¡¯s raining, I don¡¯t want to go out.¡¿


    Stranded:¡¾Come out and have a chat with me ba, I¡¯m on the verge of committing suicide.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Don¡¯t joke about something like that.¡¿


    Stranded sent a few ¡®hahaha¡¯s:¡¾I¡¯ll go to your college to look for you?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾You don¡¯t know where I am.¡¿


    Stranded:¡¾Of course I do, I even know that you major in Psychology.¡¿


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 78.2 - Summer Vacation

    Ch78.2 ¨C Summer Vacation


    Yu Hao thought, how does this kid know so much? But after considering it, he understood how; Stranded deferred his studies for a year and was now in third year. This meant that his classmates in high school were now in their first year of college, so he might have some acquaintances in Yu Hao¡¯s college.


    Stranded:¡¾Do you have an umbrella? I¡¯ll pick you up ba, you¡¯re in the same dormitory as Zhou Sheng right?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾You know him???!!!¡¿


    Stranded:¡¾I don¡¯t, I just know that name.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Don¡¯t come over, all the buses have stopped. Let¡¯s meet at some cafe for coffee?¡¿


    Stranded replied frankly:¡¾Ok.¡¿Then he sent Yu Hao a location, which just so happened to be the flower cafe.


    Yu Hao left the college and waited for a bus. The public buses didn¡¯t stop running because of the storm, they just ran more infrequently. He went to the flower cafe in the afternoon. After entering the mall, he put away his umbrella and suddenly saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s back.


    Zhou Sheng was wearing Yu Hao¡¯s jeans and a white T-shirt. He had just gotten a haircut, and was standing on the escalator with a girl who had long hair as they headed for the second floor. He was even holding the girl¡¯s bag for her. Yu Hao had seen Cen Shan carry that bag before, so he thought it was Cen Shan at first. But the way that girl dressed was very different from Cen Shan¡¯s style.


    The girl was wearing a white dress and sneakers and looked very young from the back with a clean atmosphere around her. They looked just like a young couple, and seemed to be a match made in heaven.


    Yu Hao watched them for awhile, all the way until Zhou Sheng reached the second floor and took the elevator to the third floor. Only then did Yu Hao walk towards the other side to go to the flower cafe.


    At a table by the window sat a boy in a blue-and-white school uniform with fair skin, big eyes, and thick eyebrows. Just as Yu Hao entered and wanted to observe for a moment, the boy looked up from his phone and whistled at Yu Hao.


    Even if Yu Hao wanted to hide now, he couldn¡¯t. He smiled helplessly and sat opposite the boy.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t lie to you, see?¡± The boy showed Yu Hao the result sheet of the simulation exam he took in his cram school. He was ranked first in his cram school.


    133 for Chinese! Full marks for mathematics! 141 for English! 129 for the Liberal Arts!


    ¡°My God!¡± Yu Hao wanted to flip the table, ¡°With your results, you can probably get into Beijing or Tsinghua University ba!¡±


    He also noticed that the name on the boy¡¯s paper was ¡®Ou Qihang¡¯, and his school was the top high school in Ying city. He really was a third year in high school, he didn¡¯t lie.


    ¡°What do you want to drink? I¡¯ll buy it.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°To thank you for teaching me how to write my English compositions during this period.¡±


    Yu Hao scrutinised him as he leaned on his chair and thought about it for a moment. ¡°Sea salt coffee.¡±


    Ou Qihang bought two cups of coffee and added five or six packets of sugar to his cup. Yu Hao thought that just like Zhou Sheng, this guy was another sugar monster. However, it was understandable. Those who use their brains a lot need to replenish their sugar levels, since sugar is consumed at an astonishingly fast rate when one uses their brain.


    Ou Qihang was almost as tall as Zhou Sheng. He wore sportswear and a pair of basketball shoes ¡ª which also happened to be from Fu Liqun¡¯s favourite series. Yu Hao thought, kids nowadays develop really well¡­¡­wait, no. This guy was a third year senior and even seemed to be a few months older than himself.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little surprising?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    ¡°What¡¯s surprising?¡± Yu Hao really was a little surprised, but he didn¡¯t intend to go along with the flow.


    ¡°Me ah.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    ¡°You¡¯re so young.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Really different from us who¡¯re in college.¡±


    ¡°But aren¡¯t we the same age?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Forget it, it¡¯s probably better if I treat you as a Gege.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yu Hao, which number are you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°As a third year in senior high, don¡¯t you know a bit too much?! Focus on your studies, don¡¯t worry about such unimportant things.¡±


    From his interactions with Ou Qihang on WeChat during this period, Yu Hao could sense that this guy had obviously come prepared. He especially came out today to refuse him and decided that he wouldn¡¯t add any more strangers on WeChat in the future.


    ¡°Do you want to watch a movie?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    ¡°Nope.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°What about an art exhibition then? I have tickets.¡±


    The art gallery was nearby. Ou Qihang pulled out two tickets for the Dunhuang Special Exhibition ¡ª today was the final day for the exhibition. Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t resist the temptation, and Ou Qihang said, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Don¡¯t be so boring.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not about being boring¡­¡­ok then.¡± Yu Hao really wasn¡¯t in a good mood today. For the past week, Zhou Sheng had hardly paid any attention to him and it seemed obvious that he was preoccupied with something that he was hiding from Yu Hao. However, they didn¡¯t argue, so it was like a cold war, but also not a cold war. It was hiding under the surface, so there was no chance of a quick resolution. In addition to that, It had also been raining for three days in a row, which made Yu Hao feel extremely depressed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°For a change of mood.¡±


    ¡°Are you in a bad mood?¡± Ou Qihang slung his bag over one shoulder and was a little taller than Yu Hao. He held his coffee in one hand and opened up a black umbrella, then tilted it slightly towards Yu Hao¡¯s side. They crossed the road together and headed for the art gallery to see the special exhibition. The power of art could make people forget their worries for a while, especially when they stood in front of all the exceptionally beautiful paintings. Yu Hao felt like his dream could be decorated with all the beautiful flying Apsara and Buddha statues he was viewing.


    ¡°Just like a dream.¡± Ou Qihang asked Yu Hao, ¡°Have you ever been to Dunhuang?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to go, but I don¡¯t have the money.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that for some reason, he always acted a bit more reserved in front of Ou Qihang, as if he was subconsciously imitating Chen Yekai. Perhaps in his mind, he had taken on the role of a ¡®teacher¡¯, and the best interpretation for acting out the role of a ¡®teacher¡¯ would be Chen Yekai¡¯s demeanour ba.


    ¡°This line is too beautiful.¡± Yu Hao lightly traced the murals in the special exhibition with his fingers.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yes. The power of Buddha can make people forget their sorrows.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°Why would you have so many sorrows?¡±


    Ou Qihang sighed and smiled at Yu Hao. Yu hao thought, this kid should be the male god in his high school right? Excellent results, tall, handsome, and his living standards seem to be pretty high too.


    After they finished viewing the exhibition, Yu Hao and Ou Qihang ate some oden and boxed meals in a convenience store. Yu Hao began taking a liking to this kid. It didn¡¯t appear that he had rushed over for a hook-up or a date. He was extremely pure and clean, and might really just be here to chat with Yu Hao and make friends with him.


    ¡°Work hard for your third year.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You won¡¯t regret it.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I just think it¡¯s a pity that the time spent is so short.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s a whole year! And you still think it¡¯s too short?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°I meant that there isn¡¯t enough time now for us to develop our feelings, hahahaha¡ª¡ª¡±


    Ou Qihang burst out laughing, and Yu Hao immediately felt embarrassed, ¡°Knock it off!¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡­I¡¯ll be going home.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯ll need to live at school and when school reopens my mobile will be handed over to my Mum, so I won¡¯t be able to keep in contact.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you back?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    Yu Hao quickly refused, why does everyone want to send me back? Am I that shou?


    ¡°I should be the one sending you back, let¡¯s go?¡± Yu Hao finally turned a little more gong.


    Before the end of summer vacation, many students gradually began to return to school. The subway line was full of high school and vocational high school students who were dragging their suitcases to and fro.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Ou Qihang leaned back against the handrail of the mostly empty carriage, and asked Yu Hao, ¡°What are you exactly?¡±


    Yu Hao saw his monkey-like look and thought his temperament seemed to slightly resemble Fu Liqun¡¯s, ¡°I¡¯m human!¡±


    Ou Qihang unconsciously licked his lower lip and said, ¡°Are you a 1 or a 0? Tell this Didi in secret bei¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was about to tease him when he suddenly took his phone out and turned on the video recording function before turning it towards one end of the carriage. It wasn¡¯t the peak period right now, but there was an old man sticking onto a girl in shorts from behind. Yu Hao said, ¡°Hold the phone.¡± And as he spoke, he walked over and forcibly pulled the old man away.


    Ou Qihang also noticed it and immediately stood upright as he shouted angrily, ¡°Hey!¡±


    Ou Qihang moved even faster. He stuffed the phone into Yu Hao¡¯s hands, walked over in big strides, and stood right in front of Yu Hao. He lifted the back of the old man¡¯s collar with one hand and forcibly dragged him away. He roared angrily, ¡°What are you doing?! Do you have a fucking death wish?!¡± Then he slapped him, and the entire subway station erupted in an uproar. The girl quickly hid to one side.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Ou Qihang to be so aggressive. After the old man was slapped by Ou Qihang, he immediately withered. There were still some people on the subway who didn¡¯t know what was going on, so they berated Ou Qihang, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing! Hitting an old man?¡±


    Fights in Ying city always begin with ¡°what are you doing¡± spoken in the local dialect and end with ¡°you¡¯re courting your own death¡±. Every time a cycle of ¡°what are you doing¡± starts, Yu Hao knew that this matter wouldn¡¯t be resolved quickly. Indeed, everyone began reciting it over and over again as they replayed the words ¡°what are you doing¡± on a loop. No one dared to pick a fight with Ou Qihang for now, and the old man realised that the situation was in his favour so he started wailing and laid on the floor to extort medical expenses from him.


    Yu Hao said to the girl, ¡°Hurry and leave, it¡¯s okay now, take the chance now to go.¡±


    In any case, he had already recorded the incident, so even if this was reported to the police, they had nothing to fear. When the subway arrived at its stop, the girl whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡± She then passed two pieces of chocolate to Yu Hao, wiped her face, and took off.


    Yu Hao was really afraid that Ou Qihang¡¯s slap had turned the old man deaf, but looking at him throwing a tantrum on the ground so energetically now, nothing should¡¯ve happened to him.


    ¡°I have a black belt in Taekwondo.¡± Ou Qihang said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t need to be afraid of them.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone in the carriage keenly caught the key words and began to shut up one after the other. Only the old man¡¯s wails remained as he begged everyone to call the police for him. He was sitting on the ground and was about to crawl over when Ou Qihang assumed a domineering attitude and kicked him again, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    That old man was frightened and didn¡¯t say anything for a moment. When the subway arrived at a station, the two of them alighted to transfer to another line as if nothing had happened.


    Yu Hao, ¡°They actually let us off without any trouble or extortion, I even thought that we would have to make a trip to the police station.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of? My Dad said that you just have to beat the crap out of people like that, and you have to be even more overbearing than them.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yes. In the past I could never bring myself to do it, but I¡¯ve been slowly learning how to.¡±


    After following Zhou Sheng for such a long time, Yu Hao only felt like he now had learned to be fearless. I have no money anyway, what can you even do to me?


    ¡°Then¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang stuffed both his hands into his pockets and gazed at Yu Hao earnestly.


    ¡°You¡¯re going?¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Study hard, I¡¯ll give this to you.¡± As he spoke, he handed the two pieces of chocolates that the girl gave him to Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang took one piece, leaving the other for Yu Hao. He retrieved something from his pocket and said, ¡°This is for you.¡±


    It was a small box. Ou Qihang said, ¡°It¡¯s a Rubik¡¯s cube, not expensive, I made it myself. Accept it ba.¡±


    Yu Hao saw that it wasn¡¯t expensive, so he accepted it. Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yu Hao, see you next year.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°See you next year!¡±


    Yu Hao parted from Ou Qihang. He put on his earphones to listen to music as he switched to another line and looked down at the small Rubik¡¯s cube Ou Qihang gave him on the subway. He turned it over a few times; this high schooler was quite skilful with his hands.


    The Colosseum of Ancient Rome.


    Medusa quickly vanished as she transformed into a black vapour. The fire spewed out by the black dragon only hit empty space where she had been just moments earlier. Zhou Sheng held up his shield and looked upwards. Medusa brandished her sharp claws and rushed down towards them from the air above!


    Medusa¡¯s snake tail coiled around Zhou Sheng, and brutally flung his badly battered body to the edge of the arena. In the next moment, when the black dragon turned, Medusa¡¯s eyes flashed with a blinding light!


    The entire arena was swathed in this light, accompanied by the black dragon¡¯s mad roar. It whirled around in the air, its wings on one side cracking and disintegrating into rubble and smoke. Medusa then pressed down on the black dragon¡¯s head and cleanly slit its throat.


    Blood gushed from the black dragon and it fell down, colliding brutally with the ground.


    Zhou Sheng shivered and struggled to stand up in the rainstorm. His armour was almost torn into pieces; his chest and back were all covered in Medusa¡¯s scratches. His wounds wouldn¡¯t heal, and blood continued to seep from them.


    He lowered his head, and saw his face covered in mud reflected in a puddle in the arena.


    ¡°Admit defeat!¡¯ Satan¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Admitting your failure can also be considered to be a kind of courage.¡±


    Zhou Sheng gasped for breath as he looked up. Medusa retracted her claws, her pupils rotating and dilating as they began to shine.


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly.


    Before anyone could register it, the fox plushie on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder turned into a silver ray of light that shot into the sky.


    After leaving the subway station, only one bus remained that departs at 9pm. Yu Hao waited for 45 minutes and sent a message to Zhou Sheng, but received no reply. By the time he got back to the dormitory, it was already 9.40pm.


    Their summer vacation was ending soon, and more and more students were returning to school. Yu Hao looked at the pedestrians that walked to and fro and felt a slight pang of loss. He had obviously done a lot of things this summer vacation and earned quite a bit of money as well, yet it seemed like he had wasted time on a lot of worthless pursuits which made him feel an indescribable sense of emptiness.


    Zhou Sheng went to meet the blind date partner that his father had arranged for him, they should date for quite some time ba? This would be good for both of us¡­¡­Yu Hao walked back to the dormitory under the street lamps and opened the door. Fu Liqun would only return the next day. The dormitory appeared to have been cleaned up, and Zhou Sheng was sitting on the balcony.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything. He went to the balcony and wanted to pat his shoulder, but he saw that the Golden Crow Wheel was shining again. It flashed intermittently like that time he entered the subconscious; it was summoning him.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was sitting on the reclining chair on the balcony and was in a deep slumber. His head tilted slightly sideways.


    Yu Hao sat on the other reclining chair and frowned as he gently pulled up Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist. He placed it on his leg, pressed against the Golden Crow Wheel with his hand, and pressed against Zhou Sheng¡¯s head with his own.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 79.1 - Wheat Fields

    Ch79.1 ¨C Wheat Fields


    The golden light flashed, and Yu Hao was instantly dragged into the dream world!


    There were a lot of changes to his own dreamscape; now there was a winding roller coaster track and a lot of Apsaras flying in the sky. The grassland outside the capital had become a golden wheat field, and his subordinate officers and soldiers rode horses as they left the capital through gates on all sides to go on a hunt. A river ran past the outside the city like a brocade belt, and in the sky, a faint and barely perceptible silver moon appeared!


    My world has a moon now? Yu Hao stared at it curiously, but the moonlight was very faint, like when it appears in the evening sky at the same time as the sun. It almost blended in to become one with the blue sky.


    In the distance, steps extended downwards from the sun and led to the beacon tower of the Great Wall.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s turned into this now?¡±


    It had been a long time since Yu Hao last entered his own dreamscape. Now that he reflected on these changes, he had a vague impression of them. He spread his wings out and flew towards the Golden Crow Wheel and passed through it.


    Another light flashed again. Yu Hao appeared in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, still on that vast platform. There had been no changes here at all.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    The sea of clouds surged. Yu Hao looked all around him. He pondered for a moment before turning around in the air and rushed down below the sea of clouds, but right when he passed through the clouds, Yu Hao felt like his body suddenly underwent a huge change!


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    His black uniform turned white with a whoosh, then unfolded into fur. His wings withdrew and shook out again, his two hands turned into furry forelegs, and his ears lengthened in the wind.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be ba¡ª¡ª¡± The white fox cried out, ¡°What the hell is this?!?¡± Before he fell straight down!


    A furious storm brewed, thunder and lightning were everywhere, and there was a crowd of people surrounding the ring-shaped colosseum. Zhou Sheng supported himself with his shield, dressed in a military uniform, and wore the shoes that Yu Hao had given him as he stood in the mud.


    The torrential downpour continued to beat down relentlessly. Zhou Sheng¡¯s face was drenched with water as he faced the center of the colosseum. Medusa, concealed in the darkness, slithered around amidst the mad cheers of the crowd. The black dragon was battered and bruised all over, with blood seeping into the rain as it laid on one side without anyone knowing if it was dead or alive.


    ¡°It¡¯s way too fucking strong.¡± Zhou Sheng gasped, ¡°Need to wait for an opportunity¡­¡­¡±


    Medusa wandered around the ring and kept getting closer to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng held up his shield, took a deep breath, and tried to wipe the rain off his face. His shoulders, legs, and back were all covered in blood stains from her sharp claws.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice rang out, accompanied by a streak of lightning. A fox with wings whizzed through the arena!


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes widened in an instant, but at the same time, Medusa let out a coarse yell and pounced towards Zhou Sheng!


    Zhou Sheng immediately blocked with his shield and collided with the monster, but he was sent flying by the impact.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± The fox shouted and flew to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Go¡­¡­go!¡± Zhou Sheng gasped, ¡°Get out of here, quick!!¡±


    The fox landed, and its tiny body shielded Zhou Sheng. It looked up at the monsters that were approaching them unremittingly.


    After being driven away, the monster widened its eyes under the illumination of the lightning; it had snakes for hair and was shouting with a hoarse voice ¡ª it was actually a Medusa!


    Fox, ¡°What¡¯s that? Your mother?¡±


    ¡°Medusa! Yu Hao! Don¡¯t look at her eyes!!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Before anyone could react, the fox spread its wings, leapt into the air, and landed on Medusa¡¯s head. Medusa screamed hoarsely, and her snake hair twisted and writhed in all directions. The fox seized one of the snakes on Medusa¡¯s head; Medusa immediately reached up,wanting to pull the fox down, yet the fox bit onto one of the small snakes on Medusa¡¯s head and refused to let go.


    Within an instant, Zhou Sheng saw an opportunity. He swung the jingubang across and Medusa let out a cry of pain, but the fox was sent flying from the hit as well!


    ¡°You broke the rules!¡± Satan¡¯s voice rang out.


    The fox fell to the ground, its fur covered in mud. It struggled to get up before raising its head and surveying the surroundings.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come to me! Yu Hao!¡±


    The fox sped towards Zhou Sheng while Medusa was already getting back up in a corner. She let out an indignant cry and suddenly grew to a height of at least ten metres! Red light burst out from her eyes and swept towards them along the edge of the arena. The fox discovered that the black dragon was lying on the edge and shouted, ¡°General! Your dragon!¡±


    Wherever the light from Medusa¡¯s eyes swept through, everything and its surroundings would be petrified. Thousands of sculptures in the audience collapsed and fell down, and the scene fell into madness and chaos.


    ¡°Never mind!¡±


    Zhou Sheng jumped into the air with the fox in his arms. The two of them somersaulted; Zhou Sheng used his shield to resist Medusa¡¯s petrifying gaze, and his mirror-like shield refracted the light such that the beam was redirected towards another side of the arena. A large area of the audience stand was destroyed. The fox heard Zhou Sheng whistle, and the jindouyun flew over, carrying them as it flew out of the arena with a whoosh. Behind them came Medusa¡¯s hoarse shrieks and Satan¡¯s angry roar.


    ¡°You¡¯ll reap what you sow!¡± Satan roared.


    Within the blink of an eye, Zhou Sheng had flown out of the arena with the little fox in his arms. The fox said, ¡°Go to my dream!¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer. He passed through all the lightning bolts that rained down in succession from the dark sky and dragged out a gigantic wave from the sea. The fox widened its eyes; it saw a lone island in the distance.


    There was a hole in the clouds above the lone island, and golden sunshine spilled down through that gap, blending with the golden light reflected from the surface of the sea around the island.


    Zhou Sheng hugged the fox and plunged headfirst towards the small island, and the two of them fell onto a golden meadow. The fox fell so hard it tumbled a few times and rolled away like a furry ball.


    Fox, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    This island covered about two to three hundred square metres, and the island was blanketed with long golden grass. There were four beds in the center of the island, and its layout was exactly the same as their dormitory.


    The fox muttered to itself, ¡°Where is this place? A safe haven?¡±


    The fox looked up. Throughout Zhou Sheng¡¯s entire dream world, only this island was bathed in sunlight.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± The fox turned around and ran quickly towards Zhou Sheng, who lay unconscious in the golden grass.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± The fox quickly nudged him, but it was really too small and was barely as big as a puppy so it had no strength at all. When it raised its paws, it instantly got a huge fright.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng! You¡¯re bleeding so much!¡± The white fur on fox¡¯s body was dyed a purplish black by Zhou Sheng¡¯s blood. It quickly moved close to Zhou Sheng¡¯s nose to sniff it. Fortunately, he was still breathing.


    ¡°Good night!¡± The fox pressed its paw against Zhou Sheng¡¯s forehead and said anxiously, ¡°Good night! Hurry and wake up! It¡¯s not working!!¡±


    The fox pressed its paw against Zhou Sheng¡¯s wound in a panic, but his ability to heal was gone. He had no staff and no magic, what should he do ahhhhhh!!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± The fox shouted frantically, ¡°What do I do?! Wake up!!¡±


    The side of Zhou Sheng¡¯s face had a wound; that wound was bloody from Medusa¡¯s scratch and was at least a centimeter deep. The fox whimpered and leaned closer to lick it with its tongue¡­¡­


    ¡­¡­Zhou Sheng¡¯s wound miraculously healed!


    This is great! Yu Hao thought.


    It hurriedly exerted all its strength on the wound on Zhou Sheng¡¯s face, and with every lick, the wound would heal a little bit more. So the fox quickly jumped onto his back and licked it. Zhou Sheng¡¯s back was scratched so badly that even his shoulder blades were exposed. The fox¡¯s heart ached as it licked, and the blood that was seeping out nonstop from Zhou Sheng¡¯s wound gradually stopped.


    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have rabies ba¡­¡­¡± The fox muttered to itself, ¡°Wait no this is a dream, so it should be fine¡­¡­Zhou Sheng! Turn over! Hurry and turn over!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng moved, moaned, and woke up.


    The fox nudged his face forcefully, ¡°Turn over! Turn over!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng arduously flipped over and moaned, ¡°It hurts like hell¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine soon.¡± The fox jumped onto his chest and began licking his neck. Zhou Sheng laughed and grabbed the fox by the back of its neck to lift it up, then stared at it with a hint of laughter in his eyes.


    ¡°Is it you?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao? Why are you here?¡±


    The little fox was lifted up and began clawing about frantically in the air. He quickly said, ¡°Let me down! Quick! You¡¯re still bleeding!!¡±


    But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care. He hugged the little fox that Yu Hao had turned into and rubbed its head.


    ¡°You¡¯re gonna strangle me to death¡­¡­¡± The little fox struggled. It wasn¡¯t easy for the fox to jump out of Zhou Sheng¡¯s iron hoop-like arms and continued to help treat his wounds. The wounds on Zhou Sheng¡¯s body began to heal with the little fox¡¯s licking, but after awhile he really couldn¡¯t stand the licking anymore and burst out laughing as he shouted, ¡°It¡¯s ticklish!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be done soon!¡± The little fox said.


    The little fox began licking Zhou Sheng¡¯s knee, and after his knee healed, Zhou Sheng¡¯s legs were parted slightly as he sat on the long golden grass. He looked down at the little fox.


    The fox fiddled with Zhou Sheng¡¯s feet that were wearing the basketball shoes, and after he finished checking them, he said, ¡°There aren¡¯t any injuries on your feet, I¡¯m done.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, look at your own paws?¡±


    The fox looked down and saw that his own paws were black; they had been bitten by the little snakes when he grabbed onto Medusa and were already numb.


    It lowered its head and licked its own paws, ¡°It¡¯s fine, where¡¯s my protective halo? Isn¡¯t it impossible for me to get hurt in your dream?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s selective. If I think that Medusa can hurt you, then you can get bitten by her. Let me take a look?¡±


    Zhou Sheng held the fox¡¯s paws and drew them lightly closer to carefully examine its front paws.

 Chapter 80.1 - Avoidance

    ¡°Happiness in this world isn¡¯t interlinked.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    After he sneezed, Yu Hao rubbed his nose and didn¡¯t ask any more questions. He laid on his bed, took his phone, and scrolled through it for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯m happy for you.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s pretty good.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you happy about?¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly, ¡°Happy that I went out with her?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao took the initiative and said, ¡°This is pretty good. We can find some way another day to deal with Medusa together¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Can you shut up?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice still sounded cold and indifferent, ¡°Since you¡¯re sick, just lie down quietly, will you?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°General, I don¡¯t want to avoid this problem anymore¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly got up, kicked open the balcony door with one foot, then pushed open the windows twice in a row. The roars of the rainstorm immediately surged in.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we communicate properly?¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng ignored him and sat down in front of the induction cooker. At that moment, Yu Hao really wanted to just take something to throw at his head. He thought, this is one of the reasons why you can¡¯t beat Medusa to death. However, when he thought of this, Yu Hao felt that it was as it should be and couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing himself.


    They were reluctant to communicate because of avoiding their own feelings, but communication was necessary to solve this problem¡­¡­and thus they were stuck in a never ending loop.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and suddenly felt his heart deeply ache.


    He hoped that Zhou Sheng could live well, and as long as he was happy, Yu Hao didn¡¯t need anything else. Zhou Sheng should live the life he deserved, marry a beautiful girl, inherit his father¡¯s business, and have an obedient daughter.


    At this moment, Yu Hao truly felt how much he really loved him.


    When he thought of this, Yu Hao suddenly recalled Liu Pengxuan. He was surprised to discover that his affection for Zhou Sheng had already surpassed everything else. He even liked him to the point that he was willing to give up on Zhou Sheng of his own accord, thinking only of his happiness.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t need to be concerned about me.¡± Yu Hao said amidst rain that seemed to encompass the world, ¡°By the time you think that you can come to like Jinya, I¡¯ll be able to take good care of myself. Zhou Sheng, we¡¯ll be friends for a lifetime, just like with Gege.¡±


    But the rain was so deafening that he wasn¡¯t sure if Zhou Sheng had heard him or not. Maybe he had heard some fragmented words, or maybe he hadn¡¯t. Yu Hao wanted to continue, but Zhou Sheng poured the ginger soup into a cup, got up, and handed it to him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t spill it on the bed!¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently in a loud voice.


    Yu Hao took the cup and looked at Zhou Sheng, startled. Murderous intent was evident on Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. It was the first time Yu Hao had seen Zhou Sheng show this kind of expression, which seemed to carry an inkling of dislike.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Drink it!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao wanted to say something else, but Zhou Sheng closed the windows, and the dormitory instantly quieted.


    ¡°Yu Hao, I¡¯m going to get angry.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Because of you.¡±


    Yu Hao could only drink the ginger soup. Zhou Sheng, who looked like his anger was exploding, went to the induction cooker to drink the rest of the soup, tidied up, took Yu Hao¡¯s cup, then turned around and left the dormitory.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer him. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Take an umbrella! Zhou Sheng!¡±


    At 6 o¡¯clock in the morning, Zhou Sheng left the dormitory. Yu Hao sneezed again. He felt dizzy, and his head was beginning to ache. He wanted to send Zhou Sheng a message; he had already written a huge chunk of text, but he deleted it all. He eventually threw his phone aside and closed his eyes.


    I¡¯ll sleep a bit first ba, Yu Hao thought.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s voice rang out beside his ear.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how long he had slept for, and he was feeling groggy. Fu Liqun said, ¡°How did you catch a cold??¡±


    Yu Hao sat up. Fu Liqun was carrying a sports bag and hadn¡¯t even put down his luggage yet. He shook Yu Hao awake and asked, ¡°Do you want to have some porridge?¡±


    Yu Hao got off the bed and looked a little pale. He asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s already 2 o¡¯clock.¡± Fu Liqun answered, ¡°2 o¡¯clock in the afternoon.


    The rain had stopped, and the dormitory was extremely stuffy. Fu Liqun didn¡¯t dare to turn on the electric fan, and handed Yu Hao a sandwich.


    Yu Hao felt like something was clattering in his head, and he was very hungry. Fu Liqun twisted the cap off of a bottle for him to drink and placed an assortment of snacks on the table.


    ¡°Eat this.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Your sis-in-law got this Shiroi Koibito for you.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely exhausted. Fu Liqun lowered his head to text and said, ¡°Young Master said that there¡¯s porridge in the rice cooker. Let¡¯s have some porridge ba.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just eat this¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°My head hurts so bad, did Zhou Sheng come back?¡±


    ¡°He bought medicine.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°And asked me to bring it over. I just met him at the college gate¡­¡­yo there¡¯s even salted duck eggs.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell him I fell sick.¡± Yu Hao answered. When he saw the porridge Zhou Sheng made, he did want to eat it, and it was still piping hot too. It seemed like he had come back once in the morning to cook the porridge? Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t resist the temptation to eat, so he went to get a bowl with Fu Liqun to eat porridge.


    ¡°Was Japan fun?¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll show you the pictures tomorrow. Are you still going tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a fever. After I take a pill and sleep, I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Yu Hao has always had a very tenacious body; he could endure illnesses just by drinking some hot water. Still, since he had agreed to go to the amusement park with everyone tomorrow, he¡¯ll have some medicine to be on the safe side ba.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see and decide again tomorrow morning?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°The tickets aren¡¯t booked yet, and we¡¯re worried that it might rain again tomorrow.¡± As he spoke, he tore the packaging of the cold medicine for Yu Hao to take. After Yu Hao took his medicine, he felt weak so he went back to his bed to lay down. He took his phone out and wanted to text Zhou Sheng to ask about his whereabouts, but he saw that Zhou Sheng had sent him a few voice messages to ask if he had eaten, and that he had asked Fu Liqun to take the medicine back. He had something to do outside today, so he would only be back in the evening and asked Yu Hao and Fu Liqun to wait for him to have dinner together.


    Zhou Sheng was quick to anger and cool off; he had returned to normal within just a few hours. Yu Hao was about to reply to him when Ou Qihang¡¯s message came.


    ¡¾Are you free, Gege?¡¿Ou Qihang sent a message to Yu Hao,¡¾Our General Assembly just ended. Security isn¡¯t that tight today, so I can still sneak out. I¡¯ll go over later to find you?¡¿


    Yu Hao replied to him. He took out his Rubik¡¯s cube, remembering that Zhou Sheng wanted him to return it to Ou Qihang, and thought that this guy always has such a strong desire for control. Hopefully it would improve after he got together with Huang Jinya ba; Zhou Sheng can¡¯t always interfere with his affairs while he himself was dating?


    Yu Hao arranged to meet up with Ou Qihang. Fu Liqun was watching a show and reminded him, ¡°Wear more clothes, it¡¯s cold outside.¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡± and put on a jacket before going downstairs. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°I¡¯ll order a pizza for dinner tonight, I finally have money now hehehe.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Order a large one, Zhou Sheng¡¯s coming back for dinner too.¡±


    Ou Qihang had one foot on his bicycle as he looked around below the female dormitory buildings. Ou Qihang quickly looked back when Yu Hao called out to him. He wasn¡¯t wearing his school uniform today and was instead wearing a printed white T-shirt and black shorts like Yu Hao.


    ¡°Why are you looking around below the female dorms?¡± Yu Hao found it amusing and threw the Rubik¡¯s cube to him.


    Ou Qihang caught the Rubik¡¯s cube and was a little embarrassed, ¡°I was looking for your dorm. What¡¯s up? Why return this to me?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯.¡±


    Ou Qihang observed Yu Hao for awhile, and eventually nodded, ¡°Oh.¡±


    There seemed to be slight disappointment in his eyes, and Yu Hao felt a little guilty for some reason.


    Ou Qihang put away the Rubik¡¯s cube into his bag and asked, ¡°Did you catch a cold? Your nose is stuffy.¡±


    ¡°A little.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I still have something on tonight, so go back ba. Study hard, you¡¯re in your third year, don¡¯t always think about unimportant things.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it, you even think that I like you.¡± Then he suddenly laughed.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It would be for the best if you don¡¯t, I¡¯m afraid I¡¯d harm you.¡±


    ¡°Harm me in what way?¡± Ou Qihang shrugged and walked to one side. He surveyed the surroundings and chose a place outside the bamboo forest where there were less people around to sit at. He smirked, ¡°Afraid that if I like you, I wouldn¡¯t be able to focus on studying?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°It¡¯s fine if you just had those hidden notions, why expose them? It¡¯s so awkward.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel awkward.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°The one who has hidden notions is the one who¡¯ll feel embarrassed.¡±


    Yu Hao had taken cold medicine. He felt discomfort throughout his entire body, and he was in a bad mood, so even his words sounded a little impolite. He sat down beside Ou Qihang.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Do you have a boyfriend? Your boyfriend¡¯s jealous? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a boyfriend.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°You don¡¯t? There must be a lot of people who like you ba?¡±


    The cold medicine made Yu Hao feel a bit muddle-headed. In a daze, he stared at the puddles that reflected the clouds in the sky.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao shook his head, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m pretty lonely.¡± As he spoke, he looked sideways at Ou Qihang and said, ¡°But everyone is destined to be alone from birth to death.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what my Dad said too.¡± Ou Qihang answered.


    Yu Hao wanted to return to the dormitory. He didn¡¯t want to talk to Ou Qihang for too long. After all, he had just started his third year; his life still has many possibilities, so Yu Hao couldn¡¯t hold him back. Even if Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t eaten this unfathomable vinegar, Yu Hao would still have made his attitude clear, just in case this kid really does like him. It would affect his third year studies if he kept sneaking out to find Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said once again, ¡°What do you want to talk about with me? Go back after you say it ba.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Just wanted to talk to you, we can talk about anything.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Do your parents know?¡±


    ¡°My Dad¡¯s dead.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°My Mum doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m gay. I don¡¯t dare tell her, I¡¯m afraid she¡¯ll collapse.


    When Yu Hao saw Ou Qihang bravely step forward to stop that old man on the subway yesterday, he had already thought that this kid must have been brought up well, and that his parents must both be honest people. He didn¡¯t expect Ou Qihang to say something like this unbidden.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know how to comfort him for a moment, and could only say, ¡°My Dad passed away too, when I was very young.¡±


    ¡°Was your Dad a cop?¡± A bright idea suddenly struck Yu Hao. He vaguely guessed based on his impressions, but his conjecture was quickly proven to be wrong.


    ¡°No, my Dad jumped off a building last winter and killed himself.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°He was being investigated by the CCDI.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent for a while, then nodded at Ou Qihang.


    ¡°This topic is too heavy.¡± Ou Qihang was a little embarrassed, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that. I¡¯m not trying to pretend to be pitiful so that you¡¯ll like me more.¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I never thought that way at all.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I feel like I need some psychological counselling.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a license, so I can¡¯t be your counsellor. Qihang, do you feel like you¡¯re under a lot of pressure?¡±


    Yu Hao vaguely felt that what Ou Qihang needed wasn¡¯t a relationship with him, but someone he could pour his heart out to. Someone who had nothing to do with his social circle, was neither a teacher nor a classmate, and not a relative or friend. He needed a stranger who knew nothing about him and wouldn¡¯t be too concerned about him, but would be willing to lend him a listening ear.


    It was just like when he was in his third year of senior high. He really wanted to make a friend outside of school, a person whom he could bombard with all the troubles he faced in his life. There must be a reason why his father was investigated by the CCDI, and there must have been a reason for his suicide¡­¡­not too long ago, Yu Hao saw a report on how officials jumped off buildings to commit suicide because they were ¡°suffering from depression¡± while he was translating articles.


    The reality was that most of the officials investigated didn¡¯t suffer from depression, or at least not to the extent that they would want to commit suicide. Their suicides were really because there were too many implications behind the investigation; officials protected one another, and their network of power was extremely extensive. As soon as they couldn¡¯t endure the investigation, they would have to sell out even more people. Many offending officials thought that compared to having all these links get ferreted out one by one, it was better to commit suicide and just end everything once and for all. In this way, their wives and children would at least be properly cared for.


    Yu Hao turned around and sat with one foot on the side of the bench, facing Ou Qihang.


    ¡°But if you have anything you want to say, you can say it to me.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t tell anyone else.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to say?¡± Ou Qihang smiled, his eyes glimmering. He lowered his head and took out a pack of cigarettes, then asked, ¡°Do you smoke?¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand. Ou Qihang lit one. He wanted to say something, but held himself back, and in the end, he changed his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯d better go back ba.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Yu Hao frowned slightly, but he didn¡¯t urge him to stay and said, ¡°Okay then. Qihang, I have a friend ¡ª who¡¯s also a teacher ¡ª who said this to me.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly.


    ¡°The world is much bigger than you think. Once you leave college and enter society, I believe that you¡¯ll meet someone who likes you, who you will also like in return. This path is very difficult, but it¡¯s not as difficult as you imagine it to be. The important thing is, you definitely shouldn¡¯t torture yourself.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Finish your third year, and your world will see the light.¡±


    Ou Qihang fell silent. Just as he was about to speak, a voice rang out beside him.


    ¡°Handsome boy over there, lend me a light?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng had a cigarette in his mouth. No one knew when he had returned. There were band aids on his right index and middle fingers.

 Chapter 80.2 - Avoidance

    ¡°Happiness in this world isn¡¯t interlinked.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Ou Qihang took out a lighter, lit it, and raised his hand in front of Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng casually patted him, ¡°Thanks.¡± He then turned around and sat on the other bench beside them.


    Yu Hao was about to introduce Zhou Sheng to Ou Qihang when Ou Qihang glanced warily at the nearby Zhou Sheng and said,


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Yu Hao got up, ¡°I¡¯ll send you out.¡±


    Yet Ou Qihang waved his hand at Yu Hao. He mounted his bike that was parked on the roadside and cycled away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll remember you! Yu Hao!¡± Ou Qihang looked back and shouted at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Watch out!¡¯ Zhou Sheng leaned back on the bench, draped his arms on the back of the bench and put one foot over his other knee as he said, ¡°Don¡¯t run into someone!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head to the side and smiled at Yu Hao.


    ¡°What do you want to eat tonight?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°In a good mood now?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng pinched the cigarette between his fingers and carefully studied Yu Hao, ¡°Why do I feel like I¡¯ve seen that kid somewhere before?¡±


    Yu Hao observed Zhou Sheng and didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°I think I hurt him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m a little upset, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything. The look in his eyes was familiar to Yu Hao; his gaze seemed slightly hesitant, but Yu Hao had never really been able to understand Zhou Sheng¡¯s expressions. The two of them looked at each other in silence for a moment, before a shout suddenly travelled over from the dormitory above.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng! Your girlfriend¡¯s here to look for you!¡¯


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    The voice came from the sixth floor, from Zhou Sheng¡¯s class. That shout had triggered a small-scale disturbance. Zhou Sheng looked bewildered, then comprehension suddenly dawned upon him. He got up in annoyance and walked quickly to the courtyard in front of the dormitory building.


    Yu Hao frowned slightly as he followed Zhou Sheng. When they reached the roadside in front of the dormitory building, they saw two girls who were chatting and laughing as they waited for someone. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Huang Jinya!¡±


    ¡°I was searching for your dorm.¡± That girl turned around, and her eyes lit up as she smiled.


    Yu Hao stood waiting for Zhou Sheng to introduce them, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t motion for to say hello and just went straight up to ask, ¡°Why did you come all the way to my college? How do you know I live here?¡±


    Huang Jinya smiled, ¡°I was just passing by. Your Dad said that you stayed in this building, and I ended up looking for you for half a day.¡±


    The girl standing beside Huang Jinya was tall, slim with shoulder-length hair and was extremely beautiful. She was smiling, but her gaze seemed extremely sharp as she cast a glance at Yu Hao. She was different from Jinya. The tall girl was very beautiful and aggressive, and she was carrying a paper bag of desserts.


    ¡°Go back first.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao turned around and went upstairs. There were a lot of guys upstairs who had so much free time that mushrooms were beginning to grow on them. About 70% of students had returned to school today and were all restless in the first place; coupled with how Zhou Sheng was an influential figure here and had managed to find such a beautiful girlfriend, how could they resist cheering and causing a ruckus? Half of the dormitory immediately rushed out and leaned over the railings to look downstairs while whistling and knocking Coke bottles.


    Yu Hao went up to the fifth floor. The boys in front of the building were lined up in a row as they looked down, with Xia Lei at the front. The rest were mostly classmates with Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun, but this group was unusually quiet. They only whispered a few comments to one another as they curiously looked on.


    ¡°This is the real Young Madam?¡± A classmate was a bit confused.


    Xia Lei saw Yu Hao and whistled to him.


    Yu Hao joined them and leaned over the railing. He saw Zhou Sheng say a few words to those two girls before turning around and leading them out of the dormitory area, walking along the outside lane.


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°That¡¯s the Young Madam.¡±


    At that moment, everyone laughed. Fu Liqun had just gone down to pick up the pizza and stood behind Yu Hao to watch for awhile.


    Another said, ¡°The other is Bei Xiaozhou ba? It¡¯s her!¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s so much better looking than in her stream!¡±


    ¡°Woah fuck, we actually saw her in person!¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Yu Hao wondered, ¡°Who¡¯s Bei Xiaozhou?¡±


    ¡°A popular star online who has more than 2 million fans.¡± Fu Liqun answered.


    ¡°A female goddess!¡±


    ¡°Ask Young Master to introduce us¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Pizza¡¯s here, let¡¯s go back ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and the two girls disappeared from the public¡¯s sight. Yu Hao followed Fu Liqun back to the dormitory, and strangely enough, he was neither upset nor angry right now. What replaced it was instead an unusual calmness. It was as if a surging undercurrent had silently receded, leaving behind a lonely reef that stood upright between the heavens and the earth, right where it should be.


    ¡°I need to take some medication.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°My head¡¯s starting to hurt again.¡±


    Yu Hao ate two slices of pizza, took his medication, and went to sleep. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s better you don¡¯t go tomorrow ba?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t respond. He turned around and lay quietly facing the wall. He could sense that the girl definitely likes Zhou Sheng; he could tell from her eyes and suddenly without reason, he once again recalled what the shop assistant had said to him at the beginning of the year when he was working as a barista. Eyes really are the window to one¡¯s soul. When he saw Zhou Sheng, his gaze, expression, and smile would all light up at once, as if he was watching sunlight illuminate the whole world.


    Ai¡­¡­


    Yu Hao felt dizzy and didn¡¯t know how long he lay there before he heard someone walk past outside. That person turned on the tap and sang loudly. Fu Liqun was on the phone with Cen Shan, while their neighbours opposite were playing games and shouting unbridledly¡­¡­just like what someone had said before, happiness in this world isn¡¯t interlinked, and Yu Hao could only feel that they were being overly noisy.


    After some time passed, Yu Hao began to sweat. Through his muddled consciousness, he thought it would be alright tomorrow after he took a nap, but he shouldn¡¯t sit on the roller coaster too often because he might puke¡­¡­


    ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s voice rang out.


    Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°Sent them away, annoying. Why¡¯s he asleep again? Does he feel better?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to move and didn¡¯t want to talk either. He felt Zhou Sheng climb up the ladder and test his forehead temperature with the back of his slightly cool hand to make sure that he didn¡¯t have a fever.


    ¡°Wanna eat the cake? They brought it.¡±


    ¡°Food handed out in contemptuous pity, give it to the dorm opposite ba.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really something aren¡¯t you? You can stomach all of Kaikai¡¯s cakes, but you won¡¯t eat the ones from girls?¡±


    ¡°I was about to starve to death those few months, did I have any other choice?¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Have you eaten yet? Here, pizza.¡±


    Yu Hao heard Zhou Sheng open the pizza box and a bottle of coke. There was still a lot of shouting outside, as well as someone¡¯s off-tune singing. Zhou Sheng opened the door and went out, then knocked on all the doors of the surrounding dormitories before it turned quiet.


    Thank goodness. Yu Hao finally felt a little better.


    ¡°Did you buy the tickets for tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Huang Jinya said that she wants to go too.¡±


    ¡°Oh, why? Yu Hao¡¯s not going.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that.¡± Yu Hao turned over.


    Zhou Sheng suddenly became motionless. He looked up at Yu Hao and asked after a moment, ¡°Does your head still hurt? Are you cold?¡¯


    Yu Hao remained silent. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I got you this.¡± He tore open a Hello Kitty heating pad as he spoke and handed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao looked at it; it was something that girls used, he didn¡¯t need to think deeply to know where it came from. He didn¡¯t take it and threw it down, where it smashed onto Fu Liqun¡¯s head with a ¡°pa¡±. Fu Liqun was caught off guard and immediately shouted.


    ¡°Assassin! Assassin! Guards! Someone¡¯s trying to murder Zhen!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was wearing long-sleeved sportswear and had his hands in his pockets. He stood quietly on the ground and looked up at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Then sleep a little longer ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Being sick feels uncomfortable, right?¡±


    Yu Hao ignored him. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Call me whenever if you feel uncomfortable later. I won¡¯t go anywhere tonight.¡±


    Yu Hao turned to the side, curled up under his blanket and closed his eyes. Zhou Sheng walked below his bunk and pulled the desk drawer open. The Golden Crow Wheel was inside. After he pondered for a moment, he didn¡¯t take it out in the end and instead locked the drawer.

 Chapter 81 - True Feelings

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re the happiness that I wanted to hold onto the most.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The evening was cool, so cool that it even seemed a bit chilly. It was clearly the tail-end of summer but it already felt like winter. Temperatures dropped rapidly throughout all of Ying City. Yu Hao felt Zhou Sheng throw a blanket over him in the middle of the night to cover him.


    When he turned over, still half asleep, he saw that Zhou Sheng was lying on his bed texting with his mobile phone, its screen illuminating his handsome side profile.


    It was already dawn the next time he woke. Yu Hao realised that there was a thick autumnal comforter over him that Zhou Sheng must have found in the cabinet, but Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t around. His anger from the night before had already completely dissipated. Yu Hao felt slightly remorseful as he sat on his bed; when he remembered his outburst last night, he only felt embarrassed and tired.


    ¡°Do you feel well enough to go out?¡± Fu Liqun was texting on WeChat. He raised his head and glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I¡¯ve completely recovered.¡± Yu Hao jumped out of bed to wash up and said, ¡°I¡¯m just hungry now. Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He disappeared early this morning; he probably went to pick someone up ba?¡±


    Yu Hao felt like he was in high spirits today. His minor illness came and went just as quickly. After Yu Hao and Fu Liqun ate breakfast, he felt alive again.


    Everyone gathered in front of the subway station at the foot of the mountain. Yu Hao spotted Zhou Sheng and Huang Jinya. Everyone nodded politely to Huang Jinya and greeted her. Although this bunch of college students couldn¡¯t compare with the number of spectators at Zhou Sheng¡¯s competition, they seemed much livelier than before. This was only because all the guys in the sports class who came out today had brought their girlfriends along.


    ¡°Step on his shoes!¡±


    ¡°Step on Young Master¡¯s new shoes! Hurry!¡±


    A group of people began stepping on Zhou Sheng¡¯s new shoes. Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°Get lost! All of you!¡±


    Inside the subway, a group of people began causing a loud commotion and instantly gave the security guards a fright as they thought something had happened. Zhou Sheng roared as if he was really angry.


    ¡°Who dares! And I¡¯ll cut off all ties with them!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°I¡¯m dead serious! Don¡¯t think I¡¯m kidding!¡±


    The atmosphere became a little awkward. Zhou Sheng realised that his outburst might have crossed the line, so he casually said, ¡°Step on Gege¡¯s.¡±


    Fu Liqun was instantly so frightened he hid behind Cen Shan and quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ve already worn mine for a month! They¡¯re not new anymore!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    They occupied an entire carriage on the subway, and they were all in pairs. It was really a grand and spectacular sight.


    ¡°Feel better now?¡± Cen Shan touched Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    Yu Hao still looked a bit tired, but he smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve completely recovered.¡±


    ¡°Why did you buy such an expensive present for your Gege?¡± Cen Shan sighed, ¡°This big fool always sponges off your food already, you¡¯ll spoil him like this!¡±


    Fu Liqun grabbed the iron rail on the subway and chuckled, ¡°Gege will perform a pole dance for you guys?¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Zhou Sheng got me to buy it.¡±


    The two of them turned around and looked at Zhou Sheng who wasn¡¯t too far away. Zhou Sheng looked very handsome today; he was wearing Yu Hao¡¯s jeans, a white T-shirt and his hair seemed to have been styled with wax. He had a sports bag slung over one shoulder and both hands stuffed into his pockets, seeming incredibly languid with his look of drowsiness. He was slouched slightly, his legs at a slight slant as they stretched out in front of him. It was the first time he wore those pair of AJs, and Yu Hao discovered that when Zhou Sheng wore them, they looked very nice and eye-catching, they suited him very well.


    Someone offered Huang Jinya a seat. Zhou Sheng leaned against the carriage, standing beside Huang Jinya as he occasionally made some idle chat with her. He had a very irritable expression on his face, only occasionally responding with an ¡°un¡± or a nod, without seeming to have really heard what Huang Jinya said. He just stared at the subway platforms that passed by in a daze.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that in the future.¡± Cen Shan scolded.


    ¡°Okay okay.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I know.¡±


    When they left the subway station, Yu Hao deliberately walked behind Zhou Sheng and kept his distance. As they walked, Zhou Sheng suddenly turned around to look for him. So Yu Hao raised his hand to show him where he was. Fu Liqun casually draped his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder. Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze was a little complicated, and turned back around after one glance at them.


    Yu Hao quipped, ¡°Sis-in-law, guess how many times Zhou Sheng will take Jinya on the roller coaster today?¡±


    Cen Shan suddenly laughed and said, ¡°Before you moved into their dorm, the three of us came to the amusement park. He sat on it twelve times by himself.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had already been to this amusement park several times; it was the place he and Zhou Sheng worked at during the Spring Festival. Fu Liqun went to collect the tickets. Cen Shan took out two lucky charms and handed them to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Prayed for these charms in Hokkaido.¡± Cen Shan smiled, ¡°One for you, and one for Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly thanked her and stored them away like precious treasures. When he looked towards Zhou Sheng, he saw Zhou Sheng with a can of Red Bull in hand, sitting side by side with Huang Jinya on a bench.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it to him when we get back.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Is it a love charm?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, to pray for love.¡± Cen Shan smiled gently. The two of them were also seated at a bench. Yu Hao thought that if he was straight, he really might have harboured a secret crush on Cen Shan. This sis-in-law of his was really too, too, tooooo wonderful.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t they say that it would be sunny today?¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°It¡¯s still overcast.¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at the sky. It had been raining for several days now, and many layers of dark clouds had accumulated overhead. Patches of clouds glowed faintly with white sunlight and the wind had begun to pick up.


    ¡°Sis-in-law, are you cold?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Cen Shan waved her hand. Fu Liqun came back and handed out the tickets. One by one, as everyone received their ticket, they got up and entered the park. It was the last day of summer vacation so there was quite a crowd. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t been here in nearly half a year. He remembered that he had brought Shi Ni here to play last time, so this place felt quite dear to him.


    He took pictures of Zhou Sheng and Huang Jinya with his phone, especially when they were queuing. A lot of attractions had pair seatings, and at first Yu Hao thought that if he had to take them alone then so be it ba, since the other students were all here with their other half. He had planned to stand in line at the single-person queue, but Cen Shan and Fu Liqun kept pulling him along with them.


    When they were queuing, the queue snaked back and forth. Yu Hao often brushed past Zhou Sheng and Huang Jinya and would occasionally take photos for the two of them with his phone. As Zhou Sheng patiently listened to Huang Jinya talk, he would glance at Yu Hao in the gaps between her words. Yu Hao smiled at him and motioned that they shouldn¡¯t worry about him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to ride the roller coaster¡­¡­¡± Cen Shan looked very glum, ¡°I really don¡¯t like it, can you two bros go sit on it instead?¡±


    ¡°Come ba.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s not scary.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah sis-in-law, you might find it scary when you¡¯re queuing for it, but it won¡¯t be that bad when you actually ride it.¡±


    Cen Shan made an expression that seemed like she was being sent to the gallows. Fu Liqun raised his phone, ¡°Let me take a photo hahaha!¡±


    Both Yu Hao and Cen Shan looked up slightly. Fu Liqun adjusted the self-timer; his phone reflected the three that were queuing up. Yu Hao suddenly noticed that in the background not too far away, Zhou Sheng had turned around and was staring blankly at him.


    With a ¡°kacha¡±, Fu Liqun pressed a button on his phone and took a picture. Cen Shan¡¯s brilliant and sweet smile immediately vanished without a trace as she lamented, ¡°Can we not ride it!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost our turn!¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Persevere!¡±


    At the end of the line, Yu Hao said, ¡°I just recovered from a cold, and my head might hurt if I go on this, so I won¡¯t be riding the roller coaster. Have fun.¡± And after he spoke, he left by ducking underneath one of the queue ropes.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    At the back of the line, it was Zhou Sheng who stopped him.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you guys outside!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s ride the ferris wheel later ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao nodded. The roller coaster started with a thunderous rumble. Even though they were over a hundred meters apart, Yu Hao could still hear Cen Shan¡¯s blood curdling screams and found it really amusing. He walked to the exit to wait for them and kept reminding himself that he couldn¡¯t appear too depressed, otherwise his mood would bring everyone else down too.


    But sometimes, Yu Hao realised that his own mood might not actually affect others. Sometimes, people tend to think too highly of themselves, and maybe today, Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, and Cen Shan weren¡¯t really paying much attention to his mood and were instead having a good time?


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Outside the roast chicken wing booth, the manager shouted at him.


    Yu Hao responded with a ¡°hey¡± and smiled as he greeted the manager. The manager had a very deep impression of them, ¡°I saw Zhou Sheng; you guys are here to play?¡±


    Yu Hao went over to make some idle chat with him. The manager asked why they didn¡¯t come to work during the summer vacation. Not long after, a group of people came down. Cen Shan stood gasping for breath. Yu Hao said to the manager, ¡°This is my sis-in-law.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± The manager saw Zhou Sheng and Huang Jinya and smiled as he said, ¡°Kid, you¡¯re really something aren¡¯t you? Got a girlfriend? Introduce us!¡±


    ¡°Not my girlfriend.¡± Zhou Sheng said publicly, ¡°Ask anymore questions, and I¡¯ll tear your shop down.¡±


    Everyone suddenly felt a little awkward. Yu Hao could only pretend he hadn¡¯t heard it. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Lao Gao, help me prepare 18 cups of It Takes Two, I¡¯ll come over to collect them later. Yu Hao, help me pay.¡±


    ¡°Is sis-in-law alright?¡± Yu Hao observed Cen Shan¡¯s face, concerned that she had gotten too much of a fright.


    ¡°One more time.¡± Cen Shan took a deep breath, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Jiejie likes it!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone immediately burst out in crazy laughter. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Once is enough¡­¡­hey! Hold on! Wifey!¡±


    Cen Shan dragged Fu Liqun away. Yu Hao was bowed over from laughing too hard and took his phone out to take a photo of Cen Shan and Fu Liqun, then he sang, ¡°Once is enough, I¡¯ll accompany you until the end of time¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s ride the ferris wheel ba.¡± Someone suggested.


    ¡°Or we can go about freely?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege and sis-in-law both ran away.¡±


    Xia Lei said, ¡°Are we still eating together tonight?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for a moment, and everyone seemed to listen to him. Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao and said, ¡°No ba, remember to get the drinks later.¡±


    So everyone went to find their own attractions to play on, but the closest attraction was still the ferris wheel. Everyone rushed over to get a place in line since there weren¡¯t many people in the queue.


    The ferris wheel was overtaken by couples, with two people per carriage. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Yu Hao!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go get the drinks.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao, then looked at Huang Jinya. He finally said, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    Yu Hao arrived outside the restaurant and saw Zhou Sheng take Huang Jinya to ride the ferris wheel. A young boy placed the cups one by one on the table. Yu Hao started to count them and took his phone out to pay.


    The manager looked at the students who were standing in line in the distance and saw Zhou Sheng enter the ferris wheel with Huang Jinya. He sounded extremely rueful as he said, ¡°It¡¯s so good to be young. Yu Hao, are you dating anyone yet?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao smiled sadly. Two, four, six¡­¡­the amusement park created couple cups for the summer vacation that contained the concoction ¡®It Takes Two To Love¡¯. It was buy one and get one free, and Yu Hao did a quick headcount. 19 people, Zhou Sheng only ordered 18 cups, 9 pairs.


    ¡°Is it enough?¡±


    ¡°Enough.¡±


    The manager asked, ¡°Your group should be odd-numbered right?¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m a single dog, why would I need to drink this?¡± Yu Hao smiled as he packed away the cups in pairs. He took them to the bench and waited for the rest to come back and collect the drinks.


    After the ferris wheel ride, the other students came one after another to take their drinks, and some even went to buy hot dogs. Each of them said, ¡°Thank you Young Master~¡±


    ¡°Young Master says ¡®you¡¯re welcome¡¯.¡± Yu Hao answered, not knowing whether to cry or laugh.


    He sat on the bench for a while and began scrolling through the photos of Zhou Sheng in his phone. Yu Hao¡¯s phone had a lot of photos of Zhou Sheng, and most of them were taken overtly. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care when he saw Yu Hao taking photos. Yu Hao scrolled through every single one of them, and even saw a sneak shot he took of Zhou Sheng when he was sleeping.


    Fu Liqun sent him the group photo they took in the queue. In the photo, Yu Hao noticed Zhou Sheng watching him from where he stood at the corner of the queue.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze seemed a little lonely.


    Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng should like him a little too ba, it¡¯s just that they were unable to clearly define it. If he had to define these feelings at this historical moment today, Yu Hao thinks that Zhou Sheng¡¯s affection for him probably surpasses that for a friend or a good bro. Just like that night, when Zhou Sheng asked him, ¡°Why don¡¯t you say it yourself, what do you consider yourself as?¡±


    That was a question that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t answer, and a question Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t answer as well.


    Ever since he began liking Zhou Sheng, he would often read up on posts shared by people about their feelings. In each of those experiences, gays who fell in love with their straight bros all ended up living far apart from one another because of their jobs after graduation. Many years later, no matter how strong their love was, and no matter how reluctant they were to part with the past, it all gradually became one of their most beautiful memories as they built their own families and raised their children.


    Just like these photos, let them stay forever ba. When we meet again many years later and reminisce the past, at least the wonderful and happy memories will remain.


    Yu Hao looked up at the top of the ferris wheel. Above the top carriage, the sky that was filled with dark clouds was finally beginning to clear.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Cen Shan came back and sat next to Yu Hao, gasping heavily for breath.


    ¡°I can¡¯t do it anymore.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let me rest for a while.¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Yu Hao, give your Gege a drink to settle his nerves. We¡¯ll continue again later.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hahahahahaha!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I have a high center of gravity! My brain lacks oxygen! No more please!¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°You said yourself that you would ride it with me no matter how many times I wanted to.¡±


    Fu Liqun could only say, ¡°Okay, fine. I¡¯ll fight it out with you today. Thank you for the treat, Young Madam.¡±


    ¡°Young Madam¡¯s up there.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t crack jokes like that, you¡¯ll get me into trouble.¡±


    Cen Shan threw Fu Liqun a reproachful look. Fu Liqun chuckled again, and the two of them drank a bit before Cen Shan asked, ¡°They¡¯re not down yet? It¡¯s been an hour.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, oh yeah. He didn¡¯t notice the exit of the ferris wheel until now, and Zhou Sheng should¡¯ve finished the ride a long time ago. Forget it, I don¡¯t care anymore.


    ¡°The two of you should go and take the ferris wheel ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll sit here a little longer.¡±


    ¡°Yes yes yes.¡± Fu Liqun hurriedly said, ¡°We need to strike a balance between work and rest.¡±


    Cen Shan got up and pulled Fu Liqun away. Yu Hao looked around again, and thought that Zhou Sheng should be at the other attractions with Huang Jinya. He looked down at his phone and saw that Zhou Sheng had actually sent him a message.


    ¡¾Where are you?¡¿


    Yu Hao took a picture of the drinks beside him where there were still six cups that hadn¡¯t been collected. Zhou Sheng replied:¡¾Wait for me.¡¿


    In the sky, dark clouds surged forth, and a drizzle was swirling in the air. Sporadic raindrops fell on Yu Hao¡¯s face.


    ¡°They haven¡¯t taken them all yet?¡± Zhou Sheng sat on one side of the bench, and his breathing was a little rushed, like he had just run over.


    ¡°Zhao Yang and Jun Ge went somewhere with their girlfriends.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°They¡¯re probably still standing in line ba, where¡¯s Jinya?¡±


    Yu Hao originally wanted to say ¡°where¡¯s Young Madam¡± as a joke, but he knew that Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t like it when people said that so he reined himself in.


    ¡°Went back.¡± Zhou Sheng took a drink and said, ¡°Just sent her away. Are you cold? You just recovered from your cold, wear my jacket?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±


    ¡°Ride the ferris wheel?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about them anymore, just leave the drinks here. It¡¯s up to them whether they wanna drink it or not.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll be going back later too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took off the lid of the drink and looked at Yu Hao. He drank half of it in one shot; he was clearly very thirsty.


    ¡°Drink the other cup too?¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    Zhou Sheng put down the cup, then turned around to look at the couples that were walking to and fro in the amusement park.


    ¡°I want to take the ferris wheel with you again.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly as he turned sideways and looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s tone was very serious; it was as serious as when they had first met in the dream.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go ba.¡± Yu Hao smiled. It was time to iron some things out anyway, and settle it once and for all. Although he knew that both of them should already very clearly understand everything in their hearts.


    Zhou Sheng took the lead to get in line while Yu Hao followed along. Fu Liqun and Cen Shan had just gotten off not too long ago. Cen Shan gave them a melodious whistle.


    ¡°Sis-in-law really went all out today.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You can ride the roller coaster with her later too; you guys can ride it until the amusement park closes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If you don¡¯t like riding it, just outright say so, stop making such cutting remarks all the time. Shouldn¡¯t we have some hobbies in life?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been thinking up different ways to anger me these days.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you think I wouldn¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°And aren¡¯t you thinking up different ways to anger me?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why he suddenly lost a bit of control over himself. This anger came out of nowhere, and it was so impulsive that it had caught himself off guard.


    ¡°Forget it let¡¯s not talk about it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Or else we¡¯ll end up fighting later.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything. The two of them queued until the end, the staff let them in, so Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng squeezed into a carriage and sat down separately. The door was closed from the outside.


    This was the largest ferris wheel in central China. One full round would take at least half an hour, and there was even music playing in the carriage. Zhou Sheng casually turned the music off and looked at Yu Hao, while Yu Hao had turned his head sideways and was looking out the window.


    ¡°Look at the scenery ah.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°What are you looking at me for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We haven¡¯t even gone up yet, what¡¯s there to see.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Settle down properly with Jinya ba.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like her?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao said softly, ¡°No, I like her a lot, I¡¯ll like anyone you like.¡±


    When he heard this, Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes reddened in an instant. When Yu Hao said those words himself, he also had a strong feeling that his tears were about to spill out.


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath and tried to calm down. He said, ¡°But I don¡¯t like her. What should I do?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh for a moment. He forced himself to smile as he said, ¡°If you don¡¯t like her then why would you take her out? I know you¡¯re afraid that I¡¯d mind, but it¡¯s really okay¡­¡­¡±


    Suddenly, Yu Hao stopped talking, and the entire world fell into complete silence.


    Zhou Sheng took out a silver, heart-shaped metal music box from his bag. It looked like a beautiful gemstone, with a pair of angel wings carved on the top of the box.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything and stared at Zhou Sheng dumbly as he wound the music box. Zhou Sheng turned it around, and the letters ¡®Z¡¯ and ¡®Y¡¯ from Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s initials were carved on it. While Zhou Sheng wound the music box, he nervously looked up into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. He was so nervous that his fingers were trembling, and a jingle began to play ¡ª it was the cover Yu Hao did of¡¶My Little Happiness¡·.


    Looks like you¡¯re the happiness that I wanted to hold onto the most, looks like we were actually so close to love¡­¡­


    ¡°For you.¡± Zhou Sheng handed the music box to Yu Hao and said, ¡°I made it myself. I spent three months making it, just for¡­¡­today¡­¡­to give¡­¡­it¡­¡­to you, will you accept it? You will, won¡¯t you?¡±


    Yu Hao automatically took the music box and looked at Zhou Sheng, slightly bewildered.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I want to say¡­¡­Yu Hao, I¡­¡­I¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s breathing sped up. In the sky, strong gusts of wind swept the dark clouds away, and the thick layer of cloud retreated. The ferris wheel rose up into the sky, and the sunlight that spilled down took everyone by surprise.


    ¡°I¡­¡­I think I like you.¡± Zhou Sheng looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°Yu Hao, do you still like me? I¡¯ve been preparing for a long time, it¡¯s just¡­¡­I don¡¯t know how to say it. That day, what I wanted to discuss with you¡­¡­was¡­¡­whether we wanted, wanted to try being together¡­¡­if you don¡¯t mind me, I want to be with you, I think I¡­¡­I won¡¯t ever in this lifetime¡­¡­I won¡¯t¡­¡­aside from you, I will never like anyone else.¡±


    The ferris wheel carriage was extremely quiet, and only the sound of the music box could be heard. Yu Hao¡¯s tears practically burst out of his eyes.


    ¡°Laozi got bent by you.¡± In the end, Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were thoroughly red as he smiled and said, ¡°Fuck, do you love me or not? Give me an answer! What are you crying for? Say something!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s hand that was holding the music box pressed up against his nose, and he couldn¡¯t stop choking. He nodded. Zhou Sheng reached out and covered Yu Hao¡¯s hand with one of his hands, while the other pressed against his nape, and the two of them had their foreheads against each other.


    In the silent world, Zhou Sheng spoke very, very softly with a slightly hoarse voice,


    ¡°Yu Hao, I love you.¡±


    Ying City was gradually bathed in sunshine; from far to near, the sunlight rapidly spilled all over the world. The clouds and mist in the distance on Mt. Yunding dispersed. Within the ferris wheel carriage, the sunlight that streamed in at a slanted angle illuminated them both, as if it was bringing Yu Hao into a dream.


    Yu Hao choked, ¡°I¡¯ve always liked you. I¡­¡­I can¡¯t, this is too sudden, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°I know I haven¡¯t done well in many ways, but I can¡¯t help it. My parents, my family, just, they¡¯re always like that. I wanted to overcome everything, I want to take good care of you. I¡¯m willing to do my best, and I wanted to take my totem back first and turn it into this music box before giving it to you. But it¡¯s too difficult, it¡¯s really too difficult. I haven¡¯t succeeded yet. But I¡¯m afraid that if I keep waiting, then you¡¯ll¡­¡­you¡¯ll¡­¡­what if, we get together first, is that okay? I think, then at least I would know in my heart, what I¡¯m fighting for.¡±


    Yu Hao could no longer hear what Zhou Sheng was saying. His mind had gone completely blank, and the only thing he could see was Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome face.


    Zhou Sheng looked up and looked at Yu Hao quietly, then he leaned forward and kissed Yu Hao¡¯s cheek.

 Chapter 82.1 - Fireworks

    Ch82.1 ¨C Fireworks


    The ferris wheel came to a stop after completing one turn, and the staff opened the door.


    Yu Hao, face awash with tears, was the first to leave the carriage. He practically rushed out of the exit with Zhou Sheng chasing him from behind. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stop his tears at all. Fu Liqun was recording a video for the two of them with his phone by the exit and was instantly stunned when he saw Yu Hao. It was only when Zhou Sheng made an ¡°ok¡± gesture that Fu Liqun uttered an exaggerated ¡°Wow!¡±.


    ¡°Young Madam!¡± Fu Liqun shouted, ¡°Let¡¯s have a short interview, how do you feel right now?¡±


    Yu Hao shouted angrily, ¡°Did you guys plan this all along?!¡±


    Yu Hao only wanted to find a place to hide in for a while, but Zhou Sheng caught up to him and hugged him by the waist. The two of them stood in front of the restaurant; Zhou Sheng lowered his head while he held Yu Hao, and without any hesitation, kissed Yu Hao on the lips.


    A huge sensation immediately stirred in front of the restaurant! Cen Shan immediately covered her mouth, and before anyone around them could react, Zhou Sheng said to the manager outside the restaurant, ¡°Told you so, that wasn¡¯t my girlfriend just now.¡±


    Manager, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao pushed Zhou Sheng away and ran into the restaurant to hide. He leaned on the table next to the window. Everywhere was practically flooded with sunlight. Zhou Sheng took a tissue and handed it to him; Yu Hao used one hand to cover his eyes with the tissue and blocked Zhou Sheng with his other hand. His voice was trembling as he said, ¡°Give me some time to calm down, this is too sudden.¡±


    Zhou Sheng blew his nose as he sat opposite Yu Hao. Yu Hao could only hear his laughter, and at this time, he really wanted to just let it all out and have a good cry.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong.¡± Zhou Sheng began asking to just get hit, ¡°Did happiness come too suddenly? No more blind dates? Are you still gonna eat what I cook?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was like a kid as he sprawled on the table and looked up at Yu Hao. Yu Hao gave him a hard kick under the table.


    ¡°Young Master!¡± Someone came in, ¡°Treat us to drinks ah! Was your confession a success?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I treat you guys long ago?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It Takes Two to Love was bought by your Young Madam himself, what do you have in your hand?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    That person could only leave. Cen Shan and Fu Liqun were still taking pictures of Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng from outside the landing window. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Quick, wifey, smile? Gege and sis-in-law are taking photos of you.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head sideways and almost fell apart. He thought, so all of you knew long ago? Zhou Sheng reached out and placed his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, then made a ¡°yeah¡± gesture at Cen Shan and Fu Liqun.


    Yu Hao had just recovered from his cold, and his head began to hurt and buzz again. Zhou Sheng leaned on the table again and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep at all last night, but you slept quite soundly huh.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Your lips are so soft, I¡¯ve always wanted to kiss them, but I always thought that idea seemed sinful, like I¡¯m a pervert. Let me kiss you again?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to block him, but Zhou Sheng pulled his hand away and leaned forward to kiss him again, then he even licked his own lips as if he hadn¡¯t had enough.


    ¡°Crap.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Looks like I stimulated you a little too much.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Give me some water¡­¡­I feel like I¡¯m gonna die.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hurriedly got up and bought a bottle of water for Yu Hao. He twisted it open, and Yu Hao downed half a bottle before he finally felt more comfortable. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I need to go to the washroom, don¡¯t go anywhere, and just wait for me here¡­¡­¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng rushed to the toilet at top speed and rushed back. Yu Hao felt as if several planets had collided into each other, and they were currently colliding in a chaotic disarray, exploding, setting off fireworks, and it even felt like his body and bones were being crushed.


    ¡°I thought you were already dating her.¡± Yu Hao thought about it over and over again and for some reason, this was what he said.


    ¡°Who?¡± Zhou Sheng was a little confused, then said, ¡°Oh¡­¡­no, I rejected her the first time we met. She said that ¡®we can be friends first,¡¯ but Bei Xiaozhou got me to¡­¡­never mind, it¡¯s hard for me to say. Her Dad asked my Dad for my address, so Bei Xiaozhou took her straight to our dormitory building. When I saw her off, I accidentally leaked out how we were coming to the amusement park today, so Bei Xiaozhou told me that I had to talk to her no matter what and clear the air, I thought¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao stared blankly at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng tore off the band aid on his finger, revealing a wound that was slightly white and had already begun to heal. He was explaining earnestly to Yu Hao, but Yu Hao kept getting distracted, and his brain server had crashed.


    ¡°¡­¡­that I might as well be upfront about everything today.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao and smiled, ¡°Oh yeah, now I remember that I still need to give Bei Xiaozhou an answer.¡±


    ¡°I was quick to reject her the first time we met.¡± Zhou Sheng said as he texted, ¡°But all I said was ¡®I don¡¯t want to date,¡¯ which couldn¡¯t be considered a reason. If I said that I have someone I like, I would have needed to explain who it was, and if I said that it was you, I was afraid that if her father knew, he would tell my Dad. I didn¡¯t want you to get hurt¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a bit incoherent as he repeatedly explained a lot of things. Yu Hao just kept nodding, and in the end, he said, ¡°Actually it¡¯s not important now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finished texting, put away his phone, and just looked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao laughed too. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In a good mood now?¡±


    Yu Hao said softly, ¡°I¡¯ve always been in a good mood.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Do you remember that high school kid?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ou Qihang?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Today, I finally remember where I met him. The last time we worked here, I was barbequing chicken wings behind the counter and you sat by the window after work to wait for me. He secretly took a photo of you on his phone. Lao Gao! Did someone come here to ask for Yu Hao¡¯s number?¡±


    The manager answered with an ¡°ai¡±, and said, ¡°There was someone, he said he was his junior and wanted to consult him about the examination for your school.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Damn, I knew it was you! Lao Gao! How could you just give people¡¯s number out like that?¡±


    The manager said, ¡°He also worked here for several days and seemed like a simple high school kid. He saw the registration form in the office, and your numbers were on it. I didn¡¯t give it to him, he found it himself.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Pretty scheming ma. I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s not after you, but he probably wants to stir something up. If he dares find you again, just watch how I¡¯ll deal with him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have no money, no abilities, and I¡¯m dumb too, what could he gain by deceiving me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Forget it, I¡¯ll protect you well.¡±


    Yu Hao paid no attention to it at all, but as Zhou Sheng had said, it didn¡¯t matter at all anymore.


    Yu Hao was still a little overwhelmed. His hands kept fiddling with the music box Zhou Sheng gave him.


    ¡°I enrolled in a class and spent a really long time on it.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°The clockwork mechanism kept going out of tune, but I didn¡¯t let the teacher fix the sound for me.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and wound up the music box.¡¶My Little Happiness¡·played again. The two people seated at the corner of the restaurant were bathed in sunshine.


    ¡°When did you think of making this?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°When summer vacation just started.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°But if it¡¯s about liking you, then it should¡¯ve been much earlier ba? I think the first time I heard you sing in college was when I already¡­¡­already¡­¡­liked you a little. I just thought that, if I did those things to you, it would be a little¡­¡­a little perverted.¡±


    ¡°Actually you didn¡¯t need to¡­¡­I mean, you didn¡¯t need to¡­¡­prepare all this.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Even if you had just mentioned it casually, I would still¡­¡­still¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had slowly regained his composure, yet Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°You think too much. If I had mentioned it casually, you would have thought that I only agreed to this out of pity. But it¡¯s not. I wanted you to know that I really like you. I love you, Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Stop talking.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m going to cry again¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled and said, ¡°If there really were no feelings, I¡¯ve always just rejected people straight out. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a central air conditioner.¡±


    Yu Hao tried his best to calm down. Zhou Sheng has always been this blunt and direct; he had pierced straight through the skylight.


    ¡°Then what exactly were you so angry about the day before yesterday?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I thought you were annoyed with me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I was annoyed at myself, ok? I was stuck ah, I couldn¡¯t defeat Medusa, and you even saw me in that sort of state. I thought I could.¡± As he spoke, he sighed, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that I¡¯ll never be able to defeat myself in this lifetime ba.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly understood ¡ª Zhou Sheng has always been fighting against his inner self. He wanted to overcome his childhood trauma towards his family and get rid of all his baggage before confessing to him, then build a better future together with him.


    ¡°Did you think that we¡¯d fight over this?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We won¡¯t, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°Could you say ¡®hubby¡¯?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at him expectantly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything. The corners of his lips were slightly upturned, and his gaze shifted to look outside the landing window.


    ¡°H¡­¡­hubby.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, and his smile shone as brilliantly as the sun. Yu Hao thought, how are you so sure that you¡¯ll be the hubby? Forget it, as long as they could be together, he was willing to do anything.


    ¡°I¡¯m still angry about that Rubik¡¯s cube.¡±


    After a while, Zhou Sheng slowly said, ¡°After you piece the six sides together, the patterns are serialized as I, L, O, V, E, U.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Now I have the right to eat vinegar ba? Then I¡¯m gonna fucking start eating all the vinegar I want! From now on I¡¯ll see who dares come and chat you up again!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Eat ba.¡± Yu Hao could only answer with this. He knew that Zhou Sheng was just joking, and indeed, Zhou Sheng laughed again and reached out to touch Yu Hao¡¯s face, ¡°I¡¯m just teasing you. Since I get to be with you, I don¡¯t need to eat any vinegar in the future.¡±


    Ever since Yu Hao got off the ferris wheel, he had been constantly bombarded by Zhou Sheng in rapid fire succession until he was a little delirious. Today was a day where mountains shook and the earth¡¯s crust shifted in his life. But it just felt like a dream to him, the person who was actually immersed in this situation.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you thinking about, wifey?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything first, give me some time to calm down.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and just thought that he was really too handsome. Zhou Sheng¡¯s teasing smile slowly receded, and his expression became earnest as he looked directly at Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re so good-looking.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sometimes I get hard just by looking at you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop talking.¡±


    The two of them then just stared at each other. At last, Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stay still anymore and suddenly said, ¡°Let¡¯s compete to see who laughs first. The first one who can¡¯t hold back their laughter loses.¡±


    Yu Hao began laughing, and he laughed so hard he bowled over the table. He felt like a complete lunatic today.


    ¡°I cried too much today.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Wailing and sobbing, it¡¯s so embarrassing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng just smiled as he looked at him and continued to gaze at him for awhile like this. Yu Hao said, ¡°I like you so much, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng heard this, his eyes turned slightly red, and he said, ¡°Me too. I don¡¯t know what happened to me. Did you come into my dream at some point and steal my heart away?¡±

 Chapter 82.2 - Fireworks

    Ch82.2 ¨C Fireworks


    Yu Hao took a deep breath and slowly calmed down. He felt like the shock he received today could stay with him for at least a month.


    ¡°What¡¯re you thinking about?¡± Zhou Sheng asked again.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That was my first kiss. I wasn¡¯t the least bit prepared and it was gone just like that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It was my first kiss too.¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Then let¡¯s kiss again ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to check their surroundings when Zhou Sheng openly ¡ª without caring about whether or not there was anyone else in the restaurant ¡ª leaned over and kissed Yu Hao on his lips again.


    The warmth of his lips and the soft sensation was so addictive to Yu Hao that after one kiss, he wanted more.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°You really want to know?¡± Zhou Sheng said as he tidied up his jeans and smiled.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng doubtfully. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking about when to take you out to get a room.¡±


    Yu Hao was thoroughly stunned. So¡­¡­so fast? Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Gege asked me to prepare in advance, but I was too nervous and didn¡¯t prepare¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°We don¡¯t need to rush that ba? I¡­¡­I need to mentally prep myself too.¡±


    Yu Hao had seen some pictures on the forum before, and those pictures almost scared him off his chair. A lot of them came from foreign countries, and it looked like it must be very painful and uncomfortable ba! Even he had to mentally prepare himself and he was gay to begin with, let alone someone like Zhou Sheng who had never had never been attacted to guys before.


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡­¡­Hu¡­¡­Hu¡­¡­¡± He really found it a bit hard to say.


    ¡°Un? What¡¯s wrong, Wifey?¡± But Zhou Sheng could say it really smoothly.


    ¡°I wanna ask you.¡± Yu Hao thought it over and over and felt like he needed to confirm it. At this time, he suddenly understood why Zhou Sheng had said that he wanted to confess to Yu Hao in a very serious and earnest fashion ¡ª Yu Hao does lack quite a bit of self-confidence.


    ¡°Say it ah.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    ¡°You really¡­¡­have feelings for guys?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Like sexual desires?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh? Are we discussing Freud¡¯s theories of sex and the psychology of love?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I¡¯m just afraid, afraid that you¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, his eyes met Zhou Sheng¡¯s contemplative gaze.


    ¡°Not for Gege, not for Xia Lei or the rest too.¡± Zhou Sheng, ¡°Not for Kaikai, and even less so for Xue Long¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao almost spat his drink out. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Only for you.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, how does that feel exactly? Does this mean that Zhou Sheng got bent by me? He felt a bit apologetic towards Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Feels pretty exciting.¡± Zhou Sheng could tell what Yu Hao wanted to ask from his expression, then thought about it again and said, ¡°I might be bisexual? If you don¡¯t believe me, come and kiss me, then I¡¯ll let you touch me, and you¡¯ll know if I¡¯m lying to you or not.¡±


    Yu Hao should have said no, but he changed his mind and said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged and closed his eyes. Yu Hao turned around to take a look. It was close to dusk, and there wasn¡¯t anyone in the restaurant anymore. So he crossed the table and lowered his head to kiss Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand up to press against him, and Yu Hao knew that he did have feelings for him.


    When their lips parted, Zhou Sheng opened his eyes, and a hint of a smile could be seen in his eyes.


    ¡°The fireworks will be going off soon.¡± The manager said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys gonna go on a few more rides? Instead you¡¯re just making out all over the place.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red in an instant. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with having a date in your shop? It¡¯s not like we¡¯re taking up space!¡±


    The manager said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you guys a pair of It Takes Two to Love ba, we¡¯re closing soon!¡±


    Zhou Sheng went to get the drink and chatted with the manager a bit, then took Yu Hao away. When they left the restaurant, a gust of wind blew past, and the setting sun glowed with a gold hue. Yu Hao suddenly felt like the world around him seemed surreal. From now on, I¡¯ll be in a relationship with Zhou Sheng? What will we do in the future? And what will our future be like?


    Zhou Sheng took off his jacket and handed it to Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s a bit cold now. You just recovered from your cold, put it on ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have a jacket¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Could you listen to your Hubby?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at him and motioned to Yu Hao to look at the couple cups in his hand, signalling to him that they were already together.


    Yu Hao thought, oh God, how am I supposed to sleep tonight? My head¡¯s starting to hurt again.


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head to text Fu Liqun and the rest and ask where they were, then he asked Yu Hao, ¡°Is it okay to watch fireworks together with the rest?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I thought you might still be a little embarrassed.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered to himself.


    There will be a fireworks show at 7.30pm. It was the last day of summer vacation today, so the fireworks show would be grander than usual. Zhou Sheng found a bench and sat down with his arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Are you cold?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you¡¯re cold, hug me.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°Stop teasing me like that; I won¡¯t be able to hold myself back.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with teasing you a little? I couldn¡¯t do it before, but now I can tease you all I want.¡± Zhou Sheng looked into the distance; Fu Liqun and the rest slowly arrived in groups of two or three.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng took his phone out and nimbly tossed and turned it around. He switched it to self-timer mode and raised it up horizontally. Yu Hao thought he wanted to take a picture of the ferris wheel in the sunset, but Zhou Sheng turned his head and kissed Yu Hao, then pressed down on the self-timer key.


    ¡°Somebody¡¯s watching.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Who cares about them.¡± Zhou Sheng said nonchalantly.


    Night fell little by little, until the sky turned purplish red. Zhou Sheng looked at his phone and said, ¡°Xue Long¡¯s checking the dorms today; we can¡¯t go out.¡±


    ¡°I want to return to the dorm too.¡± Yu Hao had been so swept away by love today that he almost felt like vomiting, ¡°Let¡¯s go back when we¡¯re done watching ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his eyebrow at Yu Hao in a mischievous manner and said, ¡°Then wait for me to prepare beforehand and study a little first.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Are you going to study with books? Sex education doesn¡¯t teach that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I can consult Kaikai.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s voice rang out behind, ¡°Young Master, that¡¯s being too much of a bully ba.¡±


    Yu Hao got a fright. Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°When did you come over?¡±


    ¡°When you were talking about studying.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Cen Shan was laughing so hard she almost collapsed to the ground. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sis-in-law was so unrestrained today, how many times did she take the roller coaster?¡±


    ¡°For an entire afternoon ba. I¡¯ve basically opened the door to a whole new world, it¡¯s so fun.¡± Cen Shan said gravely. Fu Liqun¡¯s face was ghastly pale, and he clearly wasn¡¯t feeling very well.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao, please take some pity on the disabled and make some space for Gege bei.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got up, ¡°Both of you can sit.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai! I knew Gege has good judgment, thank you!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao was about to stand aside when Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng tacitly sat on either end of the bench; Fu Liqun sat down, reached out to wrap his arm around Cen Shang¡¯s waist and let her sit on his thigh, while Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao over by his waist to make him sit on his lap.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°No need to be so polite, you¡¯re welcome na!¡±


    Yu Hao blushed and wondered, what kind of rapport is this? Zhou Sheng reached out and pulled up Yu Hao¡¯s hood; the two of them snuggled together as the fireworks started and exploded with a ¡°bang¡±, illuminating their faces.


    Yu Hao stared at the fireworks in a daze, but Zhou Sheng was looking at Yu Hao¡¯s face with a smile in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m giving you this.¡± Yu Hao whispered as he took out the love charm that Cen Shan had given him from his pocket. Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao and smiled, but didn¡¯t take it.


    ¡°That charm¡¯s only effective today.¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°You can throw it away already.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But isn¡¯t this used to find love?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°But you are my love, why would I still need to seek it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh dear.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Zhou Sheng don¡¯t do that, Laozi¡¯s sleeping alone tonight! Take pity on me bai!¡±


    Fireworks rapidly flared in the night sky. Under the night sky, like countless shards of broken jade and falling stars, they shook the world and illuminated the earth. The ferris wheel spewed out dazzling, colourful flames, and everyone in the amusement park cheered together.


    ¡°I love this ferris wheel so much.¡± Yu Hao muttered to himself.

 Chapter 83.1 - New Life

    Ch83.1 ¨C New Life


    On the subway back to school, Zhou Sheng, who hadn¡¯t slept the whole night, fell asleep on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder. Yu Hao¡¯s heart was still beating wildly as he watched the reflection of Zhou Sheng¡¯s sleeping face in the window across from them.


    At this moment, there were no words that could describe the the shock his heart had received. It was as if he had broken free from his solitary life of 20 years, and he could now clearly feel the shape of his totem changing ¡ª it was changing because of Zhou Sheng. He had now entered a new phase of his life.


    After everything that happened today, everything seemed to have taken on a new appearance: music now had a new meaning, and everything that he used to turn a blind eye to could now be interpreted differently.


    Up until now, he still felt somewhat at a loss. When he looked at the seat across from them, he saw Cen Shan smiling and taking a photo of the two of them snuggling together.


    Yu Hao appeared to be very calm on the surface, but his inner world was undergoing dramatic changes. There was a force that was constantly destroying everything in his inner world ¡ª the Great Wall and the beacon towers, the palaces, and the rubble. With the tremendous power of love, they spontaneously restructured themselves to construct a thriving new world.


    My totem¡¯s being reborn¡­¡­it was Yu Hao¡¯s first time feeling this so distinctly. For the him now, he seemed to have attained a new goal in his life; from this day onwards, he will no longer be alone.


    He looked sideways at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng looked very peaceful as he slept soundly. Yu Hao remembered how he didn¡¯t even know how to respond to Zhou Sheng today. All of this was too sudden for him, and he didn¡¯t even make any preparations. Even when Zhou Sheng had handed him the metal music box, Yu Hao didn¡¯t take anything out for him¡­¡­


    I actually didn¡¯t prepare anything and didn¡¯t give you anything either¡­¡­Yu Hao felt really remorseful and guilty now.


    He didn¡¯t know why but he suddenly thought of a line from a poem: I give you the devotion of a man who has never had faith.


    Yu Hao stared at Zhou Sheng in a daze. His handsome face that was so familiar to Yu Hao suddenly seemed a bit foreign under the subway lights. And at this moment, Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes remained closed as he turned around and suddenly kissed Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng then stood up as if nothing had happened in order to give up his seat. He said to a weary but vigilant girl who had just left work, ¡°You can sit here, we¡¯ll be getting off soon.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red. Zhou Sheng had taken a short nap and now focused on scrolling through his phone to see how many likes he got from his upload in his circle of friends. He would sometimes glance at Yu Hao, clearly pleased with himself. Yu Hao said, ¡°Pretending to be asleep again.¡±


    ¡°I just woke up, I wasn¡¯t pretending.¡± Zhou Sheng chuckled to himself, ¡°I¡¯m an honest person.¡±


    ¡°See you next time.¡± Everyone said goodbye and took the bus at the foot of the mountain to return to college. Xue Long was checking the rooms one by one when they arrived at their dormitory.


    ¡°Starting from this semester, college appraisals will commence and last for a year.¡± Xue Long held a list of names and said to the three of them, ¡°By all means, do not cause any trouble. Especially you two, Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Yu Hao smiled as he scrolled through his phone. His translation wages had been transferred to his account; this was practically two joyous events occurring in tandem for him.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We definitely won¡¯t cause trouble for Laoshi! Xue Laoshi? Want a biscuit? They were brought back from Hokkaido¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No no¡­¡­¡± Xue Long was really afraid of getting screwed over by Zhou Sheng, so he didn¡¯t dare eat any snacks that Zhou Sheng offered to him.


    ¡°There¡¯s no rat poison in it la, Xue Laoshi.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Xue Long accepted it awkwardly and felt that the atmosphere of the dormitory today was a little off. He cast a doubtful glance at the two of them. He then looked at Fu Liqun, who was sighing on the bed as he had just parted from his girlfriend and had to watch his two dormitory mates who just got together.


    ¡°Absolutely don¡¯t be late tomorrow!¡± Xue Long said in the end before closing the door.


    Zhou Sheng took his clothes and went to take a bath. He said to Yu Hao, ¡°Dear, want to take a bath together?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Shut it!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed to himself as he entered the bathroom. Fu Liqun said, ¡°I have a hunch that I¡¯ll be abused by you guys until we graduate.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely get him to rein it in a little.¡±


    Yu Hao lay in his bed with the corners of his mouth still upturned. He heard Zhou Sheng singing while taking a bath, and his voice had a bass effect in the bathroom.


    Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°I miss your sis-in-law.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The two of you just parted!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°We won¡¯t be able to meet again for half a year; she has to train with a teacher like they¡¯re going into seclusion¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Can you go and see her?¡±


    Fu Liqun began sharing with Yu Hao about the day he had confessed to Cen Shan. When he was in his third year, he never thought that he had any chance of success. He only confessed for the sake of giving up on her completely so he could focus on his college entrance examinations. But unexpectedly, Cen Shan actually agreed¡­¡­


    Yu Hao looked at the selfie Fu Liqun took today. In the back of the photo, Zhou Sheng¡¯s face and expression made it seem like he wanted to say something ¡ª it was the face of someone who couldn¡¯t help but want to look at the other party because of how much they like them. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t understood what all that had meant until now. He was belatedly struck powerfully by that gaze, so he turned over and lay sprawled on the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m dying I¡¯m dying¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao moaned, ¡°I¡¯m going to die¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Ah, we can¡¯t meet for half a year, I¡¯m going to die too¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng came out after his bath. The lights were already off in the dormitory, so it was pitch dark.


    ¡°Asleep?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao¡¯s bed in the dark.


    Yu Hao had been tormented all day until he was absolutely delirious. His battery had been exhausted, so he unintentionally fell asleep while he lay sprawled on his bed.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Liqun answered indifferently from another bed.


    Zhou Sheng turned on a small cold lamp, sat at his desk bare chested, and carefully wiped his sneakers clean. Then he got onto his bed, crossed the bedside railings to move close to Yu Hao¡¯s lips, their breathing intermingling with each other.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said softly.


    The next day, Yu Hao felt Zhou Sheng kissing him and immediately opened his eyes. The glaring light streamed in through the balcony, and the night passed in a flash just like that.


    Zhou Sheng was sitting on the ladder in front of the bed, already dressed in his sportswear and asked, ¡°Awake?¡±


    Yu Hao sat up with his thin blanket in his arms, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Get up and wash up.¡±


    Fu Liqun had also changed into a set of sportswear and was warming up at the door as he waited for Zhou Sheng. The two of them then went out for a morning run. It was the first day of the new semester today. After Yu Hao sobered up, he remembered what happened yesterday and immediately rolled over and laid face down on his bed.


    ¡°Aaaaaahhhhhhhh¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao was going crazy. I¡¯m dating Zhou Sheng now?! He kissed me just now? How could he kiss me so naturally like he¡¯s used to it?!


    Yesterday¡¯s shock still lingered without losing any of its intensity, and it was crashing around madly in his inner world. Yu Hao felt like he would need at least three months to get used to the changes in his life.


    He took his phone out and scrolled through the various group chats ¡ª everything was normal, and everyone in the chats were greeting one another due to school resuming. No one in the sports class talked about them. It was a little difficult for him to restrain his impulse to show off, but he didn¡¯t have any friends he could brag to. He definitely couldn¡¯t tell the people in his class, otherwise it would certainly invite trouble¡­¡­so he could only endure it bitterly.


    Chen Yekai sent Yu Hao a red packet:¡¾Jiayou for the new semester. I¡¯ve been busy with the college evaluations recently; I¡¯ll look for you to have dinner together in a few days.¡¿


    Yu Hao wanted to treat Chen Yekai to a meal so this was perfect and incidentally, he could bring Zhou Sheng along too.


    ¡°Here¡¯s breakfast, I¡¯m heading to class.¡± Zhou Sheng returned to the dorm all sweaty with a KFC breakfast in hand, ¡°Don¡¯t have time to take a bath now, wait for me to have lunch together in the afternoon.¡±


    Yu Hao just took a bath, and his hair was still wet. He wiped his hair as he looked at Zhou Sheng with some embarrassment.


    ¡°What are you smiling at?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly became shy. There were only the two of them in the dormitory. Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng must have ordered takeaway on his phone and ran to the college gate to fetch it before running back to the dormitory to pass it to him.


    Yu Hao kissed Zhou Sheng¡¯s cheek, and Zhou Sheng immediately blushed. Steam seemed to rise from the top of his head.


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving!¡± Zhou Sheng changed into a clean T-shirt and went out.


    The new semester began, and this was the first time in Yu Hao¡¯s life for him to actually be in a relationship. And how he felt about it was¡­¡­no wonder everyone said that dating will impact your studies,it really did affect his studies a lot. He didn¡¯t know what his teachers had been talking about for four lessons in a row this morning. He just kept touching his phone and looking at it to see if Zhou Sheng messaged him or not. Zhou Sheng was taking physical fitness tests now and would occasionally send him a few messages to ask about his classes.


    Yu Hao had to learn statistics and probability this year, and he had psychostatistics next semester. These were all vexing subjects. With the beginning of sophomore year, his workload had become relatively heavier, and Zhou Sheng finally said:¡¾Am I disturbing your studies? I can¡¯t resist the urge to look for you all the time; I won¡¯t message you for now.¡¿


    Yu Hao hastily replied to say that he wouldn¡¯t disturb him, and Zhou Sheng replied to him with a string of emoticons. But Yu Hao was seen by the teacher, so he hurriedly hid his phone. Time felt like it was practically crawling in this experimental psychology class for Yu Hao, but he endured it until it was finally at an end. Yu Hao was about to head to the canteen when he saw that Zhou Sheng was already waiting for him at the stairway entrance.


    He said to Yu Hao, ¡°Where are you looking at?¡± He reached out to drape his arm over his shoulder and led him away to have lunch.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too high-profile.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s action was somewhat unnatural in the first place, but he said, ¡°Weren¡¯t we like this before anyway? There¡¯s nothing to be scared of.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly realised that he was right; they seemed to be no different now than before, except for the extra kiss in the morning. In the past, Zhou Sheng would also rub his head when he woke him up.


    When they arrived at the canteen for lunch, Yu Hao sat down to wait as usual, and Zhou Sheng passed through the crowd with two trays. Fu Liqun had already begun to wolf down his food first. Yu Hao took a tissue to wipe his chopsticks and began to think that it really seemed like everything was almost the same as before.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled. His smile contained a faint hint of bashfulness, ¡°You want to feed me?¡±


    Yu Hao picked up some food with his chopsticks and Zhou Sheng leaned in to eat it. The two of them looked at each other and smiled before eating their own meals.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 83.2 - New Life

    Ch83.2 ¨C New Life


    Fu Liqun had already automatically set up a screen between him and the couple. He only looked at his phone while eating, but Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t use their phones anymore. They began chatting idly as they ate; Zhou Sheng talked about his physical fitness tests while Yu Hao talked about his morning classes. In this life that seemed pretty much the same, a different feeling had emerged.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you an in-game skin?¡± In the afternoon, Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°What kind of skin does Baby like?¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -5.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want any.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t play many games.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll buy you a new laptop?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°A Macbook, then it¡¯ll be more convenient for you to work on your translations. I¡¯ll buy the newest and the best one for you.¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± Yu Hao immediately vetoed.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -25.


    Zhou Sheng asked again, ¡°Do you want a new phone? Let¡¯s buy a pair for couples?¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -125.


    Yu Hao was stunned and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°My phone still works! Don¡¯t spend money so recklessly!¡±


    Zhou Sheng chuckled with a ¡®hehe¡¯ and showed Yu Hao the prize money he got from the college. For his achievements in the cycling race, the college gave him 30,000 yuan! In addition, a notice was put up outside the office of the Department of Physical Education. It served as an encouragement for college students to actively participate in various off-campus competitions for an advantage in their appraisals.


    ¡°I want it!¡± Fu Liqun finally couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore, ¡°I want it ah! I want a new phone, new laptop, and a new skin!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then what does Baby want? I¡¯ll buy anything for you, just say what you want. I¡¯ve already paid your tuition fees for you, and I charged 1,000 to your canteen card.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -200.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I really don¡¯t need anything, keep it for yourself to use as living expenses. You paid my tuition fees for me? You paid it already? Ok then, since we keep our money together for our expenditures¡­¡­if you don¡¯t have enough just use my money.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Good boy, think about what you want. I¡¯ll buy you anything you want, and I¡¯ll cook you whatever you want to eat.¡±


    In the afternoon, when the General Assembly for their cohort was held, Yu Hao sat down with Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, and the guys from the sports class as usual. Yu Hao leaned on the table to look at the stage. First, they talked about the transfer of personnel. This semester, Chen Yekai was officially appointed as a lecturer to teach selective courses, and Liang Jinmin would be teaching sociology electives and social psychology electives to the third years. Within one summer vacation, the college had hired eight teachers and conducted various internal job transfers.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t they transfer Xue Long away?¡± Someone in front whispered, ¡°That guy¡¯s like a pimp, and he¡¯s way too nasty, he¡¯ll just ruin the college¡¯s image¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng each shared an earbud each from their earphones. Yu Hao was listening to a public lecture for his major, though he couldn¡¯t pay attention to it at all. When Chen Yekai spoke, he roused another heated round of discussion. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at the stage.¡±


    Yu Hao was baffled as he asked, ¡°Then where do I look?¡±


    ¡°At me.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    So Yu Hao could only lay on the table and watch Zhou Sheng, but in his heart he felt very happy. He could openly look at him now. Zhou Sheng had both his hands under the table, and Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what he was doing at all, so he asked out of curiosity, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t show Yu Hao and signalled for him to just keep lying on the table. Not long after, he took out a hundred yuan note that had been folded into a pink heart and handed it to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Young Madam.¡± Xia Lei took out a heart folded from a five yuan note and whispered, ¡°I¡¯ll use this purple one to exchange for your red one, wanna swap? Look, mine¡¯s folded much nicer than Young Master¡¯s.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    After dinner.


    ¡°Do I need to leave the dorm to you guys at night?¡± After Fu Liqun finished playing basketball, he asked Yu Hao when he got back, and his tone was filled with sadness and melancholy.


    Yu Hao was doing his assignments for the day. He looked up at Fu Liqun with a baffled expression on his face.


    ¡°I can pull an all-nighter at the Internet cafe.¡± Fu Liqun said as he held a basketball in his arms, ¡°Just let me know, and I¡¯ll go.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao was a bit confused, ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys play basketball together?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After they stared at each other for a few minutes, Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master said that he had something on and didn¡¯t play basketball; he went out of the college.¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned; it couldn¡¯t be that something had happened at home ba? Fu Liqun continued, ¡°If you guys want to do that, I can leave the dorm¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege, I don¡¯t plan on doing ¡®that¡¯ so soon¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun thought about it for a moment, then said, ¡°Okay then, if you need it just let me know.¡±


    After taking a bath, Fu Liqun sat down and watched Yu Hao work on his assignments. After thinking about it, he said, ¡°I think I¡¯ve been too self-indulgent, it¡¯s no wonder your sis-in-law always scolds me.¡±


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Yu Hao has always thought that Fu Liqun was actually a very interesting person; he was just a little lazy sometimes, but he could be very diligent when he needed to be, ¡°Do you want to find something to do? Why don¡¯t you set some goals for yourself to achieve by the end of the semester?¡±


    Yu Hao planned on joining a club and learn how to skateboard this semester, and he was thinking of urging Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun to go with him too. However, Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let¡¯s play a three-man basketball game at the end of the year together?¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Yu Hao promised, but suddenly snapped out of his daze, ¡°But I¡¯m not very good at basketball.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not bad.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°You¡¯re already considered very good in your class. Let¡¯s practice more and just treat it as if we¡¯re having fun, and get Young Master to buy a pair of shoes for you. He also wants to compete.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took first place in seven out of ten sports fields, and all the teachers in his major like him very much. He was especially good at basketball and soccer. Yu Hao thought that he should be more proactive as well, so he agreed.


    Fu Liqun had set his goals for the semester, so he laid down on his bed with a clear conscience.


    Yu Hao sent several messages to Zhou Sheng, wondering where he had gone exactly and why he wasn¡¯t back yet. By the time it hit 8.30pm, Zhou Sheng finally knocked on the door and returned.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you reply to my messages?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I was so worried.¡±


    As soon as Zhou Sheng returned to the dormitory, Fu Liqun¡¯s HP started decreasing again.


    Zhou Sheng took out a Macbook and put it on Yu Hao¡¯s table like nothing had happened, then opened it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun glanced at it, HP -200.


    ¡°The newest Macbook?!¡± Fu Liqun cried out.


    ¡°You went to buy a laptop?!¡± Yu Hao became frantic.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I know you¡¯ve wanted it for a long time, do you like it? Give me a kiss? The password is our names, mine¡¯s in front.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -500.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Return it!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s too expensive aaahhh!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The receipt¡¯s already torn, it can¡¯t be returned.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s too expensive! This costs at least 10,000!¡± When he saw what Zhou Sheng bought for him, Yu Hao¡¯s heart ached like mad, ¡°We¡¯ll have to go cold and hungry from now on!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°That¡­¡­I remember that there should be an electronic receipt too¡­¡­¡± Then he immediately felt Zhou Sheng¡¯s murderous intent.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s too expensive! Don¡¯t do that, I¡¯ll get angry! We¡¯re already together, so I¡¯m very happy. Zhou Sheng, I mean it, I don¡¯t need anything else, I already feel so fortunate¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -1250.


    Zhou Sheng said with a stern expression, ¡°But I want to make it up to you.¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned.


    Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°I want you to experience everything you have never used, eaten or played with, and I want to give you all the things you like that you can¡¯t bear to buy for yourself.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -2500.


    Yu Hao looked at the brand new laptop. He really did want a laptop, but okay then¡­¡­Yu Hao¡¯s heart ached too much, this must be returned, it costs 10,000 ah!


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine as long as you say you like it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    ¡°I do like it¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But it¡¯s a little heartbreaking, you¡¯ve spent all your prize money!¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at the two of them, wanting to cry but no tears could be shed and said, ¡°I think I should just leave the dorm to the two of you tonight ba.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege, just ignore us.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°How could I ignore you guys?! The two of you have been giving me a lot of critical hits, okay?!¡±


    Yu Hao went to open the laptop. The background of its desktop was the picture of him and Zhou Sheng on Mt. Tianqing they took half a year ago. He still remembered that they quarreled that day, and Zhou Sheng had walked angrily in front of him the whole way, but he didn¡¯t leave him behind and always paid attention to whether he was still behind him as they walked to the foot of the mountain like that.


    When Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng again, he instantly experienced how touched Zhou Sheng was when he received his new shoes on his birthday. Zhou Sheng just smiled as he looked at him, then raised his hand and pointed at his own cheek. Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and leaned in to kiss him.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do you like it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really like it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Who do you like?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Say it ah, why are you suddenly embarrassed now?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Y¡­¡­you¡­¡­¡± Then he roared angrily, ¡°I like you!¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s HP -5,500 from the roar.


    ¡°My dear wife, I can¡¯t live like this anymore.¡± After the lights were off, Fu Liqun cried to Cen Shan through their video call, ¡°The other kid got a Macbook, and he¡¯s about to get a new skateboard too, and he¡¯s going to join a club¡­¡­I want those too¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s first day in a relationship passed like that. His dizziness didn¡¯t go away and instead became more serious.


    ¡°Little fox, good night.¡± Zhou Sheng moved over to kiss him on his lips. The dormitory was quiet.


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered the golden wheat field in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream world, and a fairy tale that his father had read to him a long, long time ago¡­¡­


    ¡°Good night, my little prince.¡± Yu Hao turned sideways and said softly.


    Fu Liqun who hadn¡¯t fallen asleep yet, HP -8,000, Game Over.


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: Poor¡­poor Fu Liqun¡­¡­¡­..Also, I¡¯ll be uploading one of my favourite fanarts related to this chapter on discord haha


    Dollars: I kept picturing Fu Liqun getting KO¡¯d like in mortal combat. No mercy.


    Juurensha: ZS now gets to unleash his not so secret sappy side.

 Chapter 84.1 - Getting Even

    Ch84.1 ¨C Getting Even


    Every day was brilliantly sunny, and Ying City was gradually ushering in the autumn season. Ever since Zhou Sheng confessed to him, Yu Hao felt like he had entered the most blissful time of his life. It was as if all the previous trials he had endured were now insignificant in comparison.


    If only Grandma was still here¡­ Yu Hao thought that his Grandma would have understood him. After all, when she was still active in theatre and singing, good-looking xiao shengs were sometimes also homosexual. And what Grandma wanted the most was to see him live a happy life.


    His life with Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t seem to have changed significantly following the new affirmation of their relationship, which felt a little strange to Yu Hao. But when he considered it carefully, the two of them had been inseparable and basically behaved like they were already in a relationship ever since he moved to the dormitory and lived together with Zhou Sheng.


    Fu Liqun had to endure critical hits from them every day in the dormitory, but he couldn¡¯t get the passionately in love couple to rein themselves in even a bit, so he could only endure it for now.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Gege.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely be more aware of it. ¡°Whenever you¡¯re not happy, just let me know ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was really too proactive; he was so proactive that it caught Yu Hao by surprise. It was as if his emotions were suddenly surging forth after having been repressed for too long, so his Boyfriend Power was now overwhelming and peerless.


    ¡°This must be retribution for all the times I flirted madly with your sis-in-law in front of my dorm mates in high school.¡± Fu Liqun said sincerely, ¡°I¡¯ve already come to terms with the reality. Upon deep introspection, after seeing Zhou Sheng, I feel like I haven¡¯t done enough for your sis-in-law in many respects.¡±


    After that, as long as Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t have lessons for the day, he would accompany Yu Hao to his lessons. Sometimes, he would read books, while at other times he would put on his earphones to listen to public lectures on his phone. As he sat beside Yu Hao, he would fold a pink heart for him with a hundred yuan note every day.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°One hundred a day, that¡¯ll be 3,000 in a month. You only get 2,400 for your living expenses per month¡­¡­I¡¯ll see how you get by starting from next month.¡±


    Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°From today on, I¡¯ll manage the finances, wash your hands of it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯re about to run out of money for food! You¡¯ve finished spending your competition¡¯s prize money!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How could we have no money to eat? I only spent 10,000 out of the 30,000 prize money, and I still have 8,000 from my scholarship. Get a certificate of proof tomorrow and stop your student loan, and be sure to return the loan from last semester first.¡±


    Yu Hao showed Zhou Sheng the account book he usually used. Zhou Sheng closed the account book and said, ¡°Don¡¯t work anymore in the future, it really makes my heart ache. When I saw you running around and even enduring scoldings everywhere, I really couldn¡¯t stand it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If I don¡¯t work then am I supposed to go cold and hungry?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll support you ah.¡±


    The two of them sat in a corner to avoid accidentally dealing critical hits to the other students. Since it was nearing the National Day holiday, there weren¡¯t many people attending classes, and most had skipped. Yu Hao had previously considered the issue of their livelihood. In fact, he wanted to work at least one more job after he got together with Zhou Sheng. He wanted to see if there were any other jobs he could do while continuing to translate part-time in order to earn at least 3,000 a month. In that way, he would at least have more money to use while dating, and he would be able to buy Zhou Sheng some of the things he likes.


    Even though they lived in the same dormitory, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but begin paying more attention to tidying himself up. When Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t around, he would occasionally look in the mirror, striving to make himself look more clean and refreshing and less of a fashion disaster. Now that he thought about it, the fact that Zhou Sheng actually came to like him seemed quite miraculous. He found it a spectacle too horrible to endure whenever he occasionally flipped through his photos from his freshman year.


    But he would have to spend a lot of money in order to make himself look slightly trendier. Yu Hao was even less willing to let Zhou Sheng carry such a large cost, but this guy was a full-on Young Master and always only had one criterion for spending money: our happiness would be difficult to buy even with a thousand gold. The guiding principle behind his expenditures was always the unshakable phrase ¡®I¡¯ll support you¡¯. However, as soon as his scholarship money and competition prize money were depleted, the two of them would have to wait for the 2,400 yuan that Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother gave him every month for his living expenses. It was barely tolerable for Yu Hao to allow Zhou Sheng to support him a little bit, but letting Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother support him was absolutely unacceptable.


    ¡°Who¡¯re you on the phone with?¡± Zhou Sheng was unhappy now, ¡°Why are you still on the call?¡±


    Yu Hao said into his phone, ¡°I¡¯m in class, I¡¯ll call you back later.¡± Then he turned around to Zhou Sheng and said earnestly, ¡°I¡¯ll support you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng refuted him, ¡°Nope, I¡¯ll support you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re always like this!¡±


    Zhou Sheng just smiled happily. He had changed a lot recently and hardly got into any disputes with Yu Hao. Most of the time, whatever Yu Hao says goes, and he would just listen to him giddily. His temper in class had also improved a lot.


    ¡°Confiscated.¡± Zhou Sheng kept Yu Hao¡¯s account book.


    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll manage the finances; you don¡¯t even have any plans!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No, you¡¯re always so reluctant to spend money, you can¡¯t manage it anymore¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Laoshi¡­¡­shh! Shh!¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng began fighting for the account book. Zhou Sheng caught Yu Hao unprepared and tickled him, and Yu Hao¡¯s grip loosened in an instant. The account book was snatched away.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng bitterly. Zhou Sheng kept the account book and suddenly became serious, ¡°Is your old habit acting up again? You don¡¯t want to owe me? So if there comes a day where we can¡¯t continue any longer, it¡¯ll be easier for you to be independent when we break up?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    The bell signalling the end of class rang. When he heard this, Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng, stood up, and left. Zhou Sheng followed him. He packed Yu Hao¡¯s textbooks into his bag, ¡°Angry?¡±


    Yu Hao stood outside the corridor, which was packed with people who had just gotten out of class. He went back to the dormitory to take his skateboard and planned to participate in his club activities. Zhou Sheng tossed his bag down, stuffed his hands into his pockets, and followed Yu Hao the entire way.


    A long vacation was about to start soon. Barely anyone came to the club today as they had all gone home long ago. Yu Hao stepped on his skateboard as he looked at Zhou Sheng, who was sitting close by. When Yu Hao had just entered the club to practice skateboarding, Zhou Sheng would always keep vigil just in case Yu Hao jumped accidentally into the street, and was ready to pull him back at all times.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng for awhile, and thought he seemed like a child who was sometimes quite insecure.


    ¡°Still angry?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°You¡¯re not angry anymore ba?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You seem so insecure when you say things like that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I really am insecure, it¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know that. Don¡¯t be angry anymore, I was wrong.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard this, his anger immediately dissipated. His father passed away when he was young and his mother had left their home, so he was brought up by his grandmother. But his grandmother loved him, so he and Zhou Sheng grew up in different ways.


    ¡°Because ownership has been transferred.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng was baffled.


    Yu Hao thought about it for a moment and said, ¡°We¡¯re together now; there actually isn¡¯t a distinction between who gets to support whom. Ownership of you no longer belongs to just your parents, you¡¯re my boyfriend now.¡±


    ¡°So, let¡¯s take care of each other.¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°That¡¯s independence. Without the need to rely on your parents anymore, you¡¯ll obtain autonomy over your own life.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Actually, I really didn¡¯t spend much of my Dad¡¯s money. I get it now. Is that what you¡¯re thinking?¡±


    Yu Hao responded with an ¡°un¡±, then continued, ¡°I¡¯ve always been thinking, what if your parents oppose us in the future? If we can be independent, then they won¡¯t have much of a reason to object. But if we¡¯re always relying on them financially¡­¡­ok ba. Forget I said anything, I¡¯m not angry anymore. I haven¡¯t finished thinking it through for myself yet.¡±


    Yu Hao put on his cap backwards. He was wearing Monet¡¯s ¡°Sunrise Impression¡± commemorative T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of skateboarding shoes. He stepped on his skateboard to practice his skills in going up the ramp, while Zhou Sheng just earnestly watched Yu Hao. Yu Hao tried to go up and down the ramp a few times, then moved his center of gravity to the tail of the skateboard, crouched slightly, and carefully tried the 360-degree rotation he learned recently. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re so cool, Wifey.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, of course, I even especially waxed my hair a bit today and ironed my clothes too¡­¡­but he feigned nonchalance and said, ¡°Oh, really? Do you like it?¡± As he spoke, he smiled at Zhou Sheng and whistled.


    Fireworks immediately went off in Zhou Sheng¡¯s head with several loud bangs.


    ¡°I knew you¡¯d like these clothes. I saw a Van Gogh¡¯s Starry Night commemorative edition one yesterday; I¡¯ll take you to go buy it tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°Stop buying things!¡±


    ¡°I did some financial management with the two million that my Dad gave me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about money.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Two million!!!¡±


    Yu Hao almost fell. Zhou Sheng was about to get up, but Yu Hao struggled to stabilise himself.


    ¡°The annual interest rate is 5.4%, $1.50 per $10,000 per day.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°$9,000 a month.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s your father¡¯s money.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I know he¡¯s very rich, so two million is nothing to him¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But think about it, where did his money come from?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course he earned it himself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Could he have earned that much without me?¡±


    Yu Hao recalled how Zhou Sheng had said that Zhou Laichun¡¯s life used to be a mess as well. It was not until Zhou Sheng risked his life to enter his father¡¯s dream that his life began to slowly change to become what it is now.


    ¡°I changed his life.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you still think it¡¯s too much to take this as a little bit of a reward?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°You can¡¯t say it like that ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is my legal income from work! And he¡¯s my Dad!¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with taking a little remuneration sometimes?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Plus, you didn¡¯t touch his principal sum and only used the interest from it, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ve convinced me, but only partially. I understand the reason behind it, but I still can¡¯t accept it from an emotional standpoint.¡±


    ¡°Ever since I got the card.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think much of it and didn¡¯t see a problem with spending it. But see, you would never be able to accept that anyway.¡±


    Yu Hao just felt that if Zhou Laichun gave them the card as a reward, then it would be considered Zhou Sheng¡¯s fair gain ¡ª because if it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng¡¯s strength, his father may not be where he is today. But the Golden Crow Wheel couldn¡¯t be mentioned, and they¡¯ve never asked Chen Yekai for rewards for their help¡­¡­but Zhou Laichun was Zhou Sheng¡¯s Dad too¡­¡­it was all so convoluted and complex; the more he thought about it, the more confused he became. It was really difficult to draw clear distinctions.


    ¡°Have you thought about our future?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I have; I think about it every day.¡±


    Yu Hao had intended to tell him about his ideal future, but when he heard this, he took his skateboard and walked over to Zhou Sheng to sit beside him.


    Zhou Sheng extended a hand, palm outstretched. Yu Hao placed his hand on his and Zhou Sheng intertwined their fingers. Yu Hao waited quietly for a long while, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t continue.


    ¡°And then?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You smell really good, so clean and refreshing. You¡¯ve been much trendier recently and look so cool; a whole bunch of female freshmen were even taking photos of you in secret yesterday.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Someone called Yu Hao again. His phone had been ringing constantly since this afternoon.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Who the hell has been calling you all this time? Laozi¡¯s not happy now! Let me see!¡±


    ¡°Your mother¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh Medusa¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 84.2 - Getting Even

    Ch84.2 ¨C Getting Even


    Zhou Sheng took the phone, hung up, placed one arm around Yu Hao, and openly hugged him in that position. He said with a stern countenance, ¡°Okay, ignore her. Keep talking.¡±


    ¡°Can you defeat Medusa now?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I think I might be able to.¡± Zhou Sheng stated truthfully, ¡°But I haven¡¯t wanted to challenge her recently. When I go next time, I¡¯ll call you. Trust me.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°By then, I should have thought very clearly about our future. You¡¯re really great, Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°What¡¯s so great?¡±


    ¡°Being with you.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand moved from Yu Hao¡¯s waist to his back, then it pressed against the nape of Yu Hao¡¯s neck, ¡°I just think it¡¯s so great to be alive¡­¡­can I kiss you? I can¡¯t hold back anymore.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re outside!¡± Yu Hao quickly said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like there¡¯s anyone else around.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s waist when he glimpsed Xue Long come to a stop in the distance, staring doubtfully at the two of them.


    ¡°Hello Xue Laoshi!¡± Zhou Sheng greeted.


    Xue Long lowered his phone and said from afar, ¡°Not going home for the holidays?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nope! Bye bye na!¡±


    Xue Long left.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Put your hand down¡­¡­did he take a picture of us just now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He was taking pictures of the flowers! Don¡¯t create imaginary fears with your suspicions. It would¡¯ve been even more strange if I put my hand down as soon as I saw him when we were just innocently hugging each other.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯ll tell your father! Just like with the scholarship last time.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t our hugging each other just be considered as a joke? Won¡¯t Gege occasionally hug Xia Lei and the rest too, and even pinch their faces?¡± Zhou Sheng said, unconcerned, ¡°Come, let¡¯s kiss once.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°No kissing! He might come back!¡± Personally, this matter wouldn¡¯t affect him; at most he would just let other people talk behind his back, he was used to it anyway. But it was different for Zhou Sheng! His father might come and cause trouble for them once he found out.


    ¡°Do you find me annoying?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Is our relationship something to be ashamed about?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Yu Hao was gloomy now and said after he thought it over, ¡°I just don¡¯t want to get into trouble over nothing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m fine with just privately knowing that we¡¯re getting along well; I¡¯ve never thought of really publicising it in a high-profile way. But we¡¯re just sitting down with my arm around your waist, talking in a place where no one¡¯s around, we really aren¡¯t doing anything!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a little sulky. After Yu Hao confirmed that Xue Long had left, and that there was no one around, he kissed Zhou Sheng on his cheek. Zhou Sheng blushed again and looked at Yu Hao. His mood had immediately improved.


    Yu Hao actually couldn¡¯t really stand it either; ever since he got together with Zhou Sheng, he released several times while he was asleep. In the past, it used to be once every ten days, but now he was so stimulated in the daytime that he couldn¡¯t even last a week.


    ¡°When are we going to do that?¡± Zhou Sheng was a bit short of breath, ¡°My mind¡¯s full of you everyday, I¡¯m on the verge of exploding.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh, I¡¯m waiting for you. Didn¡¯t you say that you had to mentally prepare yourself?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m gay, what kind of mental preparation do I need¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯m gay too.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What kind of place do you like? Is it ok to get a room outside? Gege should be going home during the holidays ba? If you don¡¯t mind it, is the dorm okay? I know you don¡¯t like getting a room, and the dorm will always be cleaner than anything outside, it¡¯s just that the bed¡¯s too small.¡±


    ¡°Gege¡¯s not going home, he said so yesterday.¡± Yu Hao said with a blank expression.


    ¡°Then ask him to go to the Internet cafe?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it here¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao¡¯s face was completely red. The two of them were like animals in heat when they shamelessly discussed joining their bodies out in the open, it was really too mortifying.


    He pulled down his sports pants, got up, and took off on his skateboard again. Zhou Sheng smiled as he watched him. Yu Hao skateboarded for awhile, then looked back and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I still want to work part-time.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Find something more relaxing, we¡¯ll do it together.¡±


    Yu Hao was very preoccupied over the moment where Xue Long had lowered his phone. Perhaps he had already taken a photo. He could only hope that he wouldn¡¯t be too meddlesome and send the photo to Zhou Sheng¡¯s father. Still, Zhou Sheng had just hugged him around his waist. They already had a closer than usual relationship, so they could just explain it as a joke between guys even if they were found out.


    On the last day before the National Day holiday, everyone was around in the dormitory. Cen Shan went for her seclusion-style training while Fu Liqun¡¯s parents went abroad for a holiday, so he had to stay in the dormitory. Before the holidays, Papa Fu and Mama Fu especially came to their dormitory to visit them and even brought a lot of food with them to thank Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng for taking care of Fu Liqun.


    ¡°Yes! That¡¯s how you wash them!¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s mother had her hands on her hips as she taught her son how to wash socks and underwear, ¡°Rub it thrice! Knead it twice! Don¡¯t knead it like dough! Baby! Tell Mum! Don¡¯t lie, okay?! How did you wash those clothes that are hanging out to dry? It couldn¡¯t have been washed by you! Who helped you washed them? Yu Hao or Zhou Sheng?!¡±


    ¡°Main¡­¡­mainly¡­¡­Yu Hao.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao got a fright when they entered the dormitory. Mama Fu said, ¡°Which one of you is Yu Hao? You, are you Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao trembled as he raised his hand, and Fu Liqun tossed him a glance filled with fear. Mama Fu immediately said, ¡°Yu Hao, Aunt is really grateful towards you, Aunt feels so moved. But, you can¡¯t help him wash his socks and underwear, you know? He needs to do his own things himself! School can¡¯t be compared to home. Baby, your dorm mates aren¡¯t your parents, they¡¯re not obliged to do this for you. I don¡¯t think you clean up your dorm either, and when you get married to Shanshan, I bet you¡¯ll want to be like your Dad and become a husband who doesn¡¯t do anything! Be honest, you don¡¯t know how to do housework, you aren¡¯t doing very well in your studies either¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It has already been awhile¡­¡­since I touched the sink.¡± Yu Hao quickly clarified, ¡°Uh, I did wash them a few times in the past.¡±


    After Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng got together, all the housework was basically done by Zhou Sheng. However, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng would occasionally see Fu Liqun¡¯s underwear and socks soaking in the basin. Sometimes, it would remain soaking in the sink for up to three days. When they really couldn¡¯t bear to look at it any longer, they would help him out with it while they washed theirs too.


    Papa Fu pulled Zhou Sheng over and talked to him for a long time, and also thanked him for cooking for his son. Yu Hao felt like Fu Liqun¡¯s father had a temperament that somewhat resembled Lin Xun¡¯s ¡ª his scholarly air was very apparent. Of course, unlike Lin Xun that scum, he was a gentle and knowledgeable intellectual.


    It wasn¡¯t easy for Fu Liqun to send them out before Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother once again called. This time, Yu Hao had to take it. He didn¡¯t know when Zhou Sheng¡¯s mom had started to indirectly control Zhou Sheng though Yu Hao and always asked Yu Hao to get Zhou Sheng to do this and that. This time, she was calling to ask Yu Hao to take Zhou Sheng home for the holidays.


    Mama Zhou said, ¡°I have something important to tell Zhou Sheng and get his opinion on, Haohao? Is he there?¡±


    ¡°Why are you still on the phone! Hang up!¡± Zhou Sheng cried bitterly, ¡°We¡¯re going out to eat!¡±


    Yu Hao was still talking on his side, but Zhou Sheng picked up another call. Zhou Laichun called him and asked if he was going home for the long holidays. Zhou Sheng replied that he wasn¡¯t. Zhou Laichun asked him to go to the company to accompany him for a meal, but Zhou Sheng refused.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a bath.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hanging up now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re spending the holiday with your dormitory mate?¡± Zhou Laichun asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t didn¡¯t say anything else, and Zhou Sheng went to take a bath. Before he went, his mother was still talking to Yu Hao nonstop, and they were still on the phone even after he finished taking his bath.


    ¡°Stop talking to her.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    But Yu Hao waved his hand and tried to chat patiently with his mother for awhile. Yu Hao was sitting on the swivel chair. Zhou Sheng was bare chested as he sat on Yu Hao¡¯s desk; he stepped on the swivel chair and pulled Yu Hao towards him. He lightly pressed against both sides of Yu Hao¡¯s waist with his bare feet.


    ¡°Say a few words to her ba.¡± Yu Hao handed the phone to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng casually dealt with her by saying that he was working during the holidays.


    ¡°If you want to get married then go!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have my utmost support! Stop calling Yu Hao all day! He¡¯s busy with his studies! I¡¯m hanging up!¡± Then he hung up without a moment¡¯s hesitation.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°She¡¯s pretty lonely, chat with her once in awhile ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I get high altitude sickness as soon as I hear her voice, I¡¯ll instantly become dizzy and breathless. Could you take some pity on your Hubby? I know you feel bad about digging up the handsome ¡°cabbage¡± in her vegetable garden, but the owner had never been serious about planting it in the first place, and the cabbage fled by himself. If you dug it up, then so be it, you don¡¯t need to compensate her, okay?¡±


    When Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng was indirectly calling him a pig, his face was immediately filled with ¡°black/tn].


    ¡°Your father called just now? It can¡¯t be that he knows ba.¡±


    ¡°What are you feeling so guilty for?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Are you afraid that the owner of the garden will chase after us and hire hitmen to come break our legs?¡±


    Yu Hao has always been good at inventing things to worry about based on his misgivings. He was never guilty in the past, but now that he had bent someone¡¯s son, he was constantly afraid that his parents would come knocking on his door to get even with him and accuse him of ruining Zhou Sheng¡¯s brilliant prospects and so on. But fortunately, Zhou Sheng separated his parents and circle of friends long ago, and the picture of the ferris wheel after the confession was tagged with a few lines that seemed like lyrics. His mother was completely unaware of it and continued nagging him as usual by asking him all sorts of questions. Still, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but jump a little in fright whenever he saw her calls.


    Zhou Sheng might say that it didn¡¯t matter on the surface, but he knew very clearly in his heart that Xue Long could have sent the photo to Zhou Laichun as soon as he left the school. Even before this, they had been the subject of multiple rumors. Chen Yekai was rumoured to be gay as well, and it¡¯s not like there weren¡¯t any rumours about the relationship between Chen Yekai and Yu Hao¡­¡­and now it could no longer be said to be just a rumour. Perhaps Xue Long, like many other students, already imagined a dog blood scenario with Yu Hao failing in his pursuit of Chen Yekai, so he changed his target and attacked Zhou Sheng, the rich second generation.


    But he didn¡¯t intend to mention this to Yu Hao. After all, protecting Yu Hao was his own business, so there was no reason to worry him.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll follow you all the time, okay?¡± After Zhou Sheng packed his things, he said to Yu Hao, ¡°I can take on 10 by myself. If he dares oppose our relationship, I¡¯ll report him for tax evasion, and place righteousness before my blood ties!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Xue Long wouldn¡¯t dare to.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Unless he took a photo of us kissing. I¡¯ll try my best to restrain myself more outside next time. If I start getting fresh with you again, just slap me.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can¡¯t bear to do that, just get fresh with me ba¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao sat on the swivel chair and faced Zhou Sheng, who was bare chested and only wearing a pair of shorts. The scent that wafted off his body smelled very pleasant. He raised his head slightly, and they looked at each other for a while.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Hungry?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao remembered something, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t let him move, so Yu Hao put his hands around Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist and looked up at him, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not happy?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wanna eat a popsicle?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You bought it?¡±


    Soon after, Zhou Sheng casually untied the knot on his beach pants.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!!¡±


    ¡°Gege will come back¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s waiting for us at the restaurant.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°He won¡¯t come back.¡±


    Yu Hao never expected that Zhou Sheng would be this bold. Usually, he took baths with a mint-flavoured Adidas shower gel, so he often had a cool mint smell on his body. But the scene that unfolded before Yu Hao still gave him a very strong impact.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 85.1 - Troubles

    Ch85.1 ¨C Troubles


    Yu Hao¡¯s breathing stopped. He said, ¡°The curtains¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Drawn.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°The door isn¡¯t¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I locked it when we came back, no one will know that you¡¯re stealing food, wanna eat? Yo, look at your expression, you really want to eat it ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng washed himself very thoroughly and had even specifically trimmed his hair, and a cool mint fragrance emanated from him. He raised his legs, took off one side of his trousers, straddled Yu Hao¡¯s chair slightly as he sat on the desk, and pulled Yu Hao towards him. In the position that Yu Hao was sitting in on the swivel chair, it just so happened to be right in front of him.


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart was beating wildly. He sat upright, looked up at Zhou Sheng, hugged his waist with both arms, then lowered his head slightly. Zhou Sheng¡¯s breathing turned ragged, and he started using one foot to gently step on Yu Hao and rubbed him back and forth through his pants along with Yu Hao¡¯s movements. Nearly ten minutes later, Yu Hao quickly got up, but Zhou Sheng got some tissues and helped Yu Hao wipe his face.


    ¡°Was it good?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng wiped Yu Hao clean, then lowered his head to kiss him on his lips. When their lips parted, Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°After eating the popsicle, your mouth became even more soft and hot, tastes even better now.¡±


    Yu Hao almost choked. His lips were both moist and red, and his face seemed flushed from slight hypoxia, ¡°I¡­¡­I need to take a bath.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s take one together, you haven¡¯t that yet.¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand and quickly searched for clothes to change into, ¡°Just now I was stepped on by you, stepped on until¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯re that sensitive?¡±


    Yu Hao blushed, ¡°I¡¯ve been holding it in for too long!¡±


    Yu Hao was washing up in the bathroom. Zhou Sheng knocked on the door, and Yu Hao said, ¡°What is it?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng came in and said, ¡°I¡¯ll wash you.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s body was thoroughly wet, and he subconsciously moved in to hide, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai, what are you being so shy for?¡± As he spoke, he took Yu Hao by the wrist and forcibly pulled him into his arms.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart was beating so fast that it was about to jump out of his chest. But Zhou Sheng kept hugging him and buried his face into his shoulders; the two of them were in close proximity, so close that they could hear the beating of each others¡¯ hearts.


    ¡°Wash your face.¡± Zhou Sheng kissed Yu Hao and said, ¡°I¡¯ll plan our first time well.¡±


    Yu Hao felt dizzy again. The slippery sensation of his skin and the shower gel, the warmth and touch of Zhou Sheng¡¯s chest; he didn¡¯t even dare to look down, but Zhou Sheng washed him very carefully, then took a towel and helped him wipe his body.


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao could feel Zhou Sheng¡¯s rise again, ¡°Why did it start again?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m in heat.¡± Zhou Sheng said righteously.


    Yu Hao laughed, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you laughing at? You¡¯re in heat too ah, yo, yours isn¡¯t small either¡­¡­no wonder you even advertised yourself as a gong.¡±


    ¡°That has nothing to do with size.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Need Hubby¡¯s help?¡±


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t do it twice in a row, wait for at least forty minutes to an hour in between to give the pituitary gland a break¡­¡­I learned that in my psychophylaxis class.¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time releasing so straightforwardly, and he really wanted to continue. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That was just a warm up. I¡¯m not bragging, but eight hours straight wouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°10 minutes alone is already very tiring okay? And my mouth¡¯s still really sore!¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Next time, wait for Hubby to plan our first time properly. Get dressed and let¡¯s go eat ba.¡± As he spoke, he ruthlessly kissed and sucked on Yu Hao¡¯s neck for awhile.


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Just as he was about to struggle, Zhou Sheng had already left a hickey on him.


    After their bath, Yu Hao changed into a T-shirt and studied the hickey in the mirror. He tried to pull his T-shirt with its round collar up, but he couldn¡¯t hide it no matter what he did. It was really conspicuous too!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t seem to mind it. He sat on the chair and smiled, ¡°Hungry?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face was still red. Zhou Sheng obviously found it fun to tease him as he continued, ¡°Are you full now?¡±


    Yu Hao retorted, ¡°I only ate for 10 minutes, it wasn¡¯t enough!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can¡¯t blame me, you¡¯re too skilful. Say, have you been looking forward to this day for a long time so you practiced for it in secret?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never learnt it before!¡± Yu Hao became overwrought; he had lost this round.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The more times it¡¯s done the more lasting it¡¯ll be ma, okay let¡¯s go ba.¡± As he spoke, he pulled him in close to kiss him again and couldn¡¯t hold himself back, ¡°The more I kiss you the more I want to continue, this is too fucking addictive¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Someone¡¯s calling.¡± Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Gege¡¯s still waiting in the restaurant, quick, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and only let go when they were downstairs. Yu Hao put on his earphones, but the one who called was Huang Ting. That really was a rare guest.


    ¡°Why is it that there are some people who were busy talking on the phone half an hour ago.¡± Huang Ting said on the phone, ¡°Then they suddenly stop taking calls in the next half hour? That doesn¡¯t seem logical at all.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Poker Face Comedian Office Huang, please say what you want to.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, who also seemed a little suspicious. The two of them got on a public bus and sat at the last row. Zhou Sheng put one arm around Yu Hao and held him close, then took out one side of his earphones to listen to Huang Ting.


    ¡°I remember you were looking for a part-time job during the summer vacation.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I have a part-time job I can offer you, would you be interested?¡±


    ¡°We are all law-abiding citizens, so we¡¯re not interested in you or your part-time job.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Bye bye.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Yes, not interested. Happy holidays Officer Huang, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng always liked to tease Huang Ting, but it did seem quite fun to actually tease him.


    ¡°Cough.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Actually I wanted to ask you to do me a favour¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh? I bet it¡¯s your girlfriend who got you to ask Yu Hao for help ba?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Your inference was made with much meticulous care, but Xiao Yujun isn¡¯t my girlfriend yet. I sent Yu Hao her WeChat ID. This part-time job isn¡¯t dangerous at all, please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    He was right?! Yu Hao stared at Zhou Sheng in disbelief, ¡°Junjun Jie looked for you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, ¡°Nope.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then how did you guess that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Simple. If Huang Ting¡¯s looking for your help with a part-time job, it wouldn¡¯t be because there was a problem with their internal system; he doesn¡¯t seem like the type of person who would casually ask other people for help either, so the only person who could make him do that would be the girl he likes.¡±


    Yu Hao had once mentioned to Zhou Sheng that Huang Ting was wooing the female reporter called Junjun. Usually, there was little chance for a policeman to take the initiative to ask for help.


    ¡°Oh yeah.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°If it was a crucial case involving Psychology, they would look for Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng thought about it for a moment, then continued, ¡°We just started our sophomore year, what help could we be? And it just so happens that your previous translations of news articles have just entered the database, so it¡¯s likely that Kaikai recommended you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll add her?¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded, and Yu Hao thought that he could just treat it as an ordinary part-time job anyway. After he added Junjun, she greeted him quite quickly, and it was just as Zhou Sheng had deduced ¡ª¡ª Yingjiang Daily, that Xiao Yu Jin was in, was undergoing an internal restructure; in order to connect with the online media and young people, a ¡°New Youth¡± section was added. Xiao Yujun was now the head of this section.


    This branch plays an important role by shouldering the burden of letting Yingjiang break out of the traditional media circle where they were just talking to themselves, and getting them to be more aware of contemporary youth culture. It could even become a supplement of Yingjiang Daily in the future, and have its independent public WeChat number and blog.


    Their leader¡¯s idea was to let Xiao Yujun choose her own team members ¡ª recruiting them from either society or schools was fine, as long as they earnestly did a good job in this section. On the surface it was advertised as a section with content for young people, but it was also targeting their parents, to help them better understand young people in this demographic.


    After the target audience was clearly defined, they could undertake some indirect advertising on their public number and newspaper to promote some sealed off schools to parents for curing Internet addiction, so that they can collect money and send their children to be tied up, brainwashed, get enemas, and electric shocks.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng listened to all of Xiao Yujun¡¯s vehement complaints about indirect advertisements, and Xiao Yujun¡¯s voice that was full of vigor said, ¡°I looked for male god and he recommended you. He said that you have a very strong sense of social responsibility, ai I¡¯m too busy for voice messages, let¡¯s talk over the phone ba.¡±


    Xiao Yujun has always been an energetic person in her unit as she lived as her true self. She picked some interns in her unit, but only found a few to be useful. She formed a small team and wanted to look for a year 4 student. But Chen Yekai unexpectedly recommended Yu Hao when she asked him.


    Xiao Yujun has always been interested in Yu Hao. After all, the incidents he was involved in were always quite interesting, and when she asked about his proficiency in writing, Chen Yekai vouched for him and said that there wouldn¡¯t be any problems at all.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched from listening to all this.


    ¡°But I¡¯m only a sophomore!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And I don¡¯t know how to write a manuscript!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You have a Macbook, what are you afraid of?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What I want is a college student!¡± Xiao Yujun said frankly, ¡°With a colourful life, candidness, and courage. Male god said that you have no problem writing, so you won¡¯t have a problem. This job has flexible hours, and it¡¯ll all be on special topics. I¡¯ll arrange the times for the interviews, you just need to look for an opportunity then and take occasional leave.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°I don¡¯t think she wants to ask you to take on a part-time job, but to help by asking Kaikai to act as a consultant for this column ba?¡±


    Realisation suddenly dawned upon Yu Hao, ¡°Then why did she look for me? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to directly look for Chen Laoshi after writing the manuscript?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not convenient for Kaikai to step in ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If a lecturer in the system works as a consultant for a newspaper column, he would need to apply for permission with the school. He would have to take responsibility in case any problems occur with the articles too.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng got off the bus and met up with Fu Liqun in the restaurant. Fu Liqun was starving to death and wailed, ¡°Why are you guys so late?¡±


    ¡°We were discussing a part-time job, we definitely didn¡¯t do that in the dorm.¡± Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers and said, ¡°Boss, open up two bottles of beer!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 85.2 - Troubles

    Ch85.2 ¨C Troubles


    Yu Hao was still thinking about Xiao Yujun¡¯s offer as he toasted Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to be a reporter?¡± Fu Liqun stared at Yu Hao with a baffled face, ¡°But you just started your sophomore year?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not confirmed yet.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This year I still need to attend classes, d¡­¡­date, play a three-person basketball match, and learn skateboarding.¡± Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. His university life really was as Xiao Yujun had said, it was way too colourful.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Ai you¡¯re really living your life to the fullest.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I need to find a part-time job too.¡±


    ¡°Cheers, cheers.¡± Yu Hao was so hungry he couldn¡¯t stand it anymore, and the three of them started eating. It was a decadent National Day holiday; Zhou Sheng wanted to go out for a walk, but Fu Liqun reminded the two that once it neared National Day, it would be extremely crowded outside. They would just be spending money to suffer if they went out, so they might as well go to an Internet cafe or play basketball in school.


    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you to the newspaper office later?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t made a decision.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Still considering it.¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng took some food for Yu Hao, ¡°I can tell you kind of want to go.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Zhou Sheng was just like a puppy in heat when his desires were aroused. But after he obtained release, he would regain his calm steadiness again and wouldn¡¯t be as talkative, as if he was constantly preoccupied with something.


    Fu Liqun was a bit wilted and had clearly just been reprimanded by his parents. ¡°Gege wants to find something to do too. Young Master, let¡¯s go set up a stall?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I never know what to do with myself all day long, I¡¯m bored stiff.¡±


    ¡°You start grumbling when sis-in-law isn¡¯t around.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°But once you meet her after her training is over, you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°To tell you the truth, today my Dad asked me what I wanted to do after graduation, how I wanted to be with Cen Shan, and even talked about meeting her parents, then I began to think¡­¡­that I¡¯m really a good-for-nothing, and that I¡¯m a disgrace to my parents.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao listened quietly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You just became a sophomore, there¡¯s still some years ahead of you so there¡¯s no need to hurry.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s not too early. When I recall the day I confessed to your sis-in-law five years ago, it all just seems like it happened yesterday. I keep feeling like I¡¯ve just enrolled in college, do you remember? On the opening day last year, four of us from our dorm ate hot pot in this shop as well, and just within a blink of an eye, a year has already passed.¡±


    Of the people in their dormitory, one completed the formalities the moment he started freshman year to drop out and went abroad; the other was from a demolition household who would use the Internet at his friend¡¯s house and didn¡¯t even attend classes. In the end, he failed all his subjects, was persuaded to withdraw, and seemed to vanish from the face of the earth. Zhou Sheng even thought that something had happened to him on several occasions, and after a few calls, he confirmed that he just didn¡¯t want to attend college, so he left him be.


    ¡°That¡¯s alright too.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°From today on, get yourself together! Come! Let¡¯s eat hot pot!¡±


    Fu Liqun raised his spirits and said, ¡°Okay! Okay! You¡¯re right! Young Master is the one with the most positive energy after all, you¡¯re just like a little sun.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then let¡¯s go back to revise after eating hot pot? I¡¯ll go get coffee.¡± Yu Hao had learned how to brew coffee and has always wanted to make coffee for Zhou Sheng.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the holidays, don¡¯t do that!¡± Fu Liqun wailed, ¡°And I was even thinking about going to the bar tonight together to play!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought that he was really way too busy this semester. If he took the part-time job Xiao Yujun offered him, then he would have to skip classes from time to time to accompany her for interviews. If he had known about this sooner, he wouldn¡¯t have signed up for the skateboarding club this year. After dinner, Xiao Yujun especially went to the bar to look for him. She had been running around the entire day and only got off work at 10pm.


    ¡°You¡¯ve had to suffer quite a bit.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What do you want to drink?¡±


    ¡°What else can I do but suffer?¡± Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°I need to make a living to support myself and buy a house. If I take advantage of these two years to make a quick profit and buy a small apartment, I¡¯ll feel more at ease. You little young masters don¡¯t eat the food of common mortals; your families have already paved a path for you guys, so of course you won¡¯t have to worry about such things.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry and didn¡¯t respond. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Yu Hao, come, let¡¯s have a casual chat ba.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Xiao Yujun¡¯s ¡®casual chat¡¯ was basically a simple interview. The two of them moved to a corner. Yu Hao talked about his schedule this semester. He really was very busy, but Xiao Yujun said that the job could be adjusted according to his schedule and even showed him a list of possible topics. Yu Hao glanced through it, and he was interested in all of them¡­¡­


    7 topics in the first issue: first, ¡®the psychological analysis and reasons behind adolescents¡¯ chase for fame using a model in which people scramble over online celebrities¡¯; Yu Hao has actually met one of the interviewees ¡ª Huang Jinya¡¯s best friend, Bei Xiaozhou.


    Next is the analysis of adolescents¡¯ problems with communication, high school sexual behaviour and pregnancy diagnoses, ¡®boys brought up by the poor¡¯ and ¡®boys brought up by the rich¡¯, what students with poor academic performance did when they grew up, please don¡¯t take the bottle of drink from the roof of the car¡­¡­


    Yu Hao thought that all these topics were so appealing to him that he couldn¡¯t refuse any of them.


    ¡°Then give me your timetable ba.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I¡¯ll get the interns to arrange your schedule for you.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Until now, Yu Hao still hasn¡¯t asked Xiao Yujun how much he would be paid, but the money wasn¡¯t that important anymore.


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to write a lot of manuscripts, especially in the preliminary stages, I¡¯ll do those myself. Your work will mainly focus around running errands, and¡­¡­I need your help with something. It¡¯s about the state of some social affairs and analysis regarding the mental health of adolescents, I need you to help me look for male god. I wanted to directly ask him for a piece, but he has his own considerations, which is understandable¡­¡­¡±


    It really was as Zhou Sheng had said! Yu Hao thought that he had benefited from his association with Chen Yekai once again.


    ¡°He has already promised us.¡± Xiao Yujun smiled and looked at Yu Hao, ¡°You just need to frequent his office. I need an ¡®expert¡¯s opinion¡¯ in the column, and he¡¯ll be the expert behind it.¡±


    Yu Hao constantly felt that he was very indebted to Chen Yekai. The previous translation work, the part-time job, this time with running errands ¡ª he only had the opportunity to do all this because of Chen Yekai. But those topics were really so appealing to him that he wasn¡¯t able to refuse her at all..


    Yu Hao thought about it for a moment, then looked at Xiao Yujun, ¡°Let me consider it for awhile longer?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said readily, ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll give you a day, you can give me your answer tomorrow. Actually, some people are naturally fit for this line of work ¡ª you can tell from one look at their demeanour. I still need to go back and revise some manuscripts, so I¡¯ll leave now.¡±


    Yu Hao said goodbye to her and Xiao Yujun finished the rest of her drink, ¡°Don¡¯t drink too much.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fuliqun were playing dice and drinking in silence. The two of them had received another round of critical hits from Xiao Yujun. Zhou Sheng said absent-mindedly, ¡°Drank mine, it¡¯s your turn. What happened next?¡±


    Fu Liqun pondered, ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®next¡¯¡­¡­your sis-in-law is still hiding it from her father.¡±


    ¡°About being with you?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Fu Liqun uttered an ¡°un¡± and answered, ¡°The last time we went to the amusement park, while you confessed in the ferris wheel, we quarrelled in the ferris wheel over this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng kept silent and continued shaking the dice cup. He tossed them out, Fu Liqun motioned for him to drink, and Zhou Sheng drank. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°She said, when she thought of the future, her vision would go blank. She wanted me to tidy myself up, but how do I do that? I am this kind of person, and didn¡¯t she fall in love with this kind of me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Did she mention when she¡¯ll talk to her father about this?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There must be an outcome for this eventually ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°No, we didn¡¯t mention it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Her mother passed away early, and she¡¯s the only apple of her father¡¯s eye, so there¡¯ll definitely be a huge quarrel over this.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°If Gege has a family like yours, I wouldn¡¯t be afraid of anything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I still have two million with me; I can lend you some for a College Entrepreneur¡¯s start up fund.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°You definitely can¡¯t!¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued shaking the dice up, opened it, then drank by himself, ¡°Gege, I want to come out of the closet.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Fu Liqun was taken aback, ¡°Don¡¯t ba, what if your mother chops Young Madam up with a kitchen knife?¡±


    ¡°My Mum doesn¡¯t pose much of a problem, I¡¯m not scared of her anymore.¡± When Zhou Sheng said this, he suddenly stopped talking and there was a subtle change in his expression.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°???¡±


    After he was silent for a moment, Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°The two of us talked about money and our future today. He asked if I¡¯ve ever thought about our future, and of course I have, I want to give him the best. I want to give him an unforgettable birthday¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued absent-mindedly, ¡°I want to take him to Australia to play, sit in luxurious seats in the plane, stay in a hotel, and get a sea view room¡­¡­but the moment he says ¡®where¡¯s the money from?¡¯, I cower. You get it?¡±


    Fu Liqun shook his head in tears and laughter.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I have nothing, so I can only rely on my Dad. Some time ago, I was thinking, why not just go with my Dad¡¯s arrangements. I¡¯ll accept all his arrangements for me, as long as he¡¯s willing to accept Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t accept it!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive, Young Master.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I need money! I want to earn money! Don¡¯t you get it? Gege, this is the first time in my life for me to like someone this much, and it¡¯s also my first time to want money this much. I want to give him a lot of things¡­¡­but none of them are mine, they belong to my Dad.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing well enough.¡± Fu Liqun said helplessly, ¡°Look at me? I¡¯m the one who can¡¯t give her anything. I don¡¯t even know how to wash a sock, and I even got scolded by my Mum today.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a bit gloomy, ¡°He¡¯s much more independent than us, if only I was like Kaikai.¡±


    ¡°But the one he likes is you.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Not Kaikai. That¡¯s how I comfort myself sometimes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡±, then said, ¡°Loving each other is the most important thing.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The best thing about both of you is that you¡¯re not as emotionally attached to your parents. Like what you said before, it¡¯ll be pretty good to start over somewhere else.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go to BSG? Go with him, rely on my own efforts, and live a cozy and happy life? But can I afford a house? I can¡¯t even afford houses in Ying City. Look at how hard Junjun Jie is working for a house. What about me? After leaving my Dad, I¡¯ll definitely be at the bottom of the social ladder. I would have studied harder in the past if I had known this would happen.¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at Zhou Sheng and said helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s all the same.¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his spirits and said, ¡°But if I had studied hard, I wouldn¡¯t have met him ¡ª that¡¯s one thing I don¡¯t regret at all. I can only say that it was all predetermined by fate ba.¡±

 Chapter 86.1 - Satan

    Ch86.1 ¨C Satan


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The two of you can leave after graduation, but what about me? Your sis-in-law absolutely can¡¯t let go of her father-daughter relationship. You have a plan B, but I don¡¯t. I need a whole two to three billion before her father would acknowledge me as a son-in-law, but where would I be able to find that much? My Dad asked if I wanted to go to your sis-in-law¡¯s place to visit them in advance. When I heard him say that, I wanted to cry. Won¡¯t we just be sending ourselves to their doorstep to get humiliated?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun stopped talking once Yu Hao came back. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Finished chatting?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un¡­¡­you guys drank so much? Are you okay?¡±


    Zhou Sheng drank whiskey while Fu Liqun drank gin. Yu Hao noticed that their glasses were almost empty. He observed Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s expressions, Fu Liqun said, ¡°Just one glass, it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go, and play basketball!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, how are you gonna play basketball after drinking so much? But Fu Liqun actually did take a basketball and began playing a three-person basketball game with Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao on the field. The Mid-Autumn Festival was approaching; the moon was big, round and extremely bright.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go anymore.¡± Yu Hao dribbled, ¡°It¡¯s just as you guessed, her real objective is to get Chen Laoshi to help her with a column. I would just be a middleman who runs errands.¡±


    When Fu Liqun heard that, he understood it at once and said, ¡°She wants to have Kaikai as a consultant, but he¡¯s a college lecturer and concerned about shouldering the responsibility, so it¡¯s not convenient for him to step in, right?¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡±. Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°Go ah, what¡¯s wrong with that?¡±


    ¡°What if he¡­¡­overthinks it?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°About what?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao stood at a spot, shot, and the ball went in. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you thinking! Do you think he might like you? Yoho, look at how wild you¡¯re being.¡±


    Fu Liqun burst out laughing, and Yu Hao felt incredibly embarrassed for a moment. Zhou Sheng dribbled the ball a few times as he approached, ¡°I really won¡¯t eat any vinegar, just go if you want to.¡± As he spoke, his agile body turned sideways and passed Yu Hao, but Yu Hao reacted very quickly and stopped him with one move.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll try it out first?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If I can¡¯t do it, I¡¯ll resign. I won¡¯t take her remuneration in the beginning?¡±


    ¡°Un go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Yu Hao did a layup shot and thought, yi, why am I so good at basketball now?


    ¡°You guys are going easy on me again!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°When did we go easy on you?¡± As he spoke, he shot a three-pointer ¡ª it went in. Fu Liqun started calling out with ¡°wuwu¡±s.


    ¡¾Is Gege okay?¡¿


    When they returned to the dormitory, Yu Hao laid in bed and replied to Xiao Yujun¡¯s message first. Xiao Yujun was still awake. Yu Hao then messaged Zhou Sheng. He could tell that Fu Liqun seemed a little off recently ever since he wasn¡¯t able to contact Cen Shan.


    ¡¾He¡¯s okay, we¡¯ll talk in the dream.¡¿Zhou Sheng replied.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng wore the Golden Crow Wheel, and one of his hands crossed the bedside railings, ¡°Good night.¡± Then he pressed his hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead.


    Within an instant, the world was bright, and Yu Hao appeared in his dream.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡± Yu Hao never expected that Zhou Sheng would let him enter the dream tonight without the slightest warning.


    Ever since they left Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, he hardly had the chance to properly examine his dream. His dreamscape had undergone tremendous changes: the capital was still a capital, and the Great Wall in the distance was still the Great Wall. However, for as far as the eye could see, gingko trees were now planted everywhere and golden leaves swirled in the air.


    There was now a sky-high ferris wheel at the city¡¯s periphery. All the tiles in the city and its streets shone with a faint golden colour; heart-shaped kites flew everywhere in the capital under the blue sky, and the scene looked just as gorgeous as an oil painting in the sunshine.


    His totem changed! It rose from within the palace and was now suspended at the top of the palaces. Yu Hao identified it long ago, but he couldn¡¯t understand the form it had taken. It had changed from a silvery white shield into a circular ring and it seemed to resemble a jade pendant that emitted a faint, soft light.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Yu Hao asked the NPC who stood beside him.


    ¡°That¡¯s your totem, master.¡± A warrior answered.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dumb.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°Of course I know that.¡±


    But it was unlikely for NPC in dreams to give detailed answers. After all, these were all existences formed from his consciousness, so unless he more or less had an answer in mind, he wouldn¡¯t be able to get exact answers from the NPCs.


    Yu Hao looked at his totem for a while and thought, what does Zhou Sheng want to do today? He walked out of the palace and went to the platform where he had once chatted with Zhou Sheng over some tea. There was now another bar with luxurious decorations, with an abundance of good wine spread over the entire bar that looked identical to the ones in Liang Jinmin¡¯s house; there was a dazzling line-up in the wine cabinet as well. Shock was evident in Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. He entered the bar and touched the crystal wine cup that shone like a diamond.


    From the platform, the mountain ranges in the distance were visible, as well as the magnificent ferris wheel. It was like living in a fantasy movie.


    In the sky, a figure soared past, and an armor-clad Zhou Sheng flew over on his black dragon.


    Zhou Sheng landed on the platform, then the black dragon flew away. His metal armour made clinking sounds as he walked. Yu Hao stood behind the bar. Zhou Sheng removed his helmet, casually rested his hand on the table, and with the hand adorned in metal gloves, he snapped his fingers.


    ¡°Beauty, a glass of vodka.¡± Zhou Sheng said lazily, ¡°It¡¯s better to have a drink before going into battle.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. When he turned around and raised a finger, the vodka on the wine cabinet flew out by itself, emitting a frosty vapour. Yu Hao took a crystal cup and poured some vodka for him. Zhou Sheng drank half a cup, and his facial features became somewhat twisted.


    ¡°Strong liquor.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao with a hint of a smile in his eyes.


    ¡°How¡¯s the situation on the battlefield?¡± With a towel in his hand, Yu Hao casually took a cup and began wiping it. Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°Stuck in a deadlock.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome smile seemed very intoxicating, ¡°But for my lover, I¡¯ll go all out.¡±


    ¡°Tactics are important for everything.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We can¡¯t rely solely on military force.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Zhou Sheng nodded. He looked at Yu Hao¡¯s dreamscape and murmured, ¡°Successive defeats in every battle stem from General¡¯s fear.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you let your lover help you?¡± Yu Hao retrieved another cup.


    ¡°What do you want to mix?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    ¡°Do you know how to make Long Island Iced tea?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to try it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers several times, and four types of alcohol flew out of the wine cabinet. Yu Hao took out an ice bucket. Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers tapped the wine bottles in turn, a pleasant sound resounding as the metal and glass collided. Yu Hao added the alcohol in order.


    ¡°He can¡¯t participate in the brawl.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Because General you have¡­¡­a stubborn idea of protecting him?¡±


    Yu Hao looked up from the cocktail and glanced at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng watched the entire process of Yu Hao¡¯s mixing, ¡°Frankly speaking, it doesn¡¯t have much to do with that. I wouldn¡¯t be lonely anymore if I fought with him side by side. But¡­¡­within the impressions of my awareness, he doesn¡¯t have much combat strength against powerful monsters, he can only support me.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Just like when facing Lin Xun, in Kaikai¡¯s perception, Lin Xun doesn¡¯t take me seriously at all, so he also firmly believes that I wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat Lin Xun in the dreamscape.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So my wife¡¯s strength can only act on me directly, not on the final big boss, Satan.¡±


    ¡°Got it, what¡¯s next?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Theoretically speaking, this is my own battle.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But if he can sit in the spectator¡¯s grandstand, it¡¯ll give me motivation, and courage.¡±


    ¡°I said cocktail¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said. He had already mixed all the alcohol and placed them in the cocktail shaker.


    Zhou Sheng laughed. He took the cocktail shaker, placed it flat on his palm, then flipped it gently. The cocktail shaker flew up, and Zhou Sheng caught it with his shoulder like how he would catch a soccer ball; using his arm as support, the cocktail shaker knocked into his armour and the metal clanked. It rolled constantly, and this all appeared really nice.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then what can I do for you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Watch me fight for us.¡± As he spoke, he placed the cocktail shaker on the bar. Yu Hao put a cup on it, and Zhou Sheng poured the Long Island Iced Tea into the cup.


    What should I do? Yu Hao became immersed in his thoughts. But Zhou Sheng gently lifted his chin, crossed the bar, tilted his head slightly, and kissed him. Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck. They can finally do whatever they want in the dream.


    ¡°Wanna eat a popsicle?¡± Zhou Sheng whispered.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s lips, then his gaze shifted to his eyes.


    ¡°How would it feel like to eat a popsicle in a dream?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Never tried that before.¡±


    The cry of a dragon could be heard in the distance that shook the world. The black dragon soared and circled around the tops of the palaces, facing the totem in the middle with covetous eyes.


    The NPCs all looked like they were about to face a formidable enemy in an instant; they rushed towards the totem one after the other, each of them armed with their weapons, and began to clamour for war as they wanted to drive the black dragon away.


    Zhou Sheng flipped over the bar and pushed Yu Hao on the ground behind it.


    ¡°Get them to back down.¡± Zhou Sheng said next to Yu Hao¡¯s ear with a low, magnetic voice.


    Yu Hao gently patted Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder plate, and it disappeared in an instant, then he patted his breast plate and gauntlets ¡ª Zhou Sheng¡¯s armour disappeared one after another wherever he touched. His bare upper half exposed his strong and lean muscles. That warmth and heartbeat were almost the same as it was in reality.


    The NPCs slowly laid down their weapons and retreated.


    ¡°My wish in reality hasn¡¯t come true yet.¡± Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng and whispered next to his ear, ¡°And now it¡¯s changed to taking action in my dream, you said it yourself that this isn¡¯t good¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re just practicing in advance, don¡¯t be nervous.¡± Zhou Sheng pressed down on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder with one hand and grasped it lightly. Yu Hao¡¯s clothes instantly transformed into a robe that was effortlessly pulled off by Zhou Sheng with a ¡°whoosh¡±; it flew out of the platform and fluttered in the wind.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    ¡°I really want to eat ah¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze wandered, withdrew, then he looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    The black dragon remained on the top of the palace; it stretched its claws out and tried to touch the totem. The totem emitted some flames in gentle retaliation, but didn¡¯t punish it.

 Chapter 86.2 - Satan

    Yu Hao looked up, Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stop kissing him. The entire world seemed to have changed; a strong gale blew, and the leaves from the gingko trees were swept away. The black dragon mount grabbed the totem and crouched over his palace, letting out a roar like a declaration of sovereignty.


    The black dragon fiercely clawed the air and grabbed the totem! At the same time, Yu Hao looked down at Zhou Sheng; the brightness of the totem grew steadily, and then became incredibly hot as if it had turned into another sun. The brilliant white light of the totem and the Golden Crow Wheel that was suspended in the sky enhanced each others¡¯ beauty, and it all gushed into Yu Hao¡¯s mind in an instant.


    The strong light persisted for a very long time, before eventually ebbing away like a retreating tide. Yu Hao was suddenly struck by a thought.


    ¡°General?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°One more time.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°No fighting monsters anymore today, until daybreak.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s wings were dragged across the bar. His fair skin, long legs, narrow waist, and lean muscle contours all made him look extremely erotic.


    Yu Hao raised his hand and tried his best to catch the vague thought that had floated through his mind. He covered Zhou Sheng¡¯s cheek with his hand, Zhou Sheng leaned forward to kiss him, but confusion was still evident in his eyes.


    ¡°Totem.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng sat down cross-legged. He held Yu Hao¡¯s hand with one hand, rubbing against their intertwined fingers together. He looked up at the totem high up in the air, and at this time, the black dragon had flown away contentedly, but it was still staring at Yu Hao¡¯s totem and couldn¡¯t bear to fly too far away.


    ¡°My totem became your weapon.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°And it¡¯s also a shield.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So, you can bring my strength into the arena! I just can¡¯t partake in the battle, right?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yeah¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then my NPCs¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly fell silent.


    ¡°Have a drink?¡± Yu Hao asked, then learning from what Zhou Sheng did, snapped his fingers, and a set of clothes appeared. Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers as well, and his armour appeared, reassembled, then covered his body.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drink after winning, let¡¯s go!¡± Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand, whistled, but that black dragon was still staring at Yu Hao¡¯s totem, seemingly unwilling to part from it.


    ¡°Get the fuck down!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°It¡¯s time to get down to business!¡±


    So the black dragon could only turn around and fly back to the platform, carry Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, then pass through the Golden Crow Wheel.


    The Golden Crow Wheel platform on Zhou Sheng¡¯s sea of clouds was a radiant and splendid place between the heavens and earth. The rolling clouds had all turned pale blue and numerous clouds drifted around the Golden Crow Wheel, but what shocked Yu Hao even more was the crack in the clouds far from the platform ¡ª it was several miles long!


    Sunlight streamed through the crack in the clouds, which brought a brilliant radiance into the world with the arena.


    Although the dense layers of clouds had not completely dispersed, there was already a grand ray of sunlight several miles long that shone straight along the roaring seas and passed through the arena. The sea rippled with the golden light from the sky, and the spacious arena was well lit.On the Golden Crow Wheel platform, nearly 2,000 NPC warriors from Yu Hao¡¯s dream world had lined up in a neat formation.


    Zhou Sheng, clad in armour, made a quick headcount of the troops, then turned to Yu Hao. Yu Hao had fluttered his wings open and was now suspended in the air as he gazed at the arena¡¯s world on the earth.


    ¡°How many enemies are there?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°13, one of them has already been defeated, so 12 remain.¡±


    Yu Hao asked curiously, ¡°What was the first one?¡±


    Zhou Sheng dismissed it with a laugh, leapt up, and hugged Yu Hao.


    ¡°We¡¯re going down!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    The two of them turned into meteors and flew down to the arena. Yu Hao let out a loud cry; once they broke through the sea of clouds, his body changed again and turned into the white fox with wings like the previous time. Zhou Sheng hugged him tight with one hand while he whistled with the other. The black dragon flew over and caught them.


    The black dragon descended to the arena, and thunderous cheers could be heard from the audience!


    Satan, ¡°You¡¯re back again.¡±


    While he was in Zhou Sheng¡¯s embrace, the little fox studied the 11 black flames behind Satan and tried to deduce what they could represent. Aren¡¯t there way too many monsters here?!


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯d like to challenge Medusa again.¡±


    Satan said slowly amidst the roaring cheers, ¡°Your wounds have healed? Seems like you¡¯re in good spirits.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Satan added, ¡°But I have to remind you that you can¡¯t invite your companions to fight alongside you in your battles, unless you¡¯re determined to break the rules here.¡±


    The fox watched Satan, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯s not participating; he¡¯s just here to support me, and to supply me with courage and strength. Invite him to the spectators¡¯ grandstand.¡±


    Satan stretched his hand out, and the fox said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°You can do it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng touched the little fox gently, ¡°With you here, of course I can.¡±


    The fox jumped onto Satan¡¯s hand from Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder. Within an instant, a bright light burst forth and feathers swirled in the air ¡ª Yu Hao appeared in his angel form within that strong light.


    ¡°Welcome, distinguished guest.¡± Satan was suspended in mid air as he held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and flew towards the VIP stand that faced the arena.


    Yu Hao looked back and saw that Zhou Sheng was still standing in the arena; he looked up at the sky; the clouds were surging, and sunlight spilled all over the arena.


    As long as there was a ray of sunlight, then there would be hope.


    ¡°Please, take a seat.¡± Satan said politely and seated Yu Hao in a place of honour with a soft cushion that faced the arena. ¡°I think the master of the dreamscape still needs to make some preparations, so please wait a moment.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was in the arena, whispering to his black dragon.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Talking to his own dick does seem pretty strange.¡±


    Satan laughed, ¡°There¡¯s an obvious error in your perception. Bahamut represents his unyielding character and beastly nature, it¡¯s not a concrete representation of his genitals.¡±


    ¡°Oh is that so¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao turned to Satan and smiled, ¡°Then what about you?¡±


    Talking about the black dragon was just the opening act, Yu Hao¡¯s real purpose only revealed itself now.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± The corners of Satan¡¯s lips became slightly upturned. He raised an eyebrow, and there was an intense insidiousness in his smile; Yu Hao suddenly felt like he had seen that before ¡ª that smile was too familiar!


    ¡°You¡¯re Zhou Sheng too?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re his dark self.¡±


    Satan changed his form: his horns gradually faded away, and he turned into a Zhou Sheng who was clad in black armour. A murderous and ridiculing air surrounded him. He sat next to Yu Hao and faced him, then whispered, ¡°That¡¯s right. I love you as much as he does, and I love you so much I¡¯m going crazy. I want to imprison you, control you, and make you cry because of your love for me. I want to hurt you, and carefully gnaw on your feelings for me.¡±


    ¡°Is it your negativity towards love?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s fortunate you¡¯re restraining yourself.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s the one restraining me.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng sneered, ¡°Or else I would¡¯ve tortured you into a very miserable state. Little fox, be with me ba, I guarantee that it¡¯ll be a whole new experience.¡±


    ¡°Like getting SM-ed by you every day?¡± Yu Hao retorted.


    Dark Zhou Sheng began caressing Yu Hao¡¯s wings, but Yu Hao¡¯s halo suddenly appeared and deflected him with a ¡°buzz¡±.


    Dark Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°You should be a bit more obedient, then you wouldn¡¯t anger me. Don¡¯t look at how patient I¡¯m being now, that¡¯s only because we¡¯re currently in our honeymoon period. It¡¯s hard to say what will happen once it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°I like a little spice too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But if we have to fight endlessly over gaining control in the relationship, then spare me.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered the first time he fought his dark self in the palace with Zhou Sheng¡¯s help.


    ¡°Which couple isn¡¯t like that in this world?¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Liang Laoshi used to think like that too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But I believe a relationship should be properly managed.¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng laughed it off.


    ¡°I remember that in other people¡¯s dreamscapes, there¡¯s no rule of not letting others beat you up directly.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We have always just run around wantonly as we pleased.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice carried a tinge of magnetism, ¡°But that¡¯s only when you ignore the rules. If you want to defeat his inner self by following the prescribed order, then you¡¯ll have to follow my rules. When challenging me, I wouldn¡¯t mind it if the two of you do it together. Of course, you guys could choose to ignore the rules, and I will take all the apostles back. I believe that¡¯s not what you want to see.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What if the challenge fails?¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng lifted Yu Hao¡¯s chin and whispered, ¡°By then, I¡¯ll be the one to control you. What do you think of me?¡±


    Yu Hao gazed into Dark Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes. His eyes were like deep, dark wells, and he could feel Zhou Sheng¡¯s intense, demonic love.


    ¡°To be honest, I don¡¯t approve of how he¡¯s treating you right now.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯ll spoil you, and people are always like this: once they get used to how well others treat them, they¡¯ll turned greedy and insatiable, become accustomed to it, and start asking for more. If he can¡¯t give you as much one day, you¡¯ll feel like he doesn¡¯t love you anymore. After the passion fades, the two of you will sink into a quagmire of endless quarrels, and you¡¯ll want to leave him¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned Dark Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand over, pressed it against the table, took a dagger out, and stabbed it into the table with a ¡°thud¡± ¡ª the dagger was nailed down right in between Dark Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers.


    ¡°Behave yourself.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Keep your hands off of me in public. I won¡¯t.¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng smiled and said slowly, ¡°The Devil and Archangel seem destined to be sworn enemies for life.¡±


    Yu Hao looked in front of the table, ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    There was a circle of light that floated atop the table ¡ª Zhou Sheng stretched his forefinger and middle finger out to touch it, and that light began flowing around his fingers.


    ¡°You already have an answer in mind.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said.


    Totem, that¡¯s Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but shift his gaze from the totem to the arena.


    Zhou Sheng touched the black dragon¡¯s head, parted from him, then said in a loud voice, ¡°Start ba!¡±


    Yu Hao became nervous. But suddenly, a sound travelled over from afar and rang out close by. Zhou Sheng looked around his surroundings, then looked up at the sky ¡ª the entire conscious world was beginning to twist and blur.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao realised something, but a white light burst out from where Zhou Sheng was and the ancient Roman arena rapidly disintegrated. A loud sound blared, sweeping across Yu Hao, and then the dream world fell apart.


    Yu Hao woke up from the dream and heard an alarm clock ring nonstop on Fu Liqun¡¯s bed that was across from his.


    ¡°Why the hell did you set an alarm during the holidays?!¡± Zhou Sheng blew up and sat up abruptly. Yu Hao suddenly burst out laughing while tossing and turning in bed.


    Yet Fu Liqun was the last to wake up. In his groggy state, he got up to turn the alarm clock off and said, ¡°Sorry, I forgot about it.¡± Then he climbed down the ladder to go to the toilet.


    Zhou Sheng was on the verge of exploding from anger, while Yu Hao just looked helpless. Fu Liqun got back onto his bed. It was already bright outside, and sunlight was streaming into their dormitory through the curtains.


    Yu Hao had just moved when he immediately sensed something. He quickly lifted the blanket, while Zhou Sheng threw him a pair of underwear from underneath his bed for him to change into. Looks like that one time in his dreamscape led to a conditioned reflex in reality.


    Zhou Sheng went to take a bath before he got back onto his bed. Yu Hao went to take a bath too, and after their baths, neither of them felt like sleeping anymore.


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand at Yu Hao, and Yu Hao moved closer onto his bed. However, Zhou Sheng slept closer to the outer edge of his bed and pointed next to him, signalling to Yu Hao to come over. Yu Hao looked at Fu Liqun; Fu Liqun had turned over and was facing the wall.


    Yu Hao tiptoed over. The single bed in their college¡¯s dormitory was very small, and with the two of them squeezing onto it, they could only hug each other as they slept. No matter where Yu Hao placed one of his hands, it felt uncomfortable, so he turned around and let Zhou Sheng hug him from behind.


    The weather was beginning to cool down. Even after taking a bath, Zhou Sheng still had a strong masculine scent and poked Yu Hao from the back. Yu Hao thought this guy really is a beast¡­¡­once in the day yesterday, shot once in the dream, but his desire was still as strong as ever.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep anymore after taking a bath.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered.


    ¡°Sleep at night ba.¡± Yu Hao said in a very soft voice.


    ¡°Sorry my babies.¡± Fu Liqun said without any longing for life.


    Zhou Sheng quickly said that it was okay, Yu Hao typed out a row of words on his phone to show Zhou Sheng:¡¾Is Satan the dark you?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng let Yu Hao rest his head on one of his arms and freed his other arm:¡¾I don¡¯t know, should be ba? Who else would it be?¡¿


    Yu Hao always thought it seemed strange, because that meant that the Zhou Sheng who was hugging him now was both General and Satan. But when he thought about it carefully, he could also somewhat understand it. Although General¡¯s integrity prevails most of the time, there are times when Zhou Sheng could be a bit mean, although he didn¡¯t really know how to explain it.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: GDI Fu Liqun, did you have to be the guy who forgets to turn his alarm off for the holidays.


    Dollars: I need fan arts of the lust dragon eyeball-sexing HaoHao¡¯s totem


    Zryuu: Haohao was so cool with his dagger hehe

 Chapter 87.1 - Part-Time Job

    Ch87.1 ¨C Part-Time Job


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾What did Satan say to you? Do you find me really annoying sometimes?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾How could that be? I love you so much I can barely stand it.¡¿


    Yu Hao turned around and looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes. Zhou Sheng kissed him gently, his expression slightly sombre. Yu Hao thought that Satan¡¯s words might represent the other side of Zhou Sheng being forsaken. While he sometimes hated himself, he was also afraid of hurting Yu Hao. Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng had always felt very conflicted before his confession, but looking at it now, it seemed that Zhou Sheng had been very careful every day after they had confirmed their relationship.


    He wanted to protect his love with Yu Hao and was always trying to guess his thoughts. In the past, Yu Hao seldom directly spoke his mind. After he got together with Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng would always ask, ¡°Can¡¯t you be a bit more honest and face yourself head-on?¡± And thus under Zhou Sheng¡¯s influence, Yu Hao gradually became more frank about his feelings.


    On the contrary, Zhou Sheng was the one who often ruminated in silence during the month following the confession. Sometimes, he couldn¡¯t tell if Yu Hao was angry or not and would always be a little anxious.


    Yu Hao:¡¾I think you¡¯ve become a little dumb.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾How am I dumb? You¡¯re dumb.¡¿


    Yu Hao laughed:¡¾Actually you can just treat me like how you used to in the past.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng stopped typing. Yu Hao immediately sensed that Zhou Sheng might have misunderstood him, so he quickly explained:¡¾I didn¡¯t mean to return to how things were before we got together. I¡¯m saying that even if you were like how you used to be, I would still be very happy. You¡¯re too good to me, I¡¯m a little scared.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾What are you scared of?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Scared that you would exhaust all your enthusiasm, and that you¡¯ll gradually stop liking me. You¡¯re so outstanding, being with you is just like winning the lottery.¡¿


    Yu Hao could feel that Zhou Sheng was laughing. He was about to clarify further when Zhou Sheng pressed his phone down, made Yu Hao turn around, and held him tightly in his arms.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get a room ba.¡± Yu Hao whispered into Zhou Sheng¡¯s ear.


    Zhou Sheng said in a soft voice, ¡°Not yet, I¡¯m worried that you¡¯ll feel uncomfortable because of the pain.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯ll hurt no matter when we get a room¡­¡­would it somehow not hurt if we keep delaying it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed again and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m already prepared, are you that eager? Ah?¡±


    Yu Hao was originally very embarrassed about ¡°seeking to join bodies¡±, but after today, he suddenly became frank. He once saw in a book that after a couple confirms their relationship and they enter a stable period, it would be easy for a kind of tug-of-war mentality to emerge. In order to compete for control of a relationship, they would seldom declare their admiration for their partner.


    It was as if praising their partners too much would lead the other to become proud and complacent, and allow the other to hold the reins in the relationship. Jealousy could even arise in such an unhealthy relationship, and they could end up disparaging the other in order to feel better about themselves.


    Yu Hao has always thought that Zhou Sheng was very handsome and outstanding ¡ª he was practically his male god. However, after enduring those days in conflict, he rarely expressed his admiration for Zhou Sheng. That wasn¡¯t good. Yu Hao decided that from now on, he would speak frankly and show how smitten he was with his boyfriend, to let his boyfriend know how much he loved him.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Food and sex are men¡¯s greatest desires; we won¡¯t get a room, but it¡¯ll be the same if we have good food. I¡¯ll cook for you.¡±


    ¡°I want to eat too.¡± Fu Liqun said from the opposite bunk, ¡°Now only good food can heal me.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up in resignation. He went down for a morning run and then made his way to the vegetable market in the mountains to buy groceries. Mandarin fish in the rivers were starting to grow plump as they entered autumn. After he came back, he made boiled mandarin fish porridge with the electric rice cooker; it was incredibly fresh and sweet with a side dish of sweet and sour pickled cucumbers. Fu Liqun sighed, ¡°I feel so much better now!¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I haven¡¯t gotten even with you over how your alarm woke me up!¡±


    After breakfast, Yu Hao received news from Xiao Yujun asking if he could help out today, so Yu Hao prepared to go out. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng accompanied Fu Liqun to search for a part-time job. Xiao Yujun planned to prepare two topics before the end of the National Day holidays, so that after the holidays, once her editors examine them, she could start publishing straight away.


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t expected to start work so soon, and there were things about this job that felt a little strange to him as well. He had no official position, no contract, no salary that was explicitly discussed with him; but it was impossible for Xiao Yujun to cheat him because he still had Huang Ting as a backer. And thus, Yu Hao held back from asking. I¡¯ll see how long you can hold back for.


    ¡°In a relationship?¡± In the cafe, Xiao Yujun was pondering about the interview and saw the hickey on Yu Hao¡¯s neck at a glance.


    Yu Hao quickly pulled his T-shirt up. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°That¡¯s practically torturing single dogs to death. Does your wife have any objections to you working a part-time job during the holidays?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°They asked me to come, it¡¯s okay. You can be in a relationship if you want ma, Huang Ting¡¯s a pretty good guy.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to casually help Huang Ting even if he wasn¡¯t very good at this.


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°What did he say to you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s combat ability was obviously lacking, ¡°I just think that the two of you seem to have a pretty good relationship.¡±


    ¡°If you want to be a matchmaker, why not matchmake me with male god?¡± Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°There must be something fishy about this.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, every single one of you are human spirits, but Xiao Yujun said with a stern expression, ¡°Bei Xiaozhou promised us only ten minutes. When the time comes, I¡¯ll ask her the questions. Don¡¯t interject, and I¡¯ll tell you what to do once we¡¯re finished.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and looked at his watch ¡ª it was still five minutes to nine o¡¯clock. Bei Xiaozhou arrived. Xiao Yujun quickly rose to shake hands with her. It seemed Bei Xiaozhou was a little unwilling from her expression; she sat down and opened her compact mirror to draw her eyebrows and said coldly, ¡°Ask ba.¡±


    Xiao Yujun flipped through her printed materials. Bei Xiaozhou suddenly looked up from her compact mirror and looked at Yu Hao. She frowned, ¡°It¡¯s you?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly smiled and nodded.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that Bei Xiaozhou would remember him after just seeing him once from afar.


    ¡°The two of you know each other?¡± Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so?¡± As she spoke, she nudged Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You remember me?¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou closed her compact and laughed. Xiao Yujun keenly became aware of something and said, ¡°Yu Hao¡¯s an intern accompanying me.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you just a sophomore?¡± Bei Xiaozhou scrutinised Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°We¡¯re friends, I¡¯m here to help.¡±


    ¡°Is that so¡­¡­¡± Bei Xiaozhou briefly thought about it, then said, ¡°Un, Xiao Laoshi, do your interview first ba.¡±


    Xiao Yujun observed Bei Xiaozhou¡¯s expression. She has more than two million fans and was definitely someone she couldn¡¯t afford to provoke. If she was angered, her fans could blow it up, and she might even get scolded.


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s questions were very pointed, but she always smiled as she asked them ¡ª they included questions about the branded bags Xiaozhou used online, her usual holidays, advertising fees, and so on. When Yu Hao heard the questions, even he thought they seemed too offensive, but Xiao Yujun¡¯s smile as she asked the questions could effectively alleviate the displeasure of the interview.


    After they spoke for about ten minutes, the person-in-charge from Bei Xiaozhou¡¯s agency came. He didn¡¯t look very happy, but when he saw that Xiaozhou¡¯s attitude seemed good, he didn¡¯t put a stop to things and only occasionally interjected from the side. Xiao Yujun would ask a question, then Bei Xiaozhou would answer it. Yu Hao looked at his watch; they had chatted for a full 50 minutes.


    Finally, Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Do you have anything you want to say to your fans?¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Is this a feature article? You¡¯re asking so many questions.¡±


    Xiao Yujun smiled and didn¡¯t answer. Bei Xiaozhou pondered over it for awhile before answering, ¡°Live your own lives well ba, no matter how brilliant this life may seem, it still belongs to someone else in the end.¡±


    Her manager suddenly turned pale, but Bei Xiaozhou still looked indifferent. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Bei Xiaozhou said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s talk.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, what¡¯s there for us to talk about? Don¡¯t tell me you want me to help you ask Zhou Sheng out ba? I¡¯m sorry! He already belongs to someone else now!


    The manager and Xiao Yujun left. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Oh? About how I¡¯m a kept woman and such?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Of course not. They all say that you¡¯re the goddess of my classmates in the opposite and adjacent dorms.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou kept silent. Yu Hao said, ¡°As for Jingya and Zhou Sheng, I can¡¯t help much¡­¡­¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou suddenly said, ¡°Thank you, Yu Hao. Thank you both.¡± As she spoke, she smiled.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve done me a huge favour.¡± Bei Xiaozhou¡¯s eyebrows raised slightly, ¡°I had no other choice but to accompany Xiao Ya the other day. At that time, I was even ready to give up.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°The two of you¡­¡­you¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao comprehended the ¡®you understand¡¯ gaze that Bei Xiaozhou gave him, and instantly felt a mutual tacit understanding with her. He couldn¡¯t help but burst out laughing. Bei Xiaozhou sighed again helplessly.


    ¡°Then her?¡± Yu Hao asked Bei Xiaozhou tentatively.


    Bei Xiaozhou revealed a slightly melancholic smile. When he connected it to when Zhou Sheng said ¡®it¡¯s hard for me to say¡¯, Yu Hao immediately had a hunch that Bei Xiaozhou and Huang Jingya must have sunk into a muddy state in their relationship too. Perhaps they had dated once, but before the sky turned bright for them, Huang Jingya had to get in touch with Zhou Sheng because of the pressure from her father. Moreover, she had even very vaguely liked Zhou Sheng a little.


    ¡°What are you laughing at?¡± Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Is it that funny?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I feel like you¡¯re the female version of Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou flicked her long hair and said with a solemn countenance, ¡°That¡¯s practically the worst way I¡¯ve ever been blackened so far. Jiejie is a very gentle person, okay? How am I in any way like that ruffian at all?!¡± Then her hair happened to fall weirdly on her face, which made Yu Hao laugh even harder as he laid on the table.


    ¡°Are you done laughing?!¡± Bei Xiaozhou said angrily.

 Chapter 87.2 - Part-Time Job

    Ch87.2 ¨C Part-Time Job


    Yu Hao waved his hand, ¡°I think for this kind of matter, the most important thing is for Jingya to first think it through carefully herself.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Girls tend to spend more time thinking things through compared to guys in the first place. But when it comes to feelings na, if they were so easy to understand clearly, then how could there be so many unhappy couples in this world?¡±


    Yu Hao had to nod in response and answered, ¡°You¡¯re so right.¡±


    ¡°Do you have Weibo?¡± Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°I¡¯ll follow you bei.¡±


    Yu Hao was somewhat overwhelmed by these blessings from above, ¡°Don¡¯t ba! You have two million fans! If your fans end up making random speculations¡­¡­¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°False reputations will never last, why bother about it? What¡¯s your Weibo name?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s Weibo only contained simple pictures of his college¡¯s scenery, as well as the trees, flowers, rainy days etc. that he uploaded after he got together with Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng often mocked his photos for being too lousy, but Yu Hao just quietly enjoyed them by himself¡ª¡ª he only wanted to record his feelings at the time, but he didn¡¯t flaunt his affections in his Moments.


    ¡°Does Zhou Laichun know about it?¡± Bei Xiaozhou asked.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°He shouldn¡¯t know. I think it may be alright after graduation.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Be careful, Zhou Laichun isn¡¯t someone to be trifled with. That guy¡¯s a boor, too much of a ruffian.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°But it¡¯s nothing much, Zhou Sheng will protect you.¡± Bei Xiaozhou said casually, then stared out of the cafe¡¯s French windows in a daze, ¡°It¡¯s natural to protect the person you like.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How could you tell?¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Zhou Sheng never mentioned his dorm mates or classmates to Xiao Ya, I could tell that there was no chance just by listening to him. I guessed that he most likely already had someone he liked and asked Xiao Ya not to try. When I saw you follow him the other day, I guessed that it was you. Your T-shirt looks pretty good, you guys have already discussed it, right?¡±


    Yu Hao tugged his collar again awkwardly to cover Zhou Sheng¡¯s hickey and nodded.


    ¡°After discussing it,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I actually feel quite guilty instead. The better he treats me, the more uneasy I become. After all, everything was going fine for him in the first place¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You must not think like that.¡± Bei Xiaozhou leaned forward slightly and said, ¡°Being overly cautious and feeling like you¡¯ve harmed him all the time is the most irresponsible thing to do. You must treat him well, under any circumstance, no matter how difficult it may be, you definitely can¡¯t give up!¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao felt moved. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Xiao Yujun opened up her laptop at another table to sort out her manuscript, while Bei Xiaozhou¡¯s manager would glance over at them from time to time. Half an hour had already passed, but Yu Hao was still chatting with Bei Xiaozhou. Only then did Yu Hao know that Huang Jingya was a fan of Bei Xiaozhou at first; she started following her and had even given her presents. Bei Xiaozhou met up with her since she was grateful for her support, and then the two of them gradually became close.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    In many people¡¯s eyes, Bei Xiaozhou¡¯s bright and glamorous life was attained through selling her body. In reality, Bei Xiaozhou has never slept with anyone and even used to live a life of hardship.


    ¡°When I was at my poorest.¡± Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°I had to travel somewhere for my modelling interview, and in order to save on the bus fare, I walked three bus stops in winter. Do you understand that kind of feeling?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand that very well. I used to do that as well; it was really despairing. Also, if it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng, I would¡¯ve already been dead by now.¡±


    ¡°Right?¡± Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°But even when I was at my poorest, I never considered sleeping with anyone. When I see the comments left on my Weibo sometimes ¡ª especially the ones left behind by guys ¡ª that are full of unrestrained rebuke, I get so damn angry. In their eyes, I¡¯m just a prostitute. I once cried for a whole night. At that time I thought, I relied on my own efforts to make money and live the life I want, so who did I provoke? And whose ancestor¡¯s grave did I dig up? Why do they hate me so much? But Xiao Ya told me not to care about what they say. In that way, she¡¯s the one who¡¯s more like that ruffian.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt that he had touched upon something that Xiao Yujun couldn¡¯t ask.


    ¡°Can I add all this into the interview piece?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Regarding the clarification of your job and some rumours.¡±


    ¡°You can.¡± Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°You can write whatever, I don¡¯t care. Just don¡¯t mention the part about Xiao Ya.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°Of course I won¡¯t. They were both sent by God to save us.¡±


    Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°Yeah, so it¡¯s impossible for them to get together. If too many resources are wasted, they¡¯ll get struck by lightning.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed again. Bei Xiaozhou said, ¡°I owe you a favour. If you need help in the future, feel free to look for me. Here, cheers.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really something, aren¡¯t you? How are you acquainted with that internet celebrity Jiejie?¡±


    After Bei Xiaozhou left, Xiao Yujun was very surprised by this.


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°uh¡± and said, ¡°We talked about how hard she worked at her job.¡±


    Xiao Yujun scrutinised Yu Hao for a moment, ¡°Are you going to include it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can try?¡±


    Xiao Yujun made a call and brought Yu Hao to their second appointment with another internet celebrity. Yu Hao took his laptop out in the other cafe and transcribed some of his interview with Bei Xiaozhou. They worked until 4pm; Zhou Sheng came to pick Yu Hao up while Xiao Yujun was still talking. They had interviewed six people in total. All the internet celebrity girls didn¡¯t want to pay much attention to Xiao Yujun, but they were quite interested in Yu Hao.


    ¡°I¡¯ll treat the little Gege to a sandwich ba.¡± One of the girls said, ¡°He looks so hungry.¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely touched that someone actually noticed that he hadn¡¯t eaten yet.


    In the end, Xiao Yujun nodded and passed Yu Hao a USB, ¡°For Male God, you¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took over and went back to the college with Yu Hao. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Bei Xiaozhou didn¡¯t do anything to you ba?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng walked to a place devoid of people. He remembered how Bei Xiaozhou had said ¡®you definitely can¡¯t give up¡¯, and as he thought about it, he turned around and hugged Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng instantly burst with joy and said, ¡°What? What is it? After not seeing each other for the whole day, did you miss your hubby?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t get bullied ba?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you got bullied then don¡¯t do this anymore; I¡¯ll take revenge for you.¡±


    Yu Hao leaned on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder and felt Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart beating wildly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, everything¡¯s fine.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s look for Kaikai first, then we can go for dinner. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun both found part-time jobs. Zhou Sheng began tutoring a junior high student in math, while Fu Liqun went to a gym to become an assistant equipment coach to protect customers from getting injured when they¡¯re adding weights, as well as tidying up the equipment and other odd jobs.


    ¡°Oh my god,¡± Zhou Sheng was complaining about the junior high student, ¡°He¡¯s so difficult to teach, way too rebellious. I¡¯m so tempted to hit him.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°They¡¯re all like that, being a tutor is hard work.¡±


    It was obvious that Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t been getting much sleep recently. This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time talking to him since the end of summer vacation. His house was now decorated in a similar style to the safe haven in his dream, and even the tablecloth was exactly the same. However there was a messy pile of materials on the table ¡ª including the subjects and schedule used for their college¡¯s appraisal, the course analysis for next semester, as well as Lin Xun¡¯s case report.


    ¡°Want anything to drink?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°How many hours of sleep are you getting a day?¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t help but ask.


    Chen Yekai used one hand to gesture a number and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t been sleeping much. Drink low caffeine coffee ba, don¡¯t lose sleep at night. Still seizing dreams recently?¡±


    Yu Hao passed the USB to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai printed out the data, and made coffee for the both of them while it printed.


    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I can only give you the Golden Crow Wheel after a while.¡±


    Yu Hao threw Zhou Sheng a meaningful look and pointed at himself, then pointed at Zhou Sheng to indicate whether or not they should tell Chen Yekai that they were together. But Zhou Sheng waved his hand and stopped Yu Hao from saying anything first.


    ¡°When Junjun approached me regarding this topic, I was very interested in it.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But since I¡¯m still in the college, I can¡¯t participate in social interviews, so I can only do it through you. Yu Hao, it must be hard on you, you should be very busy this semester.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai was always like this ¡ª he was obviously the one helping others, yet he would talk about it as if he was troubling others instead. Chen Yekai sat down with the coffee he brought over. Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s not much to do, it¡¯ll only take a month or two at most. With Junjun Jie¡¯s interview speed, it¡¯ll all be done soon.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­let me take a look¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai began reading the printed material, while Zhou Sheng laid on Chen Yekai¡¯s sofa and played with his new Switch.


    Chen Yekai glanced at Zhou Sheng, ¡°A friend gave me that, you can take it back to play with it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t, it wasn¡¯t easy for Fu Liqun to start getting his act together. Give him another console, and he¡¯ll lead a befuddled existence again.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re hungry ba.¡± Chen Yekai could tell that Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were slightly on edge. Zhou Sheng sporadically pressed down on the console buttons forcefully, while Yu Hao repeatedly flipped through the materials, so he got up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll make you guys something to eat.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it ba.¡± Zhou Sheng threw the console aside and got up to rummage through Chen Yekai¡¯s kitchen. There were only six eggs, half a bag of rice, and a pot of cold rice.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Accompanied her for the interview?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good. By dealing with interviewees face to face, you¡¯ll be able to better understand the unspoken subtext of her questions, and there might even be new discoveries.¡±


    ¡°Yes, it really is like that!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Even though I was just watching from the side, I could roughly understand the interviewees today, but I¡¯m often unable to figure out how to phrase the content coherently¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Language and words aren¡¯t important. First of all, you need to understand it yourself and pursue the inherent nature through your observations.¡± Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°Why would Bei Xiaozhou say the things she did today? Why did she choose this kind of life? Does she really like it from the bottom of her heart, or was she influenced by her environment? Why would she like it? The quintessence behind studying Psychology is to ask ¡®why¡¯. This what it means to be people-oriented.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s gaze shifted from the materials to Chen Yekai¡¯s face. Chen Yekai took out several thumbtacks from the stationery box and pinned an A1 paper to the wall of the dining room. He then took a pen and began to analyze Yu Hao¡¯s social data.


    ¡°Learn how to draw a mind map.¡± Chen Yekai added, ¡°Try to sort out all the convoluted and complicated information you obtained, then search for its underlying essence.¡±


    As Yu Hao watched Chen Yekai begin to reconstruct the underlying thoughts of the interviewees according to the data he had, he just wanted to exclaim ¡®male god!¡¯ Chen Yekai was way too strong; his lines of thought were all very clear-cut.


    ¡°Consumerism culture redefines personal values in our era, and by involving ourselves in it, everyone will be affected. From the theme of this article, it can be said that Xiao Yujun is committed to eliminating the generation gap between parents and young people. The collision and conflict of these two different values is the essence behind this issue¡¯s topic.¡±


    ¡°In the 1970s and 1980s, people still held the idea of starting from scratch and weren¡¯t very aware of the idea of consumerism, which is the root cause of the adolescents¡¯ infatuation with internet celebrities. But their parents can¡¯t understand it, and think that they¡¯re bad role models¡­¡­thank you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually picked a handful of leaves from the peppermint plant in Chen Yekai¡¯s house, and after he chopped it up, he made fried rice with peppermint and eggs. The three of them talked as they ate. Chen Yekai had a shocked expression after the first bite.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Seems like I put in too much salt.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Drink more water later ba.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just right.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m starving, I only had a sandwich this afternoon¡­¡­This fried rice with mint is really fragrant, it¡¯s so good.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Eat more, there¡¯s still some in the pot. So Kaikai, you think it¡¯s wrong to depend on buying bags, shoes, and other luxury goods to obtain happiness?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the significance behind doing this topic.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao, organise the piece first before sending it to me. I¡¯ll help you revise it once and then send it to Xiao Yujun.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 88.1 - Courage

    Ch88.1 ¨C Courage


    Under the moonlight, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng left the teacher¡¯s dormitory and walked onto the field. Zhou Sheng extended a hand towards Yu Hao and within the tranquil silence, the two of them held hands as they swung them back and forth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t wanna go back to the dorm.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Then do you wanna go to the woods? Yu Hao laughed, ¡°We¡¯ll get caught by security.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed too. They constantly had to be very cautious when they wanted to be intimate now; in the dormitory they were afraid of attacking Fu Liqun, and they had to be cautious of getting photographed outside. Basically, they couldn¡¯t do anything anywhere.


    ¡°I have a feeling that Kaikai really does like you.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ai, that¡¯s impossible. Why would he like me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s as if he¡¯s shaping you, didn¡¯t you notice?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What?¡±


    For a moment Yu Hao didn¡¯t understand what Zhou Sheng was saying. Zhou Sheng let go of Yu Hao¡¯s hand and turned around to walk backwards while facing him, ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice? Kaikai¡¯s always teaching you things, guiding you, and shaping you into who he wants you to be.¡±


    When he said this, Zhou Sheng seemed a little disheartened.


    Yu Hao vaguely understood what Zhou Sheng meant. Chen Yekai did pay very close attention to him and was aware that he was unwilling to accept material gifts. so Chen Yekai would always plan some ¡®coincidences¡¯ to guide him, allowing him to gain more knowledge. He was shaping Yu Hao¡¯s values and outlook on life, while also stimulating him to think more deeply.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I intended to tell him that we¡¯re together today.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ll need to find a suitable time to tell him that yourself seriously. If only I was a bit more powerful.¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned. He suddenly understood why Zhou Sheng had been acting a bit strange recently.


    ¡°Like Kaikai?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Fish, is what I want. A bear¡¯s paw, is what I want.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a bored manner, ¡°The two can¡¯t be attained together; sacrifice life for the sake of justice.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked up at Yu Hao and smiled a little sadly. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why Zhou Sheng would suddenly utter these words out of nowhere.


    Suddenly, a thought flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s mind, as if he had vaguely guessed Zhou Sheng¡¯s tiny knot in his heart that was at a level that could only be understood but not explained. Similar occasions had occurred many times before ¡ª it seemed that after he gave Zhou Sheng his totem, and it became a part of his conscious world, he would often have occasional flashes of inspiration that create a resonance between their thoughts.


    After Zhou Sheng confirmed their relationship, he wanted to work hard to take care of him and provide him the best material comforts; but once Zhou Laichun learns that his son is gay, he will definitely force them to break up. Insisting to be with Yu Hao meant that they would have to meet with Zhou Laichun¡¯s opposition in the future.


    At that time, an intense conflict would erupt between Zhou Sheng and his father. On his birthday, after Zhou Sheng finished talking to his father, even without him expressing it, Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng had accepted the idea that Zhou Laichun¡¯s words might have sounded coarse, but the reasoning behind them wasn¡¯t.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You want to tell your Dad? Isn¡¯t it a bit too early?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Early? Haven¡¯t we been together since the first day we met?¡±


    Yu Hao was rendered momentarily speechless. Zhou Sheng touched Yu Hao¡¯s face in contemplation, then continued, ¡°Do you think it¡¯s more suitable to tell him after graduation, or now?¡±


    If Yu Hao was allowed to choose, he wouldn¡¯t want Zhou Sheng¡¯s parents to know or get implicated for this lifetime. But everyone knew that this was basically impossible; Zhou Laichun clearly wanted to interfere in his son¡¯s life. Whether or not they said it now or after graduation wouldn¡¯t make much of a difference.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can¡¯t be like sis-in-law, it won¡¯t be good for us¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sis-in-law is different.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°She said it long ago, it¡¯s just that her family doesn¡¯t support it.¡±


    Cen Shan¡¯s situation was known when she graduated from senior high and was naturally subjected to intense opposition from her father. He even laid in a hospital for half a month and almost suffered a stroke because of Cen Shan. So Cen Shan could only continue dating Fu Liqun while putting up a passive resistance, but her father gave her an ultimatum in the end. In consideration of her father¡¯s health, Cen Shan could only lie to him that she had already broken up with Fu Liqun.


    Fu Liqun was extremely upset and said something like ¡®then let¡¯s break up ba¡¯, which was why he got drunk last winter and went to seek reconciliation.


    Zhou Sheng said patiently, ¡°What do you think the best situation would be?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°We had established a premise from the beginning: being together is something that my parents would definitely not be able to accept.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao nodded. He was convinced that Zhou Sheng¡¯s parents would not accept their son dating another guy.


    ¡°But what if they can accept it?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I can go to his company to help and do whatever he wants me to do, and they would accept you too. Wouldn¡¯t that be the best outcome?¡±


    In that case, Zhou Sheng¡¯s future, as well as his future with Yu Hao would be settled.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I think your father would be so angry at us that he¡¯d suffer a stroke. I¡¯m not just saying that.¡±


    ¡°I want to inflict them with trauma.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s no reason for them to be the only ones inflicting trauma, this is my counterattack too.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I know that this would be absolutely unacceptable to them for a while.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°I don¡¯t even care about them threatening to cut off all ties, so what else can he do? After admitting it honestly, there¡¯ll be nothing to be afraid of, and I¡¯d even be able to choke those two up for quite a few years, and in the end?¡±


    Yu Hao had to admit that Zhou Sheng had thought this out quite meticulously.


    ¡°In the end they would slowly give in.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If they don¡¯t, then we¡¯ll just not see each other for the rest of our lives bei, how would that be any different to how we are now?¡±


    Yu Hao understood what Zhou Sheng was trying to express. He treated their relationship very seriously and was regarding the revelation of their relationship as a psychological offensive and defensive war with his parents. He wasn¡¯t relying on luck, he was trying to leave them with no other choice but to accept it little by little.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be done by Xue Long, nor can it be done by Huang Jingya¡¯s father. We have to take the initiative.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Otherwise, if we wait until graduation, we¡¯ll have to find a job and the initiative would fall into the hands of my old man.¡±


    Yu Hao thought for a really long time before saying, ¡°You decide ba. As long as you¡¯ve made your resolve, I¡¯ll accompany you, no matter what you do.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t respond.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But do you know that I often think about our future too? This responsibility is both yours and mine to carry. Don¡¯t shoulder everything yourself, will you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly fell silent and studied Yu Hao. Yu Hao still had a lot of things he wanted to say. He wanted to say that in life, is it more important to open a small restaurant but cook a lot of delicious, small stir-fries like your senior uncle, or to become an entrepreneur who¡¯s on the rich side like your father?


    Is what you want really success in the secular sense? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but think of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother. Compared to Zhou Laichun, he actually liked Mama Zhou a little more. She and Zhou Laichun seemed to live in two different worlds, and she did whatever she wanted like a deranged person. But in comparison, Yu Hao liked her more. Of course, her opinion was of even less value to Zhou Sheng, or at least it wasn¡¯t as important as Zhou Laichun¡¯s.


    Because he has money, he can control their future life, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother can¡¯t. Thus, even when Zhou Sheng was discussing their future, it mostly centered around his father.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­I¡¯ll think about it again carefully ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    The two of them came to a stop. Zhou Sheng looked up at the moon overhead.


    ¡°You¡¯re really bold.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t say what he wanted to in the end, ¡°If it were me, I don¡¯t think I would have the courage to face them.¡±


    ¡°Nothing can bring me down.¡± Zhou Sheng gazed up at the moon, ¡°Because I have a shield. The moon¡¯s pretty bright today na.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao quickly caught up, but Zhou Sheng turned around and began to run. Yu Hao chased after him on the field and shouted, ¡°Stop running!¡±


    ¡°Come and catch me then~¡± Zhou Sheng laughed and waited for Yu Hao while running and stopping. Yu Hao caught up, but Zhou Sheng nimbly turned around and pushed Yu Hao onto the grass. Yu Hao¡¯s eyes were extremely bright, reflecting the full moon in the sky. He wrapped his arms around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck and passionately kissed him on the grass.


    When they returned to the dormitory, Zhou Sheng was still brushing off grass from Yu Hao¡¯s head.


    Fu Liqun was laying on his bed.


    ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°I¡¯ll cook instant noodles for you?¡±


    Fu Liqun was on his last legs. ¡°I¡¯ve already endured hunger¡­¡­I don¡¯t want to eat anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How do you feel after your first day of work?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Money is hard to earn ¡ª¡ª shit tastes bad ¡ª¡ª wanna rob a bank ¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao constantly felt that his life seemed to give Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng a lot of pressure and worries, forcing them to prematurely consider problems that they shouldn¡¯t be thinking about at this time. Zhou Sheng worried about their future, while Fu Liqun worried about his future with Cen Shan. Only Yu Hao was in a really good mood. He knew that Zhou Sheng had a lot of conflicting thoughts, but this also meant that they both intended to spend their lives together from the outset.


    ¡°The dark side of our character will always be a part of our soul.¡± Yu Hao said to Dark Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s impossible for us to completely abandon all negative thoughts. The kind of person we become depends only on which image of ourself prevails.¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So dark personalities can¡¯t be destroyed and can only be banished.¡±


    Yu Hao and Dark Zhou Sheng were seated at the VIP table in the arena. Yu Hao had a hunch that Zhou Sheng would definitely win this round.


    Was it the determination to face his family that gave him strength? Or because Zhou Sheng had already figured it out in his heart? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall the origin of the Golden Crow Wheel. Actually, the abilities of the Golden Crow Wheel still remain an enigma.


    Medusa constantly wandered by the edge of the arena and said in a hoarse voice, ¡°You¡¯re here again, you rotten kid¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Even a rotten kid can grow up to be a decent man. But you, you¡¯ve been haunting me for so many years, shouldn¡¯t it be about time for you to get lost?¡±


    Medusa roared loudly.


    ¡°General!¡± Yu Hao suddenly shouted from the stands, ¡°You won¡¯t be alone in the future, you¡¯ll have me, too!¡±


    Zhou Sheng cast a glance at the audience.


    ¡°We¡¯re in this together.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that!¡±

 Chapter 88.2 - Courage

    Ch88.2 ¨C Courage


    Medusa suddenly rushed forward. Zhou Sheng resolutely raised his shield, and with a ¡°dang¡±, he resisted Medusa¡¯s sharp claws.


    Story translated by Chrysanthemum Garden.


    ¡°In this world.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng held a cup of Long Island Iced Tea, ¡°Not everything can proceed just as one wishes, and not all wishes would come true. If most problems could merely be solved with willpower and courage alone, how could there be so much helplessness in the world?¡±


    Yu Hao nervously watched the battle between Zhou Sheng and Medusa. He muttered, ¡°But there are many actions that need to be taken first before knowing what the outcome will be.¡±


    Zhou Sheng escaped to the corner of the arena. Medusa initiated a frenzied offence; the harsh blows of her sharp claws upon the shield were like a tempestuous storm. Zhou Sheng relied solely on the shield to resist them and had no chance to retaliate. The collisions against metal resounded thunderously.


    His black dragon mount glared at the scene like a tiger watching its prey, but it didn¡¯t dare go forward, as if it had an innate fear of Medusa.


    Zhou Sheng was clad from head to toe in armour so Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see his expression, but he knew that he must be having a hard time enduring it. He was so nervous that he could hardly breathe.


    Zhou Sheng, completely covered in armour, suddenly raised his hand, found an opportunity, and a long sword appeared in his hand!


    That was the sword Zhou Sheng wielded while assuming ¡°General¡±¡¯s identity when he first appeared in his dream! Zhou Sheng hardly ever used it since he got the jingubang. At this moment, the blade flashed. As he turned around, he made a sweeping motion with his sword, and an arc was drawn in the air.


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    Medusa let out a blood-curdling screech as she was sent flying. The long nails on her left hand had been cut off by the sword; blood splashed everywhere, and when she landed, wisps of greenish black smoke emitted into the air.


    Iron-Armoured General spun around in the air, swung his shield out, and swept through with his sword. But when Medusa landed, she gathered her energy in her tail and flicked it towards him like a bolt of lightning and waved her sharp claws. General instantly retreated, and his helmet was knocked away!


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart lodged in his throat.


    Medusa¡¯s eyes shot out a petrifying beam. Zhou Sheng used his shield to block it. A long tail swept over from the ground and knocked him down, while at the same time, the black dragon finally rushed out from behind Medusa. Medusa turned around, and the black dragon suddenly withdrew in horror.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s breastplate was now dented from the impact. He took off his gauntlets and gloves with one hand and threw them to the ground, which made a clanging sound when they landed. He moved his fingers about, shook his shield, and turned it into a jingubang. With a sword in his left hand and a jingubang in his right, he crossed them together and watched Medusa vigilantly.


    Medusa revealed a ferocious smile as she slithered towards Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng let out a mad shout and rushed towards Medusa. He rolled over on the spot, brandished both his sword and the jingubang at the same time and threw her up; then he swung his sword down, and the nails on Medusa¡¯s sharp right claws broke!


    Medusa was now in mid air with her long tail rolled upside down. Before Zhou Sheng could deal a critical hit to Medusa, she had already coiled around him, and her serpent tail swung him up into the air before violently smashing him down onto the ground!


    Zhou Sheng practically landed head first, and Yu Hao seemed to have heard his skull hitting the ground, so he almost stood up!


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that Medusa¡¯s weapons isn¡¯t limited to just her pair of claws.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said slowly.


    We¡¯re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we¡¯re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.


    Cheers that could topple the mountains and overturn the sea erupted from the audience. Zhou Sheng lay on the ground, struggling with much difficulty as he crawled towards his shield; blood was gushing from both his mouth and his nose.


    Medusa flipped over and got up. She encircled Zhou Sheng and observed his reaction.


    ¡°I guess he doesn¡¯t want to give up today.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But that¡¯s okay. Even if he dies, there¡¯s still me. Do you want to leave this place first?¡±


    Read more BL at chrysanthemumgarden.com


    Yu Hao brandished his dagger and spun it between his fingers. He didn¡¯t even spare Dark Zhou Sheng a glance.


    ¡°Jiayou¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said in a trembling voice, ¡°Zhou Sheng, stand up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was shivering, still holding a sword in one hand and grasping the edge of his shield with the other. His armour was now twisted and broken from the impacts he had suffered, and he was struggling to prop himself up.


    ¡°The victor has been decided!¡± Dark Zhou Sheng cried out, ¡°Medusa, shape your spoil of war well!¡±


    The hand that Yu Hao was holding his dagger with couldn¡¯t stop trembling; he saw Medusa use her snake tail to wrap around Zhou Sheng¡¯s throat and lifted him high up into the air, smiling cruelly as she widened her eyes¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Go!¡± Yu Hao shouted, and his dagger whooshed towards the arena like a silver meteor. Zhou Sheng blocked with his shield in his left hand, raised his sword with his right and his blade caught the dagger in mid-air, rotated it, and threw it downwards to firmly nail Medusa¡¯s snake tail into the ground.


    Dark Zhou Sheng suddenly turned around. Yu Hao stood up and retreated, holding his other dagger in front of him horizontally.


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    ¡°I didn¡¯t break the rules.¡± Yu Hao said in a low voice, ¡°Look, I didn¡¯t participate in the fight, did I? If my totem can be passed to Zhou Sheng, then so can my strength.¡±


    The dagger suddenly shone with a glaring light. Medusa kept struggling, while Zhou Sheng used up all his strength to hold his shield up to face the sky.


    ¡°Come¡­¡­ba¡­¡­I summon¡­¡­all of you¡­¡­¡±


    From the huge crack in the clouds, more than ten silver flames blasted through and crashed into the ground, and the arena fell into chaos. Yu Hao spread his wings out, flew up and avoided Dark Zhou Sheng. There were more and more meteors now, and when they landed on the ground, they turned into the NPC guards in Yu Hao¡¯s dreamscape!


    The whole earth was trembling along with this. Medusa let out a mad roar, turned around, and released her petrifying gaze. The NPCs all raised their bright reflective shields one after another, then threw out hooks from all directions that wrapped around Medusa and became a huge net.


    In an instant, the glaring light jumped about in front of the shield. Yu Hao only saw a bright light shine in front of his eyes and thought to himself, crap, and immediately dodged. Dark Zhou Sheng was incredibly infuriated. He flipped the table; the grandstand was instantly petrified and collapsed with a loud rumble.


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    It was utter chaos in the arena. Zhou Sheng managed to break free and hide within the NPC¡¯s battle formation. Medusa was dizzy with anger, constantly bumping into the formation, but more and more hooks were appearing on her body. Medusa kept trying to pull off the hooks on her before realising that her sharp claws had been cut off by Zhou Sheng through the openings he found!


    Medusa shot out her petrifying gaze everywhere, and wherever it swept past, the ropes would shatter into pieces. But the number of hooks on her body kept increasing as they wrapped around her body tightly, forming a huge net. The black dragon spread its wings open and rushed over, knocking headlong into the net. Its dragon claws grabbed the rope, then it flapped its wings and lifted her off the ground!


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stop coughing. He leaned on his jingubang and let out a mad roar!


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s armour vanished like fleeting clouds, revealing a golden chainmail instead. Then he stepped onto his jindouyun and shouted, ¡°Drop dead¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang and shot it into mid air with a whoosh, charging towards Medusa along with the jingubang and made one clean sweep!


    The NPC soldiers all shouted at the same time, then pulled fiercely on the hooks in all directions!


    Medusa fell towards the ground; Zhou Sheng flicked his rod upwards, which collided with the tremendous force overhead. With a muffled sound, all the hooks on Medusa¡¯s body tore apart, and the snake woman flew into the air with her facial features contorted.


    ¡°The last trick has to be used, of course¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his shield with his left hand and his sword in his right; his body was suspended in mid air, parrying with his shield, then swung his sword out from below his shield. Blood gushed out of Medusa¡¯s body that was in mid air, and her head fell straight down to the earth like a meteor!


    ¡°He succeeded!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Yu Hao spread his wings out and flew towards the arena.


    Amidst the deafening cheers, Zhou Sheng fell to the ground, breathless as he found it difficult to stand up straight. Yu Hao collided full on into his embrace.


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    Medusa¡¯s head and body disintegrated into greenish black vapour and disappeared. A raging black fire sjpt out and flew towards the sharp sword in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand. It turned into strange patterns as it melded with the sword.


    ¡°The master of the dreamscape VS Medusa, victorious.¡±


    Another round of cheers resounded.


    ¡°I need to change the rules.¡± Black flames swirled around Dark Zhou Sheng as he revealed his Satan form. Yu Hao could tell that Satan was trying his best to suppress his fury.


    Zhou Sheng could hardly stand anymore and was resting his whole weight on Yu Hao. He raised his sword and pointed it at Satan.


    ¡°Cut the crap.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Next.¡±


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    Yu Hao said in surprise, ¡°You¡¯re still fighting the next one??¡±


    ¡°Let me see what it is.¡± Zhou Sheng said feebly, ¡°To satisfy my curiosity a little, can¡¯t I?¡±


    Satan floated in mid air and watched Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Very good.¡± Satan said to the arena¡¯ surroundings, ¡°Master of the dreamscape, General, wants to challenge the next opponent! Let us see what he is about to go up against!¡±


    The black flames vanished and a cage emerged. A black monster that was about ten metres tall appeared in the cage; it had gleaming horns, a barbed shell that covered its entire body, and within its huge mouth that looked like a bloody basin, its sharp teeth turned outwards, and the tip of its tail was still burning.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Um¡­¡­forget it, General. It¡¯s not necessary to be so perfect.¡±


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    Satan said, ¡°Come, I¡¯d really like to see how you can defeat Tao Tie.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Zhou Sheng! We can¡¯t defeat this guy!¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°We¡¯ll meet again some day! We¡¯ll be back!¡±


    As he spoke, he summoned the jindouyun and flew out of the arena with a ¡°whoosh¡± with Yu Hao.


    On the cloud platform, Yu Hao healed Zhou Sheng¡¯s wounds. Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were full of smiles.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The knot that has troubled me for so many years has finally been untied.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laid on the platform. Millions of meteors flew into the Golden Crow Wheel and returned to their own world; that scene was incredibly gorgeous and lasted for just a few dozens of seconds, but Yu Hao was stunned by it.


    ¡°I think you already untied it a long time ago in reality.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°If it had really been untied, then why would I have so many worries?¡± Ever since I decided to be with you.¡± Zhou Sheng splayed his arms out, and laid quietly in a ´ó form.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 89.1 - Training

    Ch89.1 ¨C Training


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao looked beneath the sea of clouds and saw that more dark clouds had dispersed in various areas, and a golden light was reflected in the arena below.


    ¡°Including Satan, there are still 11 enemies left.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Does everyone have that many obstacles in their hearts?¡±


    ¡°For many people, there could probably be even more ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said lightly, ¡°Is Tao Tie a symbol of material greed? Indeed, I¡¯ve always been a little unresigned.¡±


    Yu Hao sat down cross-legged next to Zhou Sheng and touched his head. Zhou Sheng smiled at him like a brave general who had just won a battle.


    ¡°Say, what on earth do you think it is?¡± Zhou Sheng stared at the Golden Crow Wheel in a daze again, ¡°Why did it choose me?¡±


    Yu Hao looked up and the two of them kept silent. The flares of the Golden Crow Wheel surged continuously like the prominence of the sun.


    ¡°Is your totem in Satan¡¯s hands?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s split into two halves.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel is considered as one half ba, the other half is in the arena below.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible too?¡± Yu Hao was surprised.


    Zhou Sheng looked sideways at Yu Hao, ¡°I don¡¯t know why either. Everything here above the clouds became like this the day it came into my dream.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyebrows were set in a deep furrow as he kept thinking about the influence of the Golden Crow Wheel on Zhou Sheng¡¯s dreamscape. It did sound extremely outrageous, but he could somewhat understand it. Assuming that Zhou Sheng had always been living a miserable life before he inadvertently picked up the Golden Crow Wheel, which then altered and carved his life up ¡ª¡ª since he obtained a certain degree of confidence and strength because of this new ability, it was as if his life started anew, and his conviction was strengthened.


    But on the other hand, his real life was still plagued by innumerable problems.


    So the perception of his ¡®self¡¯ was split along with this process.


    ¡°General.¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°I must talk to you very seriously and earnestly about this issue.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head around in a daze.


    ¡°I think it¡¯s enough.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What I need is not a perfect you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned and didn¡¯t say anything.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I like you, including your bad temper, your happiness, anger, joys, sorrows, your strengths, and all your weaknesses, just like how you like me! Zhou Sheng, you need to understand that no matter what you become, I¡¯ll still like you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression changed instantaneously.


    ¡°Fuck¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng turned around and avoided Yu Hao¡¯s gaze.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Yu Hao felt a bit uneasy. Should he have not said all that after Zhou Sheng went through so many hardships to defeat Medusa? But Zhou Sheng kept avoiding Yu Hao¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Okay! Okay!¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I promise you! Come over here¡­¡­behave yourself!¡±


    Zhou Sheng forcibly pulled Yu Hao over and hugged him from behind. The two of them leaned on the white stone fence and looked at the sky.


    The flames of the Golden Crow Wheel suddenly withdrew, and night seemed to fall. Within an instant, millions of meteors turned into white lines that flew across the night sky.


    ¡°Wah!¡± Yu Hao cried out, ¡°What¡¯s that? Why would there suddenly be meteors¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered.


    The two of them looked up, and after a long time passed, the meteor shower disappeared, and the Golden Crow Wheel resumed its brilliant radiance.


    Yu Hao could feel that Zhou Sheng was trembling, so he asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Idiot.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked.


    ¡°You!¡± Yu Hao got angry.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were a little red; he lowered his head and kissed Yu Hao¡¯s nape.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention anything else first, but can¡¯t you give me a bit of a reward today?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao straddled Zhou Sheng and said, ¡°Reproductive isolation exists between us.¡±


    Zhou Sheng burst out laughing, and the black dragon flew over in an instant. Yu Hao said to the black dragon, ¡°Go away!¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t go away.¡± Zhou Sheng said mysteriously.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Turn into a monkey for me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What?! You¡¯re that hardcore?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Your monkey form¡¯s really cool! It¡¯s both tall and cool! This is a dream anyway¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°And now you think I¡¯m too short???¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Yu Hao said, but Zhou Sheng slowly turned into the Sun Wukong he saw in Shini¡¯s dream. It was just like a 2-metre tall plush toy, and it was even alive and had a heartbeat too.


    ¡°So cool!¡± Yu Hao hugged Sun Wukong and shouted.


    ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem very right though?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled and lifted one hand to embrace Yu Hao. Yu Hao pecked his cheek a few times, but suddenly, an alarm clock rang between the heavens and earth.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them woke up, but Fu Liqun was still sleeping.


    ¡°Gege! What the hell are you trying to do?!¡± Yu hao complained in anguish.


    Fu Liqun crawled up groggily. It was 8.30 in the morning.


    ¡°Ah.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I have to go to work¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng laid on bed, all five of his fingers spasming. He grasped tightly for awhile before loosening his grip helplessly.


    ¡°Okay, I lost to you.¡±


    ¡°I think I have to go to work too¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was a little dizzy as he climbed out of bed to boil water, ¡°Drink a cup of coffee before leaving ba.¡±


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡­¡± Fu Liqun was obviously a little fatigued, ¡°I want to open a national chain of gyms in the future, so I¡¯ll learn the ropes first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was no longer angry. He said to Fu Liqun, ¡°Jiayou.¡±


    ¡°Jiayou, Gege.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You can definitely do it.¡±


    Fu Liqun washed up first before going to the gym to work. From today on, he would try his best to go over on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.


    Yu Hao looked at his phone. He had to go for an interview with Xiao Yujun in the morning today, while Zhou Sheng would begin tutoring for two hours starting from 11 o¡¯clock. In the afternoon, everyone would go to the college¡¯s library together to study.


    ¡°Wanna eat your popsicle?¡± Zhou Sheng sat on the bed and said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao had just taken a bath and was a little embarrassed.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Have you washed it clean?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything, he was blushing.


    ¡°Why are you being all pure now?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Now I¡¯m embarrassed too. There¡¯s still an hour before you have to leave, treat Hubby to a popsicle bei, Wifey.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got out of bed and motioned for Yu Hao to lean back against the ladder, pulled his hands away and got him to hold the ladder from above his head.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I, I¡¯m letting you eat? Wait¡­¡­it¡¯s embarrassing, waah¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s just a little exchange ma, I¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But you¡¯ve never eaten one before¡­¡­wait! Ai¡­¡­¡±


    The sun shone brightly on Ying City that autumn morning. Yu Hao wore a sports cap as he stepped on his skateboard and skated around a flat road in the park at the heart of the streets before arriving at the meeting place he had arranged with Xiao Yujun.


    It¡¯s so fun to skateboard in the park. Ever since Yu Hao learned how to skateboard, he never wanted to get off of it. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t skateboard around the streets. Most people skateboarded to school and after school. Zhou Sheng bought a skateboard bag for him so he could still carry it around with him when he wasn¡¯t skateboarding, like how he carries his shield on his back.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to skateboard along the road like how his third year seniors would casually do, but it was okay to play around in the park. The autumn air was refreshing, and the temperature was just right; when the slight breeze blew by, he would feel extremely comfortable from head to toe. Today, all he could think about was the exciting scene in the dormitory, that was his first time¡­¡­and he didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Sheng would be that serious.


    Does it matter whether or not we want to do that? Yu Hao had already been completely conquered by Zhou Sheng. In the past, he hadn¡¯t always yearned for sex, and he would have been very happy as long as they could be together. However, what was said in his major¡¯s class was really right, and it couldn¡¯t be more right.


    Sex is a strong catalyst in the reaction of love. The excitement from tasting the forbidden fruit for the first time, as well as the feeling of giving oneself completely and thoroughly to the other party made it seem as if Yu Hao had opened the door to a whole new world.


    No, I can¡¯t think about it anymore, Yu Hao felt like he was getting a little too distracted by all of Zhou Sheng¡¯s teasing.


    ¡°Skateboard boy!¡± Xiao Yujun laughed, ¡°You¡¯re in a pretty good mood today ma!¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t get any better!¡± Yu Hao stepped on his skateboard and put it away, ¡°I¡¯ll buy coffee for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so envious of people in relationships.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Let¡¯s go little puppy, let Jiejie take advantage of you too and enjoy having someone carry my bag for me.¡± As she spoke, she threw her bag to Yu Hao. Yu Hao was still very good at taking care of people, especially girls.


    Today, Xiao Yujun and Yu Hao were here to attend a salon. The purpose of this salon was to provide a venue for parents with kids who had psychological problems to interact with one another. In its earliest stages, there were just a few elderly people complaining about their grandsons to one another, but it had slowly developed into this meeting for exchanges today.


    After listening for awhile, Yu Hao realised that the so-called ¡°communication barrier¡± wasn¡¯t mental illness, but a real unwillingness to understand each other, and parents were largely responsible for this.


    After they finished recording, Xiao Yujun passed the recording pen to Yu Hao and as usual, Yu Hao would go looking for Chen Yekai to seek his ¡°expert advice¡±. In the afternoon, he studied with Zhou Sheng, while Fu Liqun was half dead from fatigue and had come back for an afternoon nap. He still had to go to the gym that night.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng sat side by side at a long table in the library. He couldn¡¯t absorb what he was reading at all, and as soon as he thought of what happened in their dormitory today, his attention would get diverted and he would always want to look at Zhou Sheng or kiss him. Yet, Zhou Sheng said with a stern countenance, ¡°Study seriously!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re not reading either.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had only flipped through three pages of his English exercise book in the past hour, and he kept sneaking glimpses of Yu Hao from the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Where did you learn it from?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you watch videos?¡± Zhou Sheng was blushing a little and whispered, ¡°Or are your skills a natural gift?¡±


    There weren¡¯t a lot of people in the library, and they were scattered about as well. Yu Hao moved and sat opposite Zhou Sheng without answering him.


    ¡°Come back!¡± Zhou Sheng whispered.


    Yu Hao smiled and glanced at him. He could look at him openly since they now sat face to face, it just wouldn¡¯t be convenient to talk. So Zhou Sheng could only start working on some problems absentmindedly, and a moment later, he took a book and wrote on it before pushing it over to Yu Hao to talk to him. Yu Hao wrote on it and pushed it back, then Zhou Sheng did the same again.


    In the end, Zhou Sheng kept the book, got up, and left.

 Chapter 89.2 - Training

    Ch89.2 ¨C Training


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy groceries and cook for you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Remember to return to the dorm at 6, I won¡¯t disturb you anymore.¡±


    So Yu Hao had to study alone. After Zhou Sheng left, Yu Hao was finally able to concentrate and finished organising the manuscripts from yesterday, then did a set of questions. Next, he moved onto statistics, but it was so difficult it made his head spin. When it was 6 o¡¯clock, Yu Hao decided to stop studying and packed his books to return to the dormitory. He discovered that Chen Yekai had sent him several messages.


    Yu Hao was intending to pass him the data anyway. He took his USB and left. Chen Yekai was waiting downstairs for him at the library.


    The autumn wind blew, and behind the library was a beautiful bamboo forest.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Finally free.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your hard work.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It¡¯s time for you to have a good rest.¡±


    Chen Yekai and Yu Hao walked side by side. He smiled as he said, ¡°After finishing up with work, there will always be a slight sense of emptiness and loss. Ever since that day, I always think about when you guys will enter my dream again. How¡¯s your part-time job going recently?¡±


    Yu Hao talked to Chen Yekai about the interviews. Junjun will pay him through the fees for his manuscripts. Chen Yekai nodded after hearing this. The two of them slowly walked along the bamboo forest. Yu Hao sent a message to Zhou Sheng to tell him that he would return ten minutes later than planned.


    This quiet road led to the teaching building behind the library. In the past year, the college had undergone many changes. Various buildings were built, and if there were no complications, the college would obtain new ratings and recruit more students before the next summer vacation as well. So after graduation, Yu Hao¡¯s diploma would become more valuable.


    ¡°I suddenly dreamt of you on the last day of the previous month.¡± Chen Yekai suddenly said.


    ¡°You remember it so clearly.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°It was a dream from more than a month ago.¡±


    ¡°Un. It left a particularly deep impression.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Will you guys still come into my dream?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t anymore ba.¡± Yu Hao remembered what Zhou Sheng said to him and answered, ¡°We¡¯re all living in reality. It¡¯s not good to indulge in dreams.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Chen Yekai fell silent for a moment, then said, ¡°We can¡¯t always think fondly of the past; it¡¯s better to look ahead and live a good life. That was what Ryuusei wanted to say to me in that letter too.¡±


    Yu Hao studied Chen Yekai, then finally said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, thank you.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked slightly puzzled, then understood what Yu Hao had meant. He smiled, ¡°I¡¯m the one who should be thanking you guys.¡±


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Yu Hao was slightly bewildered.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Another day ba? I want to treat you to a meal too.¡±


    ¡°Qtja jgf sbe tjqqs jybea? Jtfc Tfxjl ijeutfv.


    ¡°P¡¯w klat Itbe Vtfcu cbk.¡± Te Ljb rjlv klat j rwlif.


    At that moment, Yu Hao became nervous. The last thing he wanted to see was for Chen Yekai to really like him; after all, those feelings would have come from his yearning for Ryuusei. Not only was that bad for himself, but it was also harmful to Chen Yekai.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to hurt others, especially someone who treated him so well, but not making things clear was also another kind of harm.


    Chen Yekai was extremely surprised and with joy in his eyes, he said, ¡°Since when? Congratulations!¡±


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­at the end of summer vacation.¡± Yu Hao was a little embarrassed. At this moment, he felt that Chen Yekai really was happy for him. Zhou Sheng¡¯s deduction was wrong.


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°I did feel that Zhou Sheng cared about you a lot. Congratulations, Yu Hao!¡±


    Yu Hao was also very happy at this moment. Ever since Zhou Sheng mentioned this that day, he had been thinking about it over and over. But now that he confirmed that Zhou Sheng¡¯s speculation was wrong, it was great.


    ¡°If you guys want to get married abroad in the future.¡± Chen Yekai, ¡°I can help you get in touch with some people.¡±


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t thought about it before, but now that Chen Yekai mentioned it, he immediately remembered the chapel in his dream.


    Following which, someone whistled in the bamboo forest. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai turned around; Zhou Sheng had come.


    ¡°Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng held the Golden Crow Wheel in his hand, flicked it with his thumb, and the Golden Crow Wheel spun rapidly in the air. Chen Yekai raised his hand and caught it between his palms, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t need it anymore?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng nodded and held his hand out to Yu Hao. Yu Hao was very surprised that Zhou Sheng would hand over the Golden Crow Wheel at this time, but he didn¡¯t question it much. He walked towards Zhou Sheng, and the two of them held hands.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t prepared any gifts for you guys.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Is there anything you want?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Nothing at all. Let¡¯s drink together when you come back ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s a promise then.¡± As he spoke, he turned around and left.


    ¡°Your guess was wrong.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°If I guessed wrong then so be it, is that important?¡±


    Yu Hao sniffed, and smelled the scent of pepper and anise on Zhou Sheng¡¯s body. ¡°What did you cook? I¡¯m starving to death!¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel was handed over just like that. Yu Hao often wondered if it would be a historic day of their lives, but that action had not yet yielded any results. From now on, he will never see the Dark Zhou Sheng who could turn into Satan in his dreams, nor his NPCs and the black dragon with covetous eyes anymore.


    ¡°You finally listened to me for once.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Fuck, don¡¯t I always listen to you?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When you said that you didn¡¯t need a perfect me, I thought it was the second time in my life I felt that moved.¡±


    Yu Hao asked doubtfully, ¡°Then when was the first time?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to recall that embarrassing moment, could you not mention it?¡±


    So Yu Hao could only answer, ¡°Okay then. But we¡¯ll have to fight the rest of the monsters in reality, and not in dreams anymore. Nobody is perfect, I don¡¯t want a perfect lover.¡±


    There are still many people who live on arduously in this world. They knew of the many obstacles and shadows in their hearts, but found them difficult to overcome.


    ¡°I know, as long as you¡¯re by my side,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll feel like there¡¯s nothing that can beat me up.¡±


    ¡°I can beat you up.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± On the basketball court, Zhou Sheng laughed like a ruffian as he dribbled, ¡°But you can¡¯t bear to. Where are you staring at? You want to eat a popsicle again?¡±


    Zhou Sheng passed the ball to Yu Hao. Yu Hao picked up the ball and wanted to throw it at him, but Zhou Sheng was prepared to dodge. Fu Liqun then arrived.


    But the black dragon, Satan¡­¡­they are always there, in Zhou Sheng¡¯s soul. When Yu Hao thought of this, he felt like a person¡¯s inner world was practically a grand and vast universe. The partitions amongst people were like mountains, seas, and the Great Wall. Without the strength of the Golden Crow Wheel, he might have never, for all his life, have been able to truly and thoroughly understand his lover.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at my hand when you catch the ball, baby.¡± Fu Liqun dribbled while Yu Hao waited behind Zhou Sheng for Fu Liqun to pass it to him.


    They agreed to participate in a three-player basketball match, so Fu Liqun gave Yu Hao specialized individual training. Yu Hao knew how to play a little, but thought he was bad at it, while Zhou Sheng acted as a training partner and helped Yu Hao train his interception and other such skills.


    Fu Liqun is the captain of the basketball team. As soon as he gets on the basketball court, he instantly turns into a lofty and imposing giant. For him, basketball competitions are sacred.


    ¡°You must be all eyes and all ears.¡± Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°Pay attention to your teammates; your teammates would make some false moves sometimes¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Pass!¡± Fu Liqun said again.


    Yu Hao kept practicing catching and intercepting the ball. Once Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun became serious, Yu Hao felt like he was practically a noob who couldn¡¯t seize the ball from them at all.


    ¡°Look up a little.¡± Fu Liqun could tell that Yu Hao had received a blow, so he encouraged him, ¡°Don¡¯t stare at the hands, analyse my feints from the corner of your eyes.¡±


    As the captain of the basketball team, Fu Liqun led his classmates in the sports class to win several friendly competitions, so he had his own way of teaching people how to play. Once he got serious, Yu Hao felt like his male god halo was restored the moment he stepped onto the court. Not only did he teach Yu Hao, but he also taught Zhou Sheng, and he had begun working out tactics for their mutual cooperation.


    It was still early before the three-man basketball match would be held at the end of the year. Fu Liqun hoped to get a good placing, and then he would be awarded a generous prize award for the college appraisal this year.


    ¡°What do you want to do after getting the prize money?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s all go to Australia together.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Business class and a luxurious sea view room all depend on you now, Young Madam.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Depending on me to not hold you guys back?¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°You won¡¯t hold us back, I¡¯m confident of that. You should have confidence in yourself too.¡±


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng¡¯s combat abilities were too strong. Yu Hao felt like he was just here to make up the numbers. If the rules were changed to ¡®two-man basketball¡¯, then this pair would become an existence that would kill everyone in their way.


    ¡°Intercept!¡±


    ¡°Intercept¡ª¡ª take note, this isn¡¯t a ball, but a point¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Catch!¡±


    Fu Liqun finished teaching on the court and even threw all kinds of strange things to Yu Hao in the dormitory, including plastic cups, a toothbrush, Zhou Sheng¡¯s cigarettes and lighters, and even the pillow from the opposite bunk. In the end, he even threw a plastic ball at him that came from the opposite dormitory that was used as a dog toy. Yu Hao felt like he was a dog himself, and had to always pay attention to things that were flying around everywhere, and intercept them at all times. His nerves were all keyed up.


    ¡°Catch!¡¯


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t throw mooncakes! That¡¯s food!¡±

 Chapter 90 - Robbery

    Ch90 ¨C Robbery


    During the nine-day period between National Day and the Mid-Autumn Festival, Yu Hao was forced to train without a break.


    ¡°Let me rest for a short while!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m about to fall apart!!¡±


    Fu Liqun casually grabbed a mosquito while Zhou Sheng packed up a set of mock math problems for the midterms and said, ¡°Everything in this world is a flying point; whenever you see something fly by, catch it quickly, and then you¡¯ll get better¡±


    ¡°That, is, it!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°We¡¯re done, let¡¯s go. Life exists in sports.¡±


    After the National Day holidays, the weather gradually cooled down. In late October, the three of them began to work their respective jobs. In order to not affect their studies, they rescheduled all their part-time work to the evenings. Yu Hao carried his skateboard on his back and went to assist Xiao Yujun in finishing up, then at 9 o¡¯clock went to play with the boys he got acquainted with recently. After Zhou Sheng finished tutoring his junior high school kid, they would meet up, have supper, then go home.


    Yu Hao has been to the newspaper office twice; the office was in utter chaos, as if everyone was escaping in a hurry during an apocalypse. Xiao Yujun prepared a table for him in the office and went out for some interviews herself. After discussing with the interns on matching manuscripts with their appropriate attached pictures, he went to the park at 9 o¡¯clock to practice skateboarding.


    On this autumn night, the neon lights in the park illuminated a large open space. Not long ago, Yu Hao met people who rode fancy bicycles, did inline roller skating, skateboarded, and those who danced hip-hop here. Everyone was around the same age, so it didn¡¯t take long for them to get friendly with one another. These guys treated Yu Hao really well too and often instructed him on how to use his board ¡ª they were all gods at it and were much more experienced than the members of his college¡¯s club. Thus, Yu Hao often came in the evening and would wait outside the natural park for Zhou Sheng.


    Oddly enough, after confirming their relationship, Zhou Sheng stopped getting jealous. In the beginning, Yu Hao was afraid that he might beat people up, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It won¡¯t be too late to punch each and every one of them if a problem crops up.¡±


    Yu Hao was practically speechless. Still, according to his observations, this group of guys were all straight, and they only played together because they had hit it off. No one had any other intention. Also, everyone envied Yu Hao¡¯s equipment a lot, especially his skateboard.


    ¡°You¡¯re really rich.¡± A boy said, ¡°To buy such an expensive board.¡±


    Yu Hao was really muddle-headed at first, but after he knew the price, he had even picked a fight with Zhou Sheng. It was too expensive! Still, you really do get what you pay for.


    ¡°The bearings and wheels are all new ba?¡± During their break time, everyone looked at Yu Hao¡¯s skateboard.


    Yu Hao could say, ¡°Changed it last month, my boyfriend helped me set it up. Didn¡¯t you guys see it before?¡±


    ¡°Tsk tsk tsk.¡±


    ¡°Dog abuse.¡±


    ¡°I want a boyfriend too, introduce me bei.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no more!¡± Yu Hao, ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for me to get this one myself.¡±


    He was just skateboarding, yet he still got assaulted. At 10 o¡¯clock, everyone said goodbye to Yu Hao, and they all went their separate ways. Yu Hao stepped on his board and looked at his watch; Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t here yet, but he should¡¯ve finished tutoring already, so Yu Hao gave him a call.


    ¡°That kid fell asleep while I was reading.¡± Zhou Sheng said on the phone, ¡°Laozi asked him to work on some problems yet he laid on the table to sleep. He was too tired in the day, and I still need to tutor him for another 20 minutes. Go to the bar to find a seat first and order a drink ba.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to spend money. He said, ¡°Okay, call me when you get here.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had just hung up when Xiao Yujun called him, ¡°Dear, finished sorting everything?¡±


    ¡°You just got back from the interviews?¡± Yu Hao stepped on his skateboard and practiced jumping over obstacles. He had his earphones on as he said, ¡°Go back and rest up ba.¡±


    ¡°I have to rush for the last train.¡± Xiao Yujun replied.


    After Yu Hao got acquainted with Xiao Yujun, he thought she really lived a tough life. She had to wake up at 7 o¡¯clock every day and sleep at 2 o¡¯clock at night, and had to rush about everywhere, exhausting herself completely ¡ª all because she wanted to buy a house in Ying City. She had a younger brother too, and her parents favoured boys over girls.


    Yu Hao would sometimes call her ¡°Jiejie¡±, and Xiao Yujun also likes Yu Hao very much. She always praised him as a sensible and gentle boy and always laments by saying ¡®if only you weren¡¯t gay¡¯.


    ¡°Are the manuscripts okay?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Xiao Yujun answered, ¡°If they¡¯re not, then when I get back at night I¡¯ll¡­¡­¡±


    The call got cut off.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at his phone. There should have been a loss of signal on the subway. He stepped on his skateboard, looked left and right, then called back.


    The other side hung up immediately.


    Suddenly, Yu Hao felt like something was a little off. He didn¡¯t call back again and instead sent her a message. If Yu Hao was how he was in the past, then perhaps after the other side hung up he would assume that the signal temporarily cut off and wouldn¡¯t call back again. However, Xiao Yujun has always been the type to move around alone at night. Yu Hao reminded her several times before to pay attention to her safety, and Xiao Yujun would always casually promise him to stay safe. Public security in Ying City was generally good, and the Public Security Bureau was located near the newspaper office, so nothing should happen.


    Yu Hao stepped on his skateboard and pressed the quick dial button, Zhou Sheng had just left after his lesson.


    Yu Hao described the general route. He and Xiao Yujun had taken the subway once together late at night, and it wasn¡¯t too far from the park. There were fewer vehicles on the road at night; Yu Hao rushed onto the road in spite of the prohibition and whooshed across the bicycle lane, darting to the rear of the subway station.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have much money on me.¡± Xiao Yujun opened her bag and said, ¡°If you want it, I¡¯ll give it all to you. Take all the money, I won¡¯t report this to the police.¡±


    The robber pointed at Xiao Yujun¡¯s bag and said, ¡°Hand the laptop over.¡± His voice was very strange, as if he had a voice changer.


    Xiao Yujun observed the robber, then pulled out the laptop from her bag.


    ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡± The robber was very calm.


    Xiao Yujun suddenly let out a loud shout, threw the bag over, then turned tail and ran. But that robber reacted even faster than she did; he took a few steps forward, wrapped an arm around her neck, and dragged her back!


    An arm suddenly looped around Xiao Yujun¡¯s neck so she couldn¡¯t breath for a moment. She brutally rammed backwards with her elbow, but the robber nimbly avoided it and threw the phone away, then pushed past her elbow from the back with one hand, pushed her neck, and pressed her down on the ground!


    Xiao Yujun gasped in fear; her entire body was trembling. The robber dragged her up and said, ¡°Don¡¯t put up any futile resistance, I don¡¯t want to kill you.¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s eyes widened. The robber was extremely cool-headed. ¡°Pick up the bag and do as I say. Quick.¡± As he spoke, he released one of her hands.


    Xiao Yujun began to realise that this person wasn¡¯t a simple robber, and that she had gotten into quite a bit of trouble. She slowly took her laptop out from her bag.


    ¡°Turn it on.¡± The robber continued.


    Xiao Yujun couldn¡¯t stop trembling, ¡°I¡­¡­I can¡¯t recall it right now, I¡¯m too nervous¡­¡­¡± She hadn¡¯t finished talking before a sharp knife touched the side of her neck.


    Xiao Yujun typed the password with one hand; the robber lowered his head to look at the keyboard, but suddenly, a skateboard flew silently towards the back of his head!


    Yu Hao was in mid air with one leg controlling the board while he tried to ruthlessly kick the robber, perfectly avoiding Xiao Yujun in the process. If his kick lands, the back of the robber¡¯s head would definitely be smashed in and get sent flying! But that robber reacted at lightning speed ¡ª he closed the laptop with his left hand, grabbed it, then bent over to avoid Yu Hao¡¯s skateboard that flew over, then brandished his knife again!


    Yu Hao almost got stabbed by the knife, but fortunately, he managed to avoid the tip of the blade in the nick of time. The two of them passed by each other in mid air; the robber hugged the laptop with his left hand and held the knife horizontally across with his right hand. Yu Hao was experienced with wielding daggers, so he managed to see through his movements in an instant and ducked down.


    ¡°Go! Hurry!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    However, the robber was obviously trained. As soon as Yu Hao got up, he executed a jumping roundhouse kick and hit him right in his chest!


    Yu Hao got kicked and immediately suffered a sharp pain in his chest before falling to the ground. Xiao Yujun had already ran out of the small alley and shouted, ¡°Help! Help¡ª¡ª!¡±


    The robber stuffed the laptop into Xiao Yujun¡¯s backpack, hiked it up, and threw it over his shoulder to carry it on his back. He held a dagger as he walked towards Yu Hao; Yu Hao struggled to get up and couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath as he looked at the Beijing Opera mask that he was wearing. This guy knows how to fight¡­¡­Yu Hao knew that he wasn¡¯t this guy¡¯s opponent, he just needed to stall him for a while¡­¡­


    ¡°You fucking son of a bitch.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out, and Yu Hao instantly knew it was safe!


    Zhou Sheng rushed into the alley like a whirlwind and roared, ¡°You think you¡¯re all that just ¡®cause you have a knife?!¡±


    The robber flashed his knife, and Yu Hao¡¯s heart began beating wildly, but when he saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s first punch, he knew that this guy wouldn¡¯t stand a chance!


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s fist was even faster than the enemy¡¯s knife, and he managed to hit his mask with just one punch. The wooden mask cracked and got dented from the impact. The robber spun around and let loose a flying kick, but Zhou Sheng blocked it with his left fist while he rapidly punched the back of his knee with his right fist!


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Nice!¡±


    Yu Hao ran towards Xiao Yujun. The robber in the alley and Zhou Sheng had exchanged five to six moves; this was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing Zhou Sheng going all out in reality. That one time long ago when he beat down Lei Hongbo with one punch couldn¡¯t have been considered a ¡®fight¡¯ at all. Yu Hao saw Zhou Sheng lock that robber¡¯s wrist with one hand, while he used his other hand to drag him and slammed him brutally against the wall with a loud ¡°bang¡±. He thought, too OP¡­¡­


    The robber tumbled over, then stretched his foot out to sweep Zhou Sheng off his feet. Zhou Sheng almost tripped, and he laughed, ¡°You¡¯re pretty skilled¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Beware of that thing in his hand!¡± Yu Hao realised that the robber had taken out a black razor-like device. Zhou Sheng got electrocuted as he was caught off guard and shouted loudly.


    The robber turned around and fled at full speed. Zhou Sheng rubbed his arm, then pursued him with full force. Yu Hao supported Xiao Yujun up to stand steadily before he getting up to give chase.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him get away!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He has Junjun Jie¡¯s laptop!¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked back, waiting for Yu Hao, and the two of them ran past the subway station. This was a straight path, and if they kept running, they would arrive at the park. The robber ran up to the fencing that surrounded the park and flipped over. Zhou Sheng rushed to the fence, crouched down, and Yu Hao stepped onto Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder to jump right in.


    Zhou Sheng retreated, and took two steps as a run-up to jump over the fence, then chased the robber with Yu Hao. At 11pm, the park¡¯s neon lamps were all turned off, so it was pitch dark. The two of them ran through the side gates and arrived at a road.


    ¡°He went that way.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Chase him!¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see the guy at all, so he could only follow Zhou Sheng as they ran. The two of them ran along the road at the other end of the park.


    The robber came out of the bushes, carrying Xiao Yujun¡¯s bag on his back. He went to the roadside to hail a cab and got into the car.


    The cab had only stopped for a few seconds before driving off.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng came out from the outside of the bushes. Yu Hao took a photo of the license plate number.


    Zhou Sheng rubbed his shoulders and looked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯ll be fine in a bit, that bastard even had a self-defense device on him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If we had attacked him just now, we might have been able to restrain him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It would¡¯ve been troublesome if he had pepper spray; it¡¯s better not to take that risk. Was the photo you took of the license plate clear?¡±


    ¡°New phones are really good at taking stills of moving objects.¡± Yu Hao enlarged the photo on his phone¡¯s screen and took a screenshot of the cab¡¯s license plate number.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem like an ordinary robbery, that robber had a clear motive. Let¡¯s go and find Huang Ting, he¡¯ll definitely care about this.¡±


    Xiao Yujun had already called the police as soon as she could. After recording her testimony, she stood in front of the police station as she held a skateboard and handed it to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Yu Hao was a little worried.


    Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°What kind of interview materials do you have in your laptop?¡±


    Xiao Yujun had already settled down. She said, ¡°Reporters encounter all sorts of situations; we¡¯ve seen much of the world, it¡¯s fine. Huang Ting will be here soon. If you don¡¯t mind, let¡¯s talk at my house ba.¡±


    At 1am in Xiao Yujun¡¯s house, the atmosphere was a little tense.


    Xiao Yujun was slighlty dissatisfied with Huang Ting, because it took him nearly three hours to get here after receiving their call, but as a policeman, his work takes priority. Yu Hao was really afraid that Xiao Yujun would say something, but fortunately, everyone maintained a rational and restrained mutual, implicit understanding.


    ¡°The case has already been reported, and the testimonies have been recorded too.¡± Xiao Yujun said lightly, ¡°You didn¡¯t need to especially make the trip here.¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯m already here anyway.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Tell me the situation in detail ba.¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s house was very messy. Huang Ting patiently inquired about the full account; this robbery case was under the jurisdiction of the Yundong District, so it wouldn¡¯t reach him.


    Yu Hao repeated the contents of his testimony again, and finally, Huang Ting asked the same question as Zhou Sheng, ¡°What kind of interviews have you been doing recently?¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s eyebrows were set in a deep furrow. She wrote down her interview topics for the past half a year on a piece of white paper.


    Huang Ting said to Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, ¡°Thank you, I¡¯m extremely thankful for you guys. Go back and rest first ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll leave later. Yu Hao and Jun Jie worked for awhile, I need to make sure that no one will come looking for him.¡±


    Huang Ting understood that this was just an excuse for Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng¡¯s attitude clearly showed that he intended to intervene in this matter, and Huang Ting wasn¡¯t in a position to stop him.


    Zhou Sheng just stared at Huang Ting, and Huang Ting no longer insisted. Yu Hao suddenly had a hunch ¡ª did Zhou Sheng guess something? And did Huang Ting know more than he was letting on?


    ¡°These are all until June.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Summit Meeting interviews, destitute households, medical troubles, brave deeds¡­¡­none of them constitute a motive for robbery¡­¡­besides three of your cases, there¡¯s nothing related to drug trafficking or the underworld.¡±


    Reporters sometimes have a professional intuition that was akin to half of that of a policeman ¡ª this was what Yu Hao felt after following Xiao Yujun to do this part-time job. It could have been through gossip or asking around, but they were always assiduously and desperately searching for the truth behind all the clues they found ¡ª in this regard, they were very similar to the police.


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°Go back earlier.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    ¡°They¡¯ve contacted the cab driver.¡± Huang Ting glanced at his WeChat. The police in charge of the case sent him a message, ¡®his phone is turned off. We can¡¯t determine its location.¡¯


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t speak. Xiao Yujun asked, ¡°Where did the robber get off?¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°Outside a snack street that people generally go to for supper. It¡¯s open until 2am, so it¡¯s still not too late to go over there now.¡±


    ¡°Send us the location?¡± Zhou Sheng looked up at Huang Ting.


    Huang Ting frowned. Logically speaking, it was already a violation of the regulations for his friend to disclose the progress of the case to him, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t give in at all as he looked at Huang Ting.


    ¡°Without our photo, would you have been able to find the cab driver?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Cut the crap, if you want to solve the case, then be a little more open.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Look at it on my phone ba. Yujun, keep writing.¡±


    Xiao Yujun began recalling her interviews in the first half of the year, but she had lost both her phone and her laptop. She said, ¡°There¡¯s no backup either.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Do you have a cloud backup?¡±


    Xiao Yujun immediately turned on her iPad and scrolled through the shared backup to check.


    Zhou Sheng expanded the map on Huang Ting¡¯s phone to include the area within a 3km radius; including residential areas, office buildings, malls, hospitals, schools, fire stations¡­¡­


    ¡°How many characters are missing from the laptop¡¯s password?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Two.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°The last eight are all numbers, the day I confirmed my relationship with my ex. I¡¯ve gotten all the way to the beginning of the year, but I still don¡¯t have a clue. Take a look and see which might have led to the robbery? They shouldn¡¯t have though¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting glanced at the white piece of paper and said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to recall anymore ba, let¡¯s stop here for today.¡±


    At 2am, Zhou Sheng found a case of suicide by jumping off a building, and he revealed a strange smile.


    ¡°I think Officer Huang already knows what happened with this case ba?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Xiao Yujun, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Huang Ting narrowed his eyes and said in a low voice, ¡°Student Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Zhou Sheng leaned back on the dining table, ¡°I¡¯ll use a piece of crucial information in exchange for your information.¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°No. Go back.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You really don¡¯t want to? This is the only chance I¡¯m giving you. If you blow it, don¡¯t come looking for me next time.¡±


    Huang Ting took a deep breath and seemed to be considering it. Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, you know something?¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°mhmm¡±. Yu Hao saw that the atmosphere was a little stiff, and he was afraid that they would get into a dispute, so after thinking about it a little, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s be a little more frank and sincere, shall we? We shouldn¡¯t keep trying to conceal the truth, and we should trust one another a little more. We¡¯re all just trying to get the laptop back, right?¡±


    ¡°I want to be more frank and sincere too.¡± Xiao Yujun cried bitterly, ¡°But my parents gave birth to a stupid me, so what else can I do? Huang Ting, don¡¯t treat them as kids. If it weren¡¯t for them today, I wouldn¡¯t know if I could have even lived until now to see you.¡±


    Huang Ting suddenly said, ¡°I can¡¯t help it either! There are some things I can¡¯t say!¡±


    Xiao Yujun, ¡°There¡¯s no recording here anyway, who would confront you for saying it? Wait¡­¡­what do you mean by that?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Actually I have no idea what they¡¯re talking about at all¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng spoke up instead, ¡°Since Wifey asked me to trust you, then I won¡¯t continue this tug-of-war. Officer Huang, where did the 1.2 million we found last year in the reservoir go?¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 91 - Blow It Up

    Ch91 ¨C Blow It Up


    Huang Ting suddenly turned pale upon hearing this. Xiao Yujun said in shock, ¡°It¡¯s because of that? But didn¡¯t all that happen a long time ago?¡±


    ¡°It was handed over to the City Bureau.¡± Huang Ting said.


    Yu Hao remembered it now too and wondered, ¡°I forgot all about it! Didn¡¯t you say before that the police had found a clue?¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s your intel?¡±


    Zhou Sheng leaned back in his chair and swayed back and forth. ¡°Why is it that after casually mentioning that there was a clue, there was no follow-up afterwards? Officer Huang, that¡¯s unreasonable ba.¡±


    Huang Ting stared at Zhou Sheng, ¡°This has nothing to do with you guys.¡±


    ¡°Of course it does!¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Huang Ting as if he didn¡¯t know him. ¡°We were the ones who picked up the money, so it¡¯s perfectly reasonable for you to inform us of the follow-up!¡±


    Huang Ting frowned deeply and got up to smoke. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Smoke right here, explain it clearly to me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°That¡¯s also something that you ¡®can¡¯t say¡¯, right? Pressure from the top¡¯s pretty heavy ma.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Because we can¡¯t act rashly and alert the snake.¡±


    ¡°And where¡¯s the snake?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The snake probably can¡¯t be found anymore ba? Lost your trail of clues?¡±


    Huang Ting and Zhou Sheng looked at each other, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t flinch at all. He continued, ¡°Who would sink more than a million yuan into the reservoir? Aside from it being stolen money, could it be anything else? I don¡¯t think so. What kind of influence could get the Public Security System to rest a case concerning that much money? And to stop investigating it? Your superiors issued a death order, right? I¡¯ve heard that your superintendent¡¯s hands aren¡¯t very clean, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯d dare to take that money.¡±


    ¡°Watch what you say, Zhou Sheng.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I remember that your father¡¯s the boss of Yun Laichun? If rumours heard over the dining table were to spread, your father would get into a lot of trouble.¡±


    Yu Hao instantly recalled the time when Zhou Sheng mentioned ¡°that superintendent is bad news¡± and connected it to the time when Zhou Laichun mentioned ¡°when I saw Huang Jingya previously¡±. That is to say, when Zhou Sheng entered college, Zhou Laichun had taken his son along to have dinner with Huang Baiguang!


    Zhou Sheng dismissed it with a laugh.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll take back the words ¡®aren¡¯t very clean¡¯.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°But, the superintendent doesn¡¯t seem particularly persistent, so these words of mine shouldn¡¯t be wrong.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very smart, Zhou Sheng.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯m not clear on the specifics, but after we handed it over to the City Bureau, the case became a pending case, and they didn¡¯t continue investigating it any further. It¡¯s not something I can interfere with. They wouldn¡¯t update me on the case progress either.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned. It was impossible for Huang Ting to complain about his superiors to them, but his earlier words already implied that the superintendent had pressured them into not investigating the case any further.


    ¡°Ok, so what about now?¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wifey, let¡¯s go home and sleep.¡±


    It was rare for Huang Ting to curse, and it was also Yu Hao¡¯s first time hearing Huang Ting swear. He almost bowled over laughing. Even Xiao Yujun couldn¡¯t endure it and laughed so hard she laid sprawled out on the table.


    ¡°What about your intel?!¡± Huang Ting practically roared, ¡°You actually fished information from Laozi? Zhou Sheng, I¡¯ve regarded you as a friend in vain!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already given you all the information I have.¡± Zhou Sheng sat back down and shrugged, ¡°Can¡¯t you deduce it by yourself?¡±


    ¡°Make yourself clear before you go!¡± Huang Ting felt about for his cap as he wanted to put it on, but he was wearing plain clothes today.


    ¡°We picked up 1.2 million yuan,¡± Zhou Sheng stated, ¡°It was stolen money from a corrupt official, that was ascertained from the start.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re certain of that, not me. It¡¯s none of my business.¡± Huang Ting said coldly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be so cautious.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ting Ge, would I harm you?¡±


    ¡°You think you haven¡¯t harmed me?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Every time we try to take down the crystal you¡¯ll always make me, a mage, go up first to die!¡±


    Yu Hao burst out laughing again. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Where did the stolen money come from? I¡¯m guessing that the trail of clues wasn¡¯t lost, but your superiors pressured you guys to stop the investigation.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Cut the crap! What¡¯s your information?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sneered, ¡°At that time, in the report written by Junjun Jie titled ¡®Returned the Money Found¡¯, our names were on it, right?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Only your names and the name of your college were written, not your classes.¡±


    ¡°I even wrote a report on it before.¡± Xiao Yujun muttered, ¡°In January of this year, the office didn¡¯t allow me to mention it several times, so it wasn¡¯t published in the end.¡±


    ¡°Ou Qihang¡¯s father?¡± Yu Hao was in disbelief for a moment, ¡°But how do you know that? I didn¡¯t tell you anything.¡±


    ¡°I was right behind you guys that day, so I wasn¡¯t far away.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I returned after buying the heating pad for you and inadvertently overheard that one sentence.¡±


    ¡°How can it be proven that the money belongs to Ou Weihong?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you¡¯re going to do now?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Find that taekwondo black belt athlete who managed to escape from Laozi after exchanging three moves with me ¡ª the robber who had seized Jun Jie¡¯s laptop and managed to uncover information from the past.¡±


    ¡°Taekwondo¡­¡­oh I mentioned that before, so what you¡¯re saying is that¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The one who snatched the laptop was Ou Qihang?! That¡¯s impossible ba!¡±


    Xiao Yujun, ¡°You know him?!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly thought that they did seem similar in terms of height and the way they moved. He had only seen Ou Qihang twice, but somehow¡­after he was reminded by Zhou Sheng, he thought that it really could be him!


    ¡°It can¡¯t be ba¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why would he snatch the laptop? His father has already passed away, and didn¡¯t he do so for the sake of¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Protecting him and his mother?¡± Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°He probably has other thoughts about it ba. Forget it, I¡¯m sleepy, I don¡¯t want to talk about it anymore.¡±


    ¡°Ou Qihang.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I got it. Zhou Sheng, your father has a good son.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed it off.


    ¡°You have a good superintendent too.¡± Zhou Sheng also responded with a sincere compliment.


    ¡°He gave birth to his own son.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°But I can¡¯t choose my own superintendent.¡±


    ¡°Wifey, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Sheng put on his jacket.


    ¡°What did those last few sentences mean?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng while they were on their way back to college.


    ¡°Firstly, pull the radish out along with the mud it¡¯s in.¡± Zhou Sheng casually answered, ¡°After that kid gets the evidence, he¡¯ll probably want to expose it, in any case he¡¯s a variable. And perhaps, a disaster would fall upon Huang Baiguang? By then, if my Dad gets implicated, us spectators of the bustle would be the ones getting busy, won¡¯t we?¡±


    That was when Yu Hao understood it and was momentarily stunned.


    Yu Hao whispered, ¡°Your father and Huang Baiguang are, are¡­¡­colluding?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In the eyes of my old man, problems that can be solved with money aren¡¯t problems. If he could collect the money he received, then would my Dad still have tried to matchmake me and Jingya? A handsome, witty, and humorous son who could also be a wife¡¯s slave is the best trump card, and it must be saved until there¡¯s no other way out. If he¡¯s really going so far as to marry his son off, then he would at least marry me into the Provincial Party Committee.¡±


    ¡°Face na?¡± Yu Hao copied Zhou Sheng, ¡°Still want it or not? Pick it up quickly!¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled and embraced Yu Hao. At first, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t figure out what Ou Qihang wanted to do, but when he heard this, he realised that there could only be one possibility ¡ª¡ª Ou Qihang was searching for the article that proved the existence of the 1.2 million yuan, as well as any other evidence that might exist in Xiao Yujun¡¯s laptop. He planned to use all that to blow things up.


    Zhou Sheng took his phone out, looked down at it, and scrolled through his contact list.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That kid Ou Qihang is very smart; he thought his arrangements were flawless, the only thing is that he¡¯s a little too inexperienced. That old man has been going way too crazy recently; it won¡¯t be a bad thing to get him to restrain himself a little. If he continues on like this, sooner or later something will happen, and he¡¯ll be finished¡­¡­wei, are you asleep? Nothing, just help me warn that old man to not hug Huang Baiguang¡¯s thigh anymore, just telling him this is fine. Okay, I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    Yu Hao was so sleepy that he was a bit delirious. He wanted to ask who Zhou Sheng had just called, but he forgot to for a moment. Zhou Sheng got him to climb up the water pipe to get back into their dormitory. Fu Liqun had already fallen asleep, and within the deathly still night, the two of them laid on the bed. Zhou Sheng pressed against his forehead before remembering that he didn¡¯t have the Golden Crow Wheel anymore, so he pinched Yu Hao¡¯s cheek instead.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered.


    Yu Hao kissed Zhou Sheng¡¯s finger, ¡°General, no matter what happens, I¡¯ll accompany you by your side.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered in the darkness, ¡°Sleep ba, today was really too tiring.¡±


    At noon the next day, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t wake Yu Hao up. It was not until 12 o¡¯clock that Yu Hao was woken up by Zhou Sheng from his slumber.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Something happened!¡±


    Yu Hao was suddenly woken up, and his brain felt like exploding. He felt around for his phone; missed calls from Huang Ting and Xiao Yujun filled the screen.


    ¡°I¡¯m going too!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Are you guys going to fight for justice? Don¡¯t even think about leaving me behind this time!¡±


    Ying City¡¯s No.3 Middle School.


    Ou Qihang was sitting on the railings of a concrete rooftop on the 11th floor, his face injured from getting beaten up by Zhou Sheng the previous night. He was quietly watching the students on the field.


    The police were obviously experienced in dealing with this kind of situation. Firemen were already preparing an air cushion at the bottom, yet Ou Qihang was extremely calm, ¡°Don¡¯t bother wasting all that effort, I really want to die, and I can die in a lot of different ways! Even if you catch me this time, I¡¯ll still die the next time.¡±


    ¡°Qihang!¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s mother was crying and shouting from the teaching building, ¡°What are you doing? Get down from there!¡±


    His form teacher shouted, ¡°Your mother¡¯s watching you! Qihang, what are you thinking? Get down and tell us!¡±


    The form teacher, teaching director, course teacher, vice principal, and everyone from the school had come out.


    ¡°I have something to say!¡± Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°Are the reporters here yet?¡±


    Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun rushed to the school gate. Huang Ting came over, showed his police ID to the security guard, and brought them in.


    It has been a long time since a student wanted to jump off a building in No.3 Middle School, unlike the school next door that had a quota of one student jumping per year. The rooftop door had always been locked. Of all times, Ou Qihang had picked lunch break to do this, so all of the students had come out to watch.


    ¡°I left a lot of messages on Weibo and forums!¡± Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°And I even got my online friend to upload a tie for me. Once I¡¯m dead, it will be published at a fixed time! By then, all of you will know why! Don¡¯t even think about deleting it, you won¡¯t be able to finish deleting them all!¡±


    ¡°What are you saying?!¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s mother ran until her high heels broke. She was standing barefoot outside the air cushion, her face awash with tears as she shouted to her son, ¡°I was wrong! Qihang! If you¡¯re dissatisfied with anything, tell me, don¡¯t do this! Mama¡¯s heart is breaking! Mama carried you for 10 months and endured many hardships to give birth to you and raise you! Your Papa has already left us, could you really bear to leave Mama alone for the rest of her life?¡±


    Yu Hao ran to the front of the teaching building, and when he heard this, his heart immediately felt sour.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mum!¡± Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°I have no other way!¡±


    Ou Qihang looked at his watch, it was close to 1 o¡¯clock.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s mother knelt on the ground and cried as she shouted, ¡°Who can save my son¡­¡­¡±


    The door to the rooftop opened. Ou Qihang¡¯s back was facing the door, he raised his hand, ¡°Take one more step, and I¡¯ll jump.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang suddenly turned around. Yu Hao stood amidst the wind and watched Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to apologise for last night?¡± Yu Hao walked straight up, and Ou Qihang actually forgot to get him to leave for a moment, until Yu Hao walked to the rooftop railing five meters away from him and leaned on the cement railing to look down.


    Huang Ting wore a safety rope and climbed out of the classroom on the 11th floor. He carefully stepped on an air conditioner, looking overhead; Fu Liqun climbed out from another classroom on the 10th floor to serve as a second buffer. Zhou Sheng climbed out of a classroom on the 9th floor to act as the third buffer.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts immediately reached their throats.


    ¡°Someone else provoked you, but I didn¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t mind.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°You¡¯re a very good person, Yu Hao, I can¡¯t bear to tell you some things.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re afraid ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re afraid that Zhou Sheng would discover your plan, and that you wouldn¡¯t be able to make up your mind.¡±


    Ou Qihang laughed at himself. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve tried it before too.¡±


    ¡°Tried what before?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Don¡¯t come closer, it¡¯ll be useless even if you do. Someone who wants to die can die in any sort of way. You can pull me down today, but I¡¯ll still jump down from the overpass tomorrow, I can jump into a river the day after, and the day after that I could burn charcoal. I¡¯ve already prepared everything. You can¡¯t watch me at all times.¡±


    ¡°Tried to give up on life, and let death end all my problems.¡± Yu Hao looked down and shouted, ¡°Everyone, go back to class! Don¡¯t watch anymore! It¡¯s all fine now! Go and work on your Five-Year Gaokao Three-Year Mock Tests, and study to get into PKU or THU!¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°When I remember it now, I really was pretty damn dumb.¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s hand was close to Ou Qihang¡¯s ankle, but it was still just not close enough.


    Zhou Sheng stared closely at Yu Hao above, in fear that he would be dragged down by Ou Qihang as well.


    ¡°In this era,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Each and every one of us has a very, very soft voice, unless we use our life as a loudspeaker. No matter how loud we shout, no one would hear us, right?¡±


    Yu Hao frowned slightly.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°As long as I die, this matter will be blown up, and no one will be able to clean it up.¡±


    ¡°Is this the only way?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°This is the most worthwhile way. A high-caliber student with good grades, a corrupt official¡¯s son, suddenly jumping off a building to commit suicide, and left behind a pile of letters, doesn¡¯t that sound very touching? But it¡¯s a pity that I won¡¯t be able to see that, so you pay attention to it then.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°When I tried to commit suicide, I didn¡¯t think that much about it.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Once my head touches the ground, people will take pictures and upload it online; it¡¯ll be a bloody and mangled mess. Everyone will then want to listen to what I want to say, and they will all start to condemn in my stead. That¡¯ll be pretty good.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is it? Then jump ba. I can help you too.¡±


    Ou Qihang was a little surprised, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to say anything else?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing else to say, jump ba.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned around to leave, but Ou Qihang said, ¡°Wait, why did you want to commit suicide?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Since you¡¯re in a rush, I won¡¯t hold you up. Let¡¯s talk some other day.¡±


    Ou Qihang suddenly laughed, ¡°I¡¯m not in a rush. There will always be a lot of chances to die.¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Ok then. Actually it was nothing much, or at least it seems trivial now that I look back on it.¡±


    ¡°You got together with Zhou Sheng?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And now my whole life has changed. When I think about the beginning, I just feel like I was really stupid.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty good.¡± Ou Qihang, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not tired of living. I just think that there are some matters even more important than living. I wanted to comfort you that day. When you said that everyone was lonely from birth, I knew that you must be someone with a story too.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°That same teacher once said to me ¡®I don¡¯t know how to comfort you; just like how you didn¡¯t know how to comfort me today. Anything we say would be too feeble and futile, but our souls can produce a kind of weak resonance right here and now, from the hardships that we have suffered¡¯. The reason you found me might have been due to the guidance of this type of resonance ba.¡±


    Ou Qihang stared at Yu Hao blankly; the two of them looked at each other.


    And in this instant, Huang Ting grabbed Ou Qihang¡¯s ankle like a bolt of lightning and locked it, dragging him down from the rooftop!


    Cries of alarm sounded out instantly at the bottom of the teaching building.


    Although Yu Hao had discussed with them beforehand, he still got a huge fright the instant he saw Ou Qihang being dragged down.


    Huang Ting dragged Ou Qihang off the rooftop and fell straight down with him. Fu Liqun jumped up from the 10th floor, serving as a relay and held onto Ou Qihang¡¯s waist, then threw him to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng caught him, spun around, loosened his grip, lifted his feet, and kicked downwards¡ª¡ª


    Ou Qihang fell down and landed on the air cushion. The firefighters rushed forward one after another and held him down!


    Ou Qihang¡¯s mother fainted on the spot.


    Yu Hao pounced onto the rooftop railings and looked down. Zhou Sheng was still hanging mid air between the 10th and 9th floor. Yu Hao immediately turned around and rushed out of the rooftop through a small door and darted into the classroom.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was climbing in from outside the window. Yu Hao hugged him tightly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m fine, just hurts a little from getting bound too tightly by the rope. Why did you talk about this and that with him for so long? Just kick him down to us and it would¡¯ve all been over.¡±


    The two of them looked down, Ou Qihang had already been taken away by the police.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 92.1 - Father and Son

    Ch92.1 ¨C Father and Son


    Later in the principal¡¯s office, Yu Hao was still feeling agitated and reeling from the events had transpired ¨C the scene just now was truly too thrilling. Yet Fu Liqun raised his hand and high-fived Zhou Sheng as he shouted, ¡°Yeah!¡±


    The principal, teaching director, and form teacher were extremely grateful and pleaded with Xiao Yujun to not send a manuscript off to be printed yet. After all, this matter could erupt into a scandal. Something like this has not happened in No. 3 High for many years; one of the most terrible things that could happen in a school was their students committing suicide. Xiao Yujun was obviously unsettled now too and could only nod her head.


    ¡°What about now?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    The principal realised that Zhou Sheng appeared to be their leader, as even the reporter listened to him, so he asked, ¡°How can we express our gratitude¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Will there be a silk banner?¡± Fu Liqun asked expectantly.


    ¡°Ai that¡¯s right, give a silk banner ba?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°A lion dance, set off some firecrackers, and beat gongs and drums as you send it over?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­our school doesn¡¯t have a lion dance troupe.¡± The principal clearly didn¡¯t get Zhou Sheng¡¯s cold joke.


    The teaching director quickly stepped forward to save the show and repeatedly promised them a reward. Zhou Sheng knew that Yu Hao wanted to see Ou Qihang, so he motioned for him to go first. Ever since Yu Hao came down from the rooftop, he had obviously been absent minded. Ou Qihang¡¯s words shocked him greatly and left him feeling conflicted. Talking about pity at this kind of moment would practically be an insult to Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Remember to come back to practice in the afternoon.¡± Fu Liqun reminded, ¡°I¡¯ll head back first.¡±


    Outside the school grounds, Xiao Yujun called Huang Ting. She grasped one side of the earphones and asked who between Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao would listen by motioning to them; Zhou Sheng took it and put it on.


    ¡°This case now involves three stations.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s no longer something I can interfere with. Yujun, when you go back, shelve the news first, and don¡¯t publish it. Your leaders will surely put pressure on you too.¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I just want to ask one thing: Huang Ting, will the situation improve?¡±


    Zhou Sheng listened quietly for awhile. Huang Ting didn¡¯t say much before hanging up.


    Xiao Yujun looked at the two of them, ¡°Then¡­¡­that¡¯s all for now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded. Xiao Yujun sprained her ankle yesterday and still had a slight limp. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Jun Jie, I¡¯ll get a cab for you.¡±


    Xiao Yujun was about to refuse when Yu Hao had already hailed one and escorted Xiao Yujun to the car. Yu Hao suddenly felt a little uneasy, as if there was a heavy gloominess pressing down on him, yet he didn¡¯t know what he was feeling gloomy about.


    ¡°She¡¯s already that badly hurt.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°After we get back, we¡¯ll need to share some of our medicinal wine and drugs with her.¡±


    They have a frequently used medicinal wine in their dormitory that Cen Shan had asked someone to give to Fu Liqun. It was common for sports students to get a sprain. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t realised that Xiao Yujun¡¯s sprain from the day before was so serious.


    ¡°She wants to save up money to buy a house.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°And she¡¯s usually very thrifty, similar to how I was before. She would get an apple and yoghurt from the newspaper office for lunch, and eat a biscuit or two-dollar buns for dinner.¡±


    Yu Hao has always had a good understanding of Xiao Yujun; she¡¯s someone who lacks a sense of security.


    ¡°1.2 million,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°can buy the lives of Ou Qihang and his father, this world is just¡­ Hungry? Let¡¯s go get lunch?¡±


    An SUV was parked outside Ying city¡¯s No.3 High. Yu Hao thought it seemed a little familiar, but Zhou Sheng directly went up and pulled the door open. Yu Hao saw the person in the driver¡¯s seat ¡ª¡ª Zhou Laichun!


    ¡°Yo, you caught wind of it pretty fast ma.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You came over so quickly?¡±


    Zhou Laichun was still in his pajamas and didn¡¯t say a word. The tension in the car made Yu Hao¡¯s heart beat violently. He didn¡¯t answer his son and didn¡¯t ask any questions either, he just drove the car onto a turnabout by the river. Zhou Sheng, however, looked indifferent as he played games on his phone and messaged Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾It¡¯s such a bright and windy day today, why don¡¯t we give him a huge surprise?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I think that¡¯s a little terrifying, don¡¯t mess around.¡¿


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s expression was completely dark. He drove his car into the underground garage of a restaurant near the river. It was still under renovation; the landing windows were already installed, and the place was really spacious.


    ¡°Another one?¡± Zhou Sheng stood in the empty restaurant that should have been a luxurious room; there were even messy piles of wires and aluminium alloy strips on the ground.


    The wind from the river blew the door shut with a loud ¡°bang¡±.


    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± Zhou Laichun approached and seized his son by the collar, but Zhou Sheng was quick to react. ¡°Old man, you¡¯re not my opponent now, you really want to fight here?¡±


    ¡°Uncle!¡± Yu Hao spoke up.


    ¡°What are you doing.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kidnapping?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking you! What the hell do you want to do?!¡± Zhou Lai Chun¡¯s voice was like thunder, and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but diss in his heart, the words ¡®what are you doing¡¯ really is suitable for all ages, even this irritable father-son pair can¡¯t escape from it. They¡¯ll probably start looping the words ¡®what are you doing¡¯ for a while, so they won¡¯t be getting to the point anytime soon. Thus, he went to sit down in front of the wooden box by the landing windows.


    ¡°Be careful, there are splinters in the wood!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao waved his hand and got him to focus on his quarrel. Zhou Laichun was so angry he picked up a wooden board and roared, ¡°Do you want to die?!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, it ended so soon?


    ¡°Why are you mingling with Ou Weihong¡¯s son?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°That shameless, stubborn bastard didn¡¯t even want his own life, do you understand how serious this is?¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then should I have let him die?! Let his head smash into the ground, then have everyone take photos, and circulate it around the internet and tear all your backstages down?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun was practically roaring, ¡°Have you ever thought about how your Laozi can account for your involvement in this?!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re talking about someone¡¯s life here!¡± Zhou Sheng angrily roared back, ¡°Do you understand what a ¡®life¡¯ is?!¡±


    The two of them roared at each other, and Yu Hao was almost instantly rendered deaf. This building built over the water was currently under renovation and only recently had soundproof glass installed; it was spacious and echoey. To begin with, Zhou Laichun and Zhou Sheng have always had very strong diaphragms when they spoke, and now even the glass was about to shatter from their roars.


    ¡°Stop arguing!¡± Yu Hao looked back and said, ¡°Can¡¯t you talk properly?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun was a bit stunned by Yu Hao¡¯s roar. Yu Hao frowned, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Talk properly!¡±


    Zhou Laichun would have never even dreamed that someone would dare discipline his son in front of him, so astonishment spread across his face.


    But what shocked him even more was that Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger gradually subsided, and he said while suppressing his anger, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll talk properly. Old man, how much money did you give Huang Baiguang?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your damn business.¡± Zhou Laichun said coldly.


    These words immediately provoked Zhou Sheng again. Yu Hao immediately glanced at him to stop Zhou Sheng¡¯s rising anger. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Make it clear, what¡¯s your relationship with Huang Baiguang? Would it cause you to get arrested and imprisoned?¡±


    Zhou Laichun remained quiet for awhile. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you could have given him the money, you wouldn¡¯t have needed me to date Huang Baiguang¡¯s daughter, right?¡±


    Zhou Laichun looked at Zhou Sheng ¡ª his gaze was filled with a mixture of hatred and reluctance. He didn¡¯t say anything in the end, only retrieving a pack of cigarettes to light one up.


    Zhou Sheng beckoned, took a cigarette, and lit it up.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Who approved the plots for Yun Lai Chun in Ying city? Does it have anything to do with Ou Weihong? How much money did you give out?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Ou Weihong jumped off a building last winter, and Yun Lai Chun only entered Ying City after this year¡¯s Spring Festival. Don¡¯t you know how to count? These few plots went through all the proper formalities.¡±


    ¡°It was really proper?¡±


    ¡°Proper.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°After Ou Weihong jumped off a building, everyone was on tenterhooks. Why don¡¯t you tell me who would dare to take money on the cusp of a storm?¡±


    Zhou Laichun felt as if he was getting to know his son again and sneered.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If you¡¯re going to do business, then just do business. I don¡¯t want to fucking be like Ou Qihang. Restrain yourself a bit, and don¡¯t go too crazy; there are still many days ahead.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking pulling the rug from under my feet!¡± Zhou Laichun became angry again and shouted, ¡°Are you going to try to force me to jump off a building too before you¡¯re satisfied?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately felt his throat constrict and became so angry his whole body trembled.


    ¡°My Dad passed away early, but if he were still alive,¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°He definitely wouldn¡¯t have talked like you, uncle.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s actions today had really gone way beyond Zhou Sheng¡¯s expectations. When they heard these words, Zhou Laichun and Zhou Sheng both fell silent. Although Yu Hao¡¯s voice was calm, his words were tinged with anger. He had been facing the river scenery ever since he arrived, as if contemplating about how to best phrase his thoughts.

 Chapter 92.2 - Father and Son

    Ch92.2 ¨C Father and Son


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to say to him.¡± Zhou Sheng said with slight weariness, ¡°Let¡¯s go ba, I don¡¯t want to say anything else in the future either.¡±


    Yu Hao got up from the wooden box and walked over to Zhou Laichun.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Zhou Sheng was stunned.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember much about my Dad.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Laichun, ¡°I only remember that he used to work in a stone material factory. He would always go to work happily every day, and he never used to say things like how tiring or hard his life was because of me.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Stop talking.¡±


    Zhou Laichun frowned deeply and stared at Yu Hao in bewilderment.


    ¡°My Dad worked very hard and couldn¡¯t earn much money.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It was only after I grew up that I knew it wasn¡¯t easy for him. My family was poor, but he worked hard to earn money to support me. He was just one of the thousands of ordinary people out there, but to me, he was as successful as you. He couldn¡¯t earn as much as you¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned deeply as he watched Yu Hao carefully.


    ¡°But my Grandma also taught me, is there anything more important than money in the world? Yes, our lovers and family, right?¡± Yu Hao continued, ¡°No matter how much money you leave behind for Zhou Sheng, if you end up getting imprisoned, he would only feel even more upset ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood quietly. Zhou Laichun grasped a cigarette, his fingers slightly trembling.


    ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re really rich and very successful.¡± Yu Hao looked out of the window at the river, ¡°But in the eyes of children, if we had to choose between money or love, we would not hesitate to choose a blissful family. We would rather have no money, but parents who love each other, who don¡¯t quarrel, no violence, no affairs¡­¡­


    These are all things that no amount of money can buy. But now, we are all doomed to lose them. It has all come to an end, become part of the past, and turned into expectations that would never be realised.


    Parents often say that for their children, make do ba. But we actually respect our parents¡¯ decisions and only wish for their happiness. Even if they do get a divorce and start a new life, we will have no complaints, right? So, at least in the future, Zhou Sheng hopes that you and Aunt can both live a good life, and he hopes that nothing bad will happen to either of you. He loves you, that¡¯s what he wants to say.


    I wish that my father were still alive. I guess that Ou Qihang must have thought that way countless times ba? As children, we have nothing, and even our skin and body are given to us by our parents. Our opinions aren¡¯t very important, but even so, we still hope that our parents can seriously listen to just one sentence of ours, and not wait until losing it before¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued to tremble. He walked out and closed the door. Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t say anything else and walked to stand in front of the French windows.


    Yu Hao pushed the door open the go find Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng was sitting down in the corner of a corridor, exhausted. Yu Hao sat next to him with his back against the wall, then leaned his head on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder.


    Zhou Sheng stared at Yu Hao in a daze.


    ¡°Do you miss your mother?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly asked.


    ¡°As long as she¡¯s living well after she left me, then it¡¯s okay.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I¡¯ll have you from now on, won¡¯t I? This is our family.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back ba.¡± Yu Hao was being hugged by Zhou Sheng, and he was afraid that Zhou Laichun would see them. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll go let your father know.¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit puzzled. He looked at Zhou Laichun.


    Zhou Laichun flicked the ashes off his cigarette, ¡°My Shixiong and I were in the same kitchen. At first we agreed to start a business together after retiring, but because of some things that happened later on, we didn¡¯t become partners. When I brought you guys out for a meal that day and watched you two talk, I remembered that I used to have such a close bro too¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao recalled the owner of the stir fry shop.


    ¡°To be fair,¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I think his food really is better than yours.¡±


    ¡°When it comes to cooking, I¡¯m really not as good as him.¡± Zhou Laichun was a little distracted and fell silent again after a while. Eventually, he turned towards Yu Hao.


    ¡°Thank you, Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°It¡¯s Zhou Sheng¡¯s fortune to have a friend like you.¡± As he spoke, he threw his cigarette away a little sadly, as if he had returned to normal in that moment.


    Yu Hao thought, if you knew about our relationship, you¡¯ll probably hold me down on the spot right now and kill me ba¡­¡­and couldn¡¯t help but turn meek. His just and righteous manner from just now had completely vaporised.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡± Zhou Laichun remembered his son, ¡°Get in here!¡¯


    No answer came from outside. Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s still training in the afternoon, so we have to go.¡±


    Zhou Laichun thought about it for a bit, and knew that Zhou Sheng was listening outside, so he said to Yu Hao, ¡°Even if that kid really did jump off the building and die, he wouldn¡¯t have been able to . Uncle¡¯s words are coarse, but please don¡¯t mind it since I have to explain this clearly.¡±


    Zhou Laichun explained patiently to Yu Hao, ¡°If those on top want to get rid of you, anything you eat, drink, the act of washing your feet at foot massage parlours, and touching a male waiter¡¯s butt could all be used as reasons. If the top doesn¡¯t want to touch you, they¡¯ll have all sorts of ways to protect you. China really isn¡¯t a society ruled by law.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer and just stared at Zhou Laichun quietly.


    ¡°If Ou Weihong¡¯s son had really died today, everyone would naturally get busy with their respective tasks ¡ª those in charge of deleting would delete everything, those who had to notify would send out the notifications, those who had to pull strings would pull them. In any case, they would be able to suppress it somehow; there¡¯s a surplus of people around to think up of ways. I don¡¯t know how you two got involved with that kid. After Ou Weihong¡¯s death, everyone¡¯s been paying attention to his son. Zhou Sheng¡¯s my son, and news travels fast in the government circle, so everyone will know soon enough. But after what you said today¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun sighed.


    ¡°Go back ba.¡± Zhou Laichun recalled something and asked, ¡°Lack money recently?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said no, and Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°Let Uncle know if you guys run out of money, don¡¯t mistreat yourselves.¡±


    ¡°See,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Even without the Golden Crow Wheel, we can resolve a lot of things.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re the Golden Crow Wheel.¡± Zhou Sheng tore off the instant noodle cover and glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°He wants to be a member of the .¡± Zhou sheng bought two bowls of instant noodles and sat by the river with Yu Hao to eat as they enjoyed the breeze. Yu Hao was starving by now; Zhou Laichun had actually forgotten to treat them to a meal today.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Yu Hao cried in surprise.


    However, after he thought about it seriously, if Zhou Laichun became a member of the PCC or an NPC deputy, they would have to face even more obstacles. Yu Hao thought, sometimes, having an amazing father isn¡¯t a good thing.


    ¡°Being an official is like singing in an opera.¡± Zhou Sheng stated truthfully, ¡°For whichever song or act that¡¯s being performed, you would have a script in hand, so you just have to follow the script.¡±


    ¡°That not necessarily true ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Wang Laoshi¡¯s really good, and everyone¡¯s a part of reality.¡±


    ¡°Where did another Wang Laoshi pop out from?¡± Zhou Sheng doesn¡¯t know about Wang Hongyan. He threw away the instant noodle bowl and took Yu Hao back to college while constantly checking his phone. In the afternoon, Fu Liqun brought the two of them out to practice and kept saying, ¡°Focus, what¡¯s wrong with you two today?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very normal!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about Zhou Sheng!¡± Fu Liqun bounced the ball a few times and asked, ¡°Young Master, are you alright?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s attention kept wandering and he said impatiently, ¡°Come, come, give me all you¡¯ve got! You think I¡¯m scared of you?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°When will the silk banner arrive?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll go issue them an order to hurry it up.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Xiao Zhou, I¡¯m at ease if you¡¯re the one handling things!¡±


    The next morning, Yu Hao received news from Huang Ting. He tidied up his books and sneaked out from the back door of his classroom. Zhou Sheng was waiting outside. They hailed a cab after they left the college and went straight to the city bureau. The one who received them was another policeman, who re-confirmed their testimonies according to the records they had.


    Xiao Yujun came out after she took her bag. Ou Qihang¡¯s mother was waiting outside with a haggard appearance. When she apologised to Xiao Yujun, Xiao Yujun whispered, ¡°Aunt, don¡¯t be upset anymore. I¡¯m not angry.¡±


    As she spoke, Xiao Yujun hugged her gently, and Ou Qihang¡¯s mother began wiping her tears away again. She was a middle manager at a state-owned enterprise and had been waiting in the city bureau since last night. She had already roughly guessed what had happened. After making a round of calls, no one showed up at all, and even the owner couldn¡¯t be found; all the calls were answered by the secretary.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s uncle was on his way. Huang Ting came out of the interrogation room and said to Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, ¡°Come with me.¡±


    Huang Ting took the two of them across the small courtyard of the city bureau and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Ou Qihang has been saying that he wants to see you. He managed to get Yujun¡¯s laptop password through trial and error.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ve been tormenting him for one day and one night?¡±


    Huang Ting was clearly very irritated too and answered, ¡°How¡¯s it any of my damn business? I want to resolve this as soon as possible too. Laozi hasn¡¯t slept since that night. I didn¡¯t expect that after this case made one whole round, it still would come back to me in the end.¡±


    It would soon approach the 24-hour mark. Yu Hao roughly knew that Ou Qihang¡¯s robbery charge was confirmed because they had found Xiao Yujun¡¯s bag in his dormitory, but he probably didn¡¯t confess about what he had planned.


    ¡°Have there been any rumours outside?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°All ready to delete the ties?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°He got his friend to take a picture of him jumping off the building to upload it onto Weibo. Since he didn¡¯t die, there won¡¯t be a large-scale public outcry.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that Ou Qihang had told him that he had planned it out with his online friend to use his death as a catalyst for a sensational event.


    ¡°So, he wants to talk to me?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°His mother wanted to bail him out.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°But we must get some crucial answers before we can go through those formalities for him.¡±


    ¡°But you can¡¯t do anything if he doesn¡¯t confess, right?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ll need to release him in a few hours.¡±


    ¡°He can be detained.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°He can¡¯t escape the robbery charge.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°Then detain him ah. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re detaining me, do whatever you want!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly understood that Huang Ting was tasked by his superiors to get a detailed report of Ou Qihang¡¯s arrangements and motive out of him.


    ¡°Will he be alright?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re making me do this, so at the very least I need to guarantee his safety ba.¡±


    ¡°No one wants to lower themselves to the level of a high school student.¡± Huang Ting suppressed his annoyance and whispered, ¡°As long as he clearly explains his reasons, motives, and the people involved, no one will do anything to him. However, it is inevitable that he will be monitored.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. I¡¯ve seen tons of people who would go back on their words.¡±


    ¡°What benefit would come out of screwing him over?¡± Huang Ting stopped moving and said, ¡°The top issued a life-or-death order, smoothing things over takes priority.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°It¡¯s pretty useful.¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°What? Zhou Sheng, what are you laughing at?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m laughing at how there are people who are scared of a defenseless high school student. Isn¡¯t that pretty interesting?¡±


    Huang Ting said seriously, ¡°I don¡¯t care what they think, I want him alive.¡±


    Yu Hao nudged Zhou Sheng as a signal for him to lay off of Huang Ting, so Zhou Sheng stopped talking.

 Chapter 93.1 - Premeditated

    Ch93.1 ¨C Premeditated


    ¡°After you go in, pay attention to what you say. They¡¯re recording.¡± Huang Ting cautioned them only of this before opening the door and letting Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao in.


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time entering an interrogation room at a police station. Legally, Ou Qihang could be questioned here for 24 hours. There was only one table, a few chairs, and a lamp in the middle. The walls of the room looked both eerie and severe.


    Ou Qihang also looked very haggard and on the verge of falling asleep as he sat at the table, yet he couldn¡¯t lie down on the table. When he heard the noise, he suddenly raised his head and a ray of hope appeared in his eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wanted to see you.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Huang Ting and another policeman stood at the side and asked Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, was he the person you encountered the night before yesterday?¡±


    Yu Hao and Ou Qihang looked at each other. Ou Qihang smiled helplessly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said to Huang Ting.


    Huang Ting confirmed it with Zhou Sheng again. After he finished asking his questions, he left with the other policeman and closed the door behind him.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wanted to see you.¡± Ou Qihang said to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to be a bodyguard.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Lest a rabid dog like you suddenly does something while you¡¯re talking and bite my wife.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the rabid dog.¡± Ou Qihang retorted, and after a moment, he added, ¡°Your skills aren¡¯t bad.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Qihang, I hope you can live your life well, stop doing foolish things.¡±


    Ou Qihang gazed at Yu Hao and said, ¡°This isn¡¯t something foolish. I thought you would be able to understand me, but looks like you think the same way as them.¡±


    ¡°Why did your father commit suicide?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In the past half a year, have you properly thought about it?¡±


    Ou Qihang looked at the surrounding walls, ¡°I have. A lot of people must be listening in on us now ba.¡±


    ¡°Not a lot.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Do you think they would be stupid enough to let a whole group of policemen listen to us chat?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°When I went to see you that day, I had a lot of things I wanted to say to you. I wanted to ask you to help me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned slightly. Yu Hao looked up at Ou Qihang and asked, ¡°Why me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been inquiring about you guys for a long time.¡± Ou Qihang said softly, ¡°The two of you saved a child who was sexually assaulted by her father, saved a teacher in your college who was a victim of domestic violence¡­¡­the two of you picked up the money that my Dad hid in the reservoir, but didn¡¯t take it for yourselves. I thought that if I told you the truth, you would stand up for me.¡±


    ¡°I thought that you must have some kind of superpower.¡± Ou Qihang leaned over slightly. The sound of Zhou Sheng fiddling about with the lighter stopped instantly; he raised a hand slightly, ready to protect Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡± Yu Hao laughed bitterly, ¡°What superpower? There was just no other choice.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We saw injustice right in front of our eyes ma, so we would stand up for it once in awhile. But we won¡¯t save you, you¡¯re not worthy of redemption.¡±


    Ou Qihang leaned back slightly and mocked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said coldly, ¡°Because you injured an innocent journalist by causing her to sprain her ankle, and still haven¡¯t asked about her situation so far.¡±


    Ou Qihang was startled for a moment.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought that when Zhou Sheng got serious, his trash talking skill was practically maxed out.


    ¡°Of course, you can even throw away your own life.¡± Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°And you don¡¯t even care about your own mother, so how could you have anyone else in your eyes? Why would someone as strong as you need redemption? More like you should be the one redeeming us, right?¡±


    Yu Hao had wanted to try starting from Ou Qihang¡¯s father to accomplish their task, and do his best to guide him, but Zhou Sheng had taken the lead, so now he wasn¡¯t really involved. He knows that Ou Qihang must be exhausted right now, his psychological defenses on the verge of disintegration and collapse. His inner world must be a chaotic turmoil filled with blustering gales and lightning now.


    If they still had the Golden Crow Wheel, then what would Ou Qihang¡¯s inner world be like? Would such a cold-blooded person still hope for sunlight to befall him?


    ¡°I¡¯m not strong.¡± Ou Qihang suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯m very weak, otherwise why would I resort to this sort of method to fight?¡±


    The interrogation room lapsed into a momentary silence. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao both looked at Ou Qihang. At this time, Yu Hao felt that Ou Qihang was about to open up, purely based on his intuition.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is the last hour I¡¯ll give you. Act as if there¡¯s no recording here ba, explain the whole matter clearly, get your bail pending trial, then go home to spend time with your mother. It¡¯s up to you whether you want to talk or not. If you don¡¯t want to, we¡¯ll leave; my temper isn¡¯t as good as Yu Hao¡¯s.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.


    ¡°My father was a good man all his life.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    When he heard this, Yu Hao thought, he¡¯s finally talking.


    ¡°He was honest for many years.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°My family didn¡¯t have much money, and we could barely be considered middle-class ba. I don¡¯t know why he accepted that sum of money; I¡¯m guessing that he might have wanted to send me abroad to further my studies, or it could have been for some other¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°One day last year, he drove me to my taekwondo class.¡± Ou Qihang was immersed in his memories, ¡°I saw that black plastic bag in the trunk.¡±


    ¡°The one we found.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°At that time, he was cleaning the windows in front, and I only glanced at it once. I could vaguely guess that it was cash, but I didn¡¯t ask. After a few days, I went home to pick up an exercise book, and when I was about to go back to school, a guest came to our house.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao slowly raised their index fingers at the same time and gently tapped in front of them. Ou Qihang understood, then nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know who that person was.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°But I heard him promise my Dad that all his worries would be solved.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s breathing stopped.


    ¡°Then he asked if everything was handled properly.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°My Dad answered and said that he had handled it. At first, I thought it was weird, and after a few days, I heard my parents discussing something at the dinner table and knew that someone from the top had come down to investigate¡­¡­I didn¡¯t link it to that matter at first. After I returned to school that day, I couldn¡¯t really concentrate on class either¡­¡­at 4.50, I received the news that my Dad had jumped off a building.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly.


    ¡°That was the antecedent.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°He took bribes when approving land and committed suicide. I think when the guest promised him that ¡®all his worries could be solved¡¯, he meant to take care of me and my mother ba? But I didn¡¯t want to let them off just like that. The investigation team took away his suicide note and didn¡¯t let me see it. The stolen money couldn¡¯t be found, and its amount couldn¡¯t be determined either, so it was even less possible to trace its source. Half a month later, I saw the news about you guys picking up the money in the reservoir¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He went there to fish before.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°So I thought it must be that sum of money.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re very patient.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I kept waiting at first, waiting and hoping that this matter would continue. But very soon, there was no more news. I called the newspaper office to ask about the follow-up. They said that for the time being they weren¡¯t clear, and that I had to ask the police station. Later on, I wrote an anonymous letter of allegation to them, but received no reply.¡±


    Ou Qihang shrugged, ¡°It was as if this matter never happened and had completely sunk into the abyss. I¡¯ve always been wondering about what I had to do in order to make everyone continue paying attention to this matter. But I knew that I couldn¡¯t alert the snake either, otherwise, if I couldn¡¯t blow it up enough, I would be immediately restrained.¡±


    ¡°During the New Year, my mother asked me to take my cousin to the amusement park to have fun.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°After we finished playing paintball, I happened to see you, and saw your nametag ¡ª Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But I didn¡¯t notice you.¡±


    ¡°You were performing for the children at the time by trying to eat peanuts with a blindfold.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°So of course you didn¡¯t see me. I had read all the news and its contents in detail. The news said that the student who didn¡¯t pocket the money was a college student, and worked at the amusement park during the New Year. I thought that you matched that description.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So you went to great lengths to get Yu Hao¡¯s number.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Because once I saw you, Zhou Sheng, I thought you weren¡¯t someone to be trifled with, while Yu Hao on the other hand seemed more likely to be willing to help me.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There was a slight error in your judgement.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°There was no error, never mind¡­¡­I¡­¡­perhaps it was intuition ba? I thought you liked guys and thought that you could be interested in guys of my type. But school was about to start soon, my mother kept a very close watch on me, and I also suspected that someone was monitoring us. So throughout the semester, I was very careful to lie low and wait for the dust to settle.¡±


    Ou Qihang made several subconscious movements with his long and slender fingers, like a spinning motion.


    ¡°It was only when summer vacation was about to end,¡± Ou Qihang continued, ¡°that I thought I had a chance. I began asking around about you, and coincidentally had an online in-game friend who studied at your college and told me a lot of the gossip surrounding you. At that time I thought of using my little life as a price to pay and blow the whole thing up. Fool you first, then get you to help me post some comments on the internet to say that the police station had embezzled the money.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t know why, when I talked to you, I didn¡¯t want to implicate you.¡± Ou Qihang said with slight regret, ¡°If I did, I definitely would¡¯ve caused you to get badly hurt, and why do that?¡±


    ¡°Did you already plan to commit suicide back then?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Ou Qihang nodded seriously, ¡°Public outcry needs to be brewed and fermented; it¡¯ll start through you, by mentioning the police embezzlement of the 1.2 million to serve as preheating. Half a month later, I would act as I did yesterday.


    I took advantage of my evening self-study time to sneak out of school and followed Xiao Yujun, then took her laptop away. There must be a lot of pictures on her laptop regarding that bag of money that weren¡¯t released on the news at that time. After getting the photos, I sent them to five of my online friends.


    Then I told them to pay attention to my desk mate¡¯s Weibo. Once my photos were uploaded, they would immediately screenshot them, and attach them to the message I had prepared beforehand, as well as the certificate of my mental health assessment, the photos of the money, and the recording of their conversation in the living room that day¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Upload them all at the same time.¡± Ou Qihang revealed a sad smile, ¡°That¡¯s the entire process. Yu Hao, I once wanted to ask you for help with two things: the first was to publish a post condemning the police station on my behalf, and the second was that after my death¡ª¡ª¡± When he spoke to this point, Ou Qihang hesitated for a short moment.


    Yu Hao, ¡°To monitor the discussion on Weibo and major forums for you, and ensure that everyone wouldn¡¯t forget everything you traded your life for, is that right? Why did you do that? Did you ever consider your father? If your father was still alive¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang nodded.


    ¡°He would definitely wish for me to be well.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I know what you want to say, but I won¡¯t. Can¡¯t I have my own views? I want revenge. I don¡¯t care, my Dad chose to die by himself to protect my Mum and I; he¡¯s guilty for taking bribes, I don¡¯t deny that. Why can¡¯t I choose to screw the rest of the officials over? Those who are dead can¡¯t be brought back to life, but I can take revenge¡ª¡ª RE, VENGE!¡±


    Yu Hao watched Ou Qihang quietly.


    ¡°What are the names of your online friends?¡± Zhou Sheng had a hunch that this matter could be a bit troublesome now, ¡°Can you get the information back? Aren¡¯t you afraid that those friends of yours would upload them ahead of time?¡±


    ¡°Of course not, do I look that stupid? I compressed all the data and set a password for them.¡± Ou Qihang smiled calmly, ¡°Before jumping down, I would send the password to one of my desk mate¡¯s alternative WeChat accounts, and then get my desk mate to send out the password in a WeChat text. But now, as you wished, I¡¯m the only one who knows the password.¡±

 Chapter 93.2 - Premeditated

    Ch93.2 ¨C Premeditated


    For being so set on dying, you sure prepared a lot of things.¡± Zhou Sheng was full of sarcasm as he said, ¡°Well, aren¡¯t you troublesome?¡±


    ¡°In case I didn¡¯t die, I needed to leave myself a way out ma. And see, didn¡¯t it come in handy now?¡± Ou Qihang laughed.


    When he heard this, Yu Hao just thought that Ou Qihang¡¯s IQ probably far exceeded what he had guessed.


    There was a knock on the door. Huang Ting came in, and the two of them got up to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you all that you wanted to know.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Good luck.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Zhou Sheng said lightly, ¡°You¡¯re still too inexperienced, wise up after your setbacks and learn your lesson ba.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s face suddenly changed, becoming as pale as dying embers. Yu Hao noticed the anomaly and asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled mischievously and draped his arm around Yu Hao as they left.


    Huang Ting was waiting outside, frowning silently.


    ¡°It¡¯s over?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Huang Ting nodded.


    ¡°How¡¯re you gonna thank me?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll treat you and Yujun to a meal the day after tomorrow?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Pick a place, I¡¯m about to die a sudden death. We¡¯ll talk after I sleep, and if I oversleep, then you guys just eat by yourselves ba. Just place the whole black and white photo on the dining table, I¡¯d like to thank you two honourable ones for your great kindness.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you mean by your parting words yesterday?¡± Yu Hao kept feeling that something was strange when Zhou Sheng left.


    The next day, he, Fu Liqun, and Zhou Sheng went to sign up for the three-person basketball match. Zhou Sheng measured his height ¡ª 187cm.


    Fu Liqun stood up and measured his height. 193cm, he grew 1cm.


    Yu Hao went to measure, still 178. He was practically on the verge of crying without tears.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why? It¡¯s just 2cm. Don¡¯t you like it if I¡¯m a bit taller? This just means that your private property is rising in value ah.¡±


    Fu Liqun whose HP -25 said, ¡°It¡¯s not good to have too big of a difference. Your sis-in-law says that every time we kiss, she feels like she¡¯s performing a sword swallowing act on the street.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t grow anymore. If you grow to 1.9m like Gege, it¡¯ll be troublesome.¡±


    ¡°What do you have against 1.9m?!¡± Fu Liqun instantly blew up, ¡°Did 1.9m eat your house¡¯s rice?!¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ok then, whatever you say goes. I¡¯ll stop growing.¡± Zhou Sheng stepped off, satisfied.


    Preliminaries were at the end of the semester, and finals during winter vacation, so there was still a long time before then. The competition was mainly sponsored by one brand, and the champion team would get 30,000 yuan as prize money as well as three pairs of limited edition basketball shoes. Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll take you to go buy shoes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve resolved to never go to that shop again.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re participating in a fashion show, why buy such good ones?¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t cost more than 2,000, alright?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to another shop, we won¡¯t go to the one with 9,600.¡±


    Yu Hao had refused to buy basketball shoes. Zhou Sheng has already spent too much money on him this semester ¡ª skateboard, clothes, shoes, laptop, couple watches¡­¡­Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng were also reluctant to wear their most expensive shoes during trainings, and would only wear them for important occasions. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t particular about the aesthetics of basketball shoes. Zhou Sheng even wanted to buy a camera for Yu Hao, basketball shoes, an engraved couple bracelet from Tiffany, and¡­¡­ Yu Hao was on tenterhooks every day as he was really afraid that Zhou Sheng would suddenly buy him something.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Well, we can¡¯t be the only ones wearing AJ while we let you wear something cheaper? We¡¯re a team ah. Everyone should wear AJ together every step of the way. When we think back on this time in the future, how wonderful would the memories be?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So if I casually wear a normal pair onto the court, the memory won¡¯t be wonderful anymore? What kind of logic is that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng cried bitterly, ¡°We¡¯ll buy it first, then I¡¯ll go work and earn it back next time, okay? Could you stop feeling so conflicted?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng started to quarrel again as they walked. Fu Liqun could only follow behind them, bored stiff. Recently, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng would occasionally argue. Every time Yu Hao would only be a little angry and ask Zhou Sheng not to spend money, so Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t interject and would patiently wait for a while before giving in.


    After talking so much about money, Yu Hao would also feel annoyed and a bit depressed. Sometimes he felt like he was rambling on about it a little too much and even found himself irritating.


    He knew that there has always been a significant disparity between his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s values and perspectives on expenditures. Perhaps there was a monster in the arena they hadn¡¯t encountered yet that represented Zhou Sheng¡¯s values. But after the occasional reflection, Yu Hao understood in his heart that he was a little too thrifty sometimes. He was used to living in poverty and liked to exchange his time for money.


    But Zhou Sheng was different. Even after his parents divorced, his mother never shortchanged him on his material needs. On the contrary, she was secretly competing with Zhou Laichun and would give Zhou Sheng more in the name of pocket money, to prove that ¡®you¡¯re not worse off with this old woman than that white-eyed wolf¡¯. The only thing that would annoy Zhou Sheng a lot was that his mother would always ask all sorts of questions whenever he wanted to buy something and use it to compete with his father.


    This effectively shaped Zhou Sheng¡¯s value of ¡®the happiness of me and my wife would be difficult to buy with even a thousand gold¡¯. When they started dating, he would come up with all sorts of ways to buy food and other items for Yu Hao and spend some money to help him broaden his horizons. Sometimes, temperament really was built with money. There were a few times when Yu Hao told him not to be so wasteful that he felt extremely uneasy too; but he was used to living a thrifty life, and now that there were two of them, he couldn¡¯t always get Zhou Sheng to follow him and also lower his quality of life ba?


    Yu Hao knew that he needed to slightly alter his values. When he saw articles on how ¡®poverty is carved into one¡¯s bones¡¯, posts and arguments that crusade against and criticise children who were raised by the poor, he would feel extremely indignant. But now, chicken soup authors were particularly vicious. The type they succinctly described in their conclusions was obviously talking about people like Yu Hao himself, and it was impossible for him to deny it.


    It sometimes made him loathe himself when he¡¯s with Zhou Sheng, and at those times he wouldn¡¯t be able to insist on his own opinions. His vigour would weaken halfway through their fights, just like now. Zhou Sheng conceded and said with some irritation, ¡°As long as you¡¯re happy. We won¡¯t buy them.¡±


    Yu Hao began to feel depressed.


    Fu Liqun looked at Yu Hao, then looked at Zhou Sheng, ¡°You guys have such Buddha-like quarrels.¡±


    Yu Hao almost went mad, this is considered Buddha-like?


    Zhou Sheng said proudly, ¡°Right? We¡¯ve always talked it out properly, not like you guys.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°How do you guys argue?¡± Yu Hao was suddenly curious. His quarrels with Zhou Sheng were already like this, yet it could still be considered ¡®talking it out properly¡¯?


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°What I care about is just insignificant in your sis-in-law¡¯s eyes, okay? It just feels like she doesn¡¯t care at all, as if I was talking about something childish ¡ª that¡¯s what makes me irritated, sulky, and compels me to run into a wall or hit myself.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, okay ba we are indeed quite Buddha-like.


    ¡°But the two of you love each other.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Mutual love can overcome many things.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Liqun said solemnly, ¡°Just like you guys, the two of you love each other ah. Everything else can be overcome, so don¡¯t worry about all that anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    All three of them felt a little awkward. They calmed down and stopped talking.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s compromise, buy a cheaper pair.¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao for his opinion, ¡°Under a thousand, is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao agreed, so Zhou Sheng smiled and brought Yu Hao into the shop. He didn¡¯t wait for the shop attendant and got Yu Hao to sit down on a soft sofa to try on shoes, while he sat on the floor and took out shoes for Yu Hao to try. Fui Liqun himself began trying on shoes as well.


    ¡°What happened to the jumping-off-buildings boy?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°Detained for a few days, on bail pending trial? Depends on his luck ba. Didn¡¯t Junjun Jie look for you?¡±


    When Yu Hao remembered Ou Qihang, he still felt slightly uneasy, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nothing strange appeared on her laptop?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat on the floor, looked up at Yu Hao and suddenly showed him an enigmatic smile. His hands and fingers seemed like they were holding something invisible, turning it around over and over while his eyebrows were raised.


    Yu Hao looked at his boyfriend sitting on the ground with his long legs parted, waiting upon him as he helped him change shoes, and his love meter shot up. Pink bubbles were even emitting from the top of his head.


    ¡°Do you like this pair?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°What are you thinking about? Where are you looking at? Are you a Staring Crotch Cat?¡±


    Yu Hao started blushing, ¡°I¡¯ll buy you a pair too? Which pair do you like?¡±


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head to untie Yu Hao¡¯s shoelaces and swapped out another pair for him, then said to himself, ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask yourself that; how would I know which pair you like to see me in?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to laugh, but he held it in. Zhou Sheng once again said solemnly, ¡°Wear it when eating popsicles?¡±


    Yu Hao just knew that Zhou Sheng was going to say this next. Fortunately, there wasn¡¯t anyone nearby. This guy often teases him with a serious expression, which was what Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stand the most.


    ¡°AJ¡¯s are the best still.¡± Yu Hao had to admit. After he saw so many, he still thought that the pair of AJs he bought suited Zhou Sheng the best.


    ¡°Of course.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    Yu Hao was about to say something else when Xiao Yujun called.


    ¡°Yu Hao, something else appeared on my laptop, do you want to come over to take a look?¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I haven¡¯t told Huang Ting yet.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered what Zhou Sheng just said, and was instantly dumbstruck.


    ¡°There really is something!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°What happened this time?¡± Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t resist shopping, and his heart ached as he paid for his new shoes. He quickly said, ¡°More silk banners? Quick! Bring me along my babies.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 94.1 - Requesting for Assistance

    Ch94.1 ¨C Requesting for Assistance


    In the cafe, Xiao Yujun turned on her laptop and in the subfolder of the ¡°November Topic Case Record¡± folder, there was an untitled compressed file that was about 300MB.


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I hadn¡¯t found it when I got my laptop back yesterday. I only noticed it when I wanted to start working on my documents in the morning. I remember that you copied it with the rest from a USB; it can¡¯t be opened, is it yours? Why didn¡¯t you name it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s not¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sure enough, that kid¡¯s IQ is seriously scary.¡±


    ¡°Ou Qihang put this on here?¡± Xiao Yujun asked.


    Fu Liqun didn¡¯t know what was going on and only listened at one side without interjecting. Yu Hao turned the laptop screen around, opened up the compressed file, and a ¡®input password¡¯ popup appeared.


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Well, this is gonna be fun.¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Xiao Yujun wasn¡¯t fully aware of the details regarding this matter, but she had a vague idea from her earlier inference. As for the information, password, and set up that Ou Qihang had prepared, Xiao Yujun was completely unaware.


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s laptop has only been accessed by two other people aside from herself ¡ª one was Ou Qihang, the other was Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why did Qihang do this?¡±


    ¡°This is his gamble.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gambling on the chance that we¡¯ll help him. Don¡¯t contact him now.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Yesterday, his mother told me that he had already gone home. He must be closely monitored now; if we contact him, we might also end up under surveillance.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned, ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Xiao Yujun looked at Yu Hao in surprise. Zhou Sheng got up to buy coffee, ¡°Take a guess? If you get it right, I¡¯ll cook something good for you tonight.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How could I?! I don¡¯t even know how many characters there are in the password! Even winning the lottery has better chances than this ba?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, who was ordering coffee at the counter.


    ¡°What if I can¡¯t get it right?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll still cook for you.¡± Zhou Sheng turned back and said.


    Only then did Yu Hao stop worrying, no, the most important thing now was the password!


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Is this evidence?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes, but I have no idea at all¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Drink a cup of coffee and calm down ma, I¡¯ll call Officer Huang over now?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°My judgment? I¡¯ve been deceived so many times though, but¡­¡­I do really want to trust him.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t really understand. ¡°Why did you say that?¡±


    ¡°Huang Ting¡¯s superior wants to bury this incident ba?¡± Fu Liqun turned the laptop towards himself, ¡°Does this kid want to ask for your help to keep things moving?¡± As he spoke, he said to Yu Hao, ¡°If Huang Ting listens to his superiors and takes the laptop away, then there would be no point in looking for him.¡±


    Yu Hao understood now. Zhou Sheng brought back the coffee and gave each person a cup. Xiao Yujun didn¡¯t ask why they brought Fu Liqun along. Since Zhou Sheng had allowed him to accompany them, she thought that he must be a very good friend of theirs.


    ¡°Call him ba.¡± Xiao Yujun said.


    Zhou Sheng took a picture, ¡°I¡¯ll send him a WeChat message, if he doesn¡¯t see it, then forget it.¡± As he spoke, he took a picture of the laptop screen and sent it to Huang Ting. Huang Ting replied in seconds, ¡°Wait for me.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You didn¡¯t say where we were.¡±


    ¡°He can tell at a glance from the cafe in the background.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Jun Jie, come, let¡¯s talk first. What do we do? Do we help him?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°We have to find a way. The public account isn¡¯t with me, that kid¡¯s really¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Yujun didn¡¯t hesitate at all between ¡®helping¡¯ or ¡®not helping¡¯, and instead went straight to ¡®finding a way¡¯. When Yu Hao heard this, it was as if his understanding of Xiao Yujun was renewed. Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun looked at each other. Zhou Sheng nonchalantly grasped his cup and took a sip, while Yu Hao was still wracking his brains over the password. But he knew that Zhou Sheng already knew it, so it wouldn¡¯t matter much even if he couldn¡¯t guess it.


    Not long after, Huang Ting arrived and had apparently just woken up. He frowned as he looked at Fu Liqun, ¡°You¡¯re here too?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m just here to watch, don¡¯t mind me.¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh for a moment. He pulled the laptop closer to glance at it, then looked at Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng. ¡°The bureau did an analysis of your conversation once, including the surveillance video. No password was found hidden in the dialogue.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And you even said that ¡®no one wanted to lower themselves to the level of a high school student¡¯. A group of old and crafty detectives got played around with by a kid, no one would believe it even if you tried to spread that.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°There are many detectives who get played around with by criminals in this world, but everyone often forgets this one sentence¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao was still thinking about the password, but at this time, he looked at Huang Ting.


    Huang Ting said these solemn words in all seriousness, ¡°Justice has a long arm. Got it? Setbacks are temporary; going around in circles is temporary too. As a detective, one must always believe in some things ¡ª that is, in our insistence. As long as we persevere in this insistence, then there will come a day where the clouds will disperse to reveal the sun.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that was so well said!


    Xiao Yujun looked at Huang Ting with an appreciative gaze. Huang Ting continued, ¡°That¡¯s why I fervently hoped that Ou Qihang could get bail pending trial. I have no right to try him, but if it was up to me to evaluate him, I¡¯d say that I admire this kid very much. Yujun, do you really want to get involved in this?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°He¡¯s requesting our assistance, what do you think?¡±


    Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t bought coffee for Huang Ting, so Xiao Yujun gave her coffee to him. Huang Ting took a sip. No one said a word, and in this silence, Huang Ting said to Xiao Yujun again, ¡°This isn¡¯t a trivial matter, it¡¯s highly probable that it¡¯ll affect your work and promotion.¡±


    Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°What¡¯s the big deal about that? I can always find another job.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°What about your bonuses and down payment?¡±


    Xiao Yujun didn¡¯t know if she should cry or laugh, ¡°What are you saying? Money is but a worldly possession, how can it be compared with truth and justice?


    Fu Liqun, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao¡¯s expressions all looked a little strange. Fu Liqun said in an exaggerated manner, ¡°Jun Jie, please accept my bow!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°You¡¯ve become my goddess, and can now stand shoulder to shoulder with my sis-in-law!¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Reporters also have professional standards to uphold. I¡¯m just doing what I should be doing, otherwise, why go into this field?¡±


    When he heard Xiao Yujun¡¯s words, Yu Hao felt like he solved a problem that had troubled him for a long time.


    Xiao Yujun rubbed her temple and said, ¡°I¡¯m just afraid something will happen to that kid.¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°Too many people are involved on the inside. If the evidence is conclusive, then it¡¯s not like there isn¡¯t any hope at all. It has been an extremely sensitive case for the past two years; from top to bottom, one layer after another, if we manage to find ideal breaking points in the ice, it may not be as difficult as we imagine it to be.¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°That, I know. Our news media has always been a little faster than yours; a lot of gossip circulates around reporters.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They stopped investigations halfway last year, was it because of that?¡±


    Huang Ting wasn¡¯t surprised at all and looked at Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao didn¡¯t really understand what they were talking about, but he guessed that they should be discussing the official circles.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s information sources should be the most accurate.¡± Xiao Yujun said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only gone for two meals.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°I don¡¯t have any information sources.¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at all three of them.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Thought it through? Password, come, let¡¯s see what¡¯s inside.¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned to Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°I still don¡¯t know!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng flashed him an enigmatic smile and made some movements. Yu Hao and Fu Liqun watched Zhou Sheng, and at that moment, Yu Hao recalled instantly that the motions resembled turning a Rubik¡¯s cube!


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He thought of it so long ago?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°On the day he snatched the laptop away, he hastily reset it. Only this compressed file used this password, because he saw you and Jun Jie together and thought that you two would be the right people to hand it over to.¡±


    Fu Liqun thought about it for a moment, then typed the letters ¡®I, L, O, V, E, U¡¯ on the keyboard.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Gege!¡±


    ¡°Let me key it in!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s such an important moment¡­¡­wait, how did you know?¡±


    ¡°Young Master told me before, that the kid gave you a Rubik¡¯s cube and after piecing the six sides together¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°He overestimated me too much.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Yu Hao abruptly understood everything! From the moment Ou Qihang saw them yesterday, or even earlier, he has had this card up his sleeve and made up his mind to hand the information over to Yu Hao! And he had made that action in front of Zhou Sheng to remind them of the Rubik¡¯s cube!


    When Yu Hao returned the Rubik¡¯s cube to him after summer vacation had ended, it was implicitly understood as his rejection, as well as the fact that he had solved the Rubik¡¯s cube! So Ou Qihang knew that he had pieced it together! So after he snatched the laptop away, he left this card behind and set the password of one of the compressed files as the English letters on the Rubik¡¯s cube and left it in Xiao Yujun¡¯s laptop.


    All these rings were fastened together one after another, yet Zhou Sheng actually managed to break it down piece by piece and unravelled it for Ou Qihang. Before they left, Zhou Sheng¡¯s words ¡®you¡¯re still too inexperienced, learn your lesson¡¯¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°I don¡¯t like him, so I gave him a little scare and made him think that I was in cahoots with Officer Huang and would pass the information to the enemy.¡±


    ¡°We were on the same side from the start.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°You should say that we¡¯re not in cahoots with some people from the city bureau.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You guys are too smart!¡±


    Fu Liqun opened the compressed files and looked up at them from behind the computer screen.


    Yu Hao, ¡°??¡±


    It seemed as if a huge burden had been lifted from Fu Liqun¡¯s shoulders, and he no longer looked at the laptop.


    Zhou Sheng really didn¡¯t know what to do with Fu Liqun. ¡°What are you thinking? His assets weren¡¯t in Ying City in the first place!¡±


    ¡°Did you forget about the creative parks?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s the same as Yun Lai Chun ba?¡±


    Huang Ting casually looked at Fu Liqun and turned the laptop around, ¡°I¡¯ll take a look.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll take a look first.¡±


    Xiao Yujun, ¡°That¡¯s my laptop!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Stop snatching it, I¡¯ll look at it first!¡±


    Yu Hao turned the laptop to face himself, and everyone else could only wait for him to go through it. Yu Hao opened the folder and was instantly stunned ¡ª it contained recordings, photos, and a form. As well as¡­¡­a bidding document. Yu Hao read the text in detail. Ou Qihang had even written a document for Weibo. Just before the incident of Ou Weihong sinking the stolen money, someone had delivered the bidding document to Ou Weihong in advance. Ou Weihong took it home and was inadvertently photographed by Ou Qihang.


    Yu Hao plugged in his earphones and handed one to Zhou Sheng, while he handed the other to Huang Ting. Huang Ting said, ¡°You guys listen first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shifted over and watched with Yu Hao. The two of them listened to the recordings ¡ª Ou Qihang had recorded them; there wasn¡¯t only one segment, there was also a conversation recorded with the guest at Ou Weihong¡¯s home during the handover of the document.


    What did he record this for? Yu Hao¡¯s heart was beating wildly, but when he read further, he found his answer. Rather than saying that this was a denouncement letter, it was more of a portion of Ou Qihang¡¯s memoirs. There were more than 5,000 words in the document. Ever since childhood, his father had never regarded him as an ignorant child, and would always mention the dark side of life, society, the workplace, and even politics in the official circles, and would share all these with him without hesitation.


    He spoke about everything he knew without reservation. Even when it came to issues regarding his work, his father would occasionally tell him about his choices and why he made them.


    This made Ou Qihang understand many things before he should have; he knew about corruption and bribery, understood his family¡¯s financial situation, as well as the current situation in officialdom where collusion was deeply ingrained. He developed an acute understanding of politics as a result. Ou Qihang¡¯s memories, as captured in the document, revealed that he understood that his father had done all that in hopes of nurturing him into participating in politics in the future.


    Yu Hao pressed the touchpad and pulled the mouse down. When he saw up to this point, Zhou Sheng shook his head in dismay.

 Chapter 94.2 - Requesting for Assistance

    Ch94.2 ¨C Requesting for Assistance


    When his father accepted bribes, Ou Qihang had quarrelled with him in the hopes that he would return the money.


    ¡°This kid explicitly understood everything from the start.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°It was impossible for him to not know.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°In a family, children are most sensitive to their parents actions. Finished looking through it?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t quite understand the data collected by Ou Qihang. It was too complicated, and there were many photos as well. But all the evidence seemed irrefutable. However, Zhou Sheng continued to scroll down thoughtfully and looked through till the end.


    ¡°Start with the bidders,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°you should be able to uncover a whole bunch of them.¡±


    Huang Ting took the laptop and glanced at it, then nodded. He took out a USB and copied the data.


    ¡°It¡¯s in your hands now.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t let us down.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°With the USB, there¡¯s hope; without it, death awaits.¡±


    Yu Hao panicked when he heard this. Fu Liqun said, ¡°You want to look for the CCDI?¡±


    ¡°The investigation team contacted me shortly after you found the money and asked me to inform them at any time if I discovered any clues.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°Pardon my asking, but what if there was evidence of your father-in-law¡¯s stain inside just now? Would you have deleted the document straight away?¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled, ¡°Then I wouldn¡¯t know what to do either, Officer Huang.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This really is a moral trial that tortures the heart.¡±


    Huang Ting casually said, ¡°If your family or your lover¡¯s family was involved, how would you evaluate your own behaviour? As a member of vested interests, when justice and profit ¡ª or even when family and love clash with each other¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Yujun said without mincing her words, ¡°Huang Ting, this is why I find you annoying sometimes.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting shrugged and looked a little awkward. Yu Hao almost spat his coffee out.


    Those words really were offensive, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t get angry. He just said calmly, ¡°It would be very difficult for anyone ba. When it¡¯s your turn to make the choice, I don¡¯t think you would be in a better position, would you?¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s words were very heavy, and Yu Hao was worried that they would start quarrelling. But looking at it from Xiao Yujun¡¯s perspective, he knew that she must be helping him and Zhou Sheng. After all, on the day of the robbery, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s actions had already expressed where they wanted to stand.


    It seemed that Zhou Sheng wanted to clap for Xiao Yujun from his expression, but he still left Huang Ting face. He was about to quip and make some jokes to lighten the atmosphere, but Huang Ting owned up quickly.


    ¡°I admit that I was wrong, I apologise. Everybody, Xiao Laoshi¡¯s right.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Coming up with hypothetical situations is an occupational habit of mine. But, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m cold-blooded.¡±


    ¡°I just always believe that ¡®heaven has a vast net that nothing can escape from¡¯. Okay, now it¡¯s my turn to undergo a trial.¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s brows furrowed slightly.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Wish me success ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why say that?¡±


    ¡°This superintendent is the one who has treated me the best out of all the other bosses I¡¯ve had.¡± Huang Ting tossed the USB into the air once before keeping it in his jacket¡¯s pocket. He calmly continued, ¡°He¡¯ll probably have a hard time from now on. But I think¡­¡­handing the information to the investigation team is actually saving him, because this would stop him from walking farther and farther along the wrong path.¡±


    With that, Huang Ting placed two fingers at the side of his eyebrows, drew an arc with them, and saluted them weakly. Then he put on his police cap and left the cafe with a serious countenance.


    The table was quiet, and the autumn sunshine streamed in through the landing windows.


    ¡°Were my words a little too harsh just now?¡± Xiao Yujun asked.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Thank you, Jun Jie.¡±


    ¡°Ting Ge¡¯s pretty handsome.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°And he¡¯s a good guy too, none of us can compare to him.¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°You guys are still young, you¡¯ll eventually find something you¡¯ll want to protect.¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡±, and while he was thinking, Xiao Yujun sighed.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Do you feel very conflicted?¡±


    ¡°Agree if you like him ba.¡± Zhou Sheng got up after finishing his coffee.


    ¡°Maybe a little.¡± Xiao Yujun had a small smile on her face, ¡°There are a lot of reasons why two people can¡¯t be together, just liking each other can¡¯t solve everything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°One needs to face up to our feelings first before having the motivation to solve all the problems standing in their way, right?¡±


    Xiao Yujun didn¡¯t respond and only ruminated as she faced her laptop. The three of them bid farewell to her and left the cafe.


    In late October, it rained several days in a row, and the temperature dropped sharply. The entire city ushered in autumn, and the most beautiful season of Ying City arrived. When Yu Hao recalled everything that happened in the past year, he practically felt like a lifetime had passed.


    ¡°When are we gonna celebrate the day we met?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it anymore.¡± Yu Hao thought of that day last year and although it was really memorable, he had done a stupid thing, so he wanted to hypnotise himself to forget that dark piece of his past, ¡°I want to empty out all memories of that day aside from you, okay?¡±


    Yu Hao dribbled the ball and passed it to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng passed it to Fu Liqun, then Fu Liqun jumped up and performed a slam dunk.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°At that time, I knew that any attempt at helping you mitigate your problem would be useless.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yeah, look at how good your life is now? There are beautiful men accompanying you, life is full of hope, two male gods are playing basketball with you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s your face?!¡± Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao spoke in unison, ¡°Do you still want it anymore?¡±


    Fu Liqun got the ball again and said, ¡°At that time, I really thought that if your sis-in-law¡¯s father was involved, then I¡¯d delete it no matter what and just go to prison ba.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t torture yourself morally anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Fu Liqun said earnestly, ¡°Fish is what I want, a bear paw is what I want.¡± He passed the ball to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°From the time Huang Ting sat down until he got the information, he has always been hinting to you. He said stuff like ¡®justice has a long arm¡¯ and ¡®walking farther and farther along the wrong path¡¯, but it just went in one ear and out the other for you. All you cared about was guessing the password. He must have already discussed it with the investigation team long ago and might have just been an undercover cop dispatched by his superiors, wanna bet?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun was stunned.


    ¡°I thought you wanted me to follow just to see whether your sis-in-law¡¯s father was mentioned in the compressed files.¡± Fu Liqun clearly just snapped out of his daze, but the ball was immediately snatched away by Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ah? That was the intention?¡± At first, he was also wondering why Zhou Sheng took Fu Liqun with him this time.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°My brain can¡¯t match up to yours at all, Young Master.¡±


    Zhou Sheng missed a three-pointer. Yu Hao caught it, and shot a three-pointer. It went in.


    Zhou Sheng said to Fu Liqun, ¡°Gege, at first I was worried about that rabid dog Dad of mine, but think about it carefully. As the saying goes, ¡®it¡¯s not that evil has not yet fallen, but that the time has not yet come¡¯. Instead of continuing onwards and getting completely screwed over in the end, wouldn¡¯t it be better to smash their heads in with a rod in advance?¡±


    ¡°Eventually, one will have to be responsible for their own greed, won¡¯t they? If we indulge them now, they¡¯d only die a more horrible death later; that¡¯s how humans degenerate, little by little. If the list really had my Dad¡¯s name, then I¡¯d consider it as saving him, not stabbing him ¡ª openly and honestly.¡±


    ¡°I got a three-pointer in!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun was a little depressed. He stood there for awhile and had to admit that Zhou Sheng was right, and cast him a grateful glance.


    ¡°One kiss!¡± Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao and kissed him.


    A Mercedes-Benz drove over from the foot of the mountain and Yu Hao coincidentally glanced at it, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡¯s back?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around to look. Chen Yekai had left the college for nearly half a month, during which he had never sent any messages to any of them. Yu Hao was slightly apprehensive, but Zhou Sheng held the attitude of ¡°since we¡¯ve handed it over then don¡¯t care about it anymore¡± and didn¡¯t bother about it anymore.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Sponge a meal off him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have a class with him tomorrow? We¡¯ll see then.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 95.1 - Report

    Ch95.1 ¨C Report


    The time of semester for Chen Yekai¡¯s classes had finally arrived. Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that this many people would actually attend the class for Basic Theories of Personality Structures. This was just one of the specialized courses for the Psychology class, but the entire multi-purpose classroom was occupied. Girls accounted for half the class, and there were still people dragging their unwilling boyfriends from the sports department to attend the class.


    As soon as Yu Hao entered the classroom, he was dumbstruck. He never thought of arriving in advance to reserve seats. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I knew this would happen, luckily I asked them to help reserve seats for us.¡±


    The sports class always occupied the last three rows at the back. Yu Hao thought, phew. The lot of you who came here just to see Chen Yekai almost made me miss roll call.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at him later.¡± Zhou Sheng threatened, ¡°If I get jealous, I¡¯ll wreak havoc in heaven.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was joking so he casually pushed his head away and flipped open his printed textbook. At this moment, he heard a series of sporadic, soft shrieks and knew that Chen Yekai had arrived.


    The weather had turned cold, and the temperature had dropped by nearly ten degrees. Chen Yekai wore a black turtleneck sweater, and after he went to Beijing, his hair had grown out a little. He put on his headset and said, ¡°Yo, so many people came?¡±


    His words triggered another round of screaming, but Chen Yekai said calmly, ¡°If you¡¯re not here to listen to my class then get lost. I¡¯ll catch whoever I see next, report me if you have the guts to.¡±


    Yu Hao almost cheered for Chen Yekai¡¯s charisma, it was too cruel! But if he cheered, he might have to get lost himself. Coincidentally, Chen Yekai seemed to be searching for someone and caught a glimpse of him and Zhou Sheng sitting in the third row from the back. Yu Hao gave him a thumbs up.


    ¡°Roll call first.¡± Chen Yekai continued, ¡°Go back and inform those who aren¡¯t here that I¡¯ll do roll call for every class. If you¡¯re absent thrice, then you¡¯ll have to pray for yourself.¡±


    Yu Hao laid sprawled on the table from laughing too hard. Zhou Sheng was also being unusual and didn¡¯t heckle him, lest he got stabbed instead. Chen Yekai was different from Xue Long ¡ª his classroom was sacred.


    Chen Yekai spent some time doing roll call before saying, ¡°The theoretical basis of personality structure is an expansive topic, new theories are still being discovered all the time¡­¡­second row, fourth one from the left, get out!¡±


    The photographer was caught by Chen Yekai, and the whole classroom fell silent. Chen Yekai continued his lecture. Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to look at him.¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t look at him then where do I look?¡± Yu Hao whispered back.


    ¡°Your book.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is there a book on the teacher¡¯s face?¡±


    Yu Hao almost burst into laughter while Zhou Sheng was still folding paper hearts under the table for Yu Hao. He whispered, ¡°Tsk.¡±


    Time passed by very quickly in Chen Yekai¡¯s class; it had a good rhythm and cadence that enabled people to unconsciously follow his train of thought the entire time. Yu Hao thought, if only he taught all of the subjects. There were some classes where it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to listen, but that the professors teaching them really made him drowsy.


    ¡°There are¡­¡­even more books here than a library.¡± Yu Hao really, truly liked his office.


    ¡°If heaven exists, then I think it should look like a library. Heaven¡¯s gates will always remain open for you guys.¡± Chen Yekai threw a key to Yu Hao. Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare accept it.


    ¡°How could I take a key to your office?¡±


    But Chen Yekai said, ¡°Keep it ba. After the last incident, Liang Laoshi would occasionally be a little forgetful and sometimes lock herself out of the office. So there needs to be a spare key.¡±


    Thus Yu Hao accepted it.


    Zhou Sheng sat on a pile of books and asked, ¡°How is it?¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was a little nervous. Although he had often said that he didn¡¯t care, the Golden Crow Wheel was so closely connected to him that it was impossible for him to not care at all. Sometimes, Yu Hao would remember the first time he saw the magnificent Golden Crow Wheel in his dream. Zhou Sheng took him there to accept the baptism of its flares. At that time, the Golden Crow Wheel had imbued Yu Hao¡¯s spirit with strength.


    Zhou Sheng had said that those flares were all fragmented information, and it was just like language or reading a book ¡ª after learning it, you wouldn¡¯t use it systematically, but when you encounter a particular situation, the information would spontaneously surface in your mind.


    Later on, although the Golden Crow Wheel was handed over to someone else, Yu Hao has always felt that the information had been imprinted into his mind.


    ¡°It has been appraised in three respective institutes .¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But the relevant information was sent to a lot of places. I didn¡¯t tell anyone about the dreamscapes, please rest assured.¡±


    Their takeout arrived. Chen Yekai had ordered three sets, and he distributed them to Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao. Yu Hao thought, this one box of rice should cost about 100 ba¡­¡­Yu Hao snapped his chopsticks apart as he prepared to eat, but Zhou Sheng remained silent as he held his own lunchbox while he waited for Chen Yekai to continue.


    ¡°The respective places that received the information were private offices under the National Museum, Institute of Culture and STA.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°STA is a scientific institution, and their scope of research covers nanotechnology and electronic communications.¡±


    He shifted the swivel chair as he spoke, opened a drawer, and took out a small box. He carefully opened the password lock, then took out an envelope from the box and handed it to Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart immediately leapt into his throat as he looked at the envelope. Chen Yekai gestured to indicate that there were grains at the corner of his mouth.


    Zhou Sheng opened the envelope. There were several printed materials in it, as well as the Golden Crow Wheel that seemed untouched.


    ¡°The National Museum thought I was kidding and had brought them a handicraft for fun.¡± Chen Yekai said helplessly, ¡°I asked for a carbon-14 isotope calibration. The curator and several experts said it wasn¡¯t necessary, that with just one glance at this handicraft, they could tell that it was a mass produced type. The marks of machine processing are very obvious on it, and they even searched up many pictures for comparison.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I guessed as much.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I thought you¡¯d go to the cultural relic identification centers.¡±


    ¡°Those institutions are basically involved with collectors.¡± Chen Yekai waved his hand, ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    ¡°The appraisal given by the Institute of Culture was similar to that of the National Museum.¡± Chen Yekai continued, ¡°They think it¡¯s a handicraft, and they can¡¯t appraise it. But the deputy director is someone who likes to talk about everything under the sun, so he ended up talking to me for a long time. During which, we talked about some unpublished content on the ruins relic of the 24-bridge in Chengdu.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao both knew that Chen Yekai wouldn¡¯t casually mention irrelevant information, so there might be clues in that.


    ¡°In short, in their excavation of new archaeological sites, they discovered a new way of offering sacrifices related to the Golden Crow Wheel, which was expressed through several bronze statues. There were two priests; one of them had his arms in front of him¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, Chen Yekai crossed his hands together and made it seem like he was holding something.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen that before.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sanxingdui¡¯s bronze grasper.¡±


    ¡°It held two elephant tusks in its hands.¡± Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°It appeared in the 24-Bridge ruins too. Also worth mentioning is that there was another bronze priest carrying something flat¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he made a gesture as if he was carrying a plate, ¡°And in front of it was another bronze man who was kneeling down on one knee with his eyes closed¡­¡­let¡¯s demonstrate it for a bit?¡±


    As he spoke, Chen Yekai knelt down on one knee and said, ¡°The height of the bronze statue was different¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng bent down slightly and lifted his hands up like he was carrying a plate. Yu Hao wore a bewildered expression on his face, and after a short moment, he put down his lunch and stood at one side as he emulated the first bronze man¡¯s action.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Like this?¡±


    ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡± Xue Long pushed the door and entered, and was immediately dumbstruck.


    Xue Long, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai cast a sidelong glance at him as he knelt down on one knee.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The three of them quickly returned to normal. Xue Long looked as if he had just seen three lunatics. It took him a long time to snap out of his stupor. ¡°That¡­¡­today my class had a male student¡­¡­who was¡­¡­scolded by you.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Xue Long said, ¡°He said that he was helping his girlfriend take a picture of the lesson plan on the whiteboard and forgot to turn off the flash.¡±


    Xue Long had come to apologise on behalf of the male student. After explaining in a naggy manner for half a day, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng both thought, if he wants to apologise then come by himself ah, why get the counsellor to come over? It should be enough by now. In the end, Chen Yekai nodded and said, ¡°Okay, I got it. Xue Laoshi, thanks for coming.¡± It was practically a direct eviction order.


    Xue Long¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look too good. He had knocked into a soft nail again, but he couldn¡¯t afford to provoke Chen Yekai, so he could only leave.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue.¡± Chen Yekai said as if nothing had happened, ¡°What do you guys think they were doing?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what they were doing.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°But Xue Long must think that the three of us are lunatics ba. That guy¡¯s seriously annoying, he always makes people so fucking uncomfortable.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°His thoughts aren¡¯t important, and he¡¯s not important either. He won¡¯t occupy any important position in your lives; at most he will be equivalent to the disposable chopsticks people drop on the ground after using them in the canteen. If you¡¯re in a good mood, you¡¯ll pick it up and throw it away, but if you don¡¯t want to bend over, you¡¯ll wait for the cleaning aunts to sweep them away. It¡¯s foolish to waste time discussing him¡­¡­let¡¯s get back to business, Yu Hao, what do you think?¡±


    Yu Hao, I think that you can also be quite lethal at times.¡±


    Although Chen Yekai has never cursed out anyone before, his demeanour that gave the impression that he despised everything was even more harmful than swear words. From the very beginning, he had regarded Xue Long as a cockroach crawling through a stack of books. He was someone who could be casually shooed away and swept into the trash can without anyone even knowing his name, and Chen Yekai would not tolerate even the slightest resistance from him.

 Chapter 95.2 - Report

    Ch95.2 ¨C Report


    ¡°I meant what do you think this action implies?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s a bit like putting a crown on someone during a coronation.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°But the height of the hand isn¡¯t right, it¡¯s not above the head but¡­¡­here.¡± As he spoke, he pulled Zhou Sheng down slightly and placed Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands on both sides of his temple, ¡°This clearly isn¡¯t the action of placing a crown.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious that something is missing.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°The bronze people are all very small; they¡¯re about the size of two fingers. Several bronze men appeared in a small altar in the deepest parts of the world at the same time. This altar is a very important altar; it¡¯s situated at the core, and the deepest part of the entire 24-Bridge ruins. There¡¯s also a mural behind the altar, but unfortunately, it¡¯s no longer discernible. It¡¯s been more than 3,600 years.¡±


    Zhou Sheng watched Yu Hao, and Yu Hao instantly thought of something.


    ¡°That¡­¡­the bronze man was holding the Golden Crow Wheel!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He placed it on the other person¡¯s head¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°To be exact, he looped it outside the head, like a halo suspended in mid air.¡± Chen Yekai added.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Which means they knew that the Golden Crow Wheel had something to do with people¡¯s thoughts.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Within the entire archaeological process of the 24-Bridge, this is the only riddle that remains unsolved. If the murals behind the three bronze men could be restored, then there might be more clues, but it seems unlikely at this point in time. Last but not least is the STA. The STA¡¯s report is contained in the letter, you can take a look.¡±


    ¡°Material, alloy.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°Electronic image¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°The outcome of their examination was that inside it, there¡¯s a ring-shaped device, a speck, as well as extremely complex nano-optical fiber connections in other places¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Fuck!¡± Zhou Sheng opened the letter and took out an image ¡ª it was a black and white picture, revealing a blurry ring image in the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°My junior was very excited and fervently requested to take a look at it, but of course, I rejected him.¡±


    Yu Hao was instantly flabbergasted. Chen Yekai continued, ¡°What do you think this is?¡±


    ¡°This is a computer?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at the intricate lines at the top of the Golden Crow Wheel and murmured, ¡°Why do I feel like it¡¯s alive?¡±


    Yu Hao instantly felt that it seemed a bit horrifying. He stared apprehensively at the Golden Crow Wheel in the envelope that was the size of a dial ¡ª¡ª everything was as per normal.


    Zhou Sheng finally took out the Golden Crow Wheel. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I can¡¯t start it up. At present, it seems that only you and Yu Hao¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t switched out.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s still the same Wheel, I can sense it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng placed it in his palm and showed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao touched it gently, and at that moment, he felt it, like an intuition ¡ª that was telling him, ¡®this is the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯.


    Zhou Sheng tossed the Golden Crow Wheel up and down, ¡°You don¡¯t need to return it to me.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°What prompted me to bring it back was something my junior said ¡ª he thinks that this is like a mini supercomputer¡­¡­of course, he was very excited and suspected it was a device left behind on earth by some extraterrestrial civilization, and that if the research results were published, maybe the entire history of the human civilization would be rewritten¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­but, almost all computers will have a login password.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°What I¡¯m going to say next is just my personal speculation. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s similar to some of the theories behind our mobile phones and laptops? Mobile phones can be unlocked through fingerprint or facial recognition, then if we change the way¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Unlocking it through brain waves!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°If this device can read brain waves, then it can naturally be unlocked by brain waves as well. I think, since only you can use it, that means that in a sense, it belongs to you. It¡¯s your personal property. Only you can start it up, and a lot of further research requires your cooperation. I think we must respect the intention of its owner no matter which standpoint we view this from.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This is really too miraculous! This¡­¡­can we contact aliens through it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t speak for a moment.


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°So what if we could? And you should be more careful, what if the aliens come to Earth and commit some sort of large-scale massacre¡­¡­¡±


    There was a knock on the door. Zhou Sheng immediately put away the Golden Crow Wheel. Liang Jinmin came in, holding several books and said, ¡°I think I should put a few bottles of wine here. What are you guys talking about? Large-scale massacre?¡±


    Yu Hao was a little nervous, but Liang Jinmin didn¡¯t seem any different. Zhou Sheng just said, ¡°We¡¯re talking about what we should do if we manage to contact aliens someday.¡±


    Liang Jinmin answered, ¡°That¡¯s not a good idea, I suggest you don¡¯t do it.¡±


    Chen Yekai laughed, ¡°Let¡¯s eat ba.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Human beings look forward to meeting civilizations beyond Earth.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°If the progress of those civilizations don¡¯t match up with ours, then it probably wouldn¡¯t be possible for them to land on Earth in a spaceship from the steam age; as for those that can arrive on Earth¡­¡­think about what the Europeans did to the Indians?¡±


    Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un¡±, opened his lunch box, and twisted his drink open. Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Most people don¡¯t fear inferior civilizations. In the Age of Sail, they plundered the Indians¡¯ resources, killed them all, drove them out of their homes, then occupied their land.¡±


    A drizzle started up again outside. Yu Hao liked the rainy scene here very much; their college was located midway up the mountain, so when it rained in spring and autumn, fog would emerge. Two people walking hand in hand in a place enshrouded by fog felt just like walking into a sea of clouds.


    ¡°When it was handed over,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I had a hunch that it would come back eventually.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a little distracted. In the fog, the Golden Crow Wheel reflected the faint light from the sky.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s try asking it again?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows were deeply furrowed. Yu Hao continued, ¡°When I was in Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious the previous time, it was as if I had accidentally triggered one of its functions. This time, I want to ask questions in the surface consciousness.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What if there¡¯s still no answer after you ask your questions?¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When we go to Australia, we could find a place where no one¡¯s around and throw it into the sea?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He knows that the Golden Crow Wheel has always been an extremely important part of Zhou Sheng¡¯s life ¡ª even half of his totem manifested as the Wheel. He has always thought that the Golden Crow Wheel was a mysterious force that he shouldn¡¯t control. When he used it, he felt both apprehensive and fearful, and after listening to Chen Yekai¡¯s information, his anxiety deepened considerably.


    ¡°Half of your totem looks like the Golden Crow Wheel.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°So it clearly plays a very important role in your mental world.¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un,¡± and his grip around Yu Hao¡¯s fingers tightened a little.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good or bad thing.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But the other half your totem is me.¡±


    When they reached the bottom of their dormitory building, Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were extremely bright as he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°So I think,¡± Yu Hao thought for a bit and answered, ¡°That no matter what, if the existence of the Golden Crow Wheel isn¡¯t anything good, then I should have approximately the same strength as it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re too smug.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said solemnly, ¡°But I like it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of it influencing you or anything, you still have me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng buried his head in his phone as he texted Fu Liqun, telling him that they wanted to take an afternoon nap so he should keep quiet when returning and not wake them up. Zhou Sheng tied the rope buckle, adjusted it on its wrist, and wore the Golden Crow Wheel, then laid on the bed with Yu Hao. ¡°See you in the dream, good night.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pressed against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead with one hand, and golden light burst out in all directions in the conscious world.


    The Golden Crow Wheel still appeared on the platform in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream world and was steadily emitting golden flares. Chen Yekai¡¯s trip to Beijing with it seemed to have had no impact on the Wheel.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng walked towards the Golden Crow Wheel hand in hand.


    ¡°Let me recall it carefully.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The previous time, the key word for retrieval was ¡®subconscious¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Think about it for a bit.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°For example, think ¡®what exactly is the subconscious¡¯.¡±


    Immediately afterwards, a strange concept emerged in his mind, which he couldn¡¯t even understand himself.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Yu Hao muttered, ¡°But it¡¯s not language, not text, and neither was it an image.¡±


    ¡°A mathematical formula?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s a kind of¡­¡­a kind of impression.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s a bit like synesthesia. No, I can¡¯t express it properly.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Change it to something else. Just think about it, and think hard about what it is exactly.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it many times, but I¡¯m sure that the keyword in its system is definitely not the ¡®Golden Crow Wheel¡¯ name that we gave it.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned and looked up at the Golden Crow Wheel. The light of the Golden Crow Wheel shot out in all directions. It looked just like a giant interstellar gate, yet also like a magnificent temple entrance.


    He stretched his hand out towards the Golden Crow Wheel, and the flares immediately erupted right in front of him. Just like the last time they entered Chen Yekai¡¯s dreamscape, a projection rippled within the gate, and strange scenes were flashing within the projection.


    Zhou Sheng forgot their purpose for a moment and stared, transfixed, at the Golden Crow Wheel.


    The scene in the Golden Crow Wheel was like a city that was in the middle of an apocalypse. Yu Hao felt like that scene was a bit familiar for a moment ¡ª it was Ying City?!


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This apocalypse¡­¡­whose dream is it?

 Chapter 96.1 - Paradise

    ¡°This is Gege¡¯s dream? All he watches are zombie movies¡­¡­¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The scene in the Golden Crow Wheel was extremely calm. The pale sunlight illuminated the ruins, colouring it with a sense of desolation. Zhou Sheng looked at it for awhile and didn¡¯t see any danger. There was even the ferris wheel that they had ridden on before in the projection.


    ¡°Go in to take a look?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wait under the ferris wheel?¡±


    Yu Hao kept silent while filled with doubts. The master of the dreamscape was someone he knew in reality, and someone who had dreamt of him too, which was why the Golden Crow Wheel could show him this scene.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other. Yu Hao nodded, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t look dangerous, and the sun¡¯s still there too. If we end up separating, stay put and wait for me. I¡¯ll summon my dragon over.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng took a step forward and jumped into the Golden Crow Wheel at the same time.


    A glaring light flashed; Yu Hao stood in a deserted playground. A gust of wind blew, and not far away was the ferris wheel where Zhou Sheng had confessed to him. Leaflets were swirling in the wind, and messy piles of cardboard could be seen everywhere. The cold light from the sun spilled down. This place was like a scene from a wasteland science fiction movie, and not a single person could be seen.


    ¡°This amusement park again?¡± Yu Hao said to himself.


    At first, Yu Hao doubted if it could be Cen Shan¡¯s or Fu Liqun¡¯s, or it could even belong to the people from the sports class who were with them at the amusement park that day.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª¡ª¡±


    He shielded himself from the scorching glare of the sun and raised his head slightly. He saw a dragon fly out of the sun ¡ª Zhou Sheng had summoned his mount over. Yu Hao ran over to the ferris wheel in large strides and waved at the sky.


    Suddenly, Yu Hao heard a soft rustling nearby.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Yu Hao passed by the restaurant in the amusement park and saw a figure inside. Was it an NPC? He took a few steps forward and looked inside through the French windows. The tables, chairs, and food within the restaurant had been knocked over and were strewn all over the floor.


    Within the reflection in the French window, Yu Hao clearly saw that behind him, staggering from side to side with clothes that had been torn into tatters, a human-like monster with a rotten skull staring straight at him.


    Yu Hao¡¯s hairs immediately stood on end. Immediately following which, that zombie let out a vague cry and lunged towards him! Yu Hao almost didn¡¯t react in time, but within that short instant, the instinct that he had polished through his innumerable experiences in dreams kicked in, and he jumped to one side, avoiding that monster. The rotten monster smashed into the French window with a loud ¡°thud¡°, and a large mass of brain paste spattered out!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes widened, and the blood running through his body seemed to congeal; a cold chill ran through his whole body and he almost let out a shout. Then, he scrambled to his feet and flew towards the alley behind the restaurant.


    Suddenly, another monster roared, and another almost identical rotten monster rushed out from the side. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t rein it in anymore and shouted, ¡°ZHOU SHENG!¡±


    Two monsters, three monsters; Yu Hao turned around, lifted a mop in a corner, and stabbed at the monsters that had rushed forward to send them flying. At the moment when the monster rushed right in front of him, its appearance became much clearer.


    ¡°Whose dream is this?! Why are there zombies??!¡± Yu Hao blew up as he shouted.


    Previously, in an American series that Fu Liqun often watched, there were a lot of walking corpses. When Yu Hao watched the show with Fu Liqun, he saw those characters more than once, and these monsters looked exactly the same. He had no time to even think about what would happen if he got bitten, or whether or not he would recover; his only desire for survival prompted him to start escaping. Fortunately, at this critical moment when everything was hanging by a single thread, the parkour that Zhou Sheng taught him came in very handy. Yu Hao jumped onto the haunted house from the back of the amusement park restaurant and ran quickly along the haunted house, then rolled onto the roof of the merry-go-round. When he looked back¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªthat one glance was horrible; there were hundreds of zombies that had been startled by Yu Hao, and they were rushing over from all sides!


    There were no more buildings beyond the roof of the merry-go-round. Yu Hao was about to jump into the verdant plantation to escape using the trees as his cover when the whole world suddenly shook!


    Zhou Sheng was currently racing at top speed with a group of zombies chasing him from behind. He roared, ¡°Wife! Where are you?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was extremely fast; ordinary zombies had no chance of outrunning him at all, and he was familiar with the amusement park as well. After several twists and turns, he instantly shook off the zombies who were hot on his heels. While he was climbing up the winding stairs to the roller coaster, the earthquake began; Zhou Sheng lost his footing and nearly fell down, but he immediately wielded his jingubang to jam it between the stairs. He flipped and sat on the jingubang, then looked into the distance.


    The black dragon left the pale sun in this dream world and flew towards the earth. Zhou Sheng whistled, reached the top of the winding stairs in a few steps, then turned around and landed on the black dragon¡¯s back. He raised his hand and beckoned to summon his jingubang back.


    Yu Hao slid down from the roof of the merry-go-round and immediately fell into the center of a bunch of zombies, then got held down by a zombie that opened its mouth wide to bite him on the spot. Yu Hao shouted again, made a 360-degree maneuver, kicked the zombie in front of him to send it flying, then pulled the zombie behind him over his shoulder to hurl it away!


    The earthquake stopped.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao broke free of his predicament and ran away quickly. He passed through the fencing of a flowerbed, rushed past a grassland, and ran towards the ferris wheel. Following which, another earthquake started, and this time, the earth began to tilt, turning the grassland into a slope. Yu Hao was caught off guard and almost slid right into the group of zombies that were chasing him!


    The earthquake this time was even more violent than the one before. The world spun crazily; the ferris wheel tilted under the earthquake¡¯s violent tremble, and a carriage was flung out, smashing straight down with an impact that shook the earth.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao dashed through the slope and jumped over innumerable ferris wheel carriages that were rolling towards him. More zombies emerged from both sides to pursue him, but they were all getting hit by the carriages one after another and rolled down the slope. Yu Hao felt like he had been thrown into a large-scale Temple Run game and roared angrily, ¡°What the hell is all this?!??!¡±


    ¡°Wife¡ª¡ª!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Dragon fire spewed out and ignited the zombies with a blast. Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang out, knocking away a ferris wheel carriage that almost rolled onto Yu Hao and flung it towards the zombies behind him! However, even more zombies pounced onto the black dragon; some held onto its tail while others grabbed its wings, and within an instant, they all began to weigh heavily down on the dragon.


    Yu Hao was dashing away on the ground. The black dragon roared, then rushed towards Yu Hao. Zhou Sheng stretched his hand out, and Yu Hao leapt and flipped in mid air.


    Zombies closed in on him from both sides. Yu Hao jumped into the air, and Zhou Sheng caught him around his waist. The black dragon violently kicked off from the ground, beat its wings, and left behind two deep footprints in the ground as it suddenly leapt up.


    ¡°Hold on tight!¡± Zhou Sheng roared.


    Yu Hao immediately hugged Zhou Sheng tightly out of pure instinct. The black dragon unfolded its wings several meters from the ground and did a massive spin to shake off all the zombies that were on it. Yu Hao felt a bout of dizziness before landing on the dragon¡¯s back again. The black dragon soared into the sky and flew up high!


    ¡°Fuck, this is Gege¡¯s dream? All he watches are zombie movies¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng looked back at the earth.


    ¡°Roller coaster! Watch out!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Just as the black dragon flew up and was looking back at the zombies below, the roller coaster track in front of them had collapsed amidst the earthquake and was falling down on the two men and dragon. Zhou Sheng suddenly turned his head, and they shouted loudly at the same time. The black dragon almost got hit, but Zhou Sheng pressed down on the dragon¡¯s head violently in the nick of time and the black dragon disintegrated into light particles before vanishing. Following which, Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao with one hand while he grabbed the roller coaster track with his other, then along with the collapsing roller coaster, they plunged straight into the lake outside the amusement park.


    ¡°AAHHHHH¡ª¡ª¡±


    The roller coaster track that was nearly twenty meters long plunged straight down, taking the two of them along as it crashed into the lake. Yu Hao could hear a loud ringing in his ears; he was submerged, but Zhou Sheng grabbed him with one hand and dragged him out of the water.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stop coughing by the lakeside. Zhou Sheng rubbed his back and looked to his right and left. His fingers shook the jingubang; it shrunk and turned into a golden circlet, then he casually put it on his head at a slanted angle.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is your birdie alright?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That¡¯s not a birdie!!!¡±


    Yu Hao started laughing. Zhou Sheng kept an eye on their surroundings at all times and whispered, ¡°Don¡¯t make too much noise. Walk along the surrounding walls, and get out as soon as possible.¡±


    ¡°What about your dragon?¡± But Yu Hao was worried about the dragon instead.


    ¡°It went back for now.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s too big of a target and frightens the zombies too easily. We can summon it back once we find a safe open space. For now, we need to figure out what kind of place this is first.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Apocalypse, zombies, and earthquakes. This is seriously too weird.¡±


    Zhou Sheng saw three zombies that were wandering around in the distance and said, ¡°Only the apocalypse and zombies, or rather, there are only zombies. The apocalypse is caused by the zombies.¡±


    ¡°Then what about the earthquakes?¡± Yu Hao frowned.


    ¡°Earthquakes only just started in this dream.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Look, all the buildings don¡¯t look like they collapsed because of the earthquakes; it might have been a result of the influence of the outside world on the dreamer.¡±


    Yu Hao recalled that one time in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream when the turbulence he experienced on the plane caused tremors in his dreamscape.


    ¡°So the master of the dreamscape is on a plane too?¡± Yu Hao guessed.


    ¡°Even more violent than a plane.¡± Zhou Sheng gestured with his hand and made a tilting motion, ¡°What do you think it seemed like when the earth turned into a slope just now? I think it was like a car braking.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh yeah!¡±


    They passed by the secret CS game room. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Dreaming in a car¡­it wouldn¡¯t be Gege, could it be sis-in-law?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It was just a guess before we came in, but after seeing how there aren¡¯t any living people and only zombies here, it¡¯s almost certain who this dream belongs to. Think about it, who would think that everyone in the city are ¡®walking corpses¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Is it him?!¡± Yu Hao instantly felt enlightened; the indifference of society to many things, garnering attention at the cost of one¡¯s blood and life ¡ª who else could it be but Ou Qihang?!


    Zhou Sheng opened the door to the equipment room of the Wargame in the amusement park, ¡°It¡¯s him for sure. Let¡¯s hurry and look for him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This is a paint gun.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that it¡¯ll be useful.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you remember how he said that on the day he met you, he had just finished playing paintball? If he likes playing it, then the paint gun should be a pretty impressive weapon in his impression¡­¡­¡±


    Before anyone could register it, Zhou Sheng wielded a submachine gun in one hand, turned around rapidly and put the gun on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, then fired a shot!


    Behind Yu Hao, a zombie that was rushing forward got shot. Its head exploded before it fell to the ground.


    ¡°Go!¡± Zhou Sheng threw the other gun to Yu Hao and whistled at the same time. The black dragon rushed out of the pale sun again and flew towards the earth!


    Yu Hao held a gun and shouted, ¡°It really does work!¡±


    ¡°There are too many zombies!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Get out of the amusement park first and find a place where there¡¯s no one around!¡±

 Chapter 96.2 - Paradise

    ¡°This is Gege¡¯s dream? All he watches are zombie movies¡­¡­¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng pulled the paint gun¡¯s safety latch; Yu Hao took two paint grenades used in the game while he followed behind Zhou Sheng, and they ran towards the exit of the amusement park. However, the gunshot had alerted even more zombies, so the two of them had to run for their lives once again.


    They were already near the warehouse and control center at the back gate of the amusement park. An idea suddenly occurred to Yu Hao, ¡°Head to the east!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why?!¡±


    Yu Hao pulled Zhou Sheng and shot the zombie behind him. The two of them climbed up to the roof along the windowsill, and when they stood there, they finally managed to get a clear view of the sea of zombies in the amusement park ¡ª the zombies were currently chasing them to the place where they were standing right now.


    ¡°There aren¡¯t that many of them.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Compared to¡¶Resident Evil¡·, there really aren¡¯t that many¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao motioned to Zhou Sheng to look at the warehouse in the distance and asked, ¡°Can you hit that window?¡±


    Zhou Sheng knelt down on one knee, lowered his head to look through his scope, narrowed his eyes, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll try. What¡¯s inside?¡±


    Yu Hao raised his head and saw that the black dragon had flown over; it could take them away at any time now. But once it lands, the zombies will crowd around them again, and they would probably drag the black dragon down.


    ¡°It¡¯s the warehouse with fireworks.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Cover your ears.¡± Zhou Sheng looked intently through the scope, ¡°Shout at me to shoot when the time comes.¡±


    Yu Hao watched nervously as the zombies grew in number; he kept a close watch until the zombies climbed onto the roof and lunged towards them one after another.


    ¡°Shoot!¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled the trigger; a bullet whirled towards the window. He turned around to pull Yu Hao, then they ran along the roof before jumping into the air.


    The black dragon flew by and caught the two of them.


    A huge explosion occurred at the back gate of the amusement park, and a mushroom cloud emerged. From within those flames, the black dragon beat its wings and soared into the sky!


    Ou Qihang was standing at the edge of the teaching building as he looked down; both of his legs had already stepped onto the cement railings.


    Below the teaching building, there was a dense mass of corpses, students, teachers, and unimportant passers-by who were all looking up one after another.


    ¡°Looking forward to it?¡± Ou Qihang muttered, ¡°Very soon, you¡¯ll have something to eat.¡±


    The earthquakes started again, but the quakes this time were on a much smaller scale. Ou Qihang lost his footing slightly on the cement railings, and the zombies below were so excited that they crowded even more towards the front of the teaching building.


    Ou Qihang raised his head and looked up at the pale sun in the sky, then closed his eyes.


    ¡°Ou Qihang¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Yu Hao shouted angrily, then a Western dragon spewed out its dragon flames and swept straight along the periphery of the school! The dragon flames were boiling; that black dragon made an all-out effort and when it was breathing fire, all the scales on its body shone with a golden light!


    Ou Qihang suddenly opened his eyes. The earthquakes were becoming more and more frequent, and they almost shook him off the railings. At the same time, the iron door on the rooftop was being slammed upon and finally collapsed as it got broken down; zombies lunged forward one after another out of this door!


    In the next moment, the black dragon flung Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao down. Zhou Sheng flew through the air and pounced towards Ou Qihang to kick him back. As soon as Yu Hao landed on the ground, he wielded his paint gun and fired several shots in succession to burst open the heads of the zombies that were rushing to the rooftop.


    Ou Qihang fell onto the roof and was instantly stunned. Zhou Sheng dragged him up while Yu Hao stood in front of Ou Qihang in a defensive stance and shot everywhere, shouting, ¡°Where do we go now?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go and find his safe haven!¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡± Yu Hao threw out a grenade and blew up the entrance on the rooftop. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask him that!¡±


    The earthquakes started up again; compared to the previous tremors that shook the earth, the dream world was now beginning to tremble even more frequently. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s shaking too much, I can¡¯t aim!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come and watch over him! Find a chance to get back onto the dragon!¡±


    The black dragon hovered over the teaching building. The rooftop was already very fragile amidst the earthquakes; it was tottering and seemed like it could collapse at any time. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t dare to let it land on the rooftop for fear of crushing it. Ou Qihang stared at this scene of his dreamscape in a daze, momentarily suffering from an enormous shock.


    Suddenly, Yu Hao grabbed the collar of his shirt and pushed him against the cement railings. He said anxiously, ¡°Qihang, listen to me.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s brows furrowed as he gazed into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°If there¡¯s a place in your heart that could be your safe haven, where would it be?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Quick! Tell me!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­I¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang gradually calmed down, ¡°Let me think about it, the martial arts academy?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s too many!¡± Zhou Sheng was making a clean sweep of shots with the submachine gun he wielded, ¡°They can¡¯t be killed anymore!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Qihang! Follow us!¡±


    The three of them jumped off the teaching building and onto the black dragon¡¯s back, then flew into the distance.


    Ou Qihang led the way. The black dragon stopped in front of an alley. There were zombies everywhere in this city, and the black dragon couldn¡¯t squeeze in. Zhou Sheng casually patted the dragon¡¯s head and it disintegrated into golden light particles before disappearing. Yu Hao took the lead and had already rushed through a door in the alley.


    The stairs were extremely narrow. Zombies wearing Taekwondo attire rushed down and got shot in the head by Yu Hao. Ou Qihang shouted, startled, ¡°Shixiong!¡±


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s here?¡± Zhou Sheng was supporting the rear as he kept firing shots at the bottom of the stairs.


    ¡°I think so!¡± Yu Hao was so busy he could barely deal with it, just like how he had felt when Zhou Sheng played shooting games with him. Zombies kept rushing out of the door on the second floor, so he had to be observant and alert at all times. In the end, zombies no longer had a body in Yu Hao¡¯s eyes ¡ª only their moving heads remained, and his mission was to shoot them dead.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take the elevator!¡± Zhou Sheng went onto the second floor and yanked Ou Qihang back.


    Yu Hao said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Where do you usually go to think about things! Take us there!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡­here!¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Go to the end of the corridor!¡±


    Yu Hao opened the door and pushed Ou Qihang in. Zhou Sheng slid in, Yu Hao threw out a grenade before closing the door. A loud blare rang out outside, the door was locked, and the entire world suddenly turned quiet.


    The moment he closed the door, Yu Hao knew they had succeeded. This was indeed a safe haven.


    Every time he arrived at the safe haven, he could clearly sense that the area was perfectly, completely independent from the dream world; it possessed a tremendous protective force.


    ¡°Huu.¡± Zhou Sheng threw his gun and sat down on a cushion, so exhausted he couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath.


    Yu Hao looked around their surroundings and saw that this was the equipment room of the Taekwondo Martial Hall, which was full of sundries. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, its rays wrapped in swirling dust.


    Yu Hao threw Zhou Sheng an inquiring gaze. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So damn exhausted. Summoning the black dragon twice takes up too much effort.¡±


    Ou Qihang muttered, ¡°Are you guys real? Not my dream¡¯s¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask anything, let Laozi rest for awhile.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stretched his legs out and leaned against the wall, thoroughly spent. Yu Hao tried to exert his healing power, and a white light appeared in his hands.


    What does this mean? He had acquired a ¡®healing¡¯ ability in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream, which also meant that in Ou Qihang¡¯s impression of him, Yu Hao has the capability to ¡®heal¡¯. Yu Hao looked at Ou Qihang again.


    Zhou Sheng pointed at the back of his neck to indicate ¡®here¡¯, so Yu Hao pressed his hand against Zhou Sheng¡¯s nape. A moment later, Zhou Sheng felt a little better and said, ¡°I can only summon it once more.¡±


    ¡°Almost there.¡± Yu Hao knew that once they found the master of the dreamscape, they had won half the battle.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°So I did guess it right, you guys are indeed¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ask the questions, and you¡¯ll do the answering.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a bad tone, ¡°Cut the crap.¡±


    Ou Qihang didn¡¯t say anything else and just answered, ¡°Ask then.¡±


    Yu Hao sat cross-legged beside Zhou Sheng across from Ou Qihang. At this moment, he seemed to understand his inner heart.


    ¡°What¡¯s the most important thing to you in your life?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Ou Qihang answered quite straightforwardly.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not revenge?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°When you guys dragged me down from the rooftop that day, I suddenly felt confused. I was a little regretful. I¡­¡­I don¡¯t know if I can actually succeed. Zhou Sheng, in the interrogation room, what you said to me was a lie, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°You were on such a high horse with that haughtiness of yours, so I didn¡¯t want to let you have it easy.¡±


    Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°I guessed as much. Has Xiao Yujun discovered what I left for her?¡±


    ¡°She found it.¡± Zhou Sheng scratched his head, ¡°The password was deciphered too.¡±


    ¡°Let me join you guys.¡± Ou Qihang suddenly said.


    ¡°No way!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t understand the astute words that Ou Qihang and Zhou Sheng were exchanging, but Zhou Sheng threw Yu Hao a stern glance.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°You guys are shuttling around dreams to save people, right?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why are you so naggy? This has nothing to do with you. If you hadn¡¯t dreamt of Yu Hao, we would never have come.¡±


    Only then did Yu Hao realise, and he looked at Zhou Sheng with trepidation to mean ¡®you told him just like that?¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s no use hiding it from him.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯s too smart; he would have guessed it sooner or later.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that that was true. They had already been exposed by Chen Yekai once, so Ou Qihang should be able to guess it too. Sounding each other out now would just be a waste of time.


    Ou Qihang clearly has a lot of questions he wanted to ask, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you ask anymore questions, we¡¯ll leave.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I know that even if I talk about this, no one would believe me¡­¡­and it¡¯s even less likely that you guys will admit to it in reality, but don¡¯t go! I won¡¯t ask anymore questions.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had blocked all of Ou Qihang¡¯s curiosity with one sentence. Yu Hao realised that even in his dream, Ou Qihang had a very clear line of reasoning. If he had such a strange dream where he was being chased by zombies and got saved by himself and Zhou Sheng who he fled with into the equipment room of the martial academy to hide¡­¡­he would just think that one dreams at night of what one thinks of in the day and wouldn¡¯t ask many questions at all.


    ¡°Where¡¯s his totem?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Who will the boss be?¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned and pondered for a moment, then answered Yu Hao, ¡°Either his home or a place like the procuratorate?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Sorry I¡¯m asking again, I just¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng explained a bit to Ou Qihang, and Ou Qihang seemed to understand something. Yu Hao said, ¡°Prevail over yourself, control your heart, and seize your totem back, then your inner world will return to normal.¡±


    Ou Qihang laughed bitterly, ¡°Unless someone upholds justice for me, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to change my impression of this city.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then I think that even we wouldn¡¯t be able to defeat the boss in your heart.¡±


    The entire world shook again, and strange sounds could be heard.


    ¡°Please take your card.¡±


    ¡°We wish you a pleasant journey.¡±


    That was the electronic voice of an expressway toll station.


    Ou Qihang didn¡¯t talk anymore. Yu Hao frowned, ¡°Where are you going? A long-distance journey? You can¡¯t leave Ying City when you¡¯re on bail pending trial.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Are you asking about reality? I was kidnapped.¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: ¡­. Boy you¡¯re a little chill about getting kidnapped


    Juurensha: He is waaaaaay too chill about that¡­ While I¡¯m sad it¡¯s not FLQ¡¯s dream we get to see, this is fun too.


    ¡ª


    On another note!!!


    Feitian collaborated with Takarai Rihito, the mangaka who created Ten Count for the cover of a simplified Chinese version of SD!!!


    THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL AND IT REALLY MADE MY DAY


    A very short promo video for this version of the book can be found

 Chapter 97.1 - - A Rainy Night

    ¡°If they¡¯re not going to make rounds, then he¡¯s in quite a dangerous situation.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so sooner?!¡±


    ¡°I forgot.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°When I saw you guys, I didn¡¯t think of it right away.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was instantly dumbstruck, ¡°What¡¯s going on! Make it clear!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hurry back to reality!¡±


    ¡°Calm down.¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Time in dreams always passes by more slowly than in reality. You fell asleep in the car?¡±


    On the contrary, Ou Qihang was very calm. He said, ¡°I took leave this morning and didn¡¯t go to school. After lunch, I had just left when someone covered my nose and wanted to cover my head with a sack. I let them cover me at first and they took me away, but they probably didn¡¯t expect that I would suddenly retaliate midway and snag the sack off. I even struggled against them for awhile, but the drugs kicked in and I couldn¡¯t fight anymore, then they dragged me onto a car¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you remember the license plate number?¡± Yu Hao asked nervously.


    ¡°Buick.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I saw it, but I don¡¯t remember the license plate number very clearly. It should be that.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re so calm even though you were kidnapped?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh.


    Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys ask me to calm down?¡±


    Ou Qihang has a black belt in Taekwondo; it wouldn¡¯t be very easy to subdue him, so he managed to see the license plate number.


    ¡°Where do you think the car will drive to?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on the expressway now.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°We stopped once at the toll station during the journey. I heard a voice that said ¡®please take your card¡¯¡­¡­it¡¯s been driving for about 20 minutes ever since it left my house.¡±


    ¡°Wait for us.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao immediately pressed his hand against Ou Qihang¡¯s forehead, and the dream world instantly vanished with a bang. The two of them returned to reality and opened their eyes at the same time.


    At 6pm, the dormitory was covered with blackout curtains. Fu Liqun was carefully eating his takeaway and had his earphones on while he watched the new season of ¡¶The Walking Dead¡·. Just as he was watching a scene that was so thrilling he didn¡¯t even dare to breathe¡ª¡ª


    ¡°AH!¡±


    Behind him, Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao suddenly shouted and sat up in a panic as if they had just been on the verge of dying from a disease.


    Fu Liqun almost peed his pants from fright and knocked his curry rice over such that it spilled all over him. He screamed as he sprang up and shivered all over as he looked at his two roommates.


    Zhou Sheng grabbed his phone and called Huang Ting, Yu Hao flipped over to get out of his bed and nearly fell down in the process. He got up to put on his socks and shouted, ¡°Isn¡¯t there anyone from the police department monitoring him?¡±


    ¡°Check the license plate number!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted into the phone, ¡°Ou Qihang has been kidnapped, I sent it to you through WeChat!¡±


    Fu Liqun was sticking to the corner of the wall as he shivered all over. He watched Yu Hao put on his shorts and shoes, while Zhou Sheng jumped off his bed, ¡°Kaikai¡¯s not picking up!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Gege when did you come back?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    In Fu Liqun¡¯s eyes, he thought that the two of them had suddenly been possessed. ¡°Are the two of you okay?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi shouldn¡¯t be in class right now!¡±


    ¡°Got kidnapped?¡± Fu Liqun looked at Yu Hao tentatively, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°You call him!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯ll definitely pick up if it¡¯s you!¡±


    Yu Hao grabbed his phone and called Chen Yekai, and he really did pick up. Chen Yekai said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I¡¯m in a meeting¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°W-wait¡­¡­why are you guys looking for Chen Laoshi? Zhou Sheng why are you looking for him?¡±


    ¡°Get him to drive out and wait for us at the back gate of the college!¡±


    Zhou Sheng changed into his shoes, opened the door, and rushed out like a gust of wind. Fu Liqun had already changed his T-shirt and said, ¡°Wait for me!¡±


    ¡°Keys!¡± Yu Hao turned around and took the dormitory keys and chased after Zhou Sheng.


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng ran extremely quickly, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege don¡¯t come! It¡¯s too dangerous!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Of course I have to follow you guys!¡±


    ¡°No silk banners!¡±


    ¡°What kind of a joke is that?!¡± Fu Liqun roared angrily, ¡°You¡¯re both my bros, you think I can just wash my hands off this?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a kiss!¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°Gege I¡¯ll give you a kiss too!¡± Yu Hao laughed too.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s Mercedes-Benz was parked at the college¡¯s back gate. Zhou Sheng pulled open the door to the passenger seat and fastened his seat belt. Chen Yekai said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s an important case that everyone¡¯s keeping an eye on, yet there¡¯s no one protecting Qihang?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The guards must have been the ones who did it! Is there any other possibility?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly figured one thing out ¡ª¡ª Ou Qihang was being closely monitored right now, so naturally there must be someone who was responsible for keeping an eye on his every move. If he could be kidnapped under such circumstances, what would that imply?! All of this might have been premeditated a long time ago!


    Yu Hao and Fu Liqun sat in the back. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Drive along this road and turn onto the expressway!¡± As he spoke, he turned on the location tracking function on Chen Yekai¡¯s phone and continued, ¡°Yu Hao, take note of Huang Ting¡¯s call.¡± Then he began calling again.


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t ask any questions. Zhou Sheng¡¯s call connected, then he said to the other side, ¡°Old man, dispatch a chauffeur and take three hired thugs along. Drive out and wait at Yingxin Expressway, don¡¯t ask why! Just hurry!¡±


    ¡°T-thugs¡­¡­¡± It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time listening to someone seriously discussing about ¡°hired thugs¡± in reality.


    The other side was clearly baffled as well. Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°That kid was kidnapped!¡±


    Yu Hao answered Huang Ting¡¯s call. Huang Ting said, ¡°Where are you guys? I went to the district to look for the CCTV surveillance, but it had already been deleted beforehand. He didn¡¯t go to school or go back home, I didn¡¯t notify the city bureau¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Who the hell could have done it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was making another call. He answered, ¡°The city bureau sent someone to watch him. Getting captured right before their eyes meant that there must have been a mole.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you watch that kid?¡±


    ¡°The city bureau took over, how could I watch him? Just saying two extra words would arouse their suspicion.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect them to be driven to take such drastic measures after getting cornered. I¡¯ll drive to the entrance of the expressway and meet you guys there.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have woken him up.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Once he¡¯s awake, we won¡¯t know where he is.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He¡¯s being blindfolded, he doesn¡¯t know where he is either.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately glanced at Chen Yekai to get him to stop talking. Chen Yekai remembered that Fu Liqun was still in the back seat, so he immediately changed the topic, ¡°Sit tight.¡± Then he stepped on the pedal and began accelerating.


    Chen Yekai took a shortcut to get to the expressway and drove the car very fast, yet it was still extremely stable. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Kaikai, you¡¯re pretty skilled at driving ma.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Why did your friend get kidnapped?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a long story.¡± Yu Hao said.


    The school was located less than 10 kilometers away from Yingxin Expressway. The sky had turned dark. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Tell me?¡±


    So Yu Hao narrated the entire story in full detail, and stopped right before the part where they fell asleep. Chen Yekai roughly understood what had happened and sighed, but Fu Liqun said, ¡°How did you guys know that he was kidnapped?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had thought of an excuse long ago and answered, ¡°Yu Hao has a secret code with him on WeChat.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡± Fu Liqun said with slight trepidation, ¡°And I was wondering, I was scared to death.¡±


    Yu Hao added, ¡°I had just woken up when I saw my WeChat, and I got a fright too.¡± Huang Ting called again; this time, he put his phone on loudspeaker so everyone could talk and listen at the same time.


    Chen Yekai arrived at the entrance of the expressway and said, ¡°Are you guys sure it¡¯s here?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°I see Nicky¡¯s car. I¡¯m right behind you, drive safely.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a little uncertain too. He took a deep breath, ¡°I¡¯m not sure, let¡¯s take a gamble ba. This is the most likely road, I¡¯d rather have my choice be proven wrong.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Theoretically speaking, if I wanted to kidnap someone, I¡¯d go around the city a few times.¡±


    But he still drove onto the expressway, and Yu Hao said, ¡°But they must be cooperating closely with one another right now and wouldn¡¯t let anyone see their car abduct Ou Qihang, so making rounds isn¡¯t necessary.¡±


    ¡°That depends on their goal.¡± Chen Yekai turned the steering wheel and drove onto the expressway, ¡°If they¡¯re not going to make rounds, then he¡¯s in quite a dangerous situation.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, which is why I said I would rather be wrong.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Why?¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°Because they plan on killing him to get rid of a witness; they¡¯re not going to let the kid come back, so they don¡¯t need to make rounds in the city. Nicky, can you see the car?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Barely, if the license plate number is correct.¡±


    ¡°Keep driving ahead.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you watch the cars on the right.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kaikai, you must pay attention to safety.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Trust my skill, I¡¯m someone who had driven all the way through a rainforest after all.¡±


    Huang Ting said through the phone, ¡°Veteran driver, it¡¯s all up to you now.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s raining.¡±


    In the darkness, Chen Yekai switched on the high beam, and a glaring light shone in front of them. A torrential downpour bucketed down, and their vision became more and more blurred. However, the intense light shot out, and like the power of God, it split apart the chaotic universe during the creation of the world.


    The raindrops were like millions of stars that constantly collided and separated with one another under the illumination of the white light. Countless cars shuttled through the expressway, each containing many stories, and many lives.


    At first, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t mind the cars around him, while Zhou Sheng made a rough estimation based on the speed of the cars on the expressway: from the time they woke up until now, the car that abducted Ou Qihang should have already driven at least 70 kilometers away.


    The car Zhou Laichun sent out had also driven onto the expressway. Zhou Sheng called the driver directly and asked him to follow the Mercedes-Benz.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Sleep a little? I¡¯ll wake you if something happens.¡±

 Chapter 97.2 - A Rainy Night

    ¡°If they¡¯re not going to make rounds, then he¡¯s in quite a dangerous situation.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a few calls, don¡¯t say anything.¡± Huang Ting said on the phone.


    One of Huang Ting¡¯s phones was on loudspeaker to communicate with them, while the other was used to dial his colleague¡¯s number. They were actually chatting idly, and he even asked the other party if he was going to sing karaoke tonight. Zhou Sheng looked back at Yu Hao, and Yu Hao suddenly understood. Huang Ting was testing his colleague.


    After he hung up, Huang Ting¡¯s voice sounded very anxious, ¡°This won¡¯t be easy to handle, and I can¡¯t inform the expressway exit to stop the car. News will be leaked too easily. If the enemy catches wind of it¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°There are that many enemies?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°¡­¡­I¡¯ll try the other side.¡±


    Huang Ting continued dialling. A girl on the other end uttered a ¡°hello¡± and Huang Ting said, ¡°Please transfer me to Bai Laoshi.¡±


    After the call was transferred, he continued, ¡°In an open environment, please listen to my report.¡± As he spoke, he gave a brief report on the situation and finally said, ¡°There are people in the bureau who are in the know, so we can¡¯t notify the expressway exit to stop the car as we could alert the enemy. The only thing we can do now is to keep following them.¡±


    A male voice rang out, ¡°Got it, I¡¯ll inform someone to cooperate with you guys right away.¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°Okay.¡±


    That guy said, ¡°We must find a way to protect that kid.¡±


    When they heard those words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.


    Huang Ting hung up and said wearily, ¡°He¡¯s just a high school student, do they need to be that ruthless? The teachers in his school are even writing letters to plea for leniency, since they hope that his sentence can be lightened.¡±


    ¡°Come on, we¡¯ll win! Punish them on behalf of the moon, Officer Huang.¡± Chen Yekai said casually with words that made everyone burst into laughter.


    ¡°The situation would be much better if we could inform the expressway exit.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°They must have caught wind of something for them to be that desperate.¡±


    ¡°In a fight between local and central governments, it¡¯s impossible for the local one to win.¡± Chen Yekai was very clear on that.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi,¡± Huang Ting said on the phone, ¡°Pay attention to your position and audience.¡±


    Chen Yekai stopped talking. Zhou Sheng was sleeping, while Yu Hao had constantly been staring closely at the cars outside as he tried to pick out the Buick that Ou Qihang told them about. Not long after, Zhou Sheng woke up and glanced at the rearview mirror, then shook his head very slowly.


    ¡°Wait, Kaikai.¡± Fu Liqun suddenly said, ¡°Young Master, is it that car?¡±


    Chen Yekai caught a glimpse while he was busy with a hundred other tasks; one number was off from the license plate number, but it was the Buick that they had described!


    ¡°I¡¯ll add a chicken drumstick for you!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Gege! You¡¯re truly a male god!!¡±


    Yu Hao almost shouted ¡°fuck¡±! Fu Liqun¡¯s power of concentration was seriously amazing! Fortunately, they had brought him along, otherwise they would have driven past the car!


    Everyone shouted, ¡°Add a drumstick!¡±


    But Fu Liqun said, ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t alert them! Huang Ting, are the reinforcements here?¡±


    Chen Yekai slowed down a little and saw the car ahead begin overtaking another car. ¡°Where are they driving to?¡±


    The Buick changed lanes. Chen Yekai changed lanes as well and drove behind a truck. Yu Hao instantly became very nervous, please don¡¯t let anything happen on the expressway.


    When they approached the toll station, there were many vehicles between the two cars. Chen Yekai had been keeping his eyes on the Buick, and he saw that it was about to drive away. Huang Ting was still making calls on the other end; the other party had changed to someone else who was in-charge. After hearing the details, they said, ¡°We¡¯ll arrive in half an hour. Please follow them closely and don¡¯t engage in direct conflict unless absolutely necessary.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get off the expressway¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°Please don¡¯t get off the expressway.¡±


    Chen Yekai saw that car finally get off the expressway, and everyone uttered a ¡°fuck¡± in unison. Yu Hao realised the danger and quickly said, ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Chen Yekai said, then swerved the steering wheel and got off the highway as well. Zhou Sheng called his family¡¯s driver to guide them; this was a county town in the middle of the Yingxin Expressway. Chen Yekai did not dare to  turn on his high-beam and just followed along at a distance on the national highway. He almost lost them several times, but Fu Liqun would always accurately point out the direction in which the other car had gone.


    As the rain grew heavier and heavier, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ve nearly lost all visibility, where does that car want to go?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re familiar with this place.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t know what place this is, I¡¯ve never been here. Yu Hao, check the map¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a mountain.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not a scenic spot. There are plantations below.¡±


    It was pitch dark all around them, and the road was bumpy. There were barely any cars on the road now. Chen Yekai said, ¡°The chassis of this car is too low.¡±


    ¡°Is it this place?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I saw them drive toward the dirt road. Yu Hao, is there a village nearby?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡­¡± A chill suddenly ran down Yu Hao¡¯s spine. In a dark, rainy night where you wouldn¡¯t be able to see your fingers if you stretched your hand out, there was only one reason for bringing a hostage here¡ª¡ª to destroy the corpse and all traces of their crimes¡­¡­


    Chen Yekai suddenly stopped the car.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°They should have realised that they¡¯re being followed.¡±


    As the rain continued to pour, Zhou Sheng said resolutely, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t put everyone in danger.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°All of you should withdraw; send me the location.¡±


    Yu Hao sent Huang Ting their location, and at this moment, a loud blare sounded from Chen Yekai¡¯s car ¡ª a car had crashed into them from the side. Yu Hao almost let out a loud shout; everyone nearly hit the car¡¯s doors because of the impact!


    Fu Liqun immediately stabilised Yu Hao and said angrily, ¡°Fuck!¡±


    Enraged by this action, Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°Go!¡±


    Chen Yekai was putting his car in reverse. The mountain road was pitch dark, the other car accelerated abruptly again and ruthlessly crashed into them from the side! Within an instant, everyone knew that they had fallen into a life and death crisis. Fu Liqun said, ¡°If they knock into us one more time we¡¯ll fall down the mountain!¡±


    ¡°Get out of the car and take cover! Beware of guns!¡± Chen Yekai no longer reversed. Zhou Sheng unbuckled his seat belt, and the four of them got out of the car, lunging away. The other party¡¯s Buick knocked into the Benz again, pushing the Benz onto the protective railing with two of its wheels suspended in mid air!


    Within the torrential downpour, Yu Hao slipped on the mountain road and Zhou Sheng roared, ¡°Run!¡± Then he actually rushed to the Buick¡¯s driver¡¯s seat and forcefully pulled on the door handle, but the door was locked. Suddenly, someone appeared from behind the car and violently swung an iron rod down on the back of Zhou Sheng¡¯s head.


    Fu Liqun shouted loudly and rushed forward; two other people came out of the car. Zhou Sheng threw a punch, but his enemy bowed down to avoid it, and the two sides started fighting. Zhou Sheng roared, ¡°They¡¯re trained! Don¡¯t try to tough it out!¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly went forward and joined forces with Fu Liqun to deal with one of them. Yu Hao picked up a rock by the road side, rushed forward, then swung it and smashed it into the back of someone¡¯s head. It was a chaotic mess within the rainstorm; everyone was covered in mud. Zhou Sheng was wrestling with someone and ended up rolling down the mountain road.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me!¡± Zhou Sheng broke free from that person¡¯s grip and ran towards the mountain road.


    Including their driver, there were four enemies, and they were all clearly combat trained. Zhou Sheng had a hard time dealing with just one of them, while Yu Hao, Fu Liqun, and Chen Yekai were hardly worthy opponents to even just one, and they could only circle around the Buick to dodge.


    ¡°Stop!¡± The driver grabbed someone and dragged him out of the car ¡ª it was Ou Qihang!


    He pinned a dagger against Ou Qihang¡¯s neck, and the driver was clearly a very good kidnapper as he wasn¡¯t fazed in the face of danger, ¡°All of you, get back!¡±


    Everyone separated briefly, and Yu Hao¡¯s heart reached his throat. The kidnapper was slowly retreating, but Zhou Sheng was holding an iron rod that he had seized and slowly approached from behind the kidnapper, then he brandished the iron road and silently swung it down.


    ¡°You motherfucking¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Rescue him!¡± Chen Yekai roared.


    The situation fell into chaos once again. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Fall back after retrieving him!¡±


    It was raining too heavily. Zhou Sheng was afraid of hitting someone on his side by accident; that iron rod was for greeting the kidnapper¡¯s head, and it would be quite dangerous for anyone else who had to suffer its blows. Chen Yekai rushed forward to save Ou Qihang, while Fu Liqun and Yu Hao retreated immediately.


    ¡°Deal with him first!¡±


    The kidnappers were extremely quick in cooperating with one another; they immediately recognise that their main objective was to get rid of Zhou Sheng as soon as possible. As long as Zhou Sheng fell, the rest wouldn¡¯t pose a threat to them at all. Now Zhou Sheng had to go up against three of them alone and was instantly suffering from an immense pressure. He pulled away from his predicament and retreated behind the Buick.


    Yu Hao immediately stepped onto the roof of the Buick in three steps, laid sideways, and used his elbow as a hammer to smash down forcefully on the three who were fighting at the back of the car. Zhou Sheng flipped over, and using his back as support, the two of them exchanged places within an instant. Yu Hao¡¯s elbow instantly hit the side of the driver¡¯s neck and dragged Ou Qihang away.


    ¡°Go!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    It has been a long time since Yu Hao fought someone. When they were chasing Lin Xun¡¯s briefcase, those two thieves were just delinquents, but the enemies they faced this time were completely different. Two of their enemies remained to deal with Zhou Sheng, while the other two pursued Yu Hao and Ou Qihang. Within an instant, the driver grabbed Ou Qihang¡¯s collar again and rolled down the mountain road with him.


    ¡°Let go!¡± Chen Yekai rushed over.


    Yu Hao slipped along one side of the mountain road, causing mud to splatter up high as he slid straight down. Chen Yekai had already rushed up to the driver and was entangled in a fight with him. Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°Yu Hao! Is it you?! Let go of me! I¡¯ll help you!!¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s hands were tied behind his back and he was overturned on the ground. He was struggling to get up and escape when Chen Yekai thundered, ¡°Don¡¯t run! Be careful of falling down the mountain!¡±


    The other party twisted Chen Yekai¡¯s arm and threw him aside, then violently kicked him. Chen Yekai let out a loud shout as his arm took that kick. Yu Hao flew down from higher ground and kicked that person¡¯s head, so that person could only turn around again to deal with Yu Hao.


    Chen Yekai took out his swiss army knife and cut the rope tying up Ou Qihang¡¯s hands. He pulled off the sack on his head, and with their faces covered in rainwater, they looked at each other briefly for an instant¡ª¡ª


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Leave! I¡¯ll help him!¡± After he spoke, he rushed back again.


    Fu Liqun was dealing with one person by himself, and he was so nervous that he was trembling slightly. He has never been as good as Zhou Sheng at fighting and only relied on his tall stature as his advantage in suppressing others during fights. His chest was kicked twice, and his chin suffered a punch, yet he persisted in stalling his enemy no matter what.


    Shouts travelled over from the foot of the mountain. The kidnapper sneered and no longer cared about Fu Liqun¨C he turned sideways and slid down!


    ¡°Don¡¯t run!¡± Fu Liqun slid down as well.


    Two of their enemies encircled Yu Hao as they wanted to beat Yu Hao to death on the spot. Chen Yekai rushed forward, lifted his arm, and blocked a hit for Yu Hao. Ou Qihang joined in the fight, and the three of them began another round of scuffling. Zhou Sheng shouted from high ground, ¡°Stop fighting! We¡¯ve saved him, so hurry and run! Split up and escape! They can¡¯t tell who¡¯s who!¡±


    Yu Hao was seeing stars from being beaten by the other party, but the sound of a running engine travelled to his ears.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Yu Hao shouted, then rushed forward to push away Fu Liqun who had slid down the mountain.


    A car drove over swiftly and knocked into the driver until he flipped onto the front cover of the car. Huang Ting opened the car door, got out, then said loudly, ¡°Police! Put your hands behind your head! Squat down!¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s voice was filled with an oppressive dominance. Ou Qihang immediately took Chen Yekai with him to hide behind Chen Yekai¡¯s car, yet the four abandoned their car and gave up on Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao as well to circle around Huang Ting. Huang Ting took his gun out and said in a low voice, ¡°Put your hands up!¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Wow, lots of drama. And am I sensing something about Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai?


    Zryuu: staring at each other in the rain? huhu

 Chapter 98.1 - Escaping Danger

    ¡°Do you really think that all the people around you are zombies?¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng wiped his face and slid down the mountainside. One more person had joined their side; Huang Ting wielded a gun in his hand, and the situation was immediately reversed.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. His elbows and knees were all covered in wounds, but he hadn¡¯t sustained any serious injuries. He nodded to indicate that he was okay, but his eyes were fixed on the movements of their four enemies.


    The thunderstorm continued to roar around them; the driver shouted out some words in dialect, and the four of them suddenly dispersed before rushing forward together ¡ª they were actually trying to seize Huang Ting¡¯s gun! Huang Ting was clearly well-trained; he pulled away from them and fired a shot in this rainy night. When Yu Hao heard a gunshot in reality, he was instantly stunned.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± It was Zhou Sheng¡¯s first time encountering such people who didn¡¯t seem to fear death; he immediately flipped onto the top of Huang Ting¡¯s car and lunged forward once again!


    There were four enemies; one of them had been downed by Huang Ting in an instant, but the other two entangled themselves with Huang Ting and grabbed his wrist. Another gunshot was heard, but this shot failed to hit its target. Once someone got close to Huang Ting, he immediately began wrestling with the enemy to prevent his gun from being taken away. Another car drove up the mountain and turned on its high-beam, which blinded everyone for a moment.


    ¡°Their reinforcements are coming¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said as he retreated, ¡°Run now! Everyone should try to get away!¡±


    Ou Qihang, Fu Liqun, and Yu Hao steadily retreated, then the door opened, and Zhou Laichun shouted, ¡°We¡¯re on your side!¡±


    Immediately afterwards, four people rushed down from the car, and Zhou Laichun was wielding an iron rod.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hide behind!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Get in my car!¡±


    The scene turned chaotic; Zhou Laichun joined the fight, and the pressure on Huang Ting immediately lightened. The third gunshot sounded and Zhou Laichun was taken aback too. ¡°Whose gun is that?!¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°Keep your distance! Don¡¯t engage in a scuffle!¡±


    ¡°Ours!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you doing here?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun was furious, ¡°What the hell are you doing?!¡±


    Both sides pulled apart from each other again. Huang Ting pointed at the other side with his gun and was still very calm as he said, ¡°Everyone on our side, retreat.¡±


    The other side realised that Huang Ting actually intended to kill them all, so they couldn¡¯t be bothered to help their comrade who had been shot now. They slowly retreated, getting ready to withdraw.


    In the next moment, a helicopter could be heard as well as the roar of a car engine. Two glaring lights shone down. Yu Hao looked up, Zhou Sheng held him in his arms and raised his hand to shield him from the light.


    ¡°Why does it seem like they¡¯re making a movie?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao was breathless and couldn¡¯t even say a single word ¡ª this was his first time feeling like he had just escaped the clutches of death.


    People began shouting overhead. When the enemies realised that they could no longer escape, they all squatted down, one after another, and placed both hands on their napes. Armed police came over and handcuffed all of them first. Huang Ting got onto a car, flashed his police ID, pointed at them, and everyone got on the car, then someone unlocked their cuffs.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi?¡± Yu Hao suddenly caught a glimpse of Chen Yekai¡¯s pale face. His whole body was drenched in sweat.


    One and a half hours after everything was wrapped up, in the hospital.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s arm was wrapped up in bandages and a splint as he sat on a chair.


    ¡°All of you should go back first ba.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s left arm was fractured. After receiving an anesthetic shot and a splint for his arm, he actually seemed quite energetic. Yu Hao suffered from a soft tissue contusion while Fu Liqun had a bloody nose and a swollen face, but fortunately, his looks didn¡¯t suffer. The nurse rubbed iodine wine over the scraped wounds on Zhou Sheng¡¯s elbows, knees, and other places.


    ¡°It¡¯s still early.¡± Yu Hao looked at the time; it was only 10pm.


    Zhou Laichun went to pay the registration fee and settled the medication bills for everyone. He asked his driver to buy four boxed meals and watched them eat from the side. Chen Yekai¡¯s left hand was slung in front of his chest, while he held a spoon in his right to ladle the food.


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Chen Yekai took the lead in saying instead, ¡°I neglected my duty and took my students out to do such dangerous things.¡±


    Everyone immediately spoke in unison, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault!¡±


    Zhou Laichun quickly said, ¡°No no no, Chen Laoshi, you¡¯re really amazing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who asked Kaikai for help.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°If I had known that the situation would be so dangerous, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°The rascal already said that he¡¯s the mastermind behind this and implicated all of you. I do feel very apologetic. Chen Laoshi, recuperate well, and if you need anything, feel free to mention it to me!¡±


    ¡°What do you mean by mastermind?¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily.


    Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t say anything more and smiled as he took his cigarette out to light one up. Yu Hao said, ¡°Uncle, you can¡¯t smoke here.¡±


    ¡°Oh yes.¡± Zhou Laichun immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll smoke outside. Why don¡¯t¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°See you later.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun left behind a few more instructions and specifically urged Yu Hao to pay attention to Zhou Sheng¡¯s injury and to make sure it wouldn¡¯t get infected while bathing before he got up and left.


    Right after Zhou Laichun left, the atmosphere within the ward finally relaxed a little. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Fuck it was like shooting a police and kidnapper movie. It was my first time encountering such a situation; I can now say that my life has not been lived in vain.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We must be more careful next time, we underestimated the enemies too much. It¡¯s really too¡­¡­too, it¡¯s still scary when I think about it now.¡±


    ¡°Okay okay, don¡¯t morally torture yourself with hypothetical situations anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°After following Junjun Jie for so long, one thing I¡¯ve learnt is that there are many unexpected situations in life. Let bygones be bygones, just be careful next time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If we hadn¡¯t followed them, Ou Qihang would probably be dead by now.¡±


    Fu Liqun beamed with joy as he described how he fought the kidnapper, while Zhou Sheng just listened to him expressionlessly. In the end, Fu Liqun said, ¡°But of course, Young Master is the most amazing one.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You were fighting three at first, then even dealt with two in the end.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s seriously scary.¡± Chen Yekai said ruefully as well.


    Those guys were practically fugitives and had clearly received professional training as well, so they were really good at keeping up a fight. In the end, Huang Ting had to open fire before two of them were taken down. During the armed police¡¯s initial questioning, they didn¡¯t manage to guess the other party¡¯s true identities and could only take them back first to interrogate them slowly. They would be able to get it out of them sooner or later.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng said guiltily, ¡°Caused you to get hurt so badly.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve always wanted to be a hero, I just never had the chance to. Thanks for giving me this opportunity.¡±


    Everyone laughed, and Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s better to have fewer chances to be a hero though.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°If there¡¯s really no other choice, I won¡¯t regret stepping forward. Gun regulations are very strict in China, which is really good, otherwise, the situation today would have been very different.¡±


    Chen Yekai has lived abroad for many years and knew what would happen if guns weren¡¯t controlled. Everyone responded with an ¡°un¡°. Yu Hao was no longer afraid now and didn¡¯t feel the least bit excited either. It was as if the four of them had just finished playing an intense basketball match, and everyone felt like they had all gone through death¡¯s door together, resulting in the establishment of a friendship that surpassed that of ordinary ties.


    A knock could be heard. Huang Ting came in, followed by Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Came to see you guys.¡± Huang Ting said.


    When Ou Qihang saw the four of them, he felt somewhat at a loss for a moment. No one spoke. In the end, it was Chen Yekai who smiled as he said, ¡°Take a seat, have you had a bath?¡±


    Huang Ting went over to look at Chen Yekai¡¯s hand, ¡°It¡¯s not too grave, does it hurt?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll need to keep the sling on for two to three months.¡±


    ¡°Serious injuries take a hundred days to heal.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as my previous fracture.¡± As he spoke, he showed his wrist to Chen Yekai, ¡°There won¡¯t be any problem after it recovers.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m not worried about that.¡±


    Ou Qihang just sat quietly. Yu Hao had a piece of gauze stuck onto his forehead, Zhou Sheng was covered in iodine wine, while Fu Liqun just smiled as he looked at Ou Qihang.


    The rain stopped. Yu Hao looked outside the hospital windows; the lights outside shone resplendently.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a task.¡± Huang Ting said to Ou Qihang, ¡°You¡¯ll be in charge of feeding Chen Laoshi everyday.¡±


    Everyone burst into laughter, but Chen Yekai said solemnly, ¡°Huang Ting!¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Ou Qihang said with much remorse, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for putting you guys in so much danger. Sorry, Kaikai Ge.¡±


    Fu Liqun came to the rescue, ¡°People who want to feed him can queue from here all the way to the river.¡±


    Everyone laughed again.

 Chapter 98.2 - Escaping Danger

    ¡°Do you really think that all the people around you are zombies?¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao knew that Huang Ting, as a good buddy, had always been trying to help Chen Yekai find a partner. Still, saying it straight out like that was really too awkward, and Chen Yekai probably wouldn¡¯t be interested in dating in such a situation.


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand, looking like he really didn¡¯t want to see what was happening right now.


    After Huang Ting cracked such an untimely joke, he sat at one side and took off his police cap. Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°How is it? We should at least get an explanation ba? All of us almost lost our lives for this.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s already been transferred to the investigation team for them to deal with, and all the suspects are under control as well. The internal situation in the city bureau is a bit messy right now, so I can only get a clear understanding of the situation in a few days. The identities of the kidnappers are a little complicated. One of them is a retired Sanshou athlete from the provincial team¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone was a little surprised.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The one who fought with me?¡±


    ¡°I think so.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°He¡¯s a very difficult opponent. At present, I think one of them was more familiar with the county¡¯s surroundings and roads, and they were ready to take Qihang there to find an abandoned fish pond and¡­¡­un.¡±


    ¡°They wanted to find a place to kill me.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°That way, there would no longer be anyone who knows their secrets.¡±


    The ward fell silent for a moment. Yu Hao had to admit that that was the most reasonable explanation. Previously, Ou Qihang had thought of ending his life, so they wanted to fabricate a suicide scenario and let him go missing for a while before someone finds his corpse. A lot of clues would end with that then.


    Perhaps, Ou Qihang could vaguely guess that he was already in danger, which was why he left the compressed files in Xiao Yujun¡¯s laptop and hinted to Zhou Sheng about its password.


    ¡°What I can¡¯t figure out,¡± Zhou Sheng was eating his rice and some rice grains had stuck onto his face. Yu Hao cleaned them off for him, and Zhou Sheng asked Ou Qihang, ¡°was how you managed to free your hands to send us your message for help and ask us to go save you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang understood within seconds. ¡°I sent it blindly. Once I got caught, I immediately felt about for my phone in my back pocket. Right after I sent the message and deleted it, they searched it out and took my phone away.¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡°, ¡°Amazing, I¡¯d rather hold onto your thigh than a wall for support.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, the two of you are way too kickass, could you guys get any better at fabricating a story right in front of Huang Ting?! Their questions and answers even flowed together so naturally too. At that moment, Yu Hao felt like his IQ got thoroughly and completely crushed.


    Fu Liqun picked up a call, and from the look on his face, it should be from Cen Shan. He quickly got up and went out to take the call. Everyone chatted idly for a while longer. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what Huang Ting was allowed to say, so they discussed the meals that Zhou Sheng¡¯s father had brought over.


    Huang Ting, ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten yet.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Tear off the lid of a lunch box, I¡¯ll share some with you?¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°Thanks.¡± He actually didn¡¯t mind it at all, and began eating right after accepting it. He was obviously really hungry by now.


    After they finished eating, several people began chatting again. Huang Ting seemed to be thinking with his eyes closed, but not a moment later, even breathing sounds could be heard from him ¡ª he had fallen asleep.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He¡¯s probably too tired.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Huang Ting, then at Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng was the last to finish his meal. He kept everyone else¡¯s lunch boxes, then said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Smoke one?¡±


    So Ou Qihang got up. Yu Hao knew that the two of them had something to say to each other, so he didn¡¯t follow and stayed in the ward to play games on his phone.


    ¡°What happened to the car?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Already informed someone to get it towed.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ve bought insurance.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Ou Qihang¡¯s receding figure, ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem as strong as you guys described him to be.¡±


    ¡°His psychological defenses finally collapsed ba.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Just like that night when Gege carried me to the hospital; all of my persistence vanished without a trace within an instant.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and studied Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng went to the back door of the hospital; there was an expansive lawn there. After a bout of heavy rain, accumulated puddles could still be seen on the lawn. The temperatures dropped after every autumn rain; winter was coming soon.


    A lighter was flicked on. Zhou Sheng lit a cigarette for Ou Qihang, and the two of them stayed silent.


    Ou Qihang has always been a little apprehensive. He wanted to say something, but he didn¡¯t know where to start.


    ¡°Look at that wimpy face of yours.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked.


    Ou Qihang laughed as well. Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Why are you suddenly so humble now when you were so haughty before? High caliber student, let me guess? Because I have a superpower? Or is it because we¡¯ve already seen through your heart?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°What¡¯s the point of putting up a pretense in front of you guys?¡±


    Ou Qihang let out a prolonged breath and squatted down at the back door of the hospital. Zhou Sheng remained standing. Ou Qihang squatted just like a prisoner, looking up to gaze at the starry sky in the autumn night.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you really think that all the people around you are zombies?¡±


    Ou Qihang was stunned and cast a sidelong glance at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Your teachers, classmates,¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t look at Ou Qihang as he explained, ¡°They are all writing pleas of leniency to the prosecutor¡¯s office, and they all hope that you can get yourself together.¡±


    ¡°Jun Jie, whose laptop got snatched away by you, is willing to bear the risk of getting fired to uphold justice for you.¡±


    ¡°Huang Ting is a police officer, so I won¡¯t say anything about him, but someone like Kaikai who has no relation to you at all can fight to save you without fear of losing his life.¡± Zhou Sheng stated, ¡°What you are will determine what you can see in your eyes. If you live as a zombie, then everyone else in your eyes will be zombies as well. You can¡¯t see any living person who possesses warmth, so your inner heart has turned into a wasteland.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Man is the only one who can redeem himself.¡± Zhou Sheng put out his cigarette beside the trash can and said, ¡°Jiayou ba.¡±


    In the ward, Yu Hao checked Chen Yekai¡¯s bag ¡ª his driver¡¯s license and other credentials were all inside.


    ¡°You won¡¯t consider Qihang?¡± Yu Hao smiled.


    ¡°Absolutely no interest at all.¡± Chen Yekai casually said, ¡°That kid¡¯s a little sensitive, don¡¯t joke around in front of him; I don¡¯t wanna attract any peach blossoms.¡±


    ¡°But your numbers don¡¯t match either.¡± Yu Hao joked.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Numbers can be changed, it¡¯s not a problem.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh?¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Of course the other party will change, do you doubt my ability?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s being overbearing.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile.


    ¡°What Chen Laoshi worries most about everyday is stirring up peach blossom debts everywhere.¡± Huang Ting yawned and had woken up after a short nap.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s clothes were all dirty and muddy, his hair was also really messy, and he even had one hand in a splint now. Yet, he had been putting on an optimistic front ever since arriving at the hospital, and Yu Hao knew that he was afraid that they would feel upset and guilty, so he was always wearing a smile on his face. This was probably one of the most sorry states Chen Yekai has ever been in, but even though he was in such dire straits, Yu Hao still thought that he was handsome, that he was really handsome.


    It¡¯s really a great pity that such a good guy always remained single.


    After Zhou Sheng and Ou Qihang smoked a cigarette, they found Fu Liqun, and all three of them came back together. Huang Ting put on his police cap, looked at everyone, and was about to say something when Chen Yekai interjected, ¡°So that¡¯s it for today? I still have classes tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°There will be a lot of investigations in the near future.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯ll try to get them not to bother you guys too much and ask them to resolve it all in one shot if they can so they won¡¯t invite you guys back for questioning all the time. But this case is very serious and involves a lot of things in many different ways, so I hope everyone can understand.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Everyone said in succession.


    Huang Ting, ¡°I¡¯m really ashamed to say this, but I have nothing I can use to repay you guys¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡±


    ¡°Get out of here!¡±


    Several people couldn¡¯t help but laugh. Huang Ting fell silent for a moment, then nodded in the end and snapped his fingers at Ou Qihang to indicate for him to withdraw.


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Watch him properly. If something happens again, we¡¯ll go after you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s tone was extremely stern, with an undertone that didn¡¯t brook any refusal.


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you guys today, get his mother to stew some pig trotters for Chen Laoshi another day.¡±


    Huang Ting got scolded a few times again before he whistled and hummed a song as he took Ou Qihang away with him. Zhou Laichun arranged for a car to wait outside the hospital entrance to send them back. The three of them sent Chen Yekai back to his dormitory, and Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll soak in the bathtub to take a bath. You guys should hurry back ba.¡±


    Although it was inconvenient for Chen Yekai to move about with one hand, he could still take care of himself, so Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t worried about him anymore. When they climbed back to their dormitory, the three of them then felt thoroughly spent.


    ¡°Yo! Went for a fight again? You actually didn¡¯t call us along?¡± Someone from the opposite dormitory said when he saw Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun¡¯s swollen faces as they returned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it anymore.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Almost got beaten to death.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We can¡¯t all fit in one car, get Kaikai to change to a truck someday.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Yu Hao carried a stool into the bathroom and helped Zhou Sheng take a bath. Zhou Sheng¡¯s body was covered in superficial wounds from head to toe, so they had to be careful about them getting infected. He sat like a huge monkey, and although he had been beaten until his whole body had sustained injuries, his front was still standing up so he felt a little embarrassed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Your father asked me to wait on you in helping you take your baths.¡± Yu Hao said earnestly.


    ¡°Yo.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So now you¡¯re acting on your superior¡¯s orders?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled and wiped Zhou Sheng¡¯s back for him. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to show up in person today. When I fucking saw that old man come down with an iron rod, it really scared me. I thought he¡¯d get hit a few times.¡±


    ¡°He loves you too, doesn¡¯t he?¡± Yu Hao got up to take a towel, ¡°Ai sometimes I really can¡¯t stand the two of you, always saying things that you guys don¡¯t mean¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he stood on tiptoe to help Zhou Sheng wipe his hair and body. When he knelt down on one knee to wipe his legs, Zhou Sheng just stood and looked at him with a grin on his face.


    ¡°Could you behave yourself a little?¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Still not resting easy when you¡¯re injured.¡±


    Zhou Sheng blew up, ¡°This is a physiological reaction, I can¡¯t help it, how can I behave myself¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You looked so cool today when you took on three of them by yourself.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Done washing up, go out ba.¡± As he spoke, he put his arm around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck, made him lower his head, and kissed him.


    ¡°I¡¯m a General after all, how am I supposed to go to war otherwise?¡± Zhou Sheng wrapped himself with a bath towel and went out in a carefree manner.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Hahaha, preening ZS is always fun

 Chapter 99.1 - Birthday Celebration

    ¡°It was his birthday that day, and also the start of his new life.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    It was only now that Yu Hao began slowly recalling the entire process: he realized that out of everyone ¡ª Huang Ting included ¡ª the one with the strongest combat ability was surprisingly Zhou Sheng. The scene had truly been too chaotic, so much so that Yu Hao didn¡¯t have the chance to see how Zhou Sheng fought. However, Zhou Sheng was merely an amateur boxer who could compete in city tournaments, while his opponent was a provincial-level Sanshou athlete, yet Zhou Sheng actually managed to unleash such overwhelming potential during their life and death crisis and was even more fearless when he went up against three of them alone. After which, he escaped with just a few scratches.


    What¡¯s more, after the enemies split up and the rest were getting beaten up, Zhou Sheng had given out three orders: the first was to get them to withdraw after judging the strength of the other side; the second was to tell them to escape separately so that the kidnappers wouldn¡¯t be able to tell who was who ¡ª within the rainstorm, coupled with the cover of night and having no dog, they would have a very slim chance of catching up to them; the third was when the enemies turned desperate and tried to snatch Huang Ting¡¯s gun ¡ª Zhou Sheng immediately determined that the situation seemed off, so he went forward once again to resist their offence.


    Yu Hao thought that if Zhou Sheng were to become a SWAT or a criminal detective, he would definitely be a force to be reckoned with. But if he had to be like Huang Ting and get so exhausted that he wouldn¡¯t even have the time to sleep or suffer from irregular meal times, then never mind¡­¡­Yu Hao would probably die from heartache first.


    Yu Hao took a bath, then it was Fu Liqun¡¯s turn. Zhou Sheng wore a T-shirt and had changed into a loose pair of shorts, revealing his beautiful V-line abs, plus he wasn¡¯t even wearing underwear. Yu Hao felt like his whole body was about to fall apart as he lay on the bed.


    ¡°Are we still fighting monsters at night?¡± Yu Hao asked while Fu Liqun was taking a bath.


    ¡°We already fought in the day, and now you want to fight in dreams too? Aren¡¯t you tired? Rest for a few days ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng climbed up the ladder and leaned over to kiss Yu Hao. Their lips and tongues entangled tenderly; they kissed for a long time and only bore to part when the sound of running water and Fu Liqun¡¯s singing stopped.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be your birthday soon?¡± Zhou Sheng looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao reacted and immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t buy something expensive!¡±


    ¡°Okay I got it.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, then leaned in, and kissed Yu Hao again. ¡°Good night.¡±


    The next day, Chen Yekai appeared very energetic when he came to class. As soon as he showed up in the multi-purpose classroom, the entire room exploded and erupted into a heated discussion. The front row began wondering whether Chen Yekai got beat up by gangsters because he was trying to hit on someone¡¯s girlfriend. Yu Hao wanted to clarify things, yet it wasn¡¯t of much use, so he could only give up on the idea.


    Zhou Sheng patiently folded hearts for Yu Hao under his desk. Halfway through the front row¡¯s discussion, someone from the psychology classes turned around and tossed Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao a strange look.


    ¡°This student,¡± Zhou Sheng said sincerely, ¡°What do you want to say? Come, say it loud and clear, I promise I won¡¯t hit you in class.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    The front row fell silent immediately. Yu Hao was slightly baffled, while Zhou Sheng said coldly, ¡°Courting death.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Zhou Sheng grimaced at him before handing him a hundred-yuan heart. Yu Hao clamped the heart within his textbook. After collecting a pile of hearts, he would put them in a large glass bottle that Fu Liqun had given him. Class began. Zhou Sheng took out a psychostatistics textbook and flipped to the middle, looking bored.


    ¡°Why are you interested in that?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then why are you reading it?¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t, how would I tutor you?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Midterms are coming up soon, can you pass?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There had been no news from Huang Ting so far and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t ask any questions. Yu Hao was worried about Ou Qihang¡¯s dream world, but Zhou Sheng just said that it wasn¡¯t time yet, and that when the time comes, he would naturally bring him in to take a look.


    Before midterms, Yu Hao had a strong feeling that he wouldn¡¯t have enough time. He hadn¡¯t been studying most of his subjects seriously, and his best subject was the class Chen Yekai taught ¡ª Basic Theories of Personality Structure. Reading psychostatistics was like reading something as abstruse as a mystical book from heaven.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t have many subjects to review for his exams; most of his subjects were sports, so he and Fu Liqun could pass those easily. There were no midterms for English either, leaving Yu Hao to only worry about his statistics module. Fortunately, Zhou Sheng flipped through the book for three to four days and said, ¡°Come, I¡¯ll tutor you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    For a subject that Yu Hao spent half a semester to learn, Zhou Sheng only took about a week to finish reading through everything and suddenly tutored him for a week. He got him to do a few papers that he had asked Fu Liqun to obtain from his senior. Yu Hao scored approximately 70 marks for the papers, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, go take the exam ba.¡±


    It was now late autumn; the gingko trees were beginning to turn yellow, and the day after midterms was Yu Hao¡¯s birthday. When taking his last paper, statistics, Yu Hao sat by the window of the classroom where gingko trees filled his view and he looked at the bright, golden leaves outside. Another year has passed.


    Thinking about this same day last year¡­¡­forget it don¡¯t think about it, that was practically a dark stain in his history.


    When Yu Hao recalled his past a year ago, he really wished he could dig a pit and bury himself.


    The bell signalling the end of class rang, his exam was over! Yu Hao heard a whistle blow outside. Fu Liqun shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡¯


    Yu Hao handed in his paper and looked out. Zhou Sheng was running towards their dormitory, and when he passed by the teaching building, he shouted to Yu Hao, ¡°Wait for me downstairs!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao stretched and laughed as he walked down. He saw Zhou Sheng carrying a sports bag that he had slung over his shoulders, wearing a pair of red shorts and the pair of AJs that Yu Hao had bought for him, and he was gasping a little from all the running he did. He stood under a gingko tree and looked at Yu Hao with a smile.


    ¡°How was your exam?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Can you pass?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I should be able to.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s time for a date, let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why do you stink of sweat!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sniffed his shoulders and arms, ¡°Just ended my long-distance running exam, didn¡¯t have time to bathe. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Go and take a bath first then, we have a lot of time.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like Laozi now?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao doubtfully.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°Then let¡¯s go¡­¡­where? Where¡¯s Gege?¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s birthday tomorrow, and he was thinking of treating Fu Liqun and Chen Yekai to a meal today. But Zhou Sheng just smiled, ¡°Sis-in-law¡¯s here, she¡¯s right outside.¡± As he spoke, he draped an arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and walked out from the college¡¯s back gate, then whistled at Cen Shan.


    ¡°Sis-in-law¡ª¡ª!¡± Yu Hao cried out with genuine affection. He hadn¡¯t seen Cen Shan for a long time, so he really did miss her a lot.


    Cen Shan whistled at Yu Hao too and shouted back with genuine affection, ¡°Bro-in-law¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun immediately bowled over from laughing too hard. Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red and he held his forehead with one hand. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Have fun guys!¡±


    Fu Liqun no longer saw anyone else in his eyes. He held Cen Shan¡¯s hand and boarded the bus, throwing the other two a flying kiss. Under the path filled with gingko trees outside the school, there were couples everywhere who had come out to play after their exams. Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and intertwined their fingers, then used his free hand to call for a cab on his phone.


    ¡°There are so many people.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t really dare to hold hands with Zhou Sheng. Two guys draping their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders was very normal, but they would stand out a lot if they held hands instead.


    However, Zhou Sheng tightened his grip and didn¡¯t let Yu Hao break free, ¡°The hell you scared of?¡±


    Yu Hao held Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, and the two of them stood below the gingko trees as they waited for the cab Zhou Sheng called. When he looked around them, there were couples everywhere, then he looked at Zhou Sheng again; he didn¡¯t expect that he would be dating here so openly as well, and for their love to be as natural as everyone else¡¯s in this world.

 Chapter 99.2 - Birthday Celebration

    ¡°It was his birthday that day, and also the start of his new life.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The cab arrived. Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao to the river, there were still 25 minutes before the ship sets sail.


    ¡°This¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was stunned.


    Zhou Sheng passed his ID to the front desk for registration; this was the luxury cruise ship they had taken when they were pursuing Lin Xun last time!


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s too expensive, this costs 20,000.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not 20,000.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°I know you wouldn¡¯t be able to bear it, so I booked a standard double room.¡±


    But that would still cost 4,800 for one room! This price was barely acceptable for Yu Hao. The front desk seemed used to this and wasn¡¯t surprised that two guys were sleeping in a double room. They were given their keys. When they opened the door to their room, Yu Hao uttered a heartfelt ¡°wah¡±.


    Although it wasn¡¯t comparable to their previous luxury suite at the top floor, it still came with its own bathroom, a small balcony, a large bed, wardrobes, and a TV. Yu Hao was so happy he lay sprawled on the bed and shouted, ¡°This is great¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled and pressed down on him, then shifted a few times after leaning on Yu Hao¡¯s body, ¡°Like it?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t speak for a moment. He looked back at him; there was a hint of a smile in Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes, who then kissed him and got up, ¡°Need to take a bath quick, I feel a little stinky myself¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng took first place in his long-distance running test and didn¡¯t take a bath because they were in a rush to board the ship, so he had only changed into a set of new clothes. It was only now that he rummaged through his bag to find his shower gel and went to take a bath. Yu Hao happily walked a few rounds around the room and recalled how Zhou Sheng said ¡®I¡¯ll take you there to play again next time¡¯, and didn¡¯t expect that he had always remembered. He suddenly felt a little sad.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t bring the Golden Crow Wheel out with them. Yu Hao rummaged through Zhou Sheng¡¯s bag; there were two sets of underwear inside, as well as a small travel-size bottle¡­¡­


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao placed the bottle of lube back and his heart began beating wildly.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng was listening to songs as he bathed in the washroom and responded with an ¡°ah?¡±. When he didn¡¯t hear Yu Hao¡¯s answer for a while, he turned off the water and came out to take a look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take a video!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said.


    Yu Hao was recording him on his phone. Zhou Sheng openly, without hiding anything, jumped over and caught him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s take a bath together¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Yu Hao was resisting when he got subdued by Zhou Sheng and dragged into the bathroom, who hugged him to take a bath together.


    He embraced Zhou Sheng and allowed the warm water to flow past his whole body, feeling Zhou Sheng¡¯s heartbeat through his chest.


    ¡°Fortunately it didn¡¯t explode last night, I was already being really careful to not fall asleep face down.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you see that bottle?¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Are we doing that today?¡±


    ¡°Can we?¡± A smile could be seen in Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes. He stretched his hand out and took a razor from outside the bathroom, flicked it a few times to shake off the water droplets on it, then took some shaving foam as well.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time getting trimmed by Zhou Sheng and it was really embarrassing, but Zhou Sheng earnestly said, ¡°Come on, don¡¯t be embarrassed, be a little bolder¡­¡­¡±


    After taking a bath, Zhou Sheng let Yu Hao lie down in bed. They didn¡¯t know when the ship had set sail. Yu Hao was so nervous his face was burning up; he covered himself with the blanket, and Zhou Sheng burrowed under the blanket as well and hugged Yu Hao. His skin that was now dry rubbed against Yu Hao under the blanket.


    ¡°Leave it to me.¡± Zhou Sheng whispered into Yu Hao¡¯s ears intimately as he stroked him gently, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, just trust me.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he relaxed a little.


    This feeling was extremely foreign, yet also really familiar. He had always been really looking forward to this moment, and when it did come, the novel and exciting experience made him feel more pleasure than he had expected. All night long, he could tell that Zhou Sheng was also very nervous at the beginning, and even though he had made preparations in advance, he was still a little clumsy and disarmed very quickly. Five minutes later, just as Yu Hao was beginning to feel it, Zhou Sheng¡¯s face flushed red and he couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore.


    Yu Hao saw him looking a little annoyed and found it amusing, so he hugged him and whispered something to him. But before ten minutes had even passed, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°One more time ba.¡±


    This time, Yu Hao began experiencing Zhou Sheng¡¯s prowess. Aside from the initial period of getting accustomed to it, in the remaining 40 minutes, fireworks kept setting off in Yu Hao¡¯s mind in continuous bursts, like a furious tide that surged madly through him. In the end, he could hardly speak and only managed to utter wuwus while he buried his face in the pillow. Zhou Sheng never stopped kissing him and whispering into his ear; Yu Hao had never entered such a state where he would completely lose himself, and it was even more intense and memorable than in the dreamscape.


    This guy was practically possessed by Satan. Yu Hao¡¯s first time was directly resolved by Zhou Sheng without any assistance at all.


    Yu Hao was thoroughly spent, yet he felt very satisfied. Zhou Sheng smiled and touched his face, ¡°Take another bath?¡±


    Yu Hao took a quick bath, put on a bathrobe and lay side by side with Zhou Sheng on the balcony¡¯s couch.


    ¡°Is it cold?¡± Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao and asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­¡­I have so many things I want to say, but I don¡¯t know what to say either.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. Yu Hao laid on his chest, and the two of them just snuggled against each other like this quietly. Yu Hao listened to his vigorous heartbeat and thought, oh god, this is seriously too stimulating.


    ¡°How does it feel?¡± Zhou Sheng was amused, ¡°You were so into it, did you like it that much?¡±


    ¡°It was like riding a roller coaster.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°Too stimulating.¡±


    ¡°Then one more time?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°No no.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up and went in. Yu Hao lay on the sofa, looking up at the sky and gasped gently, still a little eager for more. The light from the sunset spilled onto his fair chest.


    When Zhou Sheng came out again, he took off his bathrobe and was only wearing a pair of sneakers. He sat on the swivel chair, raised his right foot to step on the desk and said to Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s cold outside, come in. Come into Hubby¡¯s arms, Hubby will give you a hug.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That scene was really too stimulating; blood immediately rushed to Yu Hao¡¯s head, and he could only walk over to sit on Zhou Sheng.


    Night fell, in the buffet restaurant.


    ¡°Eat a little more.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s your birthday tomorrow, I didn¡¯t get to celebrate it with you last year because we didn¡¯t know each other yet then. Humans live for so many years, it¡¯s okay to just let ourselves go once in awhile. From now on, on your birthday¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop talking.¡± Yu Hao felt both embarrassed and moved.


    Zhou Sheng smiled as he took photos of him with his phone. Yu Hao still remembered that for his birthday last year, he used up all the money he had to eat hot pot, and after he finished¡­¡­it was also on that day that he met Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, and Chen Yekai.


    However, he didn¡¯t tell anyone that it was his birthday that day, and also the start of his new life.


    Late at night, Zhou Sheng ordered a cake in the ship¡¯s restaurant. When the clock struck 12, Fu Liqun and Cen Shan sang the first birthday song for Yu Hao, and just as Yu Hao was feeling happy, Zhou Sheng smeared cake all over his face.


    ¡°Payback!¡± Zhou Sheng laughed aloud, and Yu Hao said, ¡°This is the ship¡¯s hotel!¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to smear it on his face, but he was afraid of causing trouble for the people who needed to clean up their room. Zhou Sheng smiled and pulled him into his embrace, then licked off the cream on his face. Yu Hao quickly went to wash his face, but when he came out, he saw that Zhou Sheng was on the phone¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng was using his phone.


    Zhou Sheng pressed the loudspeaker button; a sweet, girl¡¯s voice travelled over from the other end.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Great Archangel.¡±


    ¡°Nini!¡± Yu Hao cried out in surprise, ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Shi Ni said, ¡°I saw your ID when you were staying at the hotel below my house. Are you still in school?¡±


    Yu Hao wiped his face, and Zhou Sheng held him in his arms as Yu Hao spoke to Shi Ni on the phone. She was now living very well in America. After they chatted idly for a bit, both sides hung up. Huang Ting and Chen Yekai sent him messages on WeChat, then Yu Hao picked up another call.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Yu Hao.¡± Liang Jinmin said, ¡°Nicky said that you went on a vacation.¡±


    Liang Jinmin actually called him, a student ¡ª this was beyond Yu Hao¡¯s expectations. She continued to say earnestly, ¡°The result of Lin Xun¡¯s trial is out. He was punished for several crimes and got sentenced to 12 years of imprisonment. I think this news may be quite a unique birthday gift for you.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say ¡®that¡¯s great!¡¯, but when he thought that all of these coming to an end was inextricably linked to Liang Jinmin, he said, ¡°Liang Laoshi, jiayou.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± A smile could be heard in Liang Jinmin¡¯s voice, ¡°Thank you Zhou Sheng, thanks to you both.¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Liang Laoshi, I¡¯m here too!¡±


    Liang Jinmin laughed and hung up the phone.


    Ou Qihang called too.


    ¡°How did you know too?¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    ¡°I¡¯m drinking with Huang Ting Ge.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    ¡°He actually took you to a bar?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Ou Qihang quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who wanted to come, so he could only follow along.¡±


    On the contrary, Yu Hao was a little embarrassed and engaged in some small talk with Ou Qihang for awhile. Ou Qihang said, ¡°I made something for you guys. When the two of you come back, let¡¯s go karaoke together?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Another Rubik¡¯s cube?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Of course not.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled and hung up. Zhou Sheng picked him up and put him on the bed, pushed him down, then lowered his head to study him. The two of them looked at each other quietly.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Do you want me to tell you the truth?¡± Yu Hao gazed at Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome brows, clear eyes, and erotic lips.


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao intently and said, ¡°Your fucking eyelashes are really long, it¡¯s so beautiful. Sometimes, I can¡¯t even bear to exert too much strength when I touch you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking,¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°We¡¯ll be in this room for four days and three nights, it costs 4,800 per person, so what should we do such that it doesn¡¯t go to waste¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m thinking if we should make full use of our time¡­¡­but I really can¡¯t do that again¡­¡­but I want to¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao and his whole body pressed down on him, then turned his head sideways, and whispered into his ear, ¡°What if Young Master rents a house outside after we get back?¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Wow ZS went all out, making sure their first time is on a cruise ship. :DDD


    Zryuu: I took a break recently to finish translating the last leg of SD, and translations for SD are now complete! 6 more releases coming up to make up for the missed releases haha

 Chapter 100.1 - Investigation

    ¡°The important thing is whether you¡¯d like to or not!¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao was really tempted to rent a house now. Although renting requires a lot of money, he wouldn¡¯t have as much misgivings and could get intimate with Zhou Sheng whenever he wanted. All other pursuits in life could be sidelined.


    Over the next few days, the cruise ship arranged many activities, including sightseeing spots along the way and taking a raft to the quiet Small Three Gorges. According to Zhou Sheng, they should just skip all the sightseeing activities and spend all their time in the ship.


    However, Yu Hao still felt like they should go, otherwise it would really be inexcusable. Also, although they had a lot of time, his body wouldn¡¯t be able to endure doing ¡°that¡± all the time, especially since Zhou Sheng¡¯s hardware was too formidable.


    After a whole four days, their mid-term vacation still wasn¡¯t over by the time Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng returned to their college. It was as if he had travelled through two worlds as he returned to reality from a wonderful dream. Zhou Sheng wanted to invite their friends out to have a meal together, but Fu Liqun wouldn¡¯t return to their dormitory until the last day, so they could only wait until Monday night for their get together.


    ¡°It¡¯s so rare for us to be alone in the dormitory.¡± Zhou Sheng said, then snapped his fingers at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The bed will collapse!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Sit on the chair.¡± Zhou Sheng picked Yu Hao up and got him to sit properly.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Now I really do think there¡¯s a need to rent a place.¡± Zhou Sheng gasped and whispered beside Yu Hao¡¯s ear, ¡°When we live outside, you can get me to wear whatever you want, and I can get you to wear whatever I want¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop talking.¡± Yu Hao moaned.


    Two days later, Yu Hao began feeling like Zhou Sheng¡¯s suggestion was like an itch in his heart that never went away. When he thought about renting a small place outside the college, they would be able to at any time¡­¡­and Zhou Sheng was a guy with a lot of sex appeal, or as the saying goes, he was a ¡®hottie¡¯ ¡ª he knew how to tidy himself up, and knew how to tidy Yu Hao up. So whenever he just casually sat down and pulled his T-shirt up behind his neck, just him in his shorts and white shoes would make it a little difficult for Yu Hao to extricate himself.


    Sometimes, Yu Hao felt like he and Zhou Sheng were practically two different animals ¡ª unlike Zhou Sheng, he¡¯d feel a sense of shame after doing it too much.


    ¡°Actually, never mind.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not good if it¡¯s too frequent, we wouldn¡¯t be able to study like that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll control myself, the important thing is whether you¡¯d like to or not.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We¡¯ll need to fork out another sum of money!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s enough; the important thing is whether you¡¯d like to or not!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What about Gege? He¡¯ll be really sad.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s not like he calls us along when he gets a room on the weekends.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng emphasised once again, ¡°The important thing is whether you¡¯d like to or not!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to.¡± Yu Hao said honestly.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell Gege.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s too miserable!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We can¡¯t just leave him alone like this, no we definitely can¡¯t¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought about how he would leave to live outside with Zhou Sheng after classes end at night while Fu Liqun lay in their dormitory alone, tossed about by the wind and rain without anyone to rely on, and instantly felt upset.


    That night, Fu Liqun sent them a message to say that he really couldn¡¯t bear to leave, so he wouldn¡¯t be going back to sleep that night. He asked Zhou Sheng to find someone to help him take roll call tomorrow morning, and that he would return to the college tomorrow afternoon. Zhou Sheng looked at his phone then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Come over here to sleep.¡±


    ¡°I really can¡¯t anymore.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°We won¡¯t do it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll just hug and kiss and sleep together.¡±


    In the late autumn before winter, Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t changed to a thick blanket yet. Yu Hao went over to squeeze in with him, and it felt both warm and reassuring. If they could sleep on the same bed every day and hug like this all the time, how great would that be?


    Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao with one hand while he scrolled through his phone with the other, the screen illuminating his handsome face.


    ¡°Wei.¡± Yu Hao said,


    ¡°Un?¡±


    ¡°Is it Satan or General holding me now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Who do you think I¡¯m like?¡±


    ¡°Like Satan sometimes.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng put his phone down, turned over, and pushed Yu Hao down on his side and began rubbing against him, ¡°I¡¯m both Satan and General. Archangel, behave yourself a little and listen to the Devil¡¯s words.¡±


    Midterm results were announced, and Yu Hao had passed everything. However, he really couldn¡¯t hold on in class and was so sleepy that he leaned on the table to take a nap. Although it had just recently been the holidays and his birthday, he was really too tired ¡ª a kind of satisfied and lazy exhaustion. And since it was the start of winter, the drop in temperature made people thirst for love and warmth, while Yu Hao just thought that his life was completely perfect in all respects, and he could really die without regrets now¡­¡­


    Zhou Sheng covered him with his scarf and watched the announcement of a new anime on his phone with a dull expression, paying constant attention to Yu Hao¡¯s movements. Meanwhile, Yu Hao slept until he was completely muddleheaded. Zhou Sheng watched his anime and folded a heart with both hands under the desk, occasionally glancing at the blackboard to help Yu Hao take notes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve almost finished taking all the psychology classes, Young Master.¡± The classmate beside him said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you get a double degree?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took off his earphones and whispered, ¡°That makes sense, Young Master will give you a sweet.¡± As he spoke, he shook his chewing gum pack and gave him two pieces.


    Outside the classroom, at the back door, Xue Long appeared. He looked around inside and indicated that he wanted to call Zhou Sheng out. The student beside him nudged Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng glanced outside and mouthed impatiently, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Chen Yekai was teaching this class and had noticed Xue Long as well, but he was just pretending to not see him. He said, ¡°Can a student from the last row close the back door?¡±


    Xue Long, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The students all burst out into a peal of laughter. Xue Long could only go to the front door and say, ¡°Chen Laoshi.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s brows slightly furrowed. Xue Long said, ¡°The secretary wants Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao to go over.¡±


    Only then did Zhou Sheng wake Yu Hao up. Yu Hao was groggy as he asked, ¡°Is class over?¡±


    Another burst of laughter rang out. Zhou Sheng could only get Yu Hao to go out. Xue Long walked quickly in front. Yu Hao sobered up a little after he was blown by the wind and threw Zhou Sheng an inquiring gaze. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Someone should have come over for verification.¡±


    Sure enough, Huang Ting sat in the conference room with three other men they had never seen before, all wearing the same suit and possessing a very imposing air. One of them said, ¡°We need to understand the situation more clearly with these three students alone.¡±


    Xue Long immediately said, ¡°Okay, okay.¡± His butt hadn¡¯t even touched the chair before he left in a hurry.


    Huang Ting took out a recording pen and placed it on the table. The official who first spoke continued, ¡°Let¡¯s just have a casual chat. Students, don¡¯t feel nervous, the three of you did very well.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yu Hao, talk, just say whatever you like.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Yes, you should talk ba.¡±


    ¡°What do I talk about?¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Talk about how Ou Qihang sent an anonymous letter, but no one paid any attention to him until he used his life as collateral before the matter was investigated seriously?¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately burst out into laughter and gave Yu Hao a thumbs up. He clearly knew that in this kind of situation, as long as he handed it to Yu Hao, he would always be able to KO the other party until they were scrambling to escape no matter who it was. Yu Hao has always been polite to the more vulnerable members of society, but when he meets the strong ones during critical junctures, he would grow even stronger and wouldn¡¯t back off in the slightest. He could ruthlessly pierce right through their facades to get the truth and force the other party onto the path of no return ¡ª like a sword that is rarely drawn, once it¡¯s unsheathed, blood will certainly be shed.


    On this point, he has never let others down before.


    ¡°Student, you have misunderstood us.¡±


    ¡°This has always been a case of utmost priority that we have been monitoring closely.¡± The men sitting in the middle spoke, and as soon as he spoke, the other person stopped talking right away. Yu Hao knew that he may not be considered the person in charge, so he just stared at all three of them.


    ¡°My name is Ren Chong. We received Ou Qihang¡¯s anonymous impeachment letter last year.¡± The man named Ren Chong explained patiently, ¡°Originally, this case had aroused intense concern, and everyone had made up their minds to investigate it thoroughly as well. The reason we didn¡¯t contact Ou Qihang directly is because of some issues left over from the past, so we wanted to try our best to fix things without suffering heavy casualties.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What kind of issues from the past?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand if I give you just this one hint.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°In order to demolish a scaffold, you¡¯ll have to start from the top and not take out the structure below first. Otherwise, if it collapses, it could easily crush innocent people.¡±


    The conference room fell quiet.


    ¡°In order to shoot someone, shoot their horse first; capture the king before the thief.¡± The third person added, ¡°Young people nowadays are already very courageous. Society will become fairer, better, and more vibrant than before due to your efforts.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng nodded. Fu Liqun uttered an ¡°un¡°, then Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ll accept this explanation for now.¡±


    The three people in the meeting room began to laugh.


    Yu Hao thought of Zhou Laichun¡¯s words; he just didn¡¯t know if the him who wanted to rise in officialdom would still be able to stick to his own set of values when he encounters these people from the investigation group.


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°What about Ou Qihang?¡±


    ¡°The school wrote a joint petition for him.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°And he had obtained Xiao Yujun¡¯s forgiveness, so at present it seems, un¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting couldn¡¯t say some things, so Ren Chong spoke in his stead, ¡°The defense lawyer said that we can try for probation so it wouldn¡¯t affect his college entrance examination, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Last question: will this case be reported?¡±


    ¡°It must be reported, but there will be some follow-up after this.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°We¡¯ve gotten a clearer view of the whole picture, and we know that everyone is concerned about this, which is a very good thing. It proves that the younger generation is aware of the legal system and are concerned about the changes in our country, as well as the actions of our public servants.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly laughed again.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand and didn¡¯t explain, yet Ren Chong didn¡¯t get angry. ¡°Cases aren¡¯t reported sometimes, but it¡¯s not because we¡¯re afraid that it would cause public panic. Instead, it¡¯s to avoid letting some people prepare in advance for the next series of investigations, which would make things more difficult for us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty good.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What do you guys want to ask?¡±


    ¡°The entire process.¡± The third man who had spoken said, ¡°We¡¯ve heard everything from Xiao Huang. We¡¯re here today just to see you guys. And also another Mr. Chen, who¡¯s your teacher¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°He¡¯s in class now, there¡¯s no need to disturb him.¡±


    When Chen Yekai¡¯s in class, he would kill any human or Buddha that stands in his way. Huang Ting clearly knew this, so he wouldn¡¯t go over to invite his own embarrassment.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°We can meet him some other day.¡±


    Then the three of them went forward one after another to shake hands with the rest. Yu Hao felt a little touched, and after shaking hands, Huang Ting gave them a meaningful expression before accompanying the rest out of the college.


    ¡°What were you laughing at just now?¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    ¡°I laughed ¡¯cause I was wondering what the old man would think if he had heard that¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder and said softly.


    Just as they were about to go downstairs, ¡°dong dong qiang¡± sounds travelled over from the outside.


    Two lion dancers, one person in the middle was holding a silk banner, and an accompaniment band was beating gongs and drums outside the parking lot as they made their way to the college.

 Chapter 100.2 - Investigation

    ¡°The important thing is whether you¡¯d like to or not!¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The clamour of the gongs and drums resounded through the sky, and it was extremely lively, attracting the attention of many students at the entrance of the college. The large text, ¡°A Favour Tantamount to Giving Another a New Lease on Life¡± were written on the silk banner. The parade made its way to the college entrance before stopping.


    Fu Liqun looked at Zhou Sheng, who himself seemed embarrassed.


    ¡°You really made them get a lion dance troupe?!¡±


    ¡°I was just kidding!¡± Zhou Sheng said frantically.


    ¡°Why did the security guards let them in?¡± Fu Liqun said in despair, ¡°Do the security guards in this college not care about anything?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I need to go to the washroom! I¡¯ll leave first!¡¯


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m going to smoke! Leaders, take care! We won¡¯t be seeing you off!¡±


    ¡°Ai! That¡¯s the one! That tall student over there!¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s form teacher, who was following the troupe, immediately said, ¡°Aiya, I recognise you! I have a really deep impression of you! Come come come, give him the silk banner! Where are the teachers in your college?¡±


    It was too late for Fu Liqun to escape. The lion dance troupe began their clamour again and offered the silk banner to Fu Liqun, who was standing on the platform. All the students around him wore baffled expressions on their faces; some were recording while others cheered him on, and Fu Liqun was about to go mad from embarrassment on the spot. He had never felt this embarrassed before in the past 20 or so years of his life. Ou Qihang¡¯s mother had followed along as well and shook hands with Fu Liqun, repeatedly saying, ¡°Thank you! Thank you all! Thank you for saving my son! Where are the other two students?¡±


    The three men from the investigation team were the first to start clapping, followed by the applause of the crowd who didn¡¯t know what was going on. The applause converged into a sea of baffled faces; all the teachers in the college came out and saw that Ou Qihang¡¯s mother was incredibly agitated, while Fu Liqun, who hadn¡¯t completely woken up yet, was trembling as he stood on stage and accepted the silk banner with the words, ¡°A Favour Tantamount to Giving Another a New Lease on Life¡±.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng fled for their lives and returned to Chen Yekai¡¯s class. Chen Yekai allowed them in to resume classes without even sparing them a glance. Zhou Sheng scrolled through his phone and laid on the table, trembling constantly, while Yu Hao quickly erased this portion of his memories and stopped thinking about the pitiful Fu Liqun.


    Yu Hao only nudged Zhou Sheng after class, ¡°Are you nuts?¡±


    Chen Yekai came over. Zhou Sheng¡¯s whole body was trembling as he looked through the photos that their classmates had sent to the group chat and showed them to Chen Yekai and Yu Hao. Quite a few students had gathered around as well, and everyone immediately burst out laughing so hard they almost overturned the classroom.


    ¡°HAHAHAHAHA¡ª¡ªHAHAHAHAHA¡ª¡ª¡± It was Chen Yekai¡¯s first time laughing so exaggeratedly.


    There were a lot of videos as well, and they were all of Fu Liqun trying to escape, but he ended up getting surrounded by two lion dancers. He looked like he was on the verge of exploding. With Yu Hao¡¯s understanding of Fu Liqun, when he saw that expression, he knew that Fu Liqun must have wanted to kneel down to Ou Qihang¡¯s mother at that moment and beg her to let him off as soon as possible.


    ¡°HAHAHAHAHA¡ª¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng hung up ¡°A Favour Tantamount To Giving Another a New Lease on Life¡± in their dormitory. Fu Liqun took it off and stuffed it in the wardrobe, but Zhou Sheng just hung the silk banner up again. Fu Liqun took it down again. Zhou Sheng laughed so hard his stomach was hurting and lay on the swivel chair. Fu Liqun¡¯s face made him look like he was about to fall apart.


    ¡°Stop fooling around, hahahaha¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao laughed as he laid on the upper bunk, exhausted from laughing.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m begging you guys, I never want to see that silk banner again in my life.¡±


    ¡°If you try snatching it again I¡¯m cutting off all ties with you!¡± Fu Liqun finally blew up and snatched the silk banner away, throwing it onto the desk.


    Yu Hao played Cen Shan¡¯s voice recording she sent to the group chat. On the other end, Cen Shan was laughing madly with ¡°HAHAHAHA¡±s, ¡°What the hell did you three bros do this time, hahahaha¡±.


    ¡°Who sent the videos to your sis-in-law?!¡± Fu Liqun went mad.


    ¡°Xia Lei sent it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It really wasn¡¯t us, Gege.¡±


    ¡°Go eat ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s all go out and celebrate!¡±


    Zhou Sheng treated Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, Fu Liqun, and Xiao Yujun to a meal at the stir-fry shop at the foot of Mt. Yunding, treating it as a make-up meal for Yu Hao¡¯s birthday. Ou Qihang was busy so he couldn¡¯t come, but he entrusted six small wooden hand-engraved seals with Huang Ting to bring over.


    ¡°The kid¡¯s pretty skilled with his hands.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s well carved.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come, cheers!¡±


    Everyone toasted one another. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Hopefully this case can be reported as soon as possible, then this major headache will be considered resolved.¡±


    ¡°Hopefully it won¡¯t affect his college entrance examination.¡± Yu Hao was most concerned about Ou Qihang¡¯s exams.


    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯ll get into Tsinghua or Peking.¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday.¡± Xiao Yujun smiled and said to Yu Hao, ¡°You guys are really something, no one would believe that you¡¯re only in your twenties.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°I took a few photos of Fu Liqun accepting the silk banner today, you can use it for your features¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s soul scattered immediately. ¡°Please don¡¯t, don¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao had forgotten about it, but now he burst out laughing again.


    After sobering up the next day, Fu Liqun watched the news nervously for fear that his foolishness would appear on it. Zhou Sheng returned after his run and comforted him, ¡°It won¡¯t, don¡¯t worry! Wouldn¡¯t reporting it be equivalent to reporting Ou Qihang¡¯s case? Jun Jie promised them before that the college wouldn¡¯t report it.¡±


    Only then did Fu Liqun say angrily with slight trepidation, ¡°During the most critical juncture, the two of you escaped by yourselves!¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t have classes in the morning. In the early winter mornings, he could never wake up. He wanted to pretend that he was asleep, but Zhou Sheng climbed up to kiss him. Zhou Sheng¡¯s lips smelled of fresh mint toothpaste. Yu Hao could no longer pretend to be asleep, so he had to get up to brush his teeth and wash his face.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Why did you guys get up so early when you have no classes in the morning?¡±


    After Yu Hao washed up, he lay on his bed to sleep again. Zhou Sheng looked here and there, but only he was standing, so he said helplessly, ¡°Get up, let¡¯s go play basketball. The match is coming up soon.¡±


    ¡°Ah¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao huddled under his blanket. Winter had arrived, so wasn¡¯t it implicitly understood that mornings are meant for sleeping?


    Fu Liqun was huddling too and said, ¡°Let¡¯s rest for a few days ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat on the swivel chair, thought about it for a bit, then said seriously, ¡°Gege, there¡¯s something I need to discuss with you.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart halted. Zhou Sheng wanted to mention renting a house to Fu Liqun? After they returned, while Yu Hao had thought about being together with Zhou Sheng every day, he also felt like he would really be letting Fu Liqun down so he struggled over it for a very long time in his heart. He even suggested to take Fu Liqun along with them and just rent a place with two rooms, but Zhou Sheng told him to leave it up to him. In any case, it¡¯s not like they would need to spend every night out after renting a place, it¡¯s just that from time to time¡­¡­


    ¡°What?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Adjusting our tactics?¡±


    As long as Fu Liqun was free, he would only think about their three-man basketball tactics.


    Yu Hao¡¯s mind was in a mess when he suddenly thought that they should just forget about it because it didn¡¯t seem right, so he interjected, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve always thought that¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°I want to rent a place with Yu Hao outside.¡± Zhou Sheng ignored Yu Hao and said to Fu Liqun, ¡°We¡¯ll be looking around for places in a few days.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned over, hugged his blanket and thought it¡¯s over. Fu Liqun will definitely be really upset.


    Zhou Sheng waited for Fu Liqun to express his views and raised an eyebrow at him.


    Yu Hao thought that Fu Liqun would say ¡°oh, okay¡± sadly, but who would have thought that Fu Liqun would suddenly explode, ¡°NO WAY!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then what about me?!¡± Fu Liqun said exaggeratedly, ¡°You guys can¡¯t leave me behind! That¡¯s too inhumane! Young Master, can you bear to leave me alone in the dormitory?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll just be spending the night outside once in awhile, it¡¯s not clean to get a room outside!¡±


    ¡°No way! No way! No, WAY!¡± Fu Liqun said in despair, ¡°I don¡¯t agree!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly burst out laughing. If Fu Liqun had said, ¡°Okay¡±, Yu Hao may have felt very upset, but now that Fu Liqun stirred up the atmosphere like this, all his gloominess was swept away in an instant.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care anymore. He said to Fu Liqun, ¡°We want to MATE! How do we mate in the dorm?! Why don¡¯t you try for me to see?¡±


    Yu Hao roared angrily, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I said that I¡¯d leave the dorm for you guys!¡±


    ¡°This bed will collapse!!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯ll spend the night out every day, do you need to do this?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll slowly stop coming back!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I don¡¯t agree! Whatever you say will be useless!!¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Hahaha, they really should just rent a 2 bedroom house, split the cost.

 Chapter 101.1 - Newcomer

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng, I wouldn¡¯t be how I¡¯m like now.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    This kind of discussion method was really extreme; it seemed that Fu Liqun had never regarded himself as an outsider. Yu Hao was extremely moved.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about leaving me behind unless we break off all ties.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s temper dissipated, and he could only say, ¡°Okay okay, forget it, then we¡¯ll get a room outside everyday ¡ª 200 per night, so it¡¯ll just be a little expensive at 6,000 per month. And we won¡¯t even need to wash the bedsheets or tidy up the house.¡±


    Yu Hao just wanted to laugh, but Fu Liqun pulled a long face and leaned on the bed while Zhou Sheng was a little gloomy. The three of them didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°Gege, don¡¯t be angry.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun thought about it for a bit and suddenly said, ¡°Ai, Young Master.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Zhou Sheng was in a very bad mood. His wonderful world of two with his wife had been ruined by Fu Liqun.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Let¡¯s all rent a place outside ba. Take me with you guys, okay?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What if Xue Long checks the dorm?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°You¡¯re too inhumane, you¡¯re leaving me behind just to serve as a lookout?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant! I already said! We wouldn¡¯t stay out every night!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll go look for a place for everyone to live in, okay? We can split the rent equally, get a two-bedroom, 1 living room apartment, and I¡¯ll live in the normal bedroom.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was considering it, and Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah, if there¡¯s a dorm inspection we can just get Xia Lei to give us a call.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Actually I do want to rent a place outside. Every time your sis-in-law comes over, the room we get for 200 yuan is so damn dirty, but it¡¯s too expensive to stay in a four-star hotel. We can¡¯t tolerate spending five to six hundred yuan per night. Rent a place, renovate it to make it feel more comfortable¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng glanced at Fu Liqun, who said pitifully, ¡°Okay? Take a lonely old man with you bei.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed so hard he turned over again, and Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    According to Zhou Sheng¡¯s previous idea, it wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to rent a place with Fu Liqun, but it would be more convenient for him and Yu Hao if they were to get a one bedroom flat since they could then get intimate anytime, anywhere, and look at each other openly at home. They wouldn¡¯t need to worry about disturbing others when they get intimate either, and it was better to have a space that belonged solely to them.


    Still, if he had to settle for the next best thing, having their own room was pretty good too.


    ¡°Okay!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s settled then, we¡¯ll split the expenditures in half.¡±


    Yu Hao liked Fu Liqun as a roommate very much, and having them split the rent for a two bedroom apartment would be cheaper than renting a one bedroom apartment by themselves. Just as he was about to cheer, someone knocked on their dormitory door.


    ¡°Who is it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s early in the morning, no one¡¯s cooking!¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened the door and someone came in, dragging a luggage case and holding up a bucket with a bunch of clothes hangers in it.


    ¡°Is this room 705?¡± The bespectacled guy was about Yu Hao¡¯s height. He stretched his hand out to Zhou Sheng, and before Zhou Sheng could react, they shook hands.


    ¡°Hi everyone, please take care of me in the future.¡± That guy introduced himself, ¡°My name is Li Yangming, the Yangming in ¡®the flower belongs to the silence in your heart¡¯, Psychology Class 2.¡±


    Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun all wore baffled expressions on their faces. They watched as the guy entered their dormitory and looked around. He placed his bucket on the empty desk, climbed onto the upper bunk to take a look, and said, ¡°Yo, it¡¯s so clean. I thought there would be quite a bit of dust gathered on it.¡±


    No one spoke. Li Yangming continued, ¡°I just took an overnight train.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­just transferred here?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Li Yangming answered.


    The three of them were dumbstruck. They had just discussed renting a place, and now someone moved in?? This dormitory had an empty bed since their initial dormitory mate had already dropped out of college; but no one could have expected that right after their midterm examinations were over, someone would move in here!


    Li Yangmin couldn¡¯t be called handsome, yet he wasn¡¯t ugly either. He was a very average student, like most of Yu Hao¡¯s classmates in his psychology class, and his dressing was very normal as well.


    He began making the bed. The three of them hadn¡¯t recovered from their shock and just watched as he made his bed.


    ¡°You¡¯re Zhou Sheng ba?¡± Li Yangming said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Xue Laoshi mentioned you before.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Everyone¡¯s brains had crashed. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m that Zhou Sheng who makes Xue Laoshi very unhappy.¡±


    ¡°I heard that your dormitory, oh wait, our dormitory has a lot of silk banners.¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°Always causing a sensation in the college.¡±


    ¡°My name is Yu Hao.¡± Yu Hao thought, what do we do now? Are we still renting a place? Zhou Sheng was clearly thinking about that problem as well. Why did they suddenly stuff a transfer student into their dormitory?


    ¡°Hello, Yu Hao.¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°Could you fetch me a bucket of hot water from the corridor?¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Li Yangming in shock, thinking it¡¯s your first day here, and you¡¯re already ordering Laozi¡¯s wife about to work for you??


    Fu Liqun was stunned as well. Yu Hao immediately signalled to them not to scare the newcomer and said, ¡°Okay, you can make your bed first¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go.¡± Zhou Sheng wanted to go, but Yu Hao waved his hand and went to fetch a bucket of hot water for Li Yangming. Li Yangming took some cold water and began wiping the desk.


    The three of them had the same thought right now ¡ª what do we do next?


    Zhou Sheng lit up a cigarette and smoked two puffs.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, could you not smoke in the dormitory?¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to inhale second-hand smoke.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that it was over now.


    Yet Zhou Sheng said straight away, ¡°Okay, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll smoke on the balcony.¡±


    ¡°The smoke will be carried inward by the wind from the balcony.¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°It would be best if you smoked in the corridor.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately messaged Zhou Sheng:¡¾You definitely can¡¯t hit him!¡¿


    Zhou Sheng smiled at Li Yangming, ¡°Then I won¡¯t smoke; Yu Hao has always been trying to get me to quit anyway. He¡¯s been nagging me about it for a long time.¡±


    Fu Liqun sent a message in their group:¡¾What the hell is Xue Long trying to do this time?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng replied:¡¾It¡¯s not like I¡¯m a rabid dog, I won¡¯t hit people for no rhyme or reason. Don¡¯t worry.¡¿


    ¡°I¡¯ll place this at your side first.¡± Li Yangming said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao thought, you¡¯ve just made a trip back from the gates of hell¡­¡­then took Li Yangming¡¯s sundries. Li Yangming asked him where to collect books and so on, and Yu Hao answered all of his questions.


    ¡°Help me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Give me¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao helped him with everything and patiently said ¡°okay¡± to everything. He thought what other requests do you have? Feel free to make your demands.


    Finally, Li Yangming took out some local specialties from his bag and said, ¡°For you guys.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s almost lunchtime.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You need to eat three meals on a regular basis and cut down on snacks so that you won¡¯t get fat.¡±


    Li Yangming laughed. Yu Hao accepted it and said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the canteen?¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together?¡±


    Everyone ate their lunch in silence. Yu Hao thought that this atmosphere was rather dangerous. Fu Liqun suggested in their group chat to look for Xue Long and get this person to transfer dorms. But why change dorms for a transfer student for no reason? Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng said to just leave it as it is, and that it was okay. Wouldn¡¯t it be better to leave another person to keep guard?


    Yu Hao was afraid that if the three of them went out to rent a place, Li Yangming may complain to Xue Long about it, then they would get slammed with Notices of Criticism. There were quite a few students who rented a place outside the college and there would always be a few in each dormitory, but students were still forbidden to live outside on the surface. After all, someone would have to bear the responsibility if accidents were to occur outside, but most of the time Xue Long would just turn a blind eye to it so it would be fine as long as they didn¡¯t get caught.


    However, unlike with the other students, Xue Long would definitely think up of all sorts of ways to mess around with Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao lamented that not only did they lose their world of two, but their world of three was now done for as well.


    ¡°Who¡¯s the dormitory leader amongst the three of you?¡± Li Yangming asked during lunch, ¡°Fu Liqun, is it you?¡±


    Fu Liqun very carefully said, ¡°I¡¯m their pet.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡± Li Yangming asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m a pet too.¡± Zhou Sheng said sincerely, ¡°Yu Hao¡¯s the one in charge of walking us.¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand, but Li Yangming laughed. ¡°You guys from the sports department can eat half a kilo in one meal and not get fat, that¡¯s really amazing.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed politely, ¡°That¡¯s because we exercise a lot.¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°Teach me how to play basketball during our free time bei.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Okay no problem.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like life was a little hopeless.


    During their afternoon class, Li Yangming sat next to Yu Hao and sandwiched him with Zhou Sheng on the other side.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you in the sports department? Why are you here to attend a psychology class?¡± Li Yangming scrutinised Zhou Sheng with a strange look.


    Zhou Sheng folded his heart under the table while he said patiently, ¡°To improve my comprehension through different means, I¡¯m eager to learn.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Read my book first ba.¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°But you¡¯re watching anime with earphones on, how do you listen in class?¡±


    Zhou Sheng pointed to the platform and said, ¡°The teacher and I can utilise brain waves to communicate directly through our consciousness.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t bear to listen any further. He nudged Zhou Sheng to get him to stop teasing the newcomer. Zhou Sheng handed the heart to him, and Yu Hao put it away. Li Yangming said, ¡°Wah, you¡¯re so skilful with your hands? Let me see?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao pressed the heart down and said to Li Yangming, ¡°Listen to the lecturer ba.¡±


    ¡°What do we do?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but say when they were practicing their three-man basketball in the afternoon, ¡°Stop teasing him all the time, just give it to him straight if you have something to say.¡±


    ¡°How do I say it?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, baffled, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you want me to threaten to hit him and teach him a lesson if he doesn¡¯t allow me to smoke in the dorm?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s not like anyone knows that the three of us are weirdos.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true; Li Yangming was a very normal person. It was more accurate to say that the three of them were abnormal.


    ¡°Then are we still living outside?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°We are.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Who cares about him.¡± As he spoke, he passed the ball to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao caught the ball and said, ¡°If Xue Long finds out, he¡¯ll tell your father, and your father will definitely come over to take a look. By then, if he sees that we¡¯re living in a two bedroom flat, and that we¡¯re sharing the same bed¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll come out of the closet then. I¡¯ll need to prepare some Tian Wang Bao Xin Dan at home.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°What about this, I can pretend to be a couple with Young Madam?¡±


    Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it!!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why don¡¯t we rent a three bedroom flat? In case your father comes, we can pretend to each have our own room?¡±


    ¡°Why spend that money?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, baffled, ¡°I¡¯d like to see what the old man can do.¡± As he spoke, he bounced the ball to Fu Liqun, then he and Yu Hao rapidly flew forward to intercept Fu Liqun who was preparing for a lay up shot.


    However, that night, Li Yangming¡¯s attitude subtly changed.


    ¡°Zhou Ge,¡± Li Yangming said with concern, ¡°If you want to smoke, just do it in the dormitory ba, don¡¯t go out. It¡¯s cold outside.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, did you finally catch wind of something? Zhou Sheng¡¯s superman reputation was still quite resounding. Li Yangming got acquainted with some of his classmates in the afternoon, and when they talked about their dormitory, people in the psychology classes must have told him about Zhou Sheng¡¯s brilliant military achievements, as well as his relationship with Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng studied Li Yangming and said, ¡°What happened to not submitting to force? You need to stick to your principles, don¡¯t give in, got it? Be brave!¡±


    Li Yangming laughed and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were so good at fighting.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yo!¡± Zhou Sheng cried in surprise, ¡°If I¡¯m good at fighting, does that mean I can smoke in the dorm? What kind of logic is that? This is a free and equal society ma.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±

 Chapter 101.2 - Newcomer

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng, I wouldn¡¯t be how I¡¯m like now.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao ordered Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun time and time again to not make fun of him, but sometimes he really felt like he didn¡¯t even have the energy to diss Li Yangming.


    ¡°It¡¯s not right to smoke in the dorm.¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°I used to smoke here ¡¯cause Yu Hao and Fu Liqun tolerated me. If you don¡¯t want to inhale second-hand smoke, then it¡¯s a given that I¡¯ll have to care about what you think.¡±


    Li Yangming smiled, ¡°You¡¯re really great, love you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head slightly and scrutinised Li Yangming. Fu Liqun immediately said, ¡°Um¡­¡­Yu Hao? Come help me see how these shoes look.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t love you, take note of your safety.¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°???¡±


    Only then did Yu Hao¡¯s anger get extinguished. No one spoke throughout the night. Zhou Sheng was looking for houses on his phone. Yu Hao looked up and knew that he was already looking for a house, so he didn¡¯t say much. He thought of how he was isolated in his previous dorm, then looked at Li Yangming, and gradually began to experience a different kind of feeling.


    Perhaps, he used to be that irritating ba. If it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao felt like there wouldn¡¯t be the him today at all.


    He reached out to touch Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. Zhou Sheng kissed his own finger, then stretched it out and gently pressed it against Yu Hao¡¯s lips.


    ¡¾I¡¯ll definitely settle it for you within 3 days.¡¿Zhou Sheng sent a message,¡¾I¡¯ll wait on Young Madam well, don¡¯t worry. Good night.¡¿


    The next day, when Zhou Sheng went to class, Yu Hao became frantic as he faced a pile of books. It was winter now, and the first semester of their sophomore year was about to end. He didn¡¯t study much in the first half of this semester; he had worked part-time for Xiao Yujun and dealt with Ou Qihang¡¯s matters which cost him a lot of time, and if Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t tutored him in statistics, he would have failed it for sure.


    He definitely couldn¡¯t do the same for the next half of the semester. Yu Hao has always admired curve wreckers like Ou Qihang¡ª¡ª for a student who has good grades, his school wrote pleas of leniency for him, everyone believed him, and he would have his own place in this world in the future. That kind of ¡°love talent, cherish talent¡± attitude was vividly reflected in the people around him. He believed that if it was a student who had bad grades, picked fights, and idled around all the time, he wouldn¡¯t receive as good a treatment as Ou Qihang does now.


    After Ou Qihang¡¯s incident, everyone was willing to help him. But without that halo, even Huang Ting and Xiao Yujun wouldn¡¯t have that good of an impression of him, and in the end, perhaps only Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao would have been willing to lend him a hand.


    People who were good at studying could receive many favours and seemed to have some sort of special privilege. Yu Hao also wished for a day where everyone would like him because he was smart and did well in his studies.


    I can¡¯t go on like this anymore. Yu Hao remembered Ou Qihang¡¯s miserable words, and he felt ashamed when he thought about it. While he had asked Ou Qihang to focus on his studies for the college entrance examination, he was getting distracted from his own studies at college.


    He decided to stop taking part-time jobs from now on, and just stick with his skateboard club and playing basketball with Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng. He would spend the rest of his time studying, and he would be doing this for himself too.


    Yu Hao remembered how he had told Ou Qihang before that his task was to focus on his studies, but wasn¡¯t it the same for him as well? Yu Hao has never really tasted the sweetness of studying since childhood; but the people around him kept telling him to study hard and at least get an undergraduate degree so that he could support himself in the future. He tried his best to do just that, yet he never had any motivation to change himself from the inside out ¡ª


    until he met Ou Qihang. From the attitudes of everyone towards Ou Qihang throughout this entire incident, Yu Hao understood from the bottom of his heart that this was very, very important.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Li Yangming shot him a curious glance.


    After Zhou Sheng kissed him early in the morning today, he went to class with Fu Liqun. Yu Hao flipped through his books as he ate breakfast. He looked at Li Yangming and shared his croquette with him.


    Li Yangming, ¡°Zhou Sheng bought this for you?¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°. Li Yangming was a little sloppy, much like how Zhou Sheng was before they got together.


    ¡°I wanna ask you a question.¡± Li Yangming said.


    Yu Hao put his book down as he thought he wanted to ask him some questions about homework. However, Li Yangming said enigmatically, ¡°Are you and Zhou Sheng a pair?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After Yu Hao pondered over it for a short moment, he nodded. He knew that since everyone was in the same dormitory, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hide it from Li Yangming.


    ¡°How did you guys know that the other party was gay?¡± Li Yangming asked.


    Yu Hao thought, bro, this is only the second day we¡¯ve known each other, let¡¯s not talk about such serious matters ba¡­¡­but he suddenly sensed something. Was Li Yangming¡­¡­


    Li Yangming smiled, slightly embarrassed, ¡°You¡¯re really blessed.¡±


    ¡°Ah?!¡± Yu Hao was stunned. Li Yangming¡¯s identity had slightly changed Yu Hao¡¯s initial impression of him.


    ¡°Xue Laoshi got me to come to your dorm,¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°And said that we could possibly have¡­¡­a common language.¡±


    Yu Hao blew up within an instant and thought, fuck, so it was because of this?! He was practically in disbelief as he asked, ¡°You told Xue Long about your sexual orientation?¡±


    ¡°I transferred because of that, ai.¡± Li Yangming sat down on a chair and explained, ¡°It stirred up quite a bit of trouble in my previous school, so I couldn¡¯t stay there anymore. They even said that I had AIDS. I only found two dates online. I¡¯ve always wanted to be in a serious relationship, but I could never find anyone suitable.¡±


    ¡°Oh so it was like that¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°Actually, this school isn¡¯t that good either.¡±


    Li Yangming said earnestly, ¡°But the college knows about the two of you. I think it should be quite tolerant ba?¡±


    Yu Hao doesn¡¯t believe that Xue Long¡¯s nature would suddenly change. Most likely, after Xue Long knew that Li Yangming was gay, he arranged for him to stay in his dormitory because he wanted less trouble and to avoid having him harass other straight guys in other dormitories, which would result in another hoo-haa. Ultimately, he was just propelled by the motive ¡®you perverts can just go harass each other by yourselves¡¯.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have told Xue Long.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Li Yangming answered, ¡°My family pulled some strings to transfer me here. Xue Long specifically called my previous college¡¯s form teacher, so it couldn¡¯t have been concealed.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that really is¡­¡­then instructed, ¡°Then don¡¯t tell anyone else.¡±


    Yu Hao could feel that there was still discrimination against homosexuals in their college. It¡¯s just that Zhou Sheng was too strong and popular amongst the sports classes, so no one dared to provoke them. As for the psychology classes, Yu Hao rarely interacts with his classmates, and everyone acts polite when they meet.


    ¡°I¡¯m really envious of you.¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°I want a boyfriend like Zhou Sheng too, can you introduce one to me?¡±


    Yu Hao scratched his head and said, ¡°Everyone in the sports classes seems to be straight, as far as I know¡­¡­¡±


    So Li Yangming could only nod, ¡°Okay then. Are there any who like you whom you don¡¯t want? Share them with me, I won¡¯t mind.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he felt like he got struck by lightning and quickly waved his hand. He didn¡¯t reply before studying again out of awkwardness.


    ¡°You must have had a lot of suitors in the past.¡± Li Yangming said ruefully.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re not bad yourself; you have a pretty good temperament. If you¡¯re more youthful and vibrant, you¡¯ll definitely be able to find someone suitable.¡±


    Li Yangming sighed, ¡°Only good-looking people like you guys are youthful. The rest of us can only muddle through, sigh.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly felt like Li Yangming really resembled his former self.


    When he thought of this, he felt a little upset.


    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng, I wouldn¡¯t be how I¡¯m like now.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He bought all my shirts, pants, and shoes for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay, stop abusing dogs.¡± Li Yangming said gloomily.


    That wasn¡¯t Yu Hao¡¯s intention. He had just wanted to encourage Li Yangming, but he didn¡¯t expect that it would instead have the opposite effect. So he could only say, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what content to focus on for the first half of the semester ba.¡±


    Li Yangming nodded. Yu Hao started flipping through his books and began telling him which were the important points to focus on. Li Yangming clearly didn¡¯t study much before his transfer. By the time lunchtime was nearing, Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun came back.


    Yu Hao looked up. He was about to go to the canteen with the rest when Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun sat down separately.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You didn¡¯t go to class?¡±


    ¡°Skipped.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Went to view houses with Gege. Yangming bro, there¡¯s something we wanna discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°Viewing houses?¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°Do you guys plan to buy a house?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Rent! How do we have that much spare cash to buy one?¡±


    Li Yangming said, ¡°You want everyone to rent a place outside? But I only get 1,200 a month, I don¡¯t think I can¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun felt a little awkward and thought that Yu Hao had invited Li Yangming, so he glanced at Yu Hao. Yu Hao wore a baffled expression on his face. However, Zhou Sheng just casually said, ¡°Then Yu Hao, Fu Liqun, and I will move over first?¡±


    Yu Hao felt a little sorry for Li Yangming. Right after moving to a new dormitory, all his roommates were going to move out¡­¡­that¡¯s too inhumane.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°We won¡¯t be spending the night outside every day, we¡¯ll stay in the dormitory about three to four days a week ba. We¡¯re renting mainly because my girlfriend will come visit me occasionally, and getting a room outside is too expensive.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Li Yangming smiled, ¡°Are you guys asking for my opinion? I don¡¯t really have much of an opinion! The dormitory will feel more spacious if I¡¯m by myself too.¡±


    Yu Hao breathed a sigh of relief in his heart. Zhou Sheng said frankly, ¡°Then okay. You can use anything you want in the communal area, we¡¯ll cover the dormitory¡¯s utility expenses from now on.¡±


    Li Yangming immediately thanked him. This was all beyond Yu Hao¡¯s expectations as it was resolved pretty easily. After school that afternoon, Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun took Yu Hao to their new home. Zhou Sheng had signed the lease with the landlord and already transferred the deposit and three months worth of rent through his phone. Their new home was one bus stop away from their college, and it was relatively secluded. It was in a small town within the mountains, a four-storied house that was filled with students from the college. There was even a snack street in town.


    ¡°Why were you talking to him so much?¡± Zhou Sheng obviously doesn¡¯t like Li Yangming very much.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s pretty lonely, just like the past me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng almost exploded when he heard this. He said angrily, ¡°What?! Say that one more time?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Young Madam, we know that you like to make fun of yourself, but don¡¯t try so hard to do that please.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not just making fun of himself, he¡¯s making fun of me too!¡± Zhou Sheng studied Yu Hao, ¡°Are you trying to indirectly scold me for being blind?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I just think, ai¡­¡­¡±


    It was very difficult for him to express that feeling, and he couldn¡¯t explain himself well for a moment. But Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Could you stop being such saint?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I got it!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop talking!¡±


    As soon as Zhou Sheng said that Yu Hao was a saint, Yu Hao felt a little angry. He knew that it had always been difficult for Zhou Sheng to be friendly to people he just met. If you wanted to be friends with him, you would have to invest a lot in the friendship before obtaining the most basic kind of trust from him. If he has a bad first impression of you, then it would practically be impossible to ever crawl out of his bad books.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°What did he say to you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about this topic ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a little gloomy too. He stood on the street and said to Yu Hao, ¡°I ran around everywhere today, looked at houses the whole day, contacted the landlord, bought things to decorate the house with¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun cried bitterly, ¡°Don¡¯t fight here, Young Master and Young Madam.¡±


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Yu Hao apologised, ¡°It¡¯s been hard on you. Leave the rest to me ba.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all done!¡± Zhou Sheng stood in the corridor, ¡°There¡¯s no more ¡®rest¡¯ to do.¡±


    Fu Liqun urged, ¡°Hurry, open the door Young Madam. The new residents are moving in.¡±


    Zhou Sheng passed the keys to Yu Hao unhappily. Yu Hao opened the door and was slightly dumbstruck.


    ¡°Such a good house?!¡± Only then did Yu Hao realise what had happened.


    The house was spacious, well-lit, and prepared with all the facilities they needed; all they needed to do was to move in with their luggage. The master bedroom and side bedroom were about the same size, and the rooms weren¡¯t close to each other, so those inside wouldn¡¯t have to worry about disturbing people in the other room. Zhou Sheng had especially chosen to equip the living room with comfortable, warm lights. Yu Hao felt incredibly excited at once and began running around their new house.


    ¡°My god!¡± Yu Hao was frantic, ¡°How did you find this place?! It¡¯s so big! This is too comfortable!¡±


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng put their hands near a small stove to warm themselves up. Zhou Sheng said to Fu Liqun, ¡°But there¡¯s no heater, and it¡¯s a bit cold in the mountains. We won¡¯t be able to get up in the mornings.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°There¡¯s no heater in the dormitory too. Living in a place like this with our wives everyday would feel so good. Leave some clothes in the dormitory; we can go back for a bath and a change of clothes after classes.¡±


    Yu Hao went to the balcony and looked down. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We have a senior in his fourth year. He broke up after graduation and wanted to get rid of this place, so he transferred it to us.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Wow, it really sounds like a nice house. Their new roommate is¡­a little obnoxious but he seems to mean well?

 Chapter 102.1 - New Home

    ¡°The happiness feels a little unreal.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Let¡¯s hire a housekeeper to come clean up the house every week, one hundred yuan¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What housekeeper?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    ¡°Could you sit down?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Stop running around, I feel tired just looking at you. You¡¯re that excited?¡±


    A checkered table cloth was spread out in the dining room; the fridge was empty except for a carton of beer that Fu Liqun had bought and a few bottles of Coke. Yu Hao went to move the pots, bowls, ladles, and basins, and his mood soared in an instant, second only to the day Zhou Sheng confessed to him.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I wanted to buy this house at first, but Gege told me not to.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s lucky he did so.¡± Yu Hao felt a slight trepidation, ¡°You¡¯re crazy!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Property prices in Ying City will certainly rise. Although this place is built above the town, a subway will be constructed below soon, so it¡¯s a good place. We won¡¯t need to worry about not being able to rent it out or sell it in the future. We can buy it and live in it for two to three years, then by the time we sell it, its price could have increased by 20 percent.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly thought that what he said was true. His vision couldn¡¯t be compared to Zhou Sheng¡¯s at all sometimes.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s safe to have money on hand ma, it¡¯s not like you lack that bit.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Are you a husky?! Yu Hao! Come over here and sit down! Stop pulling out the drawers everywhere!¡±


    Zhou Sheng grinned as he looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao knew that even though Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say it, he must be really happy too. He went over to sit down with them by the stove and continued looking around. Fu Liqun looked listless; his HP never stops dropping when he was with them.


    ¡°Where¡¯s sis-in-law?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°She¡¯ll come over this weekend.¡± When Fu Liqun saw Cen Shan¡¯s reply, he felt a bit better. ¡°Let¡¯s cook together then.¡±


    The doorbell rang, their takeout was here. Yu Hao was immersed in great joy and hugged the takeout guy, shouting, ¡°Hello! Thank you!¡±


    Takeout guy, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we ask Yangming bro to live here too?¡± After dinner, Zhou Sheng said with much satisfaction, ¡°I see the both of you like him quite a lot ma, Gege why don¡¯t you make do for a little?¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Fu Liqun immediately blew up. Evidently, he had discussed this issue with Zhou Sheng before.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore, I was wrong!¡±


    ¡°Just let me be the bad guy, since everyone¡¯s so kind.¡± Zhou Sheng bit a cigarette and picked up the garbage, then went downstairs to throw it away before coming back up in large strides. ¡°Go take a bath, it¡¯s winter, time to hibernate!¡±


    Yu Hao felt like his life seemed to have entered a new phase again: from moving to Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s dormitory, to confirming his relationship with Zhou Sheng, and now finally to moving into their new house. Although it was a rented place, it still made him feel more and more like he had a home.


    They didn¡¯t need to worry about the outside world anymore. Once they closed the door and stayed in their room at night, they could do whatever they wanted. Zhou Sheng came out after taking a bath, wiped off the water on his body, then casually laid down on the bed. Then he pulled Yu Hao into his embrace to intimately rub against him; they could now kiss and make love without restraint.


    On this large bed, after they finished, they could snuggle in each other¡¯s arms comfortably and sleep like this all night. Not a sound could be heard in the mountains at night. The warmth of each other¡¯s bodies made it such that the winter night this year wasn¡¯t as cold as it should be. When the light of the morning sun streamed in, Yu Hao woke up and saw Zhou Sheng holding him in his arms, staring at him seriously.


    Yu Hao found it really difficult to get up in their rented place. It wasn¡¯t like in the dormitory, where after their entanglement at night, he would feel like his body was falling apart after he woke up in the morning. Especially when they were hugging under the same blanket, they would feel like doing something else in the morning.


    ¡°What period today?¡± Yu Hao groaned.


    ¡°Third or fourth.¡± Zhou Sheng kissed Yu Hao, ¡°Still wanna do it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me rest for a bit¡­¡­we¡¯ve been overdoing it recently.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll take a bath and go for a run.¡±


    Zhou Sheng whistled as he went to take a bath. Yu Hao sat down like a child. When Zhou Sheng came out, he glanced at him and rummaged through T-shirts while saying to himself, ¡°How does it feel to rent a place outside?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°The happiness feels a little unreal.¡± As he spoke, he looked up at him.


    Zhou Sheng smiled again. He sat down to put on his socks and said, ¡°This isn¡¯t considered a real home yet, let¡¯s buy one after graduation ba. If Gege didn¡¯t object yesterday, I would have really wanted to buy this place.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°As long as we¡¯re together, it¡¯ll be home.¡±


    Zhou Sheng put on his shoes, then walked over to kiss Yu Hao.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I said.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°But I still want you to live a carefree life without worries¡­¡­I¡¯m leaving.¡± Then he closed the door and went to college.


    Yu Hao sat in a daze and actually didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment.


    Fu Liqun walked out groggily and saw Yu Hao eating fried youtiao and drinking soy milk as he studied in the dining room. He was texting Zhou Sheng on WeChat, and their conversation was filled with lovey dovey emoticons. Fu Liqun uttered an ¡°ah¡ª¡ª¡± like a zombie.


    ¡°It¡¯s really cold at night when you sleep alone.¡±


    ¡°Sis-in-law will be here in a few days, hold on for awhile longer ba. Breakfast?¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at Yu Hao¡¯s book. ¡°No morning classes?¡±


    ¡°Starting from today on,¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°I must study hard!¡¯


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao felt like his relationship with Zhou Sheng had transitioned to a new stage after they rented a place outside. If he had to describe the previous stage as the ¡®honeymoon phase¡¯, then they were now in the ¡®newlyweds phase¡¯. And this time, Yu Hao wasn¡¯t very insistent on renting a place as he thought that living in the dormitory was fine too.


    However, Zhou Sheng¡¯s persistence in renting a place made him feel like Zhou Sheng had always been trying very hard to live with and spend the rest of his life with him.


    Strangely enough, after they moved to their new place, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng immediately stopped fighting. They went to classes and ate together as usual, and after they got home, they would cuddle and read together, or Zhou Sheng would watch shows and play games while Yu Hao did his homework and consulted Zhou Sheng if he encountered a problem he didn¡¯t know how to solve.


    It was as if after his desire was satisfied, Zhou Sheng¡¯s restlessness disappeared without a trace. Now, what Zhou Sheng did the most everyday was to tease Yu Hao with an indomitable spirit ¡ª asking for kisses, wanting to be lovey-dovey, and at the start he even wanted to do it once after they got home at noon, and couldn¡¯t help but want to do it once in the morning, and once more at night. Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t take it and set some ground rules ¡ª they could only do it once per day, not any more.


    Fu Liqun would try to invite Li Yangming as often as he could when he was in college, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s attitude towards him took a turn for the better. After all, after he was living a life where he could do as he pleased, his temper improved instantly.


    Yu Hao often felt like this guy¡¯s temper development was like this: before they got together, Zhou Sheng was extremely impetuous ¡ª¡ª after they got together, he was sweet for awhile ¡ª¡ª then he began getting impetuous again because of suppressing his desires ¡ª¡ª and now, he has finally become a friendly and upright young man.


    On this day, Yu Hao was in Chen Yekai¡¯s class when a soft discussion suddenly erupted during the lesson, the hum of everyone¡¯s chatter a persistent noise. Chen Yekai stopped his lecture and frowned, then the classroom fell silent again.


    Chen Yekai allowed you to nap, revise, play on your phone, or do anything else in his class, as long as you could answer his questions. However, he definitely wouldn¡¯t allow you to disrupt his classes and affect those who want to listen to his lecture. Yu Hao was doing really well in this class and aside from the need to take a nap occasionally, he would listen attentively to the lecture most of the time. Today¡¯s small-scale disturbance started up among his classmates all at the same time, which made him feel like it was very strange.


    Did something happen in college? Yu Hao looked at his class¡¯ group chat: no messages, it was extremely quiet.


    Zhou Sheng, who was sweating all over, crouched down, and walked in through the back door to sit down beside Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng scrolled through his phone for Yu Hao to see.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    The report was out! Many officials in Ying City had been sacked for corruption, one after another! Internet media and local news portals had all instantly exploded. Yu Hao immediately took his phone out and opened up his public WeChat number, then saw the anti-corruption report that Xiao Yujun had uploaded at the last minute.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t recognise the names that had been [tn content=¡±shuanggui¡±]an extralegal system within the CCP for detaining and interrogating cadres who fell from grace[/tn]-ed. After class, everyone in the canteen was discussing this issue. Yu Hao said, ¡°So many were pulled out?¡±


    ¡°Seven in total.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about all of them before, investigation hasn¡¯t stopped.¡±


    Yu Hao has never heard about them, but Huang Baiguang wasn¡¯t included, so it should be okay. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wanna give that kid a call to congratulate him?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered over it for a moment before calling Ou Qihang outside the canteen.


    The other end picked up. Zhou Sheng put on one side of the earphones and said, ¡°Congratulations, even we hadn¡¯t expected this outcome.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Ou Qihang laughed and answered, ¡°Without you guys, this outcome wouldn¡¯t have been possible.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It really wasn¡¯t easy, Qihang.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Ou Qihang responded.


    Yu Hao¡¯s mood fluctuated for awhile ¡ª he had a lot of things he wanted to say, but he didn¡¯t know where to start.


    After a moment of silence, Ou Qihang said, ¡°I just finished class, going to the canteen now.¡±


    ¡°Study hard.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any other problem ba?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°After obtaining Junjun Jie¡¯s forgiveness, they¡¯ll probably sentence me to a probation. Is Chen Laoshi¡¯s hand better?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°If you¡¯re worried about him why don¡¯t you give him a call yourself?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I did, he didn¡¯t pick up. Ting Ge helped me ask him, he said that it was a trivial matter¡­¡­¡± Just as he was talking, Chen Yekai came over and saw that Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were on the phone, so he pointed at the canteen to ask if they wanted to eat lunch together. Zhou Sheng handed him one side of the earphones. Chen Yekai accepted it with a face full of doubt.


    ¡°¡­¡­he asked me to study hard.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I even dreamed of him last night.¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡± Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng was up to mischief again and immediately intercepted Ou Qihang, lest he says something embarrassing. ¡°His hand has already recovered completely, there¡¯s no problem at all.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and returned the earphone to Zhou Sheng, looking a little helpless.


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for a bit and suddenly asked, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be anymore zombies in your dream ba?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Maybe? I haven¡¯t dreamt of the apocalypse in a long time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Use your imagination. What would you summon to resolve that dream of yours? Didn¡¯t your dad leave you anything you could use to overcome adversity?¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned, while Zhou Sheng quietly and patiently waited for Ou Qihang¡¯s reply.


    ¡°There should be?¡± Ou Qihang was a little surprised and asked, ¡°Why did you ask that?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Prepare that, then sleep a little earlier tonight.¡±


    Ou Qihang immediately said, ¡°Wait! Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually hung up the phone and smiled at Yu Hao. Yu Hao was shocked.


    ¡°You want to help that kid?¡± Chen Yekai heard the conversation. Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡± and answered, ¡°Since he already knows anyway.¡±

 Chapter 102.2 - New Home

    ¡°The happiness feels a little unreal.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    After the three of them got their food, Yu Hao still felt a little incredulous as he said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, you¡¯re actually so willing to help him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I actually admire him quite a bit. Why? Jealous? If you¡¯re jealous, we won¡¯t go.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said no. He wasn¡¯t jealous at all, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s decision made Yu Hao understand him a bit better. Zhou Sheng thought about it a bit more and continued, ¡°He taught me some things.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Regarding justice?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This can be considered as a very small favour.¡±


    Yu Hao eyed Zhou Sheng suspiciously, while Zhou Sheng made eyes at Yu Hao mischievously. A bunch of question marks appeared above Yu Hao¡¯s head, so Zhou Sheng could only answer with, ¡°Why are you so stupid? That kid¡¯s our catalyst.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that if it hadn¡¯t been because Ou Qihang was wooing him, Zhou Sheng might have wanted to drag out his confession until after he defeated Medusa. He didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment, so he just lowered his head and continued eating with a flushed face. Chen Yekai¡¯s HP dropped by quite a bit, and he could only pretend to not have heard anything.


    ¡°You can call me if you need help.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can¡¯t cross through, there¡¯s no use even if we call you.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°If you really need the help, there¡¯s always a way.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You just want to go, right?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s really no such thing, I was just wondering if I could help you guys. Zhou Sheng, you¡¯ve been corrupted by Huang Ting!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay okay, I understand what you¡¯re thinking. I¡¯ll help you think of something okay? Kaikai don¡¯t get too anxious.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°You¡¯re too annoying Zhou Sheng, if you keep harping on it I¡¯ll deduct Yu Hao¡¯s coursework score.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    In the afternoon.


    ¡°Do you have a very good relationship with Chen Laoshi?¡± Li Yangming asked Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s not that good.¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°But I saw you guys having lunch together in the afternoon. I sneaked a shot today and printed it out, could you help me get his autograph on it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He¡¯ll deduct my coursework scores until there¡¯s none left, don¡¯t think about it anymore.¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°Then let me ask one more question: is it true that he and Zhou Sheng wooed you at the same time?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°Did Zhou Sheng break his hand?¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand and asked, ¡°Is that what the rumours are like outside?¡±


    Li Yangming chuckled. Yu Hao said patiently, ¡°If Zhou Sheng had broken Chen Laoshi¡¯s hand, do you think we would have eaten lunch together this afternoon?¡±


    Li Yangmin said, ¡°You never know.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Li Yangming really had a talent for killing conversations. Li Yangming continued, ¡°Chen Laoshi¡¯s so outstanding, yet you chose Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng must feel very fortunate ba.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Li Yangming. This was the first time someone had so indirectly evaluated Zhou Sheng, and it made him feel quite complicated.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s very outstanding,¡± Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°He¡¯s the most outstanding person I¡¯ve ever met. You¡¯ve just never seen him shine before. I don¡¯t want to compare them, but I admire Zhou Sheng a lot. Didn¡¯t you realise? Everyone who becomes his friend admires him from the bottom of their hearts, who else could do that?¡±


    Li Yangming said, ¡°I think he¡¯s too fierce, but he does listen to you. Only you can rein him in.¡±


    ¡°Also, Chen Laoshi doesn¡¯t like me.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t listen to the nonsense of the people in class.¡±


    Li Yangming said, ¡°Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder, I understand. Didn¡¯t you notice that in class, Chen Laoshi would always pay attention to whether you arrived, and he would only start roll call after finding you?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just afraid of me oversleeping.¡± Yu Hao thought that Chen Yekai was probably just worried about some accident occurring ba, but now that he thought about it, Chen Yekai does seem to care about them a lot.


    When night fell, Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked up in the dream and gazed at the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°Do we call him?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°How? He didn¡¯t pass his totem to either of us, he can¡¯t come to our dreams.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was clad in armour today and sidestepped his question. He thought about it for a bit and said, ¡°I snatched something from him, so I should find a way to act as his matchmaker, shouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What did you snatch from him?¡±


    ¡°You.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    Yu Hao suddenly understood, ¡°Why are you always mentioning that, we already said that it¡¯s not true! It¡¯s not! Even you¡¯re saying that, I¡¯m gonna get angry. And even if it is true, this was my own choice.¡±


    Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°Ok ok ok, don¡¯t get angry, I was wrong. I won¡¯t mention it anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned as he looked at him, but Zhou Sheng motioned for him to look at the Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°Kaikai¡¯s dreaming of you.¡±


    A lush tropical rainforest appeared in the projection within the Golden Crow Wheel. Yu Hao glanced at it, but Zhou Sheng held his hand and said, ¡°Go.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wait¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and they crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel together, then fell from the sun in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream. Yu Hao subconsciously held onto Zhou Sheng tightly; Zhou Sheng whistled, and his jindouyun flew over. He carried his jingubang and took Yu Hao along as they flew to the top of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    Chen Yekai was sitting on the throne, appearing a little lonely as he looked up at the sky. He casually raised his hand, wielding a silver pistol, and fired a shot. The jindouyun flew over and stopped. Chen Yekai was dressed in the attire of a great chieftain, ¡°I knew that you guys would come tonight.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got off the jindouyun while Yu Hao went to the apex of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Ever since he left this dream, he has never taken a proper look at Chen Yekai¡¯s dream world. On the platform at the apex of the pyramid was an open room, and it was decorated in the style of the old room he shared with Ryuusei.


    The previous time he entered ¡®next life¡¯, Yu Hao¡¯s only feeling was warmth and comfort ¡ª he knew that it was the memory Ryuusei and Chen Yekai shared. Yet, it was only after he rented a place with Zhou Sheng outside before Yu Hao fully understood what such a home meant.


    It was a promise representing their commitment to stay together and hold each other¡¯s hand for the rest of their life.


    There was only one dining table, and the dining room was just a place for eating. The sofa, gaming consoles, TV, one bed, decorations, and everything inside all seemed ordinary, and didn¡¯t seem any different from the layout of any other one bedroom flats. Yet, once it became a ¡®home¡¯, it was as if an enchantment was cast on it, such that all vitality thrived within this boundary.


    Yu Hao sat down at the dining table in the open room. He brewed his own cup of coffee and stared into the distance in a daze. When he sat here, he could see the chapel on Mt. Tianqing.


    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re really boring in dreams too.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai got up and said, ¡°Life has always been boring in the first place, it¡¯s not as energetic as yours. Great Sage, do you plan on taking your bros out tonight to have fun?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If it¡¯s about having fun then forget it. I suddenly remembered that I haven¡¯t erased your memories.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t ba.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Can¡¯t you be magnanimous about this?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a joke.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you so nervous for?¡±


    ¡°But you do need to erase that kid¡¯s memories.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°If he does spill, it won¡¯t be a joke anymore.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°Remember what we did for Liang Laoshi¡¯s dream?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember, but Ou Qihang might not necessarily dream of me.¡±


    ¡°Try again?¡± Zhou Sheng said casually.


    Yu Hao looked at the two of them curiously. Since they managed to enter Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious, it proved that Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng had discovered some kind of law that the Golden Crow Wheel operated on, but neither of them had ever told him. If they want to unlock the secrets of the Golden Crow Wheel in the future, Chen Yekai may be of great help to them.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything as he watched them operate.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always thought that I was the only one who could operate it, but Yu Hao managed to obtain its approval later on. Maybe¡­¡­wu.¡±


    ¡°From the developmental trajectory of the ancient Shu civilisation, we can deduce that the priests who used the Golden Crow Wheel did it in pairs, so that shouldn¡¯t be wrong. But in the process of utilising the Golden Crow Wheel, it remains to be discovered if the strength of the participants could be drawn upon. After all, you¡¯ve seen the array and actions of the sacrificial process¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai walked to the edge of the platform at the apex of the pyramid and said, ¡°But I¡¯m not familiar with him, so it won¡¯t be like the time with Liang Laoshi. There¡¯s no key ¡®token¡¯.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a Rubik¡¯s cube,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He gave it to Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s of no use.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao can enter using the ¡®token¡¯, but I can¡¯t. However, since he liked Yu Hao before, perhaps Yu Hao has already obtained the right to enter his dream in the first place.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ve already entered once. Wait, what do you guys mean by ¡®token¡¯?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s equivalent to you giving your totem to Zhou Sheng.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It will give you the ability to shuttle through each other¡¯s dreamscapes. A ¡®token¡¯ is the connection between your souls, but of course, there should be very few cases like you and Zhou Sheng¡¯s. When I was studying under Liang Laoshi, I obtained her personal notebook ¡ª aside from the academic research notes that were inside, there was also some stuff written in it regarding memories of her youth¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°A kind of faint resonance that comes from the soul.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That also represents that ¡®I¡¯ve opened up my heart to you¡¯, it¡¯s like entrusting your soul to another. I summoned the notebook in my dream and brought Zhou Sheng into Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious. But this Ou Qihang¡­¡­un, it¡¯ll be difficult. I¡¯ve only met him once.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Wifey look, Kaikai¡¯s analysis has always been so coherent and logical. I¡¯ve always thought that the Golden Crow Wheel should be given to him, he could probably do a lot more with it.¡±


    Yu Hao was about to comment on that when Chen Yekai glanced at Zhou Sheng and answered, ¡°It must have its reasons for choosing you.¡±


    The next problem became ¡®how to bring Chen Yekai into Ou Qihang¡¯s dream¡¯. That may not be that important, but Yu Hao felt that through Chen Yekai¡¯s and Zhou Sheng¡¯s analysis and line of reasoning, the many mysteries of the Golden Crow Wheel could be gradually unravelled.


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng were both thinking about it. Yu Hao said, ¡°Come in for a cup of coffee ba.¡± So the two of them went over and sat on both sides of the table, silently watching Yu Hao brew coffee.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you guys enter first?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll keep thinking about it.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Zhou Sheng accepted the coffee that Yu Hao handed over and seemed to have thought of something, ¡°What did Ou Qihang get Huang Ting to deliver to us? A seal!¡±


    Chen Yekai immediately got up and walked quickly to the platform. Yu Hao said, ¡°Would that be useful? This represents that his totem was¡­¡­¡±


    Immediately afterwards, Chen Yekai stood on the edge of the platform and made a strange movement.


    A glimmering wooden seal was suspended in mid air in his palm, then the seal turned into flickering light particles that elongated. Chen Yekai made a gesture with both his hands like he was holding something, emulating the posture of holding elephant tusks like the Sanxingdui bronze man when it was offering a sacrifice.


    In the next moment, right in his hands, countless light particles shot towards the scorching sun in the sky! A strange connection was established!


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: The potential for Kaikai and OQH is very strong here¡­.also the domestic scenes between Haohao and ZS were super cute.

 Chapter 103.1 - Deductions

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry too much about what kind of Pandora¡¯s box you¡¯re going to open.¡±¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The Golden Crow Wheel in Chen Yekai¡¯s world burst with a radiant light and slowly descended. After it descended to a certain height, it emitted a vibration similar to that of a ringing clock, and an instantaneous displacement occurred ¡ª it reappeared on the pyramid platform at the apex of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢.


    Yu Hao got a huge fright, while Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai were extremely calm.


    ¡°We can only summon it down if we have an effective medium.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Wu, your inference was right.¡± Zhou Sheng frowned as he studied the Golden Crow Wheel.


    The Golden Crow Wheel in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream didn¡¯t look like the one in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream ¡ª it didn¡¯t have flares, and there were no ripple-like projections in its center.


    Yu Hao scrutinised it for a long time. ¡°That is to say, as long as the connection is strong enough, everyone can enter each other¡¯s dreams?¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Maybe?¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit before facing Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then¡­¡­in a sense, the Golden Crow Wheel didn¡¯t necessarily set its mind on you?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s idea was: Zhou Sheng was more or less concerned with the connection he has with the Golden Crow Wheel, and he always thought that it would bring them some sort of unknown risk. However, once Chen Yekai could also open up a part of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s functions, then this kind of risk could be shared with one more person, so Chen Yekai would also be dragged into this mess.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s delay in erasing Chen Yekai¡¯s memories might be because deep down, he still hoped to unlock secrets concerning the Golden Crow Wheel.


    However, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t really understand the meaning behind Yu Hao¡¯s words and instead said seriously, ¡°No, it¡¯s not that simple. We might as well establish a bold hypothesis: remember the pilgrimage array of the priests and bronze men?¡±


    With Chen Yekai¡¯s reminder, Yu Hao recalled that there were many bronze men besides the two priests in the ruins that he had described earlier.


    Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°The function of the Golden Crow Wheel is to connect the brain waves of these people together?¡±


    Chen Yekai snapped his fingers, ¡°Yes. According to the keywords Yu Hao heard in Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious, the two of you are the Overseer and Corrector. As for the dreams of the rest of us, they are connected through the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Chen Yekai stood tall, wearing a chieftain¡¯s hat while his upper body was naked. Two leather buckles were strewn across his bare, fair chest, and he was wearing a battle skirt as well. As if his occupational hazard was acting up, he started analysing for the two of them. Yu Hao thought, if you dressed like that for class, we¡¯d probably have to move the class to the field before everyone could find a place to sit down.


    Yu Hao was a little distracted, but Zhou Sheng listened to him very earnestly and uttered an ¡°un¡°. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, look, the one who established the connection was me, while the person who enabled access was you. It could be understood as a sort of ¡®Consciousness Internet¡¯: everyone is a node, while the two of you are the network administrators of this Internet, or in other words, the GMs.¡±


    Within an instant, many doubts became clear! Yu Hao could hardly believe that Chen Yekai managed to infer so much with solid rationales through the fragments of information conveyed to him


    ¡°I see.¡± It wasn¡¯t Zhou Sheng¡¯s first time discussing this question with Chen Yekai. He murmured, ¡°So the Golden Crow Wheel is a game server.¡±


    ¡°Just a conjecture.¡± Chen Yekai said casually.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And everyone connects to this server through their brainwaves, to undergo¡­¡­un, a consciousness exchange. In that case, we could roughly guess why the aliens threw the Golden Crow Wheel here.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ah!¡±


    Chen Yekai raised an eyebrow at Yu Hao and said, ¡°Would student Yu Hao please answer this question?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. The three of them ignored the Golden Crow Wheel for a moment as they sat at the dining table to drink coffee. Yu Hao pondered for a bit, and there was an indistinct outline in his mind ¡ª¡ª perhaps, thousands of years ago, a certain alien¡¯s spaceship came to Earth and brought along with them their high-tech products: the device analogous to a ¡°Brainwave Converter¡± was the Golden Crow Wheel, and this sort of converter could allow humans to understand one another, eliminate barriers, and facilitate the development of civilisation.


    But for some reason, it didn¡¯t continue playing such a role and was instead constrained within the limits of the ancient Bashu region. Its true functions couldn¡¯t be utilised, and it instead turned into a kind of totem symbol. So for a very long time, no one activated it, until it was picked up by Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao analysed the points he understood. Chen Yekai answered, ¡°That¡¯s very likely to be it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But I have another take on it: the Golden Crow Wheel could just be a router on their spaceship, or some kind of component of a dream creator machine that they use for fun. Those lifeforms with such advanced technology usually login with brain waves to communicate with one another. After their spaceship fell to Earth, one or two of them survived but couldn¡¯t return even though they wanted to, so they just left it as is.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible too.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Imagine a huge spaceship crashing near an isolated tribe hidden deep in the mountains in Africa, where there was no signal and communication was impossible. Survivors would occasionally use the on-board entertainment system that¡¯s considered something mystical and mysterious for us.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And thus, I accidentally bumped into a way to login.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°So you first passed its authentication and became its GM. Could Yu Hao perhaps be another administrator that you added to the permissions list? Or, in order to avoid the GM from making mistakes, the Golden Crow Wheel split its admin rights into two roles: the ¡®Overseer¡¯ has the right to link and stabilise all users in this Consciousness Internet, including the right to force them to go offline¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Good night!¡± Yu Hao said excitedly.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng understood, ¡°I can drive anyone out of a dreamscape.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Logging in, kicking people out, even forbidding words, or modifying the other party¡¯s conscious world ¡ª there should be even more capabilities, it¡¯s just that you haven¡¯t read the complete instruction manual for the system, so you don¡¯t know how to use it. While the other administrator, ¡®Corrector¡¯, that is Yu Hao, is akin to the second line of defense of this Consciousness Internet. He monitors all people who fall into the subconscious, including the special measures taken to conduct correction in situations where the ¡®Overseer¡¯ falls into the subconscious. This would avoid a system crash caused by the failure of the Overseer to rescue themselves under certain circumstances.¡±


    ¡°At present, that does seem to be the most reasonable speculation.¡± Yu Hao smiled and looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t speak for a long time, but Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai¡¯s inference had untied the knot stuck in Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart all this while.


    ¡°Next, I think it should be the ¡®careful verification¡¯ process.¡± Chen Yekai said lightly, ¡°Let¡¯s go around to take a look now? Administrators?¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up and walked towards the Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°You¡¯re about to become more curious about the Golden Crow Wheel than I am.¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing for humans to have that slight bit of curiosity in life. Desire for knowledge is the driving force behind constant progress and upgrading, right? You don¡¯t need to worry too much about what kind of Pandora¡¯s box you¡¯re going to open.¡±


    As he spoke, Chen Yekai¡¯s eyes carried a hint of a smile as he looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao suddenly felt like there was an underlying insinuation in that gaze, but he couldn¡¯t understand what Chen Yekai was trying to say right now.


    The three of them stood in front of the Golden Crow Wheel. After Zhou Sheng pondered for a bit, he said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s see Ou Qihang¡¯s dream ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai used the light emitted by the seal to fly into the Golden Crow Wheel. The inner portion of the Golden Crow Wheel was in a chaotic mess. Zhou Sheng stood in front of the Golden Crow Wheel, reached out, and flares erupted from his body.


    With a loud blast, the Golden Crow Wheel in Chen Yekai¡¯s dreamscape was instantly activated; like the sun in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, it shone resplendently in all directions, and the scene within became clear.


    ¡°Our city?¡± Chen Yekai scrutinised it.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Watch out for the zombies.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°After going in, wait at the flower cafe. Go!¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao took the lead in jumping into the Golden Crow Wheel, but Chen Yekai said, ¡°Wait! You haven¡¯t told me¡­¡­ai!¡± After lamenting, he could only follow them in.


    With a ¡°buzz¡°, Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao appeared in Ou Qihang¡¯s safe haven, yet there was no one in it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You haven¡¯t told Kaikai¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°He can take care of himself. Where¡¯s that kid? Didn¡¯t I ask him to wait?¡±


    Yu Hao looked around and thought, crap. They chatted for too long in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Ou Qihang might have gone out by himself because he couldn¡¯t wait any longer.


    There were a lot more guns and ammunition in the safe haven now that were strewn all over the ground. The grenade box was open, and there was even a note beside it written in English. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What does it mean?¡±


    ¡°He wrote it wrong.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°He asked us to go to his house.¡±


    Ou Qihang could actually leave a note in his own dream? Before Yu Hao knew Zhou Sheng, every time he dreamt, it took a lot of effort to control himself in his dream. The note left behind by Ou Qihang had several wrong words that were written, and it may have been because his consciousness in his dream wasn¡¯t very clear.


    ¡°Summon the dragon and soldiers over?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°It takes a lot of effort to summon them just once.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s best to try after we get to the boss. There shouldn¡¯t be as many zombies outside, do you know where his house is?¡±


    Yu Hao recalled that he had seen it on the information that Ou Qihang left behind before and answered, ¡°I should be able to find it.¡±


    ¡°Hold it.¡± Zhou Sheng threw Yu Hao a Desert Eagle.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use this!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°What about this?¡± Zhou Sheng changed to a submachine gun. ¡°Feels great to be in the dream of an armament nerd.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to use this either.¡±


    ¡°What about this?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s even worse!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why would there be a rocket launcher in the dream of a third year senior high student?!¡±


    ¡°This is called RPG! What do you know? Ah?¡± Zhou Sheng draped an arm around Yu Hao and leaned in to kiss his cheek, ¡°Then just take whatever and follow me ba.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart began jumping wildly. Zhou Sheng slung a magazine and submachine gun over his shoulders, strapped on a field vest shoulder girdle, carried a bunch of grenades in his left hand and pulled the door open. Yu Hao immediately cried out ¡ª there were zombies everywhere outside!


    Zhou Sheng threw out three grenades in succession before closing the door of the safe haven immediately¡ª¡ª


    It was quiet outside. Yu Hao said, ¡°The number of zombies didn¡¯t decrease at all!¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened the door again. The grenades had already exploded, and broken limbs littered the corridor outside. The safe haven shielded them from all sound and shockwaves. He went out with Yu Hao and answered, ¡°It¡¯s easy to say, but truly changing the impression of this world in his heart is really difficult to do. Keep up!¡±


    With a gun in hand, Yu Hao followed Zhou Sheng down the stairs. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Keep an eye behind us.¡±

 Chapter 103.2 - Deductions

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry too much about what kind of Pandora¡¯s box you¡¯re going to open.¡±¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao has never played¡¶Resident Evil¡· before. He was expending all his energy to control the mounting stress he felt. He had just turned around when he saw a zombie pounce towards him; he grabbed Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder strap and was about to run when Zhou Sheng immediately turned around, wielding the Desert Eagle in his left hand, and shot the zombie with a ¡°bang¡± that was five steps away in its head.


    ¡°How the hell are you so calm?¡±


    ¡°When we get back I¡¯ll make you play¡¶Resident Evil¡·for three days, then you¡¯ll be calm too¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng pulled down the protective goggles used for aiming, supporting it with the bridge of his nose. The sky was gradually getting dark, and he used an infrared scope to search for the zombies¡¯ whereabouts.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Look for a car!¡±


    ¡°You look pretty calm now.¡± Zhou Sheng looked back and smiled, ¡°You were beating zombies up the last time we were at the amusement park too, why weren¡¯t you afraid then?¡±


    Everything last time had been unfamiliar to him, and his mind then was preoccupied with shock. Yu Hao always felt like he was the female main character who was constantly on the verge of screaming after getting thrown in to Ou Qihang¡¯s dream, and he said, ¡°This is the result of me trying my best to control myself!¡±


    It was getting late. Night gradually fell in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream; street lamps flickered, and the shops on both sides became incredibly quiet for a while. After they turned out of an alley, the long street was completely empty. In front of him, Zhou Sheng wore protective goggles and held a gun up as he opened up a path, while Yu Hao followed behind, terribly suspicious of everything.


    ¡°What would happen if we get bit?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Abide by the rules of the dream world.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°Whatever he thinks will happen after getting bit, will happen.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ll turn into zombies?¡±


    ¡°Un hng?¡± Zhou Sheng fired a shot into the distance towards the side of the street, and a ¡°bang¡± rang out. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see anything at all. Zhou Sheng pointed at Yu Hao¡¯s infrared goggles and motioned for him to pull them down. Yu Hao could see now; there was a car 40 metres away from them, and there were several dark red zombie figures in front of the car that was currently moving in all directions.


    ¡°We¡¯ll drive that car away later.¡± Zhou Sheng dealt with the zombies at the end of the street like he was shooting at live targets, and there were indeed fewer than last time. Yu Hao said, ¡°Then you must be careful. Don¡¯t get bitten, my combat abilities aren¡¯t good enough.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What would you do if I turned into a zombie?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll have to become a zombie too, of course. But zombies don¡¯t know who they are anyway.¡±


    If they stayed in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream, then would he and Zhou Sheng fall into vegetative states in reality? While wandering around like these zombies in the conscious world.


    Yu Hao was imagining all sorts of scenarios when the two of them passed by a tour group store. Yu Hao saw the poster on the glass wall and suddenly remembered something.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to Australia?¡± Yu Hao was worried that Zhou Sheng had forgotten; it was okay to forget it, but it would be a bit of a pity if he didn¡¯t convert his prize into money.


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡°, changed his bullets and answered, ¡°We¡¯ll go during the New Year? I remember na. In that case, I won¡¯t need to go home and get nagged at. Gege said he wanted to go with sis-in-law too for the Spring Festival. When the time comes, we can just split up when we¡¯re there, what do you think?¡±


    Yu Hao was okay with it, of course. When he was looking at the poster¡¯s itinerary, he heard a faint noise coming from the inside.


    All was silent, and the long street was terribly quiet. The street lamps flickered nonstop. Yu Hao turned his head sideways, and when he looked at the poster ¡ª¡ª he saw a zombie looking at him.


    Almost at the same time, Yu Hao took his gun out and shielded Zhou Sheng, who was behind him. The zombie let out a mad roar before rushing towards them; the glass wall shattered into pieces, and Yu Hao fired a shot! After Zhou Sheng changed his bullets, he quickly turned around, grabbed Yu Hao by his waist, and spun around; the two of them had exchanged places, and that zombie¡¯s neck had already been broken by Yu Hao¡¯s shot. Its head flew out and landed on the ground.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng gave Yu Hao a thumbs up.


    Yu Hao gasped for breath, ¡°I was just lucky¡­¡­¡±


    The sound of gunfire startled even more zombies. At dusk, the long street was already dyed the colour of blood. Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Go!¡±


    The two of them ran down the street, and at its end was a private car. Hundreds of zombies ran out of an alley and chased after them. Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao into the car, turned on the ignition, stepped on the accelerator, and knocked away the zombie that had jumped onto the driver¡¯s seat.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Some zombies caught up.¡±


    ¡°Fight them!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡±


    Zhou Sheng fastened his seat belt, and Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I can hit them, but I¡¯ll try!¡±


    Yu Hao went to the back seat and leaned against the rear window of the car. Zhou Sheng drove along the road; there were zombies everywhere that had been startled by the sound of the car¡¯s engine. Right after one turn was made, Yu Hao nearly crashed into the car¡¯s door. He shouted, ¡°Slow down!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted back, ¡°There¡¯s too many!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Laoshi?¡±


    Yu Hao shattered the rear window with one shot, took Zhou Sheng¡¯s whatever it is gun, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°An AK¡±s recoil is too¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao casually pulled the trigger a few times and suddenly opened fire, so he ended up startling himself.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Nothing¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao put on his goggles, leaned sideways against the backseat, and began shooting at the zombies that had caught up. Zhou Sheng¡¯s ears were about to go deaf; he rummaged through the glove compartment and found two earplugs in front of the passenger¡¯s seat, then drove the car across an intersection. After Yu Hao fired his first shot at close range, he suddenly thought it didn¡¯t seem as scary anymore, and even felt a thrilling sensation from the destruction and wreckage when he shot at zombies. No wonder so many people liked playing shooting games. The deafening sound of guns accompanied by the intense feeling of striking enemies down could hardly satisfy one¡¯s desire to knock down dominoes.


    Yu Hao finished using up all his bullets and threw a grenade outside. There were no more zombies in sight. Zhou Sheng drove the car onto an elevated road and muttered, ¡°Fuck, if I knew this would happen I wouldn¡¯t have arranged to meet up at the cafe¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao returned to the passenger¡¯s seat. He looked down; there were zombies everywhere at the bottom of the shopping mall. A huge crowd had gathered around a corner of the cafe.


    ¡°Is he there?¡±


    ¡°Definitely.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Otherwise there wouldn¡¯t be so many zombies.¡±


    Just as Yu Hao was worrying about Chen Yekai, he suddenly remembered that his weapon was a pistol with infinite bullets and a scalpel that could fly around freely, so he shouldn¡¯t face too big of a problem.


    ¡°Blow them up with a grenade.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Not enough to see.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Fasten your seat belt.¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng drove down, one hand on the steering wheel and his other on the gear; his elbow was pressing against the back of the seat, then he turned around and put the car in reverse.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Following which, Zhou Sheng slammed on the accelerator, and the car crashed against everything in its way as it drove onto the overpass, which connected to the second floor of the shopping mall. Yu Hao was delirious from the vibrations. Zhou Sheng turned sharply and said, ¡°Shoot!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning and was thrown to one side by the momentum of Zhou Sheng¡¯s turn; he was stuck to the car¡¯s door, then the car window rolled down, and Yu Hao fired a shot at the glass door on the second floor of the shopping mall. The glass shattered into pieces ¡ª Zhou Sheng had driven straight into the second floor of the mall!


    Yu Hao shouted like he had gone mad, ¡°There are zombies coming! Don¡¯t go up the escalator!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± Zhou Sheng stepped on the brakes, but the ground was slippery, and there were zombies rushing over from behind. Yu Hao was about to fire shots at the back, but Zhou Sheng had broken through the guardrail on the second floor. The car kept parallel with the ground as it fell down one floor with a ¡°bang¡± and dropped into the fountain in the middle.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Can¡¯t let you drive next time¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then you do it?¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed an AK and went out, dealing with the zombies coming over from all directions with one shot each.


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s mine!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s mine!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yours is that one!¡±


    Yu Hao was addicted to using the AK, but Zhou Sheng wanted to use it too, and the two of them almost fought over it. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Follow me! Quick!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You follow me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Hold it right there!¡±


    Yu Hao switched to using a submachine gun and opened up a path in front, and this time Zhou Sheng had turned into the one supporting the rear. He said in despair, ¡°Why are you so violent?!¡±


    Yu Hao burst through the Hermes shop¡¯s door with one shot and finished off the snobbish zombie clerk with a headshot. When he used to work there, he was already really irritated from getting taunted by the clerk all day. Zhou Sheng fired several more shots behind and came out of the shop. After destroying several luxury stores and blowing up two rows of containers used to display LV bags, Zhou Sheng glanced through the flower cafe¡¯s glass door and saw a mess of tables and chairs that had been overturned. He immediately said to Yu hao, ¡°Don¡¯t blow up the door! Obey your orders!¡±


    So Yu Hao could only stay his gun. Chen Yekai saw both of them from within and pointed to one side, signalling for them to enter from the other door. Yu Hao thought, luckily I didn¡¯t blow up the door, and turned to the side door. Chen Yekai came over to shove the tables and chairs away to let them in. The flower cafe was a mess; several tables had been placed together. Ou Qihang was bare chested with bandages wrapped around his shoulder and back as he lay down on the table, with a cup of coffee in front of him that was half-drunk.


    Blood was oozing out of his bandages. In his own dream, Ou Qihang had been bitten by a zombie.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh no OQH! Don¡¯t turn into a zombie!


    Zryuu: Back to regular daily updates tm

 Chapter 104 - Infection

    ¡°What would happen once he turns into a zombie?¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao approached Ou Qihang carefully, and he had just touched his arm when Ou Qihang raised his head. He woke up.


    ¡°Which period is it?¡± Ou Qihang said, then immediately realised something, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a dream.¡±


    ¡°You slept in a dream?¡±


    At this moment, Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t surprised at Ou Qihang¡¯s injury but was instead inquiring about him sleeping in a dream, looking very puzzled.


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang didn¡¯t look very good. Yu Hao sat next to him and removed his bandages, seeing deep bite marks underneath.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Qihang got bit while protecting me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Ou Qihang said wearily.


    ¡°I wanna kick you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why couldn¡¯t you just wait for a bit?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Ou Qihang said, ¡°I thought you guys had already arrived but were trapped outside and didn¡¯t enter my safe haven. I thought something happened, so I went out to look for you guys.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s fair chest was bare. He had broad shoulders , a narrow waist, and clearly worked out often; his figure resembled that of a sports student¡¯s, lean but without exaggerated muscles. Yu Hao thought, Xiao Yujun often teased him by saying he was like a puppy, but Ou Qihang was more like a puppy.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What did you dream of when you fell asleep in your dream?¡±


    Ou Qihang was extremely bewildered. ¡°Can¡¯t really describe it. I dreamt of Dunhuang murals, and a lot of impressions were really clear at first, but gradually changed into lines¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao gave him a reminder, to mean that now wasn¡¯t the time to talk about that.


    Zhou Sheng looked out of the landing windows. There was a densely packed crowd of zombies outside the flower cafe. They were blocked by the glass wall, and their ferocious faces were plastered onto the glass, which was actually kind of amusing.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°When I entered his dreamscape, I appeared in the hospital. I bumped into him not long after I left, and we encountered a particularly big one that was even carrying an iron hammer. I cut off its head with my scalpel, Qihang helped me guard the rear and got bit.¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s tone was very calm, but Ou Qihang said, ¡°I was careless.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at the mountain of zombies outside. Yu Hao gathered his strength and a silvery white light emitted from both his hands. He pressed them against Ou Qihang¡¯s wound, staring at him seriously.


    His wound began to heal, but Ou Qihang¡¯s complexion didn¡¯t improve. Not long after, dark bruises reappeared on his shoulder and back, and his complexion turned pale again.


    Yu Hao touched his forehead ¡ª¡ª Ou Qihang had a fever, his forehead was boiling hot.


    ¡°I can heal his wound.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But after getting bit by a zombie, his wound still remains. Qihang, you need to change the impression you hold¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang struggled to shake his head, ¡°I¡¯m better now, do we go now?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, ¡°What would happen once he turns into a zombie?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer, Chen Yekai¡¯s expression turned grave.


    Yu Hao never thought that it would be too serious. In fact, ever since he entered Ou Qihang¡¯s dream and followed Zhou Sheng, he has always regarded it as a game. After all, Zhou Sheng was really adept, and it felt like they were playing a game as they made their way to the flower cafe. He didn¡¯t expect such a serious problem to occur.


    If it was him, Zhou Sheng, or Chen Yekai who got bit, they could still be sent out of the dreamscape and postpone dealing with the dream. But now, the one who got infected by a zombie is the dreamscape¡¯s owner, Ou Qihang.


    In other words, even if the three of them left now, Ou Qihang would still remain in the dream, and his infection will spread¡­¡­at this moment, a hint from the Golden Crow Wheel suddenly surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind.


    What would happen if we leave Ou Qihang alone?


    He would suffer from the infection of his self-suggestion and lose control of his conscious world, leading to the collapse of his consciousness on the surface, then he would fall into his subconscious bit by bit.


    These impressions made it seem like Yu Hao had just answered his own questions in his mind, but he keenly grasped the word ¡®self-suggestion¡¯.


    He immediately said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Have you ever thought that, one day, you would become one of them?¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s gaze looked a little dazed. Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s the self-suggestion you¡¯re giving yourself.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ou Qihang admitted it quite frankly and answered, ¡°I have thought about that before, about whether I would become someone like them after stepping into society.¡±


    Yu Hao explained to Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, ¡°His self-suggestion has already taken form, the outcome of getting bitten by zombies was foreordained. It¡¯s the vague, indistinct ¡®hope¡¯ in his heart.¡±


    ¡°What will happen?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°When he turns into a zombie,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The dreamscape will be ruined, like Liang Laoshi¡¯s, and he¡¯ll fall into his subconscious. But as long as we seize his totem back, everything will return to its original state. We need to hurry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel told you that?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. He didn¡¯t know why he would obtain the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s prompt at this time.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We better get moving.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I can still hold on for awhile.¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw a gun to Yu Hao, and the two of them shared their weapons. Chen Yekai took out his silver pistol and spun it around his fingers, indicating that his weapon was a gun. Just as he was about to lend Ou Qihang an arm to support him, Ou Qihang got himself together and stood up by himself.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay, look. There¡¯s nothing wrong.¡± Ou Qihang put on his jacket and picked up his gun. ¡°I¡¯ll open up a path for you guys.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Follow behind! Stop being impulsive!¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s tone was extremely imposing, and Ou Qihang immediately said, ¡°Got it, Laoshi.¡±


    The atmosphere lightened up instantly and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help himself from laughing. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao took charge of the front while Chen Yekai supported the rear. Ou Qihang suddenly said, ¡°Ting Ge didn¡¯t come?¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao explained.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore, behave yourself.¡±


    So Ou Qihang could only follow behind Yu Hao. Yu Hao looked back at Ou Qihang and smiled. Everyone was like a student in front of Chen Yekai, you just had to comply.


    They couldn¡¯t go outside, there were zombies everywhere in the shopping mall. Zhou Sheng went underground from the first floor, took off an emergency flashlight from the railway platform, then observed the subway tracks. Ou Qihang said, ¡°My house is in the small area beside the subway station, we¡¯ll reach it as long as we walk along the tracks.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Walk along the subway tracks?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shone the light towards the end of the dark track and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, there shouldn¡¯t be any zombies here.¡±


    Their surroundings were so quiet that it was frightening. Zhou Sheng led the way and walked into the tunnel. Yu Hao was still thinking ¡ª this was the first time he so clearly felt a direct hint from the Golden Crow Wheel, it always used to be hazy impressions. Why did it especially give him the hint, and not Zhou Sheng?


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sing something?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Quit it. I¡¯m thinking about the consciousness exchange with the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It will appear suddenly sometimes and give me a hint, then disappear just as quickly.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned deeply, ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s because of the scope of permissions? If Ou Qihang isn¡¯t cured, he¡¯ll fall into the subconscious. According to Kaikai¡¯s analysis, the subconscious world is under my supervision¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Just like how Kaikai and I were helpless in the ruins of the depths of Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious, you were the only one who wasn¡¯t affected. You turned into the only luminous body in the area of absolute darkness ¡ª that is, the moon.¡±


    Did the binary star system refer to the sun and the moon? The more Yu Hao thought about it, the more he felt a vague truth gradually surfacing, but he couldn¡¯t see it clearly.


    ¡°I asked if he was dreaming in his dream,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Because of that. Usually, very few people will fall asleep in their dreams. Once they leave the dreamscape consciousness on the surface and continue downwards¡­¡­¡± As Zhou Sheng spoke, he pointed below his feet and explained, ¡°Then it¡¯s possible to approach the subconscious.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say that he had dreamt before in a dream. In fact, the world of a dream within a dream exists, and you wouldn¡¯t fall straight into the subconscious once you dream in a dream.¡¶Inception¡·had mentioned that dreams were made up of many layers, and only the last layer would be the subconscious.


    But now that he thought about it carefully, the dream on the surface was the clearest, and the one that was most easily recalled after waking. It was also the world where control over your own consciousness was most easily obtained. However, once you fall into a dream while you¡¯re in the surface dream, your consciousness would become blurrier and blurrier, and your world will be thrown into even more abstraction and chaos.


    In that case, the birth of a dream within a dream is indeed the establishment of a channel that draws closer to the subconscious region layer by layer.


    Yu Hao held a flashlight while Zhou Sheng wore his infrared goggles and walked right in front. Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°If we can master the required technique, could we go into the subconscious world without the collapse of the dreamscape on the surface?¡±


    Yu Hao though, that is one way of doing it¡­¡­but dreaming within a dream may be even more difficult.


    Chen Yekai walked right at the back and kept a careful eye on Ou Qihang¡¯s every move. Ou Qihang was gasping for breath a little. Chen Yekai said, ¡°If you don¡¯t feel well let us know, don¡¯t be so stoic.¡±


    Ou Qihang answered, ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡±


    The tunnel fell into a long period of silence. The sound of footsteps and the whispers of Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng travelled over from the front.


    ¡°What are we going to do now?¡± Ou Qihang asked Chen Yekai, ¡°Save my dream world?¡±


    ¡°Get your totem back. Something you once held fast to, but thought that you had already lost.¡± Chen Yekai asked, ¡°Zhou Sheng never told you?¡±


    Ou Qihang was slightly baffled. Along with his ragged breathing, his footsteps were also a bit staggered.


    ¡°What would that be?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    Chen Yekai shrugged slightly, ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask yourself that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng should have been the one to tell Ou Qihang all this, but for some reason, Zhou Sheng seldom told Ou Qihang about the dream world in detail. Perhaps it was because there were now too many people who knew about it.


    Ou Qihang couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you guys real, or just images in my dream?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I thought you already had the answer.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯m starting to feel like all of this is becoming more and more unreal.¡±


    ¡°If you believe that this is all true, then it is.¡± Chen Yekai casually said, ¡°Conversely, memories that we sometimes believe to be true might not actually be.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Ou Qihang suddenly got excited and said to Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯ve seen that in a lot of science fiction stories¡­¡­sometimes I even feel like the entire world is false, that everyone is just a figment of my imagination¡­¡­that they all exist because of me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Including me, who¡¯s standing here right now.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°So, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    Ou Qihang stopped and looked at Chen Yekai for some reason. Chen Yekai stopped not far from him. At the end of the dark tunnel, a faint light appeared and that light was cast upon his back.


    He slightly turned his head sideways, as if taking the late Eurydice away from the underworld as the handsome bard, Orpheus of the Lyra constellation. However, he still didn¡¯t spare Ou Qihang a second glance.


    ¡°Since the whole world was born for you and will die for you,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then it should be like what you want it to be. Why yield to it?¡±


    Ou Qihang stood up straight, and at this moment, the sound of a gunshot rang in the distance. The two of them began dashing at the same time and rushed to the end of the tunnel.


    Yu Hao wielded a gun, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re too nervous! That¡¯s just a cat! Are you trying to murder your husband?!¡±


    ¡°How would I know?!¡± Yu Hao became frantic, ¡°It suddenly lunged over from the top of the train just now! I was afraid that you¡¯d get scratched!¡±


    There were two trains in front of them. Zhou Sheng was about to climb up when a cat suddenly jumped down from the top of the train. Yu Hao was extremely tensed up in the first place, so when he saw that dark figure, he immediately shot it in its head and startled Zhou Sheng.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let¡¯s walk from the side ba, it¡¯ll be easier to take our guns out if something happens on the side.¡±


    This tunnel had two parallel tracks, and only one person could pass through the narrow space. Zhou Sheng wanted to walk along the top of the train, but it wasn¡¯t possible. Walking in between the two trains was their best choice right now.


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment before nodding in the end. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll cover the rear.¡±


    One by one, they walked through the gap between the two trains. After a few steps, Yu Hao saw that the lights were turned on in the train, so he looked inside. A pale white light shone throughout the carriage ¡ª this was the light they had seen before when they were in the tunnel, the faint glint was shining from the carriages.


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot.¡± Zhou Sheng instructed, ¡°Stay your gun.¡±


    Yu Hao kept his gun, Zhou Sheng carried his jingubang and held Yu Hao¡¯s hand as he walked in front. Ou Qihang walked behind Yu Hao.


    Their surroundings were so quiet it was a little scary.


    Yu Hao whispered, ¡°Look ahead, entrust the surroundings to me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just take note of the overhead.¡±


    Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai who were at the back didn¡¯t talk at all. Yu Hao turned around to see how Ou Qihang was doing and suddenly glimpsed a hanging broken hand that was grabbing onto a door¡¯s iron pole.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In the next moment, a zombie slammed into the train window with a ¡°bang¡°!


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart nearly halted. Ou Qihang turned sharply and restrained himself from shouting, his back knocking onto the other train¡¯s door. Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s some behind you! Don¡¯t get close!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°Calm down a little! They can¡¯t come out! Speed up!¡±


    Hundreds of zombies in the carriage all broke out into an uproar and began surging towards them in a crowds from both sides. They dragged their rotten bodies, their blood and some yellowish white liquid stained the train windows. Zhou Sheng took the lead in opening up a path, but Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Keep going!¡±


    Ou Qihang couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath. Yu Hao immediately locked onto his wrists and dragged him along as they sped up to follow Zhou Sheng. Chen Yekai kept looking back as he ran and took out his pistol.


    In the next moment, the train window panes were smashed into smithereens; hundreds of zombies squeezed out of the window and onto the narrow gap between the two trains, then began pursuing them relentlessly. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Hurry and go!¡±


    ¡°Shoot!¡± Zhou Sheng ordered.


    A gunshot was heard, Chen Yekai¡¯s gun was like a laser that could clear the heads of four to five zombies with one shot. Ou Qihang looked back as he wanted to help, but he was dragged away by Yu Hao in a mad dash. Zhou Sheng darted through at full speed, Yu Hao said to Ou Qihang, ¡°You¡¯re the master of the dreamscape! You must go first!¡±


    Yu Hao successfully pushed Ou Qihang out. Zombies had taken hold of Chen Yekai, Yu Hao took out two daggers and shouted, ¡°Lower your head!¡±


    Chen Yekai abruptly threw his head backwards; a dagger flew over and brushed the side of his face. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Both of you, get down!¡±


    Then Yu Hao grabbed onto Chen Yekai¡¯s arm and pushed him to the ground. The jingubang whooshed as it stretched out, and this one rod penetrated through dozens of zombies, stringing them together like Chinese hawthorn on a stick. Yu Hao supported Chen Yekai up to get out of the gap between the trains, Ou Qihang threw a grenade into the gap, and all of them flew onto the railway platform before running out of the subway exit.


    An explosion could be heard coming from underground. The head of the train was deformed from the explosion. Zhou Sheng struck the first fire damper with his rod, and a steel door suddenly fell with a loud rumble. The four of them sat on the railway platform, utterly breathless.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s left hand was now bloody from being bitten by zombies. Yu Hao immediately knelt down on one knee, and his hands glowed as he treated Chen Yekai¡¯s wounds.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And now we have two who are infected.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We still have time. If I can¡¯t hold on, just kick me out of the dreamscape, and the rest will be up to you guys. What about you? How¡¯s it going?¡±


    Yu Hao checked Chen Yekai; his injuries were even worse than Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat, and his breathing was getting more ragged.


    Ou Qihang nodded. Yu Hao examined his pupils, and they showed slight signs of diffusion.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯re almost at the end.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked up at the exit, ¡°We still don¡¯t know if it¡¯s the end yet.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s original question was whether or not Ou Qihang¡¯s father had left him a key to ¡°overcome himself,¡± just like Yu Hao¡¯s chess set that turned into his soldiers, or the shield that had sealed his inner heart. Ou Qihang thought that it could exist in his house ¡ª that meant that both the totem and the boss were waiting in his house.


    Yu Hao stood at the exit and said, ¡°I think this is the end.¡±


    Not far from the exit of the subway station, under the dark backdrop of the sky, a small area was covered with sticky bio-tissue. There was a twisted high-rise in the middle, and black, strange runes were suspended in mid air above the top of the building. A dark mist emanated from those ruins that blotted out the whole sky.


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± A deep and resounding voice said.


    Ou Qihang had already fallen into a state of deliriousness, but he instantly sobered up when he heard that voice.


    ¡°Dad?¡±


    ¡°Come ba.¡± Ou Weihong¡¯s voice echoed in the sky, ¡°Qihang, you said that you would listen to Dad.¡±


    The other three listened quietly. Ou Qihang¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°I, I can¡¯t.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Remember what I said.¡±


    Ou Qihang immediately recalled and gasped, ¡°This is my world, Dad.¡±


    Zhou Sheng filled up his magazine and looked up at the sky. Dark clouds packed the sky, it was raining. Yu Hao reached out to catch a rain droplet ¡ª it was bloody red.


    In front of the castle where Ou Qihang lived, a strange and shining flower appeared.


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°That¡¯s the place my Dad landed after jumping from a building.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°When I got home that day, his blood covered the ground below the building.¡±


    The huge flower took root in the earth and spread the zombie virus throughout Ying City. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, it¡¯s time to start.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no sun, this fight will be a little difficult.¡± Zhou Sheng murmured but still whistled, and his jindouyun appeared. Yu Hao spread his wings open. The two of them took Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai to fly towards the platform at the top of the castle.


    A door appeared at the end of the platform, and the huge door was open.


    ¡°No gatekeeper?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng unlocked the gun¡¯s safety bolt and said, ¡°The gatekeeper has already been gotten rid of in reality. After we go in, Ou Qihang will summon his totem, while we hold him down.¡±


    Yu Hao understood in an instant why the one waiting here was Ou Qihang¡¯s father! Not long ago, the officials were sacked one by one, so it had in a sense undone the first knot in Ou Qihang¡¯s heart. However, his father¡¯s death was still a shadow in his heart that he couldn¡¯t face.


    That shadow didn¡¯t lie in his father¡¯s acceptance of the bribe, but in Ou Qihang¡¯s steadfast belief that Ou Weihong had taken that money for the sake of his only son ¡ª Ou Qihang himself!


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°We¡¯ll hold the boss down, Kaikai protect Qihang while he seizes his totem back! Go!¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh man, so many zombies¡­


    Zryuu: D: Qihang </3

 Chapter 105.1 - Sea of Blood

    ¡°Do you guys shuttle through dreams just to see the sunrise?¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Right after he spoke, Zhou Sheng flew over on his jindouyun and shook out the gun he wielded in one hand. Yu Hao spread his wings open and flew straight into the castle first!


    ¡°The Great Sage is coming¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng shouted angrily, his red scarf fluttered in the wind and transformed into a cloud of fire. Yu Hao suddenly soared, swung out both his daggers, and spun around in the air, taking on Ou Weihong directly!


    Ou Weihong sat on the throne of this dream world. His head was long gone, and he had the body of a twisted skeleton. He raised his broken fingers and gently snapped them.


    Within the loud blare, the throne broke down and turned into a boundless sea of blood. The ceiling of the castle was torn apart by an invisible force, the ground began to rise, and like in the dreams of Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, and Shi Ni, it turned into a grand platform. The headless Ou Weihong stood in the center of the sea of blood; innumerable huge claws stretched out from within the sea and clawed toward the sky!


    Above Ou Weihong¡¯s head, a dark totem was descending slowly ¡ª within that pitch black darkness, a very faint golden ray of light could be seen. The sea of blood was spreading constantly as it stretched out along the platform. Ou Qihang¡¯s home had once again turned into a pool of blood.


    Chen Yekai half carried Ou Qihang and said into his ear, ¡°Hold on! We¡¯re reaching soon!¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were engaged in a fierce battle with the countless sharp claws in the sea of blood. Whenever Zhou Sheng fired a shot, it would shatter a blood claw; after he finished using up all the bullets in the magazine, he threw the gun away and turned around to look at Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Call the sun out!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°As soon as the sun comes out we¡¯ll win!¡±


    A bloody claw shot towards Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao let out an angry cry and dragged out two arcs of light, cutting through the claws that rose from the sea of blood in an instant. At this moment, Ou Qihang had reached the edge of the sea.


    ¡°I remember¡­¡­you used to¡­¡­tell me¡­¡­Dad¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s pupils gradually diffused and signs of livor mortis were appearing all over his body. His voice trembled, ¡°No matter¡­¡­what I witness, as long as I hold fast to my beliefs¡­¡­then¡­¡­no one¡­¡­can change¡­¡­me¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng parted in mid air briefly. Ou Qihang¡¯s voice travelled to their ears, and they were both stunned.


    The headless Ou Weihong uttered, ¡°But my son, sometimes, you¡¯ll have to bear crimes for the sake of your family¡­¡­I don¡¯t regret¡­¡­¡±


    The sea of blood surged in crazily and drowned both Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang in an instant. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng rushed forward; countless bloody claws stacked together to form a gigantic cage that trapped them firmly within!


    Zhou Sheng brandished his jingubang and ruthlessly stabbed it at Ou Weihong¡¯s chest¡ª¡ª


    Ou Weihong was immediately sent flying backwards out of the cage. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Take this chance now!¡±


    Chen Yekai threw out his scalpel from within the sea of blood; a silver ray of light sliced off all the broken arms and fingers in his surroundings, then he paddled with all his might to carry Ou Qihang with him out of the water. Ou Qihang¡¯s pupils were already cloudy and unclear, and Chen Yekai exerted his utmost effort just to lift his elbow.


    ¡°Wake up, Qihang.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s deep voice rang out beside him, ¡°Stop sleeping!¡±


    Ou Qihang immediately opened his eyes on reflex and pointed all five fingers at the sky. With a loud blast, the dark totem dispersed and turned into light particles that flew towards Ou Qihang.


    Meanwhile, Yu Hao drew out an arc of light in the bloody arm cage, then broke through the cage with Zhou Sheng at the same time and flew out!


    Ou Qihang uttered a cry, pointing to the totem in the sky. His totem had disintegrated into golden particles that looked like a river of stars; they shot towards his body along his arm and flooded him within an instant.


    ¡°Kaikai!¡± Zhou Sheng wiped off the blood on his face and turned around at the same time as Yu Hao, only to see Chen Yekai letting go of Ou Qihang and suddenly get yanked into the depths of the bloody pool. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng flew toward Chen Yekai, but in the next moment, the entire platform collapsed with a loud rumble!


    Ou Qihang¡¯s entire body emitted a golden light and began dispersing in the shape of a ring. He slowly rose from the pool of blood, raised his left hand, and a mechanical finger sleeve appeared on his fingers.


    His pupils turned golden. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng flew away at the same time and looked down to scour for Chen Yekai¡¯s whereabouts.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Then, Ou Qihang¡¯s five fingers curled up, an intense light burst forth from between his fingers. The pool of blood exploded; it gushed madly down the high-rise building and formed a massive, bloody waterfall. A blue Gundam slowly rose from the pool of blood, holding an unconscious Chen Yekai in its hands.


    ¡°Kaikai!¡±


    ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    Chen Yekai lay in the Gundam¡¯s palm, blood whooshing as it receded from his body. Both his eyes were shut tight.


    ¡°Qihang! You¡¯re too naive!¡± Ou Weihong roared madly, then all of the bloody water began converging towards his body, sweeping along the zombies that were on the Earth to fly towards the sky ¡ª forming a giant!


    Upon landing, the Gundam placed Chen Yekai on the ground, opened up its face mask, caught Ou Qihang, and placed him within. Ou Qihang sat in the cockpit. His finger, which was wearing a mechanical finger sleeve, pressed against the control sphere.


    ¡°This is what you bought for me; it¡¯s my favourite toy.¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s voice resounded through the dark sky and he shouted, ¡°You told me when I was a child that it symbolised justice. Today, let us see who¡¯s right!¡±


    After he spoke, the bloody giant formed out of countless broken limbs of zombies summoned up a hurricane. The thrusters of the Gundam ignited, propelling the Gundam into the air. It stepped onto the building beside it, took a few steps as a run-rup, then spun around in the air, its left hand brandishing a blade comparable to the size of a subway carriage; a shock gun lit up in its right hand and fired several shots intermittently¡ª¡ª


    Zhou Sheng had just lifted up one of Chen Yekai¡¯s arms when the building above them collapsed with a loud rumble. Yu Hao immediately stepped onto the jindouyun and shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    The Gundam and zombie giant were at least ten-stories tall. Yu Hao vaguely thought that the scene was akin to Ultraman fighting against a huge monster. In their vicinity, the shopping malls, residential buildings, and official buildings had all been pulverized into pieces. The zombie giant grappled with the Gundam and abruptly pushed it into a glass office building, and the shattered glass shards filled the sky!


    ¡°Kaikai! Kaikai!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Golden light coiled around the dark clouds in the horizon. A ray of sunlight fell upon Chen Yekai¡¯s body.


    When the ray of light cast upon him, Chen Yekai¡¯s complexion recovered and he opened his eyes.


    Yu Hao cried out, ¡°Great Chieftain!¡±


    Chen Yekai coughed up a mouthful of blood. Just as Yu Hao was getting nervous, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He was choking on it. Do you feel better now?¡±


    Vigour flowed back into Chen Yekai¡¯s pupils. Yu Hao placed him on the top of the TV tower. The Gundam and zombie giant¡¯s fight shook the earth, and almost all of the office buildings in their way had been crushed into ruins.


    As soon as Chen Yekai regained consciousness, he looked into the distance.


    ¡°I can take care of myself.¡± Chen Yekai turned over and got up. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao immediately separated from him and flew up at the same time. The dark clouds joined up again, and the world once again plunged into darkness.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Summon them!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Start!¡±


    Zhou Sheng whistled. Chen Yekai looked into the sky. The first ones to break through the dark clouds and rush over from afar were Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon and Chen Yekai¡¯s Feathered Serpent god. Zhou Sheng flew over with his jindouyun and landed on the back of his black dragon, while Chen Yekai did a quick run-up before jumping off the TV tower and leaping onto his Feathered Serpent god.


    The Gundam suddenly fired a shot at an office building and half of the building exploded. The zombie giant that looked like Xingtian let out a mad roar and grabbed onto its gun arm, while its other hand tried to take off the Gundam¡¯s face mask¡ª¡ª


    In an instant, the turret on the Gundam¡¯s back flipped over, locked onto its shoulder, then began firing a series of indiscriminate bombardments on the zombie giant. The giant¡¯s chest suffered from this surprise attack and abruptly pushed it away!


    The black dragon spewed out its dragon flames and burned the back of the zombie giant, while the Feathered Serpent god opened its mouth and roared, shooting out countless sharp blades from its mouth. Vines emerged from the ground and wrapped around both its legs!


    The giant suddenly swung its arm and smashed into the black dragon and Feathered Serpent god. Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng spun around in the air, both of them riding their respective mounts as they flew away. Just as the giant was about to lunge towards the Gundam buried in the ruins, a whistle suddenly rang out behind it.


    The giant slowly turned around. Yu Hao wielded a staff in one hand, six light wings spread out behind him; the silver light emitted dazzled everyone¡¯s eyes, and he pointed his staff at the dark sky.


    ¡°The Archangel specialises in subduing the undead like you.¡± Yu Hao said in a low voice.


    The dark clouds suddenly split apart, and thunder struck down madly like a waterfall accompanied by millions of bolts of divine fire and meteors that blew the zombie giant into pieces in an instant!


    Upon impact, the meteors turned into innumerable military generals who brandished their swords and hunted down the thousands of zombies that resulted from the disintegration of the zombie giant. A trail of blood could be seen on level ground. The black dragon and Feathered Serpent god flew up once again; the dragon spewed out flames while an intense light burst out from the serpent¡¯s mouth, and along with the lightning that struck down from the sky, the zombie giant continued to disintegrate under the combined bombardment of all these tremendous forces.


    ¡°Do it!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted angrily.


    The Gundam burst into full throttle and finally flew out of the ruins. It flipped over in the air and rushed towards the zombie giant; its face mask sprang open, revealing Ou Qihang¡¯s body; the zombie giant¡¯s chest had collapsed, revealing Ou Weihong¡¯s incomplete body.


    Ou Qihang curled up five fingers and stretched them, his fingers forming a gesture of a gun. His Gundam dove down, and he placed his left hand on the chest of his father¡¯s chest.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s face was awash with tears, and a gentle blanket seemed to fall on the world around him. A breeze blew by, and the red clouds that filled the sky retreated. Time had passed, and during that year when he was six years old, a certain afternoon illuminated by the golden glow of the sun lingered.


    That day, he had sat cross-legged with his father on the sofa. The six-year-old him made a gun gesture with his fingers and pointed at his father, squinting handsomely as he said, ¡°Bang!¡±


    His tall and handsome father pretended to fall on the sofa, and the small Ou Qihang burst out laughing. Not long after, Ou Weihong sat back up again, and small Ou Qihang uttered another ¡°bang!¡±, and his father cooperated once again by flopping back down on the sofa.


    When he jumped over to check, his father suddenly sprang back up and laughed as he held him in his arms, letting his son listen to the sound of his heart thumping in his chest.


    ¡°Bang!¡± Ou Qihang said softly.


    A strong light burst forth from his mechanical finger sleeve, and with a loud shot, it pierced through the heart of the headless zombie.


    Yet, the zombie slowly reached out and gently, but firmly, held his son in an embrace.


    ¡°Dad,¡± Ou Qihang leaned on his father, ¡°It¡¯s over¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: I cried when I translated the flashback ;-;

 Chapter 105.2 - Sea of Blood

    ¡°Do you guys shuttle through dreams just to see the sunrise?¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The totem¡¯s radiance set off a fierce gale, the zombie giant disintegrated into light particles with a whoosh and vanished, revealing the figure of Ou Weihong¡¯s soul. Golden light spilled onto the Earth and swept across the whole Ying City like a tide. Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Chen Yekai raised their arms at the same time to shield their eyes from the glare.


    ¡°Watch the sunrise.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s over.¡±


    Yu Hao landed on the black dragon¡¯s back, thoroughly exhausted. Zhou Sheng continued observing for a moment, on guard against an ambush that could catch them off guard, like what had happened in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. It was not until the entire city began returning to its original state, and a red light appeared on the horizon, before he flew to the top of the TV tower with Yu Hao.


    ¡°We¡¯re done fighting.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s been tough.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao, and Chen Yekai sat side by side on the edge of the TV tower as they looked out into the distance. Layers of dark clouds receded, revealing a rising sun that was red through and through on the horizon.


    The sun had risen.


    In the central part of Ying City, the skyscrapers were like Rubik cubes; countless components rapidly reassembled as they steeply rose from level ground.


    ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°But I didn¡¯t notice the sun in my own dream the previous time.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Because you¡¯re the master of the dreamscape.¡±


    ¡°Do you guys shuttle through dreams just to see the sunrise?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Zhou Sheng smiled and answered, ¡°I guess so? No matter how difficult it may have been, after seeing the sunrise, it always feels like most of it was worth it.¡±


    The sun had risen; the rising sun ascended from the east, and red light illuminated the earth.


    The ruins of Ying City destroyed during the battle all turned into millions of bright-coloured pixel cubes like Lego building blocks, and the city was being unremittingly rebuilt.


    The bloody flower below the skyscraper dissolved and disappeared as it seeped into the ground. The verdant plantation transformed into Boston ivy that quietly covered the entire city.


    The sun had risen; red clouds filled the sky, and the gentle blanket faded.


    Dew on the lush leaves reflected the sunlight; the earth restored its clamorous vitality. Big white clouds in the clear blue sky was reflected on the glass walls of the innumerable skyscrapers, like graffiti that had been painted on the streets.


    The Gundam stood at the top of the building, while Ou Qihang stood in front of the Gundam. He lifted his fingers as he faced the Feathered Serpent god and black dragon that flew past in the sky, and saluted them.


    The Feathered Serpent god and black dragon were suspended in the air on one side of the platform. Zhou Sheng stood on the black dragon as he looked down at the tiny Ou Qihang on the roof.


    When Yu Hao was thinking of saying good night, Zhou Sheng steered his black dragon to land on the roof.


    The Feathered Serpent god bowed its head slightly and descended to a space about two metres above the roof, but Chen Yekai didn¡¯t get off his mount.


    Zhou Sheng walked forward and faced Ou Qihang.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Thank you all¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Zhou Sheng raised his hand and pressed his palm against Ou Qihang¡¯s forehead.


    Within an instant, millions of swirling, rectangular screen-like pictures were cast out of of Qihang¡¯s body!


    ¡°That¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao suddenly remembered the way Zhou Sheng talked to him in his palace through the projection of their memories. That day, Zhou Sheng taught him how to transfer a portion of his memories in the dreamscape, and now he was forcefully transferring all of Ou Qihang¡¯s memories out of him!


    Chen Yekai just watched Ou Qihang quietly, while his eyebrows furrowed slightly.


    Ou Qihang took half a step back and looked all around him. His memories swirled around him like pictures in a trotting horse lamp, each image containing a scene of a memory from his life ¡ª his father holding his hand as they went to the amusement park; getting out of the car and walking into his school; sitting on the roof while Yu Hao approached him from behind¡­¡­


    ¡°There are some things that I can¡¯t let you remember for a lifetime.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I hope you understand.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang frowned deeply and looked at Zhou Sheng, ¡°You want to erase all my memories of you guys?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was calm and collected, as if he were just talking about a meal. He lightly tapped with the jingubang he wielded, and the memory he tapped flew towards him.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Don¡¯t resist, I don¡¯t want to fight with you here.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Ou Qihang immediately said, ¡°Give me the chance to say some things.¡±


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai both sat on their mounts, suspended in the air beyond the platform on the skyscraper.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°There are a lot of words that lose their meaning when you say them, right? You¡¯re a smart kid.¡±


    Ou Qihang glanced at Chen Yekai, then at Yu Hao, and suddenly laughed.


    Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow; his tone was unquestionable, and his aura didn¡¯t allow Ou Qihang to put up any resistance. Ou Qihang could only nod and said, ¡°When I wake up, I won¡¯t remember you guys anymore?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll meet again someday.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, withdrew his jingubang, and a suit of armour covered his entire body with a whoosh. He turned into an iron man and began snapping his fingers; every time he snapped his finger, a golden flame appeared out of thin air and burned away a memory of Ou Qihang¡¯s.


    Following which, a golden light suddenly burst out from the sun in the sky and whistled through the air before landing on a certain part of the dreamscape. A vibration could be felt from afar, and the place hit by the golden fire actually vanished into thin air!


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai turned around and looked at the area that had disappeared.


    The golden flames burned up the memories of the rainy night ¡ª the pursuing car, the expressway, and mountainside ¡ª until there was nothing left. Then, the sun emitted a fire that struck the mountainside in the distance.


    All these scenes were being burned by Zhou Sheng¡¯s power. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We have to go.¡± Then, his finger gently dragged the last scene in Ou Qihang¡¯s memory to his front, then stared at Ou Qihang a bit nervously.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s eyes looked blank and he seemed to be a little confused. The Gundam behind him disintegrated into light particles and rejoined the sky, turning back into his totem.


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai rose into the sky and flew to a place where Ou Qihang couldn¡¯t see them.


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai was still staring at the distant place where Ou Qihang and Zhou Sheng had already turned into two small, black dots.


    Zhou Sheng pulled up his iron helmet and approached Ou Qihang. His left hand drew out the Golden Crow Wheel, then he reached through the Golden Crow Wheel to press against Ou Qihang¡¯s forehead. His right hand held a picture from his memory; he glanced at it once before letting it float in the air.


    ¡°The last one.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice was steady and calm, ¡°Good night.¡±


    When he said ¡®good night¡¯, Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers, and the memories of this battle of seizing his dream burned up and turned into ashes. At the same time, Ou Qihang exploded into golden light particles with a blast and disappeared.


    Yu Hao, who was flying in mid air, felt a strong light flash by his eyes; the entire dreamscape flattened out and he woke up in his room.


    Zhou Sheng turned around, yawned, and rubbed his temple. He sat at the edge of the bed stark naked, raised his head slightly, and looked at the sunlight beyond their windows. Then he looked back and smiled at Yu Hao, revealing his canine teeth.


    Yu Hao hugged his waist and leaned against his scorching, naked back.


    ¡°Which period?¡±


    ¡°Third and fourth, Chen Laoshi¡¯s class.¡±


    ¡°Then sleep a little more.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I need to hurry to class. What do you want to eat tonight? Text me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng put on a pair of sports pants, and Yu Hao reminded him, ¡°The temperature dropped recently, wear more layers, put on your underwear!¡± He hugged his blanket and watched the naked Zhou Sheng pack up his things and walk out.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t even look back as he said, ¡°There isn¡¯t any PE class today¡­¡­that kid might call you, don¡¯t let your tongue slip.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s erasure of Ou Qihang¡¯s memories had stunned Yu Hao for a moment. Although he couldn¡¯t help but think that it was really cruel, Zhou Sheng himself didn¡¯t care at all. That may just show how resolute he is about the task.


    Has he ever erased my memory? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall some obscure fragments. Just then, a call came ¡ª it was Ou Qihang. Yu Hao picked up the call.


    ¡°Qihang?¡± Yu Hao thought, he did call!


    It was silent on the other end. Yu Hao said, ¡°Qihang? What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°How did you know it was me?¡± Ou Qihang sounded doubtful, ¡°I remember I never left you my number.¡±


    Yu Hao nearly let it slip with just his first sentence. Ou Qihang doesn¡¯t remember handing him his number, and Yu Hao wasn¡¯t clear where Zhou Sheng started erasing his memories from. So he could only say, ¡°Huang Ting gave it to me.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang seemed a little restless.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Ou Qihang was silent for a moment before he said, ¡°Nothing. I feel like I lost my memory and forgot some important things, so I wanted to ask you. But I don¡¯t know where to start.¡±


    Yu Hao tried his best to pretend like nothing was wrong and answered, ¡°Lost your memory? Could it have been done by them?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ou Qihang answered, ¡°Who¡¯s ¡®them¡¯?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°The investigation team.¡±


    Ou Qihang does remember the investigation team.


    ¡°Is it?¡± Ou Qihang hesitated, ¡°Maybe? Do you have time? I want to verify some things with you¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°What you should be doing now is focusing on your studies. Wait until the end of your college entrance examination ba.¡±


    Ou Qihang didn¡¯t speak any more, and after a long time, he uttered a soft ¡°un¡°, ¡°Bye.¡±


    Yu Hao hung up the phone. Zhou Sheng¡¯s move had caught him off guard, and it was extremely powerful, which scared him a little. Zhou Sheng could erase other people¡¯s memories at will, and that was both an extremely strong and terrifying ability. If it was Yu Hao, he would have probably retained the memories of reality and just erased everything regarding the dreamscape.


    Yu Hao pondered over it and suddenly thought that it was reasonable for Zhou Sheng to have done what he did ¡ª¡ª the memory of the kidnapping on that rainy night was the start of Ou Qihang¡¯s realisation that they had the ability to enter dreams. If he hadn¡¯t directly burned the memories at the source, the series of events that happened afterwards wouldn¡¯t match up. In that case, Ou Qihang would just think that he had forgotten memories regarding the kidnapping incident¡­¡­he immediately took his phone and texted Zhou Sheng.


    ¡¾I¡¯ve thought it through.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng replied him very quickly.


    ¡¾He could try to verify with someone else, and people could rack their brains trying to come up with all sorts of reasons. In this way, the loss of this portion of his memory can be explained as a side effect of the drug that had knocked him out, and that it only flared up after some time passed. Or they could think that he had knocked his head during the fight, resulting in a concussion that only acted up afterwards.¡¿


    Yu Hao had to admit that Zhou Sheng had planned it out perfectly. He might have already thought about what to do the first time they entered his dream. Looks like this guy would do everything he said he would, and him retaining Chen Yekai¡¯s memories wasn¡¯t because he was soft-hearted, but perhaps because Chen Yekai could help them understand the Golden Crow Wheel to some extent.


    Yu Hao could now see the similarities between Zhou Sheng and Satan; his intelligence could also be thought of as him having a scheming heart. Of course, other people may fear Zhou Sheng, but he wouldn¡¯t. They are lovers after all.


    Yu Hao got up to brush his teeth. He saw that the toothpaste had already been squeezed out, and warm water had been fetched and placed beside the sink. He suddenly felt a little complicated, yet also a little happy.


    His phone rang again. It was Li Yangming this time. Yu Hao glanced at it and turned it on loudspeaker mode.


    ¡°Laoshi¡¯s here.¡± Li Yangming said, ¡°Yu Hao, are you guys done with your morning exercise?¡±


    Yu Hao almost choked. Xue Long went to inspect their room this early in the morning? Did water seep into his brain? But Chen Yekai¡¯s voice rang out on the other end, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±


    It¡¯s Chen Yekai¡­¡­Yu Hao had gotten a fright. Chen Yekai said, ¡°You guys rented a place outside? I don¡¯t see anyone this early in the morning.¡±


    Yu Hao had forgotten to tell Chen Yekai. After rinsing his mouth, he said, ¡°How did you even manage to guess that?¡±


    ¡°Fu Liqun doesn¡¯t fold his blanket.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°What would you like for breakfast? I¡¯ll bring it to you.¡±


    Yu Hao hung up and sent the address to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai wore sports attire and had evidently just woken up too. His hair was a little messy, but he appeared very energetic and nodded at the Li Yangming who was on his bunk, ¡°Don¡¯t tell Xue Laoshi.¡± As he spoke, he opened the door and went out.


    Yu Hao brewed some pour over coffee for Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai, dressed in a blue Li Ning sportswear and a white pair of shoes turned a chair over in reverse and straddled it. He fell into a trance as he sat at the dining table and looked around him. Yu Hao was about to admit to his crime of not notifying him when Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s not bad to have a small place of your own and live in a world that belongs to just the two of you. You could consider it as breaking in to a marriage.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. Chen Yekai watched as he poured the water from the pot through a filter paper; Yirga Chefe dropped into the glassware.


    Yu Hao knew that he must have something to say by coming here this early in the morning. Was it about Zhou Sheng¡¯s ability to erase memories, or Ou Qihang?


    However, he didn¡¯t take the initiative to ask and just patiently sat on the other side of the table opposite Chen Yekai. He didn¡¯t really like it when people joked about him and Chen Yekai, so he wouldn¡¯t especially try to matchmake Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang. After he asked the first time in the ward that day, and Chen Yekai said that he had ¡®no feelings,¡¯ Yu Hao believed that he really didn¡¯t feel anything. Unless he said otherwise, Yu Hao thought that between friends, they had to at least trust each other on something like this.


    After waiting for half a day, Chen Yekai still didn¡¯t say anything and just stared at his coffee in a daze, so Yu Hao flipped through his notes. Chen Yekai¡¯s class was almost over.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: OQH¡¯s flashback is so sad¡­ T_T

 Chapter 106.1 - Hypothetically

    ¡°Hypothetically speaking, what if the one who exists in our memories, is the real him?¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°The coffee you brewed is not bad.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Learnt it from you.¡± Yu Hao smiled.


    Chen Yekai used to work in a cafe in New York and was even a three-star barista there. The skills Yu Hao learnt in the flower cafe were reduced to nothing in front of Chen Yekai in mere seconds. After learning a little from him, his coffee could barely be acceptable for Chen Yekai.


    ¡°The teacher who taught me how to brew coffee said,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Brewing coffee is like love ¡ª every cup of coffee has its own unique flavour; no two cups of coffee are the same.¡±


    Yu Hao had a hunch that Chen Yekai might have changed his mind. The two of them looked up at almost the same time, then looked at each other.


    Yu Hao moved the filter paper away and gently shook the glassware, ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re here today to teach me how to brew coffee or to tell me what to focus on for the final examinations.¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing much I can teach you anymore. In fact, I want to ask you to teach me.¡±


    Chen Yekai took the coffee. Yu Hao said, ¡°If you like then say it ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai was stunned as he watched Yu Hao, then seemed to realise something and began laughing.


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood, Yu Hao. But I came here today because I did want to explain a few things to you, regarding that kid¡­¡­un¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was puzzled. Chen Yekai rubbed his nose, took a sip of coffee and murmured, ¡°I have no interest in Ou Qihang. I tried my best to convince Zhou Sheng to let me enter the apocalyptic dreamscape for another reason. I think there¡¯s no need to hide this from you¡­¡­Yu Hao, Ou Qihang¡¯s father is dead.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said doubtfully, ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°Those who have died can occasionally reappear in the dreams of the living.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯s no doubt about that.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say something but held himself back. He could roughly understand what Chen Yekai meant ¡ª he probably wanted to talk about something related to Ryuusei. He really wanted to persuade Chen Yekai not to think about all this anymore, but he forcefully restrained himself. After all, Chen Yekai is a very smart person, he wasn¡¯t paranoid or psychotic. As someone who also studies Psychology, what he needed to do right now was listen, listen very patiently, and not interrupt Chen Yekai or try to give him any arbitrary advice.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Chen Yekai made a gesture while he was thinking, ¡°I thought, that perhaps in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream, we would also find such a situation: his deceased father would appear as an impression and have a conversation with him.¡±


    ¡°And he did appear.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°So then what?¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely patient. He began to feel that Chen Yekai came to discuss this topic with him because he really trusted him a great deal.


    Chen Yekai gently tapped the table with his finger and Yu Hao added, ¡°I once saw my grandma in my dream too.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then, can we understand it as the Golden Crow Wheel having the ability to allow the deceased to live in someone¡¯s conscious world through another form?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t speak for a long time.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Just like the words ¡®he lives in my heart¡¯, what we retain are the memories we shared together, and with those memories, that person¡¯s form can be reproduced, as well as an incomplete soul¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, what I¡¯m about to say next is just a part of our discussion. I don¡¯t want to persuade you to walk out of the past or anything like that. In actuality, if something like that had happened to me, it¡¯s not likely for me to do that either; everyone says it as if it were really easy¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and made a gesture, then answered, ¡°I understand what you mean.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But this kind of person ¡®simulated¡¯ in our conscious world will never be the real him. Of course, you could say that it¡¯s a kind of hypnotic comfort for us, but it would be for the best not to indulge in the illusion.¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly said, ¡°Hypothetically speaking, what if the one who exists in our memories, is the real him?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just an assumption.¡± Chen Yekai answered.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Do you believe that there are souls in the world?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ever since I knew of this secret, I have often imagined: what if we could leave all our memories, impressions, and thoughts formed throughout our lives in this device through the Golden Crow Wheel? Then would we be able to enter the dream world completely, obtain immortality, and the right to prolong life through another method?¡±


    It was eight o¡¯clock in the morning. The sunlight streamed into the house, Yu Hao suddenly felt like his back was a little chilly.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Last night, aside from my two guesses of it being a Consciousness Exchanger and an entertainment system, I had a third conjecture. Do you want to hear it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why¡­¡­don¡¯t you tell Zhou Sheng all this?¡±


    Chen Yekai straddled his chair and placed both his hands on the back of it. His eyes had an inexplicable look in it as he glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng would just ask me not to think so much, then tell me to let it go and walk out of it.¡± Chen Yekai took a sip of his coffee with his brows furrowed, ¡°But I think, Yu Hao, you can understand how I feel.¡±


    As he spoke, Chen Yekai muttered again, ¡°Once I think too much, Zhou Sheng might consider helping me by getting me to forget all this, in the same way he erased Ou Qihang¡¯s memories.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s true, your worries aren¡¯t completely unfounded. But even if you tell me all this, I can¡¯t do much for you.


    ¡°What¡¯s your third conjecture?¡± Yu Hao finally asked.


    ¡°A device that separates the body from brain waves.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°During an interstellar voyage, the body needs to sleep, that is, to ¡®enter a dream¡¯. But the mind still needs to be active. So, you can treat it as a ¡®Consciousness Storage¡¯, or a ¡®Soul Box¡¯, or a sort of ¡®Soul Device¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore, that¡¯s a little scary.¡±


    Chen Yekai raised his eyebrows slightly and said, ¡°You are the only one who truly knew the Ryuusei in my dreamscape, I think you may be able to judge¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was greatly shocked. He couldn¡¯t help but stand up and paced a few steps beside the dining table to calm himself down. ¡°It¡¯s just your yearning for Ryuusei that constructed such a real impression¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°So I¡¯ve always been searching, if there was anything I didn¡¯t know Ryuusei had done that he showed to you. That¡¯s the only way to prove that he¡¯s a soul and not a memory. Just like how you could ¡®swim¡¯ in my dream¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Yu Hao¡¯s hairs were standing on end, ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    Chen Yekai was smiling, but his eyes carried a bit of sorrow, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, he¡¯s my lover.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s right. If something like that really was true, Ryuusei may just be a ghost to him, but he was a lover to Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Why did you think of something so strange?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I discussed it for a long time with my junior.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°After all, a civilisation has to travel through the vast universe for hundreds or even thousands of years before they can find another planet with intelligent life. And the existence of the Golden Crow Wheel proves that these people¡¯s spacecrafts must have been made of matter. Matter can¡¯t exceed the speed of light, or even reach the speed of light; it¡¯s a technological limitation¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­so isn¡¯t it very reasonable to make a bold conjecture, that the body and consciousness were separated during the voyage?¡±


    Yu Hao made a meaningless gesture. Chen Yekai continued, ¡°I don¡¯t want to mention this speculation to Zhou Sheng, you should understand.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There are no secrets between us.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°Then, do as you like?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, and now you¡¯re throwing this difficult problem to me, god damn it.


    ¡°Then what do you want me to do for you?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Prove that the Ryuusei in your memory is the real Ryuusei?¡±


    Chen Yekai shrugged and answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know what I want either.¡± As he spoke, he laughed again, ¡°You can take it as a kind of confession by a lonely man to the Archangel ba. If the truth does exist in the world, then I think it¡¯ll come to light someday. Let¡¯s head to class?¡±


    Yu Hao ate the breakfast that Chen Yekai had brought for him, but Chen Yekai¡¯s idea constantly whirled in his head. Chen Yekai acted like he was just ¡®talking about it¡¯, and he didn¡¯t want to suffer Zhou Sheng¡¯s memory erasure magic because of this. On the other hand, Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng has always had an inexplicable fear of the Golden Crow Wheel ¡ª it was the kind of fear towards a power that he couldn¡¯t control. It wasn¡¯t easy for him to temporarily dispel that idea. Bringing up the past would just stir up annoyance, so he couldn¡¯t decide if he should discuss this with Zhou Sheng at the moment.


    But ultimately, this was still just one of Chen Yekai¡¯s conjectures. Ou Qihang¡¯s matter finally came to an end, and he had completely forgotten Chen Yekai. In the meantime, Huang Ting even gave them a call to verify what had happened, but Ou Qihang couldn¡¯t recall the past at all.


    ¡°Are you going to erase Kaikai¡¯s memory?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng in private.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not for now, why?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head and tied his shoelaces at the venue of their three-man basketball match.

 Chapter 106.2 - Hypothetically

    ¡°Hypothetically speaking, what if the one who exists in our memories, is the real him?¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯ve had something on your mind recently, Wifey.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If I do something stupid on the court, you must erase my memory¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng both cried and laughed, ¡°I never wanted to use it in front of you because I didn¡¯t want you to think that I would erase your memory at any time. It¡¯s not like we¡¯ve never fought before, but have I ever done it?¡±


    Fu Liqun came over and said, ¡°Babies, are you guys ready? Jiayou! Come!¡±


    The three of them stacked their hands atop one another. A whistle was blown outside, and they entered the court. It was January, so their three-man basketball match began.


    The lights made Yu Hao a little dizzy. The feeling of stepping onto the court was particularly foreign to Yu Hao, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous! We¡¯re here!¡±


    Yu Hao dribbled the ball and passed it to Fu Liqun. ¡°Bang! Bang!¡± The sound of the basketball bouncing off the ground was like the beating of a heavy drum in his heart. The spectators all around them cheered loudly, Fu Liqun quickly passed the ball through their opponents, resulting in a slam dunk!


    Yu Hao was dumbstruck. Fu Liqun¡¯s first score gave rise to a round of crazy cheers from the audience. Previously, when they formulated tactics, practiced, and played friendly matches with their classmates, it all felt like they were just having fun. It was only when they truly arrived on court that Yu Hao realised, their team seemed to be very strong!


    Zhou Sheng turned around and easily snatched the ball, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Still nervous?¡±


    Yu Hao was wearing a headband, and his forehead was drenched his sweat. Their opponents knew that he was the weakest link in the team and didn¡¯t think much of him at all, only caring about intercepting Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun made a few gestures with both his hands; Zhou Sheng suddenly passed the ball over, and Yu Hao shot from the three-point line ¡ª it went in!


    There was too big of a discrepancy in strength ¡ª those from the other team were all amateurs and couldn¡¯t match up to them at all. Zhou Sheng came over to give Yu Hao a high-five, then both of them turned around. Fu Liqun pointed at the ground, then at the backboard, signalling that the threat had been relieved so they can just play however they wanted to.


    Yu Hao was led by Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun throughout the whole match amidst the cheers. In the end, they crushed their opponents by the sheer gap in their scores. The opponents came up to shake their hands, and the match came to an end.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s sis-in-law?¡± Zhou Sheng asked as he changed his trousers in the lounge.


    ¡°She¡¯ll only come watch after we make it into the top 16.¡± Fu Liqun changed his socks, Yu Hao was still gasping for breath.


    His biggest problem was that his stamina couldn¡¯t compare to Zhou Sheng¡¯s and Fu Liqun¡¯s. Zhou Sheng rubbed his head and kissed his forehead, ¡°My dear wife, don¡¯t run so much. I told you not to be so excited.¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand and gulped down his water. After their match, Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng looked like nothing had even happened. All of them went back home to study in preparation for their final examinations.


    The three-man basketball matches should have started during their winter vacation, but for some reason, the organizer moved the competition forward. There were a total of six matches in the semi-finals, and the matches were spaced three days apart. Yu Hao still had to focus on his revision for the final exams. When night fell, Zhou Sheng used Yu Hao¡¯s laptop to browse the internet, Fu Liqun memorised content for his common classes while Yu Hao sorted out the notes for his statistics course that Zhou Sheng had made for him.


    A warm, yellow light suffused their dining table. Everyone was very quiet, and only Zhou Sheng¡¯s clicking with the apple mouse and Fu Liqun¡¯s quiet recitals could be heard.


    Yu Hao looked up from his notes and stared at them.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°?¡±


    Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao and asked, ¡°Hungry? I¡¯ll make supper for you?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head and smiled.


    ¡°What¡¯re you looking at?¡± Yu Hao got distracted and glanced at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Preparing for our trip to Australia during the Spring Festival.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll get our visas done after the basketball matches. Have you discussed it with sis-in-law on your side?¡±


    Fu Liqun shrugged and declined to comment.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, then at Fu Liqun.


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun both stared doubtfully at Yu Hao. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What exactly do you want to say??¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I was just wondering, wouldn¡¯t it be great if we could always be like this in the future?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Fuck! You want a 3P???¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t be corny, Young Madam! Are you trying to make me pull aggro??¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. Sometimes, he would feel like Zhou Sheng and him were bro-like lovers, yet also lover-like bros. A lot of their old habits were the same as before. When they were playing their matches, Zhou Sheng would come down and give him a kiss in the changing room. The opponents¡¯ team didn¡¯t question their relationship at all, and even said ¡®you guys have such a good relationship.¡¯ Although they lost, they actually copied Zhou Sheng and kissed one another in their own team.


    Meanwhile, Fu Liqun had thoroughly earned his halo. Every time he would contribute nearly 70% of the points. At first, Yu Hao was still afraid that if he worshipped Fu Liqun too much, Zhou Sheng would get jealous. But during their third match, he suddenly realised that Zhou Sheng tossed Fu Liqun a gaze filled with admiration too. The three of them would often throw knowing smiles to one another, and Yu Hao no longer minded.


    ¡°The team today looks a little strong.¡± Fu Liqun placed his hand on their and said, ¡°Did Young Master see their match last week?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Nope, went to tutor. Let¡¯s just play however ba, it¡¯ll be the semi-finals soon.¡±


    A team withdrew in the midst of the competition. In mid-January, Fu Liqun¡¯s ¡®Young Master Team¡± was about to enter the top 16.


    They were given the notification outside, then both teams entered the court, and Yu Hao was immediately dumbstruck.


    Their opponents were Huang Ting, Chen Yekai and Ou, Qi, Hang!¡±


    Chen Yekai, however, was calm enough to wave at them and said, ¡°You¡¯re here? Let¡¯s have a good game!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    After every match, Yu Hao would urge the other two to go back and study, and he didn¡¯t care about their opponents at all. When Fu Liqun looked at the list of participants, only the team names were on it, and their opponent was called ¡°Superstar Ou Team¡± ¡ª he didn¡¯t expect it to be these three guys at all!


    However, Zhou Sheng quickly calmed down and said, ¡°Start up the psychological tactics!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡­¡­what psychological tactics?¡±


    Both sides went forward for their high-fives; Fu Liqun and Huang Ting high-fived.


    Fu Liqun said to Huang Ting, ¡°Officer Huang, your shoes are fake.¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai high-fived. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Chen Laoshi, your hairstyle today makes you seem like an adorable little shou.¡±


    Chen Yekai cursed and said, ¡°Zhou Sheng just wait, I¡¯ll fucking let you know who¡¯s the shou today.¡±


    Yu Hao and Ou Qihang high-fived, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you spending your time studying?¡±


    ¡°Already got a recommendation.¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s smile was incredibly radiant.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Can a recommendation compare to being admitted through the exam?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Recommended to Tsinghua.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The whistle blew and the match began. Yu Hao immediately felt like he had encountered a strong opponent. Chen Yekai focused on Zhou Sheng, Huang Ting guarded against Fu Liqun, while Ou Qihang was in charge of watching Yu Hao. After playing several matches, Yu Hao was no longer as nervous as he was during the preliminary rounds. As soon as both teams separated, cheers rang out from the stands!


    The applause and cheers reminded Yu Hao of Zhou Sheng¡¯s ancient Roman arena. One after another, the thumps of the basketball bouncing off the ground could be heard. Ou Qihang stood upright with his tall stature and smiled as he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Do you remember what happened before?¡± Yu Hao asked Ou Qihang.


    ¡°No.¡± Ou Qihang intercepted the ball, Yu Hao moved deftly, and another round of shrieks rang out from the audience.


    Yu Hao dribbled the ball and rushed past someone before passing it to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng caught the ball, passed Chen Yekai, and Ou Qihang said, ¡°It was like I had a long dream. After waking up, I couldn¡¯t remember anything.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°People can¡¯t be too stubborn while they¡¯re alive.¡±


    ¡°Who am I? Where am I?¡± Ou Qihang smiled as he acted cute. Yu Hao took the opportunity to turn around and stood in front of Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang¡¯s chest was leaning against his back as he said, ¡°Give me a hug?¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng will beat you to death!¡±


    Through Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s cooperation, they nearly scored, but the rebound ball was snatched away by Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai quickly passed the ball to Ou Qihang, but Yu Hao found a chance to intercept it. Yu Hao feinted when he jumped and avoided Ou Qihang¡¯s attempt to snatch the ball. Three-pointer, and the ball went in.


    Chen Yekai made a gesture and exchanged places with Ou Qihang. Chen Yekai pretended to poke Ou Qihang¡¯s head with a reproachful expression on his face. Ou Qihang went to guard Zhou Sheng, while Chen Yekai guarded against Yu Hao ¡ª the two of them had swapped positions.


    ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t contact him again.¡± Yu Hao began moving, but Chen Yekai followed him like a shadow. One minute Yu Hao would be in front, but the next Chen Yekai would be the one in front.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine since he forgot everything about that rainy night.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I have too few friends, so it¡¯s always good to have one more. Why, jealous?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled. He saw that Fu Liqun had passed the ball, but Chen Yekai snatched it away. Chen Yekai passed it to Huang Ting, Huang Ting crossed Yu Hao, and passed it to Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang did a lay-up shot.


    ¡°The two of you are busy dating.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°No one plays with me now.¡±


    ¡°Be careful of attracting peach blossoms.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°The kid told me about his love for you, want to hear it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao instantly exploded when he heard that, and the ball was once again snatched away by Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t let his mind games succeed!¡¯


    Fortunately, Fu Liqun was sharp-sighted and deft so he managed to intercept Chen Yekai. Yu Hao glanced at Chen Yekai angrily and decided not to talk to him anymore. The six of them went all out. Yu Hao found this match really too difficult. Huang Ting, Chen Yekai, and Ou Qihang were even more well-coordinated than they were, and they often feinted to trick them. They were practically playing around with his team as if they were monkeys.


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: HAHAHAHAHAHAH IM SO AMUSED BY SUPERSTAR OU TEAM AND YOUNG MASTER TEAM¡¯S TRASH TALK, THOUGH YU HAO FAILED TERRIBLY


    Juurensha: Awwww Haohao tried.

 Chapter 107.1 - After the Competition

    ¡°They say that this is the match with the highest attractiveness index in Ying City¡¯s history.¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°You guys play too well.¡± Yu Hao and Huang Ting passed by each other, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t because I held them back, and if Xia Lei was here instead, you guys wouldn¡¯t have been able to win against Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun.¡±


    The team leader Huang Ting answered, ¡°We¡¯re both the ones holding them back, it¡¯s okay.¡±


    Yu Hao dribbled the ball, ¡°How are you holding anyone back??¡±


    Huang Ting often participated in the basketball matches hosted by the public security system, and he was so damn dauntless. Chen Yekai was afraid that he would slam into Yu Hao, so he didn¡¯t let him guard Yu Hao lest he couldn¡¯t restrain his impulses and end up fighting with Zhou Sheng. However, it would be fine if he ran into Zhou Sheng a bunch of times.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°They say that this is the match with the highest attractiveness index in Ying City¡¯s history, so aren¡¯t I holding you guys back?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face was covered in sweat. He wiped his face and smiled as he looked at the audience. This really was the match with the most spectators ever since the start of the competition; there were even people filling the aisles.


    The scores of both teams were constantly neck and neck, but Chen Yekai¡¯s team was always suppressing them very firmly. Yu Hao felt like the other team still had more in their tank, but they didn¡¯t want to pull their scores apart too much to give his team some face. It was not until Fu Liqun requested a break that this match began approaching its end.


    Yu Hao was so tired he couldn¡¯t run anymore. Zhou Sheng¡¯s and Fu Liqun¡¯s jerseys were also completely soaked because of their sweat.


    ¡°This team is strong.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Four points short, there¡¯s still hope.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that it should be over at this point, but he didn¡¯t say it. Fu Liqun came up with a last-minute plan. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t feel pressured, just play however you want.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao, if you really can¡¯t take it, then take a break, jiayou! If we don¡¯t make it there¡¯s always next year!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s vision was already a little blurry. He had been forced to his limit and was now relying solely on willpower to hold on. He cheered with a ¡®jiayou¡¯ along with Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng before they each turned around and ran back onto the court. The referee blew the whistle. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai went for a one-on-one again. No one said anything and focused all their attention on their teammates.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Tired? Take a break. If you can¡¯t hold on don¡¯t push yourself.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go easy on me.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Do I need to?¡± Chen Yekai and Yu Hao jumped up at the same time. Yu Hao intercepted the ball in mid air, drawing an arc from top to bottom before suddenly passing the ball towards Zhou Sheng like a shooting meteor. Zhou Sheng used his shoulder to forcefully knock Huang Ting away, dribbled a lay-up, and scored.


    Yu Hao totally didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Sheng would explode with such tremendous force right at the last moment and shouted, ¡°You¡¯re so cool!¡±


    Zhou Sheng wiped off the sweat on his face and violently shook his head. He pointed at the scoreboard and quietly gazed at Yu Hao with a meaningful look in his eyes ¡ª indicating that there was still a chance and to stay calm.


    ¡°Take a break!¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about winning or losing!¡±


    Yu Hao nodded reluctantly and stood at the edge of the court, gasping for breath. His calf was starting to cramp up.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s stamina was being pushed to its limit too. He didn¡¯t dare to exert too much energy because he had fractured his left arm, so he made a gesture at Huang Ting, and the three of them dispersed. Huang Ting started the round. Fu Liqun threw Yu Hao a kiss, and the audience burst out laughing, but Yu Hao knew Fu Liqun¡¯s secret signal. He turned around to assist Zhou Sheng.


    In the last 30 seconds, the court was like a powder keg that had been set off. Fu Liqun succeeded in suppressing Huang Ting and grabbed the ball. Within an instant, Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, and Huang Ting abandoned Fu Liqun and went to block Zhou Sheng!


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s too cruel of you guys! To surround one with three¡­¡­and in the next moment, the audience fell absolutely silent. Zhou Sheng crossed through and passed the ball to Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang wasn¡¯t prepared for it at all and was stunned for a second, then Zhou Sheng got past Chen Yekai and snatched the ball from Ou Qihang again.


    In a split second, their last chance arrived! Zhou Sheng passed the ball to Fu Liqun ¡ª¡ª Fu Liqun dribbled the ball out of the three-point line, jumped, and shot out his last three-pointer shot¡ª¡ª


    For just two seconds, the audience was dead still. Yu Hao¡¯s eyes widened as his heart began jumping around violently. Chen Yekai rushed up but still didn¡¯t make it in time to intercept the ball; he ended up colliding with Fu Liqun and fell down.


    The basketball flew towards the basket. Everyone¡¯s heart stopped beating; the ball knocked onto the basket with a ¡°bang¡°, bounced¡­and bounced off. A loud, rueful cry rang out from the audience, but in the next moment, Yu Hao dashed over from the edge of the court, caught the ball, dribbled, and shot¡ª¡ª


    At the same time the ball left his hands, the referee whistled, the ball went in, and the crowd burst into a crazy frenzy of cheers and applause.


    Zhou Sheng let out a loud cry and darted towards Yu Hao. He jumped and sat on his waist. Yu Hao nearly lost his footing and started to laugh.


    Yet just a few seconds later, disappointed boos rang out in all directions.


    On the scoreboard, the last two points never showed up.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao separated. Everyone looked at the scoreboard together, and after a few seconds of silence, a song began playing on the sidelines. Yu Hao was a little helpless, but he was in a very good mood. Right now, he really wanted to wrap his arms around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck and kiss him.


    ¡°The last two points can¡¯t be counted.¡± The referee explained, ¡°But you guys played very well.¡±


    Yu Hao was afraid that Zhou Sheng would start quarrelling with the referee, while Zhou Sheng looked a bit confused. Both sides nodded and Zhou Sheng understood what Yu Hao meant. He went forward to shake hands with the referee, then hugged Huang Ting¡¯s team. Everyone was sweating, and sweat mixed with the faint scent of cologne wafted from Chen Yekai¡¯s body. Both teams went to their respective dressing rooms to change.


    Most of the spectators ran to the back door, and there were a lot fewer people in the stadium now. Yu Hao said, ¡°What a pity.¡±


    Zhou Sheng spun the ball in one hand while he held Yu Hao¡¯s hand with his other, their fingers intertwined. He looked back at him, ¡°That last ball was really cool.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. There were a lot fewer people now. He stood at the edge of the court, draped an arm around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck, and kissed him deeply.


    But Fu Liqun sighed. He stood in the center of the court, looking a little lonely. Cen Shan didn¡¯t come today. They had said before that she would only come over to watch them compete from the top 16 onwards, yet they lost to Chen Yekai¡¯s team today, so they won¡¯t be able to enter the top 16.


    ¡°Huang Ting¡¯s too good.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯s not very tall, but his style is really aggressive.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Huang Ting used to play as a forward. His team was the champion of the National Public Security Basketball Competition, it¡¯s not unfair to have lost to him.¡±


    The three of them still felt like they could have done more, and they were all thinking about their match. Chen Yekai was in charge of formulating tactics, Huang Ting was the main force, and Ou Qihang had a good physique. They seemed completely uncooperative but had still managed to catch them unprepared. Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°If I had known this sooner, I would have watched their matches.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°They would¡¯ve definitely held back; they won¡¯t let us see through them that easily. Okay, bros, it¡¯s over. Although we lost, we have no regrets!¡±


    Fu Liqun came over between Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, and he gave them a forceful hug. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but Yu Hao was on the brink of tears and quickly waved his hand to tell him to stop talking. That kind of feeling that can only be comprehended and not spoken made Yu Hao feel like his feelings at this moment were that much more real. As the saying goes, ¡°live in the present¡±, and this may be what it means to ¡°live in the present¡± ba.


    A knock could be heard outside. Huang Ting came in and smiled, ¡°I¡¯ll remember our match today for the rest of my life.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai! Don¡¯t pretend to be the nice guy after winning the match!¡±


    Huang Ting was still dressed in his sports attire. He sat down and said, ¡°To tell you the truth, I¡¯m leaving. Nicky asked me to play a friendly match with you guys before I leave.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao was stunned, ¡°Leaving? Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m transferring to Beijing.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving at the end of the month. Let¡¯s have a meal together when you¡¯re free?¡±


    Zhou Sheng understood and smiled. ¡°Got a promotion? Congratulations.¡±


    Fu Liqun and Yu Hao moved forward and patted Huang Ting¡¯s shoulder. Huang Ting smoothed his hair out of habit, ¡°There will be a performance in your college this year, I¡¯ll see you guys then.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Huang Ting had contributed a lot to the anti-corruption campaign this time, so it was natural for him to obtain a promotion. There¡¯s no banquet in the world that doesn¡¯t come to an end. It was a good thing for Huang Ting to hold a post in the investigation team. He still remembered Zhou Sheng saying that Huang Ting could have been a single-line undercover for his superior from the very beginning, so returning to his department now was reasonable.


    Still, Huang Ting saying that he was going to leave just like that made him feel extremely reluctant to part with him. Although he doesn¡¯t see Huang Ting all the time like he does with Chen Yekai and Fu Liqun, Yu Hao had already vaguely regarded Huang Ting as part of his small circle of friends.


    ¡°Then what about Jun Jie?¡± During dinner, Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Jun Jie doesn¡¯t like him, what¡¯s there to do?¡±


    Fu Liqun obviously didn¡¯t look very good today. Yu Hao knew that it wasn¡¯t because of the match they lost, but because Cen Shan didn¡¯t come. While the three of them ate at the stir-fry shop, Fu Liqun had his head buried in his phone texting Cen Shan on WeChat. After awhile, he got up and left the shop to make a call.


    Yu Hao was in a good mood at first, but when he saw this, he felt a little upset. When Fu Liqun and Cen Shan called each other, they usually wouldn¡¯t avoid doing it in front of him and Zhou Sheng. The only reason he would leave his seat was because they were going to start fighting.


    ¡°Gege wanted to earn some pocket money through the match and go to Australia with us.¡± Zhou Sheng considered it before saying, ¡°Why don¡¯t we pay for him?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t want it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said helplessly, ¡°True.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that although Fu Liqun didn¡¯t plan out his expenditures, he would never drag out owing his friends money, and had never borrowed money from anyone either. Zhou Sheng had wanted to earn some money from the three-man basketball match¡¯s prize money so that Fu Liqun could take Cen Shan along with them for a vacation. At the same time, Zhou Sheng could also upgrade their airplane seats and hotel room, killing two birds with one stone.


    But there were too many experts. Putting aside Chen Yekai¡¯s team, even if they had won today, they still might not have passed through the next round.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao drank some wine. The two of them looked at each other for a moment and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai, my dear wife.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un?¡±


    Yu Hao was a little drunk. A drizzle had started outside; it was a warm winter this year. Even though it was January now, the first snow had not fallen still.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They all like you.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, baffled. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Don¡¯t run off with someone else.¡±


    ¡°What are you thinking?!¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    At this time, Fu Liqun returned. The call didn¡¯t last for very long, but his expression was extremely calm. Yu Hao  vaguely sensed that something was off.


    ¡°Any white wine?¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Boss, get two bottles of white wine for us. Young Madam can¡¯t take white wine, Young Master, accompany me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, crap, he must have fought with Cen Shan this time. And indeed, Cen Shan sent Yu Hao several messages in succession. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master, just this once.¡±


    ¡°Get lost!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°How many times have you said that?¡± As he spoke, he laughed, ¡°If you want to drink, just drink. What¡¯s so hard about accompanying you?¡±


    Yu Hao got up to take the call. Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t answer the call.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What? Why? It¡¯s Kaikai.¡±


    ¡°Oh then go ba.¡± Fu Liqun said.

 Chapter 107.2 - After the Competition

    ¡°They say that this is the match with the highest attractiveness index in Ying City¡¯s history.¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao dialled Cen Shan¡¯s number outside and whispered, ¡°Sis-in-law.¡±


    There was a winter drizzle outside. Cen Shan¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t very steady as she said, ¡°Darling, help me tell him that he¡¯s right. Take care of him and get him to find someone who¡¯s suitable for him. We should stop tormenting each other like this.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Sis-in-law¡­¡­wait, don¡¯t be impulsive¡­¡­¡±


    Cen Shan stopped speaking for a long time on the other end and sucked in her breaths like she had just finished crying. She slowly said, ¡°He was halfway through speaking when he just hung up. I hadn¡¯t even finished saying my part, you just¡­¡­just let it be like this ba. You and Zhou Sheng can keep treating me like a Jiejie in the future, call me if something comes up, Jie loves you both. I won¡¯t say anymore¡­¡­bye.¡±


    That night, Yu Hao kept chatting with Cen Shan on the phone and tried to talk her around. Only then did he know that Cen Shan had wanted to come over today, but she was forced to go to a rich second generation¡¯s birthday party by her family. When she arrived at the competition venue, it had already been an hour since everyone left the place. She was wearing high heels and a short skirt, and she hadn¡¯t called her family¡¯s chauffeur; she had asked her friend to buy her a high-speed railway ticket to come over, and when she was fighting with Fu Liqun over the phone, she was standing outside the stadium in the cold while getting drenched in the rain.


    Cen Shan asked Yu Hao not to tell Fu Liqun and to just let things stay that way. Yu Hao wanted to tell him several times, but in the end, he respected Cen Shan¡¯s wishes. Zhou Sheng could tell that there was something off with Yu Hao, so he asked him to go back first. Yu Hao then hurriedly hailed a cab and picked up Cen Shan.


    ¡°Stay at our place ba.¡± Yu Hao quickly said.


    Cen Shan¡¯s expression was a little stupefied. Yu Hao quickly took off his jacket and put it on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go home.¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°Help me buy a high-speed railway ticket, darling, I don¡¯t know how to.¡±


    Cen Shan has never known how to even read a bus¡¯s guideboard since she was a child, and she only started riding the subway after getting together with Fu Liqun. Yu Hao kept persuading her to go back to the house they rented, but Cen Shan said, ¡°There¡¯s no need, I really won¡¯t go.¡±


    So Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Yu Hao bought a business-class seat for Cen Shan and sent her to the entrance of the high-speed railway station. This was the last train. When he saw the state Cen Shan was in, Yu Hao really felt panicked. In the meantime, he had sent Zhou Sheng a few messages to ask him what he should do, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply to him. It was only when Cen Shan had entered the station that Zhou Sheng replied:


    ¡¾It doesn¡¯t matter, they¡¯ll reconcile in a few months. They won¡¯t really break up.¡¿


    Yu Hao thought, how could you play it off so lightly? Zhou Sheng sent another message:¡¾I¡¯m used to it, just comfort them a little. You feel so upset for them now, but believe me when I say you¡¯ll want to slap their faces after they make up in a few months.¡¿


    Yu Hao thought, okay then, looks like it¡¯s not the first time Fu Liqun and Cen Shan have broken up. Their love does seem really tiring; fortunately he doesn¡¯t fight with Zhou Sheng like that. Zhou Sheng asked him to go home first to take a bath, sleep, and prepare for their final exams. After their match, he was on the verge of dying.


    After Yu Hao took a bath, he leaned on the sofa in the living room. His hair had grown out quite a bit. In the middle of the night, Zhou Sheng dragged Fu Liqun back and threw him on the sofa, then went straight into the bathroom to take a bath and also to wash off the traces of vomit on his sweater.


    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao quickly went to check on Fu Liqun.


    Fu Liqun was crying like a 1.93m child.


    ¡°Gege are you alright?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll get you some water.¡±


    Fu Liqun grabbed Yu Hao and opened his drunk eyes that were thoroughly red, then said seriously to Yu Hao, ¡°Your¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Your sis-in-law isn¡¯t your sis-in-law anymore.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°But your Gege is still your Gege¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought of the phrase ¡°your aunt isn¡¯t your aunt anymore but your grandfather is still your grandfather¡°, and just felt both upset and amused. He sighed, then poured a glass of water for Fu Liqun. He covered him with a blanket and left him in the living room. He narrated the entire process to Zhou Sheng, while Zhou Sheng scrolled through his phone and said, ¡°She won¡¯t come.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If she came over for the night, they might have made up.¡±


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re like us?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And make up after doing it once?¡± As he spoke, he turned over and pushed Yu Hao down.


    Yu Hao moaned, ¡°I¡¯m about to fall apart, we just finished the basketball game, could you let me off?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Zhou Sheng said all proper and serious, ¡°I drank my Shibo¡¯s Seahorse Wine, so now I have a lot of energy and no outlet to release it. You don¡¯t need to move, just enjoy it.¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time doing it with Zhou Sheng while his body was thoroughly spent. The ache left behind by the vigorous exercise in the morning made it difficult for him to move that night, and he even struggled to raise his hand. But Zhou Sheng still had an abundance of energy, which made Yu Hao shamefully feel like he had turned into a humiliating toy. On the other hand, the intense impact and stimulation that occurred in his body felt incomparably real at that moment.


    When the body is in a state of extreme fatigue, desire seems to lose all restraint and control. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time losing all sense of control that night. When the glow of the morning sun streamed in, Zhou Sheng lay beside him face down, revealing the contour of his shoulder and back, which made him feel incredibly infatuated.


    ¡°It hurts so much.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s whole body ached after he tried to prop himself up.


    ¡°What time is it?¡± Zhou Sheng woke up and quickly picked Yu Hao up to go take a bath. Their final exams were starting today. Fu Liqun was still sleeping on the sofa, and after he was shaken awake, he abruptly sprang up. In the midst of all their turmoil, they rushed to the college to end off their studies for this semester.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna fail.¡± Fu Liqun said helplessly, ¡°I have no idea what I was being tested on at all, my head felt like it was spinning.¡±


    Yu Hao comforted him at lunch, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. Whenever we think we¡¯re gonna fail, we never do.¡±


    Fu Liqun hadn¡¯t sobered up from his hangover. When he went to take his exam early in the morning, he bumped into Xue Long outside his examination venue and got scolded for the smell of alcohol that lingered on his body. Zhou Sheng came into the canteen pulling a very long face, looking very infuriated.


    Yu Hao nudged him slightly under the table and cast him an inquiring gaze. Li Yangming had followed along too, and after some small talk, Li Yangming said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, I heard that Xue Laoshi gave your father a call.¡±


    Xue Long was causing trouble for Zhou Sheng again, and only Yu Hao was fine. Yu Hao began to think that it was now a little dangerous.


    ¡°I know.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently.


    Li Yangming said, ¡°I heard him talk about you and Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao was a bit nervous, ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°He said¡­¡­uh¡­¡­¡± Li Yangming thought about it for awhile, and didn¡¯t really dare to say anything more.


    ¡°You can just say it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Li Yangming said, ¡°He said, your classmates reported to him that the two of you often squeeze onto the same bed in the dorm and hug each other to sleep¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought that he had really underestimated Xue Long. If Xue Long had just said ¡°the two of them are gay¡±, then perhaps Zhou Laichun wouldn¡¯t have believed him. He would have just explained it as them being good bros, writing it off as ¡®there¡¯s nothing much if the kids have a good relationship, Xue Laoshi you¡¯ve misunderstood¡¯. But Xue Long was well-versed in the art of stirring up rumours; he just described the details without making any conclusions, and let Zhou Laichun digest the nauseating truth and actions by himself. In actuality, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng seldom slept together in the dormitory. The bed was too small after all, so Yu Hao was always afraid of squeezing Zhou Sheng off, and it was even less likely for their classmates to have found them sleeping together.


    Zhou Sheng continued picking up his food without much concern and said, ¡°Looks like he saw it pretty clearly himself, must have peeped in every night through our balcony window.¡±


    Li Yangming laughed a bit awkwardly. Yu Hao thought that Zhou Laichun had been a soldier before, so this might lead to two possibilities. One: he would be able to come around to it, and understand and respect them both. Two: he¡¯s homophobic and is especially disgusted with such things.


    ¡°What else did he say?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Li Yangming, ¡°He saw that I was around, so he didn¡¯t say anything more.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°, and the four of them didn¡¯t say anything for a moment as they ate their lunch quietly. They each had their own thoughts. Fu Liqun was like a zombie today. He ate very little before he just stopped eating.


    ¡°Will you guys be performing during the college¡¯s anniversary party?¡± Li Yangming changed the topic.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng answered absent-mindedly.


    ¡°We are?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why don¡¯t I know about it?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Kaikai told us. We didn¡¯t want to in the first place, but we do now.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What are we doing? The two of you didn¡¯t discuss it with me at all ba!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to perform you can just listen from below.¡± Zhou Sheng was frowning deeply as he said to Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°But of course it would be better if you follow us and casually sing a song. Huang Ting and Ou Qihang are coming too as VIP guests. Kaikai arranged the program.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ok then, I¡¯ll choose a song.¡± In any case, it¡¯s not like he had practiced for very long the previous time. Now he had a whole group of people accompanying him, so it was even less of an issue. Now that he thought about it, compared to last year, Yu Hao felt like he had now taken full control of his own life.


    ¡°Then your father¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll deal with him.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    After his statistics exam was over, Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning. He was called to Chen Yekai¡¯s dormitory. Chen Yekai didn¡¯t force him either and just told him that he didn¡¯t need to perform if he didn¡¯t want to. Yu Hao was feeling vexed over Zhou Sheng¡¯s father. Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t call them, and it felt like a ticking time bomb that he didn¡¯t know when would suddenly blow up.


    Yu Hao never had any problems, but he didn¡¯t want Zhou Sheng to feel frustrated. For the past few days, everything was still the same as usual. Zhou Sheng was still his chirpy self, but Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was always deep in thought. There wasn¡¯t anyone else in this world who knew Zhou Sheng as well as he does ¡ª¡ª this guy usually kept silent, but he actually thinks things through by himself a lot.


    Chen Yekai was selecting a song for Yu Hao, and after he heard Yu Hao¡¯s worries, he casually said, ¡°Plan on coming out of the closet?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What should I do?¡¯


    Chen Yekai was very relaxed, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think coming out of the closet to one¡¯s parents depends on whether you¡¯re dating someone, but on what kind of life you want. Zhou Sheng¡¯s future can not exclude his parents, or to be more precise, it can¡¯t exclude his father. If his family can accept you guys, then of course it would be satisfactory for all parties involved.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s possible. For me, the only thought I have is to depend on our own efforts to live¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and said, ¡°But in everyone¡¯s heart, they would hope to obtain the support of their parents ba. I think Zhou Sheng is no exception.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± At this moment, Yu Hao suddenly understood how Zhou Sheng feels.


    Zhou Sheng has always used his actions to express his indifference and even his resistance, but deep down, he still hoped to be acknowledged by his family. This was something Yu Hao had often neglected. For him, he had no more relatives in this world, so what kind of life he lived didn¡¯t matter much, but Zhou Sheng was different.


    ¡°Just these two songs?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s not too good, right?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The college¡¯s anniversary is on Valentine¡¯s.¡±


    Chen Yekai said sincerely, ¡°This song is practically voicing out my inner thoughts, as long as Zhou Sheng doesn¡¯t mind.¡±


    When Yu Hao returned home, he asked Zhou Sheng, and of course he didn¡¯t mind. He simply nodded and continued quarrelling with Zhou Laichun who was on the other end of the call.


    The time bomb was finally here. Yu Hao sat at the dining table and heard Zhou Sheng arguing loudly with his father and stared at him uneasily. He has always had the impression that Zhou Sheng was an aggressive and irascible person. But in careful retrospect, Zhou Sheng rarely acted out violently in real life. Most of the time, his irascible personality was just a pretense for him to achieve his objective. There were only three people who could really make him go mad: Yu Hao and his parents.


    Zhou Sheng glanced at him, turned his phone on loudspeaker, and placed it on the table.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°It¡¯s been so many years since the three of us had a meal together. What do you have against me? You have that much face?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was on the verge of exploding. He forcibly repressed his anger and said, ¡°I already said that I¡¯m going to Australia for the New Year! I¡¯ve already prepared the visa!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll change it for you!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Is a first-class seat and a five-star hotel not good enough for you? Must you leave on New Year¡¯s Eve?¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh boy, I hope things go okay with ZS¡¯ dad¡­. And nooooo FLQ and CS, get back together soon!

 Chapter 108.1 - Performance

    ¡°Young Master you actually snatched the C position! That¡¯s too terrible!¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao threw him a glance to indicate that it doesn¡¯t matter, Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°Who are you going with? How many classmates are you going with?¡±


    ¡°Just me and Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng restrained himself and said, ¡°What do you want to say? Just say it.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart suddenly flew to his throat; Zhou Sheng was ready to lay all his cards on the table.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I don¡¯t care what you reserved, you must spend the Spring Festival with family. Your mother and I both have something to announce. You can go wherever you want after the first day of New Year, I¡¯ll reimburse your tickets and hotel, I won¡¯t even care if you want to go to Antarctica afterwards.¡±


    ¡°Bullshit!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°We¡¯ve never spent the New Year together even once in the past 10 years, and now you talk about a family reunion to celebrate the New Year?!¡±


    Yu Hao repeatedly motioned to Zhou Sheng to stop fighting and almost just went up to him to cover his mouth. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Some plans are going to be rearranged for you.¡± Then he hung up.


    Zhou Sheng was extremely vexed. He sat at the dining table looking absolutely annoyed. As soon as Zhou Laichun hung up, Yu Hao said, ¡°Are they thinking about getting married to each other again? Family reunion dinners are really important¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°How is it any of my damn business?!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily.


    Yu Hao got a start. Zhou Sheng immediately realised that he had scared Yu Hao, so he quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry darling, Hubby couldn¡¯t control his emotions just now.¡±


    Yu Hao hurriedly said that it was okay, though he really was frightened by Zhou Sheng, who had lost control of himself. Zhou Sheng immediately moved over to Yu Hao¡¯s side, all vexed and restless, ¡°I really do have¡­¡­a tendency to be violent; sometimes I could be talking to someone properly, and the next I wouldn¡¯t be able to control myself¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao leaned forward, sat opposite Zhou Sheng, and reached out to touch the back of his head. He answered, ¡°You only blow up once in awhile towards your family. It¡¯s not a tendency, it¡¯s only because you¡¯re too concerned about them.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao a little guiltily. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Go ba. Cancel the plane tickets first, go listen to what your parents have to say. In any case, Gege and sis-in-law aren¡¯t going this time, so we can go together after they reconcile?¡±


    It took Zhou Sheng one whole night before he could calm down. Yu Hao felt that if it was just about cancelling their Australia trip, he wouldn¡¯t have gotten so angry. Zhou Sheng must have said something to his father before Yu Hao came back. Maybe Zhou Laichun had already begun to sound out Zhou Sheng¡¯s relationship with Yu Hao and didn¡¯t intend to invite Yu Hao for dinner on New Year¡¯s Eve, which was what led to their fight.


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t leave Yu Hao at home by himself, of course, and Yu Hao didn¡¯t say something like ¡®you should go back by yourself¡¯. With that temper of his, Zhou Sheng would just become even more stubborn if he did say that, and he would insist on taking Yu Hao along. By then, the two of them might even start quarrelling in private.


    Dreamscape, Colosseum Arena.


    Zhou Sheng looked all sloppy as he carried his jingubang on his shoulder, one foot stepping on a cloud as he sat down. He faced the Satan in his dream world.


    ¡°Sometimes I feel,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That there¡¯s no need to be too sunny or kind.¡±


    Satan transformed into another Zhou Sheng, who was clad in black armour from head to toe. His light and dark selves looked at each other, and Dark Zhou Sheng smiled insidiously.


    Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Finally figured it out? I thought you were here today to challenge Tao Tie.¡±


    Zhou Sheng cast a sidelong glance at the massive Tao Tie in the arena; light reflected off its sharp horns.


    ¡°Let it stay for the time being.¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly, then he touched the little fox doll on his shoulder.


    Zhou Sheng woke up at daybreak. He glanced sideways at Yu Hao, who was resting on his shoulder. Both of them were naked, their bare skin in close contact with one another. Yu Hao always liked to sleep while hugging Zhou Sheng and rest his head on Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm as he snuggled up to his chest ¡ª just like in the dream world, with the fox doll that always sat on his shoulder. Zhou Sheng often woke up in the morning with a numb arm, but he still couldn¡¯t help himself from holding Yu Hao tight.


    Zhou Sheng bowed his head and kissed Yu Hao. Yu Hao was sweating a little and adjusted his posture out of discomfort. Their final exams were already over, and it was Valentine¡¯s Day today; it would only be the Lunar Year in five days. For the sake of its appraisals, the college wasn¡¯t willing to have an early holiday and had insisted on putting off the college¡¯s anniversary performance until today before they were willing to let them go. Almost all of the students openly voiced their discontent. However, it didn¡¯t matter to Yu Hao at all. After all, it would be the same no matter where he spent it.


    Zhou Sheng stroked the Yu Hao in his arms and didn¡¯t dare touch his bare shoulders, so as not to wake him up.


    His father¡¯s words still lingered in his ears. Zhou Sheng had to admit that if Zhou Laichun wanted to break them up, he had a lot of ways to do it. He could just order him to go abroad for a one-year preparatory course plus a two-year business course, and he would have no way of dealing with it. He couldn¡¯t discuss it with Yu Hao either, because Yu Hao would just tell him, ¡°That¡¯s really good, you have to go.¡± He understood that Yu Hao didn¡¯t want him to abandon his future just so that they could be together.


    Accepting Zhou Laichun¡¯s arrangements, making new plans for his life, getting a degree in business management, and returning to take over the company is the life he should have. In front of this perfectly logical chain of reasoning, Zhou Sheng had no room for rebuttal at all.


    Looking at it from another perspective though, what if he took Yu Hao abroad too?


    Zhou Sheng could fully anticipate what Zhou Laichun would say in response: I¡¯m only willing to fork out the money for you to study abroad. As for who you want to take, don¡¯t even think about spending your Laozi¡¯s money. If you have the capability, then think of a way yourself. I¡¯m obliged to support you, but I¡¯m in no way obliged to support your wife.


    Saying this all outright would be enough to completely stifle Zhou Sheng to death.


    Sometimes, Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger wasn¡¯t directed to his father, but rather towards himself. He couldn¡¯t ask Yu Hao to wait for him for three years either. Zhou Sheng has no doubt at all that once he insists on taking Yu Hao along to study abroad, Zhou Laichun would not hesitate to take back all the money he gave him.


    Within this hazy confusion, Zhou Sheng could empathise with Cen Shan a lot. Sometimes when he looks at Fu Liqun, he himself couldn¡¯t bear it either. He didn¡¯t want Yu Hao to feel as conflicted as Fu Liqun, so most of the time he could only choose not to say anything. But there are many things that, even if you don¡¯t try to think about them, would always hang around anyway. Momentary happiness had concealed reality¡¯s troubles, just like now. Yu Hao had turned over to sleep for a while, then unconsciously moved back again and instinctively hugged Zhou Sheng, his whole body leaning on Zhou Sheng¡¯s body.


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand and stroked his head gently. For him, this was almost his whole world. Aside from this, he would leave that bit of space for his career, but it definitely wouldn¡¯t be much.


    Yu Hao nudged again a few times.


    Zhou Sheng finally couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and thought, I can¡¯t anymore I really have to kiss you¡­¡­his movements at first were relatively gentle, but because they didn¡¯t do it last night, Zhou Sheng was like a hungry wolf now.


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows furrowed, ¡°Un¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Woke up?¡± Zhou Sheng was just entering and felt a little nervous. He was afraid of hurting Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao was only half awake, and his reaction was completely unconscious. Zhou Sheng liked it the most when Yu Hao put up zero resistance and was under his complete control; his wolf blood started boiling all of a sudden, until Yu Hao completely woke up, then the two of them began entangling with each other as they delved into a mad storm of passionate kisses.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re too savage! How could you do this to me!¡±


    Afterwards, Zhou Sheng smiled as he went to take a bath and wanted to pull him in. Yu Hao was afraid that they would do it again, so he hugged his blanket like a child and sat on the bed as he indignantly blamed Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°I love you so much.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao earnestly, ¡°I¡¯ll love you all my life, nothing will be able to separate us.¡±


    Yu Hao scratched his head and glanced at him with eyes full of doubt, but Zhou Sheng just whistled as he went to take his bath.


    On the afternoon of Valentine¡¯s Day, Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Huang Ting, Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, and Fu Liqun stood back stage as they prepared for their first song. When he recalled how he was shivering from the cold here last year, compared to today, he had practically lived through a different phase of his life.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nervous at all.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s nervous.¡±


    Yu Hao tidied up Zhou Sheng¡¯s collar for him. Fu Liqun said helplessly, ¡°Only the two of you are a couple this Valentine¡¯s Day, the rest are all single dogs. Please take pity on us.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and motioned a ¡°shh¡± gesture as a signal to not let him be heard by the student union backstage.


    Today, Huang Ting coordinated his attire with the rest. Everyone was wearing a white shirt. Huang Ting had a masculine appearance, while Ou Qihang possessed a fresh and juvenile air. Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng, plus Chen Yekai¡­¡­Yu Hao thought that this should be the strongest line-up for a Super Male Idol group in their college, and wondered what kind of reactions the audience would later have.


    After everyone gathered, the student union immediately closed the door and asked for a group photo backstage. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Standing like this looks too dumb, split up a bit.¡±


    Several people were behind the sofa and were either sitting or standing. Zhou Sheng openly sat right in the middle like a CEO, with one leg thrown over the other. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master you actually snatched the C position! That¡¯s too terrible!¡±


    Fu Liqun jumped onto the sofa and sat on the back of the sofa. Chen Yekai stood next to Yu Hao with one arm draped around his shoulder; Ou Qihang sat cross-legged on the ground in front of the sofa, while Huang Ting held a microphone as he stood beside Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao over and made him lie down horizontally with his leg as a pillow.


    ¡°One, two, three¡ª¡ª¡±


    The photographer took a picture of the six of them, and Yu Hao suddenly felt sad. With Huang Ting¡¯s transfer and Ou Qihang¡¯s graduation, this kind of moment may never happen again.


    Just one second before the shutter was pressed however, Zhou Sheng moved one hand over and held Yu Hao¡¯s finger, tightening his grip slightly. Yu Hao knew that right now, his feelings must be aligned with his own, and what he wanted to say was: we will still be together.

 Chapter 108.2 - Performance

    ¡°Young Master you actually snatched the C position! That¡¯s too terrible!¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    The light outside was suddenly turned off; everything was pitch-black.


    ¡°Quick quick quick.¡± The host urged, ¡°It¡¯s starting! Chen Laoshi!¡±


    Chen Yekai took a chair and motioned to the rest of them. Each of them carried a high chair each and got ready in front of the curtain. Yu Hao said, ¡°Where¡¯s my mic? My mic¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Use this one.¡± The conference attendance came and handed him an ear mic. Yu Hao put it on, and the rest of them each held a microphone. Ou Qihang smiled as he said, ¡°This is my first time performing like this¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao encouraged, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous!¡±


    In the dark, the auditorium gradually quieted down. Yu Hao peeked out of the curtain and looked outside ¡ª so many people actually came today, the numbers were even greater than he had imagined!


    Within the darkness, the stage lights fell, and the first light was cast upon Chen Yekai, who was sitting on a high chair. The auditorium suddenly erupted into a loud round of cheers.


    ¡°The world is so vast, why did we meet?¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s deep voice rang out, which was completely overwhelmed by excited screams in an instant.


    ¡°Are we siblings? Or relatives?¡± Zhou Sheng swayed back and forth on the chair sloppily as he sang into his microphone.


    Yu Hao laughed backstage.


    ¡°Today is February 14, the legendary Valentine¡¯s Day. All boys and girls in the street, are enjoying the festival today.¡± Fu Liqun held his microphone, looking helpless as he sadly began to rap madly along with the guitar accompaniment.


    ¡°Today is February 14, the legendary Valentine¡¯s Day. I intend to go home, read, and eat instant noodles¡­¡­¡± Ou Qihang laughed sorrowfully. As soon as the light fell upon him, another round of mad shrieks rang out.


    Huang Ting continued, ¡°But some asshole on QQ asked, why are you still alone? I couldn¡¯t help but send him this warm regard¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°May all the couples in this world be long lost brothers and sisters¡ª¡ª¡±


    The auditorium burst out into laughter. Zhou Sheng sang with a mischievous look on his face, ¡°No matter if it¡¯s Motai, 7 Days, Supa, Jin Jiang Inn, Greenhouse, Orange Crystal, I hope all their beds are occupied¡ª¡ª¡±


    Amidst the frenzied laughter, the stage was well-lit and bright. All five of them put down their microphones, and a glaring light shone down. Yu Hao stood in the middle of the stage, his eyes sparkled as brightly as the stars as he began singing with deep emotion, ¡°You exi¡ª¡ªst¡ª¡ªdeep in my memories, in my dream, in my heart, in my song¡ª¡ª¡±


    Five of them raised their hand at the same time, applauding with their microphones in hand before leaving the stage. Yu Hao went to the front of the stage in the midst of everyone¡¯s cheers. He kept internally reminding himself to not act too feminine when singing later. He put on his ear mic, continuing the previous rap before changing the song:


    ¡°Still remember we used to, walk side by side, through that section of the bustling alley¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­like a dream, it was fated¡­¡­¡±


    The entire auditorium was quiet, and only Yu Hao¡¯s strong voice penetrated through the stillness.


    ¡°You exi¡ª¡ªst¡ª¡ªdeep in my memories¡ª¡ª in my dream, in my heart, in my song¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao looked up and saw Zhou Sheng standing in the same place at the back of the auditorium, just like he did last year.


    At that moment, it was as if only the two of them remained in this world. Yu Hao watched Zhou Sheng from afar. He smiled, bowed to the crowd, and the curtains were drawn.


    The opening song had driven the atmosphere within to its climax. Yu Hao could no longer remember what the host said. He held hands with Zhou Sheng and ran out of the auditorium as they followed behind everyone else. Chen Yekai had parked his new car at the back door of the auditorium ¡ª a seven-seater Lincoln.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to do this ba!¡± Fu Liqun became frantic, ¡°So you don¡¯t want your old one? Then give it to me!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a new car!¡± Chen Yekai laughed, ¡°I¡¯ll take you guys out for a ride¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You will? Can I join?¡± Li Yangming was waiting beside the car as he asked nervously, ¡°May I ride Chen Laoshi¡¯s car?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that Fu Liqun would let Li Yangming follow along too, but Fu Liqun said, ¡°Get on ba, let¡¯s all eat barbeque together.¡± As he spoke, he threw Yu Hao a glance.


    Zhou Sheng smiled and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can have fun together.¡±


    ¡°Get on.¡± Chen Yekai said to Li Yangming, ¡°Squeeze in with the rest.¡±


    Li Yangming was obviously very happy. Fu Liqun introduced, ¡°He¡¯s our roommate.¡±


    Chen Yekai took them to an open-air barbeque shop by the river. Although it was a cold winter, there were several radiating heat lamps on the platform. Everyone ate barbeque as they admired the river scenery. Xiao Yujun came as well for Huang Ting¡¯s farewell dinner.


    Yu Hao watched Zhou Sheng barbeque meat for him. Zhou Sheng had chased the chef away and started doing it personally, and he barbequed it better than the chef did. Yu Hao looked at Li Yangming and Fu Liqun, who were chatting not too far away and said, ¡°Is Gege a little lonely? I feel like we haven¡¯t been paying enough attention to him recently.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was wearing an apron as he barbequed seriously. He thought about it for a bit, then said, ¡°He¡¯s the one who doesn¡¯t want to disturb us.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter though.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao and smiled. Fu Liqun had just broken up and was in a very bad mood. He hung out with Li Yangming most of the time during the final examination period. Yu Hao knew that Fu Liqun didn¡¯t want to interrupt Zhou Sheng and his dates, and he was also a nice guy who didn¡¯t want to leave their new roommate alone in the dormitory.


    ¡°You don¡¯t like that kid?¡± Zhou Sheng asked casually.


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll end up liking Gege.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It would be too awkward.¡±


    Two lonely people; Yu Hao wasn¡¯t worried about Fu Liqun, but Li Yangming.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°He¡¯s straight, that kid should know.¡±


    Yu Hao took the meat Zhou Sheng barbequed, ¡°But he can¡¯t help it if he really does end up liking him; didn¡¯t I end up liking a straight guy too?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m gay, not straight.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and went to share the barbequed meat with the rest of the party. Chen Yekai held a bottle of beer as he chatted with Zhou Sheng by the railings. Huang Ting patted Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, signalling for him to follow him since he had something he wanted to say to Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving tomorrow?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you accompany Junjun Jie a little longer?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll accompany her at night.¡± Huang Ting was a little amused, ¡°Not to get a room, just for a walk¡­¡­I wanna ask you a question.¡±


    Yu Hao raised an eyebrow as he looked at Huang Ting. A hint of a smile could be seen in Huang Ting¡¯s eyes as he studied Yu Hao.


    ¡°Ou Qihang lost his memory, did you know that?¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°Un?¡± Yu Hao suddenly sensed that something was amiss. He quickly thought it through and answered, ¡°He told me before, we guessed¡­¡­if he had gotten hit that night? Or the aftereffects of the anesthetics?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡± Huang Ting shook his head meaningfully, ¡°I specifically took him to the hospital for a check-up.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, full of doubt, ¡°Then?¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s eyes were very sharp, as if he could see everything. Yu Hao felt a sense of danger ¡ª¡ª he didn¡¯t ask Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, or he could have already asked them.


    ¡°I think someone erased his memory.¡± Huang Ting didn¡¯t look at Yu Hao and instead faced the river, looking at the lights beyond. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt like there has been something unusual about this whole affair.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao was doubtful, ¡°Impossible ba, memories can be erased?¡±


    Huang Ting thought about it for a bit, then looked sideways at Yu Hao, ¡°He could have been hypnotised.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart started jumping wildly and thought, Huang Ting your professionalism really isn¡¯t just for show¡­¡­he forcefully held himself back from saying, ¡°it¡¯s all over anyway, so there¡¯s no need to think so much about it¡± and instead asked, ¡°And?¡±


    Huang Ting rubbed his temple, ¡°Yu Hao, Yujun was right, you really are fit to be a reporter.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    What does this have to do with whether or not I¡¯m fit to be a reporter?


    Huang Ting stretched out his forefinger of the hand he was using to hold a beer can with and tapped Yu Hao, ¡°When Nicky, Zhou Sheng, and I discussed this, they both said ¡°it¡¯s all over so why think so much about it¡¯, you¡¯re the only one who wanted to find out the truth.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s because I was afraid of falling into your trap. But indeed, a lot of people would just let it go when they encounter such a minute detail, but there must be something much more complex and complicated behind such a strange incident. Reporters and police would always pursue a strange detail that doesn¡¯t seem to abide by logic and end up uncovering a lot of earth-shattering secrets as a result.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Idol moment for all of them at school, yay.

 Chapter 109 - Attend a Banquet

    ¡°So, today will decide the lifetime that we¡¯ll be spending together.¡±


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    ¡°Forget it.¡± Huang Ting ended the conversation, ¡°I can¡¯t think of any other possibilities for now. Help me watch out for Ou Qihang. If anything crops up, feel free to contact me at any time.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao wasn¡¯t worried about Ou Qihang finding himself in such a situation again. After all, the one who had erased that portion of his memories was Zhou Sheng, but Huang Ting was worried that there may be more danger lurking behind, which was why he specifically gave him such instructions. Therefore, he shouldn¡¯t suspect them for the time being.


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng¡¯s expressions seemed a little solemn. Both of them stood in front of the railing. Chen Yekai draped an arm around Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder while Yu Hao watched from afar. It looked like Chen Yekai was seriously and sincerely instructing him about something. Yet, Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression seemed a little lonely. He looked back, saw Yu Hao, and smiled.


    Yu Hao thought, are they discussing the matter with his parents? He remembered that when Chen Yekai was with Ryuusei, he had come out to his parents in the past, so he could share his experience with Zhou Sheng. Chen Yekai spoke for awhile, then Zhou Sheng began to let his mind wander, and Yu Hao got up to walk over.


    ¡°I think, Tao Tie symbolises your desire for material things¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao heard Chen Yekai say that. He walked to the front of the railings, then turned sideways to listen to their conversation.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao and casually said, ¡°Hopes for both money and a good life, but I don¡¯t think I have the capability to achieve it. It¡¯s my greed for things that don¡¯t belong to me in the first place.¡±


    ¡°Material desire,¡±  Chen Yekai pondered for a bit, ¡°Everyone has it, you can¡¯t avoid it. Instead of defeating it and making yourself abandon all material desires, why don¡¯t you try to subdue it?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao noticed that Li Yangming was coming over as well , so he gestured to Chen Yekai. However, Chen Yekai continued, ¡°There are two possible ways to resolve it. One is to subdue it at this stage, turn it into a part of you and face up to your true self. Reconcile the contradictions between you and your family and your father¡¯s wealth. Defeat it, and defuse it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted to do next.¡±


    Chen Yekai made a gesture and said, ¡°Second, through your own efforts, obtain financial freedom for yourself. By then, Tao Tie will lose all its power and wouldn¡¯t even be worth mentioning to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, that¡¯s the alternative.¡±


    ¡°Compared to Tao Tie, I think your Satan is more dangerous.¡± Chen Yekai laughed and patted Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao can subdue it.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed too. Li Yangming came over, and the three of them immediately stopped talking.


    ¡°What are you guys talking about?¡± Li Yangming handed them some beer. Yu Hao waved his hand to signal that he wouldn¡¯t be drinking anymore.


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Talking about you.¡±


    The night scenery, brilliant lights, and a Chen Yekai who looked like a lead actor in Korean dramas, Yu Hao thought Li Yanming you¡¯re probably going to sink straight into it. Chen Yekai has never been conscious of flirting with people and always put on the appearance of being a teacher. But this kind of ambiguous flirting would make any little gay who sees it want to instantly lie down on the ground and start rolling about everywhere.


    Looking at Li Yangming¡¯s expression, Yu Hao knew at a glance that he got struck.


    But Chen Yekai didn¡¯t seem aware and explained, ¡°They all like you very much.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Chen Yekai was a very good guy. Whenever he sees a student who isn¡¯t confident in themselves, he would always lend them a helping hand and pull them up. Still, this conversation really was a bit awkward, so he nodded and left with Zhou Sheng to go sit on the sofa.


    ¡°It¡¯s snowing!¡± Huang Ting shouted towards them.


    February 14, the first snow was long overdue. Zhou Sheng uttered a ¡°yo¡± as he looked up. Everyone raised their hands to catch the snow. Yu Hao took a picture of everyone and sent it to Cen Shan, while Cen Shan replied to him with a picture of her skiing in Switzerland. Both of them wished each other ¡°Happy Valentine¡¯s Day¡±. The day came to an end.


    The next day, Fu Liqun dragged his luggage out and put on a fur cap. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng sent him downstairs, then Fu Liqun said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°If anything crops up, just call me any time.¡±


    ¡°Nothing will happen.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go back ba.¡±


    The layer of snow that accumulated on the mountain was even thicker than in the city. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng grabbed fistfuls of snowballs and threw them at each other for a while, then went to the market hand in hand to buy some goods for the New Year. This was the first New Year they would be spending together after they officially got together. Zhou Sheng carried a bunch of groceries and necessities as he followed behind Yu Hao. Yu Hao felt like they really were just like a young couple right now.


    Once the holidays started, all the houses nearby would be like their dormitory ¡ª almost everyone was gone. The only people left were children of the local villagers who played with firecrackers by the roadside. Zhou Sheng filled up the refrigerator, and the two of them went to get a haircut. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s buy a car when we¡¯re free and get our driving licenses too.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say something but hesitated. He thought of Zhou Sheng¡¯s savings; his two million principal hadn¡¯t been touched yet, but that was his father¡¯s money.


    ¡°We can buy one on a loan.¡± Yu Hao began to gradually accept Zhou Sheng¡¯s values, ¡°And pay in instalments.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We can just buy one that¡¯s around seventy to eighty thousand.¡±


    Yu Hao thought of Zhou Sheng¡¯s ¡°family banquet¡± during the Spring Festival and felt a little apprehensive. On the 29th, he said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°After you cook tomorrow, just leave it aside. I¡¯ll wait for you to come back before we eat together?¡±


    ¡°Why wait?¡± Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°Let¡¯s go together ah.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say but your father didn¡¯t invite me, but he was afraid that if he said that, they would start fighting. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve already made all the preparations. Let¡¯s tell them tomorrow since they¡¯ll both be present ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Didn¡¯t they say that they had something they wanted to announce to me? I have something I wanna announce too.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to dissuade him, but he knew that Zhou Sheng must have considered it carefully before making this decision. At this time, all he needed to do was to support him by his side.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°Let¡¯s practice what to say tomorrow?¡±


    Yu Hao was extremely nervous, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t seem to be too concerned about it at all, ¡°Plans can¡¯t catch up with change, just say it straight out. It¡¯s not like the two of them can gobble you up on the spot.¡±


    Yu Hao tried his best to calm down. After a moment, he said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, do you really plan to come out?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯m sure, very sure.¡±


    Yu Hao decided that he might as well nod and said, ¡°Okay, it¡¯s all up to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t seem worried at all as he worked in the kitchen to make meatballs that he prepared to fry for Yu Hao as a snack. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°How do you think they¡¯ll react? They¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Who cares how they¡¯ll react? This is an ¡®announcement¡¯, not a ¡®solicitation for their opinions¡¯. It¡¯s up to them whether they want to accept it or not. Kaikai also said that parents wouldn¡¯t be able to accept it at first, but as long as we don¡¯t mind them, they¡¯ll gradually begin to give in.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What should I wear tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°A cheongsam.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was laughing really hard, ¡°My dear wife, you¡¯re really very nervous, but is that necessary? Reality won¡¯t change through sheer willpower, just be careful not to get scratched by my mum. But I¡¯ll protect you.¡±


    Yu Hao actually wasn¡¯t that afraid of Zhou Laichun; it¡¯s not like he could start beating him up on the spot. The one he was most afraid of was Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother. Ever since he met her last year during the New Year, she found a new point of contact and kept trying to control Zhou Sheng through Yu Hao. If she found out that Yu Hao got her own son into bed, he couldn¡¯t imagine what would be the result of her explosive level.


    As for Zhou Laichun, he would at most start fighting with Zhou Sheng on the spot, then both of them would ignore each other for a while. While Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother was most likely to run to the college and strangle Yu Hao to death in front of all the students¡­¡­


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t sleep at all that night. He kept tossing and turning and was even more nervous than Zhou Sheng, and he only managed to fall asleep at daybreak. Yet Zhou Sheng managed to sleep very soundly. When they woke up at noon, firecrackers were being set off outside. After looking at Zhou Sheng¡¯s appearance, Yu Hao knew that he must not have had a good sleep last night.


    ¡°Two panda eyes.¡± After washing his face, Zhou Sheng teased.


    Yu Hao was extremely tired. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The Shifu who used to teach me boxing told me that it was easy to get too nervous to sleep before a match, but you just have to tell yourself that in 48 hours, the future will become the past, then it wouldn¡¯t matter anymore. Think about how it¡¯ll be the first day of the New Year tomorrow, and how we¡¯ll lie on the sofa watching shows as we eat snacks. Still nervous?¡±


    Yu Hao thought he was right. If he thought about it that way, then once they get past the meal today, nothing else would matter.


    Zhou Sheng changed into a casual suit with the couple sweater that Yu Hao had bought underneath. They embraced at the door. Yu Hao put on his scarf, hat, and shoes, and went out the door.


    ¡°You look very cool today too.¡± Zhou Sheng rubbed Yu Hao¡¯s head and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao to Mt. Yunding¡¯s ¡°Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain¡±, which was the place they ate at for his birthday. The snow on the mountain crushed the pine trees, cypress trees, and the bamboo. All the verdant greenery throughout the mountains was tinted with a tinge of white, just like frosting. No one was outside on New Year¡¯s Eve, but Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain was unusually lively.


    A lot of wealthy people preferred to have their New Year¡¯s Eve dinner outside with their relatives. Yu Hao looked at the poster on the entrance ¡ª¡ª 2,888 New Year¡¯s Eve dinner. It was only 3pm when all the seats were filled, and even the ones in the lobby were fully booked.


    Yu Hao felt that Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand was a little cold and it was slightly trembling as well. He couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart ache. When he thought about it, Zhou Sheng should be the one who¡¯s even more nervous than him, yet he asked him not to worry about it. Right now, the one supplying courage should be him instead.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng stood outside Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain and looked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve never thought that such a day would come.¡±


    ¡°I never thought so either.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There are some things that will always feel a little unreal when they actually happen.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Although I always refuse to give in to Kaikai, there are times when I think what he says is really true. This road might look quite difficult, but after taking the first step, I realised that it wasn¡¯t as difficult as it seemed.¡±


    Until now, Yu Hao still didn¡¯t quite understand why Zhou Sheng would choose to come out to his parents today. He felt that Zhou Sheng must have had a reason that he didn¡¯t say, but since Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t tell him, then he wouldn¡¯t ask about it either.


    ¡°So, today will decide the lifetime that we¡¯ll be spending together.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Are you willing?¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t be more willing.¡± Yu Hao looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes and answered earnestly, then continued looking at the snow that had accumulated all over the mountains.


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡± and stopped cracking jokes with Yu Hao. He took him into the lobby, and the manager immediately came up to greet them.


    ¡°Sit here first.¡± Zhou Sheng adjusted the Golden Crow Wheel on his wrist. ¡°Eat some snacks, I¡¯ll go to the room first. I¡¯ll get someone to call you in later.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, then Zhou Sheng turned and left, vanishing into the sea of people walking to and fro. Yu Hao quietly looked at everything around him. A waiter served him tea and asked something, but Yu Hao was distracted and just said in a daze, ¡°Okay, that¡¯s fine.¡±


    He was the only one sitting at a huge table. People around him all thought he was there to hold the table. The noisy environment seemed to be blockaded by an invisible barrier around him. After ten or twenty minutes, he would go in and face the reactions of Zhou Sheng¡¯s parents.


    Not too far away were two tables that also each had one person. One was a woman in her thirties who laid her phone flat on the table and was tapping on it absentmindedly.


    At the other table was a young man, who looked around Fu Liqun¡¯s age and was quite handsome. He played games on his phone with a bored expression on his face and would look around occasionally, appearing as if he was waiting for his parents to come for dinner.


    Oh man, what am I doing? Yu Hao suddenly felt like this world was too unreal. He never used to bounce his legs, but now he tried bouncing them a few times. It did seem to relieve his stress, so he began bouncing his leg violently.


    Who am I? Why am I here?


    Yu Hao felt like today really resembled the day that he had filled in his aspirations form for his college entrance examination, and also like the day he signed the contract for the sale of his house after his grandmother passed away. It was like one of the countless, tranquil intersections ¡ª that comprised both major and minor events. He hadn¡¯t noticed it at first that that instant would actually set off a tempestuous storm in his life¡­¡­


    ¡°Ai!¡± The young man at the adjacent table threw his phone onto the table.


    Yu Hao glanced at it and asked, ¡°You play Glory?¡±


    ¡°You know how to play?¡± That guy asked Yu Hao.


    In order to relieve his stress, Yu Hao went over to sit down and took a look, ¡°You¡¯re waiting for someone?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± The young man said, ¡°You¡¯re a college student?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m waiting for someone too, I¡¯m a sophomore.¡±


    The woman at the other table was extremely bored as well and glanced at them. Yu Hao said, ¡°You know how to play too?¡±


    The woman said, ¡°A little bit.¡±


    So the three of them temporarily put together a table. The woman poured some tea for them and watched them play Glory from the side.


    Zhou Sheng casually knocked twice on the door to a room. A voice rang out from the inside, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng pushed the door and walked into the room, and saw that his mother was sitting down, but Zhou Laichun was absent.


    ¡°You actually know how to knock?¡± Mama Zhou scrutinised him like she didn¡¯t know her son anymore.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯re the one who never knocks.¡±


    Mama Zhou was dressed in her best attire today ¡ª she wore a short black frock and a pearl ring as an accessory. Zhou Sheng scrutinised her doubtfully and paid attention to her belly.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No way, you¡¯re pregnant?¡±


    Mama Zhou ignored Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°How many months? Boy or girl?¡±


    Mama Zhou, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°This can¡¯t be, that guy is always prematurely ejaculating, but he could still get you pregnant? How old are you even, you¡¯re still giving birth at your age?¡±


    Mama Zhou finally couldn¡¯t bear it anymore and roared angrily, ¡°Is Laoniang that fat?! Do you wanna fucking die on New Year¡¯s Eve?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately raised his hands to signal his surrender. Mama Zhou seemed like she had been holding back from swearing for a long time, so a whole cart of her curse words immediately overturned as she began bombarding Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°I got it! I was wrong! I was wrong!! I couldn¡¯t tell!!¡±


    Mama Zhou fell quiet again in an instant and studied her son suspiciously. ¡°What did you say? What did you just say?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was used to saying ¡°I was wrong, I was wrong¡± sometimes to Yu Hao. It was a little awkward to properly admit that he was wrong, so he would say it in a shameless way like how a child would, as if he was saying, ¡®I¡¯ve already admitted my mistake, what else can you do to me¡¯ to settle their dispute. Mama Zhou on the other hand, the one who had raised him since he was a child, had never heard him admit his mistake before. Zhou Sheng was a guy who wouldn¡¯t admit his mistake even if you were to throw him into a washing machine and wring him dry.


    Zhou Sheng stopped talking, then this mother and son pair fell into a prolonged silence.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the old man?¡± Zhou Sheng asked irritably, ¡°If he¡¯s not coming I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°How would I know?¡± Mama Zhou was baffled, ¡°He went to be a dog ba. Wagging his tail as he licks the official next door %£¤#&¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Ai stop swearing!¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stand his own mother anymore.


    Mama Zhou pursed her lips and mercilessly uttered a ¡°tsk¡°. Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Are you guys getting back together?¡±


    ¡°Getting back your &%£¤#¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°Okay, I get it, let¡¯s stop talking about this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and his mother stared at each other. Zhou Sheng took a sip of his tea and looked utterly annoyed, while Mama Zhou began scolding him again, ¡°Could you learn from Haohao? Just look at your hooligan look, what girl would want you in the future¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Someone wants me!¡± Zhou Sheng roared back, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it!¡±


    Zhou Laichun pushed the door and entered, so the mother and son pair stopped talking.


    ¡°I still have two more rooms I have to pay my greetings to.¡± Zhou Laichun also wore a suit specially for today. He was nearly fifty years old, but he still maintained a good figure. ¡°Just eat something small first.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to eat?¡± Mama Zhou Said, ¡°There¡¯s something on this table? The tea dregs?¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°Didn¡¯t anyone come over to take your orders? I¡¯ll get someone over now¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he went out again, and some New Year¡¯s snacks were delivered after a moment. Mama Zhou began gnawing on melon seeds. Crack, pei, crack, pei, crack¡­¡­after biting the seeds, she would still spit twice and spit on the ground.


    ¡°It¡¯s not easy to clean up this carpet.¡± Zhou Sheng said helplessly, ¡°Could you be a little more civilised?¡±


    ¡°None of your damn business.¡± Mama Zhou Said, ¡°The little white-eyed wolf can¡¯t wait to be a Young Master now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Treat it as if I said nothing.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Well ZS¡¯ mother is a trip as always.


    Zryuu: When Mama Zhou is so vulgar that even feitian censors he

 Chapter 110 - Coming Out

    ¡°Daddy, may I ask your honourable age?¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Mama Zhou paused for a moment, then said, ¡°Let me take a look at your report card?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not all the results are out yet; I didn¡¯t fail anything.¡±


    Mama Zhou was in doubt as she took her phone out to make a call. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, could you stop bothering him for just a moment? You¡¯ll get to see him later.¡±


    ¡°Where is he?¡± Mama Zhou immediately began rummaging through her bag, ¡°That¡¯s why I said it was necessary to bring a few empty red packets when going out¡­¡­wei! Waiter! Waiter!¡± After she couldn¡¯t get anyone for a moment, Zhou Sheng had to ring the bell for her. But Mama Zhou went to one end of the room and just removed a bunch of red packets hanging on the mandarin tree.


    Zhou Sheng once again motioned to the waiter to signal that it was alright. Mama Zhou took out a stack of hundred yuan new money, then smeared some saliva on a finger before counting them one by one. She stuffed them into a red packet and asked, ¡°You¡¯re going back tonight? Here¡¯s the keys, I¡¯m not going back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go find a place to play by myself.¡± As he spoke, he couldn¡¯t help but narrow his eyes, glance sideways at his own mother, and consider  how to hold her back after the truth was out in the open so that she wouldn¡¯t scratch Yu Hao¡¯s face. Mama Zhou had even gotten a manicure specifically for today; glimmering rhinestones were pasted all over her nails, and it was nearly as horrifying as Medusa¡¯s sharp nails.


    Mama Zhou asked how much would be an appropriate amount to put in the red packet. Zhou Sheng was annoyed to death by all her questions, but Zhou Laichun still hadn¡¯t come back. He said, ¡°Whatever¡¯s fine.¡±


    Mama Zhou asked again how much his father usually gave Yu Hao in his red packets. Zhou Sheng thought it¡¯s just giving my friend a red packet, yet you still want to compete with him. Neither of you will probably give anything later.


    ¡°Anything!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is the old man coming or not? If he¡¯s not, I¡¯m leaving! Stop counting your money, I can¡¯t stand you anymore.¡±


    Mama Zhou glared at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The old man gave him 8,000 last year, just pack whatever ba.¡± So Mama Zhou took out all of the new money from her bag, placed it on the table, and continued counting.


    After stuffing the red packet, Zhou Laichun finally came back. He had a long face when he entered and looked a bit worn out, then sat down at the host seat.


    ¡°Kidney deficiency?¡± Mama Zhou dove straight to the point, ¡°Can¡¯t screw the little beauties anymore I guess? Director Zhou?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said to his ex-wife, ¡°Smells like cheap toilet water in here, could you tidy yourself up properly? And you¡¯re even wearing wholesale socks.¡±


    ¡°I suggest we have a good talk today!¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°I really don¡¯t want to fight, it¡¯s too tiring. I had already booked a flight to Australia, but you guys got me to free up one day. I¡¯m here now, my itinerary was all cancelled, so let¡¯s just stop and have a proper New Year¡¯s Eve dinner, okay?¡±


    Zhou Laichun thought for a bit and said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s have a good talk. Zhou Sheng¡¯s all grown up now too.¡±


    Papa Zhou and Mama Zhou looked at their son together.


    ¡°I asked both of you to come today because there¡¯s something I want to announce.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Give me a minute.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going again?¡± Zhou Sheng saw that Zhou Laichun had called a waiter over. The waiter brought in a beautiful woman. Zhou Sheng thought she was going to perform some kind of tea ceremony for them, so he moved aside to make it easier for her to perform. However, Zhou Laichun said, ¡°This is my fiancee, we¡¯re going to get married after the Spring Festival. Come, Xiao Qin, let me introduce you. This is my ex-wife, and this is my son, Zhou Sheng¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Mama Zhou, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The woman named Xiao Qin nodded at them, then the charming woman sat down next to Zhou Laichun. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°That was the first matter, the second is regarding Zhou Sheng¡¯s¡­¡­¡±


    Mama Zhou said, ¡°I have something to announce too, listen to me first.¡±


    Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t want to quarrel with his ex-wife in front of his fiancee. After all, if she got upset today and started bringing up the past, all his face would be thrown out the window. So he said patiently, ¡°Please speak.¡±


    Yu Hao was watching the young man play Glory. The other woman had already been called away. Not long after, the manager came over, and before he even spoke, the young man understood and got up. He said, ¡°Add me on WeChat later, let¡¯s play together next time.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. He was the only one left, and not a moment later, he began feeling nervous again. He wanted to text through WeChat, but everyone was celebrating New Year¡¯s Eve, so it was unlikely that anyone would want to chat with him.


    Yu Hao was so nervous his palms were sweating a little.


    ¡°He¡¯s called Wang Gang.¡± Mama Zhou looked at the young man and said, ¡°Sit here.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Zhou Laichun¡¯s mouth twitched. Zhou Laichun¡¯s fiancee said, ¡°Wah, your son is really carved from the same mold as his father¡­¡­¡±


    Mama Zhou said, ¡°I¡¯m going to marry him. Xiao Gang used to work in my shop and made the business flourish. But because he couldn¡¯t pay his tuition, he dropped out of school for several years. I want to find a school for him so he can finish his university studies¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng sincerely said, ¡°Daddy, may I ask your honourable age?¡±


    ¡°Just call me uncle.¡± Wang Gang immediately said, ¡°I just turned 20.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said to his mother, ¡°He¡¯s the same age as Yu Hao, how odd.¡± Then he said to Wang Gang, ¡°How could I call you uncle? Legally, you¡¯re my stepfather, so I must call you Daddy.¡± Then he spoke to Zhou Laichun, ¡°Right? Dad?¡±


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s expression couldn¡¯t get any darker than it was now. Zhou Sheng was obviously trying to embarrass him, but Wang Gang couldn¡¯t tell that Zhou Sheng was being ironic and quickly said, ¡°I don¡¯t deserve it, I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡± Xiao Qin quipped.


    Zhou Sheng uttered in his heart god damn you, but a handsome smile was still plastered on his face. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Xiao Qin burst into laughter and said to Zhou Laichun, ¡°Aiya your son¡¯s really too interesting, he¡¯s so much like you.¡±


    Zhou Laichun & Mama Zhou, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay now.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression changed and regained his composure, ¡°It¡¯s my turn now, right?¡± As he spoke, he rang the bell to call the waiter, ¡°Bring ¡¯em over.¡±


    Zhou Laichun and Mama Zhou looked at their son. Zhou Sheng said lightly, ¡°I have something to announce to you guys too, I¡¯m dating someone.¡±


    Mama Zhou was immediately stunned, ¡°You found a girlfriend? Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°You brought her over?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said calmly, ¡°Not a girl, I found a boyfriend.¡±


    The surrounding air congealed in an instant, and the room fell silent. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°You¡¯ve both seen him before, we¡¯ve been together for quite some time. I¡¯ll re-introduce him to everyone today¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he got up to go to the door and opened it. Yu Hao was so nervous he wore his woolen hat askew, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why are you wearing a hat in the restaurant?¡± Then he casually took off Yu Hao¡¯s woolen hat, held Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and kissed him on the cheek before bringing him in.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Qin, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The young man, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng pulled out a chair for Yu Hao to sit, then sat next to him, and said, ¡°My dad, my mum, you know them. My stepfather, my stepmother¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Stepfather?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yes, stepfather.¡±


    As he introduced them one by one, Yu Hao looked at the two people that he had just met in the lobby and didn¡¯t know how to greet them for a moment.


    Mama Zhou couldn¡¯t look any more shocked and didn¡¯t speak for a full three minutes. Meanwhile, Zhou Laichun maintained a sitting posture as he trembled constantly. Yu Hao was afraid that Zhou Laichun would suffer a stroke on the spot and collapse, so he racked his brains for something to say, but he didn¡¯t know how to start. After thinking about it for a long time, he whispered, ¡°Sorry.¡±


    ¡°What are you sorry for?¡± Zhou Sheng laughed instead and said to his parents seriously, ¡°Dad, Mum, I know two guys dating would be a little unacceptable to both of you, but our family has always walked unorthodox paths anyway¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you damn bastard!¡±


    A roar thundered, and Fu Liqun¡¯s narration voice seemed to ring out next to Yu Hao¡¯s ear ¡ª¡ª intercept!


    Before Yu Hao could react, he reached out to intercept out of pure instinct. A cup filled with tea was flying towards Zhou Sheng; Yu Hao¡¯s interception instinct that was honed under a hell-like training regimen activated, and he instantly caught the cup of boiling water in his hand.


    Zhou Laichun was in the midst of roaring and had just thrown a teacup out straight away, but he couldn¡¯t have expected that the situation would develop in such a way that Yu Hao would catch it like he was performing a juggling act, so he was struck speechless.


    The atmosphere once again turned awkward and quiet. Zhou Sheng got a huge fright before immediately checking Yu Hao¡¯s hand for burns. The young man was surprised and even applauded a few times before Zhou Laichun roared again, ¡°Fuck you, Laozi¡¯s gonna kill you!¡±


    Another plate flew over. Yu Hao instantly caught it again, then shouted, ¡°Uncle don¡¯t act so rashly! Talk it out properly¡­¡­¡±


    An ashtray flew over. Yu Hao caught it again.


    The scene should have been a chaotic one, but Yu Hao managed to catch the three hidden weapons in a row, so the atmosphere turned incredibly amusing in an instant. Zhou Sheng finally couldn¡¯t rein it in anymore and burst out laughing madly. Zhou Laichun¡¯s eyes were thoroughly red. He got up to swing a chair up and roared, ¡°You bastard! Bastard!¡± As he spoke, he lunged forward and Zhou Sheng immediately protected Yu Hao as he raised his hand to block him, then shouted,


    ¡°If you dare touch him! I¡¯ll fight you to death!¡±


    The scene finally delved into chaos. Xiao Qin wanted to persuade him, but she was pushed to one side by Zhou Laichun and screamed as she fell onto a sofa. Wang Gang stared agape and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t fight! Stop fighting!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was protecting Yu Hao; he raised his arms while Zhou Laichun held up a chair with both hands and smashed it down on Zhou Sheng¡¯s head. Zhou Sheng turned around to hug Yu Hao and went to the corner of the room. Zhou Laichun was like a rabid dog right now.


    A sudden scream rang out ¡ª Mama Zhou had finally snapped out of her stupor. She grabbed a vase in the room and rushed forward. Yu Hao quickly shielded Zhou Sheng¡¯s forehead with his arm, but that vase crashed with a ¡°bang¡± and was smashed into pieces on Zhou Laichun¡¯s head. Xiao Qin shrieked, then got up and fled out of the room. Wang Gang shouted, ¡°My wife! Don¡¯t be impulsive!¡±


    After Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother smashed the vase, she went to grab a chair and madly roared at Zhou Laichun, ¡°It¡¯s none of your damn business! It¡¯s none of your damn business! What right do you have to discipline him?! Have you ever disciplined him from when he was 10 ¡¯till his 22-year-old self now?! You scum! You trash! Fuck your whole family! Fuck your ancestors! Fuck you, you trash who has a mother to give birth to you but no father to raise you! You have no right to discipline my son! Just try and lay a finger on them!!¡±


    Zhou Laichun pushed Mama Zhou away and roared madly, ¡°That¡¯s enough!¡±


    Mama Zhou was like a lioness. She threw the plate full of snacks at Zhou Laichun¡¯s head and shrieked, ¡°How is it any of your business who he wants to find or who he wants to be with?! He¡¯s not your son! You bastard! Zhou Laichun you bastard!!¡±


    After Xiao Qin fled out of the room she called for the manager, but how could the manager dare to do anything. Yet, before the manager could even go in, a bunch of spectators had already gathered outside the room who wanted to watch the show. The room¡¯s door was open and was diagonally opposite the lobby. Everyone in the restaurant had already stood up.


    ¡°Big brother and sister-in-law, Happy New Year!¡± Zhou Sheng said to everyone outside, ¡°It¡¯s alright, just a family fight, don¡¯t look anymore!¡±


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s face was flushed red from being stifled. He looked at Zhou Sheng, then at Yu Hao, and actually found it a bit difficult to breathe. Yu Hao observed Zhou Laichun¡¯s expression and prayed that nothing would go wrong¡­¡­fortunately, Zhou Laichun held on. He went to one side to open up a bottle of foreign wine, downed a few mouthfuls, then hysterically slammed the wine bottle against the wall before turning around to leave.


    Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng very tightly; he felt upset but excited at the same time, and wasn¡¯t willing to let go for a moment.


    It was a mess in the room. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother staggered as she wore her high heels, while Wang Gang and Xiao Qin had already gone outside to hide. The manager didn¡¯t know what to do either, so he could only close the door to the room.


    Zhou Sheng let go of Yu Hao. Yu Hao still felt some slight trepidation as he looked at Mama Zhou. Mama Zhou spoke.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­then that¡¯s it ba.¡± Zhou Sheng had anticipated this long ago, but he didn¡¯t expect the spectacle to be so much more difficult to settle than he thought.


    Mama Zhou remained silent for a while. She lowered her head to rummage through her bag to take out a packet of tissues and handed it to Yu Hao. Her hand was trembling slightly.


    Yu Hao walked over, also very nervous as he accepted the tissues.


    ¡°There¡¯s tea all over you, wipe it.¡± Mama Zhou said.


    Yu Hao opened up the tissue packet and wiped his neck.


    Still, his mother¡¯s reaction was way beyond Zhou Sheng¡¯s expectations. Neither of them knew what to say for a moment. Yu Hao wiped off the tea on him, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s over, we should all go celebrate the Spring Festival. Everyone has their own families now anyway.¡±


    Mama Zhou turned around and walked in front. Zhou Sheng had been holding Yu Hao¡¯s hand the entire time. They left the room, walked through the lobby, and at that moment, Mama Zhou turned her head and used an almost contemptuous gaze to survey the guests, like a ferocious female beast guarding her cub.


    Outside Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain, the waiters stood watching them from afar. The manager walked over and said to them, ¡°Hello, the boss said to dispatch a car to fetch you three¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just go back ba.¡±


    So the manager nodded and retreated with tact.


    Wang Gang drove a moped over and parked it at the entrance of the restaurant. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So, see you next year?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to shake hands with Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother, and he wanted to hug her because of that packet of tissues as well. Everything that happened today had completely overturned his impression of her.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Aunt¡­¡­¡±


    Mama Zhou saw Yu Hao stretch his hand out and seemed to remember something. She opened up her handbag and took out a red packet, then stuffed it into Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    At that moment, Yu Hao could tell from her expression that she wanted to say something to them, but that expression disappeared in an instant. She didn¡¯t say anything more before turning around to walk towards Wang Gang¡¯s moped. She took the helmet, put it on, and with her back facing them, sat on the back seat and hugged Wang Gang¡¯s waist.


    The moped started up and drove away.


    It was snowing again.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had their couple scarves around them as they walked down the mountain.


    ¡°How much did she give you?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°8,800!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why¡­¡­did she give me so much? She only gave me 1,000 last year!¡±


    Yu Hao gave Zhou Sheng the red packet, who said, ¡°She gave it to you, so just keep it ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why did she give me so much in the red packet? This is too much!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a modification fee ah.¡± Zhou Sheng walked forward a little. He looked back at Yu Hao with a smile, ¡°Her son-in-law paid her a visit, so shouldn¡¯t he get a huge red packet? Since you¡¯ve accepted the red packet, hurry and come into your hubby¡¯s arms.¡±


    The snowfall grew heavier and heavier. Heavy snow that swirled through the sky drifted onto Zhou Sheng¡¯s head and shoulders, while Yu Hao watched him quietly.


    ¡°I can provide for her in the future.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said as they faced each other from a distance.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t need us.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see that she has found a puppy? She doesn¡¯t lack someone to wait on her. You should be providing for me.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he moved forward. Zhou Sheng turned around, but Yu Hao leapt up and rode on his back. Zhou Sheng piggybacked him and ran a few steps forward, then kicked a tree. The snow that had accumulated on the treetop crashed down and Yu Hao shouted. He pushed Zhou Sheng into the snow, straddled his waist, then crouched down, and kissed him. The two of them embraced each other in the snow.


    When their lips parted, Zhou Sheng looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. Their eyebrows and hair were all covered with white snow.


    ¡°You look like an old man.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°You¡¯re the old man.¡± Yu Hao pinched Zhou Sheng¡¯s lips, ¡°You wanna die?!¡±


    ¡ª¡ªVolume 3¡¤Colosseum¡¤End¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: SOOOO FUCKING HILARIOUS AND SWEET I¡¯M FREAKING MELTING AHHHH


    Juurensha: Awwwwww. And ZS¡¯ mom was surprisingly nice! (I did not realize the other two ppl in the lobby were the new significant others until Yu Hao realized it¡­.)

 Chapter 111.1 - Future

    ¡°Mama Zhou would raise both hands to support anything that could piss Zhou Laichun off to death.¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    What is the future?


    Yu Hao¡¯s vision of the future was very simple: each of them will find a job and settle down in a city where the sunlight shines resplendently. Two people together, buy a house, keep a Golden Retriever, Zhou Sheng can walk the dog in the morning when he goes out for a run, then bring him breakfast when he comes back. When the time comes, he would then crawl out his bed and wash up with a head of mussed hair. Zhou Sheng would pat his butt before taking a bath and going to work.


    After night falls and they get off work, they would buy groceries, cook, and eat dinner as they sit at the dining table. Zhou Sheng would smoke as he washed the dishes, Yu Hao would do some household chores, then they would both browse the internet once they were done to either play games or watch anime. Once it hits 11pm, they¡¯d do it once on the bed, then sleep. During the holidays, they would carry their backpacks and leave hand in hand to go on a vacation¡­¡­


    All of this was the ideal life that Yu Hao formed from his barren powers of imagination. On the day they die of old age, they would lie in bed and say, ¡°Thank you for your love in this life, let¡¯s meet again in the next.¡± Then close their eyes in peace, die together, and their current life would end.


    However, after Chen Yekai reminded him that the ¡°Golden Crow Wheel could be a separator that splits the soul and the body¡±, Yu Hao suddenly had a vague sense that he no longer feared death. After his life span was up, would they remain in the Golden Crow Wheel and meet once again in that grand, beautiful palace hall while maintaining their youthful appearances?


    ¡°So if we want to live that kind of life.¡± Yu Hao asked in high spirits, ¡°How much would we need without your father¡¯s help?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh as he looked at Yu Hao calculating the costs at the dining table and answered, ¡°Your dream¡¯s really simple. A few million ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°A few million?¡±


    A two-bedroom apartment, one room for them with the other for a study, and a dog as well, seventy to eighty square meters, and they could get it on a loan. If the two of them worked hard together, would they still not be able to earn enough to buy a house in this life?


    ¡°2,200,000 including renovations.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Then we would be able to live comfortably in Ying City.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng glanced sideways at Yu Hao¡¯s form. As long as people aren¡¯t too greedy for material things, life doesn¡¯t actually seem so difficult. In this case, they would just need to find a job that paid 6,000 to 12,000 a month within five to six years after their graduation, then their family¡¯s total income would sum up to about 15,000 yuan, and they would be able to barely afford Yu Hao¡¯s ideal life.


    Yu Hao looked up at Zhou Sheng with a hint of a smile in his eyes. Their coming out had set off a mad tempest. Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t give either of them a call throughout the New Year period, and just like Zhou Sheng had anticipated, all financial support was cut off. Zhou Sheng found an errand runner in the same city to deliver the start-up fund card that his father had given him to Yun Lai Chun. His intent was very clear ¡ª I¡¯ll return you your money; I¡¯ll support my wife myself.


    At the same time, this also made them feel like a huge rock had been lifted off their hearts. They no longer needed to fear the gesticulation and discussion of teachers and students behind their backs. Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t even afraid of his own parents, so why would he be afraid of Xue Long? If you have something to say, then say it, otherwise just shut up. They can now be together right out in the open.


    On the third day of the New Year, Mama Zhou called them and finally snapped out of her daze as she gave Zhou Sheng a good scolding. However, what left the deepest impression on Yu Hao was that Mama Zhou had actually said in the end, ¡°Forget it, just let it be then. In any case it¡¯s better to give birth to a char siew than to give birth to you, let him die without descendants.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare to interrupt. In the end, Mama Zhou even offered to increase Zhou Sheng¡¯s living expenses from 2,400 to 3,200. Zhou Sheng was about to refuse when Mama Zhou said, ¡°If you have no money, do you intend to let him eat shit with you? This is what your mother¡¯s lending you, pay it back when you start working.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Zhou Sheng was planning to find a part-time job to earn some money, but he understood Mama Zhou¡¯s intentions.


    After he hung up, Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to spend your mother¡¯s money.¡±


    ¡°She already said it¡¯s a loan.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯ll be fine to return it to her with the accrued interest after graduation, don¡¯t you think she¡¯s actually pretty happy?¡±


    Yu Hao blew up, ¡°How in the world is she happy?! Why can¡¯t I tell that she¡¯s happy??¡±


    Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°She¡¯s quite satisfied, because I¡¯ve cut off ties with my Dad. Sometimes I think, ai, she just has to compete with that old man all her life, and she will never stop.¡±


    After Yu Hao thought about it carefully, he realised that it was true. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother proves the value of her existence through constantly opposing Zhou Laichun. Zhou Laichun wouldn¡¯t admit that his son was being gay with another guy, so Mama Zhou insisted on doing the opposite. Zhou Laichun cut off all financial support to his son, but Mama Zhou was willing to do her utmost within her abilities to raise Zhou Sheng¡¯s living expenses. Zhou Laichun¡¯s attitude was ¡°get lost¡±, while Mama Zhou¡¯s attitude was ¡°let the Zhou family die off without descendants this is great hahahaha¡±, in any case, she just wanted to piss him off to death.


    Mama Zhou would raise both hands to support anything that could piss Zhou Laichun off to death.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­we¡¯ll have to work hard.¡±


    During the New Year, Zhou Sheng smiled a bit sadly as he watched Yu Hao come up with a new plan for their life.


    ¡°Let¡¯s study now then.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Everyone has a phase in their lives where they would need to completely break away from the support of their family, walk away, and face the passing of time independently.


    Yu Hao had already experienced it when he graduated from high school, but Zhou Sheng never had. In this respect, Yu Hao was relatively precocious compared to his peers. This was why most of the time, a tacit understanding would emerge between him and Chen Yekai. After all, both of them were people who had undergone this period of maturation, so they shared this common experience.


    When they went to pay their New Year¡¯s greetings on the fifth day of the year, Yu Hao told Chen Yekai what had happened. Chen Yekai smiled as he said, ¡°Next, you¡¯ll just have to wait for Zhou Sheng¡¯s father to offer his proposal. Guess how much money he¡¯ll smash in your face?¡±


    Yu Hao said helplessly, ¡°Of course I won¡¯t even take a single penny.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you an idea, I guarantee he won¡¯t be able to do anything to you after that.¡±


    After listening to him, Zhou Sheng appreciated Chen Yekai¡¯s ¡°idea¡± very much, but Yu Hao was still a little worried.


    He knew that Zhou Sheng needed time to adjust. Ever since the day they got together, Zhou Sheng had been trying his best to understand and learn how to play the role of a man who would assume the responsibility of constructing a family. Logically speaking, it would be much better if they could peacefully tide over this period. However, the transition period after entering society was generally not a peaceful one for most people. The change in circumstance is like a sudden blow to the face, and it would shatter the self-esteem that they used to be so proud of.


    Yu Hao had already been mercilessly smashed by that hammer before, but he didn¡¯t want to let Zhou Sheng get hit by it too. It was truly too painful.


    Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, Huang Ting, Xiao Yujun, Fu Liqun¡­¡­Yu Hao had learnt a lot from his friends, which made him adjust his life goals.


    During his time in university, he just needed enough money to sustain himself; studying should be his top priority, he couldn¡¯t waste too much time on working. Thus, Yu Hao no longer spent too much time on part-time jobs or pursuing material desires, and instead fulfilled his role as a student. Once he got good grades, he would be able to hold his head up higher in front of Xue Long and wouldn¡¯t be looked down upon by the teachers and students in college.


    A year passed by almost in the blink of an eye. Under Yu Hao¡¯s persuasion, Zhou Sheng converted their two-person Australia vacation into prize money. Their plane tickets couldn¡¯t be refunded, so they could only change their reservation, and they temporarily set the funds for their hotel aside as a backup for their living expenses. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t convince Yu Hao, so he could only give in.


    ¡°You¡¯re so smart,¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯re definitely capable of studying business.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention business to me.¡± Zhou Sheng was a little irritated. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what business ever did to him. Zhou Sheng was very good at mathematics, and Yu Hao sometimes felt that he was even better than Chen Yekai at it. However, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t want to be a programmer and learn programming, and he was even less inclined to seriously focus on academic research. Yu Hao thought about it over and over and found that only business would suit him.


    Every time he mentioned getting Zhou Sheng to study finance though, Zhou Sheng resisted the idea, so Yu Hao couldn¡¯t urge him about it. In the end, Zhou Sheng chose an English course by himself and was ready to get better at it before advancing to Business-level English. His reasoning was that it would be more convenient to take Yu Hao abroad next time to travel the world¡­¡­


    The gingko trees on the sidewalk outside their house turned yellow again; the pear blossoms withered and bloomed. After some time, Fu Liqun began contacting Cen Shan again, and they would meet up once in awhile ¡°as friends¡±, have a meal, and didn¡¯t go get a room.


    Neither side mentioned the possibility of reconciling, nor did they sever their ties completely. Yu Hao thought, what kind of relationship does that count as? Ultimately though, this was Fu Liqun¡¯s private matter, so he and Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t comment on it.


    Yu Hao knew that Fu Liqun must still love Cen Shan. Both of them should have set some certain conditions and yielded to each other some time.


    Fu Liqun usually had a good time hanging out with Li Yangming and would occasionally not go out with Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao. His time could be considered to be split 30-70, 30% for Li Yangming, and he would take him out for a meal and shopping from time to time.


    Yu Hao understands that Fu Liqun didn¡¯t want to disturb his time with Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng did say that everyone has their own goals in life and didn¡¯t force Fu Liqun to go out with them all the time. In any case, Fu Liqun would return at night when it was time to sleep.

 Chapter 111.2 - Future

    ¡°Mama Zhou would raise both hands to support anything that could piss Zhou Laichun off to death.¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Another Valentine¡¯s Day arrived. Yu Hao bought Zhou Sheng a set of electronic cigarettes last year as a birthday gift to get him to quit smoking, while Zhou Sheng bought a gaming console for Yu Hao. Yu Hao thought, are you sure you didn¡¯t buy this gift because you wanted to play it yourself?!


    This year, Yu Hao was ready to buy birthday gifts for both Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng. No one said anything, but they knew it in their hearts that once they step into their fourth year after the end of their third year, it might be their last year together.


    ¡°Do you have a lot of modules this year?¡± Cen Shan who came over to celebrate their birthdays asked with a smile, ¡°The big guy said that you guys are staying at home every day, do you intend to take the post grad exam?¡±


    Yu Hao had a heavy academic workload during his third year, while the sports department fared better. Yu Hao had to spend all his efforts coping with the curriculum before he could barely rank in his cohort. The more studious he got, the more he realised that he wasn¡¯t really good at it. In any case, it was the kind of class where Zhou Sheng would be able to learn it easily just by flipping through books casually. A difference in IQ really does exist amongst people.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so?¡± Yu Hao was a bit confused too. In reality, once their third year was over, everyone would discuss the problem of where they would go for summer vacation after graduation. After all, their fourth year starts right after the end of summer vacation. Everyone needed to find an internship and prepare to start working in the outside world.


    He wanted to take the post graduate examination like Chen Yekai too and support himself as a scholar. However, Yu Hao had to admit that people would never be born equal ¡ª this kind of inequality was reflected in one of people¡¯s most fundamental nature, the difference in IQs.


    ¡°Then¡­¡­Jie can help you ask around and find internships for you guys?¡± Cen Shan asked.


    Fu Liqun threw out a meaningful glance, and everyone understood. If they were really going to rely on family, Zhou Sheng¡¯s family would be able to resolve that issue easily, and Cen Shan¡¯s help wouldn¡¯t be needed.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ll look for them by ourselves first.¡±


    Zhou Laichun hadn¡¯t called Zhou Sheng for more than a year, but Mama Zhou still retained her previous frequency of calling Yu Hao once a week. Yu Hao still called her ¡°Aunt¡±, while Mama Zhou called him ¡°Haohao¡±. Both of them understood in their hearts ¡ª they have mutually agreed that nothing happened on New Year¡¯s Eve.


    Fu Liqun was wearing a Lucky Bracelet that Yu Hao weaved on his wrist. Yu Hao measured Cen Shan¡¯s wrist as well. Each of them had bought pure gold Changing Luck beads. Zhou Sheng strung his through the Golden Crow Wheel and wore them together, and Yu Hao weaved one for Fu Liqun and Cen Shan as well. He was almost done with Cen Shan¡¯s now.


    Cen Shan stretched her hand out to try it on and smiled, ¡°Then what do you guys plan to do next?¡±


    Fu Liqun casually said, ¡°Don¡¯t really have any plans, I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m gonna do.¡±


    Cen Shan frowned and patted Fu Liqun¡¯s head. Fu Liqun grinned and glanced at Cen Shan, ¡°I¡¯ve already thought it through, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    The atmosphere of this meal was a bit weird. Yu Hao keenly noticed that there must be some problems between Fu Liqun and Cen Shan that still hadn¡¯t been resolved yet. Cen Shan tactfully avoided talking about her plans after school reopens, and Zhou Sheng never mentioned his family¡¯s situation. After dinner, Cen Shan¡¯s family chauffeur came over to pick her up. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s rare for you to come, you¡¯re not gonna stay overnight?¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Next time ba, I have to go to my teacher¡¯s place tomorrow.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was cleaning up the dishes on the table and said to Fu Liqun, ¡°You¡¯re not sending sis-in-law off?¡±


    Fu Liqun took the keys and took Cen Shan downstairs. Cen Shan looked back at the entrance and smiled at Yu Hao, ¡°Eyelash Baby, Jiejie¡¯s leaving now.¡±


    Cen Shan¡¯s smile could really cause a person¡¯s heart to palpitate. Sometimes, Yu Hao wouldn¡¯t be able to resist it even though he was gay. But tonight, Yu Hao sensed that things didn¡¯t seem as simple as they looked.


    ¡°Why does it feel so weird today?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was washing the dishes in the kitchen. Yu Hao wiped the plates with a dry towel beside him, ¡°The two of them are always so weird, nothing will happen ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sis-in-law is going abroad to further her studies.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°For how long?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Three years. She¡¯s going to Vienna for an advanced music conductor course.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that the major sounded really lofty and asked, ¡°Will Gege follow along?¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Only then did Yu Hao know that Cen Shan came over for a meal today as a farewell. He asked, ¡°When will she start?¡±


    ¡°October.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°By then we should have all started on our internships, and it wouldn¡¯t be easy to meet up, so she came in advance to say goodbye.¡±


    Yu Hao felt a little upset. In this case, if Fu Liqun didn¡¯t leave with Cen Shan, then they would be in completely different countries. Although Cen Shan could still come back during the holidays, they would only have fewer chances to meet than now ¡ª¡ª three years, if he had to be apart from Zhou Sheng for three years, he doesn¡¯t know how he would be able to live.


    Yu Hao remembered that he had only officially been together with Zhou Sheng for two years now. Yet, he didn¡¯t know why it felt like they had been together for a long, long time.


    ¡°Gege can actually follow along ah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°To learn something else. Being a ski coach is pretty good too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s easy to say.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They would be strangers in an unfamiliar place. Don¡¯t just look at how sis-in-law is living an exquisite bourgeoisie life, it¡¯s very tough to learn how to be a conductor. There are a ton of classes to attend every day.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true, then Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Sis-in-law¡¯s father¡¯s intention is very obvious ¡ª he wants to split them up. For people, when they are in different environments, the distance between them will grow greater and greater, and it would be lonely to be in a foreign land too¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°They aren¡¯t the type who can¡¯t stand loneliness.¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with an ¡°un¡°, then answered, ¡°So, they¡¯ll just have to see if they can pass this test.¡±


    Yu Hao finished wiping all of the plates. Zhou Sheng kept the stove, and the two of them were standing there as Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you forget something?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, and like what he did after eating his cooking everyday, kissed him to express his satisfaction. Then Zhou Sheng opened the refrigerator to get some fruit for him to eat.


    ¡°Graduation is one ridge.¡± Zhou Sheng was sometimes very rational and calm, ¡°The owner of this house broke up after graduation.¡±


    Yu Hao sat on the sofa as he ate fruit and thought that being gay was good sometimes. After all, they¡¯ve already managed to overcome such great obstacles like parents and family, so what other setback in reality can separate them?


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I think the key lies in Gege ba, he urgently needs to resolve the issues with his future. As long as he has a firm belief in the path that lies ahead¡­¡­¡±


    The sound of a key opening the door could be heard, so the two of them stopped talking. Fu Liqun came back and cast them a glance.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Sent her off?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Her father came to get her in person.¡±


    That one sentence contained a great deal of information. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t deduce how Fu Liqun must be feeling right now. Zhou Sheng got up to get two cans of ice-cold beer. He handed one to Fu Liqun, Fu Liqun laid down on the sofa with one foot against Yu Hao¡¯s waist and pushed him to the other end of the sofa while keeping him parallel to it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­:


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything and just laid lazily on the single-person sofa. He was like a hound that was on the verge of sleeping but still stood on guard at all times. This silence was maintained in the living room. Outside the air-conditioned room, cicadas in the trees were crying constantly, but they quieted down all of a sudden before ringing out again like the fall and rise of a tide.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Say, aren¡¯t those cicadas tired from crying like that everyday?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°In nature, courtship is a very difficult thing. Empathise with other populations ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng laughed aloud. Yu Hao chose to take Liang Jinmin¡¯s course, and knew that as animals, the two most important things in life were eating and courtship. Sometimes, eating wouldn¡¯t even be as important as courtship. Cicadas did their utmost in crying out, birds worked very hard to build beautiful nests, and penguins went around everywhere searching for beautiful stones, all for the sake of wooing females and obtaining the affirmation of their sweethearts.


    ¡°What¡¯s the date today?¡± Fu Liqun suddenly asked.


    Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°Schools starts in a week, need to go back to the college tomorrow to get an internship form.¡±


    Fu Liqun fell silent for a moment. Yu Hao came out after taking a bath. His hair was still wet as he looked down at his phone and texted.


    ¡°Young Madam is a real beauty.¡± Fu Liqun scrutinised Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Sis-in-law is the real beauty.¡±


    Fu Liqun teases Yu Hao like how Zhou Sheng teases Cen Shan; they always liked to embarrass their boyfriends. Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng to see how he intended to retaliate against Fu Liqun, then Zhou Sheng sincerely said, ¡°Gege¡¯s too flattering, how could Yu Hao be considered a beauty? He and sis-in-law added together wouldn¡¯t even match up to one finger on our Yangming bro. Yangming Gege¡¯s the real beauty!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly burst out laughing uncontrollably. Fu Liqun turned angry from embarrassment, ¡°Ai!¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng high-fived, and they laughed so hard that they were barely able to keep themselves together. Fu Liqun was indeed very close to Li Yangming, and Li Yangming was very obedient towards Fu Liqun¨C he was practically relying on him wholeheartedly. But Fu Liqun obviously wasn¡¯t interested in him that way, and he just felt like he was taking care of his roommate.


    Yu Hao and Li Yangming had discussed it in private before. The key wasn¡¯t whether Fu Liqun was straight or not, but the fact that he had a girlfriend. You can do whatever you want without a girlfriend. Li Yangming promised Yu Hao that he definitely had no other intentions, so Yu Hao didn¡¯t mind it anymore.


    Fu Liqun drank his beer and said, ¡°Young Master, do you still remember your birthday from two years ago?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yeah, the two of us weren¡¯t together yet at that time. Thank you, Gege.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°You¡¯re welcome. At that time I thought about what we would be like in two to three years, and unexpectedly, time passed in the blink of an eye. Brothers¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, Fu Liqun sat up straight. After thinking about it for a bit, he said, ¡°I think we should talk.¡±


    Yu Hao wasn¡¯t surprised. Zhou Sheng seemed to have anticipated it too and said, ¡°What is it? Gege, you¡¯re our best friend, just say what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    Fu Liqun held an empty beer can in his hands and remained silent for a long time, then suddenly asked Zhou Sheng, ¡°Where do you want to do your internship this year? Are you going to go along with Xue Long¡¯s arrangements?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said without even thinking about it, ¡°No way. He won¡¯t arrange a normal internship for us, we¡¯ve already offended him in all aspects.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Aside from getting us to move bricks, what else would Xue Long ask us to do?¡±


    Fu Liqun uttered an ¡°un¡± and asked again, ¡°Ask Kaikai?¡±


    Zhou Sheng refused again, ¡°Don¡¯t want to owe him a favour. His internship positions are all related to academia; it won¡¯t be suitable for us either.¡±


    Yu Hao had thought of looking to Chen Yekai or Liang Jinmin to introduce them to an internship. However, the internship found would be suitable for him, but not for the active Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun. If their internships weren¡¯t related to the field they would be working in after graduation, then it wouldn¡¯t be that meaningful.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Fu Liqun said to Yu Hao, ¡°Young Madam, now I¡¯m beginning to feel more and more that you¡¯re a really strong guy.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to both of your plans first.¡±


    It was most appropriate to consult parents regarding such an issue. But Yu Hao was alone, and Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t discuss it his family either. Mama Zhou had mentioned it duringthe last time she had called Yu Hao, to get Zhou Sheng to enroll in a class to learn clothing design ¡ª¡ª ever since she knew of Zhou Sheng¡¯s sexual orientation, she started imagining him as a fashionable gay with an orchid finger, and he didn¡¯t know where such an impression came from in the first place. Although Zhou Sheng¡¯s sense of aesthetics wasn¡¯t bad, he didn¡¯t want to have anything to do with fashion.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ve asked my Dad, and he said that he would introduce me to a friend¡¯s company in the logistics department, to do administrative work.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Fu Liqun definitely wouldn¡¯t go.


    ¡°My mum told her son-in-law,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°To ask me to register for a sewing class to learn how to do embroidery work.¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately burst into laughter. Zhou Sheng looked helpless as he shrugged.


    ¡°It¡¯s not bad to go into design.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s just ¡¯cause you don¡¯t like it. Your mother¡¯s doing well with her shop and even started an online shop recently.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Oh, so my stepfather will go to Shenzhen to procure some goods, then I can help her pack 99-yuan packages at home, shipping included? You can be in charge of customer service and quarrel with the customers, it¡¯s pretty good for the family to open a small workshop.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that really was pretty good¡­¡­having experienced not knowing when he would be able to get his next meal after his high school graduation, he understood one truth: how could every person in this world live a resplendent, successful lifestyle like an OP CEO? Earning enough to support oneself isn¡¯t an easy thing to do in the first place.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Aw, I hope CS and FLQ work things out¡­.

 Chapter 112.1 - Negotiation

    ¡°How much money do I have to give you before you¡¯ll let me be with your son?¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be administrative staff, and I can¡¯t be one either. Yangming¡¯s family got him an internship as a HR personnel. Since he¡¯s studying psychology, it barely fits. I¡¯m thinking, why don¡¯t¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun fell silent for a long time. Zhou Sheng started frowning.


    ¡°¡­¡­the three of us partner up and do something together?¡± With earnest expectations in his eyes, Fu Liqun drew a circle, within which was himself, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao understood what Fu Liqun meant, but he and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer. Although Yu Hao had a profession in mind, he has always listened to Zhou Sheng¡¯s call when it came to the major events in life. As long as Zhou Sheng agreed, he would be okay with it as well.


    So he looked at Zhou Sheng to indicate that he was leaving it up to him, and that it would be fine if he agreed.


    But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply. In this silence, Fu Liqun felt a little uneasy, and added after a while, ¡°Your sis-in-law said that she would wait for me for three years. Including this year for me to do an internship, I have four years. I think, no matter what I¡¯m like, I¡¯d at least have to turn myself into something decent within these four years¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­of course, it¡¯s not like we¡¯d start earning millions right after graduation.¡± Fu Liqun explained, ¡°We just need to prove to her dad, my parents, your dad¡­¡­that we¡¯re ¡®ambitious¡¯. After all, just based on our age alone, it¡¯s not possible to be a CEO or anything like that¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao could tell that Fu Liqun was a little nervous, especially when he kept trying to explain his intentions. In fact, this was actually a thorn in Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart as well, so maybe they really could plan this out properly.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, I¡¯ll say something you¡¯re not gonna like to hear,¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°No matter how much you torment yourself, you¡¯ll still end up going home to takeover your father¡¯s company. There¡¯s no point in staying mad, isn¡¯t that right? I know you often think about this too, you just want to prove to your father that you can takeover his company, that it¡¯s no problem who you want to be with¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What does Gege want to do?¡± Zhou Sheng interrupted, ¡°Sell milk tea at the college entrance?¡±


    Fu Liqun shrugged and looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng fell into deep thought again. He has never been the type of person to make casual promises without thinking it through first, but since he didn¡¯t say no straight away, Fu Liqun knew that Zhou Sheng was seriously considering it.


    ¡°Let me think about it for a few days.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Young Madam hasn¡¯t said what he wants to do yet.¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He listens to what I say, so he doesn¡¯t mind anything.¡±


    ¡°Young Madam,¡± Fu Liqun was a little puzzled, ¡°Can you tell me what you¡¯re thinking about all day? I feel like you¡¯re becoming more and more like your sis-in-law. When you look at us, do you think we¡¯re very childish?¡±


    Yu Hao said earnestly, ¡°I really don¡¯t.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Then tell me, where do you want to go for your internship?¡±


    The aroma of black tea filled the living room. Yu Hao added a little milk to it and took sugar off the shelf. He pulled down a rope from a shelf in the living room where several bottles and cans were placed, and there were some pictures attached to the rope.


    A selfie in Mt. Tianqing¡¯s restaurant, where Zhou Sheng stuck his tongue out while Yu Hao was in the background;


    Shi Ni¡¯s smile in the amusement park;


    The picture of a breakfast plate Yu Hao took after waking up from Chen Yekai¡¯s Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ dream;


    During the cold winter, Ou Qihang smiling as he made a ¡°yeah¡± gesture at Yu Hao;


    As well as the group picture taken backstage at the college¡¯s anniversary performance, where Zhou Sheng sat overbearingly in the middle of the sofa. It looked like a magazine cover with six super handsome guys as they were illuminated by the backstage light.


    ¡°I want to be a reporter.¡± Yu Hao said to Fu Liqun, ¡°And expose all of the bastardly crimes in this world.¡±


    ¡°WOW¡ª¡ª!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately applauded enthusiastically.


    Fu Liqun nodded helplessly and said, ¡°Then you should be a reporter, you¡¯re really suited for it. I won¡¯t drag you into this.¡±


    After night fell, Yu Hao sat on the bed cross-legged while Zhou Sheng laid down and looked at him. They looked just like two children.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Yu Hao was trying to get the water out of his ears that had gotten in during his bath; it had been sloshing around inside for a night.


    ¡°Beauty.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re even more handsome than when we first met.¡±


    Yu Hao used to starve all the time in the past, but he has been eating well ever since he was with Zhou Sheng. His skin was better now too, and he was seldom exposed to the sun since he only skateboarded in the evenings. He had fair skin and delicately beautiful facial features, and looked just like a pretty boy. When he went out with Zhou Sheng, a lively guy from the sports department, he was like a beautiful cat doll walking a wolf dog; people often snuck shots of him and girls would chat him up. Fortunately, as soon as strangers saw a Zhou Sheng who was protecting his food, they would never approach them. Zhou Sheng was constantly on alert, ready to bark and bite at any time, which managed to save Yu Hao a lot of trouble.


    Zhou Sheng took a cotton swab and helped Yu Hao get the water out of his ears. Yu Hao obediently turned his head and didn¡¯t dare move, ¡°Do you want to sell milk tea with Gege?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Do you want to join CCTV?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hahaha¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t laugh.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re the one who made me laugh!¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhou Sheng put on a handsome smile. Ever since they got together, as long as they were alone, Zhou Sheng would look at Yu Hao with a smile. In the beginning, Yu Hao still teased him for looking dumb, but he got used to it afterwards and ended up smiling at him as well. The two of them would smile as they looked at each other, and they could look at each other for the whole day.


    ¡°99 out of 100 entrepreneurs die.¡± Zhou Sheng threw the cotton swab away and laid down to say, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to deal a blow to Gege, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s realistic. But you can try to join CCTV.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard Zhou Sheng being slick, he wanted to laugh. He said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we both get an internship at the newspaper company ba.¡±


    ¡°Let me think about it again.¡± Zhou Sheng said in a daze.


    The next day, Zhou Sheng accompanied Fu Liqun out for a ¡°stroll¡±, and Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was a little tempted ¡ª¡ª both of them left home and went to the downtown area for a casual stroll, that is to say, they were there to observe. When they took Li Yangming and everyone in the dormitory out before, they would occasionally hold up a bowl of hot and sour noodles to discuss how much a bowl would earn, the rent, the cost of the shop front and wages, how many bowls they could sell each day¡­¡­and so on.


    When Yu Hao was at his poorest, he had worked almost all kinds of jobs, so he naturally knew how the industry worked. From the opening of the milk tea shop to the quarrels during their deals with the landlord, buying milk tea power, squeezing as much out of the workers to make full use of labour costs, registering and calling out numbers of customers at a hot and sour noodle shop, how cafes and restaurants guard against theft at the cash register, the cost of rental spaces for claw machines, the operations of a private tutor training centre¡­¡­when anyone talked about the bottom rungs of society and its industries, he was well aware of all of them. Zhou Sheng was right. If only Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun went to start up a business, then they would surely lose money.


    But with Yu Hao around, there was a chance for salvation, enough that their project would be able to hang on by a thread for some time.


    Summer vacation was nearing its end, and the torrid heat seemed to have lit the entire campus on fire. There wasn¡¯t a single gust of wind in the mountains. Yu Hao stuck to a shady area as he walked; he had returned to college to collect internship forms for himself, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun. Xue Long was in the middle of speaking grandiloquently into his phone. He counted three forms before throwing them to Yu Hao. Yu Hao stuck some pictures on them; they would need to hand these to the company they were interning at after school starts, then take it back after their three-month internship and return it to the college.


    Once third year ends, their fourth year would begin; the entire college seemed to exude an air of ¡®not knowing what to live for¡¯, and it seemed just like the world was ending. All the courses of the first half of the semester were over. The college turned into a hostel; students all turned into transient guests, and everyone either played games all day or waited for the holidays to start while idling their time away. Students finally underwent a marked differentiation in this year ¡ª the hurdle of employment and jobs easily removed everyone¡¯s guises and made them reveal their true forms.


    Students who had connections lived life every day like they were in a drunken stupor, in any case, their family already had it all planned out for them. Poor students without any connections, on the other hand, were trying to hide the anxiety on their faces.


    Yu Hao stood gasping for breath as he waited for the bus. He was so hot that he was just like a fluffy, polite Samoyed dog now. A luxurious car stopped in front of him.


    The window rolled down, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s family chauffeur was inside.


    Yu Hao thought, they¡¯ve come at last. He has always had a hunch that Zhou Laichun would look for him in private the year before graduation.


    Previously, he had even simulated such a scene with Chen Yekai as they laughed all carefree. They imagined Zhou Laichun saying the classic line, ¡°how much money do you want before you¡¯re willing to leave my son¡±. In the end, what Chen Yekai taught him was, ¡°Ask him for a hundred million yuan, plus 7% of his company¡¯s shares. I¡¯ll help you with the sum. After some financing and leverage, you can counter by buying his company instead.¡±


    At the time, Yu Hao almost laughed to death because of Chen Yekai. One and a half years after coming out, Zhou Laichun was finally ready to negotiate with him.


    ¡°Mr¡­¡­Yu?¡± The chauffeur said.


    ¡°Call me Young Madam.¡± Yu Hao was becoming more and more kickass now.


    Chauffeur, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Without waiting for him to ask, he opened the car¡¯s door, and the chauffeur hurried out to close it. Yu Hao sat in the back seat and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go bei.¡±


    The chauffeur kept glancing at Yu Hao through the rearview mirror. Evidently, Zhou Laichun¡¯s instructions weren¡¯t effective; it was beyond their expectations for Yu Hao to be so understanding.


    ¡°Focus on driving.¡± Yu Hao said patiently.


    That tone of his sounded so much like Zhou Sheng¡¯s that the chauffeur immediately began paying attention to what was in front of him. The luxurious car drove to the  foot of Mt. Yunding and stopped in front of the stir-fry shop.


    Yu Hao casually slammed the door shut, but he was in a very complicated mood. Zhou Laichun chose to meet him here? What does that mean?


    The stir-fry shop was both old and small, but the air-conditioning was strong inside. Zhou Laichun¡¯s back faced the entrance, and he was eating a plate of stewed liver tips and pickled rabbit meat by himself. There was a bottle of beer and two disposable plastic cups next to his hand. Yu Hao had eaten at this shop many times and would never get sick of it, so he immediately felt hungry right after he took a whiff of the fragrance of the boss¡¯ stir-fry.


    Yu Hao pulled a chair out and sat opposite Zhou Laichun. He took a pair of chopsticks and asked, ¡°Who¡¯s treating?¡±


    Zhou Laichun answered, ¡°I will. After what happened the last time, I haven¡¯t had a good meal with you yet.¡±

 Chapter 112.2 - Negotiation

    ¡°How much money do I have to give you before you¡¯ll let me be with your son?¡°


    Translated by: DMlations/Zryuu


    Edited by: Amelea, FistFullOfDollars and Juurensha


    ¡ª


    Yu Hao broke his chopsticks apart. Zhou Laichun poured some beer for him, and Yu Hao said, ¡°My alcohol tolerance isn¡¯t too good.¡±


    Zhou Laichun answered, ¡°Mine isn¡¯t either. Just drink a little, it¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sent Yu Hao a message on WeChat, asking him to go downtown to have dinner with him and Fu Liqun. Yu Hao took a glance but didn¡¯t reply. Zhou Laichun saw it too; in the notification that popped up, Zhou Sheng called Yu Hao ¡°wifey¡±.


    ¡°After so many years, I still remember the day of my divorce.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I left the marriage with nothing. After completing the divorce proceedings with his mother, I went home to pack a bag, stuffed two pairs of underwear in it, and left.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t interrupt and just listened quietly to Zhou Laichun.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Sheng¡¯er stood by the door of the room as he looked at me, he was this big.¡± As he spoke, he made a gesture, ¡°I said ¡®come over here, Dad has something to tell you¡¯, then he came. I wanted to tell him, ¡®Dad will be back¡¯, but he ended up slapping me instead, hahahahaha!¡±


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s face flushed red, and he couldn¡¯t stop coughing from laughing so hard. He studied Yu Hao and muttered to himself, ¡°That was a really violent slap, and it almost made a blood clot form in my brain. I¡¯ll never forget that for the rest of my life¨C of how my own son slapped me in the face. His mother probably taught him that.¡±


    Yu Hao took a sip of beer, thought about it, then said, ¡°What were you thinking about at that time?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I thought, once I¡¯ve earned enough money, I¡¯ll come back to pick you up, then I¡¯ll let you buy whatever you want and live whatever life you want.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent. Zhou Laichun asked, ¡°The two of you have been living together for awhile now, ever fought?¡±


    ¡°Never.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°During the incident with Ou Weihong, I saw how he calmed down right after you shouted at him and thought yo, there¡¯s finally someone who could stop him at last. At that moment I had a vague sense that something was wrong, but I didn¡¯t really think too much about it, until your counsellor told me later on¡­¡­¡±


    The boss carried over a plate of twice-cooked pork and a bowl of tomato egg soup, placed it on the table, wiped his hands on his apron, and went back to watch TV.


    ¡°You believed it.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I did.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°How could I not? He¡¯s my son, I know him the best. I just never thought that he would be so bold; not fearing me was one thing, but he wasn¡¯t afraid of his mother either.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you realise something?¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. Yu Hao pondered for a bit before saying, ¡°Both of you want to control him, to control this only son of yours and show off your strength to each other through your control over him. Although aunt does nag him, once her nagging doesn¡¯t work, she¡¯ll leave him be. That¡¯s also a kind of respect. She¡¯s not like you, who wouldn¡¯t give up unless you achieve your goal.¡±


    Yu Hao had already realised this problem through contact with Zhou Sheng¡¯s parents. Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother might scold him a lot, and the words she utters aren¡¯t exactly pleasant to the ears, but once she realises that she can¡¯t get through to him, she would just hatefully conclude her rant. She would only unleash a torrent of emotional attacks on him, but she wouldn¡¯t go through a series of other means to suppress Zhou Sheng, to force him to comply with her expectations.


    It was just like how she used to urge Zhou Sheng to find a girlfriend: Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t want to find one, so she would only scold him but not arrange blind dates for him all the time. She definitely doesn¡¯t wish for her son to be gay because her relatives would mock her for it, but she wouldn¡¯t exhaust all means to split them up by hook or by crook.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You¡¯re not me, you don¡¯t understand my feelings for him. Yu Hao, I want to give him the best of everything.¡±


    Yu Hao once heard Zhou Sheng say the same thing and thought, you father-son pair really do have inherent similarities in your personalities.


    Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°Do you know that throughout all these years, whenever I slept with all kinds of women, I would always remember to wear a condom?¡±


    Yu Hao studied Zhou Laichun. The last time they met, although Zhou Laichun was near his fifties, he still possessed much grace and appeared very energetic. But over the past year, Zhou Laichun actually looked like he had aged quite a bit; he had a lot more white hairs now, and his expression carried slight despondence too.


    ¡°After divorcing his mother, I¡¯ve never had another son or daughter.¡± Zhou Laichun said sincerely, ¡°Do you know why?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°You want to leave everything you have, your money, your assets all to Zhou Sheng alone.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Laichun put his palms together and said politely to Yu Hao, ¡°So, could you please be a magnanimous guy, Yu Hao? I know you¡¯re a good kid.¡±


    Yu Hao stared at him in silence and didn¡¯t answer him.


    ¡°I want to train him well.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°All the way until he started senior high, I¡¯ve been waking up early while groping my way through the dark to exchange my life for money. His mother refused to let me visit him, and I thought that after he got into college, he would gradually come to understand. I want to send him abroad, to get a business degree¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao finally understood Zhou Sheng¡¯s reaction and attitude whenever he mentioned getting a business degree now.


    ¡°He won¡¯t go.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°And he wouldn¡¯t even come ask me for any conditions. I think you definitely won¡¯t let him refuse¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He never told me before, and if he did, I would have certainly asked him to go. That¡¯s not much, it¡¯s just two to three years; we won¡¯t break up because we¡¯re in different countries. I¡¯m confident that we¡¯ll be able to withstand any trial.¡±


    Now it was Zhou Laichun¡¯s turn to stop speaking. He watched Yu Hao silently, Yu Hao said. ¡°So what do you want me to do for you? Say it ba.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Although I know you¡¯re not this kind of person, I still can¡¯t help asking, how much money do you want?¡±


    Yu Hao thought it¡¯s finally happening.


    ¡°One hundred million, and 7% of Yun Lai Chun¡¯s shares.¡± Yu Hao said politely to Zhou Laichun just like how Chen Yekai had taught him.


    Yu Hao thought that Zhou Laichun¡¯s expression would turn into a spectacular sight and was already ready to admire it, but Zhou Laichun said, ¡°The shares won¡¯t do, uncle will give you 30 million.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that was a close call! Zhou Laichun was actually willing to fork out 30 million just to split them up?


    ¡°Then forget it.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    Zhou Laichun said seriously, ¡°45 million? And I¡¯ll give you another company too? I have a company in Shanghai¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao sensed that something was wrong, so he changed his tune, ¡°I was just joking, uncle, I now know that you really do love him a lot.¡±


    Zhou Laichun still refused to give up and said, ¡°Yun Lai Chun¡¯s shares will be left for my son. Aside from that, everything else is negotiable. You¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I really was just kidding, uncle. I don¡¯t want a single penny, and I don¡¯t want your shares either. I love him.¡±


    Zhou Laichun smiled, ¡°Everything in this world has a price tag. Even human lives have one, so don¡¯t say that in front of uncle now.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao, ¡°Everyone has different values, so let¡¯s not talk about that anymore.¡±


    Zhou Laichun opened his handbag to take something. Yu Hao thought about it for a bit and said, ¡°The feelings we have for each other are much stronger than you think. At a time when I had given up on everything in this world, he was the one who saved my life. So the only thing in this world that can make me let go, is if he wants to, in other words¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­there is only one reason that will drive us to break up, and that is if he stops loving me someday.¡± Yu Hao continued, ¡°Aside from that, I won¡¯t break up with him.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡± Zhou Laichun sighed, ¡°I got it. At the time, I had thought that I loved Zhou Sheng¡¯s mother very much too¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to talk any further. Zhou Laichun took out the bank card that had been returned to him more than a year ago.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng hasn¡¯t found an internship yet, has he?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Give all three of your internship forms to me, I¡¯ll stamp them.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s no need for now, we¡¯ll think of something first.¡±


    Zhou Laichun and Yu Hao looked at each other. Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t insist anymore and placed the card on top of the internship forms. Yu Hao shook the internship forms to shake the card off. Zhou Laichun¡¯s expression looked a bit angry, but he was trying his utmost to control himself.


    ¡°Take it first for expenditures ba.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, then let him come to Yun Lai Chun. After experiencing many things, his frame of mind might somewhat change¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But I do have a question I want to ask.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m just asking out of curiosity. How much money do I have to give you before you¡¯ll let me be with your son?¡±


    Zhou Laichun watched Yu Hao, and after awhile, he said, ¡°If you¡¯re willing to change your sex, then it¡¯s not like it can¡¯t be considered¡­¡­but you can¡¯t get married to him.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun was extremely worn out. Since they¡¯ve already laid their cards on the table, he decided that he might as well say, ¡°But since Zhou Sheng likes men, it wouldn¡¯t matter even if you underwent a sex change operation. What I mean is, he must get married to a girl, and this girl must be of use to his career and life; it can¡¯t be the way it was with myself and his mother. After marriage, he can date whoever he likes, that would be his private affair. As long as his family can be set up¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said quietly in an enigmatic manner, ¡°You want him to find a wife who¡¯s powerful enough to support him, but how could such a girl allow him to hoodwink her into a marriage and cheat on her with another guy outside?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Laichun said sincerely, ¡°So you understand where my difficulties lie.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re too shameless.¡± Yu Hao said from the bottom of his heart, ¡°Uncle, I actually admire you a little.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°If I wasn¡¯t that shameless, do you think I would¡¯ve been able to climb up to where I am now? Yu Hao, the two of you won¡¯t last long. Why don¡¯t you retain your memories now for the rest of your life, and treat it as your most beautiful memories? Must you wait until the two of you fight over life¡¯s daily expenses, fight until your faces turn red and the two of you start rolling your eyes at each other? Only the feeling of disgust would remain then. Yu Hao, consider it again properly¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun filled their wine glasses and said patiently, ¡°Fifty million yuan in cash. Yu Hao, it¡¯ll be transferred in a week, and it can¡¯t be any more. Go back and think about it ba. If you really refuse it, you¡¯ll regret it one day in the future.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Well, we all knew this scene was coming


    Zryuu:


    Me when Zhou Laichun was talking about his love for his son: D: </3


    Me when Zhou Laichun started talking about sex changes and a pragmatic marriage: ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­

 Chapter 113.1 - Troublesome

    As he spoke, Zhou Laichun held up a disposable cup and toasted Yu Hao. After Yu Hao finished the drink, he showed Zhou Laichun the bottom of the cup and said, ¡°If I have a son, I certainly wouldn¡¯t be like you. Working so hard all our lives, isn¡¯t it just so that our beloved children wouldn¡¯t need to worry about many things? To let them do what they want and love the person they want to love?¡±


    ¡°Freedom is relative.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Even if one managed to become an emperor and gave birth to a prince, you still wouldn¡¯t be able to live as you like. You¡¯re too naive.¡±


    Yu Hao continued gathering up the internship forms. He thought about it, kept the bank card, and said, ¡°Thank you for the treat, uncle.¡±


    Yu Hao had been enraged by the words ¡°sex change operation¡± for a moment, and the result of changing his sex was just ¡°it¡¯s not like it can¡¯t be considered¡±. That made him really want to splash the beer onto Zhou Laichun¡¯s face when they toasted each other. It definitely would have looked quite amusing, and with Zhou Laichun¡¯s temper, he might have just burst out laughing instead. Still, he was Zhou Sheng¡¯s father after all, and that would be disgracing him too much.


    Yu Hao walked slowly along the periphery of the park at the foot of Mt. Yunding. Zhou Sheng had already sent him a bunch of messages. Yu Hao looked down to reply to him, and he was about to go look for them when Xiao Yujun called him.


    ¡°Yu Hao, if you¡¯re free let¡¯s meet up at a cafe?¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°I just got off work.¡±


    When summer vacation began, Yu Hao had asked Xiao Yujun about interning at the newspaper office. Xiao Yujun was quick to agree, and her attitude at the time was ¡°you¡¯re exactly what I¡¯ve been looking for¡±. With Yu Hao around, he could help her quite a lot.


    But even though summer vacation was about to end, Xiao Yujun still didn¡¯t tell him when he should report for work, as if she had forgotten about it. Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng for his opinion since he wanted to urge Xiao Yujun, but Zhou Sheng told him not to. Xiao Yujun wouldn¡¯t forget.


    Yu Hao arranged to meet up with Xiao Yujun at a restaurant nearby. He went to take the subway and asked Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun to have dinner first and not wait for him. When night fell, the two of them were waiting for seats outside the restaurant. Xiao Yujun looped her arm around Yu Hao¡¯s hand and said helplessly, ¡°I just had a blind date here a few days ago.¡±


    ¡°How was it?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°If he was a tenth as good as you,¡± Xiao Yujun said sorrowfully, ¡°Jiejie would definitely get married.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Yujun continued, ¡°Is there any hope with your Chen Laoshi at all? Help Jiejie fight for a chance ba.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think about that anymore.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°It¡¯s the pain of someone with a face complex, do you understand?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I do, I do.¡±


    When the restaurant called their number, Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you today ba.¡± He decided not to help Zhou Laichun scrimp anymore and was planning to later swipe his card.


    After they ordered their food, Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Un¡­¡­does seem a bit alike.¡±


    ¡°Alike?¡± Yu Hao frowned a little, ¡°Like who?¡±


    ¡°Like one of my Shixiongs.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°We even talked about you at noon today.¡±


    Yu Hao thought his mother had given birth to a younger brother for him somewhere who Xiao Yujun had bumped into. But since it was a ¡°Shixiong¡±, then they shouldn¡¯t be related.


    ¡°Do we look alike?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Your auras are a bit alike.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Have you guys gotten your internship forms?¡±


    Yu Hao took out the folded internship forms and handed them to Xiao Yujun. But she didn¡¯t accept it and said guiltily, ¡°Sorry, Yu Hao. I asked the leader about it, and it was all going very smoothly at first¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao understood as soon as he heard it. Xiao Yujun¡¯s company doesn¡¯t want him, so he immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can keep looking. If I can¡¯t find one, the college will arrange one for me. Chen Laoshi asked me about it too. He and Liang Laoshi just went to Japan to hold an academic conference¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Yujun leaned back on her chair and said, very distressed, ¡°How should I say this? It¡¯s not a problem with your abilities.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that she was trying to console him. After all, their college¡¯s diploma wasn¡¯t valuable locally, so he smiled, ¡°I know it¡¯s not¡­¡­¡±


    Xiao Yujun seemed to have made up her mind as she said, ¡°I¡¯ll just tell you the truth ba. It¡¯s because of Ou Qihang¡¯s incident that my leader doesn¡¯t dare to hire you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao understood it at once. In a certain sense, he was the one who first partnered with Xiao Yujun, Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun, Huang Ting, Chen Yekai, and the rest to sack a bunch of corrupted officials and expose the sensational news. As Xiao Yujun¡¯s intern assistant, the leader of the newspaper must be worried about stirring up trouble after employing him.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Your leader¡¯s actually paying attention to a student like me?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Close to two years ago, I didn¡¯t tell you guys about this in detail. The leaders held a special meeting to discuss this matter. Because when my laptop was snatched at first, the ones present at the scene were just you and Jiejie¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then will did work get affected?¡± Yu Hao asked worriedly.


    ¡°I wrote a letter of guarantee.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°It¡¯s no biggie.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and said, ¡°What about other newspapers?¡±


    Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Reporters and editors are always in the know about a lot of things. I¡¯m guessing that the other newspapers would at least know a little about it too.¡±


    Yu Hao had roughly learned how to understand a lot of the subtext of people in society, so when he heard those words, he nodded. ¡°So I¡¯ve gotten myself onto the blacklist of all the newspapers in Ying City.¡±


    Xiao Yujun smiled and didn¡¯t speak. Yu Hao thought she would say something like, ¡°what are you thinking?¡±, or at least say ¡°it¡¯s not that bad¡±, but he didn¡¯t expect her to not say anything at all.


    That really is the case? Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart sink. It was that serious?


    ¡°Ultimately, for Ou Qihang¡¯s case, it was the outcome of two forces competing against each other.¡± Xiao Yujun absentmindedly poked the foot on her plate a few times with her fork, ¡°You understand.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered Chen Yekai talking about ¡®fighting between the local and central¡¯, so he nodded. Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Although the tide has receded for now, not everything under the water has surfaced¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°And they can¡¯t surface either.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There will be no fish if the water is too clear, I understand that principle.¡±


    Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°Control on the media is getting tighter and tighter nowadays. You guys always feel that newspapers like to make a mountain out of a molehill, but that¡¯s not entirely the case. Everyone¡¯s very smart. What do you think the leaders are most afraid of? They¡¯re most afraid of something happening; they would rather have no merits nor faults than shoulder any blame. This is a mass media era now, no one can keep it under control¡­¡­even a huge business like Sina, if they want to¡­¡­delete posts, they¡¯ll just do it.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Today, he could expose the truth in Ou Qihang¡¯s case, so he could do the same for another case tomorrow. The investigation team took care of him the last time, but that may not be the case again next time. If the media won¡¯t publish it, he could go through another channel to publish it in a personal capacity.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to confirm something,¡± Yu Hao thought about it, then said, ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be very possible for me to find an internship in Ying City¡¯s newspaper offices now, right?¡±


    ¡°Not necessarily so.¡± Xiao Yujun said, ¡°Some supplements shouldn¡¯t mind, such as gourmet food columns and travel specials, but I don¡¯t think you¡¯d really want to do those types. I can help you ask around in the news media organisations in other provinces. Do you have anywhere you want to go?¡±


    Xiao Yujun¡¯s ¡®asking around¡¯ was just a comforting remark, the subtext was that she wouldn¡¯t be able to help him, and that he would have to find a way himself. Yu Hao could understand the insinuation.


    He was thinking about it when Xiao Yujun continued, ¡°Go back and discuss it with Zhou Sheng ba. I suggest the two of you get an internship in the same city, then it¡¯d be easier for the two of you to take care of each other too. After I graduated from college, I didn¡¯t follow my boyfriend for the sake of pursuing my ideals¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you regret it now?¡± Yu Hao¡¯s train of thought was derailed.


    Xiao Yujun smiled, ¡°A bit ba. Especially on the day he got married. I just hope the two of you can last a long time.¡±


    Yu Hao settled the bill, and they went their separate ways. He took the last bus home. He stood on the road outside his house and looked up at the lights inside and the clothes that had already been washed and aired outside. Previously, Zhou Sheng suggested that if they were all going to work in Ying City, then they could terminate the lease contract for their current house and rent a two- or three-room apartment in the downtown area. Then they would move out after Fu Liqun got married, and everyone would live separately.


    They¡¯ve lived in this house for two years, it was the first home Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng got together. He was very fond of this feeling.


    But Xiao Yujun had already reminded him ¡ª if he stayed in Ying City, he may not find the internship he wants, so what should he do then? In addition, Zhou Laichun¡¯s words made him think even more.


    A whistle rang out from the high up balcony. Zhou Sheng could be seen bending over the balcony railings.


    ¡°The moon is really beautiful tonight.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled.


    Yu Hao looked up and saw a first quarter moon hanging in between the mountains.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao answered, then entered the passageway and went home.

 Chapter 113.2 - Troublesome

    The door was open, and the air conditioning was very cool inside. Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun were bare chested as they ate mala crawfish. Fu Liqun was all sweaty from eating, Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°How was dinner? Has Junjie given you a reply?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, you really do know everything. Chen Yekai went to Japan, so the one who would invite him out for dinner should be Xiao Yujun.


    Fu Liqun asked, ¡°When will you be going to CCTV? By then you could help advertise for your bros¡¯ business?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Stop messing around, have you guys made your plans?¡±


    ¡°Eat first.¡± Zhou Sheng said. Yu Hao didn¡¯t eat much for dinner and was a little hungry now, so he ate the crawfish with them. After eating, Fu Liqun borrowed Yu Hao¡¯s laptop to check something in the living room. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao went into the kitchen to wash the dishes.


    Yu Hao drew out Zhou Laichun¡¯s card and showed it to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°How much was I valued for?¡± Zhou Sheng took the card and asked with a smile.


    Just based on this one card, Zhou Sheng could roughly guess what had happened to Yu Hao today.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Take a guess?¡±


    ¡°Tens of millions ba?¡± Zhou Sheng thought about it and answered, ¡°Did you tell him Kaikai¡¯s idea?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think he would consider it seriously at all, if I knew sooner I wouldn¡¯t have provoked him¡­¡­but he couldn¡¯t have given it.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he?¡± Zhou Sheng saw that Yu Hao was standing, so he took the plate from his hands and wiped it. He said casually, ¡°Afraid that I would find someone else to play Fairy Jump with again? Find someone to partner up with and cheat him of all his money?¡±


    Yu Hao did think of that before. If you, Zhou Laichun, could offer 50 million to ask me to break up with your son, then would you fork out another sum if Zhou Sheng finds a new guy in a few days? How much could you give away?


    ¡°He would definitely fork it.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°This sum of money isn¡¯t to buy our relationship¨C it¡¯s to buy up all of my relationships in my life. He just wants to prove to me that no matter who it is, they can be sent away with money. Think about it, if I were to date again, no matter who it would be, I would never be able to believe in them again.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that it did seem that way. If he had really taken the money, then Zhou Sheng would remember it for the rest of his life. Then, no matter if he were to date or get married in the future, his values would have been thoroughly beaten down by Zhou Laichun, and he would never be able to make a comeback ever again. In the future, Zhou Laichun wouldn¡¯t even need to fork out a single cent before getting Zhou Sheng to break up with whomever he wants.


    ¡°I really shouldn¡¯t have said that to him.¡± Yu Hao said. He kept feeling like he had done something wrong today.


    ¡°It was pretty good ah.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°From now on, just be dead insistent on the shares, what else can he do if he can¡¯t give it? Then it would change from a matter of principles to a matter of business for everyone. As long as he doesn¡¯t give up the shares, then the two of us can stay together justifiably, what the hell would he be able to say about that?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that that was too much. He was caught off guard by the development of the situation in such a direction.


    ¡°What if he does give it?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°He would never give it.¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°He only has 13% of Yun Lai Chun¡¯s shares. If he gives you 7%, you would be the largest shareholder of Yun Lai Chun.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°According to his plan, within that 13%, 6% of it would go to me while he keeps 7%. Otherwise why did you think Kaikai settled on that number?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled as he said, ¡°The Great Chieftain is still very cunning na. Kaikai even specifically studied the decision-making system implemented at Yun Lai Chun¡¯s shareholders¡¯ meetings.¡±


    Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Okay then, in any case I don¡¯t understand it at all¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai used to do this all the time when he started a company with his friend abroad. With him coming up with ideas behind the scenes, Zhou Laichun really was momentarily dumbstruck. Later on, he may realise that they were getting advice from an expert, so he would perhaps not mention it anymore.


    Since Zhou Laichun couldn¡¯t accede to the conditions, it was only to be expected that Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng could be together. When they thought about it this way, Yu Hao was the true winner of this game.


    ¡°Still two million?¡± After Zhou Sheng washed the dishes, the two of them didn¡¯t leave the kitchen. Zhou Sheng flipped the card to take a look.


    ¡°2,200,000.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The financial yields for the past two years are still in it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay.¡± As he spoke, he took off his apron and went to the living room, then took up his phone. Fu Liqun was still lying down. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege, we¡¯ve discussed it on our side.¡±


    Yu Hao was scooping out ice cream for them at the dining table. Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun¡¯s conversation travelled to his ears.


    ¡°We won¡¯t participate in any strategic decisions or implementations.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But if you need help, you can always call us at any time.¡±


    Fu Liqun put his phone down and was a little dispirited, but he pulled himself together and smiled at Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao thought that the two of them should have roughly concluded their talk. Fu Liqun wanted to start a business, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t intend to join in. In reality, although Fu Liqun was very tight with them, feelings were feelings, and business was a different matter altogether. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t very optimistic about his entrepreneurship either; it might not necessarily fail, but a lot of time and effort would have to be invested into it for sure.


    ¡°Yu Hao wants to be a reporter, you know that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, you don¡¯t need to explain.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°That¡¯s being too distant.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took his phone, and he pondered while tapping on it. He said, ¡°What¡¯s more, it¡¯s not like you lack manpower right now¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun uttered an ¡°un¡± and said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask around at work tomorrow, I can treat the entrepreneurship as my internship bei. It won¡¯t be considered a formal job¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng put his phone down, then said to Fu Liqun, ¡°I¡¯ve transferred two sums to your account, there should be 400,000 in total. Check it?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°!!!¡±


    Fu Liqun immediately grabbed his phone and logged into his account. After glancing at Yu Hao, he said, ¡°This won¡¯t do. Young Master, I¡¯ll transfer it back to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m joining in as a shareholder ah, didn¡¯t we decide on that this afternoon?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I have the money, I can just ask for it from my parents! My family can still afford this much, and if it¡¯s still not enough, I can get a loan! No one¡¯s ever heard of borrowing from a friend to start up a business¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just keep it!¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°Why are you dilly-dallying so much?¡±


    Yu Hao finally couldn¡¯t help himself from asking, ¡°What kind of business do you guys plan on doing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered Yu Hao, ¡°A gym.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Madam, I¡¯ll transfer the money to your account¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng got angry, ¡°Gege!¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I originally wanted to partner with you, but if you¡¯re not going to be a shareholder, then there¡¯s no need to¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But I am!¡± Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°These are my shares. I¡¯m leaving it all up to you while I just invest in your business. You can give me the dividends once you start earning money, you¡¯re not content with that?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Fu Liqun really did intend to open a gym. He had already worked there during the first semester of their second year and was roughly familiar with the operations of a gym. The sports department had also taught them a lot of relevant knowledge regarding the field, and after the completion of minor courses, students could also apply for a fitness coach certificate. So it was quite appropriate for his major.


    ¡°Count me as a shareholder too ba.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°That¡¯s the betrothal gift Zhou Sheng¡¯s family gave me.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng heard that, he immediately burst into laughter, and Fu Liqun didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh. He hesitated, ¡°Yu Hao¡­¡­ai!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why are you being so hesitant? Is it because you wouldn¡¯t need to return the money to your family if you made a loss, but you would have to return Zhou Sheng¡¯s money if you did? Gege, are you embarking from a starting point where you think you¡¯d make a loss?¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s sore spot was instantly struck by Yu Hao ¡ª¡ª although he had discussed a lot over and over again with Zhou Sheng today, when the time came to make a decision, he really wasn¡¯t very confident in himself. He was afraid that his blood had all rushed to his head, and he would end up failing miserably,  thereby even letting Zhou Sheng down.


    ¡°So,¡± Zhou Sheng said without much concern, ¡°You need the pressure. You¡¯ll only succeed in a fight to the death with all your bridges burnt.¡±


    Those words seemed to have knocked enlightenment into Fu Liqun¡¯s head. Yu Hao understood that this was actually Zhou Sheng¡¯s way of motivating someone. If he took his parents¡¯ money to start up the business, then he could just let it go if it was wasted, and Fu Liqun may not put his utmost into the business. However, once Zhou Sheng became a shareholder, Fu Liqun¡¯s stress would multiply, and he would have to find a way to continue his gym business no matter what.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I get it, Young Master, I won¡¯t betray your trust.¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with me.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed again, ¡°It¡¯s Yu Hao¡¯s betrothal gift.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng started laughing again. Fu Liqun borrowed Yu Hao¡¯s laptop and started racking his brains for his start-up.


    ¡°Are you optimistic about the gym?¡± Before sleeping, Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng asked instead, ¡°Are you optimistic about the gym?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged. They understood without stating it explicitly, and Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°I¡¯m not very optimistic about him, but I trust him.¡±


    That was what Yu Hao thought as well, but he wasn¡¯t as good as expressing it as Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Any news from CCTV?¡± Zhou Sheng teased again.


    The two of them were sleeping side by side. Yu Hao thought about it over and over, then finally said, ¡°Un. Jun Jie said that she has another idea, so I have to wait for a few more days.¡±


    Yu Hao turned sideways and rested his head on Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm, then placed his hand on his collarbone and carressed it.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t suspect anything at all and answered, ¡°She thinks that you wouldn¡¯t be able to act as freely as you would like at her newspaper office ba?¡±


    ¡°That should be what she means.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I bought something for you today. It¡¯ll come in handy when you start your internship. Do you want to see it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat up as he spoke. Yu Hao said, ¡°What did you buy again?¡±


    Under Yu Hao¡¯s repeated orders, it was rare for Zhou Sheng to buy big ticket items anymore. He had intended to give it to Yu Hao when he started on his job, but he couldn¡¯t hold himself back and still ended up presenting him the treasure beforehand.


    Zhou Sheng took out a box from under the bed, and Yu Hao let out a loud shout.


    Two lens along with the main body ¡ª it was a brand new camera!


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡­¡­how much did this cost?¡±


    Yu Hao flipped it around to see. He had never researched cameras before, but there was an ¡°H¡± on the camera body, and it was both light and compact with a round lens. Zhou Sheng had evidently already tested it out in the shop, and he taught Yu Hao how to use it. He asked, ¡°Like it?¡± And his gaze shifted from the camera to Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°What brand is this?¡± Yu Hao asked out of curiosity, ¡°It¡¯s not Sony?¡±


    ¡°A small manufacturer.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled as he answered, ¡°I know you don¡¯t want me to buy an expensive one.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What is it called? How much does it cost exactly?¡±


    ¡°Hasselblad.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°See, the receipt is inside. It¡¯s only about 3,000 plus. The assistant taught me the basic functions, but you¡¯ll have to work out the rest by yourself slowly. The lens was a few hundred, but the memory card is free.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, and he calmed down. Fortunately, Zhou Sheng had bought him a camera that cost 3,000, so it wasn¡¯t considered a professional one. Even if he couldn¡¯t find a job in the media industry, he could leave it at home and bring it around to take pictures when travelling.


    ¡°Once you start your job, you can take it around with you to take all the pictures you want.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°When you win the Pulitzer Prize someday, will you remember what to say? Thank your Hubby for buying you the first camera of your life, then the shot would move to me, who¡¯s in the first row, while I clap and whistle for you¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: I swear to god I fucking love Zhou Sheng so damn much right now


    Juurensha: Awwww, cute.

 Chapter 114.1 - Phone Call

    Yu Hao felt bad for a moment and avoided Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze. He took a deep breath; he wanted to tell Zhou Sheng the truth. But when he saw Zhou Sheng entertaining himself and his expectant eyes, he couldn¡¯t say it no matter what.


    But Zhou Sheng thought Yu Hao was feeling moved, so he smiled as he asked, ¡°Like it?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded; all sorts of feelings really had welled up in his heart. He picked up the camera and took a picture of Zhou Sheng. Looking at the display screen, this was the second photo in the camera; the first photo was taken by Zhou Sheng from the balcony of Yu Hao at the area downstairs.


    Zhou Sheng reached out and held Yu Hao in his arms. The two of them took a selfie. This was the third photo, and Yu Hao was ready to let it remain in this Hasselblad camera forever.


    ¡°Both of you have already found what you guys wanna do.¡± Zhou Sheng lay in bed and muttered to himself, ¡°But I haven¡¯t figured out what to do yet.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s alright, I¡¯ll raise you.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°You just need to cook for me everyday at home.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Why don¡¯t I open a small restaurant and deliver lunch to office buildings?¡±


    Yu Hao immediately rejected, ¡°No way! I won¡¯t let anyone else eat what you cook.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed happily. Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, ¡°I¡¯ll help you send your resume tomorrow ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Send to those related to food and beverage services?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yu Hao brought up the camera to take another picture of him. At this moment, he decided not to worry Zhou Sheng with his affairs. After all, even if he did say anything, Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t be able to help him resolve the problem and would instead just feel more gloomy. Also, Zhou Sheng was already bothered about where he should be interning.


    Yu Hao planned to send both his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s resumes out, and if that really doesn¡¯t work out, he would wait until Chen Yekai came back before asking him for help. And if that doesn¡¯t work out either, there would still be arranged internships by Xue Long, although those would either involve selling insurance or the sales office.


    The next morning, Fu Liqun held a meeting for three students in their living room.


    Two boys from the sports classes were Xia Lie and Bian Qiang, as well as their roommate, Li Yangming. After Fu Liqun received his first ever investment in his life, his efficiency in execution was quite high¨C he had already called his partners over at 9am to start their discussion.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had porridge at the dining table and didn¡¯t express a single opinion the whole time while Fu Liqun and the rest were having their meeting. Fu Liqun had evidently already conceived a plan last night and discussed it with Xia Lei and the rest beforehand; everyone was optimistic about his gym and were all willing to work together with him.


    Zhou Sheng yawned. He sat at the dining table and looked at Yu Hao, bored stiff.


    ¡°Check your resume again.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°If there¡¯s no issues with it I¡¯ll start throwing it out to the sea.¡±


    Zhou Sheng checked his resume. Yu Hao took pictures of the serious meeting between Fu Liqun and the future founding members of ¡°Aomori Gym¡±. He was prepared to loyally use his camera to document the founding of Aomori Gym until¡­¡­until¡­¡­it succeeds or¡­¡­goes bankrupt and closes down, to keep it as a memory.


    This was Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s first time watching an entrepreneurship team earnestly conduct a meeting, and both of them thought it was quite interesting. As a bystander, Yu Hao felt that rather than describing them as entrepreneurs, it was more appropriate to say that they were acting ¡ª¡ª everyone was trying their best to play the role they should have, or at least the role they think they should be playing right now.


    Just like a group of students who were trying to learn how to be adults.


    Of course, Yu Hao wasn¡¯t much better himself. At the very least, Fu Liqun had already found the direction he wanted to strive towards in the future.


    ¡°No it can¡¯t be written like this¡­¡­¡± After Zhou Sheng looked through his resume, his face flushed red straight away. ¡°You didn¡¯t write a resume, this is a press release for the entertainment circle! It¡¯s even written through the lens of a fan, there¡¯s too much bragging in this.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But you are like that, you are a male god. Okay don¡¯t feel conflicted anymore, I¡¯m sending it.¡±


    ¡°There are wrong words too¡­¡­wait!¡± Zhou Sheng was about to stop Yu Hao, who filled in all the email addresses he had sorted out the other day and sent them all out, while sending his own resume to several media companies in Ying City as well.


    Within one morning, Fu Liqun¡¯s team had reached an agreement on the distribution of shares and the responsibilities they each would hold. When they had a break in the middle, Zhou Sheng fried up a huge pot of rice for the six of them. Fu Liqun asked Yu Hao, ¡°When will Young Madam start work?¡±


    ¡°Waiting for the notice.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Li Yangming asked Zhou Sheng if he was going to intern at his father¡¯s company, and the answer he got was quite unexpected ¡ª Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nope, I¡¯ll find a company myself.¡±


    ¡°Young Master, why don¡¯t the two of you come over too?¡± Bian Qiang asked, ¡°Won¡¯t starting up your own small business be better than working outside?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed and diverted the conversation. Yu Hao said to Li Yangming, ¡°Didn¡¯t you plan to work in HR? Changed your mind?¡±


    Li Yangming said, ¡°I¡¯m only here to offer Gege some ideas, you can consider me as an external staff.¡±


    Yu Hao felt that Li Yangming¡¯s ideas weren¡¯t very reliable; they were novel, but difficult to execute. But since Fu Liqun trusted him, Yu Hao wouldn¡¯t say anything about it. After all, the most difficult thing for entrepreneurship teams to deal with was input by investors. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had already discussed this beforehand, and neither of them would try giving Fu Liqun advice lest he finds himself at his wits¡¯ end.


    In the afternoon, Li Yangming started drafting up a contract while Fu Liqun, Bian Qiang, and Xia Lei began brainstorming on how to attract their first batch of users and how to convince their target group to sign up for a fitness card. At present, they had categorised potential customers as ¡°private¡±, ¡°high-end¡± and those requiring ¡°customised services¡±. As Yu Hao listened to them, he started changing his views of Fu Liqun; they might actually be able to earn money from this.


    Zhou Sheng was a little surprised as well. He looked at Yu Hao, smiled without saying anything, and nodded.


    Xia Lei¡¯s family dabbled in the intermediary loan business, so he had some strings he could pull, and he could help with promotion through his parents¡¯ help. Bian Qiang¡¯s family was a demolition household and had some money, so he could contact the boss who makes equipment to rent some equipment that don¡¯t require a down payment. Fu Liqun had worked in a gym for a few months and could roughly understand the operation process. He could even get his dad, who was a consultant in a biomedical company, to contact several companies that sold health products, protein powder, and weight-loss capsules, to allow them to sell these products and collect a commission from them.


    After listening for a whole day, Yu Hao realised that no matter how much they brainstormed over and over, in the end they would still slowly wind back to how they could rationally and effectively make full use of the resources from their families. Also, Xia Lei and Fu Liqun¡¯s visions were completely different from the employees that Yu Hao had gotten acquainted with when he was working ¡ª it was like the time when they had just moved out, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s first thought was to buy this two-bedroom apartment.


    Perhaps, this was the difference between stratas. Xia Lei¡¯s proposal was to get a loan to buy a flat in the community and renovate it to simply use as the front of the gym. That way, if they ended up making a loss afterwards, they could still sell off the house and even end up making a profit after discounting the cost.


    Everyone was interested at first, but what they got stuck at was the problem of their company¡¯s property purchase and capital allocation ratio. They ended up deciding to rent a place for now.


    There was too large of a discrepancy in how they viewed things, and a lot of their concerns had never even crossed Yu Hao¡¯s mind before.


    Zhou Sheng put on his earphones and watched a ball game for the entire afternoon at the dining table. Meanwhile, Yu Hao listened to Fu Liqun¡¯s start-up meeting the entire time and managed to learn a lot. Now, he was more and more convinced that Fu Liqun¡¯s project may really be profitable and was a bit tempted to persuade Zhou Sheng to join them as well.


    ¡°Look at your email?¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing, wait till tomorrow ba.¡± Yu Hao had sent out his resume countless times when he looked for part-time jobs and knew that replies wouldn¡¯t come back so quickly. It lasted until ten o¡¯clock at night before Fu Liqun and the rest concluded their meeting, all of them thoroughly spent. They arranged to continue at nine o¡¯clock in the morning the next day.


    Aomori Gym¡¯s entrepreneurship team held meetings for three days straight at home. On the fourth day, Li Yangming went to his company to become part of their HR personnel. Bian Qiang arranged a meet up with someone to design their logo, while Fu Liqun and Xia Lei went to register their company. Since Yu Hao had nothing else to do, he helped the gym make leaflets at home.


    As the days passed, no reply came from the resumes they had thrown out to sea. Yu Hao kept his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone turned on at all times; there were a few calls they didn¡¯t pick up in the meantime, but when they called back, the callers were either insurance agents or small-time companies who wanted to offer them loans. It made him quite depressed for a while.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you waiting for Junjun jie to inform you?¡± Zhou Sheng began to notice that something was wrong, so he asked, ¡°You sent resumes out too?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare say that everything had already fallen through on Xiao Yujun¡¯s side, so he said, ¡°Since I¡¯ve nothing to do anyway, I just sent my resume out along with yours.¡±


    Zhou Sheng felt a bit irascible from waiting for replies too, and was immersed in his animes for a while. After he finished watching the shows and their extras, he felt like a useless good-for-nothing and couldn¡¯t even control himself from being a bit noisy when chopping up ingredients and throwing the ladle around when he cooked for them. Yu Hao knew that he had been holding back his annoyance all this time and was really afraid of arguing just for the sake of arguing, so he was trying his best to not add to his worries on top of that.


    After Fu Liqun registered his company, he took a shareholder contract over for Zhou Sheng to sign. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao pushed it back and forth between them until Zhou Sheng signed it in the end. When signing the contract, Zhou Sheng was rather quiet for a while. Yu Hao suddenly realised that he and Zhou Sheng had become the most idle people in the house, as if they were just getting by while waiting for death.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege, we might just have to depend on you to support us from now on.¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°As long as I have something to eat, the both of you will have something to eat as well.¡±


    Xia Lei was waiting at the door. Fu Liqun and Xia Lei went out to discuss the rental of their equipment.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other, and both of them felt helpless for a while.


    ¡°There still hasn¡¯t been any news today?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Send another wave out this Sunday ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only nod and say, ¡°What are those HR people thinking about?¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, then said, ¡°A lot of companies don¡¯t hire interns. At the end of the year, there will be campus talks and recruitment fairs, we can go take a look then?¡±


    Chen Yekai¡¯s meeting lasted for more than a month, during which he especially gave Yu Hao a call to ask if their internship had been settled. If they couldn¡¯t find an internship, they didn¡¯t need to worry. When the campus talks and recruitment fairs started, he would recommend Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s resumes in his capacity as an academic advisor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too impatient.¡± Chen Yekai specifically advised, ¡°Finding a job is like getting married, while sending out your resumes are the blind dates. Don¡¯t just try to get by; your first job is very important, and your mentality has to be good.¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t for Chen Yekai, Yu Hao really might have collapsed by now. While he searched for companies to send his resume to again, he reflected on whether his standards were too high or if he wasn¡¯t competent enough.


    ¡°Actually, I want to go to this company, try sending it to them?¡± Zhou Sheng laid next to Yu Hao and watched at Yu Hao search for the email addresses of companies in their city.


    ¡°Your father can easily buy it over with a bit of the money he has on hand.¡± Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng smiled like a child and said, ¡°When we get rich, we¡¯ll buy it over.¡±


    Yu Hao could reliably judge which companies hired interns and which didn¡¯t, and had basically sent Zhou Sheng¡¯s resume to most of them. Zhou Sheng¡¯s results were considered really good at college, but why couldn¡¯t he find a company to intern at? Was it because it didn¡¯t match well with his sports major?


    ¡°Xue Long has a junior high school P.E. teacher internship opportunity, will you go?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I won¡¯t, there are a lot of problematic students in that school. I might not be able to hold myself back from kicking a few of the brats there, then they¡¯d start crying for their mommies and daddies.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s my junior high school alma mater¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng could continue sending out his resume, but Yu Hao had no other way out. He had already sent his resume to all of the media companies in the city, but none of them replied to him. If he were to continue sending his resume out, he could only send them to publishing houses from now on.


    ¡°Why hasn¡¯t Junjun Jie called you yet?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Yu Hao, ¡°It couldn¡¯t have fallen through ba?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer. While he made leaflets for Fu Liqun¡¯s gym, he thought about the problem of where Zhou Sheng could go for his internship.

 Chapter 114.2 - Phone Call

    At this moment, someone called Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao¡¯s heart jolted, but Zhou Sheng hung up right after he picked it up. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll give Junjun Jie a call?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t, she¡¯s busy.¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did it fall through?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Just let me wait for awhile longer¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll call her and ask.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like she¡¯s obligated to find an internship for me,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What are you going to say to her? Helping us would be a favour, but it would be reasonable for her not to. It¡¯s not like she owes us.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m very grateful towards her, but if it doesn¡¯t work out we¡¯ll have to think of other ways too ah.¡±


    ¡°What other ways are there?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t I sending out my resume too?¡±


    ¡°So that is the case?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so sooner?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I didn¡¯t want to! You were annoyed in the first place! What use would there be in saying it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You think I¡¯m annoying?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you¡¯re annoying, what I meant was that you already feel plenty annoyed!¡±


    They finally quarrelled. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had been trying their best to restrain themselves over the matter regarding their internships, but it still broke out in the end. However, Fu Liqun just happened to come back, and he was panting like a husky that was suffering from heatstroke. He went straight to the refrigerator to get a drink, while Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng acted as if nobody else was present as they sat down and quarrelled. Fu Liqun suddenly said, ¡°It¡¯s so hot outside that my tongue¡¯s falling out.¡±


    Silence suddenly fell. When Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao heard that, their faces turned taut as they tried to withhold their laughter, but Yu Hao still burst out laughing in the end, and Zhou Sheng just sighed helplessly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been hammered.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s really difficult to find a job in the first place¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Hammered by you.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I just¡­¡­okay, it¡¯s my problem. I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired.¡± Fu Liqun sat on the ground in front of the refrigerator with his long legs stretched out, ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, we¡¯re going crazy from a serious shortage of staff. I¡¯m serious about asking both of you for help. Would it be okay if we paid you salaries?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve finished the leaflets for you, Gege, you can do it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything anymore. At this moment, Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was seriously considering his proposal.


    Yet in the end, he still said, ¡°No, let¡¯s not all get tied onto the same boat.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Fu Liqun was somewhat dispirited, ¡°I¡¯ll go distribute leaflets by myself on the streets tomorrow¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll distribute them with you. It¡¯s Saturday tomorrow, it¡¯s not like I have anything else to do anyway.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I¡¯ll pay you guys daily.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai, I haven¡¯t promised you¡­¡­¡± Just as he was speaking, Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone rang again. Zhou Sheng picked it up, and the other side was still asking about loans. Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°Come come, I have 3,000 leaflets to distribute for a gym here, if you help me distribute them I¡¯ll ask you for a loan¡­¡­¡±


    Then he hung up. Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Could this part be changed a little? Make the font bigger.¡±


    So Yu Hao could only open photoshop up to change it for Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Make the font bigger, bigger¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Is size 42 big enough for you?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°What the hell is this?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege are you nuts? How can this leaflet be read?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The brand needs to be highlighted¡­¡­could these words be turned into a kind of rainbow black colour?¡±


    Yu Hao blew up too. ¡°Make one for me to see?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°It¡¯s the kind where the black words can reflect light, and reflect the colours of the rainbow¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was on the verge of vomiting blood from creating this leaflet. Party A¡¯s requests had effectively alleviated the couple¡¯s mood to quarrel, and they instead focused their efforts on attacking Fu Liqun¡¯s aesthetic sense. In the meantime, Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone rang countless times, and he brutally hung up on all of them. In the end, Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master, look at your phone? What if it¡¯s a call for an interview?¡±


    Zhou Sheng picked it up, ¡°I don¡¯t want a loan¡­¡­Yu Hao? If you¡¯re looking for Yu Hao why are you calling me?¡±


    Yu Hao was alert at once and mouthed, ¡°Who?¡±


    It was a stranger¡¯s number. Zhou Sheng gave him one side of his earphones, a man¡¯s voice rang out from the other end.


    ¡°¡­¡­phone number? You don¡¯t need to care about how I know it.¡± That man said, ¡°Could you ask him if he¡¯ll be free at 3pm tomorrow? I have a flight at 6pm.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why are you looking for him?¡± As he spoke, he tossed Yu Hao a glance to ask, ¡°you know him?¡± Yu Hao had never heard that voice before, so he shook his head. Why didn¡¯t he call Yu Hao¡¯s number instead?


    Zhou Sheng was still talking to the man, while on the other side, Fu Liqun had picked up Yu Hao¡¯s phone and was waving it at him. The caller was ¡°Old White-Eyed Wolf¡±.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s contacts on his phone was connected to Zhou Sheng¡¯s, and the contact name Zhou Sheng input for Zhou Laichun was that name. Yu Hao returned the earphone to Zhou Sheng and let him talk by himself, while he picked up Zhou Laichun¡¯s call.


    ¡°Hi Daddy.¡± Yu Hao said calmly.


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Laichun was a hoodlum now, and the only way to deal with a hoodlum was to be even more of a hoodlum than him.


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°Yu Hao, let me ask you, did you use your own email to send Zhou Sheng¡¯s resume to Tian Jia?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, it can¡¯t be ba, news have already travelled that quickly? On the other side, Zhou Sheng had already finished talking to the mysterious man and hung up. He looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao turned his phone on loudspeaker, in any case it wasn¡¯t as if Fu Liqun was an outsider.


    ¡°¡­¡­Tian Jia¡¯s boss just had tea with me. Director Fu knows that Zhou Sheng is my son.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°What about this, just ask Zhou Sheng to come intern at Yun Lai Chun ba, stop sending out resumes anymore. Otherwise, they might think that I¡¯m sending him out to steal the business secrets of my competitors, and I¡¯ll never be able to explain it clearly.¡±


    Zhou Sheng interrupted, ¡°I¡¯ll take note to avoid the food and beverage industry. I won¡¯t go calling on any food and beverage businesses in this city to avoid imposing on you.¡±


    Fu Liqun tactfully got up to avoid this topic. Zhou Laichun continued, ¡°Is that fun?¡±


    ¡°None of your business.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked.


    Yu Hao indicated with his gaze to ask Zhou Sheng to have a proper talk with his father. This was another matter altogether; ever since coming out, this was the first conversation on the phone Zhou Laichun has had with his son.


    ¡°If you really want to make decisions for yourself in your life,¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Then prove yourself with your own abilities ba. I¡¯ve already said this much, how much more do you want me to give in? I¡¯ve already sent your resume to the Chief Financial Officer, you can report to the company whenever you want next week. You know where the company is, I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    The call ended, and silence fell upon the dining table.


    Yu Hao was about to speak when Zhou Sheng said, ¡°At first, my idea was to send both our resumes to Beijing or Shanghai together. Whoever found a company to intern at first could rent a place there beforehand, then the other would go over and slowly try to find an internship there too.¡±


    Yu Hao was stunned. Zhou Sheng continued helplessly, ¡°The only reason I decided to stay in this city was because you said that Junjun Jie had already arranged everything for you. Wherever we are would be home, isn¡¯t that right? The reason I¡¯m not helping Gege is because of this too. After the gym starts up, but you get upset working in this city and want to go someplace else, I would then be able to leave with you at any time, right?¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent as he didn¡¯t say anything, and just looked at the tablecloth on the table.


    Zhou Sheng was less irritated now. He took a bottle of coke and opened the drawer. There was a pack of cigarettes inside that Xia Lei had brought over. He took a cigarette and said, ¡°If we can¡¯t find one in this city then so be it. The world is so vast, we can go wherever we want; Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhou, it¡¯s not like it would stump us. Just take a bag and go. As long as we¡¯re together, there¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t overcome. Since it fell through on Junjun Jie¡¯s side, you should have said so sooner, and we could have just sent our resumes elsewhere! You¡¯re gonna be the death of me now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng lit up the cigarette. Fu Liqun changed into another set of clothes and came out, and when he saw Zhou Sheng admonishing Yu Hao, he didn¡¯t dare interrupt. ¡°I¡¯ll go print the leaflets, don¡¯t wait up for me for dinner tonight.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao nodded, then Zhou Sheng patted his thigh and moved back a little to make some space in front of him, to indicate for him to sit there. Fu Liqun left, then Yu Hao shifted over. Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao, and the two of them began surfing the Internet to look at recruitment information at other places.


    ¡°Oh right.¡± Yu Hao suddenly remembered and asked, ¡°What did that guy say?¡±


    ¡°He said that he got to know you from a friend.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯s working on a project and asked if you would be willing to have a chat.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡± Yu Hao said immediately, ¡°When¡¯s the appointment?¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow at 3pm, Annvita Teahouse.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He said that you could go if you want to, and he¡¯d wait until 4pm before leaving.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What¡¯s the project?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t go, he doesn¡¯t sound like a good guy.¡±


    Yu Hao initially suspected that it was Xiao Yujun who had called him, but Xiao Yujun wouldn¡¯t have given Zhou Sheng a call. And it doesn¡¯t sound like someone from the media industry either¡­¡­


    ¡°I want to go.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°So you must insist on opposing me.¡± Zhou Sheng said while he both cried and laughed.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What! Want to fight again?¡±


    Yu Hao leaned over and kissed him on his lips. Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger dissipated at once, and he tried his best to control his lips from curving upwards. ¡°Okay then, I¡¯ll accompany you.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What about your internship?


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll continue sending resumes out. Choose a place, Beijing ba.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was fine too, so he sent resumes out to more than a dozen companies in Beijing, including those in the new media and food and beverage industry.


    The next day, their house was full of leaflets. Fu Liqun and Xia Lei were dividing them up. Yu Hao took a stack of 400 leaflets and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be in charge of Baiyang Road, you don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±


    Fu Liqun requested for him to introduce the gym as well when distributing the leaflets, and it would be best if he could get their contact numbers for ease of getting in touch with them again. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time distributing such difficult leaflets, and the weather was really hot too. Zhou Sheng was afraid that he would get heatstroke and asked him to rest in the teahouse, but Yu Hao insisted on going everywhere to distribute the leaflets.


    ¡°Be careful of getting heatstroke.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What are you working so hard for? Could you just go in and take a break?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s our own business ah!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Our money!¡±


    ¡°The other party would be dumb if they actually left you their contact information!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When Gege said that I wanted to tell him that it was impossible!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°In any case I have to try, stop scolding me! I¡¯m becoming dumb from all your scolding!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s too hot! I just can¡¯t bear seeing you like this!¡±


    Under the hot sun, the two of them almost started quarrelling again. Just as Yu Hao was standing there feeling gloomy, a boy with a camera slung around his neck dressed in a T-shirt, beach shorts, and AJ slippers walked over. ¡°Don¡¯t fight don¡¯t fight, Babe, Gege will leave you my contact information.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at the guy together. Yu Hao sensed danger, but fortunately Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t act up. That guy left his phone number and even threw Yu Hao an enigmatic smile and made eyes at him. ¡°You can call me at any time.¡± Then he made a ¡®calling¡¯ gesture before pushing open the door to the tea house and went in.


    ¡°Was he the one who called yesterday?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°No!¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly, then turned and walked away.


    Yu Hao wondered if he was being flirted with just now. He saw Zhou Sheng push the door open and went in as well, thinking, please don¡¯t pick a fight with that big guy. Fortunately, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t sit next to that guy. He ordered a family-size bucket of ice cream and placed it in front of the glass windows.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng picked up a spoon and under Yu Hao¡¯s gaze, dug up a large scoop and slowly lifted it up.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow and seemed to turn into a male model in an ice cream commercial. His eyebrows alone were rich with expression. He shook his head helplessly, closed his eyes and began eating the ice-cream.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to distribute leaflets?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What about the business? Not doing it anymore?¡±


    Yu Hao had already sat down opposite Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll take a break¡­¡­it really is very hot.¡±


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­ did ZS just seduce Yu Hao at the end


    Juurensha: Seems to be what happened hahaha. And Haohao, that guy was totally hitting on you¡­.

 Chapter 115.1 - Interview

    Zhou Sheng scooped out some ice cream for Yu Hao to eat. Yu Hao looked at the time and asked, ¡°How did the person from yesterday say to find them today?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, ¡°Who knows? Let¡¯s leave after eating, don¡¯t be so naggy.¡±


    Yu Hao turned around and looked at the guy who was sitting by the window. The boy had very fair skin and looked quite handsome, and he looked old enough to be a graduate student. His eyes were clear and beautiful, and he had slight curls in his hair. He hadn¡¯t taken a sip of the coffee he ordered yet and was currently looking down at the screen of his camera. After deleting a few photos, he picked it up again and started taking pictures of his surroundings. Ying City was as hot as a stove right now, but the appearance of this boy instantly transformed the surroundings into the Maldives.


    ¡°If he takes a picture of us later,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go over and beat him up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He didn¡¯t provoke or offend you.¡±


    ¡°What a sissy.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked.


    ¡°Where did you learn how to say that from¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said while both laughing and crying.


    This tea house really was very expensive, so there was barely anyone there. As it approached 3.30pm, Yu Hao still didn¡¯t feel like there was anyone from an underground gang here to meet him. After they finished their ice cream, Zhou Sheng ordered another family-sized one. ¡°Keep eating. I¡¯ll see what time you¡¯ll eat it till¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°One of these costs 180!¡± Yu Hao blew up, ¡°It¡¯s too expensive!¡±


    Zhou Sheng cried bitterly, ¡°My dear wife, are you on your period? You keep making life difficult for me these few days¡­¡­¡±


    The two of them suddenly stopped talking. A young man wearing a shirt and black suit pants who carried a laptop bag pushed the door open and came in. The ringing of a bell sounded, and the shop assistant said, ¡°Welcome.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s him?¡± Yu Hao asked in surprise.


    Zhou Sheng cast a doubtful glance at that guy, then the shirt guy went to the opposite side of the camera guy and sat down. The back of his shirt was drenched in so much sweat that he looked like he had just been fished out from water.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Should be. They seem like¡­¡­un, like gays?¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be?¡± Yu Hao was observing them too and kept feeling like the combination was slightly strange. Colleagues? But they didn¡¯t seem to share an ordinary colleague relationship. A detective or secret investigator who partnered up with a photographer?


    Five minutes later, Yu Hao could basically confirm what their relationship was.


    Because they started fighting not long after sitting down, and the cause was because Camera Guy started scolding Shirt Guy for promising to accompany him on his vacation, yet they didn¡¯t go anywhere in Ying City and just came to this idiotic tea house to drink some afternoon tea before leaving. Shirt Guy started coaxing him, and said that he couldn¡¯t help it because of work¡­¡­


    ¡°Before you promise me anything,¡± Camera Guy said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have properly managed your own time first? If you can¡¯t do that, then don¡¯t make empty promises. This is a principle that even your nephew knows¡­¡­still need to conduct an interview even though we came out for tea¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight anymore, don¡¯t fight.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Babe, Gege will leave you my contact information? Call me at night?¡±


    Camera Guy, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Shirt Guy, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled a chair out and straddled it. Yu Hao stood behind Zhou Sheng and observed the two guys, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.


    ¡°Hello.¡± Shirt Guy just took one glance at Zhou Sheng, then at Yu Hao and nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s put our tables together ba, order something? My treat.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up and casually pulled the table over. Yu Hao sat down, and his first impression of Shirt Guy was: he had an air like that of Chen Yekai¡¯s.


    Camera Guy said, ¡°You guys have a good chat then, I¡¯ll go out for a stroll.¡±


    Shirt Guy said, ¡°I¡¯ll change my flight later and accompany you for another day, okay?¡±


    Only then did Camera Guy change his posture and sit down. He turned sideways, adjusted his lens, and began taking pictures of the pedestrians walking outside the landing windows of the tea house.


    Shirt Guy took out some materials from his laptop bag, opened them up and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Zhou Sheng, hello.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s printed resume was amongst the materials he took out. Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows were set in a deep furrow, and Yu Hao muttered in his heart, this shouldn¡¯t be something related to the Golden Crow Wheel ba¡­¡­


    ¡°My name is Lin Ze.¡± The Shirt Guy extended his hand to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng shook hands with him, then Yu Hao shook hands with him too. When they shook hands, he could feel that this man¡¯s handshake was both strong and stable.


    The last time he felt this kind of strength was during Ou Qihang¡¯s incident, when they bid farewell to the three people from the investigation team.


    ¡°He¡¯s called Situ Ye.¡± Lin Ze introduced, ¡°My lover.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao nodded at the same time. Situ Ye turned sideways and nodded at them too, then glanced out of the window, his expression appearing a little lonely.


    Zhou Sheng was no longer as vigilant against him. ¡°Why are you looking for us?¡±


    ¡°I obtained this resume from one of my junior sisters,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°There were two numbers on it, so I randomly picked one¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say it outright?¡±


    Lin Ze said calmly, ¡°Since I got the resume from a friend, it¡¯s natural that I can¡¯t say that on the phone. If her agency finds out, she¡¯d get punished.¡±


    Yu Hao did leave behind his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s numbers on the internship resume he handed over to Xiao Yujun. Xiao Yujun was familiar with them, and Yu Hao was afraid that he would miss her call, so he added Zhou Sheng¡¯s number onto it too. So after beating around the bush for so long, this was what had happened.


    Situ Ye looked at the two of them, ¡°You guys are¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Like you two.¡± After Zhou Sheng knew that he was introduced by Xiao Yujun, he felt relieved. It would be fine as long as it wasn¡¯t some weird project.


    Lin Ze responded with an ¡°un¡°. Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you a reporter?¡±


    Lin Ze flipped through Yu Hao¡¯s information and seemed to be thinking.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Recently, yes.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t send you my resume, so it doesn¡¯t count ba. And I don¡¯t even know who you are, yet you¡¯re interviewing me now?¡±


    Situ Ye gave Yu Hao a thumbs up.


    Lin Ze asked instead, ¡°Then what do you think I look like?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer and said, ¡°I suggest we mutually grill each other?¡±


    Lin Ze laughed, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re a reporter¡­¡­un, you¡¯re not a local?¡±


    Situ Ye smiled and glanced at them both, then sat opposite Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng threw him a spoon to ask him to eat ice cream.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°I used to attend a class with Xiao Jun. My turn now: in Shi Ni¡¯s case two years ago, how did you determine that Shi Ni had been suffering long-term sexual abuse at the hands of her father?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze didn¡¯t even look at Yu Hao as he flipped through his resume again.


    Yu Hao wanted to say that it was Zhou Sheng who found out, but when he thought about it again, that wouldn¡¯t sound right either. It should have been him and Zhou Sheng separately deducing it, originating from Shi Ni¡¯s wails that had started out of nowhere.


    ¡°Her crying.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That display didn¡¯t seem reasonable to me.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Lin Ze pondered for a bit, then looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, ¡°Could you describe it in detail?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to gossip about the victim, I hope you understand. My turn, are you trying to hire a reporter?¡±


    ¡°Understood, yes.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯ve sifted through a lot of resumes, but I¡¯ve never found any that was particularly desirable, so I asked Xiao Jun for a batch. From within that pile, I thought yours didn¡¯t seem simple.¡±


    ¡°If I get the post, where would I work at? How much would I get per month?¡± This was what Yu Hao was most concerned about right now.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Not much, but I think you should be quite interested. My turn now, how did you determine that your college¡¯s Professor Liang Jinmin was subjected to long-term domestic violence under her husband, Lin Xun?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That really doesn¡¯t have much to do with me¡­¡­¡± But he suddenly recalled that it wasn¡¯t right to say that it had nothing to do with him at all.


    ¡°Sunglasses ba,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That was one of the details. You even know about that?¡±


    ¡°I also know that the two of you chased after the laptop that had evidence of his crimes unarmed.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Every reporter has their own channels for information, it¡¯s not weird. Your turn.¡±


    Yu Hao was instantly alert. ¡°You transferred my files out of the public security system? Who gave them to you?¡±


    Lin Ze suddenly laughed.


    Lin Ze, ¡°It¡¯s your turn to ask your question.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That was my question.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°The ¡®Heroic Act¡¯ silk banner.¡±


    Yu Hao cast a doubtful glance at Lin Ze. ¡°You looked for our counsellor?¡±


    Lin Ze nodded. ¡°Of course, I was pretending to be from a potential internship company when I gave your Xue Laoshi a call. I got it out of him with just a few words.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Damn it¡­¡­he must have bad mouthed me quite a bit.¡±


    ¡°It was bad mouthing to him,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°But it wasn¡¯t to me. The only thing I wasn¡¯t quite satisfied with was that your desire for destruction isn¡¯t strong enough.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh. ¡°Do reporters have to cause destruction?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Some unconventional measures would have to be taken once in awhile¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I think you don¡¯t need to continue with this interview, Ah Ze.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Both of you have a very similar aura.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought so too. When Yu Hao calls someone out, he has a kind of confidence that would let him say what he thinks without any hesitation, and it was something he had in common with this man called Lin Ze.


    ¡°The kind of pestering air of a reporter who has an endless amount of questions to ask.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Ah Ze has the air of a bastard.¡± Situ Ye, ¡°No matter whether you want to say it or not, they will definitely pummel you with questions until they get the answers they want.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Zhou Sheng almost high-fived Situ Ye. This kind of ¡°bastard¡¯s air¡± was the most vivid description of certain reporters.


    Lin Ze, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, then said somewhat gloomily, ¡°Actually I do want to be reporter, all because of Ou Qihang¡¯s case¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze kept Yu Hao¡¯s resume, glanced at his watch and stopped asking Yu Hao questions. Instead, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you to my team and I. Originally, I was working in Ying City as the editor-in-chief of a media company. From next year onwards however, Beijing¡¯s Qinghua Times intends to add a new department. This department has a relative degree of independence and autonomy within the media system. I will be transferring to this department soon as its head, where my term of office will last for two years as I form my own team.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and listened quietly.


    ¡°This team is only responsible for two tasks: collecting and editing.¡± Lin Ze explained, ¡°The manuscripts will be sent to the organisation, and it would be up to them to decide whether to publish them or not. The salary wouldn¡¯t be too high, especially for interns, but you¡¯ll learn a lot.¡±


    Situ Ye added, ¡°And this department is likely to close down at any time.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, will your boyfriend really not kill you later at home for specialising in pulling the rug from under his feet, but who would have thought that Lin Ze would nod earnestly and say, ¡°That¡¯s right, and our livelihood will depend on how things develop. We could be shut down at any time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then everyone would get arrested together?¡±


    ¡°Well, that won¡¯t happen.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Our superiors have government connections, and we¡¯re considered to be a department directly under them, so someone will cover us.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°How many people are there in the team?¡±


    ¡°Two.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Me, Xiao Ye.¡±

 Chapter 115.2 - Interview

    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s intent was very clear in his gaze ¡ª this is the kind of work you like ba?


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a background in media studies, nor have I undergone any systematic interview training¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What I want isn¡¯t a professional reporter anyway.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°All those skills can be taught, what I need is an ¡®investigative¡¯ reporter.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression changed instantly. Yu Hao still remembered that occupation, but there were very few people doing it nowadays. This group of people were the most barbarous types of hoodlums, and the content of their interviews were almost entirely against the government. In the face of trans-provincial dangers, there were even some who would abuse their authority, resulting in a rather bad reputation.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You want an intern who hasn¡¯t even graduated yet to be an investigative reporter?¡±


    Lin Ze nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Are there any investigative reporters who are still alive right now?¡±


    Lin Ze nodded, ¡°Yes ¡ª me.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a long while before saying, ¡°What about my boyfriend?¡±


    Lin Ze said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ve considered your family¡¯s background, I don¡¯t think this job is suitable for you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t say anything in response to that.


    ¡°Will there be someone who will guide me?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°There are¡­¡­a lot of things that I don¡¯t understand at all.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Someone will guide you; there are two reporter teachers, both of whom have a background in social work before they became investigative reporters, as well as an editor. If everything proceeds smoothly, this team will be very strong.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Can I confirm this again: I¡¯ll have to work in Beijing?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll work in Beijing.¡± Lin Ze explained, ¡°But there will be frequent business trips that¡¯ll require you to travel around the country.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush. I have one last question and this question will decide whether I want you in the team or not. Please answer truthfully, and tell me what you truly think. Because if our values aren¡¯t aligned, you won¡¯t be able to last in this team.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at Lin Ze together.


    Lin Ze said in earnest, ¡°Do you think journalists report the truth for the government, or the people?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, chief editor boss, are you sure it¡¯s okay for you to ask that? Are you trying to guide me into becoming a Public Intellectual or something? He couldn¡¯t help but recall many of the arguments brought up in Southern Weekly, as if the more fiercely they quarrelled with the government, the more proof it was of their capabilities.  Everyone who really wanted to do this job would probably answer in the same way ba.


    Yet what Lin Ze asked was, ¡®what do you truly think¡¯, so Yu Hao earnestly considered the question for some time. What did he truly think? In accordance with all the experiences he had accumulated so far, he had come up with a vague answer in his heart.


    ¡°The government and the people shouldn¡¯t be opposing each other in the first place.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°A lot of reporters like to place the country¡¯s regime and public opinion on opposing standpoints, when in fact, we should be trying to create opportunities for them to understand each other¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± When Lin Ze heard the start to Yu Hao¡¯s answer, he took out a pen and wrote down an address, then handed it to Yu Hao. ¡°Report after National Day ba, you can report and take up your post at any time¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Are you really willing to come? This job will be a bit difficult for  people who have just started working.¡± Situ Ye asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°He¡¯ll come,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I have faith. During your internship, I¡¯ll give you 3,000 per month. A teacher will guide you for one project, while you¡¯ll finish one project independently. If there are no problems with those  two projects, you¡¯ll become a full-timer with 4,800 for your basic salary, The bonus you¡¯ll get for a manuscript won¡¯t be much, but you can treat it as an additional stipend, though you¡¯ll only get it once at the time it¡¯s first issued¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao took the piece of paper, thought about it for a bit, then said, ¡°Let me finish¡­¡­there¡¯s them, and there¡¯s us, everyone is a part of society¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°The world needs both Master Zhaos and bastards, that¡¯s what it means; there¡¯s nothing wrong with that.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze finished Situ Ye¡¯s cup of coffee, then got up to say goodbye to them.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Will you solve the problem of a Hukou in Beijing for us?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°In, your, dreams! If there was an opening, I would¡¯ve wanted it for myself a long time ago!¡± Then he went out to hail a cab and left with Situ Ye, leaving behind Yu Hao who was holding onto the piece of paper with the address as he and Zhou Sheng looked at each other.


    Yu Hao held that piece of paper and left the cafe with Zhou Sheng, then stood in the mall¡¯s atrium.


    He didn¡¯t expect to have found an internship like this.


    ¡°Do I go?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you already have an answer in mind long ago?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled as he answered.


    Yu Hao sorted out the leaflets and wanted to distribute it within the atrium. The air-conditioning worked well here. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll book a ticket for you when we get back? I¡¯ll find a job in Beijing, the money we have should be able to last us for a few months. If we run out of money, I could become a delivery guy?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, Hubby.¡±


    The two of them held Fu Liqun¡¯s leaflets. Zhou Sheng fell silent for a short while, and he knew what Yu Hao wanted to say. Ever since they got together, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng has always had a sort of tacit understanding between them both.


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Just like how you want me to become a reporter, I hope you can go abroad to further your studies too.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t, the old man told you?¡± Zhou Sheng looked unconcerned. He held the leaflets and sat down with Yu Hao at the fountain in the mall. Opposite them was a row of luxury stores that looked as resplendent as royal palaces, and people adorned in glamorous attire went in and out of them. Two students sat by the fountain as they looked at the leaflets in their hands.


    ¡°Then, go to your father¡¯s company?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Yu Hao cast a sidelong glance at Zhou Sheng, then looked at the papers in his hands.


    ¡°You won¡¯t be an ordinary person who will live an ordinary life.¡± Yu Hao earnestly said, ¡°Getting admitted to our college was just an accident in your life¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at one of the shops not too far away.


    ¡°¡­¡­just like all the courses in your class, whether it be cycling, or long distance running, or swimming¡­¡­in all tests, either big or small, you¡¯ve always ranked first. Once in awhile, you fail to exhibit your true abilities, so you ended up coming in last.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You fell down temporarily, but padding the bottom isn¡¯t how you should be living¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I padded the bottom for the sake of meeting you.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly smiled a little sadly, ¡°I¡¯m grateful for padding the bottom this time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m grateful for it too.¡± Yu Hao smiled as he said, ¡°But I also know that it¡¯s time for you to wholeheartedly go all out and get first place now. You can be a CEO, so why be a delivery guy? It¡¯s not for anyone else, it¡¯s just to prove to yourself that you can do it.¡±


    Yu Hao had always been thinking about how to tell Zhou Sheng what he truly thinks these days ¡ª¡ª every time he helped Zhou Sheng send out his resume, Yu Hao would be extremely doubtful that even if these companies do want Zhou Sheng, how meaningful would it be for Zhou Sheng to join them as an administrative, logistics, or sales staff?


    He needed a place where he can act freely, to realise his own value, and shine with his own brilliance.


    Zhou Sheng answered a phone call.


    ¡°Un okay, got it, 10.30 am the day after tomorrow?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Which company are you calling from?¡±


    An internship call came right at this time.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Then Zhou Sheng hung up.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Which company?¡±


    ¡°Real estate.¡± Zhou Sheng casually said, ¡°For selling second-hand houses.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t remember sending Zhou Sheng¡¯s resume to an agency that dabbles in selling second-hand houses. He smiled at Zhou Sheng and shrugged. ¡°Do you want to go? I don¡¯t think you want to.¡±


    At this moment, a delivery guy who was drenched in sweat came by the mall¡¯s atrium as he walked in quickly. From the looks of it, he seemed like he was barely able to stand it anymore, and he stood by the edge of the fountain for a while.


    ¡°Take a seat, buddy.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s seriously too hot outside.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng quickly got up to make space for him. Zhou Sheng rummaged through his bag and got out an unopened bottle of mineral water that he had intended to give Yu Hao, then handed it to the delivery boy.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± That little bro was all tanned from basking in the sun and quickly nodded at them gratefully.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao, and Yu Hao was stunned at once. He looked at Zhou Sheng ¡ª that person wearing the helmet of a scooter was Liu Pengxuan! Yu Hao¡¯s gaze was filled with disbelief, Liu Pengxuan was actually a delivery guy now?


    Zhou Sheng had seen him before in Yu Hao¡¯s dream, but Liu Pengxuan hadn¡¯t recognised Yu Hao yet. He was all tanned and skinny. He should¡¯ve quit his drug addiction by now, but his body was in a really bad shape ¡ª his eyes were sunken in, and he kept gasping for breath, while the back of his yellow T-shirt was soaked in sweat. He drank two mouthfuls of the mineral water, stood up in the atrium, and looked up at the higher levels of the shopping mall. Amongst the dazzling line-up of takeaway shops, he confusedly tried to identify which takeaway the customers had ordered, then quickly ran up the escalator and went to grab takeout from the fourth floor.


    ¡°Why does he look like¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Pengxuan.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Seems like him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yes yes, your ex-boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Not my ex-boyfriend!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I only liked him for a short while during junior high.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked up and watched Liu Pengxuan go up to the fourth floor, then enter a barbeque shop to fetch takeout. ¡°I¡¯ll go up to him and beat him up for you?¡±


    ¡°If you think it¡¯s appropriate, then go ba.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°Beating up a delivery boy for no reason¡­if you can do it, I have no objections.¡±


    After getting together with Zhou Sheng, he had already completely and thoroughly forgotten that person. There was even a short instant when Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even remember what his name was.


    ¡°It¡¯s actually him?¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t recovered from his shock. He was delivering takeout now¡­¡­but after thinking about it, it did seem reasonable¡­¡­Liu Pengxuan didn¡¯t get into college after graduating high school. If he wanted to support himself, then this would be the best choice for him¡­¡­when he thought of this, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but sincerely thank the advisor who had persuaded him to continue his studies. His advisor was practically his benefactor.


    ¡°But why didn¡¯t he recognise me at all?¡± Yu Hao thought that even if Zhou Sheng went up to him and beat him up right now, Liu Pengxuan would just find it baffling ba?


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯ve become more handsome now ah.¡±


    Zhou Sheng fished his phone out and took a selfie of him and Yu Hao. Yu Hao asked doubtfully, ¡°I have?¡±


    Zhou Sheng scrolled through his album to find a photo of him on Mt. Tianqing three years ago. When the two photos were compared side by side¡­¡­Yu Hao was wearing a set of shirt and pants that were so worn out they looked discoloured, and the words on his T-shirt were really blurry as well. He looked so incredibly old-fashioned, and only his looks were barely passable. Now, in the picture he took with Zhou Sheng, both of them were wearing custom-made T-shirts, fashionable jeans, and his eyes were both bright and filled with spirit.


    Yu Hao thought okay then, there actually was such a huge change, then cast a doubtful glance at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°How in the world did you end up liking me then?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I looked so damn old-fashioned.¡±


    ¡°But a common cat has a cuteness unique to them too.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed to himself. He looked at the photo of them in the past and draped on arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders.


    Liu Pengxuan took his takeaway, then ran down again energetically. When he was running out of the mall, he looked back.


    He stopped running and looked at Yu Hao for a few seconds from afar, appearing stunned. Yu Hao thought that Liu Pengxuan might have recognised him, just that he was extremely uncertain and thought that it couldn¡¯t have been the same Yu Hao. Zhou Sheng waved at him with much ease, then Liu Pengxuan left.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Not sure how I feel about Yu Hao¡¯s take on the relationship between the government and the press. Sure it¡¯s fine for them to try and explain things harmoniously and get along when the government is working for the ppl, but not when the government is really in it for the power. Of course, this is Communist China, and saying something like that would probably get this novel banned¡­.

 Chapter 116.1 - Going to Work

    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng fell silent again. After a full ten minutes passed, Zhou Sheng said,


    ¡°You¡¯ll go to Beijing, and I¡¯ll go Yun Lai Chun. I¡¯ll fly over four times a month to see you?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say that it would be too expensive, but once Zhou Sheng enters the company, money would no longer be a problem.


    ¡°The plane rides will be too tiring for you.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine in first-class.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The company has an VIP passenger channel at the airport for a collaboration with a bank, so I won¡¯t need to wait in line for security checks. The old man wants to open up a branch in Beijing, so there¡¯ll be someone picking me up from  the airport by then.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°. He knew that Zhou Sheng had finally decided to face it, so he said with a smile, ¡°Both of us should be quite busy in the first month, let¡¯s start from the second month onwards ba.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be considered the second month for me after National Day.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It¡¯s alright, you just worry about what you¡¯re busy with.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Actually once a month is fine too. A brief parting is sweeter than a honeymoon; I know there won¡¯t be any problems.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I won¡¯t feel rest assured about you, you Sagittariuses are too promiscuous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Yu Hao slammed the leaflets by the fountain as if there was no one around them. ¡°It has already been two years, and I rarely even speak to anyone else! You¡¯ve just been watching me all day!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If I didn¡¯t watch you seriously, you would¡¯ve been fucking abducted by Chen Yekai a long time ago¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He, doesn¡¯t, like, me! How many times do you want to bring that up for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What about Ou Qihang?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He already went to Beijing to study! I haven¡¯t seen him in more than a year¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yeah, and if he knows that you¡¯re going to Beijing, he¡¯ll surely take the chance to harass you while Laozi isn¡¯t there¡­¡­¡±


    People were beginning to gather around and spectate behind the fountain. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up with an unconcerned face. Yu Hao stuffed the leaflets back into his bag and pulled Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand as he dragged him away.


    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Buying you some clothes for work.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You need to have at least a formal suit ba¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the linen one I had before good enough?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled as he said, ¡°And it was even the one sis-in-law picked out for me especially in order to deal with that something Liang on Valentine¡¯s Day that year¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhang Liang¡­¡­you really were so childish then.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately caught hold of the horse¡¯s feet, ¡°See! You even remember that guy¡¯s name! All you Sagittariuses are simply¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao found a shop that specialised in bespoke suits to take measurements for Zhou Sheng. There happened to be a suit that was close to his measurements. The shop assistant took it out to let Zhou Sheng try out its style, then Yu Hao said, ¡°Cut your hair again before work. You can do it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Isn¡¯t my current one pretty good?¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair was always lifted up, revealing his forehead and making him look very energetic, but it also made him seem very aggressive. Yu Hao looked at the guy in the mirror; once the suit was on, he looked both tall and handsome, and he could practically be the male lead in a korean drama¡­¡­no, the second male lead! The second male lead is the one people go gaga over!


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me dress you up¡­¡­¡±


    A few days later, Yu Hao took the suit that barely had to be adjusted, and let Zhou Sheng try it on once again at home.


    Zhou Sheng put on the suit. He had even changed his hairstyle recently; he let his hair cover his forehead a little, and with that change, he instantly appeared all refined and courteous. After he put on a pair of non-prescription glasses that Yu Hao had bought when they went out to play before, he looked quite erudite now.


    ¡°It feels uncomfortable with something on my nose bridge.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to wear glasses.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng from a side and laughed, ¡°I just want to see the effects. Damn, you practically look like a nobleman¡¯s son!¡±


    Zhou Sheng had broad shoulders, a slender waist, and when he stood straight with his legs just slightly parted in front of the mirror, he looked just like a male model. He rarely wore formal clothes and would usually just go out in sports attire and basketball shoes. Now that he was wearing a suit, Yu Hao felt like he didn¡¯t even recognise who he was anymore.


    Fu Liqun had been going out early in the morning for the past few days and would only return late at night. He came back early at noon today, and when he saw Zhou Sheng, he was immediately dumbstruck.


    ¡°Woah fuck.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Which family¡¯s Young Master is this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was so embarrassed by the teasing that he just sat helplessly on the table. He put one leg that was adorned leather shoes over his other knee and shook it a little. Yu Hao made a gesture to get him to pay more attention to his image so Zhou Sheng had to put his foot back down.


    ¡°Report to the company tomorrow ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t accompany you anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, then finally said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yu Hao kept the suit jacket. Zhou Sheng unbuttoned his shirt and breathed a sigh of relief. Yu Hao took out his camera and took pictures of Zhou Sheng, who was sitting on the sofa. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh. ¡°Stop taking pictures! I don¡¯t even feel like myself anymore right now.¡±


    ¡°An overbearing CEO came into our home.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I really want to do some costume play¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡± That idea inspired Zhou Sheng in an instant, so he strode over quickly. Yu Hao immediately thought crap and said, ¡°Don¡¯t wrinkle it! It¡¯s new!¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t care at all and half embraced Yu Hao as he pushed him into the room.


    Fu Liqun looked gloomy as he said, ¡°Are you guys animals?! Aside from eating all you guys do is have sex, sex, and sex all day!¡±


    Zhou Sheng had finally come around to the idea. Yu Hao knew that at this moment, they both understood each other¡¯s intentions ¡ª¡ª just like how Zhou Sheng hoped that Yu Hao would pursue his own life goals of becoming a reporter, Yu Hao also knew that Zhou Sheng had always wanted to prove himself in front of his father.


    Actually, as long as they had money, a lot of things wouldn¡¯t be a problem. Yu Hao was still really optimistic about their relationship. It would take seven hours to travel between Ying City and Beijing on the high-speed rail. If you left at night, you¡¯d arrive in the other city by morning, and it would be even faster by plane. Zhou Sheng planned to leave for Beijing every Friday evening after work started, spend the weekend with Yu Hao, then return by plane on Sunday evening.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for the old man to not wanna open a chain in Beijing.¡±


    At night, Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were laying in bed. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I might even have to go to Beijing in a few months.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Work first ba, don¡¯t be so anxious. I think there are a lot of things you have to learn too.¡±


    The crown prince would be going to the company as an intern, and Yu Hao wasn¡¯t worried that Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t be up to it ¡ª even if he wasn¡¯t up to the task, he¡¯d have to be. Everyone knew very well in their hearts that it was only right for the whole company to cooperate with him, and not the other way round.


    ¡°You mustn¡¯t make a scene in the company by getting into a fight with your father.¡± Yu Hao repeatedly exhorted.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We¡¯ve already been together for so long. In your eyes, has my temper not improved in the slightest over the years?¡±


    Most of the time, Zhou Sheng¡¯s impetuousness would be internally digested by Yu Hao. When Zhou Laichun faced Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger, he often tries to suppress it forcibly, which would only make Zhou Sheng rebound even more ferociously. The technique Yu Hao used most often would solve the root cause of the problem ¡ª just a few words from him would make it such that Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t even get angry.


    ¡°I still feel quite uneasy.¡± Zhou Sheng turned sideways and embraced Yu Hao to let him rest his head on his arm. He stroked Yu Hao¡¯s head and murmured, ¡°I¡¯m not worried about the company, but what about you going to Beijing alone?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can keep myself alive. Also, even though you won¡¯t be around, I won¡¯t be alone. Knowing that you¡¯re working hard here will give me a lot more motivation at work too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it over and over, ¡°In any case, just come back if you don¡¯t want to do it ba. You can get a personal public number or work as an amateur photographer if you want.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡± and laughed, ¡°I get it, I won¡¯t force myself.¡±


    Now, it was as if most of their problems in reality had been easily resolved along with Zhou Sheng¡¯s decision. The core of their contradictions had undergone a strange shift, and they now centered around Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t fall asleep. A moment later, he looked at the ceiling in a daze again. Yu Hao knew that he still felt a little conflicted. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If we do this, there won¡¯t be another way out.¡±


    ¡°I still love you ¡ª¡ª that¡¯s the only way out ¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao laughed as he sang.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to remain in Yun Lai Chun,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Then come over to find me. If I can¡¯t continue with my work in Beijing, I¡¯ll come back to find you. Isn¡¯t that pretty good?¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded in the end. That night, Yu Hao discussed many things with him. Yu Hao tried hard to change some of Zhou Sheng¡¯s views, such as how going to work at his father¡¯s company didn¡¯t actually count as yielding. In reality, Zhou Laichun needed him too ¡ª he needs his own son to take over his business, and he also needs someone who can assist him.


    ¡°Think about it from another perspective.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If we started a company and faced a bunch of shareholders who were like ruthless wolves and tigers, wouldn¡¯t you want to have a super capable family member to be your right-hand man?¡±


    Zhou Laichun had already pointed out this problem two years ago when Yu Hao first had a meal with Zhou Laichun. Chen Yekai had also reminded Zhou Sheng before that there was no need to care about his father¡¯s attitude; he needs Zhou Sheng now, even more so than Zhou Sheng needs a place to work at.


    After all, to Zhou Laichun, the only one who wouldn¡¯t betray him was his own son. This connection was firmer than any promise for profit or any other interpersonal relationship.


    Yu Hao still had some time before he had to start work, and he actually wasn¡¯t worried about his own affairs. However, when he talked about the future with Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao knew that his capabilities couldn¡¯t be compared to that of Zhou Sheng¡¯s and Chen Yekai¡¯s. Still, his advantage lay in his previous experiences, so he could generally identify disputes in interpersonal relationships and the conflicting interests of factions in a company. In other words, even when he was working as a waiter in a restaurant, even waiters would form cliques, let alone a large enterprise like Yun Lai Chun.


    In the end, Zhou Sheng finally got over many things and said, ¡°Okay, once I takeover, you just need to be a Young Madam.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, then hugged him to sleep.


    The next day, Yu Hao woke up very early. Zhou Sheng was still all hot-tempered and had kicked off half the blanket; he was just like a child as he laid in bed and embraced Yu Hao. He was only half awake and didn¡¯t allow Yu Hao to leave his sphere of influence and control.


    ¡°Get up.¡± Yu Hao kissed him ¡°It¡¯s time for work, ai!¡±


    Zhou Sheng seemed to have had a good night¡¯s sleep. He got up to brush his teeth listlessly, then sat at the dining table for breakfast after he got out. Yu Hao urged him to change quickly.


    ¡°The chauffeur¡¯s waiting.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It¡¯s fine to let him wait for a little while.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Are you a little nervous?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m not, why do you always say I¡¯m nervous? I¡¯m really not nervous.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Didn¡¯t you realise that there¡¯s only half a sheet of paper left at the bottom of your salted egg yolk bun?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Your legs are so straight and long.¡±


    When Zhou Sheng was changing his clothes, Yu Hao said, ¡°Once you put on your suit pants, it¡¯s really¡­¡­forget it, I can¡¯t watch anymore. Or else later¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s do it a few more times?¡± Zhou Sheng pulled up his collar and smoothed his bangs, he wasn¡¯t too used to it. He reached out to hug Yu Hao, ¡°Why don¡¯t I just not go today?¡±


    ¡°Gege hasn¡¯t left yet!¡±


    ¡°He has already left.¡±


    ¡°No way! I don¡¯t want to iron any more clothes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Prohibited! Forbidden! You¡¯re like a beast in human clothing, we can only do costume plays when I want to¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao pushed Zhou Sheng and made him stand up a little straighter. Zhou Sheng lowered his head a little, and Yu Hao fixed up his tie and said, ¡°You look so handsome today, go ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng bent down and kissed Yu Hao on his lips. When he went out, he looked back at Yu Hao, seeming like he wanted to say something.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Everything will go well today, jiayou!¡±


    ¡°Jiayou.¡± Zhou Sheng high-fived Yu Hao; confident, handsome, and elegant, he did look quite decent. He took his internship form, stuffed one hand into his pocket and got into the car that had come over to pick him up. Yu Hao stood on the balcony and took photos of Zhou Sheng with his camera. He watched Zhou Sheng get on the car, which then drove away.

 Chapter 116.2 - Going to Work

    He went off to work.


    Yu Hao felt rather strange. They have witnessed each other¡¯s life at every stage. Liang Jinmin once said ¡°everything that we have experienced together could never be replaced by anyone else¡±. He had a hunch that Zhou Sheng¡¯s entry into the company today would immediately alert a lot of people in Yun Lai Chun ¡ª his brilliance was really too dazzling. Yu Hao had even joked with him that from today onwards, there would definitely be a lot of young girls who would fall in love with him at first sight in the company.


    But only he knew that the Zhou Sheng who had gone through days both big and small with him; the Zhou Sheng who would openly walk out of the bathroom stark naked with just a bath towel on his shoulder; the Zhou Sheng who would blow pearls onto his collar through a bubble tea straw; the Zhou Sheng who would cook in the kitchen with an apron tied around him and carefully carve carrots into flowers¡­¡­


    Just like how Chen Yekai and Ryuusei were in the past ¡ª¡ª when Chen Yekai appeared in front of countless students in college, he would be the male god that elicited everyone¡¯s attention. Only Ryuusei, the one who lived with him, would see Chen Yekai wearing microwave gloves as he warmed up two cups of milk late at night, or the scene of him waking up in the morning with a messy bed of hair as he hugged Ryuusei.


    The handsome and rich Young Master that all of you will see later is my Hubby.


    Yu Hao was in a really good mood. As he tidied up the breakfast that Zhou Sheng had just eaten, he thought, all of you will probably like him very much, but none of you have ever seen him accidentally eating half the piece of paper at the bottom of his steamed bun.


    Early September wasn¡¯t over yet, and Yu Hao wondered if he should report for work in advance to give Lin Ze a good impression of him.


    Several days ago, he searched with a phone number to add Lin Ze¡¯s WeChat, but discovered that it was Situ Ye¡¯s instead. Almost everything uploaded in his circle of friends were photos. After Yu Hao got the Hasselblad from Zhou Sheng and started learning photography, he gradually began to learn about compositions, and he discovered that Situ Ye¡¯s portrait-taking skills were rather formidable.


    Yu Hao sent him a message to ask if it would be appropriate to report for work before National Day.


    Situ Ye replied in less than 10 minutes. He had sent a video over.


    Yu Hao played the video.


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In the video, Lin Ze and a boy he didn¡¯t know were being chased into a corner by two dogs. Lin Ze was carrying a laptop bag that he swung around like a meteor hammer, while the boy he didn¡¯t recognise was holding a mop as he dealt with one of the dogs.


    ¡°¡­¡­aim at its nose¡­¡­¡±


    The dog was barking, and it was a complete chaotic mess in the video. Situ Ye was in charge of taking photos with his phone, while Lin Ze was still shouting, ¡°Stop recording this! Think of something!!¡±


    Yu Hao:¡¾What are you guys doing?¡¿


    Another ten minutes later, Situ Ye replied to him with a voice message, and it was Lin Ze who had recorded it while gasping for breath.


    ¡°Okay okay! You can come over to report whenever you want! That¡¯s excellent! There¡¯s a shortage of staff right now¡­¡­¡±


    In the middle of the recording, the other boy¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Ah Ze stop using WeChat! Those two dogs are coming again!¡±


    Then Situ Ye said, ¡°I can¡¯t believe I actually trusted them and came to Dongying to interview those who pilfer oil, fuck, this rabid dog is too troublesome¡­¡­¡±


    The other boy said again, ¡°Xiao Ye climb over the wall first! I¡¯ll support the rear! Hurry!¡±


    Yu Hao asked:¡¾There should be another reporter teacher too right? I won¡¯t disturb you guys anymore, good luck. Help me say hello.¡¿


    Lin Ze replied, ¡°No, that¡¯s my friend¡­¡­I won¡¯t say anymore, hurry and come ba. We¡¯ll be returning to Beijing the day after tomorrow¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At 10am, when Zhou Sheng entered the company, he didn¡¯t have to endure the gaze of public scrutiny. The chief financial officer, Zhou Laichun, and the deputy general managers were in the middle of a meeting. The front desk took him to a workstation in the corner of the company and handed him the articles of incorporation as well as an employee¡¯s manual for him to read first, and didn¡¯t say anything else. He was even called ¡°Zhou Sheng¡± here as well.


    After Zhou Sheng sat down, he realised that everyone around him were suppressing their urges to peep at him, presumably because the administration had informed them in advance and forbade the employees from making a fuss.


    Yun Lai Chun rented four stories above an office building¡¯s 17th storey in the city. Hundreds of employees were divided according to their departments, and Zhou Sheng was arranged to enter the Major Business Department. There were more than 70 people working on the 18th floor. Zhou Sheng sat in a corner, and his workstation faced the general area of three departments, so he could see what the workers were doing there at a glance.


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s entire General Administration Department was situated on the 21st floor. Zhou Sheng flipped through the employee¡¯s manual. It was good that he wasn¡¯t arranged to be right under Zhou Laichun¡¯s nose. Zhou Sheng was idling about and took a picture of the situation in the company to show Yu Hao. The front desk added him into a group chat, and everyone greeted him politely with much restraint.


    The chief financial officer added Zhou Sheng¡¯s WeChat account straight out and informed him that he would be looking for Zhou Sheng after Zhou Laichun concluded his meeting.


    Yu Hao:¡¾Your father¡¯s company really isn¡¯t an average one that merely has ¡®a lot of people¡®.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Including the branches overseas, there are about over 700 employees. The Major Business Department is mainly in charge of expanding the business; I¡¯m guessing he wants me to learn the ropes of that.¡¿


    Just as he was chatting, the chief financial officer sent him the personnel organization chart of Yun Lai Chun for him to get familiarised with first. After Zhou Sheng finished reading it, the door to the meeting room opened. A group of people came out. Zhou Sheng took a look¨C they were all the deputy heads of the various departments in the company who just concluded their regular Monday meeting.


    Zhou Laichun messaged him on WeChat to inform him to head to the 21st floor later and to go to the General Administration Office. Zhou Sheng waited for awhile more before the front desk gave him the door card, so Zhou Sheng went straight up after receiving it.


    ¡°Your door card can access every floor as well as my office.¡± Zhou Laichun said to Zhou Sheng in the office. The CEO¡¯s office was decorated in a very luxurious style. The general assistant made tea for this father and son pair before going back to work.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You need to find someone to guide me, I have to familiarise myself with the business as soon as possible.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged it for you. You¡¯ll be an assistant manager of a department first. The one who will be guiding you is very capable, learn more from him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a sip of his tea, and Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Try to get to know as many people as you can for the next few days. If anyone asks for your opinions or ideas, just keep your mouth shut; don¡¯t be a brainless and ignorant fool and come up with any rotten ideas. Yu Hao should have taught you all that before, so there¡¯s no need for me to repeat it.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently.


    Zhou Sheng could tell that Zhou Laichun really wanted to ask about Yu Hao, so he said, ¡°Yu Hao will be going to Beijing next month for his internship as an investigative reporter, he has already found a job there.¡±


    Zhou Laichun declined to comment and said, ¡°You have to learn how difficult it is to feed a family and come into contact with people who you may or may not be willing to deal with. But no matter what you think¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I got it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Stop nagging me.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Have lunch with the people in your department at noon, eat at the canteen. I¡¯ll take you out at night to have dinner with some of our people.¡±


    Zhou Sheng wanted to say that he had to go home for dinner on the first day of work, but he thought that there was no need to argue over something like this. It was already like this now anyway, so he shouldn¡¯t be so insistent on such trivial matters. ¡°Okay then, as long as it doesn¡¯t happen everyday.¡±


    ¡°There won¡¯t be a lack of such meals and social engagements.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°If you have the capability to clinch deals without such meals, then I¡¯ll let you do whatever you want, okay? Once you¡¯re done with your tea, go back and greet the person who¡¯ll be guiding you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finished his tea. When he returned to his workstation, the administration had already processed the application for his computer. The deputy general manager of his department had been waiting for him since he got back, so Zhou Sheng knocked on his door and went in to make some small talk with him. Then he went to greet the general manager. In the end, the manager who was in charge of guiding him came over, and his attitude was obviously much more enthusiastic. He gave Zhou Sheng a USB ¡ª inside the USB was the target for their third quarter. Zhou Sheng accepted it and started browsing through it on his computer.


    At noon, Zhou Sheng followed a group of people down to the canteen for lunch, and the atmosphere slowly grew lively. At first, his colleagues had even thought that he was a rather cold person, but whenever Zhou Sheng really wants to liven up the atmosphere, he can be quite humorous with his words. Within an instant, the entire department saw him in a new light, and his colleagues liked him very much too.


    ¡°You¡¯re the newcomer who managed to mesh with our team the quickest.¡± The supervisor said to Zhou Sheng in private.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s just ¡¯cause they¡¯re giving my Dad face¡­¡­¡±


    His supervisor explained, ¡°They really don¡¯t know. The only ones who know your identity are those at the deputy level, and me.¡±


    After the meal, Zhou Sheng followed the department manager to a meeting in the afternoon as his assistant to listen in on the reports of the Major Business Department.


    Zhou Sheng offered to help with the minutes of the meeting, and the manager who brought him along consented. After work, no employee left, and the deputy manager stayed in his office. The chief financial officer messaged Zhou Sheng, who then followed him out. That night, Zhou Laichun had arranged for three deputy managers to have dinner with Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng called each of them ¡®uncle¡¯, and their meal lasted till 10pm. After getting in the car, Zhou Laichun looked drunk as he laid down on the back seat to rest.


    ¡°Everyone at the dinner is on our side.¡± Zhou Laichun said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Got it.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°The chief financial officer doesn¡¯t count.¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered another ¡°un¡°. Zhou Laichun asked, ¡°You rented a place to live in outside of school?¡±


    Zhou Sheng responded with a third ¡°un¡°. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°It¡¯ll be more convenient for work if you move over.¡±


    Zhou Sheng simply answered, ¡°I won¡¯t move.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I won¡¯t be home most of the time, I won¡¯t get in your way.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao can move over too?¡±


    Zhou Laichun answered, ¡°He can¡¯t. How will you explain it if a guest comes?¡±


    Zhou Sheng jeered, ¡°That¡¯s it then.¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°He¡¯s not going to Beijing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Could you stop asking questions about my private life?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Guess what I¡¯m thinking?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh? Then guess what I¡¯m thinking too? Guess if I¡¯ll report for work tomorrow?¡±


    So Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t speak any further. He understood his son¡¯s temper the best; if he really angered Zhou Sheng now, he might really not report for work tomorrow.

 Chapter 117.1 - Busy

    The chauffeur first sent Zhou Laichun back to his residence before sending Zhou Sheng back. By the time he got home, it was already 11pm, and both Yu Hao and Fu Liqun were asleep. Zhou Sheng groped around in the dark for a cup of water, then drank it down with some hangover medicine before the feeling of an ocean overturning in his stomach finally settled down a little. He looked down at the text messages he had exchanged with Yu Hao at 6pm.


    Yu Hao:¡¾You¡¯ll probably be asked out for dinner tonight. I cooked something up myself and ate with Gege.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I¡¯ll go back right after eating, it won¡¯t be any later than 8pm.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾No need to be so anxious, it¡¯ll always feel a bit more foreign and busy on the first day of work. Jiayou.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng went to take a bath, then sorted out the minutes of today¡¯s meeting and sent it to the department¡¯s manager. He worked until 2am before setting an alarm for 6.50am for a morning run, then made his way quietly to the bed and hugged Yu Hao to sleep.


    ¡°Get up, Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao nudged Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng woke up with a start; it was 8:10am.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡± Zhou Sheng complained angrily.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You looked a little tired, so I wanted you to sleep a bit more¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng wanted to get up in the morning for a run, but he had drunk too much yesterday night, and he still had a headache today after his hangover. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°You won¡¯t be late, breakfast is ready¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng changed his clothes then went out quickly to grab his breakfast. He thought of something and returned to kiss Yu Hao.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk after I come back tonight, I¡¯ll definitely come home early today.¡±


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t told him about his plans to report for work early. He chased after Zhou Sheng to tidy up his necktie and also took a picture of him, then said, ¡°Bye, all the best for today.¡±


    After he sent Zhou Sheng off, Yu Hao locked the door and went to the library. He borrowed a lot of books on social work, interviews, and local cultural materials by reporters, as well as news articles and other such materials to study. If he was going to profess devotion to Buddha at the last minute then so be it ba, it¡¯s better than not professing any devotion at all anyway.


    Zhou Sheng was busy with work at the company for the whole day. On Tuesday morning, the Major Business Department had their own internal meeting, then the department¡¯s manager sent him a project report to organise. The minutes he took for yesterday¡¯s meeting weren¡¯t detailed enough, so another assistant came over to teach him step by step, including what shouldn¡¯t be recorded just in case it could be used against them¡­¡­in the afternoon, Zhou Sheng had just started on it before he had to go down for lunch. He didn¡¯t have time to sleep during lunch break either. When he rummaged through his bag, there was a bottle of coffee and a pack of hangover medication that Yu Hao had stuffed inside for him.


    Zhou Sheng sent Yu Hao a WeChat message to ask if he had eaten. Yu Hao ate a sandwich in the library and chatted idly with him for awhile. In the afternoon, another round of powerpoint presentations for projects were brought around for feedback, and the feedback received was to redo the entire PPT. And next Tuesday, Zhou Sheng would be in charge of introducing the project.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought you guys are really treating me as Ironman right now, you¡¯re not even considering if I can really do it or not.


    ¡¾I feel like they¡¯re all loafing off.¡¿Zhou Sheng sent Yu Hao a message,¡¾And fucking Laozi is the only one working.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Of course they¡¯d slack if they have the chance to; everyone¡¯s still getting their salary, so it¡¯ll be okay for them as long as they don¡¯t make any mistakes. This is your own business, you can¡¯t afford to be lazy.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾What do you want to eat tonight? Buy the ingredients and I¡¯ll make it when I get back.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I¡¯ll do it ba, you¡¯ll be very tired after working the whole day and certainly won¡¯t even want to move when you get back.¡¿


    Right at that moment, the department¡¯s manager came in and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Zhou Sheng, we¡¯ll need to go meet someone tonight. I¡¯m prepared to recruit him and arrange for him to be the deputy store manager for our new store. Can you drink?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The manager of this department is usually very crafty, and all the employees hated him a lot. But he treated Zhou Sheng very well, and of course it was because Zhou Sheng was the crown prince. He taught Zhou Sheng all the ropes bit by bit and would even specifically bring him out to recruit others now.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What place are we reserving?¡±


    Manager said, ¡°Haven¡¯t thought of it yet, what do you say?¡±


    ¡°Japanese ba.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I know a Japanese place that has a good atmosphere.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± The manager agreed readily, ¡°When it comes to eating, drinking, and making merry, I¡¯ll listen to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng faced the project¡¯s PPT. He was about to get an assistant to book the restaurant when he suddenly recalled that he was the assistant, so he had to go and make the reservation. Hopefully there would still be an available room¡­¡­he couldn¡¯t finish all his work before closing hours again, which made him really want to throw his computer into Zhou Laichun¡¯s office.


    At 12am, Zhou Sheng went home with the scent of alcohol lingering on his body. Yu Hao was still awake.


    Yu Hao stretched out three fingers, ¡°How many is this?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t drink much.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, ¡°A little less than yesterday, each drop went into my soul. I wanted to puke every time I drank sake. I¡¯ve gone fucking dumb, why did I choose a Japanese restaurant?¡±


    The supplier didn¡¯t know that he was Zhou Laichun¡¯s son, but he did like Zhou Sheng a lot. The department¡¯s manager just got him to accompany him for a few drinks to get to know the supplier, but the dinner had a much better effect than he had expected.


    Yu Hao gave Zhou Sheng a glass of hot milk. Zhou Sheng leaned on the sofa and gasped for breath. Yu Hao placed a hot towel on his face, tidied up his bag, and packed what he might need to use tomorrow, along with two bottles of and a Snickers bar. Zhou Sheng panted for awhile and fell asleep on the sofa.


    Yu Hao thought that it really was tiring for him. He used his fingerprint to unlock Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone and saw the message his department¡¯s manager sent him; his manager had sent him a Word document, said that their partner today had a very good impression of him, and praised him for being a talent. He even took a screenshot of his conversation with the partner for Zhou Sheng to see. Then, he specifically instructed him to redo the PPT according to requirements, and a few of his colleagues would go through it with him in a small meeting tomorrow morning.


    At 7:30, Yu Hao kept kissing Zhou Sheng, who lay beside him. As Zhou Sheng was kissed over and over again, he opened his eyes and sprang up. ¡°What time is it?¡±


    Yu Hao specifically woke him up a little earlier today. He kissed him and said, ¡°You have a lot of time, go take a bath ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng became frantic in the car as he flipped over his laptop. He thought that it would require at least 5 to 6 hours for him to redo the PPT, but then he found out that Yu Hao had already finished it for him. Thank God.


    ¡°Tonight we¡¯ll be going out to visit a supplier.¡± After a meeting that lasted throughout the morning, the department¡¯s manager said, ¡°We won¡¯t be drinking tonight, that old CEO can¡¯t drink. But he likes to drink tea. I don¡¯t know much about tea; Zhou Sheng can you accompany him for a chat?¡±


    Zhou Sheng could only say, ¡°okay¡±, what else could he say? He thought, I don¡¯t know much about tea either you know, and took the chance during his lunch break to complain a whole bunch to Yu Hao while he quickly surfed the net for some relevant information. Yu Hao sent him a tea culture introduction that he got from somewhere. Zhou Sheng started dozing off while he read through it, so he laid down to take a short nap.


    He had just fallen asleep when his colleague called him up again and asked him to go to the general manager¡¯s floor for a meeting. Every month there would always be a meeting with the shareholder representatives and CEO that lasts for a day and a half. It started at 1pm in the afternoon, and Zhou Sheng had to sit in on the meeting beside his old man. He couldn¡¯t sleep in the late afternoon either. The general assistant kindly prepared an extra strong cup of coffee for him.


    After they visited the supplier, he actually managed to return home at around 9pm that day. Fu Liqun was unexpectedly at home too, and he was using his phone while lying on the sofa. They exchanged gazes; Zhou Sheng pointed inside to ask, ¡®is Yu Hao asleep?¡¯ Fu Liqun nodded and said, ¡°I saw him write some manuscript all the way till daybreak, he really was busy enough.¡±


    ¡°My project¡¯s PPT.¡± Zhou Sheng said helplessly. He loosened his tie and sat down heavily on the sofa.


    ¡°Is it that tough?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Zhou Sheng nodded, ¡°It¡¯s okay. Actually it¡¯s not much, saying that it¡¯s tough would just be faking it. What about you?¡±


    Fu Liqun shook his head wearily. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is the gym open?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The ribbon-cutting ceremony was today, Young Madam went in your stead.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded. He had sent Yu Hao a message in the afternoon today during a break in the midst of the shareholders¡¯ meeting, so Yu Hao must have known that he couldn¡¯t leave.


    ¡°Congratulations on the opening.¡± Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°Ai, tired.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as there¡¯s money to earn.¡±


    Fu Liqun held up his palm, ¡°After hustling about for most of the month, five members, 17,000 in revenue.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yo, that¡¯s not bad ma. How much is the commission?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Three of them were acquaintances pulled in by the others, while the other two are newly employed salesman who are supposed to act as a bluff. From tomorrow onwards we¡¯ll have to start calling them one by one to urge them to come for their work-outs, and quickly start selling classes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not bad, not bad. I¡¯ve been crawling around like a dog for the past three days, but the old man hasn¡¯t even told me how much he¡¯ll be paying me yet.¡±


    ¡°Is there a difference?¡± Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°The company belongs to your family.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t speak anymore, then he asked again after a while, ¡°How many members do you need to earn your capital back?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The first month will be the hardest, we¡¯ll need to at least get 20. As long as we can maintain about 5 to 10 per month afterwards, the company will be financially independent.¡±


    ¡°You can do it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s a little easier than I had imagined.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to sell classes and pull in more people at the same time, otherwise I think that after they distribute the leaflets that¡¯ll be it, and there won¡¯t be anymore follow-up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re already two shades darker now.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Now I really envy you people who get to sit in offices, it¡¯s cool there.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t mention that anymore. We had a shareholders¡¯ meeting today, do you know how I felt? Quarterly financial targets, gross profits and net profits, regional strategies, risk assessments¡­¡­it was like listening to a fucking book written in hieroglyphics. Couldn¡¯t even understand half of it. I could only try to guess what was going on, and I even had to check things on Baidu while listening to them. The fucking old man came down afterwards and asked me not to play with my phone.¡±


    Fu Liqun instantly burst into laughter. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s just like owing a debt for 10 years that you now have to repay in just a month, get it? I just felt like a mentally retarded child as I sat there. The old man didn¡¯t say anything, but even I felt like I was an embarrassment. Fortunately no one asked me for my opinion.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s always like that at the start, you¡¯ll gradually come to understand more as you go along.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to buy some management textbooks to study next time.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Do you like this job?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng said without even thinking about it, ¡°But I don¡¯t know what I want to do either, so I¡¯ll just have to do this for now.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Ai, money is hard to earn, and shit is hard to eat.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, don¡¯t just give me 3,000 at the end of this month, otherwise I¡¯d¡­¡­I¡¯d¡­¡­just go to the shareholders¡¯ meeting, and all of us can perish together.¡±


    Fu Liqun bowled over from laughing too hard. Yu Hao opened the door and came out, saying groggily, ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±


    Zhou Sheng hurriedly got up and smiled, ¡°Keep sleeping, I¡¯ll sleep with you.¡±


    In the room, Yu Hao sobered up a little and asked, ¡°Was the PPT okay?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It was okay, everyone praised me for doing it well.¡±


    Yu Hao was still a little uneasy, ¡°Is it going well?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°A lot better than I had expected, there isn¡¯t much of a problem.¡±


    This was the first time the two of them talked in earnest after Zhou Sheng started work. Yu Hao asked again, ¡°Is it tiring?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng whistled as he went to take a bath, and after he took his bath, he came over to hug Yu Hao, ¡°From next week onwards, I¡¯ll come home everyday for dinner.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned off the lights, and the room turned dark. He hugged Yu Hao, and both of them got intimate for awhile in the dark. Zhou Sheng kept kissing him, as if he wanted to make up for all the kisses during their separation for the past few days. Yu Hao hugged him and kissed him back for awhile too.


    ¡°I want to report for work earlier.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s a shortage of staff on Ah Ze¡¯s side.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t hear him, he had already fallen asleep.

 Chapter 117.2 - Busy

    The next day, Zhou Sheng casually mentioned to his department¡¯s manager that he would be going to Beijing during the weekend, but the manager was a little surprised.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I was going to take a few of you guys out to Guangdong for a meeting.¡± The manager said, ¡°Can you reschedule it on your side?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I can¡¯t reschedule it.¡±


    The manager said, ¡°Then what should we do? We¡¯ll have to think of something.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was baffled. He didn¡¯t expect anything else to happen over the weekend as well. Was this considered overtime? Many employees in Yun Lai Chun did work overtime on Saturdays and Sundays; on the one hand they could earn some brownie points, and on the other hand, the single dogs could scrimp on their electricity bills.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let Director Huang know.¡± The manager said, ¡°He wasn¡¯t really in favour of taking up your private time in the first place¡­¡­¡±


    The deputy general manager of the business department wasn¡¯t one of Zhou Laichun¡¯s ¡°people¡±. Zhou Sheng understood at once, and the manager was very tactful as well. He stopped talking right then and said, ¡°See if there¡¯s anything else you can do about it first ba, if you really can¡¯t, then don¡¯t go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was worried about letting Yu Hao go to Beijing alone to start work and had planned to buy a ticket to accompany him there to settle down first. But Yu Hao¡¯s call came real quickly.


    ¡°You¡¯re sending me off this weekend?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng was absolutely puzzled, ¡°How did you know that?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Your father called me and said that you¡¯ll be going to Guangdong¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng blew up at once. Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t get angry, I didn¡¯t ask you to send me ah. I¡¯ll go by myself. I¡¯m getting a high-speed rail ticket, and I¡¯ll arrive the next morning, I¡¯ve already bought the ticket.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No way!¡± Then he noticed that the people around him were looking at him. The office was rather quiet, so Zhou Sheng had to go to the emergency exit at the corner of the corridor to talk. Yu Hao insisted that he would be fine going alone, and asked Zhou Sheng to fly over for a visit after he was done being busy. Zhou Sheng was a little irritated, and they almost quarrelled again.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What kind of a bullshit company is this? Even the crown prince has to work overtime. They won¡¯t even let me off on weekends. Just wait and see, when Laozi takes over¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Keep your voice down!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Are you in the office? I¡¯m only leaving with one luggage case, and isn¡¯t it the same if you come visit me in a week?¡±


    Zhou Sheng could hear the door of the emergency exit close, so he had to say, ¡°I¡¯ll stop here, let¡¯s talk about it again when I get home tonight.¡±


    Zhou Sheng returned to the office. Zhou Laichun sent him a message again.


    ¡¾Can¡¯t you find a place where there¡¯s no one else there to make your call? A few people from the advertising department including the director were smoking in the stairway, and they heard everything.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng blacklisted his father and only removed him from the blacklist after work. There was no need for anymore dinner engagements tonight, thank God. But the manager gave him a stack of strategic plans to read and asked him to come up with a new one using those as a reference. And he had to finish it by Friday.


    Zhou Sheng wanted to blow up, but when he thought about how the manager was part of his father¡¯s ¡®own people¡¯, he must have gotten some hint to get Zhou Sheng to produce some results as soon as possible, so he couldn¡¯t say much about it.


    That night, Zhou Sheng took his work home, opened up the laptop, and sat opposite Yu Hao at the dining table. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve already reserved the rail ticket, just go to Guangzhou.¡±


    Zhou Sheng wanted to say something, but Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ve already decided to work at Yun Lai Chun, so you might as well spend more time on your work ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng almost blew up. Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ve already booked your ticket for next week. Did you see the SMS?¡±


    Those words made half of Zhou Sheng¡¯s anger dissipate in an instant. Yu Hao continued, ¡°If you really plan on going, you can change the reservation. But I¡¯ll be taking the high-speed rail, so you may arrive earlier than me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t say anything in response.


    Yu Hao smiled as he looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng was still wearing a shirt and suit pants, and his handsome face was dark. Yu Hao said, ¡°Director Zhou, when you look all solemn and angry, you seriously look too cool.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So it¡¯s right for you to make me angry.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he looked at him, ¡°Although I shouldn¡¯t say this, I think you look more handsome than Chen Laoshi in your formal attire.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had rolled up his sleeves and was using the mouse. When he heard that, he put on the non-prescription glasses and smoothed his hair back with five of his fingers, revealing his forehead as he stared at Yu Hao with a grave expression. Yu Hao almost rolled off his chair; he wore a frantic expression on his face and didn¡¯t know what to say.


    ¡°Go and take a bath.¡± Zhou Sheng pointed at the bathroom and said all cold and abstinent-like, ¡°Once you¡¯re done, wait for me on the bed.¡±


    At that moment, Yu Hao really felt like an arrow pierced straight through his heart. After being together with Zhou Sheng for two years, the two of them had unconsciously gotten used to the other¡¯s company. But ever since the day Zhou Sheng started going to work, it was as if he was reexperiencing the feeling of his heart beating wildly during those days when he had a crush on Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao had always been indifferent to men in suits, and his blind date ¡°if you don¡¯t manage your money, your money won¡¯t care about you¡± made him stay far away from them as well.


    But when it was on Zhou Sheng, the temperament of a mature, working man suddenly made his heart palpitate ¡ª an overbearing CEO was simply the gem of the world! Yu Hao was beginning to understand why romantic danmei novels loved the CEO trope! Who wouldn¡¯t love this kind of CEO?!


    ¡°You definitely can¡¯t show such an expression to the young girls in your office.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And you¡¯re forbidden from looking at anyone with that kind of gaze.¡±


    ¡°But, I, want, to.¡± Zhou Sheng enunciated each word coldly, ¡°Why? Do you have something against that?¡±


    Yu Hao went over to pounce on him. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stand getting tormented by him anymore and held him in his arms, ¡°Knock it off! I still have to write up a strategic plan¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll write it for you!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°President, I want to mate with you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng picked Yu Hao up and carried him into the room, threw him onto the bed then laid beside him. Yu Hao started unbuttoning his shirt, while Zhou Sheng took off his glasses and sighed a little wearily.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t feel rest assured letting you go to Beijing alone.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What if you don¡¯t go? Could you just stay at home as a Young Madam?¡±


    Yu Hao tugged his shirt collar and kissed him. The two of them embraced each other in bed and started kissing passionately. Zhou Sheng was still wearing his suit pants and black socks, when an idea flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s mind, ah, his shirt¡¯s gonna get wrinkled again. Never mind I¡¯ll iron it¡­¡­


    Reality proved that it was right for Yu Hao to have let himself go this once that night, because Zhou Sheng had to attend dinner engagements for the next two days, and Zhou Sheng returned very late on the night before Yu Hao left, so they didn¡¯t have much time to be affectionate.


    ¡°If it¡¯s still like this in the second month,¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°I¡¯ll quit.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s normal for you to continue such a lifestyle until you finish learning everything that you¡¯re supposed to. The adaptation period will be the toughest, but after this transition ends, it¡¯ll be much easier, just like your father.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was on the verge of a mental breakdown. Even when compared to all the employees in the company, he would still get at least an 80 as a score for his efforts. He could only hate the fact that he didn¡¯t study business and management, so now he had to put in twice as much time to learn all that knowledge during his internship.


    ¡°It¡¯ll take at most half a year.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll be easy after I go over too.¡±


    Now, the only thing that could alleviate Zhou Sheng¡¯s stress was Yu Hao. Yu Hao kept comforting him. But Yu Hao did feel that even though it was exhausting for Zhou Sheng, he could avoid the most painful experience of a newcomer ¡ª getting scolded by the supervisor.


    No one in the company would dare cause trouble for Zhou Sheng and scold him. They would only request for him to take his work seriously and quickly learn what was needed, so as to complete the assignments his father handed down. Once he got familiarised with the operations and business, then he could properly assist with the takeover.


    ¡°All the money is in this card.¡± Zhou Sheng undid his tie and sat on the bed to help Yu Hao pack his wallet, ¡°There¡¯s 26,000 here, and here¡¯s 5,000 cash for you to carry around with you¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was ironing Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes for him. He had bought a shirt for Zhou Sheng in advance, ¡°There are shirts in the wardrobe, one per day. Gather up all the dirty clothes on Friday and place them on the table. Gege will remember to take them down to wash for you when he goes downstairs, and take them back on Monday.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I was thinking that I might as well just wear underpants and slippers to work.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the Young Master, so no one would scold you for it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But you¡¯ll have dinner engagements once in awhile ba. Wear something more formal, then you¡¯ll unconsciously start playing the part too.¡±


    Yu Hao was right. After Zhou Sheng changed into formal wear, he would become more solemn and serious, unlike before when people would just see him as a sloppy kid.


    Zhou Sheng checked Yu Hao¡¯s bag. He saw his camera and a metal heart-shaped music box sandwiched between two layers in his bag. Zhou Sheng twisted the coil of the music box, and it started tinkling ¡ª it was the song¡¶My Little Happiness¡·. Yu Hao was a little embarrassed. He was ironing Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes with a hanging ironing machine and both of them looked at each other, then they recalled the time they spent together on the ferris wheel two years ago.


    ¡°Stop being so busy.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Come over and let me hug you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to go to work in five hours, I think you need more sleep. You lack sleep everyday, it¡¯s too tiring for you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m just a fucking fourth year! What the hell happened to my life?!¡±


    Yu Hao hung his clothes up and went over with a smile. He hugged Zhou Sheng and said, ¡°I think there won¡¯t be any problems with our future.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I think so too. I just hope this time will pass quickly ba.¡±


    The next evening, Chen Yekai¡¯s flight back to Ying City ran late. He was supposed to see Yu Hao off, but he didn¡¯t go.


    Fu Liqun was quarrelling with the management of the district where the gym was located at, so he didn¡¯t go either.


    Yu Hao dragged his luggage alone to the high-speed rail station and waited for Zhou Sheng as he looked at his watch. Zhou Sheng was held back by the chief financial officer in the evening, who asked him a ton of questions. When he rushed down to the garage from his company, he just happened to get caught up in the rush hour traffic jam.


    Yu Hao kept consoling Zhou Sheng and asked him to not feel too anxious, and Zhou Sheng was so angry in his WeChat that he laughed.


    ¡°My patience for this company is being depleted bit by bit.¡± Zhou Sheng said in his voice message, ¡°I¡¯m someone who bears grudges.¡±


    Yu Hao sent him a message:¡¾We¡¯ll meet next week, it¡¯s really okay.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t sleep at all last night, but Yu Hao had at least caught up on some sleep. Zhou Sheng was currently on the brink of a meltdown, and he couldn¡¯t say anything as he looked at the jam in front of him.


    ¡¾This is the first time we¡¯ll be apart.¡¿


    Yu Hao looked down and started writing out a large chunk of text on his phone.


    ¡¾I¡¯ll be getting on the train soon. You¡¯re the General in my dreams, and also the hero in my reality. I still remember that day we were on the ferris wheel. I was so overwhelmed with happiness that I didn¡¯t even know what to do. From then until today, I still feel so overwhelmed with happiness that I always feel like I¡¯m at a loss. Being with you is the luckiest and most frightening thing that has ever happened to me in my life. I¡¯ve always thought that I¡¯m not as good as you think I am; I¡¯m just a very normal, and useless person. So how could I be so lucky to deserve such a radiant person like you, who¡¯s just like the sun?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng held his phone. After typing a few words, he deleted them, and sat silently in the back seat of the car.


    Yu Hao:¡¾Every time I see you, it¡¯s like watching the sunrise. No matter how many troubles I have, I would still end up feeling happy and optimistic. You¡¯re the most outstanding one; even if you often say that you¡¯re just a confused good-for-nothing, to me, you¡¯re the world¡¯s best, and also the most perfect person in the world.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng sent him a voice message. Yu Hao held up his phone and placed it next to his ear to listen to it. Zhou Sheng was shouting in his voice message.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°My dear wife! Fuck this high-speed rail that¡¯s never behind schedule! Fuck this god damn Yun Lai Chun! Yu Hao! Stop sending me any more messages, I¡¯m going crazy! Yu Hao! I fucking love you! I love you!¡±


    Yu Hao started laughing. He stood in front of the high-speed rail carriage and looked up.


    ¡¾You¡¯re like my most reliable Gege, my only family, and my only lover. That day I sent you off to work, I was thinking that during these days with you, I¡¯ve always been under your meticulous care. So let me do something for you and our future ba. Leaving your protection will just be temporary, and I want to become a better person too so that I can stand side by side with you. This made me use up almost all of the resolution I have in my life, so¡­¡­it¡¯s actually a good thing that you didn¡¯t make it in time. Because if you had come, I wouldn¡¯t want to leave anymore.¡¿


    A whistle rang out on the platform. Yu Hao looked at the escalator. This was the last train to Beijing, so Yu Hao had to board it. The doors closed. Zhou Sheng bought a ticket and went into the station, and didn¡¯t even care about the train schedule. He flipped over the ticketing gate, rushed down the stairs and ran to the platform.


    Zhou Sheng, dressed in a suit, was dashing through the platform as he searched for Yu Hao¡¯s carriage. He shouted, ¡°Wife! Wife¡ª¡ª!¡±


    Yu Hao stood by the door and immediately waved at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng ran madly behind the high-speed rail for awhile; the train accelerated and drove away with a whoosh. Yu Hao threw him a kiss at the carriage door and pointed at his phone. Zhou Sheng was breathless from running. He raised his left hand, he was wearing the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded, then looked down to grab his phone and answered Yu Hao¡¯s call.


    ¡°Life is like a thriller novel, in the next moment, what will be the plot? I don¡¯t think anyone would know, what is going on with the world¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice rang out in the phone as he sang.


    The high-speed rail left Ying City. Lights streamed into the carriage, and the distant rivers and mountains all fell asleep, as if they had entered a bright and resplendent dream. (


    Zhou Sheng felt helpless. He ran until his body was thoroughly spent. He took a few steps, stood up straight, listened to Yu Hao¡¯s song for a while and threw a kiss at the high-speed rail in the distance.


    ¡°I love you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wait for me.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Awwwww, that was super sweet. (Although guys, such a dramatic train farewell when you¡¯ll see each other in a week¡­)


    Zryuu: ;-; </3

 Chapter 118.1 - - Reporting for Duty

    Outside the high-speed rail station, Chen Yekai quickly got out of the car and glanced down at his watch. Zhou Sheng had just left the station. The two of them looked at each other. Zhou Sheng¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat.


    Chen Yekai asked, ¡°Already left?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged helplessly. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I was about to tell you that I¡¯ll be going to Beijing in awhile. It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll see him again then.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Zhou Sheng was stunned at once and started vigilantly scrutinising Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Your college established academic exchange programs with one of the colleges in Beijing. They¡¯re sending a young lecturer here, so I¡¯ll be the one going over there.¡±


    Zhou Sheng wore an astonished expression as he saw Chen Yekai get in the car and watched him leave.


    Yu Hao was tormented by Zhou Sheng all night yesterday, so his lower back would ache if he lay on his back, and he now had to lie on his stomach to sleep. He dreamt intermittently, and he could sense that Zhou Sheng was trying to enter his dream. But his dreamscape kept shaking; he was being influenced by the environment around him when he fell asleep, and the distance seemed to be an obstacle to some extent.


    ¡°Have a good sleep ba.¡± In the end, Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Otherwise you¡¯ll be really tired again when you get up tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡­good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said a lot of things, but Yu Hao was the first to laugh, ¡°Good night.¡±


    He pressed his hand against Zhou Sheng¡¯s forehead and woke up on the high-speed rail. He turned over, then fell asleep a moment later.


    4am, arrived at Beijing.


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time leaving Ying City alone. Although he would occasionally leave for a vacation with Zhou Sheng during the winter and summer holidays, he had never drifted about alone in unfamiliar places before. Passengers on the high-speed rail flocked out in a throng, and Yu Hao, who was dragging along his luggage, had turned into one of the members of this Northern Drift (ppl going to Beijing) army.


    Everything around him was within his scope of imagination ¡ª it wasn¡¯t strange, but it seemed unfamiliar. There were people outside the station introducing accommodations and intermediaries who were flagging unlicensed vehicles for passengers. Yu Hao hailed a cab on his phone and looked for the rideshare parking lot. In the past, he would have definitely taken a bus or the subway, but after being with Zhou Sheng for so long, he began to understand that the money, cards, camera, and laptop he was carrying, and the fact that he was new here wasn¡¯t worth him scrimping on this bit of money.


    Hailing a cab cost him about 120 yuan. Using the address that Lin Ze gave him as a guide, Yu Hao arrived at the road outside the newspaper office in Xicheng District at 6:30, then he sent a message to Zhou Sheng to tell him that he was safe. He looked for a nearby budget hotel to stay at for the time being and was prepared to report to the office before renting another place.


    September mornings in Beijing were gradually getting colder. Quite a lot of old men and women outside the park were performing Taichi. Ever since he got off the high-speed rail until now when he had arrived at his lodgings, Yu Hao felt like this city had been quite friendly to him. Everyone was very enthusiastic when he asked for directions, and the aunts would even take the initiative to guide him.


    In the beginning, Zhou Sheng would ask him a question every ten minutes, so Yu Hao would take a photo on his phone to report on his progress. By the time it hit 7 o¡¯clock, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply anymore since he probably fell asleep again. After Yu Hao checked in, he took a bath, washed his hair, changed into a shirt and dressed a little more simply, then slung his camera bag over his shoulder and went to report to the newspaper office.


    The newspaper office was in an alley, located in a four-storey building with ¡°Qinghua Times¡± engraved on the door. There were two vertical blue plaques on both sides of the door, and they were all about news organisations, youth media units, and so on, making it seem like a proper establishment. There were also two stone lions at the entrance. There was nobody inside when Yu Hao entered. He called out once at the door. It was quiet, so he shouted again.


    ¡°Coming!¡± An aunt¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°I hear you!¡±


    Yu Hao texted Lin Ze while he said, ¡°I¡¯m here to look for Lin Ze¡­¡­the reporter, editor?¡±


    The aunt looked baffled, ¡°I don¡¯t know him, who¡¯s that?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, it can¡¯t be ba, I was deceived? Then doesn¡¯t that mean I can go home now? If Zhou Sheng sees him tonight, he¡¯d probably go mad with happiness, right?


    ¡°He asked me to report here, this is his business card¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao showed the aunt the card, and she said with a voice filled with doubt, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Chongqing¡¯s newspaper office? Why did you come all the way to Beijing?¡±


    Yu Hao explained again, ¡°Didn¡¯t he transfer here?¡±


    ¡°Hold on for a moment.¡± The aunt got up and went in. Yu Hao felt extremely apprehensive and told Zhou Sheng about what he had just encountered. Zhou Sheng replied:¡¾I think you should just come back, this is Heaven¡¯s will.¡¿


    ¡°Here!¡± Lin Ze strode out and waved to Yu Hao from the corridor. The aunt said, ¡°Don¡¯t walk through that door from now on, use the side gate. I thought it was some leader who had sent someone over for an undercover investigation, man that really scared me¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks Dajie.¡± Lin Ze motioned to Yu Hao to follow him.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a newspaper?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Newspapers are afraid of undercover investigations?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why but every time he sees Lin Ze, his dissing skills would be automatically activated. Lin Ze said, ¡°You came just in time, I really need someone to help me¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze pushed the door to an office open, and Yu Hao was instantly stunned.


    It was practically like a farmer¡¯s market inside. There were dozens of desks piled up with a mess of manuscripts, and Situ Ye was even quarrelling with an editor.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my photo¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°All the faces are black!¡± The editor said, ¡°How am I supposed to publish this?¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°That¡¯s because it was nighttime when I took those photos!¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Can¡¯t you have a better attitude?!¡±


    Answering the phone, making calls, A4 papers flying here and there, the printer was still ringing like crazy, and Yu Hao thought that the machine was about to explode at any moment. He had only seen such a scene once before, and that was in Xiao Yujun¡¯s Yingjiang Daily.


    ¡°Sit here.¡± Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t move no matter who asks you to, don¡¯t get up, just say that this is your seat. Sit here and wait for me¡­¡­Yang Laoshi! Someone from my side came! One has already arrived!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao took off his camera bag, and he had just sat down when a bearded man came over with a cigarette in his mouth. He was carrying a thick stack of manuscripts and was looking down at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Make way!¡± That guy said, ¡°Where did this kid come from?¡±


    Situ Ye was sitting at a desk as he said to the man, ¡°He¡¯s from our department!¡±


    The man said, ¡°Where¡¯s his badge? Take it out ah.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°Can¡¯t you see it¡¯s not made yet? We¡¯re looking for Yang Laoshi now.¡±


    The man said, ¡°Hey, kid, what the hell are you guys doing?¡± As he spoke, he slammed the stack of papers in his hands on the table before going straight over to look for Situ Ye. Situ Ye immediately said, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Yu Hao was panic-stricken as he watched them and was afraid that they would start fighting. The man pushed away a reporter in front of him who was in the middle of a call and went over to look for Situ Ye, but Situ Ye jumped down from the editor¡¯s desk and ran outside.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A bespectacled girl on the side said to Yu Hao, ¡°Can you help me try and figure out what this word is?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­¡­this¡­¡­¡±


    That girl was holding a manuscript with a scrawled handwriting on it that was barely legible. Yu Hao looked at the context and said, ¡°This should be¡­¡­¡¯jing¡¯, of ¡®jing qi¡¯¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes yes yes!¡± That girl immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll give you an extra chicken drumstick¡­¡­¡±


    One of the male editors in front turned around and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that the manuscript you wrote yourself?¡±


    The girl said, ¡°How am I supposed to recognise what I wrote myself? Handsome, come help me take another look¡­¡­¡±


    The bearded man came back again and said, ¡°Ai ai, you should be leaving now, get up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m asking him something!¡± The girl said, ¡°Could you stop bothering us?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my seat!¡± The bearded man said.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it the same no matter where you sit?¡± The editor turned around and said, ¡°You can¡¯t sit in the corner?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the toilet!¡± The bearded man roared, ¡°Why don¡¯t you try and sit at the entrance of the toilet?¡±


    The scene was one of chaotic disarray. Not a moment later, the entire office instantly quieted down. Yu Hao looked up, and an old lady who was about 60 years old, wearing a red dress, with lipstick and makeup on, came out of the small office at the end of the big office with a cup of tea in her hand. Lin Ze followed behind her.


    Lin Ze pointed at Yu Hao and said, ¡°There, the person I recruited.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± That old lady¡¯s voice was a little hoarse.


    She walked over to Yu Hao, Lin Ze said, ¡°Hurry and get up! Greet her!¡±


    Yu Hao thought, you¡¯re the one who told me not to get up no matter who it was¡­¡­then he quickly got up and shook hands with the old lady. Lin Ze said, ¡°She¡¯s Yang Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Yang Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said. He noticed that she was wearing a badge with the words ¡°Yang Hong¡±.


    Yang Hong grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and like a leader who was expressing cordial concerns for an employee, she said to Lin Ze, ¡°It must have been tough for him to come all the way here, let him go back and rest first ba.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Yu Hao has already rested, he just wants to start working now.¡±


    Yu Hao went mad in his heart, what the hell is all this?! Where¡¯s the teacher you promised me as a mentor?


    ¡°Then that¡¯s good.¡± Yang Hong said, ¡°Un, that¡¯s good. Everyone must have worked hard.¡±


    As she spoke, she picked up her cup of tea and circled the office before going back in, then the entire office erupted in an uproar once again. Situ Ye came in and said as if he got a huge load off his mind, ¡°Whew, managed to save it. Get me a chair¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°There aren¡¯t any.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Sit on mine ba, I¡¯ll squat.¡±


    ¡°Sit here ba Xiao Ye.¡± An editor at the back pointed to a stack of books, then Situ Ye piled up the whole set of¡¶New Registry of Chinese Characters¡·, and added a¡¶Party Style and Party Discipline¡·on it before sitting down.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a short nap.¡± Situ Ye said to Yu Hao, ¡°I can¡¯t hold on anymore, just call me at any time if something crops up.¡± As he spoke, he leaned on a table and fell asleep.


    Lin Ze followed Yang Hong into the office again. The farmer¡¯s market in the editorial department started kicking up a fuss again. There were books everywhere. Yu Hao looked behind him, and this group of editors were basically performing a juggling act. There were manuscripts to be proofread and reference books stacked on their desks, and each stack was higher than the next, and there were even glass cups for tea and half-eaten lunches balanced precariously on top of them. Yu Hao was really afraid that if the books behind him fell down, he would get crushed to death on the spot.


    Zhou Sheng sent him a few messages to ask him how it was going. Yu Hao replied to him, and in the meantime, the sleeping Situ Ye slid down onto Yu Hao¡¯s leg before sliding onto the floor. He had fallen asleep under the table with a distorted posture.


    This guy has really long legs too¡­¡­Yu Hao thought.


    ¡°Are you an editor?¡± The editor in front turned back and asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m a reporter, an intern reporter¡­¡­¡±


    Editor said, ¡°Ah, someone from Lin Laoshi¡¯s department. You reporters understand reporters the best, help me translate this¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The editor handed him a manuscript that had been scanned and reprinted. The girl beside Yu Hao said, ¡°I really can¡¯t stand Wang Laoshi anymore, what kind of crap is he writing?!¡±


    ¡°Stop talking! Proofread it quick!¡± A middle-aged man said as he held a cup of tea, ¡°It¡¯ll be published in forty minutes!¡±


    Everyone instantly let out a mad cry. Yu Hao said, ¡°Um¡­¡­what should I translate?¡±


    ¡°The entire text!¡± The editor in front said, ¡°Write it at the bottom.¡±


    Yu Hao borrowed a pen. He didn¡¯t need to translate the whole text, and some of the handwriting wasn¡¯t difficult to discern, so he circled some of the words that seemed difficult and annotated them.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s worded wrongly?¡± The girl beside him asked Yu Hao again with her manuscript.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one who wrote it how is he supposed to know?!¡± Someone from the back mocked her again.


    ¡°Adverbials can¡¯t be postpositions¡­¡­¡±


    A bell suddenly rang, and everyone stood up in unison. Even the ones who were in the middle of talking stopped moving; all of them put down their manuscripts, turned around, and walked away.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye was still sleeping under the table. Someone shouted to Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s time for tea and some snacks.¡±


    So Yu Hao followed a group of editors over to take some refreshments. Fifteen minutes later, the bell rang again, then everyone came back one after another to revise their manuscripts.


    After Yu Hao translated the handwritten manuscript, Lin Ze finally came out. He threw Yu Hao a badge and said, ¡°Fill in the form at HR in the afternoon, did you bring a photo along?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go eat first.¡± Lin Ze said.


    Yu Hao rose from the maze and shook Situ Ye, ¡°Get up, it¡¯s time to eat.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s time to eat?¡± As soon as Situ Ye heard the word ¡®eat¡¯, he woke up immediately, rubbed his eyes, and almost knocked into the pile of books behind him. Fortunately, Lin Ze was sharp-sighted and deftly supported the stack of books.

 Chapter 118.2 - Reporting for Duty

    ¡°I¡¯ll apply for an office this afternoon.¡±


    During lunch, Lin Ze used his card to get food for Situ Ye and Yu Hao. Yu Hao was stunned when he saw the prices in the canteen ¡ª braised meat for 1.20, sauteed broccoli with fungus for 80 cents, braised fish for 1.20, and the rice was free flow!


    Yu Hao, ¡°This canteen¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It tastes so bad.¡± Situ Ye steeped his rice in soup gloomily.


    ¡°Just make do with it, you¡¯ll only have to eat here a few times.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Once we¡¯ve applied for an office we won¡¯t get to eat at this canteen anymore. Yu Hao do you know how to cook?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I do¡­¡­a little. I learnt from Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°He must have felt really helpless when you came to Beijing ba.¡± Lin Ze said.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s still okay, he¡¯ll fly over every weekend to visit me.¡±


    Lin Ze and Situ Ye nodded. Lin Ze said, ¡°Our team only has me right now since they won¡¯t give Xiao Ye a position, and the office hasn¡¯t been applied for yet. They said that it would be difficult to process unless the group recruits more people.¡±


    ¡°What about the one who was doing an interview with you?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s an author.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°The legendary coal boss committed murder. He came to help us temporarily, but got bitten by a dog the last time and went back to Chongqing for an injection.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Pass your form to me after filling it out in the afternoon. I¡¯ll go process it, and hopefully it¡¯ll work out this time.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°So¡­¡­we won¡¯t be working here all the time, right?¡±


    ¡°Reporters aren¡¯t with the editors.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°It¡¯s too noisy, and so chaotic.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s good then, this newspaper office was really in too much of a mess. Lin Ze said, ¡°There are a lot of youngsters here. The teachers¡¯ offices are all very quiet. Reporters have their own offices too¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°The editorial office is still better though. Sitting in the reporters¡¯ office for a day can smoke me straight into a piece of bacon.¡±


    ¡°Light an incense stick at Yonghe Palace in the afternoon.¡± Lin Ze said to Situ Ye, ¡°Pray for blessings that our office application will definitely get approved this time.¡±


    Situ Ye said helplessly, ¡°Fine, fuck.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    In the afternoon, the entire editorial office leaned on their desks with their faces flat in a row, and it was quiet at last; they were just like a bunch of zombies. By the time it hit two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, everyone woke up at the same time and began making a ruckus again. The only difference from the morning was: in the morning everyone was still revising manuscripts, but in the afternoon they had all started drinking tea and chatting.


    Yu Hao thought, this really is a strange place, and no one seemed surprised at his appearance. They asked him to eat cookies with them and even asked him to get some hot water for them as if it were natural. The girl beside him and the editor in front were playing ¡®poem sequence¡¯, and the two editors behind were playing Ludo.


    A fat middle-aged man came. He put his bag down and said affably to Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, then got up to shake hands with him. He wondered if this was the teacher who was supposed to guide him.


    The middle-aged man smiled, ¡°Hello hello.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hello hello.¡±


    Middle-aged man, ¡°Could you lend me this desk for a while?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said expressionlessly.


    Both sides fell into an awkward silence for a short moment. The middle-aged man walked away again,  started wandering around everywhere, and got rejected by editors everywhere.


    ¡°Do you guys lack that many workstations?¡± Yu Hao asked the girl beside him.


    ¡°Because that desk of yours used to be for reporters who wanted to revise their manuscripts at the last minute.¡± The girl said to Yu Hao while eating melon seeds, ¡°Now they¡¯ve been moved to the side with the toilet, so of course they¡¯re all unhappy.¡±


    ¡°Place your stuff on it.¡± Another editor taught him, ¡°Put some hidden weapons on your chair, then no one will come and take your seat.¡±


    ¡°Annoying.¡± Another editor said, ¡°Plonk your ass down on it for a few hours, and you¡¯ll be too lazy to get up.¡±


    Yu Hao was utterly speechless now. He texted Zhou Sheng for a short while in the afternoon. Zhou Sheng had already boarded the plane on the other side and was ready to go to Guangzhou. He tidied himself up to look a lot more energetic now, and as an assistant, he carried himself even better than the boss who was taking him there.


    ¡¾Everyone says your custom-made suit looks good.¡¿


    It seems like Zhou Sheng had fully gotten accustomed to playing the role of the successor to his company.


    Yu Hao smiled as he looked at the selfie he took. Just one glance at Zhou Sheng and all of his fatigue today was swept away; he felt all energetic again like he had just come back from the dead. While Yu Hao filled out his form, he chatted idly for a bit. Lin Ze came over to take away his work form and ID card to photocopy them.


    The reporters¡¯ manuscripts came again, and the entire office delved into chaos. Yu Hao had drank two cups of coffee so he could settle down a little. He borrowed a professional book for editorial proofreading and started studying it seriously; he should make up for the gaps in his knowledge as much as possible ba¡­¡­near six o¡¯clock, Yu Hao was about to ask the girl next to him when they would get off work, but suddenly realised that all the people around him had changed!


    The girl next to him had turned into an uncle, and a bespectacled fatty sat behind him. Everyone in the office had changed! And what¡¯s more frightening is that these people knew one another, and they all seemed calm and composed as they chatted idly in an orderly manner.


    Yu Hao got quite a huge fright from this; he thought that he was being filmed in some kind of variety show. He looked around filled with trepidation and wondered, where is this? Who am I?


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Yu Hao asked the uncle next to him.


    The uncle looked baffled and looked up from his manuscript. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡±


    In the editorial office, the fans squeaked as they revolved, and the fluorescent lights illuminated everyone¡¯s faces into a ghastly pale colour. People everywhere who he didn¡¯t recognise began to look up from under their desk lamps one after another, and they all looked at Yu Hao in unison.


    ¡°Who are you guys?¡± Yu Hao asked fearfully, ¡°Who am I?¡±


    This scene was practically like a nightmare. Yu Hao immediately looked down and texted Lin Ze. He took a photo of his surroundings, then Lin Ze called.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you off work yet?¡± Lin Ze asked, ¡°It¡¯s already 6.30, go and get dinner ba.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Why did everyone¡¯s appearances change?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°They are the editors and proofreading staff for the night shift¡­¡­there was a change in shifts.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The surrounding people realised that Yu Hao was startled, and they all burst out into laughter. Yu Hao felt incredibly embarrassed and hurriedly packed his things before bowing to the rest, then left in a panic.


    ¡°Boss, you didn¡¯t tell me when¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Just call me Ah Ze.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to punch in, just come whenever you want and help me occupy this table. Your work card will be given to you tomorrow. Oh right, when you¡¯re free later help me receive someone¡­¡­but if you aren¡¯t free then you don¡¯t need to care about him.¡±


    Lin Ze sent the train number to Yu Hao. Yu Hao took a look, and Situ Ye said from a side, ¡°Come and have dinner, just leave that alone.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! I¡¯ll go pick him up!¡± Yu Hao answered. He returned to his hotel first and suddenly remembered that he hadn¡¯t completed the most important task today¡­¡­he hadn¡¯t actually managed to rent a house yet. The first day of work had been utterly chaotic. He didn¡¯t have the time to look for a house at the last minute now either, so he should just go and pick up the other person first ba. Zhou Sheng had given him more than 30,000; it would be fine if he stayed in a budget hotel for a few more days.


    Yu Hao now truly felt that being with Zhou Sheng was the happiest time in his life. Ever since they got together, he barely ever had to worry about money. A few years ago, if he was living the life where he only had a few thousand yuan in savings, then he would definitely be beside himself with worry right now.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s flight was delayed. He urged him to get dinner, and asked him to eat something more expensive. Yu Hao went to a Mr. Li¡¯s to get dinner and thought, this tastes so bad¡­¡­the braised pork here was steamed for too long and wasn¡¯t sticky at all, while the pickled vegetables weren¡¯t steeped long enough in advance¡­¡­forget it he was away from home right now, so he can¡¯t be too picky.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s plane finally set off. Yu Hao looked at his watch while he rushed to Beijing¡¯s West Railway Station. He made a call, but the other side¡¯s phone was turned off.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t prepare a banner for receiving someone, so he could only try his best at the dark exit to identify who he was supposed to receive from the photo Lin Ze had sent him.


    ¡°Jin Weicheng Laoshi!¡± Yu Hao resorted to this last move. He started shouting, ¡°Is Jin Weicheng Laoshi around?¡±


    There was a young, plump man in the photo who looked like a mountain, wearing basketball clothes. Yet, Yu Hao searched high and low and didn¡¯t see anyone who resembled the person in the photo. After yelling for half a day, a hand suddenly reached out from behind and somehow landed on his shoulder without anybody¡¯s notice. Yu Hao got a large fright.


    ¡°Stop shouting.¡± A tall, skinny man said weakly, ¡°I¡¯m here¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao looked at his phone, then at the tall and skinny man in front of him. The other party was wearing thick, old glasses and looked to be around 40-years-old. He was a bit hunched over and wore an old, silk shirt that was all yellowed out from being overwashed, gray trousers, and old-fashioned sandals. A knitted bag was slung over his shoulder, and he held a briefcase in his left hand and an orange tin remodelled as a thermos cup in his right. He looked like he had just walked out from a drama set in the era when the Cultural Revolution first started ¡ª a swindler who carried a stack of documents with him and opened up dummy companies everywhere to deceive others.


    Yu Hao thought, this can¡¯t be right, they can¡¯t be the same person ba!


    ¡°That¡¯s my photo from ten years ago.¡± That man said, ¡°I¡¯ll show you my reporter ID.¡±


    Yu Hao saw his reporter ID, and the name stated on it was Jin Weicheng. It even had a ¡°Korean nationality¡± sign on it. Yu Hao hurriedly shook hands with him and introduced himself. Jin Weicheng was 1.9m tall and extremely skinny. He stood thinking for awhile, then looked down and said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m starving right now, let¡¯s go eat something first. Will the editor-in-chief in your office subsidise meals?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered over it a little and said, ¡°Yes, please eat whatever you like.¡±


    This man looked like a fraudster and seemed like he hadn¡¯t eaten for several days. Yu Hao thought that Lin Ze didn¡¯t tell him what to do after picking this person up, so he brought him to a restaurant outside the railway station and ordered a set meal for him. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°My phone ran out of battery, I can¡¯t look for Editor Lin.¡±


    Yu Hao called Lin Ze, but he didn¡¯t pick up. A moment later, Situ Ye sent him a message:¡¾Take him out for dinner, then find a place for him to stay. Free and easy. He¡¯ll report to the office by himself tomorrow.¡¿


    Situ Ye transferred Yu Hao 500 yuan through WeChat. Yu Hao dared not accept it and said that he would cover it first and bring the receipts over tomorrow. Situ Ye didn¡¯t say anything in response to that. Yu Hao realised that Lin Ze seemed quite busy, and it would be quicker if he looked for Situ Ye to resolve some issues.


    When Jin Weicheng saw food, he began gobbling it all up.


    Yu Hao thought that he should be another member of their team. Previously, Lin Ze had told him that he would arrange for a reporter teacher to guide him, and that person should be this guy. Jin Weicheng ate two mouthfuls of rice and kept looking for an outlet to charge his phone. Yu Hao hurriedly passed him a portable charger. Jin Weicheng took out a Xiaomi phone with a cracked screen and began browsing the news.


    This guy was almost as tall as Fu Liqun, and he didn¡¯t know where to put his legs while he sat in the restaurant¡¯s booth, so he could only lift them up and step on one side. Beijing was a very tolerant city; there are quite a lot of foreign workers here ¡ª there were both rich people dressed resplendently and travel-worn migrant workers, so no one would toss them strange glances no matter where they went. Yu Hao liked this aspect of the city very much.


    Zhou Sheng was still broadcasting his journey after he arrived at Guangzhou. Yu Hao was really sleepy at first, but after talking to Zhou Sheng, he felt energetic again.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh Haohao, so engrossed in the book that you don¡¯t even notice a shift change¡­

 Chapter 119.1 - Team

    ¡°Is Laoshi full?¡± Yu Hao wanted to leave, but Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I want more rice.¡±


    Yu Hao watched as he ate more than half a kilogram worth of rice, and thought that he probably hadn¡¯t eaten anything on the train. Jin Weicheng volunteered to explain, ¡°I just left the Daxing Anling mountain range and came straight to Beijing to report for work. I haven¡¯t eaten anything in 36 hours.¡±


    Yu Hao exchanged some pleasantries with him. Jin Weicheng had previously interviewed a pine-picking organisation, where someone had fallen to their death in the Daxing Anling mountains and they were making a fuss over compensation now. In the end, a whole series of falsified reports were uncovered.


    ¡°Where does Laoshi want to stay?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Lil¡¯ bro, do you have somewhere you¡¯re staying at right now?¡± Jin Weicheng asked, ¡°Let¡¯s make do for one night, we can squeeze a little. I just want to take a bath.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Ah Ze will reimburse you.¡±


    ¡°How much money can he have?¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°The investigative reporter team hasn¡¯t even been approved yet, how could that couple¡¯s savings be enough? Scrimp a bit for him, let him focus on his .¡±


    Yu Hao thought, is that the case? Lin Ze did seem a bit hard-pressed.


    ¡°How much was the food?¡± Jin Weicheng asked.


    Yu Hao glanced at him. Jin Weicheng continued, ¡°Expenses in the capital really change every year.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I think so too, it¡¯s so expensive. But the newspaper¡¯s canteen is okay, it¡¯s really cheap.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t eat at the canteen.¡± Jin Weicheng carried his knitted bag. ¡°Let¡¯s go, I finally have some energy now.¡±


    Yu Hao took him back to the budget hotel. Fortunately, he had booked a standard room. Jin Weicheng nodded, very satisfied, then went straight to the washroom to take a bath. When Yu Hao arrived, he was absolutely exhausted. Zhou Sheng had his video on at his end, Yu Hao took a photo of a pile of Jin Weicheng¡¯s things for him.


    Zhou Sheng blew up in an instant and asked: ¡¾Who is that? Who did you get a room with?¡¿


    Yu Hao answered:¡¾A reporter teacher, just picked him up today.¡¿


    Yu Hao took another picture of Jin Weicheng, who looked like a rack of ribs. He was currently bare chested and wore bright green sports trousers, and his back faced Yu Hao as he dug water out of his ears. Zhou Sheng sent him a bunch of ellipses.


    Zhou Sheng wanted him to turn on his video no matter what, and Yu Hao couldn¡¯t convince him otherwise, so he had to turn it on. He turned the camera a little so that Zhou Sheng could see what Jin Weicheng looked like. He was about to say something when Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng was staying in a standard room with his department¡¯s manager, and immediately typed:¡¾Aren¡¯t you doing the same?¡¿


    ¡¾That¡¯s my mentor!¡¿Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao:¡¾He¡¯s my mentor too!¡¿


    So Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t say anything in response to that. Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°Jin Laoshi, you can¡¯t smoke here, the hotel¡¯s ceiling has a smoke detector.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll smoke in the bathroom.¡±


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I¡¯m staying in the same room as my mentor, and I have to be careful about letting him discover the Golden Crow Wheel. He has already asked me several times why I was wearing it on my wrist, I said my lover gave it to me.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Don¡¯t use it for now. Every time we dream for too long, we get really sleepy in the morning. And don¡¯t let him find out either.¡¿


    So Zhou Sheng no longer cared about Yu Hao¡¯s reporter teacher anymore and started inquiring about Yu Hao¡¯s experiences that day. Yu Hao reported everything to him one by one, and halfway through his recounting, he was so sleepy he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep without even covering himself with a blanket.


    Jin Weicheng came out of the toilet after he finished smoking, covered Yu Hao with a blanket, turned off the lights, and went to bed.


    There were hundreds of unread messages in Yu Hao¡¯s phone. Situ Ye had created a group chat where he added Yu Hao, Lin Ze, and Jin Weicheng in it. Lin Ze finally managed to free himself at around one o¡¯clock and welcomed Jin Weicheng to their team.


    Ou Qihang sent Yu Hao a bunch of texts, and Chen Yekai sent him a bunch of texts too. Zhou Sheng separated the words he didn¡¯t manage to say during the video call into large chunks before sending it to Yu Hao. Fu Liqun sent him his usual greetings, while everyone in his class group chat shared their respective internship experiences. But Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see anything. He was already sleeping like a log. That night, he and Zhou Sheng were separated with one in the north and the other in the south. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t take the Golden Crow Wheel along with him on his business trip, just in case it starts emitting light when he enters a dream in the middle of the night and gets discovered by the manager.


    Yu Hao¡¯s thoughts about the first day of his internship: this job really is tiring.


    The next day, Jin Weicheng wolfed down the breakfast provided by the budget hotel. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t slept enough yet, and he got a headache when he thought of going to the editorial office again.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Jin Weicheng pushed a bun towards Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao replied to his messages one by one and only shared the good news while sparing the bad, ¡°I can¡¯t stomach it, I¡¯ll have some coffee instead.¡±


    The breakfast made by this budget hotel could be used to feed pigs when it was compared to Zhou Sheng¡¯s cooking. Yu Hao braced himself to finish a cup of instant coffee and felt like he had been completely spoiled by Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng sent him some photos of a five-star hotel on his side. Yu Hao replied to him. In the morning, he took his camera and laptop with him to the newspaper office for a class.


    Although he doesn¡¯t know what he was supposed to do, and Lin Ze didn¡¯t give him any instructions at all, Yu Hao thought that it would be okay as long as he followed Jin Weicheng. However, as soon as he entered the editorial office, Jin Weicheng seemed very familiar with the place and took Yu Hao across the yard before entering through the back door.


    ¡°Jin Laoshi?¡± Several editors were a little surprised.


    Jin Weicheng nodded. He greeted a few of them and asked Yu Hao, ¡°Is there any place to sit?¡±


    ¡°Would like to sit here?¡± An editor asked.


    Jin Weicheng waved his hand to motion that it was okay. Yu Hao said, ¡°Those are our seats.¡±


    The editors seemed to respect Jin Weicheng a lot. Everyone was smiling at him. Yu Hao passed him a chair while he sat on a stack of books. Situ Ye had came too, and he shook hands with Jin Weicheng.


    ¡°Jin Laoshi! Saranghae~! Ah Ze drank too much last night~seumnida.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°He¡¯ll probably only be able to get up around noon. Please pardon us for being bad hosts.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re all on the same side, it¡¯s okay. Has the office been approved yet?¡± Jin Weicheng asked.


    Situ Ye shrugged. Jin Weicheng took out a stack of invoices and passed them to Situ Ye. Situ Ye accepted them and stuffed them into his pocket, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Jin Laoshi will take you along to do a feature. Just do whatever he asks you to first, and if you can¡¯t handle it, ask more questions.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly nodded. He took out his laptop and placed it on the table, then asked, ¡°Are we starting work today?¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Yo, you have a Macbook, that¡¯s good stuff.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°. ¡°Just let me know what you want me to do.¡±


    Jin Weicheng fished out a large notebook and handed it to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m a slow typist, help me transcribe it ba.¡±


    Yu Hao took his notebook, which contained Jin Weicheng¡¯s handwritten manuscripts and incident records. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go interview some reporters, how long do you need to finish transcribing them all?¡±


    Yu Hao flipped through the notebook, ¡°Transcribe  everything?¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Yu Hao estimated that it would require about two to three days, ¡°I¡¯ll finish it as soon as possible.¡±


    Jin Weicheng left. Yu Hao browsed the notebook and roughly knew why the editors respected him so much ¡ª¡ª he had really beautiful and powerful handwriting, like what you would find on a calligraphy invitation card. Just from this point, Yu Hao could deduce that he must take his work very seriously, since even his casually written interview records were written so properly. There were even extra annotations at the bottom.


    Yu Hao began to help Jin Weicheng transcribe his data. Each interview was about 10,000 words in length; all the numbers, details of the case, minute doubts, and other such information had been recorded in detail¡­¡­he had a very clear train of thought. The main interview points that Xiao Yujun did as compared to Jin Weicheng¡¯s, was like the difference between a minor magician and a great one.


    It¡¯s so professional! It¡¯s really too professional! Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but praise wildly in his heart. His impression of Jin Weicheng soared instantly, and he became a much  more lofty and imposing figure in Yu Hao¡¯s heart. This kind of professional interview manuscript, from its rigorous structure and perfect, interlinked logical deductions, was very aesthetically-pleasing to the eye!


    Situ Ye came over for an inspection and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the invoice for last night¡¯s accommodation?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, then asked again, ¡°Xiao Ye¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Call me Lady Boss.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°You have to rent a house, right?¡±


    Only then did Yu Hao recall that he had to take some time to surf the internet for a house. Situ Ye went to make another call to urge Lin Ze to get up, and Lin Ze only rushed over during their lunch break. He looked like a man who was about to fall apart after a hangover.


    ¡°Move the tables.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Move yours there, to the East Building.¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Fuck, it¡¯s finally approved. It was so damn exhausting.¡±


    Jin Weicheng came over. He nodded and greeted him, then moved Yu Hao¡¯s desk out in front of a bunch of editors.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    A small office in the East building had been allocated to them. Jin Weicheng and Situ Ye moved the table to the entrance before it got stuck. Situ Ye said, ¡°Dismantle it and put it back together again after moving it in?¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Tear the window down ba.¡±


    Lin Ze immediately said, ¡°No way!¡±


    The four of them looked at the desk. Yu Hao tentatively asked, ¡°Could it be tilted¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes yes yes!¡± The remaining three looked like they suddenly woke up from a dream. They tilted the table and moved it in.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m practically overwhelmed with happiness right now.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I actually didn¡¯t think that it could be tilted.¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead. After going in, the four of them began sneezing like crazy in the office. The earth-shattering sneezes came in bouts, and Yu Hao¡¯s phone rang. Zhou Sheng had just finished attending his morning meeting and asked him what he was doing. After turning on the video, he saw four people sneezing madly in an office covered in dust and with old books everywhere.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He went out and sat on the grass. After a half hour rest, everyone went to fetch some water and took turns cleaning up the wasteland. Zhou Sheng sent Yu Hao an invoice; he had already found a good housekeeping company for him. Yu Hao was frightened half to death and immediately asked Zhou Sheng to cancel the order. What do you want the leaders to think? Would I still be able to work here after that?


    So Zhou Sheng could only cancel the order helplessly. But at 3pm, Lin Ze couldn¡¯t bear it either and asked Situ Ye, ¡°Why don¡¯t we invite housekeeping over to open up the wasteland ba?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll look for one.¡± Then he immediately strove to look good in front of the leader. He contacted Zhou Sheng through WeChat, Zhou Sheng taunted him for a bit before making the order, and the office was finally cleaned up around 8pm.

 Chapter 119.2 - Team

    At 8pm, Situ Ye ordered pizza. Four of them sat at a desk, opened up a bottle of coke, and had a department dinner.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°From today onwards, we¡¯ll be a formal investigation team. Let¡¯s re-introduce ourselves.¡±


    The four of them introduced themselves. Jin Weicheng asked, ¡°Where are the other two young editor ladies?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°One went off to get married, while the other got a postgrad position at Beiwai. Yu Hao will have to suffer a little more in the beginning; you¡¯ll have to do the interviews, transcribe the manuscripts, and edit the photos a little. Xiao Ye will slowly start recruiting more people again.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said ¡®okay, okay¡¯. While he helped Jin Weicheng transcribe his manuscripts, he could learn from it at the same time. But there¡¯s only one desk in this office. Where am I supposed to help you transcribe your manuscript?


    Situ Ye could see Yu Hao¡¯s doubts and answered, ¡°I¡¯ll go to IKEA tomorrow to buy some furniture and bookshelves.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t much of a bureaucracy.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°And there are no distinctions between superiors and subordinates either, so you can just say what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I was just wondering why this table seemed so important.¡±


    Lin Ze answered, ¡°Because according to the tradition of Qinghua Times, every desk represents an independent post, and it also symbolises how much say we have in this newspaper office. Yang Laoshi promised to give me this desk, which was why I was reluctantly willing to leave my hometown to come over here and start up this department. Also, this desk we took over is exclusive for reporters. You¡¯ll sit behind this desk to come up with the manuscripts, which means that you¡¯ll have your own special place in this office.¡±


    ¡°Look at the editors in the three-shift system,¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°They all use the same desk. That¡¯s considered a sort of ritual for them ba.¡±


    Yu Hao understood now and nodded. Lin Ze had taken the table by force, which meant that the articles published by their investigation team would have their own independent post within this newspaper office.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°This office isn¡¯t bad either.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯ve never drank so much alcohol in my life. God damn it, I can still feel the acid sloshing around in my stomach from all those drinks.¡±


    Yu Hao looked around him. This office was both dark and humid; the lights were dim too, so it was difficult to see what was good about the place.


    ¡°Wen Yiduo used this office before ba.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I heard some reporters say that today.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Lin Ze nodded, ¡°Apparently Wen Yiduo used to work here for two years.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wen Yiduo?! The Wen Yiduo in our Chinese textbooks?!¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Hopefully, our articles won¡¯t bring shame to this office.¡±


    ¡°Of course they won¡¯t.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°What I¡¯m most worried about now isn¡¯t the quality of our articles, but the criteria for censors. From what I¡¯ve seen yesterday, it doesn¡¯t seem too optimistic, and there¡¯s a certain discrepancy with what the office had promised us.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s play it by ear. I¡¯m going out for an interview.¡±


    Then you¡­¡­¡± Situ Ye looked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao really didn¡¯t want to go do an interview now, it was already past 9pm, and he just wanted to go back and sleep. But if he was required to work overtime, then even if he couldn¡¯t do it, he¡¯d still have to force himself to, so he forced himself to keep his spirits up and said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll cooperate at any time.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go first.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°It¡¯s hot at night, transcribe the manuscript first.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Before the new furniture arrives, priority for using the desk will be given to Yu Hao. He has a laptop.¡±


    After everyone had a short discussion, Yu Hao remembered that he hadn¡¯t, rented, a, place, yet! Okay then, he¡¯d just have to stay in the hotel for another day.


    ¡°Where will Jin Laoshi stay?¡± Situ Ye asked, ¡°I¡¯ll help you find a place first?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay with Xiao Yu for another two days.¡± Jin Weicheng said as if it were natural. So Situ Ye could only toss Yu Hao a glance that said ¡®although I sympathise with you, I can¡¯t help you¡¯, and asked him to think of a way to send Jin Weicheng away himself. Yu Hao nodded and sent Situ Ye a WeChat message, asking him to feel rest assured that he would be able to handle his relationship with his teacher.


    A few days passed. Yu Hao initially just felt like this job was physically exhausting, but it still seemed okay pressure-wise. But he gradually came to realise that learning was his most difficult task. He began experiencing Zhou Sheng¡¯s feeling of wanting to fall apart at first ¡ª¡ª that night, Yu Hao had heard Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun complain to each other in the living room.


    In these few days, Zhou Sheng was evidently very tired as well. He and Yu Hao met in a dream once, but for some reason, both of them tended to wake up easily. By the time he woke up, Yu Hao had a wet dream, and he was in a good mood all day, yet he didn¡¯t feel very energetic.


    ¡°You¡¯re under too much pressure.¡± When Zhou Sheng entered again, he realised that Yu Hao¡¯s dream was overcast; the sun was still here, but it was as if a smog had encompassed the dream.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I do feel a little tired every day. Need to make sure to get enough sleep.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Before work stabilises, your main focus should be on resting.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help it either. He had thought that meeting Zhou Sheng in the dream would be able to alleviate the yearning between the two of them, but every time he returned to reality after meeting him in the dream, he would just feel even more upset and empty. It was very difficult for him to walk out of his dreams at night. He would keep recalling it the whole day and wouldn¡¯t be able to get into the mood for work.


    Zhou Sheng was the same. In the end, he couldn¡¯t help but want Yu Hao sleep a little more at noon as he wanted to see him through their dreamscapes. But as soon as Yu Hao was awakened, both of them would feel a little angry.


    ¡°I think I¡¯m getting too addicted to dreaming.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Hurry and come over ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was sleeping in a big office at noon. His colleagues discovered the Golden Crow Wheel when it was emitting light, so he had to find an excuse to cover it up and put it away first, so as not to attract attention to it.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll make my way there as soon as possible.¡±


    Yu Hao forced himself to pick himself up and face his manuscripts.


    There was a world of difference between professions. Yu Hao realised that his major hardly seemed to be of any use in the traditional media industry. Instead, what helped him the most was the part-time job that Chen Yekai had introduced to him during his freshman summer vacation, as well as what he had learned from Xiao Yujun during his second year.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I really regret not transferring to a media major in college.¡±


    ¡°Whatever you¡¯ve studied is in your soul.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°One day in the future, you¡¯ll realise that the reason you managed to get further than reporters from a professional background is because of all your psychology knowledge that you deem useless now¡­¡­come, let me see the manuscripts.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like this,¡± Lin Ze said after roughly reading through the manuscripts Yu Hao sorted out, ¡°Jin Laoshi¡¯s text contains a little Korean grammar, it¡¯s his habit. You¡¯ll have to change it into interview statements for him; it¡¯s not finished just by transcribing it word for word. I don¡¯t want the manuscript to have too many loopholes when I hand them to the head office, otherwise they would use this as an excuse to stump us. We have to try our best to not let the editor-in-charge find fault with whatever¡¯s handed in.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao thought that he wouldn¡¯t even know how to find where the Korean grammar usages would be in the text in the first place. Does that mean he had to check through the manuscript again? But if it¡¯s not circled, he wouldn¡¯t be able to tell where the problems lay at all, aaahhhhhh!


    Lin Ze pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°For example this, this, this¡­¡­and many more.¡±


    Lin Ze circled a few places for Yu Hao, and Yu Hao was almost moved to tears. Lin Ze didn¡¯t have the time to mark it all for Yu Hao one by one, so he had to return the manuscript to him for another review.


    Yu Hao stayed busy in the office for the next two days until 2am before getting off work and had no time to find a place for rent at all. He thought that he would just go rent a place after finishing all the manuscripts for this week. Zhou Sheng had planned to come to Beijing, but when it came to the weekend again, Zhou Laichun took him to Shanghai for a meeting.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fight, go ba.¡± Yu Hao checked a reference book, looked up several places and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t know what the fuck is wrong with this sentence¡­¡­Have you ever played ¡®Find It¡® before?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let me see?¡±


    Yu Hao turned on video mode and turned his phone to face the manuscript. When Zhou Sheng saw his surroundings, he was stunned. ¡°What time is it? You¡¯re still in your office? Go back and sleep! You don¡¯t want to live anymore?¡±


    Yu Hao saw that it was actually close to 2.30 am now and immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll sleep now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No! You can¡¯t keep up that job anymore! I¡¯ll call your leader.¡±


    Yu Hao was currently in a vexed mood because of the manuscripts. ¡°Then I¡¯ll call your father too? Don¡¯t work anymore?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t sleep, I won¡¯t go to work tomorrow!¡± Zhou Sheng threatened.


    So Yu Hao could only say, ¡°Okay okay, I¡¯ll go back now.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng quarrelled for a long time. By the time he got back to the hotel, Zhou Sheng finally quieted down on his side ¡ª he had actually fallen asleep first from exhaustion halfway through their fight. Yu Hao found it both infuriating and amusing and said, ¡°Love you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned over and laid on his stomach, sleeping like a child with his head facing the video camera. Yu Hao threw him a kiss and turned off the video. He was too tired to even take a bath and went straight to bed.


    On National Day, Beijing was crowded with people. Lin Ze had applied for a public number and began uploading all sorts of hot social topics, putting it under Qinghua Times¡¯ public number as he tried to find ways to attract fans. Yu Hao finally handed in all the manuscripts to Lin Ze and managed to free up some time to look for places to rent. Zhou Sheng had to run around shops during National Day and couldn¡¯t find time to come over.


    ¡°There are too many people in Beijing on National Day.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go over after the holidays.¡±


    Yu Hao was in a really good mood today, ¡°I¡¯ll rent a place first and wait for you to come over.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t try to scrimp on it, rent a place closer to your office, within a five-minute walking distance. You¡¯ll get more sleep that way.¡±


    Yu Hao was gradually getting used to the days without having Zhou Sheng by his side. It felt pretty good to communicate with each other through video and WeChat messages everyday too; knowing that the other party was working hard made their future seem hopeful.


    ¡°Visiting shops,¡± Zhou Sheng hung up and asked the manager, ¡°What do I need to take note of?¡±


    After National Day, Zhou Sheng would have worked for a full month. At the beginning of the month, he only got four hours of sleep everyday. Zhou Laichun noticed this and asked him to ensure that he got at least 7 hours of sleep a day to be able to cope with his work. After changing his daily routine, Zhou Sheng would want to have a video chat with Yu Hao every time he got home. He thought that Yu Hao would sleep at the same time as him, but he realised that sometimes after he slept, Yu Hao would still be revising manuscripts ¡ª¡ª this made him feel even more uneasy, and he had to watch Yu Hao fall asleep every day before he could fall asleep.


    As a result, Zhou Sheng was getting even less sleep, and it had been compressed to about three hours or less a day. Throughout the National Day holiday week, he slept less than 20 hours in total.


    But fortunately, video chatting with Yu Hao everyday could effectively soothe Zhou Sheng¡¯s mood. Every time he felt like he was on the verge of collapsing, it could pull him back, and he had no urges to throw everything aside to buy a ticket and fly straight to Beijing.


    At last there was a break during the weekend. Zhou Sheng even took off all his clothes and turned on a video chat with Yu Hao, and the two of them flirted with each other through the video and released once.


    But he was always lacking sleep, which made Zhou Sheng a little dumb now. When he heard that he had to go around visiting shops, he stared at the manager with a baffled expression.


    ¡°Familiarise yourself with the operations of the restaurants.¡± The manager said, ¡°Listen to the store manager¡¯s reports and chat with the employees who are the backbone of the chain, and listen to their feedback. I didn¡¯t allocate this task to you, it¡¯s the boss¡¯ request¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Zhou Sheng just said wearily, ¡°Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng went to smoke a cigarette to refresh himself. He went back to sit down and wanted to find Yu Hao. After talking to him for a bit though, he couldn¡¯t bear to leave and would always want to talk to Yu Hao a little more. As they talked and talked, time would fly by, and he wouldn¡¯t get a single thing done in the afternoon.


    Yu Hao started a video chat with him. Zhou Sheng read the report on his laptop while glancing at Yu Hao from time to time. Yu Hao was looking at houses. Zhou Sheng smoothed the hair off his forehead and laughed.


    ¡°Get a bigger bed.¡± Zhou Sheng reminded.


    ¡°I know.¡± Yu Hao said from the other end of the video, ¡°There¡¯s even heating too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If you don¡¯t have enough money, you have to tell me!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I have enough¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Ah early 20¡¯s working life at the bottom of the totem pole¡­

 Chapter 120.1 - Renting a Place

    The signal wasn¡¯t very good as it was rather intermittent. Yu Hao found an old residential building about one stop away from the office and rented one of its rooms. Zhou Sheng suggested that he not share an apartment with someone else, since he could end up with a weirdo as a roommate. But this was the most value for money place that Yu Hao could find. The nephew of the landlady lived there by himself and was an otaku addicted to gaming. He was preparing for the civil service exam, had no girlfriend, played games all day, and studied at home.


    One room and one living room was remodelled into two rooms. Yu Hao was very satisfied with it, as it had the effect of noise isolation as well. 2,800 per month, rent to be paid once every three months. Yu Hao paid 11,200, including a one-month deposit.


    Zhou Sheng video called him again, ¡°I¡¯ll demand my salary from the old man in a minute.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s enough.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I still have more than 10,000 left.¡±


    Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t very pleased with the fact that Yu Hao was sharing an apartment with someone else, but looking for houses was quite tiring. After Yu Hao found one that was somewhat suitable, he really didn¡¯t want to rush about everywhere anymore. In any case, before his internship ended, he would only come back at night to sleep for a few hours, and he wouldn¡¯t hold any dinner parties here for guests either, so it didn¡¯t really matter much.


    Yu Hao knew Zhou Sheng¡¯s principle was ¡°don¡¯t scrimp, it¡¯s fine as long as you like it¡¯, so Yu Hao led the topic to ¡®I like it¡¯, and Zhou Sheng finally accepted it doubtfully.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you buy it?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Since you like it. The card¡¯s on you, I¡¯ll borrow some from the old man and add another four million into it. It can be treated as an investment.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy!¡± Yu Hao blew up, ¡°To spend more than six million yuan to buy this one bedroom, one living room apartment that¡¯s 40 square metres and 30-years-old, do I have nowhere else to spend my money? The windows are about to fall off!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then it looks like you don¡¯t really like it that much. Do as you like ba, but don¡¯t let yourself suffer.¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d buy the house.¡± Lin Ze said after he heard Yu Hao describe his rented place.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Uh, I really can¡¯t afford it. That one bedroom and one living room costs more than six million yuan.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°In these times, property prices really are an abnormality.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not for us to dabble in property in the first place. Renting¡¯s pretty good.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Property prices have nothing to do with whether or not one rents. It¡¯s proven to be a rather vile proposition for the entire country: toiling away for a year can¡¯t be compared to investing in two apartments. Think about it, what does that mean?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The rich will get richer, while the poor will get poorer ba.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Lin Ze corrected, ¡°To some extent, it negates the national value of ¡®diligence¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, holy shit, you really dared to say it. But after he thought about it carefully, that really was the case. Lin Ze sighed, ¡°Working hard for your entire life can¡¯t be compared to buying a house and waiting for it to appreciate in value, then who would still be willing to diligently create riches? That¡¯s the most fundamental and devastating blow.¡±


    Lin Ze had wanted to let Yu Hao rest during the National Day holidays, while he, Situ Ye, and Jin Weicheng would go around conducting interviews. Yu Hao, however, had the opportunity to follow along and learn from them, while Zhou Sheng also couldn¡¯t come over, so he took the initiative to ask if he could follow them out for interviews.


    ¡°Do you have a camera?¡± Situ Ye asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I do, but it¡¯s really cheap. A 3,000 yuan camera, I don¡¯t know if the photos taken would meet the requirements.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°It¡¯s enough, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve used lousy cameras before too. As long as the photographer is handsome, any photo he takes will look good.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°And what kind of logic is that? Then¡­¡­Jin Laoshi, Yu Hao will follow me, while Xiao Ye can follow you?¡±


    ¡°Xiao Yu can follow me.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°We won¡¯t tear the couple apart.¡±


    Yu Hao was not yet able to understand the subtext that Lin Ze and Jin Weicheng had exchanged in those two short sentences, and it was only when Jin Weicheng spoke that he had a vague sense of the implication behind their words.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Let me take a look at your camera?¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time taking his camera out in the office. He took a photo of the office, and when he took it out, Situ Ye¡¯s, Lin Ze¡¯s, and Jin Weicheng¡¯s expressions were all frozen.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Your camera¡¯s 3,000?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°GET, ME, ONE, TOO!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze understood. He glanced at Situ Ye reproachfully and asked, ¡°It¡¯s a gift from someone ba?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng bought it for me as a gift for starting work.¡± Yu Hao was a little frightened as he asked, ¡°How much does this camera cost?¡±


    Jin Weicheng made a gesture and Yu Hao said, ¡°I just knew he must have lied to me, 11,000¡­¡­is still okay ba.¡±


    ¡°110,000!¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°What are you thinking?!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s soul scattered immediately. He had been knocking this camera around everywhere on the way here, and didn¡¯t even mind it when his bag got bumped into. But it actually costs 110,000?!


    Situ Ye extended a hand, Yu Hao passed him the camera. He wanted to text Zhou Sheng immediately, but after he constructed a few sentences, he deleted them again. He didn¡¯t know what to say for a moment.


    ¡°Kids raised by the rich really are different.¡± Jin Weicheng shook his head helplessly, ¡°I could tell when I first met Xiao Yu, his family environment is too superior. He has a kind of self-confidence from the inside out that can¡¯t be concealed no matter what.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I really wasn¡¯t raised by the rich¡­¡­¡± But he was rather powerless in trying to wrangle himself out of it, and after thinking about it, he had to admit, ¡°I can be considered to be raised by my rich boyfriend ba.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t a kid who didn¡¯t need to worry about clothes and food, why would they enter our profession?¡±


    Jin Weicheng laughed. He pointed at himself, then at Lin Ze, and Lin Ze said, ¡°So I¡¯ve always respected Jin Laoshi.¡±


    Jin Weicheng laughed, ¡°Xiao Ye was raised by a rich family too.¡±


    Situ Ye didn¡¯t say anything and just fiddled around with the camera. Yu Hao said, ¡°Lady Boss, do you want to lick it a few times?¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Can I?¡±


    Yu Hao and Situ Ye burst out laughing again. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll head back first. Xiao Yu, see you tomorrow.¡± As he spoke, he got up and left.


    As soon as Jin Weicheng left, Situ Ye immediately revealed his displeasure and said to Lin Ze, ¡°Did the rich spend his family¡¯s money? Does he need to detest the rich so much?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really wasn¡¯t raised by the rich¡­¡­don¡¯t fight, what¡¯s there to fight about this?¡±


    ¡°Jin Laoshi has been a reporter for so many years,¡± Lin Ze explained, ¡°He has already loosened his hold on materialistic desires a lot, don¡¯t recklessly make such conjectures about him.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°Oh? I don¡¯t think his hold is that loose ba? Otherwise why would his words need to sound so sour all the time?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Do we need to discuss this in front of Yu Hao?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Does Jin Laoshi dislike me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°He likes you a lot. I wanted swap groups, but see, wasn¡¯t he willing to take you along?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Did I offend him without noticing?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°You¡¯re already doing a very good job, you¡¯re just no match for the glass hearts everyone has now ma.¡±


    ¡°Situ!¡± Lin Ze was a little angry now, so Situ Ye stopped talking.


    Yu Hao¡¯s EQ was far from that of Zhou Sheng, but he wasn¡¯t a fool. He quickly said, ¡°If there¡¯s any problem, then boss and lady boss, please let me know. I¡¯ll take note and correct it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Ah Ze and I like you very much, you¡¯re too good at enduring hardships, but you don¡¯t need to work overtime until 2 to 3am every night before going back.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard that, he was incredibly moved, ¡°How did you know that?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°The editor on the night shift at the general office said that you¡¯ll leave the lights on until late at night every day. You should pay attention to getting enough rest too.¡±


    Yu Hao said helplessly, ¡°I didn¡¯t major in media, so there are too many gaps in my knowledge that I have to fill up.¡±


    ¡°No one received professional training,¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°But they aren¡¯t worse off compared to any others, so be more confident.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded doubtfully. Lin Ze said, ¡°I studied hotel management.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°I studied Spanish.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Studied Spanish your ass.¡± Then he said to Yu Hao, ¡°When I met him, he was selling coffee at Starbucks. Jin Laoshi used to be a worker. See, whose major fits?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh, is that the case? You guys aren¡¯t lying to me? Un¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye passed Yu Hao a stack of coupons and asked him to eat something good. They still had to conduct interviews during National Day, so he should rest earlier and not tire himself out too much.

 Chapter 120.2 - Renting a Place

    As soon as he got home, the first thing Yu Hao did was to video call Zhou Sheng. ZHou Sheng was swimming in the pool of a HIlton Hotel. After accepting the video call, he got out of the pool; he had neat and beautiful eight pack abs, wore a pair of swimming briefs, and water was constantly dripping from his hair and body.


    ¡°Baby, miss your hubby?¡± Zhou Sheng picked up a drink and walked as he talked, ¡°Come ah, I¡¯m selling meat here, send me your rockets and mansions! Send a Lamborghini¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao had intended to denounce him for his crimes, but as soon as he saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s figure, he got hard first.


    ¡°You¡­¡­un¡­¡­better come clean!¡± Yu Hao tried to hold back his urge to swallow his saliva. He held up his Hasselblad camera, ¡°This costs 110,000?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair was wet as he stood by the pool, smiling at Yu Hao like a big child. He put on his bathrobe and went into the lift to go back to his room. He placed his phone on the washbasin and started wiping himself down with soap in front of Yu Hao. ¡°I got found out?¡±


    Yu Hao asked angrily while he watched Zhou Sheng take a bath, ¡°Where did you get the money from?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a simple shower, wrapped a bathrobe around him, and took a cotton swab to dry his ears. He raised an eyebrow at the Yu Hao in the video. ¡°My mum passed it to me for us to buy a car. She gave me 140,000 to buy a Chevrolet.¡±


    Yu Hao said in despair, ¡°It¡¯s no use even if you¡¯re selling your meat! Stop it with the excuses! So you bought this camera for me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng blow dried his hair for awhile, and after his hair was dry, he had resumed an aloof CEO air. He changed his clothes, went to the dressing mirror with his phone, put on his suit pants, and looked for a snow white shirt while he was bare chested. ¡°I thought that there was no use in buying a car, and when I saw that camera at first glance, I knew it had to be it. You¡¯d definitely like it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s, too, expensive!¡± Yu Hao started showing the camera on the screen, ¡°What if it gets stolen?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then just buy another one?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng saw that Yu Hao looked a little dispirited and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±


    Yu Hao briefly described what had happened today. Zhou Sheng sat down and thought about it for a few seconds, ¡°It¡¯s ¡¯cause your teacher feels like it isn¡¯t fair. After being a reporter for so many years, he didn¡¯t make much money, but an intern¡¯s using an over 100,000 yuan camera and a Macbook, so it¡¯s upsetting to see. Your Lady Boss is really something though, he didn¡¯t leave him any face at all and just started dissing him as soon as he felt displeased.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So I have to keep a low profile. Why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I did it on purpose.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you¡¯re equipped with better equipment, it¡¯ll make you seem rich, then the leaders won¡¯t dare to bully you too much or order you around like their life depends on it, isn¡¯t that how it is? You need to let them understand that you¡¯re working there out of passion and ideals. In that case, your diligence at work wouldn¡¯t be seen as you trying to show off in front of your leaders, but because you really are willing to do it. Then wouldn¡¯t no one dare to look down on you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Ah Ze isn¡¯t that kind of leader in the first place.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled. ¡°Before you reported for work, it¡¯s not like we knew how he operated. Some leaders are pretty disgusting, so isn¡¯t it better to be prepared just in case? Just like how you¡¯re transcribing the manuscripts for Jin Laoshi, you need to know that it¡¯s a mutual exchange ¡ª he¡¯s guiding you while you work for him, so the two of you are completely equal, okay? I¡¯m working like a fucking dog just to earn a bite of food, and I don¡¯t want you to also put in so much effort just to earn that bit of money in other people¡¯s eyes. You went to Beijing for your own ideals in the first place anyway, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you mention it before? Aren¡¯t you in the Major Business Department? Why did you turn into a dog again?¡±


    ¡°Analogy.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s an analogy!¡±


    Zhou Sheng changed his clothes, put on his cufflinks, and said, ¡°Hubby has to go to a dinner banquet now. What will my dear wife be eating tonight?¡±


    Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t do anything with him, ¡°I ordered a pizza. Don¡¯t drink too much, love you.¡±


    ¡°Love you.¡± Zhou Sheng turned off the video. Yu Hao lay in bed. He held the camera and scrolled through the photos, and saw the first photo that Zhou Sheng had left in this camera. He suddenly really wanted to go back right now, and throw aside everything he had ¡ª what ideals, aspirations, future¡­¡­throw them all aside, he just wanted to return to that person¡¯s side.


    After Zhou Sheng ended the video call, Fu Liqun¡¯s call came. Zhou Sheng picked it up and said gloomily, ¡°I can¡¯t make it, I need to accompany the officials for a meal today. I really want to quit this job, fuck.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll reschedule on our side? I arranged to meet up with a friend, he¡¯s interested in helping us expand our business. Young Master, you¡¯re familiar with this, you have to help me this time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, okay, Gege, change it to the 6th ba. I¡¯m only free on the night of the 6th.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I¡¯ll apologise to Young Madam again¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m not going to Beijing on National Day! Do you think I can leave right now? I just had a video call with him, and I was thinking about whether or not I should just quit and fly over there straight away. Being a courier would be better than staying here, fuck, at the very least I¡¯d have my wife by my side¡­¡­okay I can¡¯t talk anymore, I¡¯m going into the elevator.¡±


    The elevator opened with a ¡°ding¡°. Zhou Sheng went in, tidied himself up in the mirror and smoothed his hair back. He turned around, the elevator opened up at the restaurant, and Zhou Sheng instantly went out beaming. As soon as he went out, he pulled a middle-aged man¡¯s hand and smiled, ¡°Ai! Chief Zhao! I was about to go up to pick you up! Come come come, this way please!¡±


    This room was a little damp and not very well-ventilated. The walls were dusty, and the floor felt like it could never be mopped clean. A moldy scent emanated from the surroundings, and the balcony was stacked with sundries. Yu Hao was already thoroughly spent whenever he got home after work, and he had wanted to clean up and put his new place in order properly, but he really didn¡¯t have the energy to do it. He¡¯ll think about it again after getting past the most arduous probation period ba.


    However,  the conditions of the hardware were his secondary concern ¡ª Yu Hao had truly underestimated the otaku who he shared the apartment with. What civil servant? It was all a lie. That guy could actually start his activities after waking up at 8pm, order takeout, eat, bathe, then sit in front of his computer to play DOTA, and would start playing at 10pm all the way till dawn. Around 2 to 3am, he would even start yelling with his earphones on as he commanded his teammates, during which a lot of cordial swear words would rush forth from his mouth as well.


    Yu Hao went to knock on his door, ¡°Brother, could you keep your voice down? I still need to conduct interviews tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Okay okay! I¡¯m sorry brother!¡± The other party was rather polite though.


    Yu Hao went back to lay down. Half an hour later, he was awakened by the noise again.


    Yu Hao wanted to flip out.


    At six o¡¯clock in the morning, his neighbour began watching A films, jerk off, and fifteen minutes later, it was silent. The otaku came out to throw the garbage away and order his second round of takeout, then slept after he finished eating.


    Yu Hao would knock at the door from time to time at first, until one day when he asked the other party to keep quiet and heard him say ¡®idiot¡¯ when he was going back to his room. Then he stopped knocking. He contacted the landlady and asked her to resolve it instead. The landlady admonished her nephew after coming back, but refused to refund his money, but told him that he could move out if he wanted. Yu Hao tried to negotiate with her several times and was on the verge of blowing up. In the end, Situ Ye gave him two earplugs ¡ª¡ª artifacts for guaranteeing sleep anytime, anywhere. After Yu Hao used the earplugs, his whole world quieted down a lot more.


    But why do I have to prepare earplugs when I come out to rent a house?! Yu Hao wondered if there was still any justice left in this world.


    Yu Hao sometimes felt like he was also living like a dog, but the only thing sustaining him was the year after he graduated from high school where his life was even worse off than that of a dog¡¯s. Now he was at least still like a dog.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t stand that house anymore.¡± Yu Hao said to Situ Ye, ¡°Lady Boss, I didn¡¯t do anything at all, I was just sleeping in the middle of the night when he came over to knock on my door! And asked me to stop video chatting! I¡¯m about to die of anger because of him!¡±


    Situ Ye looked at Yu Hao sympathetically as he edited his photos.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have to beat him up once. Only violence can save me now.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be impulsive.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Let Zhou Sheng beat him up when he comes over. Zhou Sheng can run away after beating him up, but other people will bother you if you beat him up, and you¡¯ll be even more tired then.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that Situ Ye was just like a child, and he had the same kind of mystical ability as Zhou Sheng ¡ª¡ª as soon as he spoke about something, it would suddenly seem insignificant. In this office, Situ Ye effectively took up the role of alleviating everyone¡¯s stress. When he occasionally jested with the rest of them, everyone¡¯s impatience would instantly disappear.


    ¡°Look at this, is it beautiful?¡± Situ Ye showed Yu Hao the photos he took today ¡ª it was of Tiananmen and a flag raising ceremony at the first glimmer of dawn.


    ¡°It¡¯s really beautiful.¡± Yu Hao looked at the pictures in the camera, then looked at Situ Ye, and they both started laughing. Situ Ye patted Yu Hao¡¯s head, ¡°When you get scolded later, remember this picture.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao became vigilant.


    Lin Ze came over to push the door open, ¡°Yu Hao, come with me.¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Go ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    On the first day of work on National Day, Lin Ze took Yu Hao to the editor-in-chief¡¯s office, and they were both flooded with a torrent of rebukes by the vice editor-in-chief.


    ¨C


    Zryuu: I freaking love everything about this volume. Also, I can 100% empathise with Yu Hao about his god awful roommate, because my cousin was EXACTLY THE SAME omg.


    Juurensha: Record your awful roommate yelling and play it back right when he falls asleep. Or just rip out his power cord in the middle of his game.

 Chapter 121.1 - Criticism

    ¡°Lin Ze, look at this manuscript yourself.¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°This isn¡¯t your previous newspaper! You had better remember that! I¡¯ve already told you on the first day you came! Don¡¯t do the same here as you¡¯ve done in that local media company of yours!¡±


    On top were two manuscripts by Yu Hao, and quite a few sentences had been crossed out. Before National Day, Yu Hao had handed it to Lin Ze, who then gave it to Jin Weicheng. Jin Weicheng hadn¡¯t read through it yet, but Lin Ze thought he had, so he asked Yu Hao if there were any problems. Yu Hao had said ¡°I don¡¯t think there should be any problems¡±, and Lin Ze didn¡¯t look through it carefully before turning it in. However, what Yu Hao meant was, ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s any problems handing in the manuscript to you¡± and not that it could be published right away.


    ¡°He¡¯s an intern, so he doesn¡¯t understand.¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°But do you not understand as well?!¡±


    Lin Ze quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s my responsibility, I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Yu Hao was pelted as soon as he came in and was currently in a bewildered state. The vice Editor-in-Chief pointed at him, ¡°You, go outside! Stand in front of the entire editorial department! And read your manuscript! Read it yourself! Do you have the face to read it?! Have you ever studied mass media at all!?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°He studies psychology.¡±


    Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°Then why are you in this profession? I don¡¯t think you¡¯re suited to be an editor, reconsider your choices ba. Looks like you can keep your calm in such an urgent situation, your skin¡¯s probably as thick as the Great Wall. Why don¡¯t you go be a counsellor instead?¡±


    ¡°That¡­¡­chief,¡± Lin Ze couldn¡¯t really stand it anymore either, ¡°I¡¯ll supervise and urge him to improve.¡±


    ¡°I think it should be you, Lin Ze! You¡¯re the one in most dire need of improvement!¡± The vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°Lin Ze! What kind of person did you recruit?¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent. Lin Ze gathered the manuscripts, ¡°I¡¯ll get him to fix it now.¡±


    ¡°Your column will be cancelled for now.¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°You can reapply when your manuscripts pass through group 2¡¯s review, that¡¯ll be it for now.¡±


    Lin Ze closed the door and took Yu Hao out.


    His last sentence was fatal. Yu Hao almost couldn¡¯t breathe for a moment. Lin Ze didn¡¯t say a word as he walked in front.


    ¡°Want a cig?¡± Lin Ze took out a pack of cigarettes.


    ¡°I don¡¯t smoke.¡± Yu Hao said, but he still accepted Lin Ze¡¯s cigarette. Lin Ze casually lit it up for him with a vexed expression.


    ¡°What does it mean to have our column cancelled?¡± Yu Hao felt unresigned and wanted to reconfirm, ¡°Did I cause trouble for you?¡±


    ¡°Politics, struggles between factions accounts for 80%.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Quality of the manuscripts accounts for 20%, it was my own negligence.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is there any way to salvage it?¡±


    Lin Ze didn¡¯t say anything and smoked for a while. Yu Hao took a puff too and started coughing violently. He looked at the cigarette in his hand and frowned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°No one is born to work in a certain profession, it¡¯s all learned. Have a little confidence in yourself, go back and revise the manuscript ba.¡±


    Yu Hao stared at the hazy fog enshrouding Beijing in the distance and remembered Situ Ye¡¯s photo ¡ª the beautiful sunrise. He sighed, then got up and went back to revise the manuscripts.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to go that far ba.¡± After Situ Ye read through the manuscript, he said, ¡°Is he impotent? He has such a bad temper? This manuscript is already really good okay?¡±


    Lin Ze was irritated too, ¡°Don¡¯t talk anymore, work ba. We can¡¯t afford another mistake with the public number, there¡¯s not much traffic coming in yet. Starting from October, the newspaper will introduce a Follow quota, if we can¡¯t hit it, there¡¯ll be someone else waiting to take over.¡±


    Situ Ye released a flurry of fluent Chongqing swear words and called on the vice Editor-in-Chief¡¯s ancestors. Yu Hao said, ¡°I really don¡¯t know how to revise it, I really think this manuscript¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze glanced at Yu Hao. Jin Weicheng had gone out for an interview, Situ Ye said, ¡°Jin Laoshi¡¯s handwriting is really beautiful, and his train of thought is very clear too. But the published text is always a summarised version. If you don¡¯t take some time out to teach Yu Hao, he won¡¯t be able to make head or tail of any lines of reasoning.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°But the key point is that my text is the shortened version as well, you know?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll ask the chief editor of the general office.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it first, pay attention.¡± Lin Ze took the paper manuscript and sat down with Yu Hao, ¡°You need to change your mindset about interview manuscripts. Did you learn about manuscripts from Xiao Mei? It¡¯s barely passable for publishing onto Internet media, but it is sorely lacking for a newspaper publication. I used to work in local media, and the vice Editor-in-Chief was right. I didn¡¯t think that censorship would be so strict here.¡±


    Yu Hao arduously revised the manuscripts all afternoon, and after going through it over and over, he could barely recognise the words on it anymore.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°This should be good enough?¡±


    To play it safe, Yu Hao went to look for the chief editor of the general office. Situ Ye even went out of his way to remind him not to try and take the easy way out by looking for young girls to help, lest he attract peach blossoms. Yu Hao understood his words and specially looked for uncle editors. But everyone has an innate appreciation for beauty, and amiability towards handsome guys is universal. Everyone else was also willing to teach him a little, as long as it wasn¡¯t too annoying.


    As a result, Yu Hao realised that the manuscript that Lin Ze had gone through still had a lot of problems. And there were even some opinions that were totally contrary to Lin Ze¡¯s.


    Six manuscripts ¡ª revising all these manuscripts made Yu Hao thoroughly exhausted. On the first day after the end of the holidays, Yu Hao worked overtime until 4.30am. When he left work, he saw the sanitation workers sweeping leaves along the road. At that moment a sense of helplessness arose in his heart ¡ª what was he revising the manuscripts for? Their column had already been abolished, would Lin Ze really take the manuscript over and re-apply for publication?¡±


    But the next day, his manuscript was published onto their public number, and there was even a byline under it ¡ª ¡°Intern Editor: Yu Hao¡±.


    When Yu Hao saw those words, he felt like he had come back from the dead.


    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a byline too?¡± Yu Hao said, unable to hold back, flowers were blooming in his heart.


    ¡°Your post was supposed to be a ¡®reporter¡¯.¡± Lin Ze thought Yu Hao was upset about the title of ¡°Intern Editor¡±. ¡°But we have no editor now, so just make do with it and hold that post first ba. We¡¯re in the midst of recruiting one now.¡±


    ¡°Recruiting your ass.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°4,500 a month in Beijing, no establishment, who would come? Even the cleaning aunts get 6,800 a month!¡±


    ¡°The cleaning aunts have six apartments.¡± Lin Ze said patiently, ¡°How would you know if we won¡¯t be able to recruit good youngsters who have more than ten apartments, have nothing better to do, and are full of ideals?¡±


    Yu Hao was getting used to this sort of roasting and naturally added as he answered, ¡°Then you¡¯ll have to take aim at those like me who are raised by the rich. You¡¯ll have to trick every single one you can catch.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°That¡¯s true, kids raised by the rich are the easiest to trick.¡±


    The investigative reporter department was in unanimous agreement. Yu Hao said, ¡°When will we be going out to investigate?¡±


    ¡°Cherish the time now ba.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Right now the department isn¡¯t considered to be truly established yet. When we have to go out for a project, you¡¯ll know what it feels like.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°You won¡¯t get bitten by dogs while sitting here, I think that¡¯s pretty good.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I think Jin Laoshi is really suited to being an investigative reporter.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°Jin Laoshi used to be in Anbao newspaper¡¯s basketball team, he¡¯s crazy fast when he runs. I just realised that investigative reporters have to be able to run really fast; that¡¯s a fundamental survival skill.¡±


    Yu Hao felt a bit eager to try now; he was really looking forward to conducting interviews soon. After all, his motivation for coming to this newspaper was to conduct interviews. Yet looking at Lin Ze and Situ Ye, they seemed a little fed up with it, and most interview assignments recently had been left to Jin Weicheng since they didn¡¯t want to take a step out of the office.


    ¡°Write the manuscripts ba.¡± After Jin Weicheng returned, he threw his notebook at Yu Hao. A ton of small incidents were in it, then he said to Lin Ze, ¡°Chief, the chief editorial office is looking for you.¡±


    Lin Ze got up and left as he prepared to participate in a palace fight. Situ Ye bought a rice cooker and cooked rice for them in the office. Yu Hao began sorting out Jin Weicheng¡¯s manuscripts. Normally, the manuscript should have been written by the reporter before it was handed to Yu Hao, then after Yu Hao reviewed and corrected it, he would pass it to the general office for publication. But the column that Lin Ze had applied for had been abolished. Everyone was furious, though fortunately they still had a public number.


    ¡°You can¡¯t write it like that.¡± Jin Weicheng watched Yu Hao sort out the manuscript as he sat beside him. Yu Hao typed a sentence before deleting it and changed the style. The initial draft was always really messy, with whatever he thought of just being scribbled down, and Jin Weicheng kept interrupting him as well, which made Yu Hao feel very gloomy. After bumping around here and there to come up with the first draft, he started to revise it. What irritated Yu Hao the most now was revising manuscripts ¡ª he could end up revising just one manuscript countless times until he felt like throwing his laptop away.


    Every time he thought, ¡°it should be okay this time¡±, Jin Weicheng would come up with a bunch of suggestions , and the worst was when the suggestions were also really vague.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I think these are all small news; it won¡¯t be easy to develop.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Small news, big feelings. You need to dig out something from it that would move people, don¡¯t always think about working on big news.¡±


    After Yu Hao finished revising the last manuscript and thought that he had satisfied Jin Laoshi¡¯s requests, the other party said, ¡°Leave it for a night and come back to it again tomorrow, then you¡¯ll think that it won¡¯t do anymore.¡±


    Situ Ye finished braising sausages in the rice cooker, ¡°It¡¯s time to eat, so get off work after eating ba. Why doesn¡¯t the hit count on this public number ever go up? It¡¯s so depressing.¡±

 Chapter 121.2 - Criticism

    Yu Hao could feel like he was flaring up again. He had to finish revising this manuscript today, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep at night. After exchanging a few words with Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng asked if he wanted to hire a ghostwriter. Of course Yu Hao would insist on doing it himself, so Zhou Sheng went to his meeting. He had to listen to financial reports that day until 10pm.


    ¡¾Before my meeting ends, you have to get off work and go home.¡¿Zhou Sheng left him a message,¡¾Otherwise you¡¯ll never finish.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Okay, I got it.¡¿And thought that¡¯s impossible, I don¡¯t believe I won¡¯t be able to finish this today.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾If you don¡¯t go back, I won¡¯t go to work.¡¿


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng always uses the action of ¡®won¡¯t go to work¡¯ to threaten him, and Yu Hao could only answer:¡¾I¡¯ll go back at 8pm, keep going to work properly, behave yourself.¡¿


    After coming to Beijing, Yu Hao hardly complained about his work to his friends. After all, no matter how tough or irritating or tiring it was, it was still his own choice in the end. But Yu Hao¡¯s friends were almost all guys, and between good bros, as soon as they heard each other¡¯s complaints, the signal they would get was  never that of needing comfort and instead one of, ¡°this is a cry for help¡±, so everyone would start offering solutions or intervene as much as they could.


    Just like how Yu Hao told Zhou Sheng that his guiding mentor was too demanding, he often felt like he was at a loss for what to do. If he had gotten a girlfriend, the other party would listen to him and calm his agitated mood. But with a boyfriend, what he got was ¡°I¡¯ll outsource someone to write it for you?¡± or ¡°I¡¯ll get someone to beat that teacher up¡± and other such solutions. Of course, in the end all problems would be resolved with ¡°forget it just quit, don¡¯t work there anymore, I¡¯ll support you¡±.


    At 7pm, there was a knock on the door. Lin Ze came in, ¡°Your friend¡¯s here to see you, Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao had his earphones on and looked up impatiently. He saw Chen Yekai standing outside the door with a potted plant in his hand.


    ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡± Yu Hao immediately took his earphones out and got up.


    Chen Yekai nodded at Lin Ze. Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°Get off work and go back first?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s have dinner together?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I came over today to report to the college, so I came to visit you too.¡±


    When Yu Hao saw Chen Yekai, he suddenly felt like the whole world calmed down without any forewarning.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s Porsche was parked on the road outside, ¡°Get in, what do you want to eat?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You bought a new car again? Where did you get the license plate from?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°The college lent me the license plate, I bought the car myself.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly didn¡¯t really want to see Chen Yekai again.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Chen Yekai asked Yu Hao again.


    ¡°Anything ba.¡± Yu Hao said feebly, ¡°I won¡¯t AA with you, I can¡¯t afford to A.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°A? What A? Do we still need to AA between us? Is home cuisine okay?¡±


    Chen Yekai took Yu Hao to a private club. It was in a siheyuan and was extremely quiet. One table, two sets of tableware, and there was a small pond outside with koi swimming around in it. Chen Yekai wiped his hands with a towel, ¡°You should be so busy that you haven¡¯t been able to eat anything good ba? I¡¯m guessing you¡¯ve barely gone out for a stroll in your first month.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai. This guy was always so handsome wherever he went and always carried with him a kind of calmness as if his countenance wouldn¡¯t change even if Mt. Tai collapsed. Today, he had only eaten a small bowl of sausage claypot rice that Situ Ye had made, while most of the pot had been resolved by Jin Weicheng. Now he just felt even more hungry.


    ¡°Are you out on a business trip?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°A job transfer.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Our college established an exchange program with a college here, and young lecturers will be on exchange for a year.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The students in our college must be heartbroken then.¡±


    Chen Yekai laughed reluctantly, ¡°Well, I can¡¯t help that. Have a drink?¡±


    Yu Hao quickly waved his hand, ¡°I still have to go back and write manuscripts later.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked displeased. ¡°Why are you so much thinner now?¡±


    The appetizer arrived, and Yu Hao finished it in two or three bites. The two of them continued idly chatting. Chen Yekai only asked if he was up to the task, and Yu Hao didn¡¯t really answer truthfully when he said that everything was going well. Chen Yekai could tell that he was putting on a brave face, so he didn¡¯t say anything else. The waiters continued serving food. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t eaten normal food in a very long time. Although there was still a huge difference between the food here and what Zhou Sheng made, it was still better than the canteen¡¯s. Yu Hao was also starving like crazy,  so he was like a whirlwind that made a clean sweep of scattered clouds. Chen Yekai poured him some water and asked him to drink it slowly.


    ¡°Are you in a bad mood?¡± Yu Hao observed Chen Yekai¡¯s expression, he barely talked today. Yet when he came to the office with the potted plant, he was still obviously quite happy when he talked to Lin Ze.


    ¡°No.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Just thought of some things. Right now I don¡¯t have any classes, and I¡¯m not familiar with Beijing either. I¡¯ll come find you for dinner again tomorrow?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have to go out with Laoshi for an interview tomorrow?¡±


    Chen Yekai thought about it for a bit, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll come find you when you don¡¯t have to work overtime.¡±


    Chen Yekai drove Yu Hao home. When they arrived at his apartment, Chen Yekai said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to invite me up for a cup of coffee?¡±


    ¡°Next time ba.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I haven¡¯t tidied up the apartment yet, it¡¯s too messy.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked like he wanted to say something but didn¡¯t in the end. Yu Hao hurried back with his laptop and continued revising his manuscripts. Late at night, Zhou Sheng seemed drunk and video called Yu Hao again. Yu Hao said, ¡°Your face is as red as a monkey¡¯s, how much did you drink?¡±


    ¡°I miss you, wifey.¡± Zhou Sheng collapsed onto the bed and undid his tie a little. His shirt was messy, and he hadn¡¯t taken off his shoes yet. He laid down on his side, his handsome face still a little flushed after being drunk while he stared at Yu Hao in a daze.


    At that moment, Yu Hao¡¯s heart ached so much he could barely endure it, and he almost cried.


    ¡°I¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao looked at the manuscript on his laptop, then looked at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Continue with your work, don¡¯t mind me.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered to himself, ¡°I just want to look at you¡­¡­this is fine, this is pretty good. Un, it¡¯s really good.¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent, and the two of them gazed at each other quietly.


    ¡°Did Kaikai go see you today?¡± Zhou Sheng fiddled with the Golden Crow Wheel between his fingers, twirling it around like a coin, still quite nimble with his movements.


    ¡°You know he¡¯s here?¡±


    ¡°I asked him to go.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I was afraid that you¡¯d work overtime and not eat, did he take you out to eat something good?¡±


    Yu Hao wore a gloomy expression on his face and looked at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°When will you come?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°I miss you.¡±


    ¡°Next week ba ¡ª¡ª ai.¡± Zhou Sheng turned over and faced the ceiling. He closed his eyes, rubbed his eyebrows a few times to get his spirits up, then rolled back and faced Yu Hao with an encouraging smile, ¡°Hubby¡¯s gonna go take a bath now, it¡¯s almost 12. Take good care of yourself and sleep earlier, behave.¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng ended the video call. Yu Hao let out a long sigh. After the holidays, Beijing¡¯s weather was gradually cooling down.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t even take a bath or tidy up anything. He even forgot to wear his earplugs and fell asleep just like that.


    Another few days passed, and Yu Hao faced the revised manuscripts in his office.


    Situ Ye watered his potted plant, then watered Lin Ze¡¯s head. Lin Ze shouted and tried to snatch it away, but Situ Ye quickly dodged. Lin Ze was extremely distressed as he said, ¡°The hit count on this public number never goes up, is there any way to promote it?¡±


    Yu Hao had been thinking about something else, and this thought had been whirling around his mind for several days.


    ¡°Ah Ze.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    Lin Ze, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao saw Situ Ye and Lin Ze¡¯s relationship, but when his words reached his mouth, he couldn¡¯t spit them out. He said, ¡°Shall I ask my friend for help?¡±


    ¡°Is that okay?¡± Lin Ze wasn¡¯t too sure. He looked at Situ Ye.


    Situ Ye, ¡°The one who drives the Porsche?¡±


    ¡°How did you know?¡± Yu Hao thought that Lin Ze was probably the one who told him. His two superiors must have discussed it in private before.


    Situ Ye said with a stern expression, ¡°I even know his heart aches for you because of how exhausted you are.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no such thing.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Situ Ye continued, ¡°Otherwise why would he be fine when he walked through the door but immediately pull a long face as soon as he saw you?¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Poor overworked and tired Haohao. Hopefully he can get a better apartment and ZS can visit him soon.

 Chapter 122.1 - Missing You

    ¡°Ai!¡± Lin Ze shouted to stop Situ Ye from always exposing the truth in such a simple and crude way.


    Yu Hao thought you guys are too observant, I can¡¯t help but admire you both. Is this what they call a reporter¡¯s instinct?


    ¡°We¡¯re very good friends.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng asked him to come find me, he¡¯s like our Gege.¡±


    Situ Ye sat at one side of Yu Hao¡¯s desk, ¡°Can you ask him to help us with a campus promotion? We¡¯ll pay him according to the market price.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was possible, so he contacted Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai very readily agreed and referred the promotion straight to the Student Union. Not long after, a liaison added Lin Ze. Lin Ze looked like a huge burden was lifted off his shoulders, and he had resolved a major problem.


    Yu Hao did kind of want to return, but he couldn¡¯t say it no matter what. As he faced the neverending pile of manuscripts, he vividly felt that protecting his own ideals from being forever eroded really was too difficult.


    ¡°Not published yet?¡± Jin Weicheng came back, ¡°It has already been a few days.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°There are still a few minor issues, it¡¯ll be done soon.¡±


    Jin Weicheng threw a bunch of new manuscripts at him. Yu Hao was already beginning to get struck with the urge of throwing the notebook back at him, but he didn¡¯t say anything and just lowered his head to flip through the pages, flatten them out, and open a new document.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not easy for kids nowadays to hold on for so long.¡± Jin Weicheng suddenly got sentimental, then he said to Lin Ze, ¡°How many months do the interns in your newspaper usually last?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no problem with Yu Hao. It¡¯s not his fault for being raised by the rich¡­¡­¡± Situ Ye finally couldn¡¯t endure Jin Weicheng¡¯s issue with those ¡®raised by the rich¡¯.


    While Situ Ye was composing his words to diss the other party, Lin Ze quickly interjected, ¡°Jin Laoshi, could you verify the reimbursement for last month? If there are no problems, I¡¯ll send it to the finance department.¡±


    Yu Hao kept his head down, and he was silent for a few seconds. He looked up at the computer screen, then looked at Situ Ye. Situ Ye blinked at him and smiled. Yu Hao smiled back at him a little sadly.


    ¡°From tomorrow onwards, Laoshi should take Yu Hao out for interviews from time to time ba.¡± Lin Ze said to Jin Weicheng, ¡°Let Yu Hao handle the invoices, he can be your little assistant.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Let him practice his writing first, I¡¯ll take him out when there¡¯s time.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Yu Hao, try to take your manuscripts back home to write as much as possible, and follow Jin Laoshi more to his interviews during the day. You¡¯re too slow with the manuscripts. If there are any parts you can¡¯t keep up with, you¡¯ll have to take time out of your personal time to make up for it, don¡¯t take up too much work time.¡±


    Situ Ye rejoiced in the misfortune, ¡°Go out more often, then you¡¯ll know what¡¯s happening outside.¡±


    Lin Ze¡¯s expression suddenly changed, and he stared at Situ Ye. Situ Ye looked like he had something to say, but it was all frightened back in by Lin Ze.


    Yu Hao said irritably, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at Lin Ze and thought I¡¯m already trying my very best, yet you¡¯re still asking me to work overtime to work on the manuscripts and interview during the day. I might really die a sudden death if I continue like this¡­¡­but he realised that Lin Ze suddenly tossed him an enigmatic smile.


    ¡°What does it mean?¡± Yu Hao asked Zhou Sheng again.


    Zhou Sheng was shaving in front of a mirror. He tilted his head upwards slightly, revealing a sexy chin and the outline of his throat, ¡°Firstly, he doesn¡¯t like how your Jin Laoshi issues false invoices, so he wants you to handle the money because he thinks you¡¯re honest; secondly, since the accounts go through you, Jin Laoshi will have to take you out when he goes for interviews. It¡¯s not difficult to understand ba? And thirdly, he¡¯s afraid that your Laoshi will just take anyone¡¯s red packets outside. With you following along, it wouldn¡¯t be easy for your Laoshi to take those red packets. Also, your boss is afraid that you have no motivation because you have no money, so he wants you to follow along and earn some red packet money on the side. Your leader really has his ways. Coming from a public institution, he truly is a genius.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Was that what he meant? Are you sure you¡¯re not overthinking it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°That Lady Boss of your is a true talent, he specialises in pulling the rug out from under your boss¡¯ feet. This combination is too fun, it¡¯s so devilish.¡±


    In November, after three bouts of rain in Beijing, the temperature suddenly dropped like falling off a steep precipice. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first winter in the north, and he was caught unprepared by the formidable might of the sudden drop in temperature. Before the heating arrived, the landlady wanted to collect the heating fee from him.


    ¡°So expensive?¡± Yu Hao uttered in disbelief, ¡°Even if I turned on the air-conditioner for 3 months I wouldn¡¯t need to pay 1,200 for electricity ba!¡¯


    ¡°It¡¯s like that in the north.¡± The landlady said, ¡°Turn on the air conditioner? How could that be compared to heating? The heater is so comfortable ah, heating, the focus is on the word ¡®heat¡¯. It can warm your heart, your body¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I have no money, I won¡¯t turn on the heater.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for you to not use it.¡± The landlady said, ¡°It has no switch, you can only pay up, there¡¯s no choice. The country¡¯s afraid that you¡¯ll freeze to death, this is love! Ah? Hurry up, Alipay or WeChat?¡±


    Yu Hao spent more than 10,000 yuan renting the house, and he had spent quite a bit over time on food and other necessities. He lent Jin Weicheng about 5,000 for his rent, then after following Jin Weicheng on his interviews, he had accumulated about 4,000 in invoices and had just handed them in to Lin Ze. Once he paid the heating fee, he wouldn¡¯t have much left.


    He asked Situ Ye when the internship salary would be paid, and the answer he got was that he could only apply for it after his three-month internship period ended. He could only receive his pay in December at the earliest. As of now, he didn¡¯t even know if he would be able to get paid before New Year¡¯s.


    However it was only November now, what should he do? Ask Zhou Sheng for money? Yu Hao looked at his account. The 520 and 1314 red packets that Zhou Sheng had intermittently sent over effectively helped Yu Hao afford some better food.


    ¡°When will the invoices be reimbursed?¡± Yu Hao asked Situ Ye.


    ¡°No more money for food anymore?¡± Situ Ye took out his phone, ¡°I¡¯ll lend you some first.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately waved his hand, ¡°I just suddenly thought of it.¡±


    ¡°Did you lend Jin Laoshi money?¡± Situ Ye asked, ¡°How much did you lend him?¡±


    Yu Hao thought how do you know everything, but his leader, Lin Ze, who usually doesn¡¯t talk much, seemed to be very clear about all of his and Jin Weicheng¡¯s activities. Nothing could be hidden from them.


    Situ Ye explained, ¡°He asked Ah Ze for an advance on his salary to pay rent. Ah Ze said that he¡¯d go apply for it, but the next day he said he didn¡¯t need it anymore cause it was settled. So the two of us guessed that he borrowed it from you first.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, ¡°I was just curious about how invoices are usually reimbursed.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°There are no problems with your invoices, Ah Ze has already signed them, so they should get reimbursed next month. It¡¯ll be transferred to the card you registered with. Remember not to accept all the invoices that Jin laoshi asks you to reimburse, just say that you¡¯ll ask Ah Ze, or you can say that you¡¯ll have to ask me first too.¡±


    Yu Hao thought it really may be like what Zhou Sheng had speculated.


    Yu Hao started planning, it shouldn¡¯t be too big of a problem to hold on for another month. But when he goes out for interviews now, he has to take care of two people¡¯s meals by himself. Reporters can¡¯t take the bus most of the time either; if they squeezed through buses or took the subway while rushing over for emergencies, all the dishes would be cold by then. Hailing a cab would easily cost about 100. Travel fares were seriously too horrifying nowadays.


    ¡°Our column¡¯s back.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°The public number was received really well, and I¡¯ve already paid the money in advance.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Yu Hao and Situ Ye cheered at the same time.


    ¡°We¡¯ll start working on features from next month onwards.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Jin Laoshi will prepare one issue, and he¡¯ll guide Yu Hao for that. Yu Hao has to prepare a feature as well for an issue when he¡¯s free.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly heaved a sigh of relief. He felt like working himself to death for the past month or so was now meaningful. For him, perhaps the most arduous period of his life has finally passed.


    ¡°¡­¡­and so,¡± Lin Ze drank coffee in the office as he chatted with Yu Hao about their respective interview experiences, ¡°Before staying for the night, you must survey your escape routes first. That¡¯s very important.¡±


    Yu Hao and Situ Ye laughed so hard tears were coming out of their eyes.


    ¡°Why are you in a daze?¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Remember it ah.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly realised that Lin Ze was teaching him! He quickly took his notebook out and recorded the main points. Every time Yu Hao got tired of writing, or when Situ Ye got irritated from editing photos and typesetting, everyone would have a cup of tea and chat idly. Lin Ze was also very eloquent. As soon as they started talking about anything under the sun, Yu Hao would immediately have to stop and listen to his stories.


    Stories weren¡¯t merely stories. Yu Hao began to learn how to deal with officials and policemen from Lin Ze¡¯s recounts. Everyone has their own standpoint, and reporters would of course have their own too. When to give in, when to turn tail and run, when the other party doesn¡¯t dare to provoke you, Lin Ze would integrate all his interview experiences and analyse them vividly for Yu Hao.


    He only narrated stories and never made any conclusions, to let Yu Hao think for himself.


    ¡°It always feels shallow learning from paper.¡± Lin Ze said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°One must personally undertake it to truly understand.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Yes¡ª¡ª¡±

 Chapter 122.2 - Missing You

    ¡°Hubby.¡± Yu Hao turned on the video function and called Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, adorned in sportswear, was running on a treadmill and sweating all over. He almost fell when he accepted the video call and quickly reduced the speed, then stood gasping for breath.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been taking the initiative to call me Hubby quite often lately ma.¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed a towel and wiped his sweat away.


    Yu Hao scrutinised him. He wanted to tell him the good news and also ask him for a bit of money too. He really had no money left. He had been eating Shaxian snacks for several days, and he was on the verge of vomiting from them.


    ¡°Are you busy?¡± Yu Hao smiled. He realised that Zhou Sheng seemed a little thinner now, and his countenance was a little aggressive, but he was grinning from ear to ear.


    ¡°I have an exam tomorrow.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯ve done the PPT for the entire department¡¯s strategic objectives meeting.¡±


    ¡°Exam?¡± Yu Hao was surprised.


    ¡°The internship period¡¯s about to end.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled sadly, ¡°The old man asked me to report on the project in front of everyone. The branch in Shanghai is expanding its business. After it¡¯s approved, I¡¯ll lead a department and operate under the wing of the general office.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s great! Are you ready?¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat on the chair. He bent over and scrutinised Yu Hao, who was on his phone screen, with his sweat dripping onto the screen, ¡°I miss you. I really, really miss you. We haven¡¯t seen each other in a long time, do you know how much I miss you?¡±


    Yu Hao almost cried on his side. Zhou Sheng laughed again, ¡°Your birthday¡¯s coming up soon; I prepared a present for you, you¡¯ll definitely like it. Once my project¡¯s settled, I¡¯ll go over to find you.¡±


    Three months, it had already been a full three months. Although Yu Hao had already anticipated this the first time he had said ¡°see you next week¡±, at least all the hard work throughout these three months had not been in vain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll report the project to you ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Take a look at it later? And give me some advice?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao would want to listen to it no matter what. Zhou Sheng turned off the video call. Yu Hao went back home to take a bath and lay in bed. At 8pm, Zhou Sheng FaceTime-ed with Yu Hao on another company number. He was standing in front of a projection screen in the conference room.


    Yu Hao saw several people sitting in this conference room, including Zhou Sheng¡¯s department manager and his colleagues. Zhou Sheng had taken pictures of them before to show him. The lights in the conference room dimmed a little, and the PPT was shown on the screen. Zhou Sheng held a remote control in his hand and stood in front, looking perfectly at ease.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start the trial ba.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t change into a suit and wore his sports attire, ¡°May I trouble everyone to offer some opinions at the end? This will probably be settled by tomorrow. Director Huang isn¡¯t here, we won¡¯t wait for him, he¡¯ll just listen to what he can.¡±


    The conference room was quiet. Zhou Sheng pressed the remote control, changed the slide, ¡°According to last year¡¯s earnings, the Major Business Department did a systematic risk analysis¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao once again saw a Zhou Sheng that he had never seen before!


    ¡°¡­¡­for the past two quarters, relative to our competitors¡­¡­¡±


    The slides of the PPT clicked forward one by one. Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression was quite calm, and didn¡¯t seem to have memorised a script. After moving to the next slide, he turned it back, ¡°Data is dead. Although we are basing it off data, we must be able to make appropriate strategic adjustments, but of course we can¡¯t just blindly follow the data¡­¡­¡±


    When he flipped to the ¡®wind control¡¯ slide, Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This evaluation is 73-pages long. I¡¯ve made a simple summary here¡­¡­¡±  As he spoke, he paused slightly and raised an eyebrow to indicate that he had something to say to the audience.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t understand Zhou Sheng¡¯s report at all, but his movements and voice were just like what he would see in strategic conference videos. Although he hadn¡¯t changed into formal attire, his aura was so formidable that it allowed no leeway for jokes.


    Zhou Sheng spent 45 minutes on the PPT, ¡°It¡¯s time for a tea break, then it¡¯ll be a Q&A session.¡± The trial skipped to this portion. His colleagues in the department came up with all sorts of questions. Zhou Sheng¡¯s answers to them were quite ingenious, which aroused their roaring laughter.


    Although Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what they were laughing at, he felt that Zhou Sheng¡¯s attitude in resisting and defusing his opponents¡¯ offence was very interesting, so he laughed along with them.


    At 12 o¡¯clock, Zhou Sheng finished answering all the questions tossed at him. ¡°Everyone has worked hard, please fight with me tomorrow ba.¡±


    His colleagues all came up one after another to shake hands with Zhou Sheng and patted his arm to show their encouragement. After the crowd dispersed, Zhou Sheng was in the conference room as he glanced at Yu Hao¡¯s side, ¡°Fell asleep?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m still here.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked down to text and changed the video to his phone, then went to throw away his Red Bull can. Yu Hao said, ¡°You presented it so well!¡±


    Zhou Sheng put on his earphones, ¡°Did you understand what I was saying? You just know how to praise me brainlessly.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t understand it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng quipped, ¡°Knew it. In any case, you¡¯d think I did really well even if I had a lisp.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed.


    At that moment, Yu Hao felt much more strongly that he and Zhou Sheng lived in two different worlds. But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t detect it in the slightest. He took his phone out and let Yu Hao take a look at the office. The other employees have all gotten off work. Zhou Sheng watered the plants, turned off the lights, and picked up his bag.


    ¡°Just now, I suddenly felt like I barely recognised you.¡± Yu Hao said a bit sadly, ¡°But I¡¯m still really happy. That¡¯s the real you ah.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stopped in front of thee elevator, ¡°My dear wife, do you know why I like you so much?¡±


    Yu Hao lay in bed and looked at the video. Zhou Sheng went down to the lobby of the office building. Several girls passed by and Zhou Sheng nodded at them, ¡°Go back early and rest.¡±


    A soft scream was heard from behind.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t tease girls! I¡¯m already on the verge of collapsing from eating vinegar!¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tease them.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°It was just out of courtesy. It¡¯s not like I shouldn¡¯t greet departmental staff when I see them ba? Eat it, eat it. Now you know how I felt when I saw the Rubik¡¯s cube Ou Qihang gave you?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s not the same!¡±


    Yu Hao has never felt such a strong sense of insecurity like he does now. In actuality, ever since the day he parted with Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao has felt a little upset. But that kind of feeling was quickly dispelled by him, because he has always believed in their feelings that was like an indestructible dungeon.


    Yet today, he had a hunch that he and Zhou Sheng were walking further and further down their respective paths.


    ¡°What exactly do you like about me?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when we meet.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s still my birthday present too.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I had a lot of things I wanted to say, but now I suddenly can¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hailed a cab by the roadside with his earphones on. He looked up at the resplendent lights in the office building opposite him, and the scene seemed just like a bustling urban forest.


    ¡°I have a lot of things I want to say too.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But it¡¯s okay, I know you understand it in your heart.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes reddened, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a bath now, it¡¯s past 12 o¡¯clock. All the best today.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Wifey.¡±


    Yu Hao lay in bed, and his head started to hurt. He sneezed a few times and thought that he must have caught a cold. The temperature in Beijing dropped very quickly. The heating pipe kept making noises, but there was no heating, and his neighbour was still engaged in a violent DOTA battle. Yu Hao thought can a game really be that fun?


    The autumn wind brought with it a chill, and Ying City¡¯s most beautiful season arrived again.


    Zhou Sheng was waiting for his Didi, but his family¡¯s car drove over and parked by the roadside. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°They said that you were still doing the trial presentation, why didn¡¯t you say anything after you finished?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What? What¡¯s there to say?¡±


    As he spoke, Zhou Sheng got in the car. Zhou Laichun had just drunk and clearly made a trip over just to pick him up.


    ¡°Tomorrow is the major exam at the end of your probation.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You know yourself how important it is.¡±


    ¡°Stop nagging.¡± Zhou Sheng said wearily, ¡°Could you hold back a little with the crap? Who do you think you are?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°There¡¯s one in the afternoon, and another at night. After you pass both, you won¡¯t have anymore problems.¡±


    ¡°At night?¡± Zhou Sheng was alert at once, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me about doing anything at night.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Have a dinner, exchange some pleasantries, entertain the other side a little. I believe you won¡¯t have a problem with that.¡±


    Zhou Sheng cast a doubtful glance at his father. Zhou Laichun said, ¡°He¡¯s an old comrade-in-arms of mine, and is very particular about food. I can¡¯t anymore. Over these years, I feel like I¡¯m getting less and less skillful at cooking. But I think you should be able to talk to him a little.¡±


    Zhou Sheng dispelled his doubts for now, ¡°From the province?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t really have many hobbies, he just likes to eat.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Does he have a daughter?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Laichun answered.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay then. Once everything¡¯s done, I¡¯m taking a week off.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t leave the day after tomorrow.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You must wind up everything properly.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Another week at the latest, then I don¡¯t care if you¡¯ll allow me to take leave or not. I have to go, I¡¯ll come back in December.¡±


    ¡°If you can arrange your work around it I won¡¯t have anything to say. Don¡¯t forget, Zhou Sheng ¡ª to them, this is a job, but for you, this is your career. You finally understand your responsibilities now, you¡¯ll have to grow up eventually.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t continue talking. He returned to his rented place. It was pitch-dark, and no one was waiting for him. Fu Liqun was already asleep.


    Zhou Sheng wanted to talk to Yu Hao again, but it was already 2am. He saw Yu Hao lying in bed just now, so he should be sleeping early today, thus he didn¡¯t disturb him.


    That night, Yu Hao caught a cold.


    He started having a fever in the middle of the night. His whole body was shivering uncontrollably, and he dreaded the cold. He struggled off the bed to look for water, and fortunately he had prepared some fever medication so he consumed it with water. After letting out a scorching breath, he looked at his phone. It was 4am. Zhou Sheng¡¯s message was on the screen¡¾Asleep?¡¿, so he replied to it and thought that Zhou Sheng should be asleep by now.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Awwww, ZS come to Beijing soon and take care of Haohao

 Chapter 123.1 - Choosing a Topic

    The next morning, Yu Hao felt a little better, so he insisted on going to work again. The manuscripts weren¡¯t submitted yet. He was prepared to let Lin Ze know once he submitted the manuscripts, then come back and take a nap.


    He had just returned to the office when Yu Hao saw the vice Editor-in-Chief appear in their office. Lin Ze stood as he listened to his rebukes and threw Yu Hao a look, telling him not to come in.


    ¡°All my face is about to be thrown away because of you guys!¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°Now all the netizens are going to Weibo and WeChat¡¯s public number to talk about how you guys can¡¯t do anything right and only know how to spam hit counts and buy reposts! How do you want me to explain this in Monday¡¯s meeting?!¡±


    Yu Hao still went in and stood with Lin Ze.


    ¡°It¡¯s him again?¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°Lin Ze, don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s this intern who was in charge of it again.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a small accident.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯m already ready to transfer him to a full-time position.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Do you guys have so much money that you don¡¯t know where to spend it?¡± Vice Editor-in-Chief said, ¡°A media public number going around buying views, are you trying to deceive your superiors? Not fulfilling the view target set for you guys and then resorting to such dishonest practices!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The one Chen Yekai introduced was the Student Union, so that shouldn¡¯t have happened?! Yu Hao¡¯s heart jolted ¡ª could the Student Union have bought views for them in order to meet Lin Ze¡¯s target?


    ¡°The mistake has already been made.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°We found a third-party to promote it, we also didn¡¯t think that would happen. We¡¯ll clear the followers and restart it. We¡¯ll definitely be more careful from now on, do you think that would be okay?¡±


    The Vice Editor-in-Chief almost roared angrily, ¡°What kind of an offhanded attitude is that with regard to admitting your mistakes?! Or are you trying to say that you¡¯re not in the wrong this time?! Stop the usage of your public number! Write a review for me¡­¡­you! Intern! You write the review! A Notice of Criticism for the entire newspaper! We¡¯ll look at your attitude in acknowledging your mistake before deciding whether to let you guys use your public number again or not! Without suffering a severe punishment once, you won¡¯t learn your lesson! And you¡¯d still resort to dishonest practices next time!¡±


    Four words whirled out of Yu Hao and Lin Ze¡¯s heart at the same time. Vice Editor-in-Chief turned around and left.


    Yu Hao sat down. After looking at the WeChat public number on his laptop, he took his phone. Lin Ze said, ¡°Don¡¯t call. Your Laoshi doesn¡¯t know either, there¡¯s no point in mentioning it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The middlemen did such a great job, I¡­¡­ai!¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°At least the department¡¯s formally established now. I was intending to find them for a drink tonight, everyone will go. Better ask vice chief for a favour while drinking ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯d better write the review first.¡±


    Lin Ze cursed a few times. Situ Ye came over, and after he heard about what happened, he said, ¡°Ah Ze, I already told you not to accept this job. Why don¡¯t we just beat them up and go home?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Xiao Ye!¡±


    Situ Ye wore a gloomy expression on his face. Lin Ze immediately said, ¡°What would Yu Hao think after hearing you say that? What would Jin Laoshi think?¡±


    ¡°Jin Laoshi¡¯s not around.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I think the same as Lady Boss. Lady Boss, look at this picture?¡±


    Yu Hao showed him the flag-raising photo at first light that Situ Ye had shown him before, and Situ Ye started laughing helplessly.


    Yu Hao wrote manuscripts all morning and was still worried about the review. Jin Weicheng only came to work after lunch, ¡°The topic has been chosen, Yu Hao, follow me. Do we need to report to the newspaper first?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Lin Ze was deleting the followers on their WeChat¡¯s public number, while Situ Ye looked at the reposts on Weibo. Lin Ze said, ¡°The newspaper won¡¯t care, just finish the feature first. Jin Laoshi, talk about the topic a little?¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Bumped into two petitioners, they were both daughter-in-laws in their families. There¡¯s a battery processing plant in Guangxian County; it discharged wastewater containing cadmium far above quota, resulting in large-scale cadmium poisoning. An explosion had even occurred in September, killing twelve people and injuring ten. This plant is backed by officials and businessmen, so the news had been forcibly suppressed. Now, the cadmium poisoning has affected nearly 3,000 residents. The government has given some compensation, but most of it was embezzled by the village committee. An armed fight broke out in November that killed three people.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Lin Ze answered as soon as he heard it, ¡°Do that ba, that¡¯s steady. Pick a soft persimmon to begin with, don¡¯t go too big.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I just asked a few questions before some guards came over, so I couldn¡¯t ask them in much detail. But they left me a number. We¡¯ll look for that old lady¡¯s home first after going over.¡±


    ¡°Just need to worry about news leaking.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°But Jin Laoshi is more experienced than us, so the two of you decide. I¡¯ll entrust Yu Hao in your care.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Just follow me.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was still hurting a little. He asked, ¡°When do we set off?¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve checked the train departure schedule. Why don¡¯t we leave in the afternoon?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°You can¡¯t. The department was just established, so we need to accompany the leaders for dinner tonight. Tomorrow ba.¡±


    ¡°Caught a cold?¡± Situ Ye saw Yu Hao¡¯s runny nose and tested the temperature of his forehead, ¡°Go back and rest ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t have a fever.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Can you go?¡¯


    Situ Ye and Lin Ze looked at each other with slight anxiety. Yu Hao waved his hand, ¡°It¡¯s just a slight cold, I¡¯m really okay. I¡¯ve taken medication.¡±


    Situ Ye asked, ¡°What did you take? Don¡¯t drink at night.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing, I didn¡¯t take cephalosporin. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Lin Ze thought about it and found it difficult to decide. Yu Hao insisted that he was okay, that it would be fine as long as he drank less. Lin Ze frowned, ¡°It¡¯s not about drinking less or not, you may not be able to control how much to drink when you¡¯re at the table.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I just got scolded this morning. If I¡¯m absent from the dinner tonight, what would the vice Editor-in-Chief think? He would definitely think that I¡¯m giving him an attitude. I must go. I¡¯ll just drink less.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine after a nap on the train.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°People his age have healthy bodies.¡±


    ¡°Conduct your interview the day after tomorrow ba.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°He¡¯s already this skinny. Be careful of his boyfriend coming over to slaughter us later.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°It won¡¯t be funny if the Porsche comes crashing in.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Knock it off. As soon as the petitioners came, Guangxian must have caught wind of the news. We need to make a move as soon as possible.¡±


    Jin Weicheng gave Yu Hao a thumbs up to express his praise.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look for petitioners again.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°See if they have been brought in, and whether I can get anything out of them still.¡±


    After Yu Hao finished writing the manuscripts, he started on his review. Lin Ze said, ¡°Will it really be okay? It¡¯s very cold there, and it¡¯s a mountainous area too.¡±


    It was nearing the end of November, and winter this year came very suddenly. The temperature had already dropped to near zero degrees. Situ Ye said, ¡°Or Ah Ze, you go with Jin Laoshi instead?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t hold you guys back!¡±


    Lin Ze seemed hesitant. Situ Ye said, ¡°Think about his resume, what kind of violent storm has Yu Hao not seen?¡±


    Lin Ze¡¯s doubts were dispelled, ¡°Buy more heating pads.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t force myself.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m really not a pampered brat.¡±


    After Yu Hao finished his review, he thought that Lin Ze must feel quite vexed about dealing with the relationship with his superiors. He usually didn¡¯t deal with the manuscripts, but he had a harder time than the rest of them. After all, the one who was least experienced in dealing with the top honchos was Yu Hao himself.


    However, Lin Ze has always been very patient and powerful. Everything would actually proceed as planned, like a broken car that could fall apart at anytime but still  swayed along, narrowly escaping death as he pushed it towards the end. That kind of tenacious perseverance was the most important thing Yu Hao learned from him.


    ¡°Then remember to play your role well in the dinner tonight.¡± Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s your role?¡±


    ¡°An intern.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Yes!¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Be an intern who would evoke people¡¯s affections! A clumsy, childish newborn calf who¡¯s not afraid of tigers, a workforce newbie that would make the leaders want to cherish new talent! Life is like a play, it all depends on your acting skills.¡±


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾I¡¯m going to report the project now.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Jiayou, my little prince.¡¿


    It was very cold in Ying City today. Zhou Sheng had changed into a slim shirt, ankle-length suit pants, his AJ shoes, and a pair of non-prescription glasses. His hair was slightly combed up and had been waxed. He stood in the conference room, holding a remote control as he flipped through the slides of his PPT. The light shone on his body, as if it was illuminating a celebrity.


    ¡°¡­¡­and thus, strategic deployment is of great urgency.¡± Zhou Sheng concluded his speech and turned the PPT to its last slide, ¡°The End, that¡¯s it. Please take a tea break, everyone. I¡¯ll conduct a Q&A later, and I¡¯d like to implore everyone to hold back on their abuse.¡±


    The crowd laughed. A major shareholder said, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve heard such a vibrant project report.¡±


    The corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth quirked up, but his smile didn¡¯t reach his eyes. He nodded at the major shareholder.


    The major shareholder exchanged a few words with Zhou Laichun in a soft voice. Zhou Laichun quickly nodded, then made a ¡®please¡¯ gesture to another shareholder before tossing Zhou Sheng a glance to ask him to follow along. Zhou Sheng put down his remote control, high-fived his department¡¯s manager, then followed them out.


    Zhou Laichun accompanied the two shareholders to the smoking area. Zhou Sheng took out a lighter and lit up a cigarette for his father. The chief financial officer handed a light over, then Zhou Sheng cut cigars for the two shareholders.


    The three sat down separately. Zhou Sheng stood at the door as he smoked an electronic cigarette. He smiled at the major shareholder, ¡°It was my first time reporting to my uncles, so it was a little nerve wracking.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°In order to listen to that report of yours, one of them flew back from the United States while the other from Britain.¡±


    Zhou Sheng revealed a surprised look at the right time. The shareholder said, ¡°The two of you really are of the same lineage.¡±


    Zhou Laichun burst out laughing. Evidently, he really liked to hear other people say that Zhou Sheng resembled him.


    ¡°But your father has some shortcomings you shouldn¡¯t learn.¡± Another shareholder said pensively, ¡°Playboy! The divorce lawsuit he filed that year with all the division of properties gave us a huge headache.¡±


    Zhou Sheng naturally knew that it wasn¡¯t the divorce with his mother, so it must have been the one with the rich lady.


    Zhou Laichun laughed even louder now and high-fived both shareholders. Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°My philosophy on love has always been: one pair for eternity.¡± As he spoke, he showed them his electronic cigarette, ¡°My wife bought this for me, I¡¯ve already quit cigarettes.¡±


    The two shareholders nodded. After one cigar finished, Zhou Laichun smiled and made a ¡®please¡¯ gesture, so the shareholders stood up. Zhou Sheng wanted to send them off, but Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Go back to handle your Q&A ba, there¡¯s nothing for you to do here now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stood outside the office building until the car drove away. He went back to drink a bottle of Red Bull and returned to the conference room.


    ¡°Okay, next, if there are any questions, feel free to raise them.¡± Zhou Sheng turned off the PPT and stood on stage. This part had been his biggest challenge, but once the two shareholders left, Zhou Sheng knew that he had already won half the battle. Following which, it would be fine as long as he didn¡¯t make any mistakes.


    Fortunately, he had anticipated all the questions that could have been raised and had simulated answers for them. His efforts in the past three months have not been in vain. He had personally experienced and understood almost every link in the chain from business models to profit and supply chains. Although three months was a very short time, on paper he was already capable to perform all his tasks.


    Zhou Sheng was very humorous with his words and turned the Q&A into a lively reception. An hour and a half later, Zhou Laichun came back and still sat in the conference room. After listening to it for five minutes, he got up and left the table. Another half an hour passed before Zhou Sheng ended his presentation and politely said, ¡°I¡¯d like to thank everyone for attending this presentation.¡±


    At the end, the department manager took the lead in applauding Zhou Sheng, then the meeting was dismissed.

 Chapter 123.2 - - Choosing a Topic

    Zhou Sheng stood in the conference room. He was the only one left now.


    He turned around and looked at the camera that had been connected to Yu Hao yesterday. He smiled, then stuck his tongue out at the nonexistent ¡°Yu Hao¡± and made a ¡°yeah¡± gesture.


    ¡°The most important thing in a relationship is mutual understanding.¡±


    After Situ Ye finished listening to what had happened in Yu Hao¡¯s video call yesterday, he said to him, ¡°It¡¯s like that between friends and couples. Soulmates ma, it¡¯s only through understanding each other before one can enter deep into the other¡¯s soul and walk even further together. A relationship with mutual understanding is the healthiest kind of relationship.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s that kind of fear. Yesterday I suddenly realised that he seemed a bit unfamiliar to me.¡±


    Yu Hao has always envied Lin Ze and Situ Ye a lot. When one of them said that he wanted to come to Beijing, the other resigned from his job at an educational institution and followed along without another word. Most importantly, they¡¯ve always had a sort of connection between them, and they would understand what the other was thinking. Lin Ze was extremely solemn and serious at work. He would always wear a suit and tie every day as he sat at his office desk, and when he started handling anything related to his professional matters, it was as if he had turned into another person. It was very similar to when Chen Yekai stood on a platform for his lectures.


    Meanwhile, Situ Ye was responsible for joking around with the editors of the general office, adjusting the atmosphere, and helping their office maintain interpersonal relations. Yu Hao usually revered and feared Lin Ze, but ever since he started work, Lin Ze has never scolded him before. If only Lin Ze was here, then Yu Hao might have had a very hard time here.


    ¡°Ah Ze has never scolded me.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Actually, my stress tolerance isn¡¯t that low.¡±


    Situ Ye smiled, ¡°He doesn¡¯t scold you because someone like you doesn¡¯t need to be scolded. When something small happens, you¡¯ll be the one feeling all guilty first. Scolding you would just alleviate your guilt.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Okay then.¡±


    Situ Ye¡¯s eyes widened as he edited the photos he took. He raised an eyebrow and said to himself, ¡°But his temper is better now. He used to scold people until they cried.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He shouldn¡¯t have scolded you before ba?¡±


    ¡°He did when I was his subordinate.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°After I assumed a full-time post, he never scolded me anymore. Just need to take note a little in front of outsiders once in awhile. That¡¯s the good thing about Chongqing men, they aren¡¯t too particular about saving face.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that did seem to be the case. Situ Ye would pull the rug out from underneath Lin Ze¡¯s feet once in awhile, but Lin Ze had never gotten angry about it. However, Situ Ye¡¯s the Lady Boss so it was okay, Yu Hao himself can¡¯t pull the rug out from under his leader¡¯s feet. He has to be careful with his words and actions during dinner that night.


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that the vice Editor-in-Chief will say that you¡¯re someone with ¡®character¡¯ tonight.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°You have to take note of that, don¡¯t think of it as a compliment.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve been curious about this for a really long time. What does it mean to be described as someone with ¡®character¡¯ by a leader?¡±


    ¡°The old men are all into collectivism.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Saying that you¡¯re someone with ¡®character¡¯ is scolding you for being stupid, that you should be more obedient. When you hear that, quickly nod and laugh awkwardly a few times, and it¡¯ll pass. Don¡¯t go along with it and express your character.¡±


    Yu Hao seemed like he had just awoken from a dream and hurriedly thanked Situ Ye. Situ Ye said without much concern, ¡°Kids raised by the rich ma, they all have quite a character. 90¡¯s kids ma, they have character too. Everyone is a person of character.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop talking about ¡®being raised by the rich¡¯, I¡¯m really afraid that Jin Laoshi will explode from all your attacks.¡±


    When Lin Ze wasn¡¯t around, Situ Ye would always expose the truth and teach him how to understand the thoughts these people really harbour. Yu Hao truly did love him, but he was also really afraid that Situ Ye would rouse people¡¯s hatred with his words.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t understand his meaning.¡± Situ Ye said.


    ¡°Then why the hell did he say that?¡± Yu Hao really didn¡¯t understand this either.


    Situ Ye said indifferently while he edited his photos, ¡°He said that you¡¯re raised by the rich to mean that you don¡¯t understand the sufferings of the common people. You don¡¯t lack money, yet you don¡¯t know how to help him issue a few fake invoices to help him take advantage of the state a little¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    As soon as Lin Ze returned, Situ Ye stopped talking. Lin Ze tore apart a pack of anti-alcohol drugs, swallowed a handful, then looked at Situ Ye and Yu Hao to ask them if they wanted some too.


    Situ Ye turned up his nose at them. Yu Hao was sick, so he didn¡¯t dare take another medication. Lin Ze said, ¡°Get ready, let¡¯s go. Everyone¡¯s very energetic. Angry birds, set off!¡±


    For this dinner in Beijing, they reserved a room at Nanmen Hotpot. Lin Ze had invited three leaders, the three mainstays of the press ¡ª secretary, editor-in-chief, vice editor-in-chief, as well as the two heads from the department of news interviews and editing.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare interrupt. With this group of reporters and editors, as soon as they started talking, the conversation would be filled with all sorts of anecdotes, and they were all quite talented. It was as if in every one of their spirits, there lived a lamenting, impulsive, and unrestrained Zhou Sheng. Lin Ze greeted them one by one, chatting jovially with them as he made jokes and took good care of his leaders and colleagues in all aspects.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Lin Ze smiled at Yu Hao. He would call on Yu Hao from time to time.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought that I would be able to buy a house in Beijing in my life.¡± Yu Hao answered honestly, ¡°If only the land would be redistributed again sometime in the future.¡±


    Everyone laughed at the same time.


    ¡°Indeed, these property prices have shut the door in the faces of many talented young people.¡± Yang Hong looked at Yu Hao adoringly.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t buy one in your life,¡± the secretary said, ¡°In the future, your son and grandson will have to buy it anyway. Would there be any difference?¡±


    Everyone laughed again. The secretary said, ¡°Man struggles upwards, while water flows downwards. If you want results, you¡¯ll have to squeeze into the top places in this industry. Beijing is the political and cultural center of the country, you can¡¯t evade it. If you want to just dabble in finance, you¡¯ll have to go to Shanghai, Hong Kong, or New York. If you want to achieve even greater success in China, then you can only choose Beijing. See, didn¡¯t Lin Ze come too?¡±


    Lin Ze could only nod and say ¡®yes, yes¡¯.


    Lin Ze would toss some questions at Yu Hao from time to time. Yu Hao followed the script and acted out his role as a college student who had just entered the workforce, and seriously answered his questions.


    The vice editor-in-chief ate some shabu meat, drank wine, smoked a cigarette, and called Yu Hao out within the smoke, ¡°You try to get smart too often, be a little more down-to-earth.¡± Then he said to Yang Hong, ¡°Amongst the batch of interns we recruited this year, he¡¯s the most good-looking one right?¡±


    Yang Hong said, ¡°Yu Hao does look quite good. When I saw Xiao Ye the first time, I thought Lin Ze¡¯s assistant didn¡¯t look much like a photographer, but more like a male model? But after Yu Hao came, he got downgraded again!¡±


    Everyone roared with laughter. Yang Hong said to Lin Ze, ¡°Where did you get so many high-quality resources from? Ah?¡±


    ¡°Xiao Yu has quite a character.¡± The vice editor-in-chief narrowed his eyes, ¡°Young people na, are all people of character.¡±


    Sure enough, Situ Ye got it right, and Yu Hao almost spat out a mouthful of wine.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Lin Ze¡¯s face was flushed red from all his drinking.


    He tossed Yu Hao a glance to remind him, and Situ Ye immediately said, ¡°Xiao Yu drank a little too much today, I¡¯ll help him¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao immediately understood that this cup of wine must be toasted by him. These are all things that Zhou Sheng had never taught him before. He had to pour the white wine first, then bow and toast the vice editor-in-chief. The vice editor-in-chief sat down and drank it.


    These people are very polite to Jin Weicheng, but they didn¡¯t like him very much and often interrupted him. Jin Weicheng could only bear it. The head of the reporter¡¯s department said, ¡°Xiao Yu looks like the type to have been pampered at home.¡±


    ¡°We are all kids raised by the rich.¡± Situ Ye took the initiative to say sincerely, ¡°Once we entered the workforce, we¡¯d feel like there¡¯s too many things we have to learn. Come come, cheers.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye¡¯s drink had blocked that person¡¯s mouth straight away, so as to prevent him from continuing to nag. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s a leader anyway. The secretary asked, ¡°My grandson is about the same age as you, but that kid yo, can¡¯t calm down enough to focus on his studies and only cares about dating. He¡¯s always enjoying the limelight at school and is gifted in many areas, he¡¯s just not cut out for studying.¡±


    Lin Ze continued the secretary¡¯s words, ¡°Examination-oriented education doesn¡¯t reflect much. Don¡¯t we rarely look at grades when we recruit people too? In the media business, what we need are quick-witted people.¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Does Xiao Yu have any other talents?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Lin Ze. Lin Ze nodded slightly, then shook his head again. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what he meant, so Lin Ze smiled, ¡°Do you want to embarrass yourself?¡±


    Yu Hao understood. He meant that if you¡¯re not confident, then don¡¯t try to show off any of your ¡®talents,¡¯ lest it ends up biting you in the ass; if you have a good one that can add points for you, then take it out. It could end up being effective.


    ¡°Shall I sing a pingtan for the teachers?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yo!¡±


    This talent was beyond everyone¡¯s expectations. Yu Hao took a chopstick and knocked on a white wine glass twice, then cleared his throat, ¡°I lost the blazing sun ¡ª¡ª a gentleman loses his willow, the willow lifts up gently, all the way up ¡ª¡ª to the highest heavens ¡ª¡ª¡±


    Three words appeared on the top of Lin Ze, Situ Ye, and Jin Weicheng¡¯s heads at the same time ¡ª ¡°what the fuck?¡±


    Lin Ze looked completely dumbstruck. Yu Hao knew he must be thinking, ¡°you fucking know that too?¡±


    ¡°Ask Wu Gang¡­¡­what he has, Wu Gang holds¡­¡­osmanthus wine¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was a little drunk. He closed his eyes a little, grasped the wine cup, stood up with a crouched posture, and gently clinked his cup with the vice editor-in-chief¡¯s then downed all the wine in his cup. This song was the pingtan sang by Yu Hongxian; Zhao Kaisheng used Mao Zedong¡¯s words. Almost everyone who had experienced that era would know how to sing it; the secretary, Yang Hong and vice editor-in-chief all started humming along.


    ¡°Good!¡± The crowd applauded.


    The secretary was quite surprised, ¡°Good! There aren¡¯t many young people who can sing that nowadays!¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, embarrassed, ¡°I¡¯ve just made a fool of myself.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been so many years.¡± Yang Hong sighed ruefully.


    Secretary said, ¡°It¡¯s been so many years.¡±


    The vice editor-in-chief drank the residual wine, ¡°It¡¯s much better now compared to the environment 30 years ago.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yang Hong nodded pensively.


    No one spoke. After all, none of them had come from that era. The three leaders began to laugh as they recalled those years. Lin Ze spoke a little and praised them continuously. Yang Hong began talking about experiences before the Chinese economic reform, and everyone at the table started listening to the stories of the leaders. Yu Hao¡¯s pingtan had turned into a short interlude for this dinner.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: The reporter life is rough.

 Chapter 124.1 - Dinner Party

    Ying City.


    After Zhou Sheng finished his presentation, he took a short break at his seat and sent Yu Hao a text. Yu Hao answered:¡¾Accompanying the leaders for dinner¡¿.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Then don¡¯t look at your phone anymore, lest you get scolded. Try not to drink if you don¡¯t need to.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Ye Ge helped me take quite a bit, he¡¯s too good at drinking, his expression doesn¡¯t even change in the slightest¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Everything went smoothly on my side.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾That goes without saying. You¡¯ve never failed before, no one in this world can beat you.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng smiled modestly and replied:¡¾You can¡¯t say that. For example, when I got hit in the head with a heating pad, I did feel quite defeated.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾Are you a freaking Cancer or Scorpio? How could you still remember such a small thing! And in the end it hit Gege¡¯s head!¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾It hit Gege¡¯s head, but it was my heart that suffered the pain. Okay, don¡¯t chat anymore, be a good kid. I¡¯m going out for dinner too, and I¡¯ll be flying to Beijing in three days.¡¿


    Zhou Laichun darted into the Major Business Department¡¯s ¡°18 layers of Hell¡± and patrolled it once. All employees who were waiting to get off work immediately started searching for something to do; those who chatted idly picked up files and pretend to discuss work, while those who were playing on their phones immediately looked up and opened half-written forms.


    Zhou Laichun pointed outside as a signal to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t even caught his breath before he had to get up and leave with Zhou Laichun.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go wash my face.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°There are hot towels prepared in the car.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Do you have anti-alcohol drugs ready?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I can more or less drink.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink, just give it to me.¡± Zhou Laichun said.


    Zhou Laichun got into the car. The chauffeur turned around and handed him a hot towel, which Zhou Sheng used to rub his face vigorously.


    ¡°Your get-up with the glasses isn¡¯t bad.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Refined, like a scholar. What I regret the most now was not kicking your mother down from the building, and forcing you to study finance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°After inheriting the company, it wouldn¡¯t be too bad to send you prison meals from time to time.¡±


    The chauffeur nearly laughed aloud. Zhou Laichun pulled open the front seat, and there was a thermos cup inside and a tea set. The chauffeur drove very steadily. If Zhou Sheng was the one driving, he would have definitely messed with him by suddenly braking and letting the tea spray all over his father¡¯s face.


    ¡°You should know what to do tonight.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°From tomorrow onwards, you¡¯ll be leading your own team.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What about my salary?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°What do you mean? How much do you want?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have to pay me a monthly wage ba! Do you think I¡¯m stupid? If it wasn¡¯t for supporting my family and wife, who would serve an overbearing bully like you?¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve finished spending all the money on that card?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You invested it all in that qun guy¡¯s company?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Oh, I thought it was a betrothal gift for the Yu family na, I let him take it to Beijing.¡±


    Those words nearly made Zhou Laichun vomit blood out of anger. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But you should at least pay me a wage ba. I know the past three months have been an internship, but I did work for you ah. Do you think that with Wu Bin¡¯s capabilities, he would¡¯ve been able to finish the entire proposal for the project? That other departments would have been willing to cooperate with him to get him the data and information? Even if something as ludicrous as that did happen, and he managed to do everything, would he have been able to present like how I did today? For such an important occasion, he wouldn¡¯t even be able to speak steadily once he stands on stage ba!¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°I even helped you kneel and lick the asses of all those officials, ran around each shop coaxing the store managers to work, sorted out the manpower required for the general manager office¡¯s project, kept watch over all the employees on the floor to see if anyone wanted to rebel and set up a huge banner on their own on some other mountaintop, I did all the work for you that I was both supposed to and not supposed to¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll pay you your wages for the past three months.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Do you only have those miniscule tens of thousands of dollars in your eyes?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s the money I earned with my blood, sweat, and tears! Since you promoted me to the manager of a department, you¡¯ll also need to give me base salary and a commission ba. What about my year-end bonus? How do we calculate that?¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°I¡¯ll pay you the wages of a senior assistant for the past three months, okay? From next January onwards, you¡¯ll pay yourself your own wages. Aren¡¯t you the one in charge of budgeting?! It was sent over the day before yesterday, finance has approved it, and I signed it yesterday! It¡¯ll be approved tomorrow morning. If you really want money, don¡¯t pay the team their wages. I won¡¯t say anything even if you take it all for yourself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Well, I don¡¯t need to go that far. I¡¯m not like you who docks your employees¡¯ wages for a living.¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun drank his tea, and the more he thought about it, the more unreasonable it seemed. ¡°Are you seriously discussing a monthly wage with me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only right and proper to be paid for my work!¡± Zhou Sheng was baffled, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with demanding remuneration for the legal toil I¡¯ve done?¡±


    Zhou Laichun couldn¡¯t do anything with Zhou Sheng at all now. He had already proven his capabilities. In fact, aside from him, Zhou Laichun really couldn¡¯t find anyone else who was suitable to nurture.


    Comparing Zhou Sheng to that bunch of deputies who all had their own ulterior motives, who was as open and upright as him, or as vibrant and energetic as him? Even though he wasn¡¯t well acquainted with business affairs, that could be slowly trained. But he wouldn¡¯t be able to find another such dazzling talent throughout the whole company.


    Zhou Laichun would sometimes feel that it was such a great pity that his son was gay. Isn¡¯t it good enough to just be bros? Why did he have to poke the other guy¡¯s ass?!


    If his son wasn¡¯t gay with Yu Hao, Zhou Laichun had it all planned out ¡ª¡ª get Yu Hao to be his assistant and be little director Zhou¡¯s general assistant. One was firm while the other was soft, Yu Hao could suppress Zhou Sheng¡¯s temper, and he was someone who could be taken out to meet other people. Properly assist Zhou Sheng in the takeover, accumulate experience until they were about 30 or so years old, then who in the company would be a match for these two kids?


    Yu Hao really wasn¡¯t too bad ¡ª he was a fine-looking boy and a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing, and he was even able to grow together with Zhou Sheng while their personalities complemented one another. In a few years, he would have another chess piece in hand, introduce a suitable girl to him for marriage¡­¡­yet he turned out to be so ambitious and scheming! 7 percent! Does that beggar really understand the concept of 7 percent? Someone must be teaching him behind the scenes! He had really underestimated that hooligan son of a bitch!


    When the car arrived at its destination, Zhou Laichun secretly cursed the Yu Hao who had ruined his well-conceived plans as he brought Zhou Sheng out of the car.


    ¡°Why are you wearing sports shoes?¡± Zhou Laichun just realised.


    ¡°I like them.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, then walked straight ahead. Zhou Laichun saw the shoes on his son¡¯s feet and thought they seemed a little familiar.


    ¡°Ai, hello beautiful Jiejie!¡± Zhou Sheng found Xiaoqin waiting outside the restaurant.


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Laichun said angrily.


    Zhou Sheng walked over, but Xiaoqin smiled as she hooped her arm around his and walked into the room with him in this cordial manner. Zhou Laichun finished ordering the dishes, the guests came, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s expression turned ugly.


    Their guests were also a family of three ¡ª the father was Zhou Laichun¡¯s old comrade-in-arms, the mother was very beautiful, and they brought along a daughter who was about Zhou Sheng¡¯s age. Zhou Laichun said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Sit next to Xiao Pei.¡±


    Xiaoqin smiled, ¡°Sheng¡¯er just ended a meeting today, do you feel sleepy?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled. He glanced at his father, but didn¡¯t say anything and went to sit next to the girl. He tilted his head slightly sideways and asked politely, ¡°What tea would you like to drink?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to fall asleep if I drink tea now, so just water is fine.¡± That girl said, then Zhou Sheng personally poured a cup of water for her. They chatted idly for a bit, Zhou Laichun began talking about the past with his old comrade-in-arms, while Xiaoqin smiled as she exchanged pleasantries with the other party¡¯s wife. The girl was evidently quite interested in Zhou Sheng, but she wasn¡¯t good at socialising. Zhou Sheng would ask one question, then she would answer it in turn, and sometimes she would even remain silent for a full minute. Even her mother started feeling anxious while she watched this, and really wished that she could take her stead in battle and answer for her in person.


    ¡°Xiao Pei isn¡¯t the type to talk much in school.¡± The old comrade-in-arms said.


    ¡°Aunt has always said that I¡¯m too quiet.¡± The girl named Xiao Pei answered.¡±


    Only then did Zhou Sheng knew that this was a niece. The other party¡¯s family didn¡¯t have any kids and only had this one niece, who they loved as dearly as they would their own child.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Oh, then that¡¯s good, I thought the cassette tape got stuck.¡±


    Everyone laughed. Xiao Pei said, ¡°I always get stuck, as soon as I get anxious I won¡¯t know what to say.¡±


    Zhou Sheng made her laugh with just a few words, as an indication to not be too distant. After getting a bit more familiar, Xiao Pei asked Zhou Sheng what kind of meeting he had. Zhou Sheng explained to her patiently, but Xiao Pei actually understood it all. When he talked about their competitors, Xiao Pei said, ¡°I have a teacher who audits for that company. Their accounts, ai, I¡¯ve never seen such false accounts with absolutely no sense of aesthetics in my life¡­¡­it¡¯s practically a disgrace to the world of falsified accounts!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t expect that this quiet girl was actually studying something related to auditing. The two began discussing listed companies. Xiao Pei gave him some opinions, and after Zhou Sheng thought about it, he thought that it did seem reasonable so he casually noted quite a bit down on his phone.


    ¡°To tell you the truth, I¡¯m a sports major.¡± Zhou Sheng, ¡°And training for the Iron Man Triathlon. I only started coming into contact with all these things three months ago, so there¡¯s a lot I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Xiao Pei immediately looked like she had just heard something funny and bowled over laughing. Zhou Sheng poured some water for her, then he thought silently and didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°It¡¯s my first time seeing her talk so much.¡± Xiao Pei¡¯s aunt had just discovered a New World and said to Xiaoqin, ¡°Usually at home, there are times when she wouldn¡¯t even talk to us for a whole day.¡±


    ¡°Youngsters have more in common to talk about.¡± Xiaoqin laughed helplessly.


    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m a sports major too,¡± Xiaopei joked as well, ¡°I play shot-put.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I really am a sports major.¡±


    Xiao Pei said, ¡°Un, me too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said to himself, ¡°You¡¯re too funny.¡±

 Chapter 124.2 - Dinner Party

    Both the hosts and guests enjoyed themselves this dinner. In the end, Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, send Xiao Pei and the rest back to their hotel first? I¡¯ll chat with your uncle a little more. Drive my car,  you didn¡¯t drink.¡± As he spoke, he threw his car keys to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao got their driving licenses in the first semester of their third year, but they hardly drove usually.


    Zhou Sheng and Xiao Pei left and walked along the road. Zhou Laichun¡¯s chauffeur knew what to do and was already nowhere to be found, the car was parked by the roadside.


    The lamps flickered on. Zhou Sheng looked around the surroundings, Xiao Pei said, ¡°Ying City¡¯s developing really well.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, then asked, ¡°Are you going to be a PE teacher then?¡±


    ¡°I actually want to be a reporter.¡± Xiao Pei answered, ¡°But I¡¯m no good at socialising with others, so I have to give up on that.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°My lover¡¯s working as a reporter.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Xiao Pei felt a little embarrassed at once, but quickly reacted.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What did they tell you?¡¯


    ¡°Uh¡­¡­¡± Xiao Pei felt a little angry, but fortunately Zhou Sheng made things clear so she nodded, ¡°Your father opposes you two, right?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± After Zhou Sheng confirmed it, there was nothing to be concerned about this anymore.


    Xiao Pei said, ¡°I wish you two all the best. Where¡¯s your lover?¡±


    ¡°Beijing.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Xiao Pei said, ¡°A long-distance relationship is quite tough ba? You must persevere.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s not tough.¡±


    Xiao Pei said, ¡°I heard from your father that you¡¯re leading a team by yourself to expand the business. It must have been tiring lately. You just finished a meeting today too, go back earlier to take a rest ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Do you know how to wield rods?¡±


    Xiao Pei, ¡°Rods?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I know how to wield rods, like this, this¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he swung a non-existent jingubang around a few times, ¡°And this¡­¡­fuck it all, I¡¯ll smash Yun Lai Chun into pieces with this rod!¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡ª!¡± Xiao Pei stood by the roadside and started laughing loudly.


    After a while, Xiao Pei thought about it and said, ¡°Teach me after you succeed, fuck auditing. I¡¯ll smash the CSRC into pieces with a rod.¡±


    Zhou Sheng shuddered and thought, at the very least I¡¯m just tearing my own family¡¯s company down, but you want to destroy the CSRC? Then he said to Xiao Pei, ¡°Chivalrous Swordswoman, you are brave. I¡¯ll send you back to the hotel.¡±


    Zhou Sheng drove Xiao Pei back to her hotel. They talked a little more, and in the end Zhou Sheng rolled the window down, ¡°Xiao Pei!¡±


    Xiao Pei turned around and smiled at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng waved, ¡°Persevere in your ideals!¡±


    Xiao Pei smiled helplessly, it was a very sweet smile, ¡°Jiayou to you too.¡±


    After the dinner, everyone was drunk as they helped each other back. Lin Ze took the leaders onto a car, and the four stood in the cold wind as they gasped for breath.


    ¡°If a Porsche comes right at this time, it would be perfect.¡± Situ Ye said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°There are quite a few shared bikes, it wouldn¡¯t be too bad to get the leaders to sober up one by one¡­¡­¡±


    They still didn¡¯t forget to diss each other at this kind of time, Yu Hao was really speechless. Lin Ze started flagging taxis and stuffed each one of them into one. Yu Hao said, ¡°Boss has such a high alcohol tolerance¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Xiao Ye¡¯s better than me.¡± Lin Ze¡¯s eyes narrowed, ¡°A few of our neighbouring departments would drink whenever they come, but he could almost hold off all of our drinks for us. And see, he still looks like nothing had happened to him.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it and realised he was right. Whenever the reporter and editing department offered a drink, Situ Ye would down them all and practically decimate them all. What was even more kickass was that his face was only a little red now even after drinking so much. This Lady Boss was absolutely incredible; he had slightly curly hair, his eyes were as clear as a limpid lake, he had such amazing photography skills and this high of an alcohol tolerance too. Where on earth did Lin Ze find such an excellent boyfriend? But after thinking about it carefully, these two are quite well matched.


    ¡°You flatter me.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°I just have a  little bit of an advantage because of my hometown¡¯s habits.¡±


    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re Russian?¡± Yu Hao realised that Situ Ye did look a little like a mixed-blood.


    ¡°In what way does your Lady Boss resemble a hairy fellow?! Uyghur! A Chinese ethnic group!¡± Situ Ye didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh, then his thoughts were diverted, ¡°Did you not want to sing today?¡±


    That little bit of reluctance in Yu Hao¡¯s heart was seen through by Situ Ye. He was slightly unwilling, but he answered, ¡°It¡¯s okay, as long as it would make the leaders happy, it¡¯s nothing much.¡±


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time singing specifically for people other than Zhou Sheng since the first day they met. It¡¯s not like it was a matter of principle though. Singing a song, trying to please the leaders, he just treated it as helping Lin Ze. He still liked this team very much.


    ¡°He gave us back our public number.¡± Lin Ze answered, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±


    ¡°Really?!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Lin Ze, ¡°He said so while smoking, you weren¡¯t paying attention. Now you can have a good night sleep ba?¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°So, you didn¡¯t put on a monkey act for nothing.¡±


    Yu Hao was really thankful to the Heavens. He was still quite lucky after following Lin Ze; they could always overcome any dangers they faced. Situ Ye said, ¡°He probably just wanted to knock us down a little and show off his might, to let Ah Ze know that he still has authority.¡±


    ¡°Will Jin Laoshi be able to get up tomorrow?¡± Lin Ze didn¡¯t answer that and looked back, signalling that they shouldn¡¯t discuss that in front of Jin Weicheng.


    Jin Weicheng had drunk quite a bit but definitely not as much as Situ Ye. Situ Ye tossed Yu Hao a cunning look, meaning ¡®power level 5 weakling¡®. Yu Hao realised that this Lady Boss of his was really too interesting and easily bore grudges since he remembered the words ¡®raised by the rich¡¯ for so long. Today, Situ Ye accepted all the drinks that were for Lin Ze and Yu Hao, but he just refused to help Jin Weicheng block his drinks, resulting in Jin Weicheng¡¯s extreme discomfort from drinking so much.


    ¡°I can.¡± Jin Weicheng was thoroughly exhausted, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine after I sleep.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sing a song too to entertain everyone too.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°I can¡¯t let our Xiao Yu sing in vain, listen up ¡ª¡ª one, two, three, up! Huba, huba! Huba! Huba!¡±


    Lin Ze, who sat in the passenger seat, seemed to have known what Situ Ye wanted to sing, so he immediately started singing along with him in a lilting voice.


    ¡°Daban City¡¯s stone roads are hard and even na, watermelons are big and sweet, girls from there have long braids¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hahahahaha!¡±


    ¡°Those eyes are really pretty ¡ª¡ª¡± Situ Ye and Lin Ze started jumping on the car.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to marry someone, don¡¯t marry someone else, you must marry me. Bring your dowry, sing your song, come in the carriage to me¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao started singing aloud in the car as well, and the Didi driver sang with them too. They were just like a bunch of lunatics.


    The car arrived at the bottom of Yu Hao¡¯s apartment.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you up?¡± Lin Ze said.


    After Yu Hao finished singing, his urge to puke grew even stronger. He said weakly, ¡°I¡¯ll be fine on my own. Jin Laoshi, I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡±


    Jin Weicheng was already asleep.


    After Yu Hao got home, he felt like his cold had gotten a little worse. He wanted to vomit, but he couldn¡¯t. He opened up his laptop since he wanted to finish writing his review and send it to Lin Ze. After doing that, he wouldn¡¯t need to take his laptop with him when he goes out for an interview tomorrow. That way, it wouldn¡¯t be easily stolen either.


    He forced himself to tolerate the discomfort from his cold and typed in a few sentences, but he really couldn¡¯t hold on any longer and set an alarm for 6am. He¡¯d wake up in the morning to finish his review. If he slept now, he¡¯d still have 6 hours of sleep, and he¡¯ll just pack up tomorrow morning ba.


    Yu Hao felt like dying. He hadn¡¯t fallen this gravely ill in several years. He took his medication again and slept muddle headed for a while. The fever medication couldn¡¯t suppress it, and he started burning up again in the middle of the night.


    At 2am, Yu Hao saw a video call from Zhou Sheng. He groped around for his phone and accepted it.


    He had no energy left to turn on the light, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s side was very bright.


    ¡°Wife?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You haven¡¯t slept? You don¡¯t need to go to work tomorrow ba?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m dying.¡± Yu Hao said with a fever, ¡°I don¡¯t think I can make it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m so tired.¡± Yu Hao lay in bed, and after repressing his emotions for so long, he finally collapsed, ¡°I feel so useless.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Baby, how much did you drink? Didn¡¯t someone help you? Turn on the light, let me take a look? What¡¯s going on? Turn on the light!¡±


    ¡°I feel so terrible.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m so hungry, but I can¡¯t eat anything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll get Kaikai to go see you now.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡­I look too terrible. I still need to go out for interviews with Laoshi tomorrow, it¡¯ll be an eleven-hour ride on a hard seat. I¡¯m running out of money, transfer me some ba, 1000 is enough¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao suddenly flipped over and finally vomited.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything for a long time and just breathed deeply, ¡°Turn on the light ah! What¡¯s the matter with you! There¡¯s a card in one of your bag¡¯s pockets¡­¡­didn¡¯t you see it? Spend the money in it!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep for a bit.¡± Yu hao closed his eyes, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to you again in the morning. I¡¯m getting up in the morning to write a review. A Notice of Criticism for the entire company. I can¡¯t hold on anymore, I can¡¯t. The time we spent together was so great, I feel like the me then really didn¡¯t know how¡­¡­to be content. I just knew how to torment you, I¡¯m sorry¡­¡­my phone¡¯s about to run out of battery¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao felt much better right after vomiting and didn¡¯t want to clean it up.


    His phone ran out of battery and automatically shut down.


    Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t changed his clothes yet, and his hair was a complete mess as he stood in the living room of their rented house. He sent Yu Hao another WeChat message, no reply. He texted Lin Ze, but he didn¡¯t reply either. Situ Ye replied and answered:¡¾He didn¡¯t drink much, but he has a bit of a cold. He still seemed quite okay when he got out of the car just now.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Did he take cephalosporin?¡¿


    Situ Ye:¡¾He didn¡¯t, don¡¯t worry, I saw the medication he bought before dinner.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng had almost been frightened to death. He quickly thanked him. Situ Ye:¡¾He¡¯s under quite a lot of pressure at work, but he¡¯ll get better. Doesn¡¯t he usually talk to you about it? I see you two video chat each other quite often.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾He didn¡¯t, alright I got it.¡¿


    Situ Ye replied:¡¾Never mind, give me half an hour. I¡¯ll go over right now.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng sat on the sofa and waited. At 3.30am, Yu Hao¡¯s roommate opened the door. Situ Ye started a video call, turned on the lights, and let Zhou Sheng see Yu Hao.


    The room was a mess; books and papers brought back from the newspaper office were strewn all over the floor. Yu Hao had vomited quite a bit next to the bed. He hadn¡¯t even taken his clothes off as he lay curled up at the edge of the bed. The heating was on; it was so hot that he didn¡¯t cover himself with a blanket, and he was so skinny he looked like a stray cat that had just been picked up from the streets. Situ Ye cleaned up the vomit on the floor, washed the mop, and touched Yu Hao¡¯s forehead. He said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a fever, and he¡¯s sleeping, do you want me to wake him up?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t, let him sleep.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Thank you, thank you so much.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: awww poor Haohao. ZS, go take care of your man! And get him a better apartment!

 Chapter 125.1 - Undercover Investigation

    After Situ Ye turned off the video call, Zhou Sheng immediately took a bag and stuffed clothes into it. Once he was finished packing, he sat on the sofa for awhile in a daze, counting as the second hand on the clock ticked by, then looked at his phone. 5:40. He went downstairs to hail a cab but returned just a moment later, rummaged through to find the Golden Crow Wheel and stuffed it into his bag, then went straight to the airport and left.


    At six o¡¯clock in the morning, Yu Hao turned off his alarm and climbed up with great difficulty. His illness had miraculously cleared up again.


    His vitality was like a stubborn weed ¡ª it would always be able to withstand any violent storm it experiences. He couldn¡¯t remember clearly what had happened last night. Yu Hao charged his phone and vaguely recall puking and saw some traces beside his bed, but it had been cleaned up.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao looked around him, then staggered away to take a bath. After he was done, he finished writing his review and sent it to Lin Ze. He turned on his phone to find that Zhou Sheng had started a video call with him last night, and there was a transfer of 20,000 to his WeChat account below.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There¡¯s money! There¡¯s money! Yu Hao was instantly overjoyed, and his morale maxed out. What self-esteem? What stubbornness? None of it was important anymore! But where did Zhou Sheng get all this money from? His salary? Oh well, this should be enough to last him until the end of December.


    Yu Hao texted Zhou Sheng, no reply. Called him, his phone was off. He was probably tired last night, so let him rest for a few days ba. There was a thick down jacket in the box for winter. Before setting off to Beijing, Yu Hao had even thought that Zhou Sheng had stuffed in too many, but it was just perfect for his trip now.


    Yu Hao saw a convenience store lunch and a bottle of Vitamin C drink on the table. His roommate said, ¡°Your friend came to visit you last night, he brought those for you.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Situ Ye was really too great. It wasn¡¯t easy being a Lady Boss, he even had to help his subordinates clean up. After eating this breakfast, he came back to life.


    At 8:15am, Yu Hao met up with Jin Weicheng outside the railway station.


    ¡°That jacket must be very expensive ba.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    ¡°This is the only one I have.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Jin Weicheng casually tugged on Yu Hao¡¯s jacket to check, ¡°If you wear such a fashionable jacket for interviews, it¡¯ll attract too much attention.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can turn this jacket inside out to wear, it¡¯s double-sided. The reverse side is black.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that shouldn¡¯t be a problem anymore ba, and Jin Weicheng had to stop commenting. They got on the train-car. Yu Hao bought a hard bunk and his Laoshi had to sleep on the lower bunk. Of course, he climbed onto the middle bunk to lie down.


    ¡°Come down for a chat.¡± Jin Weicheng knocked on the middle bunk, ¡°Don¡¯t sleep. You¡¯re such a young chap, but you can¡¯t even match up to the vigour of a middle-aged man like me.¡±


    Yu Hao was texting Zhou Sheng. It seemed he actually still hadn¡¯t woken up yet, looks like he really was very tired last night. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t any better himself. He wanted to rest, but Jin Weicheng called him, so he had to go down and chat with the opposite bunk. Jin Weicheng¡¯s words had hidden implications, where he used gossip in order to dig information out of the other party. He asked where the other person was getting off and how the environment was like recently. Yu Hao listened for a while and thought that Jin Weicheng was teaching him at first, but he realised that something was off because the opposite bunk was an aunt who didn¡¯t want to talk to Jin Weicheng at all. When she saw Yu Hao, she began asking him this and that enthusiastically, asked if he was married or not, and told Yu Hao to visit her house, and she would introduce her daughter to him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Zhou Sheng was at Beijing¡¯s airport. As soon as his flight landed, and he got signal, he immediately called Yu Hao.


    ¡°Crossing through a tunnel!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°No signal! I¡¯ll call you when I get off the train. Where did you get the money from?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°My salary!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°So much?!¡±


    The call got cut. Zhou Sheng looked very irritated. He hadn¡¯t slept for more than 4 hours in total for the past two days.


    Zhou Laichun called Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you come to work today?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I worked like a dog for you for three months, but you still arranged a blind date for me in the end? Fuck your mother, I¡¯m blacklisting you. We¡¯ll walk our separate ways from now on, don¡¯t look for me anymore. Laozi will just treat it as if I never gave birth to a bastard son like you.¡±


    Afterwards, he blacklisted Zhou Laichun and hailed a cab. After he got in the car, he called administration.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Umm, Director Bai, it¡¯s like this. I¡¯m handing in my naked resignation today. It¡¯s not like I signed a labour contract with the company anyway. As for the stuff on my desk, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to find someone to collect it. I¡¯d like to thank everyone for their care during the past few months. We¡¯ll still be good brothers in our next life!¡±


    On the other end of the phone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng rolled down the car window and took a deep breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s a hazy day.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°It¡¯s a hazy day.¡± The driver said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The air in Beijing is great, I¡¯ve never liked Beijing as much as I do now.¡±


    Driver, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng extended his head out of the window and shouted, ¡°I love you! Beijing!¡±


    Driver, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Two hours later, Zhou Sheng looked furiously at the traffic jam outside Third Ring road.


    ¡°Do you still love Beijing?¡± The driver asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I want to run over.¡±


    Driver, ¡°There¡¯s still 21km to go, it¡¯ll be just nice for a half marathon.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Forget it if I run anymore I might just collapse and die. Hurry and move aaaaaaahhhhhhhh!!!!!!¡±


    Three hours later, Zhou Sheng kicked open the door to the big office. The entire editorial department fell silent at once and looked at Zhou Sheng together.


    ¡°Ai! What are you doing!¡± The aunt at the front desk came chasing after him and shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll call security!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I came to the wrong place.¡± Zhou Sheng closed the door, ¡°Please continue with your work.¡±


    ¡°The investigative reporter team is over there!¡± The aunt said angrily.


    Zhou Sheng kicked open the door to the other office again. Lin Ze was taking an afternoon nap with one arm over Situ Ye and was immediately startled awake. Situ Ye held up his camera and calmly took a photo of Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Stop taking photos!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°I didn¡¯t sleep all night, just got off the plane.¡±


    ¡°Yo! Young lad! You came real quick.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Would you like some cake? It¡¯s the real deal, I don¡¯t cheat the young or the old! I guarantee I won¡¯t use the knife to stab you!¡±


    Lin Ze shrugged. Situ Ye counted three notes of hundred yuan bills and placed it in Situ Ye¡¯s hand.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Your wife went for interviews with Jin Laoshi. Dear guest, will you be staying in our hotel? Or are you just here for a short stopover?¡±


    Zhou Sheng stepped on the desk with one foot, ¡°Are you guys still hiring? I¡¯ll be a pretty good investigative reporter, consider me a little ba.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°We forbid office romances.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You think I believe you?! The two of you are having an office romance yourselves!¡±


    ¡°We are both very serious,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°We¡¯ve never cuddled or gotten intimate in the office!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then what did I just see? Do you think I¡¯m blind?!¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°We were in the midst of a serious discussion. We can¡¯t do this job anymore, and it would probably be better to change professions and become pimps. Didn¡¯t you see? We were practicing.¡±


    Lin Ze explained patiently, ¡°Yu Hao works in the newspaper office, and if there are any problems with interviews he can¡¯t resolve, he would find you, and you¡¯d definitely follow along. In that case, it¡¯s equivalent to us hiring two people with the wages of one. With the remaining salary we save on, we can hire another editor instead. Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s how it works?¡±


    ¡°That does make sense.¡± Zhou Sheng nodded.


    Situ Ye nodded at Zhou Sheng too, ¡°Learn a little.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡±¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was buzzing again. As soon as the dining cart came, they bought food to eat, but he didn¡¯t have a very good appetite. Jin Weicheng was chatting endlessly and told the opposite bunk¡¯s aunt that Yu Hao was his nephew who was going to Guangxian and wanted to sell water purifiers along the way. As he spoke, he actually took out a water purifier with a faucet installed from his bag, and started showing everyone how to purify water on the spot. The people around them were all startled into a daze.


    Yu Hao was dumbstruck, when did he prepare that? It looked like he had casually bought it from a hardware store, yet he even had various models. There were four water purifiers of varying specifications in a wooden box, making it seem much more high-end.


    Jin Weicheng maxed out his firepower and talked with a glib tongue, so the aunt said, ¡°Ai that¡¯s good stuff, how much does one cost?¡±


    Everyone began passing the water purifier around to take a look. Jin Weicheng asked the other party to pay for the water purifier first and leave an address behind, then he would send one to them later on. He even patted his chest to ask the rest to believe in his character and reputation, but everyone just treated him as a swindler. He couldn¡¯t continue bluffing them, so it ended.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Where did you get these from?¡± Yu Hao asked Jin Weicheng.


    ¡°Picked up the box from a garbage dump at the railway station.¡± Jin Weicheng explained, ¡°The two faucets were twisted off from the back of the lounge, while the other two were bought from a hardware store. It¡¯s not like I really wanted to sell it to them, just needed to get some information out of them.¡±


    Yu Hao had learnt a trick. At night, he picked up his bag and got off the train with Jin Weicheng. They arrived at their destination, a prefecture-level city, and now they had to take a bus to the county-level city.


    ¡°Do you remember the place they talked about?¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    ¡°I do.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The area around Fuyao River suffers from the worst pollution.¡±


    They went to the bus station, Yu Hao bought tickets. It was really too cold here; the temperature dropped to near zero degrees after night fell, and it was so cold that he started shivering uncontrollably. Jin Weicheng also shuddered as he stood. Yu Hao bought a bottle of Erguotou for him to drink and warm his body. He freed some time to look at his phone while they waited at the bus station. His portable charger and phone were almost out of battery.


    Jin Weicheng¡¯s phone with a cracked screen was practically a monster that ate up energy. As long as he went out for interviews with Jin Weicheng, his phone would be able to devour the power of at least a dozen portable chargers. Yu Hao was always on edge as he hoped that his phone would be able to hold on for just a little longer. His chargers really couldn¡¯t stand Jin Weicheng anymore, so Situ Ye bought a portable charger for Jin Weicheng out of his own pockets.


    But in the end, Yu Hao realised that Jin Weicheng was using Yu Hao¡¯s portable charger to charge his own portable charger and finally went nuts. He decided to bring along another one for him.


    This Jin Laoshi was the perfect example of the proverbs ¡°no one is perfect¡± and ¡°everyone has a defect¡± to Yu Hao. His professional competence was stronger than that of Lin Ze, but he could be very irritating sometimes, yet at other times, people wouldn¡¯t even be able to get annoyed at him.


    ¡°The weather¡¯s really too cold.¡± Yu Hao held a heating pad. When they arrived at the county town, it was already the afternoon of the next day, ¡°Let¡¯s find a place to stay at first ba.¡±


    Jin Weicheng was slightly surprised. When they conducted interviews in Beijing, Yu Hao arranged everything pretty well, but that was in the big city. He didn¡¯t expect that after coming to an unfamiliar place, Yu Hao seemed to still understand how to deal with people very well. When he was looking for lodgings, he surveyed the surroundings first and even took a look behind the three-storey hotel.


    ¡°Who taught you?¡± Jin Weicheng asked.


    ¡°Ah Ze.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°When coming out for interviews, he said to pay attention to a hotel where it would be convenient for escaping.¡±

 Chapter 125.2 - Undercover Investigation

    When Yu Hao was revising manuscripts in the office, Lin Ze gave him a lot of advice about the troubles one would encounter when interviewing people. Yu Hao would casually write them down while he listened, but most of the situations were just theoretical. Whether or not he could smoothly solve an unexpected situation was still a problem.


    ¡°Do we eat?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Are we going to make a move at night?¡±


    Jin Weicheng realised that Lin Ze did intend to nurture this intern properly, so he nodded slightly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll look around at night.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    Yu Hao showed Jin Weicheng a printed map, where marks had been made of the locations of the county government, battery plant, hospital, and so on. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll go to the hospital at night. You¡¯re in charge of taking photos, so be careful with your camera.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll pretend to have eaten something wrong and get emergency treatment, then no one would suspect anything.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea, I¡¯ll have to trouble you then.¡±


    The lodging Yu Hao chose was located in the center of the county. There was a hospital and government agency nearby, as well as the largest supermarket in the county. Yu Hao and Jin Weicheng had dinner near the People¡¯s Hospital and began complaining of a stomach ache. Jin Weicheng immediately sent Yu Hao to the hospital for emergency treatment. There was only one doctor on duty in the local hospital, who had a very strong accent when he spoke in Mandarin. Yu Hao¡¯s face was ghastly pale, and he lay sprawled on the table as he groaned. Jin Weicheng kept rubbing his hands at one side.


    ¡°Are you two not locals?¡± The doctor on duty asked.


    Jin Weicheng told him that this was his nephew, who was here to sell water purifiers. The doctor said, ¡°Why did you only come after his condition deteriorated so much? There¡¯s inflammation, get him on a drip ba.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s cold hadn¡¯t completely recovered in the first place; he didn¡¯t expect to get treated in passing. The doctor said, ¡°It¡¯s gastroenteritis caused by a cold, he¡¯ll be fine after the inflammation is alleviated.¡± So he asked Yu Hao to get on an IV. Jin Weicheng looked at the medication, which was an anti-inflammatory drug. He asked Yu Hao, ¡°You wanna get a shot?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know what to do either.


    ¡°He¡¯s already this sick! It might develop into pneumonia!¡± The doctor said.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Are there any beds? We just arrived, so let him stay overnight? Then you can help us save on some hotel money.¡±


    Doctor, ¡°We only have one bed free, but the two of you have to leave tomorrow morning right after your IV. We don¡¯t have anymore beds left.¡±


    Yu Hao pretended to be absolutely exhausted. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s fake illness had turned into a real one, so he had to obediently get a shot.


    Yu Hao called Zhou Sheng, but the signal at the other side was intermittent as well.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Turn on the video. Wife, where are you?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare turn on the video. He was afraid that after seeing him at the hospital, Zhou Sheng would worry for nothing, so he typed a message to say that he had already arrived at a hotel in Guangxian.


    The nurse came over to get Yu Hao on an IV and asked what they were doing. Jin Weicheng answered honestly and guarded Yu Hao in the ward. As soon as the nurse left, Jin Weicheng went to flip through the medical records of the other people in the ward and took his phone out to take photos.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    ¡°The IV will probably be done in half an hour.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°Laoshi go through the emergency exit. Don¡¯t enter the lift, someone might bump into you, so pretend to go to the toilet.¡±


    Jin Weicheng uttered an ¡°un¡°. The IV was inserted into Yu Hao¡¯s left hand. After the nurse left, he got up to go uncover the sheets of the patients in the adjacent ward. With his earphones on, he dialled Jin Weicheng¡¯s number.


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°My phone¡¯s running out of battery. Ring the bell to call the doctor over and stall him for fifteen minutes. I¡¯ll go into his office to take a look.¡±


    Yu Hao rang the bell to call the doctor. The nurses and doctor came. Yu Hao groaned, ¡°Am I allergic to this medication¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± The doctor said, ¡°How could you be allergic to this?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m so cold.¡± Yu Hao groaned.


    ¡°It¡¯s infusing too rapidly.¡± The doctor said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch it! Why did you adjust it to such a rapid rate? Are you crazy!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh yeah¡­¡­¡±


    Doctor, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    There wasn¡¯t any problem with that logic. Yu Hao kept making a ruckus and pulled on the doctor¡¯s white coat to not let him leave.


    Jin Weicheng entered the doctor¡¯s office. The computer was still on. He immediately took out the micro camera Lin Ze distributed and began taking photos of the medical records on the monitor screen.


    ¡°If only I could record videos.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°But unfortunately we don¡¯t have a video recorder.¡± Then he clicked on the ¡®return to previous page¡¯ button on the medical records page, and an abbreviated table popped up. There were hundreds of names on it, hospitalization times, and overviews of the patients¡¯ conditions. He scrolled down with his left hand on the mouse while he held a camera with his right, and took more than ten pictures in a row.


    ¡°They¡¯re going back.¡± Yu Hao said through his earphones.


    ¡°Stall them for a little longer.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I can¡¯t, I¡¯ve already tried my best¡­¡­¡±


    Jin Weicheng clicked open the medical records of a few patients at random and took some pictures of the screen, then darted out. After waiting for a while, the doctor and nurses hadn¡¯t returned. Jin Weicheng felt dissatisfied and wanted to go in again to take more pictures, but the doctor now finally came back, so he had to give up on that thought for now.


    Yu Hao was on an IV for half an hour, and it was really effective. He felt much better now. He thought that it was more or less okay, so he took the needle out and went to look at the patients in front of his bed one by one without making a sound.


    Most of the patients were asleep and were surrounded by a screen. Yu Hao saw an old lady with a larynx tube. He took her medical records for a look. The doctor¡¯s words were like scrawls, but he could discern the word ¡®poisoning¡¯, and the word ¡®poisoning¡¯ was preceded by a chemical element symbol.


    Yu Hao placed the medical record within the range of his lens, then took a photo of both the record and the patient together. Jin Weicheng said, I¡¯ll go look for those undergoing kidney dialysis.¡±


    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be anyone now ba.¡± Yu Hao said softly and started taking photos one by one. He really wished that he had a video recorder right now.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°There are, they¡¯re still queuing. Go take a look in the office and take your recording pen out.¡±


    After Yu Hao finished a round of photo taking, he slung his bag over his shoulder and took his recording pen out, ¡°What do I record?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Judge for yourself.¡±


    ¡°Where is this¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao ran towards the door at the end of the corridor and almost shouted ¡®what the fuck is this a morgue¡¯¡­¡­and immediately hurried up the stairs. He heard a woman screaming, so he took his recording pen out and approached, oh¡­¡­someone¡¯s giving birth.


    The pregnant woman was pushed across a corridor by a nurse and into the delivery room. She flung her hand everywhere to grab at anything in sight and instantly grabbed onto Yu Hao¡¯s wrist.


    ¡°Family members wait outside!¡± The nurse said, ¡°Don¡¯t go inside!¡±


    Yu Hao and the pregnant lady looked at each other when his wrist was grabbed by her, and he was immediately scared witless. With fear in her eyes, she clutched onto Yu Hao tightly and left a few deep, red imprints on his wrist. She shouted a few words and didn¡¯t seem to have been speaking in the local dialect. The nurse pried her fingers open, and the pregnant lady suddenly started shouting again. She wailed as she shouted and got pushed away.


    Yu Hao went downstairs again and looked for the office. He wanted to see if there was any useful information.


    ¡°Who are you looking for¡± The nurse asked unhappily, seeing Yu Hao peeking in and out of the office.


    ¡°Ah! I¡¯m looking for the doctor!¡± Yu Hao tucked the recording pen in his sleeve, ¡°I won¡¯t finish the rest of the IV, I want to leave.¡±


    ¡°You weren¡¯t even on the IV for that long.¡± The nurse said, ¡°You haven¡¯t finished a bottle yet.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m much better now.¡±


    The doctor came out too, ¡°No, go back and finish it!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m scared! What if someone suddenly dies in that ward¡­¡­¡±


    Doctor, ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The one on the bed beside me was too scary, what happened to him? Did he get poisoned? Why was his complexion so green?¡±


    The doctor said roughly, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business!¡±


    Yu Hao repeatedly said that he wouldn¡¯t continue with his IV, so the doctor couldn¡¯t force him. Yu Hao carried his bag as he left and waited for Jin Weicheng at the hospital entrance. He didn¡¯t know why he had a nagging sensation that something was wrong. Jin Weicheng came down, Yu Hao said, ¡°Give me a moment¡­¡­there¡¯s something else I need to do.¡±


    As he spoke, he ran to the obstetrics and gynecology department and saw a family waiting outside. The doctor and midwives on duty in the office went into the delivery room to help deliver the baby. Yu Hao flipped through the  half written medical records on the table and took a photo of the pregnant lady¡¯s name and her home address while his heart thumped wildly.


    ¡°Are you done?¡± Jin Weicheng said through his earphones.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hold on.¡±  Then he began rummaging through the files in the folder. He found a form with an inch-long photo, looked down, and it was a village in the outskirts of Guangxian. He took another photo. After verifying the name, just as he was about to put the form back, he was silent for a moment before he folded the paper and took it away.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the public bath to wash up.¡± Jin Weicheng rubbed his fingers to signal to Yu Hao to give him some money, ¡°And get some information along the way. Will you go?¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯ll go back to the hotel.¡±


    He needed to hurry back to sort out the photos on hand and charge everything. When he returned to the hotel, Yu Hao passed by a small shop and an idea struck him. He then bought six meat floss buns and stuffed them into his bag.


    After returning to his room, Yu Hao took a bath and came out to check all his electronic devices. Apple phones would automatically shut down whenever it was too hot or too cold, that was one of its really annoying points.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Sleeping?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I¡¯m in the hotel.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng turned on the video. While Yu Hao turned on his camera to send pictures to his phone through Bluetooth, he transferred it to the cloud for a backup as well to avoid any problems. That was something Situ Ye taught him. Boss taught him how to interview and fool people, while Lady Boss taught him composition techniques, taking sneak shots, and other photography skills. Yu Hao had unknowingly obtained the teachings handed down by both Lin Ze and Situ Ye.


    ¡°I was so nervous just now¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao was really incredibly nervous when he took photos in the hospital, but after he started talking he immediately stopped. ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng had really bad signal on his side, it was intermittent, like he was on some car.


    ¡°Where are you going tomorrow?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be investigating around the periphery of the plant tomorrow.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Laoshi went to the public bath.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Oh? He went to get a massage?¡¯


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to care about other people¡¯s affairs so much.¡±


    Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°Which plant?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Guangxian battery plant.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice carried a hint of a smile, ¡°My baby¡¯s pretty high-spirited ah.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You too ba? You¡¯re in a good mood right?¡¯


    Zhou Sheng whistled, ¡°Of course I am.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are you in such a good mood?¡¯


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Young Master won¡¯t tell you.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. It was pitch dark on the other side, and all he could see was the blurred outline of Zhou Sheng¡¯s side profile. He was probably on a car after work, ¡°Go back earlier and take a bath. We¡¯ll meet in a few days.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°You sleep earlier too.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Yaaay, Haohao gets to be a real reporter now. Also ZS interacting with STY and LZ was great.

 Chapter 126.1 - Helping Him Get Out of Trouble

    Yu Hao made a backup of all the photos and texted Situ Ye to tell him that the photos were all on the cloud now and asked him to view them himself. The office had a shared cloud drive that Lin Ze had applied for. Although Jin Weicheng didn¡¯t agree with this type of work method and preferred submitting the photos with the manuscripts, he couldn¡¯t make Lin Ze change his mind.


    After all, the memory card is a reporter¡¯s second life. After Lin Ze finished buying furniture that day, he threw a camera memory card into his desk drawer ¡ª¡ª so that under any circumstances after they were seized, it could be collected and used on-demand.


    ¡°We¡¯re different from other reporters,¡± Lin Ze once said, ¡°We need to be very careful of the cops. As long as the other party doesn¡¯t have a gun, we don¡¯t need to fear them, just run. Also, unless absolutely necessary, do not get invited for tea. As soon as you enter the station, your memory card will be gone.¡±


    Yu Hao always kept in mind the doctrine that ¡®the memory card is a reporter¡¯s second life¡¯. As soon as he had the time and the Internet, he would find a way to backup his information in the cloud.


    Lin Ze wore short sleeves, underpants, and flip-flops as he scrutinised the photos Yu Hao uploaded at home.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Lin Ze turned his head sideways and looked at the pregnant lady¡¯s medical record and form.


    Situ Ye held a cup of warm milk and drank as he clicked the mouse. He selected the image, rotated it 90 degrees, enlarged it and pulled it onto the photograph.


    ¡°Holy shit.¡± Lin Ze laughed. He switched to the next one, looked at the medical record, then at the form, and kept switching between the two, ¡°This kid¡¯s intuition is amazing.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°He can¡¯t have uncovered a human trafficking case ba, do we report it to the police?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Let me take a look. The home address isn¡¯t complete, there¡¯s no more after the village. Fortunately there¡¯s a contact number. We¡¯d need to find those at the top in the Guangxian Municipal Bureau and check this number.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°You¡¯d better confirm it first.¡±


    Lin Ze wanted to call Yu Hao. He took his phone, looked at the time, and hesitated.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell them tomorrow.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Don¡¯t wanna hold them up now.¡±


    When Yu Hao woke up, it was snowing outside. The first snow in the North came so early this year. The Siberian cold current whistled down Inner Mongolia, sweeping through the whole northern lands. Jin Weicheng didn¡¯t return for the night. Yu Hao got nervous and called him; he had actually fallen asleep in the bathhouse.


    Yu Hao rummaged around for the meat floss bun he bought yesterday and ate one. He turned on the TV to watch the weather forecast; there would be heavy snowfall  in North China today, but this snow didn¡¯t seem too heavy.


    ¡°Check out first and take some pictures of the hospital entrance.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll set off at 10 o¡¯clock and go to the village for an interview first, We¡¯ll go to the processing plant in the afternoon. I¡¯ve already contacted the petitioners.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°. After finishing his breakfast, he checked out of the hotel, then made his way to a cafe. He wanted to take another photo of Guangxian People¡¯s Hospital in the daytime. He wore his fur cap, and when he walked by the road, he suddenly had a strange sensation ¡ª¡ª across the road, someone was watching him.


    Yu Hao decided not to take this camera out first; later on, this move of his would prove to have helped him successfully avoid a series of troubles. He sat down in the cafe and started using his phone. The two who were watching him from afar pushed open the door and came in.


    ¡°Where are you from?¡± One of them asked, ¡°Show us your ID.¡±


    One of them sat opposite Yu Hao, while the other sat next to him. Yu Hao immediately realised: plain clothes.


    Yu Hao looked at them doubtfully, took out his ID card, and showed them his student card as well.


    ¡°Huazhong Institute of Education Psychology Department?¡± The plain clothes said, ¡°What are you doing all the way out here?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here to find my girlfriend.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°She wants to break up with me.¡±


    ¡°Where does your girlfriend live?¡± Plain clothes asked again.


    Yu Hao remembered the aunt who desperately tried to arrange a blind date for him on the train¡¯s bunk and immediately reported the address near her home. He couldn¡¯t remember which building or unit it was exactly, but he remembered that her family had three houses and was part of a demolition household.


    The information matched up. The plain clothes returned him his ID and student card and didn¡¯t ask anymore questions, then left.


    Yu Hao heaved a sigh of relief. He took his camera out, and after he determined it was safe, took a picture while he was still in the cafe. This camera was too awesome ¡ª once he adjusted the lens, everything would become clear no matter how far away it was. He couldn¡¯t help but rejoice that Zhou Sheng had bought him this camera, otherwise, if he took a micro camera to the hospital entrance for a photo, he would be caught by plain clothes every minute.


    ¡°There are plain clothes.¡± Yu Hao called Jin Weicheng, ¡°Laoshi, be careful.¡±


    ¡°The one who got a foot massage with me last night was a plain clothes.¡± Jin Weicheng motioned to Yu Hao from outside, ¡°It¡¯s okay, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jin Weicheng and Yu Hao left the county first and hitched a ride to the village. The land here was already polluted by waste containing lead and cadmium. There was a river behind the village. Jin Weicheng took a recording pen and looked for people on their way to the address he had, and went to the home of the petitioner for an interview.


    The petitioner had already been taken to the county town for questioning, and no one knew when they would be released. Jin Weicheng told them where he was from, and the other party let them in.


    Yu Hao heard incessant coughing from the inside and went to look at the patient ¡ª there were two patients in the family who were suffering from chronic cadmium poisoning, one was old while the other was young. The father and son pair lay in bed, and they used to work in the battery plant.


    ¡°Can I take photos?¡± Yu Hao asked Jin Weicheng, who was recording with his pen.


    Jin Weicheng motioned for him to take photos, so Yu Hao went in to take a few. He took a photo of the interviewee, who was an old woman in her seventies.


    Jin Weicheng pointed to the outside. Yu Hao took his camera and left the house, then went to the village to take photos of the surroundings, and then took pictures of the river behind the village. The daughter-in-law of a family was washing clothes by the river. The weather was bitterly cold, and her frozen hands were red through and through. When she saw Yu Hao kneeling on the roof to find a view, she stood up and wiped her hands on her apron, looking as if she wanted to say something.


    ¡°Ai!¡± That woman called two men over and called out to Yu Hao in dialect.


    Yu Hao made a ¡®shh¡¯ gesture. If possible, he didn¡¯t want to startle anyone, but the village was full of people so he couldn¡¯t avoid it.


    The other party was very enthusiastic and kept waving at him, asking him to come down to drink some ginger soup to warm himself up. She asked him all kinds of questions, and asked if he was a reporter. Yu Hao understood her, but he answered, ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°My sis-in-law said that she wanted to ask you to report on your family¡¯s situation!¡± A young girl who knew how to speak Mandarin came over, ¡°Look at my big brother.¡±


    Yu Hao took a picture of her big brother and asked, ¡°Are you all employees of the battery plant?¡±


    ¡°They are.¡± The girl showed Yu Hao a work permit, as well as a compensation contract. Yu Hao said, ¡°Could you make a copy for me?¡±


    There was no photocopier in the village, so Yu Hao could only take pictures of the contract page by page. The villages packed red envelopes and stuffed them into Yu Hao¡¯s hands. Yu Hao didn¡¯t dare accept them of course, and went back to look for Jin Weicheng. Jin Weicheng had already finished his interview.


    ¡°We¡¯ll stay with them tonight.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Pack light to set off. We¡¯ll go to the plant first, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jin Weicheng didn¡¯t let anyone lead the way, so they walked to the battery plant that was two kilometers away.


    ¡°News of the petition has already travelled here.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°It¡¯ll be obvious with too many people.¡±


    The wind was so strong that Yu Hao¡¯s head was about to be blown off. He followed Jin Weicheng. The two of them observed the battery plant situated by the river.


    ¡°Climb in?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Jin Weicheng took out a telescope and looked into the battery plant. He said, ¡°Take note of the surroundings, don¡¯t get caught by the cops.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, there¡¯s nobody here.¡±


    They¡¯ve walked for quite a while from the bus stop. Their surroundings were bare, and the fields were deserted with only half-dead trees left behind. A gust of wind blew. Within a one-mile radius, there was nothing at a glance, except for the intermittent white smoke that curled out of the battery plant¡¯s chimney.


    Jin Weicheng muttered, ¡°The sewage is discharged at the back.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t know where the sewage treatment pond is.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s even anything like that.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Look, is that a cop?¡± As he spoke, he handed the telescope to Yu Hao, but what Yu Hao saw was a bridge on the other side.


    ¡°We can take photos from there.¡± Yu Hao said.


    So the two of them hurried over. Jin Weicheng would look through his telescope from time to time, as if they were thieves.


    ¡°Laoshi look out below!¡± Yu Hao said.


    They got on the bridge, Jin Weicheng took his mirrorless camera out to take photos, ¡°I can¡¯t, it¡¯s too far.¡±


    Yu Hao rotated his lens and instantly pushed it nearly 300 meters closer and let Jin Weicheng take a look. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Take it just like this!¡±


    The battery plant was discharging turbid sewage straight into the river. Yu Hao said, ¡°This angle isn¡¯t good. Laoshi, pull me¡­¡­¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°The wind is too strong, don¡¯t fall in.¡±


    The bridge was halfway through its repairs. Yu Hao let Jin Weicheng pull his backpack. He stepped on the outside of the steel frame with one foot and tilted his whole body over with his left foot as a pivot, and was suspended in midair beyond the bridge. Even Jin Weicheng, who has always had a lot of guts, couldn¡¯t help but break out in a cold sweat. He kept urging Yu Hao to hurry up. Yu Hao took several photos in succession, then they went round the river to take a picture of the front.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°If we can take a photo of their waste treatment workshop, those guys wouldn¡¯t be able to get away with anything.¡±


    Yu Hao observed the outer wall that was filled with glass, and it was truly quite difficult. But no plain clothes patrolled the side overlooking the river, most of the manpower had been assigned to the front gate.


    ¡°Let¡¯s try ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Jin Weicheng couldn¡¯t decide either, ¡°Try?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and handed his bag to Jin Weicheng. He took off his down jacket, ran a few steps onto the mound behind the wall, stepped onto the bare wall, and flung his down jacket out towards higher ground, hooking at the top. He forcefully tugged on the sleeve of his jacket, and his jacket hung on the broken glass at the top of the wall being slowly torn apart.


    Yu Hao kept kicking about with his feet and climbed up with a lot of difficulty. Jin Weicheng was so nervous his mouth was slightly agape. It was not until Yu Hao found stable footing at the top of the three-metre high wall and bent over before Jin Weicheng threw the bag up.


    Yu Hao carried the bag on his back, surveyed the interior beyond the wall, and everything was instantly quiet for.


    Below him lay a black mongrel dog that was about one metre-long.


    Jin Weicheng motioned to Yu Hao, who also motioned back to Jin Weicheng. He threw his down jacket down. Jin Weicheng tied his jacket and Yu Hao¡¯s together, then threw it back up. Yu Hao pulled Jin Weicheng up and dragged him onto the wall. Jin Weicheng had just managed to find a stable footing when the dog heard the noise and instantly looked up.


    Yu Hao was already prepared. With keen sight and deft hands, a meat floss bun flew over like a shooting star. That dog uttered an ¡°aowu¡± and jumped up, catching the bun in midair, then shook its tail and ran back to his nest to eat it.


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Hurry up and go!¡± He thought it was fortunate that it was just a mongrel and not a police dog.


    They quickly jumped over along the wall and landed on the second floor of a plant building. The workers were currently on their noon break. Yu Hao climbed down a fire escape and used his phone to take pictures of the emergency evacuation map. The two of them studied it for a while. Jin Weicheng pointed at the sewage treatment pond at the back, so the two hid behind the foot of the wall and quickly made their way over.


    Security in the plant was very weak, most of it was concentrated at the main entrance.


    Why aren¡¯t there even a few security guards? Yu Hao thought. But normally, no one would think that there would be two fucking idiotic reporters who would actually climb over the wall and enter from the riverside¡­¡­


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°We reacted too quickly. The petitioners came to us the day before yesterday, yet we¡¯ve already arrived today.¡±


    Jin Weicheng suddenly bumped into another mongrel , and Yu Hao immediately threw out another meat floss bun to make it leave.


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Phew¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Phew¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao quietly climbed up the ladder, and the worker¡¯s dormitory was behind them while the open air treatment pond was outside. When he took photos, he had one foot on the building while his other was balanced on the fire escape ladder. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Definitely do not fall down, there¡¯s sulfuric acid down there.¡±


    Yu Hao only found out after he finished taking photos, and fortunately Jin Weicheng didn¡¯t tell him at the start, otherwise he would have surely trembled.


    ¡°Can you take a photo of the front gate?¡± Jin Weicheng asked.


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There are plain clothes outside.¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Take one from afar then. Your camera¡¯s good, just zoom in all the way.¡±


    Yu Hao found another place where they could climb over the wall and vaulted right over with one foot. Jin Weicheng slipped and stepped into a puddle of mud.


    ¡°Come on.¡± Yu Hao pulled Jin Weicheng up; he¡¯ll just wash up after getting back. After they withdrew safely, both of them heaved a sigh of relief.

 Chapter 126.2 - Helping Him Get Out of Trouble

    Back in the village, they lived in the petitioner¡¯s house. It was 3pm, and it began to snow outside.


    Yu Hao tapped on his camera and transferred photos. The signal here was really bad. With two unconscious patients and an old lady, he couldn¡¯t get the WIFI password out of them either, so he had to make do with the transfer speed.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to the village and continue asking about the situation.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll be going door to door, gathering statistics on the number of deaths, you¡¯re in charge of sending the pictures back.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Laoshi, beware of the village committee.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at his phone. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t text him, did he sleep for the entire day?


    After he was roughly done with the interview, Yu Hao suddenly felt a lot more relaxed.


    ¡¾Piggy, get up.¡¿Yu Hao,¡¾It¡¯s already 3pm.¡¿


    Yu Hao waited for the photos to transfer. Lin Ze sent him a picture of the pregnant lady¡¯s medical record that he had taken yesterday.


    Lin Ze:¡¾Are you sure?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾No.¡¿


    Lin Ze:¡¾I¡¯ve alerted the police and reported it to their provincial office for further investigation.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾They¡¯ll care?! Why did I hear that a lot of villages are colluding and wouldn¡¯t allow any investigation.¡¿


    Lin Ze:¡¾Of course they will. So many human trafficking cases had been exposed in recent years, every region worries about it a lot. As long as you encounter one and report it to the provincial office immediately, they¡¯ll definitely care. Don¡¯t worry, how¡¯s progress on your side?¡¿


    Yu Hao thought that it was a good thing for the media to pursue hot topics with great fanfare. At the very least, now they were afraid that something would happen that could affect their political achievements, so at the first sign of trouble they would rather kill the wrong person than let one criminal escape as they demanded a thorough investigation of all cases.


    Yu Hao:¡¾We¡¯ve taken all of the photos, Laoshi went to gather more data for the investigation.¡¿


    According to the usual interview process, the last stage was the most important one, which was data. Yesterday, Jin Weicheng took photos of the patient¡¯s medical records and obtained their first set of data. Next, he started aggregating data within each village.


    There were four villages in total, and he interviewed them one by one. If he was quick, they would be able to finish everything by tomorrow and go back.


    Yu Hao:¡¾It wasn¡¯t as dangerous as you said it would be, everything went pretty smoothly.¡¿


    Lin Ze:¡¾Oh right, there¡¯s one more very important skill that I forgot to teach you.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾?¡¿


    Lin Ze:¡¾During interviews, no matter what the situation is like, don¡¯t say, ¡°the interview went really well this time¡±. It¡¯s just like how night-shift emergency doctors can¡¯t say ¡°there¡¯s nothing much to do tonight¡±.¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾*covers face emoji* Okay, I got it.¡¿


    Yu Hao leaned against the back of his chair and looked at the photos that were being transferred. He could only use his phone¡¯s hotspot, and his phone only had 3G signal. After transferring for more than an hour, he had only transferred about a dozen photos. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t eaten lunch yet, so he took out the meat floss bun he had fed dogs with and choked badly on one. At 4:30, urgent knocks suddenly sounded on the door.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Me!¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Open the door!¡±


    Yu Hao opened the door. There was a loud ruckus outside the living room ¡ª a group of people were crowding at the entrance. Jin Weicheng darted in, reeking of alcohol, then locked the door.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Have you finished transferring the photos?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What¡¯s going on?! The village committee is here?¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I¡¯ve collated the casualty data, they asked how much they would be compensated¡­¡­¡±


    The people outside rushed into the living room and started smacking the door, shouting in dialect to ask them to get out and talk. Jin Weicheng gasped for breath, ¡°Then they asked me to quote a price and tell them how much each person would get. How could I quote one? Someone must have told the plant, and the plant asked him to come catch us to give them money! People from the plant are about to come too!¡±


    People outside began kicking the door. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°How many more photos are there left?!¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t finish transferring in time!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Jin Weicheng made a decision on the spot, ¡°Run!¡±


    Before anyone could react, Jin Weicheng went to open the window. Yu Hao unzipped his bag, grabbed his camera, and stuffed it along with the chargers and the family¡¯s socket into the bag before tossing it onto his back. Jin Weicheng flipped out of the window, and Yu Hao followed along. They jumped toward the firewood house in the backyard one after another¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Woof¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao flung his half-eaten meat floss bread over, and the world was quiet. They jumped onto a firewood stack. Jin Weicheng slammed his whole body against the iron door in the backyard before realising in despair that the iron door was locked.


    Yu Hao jumped onto the stack of firewood again and flipped out of the yard. A group of villagers were clamouring as they ran out to chase them. Jin Weicheng followed along and flipped out of the yard.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where do we run to?!¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Onto the national highway!¡±


    They started dashing away like mad. A series of barks sounded out behind them. Jin Weicheng bounded along large steps and ran in front, Yu Hao said, ¡°Where do we run to?! There¡¯s still ten kilometres to go before we can reach the county town!¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Check the other village! My phone ran out of battery again!¡±


    Behind them, some people chased after them on foot while others rode electric bicycles to catch up. Yu Hao rushed past a fork in the road and looked down at his phone. Zhou Sheng was calling him.


    ¡°I¡¯m on the run!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to you later!¡±


    ¡°What the hell did you do this time?!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily.


    Yu Hao hung up, checked the map, and shouted, ¡°Jin Laoshi! Run along that road!¡±


    Several young people were chasing after them. Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that their situation would take such a turn. He rushed into a meadow behind several empty houses and shouted, ¡°Jin Laoshi! Let¡¯s split up! I¡¯ll lure them away!¡±


    Jin Weicheng was about to say something when Yu Hao shouted, ¡°I¡¯m a student! I¡¯ll be okay!¡±


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Regroup at the destination!¡±


    Following which, more than ten women chased after from behind again with brooms in their hands as they beat up the men in their families. They shouted to Yu Hao, ¡°Hurry and go!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Apparently, the villagers weren¡¯t united in their views and started an armed confrontation amongst themselves first. However the pursuers on electric bicycles had overtaken them and continued their relentless pursuit.


    Yu Hao rushed onto a road and ran a few steps to the middle of the road. He glanced at the group of people on electric bicycles, then ran to the side of the road and straight into a wasteland.


    This way, the electric bicycles wouldn¡¯t be able to chase him anymore. Although Yu Hao wouldn¡¯t get beaten to death if he were caught, this still concerned his professional dignity, so he definitely couldn¡¯t get caught! Yu Hao rushed into the wasteland. The villagers parked their electric bicycles by the roadside and chased him down with rods in their hands.


    Yu Hao looked back as he darted along the wasteland covered in grass that were as tall as half a normal human. He jumped as he ran and rushed up a mound, then rushed back down again before running towards another road.


    The people behind him kept shouting. Yu Hao roughly guessed that they hadn¡¯t realised that Jin Weicheng had gotten away successfully. Good, then it¡¯s my turn now.


    But he had just run up to the road on the other side when another group of people arrived. Counting all the people in the front and back, there were about a dozen or so people blocking Yu Hao.


    ¡°Come back with us!¡± Someone shouted in Mandarin, ¡°We won¡¯t hit you!¡±


    The engine sound of a motorcycle blared in the distance. Yu Hao looked left and right, but there was nowhere else to run on the national highway.


    Yu Hao turned around again and rushed into the wasteland. The villagers caught up in an instant, but right at the next moment, a motorcycle drifted over with a whoosh and flew right across horizontally, knocking the pursuers onto the ground.


    A man wearing a black woolen cap came down from the bike, holding a tap water iron pipe that he had picked up from somewhere. He ran forward and performed a flying kick!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao stood in the wasteland, completely dumbstruck. Snowflakes floated down, and Yu Hao felt like he was dreaming.


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t seen Zhou Sheng fight in a very, very long time. At the moment he raised his fist, Yu Hao let out a crazed shout!


    Zhou Sheng was well versed in the art of group fights. As long as one is surrounded, aim at the other group¡¯s leader and throw out the first punch! That punch immediately hit the leader in the face and sent him flying! This deterrent force subdued the entire crowd in an instant; the remaining people restrained their momentum, then Zhou Sheng swung the tap water pipe and rushed forward!


    ¡°Come at me all at once!¡± Zhou Sheng roared furiously, ¡°Hobbits! Hurry up! Laozi doesn¡¯t have the time to play with you guys!¡±


    Yu Hao was thoroughly stunned now. The villagers retreated one after another and talked to one another in dialect for a while. Zhou Sheng made a threatening gesture as he stepped forward, and the group all ran away immediately.


    Yu Hao stood within the weeds that were half a man¡¯s height, and the edges of his vision actually blacked out for a moment. Zhou Sheng stood gasping for breath, turned around to look at Yu Hao as he trembled slightly, and didn¡¯t dare walk towards him.


    The two stood looking at each other like that. The snowflakes swirled everywhere, and soaked Zhou Sheng¡¯s whole body until he was dripping wet.


    Yu Hao shouted again and ran onto the road.


    Yu Hao rushed forward quickly, Zhou Sheng came over by condensing three steps into two, and the two embraced each other tightly. Zhou Sheng bowed down and kissed him forcefully, with a choking scent of smoke on his body.


    A gunshot suddenly sounded in the distance. Zhou Sheng was alert at once and pulled Yu Hao behind him, then turned around to examine the source.


    ¡°Hunting gun, villages use it for shooting wolves.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao and dragged the motorcycle up, then mounted it. Yu Hao straddled the bike behind him. Zhou Sheng twisted the motorcycle handle and drove away with a ¡°buzz¡°.


    Someone chased after them with a hunting gun and fired at the sky, but the gunshot sounded farther and farther away, and they could no longer catch up with the two of them.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are you here!¡±


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head as he faced the wind and drove the motorcycle with Yu Hao behind while he was speeding the entire way. He didn¡¯t answer.


    Yu Hao, ¡°When did you come?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng still didn¡¯t answer him. The sun gradually set at the end of the national highway. The engine roared, and snowflakes swirled around gently in front of the two of them, like thousands of goose feathers that were sweeping by.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist tightly and buried his head into his back as he shouted madly.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. He turned sideways to glance at Yu Hao. He was dressed in a black suit from head to toe and wore motorcycle gloves that he had gotten from somewhere. His tie had been fluttering madly in the strong winds the whole way.


    Zhou Sheng finally shouted with his head turned sideways, ¡°Are you cold?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m okay!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s back had blocked all the wind.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m cold!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll lend you my jacket! Stop driving so fast!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Don¡¯t move! Tighten your grip!¡±


    Yu Hao hugged him even tighter now. Zhou Sheng¡¯s suit jacket flew up as they rushed to the end of the national highway. Yu Hao¡¯s down jacket had been torn when he climbed over the wall, and now from the rip countless feathers were flying out that drifted in the wind, merging into one with the snow that was fluttering about between the heavens and the earth ¡ª no distinction could be made, and they would never be separated ever again.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Awwww at long last, a reunion

 Chapter 127.1 - Return to Beijing

    An hour and a half later, Yu Hao returned to the county town and called Jin Weicheng outside the motorcycle rental car shop. Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome nose had turned red from being blown by the cold wind. He took his woolen cap off and put it on Yu Hao. Yu Hao told Jin Weicheng to regroup in the county town, and they should try their best to leave that day.


    Jin Weicheng found a place to charge his phone. Yu Hao checked the train¡¯s schedule; there were no more trains to Beijing, and they had to wait until 7 o¡¯clock tomorrow for the next time. They needed to get out of here as soon as possible.


    Zhou Sheng took back the ID card he had left at the rental car shop and looked at Yu Hao in a daze. It has been 36 hours since he got on the plane, it was freezing cold, and Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t been getting much sleep for several days in a row, so his brain was like a mush of paste now. He rode a motorcycle and suffered the onslaught of the cold wind for nearly five hours as he drove around everywhere searching frantically, and he was a little delirious now. When he saw Yu Hao, the two of them looked at each other, yet they had nothing to say to each other for a moment.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Wait in Beijing ah, why did you come all the way here?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted hysterically, ¡°If I was fucking waiting for you in Beijing, would you have been able to go back?! Didn¡¯t you see how dangerous it was just now?!¡±


    When Zhou Sheng roared, the boss thought he was going to hit someone. Yu Hao quickly pulled him to the corner and said, ¡°I was wrong, I was wrong¡­¡­don¡¯t shout at me! It wasn¡¯t easy for me to get this interview!¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s frozen hands covered Yu Hao¡¯s face, and he tilted his head slightly to kiss him. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t move at all and just hugged him. After Zhou Sheng finished kissing him, he forcefully embraced Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How long has it been since you ate? Eat something first, we¡¯ll be heading to Beijing soon. It¡¯s too unsafe here.¡±


    Yu Hao took out some bread for Zhou Sheng to eat. He wanted to go to a shop to buy water, but Zhou Sheng yanked at him with an ashen face, ¡°From now on, you cannot leave my sight.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m just buying you a bottle of water.¡±


    They were at the edge of the county. The car rental shop closed. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng stood somewhere without wind. Zhou Sheng drank mineral water, ate chocolate, then began to wolf down the meat floss bun. He felt slightly better and regained his strength.


    ¡°You even carry this around with you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s to feed dogs with.¡± Yu Hao looked outside and thought that they had to hurry to the railway station. When he turned around, he saw that Zhou Sheng had stopped halfway through eating.


    Zhou Sheng glared at him, his mouth stuffed with bread. He looked down at the meat floss bun, then looked at Yu Hao, his expression appearing very gloomy.


    ¡°Hahahahaha!!¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help bursting into laughter. He saw a car and quickly pulled Zhou Sheng onto it, ¡°Big bro, take us a short distance to the railway station. We can¡¯t get a cab in this snow, just quote a price.¡±


    Lin Ze taught Yu Hao how to observe license plates and car models, as well as how to hitch a ride on a private car without caring if it was legal or not. Zhou Sheng finally sobered up after getting into the car, ¡°I rented a bike in the county and went to the town. I didn¡¯t see you guys when I passed by the battery plant, so I drove around in the village. When I saw a group of people shouting about beating and killing people, I followed along.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. His fingers rubbed against Zhou Sheng¡¯s cold, large hand, their fingers intertwined. He shifted close to his ear and whispered, ¡°We¡¯re going back now.¡±


    Yu Hao was worried that there would be plain clothes outside the railway station too. After the plant received the news, they must have notified the county town. But unexpectedly, it snowed, and the outside of the station was deserted. Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s find a place to stay at first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finished the bread used to feed dogs in one bite and drank a mouthful of water. He finally managed to recover a little, ¡°I¡¯ll look at the schedule. Your Laoshi is such an asshole, he actually left you behind and ran off by himself?¡±


    ¡°I asked him to run away first.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We discussed it before coming out. I¡¯m a student, he¡¯s a reporter; the degree of severity after getting caught is different ¡­¡­stay at a bathhouse?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s a train to Hohhot at 9 o¡¯clock, buy that one. Do as I say.¡±


    Yu Hao thought he was right, if they could run then, they should just run and discuss things again after escaping. Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao¡¯s phone and bought tickets for three people. When they entered the station, they saw Jin Weicheng sitting at the snack bar eating instant noodles.


    ¡°Hello Laoshi.¡± Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and didn¡¯t let go, shaking hands with Jin Weicheng, ¡°Laoshi stop eating, let¡¯s go!¡¯ As he spoke, he grabbed Jin Weicheng¡¯s instant noodles and threw it straight into a garbage bin, then turned around and took Yu Hao away.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Are there plain clothes?¡± Yu Hao asked in a soft voice after entering the station.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Definitely. Don¡¯t look around when we¡¯re in the waiting area, don¡¯t be nervous.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze make a quick sweep. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t tell. There weren¡¯t many people in the waiting hall. Zhou Sheng pointed at one who had his back facing them, pointed at the toilet, then pointed at his watch.


    Yu Hao looked at the time, there was still 20 minutes. The three of them entered the toilet. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao hid in one cubicle, while Jin Weicheng hid in another. This was the stopover from Lanzhou to Hohhot, they¡¯d get on after the train arrived at the station. Yu Hao breathed a sigh of relief for now and leaned on Zhou Sheng. The two of them didn¡¯t dare talk.


    Fortunately, the toilet was cleaned pretty well.


    Zhou Sheng frowned deeply. He pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and looked at his fingers. After winter arrived, Yu Hao lacked vitamins, and many hangnails had splintered off of his nails. Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze looked reproachful. As Zhou Sheng stared and stared, he leaned down to kiss Yu Hao again. Yu Hao ran his fingers through Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair, which had grown out quite a bit.


    ¡°Cold?¡± Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng was only wearing one shirt with a suit over it. Suits and suit pants, and the pair of AJ shoes he wore was dirty with mud all over it.


    Zhou Sheng shook his head, opened up his jacket and let Yu Hao hug his waist. The two of them hugged each other tightly. Yu Hao could feel that they were both hard, but at this moment he had no other emotions and only one thought in his mind: this is really great.


    With three minutes left, Zhou Sheng pulled the door of the toilet cubicle open and knocked on Jin Weicheng¡¯s cubicle. The three of them walked out quickly, but slowed down when they reached the waiting hall. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Laoshi, please walk through that side, I¡¯ll go draw their attention.¡±


    Jin Weicheng uttered an ¡°un¡± before walking in another direction. Zhou Sheng slung Yu Hao¡¯s bag over his shoulder and had one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s waist. Yu Hao turned his down jacket inside out, revealing the brightly coloured side and wore a woolen cap, looking just like a girl.


    They walked straight past the plain clothes. Zhou Sheng showed his tickets, held Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and passed through.


    The plain clothes was a little doubtful. His gaze followed Zhou Sheng, looked down to compare with the photos, but he didn¡¯t look like the target.


    By taking advantage of those few seconds, Jin Weicheng passed the ticket gate as well. The train stopped. They got on the train separately, the bell rang, and the door closed. Yu Hao almost collapsed. Zhou Sheng stood at the door of the carriage and looked out through the glass. He saw that plain clothes had followed them onto the platform, but it was too cold so he went back again.


    The conductor closed the door, unlocked the bathroom, and left.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The one they¡¯re focused on must be the one at 7am tomorrow morning, the train going back to Beijing. Right now, only one person was assigned to take turns being on duty at the waiting area.¡±


    Yu Hao tugged on Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers. Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow to mean that he should just say what he wanted to, but Yu Hao smiled.


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Director Zhou¡¯s always this amazing.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile.


    ¡°Lil¡¯ Director Zhou almost suffered a stroke after getting angered by you!¡± Zhou Sheng said coldly.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°You guys chat, I¡¯ll go to the dining carriage.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Zhou Sheng looked at his watch, then compared with his phone and checked the schedule, ¡°Wait here.¡±


    Yu Hao took out his camera and wanted to try uploading the photos. Jin Weicheng lit a cigarette and called Lin Ze at the junction of the carriage. Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Use my hotspot, mine¡¯s unlimited.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng was practically his life¡¯s hack. It would be so great if they could be together every day.


    Yu Hao looked down as he transferred the photos, while Zhou Sheng also looked down at the camera seriously and said, ¡°They¡¯re really well taken.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°How could it be bad with a 110,000 camera?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. The two of them looked at each other, then Yu Hao continued transferring photos. Zhou Sheng no longer looked at his watch. After three stops and two hours later, Yu Hao had transferred most of his photos, and they arrived at Taiyuan. Zhou Sheng said to Jin Weicheng, ¡°Get off and transfer.¡± As he spoke, he carried a bag and got off with Yu Hao.


    After arriving at Taiyuan, Zhou Sheng bought another ticket for three people. They had to wait until 2am to transfer to the Xining Express that would head to Beijing. Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to eat, I¡¯m so hungry that I can¡¯t move anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let¡¯s go eat dumplings?¡±


    Yu Hao saw a 24-hour KFC and said, ¡°I want to eat KFC.¡±


    ¡°Eat less fried food.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There are hangnails growing on your hands, you¡¯re not allowed to eat that!¡±


    ¡°NO!¡± Yu Hao was both sleepy and hungry, and almost exploded, ¡°I¡¯ve been eating Shaxian Snacks for two weeks! I want to eat meat!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stopped talking. Yu Hao said, ¡°I must eat fried chicken!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in disbelief, ¡°Didn¡¯t I transfer money to you? Why did you eat Shaxian for two consecutive weeks?!¡±

 Chapter 127.2 - Return to Beijing

    Zhou Sheng wore a sullen expression as he entered KFC with Yu Hao. Only then did the two of them really relax. Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t leave my sight either.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pushed Yu Hao down to get him to sit. He bought two family buckets and gave one to Jin Weicheng, lest he started nagging, then gave Yu Hao the other one. Yu Hao finally revived after he had fried chicken. Isn¡¯t life all about courtship and eating anyway? And it was finally successfully fulfilled now.


    ¡°Eat ah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Eat this one, the chicken thighs are good.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Young Master, you¡¯re really going to kill Laozi. I feel so fucking terrible now, how could I be so inhumane?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What did I do again?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said wearily, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s fine now, it¡¯s all fine now. Eat ba.¡±


    Yu Hao stopped talking. When he saw Zhou Sheng, he gradually started becoming less and less like himself, as if he had returned to the days when they were together. Yu Hao gently kicked Zhou Sheng under the table. Zhou Sheng looked like he wanted to say something but held himself back, taking into account Jin Weicheng¡¯s presence, and didn¡¯t say anything in the end.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Am I fried chicken?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my side dish.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Sheng ate two pieces, and they finished the entire family bucket. When the time came, they got on the train again. Zhou Sheng handed the bunk ticket to Jin Weicheng and said, ¡°Laoshi, rest well.¡± Then he took Yu Hao to the hard-seat carriage to sit down and breathed a sigh of relief.


    ¡°I realised something.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Your attitude towards Jin Laoshi is exactly the same as that of the leaders in the newspaper.¡±


    Even Zhou Sheng was like that ¡ª he respected Jin Weicheng a lot but subtly revealed a kind of dislike.


    ¡°Babe.¡± Zhou Sheng said solemnly, ¡°We haven¡¯t seen each other in three months. Are you sure you want to discuss such an irrelevant person now?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. The lights in the hard-seat carriage dimmed slightly. All the passengers were sleeping, so Yu Hao kissed him. He had so much to say, but there was a flurry of thoughts in his mind, and he didn¡¯t know where to start.


    ¡°When are you going back?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze had never left Yu Hao for even a moment. He pondered for a bit, then asked instead, ¡°When do you want me to go back? State a date, and I¡¯ll go back then.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What about work? Is it going well? It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t leave for too long, I¡¯m afraid that¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng cursed once. He looked helpless and turned his head sideways to ignore Yu Hao. Yu Hao tugged on his tie and pulled him back. Zhou Sheng stared at Yu Hao as if they were enemies, his eyes filled with anger.


    Yu Hao patted off the dust on his suit, ¡°I¡¯ll send it for dry cleaning when we get back, it¡¯s too dirty.¡±


    Zhou Sheng still stared at Yu Hao with a resentful gaze.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What, you wanna eat your wife? Be careful, I¡¯ll shout.¡±


    ¡°I love you so much,¡± Zhou Sheng whispered into Yu Hao¡¯s ears, ¡°But you hate me this much. Okay, I¡¯ll return tomorrow.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng would definitely stay until his birthday before returning this time. He said, ¡°You can¡¯t buy a ticket, I have your ID card.¡±


    ¡°I really am leaving tomorrow.¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°I only have three days of leave altogether, but it was all messed up by you like this. When we arrive at Beijing in the morning, I have to fly back. It wasn¡¯t easy for me to free up some time to come over, so look at yourself? Don¡¯t you feel ashamed?¡±


    Yu Hao at once felt incredibly horrible.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s stop talking.¡±


    Yu Hao sighed. He thought about it for a bit, leaned over, and rested his head on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder. Zhou Sheng looked at him with a face filled with displeasure, raised an arm and draped it over his shoulder.


    When the train arrived at a station, a mother carrying a baby boarded. She had bought a standing ticket. Zhou Sheng looked up, then got up. He helped with putting the luggage aside first, then gave up his seat for the other party. Yu Hao got up as well. Zhou Sheng sat down, then Yu Hao sat on Zhou Sheng¡¯s legs and hugged his neck. He buried his head near his ear and gently stroked his thick, dark hair with his fingers.


    This is the person I like. From the past until now, there has never been the slightest change.


    ¡°Go and ask the entire Yun Lai Chun,¡± Zhou Sheng whispered, ¡°Who dares touch the head of lil¡¯ Director Zhou?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I dare.¡±


    The lights were dim, the train shook. The uncle opposite was sleeping so soundly he snored. Yu Hao was dozing off, and when his head shifted, he woke up, so he gathered himself together and looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Take a nap.¡± Zhou Sheng turned sideways, his lips was very close to Yu Hao.


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao gazed into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes, ¡°You¡¯re leaving in the morning.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes and kissed his lips. Yu Hao returned his kiss. The two of them kissed several times, then Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I won¡¯t leave in the morning, sleep ba.¡± As he spoke, he pressed one hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead, ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡®Come into my dream then.¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t stand it any longer, and fell deep asleep leaning on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder.


    But he didn¡¯t dream. The train arrived at Beijing¡¯s West station. When it left the station at 10am, the dazzling sunshine was like a random, sudden arrow that almost shot Yu Hao down to the ground. Heavy snow fell in North China for two days and two nights. The ornate buildings of the world were covered in an expanse of snow white.


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you to the airport.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t open his eyes as he was blinded by the sun, ¡°I¡¯ve changed my flight, I¡¯ll leave tomorrow ba.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart bloomed in an instant, ¡°Really? You can?¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked listless, ¡°Yes, I can, Young Madam! Whatever you say goes! What do you want to eat! Another two family buckets?¡±


    Yu Hao was no longer interested in a family bucket. Zhou Sheng looked at Jin Weicheng, who was beside him. That gaze just wanted to say ¡®why are you still here?¡¯ but he had to hold himself back, ¡°Laoshi, we¡¯ll go back first.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go hand in the recording pen.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I live near the company.¡±


    Lin Ze and Situ Ye were in the office, sitting by a 400-watt small stove together for its warmth. Yu Hao passed the memory card to Situ Ye. Situ Ye inserted it into a card reader and exported the last batch of photos.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Isn¡¯t your office a little too miserable?¡¯


    Lin Ze, ¡°Can¡¯t help it, power usage is too high so we¡¯re afraid of the circuit burning up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What about summer?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°We have electric fans.¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°We¡¯re Chongqing people, so it¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Dage! My wife isn¡¯t from Chongqing!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°There will always be a way, it¡¯s not even summer yet, right? Jin Laoshi, let me see your manuscript¡­¡­Yu Hao, I¡¯ll give you three days off, have a good rest.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Really?¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°You haven¡¯t had a day off since you started working here, take a day off ba.¡±


    Yu Hao took the memory card and placed it in his backpack. Zhou Sheng drank coffee outside as he watched the snowfall. Yu Hao said, ¡°Then¡­¡­are there any other instructions? I can leave just like this?¡±


    Situ Ye said as he browsed through the photos, ¡°There¡¯s one last thing I¡¯d like to request of you.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Situ Ye sincerely said, ¡°When you go out please don¡¯t tell anyone you¡¯re my disciple, I can¡¯t afford the embarrassment¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m kidding.¡± Situ Ye smiled at Yu Hao, ¡°They¡¯re pretty good shots, leave the rest to me!¡±


    Yu Hao completed his handover for the assignment and had three days off. After he left, he was unexpectedly smashed in the face with a snowball, accompanied by Zhou Sheng¡¯s exaggerated ¡°HAHAHAHA¡±.


    Yu Hao roared angrily, ¡°Just wait!¡±


    Beijing¡¯s sky had never been as blue as it was now. Yu Hao has been here for three months, yet he never took a proper look at the sky. Zhou Sheng smiled at him from the road covered in snow, and his smile made the whole world brighten up as well.


    Even the dark and gloomy rental apartment looked like sunlight spilled all over it in an instant.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We have less than twenty hours left!¡±


    They only returned to this rented apartment after Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao out for a meal. Yu Hao was extremely anxious. Zhou Sheng opened the door, took a look at the room and sighed again.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s a little humid¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng rolled up the bed sheets, wrapped Yu Hao¡¯s dirty clothes in it and took it to the balcony to wash. Yu Hao lay down in bed and suddenly remembered that there was no lube at home. Forget it, who cares, use hand cream instead ba, time was of the essence¡­¡­


    ¡°Are you still that guy who would wash clothes for me? Why are you living like this now?¡± Zhou Sheng studied the washing machine on the balcony.


    Yu Hao said from the room, ¡°What?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked everywhere for laundry detergent, and only saw a pack that was almost used up beside the sink. He poured in the remaining detergent, twisted the water button, nothing happened. Twisted the ¡®wash¡¯ button, nothing happened.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted from the room.


    Zhou Sheng responded and said impatiently, ¡°What do you want again?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to mate with you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng kicked the washing machine until the button flew out. While he undid his shirt buttons, he cursed as he walked in. Yu Hao had already stripped down to nothing. He was hugging the blanket and sat at the bedhead, looking at him anxiously. He was a bit embarrassed, just like their first time on the ship during their younger days.


    Zhou Sheng pulled his shirt open wide, still wearing his tie as he bent over to open up Yu Hao¡¯s suitcase. He took out a bottle of lube from one of the layers inside.


    ¡°When did you¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t finished his sentence when Zhou Sheng already got onto the bed. He lifted the blanket and pressed him down barbarically, grabbed his hand, then bowed his head to seal his lips.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Yaaaaay, they¡¯re finally back together! (And maybe after their proper reunion, ZS can take care of that awful roommate for him¡­)

 Chapter 128.1 - Accept or Reject

    It was the craziest sex Yu Hao ever had, and they had even forgot to close the door. Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t bathed in three days, yet a familiar odour wafted from his body that made Yu Hao want to cry. They were like two wild beasts in the wilderness that had finally found each other, and they were so rare that they were the only two left in the world. If they didn¡¯t hurry and entangle themselves together now, then this world would be destroyed tomorrow, or their species would go completely extinct.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ouch ouch ouch ¡ª¡ª slow down!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Fuck, you¡¯ve even learnt how to bite people now?!¡±


    Another prolonged silence and heavy breathing could be heard. Zhou Sheng was like a wolf that buried his head next to Yu Hao¡¯s ears, ¡°You¡¯re so tight. Don¡¯t you know how to find something else to replace me when you think of Hubby once in awhile?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Too big, why is it so big¡­¡­let me get used to it, slow down ahhhh ¡ª¡ª wait¡­¡­the door isn¡¯t closed¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao finally realised. Zhou Sheng casually grabbed a lamp and threw it out, which smashed into the door and closed it with a ¡°bang¡°. Then he continued acting like a crazy beast as he pushed Yu Hao against the bed, locking his wrists and kissing him unbridledly.


    Twenty minutes later, Yu Hao stared at Zhou Sheng in a daze. Zhou Sheng finally recovered from his Berserker mode and kissed Yu Hao.


    ¡°Go take a bath.¡± Zhou Sheng patted his face and pulled Yu Hao up, then carried him to the bathroom to help him take a bath. After they were done, he called someone to come to the house to take the dirty clothes away for cleaning; he packed all the clothes up, including his suit, and threw them all to the laundry boss.


    ¡°This room is like a dog¡¯s kennel.¡± Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao, his naked body lying on a bed without sheets as they were covered in a blanket without a cover.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I get as tired as a dog every day, it¡¯s already pretty good for me to even have a kennel. I wanted to tidy up the place before you came¡­¡­I¡¯ll do that the next time you come ba, I¡¯ll definitely try my best to live a little better.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lowered his head and looked at Yu Hao, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    ¡°Eating will waste too much time.¡± Yu Hao caressed Zhou Sheng¡¯s face, ¡°You¡¯ll disappear again tomorrow morning. I don¡¯t want to go anywhere, I just want to cuddle with you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng straddled and pressed down on Yu Hao, studying him seriously. He turned his head to the left and right to scrutinise him, with reluctance and indignation in his eyes. There were even bite marks on his shoulder left by Yu Hao, ¡°Laozi worked so hard to raise you so well, yet you lost at least ten kilograms after one trip to Beijing. Fuck, my heart¡¯s aching to death right now.¡±


    As he spoke, he pushed Yu Hao down and began doing it again. This time, Yu Hao quickly got used to it. The two of them stuck close to each other like this; they had just taken a bath, but they soon broke out all over in sweat again.


    It lasted for a whole hour, and the sun was about to set. Light from the setting sun streamed in through the gaps between the sundries piled up on the balcony and shone on Yu Hao¡¯s cheek, like how the reflective glow of the stained glass in an old church shines on the sculpture of a pure white angel;


    It shone on the muscular contours of Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder and back, like the time after the Great Sage smashed the Heavenly Palace into pieces with one rod and the shattered pieces shimmered with a red glow, turning into a golden river that was falling throughout the sky.


    When they parted again, Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng and said a few words, but Zhou Sheng had fallen asleep. This was the most peaceful sleep they¡¯ve had in three months.


    Midnight.


    ¡°What¡¯s that noise?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao opened his eyes groggily. There were still seven hours before the sun came up. He looked at his phone, it was filled with birthday wishes and phone calls.


    ¡°My neighbour¡¯s playing games. Oh my God, why is time passing by so fast?¡± Yu Hao said wearily, but he didn¡¯t want to make love with Zhou Sheng anymore. He was afraid that Zhou Sheng would get too tired and go back in a bad state. If he had to work around the clock overtime for another week, his body wouldn¡¯t be able to stand it, no matter how fit it was.


    ¡°Is he that noisy everyday?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯ll be that noisy until 6.30 before jerking off. Do you want earplugs?¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat up, groped around for the light switch before remembering that he had flung the lamp away, so he had to drag it back along with the wire. He plugged it in and turned on the light. Zhou Sheng put on his trousers before looking around. Yu Hao knew he wanted to look for a handy tool to beat people up with, ¡°Forget it, forget it. It¡¯s such a good day.¡±


    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s a good day, so I won¡¯t greet him with a weapon.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened the door and went out, knocked on the other door, ¡°Ai, brother, could you keep your voice down? We¡¯re sleeping.¡±


    The other side immediately said, ¡°Ok, ok, ok! I¡¯m sorry!¡±


    Yu Hao heard the other side say through the wall, ¡°Another idiot came.¡± Then Zhou Sheng went back. He sat on the edge of the bed patiently, loosened his fingers and cracked his neck to warm up a little. Three minutes later, the neighbour started yelling again. Zhou Sheng went to knock for the second time, ¡°Brother, please keep your voice down!¡±


    ¡°Okay lei¡ª¡ª!¡± The other side said in a lilting voice.


    Zhou Sheng sat back on the bed and asked Yu Hao, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    Yu Hao was a little hungry, but he didn¡¯t want to suffer on a winter night, ¡°It¡¯s almost dawn, I¡¯ll eat when I send you off ba.¡±


    The neighbour started shouting again, then Zhou Sheng went over like a gust of wind and stood at his door. Yu Hao quickly took his camera, peeked out and started shooting photos in succession.


    Zhou Sheng was barefoot as he jumped on the spot, spun in the air and kicked the neighbouring door with one foot. The entire door suddenly flew in with a loud bang, and the room fell deadly quiet. The otaku turned around, saw Zhou Sheng, and was dumbstruck for a moment.


    Zhou Sheng entered the room calm and unruffled, grabbed the door and carried it back to the entrance, then hinged it back for him. ¡°Keep it down a little, good night.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    At 2am, the police came and recorded the testimonies of Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and the otaku.


    Yu Hao took his recording pen out and said with a vexed expression, ¡°Every night. I have recordings and videos too. See for yourselves ba.¡±


    ¡°Lower your volume a bit.¡± The police have apparently seen many such cases, and said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have talked it out with him properly? Alright, regarding the repairs for the door, you guys can negotiate it between yourselves.¡±


    After the police left, Zhou Sheng said to the otaku, ¡°Call your aunt over, I¡¯ll talk to her about the door tomorrow. This isn¡¯t over, don¡¯t joke around.¡±


    That otaku used a chair to block the door and shivered all over throughout the night. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao lay side by side in bed, staring at the ceiling in a daze.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao was thinking that he didn¡¯t want to be apart from Zhou Sheng anymore at this moment. This was the first time in his life for him to be this afraid of the sunrise.


    I admit defeat, I¡¯ll go back with you ba, I won¡¯t torture myself anymore.


    But in the darkness, what Yu Hao said was, ¡°It¡¯s time to start on my graduation thesis, they¡¯ve informed me to start preparing for my opening report.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao patiently, ¡°When will you go home to write your thesis? Will you still come back here to work?¡±


    Yu Hao stared at Zhou Sheng blankly. He knew that Zhou Sheng wanted him to return too.


    ¡°Is it very tiring for you at work?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It¡¯s not. See, I even have the time to exercise.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go and run sometimes to destress, then you¡¯ll feel better.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You must be really tired, right? I know. If I were by your side, you would be a lot better, and many things wouldn¡¯t be as important anymore. At the very least, there would be someone waiting for you at home.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t speak. He fiddled around in the dark with the Golden Crow Wheel, which he tossed about in between his slender fingers. It reflected a faint light that peeked out from somewhere, like a sun hidden in a thick mass of dark clouds.


    ¡°I¡¯ll persevere for a few more days ba.¡± Yu Hao said in the end, ¡°When you¡¯re not by my side, I can still force myself to barely hold on. But as soon as you come, all the strength was sapped from my body.¡±


    Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°You probably fell apart from getting fucked ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao reached out to pull his ear. Zhou Sheng pushed him down, prepared for another round. Yu Hao relaxed a little and was ready to welcome his last, turbulent storm, yet Zhou Sheng let go of him gently and kissed his lips.


    ¡°Sleep ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You still have to go to work tomorrow.¡± As he spoke, he pressed a hand against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead and whispered, ¡°Good night.¡±


    Yu Hao fell asleep again. He had been rather sleepy for the past few days, and his sleep was always intermittent. He didn¡¯t dream, and when he woke up in the morning, there was no Zhou Sheng by his side either. Breakfast was left on the table, with a note below it: the clothes will be delivered the day after tomorrow. Go to work first ba, work hard.


    Yu Hao hugged the blanket, Zhou Sheng¡¯s warmth still lingered beside him.

 Chapter 128.2 - Accept or Reject

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lin Ze gave Yu Hao three days off, yet he now saw a depressed Yu Hao back in the office.


    Yu Hao sat quietly. He looked at Lin Ze and his lips moved, ¡°Ah Ze, I¡¯m going back to school next month to prepare for my graduation thesis.¡±


    Lin Ze answered, ¡°Un, when will you come back?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything. He wanted to say ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± but Lin Ze said, ¡°We¡¯re all comrades who¡¯ve gone through life and death situations together, I understand. Focus on your thesis.¡±


    Situ Ye was still editing photos, and a mischievous hint of a smile flashed through his eyes, ¡°Miss home?¡±


    Yu Hao felt a little guilty. Lin Ze suddenly asked, ¡°Does lil Director Zhou¡¯s parents know about your relationship?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, what if he just doesn¡¯t come back after returning, yet he couldn¡¯t bear to part with them either, and couldn¡¯t bear to give up on this job that had just started taking a turn for the better. But in order to be with Zhou Sheng, one of them would have to make a choice. It¡¯s just that, he couldn¡¯t help himself from feeling regret and sorrow.


    He planned to help out at Fu Liqun¡¯s gym for a few months first, and help him build up his business as much as he could, then look for another job at the appropriate time. Or he could see if Zhou Sheng could come to Beijing and open a shop here.


    Situ Ye said, ¡°That¡¯s really great, they¡¯ve accepted you? Didn¡¯t they buy you a house or car or something?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°His father offered me a cup of tea, gave me a plate and an ashtray.¡±


    Lin Ze nodded understandingly, ¡°Those are pretty good presents. In those days, my mum gave me a plate of boiled beef.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°And a plate of fried rice with eggs, then offered me a cup of Qingdao Chunsheng.¡±


    Lin Ze uttered a ¡°un¡°. Yu Hao sat for a while, feeling a sense of loss, ¡°Am I fit to be a reporter?¡±


    Lin Ze smiled and shook his head, not saying anything. Situ Ye just calmly edited the photos.


    ¡°You are.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°You¡¯ll be one of China¡¯s best and finest investigative reporters in the future.¡±


    Yu Hao seemed to see a glimmer of hope, ¡°Then I¡­¡­after finishing my graduation thesis¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Don¡¯t need to be anxious. You can come back at anytime, we¡¯ll be hiring for a long time. Maybe you¡¯ll even change your mind tomorrow morning?¡±


    Situ Ye suddenly burst out laughing. A bunch of question marks appeared over Yu Hao¡¯s head. Situ Ye said with a stern countenance, ¡°Ah Ze, there are only a little more than 100 investigative reporters in China, okay?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Situ Ye edit photos, and for some reason, his heart was calm. He didn¡¯t tell Zhou Sheng his decision.


    ¡°Lady boss,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know what true genius meant until I saw your pictures.¡±


    Situ Ye said modestly, ¡°You¡¯re flattering me too much.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered in a daze for a while, ¡°I can learn your skills through hard work, but even if I take photos for a lifetime, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to even come close to you.¡±


    ¡°Aiyo you¡¯re really praising old me until I¡¯m blushing so hard right now. Come, lady boss will make a photo album for you.¡± Situ Ye answered, ¡°As your birthday gift.¡±


    Situ Ye looked for all the photos he had taken of Yu Hao ever since he started working here.


    One photo was of Yu Hao revising manuscripts; one was of his earnest, anxious expression as he discussed manuscripts with Jin Weicheng; one was taken of him taking photos of other people with his Hasselblad camera¡­¡­countless moments where time was frozen had been captured perfectly by Situ Ye. It was so accurate that even if it was just a fraction of a second late or early, it wouldn¡¯t have been able to describe the emotions in the photos.


    Even that day when he stood in the office with Lin Ze as they got scolded by the vice editor-in-chief, Situ Ye had recorded the moment when Yu Hao had looked down gloomily through the open window.


    When Yu Hao looked at the photos taken by Situ Ye, he really experienced the difference in talent. It was a kind of understanding Situ Ye had of the world, as if he was naturally one with this world, without the slightest trace of estrangement. To him, holding up his camera to record every moment was as natural as watering verdant plants.


    Lin Ze frowned as he looked at WeChat on his phone and thought about how to respond to a leader¡¯s voice messages.


    Yu Hao remembered that today was his birthday, but Zhou Sheng had already left, and there was no news from him all day. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but ask if he had arrived home. Zhou Sheng only replied him at 4pm.


    ¡¾I¡¯ve been busy until now ever since I got off the plane. I won¡¯t be able to spend your birthday with you this year, but I¡¯ve prepared a gift for you. I¡¯ve prepared it for a long time, go to this place.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng sent him a location through WeChat. Yu Hao looked at his phone and thought, what did Zhou Sheng buy for him? It couldn¡¯t be a house ba, that¡¯s impossible¡­¡­now that he thought about it, no present could match up to having Zhou Sheng by his side right now.


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Someone will be waiting there to celebrate your birthday with you. After you arrive, he¡¯ll turn on a video to connect to my side. Go at 6.30, don¡¯t go any earlier, there¡¯s nobody inside.¡¿


    Yu Hao sorted out a small portion of Jin Weicheng¡¯s articles, but his mind wasn¡¯t on this task at all. ¡°I¡¯ll take this back to finish.¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Lin Ze smiled, ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    Situ Ye whistled, ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


    At six o¡¯clock, Yu Hao went to the address sent to him. He wanted to send Chen Yekai a message, but he thought that Zhou Sheng should¡¯ve asked Chen Yekai to celebrate his birthday with him, so he should pretend to be very surprised ba. Huang Ting may be there too¡­¡­


    The address was a high-rise apartment. Yu Hao pressed the intercom in front of the security guard, and the other side didn¡¯t say anything before opening it for him. Yu Hao went to the 12th floor, and pressed the doorbell of 12-6.


    The sound of footsteps could be heard from the inside, the door was opened, then the person ran away.


    Yu Hao pushed the door open and went in. This suite was very beautiful and comfortable, one bedroom and one living room. Resplendent lights could be seen outside the landing windows, there was an integrated kitchen, and the apartment was decorated with European furniture.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Happy birthday, my dear wife.¡±


    Yu Hao was so excited he let out a loud shout, then turned around and hugged Zhou Sheng tight. He shouted, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left?! I thought you had gone back!¡±


    Zhou Sheng was wearing a shirt and suit pants, as well as non prescription glasses as his head bowed down slightly to look at Yu Hao, and a faintly perceptible smile hung on his lips. There was a hot pot and an induction cooker on the dining table. The entire apartment was only about 40 square meters, but the space was well utilised.


    ¡°I¡¯ve really been too busy today.¡± Zhou Sheng said regretfully, ¡°I didn¡¯t have time to cook anything too complicated, so we can only eat hot pot.¡±


    Yu Hao hugged him, ¡°I really thought you asked Chen Laoshi and Ou Qihang to come celebrate my birthday with me!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you think there¡¯s something fucking wrong with me?! Not having me around is one thing, but why would I ask my love rivals to come and celebrate my wife¡¯s birthday? Do you have some kind of misunderstanding about my IQ?!¡±


    Yu Hao laughed madly, ¡°I¡¯m hungry, I want to eat!¡±


    This hotel apartment even had a yuanyang hotpot! Zhou Sheng bought the freshest ingredients. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t stomach anything at noon, so he was starving right now. Zhou Sheng rolled his sleeves up and cooked some food for him to eat. Yu Hao said, ¡°When will you be going back tomorrow? Where did you go today? How could shopping have taken so long?¡±


    ¡°My flight¡¯s at 8am tomorrow.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I really don¡¯t want to leave you, I¡¯ll just skip work ba, and stay with you for another night.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and looked around. This high-rise apartment really was very romantic, but he wondered how much it cost for a night. He said, ¡°Today, I wanted to tell Ah Ze¡­¡­un.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Nothing.¡± He decided not to tell Zhou Sheng that he planned to return to Ying City. One day, he¡¯ll cook dinner at home and give him a surprise instead.


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°oh¡±, ¡°The soup base was stewed for two hours, the fish paste isn¡¯t too mushy, but the Thai peppers in the supermarket nearby isn¡¯t that good. I¡¯ll buy seafood for you another day, so make do with this for now ba.¡±


    Yu Hao peeled the prawns skewered with bamboo sticks for Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You went to work today? Are the manuscripts alright?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t go tomorrow. I have to send you to the airport and make sure you leave before I¡¯ll feel at ease.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to leave that much?¡± Zhou Sheng kind of  wanted to throw his chopsticks now.


    Yu Hao said sadly, ¡°I don¡¯t wanna, but one of us will eventually have to make a tough choice. Okay let¡¯s stop talking about it, it¡¯s really too beautiful here.¡±


    After they were done eating hot pot, Zhou Sheng took out a cake from the refrigerator. There was an angel and a Sun Wukong on the cake that had been moulded to be very ugly. Zhou Sheng threw those dolls straight into the trash bin and inserted candles, ¡°They¡¯re so ugly, I can¡¯t even look at them. Come, make a wish and blow the candles.¡± Then he turned off the lights and took out Yu Hao¡¯s camera to take a picture of him.


    Yu Hao blew the candles. Zhou Sheng lit a cigarette and looked at Yu Hao slovenly, ¡°You¡¯re another year older now, could you stop making me angry?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he studied the hooligan-looking Zhou Sheng, ¡°I think you¡¯re still the same you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said sternly, ¡°I¡¯ve always been me. What wish did you make?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I wished that¡­¡­you would wash the dishes later.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao studied him. Zhou Sheng said sternly, ¡°If you say your wish out loud, it won¡¯t come true.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s clean up a little when we check out tomorrow ba, the cleaners should be coming to clean it up, I want¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let¡¯s dance? Exercise a little, aren¡¯t you afraid of puking now?¡¯


    Yu Hao thought that was true. He was really full now. If Zhou Sheng slams into him from the back, he might actually want to puke, so he got up. Zhou Sheng turned on his phone and played music, then turned sideways and kicked the sofa to the front of the landing window to clear up some space and slowly danced with Yu Hao.


    ¡°The hotel may ask you for compensation tomorrow.¡± Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng hugged as they swayed from side to side in the living room. Zhou Sheng would kick anything he bumped into, and cleared away all the decorations.


    ¡°No one will ask me for compensation.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hotel? Young Master Zhou rented this place.¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Yu Hao was dumbstruck ¡°You rented this place?¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao and made him turn around, then hugged him from behind. They took a few graceful steps across while dancing to the music.


    ¡°Why, do you have a problem with that?¡¯


    ¡°How much does it cost a month?!¡± Yu Hao was in disbelief.


    ¡°8,900, deposit for one and rent for three months paid.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao, and pulled him back into his embrace such that they stuck close together and hummed with the music.


    Yu Hao thought oh my God. He turned his head and looked around; the sofa was overturned on the floor, the floor lamp was leaning slanted against the induction cooker, there was a mess left behind after their hot pot meal and quite a bit of condiments had spilled onto the table cloth on the dining table.


    ¡°The rent is 9,000 a month, we¡¯ll go cold and hungry! What do we eat next month?!¡± Yu Hao shouted in despair.


    Zhou Sheng hooped one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s waist and turned sideways in a tango style. He said with a solemn and affectionate expression,


    ¡°Eat my dick.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Ahahaha, on the one hand, that was a very romantic birthday, but on the other, ZS you had to ruin the mood, huh?

 Chapter 129.1 - Surprise

    Yu Hao was thrown onto the bed. Zhou Sheng came over to kiss him, and just as Yu Hao thought they were going to do it, Zhou Sheng turned around and left.


    Zhou Sheng tied an apron around his waist, gathered up the hot pot and prawn shells, threw the rubbish away, and washed the dishes.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Ai, what is it?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m helping you fulfill your birthday wish, I¡¯m busy now.¡±


    ¡°I want to mate.¡± Yu Hao turned around and looked at the street scenery outside the landing window filled with resplendent lights and thought that this was too crazy.


    ¡°Mate, mate, all you do is eat and mate all day. What else do you know?¡± Zhou Sheng threw everything into the sink and decided not to wash them for now. He undid his shirt buttons and got on the bed, ¡°Strip ah!¡±


    Yu Hao took his clothes off, then took off Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes for him. The bedsheet and blanket was really too comfortable, and the room was nice and warm.


    ¡°Did you forget something?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Wait, what about my previous place?¡¯


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Must we discuss that in bed?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other.


    ¡°You¡¯re much paler now.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile, ¡°You¡¯re so handsome.¡±


    Zhou Sheng has always had the figure of a sports student. He hadn¡¯t been basking in the sun much ever since summer vacation started, and after wearing suits for a few months, now that his clothes were off, Yu Hao had the chance to take a good look at him. Their new apartment was well-lit, which shone on him to make him look both slim and fair. He had exquisite and beautiful skin, while it was fully erect below and his hair had been trimmed to be very short. Yu Hao played with it a little. Zhou Sheng kissed him again, as if he was waiting for something.


    ¡°And?¡± Zhuo Sheng said, ¡°You don¡¯t want your birthday present anymore?¡±


    Yu Hao held Zhou Sheng¡¯s that and was a little confused for a moment, ¡°Oh, is it this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng blushed and laughed, ¡°Wasn¡¯t this already yours in the first place?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed completely red. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you don¡¯t ask, you won¡¯t get it anymore!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°My birthday present! Where¡¯s my birthday present?¡±


    After Yu Hao said that, Zhou Sheng entered, and the two of them embraced each other tightly at that moment. Yu Hao was so happy he trembled a little.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t move, and just looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I wanted to open a shop for you in Beijing,¡± Zhou Sheng whispered and reached out to stroke Yu Hao¡¯s hair, ¡°And call it ¡®Hao Yue Chu Sheng¡®.¡±


    Yu Hao caressed Zhou Sheng¡¯s cheek, and at this moment, he felt great satisfaction. They forcibly suppressed the urge to break through the embankment and arduously continued this conversation.


    ¡°Then?¡± Yu Hao moaned, ¡°Must we talk like this? Let¡¯s talk later! Hurry and move! Now!¡±


    ¡°But on the day of my presentation, I changed my mind halfway through the presentation.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s low and magnetic voice whispered next to Yu Hao¡¯s ear, ¡°And now, I¡¯ve brought you the gift.¡±


    Yu Hao could hardly bear it anymore, Zhou Sheng could actually restrain himself like this and not move. He gasped for breath as he asked, ¡°What¡¯s the gift?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s right here.¡± Zhou Sheng gazed at Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, licked his lips, then kissed it, ¡°Don¡¯t you see it?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yu Hao had lost his mind for a moment as he hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist, ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡­¡± He suddenly understood.


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯ve resigned. Okay, I¡¯m going to start doing you now.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ahhh¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was going mad. He couldn¡¯t think in a sober state of mind at all that night. Compared to last night¡¯s barbaric movements, Zhou Sheng was a lot gentler tonight, yet he was even more overbearing and brooked no resistance. They did it until late at night, then Yu Hao took a bath and Zhou Sheng rearranged the sofa and floor lamps. They got on the bed, turned off the lights, and slept.


    ¡°I¡­¡­so we don¡¯t care about my other place now?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°The landlady has already refunded the money.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So there¡¯s no need to bother with her anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°She actually gave you a refund?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Otherwise what did you think I was so busy with the whole day? When you compare life with money, life would be more important of course.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Does this house really cost more than 8,000? Where did you get the money from?¡±


    ¡°Earned 60,000 after working for three months.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I gave you 20,000, so I still had 40,000 left. We can use the remaining few thousands as food expenses this month, and you¡¯ll get your salary next month, right? Expenses for all these daily necessities aren¡¯t too difficult to earn ba, it¡¯s not like we need to raise kids, what¡¯re you afraid of?¡¯


    Yu Hao, ¡°Then you won¡¯t care about Yun Lai Chun anymore?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°During that last meal, the old man arranged a blind date for me again, so I quit.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What? What do you want to say this time?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Of course not. I want to hit him, okay? This is a matter of principle.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said with much satisfaction, ¡°Un, trust me ba. I¡¯ve already proven myself; I won¡¯t be any worse off than at home. At most it¡¯ll just be a little more tiring. As long as we¡¯re together, no matter how exhausting it gets, it will just be physical exhaustion. The heart won¡¯t be tired.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head and cuddled with Zhou Sheng who had wanted to do the same, then kissed him.


    Yu Hao had a strong feeling that this all seemed unreal. In fact, from the day he left Zhou Sheng, he already had a hunch. That hunch had only grown stronger when he saw Zhou Sheng¡¯s presentation. It¡¯s just that he had never really trusted his gut much, and he didn¡¯t expect his hunch to turn into reality ¡ª Zhou Sheng and Zhou Laichun really did fall out.


    Since Zhou Laichun had still arranged a blind date for Zhou Sheng in the end, then no more leeway could be given ¡ª¡ª because Zhou Sheng had always only had one reason for accepting his father¡¯s arrangement, and that was to live a better life with Yu Hao. Zhou Laichun was actually foolish enough to cut off the motive for Zhou Sheng¡¯s will to fight from its source, so their negotiations broke down completely, and everything came to an end.


    Yu Hao stroked the left side of Zhou Sheng¡¯s bare chest. His heart beat so firmly and forcefully that it was like a thunder that would wake the entire world.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually not nagging me.¡± Zhou Sheng was already ready to deal with Yu Hao¡¯s attempts at persuading him to go back, and he didn¡¯t expect that Yu Hao would accept it so easily.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through anyway. It¡¯s impossible for him to accept me. No matter how much money you earn, if we can¡¯t be together, then it¡¯s all meaningless.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re together again now, how do you feel?¡± Zhou Sheng turned sideways and hugged Yu Hao, his long legs straddling his waist as he held him firmly in his arms.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°A familiar recipe, a familiar taste.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed.


    A familiar recipe, a familiar taste. On this night three months later, everything seemed so natural.


    ¡°I¡¯m here again ¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng was clad in golden battle armour as he stepped on multicoloured clouds. He rode his black dragon and landed in the middle of the arena.


    The surrounding grandstand erupted into roaring cheers. Yu Hao opened his eyes and realised that he had appeared in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream!


    Over the past two years, Zhou Sheng never used the Golden Crow Wheel once. Yet on the day of their reunion, he didn¡¯t even let Yu Hao know before dragging him in.


    ¡°Come, Satan.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll fight Tao Tie, cut all your crap.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted from the VIP stand.


    Dark Zhou Sheng wore the armour of a death knight and sat side by side with Yu Hao on the sofa of the VIP stand, with a glass of wine in his hand and a foot on the coffee table. He started laughing.


    ¡°Babe.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I finally see you again. Sit ba, don¡¯t get too excited.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s wings dragged along the floor as he stood in the center of the VIP stand. Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem was suspended high above in the air in front of him, and it shone with a mystical light.


    Zhou Sheng whistled to higher ground and pointed at the grandstand, signalling to Yu Hao to sit. The dinghaishenzhen in his hands pointed toward Tao Tie in the arena. Tao Tie was bound by numerous shackles stacked atop of one another.


    Yu Hao sat down slowly. Dark Zhou Sheng reached out and wanted to drape an arm around his shoulder, but Yu Hao¡¯s wings spread out from his back and shone with a dazzling light, stretching out straight and flicking away Dark Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand that was covered in black iron armour.


    ¡°I can let him win once.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we take this time now to have sex?¡¯


    Yu Hao leaned back a little bit and raised one foot, which he placed on the coffee table. He looked sideways at Dark Zhou Sheng, and squinted slightly.


    Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I am him, and he is me. Do you still not understand that?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°No. On the first day we met, the one I saw on the Great Wall was him, not you.¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng snorted arrogantly, a faintly perceptible smile hanging on his lips.


    ¡°Master of the dreamscape has decided to challenge Tao Tie.¡± Satan¡¯s voice resounded through the arena, ¡°Will he be able to overcome his materialistic desires? Let¡¯s all wait and see!¡±


    Tao Tie broke free of the chains wrapped around his body and roared up to the heavens. Zhou Sheng carried his jingubang on his back and revealed a smile.His jingubang swept back and forth as he performed a beautiful dance with it. Yu Hao put down the daggers in his hand, and placed them on the platform.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make a bet?¡± Yu Hao said to Dark Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°What¡¯s the bet?¡± Dark Zhou Sheng raised an eyebrow.


    Tao Tie did a run-up and dashed in madly, while Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang and rushed forward brazenly¡ª¡ª


    The clouds in the sky changed their colours for a short moment; a blood red sunglow burst through the huge gaps between them, and in that moment, the one that flew up was no longer the imprisoned Sun Wukong, and was instead the Great Sage who smashed the Heavenly Palace into pieces with his rod!


    With just this one swing of his rod, Tao Tie shattered into pieces and disintegrated into countless, flying light particles; they swirled towards the black dragon behind Zhou Sheng. The black dragon bowed its head, and the Milky Way lights flew into its forehead, turning into a sharp horn!


    Roaring cheers drowned the entire arena. Yu Hao looked sideways at Satan, then at the arena. He walked up to Zhou Sheng, who had a bright smile on his face.


    Yu Hao abruptly woke up from his dream and saw Zhou Sheng drawing the curtains. He stood before the landing window, gazing at the gorgeous morning sun of Beijing after the snow.


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng whistled and smiled at Yu Hao, looking like he was in high spirits, then went straight to the sink to wash the pot inside it.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Wei!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You want to mate again?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He hugged the blanket and looked at his phone.


    ¡°You¡¯re really not leaving, right?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Time is limited, there¡¯s no time to mix stuffing and make dim sum anymore. Make do with some frozen food ba, we¡¯ll make dumplings at home in a few days.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took out shaomai, custard buns, and other such dim sum from the refrigerator and steamed them for Yu Hao¡¯s breakfast. He took out a hand-brewed coffee pot and filter paper  and placed them on the table, then motioned to Yu Hao to brew it himself. He even bought this¡­Yu Hao hadn¡¯t made coffee in a very long time. He went to wash up and brewed two cups of coffee at the kitchen bar, just like what they did every morning when they were together.


    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to leave my sight today.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I keep suspecting that you¡¯re lying to me, so you can¡¯t take one step out of this house.¡±


    Zhou Sheng washed the dishes and uncovered the steamer. He placed the frozen food inside to steam them, ¡°Then can¡¯t you just hide my ID and bank cards? Are you still afraid that I¡¯d go take a plane now?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true, so he went to search for Zhou Sheng¡¯s ID and money and gathered them all up. Zhou Sheng pulled a high chair over, turned on his phone and took a piece of paper, then started calculating living expenses as he sat in the kitchen. Yu Hao lay on the table beside him to watch. A call came, and the display showed ¡®Old White-Eyed Wolf¡¯. Zhou Sheng just glanced at it once and said, ¡°Blacklist him ba.¡±


    Yu Hao tapped on the ¡®hands-free¡¯ option and picked up.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Laichun said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Director Zhou, your sonny is in my hands.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How¡¯s the consideration for my conditions last time goin¡¯? You din¡¯ call the police ba, we are all smart people, I know you mus understand it la.¡±


    Zhou Sheng began folding a paper plane with a mischievous smile on his face.


    ¡°Let him answer the phone.¡± Zhou Laichun¡¯s tone was very calm.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I guarantee with all my integrity that he is absolutely safe right now. If you hand over the money and shares, you¡¯ll be able to see him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finally couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore, and laughed so hard he lay sprawled across the bar. He held the paper plane and casually threw it at Yu Hao. Yu Hao¡¯s nimble hands caught it, then he threw it back. He and Zhou Sheng were just like two children who could play with anything.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°What on earth do you want?¡±


    ¡°You lied to him.¡± Yu Hao was finally solemn as he said, ¡°That¡¯s the most vile act a father could ever commit against his son. Director Zhou, you¡¯re dishonest.¡±


    ¡°How did I lie to him?!¡± Zhou Laichun suddenly flew into a rage, ¡°Which statement of mine wasn¡¯t the truth?!¡±


    Yu Hao said coldly, ¡°That day you said ¡®if you really want to make decisions for your own life, then prove it with your own abilities.¡¯ He put in so much effort and did everything he was supposed to, but what about you? Have you ever given him the chance to make his own decisions in life?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took off the lid, and placed the steamed dumplings, shaomai, and custard buns on plates. Then he opened the rice cooker and scooped out some century egg porridge. Zhou Laichun cursed on his side, but Yu Hao said, ¡°This negotiation has fallen through, and we will never believe you again. You lack the most fundamental quality every businessman should have. Director Zhou, you have no honesty!¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao, your arrogance knows no limits! I¡¯ve never promised you anything!¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Let Zhou Sheng answer the phone!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t give me all that nonsense! You¡¯re trying to skirt responsibility now? All your words, from what you actually said to what you left out, all implied this!¡±


    Zhou Sheng revealed a ¡®what the fuck¡¯ expression on his face and gave Yu Hao a thumbs up. He spread the oil out evenly in the pain, cracked open an egg, and fried it. Zhou Laichun finally started scolding him out of exasperation and started to unleash a torrent of personal attacks on Yu Hao. But Yu Hao automatically screened out his words and coldly said, ¡°Scold me all you want, I¡¯ll let you vent your frustrations a little. Once you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll blacklist you, so please go ahead.¡±


    On the contrary, Zhou Laichun stopped talking.


    Yu Hao waited for two minutes. Zhou Laichun hung up in anger, and it all ended.

 Chapter 129.2 - Surprise

    Zhou Sheng placed breakfast on the table and took out a small bottle of Maggi seasoning from the fridge for Yu Hao to dip his eggs in, ¡°Do you know what I like most about you?¡±


    Yu Hao now believed that Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t go back anymore. Although he was a little upset when Zhou Sheng called him a ¡°little bastard¡±, he was generally in a pretty good mood right now.


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao looked at the breakfast on the table.


    ¡°You know what I¡¯m thinking.¡± Zhou Sheng tore away the paper underneath a custard bun and said, ¡°Whatever I say or don¡¯t say, you understand it all. No one understands me better than you do.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s not always the case.¡±


    ¡°Wu?¡± Zhou Sheng observed Yu Hao.


    ¡°When I saw you preparing for your presentation the other day.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I thought that if we continued on like that, then I might really lose you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said lightly, ¡°I felt it too. You said that you almost didn¡¯t recognise me anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t continue with this topic. Zhou Sheng placed the custard bun in Yu Hao¡¯s hands. The two of them began eating their breakfast under the brilliant glow of dawn.


    ¡°I want to make a trip to the company later.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And sort out some things for the feature. Lady boss only helps me with editing the photos, I still need to write the manuscripts myself.¡±


    ¡°Go ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°I¡¯ll look for Kaikai and take a look at his college on the way. I¡¯ll find you for lunch at noon.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Put on more clothes, it¡¯s too cold outside.¡±


    Today, the snow in Beijing really was very cold. Situ Ye and Lin Ze were wrapped in thick down clothes as they baked themselves on their office¡¯s half-dead stove. It was so cold they shuddered.


    ¡°Why are you here again?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I give you three days off?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to sort out the manuscripts a little, I¡¯ll have to write them in a few days anyway¡­¡­it¡¯s so cold. Don¡¯t you guys ever take days off too?¡±


    Lin Ze goes to the office every day, even on weekends.


    ¡°It¡¯s so cold.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we sing to keep warm ba? One, two, three! I want, you by my side¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I want¡­¡­to watch you dress up¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Blame it on the night, the teasing madness. I want to sing, as I silently think of you¡­¡­¡±


    After singing a song, it became even colder. Even Yu Hao¡¯s phone shut down automatically.


    ¡°It¡¯s so cold.¡± Situ Ye and Yu Hao wailed in unison.


    ¡°I can¡¯t live anymore.¡± Situ ye said again.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Work ba¡­¡­The reimbursement hasn¡¯t come yet. When will Yu Hao leave?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile that he couldn¡¯t conceal.


    Lin Ze, ¡°Oh?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Un.¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Oh¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suspected that the two of them knew something. Situ Ye said, ¡°What about your graduation thesis?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll still have to write my thesis. I¡¯ll ask Chen Laoshi sometime if I can write it under him in Beijing, then I¡¯ll just need to go back for my thesis defence.¡± This was the conclusion he came to after discussing it with Zhou Sheng in the morning.


    ¡°Where¡¯s the red Angry Bird?¡± Situ Ye asked as he edited photos, ¡°He¡¯s going to drift to the North with you?¡±


    Yu Hao connected the recording pen and imported the interview recordings. He thought, you actually gave Zhou Sheng such a nickname, but when he thought that Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyebrows did look a bit like the red Angry Bird in the game, he couldn¡¯t help bursting into laughter on the spot.


    Situ Ye had always been amazing at coming up with nicknames. He really had the metaphorical style of literary masters; the nickname he gave vice editor-in-chief was ¡®Patrick Star¡¯, and he had even compared Yu Hao to the yellow Angry Bird. He bought a bunch of badges and gave one to everyone, to pin onto their camera bags.


    ¡°He¡¯s going to find a part-time job in Beijing first,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Earn some living expenses, then study hard and get a postgraduate degree in business at a university here in Beijing.¡± This was also what he had discussed with Zhou Sheng in the morning.


    ¡°Enroll in the Wudaokou Institute of Technology then.¡± Lin Ze glanced at Yu Hao, ¡°If you weren¡¯t describing him through fan goggles, then he should be able to get in.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll discuss it with him again¡­¡­¡± Then he put on his earphones and started revising the messy dialect transcriptions of the voice recordings.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Situ Ye suddenly said, ¡°Do you¡­¡­know this person?¡±


    Yu Hao was trying his best to understand the strange dialect. Lin Ze frowned and tossed him an inquiring look. Situ Ye grabbed an eraser and stared at the screen, turning his head to scrutinise the photo.


    After Yu Hao got hit by an eraser, he suddenly snapped out of his daze. Situ Ye said, ¡°Come over to take a look?¡±


    He scrolled with his mouse to enlarge the photo. Question marks appeared all over Yu Hao¡¯s head; it was a photo taken at an interview conducted at the end of October. It was a photo taken of a street, and Yu Hao had already forgotten what his interview was for. It seemed to be a crowd of drug addicts, and the photo was taken outside an upscale community.


    There was a middle-aged man in the photo with a very ordinary appearance, and he was looking at the camera while he was in the midst of the crowd.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why?¡±


    Situ Ye studied that man and revealed a doubtful expression, ¡°Look at this photo.¡±


    No matter if it was taken with a phone or a camera, Yu Hao often bumped into such irrelevant people looking straight into the camera in the photo. Situ Ye often taught him how to cut out elements that seem strange out of the photo.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Situ Ye opened up a photo that was taken more than a month later in November and enlarged it, ¡°Look at this man.¡±


    Yu Hao was baffled. His camera had a very high pixel resolution, so after enlarging his photos, a lot of details could be seen very clearly. This photo was taken from afar of a passing car with its windows rolled down, and a side profile could be seen.


    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s the same person?¡± Situ Ye asked Yu Hao.


    Situ Ye couldn¡¯t determine it either. Yu Hao instantly felt scared, ¡°It can¡¯t be ba! Lady boss! What does this mean! Don¡¯t scare me!¡±


    Lin Ze got some goosebumps from hearing all this too, ¡°Who is it? Let me see?¡±


    Lin Ze came over to take a look, ¡°It¡¯s just a generic face ba, have you gone a little delirious from editing too many photos?¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Situ Ye studied the photo.


    Lin Ze, ¡°Look at the hairline, it¡¯s obviously different here!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That¡¯s good then.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice rang out from the back.


    The three of them immediately screamed. No one knew when Zhou Sheng came. He held four bentos in his hand and distributed them to Lin Ze and Situ Ye.


    ¡°Oh.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t comment after seeing the photos.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not the same person. Lady boss, sometimes your thoughts can be really weird.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Situ Ye tilted his head, ¡°Sometimes I can¡¯t help but play puzzle games with the people in the background and try to eliminate some of them.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng was wearing baggy jeans, a thick jacket, and a red-black hat today. No one seemed the slightest bit surprised at his appearance in this office.


    ¡°It really is cold.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Move a charcoal stove over ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t, just endure it. I don¡¯t want to make headlines in my own newspaper tomorrow in that kind of way.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯ve applied for a small-scale renovation at the general office. Otherwise we wouldn¡¯t be able to survive the winter.¡±


    ¡°I found a job.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯ll be an interview this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°What will you do?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Business consultation.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Huang Ting introduced me. This consulting firm works with them. On the plane that day, I had just started talking to him about coming to Beijing when that guy asked me to send him my resume. I couldn¡¯t change his mind no matter what, so I had to send it to him. It has only been two days, and they¡¯ve already asked me to go for an interview.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What is the job?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It has to do with entity analytics. I¡¯ll ask them first if I can take my work home occasionally.¡± As he spoke he scratched his head and squinted, as if he was thinking about something.


    Lin Ze, ¡°You¡¯re going for an interview? Do you want me to lend you some formal wear? But the size may be a little small.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that he may be able to learn something, but Lin Ze glanced at Zhou Sheng from behind his computer. Zhou Sheng went over after lunch. Yu Hao¡¯s head was still spinning from revising manuscripts in the afternoon. Lin Ze said, ¡°Yu Hao, look for some training materials when you¡¯re free and get the News Editing qualification certificate. When you have the time, you should get the certificate first.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Jin Weicheng came in as well. He didn¡¯t go out for interviews today and stared as Yu Hao revised manuscripts. Situ Ye said, ¡°Jin Laoshi, you just finished an interview, why don¡¯t you go back to take a rest for two days?¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°It¡¯s okay. My house is colder than the company, at least it¡¯s warmer here with so many people around.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng came over again during tea break. He greeted Jin Weicheng, then moved a chair outside the door to bask in the sun. He looked down and browsed several postgraduate entrance examination materials on his phone.


    ¡°I¡¯ve passed the interview.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They asked me to go to work tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°So fast?!¡± Yu Hao was stunned.


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡± and said, ¡°I¡¯ll just be running errands for them at the start, there¡¯s not much to do.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How much will you get a month?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°6,000 during the probation period ba. After they move me to a full-time post, I could get 15,000 including commission.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°So much?!¡±


    Lin Ze held his forehead with one hand. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your leader¡¯s here, could you stop slapping his face? The pa pa sounds are too cruel.¡±


    Situ Ye burst out laughing. Lin Ze said, ¡°Your friend introduced you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yeah, you wanna join? I think you¡¯re a good fit, boss. They asked if I¡¯m married and whether my wife is with me. I said my wife works as a reporter, and they said ¡®un that can add points,¡¯ then got me to do a set of test questions about contextual inquiry, then asked me some questions, then immediately settled on their final verdict and said they wanted me. I¡¯m telling you, it really was ¡®immediate¡¯ without the slightest hesitation.¡± As he spoke, he moved a chair and performed the scene of his interview. Situ Ye laughed so hard he almost fell off his chair.


    ¡°Wait wait wait.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why would they add points for you because I¡¯m an investigative reporter? What does it have to do with me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled and patted Yu Hao¡¯s face with two fingers, ¡°Nothing much, write your manuscripts ba. Finish it quick and get off work, then we can go home for dinner.¡±


    Situ Ye looked at the time, ¡°I need to go buy groceries too.¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°What¡¯s their main business?¡±


    Zhou Sheng rummaged through the materials, ¡°To catch mistresses, take photos of debt dodgers, investigate real estate, divorce property division¡­¡­collect evidence of business infringement, fight for false legal rights, find people, a bunch of nonsense. The company isn¡¯t certified, it¡¯s run by a retired criminal investigator.¡±


    ¡°Why is there such a strange company?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Private detective?¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°I haven¡¯t been paying attention to that industry for a few years, yet it¡¯s so profitable now?¡±


    ¡°You want to be private detective?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it pretty good?¡± Zhou Sheng said solemnly, ¡°I like it, to become a brave private detective is my dream!¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Black market industry. It must be cooperating with people at the top, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t be able to stay open in Beijing. Anything that¡¯s not convenient for the top to investigate openly will be handed to them.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Un, it could close down at any time, the storefront¡¯s really small. The sign that says ¡®Business Consultation and Analysis Service Center¡¯ hangs behind Xidan, and when there¡¯s nothing to do, I don¡¯t need to report to the office either¡­¡­I thought it was strange that they would want me just to give Huang Ting face¡­¡­forget it, I¡¯ll just do it first and see how it is, if it doesn¡¯t work out I¡¯ll switch.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°If you have any news, come share it with us, son-in-law.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay na, wait for me to familiarise myself, and I can act as an informant for you guys too, then I can earn some tip-off fees.¡±


    Jin Weicheng shook his head and declined to comment. He opened up his notebook to start writing.


    Zhou Sheng thought for a moment, then got up and left again, coming and going without even casting a shadow.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Awwww, I¡¯m glad they¡¯re living together in Beijing now.

 Chapter 130.1 - Predicament

    Yu Hao struggled to refine his language and began writing introductory speeches. Jin Weicheng watched him write his manuscripts at one side. At first, Yu Hao had been most nervous about conducting interviews as a reporter, but this manuscript that he couldn¡¯t escape ended up making him the most frantic. Interviews felt good for a moment, but writing manuscripts was like being cremated.


    As Yu Hao typed noisily on his laptop, Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have the least bit of hesitation?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What¡¯s there to hesitate about?¡±


    Lin Ze looked at Jin Weicheng and didn¡¯t interject. Yu Hao knew that most of the time, Lin Ze and Jin Weicheng¡¯s world views conflicted a lot, but both sides also restrained themselves a lot. After all, Jin Weicheng was ranked higher in seniority than Lin Ze, so no one would refute him openly.


    Everyone¡¯s values had been tempered by their unique vicissitudes of life, just like what was said in¡¶The Great Gatsby¡·, ¡°Whenever you feel like criticizing any one, just remember that all the people in this world haven¡¯t had the advantages that you¡¯ve had.¡±


    Yu Hao wrote an introduction, deleted it, wrote it, deleted it again, then leaned against the back of his chair and ruminated silently. He looked sideways at Jin Weicheng.


    ¡°What follow-ups will our investigation report trigger?¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Before writing, think about that carefully.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Reform, large-scale compensation ma.¡±


    ¡°Reform will be impossible.¡± Lin Ze casually said, ¡°There will never be a reform. When something happens, it will just be shut down straight away. Guangxian¡¯s incident can already be considered to be quite serious.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Shut down completely, which means that these people will lose their jobs. A feature report will affect an entire county¡¯s GDP, affect their finances, affect their lives. After leaving the battery plant and getting their compensation, what can they do? Farm? The land is already polluted. These people will either have to leave their hometown and travel somewhere else to find jobs, or play cards in the village and gamble for a living.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If they don¡¯t shut down, more and more people will die.¡±


    Jin Weicheng answered, ¡°So, what we¡¯re doing is virtually equivalent to making decisions for the fate of these people. Have you ever wondered, what right do you have to decide the fate of others?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Un¡­¡­¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Officials obtain remarkable achievements for bringing benefit to people in one region, yet they concealed a large-scale accidental death incident. Getting him sacked could lead to soaring property prices; the local people¡¯s lives will suffer, and everyone will scold you. Do you report it or not?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Report it, how could it be more reasonable to conceal it for him? What did they do before concealing the report? Why didn¡¯t they think it through beforehand?¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s reported, even more people will die of starvation.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°How do you choose?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯ll be the successor¡¯s problem. If it¡¯s serious, chase it and continue biting on it.¡±


    Jin Weicheng got up and refilled his cup with water, ¡°Trolley problem: there¡¯s one child on a track while there are five children on the other. The switch is in your hands, where do you pull it to?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Pull it towards the side with one child, save five lives.¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Human life is priceless. One life is not inferior to five.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Not for me.¡±


    Jin Weicheng, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you have let down the one who died?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yes. But if he has any grievances, then he can just come find me. I¡¯ll wait for his revenge. In any case I have a clear conscience.¡±


    Lin Ze finally laughed, but he didn¡¯t interrupt Yu Hao.


    Jin Weicheng pondered for a bit and nodded. He said, ¡°What if that person is someone you know? For example, your boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°Pull it towards the side with five children, save my boyfriend.¡± Yu Hao thought, did you even need to ask that?


    ¡°What is that based on?¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°What right do reporters have to decide whether a person lives or dies? To determine a person¡¯s life?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled and continued writing his manuscript, ¡°Based on the fact that the switch was handed to me, and based on the fact that I¡¯m the reporter for this feature.¡±


    Lin Ze didn¡¯t speak for a long time. Jin Weicheng nodded and didn¡¯t comment. He got up and left, stood in the sun and snow for a while, then went out for an interview.


    ¡°You were taught that in psychology?¡± Lin Ze said.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng taught me.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I think I¡¯m actually much gentler. If it were Zhou Sheng, as long as I¡¯m not on the track, his answer would probably be ¡®I¡¯ll pull it to wherever I feel like¡¯ ba?¡±


    Lin Ze laughed, but Yu Hao said, ¡°But learning psychology has its influence.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°So the books you¡¯ve read are useful.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Did Jin Laoshi ever¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°After you get to know him better, he¡¯ll tell you, so I won¡¯t gossip about it.¡±


    That night.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to become a private detective?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°What private detective.¡± Zhou Sheng tasted the lotus root soup in front of the electric cooker and answered, ¡°It¡¯s really being a paparazzi for the people. You¡¯ll know when I show you around in a few days, it¡¯s really not dangerous. Come, have dinner.¡±


    Yu Hao was afraid that Zhou Sheng would be in danger, but with Zhou Sheng¡¯s skills, as long as he didn¡¯t get involved in something major, Zhou Sheng would know what to do himself. In the first few days, Yu Hao always inquired about what he was doing. Zhou Sheng showed him the induction training materials, and then Yu Hao felt a little more relieved.


    ¡°I¡¯m just doing it for fun.¡± Zhou Sheng came back at night and read¡¶Western Economics¡·, he was about one fifth through it as he started revising for his postgraduate entrance examination. After a week of simple induction training, Zhou Sheng¡¯s first job was to help a rich madam find private detectives to take photographic evidence of her husband¡¯s affair.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s picture, ¡°How long will your stakeout have to be to take this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng came out after taking a bath, ¡°We¡¯ve been following her husband¡¯s car for three days, I reckon it¡¯ll be soon.¡±


    At first, Yu Hao thought that this profession was too unreal. But Lin Ze, Zhou Sheng and Jin Weicheng all seemed to regard it as a very normal profession. On the contrary, they thought Yu Hao was making a fuss over nothing.


    ¡°There are about 30,000 to 40,000 investigators nationwide.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°In any case, there are a lot more of them than investigative reporters; our profession is the rare one. We have no money but we¡¯re still happy to wade through muddy waters. They have the money to collect and live comfortable lives. Why don¡¯t you tell me where its rarity lies?¡±


    Yu Hao finished revising the last manuscript, and this time, everyone was alert and ready in full battle array. After it was printed out, everyone got a copy, and they all gathered around for a meeting to give feedback on the manuscript. They discussed it once before letting Yu Hao read it out loud once. Situ Ye even looked for two editors from the general office to listen to Yu Hao read the manuscript. Yu Hao felt like he was being paraded on the streets, and it became a little difficult to keep reading.


    ¡°The deterioration of the environment is an urgent¡­¡­oh why didn¡¯t I write predicates again.¡± As Yu Hao read, he casually slapped himself and took out a pen to slash out this sentence, and everyone burst out laughing.


    ¡°The first feature is very important.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°It¡¯s been tough on you to revise it so many times.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the scanned manuscript. Everyone¡¯s opinions were even recorded separately, and a stack of manuscripts was covered in red circles, so he could only nod and start revising them again.


    Zhou Sheng took the subway then took a public bus for one stop. He carried a sports bag, looking like he was going to the gym, then he arrived at the company. From today on, he had to scrimp a little, since they needed enough to live on after all. Zhou Sheng also had a lunchbox in his bag, and inside it was a bento Yu Hao had  made ¡ª¡ª Yu Hao would occasionally practice cooking as well, but of course, most of the time he would just cook a pot of rice in the morning before piling up dishes from last night that had been separated out for Zhou Sheng, place them in the lunch box, then add some hot sauce.


    Aside from this, he would prepare a flask of hand-made coffee for Zhou Sheng that was locked in his thermos cup, so that he could take it to work to drink.


    Zhou Sheng was born and raised in Ying City, so he had never encountered such evil winds that were stirred up as Beijing entered its winter season. As soon as he left the subway station, he had the misperception that the world seemed to be ending and almost got blown away. When he arrived at the company and reported for work, he underwent simple training first. His boss was a woman in her forties, bespectacled, with fierce red lipstick. She chatted with Zhou Sheng for a while, then his supervisor handed him a stack of materials as well as a recording for him to analyze.


    This was an assignment to investigate business secret leaks. Zhou Sheng had to search for clues from party A¡¯s talks in the recording and the stack of materials, filter and sort them out, then create an action plan. The team would discuss the matter in the afternoon.


    ¡°My target here is a man, 39 years old, project manager, often comes to Beijing on business trips. Party A suspects that he copied the core framework of the company and handed it to their competitors.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Lives in Orange Crystal, the last time he appeared was the day before yesterday, the competitor¡¯s boss invited him to eat at Respected Prince¡¯s Mansion¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng began his analysis and distributed a simple handwritten blueprint at the end. He planned to follow the project manager for awhile while he was still in Beijing, and have the team dispatch someone else for assistance in watching the person who would contact this project manager.


    The person-in-charge who gave Zhou Sheng a brief training yesterday now prepared to set off separately. Shortly afterwards, the big boss of the investigation institute came down. It was an old man, and he had come specifically to see the new recruit. Zhou Sheng knew that since he was introduced by Huang Ting, the boss would pay more attention to him and quickly greeted him as ¡®boss¡¯. When the two of them looked at each other, Zhou Sheng was stunned.


    ¡°Hello, kid. We meet again.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately extended both hands and shook hands with the old man.


    The old man¡¯s surname was Qin, and his name was Qin Guodong. He was smiling, yet his gaze had the unique trait of criminal investigators. He looked him from head to toe, ¡°Zhou Sheng, Xiao Huang has a very high opinion of you, so do a good job.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. Qin Guodong held his hand and didn¡¯t let go, while one of his hands unconsciously patted Zhou Sheng¡¯s left arm and coincidentally patted the Golden Crow Wheel that Zhou Sheng had hidden in his sleeve. He retracted his hand, then the two parted.


    After returning to his seat, Zhou Sheng took the Golden Crow Wheel out of his sweater¡¯s sleeve and kept it in his trousers pocket, then surveyed his surroundings.


    ¡°How was it today?¡± Yu Hao asked at home.


    ¡°Pretty good.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I realised that I¡¯m quite fit for this job.¡±


    Zhou Sheng told Yu Hao about his work while he checked up on Qin Guodong on the computer, as well as information on Xiao Jian, the executive director of the office. He searched online, but found nothing.


    Yu Hao looked at the contents of the work Zhou Sheng brought back ¡ª suspecting key employee of the company of leaking business secrets. But before they had any evidence, the case couldn¡¯t be reported, so they had to entrust it to private detectives to investigate.


    ¡°The remuneration for this case is high. We¡¯re doing it from scratch, and if everything goes smoothly, we¡¯ll get 3,000 more in commission.¡± Zhou Sheng said, then entered ¡°STA¡± and keywords related to the office in the computer and began checking.


    ¡°That¡¯s a lot!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We only get 600 for writing manuscripts.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Try writing some Chicken Soup articles for another public number?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t even have enough time to revise manuscripts, aahhhhhh, I¡¯m going crazy!¡±


    ¡ª


    Announcement: I¡¯m recruiting a proofreader for SD! You¡¯ll get instant access to the rest of the SD chapters, so if anyone¡¯s interested, do message me on discord for more information @Zryuu#6056~

 Chapter 130.2 - Predicament

    Yu Hao experienced a ton of hardships and could even recite the manuscript backwards smoothly, Lin Ze finally signed it and sent it out. The chief editor stamped it, and they entered December. It had already been nearly ten days since he and Jin Weicheng went out for their interview.


    ¡°The manuscript passed.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°It¡¯ll be published tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Yu Hao almost raised both his hands out as he shouted. He couldn¡¯t help himself from asking, ¡°Did the chief editor say anything?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°As a chief editor who has read countless manuscripts and survived the Cultural Revolution, what do you think she would say?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true. For him, this feature was something he had poured his heart and soul into, but in the eyes of the chief editor, it was just a sloppy and ordinary manuscript. She would be giving him a lot of face just by taking some time out to give it a brief glance.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°It¡¯s not difficult to pass one manuscript; what¡¯s difficult is passing manuscripts all the time. Everyone won¡¯t be able to help you pick out the faults like this every time, you¡¯ll have to rely on yourself.¡±


    When Yu Hao thought about how he would have to revise his manuscripts over and over again for every feature from now on, he felt like his life was instantly filled with despair.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll work hard.¡±


    Lin Ze carried his bag, then left with Yu Hao. They were the last to leave, so they locked the door as they left. When they passed by the subway station, Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°Jin Laoshi has many shortcomings, and similarly, we all have many shortcomings as well. But I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve noticed that on this feature, he signed for you without hesitation. That¡¯s one of the reasons he became a member of our team.¡±


    Yu Hao felt deeply moved for a moment, ¡°I understand.¡±


    Lin Ze nodded solemnly, waved to him, and left.


    Amidst the bitingly cold winds, Yu Hao looked up from underneath his house. Within this city that was ablaze with lights, there was one light that stayed lit for him.


    Will we have chopped peppers with fish head today? Or hotpot? Or curry crab? Zhou Sheng wore heat-insulating gloves and placed a semi finished chestnut roasted chicken into the microwave oven, then turned on the timer. Conan played on the TV. Yu Hao picked up a call and went in, changing his shoes in the entrance hall. It hadn¡¯t even been a month since he moved here, but he was completely used to it already, as if this house had been waiting for him here for a long time, waiting to be their home.


    ¡°I always feel like somebody¡¯s watching me from behind my back.¡± Zhou Sheng said into the phone, ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m overthinking this¡­¡­¡±


    The sound of the door opening travelled over, so Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I got to go, Yu Hao¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao had his earphones on, he was on the phone as well.


    There were forms on the dining table. Zhou Sheng had bought a printer to make it easy for Yu Hao to read manuscripts at home.


    He raised two fingers, to motion that dinner will be ready in 20 minutes, then pushed the electric cooker button to start cooking. Yu Hao nodded and looked at the forms on the table. They were the management situation and financing plans for the first three months that Fu Liqun had sent to Zhou Sheng via the group chat. Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao¡¯s phone, the display showing ¡°Gege¡±. Zhou Sheng wanted to take the earphones out and turn it to loudspeaker mode to say hello to Fu Liqun, but Yu Hao raised his hand to motion ¡®don¡¯t¡¯.


    Zhou Sheng thought about it, then nodded.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I feel really exhausted too sometimes, but I¡¯ll feel a lot better the next day after sleeping.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­I can¡¯t tell Young Master, you know? Yu Hao, I¡¯m not pretentious. But I feel like if I don¡¯t find someone to talk to, I¡¯ll really suffer from depression.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t suffer from depression.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°You¡¯re just a little stressed.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I can¡¯t talk to your sis-in-law, I can¡¯t talk to Xia Lei, Li Yangming, not my parents, and I don¡¯t want to look for Young Master. After thinking about it over and over, I can only find you. It¡¯s been three months, and I¡¯ve exhausted all ideas I could come up with. It¡¯s really hard.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How many members are there now?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°12, two are still considering, but they¡¯re unlikely cases. I can host my own Last Supper now.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. Fu Liqun said, ¡°What I¡¯m most worried about isn¡¯t my determination, but their determination. Bian Qiang obviously doesn¡¯t want to do it anymore, but he¡¯s afraid of hurting my feelings. Although Xia Lei didn¡¯t say much, but I know he¡¯ll leave soon. Most of the members were pulled in by him, but he also observes people. It was okay to depend on him at first, but now, he probably thinks that I¡¯m not that capable, but at least I don¡¯t have any resources, so he won¡¯t work too hard. As soon as New Year¡¯s is over, and our graduation thesis begins, they¡¯ll probably¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand. Now I really admire my leader. Even lady boss is complaining about quitting and giving up, yet he can still hold on.¡±


    Fu Liqun talked about his current predicament, and the most important thing was the divergence of opinions amongst his partners. He hoped that Xia Lei could bring in more members, but once his partners started looking down on him, they¡¯d think that the membership of this gym relied on them to be developed, which is to say, they could do it themselves. Their families don¡¯t lack for money, so what do they need Fu Liqun for?


    And a gym itself isn¡¯t very profitable; most profit comes from the fitness products sold to students. Just as Lin Ze had said, no one believes that hard work can make a fortune, so they search for a lucrative industry. They want to earn money while lying down every day, so they¡¯ll gradually start thinking of leaving the partnership.


    Or they could say that from the very beginning, Xia Lei and Bian Qiang were only interested in accompanying Fu Liqun to mess around a bit. Now that they don¡¯t think it¡¯s fun anymore, then they could just now play. How much could their shares be worth? They could just give it all to Fu Liqun, then couldn¡¯t they just stop doing it with him?


    Zhou Sheng took off his microwave oven gloves, had one foot over his other knee, and lit a cigarette. He looked over the management situation of Fu Liqun¡¯s gym.


    ¡°When I was giving lessons to my students today,¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°There was that one instant when I suddenly thought that when she laughed, her eyes resembled your sis-in-law¡¯s a little. You may not understand that feeling. I just want to ask one question, which is a little offensive. Yu Hao, in the three months when you were in Beijing, have you ever been interested in your boss, lady boss, or other men?¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it and said, ¡°No. We video call each other every day, I miss him very much.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Your sis-in-law and I had two video calls. I had that one instant, when I really thought about giving up. But in less than a few minutes, I felt so guilty. I asked her to train by herself before walking to one side and washed my head with cold water. I don¡¯t know if I cried at that time¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Gege.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun drank beer as he wore a sports tank and sat on the balcony at home. Half a year ago, he, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao often looked at the stars here. The Milky Way in the mountains was very beautiful.


    He worked as a fitness coach for several months. His figure now was trained to be much better than before; his muscles were tight, he had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, but he looked like he was at a loss.


    ¡°I might close the gym.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It can¡¯t make money. I¡¯m losing nearly a thousand dollars every day.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s voice travelled through the earphones, ¡°It¡¯ll get better. When people start a food and beverage company, they¡¯ll only be suffering losses in their first year.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how long I can hold on for. I let down Young Master too much, I¡¯ve let down both of you. But I don¡¯t want to tell Young Master that. I feel like I¡¯m walking in a desert, and I don¡¯t know how long I have to walk before finding an oasis.¡±


    ¡°I thought your sis-in-law was my oasis. I walked for so long, and I keep looking for some water to drink, but no matter where I walk to, all I see are mirages. I¡¯ve been thinking over and over again these days; it¡¯s just like what you said, I¡¯ll think of giving up every night, but when I get up in the morning, I grit my teeth and continue holding on.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. After Zhou Sheng looked through the forms, he placed them aside and started reading his¡¶Western Economics¡·.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I understand that feeling so well. There have been a few times where I almost told my leader that I didn¡¯t want to do it anymore, but when I thought about it some more, I decided to just do it. At least it¡¯s what you want to do, and at least you¡¯re working hard for yourself. When you go somewhere else, you¡¯ll feel even less motivated.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°If your sis-in-law was by my side, I feel like no matter what happens, I would be able to hold on. Let¡¯s stop talking about this, are you home yet?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng found a job as a private detective, we¡¯re going to live in Beijing. I like this place very much.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Okay. If I can¡¯t do this anymore, I¡¯ll go seek asylum with you guys.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re extremely welcome. Our sofa can be opened up to be used as a sofa bed.¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed, ¡°I really miss those few years when we were together, and we didn¡¯t need to worry about anything. I¡¯ll go now, I need to take a bath and teach a student.¡±


    Yu Hao hung up. Zhou Sheng knew what he said without asking. He washed his hands and served the dishes ¡ª chestnut roasted chicken, two bowls of stewed pork rib soup, and there was stir-fried cabbage as well. The two began to eat and asked each other how their work went.


    ¡°I see, can¡¯t hold on anymore?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Xia Lei never regarded the gym highly from the beginning; that kid¡¯s really proud, he just wanted to play with him. Bian Qiang has always been lazy; he can¡¯t bear hardships and played with him for a few months at most to earn some internship experience. Neither of them thought of doing it as a career.¡±


    ¡°What about Yangming?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°That kid overthinks.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And gets jealous easily.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege can recruit other people.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Nowadays, those who dabble in fitness are mostly old dough fritters, while those who are capable have all opened their own private gyms. Those that remain are just getting by. Gege¡¯s inexperienced too, if employees don¡¯t fool such bosses, who else can they fool?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How much did he lose?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Not much. He hasn¡¯t lost as much as your camera, it¡¯s not a big deal. The most scary thing about starting a business is when your partners each have their own plans. I accepted an investigation that happens to be about something similar, to check if their partners are accepting kickbacks.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How¡¯s the investigation going?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°They were such good friends, yet it ended up really ugly. So it¡¯s better if friends don¡¯t partner up with one another to do business¡­¡­when will we invite them to our new house? Oh right, I haven¡¯t declared my sovereignty to Kaikai yet. Since we¡¯ve moved to a new place, invite him here for a meal?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re doing it again.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Chen Laoshi hasn¡¯t come looking for me ever since he knew you arrived in Beijing.¡±


    ¡°But you have to go to him for your graduation thesis ba?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Invite him, and call that Ou Qihang kid too to come to our house for a meal? We haven¡¯t seen him in more than two years, and there¡¯s something I want to ask him too, regarding their school¡¯s graduate students.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t decided which college to take the graduate exam for, and he may really be able to get into Wudaokou Institute of Technology. Yu Hao thought about it and said, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll find a chance to ask them.¡±


    In December, the Guangxian battery plant feature was published.


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time experiencing the might of the main office. Indeed, the strength of his newspaper office was entirely worthy of the way it conducted itself ¡ª¡ª headlining the second edition of social news, it was a major hit! Following which, major news APPs, web portals, and WeChat public numbers all reprinted the news. 100,000 Chicken Soup public numbers were all chasing this hot topic.


    ¡°Congratulations to Jin Laoshi.¡± Lin Ze was reading¡¶Gushi Hui¡·, ¡°You once again triggered a national media hot topic.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°A large number of reporters have already rushed to the scene, they¡¯ll have quite a headache now.¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time getting submerged by his own manuscripts. All of the reprints used his manuscript, including his introduction, factual descriptions, and the statistics collated by Jin Weicheng. Yu Hao flipped through it repeatedly as he looked at his work, and the byline had Investigative Reporter Jin Weicheng, followed by Intern Editor Yu Hao.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Five years! Damn, it¡¯s getting tougher and tougher to work in the media industry.¡±


    Jin Weicheng took a bottle of Erguotou and poured it out to toast with the other three, then drank. Jin Weicheng said lightly, ¡°I¡¯m going out for an interview. Xiao Yu, don¡¯t let manuscripts stack up, finish them as soon as possible.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Too amazing, this is really too amazing!¡±


    Weibo, WeChat, web portals, and even a pop-up window was talking about the battery plant.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Awwww, I¡¯m happy for Haohao, but I feel bad for FLQ¡­

 Chapter 131.1

    ¡°Bet on how long it¡¯ll last this time?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯m guessing it won¡¯t even last seven days.¡±


    ¡°Definitely not seven days.¡± Situ Ye looked at the news on his phone, ¡°Two days at most.¡±


    Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°Have you thought of January¡¯s feature?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Looking for it now.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Compete with Jin Laoshi to get published ba.¡±


    Yu Hao became frantic, ¡°How could I?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng especially gave him a call. He was currently in the office, ¡°Wife, you¡¯ve unearthed a hot topic.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s Jin Laoshi¡¯s feature, the credit doesn¡¯t go to me.¡± As he spoke, he heard Zhou Sheng say to his colleague on the other side, ¡°This intern editor¡¯s my wife¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°What Jin Laoshi¡¯s feature.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Have you thanked your boss and lady boss for their training? They edited photos for you for several days!¡±


    Only then did Yu Ha remember, Lin Ze and Situ Ye didn¡¯t sign their names on the feature. He rushed through the door.


    Lin Ze, ¡°???¡±


    After a while, Yu Hao came over with a pour over coffee maker, filter paper, and coffee powder, ¡°Boss, lady boss, I¡¯ll make pour over coffee for you two.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°Yo, we get coffee too? Ah Ze, do you feel guilty?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Ah Ze said helplessly, ¡°Yu Hao, the manuscript fee has all been given to Jin Laoshi. I didn¡¯t want to say that at first¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Give it all to him! This is the first manuscript of my life! And it actually, ahhhhhhh¡ª¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao was filled with gratitude. He made pour over coffee for both Situ Ye and Lin Ze. Situ Ye said, ¡°It¡¯s pretty professional, who did you learn from?¡±


    ¡°Our Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He came in third in the Manhattan Pour Over Coffee Championship, North American¡¯s winner, and had entered the final.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Situ Ye accepted the coffee and took a sip.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Your lady boss was the runner-up in the Asia-Pacific Coffee Championships.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too proud!¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I think you need some scolding to wake up a little, where¡¯s your feature? What have you been doing lately?¡±


    Situ Ye smiled, ¡°Can¡¯t you let me be a little proud?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve picked some, take a look?¡±


    Yu Hao sent the topics to Lin Ze¡¯s phone. Lin Ze glanced at it, ¡°No, what the hell are all these? You really need an urgent knock on the head.¡±


    ¡°Oh, these won¡¯t do?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll look around again.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going to find traffickers?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°There have been a lot of features on them a few years ago. There¡¯s no need to do food health now; the one on collusion between property speculation groups and the local government is okay, but with your current abilities, you wouldn¡¯t be able to get any information. Don¡¯t do the one on child abuse in kindergartens, it has already blown up. Your topics are practically trying to pick a fight when there¡¯s none. I think you seem more like you¡¯re trying to find local governments to wreck and not much like an investigative reporter.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll think about it again.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°You need to broaden your social relations before you get connections. Know what they care about the most, what problem they most need to resolve. From the masses¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye composed a song himself and started singing, ¡°Go to the masses¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes¡ª¡ª¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Why do I seem more and more like a cadre member these days¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao nodded.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°If it really doesn¡¯t work out, then choose something that other investigative reporters have done before but didn¡¯t attract any attention, or unsolved cases are fine as well. In our profession, we also need to fry cold rice once in awhile, but we¡¯ll have to do a more thorough and comprehensive version of it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it again.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°The content you want to report,¡± Lin Ze said in the end, ¡°is this world¡¯s ¡®pain that hits close to home¡¯. Starting from this afternoon, go out for interviews ba. After you run around enough, you¡¯ll understand what it means by ¡®pain that hits close to home¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished writing my interviews¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Then work overtime.¡± Lin Ze said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao could only say this in response. Still, he stopped whatever he was doing and pondered over Lin Ze¡¯s words. He had a lot to digest.


    ¡°Pain that hits close to home.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Pain that hits close to home, it doesn¡¯t have to be sensational.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°We¡¯re not a demolition office; we have the power to destroy, but we won¡¯t destroy just for the sake of destruction. We¡¯re not trying to break the government¡¯s legs. Sometimes, you just need to tear off a small, tiny piece and expose it to the outside, like the skin on your lips ¡ª even that can make this ¡®person¡¯ tremble with pain.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It depends on whether the connection is deep or not.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Remember the feature on Anti-Japanese Resistance Volunteers? Left-behind children, Anti-Japanese Volunteers, autistic patients: pain that hits close to home doesn¡¯t necessarily have to be evil. Aside from exposing evil, investigative reporters have to learn how to report on the good as well.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and continued writing Jin Weicheng¡¯s manuscript. Situ Ye asked, ¡°How are you guys celebrating New Year¡¯s? Call Angry Bird along, let¡¯s do some team building activities?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°It¡¯s so damn cold outside, it¡¯s -10 degrees, and you still want to countdown in the cold? Why don¡¯t they come to our house for a meal ba?¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°No! I don¡¯t want to clean up anymore! The house is such a mess! Why do I still have to work during the holidays?!¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it for a bit and texted Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng answered:¡¾Sure! I wanted to treat your leaders to a meal too anyway. If they¡¯re willing to come, then I¡¯m completely okay with it.¡¿


    So Yu Hao invited Lin Ze and Situ Ye to come to his new home for dinner on New Year¡¯s Eve for the countdown. That was exactly what Situ Ye wanted, ¡°Great! I¡¯ve wanted to eat your man¡¯s cooking for a really long time now; I¡¯ll see if it¡¯s really as godly as you proclaim it to be. In any case, if we go to your house for dinner we can leave right after eating, and you won¡¯t need my help to clean up.¡±


    In the investigation office, Zhou Sheng finished his second job. He joined hands with his colleague and took a picture of a meeting between the project manager and the manager from their competitor. He had also recorded almost all of his tracks, sorted out the documents, and was prepared to send them all to party A.


    ¡°Yo, what¡¯s this?¡± His colleague asked, ¡°My eyes aren¡¯t playing tricks on me, right? The sunbird of Jinsha?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smoothed his hair. He looked at the computer screen, controlled the mouse with his right hand and typed on the keyboard with his left hand as he sorted out the file names for the photos. He wore the Golden Crow Wheel on his left arm that had rolled up sleeves.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°A handicraft.¡±


    His colleague laughed, ¡°Why do you wear this on your wrist? I thought it was a watch.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°A love token from my wife na.¡± As he spoke, he graciously took the Golden Crow Wheel off and handed it to his colleague.


    His Colleague asked, ¡°Pure gold?¡± As he spoke, he tossed it up and down, and Xiao Jian came out right at this moment. The colleagues were currently passing the Golden Crow Wheel around, and it was thrown to Xiao Jian, who asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°It¡¯s mine, a small accessory.¡±


    Xiao Jian threw it back and motioned to Zhou Sheng to leave with him, ¡°There¡¯s something I need to dispatch you for. Isn¡¯t your wife working in a newspaper? Help me get some information.¡±


    That night.


    ¡°Why did you get so many Golden Crow Wheels?¡± Yu Hao was dumbstruck. He saw a pile of identical Golden Crow Wheels on the table that was stacked up like a pile of coins.


    Zhou Sheng flicked one of them. ¡°It¡¯s alright, just something for fun.¡±


    Twenty Golden Crow Wheels were stacked neatly on the table. Zhou Sheng pressed them down with ten fingers, rolling them here and there, then spinning them a few rounds. ¡°Can you tell which one it is?¡±


    Yu Hao chose one and picked it up to hand to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng nodded. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± But he didn¡¯t accept it. ¡°You keep it first.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng doubtfully, ¡°Someone wants to steal the Golden Crow Wheel? How¡¯s that possible?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°No, it¡¯s just for fun. Don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Yu Hao sat in front of the table. Zhou Sheng took out a metal box and swept the remaining Golden Crow Wheels inside, then said, ¡°Our boss wants to get some information from you. Look at this guy.¡±


    Zhou sheng handed Yu Hao a photograph. There was a very energetic-looking middle-aged man in it.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this that person?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I remember him.¡±


    The man in the picture was one of the three men who had come to their college to exchange pleasantries with them two years ago during Ou Qihang¡¯s incident! But only one of them introduced himself at that time, as ¡®Ren Chong¡¯. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know the names of the other two.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Three people, and the boss of my company is the third, called Qin Guodong. This person is the second, called Zhao Liang. Ren Chong is Huang Ting¡¯s immediate superior. Hey, don¡¯t you think this is interesting?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Aren¡¯t the three of them part of the investigation team?¡±


    ¡°They disbanded.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Right after Ou Qihang¡¯s incident ended. You can just ask your boss about him in passing. There¡¯s no need to take this too seriously.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s strange¡­Weren¡¯t they colleagues in the past? Your boss should know more about him, shouldn¡¯t he?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged, revealing an enigmatic and mocking smile. Yu Hao scratched his head. He didn¡¯t really understand what the connection was in all this, so he didn¡¯t ask too much. He took a photo and decided to ask Lin Ze when the time came.


    It was less than a week before New Year¡¯s. Yu Hao went out for two special Christmas interviews, while Jin Weicheng took leave and left on the 28th. At noon on the last day, everyone had nothing to do. Lin Ze borrowed an editor who didn¡¯t go home from the general office to take over their duties. Vacation time was given in advance that day, so they went back to take a bath, then went over to play again at night.


    Ou Qihang didn¡¯t go home. He refused his classmates¡¯ invitations. It was really too cold outside, and he just so happened to go to Yu Hao¡¯s house to play. Chen Yekai had nothing else to do either and immediately agreed.


    After Yu Hao finished his interview at noon, he went to look for Zhou Sheng first. Zhou Sheng was sitting at the edge of his desk, chatting idly with a group of investigators about chess. The entire office took up a space of less than 50 square meters and was a complete mess. Zhou Sheng greeted Yu Hao. The office was full of young people.


    ¡°Sis-in-law is here.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Greet him.¡±


    ¡°Hello bro-in-law!¡± Everyone started cheering, ¡°Hellooo bro-in-law~¡± (elder sister¡¯s husband)


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°You guys wanna die?!¡±


    Yu Hao got acquainted with Zhou Sheng¡¯s colleagues. The feeling this bunch of people gave him was that they seemed nondescript; they were all wearing suits, yet they had a kind of an indescribable air. A box of snacks was moved over, and everyone flocked over to distribute them. They reminded him of the group of sports class guys in college.


    Zhou Sheng straightened his collar and went to the office to knock on the door. He said to the manager, ¡°Boss, I¡¯m leaving now.¡±


    ¡°Go back bei.¡± Xiao Jian wore glasses as he looked at a file. He looked up, and Yu Hao said, ¡°Hello, boss.¡±


    ¡°You worked on the battery plant feature?¡± Xiao Jian said, ¡°It was awesome! Hello Meimei.¡±


    Yu Hao held his forehead with one hand. Zhou Sheng put on his jacket and draped an arm over Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, then left. They went to the seafood market to buy food for tonight, since they were going to prepare hot pot to entertain their guests.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t they like a bunch of army ruffians?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But how come they¡¯re younger than us?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Quite a few who left the army aren¡¯t even 20 yet.¡±


    All these private detectives liked to put on airs. Occasionally, they¡¯d run out to accept jobs as bodyguards. Yu Hao usually heard Zhou Sheng talk about many interesting things, and his work wasn¡¯t as tough as he imagined. Zhou Sheng soon got familiar with everyone right after joining the company, and he was smart as well, so now almost all the members in the team listened to him. He was just like a military advisor and was now quite in his element there.


    ¡°Buy more crabs.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll deal with them.¡±


    Yu Hao was always afraid of getting pinched by crabs. Zhou Sheng picked one up to show him, ¡°What about this one? Don¡¯t be afraid! Mwah! Look at how cute it is. Its meat must be real tender.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Be careful, it¡¯s going to pinch your nose!¡±


    When they were cooking in the afternoon, Yu Hao boldly used two chopsticks to pull the crabs¡¯ pincers apart, so that Zhou Sheng could tear it open. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When it comes to crabs, you can¡¯t just nail their stomachs with one stab to the death just because it¡¯s convenient¡­¡­once you nail it dead, its meat will relax¡­Aren¡¯t you afraid of it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m more afraid of you getting pinched.¡± Yu Hao said nervously, ¡°Hurry up!¡±


    Zhou Sheng handled the crabs and started skewering shrimps. Yu Hao took a small knife to pick the abalone out. He thought that it would be really lively tonight; they had actually invited so many people to this family feast. The only regret was that Huang Ting could not come.


    The doorbell rang, and guests came in one after another.


    ¡°Congratulations on moving to a new place.¡± Chen Yekai first handed Yu Hao a bottle of wine, then gave him an anthology of Shelley¡¯s poetry. ¡°As a makeup gift for your birthday.¡± Then he went in like he was familiar with the place, ¡°Yo, your new place isn¡¯t bad, you can even see big underpants.¡±


    Ou Qihang followed behind Chen Yekai and shouted, ¡°Long time no see!¡±


    Ou Qihang had grown up quite a bit and felt like he had matured a lot too. Although it has been years since they had met, they were still very familiar with one another. He took off his sportswear and handed Yu Hao Tsinghua¡¯s postgraduate enrollment brochure, then helped Zhou Sheng handle the ingredients for dinner. Lin Ze and Situ Ye came in too, and they had brought a bottle of red wine.


    Yu Hao introduced Ou Qihang. Everyone exchanged pleasantries for a while. Lin Ze sent Yu Hao away, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about us, we¡¯ll treat this place like our own home.¡±


    Chen Yekai and Lin Ze had chatted before, so they soon got acquainted when they met this time. Zhou Sheng only said that Ou Qihang was Yu Hao¡¯s godbrother. Previously, Zhou Sheng had asked Fu Liqun to send the game console they had at home over, so Ou Qihang and Situ Ye began playing Call of Duty, while Lin Ze and Zhou Sheng chatted as they played chess. Chen Yekai brought some books over for Yu Hao. Yu Hao mentioned his graduation thesis. After Chen Yekai thought about it, he said, ¡°That¡¯s okay, but I¡¯ll need to greet the head of your department.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then you can guide me on my thesis.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I think you don¡¯t need my guidance anymore.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to bother you to go back with me for my defence.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s just a small matter. Do you want to undertake your postgraduate studies under me?¡±


    Yu Hao was surprised, ¡°You can take graduate students now?¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°If you¡¯re not afraid that it would be tough, you can consider it.¡±


    Yu Hao was a little tempted. The college that Chen Yekai had come on an exchange for was considered quite a good one in Beijing. Although it wasn¡¯t a first-tier college, it had an excellent humanities and social sciences department. If he managed to enroll in the college as a postgraduate student, there would most likely be a substantive leap in his salary.


    ¡°Let me consider that properly.¡± Yu Hao answered, then placed the dishes on the table. Zhou Sheng went to open up bottles of wine, start dinner, and poured wine for everyone. Yu Hao suddenly felt like this scene was quite dream-like. His superior from work was actually getting acquainted with Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang!


    Zhou Sheng clinked glasses and casually said, ¡°Come, come, we¡¯re all here because of Yu Hao. Everyone from all over the country are good friends, please feel at home.¡±


    Yu Hao almost spurted out his wine. On second thought though, that did seem like the case, so he burst out laughing.


    Situ Ye said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Little friend, know how to play the finger guessing game?¡±


    Ou Qihang started playing with Situ Ye. Yu Hao thought that those two got familiar with one another really fast. While Zhou Sheng peeled prawns for Yu Hao, he said, ¡°Is Ah Ze or Kaikai the oldest here?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Why use the word ¡®old¡¯?!¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Exactly!¡±


    They bumped glasses. Yu Hao said, ¡°As long as they¡¯re handsome, they¡¯ll still be diamond bachelors even if they¡¯re old.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Then what are the non-handsome ones called?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Just old bachelors ba.¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing wildly. Halfway through their dinner, they started talking about the ecology of media. Yu Hao was eating the beef Zhou Sheng blanched for him. All of a sudden, Chen Yekai and Lin Ze were the only ones talking at the table, everyone else had stopped.


    ¡°Yeah, so what¡¯s the difference between domestic and external affairs?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I don¡¯t think all crows in the world are black, but everyone knows best in their hearts.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s caused by the difference in Eastern and Western culture¡¯s understanding of a ¡®person¡¯¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, what the fuck, they¡¯re starting to attack each other now? Ever since he started working, Yu Hao has often thought that Chen Yekai and Lin Ze were somewhat similar in certain aspects, but he didn¡¯t know how to describe it. They were similar in age, one was an erudite scholar while the other was rich in experience, and he wondered what the outcome would be if they started arguing out of a conflict in opinions.

 Chapter 131.2

    And now they really did start arguing! The two male gods are debating?!


    ¡°No matter what the understanding of people themselves is,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°from the perspective of the ultimate goal of our survival, it¡¯s all the same. Let¡¯s not talk about nihilism, isn¡¯t it just seeking freedom? Drink.¡±


    Chen Yekai had to drink. He put his elbow on the dining table and said, ¡°Then do you think we¡¯re free now?¡±


    ¡°At this moment,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯m free. Because I have no strong desires, my free will isn¡¯t bound by desire.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°So, wouldn¡¯t this lead us back to our original question? We just keep suppressing ourselves because we know that life is bitterly short. Whatever we can¡¯t get, we pretend we don¡¯t want. But in reality, a lot of thoughts are like beasts that still know how to navigate ¡ª after you chase them away, they still know where your house is, and they will still return one night, right? You have to tame them.¡±


    Lin Ze stopped talking. Chen Yekai pointed at a wine glass, and it was Lin Ze¡¯s turn to drink now.


    ¡°Only then, can one¡¯s innermost self and personality be integrated,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°And obtain true freedom.¡±


    Everyone was eating hot pot as they listened to their debate, and no one interrupted at the moment.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°All activities on the surface are just illusions that make us feel free.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze turned the tables, and pointed at a glass.


    It was Chen Yekai¡¯s turn to drink. Chen Yekai took a sip of wine. Zhou Sheng poured wine for them both. Chen Yekai was suddenly inspired by Lin Ze¡¯s words, ¡°He denies the existence of free will, but do you think you have free will? You acknowledge him, so acknowledge that people¡¯s desires will never be satisfied. Desires that have been fulfilled will be replaced by unfulfilled desires. Acknowledging that happiness is only satisfying because of a momentary relief from pain means that you no longer believe in idealism.¡±


    After he said this, Chen Yekai raised an eyebrow at Lin Ze expectantly.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°I don¡¯t entirely agree with his point of view, he even promotes asceticism.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°But according to your logic, that is the case.¡±


    Still, Lin Ze had to admit that Chen Yekai¡¯s logical counterattack had struck a weak point, so he drank.


    Only then did Yu Hao understand. Lin Ze had used Schopenhauer¡¯s argument to refute Chen Yekai, but Chen Yekai caught a loophole in his argument.


    Lin Ze, ¡°I just think that many goals and ideals can be changed. Before starting a family, you have certain ideals, and after starting a family, you have different ideals. This depends on the circumstances in your life; it¡¯s the same reasoning behind the pursuit of satisfying one¡¯s desires.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°But some things exist purely because of one¡¯s natural instincts, it will never change from the first time you come into contact with it until the day you die.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°For example?¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t say anything. Zhou Sheng laughed, and when he was about to clink glasses with them, Lin Ze said after not getting an answer, ¡°For me, ideals are like train stations. Passing by stop after stop, I don¡¯t need to think about my destination.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, yes! That¡¯s so well said!


    ¡°For me¡­¡­¡± Chen Yekai pondered about it, and stopped debating.


    ¡°¡­¡­it is the Polaris in the city.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Living in a bustling downtown, the light from the lamps will cover up its radiance. But it¡¯s always in the sky, it¡¯s just that we can¡¯t see it.


    Only when I¡¯m alone on a journey and wandering through the wilderness at night, would it then show me the way.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, what the fuck, seems like Chen Yekai¡¯s a little more amazing.


    ¡°Drink.¡± Chen Yekai snapped out of his daze, and everyone made a toast.


    The atmosphere suddenly became a little heavy and silent. Situ Ye knocked on a glass with chopsticks, ¡°Let¡¯s sing?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Let¡¯s see what they¡¯ll sing on the countdown party first!¡±


    Ou Qihang picked up the remote control and turned on the TV. There were quite a few popular songs in it this year. As soon as the party started, everyone could watch it and while their time away singing along like lunatics. Not long after, Yu Hao gathered up the dishes, and Ou Qihang helped him wash them. Zhou Sheng cut up some fruit, which he took out for everyone to eat. He sat down to watch the party with Situ Ye, while Lin Ze and Chen Yekai took the unfinished wine to the bookshelf in front of the huge landing windows, where they sat on a soft sofa to chat.


    ¡°I thought you would bring your boyfriend over.¡± Yu Hao said to Ou Qihang.


    Ou Qihang was wearing Zhou Sheng¡¯s apron as he washed dishes obediently. He looked at Yu Hao and smiled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°And didn¡¯t hook up with anyone either.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re not dating anyone?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°One of my juniors likes me, I¡¯m still considering. I don¡¯t really feel anything.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Respond to him if you like him, but if you don¡¯t like him, then reject him seriously.¡±


    Ou Qihang wiped the plates and said seriously, ¡°Like how you rejected me at the start?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Ou Qihang looked into the distance, ¡°Has Uncle Kai had a really unforgettable love before?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You should ask him yourself, I don¡¯t know.¡± He was suddenly a little curious, ¡°Why do you call him ¡®Uncle Kai¡¯ now? Did you guys meet in Beijing?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yeah, but he would only come out once in awhile when I went to find him. He has never taken the initiative to come find me.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately thought that there was something strange. Chen Yekai was rather difficult to invite out. He would prefer reading at home alone in his spare time and wouldn¡¯t talk on the phone if it was something that could be said through WeChat texts, and if it was something that could be said through the phone, he wouldn¡¯t meet up in person. Basically, after he arrived at the college here, only Yu Hao could invite him out. No one else had been able to call Chen Yekai out.


    He kind of wanted to ask Ou Qihang if he was interested in Chen Yekai, but he also felt embarrassed about it.


    ¡°You want to ask if I like him.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°But you¡¯re afraid that I¡¯d feel embarrassed?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao finished washing the chopsticks and handed them to Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang wiped them dry and said,  ¡°Embarrassment is good. Embarrassment is a kind of feeling that completely divides one¡¯s self from the rest of the world. A person¡¯s most embarrassing moment represents the instant when he is completely separated from his surroundings. At that time, he would most strongly feel the sense of his existence. I don¡¯t mind that emotion in the slightest.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You must have been learning too much about computers, you¡¯re practically like an AI.¡±


    Ou Qihang laughed, ¡°A little ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was surprised, ¡°You like him a little?¡±


    Ou Qihang put the pot away and said seriously, ¡°A little like an AI.¡±


    Ou Qihang sat on the sofa and joined Zhou Sheng and Situ Ye with Yu Hao.


    Situ Ye, ¡°¡­¡­the two of them are pretty similar when they¡¯re melancholic, and there are some judgments on that basis that can¡¯t be forgotten¡­¡­¡±


    After Yu Hao came over, Zhou Sheng and Situ Ye stopped their discussion. Situ Ye didn¡¯t want to gossip about Lin Ze in front of Yu Hao, since Yu Hao was his subordinate after all.


    ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve had so many gays in my house.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°This is my first time attending this kind of gay party too. I thought you guys would introduce me to someone.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°With your looks, you still need people to introduce someone to you?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°It¡¯s not interesting to date young juniors, I want to gong big brothers. If only you were single¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Lil¡¯ puppy, you like to be a younger gong? You¡¯re actually a little shou ba?¡±


    Situ Ye raised an eyebrow at Ou Qihang, ¡°Big brothers have a lot of experience. Looking for big brothers, you¡¯ll unlock a lot more positions.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Then help me find a big brother ba. I really feel like my standards have almost fallen to ¡®as long as it¡¯s a guy.¡¯ Big brothers are fine, little brothers are okay too.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°But once you really want to start a relationship, you¡¯ll always feel like there¡¯s something wrong.¡±


    ¡°Un, un.¡± Ou Qihang nodded, with a hint of a smile in his eyes, ¡°Everything feels wrong, I always feel like it shouldn¡¯t be like this. There¡¯s no feelings at all. Sometimes I feel like a robot; even when I¡¯m trying to date, I¡¯m still following a step by step procedure in the prescribed order. What¡¯s that called in psychology?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°When one¡¯s sense of security starts to wane, a self-defense mechanism is activated in one¡¯s heart.¡±


    Situ Ye recalled Yu Hao¡¯s major and raised his eyebrows slightly in surprise. Yu Hao explained, ¡°Trying to enter an intimate relationship also means that you¡¯ll have to suffer the impact of love. At that moment, your sense of security will be shaken. For some people, a fake personality will separate and rise to the surface from their true selves to protect their real personality. That is to say, there is ¡®the self you want others to see¡¯ and ¡®your true self¡¯. If one¡¯s personality isn¡¯t integrated, it¡¯ll be very difficult to keep going on like that.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Is Uncle Kai like that too?¡±


    Silence. Ou Qihang looked at Chen Yekai. Yu Hao said, ¡°You just killed the chat again.¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°I realised that I often can¡¯t respond to this kid¡¯s words.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°From the first day I knew him, I¡¯ve never been able to respond to his words. He always kills all talk, it¡¯s very normal. Only Zhou Sheng knows what he¡¯s thinking.¡±


    ¡°Need to be an honest person ma.¡± Ou Qihang laughed.


    Zhou Sheng took a card, ¡°Let¡¯s play board games? Overbearing CEO is dealing cards online, if you have any questions, you can go ask him yourself ah.¡±


    So the four began playing board games. Yu Hao would occasionally glance at Lin Ze and Chen Yekai who were at the corner. Ever since the end of their dinner, Chen Yekai was the one who kept talking while Lin Ze listened to him seriously and would comment from time to time.


    By 11pm, the two had drunk quite a bit. Lin Ze came over to lie in Situ Ye¡¯s arms, while Chen Yekai rubbed his face and joined the rest in their board game.


    12am, countdown. Everyone started scurrying about Yu Hao¡¯s house like wild dogs. Fireworks were set off outside the landing windows. Yu Hao received Fu Liqun¡¯s New Year call; he pressed it against one ear and took the call in a corner.


    ¡°Happy New Year!¡± Zhou Sheng came over and shouted into the receiver.


    Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°Qunqun! Happy New Year!¡±


    Chen Yekai came over to shout, ¡°Liqun! Happy New Year!¡±


    Situ Ye and Lin Ze shouted into the phone as well, ¡°Happy New Year!¡±


    Lin Ze added, ¡°Never mind who I am! We don¡¯t know each other!¡±


    Yu Hao laughed aloud. Fu Liqun was in the gym, bending over as he tidied up. He sat on a bench and looked at his reflection in the mirror, smiling, ¡°Happy New Year, I wish for all my brothers¡¯ happiness.¡±


    The party ended, and the place was in a mess.


    The next day, Yu Hao was embraced by Zhou Sheng. He sat up and took a look. There were wine glasses and fruit trays everywhere, and the house was in a complete mess. Despair instantly arose in his heart. He could only lie down and pretend to not see anything and continue sleeping, waiting for Zhou Sheng to get up and clean the place.


    New Year¡¯s new weather, new feature ¡ª¡ª ahhhhh! What about my feature?! Yu Hao went completely mad. It¡¯s no use no matter how good his relationship is with his leader, a superior like Lin Ze would only be even stricter with him!


    On the first day of New Year, Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao out to work.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t you have the day off?¡±


    ¡°Overtime, overtime, earn some money to support the family ma.¡± Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao to a claw machine and gave him 200 yuan. He took the Hasselblad and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to catch someone who¡¯s having an affair.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I want to follow you! How can a claw machine be as fun as catching those having an affair!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then don¡¯t be clumsy and follow my orders.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got Yu Hao a slim-fit suit, so that he could wear it to infiltrate formal occasions while he¡¯s out on interviews. They wore formal clothes and went on a stakeout near Taikoo Li in Sanlitun.


    Zhou Sheng was very patient. He sat in a cafe and waited, while Yu Hao leaned on the table for a while, bored out of his mind, then took a biscuit stick to stab Zhou Sheng¡¯s nose with. Zhou Sheng¡¯s nose was really beautiful, ¡°just Yu Hao recalled the last time they passed by a gay bar, and how there were people lunging over every minute.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Assistant Yu, don¡¯t do things that¡¯ll get you beaten up.¡±


    ¡°President.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about your company¡¯s acquisition ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Assistant Yu, you haven¡¯t settled your feature yet, what are you gonna do? That¡¯s so worrisome.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Aiya don¡¯t talk about it anymore, will you? It¡¯s New Year¡¯s!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled as he rejoiced in his misfortune. Yu Hao was about to die of worry because of his feature. He had already sent 22 topics to Lin Ze, but they were all rejected.


    Yu Hao took out a copy of¡¶Social Work Practice¡·from his bag and read it in the cafe. He threw a copy of¡¶Macroeconomics¡·at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng ordered a cup of coffee, and while he read the book, he paid attention to any signs of movement in the distance.


    Yu Hao sometimes really admired Zhou Sheng¡¯s ability to watch six roads and listen in all directions. He read for a while, and just as he wanted to disturb him a little, Zhou Sheng suddenly stopped moving, turned his head sideways, and took out a camera from his bag.


    A tall and handsome young man took two girls into the opposite shop.


    ¡°Is it him?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°He¡¯s pretty handsome ma, I thought it¡¯d be a bald man with a beer belly. And he even found two girls?¡±


    One glance at that guy¡¯s attire and you could tell he must be really rich, in keeping with a rich president persona. Yu Hao had no doubt that Zhou Sheng¡¯s 30-year-old self would have that kind of air.


    ¡°One of them should be a good friend.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a look.¡±


    Yu Hao followed behind Zhou Sheng and stealthily found a place to watch. That man took the two girls to shop at luxury stores. Zhou Sheng held up his camera and kept walking on the escalator, maintaining his altitude, and took his first picture.


    ¡°How to adjust the lens¡­¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°To make it nearer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    Yu Hao kept walking up the downward-moving escalator as he adjusting the lens. One of the girls turned around and inadvertently saw them, showing her face in the shot.


    Fortunately, the camera was hanging around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck at this time, otherwise Yu Hao would have really dropped the camera with how much his hands were trembling!


    ¡°Watch your step!¡± Zhou Sheng immediately embraced Yu Hao, pulling him down to crouch and hide. Zhou Sheng was about to say something when Yu Hao selected the photo to show Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng was stunned, then suddenly got up again.


    Cen Shan walked out of the luxury store and looked up at Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, her face filled with doubt.


    ¡°Sis-in-law?!¡± Zhou Sheng cried in surprise.

 Chapter 132.1

    ¡°I¡¯ll go off first.¡± Cen Shan said to the other guy and lady, ¡°I¡¯m meeting a friend, bye.¡±


    The other party wanted Cen Shan to stay. She said, ¡°I¡¯m really not free. I¡¯m going now.¡± After she finished speaking, she didn¡¯t even care about the other two before leaving just like that.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You go and look for sis-in-law. I¡¯ll take some more pictures.¡±


    Yu Hao hurried downstairs. Cen Shan said, ¡°I¡¯m here, where are you looking?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Sis-in-law!¡±


    Cen Shan went over to loop her arm around Yu Hao¡¯s, then walked towards the second floor. She took off her little red cap and said, ¡°This is too much of a coincidence. Let¡¯s go, what do you want? Jie will buy clothes for you.¡±


    Yu Hao was afraid of involving Cen Shan, ¡°I don¡¯t want to buy clothes¡­What¡¯s your relationship with them?¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Then let¡¯s eat dessert bei. From the neighbouring class, not familiar. I hitched a ride on a friend¡¯s private jet on my way back, and I got to know her on the plane. She insisted on getting me to accompany her out shopping on her birthday, yet a man I didn¡¯t know popped up too from somewhere, and she didn¡¯t even tell me in advance. Laoniang was in a bad mood in the first place, yet she still wanted to introduce me to her friend.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, phew, but something¡¯s not right?


    ¡°When did you come back? Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Christmas.¡± Cen Shan answered, ¡°My dad has a project in Beijing, so I didn¡¯t go back. I heard that you were in Beijing and wanted to ask you out for a meal. There¡¯s something I had to find you for.¡±


    Previously, Cen Shan was in a group chat with them, but it was unknown when Cen Shan started hardly speaking in the chat.


    ¡°What are you guys doing?¡± Cen Shan asked, ¡°Taking street photographs?¡±


    Yu Hao briefly talked about his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s affairs in recent months. Cen Shan said, ¡°Does the private investigator firm hire people like me? I want to go there too!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s very tiring! You¡¯re either crouching by flower beds or catching those in affairs. My legs are about to break.¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°But that¡¯s still better than standing on a wooden box and waving your hands like a lunatic all day okay? I¡¯ve trained them so much they look like Qilin arms now! Look!¡± As she spoke, she showed Yu Hao her arms.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re not going back to see Gege?¡±


    Cen Shan said helplessly, ¡°What do you think? I¡¯m leaving on the 5th.¡±


    Zhou Sheng jogged back, ¡°Sis-in-law, sis-in-law! I want to eat chocolate fondue! I¡¯m finally seeing you again, so I need to rip a good meal off of you!¡±


    Cen Shan smiled as she got up, then went to the counter to order chocolate fondue for them. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other. Yu Hao quickly waved his hand before Zhou Sheng nodded, feeling reassured.


    Cen Shan said, ¡°I was looking for you, Zhou Sheng. You gave the big guy 400,000 to open a shop?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was looking at the camera in his hand and uttered an ¡°un¡°, ¡°Why?¡±


    Cen Shan frowned, ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Yu Hao to signal ¡®quick, it¡¯s your turn now¡¯. Yu Hao said, ¡°I was the one who lent it to him.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your account number?¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer it to you. Consider me a new shareholder ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Sis-in-law!¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you don¡¯t tell him. Yu Hao, listen to Jiejie, send me your account number.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything and remained stubborn. In any case, it was pretty good to be awkward once in awhile. Everyone could separate from their environment for a moment, while you look at me and I look at you. It wasn¡¯t easy for Yu Hao to choke out the sentence, ¡°The gym just started earning money, I won¡¯t give you any shares.¡±


    ¡°Who the hell are you trying to deceive?!¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°Xia Lei came to Beijing too. I bumped into him at a real estate meeting yesterday¡­Ah thank you, the two of you can eat the chocolate fondue by yourselves. The big guy suffered 100,000 in losses. Behave, that¡¯s Zhou Sheng¡¯s dowry. You two still have to buy a house in Beijing, it isn¡¯t worthwhile to torment yourselves with that foolish big guy. Just don¡¯t tell him.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng fiddled with his camera and still didn¡¯t speak.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s really okay, we don¡¯t lack that¡­¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°Tell him when the time comes that I¡¯m the one who invested that money, so if he loses it, then so be it. But if the two of you are the ones who invested it, he would definitely think of a way to return it¡­I¡¯m afraid that he¡¯d end up losing all the money and end up doing something stupid.¡±


    ¡°Sis-in-law.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You¡¯re the one in the wrong this time.¡±


    Cen Shan stopped talking.


    Yu Hao placed an ice cream bar in the chocolate fondue . Zhou Sheng had taken him to eat this twice before, and he had wanted to go long ago, but it was too expensive, so he couldn¡¯t bear to. But now Cen Shan was treating them and had even ordered two portions. After they finished one, another one was quickly ordered.


    ¡°Eat slowly, your stomach might get cold.¡± Cen Shan said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°There¡¯s no use changing the subject.¡± Zhou Sheng put away his camera, ¡°When we were in different cities, Gege always told me to come to Beijing to look for Yu Hao. Even if this makes me sound like a pain in the ass, I have to say it.¡±


    Cen Shan said grumpily, ¡°I got it.¡±


    ¡°What did you get?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Say it ah.¡±


    Cen Shan took a deep breath and didn¡¯t want to look at Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao used his gaze to signal to Zhou Sheng, don¡¯t mess around in other couple¡¯s affairs.


    ¡°I really envy you both.¡± Cen Shan suddenly said.


    ¡°You can too.¡± Zhou Sheng took out his phone, used WeChat and sent the photos to his colleagues. His work had ended for the day. Yu Hao fed him ice cream.


    ¡°I¡¯m dead tired.¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, do you know how tiring it is for me in Vienna alone? I get looked down on everywhere I go, and I get ostracised too. My dad¡¯s just a nouveau riche, so if they don¡¯t bully me, who else will they bully? After I finish my classes everyday, I¡¯m so tired, I don¡¯t even have the strength to bathe, but I still have to read and learn German by myself. Do you understand that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I understand.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand it so well.¡±


    Cen Shan heaved a prolonged sigh. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But what do you want him to do? You¡¯ll have to eventually draw a line ba.¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I don¡¯t even know what I want in my life, but you two look like you do.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Do you love him?¡±


    Cen Shan said grumpily, ¡°I do.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked down and fiddled around with his phone for a bit, ¡°ID.¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I said, what¡¯s your ID?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Ai hold on, I think I have it! I have it!¡±


    ¡°What do you guys want to do?¡± Cen Shan frowned.


    Yu Hao recalled that he had helped Cen Shan buy a train ticket once, so her passenger information was still in the system. Cen Shan said, ¡°Stop it¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao¡¯s phone and sat at one side. Cen Shan got up and wanted to go over, but Yu Hao uttered an ¡°aiya¡°.


    Cen Shan hurriedly said, ¡°Did you get burnt? Sorry, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Yu Hao was feigning it to cooperate with Zhou Sheng and stall Cen Shan, but Cen Shan was afraid that the chocolate fondue had spilled onto Yu Hao and quickly wiped him with a tissue.


    ¡°It¡¯s done.¡± In this short span of time, Zhou Sheng bought a plane ticket for Cen Shan, ¡°You have two hours to get to the airport.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll call a cab for you.¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The cab¡¯s here.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Go ba, hurry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Gege will pick you up at the airport there.¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Cen Shan sat for another 15 seconds, and the atmosphere seemed heavy. Then she got up, put on her cap, and ran outside. Zhou Sheng whistled to her, ¡°Sis-in-law! Happy New Year!¡±


    ¡°Sis-in-law, Happy New Year!¡± Yu Hao smiled happily at Cen Shan.


    Cen Shan didn¡¯t look back; she raised her hand and waved with her back facing them.


    Zhou Sheng sat back down and smiled as he fed Yu Hao the chocolate ice cream. However, suddenly, the two of them remembered something extremely serious at the same time.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is this chocolate fondue paid for?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How much was the ticket?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Business class, 3,200¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why is it so expensive?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°It¡¯s New Year¡¯s! All the tickets got a price hike! Damn it, I only got an extra 500 for working overtime today! How much is the dessert?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°298¡­¡­get it from Gege?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh, ¡°He doesn¡¯t have any damn money!¡±


    The next day, when Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng went out to continue collecting evidence, Fu Liqun called.


    ¡°Baby.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Thank you guys for yesterday.¡±


    Yu Hao was currently worrying about his topic in the hot pot shop, ¡°You¡¯re being too polite.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a bottle of foreign wine and pretended to be a salesman as he knocked on the rooms¡¯ doors. Yu Hao craned his neck to take a look. He was in the hall eating meat that was so sticky it would still stick to the plate even if it was turned upside down. It was so fun to follow Zhou Sheng out on his private detective jobs! They could even get their hot pot meal reimbursed by his company.


    Looks like the private detective industry was really profitable.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Have a good time for the next few days¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°She has already left. I transferred ownership of the gym the day before yesterday.¡±


    Yu Hao stopped moving. Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, brother, I didn¡¯t let you guys know beforehand.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay.¡± Yu Hao continued eating calmly, ¡°It¡¯s fine if you¡¯ve thought it through.¡±


    Fu Liqun fell silent for awhile. Yu Hao felt apprehensive as he looked at Zhou Sheng entering the room. Zhou Sheng got chased out, then made an ¡®ok¡¯ gesture at Yu Hao. He then took off his jacket and came over to eat hot pot meat with him. On a winter day with drifting snow that filled the sky, the two of them ate meat blanched in a copper pot in the restaurant, and life was so incredibly wonderful.


    Still, Yu Hao was a little dismayed because of Fu Liqun, ¡°Do you want to come to Beijing to relax?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you guys for now, the two of you are busy too.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took the earphones with a mic attached, ¡°Come ba, Gege.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master, give me a card number. I¡¯ll transfer the rest of the money over. After closing down, total losses sum up to about 100,000. Your sis-in-law wanted to pay it for me, but I didn¡¯t let her. I¡¯ll strive to return it to you by the end of the year.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Transfer the money over. We¡¯ve already agreed at the outset that all profits and losses are on me.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°That is what¡¯s written on the contract, but¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If you want to pay me back, then you won¡¯t have me as a friend anymore.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Give me the card number first ba.¡±


    ¡°Gege.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°I miss you, come visit us ba. Otherwise we can go back?¡±


    Fu Liqun was quiet again for a while, then he said, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll let you know when I¡¯ve booked a ticket.¡±


    The call ended. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Eat ba.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t decided on a topic?¡± On the first day of work, Lin Ze asked.


    There were already more than 70 topics in the list, all of which have been rejected by Lin Ze.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°I saw you going around everywhere to eat in your circle of friends. You seemed pretty happy eating ma. You ate chocolate fondue, normal hot pot, and even some fruitwood roasted chicken¡­Aren¡¯t you afraid of getting fat?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯ll keep¡­working hard.¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Your independent feature determines whether you can pass your probation period, take note of it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You won¡¯t fire me.¡±


    Lin Ze laughed, ¡°See if I will?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°This also concerns your salary package later on.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely work on it seriously.¡± He pondered for a bit, held his camera up, and planned to go out for interviews.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯re too obedient sometimes.¡±


    Yu Hao thought about it, stopped walking and said, ¡°Too obedient?¡±


    Lin Ze ruminated for a long time, then finally said, ¡°You¡¯ve never refuted me before, or had any times when you¡¯d say, ¡®Ah Ze, what the hell do you know? I must do this feature!''¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯ve rejected 75 of your feature topics in a row. Don¡¯t you have even one where, even if you had to start quarrelling with your leader, you must conduct an interview for no matter what?¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao recalled his pile of topics.

 Chapter 132.2

    It was the fourth month of his internship at the newspaper office. His salary for the first three months had been paid, and the reimbursement for the previous months were settled as well. In addition to the fee for his manuscripts, he had received 3,000 more than he had expected. This was the good thing about working in public institutions. They would pay however much they said they would and wouldn¡¯t deduct anything even if you were a contract worker. It wasn¡¯t like private enterprises where it depended on what the boss said.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s salary wasn¡¯t paid yet. The two of them saved up the money. From now on, they had to be careful with their expenditure; they still had to pay a few tens of thousands for rent before the New Year in February.


    Fortunately, Cen Shan remembered to transfer them the ticket money. Otherwise, Yu Hao¡¯s heart would have ached for a long time. Today, he decided to go to the Forbidden City to interview people about a museum event and report on the special exhibition of the Forbidden City in January. These days, he wrote two 400-word manuscripts every day, and he had to sort out Jin Weicheng¡¯s manuscripts for him and then conduct interviews either in the morning or afternoon while he spent the remaining time writing manuscripts. After mastering the literary style of the media, minor interviews barely required any major changes before they were approved. Lin Ze would choose one from Yu Hao¡¯s two manuscripts every day to hand in.


    As for the major investigation features, theoretically, it should be a monthly issue. Lin Ze hoped for stability, and after they were stable, they would begin publishing two issues per month. Jin Weicheng chose three topics this month, but they were all rejected by Lin Ze too.


    Now, the two investigative reporters were both brainstorming for future directions.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why don¡¯t I stir up some trouble for you, then you can interview me?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Knock it off.¡±


    Beijing entered its coldest season, and the deadline kept approaching. If Yu Hao couldn¡¯t come up with a suitable topic before the 15th, Lin Ze would choose one from the previous 70 over topics and handle it personally as he took Situ Ye out for the interview.


    ¡°I would like to see what your boss is capable of though.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao was preparing for the opening report of his graduation thesis at home. He said, ¡°His professional competence can obviously crush Jin Laoshi. He just wants to leave me the opportunity. I feel like even if I can¡¯t come up with a topic, he¡¯d still give me a full-time position anyway, but I don¡¯t want it to be like that.¡±


    ¡°Oh right.¡± Yu Hao remembered and said, ¡°Gege didn¡¯t contact you? I thought he¡¯d come see us, I already bought him all four setsonline.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t know about him, he didn¡¯t call me either.¡±


    The next day, when Yu Hao went to conduct an interview for the launch of new property, he bumped into Xia Lei unexpectedly. At that time, he was in a forward lunge position as he took pictures of the city residents sleeping in tents as they waited in line outside the property, while chanting, ¡°CCTV, CCTV, intern reporter Yu Hao is reporting for you. North wind blows, snowflakes drift. Our city¡¯s real estate sales performance is seriously good. The general public was here since yesterday night at -12 degrees in the northern winds, with their own sleeping bags¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Young Madam?¡± A voice rang out from behind Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao was a little baffled. He asked, astonished, ¡°Who?¡±


    The guy behind him was both tall and skinny, and wore a suit. Yu Hao thought, Why do you all seem to change so much after entering society?! He said, ¡°Xia Lei?!¡±


    Xia Lei gave him a cup of ginger soup provided by the sales department and said, ¡°I heard from Gege that you¡¯re a reporter now; I can¡¯t believe I¡¯d bump into you here!¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°You¡¯re here to buy a house?¡±


    Xia Lei, ¡°My uncle¡¯s friend is the developer for this real estate. I¡¯m here to help out. What are you writing? There¡¯s no dirt ba?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s all good.¡±


    Xia Lei handed Yu Hao a red envelope. Yu Hao didn¡¯t bother being formal with him and accepted it; he would be passing it to Lin Ze when he returned anyway. The red envelopes of the whole office were like waiter¡¯s tips, and they were up to the leader to distribute. Yu Hao had bumped into a few people who gave him red envelopes. After he rejected them and went back to the office to talk about it, Lin Ze said, ¡°Are you dumb? If they give it to you just accept it. Come back and I¡¯ll buy snacks for you guys.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s outlook on the world broke. How could they accept red envelopes? But Lin Ze said, ¡°If you don¡¯t accept it, they won¡¯t allow you to come back to write a piece, and would just exert all their strength to bother you; they¡¯d ask you to leave your contact information, then keep calling you like their lives depended on it. Of course, you¡¯ll have to judge for yourself whether the red envelope can be accepted or not.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Jin Laoshi has never accepted red envelopes before okay!¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Oh is that so? Then sorry, sorry.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered that when Jin Weicheng went out for normal interviews, he never took him along and had never handed any red envelopes to Lin Ze.


    Thus, whenever Yu Hao saw a red envelope for an incident that wasn¡¯t too serious, he would accept it. When he handed it to Lin Ze, Situ Ye said, ¡°Are you dumb? He asked you to give it to him, and you really gave it to him?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Ignore him, good job. Let lady boss will help you open an account in the bank and save your New Year¡¯s money for you. When you need to use it, you can go ask him for it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡­¡­¡±


    Sure enough, after Xia Lei saw Yu Hao accept the red envelope, he felt a lot more at ease.


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk with the reporter Laoshi.¡± Xia Lei said to the manager of the sales department.


    The sales department prepared some refreshments for Yu Hao and poured tea for him. Yu Hao was a little terrified, but he suddenly sensed that something was weird ¡ª¡ª after conducting enough interviews, he had honed his intuition.


    ¡°Have you settled payment for the construction and the wages of the workers yet?¡± Yu Hao asked pensively.


    Xia Lei laughed, ¡°You¡¯re really well informed, Young Madam. Help your brother this once ba. It really has nothing to do with us. The construction side is the one delaying the payment.¡±


    Yu Hao had just casually guessed, yet he accurately struck Xia Lei¡¯s Achilles¡¯ heel. He thought about it, then said, ¡°Don¡¯t delay it for too long. If it gets out of hand, even if we don¡¯t come, others will.¡±


    Xia Lei nodded and heaved a sigh of relief, ¡°We have a competitor, it has been dragging on for a year, and we¡¯re currently in a tussle. Go and interview them?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, you guys are really¡­¡­so he recorded down the situation and was ready to hand it to Lin Ze, who could just transfer it to the general office.


    Xia Lei asked again, ¡°The construction funds¡­No, the investment for the gym, did Gege hand you guys the remainder?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You guys transferred ownership? What¡¯s the balance?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to get some information out of him. He had always suspected that Fu Liqun was taking money out of his pockets to cushion the fall, but he realised a problem ¡ª¡ª he really shouldn¡¯t have asked this. If the amount after Fu Liqun¡¯s liquidation was more than what he had returned to Zhou Sheng, then wouldn¡¯t that¡­¡­


    Fortunately, their friendship withstood the test.


    Xia Lei said, ¡°I remember it wasn¡¯t more than 300,000. The one who took over didn¡¯t give us much.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, somewhat helpless, ¡°I asked Gege to come to Beijing to relax and find some work to do.¡±


    ¡°You reporters have a wide network of connections.¡± Xia Lei said, ¡°What I¡¯m saying is, wouldn¡¯t it be easy to help him find a job?¡±


    Yu Hao did find out that yes, after entering this field, when he had just started conducting interviews, even though he was just an intern reporter, everyone would treat him politely everywhere he went. Even if they had a guilty conscience, they would offer diplomacy before violence. The more people he came into contact with, the more competent he felt. However, Lin Ze repeatedly knocked Yu Hao down, telling him to not think that he¡¯s super amazing and how everyone¡¯s really courteous to him because of the two words ¡®Qinghua Times¡¯, so they didn¡¯t dare offend him at random.


    Yu Hao often reminded himself as well, that he needed to keep a low profile.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s not coming, I¡¯ll call him again at night.¡±


    Xia Lei was surprised, ¡°You don¡¯t know? He went to the South, he¡¯s seeking asylum at Yangming¡¯s place.¡±


    Yu Hao was utterly baffled, ¡°Isn¡¯t Yangming working as a HR personnel in that something company in Ying City?¡±


    ¡°That was a long time ago.¡± Xia Lei said, ¡°Li Yangming job hopped last December, and he found a friend¡¯s biotechnological company that makes health products. Gege went over as well after the New Year.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, that should be a good fit for him? Fu Liqun¡¯s father works as a consultant in this type of company, so maybe he could find a slightly stable job there. After the gym transferred ownership, Xia Lei relied on his family¡¯s connections and came to Beijing to work in real estate. Meanwhile, Bian Qiang returned to his home village in the city and followed his uncle who worked in demolition for the folks, running around everywhere in a Land Rover. He didn¡¯t know what he was so busy with either.


    The guys in the sports class were practically like the Eight Immortals that crossed the sea, each showing his own  special talent.


    Yu Hao talked about it after going home. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is it weird? It¡¯s not ah, we sound quite weird too, right? One of us is an investigative reporter, while the other is a private detective.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that was true. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have asked Xia Lei that.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I was being dumb, I won¡¯t ask that next time. I was afraid that Gege lost too much and went out to borrow money to fill in our pit.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How much was the red packet?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°2,000¡­¡­I¡¯ve handed it in.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Damn, so much? Tell Xia Lei to wait for me to go extort some money from him. Does that friend of his uncle live an upright life? How many mistresses does he have outside? See if I¡¯ll extort him to death!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Quit it! Read your linear algebra.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I finished reading it. That book isn¡¯t even a kilogram. From today on, I¡¯ll start studying microeconomics.¡±


    Yu Hao felt his head throb when he looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s stack of  heavenly, inscrutable books. The miraculous thing was that Zhou Sheng would actually read it bit by bit, and after Yu Hao returned home two days later, he¡¯d discover that Zhou Sheng had finished reading another half a book, and he could even answer any questions raised about its contents! And just like that, by finishing book after book, he was already halfway done with his preparations! That guy¡¯s IQ was seriously terrifying. In addition, Zhou Sheng read books as if he were buying groceries. Other people would talk about the number of pages in books, but his way of measuring them was, ¡°Western Economics 3.5 catties,¡± ¡°Linear Algebra 400 grams,¡± and weighing knowledge in terms of catties, it was quite amazing.


    The deadline for Yu Hao¡¯s topic was close at hand. Suddenly, the head office made a request: no investigative interviews can be conducted in January.


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao almost cheered, but he didn¡¯t dare to look too delighted in front of Lin Ze.


    ¡°It¡¯s almost New Year.¡± Lin Ze looked at the paper¡¯s piece regarding the train station fight for a previous issue, ¡°Let¡¯s conduct ourselves properly and not cause any trouble. Shift it to February ba, I¡¯ll spare your life this once.¡±


    Yu Hao still had lingering fears as he nodded. Lin Ze said, ¡°A feature in February means that you can only change to a full-time position in February, what¡¯s there to be happy about?¡±


    Yu Hao was gradually starting to realise that he really has too much to learn. Even now, when he was about to go out for an interview alone, he would still feel like it was a little strange and frightening.


    ¡°Actually, the investigative interview you mentioned before with the border guard wasn¡¯t bad.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°But you¡¯ll have to do it in-depth and consider it from the standpoint of how they live their lives, how they stand guard, how they stay in touch with their families, and so on and so forth.¡±


    That was a topic that Yu Hao came up with to serve as a stopgap after racking his brain had produced nothing. He hadn¡¯t thought that Lin Ze wouldn¡¯t think much of the ones he had mentioned seriously and would instead be more interested in his stopgap. However, if he set out from Beijing and went to the Khunjerab Pass border station at an altitude of 4,300m, he would be tormented for at least half a month coming and going. No one would write the manuscripts, and Lin Ze wouldn¡¯t let him go so easily.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it again.¡± The words Yu Hao said most often these days were, ¡®think about it again.¡¯ Just as he was about to write Jin Weicheng¡¯s manuscripts like a pro, he picked up a call.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Fu Liqun said from the other end, ¡°Can you lend me 5,000 for food expenses? I¡¯ve finished spending all the money I have. I only brought a little over 2,000 when I came to the South.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll transfer you through WeChat.¡±


    The money Cen Shan transferred over for her plane ticket was still in his WeChat wallet, and he immediately transferred the money to Fu Liqun. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t feel rest assured about Fu Liqun being alone and only roughly knew that he had found a sales job in a prefecture-level economic zone of a coastal province in the south.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Hope things work out for FLQ¡­.

 Chapter 133.1

    Yu Hao asked how his work was going, but Fu Liqun only answered simply, ¡°It¡¯s still okay, I¡¯m going for a meeting now.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡± and hung up. After returning home that night, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything after hearing about it. He felt a little rueful.


    ¡°This is the first time Gege¡¯s borrowing money from us.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s not easy.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly realised that that was true. Fu Liqun had never borrowed money from anyone when he was in college.


    Several days later, Lin Ze said to Yu Hao, ¡°Why don¡¯t I just transfer you to a full-time post in advance?¡±


    Yu Hao had noticed that Lin Ze had something on his mind these days, and it turns out it was because he was concerned about this. He quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t! Let¡¯s do it how we agreed to ba.¡±


    Yu Hao was only a little worried about choosing his topic; what if he just goes to Khunjerab pass to do an investigation? But what about his manuscripts? He could only get Jin Weicheng to take pictures of his notes and send it to him, then write it on the train before sending it back through email¡­That day, while he was quarrelling with the head office about the manuscripts, he suddenly received Fu Liqun¡¯s call.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Um¡­Are you at home?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m at the company, why?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°When you get back at night, help me sell that pair of blue sports shoes ba?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao walked out of the editorial office and stood in the corridor. A few reporters were smoking. Yu Hao nodded, ¡°Which pair?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The AJ pair, blue with a white sole. Help me post it as a salted fish, tag it as ¡®secondhand,¡¯ mark it saying that it¡¯s 80% new, and sell it for 1,200. If there¡¯s any bargaining, don¡¯t let it go over ten yuan, don¡¯t yield too much. Once it¡¯s sold transfer it to my bank card ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    That pair of sports shoes was the birthday gift Yu Hao had given Fu Liqun several years ago. Fu Liqun asked Yu Hao to help him sell it as a secondhand¡­¡­Yu Hao suddenly felt like something was a bit wrong. After he hung up, he immediately called Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng picked up and said, ¡°Wait for me at the office.¡±


    ¡°Those were the ones I gave him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He only has that one pair that¡¯s blue with a white sole!¡±


    Lin Ze and Situ Ye were baffled, listening to Yu Hao¡¯s phone call. Yu Hao said, ¡°Did he get into some sort of trouble?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s a job introduced by Yangming, it shouldn¡¯t be that bad¡­¡­wait, 1,200, and ten yuan, isn¡¯t that 1190? Crap, where is he? Don¡¯t tell me he bumped into a pyramid scheme ba?¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t let it be a pyramid scheme.¡± Yu Hao frowned.


    Lin Ze understood as soon as he heard, ¡°Where did your friend go? I¡¯ll ask around for you.¡±


    Not a moment later, Lin Ze had already gotten news from his information network, ¡°Yu Hao, it¡¯s a pyramid scheme. I¡¯m very sure.¡±


    Yu Hao went over to look. Lin Ze had asked in a reporter group, and quite a number of people had answered him in the affirmative. In recent years, pyramid schemes have been rampant in cities in the south. The local public security and pyramid scheme companies were colluding, and they advised Lin Ze not to go over.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, think about it first. Where exactly in the south is he, do you have any information?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao smoothed his hair and began recalling what Fu Liqun said to him. He doesn¡¯t even know when Fu Liqun had gone there.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He didn¡¯t tell me anything.¡±


    ¡°Contact the friend who last saw him.¡± Lin Ze said.


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then called Cen Shan. There was a time zone difference of six hours, so it wasn¡¯t time to go to bed over there yet.


    When Cen Shan heard, she immediately asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Yu Hao, make it clear.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that this definitely couldn¡¯t be hidden from her in the end, ¡°I¡­¡­un, it¡¯s nothing, he seems to be in a bad mood recently. Did he say anything to you when the two of you met on New Year¡¯s?¡±


    Cen Shan answered, ¡°I got off the plane while he got on one. We met at the airport.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He left on the 1st of January?¡±


    Cen Shan said calmly, ¡°Yes. He had already bought his ticket that night and was waiting at the airport. We only met for 15 minutes. He told me that he wanted to go to the coast to find Yangming and said that he had told them that he would report there on the 2nd. He didn¡¯t want to change his flight and give a bad impression to the leaders. I sent him to the security checkpoint, then stayed overnight at the airport hotel.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I also want to ask, did he change his phone number?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Un¡­¡­seems like it. I want to look for him and give him a surprise, then have fun with him for a few days.¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Yu Hao.¡±


    Both sides fell silent for a moment. Zhou Sheng arrived at the office. When he saw that Yu Hao was talking to Cen Shan, his expression changed in an instant.


    ¡°Tell me the truth, what exactly did he¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve something to do on my side, I¡¯ll talk to you again at night.¡± Yu Hao quickly said and hung up first.


    ¡°You called up sis-in-law?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I just wanted to ask if Gege mentioned¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Why did you go to her? Who else did you inform?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege¡¯s asking for my help! Zhou Sheng! It¡¯s not the time to worry about his face right now!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you know why he went to the south? That¡¯s the reason, don¡¯t you get it? Now that you¡¯ve let sis-in-law know, what do you want him to do in the future?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°His life is already in danger now! When comparing one¡¯s so-called dignity versus safety, which is more important?¡±


    ¡°For him, dignity is more important.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yu Hao, you don¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°Then forgive me for not agreeing with you this time, Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You have to tell Xue Long and let Xue Long inform his parents. This isn¡¯t a responsibility we can afford to bear!¡±


    ¡°I can bear this responsibility!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t call anyone else!¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. The two of them drew their swords and nocked their bows. Situ Ye helped smooth things over, ¡°Don¡¯t fight now, finding him should be of the utmost priority.¡±


    Yu Hao let out a prolonged breath and frowned silently.


    Yu Hao had thought that they would give each other a little support and strength, but he didn¡¯t expect that that night, Cen Shan only met Fu Liqun for 15 minutes at the airport. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t guess what they talked about in those 15 minutes; the only thing he could guess was that the meeting that time probably wasn¡¯t too happy, and may have been even more painful instead.


    Yu Hao kept scouring his mind for the words that Fu Liqun had said to him before.


    ¡°Li Yangming¡¯s mother is playing mahjong.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And asked me to mind my own business. I don¡¯t think his family¡¯s going to care.¡±


    Yu Hao roughly understood Li Yangming¡¯s family situation from Fu Liqun. After he came out of the closet, his parents hardly seemed to care about him, gave birth to another kid, and treated everything as if they didn¡¯t have a gay son like him. After he finishes college, they¡¯d pull some strings for him and get him to move someplace else so that he could quickly become independent, and they could wash their hands of him. They didn¡¯t expect him to give much money to the family either. Zhou Sheng used the excuse of Li Yangming owing him money to make some inquiries for half a day. The other party¡¯s parents knew nothing, didn¡¯t have the time to pay attention to him, and told him to ask someone else. Li Yangming hadn¡¯t returned home in nearly half a year, and they didn¡¯t know anything either.


    Zhou Sheng threw his phone onto the table. The four people in the office didn¡¯t speak.


    Sunlight streamed in through the window. Zhou Sheng flipped his wrist slightly, the Golden Crow Wheel on his wrist reflecting the sunlight and landing between Yu Hao¡¯s eyebrows.


    ¡°From now on, listen to me.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s tone carried an air of unquestionable authority.


    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll listen to you!¡±


    Yu Hao was a little angry now. Lin Ze tossed him a glance, signalling for him to keep his calm.


    ¡°I have to think of a way to find him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Ah Ze, I need your help.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Go ba, keep in contact through your phone.¡±


    Yu Hao immediately packed up and went home. Zhou Sheng called his company to ask for leave and explained his situation. The other side was rather easygoing and asked him not to worry, and if he needed it, the company could also offer their help and charge according to the time spent.


    At home, Zhou Sheng ordered take out and looked down at his phone.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand, Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°For Gege, going over there this time means that he¡¯s already gambling with the last bit of dignity, and he has none left. If you notify the college, his family, and tell sis-in-law, you¡¯ll only turn him into a laughingstock! It¡¯s not difficult to bring him back from the South, what¡¯s difficult is what comes after that, what would you want him to do?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand, I understand it clearer than you do. But what obstacles can¡¯t be overcome?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was a little tired and seemed a little too impatient to explain it to Yu Hao any further. However, Yu Hao said, ¡°He can withstand it! He¡¯s tougher than you think! I believe he can get back up! I¡¯ve experienced his kind of despair before¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He¡¯s not you! If someone can really get up after facing any kind of obstacle, would you still have that day?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t say anything to that. He knew that he couldn¡¯t win against Zhou Sheng in an argument, and rather than using the term ¡®win,¡¯ it was more appropriate to say that Zhou Sheng was able to see through things more clearly than he could.


    At this time, news from Lin Ze arrived.


    Yu Hao scrolled through the introduction of the destination that Lin Ze had sent him, which was information sent over by other reporters. Pyramid schemes had been prevalent in the southern region for nearly 15 years. The local government and pyramid marketing organizations were in collusion with each other, from social matters to political ones. The situation was rather complicated.


    And what was even more troublesome was that most of these pyramid marketing organizations were legal. The locals relied on such companies to boost GDP and provide them with protective umbrellas.


    Lin Ze sent him a screenshot of a group chat, showing the animated discussion of a group of reporters.


    ¡¾Are you going to mess up their nest?¡¿


    ¡¾Male god, don¡¯t sink into that much despair please.¡¿


    ¡¾They can sue you to death with their lawsuits alone. Those organizations are all legal hooligans, you must be careful.¡¿


    Yu Hao looked at the screenshot. Lin Ze sent him a few pieces regarding the huge ¡°direct sales companies,¡± and they were all suppressed after the reporters wrote them.


    ¡¾Don¡¯t think of them as illegal organizations.¡¿Lin Ze sent Yu Hao a text,¡¾These companies are all completely legal, or at the very least, they¡¯re legal on the surface. If you say they¡¯re restricting the personal freedom of their employees, they¡¯ll tell you that it¡¯s an enclosed, military-style management during training. Employees have all signed the contract. If you say that they beat people up, they¡¯ll say that it¡¯s a personal dispute and has nothing to do with the company. Also, most companies don¡¯t beat people inside now, they¡¯ll just lock you up and brainwash you.¡¿


    ¡¾You can question their business model, but they have products.¡¿Lin Ze said,¡¾They all use the guise of selling medicine and health care products, and then get their employees to take items mixed with dextrin to develop downlines. This is different from the battery plant. Before setting out, you must think it through.¡¿


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng again. Zhou Sheng responded with a simple ¡°un,¡± both of them were thinking.


    Huang Ting also started sending messages in the group. He had been so busy the whole day that he hadn¡¯t even eaten yet. He asked them:¡¾Has Liqun been brainwashed yet?¡¿


    Yu Hao:¡¾I don¡¯t think so.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾Do you only want to save him, or all the people who are also being locked up?¡¿


    Yu Hao hadn¡¯t figured it all out yet. Zhou Sheng bit a cigarette and answered for him:¡¾Bring Gege back first, then we¡¯ll save however many we can. Aside from the guy who brought my brother into that pyramid nest.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Have you informed the college?¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾No. I have the final say in this matter.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾You can¡¯t afford to bear this responsibility. Fu Liqun is still a student right now; you must inform the college and his family as soon as possible.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾The college can¡¯t do anything, I support Zhou Sheng. But, are you sure he¡¯ll come back with us?¡¿


    This ¡®us¡¯ had leaked out quite a bit of information at once.


    Yu Hao answered:¡¾I¡¯m sure.¡¿


    Zhou Sheng:¡¾Not sure.¡¿


    These two texts were sent out at the same time. Zhou Sheng looked up and glanced at Yu Hao, then withdrew his text.


    Chen Yekai:¡¾Okay, the two of you make the call ba. Call me at any time.¡¿


    Huang Ting:¡¾I strongly recommend that you communicate with Fu Liqun¡¯s parents. You two have to think of every possible means to find clues right now. When he calls you next time to ask for money again, see if you can find out where he is. I¡¯ll do my best to provide assistance for you both.¡¿


    Ou Qihang:¡¾I got some information, look at this document.¡¿


    In the group, Ou Qihang sent a word document that marked the approximate areas where the pyramid scheme companies were located. It included each company¡¯s general name and listed its scope of business. At first, Yu Hao thought that these companies were places that would lock people up, beat them, and force their employees to give them money. However, from the looks of this, each and every one of them had proper scopes of business.


    ¡¾Twelve companies in total.¡¿The contents sorted out by Ou Qihang were even more detailed than what he got from Lin Ze. Lin Ze¡¯s piece was better at summarising the situation, while Ou Qihang¡¯s clues were important intelligence provided by what the local people knew.


    Ou Qihang sent a picture of his own ID:¡¾I finished all my final exams today. I¡¯m on standby at school. If you¡¯re buying tickets to go over, remember to call me too.¡¿


    Chen Yekai:¡¾There¡¯s no need now, go home and accompany your mother first.¡¿


    Ou Qihang stopped talking. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng printed out the information and read it page by page, each of them immersed in their own thoughts as they frowned.

 Chapter 133.2

    This matter was extremely complicated, and it began to seem more and more chaotic. However, Zhou Sheng still had ample patience. He finished reading all of the information and verified it with Yu Hao, ¡°What about this, let¡¯s enter his dream to look for him first and see Gege¡¯s situation. That¡¯s the first step.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao had no objection to restarting the Golden Crow Wheel. They had to use it for this matter no matter what.


    Zhou Sheng drew out a mindmap of action steps, ¡°After we find him, there are two possible situations.¡±


    ¡°One, he has been brainwashed. Waking him up in the dream first, that¡¯ll be very troublesome.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If he has been brainwashed, he wouldn¡¯t have asked me to sell the shoes and would have just asked to borrow money from me, right? Since he could transmit the warning signal ¡®119,¡¯ it proves that he hasn¡¯t given up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But don¡¯t forget one thing ¡ª people¡¯s perseverance can be used up.¡±


    ¡°Two, that kid¡¯s still normal. After we ask him where he is, get there immediately to find him.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Use your identity as an intern reporter to pay them a visit for an interview.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll be locked up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Developing the local economic infrastructure, providing self-employment to lift oneself out of poverty ¨Cwill that be okay to write about?¡±


    After thinking about it, Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then find an opportunity to take him away, collect information, then come back and publish a piece to expose them. Expose them as much as possible; that¡¯s roughly it, we¡¯ll think about the specifics as we go along.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. At 11:30, they lay in their bed. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao was still a little upset. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t press his hand down, and instead said, ¡°Wife, do you still remember Gege¡¯s evaluation of you?¡±


    ¡°He said so much.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How could I remember?¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought for a bit and wasn¡¯t in a hurry to enter the dream. Instead, he closed his eyes with his brows set in a deep furrow, ¡°He said that you¡¯re a strong guy. I think you¡¯re very clear on what you want, and you won¡¯t be easily held back by self-esteem.¡±


    ¡°In the past, there was a period of time when I was held back by self-esteem; it was before I knew you.¡± Yu Hao answered wearily. It has been a long time since he got angry with Zhou Sheng, but after careful consideration, it wasn¡¯t a matter of principle or anything. The most important thing at hand was to save Fu Liqun.


    Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and whispered, ¡°Good night.¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel released a faint light and brought them into the dream.


    ¡°There¡¯s a signal!¡±


    In the north of Yanqing, deep in an abandoned factory, the detection lights in an abandoned factory lit up. There was a radar scan, and data optical cables began transmitting signals.


    ¡°Call the boss!¡±


    In the center of the underground factory building, on a screen that was over a thousand inches wide, signals began to be analyzed one after another. A program jumped to life, resulting in extremely indistinct, abstract lines and sound wave frequencies.


    A middle-aged man wearing a black suit came in with an assistant. All the researchers got up and stared at the data scrolling on the big screen.


    The middle-aged man asked, ¡°Can you analyze the conversation in their dream?¡±


    A researcher answered, ¡°Not for the time being, the signal is too weak.¡±


    The middle-aged man frowned.


    ¡°Move the receiver a little closer.¡± The middle-aged man said to his assistant.


    The assistant said, ¡°Zhou Sheng is extremely smart; if we get too close to him, it¡¯ll easily arouse his vigilance.¡±


    The middle-aged man said, ¡°Try band interference.¡±


    Another researcher said, ¡°We¡¯re adjusting it now.¡±


    The middle-aged man walked to one side, took off a helmet from a chair, and put it on.


    The researcher said, ¡°Director Zong! The frequency band is extremely difficult to analyze, right now we don¡¯t have any way to¡­¡­that chair is¡­¡­Director Zong!¡±


    The man called ¡®Director Zong¡¯ put on the helmet, closed his eyes, and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the simplest and most direct way?¡±


    ¡°If we bring either Zhou Sheng or Yu Hao to the laboratory.¡± The research supervisor came over to adjust the circuit and explained, ¡°And let them start the brainwave integrator here. In that way, we can intercept the data directly and analyze it.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng closed their eyes. A burst of light erupted, and with a ¡°whoosh,¡± Yu Hao woke up on the Great Wall.


    His world had changed once again. Long-range crossbows of all sizes were erected on the Great Wall, while cheval de frise and other fortification weapons were placed under the Great Wall. Yu Hao though, had no time to take a closer look and immediately spread his wings out to fly toward the Golden Crow Wheel.


    In the colosseum dream world, cracks in the cloud layers were growing wider and wider, and the sun shone down on the arena below the clouds. On the sky altar, Zhou Sheng wore a black suit and sunglasses and looked like a bodyguard. He looked up, and there was a golden circlet on his head. His legs were slightly parted as he looked up at the Golden Crow Wheel in front of him.


    ¡°Why did your image change again?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°There¡¯s a change in the understanding of my ¡®self¡¯ ma.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Is it very strange?¡±


    Yu Hao landed. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and established a connection with the Golden Crow Wheel. The Golden Crow Wheel started shining and revealed many strange images. Yu Hao said, ¡°A lot of people have dreamed about you, looks like you¡¯re the lover of everyone¡¯s dreams.¡±


    Many dreams came from strangers; sometimes in the subway, sometimes in the mall. Zhou Sheng was both tall and handsome, and after working for just half a year, he had matured quite a bit. When he went out for investigations with his colleagues, he was often the most conspicuous one.


    Logically speaking, it wasn¡¯t a good thing for private detectives to be too eye-catching. Zhou Sheng though, could effectively play the role of attracting people¡¯s attention, and let his colleagues take pictures and follow their targets while he was in charge of diverting the attraction of the target.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t dream of me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your turn.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his hand. The Golden Crow Wheel began to fluctuate, revealing several scenes. Some were of the head editorial office, while some belonged to people who Yu Hao didn¡¯t even know. Zhou Sheng watched patiently.


    ¡°This one.¡± Yu Hao said.


    There was an endless desert in the dream. The sky was overcast, and sandstorms had gathered into a massive cloud that covered all the other scenes in it. Only a few mountains in the Gobi desert stood outside the wall of air, while sand and stone were swirling everywhere.


    ¡°Why? Think about it clearly, don¡¯t enter the wrong one.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege said last time that he felt like he was walking in a desert. He kept looking for an oasis, but all he saw were mirages. But this is too exaggerated ba!¡±


    Both of them observed it for a moment. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Pay attention to it, this world is quite dangerous.¡±


    Yu Hao noticed that in the center of the sandstorm, there was a structure that one wouldn¡¯t notice unless they paid close attention to it. It was like a spire, but also like the top of some kind of sculpture building.


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, ¡°Let¡¯s discuss with Kaikai first. We need to ask him for help in this dream; otherwise if we separate once we enter it, we wouldn¡¯t even be able to find anyone.¡±


    Yu Hao changed the dreamscape, revealing Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Zhou Sheng took Yu Hao across the Golden Crow Wheel and flew into the Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ world. Chen Yekai was waiting at the top of the pyramid.


    Zhou Sheng described Fu Liqun¡¯s dreamscape to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai frowned as he listened to the whole description.


    ¡°A sinking desert,¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°symbolises his sinking will. It¡¯s quite dangerous, and there¡¯s a sandstorm that blots out the sky¡­¡­un, the sun can¡¯t be seen. Or rather, the sun is there, but it¡¯s being covered by the sandstorm.¡±


    Chen Yekai frowned as he thought, then said, ¡°I don¡¯t have much resonance with him, but all I know is that Fu Liqun is a very kind kid. On the surface, he appears to not take many things to heart, but he¡¯s actually someone who dwells a lot on problems with no solutions.¡±


    If this were in the past, Yu Hao would have likely entered the desert dreamscape with Zhou Sheng straight away to fight the boss. However, Chen Yekai¡¯s analysis was really necessary. He still remembered the three-man basketball match more than a year ago. Fu Liqun agreed with Zhou Sheng¡¯s view on the surface, that leaving precious memories was the most important thing, but in the depths of his heart, he had hoped to win the championship.


    ¡°We need to help him regain his self-confidence.¡± Chen Yekai said in the end.


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Otherwise it will be of no use to just bring him back.¡±


    Yu Hao sat down at the dining table on one side. Chen Yekai seemed to have sensed that the atmosphere between the two of them was a bit off. He looked at Yu Hao and didn¡¯t say anything.


    Yu Hao tried to create a coffee pot in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream, as well as a full set of utensils to make pour over coffee. Zhou Sheng frowned and pondered for a moment. Yu Hao brewed three cups of coffee. He took one cup himself and looked down from the top of the pyramid.


    ¡°Get ready to save him ba, how do you plan on taking me into his dream?¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There are a lot of problems that I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve figured out completely. It¡¯s too complicated.¡±


    Chen Yekay looked up at the blazing sun in the sky, ¡°Unless the Golden Crow Wheel takes the initiative to communicate with you, we won¡¯t be able to truly understand its purpose. Speculation will just remain as speculations most of the time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But we¡¯d still have to find a time to analyze it properly.¡±


    ¡°That day¡¯s not too far away.¡± Chen Yekai looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes and said slowly.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But how do we take Chen Laoshi into Gege¡¯s dream?¡±


    ¡°Connection.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Connection between the consciousness, just like in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream. As long as a connection is established, he can go in.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have too deep of a connection with Fu Liqun.¡± Chen Yekai frowned.


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Chen Yekai to look at Yu Hao. Yu Hao didn¡¯t understand. He walked over, and Zhou Sheng pointed at the weapon on Chen Yekai¡¯s waist. Yu Hao instantly remembered ¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª the weapon that Chen Yekai once held, that was briefly confiscated by Yu Hao, but had returned to him in the end ¡ª the scalpel!


    Chen Yekai immediately patted the holster he wore at his waist. The scalpel flew out and turned into a warm light that flew to Yu Hao¡¯s hand. Zhou Sheng whistled, leapt onto the Golden Crow Wheel, and took Yu Hao with him as he flew towards the sun in Chen Yekai¡¯s world.


    The flickering light in Yu Hao¡¯s hand turned into a heavenly path that plunged into the sun, like a path of light connecting the two worlds. Chen Yekai whistled, and the Feathered Serpent god flew over and carried him into the sun. Light burst out in all directions, and they appeared in Yu Hao¡¯s dreamscape.


    Zhou Sheng stepped on the jindouyun. He felt that Yu Hao¡¯s hands wrapping around him from the back weren¡¯t holding him as tightly as usual. He patted him casually and pulled him up to cling to his back.


    ¡°Still angry?¡± Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and asked.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Not anymore.¡±


    This was an agreement they¡¯d established long ago ¡ª no matter how upset they were at home, they¡¯d try their best not to quarrel in front of outsiders. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go save him.¡±


    Chen Yekai leapt through the Golden Crow Wheel and appeared in Yu Hao¡¯s world, but the Feathered Serpent was left behind in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. He nearly overbalanced and fell in a flustered state. Zhou Sheng shook his jingubang, ¡°You haven¡¯t permitted his mount to come in¡­¡­¡± As he spoke, he lifted up Chen Yekai by his waist with the jingubang and continued, ¡°Open sesame!¡± Then his whole body burned up with a golden fire that enveloped him and Yu Hao.


    Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Hold on a minute¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°The objective is to find Gege! Ask around to figure out where he is!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Set off! Once we enter, find Kaikai and gather!¡±


    After he spoke, a desert scene appeared in the Golden Crow Wheel. Chen Yekai was the first to be thrown in, followed by Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao who were stepping on the jindouyun.


    At the moment Yu Hao crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel, he suddenly understood Zhou Sheng¡¯s words:


    In a sense, was the scalpel that he had confiscated also a totem that Chen Yekai ¡ª who had put up a fierce resistance that night ¡ª had regarded as the only thing he could rely on in the past?!


    A flash of light burst out in front of them. Zhou Sheng shouted and abruptly fell into the sand!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    They were separated again. Yu Hao had just yelled when the omnipresent sand began surging towards him madly, choking him so much that he was coughing incessantly. He looked down and realised that he was wearing a basketball tank and shorts, as well as a pair of sports shoes. He had returned to his appearance several years ago, when he joined the three-man basketball competition with Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao looked around him. The sky and earth were enveloped within sand and a violent gale. It was pitch-dark ¡ª he couldn¡¯t see the sunlight or any scenery in the distance either. After entering the dreamscape, the first task was to meet up with Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai as soon as possible.


    A gunshot could be heard in the distance.


    It was Chen Yekai! Yu Hao turned around to look. He immediately understood why Zhou Sheng was so insistent on Chen Yekai¡¯s participation in this. Their weapons couldn¡¯t send out any signals for the other party to come forward and rendezvous, but Chen Yekai¡¯s gunshot was the best signal in this sandstorm.


    Yu Hao raised his arm, put it in front of him, and struggled to cross through the sandstorm as he headed towards the gunshot.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh boy, we finally get FLQ¡¯s dream, but he¡¯s in such a bad situation¡­Also who are these weird researcher ppl????

 Chapter 134.1

    The sandstorm blotted out the sky. Yu Hao remembered the scene he had seen in the Golden Crow Wheel. The entire desert was covered by massive air masses. After just taking a few steps, Yu Hao¡¯s entire body was about to be submerged in sand. Without wings, he couldn¡¯t fly either, so he could only arduously make his way forward.


    Yu Hao would end up eating a mouthful of sand if he opened his mouth, so he couldn¡¯t shout either. He could only take off his basketball tank and cover his face with it as a mask for his mouth and nose; his naked skin was scraped by the gritty sand until it hurt.


    After experiencing several dreams, Yu Hao was becoming more and more alert of his surrounding environment. He was always on guard against any danger that might appear within the sandstorm. The show Fu Liqun liked watching the most in their dormitory was¡¶The Walking Dead¡·, so please don¡¯t let any more zombies appear this time¡­¡­just as he was on tenterhooks, he heard another gunshot in the distance. He was much closer now.


    Meanwhile, something seemed to be flying through the sandstorm.


    Yu Hao stopped immediately. He swung both hands out to his sides, revealing two daggers ¡ª this is great! I can summon my weapons! Looks like in Fu Liqun¡¯s dream, he still has a certain amount of fighting strength!


    It seemed as if something swept by behind him again. Yu Hao suddenly turned around, and saw an indistinct shadow.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao felt like he was almost trapped in an encirclement by enemies hiding in the sandstorm, but he hadn¡¯t even managed to identify his enemies yet. All he could hear were continuous ¡®buzzing¡® sounds, like someone was holding a high-voltage transformer and was currently closing in on him slowly from all sides.


    A reporter¡¯s intuition reminded him of the approaching danger. Another gunshot blared in the distance. Yu Hao immediately dashed towards the sound of the gunshot, and within an instant, something strange lunged towards him from behind!


    Yu Hao let out a loud cry ¡ª an acute, piercing pain could be felt on his back, as if he had just been pricked by a needle. He turned his head around abruptly and saw pitch-black wings flapping directly onto his face! Yu Hao leapt up, spun around in mid air, and brandished his daggers. With a sharp ¡®hissing¡® cry, the wings were torn apart, and he suddenly saw a strange figure ¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ª it was a stranger¡¯s face, yet his eyes were bulging outwards exaggeratedly like an insect¡¯s and had compound eyes, while its mouth constituted a sharp steel pipe. It had a human body, was stark naked, had bristles that grew all over from its chest to its lower abdomen, and its gender couldn¡¯t be discerned. It even had bat wings that stuck out from its back.


    Yu Hao instantly felt disgusted and roared, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Yu Hao swung out a dagger and cut off the mouthpart of that ¡®flying mosquito man.¡¯ Black mucus sprayed onto his shoulder and neck. Yu Hao grabbed a fistful of sand and forcefully scrubbed himself a few times while he ran; even more flying mosquito men pounced forward. Yu Hao shouted as he dashed madly towards the direction of the gunshot.


    ¡®Buzzing¡® sounds were getting closer and closer. Yu Hao stepped on air and rolled down a sandy slope. A gunshot blared again ten meters away. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±


    Two ¡®bang bang¡¯s sounded; light pillars broke through the sandstorm and shot the pursuers behind Yu Hao until mucus flew in all directions. Chen Yekai shouted from within the storm, ¡°Get down!¡±


    Yu Hao protected his head with both hands and rolled down the sand slope.The sand slope was littered with hard rocks that scraped his shoulders and back until they suffered a burning pain. A hand immediately grabbed his wrist and pulled him up. Chen Yekai¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°It¡¯s okay now!¡± As he spoke, he pulled Yu Hao along as they dashed along the ground under the sand slope.


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I wanted to ask you!¡± Chen Yekai answered loudly. He pushed Yu Hao in front of him and asked him to run quickly while he covered the rear. The ground was covered in rocks everywhere, and the storm had subsided a little. Chen Yekai covered Yu Hao¡¯s back, and the two started running along the rocky beach.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous here! The gunshots lured all the enemies over! Find someplace safe!¡±


    Yu Hao realised that they were flanked by sand slopes on both sides, so they could only flee through the lowlands at the bottom. Chen Yekai took care of a few monsters and ran in front of Yu Hao. They traversed through the rubble; there was a gap at the bottom, and Chen Yekai said, ¡°Get inside!¡±


    Yu Hao was bending over to squeeze in when a flying mosquito man appeared beside him. It suddenly grabbed Chen Yekai¡¯s ankle, and Chen Yekai abruptly knocked into Yu Hao¡¯s back before getting dragged into the sky. Whether it was too late or not, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t be concerned about hiding anymore and leapt onto a rock.


    The flying mosquito men all around them appeared to have received a signal ¡ª all of them flew up at almost the same time and lunged towards Chen Yekai! Yu Hao spun both daggers between his fingers, swung out, and his daggers flew out of his hands.


    Within the blink of an eye, Chen Yekai was already surrounded by the flying mosquito men; the disgusting monsters were all bundled into a huge ball. Yu Hao¡¯s daggers flew over and made several turns back and forth with a whoosh.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao never knew that his daggers could change directions in the air as he wished; this was an ability he had never realised before. The flying mosquito men ball collapsed in an instant as the daggers cut everywhere, and Chen Yekai fell down again!


    Yu Hao took a sudden big stride forward to catch him, Chen Yekai fell heavily on Yu Hao. This time, it was Yu Hao¡¯s turn to drag him. He shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    Chen Yekai staggered as he was dragged by Yu Hao, and they rushed into the cave. Yu Hao picked up Chen Yekai¡¯s gun and fired two shots outside, then bent forward and pushed him into the cave. The storm instantly quieted a little. Chen Yekai leaned against the rock wall and kept gasping for breath. Yu Hao handed the gun back to him and summoned his daggers back. Just as he was about to say something, Chen Yekai warned, ¡°Be careful!¡± Then he fired several shots in succession behind Yu Hao.


    A flying mosquito man had squeezed in. Yu Hao felt a hand grab him from behind and immediately lunged forward. Chen Yekai pulled his arm, threw him back, wielded his gun, and fired in bursts. He hit the rocks above the cave; the rocks fell down with a loud rumble and crushed the flying mosquito man that was halfway through squeezing in.


    Silence fell upon their surroundings, only the sounds of Yu Hao and Chen Yekai¡¯s breathing could be heard in the cave.


    ¡°Could you get some light?¡± Chen Yekai said amidst the silence.


    Only then did Yu Hao remember. He unsheathed his daggers that emitted a warm light and illuminated the cave. Chen Yekai¡¯s face looked pale under the illumination. Yu Hao looked at the place they had come from ¡ª that flying mosquito man had already been crushed to death, and its mucus had spilled into a huge puddle.


    ¡°What the hell is that?¡± Yu Hao still had lingering fears in his heart.


    Chen Yekai shook his head. While kneeling on one knee, he said, ¡°Move the light over a little.¡±


    Instead of the Great Chieftain appearance he took on in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, he was now wearing a white shirt and black suit pants, just like a college student. He reached out and pulled the flying mosquito man¡¯s mouthpart, then broke off that monster corpse¡¯s neck with one shot, yanking its whole head off.


    Yu Hao exploded in an instant, ¡°Don¡¯t bring it over!¡±


    Chen Yekai was amused, ¡°You¡¯re actually afraid of bugs? I thought you weren¡¯t afraid of anything.¡±


    Yu Hao really wasn¡¯t afraid of anything, but the key point was that that thing was truly too disgusting! Insect blood vessels and mucus still remained on its neck; its head was both like a fly and a mosquito, the sharpness of its mouthpart was unparalleled, and bristles covered its face.


    ¡°We need to figure out what the enemy is.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Look, it¡¯s a bit like a mosquito that¡¯s been enlarged several times, yet it¡¯s also like a fly.¡±


    ¡°Stop talking about it¡­¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s too disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Look at the wound on my back.¡± Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Yu Hao asked worriedly. He lifted his daggers gently, and they floated into the air, like little lamps within the cave that illuminated his and Chen Yekai¡¯s surroundings.


    Chen Yekai had his back facing Yu Hao, ¡°Is it poisoned?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao inspected the bite wound on Chen Yekai¡¯s body. The flying mosquito man¡¯s mouthpart was extremely sharp; one jab would lead to one hole, and it had torn quite a lot of holes in Chen Yekai¡¯s shirt. Every wound was slightly white now. Chen Yekai unbuttoned his shirt and took it off to let Yu Hao see his back, revealing his fair and beautiful back muscles.


    Every time Yu hao saw Chen Yekai¡¯s image in dreams, he would always think that he had a very good figure. Still, Zhou Sheng¡¯s figure was the one he likes best after all, so he doesn¡¯t really drool at the sight of Chen Yekai. Besides, Chen Yekai was usually too serious. To Yu Hao, seeing him bare chested was like looking at a family member, it wouldn¡¯t stir up any urges within him.


    Yu Hao wore his basketball tank and tried to release his ability. Chen Yekai¡¯s wound began to heal gradually without any scars left behind.


    ¡°I have the power to heal in Gege¡¯s dream.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s back heaved along with his breathing. He held his shirt with one hand, ¡°It¡¯s much better now; it sucked quite a bit of my blood just now.¡±


    ¡°Let me look at the front.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°My front is fine, my legs are fine too.¡±


    So Yu Hao took the shirt in his hand and shook it open to let Chen Yekai wear it. Chen Yekai fastened his buttons in the darkness, ¡°This means that Fu Liqun thinks you can heal.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao nodded. He was about to explain to Chen Yekai when he said, ¡°Zhou Sheng has already told me a lot about the principles that the dream worlds operate on, so I can roughly understand them. Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t waste too much time here.¡±


    The ¡®buzzing¡® sounds had disappeared; the flying mosquito men outside had dispersed. Yu Hao shifted to the rocks to look outside; gritty sand was still pouring in with each gust of wind. He looked up to survey the surroundings and pondered about what kind of place this was. Chen Yekai understood his expression and explained on his own initiative, ¡°This is an inland river that dried up. Walk along the bedrock, there¡¯s another exit.¡±


    There was a faint breeze in the cave.


    ¡°We need to find Zhou Sheng as soon as possible.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We don¡¯t know where Zhou Sheng is yet.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Can you wake yourself up? Go to reality and ask Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t taught him how to wake himself up yet, Yu Hao can only wake other people up. He said, ¡°But I can wake you up.¡±


    ¡°Wake me up, I¡¯ll call Zhou Sheng.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°And ask him where he is.¡±


    Yu Hao simulated the scene in Liang Jinmin¡¯s dream in his mind and drew a silvery-white light aperture. His hand went through the aperture and pressed against Chen Yekai¡¯s forehead. Chen Yekai disintegrated into light particles with a whoosh and disappeared.


    Yu Hao sat down at one side and thought about what to do next. However, his surroundings shook, and he woke up in his bed.


    At four o¡¯clock in the morning, Zhou Sheng answered his vibrating phone. He turned on loudspeaker, shook Yu Hao awake, and talked with Chen Yekai.


    ¡°I appeared in his safe haven.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The form his safe haven took is the house we rented together, but there¡¯s no one inside, I¡¯m very sure of that.¡±


    Yu Hao yawned and got out of bed to pee. Chen Yekai had already clearly explained everything that happened through the phone. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°As soon as I came out, all I saw were sandstorms. But I could see the gate of a city. Let¡¯s think of a way to gather there.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Okay, I don¡¯t think Liqun will sleep for too long. If he wakes up at 7am, then we still have three more hours at most.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If we haven¡¯t found him by then, let¡¯s just go to the south first.¡±


    Chen Yekai hung up and sent a simple map over, where a rough position had been marked. It was extremely sloppy. Yu Hao drank water at one side, and he and Zhou Sheng looked at each other. Yu Hao passed the cup of water to Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng drank it and patted the bed to ask him to get on, then he hugged Yu Hao from behind.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ll wake up once I move.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If that vampire monster attacks your back, you¡¯ll feel safer if I¡¯m hugging you from behind, and you won¡¯t get ambushed easily¡­¡­¡± Then he pressed against Yu Hao¡¯s forehead with one hand and whispered into his ear, ¡°Good night.¡±


    A light flashed, and Yu Hao returned to the dark rock cave once again. Chen Yekai wasn¡¯t there yet, so he was probably trying his best to fall asleep. He waited for a long time before the light in his surroundings began gathering towards a certain position, forming Chen Yekai¡¯s body.


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing a person¡¯s consciousness being summoned into a dreamscape. He watched curiously for a while, until the light flashed again, and Chen Yekai appeared.


    ¡°You fall asleep so fast.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for Zhou Sheng¡¯s ¡®good night,¡¯ I wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep at all.¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°I haven¡¯t been sleeping much recently, so I fell asleep quite quickly. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    They had confirmed that Zhou Sheng was okay. Yu Hao directed his daggers to fly in front of them and illuminate the passage. Chen Yekai took the lead. He looked down at his sleeve, but his watch didn¡¯t exist, and they couldn¡¯t confirm what time it was in the dream.


    ¡°We have less than three hours.¡± Chen Yekai looked back and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Hopefully, he won¡¯t wake up too early. I¡¯ve already bought the tickets for you two. The flight is at 8:20. We¡¯ll go to Anlu together.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head sideways to study Chen Yekai. He asked, ¡°Why do you take this form in Gege¡¯s dream?¡±


    Chen Yekai looked very small in his white shirt and black suit pants. He shrugged, ¡°Maybe he thinks I¡¯m like a ¡®senior¡¯?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded, he did seem to have that kind of impression. He said, ¡°My weapon seems to have obtained a new ability. See, it can move around.¡±


    The daggers moved along with Yu Hao¡¯s hand that was conducting it and began revolving within the cave like two boomerangs in perpetual motion.


    ¡°That¡¯s because my flying scalpel was taken away by you.¡± Chen Yekai said seriously, ¡°So your dagger has the ability to be controlled by one¡¯s consciousness.¡±


    ¡°Ah!¡± Yu Hao remembered now. He hadn¡¯t returned the flying scalpel to Chen Yekai yet and had been constantly holding onto it. He also forgot to return it before entering Fu Liqun¡¯s dream.


    ¡°Then what do I do?¡± Yu Hao was instantly dumbstruck. The flying scalpel had turned into his daggers? But there were still two daggers, there aren¡¯t any extra ah. Did they merge?


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do anything.¡± Chen Yekai casually said, ¡°Use it ba.¡± Then he looked up at the exit of the cave passage. He got into a horse stance with a steady footing, placed both hands in front of him, and said, ¡°Come.¡±


    Yu Hao stepped onto Chen Yekai¡¯s hands and was pushed up to the exit above by him, then lay down to pull Chen Yekai up.

 Chapter 134.2

    They were at the top of a rocky mountain, and night had already fallen in the desert. Yu Hao didn¡¯t eat a mouthful of sand again like he had imagined. Strangely, the sandstorm had already stopped, and what replaced it was a quiet desert ¡ª like a deathly silent city. A shining Milky Way appeared in the sky.


    Under the starry sky, an ancient city appeared in the distance. There seemed to be many buildings all around them, but they had already been buried by gravel, with only a few remaining ruins and broken walls. Two dried up riverbeds appeared at the bottom of the Gobi desert that winded from the city, passed through the rocky mountain they were on, before meandering back.


    ¡°The storm has stopped.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Amidst his impressions, perhaps he can only feel at peace during the night. Look, the monsters have disappeared.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°This means that he suffers all kinds of torture during the day and only feels safe when he sleeps at night. If no accidents occur, night in desert shouldn¡¯t last long. We need to hurry.¡±


    Yu Hao realised that when Chen Yekai was around, he didn¡¯t need to analyse dreams anymore.


    They jumped down from the rocky mountain. Yu Hao kept his daggers and followed behind Chen Yekai as he thought about how to separate the flying scalpel from his daggers, while Chen Yekai was vigilant to all movements in their surroundings.


    ¡°Wait for me for a bit.¡± Yu Hao felt really uncomfortable during the walk and said this.


    In the silent desert, Yu Hao sat down on the spot, took off his basketball shoes, and poured the sand out. Chen Yekai watched from the side. Yu Hao suddenly felt that, it seemed that after coming to Beijing, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t talk as much anymore. Or rather, after Ou Qihang¡¯s incident, Chen Yekai¡¯s attitude had changed in a subtle and peculiar way.


    ¡°Your team uniform during the basketball match.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°At that time, Huang Ting hadn¡¯t transferred to Beijing, and everyone would still gather together; it all seems just like yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Time flies by so fast.¡± Yu Hao smiled a little sadly. He didn¡¯t know why he would suddenly talk with Chen Yekai about this. However, he did miss his life in college a lot. At that time, everyone was still together, they didn¡¯t worry about anything and could gather at any time with just one call to go to the foot of Mt. Yunding to eat delicious stir-fry.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go¡­Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao followed behind Chen Yekai again, ¡°Is the flying scalpel a part of your totem?¡±


    ¡°Maybe? Do you want to ask what it means by me giving you my totem?¡± Chen Yekai turned his head sideways to look at Yu Hao. The two lines of footprints had formed like folds in the silky desert sand. The night was beautiful, but Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but remember Ou Qihang¡¯s words, ¡¯embarrassment is good¡¯.


    ¡°I need to think of a way to return it to you.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t give it to you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°To be exact, you ¡®forcibly took¡¯ it away.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Un¡­So, I don¡¯t really want it to be like that.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°The scalpel symbolises my courage. It belongs to me, but it also belongs to you as well. You had taken my courage away, but you had also bestowed it upon me again. In a certain sense, you¡¯re the source of my courage. Letting it protect you once in awhile isn¡¯t a bad thing, you don¡¯t have to mind.¡±


    Yu Hao has always felt that there was nothing between him and Chen Yekai. However, Zhou Sheng always talks about it, and Situ Ye would mention it once in awhile, which made him a little suspicious too. Yu Hao himself had had enough of suffering the pain of unrequited love from another party, yet still leaving him hanging with hope. If someone doesn¡¯t like another, then refuse them clearly ¡ª this would be good for both parties. Chen Yekai though, had never discussed such issues with him formally, and the only sign was the concern he showed Yu Hao before he finally received a response from Zhou Sheng. So how could Yu Hao bring it up?


    ¡°I feel like you¡¯ve changed after coming to Beijing.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Do you think I¡¯m avoiding you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not to that extent.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re very busy, right?¡±


    ¡°Want to hear the truth?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    They were walking slowly in the desert. The ancient city in the distance looked very close, but it was really far away after they started walking. The whitish colour of a fish¡¯s belly was gradually appearing on the horizon.


    ¡°To be honest, I wasn¡¯t busy. There was a period of time when I really wanted to see you.¡± Chen Yekai slowed down a little and let Yu Hao catch up. The two of them walked side by side, ¡°But I know that long-distance relationships are very difficult to go through, especially in situations where there are too many obstructions. If I showed you too much concern, I was afraid that it¡¯d put your relationship to even more tests.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed, ¡°That wouldn¡¯t happen, sometimes you really do overthink too much.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Un, I think I often overthink too much too.¡±


    When he said it like that, Yu Hao instantly felt something inexplicable.


    ¡°Do you like Ou Qihang?¡± Yu Hao suddenly asked.


    Chen Yekai seemed to have expected that he would definitely ask this question. He answered, ¡°Do you really want us to be together?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. If he hadn¡¯t gone through Ou Qihang¡¯s baptism, he would think that this conversation in the dream today was really too awkward.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I was often invited out by him, because I wanted to take the chance to find out something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yu Hao frowned.


    Chen Yekai pondered, then explained, ¡°What Huang Ting would do after Zhou Sheng erased his memories.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s still a follow-up?!¡± Yu Hao was surprised, ¡°It happened so long ago, he shouldn¡¯t go that far ba!¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand Huang Ting.¡± Chen Yekai said solemnly, ¡°As long as there¡¯s one portion of the case that¡¯s illogical, he will remember it very clearly and raise his doubts during appropriate opportunities.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned deeply and pondered.


    Chen Yekai continued, ¡°After Xiao Ou came to Beijing, Huang Ting looked for him thrice. Twice last year, and once this year. The last time was during your internship.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He won¡¯t be able to get anything out of him, Qihang has already forgotten everything.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°If Huang Ting was the only one analysing the inside story, then he may not be able to find any clues. But you¡¯ve forgotten an important point ¡ª Xiao Ou has doubts about this as well. With his personality, if a portion of his memory fragmented, he definitely wouldn¡¯t let it go so easily.¡±


    Yu Hao started feeling like this was a little dangerous now.


    Chen Yekai made a gesture with both hands, ¡°So this is equivalent to the involved party, Ou Qihang, and the criminal investigator, Huang Ting, jointly pursuing a lost memory. Now that I think of it, what I regret the most is sending the Golden Crow Wheel to the STA for an appraisal¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°But you said that the data was destroyed.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said solemnly, ¡°But there are still people who know of its existence. I¡¯ve gone to the research lab twice. My Shidi is still there, and everything is as usual. I wanted to erase his memories, but after contacting Zhou Sheng, we realised that he never dreamed of me, so we can¡¯t enter his dream.¡±


    Yu Hao comforted, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it too much. If it was leaked, it would¡¯ve been leaked a long time ago.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled and looked at Yu Hao, ¡°Yu Hao, let me ask you a question.¡±


    The sun was beginning to rise slowly.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Do you trust me?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I trust you, of course. You¡¯re an honest person.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that honest ba.¡± Chen Yekai thought about it, and stated, ¡°I also have a cowardly, selfish, and dark side¡­¡­has Zhou Sheng ever told you why he didn¡¯t erase my memories?¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡± Yu Hao was baffled, ¡°No¡­¡±


    This time, it was Chen Yekai¡¯s turn to be a little surprised, ¡°He never told you what he saw when he was planning to erase my memories?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai tentatively and shook his head, ¡°No, why?¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded, ¡°Then¡­Have you ever suspected that I used to think of taking the Golden Crow Wheel for myself?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You won¡¯t take something that doesn¡¯t belong to you. There¡¯s no reason for that.¡±


    ¡°There are many reasons.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°For example, I can¡¯t forget my old lover, so I hoped to have the ability to enter dreams whenever I wanted to so that I¡¯ll have the company of Ryuusei. Or, through the study of the Golden Crow Wheel,I could think up all sorts of ways to revive my lost lover in a certain sense?¡±


    Yu Hao said without even thinking about it, ¡°You wouldn¡¯t¡±


    On Chen Yekai¡¯s handsome face, there was a smile that didn¡¯t reach his eyes and a handsome temperament, ¡°Why?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t say why, but he just thinks that Chen Yekai just definitely wouldn¡¯t do that. He wasn¡¯t the kind of person who would harm people, no matter how many temptations he had that couldn¡¯t be said. (re¡­check¡­)


    ¡°Because your courage is here.¡± Yu Hao patted the dagger at his waist.


    Chen Yekai laughed and nodded, ¡°Then remember that and trust me at all times.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded as well, but he was a little worried about Huang Ting and Ou Qihang¡¯s deep-rooted suspicions. In the end, he said, ¡°What measures will Huang Ting take?¡±


    ¡°At present, no one knows.¡± Chen Yekai answered, ¡°But he still suspects you two. Fortunately, he doesn¡¯t list me and Liqun as targets to doubt. Hopefully, this point of doubt will turn into an unsolved case in his career.¡±


    The sandstorm started stirring again and instantly covered the bloody morning sun. Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°Hide behind me, we¡¯ll reach the ancient city soon!¡±


    The sandstorm came without any warning and instantly blew up so much sand that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even keep his eyes open. Chen Yekai pulled up his shirt collar and lowered his head to block the gravel from pummelling his face, exposing his bare back. Yu Hao followed Chen Yekai closely and hid behind him, and they walked arduously through the sand.


    Suddenly, Chen Yekai stopped and let go of his shirt as he watched the scene.


    ¡°What happened?!¡± Yu Hao could hardly keep his eyes open because of the wind.


    Chen Yekai immediately turned around and hugged Yu Hao tightly, then leaped towards one side. In the next moment, a huge dragon roared as it rushed over and landed harshly into the sand! Following which, an overwhelming number of flying mosquito men caught up.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon!¡± Yu Hao saw the dragon fly through the sandstorm and rush into the gravel, accompanied by Zhou Sheng¡¯s cry that came out of nowhere. The flying mosquito men had piled up into a mountain and swarmed over.


    But in the next moment, the black dragon vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye!


    Yu Hao, ¡°Zhou Sheng?!¡±


    Chen Yekai pulled Yu Hao and climbed out of the pile of sand. The huge dragon appeared in the sky almost twenty meters above without warning. Zhou Sheng shouted loudly, ¡°All of you, drop dead!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, clad in an iron armour, was being bombarded constantly by the flying mosquito men, and clanging sounds rang out incessantly. Chen Yekai fired a shot at the sky with a ¡®bang.¡® Zhou Sheng was riding the black dragon, but the black dragon started flickering with an unstable light, as if it was hit by a virus in a video game. After flashing a few times, it disappeared once again!


    The monsters that were swarming around Zhou Sheng exploded from Chen Yekai¡¯s precise, consecutive shots. The iron man fell with a ¡®bang¡®. Yu Hao rushed forward and pulled the heavy Zhou Sheng up. Zhou Sheng was dragging his jingubang, and seemed to have used up all his strength. In the next moment, the sea of sand outside the ancient city started swirling up in a strange way!


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Run!¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s the dragon?!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng handed the jingubang to Yu Hao. He took off his helmet ¡ª his face was covered in blood. He shouted, ¡°Shield!¡±


    Yu Hao shook the jingubang and pointed it at the sky. Within an instant, the jingubang transformed into a giant shield. That shield came from his totem. Now that Zhou Sheng¡¯s life was entrusted to him, he possessed a ¡®just try¡¯ mentality, and the shield did indeed sense his thoughts and blocked the group of flying mosquito men that pelted down on them like a rainstorm.


    There was a vast army of flying mosquito men numbering in the thousands, and all of them slammed onto the shield like crazy. Yu Hao used the shield to block the impact, while the sea of sand behind them had risen up to a massive wave that was 10 meters tall, and now it crashed down on them!


    Chen Yekai turned around to look, then shouted, ¡°Run!¡±


    Yu Hao supported Zhou Sheng and rolled sideways. The sea of sand below his feet rose and sent them into the sky, then crashed down again violently!


    Three seconds later, Yu Hao stepped on the huge shield and used the shield as a skateboard, and as if he was surfing, he took Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai to slide down with a whoosh from the apex of the sand wave!


    The flying mosquito men gathered in teams and pursued them relentlessly from behind. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°It¡¯s up to you now!¡±


    ¡°Hold onto me!¡± Yu Hao shouted, then shrunk the shield down to a size that was just enough for the three of them to stand on. He inadvertently glanced at the sea of sand. Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon had appeared again and was still flashing like a holographic image for a few times before disappearing.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with it?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t know! It¡¯s gone crazy!¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: At last, Haohao¡¯s skateboarding lessons come in handy. Also those mosquito men are terrifying.

 Chapter 135.1

    Yu Hao turned around, and Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Go down!¡±


    The sand wave crashed down, forming a passage, and Yu Hao utilised his experience with skateboards to the utmost as he brought Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai with him to rush through the passage with a whoosh. A dense mass of flying mosquito men rushed into the passage as well, and with a loud rumble, they were all buried within the gravel.


    The sand wave swept them into the ancient city. The three of them shouted loudly at the same time as they brutally smashed into it.


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning from the crash. Zhou Sheng¡¯s left hand, clad in iron armour, began grasping around madly as his body was already buried. Chen Yekai and Yu Hao moved forward to drag Zhou Sheng out of the sand.


    Zhou Sheng took off his helmet and a lot of yellow sand poured out of it. The three of them had already been swept into the city, and they were gasping for breath within the sandstorm.


    ¡°Go up.¡± Zhou Sheng pushed them onto a tower at the side, ¡°Don¡¯t ask any questions, I don¡¯t know anything!¡±


    Zhou Sheng took off his armour that was filled with sand as he walked. He took off his helmet, removed his breastplate and war boots, thereby exposing his chest. He put two of his left fingers together, drew a line on his chest and his iron armour turned into leather armour. He held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and quickly climbed up to the top of the tower.


    The top of the tower was beyond the sandstorm area. Yu Hao rushed into the top floor and realised that he had arrived at Fu Liqun¡¯s safe haven ¡ª¡ª the house they had rented together in the past.


    Sofa, dining table, coffee table¡­all the decorations were exactly the same.


    Chen Yekai went to the balcony, pulled the landing windows open, opened the balcony door, and looked out.


    Zhou Sheng collapsed onto the sofa, gasping for breath. He spat a few times, and it was all yellow sand.


    ¡°I was planning to pick you two up¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But that dragon turned dumb for some reason, just like data in the Matrix¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng, look at that in the distance.¡±


    ¡°I saw it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, then got up and went to the refrigerator for drinks.


    Yu Hao treated Zhou Sheng¡¯s wounds and went to the balcony. He saw that under the building near the center of the ancient city, there was a proliferation of insect breeding nests that looked like malignant tumours. The whole ancient city was filled with enough flying mosquito men to blot out the sky, and they were flying out of the breeding nests continuously like an uninterrupted flow of water. They were searching for their whereabouts.


    The dream world began to shake. Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege¡¯s about to wake up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Get ready to pack up once we¡¯re awake. We¡¯ll take a plane to the South.¡±


    The dream world started collapsing, layer by layer. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s meet in reality.¡±


    The ancient desert city and safe haven disintegrated instantly; bricks and tiles fell and drifted away, and in the next moment, Yu Hao woke up from the dream. Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways, and Yu Hao shifted over and kissed him. Both of them got up a bit wearily. Zhou Sheng started packing up and called his company to take leave.


    Work of the investigation office had reduced as it approached the Spring Festival. Zhou Sheng told his company that he needed to go back earlier in advance for the New Year, and the other side readily agreed. Yu Hao had just come over after brushing his teeth. He was still thinking about the words Chen Yekai said in the dream.


    ¡°Do you trust him?¡± Yu Hao roughly told Zhou Sheng what Chen Yekai had said. He could tell that Zhou Sheng seemed a little irascible. In fact, there was something off about him recently, like he had something on his mind.


    ¡°What about you? Do you trust him?¡± Zhou Sheng looked down to check the camera and placed it in his bag as he asked absentmindedly.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I think we need to talk.¡±


    ¡°What do we need to talk about?¡± Zhou Sheng looked up and glanced at Yu Hao. He quickly folded clothes, ¡°About Gege?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°About you. I feel like there¡¯s something wrong with you recently.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? Don¡¯t overthink so much.¡±


    Yesterday, the dispute over Fu Liqun was just a fuse, and Yu Hao had keenly sensed that ever since Zhou Sheng had come to Beijing, he seemed to be planning something. To be precise ¡ª¡ª after he had found his new job.


    Zhou Sheng placed his books in his bag. Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t avoid my question! We agreed on this.¡±


    ¡°There really isn¡¯t any problem.¡± Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡±


    Am I the one overthinking? Yu Hao frowned deeply and sat at the edge of the bed. He used his phone to print out fake introductory letters. He rummaged around for a kraft paper document bag and stuffed materials and the introductory letters into it ¡ª the official seals on them had all been photoshopped. This was an important proof they needed to conceal their identities; it was better to be prepared just in case.


    Zhou Sheng pushed a swivel chair over, sat on it, crouched slightly, and looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. He asked, ¡°What do you think is wrong?¡±


    ¡°Chen Laoshi¡¯s words.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That dragon¡­you making so many Golden Crow Wheels¡­¡±


    The furrow between Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows slowly began smoothing out. A hint of a smile could be seen in his eyes as he patted Yu Hao¡¯s face, then he glanced at the clock, ¡°We still have ten minutes, what do you want to ask? Ask ba.¡±


    There was a messy ball of thread in Yu Hao¡¯s heart, but he didn¡¯t know where the end of the thread was. Waking up in the morning while lacking sleep made him slow-witted. He thought about it over and over again, then said a little angrily, ¡°Forget it.¡±


    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll betray us?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You might have even guessed that right. But he has no way of activating the Golden Crow Wheel, right?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t think he will, but that¡¯s not the main thing I wanted to talk about¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Do you remember how I first evaluated him?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart almost stopped. Zhou Sheng threw him ambiguous blinks and smiled. Yu Hao clearly remembered that ever since Zhou Sheng met Chen Yekai, he hadn¡¯t seemed to like him very much.


    ¡°What was in his memory?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I believe he won¡¯t betray us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I don¡¯t trust who he is as a person, but I do believe in one thing ¡ª at the very least, he won¡¯t harm you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why did we come back to this problem again in the end¡­?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Didn¡¯t you sense something yourself?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I didn¡¯t!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Want to fight again? Our task today is to fish someone up, right?¡±


    Yu Hao really didn¡¯t know what to do with Zhou Sheng, so he could only jump off the bed. However, Zhou Sheng was extremely calm and said, ¡°Come, change your clothes.¡±


    ¡°The South is hot.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t wear too much.¡±


    Zhou Sheng put his windbreaker on Yu Hao and wrapped a scarf around him. Not long ago, Yu Hao had bought a black windbreaker for Zhou Sheng. It looked very fitting for Zhou Sheng¡¯s tall stature, but appeared a little oversized on Yu Hao.


    ¡°I feel like I don¡¯t really know you again.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been me.¡± Zhou Sheng glanced at the full-length mirror and smiled, ¡°Very cool today too, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Cool your ass!¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry, ¡°Your windbreaker is too long, it makes me look like Guo Jingmin!¡±


    Chen Yekai called. His car was already parked below their building, waiting to pick them up. Chen Yekai glanced at Yu Hao in the rearview mirror and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I called in advance for a guest service, so we won¡¯t need to queue up for security checks before boarding.¡±


    Zhou Sheng fastened his seat belt. Yu Hao sat at the back seat of the Porsche, still feeling a little sleepy. It was a little hot in the car, so he took off his windbreaker and said, ¡°I¡¯ll leave my clothes in your car, it won¡¯t be cold when the plane takes off, and I¡¯ll wear it when I get back.¡± Then he felt around the windbreaker¡¯s pocket and found Zhou Sheng¡¯s Golden Crow Wheel.


    Yu Hao put it in his shirt pocket. Chen Yekai drove onto the expressway.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t get anything on Fu Liqun¡¯s location after asking around.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Do we have a direction?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng casually fiddled around with another Golden Crow Wheel. Yu Hao knew that the one he had was the real one, and the one Zhou Sheng held was but a handicraft. He frowned while scrutinising it for a long time as he still didn¡¯t know what it meant.


    ¡°Be careful, don¡¯t drop such an important item.¡± Chen Yekai said indifferently, ¡°Where do we stay after arriving in the South?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took his phone out. He looked down and said, ¡°I¡¯ll book a hotel. Wife, sleep first if you¡¯re sleepy.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Yu Hao through the rearview mirror, and the two happened to look at each other during that glance. Yu Hao shifted his gaze and looked out of the window, then closed his eyes.


    Morning traffic in Beijing was still very jammed. Chen Yekai waited patiently on the overpass, his fingers tapping lightly on the Porsche symbol on the steering wheel. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t sleep. For some reason, a lot of odd ideas surfaced in his mind, as if Zhou Sheng¡¯s words in the morning had weaved strange thoughts; the flood of thoughts poured out and were impossible to get rid of¡­


    Yu Hao started hypothesizing in his mind: the first time Chen Yekai took the Golden Crow Wheel from Zhou Sheng, he longed to see his lover, Ryuusei, again, so he found another path. He handed the Golden Crow Wheel to STA to examine it, but no one could understand the principles it operated by and couldn¡¯t activate it either, so he had to return it to Zhou Sheng. Then he waited for another opportunity where Zhou Sheng used it again before trying to find a way to solve it¡­


    In the meantime, Huang Ting got involved as well, and even the three middle-aged men from the investigation team started paying attention to this matter too. Have they questioned Chen Yekai yet? At that time, what Huang Ting told them was: Chen Yekai¡¯s teaching, so he¡¯s not free. Then before that, did they come into contact with one another?


    Two years later, the three-men investigation team disbanded. Ren Chong remained as Huang Ting¡¯s superior, Qin Guodong opened that office¡­Hold on, Yu Hao realised something off¡ª¡ª if Huang Ting already started suspecting him and Zhou Sheng, then when he introduced this job to Zhou Sheng, had they already prepared beforehand? The purpose was to bind Zhou Sheng to the office and search for all the opportunities they could get to investigate the Golden Crow Wheel, or to switch it out with a fake?


    ¡­Is that really the case? Yu Hao felt like this deduction was quite logical. After following Lin Ze for a long time, he had begun learning the way investigative reporters formed deductions. If they were at the office right now, Lin Ze would help him draw a diagram and plot out the time axis to analyze: assume the incident with Ou Qihang¡¯s loss of memory two years ago as the beginning: if they were to draw a diagram, then Chen Yekai would have informed Huang Ting ¡ª¡ª after Huang Ting got involved, he started investigating in secret ¡ª¡ª after Ou Qihang lost his memory, Zhou Sheng felt danger for a moment ¡ª¡ª he stopped using the Golden Crow Wheel for two years ¡ª¡ª until they went to Beijing.


    However, with Huang Ting¡¯s personality, since he had already begun suspecting them, it would be inexcusable if he didn¡¯t arrange for someone to monitor them, unless that person was right by their side¡­Yu Hao didn¡¯t open his eyes.


    Ever since he was a child, Yu Hao seldom cared about the environment around him. In fact, most people were like him. They thought that all signs of slight disturbances are always the result of natural phenomena or coincidences, and their world is only what is seen on the surface. Lin Ze however, had taught him that many things were inextricably linked. Just like how the boss of Guangxian¡¯s battery plant would never know that while they were taking an afternoon nap, someone would sneak in and take photos to serve as evidence.


    Beware of all the undercurrents that surge beneath this vast world ¡ª¡ª this was what Lin Ze had repeatedly reminded him. After Yu Hao entered this profession, he had gradually developed a suspicious frame of mind. He started thinking, could there have been many meetings to scheme against them in places he and Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know, or could there even be a conference room or research laboratory that was carrying out a plan to deal with them?


    However, Lin Ze also thought that the biggest difference between him and the rest of the world lies with Yu Hao¡¯s background in Psychology. His professional knowledge influenced him a lot, such that during the times when he¡¯s searching for the truth, he wouldn¡¯t forget to try and understand people. He emphasised logic but also emotion.


    So from a psychological perspective, Yu Hao trusted Chen Yekai. But he lacked evidence to support this view, so he couldn¡¯t draw a conclusion, and Zhou Sheng deliberately hid some things from him as well¡­While Yu Hao was thinking, he heard Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng discuss the Golden Crow Wheel in front.


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The first ability I have is to enter the dreams of people who have dreamt of me.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the same for Yu Hao.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°But his ability can only be completed through my Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Secondly, I can transport even more things, for example my dragon and Yu Hao¡¯s army, into anyone¡¯s dream. That¡¯s something Yu Hao can¡¯t do.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned the steering wheel, thought about it for a bit, then asked, ¡°And then?¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Aside from these, Yu Hao and I can kick people offline, that is, we can wake anyone up.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°The third jurisdiction, offline enforcement. And one more ability, which is to erase memories.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It can¡¯t be considered as true ¡®erasure.''¡±


    Chen Yekai raised an eyebrow, puzzled. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It looks like it was ¡®burned down,¡¯ but actually, it¡¯s the use of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s sun¡¯s fire to turn memories into fragments¡­¡±


    Yu Hao knew that there was some important information they had to clarify between themselves, so he listened to Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai¡¯s responses to each other. He recalled the last time in Ou Qihang¡¯s dream, the golden fire Zhou Sheng used to erase memory fragments ¡ª it was homologous to the prominence spewed out by the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Chen Yekai frowned deeply.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Becomes part of the subconscious.¡±


    Chen Yekai crossed the toll station and extended a hand out of the car¡¯s window to pay, ¡°That is to say, the memories are still there, just that they have been sealed by you.¡±


    ¡°It should be said,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That they were swept into a garbage dump, so they can¡¯t be remembered for now.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°But I remember in Liang Laoshi¡¯s dream, you and Yu Hao lit up the flames at the altars in her subconscious.¡±


    ¡°So the consciousness at the surface was reconstructed.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°That kind of golden flame is a ¡®medium¡¯ that connects the surface consciousness and the subconscious in the depths. For example, if I burned all your memories of Ryuusei, you will forget him in reality.¡±


    Chen Yekai frowned slightly.

 Chapter 135.2

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°How is the matter at hand that we¡¯re discussing related to Ryuusei?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get anxious.¡± Zhou Sheng murmured, seemingly thinking about a rather brain-burning and complicated problem. After a moment, he seemed to relax a little, ¡°But Ryuusei wouldn¡¯t be forgotten completely just like that. Everything related to him would just turn into fragments that are buried in the deepest part of the subconscious ¡ª the Forgotten Ruins.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°That¡¯s equivalent to being forgotten. After all, according to our discussion last time, if you burned my memories of Ryuusei, then the chapel in the distance would be destroyed under the divine fire, and the memories in the Forgotten Ruins will never be recalled again.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No, there are two possibilities for the requirements of recollection.¡±


    Chen Yekai suddenly frowned, Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t surprised in the slightest. He glanced at Chen Yekai, and the corners of his lips turned up slightly.


    ¡°The first possibility,¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Is that before everyone dies, their subconscious world will be reconstructed. All memories throughout their life would flash by in front of them then.¡±


    Chen Yekai remembered now. This was a problem that he and Zhou Sheng had discussed seriously before, so he nodded.


    ¡°Trotting horse lamp?¡± When Yu Hao heard this, he instantly thought of the saying.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Life¡¯s trotting horse lamp. For a period of time before death, it is said that one¡¯s consciousness will become very clear. But of course, accidental deaths don¡¯t count¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The second possibility is the tinder I rekindle in the subconscious. Just like when we entered Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious world.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°And memories would rise from the ruins and return to the subconscious world, get reconstructed, then establish impressions on the surface.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So it is possible to reawaken memories.¡±


    Yu Hao could roughly guess Zhou Sheng¡¯s line of thought. He answered, ¡°The two of you think that Huang Ting might ¡®reawaken¡¯ Qihang¡¯s memories? That¡¯s too ridiculous, it¡¯s impossible for him to do that.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps.¡± Chen Yekai said nonchalantly.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Chen Yekai stopped the car and slung his bag onto his back. The three of them entered the airport, their deductions pausing for the moment. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time sitting in business class, and he just felt that it was quite novel, while Zhou Sheng started flipping through his review materials for his postgraduate entrance examination.


    ¡°When will you hand me the opening report for your thesis?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao was having a good time, but when he heard this, he immediately turned despondent, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that.¡±


    Chen Yekai pointed at Yu Hao, ¡°You must hand it in before the end of the Lantern Festival.¡±


    So Yu Hao could only say ¡®okay, okay,¡¯ then take out his laptop and prepare his opening report. It was already considered quite late for him to start writing it now, but fortunately, Chen Yekai knew that his work was tough and hadn¡¯t given him a deadline. As long as he could make it in time for the defense, it would be okay.


    The plane arrived at a second-tier city near the South. Yu Hao was about to wake Zhou Sheng, who had a book on his face, when Zhou Sheng¡¯s finger lightly tapped the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand. Evidently, he wasn¡¯t asleep.


    As soon as they arrived in the South, they entered a winter that Yu Hao was familiar with ¡ª an unbroken spell of wet weather and humidity that soaked the bones. The sky was overcast. Chen Yekai rented a jeep, and it was now Zhou Sheng¡¯s turn to drive. Yu Hao took out his camera and started taking pictures of both sides of the road, and he started reading the materials that Lin Ze had sent him.


    After the three of them got off the plane, they all felt a little heavyhearted and didn¡¯t talk for a while. Zhou Sheng yawned, rubbed his face with one hand, and was actually quite energetic. Chen Yekai opened a poetry anthology book and read it in the backseat, while Yu Hao observed everything on their journey through the car¡¯s window: the scenery, people, and banana plantation.


    ¡°Talk about something?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°What do I talk about?¡±


    ¡°Anything, make us drink some of your life¡¯s chicken soup?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too quiet.¡± Zhou Sheng murmured, ¡°Uncomfortable, it¡¯s so scary.¡±


    ¡°This is the first time the three of us are working on an assignment together in two years.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°On the night we drank at Liang Laoshi¡¯s house, I never expected the two of you to be how you¡¯re like today.¡±


    The car gradually slowed down. Yu Hao looked down at his camera; he had just taken a picture of the children by the road. When a car drove by, they stood up and looked at them with an indescribable flavour in their eyes. Yu Hao seemed to have seen that kind of gaze before, but he couldn¡¯t explain it clearly.


    ¡°How are we like?¡±


    Zhou Sheng casually answered, ¡°Kaikai thinks you¡¯re too old now; he¡¯s saying that you¡¯re slippery and worldly-wise now.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai burst out laughing and shook his head helplessly. He said, ¡°You¡¯ve both matured.¡±


    ¡°Ah Ze still says that I reek of a ¡®student¡¯ stench.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He said that I¡¯m very similar to lady boss.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be ba.¡± Zhou Sheng whistled, ¡°Your boss wants to woo you?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s that possible?¡± Yu Hao texted Lin Ze to tell him that he was safe and answered, ¡°I¡¯m dumb, not outstanding, and a pampered brat too. It was just a little untimely type of pity¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng started laughing. Chen Yekai joked, ¡°Untimely pity. Un, that¡¯s what your boss said about you?¡±


    ¡°Jin Laoshi said it.¡± Yu Hao opened up his laptop and looked at another new piece of information Lin Ze sent him, ¡°There are four industrial parks in Nanlu. After the economic reform, banana plantations, mariculture, and fishing became the pillar industries. Later on, after the so-called ¡®direct marketing¡¯ companies came in, the economic focus gradually shifted to these health product companies. Almost all of the original industrial parks have been abandoned; twelve of them are located in Huadong Economic Development Zone, and they¡¯re the local major taxpayers¡­¡±


    ¡°Continue.¡± The car was stopped not long after Zhou Sheng entered the city.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Take note of the cops.¡±


    The traffic policeman arrived. Zhou Sheng rolled down the car window, pulling his sunglasses down a little to glance at him.


    Traffic policeman, ¡°Who are you guys?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The successors to communism.¡±


    Traffic policeman, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Knock it off already.¡±


    Traffic policeman, ¡°What do you do? Let me take a look at your IDs.¡±


    Yu Hao hid his camera and took out his bag of documents out of his bag to hand to Zhou Sheng. He said, ¡°Accompanying our boss here to discuss something!¡±


    Chen Yekai casually glanced at the traffic policeman outside from the backseat. The traffic policeman studied Chen Yekai. Zhou Sheng took the kraft paper bag, opened it, then took out the introductory letters and gave it to the traffic policeman to take a look.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get it wet.¡± Zhou Sheng said impatiently.


    The traffic policeman didn¡¯t take it. After he took a look, he waved and let them go.


    ¡°The questioning at the roadblock is too strict.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°There¡¯ll be a lot of trouble this time around.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s alright, leave it to me.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s deceptive techniques had been honed by Lin Ze and Jin Weicheng to the pinnacle of perfection. After they entered the Huadong District of Nanlu City, Zhou Sheng chose a hotel, Chen Yekai got a room and they stayed at the 11th floor of the hotel. They had a panoramic view of the economic development zone opposite.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s only one bed, how do we split?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sleep on the living room sofa.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°During unusual times, we¡¯ll just make do and figure something out after we find him.¡±


    ¡°You told Huang Ting we came?¡± Zhou Sheng asked Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai lay on the sofa and texted on WeChat. He answered, ¡°Can¡¯t hide it from him. ID cards are on a nationwide network, he¡¯ll know once he gets someone to check.¡±


    So Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t ask anything else. Yu Hao stood in front of the landing windows and looked out with a pair of binoculars. He thought about which company opposite could be the storefront of the pyramid scheme company, but it¡¯s impossible for Fu Liqun to be in one of those buildings. He was probably taken to one of the residential areas or an abandoned industrial park in the suburbs to be locked up for ¡®training.¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯ll go down to buy some food.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you?¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to stay behind to take care of things and went out by himself.


    Yu Hao sat on a single-person sofa, exhausted, while Chen Yekai lay on the sofa. His slightly long hair covered his forehead, and his gaze seemed a bit hesitant. Yu Hao could feel that his attention wasn¡¯t on his phone but on him from the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Administrator, is there something you want to say?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Someone poured their heart out to me and told me that he loved you.¡±


    ¡°There are a lot of people who love me.¡± Chen Yekai casually said. He got up and took off his sweater, wearing only a shirt, then took a remote control to adjust the temperature of the air conditioner, ¡°They know that we¡¯re close, so it¡¯s normal for them to talk to you about it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know who it is?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m trying to pretend that I really want to, but I¡¯m guessing that you¡¯ve found some kind of clue¡­¡­¡±


    So Yu Hao had to admit, ¡°Li Yangming.¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Chen Yekai started thinking.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Everyone wants to save Gege, but no one cares about him.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°A rabbit doesn¡¯t eat the grass by its own burrow. If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t care about him either. After all, tricking one¡¯s own roommate into a pyramid scheme nest is really vile behaviour. And the two of them seemed to be on pretty good terms?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But thinking about it from another perspective: if he didn¡¯t think that pyramid schemes were pyramid schemes and instead thought it was a serious and proper job, so he wanted to help Gege, then wouldn¡¯t it be justifiable?¡±


    Chen Yekai said seriously, ¡°So? What do you want me to do?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°He may dream of you. This can be considered untimely pity on my end ba¡­Although I¡¯m not very sure¡­but he does often mention you to me.¡±


    Yu Hao and Li Yangming had a lot of opportunities to interact with each other. They were in the same department, and in most of his classes, Li Yangming would stick to him and Zhou Sheng, as if all three of them were dating. Because Li Yangming doesn¡¯t really have friends in his class, Yu Hao would try to take care of him as much as he can.


    Most of the time, Li Yangming and Yu Hao would talk about Chen Yekai. He always wanted to know more about Chen Yekai from Yu Hao, including what he liked to eat, what his temper was like, which bands he liked¡­it was as if understanding more about Chen Yekai from Yu Hao would be equivalent to him and Chen Yekai having an incorporeal relationship.


    On one occasion, Li Yangming even described the entire process of him dreaming about Chen Yekai. Yu Hao had wanted to kill Li Yangming when he heard it, but he let it go after thinking more about it. Dreams aren¡¯t under one¡¯s conscious control.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Everyone has a model of an ideal lover in their hearts, it¡¯s understandable. You hope that I can save him?¡±


    Yu Hao kept silent. He understands Zhou Sheng too well. Throughout the entire journey, Zhou Sheng almost never mentioned Li Yangming ¡ª he was obviously very angry about his behavior. Take Fu Liqun away and leave Li Yangming here; let him go beg for help, that would be the best punishment for him.


    Yu Hao felt like that shouldn¡¯t be the case. Li Yangming has always been jealous of him, but he didn¡¯t have a bad nature and had never taken the initiative to harm him. Everyone has had little, dark thoughts in the depths of their heart before, like how he had ridden an elephant in his dream and stomped Xue Long to death. Seeing Liu Pengxuan delivering takeout all sweaty while his boyfriend was tall, handsome and could stand tall alone for himself, he would be in a really good mood too¡­


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I always wondered on our way here when you would mention him.¡±


    ¡°A little untimely pity ba.¡± Yu Hao said helplessly, ¡°I need to think about it seriously again.¡±


    But Chen Yekai said, ¡°No, this is really good.¡±


    Zhou Sheng came back, so the three of them ate in silence. Yu Hao didn¡¯t mention Li Yangming again. It was close to 10 PM after they ate. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng lay in bed while Chen Yekai asked for a blanket and slept on the sofa. It was silent in the room. Yu Hao asked in the darkness, ¡°What exactly is the reason behind your dragon?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Because in Gege¡¯s dream, my strength is unstable?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered about it for a bit. Zhou Sheng muttered to himself, ¡°Maybe¡­we¡¯ll see again after entering.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pressed Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and the Golden Crow Wheel was tied on Yu Hao¡¯s wrist. The light flickered, and the two were taken into Fu Liqun¡¯s dream.


    Within the rented house, Chen Yekai checked his weapons. Zhou Sheng drew the curtains and inspected a distant place.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This place covers a very large area. We need a way to find out where Fu Liqun is in the dream first.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be easy¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°We need to find him in reality and in his dream too, Laozi hates finding people the most right now.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°What if we look for him separately?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s in the insect¡¯s nest.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t split up ba, our combat strength¡¯s pretty weak in the first place. Without Yu Hao, there¡¯s nowhere we can go to find a doctor if we get eaten by insects.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Yu Hao looked around, ¡°Why do I think¡­it¡¯s a bit similar?¡±


    ¡°Similar to what?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao had stood for a quite a long time in front of the landing windows of their hotel room that afternoon. He vaguely felt that the ancient city in the distance and the place where the safe haven was located were strangely similar to the position of the hotel it corresponded to in reality¡¯s economic development zone!


    ¡°Think of this place as the hotel!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege might have stayed in the same room as us!¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately drew the curtains. Chen Yekai went to the landing windows and murmured, ¡°It does seem a little similar, what does this mean?¡¯


    ¡°To him, the hotel was his last shelter before ¡¯embarking on the road to work¡¯.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°In his impressions, he must have stood in front of the landing windows as well to look at the economic development zone opposite us. He had to start work after leaving the hotel, just like how he left our previous home¡­then it all makes sense!¡±_


    ¡ª

 Chapter 136.1

    Ch136.1 ¨C Awaken


    Yu Hao made a marking in front of the French windows. He made Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai stand where he was; through the glass window, they saw an area littered with ancient, low-rise bungalows in the distant ancient city. The bungalows were quite far from the insects¡¯ nest.


    ¡°His totem is located in the Insect Nest Palace; it was forcibly seized.¡± Yu Hao took out a black pen and made a marking on the French window of the scenery opposite and explained, ¡°This bungalow area was where he once thought his new journey was about to begin, so it¡¯s very likely to be at¡­¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Chen Yekai immediately turned around and left the tower. Before Zhou Sheng left, he and Yu Hao glanced around at the rented house. The photos they took together that were clipped onto a rope ¡ª a lot of photos related to Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had already faded and blurred, so it was difficult to discern. Only the group photo taken on the night of their college¡¯s anniversary performance of Fu Liqun, the two of them, Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, and Ou Qihang on the backstage sofa was still there.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng took that photo off the rope and put it in his trousers¡¯ pocket, then followed behind the two of them to quickly descend the tower.


    The omnipresent sandstorm was still raging, and it was even fiercer than when they entered last night. The environment was hotter now too. The insects¡¯ breeding nest had already covered most of the ancient city.


    ¡°We need to hurry, I have a nagging sensation that this place won¡¯t be able to hold on for much longer!¡± Zhou Sheng walked forward against the sandstorm. The three of them chose to slowly make their way forward through a shelter behind the houses.


    Yu Hao relied on his memory to show them the way and was always alert to the dark shadows flying around. The flying mosquito men were increasing in number, and they were still patrolling. Fortunately, shortly after, the sandstorm gradually subsided. The sun that was blocked by the sandstorm was setting, and the world slowly restored its tranquility.


    Under the galaxy, the bungalows that weren¡¯t too far away were mostly buried by the sandstorm.


    ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s here?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao walked forward and looked around doubtfully; he actually wasn¡¯t too certain now. Chen Yekai walked around the bungalows once, ¡°This doesn¡¯t seem like a place for someone to live, but rather like a¡­grave.¡±


    There was a strange stone tablet erected in front of the bungalows. Zhou Sheng kicked the stone tablet, and it loosened; gravel rustled as it fell down, and there were two words inscribed onto the stone tablet ¡°The End¡±.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°The autosuggestion of someone who likes to watch shows¡­¡± Yu Hao answered.


    A small crack appeared in the stone door. Zhou Sheng reached in through the door with his jingubang to pry it open, and forced open a gap big enough for one person to pass through. Chen Yekai squeezed in first, Yu Hao followed next, and Zhou Sheng supported the rear.


    Beyond the door was a dark, bottomless staircase. Yu Hao¡¯s daggers hovered in the air and emitted a faint light while the three of them carefully made their way down. It was extremely spacious underground. After walking for a while, Yu Hao passed by their college¡¯s dormitory room. They continued walking down, and there was a glass door at the bottom.


    Yu Hao had cut the ribbon before, so he recognised it as the gym. Zhou Sheng went forward to push it, but the door didn¡¯t open.


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t open it either. ¡°Look for the key.¡±


    ¡°Let me try.¡± Yu Hao held a shining, suspended dagger in his left hand while he pushed the door gently with his right. The door opened.


    Chen Yekai was puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m a shareholder of this gym.¡± Yu Hao said.


    This scene seemed like a part of a bizarre horror film. Yu Hao¡¯s hairs were standing on end from the sight, and he made a ¡®shh¡¯ gesture to Zhou Sheng.


    The three of them stood without making any noise. They heard heavy gasps travelling over from deep inside the gym.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao was about to step forward when Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao behind him. He walked over slowly. The white light emitted from the daggers illuminated the end of the gym. Before the mirror, they finally saw Fu Liqun.


    Fu Liqun had his hands trussed behind his back and was only wearing a pair of basketball pants. His strong muscles were red from being tied so tightly by ropes. He was rigidly bound to a chair, blindfolded, and had a cloth stuffed into his mouth ¡ª he looked like he had been kidnapped, but also looked like he was waiting to be disciplined.


    The three people, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    He curled up a little in pain. He was sweating all over, and it was dripping drop by drop onto the ground. His bare chest heaved along with his breathing, and there were even whip scars and wounds on his abs.


    ¡°Gege!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately brandished his daggers to cut the ropes off of him. Zhou Sheng took a big stride forward, took off his blindfold and patted his face, while Chen Yekai wielded his gun and guarded them from the side.


    ¡°Gege!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted anxiously. Yu Hao swung out with his dagger and cut off the binds on his wrists and ankles. Zhou Sheng yanked out the cloth that was stuffed into his mouth. Fu Liqun¡¯s eyebrows and hair were covered with sweat, and he now opened his eyes a little.


    ¡°There are enemies!¡± Chen Yekai shouted.


    Yu Hao felt a gust of wind blow by behind his back. Zhou Sheng immediately turned around and kicked the chair, thereby kicking both Yu Hao and Fu Liqun away. He turned around, jingubang in hand, and was ready to swing it out when a long, black snake-like rope suddenly coiled around his neck; it dragged him up into the air and flung him onto a treadmill with a loud bang upon impact!


    Chen Yekai fired a shot. The gunshot resonated throughout the gym. A figure instantly moved right in front of him in the darkness and stuck onto him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t strike¡­¡± A lovely voice said.


    Chen Yekai leapt into the air and sent the enemy flying with a roundhouse kick. He said calmly, ¡°Sorry for the inconvenience, but you got the wrong sexual orientation.¡±


    Following which, a shriek rang out; the enemy had been kicked away. Zhou Sheng got up and shouted, ¡°Illuminate!¡±


    Yu Hao waved his hand; a dagger whirled away and nailed itself onto the ceiling. It shone brightly, and Zhou Sheng saw the enemy clearly ¡ª it was actually an enchantress who had a rather good figure and an incredibly beautiful face!


    ¡°Sis-in-law?!¡± Zhou Sheng uttered in disbelief.


    ¡°Not sis-in-law!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°She just looks alike! I know who she is!¡±


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Chen Yekai asked doubtfully.


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°I can¡¯t explain clearly now, take him away first!¡±


    The gorgeous enchantress wore a Western dress and wielded a whip. She swung it in mid air and made a resounding crack noise.


    ¡°Wake him up!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Yu Hao utilised magic with his hands to heal Fu Liqun¡¯s wounds. Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang and flung whatever he could find at the enchantress. The enchantress flicked the whip in her hands, which instantly created whip shadows that filled the sky and whipped away the barbells, treadmills, pulling machines, and fitness bicycles until they were all sent flying ¡ª its explosive force was absolutely terrifying. With Fu Liqun in his arms, Yu Hao dragged him into a corner and did his utmost to wake Fu Liqun up with his healing abilities.


    ¡°Gege! Wake up!¡± Yu Hao cried out anxiously.


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai went forward simultaneously, but even so, they still couldn¡¯t match up to that enchantress. The whip shadows lashed in and out. The enchantress let out a bloodcurdling scream. Zhou Sheng carried his shield to resist the soundwave, but Chen Yekai¡¯s eardrums suffered a sharp pain. With a ¡®buzz,¡¯ the world spun, then a whip swept over and curled around his ankle, dragging his body up into the air and smashing him right into the wall!


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    Yu Hao struggled to lift Fu Liqun¡¯s arm and wanted to half-drag him away. Zhou Sheng wielded a shield to resist against the whip strikes that pelted down on him like a torrential rainstorm. Chen Yekai staggered to his feet, then shot at the enchantress.


    ¡°Yu Hao¡­¡­¡± Fu Liqun finally woke up and grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s arm, staring at him in a daze.


    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This is great! Quick! No¡­What should I do now?¡±


    ¡°Ask him what this monster is afraid of!¡± Chen Yekai¡¯s words woke him from his dreams, and Yu Hao immediately made Fu Liqun look at the enchantress. He asked, ¡°What is that girl most afraid of?¡±


    But Fu Liqun¡¯s eyes were glazed over, and he muttered to himself, ¡°I¡­¡­I won¡¯t go¡­¡­I¡­¡­the last thing I have¡­¡­is gone too.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna die!¡± Zhou Sheng roared, and his voice actually managed to frighten the enchantress, ¡°What¡¯s this thing afraid of?! Sober up a little!!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng did their best to draw a tie with that enchantress. Zhou Sheng lifted his shield and was about to retreat, while Chen Yekai rushed towards Yu Hao and Fu Liqun, when the enchantress suddenly shrieked with all her might. The entire gym¡¯s floor started shaking with a rumble, transforming into a treadmill conveyor belt that was transporting them towards the yawning depths.


    An idea suddenly struck Chen Yekai. He shouted, ¡°Afraid of weighing scales! She must be afraid of weighing scales!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao staggered up and glanced at the corner ¡ª a circular weighing scale was being carried to the corner by the conveyor belt. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°It¡¯s too far! Can¡¯t get it!¡±


    Yu Hao took Fu Liqun along as he ran arduously on the conveyor belt. He raised his hand to beckon, and the dagger fixed onto the ceiling flew towards the corner and pinned the weighing scale down. Yu Hao then clenched his fist and flung the weighing scale over.


    While Chen Yekai was running with his back bent, he spread his arms out and gracefully raised his hand to fire a shot, hitting the weighing scale and making it spin as the scale flew towards Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t lose weight in May¡­you¡¯ll regret it in June!¡± Zhou Sheng leapt into the air, using the strength of his waist to prop the jingubang, rotated in situ, and batted the weighing scale. He shouted, ¡°Hey beautiful! You should find out about how to get fit through swimming!¡±


    The weighing scale flew towards the enchantress with a whoosh like a meteor, and a loud ¡®bang¡¯ rang out ¡ª the scale had smashed into the enchantress¡¯ face, and amidst her miserable shrieks, the conveyor belt on the ground stopped.


    Zhou Sheng roared, ¡°Go!!¡±


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai each lifted one of Fu Liqun¡¯s arms and dragged him along as they ran away desperately for their lives. They went up the steps while Zhou Sheng closed the door and rushed up to the end of the steps, then squeezed out of the stone door.


    In the safe haven, the three of them were thoroughly spent. They placed Fu Liqun down. The wounds on Fu Liqun¡¯s body had already healed, but he had no strength at all as he lay on the floor of the living room. Both his eyes were closed as he murmured, ¡°Water¡­¡­water¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai opened the refrigerator, which was filled to the brim with mineral water. He twisted open a bottle and poured it on Fu Liqun¡¯s face, but Fu Liqun didn¡¯t move.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng knelt beside Fu Liqun, bowed his head and patted his face. He shouted, ¡°Gege!¡±


    Fu Liqun just closed his eyes and said, ¡°Water.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took the bottle of mineral water and fed it to Fu Liqun, yet he couldn¡¯t pour it in.


    Chen Yekai was in a terrible state. He smoothed the hair on his forehead, his brows set in a deep furrow. Zhou Sheng roared angrily, ¡°Gege!¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered something Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m walking in a desert, and I don¡¯t know how long I have to walk for before finding an oasis¡­¡­I thought your sis-in-law was my oasis. I walked for so long, and I keep looking for some water to drink, but no matter where I walk to, all I see are mirages.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no use, Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao sat down on the ground beside him and said, ¡°He can¡¯t wake up. He must drink water, and he can only drink it if a specific person feeds him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Fu Liqun quietly, his face looking extremely belligerent.


    ¡°We must get the sis-in-law in his dream here.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There¡¯s no other way aside from that.¡±


    ¡°We have to go look for Cen Shan.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Leave him in the safe haven and set out as soon as possible ba, we don¡¯t have much time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng knelt down beside the unconscious Fu Liqun and gazed at his eyes that were shut tight. It was quiet in the safe haven. The flow of time within the rented house where they shared countless memories together gradually started to slow down, until it almost turned completely still.


    Yu Hao walked to Zhou Sheng and knelt down on one knee. Zhou Sheng¡¯s countenance was filled with anger. He glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Gege, in your world, love is the only thing that can save you? Hey.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered to himself, then laughed, ¡°I just won¡¯t believe that.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After he spoke, Zhou Sheng¡¯s entire body was ablaze with a golden flame!


    Just like that day, when he lit up the beacon fire for Yu Hao on the Great Wall, and when he lit up the tinders in Liang Jinmin¡¯s world ¡ª his hair and attire emitted a scorching, golden flame, and his whole body burst with a flare that could sweep the earth in this dark environment!


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai shielded their eyes at the same time. Zhou Sheng burned within the golden flame, just like a blazing sun.


    Zhou Sheng gently lifted his index and middle fingers; the group photo of Fu Liqun¡¯s memories with them was lightly clamped in between his fingers. Within an instant, the photo burst into flame with a bang and floated up to dance in the air above his fingers.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted with a resounding voice. He hugged Fu Liqun with one hand, while he covered his eyes with the other, then suddenly crouched down and held him tightly! The flames spread from his body onto Fu Liqun¡¯s and exploded with a loud rumble before spreading to Yu Hao¡¯s body.

 Chapter 136.2

    Innumerable scenes that looked like pictures flew out of Zhou Sheng, Yu Hao, and the unconscious Fu Liqun with a whoosh, and danced around them in a circle ¡ª those were the countless days they had spent together with Fu Liqun; how they accompanied one another in the dormitory, running around on the basketball court, jumping outside the teacher building, pooling money together to buy snacks before the ice-cream stall outside their college¡­¡­countless memory fragments flashed brightly, appearing just like a flowing river of light.


    The golden river of light stood still in an instant, and then turned into a vast expanse of blue light; it was like a quiet river that flowed into Fu Liqun¡¯s body.


    Fu Liqun opened his eyes.


    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao shouted out in pleasant surprise.


    Zhou Sheng released Fu Liqun and exhaled a prolonged breath. He stared at Fu Liqun in a daze. Fu Liqun was laying in Zhou Sheng¡¯s arms with a blank face, following which, Zhou Sheng took the bottle and poured all of the remaining water onto Fu Liqun¡¯s face.


    Fu Liqun immediately shouted as his head got drenched with cold water. He exhausted all his strength to get up and looked at Zhou Sheng, confused. Zhou Sheng got up, grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and went to sit down on the sofa.


    Chen Yekai laughed, and Yu Hao started laughing too.


    ¡°Without love.¡± Zhou Sheng said earnestly to Fu Liqun, ¡°You still have us. See, don¡¯t you believe in that yourself as well?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s right ma, see, Zhou Sheng loves you a lot too.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be corny!!¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, then he threw Chen Yekai a meaningful glance to tell him that he definitely can¡¯t tell Fu Liqun what had just happened.


    Fu Liqun wore a puzzled expression as he looked around, ¡°Where am I?¡±


    ¡°Drink ba.¡± Chen Yekai took another bottle of water and handed it to Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun was still baffled. He looked down at his clothes, and it took him a long time to snap out of his daze. He looked at them sadly, then smiled.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t bear to wake up.¡± Fu Liqun, ¡°When the sun rises, everything will be gone again.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s the company called?¡±


    Fu Liqun didn¡¯t answer and just turned his head. He drew the curtains to the French windows and looked out of it in a daze.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Time, Gege, we need to hurry!¡±


    Fu Liqun sighed and stood there, looking lonely. Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°But your figure¡¯s been trained to look pretty good, you didn¡¯t open the gym in vain.¡±


    Chen Yekai motioned for him to come over, so Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao sat at the dining table. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t returned to this home in a long time and really missed the place where the three of them had lived together.


    ¡°Liqun.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯ve already received your request for help.¡±


    Fu Liqun closed the curtains, seemingly not willing to see the scenery outside. He turned around to look at Chen Yekai, then sat down on the sofa.


    Yu Hao glanced over at Fu Liqun from time to time, worried, ¡°How much longer do we have?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t estimate it.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The time in dreams is messed up, but it¡¯ll be easy now since we¡¯ve found him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Do we tell Gege?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That¡¯s actually not that important. He¡¯s currently conflicted.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Conflicted over?¡± Then he suddenly understood. Fu Liqun was in a state of confusion himself; his willpower may be on the verge of yielding.


    Chen Yekai said to Fu Liqun, ¡°You must think this through carefully, Liqun.¡±


    Confusion filled Fu Liqun¡¯s gaze. He muttered to himself, ¡°It¡¯s gone, I failed, I have to admit defeat¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯re the one who sent out a distress signal.¡±


    Fu Liqun nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at Fu Liqun. Yu Hao realised that this dream seemed to be distinctly different from the dreams he had entered before ¡ª¡ª as the master of this dreamscape, Fu Liqun himself felt very lost.


    Perhaps it was because the one who fed him water was Zhou Sheng and not Cen Shan. If it was Cen Shan, then maybe Fu Liqun would sober up very quickly.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng looked at each other as if they had both thought about the same problem.


    Meanwhile, Chen Yekai was trying his best to persuade Fu Liqun and make him sober up a little in his dream. Fu Liqun¡¯s thoughts were still quite muddled up.


    A moment later, Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°Lend me your laundry fork.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao joined his two daggers together, turning them into his laundry fork. Strangely, the flying scalpel appeared in mid air again, as if it had fallen out of some place. Zhou Sheng took the laundry fork and walked over like a gust of wind. Chen Yekai was still trying to wake Fu Liqun up, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t want to wait anymore. He lifted the laundry fork.


    ¡°You idiot!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily.


    After he said that, the fork landed right on Fu Liqun¡¯s face!


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao quickly got up. Chen Yekai stood up immediately as well and avoided this whirlwind-like attack. Fu Liqun shouted from the hit and got up to flee. Zhou Sheng held the laundry fork, and Fu Liqun shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t hit me! Young Master! Stop!!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make you suffer!¡± Zhou Sheng chased Fu Liqun as he used the laundry fork to smack his back and legs.


    Fu Liqun shouted again, ¡°Stop hitting me! I let you down!¡± Fu Liqun turned around as he wanted to beg for mercy. Zhou Sheng wielded the laundry fork, and the fork landed right smack on the side of his face. Fu Liqun immediately fell to the ground and knocked over the TV in the room.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Be careful! Don¡¯t hit him till he wakes up!¡±


    Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t stop gasping for breath and suddenly realised something. He murmured, ¡°Young Master?¡±


    Zhou Sheng withdrew the laundry fork and handed it to Yu Hao. He sat down at the dining table and said to Fu Liqun, ¡°Are pyramid schemes fun? Looks like it¡¯s pretty fun ba?! Laozi came all the way here to save you, could you pull yourself together?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°This isn¡¯t a dream?¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s expression practically seemed like he was doubting his whole life. It was Yu Hao¡¯s second time experiencing Zhou Sheng¡¯s godly manipulation, and he couldn¡¯t help but recall that they had been arguing before they set out about who understood Fu Liqun better.


    And now he was sincerely convinced ¡ª Zhou Sheng was the one who knew Fu Liqun best.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I should be dreaming, how could you guys¡­run into my dream?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Let me explain ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other again, a hint of a smile could be seen in their eyes. Chen Yekai explained to Fu Liqun. It was the second time Fu Liqun¡¯s gaze was filled with confusion. He glanced at Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, who were at the dining table, from time to time.


    ¡°Convinced or not?¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Convinced.¡± Yu Hao was completely convinced by Zhou Sheng¡¯s godly manipulation.


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Fu Liqun said in a frenzy, ¡°This is impossible!¡±


    ¡°Tell us where you are now.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then you¡¯ll know if it¡¯s possible or not.¡±


    ¡°Hurry ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We still need to go back to celebrate the New Year! What are you dilly-dallying for?!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yeah, we need to go home to celebrate the New Year, Gege.¡±


    Fu Liqun scratched his head and said, ¡°But I don¡¯t know where I am.¡±


    Zhou Sheng almost fell off his chair. Chen Yekai immediately said, ¡°What¡¯s the company called?¡±


    ¡°Bright Sun Biology.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s in the economic development zone¡­Hold on, this is real? What I mean is¡­¡±


    He walked towards the dining table and reached out to pinch Yu Hao¡¯s cheek. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai! He¡¯s not that familiar with you!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t pinch me, pinch yourself!¡±


    Fu Liqun reached out to pinch his face, then he pinched Zhou Sheng¡¯s nose.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai went over to sit down. The four of them sat at the dining table, and Fu Liqun said, ¡°So you guys are¡­always lying down, because of this?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ve never lied down for no reason, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s always lying around.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Describe the process to us, you can reminisce after everyone meets again. Liqun, hurry.¡±


    Fu Liqun stared at Zhou Sheng doubtfully, then looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao said, ¡°Treat it as pouring your heart out to us in a dream ba, it¡¯s not a big deal anyway, right?¡±


    Fu Liqun nodded. ¡°I remember I did call you.¡±


    ¡°Twice.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ve already received your message.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was a pyramid scheme at first. I thought that Yangming wouldn¡¯t go so far as to deceive me¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°When I catch him, I¡¯ll make him eat shit.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll really make him eat it, just wait and see.¡±


    Fu Liqun quickly waved his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t, it¡¯s not easy for him either¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about such trivial things!¡± Yu Hao roared angrily, ¡°Hurry! It¡¯ll be daybreak soon!¡±


    Compared to Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, Fu Liqun was obviously more afraid of Yu Hao flaring up. Yu Hao hardly ever flipped out, and it was precisely because of this that his anger was particularly intimidating. He began recounting everything that had happened between closing his gym to arriving at Nanlu ¡ª¡ª and sure enough, it was close to what they had guessed. In the second half of December last year, after two of his partners left, Li Yangming ¡ª who was working in Nanlu ¡ª returned to Ying City and accompanied the broke Fu Liqun to settle their accounts.


    It was said to be a liquidation, but there weren¡¯t many accounts to settle. Fu Liqun sold the gym, someone came to talk about taking over, and it all took about ten or so days. After everything ended, Li Yangming left first. Fu Liqun packed up his stuff, stayed in the gym for several hours on the night before New Year¡¯s Eve, and finished watching the New Year¡¯s Eve party on TV. On New Year¡¯s Day, he went down South to meet Li Yangming.


    Li Yangming arranged for him to stay at a hotel, and everything would be reimbursed by the company. Fu Liqun felt a little uneasy. The next day, he was taken to join his colleagues in the company for some team building activities. They boarded a ship and went out to sea to play, and the boss started brainwashing them on the ship.


    If his first venture hadn¡¯t failed, then Fu Liqun may have quickly seen through the company as one that dabbled in pyramid schemes. However, at that time, he was at one of the lowest points in his life, and his world outlook was completely destroyed and rebuilt. Everyday, he had to suffer the torturous questions and doubts in his heart. When he heard his boss help him build up his confidence, he felt as if he had clutched at his last straw.


    ¡°They¡¯re all like that.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°When you first come into contact with them, they¡¯ll help you build self-confidence and feed you empty flattery.¡±


    Fu Liqun nodded, ¡°I was struck too hard, and the leader even specifically called on me to give a speech. He asked me about the entire process of the failure of my venture. All the colleagues in my team helped me analyze the reasons it didn¡¯t do well¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng just looked at Fu Liqun quietly.


    Fu Liqun sighed, ¡°Maybe, I haven¡¯t been building up true self-confidence in a really long time. When we talk about love ma, Shanshan¡¯s too excellent, and I lag far behind her; when we talk about friends, Kaikai need not be mentioned, and the two of you are so brilliant as well¡­Although it¡¯s quite shameless of me to say this, but deep in my heart, I¡¯ve always longed for someone to praise me, to say that I¡¯m really good, to tell me that I can do it well.¡±


    For the first time ever, Zhou Sheng actually commented on Fu Liqun¡¯s relationship.


    ¡°The two of you aren¡¯t interacting in the right way.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In a healthy relationship, lovers will admire each other, and they can discover and assist the other party in developing their strengths while eliminating their weaknesses at the same time.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°That can¡¯t be blamed on sis-in-law¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯m not blaming sis-in-law. It¡¯s just that one shouldn¡¯t always find fault in oneself. Some people always like to push the responsibility for their failure onto their external environment, while some like to bear the responsibility for their failure themselves. No matter which type it is, it¡¯s no good if it goes too far.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Yes, communication is a two-way street. But there are some things that you need to think through clearly for yourself first, especially when it comes to work and your career.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying that the gym couldn¡¯t continue,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Because he didn¡¯t think through it well enough?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant!¡±


    Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t fight, don¡¯t fight, I now believe you guys aren¡¯t part of my dream anymore.¡± Then he continued, ¡°At that time, I was really moved¡­¡±


    On the day Fu Liqun was engaging in team building activities on the ship, he did feel moved ¡ª a feeling that he hadn¡¯t experienced in a long time. There were a lot of words spoken by his boss and colleagues that shot straight into his heart, including how many people talked about how their self-confidence was on the verge of collapse before entering the company but had managed to slowly build it up again with the help of one another.


    That¡¯s how chicken soup works ¡ª it can let people escape the pain of reality and construct a facade. Fu Liqun¡¯s broken spirit because of the failure of his venture was rebuilt because of the bright prospects that his boss and colleague had described to him. He understood that failure wasn¡¯t shameful, and he was ready to pull himself together and immerse himself in his work.


    However, after signing the contract and reporting to work, he started a three-month training program. It included food and lodging, and Fu Liqun started to sense that something was amiss. This company would always use anti-intellectual remarks to incite their workers, and a wolf culturethere was already considered to be a trivial matter. There were all kinds of storytelling and brainwashing going on, and indeed, many top managers had made money off the downlines developed by the layers of subordinates under them and drove luxury cars to work.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 137.1

    The company¡¯s assignment for them was to get them to develop downlines. Fu Liqun wasn¡¯t successful, of course. According to the articles of association, if one doesn¡¯t complete their first business goal within seven days, they would be taken to a centralised training ground. His colleagues started taking turns to persuade Fu Liqun and consolidate the results of brainwashing. Fu Liqun already had thoughts of resisting, but companies had very effective ways to deal with such employees whose ¡®weakness has not been uprooted.¡¯


    He and many new recruits were dragged away to undergo centralised training. Fu Liqun had already planned to leave, and he told Li Yangming that he would return the hospitality charges he owed in full. Just as he was about to leave, his supervisor came to know about his intentions and locked him in the training ground.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°That kid must have lodged a complaint.¡±


    ¡°Where is it?¡± Yu Hao was most concerned about Fu Liqun¡¯s current whereabouts.


    Fu Liqun shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m not sure of the exact location. It¡¯s a worker¡¯s dormitory in one of the industrial parks. Two rows of banana trees are planted outside, and there¡¯s no sign on the door. They rented a factory to use as a warehouse, and there are several assembly lines for their pharmaceutical workshop. There are 22 people in total who are being watched by seven people. They said that it¡¯s a militarised management, and there are two dogs on watch¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s phone had been seized. Twenty two people were confined in a factory building. At this time, he realised that his personal freedom was restricted.


    ¡°None of you tried to escape?¡± Zhou Sheng lost his temper.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t eaten.¡± Fu Liqun said wearily, ¡°We¡¯re all hungry, and they didn¡¯t return our phones to us. It¡¯s like a prison. We¡¯re locked up in a room, sleep on one wide bed, with an anti-theft net on the window. This place is walled up, and there¡¯s an electric grid outside as well. There are two dogs at the entrance. People who live together report offences and expose one another; they want to, ¡®transform the self and achieve success.¡¯ How do we escape?¡±


    The company only gave them a small bowl of rice and some green vegetables for each meal, described gloriously as ¡®toil one¡¯s sinews and bones and expose the body to hunger¡®. Fu Liqun tried every method he could think of. However, ¡®the law may be strong, but outlaws are ten times stronger¡¯ ¡ª this pyramid scheme company has been operating for nearly ten years, what kind of person hasn¡¯t it seen? It had already sealed off any way out in advance.


    ¡°What about Li Yangming?¡± Yu Hao frowned as he asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s in the factory.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°The supervisor asked him to help watch people, and he¡¯ll start sales after the New Year. He would buy and deliver some snacks to me from time to time.¡±


    Fu Liqun had tried tearing the windows down but failed. There were people watching him even when he went to the toilet during a brainwashing meeting. Two of his escape attempts failed; the company doesn¡¯t hit people and just locked him up in a small, dark room. After he came up, he had to do a collective review. Fu Liqun almost went mad from being messed around with and promised to make a call to buy the product.


    And thus, this led to his first call with Yu Hao. With the call on loudspeaker, Fu Liqun asked for 5,000 and handed it in. At first, he thought that he could take this opportunity to escape back to the city, but his phone was instead kept by them.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve warned me earlier!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Fu Liqun said,  ¡°They said that I could go back to work after I bought just one course of treatment, how would I know that they would go back on their words?¡±


    After that, Fu Liqun was locked up again for further training. The supervisor promised that if he bought another course of treatment, it would be regarded as good performance and let him return to the city to work normally. Fu Liqun didn¡¯t trust them anymore, and so there was the second call.


    ¡°What¡¯s the supervisor¡¯s name?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Fu Liqun told them his supervisor¡¯s name. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, wait there. Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll come and get you straight away.¡±


    Fu Liqun looked at Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao quietly. He didn¡¯t say words like ¡®thank you¡¯ and neither did he sigh or try to absolve himself of blame. He didn¡¯t ask a single thing about anything related to the dreamscape either.


    After hearing what Fu Liqun said, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but think of another question. What kind of psychological state of mind does this kind of pyramid scheme organisation established on the basis of ¡®Mutual Assistance between Losers Salon¡¯ catch ahold of? Everyone was wholeheartedly willing to be brainwashed by the organisation, just like after getting addicted to something to escape from reality and get intoxicated in a dream-like befuddled life.


    Yet, that was precisely what most ordinary people who were unaccomplished but dissatisfied with the status quo urgently needed. Once their autosuggestions were formed, in order to prove themselves, they would gradually fall into the trap of pyramid scheme organisations. One by one, they would think of all sorts of ways to get money to fulfil their promises.


    ¡°Gege.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°I still remember the first day I met you, but I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t know.¡±


    Fu Liqun raised an eyebrow, puzzled. ¡°The first day?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and answered, ¡°That day, I went to school with all of my belongings. When I passed by the college¡¯s path, I saw you from afar.¡±


    At the end of August, three and a half years ago, when Yu Hao saw Fu Liqun from afar for the first time, he was filled with surprise.


    ¡°Ever since I was a kid, either in school or on the streets, I had never seen anyone who was as bright as you.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I even thought that you were a male model from magazine covers, or a freshman from a Film Academy who had walked to the wrong place. I remember you were helping the cleaning aunt that day. You put a very small bird in your hand, lifted it, and placed it back in its nest on a branch.¡±


    ¡°Did I?¡± Fu Liqun had forgotten it himself.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You were really bright. That day, I thought that a lot of people would probably like you and that you should be really popular. Just like how in every school, there would always be a cool kid who everyone would fix their gazes on ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways to scrutinise Fu Liqun and laughed.


    That day, Fu Liqun looked both tall and handsome, and he had very short hair too. He was filled with the vigour of someone who had just graduated high school and was just starting their college life. He was dressed in fashionable brands from head to toe, had a sports bag slung over one shoulder, and a huge BOSE headphones around his neck. He grasped a milk carton in his left hand, while in his right palm sat a small bird that he gently sent back to the nest between the branches of a Gardenia tree.


    ¡°I never thought that I would have the honour of being friends with you.¡± Yu Hao pondered for a bit, then said softly, ¡°Because at that time, I was both poor and old-fashioned, and even I hated myself. While you were an outstanding person, so you should be with other outstanding people. Birds of a feather flock together after all.¡±


    The dining table was extremely quiet. Yu Hao¡¯s nimble fingers fiddled with a pen as he looked at Fu Liqun with a smile on his face.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Later on, did you realise that I wasn¡¯t as outstanding as you thought I was?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°To me, you have always been very outstanding. You gave me a chance to enroll in the work-study program; I knew that you pitied me, but I was still very grateful. I would even feel a little terrified when I talked to you.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I just thought that you were completely capable of living a better life.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I know. You were taking care of my ego, the problem lay with me.¡±


    Fu Liqun nodded. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Until the day you carried me to the hospital, I thought that I may never be able to repay you for your grace in this lifetime. I also know that you don¡¯t need me to repay you. But maybe, being a good bro of yours was really something worthy of bragging about outside.¡±


    Fu Liqun¡¯s gaze turned gentle.


    Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°It was like an amazing achievement to be accepted by you, by Chen Laoshi¡­who were like male gods. Obtaining your recognition and walking into your lives was practically the best gratification for my vanity.¡±


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t stop himself from blurting out a ¡°pfft.¡±


    ¡°What about me?¡± Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked at each other, and they started laughing.


    ¡°Sorry.¡± Fu Liqun suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°In the future, you have to continue satisfying our vanity. Pull yourself together ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun said with some regret, ¡°I¡¯ve let you guys see me in such dire straits.¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled encouragingly at him as well.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I know.¡±


    ¡°Being friends with you guys,¡± Fu Liqun interrupted Yu Hao, ¡°Has also greatly gratified my vanity.¡±


    All four of them laughed. Chen Yekai said, ¡°You always like to tell the truth as it is like that, Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Kaikai¡¯s also someone who would greatly gratify a friend¡¯s vanity ba.¡± Fu Liqun said to Chen Yekai, ¡°Over the past few months, I¡¯ve always felt like all of you were walking farther and farther away, and I¡¯m the only one standing in the same spot, sinking constantly.¡± With that, he shook his head helplessly and smiled sadly, ¡°I understand now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers, and that photo appeared between his fingers again. Along with a light flick of his wrist, it fluttered into the air and landed in front of Fu Liqun.


    At that time, they shone brightly and looked so happy. Everyone in the photo seemed to have obtained the Goddess of Fate¡¯s favor that had been bestowed upon them.


    ¡°I understand now.¡± Fu Liqun looked up and said to them, ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you guys, and you guys will wait for me too.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a promise.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    After he spoke, suddenly, Zhou Sheng disintegrated into light particles with a bang and dispersed in the air.


    Yu Hao and Chen Yekai were stunned. Fu Liqun revealed a look of surprise as he looked at the two of them.


    ¡°What happened? ¡°Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°He woke up.¡± Yu Hao thought, someone might have called? Zhou Sheng was used to putting his phone on the bedside table near his side, so he could have been awakened by the noise.


    Fu Liqun still thought that this was a dream, and the fact that someone in the dream would suddenly disappear after enlightening him was quite logical. He looked at Yu Hao and was about to say something when Yu Hao suddenly disintegrated into silver-white light particles as well and disappeared.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Yu Hao?¡±


    Fu Liqun frowned, then Chen Yekai disappeared as well. His dreamscape began to blur.


    Yu Hao felt pain coming from his fingers. Zhou Sheng was exerting quite a bit of strength with their fingers intertwined, and Yu Hao instantly woke up. Before he could see the situation clearly, Zhou Sheng had already yanked the Golden Crow Wheel away under the blanket and pushed it into Yu Hao¡¯s hand, making him grasp it tight. Then he reached under his pillow.


    ¡°Get up!¡± A man¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Come with us.¡±

 Chapter 137.2

    Yu Hao opened his eyes and saw two policemen walk into their room. His heart almost stopped instantaneously.


    Zhou Sheng made a gesture, poked Yu Hao, and sat up from the bed. He looked irascible as he frowned, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Get up!¡± The police said, ¡°Take your ID cards out for an inspection!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How did you guys get in?¡±


    There were another two policemen standing in the living room of the suite, while there were two more guarding outside. Chen Yekai was on the sofa when he got woken up by them, but his expression was extremely calm as he looked at the police.


    In the bedroom, the policeman lifted the blanket and the Golden Crow Wheel fell out of the blanket and onto the carpet. Yu Hao immediately got off the bed barefoot and stood beside the bedside table. Zhou Sheng immediately went to pick up the Golden Crow Wheel, but the police shouted sternly, ¡°Don¡¯t move! Put your hands up! Don¡¯t force me to handcuff you!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Chen Yekai wanted to come in, but he was stopped.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng was still quite a distance from the Golden Crow Wheel. He said, ¡°Okay, okay. I won¡¯t move.¡± Then he raised both hands up.


    Zhou Sheng was wearing only his underwear and stood just like that. A policeman said, ¡°Both of you, put your clothes on.¡± Then he took out a transparent forensic bag and placed just the Golden Crow Wheel inside of it.


    Chen Yekai, who was outside, had his phone taken away. Along with Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone, they were all packed into several forensic bags. The police had caught them unprepared. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know at all what had gone wrong; they had obviously been very careful on the way here. Zhou Sheng though, threw him a glance, then shook his head imperceptibly, so Yu Hao calmed down.


    ¡°Go.¡± The police said, then the six policemen separated, and two police guarded over each of them. They let Yu Hao walk first, Zhou Sheng in the middle, and Chen Yekai at the back. They were taken away from the hotel and into police cars. There were three cars, and they were driven to the district bureau.


    This was Yu Hao¡¯s first time entering a bureau seriously for tea. In the isolation room, a police officer interrogated him alone with his camera in hand.


    ¡°What¡¯s the password?¡± The officer asked.


    Yu Hao reached out and unlocked it. The police officer started examining it, and there were only a few pictures inside: meals in the business class, the scenery along the highway, street scenery in the city¡­


    ¡°What did you come here for?¡± The officer asked again.


    ¡°Investment and inspection.¡± Yu Hao knew that he couldn¡¯t hide it from this group of people, so he spoke calmly, ¡°Here with my boss.¡±


    ¡°What are you inspecting?¡± The officer obviously didn¡¯t care too much about him. He dug his ears with his fingers and turned the camera off.


    ¡°Distribution of health care products.¡± Yu Hao said.


    The officer answered, ¡°You can¡¯t right now.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You guys brought us in for questioning for no reason; did we provoke you guys somehow?¡±


    The police officer said, ¡°Kid, we can¡¯t help it either. We should understand each other.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned deeply, ¡°Please show me your badge.¡±


    The officer wasn¡¯t afraid in the slightest. He threw his police badge straight at Yu Hao. Yu Hao took his camera, took a photo of the badge, and observed the police officer¡¯s expression ¡ª the other side really was fearless, emboldened by the support of a backer. He wasn¡¯t afraid of a possible complaint to the public security system at all.


    He¡¯s a criminal investigator, Yu Hao thought. He didn¡¯t record Yu Hao¡¯s testimony, didn¡¯t ask any other questions either, and seemed to be waiting. What was he waiting for? How the hell did the news leak? Yu Hao recalled the entire process from the time they left to come to Nanlu and didn¡¯t sense that anything was off at all. Could Zhou Sheng have been discovered when he went to buy takeout yesterday night? But Zhou Sheng was such a cautious person, so that didn¡¯t seem right.


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t contact Lin Ze, who was in Beijing, and the other party didn¡¯t let him leave. They had left the hotel at 5 AM, at the first glimmer of dawn. How long would they detain them for? 24 hours? Remembering Zhou Sheng¡¯s actions, Yu Hao suddenly shivered: this bunch of guys weren¡¯t here because of their assignment!


    Could what they want be the Golden Crow Wheel?! And they were taking advantage of the opportunity of their trip to Nanlu to arrest them? If that¡¯s the case, then it¡¯s too dangerous¡­Fu Liqun was still trapped; they had to find a way to get out of this!


    It was very quiet in the isolation room. The other party opened up a book and started writing something. Yu Hao glanced at it, the content had nothing to do with him, it was a local police log.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look around.¡± The police officer said.


    Yu Hao shifted his gaze and started thinking about who could have transmitted the news in Beijing. At present, the only ones who knew they had come to Nanlu were his colleagues in the newspaper office, and it shouldn¡¯t be them. When Zhou Sheng took leave, he didn¡¯t tell his colleagues where he went.


    Ou Qihang shouldn¡¯t have either, Fu Liqun was the one who had saved his life.


    To be this efficient in contacting the local police directly¡­there was only one possibility ¡ª Huang Ting.


    When he thought of this, a chill ran down Yu Hao¡¯s spine. Time passed by bit by bit, and it was extremely difficult to endure. There was no clock in the bureau, and it was impossible for them to tell him the time. Lin Ze reminded him before that when being interrogated, time would always feel like it¡¯s passing by very slowly, and that he must adjust his state of mind properly.


    Within the silence, Yu Hao recalled Zhou Sheng¡¯s words ¡°Do you trust him?¡± What if it was Chen Yekai? Yu Hao squinted as he remembered his conversations with Chen Yekai. No, it wouldn¡¯t be him. Firstly, he has no connection with the public security system. If he wanted to take the chance to seize the Golden Crow Wheel, he would have had to do it through Huang Ting. However, once the Golden Crow Wheel landed in Huang Ting¡¯s hands, Chen Yekai may never be able to get it again.


    Unless they¡¯re colluding¡­but even if he thinks of Chen Yekai in the worst way possible, Chen Yekai would at most analyse the Golden Crow Wheel through the STA. He wouldn¡¯t let it fall into the hands of the state, the risk would be too great.


    Also, Yu Hao has always trusted Chen Yekai. He couldn¡¯t explain why. Maybe it was because in a certain sense, that flying scalpel symbolised Chen Yekai¡¯s ¡®courage¡¯ that was transformed from his totem, and he had once held it. Based on this one point, he and Chen Yekai had a faint connection, just like the phrase ¡®our souls have a faint resonance.¡¯ Intuitively speaking, although it wasn¡¯t as strong as the concordance between him and Zhou Sheng who wielded his shield, at the very least, he couldn¡¯t sense Chen Yekai¡¯s betrayal. He couldn¡¯t even feel the slightest trace of it.


    ¡°Has Nanlu City been enjoying good economic development in recent years?¡± Yu Hao began to take the initiative to attack as he spoke to the police officer.


    The police officer continued to seriously write his dispatch report and didn¡¯t answer Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, relax a little?¡±


    The officer closed his book and said, ¡°How long do you guys plan to stay here for?¡±


    ¡°Depends on the host, we haven¡¯t gotten in touch yet.¡± After Yu Hao had figured out a certain connection, he didn¡¯t feel as worried anymore. Before coming, the three of them had consolidated their testimonies. If they got caught by the cops, then their stories had to match. If the one hiding in a dark corner was detaining them for the Golden Crow Wheel, then they probably wouldn¡¯t interfere with their plans to save Fu Liqun, and at most would just want to take the Golden Crow Wheel away.


    The police officer asked again, ¡°What¡¯s your company called?¡±


    ¡°Yun Lai Chun.¡± Yu Hao had never been afraid of causing a little trouble for Zhou Laichun.


    The police officer started ignoring Yu Hao again. Yu Hao waited listlessly for a bit, then held his camera up to take a picture of him. The police officer immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t take pictures! Delete it!¡±


    At this moment, someone knocked on the door a few times. The police officer looked at Yu Hao delete the photo before bringing him out. Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai were both there, and they had been released. Yu Hao felt like half a day had passed, but after looking at the time, only fifty minutes had passed.


    Everything was enumerated in detail and returned. The other party exhorted Chen Yekai a bit and could clearly tell that he was the most reliable one. Yu Hao glanced at the forensic bag that was retrieved. The Golden Crow Wheel was still in the bag, and his phone was returned as well. The three of them stood at the entrance of the district bureau, hailed a cab, and went back to the hotel.


    No one spoke along the way. Chen Yekai just sent messages on WeChat. Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng nodded.


    When they passed the front desk, Zhou Sheng turned around and went straight up to the front desk as he wanted to cause trouble for them. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Forget it, forget it.¡±


    The room still looked like how it did when they left. Chen Yekai showed the other two his phone, and there was a row of words on it:¡¾Beware of any wiretaps and surveillance in the room.¡¿


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What the hell do those guys want?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°They asked a lot of questions and asked what we¡¯re here to do. They should have started watching us the moment we entered the city.¡±


    Zhou Sheng went around the room to inspect every corner. He checked to see if there were any cameras on the ceiling, shifted the TV to check behind it, and looked at the bedroom wall. He said, ¡°A bunch of lunatics, don¡¯t know how the hell we provoked them.¡±


    Chen Yekai drank some water and started checking the bedroom with Zhou Sheng. Both of them were very detailed in their inspection, but they still weren¡¯t very certain in the end. Zhou Sheng came over and sat side by side with Yu Hao on the bed. He took out a forensic bag and poured out the Golden Crow Wheel that the other party had returned.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Chen Yekai frowned deeply and walked over as well, coincidentally forming a blind spot that would block any line of sight. In this way, no matter where the surveillance may be, it wouldn¡¯t be able to take shots of Yu Hao¡¯s movements.


    Yu Hao bent over slightly and carefully felt about in the gap between the bedside table and the wall to take out another Golden Crow Wheel. He placed it in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand; Zhou Sheng clenched his hand and put it in his trousers¡¯ pocket.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s expression relaxed. ¡°Since we woke up early, let¡¯s go out?¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un,¡± fully preoccupied with doubt. He took another fake Golden Crow Wheel and turned his head to kiss Yu Hao. Chen Yekai went to pack his things, then went down to check out. Yu Hao knew that his conjecture had probably come true.


    Zhou Sheng looked for a KFC, and the three of them sat down to have breakfast.


    ¡°Was it switched out?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng frowned deeply.

 Chapter 138.1

    At the moment he woke up, Zhou Sheng took off the Golden Crow Wheel and handed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao understood his intentions and threw it into the gap near the mattress, and it had fallen straight behind the bedside table. Following which, Zhou Sheng took out an almost identical replica at lightning speed and placed it under the blanket.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The one returned wasn¡¯t the bait I threw out. Someone must be investigating this.¡±


    Yu Hao understood. The other party was targeting the Golden Crow Wheel! They arrested Zhou Sheng and took the Golden Crow Wheel away, but they didn¡¯t know that they had already worked together to switch the item with a fake. So the imitation was taken away, and after the second switch, the imitation had turned into another imitation, and the new imitation returned to Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, ¡®the law may be strong, but outlaws are ten times stronger.¡® After the other party took the imitation away, he wondered how things would develop from now on.


    ¡°This signal¡¯s a bit complicated.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng drank his coke through a straw and tossed the fake Golden Crow Wheel around in his hands.


    ¡°How did you manage to sense all this?¡± Yu Hao thought that Zhou Sheng really was too smart.


    Zhou Sheng looked up with a hint of a smile in his eyes. He slightly raised an eyebrow, just like when they were still studying to mean, ¡®see how amazing I am now?¡¯.


    Yu Hao nodded, his gaze filled with worship.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This is also a message the other side is transmitting to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered another ¡°un,¡± and the furrow between his brows smoothed out. Yu Hao said, ¡°Wait, there¡¯s a discrepancy between our IQs, could you make it a little clearer?¡±


    Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°How many people in total know about our trip here? Your boss, lady boss, Jin Laoshi, Huang Ting, Xiao Ou, that¡¯s it. I didn¡¯t tell anyone in my company.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Exclude them one by one, and exclude the three from the newspaper first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°We can¡¯t exclude Jin Laoshi completely, but the possibility is very small.¡±


    ¡°Extremely small.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°That person was hired by Lin Ze in advance. If he was an undercover, it¡¯s impossible for Lin Ze to not know. And as soon as Lin Ze knows, his lover would offer up constant reminders of the details of Yu Hao being followed.¡±


    ¡°What details of being followed?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Lady boss never reminded me of that.¡±


    ¡°The bald man who wears a wig.¡± Zhou Sheng reminded, ¡°The same person appeared in two photos, did you forget?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    It was such a trivial matter that happened so long ago, but Zhou Sheng actually remembered!


    ¡°Lin Ze told me before, Situ Ye had left his home, and his family has always wanted to take him back.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Should be intuition.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your lady boss¡¯ anti-investigation abilities is pretty strong¡­un, so those from the newspaper are temporarily excluded. I won¡¯t exclude the possibility of Jin Laoshi being bribed after getting to know you, but we won¡¯t worry about that first.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about this in the bureau; Qihang shouldn¡¯t have either.¡±


    ¡°He consulted his classmates before.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But his classmates shouldn¡¯t know who it is. So only one person could have betrayed you both ¡ª Huang Ting bro.¡±


    Yu Hao let out a prolonged breath, so it was as expected.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He has been paying attention to us for several years. Combined with the job he introduced to me, he probably did  so with the purpose of monitoring me.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°So what message does this convey?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Take advantage of this opportunity. Zhou Sheng would discover the plan of taking the Golden Crow Wheel away sooner or later; this couldn¡¯t be concealed from him. Huang Ting¡¯s purpose for doing this was to give us a warning: let the Golden Crow Wheel be separated from people; he hopes that we won¡¯t use it again anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And he may have made some deal with his superior. Take the Golden Crow Wheel away so as to protect us, then he thought that it wouldn¡¯t concern the three of us anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened up the lid of his cup and crunched on a few pieces of ice, ¡°So very naive.¡±


    Chen Yekai sighed and frowned, ¡°He has always been naive.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned deeply. He knew that just holding the Golden Crow Wheel was useless. Even if Huang Ting had gotten the real Golden Crow Wheel and handed it to the organisation, they wouldn¡¯t be able to learn anything about it at all. However, when he thought of the scene with a group of people gesticulating at a handicraft without a single clue as to what was going on, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but want to laugh. This was practically a prank Zhou Sheng was playing on them!


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This matter is both infuriating and amusing¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai couldn¡¯t help but laugh as well. Only Zhou Sheng fiddled with the straw in his hand and said, unconcerned, ¡°A bunch of bastards.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect even him to¡­ai. I just can¡¯t figure out how he¡¯s so certain about this.¡±


    An idea immediately struck Yu Hao. He murmured, ¡°Qihang¡¯s memory has already been burnt.¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So no matter how flawless Huang Ting¡¯s deductions are, he has no way of confirming it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai¡¯s conversation on their way here had given Yu Hao some kind of vague inspiration. He continued, ¡°But that memory didn¡¯t truly disappear. It just turned into fragments that are buried in the subconscious.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Unless like how we woke Liang Laoshi up, by entering his subconscious and restoring his memory¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What if there¡¯s another way that we don¡¯t know of?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around abruptly to look at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao explained, ¡°What I mean is, perhaps we could have neglected a lot of techniques in reality, like drugs and such. They have a direct effect on people¡¯s memories, or perhaps¡­hypnosis? Hypnosis!¡±


    Chen Yekai muttered, ¡°There is that possibility¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If that really was the case, then Huang Ting knows everything. Fuck!¡±


    Yu Hao grabbed at the thought that flashed through his mind, ¡°Right? It¡¯s possible, right? For example, hypnotherapy can make people recall childhood memories that they had forgotten. If Huang Ting took Ou Qihang to participate in a hypnosis diagnosis and regained some piece of information, while Ou Qihang doesn¡¯t know it himself, then wouldn¡¯t Huang Ting be very clear about everything?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s very possible. Erasing his memories was a mistake.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We still have another way now: we can enter Huang Ting¡¯s dream and forcibly erase this portion of his memories as well.¡±


    ¡°One after another.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When you uproot a radish, the mud is taken out along with it. How many more people¡¯s memories would we have to erase? The crux is that we still don¡¯t know how many people know about this secret. But there¡¯s still one thing that¡¯s good about Huang Ting that bastard, he didn¡¯t arrest us straight away. He just took the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He probably hasn¡¯t revealed too much to his superior.¡±


    Huang Ting still wanted to protect them. Otherwise, taking Zhou Sheng back straight away to study him along with the Golden Crow Wheel would have been much more straightforward.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that they don¡¯t want to, I¡¯m guessing they don¡¯t dare to. They may have wanted to round me up too.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°They don¡¯t dare because they¡¯re afraid of Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Afraid of me?¡± Yu Hao was baffled, ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a reporter ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have Lin Ze and Qinghua Times backing you. If it really were exposed, it¡¯s absolutely no small matter.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°No one would believe it even if it were reported. If they really wanted to suppress it, they would do it by any means necessary.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Zhou Sheng spun around the straw he clamped between his fingers and said seriously, ¡°Think about it carefully. For Huang Ting, the fewer people who know about the matter regarding the Golden Crow Wheel, the better. Any kind of uncontrollable variable could set off a violent storm.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Once Lin Ze and the rest knew about the inside story, it would be just like the rumours regarding the Pisces Jade Pendant. If they wanted to clean it up, it would be very difficult.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t use the Golden Crow Wheel again in the short run.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll realise it¡¯s a fake too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Can¡¯t hide it from them for long.¡±


    ¡°So we need to keep thinking about countermeasures,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just watch and see if Laozi won¡¯t screw them to death. Babe, are you done eating? If you¡¯re done let¡¯s go ba, we¡¯ll talk about it again after taking Gege home.¡±


    This was an interlude that caught them by surprise. A crisis had befallen them so abruptly; Yu Hao still felt quite apprehensive at first, but indifference was all he saw in Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes, and he had even used the words ¡®screw them to death,¡¯ seeming very much like Satan. Before they left the restaurant, Zhou Sheng patted Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I can deal with it.¡±


    ¡°The opponent is Huang Ting.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°And we don¡¯t know how many people are behind the scenes.¡±


    ¡°Huang Ting is also human.¡± Chen Yekai was quite calm, ¡°All humans have weaknesses. They were in the dark at first, while we were the ones out in the open. Now that they¡¯re out in the open, they¡¯ve lost their upper hand, so there¡¯s no need to be afraid.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°That¡¯s right. Laozi has a 180 IQ, let¡¯s go!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng put on a pair of sunglasses and played some music in the car. In the future, no one knew if they would go too far, but Yu Hao knew that at least this time, Zhou Sheng had fooled Huang Ting without batting an eyelid, and it was really **.


    ¡°Focus.¡±


    When arriving at Lang Hui, Chen Yekai reminded Yu Hao, and he immediately curbed his thoughts and temporarily shoved everything that had happened today out of his mind. The most important thing they had to do was to find Fu Liqun.


    ¡°Life is like a play, it all depends on acting.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Start!¡±


    Yu Hao forgot about the crisis with the Golden Crow Wheel that he was so preoccupied with for a moment and couldn¡¯t help but want to laugh. Zhou Sheng pulled down his shirt collar and changed into a casual suit. He took out a pair of non-prescription glasses from his bag to put on, then smoothed his hair down as he looked into the rearview mirror. Chen Yekai got off from the driver¡¯s seat, opened the door, and Zhou Sheng helped Yu Hao down. Evidently, he had resumed the mannerisms he had assumed in Yun Lai Chun.


    ¡°Um¡­We¡¯re changing the script again?¡± Yu Hao hadn¡¯t reacted yet.


    ¡°Fooling passers-by is doable.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°But not the boss. I¡¯m too much of an intellectual.¡±


    ¡°And so we¡¯re wealthy landowners?¡± Zhou Sheng adjusted his shirt¡¯s sleeves as he walked and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Do I look like a private entrepreneur?¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao said modestly, ¡°Chen Laoshi is a capitalist upstart, we can¡¯t match up.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Talk nicely, don¡¯t scold people.¡±


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter. Yu Hao heard Lin Ze mention before that public business numbers usually have certain codenames that were tacitly agreed upon. They would refer to village and town landowners as ¡®private entrepreneurs,¡¯ investors as ¡®financial giants,¡¯ while ¡®capitalist upstarts¡¯ were young nouveau riche who cheat other people of their money on the internet.


    Chen Yekai took a few steps forward and pressed the elevator button for Zhou Sheng. He went to the front desk and took out the documents for the visit while Yu Hao held up his Hasselblad and took photos for Zhou Sheng at the company¡¯s entrance. With the sudden arrival of these three people, the front desk was caught completely off guard. A group of core members of the pyramid scheme were still conducting a brainwashing exercise with the song¡¶Grateful Heart¡·inside, and they were all stunned at once.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We have an appointment with Director Huang at 10 AM.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s no appointment?¡± The front desk was completely baffled, quickly made a call to confirm, and asked Chen Yekai to wait for a moment. So Chen Yekai¡¯s expression turned a little ugly as he stood at the entrance of the company. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao waited very patiently in the corridor.


    Yu Hao touched Zhou Sheng¡¯s collar. He didn¡¯t expect that he would once again see this guy put on his Young Master bearing because of this incident and was a little pleasantly surprised. Zhou Sheng studied Yu Hao with a smile, as if he wanted to bow down and kiss him, but he was afraid of the people outside.


    Chen Yekai¡¯s voice travelled from the inside, sounding a bit impatient, ¡°Are you done yet?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took this chance to lean down and kissed Yu Hao¡¯s cheek. The front desk saw Chen Yekai holding a portfolio and was completely dumbfounded. They were really afraid that this group had been dispatched here by the government, so they hurriedly said, ¡°Please sit here, we¡¯ll inform Director Huang at once.¡±


    ¡°Director Zhou.¡± Chen Yekai looked at his watch and pushed the door open to walk out. He said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°They didn¡¯t make an appointment, do we still talk?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re already here anyway.¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Let¡¯s go in and sit down for awhile ba, don¡¯t make things difficult for the front desk.¡±


    Chen Yekai pushed the door open, and Zhou Sheng walked straight in. As soon as the front desk saw Zhou Sheng, their eyes lit up, and another female supervisor came out. Everyone was obviously baffled, but they didn¡¯t ask any more questions and invited the three of them to sit in the reception room first. The supervisor said, ¡°Director Huang is currently in a meeting. And you are¡­¡±


    ¡°Our head office called you the other day.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We wanted to come and find Director Huang to talk about the problem regarding the dealerships. Did a problem occur in the middle of the supply line?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t drink any water after sitting down. He looked around, and Yu Hao entered his role very quickly too. He hurriedly took out his phone and asked into his phone, ¡°Who¡¯s in charge of contacting Lang Hui from the Ministry of Commerce? Why doesn¡¯t this side know anything?¡±


    ¡°Which company are you from?¡± The supervisor stood with a slight bow, and her posture was perfect as she asked Chen Yekai.


    Zhou Sheng casually took a newspaper from the coffee table and started flipping through it.


    ¡°Ying City¡¯s Yun Lai Chun.¡± Chen Yekai took a letter of introduction out of his portfolio and handed it to the supervisor. The supervisor immediately said, ¡°Yun Lai Chun! I know you guys, the food and beverage corporation!¡±


    ¡°This is our young Director Zhou.¡± Chen Yekai introduced.


    Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°You don¡¯t need to ask anymore, this is so damn messy. Let¡¯s talk again when we get back.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s time to go home for the New Year.¡±


    The supervisor took a picture of the letter of introduction and said, ¡°I¡¯ll inform Director Huang straight away. I apologise for the inconvenience.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded at the supervisor and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s the same if we talk now anyway. I¡¯m only staying in Nanlu for two days.¡±

 Chapter 138.2

    The supervisor sent the photo and invited them to sit down first, then hurried out to establish communication.


    ¡°There are even official stamps.¡± Chen Yekai looked at the letter of introduction and casually said.


    Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°Got a few during my internship, and it just so happened to be of use now.¡± Then he leaned backwards and draped one arm around the back of the sofa Yu Hao was leaning on, looking like he was bored stiff.


    Director Huang came over very quickly. He was called Huang Zheng. Before coming over, Chen Yekai had investigated him. He was in his forties and put on his glasses as he walked into the reception room. He looked down at his phone, then looked up at Zhou Sheng. The supervisor said, ¡°This is our Director Huang.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded. He got up to shake hands politely, ¡°First time meeting you. Hello, Director Huang.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Oh!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Hello, hello! What a delight! It truly is a delight! For a friend to come from afar! This is such a delight!¡±


    Huang Zheng spoke with a heavy southern accent. Zhou Sheng handed him the business card Yun Lai Chun made for him ¡ª he still kept the ¡®Yun Lai Chun¡¯s Director of the Major Business Department¡¯ business card that had been prepared for his promotion. Chen Yekai handed him another business card, and there was a bunch of English words on it. Yu Hao thought, would it really be okay for you guys to do this? You¡¯re that certain they don¡¯t know English??


    ¡°No need to check it.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled at Huang Zheng, ¡°That¡¯s my Dad.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Yes, yes! A tiger father would not beget a dog son! Hahaha!¡± Huang Zheng had checked Yun Lai Chun in a hurry, and the first photo that popped out was ¡®private entrepreneur¡¯ Zhou Laichun. After his face was slimmed down, and his skin smoothed out, he bore a 70% resemblance to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Un.¡± Huang Zheng read the original letter of introduction before accepting it, ¡°Why didn¡¯t anyone receive the notification?! This is too unreasonable! Useless!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°The children in the department have all gone off on a holiday, and we don¡¯t know who was the one who was supposed to contact your company. Before coming over, they said that they had given your company a call and said that everything was arranged. Lang Hui welcomed us to come here for an inspection as well.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay! It¡¯s okay!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°It¡¯s a delight to have friends coming from afar ma! What¡­what are your demands? Your Yun Lai Chun is in the food and beverage industry, and your company is huge! We can take the chance to learn from each other!¡±


    Chen Yekai showed Huang Zheng the picture on his phone, ¡°The health products you distribute. Our Director Zhou took them¡­¡±


    ¡°My Dad.¡± Zhou Sheng explained to Huang Zheng.


    As soon as Zhou Sheng spoke, Chen Yekai shut up. Huang Zheng quickly nodded with a smile. After a short moment, Chen Yekai continued, ¡°Our Director Zhou took them, and thinks they¡¯re quite effective.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Our products are consumed daily by the Queen of England, Elizabeth!¡± When he talked about the company¡¯s products, Huang Zheng¡¯s spirits soared in an instant and switched to brainwashing mode. He started introducing it to Zhou Sheng, and talked about the senior Bush, Barack Obama, Elizabeth¡­he was gabbling non-stop.


    ¡°¡­in it is something called the Gold of Life¡­¡±


    ¡°Antioxidant enzyme antibody.¡± Yu Hao said to Chen Yekai.


    Only then did Zhou Sheng remember and said to Huang Zheng, ¡°He is our business consultant, and he¡¯s my assistant.¡±


    Chen Yekai talked to Yu Hao in English for a bit, and both of them nodded with a tacit understanding.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡®his usage of idioms is really interesting,¡¯ while Yu Hao had answered, ¡®It¡¯s so hard for me to keep myself from laughing¡¯.


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°Yes! That¡¯s the ingredient!¡±


    Yu Hao had seen their PPT for the publicity of their product and had remembered that phrase. He actually didn¡¯t really know what it was. Zhou Sheng stood on tiptoe, placed his ankle on his knee, and shook it a bit, ¡°I never ate it myself, so I¡¯m not very sure. But my Dad likes it a lot and wanted to see if we could collaborate in some way. If appropriate, we could take some of your products back to distribute, or you could come over to develop some channels.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s it!¡± Huang Zheng lowered his voice as he faced Zhou Sheng and said sternly, ¡°Let me ask the sales director to come and introduce the products to you first.¡±


    ¡°No need!¡± Zhou Sheng waved his hand and reached into his suit¡¯s inner pocket. Yu Hao quickly felt about in his bag and took out an iron cigarette box. Zhou Sheng took the cigarette, then Yu Hao fished out a lighter to help him light his cigarette. Huang Zheng quickly said, ¡°Smoke mine, smoke mine.¡±


    ¡°Smoke mine.¡± Zhou Sheng had gotten quite a lot of good cigarettes from his company.


    Yu Hao lit it for Huang Zheng, and Huang Zheng said, ¡°We have several kinds of products, the one your father eats is just one of them! It needs to be combined with other products to be more effective! You don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Following that was another introduction of their products that lasted for nearly half an hour. Yu Hao thought, fortunately we ate a lot in the morning so we¡¯re not hungry now. Zhou Sheng finished listening to him patiently and nodded.


    ¡°I don¡¯t take them.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°My Dad¡¯s a fan of your company, so there¡¯s no need to talk any further. The effects must be very good. I¡¯m more concerned about the profit model, I¡¯m not sure how it¡¯ll work in Ying City.¡±


    Speaking of profit models, Huang Zheng was suddenly enlivened again and Yu Hao thought, we¡¯re finished. If things continue like this, they¡¯d probably have to talk until 6 PM, and even then, they still may not have gotten any useful information out of him. Huang Zheng continued to talk incessantly as he introduced how his team became zealous through this and that and the volume of sales they had completed in the past year. Then he shouted to the outside, ¡°Bring our sales report over!¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at the report out of courtesy and sighed, ¡°It really is well managed.¡±


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°Have you had lunch? Let¡¯s go out for a meal, we can talk as we eat!¡¯


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Do you have any pamphlets?¡±


    ¡°We do!¡± Huang Zheng called two people over and said to Yu Hao and Chen Yekai, ¡°They¡¯re my deputy generals, my right and left-hand men! They¡¯re all our people!¡±


    A deputy general carried a stack of pamphlets over for Yu Hao, reserved seats at a restaurant, then took them out for lunch. They ordered Hunan cuisine for lunch, and Zhou Sheng only ate a little before stopping. During the meal, he chatted with Huang Zheng, and Huang Zheng kept nodding as he listened.


    ¡°People from food and beverage families.¡± Huang Zheng was grinning from ear to ear, ¡°Officials for three generations are the only ones who know what eating and clothing are truly about! Are you married?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll have fun for a few more years ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯m not in a rush.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, Why are we talking about this now? He took his camera out and took pictures of Zhou Sheng and Huang Zheng. Zhou Sheng was even sitting in a relaxed manner as he draped an arm around Huang Zheng¡¯s shoulders. After the meal, they started toasting each other. Zhou Sheng got the two deputy generals down first, lest they spouted nonsense to Yu Hao, then he started chatting idly with Huang Zheng.


    When they were almost done with their meal, Chen Yekai took the initiative to settle the bill. Zhou Sheng now knew the complete composition of all eighteen generations of Huang Zheng¡¯s ancestors, including how he had dropped out of junior high, started from scratch, unloaded cargo and sold insurance, and travelled intensively before finally establishing his own brand distribution.


    In the end, the two of them started calling each other brothers, and Yu Hao kept taking pictures from the side. Huang Zheng lit another cigarette for Zhou Sheng and asked someone to settle the bill. When he found out that Chen Yekai had already paid, he flared up.


    ¡°How could that be?¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°How could that be?! Aren¡¯t you giving me too little face! Hospitality! Where do I put my face now?!¡±


    ¡°Ai it¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gaining a brother like you after making this trip is worth more than anything, right? It¡¯s just one meal, why fuss over it with your little bro?¡±


    Chen Yekai took out another wooden box and said, ¡°These are the tea leaves that our Director Zhou asked us to bring over; it¡¯s a little token of our regard.¡±


    Huang Zheng floated straight up to the clouds in an instant. Zhou Sheng had drowned him in so many honeyed words, and now he was so smug that he was starting to sound incoherent.


    ¡°Come to my villa for the New Year!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t go back anymore! I¡¯ll ask my wife to cook a few more dishes. You guys have never celebrated the Spring Festival in the South. There¡¯ll be blooming clusters of flowers and resplendent decorations¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°No, no¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Director Zhou, are we still going to the other one in the afternoon?¡±


    Huang Zheng half-sobered up in an instant, ¡°Do you guys still have other arrangements?¡±


    Competition amongst pyramid scheme organisations was also very fierce. Although Lang Hui did have a certain volume, it was not considered the biggest. When Yu Hao entered the restaurant, he could hear the adjacent room and the room beside it hosting team building meals before the New Year. One room was singing¡¶Grateful Heart¡·, while another was singing¡¶Love¡¯s Dedication¡·.


    Compared to the situation ten years ago where fools who were so dumb that they couldn¡¯t be deceived abounded everywhere, over the past few years pyramid scheme companies had fully deceived the surrounding counties and cities. Now, they were on their way to central China, where Ying City was located, to develop downlines. Evidently, the market prospects here weren¡¯t very good anymore.


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand. Huang Zheng thought for a bit and said, ¡°I have to go to the bathroom, let¡¯s continue talking after I get back!¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I just order 20,000 sets first to go back and try?¡± Zhou Sheng said to Chen Yekai, ¡°After the New Year, get them to send someone over to train our sales team?¡±


    ¡°10,000 is enough.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°They don¡¯t have that many goods.¡±


    One of the deputy generals were lying on the sofa in the room, while the other had gone out to hail a cab. Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°I want to see their production line.¡±


    ¡°They get their goods straight from abroad.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There¡¯s no production line for you to see.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s look at the packaging workshop then.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Get Xiao Hao to take a few photos; it¡¯ll be better for us when accounting to Old Director.¡±


    ¡°Ask him ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t know if they¡¯re willing.¡±


    Not long after, Huang Zheng came back. Deputy General A supported Deputy General B, and a Porsche and Land Rover came from the company to come pick them up. Huang Zheng asked them to rest in the company.


    Yu Hao, ¡°We still have¡­¡±


    ¡°Ah, no, no, no!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Take a seat first please!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°But we shouldn¡¯t disturb you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go, don¡¯t go! Don¡¯t go yet!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll have a short discussion with the company¡¯s mainstays, and I¡¯ll be right back. Give me twenty minutes!¡±


    Huang Zheng left in a hurry. Yu Hao tossed Zhou Sheng a meaningful glance. Zhou Sheng leaned on a sofa in the reception room and loosened his collar, frowning deeply. He felt quite uncomfortable from drinking and closed his eyes; he was still thinking. He held Yu Hao with one hand and hooked him with his fingertips.


    Yu Hao even felt a certain misconception ¡ª this play was really too realistic, and he almost thought that he really was here to discuss a business deal with Zhou Sheng.


    Sometimes, he would think that if he were straight and didn¡¯t date Zhou Sheng, then they might still spend their lives together in some other way¡­just like what Zhou Laichun said before, that he wanted to let him do business with Zhou Sheng. After graduation, he may have followed Zhou Sheng to Yun Lai Chun and learned to be his assistant.


    Then he would accompany Zhou Sheng. With just one glance from him, Yu Hao would know what to do, and within the entire corporation, he would be the only one who could persuade Zhou Sheng, and he would be the only person in the world who could deal with Zhou Sheng¡­he would quarrel with Zhou Sheng and would also be willing to take a knife for him as well. He may even train his alcohol tolerance to help Zhou Sheng block drinks, just like what Situ Ye does for Lin Ze.


    Chen Yekai went out to pick up a call. Zhou Sheng suddenly said with his eyes closed, ¡°Do you still remember the first time you met me?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao answered with a hint of a smile in his eyes, ¡°20,000 sets, one set is 4,500, 90 million.¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued asking, ¡°Describe it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened his eyes and shifted over to pester Yu Hao, ¡°Describe it a little ma.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Behave yourself, this is someone else¡¯s company!¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled to himself, ¡°I still remember the first time I met you, let¡¯s trade?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Say it!¡± Zhou Sheng urged, ¡°Or I¡¯ll hit you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯ll talk when we get home. No dating at work, it¡¯ll affect my performance later.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Give me a hint.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°The basketball match for new students.¡±


    Zhou Sheng rubbed his head and said, ¡°Forgot that, I stood out?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Un¡­sort of.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, baffled, ¡°I did?¡±


    At this time, Chen Yekai returned after his call, so the two of them stopped talking.


    ¡°Huang Ting has arrived at the airport in the neighbouring city.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll go over and hide the car keys under the car to keep him on standby and wait for backup.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded slightly, and the two of them didn¡¯t continue talking any further. Yu Hao saw that something had started outside through the French windows in the reception room. A group of people were shouting crazy slogans and clapped as they ran around in circles. Looking at them like this, they really did seem like those buzzing flying mosquito men in Fu Liqun¡¯s dream.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 139.1

    Gege still has a really rich imagination, Yu Hao thought.


    Huang Zheng came back again and said, ¡°Tell me about your demands again; Why don¡¯t we do it at our house ba, young Director Zhou? If you have any concerns, there¡¯s no harm in talking about it. We have the most power throughout the whole Nanlu.¡±


    Zhou Sheng opened his eyes and motioned for Chen Yekai and Yu Hao to talk.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I need to know what your team¡¯s sales model is like.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll prepare all that information. Look, our organisational structure is extremely clear, you can take a tour around our company now!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is it convenient for us to look at your production line?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Huang Zheng obviously didn¡¯t seem too willing.


    Yu Hao knew that these so-called imported ingredients and anti-aging gold were, in fact, a pile of dextrin stuffed into two capsule shells and mixed together before filling a medicinal bottle with them. The contents printed on the spray bottle was whatever anyone wanted. The cost of one bottle of these healthcare products was less than three yuan, and three bottles can be sold for 4,500. Essentially, there was no difference between this and fraud, and the other side would definitely not show him the production line.


    Huang Zheng almost nodded. Yu Hao knew that he was afraid of Yu Hao being an expert who could conduct tests to figure out the ingredients, so he continued, ¡°We just want to take a look out of curiosity. We¡¯re not concerned about the formula and ingredients. After all, you¡¯re the producer.¡±


    ¡°The thing is,¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°The composition of ingredients is a commercial secret, and for the manufacturing of medicine, our factory is very close to other companies¡­¡±


    ¡°We can understand that.¡± Chen Yekai nodded at the appropriate timing.


    Yu Hao understood; most of the healthcare products in that hell-like place was probably produced in batches. Everyone shared several production lines, and after production, they would each take their own dextrin capsules before packaging them independently.


    ¡°I can show you the warehouse?¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°An appointment has to be made for the pharmaceutical production line, I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s open or¡­I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s convenient.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯d like to take some pictures of the warehouse, so that it¡¯ll be easier for us to make a proposal for the Major Business Department when we get back.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay!¡± Huang Zheng was over the moon. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then you guys can go over first? Director Huang, let¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Together, together!¡± Huang Zheng was really afraid that Zhou Sheng would go to another pyramid scheme organisation to discuss business, so he dragged him away as well. This time, he was the one driving, and he drove his personal Porsche. He said, ¡°It¡¯s not very far away, it¡¯ll take an hour by car¡­¡±


    The souls of the three men scattered in an instant. Zhou Sheng sobered up from his tipsy state, ¡°Director Huang, it¡¯s not too good to drink and drive ba?¡±


    ¡°No one will check, no one will check!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°The officials all depend on us to support them, it¡¯s okay!¡±


    ¡°No, no, no¡­¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°It¡¯s better to be safe¡­¡±


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°Trust in your old brother¡¯s skills¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Director Zhou and I were drunk before, so when it comes to such a matter, we¡¯re more¡­we hope you understand.¡±


    ¡°Then alright.¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Who will drive?¡±


    ¡°Nicky, you drive.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai smiled as he went to the driver¡¯s seat and said, ¡°It¡¯s my first time driving such a good car.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng dissed Chen Yekai silently in their hearts. Huang Zheng drives a Cayenne, while Chen Yekai drives a Panamera¡­his acting was a bit overdone.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you the way.¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Just drive along Binhai Avenue.¡±


    ¡°Turn on the GPS!¡± Zhou Sheng said to Chen Yekai, ¡°We¡¯ll talk in the back.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Yekai smiled as he navigated. Huang Zheng was clamped in between the two of them, so he had no choice but to tell him the address, and Chen Yekai drove in front.


    Yu Hao asked from the passenger¡¯s seat, ¡°Director Huang, your company doesn¡¯t have a New Year holiday?¡±


    ¡°The New Year is a good opportunity to raise sales!¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°When we¡¯re visiting relatives and the elderly, we can talk to them about our products. We don¡¯t have holidays, why would we take holidays?¡±


    Yu Hao hated people deceiving the elderly into buying healthcare products the most. In the past, his grandmother had been cheated several times, but he could only endure it now.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Such employees are so useful.¡±


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°No pain, no gain, right?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How many people does Lang Hui have now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Should be about the same as our Major Business Department ba?¡±


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°Most of our employees have distribution branches all over the country. Those that aren¡¯t at headquarters should total to over a thousand ba!¡±


    ¡°Wow.¡± Chen Yekai and Yu Hao exclaimed at the same time.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We don¡¯t have any in Ying City though.¡±


    ¡°Which agent recommended it to your father? What¡¯s the level of the agent?¡± Huang Zheng suddenly remembered this.


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart jolted; the cat was almost let out of the bag. Logically speaking, since Zhou Sheng¡¯s family consumed this healthcare product, they would naturally have had to consult an agent. However, they never mentioned an agent when they came this time, and if they couldn¡¯t answer his question, Huang Zheng would probably start to have doubts.


    Chen Yekai sent their location to Huang Ting. When he heard this, he couldn¡¯t help but glance at Zhou Sheng through the rearview mirror.


    Zhou Sheng closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, then answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know na, my grandma bought it from someone. She¡¯s old now, and her memory can¡¯t be relied on. It¡¯s already not bad for her to be able to remember the effects of the medication, and she was dead insistent on getting my Dad to eat it. My Dad couldn¡¯t change her mind, so he had to take it back with him.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡ª¡± Huang Zheng nodded, ¡°Then your grandma¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been many years.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Her situation is sometimes good, but she deteriorates in others.¡±


    Chen Yekai and Yu Hao spammed +1s for Zhou Sheng like crazy at the same time.


    The car drove onto the national highway and left the city. At 3 PM, the sky was overcast, and then they turned around an industrial park according to the GPS. Huang Zheng himself didn¡¯t often come to this area, so would look out from the car window from time to time as he tried to discern the path to follow. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and casually patted Huang Zheng¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Director Huang.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We want to place this order, while on the Ying City side, we¡¯d probably need to take care of some things with Industry and Commerce. What do you think?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, What the fuck, you¡¯re even asking for a kickback, you¡¯re really putting your all into this act.


    Huang Zheng seemed to have guessed that Zhou Sheng would mention this a long time ago and simply said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s better to do some health maintenance businesses nowadays; it¡¯s so much better than working in the food and beverage industry where you could overwork yourself to death.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still not as good as real estate.¡± Huang Zheng said a little ruefully, ¡°Speaking of which, I really miss the old days where gold could be dug up everywhere. Now, all the money we earn is through our blood, sweat and tears.¡±


    ¡°That was such a long time ago.¡± Chen Yekai said casually.


    Yu Hao sighed inwardly as well. During the economic reform, you could cheat money from the bank just by registering a dummy corporation. Now that the economic situation isn¡¯t that good, even cheating isn¡¯t profitable na.


    ¡°You guys didn¡¯t experience that era, so you don¡¯t know.¡± Huang Zheng couldn¡¯t help but start sighing and shaking his head, ¡°During that period, if your head hurt, your head got treated, and if your feet hurt, your foot got treated; afterwards it turned into, ¡®if your head hurts, treat your face¡¯, and ¡®if your leg hurts, treat your face too¡¯. Then even later on, if your heart hurt, you stuff your mouth, and if your leg hurt, stuff your mouth too. After a few more years, I don¡¯t know what it¡¯ll become again.¡¯


    Yu Hao almost burst out laughing when he heard this. He didn¡¯t expect the head of a pyramid scheme organisation to be this rueful.


    ¡°Your distribution model really is quite good.¡± Zhou Sheng said looking at the organisational chart and business model outline sent to him on WeChat and transferring it to Yu Hao, ¡°Learn from them.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that he had something to write for his feature this time ¡ª this is all first hand information, just watch me expose this big news of yours.


    ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned off the GPS. Yu Hao looked outside, and it was almost exactly the same as how Fu Liqun had described it. There were two rows of banana trees outside, no sign hung at the entrance, and there was an electric grid surrounding the place.


    Zhou Sheng sobered up and drank some water on the roadside. Huang Zheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go over and greet them first.¡±


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there even an assistant?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°He¡¯s a boss, yet he took us to the warehouse in person.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The order is too huge, and he doesn¡¯t want his employees to know before signing the contract.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What do we do now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Inspect the place first, then we¡¯ll come over again at night.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°And I was still feeling all jittery ¡¯cause I was afraid that we¡¯d bump into Li Yangming.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t be in the company.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The lil¡¯ lackey¡¯s probably going around cheating his own brothers.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°What do we do if we really bump into him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If we really bump into him then it¡¯s your turn bei, doesn¡¯t Li Yangming like you?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao almost died from laughing. Huang Zheng came back and said to them, ¡°Come, let¡¯s walk through here.¡±


    A small door was opened on the iron gate of the industrial park to let them in.


    ¡°Director Huang!¡±


    Someone came over to greet them with a brilliant smile. Huang Zheng said to that supervisor, ¡°I brought customers over to take a look at the warehouse.¡±


    Huang Zheng talked a bit to that supervisor, who had a bunch of keys hanging on his waist.


    The park was divided into three huge areas: the warehouse, dormitory, and factory building. Not far away was a row of workers¡¯ dormitories, which were surrounded by barbed wire as was the warehouse. Huang Zheng took them to walk by another road to get to the warehouse.


    Yu Hao saw the warning sign ¡®high pressure¡¯ and wondered how to save Fu Liqun at night. Zhou Sheng nudged him gently to signal him not to look around too much, lest Huang Zheng get suspicious. Chen Yekai, on the other hand, kept talking to Huang Zheng to draw his attention.


    In front of the dormitory building, two German police dogs started barking like crazy. Yu Hao pretended to be frightened, and Zhou Sheng stood in front of Yu Hao and asked him to come a little bit closer .


    ¡°Smoking isn¡¯t allowed inside.¡± Huang Zheng reminded, ¡°There¡¯s too much powder.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded. They passed by the dormitory area and arrived at the warehouse. Yu Hao pondered on the path they took to get here ¡ª they had just come in through the back door, and there were only a few people in the park as most of them had gone home for the New Year. Only a few employees had stayed behind to take care of the place.

 Chapter 139.2

    Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°Roam around a little nearby and take a few shots of the factory from afar? Then go back and edit the photos for Director Huang.¡±


    ¡°No roaming! No roaming!¡± Huang Zheng immediately said, ¡°You can¡¯t take pictures outside, please understand.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said at once.


    The employees opened the warehouse and showed them the health products that were produced. They were all packed in old cardboard boxes and bound with plastic tape. It was a mess inside the warehouse, and the lighting was dim. Yu Hao took a few pictures. Huang Zheng closed the door again. Zhou Sheng pondered for a bit and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Give Lao Bai a call, I¡¯ll talk to him later.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and looked at Huang Zheng. He casually handed his camera to Chen Yekai. Huang Zheng knew that they needed some space to discuss, so he tactfully stood outside the warehouse. Yu Hao pretended to make a call and went to the back of the warehouse.


    ¡°Director Bai.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s voice travelled over, ¡°Our inspection is almost done¡­un, it¡¯s pretty good¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, Chen Yekai, and Huang Zheng chatted idly for a bit. Huang Zheng said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go back first?¡±


    ¡°Wait a bit longer ba.¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Just a few minutes, while everyone¡¯s still here. Today¡¯s the last day of work for the organisation.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­¡± Huang Zheng said, ¡°Your holidays started really early.¡±


    ¡°By the end of the year, the finance department will be in no mood to work.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°We can¡¯t match up to you guys.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s voice quieted down. Zhou Sheng went over and said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll talk? Ai, un¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice softened, naturally transitioning to an air of discussing important matters. Then he put away his phone and returned it to Yu Hao. The two of them immediately turned around and ran toward the dormitory area along the back of the warehouse.


    ¡°There are too many loopholes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why¡¯s that guy so stupid? He didn¡¯t realise anything?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Only money can break through all martial arts in the world; a 90 million contract, once people get greedy, they¡¯re very easy to deceive. If one wants to remain sober, then they can¡¯t be greedy¡­it¡¯s normal. Do you think the electric grid is working properly?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s not very probable, let¡¯s come again at night?¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to crouch down, which Yu Hao did. Zhou Sheng did a short run-up and stepped onto Yu Hao¡¯s back, then leapt onto the second floor of the warehouse. He extended his hand down and pulled Yu Hao up. The two of them stood side by side on the outer edge of the second floor of the warehouse. Yu Hao looked up. It was a little difficult to get to the third floor, so he and Zhou Sheng stuck to the wall as they shifted over slowly while surveying the nearby terrain.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Zhou Sheng saw that Yu Hao was a little distracted.


    Yu Hao, ¡°About my piece¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s occupational hazard was acting up again. Ever since he arrived in Nanlu, he had been automatically laying out his story in his mind, and had even included all kinds of figures ¡ª including their sales distribution model. Introduce Lang Hui¡¯s pyramid scheme model first, then tag on a picture of the industrial park¡¯s entrance, and add on an explanation underneath about ¡®a large volume of inferior healthcare products are being incessantly produced here, and marked with a price tag of 4,500 yuan before selling it all around the country through a levelling-up sales model¡­¡¯


    ¡°There are several security booths outside the park.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What if a group of security guards rushes out later?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, there aren¡¯t a lot of people on duty.¡±


    They started surveying the workers¡¯ dormitories opposite. Outside the corridor, several clothes were being aired out, and a few people were on patrol.


    ¡°Dogs are the most troublesome.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Did you bring bread?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°These kinds are police dogs taken from somewhere, they don¡¯t eat bread.¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned, ¡°This will be hard to deal with.¡±


    Chen Yekai called Zhou Sheng and asked, ¡°Where did you guys go?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re coming, we¡¯re coming!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re looking for the bathroom.¡± Then he quickly jumped down with Yu Hao and made their way back to the front of the warehouse. Huang Zheng looked anxious; he had mostly sobered up from the alcohol he drank at lunch and had a vague sense that something was amiss, but he didn¡¯t ask any questions. The other supervisor came over too and stood at the side to scrutinise them. Although a hint of a smile could be seen in his eyes, vigilance could be seen on his face.


    Huang Zheng pondered, ¡°Then, let¡¯s go back now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯re more or less done with our discussion, but I need to find a bathroom first. I drank too much at noon.¡±


    Huang Zheng said, ¡°I need to use the bathroom too, I¡¯ll take you there.¡±


    There was a toilet on the first floor of the office building. Huang Zheng took Zhou Sheng in while the supervisor stayed outside. The four of them stood in a row, with Huang Zheng standing in the middle. When he was busy undoing his belt, Zhou Sheng suddenly grabbed Huang Zheng¡¯s head from behind and rammed it against the wall.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Huang Zheng was caught off guard and immediately peed his pants. Before anyone else could react, Chen Yekai grabbed his forehead, pulled his head back, and slammed the back of his head into the wall again!


    With two ¡®bang¡®s sounding out, Yu Hao reacted in an instant. He grabbed some toilet paper and deftly stuffed it into Huang Zheng¡¯s mouth to prevent him from making any noise. Huang Zheng¡¯s head was spinning from being slammed into the wall, and he started struggling on the ground. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Quick! Tie him up!¡±


    It was three against one. They pressed Huang Zheng against the ground, took off his clothes, and tied a dead knot. Huang Zheng couldn¡¯t fight them off at all. A few minutes later, he was firmly tied up.


    Zhou Sheng dragged Huang Zheng into one of the toilet cubicles, then got up and pointed at the two sides of the toilet entrance. Chen Yekai understood and hid with Zhou Sheng, then said to the outside, ¡°Manager Lin, do you have any toilet paper?¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± The supervisor had just walked in when Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai acted at the same time ¡ª Chen Yekai used his arm, while Zhou Sheng swept his leg out, and the supervisor immediately fell onto the ground. Yu Hao jumped onto his back and whispered, ¡°If you know what¡¯s good for you, don¡¯t make any noise. No one can hear you even if you start shouting here.¡±


    The bathroom was quite a distance away from the warehouse, duty room, and security booth at the entrance. Zhou Sheng removed the keys from that person¡¯s waist. Chen Yekai undid his belt and tied him up, then threw him into a cubicle.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take any other belonging aside from the keys.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Otherwise it¡¯d be easy to sue us for theft.¡±


    ¡°It can¡¯t be concealed for long.¡± Zhou Sheng threw the keys up and walked out of the bathroom, ¡°We have half an hour at most.¡±


    Yu Hao still felt a little frightened, ¡°That was too scary, could you guys not resolve things with violence next time?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s blunt and straightforward.¡± Zhou Sheng, ¡°Isn¡¯t that good?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Is there electricity in the grid?¡±


    ¡°Go to the control room and cut off the park¡¯s power supply.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Once the electricity is cut off, the security guards will notice straight away. I¡¯ll turn off the electricity, and then the two of you prepare to get into the dormitory at any time to save him. Escaping is still a problem too¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Drive his car away, take only Gege away, don¡¯t mind the rest.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Suing us for theft would be too easy then. Huang Ting¡¯s already on his way, he¡¯ll be here soon!¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s split up ba.¡± Zhou Sheng kept the keys and they took action separately.


    Yu Hao entered the factory building, where the lighting was dim. Outside the packaging assembly line there were a lot of capsule shells scattered all over the ground. A few snakeskin sacks were filled with white powder. Yu Hao took a few shots of the factory building as he walked and said to Chen Yekai, ¡°We¡¯ll need to cross through the factory to get to the control room.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take two pictures, it won¡¯t take long.¡±


    A workshop inside was still in operation. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai immediately crouched down and hid themselves behind some cardboard boxes. Yu Hao zoomed in with his Hasselblad; a worker was holding a snakeskin bag as he poured the powder into a stuffing funnel. Yu Hao immediately pressed the shutter and took several shots in succession.


    The worker threw the snakeskin bag away, coughed a few times and pulled down the lever. Then he turned around to go wash his hands. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai took the chance to duck and slip behind him, then pushed the door open and went up to the second floor.


    ¡°Hopefully there¡¯s nobody else.¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    Chen Yekai whispered back, ¡°There¡¯s no one, the rest must be slacking.¡±


    It was extremely quiet in the central control room, and the door was left unlocked. Yu Hao went in like a gust of wind, and glanced at the check-in clipboard on the wall.


    Chen Yekai asked, ¡°Which ones do we press?¡±


    There was a dense mass of buttons. Yu Hao and Chen Yekai looked at each other.


    Chen Yekai ,¡±I don¡¯t study Computer Numerical Control (CNC)¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m your student¡­¡±


    The two of them, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    An idea suddenly occurred to Yu Hao. He took a picture of the control room and sent it to the WeChat group chat he shared with Lin Ze, Situ Ye, and Jin Weicheng.


    Yu Hao:¡¾I want to cut off the electricity throughout the entire factory, how do I do that? Do you guys know how?¡¿


    Jin Weicheng:¡¾Third from the left, pull the box open, and look for the red line first, then yank it out. Throw the line away so that the maintenance personnel can¡¯t find it.¡¿


    Yu Hao did as he was told. Jin Weicheng sent the picture back to him with a red arrow added.


    ¡¾Use a ballpoint pen to pry the switch out. Crush the plastic switch and sweep it under the cabinet, then poke the ballpoint pen in, break it, and stuff it in.¡¿


    Chen Yekai found a ballpoint pen to pry with, and the switch flew out in an instant. Yu Hao picked it up, crushed it, then swept it under the cabinet with his feet. Chen Yekai broke the ballpoint pen.


    Jin Weicheng:¡¾Look for a master switch on the wall. Pull it down, then run.¡¿


    Situ Ye:¡¾Jiayou! Lady boss is with you!¡¿


    Lin Ze:¡¾Jiayou!¡¿


    Chen Yekai shut down all the boxes. Yu Hao dialed a number to contact Zhou Sheng.


    Yu Hao, ¡°We¡¯re going to turn off the electricity now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Turn it off ba.¡±


    Yu Hao pulled the master control switch and instantly heard a low resonance that sounded like the power failure of a device. With a ¡®buzz,¡® all the lights went out, and the control room went dark.


    A call came. Yu Hao picked it up while he quickly ran down the stairs with Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Which part of Nanlu are you guys at?¡± Cen Shan asked anxiously.


    ¡°Sis-in-law!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°We¡¯re busy! I¡¯ll call you back again later!¡±


    In the park, shouts travelled over from a distance.


    Zhou Sheng flung out a rope tied to a brick to use as a hook and climbed up the wall with just a few steps. He flipped over the electric grid, jumped, landed, then ran towards the wall surrounding the dormitory area. He took the keys out and leaned down to unlock the door. After opening the small iron door, he slipped in. After running a few steps, he heard music and suddenly stopped, then hid at the bottom of the dormitory.


    Workers stood upstairs as they looked out. Conversation could be heard above Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why is there a power failure?¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 140.1

    Zhou Sheng waited for people to pass by, then went forward to open the iron door at the bottom of the dormitory building and throw the key into the sewer before hurrying upstairs. Two workers were smoking on the second floor. Zhou Sheng peeked out to take a look; these were the supervisor dormitories, so he went to the third floor.


    Most of the third floor rooms were empty with stacks of healthcare product cartons inside. There was a locked large iron door at the top of the steps leading to the fourth floor. Zhou Sheng was about to try unlocking it with his keys when two dogs suddenly lunged at him from behind the iron door! A series of mad barks resounded!


    The two police dogs barked crazily at Zhou Sheng and kept crashing into the iron door and scratching it, but Zhou Sheng maintained a calm expression on his face. He unlocked the door, took a step back, then threw a kiss at the two dogs.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Two workers heard the dogs barking and quickly came up.


    ¡°Haiya¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng held the staircase handrail with one hand, spun 360 degrees in the air, threw the lock at the same time, pulled the door open, then jumped up and flipped to the corner of the second floor from the third floor. He swept out one foot to send out a flying kick in just one breath!


    The two workers didn¡¯t have time to react before they were sent flying by Zhou Sheng¡¯s kick and harshly slammed against the wall. The two dogs then pounced on him like they were crazy!


    Zhou Sheng protected his face and throat with his hands  and moved even faster than the German police dogs. He dodged first and avoided the two police dogs that came at him one after the other, then lifted his leg up to kick them. However, he had underestimated these well-trained vicious dogs; Lang Hui hardly sent any people here on guard duty, so one could tell just how fierce these two dogs are!


    Zhou Sheng passed by the steps and returned to the third floor. He kicked one of the dogs in its ribs, and it went flying straight down the corridor, while the other dog jumped at him from behind. Zhou Sheng tried to throw it over his shoulder, but the dog¡¯s claws had a firm grip on his suit jacket. Tearing sounds could be heard, and nearly half of Zhou Sheng¡¯s suit was torn off. Zhou Sheng immediately turned into a cicada that sheds its carapace, withdrew his arms from the sleeves and threw his jacket to one side.


    ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Chen Yekai shouted angrily and had arrived with Yu Hao. He swung a bag up and smashed it on the dog¡¯s head. Zhou Sheng retreated immediately, but the dog that had been kicked downstairs quickened its pace as it rushed up!


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Yu Hao grabbed the suit jacket on the floor and wrapped it on his arm. Before he could run up to the third floor, he was blocked by a vicious dog in the stairwell. When Zhou Sheng saw this, he couldn¡¯t bother with fighting any longer, and he was about to rush down when the dog opposite Yu Hao roared, jumped up on all four of its feet, flew across the air, and aimed to bite Yu Hao in the neck!


    Right at that critical moment, a mysterious prompt suddenly rang out in his mind ¡ª half a year ago, he heard a stranger shout in the video Lin Ze had sent him on WeChat, ¡°Aim for its nose!¡±


    As if on reflex, Yu Hao wrapped the suit jacket around his fist and deftly passed through the vicious dog¡¯s front paws to land a solid fist on its nose! Within an instant, the fierce dog that was nearly forty to fifty kilograms was hit in the nose and had no strength left to resist. With a whimper, it rolled down the stairs!


    Zhou Sheng applauded enthusiastically. Yu Hao had outdone himself with that move, and he had practically set a new record at the peak of his career. When he looked down apprehensively, Zhou Sheng dragged him and rushed back to the third floor.


    Chen Yekai took off his jacket, flapped it open, and teased the vicious dog back and forth like he was in a bullfight. His forehead was sweating, and he was in a deadlock with the dog. The German police dog barked madly again, and in the instant it charged forward, Zhou Sheng shouted angrily.


    ¡°Get your camera ready! Mt. Lushan Ascending Dragon Hegemon¡ª¡ª!¡±


    When Zhou Sheng jumped to the last step on the third floor, the police dog was in mid-air. Zhou Sheng threw out an upper hook and struck the police dog in its abdomen. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°So freaking cool¡ª¡ª!¡±


    After the second police dog suffered the blow that Zhou Sheng had dealt out with all his might, it spat out saliva in mid-air. Chen Yekai turned sideways nimbly to avoid the saliva from dirtying his clothes. The police dog flew in an arc in the air before falling straight down the stairs.


    Silence fell for a short moment. Chen Yekai patted off the dust on his sleeves.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t get bitten?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Did you take a picture of that move?¡±


    ¡°Took it.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s safe.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°When we came up, there were two people running down in a hurry.¡±


    They were the workers beaten up by Zhou Sheng; they must be calling the police.


    Footsteps could be heard on the second floor again. All three of them were on guard, and when the person coming up saw them, both sides were stunned.


    ¡°Li Yangming?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Li Yangming said, ¡°Why are you guys¡­here?¡±


    Li Yangming seemed like he had just woken up in his dormitory. After hearing the barking outside and the sounds of a fight, he had hurried over to check. Chen Yekai stood in the corridor and stared at him with anger filling his eyes.


    Zhou Sheng lifted his fist, but Yu Hao pressed it back down.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s more important to save people.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± Li Yangming cried out, ¡°Yu Hao! Wait!¡±


    Li Yangming reached out to grab Yu Hao, but Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng reacted at the same time; each of them held his shoulder on both sides and pushed him back. Li Yangming stumbled and almost fell down the stairs.


    Yu Hao had no time to care about him at all right now. He ran up to the fourth floor. Li Yangming stood at the corner of the stairs as he looked at them. Zhou Sheng pointed at Li Yangming, ¡°You want to try coming upstairs? If you dare lift a finger again, I¡¯ll just kill you right now. My family has money, I¡¯ll just be sentenced to a few years in prison for self-defence, then pay your parents another two million in compensation. Guess if they¡¯ll forgive me or not?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say all those words just to scare him. Li Yangming realised that what he said was the truth ¡ª even if he died somewhere outside, his family wouldn¡¯t care, so it wasn¡¯t impossible to settle the case with money.


    Li Yangming slowly retreated and hid.


    Yu Hao had already reached the fourth floor. The entire fourth floor, including the corridor, had anti-theft nets installed.


    ¡°Yu Hao!¡± A familiar voice shouted excitedly in front of a window with an anti-theft net over it, ¡°You guys are here! I¡¯m here!¡±


    When Yu Hao heard Fu Liqun¡¯s voice, all the energy was sapped out of his body at once. His head spun, and his vision went black.


    ¡°Ai!¡± Fu Liqun said anxiously from the iron window, ¡°What are you doing?!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the key.¡± Yu Hao held his camera. As soon as his nervousness disappeared, he wanted to laugh, ¡°The keys are with Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t help but burst out laughing. The dormitory was full of people, and there were even sounds coming out from the room, like they were broadcasting some radio station.


    Yu Hao heard Ren Zhengfei¡¯s lecture, who was speaking in an unhurried and composed voice.


    ¡°Wolf culture refers to embodying the greed and the wildness of wolves towards your work and career¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng caught up and took out his keys to open the door. Chen Yekai was guarding the iron door. He shouted upstairs, ¡°Zhou Sheng! The security guards are all coming!¡±


    Dogs barked, angry shouts rang out, and chaos reigned outside. Fu Liqun realised the danger and said, ¡°Don¡¯t, all of you leave first¡­¡±


    Ren Zhengfei¡¯s voice, ¡°You need the strength of ¡®violence¡¯¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said as he rummaged through the keys, ¡°Keep quiet! Who the fuck is chanting?! Turn it off!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°A brainwashing lecture! I don¡¯t know whose Bluetooth it¡¯s connected to, it can¡¯t be turned off!¡±


    Ren Zhengfei¡¯s voice, ¡°Fierce tigers are also afraid of wolf packs. Wolves are individual entities who are devoted. Workers should also have such selfless devotion and devote themselves selflessly towards the organisation¡­¡±


    Yu Hao took out his phone and searched for the Bluetooth stereo. He found ¡®Li Yangming¡¯s Cat Spirit¡¯ and immediately kicked his Bluetooth off to start playing music instead.


    ¡°Which one is it? Fuck!¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°The brass one! The one with the tape that says 401!¡± Fu Liqun shouted from the room, ¡°I¡¯m so hungry, did you bring food?¡±


    Zhou Sheng unlocked the door, pushed it open and threw the keys to Chen Yekai, who had come up. He shouted, ¡°402! Open the one over there!¡±


    Yu Hao turned up the volume of the Bluetooth that he didn¡¯t know the location of all the way up, and a loud sound blared! Everyone was startled, then the rhythmic prelude of¡¶Y.M.C.A¡·was played.


    ¡°Young man!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao sang along, ¡°There¡¯s no need to feel down!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Woah ohhh ohhhh¡ª¡±


    ¡°Put down your weapons!¡± A security guard shouted angrily, then two more security guards who wielded tonfas rushed up with police dogs.


    Chen Yekai sang along with the music, ¡°I said, young man!¡±


    ¡°Pick yourself off the ground!¡±


    Chen Yekai immediately darted away to open another door. Yu Hao almost got hit by the tonfas, and Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Be careful!¡± Within the blink of an eye, he grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, pulled Yu Hao behind him, and turned sideways to avoid the tonfas¡ª


    ¡°It¡¯s fine to stay at the¡­¡±


    ¡ªYu Hao immediately held his camera up, took a step back, and took consecutive shots.


    Four clicks rang out, and four freeze frame photos were taken.


    Zhou Sheng bent down, and the tonfas of two security guards passed by above his head.


    Leg sweep, and one security guard was down.


    ¡°Y¡ª¡ªM¡ª¡ªC¡ª¡ªA!¡±


    Zhou Sheng braked, jumped up, did a backflip, and his head faced the ground while his feet were above in mid-air.


    Both his legs were twisted around the other security guard¡¯s shoulder, then he spun around and flung him harshly onto the ground!


    As soon as the security guard fell, the police dog rushed forward!


    Yu Hao took a big stride forward and used his shoulder to knock Zhou Sheng into the room. The police dog missed and flew past Yu Hao¡¯s head, then it turned around and lunged at them again. Fu Liqun moved to one side, pressed both his hands against the door from the inside and shoved it hard outwards.


    The dormitory¡¯s iron door let out a loud bang, and the two dogs rammed into the iron door, whimpering as they bounced off the door.


    ¡¶Y.M.C.A¡· ¡®s music was still playing. Fu Liqun stared at Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng in a daze amidst the music.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± Zhou Sheng took a deep breath, ¡°How many people are there?¡±


    Fu Liqun suddenly rushed forward and hugged Zhou Sheng tightly, and in that moment, time suddenly seemed to come to a standstill.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take photos at this kind of time!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily to Yu Hao.


    Then Fu Liqun went over to hug Yu Hao forcefully and kept gasping for breath. Yu Hao patted his back and had a hunch that he was about to cry.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here quickly.¡±


    Fu Liqun turned back to look at his roommates. The dormitory was full of young people, and all of them looked famished as their stomachs rumbled with hunger while appearing very thin. This dormitory was like a slum; the ground was covered with dirty water. Their wide bed was supported by several bricks and was laid directly on the ground.

 Chapter 140.2

    The South was humid in the first place, and the dormitory reeked of dampness and sweat, but the blankets were all folded very neatly. An enamel rice bowl was laid on the bed, and there were no pillows on the bed.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Will you guys go? Don¡¯t you all want to go home? Let¡¯s go ba.¡±


    ¡°Our documents are still with the boss.¡± A dark-skinned, skinny young man said, ¡°Where do we go? No one will care about me even if I go home.¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯re doing is illegal!¡± Someone said, ¡°What¡¯s the point?!¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ve been brainwashed.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind the people who don¡¯t want to go.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had no time to talk to them any further, ¡°Those who want to leave, come out!¡±


    Yu Hao retreated out and looked sideways. Chen Yekai didn¡¯t care after he opened the door. Only women filled the other dormitory, with ages varying from their twenties to their forties.


    Fu Liqun looked at his roommates, and someone else said, ¡°I want to go back, I can¡¯t stand this anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hurry!¡±


    Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, and Zhou Sheng took everyone downstairs. Yu Hao didn¡¯t have the time to do a headcount, so he didn¡¯t know how many had followed along. Chen Yekai had brought along more people than them, and some of them weren¡¯t willing to leave after going downstairs and only planned to take a stroll nearby.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Fu Liqun said after passing through the second floor, ¡°Do you have the keys for this room?¡±


    Chen Yekai threw the keys to Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun opened the door to one of the rooms on the second floor, pushed the door open, and went in, then used the keys to open up a cabinet. It was filled with mobile phones.


    Everyone crowded over to retrieve their phones. Their bags were all piled up on the bed in the corner, so each of them went to take their bags separately as well.


    When they went down to the field in front of the dormitory building, Zhou Sheng pointed out the way and said, ¡°Go southeast, leave from there, and you¡¯ll reach the national highway!¡±


    After arriving at the outskirts of the building, there was still a fifty-meter stretch of open space to the factory entrance. Fu Liqun walked a little unsteadily with sweat all over his forehead. Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege?¡±


    ¡°I have a slight cold.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s not serious.¡±


    Another dog started barking, and Yu Hao nearly blew up, ¡°How many dogs does this place keep?!¡±


    Fortunately, it was a mongrel this time. Nearly ten security guards rushed to the open space and blocked their way. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll count to three, get ready to turn around and run.¡±


    ¡°Check the back.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao looked back; five more people had come in from the entrance. Li Yangming hid behind the security guards and followed along, looking at them from afar.


    ¡°We¡¯re surrounded.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Fifteen people, four mongrels.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Can we deal with them?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Wait for an opportunity.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Don¡¯t put on a brave front.¡±


    Fu Liqun pulled himself together and threw his bag to Yu Hao. He gasped, ¡°My battery¡¯s running out, I can only turn on the light for five minutes at most.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Retreat to the barbed wire fence and search for an opportunity.¡±


    The four men slowly retreated. The security guards closed in on them, and Yu Hao took a picture of this scene of them getting surrounded. All of them looked fierce and malicious, and in the face of this imminent peril, everything was captured by the camera.


    ¡°You¡¯re still in the mood to take pictures?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one going up to fight.¡± Yu Hao smiled. Ever since they found Fu Liqun, he has been in an excellent mood. It was as if having everyone together again meant that they didn¡¯t need to fear any sort of difficulties, ¡°You¡¯re someone who could take on the entire volleyball team after all, I believe you can do it.¡±


    Everyone recalled the legend of Zhou Sheng beating up all the guys in Sports Class 2 and the security guards in the gym until they were all left searching for their teeth on the ground in his first year, and they all started laughing.


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng cracked his fingers.


    ¡°Put down your weapons!¡± The security guards closed in until they were about ten meters away and all wielded their tonfas one by one to point it at them.


    ¡°What weapons?!¡± Fu Liqun asked, baffled, ¡°Are you guys blind?!¡±


    As soon as he said that, the four of them burst out laughing.


    ¡°I said! Hand the camera over!¡± The security guard demanded, ¡°The police will be here soon! You guys can¡¯t escape!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this is just a normal camera. The lens won¡¯t shoot out any hidden weapons.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Drop it ba, wait for the police? We¡¯ll still fight even if they come! Stop nagging and just start!¡±


    Li Yangming suddenly said, ¡°Do you know what you guys are doing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°We¡¯re hitting people ah! What else can we be doing?¡±


    Li Yangming said angrily, ¡°Gege! Come back! It¡¯s such a good opportunity! Are you going to run away again?¡±


    Fu Liqun took a deep breath and didn¡¯t answer, just staring at Li Yangming quietly.


    ¡°Yangming.¡± Fu Liqun said in disbelief, ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    With much resentment, Li Yangming was practically shouting madly, ¡°When did they ever care about you? Or be concerned about you? Do you believe them or me?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Yangming.¡± Fu Liqun was trying to endure the sorrow he felt, ¡°I¡­¡­I don¡¯t know what I should say to you. Forget it, we¡¯ll meet again someday.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°The matter between us isn¡¯t resolved yet, Li Yangming. You actually fucking cheated my brother over to this pyramid scheme nest?!¡±


    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Li Yangming said ruthlessly, ¡°Zhou Sheng! Do you think I¡¯m afraid of you?!¡±


    Instead of getting angry, Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Of course you¡¯re not afraid of me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a bunch of hypocritical trash.¡± Li Yangming¡¯s facial features were almost distorted as he said fiercely, ¡°Trash! You all can be the good guys, while I¡¯ll be the bad one! Come! What can you do to me! Can you come and kill me? Get lost!¡±


    ¡°I have nothing,¡± Li Yangming grit his teeth, ¡°So I¡¯m not afraid of whatever you want to do. If you really push me to the brink, Laozi will fight you to death!¡±


    Yu Hao caught a glimpse of Huang Zheng, who had already been rescued. He was making a call in the corner with a bloody face.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to do something, do it fast.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Huang Zheng rushed to the periphery and shouted, ¡°Catch those people! They¡¯re all fraudsters! Catch the one with the camera!¡±


    And sure enough, in the next moment, the dogs rushed forward first, followed by the security guards. Zhou Sheng rolled up his sleeves and took Chen Yekai and Fu Liqun along as they rushed forward! Yu Hao slung the camera over his shoulder, flew forward, and grabbed one of the dog¡¯s legs. The dog was about to lunge towards Zhou Sheng, but it was dragged away by Yu Hao.


    The scene broke out into a scuffle. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time personally participating in such a group fight. This time, Zhou Sheng had no iron rod to use as a weapon, so he could only use his fists. There were really too many people. Fu Liqun snatched a pair of tonfas and threw it at Zhou Sheng, then roared, ¡°There¡¯s too many people!¡±


    ¡°Grab Huang Zheng!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Huang Zheng shivered at once, took a step back subconsciously, then turned around and ran. The four of them took the chance to separate from the security guards. Zhou Sheng had already knocked six of them down, then he rushed forward for the melee.


    Suddenly, the roar of an engine could be heard. A jeep drove through the banana grove, across the ditch outside, and crashed harshly into the wire mesh! Yu Hao turned around and realised that it was a car that belonged to someone on their side!


    ¡°Huang Ting¡¯s here!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Withdraw!¡±


    Yu Hao had suffered two blows from the tonfas, but fortunately, his injuries weren¡¯t serious. Zhou Sheng said angrily, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you wouldn¡¯t fight?!¡±


    Following which, the door of the jeep flew open. Ou Qihang and Huang Ting rushed out. Ou Qihang, wearing sportswear, wielded an iron rod and threw it to Zhou Sheng. Without saying anything, he rushed forward to wrench back a security guard who was clutching Yu Hao, flipped him over, and threw him onto the ground!


    ¡°Get in the car!¡± Huang Ting shouted.


    Li Yangming, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Li Yangming just stood there, trembling, and steadily retreated.


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°You came just in time!¡±


    As soon as Ou Qihang joined in, the situation immediately reversed. His fists and legs were like a whirlwind that flew against the current. Huang Ting grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s arm and pulled him towards the jeep, then went forward to help Fu Liqun. Ou Qihang ran into the fray and threw someone over his shoulder.


    ¡°Uncle Kai!¡±


    Ou Qihang threw the security guard at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai shouldered the guard, and like they were in a shoulder throw relay, he threw the guard out.


    ¡°Fuck you¡­¡± Following which, Zhou Sheng dragged that person¡¯s arm and actually lifted the 100-kilogram security guard up to use as a weapon. With a third shoulder throw, he crushed the people who had rushed up to him!


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you my weapon! Bye!¡± Zhou Sheng waved his hand in a carefree manner, then along with Huang Ting, Fu Liqun, Chen Yekai, and Ou Qihang, they ran towards the jeep. Ou Qihang, Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun sat at the back, Huang Ting sat in the driver¡¯s seat, and Chen Yekai opened up the door to the passenger¡¯s seat. He glanced at Li Yangming.


    Security guards were strewn all over the ground. Li Yangming kept backing up.


    Huang Ting started up the engine. Chen Yekai held the car window with one hand, but didn¡¯t get in the car. He said to Li Yangming, ¡°Yangming.¡±


    Li Yangming¡¯s eyes were filled with tears.


    ¡°Do you really think you have nothing?¡± Chen Yekai asked seriously.


    Yu Hao remembered that day in the hospital, when he first met Chen Yekai and what Chen Yekai said to him.


    That day, Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯ve never had a single friend ever since you were a kid?¡± followed by ¡°You can treat me as your friend.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai quietly through the window.


    Chen Yekai and Li Yangming looked at each other from afar, and time seemed to stop. Fu Liqun¡¯s gaze welled up with all sorts of emotions as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re not someone who has nothing, Yangming.¡± Chen Yekai said calmly, but the next sentence he said was,


    ¡°You still have your graduation certificate and diploma.¡±


    With that, Chen Yekai pointed at Li Yangming domineeringly, ¡°But now your diploma is gone, because I¡¯m going to fail you! Go back and reflect on yourself!¡±


    Li Yangming, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After saying that, Chen Yekai got in the car and everyone burst out laughing. Zhou Sheng clapped wildly and shouted, ¡°Nice!¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head helplessly and smiled sadly. Huang Ting reversed, then accelerated and ran into the other side of the wire mesh and rushed out of the industrial park.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 141.1

    As soon as the car drove onto the national highway, everyone instantly felt thoroughly exhausted, and even the last bit of strength was sapped from their bodies.


    Huang Ting turned on the navigation and input the direction to the neighbouring city¡¯s airport. Chen Yekai was still worried that the local police would catch up with them and asked Huang Ting, ¡°The police won¡¯t care?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already talked to them,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°They¡¯re not willing to dispatch their people to help and will at most not help either side. Heaven is high, and the emperor is far away, can¡¯t be helped.¡±


    In the back seat, Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were on high alert. Ou Qihang said, ¡°I thought we¡¯d have to be on the move for a while, didn¡¯t expect it to end with just one fight.¡±


    ¡°Your appearance was our key support.¡± Chen Yekai turned his head sideways and said to Ou Qihang.


    Everyone laughed. Yu Hao thought that since Huang Ting had notified this side and taken their Golden Crow Wheel away, then he should have notified the system through his connections in the organisation to not interfere in their rescue plan this time.


    ¡°Kid, you¡¯ve gotten even better at fighting.¡± Zhou Sheng bypassed Fu Liqun¡¯s shoulders and patted Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Hehe.¡± Ou Qihang answered, ¡°I¡¯m preparing to participate in an amateur competition.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said nonchalantly, ¡°Let¡¯s spar a little after we get back to Beijing?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Uh¡­I can¡¯t match up to Sheng Ge.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°If you know you can¡¯t match up to me, then aren¡¯t you gonna get your hands off my wife?! If you¡¯re not asking for a fight then what are you doing?!¡±


    Everyone roared with laughter. Only three people could sit in the back of the jeep, but now that four big men had squeezed in, they were practically packed like sardines. Their order was messed up when getting into the car too, so Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were each stuck to one door respectively. Yu Hao could only lean forward, while Ou Qihang had no place to put his hand so he could only place it on Yu Hao¡¯s back.


    Yu Hao laughed so hard his stomach started to hurt. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Pass me your camera.¡± Then he took the camera and took a selfie from the passenger seat with all six of them in frame.


    When Yu Hao took the camera, he realised that Huang Ting was looking at him through the rear mirror with a hint of a sly smile in his gaze.


    Fu Liqun leaned against the seat to rest. Ou Qihang took out a Snickers bar for him to eat, and Fu Liqun said, ¡°Thank you, thank you!¡± Then he wolfed it down, then quickly downed a lot of water in one go.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you¡¯re okay.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Just treat it as a lesson learnt.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Fu Liqun had already gotten over it and said, ¡°I¡¯ve worried everyone.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°We¡¯re just here for an interview, no one was worried about you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m just here to finish my research project.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just accompanying him for an interview. Don¡¯t stick gold onto your face, would you?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This project is too difficult to do.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Thank you everyone for helping me obtain a full-time post, I¡¯m so moved.¡±


    Everyone answered in unison, ¡®don¡¯t mention it, don¡¯t mention it,¡¯ and Fu Liqun didn¡¯t know if he should cry or laugh for a moment.


    Ou Qihang patted Fu Liqun¡¯s back, and Zhou Sheng patted him as well. Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Is there anything else to eat?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m really hungry too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ve been on tenterhooks the whole afternoon, so I didn¡¯t eat anything.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ll cook up a good meal for you guys when we get back home, it¡¯ll be the New Year soon.¡±


    Ou Qihang took out all the snacks he had, and everyone split them up on the car. Chen Yekai took some food as well and fed Huang Ting a biscuit in passing. Huang Ting bit it, his brows furrowed, and he automatically ate the biscuit.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think that you¡¯d be startled into action too.¡± Chen Yekai casually said.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had been listening attentively to the dialogue between Chen Yekai and Huang Ting from the start.


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°We¡¯re all on the same side; I should¡¯ve come in the first place.¡±


    Chen Yekai continued, ¡°I said that I would be accompanying them, nothing should have happened.¡±


    Huang Ting mocked, ¡°I didn¡¯t think so.¡±


    Yu Hao seldom heard such a dialogue occurring between Chen Yekai and Huang Ting; it was as if there were subtle jabs hidden underneath. Zhou Sheng interjected, ¡°Where are we going next?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m flying back to Beijing.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°I¡¯m still on duty for the New Year.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯m going home.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together bei?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go back to Ying City, we¡¯ve been away for a while.¡±


    ¡°Ai?¡± Yu Hao was roused, ¡°Are we going back?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to spend New Year together anyway, does it matter where we do it?¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°You want to go somewhere to play?¡±


    Yu Hao answered his phone, Cen Shan had called him again.


    ¡°We were planning on going to the airport.¡± Yu Hao covered his phone with one hand as he didn¡¯t want to let Fu Liqun see, ¡°Un¡­We¡¯ll be going back to Ying City ba? We haven¡¯t thought about it in detail yet¡­Sure, we have some time off anyway.¡±


    Yu Hao did miss Ying City a little, so it was agreed that after arriving at the airport, Huang Ting would return to Beijing by himself while the rest would go back to Ying City.


    ¡°Last night, I had a dream.¡± Fu Liqun opened his eyes and said to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng signalled to him with his gaze, and astonishment could be seen in Fu Liqun¡¯s eyes. Yet Ou Qihang said, ¡°Did you dream of us coming to save you?¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled. He draped an arm around Ou Qihang and said, ¡°Yeah. And didn¡¯t you guys come in the end?¡±


    ¡°How did you guys find this place?¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°Duped it out of someone.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We tricked Huang Zheng, told him we wanted to tour the training grounds for their team, so he brought us over.¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t ask much. Yu Hao thought that it was really vexing¡­everyone on this car was clearly well aware of everything, yet they were still testing and poking at one another here and there.


    ¡°When you go back, take note of the contents of your report.¡± Huang Ting parked the car at the airport. He then used his phone to contact the car rental company to come over and get the car, then continued, ¡°But you should understand the severity of this case.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Thank you, Ting Ge.¡±


    Huang Ting glanced at Zhou Sheng and seemed like he still had more to say. He waved at them, completed the procedures for self-boarding, then went straight through the security checks.


    At 7:30 PM, Chen Yekai finished buying tickets for everyone. Only the tickets for the last flight at 10:40 PM was left.


    Fu Liqun rubbed his face. Yu Hao was looking around and saw Cen Shan standing alone outside the security checkpoint.


    Cen Shan stood in the midst of this crowded airport. Yu Hao pulled Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm; Zhou Sheng was in the middle of sending a WeChat message, and he was stunned too. Everyone retreated discreetly. Fu Liqun stood outside the security checkpoint, looking desolate with his bag on his back as he and Cen Shan stared at each other from afar.


    Fu Liqun hasn¡¯t shaved his beard, and it has been a long time since he cut his hair. He was all dirty, wearing a checkered shirt, as if he had been picking up rubbish. His shoes were covered in mud too.


    Cen Shan looked at Fu Liqun with much sorrow and kept choking back sobs. The airport floor that was cleaned so well it gleamed brightly like a mirror reflected their figures.


    Fu Liqun¡¯s mouth moved as if to say something. Cen Shan raised her hand, covered her mouth, and her tears gushed out uncontrollably. Then, she continued standing by herself on the spot and wailed loudly as if nobody else was present.


    Fu Liqun quickly walked forward, his eyes thoroughly red. Yu Hao stood far away and adjusted his lens, wanting to take pictures for them. Zhou Sheng, Chen Yekai, and Ou Qihang looked at the couple. Ou Qihang said, ¡°Is that Qun Ge¡¯s lover?¡¯


    Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un¡°.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡±


    Cen Shan sobbed even harder, as if she had done something wrong. She looked away as she dared not even look at Fu Liqun.


    Just when Yu Hao thought Fu Liqun was going to hug her, and his camera would snap a still shot of that moment, Fu Liqun took out a packet of tissues from his pocket¡­


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Oh my god.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry; Fu Liqun was really too much of a straight dude.


    Fortunately, they still hugged in the end. Night had fallen, and behind the massive French windows, the planes outside took off and landed, while the airport glittered with resplendent lights. Fu Liqun held Cen Shan¡¯s hand and held her in his arms as he whispered into her ear. Cen Shan¡¯s face was awash with tears, and her whole body couldn¡¯t stop trembling.


    ¡°She really loves Qun Ge ah.¡± Ou Qihang was in a bit of a daze, ¡°A girl like her came to an unfamiliar place all by herself without fearing any danger at all¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s nose felt a little sour as well. They came to save Fu Liqun by relying on Chen Yekai, Zhou Sheng, the Golden Crow Wheel, his colleagues at the newspaper office¡­they had relied on a lot of forces. Yet Cen Shan had nothing, and after Yu Hao was blamed by Zhou Sheng, he stopped informing her of their itinerary and their progress in the case. Cen Shan then burned with anxiety as she waited in Vienna and finally decided to return to the country in the end.


    Her father didn¡¯t support them. Cen Shan didn¡¯t have the support of her family and didn¡¯t have the assistance of her friends either, but she still had just taken a plane home like that by herself from so far away.


    ¡°Sis-in-law is really a little silly sometimes.¡± Zhou Sheng stood on tiptoe and had one arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders. Yu Hao looked down at his camera and  rolled the pictures back. There were pictures of Fu Liqun walking towards Cen Shan and hugging her at the end. His movements were already very calm, and there was no hesitation at all.


    ¡°Sis-in-law isn¡¯t silly.¡± Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°How is she not? What can she do after coming alone? Go around asking for information? After getting off the plane, she wouldn¡¯t even know how to take the bus, how is she gonna save anyone like that? Run to the pyramid scheme nest and say ¡®return my boyfriend to me, I¡¯ll pay you any amount you want¡¯? The south is so damn chaotic, she¡¯d just be waiting to get kidnapped ba.¡±


    Ever since Yu Hao knew Cen Shan, she has always maintained the image of a young, rich lady. She didn¡¯t know how to take the bus and subway and didn¡¯t know how to call for a Didi either. She even needed Yu Hao to help her buy a high-speed railway ticket to go home.


    Yu Hao shed a single tear, and it dropped onto his camera screen. He looked up at Zhou Sheng and smiled.

 Chapter 141.2

    ¡°But she¡¯ll definitely come ah.¡± Yu Hao sniffled and thought this was really great, ¡°Even if she doesn¡¯t know what to do after coming, who to find, if anyone would be willing to help her, or how dangerous it would be, she would still definitely come. Don¡¯t you think you¡¯re an idiot?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and kissed Yu Hao on his lips and said, ¡°You did the right thing. I was wrong, baby.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng was apologising for how he had blamed him and told him that he shouldn¡¯t have told Cen Shan about any of this. He happily said, ¡°Now you know you were wrong?¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I need to reflect on myself.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled. He draped an arm around Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder, and Zhou Sheng let out a prolonged breath with an ¡°ai¡°. He turned his body sideways to lean in Yu Hao¡¯s embrace, occupying a row of four seats and stared into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes in a daze.


    Ou Qihang looked at Cen Shan and Fu Liqun in the distance, seeming like he was thinking about something.


    Chen Yekai was obviously very tired too. He had been constantly on the move all day, and it was as if an entire week had passed. He suddenly thought of something and asked Ou Qihang, ¡°Would  you listen to Huang Ting or me?¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯ll listen to you.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°But why are you guys always being so enigmatic? Aren¡¯t the two of you good friends?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao¡¯s expressions froze.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Then, I¡¯ll ask you one question. After your Ting Ge got off the plane, did he go straight to the parking lot position I sent out, or somewhere else first?¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s heart jolted. He frowned and looked at Chen Yekai, his gaze filled with doubt, then glanced at Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao. Yu Hao looked back down at his camera, and Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll take a short nap, so sleepy.¡±


    Ou Qihang pondered for a moment and answered, ¡°He stopped midway for a while to go to the district bureau.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Chen Yekai nodded.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Ou Qihang asked, ¡°Tell me ba? I won¡¯t tell Ting Ge.¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t answer him anymore. He flipped through the newspaper on his seat and actually ignored him.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Is it related to my amnesia?¡±


    ¡°Next time,¡± Zhou Sheng opened his eyes and said, ¡°during the New Year holidays, I¡¯ll go look for you again.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, then turned his head sideways to look at Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai ruminated for a long time and exchanged a glance with Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao wondered if Zhou Sheng wanted to tell Ou Qihang the truth. However, if Huang Ting knew what had happened through hypnosis, then there wasn¡¯t much use in continuing to hide it from Ou Qihang anymore now. If he joined them, he could even be of great help to them.


    ¡°Ready to go through security?¡± Zhou Sheng got up and saw Fu Liqun and Cen Shan coming over hand in hand. Cen Shan wiped her tears away; her eyes were all swollen.


    ¡°Sis-in-law.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯ve seen you cry since I got to know you.¡±


    Cen Shan said angrily, ¡°Shut up!¡±


    Everyone laughed. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Let¡¯s go home together ba.¡±


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go home.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Yu Hao was thoroughly spent and thought, it¡¯s finally time to go home. However, after passing through security, he unexpectedly found out that quite a few of the employees that they had helped break out were also here for the flight. An idea suddenly struck Yu Hao and he said, ¡°Give me a moment.¡±


    ¡°We still have a lot of time, there¡¯s no rush.¡± Zhou Sheng went to the VIP lounge to pick up his coffee and said, ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you. It¡¯s an unfamiliar place; you can¡¯t leave my line of sight.¡±


    So Yu Hao took out his recording pen and went to interview them one by one while Fu Liqun greeted them one after another as well. Yu Hao obtained a large amount of oral recounts from his interviewees. Although they were mostly similar, these interviews were equivalent to him getting his hands on real and valuable first-hand data.


    Yu Hao asked them for the contact information of the other people who had also left the industrial park. After getting back, he was prepared to call them and interview the rest. Then, he took out his laptop and started sorting out the data. Zhou Sheng stayed vigilant at all times. It was not until their plane took off that he was really certain that the local system would not bother them anymore, just as Huang Ting had guaranteed. So he pushed his reclining chair back and began to sleep.


    Yu Hao covered Zhou Sheng with his jacket and looked at his sleeping appearance. He sighed inwardly; this guy can only be described with the words ¡®God of War¡¯. Before this, he had single-handedly tricked Huang Ting and the group of people behind him until they were running around in circles, then he turned into a CEO within seconds to socialise with the head of the pyramid marketing organisation. He was completely toying with them in the palm of his hands. After that, he made a decisive decision to teach both humans and dogs a lesson, and after saving Fu Liqun, he went up barehanded to fight fifteen security guards in addition to four dogs¡­


    How could there be such a person in this world?! Yu Hao thought that even if he were to write a feature on him, no one would even believe it!


    ¡°I want to mate with you!¡± Yu Hao shouted in his heart.


    The plane jolted a few times. Zhou Sheng unconsciously reached out in his sleep and grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s arm, then laid his hand on the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡± Yu Hao looked at him.


    Zhou Sheng opened his eyes and stared at Yu Hao blankly for a while. That expression of his seemed a bit silly.


    ¡°Still working on your piece?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just working on it in passing.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°After rescuing Gege, there¡¯s no danger anymore, so I¡¯m devoting myself wholeheartedly to the feature.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s the New Year, rest for a few days ba. Don¡¯t care about your manuscripts anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll get more than 6,000 after obtaining a full-time post! It¡¯s an additional 3,000 more, we need to eat ah.¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his spirits and said, ¡°Let me take a look? How do you plan on extolling your husband¡¯s heroic deeds?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He suddenly heard an old man behind him start to ask Chen Yekai all kinds of questions.


    ¡°My son runs a company in the south involved in the direct marketing of health products! He earns at least a million every year! My family is in Ying City; we¡¯re Ying City people. Our company is preparing to open up the market in central China, and we¡¯re going to recruit general agents in the Greater China region¡­¡±


    Yu Hao now linked the term ¡®south¡¯ to all the traumatic events he experienced, so they couldn¡¯t have bumped into some pyramid scheme family again, right? Chen Yekai and that old man were separated by an aisle. Almost no one was sitting in the business class seats. Out of eight seats, they were occupying six, and the only other person was that old man. As soon as the old man saw a group of refined boys with unusual bearings, his interest was instantly piqued.


    Zhou Sheng glanced at the seat diagonally behind through the gap between the seats. Yu Hao thought, Is he planning on developing a downline here?


    The old man took out a pamphlet of health care products and asked Yu Hao, who was diagonally in front of him, ¡°Are you guys together? What do you do? How old are you? Which year were you born in? Are you all university students? Which university are you guys studying at?¡±


    Everyone¡¯s mouths twitched.


    ¡°I was born in the year of the sheep.¡± Ou Qihang answered first, ¡°I study in Wudaokou¡¯s Technological Institute yo.¡±


    ¡°Oh a higher vocational college ah¡­¡± The old man nodded meaningfully.


    Everyone was eating their midnight snack. The old man said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Kid next to the window, what about you?¡¯


    ¡°I¡¯m spongeing off a woman da.¡± Zhou Sheng acted cute and answered, ¡°My wife¡¯s supporting me na.¡±


    Yu Hao said, I¡¯m a gigolo, I¡¯m a kept man.¡±


    The old man was about to hand the leaflet to Fu Liqun, but Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m a duck da.¡±


    Cen Shan just wanted to strangle anyone who talked about pyramid schemes to death now. She said, ¡°I partner with the three of them to play Fairy Jump da.¡±


    In the front row, Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Fu Liqun and Cen Shan laughed so hard that they were convulsing.


    The conversation ended, and the cabin was dead silent. The old man didn¡¯t talk anymore.


    When leaving the airport, the old man gave up on the people who seemed to be mocking him and started attacking Chen Yekai. He kindly handed Chen Yekai a leaflet. ¡°Young man, what do you do?¡±


    ¡°I fight for equal rights of the LGBT group.¡± Chen Yekai said politely, ¡°I¡¯m gay.¡±


    The conversation ended once again. Everyone was bowled over from laughing, and they went out to hail a cab.


    ¡°Then sis-in-law, you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go to your house.¡± Cen Shan answered.


    Chen Yekai asked Zhou Sheng, ¡°When are we meeting for the New Year? There¡¯s still a lot to do.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, then asked, ¡°When is sis-in-law leaving?¡±


    ¡°I need to go back home on the second day of New Year.¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°I¡¯ll come back on the fifth, we can talk about how long I¡¯ll stay then ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Okay, then see you guys on the second?¡±


    Ou Qihang nodded and Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un.¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Are you returning to your dormitory?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°I lent it to another teacher.¡±


    ¡°Come to my house?¡± Ou Qihang offered.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m going back to my parents¡¯ house.¡±


    ¡°How could there be a car at this time.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can either come stay with us for one night or make do with Xiao Ou¡¯s house?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t your parents go to Singapore for the New Year?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°You¡¯ll be alone if you go home anyway, come to my house.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, Ou Qihang you¡¯re really¡­


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll live in a hotel.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s gooo¡ª¡± Ou Qihang dragged Chen Yekai away.


    Zhou Sheng whistled and said, ¡°Gather at my house on the second! Xiao Ou, we¡¯ll be entrusting Kaikai to you!¡±

 Chapter 142.1

    The moment they opened the door to their rented house, Yu Hao felt like he had withdrawn from one kind of life and returned to his long-lost past. Beyond the door was Beijing¡¯s world of ice and snow, while within it was the verdant Ying City, as well as the dense white fog of early winter. Zhou Sheng turned on the lights, and the warm light illuminated this three-room rented house.


    The dining table, sofa, and even the tablecloth and shelves had never even been moved. The shelf with the coffee pot beside the dining table still looked just as it did the day Yu Hao left¡ªafter his departure, Fu Liqun and Zhou Sheng wouldn¡¯t make coffee at home, so it had just been left there like that for half a year.


    ¡°We¡¯re back.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Finally back.¡± Yu Hao felt like he had entered an illusion of returning home from a long journey. There was very little dust in the mountains, and he only needed to clean it a little before Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve. Fu Liqun put his bag down and said to Cen Shan, ¡°Go take a bath first?¡±


    Cen Shan uttered an ¡°un¡± and said, ¡°Rest for a while ba.¡±


    Most of Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s clothes had been left here. Previously, the three of them had agreed to terminate their lease after graduation and let the lease last until June, just in case they still needed to stay here for a period of time to write their graduation thesis. Yu Hao tidied up simply, while Zhou Sheng went to open the fridge to look for some food.


    At three o¡¯clock late at night, Cen Shan moved a chair and sat in the bathroom to bathe Fu Liqun. Cen Shan was wearing clothes, but Fu Liqun was stark naked as he let her wipe his back. He sat with his head lowered, and his back facing the bathroom door. The bathroom door opened a crack, and the steam inside swirled in the air. Yu Hao heard them talking when he passed by and just found it amusing; when they were still staying in their dormitory, the three of them would see one another without any clothes on once in awhile, so it wasn¡¯t anything strange.


    Yu Hao mixed hot water with milk powder and made four cups of the beverage. Zhou Sheng drank it, and soon after, the bathroom door closed. When Fu Liqun came out again, he had already shaved, and his hair was wet while he dried Cen Shan¡¯s long hair with a hair dryer. Cen Shan had changed into Fu Liqun¡¯s shirt, which hung loosely on her, and she stood barefoot outside the bathroom.


    Fu Liqun was a lot paler now and was slightly slimmer too. Yet after tidying himself up, he had returned to his previous school hunk appearance. After Fu Liqun finished using the bathroom, he whistled at Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng to signal for them to bathe.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng laughed as they messed around in the bathroom. When Zhou Sheng was fighting, he had scraped the back of his hand and his elbow, so he stood while raising his hands. Yu Hao was naked as he bent over to help rub the area below his ribs and his abs, which tickled Zhou Sheng a lot. A moment later, he pressed Yu Hao again, and Yu Hao cried out from the bathroom.


    ¡°Two kids.¡± Cen Shan was both crying and laughing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get too excited.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Or else we won¡¯t be able to sleep later!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the holidays anyway, we don¡¯t need to go to work,¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°We can sleep in. Yi, sis-in-law, that ear stud¡­¡±


    Cen Shan had coiled up her hair today, revealing the ear studs she wore. Every time Yu Hao saw Cen Shan, she would have her hair down, so he could see her ear stud today particularly clearly today.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Cen Shan casually said, ¡°I¡¯ve always been wearing it.¡±


    It was nearly six o¡¯clock after they were done. It was snowing in Ying City, and heating hadn¡¯t been turned on for nearly a month, so it was both humid and cold. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng hugged each other under the blanket to warm each other up, but he felt like this really was the most comfortable place in the world.


    ¡°I get seven days off.¡± Yu Hao said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°This is so wonderful!¡±


    ¡°If you really want a holiday, you can even quit and just not go to work.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    On the Beijing side, Lin Ze had rearranged Yu Hao¡¯s vacation  days for him. He knew that he was preparing for his graduation thesis, and during December, Yu Hao had hardly taken any weekends off, so he gave Yu Hao ten days off. Of course, he still had to continue writing his manuscripts and hand in some small interview manuscripts at set dates. It would all be fine as long as he finished the feature. He even gave Yu Hao two months off at the end of the year.


    Zhou Sheng let Beijing know what was going on. He would handle his college¡¯s matters and his graduation thesis while he¡¯s here for the New Year this time, and his specific return date would remain to be determined.


    This long vacation should be their last carefree holiday before formally leaving their campus. Yu Hao slept all the way until noon. He checked his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s wage card and was instantly over the moon.


    There¡¯s money again! Yu Hao¡¯s monthly salary, wages for his manuscripts, and his end-of-year bonus had net him about 20,000 yuan, while Zhou Sheng had 30,000 yuan after adding his monthly bonus.


    The breakfast bought by Fu Liqun was on the table. Cen Shan hadn¡¯t woken up yet. It was rare for Zhou Sheng to not touch Yu Hao all over after waking up, and he instead sat in the living room while chatting seriously with Fu Liqun.


    When Yu Hao came out, the two of them stopped for a moment. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So everything in your dream wasn¡¯t a hallucination.¡±


    Fu Liqun held the Golden Crow Wheel in hand with a face filled with disbelief. After having breakfast, Yu Hao pulled a chair out to start settling their accounts at the dining table without interrupting their conversation.


    ¡°I was constantly thinking about this yesterday.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°This is too damn fantasy-like.¡±


    ¡°At first, I was thinking of doing the same as with Ou Qihang,¡± Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers and frowned deeply, ¡°To make you forget everything. But from the looks of it, that would be even more unsafe.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng. He knew that their biggest misjudgment was what they did to Ou Qihang to keep their secret, which led to even graver leaks down the road. If they hadn¡¯t forcibly erased Ou Qihang¡¯s memory, then he could have even cooperated with them to hide it from Huang Ting¡­


    ¡°I understand.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°When do we continue?¡±


    ¡°On the second.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°There are still some things I need to think about some more¡­Wifey, what are you calculating?¡±


    Yu Hao was currently struggling with the calculator while he tried to settle the accounts with an irritated look on his face. The sounds ¡®zero, zero, ze-ze-ze-ze-zero¡¯ revealed how he felt quite gloomy in his heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing an AA with Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao blew up, ¡°Why must he always drag us to sit in business class every time he goes out aaaahhhhh!!!¡±


    Lin Ze reimbursed Yu Hao¡¯s airfare, room, and board expenses, but his expenses while following Chen Yekai would end up making him eat dirt. Yu Hao had used up about 7 to 8,000 yuan throughout the entire journey, and although Chen Yekai didn¡¯t say anything, he had to pay him back the money.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Put it on me. I¡¯ll go find a job after the New Year and pay him back slowly.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay it back first.¡± Yu Hao said to Fu Liqun said, ¡°Leave it for the time being.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Clear the accounts at the end of the previous year, and we can all celebrate the New Year happily ba. Don¡¯t mention money again, my head hurts when I hear it being mentioned. Sigh.¡±


    Cen Shan¡¯s lazy voice could be heard in the room, she was calling for Fu Liqun. So Fu Liqun got up, hit Zhou Sheng a few times with his pillow, then leaned in to kiss him on his cheek.


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted angrily.


    Fu Liqun came over quickly, and Yu Hao was unexpectedly kissed by Fu Liqun as well, and he shouted with Zhou Sheng. Fu Liqun then rushed to open the door like a gust of wind to accompany his wife.


    ¡°Nutjob.¡± Zhou Sheng grabbed a few pieces of tissue paper and wiped at his face desperately.


    ¡°Yi why is there still 6,000 here?!¡± Yu Hao discovered a new continent and suddenly recalled that a public number had asked him for several manuscripts before. He quickly checked, and sure enough, he had forgotten about it because he was too busy. ¡°This is great! This is great!!!¡±


    After Yu Hao settled the accounts, he found out that their expenses were all within control. As long as Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t do anything reckless, they would still be able to save up a sum after returning to Beijing and pay their rent. He set aside the money required for food and clothing and decided not to touch the reserve cash left in the card they had¡ª he bought a 5% financial product. Although Fu Liqun had made a loss of 100,000 yuan, there was still 2 million left. Money gives rise to even more money; they would be able to earn a profit of 100,000 a year, which was equivalent to the salary of a fresh graduate.


    For someone who finished nine years of compulsory schooling, three years of high school, in addition to four years of undergraduate education ¡ª 16 years of arduous studying ¡ª would only in the end be equivalent to the interest borne out of a 2 million capital in the capital market. When he thought of this, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but sigh ruefully.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be enough.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Other people can work and moonlight for ten years without saving a single cent. You haven¡¯t even graduated yet, and you¡¯re already worrying about having enough money to eat every day.¡±


    Cen Shan had gotten up too. It was the 27th today. After breakfast, the four of them returned to college, and even Xue Long had gone home. Fu Liqun took two sets of clothing. Yu Hao looked at Li Yangmin¡¯s bed in the dormitory ¡ª it was tidied up neatly.


    A lot of time seemed to have passed since they were in this place they once lived. Zhou Sheng tidied up most of their things. Yu Hao packed the books in a box and prepared to send part of it back to Beijing, while he would set up a stall as a graduate and sell the rest to his juniors after school reopened.


    ¡°We¡¯re really leaving.¡± Yu Hao looked at the dormitory and said, ¡°I suddenly feel a little reluctant to part with this.¡±


    The three of them looked at this dormitory, and a thought surfaced in all their minds ¡ª what was their greatest harvest from university? Perhaps the best thing that had happened was getting to know one another.


    The next day, the four of them went shopping to buy some new groceries. Fu Liqun and Yu Hao each pushed a cart, Cen Shan was on the phone, and Zhou Sheng was selecting ingredients carefully. Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t buy too much, it¡¯ll be a waste.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°We¡¯re staying here for ten days, we can finish it. Such a large family still needs to eat and drink their fill.¡±


    Yu Hao laughed. He had received his manuscript fees, so he just let Zhou Sheng be ba. They have enough living expenses anyway.


    Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Will Young Master be going back to visit his parents?¡±


    ¡°Too lazy to bother about them.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯ll just spend it at home ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll be taking your sis-in-law back to my home tomorrow, and we¡¯ll be back on the 30th to celebrate it too.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll cook up New Year¡¯s Eve dinner.¡±


    Lin Ze had sent Yu Hao a bunch of New Year¡¯s pictures of Beijing and other places, and made him describe the pictures. He also had come up with a special issue for the Spring Festival. The huge capital city was nearly empty; almost everyone was gone. Jin Weicheng would be on duty during the 30th and the first day of New Year¡¯s, then it would be Lin Ze¡¯s turn on the second.


    On New Year¡¯s Eve, when Zhou Sheng placed the dishes on the table, Yu Hao turned on a video ¡ª Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang were on the other end.


    ¡°May you have a prosperous New Year.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°Happy New Year~¡±


    ¡°Happy New Year.¡± Chen Yekai was wearing a new woolen sweater, which was the same brand as the one Ou Qihang was wearing. He had clearly taken Ou Qihang out to buy new clothes as well. Ou Qihang turned the camera to let Yu Hao and the rest see his mother, and everyone greeted one another. Ou Qihang¡¯s mother had cooked their New Year¡¯s Eve dinner. Yu Hao suddenly felt that when they wore clothes from the same brand, even though it wasn¡¯t couple wear, there seemed to be the atmosphere of a gentle, older man who was with a young man around them. Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang did match each other well.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s mother greeted them before returning to the kitchen.


    ¡°Yo!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Where did you buy your clothes? It¡¯s not bad! I want new clothes too!¡±


    ¡°Yo.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Looks like you guys are having quite a good time ma! Where¡¯s mine?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Why did you only buy clothes for Xiao Ou?¡±


    Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang used their gazes to signal to Zhou Sheng not to mouth off at the same time, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Will Kaikai be sending us red packets this year?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°The red packet can¡¯t be small okay?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yes, yes, yes, I¡¯ll give it to you on the second. I¡¯ll see you then¡­¡± Then he said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Okay, turn off the video ba.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I still have more to say!¡±


    ¡°How could you bear to turn it off just like that?!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What have you guys been playing these days?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°We didn¡¯t play anything, just ate and shopped, and visited some exhibitions.¡±


    Chen Yekai kept getting teased by them, and he now used his gaze to signal to Ou Qihang to stop talking to them, so Ou Qihang grinned as he turned off the video. On their side, they poured some wine, clinked glasses, and began eating their New Year¡¯s Eve dinner.

 Chapter 142.2

    On the first day of New Year, Fu Liqun sent Cen Shan to the high-speed railway station. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng slept for the entire day. Zhou Sheng¡¯s hair was a mess, and he wore his pajamas and slippers as he did some postgraduate examination questions at the dining table. When Fu Liqun came back, he let out a breath and lay on the sofa, looking at Zhou Sheng¡¯s thick examination book that was just like a heavenly scripture to him.


    Meanwhile, Yu Hao was writing and drawing on his manuscripts with a pen. He asked Fu Liqun, ¡°Ready to go abroad?¡±


    ¡°You know?¡± Fu Liqun was shocked, ¡°Is the soundproofing of this house that bad?¡±


    ¡°Nuo.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t even look up as he said, ¡°See? I was right ba? Go wash the dishes.¡±


    Yu Hao felt helpless. He said, ¡°Later. I admit defeat.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to her father on the fifth, bless me ba. I¡¯m still a bit confused, but I think I can do it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What do you plan to do next?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°When I went home a few days ago, I discussed it with my family. My Dad had prepared a sum of money to buy a house for me in Ying City. Now I want to use it to further my studies abroad, but of course, after your affairs settle down over here first.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Where?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Cologne Institute of Physical Education. I want to study as a postgrad there.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But are you sure furthering your studies is more reliable than buying a house?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun knew that Zhou Sheng was making fun of him, of course, and he said, ¡°I¡¯ll need to get a visa first, then go and study the language for a year. By then, I¡¯ll look for a job as a cycling instructor or something, work part-time. Your sis-in-law said that it¡¯s pretty easy to find part-time work there for sports.¡±


    ¡°Your father¡¯s paying for your tuition and living expenses so there¡¯s no problem ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Fu Liqun cracked his fingers and said, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best to rely on myself ba. It wasn¡¯t easy for my parents to work their whole lives. Sigh.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as you have a plan.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll have to repay you slowly.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Zhou Sheng finally looked up from his questions and glanced at Fu Liqun. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush.¡±


    The two of them then ended the conversation regarding Fu Liqun¡¯s future that simply. Yu Hao got up to wash the dishes. He knew that Fu Liqun had not yet recovered completely from the blow he suffered, but in his dream, the sandstorm might be on the verge of disappearing. In times to come, the sun would rise for him.


    Yu Hao began cleaning up the huge pile of dishes from last night. Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ll go over after finishing these last three questions.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Revise first ba, I¡¯ll wash these.¡±


    Then the doorbell rang. Fu Liqun went to open the door. Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai had arrived ahead of time. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t prepared at all and got a fright.


    ¡°His mother went to Sanya to play with her friends.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Ou Qihang took off his shoes at the door. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to do at home anyway, so we came over to see you guys.¡± Then he arranged his shoes neatly. Zhou Sheng glanced at them casually and said, ¡°Fuck, the two of you even changed to wearing Yin Yang shoes?!¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Just bought it in passing while we were walking around. Yu Hao, what are you doing?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Guests should take a seat in the living room.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I like washing dishes.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯m the one who washes all the dishes at home¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng saw Ou Qihang enter the kitchen and immediately threw his book away, then went in hurriedly to look after his family¡¯s cabbage, lest it got dug out by another family¡¯s pig.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go brew some coffee.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry.


    Fu Liqun took out some snacks and nian gaos. Zhou Sheng changed his clothes. He came out with a cigarette in his mouth, then shook his cigarette carton and gave Ou Qihang a stick. All of them sat at the dining table. Ou Qihang said, ¡°I have a lot of things I want to ask. For the past few days, I¡¯ve always felt a bit confused.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought about it for a bit and said, ¡°Today?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Up to you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a long time, then said, ¡°Okay, today then.¡± After he spoke, he flicked his thumb, and the Golden Crow Wheel spun as it flew across the dining table. Ou Qihang raised his hands and clapped his hands together to catch it with a baffled expression. He looked at the Golden Crow Wheel, then at Zhou Sheng, before looking at Chen Yekai again.


    Chen Yekai raised his hand. Ou Qihang handed the Golden Crow Wheel to him. Chen Yekai handed it to Fu Liqun, and Fu Liqun rubbed the Golden Crow Wheel with his thumb, then handed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao could sense that this was the real Golden Crow Wheel. He passed it back to Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng put it in front of him.


    Everyone waited for Zhou Sheng to speak. After a long silence, Zhou Sheng was still thinking, so Ou Qihang broke the silence first and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Jinsha¡¯s sunbird? There are also some people who call it a sun wheel.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s very difficult for me to explain it to ordinary people, but you should be okay¡­it can allow our thoughts ¡ª and even the thoughts of those sitting here right now ¡ª converge.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°And interfere as well, I understand.¡±


    ¡°What did you understand, you understood it just like that?¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I already knew about this once. In order to keep this secret, you guys sealed off this portion of my memories. No wonder I always feel as if there¡¯s something important I could never recall¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded. ¡°You¡¯re very right.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°But it was of no use, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Yu Hao observed Ou Qihang¡¯s expression. He didn¡¯t think Ou Qihang and Huang Ting were colluding, but there was always a ¡®what if¡¯ for everything. He had to be prudent and check it.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°That matter perplexed me for a rather long time. After enrolling in my college in Beijing, Ting Ge asked me out quite a few times, and I talked about the specific ins and outs¡­¡± Then he looked at Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°I told them as well.¡±


    Fu Liqun could roughly guess from this recounting. When they came back that day, Zhou Sheng had told Fu Liqun the whole story in its entirety.


    ¡°Did he get you to undergo hypnotism?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°Not just hypnotism.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°We tried almost everything.¡±


    ¡°Why were you so persistent?¡± Yu Hao had no idea what to do with Ou Qihang.


    ¡°Usually, when a portion of your memory disappears so inexplicably,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°and it even had to do with your life and death, wouldn¡¯t you be even a little curious about it?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Looks like you high IQ people are all like that. All of you are so insistent on understanding everything so thoroughly.¡±


    Chen Yekai was like that as well. When a single doubt emerged, he keenly grasped it and refused to let go. They didn¡¯t seem to have any doubts at all if it was an auditory or visual hallucination, or if it was just a figment of their imagination. They only believed in the logic behind it all.


    ¡°You make it sound like you¡¯re not the same way.¡± Zhou Sheng fiddled with the Golden Crow Wheel in his hands and smiled, ¡°How did you guess General¡¯s identity?¡±


    Yu Hao realised that he was right. At the beginning, he had thought about it over and over countless times before coming up with his conclusion.


    ¡°Talk about the specifics.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Ou Qihang took the Golden Crow Wheel again and looked at it in disbelief. He said, ¡°After that, I went to an institution to undergo hypnotic therapy. That was my last time trying to recall my memories through hypnotism; after that, I finally remembered everything that had happened.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You remembered everything?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°That¡¯s just my inference. I still don¡¯t remember anything now, but I¡¯m very certain that during that hypnosis, I talked about everything you guys made me forget and had left behind a record in that institution. However, they didn¡¯t tell me what had happened. Huang Ting even deceived me, asking me to just give up and let it go. He didn¡¯t plan on following up on this for now.¡±


    ¡°After this last hypnotic therapy ended, Huang Ting hardly talked about it anymore,¡± Ou Qihang took another sip of his coffee and said seriously, ¡°So I think he got what he wanted.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, then it really is troublesome now¡­


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡°. Ou Qihang said, ¡°Return that memory to me ba, why didn¡¯t you trust me back then? What did I do then?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything.¡± Zhou Sheng said indifferently, ¡°You¡¯re a very good person, I¡¯m just too vigilant.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°But that¡¯s reasonable. After all, no one would want this kind of secret to spread, especially under circumstances when we weren¡¯t that close to begin with.¡±


    Zhou Sheng smiled and said, ¡°We¡¯re not that familiar with each other now either.¡±


    Ou Qihang and everyone else laughed.


    ¡°Then,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s talk in the dream ba, it¡¯ll be easier to make things clear in the dream. Gege, lend us your dream for a while.¡±


    Fu Liqun answered, ¡°No problem.¡± This was something Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun had discussed beforehand, so he looked at everyone and asked, ¡°Which little baby will sleep with me?¡±


    Everyone, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa.¡±


    ¡°Are you a gong?¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I¡¯m a super gong.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Okay, but I have a black belt in Taekwondo.¡±


    ¡°You think I¡¯ll be afraid of you?!¡± Fu Liqun dragged Ou Qihang into the room.


    Yu Hao thought this scene was really too weird, these people are about to sleep in his home¡­Zhou Sheng looked at the time. It was 4 PM. It was still overcast outside; he drew the curtains of the living room and bedrooms, one by one.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng pressed his hand against Fu Liqun¡¯s head, then pressed on Ou Qihang¡¯s forehead. After that, he came out and pressed Chen Yekai¡¯s forehead.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng lay down side by side in bed, held hands, and closed their eyes.


    A bright light flashed; Fu Liqun, Chen Yekai, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao appeared in the safe haven of the desert world¡ª¡ª it was still their rented apartment. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng¡¯s position didn¡¯t even change, they were still lying on their bed. Chen Yekai woke up on the sofa, got up, and walked to the dining table.


    It was as if everyone had went to their positions to lay down, then get up again a few minutes later. If it wasn¡¯t because they were missing Ou Qihang, Yu Hao almost couldn¡¯t tell which was the dream and which was reality anymore.


    Chen Yekai also said, ¡°For a moment, I thought I hadn¡¯t fallen asleep.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Ou Qihang¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in his own world.¡± Zhou Sheng drew the curtains and looked outside. Beyond the balcony, the sandstorm that had blotted out the sky had vanished. Instead, there was a shining starry river in the sky, as well as a beautiful ancient city in the distance that lay amidst the tranquil night. After leaving the pyramid scheme organisation, all the flying mosquito men had disappeared. That is to say, in Fu Liqun¡¯s world now, it would no longer be as dangerous as it used to be.


    ¡°What on earth is this place?¡¯ Yu Hao asked Fu Liqun.


    ¡°Loulan.¡± Fu Liqun answered, ¡°When I was in junior high school, it was the movie I watched with your sis-in-law on our first date.¡±


    Fu Liqun still remembered that day clearly; it was pitch dark in the cinema outside their school, and there were a lot of mosquitoes. Cen Shan had never seen that kind of movie before in her life. He only busied himself with smearing eucalyptus oil on Cen Shan then. When he touched her white skin and long legs, in that darkness, he suddenly felt love gushing towards him like a tide.


    After that, Cen Shan grabbed his hand, and Fu Liqun had held her in his arms and kissed her. He had long forgotten the plot of the film, but his deepest impression of it was the exceptionally beautiful ancient city within the desert where dust storms surged through. Later on, he even called Cen Shan the ¡®Beautiful Loulan Bride¡¯.


    ¡°I thought those mosquitoes were your colleagues.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°They do seem a bit alike¡­¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s mouth twitched and he said helplessly, ¡°They almost tormented me to death.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sat at the dining table and said, ¡°Call Ou Qihang over ba. Who¡¯s in charge of summoning him?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I haven¡¯t tried it before¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Just like the day you crossed through the Golden Crow Wheel and entered Xiao Ou¡¯s dreamscape.¡±


    Chen Yekai tried to pull his hands apart, and the seal that Ou Qihang gave him appeared in his palm. He looked up at Zhou Sheng and asked, ¡°Then?¡±


    A golden flame burst out between Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers that was injected into the seal in Chen Yekai¡¯s hand. The seal became bright in an instant. Yu Hao wondered if this was the scene that appeared when Zhou Sheng first summoned him into Shi Ni¡¯s dream.


    Immediately afterward, the seal disintegrated into light particles. A loud noise blared, Ou Qihang appeared out of thin air and bumped into the table, stumbled, and knocked the sofa over. He had practically ¡®rolled¡¯ over here!


    Ou Qihang, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 143.1

    ¡°Start ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said to Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun pondered for a moment, and a miraculous transformation happened within the safe haven. All the walls turned into French windows, and though the dust storm was a lot weaker now, it still billowed across the ground. Smoke and dust surged and submerged Loulan ancient city. The safe haven and the peak of Loulan royal palace in the distance were like two lone islands within this sandstorm ocean.


    Everyone sat at the table. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Back again, at the same place.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°This is Qun Ge¡¯s dream? Your clothes¡­why am I¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun placed the photo on the table. This time, everyone¡¯s attire when entering the dream had changed to the white shirts and black suit pants they wore two years ago when they participated in their college¡¯s performance. All of them sat in silence.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°This should be the scene from my memory I¡¯m most reluctant to part with, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile.


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers. Ou Qihang sat at the edge of the table, and in an instant, his whole body was ablaze with golden flames. The golden light particles converged once again, forming photo-like memories that silently vanished in the void. The siege of the zombies, appearance of the gundam¡­Fu Liqun looked shocked as he watched. Ou Qihang¡¯s memories were being restored from his subconscious.


    The golden flame gradually extinguished, and Ou Qihang murmured, ¡°So that¡¯s what happened, I remember everything¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Entering dreams now is a rather risky move.¡±


    ¡°Only now,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°is when their vigilance is at its lowest. The investigation team thinks that it has taken away the Golden Crow Wheel, so they must be paying full attention to the fake.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Wait, what did they take away?¡±


    Zhou Sheng joined two fingers together and made a stroke in the air. A photo-like screen swirled out, and it explained what had happened to Ou Qihang and Fu Liqun.


    ¡°I see.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Huang Ting must have kept his eye on you guys for a long time.¡±


    Fu Liqun took a sip of coffee in the dream and said, ¡°Strange, this feels quite real¡­I didn¡¯t expect him to be so disloyal.¡±


    ¡°This is also a kind of loyalty.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Not capturing Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao is already considered very loyal of him. Who would be willing to let such a powerful apparatus fall into the hands of people who can¡¯t be controlled?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I don¡¯t understand. If Huang Ting has any requests, he¡¯s completely capable of saying it himself; he doesn¡¯t need to do this ba. If the country really needs the Golden Crow Wheel, it¡¯s not like we can¡¯t cooperate. Although I don¡¯t want to demonize the government, but why¡­¡±


    ¡°Because the right to take initiative is in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands.¡± Chen Yekai pondered, then said, ¡°Let me try to analyse their goal, although it¡¯s just my conjecture.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°The two of you are pretty familiar with each other, you should be the one who knows him best here.¡±


    Everyone quietly watched Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai thought about it for a while and stated, ¡°Huang Ting and I were deskmates in junior high, so in comparison, I understand him better. But the more one thinks they understand someone, the easier it is for them to trust themselves blindly, thereby leading to the start of serious problems and fatal mistakes. Let¡¯s not start deducing from Huang Ting himself first. Let¡¯s just start from a logical standpoint.¡±


    ¡°If I were the investigation team,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°no matter what kind of investigation team it is, no one would allow Zhou Sheng to hold the Golden Crow Wheel without any constraints. Because mechanisms are dead, and humans are the ones who are alive. No one can guarantee that you may do something untrollable. You won¡¯t now, but the future is uncertain.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Yes, I have no objections to that.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Then they have two options: the first is to discuss it properly with you and ask for your cooperation, listen to your demands, and study it together.¡±


    ¡°An exchange ma.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°But we¡¯ve already been terrified by American dramas and movies since we were young, so we¡¯d always have conspiracy theories about our country.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded. ¡°Yes. But Yu Hao, have you ever thought about what he would do if Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t satisfied with the terms of exchange? In fact, what if Zhou Sheng has no intention to cooperate with the country at all?¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent for a moment. The golden flames in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand would transform into golden power and disperse once in a while, then converge again. He said indifferently, ¡°Then I may erase the memories of all relevant personnel through dreams. From their standpoint, such speculation is understandable.¡±


    Yu Hao understood now. This was why Huang Ting had always been hiding in the dark¡ªthey had no way of ascertaining if Zhou Sheng would get irritated and use the Golden Crow Wheel to simply, roughly erase the memories of all relevant personnel. In this regard, he was quite dangerous.


    ¡°There¡¯s a large disparity in the strength of both sides.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°In their eyes, Zhou Sheng wields power that could almost let him do whatever he wants. Under uncertain circumstances, the first option would lead to handing all rights to take initiative over to Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng nodded.


    Yu Hao, ¡°What about the second option?¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng had finished thinking, and he calmly said, ¡°Separate me from the Golden Crow Wheel and take it away. After that, come and find me to discuss cooperating with them. But they must be very careful throughout this process¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Once your vigilance is roused, Huang Ting would be finished.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded politely and said, ¡°But they were still too careless. Huang Ting¡¯s professionalism was still lacking a little na. Okay, that¡¯s the whole story. Let¡¯s get down to business first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up, and Ou Qihang asked, puzzled again, ¡°What are we going to do now?¡±


    Fu Liqun stood in front of the French windows and looked at the ancient city of Loulan in the distance. He said, ¡°Brothers, please help me seize back the most important thing in my heart.¡±


    The glass wall gradually disintegrated. The light of dusk illuminated Loulan and made it seem bloody red in colour. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and made a gesture in the air, summoning his jingubang. He wielded the jingubang in both hands and shouted angrily, ¡°Go!¡±


    The jingubang elongated in an instant and smashed the French windows with a loud bang. On the tall tower, countless flashing pieces burst out of the safe haven that was surrounded by glass. The jingubang stretched out for nearly a kilometre, and obliquely connected the tall tower with the platform outside the palace gate of Loulan royal palace.


    ¡°I can fly!¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng wrapped his right arm around Yu Hao and flew onto the jingubang. With the nook of his left arm hooking around the jingubang, he slid down with a whoosh.


    ¡°Could you guys stop flirting at this kind of time?!¡± Fu Liqun blew up.


    Everyone hooked onto the jingubang and slid toward the gate of Loulan royal palace one after another!


    The dust storm outside the palace slowly receded, and the insect nests that had spread all around this palace seemed to have been swept away, and almost all of them had disappeared. Only gales and sand swirled in front of the gate.


    ¡°Looks like after leaving the pyramid scheme nest, your heart is still a little healthier than mine.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°At least there aren¡¯t a lot of strange things.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s the boss in your world?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t answer. Yu Hao thought, he probably won¡¯t tell you ba¡­so he diverted the topic, ¡°I¡¯m curious about who the boss in Gege¡¯s heart will be.¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled helplessly, ¡°I don¡¯t know either, would it be your sis-in-law?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I think¡­it may be the same as my dear wife¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Ou Qihang was extremely puzzled as he looked at Yu Hao.


    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s voice resounded loudly outside the palace.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It really is yourself!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Come ba,¡± the other Fu Liqun¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Prove your strength. Hothead, let me see just how capable you are¡­¡±


    Immediately afterward, a dense mass of words appeared on the gate of Loulan Palace ¡ª it was an examination paper! The words on it were already blurry, and Fu Liqun¡¯s name could be seen under the title. There were MCQs, analysis questions and even an English composition!


    Yu Hao, ¡°These are the college entrance examination papers? Why?¡±


    Fu Liqun became frantic, ¡°My college entrance examination papers¡­that year, I only got a little more than 40 marks for my English paper! AAAHHHHH!¡±


    Zhou Sheng kept his jingubang. The voice inside said, ¡°Do you feel remorse? Prove yourself ba.¡± Then it fell silent again, and not a single sound could be heard anymore.


    ¡°So you have to redo the college entrance examination papers from then now?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you always felt regret and wanted to retake your English exam?¡±


    Fu Liqun was both crying and laughing now. He nodded. His fate did make him embark on a forked road of his life¡¯s path from the day of his college entrance examination. Not getting into a good college has always been a thorn in his heart as well.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s already been so long, it¡¯s time to get over it. Yu Hao, don¡¯t help him with the questions anymore! It¡¯s no use!¡±


    Yu Hao was still raising his head as he read the comprehension MCQ options. He said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Of course it¡¯s¡­¡± Zhou Sheng cleanly swung his jingubang from his shoulders to his back, then to his waist and spun it around once before wielding it in his hands. His finger pushed against the space towards his nose bridge, and a pair of glasses appeared on his handsome face. An evil glint flashed.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it!¡±


    Everyone was ready to break through with violence. Chen Yekai spun the pistol in his hands, yet Ou Qihang¡¯s arms circled in the air; his left hand pressed down while his right hand lifted up, and he made an Oriental Kung Fu gesture. Yu Hao has never seen Ou Qihang¡¯s weapon before and was extremely curious. He said, ¡°You¡¯re going to knock on the door barehanded?¡±


    ¡°And be a little Street Fighter?¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°See again?¡±


    In the next moment, within the gesture Ou Qihang made, light ¡®buzzed¡® as it converged in his hands, and a mechanical laser gun nearly one metre long appeared within ¡ª as if a magician had just created it out of thin air from his consciousness.


    ¡°Holy shit!¡± Everyone was stunned.


    ¡°Is it heavy?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°This weapon¡¯s too powerful!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not heavy.¡± Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°It almost has no weight at all.¡± Then his five fingers flexed and extended, learning from how Chen Yekai fiddled with his gun, and his mechanical laser was flung to draw a beautiful arc in the air before it landed on his shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s true that this paper changed your life.¡± Ou Qihang said to Fu Liqun, ¡°But everything in the past will just become part of our history. Qun Ge, we are ourselves, we will never be defined by a piece of paper. Let me open this door for you ba!¡±


    Yu Hao burst out laughing, and he suddenly realised that if it wasn¡¯t Ou Qihang and Zhou Sheng striking down with his rod, this door may not even open! Because to Fu Liqun, although Zhou Sheng was really good at mathematics, his English was horrible!


    Everyone drew their weapons. Ou Qihang turned sideways and released a shot first. That shot shook the heavens and earth and instantly sent the gate of Loulan Palace flying. Zhou Sheng went forward and struck it with his rod as well, and within a split second, all weapons took center stage. The gate of the palace collapsed instantly and flew inside with a loud blast!


    ¡°You¡¯re not obeying the rules!¡± The man inside became angry and shouted, ¡°When you enter society, you¡¯ll have a hard time!¡±


    A statute inside opened its mouth, and countless gold coins flew out of its mouth that gathered into a torrential rainstorm that whizzed towards them. Zhou Sheng wielded his jingubang and went against the current. He shouted, ¡°Fuck your damn rules!¡±


    Zhou Sheng stirred up a powerful storm from ground level, and a loud noise blared. However, the gold coins were really of exaggerated size, and he could hardly withstand it. Everyone hid behind Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng shook the jingubang and turned it into a shield, then used it to forcibly resist the storm. Yu Hao immediately reached out and pressed his hand against the shield. The shield emitted an intense glare, but under Yu Hao¡¯s hand, it stabilised in an instant.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your father-in-law a bit too rich?!¡± Golden bullets were flying everywhere, and even Ou Qihang couldn¡¯t withstand them. The gold coins shooting out from the depths of Loulan Palace whistled through the air like bullets, as if hundreds of machine guns had formed a square-shaped formation that was firing at them crazily.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I can¡¯t change my perception! The impression he gave me is that¡­¡±

 Chapter 143.2

    Everyone hid behind the huge shield. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Yu Hao! You can break the curse of the rich! Quick! Go!¡±


    ¡°How do I break it?!¡± Yu Hao turned frantic, ¡°I can¡¯t handle it either!¡±


    Zhou Sheng remembered now and shouted at Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of Money¡¯s attack!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m afraid! But if I get close to it, there may be a way!¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s send out a rich one too. Kaikai! Go! Cover us!¡±


    Chen Yekai ran out, flashed past, and left the cover of the shield. He drew his pistol, spun around, shook it, and his firearm transformed into a ball of light. Immediately afterwards, from within the light, snowflake-like bank cards showered down with a whoosh like flowers and went against the stream of gold coins. It was barely on even ground with the enemy, and both sides began bombing the other crazily.


    Zhou Sheng carried his shield on his shoulder and jumped up. Yu Hao extended a hand, grasping a bank card from mid air. Chen Yekai¡¯s black, private bank card instantly flashed and transformed into Yu Hao¡¯s 2 million diamond card. And within a very brief moment, Yu Hao saw that in the depths of the palace, a statue stood within its courtyard.


    ¡°Drop dead!¡± Yu Hao shouted angrily, waved his hand, and the diamond card swirled over with a ¡®whoosh¡®; it turned into a sharp blade, a loud blare sounded in the courtyard, gold coins flew everywhere before landing all over the ground. The head of the statue was completely severed ¡ª it landed on the ground and rolled away.


    Gold coins were strewn all over the palace, and the world turned quiet. The head of the statue was rolling on the floor; its craftsmanship was extremely exquisite.


    ¡°That battle was so vulgar.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°No one¡¯s allowed to talk about what happened today.¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing at the same time. Chen Yekai shook his head helplessly. Fu Liqun bent down and picked up the head of the statue. He took a look before throwing it onto the ground, then said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Do I have no power to resist at all? And can only wait for you guys to escort me to the totem?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You have to believe in yourself first before you can possess strength.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The closer we get to your totem, the more easily the world in your heart can get influenced, and you will become stronger too.¡±


    ¡°Find your self-confidence,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°And truly locate the source of your self-confidence.¡±


    Fu Liqun raised his hand. Light particles began gathering within his palms; it was vague and indistinct, so no one could tell what it was. Everyone bypassed the courtyard. There was a staircase inside that automatically moved upward, and it led into the deepest part of the palace. Another door was found at its end, but upon arrival at the door, the second door opened up automatically, and they came up to the middle of a spacious platform that connected the two buildings of the palace.


    A gust of wind that caught bits of sand blew over, and blistering hot gravel swept by. At the end of the platform was the third door, and another Fu Liqun stood in front of it.


    ¡°The gatekeeper is yourself.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hey, that¡¯s interesting.¡±


    Fu Liqun walked towards the center of the platform. The other Fu Liqun wore a suit of leather armour and was wielding a halberd in hand; black flames engulfed his body, and he made a gesture like he was inviting someone for a fight as he beckoned Fu Liqun, who was wearing a pair of suit pants and a shirt.


    Ou Qihang was about to walk forward, but Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang horizontally across to stop people on their side.


    ¡°Let me do it myself ba.¡± Fu Liqun looked back and said to the rest, ¡°Brothers, thank you.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say something, but stopped. Zhou Sheng nodded in response and stood with Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang at one side of the platform. They watched Fu Liqun and Dark Fu Liqun stare at each other from afar on the battlefield.


    ¡°You can¡¯t defeat me.¡± Dark Fu Liqun said, ¡°Since you¡¯ve already been banished, why come back again?¡±


    Fu Liqun answered, ¡°Yes, you¡¯re right, I¡¯ve always been running away for a very long time.¡±


    Dark Fu Liqun said, ¡°They let you come back, so you came back? Aside from Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, do you even have any other motivations?¡±


    When Yu Hao saw Dark Fu Liqun, he couldn¡¯t help but recall Dark Zhou Sheng¡ªSatan in his arena. Since the gatekeeper is Fu Liqun himself, then who would be in front of his totem? He couldn¡¯t help but look up, only to see that on the other side of the palace, concealed within the dark clouds, the dust storms that obscured the sky seemed to be swirling over from there.


    ¡°No.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯m doing this for myself.¡±


    Dark Fu Liqun lowered his head slightly and stared at Fu Liqun. A gust of wind blew by. Fu Liqun appeared in blue sportswear attire from head to toe. His jacket was open, revealing his sturdy chest, and his lapels fluttered in the wind.


    ¡°You have never lived for yourself.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°You have always been living for others all your life; for Cen Shan, for your friends, for the expectations your parents have of you¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Liqun nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    A dust storm swept by. Fu Liqun crouched slightly, just like how he did on the basketball court. He watched his opponent¡¯s posture closely. Sand blown over by the wind swept across the platform in an instant. Zhou Sheng raised his hand and blocked in front of Yu Hao.


    Within the billowing dust storm, Fu Liqun¡¯s earnest voice rang out.


    ¡°Ever since I was a kid,¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ve never really lived for myself. I¡¯ve never been able to break free from the evaluations other people had of me no matter what I did. Whether it was my parents, my teachers, or my friends¡­I thought I was an outstanding person. It¡¯s just that all those displays were just for show.¡±


    ¡°So?¡± Dark Fu Liqun said from within the sandstorm, ¡°Now you want to be yourself?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly.¡± Fu Liqun raised his finger. On his index finger, sand swirled and coalesced into a ball of light that rotated rapidly. The sand storm seemed to treat this rotating ball of light as its core as it formed into a whirlpool and was yanked over! The dust storm cleared up, and Yu Hao clearly saw the scene before him once again.


    ¡°I can¡¯t become the person other people want me to be,¡± Fu Liqun said seriously, ¡°I can¡¯t live a marvelous life others imagine, but there is one thing I can be sure of. And that is¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°No matter what I become, there will always be someone who will depend on me!¡± Fu Liqun shouted angrily, and the ball of light in his hand transformed again ¡ª it elongated into a halberd that looked almost the same as the one Dark Fu Liqun wielded, then his figure blurred as he fiercely shot over!


    Fu Liqun and his dark self collided, stirring up a mad storm in the process. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Gege! Jiayou!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°You can win!¡±


    Fu Liqun was dressed in blue sportswear, while Dark Fu Liqun was clad in leather armour from head to toe. Both sides clashed resoundingly, separated, then collided again. Two halberds came to blows with each other and emitted many deafening clangs. Yu Hao¡¯s vision was a blur as he watched; if it weren¡¯t for their different attires, he would hardly be able to tell which was the enemy and which Fu Liqun was the one from their side.


    He held Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, his palm covered in sweat, and whispered, ¡°It¡¯s too difficult. He hasn¡¯t seized his totem yet, how can he defeat himself?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°He has a chance.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Have you guys encountered such a situation before?¡±


    ¡°Only once.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°When I faced myself. But I only won after seizing my totem back.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Why is it difficult to win?¡±


    Chen Yekai said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Defeating oneself is the most difficult thing to do. After all, the strength of both personalities are roughly comparable; this means that he must integrate his personality into himself before he can overcome the other obsessions in his heart.¡±


    It suddenly occurred to Yu Hao that in both Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang¡¯s dreams, their dark selves hadn¡¯t seemed to appear. Did that mean that they had already integrated their personalities into themselves?


    On the battlefield, Fu Liqun and his dark self crossed swords like a violent storm. Every blow triggered an upheaval in the air around them, and the shockwaves would sweep past the entire platform. At the instant they parted after exchanging blows, Dark Fu Liqun swept his halberd within a split second, and Fu Liqun bowed down to dodge it. Yu Hao, who was spectating at a side, shivered in an instant, and he shouted inwardly, there¡¯s a good opportunity!


    In the next moment, Fu Liqun¡¯s swiftly stabbed over with his halberd! The tip of his halberd was lodged in Dark Fu Liqun¡¯s throat, and it pinned him onto the gate!


    ¡°I won¡¯t be looked down upon anymore!¡± Fu Liqun exerted all his might to shout.


    ¡°Until now,¡± Dark Fu Liqun smiled wickedly, ¡°You¡¯re still living within other people¡¯s expectations¡­¡±


    Immediately afterwards, black flames erupted from Dark Fu Liqun that knocked Fu Liqun away. The black flames swirled and whistled through the sky like meteors and landed, revealing the figures of Li Yangming and Huang Zheng.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Damn it! He looked for helpers?!¡±


    Fu Liqun retreated a little, dragging his halberd along. He gasped for breath for a moment. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng immediately rushed forward, and while they dashed over, their clothes changed once again ¡ª they were now dressed in their basketball attires. The formation on the platform instantly turned into a 3 on 3 match.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never looked down on you, Gege.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯ve always been our captain!¡±


    Zhou Sheng shook his jingubang and said, ¡°Let¡¯s redeem ourselves here for the unwillingness we felt after our defeat that year!¡±


    Fu Liqun instantly opened his eyes, and the corners of his mouth drew up.


    ¡°Is that the source of your confidence?¡± Dark Fu Liqun asked slowly.


    The platform transformed once again and turned into a basketball court. Fu Liqun said, ¡°The game has started! Let¡¯s do this!¡±


    In the next moment, all three of them rushed forward and stood with Huang Zheng and Li Yangming, who were led by Dark Fu Liqun. Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang. A whistle appeared in Fu Liqun¡¯s mouth, and he blew it.


    Amidst the sound of the whistle, Yu Hao crouched down to dodge the knife Li Yangming swung over. Li Yangming¡¯s hoarse voice said, ¡°You have everything, so you think¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how arrogant I am!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°So? If you don¡¯t like it, then hit me!¡±


    In the next moment, Yu Hao made Li Yangming trip over his staff. Fu Liqun rushed from one side and lifted Dark Li Yangming with his halberd, which sent him flying upward. Zhou Sheng then swung over with his rod and sent him flying onto the gate. Yu Hao released both his daggers that flew over with a whoosh; while Li Yangming let out an anguished wail. He transformed into black flames and scattered into the air!


    Huang Zheng roared madly as he rushed over. The three of them turned around again; Zhou Sheng swept over with his jingubang and forced Dark Fu Liqun away, who was trying to approach them. Yu Hao brandished his daggers from behind, Huang Zheng turned sideways to avoid them, and Fu Liqun rushed over again from the other side.


    ¡°Director Huang, I¡¯ve wanted to beat you up for a fucking long time!¡± Fu Liqun roared angrily as he threw away his halberd. He immediately looked as if he had entered a berserker mode as his fists took turns beating Huang Zheng up madly one after another, and he eventually threw Huang Zheng off the platform!


    Dark Fu Liqun retreated a little more. Fu Liqun gasped for breath, a ball of light appearing in his hand once again.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a really good idea to summon those two whose strength only amounts to 5 points.¡± Zhou Sheng mocked Dark Fu Liqun.


    Yu Hao said in a low voice, ¡°Sometimes, the evaluations others make of us is far from as bad we imagine them to be. After these two thorns are removed from his heart, what else do you have left?¡±


    Dark Fu Liqun sneered, ¡°Do you think you will win even if you can pass through this door? Not necessarily¡­¡±


    After he spoke, Dark Fu Liqun brandished his halberd and rushed towards Fu Liqun. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao retreated at the same time, but Fu Liqun shouted loudly, then sprinted forward without any weapons in hand!


    Dark Fu Liqun spun around, making a clean sweep with his halberd in the process, but Fu Liqun leapt up into mid air while he was dashing, raised his right hand, and his body leaned forward.


    Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang cheered at the same time!


    An intense ball of light appeared in Fu Liqun¡¯s hands that burst out in all directions. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Slam dunk! Full marks!!¡±


    In the next moment, Fu Liqun smashed that ball of strong light onto his dark self¡¯s head. He pressed down on his dark self until he crashed down with a loud blast; bits of rocks flew everywhere, and the back of Dark Fu Liqun¡¯s head was slammed into the platform ground.


    ¡°AAHHHHHH¡ª¡ª¡± Fu Liqun roared angrily, and that ball of strong light suddenly began to decompose his dark self.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡­¡± Dark Fu Liqun¡¯s voice trembled.


    Dark Fu Liqun instantly turned into light particles that filled the sky. With a loud rumble, they were all sucked into Fu Liqun¡¯s body. Fu Liqun¡¯s entire body glowed with a bright light; leather armor started spreading across his skin and turned into a scale armour that covered his whole body, and a glowing halberd appeared in his hand.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 144.1

    The gatekeeper disappeared. Fu Liqun returned the halberd to his back, faced the gate, and let out a prolonged sigh.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Gege, think through it carefully. Don¡¯t open that door before thinking it through clearly.¡±


    Fu Liqun didn¡¯t look back.


    Yu Hao recalled what Zhou Sheng said to him before he had first pushed his door open.


    Four people went up to stand behind Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun still didn¡¯t turn back. After a long period of silence, he slowly shook his head, then turned back and said, ¡°Did you guys ask yourselves the same question before going through this last door?¡±


    Ou Qihang turned his head sideways to look at Fu Liqun and answered, ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡­un, I did.¡± Chen Yekai thought about it for a bit, then answered, ¡°But the problem I faced was different from yours.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that on the second morning after they returned before the New Year, Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun had seriously discussed their careers, futures, Fu Liqun¡¯s feelings with Cen Shan, their confusion about their futures, and all of these were still thorns in Fu Liqun¡¯s heart.


    Although Fu Liqun had thought about what path he wanted to take in the future, when he faced a challenge regarding his personal values and how he should live the rest of his life, he still had not truly, completely figured it out.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Fu Liqun asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°Mine was different too.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°At that time in my life, I still hadn¡¯t faced the same anxieties as you do now.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°You should be the kind of person who wouldn¡¯t really worry too much about material things ba, Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°Perhaps it was because of my childhood.¡±


    So the five of them just continued standing like that in front of the door and didn¡¯t go in. Fu Liqun looked up at the primitive patterns on the door. Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°My dear wife, counsel Gege a bit? It should be your turn at this kind of time.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to say.¡±


    Ou Qihang smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t you always have a way, somehow? When it comes to brainwashing, you¡¯re even better at it than Uncle Kai.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Even more amazing than pyramid schemes.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry, yet Fu Liqun was staring at the door seriously.


    ¡°Which path do you want to choose?¡± Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°Sometimes, I feel like the problems that both you and Zhou Sheng face are very similar.¡±


    ¡°Which path?¡± Fu Liqun muttered.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Become a CEO, marry sis-in-law, and embark on a path to the pinnacle of your life?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°If it¡¯s possible, who wouldn¡¯t want that? Who wouldn¡¯t want success? But the thing is, I can¡¯t do it!¡±


    ¡°If you can do it,¡± Yu Hao thought about it, ¡°Then would you walk forward and push the door open? Gege, have you ever thought about what kind of success you would regard as true success? Is it a success in the eyes of the people in this world, or success in the truest sense for you?¡¯


    This was a belief that Yu Hao has always insisted upon as well.


    Yu Hao continued, ¡°Is there only one way to succeed in this world? In the eyes of others, is the path that¡¯s filled with all sorts of riches the only path that¡¯s considered right? I don¡¯t know about others, but I know in my heart clearly, that for me, I have far more than just one choice in my life. I believe that I¡¯m currently walking on the right path. And more importantly, I¡¯ve never regretted choosing it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao were currently holding hands, and their grip tightened slightly.


    Fu Liqun opened his eyes wide; the door in front of him was reflected in his clear pupils. Within a split second, every scene around them disappeared, and their surroundings transformed into a vast expanse of white.


    ¡°No matter who¡¯s ahead, I believe that your last battle won¡¯t be a game of Materialism.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°If you want to defeat it, the most important point isn¡¯t to become richer than it, but for you to always hold a firm belief in yourself.¡±


    ¡°After fighting evil dragons for a long time,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°you¡¯ll end up becoming an evil dragon yourself. That¡¯s the wrong path I once walked through, but Qun Ge, I don¡¯t think you will.¡± ()


    Fu Liqun slowly nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ve thought it through.¡±


    ¡°Then carry your conviction with you and push the door open!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll go together!¡±


    Everyone went forward and bent down. Yu Hao had never thought that from the very beginning a long time ago until now, they would develop in such a way that they would push open the door deep in the heart of their comrade-in-arms together!


    The last door creaked noisily; the hinges on the door turned and it opened with a loud rumble. Gold and jewelry shone brightly within, and their glow was so dazzling that they were almost unable to keep their eyes open for a moment. The light faded, revealing the massive hall within.


    Everyone held their breath at the same time. Gold coins and jewelry were piled up so high that they formed a mountain. For a moment, Yu Hao even thought that he had walked into the wrong location and had instead transmigrated into a western fantasy film. Within the vast treasury, the walls and pillars were all carved into golden statues.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If only this was reality¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Be careful.¡±


    Everyone wielded their weapons and approached slowly. On the jewelry and gold coin mountain in the treasury, they found a gigantic grey dragon entrenched there! The grey dragon was currently sound asleep. An iron chain was tied around its neck, and the other end of the iron chain was tying up a veiled girl with a lithe figure who was wearing a silk dress!


    ¡°Sis¡­sis-in-law.¡±


    For a while, even Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t react in time.


    That girl was the Cen Shan in Fu Liqun¡¯s dreamscape. As of right now, she was being guarded securely by the evil dragon. She looked at Fu Liqun and the others with sorrow evident in her eyes.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that dragon?¡± Ou Qihang scrutinised the evil dragon. Its eyes were narrowed and slanted upward, and it actually had two eyebrows, a nose, and the contours of its dragon face still appeared human.


    ¡°That¡¯s your sis-in-law¡¯s father.¡± Fu Liqun felt awkward as he said this.


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t help but want to burst into laughter. In the face of such a scene, everyone immediately laughed so hard that they were shedding tears.


    Chen Yekai whispered, ¡°So, this is an age-old story about a knight saving a princess.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But what about the totem?¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to pay attention to Cen Shan, now the princess of Loulan, whose body glimmered with a faint light.


    ¡°Is the totem her?¡± Fu Liqun asked, ¡°It can turn into a human?¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t the first time that¡¯s happened.¡± Chen Yekai thought about it for a bit and said, ¡°Go up to her.¡±


    All of them approached the center of the treasury very carefully. Fu Liqun took the lead, while the rest wielded their weapons and kept a close watch on the grey dragon nervously. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m very certain that dragon will wake up.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Not necessarily. Whether or not the dragon wakes up doesn¡¯t depend on us disturbing it.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Un, it depends on whether Liqun and Cen Shan¡¯s relationship can still continue on right under the nose of the dragon that¡¯s guarding the totem¡­If he¡¯s confident enough to be with Cen Shan, that dragon will only wake up after he seizes histotem back.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Princess Loulan stared at Fu Liqun in a daze.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Fu Liqun carried a halberd on his back and was clad in leather armour. He said, ¡°I¡¯ve been running away for too long.¡±


    A hint of a smile could be seen in the princess¡¯ eyes. She whispered, ¡°It¡¯s still not too late, knight.¡±


    After she spoke, she gently lifted her veil; the veil fluttered into the air, floated down, and Cen Shan¡¯s absolutely stunning face was revealed.


    ¡°So beautiful¡­¡± Ou Qihang, ¡°She¡¯s even more beautiful than when I saw her that day.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Indeed, her eyes are too beautiful.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Sis-in-law is an exceptional beauty ah.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are four gays here discussing how beautiful someone else¡¯s girlfriend is?¡±


    ¡°Everyone loves beauty ma.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled as he used his jingubang to lift Yu Hao¡¯s chin. He said, ¡°But of course, my wife is still the best.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Right at that moment, Fu Liqun made a move that surprised everyone else very much. He didn¡¯t take Cen Shan¡¯s hand, nor did he cut off her shackles. Instead, he pressed a hand against his chest and bowed slightly to Cen Shan.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a prince, and there¡¯s no throne for me to inherit.¡± Fu Liqun said softly, ¡°I don¡¯t have unlimited wealth, I¡¯m just a knight¡­¡±


    Cen Shan watched Fu Liqun with a sad, slight smile on her face.


    ¡°I can¡¯t give you what your father asked for.¡± Fu Liqun knelt down on one knee. With one hand pressing down on his knee, he looked up at Cen Shan and slowly said, ¡°But I will give you the very best that I can afford to. I will also work hard all my life. In this world, some people are born princes, while there are also some who are born as knights. I have my mission as well, I don¡¯t know if you will choose me¡­¡±


    ¡°You already know the answer long ago, don¡¯t you?¡± Cen Shan said softly, then reached out with her fair fingers towards Fu Liqun.


    At that moment, everyone¡¯s hearts reached their throats as they focused all of their attention on the grey dragon¡¯s eyes! Fu Liqun knelt on one knee, extended a hand, and touched Cen Shan¡¯s fingers.


    Yu Hao¡¯s grip on his daggers tightened. Zhou Sheng got into a battle stance, while Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang wielded their weapons¡ª¡ª


    Right at the instant their fingers touched, the grey dragon¡¯s eyelids lifted slightly such that its eyes opened a crack, revealing its serpentine pupils, and its pupils suddenly contracted into vertical lines!


    ¡°Now!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    Within an instant, the gun and laser fired at the same time and unleashed a mad torrent of shots on the grey dragon. Immediately afterward, the grey dragon roared.


    ¡°A bunch of imbeciles¡ª¡ª¡±


    The grey dragon was instantly furious. It spread out its wings and suddenly got up. Cen Shan was dragged away by the chains tied around her feet, but Fu Liqun still grasped onto Cen Shan¡¯s wrist tightly and shouted, ¡°What do we do now?!¡±


    ¡°Keep a firm hold on her!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Leave the rest to us! Focus on taking your totem back!¡±


    ¡°How do I take it?!¡± Fu Liqun pulled Cen Shan, but within an instant, he was dragged into mid air. That grey dragon still didn¡¯t notice him; it only had the other four people in its eyes. It roared, ¡°Ants that know nothing of the world!¡±


    Yu Hao felt like he was looking at Zhou Laichun. It can¡¯t be that the attitudes of these rich people were all the same, right? Chen Yekai rushed out from the side and shouted, ¡°Watch out!¡±


    The grey dragon spewed out fierce flames that surrounded the hall. Yu Hao thought, Why hasn¡¯t it risen yet?


    The hall shattered with a loud blast, and time seemed to stop: flying rocks, rubble, gold coins, and jewelry scattered in all directions instantly, and started spinning around like they were in a violent storm!


    The opportunity has come! This was the moment Yu Hao was waiting for. When the master comes into contact with their totem in their dreamscapes, the scene will disintegrate, leaving behind a platform that will rise into the air. And sure enough, the same thing was happening in Fu Liqun¡¯s dream!


    ¡°Pillars!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    ¡°Ai!¡± Zhou Sheng carried his jingubang on his back and hit all of the gold and silver jewelry that had rushed toward him with his rod using a whirlwind move, scattering them all over the sky. He shouted, ¡°My honored wife, what¡¯s your command?!¡± After he spoke, he turned around and faced the golden pillar that was supporting the treasury. He brandished his jingubang to resist it and shouted, ¡°It¡¯s so heavy! Where should I hit?!¡±


    Yu Hao leaped up and flung the scattered hinge outside the gate. A storm came; the hall disintegrated, and the scorching sun in the sky shone down. Under the light of that blazing sun, Yu Hao fluttered his wings open with a whoosh. He dragged the iron chain and flew past the massive golden pillar and rapidly flew around it several times.


    Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Catch!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang were unable to fly. Chen Yekai threw out the other end of the hinge and Zhou Sheng instantly understood; he kicked the golden pillar in the air, caught the iron chain and shouted, ¡°Go!¡±


    As the platform rose, Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng worked together as they quickly flew around the golden pillar. Zhou Sheng grabbed the other end of the hinge and flagrantly rushed towards the grey dragon, then abruptly coiled the hinge around it.


    The grey dragon turned its head and noticed Fu Liqun. It opened its mouth, and blazing flames started gathering within; right at the moment, its dragon flames were about to erupt, and Fu Liqun would be burned to ashes¡ª¡ª


    All of the buildings everywhere retreated; the sunlight was like a scorching flame that illuminated the earth. Fu Liqun hugged Cen Shan tightly, and the two of them embraced each other closely within this storm. Cen Shan opened her eyes, raised her head, and wrapped her arms around Fu Liqun¡¯s neck.


    As soon as the grey dragon spread its wings open to take flight, it was instantly dragged down by a massive golden pillar, and its body sunk uncontrollably, such that it fell onto the platform once again. The dragon flames that it didn¡¯t have the time to spew out formed a light pillar that shot towards the sky as the dragon raised its head.


    Cen Shan was suddenly yanked away as well, and she was pulled out of Fu Liqun¡¯s embrace. Fu Liqun fell from mid air as he chased after her and grabbed onto her wrist, refusing to let go. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng flew away, a loud noise blared, and the grey dragon slammed harsly onto the edge of the platform. Both its wings kept flapping fiercely.


    ¡°The sun¡¯s here!¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Summon your mounts over!¡±


    Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, Zhou Sheng, and Yu Hao raised their weapons at the same time; from where they were on level ground, they faced the blazing sun in the middle of the sky¡ª¡ª the light from Yu Hao¡¯s weapon connected to Zhou Sheng, the light from Chen Yekai¡¯s weapon connected to Yu Hao, while a seal materialised in Ou Qihang¡¯s hand that connected to the sun in Fu Liqun¡¯s dream world.


    The grey dragon fell, and Fu Liqun fell along with it. With a muffled thud, he smashed down so hard his head was covered in blood, and he struggled to get up. Cen Shan was firmly tied up by the fetters around her feet. She crawled towards Fu Liqun and cried out anxiously, ¡°Get up! Get up now!¡±


    Fu Liqun propped himself up with his halberd and arduously got up. He was swaying from side to side as he walked towards Cen Shan.


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I can¡¯t take her away! She¡¯s locked!¡±


    ¡°You can!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°One crucial key is missing! Like in my dream¡­¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly remembered and shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª catch!¡±


    Yu Hao pointed at the sky with one finger; a light particle materialised at his finger tip, and he flung it at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    The light particle landed between Zhou Sheng¡¯s fingers. Zhou Sheng pinched it and instantly remembered ¡ª it was the ear stud that they had accompanied Fu Liqun to choose three years ago! Zhou Sheng threw the ear stud into the air and struck it with his jingubang, then shouted,


    ¡°Gege! Catch! Your brothers picked it for you!¡±


    The ear stud elongated in mid air and turned into a long silver needle. Fu Liqun felt like he was just awoken from a dream; he held the needle with one hand and inserted it into the fetters on Cen Shan¡¯s legs and unlocked the shackles!

 Chapter 144.2

    The grey dragon dragged the golden pillar under its belly, propped itself up and stretched out its claws towards Fu Liqun before slamming it down.


    ¡°Yo ho!¡± A gundam landed with a loud rumble; it stepped on the grey dragon¡¯s head with one foot, and the platform¡¯s tiles flew everywhere ¡ª the grey dragon¡¯s head was stepped on so hard it smashed into the platform and was buried in the tiles.


    The scorching sun instantly changed colour as it emitted a nearly incandescent prominence. Ou Qihang¡¯s gundam was the first to rush to the battlefield. Chen Yekai¡¯s Feathered Serpent God passed through two sun wheels first before flying out with a whoosh.


    Following right behind it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon with its sharp horns. It spread its wings out and dove down, striking the grey dragon under its ribs with one of its horns and pushed it off the high platform!


    At the very end, countless meteorites burst out of the Golden Crow Wheel like a storm and fell from the sky. Yu Hao wielded his staff amidst the meteorite rain; he pointed the head of his staff at the grey dragon, and the meteor storm instantly smashed onto the platform like crazy!


    The grey dragon had to endure their successive attacks and immediately turned indignant. It gathered both its wings as Fu Liqun hugged Cen Shan tightly, and the dragon roared, ¡°You scum who can¡¯t discern right from wrong! You¡¯re just trash who lives at the bottom of society! Stay away from my daughter!¡±


    Fu Liqun held Cen Shan and retreated. With one arm around her, he said softly, ¡°No.¡±


    Cen Shan closed her eyes, smiled slightly, and raised her head. Fu Liqun bowed his head and kissed Cen Shan on the lips.


    Right at the next moment, the grey dragon suddenly spread out and roared madly, spewing out dragon flames that could destroy the heavens and earth. The Feathered Serpent and Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon were deflected at the same time. The platform collapsed, causing the grey dragon to fall towards the ground! Smoke and dust surged and instantly blotted out the sky; the world fell into darkness once again, and the roar of a dragon travelled over from afar.


    Thereafter, in this desert with omnipresent sandstorms, wolves could be heard howling endlessly.


    Zhou Sheng rode his black dragon that was also carrying Yu Hao and flew over. Everyone landed one after another. Yu Hao said, ¡°Nothing can be clearly seen!¡±


    Looking at the earth from the sky, the sandstorm was rising higher and higher, obscuring the sky. The sun gradually vanished, and the dream world entered a long, dark night. Fu Liqun was riddled with wounds and covered in blood stains as he stood amidst the raging sandstorm.


    ¡°Got the totem?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    A golden light shone in Fu Liqun¡¯s palm. He raised his head again and looked into the depths of the sandstorm.


    ¡°The princess has been saved.¡± Fu Liqun gasped, ¡°But the evil dragon still has to be killed.¡±


    Yu Hao shook out a ray of light; Fu Liqun was bathed in that light and all the wounds on his body healed. He suddenly let out a loud shout, and the sandstorm immediately receded, clearing up into a grand and seemingly endless battlefield. Yu Hao¡¯s army was lined up in a neat formation that gathered behind Fu Liqun, while Ou Qihang¡¯s gundam, Chen Yekai¡¯s Feathered Serpent God, and Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon were flying in mid air.


    ¡°You¡¯re so naive it borders on foolishness. After you enter society, it¡¯ll be like walking into a pack of wolves, and you wouldn¡¯t even be able to survive by yourself. How would you take care of my daughter?¡± The grey dragon¡¯s low voice came from the sandstorm, ¡°This world is filled with people who deceive one another, and everyone abides by the law of the jungle. You¡¯ll only have one kind of ending ¡ª death!¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t want to see wolves anymore¡­¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Fuck your damn wolves!¡±


    Within an instant, millions of wolves burst out of the sandstorm. Fu Liqun raised his halberd and shouted, ¡°Charge with me!¡±


    Fu Liqun took a general along to go against the torrent of wolves, while the gundam, Feathered Serpent God, and black dragon gave them air support¨C spewing out blazing flames, releasing laser cannons, and dragon flames. Yu Hao spread his wings open and flew through the sandstorm. He shouted at Zhou Sheng, ¡°There are too many wolves on the ground!¡±


    ¡°And they can fly too!¡± Ou Qihang¡¯s voice came from the gundam.


    The wolves grew wings from its ribs and actually flew as they ran. It wouldn¡¯t pose a problem if there were just one or two of them, but in large numbers, they clung onto the mounts and couldn¡¯t be flung away. In contrast, Yu Hao could move about flexibly in the air and didn¡¯t get pestered by them.


    ¡°Think of something!¡± Zhou Sheng swung his rod and horizontally swept away the wolves. However, the wolves that rushed out of the fog seemed never ending ¡ª more and more of them were dashing out, and they couldn¡¯t finish killing all of them.


    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Fu Liqun led the army in his charge. Zhou Sheng abandoned his black dragon, his attire transforming into a suit of iron armour, and he fell from the sky. With a loud blare, his landing stirred up the sand on the ground that swirled into the air.


    Chen Yekai, ¡°We¡¯ll win if we manage to get close!¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t!¡± From within the gundam, Ou Qihang¡¯s voice travelled over, ¡°There¡¯s too many of them!¡±


    ¡°Gege!¡± Zhou Sheng relied on his iron armour to ward off the wolves that were rushing forward. He used his gauntlets to resist the wolves that bit him and brutally flung them away!


    Fu Liqun wielded his halberd and swung it horizontally across. He shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t know how to deal with them!¡±


    ¡°This is your dream!¡± Chen Yekai rode his Feathered Serpent God and spun around in the air to get rid of his pursuers. He shouted, ¡°Change your impression!¡±


    The gundam turned over from the ground and knelt down on one knee. Within the cockpit, Ou Qihang pressed against his temple, and a monolithic infrared scope appeared; more than a hundred targets were locked onto, and a deluge of canister shots whistled through the air that bombarded the wolves below!


    Fu Liqun took a deep breath and returned the halberd to his back, then closed his eyes. Yu Hao spun in mid air to dodge a wolf that flew over. He shouted, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t believe in the existence of a wolf-like nature, they won¡¯t be able to do anything to you!¡±


    More and more wolves swarmed them, and they encircled Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun to trap them in the middle.


    Fu Liqun suddenly opened his eyes.


    ¡°Ulti¡ª¡ª scheming white wolves!¡± Fu Liqun roared angrily, his hands circled in the air, withdrew, then aimed his fist at the ground.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched. ¡°What the hell is that? You even have that move in your arsenal?!¡±


    Immediately afterwards, a circular shockwave erupted that expanded outward, whistling by with a strength that could topple mountains and overturn the seas. Wherever the shockwave swept by, the wolves on the ground would evaporate and vanish into thin air!


    ¡°I know how to do it too!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    ¡°Ulti! Scheming white wolves!¡± Yu Hao brandished his daggers, dove down from the air, raised his fist, and punched the air in front of him. His punch seemed to raise a tsunami, and the space it hit suddenly deformed along with the sandstorm and rolled back into the depths of the sandstorm!


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Why do you know how to do it too?¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    Yu Hao smiled and kept his daggers. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Charge!¡±


    The sandstorm receded and cleared up, revealing the massive figure of the grey dragon. The grey dragon had been forcibly tied to a golden pillar by Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng from the start, and it couldn¡¯t fly up no matter how hard it flapped its wings, so it could only spew flames everywhere from where it was on the ground. Under Fu Liqun¡¯s lead, Yu Hao spread his wings open in the air, Zhou Sheng rode his black dragon and took off, and along with the Feathered Serpent God and the gundam, they rushed toward the grey dragon together! Meanwhile, Fu Liqun led thousands of troops and charged swiftly toward the grey dragon!


    The grey dragon gathered extremely powerful flames in its mouth, and it was on the verge of spewing them out.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao flew up and landed on the back of the black dragon. Zhou Sheng shook his jingubang, turning it into a gigantic shield. He steered the black dragon and flew towards the dragon flames that formed a fire pillar with Yu Hao! The dragon flame spewed fiercely onto the huge shield, and the flames spurted in all directions as it shot onto the huge shield, an explosion detonating within the sandstorm. Right at the instant their fight started at close quarters, Zhou Sheng suddenly lifted his shield up with both hands, withdrew, and grabbed the edge of the shield with Yu Hao at the same time. They held the shield up and swung it horizontally across, hitting the grey dragon on its head with their shield.


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re the only one who can spew fire?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    With a loud ¡°clang¡°, the grey dragon appeared as if it just got slapped, and its head spun a whole 90 degrees from the slap. The black dragon¡¯s claws scratched the grey dragon¡¯s necks and scratched off its scales. It soared into the sky, spewing out scorching flames from its mouth, and the grey dragon instantly let out anguished wails as it rolled over.


    Following which, the Feathered Serpent God dove down, and Chen Yekai shot the grey dragon in its jaw. The grey dragon rolled over, its head turning to the side.


    ¡°Do you think you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s rich?¡± Chen Yekai said coldly.


    The gundam fell from the sky, and its fist slammed down on the dragon¡¯s head, punching it until its head was spinning.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Do you think you¡¯re the only one who¡¯s not at the bottom of society?¡±


    Fu Liqun led a huge army to close in; all of the soldiers stopped at the same time, retreated, and shot arrows that obscured the sky. Fu Liqun, wielding a halberd, looked just like a lonely and brave knight who was charging heroically towards the grey dragon within the vast and obscure sandstorm.


    The sandstorm suddenly stopped. The grey dragon looked up and turned.


    All of the light in the world faded.


    In the sandy battlefield, only Fu Liqun¡¯s halberd was shining; it reflected his gentle features, forming a silhouette.


    In the next moment, Fu Liqun¡¯s halberd stabbed into the scales below the grey dragon¡¯s throat. Blazing flames exploded, covering his entire body, and spread throughout the whole world, swirling up. The sand and dust in the sky suddenly froze still before transforming into snowflake-like light particles that gently drifted down.


    ¡°I can¡¯t live the life you want me to.¡± Fu Liqun said in a low voice, ¡°Sorry, father-in-law.¡±


    The grey dragon exploded with a blast, turning into shining dust particles swept away by the gentle wind in the desert.


    ¡°Time to watch the sunrise¡ª¡ª¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    It was as if everyone had arranged to fly away together at the same time. Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers and his black dragon disappeared. He steered his jindouyun and brought Yu Hao along to stop at the peak of a mountain in the desert. The two of them sat down side by side.


    On the other side, Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang flew to the peak of another mountain. Ou Qihang sat in front of the cliff with one foot stepping on an edge. Chen Yekai stood as he looked into the distance.


    ¡°It¡¯s snowing.¡± Yu Hao was surprised.


    ¡°It¡¯s snowing.¡± Zhou Sheng looked up and said.


    In the night sky, a starry river extended all the way across, and a bright star on the horizon flashed.


    Sand and dust miraculously transformed into fine snow that drifted all over the sky. They landed on the ground soundlessly, and the scene looked like it came out of a silent film.


    Fu Liqun stood in the middle of the ancient city¡¯s ruins. Before him, a luminous Cen Shan materialised. Both of them looked at each other. Cen Shan reached out and caught the soft, falling snow. Fu Liqun held out his palm, Cen Shan overturned hers, and the moist snowflake landed in his palm.


    Fu Liqun stood tall, holding Cen Shan¡¯s hand with one of his hands, while he raised his other, facing the light of daybreak on the eastern horizon.


    The snow had turned the desert into a vast, white plain, covering up the ruins of Loulan.


    ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng glanced at Yu Hao, appearing quite carefree, then he looked into the distance again and casually said,¡±Would you feel disappointed if you don¡¯t get to see such a sun in the future?¡±


    Yu Hao knew what Zhou Sheng was trying to say. After all, now that the Golden Crow Wheel has attracted the attention of others, this act of shuttling through dream worlds would completely stop one day.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Yu Hao turned his head sideways to look at Zhou Sheng. ¡°I can look at you ah. You¡¯re the sun, and your light is always bursting radiantly.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome face actually turned red. He said, ¡°You¡¯re this good at teasing me now? I¡¯ll cook up a good meal for you when we go home.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled, and a ray of light shot over from the horizon in an instant. Both of them turned their heads at the same time.


    The sun had risen.


    The sunlight shone down on Cen Shan and Fu Liqun¡¯s bodies. They faced the morning sun, and the snow on their hair started to melt. The snow crystal in Fu Liqun¡¯s hand turned into water droplets that trickled down from his palm and dropped onto the ground.


    Within an instant, the rate at which the snow melted spread rapidly to every corner of the earth. The accumulated snow in the desert melted and seeped into the sand.


    The sun rose; under the sunlight, the rivers looked just like brocade belts that emitted the gurgling sounds of streaming water. Before the desert, a waterfall that looked just like white silk tumbled down loudly. Living things started growing in the desert, and it now overflowed with lush greenery that broke through the earth under this long-lost stream.


    The sun rose; the bricks buried under the gravel all around Fu Liqun and Cen Shan automatically rose, and the massive stones of ancient Loulan rumbled loudly as they pieced themselves together. The bricks on the city wall started piling up layer by layer, sand and dust flowed before disappearing completely, revealing the residents who were buried underneath.


    The people who were buried under the gravel started stretching lazily one after another, yawned, and walked out of the houses. The entire Loulan world became clamorous once again.


    The sun had risen. Under the illumination of the gentle sunlight, an oasis unfurled with a whoosh and extended toward the horizon endlessly. The desert turned into a verdant pasture, and the Gobi desert had transformed into a range of pale green mountains.


    The sun rose; the pure white jade walls of Loulan Palace glistened under the light of the morning sun. The ringing of camel bells and the sound of a wooden pipe carried from afar.


    Fu Liqun held the glowing Cen Shan¡¯s hand and walked towards Loulan Palace.


    The sun has risen, the dream world reconstructed itself and changed into a prosperous and lively, beautiful ancient city. The platform within the palace rose. Fu Liqun and Cen Shan went up to the highest floor. Cen Shan went up to the throne; a gentle breeze blew her veil over and landed before her. Cen Shan gracefully and lazily tilted her head slightly. Fu Liqun lifted her long hair gently and pinned the ear stud onto her right ear, then kissed her cheek.


    Cen Shan transformed into light particles and dispersed with a bang, then soared into the air, transforming into the totem of his dreamscape. Fu Liqun, with a halberd on his back, walked towards the platform at the top of the palace and faced the distance.


    The light of the morning sun burst out in all directions and illuminated Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun placed his left fist against his right shoulder and bowed slightly to his comrades on the Gobi Mountains in the distance.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao raised their hands near their eyebrows and saluted him in response.


    Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang raised their hands, also saluting him.


    ¡°Good night.¡± Zhou Sheng said. He drew a circle with his finger and gently tapped in the air. The space fluctuated like a ripple, and it spread out to cover the world.


    Everyone woke up from their dreams.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 145.1

    The sun has risen, and it was a new day. The explosions of firecrackers going off could be heard outside the window. Fu Liqun, who was lying on the bed, raised one hand and placed it against his forehead as he faced the sunlight outside his bedroom window. Ou Qihang didn¡¯t have a good sleeping posture and was currently all over Fu Liqun, burying his head on his chest while both his legs were entwined around his waist. Fu Liqun turned sideways and pushed his forehead, then Ou Qihang turned over, bleary-eyed, and lay flat on his stomach.


    Fu Liqun got off the bed and drew the curtains. In the distance, Mt. Qingsong was covered with a layer of snow; it glistened brightly as it reflected the brilliance of the morning sun.


    A beanbag was placed facing the French windows. Fu Liqun sat down and his whole body sunk into it. On the night before the Spring Festival, he was sitting on the sofa with his arms around Cen Shan as they recounted their stories after they had bid farewell. As they looked at the starry river on a wintry night beyond the windows, they had spoken a lot.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t spoken like this in a very long time.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Cen Shan said apologetically with sorrow, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled and embraced Cen Shan. Cen Shan sighed again, then buried her head in front of Fu Liqun.


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°People who are loved need not apologise.¡±


    Cen Shan didn¡¯t know how to respond to that. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°At the airport that day, you almost made me completely wilt away.¡±


    On the day he left Ying City, Cen Shan¡¯s story still started with other people. Fu Liqun remembered it very clearly. At that time, he was carrying a sports bag and was wearing the lucky bracelet that Yu Hao had woven for him. When he had seen Cen Shan arrive at the airport, he had thought he was dreaming. He had too many things he wanted to say, but he didn¡¯t know where to start. He had nothing left that day and was even shouldering a debt of 100,000 yuan.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything you want to say?¡± Cen Shan frowned.


    ¡°What can I say?¡± Fu Liqun smiled bitterly, ¡°Everyone only listens to the words of a victor, who would care about the mood of a loser?¡±


    ¡°I want to listen.¡± Cen Shan repeated, ¡°I want to listen, if it wasn¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Your father¡¯s right,¡± Fu Liqun looked at the howling winds outside the airport and said, ¡°I¡¯m just a sweet, silly person.¡±


    Cen Shan stopped talking. People came and went in Ying City¡¯s airport. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°I still remember when we talked about breaking up two years ago, you mentioned Shijie.¡±


    They had a Shijie in junior high school who was very optimistic about their future and was three years older. She was the one who played matchmaker for Fu Liqun¡¯s and Cen Shan¡¯s first date. When they became third years, their Shijie graduated and fell in love with a classmate. That man was very poor. The two of them stayed in a rented apartment, and lived the typical ¡®smiling while sitting on a bicycle¡® life, even though their families opposed their relationship.


    Shijie¡¯s life was often pitied by others. After Cen Shan¡¯s father knew about it, he often cited it as an example to Cen Shan. However, Fu Liqun had seen that guy a few times, and he was a really good guy and not just good in the sense that he was a good guy who, ¡®treats you well, but has no other good points¡¯. Instead, he was an ambitious, gentle, and considerate man. To be honest, he did much better than Fu Liqun.


    However, the two of them still eventually parted. After Shijie broke up, she found a husband who loved her dearly, and she became the lady boss in her husband¡¯s company. She would drink afternoon tea every day and travel around the world. The other guy left Ying City and went on to make a living in Shanghai. He became an excellent fund manager with an annual income of more than 2 million yuan.


    If their Shijie and that guy continued to persist in staying together, Shijie would have wanted to stay in Ying City to accompany her parents, and her boyfriend wouldn¡¯t have left. He would have only been able to find a job with a monthly salary of about 4 to 5,000 yuan, while Shijie would be so busy with work that she would have become a battered and exhausted person. Her hair would be a dishevelled mess, she would be raising her children, and she would quarrel all day with her husband over the powdered milk money for their children, the schools they would enroll in, and other such necessities in life.


    After their separation, the guy had both a car and a house, and his career was thriving. Their Shijie lived a life without any worries about food and clothing as well. It was a good decision for both of them.


    What does that prove? Fu Liqun often couldn¡¯t help but wonder, was there really that many ¡®it can¡¯t be anyone else but them¡¯ in people¡¯s lives? He knew that Cen Shan had wavered before, and he himself had wavered before as well. Has everyone wavered before at some point? After a moment of pain, would everyone be able to slowly walk out of it?


    Those promises made when we were young and ignorant would turn into a dream that we can never return to along with the passage of time.


    When he asked Yu Hao on the phone if he had wavered before too, Yu Hao¡¯s reply without the slightest hesitation was, ¡°Never ah.¡±


    ¡°There are a lot of paths in life, right?¡±


    That day, Zhou Sheng said to him on the sofa, ¡°Some paths are very difficult to traverse, and you¡¯d have to choose one in the end. The key is, both of you must clearly know what you want in the future.¡±


    From the outside came the clattering of plates and bowls bumping into one another, running water, the murmur of conversation between Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai, and the sizzling of fried eggs on a pan. Fu Liqun closed his eyes and felt the warmth of the sunshine on his face. Ou Qihang had woken up too and was laying flat on his stomach as he used his phone.


    On the second day of the New Year, Chen Yekai brewed coffee in the living room. Yu Hao called his friends one after another to pay his New Year greetings, while Zhou Sheng cooked breakfast in the kitchen. Fu Liqun was in high spirits. Everyone sat at the dining table. Zhou Sheng held up a cup of coffee and said, ¡°Let¡¯s make a toast? Xiao Ou!¡±


    Ou Qihang was still foaming at his mouth as he brushed his teeth. When he heard Zhou Sheng, he quickly rinsed his mouth, wiped his face with a towel, and went over to sit down.


    All of them clinked cups and began eating Zhou Sheng¡¯s fried rice with eggs.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Who fried this? It¡¯s so delicious!¡±


    ¡°Xiao Ou! Your sleeping posture is terrible.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He almost kicked me out of bed several times for the past few days¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Qun Ge, you¡¯ve trained your body to be in really good shape.¡±


    ¡°Da Gege¡¯s chest very comfortable ba?¡± Fu Liqun said.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Become my private coach bei, train me a bit.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What are you guys talking about?! This is such a mess¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Leave some for me ¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°There¡¯s enough for everyone! Are you guys all rice buckets? There¡¯s 4 kilograms of rice here!!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s head was spinning from all the noise early in the morning. Ou Qihang said, ¡°Are we going to the amusement park today? Yu Hao, shall we go to the amusement park to play?¡±


    ¡°Eat your rice.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The matter regarding the Golden Crow Wheel hasn¡¯t been resolved yet.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°But it¡¯s the New Year, it won¡¯t be a problem to play for a day or two. Am I right, Yu Hao? You want to go too, right?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao thought, I do kind of want to go, I haven¡¯t been to the amusement park in a long time.


    ¡°How do you feel now?¡± Chen Yekai asked Fu Liqun.


    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve suddenly come to terms with reality.¡± Fu Liqun answered, ¡°No, it¡¯s as if I¡¯ve suddenly thought through things and come to terms with reality¡­After waking up, a lot of things don¡¯t induce as much anxiety as they used to. In any case, I¡¯ll work even harder from now on. Brothers, if there¡¯s anything you need my help with, feel free to call me at any time.¡±


    Everyone nodded. Fu Liqun stretched, glanced at everyone, and said, ¡°Or I can invite everyone out to play? Although I haven¡¯t returned what I owed yet¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Ai!¡±


    Fu Liqun bought tickets to the amusement park for them on his phone. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Invite sis-in-law along bei?¡±


    ¡°Your sis-in-law just got back home yesterday, don¡¯t torment her by making her run around again.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask.¡± After saying this, he went to one side to call Cen Shan and stood in front of the French windows. Zhou Sheng looked at the electronic tickets on WeChat.


    Chen Yekai asked Yu Hao, ¡°How far have you gotten on your graduation thesis?¡±


    Yu Hao immediately regretted it. Why didn¡¯t he reject the suggestion to go to the amusement park?!


    ¡°I¡¯m not even done with 10 percent of it.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I think I shouldn¡¯t go then, the two of you can just go ahead¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°You have to balance work and play, together¡­¡± As he was talking, Fu Liqun ended the call, came back, and his expression was a bit strange.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Fu Liqun looked like he wanted to smile but he was trying his best to refrain from doing so. ¡°Your sis-in-law¡¯s father is here, he wants to talk to me alone.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± Everyone cried out at the same time.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Sis-in-law went to lay all her cards on the table yesterday?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°How will you guys be talking about it? Isn¡¯t that a little too straightforward?¡±


    Fu Liqun shrugged. He pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°He asked me to set a meeting time and place. He wants to discuss some conditions with me.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We can all accompany you?¡¯


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Find a higher-end hotel? What does he want to discuss?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯ll definitely take a cheque over and ask me to fill it in myself. What else can we discuss?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The meeting place can be set anywhere?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°He said anywhere is fine. I¡¯ll have to at least find someplace where we can have tea.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Fu Liqun looked at each other. Fu Liqun suddenly fell silent, and a mischievous smile appeared on both their faces. Yu Hao had seen this sort of rapport in the dormitory too many times; this was a kind of omen signalling the advent of a prank that would make one¡¯s hair stand on end.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°No! No! No! He already asked you to state your terms now! You want to¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Yes! What hotel?! I won¡¯t go!¡±


    Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Fu Liqun had lived together for so many years, and he could immediately guess what the other wanted to say, so he instantly burst out laughing and said, ¡°No way, the two of you are crossing the line!¡±


    Fu Liqun said overbearingly, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s go! We¡¯re not scared of him!¡±


    Ou Qihang, ¡°???¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wait! Find some clothes for Gege and wax his hair before going!¡±


    Ou Qihang went to take a hair dryer, Zhou Sheng went to rummage around for clothes, and Chen Yekai went to look for wax.


    Two hours later, the amusement park.


    Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, Chen Yekai, and Ou Qihang each held a cup of hot chocolate. They saw Cen Shan¡¯s father, Cen Yongchang.


    He was a very energetic middle-aged man dressed in a suit. He was actually quite good-looking, and the air around him was a bit similar to the old lady-killer Zhou lai Chun. However, in comparison to Zhou Laichun¡¯s hoodlum boss¡¯ atmosphere that couldn¡¯t be concealed, Cen Yongchang was clearly more amazing and more reserved. He had few wrinkles and appeared quite fit so one could tell that he often worked out. Cen Yongchang wore a scarf and didn¡¯t exhibit any clear hostility to Fu Liqun in the amusement park.


    Yu Hao watched from afar. When Cen Yongchang turned around, Yu Hao looked as if he had discovered a new continent. He said to Zhou Sheng, ¡°He really looks like that dragon!¡±


    Cen Yongchang¡¯s smile lines and gaze were indeed very similar to the dragon in Fu Liqun¡¯s dream!


    Fu Liqun was extremely polite in front of Cen Yongchang. He wore a slim fit suit jacket. During this period, he had a well-sculpted figure from all his training and had become slightly thinner from starving in the pyramid scheme organisation. Now that the knot in his heart was untied, he was a lot more vibrant. He had specifically cut his hair before the New Year and before leaving today, they had even spruced up Fu Liqun a little.


    A middle-aged man who looked both rich and refined stood with Fu Liqun, and they were actually around the same height. Yu Hao thought that Cen Shan¡¯s father must have been at the level of a male god when he was younger.


    ¡°This scene looks like a middle-aged CEO keeping a young wolfhound¡­¡± Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand as he looked as if he couldn¡¯t bear to watch.


    Yu Hao answered a call ¡ª it was from Cen Shan. Cen Shan felt that something was amiss when she woke up today and quickly arrived at Ying City, but Cen Yongchang had already arrived.


    ¡°Uh¡­We are at the amusement park? Did you guys quarrel last night?¡±


    ¡°We didn¡¯t. Why did you guys run off to the amusement park?¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°Give me a minute, I¡¯ll be right there. I just so happened to be nearby.¡±


    ¡°Look! Look!¡± Ou Qihang quickly pushed them and motioned for them to see, ¡°They really went up!¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!¡± The four of them were about to go mad from laughing.


    Fu Liqun had invited Cen Yongchang onto the ferris wheel! Chen Yekai held his cup of hot chocolate and could barely keep a stable footing. Zhou Sheng really couldn¡¯t stand this kind of prank, but Cen Yongchang had even said before, ¡°We can talk wherever you want¡±, so he was brought onto the ferris wheel by Fu Liqun!


    Before they got up, Yu Hao even held up his camera and adjusted his lens to take a photo of Fu Liqun and Cen Yongchang to take a picture of this historical moment.


    Cen Shan came. She saw four handsome men laughing so hard outside a restaurant that they were barely capable of self-care, and she asked, baffled, ¡°Where¡¯s big guy? What are you guys laughing at?¡±


    Zhou Sheng waved his hand at once and pointed at the ferris wheel. He said, ¡°He and your father are¡­in, in the ferris wheel. Hahahahaha!¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The staff closed the door. Fu Liqun looked at Cen Yongchang politely.


    Cen Yongchang said, ¡°Is there any special meaning in choosing this place?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°No. I just happened to plan an outing to the amusement park with my bros today, so I thought we might as well have our discussion here. May I know what you¡¯d like to talk about?¡±


    Cen Yongchang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±

 Chapter 145.2

    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao was about to go crazy from laughing. He saw Cen Yongchang and Fu Liqun get off the ferris wheel. Fu Liqun held a ticket and said, ¡°Uncle, what ride should we take next? Let¡¯s not waste the money spent on the ticket.¡±


    Cen Yongchang said, ¡°I¡¯m not here to play with you, Liqun. I know you¡¯ve already thought it through clearly. Is there any meaning in wasting time here?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Take one more ride with me, and I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s on my mind.¡±


    Cen Yongchang looked at his watch. He said, ¡°I can only give you another half an hour.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I just need three minutes!¡±


    The roller coaster flew by with a loud rumble. Fu Liqun even chose the first row for the two of them. He hugged the bumper, Cen Yongchang had both his eyes shut tight, Fu Liqun shouted loudly with ¡®wahahaha¡¯, and while they took the roller coaster, he said, ¡°Uncle! What do you want to say?!¡±


    ¡°Uncle! Is it fun?!¡±


    Cen Yongchang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m going to laugh myself to death because of Gege hahahahaha¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°Uncle! Don¡¯t go!¡± Fu Liqun quickly said, ¡°We won¡¯t ride anymore! Let¡¯s go drink a cup of coffee ba! I¡¯m done playing.¡±


    Cen Yongchang was evidently infuriated, but he still tried to maintain a restrained demeanour on the surface and didn¡¯t explode in the end. Fu Liqun exhausted all means to persuade him to enter a cafe, during which he glanced at his phone and chose a booth seat with a high backrest.


    Cen Shan, Yu Hao, and Chen Yekai sat behind Fu Liqun. Zhou Sheng and Ou Qihang had left to play paintball. Cen Shan looked helplessly at Yu Hao. Her lips moved to mouth the question, ¡®Who thought of this prank?¡¯


    Yu Hao shrugged to indicate ¡®it wasn¡¯t me¡¯. He showed Cen Shan his camera. When they were on the roller coaster, he had been waiting at a spot that they had to pass by; he adjusted his camera¡¯s aperture and quickly took several shots in succession, with stills of the moment where Fu Liqun was shouting madly while Cen Yongchang had his eyes shut tight.


    Cen Shan laughed so hard she sprawled on the table, and her shoulders kept convulsing.


    ¡°Talk ba.¡± Cen Yongchang said, ¡°I heard your business venture failed, and you¡¯re in quite a bit of debt?¡±


    ¡°Borrowed from a friend.¡± Fu Liqun answered, ¡°I¡¯ll be able to pay it back, please don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Cen Yongchang remained silent for a long time. Fu Liqun looked at him expectantly.


    ¡°Cen Shan went back yesterday and told me a lot about you.¡± Cen Yongchan restrained his excessively obvious anger and said, ¡°I already knew you four years ago. I even know that you play basketball very well¡­thank you.¡±


    A waiter passed Cen Yongchang a cup of water, but Cen Yongchang didn¡¯t drink and just stared at the cup.


    Fu Liqun asked, ¡°I know you don¡¯t want to marry your daughter to a boy who¡¯s good at nothing but basketball.¡±


    ¡°Being good at basketball means that you have athletic genes, which is really good too.¡± Cen Yongchang politely answered, ¡°Since ancient times, men who were excellent at sports could also obtain respect. Just think about it, if you were an Olympic champion, who would oppose you two?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Saying that I play well is only in comparison to people my age. There will always be someone better; with my talent, I¡¯m not at that level yet, and I will never get to that level.¡±


    ¡°Being able to understand yourself with such clarity,¡± Cen Yongchang said, ¡°means you¡¯re already much better than Shanshan and also your peers. You¡¯re a handsome lad, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll become an outstanding person in the future.¡±


    Fu Liqun didn¡¯t answer and just looked into Cen Yongchang¡¯s eyes.


    Cen Yongchang said calmly, ¡°I¡¯m not here to break the two of you up. I¡¯ve always believed that because of the difference in worldviews, values, and outlook on life, sooner or later, the two of you would start walking further and further apart until you¡¯re completely separated. Your relationship with her is like companions who got acquainted while travelling on the same path; after walking through this path, she has her own wide rivers to cross, while you have your own steep mountains to climb, so why don¡¯t the two of you bid farewell peacefully at the intersection?¡±


    Yu Hao had to admit that Cen Yongchang¡¯s words had directly hit home.


    ¡°You followed her to the river, and you want to cross the river with her.¡± Cen Yongchang said, ¡°But that place isn¡¯t your destination.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Where do you think her destination is?¡±


    Cen Yongchang said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask her that. Do you think you understand her well?¡±


    Fu Liqun kept silent and didn¡¯t reply. Behind him, Cen Shan stared calmly at her cup of latte. The shop assistant had made a flower-shaped latte art for her ¡ª¡ª from the foam, two hearts with an arrow pierced through them emerged.


    Zhou Sheng and Ou Qihang came back from their paintball match and sat behind Cen Yongchang to eavesdrop.


    ¡°Do you think you understand her well?¡± Fu Liqun asked in return.


    Cen Yongchang answered, ¡°Let¡¯s put it this way: if you had a daughter, would you choose to marry her to a young man like you?¡±


    Wooow ¡ª¡ª everyone muttered in their hearts when they heard this. Yu Hao thought that if he had a daughter, it would be great if she could marry a guy like Fu Liqun.


    ¡°I would ah.¡± Fu Liqun smiled. At this moment, the afternoon sun streamed through the glass windows and spilled onto his head. ¡°When she¡¯s young, I would accompany her to the amusement park; after she grows up, I would hand her over to a guy who would accompany her for the rest of her life. By the way, have you ever been to an amusement park with her?¡±


    Cen Yongchang looked at Fu Liqun quietly. Fu Liqun said, ¡°When we just got acquainted with each other, Shanshan didn¡¯t know how to take the bus or subway, and she had never eaten at a roadside stall, and neither had she ever taken a roller coaster. I know you don¡¯t spend a lot of time with her, only a fixed hour to spend together every day ¡ª in the morning before leaving, from 6.30am to 7am, and at night before sleeping, from 9.30pm to 10pm. Right? You would take her abroad once in awhile, then you¡¯d go to meetings by yourself and get your assistant to take her out to play. You had arranged everything for her. But you don¡¯t play with her, and you¡¯ve never asked her about what she wanted to do.¡±


    ¡°Her studies are very tough on her.¡± Fu Liqun studied Cen Yongchang and said politely, ¡°But you would think, how could that be considered tough? How could it be considered tiring? Your daughter was destined to be excellent from birth, so it doesn¡¯t matter whether she complains about it being tough or tiring. She just wanted you to understand her a little more, to listen to what she really thinks and to value her opinions. But you¡¯re a cold-hearted man, uncle.¡±


    Yu Hao could sense that Cen Shan¡¯s thoughts and attitude were indeed as Fu Liqun had described. She never really cared much about what other people were thinking ¡ª she didn¡¯t care about other people¡¯s evaluations of herself and didn¡¯t care about other people¡¯s emotions. Because her father was like that, after Cen Shan had straightened things out with her father, the very next day, Cen Yongchang had completely ignored her and come to Ying City by himself to personally resolve this problem.


    ¡°If we can¡¯t be together in the future,¡± Fu Liqun said earnestly, ¡°and you plan to ignore her opinions again and choose a husband for her who would suit her status,¡±


    ¡°then, please choose a man who would really value what she wants to say and would value her feelings, who wouldn¡¯t regard her as a vase or mere decoration. She has a lot that she wants to say; even if it¡¯s very childish and even if she will always be a little girl in your eyes, but even the most childish person would have things they want to say. Please, uncle, let¡¯s just leave it at this today?¡±


    Cen Yongchang took something out of his suit pocket. Fu Liqun continued, ¡°There¡¯s no need for you to take your cheque out. I don¡¯t want any money, no matter how much you offer.¡±


    But what Cen Yongchang retrieved from his pocket was a pair of sunglasses. He put them on, stood up, and didn¡¯t bother to talk to Fu Liqun any longer as he left straight away.


    Everyone wanted to laugh, but because Cen Shan was here, it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate for them to burst out laughing right in front of her. Zhou Sheng peeked out and tossed Yu Hao a glance from behind the booth. Yu Hao got up and left with Zhou Sheng.


    Soon afterward, Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai left as well. Only Fu Liqun remained sitting in the cafe. He saw a group of ants form a group as they came over and carried away a piece of sugar by the window. Under the sunlight, Fu Liqun and Cen Shan sat on two seats with their backs to each other.


    ¡°How long do you intend to sit here for?¡± Cen Shan¡¯s voice suddenly rang out.


    Fu Liqun was stunned. He looked up abruptly, and Cen Shan turned her head sideways and greeted him from behind her booth seat. With bloodshot eyes, she smiled, ¡°Hi.¡±


    ¡°Hi.¡± Fu Liqun said with a smile, ¡°Here to see ants?¡±


    ¡°Are there any?¡± Cen Shan sat beside Fu Liqun. The two of them looked at the group of ants.


    Fu Liqun continued, ¡°Wanna take the roller coaster?¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We can talk after we take enough rides to get our money¡¯s worth before the amusement park closes.¡±


    Fu Liqun held Cen Shan¡¯s hand as they quickly made their way downstairs to take the roller coaster.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao sat in the ferris wheel. Yu Hao looked out of the carriage and said, ¡°Time flies by so quickly. It¡¯s almost been three years within the blink of an eye.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had one foot on the opposite seat as he looked out lazily. He studied Yu Hao absent-mindedly. Yu Hao said, ¡°Look at the scenery ah, why are you looking at me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Look at you now; when we just got together, you¡¯d look at me with worshipful little eyes yo. Now that we¡¯re sitting on the ferris wheel again, you don¡¯t even pay any attention to Laozi, and all you do is look outside. Sigh.¡±


    Yu Hao had a hint of a smile in his eyes. He glanced at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng got a shock. Yu Hao smiled as he said, ¡°What kind of eyes? This kind?¡±


    Zhou Sheng put his leg down and said, ¡°Fuck, I¡¯m hard.¡± As he spoke, he adjusted his belt.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    The ferris wheel slowly revolved past the apex. Zhou Sheng¡¯s face was actually a little red. He gently bumped against Yu Hao with one foot and said, ¡°Hey, say something?¡±


    ¡°Excuse me.¡± Yu Hao looked intoxicated as he smiled and he didn¡¯t want to look at Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°We¡¯ve already been married for so long.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And you¡¯d still get shy?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed until he leaned against the window. Zhou Sheng reached out to pull his hand. Yu Hao wanted to block and turned his head sideways, yet Zhou Sheng leaned in close to look at him and pursed his lips to kiss him. For a moment, both of them remembered the day of the confession. Yu Hao¡¯s face flushed red, and for some reason, in this same exact environment, the confession of three years ago seemed like it had just happened yesterday, and he couldn¡¯t stop his heart from rippling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s kiss.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Quick, the ferris wheel will reach the bottom soon.¡±


    ¡°If you want to kiss we can do it at home¡­¡± Yu Hao¡¯s face turned red.


    But Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t mind him. He pressed down on his nape and moved in to seriously and gently kiss him. Yu Hao¡¯s hands were propped against the seat at first, but he couldn¡¯t help but lift his arms and loop them around Zhou Sheng¡¯s neck.


    ¡°We¡¯re about to reach¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s still early¡­¡­¡±


    A phone rang. Zhou Sheng glanced at it. ¡°Fuck.¡± He rejected it and wanted to kiss Yu Hao again. His phone rang again, Zhou Sheng hung up again, but his phone refused to give up as the other side kept calling.


    ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°The bastard.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was afraid that it was something important. He looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s phone ¡ª Old White-eyed Wolf.


    ¡°Pick up ba, it¡¯s the New Year.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°It definitely won¡¯t be anything good.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, but still picked up.


    ¡°Ai, Director Zhou, Happy New Year ah.¡± Zhou Sheng put his phone on loudspeaker mode. The ferris wheel arrived at the station, then Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand to get out. He held his phone with an irritated expression on his face.


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°Let¡¯s eat dinner together ba. Is Yu Hao around?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Another family dinner? Don¡¯t ba? The last time Yu Hao personally witnessed how you were dragged by my Mum to perform a ¡®Smashing Rock on Chest¡¯ act. He hasn¡¯t recovered from that trauma yet.¡±


    Zhou Laichun calmly said, ¡°It¡¯ll just be me. There¡¯s nothing urgent, it¡¯ll really just be a chat. The car is on standby at the entrance of the amusement park, you can come over at any time. I¡¯ll wait for the two of you until 10 PM.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hung up and stood with Yu Hao under the ferris wheel. Yu Hao looked down at his WeChat and said, ¡°Qihang bumped into his high school classmates, so he¡¯ll be eating dinner with them. Chen Laoshi is going to visit Liang Laoshi, so he won¡¯t be waiting for us.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a bit and said, ¡°Okay, don¡¯t worry, we can meet up again in Beijing.¡±


    ¡°Are we going?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°What do you say?¡± Zhou Sheng held his phone and spun it a few rounds. With an arm draped around Yu Hao, they arrived at the entrance of the amusement park. The chauffeur was waiting.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Has he given in?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shrugged.


    ¡°If he has, will we still return?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Zhou Sheng asked instead. Yu Hao didn¡¯t say anything, yet Zhou Sheng smiled and embraced him, then faced sideways to kiss him.


    Yu Hao went to buy two cups of hot beverages. Zhou Sheng looked up at his family¡¯s car. The two of them didn¡¯t go over. The chauffeur appeared slightly melancholic as he looked at them across the parking lot.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 146.1

    ¡°The success of sis-in-law¡¯s father was like Gege¡¯s failure.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°A lot of factors in their lives had come into play.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know why Zhou Sheng suddenly mentioned this. He thought about it seriously for a moment, then said, ¡°Un¡­Aside from our own efforts, there are other inevitable components as well ba?¡±


    In the past, Yu Hao would not assess Cen Yongchang and his achievements. To him, Cen Yongchang and Zhou Laichun were the same ¡ª they were both people far out of his reach, people who belonged to another world.


    However, after taking up the role in the newspaper office for half a year, he gradually formed his own concept of wealth and roughly knew that many rich people didn¡¯t act as recklessly as they seemed to. Some relied on loans to maintain capital flow, while some had all their money invested within a capital chain. Once this capital chain ruptured, even for people whose assets amounted to hundreds of millions or even billions, they would go bankrupt right away.


    ¡°Uncle Cen had chosen the real estate industry, the industry at the forefront, at the right time. If it wasn¡¯t for the reform in the past decade, and that the money printed by our country had nowhere to go and could only flow toward real estate¡­I think¡­un¡­¡± As he spoke, Yu Hao shrugged, ¡°Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have the right to discipline Gege ba?¡±


    ¡°Success would always be defined by them.¡± Zhou Sheng said nonchalantly, ¡°Someone must have money, status, and be able to command the wind and rain before they can be considered successful. That¡¯s what my Dad firmly believes in.¡±


    ¡°But we can choose to not be defined by them.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s fine as long as Gege has thought it through.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng finished his hot drink and pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand over. ¡°It¡¯s really cold today, let¡¯s go. Go and see what that old man wants to say.¡±


    The driver took them to Mt. Yunding. At dusk, Yu Hao suddenly felt a little sleepy, so he leaned on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder and slept for a while. Zhou Sheng just held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and intertwined their fingers as he looked out of the window.


    Yu Hao thought that they would head to Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain, but unexpectedly, the car veered off onto another road and passed through the newspaper office and park. The car drove to the foot of the mountain ¡ª it stopped at the small stir-fry shop that they were most familiar with.


    At night, it seemed even colder at the foot of the mountain. The sky was flooded with stars; Zhou Sheng drew aside the plastic curtain on the door, and it was much warmer inside. Zhou Laichun was sitting alone with a small hotpot atop an alcohol stove in front of him. There were six dishes on the table; lotus root, tofu, vermicelli, carp, sliced beef, and san huang chicken cubes.


    ¡°Changed to hot pot?¡± Zhou Sheng asked in surprise.


    The boss was still the same boss. He looked outside and asked, ¡°What do you want to add?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Anything fresh will do.¡±


    ¡°Sit ba.¡± Zhou Laichun took a saucer and handed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao poured soy sauce into it and added some Thai peppers, looking quite accustomed to it. He made a saucer for Zhou Sheng first before making one for himself.


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°Sesame paste with beef and mutton rolls;  Chongqing hot pot must have the oil mix;  pork bone broth beef balls with satay sauce, a clear boiling soup, so it has to be matched with sweet soy sauce with Thai peppers sprinkled in it.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao casually said, ¡°There are differences between the North and South in kitchens, hotpots, and ingredients; only foodies are the same throughout.¡±


    ¡°Which pot should go with which dip.¡± Zhou Laichun casually said, ¡°After following Zhou Sheng for so long while travelling so extensively, you must have learnt about what to eat and how you should eat them.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a bottle of wine and poured some white wine for himself. He looked at Yu Hao, but Yu Hao waved his hand to indicate that he wouldn¡¯t drink. He had been starving since a while ago, so he didn¡¯t bother wasting time with Zhou Laichun and began blanching his own food to eat.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t call you during the New Year, so now you won¡¯t come find me?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You¡¯re still hung up about that.¡±


    Yu Hao felt like there may be something fishy about today, but the allure of food had left him no time to think. This boss was really too awesome. This was the only meal he had ever eaten that could be better than the meals Zhou Sheng makes. Just based on the culinary skills of this restaurant¡¯s boss alone, Yu Hao sometimes really couldn¡¯t help but think about coming back to Ying City to stay long-term.


    Zhou Sheng said sincerely, ¡°Let¡¯s properly eat this meal ba, don¡¯t let down such a delicious hot pot.¡±


    Zhou Laichun lifted his cup and motioned for Zhou Sheng to clink cups. Zhou Sheng ignored him, so Zhou Laichun held his own cup and clinked it with Zhou Sheng¡¯s as a symbolic gesture.


    Zhou Sheng drank. Zhou Laichun drank as well.


    ¡°In the past year, my sense of taste has deteriorated.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Although it hasn¡¯t deteriorated to the point where I can¡¯t taste anything, I do find everything I eat very bland. Tea all tastes bitter to me. Eating anything spicy and numbing tastes bitter to me, and even when I¡¯m eating this hot pot, a bitter taste lingers in my mouth.¡±


    ¡°Have you seen a doctor?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I know someone from  Union, I can get someone to make an appointment for you. Go over and take a look?¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After a year of separation, Yu Hao actually had his own connections as well and couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased with himself.


    ¡°The Laoshi who asked you to help find the patient last time?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Yu Hao had done an interview at the beginning of the year. It just so happened that a patient went to Union to see a doctor and couldn¡¯t afford the medical fees, so they left halfway. The doctor-in-charge searched everywhere for the patient, so Yu Hao got Zhou Sheng to make use of his inference skills to find that person at the railway station.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Even Union wouldn¡¯t be able to treat it, I think.¡±


    ¡°See a doctor if you¡¯re ill.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t hide your sickness for fear of treatment.¡±


    Zhou Laichun was at a loss for words because of Yu Hao again. He thought about it for a bit, then said, ¡°Your Aunt Xiao Qin found a doctor for me; I¡¯ll treat it in Ying City first ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took some carp for Yu Hao, and Yu Hao was eating it. He casually said, ¡°Oh.¡±


    However, Zhou Laichun¡¯s ¡®your Aunt Xiao Qin¡¯ had revealed some important information. Yu Hao knew that this meant that Zhou Laichun had acknowledged him in a certain sense, so they shouldn¡¯t be quarrelling today.


    ¡°How are you doing in Beijing?¡± Zhou Laichun asked again.


    Yu Hao felt like Zhou Laichun¡¯s temper today was the best it has ever been since their first meeting.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng was calm as well. Yu Hao began suspecting that Zhou Laichun may throw a huge bomb at them later, but what else does he have to threaten them with?


    ¡°I¡¯m a private detective there.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°That¡¯s your dream?¡± Zhou Laichun laughed helplessly. ¡°I can still understand being a reporter.¡±


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Zhou Sheng was baffled. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a postgraduate exam. I¡¯ll be taking the exam next year to become a postgraduate student.¡±


    Zhou Laichun didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Sheng would actually be willing to study. He said, ¡°Which major?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to care about that.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say it, lest Zhou Laichun think that he¡¯s studying business in order to go home and take over the company.


    Yu Hao started eating the vermicelli and was more or less full. He was in a very good mood after having eaten his fill. He looked back and saw that the snow outside had piled up into a thick layer; with such beautiful scenery, it would be just perfect for him and Zhou Sheng to go out and take a stroll in the snow.


    ¡°Since we¡¯ve wined and dined,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°let¡¯s get down to business bei. The nights are long during winter. After we¡¯re done, we can go home and hug our wives to sleep, wouldn¡¯t that be great?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun stared at Zhou Sheng quietly, pondered for a long moment, and laughed helplessly.


    ¡°Xiao Qin is pregnant.¡± Zhou Laichun said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°And I actually wondered what the big deal was. Are you waiting for me to congratulate you?¡±


    Yu Hao thought, so it was about this. He smiled and said, ¡°Congratulations.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a boy.¡± Zhou Laichun answered.


    ¡°Are you sure you want the kid?¡± Zhou Sheng studied Zhou Laichun, then said, ¡°Oh well, you¡¯re still young. It¡¯ll just be a little tiring.¡±


    Zhou Laichun had been 22-years-old when he first got married, and he wasn¡¯t even fifty now. However, for middle-aged men in their forties nearing their fifties to raise a child from scratch, as a father, he definitely wouldn¡¯t have the energy to care for the child.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°It was an unexpected pregnancy. I can get her to abort it, but I think you won¡¯t come back, so I plan on letting it be born. But I¡¯m still holding on to that last bit of unrealistic hope, so I wanted to ask you first.¡±


    When he heard up to this point, Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to listen any further to such an annoying affair, so he got up and left.


    ¡°What are you asking me for?¡± Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t comprehend Zhou Laichun¡¯s train of thought at all, ¡°You should ask that kid of yours if it wants to be aborted right?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°I¡¯m tired, I don¡¯t want to argue. Zhou Sheng, let¡¯s understand each other ba. After taking everything into account, your mother and I have argued for less than ten years at most, but what about you? We¡¯ve argued for over 20 years ba? Are you going to wait until the day I die before you stop arguing with me?¡±


    Sometimes, Zhou Sheng really didn¡¯t know how he was supposed to communicate with his father. He said, ¡°Ask Xiao Qin yourself. If the two of you want a child, then give birth to it. If the two of you don¡¯t want one, then abort it. What are you asking me for? It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the one who got her pregnant!¡±


    Zhou Laichun said impatiently, ¡°You don¡¯t understand what I¡¯m trying to say?¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked absolutely irascible as he looked at Zhou Laichun without saying anything.


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°If you¡¯re willing to come back and take over Yun Lai Chun, I won¡¯t want this child. If you¡¯re not willing to come back, I¡¯ll let him be born, then he¡¯ll be the one taking charge of this business.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God.¡± Zhou Sheng wiped his face, thought about it, then said, ¡°Dad, when will you learn to respect people? To respect those who don¡¯t have the same views as you?¡±


    Sometimes, Zhou Laichun also felt like there was no way for him to communicate with his son at all.


    ¡°Okay, I understand.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it anymore. You just need to tell me what you want. This is your last chance.¡±


    Yu Hao walked quietly in the snow. He looked up at the trees, the red lanterns on the distant railings, and the small, flashing colourful lights. At this moment, in the snowfield, it seemed both lonely and vast between heaven and earth, and the entire world was so tranquil and readily available. Yet the clamorous human world was so far away from him as well.


    He recalled the joke that Ou Qihang had told them before. In Qinghua, the difference between people was sometimes even bigger than the difference between humans and dogs.


    In this night, the absurd words uttered by Zhou Laichun made him really think that that was true. The words, ¡°if you¡¯re willing to come home to take over the family business, I¡¯ll ask your stepmother to abort the child¡± seemed just like an exchange between two different species, which really made him confused as to whether he should laugh or cry.


    And what was even more amazing was that this actually fit Zhou Laichun¡¯s logic very well.


    ¡°What chance?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°My chance for success?¡±


    Zhou Laichun drank so much he looked intoxicated. He stared at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Your definition of success is different from mine. Dad, do you understand? Our differences have always stemmed from this.¡±


    ¡°Hasn¡¯t society taught you how to behave?¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to be like a dog for a few more years before you understand, is that necessary? Laozi has already disclosed everything to you, what else do you want?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°Is success in the secular sense truly success? Perhaps ba? But it¡¯s not necessary for me. For someone who wants to drink water and eat bread, if you give him a piece of gold, he won¡¯t want it, because that¡¯s not what he wants!¡±


    ¡°You can buy it with gold.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°You can buy everything you want.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You don¡¯t understand what I mean¡­forget it, if you don¡¯t get it¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Everything you want can be bought with money!¡±


    ¡°Love too?¡± Zhou Sheng finally couldn¡¯t hold back anymore, ¡°Family too?! If those could be bought with money, would you have to live like this right now?!¡±


    Zhou Laichun roared angrily as well, ¡°What right do you have to lecture me?!¡±


    ¡°Do you think I don¡¯t know that you still like my Mum?!¡± With this one roar from Zhou Sheng, Zhou Laichun¡¯s eyes widened in an instant.


    Yu Hao bowed down in the snow to cup a handful of snow. He looked back as he heard the father-son pair roar at each other and thought, Well, that¡¯s really breaking news.

 Chapter 146.2

    Zhou Laichun stopped talking. Zhou Sheng mocked, ¡°What the hell are you acting for? Don¡¯t you just want to prove yourself? Prove yourself because you don¡¯t want her to make cutting remarks about you anymore, to stop ridiculing you since it harms your self-esteem? Otherwise, why else would you keep flaunting all that dirty money of yours in front of her all day? Wasn¡¯t it because you suffered a heavy blow and wanted to go back to regain your face? But what happened in the end?¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Zhou Sheng sighed, ¡°She paid zero attention to you. She has forgotten all about you a fucking long time ago. She¡¯s having the time of her life now!¡±


    The clear and crisp sound of a slap rang out. Zhou Laichun raised his hand, and finally, after so many years, he had once again slapped Zhou Sheng.


    After getting hit, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t get angry and instead burst out laughing.


    ¡°Is this because you got hit by me that day on the divorce and have never forgotten about it all these years, and now you finally found the chance to pay it back to me?¡± Zhou Sheng took a wet towel and casually wiped his face. He smiled, ¡°Interesting. Okay, our debts are settled.¡±


    Zhou Laichun just sat down, panting. He shut his eyes tight and couldn¡¯t stop trembling.


    ¡°Dad.¡± Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°Do you think that divulging this news to me today would deal a huge blow to me or what? It really didn¡¯t. Well, I did feel a little bit upset just now, but it wasn¡¯t because of money. But after thinking through it carefully, it¡¯s pretty good this way. At least you won¡¯t be trying to arrange my life for me again for a long time.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Zhou Laichun said, ¡°At the very least, keep in mind that this is the path you chose. Don¡¯t hate me in the future and say that I didn¡¯t give you anything. I just wanted to let you know that no one in this world is unique and irreplaceable. Even if you¡¯re my son¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Drink ba, don¡¯t talk anymore. You¡¯re being too weak today.¡± As he spoke, he poured the last bit of residual wine for Zhou Laichun.


    Zhou Laichun stared at Zhou Sheng in disbelief. Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Dad, when comparing a chef like your Shixiong who opened a shop and reached the pinnacle of his own profession, and you who became a big boss who¡¯s insufferably arrogant and throws money at anyone you don¡¯t like, who do you think is more amazing?¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked back at the kitchen and said, ¡°Migrant workers eat here, students eat here, those going to work and getting off work eat here, those who just pass by eat here as well. He has no fame, and he has no money either.¡± After saying that, he smiled at his father, ¡°But in my eyes, he lives in a much more amazing way than you. I know I can¡¯t convince you. Neither of us can convince the other, so let time prove it ba.¡±


    Zhou Laichun said, ¡°Over the years, I¡¯ve always been thinking about one problem.¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned and studied Zhou Laichun.


    Zhou Laichun, ¡°I don¡¯t know what I did wrong. Son, I¡¯m asking you seriously: how on earth did Dad let you down?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go back ba, don¡¯t talk anymore.¡±


    Zhou Laichun raised his hand and made a gesture. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely teach your future younger brother well. I can¡¯t repeat the mistake I made with you again¡­¡±


    ¡°You really want me to say it?¡± Zhou Sheng grinned bitterly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell you the truth.¡±


    Zhou Laichun looked at Zhou Sheng, looking both dazed and intoxicated. Zhou Sheng said seriously, ¡°His birth was a mistake in the first place, because you¡¯re only giving birth to him for a certain purpose. I don¡¯t know what he¡¯ll be like in the future, but you need to understand one thing ¡ª I, my Mum, Xiao Qin, and the kid that isn¡¯t born yet that I don¡¯t care what he¡¯ll be called when he¡¯s born¡­¡­we¡¯re your family, we¡¯re your dear ones.¡±


    Zhou Sheng scrutinised Zhou Laichun and said a little sadly, ¡°We¡¯re not your employees, we¡¯re not your pets, and we¡¯re not your company¡¯s attendants. Although attendants shouldn¡¯t be treated like that either, but never mind, you won¡¯t understand even if I told you anyway.¡±


    Zhou Laichun turned his hand over and pressed against the space between his eyebrows, gasping for breath with his head bowed down. Zhou Sheng gave his chauffeur a call and asked him to come over to take Zhou Laichun away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore.¡± Zhou Laichun, ¡°It was really all destined. That day Yu Hao asked me for 50 million¡­¡±


    ¡°He was just kidding with you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He won¡¯t leave me even if you gave him the entire Yun Lai Chun.¡±


    Zhou Laichun¡¯s voice was unstable as he said slowly, ¡°I¡¯ll leave you 50 million dollars for you to set up a fund, it¡¯ll ensure that you won¡¯t starve to death. As for the rest, you¡¯ll have to rely on yourself ba. If you¡¯re willing in the future, there¡¯ll always be a place for you in Yun Lai Chun¡­¡±


    ¡°When you¡¯re old,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°just in case no one else wants to care about you someday, I¡¯ll care about you. But you should keep this son ba. You even gave me 2 million that I haven¡¯t spent a single cent of. It¡¯s enough for me to just live off its interest alone. For this point alone, I have to thank you, it helped the two of us a lot.¡±


    ¡°I admit that money is very important.¡± Zhou Sheng whistled at the chauffeur who had come in and helped him carry Zhou Laichun. He said, ¡°Without money, it would be difficult to even move an inch. But I¡¯m not living for the sake of money, it is just a means. Originally, I had wanted to say that I¡¯ll slowly pay you back¡­¡±


    Zhou Laichun struggled to stand up. He looked at Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When I think about it, you and Mum spent so much on me over the years; feelings ah, will never be able to be fully repaid, and the relationship between family members isn¡¯t something that can be severed so easily either. Yu Hao has indeed taught me a lot about this. But after thinking about it, if I were to have a kid in the future, I¡¯ll respect him more than you did, and I¡¯ll give him money as well.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that the way people are? From generation to generation.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled and patted Zhou Laichun¡¯s shoulder. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll return the money I owe you to my kids in the future. Take care, Dad.¡±


    Zhou Laichun looked at Zhou Sheng and breathed rapidly as he gasped, looking as if he wanted to say something. Yet Zhou Sheng returned to his seat and sat down. The chauffeur took Zhou Laichun by the arm to support him.


    ¡°Bill please.¡± Zhou Sheng watched them leave.


    The boss put on his glasses, picked up the bill, and went over to the table to settle the bill for Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng looked at the boss, and the boss looked at Zhou Sheng too. Zhou Sheng took the money out, and the boss accepted it. Everyone came to a tacit mutual understanding and kept silent throughout the entire process.


    ¡°You¡¯re his son.¡± The boss said, ¡°And I was wondering.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Un. You just knew?¡±


    The boss nodded. He said, ¡°Wu.¡± Then he took out two red envelopes from his apron and handed them to Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°I can¡¯t accept this, I¡¯m already an adult.¡±


    ¡°You can accept it if you haven¡¯t started working yet.¡± The boss said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I am working.¡±


    Boss, ¡°You can accept it if you¡¯re not married yet.¡±


    ¡°I have a wife.¡± Zhou Sheng quickly said, ¡°Ai? Where¡¯s my wife? Where did my wife go?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng! Get out here!¡± Yu Hao shouted from the outside.


    ¡°My wife¡¯s calling for me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Thanks boss.¡±


    The boss shoved it into Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands and said, ¡°Work properly.¡±


    Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t convince him otherwise, so he accepted them in the end. He put the red envelopes into his pockets and went out. It was dark outside, and no one could be found anywhere. It was incredibly quiet.


    Zhou Sheng held the scarf as he went around everywhere to look for him. Yu Hao shouted from the open space in the park, ¡°I¡¯m here! Come over!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I want to pee under the tree¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a toilet in the shop? Are you a dog?! And you even want to pee under the tree.¡±


    Zhou Sheng went back quickly, then came out again after using the bathroom. Yu Hao stood on one side of the empty space. Zhou Sheng flew over the railings and went over, his long legs stepping on the snowfield as he walked to find Yu Hao.


    ¡°Where are you na?¡±


    Yu Hao had his back against the other side of the railing. He placed his phone on the cement railing and said, ¡°Turn around.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around. Yu Hao pressed a light switch under the railing. He had seen several switches here before when he skateboarded nearby.


    After flicking the switch, the entire open space in the park lit up in an instant!


    The coloured lights illuminated the middle of the snowfield. A large patch of snow had been cleared and was piled up into two piles of snow; they were piled into Angry Bird snowmen. One was round, while the other was triangular, and they even had eyebrows made of leaves.


    Zhou Sheng instantly burst into laughter and said, ¡°What were you making?¡±


    ¡°You ah.¡± Yu Hao put down the switch and walked over to the snowman in the open space with Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pointed at the round one; he looked at Yu Hao, then at the snowman and said, ¡°This is me ba? The triangular one is you?¡±


    Yu Hao said with a smile, ¡°Correct.¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t they kissing?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s too difficult!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°And what are these little birds?¡± Zhou Sheng realised that there were still a few small little birds about the size of snowballs on the ground that had branches stuck in them that served as their noses.


    ¡°Our future children ah.¡± Yu Hao said happily, ¡°If we have any.¡±


    ¡°Will we?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were a little moist. He turned around to look at Yu Hao.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao said innocently, ¡°Depends on whether you want any. But it¡¯s too early to talk about it now ba?¡±


    ¡°We might really end up having some.¡± Zhou Sheng answered. ¡°This really is like our family, un¡­and there¡¯s a dog too.¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he observed Zhou Sheng. Countless fragmented lights illuminated them, reflecting the Milky Way in the sky. The open space was both bright and spacious. Zhou Sheng took his phone out and played a song, then said to Yu Hao, ¡°Let¡¯s dance?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to yet.¡±


    ¡°Just dance as we please?¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand. The music from his phone rang out. Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng¡¯s handsome face, and for a moment, he couldn¡¯t tell if his eyes had turned red because he had been drinking or because of his fight with Zhou Laichun.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Are you in a bad mood? I¡¯m guessing that when you heard the news, you must have felt quite upset for a short while.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I really was a little. Knowing that I won¡¯t be the only one to him anymore, so I felt a little conflicted ba? But I¡¯ll be fine in a while. Humans ma, can¡¯t desire everything. It¡¯s not like raising a spare tire, can¡¯t keep the whole Yun Lai Chun waiting, right?¡±


    Yu Hao laughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s just that so suddenly, it would still feel a little bit difficult to part with?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng studied Yu Hao. He hugged him as they twirled to the music and said, ¡°You know me best.¡±


    ¡°You decide ba?¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°What am I deciding?¡± Zhou Sheng stopped. He embraced Yu Hao and raised an eyebrow as he asked.


    ¡°Decide what path to walk in the future.¡± Yu Hao said. He felt like the Zhou Sheng at this moment was the gentlest he had ever been since they became acquainted.


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The old man has his own family, and I have my own family too. We have both settled down¡­so we shouldn¡¯t mingle together all the time so reluctantly anymore.¡±


    After saying that, both of them were incredibly amused. Then they turned sideways to look at the snowmen that Yu Hao had built, singing with the song:


    ¡°In this lifetime, there¡¯s too little time¡­¡­it¡¯s not enough to prove the deep love of the melting snow¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°One day, you suddenly appeared, both clear and mysterious¡ª¡ª¡±


    ¡°By Lake Baikal¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the glow of the small, flashing lights on the trees and railings, yet Zhou Sheng hugged him tight and turned his face around, then leaned down and kissed him on the lips.


    ¡°Oh right, what kind of move is ¡®scheming white wolves¡¯?¡± When their lips parted, Zhou Sheng asked with doubt, ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering about it for a long time. Where did you learn it from?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and said with a smile, ¡°Maybe Gege thinks that both you and sis-in-law were cheated to come back with us by our schemes.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡ª¡ªVolume 4¡¤Loulan¡¤End¡ª¡ª

 Chapter 147.1

    Graduation thesis, interview features, interview manuscripts for this month, proofreading duty¡­¡­When Yu Hao thought about all the things he had to do, he was struck by an impulse to resign. He began to understand why there were always people who wanted to just quit their jobs. It really is quite relaxing to just lay at home every day and do nothing! Going to work day after day, year after year, no matter how much one likes their job, they would eventually feel a sense of burnout. He hadn¡¯t even worked for half a year, and it was a job that he wanted to do¡­Yu Hao didn¡¯t even dare to think about how he would be like right now if he had found a job he didn¡¯t like. He would probably live like a walking corpse every day ba.


    ¡°Stop worrying, will you?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can go act as Judge Bao with that look of yours.¡±


    In February, Beijing was still bitingly cold and windy. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng dragged their luggage and pushed open the door to their home. No one has lived in it for nearly half a month, and it emitted a moldy smell unique to winter. Zhou Sheng kicked his luggage into a corner, drew the curtains, rolled his sleeves up, and started cleaning up. Yu Hao placed a pomelo peel on the heating pipe, wiped the tables, brewed coffee, and opened up his laptop on the table.


    ¡°I can¡¯t finish doing all this!¡± Yu Hao turned frantic.


    With so much work to do, Yu Hao really felt like breaking down. It was impossible to get rid of the anxiety he was feeling, and it even made him and Zhou Sheng quarrel on the high-speed railway. The trigger for it was how Zhou Sheng was too engrossed in playing his video game, and although he was wearing headphones, the striking of the buttons and how Zhou Sheng¡¯s body kept tilting here and there disturbed Yu Hao and made him feel ill at ease. In the end, Yu Hao angrily told him to stop playing, while Zhou Sheng just looked baffled. After they argued a bit, Zhou Sheng could only lean against his chair to take a nap. Yu Hao tapped away noisily on his laptop rapidly, and soon after, Zhou Sheng¡¯s head drooped over and leaned on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder, and he slept the whole way back. When they alighted, the two of them were okay again as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°Just write whatever you want.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Or I can help you write it?¡±


    ¡°Kaikai will be able to tell.¡± Yu Hao smoothed the hair on his forehead back, his hair was too long now.


    Zhou Sheeng found a rubber band from somewhere and tied a small braid for him. He said, ¡°Eat more sweets, your brain will be able to work better that way. Let me see, what are you writing? You¡¯re a reporter, why are you writing this?¡±


    The topic of Yu Hao¡¯s thesis was ¡°Self-concept¡±, which had a very complex scope. After reading it, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t suggest that he change the topic, and instead thought that he had picked a really good topic. After all, the unification of one¡¯s personality and the basis of self-perception are important cornerstones of being human. After shuttling through so many dreams with the Golden Crow Wheel, this was the most important issue he had perceived, and also the most pressing point he that he had needed to understand.


    Having experienced his dark self in the Great Wall, the blank Chen Yekai in the depths of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Satan Zhou Sheng in the arena, Liang Jinmin¡¯s childhood and marriage, Fu Liqun¡¯s ancient Loulan city¡­Yu Hao was perusing the works of Jung, Freud, Dewey, Wundt, and other such people in hopes of finding one main explanation for the emergence of one¡¯s personality. It felt as if these views were hidden in a dense fog ¡ª he clearly knew that they must be there, just that the fog was vast and obscure to the point where he couldn¡¯t even see his fingers. He would still need to put in effort over a long period of time for the ideas to be clearly captured.


    This was the source of all of Yu Hao¡¯s anxiety.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Yu Hao saw that Zhou Sheng was rummaging through everywhere; he checked the kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, bedside drawer, and decorative paintings, making him look very much like a detection dog.


    ¡°Wiretaps.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you realise? When we weren¡¯t home, someone came, and there were two waves of them.¡±


    ¡°How did you find out?¡± Yu Hao became vigilant.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Private detectives have their own means, of course. Otherwise how would we be able to do our job?¡±


    Yu Hao thought that before Zhou Sheng left, he should¡¯ve done something to their house, and now that he was saying this, it should mean that he hadn¡¯t found any more wiretaps. After Zhou Sheng checked his territory, he pulled out a vacuum cleaner and started vacuuming. Yu Hao was so annoyed by the noise of the vacuum cleaner that he had to stop writing his thesis and instead went over to clean up with Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°What should we do next?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Wait for them to come to us. We¡¯ll discuss some terms with Huang Ting.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I have a hunch, Zhou Sheng, that we may get a conclusion regarding the Golden Crow Wheel in the near future.¡±


    Zhou Sheng poured out the dust in the vacuum cleaner, sneezed, and said, ¡°Why? Because life never gives anything for nothing, and a price is always exacted for what fate bestows?¡±


    That was quoted from Zweig. Yu Hao knew that Zhou Sheng has never been able to be relieved of suspense of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s existence. Ever since the first day he got it, the Golden Crow Wheel had turned into a double-edged sword in their lives. They needed to keep up a certain degree of vigilance at all times to guard against any trouble that could come from it.


    Although for the past several years, every time they activated the Golden Crow Wheel, a lot has changed for either themselves or for their good friends, and it has never let them down. If it was sentient, then it wouldn¡¯t be fair to look at it in that way.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao sat at the dining table. Zhou Sheng flicked the Golden Crow Wheel with his thumb, and Yu Hao caught it.


    ¡°Do you think we¡¯ll end up losing it?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I can feel that there¡¯s someone who wants to take it away no matter what.¡± Then he flicked the Golden Crow Wheel back. The Golden Crow Wheel drew a shining arc in the air and landed in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯ve had thoughts of giving it up thrice in my life. The first time was after saving Nini. I was struck by an impulse to throw it into the river.¡± Then he flicked the Golden Crow Wheel back to Yu Hao. Yu Hao caught it.


    That was before Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had first got acquainted. Yu Hao couldn¡¯t help but recall the past. If he hadn¡¯t guessed that Zhou Sheng was General, then he may still have found it difficult to confirm his feelings, and he didn¡¯t know if they would¡¯ve gotten together in the end.


    ¡°Why did you not give it up?¡± Yu Hao flicked the Golden Crow Wheel back to Zhou Sheng again.


    ¡°You wove a bracelet for me.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The second time was after I won second place in the bicycle race. I thought of taking you to Australia and throwing it into the sea at the Great Barrier Reef.¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel was flicked back. Yu Hao caught it. ¡°Then what about the third time?¡±


    ¡°When I passed it to Kaikai.¡± Zhou Sheng pondered, ¡°But, from the moment they started targeting the Golden Crow Wheel, which was when this idea emerged for the third time, there was no use in throwing it away anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao put the Golden Crow Wheel on the table. They looked at it together.


    ¡°Do your work,¡± Zhou Sheng opened up his book and said, ¡°Don¡¯t think about it anymore. All problems will have their solutions.¡±


    Yu Hao closed his graduation thesis and began editing his manuscript on pyramid schemes, but his mind wasn¡¯t on it.


    ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel has already been taken away by Huang Ting.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Has he found out that it was a fake? If he has, then coming into our house can be explained, but if he hasn¡¯t, then what did they come here for? And they didn¡¯t even install any wiretaps or surveillance?¡±


    There was a hint of a smile in Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze. He glanced at Yu Hao and gave him a thumbs up, signalling to him that he was smart.


    Yu Hao thought about it for a moment before saying, ¡°Zhou Sheng, tell me, what is your plan exactly?¡±


    Zhou Sheng kept silent. Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t hide things from me all the time. I know you don¡¯t want me to worry, but if you don¡¯t say anything, it¡¯ll just make me worry even more you know?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want you to worry.¡± Zhou Sheng closed his book. He looked up at the ceiling, pondered for a moment, then looked straight into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. He said, ¡°It¡¯s just that later on, there¡¯s a part in our plans that can only be executed perfectly under the premise that you¡¯re unaware of everything.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng doubtfully. Zhou Sheng grasped the Golden Crow Wheel and tapped it gently on the table, then continued, ¡°Like a dream. You must now know that you¡¯re in it before everything can be completed through your hands. Before that happens, explaining everything to you would increase the risks.¡±


    Yu Hao roughly understood Zhou Sheng¡¯s words, so he immediately nodded. ¡°Okay then, I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    But after a while, Yu Hao still couldn¡¯t hold himself back from asking another question.


    ¡°What¡¯s the ultimate goal of all this?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Can you tell me that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply and instead flipped through his book again. He twirled his pen with his fingers a few times, and the pen spun around between his dexterous fingers.


    ¡°Draw all the enemies out,¡± Zhou Sheng said nonchalantly, ¡°Make them forget everything all at once. After it all ends, throw the Golden Crow Wheel back to where I first picked it up, then ¡®The End¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°But before concluding this, I want to know as much of the truth as possible.¡±


    ¡°What truth?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°What on earth it is, where it came from, what it¡¯s used for, and why it chose me.¡± Zhou Sheng stated, ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious? Of course, there may eventually be some amendments to this plan based on the information I gather from the Golden Crow Wheel, so there are a lot of uncertainties that may pop up at any time, so I can¡¯t discuss it clearly with you.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao could only say, ¡°As long as you know what you¡¯re doing.¡±


    ¡°Trust me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Trust me at all times.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never really worried much about you.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Zhou Sheng laughed, ¡°Look at those worshipful little eyes of yours.¡±

 Chapter 147.2

    The next day, Yu Hao reported at his office though he did not want to work at all and just felt really tired. Lin Ze had thought that he would only return after the 15th. There were huge red spring couplets pasted in the office, and there were even plates of New Year sweets and dried fruit on the table. It was bitterly cold, and a huge Alaskan Malamute lay in the entrance hall. Lin Ze, Situ Ye and Jin Weicheng were eating snacks, drinking tea, and chatting in the office, and they were all laughing as they discussed newspapers.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Aiya!¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Why did you come in without saying anything?¡±


    Yu Hao almost blew up. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t you guys have interviews to do?!¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you already done writing?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°We¡¯ve been using your manuscripts these days.¡±


    During the New Year, Yu Hao had racked his brains every day to provide two short manuscripts for his department. After receiving it, Lin Ze just used Yu Hao¡¯s manuscripts and handed them in. These three people had nothing to do as they ate peanuts in the office. Yu Hao said with much grief and indignation, ¡°Aren¡¯t you guys too much?! I worked so hard at home to write manuscripts for everyone, and yet you¡¯re just playing around here?¡±


    Situ Ye held a red packet and motioned to Yu Hao. ¡°What should you say? I won¡¯t give it to you anymore ah.¡±


    ¡°Lady boss, may you have a prosperous New Year!¡± Yu Hao immediately said obediently and accepted the red packet. It was pretty heavy, so there should be at least a thousand inside.


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Good boy. Give this one to your husband.¡± Then he passed another red packet to Yu Hao.


    Jin Weicheng very naturally acted as if nothing had happened. He said to Yu Hao, ¡°Your first draft was well written. I¡¯ll arrange for its publication when the editor gets here.¡±


    Thank goodness, I finally got an editor, Yu Hao thought that he didn¡¯t need to revise his manuscript over and over countless times anymore, but¡­¡­he looked outside and said, ¡°Why do we even have a dog now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m raising it. No one¡¯s taking care of it, so I brought it over.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°No one¡¯s afraid of dogs here anyway, so I¡¯m letting it guard the door in the day. I take it back at night.¡±


    The huge Alaskan Malamute evidently ate quite well; it appeared plump and sturdy, had a shiny coat, and was currently tied up with a rope. Its broom-like tail was swaying from side to side. Yu Hao said, ¡°You can¡¯t raise it at home anymore?¡±


    ¡°I came over for my duty the day before yesterday.¡± Situ Ye said, ¡°Ah Ze went to buy groceries and didn¡¯t walk it, and it ended up shitting in the living room¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Stop!¡±


    Yu Hao thought of the dog that couldn¡¯t hold back from shitting at home, then of the robot vacuum activating automatically at a set time and pushing the pile of shit and smearing it evenly all over the floor in the house, then getting baked by the indoor heating of the North¡­such a tragedy in the human world, and he began sympathising with Lin Ze and Situ Ye.


    Jin Weicheng said, ¡°Recently, there have been people who have been peeking in from across the street. It¡¯s better to have a tied-up dog on guard during the day.¡±


    What? Yu Hao thought, There are? Connecting it to himself and Zhou Sheng, as well as the matter regarding the Golden Crow Wheel, he couldn¡¯t help but feel suspicious. Lin Ze and Situ Ye glanced at Yu Hao, then looked at each other, but didn¡¯t say anything.


    ¡°The silk banner has been delivered.¡± Lin Ze motioned for Yu Hao to look at the wall.


    Yu Hao was distracted. He looked at the silk banner on the wall, with the word ¡°LIFESAVER¡± written on it.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you send out the medical records of a pregnant woman when you conducted an interview at Guanxian Battery Plant?¡±


    Yu Hao had forgotten all about that, he actually got a silk banner for that! That day, he had just so happened to go to the South. Before the New Year, the pregnant woman¡¯s family came to Beijing and delivered the silk banner. They cried as they thanked Lin Ze and the leaders at the broadcasting station. It was too cold, so the victim was unable to come over and had instead personally written a thank-you letter to Yu Hao.


    Lin Ze passed the thank-you letter to Yu Hao. Yu Hao unfolded it. There were three full pages packed densely with words, and he felt as if he could see a living person through the letter who was holding a child, crying as she wrote a letter to Yu Hao. There were even dried up traces of tears on the letter.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Yu Hao almost cried from reading it, and he had to put down the letter halfway through reading it to calm down.


    Lin Ze threw some peanuts that he caught in his mouth. ¡°The station wants to do an exclusive interview on you for an upcoming issue. They¡¯re asking you to write the manuscript yourself, blow your own trumpet, and I¡¯ll talk about other things.¡±


    ¡°No, no, no.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Of course not! If I want a manuscript where I¡¯m blowing my own trumpet and even sign it off as ¡®Intern Reporter, Yu Hao¡¯, I¡¯ll get laughed at to death!¡±


    Everyone burst out laughing. Situ Ye said, ¡°I said that you had just taken a few photos in passing, and that you didn¡¯t really think too much about it.¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes.¡± When Yu Hao thought of that, he had to admit that at that time, he really did think that taking those photos didn¡¯t take too much effort. And when he returned after sending out the photos, Lin Ze did the rest, such as reporting the case to Provincial Bureau and so on. His role in it was very insignificant in comparison.


    After reading the letter, he looked at the silk banner on the wall and bowed his head down as he felt slightly guilty. Lin Ze laughed and threw him a piece of sweet. The Alaskan Malamute even thought that he was crying, so it went over while wagging its tail and nuzzled against Yu Hao¡¯s calf. Yu Hao stroked its head and felt as if there was a force filling up his body, just like when he had just become an investigative reporter, and he regained all of his energy at once.


    ¡°Okay, time to work!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I hope the editor can take up post soon!¡±


    Situ Ye moved a chair over to sit down on it and placed a handful of melon seeds on the table. He said, ¡°I saw the photos you uploaded. This person¡¯s pretty handsome.¡±


    Knowing that Situ Ye was talking about Fu Liqun, Yu Hao answered, ¡°He¡¯ll be coming to Beijing tomorrow night to sign up for a German class in preparation for an exam. I¡¯ll introduce him to you guys then.¡±


    Yu Hao finished revising his manuscripts. This time, he was doing a feature on pyramid schemes. However, unlike other newspapers and online media articles on pyramid schemes, Lin Ze hoped that he can write about the topic in-depth. So Yu Hao didn¡¯t focus on the same old sensational news of imprisonment and corporal punishment, and instead focused on how pyramid scheme organisations lure people into their pits.


    Lack of self-confidence, vagabonds who suffer from long-term unemployment, those who are idling their time away, self-worth that¡¯s difficult to achieve, easily brainwashed, and the strong desire to prove themselves¡­Yu Hao interviewed the employees who escaped with Fu Liqun that day. From the company¡¯s sharing sessions used for encouragement to the gradual brainwashing of their employees through slogans¡­taking advantage of all sorts of weaknesses inherent in human nature to trick them onto the pirate ship step by step.


    ¡°More than 80% of employees in such pyramid scheme organisations have one thing in common ¡ª that is, their urgent need to reestablish their system of values¡­¡± Lin Ze glanced at the manuscript and said, ¡°How did you decide on the percentage?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The proportion of interviewees.¡±


    ¡°Not convincing enough.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°What¡¯s needed is looking at the whole from a specific example, not statistics.¡±


    ¡°Then¡­¡­¡¯most employees¡¯?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Function words are even worse.¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Leave only the example, as for the rest, let the readers evaluate it for themselves. We can only state facts, not reach conclusions.¡±


    ¡°Organisational chart, pyramid marketing model, incentive materials, the sequence of processes is really clear.¡± Jin Weicheng looked at Yu Hao¡¯s materials and drooled all over it. ¡°You even managed to obtain the report forms of that pyramid scheme company.¡±


    Yu Hao chuckled. Situ Ye said, ¡°Only your photos are lacking a little.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Are they not well taken?¡±


    Situ Ye said, ¡°These are all close-ups of your man, how are you gonna publish them?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    So, together with Situ Ye, Yu Hao could only choose a photo of Zhou Sheng kicking in mid air with all the security guards around him looking on in horror, then devise all sorts of ways to crop Zhou Sheng out. Situ Ye casually made a black strip to block Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes, and Yu Hao abruptly burst out laughing. The two of them started laughing and playing around. Situ Ye even photoshopped Zhou Sheng onto Hollywood covers, the cover of the Hong Kong film¡¶Young and Dangerous¡·, the cover of¡¶A Chinese Odyssey¡·, and even photoshopped him such that he was dressed in an ancient costume with long hair. Then he added Thor¡¯s hammer to Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand for him to play in¡¶The Avengers¡·, and placed two lightsabers on Zhou Sheng¡¯s fists for him to cosplay as a¡¶Star Wars¡· character¡­At last, it was only when Situ Ye found a poster of¡¶Pleasant Goat and Big Big Wolf¡·, cut Zhou Sheng¡¯s photo out, and added it in before Yu Hao finally pleaded for mercy. He laughed so hard his stomach hurt, and he was lying under his desk, waving his hand repeatedly as he called out for help and begged Situ Ye to stop playing around.


    The Alaskan Malamute suddenly barked a few times and got up to stare outside. Yu Hao laughed so hard tears came out. Situ Ye pulled Yu Hao up from under the table. Lin Ze said, ¡°Your friend¡¯s here to look for you, Yu Hao. Xiao Gou! Quiet down!¡±


    Yu Hao looked back to see, and Huang Ting¡¯s voice travelled over from the entrance, ¡°Looks like you¡¯re having fun being a reporter, not bad.¡±


    In the office, Lin Ze, Situ Ye, and Jin Weicheng all stared at Huang Ting together. Huang Ting was wearing casual clothes today; he wore a leather windbreaker, leather pants, and wore a pair of sunglasses, looking just like a triad boss and like a completely different person in this get-up. However, it was impossible for him to hide it from these reporters. Everyone had the same expression on their face¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªCop! A cop is here!


    ¡°My friend.¡± Yu Hao said to the rest, then greeted Huang Ting and thought that he had come indeed. Yet he didn¡¯t find Zhou Sheng and instead came straight to him.


    ¡°Lord Cop, where did you move up in rank to ah?¡± Situ Ye asked with a smile.


    Lin Ze, ¡°Do you have a Land Rover?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°All of you, knock it off! Hold on, what¡¯s up with Land Rovers?¡±


    ¡°Look at him, the leather¡ª¡ªpants¡ª¡ªon him¡± Situ Ye began singing.


    ¡°With thirteen Land Rovers at the door¡ª¡ª¡± Lin Ze sang along as well.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡± (me: ¡­¡­. guys)


    ¡°Director Lin.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I have long heard of you. Your reputation is as resounding as the roar of thunder.¡±


    Huang Ting took off his sunglasses and went over to shake hands with Lin Ze. Lin Ze just continued sitting and politely shook hands with him. Yu Hao realised that Lin Ze was still rather imposing at this time, and Huang Ting seemed to be a little afraid of Lin Ze.


    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°I¡¯m all ears.¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°Lend me this little brother of yours for one night, I¡¯d like to have dinner with him.¡±


    ¡°Then wait for a while ba.¡± Lin Ze answered. ¡°We¡¯re only getting off work at 6pm, unless he¡¯s willing to leave early.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll be about done after fixing a few of these pictures for Lady boss.¡±


    Huang Ting snapped his fingers, then went out to wait.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 148.1

    Yu Hao had a vague sense that the atmosphere was a little off, as if Lin Ze and Huang Ting were competing in secret. Moreover, Lin Ze wasn¡¯t in a good mood today either, so he had a much more serious and severe attitude than usual. Although his expression was as normal, he was frowning slightly. Situ Ye saw Yu Hao glance at Lin Ze, so he elbowed him lightly and said, ¡°Go do your own thing.¡±


    At 5:20, Yu Hao compressed the pictures and uploaded it onto the cloud account, kept his laptop, and left with Huang Ting after saying goodbye to the rest.


    ¡°Call me if anything comes up.¡± Before he left, Lin Ze made a gesture.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao knew that Lin Ze had said that especially for Huang Ting.


    There was a motorcycle outside the office. Huang Ting handed a helmet to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Call Zhou Sheng along?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s on a business trip,¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°He won¡¯t be in Beijing for two days.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Huang Ting, who motioned, ¡°Let¡¯s go?¡±


    Yu Hao looked down at his phone. Zhou Sheng had sent him a message:¡¾Wife, I¡¯m going on a business trip to Baoding for two days to investigate an economic dispute. I¡¯ll be back on the night of the 9th.¡¿


    ¡°What day is it today?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°The 7th. Why?¡± Huang Ting saw that Yu Hao didn¡¯t get on, so he just waited.


    Yu Hao asked doubtfully, ¡°Where do you want to take me?¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t see Huang Ting¡¯s expression behind the helmet, but he could see a hint of a smile in his eyes. Huang Ting said, ¡°Are you afraid that I¡¯ll lock you up?¡±


    Yu Hao knew that he probably wouldn¡¯t go that far, unless the central authorities issued a direct order. Otherwise, Lin Ze would really fear nothing. If they really locked him up, Qinghua Times wouldn¡¯t let Huang Ting off so easily. Shortly afterwards, Yu Hao remembered Zhou Sheng¡¯s words, about how there was a part in his plans where Yu Hao had to cooperate with him on the premise of his ignorance before he could deceive the entire gang.


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao answered. He put on the helmet and sat on the back seat of Huang Ting¡¯s motorcycle.


    ¡°When will Liqun come to Beijing?¡± Huang Ting drove in a very stable manner as he turned his head sideways to ask.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Tomorrow night.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Pay attention to safety.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m paying a lot of attention.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°I¡¯m hinting to you to hold me tight.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Afraid that Zhou Sheng will get jealous? It¡¯s okay, he can¡¯t see through the surveillance camera at the intersection.¡±


    Yu Hao had wanted to sit upright, but Huang Ting had to bend slightly on his motorcycle. If Yu Hao sat upright, he would have to withstand the strong wind blowing in his face, so he could only bend over slightly as well and temporarily hug Huang Ting by his waist. Huang Ting made several turns, chose a more spacious road, and increased his speed. From the looks of it, he was planning to leave Beijing.


    ¡°Nicky didn¡¯t look for you?¡± Huang Ting asked.


    Huang Ting¡¯s windbreaker was buttoned up tightly, revealing his slim waistline, and he had very straight legs as well. When they met in the South before the New Year, they were in a rush, so Yu Hao hadn¡¯t taken a close look at him. He felt like Huang Ting had slimmed down considerably after coming to Beijing, and after sitting in the office for a long time, he was much fairer now as well.


    ¡°We arranged to have dinner together in a few days.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Xiao Ou will be there too?¡± Huang Ting casually asked, ¡°When will your parties take care of civil servants who have to work early until late at night?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We invited you out a few times, you¡¯re the one who didn¡¯t want to come.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°So you don¡¯t invite me anymore? I¡¯m upset.¡±


    Yu Hao sighed, ¡°Usually after scratching out the words ¡®Thank You¡¯, one wouldn¡¯t continue scratching anymore. That¡¯s just common sense ba.¡±


    Yu Hao kept looking at the road, while Huang Ting drove his motorcycle and turned into an alley. He stopped outside a three-storey building, took off his gloves, and parked his motorcycle. They entered the building; there was heating inside, and Yu Hao saw several well-built men walking around the corridor half naked dressed in trousers. They would even greet Huang Ting from time to time.


    ¡°My younger brother.¡± Huang Ting introduced Yu Hao to them.


    ¡°Yo, your younger brother¡¯s a reporter?¡±


    ¡°How many younger brothers do you have?¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°All men on earth are my younger brothers.¡±


    Huang Ting fished his keys out to open the door. Yu Hao said, ¡°Yo, Qihang has been here too ba, and probably more than once?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking, Xiao Yu Didi. Do I look like a bad guy to you?¡±


    The place where Huang Ting stayed wasn¡¯t as big as Yu Hao¡¯s living room. The living room was very tidy, and it looked like an employee dormitory where several people lived together. Huang Ting said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch their stuff, everyone who stays here is specially appointed.¡±


    In the living room of this three-bedroom apartment, there was barely anything. Only a coffee table and sofa could be seen. Poker cards were kept in a transparent box, and several police uniforms were hanging on the balcony to dry.


    Huang Ting fished out another bunch of keys and opened a door to a room. He said to Yu Hao, ¡°Go into my room.¡±


    ¡°Get on the bed, quick.¡±


    ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°You can lie down if you want.¡±


    Yu Hao followed Huang Ting into his bedroom, and his bedroom was even smaller. There was only a bed and fridge inside. There were no windows, and there were posters pasted on the walls. Huang Ting got Yu Hao to take off his shoes and sit on his bed, while he went out to change his clothes. Yu Hao looked at the bookshelf. There were many photos on it: a photo he took with his leader, and there was also one of him with Shi Ni, with Liang Jinmin, Chen Yekai, with Ou Qihang outside the Forbidden City¡­that should have been taken when Ou Qihang had just came to Beijing for university, and Huang Ting had taken him out to play.


    The group shot of their three-men basketball team, a photo with Chen Yekai during their junior high¡¯s spring excursion¡­


    As well as the photo that each of them had¡ª¡ªthe group photo taken backstage during their college¡¯s celebration.


    Yu Hao had folded it and placed it in the music box that Zhou Sheng gave him, while Zhou Sheng¡¯s was stuffed into his wallet. Fu Liqun¡¯s photo hung on a rope at home. He didn¡¯t know how Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai kept it, but Huang Ting had placed it in a photo frame that he put on the bookshelf.


    Yu Hao opened the door of the bookshelf and saw the corner of a photo hidden in a row of books, then pulled it out. It was a picture of Xiao Yujun taking a photo by the river. Huang Ting had sneaked a shot of her from the side.


    Yu Hao heard Huang Ting coughing in the living room, so he quickly stuffed the photo back in and closed the bookshelf door.


    Huang Ting brought in several containers from the outside for Yu Hao to see. ¡°Hot pot? I¡¯ll wash the vegetables.¡±


    Yu Hao had always liked hot pot very much. He said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°I heard that Zhou Sheng¡¯s cooking is really good.¡± Huang Ting followed Yu Hao into the kitchen. ¡°You should have been taught well too.¡±


    ¡°The kitchen is a sacred place for Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao laughed, ¡°I always avoid causing trouble for him, but I¡¯m okay with prepping vegetables. According to his evaluation, they could sort of be used ba.¡±


    Yu Hao took the vegetables over to go and wash them. Huang Ting¡¯s hot pot was very simple; there was just a lot of beef and mutton rolls, as well as fresh chrysanthemum greens. However, only the simplest ingredients can reconstruct the deepest, most basic experience of just ¡®eating¡¯. Of course, the ingredients themselves must be fresh. Yu Hao looked at the vegetables Huang Ting had bought in the afternoon. The ingredients weren¡¯t bad; the layers of fat and lean meat on the beef and mutton were distinct, while the chrysanthemum greens were freshly picked this morning.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng sent him a message, and Yu Hao answered truthfully. He began mixing pickled tofu, sesame paste, and chilli together to form a dipping sauce. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t ask another question for a long time. He and Yu Hao verified an obscure secret signal; this was what they had agreed on, while Zhou Sheng¡¯s reply proved that everything was perfectly normal.


    Huang Ting put the ingredients on the table, turned on the induction cooker, and went over to tidy up and clean his hands, then began coughing violently again.


    Yu Hao patted his back and had a persistent nagging sensation that something was wrong. He asked, ¡°You¡¯re sick? Go see a doctor?¡±


    ¡°Civil servants have regular check-ups.¡± After Huang Ting finished coughing, he resumed his serious appearance and said, ¡°I caught a cold a while back, but I¡¯ll still cough now and then after recovering. It¡¯s not viral, so it¡¯s not contagious.¡±


    Huang Ting took out two bottles of Arctic Ocean from the fridge outside. Yu Hao¡¯s gaze swept over the living room, and his instinct reminded him ¡ª why was there a small fridge in his room? What¡¯s inside?


    A small table was set up on the bed. Huang Ting arranged the ingredients on it, and Yu Hao handed him the sauce that he had mixed. After eating a bit, Huang Ting put his chopsticks down and sighed a little.


    ¡°This hot pot is of a pretty good standard.¡± Huang Ting nodded as he praised.


    ¡°All I did was mix the condiments and wash vegetables!¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry, ¡°You guys usually don¡¯t cook ba?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Condiments is the soul of hot pot. Although my colleagues and I all live together, we¡¯re always busy with our matters. We have different tasks.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What kind of organisation is this?¡±


    ¡°Special Investigation Center.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°It¡¯s not a public organisation. It¡¯s a great pity that there¡¯s no big news for you here. We only obey certain designated leaders, and everything else is kept secret.¡±


    Yu Hao finished blanching the meat and put it in Huang Ting¡¯s bowl. Huang Ting said, ¡°Doing well with Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s always the one taking care of me at home.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The only thing he¡¯s not doing is feeding me.¡±


    ¡°There are fewer worries when living with a guy.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Sexual orientation is difficult to change by nature, otherwise, it would be really good for you two to start a family like this.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°You can¡¯t start a family not because there¡¯s a problem with you being with either a man or a woman.¡±


    ¡°Then, little fellow, what problem do you think I have?¡± Huang Ting said seriously.


    ¡°You¡¯re a great person, you don¡¯t really have a problem.¡± Yu Hao thought, I was a little fellow last time, but not anymore. I¡¯m not afraid to fight you.


    Yu Hao studied him and said, ¡°You¡¯re like a serious big brother of ours who¡¯s not very approachable.¡±


    ¡°Compared to the intelligent, sexy, and elegant Nicky Chan,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯d think it¡¯s natural that I¡¯m not as likeable.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°However, I can still sense how gentle you are once in awhile.¡±


    ¡°For example?¡± Huang Ting got some beef for Yu Hao and looked at him.


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°For example, what you said just now when you asked how I was doing with Zhou Sheng. Can I understand it as your concern as to whether or not I am being bullied by him?¡±


    ¡°He often bullies you?¡± Huang Ting continued eating his food.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Yu Hao felt like it was a little difficult to deal with Huang Ting right now. He always had to be on guard against whether Huang Ting would suddenly catch a hold of one of his words by surprise and start his questioning.


    ¡°You¡¯re chatting with me with an investigation mindset, so I won¡¯t talk anymore.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What I said was clearly about you.¡±

 Chapter 148.2

    Huang Ting took his chopsticks and raised both his hands slightly, signalling his surrender. He said, ¡°Go on.¡±


    Yu Hao shrugged and continued blanching his meat. Both of them didn¡¯t talk for a moment. Huang Ting stared at the blanched meat seriously, then looked down at his watch, and continued blanching for a few seconds.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting looked up at Yu Hao and said, ¡°I¡¯m someone who doesn¡¯t have a lot of friends.¡±


    ¡°I can tell.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°You and I, you and Zhou Sheng,¡± Huang Ting thought for a bit and took out the meat from the hot pot. He said, ¡°In the order of acquaintanceship, who¡¯s first and who came after?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect Huang Ting to suddenly ask this. He answered, ¡°We knew each other first. Chen Laoshi hadn¡¯t come then.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°At the gate of your college, if I remember correctly you were wearing a sports jacket. It was very cold. You carried a black backpack, and there were a lot of things in it. You had just returned after one of your major¡¯s classes, and you were holding a ¡®Cultivation of Ideological Morality¡¯ book in your hands.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao raised an eyebrow slightly and said, ¡°You remember it very well.¡±


    The corner of Huang Ting¡¯s mouth raised. He said, ¡°When I saw you for the first time that day, I knew that you weren¡¯t the one who stole the thing.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°But due to my profession,¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°I couldn¡¯t draw a conclusion straight away.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s okay. You sent Chen Laoshi a voice message after that, I knew you believed me.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Huang Ting seemed pensive, then nodded. ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°You actually weren¡¯t there to be a criminal detective, right?¡± Yu Hao frowned. ¡°When you were in Ying City, what did you want to investigate? You were sent there by the central authorities?¡±


    Huang Ting sidestepped the question, ¡°There are many things that you wouldn¡¯t have thought about carefully at first. Sure enough, after becoming a reporter, you¡¯re slowly starting to figure it out.¡±


    Yu Hao had just asked the question casually, but right now, his heart started beating wildly. Their goal was to investigate the Golden Crow Wheel? That¡¯s not right though, it didn¡¯t match up with his and Zhou Sheng¡¯s speculation. They couldn¡¯t have known of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s existence that early on.


    ¡°Eat.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Don¡¯t blanch the meat for too long.¡±


    Yu Hao could roughly guess the purpose of this meal, and had to admire Huang Ting for how seasoned he was. If he looked for Yu Hao to try and get information out of him one-on-one, although Yu Hao couldn¡¯t hide everything from him completely right now, he wasn¡¯t as sweet and naive he was back then, so he was definitely capable of messing up Huang Ting¡¯s rhythm. However, of all the things he could have done, he had invited Yu Hao over for a hot pot meal at his house. People¡¯s defenses are at their weakest when they eat. As they blanch their ingredients, their gazes shift, and they had to eat while chatting. Just a slight pause in their movements at any time would betray their inner thoughts, and he had allowed Huang Ting to accurately capture all sorts of moments of astonishment and surprise.


    ¡°Ou Weihong¡¯s case has a wide range of implications.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Of course, there are other cases of corruption. I¡¯m relatively more familiar with Ying City, so I was sent there as they hoped that I could play the role of an informer. That¡¯s very normal.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You gave me a scare. I thought you targeted the Golden Crow Wheel from the start.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to beat around the bush with him anymore and decided to first throw a bomb at Huang Ting to see how he would react.


    Sure enough, Huang Ting was stunned for a short moment, but immediately resumed his calm. He said, ¡°Yu Hao, can you follow the script? I haven¡¯t finished laying out the groundwork. Are you sure you want to dive right to the main point like this?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just follow each other.¡± Yu Hao said with a smile, ¡°Isn¡¯t it better to get straight to the point? What about this, let¡¯s play a game ba?¡±


    Huang Ting looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao thought about it for a bit, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll answer one of your questions, then you¡¯ll answer one of my questions.¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°This ¡®guest acting as the host ¡® move of yours is really amazing. Yu Hao, you have to understand, I¡¯ve always regarded you guys as friends, as my younger brothers, from beginning to end¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t utter such empty words.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Do you want to play or not, Huang Ting Ge?¡±


    Huang Ting put down his chopsticks. He fell silent for a short moment, then rolled his sleeves up and did a finger guessing gesture. Yu Hao was baffled. Huang Ting took the food outside for now since they were more or less done with their meal anyway.


    ¡°Come.¡± Huang Ting lifted the quilt and said, ¡°In that case, let¡¯s just chat under the quilt for a bit ba?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Huang Ting Ge, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve been in a rather unusual state of mind recently.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what everybody says.¡± Huang Ting answered, then patted the pillow at the side again.


    Yu Hao¡¯s heart thumped. It couldn¡¯t be that Huang Ting already knew how to use the Golden Crow Wheel ba? He didn¡¯t reject him again and lay on the bed. Huang Ting gave him a bolster to lean on, covered them with the quilt, and said, ¡°After having one¡¯s fill, nothing is better than just lying down¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    After that, Huang Ting got a remote control from somewhere and turned off the lights. The room turned pitch dark. He pressed down on the remote control, and a blue light shone from the opposite wall.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Damn you¡­and I was wondering what you wanted to do!¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± Huang Ting looked at Yu Hao, but Yu Hao was staring at the opposite wall. Huang Ting¡¯s room was truly too small. The projection was projected onto the wall opposite the bed, and Huang Ting might usually use such a projection to watch movies as a form of entertainment.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be too bad to solve the problem of being single by watching movies like this ba.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Immerse yourself in the experience.¡±


    Huang Ting and Ou Qihang just so happened to be at two ends of a spectrum; Ou Qihang could kill the chat at any time, while Huang Ting can continue the conversation no matter what the topic was.


    Huang Ting pressed a button, and a gigantic Golden Crow Wheel instantly appeared in the projection that occupied the entire wall.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel was extremely bright, and its edges were similar to that of solar prominences as it emitted flames and light. Yu Hao even had a sort of misperception that he had seen the real Golden Crow Wheel in reality!


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Very surprised?¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Yu Hao answered. ¡°I never expected it at all.¡±


    ¡°For this to appear in my hands.¡± Huang Ting continued.


    Yu Hao, ¡°No, I never expected that you guys would actually play this sort of GIF in a PPT. Won¡¯t it lag a lot when you open it?¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Continue going through the slides ah, why do you have such a strange expression on your face?¡±


    Yu Hao knew the trick to interacting with Huang Ting, which was to not let him lead you by the nose. You definitely couldn¡¯t make moves according to common sense, otherwise he would lead you far away.


    Huang Ting pressed the remote control again, and Yu Hao snatched it in a flash. Huang Ting wanted to snatch it back, but Yu Hao began pressing it by himself. Huang Ting coughed harshly a few times and gave up on seizing the remote control back. Yu Hao flipped to the next slide, and the second slide was something he had seen before ¡ª the analysis report done at STA when Chen Yekai had handed it over to them.


    Yu Hao frowned. Huang Ting said, ¡°When did we start targeting you guys?¡±


    Yu Hao muttered, ¡°Ever since Ou Qihang lost his memory.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°Even earlier. It was when Nicky decided to give up everything and go to Argentina to end his life.¡±


    Yu Hao fell silent. He pressed the remote control and continued. Immediately afterwards, the second page of a research report appeared, and everything was written in English. When Yu Hao saw that page, he instantly became nervous, but he just glanced at it calmly and feigned an expression like he couldn¡¯t really understand it, then went onto the next slide. The next slide was a photo of him, Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng eating breakfast at a hotel. From the angle at which the photo was taken, he seemed to have been in the hotel¡¯s garden.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You were really well-hidden.¡±


    ¡°So were you guys.¡± Huang Ting extended a hand. Yu Hao gave in and returned the remote control to him.


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be difficult for reporters such as yourself to understand,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°In order to dig out the truth, you need to have the willpower to persevere, in addition to a little bit of luck. Yekai suffered from quite severe psychological problems during that period¡­I suggested for him to find a counsellor, but then the situation just eventually got worse and worse.¡±


    ¡°You knew that he wanted to go to Argentina to commit suicide,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you think of stopping him?¡±


    ¡°Of course I did.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Do you have some kind of misunderstanding about me? It¡¯s just that it¡¯s not easy for criminal detectives to apply for an Argentinian visa. You know, I had already bought my ticket, but before I left, I realised that he had returned again. After following him the whole way, I found out that the three of you got a room at this hotel.¡± After he spoke, Huang Ting suddenly laughed. He continued, ¡°Can you explain why?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you already know everything?¡± Yu Hao turned his head sideways to look at Huang Ting. Both of them had a quilt covering them as they lay in bed.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡¯m standing on your side. It may not be easy to establish this trust, but when we met for the first time, I had given you this trust without reservation.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered what Huang Ting had said to Chen Yekai through WeChat on the premise of insufficient evidence in the case when he was wronged by Shi Liang for stealing a watch.


    ¡°Yes, I was very touched.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°At that time, there weren¡¯t a lot of people who believed in me.¡±


    ¡°I looked for you and not for Zhou Sheng to talk about this precisely because of this.¡± Huang Ting said calmly, ¡°Yekai, Zhou Sheng, you, Xiao Ou, you¡¯re the only one amongst you guys who may be willing to tell me the truth. Although I¡¯ve already put together a rough idea, I hope that I can hear about everything that had happened from you.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh woooow, I had no idea they knew so early on.

 Chapter 149.1

    Yu Hao looked down at his WeChat chat window with Zhou Sheng. Aside from those few simple conversations, they never exchanged any further opinions.


    ¡°About that¡­we¡¯ll have to start from the day I tried to commit suicide in the back mountains.¡± Yu Hao murmured, then told Huang Ting roughly about what had happened. Huang Ting just listened earnestly and didn¡¯t interrupt Yu Hao, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.


    ¡°That was the first time I met Zhou Sheng in my dream.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°As for the rest, I think you can already deduce what had happened.¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t seem surprised in the slightest. An idea suddenly surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind; it was vague, hazy, and he understood some of the kind of arrangement and set-up Zhou Sheng had planned in the dark. Huang Ting wasn¡¯t entirely clear about the Golden Crow Wheel and their motive for entering dreams, or in other words, he has a certain degree of misunderstanding regarding this device. Telling him the truth posed quite a huge risk, but it also opened up another possibility¡ª perhaps Huang Ting would change some of the ideas he had first held after he realised the true power of the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Sure enough, Huang Ting answered, ¡°It¡¯s a little different from what I imagined, but the difference isn¡¯t that significant.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°What was the Golden Crow Wheel you had originally envisaged?¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t reply. At this moment, Yu Hao clearly recalled the information provided by the research report on the second slide of the PPT; it disclosed a lot of content that he and Zhou Sheng had never thought of before, and he had no way of understanding it with his current body of knowledge, so he could only forcibly commit it to memory before going back to find relevant literature for comparison.


    Huang Ting, ¡°So this is a device that can be used to change the hearts of others.¡±


    ¡°To be exact,¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s a device used to help others and to change their hearts. We can¡¯t directly interfere with a person¡¯s dreamscape; we can only find the master of the dreamscape and help him seize back his totem.¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t seem to take it seriously. He flipped a slide, and a photo of Liang Jinming lying in bed unconscious appeared on it.


    ¡°That is to say, as long as you¡¯re willing, you guys can enter my dreams as well.¡± Huang Ting said.


    ¡°It¡¯s my turn to ask questions.¡± Yu Hao cut in precisely at the best opportunity and released a smoke grenade, ¡°Where¡¯s the Golden Crow Wheel now?¡±


    ¡°No comment.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°In any case, it¡¯s not with me.¡±


    ¡°Then our conversation can¡¯t continue.¡± Yu Hao was ready to get up. He said to Huang Ting, ¡°This isn¡¯t how friends communicate.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Huang Ting stopped Yu Hao from getting off the bed, ¡°It was handed over to my superiors.¡±


    ¡°Which superior?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I remember you had quite a few.¡±


    Huang Ting dismissed it with a laugh, but he was still thinking. Yu Hao said, ¡°How do you guys plan to study it now?¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°It¡¯s my turn. How did you guys wake up someone who was unconscious?¡±


    ¡°Subconscious.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m not sure about the general principles behind it, only Zhou Sheng understands them.¡±


    Yu Hao roughly described what had happened in Liang Jinmin¡¯s dream that day. Huang Ting said, ¡°So in the end you realised that Liang Jinmin had forgotten about the surveillance video. And I was wondering too¡­how she managed to get suggestions from you about things that even she couldn¡¯t recall.¡±


    Huang Ting cast another meaningful glance at Yu Hao, signalling for him to ask his question.


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment. ¡°Now that the Golden Crow Wheel is with you guys, all your questions can be answered through research. Why are you guys still pursuing us so relentlessly?¡±


    Both on the surface and underneath, Yu Hao¡¯s words have always been trying to sound Huang Ting out. He wanted to know if he knew that the Golden Crow Wheel they had switched out and taken was a fake. However, through Huang Ting¡¯s observation, Yu Hao was now almost certain that they still didn¡¯t know that they had taken a fake Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°You know why better than I do.¡± Huang Ting said absent-mindedly, ¡°Aside from you and Zhou Sheng, no one else can activate it.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I can¡¯t activate it. Only Zhou Sheng has control over it. Let me take a look?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s not with me, don¡¯t try to sound me out anymore. Come, next question. Can you guys erase other people¡¯s memories through it?¡±


    Huang Ting flipped to the next slide. This slide was completely bereft, except for a player at the bottom of the screen. He clicked on ¡®autoplay¡¯, and it started playing a recording of Ou Qihang when he was hypnotised. Sure enough, it was just as what Yu Hao had speculated ¡ª through hypnosis, Huang Ting made Ou Qihang recall the memory that he had lost, and even the entire process had been reconstructed!


    ¡°¡­¡­at the beginning, I dreamed of Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao, then saw that scene in my dream again.¡± Ou Qihang sounded a little drowsy while he was under hypnosis, ¡°But common sense told me that it was impossible¡­¡±


    After Yu Hao listened to the whole recording, Huang Ting turned it off.


    ¡°How do you guys erase a person¡¯s memory?¡± Huang Ting asked.


    ¡°The memory is always there.¡± Yu Hao recalled Chen Yekai¡¯s and Zhou Sheng¡¯s deductions and answered, ¡°We just sealed it off temporarily; transfer a portion of the dreamscape out and throw it into the subconscious.¡±


    ¡°Learnt that from traversing Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious?¡± Huang Ting raised an eyebrow and asked Yu Hao.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask Zhou Sheng. My turn.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered a bit, then suddenly got some inspiration from Huang Ting¡¯s words. Could it be exactly as how he had guessed; after Zhou Sheng entered Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious, he had learned how to convert memories in the surface consciousness into ones in the subconscious and vice versa, as well as discovered a certain set of rules? No, that¡¯s not right. At an even earlier time, Zhou Sheng had suggested ¡®erasing¡¯ Chen Yekai¡¯s memory to avoid leaking the secret.


    Then has he used that sort of technique before? Who did he use it on? Zhou Sheng had never told him before¡­Why? Him not asking was one of the reasons, of course, and there wasn¡¯t a lot of opportunities for them to discuss the Golden Crow Wheel¡­


    ¡°Wei.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Fell asleep?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why did you only take the Golden Crow Wheel away and not Zhou Sheng as well?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to confirm their speculation about Huang Ting, yet he got another answer.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want my superiors to make things difficult for you guys.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Give out ample autonomous decision-making rights (??); this device is too powerful, and Zhou Sheng can¡¯t keep it long-term, so I made a deal with my superiors: I¡¯ll be responsible for getting the Golden Crow Wheel and handing it over to them. In exchange, the organisation has to let you both go and stop interfering with your daily lives.¡±


    ¡°But clearly, it didn¡¯t succeed,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t be having this conversation today.¡±


    Huang Ting declined to comment. ¡°It¡¯s my turn. How many people¡¯s dreams have you guys entered in total?¡±


    ¡°Not many.¡± Yu Hao told Huang Ting about all the ones that Huang Ting knew about, or the ones he thought that Huang Ting would be able to infer, including Fu Liqun¡¯s.


    ¡°Just those few?¡± Huang Ting didn¡¯t really believe him and glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°Since you don¡¯t believe me, why ask?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What attitude do your superiors have towards us now?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t answer that question.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°You can only trust me, I will do my best to protect you guys.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°According to your conjectures, without you knowing about it¡­¡±


    Yet Yu Hao said, ¡°But you¡¯re the one who exposed this for us too.¡±


    Huang Ting said seriously, ¡°Do you think that if I had chosen not to pursue it, that your secret of entering dreams would have never been discovered? Student Yu Hao, you have already stepped into society, you¡¯re no longer a child.¡±


    Yu Hao remained silent. He took the remote control and flipped through the PPT, then stopped at the slide with forensic photos taken in the past. He was searching for an opportunity to flip to the earlier slides to look at the English analysis report on the second slide.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Then, let¡¯s solve the last problem. It¡¯s not early anymore either. Stop flipping through it, Yu Hao.¡±


    So Yu Hao stopped going through the slides. He turned sideways to look at Huang Ting, and Huang Ting said, ¡°Still that same question. Has Zhou Sheng ever entered other people¡¯s dreams without you knowing about it?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Impossible. If he wants to enter someone¡¯s dream, he¡¯ll definitely tell me.¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°Is that what you two agreed upon? His performance in his office is quite outstanding. It¡¯s not that easy to grasp ahold of the whereabouts of some of his targets.¡±


    Yu Hao asked instead, ¡°The office was one of the steps in your plan, right? They know about the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s secret too? How many more people know about it?¡±


    ¡°Not many.¡± Huang Ting casually said, ¡°I can¡¯t tell you any specifics about the personnel who are in on this secret.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°The office was set up by Qin Guodong. What¡¯s his relationship with Ren Chong and Zhao Liang?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re ex-colleagues.¡± Huang Ting got up and said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you back? Xiao Fu has arrived in Beijing, you¡¯re not going to say hello to him?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao had put down his phone for some time. He quickly checked it and saw that Fu Liqun had sent him a message that he hadn¡¯t replied to, so he asked again in their group chat. Zhou Sheng replied that Yu Hao was eating with Huang Ting, so Chen Yekai asked if he wanted to stay with him. Meanwhile, Ou Qihang asked if he should pick Fu Liqun up, but Fu Liqun still ended up going to Yu Hao¡¯s company to wait for him.


    Fu Liqun didn¡¯t have the keys to their house. He had planned to arrive in Beijing tomorrow, so they hadn¡¯t expected for him to come tonight. Last year, he had sent an express delivery package to Yu Hao, and Yu Hao left the address of his newspaper office for it. Still, Jin Weicheng should still be on duty in the office right now.

 Chapter 149.2

    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll go to the company to pick him up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Go then. After some time passes, if the research is fruitless, I may take you there to take a look¡­Golden Crow Wheel, that¡¯s what you call it, right?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You should look for Zhou Sheng directly. I can¡¯t activate the Golden Crow Wheel either.¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°The conclusion obtained from talking to Zhou Sheng is far less simple than communicating with you alone. If you want to protect him, taking this route is obviously the safest.¡±


    Huang Ting changed into a down windbreaker. It was already very cold outside. When he got on his bike, he coughed twice, then handed Yu Hao a helmet.


    ¡°You have to believe,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°that the one who doesn¡¯t want you guys to encounter any danger is me. I just hope everything is still under control right now.¡±


    ¡°Last question.¡± Yu Hao took the helmet and asked Huang Ting, ¡°What¡¯s in the small fridge in your room?¡±


    The snowy Beijing was quiet, with water dripping from icicles. In the darkness, Huang Ting bowed down, put on his gloves, mounted his motorcycle, and didn¡¯t look at Yu Hao. Yu Hao held his helmet and stood on the roadside like a sculpture.


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown up, Yu Hao.¡± Huang Ting finished putting on his gloves and looked up at Yu Hao. He said, ¡°I still remember the day I had coffee with Xiao Jun and you guys.¡±


    ¡°Is it some kind of medicine?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Injection? Huang Ting, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Get on.¡± Huang Ting said.


    The motorcycle drove into the downtown area, when the lamps were starting to get lit.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao said while waiting at a red light.


    Huang Ting turned sideways to look at Yu Hao. Yu Hao asked, puzzled, ¡°Is this your project?¡±


    Huang Ting nodded.


    Yu Hao, ¡°It started from you? I mean, because you brought up the case.¡±


    Huang Ting recalled a little, then shook his head.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is there some kind of meaning for you to devote yourself to investigate these details thoroughly?¡±


    ¡°Truth.¡± Huang Ting said in a low voice, ¡°I want to know the truth. I don¡¯t know if you can understand that.¡±


    ¡°I can.¡± In a certain sense, Yu Hao could understand how Huang Ting thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a bad person.¡± In the end, Yu Hao said this to Huang Ting outside his company.


    ¡°There¡¯s still a difference between ¡®not a bad person¡¯ and ¡®a good person¡¯.¡± After Huang Ting said this, he adjusted his helmet and said, ¡°I¡¯m leaving! Help me say hello to Xiao Fu.¡±


    The engine started up, Huang Ting drove onto the main road and left.


    Yu Hao immediately opened up his backpack, took his laptop out and turned three steps into two as he rushed into the office. Sure enough, Jin Weicheng was still on duty. He and Fu Liqun both had a small bottle of Erguotou each, facing the heater as they chatted and drank.


    Fu Liqun had just gotten up when Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Give me another half an hour, you guys can continue.¡±


    Yu Hao quickly sat at his desk, opened up his laptop, turned off the WIFi, and searched for an adapter from a drawer. He went online, opened up a repository, and started searching. He didn¡¯t want to search for anything related to the Golden Crow Wheel online at home since he was afraid that his network was being monitored. At the same time, he took a post-it note, took the cap off his pen, and wrote down the first keywords ¡®interconnection of the collective unconscious¡®, then began his search.


    This was one of the keywords of the English research report on the second page of the PPT.


    The conversation between Jin Weicheng and Fu Liqun travelled to his ears. The content of the repository popped up on his webpage. Yu Hao had studied Jung¡¯s psychological theories in college; trauma, persona, anima and animus¡­These were all content that he had learnt before. Among them was the keyword ¡®self¡¯ that Yu Hao had specifically done a search through the literature for the opening report of his graduation thesis.


    ¡°So you have a very heavy responsibility.¡± Jin Weicheng said to Fu Liqun, ¡°That¡¯s how men live. Society is harsh on both women and men alike. You have to assume responsibility and can¡¯t even talk about it, there¡¯s no other way¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun drank a bit of wine, ¡°What next?¡±


    ¡°Cremation.¡± Jin Weicheng answered, ¡°Only cremation remains. Now that I think about it, if I hadn¡¯t nodded at the start, she wouldn¡¯t have considered getting pregnant¡­¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at Jin Weicheng and Fu Liqun, writing down the second paragraph from memory.


    Fu Liqun looked outside and said, ¡°It¡¯s snowing again. Yu Hao, are you cold?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Should I leave?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    On this snowy night, Jin Weicheng and Fu Liqun drank in front of the heater. Yu Hao was extremely astonished. Tonight was the first time Jin Weicheng and Fu Liqun met, yet they actually started chatting about the past.


    As he searched through the literature, he roughly deduced from their intermittent conversations¡ª in the past, Jin Weicheng was one of the rare few who had gone to college. In that era where worker occupations were regarded highly, he was in charge of CNC (computer numerical control) in a steel mill, had married a beautiful wife, and could even play basketball well. He could have been considered an influential figure in that small world of his.


    He has a very cute daughter, and he even took a photo out for Fu Liqun to see, and one could tell how proud he was of her from his words. However, having just one child always made one feel like something was missing. His wife had accidentally gotten pregnant again, and she wanted to give birth to the second child. At that time, family planning was under strict regulation. Jin Weicheng considered it for a long time and finally nodded for some strange reason.


    This decision brought about a dramatic change in their life afterwards. His wife went back to the countryside to hide and prepare to give birth to the child, but when she was eight-months pregnant, she was taken away by people from the family planning office and was given an abortion injection. After the abortion, she lost a lot of blood and died as a result. Jin Weicheng lost his job as well, and his daughter hated her father because of her mother¡¯s death and lived in her grandmother¡¯s house.


    ¡°How many great and lofty ambitions do you have?¡± Jin Weicheng sighed, ¡°When you¡¯re young, you¡¯ll want to be an influential figure who can command the wind and clouds; these ideals and these goals will all change along with the birth of your first child. In your life, your children will become a part of your new future.¡±


    Fu Liqun remained silent. Jin Weicheng said, ¡°So it¡¯s not easy as a father sometimes too. You have to understand your father-in-law. He did that because he doesn¡¯t know how to express himself. In Eastern cultures, men ¡ª especially fathers ¡ª are always wearing masks, and they¡¯re always reminding themselves that ¡®I am a father¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Then what about Jin Laoshi¡¯s daughter?¡±


    ¡°She studied abroad.¡± Jin Weicheng said, ¡°After saving up a bit more money for her dowry, I won¡¯t make the rounds anymore. Being an investigative reporter is tiring too, and I can¡¯t compare to youngsters like you guys.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Actually, there are many times when children hope to communicate properly with their parents. Sitting down properly to have a good chat would also be pretty good ba.¡±


    Yu Hao downloaded the documents and papers one by one. Jin Weicheng answered, ¡°Can¡¯t let it go. There¡¯s a wall between our hearts; I can¡¯t let it go, and she can¡¯t either, so just let it be like this ba. This isn¡¯t something that we can let go of so easily; we¡¯ve become estranged. Just like what the Buddhists say, we might have a moment of enlightenment someday.¡±


    Yu Hao closed his laptop. On this quiet, snowy night, he didn¡¯t know why but what he remembered most clearly was Huang Ting¡¯s back on the motorcycle. Zhou Sheng had drove him before on a bike, and Huang Ting had driven him too; what he felt with Zhou Sheng was his heart palpitating and the feeling of love, but on the back seat of Huang Ting¡¯s motorcycle, the feeling he got was more direct and more impactful as well.


    What kind of emotion was that? Just like the moment when Jin Weicheng lifted the Erguotou¡¯s bottle to his lips and looked out the window to see the snow outside.


    It was a very, very deep feeling of loneliness. It was a loneliness that could draw everyone out of a clamorous environment, a loneliness that could draw one out from this grand world. At this moment, they were physically present in the world, yet they had dissociated from it as well. Countless scenes and sounds turned distant at once; between heaven and earth, only lonely individuals remained, just like a small boat drifting along a boundless ocean that could never reach the shore.


    Stars that had flooded the sky were hidden now, and the sun was late to rise. Yu Hao recalled that before the end of summer, he had sat side by side with Ou Qihang on the bench at his college, chatting with smiles on their faces.


    Huang Ting made a turn at a cross road, and an SUV stopped in front of him. He looked back; another SUV appeared behind him as well. Two cars blocked the two ends of the road, and someone got out of the car.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already handed it in.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°There¡¯s no use in looking for me. Zhao Laoshi should go back ba.¡±


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t met Yu Hao today, I wouldn¡¯t have especially made a trip here. The one who can¡¯t hold back from making a move first is the one who loses. That¡¯s what you said at that time, remember?¡±


    Huang Ting twisted the handle of his motorcycle several times, emitting the ¡®vroom vroom¡® sounds of an idle engine.


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°Although I¡¯ve left the investigation team, I do still have a bit of power. Xiao Huang, don¡¯t do anything silly.¡±


    Through his helmet, Huang Ting looked at the car behind him reflected on his rearview mirror. Zhao Liang said, ¡°I¡¯ll just ask you a few questions. You¡¯re Brother Ren¡¯s favourite student, so it¡¯s not like I¡¯ll lock you up. There are some things I want to show you too.¡±


    Huang Ting abandoned his plan to fight in the end. He took off his helmet and got off. Someone from in front of the SUV came over immediately and rode his motorcycle away. Zhao Liang motioned for Huang Ting to get on first, then the driver drove the car away.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: I hope Huang Ting will be okay¡­.

 Chapter 150.1

    ¡°It¡¯s really cold.¡± Fu Liqun followed along and passed his scarf to Yu Hao. This action instantly drew Yu Hao out of the emptiness and loneliness he felt; when he smelled the unfamiliar warmth of ¡®someone else¡¯s boyfriend¡¯ on the scarf, he thought of Zhou Sheng. He must be freezing to death today, and he wondered how Zhou Sheng was faring with his task on his business trip.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I had some stewed vegetables with Jin Laoshi.¡±


    It was snowing slightly; Fu Liqun dragged his luggage with one hand, carried his and Yu Hao¡¯s bag on his shoulder, and held an umbrella with his other hand. Yu Hao didn¡¯t need to hold anything. They walked along the quiet street, and the street lamps shone with a bright yellow light.


    ¡°Jin Laoshi actually told you so much,¡± Yu Hao sighed, ¡°That¡¯s really unbelievable.¡±


    Fu Liqun was baffled. ¡°Ah? He seemed to know me and knew about what happened in the south before the New Year. As we chatted, I said that I play basketball, and he used to be the basketball captain at his previous factory, so we started talking. Does he usually talk very little?¡±


    ¡°He talks quite a lot,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But he had never mentioned his past.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°People would want to talk about the past sometimes ba, I just happened to come across it.¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s understanding of Jin Weicheng¡¯s glorious past was limited to the prizes he had received before, as well as the rumours of him beating up one of the top leaders of Qinghua Times. Today¡¯s truth was really too complicated. Yu Hao felt like he needed a day or two to sort out his thoughts and search for the truth hidden underneath all of these tangled and complicated affairs.


    But no matter what, Fu Liqun¡¯s arrival made him very happy and could make him forget some of his troubles for now. They chatted about some useless but interesting things. Fu Liqun had returned the house in Ying City, and he had decided to enroll in a German course in Beijing as well as take his exam and apply for his studies abroad. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao had discussed it before and decided to take him in for free, although it would be okay if Fu Liqun wanted to pay some rent too.


    Fu Liqun naturally asked to share the rent. The pressure on Yu Hao¡¯s wallet instantly lessened considerably; their rent was really too expensive, and it was just adding a pair of chopsticks when it came to the question of food.


    ¡°Holy crap, it¡¯s pretty good ah.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°It¡¯s so similar to the setup at home! An open kitchen!¡±


    ¡°You have to sleep in the living room.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The sofa can be pulled out to be used as a bed. It¡¯ll just be for half a year anyway, so make do with it. If I have to go on business trips, I allow you to sleep with Zhou Sheng on the bed.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Humble me has never been picky. Can I sleep with you when Young Master¡¯s not around?¡±


    ¡°Uh.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Don¡¯t ba. I¡¯m afraid of treating you as Zhou Sheng while I¡¯m all groggy¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun burst out laughing, and Yu Hao said angrily, ¡°It¡¯s actually not a big deal to sleep together, it¡¯s just a matter of habit¡­¡±


    ¡°Will you hug people like Xiao Ou does?¡± Fu Liqun said solemnly, ¡°Xiao Ou only hugs people, he doesn¡¯t kick them.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t understand the meaning behind Fu Liqun¡¯s words and answered, ¡°Oh, then?¡±


    ¡°Why would Kaikai say that someone who doesn¡¯t kick people while he¡¯s asleep would kick people?¡± Fu Liqun asked solemnly.


    ¡°Gege, you¡¯re too nosy!¡± But Yu Hao had second thoughts, ¡°Why though? What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Because Xiao Ou didn¡¯t kick him.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°He must have hugged him by accident when they were sleeping. Kaikai was afraid that you guys would think too much about it, so he quickly said that he was kicked off the bed to cover it up bei.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°All you people who have so much meaning in both what you say and don¡¯t say. Isn¡¯t living like that too complicated?!¡± Then his train of thought diverted, ¡°I¡¯ll make supper for you. Zhou Sheng wrapped tons of dumplings before he left.¡±


    Fu Liqun shook out the tablecloth that he brought from home and spread it on the table. Yu Hao realised it himself now as well; unknowingly, his house in Beijing was actually becoming more and more like the house they had in Ying City.


    Zhou Sheng finally called and asked if he was home yet, and that they would talk about the matter with Huang Ting in detail next time. Yu Hao turned on the video and let Zhou Sheng see the pot of dumplings and Fu Liqun. Fu Liqun was in the middle of a video call with Cen Shan as well, so Yu Hao and Fu Liqun placed their phones opposite to each other¡¯s for the two in the video to talk. Fu Liqun went to take a bath, and Yu Hao went to cook dumplings.


    ¡°What the hell?!¡± Zhou Sheng said in FaceTime, ¡°Why did it turn into me video-chatting with sis-in-law? And it¡¯s through two phones too. Where are they? My dear wife, what the hell are you doing?¡±


    Cen Shan, ¡°You¡¯re nuts. I¡¯m hanging up. Sleep earlier ba, it¡¯s almost 12 AM in China now.¡±


    Yanqing, late at night.


    Huang Ting was taken into an underground research center. Zhao Liang was walking in front of him, and his assistant led the way. Huang Ting walked up to a massive computer and stopped right in front of it.


    His legs were slightly parted as he stepped on the steel plates in front of the apparatus.


    ¡°When did you set up this apparatus?¡± Huang Ting asked in a low voice.


    Zhao Liang answered, ¡°Two years ago, when I left the investigation team. I borrowed the most cutting-edge technology available at STA, and only a few people know about this thing.¡±


    Huang Ting was wearing leather pants and boots, and he still had the down windbreaker he put on before. Zhao Liang explained, ¡°At first, this apparatus was used for brain wave analysis and research. There are only two of them in the world. After putting forth a suggestion to use it as an integrator, those on the STA side agreed wholeheartedly and moved the apparatus here, hoping that we would be able to obtain epoch-making research findings.¡±


    Huang Ting walked to the front of the apparatus and observed two reclining chairs. He turned around again and saw a small maglev platform.


    ¡°As long as we take it,¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°We would soon be able to draw many conclusions, and these conclusions would be of special significance to China, and even to all of mankind.¡±


    Huang Ting glanced at the researcher and then at the record displayed on the screen on the control platform. There were five tables around them, each with a complex minicomputer that was in the middle of analysing data.


    Huang Ting said,  ¡°Ren Laoshi didn¡¯t agree with your proposal in the beginning. I really can¡¯t help you.¡±


    ¡°Huang Ting.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°People can¡¯t be too inflexible. You¡¯re an understanding person. You have to stay here for a few days, think through it carefully ba.¡±


    Huang Ting frowned. Zhao Liang continued, ¡°We¡¯ll treat your illness as well. It¡¯s your own body. You have to take care of it.¡± Then he patted Huang Ting¡¯s shoulder and left.


    Fu Liqun and Yu Hao polished off a plate of dumplings. Yu Hao felt like pigs that were being fed every time the three of them ate together; he always had to serve food in large bowls and plates. After Fu Liqun ate, he was self-aware enough to go wash the dishes, mop the floor, and tidy up the slightly messy house. Yu Hao wasn¡¯t going to work tomorrow, but Fu Liqun had a tiring day, so he asked Fu Liqun to sleep earlier. Then he got on the bed, opened up his laptop, and began reading the documents he had downloaded that day.


    Collective unconscious, the deepest segment out of the three in the human psyche. The ego, deep-layer consciousness, that is, the personal unconscious, as well as the deepest collective unconscious layer¡­The paper was written by a Polish psychologist who had quoted Jung¡¯s descriptions. Jung likened the spiritual world of everyone in the world to countless islands; the islands that stood in great numbers out in the sea are the egos of people, while the area near the island where the tides ebb and flow is their personal unconscious.


    Deeper still, there is a vast world submerged by the sea. Whether one was a human or an animal, the spiritual worlds of all living beings that have an autonomous consciousness are connected to each other under the sea.


    This really was a very metaphysical theory. Jung¡¯s psychology course did not specifically mention this part, and most theories believed that the collective unconscious was congenital, that is, it is engraved into our genes and is part of our ancestral heritage. It never affects any individual directly, but instead plays an imperceptible role in many group behaviours, such as in areas of religion, art, culture, and so on. Human beings ascertain their connection to the world through this collective unconscious.


    Is that possible? Yu Hao had once looked at it in a hurry and never took it to heart. This sort of content wouldn¡¯t be tested anyway, and within the scope of materialism, scholars clearly didn¡¯t quite agree with this part of Jung¡¯s view that tended towards mysticism. However, the deepest layer of dreams, the deepest part of the conscious world that they had arrived at once, wasn¡¯t it the ruins of memory?


    Could there be another world under the ruins of memory?


    Yu Hao thought about it carefully. He had seen the analysis report of the Golden Crow Wheel on the second slide in Huang Ting¡¯s house for a brief moment. Huang Ting was clearly under the restriction of his field and didn¡¯t realise the importance of the second slide, but Yu Hao had just glanced at it and had known that it was a very important report.


    Although it did not put forward an answer to explain the origins of the Golden Crow Wheel device, it had accorded a possible conjecture about its operating mechanism, which coincided with one of his, Zhou Sheng¡¯s, and Chen Yekai¡¯s inferences. That is: the Golden Crow Wheel is an apparatus used to intervene in the collective unconscious. Through the connection between each individual and the collective unconscious, a new world is formed wholly independent of reality, and it transforms into a brand new dream world after it is refined with actual experiences in reality.


    The report used another analogy to describe this sort of situation, where it described dreamscapes as a ¡®giant tree¡¯. Everyone¡¯s dream is a leaf on this tree, and everyone¡¯s dreams are interconnected. Theoretically speaking, as long as the right medium is found, everyone would be able to go to any other leaf through the branches and forks, or even through the vascular system in its trunk.


    And this medium was the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡¾Did you take the Golden Crow Wheel with you?¡¿Yu Hao sent Zhou Sheng a WeChat message.


    Zhou Sheng initiated a video call, Yu Hao answered, and he adjusted the bedside lamp to be a little brighter.


    ¡°Not asleep yet?¡± Zhou Sheng was smoking outside a budget hotel.


    ¡°Not yet.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Got some news from Huang Ting, it may inspire me a little.¡±


    Zhou Sheng ascertained that Yu Hao had not been held hostage and answered, ¡°In the usual place.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°, and Zhou Sheng asked again, ¡°What did you discover?¡±

 Chapter 150.2

    Yu Hao had wanted to get Zhou Sheng to do an experiment with him at night, but since the Golden Crow Wheel was at home, he would have to wait for him to get back before carrying it out. Yu Hao hung up the video call and recalled the contents of the report, which had even mentioned ¡®spiritual channels¡¯. However, those would only target individuals; after crossing into the subconscious world, at the end of the subconscious that was even further away was a part of mankind¡¯s collective unconscious.


    Yet, theoretically speaking, no one could get there. The author also integrated Freud¡¯s dream theory for further analysis; bypassing one¡¯s consciousness could only be done one layer at a time, just like how a person who reaches a limit while diving can no longer dive any deeper.


    During periods of wakefulness, most people can only touch the edges of their dreams through their surface consciousness, and they rely on ¡®daydreaming¡¯ to let their thoughts run wild and enliven their conscious world.


    During dreams, some people could occasionally enter their subconscious world for brief periods, but it¡¯s unlikely for them to break through the boundary of the subconscious again and enter mankind¡¯s collective unconscious. Jung, Frued, and an analyst, have all tried to find the mysterious channel at the depths of the unconscious but ultimately failed.


    The possibility of people in the past having arrived there for brief periods of time could not be excluded, but due to the restraints of memory, impressions, as well one¡¯s physical condition, not one of them could explain clearly what it was after waking up. In the end, metaphysicians embellished it and suggested the very metaphysical idea of the ¡®world¡¯s conscious¡¯¡­


    ¡°Gege!¡± Yu Hao jumped off the bed, pushed the door open and went out. Fu Liqun had his earphones on as he lay on the sofa to use his phone. He hadn¡¯t slept yet. After glancing at Yu Hao, he patted the spot next to him to motion for him to come over and sleep.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Fu Liqun took off his earphones and asked, ¡°Can¡¯t sleep by yourself?¡±


    ¡°I remember that you were comatose for some time in your Loulan dream?¡± Yu Hao sat on the edge of the bed and asked.


    Fu Liqun answered, ¡°Yes, why?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°What does it feel like to be comatose in a dream?¡±


    Fu Liqun thought about it. He put down his phone and looked puzzled.


    ¡°I forgot.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°Try to recall it. Did you have another dream in your dream? What kind of place was it? Did you see anyone?¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng had discussed this before, and their discussion started from the question of, ¡®How to wake up someone who falls asleep in their dream?¡¯ However, he remembered that the concept of ¡®dream in a dream¡¯ was not necessarily related to the layers of channels in the conscious world. Some people would still be in their dreams after waking up from a dream and would still be in a dream after waking up one more time. One layer encased in another, each dreamscape had its own unique scenes.


    ¡°A dream within a dream?¡± Fu Liqun said, looking a bit blank, ¡°It¡¯s not a dream within a dream. I¡¯ve had a dream within a dream before. It was different from the situation that day.¡±


    ¡°How was it different?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I was in a very spacious place.¡±


    ¡°Was there light?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Was it a seaside? Or a desert? Or a fog?¡±


    Fu Liqun struggled to recall it. He said, ¡°Let me think about it¡­There was nothing there at first, and I didn¡¯t know who I was either. In fact, I couldn¡¯t even see myself¡­It was¡­¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°You could only feel the existence of ¡®I¡¯, but not your corporeal form?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Although it was from a first-person perspective, I could experience that kind of difference. That is, I couldn¡¯t find my body anymore, and only my consciousness was floating around.¡±


    ¡°What about when you came back?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°There was a golden flame in front of me.¡± Fu Liqun remembered this very well, ¡°As if a door opened, and it sucked me in.¡±


    ¡°How did you enter that¡­space in your comatose state?¡±


    ¡°Where did you guys find me?¡± Fu Liqun asked instead.


    Yu Hao described the details of how they found Fu Liqun that day, and Fu Liqun answered, ¡°Then that¡¯s it. I dreamed that I was in the gym; I was both thirsty and hungry that day, and I really couldn¡¯t make it anymore. It was very dark in the gym. I searched for the exit everywhere, but I could never get out no matter how much I walked, and the gym kept sinking as well¡­even the floors split apart, as if a monster wanted to eat me.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment. Fu Liqun snapped his fingers and said, ¡°After that, Kaikai and I talked about that kind of feeling. He said that he once had a dream too: he was at the bottom of a well in Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, his home was there, but he couldn¡¯t run out no matter how hard he tried.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡± Yu Hao frowned and nodded.


    Fu Liqun asked, ¡°Did you discover anything?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head. ¡°Good night, Gege.¡±


    He returned to his bed. A lot of complex thoughts regarding dreamscapes, his research materials, and reality were all tangled within him, and in the midst of this haziness, he had a nagging sensation that there was an extremely important clue there, but he just couldn¡¯t catch it.


    He turned off the lights and put one hand under the pillow. He touched the Golden Crow Wheel that Zhou Sheng had stuffed into the bottom of the pillowcase, so he took it out for a look. In the dark, the Golden Crow Wheel didn¡¯t emit any light. When it wasn¡¯t in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands, it didn¡¯t seem much different from an ordinary handicraft. The difference lies in how Yu Hao was the only human who could sense that it was it; Ou Qihang, Chen Yekai, and Fu Liqun couldn¡¯t do that. Every time Zhou Sheng passed the Golden Crow Wheel around for them to see, their friends didn¡¯t have an intuitive awareness similar to Yu Hao¡¯s.


    That is to say¡­he had also established a certain kind of connection with the Golden Crow Wheel: it lay in an area between Zhou Sheng¡¯s ability to activate it directly, and a complete lack of awareness towards it.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to detect any fluctuations from it for quite some time.¡±


    North of Yanqing, in an underground meeting room, Zhao Liang held a meeting with several researchers.


    Zhao Liang, ¡°This timing isn¡¯t accurate. Before losing the signal, they had activated the brainwave integrator at least once in the south.¡±


    Researcher, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the distance is too great, so it can¡¯t be caught.¡±


    Zhou Liang flipped through the report and said, ¡°When their things were taken away from them at the hotel, they must have still been using it that day. Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have been caught red-handed.¡±


    The report showed that the last time the activation of the integrator was detected was in Beijing. Zhao Liang even sent someone out to install a receiver in their house when they were out on a business trip; as long as Zhou Sheng used it in his residence in Beijing, the research center would obtain a signal immediately. However, there was a period of time before the installation of the Beijing receiver when the distance was too great, so it interfered greatly with the receiver.


    In addition, they didn¡¯t expect Huang Ting to make the first move and end up breaking their previous agreement.


    ¡°Go out ba, all of you.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°Pay close attention to the receiver.¡±


    The researchers left the conference room one after another, with Zhao Liang and his assistant remaining.


    His assistant said, ¡°It¡¯s already in Director Ren¡¯s hands now. Huang Ting isn¡¯t willing to cooperate either, so it¡¯ll be difficult to get it again.¡±


    Zhao Liang answered, ¡°One person, one apparatus. Even though the apparatus has been taken away, the person is still around. Huang Ting is a stubborn one, but what about Zhou Sheng? What do you think about talking to Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°Qin Laoshi is keeping a very close watch on him.¡± His assistant answered, ¡°It won¡¯t be easy to contact him.¡±


    Zhao Liang pondered for a moment, then shook his head. ¡°We must find a breakthrough. If we don¡¯t have an opportunity, then we need to create one.¡±


    The assistant flipped through the materials in his hands. The folder contained Zhou Sheng¡¯s and Yu Hao¡¯s files. He answered, ¡°Yu Hao might be easier to talk to than Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s more vigilant than Zhou Sheng.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°We don¡¯t have a lot of resources at our disposal now. If Yu Hao isn¡¯t willing to cooperate, and we alert the snake, it¡¯ll become even more troublesome.¡±


    Assistant said, ¡°What about Chen Yekai? We can try to start with him?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s very close to Huang Ting. I suspect he has already been bribed by Old Ren.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°But, it¡¯s worth a try.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: So much psychology¡­.

 Chapter 151.1

    Zhou Sheng came back from his business trip. Yu Hao told him what had happened, while Zhou Sheng listened quietly as he sat at the dining table and sorted out the investigation materials at hand. He didn¡¯t express any opinions the whole time. Fu Liqun left to sign up for his class. When he heard about Huang Ting¡¯s situation, Zhou Sheng put down the materials in his hands and glanced at Yu Hao.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t make you keep it a secret from me?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Would that be of any use?¡± Yu Hao asked instead, ¡°I would¡¯ve said it if I wanted to, and I wouldn¡¯t if I didn¡¯t want to. But he didn¡¯t want me to tell you.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°According to his understanding, the Golden Crow Wheel is already in his hands. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll eat him up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s supposed to be.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But what if you can activate it at a distance? Then wouldn¡¯t they all be doomed? What sickness do you think he¡¯s suffering from?¡±


    Zhou Sheng was still thinking. He narrowed his eyes and shook his head. Yu Hao continued, ¡°I need you to accompany me in an experiment, Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Yu Hao, you¡¯ve never used the Golden Crow Wheel before, right?¡±


    Yu Hao was baffled. ¡°Of course not. I can¡¯t use it. Why?¡±


    ¡°They must have some sort of force that can monitor the Golden Crow Wheel.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°What?¡± Yu Hao uttered in disbelief.


    ¡°Have you forgotten about my dragon?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°That day in Loulan.¡±


    Yu Hao abruptly recalled ¡ª Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon did flicker several times for a brief period, but that problem never occurred in the South.


    ¡°The flickering of your dragon was due to their interference?¡± Yu Hao asked, his brows furrowing deeply.


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer and instead asked, ¡°What do you want to do in the dream?¡±


    ¡°Verify one thing.¡± Yu Hao turned his laptop around and clicked on the document he downloaded a few days ago to show Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pressed the touchpad and scrolled down, seriously reading the information that Yu Hao had gathered. Yu Hao said, ¡°If my guess isn¡¯t wrong, we may be able to¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me think about it.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    After half an hour of silence, Yu Hao took his laptop and began writing his graduation thesis. Zhou Sheng said nothing more. He got up to prepare dinner, and Yu Hao asked, ¡°How¡¯s the investigation going?¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have clues too.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°What clues?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply. Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    Today¡¯s atmosphere was a little strange. Fu Liqun came back, and after greeting Zhou Sheng, the three of them acted just like how they used to when they lived together. After dinner, Zhou Sheng watched a show for a while, Fu Liqun started reading his German materials, while Yu Hao wrote his graduation thesis and arranged to meet with Chen Yekai next week. It was not until late at night when Zhou Sheng tied the Golden Crow Wheel onto his wrist and pressed it against the back of Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Wait.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it being monitored?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said nonchalantly, ¡°Come, make bold assumptions and verify carefully. Good night.¡±


    Within the confinement of the prison cell, two doctors were taking Huang Ting¡¯s blood pressure. Zhao Liang knocked on the door and went in.


    ¡°How is it?¡± Zhao Liang asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve troubled them a lot.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°It can¡¯t be cured.¡±


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re willing to cooperate, there will be a way.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Locking me up here isn¡¯t a good idea. It¡¯ll exacerbate the conflict between you and Director Ren.¡±


    Zhao Liang laughed and shook his head helplessly. ¡°I¡¯ve worked with him longer than you have. I understand his character very well. He made a move on Zhou Sheng first, took the apparatus away, and wrecked the balance. He owes me an explanation. Before giving me this explanation, he won¡¯t think too much of your disappearance.¡±


    Huang Ting pulled up his sleeve and said in a low voice, ¡°Just treat me as a chess piece ba. Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s not worth it to waste so much time on me?¡±


    ¡°That depends on your performance.¡± Zhao Liang said seriously, ¡°If you tell us what you should, it¡¯ll save time for both of us. Then, everyone can go off to do even more important things. Isn¡¯t that better?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°I have already told you guys everything that I can at the start.¡±


    ¡°Why not take Zhou Sheng away?¡± Zhao Liang said meaningfully, ¡°Your team¡¯s research efforts will be fruitless with just the Golden Crow Wheel alone. Huang Ting, you¡¯re someone with a lot of character.¡±


    ¡°Why does Zhao Laoshi want me to take Zhou Sheng back with me so much?¡±


    Huang Ting shrugged and looked straight into Zhao Liang¡¯s eyes. He asked instead, ¡°I really can¡¯t figure out why you like to worry so much about all the reasons for Ren Laoshi.¡±


    ¡°For someone like me ma, I just love eating salty radishes while worrying what bland ones taste like.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°I¡¯m anxious ah. An amazing secret is already at a critical juncture where it will soon be uncovered, yet you guys are stopping right in front of the answer. Can¡¯t you guys have a little more thirst for knowledge?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°We do have that thirst, but for you to be so anxious and want me to take Zhou Sheng away makes me think that there¡¯s something fishy about it instead. Zhao Laoshi, you should be more cautious.¡±


    And right at that moment, the sound of footsteps hurrying over could be heard.


    The assistant came over quickly and said, ¡°We¡¯ve detected the operation of the integrator! The signal is very obvious!¡±


    Zhao Liang and Huang Ting¡¯s expressions changed at the same time, and it was almost within a split second that Huang Ting guessed the reason, then he revealed a bizarre smile. He took a deep breath. Zhao Liang instantly understood as well; he got up and rushed out. Huang Ting pondered for a brief moment, got up, put on his jacket, and quickly followed him out.


    Zhao Liang entered the research lab. The computer began its analysis, and a program seemed to have been activated. Zhao Liang sat on the experimental chair, and a researcher quickly said, ¡°Director Zhao, you can¡¯t try it in person.¡±


    Zhao Liang was about to insist anyway, when everyone else made the same request in unison, so he had to give up in the end.


    Huang Ting stood in front of the apparatus. To his left was a spot of light on a map, which just so happened to be on Zhou Sheng¡¯s home.


    ¡°Xiao Huang,¡± Zhao Liang turned around and said to Huang Ting, ¡°Looks like there was a flaw in your meticulous plans. Didn¡¯t you tell them to not activate the integrator again?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Huang Ting raised an eyebrow slightly, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s smarter than I thought.¡±


    Zhao Liang asked the researchers again, ¡°Can we listen in on the sounds and reconstruct the images?¡±


    A researcher twisted the monitoring and reconstruction buttons and said, ¡°We can¡¯t. It¡¯s the same as before, we can¡¯t hear them. There should be some kind of encryption mechanism in the integrator, but the sounds on our side should be able to¡­Okay, we can go up now. Try and see if we can interfere with the connection of their signals.¡±


    Zhao Liang pondered for a moment. He called for his assistant and gave him some instructions softly, then glanced at Huang Ting again. Huang Ting remained silent. Zhao Liang smiled a bit. ¡°Huang Ting, this chair was actually prepared especially for you. Come, please take a seat.¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s expression changed in an instant.


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao stood on the fire beacon platform and looked out into the distance. The sea of grass beyond the Great Wall was vast; the darkness had retreated long ago when Yu Hao had lit up the fire beacons, but there was still a layer of white fog in the distance.


    ¡°What kind of experiment do you want to do?¡± Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and asked.


    ¡°What would have happened if I had jumped off the Great Wall that day?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°The darkness would creep across the Great Wall,¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°And sweep through your entire dreamscape, swallowing up your surface consciousness. Then¡­¡±


    ¡°Everything would fall apart.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Just like in Liang Laoshi¡¯s subconscious world, and then I would fall into a coma.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°For a very brief period of time, you would fall into the subconscious, before all of your consciousness disappears.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You can build channels to the subconscious and surface consciousness through flames.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laid his jingubang lazily on his shoulder with one hand and snapped his fingers with his other; a brilliant golden flame burst forth from his fingers. He turned sideways to look at Yu Hao, showing him a mischievous and handsome appearance.


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng looked into Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°This allows the fragments in the subconscious world be reconstructed and return to the real world.¡±


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°So?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered and stopped talking. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°See, Laozi has never urged you to make things clear when you want to leave things hanging for a short while, but the moment I try to hide anything, you insist on asking questions until you figure everything out, or you¡¯ll get mad at me.¡±


    ¡°When did I do that?!¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Also, I haven¡¯t even figured it out myself, how could it be the same?¡±


    There was a hint of a smile in Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze. He reached out and caressed Yu Hao¡¯s face and said, ¡°Think about it ba. Take your time. There¡¯s no rush.¡±


    ¡°I want to go to the subconscious,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Can you go with me?¡±


    ¡°Duh.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Of course we¡¯ll go together. You finally thought of doing that?¡±


    Then Zhou Sheng summoned his jindouyun. Once he shook his jingubang, it turned into an ear clip that clipped onto his left ear. Yu Hao hugged his waist and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t the dinghaishenzhen supposed to be kept in your ear?¡±


    ¡°It might prick my ear if I fall by accident, can¡¯t it be an ear clip?¡± Zhou Sheng steered the jindouyun and went down the Great Wall, sweeping past the vast sea of grass.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why did you say I ¡®finally¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I thought you would¡¯ve wanted to explore the subconscious a long time ago na.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Kaikai mentioned it before too, that the answers related to the Golden Crow Wheel might be in the subconscious.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered now and couldn¡¯t help but blame himself. Why has he never thought of it before? When he was in Liang Jinmin¡¯s subconscious, and even in the ruins of memory, he had proven that he had the ability to shuttle through the subconscious without getting swallowed up by the darkness. Doesn¡¯t that mean that he could set off at any time to explore the subconscious with Zhou Sheng?


    ¡°Oh yeah!¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you remind me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°You have to be willing in the first place ah. How could he ask you to explore it just because he wants to know the truth? What if it¡¯s dangerous?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao hugged Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist and suddenly realised that Zhou Sheng really did care a lot about his wishes. He would hardly force him to do anything no matter what the issue was.


    ¡°It¡¯s still more comfortable to hug your waist after all.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Whose waist have you held? Ah?¡± Zhou Sheng became frantic immediately.


    Yu Hao laughed. Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and said, ¡°Get ready, this is the boundary of the subconscious!¡±

 Chapter 151.2

    With a ¡®buzz¡®, a bright lunar ring spread out from Yu Hao¡¯s body, and he flew into the dense fog with Zhou Sheng. It was really foggy in the subconscious region, and the fog surged constantly around them. However, it was unlike the period when he had hit rock bottom, when it had been much more menacing, pitch dark, and extremely aggressive.


    ¡°I understand now.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Understand why you feel happier hugging me?¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t know where he should go either and just steered his jindouyun to fly into the fog. There was a vast expanse of white around them, and a protective shield had formed around Yu Hao.


    ¡°The sun in our dreamscapes exists to obstruct and control the subconscious from overstepping its boundaries.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Under the illumination of the sun, the subconscious will have a boundary, so it won¡¯t be able to swallow up the surface consciousness.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°What about now? Where do I fly to? Yu Laoshi, has the experiment started?¡±


    ¡°Fly even deeper in.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Is it deep enough now?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t crack such a dirty joke, it¡¯s so improper.¡±


    Those words were usually part of their bedroom talk. After one says ¡°Deeper¡±, the other would reply with ¡°Is it deep enough now, baby?¡±. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Look at how improper you¡¯re being.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao was still worried at first that it would be the same no matter which direction they flew toward in the fog, but after flying in, all they did was fly around everywhere at random. However, after Zhou Sheng flew for a while, the fog became thicker, and it turned even darker too.


    Yu Hao, ¡°How long have we been flying for?¡±


    ¡°We can get out.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯ve entered the subconscious before.¡±


    ¡°I have.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no matter what happens, there¡¯s me.¡±


    Yu Hao was a little nervous originally. He was worried about getting lost in the subconscious because of his recklessness in their exploration this time and never be able to get out again. He didn¡¯t expect that Zhou Sheng seemed to understand what he was thinking, and he wasn¡¯t even worried at all.


    ¡°When did you come in?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°My own subconscious.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Isn¡¯t the arena on the island? I went into the sea before. I wanted to know what was in it.¡±


    ¡°What was the result of that?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°The further I dove,¡± Zhou Sheng looked around at the surrounding fog. It was even darker now. Only the lunar-shaped protective shield on Yu Hao¡¯s body withstood the invasion of the icy cold fog, ¡°the more fuzzy my consciousness felt. In the end, I was washed ashore by the sea water.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s no loss of consciousness here.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°Because this layer of light,¡± Zhou Sheng casually pointed at the ball of light around them, ¡°wards off the subconscious that tries to swallow our consciousness. Don¡¯t remove it no matter what, otherwise we won¡¯t be able to get out of here anymore.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remove it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It appeared automatically.¡±


    ¡°Un then that¡¯s good¡­¡± Zhou Sheng pondered.


    Yu Hao asked again, ¡°But in Nini¡¯s dream, I had fallen into the sea before. Oh right! That was the filling! I remember there was no protective shield at that time, it only appeared afterwards. What does that mean? When did I get this ability?¡±


    ¡°My honored wife,¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°didn¡¯t you come here to do an experiment? I thought you had thought everything through clearly, why are you asking me so many questions now?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Because I¡¯m more stupid!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Because later on, the two of us got together ba?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°We weren¡¯t together yet when we entered Liang Laoshi¡¯s dream.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°That means I had already liked you then bei.¡±


    Yu Hao thought, Maybe? Then asked again, ¡°When did you start liking me?¡±


    ¡°Liking you and liking you are two different concepts.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Which are you referring to?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Could you stop teasing me all the time?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my wife, if I don¡¯t tease you, who should I tease?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Quick, it¡¯s dark now, what experiment do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop!¡±


    After passing by a certain region, the fog miraculously retreated, revealing a void ¡ª it was actually a continental rift, and there was nothing beyond it! However, the fog behind was slowly catching up, and the ground was extending continuously into the void!


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Is this the boundary of the subconscious?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± Zhou Sheng seemed perplexed, ¡°I¡¯ve never been here before.¡± Yu Hao was about to speak, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze was a little dazed. He made a ¡®wait¡¯ gesture, and Yu Hao understood in an instant ¡ª the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s tip has appeared!


    ¡°Yes, this is the boundary of the subconscious.¡± Zhou Sheng was in a daze for a long time before he explained, ¡°But the boundary will extend indefinitely, because your conscious world is spreading along with your awareness, and it pushes the subconscious to expand outward continuously.¡±


    ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel told you that?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng nodded. The two of them looked at the space beneath the cliff; it was pitch dark. Yu Hao heard Zhou Sheng mention before that the chances of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s advice appearing would be very peculiar. When Zhou Sheng first unlocked his ability to enter dreams, the Golden Crow Wheel would directly trigger an explanation within his consciousness no matter what kind of phenomenon he encountered, but as his knowledge grew, its explanations became much rarer as well.


    ¡°Can we go down to take a look?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Zhou Sheng flew out of the cliff with Yu Hao on his jindouyun towards the abyss. Yu Hao was extremely nervous, and it felt really strange too. He was currently exploring the fringe of his own subconscious?


    ¡°The bottom can¡¯t be seen.¡± Yu hao would look back at the cliff from time to time. They were very far from the cliff by now. The fog was falling slowly from the edge of the continent like a waterfall into the abyss.


    ¡°It can be seen.¡± Zhou Sheng slowed down and said, ¡°There¡¯s a bottom.¡±


    It was as if they were wrapped within a silver-white ball of light that descended slowly to the bottom of the abyss. Geometric figures that were all jumbled up were piled here, and an idea instantly surfaced in Yu Hao¡¯s mind.


    The ruins of memory!


    ¡°This is the ruins of my memory.¡± Yu Hao looked up. The fog that cascaded down like a waterfall transformed into geometric lines and flashing fragments in mid-air that slid down continuously.


    ¡°Un hng?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What experiment do you want to do here?¡±


    Yu Hao held Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand. He looked all around him; it was quiet, cold, empty, and boundless. He murmured, ¡°Could there be a boundary here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better to not run around anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s all dark. It would be troublesome if we were to get lost.¡±


    ¡°Go just a little bit further ahead.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Without straying too far from the cliff.¡±


    He has been holding Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand the entire time. The two of them walked into a large ruin. Yu Hao said, ¡°These are the¡­memory fragments that I have forgotten.¡±


    Zhou Sheng nodded. Yu Hao said, ¡°You can use flames to reconstruct them, right?¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned. ¡°You suspect that you¡¯ve lost your memory too?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao answered. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant¡­I want, un, I want you to give it a try. To restore a memory that I had forgotten.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°What memory? No, you¡¯ve already forgotten it, so you can¡¯t describe it.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s probably¡­a kind of memory that¡¯s like a nightmare.¡±


    A bunch of question marks appeared above Zhou Sheng¡¯s head when he heard that. Yu Hao said, ¡°A small room, or a door, anything¡¯s fine. Give it a try?¡±


    Although Zhou Sheng was very confused, he had to give it a try.


    He snapped his fingers, and flames materialised in his hand. The flame instantly spread out to become a ring that swept horizontally outward. Yu Hao exclaimed, ¡°It¡¯s so beautiful!¡±


    It was like a miracle occurring gently in the ruins of memory, and it was also like the collision of planets; a fierce flare burst forth, and the surrounding fragments began reorganizing themselves under the force of the golden flames. A room appeared, and from within the room, a familiar person walked towards him.


    ¡°This is my Dad?!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I was very young then!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What next?¡±


    ¡°Not this.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    So Yu Hao withdrew the golden flames, and the memory shattered with a blast once again and dissipated. Yu Hao said, ¡°What happened just now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°You said that it wasn¡¯t this.¡±


    Yu Hao was a little confused. ¡°What did you restore?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed and hugged Yu Hao. He turned sideways and kissed him on the lips. ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Try again.¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hand, swept it outward, and a flare burst out once again from his fingers, appearing just like splendid galaxy.


    Yu Hao, ¡°This¡­is my neighbour¡¯s house. No, not here.¡±


    Zhou Sheng withdrew it again, the memory shattered, and without waiting for Yu Hao¡¯s inquiry, Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°I think I know where it is.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng raised his hands above his head and snapped his fingers loudly.


    Flares burst out with a blast, and the colours around them changed. The two of them appeared in a sealed off cement room.


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Is this the place you were talking about?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    There were several wooden boxes in the cement room, and there was a charcoal stove in the center. There were even mattresses spread out on the floor. The windows were all dusty, and there was tape plastered all over the windows.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao muttered, ¡°Maybe. But why did I forget this place?¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything. Yu Hao was baffled. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have forgotten something so important? Never mind, that isn¡¯t important.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s grip on Yu Hao¡¯s hand tightened a little. ¡°What exactly do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°What does this place symbolise?¡± Yu Hao wondered, ¡°Death, right?¡±


    There was no door in the cement room. Yu Hao was still holding onto Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand. He tried to push the window with his other hand, but the windows were sealed tight. Then he went to look at the walls again. At the place where there should have been a door, it had disappeared for some strange reason.

 Chapter 152.1

    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You want to get out?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to look for a door. A door that can lead to the next layer of consciousness.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t interrupt and just looked quietly at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao suddenly turned around and looked at the charcoal stove in the middle of the room. Right at that moment, the exchange of consciousness with the Golden Crow Wheel started up! Yu Hao once again sensed some advice from the Golden Crow Wheel!


    ¡°I get it now! We still need a key!¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°A lighter! Do you have it?¡±


    Zhou Sheng motioned for Yu Hao to open his hand up, and he tapped on the middle of this palm. A lighter appeared in Yu Hao¡¯s hand. He walked forward, crouched down, and lit up the charcoal stove.


    The charcoal stove glowed red, and the room began to change! At this moment, Yu Hao knew that he may have touched upon the truth¡­


    The red light transformed into a mist. Zhou Sheng was on guard as he watched the charcoal stove, and in the next moment, the lit charcoal stove was suddenly extinguished. Their surroundings started twisting, the room morphed, and giant, monstrous-like mouths appeared on the walls. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Be careful!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Wait!¡±


    He slowly stepped forward, raised his hand, and a silver light burst out from his hand. Under the illumination of that silver light, the transformation of the walls gradually settled down, and a door appeared.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Fuck, what¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±


    Yu Hao looked back and intertwined his fingers with Zhou Sheng¡¯s. He was about to go forward to push the door open, but Zhou Sheng had his hand on the door handle before him.


    ¡°Open it and see?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    Yu Hao¡¯s breathing was about to stop. He nodded slowly.


    Zhou Sheng pressed the handle down and gently pushed the door outward.


    A bizarre light shone in, following which, a strange and distorted space appeared outside the door! Fragmented planes, multicoloured lusters, as well as twisted cities. This door opened in mid-air. The two of them stood at the door and looked around; no matter which direction they looked in, there seemed to be no end in sight!


    Yu Hao, ¡°The collective unconscious, this place really does exist!¡±


    Zhou Sheng closed the door. Yu Hao said, ¡°Wait, let me take another look! I saw something¡­at its deepest part! Where the light came from!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It feels unsafe to me. The Golden Crow Wheel reminded me to not step out.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°But the Golden Crow Wheel didn¡¯t say that to me.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take the risk,¡± Zhou Sheng seemed a bit angry, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not letting you go but only go after thinking it through. What kind of meaning does this hold for you?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s stop here for today ba, leave the room behind.¡±


    Zhou Sheng reminded, ¡°You¡¯ll have nightmares.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t.¡± Yu Hao insisted, ¡°If you destroy it again, I might forget everything that happened here¡­wait, have you destroyed it before?¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao fell silent in a split second. Both of them looked at each other. Yu Hao said in a low voice, ¡°You erased this room from my memory?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is that what I asked for?¡±


    ¡°Because you had a nightmare.¡± Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t answer the question.


    ¡°When?¡± Yu Hao asked again.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The first time you came to my house for the New Year.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Zhou Sheng was a little uneasy, he asked, ¡°Are you angry?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Yu Hao shook his head. At this moment, he realised that another door appeared in the cement room, but it faced another direction in its original position.


    Yu Hao pushed the door open, and sunshine shone in. They had returned to the surface world of his memories.


    ¡°This is so amazing.¡± Yu Hao exclaimed.


    ¡°This memory was restored,¡± Zhou Sheng walked under the sun and said to Yu Hao, ¡°So it appeared on the surface world, where it should have been.¡±


    They were in a gingko forest, right in the back garden of the palace. There were no NPCs nearby, and the entire scene appeared both tranquil and strange. Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s so close to my totem?¡±


    ¡°It would be too odd for a place like this to appear in the palace.¡± Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t respect you.¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°If it were me, I would want to move this away too. That¡¯s it then, I still need to think about it more, good¡­¡±


    Suddenly, a violent tremor started, and there was an upheaval in the dream world. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng woke up one after another.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s face appeared in front of him.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I thought you guys shouldn¡¯t be doing anything important.¡± Chen Yekai said outside the door, ¡°But a sudden incident cropped up, I don¡¯t think it can be dragged out any longer.¡±


    Zhou Sheng got up. Yu Hao looked at his phone. Chen Yekai had called him several times in the middle of the night, but his phone was on silent mode, so he hadn¡¯t answered any of them.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Were you guys in a dream? Why didn¡¯t you call us too?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s just something trivial¡­What happened?¡±


    Chen Yekai showed Yu Hao his phone. On it was the message he sent out in the middle of the night last night¡ª¡¾Huang Ting¡¯s missing¡¿.


    Yu Hao sobered up in an instant. 5.30 AM, Chen Yekai had obviously rushed over and didn¡¯t sleep all night.


    ¡°Before Huang Ting disappeared, the last person he saw was you.¡± Chen Yekai asked, ¡°Did he say where he was going?¡±


    Yu Hao was still not entirely lucid. He struggled to shake his head. Zhou Sheng heated a few cups of milk in the microwave, placed them on the table, and said, ¡°I was about to look for you guys too, just got back last night, so I haven¡¯t had the time to. Now that everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s exchange the information that we have ba.¡±


    Yu Hao forced himself to drink some milk first, then said quickly, ¡°The inside story is really complicated¡­but I didn¡¯t expect this, why did he go missing? Why did they catch him?¡±


    ¡°Speak slowly,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Don¡¯t be anxious.¡±


    Yu Hao started recalling from the afternoon when he met Huang Ting. Fu Liqun had just heard the inside story as well, and when everyone heard the part where Huang Ting was sick, they all fell silent for a moment.


    ¡°He asked me to contact a doctor for him.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Is he that ill? Have you seen the medication he¡¯s taking?¡±


    Yu Hao shrugged and narrated almost everything about Huang Ting and the Golden Crow Wheel. Everyone was silent. Zhou Sheng looked at Chen Yekai and said, ¡°Not much different from what we had guessed.¡±


    Chen Yekai looked grave. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Ask that doctor what he¡¯s suffering from.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded, then looked down and started texting on WeChat. Ou Qihang said, ¡°He won¡¯t be locked up by his own superior, and it wouldn¡¯t be Sheng Ge¡¯s superior either¡­¡±


    ¡°Qin Guodong¡¯s pretty familiar with him.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°He hasn¡¯t even locked me up yet, let alone him.¡±


    ¡°The only possibility left is that guy surnamed Zhao.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯ve seen him before, not long after what happened with us.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Something feels wrong.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I think so too.¡±


    Yu Hao raised his hand, ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Me too??¡± Chen Yekai said anxiously.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯ve felt like something was off from the very beginning. It¡¯s too weird. Ever since we left the south, no one has come looking for us. Regarding this matter, Ren Chong, Zhao Liang, and Qin Guodong should all understand it very clearly, yet not one of them tried to launch a preemptive strike by coming to look for Zhou Sheng ¡ª something must be wrong.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Could they have some sort of special conspiracy, so they¡¯re afraid of alarming us?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Maybe. Kaikai, did they send you the medical record?¡±


    ¡°What does it say?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°Aplastic anemia.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Damn it, that guy told me it was pneumonia!¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t he have health insurance?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He should be able to afford treatment ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai chatted with the doctor for awhile and didn¡¯t even look up as he replied, ¡°After he saw the doctor for it, he waited for a bed to become available. Bone marrow matching was suggested, but he didn¡¯t even recuperate properly¡­¡± Then a call came. Chen Yekai answered, chatted for a while, and said, ¡°Yes, right, I¡¯ll think of a way to find him.¡±


    After hanging up, everyone stared at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ren Chong.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Has Zhao Liang looked for you?¡±


    Chen Yekai was stunned. ¡°How do you know?¡±


    The corners of Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth lifted slightly. He and Chen Yekai looked at each other. Chen Yekai answered, ¡°He came to our college in person during the day yesterday.¡±


    Everyone was stunned at once. Yu Hao asked, ¡°What did he say?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°He invited me out for a cup of coffee. I was busy with class then and didn¡¯t have the time to entertain him, so I refused.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that they really had escaped a calamity. If Chen Yekai had agreed to leave with him, he may have been locked up just like Huang Ting. However, this proved that Zhao Liang had already lost some of his power and connections within the organisation, so he didn¡¯t dare take away and detain people in broad daylight.


    ¡°Go into dreams to find Huang Ting?¡± Chen Yekai asked Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng leaned against his chair, swaying back and forth, and didn¡¯t say a word as he ruminated about it.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°It¡¯ll be easy to handle if we knew where he was. From the fact that he did not dare to take Uncle Kai away immediately, we can tell that it shouldn¡¯t be a case of abusing his authority for personal gains.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Just afraid that¡­what if he doesn¡¯t know where he is either?¡±


    ¡°Why did they capture him?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We need to think carefully about that point first.¡±


    ¡°They should have caught him because they wanted to fish out what I said from him.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But since they want to know, why didn¡¯t they come straight to me? Did they have to go to such lengths to find a third party?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Everything in this situation is so ridiculously murky and doubtful.¡± Then he looked up again and looked at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai narrowed his eyes, ¡°Perhaps because aside from Yu Hao¡¯s news, they also wanted to obtain inside information on Ren Chong¡¯s side?¡±


    Everyone stopped talking again for a moment. Zhou Sheng pondered for a while. Yu Hao felt like their minds were connected and could subtly understand what Zhou Sheng was thinking.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You¡¯re afraid that something¡¯s trying to lure us over into a trap? But what kinds of traps can there be? I don¡¯t get it. If they want to cause trouble for us, can¡¯t they just send some men out to catch us? We don¡¯t have any authority or power at all, how can we even resist?¡± Then he shrugged.


    Zhou Sheng grasped the Golden Crow Wheel and didn¡¯t make a decision for a long while. Everyone was waiting. Zhou Sheng kept the Golden Crow Wheel and said, ¡°Not for now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng glanced at Chen Yekai, ¡°Let¡¯s investigate separately first.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Chen Yekai was extremely worried about Huang Ting, but he didn¡¯t refute Zhou Sheng¡¯s decision.


    ¡°You¡¯re in charge of Zhao Liang.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll look for our boss. Yu Hao, look for Lin Ze and make some inquiries. Haven¡¯t you already asked him once before?¡±


    ¡°No definite news.¡± Yu Hao frowned, ¡°I¡¯ll go hurry Ah Ze again ba.¡±


    ¡°The two of you will¡­¡± Zhou Sheng thought about it, but Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯ll go look for the doctor from before to ask. I think that hypnosis doctor is quite familiar with Ting Ge, I may be able to get some important clues from him.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go to the other hospital ba.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°To ask about his condition.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s all set out then. Wait for my signal.¡±

 Chapter 152.2

    So they all dispersed. Yu Hao carried his backpack and went to the company. Situ Ye had accompanied Jin Weicheng to an interview, while Lin Ze kept watch in the office. Once he saw Yu Hao, he asked, ¡°What is it? Something happened?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Is it that obvious?¡±


    ¡°You look terrible.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the report this morning?¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that he had forgotten to read the news today. Lin Ze handed him a newspaper.


    ¡°It¡¯s published already?!¡± Yu Hao cried in surprise, ¡°So fast!¡±


    On the newspaper was the feature Yu Hao did on pyramid schemes. Lin Ze said, ¡°The scale of this reprint and societal topic is even larger than the one we did last time. Do your own analysis of the popularity ba.¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t think about his own feature at all now, so he simply answered, ¡°Okay¡±, while he kept worrying about Huang Ting¡¯s safety. Lin Ze didn¡¯t ask any further either, and the two of them sat quietly in the office. Clacking sounds made when tapping on the keyboard could be heard once in a while. Yu Hao wanted to ask Lin Ze about his previous request for information on Zhao Liang, but he was worried about whether it would be too direct to just ask him so suddenly like this.


    ¡°The editor will report after the 15th.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°You can relax a bit more then.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s great.¡± Yu Hao forced out a smile, and the two of them fell silent again. Yu Hao had worked with Lin Ze for nearly half a year and understood his style very well ¡ª as long as he doesn¡¯t take the initiative to ask for help, Lin Ze has always been very patient and will leave the opportunity to solve the problem up to the person themselves, but once Yu Hao does ask for help, Lin Ze will concern himself with it till the very end.


    He didn¡¯t want to drag Lin Ze down, nor did he want to get Lin Ze involved with this bizarre case.


    ¡°Do you need a day off to rest?¡± Lin Ze asked.


    ¡°I just rested, it¡¯s okay.¡± Yu Hao began analysing his piece¡¯s popularity. Reporters were all looking for him to ask him about news regarding the South. Every time breaking news gets published, people would come out in droves to uncover the truth. Sometimes, Yu Hao feels that China is not bereft of good reporters, it just lacked a few who would charge forward. If they successfully charged onto the front of public opinion, the huge army behind them would drive over with a mighty vigour. They wouldn¡¯t care if it was about melamine or jumping off buildings because of pyramid schemes, once the reporter army arrives, they would be able to crush you into nothing within minutes.


    ¡°Is there any news,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°about the Zhao Liang I inquired about last time?¡±


    Lin Ze replied to his WeChat while answering him without even looking up, ¡°Your feature for the next issue?¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t reply. He knew that he had to be very careful with this conversation. Lin Ze said, ¡°Sometimes, having no news is also a kind of news in itself.¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly understood. In not getting a reply after so long, it¡¯s not that Lin Ze didn¡¯t help him investigate, but it¡¯s that after discovering the exact details, he didn¡¯t want to tell Yu Hao in order to protect him!


    ¡°Change the topic ba.¡± Although Lin Ze didn¡¯t know what Yu Hao wanted to do, he didn¡¯t doubt Yu Hao¡¯s ability to stir trouble up in the slightest.


    ¡°He¡¯s from the CCDI?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Lin Ze answered, ¡°They have no special relationship with the CCDI.¡±


    ¡°Hold on¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Aren¡¯t they a Special Investigations organisation under the central authorities?¡±


    ¡°Organisation?¡± Lin Ze looked up and gazed at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The first time I met them was in Ying City.¡±


    ¡°They went down to investigate the matter regarding Ou Weihong?¡± Lin Ze replied.


    Yu Hao, ¡°You know?¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯ve read your resume. Are you sure you want to listen? Yu Hao, I¡¯d advise you not to touch them.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I have a friend¡­¡±


    ¡°The cop who came that day?¡± Lin Ze said.


    Yu Hao knew that he couldn¡¯t hide anything from Lin Ze. If he had to say who among the people he knew could see through the nature, causes, and consequences of something at a glance, then one of them would be Huang Ting, and the other would definitely be Lin Ze. Zhou Sheng won in how he was much more cautious in his considerations than they were. He wouldn¡¯t make a decision regarding anything without prior deduction.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll be very cautious, tell me ba.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s your friend,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°but to what extent?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s someone who was willing to believe in me when I was wronged.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Sometimes, it may not be that they believed in you, but that they believed in their professional instincts.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°But in that case, I can roughly tell you the news I had gotten. I already asked around for you before the New Year¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng rode a shared bicycle, his suit jacket fluttering in the wind with a black sports bag on his back. He returned the bike outside an alley, swiped his door card, and entered the company. He nodded at his colleagues, knocked on the door, and entered the office of the person-in-charge, Xiao Jian.


    Xiao Jian was putting on lipstick while facing a mirror and didn¡¯t even glance at Zhou Sheng. Qin Guodong was there as well. Zhou Sheng pulled a swivel chair over and said, ¡°I think¡­¡±


    ¡°The boss has been waiting for you all morning.¡± Xiao Jian said, ¡°I¡¯ll go out for a bit.¡±


    Zhou Sheng watched Xiao Jian. Xiao Jian smiled meaningfully at him, then walked past him to go out. Qin Guodong made some tea at his desk. Zhou Sheng picked up a glass kettle and went to one side to fetch some boiling water.


    ¡°We were discussing about converting you to a full-time post.¡± Qin Guodong¡¯s voice was both steady and powerful, ¡°You¡¯ve been working for a while, how do you feel about the company?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like a criminal syndicate,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°but I like it. Director Qin, I think, you¡¯ve been waiting for me so long in your office not to talk to me about converting to a full-time position, right?¡±


    Qin Guodong scooped the tea leaves out of the tea can and said, ¡°Looks like Xiao Huang is your good friend. You can¡¯t even spare some time for pleasantries?¡±


    Zhou Sheng kept silent. Qin Guodong made tea seriously, as if nothing had happened.


    ¡°I thought he had a good relationship with you.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°If you¡¯re not willing to care about it, I won¡¯t waste your time.¡±


    Qin Guodong, ¡°What¡¯s more important ¡ª Xiao Huang¡¯s safety or yours?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Depends on the situation. Do I seem like a reckless person?¡±


    Qin Guodong answered, ¡°If Yu Hao was included?¡±


    Zhou Sheng stopped talking. Qin Guodong poured tea for him, thought for a bit, then said, ¡°I reminded you time and time again for you to safeguard your personal belongings properly, but it still got taken away by Lao Ren in the end. Zhou Sheng, I feel like sometimes, you¡¯re not as smart as I thought. If I knew that this would have happened¡­¡±


    ¡°Then it would¡¯ve been safer if it were locked up in your safe,¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°right?¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°Even if you give it to me, what use would I have for it? Zhou Sheng, are you still unclear of some crucial points regarding some things? It¡¯s only when you have that thing with you, then no matter if it were Zhao Liang or Lao Ren, no one would dare touch you and wouldn¡¯t dare touch anyone close to you either. You have to shoulder the responsibility of Xiao Huang¡¯s capture yourself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng kept silent, his brows furrowing.


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°I remember that there was once a son of God in ancient Greece called Antaeus. As long as he stood on earth, he could draw strength from the ground unceasingly. In the end, Heracles had no way of making him leave Earth, so he strangled him to death.¡±


    Zhou Sheng remained silent the whole time. Qin Guodong continued, ¡°Now, they¡¯ve successfully taken away the most important source of power for you, so their next step is to take you away. It¡¯s only a matter of time.¡±


    Zhou Sheng finally spoke, ¡°Even you can¡¯t stop them?¡±


    ¡°I can only try my best.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Lao Ren and I are just collaborators. With Zhao Liang, there is barely any room for negotiation.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take it for yourself?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°To tell you the truth, Boss, I didn¡¯t trust you very much at first.¡±


    Qin Guodong looked at Zhou Sheng and revealed an ambiguous smile.


    ¡°If I want the brainwave integrator, I would¡¯ve taken it the first day you came to Beijing. Would I have waited till now?¡± Qin Guodong answered.


    Zhou Sheng replied, ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily true. After all, if you were to fail, I would just need to hide in a place where no one was around. It¡¯s not like you guys would be able to go without sleep ba?¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°You¡¯re underestimating my professional ability too much, Zhou Sheng. If I really wanted to do it, I¡¯ve never failed before in my life.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°But there¡¯s no use even if you took it, since only I can start it up. The best way would be to catch me as well and force me to turn it on, go into your dream, and take you along for research. But once you hand the initiative over to me, uncontrollable things would happen.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Qin Guodong answered, ¡°Ren Chong and Zhao Liang spent a long time racking their brains but still couldn¡¯t figure out a way to crack those strange tricks of yours. However, I have no desire for your treasure at all.¡±


    ¡°I believe that now.¡± Zhou Sheng pondered for a bit, then said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you want it?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®why¡¯.¡± Qin Guodong stated, ¡°There are certain things gentlemen would and would not do. What difference would there be from a robber if one utilises their power to openly snatch something good after seeing it in someone else¡¯s hands?¡±


    ¡°That really doesn¡¯t seem like how someone who has stayed in the organisation for so long would think.¡± Zhou Sheng sighed.


    ¡°Which is why I left.¡± Qin Guodong said.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao frowned while listening. Lin Ze scratched his head, evidently unable to reach a conclusion for the three men.


    Yu Hao, ¡°So they were an investigation agency at first.¡±


    Lin Ze nodded. ¡°Yes, their full name was ¡®Special Investigation Unit¡¯. They were a little like a secret service, but they were an affiliated intelligence organisation. With a three-man team as their core, they were initially responsible for monitoring some matters that special agents found inconvenient to intervene in because of orders from the top, as well as to analyse and transmit a small amount of information for other organisations. A three-man team, you can guess where they learned it from.¡±


    ¡°The former Soviet Union.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°So they were established very early.¡±


    Lin Ze replied, ¡°They weren¡¯t the first generation of leaders, of course, but after the proposal for sectoral reform, this team was about to be dissolved.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°When was that?¡±


    Lin Ze said, ¡°Maybe in recent years? It¡¯s very normal for the roles of an organisation to be duplicated, become redundant, and undergo all sorts of restructuring. The Special Investigation Unit had a lot of power, but they seldom intervened in ordinary cases. The last time was for Ou Weihong¡¯s case.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then what do they usually do?¡±


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°or they might have done something, but I can¡¯t find out with my sources.¡±


    ¡°Which department are they under?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s what¡¯s most important.¡±


    Lin Ze wanted to say something but reined it in. He slightly raised an eyebrow at Yu Hao and said, ¡°In any case, you just need to know that this so-called ¡®Special Investigations Unit¡¯ is also under the influence of even higher authorities.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°How high are they?¡±


    Lin Ze didn¡¯t answer his question in his reply, ¡°So I¡¯d advise you not to provoke Ren Chong. Even if the other two are gone, unless there¡¯s a higher-up in the newspaper who¡¯s willing to cover you, it¡¯ll still be very dangerous. But once it involves that level, it won¡¯t be as simple as just a piece of news.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯ll change my question then. Why did they leave?¡±


    ¡°Disagreement in ideologies?¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Switched allegiances? Or they didn¡¯t want to be involved any deeper. After Ou Weihong¡¯s case, among this team, Qin Guodong was rumoured to have started his own business that works with the government. But the Zhao Liang you want to investigate had vanished without a trace. However, according to my deductions, he didn¡¯t leave the country. Since he had held such a job before, he wouldn¡¯t be allowed to leave China. The last one, Ren Chong, still remains in the team.¡±


    ¡ª

 Chapter 153.1

    ¡°So how do they intend to use it after getting the Golden Crow Wheel?¡± Zhou Sheng said in a low voice. He gazed at the floating tea leaves in the glass cup ¡ª some floated to the top, while others sank to the bottom.


    Qin Guodong didn¡¯t answer him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll change the question,¡± Zhou Sheng pondered, then continued, ¡°Does Ren Chong intend to continue handing it up to his superiors after getting it? Hand it up layer by layer, and put it in some place where the country collects important treasures?¡±


    ¡°There must be a conclusion even if he were to hand it up.¡± Qin Guodong laughed and explained, ¡°It¡¯s not as if people would just believe you if you were to just casually pick something up and take it to the State Department, and just accept it. If you want the leaders to believe you, you¡¯ll have to integrate material objects, have a detailed research report, and carry out demonstrations when necessary.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly sensed part of Qin Guodong¡¯s real intention hidden in the deepest parts under layers of pretenses.


    ¡°At first, they discussed many different ways.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Zhao Liang made use of his personal connections to set up a small research laboratory, but soon after, Ren Chong discovered that his real purpose could be to take it for himself¡­so some disputes broke out between them, and the investigation team decided to be dissolved temporarily.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought for a bit before saying, ¡°Ren Chong wants to protect both me and it temporarily, wait for an opportunity to communicate with me, then start investigating. On the other hand, Zhao Liang couldn¡¯t wait to make a move. But ultimately, without my cooperation, there¡¯s no use even if they were to get the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°That¡¯s the initial agreement I had with Lao Ren after we talked things over when I left office.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Let me hold onto the Golden Crow Wheel, and then no one can make a move to snatch it openly. The one who makes a move first loses. But do you understand me that well? I couldn¡¯t tell.¡±


    Qin Guodong glanced at his watch and answered, ¡°That was Huang Ting¡¯s suggestion; the actual plan is very complicated. Lao Ren¡¯s opinion was ¡®can be considered¡¯, provided you had the strength to protect the treasure, so as to prevent the secret from being leaked any further.¡±


    ¡°The actual plan is very complicated?¡± Zhou Sheng was a little surprised as he asked.


    ¡°The plan to study the Golden Crow Wheel.¡± Qin Guodong stated, ¡°I still remember the day when we first saw Huang Ting¡¯s report. Everyone thought it was really unfathomable.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When I first got the Golden Crow Wheel, I found it really unfathomable too. I even suspected whether it had some sort of task for me to accomplish, and after the task is over, everyone associated with it would forget everything about it¡­¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Qin Guodong shook his head. ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s existence isn¡¯t odd. Things that were even more peculiar than it that couldn¡¯t be explained by current scientific principles have been witnessed by some people before. The ¡®unfathomable¡¯ part I was referring to was of how it chose you.¡±


    Qin Guodong shrugged. Zhou Sheng smiled. ¡°So what about that?¡±


    Qin Guodong looked into Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes meaningfully and asked, ¡°What do you plan to do next?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Wait for them to find me. It¡¯ll take about 10 days to half a month. When one of them can¡¯t hold back anymore, they¡¯ll come find me and ask me to cooperate with their research. The real world is their territory, but dreams are mine. He¡¯s definitely not too far from Beijing, and he may just be hiding somewhere in this city. Do you know where his research laboratory is?¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°No one knows. Towards the end, Zhao Liang didn¡¯t disclose even the slightest hint of his plans to us. Perhaps that¡¯s why Lao Ren can¡¯t save Huang Ting. He must have his reasons. You mustn¡¯t interfere in the struggle between them right now. Huang Ting will be saved; this isn¡¯t something you guys can handle anymore.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Zhou Sheng exhaled, pondered for a moment, then got up.


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°If I were you, the only thing I would do right now is to protect myself properly, and not provoke Zhao Liang anymore. Promise to cooperate with him on the surface; just as you said, once you¡¯re in a dream, you can do whatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Zhao Liang isn¡¯t an idiot either,¡± Zhou Sheng said casually, ¡°He¡¯ll definitely understand the principles behind dreams before he¡¯ll let me enter his. It¡¯s still hard to say if we can defeat the boss in his heart. I¡¯ll go now, I still need to work.¡±


    In the newspaper office, Yu Hao finished sorting out the manuscripts for today and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to focus on blood banks for my next feature.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°The problem regarding donating and using blood? I¡¯ve found them unpleasant for quite some time now. The office will fully support you, it¡¯ll be published in the March issue.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Is April okay? I need more time to prepare, and I still have my graduation thesis to write.¡±


    Lin Ze checked the schedule and readily agreed. Yu Hao didn¡¯t make any interview appointments today and was going to meet an informant for afternoon tea. As soon as he left the newspaper office, Zhou Sheng called him.


    ¡°Zhao Liang¡¯s base is either in Yanqing or Huairou,¡± Zhou Sheng said through the phone, ¡°Can you find any relevant personnel there and ask them some questions?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°He won¡¯t hang the sign ¡®Golden Crow Wheel Research Institute¡¯ outside his base, don¡¯t bother.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Personnel mobilisation and guard duty would leave traces.¡±


    ¡°Even if we were to find the exact address,¡± Yu Hao said through the phone, ¡°You still can¡¯t rush in alone to save Huang Ting, right? Ren Chong will definitely take action on his side. If I were him, I¡¯d rent a three-bedroom apartment in the residential area¡­¡±


    ¡°Listen to me,¡± Zhou Sheng was always paying attention to his surroundings. After leaving an alley, a car stopped by the roadside. Zhou Sheng went forward to open the door. Chen Yekai was sitting in the driver¡¯s seat. Zhou Sheng plugged his phone into the charger by his seat, turned on bluetooth, and said to Yu Hao, ¡°Zhao Liang has a set of research equipment at his place. He got it from somewhere before their three-man team was dissolved, so it definitely wouldn¡¯t be in such a covert place like a residential building.¡±


    Chen Yekai interrupted, ¡°I¡¯ve seen the computer used for analysis by the STA. It won¡¯t be that small if it¡¯s used to study data.¡±


    Yu Hao said through the phone, ¡°Security is bound to be very strict.¡±


    ¡°So, we still need Huang Ting¡¯s cooperation.¡± Zhou Sheng said patiently, ¡°Kaikai, what news did you get?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Sounded him out as per your request. I asked him to meet, and he requested a meeting three days from now.¡±


    ¡°We must get Huang Ting out as soon as possible.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible for Ren Chong to leave him be,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s Ren Chong¡¯s student.¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It has been forty-eight hours since Huang Ting went missing.¡±


    Chen Yekai nodded. ¡°Yes. If he wanted to save him, he would¡¯ve done so long ago.¡±


    Chen Yekai drove along the road aimlessly. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Qin Guodong, Ren Chong, Zhao Liang, among these three, two must be working together in the dark. We just don¡¯t know who¡¯s with who right now.¡±


    ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be your boss,¡± Yu Hao said in the phone, ¡°If he wanted to make a move, he would¡¯ve done so long ago.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure about that now either.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°One of them could be utilising hard tactics, while the other one would utilise soft ones.¡±


    ¡°Your boss understands very clearly that the Golden Crow Wheel can¡¯t work without you.¡± Chen Yekai focused on driving and casually said, ¡°Perhaps all of them want the Golden Crow Wheel, just that their means of getting it are different. From the looks of it now, Qin Guodong obviously one-upped the others. At the very least, he has won your initial trust. Zhou Sheng, there¡¯s something I want to say¡­¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng was fiddling with the Golden Crow Wheel and pondered for a moment.


    ¡°I know that Huang Ting¡¯s not that close to you guys, and you don¡¯t like him that much because he took the Golden Crow Wheel away.¡± Chen Yekai stopped the car in front of a red light. He sighed, ¡°But he¡¯s my friend, and he¡¯s very important to me. I¡¯m can¡¯t do anything about this alone, so I can only pin my hopes on you guys.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t save him. Listen to what you¡¯re saying. Am I such a cold-blooded person?¡± Zhou Sheng stopped thinking and said with a smile, then instructed into the phone, ¡°Yu Hao, make a trip home.¡±


    Yu Hao understood what Zhou Sheng meant. He asked, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll reschedule my appointment this afternoon with the informant. Should I call Qihang and Gege too?¡±


    ¡°No, just us three will do.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Leave Gege a message and ask him not to wake you up when he gets back. Kaikai, find a hotel to get a room in.¡±


    Zhou Sheng hung up. He turned sideways and glanced at Chen Yekai, who then nodded and didn¡¯t speak any further.


    Yu Hao got back home. He woke up very early today in the first place, so he was sleepy before it was even noon. After lunch, his fatigue multiplied and washed over him, as if all his strength had been exhausted.


    ¡°I want a bed.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I feel so sleepy even in my dream.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯ll be okay in a moment.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°You feel sleepy in the dream because there¡¯s insufficient blood supply to your brain.¡±


    In the world of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng, and Chen Yekai watched the scene in the Golden Crow Wheel together. It was noon now. Most people don¡¯t take afternoon naps, and even if they did fall asleep, their dreamscapes would be extremely hazy. Scenes during light sleep appear extremely messy.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let¡¯s exchange information first ba. What did Ah Ze say?¡±


    The two of them simply exchanged the information that they had respectively obtained. Chen Yekai watched the scene in the Golden Crow Wheel at the center of the pyramid, while Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon appeared behind them. Unlike other dreams, most of the time when the Golden Crow Wheel stopped, this time it displayed a dark maze. Tempestuous storms raged within, where thunder roared and streaks of lightning flashed by.


    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Only this person is sleeping right now. Is it him?¡±


    Zhou Sheng murmured, ¡°It must be him, it can¡¯t be anyone else. Someone who¡¯s on the brink of death and is dreaming of you too, who else would it be other than Huang Ting? Go!¡±

 Chapter 153.2

    Zhou Sheng walked towards the Golden Crow Wheel. His black dragon wanted to follow along, but Zhou Sheng made a ¡®stop¡¯ gesture and extended a hand towards Yu Hao. The two of them entered the Golden Crow Wheel, and Chen Yekai jumped in as he followed behind.


    Just like before, as soon as they entered, he separated from Zhou Sheng amidst the fierce howling gales. While he was preoccupied, Yu Hao looked back and only saw a full moon in the sky!


    He shot out from the moon this time!


    Thunder rumbled, and Yu Hao was instantly submerged within the clouds. Following which, rain started buffeting down, showering him until he was drenched from head to toe. Lightning flashed beside him, intertwined and in disarray, and it illuminated Yu Hao¡¯s entire body.


    ¡°AH¡ª¡ª¡± Yu Hao shouted loudly. At the moment he fell from the sky, his adrenaline levels started soaring crazily. He didn¡¯t know why, but this dream seemed a lot more realistic than any of the other dreams he had entered before ¨Cfrom the vapour, from the mist that assaulted his senses, to the ground that he was continually closing on!


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao turned his head and shouted. He was getting closer and closer to the ground. He tried shaking his wings open ¡ª he could use his wings! He didn¡¯t have time to think too much about it and just flapped his wings violently, but the fierce gales kept changing its course, and just one flap of his wings would make him tumble about in the air. He couldn¡¯t control his direction, so he could only spread his wings open and glide along with the wind.


    Looking down at the earth from the air, Yu Hao realised that the land comprised entirely of a vast maze area. To the back of the maze was a giant wall that extended indefinitely upward into the depths. He had no way of estimating the specific area of the maze from where he was, but from the looks of it, it was obviously much smaller than Loulan. The area outside the maze was submerged in billowing black fog, which was constantly engulfing the maze.


    The walls of the maze stood nearly ten metres tall. When Yu Hao fell down, he knocked into a brick, but he was prepared for it long ago; he turned his body, kept his wings, kicked off the high wall, and flipped in mid air. With his shoulders against the wall, he slid down along it.


    The maze was filled with water flowing everywhere. Yu Hao stood in the water that didn¡¯t even go past his ankle and felt a chill. Could it be that he didn¡¯t cover his legs with his blanket before sleeping? But he didn¡¯t plan to get up and cover himself with the blanket. He still remembered seeing the center of the maze when he was looking down from the sky where there was a bathhouse-like building as well as a temple.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao felt along the maze¡¯s wall and waded forward as he shouted.


    He tried to spread his wings open again, but the path in the maze that people could pass through was only three-metres wide, so he couldn¡¯t fly up the top of the wall to survey his surroundings and search for Zhou Sheng. Where did Zhou Sheng go? And where was the master of the dream world?


    ¡°They have indeed entered Huang Ting¡¯s dream.¡±


    ¡°Director Zhao, you can use this equipment to connect with the periphery.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no hurry.¡± Zhao Liang had his hands behind his back as he stood in front of a huge screen. He looked pensive as he stared at the analysis of signals on the screen. Huang Ting was fixed onto a chair. He had been injected with a tranquilizer, and his forehead and neck were covered in sweat. The veins on his arms were especially prominent.


    Atop the surrounding high walls, rainwater continued flowing down endlessly. Yu Hao was halfway through when he suddenly stopped walking. Within a split second, the wall inverted, revealing a massive hay cutter that was slicing horizontally towards him!


    With a loud cry, Yu Hao immediately plastered himself against the wall sideways to dodge it. After the hay cutter was activated, it sliced across once within seconds, and its sharp edges cut into the high wall opposite. If he hadn¡¯t stopped then, he would¡¯ve been cut into half by this mechanism in an instant!


    Why was there this kind of weird mechanism in Huang Ting¡¯s dream?! Yu Hao felt like he was playing a maze runner game, where he could be crushed or sliced to death at any time. His heart was beating wildly. After seeing an opportunity, he did a run-up, stirring up a series of splashes behind him, and rushed across the ramp area.


    Suddenly, he heard a peculiar, deafening sound mixed within the rainstorm and rumbling thunder ¡ª it sounded like gunfire! He tried discerning it for a while and muttered to himself, ¡°Chen Laoshi?!¡± So he quickly ran over, turned around a corner of the maze, and the sound of gunshots rang out more and more loudly and clearly. Yu Hao shouted from underneath the high wall, ¡°Chen Laoshi!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao heard the sound of bullets ricocheting off a shield, and it was getting more and more intense. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Face my direction! Run to your left! Beware of the mechanism!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately turned around and began to run. He shouted, ¡°What mechanism?¡±


    However, right at the next moment, innumerable sharp blades suddenly rose from the ground. Yu Hao let out a loud cry, Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Jump!¡±


    Yu Hao jumped into the air, across the sharp blade mechanism, and leaped onto an open space. This open space happened to be a fracture at the end of a wall in the maze. Yu Hao turned around. Zhou Sheng was rushing towards him with a shield on his back; he extended his hand and pulled Yu Hao up. Yu Hao jumped from the ground, flared his wings open, hugged Zhou Sheng within that limited space, and rolled away.


    Several machine guns rolled out from the wall and raked them with machine-gun fire. Zhou Sheng held his shield up in the air to withstand it. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Watch out for your back!¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned around and only saw a huge block rush toward them with a loud rumble from the end of the corridor. If the two of them were to get hit, they would be sent flying in an instant, but right at the last moment, Zhou Sheng wrapped one arm around Yu Hao, turned his shield into his jingubang, stabbed it into the ground, and his jingubang suddenly elongated and took the two of them up with it with a ¡®whoosh¡®.


    The maze around them seemed to sense Zhou Sheng¡¯s intention to escape in an instant; the high walls began rising upward at the same speed. Yu Hao said, ¡°We can¡¯t rush out!¡±


    Zhou Sheng rose to the top of the high wall, but he couldn¡¯t break through any further. He shouted, ¡°Hold on tight!¡±


    Immediately afterward, the block collided with the jingubang. Zhou Sheng felt an acute pain in his wrist at once, and it nearly fractured. The jingubang was knocked out of his hand, and the two of them tumbled in the air from the impact. Zhou Sheng grabbed the edge of the block, flipped in the air with Yu Hao, and leapt onto the top of the block mechanism!


    Its top was level with the apex of the maze¡¯s high walls. The block retreated rapidly with the two of them on top of it as it prepared for its next attack. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Jump!¡±


    Both of them jumped onto the top of the wall. Zhou Sheng reached out to summon his jingubang back. Yu Hao almost fell towards the other side of the wall, but he was pulled back by Zhou Sheng just in time. The two of them just barely managed to stand on the top of the maze¡¯s wall.


    Yu Hao kept gasping for breath. ¡°The wall of this maze can extend upward.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We can¡¯t go past it too much, it should be a limitation in Huang Ting¡¯s dream. But it¡¯s okay to walk along the wall, be careful of sliding down.¡±


    Yu Hao looked into the distance. A beam of light flashed, and shot towards the sky from another corner of the maze.


    The high wall of the maze was about two metres wide. Standing on the top of the wall, they could roughly see the winding paths inside, but they couldn¡¯t get a full view of the whole maze. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Huang Ting should be near the boundary of the subconscious, like you were last time. We can look for Kaikai on our way there.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng walked along the wall toward the mist in the distance. He tried to shake his wings open and fly, but the wall underneath would continue rising along with his movements.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s no use. Rely on walking ba.¡±


    Yu Hao looked down. Every time they walked past a section, they would trigger mechanisms that were densely packed together, and there was even a giant spherical boulder that rolled over. Fortunately, they were on top of the maze¡¯s wall, or else they would¡¯ve been crushed into meat patties even if they had a shield.


    ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me see.¡±


    There were abrasions on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder and arms from being grazed by bullets, and they were still bleeding. He smoothed his wet hair to the top of his head. Yu Hao released his energy from one side to heal him. Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng looked at the periphery of the maze and seemed to be determining where Huang Ting might be.


    ¡°Why did you come out of the moon?¡± Zhou Sheng asked, ¡°I appeared in the maze right after coming in.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m done, let¡¯s go. Maybe it¡¯s because Huang Ting thinks I have some ability to illuminate his night? Speaking of which, what do you think the boss of this dream would be?¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered a ¡°wu¡± and didn¡¯t answer. After Yu Hao treated him, his superficial wounds were healed, but his torn clothes weren¡¯t restored, so Zhou Sheng took off his wet shirt and then tied it around his waist. It was more convenient to move about half naked.


    ¡°These are the volleys of gunfire and severe trials he had dealt with in the cases he has handled over the years.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Be careful, you mustn¡¯t fall down at all costs.¡±


    Yu Hao guessed that as a special criminal detective, perhaps the impression formed in Huang Ting¡¯s spiritual world when handling cases was of running through a maze. The kind where countless puzzles lay before him while he had to be on guard against any danger that could appear at any time, and those dangers had all materialised as the mechanisms in the maze.


    ¡°Kaikai¡¯s a bit anxious today.¡± Zhou Sheng walked in front and looked back to say to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Huang Ting is his good friend, it¡¯s normal to be anxious.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°No, I just think his anxiety¡¯s a little abnormal.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°He¡¯s too anxious in urging us to come into Huang Ting¡¯s dream. What do you think he said to Zhao Liang that day?¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°Since he didn¡¯t trick you into the car and drive to Zhao Liang¡¯s base, there should be no problems.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s by himself, so he¡¯s no match for me.¡± Zhou Sheng continued.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But he could have also gotten someone to lie in wait in the car or in the hotel.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So you trust him.¡±


    ¡°If you didn¡¯t trust him, you wouldn¡¯t have let him in with us.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°I¡¯d like to see what Zhao Liang¡¯s up to.¡±

 Chapter 154.1 - Fear

    Ch154.1 ¨C Fear


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were drenched from head to toe. Zhou Sheng was half naked, and water trickled down his lean muscles, while Yu Hao¡¯s shirt was plastered onto his body, revealing its contours. Zhou Sheng grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s hand tightly. When they couldn¡¯t walk any further at the gap between two walls, Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao, shook his jingubang, and leaped onto another wall as if he was pole vaulting.


    Another light flashed ¡ª it was Chen Yekai¡¯s gun. Continuous gunfire could be heard at the end of the corner, sounding like he was engaged in a battle. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng immediately picked up their pace.


    In a maze corridor that led to the end of the black fog, Chen Yekai and Huang Ting wielded a gun each. A roaring monster appeared from within the fog, and there were mechanisms all around them. Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Where did these mechanisms come from?! Can you get rid of them?¡±


    Huang Ting placed one arm on Chen Yekai¡¯s shoulder and answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know! This is how my dream is like! I¡­¡±


    ¡°Careful!¡± Chen Yekai pressed down on Huang Ting and rolled to a corner; several flywheels shot out of the wall opposite that brushed past the top of their heads. The flywheels flew across the corridor and instantly cut the rotten monsters behind them into two. Black blood splattered everywhere before turning into smoke that dispersed as it vanished.


    ¡°Run!¡± Chen Yekai kept gasping and pulled Huang Ting up again. He half carried and half hugged him as they staggered away in their escape.


    Huang Ting¡¯s left leg was already fractured and was being dragged in a strange position. He looked back at the black fog that was closing in on them, and the vague outline of an even more powerful monster could be seen looming in the it.


    ¡°What would happen to us if we get caught?¡± Huang Ting asked.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯ll fall into the subconscious and lose all consciousness.¡±


    Huang Ting shook his head slowly, ¡°You guys really shouldn¡¯t have come to save me.¡±


    The black fog closed in once again, and it would soon swallow up the two men. A mad roar rang out from the fog, and dozens of shadows instantly shot out like a flurry of arrows.


    ¡°How could we not save you?!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice burst out overhead like a thunderclap, and before anyone could register it, he and Yu Hao descended from the sky!


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Get out of the way!¡± Chen Yekai and Huang Ting dodged, Zhou Sheng swung his rod around, looking as if he was dancing, and instantly sent the monsters in the fog flying everywhere in the sky. Yu Hao assumed a sideways stance while wielding his staff, and a resplendent, intense light burst forth from the head of his staff.


    Within a split second, the intense light materialised and shone through the fog. The black fog surged once again and kept retreating under this dazzling moonlight. A colossal being let out a low growl within the fog and dodged in panic, retreating toward the periphery of the maze.


    ¡°You¡¯re so much thinner now.¡± Chen Yekai said as he carried Huang Ting.


    ¡°I always feel like I became this thin because of my illness in reality,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°So even my impression of myself grew weaker too, but it¡¯s actually not that exaggerated.¡±


    Zhou Sheng led the way while Yu Hao supported the rear. Chen Yekai was in the middle with Huang Ting on his back. Yu Hao heard Chen Yekai say,


    ¡°What¡¯re you so stubborn about? Can¡¯t you dwell less on it?¡±


    ¡°When you encountered your problem, you were as stubborn as I am.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°So don¡¯t laugh at the one who retreated a hundred steps when you took fifty steps back yourself.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You¡¯ll get better.¡±


    When Yu Hao heard their conversation, he suddenly felt a little moved. When Huang Ting got into trouble, Chen Yekai was indeed quite anxious and had even urged Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao to come and rescue him as soon as possible. On the other hand, he and Zhou Sheng weren¡¯t that close to Huang Ting after all. So, most of the time, what they were considering was the problem of their own safety.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but Yu Hao could never get close to Huang Ting. Perhaps it was because of the Golden Crow Wheel, or perhaps it was because as a policeman, it was too easy for Huang Ting to see through people¡¯s hearts. As a result, whenever Yu Hao faced him, he didn¡¯t like talking too much in order to avoid revealing something by accident. However, Chen Yekai and Huang Ting truly were very good friends. Even if they hide a lot of things from each other¡ª¡ª just like how Huang Ting wouldn¡¯t tell Chen Yekai that when he left Ying City in despair, he had already bought a ticket to Argentina, ready to stop him in advance.


    Chen Yekai also wouldn¡¯t tell Huang Ting how anxious he had been when he found out that he had gone missing. Yu Hao had no doubt at all that if Zhou Sheng had rejected his suggestion to come find Huang Ting in his dream, Chen Yekai would have begged him to.


    After leaving the fringe of the black fog, at a corner of the maze, Chen Yekai set Huang Ting down. Yu Hao checked his wounds and said, ¡°Why did his leg get fractured?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He was almost dragged into the subconscious. A tentacle had entangled itself with him, and during the fight, his leg was twisted by the tentacle and fractured as a result.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°Look, the rain is letting up.¡±


    After they found Huang Ting, the thunder stopped, and the dark clouds in the sky had retreated slightly, revealing gaps from which faint rays of moonlight sneaked in.


    Yu Hao felt like his powers strengthened under this moonlight. He said, ¡°We have to set his calf straight before treating it. Zhou Sheng, lend him a hand. Chen Yekai, you hold him.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s so troublesome even in a dream.¡± Zhou Sheng glanced at Huang Ting and said, ¡°You¡¯re too rigid in adhering to rules.¡±


    Chen Yekai held Huang Ting¡¯s upper body while Zhou Sheng pressed down on Huang Ting¡¯s knee and straightened out his left calf. Huang Ting grunted, and his hold on Yu Hao tightened so much that it was like an iron hoop. Yu Hao released his powers, and under the illumination of the ball of light, the bruises of the fracture slowly faded. Huang Ting let out a prolonged breath, patted Chen Yekai¡¯s shoulder, then slowly stood up. He turned his head to glance at the depths of the maze, then looked at them again. His lips moved, and he looked a little blank.


    ¡°You guys shouldn¡¯t have come.¡± Huang ting said.


    Zhou Sheng made a gesture and answered, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything.¡±


    Huang Ting looked doubtful, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Please excuse me, Huang Ting, this might be offensive.¡±


    Then Zhou Sheng pressed his hand against Huang Ting¡¯s forehead. Within the darkness, countless pictures of his memories flew around him, just like when they had erased Ou Qihang¡¯s memory, they formed scenes that slowly revolved around Huang Ting.


    The light of other memories dimmed a little, and only a first person perspective of Huang Ting being hoisted and pushed against the chair device were presented to them in its entirety.


    After Zhou Sheng finished watching, he especially tapped on a few scenes with his finger, slashed through, and threw the scenes to Chen Yekai.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand left Huang Ting¡¯s forehead, and all of his memories dissipated in an instant.


    The moment he saw Huang Ting¡¯s memories, Yu Hao was stunned. Zhao Liang even has a way to monitor the Golden Crow Wheel? But when he looked at Zhou Sheng, Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t react at all, as if he had already known about it long ago. How did Zhou Sheng know about that? Yu Hao suddenly remembered ¡ª in the desert, the flickering of Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon! Has the existence of the Golden Crow Wheel been monitored and interfered with since then? That is to say, the apparatus Zhao Liang possesses has such an effect on the Golden Crow Wheel?


    Yu Hao wanted to ask, but Zhou Sheng made a ¡®shh¡¯ gesture, then said, ¡°Continue moving forward. Help Huang Ting seize his totem back first.¡±


    Zhou Sheng set his jingubang vertically on the ground, held Yu Hao with one hand, and rose to the top of the maze¡¯s high wall. Both of them clambered onto the wall. The rainstorm was gradually becoming lighter. Yu Hao spread his wings out; he should be able to fly now without being disturbed by fierce gales. However, the walls of this maze are too weird, so he decided against flying for now.


    Zhou Sheng brought Huang Ting and Chen Yekai up as well. The four of them stood on the wall, overlooking the central area of the maze in the distance.


    Yu Hao had always been worried that if Zhao Liang could monitor the operations of the Golden Crow Wheel through the analysis and reconstruction of brain waves, then he would also be able to eavesdrop on their conversations in the dream? From the fact that Zhou Sheng wasn¡¯t saying anything, that may indeed be the case. However, since he had already thought of this scene, then he must have started thinking of a way to deal with it.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng worriedly, yet Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Shh, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    So Yu Hao nodded. He looked back at Huang Ting and Chen Yekai, who were walking slowly on the top of the high wall.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Nicky, listen to me, all of you should go back while there¡¯s still time now. As for the rest, I can handle it by myself.¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°It¡¯s not a problem.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve finally gotten the chance, how do you feel?¡±


    ¡°To tell you the truth,¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°It¡¯s quite different from my guesses. It feels too real. I¡¯ve never had such a realistic experience before in my dreams.¡±


    ¡°Under the influence of the Golden Crow Wheel, dreams will become more realistic.¡± Zhou Sheng bridged across a narrow wall with his jingubang and walked across it like he was performing a circus act. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t usually dream in detail, but once the Golden Crow Wheel is involved, you¡¯ll be able to clearly sense everything that you¡¯re experiencing.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°So that is to say, everyone actually has the ability to shuttle through their own dreamscapes. They just can¡¯t be like how we are now, where we have a high degree of conscious self-control?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Of course. Didn¡¯t you dream before the Golden Crow Wheel appeared? You did ba? The Golden Crow Wheel just gives us the ability to control dreamscapes.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°The situation isn¡¯t as simple as you guys think now. Zhou Sheng, take them away, you¡¯re a smart person.¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°No way! Huang Ting, throw away that idea of yours. It¡¯s precisely that kind of thinking that will land everyone in danger!¡¯


    Huang Ting said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to put all three of you in danger just for me alone! Zhou Sheng! Don¡¯t you care about Yu Hao¡¯s safety?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°I¡¯m alright, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. You should worry more about yourself ba.¡±

 Chapter 154.2 - Fear

    Huang Ting stopped and stood on the high wall. He said seriously, ¡°Where do you guys want to go now? Help me seize my totem back? I won¡¯t cooperate, and you guys won¡¯t be able to get there. Leave immediately, right now!¡±


    ¡°Hei.¡± Zhou Sheng found it amusing instead. He carried his jingubang on his shoulder, then turned his head sideways to shoot a provocative glance at Huang Ting.


    ¡°What¡¯s the meaning of running over so recklessly?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Just to save someone like me who¡¯s about to die? To tell you guys the truth¡­¡±


    ¡°Aplastic anemia,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Acute. We already know.¡±


    Huang Ting suddenly fell silent. Yu Hao said, ¡°Can¡¯t you treat it as palliative care? Also, you might not necessarily die. You¡¯re still waiting for a bone marrow match, right?¡±


    Huang Ting still wanted to insist, but Zhou Sheng said, ¡°What¡¯s in the centre of the maze? Let me guess?¡±


    ¡°You guessed right.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°My fear of death.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Keep walking. Don¡¯t stop. The longer this gets dragged out, the more dangerous it gets. If you¡¯re really concerned about our well-being, then please face the fear in your heart and seize your totem back.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. ¡°He¡¯s right. Huang Ting, I don¡¯t want to go through the experience of getting arrested while sleeping again.¡±


    ¡°Will we be suddenly awakened?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Not necessarily. We still don¡¯t know what Zhao Liang wants to do.¡±


    Yu Hao was guessing as well. Although he had deduced that Zhou Sheng must know¡ª perhaps Zhao Liang wanted to observe and analyse the entire process of them entering Huang Ting¡¯s dream, obtain detailed information, and even try to crack the secrets of the Golden Crow Wheel. No matter what though, Zhao Liang had already discovered that the Golden Crow Wheel was still in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands, and since he hadn¡¯t come over to wake them up, perhaps letting them deal with Huang Ting¡¯s dream as they pleased was also one of their means in achieving their goal.


    ¡°Go,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Listen to them. At this moment, your situation is what¡¯s most important. Don¡¯t roll around tossing and turning over this problem anymore.¡±


    The gales were gradually settling down. Huang Ting could only lead the way ahead, while Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao followed behind. Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng with an inquiring gaze, yet Zhou Sheng showed him a mischievous smile and mysteriously winked at Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao, ¡°?¡±


    Huang Ting said from the front, ¡°Nicky, do you remember? We used to discuss how we would die in the future, and what kind of place we would die in?¡±


    ¡°I remember.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Three days after Ryuusei passed away, when you caught wind of the news, you called me from abroad.¡±


    ¡°I thought that I might die under the gunshot of a hoodlum, or in a car accident while chasing after a fugitive¡­¡± Huang Ting raised his head and looked at the thick dark clouds in the night sky. He said, ¡°But I never thought that I would die in such a way.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I have already said that you may not necessarily die. No matter how much money you need, I can fork it out for you, as long as you can keep on living well.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe in luck.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Waiting for a donor is like buying lottery tickets. Nicky, we need to learn to face reality.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been fucking willing to face reality!¡± Chen Yekai suddenly said, then seized Huang Ting¡¯s collar, twisted his head over, and violently forced him to look under the high wall, ¡°If this world is as realistic as you said it was, then why would we meet in a dream? Would you have the opportunity to ask such a question?¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to go up to separate them, but he was stopped by Zhou Sheng. Chen Yekai pushed Huang Ting and almost pushed him off the wall that was ten metres high. He made him face the ground and said, ¡°Say something ah! Talk!¡±


    Huang Ting didn¡¯t reply. Zhou Sheng wielded his jingubang, signalling to Yu Hao that he could separate them now.


    Chen Yekai dragged Huang Ting back a little and pushed him forward. He said, ¡°There¡¯s no inherent difference between dying from a bullet or while lying on a sickbed. Whether or not you die sooner or later, it¡¯s all the same in the end.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Just now, when I saw you, what I thought wasn¡¯t that I was saved, but to¡­use the gun on you, to shoot me, like this.¡±


    Huang Ting pulled Chen Yekai¡¯s hand up and made him hold the gun against his forehead.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t do this!¡±


    Huang Ting laughed. ¡°On the contrary, I don¡¯t feel any torment or fear at all in this dream.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Because in the spiritual world, most emotions have been concretized and separated from one another. It¡¯s only when you come into contact with the boss before fear will appear. Right now, you should be very calm.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I take the chance to end everything while I¡¯m this calm?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°It¡¯s only at times like this that I won¡¯t fear death.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Even if I were to shoot you, you wouldn¡¯t die in reality.¡±


    Zhou Sheng explained, ¡°The entire dreamscape will collapse and fall into the subconscious. Your consciousness will dissolve and merge with the subconscious world, while the you in reality¡­¡±


    ¡°Will fall into a vegetative state?¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°Just like Liang Jinmin.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai shrugged, ¡°And it¡¯ll become even more troublesome instead.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t be.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to prolong my life. At that time, I won¡¯t be able to feel the pain of my organs failing on me. It can be considered euthanasia in another sense? I¡¯d rather leave this world unwittingly than suffer through the ordeal.¡±


    ¡°Your suffering is given to you by yourself.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re not afraid, you won¡¯t suffer.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°You¡¯ve never experienced this kind of feeling before.¡±


    ¡°I have.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°How could I not?¡±


    Huang Ting suddenly remembered and actually couldn¡¯t refute Yu Hao for a moment. He kept silent for a long time, then continued, ¡°Your frame of mind at that time is different from mine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very similar.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I understand how you feel now. At this time, there¡¯s a kind of faint resonance between our souls. But, Huang Ting, we can also continue walking forward, until the moment you seize your totem back. If you¡¯re still this insistent after finding yourself, I will respect your decision.¡±


    Huang Ting fell silent again. In the end, he nodded. ¡°Okay, then let¡¯s go.¡±


    The four of them avoided almost all of the mechanisms and arrived at the deepest part of the maze. But on the last high wall that surrounded them, there was a multi-coloured, fantastical light that enveloped the most central part of the courtyard like a barrier. There was a massive pond in the courtyard, and a white mist spread across the surface of the pond. It was surrounded by a meadow on all sides.


    They couldn¡¯t cross through the barrier and enter the deepest part of the maze, so they could only come down from the wall. In front of them was a giant iron door. Yu Hao went forward and tried it, but the iron door didn¡¯t budge an inch.


    ¡°Rest a little first ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    Chen Yekai went forward to try as well. The iron door didn¡¯t open.


    ¡°It must be the person himself?¡± Chen Yekai asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s no use no matter how strong you are otherwise. Wu, Huang Ting¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng looked at Huang Ting and seemed to be thinking about how to get him to push the door.


    Yu Hao said to Huang Ting, ¡°You¡¯re in a very dangerous state of mind right now. Can someone who¡¯s not even willing to challenge their totem be able to seize back this dream?¡±


    ¡°He can.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Huang Ting, think about it carefully. You shouldn¡¯t be in this state of mind right now.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°What can I do? What can I do?¡±


    No one answered for a moment.


    ¡°There are many times when I¡¯ve dreamed of myself blundering about in this maze.¡± Huang Ting said in a low voice, ¡°I couldn¡¯t find the exit. I could see the glints of cold steel everywhere, and there was no end in sight.¡±


    ¡°I even thought you liked your job a lot.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Aren¡¯t there any moments worth to be happy about?¡±


    ¡°There are.¡± Huang Ting looked up at the gate and said, ¡°But when the examination report came out, everything didn¡¯t matter to be anymore. Sometimes, I would always wonder how meaningful it is for me to be doing all this. Zhou Sheng, I¡¯ve always owed you an apology.¡±


    ¡°Never mind,¡± Zhou Sheng answered casually, ¡°I forgive you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I also thought that you should be the one who would understand what you wanted the most. I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡±


    Huang Ting shook his head and answered, ¡°I have no way of answering that question if you were to ask me now. I can¡¯t defeat the unknown in the face of death, and I can¡¯t open the door in the deepest part of my heart. Go, Zhou Sheng. The next time we meet I promise you that I will untie this knot of mine.¡±


    Zhou Sheng just stood. A kind of anger that Yu Hao was familiar with was evident on his face as he scrutinised Huang Ting. Yu Hao had really seen this expression too many times ¡ª this was a clear signal that would appear every time before Zhou Sheng wanted to forcibly take action and resolve the issue with violence.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Yet Zhou Sheng said in the end, ¡°We¡¯ll come and save you very soon.¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s expression changed. ¡°Don¡¯t come! Once you come, you¡¯ll fall into their trap!¡±


    Suddenly, Yu Hao heard something and turned around to face the door at the deepest part of Huang Ting¡¯s maze. In a circumstance where Huang Ting didn¡¯t push the door open, the door automatically opened by itself! Everyone stopped talking at once and looked at the giant iron door together. They retreated slowly, and Huang Ting revealed a doubtful expression.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°This door can open by itself?¡±


    It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time encountering a situation where the door in the depths of one¡¯s inner heart would automatically open in front of them as well. Zhou Sheng immediately shielded Yu Hao, who was behind him. He raised one hand, where a golden light appeared, ready to wake the rest up at any moment.


    The door opened inward, and it was empty inside ¡ª as if it had always been waiting for this moment, waiting for Huang Ting¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Fuck.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°It opened by itself? Something like that can happen? There¡¯s no safe haven, and the door to where the totem lies even opened by itself?¡±


    ¡°Criminal detectives have no safe havens.¡± Huang Ting answered, ¡°What does it mean for the door to open by itself?¡±


    No one understood why for a moment and just stood outside the door. Huang Ting said, ¡°We can only go in now?¡±


    ¡°Welcome, welcome.¡± A voice said, ¡°It truly was a wonderful experience. Come in for a chat?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    That voice belonged to one of the three members of the original investigation team! And the only possibility was¡ª¡ª


    ¡°Zhao Liang?¡± Huang Ting could hardly believe what he was seeing.


    Within the underground research laboratory, Zhao Liang was sitting on a chair. He was already wearing the brainwave sensor helmet. Both his eyes were closed, a needle inserted into his wrist. He had been injected with a tranquiliser. The data lines on his helmet were fed into the central computer. On the other chair sat Huang Ting, whose whole body was already drenched in sweat.


    ¡°All indicators appear to be normal.¡± A researcher said, ¡°Director Zhao has entered.¡±


    Another researcher said, ¡°From the looks of it, it¡¯s possible for the consciousness of two people directly interfere and communicate with each other through the machine.¡±


    A group of researchers stood in front of Zhao Liang and exclaimed in admiration as they observed the scene. All sorts of data were being displayed on the huge screen in the center.


    ¡°There must be integrator repeaters,¡± someone said, ¡°Otherwise, their mutual interference will be very weak. If only the repeaters could be brought here.¡±


    ¡°Increase the stimulant ba.¡±


    ¡°Entering REM phase, intense neuronal activity detected¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Omg, so it¡¯s the real Zhao Liang in there??? Defeat him, guys!

 Chapter 155

    ¡°This is the Zhao Liang in your dream?¡± Yu Hao still wasn¡¯t quite sure. This shouldn¡¯t be the real Zhao Liang, that wasn¡¯t possible, right? If Zhao Liang could enter Huang Ting¡¯s dream as well, then doesn¡¯t that mean that he has the same ability as Zhou Sheng? But Zhou Sheng was the first to react ¡ª he recalled the huge computer in Huang Ting¡¯s memories, as well as the moment he sat on the chair!


    Zhou Sheng immediately tossed a meaningful glance at the rest and said in a low voice, ¡°Yo, what the hell is this? Huang Ting, is this real or fake?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Even if it¡¯s a dream impression, the gatekeeper shouldn¡¯t appear here. This situation isn¡¯t right, Zhou Sheng, withdraw ba.¡±


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°I guarantee that I¡¯m the real deal. Please, come in. Through some technical means, I very slightly interfered with Huang Ting¡¯s dream. It¡¯s a long story, would you like to listen? If you guys want to come in, you¡¯ll end up meeting me anyway. You can¡¯t escape me, so why don¡¯t we just explore this device that came from a mysterious place together?¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed and said, ¡°You¡¯re indeed right, but Laozi has never liked to follow the script. Good¡­¡±


    At the moment that Zhou Sheng raised his hand, Zhao Liang said in a low voice, ¡°Then you¡¯re too naive.¡±


    Right after he spoke, Zhao Liang¡¯s figure suddenly blurred, and a storm broke out. Yu Hao hadn¡¯t even seen the situation clearly before he was knocked straight out by Zhao Liang and fell. Huang Ting roared angrily, ¡°Let them go! Zhao Liang!¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t your inner world, Zhou Sheng.¡± Zhao Liang raised his voice, then shot towards Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng abruptly lifted his shield, the two of them collided, and within the crash, it was as if Zhou Sheng was struck by an extremely fast artillery shell, and he was sent flying by the impact.


    ¡°It¡¯s not yours either!¡± Zhou Sheng brandished his jingubang and shouted angrily without the slightest hint of fear.


    Yu Hao had no idea that Zhao Liang would actually strike first at this moment. After he was knocked quite far away, he shook his wings out and wanted to fly to the middle of the maze. However, Zhao Liang was really too fast. All he saw was a blur before Chen Yekai was slammed into, then after he blinked again, a fist had landed on Huang Ting¡¯s chest, and both of them flew far away.


    Zhou Sheng roared, ¡°Yu Hao! Take them away from here!¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t do.¡± Zhao Liang stood in the middle of the courtyard. Yu Hao was flying towards Chen Yekai, but Zhao Liang had already come forward without making a sound and ran onto the high wall in just a few steps. Zhou Sheng let out a loud cry and chased after Zhao Liang; Yu Hao lunged towards Chen Yekai, while Zhao Liang lunged at Yu Hao. Within just the twinkle of an eye, Yu Hao was almost done with drawing out a bright, silver halo to wake Chen Yekai up, but Zhao Liang suddenly grabbed his wings, and with one move, Yu Hao was dragged until he drew an arc in the air and slammed head first into the high wall!


    It was only at that moment that Zhou Sheng caught up with Zhao Liang, but Zhao Liang still had some energy left. He turned around, swept his leg out, while Zhou Sheng wielded his jingubang and raised it toward Zhao Liang¡¯s waist. Yet, Zhao Liang grabbed the jingubang, leapt over and kicked Zhou Sheng squarely in his chest, kicking him down to the ground. Immediately after which, he jumped off from high ground, and with all of his body weight, he landed and smashed his fist into Zhou Sheng¡¯s ribs!


    Yu Hao had hit his head, so all he could see were golden stars in his field of view. He staggered up from the ground, but Zhao Liang caught up and kicked him once again, so he instantly fell to the ground and couldn¡¯t get up again.


    Zhao Liang abruptly turned sideways and avoided the beams of light that Chen Yekai had shot with his gun. Chen Yekai fired twice, but Zhao Liang evaded them both; on his third shot, Zhao Liang had already appeared in front of Chen Yekai. He grabbed Chen Yekai¡¯s wrist with his left hand and broke his right hand; Chen Yekai hadn¡¯t even reacted yet. He let out a pained cry; his arm had been broken, and he now fell to the ground.


    Huang Ting gasped for breath as he got up, but got struck by Zhao Liang again and rolled straight onto the ground.


    ¡°Hey.¡± Zhou Sheng used his jingubang as support to get up. He smiled, ¡°Zhao Laoshi is really fast.¡±


    ¡°In the world of martial arts, speed is invincible.¡± Zhao Liang smiled slightly at Zhou Sheng, ¡°You¡¯ve finally had your fill with playing for once. Zhou Sheng, let¡¯s talk now about how we¡¯ll be cooperating in the future?¡¯


    ¡°How are you so fast?¡± Zhou Sheng struggled to stand up. Yu Hao kept coughing, he held onto the wall as he got up and stared at Zhao Liang in disbelief.


    ¡°That¡¯s not logical.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    ¡°A little stimulant,¡± Zhao Liang laughed, ¡°can stimulate the transmission of neurons. I¡¯m quite surprised too, I didn¡¯t expect it to work so well.¡±


    ¡°The contest for control over consciousness has begun.¡± A researcher motioned for the rest to look.


    On the huge screen, brain wave frequency patterns started jumping. The wave band representing Huang Ting had been marked in red, while Zhou Sheng¡¯s brain waves were marked with a golden colour. Zhao Liang¡¯s emitted a dazzling white light and began fluctuating wildly.


    Zhao Liang, who had been fastened to the chair, began sweating all over. A researcher said softly, ¡°His brain activity is extremely active right now. Push him a little more, it¡¯s okay as long as we don¡¯t exceed the maximum dose.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in a low voice, ¡°But you¡­you haven¡¯t beaten me yet ma¡­¡±


    ¡°The outcome is foreordained.¡± Zhao Liang beckoned to Zhou Sheng, ¡°Young people ma, they always refuse to give up. I was like that in the past too, so I can understand.¡±


    Before anyone could register it, Zhou Sheng raised his hand and brandished his jingubang, but before he could make a move ¡ª and he was still standing in place even ¡ª only Zhao Liang¡¯s afterimage could be seen. He whooshed over to Zhou Sheng and punched Zhou Sheng squarely in his lower abdomen, and once again sent him flying!


    Yu Hao slowly moved over to a place about ten metres away from Chen Yekai. Just as he was about to turn and lunge over, Zhao Liang said, ¡°Don¡¯t play your little tricks.¡±


    Before he had even finished speaking, he was already in front of Yu Hao. Yu Hao was halfway through turning when he got punched by Zhao Liang again, and he instantly flew several metres away, landing harshly on the ground! Zhou Sheng roared angrily and lunged at Zhao Liang from behind. Zhao Liang still had reserves; he turned his body slightly to avoid the strike from the jingubang above, then unleashed a flurry of four punches in succession again and struck Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder, ribs, abdomen, and collar bones. The cracking of his bones could be heard, and Zhao Liang added one last kick and sent Zhou Sheng flying several metres away.


    The four of them were overpowered and had to endure Zhao Liang¡¯s beating like this without the power to fight back at all. Yu Hao could no longer stand up, and his wings kept trembling.


    ¡°If you know what¡¯s good for you, then just lie there,¡± Zhao Liang said to Yu Hao, ¡°Don¡¯t try to wake anyone up.¡±


    Yu Hao kept gasping. Chen Yekai supported Huang Ting up in the distance, and made a gesture at him from afar.


    Yu Hao¡¯s brows furrowed.


    Zhao Liang walked towards Zhou Sheng and knelt down on one knee in front of him. Zhou Sheng kept struggling, his hand still grabbing tightly onto the jingubang, and he smiled, ¡°Taking drugs isn¡¯t good for your health ah.¡±


    ¡°In order to win you over,¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°it¡¯s still worth it. Are you willing to talk about it now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng gasped, revealing a pained expression. His entire body started shining with a golden light.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother trying to escape anymore.¡± Zhao Liang got up and went over to Yu Hao. He studied Yu Hao and said seriously, ¡°I know very well that Zhou Sheng can get himself out of dreamscapes, and that Yu Hao can wake Chen Yekai up, but you can¡¯t get out yourself. Or in other words, as long as Zhou Sheng¡­you¡­¡± As he spoke, he pulled a sharp knife out of his hand and placed it against Yu Hao¡¯s neck.


    ¡°¡­have any intention to leave, I can kill Yu Hao here straight away. Do you think he¡¯ll ever be able to wake up then? Destroy his surface consciousness, make him fall into a vegetative state, take your ¡®magic weapon¡¯ away. As the saying goes, there are no dutiful children by the bed when one suffers from a chronic illness. Will you take care of your gay lover for the rest of your life? Must you force me to take such drastic measures before you¡¯ll come to some sort of realisation?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s eyes widened, and he watched Zhao Liang closely.


    ¡°Okay.¡± The golden light on Zhou Sheng¡¯s body faded, his hand still gripping tightly onto his jingubang. He said slowly, ¡°State your conditions ba.¡±


    ¡°I hope you¡¯re a man of your word,¡± Zhao Liang answered, ¡°Don¡¯t try getting up to any more mischief, otherwise, even if I had to chase you to the ends of the earth, I would still tear you guys back in the end. My men are already heading over to where you guys are now.¡±


    Huang Ting said in a low voice, ¡°Zhao Liang, you will one day die because of your desires.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s far, far from that moment right now.¡± Zhao Liang murmured, ¡°Zhou Sheng, if you¡¯re willing to cooperate with me, everyone will be able to live a very good life.¡±


    ¡°To do what?¡± Zhou Sheng panted.


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°Come to me with the Golden Crow Wheel, open up your dreamscape, let me enter your dream, and transfer your rights over as the brainwave integrator repeater.¡±


    ¡°Transfer it how?¡± Zhou Sheng said slowly, ¡°These rights can be transferred?¡±


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°I have my ways. As long as it succeeds, I¡¯ll let you guys go.¡±


    Then, Zhao Liang held Yu Hao hostage as he looked at Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, and Zhou Sheng. He raised his voice, ¡°You have such powerful resources at your disposal, yet you¡¯re only using it to play around on such a small-scale, calling it by the glorified name of ¡®saving oneself¡¯ or ¡®changing people¡¯s hearts¡¯, it really is too much of a pity. Don¡¯t you guys want to know the true purpose of this thing?¡±


    ¡°Let us discuss it first.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let you guys get close to each other.¡± Zhao Liang studied Zhou Sheng, who was far away, and said in a low voice, ¡°If you have something you want to say, just say it here ba. Everyone will be on the same side soon, so there¡¯s no need to avoid rousing suspicion.¡±


    Zhou Sheng sneered, ¡°If my understanding of neuron stimulants is correct, the effects of your drug shouldn¡¯t be able to last for too long ba.¡±


    ¡°It can work for a few hours at least.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°As long as I don¡¯t let you guys come into contact and lose Yu Hao¡¯s healing ability to you, it¡¯ll probably be easy for me to beat you up again even without the effects of the stimulant. Don¡¯t forget, Zhou Sheng, even if you successfully escape in dreams, you¡¯ll never be able to escape from my grasp in reality. If I were you, I¡¯d cooperate readily.¡±


    ¡°And you know where I am?¡± Zhou Sheng revealed a wicked smile.


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± Zhao Liang answered, ¡°But I know where your house is. Whether in reality or in dreams, Yu Hao¡¯s quite a useful hostage for me.¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng turned a deaf ear and said calmly.


    Yu Hao had his back to the wall as he faced Zhao Liang¡¯s sharp knife, and he never stopped thinking about a way to win against Zhao Liang. He was truly too fast; he was so fast that Yu Hao couldn¡¯t even react at all. Perhaps there was a way, and that was to just kill Huang Ting in the dreamscape. In that way, the entire dream would collapse and turn into the subconscious. After falling into the subconscious, it would be his territory then, and Zhao Liang would soon lose his superficial consciousness, and would be no match for them anymore.


    Then, after that, get Zhou Sheng to light the fire in the subconscious and restore Huang Ting¡¯s superficial consciousness¡­this process might be very painful, but it was the only way now.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and guessed that Zhou Sheng was thinking of that problem as well. However, Huang Ting was being protected by Chen Yekai right now, so conveying this idea to him was a problem in and of itself.


    ¡°Yu Hao.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Do you remember where you came from just now?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly raised his head and looked up at the dark clouds ¡ª he flew out of the moon! The moon was still around, would he be able to return if he were to cross through the moon again? Before anyone could register it, Yu Hao flew up, Zhao Liang instantly realised that something was amiss ¡ª as long as Yu Hao managed to escape, his arrangement would no longer work anymore!


    At the same time, Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng lunged at Zhao Liang together. Chen Yekai¡¯s flying scalpel revolved around him and struck Zhao Liang¡¯s weapon, sending it flying, yet Zhao Liang grabbed Yu Hao¡¯s arm and flipped over to ride him on his back. Yu Hao spread his wings open in the air and tumbled about, but he couldn¡¯t fling Zhao Liang away. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Go!¡¯


    Then Zhou Sheng pulled Chen Yekai, set the jingubang vertically on the ground, and the jingubang elongated rapidly ¡ª the walls of the maze that surrounded started extending as well!


    Yu Hao flew as fast as he could and rushed out of the clouds. Zhou Sheng shouted from below, ¡°It¡¯s up to you now! Kaikai!¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Chen Yekai¡¯s arm and mustered all his strength to fling him upward!


    Chen Yekai flew out of the clouds and summoned his flying scalpel back with his left hand. Yu Hao clenched his teeth, ¡°Zhao Liang you¡­bastard!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really tenacious, aren¡¯t you¡­¡±


    Zhao Liang was in mid air so he couldn¡¯t propel himself, and the advantage he possessed in speed was no longer obvious. Thus, he could only punch Yu Hao¡¯s nape, while Chen Yekai lunged over from the side and seized Zhao Liang. Yu Hao took advantage of his moment to shake his wings straight, released all of his strength, and brought Zhao Liang and Chen Yekai along as he rushed head first into the moon!


    With a loud bang accompanied by Chen Yekai¡¯s shout, the three who were tangled with one another separated, just like what happened every time they entered someone else¡¯s dreamscape, and completely disappeared.


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Zhou Sheng staggered forward and pulled Huang Ting up.


    Huang Ting was taken to one side of the courtyard by Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment before saying, ¡°Wake up, don¡¯t fall asleep again for now, and don¡¯t let the others know that you¡¯ve awoken.¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°What about Zhao Liang?¡±


    Zhou Sheng shook his head answered, ¡°We¡¯ll be there very soon, keep holding on. Good night.¡±


    Then Zhou Sheng lit up a golden light and pressed it against Huang Ting¡¯s forehead. The maze dream world suddenly shrank and disappeared.


    At the moment they crossed through the moon, a shining gale swept across the entire dream world. With a flash, Yu Hao opened his eyes, woke up, and looked at the clock on the wall. It was 5 PM, the setting sun¡¯s light so red it looked like blood. Yu Hao immediately felt about for his phone and sent a WeChat message. Zhou Sheng replied on his side and asked him not to worry, and that he would go home straight away.


    ¡¾Pack your things and wait for me. Zhao Liang will be there soon, so we have to leave as soon as possible and stay somewhere else for now. If someone tries to break in, call the police.¡¿


    Yu Hao took a deep breath and began packing his clothes and some travel necessities.


    Zhao Liang took off his helmet and got down from his chair. After gasping for a moment, the researchers surrounded him, and Zhao Liang immediately started making calls and left the underground research laboratory.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s meet at the appointed place.¡± Zhao Liang left the research lab, got in his car and drove. ¡°Think of a way to hold him down first, I¡¯ll dispatch people immediately. Zhou Sheng¡¯s too cunning. No, don¡¯t catch him, let him go to Yu Hao¡¯s place. I won¡¯t take more than twenty minutes.¡±


    Yu Hao gave Fu Liqun a call, but no one answered. He called Ou Qihang as well, but he didn¡¯t answer either.


    ¡°Where did they all run off to?¡± Yu Hao frowned.


    After waiting for a long time, the sun still hadn¡¯t set. Bloodred light rippled through the room, and finally, the doorbell rang. Yu Hao went forward to take a look¡ª¡ª the one waiting outside was Chen Yekai.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng went back to the company!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Go with me, we¡¯ll go meet up with him!¡±


    ¡°What?!¡± Yu Hao felt as if his heart stopped beating at once.


    ¡°Quick! We have to leave this place now!¡± Chen Yekai pulled Yu Hao out of the room. ¡°Stow this away first, we split up just now. He wanted to be extra careful and asked me to safeguard the Golden Crow Wheel first.¡± Then he threw the Golden Crow Wheel to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao took the Golden Crow Wheel, stowed it, and asked anxiously, ¡°Where was he taken?¡±


    Chen Yekai pressed the button for the elevator and headed to the underground garage of this apartment. ¡°Qin Guodong¡¯s men have been monitoring us since this afternoon and found the hotel¡­get in the car, let¡¯s go look for Ren Chong.¡± Then he pulled the car door open and let Yu Hao get in, before driving the car out of the parking lot. This was Zhou Sheng¡¯s first time getting caught. Yu Hao kept telling himself that he had to be calm, he had to be calm. Chen Yekai only drove for about 20 minutes and parked his car in a deserted suburb.


    ¡°Get out.¡± Chen Yekai looked at Yu Hao through the rearview mirror.


    Yu Hao instantly felt that something was wrong. ¡°Where is this?¡±


    ¡°Quick! Go!¡± Chen Yekai frowned deeply and urged, ¡°Trust me!¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then opened the passenger seat door and got off. Under the light of the setting sun, another car appeared opposite, and Zhao Liang pushed open the door of the driver¡¯s seat with a gun in hand.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao couldn¡¯t believe what he was seeing. He looked at Chen Yekai, Chen Yekai looked at Zhao Liang, then at Yu Hao again. He turned sideways and retreated a few steps back carefully.


    Zhao Liang opened the door to the passenger seat, revealing Zhou Sheng, who was lying unconscious in the chair. He raised his hand and placed the gun against Zhou Sheng¡¯s temple.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t control himself from taking a step forward.


    ¡°He¡¯s very safe now.¡± Zhao Liang said, ¡°Your Chen Laoshi just used a little sleeping gas to knock him out. If you know what¡¯s good for you, hand the Golden Crow Wheel over.¡±


    Chen Yekai kept retreating and retreated to stand beside his car.


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°In the end, it was actually you?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yu Hao.¡±


    Chen Yekai took a deep breath. ¡°In order for Ryuusei to keep existing, in order to save Huang Ting, I had no other way.¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: NOOOO KAIKAI WHYYYY

 Chapter 156.1

    ¡°You¡­¡± Yu Hao stared at Chen Yekai in disbelief. Chen Yekai¡¯s handsome face looked uneasy, and his shadow stretched far behind him as well. But right at that moment, Yu Hao suddenly noticed something¡ª


    ¡ªthe sun hasn¡¯t set yet? But almost three hours have passed!


    ¡°Try shooting?¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly opened his eyes, revealing a smile like he had just played a prank. ¡°I bet there¡¯s no bullet in that gun.¡±


    Before anyone could register it, the entire world collapsed with a loud rumble. A rainforest rose steeply from the level ground all around them. Zhao Liang looked blank at first, but his expression changed in an instant.


    ¡°This¡­is still in a dream?!¡± Zhao Liang muttered with a panic-stricken expression.


    ¡°Bin-go!¡± Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng shouted angrily at the same time and each drew their respective weapons; Zhou Sheng swept out with his rod and instantly flung Zhao Liang¡¯s car away and sent it flying. Yu Hao was immediately dumbstruck; he was currently in another dream! But not long ago, they were still fighting in Huang Ting¡¯s dream, so why¡­


    ¡°Catch him!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t let him run this time! It¡¯s up to you! Kaikai!¡±


    Chen Yekai threw his flying scalpel out, Zhao Liang turned sideways to avoid it. Just as he was about to escape, vines began curling over from all sides and wrapped Zhao Liang up tightly. Yu Hao flew forward, clutched Zhao Liang¡¯s collar, and took him up to the sky.


    Yu Hao, ¡°This reversal is too fast isn¡¯t it?!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng whistled; the black dragon crossed through the sun into Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s world. Zhou Sheng flipped over and landed on the back of his dragon. Chen Yekai¡¯s Feathered Serpent God flew over from afar and took off him with on its back. Yu Hao threw Zhao Liang to Chen Yekai, who then threw him out again to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng¡¯s dragon caught ahold of Zhao Liang with its claws, and it flew to the apex of the pyramid.


    ¡°Your dream feels so real!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°I designed an area in my dream that¡¯s almost exactly like the environment in reality, and we just so happened to obtain an exceptionally good opportunity. The two of us, as well as this guy, came straight back to my dream from Huang Ting¡¯s.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Next, after I woke Huang Ting up¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You then left the maze world!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Correct¡ª after that, I continued sleeping and returned to Kaikai¡¯s dream, then cooperated with him in acting out this play. Pretend to be unconscious, get Kaikai to notify Zhao Liang of my position, and get caught by him¡­Fortunately, Huang Ting¡¯s memories contained the specifics of the research laboratory. Otherwise, your environment wouldn¡¯t have been able to be established in the end.¡±


    ¡°Which is why I said I had to meet him at least once,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°before I could obtain all the details. Yu Hao was of great help too.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you guys make this clear in advance? You two hid this from me for so long!¡±


    ¡°We were afraid that you¡¯d realise you were still in a dream.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°As long as I¡¯m not by your side, your dreamscape will start to become unstable. When you realise that you¡¯re in someone else¡¯s dream, it¡¯ll be too easy for you to be awakened, and once you¡¯re awake, you¡¯ll disappear from Kaikai¡¯s dream. If that happened, Zhao Liang would become suspicious.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Before entering the maze, the last dream we were in was the world of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. I tried giving myself some autosuggestions to construct a dream of you waiting for Zhou Sheng in your home, and so¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Yeah! I thought it was a little strange too, why would I wake up right after passing through the moon when I should¡¯ve returned to Chen Laoshi¡¯s dream instead. The two of you are really¡­¡±


    Yu Hao finally had a rough understanding of the trap set by Zhou Sheng¡­one ring interlocking another, it was truly amazing!


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°This requires your cooperation, so that you would always waver in your doubts that I might betray the two of you but still choose to believe me in the end. Otherwise, in your dream, you wouldn¡¯t leave your home with me.¡±


    ¡°But even if I did trust you without any reservations at all, I would still follow you, wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°If you didn¡¯t have that doubt, you would trust Kaikai, so you¡¯ll easily sense that something was wrong.¡±


    ¡°What would be wrong?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°The one picking you up should be Zhou Sheng, not me.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s only when your subconscious convinces you to believe that Zhou Sheng had been betrayed by me that the one arriving at your doorstep would be me.¡± Then Chen Yekai started gesturing at Yu Hao while he stood on his Feathered Serpent God. He continued to explain, ¡°Although this thought doesn¡¯t appear in the surface consciousness, as long as the logic in your subconscious is discordant, you would sense this discordance very strongly and further question yourself, then suddenly wake up in the end.¡±


    Yu Hao could roughly understand it. ¡°How did you know that he would follow me back to Chen Laoshi¡¯s dreamscape?¡±


    ¡°We have the same scene designed in both our dreams.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I guessed that he has the ability to interfere with and to invade dreamscapes and discussed it with Kaikai several times. Originally, we just wanted to trick him into my dream and take care of him there, but Kaikai insisted on a backup plan¡­¡±


    ¡°See, it¡¯s good that you listened to me ba?¡± Chen Yekai said to Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°At first I thought that I could have just agreed to taking him into my dream, but¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng explained to Yu Hao for a long time, and it was only then did Yu Hao know that Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai had already targeted Zhao Liang before this and set up a complex trap to deal with a ¡®dream invasion¡¯. After all, as long as the Golden Crow Wheel was in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands, he was almost invincible. Chen Yekai suggested to set up a scene that was almost identical to that of reality, and no matter who was the one making a move in the end, to just trick them over before dealing with them.


    However, Huang Ting¡¯s dream went beyond their imagination. Zhao Liang even injected himself with a stimulant that greatly increased his strength. In the end, Zhou Sheng thought it over for a long time, came up with a way to throw him into Chen Yekai¡¯s dreamscape, then used this dream to take countermeasures against Zhao Liang.


    ¡°We¡¯re done, my dear Zhao Laoshi.¡±


    The black dragon and Feathered Serpent God stopped on the platform. Zhao Liang had been thrown into the center, and his whole body was tied up with vines. There was even an apple stuffed into his mouth so he was unable to speak and could only cry out with wuwus.


    ¡°Seems like you haven¡¯t figured everything out yet,¡± Zhou Sheng frowned as he looked at him and casually said, ¡°The effects of the stimulant haven¡¯t died down yet, right?¡±


    Then Zhou Sheng went forward and harshly kicked Zhao Liang. Yu Hao just thought that this scene was really too absurd; right before this, Zhao Liang was still beating them up so energetically until they didn¡¯t even have a chance to fight back, but now, the situation had actually been reversed so forcefully, and he was trussed up like a dumpling?


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Don¡¯t talk to him anymore, he might still have tricks up his sleeves. Get down to business quickly.¡±


    ¡°Letting you off easy then.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Eat the apple, eat it, eat it, eat the damn apple.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    While he was unaware, Yu Hao had completed this perfect cooperation with them. Now, he just felt exhausted. ¡°I want to go out and take a bath. I don¡¯t want to play anymore.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao. Chen Yekai raised his hand, and the vines took root in the ground before rising upward with Zhao Liang. Zhao Liang was still uttering muffled wuwus, his pleading gaze signalling that he wanted a chance to explain himself.


    But Zhou Sheng ignored him. He raised his hand and forcibly pressed it on Zhao Liang¡¯s forehead.


    Zhao Liang¡¯s eyes widened in an instant and looked almost despairingly at the flashing pictures of his memories. Yu Hao was stunned; scenes were flashing by one by one. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhao Laoshi is a rather upright man ma.¡±


    Zhao Liang¡¯s life from when he was young to the time he went to college, found a girlfriend, fell in love, settled down, his wife and son going abroad ¡ª all of those experiences could be seen at a glance. In this brief moment, Yu Hao saw almost the entire life of this middle-aged man who was nearing his fifties; being misunderstood, getting refuted, demoted, taking up post as a martial arts instructor at first and getting a transfer afterward because of making a mistake, but he was asked by Qin Guodong to join him and enter the investigation team.


    Zhao Liang had personally solved several major cases, and he was promoted by Qin Guodong himself and got targeted by Ren Chong. Zhou Sheng¡¯s brows furrowed deeply. The three of them viewed Zhao Liang¡¯s life just like this.


    Until he started getting in touch with STA and caught the one in-charge of STA¡¯s workshop, then Chen Yekai said in a low voice, ¡°He got caught indeed.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°When we rescue Huang Ting, we have to save him too.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me look at this section?¡±


    Zhou Sheng made a slashing gesture with his finger and let Yu Hao see the group meeting Qin Guodong, Ren Chong, and Zhao Liang partook in. There was no one else at the meeting. Zhao Liang and Ren Chong started arguing and became extremely agitated, their faces turning crimson from anger. Qin Guodong never spoke, and in the end, he was the first to get up and leave.


    What they were discussing was whether they should continue tracking down the Golden Crow Wheel, and how they should deal with Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao. In the end, Qin Guodong decided to leave his post, while Ren Chong promised that he wouldn¡¯t lay a finger on Zhou Sheng.


    Zhou Sheng tapped on one of the scenes ¡ª it was Zhao Liang¡¯s most secretive intention.


    Once he got the Golden Crow Wheel and the ability to run freely around dreamscapes, Zhao Liang thought that he would be able to change anyone¡¯s mind from now on and level the score with one move. He had really had enough with the investigation team; with both his hands and feet tied up, he had too many misgivings about elements in reality and couldn¡¯t do anything. The Golden Crow Wheel could place the entire organisation under his control; he wouldn¡¯t need to exhaust so much effort in convincing others to accept his own views, and he would never have to worry about any of the constraints of whatever he does.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty ideal.¡± Chen Yekai assessed, ¡°Wanting to change the world through this sort of way.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit crazy.¡± Zhou Sheng assessed as well, ¡°You were once a good person, why turn to crime? The power over life, death, rewards, and punishment, all of that consolidated in your hands; after letting someone like you get the Golden Crow Wheel, once you let yourself run wild, it should be quite terrifying.¡±


    Zhao Liang gazed at Zhou Sheng, reluctance evident in his eyes.


    ¡°Even if you do get to sit in that position, you still wouldn¡¯t be able to do whatever you please.¡± Chen Yekai evaluated.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°But according to his logic, as long as he can get the Golden Crow Wheel, he can do whatever he pleases.¡±


    ¡°Un.¡± Zhou Sheng answered indifferently, then started looking at the analysis report in Zhao Liang¡¯s memories regarding the Golden Crow Wheel. Within the twinkle of an eye, a huge volume of reports gushed out in an instant through the scenes.


    Yu Hao saw the future Zhao Liang imagined¡ª¡ª Zhou Sheng sitting on a chair, Zhao Liang sitting on another, with the Golden Crow Wheel placed in the middle while it was connected to a circuit. The Golden Crow Wheel shone with a blue, electrical arc light.


    ¡°This is the ¡®cooperation¡¯ you were talking about?¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem very comfortable, look at this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took another memory out and presented it in front of Chen Yekai and Yu Hao ¡ª it was a discussion meeting regarding the Golden Crow Wheel. The researchers started offering their speculations about the operating mechanisms of the Golden Crow Wheel and their views of analysing it, as well as naming it the ¡®brainwave integrator repeater¡¯. The basis of their research was very limited; most of it revolved around a copy of the analysis report obtained when Chen Yekai handed the Golden Crow Wheel to the STA. One of their conjectures was that the Golden Crow Wheel lacked the energy to support its operation; once it had enough energy, it would connect people¡¯s dreams through the collective unconscious.


    The meeting also verified Yu Hao¡¯s other speculation ¡ª even if the Golden Crow Wheel didn¡¯t exist, people could enter dreams as well. It¡¯s just that the influence of a dream without the Golden Crow Wheel is very unstable, and the ¡®self-consciousness¡¯ one could feel in a dream would be even more indistinct. On the other hand, the Golden Crow Wheel could strengthen and stabilise the signals of the brain waves that produce dreams, which gives humans the ability to control their own selves and the conscious world in their dreams.


    At the end of the meeting, everyone agreed unanimously that they needed to get the Golden Crow Wheel before carrying out further research. It would be best if they could bring Zhou Sheng over as well and get his cooperation. However, if they wanted to obtain Zhou Sheng¡¯s powers of control over the Golden Crow Wheel, they would need to continue their fine tuning¡ª¡ª connect Zhao Liang and Zhou Sheng¡¯s consciousness first, then think of a way to let Zhao Liang ¡®swallow¡¯ Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem. Assimilate their conscious worlds¡­


    When Yu Hao saw this, a chill ran down his spine.

 Chapter 156.2

    ¡°How did they think of this swallowing method?¡± Yu Hao himself had never thought of that before.


    ¡°Seize my totem away?¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°No wonder¡­there¡¯s even this kind of method.¡±


    Next up was a lengthy discussion and analysis of ¡®totems¡¯. Ideas were put forward and refuted one by one, getting constantly overthrown. Yu Hao was very confused from listening to all of this, but Zhou Sheng watched it very carefully.


    Finally, some words were heard in the scene of that memory, it was spoken by one of the researchers.


    ¡°First of all, this ¡®totem¡¯ symbolises the self. From Zhou Sheng¡¯s explanation to Ou Qihang in the memory segment he lost, we all agree that it is one of the sources of discernibility for the existence of the ¡®self¡¯. Why getting the totem symbolizes regaining control over oneself ¡ª we have no disagreements regarding this idea, right?¡±


    All the participants answered, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s think about it from a different angle. The brainwave integrator may be directly related to Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem. Through its effects on Zhou Sheng¡¯s ¡®self¡¯, it indirectly endows Zhou Sheng with his abilities and carries out its functions.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s possible,¡± Zhao Liang answered, ¡°It can be considered as a reasonable conjecture.¡±


    In the end, that researcher said, ¡°So if you obtain Zhou Sheng¡¯s ¡®totem¡¯, it¡¯s equivalent to controlling a part of his self-consciousness, as well as establishing a connection with the integrator repeater at the same time. If we want to deceive the identity authentication system of the repeater, we can think of ways in this regard.¡±


    This time, the participants didn¡¯t express their objections. After a moment of silence, Zhao Liang said, ¡°That¡¯s fine, let¡¯s try to work in that direction.¡±


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers, and the contents of Zhao Liang¡¯s memories disappeared. Finally, the entire process of Zhao Liang making use of Huang Ting for his plans appeared, and it was just as they had guessed. In order to avoid alarming Zhou Sheng, Zhao Liang used Huang Ting as a trap and decided to first observe Zhou Sheng¡¯s strength in his dream, as well as understand the situation. If it went smoothly, then he would go into Zhou Sheng¡¯s spiritual world and think of a way of capturing Zhou Sheng in reality at the same time.


    Zhao Liang had specifically looked for Chen Yekai and asked for his cooperation. On the other hand, Chen Yekai stated his terms¡ª after Zhao Liang obtained the Golden Crow Wheel, he wanted him to ascertain the existence of Ryuusei in his memories, and if possible, Chen Yekai wanted to perform a conversion through this method of swallowing one¡¯s consciousness and revive the dead Ryuusei.


    ¡°We¡¯ve discussed it; he only said that to obtain Zhao Liang¡¯s trust.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao nodded. He glanced at Chen Yekai, who smiled and didn¡¯t explain. Yu Hao thought that this might be a real wish of Chen Yekai, though it was impossible for it to be realised¡ª but he might have really thought of it before.


    ¡°All right.¡± Zhou Sheng confirmed all the details, ¡°We now more or less understand your plans. Don¡¯t worry, Zhao Laoshi. As the saying goes, the mentally ill have no constraint on their thoughts, and the intellectually disabled feel happier¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Sometimes, our lives can be a lot simpler and happier if we don¡¯t think so much. Come, let me help you unload your burdens ba.¡±


    Zhao Liang started struggling fiercely, but Zhou Sheng ignored him and snapped his fingers. All of his memories regarding the Golden Crow Wheel began burning up and disintegrated into light particles before scattering. Zhou Sheng pressed one hand against Zhao Liang¡¯s forehead, ¡°Good night.¡±


    On the platform of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, a sunlit breeze blew by, turning into countless light particles that intermingled with one another. Zhao Liang¡¯s memories of the Golden Crow Wheel completely disappeared along with the words ¡°good night¡±.


    The three of them stood quietly. Zhou Sheng scratched his head, remained silent for awhile, then said, ¡°It was pretty dangerous this time.¡±


    ¡°I thought you would take him to your world.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Looking at this plan of seizing your totem, it is really dangerous.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°It¡¯s best to solve it in other people¡¯s dreams ba. I was really scared witless while watching all that.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Taking your totem means taking control of your consciousness¡­Is that possible?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Go, let¡¯s take a look in my world.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took the other two and returned to the platform in the sky in the colosseum dream world. The three of them looked up at the Golden Crow Wheel. The giant Golden Crow Wheel was radiating prominence-like flares outward.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I used to think that this Golden Crow Wheel in your dream is completely different from the ones in other people¡¯s dreams.


    Zhou Sheng nodded. ¡°It can be considered as a part of my mind¡¯s totem. But speaking of which¡­we seem to have never tried taking away the most important thing in other people¡¯s hearts. From the very beginning, has no one¡¯s hands been itchy enough to touch other people¡¯s totems?¡±


    ¡°Yes, once.¡±


    Once Yu Hao said this, a sudden realisation dawned upon Chen Yekai and Zhou Sheng!


    ¡°I gave you my totem, but only a part of it.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°So, I took your totem. Which was why the Golden Crow Wheel thought you turned into me¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°You turned into me.¡±


    Chen Yekai frowned, ¡°Wait! Who turned into who? The conjecture at Zhao Liang¡¯s meeting makes sense now!¡±


    Yu Hao instantly understood and continued guessing along Chen Yekai¡¯s line of thought, ¡°So, the Golden Crow Wheel thought that part of my consciousness was under Zhou Sheng¡¯s control! Since it¡¯s like there¡¯s a small piece of Zhou Sheng¡¯s soul in my body, I also acquired some of the abilities bestowed by the Golden Crow Wheel!¡±


    ¡°Okay, no matter who got whose totem,¡± Zhou Sheng immediately said, ¡°As long as this entire process happens directly, un, then the Golden Crow Wheel would judge it this way, which was why I can also¡­exercise control over your dreamscape.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You can even remould my dream! You possess the authority in my dream¡­then later on, I became the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s Corrector, a secondary administrator!¡±


    Yu Hao understood this time. Although it¡¯s not clear whether totems could be taken away forcibly through ¡®seizing¡¯ aside from being ¡®given¡¯ away by the original master of the dreamscape, it was theoretically feasible to seize Zhou Sheng¡¯s authority as an administrator!


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We can¡¯t let anyone in here, Zhou Sheng. Otherwise, things will definitely get out of control.¡±


    Zhou Sheng uttered an ¡°un¡°. ¡°It¡¯s okay, they can¡¯t defeat me in my dream anyway. Also, there¡¯s something even more difficult to deal with underneath.¡± Then Zhou Sheng gestured below the sea of clouds, ¡°They have to at least defeat the boss before they can get my totem ba? I can¡¯t even defeat my boss.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡± Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry, but he had to admit that with Zhou Sheng¡¯s temper in reality, anyone who enters his dreamscape and tried to seize Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem might first fall flat on their faces in front of Satan.


    ¡°Next will be the researchers who are in the know, but we¡¯ll have to slowly search for them one by one.¡± Yu Hao thought for a bit, then continued, ¡°With such a large group of people, we should have no way of confirming their locations ba. Although Zhao Liang has lost his memories, once he wakes up from the machine, won¡¯t he ask the researchers about what had happened? Even if we were to take care of them all at one go, the computers used for analysis are still around, and the data should have all been saved ba?¡±


    ¡°Certainly.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°This bunch aren¡¯t fools. After waking up, they would definitely try to understand the situation by asking the people around them, right?¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°It¡¯s normal for them to feel confused for awhile, but this sort of confusion won¡¯t last long. Next, they would hold a meeting to understand everything that had happened, as well as sort out the course of events¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So in the end, he would still devise all sorts of means and come to find us again.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± A hint of a smile could be seen in Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes. He waggled his finger and explained, ¡°He may not take the same action as before. Next, we can enter his dream at any time to wreak havoc. He¡¯s no longer any match for us.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You need to stand in his shoes and feel what it is like from his perspective. How would he think of Zhou Sheng now?¡±


    Yu Hao was about to ask why, but it suddenly occurred to him that the sudden disappearance of Zhao Liang¡¯s memories of the Golden Crow Wheel meant that he had lost completely to Zhou Sheng. For him, this kind of blow was evidently quite fatal¡ª he wouldn¡¯t know what exactly Zhou Sheng had done to him in Chen Yekai¡¯s dream, and he would only form an impression of Zhou Sheng as someone who¡¯s extremely strong and mysterious, which could perhaps even give rise to some fear.


    ¡°Right, he has already forgotten all about it,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°This would make him feel a little afraid.¡±


    ¡°This is a kind of deterrence,¡± Chen Yekai reminded, ¡°A sort of warning. People who know how to act would just need to think clearly about it, and once they¡¯re done thinking, they wouldn¡¯t continue. He isn¡¯t Ou Qihang. He can get the exact contents of the memories he lost this time, and after linking the causes and effects, it would be quite shocking to him.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Zhao Liang will impose fear upon himself on his own. With this fear, we will be almost invincible in his dream.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡± and nodded. He imagined that Zhao Liang should be interrogating his personnel now, and he would interrogate Huang Ting as well. But when will he release Huang Ting?


    ¡°Let¡¯s shelve the problem with Zhao Liang first and change our target. Will it be Ren Chong next? Or Qin Guodong?¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s jingubang turned into a coin, and he casually tossed it about. ¡°Ren Chong if heads, and Qin Guodong if tails.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d suggest Ren Chong.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Once Zhao Liang loses his memory, Ren Chong would soon know that the Golden Crow Wheel he has is a fake.¡±


    Zhou Sheng threw the coin to Chen Yekai. ¡°But don¡¯t forget, Huang Ting hasn¡¯t been released. It¡¯s best to contact Ren Chong as soon as possible to save Huang Ting.¡±


    Yu Hao motioned for Chen Yekai to toss the coin. Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°After waking up, to be on the safe side, we should still stay someplace else first.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Go back to Ying City?¡±


    ¡°Ying City isn¡¯t very safe either.¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°Everyone would be able to guess that we¡¯d go home, or we could go out and just wander around? As long as we can get through this period¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai tossed the coin; the coin spun in the air and drew an arc. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao looked up and watched as the coin fell, but right when the coin landed, Chen Yekai suddenly disappeared.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Oh thank god Kaikai isn¡¯t a traitor.

 Chapter 157.1

    Zhou Sheng frowned.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Did he wake up naturally?¡±


    They had already been sleeping for a very long time, and Yu Hao had even experienced a dream within a dream. Zhou Sheng crouched down to pick up the coin. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it in reality ba.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡± Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng and suddenly said, ¡°You¡¯re too smart.¡±


    ¡°How does it feel to see me get hit?¡± Zhou Sheng asked with a smile.


    Yu Hao, ¡°I was a little afraid, but it was still okay. I believe that you¡¯ve always had a solution, so you wouldn¡¯t just let him beat you up as he pleased. But I¡¯m always worried. What if he comes knocking on our door soon?¡±


    ¡°So I got Kaikai to arrange for a meet-up in three days.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°It¡¯s just that I misjudged the time a little. I didn¡¯t expect this good-for-nothing Zhao Liang to lunge at the street so soon¡­By the time we meet Ren Chong, it¡¯ll be a chance for us to hand over the real goods.¡±


    ¡°You decided to give it to him?!¡± Yu Hao asked in surprise.


    ¡°No, this is the second trap.¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°Trust me. I¡¯ve already designed strategies for dealing with all three of their demands. I¡¯m currently waiting for them to walk right into my traps themselves.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Ai, do you still need me to cooperate with you without knowing anything?¡±


    ¡°Not anymore,¡± Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°We only needed your unaware cooperation this one time with Zhao Liang. It doesn¡¯t feel good to be kept in the dark, I understand that. Let¡¯s go home first? I¡¯ll slowly explain everything to you when we get back.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, explain it clearly to me now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ve never been able to find the most crucial point for resolution previously, so I wanted to try a way for you to be able to activate the Golden Crow Wheel as well. But the conjecture of Zhao Liang¡¯s subordinates did give me some inspiration¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Me?!¡±


    Yu Hao frowned. Zhou Sheng scratched his head and said, ¡°Yes. Let you obtain the right to activate the Golden Crow Wheel first, then there¡¯ll be a chance for us to act separately. We¡¯ll have to cooperate first before we can deal with Ren Chong. After all, with the precedence of Zhao Liang¡¯s case, Ren Chong definitely wouldn¡¯t make light of his enemy.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°How do I cooperate? Tell me ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng thought for a bit, then leaped onto the railings and sat down. He motioned for Yu Hao to go over, and the two of them watched the Golden Crow Wheel like that. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I wanted to use the Golden Crow Wheel as bait and hand it over to Ren Chong of my own accord, as well as take him into a dream at least once to prove that the Golden Crow Wheel is real. After that, before he figures out what to do with it, he would definitely be very much on guard and wouldn¡¯t give me the chance to activate it.¡±


    Yu Hao knew he has never been able to reach a verdict on any one of Zhou Sheng¡¯s plans through his own reasoning, so he only needed to listen most of the time. He asked, ¡°What next, then?¡±


    ¡°Next,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°it¡¯ll be up to you to think of a way to activate the Golden Crow Wheel, then pull me into your dream, and we¡¯ll deal with Ren Chong together again.¡± When he spoke, Zhou Sheng slashed through the air with two of his fingers, and a memory impression materialised in front of him ¡ª it was the way to deal with Ren Chong that he had imagined.


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t utter a word and just watched with a slight frown.


    Zhou Sheng took the Golden Crow Wheel and went up to Ren Chong, then, Ren Chong left the Golden Crow Wheel behind, and Zhou Sheng was taken away to be locked up in a sealed off room. Huang Ting would then steal the Golden Crow Wheel after Ren Chong leaves and hand it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao lay in bed, closed his eyes, and entered his dream.


    ¡°Then after that, you¡¯ll come into my dream to find me.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We¡¯ll then go into Ren Chong¡¯s dream together and erase his memories.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Why can¡¯t we go to his dream now?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I bet that he wouldn¡¯t dare sleep after catching wind of Zhao Liang¡¯s news, what do you think?¡±


    Yu Hao suddenly came to a realisation. As long as Ren Chong doesn¡¯t dream, they wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to him for now. The two of them looked at the giant Golden Crow Wheel again; the fantastical light in the Golden Crow Wheel flickered, but there were no dreamscapes in it. First of all, only a few people would be asleep at this time; second of all, no one dreamed of Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao.


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°The best way would be to stall him and to stall him for a couple of days to make him feel so sleepy that he can¡¯t stand it anymore, then we would have a chance. But I don¡¯t think Ren Chong would be that dumb. After he knows that Zhao Liang¡¯s memories have been erased, the first thing he would do would be to maintain a sober state and come over to find us. So why don¡¯t we be a little magnanimous and just set a trap for him to squeeze into.¡±


    ¡°Un¡­¡± Yu Hao looked at the Golden Crow Wheel. He was thinking that at an even earlier time, they actually could have dealt with Ren Chong first before dealing with Zhao Liang. But at that time, even Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t guess who their hidden enemies were¡­


    ¡°I¡¯ve tried a few times.¡± It was as if Zhou Sheng understood Yu Hao¡¯s doubts, ¡°There was a period of time when I would wait for Ren Chong, Zhao Liang, and Lao Qin to dream of me every night, but I never succeeded once. Perhaps they¡¯re receiving some sort of hypnotic treatment to avoid dreaming about us¡­let¡¯s talk again later ba. After sleeping for so long, my whole body will ache after waking up. After this ends, we really need to take a good break. This really isn¡¯t easy.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Come back ba, I¡¯ll give you a massage. But I¡¯m still quite angry.¡±


    ¡°Un?¡± Zhou Sheng smiled flirtatiously, then reached out to wrap an arm around Yu Hao¡¯s waist and asked, ¡°What are you angry about?¡±


    ¡°About not knowing anything ah!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I was so confused.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Didn¡¯t I explain everything to you now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still a bit confused,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°but I can more or less understand it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and stood in front of the Golden Crow Wheel. He leaned down to kiss him, then whispered, ¡°See you at home, good night.¡±


    Then the golden light on Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand glowed and covered Yu Hao¡¯s whole body; Yu Hao disintegrated into light particles, scattering in Zhou Sheng¡¯s embrace. Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways to look at the Golden Crow Wheel, waved his finger at it, closed his eyes, and a resplendent light erupted from his body.


    However, after several seconds, Zhou Sheng began to realise that something was wrong.


    He was still standing at his original spot.


    The dream world began to change; the dark clouds above the sea of clouds billowed over. Zhou Sheng looked up in astonishment, sizing this world up.


    There was a gun placed against Chen Yekai¡¯s forehead. Chen Yekai opened his eyes and just as he was about to wake Zhou Sheng up, someone beside him covered Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth and nose with a handkerchief soaked in an anesthetic.


    ¡°Get up.¡± Ren Chong sat on the sofa in the hotel, and several of his men stood beside him. Ren Chong said, ¡°Don¡¯t force me to use violence. You¡¯re a scholar; if something were to happen to you, no one¡¯s face would look good either.¡±


    Chen Yekai slowly got off another bed in the standard room and turned his head sideways to look at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng was covered with an anesthetic, connected to a respirator, and he was still wearing the Golden Crow Wheel on his wrist.


    ¡°Ren Laoshi,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind indeed. Really worthy of admiration.¡±


    Ren Chong said, ¡°Otherwise, how would I have been able to lead the team? I promise you I won¡¯t hurt Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°Is your promise useful?¡± Chen Yekai said in a low voice.


    Ren Chong answered, ¡°Otherwise, what¡¯s the meaning behind me saying that? It¡¯s perfectly fine for me to be like Zhao Liang: capture Yu Hao and use a hostage to threaten you guys. Go back to his house and take a look now? I guarantee Yu Hao will still be there. No one laid a finger on him.¡±


    Chen Yekai took a deep breath. Ren Chong continued, ¡°Huang Ting is very safe, he has already been released. And I¡¯ve also taken over Zhao Liang¡¯s research institute as well. You don¡¯t need to worry about anything else. I just need you guys to assist me, and clearly explain everything that had happened.¡±


    ¡°I thought I had already arranged to meet up with you.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Couldn¡¯t even wait for a few days?¡±


    Ren Chong watched his men move Zhou Sheng to a wheeled stretcher, open the door, and push him out, then answered, ¡°Meet you, wait for me to form an impression of you so that it¡¯ll be convenient for you guys to enter my dream and erase my memories? Don¡¯t try to struggle, go.¡±


    Chen Yekai went out while he was at gunpoint. One of the men handcuffed him, and Ren Chong followed him out.


    Fu Liqun was washing vegetables while listening to his German lesson. Yu Hao was chopping vegetables and beating eggs at one side as he waited for Zhou Sheng to come back and cook. Fu Liqun was still encumbered with all the thoughts on his mind. He asked, ¡°How¡¯s Huang Ting?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng has already thought of a plan,¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°It¡¯s not a big problem.¡±


    ¡°Where has Young Master been the whole day?¡± Fu Liqun asked again.


    The doorbell rang. Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s back.¡±


    Yu Hao went to open the door, but outside stood Chen Yekai, whose whole body was covered in snow.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng was taken away!¡± Chen Yekai rushed in like a gust of wind, closed the door, and said, ¡°Qin Guodong asked you to go over, it¡¯s not a dream! Yu Hao!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun took out one side of his earphones and stared at Chen Yekai blankly.


    Chen Yekai kept gasping for breath. An hour ago, Zhou Sheng was taken into the elevator, personally escorted by Ren Chong. After arriving at the hotel lobby, there were several bodyguards waiting for them there and pushed Zhou Sheng onto a car the whole way.


    While Chen Yekai was waiting for another elevator, two people suddenly appeared in the safety corridor; gunfire instantly broke out in the hotel corridor. Chen Yekai immediately realised that if they weren¡¯t helpers, then they were there to snatch them away, so he immediately shouted, ¡°Zhou Sheng was taken downstairs!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too late!¡± The one in the lead shouted, ¡°You go first!¡±


    Chen Yekai ducked to avoid the gunfire and ran all the way into the safety corridor. He was immediately taken downstairs by people; they passed through the corridor on the 12th floor and into another building. The scene was in a chaotic disarray; Chen Yekai was taken downstairs, stuffed into a car, and the one driving was a woman in her forties ¡ª it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s boss.


    When Yu Hao heard this, he felt as if the world around him was spinning. He said, ¡°Why would Ren Chong choose to take action at this time?¡±


    Chen Yekai shrugged. ¡°Qin Guodong wants to see you. Do you trust me?¡±


    It was as if the dreamscape had reappeared; Yu Hao suspected that this was another dream at first, and perhaps Zhou Sheng and Chen Yekai had arranged it beforehand. He could only put down his kitchen knife. On the other hand, Fu Liqun was very calm and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    Yu Hao went out of the elevator. Two of Zhou Sheng¡¯s colleagues was waiting outside and they urged, ¡°Quick quick, get on the car!¡±


    Two cars were parked outside the apartment. Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, and Fu Liqun got on one of them. The driver greeted Yu Hao, ¡°Meimei, long time no see ah~¡±


    Yu Hao still had doubts in his subconscious. ¡°Is this a dream?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not!¡± Chen Yekai pressed down on Yu Hao¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sober up a little!¡±


    Yu Hao only thought that all of this was too sudden. He quickly said, ¡°Wait, let me sort out my thoughts¡­¡±


    ¡°Your man was taken away by Ren Chong,¡± Xiao Jian said, ¡°At present, we still don¡¯t know where he wants to take him too, but there¡¯s no way there won¡¯t be trouble. Hopefully, they don¡¯t plan on doing anything to him.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Ren Chong promised me that he wouldn¡¯t hurt him. Are his words trustworthy?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Xiao Jian said as she drove, ¡°I¡¯ve never worked under him before, you¡¯ll have to ask our boss.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why would Ren Chong choose to take action at this time? He clearly never did anything before this, after taking the Golden Crow Wheel he¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He has always known that the Golden Crow Wheel was a fake!¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Xiao Jian said nonchalantly, ¡°You guys switched it out with a fake and deceived him?¡±


    Fu Liqun signalled to Chen Yekai and Yu Hao with his gaze to not talk about it on the car, yet Xiao Jian smiled and answered, ¡°Zhou Sheng has always trusted us a lot.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Xiao Jian stopped at the back door of the company and said, ¡°Director Qin¡¯s waiting for you guys in the conference room.¡±


    Yu Hao entered through the back door. This wasn¡¯t his first time entering Zhou Sheng¡¯s company, yet there were two people on guard at the back door today.

 Chapter 157.2

    Xiao Jian caught up with the car key in hand and said, ¡°It¡¯ll be safe after going through this door, don¡¯t be afraid.¡±


    Yu Hao tried his best to calm down. Qin Guodong was currently on the phone and motioned for Yu Hao to sit down first, then said into his phone, ¡°I¡¯ll try to get the address as soon as possible¡­thank you¡­all right, okay¡­¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Explain everything in detail. If there is any further concealment, then please go back. You guys have no one else you can trust now, or you can try to resolve it by relying on your own strength.¡±


    Yu Hao asked Chen Yekai, ¡°Is Zhou Sheng still in the dream?¡±


    Chen Yekai described the scene then. Yu Hao finally believed that Zhou Sheng was really caught, and that this wasn¡¯t another dream again. Fu Liqun said, ¡°So Ren Chong suddenly made a move and captured him. First of all, how did he know that the Golden Crow Wheel he got was a fake?¡±


    ¡°He placed a spy among Zhao Liang¡¯s subordinates.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°He has always been waiting, though I¡¯m still not very sure what he was waiting for. But just this evening, he left the office and went to Yanqing¡­¡±


    ¡°He was waiting for us to deal with Zhao Liang.¡± When Chen Yekai thought of this, all his hairs stood on end. He muttered, ¡°That¡¯s what he was waiting for! That¡¯s why he took action then!¡± Then he said anxiously, ¡°What Ren Chong said was that he had taken over the research institute, that must be it¡­We miscalculated. We didn¡¯t expect that even Zhao Liang himself was under Ren Chong¡¯s control!¡±


    ¡°Damn it.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°He¡¯s really patient.¡±


    Ou Qihang¡¯s voice could be heard outside, ¡°Let me in!¡±


    Xiao Jian, ¡°Aren¡¯t there people on watch at the back door? Why did they let him in?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°I called for him.¡±


    ¡°Let him in.¡± Qin Guodong ordered.


    Ou Qihang came in with a bag on his back. He had obviously just gone to the gym, and without saying a word, he sat at one side.


    Xiao Jian opened up her laptop and said, ¡°Do you guys remember the address?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t remember the exact location clearly anymore,¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s an abandoned factory in Yanqing.¡±


    Yu Hao described how the area looked like from what he saw in Huang Ting¡¯s memories. Xiao Jian began typing on the keyboard to search for the place and its location.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you guys inform us again?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We thought we could deal with it at first! And we did solve it, we just didn¡¯t expect Ren Chong¡­¡±


    Yu Hao stood up and quietly left the conference room. For a moment, everyone¡¯s gazes landed upon him. Yu Hao took a deep breath; his mind was all muddled, the news came so suddenly that he couldn¡¯t snap out of his stupor for a while.


    Yu Hao walked out just like that. He passed by an office desk; two of Zhou Sheng¡¯s colleagues were rubbing their wrists. They weren¡¯t able to stop Ou Qihang.


    ¡°You can¡¯t leave this place.¡± Xiao Jian chased after him and said.


    ¡°I¡¯m taking a breather at the back door.¡± Yu Hao answered.


    He went to the alley at the back, took in a breath of cold air. Someone in the conference room was shouting for Xiao Jian again, so she had to head back.


    Fine snowflakes drifted down from the sky. Yu Hao sucked in a few mouthfuls of cold air, then sobered up again. He didn¡¯t know why, but his mind was filled with the last words Zhou Sheng had said to him.


    In the conference room.


    ¡°If it¡¯s in Yanqing, then it¡¯ll be easy to handle.¡± Xiao Jian said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll confirm it again.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Ren Chong didn¡¯t take the Golden Crow Wheel away at the very beginning. The Golden Crow Wheel has always been with you guys.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Chen Yekai frowned.


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to play another Switch Out Plan again.¡±


    ¡°It has been taken away by Ren Chong now.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Chen Yekai rubbed his face, he was thoroughly exhausted. Although he had just woken up, he cut a very sorry state. It was dead quiet in the conference room, only the sound of Xiao Jian tapping the keyboard and clicking a mouse could be heard.


    Yu Hao stood in the snow. Ou Qihang¡¯s voice rang out behind him, ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡±


    Yu Hao looked back, pondered for a moment, then nodded.


    Ou Qihang asked, ¡°Wanna smoke one? I¡¯ll go buy cigarettes. Don¡¯t worry too much, Qin Laoshi can rescue him and Huang Ting. He¡¯s a good person.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t smoke.¡± Instead, he thought of something else and asked, ¡°Why are you so sure that he¡¯s a good person?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Ren Chong and Zhao Liang are both students he nurtured. He couldn¡¯t change their minds, yet he can¡¯t do anything to them either, otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have resigned and left. Do you not trust him? Suspect that he actually has selfish motives too and is currently waiting to stab us in the back later on?¡±


    ¡°Why do you know these things?¡± Yu Hao said.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°He was the one in-charge of contacting the CCDI to relay the inside information of my Dad¡¯s case ah. We¡¯ve met before.¡±


    Yu Hao thought that that was true, then said, ¡°After that, was Huang Ting the one who told you about the dissolution of the Special Investigation team?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°After I came to Beijing for college, I went to his house just to pay him a visit; he told me himself then. At that time, he said that his ideas clashed greatly with that of Ren Chong¡¯s and Zhao Liang¡¯s, because of a problem regarding the jurisdiction over an important clue, but I didn¡¯t know anything then¡­let alone notice that he was hinting to me that the two of them wanted the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Something like that happened?!¡±


    Ou Qihang shrugged helplessly. ¡°Just recalled it.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I believe him, because there¡¯s no one else I can trust right now. No matter if he wants the Golden Crow Wheel, at least we have the same goal now. But since he had already hint at this to you two years ago¡­un.¡±


    Ou Qihang uttered an ¡°un¡± and nodded, then continued, ¡°The two of them will be fine.¡±


    Yu Hao knew that the ¡®two¡¯ Ou Qihang was referring to was Huang Ting and Zhou Sheng. Huang Ting is Ren Chong¡¯s subordinate; if Ren Chong really had been waiting in the dark for a long time as he had said and took over Zhao Liang¡¯s entire research institute, then Huang Ting should have been released by now. With Huang Ting around, then there¡¯s at least someone playing the role of a mediator, so they shouldn¡¯t end up falling out too badly. But when he recalled the scenes in Zhao Liang¡¯s memories¡ª of Zhou Sheng being tied to that chair, he could vaguely sense dread creeping up on him.


    Yu Hao fell silent. He looked back at the company, Ou Qihang continued, ¡°They¡¯re preparing the cars. Qin Laoshi will go find Ren Chong personally to negotiate.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Actually, Zhou Sheng already anticipated that Ren Chong would come long ago. It just deviated a little from his plans.¡±


    Ou Qihang frowned deeply. He wanted to say something, but reined it in. Yu Hao thought of the words Zhou Sheng last said to him in front of the Golden Crow Wheel; if everything went smoothly, what would he do next? Assist Zhou Sheng in seizing his totem back from Satan first, then like the day Yu Hao gave his totem to Zhou Sheng, make Zhou Sheng to separate a part of his totem and give it to him?


    Then, Yu Hao would obtain the rights to activate the Golden Crow Wheel. However, Zhou Sheng has already been captured now, and the Golden Crow Wheel is in Ren Chong¡¯s hands as well¡­Can they continue with the plan?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Yu Hao noticed Ou Qihang¡¯s expression.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Ou Qihang shook his head.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Yu Hao was trying to keep his calm now. He has always been different from Zhou Sheng; before Zhou Sheng¡¯s plans succeed, he seldom revealed his ideas to anyone, but Yu Hao was really afraid that something would go wrong in this process. He observed Ou Qihang¡¯s expression and said, ¡°If you have something to say, please say it straight, Qihang. I¡¯m really quite panicked right now.¡±


    Ou Qihang began laughing instead and said, ¡°You look pretty calm.¡±


    ¡°My mind¡¯s in a mess,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m on the verge of a breakdown, but there¡¯s no use in panicking. Right now, what¡¯s most important is to get Zhou Sheng back. Qihang, do you want to tell me something?¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng doesn¡¯t really trust people,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Even his best friends.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to tell him that Zhou Sheng tended to think that he could solve some of the problems by himself and didn¡¯t want to drag his friends down, especially when facing enemies like Ren Chong and Zhao Liang. However, Yu Hao had to nod and say, ¡°He doesn¡¯t want his friends to be in danger, but you¡¯re right.¡±


    Zhou Sheng has many thoughts and ideas. Yu Hao often felt that when he was with him, Zhou Sheng could already be considered to talk about everything under the sun, but what he presented to his lover was still just the tip of the iceberg. These sorts of misgivings and sense of prudence was nurtured in Zhou Sheng¡¯s family. Zhou Sheng had always grasped a certain degree of intimacy in his heart¡ª Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, Ou Qihang, and even Fu Liqun all regarded Zhou Sheng as a very good friend. Zhou Sheng understood how to give and reciprocate as well and faced all of them squarely. However, Yu Hao knew very clearly that in this kind of friendship, something always seemed to be missing.


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°The only one he trusts is you. But looking at your reaction today, are there many details that even you don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t doubt you guys, it¡¯s just¡ªyou guys are used to your impressions of him, but he¡¯s actually not as brave as he looks.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Sometimes, he¡¯s like a child instead.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t answer the question. He thought of the first time he had entered the colosseum arena in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream and the scene he saw. Zhou Sheng also has times when he would struggle in a fight while soaked in blood, and times when he would be knocked onto the ground and get back up again because he was unwilling to give up. He had times when he would be so exhausted that he didn¡¯t want to persevere any longer, and he also has times when Yu Hao would expose his thoughts, rub his face to stop the tears he was about to shed, and pretend that nothing happened.


    ¡°That¡¯s how he¡¯s like ah.¡± Yu Hao raised his head and looked up at the sky. Snow was still drifting down. ¡°He looks very strong, like he isn¡¯t afraid of anything, but he still has soft places in his heart. Qihang, he has always greatly valued his friends like you guys¡­¡± Then he looked at Ou Qihang and explained, ¡°It¡¯s just that he has times when he would make mistakes too, and goals he can¡¯t accomplish by relying solely on himself¡­¡±


    ¡°So he really doesn¡¯t need to be like that.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I admit that when we went to save Liqun Ge, Zhou Sheng understood him very well. I thought that perhaps he had that kind of character as well. However, when he encounters trouble, can¡¯t he take the initiative to ask his friends for help?¡±


    ¡°If it were me,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I would. But don¡¯t forget, he¡¯s Sun Wukong. Isn¡¯t the Great Sage like that? He¡¯s always only had himself, and he wouldn¡¯t look back even if he knocks into a wall and would just use his jingubang to smash it into pieces.¡±


    Ou Qihang and Yu Hao looked at each other quietly. Yu Hao asked, ¡°Was that what you wanted to say?¡±


    Ou Qihang nodded. Yu Hao said, ¡°Thank you, Qihang.¡±


    ¡°Just did what I should.¡± Ou Qihang said with a smile.


    Chen Yekai called for Yu Hao from inside. Yu Hao went in, and Qin Guodong said, ¡°Let¡¯s go together ba.¡±


    Xiao Jian glanced at Yu Hao, but Qin Guodong said, ¡°Letting him wait here is impossible. If he were to sneak over later, it would be even more troublesome if the situation goes out of control.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Hold on, there are still some things I have to think through clearly before I can leave. Wait for me for a while, I won¡¯t take long.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you think.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Ou Qihang watched Yu Hao¡¯s eyes. Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°Can I borrow the conference room for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Go to my office ba.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°There are surveillance cameras in the office. Although I don¡¯t know what you guys want to discuss, it¡¯s better to avoid rousing suspicion.¡±


    Xiao Jian opened the door. ¡°I¡¯ll get the car ready.¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°Try contacting Huang Ting. He¡¯s the one who can play the biggest role right now.¡±


    ¡°His pupils are in good condition.¡±


    Someone lifted Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyelids and shone a flashlight on his pitch dark pupils.


    ¡°Now, wake him up.¡± Ren Chong said.


    Needles were inserted into Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm, and a drug was injected into him. Zhou Sheng convulsed slightly for a moment, then opened his eyes, blankness evident in his gaze. Ren Chong walked to the sink at one side to wash his hands, then wiped them down.


    ¡°Thank you for helping me resolve a major concern,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°Otherwise, it¡¯s hard to say if I could make Zhao Liang yield to me. That guy¡¯s a tough nut to crack.¡±


    Zhou Sheng immediately understood. He got up from the bed and flexed one of his arms. He looked down at the Golden Crow Wheel ¡ª it was still on his wrist.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°I promised Qin Laoshi that I won¡¯t do anything over the top, as long as you cooperate.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Looks like my boss is a well-regarded senior ma.¡± Then he turned his head sideways, and saw that on another sickbed at the side, Huang Ting was lying there unconscious.


    ¡°In a certain sense,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°Zhao Liang and I are considered his students. However, his ways are clearly outdated. You must find it really strange ¡ª why have I never caused trouble for you guys when I clearly got a fake?¡±


    Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°No, that¡¯s not strange. I understood the moment you appeared. You wanted to erase Zhao Liang¡¯s memories through me, right? What I find strange is how you found the address of my hotel.¡±


    ¡°As long as you register your ID at the front desk, it¡¯ll enter the front desk system.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°I can find out with just one call. Come, I¡¯ll take you to go see something. Can you walk? Are you hungry? You guys should have been asleep for a long while.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give Yu Hao a call.¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    ¡ª

 Chapter 158.1

    ¡°I¡¯ve already instructed my men to inform them,¡± Ren Chong, ¡°To guarantee that you¡¯re safe here with me.¡±


    Zhou Sheng insisted, ¡°I want to make the call myself.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to fall into a trap of yours. The group of you really have too many plans, I may just end up failing miserably even if I have the upper hand now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly laughed. ¡°You actually gave us such a good evaluation, that¡¯s not an easy accomplishment.¡±


    ¡°If this were a usual case that I¡¯m confident in,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be afraid of you. But this incident is too bizarre. In order to deal with you, I haven¡¯t been in a deep sleep for nearly a month.¡±


    ¡°And I was wondering¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°No wonder I couldn¡¯t enter your dream.¡±


    Ren Chong was only in his fifties, but he looked older than Qin Guodong, who was in his early sixties, or one could say that Qin Guodong maintained himself better than he did. His grey hair was carefully combed back, he didn¡¯t wear glasses, had straight eyebrows, and a high nose bridge. His smile lines were very deep, and his gaze seemed to carry a constant trace of unfathomable misgivings when he looked at others.


    ¡°Get up, follow me.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything, and don¡¯t even think about trying to mount a sneak attack on me. My skills in self-defense aren¡¯t any worse than yours.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t dare, really don¡¯t dare.¡± Zhou Sheng got off the bed. Ren Chong¡¯s men handcuffed him with a pair of rubber handcuffs. Zhou Sheng¡¯s hands were cuffed in front of him. He followed Ren Chong out of the clinic and out of a corridor.


    Zhou Sheng had seen the environment around him in Huang Ting¡¯s memories. This was Zhao Liang¡¯s underground research room, so he was now in Yanqing. Ren Chong¡¯s pace was both strong and firm as he took Zhou Sheng and two men across a corridor and into the main hall. They walked down the steps quickly along the long corridor with a metal frame. Zhou Sheng glanced at the computer in the center of the research room.


    ¡°This used to be a basement excavated for anti-aircraft warfare and protection against nuclear bombs.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°Once the huge steel door falls, no one will be able to get in.¡±


    ¡°Huge what door?¡± Zhou Sheng was still in the mood to joke around at such a time.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ramble about irrelevant things and try to change the subject.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°Even if you have a 100 plans, after bumping into me, even you wouldn¡¯t be able to get away.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You really don¡¯t have a sense of humour.¡±


    Ren Chong and Zhou Sheng went to the giant research apparatus. Zhou Sheng frowned deeply; he studied the computer set up in front of him, as well as a small groove in the middle ¡ª it was clearly meant to hold the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°You¡¯re quite well prepared ma.¡± Zhou Sheng muttered, ¡°Have you guys known about the Golden Crow Wheel for a long time?¡±


    ¡°Zhao Liang remodelled it.¡± Ren Chong took a folder that a researcher handed to him and casually flipped through it. ¡°This apparatus is an important equipment used in Germany to analyse brain waves in order to judge and research epilepsy. It was remodelled afterward to cover the cutting-edge domain of ¡®EEG Interference¡¯. Many theories were put forward, but few people believed them.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t get it,¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to explain the theories anymore. What are we going to do now?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Ren Chong would get stumped by Zhou Sheng every time he spoke, which was something he rarely encountered after becoming a leader. He watched Zhou Sheng for a long time. Zhou Sheng walked to a chair, then sat down all calm and unruffled.


    He patted the arm rest and placed one ankle over his other knee, ¡°Like this? I¡¯ll take the initiative to cooperate with you ba?¡±


    Ren Chong, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng continued, ¡°Why is your expression so strange?¡± Seeing that there was a belt on the armrest, he buckled it on one side and motioned to the researchers on one side to help him.


    Ren Chong said, ¡°Get down first!¡±


    Ren Chong didn¡¯t know what to do with Zhou Sheng at all. Zhou Sheng glanced sideways at the large number of wires connected to a helmet. He couldn¡¯t do anything to them indeed, so he could only turn around and get off. Ren Chong shrugged. ¡°Give me the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Zhou Sheng had no other choice, so he untied the Golden Crow Wheel and passed it to him. Researchers on the side walked forward and opened up a device set in between the two chairs.


    ¡°This is an analyzer Zhao Liang specifically ordered to have custom-made for the integrator.¡± Ren Chong took the Golden Crow Wheel and said, ¡°Look carefully. Something that you have always had is supposed to be used like this.¡±


    Zhou Sheng frowned, and he studied his surroundings out of the corner of his eye. Every corner had a gunman on guard, and they were constantly keeping a close watch for any movement in the room.


    Ren Chong looked down at the Golden Crow Wheel. Its colour was a little dim, but it still seemed a little different from the old fake that Zhou Sheng bought. Tied to it was still the red rope woven for it by Yu Hao.


    There was a circular groove in the analyzer. Ren Chong muttered, ¡°It has already been waiting for more than two years¡­¡±


    Ren Chong placed the Golden Crow Wheel in the analyzer¡¯s groove, then covered it with a transparent cover. At this moment, Zhou Sheng realised that all of the researchers started getting nervous, as if they were waiting for the birth of a historic moment.


    ¡°You¡¯re its original owner,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°We invited you here to let you witness this moment as well.¡±


    Zhou Sheng fell silent, his brows furrowing deeply. After the transparent cover was on it, the Golden Crow Wheel was embedded in the groove and drew up slowly. Then,  Ren Chong instructed, ¡°Start ba.¡±


    A researcher pressed a button on the computer set up. A silver white liquid that looked like it had a life on its own dropped in the cover box, then it started to corrode and dissolve the Golden Crow Wheel!


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ren Chong glanced at Zhou Sheng and explained, ¡°Just letting it return to its original appearance.¡±


    The solution quickly corroded the entire Golden Crow Wheel, as well as the red rope on it, revealing a ring-shaped band wire within, as well as several uneven crystals that looked like water droplets! As the solution receded, the outer shell of the Golden Crow Wheel disintegrated completely and looked like a bare circuit board as it presented itself in front of them!


    Ren Chong, ¡°You¡¯ve seen its internal structure before.¡±


    Zhou Sheng forgot for a moment that he and Ren Chong were enemies, not friends. He walked forward and stared at the wonderfully exquisite micro-circuit boards laid out neatly in the cover box and was thoroughly stunned.


    ¡°It¡¯s a kind of catalyst that can connect people¡¯s brain waves.¡± Ren Chong said seriously, ¡°But I think the energy injected inside it when it was first created is almost spent.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always had this question ¡ª where did it come from exactly?¡± Zhou Sheng looked at the complicated wiring; optical fibre filaments that were even thinner than silk connected hundreds of fine, flashing crystals of all sizes, like countless rays of light that connected all the stars in the night sky. Within the shell, a small universe had appeared!


    ¡°A very beautiful creation.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°The only explanation for its origins is that it came from somewhere outside our planet. Fortunately, it was discovered in an era where science and technology have been developed to what it is today, so mankind doesn¡¯t need to suffer from the regret of letting such a treasure go to waste. Come, everyone should take their respective positions. We¡¯ll start the next step. Zhou Sheng, what do you think it looks like?¡±


    ¡°Like the Milky Way.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    After the outer shell of the Golden Crow Wheel was dissolved, another researcher entered some instructions, and the transparent cover was filled with magnetic force. The base ¡®buzzed¡®, and the exposed wires and connecting crystals floated into the air. They scattered slightly within the shell and slowly revolved, possessing a dreamy light that could even stir one¡¯s soul, such that everyone couldn¡¯t help but immerse themselves in such a sight.


    ¡°Next, you¡¯ll see an even more beautiful scene.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°We will inject enough energy into it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s heart instantly started to beat violently!


    ¡°Charge the integrator, check the power and its reserve power¡­¡±


    ¡°Three, two, one¡­¡±


    The countdown on the computer screen ended. Ren Chong pushed an electric switch, evidently a bit nervous as well. When the switch was pushed to its end, a ¡®buzz¡® sounded, and all of the lights in the research room went out at the same time! This would have been a good opportunity for Zhou Sheng to escape, but his desire to know the truth had already far surpassed his desire to escape. He decided to watch seriously, to see what would happen.


    Electrical energy emitted from the maglev base; it was filled with a dazzling blue light. It grew more and more dazzling within the pitch dark underground research room. All of the crystals lit up at almost the same time, and only the biggest crystal remained dim. Yet, it only lasted for several minutes before the electrical discharge on the base turned still, and darkness returned to the surroundings.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ren Chong asked.


    ¡°Not enough electricity.¡± A researcher said, ¡°The amount of energy it consumed exceeded our expectations.¡±


    Ren Chong took the report and read through it. Zhou Sheng saw that it was the detailed analysis report by the STA when Chen Yekai had sent the Golden Crow Wheel there. All the way since then, they have already been preparing for the Golden Crow Wheel?


    ¡°The battery in the central processing area can¡¯t be recharged.¡± Another researcher said, ¡°The section that exports externally consumes a lot of energy, but we can give it a try.¡±


    Zhou Sheng realised this as well. He asked Ren Chong, ¡°Why?¡±


    It was even less likely for Ren Chong to know, so he could only ask the researcher the same question. One of the researchers answered, ¡°Maybe our method of energy input is wrong. Director Ren, do we continue? This is just the preparatory phase. If the experiment is carried out while charging, a stronger and more stable way of transmitting power may be required.¡±


    ¡°How much energy is needed?¡± Ren Chong turned around and instructed one of his men, ¡°Go and prepare it, transfer enough resources over. We¡¯ll start the experiment once we¡¯ve made sufficient preparations.¡±


    Zhou Sheng approached the Golden Crow Wheel and gazed at the largest crystal. The other tiny crystals were like stars as they revolved around it. After one round of charging, the tiny stars visible to the naked eye only grew a tiny bit brighter.


    ¡°What experiment do you want to do?¡± Zhou Sheng stared at Ren Chong suspiciously.


    Ren Chong said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to expend so much energy to meet you in your dream, but we can do that now.¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned vigilant. Ren Chong¡¯s goal may not be as simple as he thought. What did he want to do? Mobilise the entire area¡¯s power supply to activate all of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s functions?


    ¡°Come,¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°let¡¯s strike while the iron is hot and begin now ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I¡¯d suggest that we wait for a while more?¡±


    However, men came over from all sides, grabbed Zhou Sheng, and pushed him down on the chair. Ren Chong moved his wrists about, loosened his cuffs, rolled his sleeves up, and sat in the other chair. Zhou Sheng knew that struggling would be futile, so he chuckled and saw medical staff come over to inject him with a sedative.


    Zhou Sheng said to Ren Chong, ¡°Ren Laoshi, you¡¯re already in your fifties, taking drugs isn¡¯t good for the body.¡±


    Ren Chong said confidently, ¡°Of course I wouldn¡¯t take drugs like Zhao Liang. Even if someone has to take them, it¡¯ll be you. Don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t think that I would give you a little neuron suppressant? Aren¡¯t you underestimating me a little too much?¡±


    Zhou Sheng took a deep breath. Ren Chong said, ¡°A life where you¡¯re too arrogant and unbridled without experiencing any total defeat shaped your fearless character. As a human ma, we must know that there will always be someone who will be better than us¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng closed his eyes. A medical staff flicked a syringe and injected Zhou Sheng and Ren Chong separately, pushing in the sedative.


    ¡°Monitoring brain wave activity.¡± A researcher said, ¡°Estimated to enter a deep sleep phase within 10 minutes¡­¡±

 Chapter 158.2

    In the investigation office¡¯s conference room.


    ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll be trapped in a dream. This plan is easy to discuss, but it¡¯s not really that simple¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng wants you to get a part of his totem, to let you obtain the rights to activate the Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Fu Liqun said, ¡°Should have woken Zhou Sheng up immediately at that time.¡±


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°With a gun pointed at my head, I couldn¡¯t move. Do you think someone like Ren Chong wouldn¡¯t dare do it? I considered it before, if I were to just struggle and escape regardless of everything else, if Zhou Sheng would be startled awake when a shot is fired. But it would¡¯ve been useless even if he did wake up, since the Golden Crow Wheel would still be taken away by Ren Chong.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°That¡¯s not important anymore. But I do think your assumption is promising.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°It¡¯s too dangerous.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Have you tried it before?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°No. Which is why I need everyone¡¯s help.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°How will you transmit messages to everyone?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Yu Hao, ¡°We can only rely on rapport.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Could we design a way to transmit signals to the outside world in dreams? For example, some sort of sensory stimulation, to let us notice that you¡¯re in a bind. It doesn¡¯t need to be too complicated.¡±


    Yu Hao thought for a bit, then said, ¡°It may be possible. It¡¯s like when we dream of running in our dreams, our legs would twitch unconsciously when we sleep at night¡­un, pay attention to my fingers ba.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Give it a try, but it¡¯s best to have a doctor nearby. Just in case it doesn¡¯t work, they can wake you up at any time.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If I fail, would I even need to wake up?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that!¡± Fu Liqun and Ou Qihang said in unison.


    Yet Yu Hao looked at Chen Yekai and said, ¡°If Zhou Sheng can¡¯t be rescued, I¡¯ll definitely shuttle around in the subconscious world until I find him. What use is there in waking up alone for me?¡±


    Unexpectedly, Chen Yekai didn¡¯t speak. Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°Chen Laoshi, I know you can understand me.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yu Hao, don¡¯t think that way.¡±


    ¡°The worst case scenario is Zhou Sheng¡¯s totem getting seized, him losing his self, and getting banished to the subconscious.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Then Ren Chong would obtain all rights over the Golden Crow Wheel, return me a Zhou Sheng in deep sleep, and he would never be able to wake up again. For me, how meaningful would it be to continue staying awake?¡±


    No one spoke. Yu Hao said, ¡°In any case, I¡¯ve already thought it through. From the moment the plan begins, no one needs to come to wake me up again.¡±


    It was dead quiet in the conference room. Xiao Jian knocked on the door from the outside, then pushed the door and came in. In the face of this silence, she didn¡¯t seem too surprised.


    ¡°Boss asks how long more you guys need.¡± Xiao Jian looked at the watch on her hand, ¡°It¡¯s already 11 o¡¯clock.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Good luck, Yu Hao.¡±


    ¡°Good luck.¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Bring Young Master back.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Good luck. Don¡¯t forget the words you used to persuade me with in the beginning, Yu Hao.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded and laughed. ¡°Wait for me to summon you guys.¡±


    Several people went out. Qin Guodong¡¯s motorcade was already on standby. Chen Yekai drove his own car. Everyone got in a car one by one. Ou Qihang was the last to get in, and when he got in the car, he handed a bottle of medicine to Yu Hao. Xiao Jian said to them from outside the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Follow our car later. Yu Hao, what do you want to do?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We have our plan, let¡¯s go ba. Hopefully it goes well.¡±


    Yu Hao grabbed a handful of sleeping pills on the car. Ou Qihang said, ¡°Four to five pills are enough for you to sleep for a long time, don¡¯t take too many.¡±


    Fu Liqun twisted open a bottle of mineral water and handed it to Yu Hao. Yu Hao took nearly seven or eight pills at one go, then drank water to swallow them. Ou Qihang lay his seat flat, and Fu Liqun held Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°I want to retrieve the memory of a day from a long, long time ago.¡± Yu Hao answered, then closed his eyes and entered his dream.


    ¡°Entering deep sleep phase¡­the integrator is starting to work, look!¡±


    The researcher cried in surprise.


    Everyone crowded over. The optical fibre-like wires of the Golden Crow Wheel were transmitting a magnificent glow; all of its crystals were shining, and the largest crystal in the middle projected a rippling light.


    ¡°Project it with the refraction program.¡±


    The monitor was projected onto a huge screen in the center, and a gorgeous scene presented itself on the screen: a vast sea of clouds with a golden light bursting in all directions. In Zhou Sheng¡¯s dreamscape, on the platform in the sky, he wielded his jingubang as he faced Ren Chong, who was walking towards him.


    ¡°No sounds¡­¡±


    The sea of clouds billowed. Ren Chong walked to the middle of the platform, then looked up at the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°What a grand and spectacular sight, it really is a masterpiece bestowed upon mankind by heaven¡­¡± Ren Chong murmured and stared steadily at the Golden Crow Wheel. ¡°This is the so-called ¡®totem¡¯ formed after merging with your ¡®self-consciousness¡¯ ba, Zhou Sheng. We¡¯ve come this far; have you decided to behave yourself and hand your self-consciousness over to me? Or are you planning on struggling one last time?¡±


    ¡°Hei.¡± Zhou Sheng sneered, ¡°How haughty, have you forgotten that we¡¯re in my dream?¡±


    ¡°In theory, everyone is omnipotent as long as they can control their self-consciousness in their dreams.¡± Ren Chong looked around and said in a low voice, ¡°Dreamscapes are your territory. Everything that exists changes because of your free will. But, under the power of the brain wave integrator, strong-willed individuals intervening with weak-willed individuals is the correct path to walk in.¡±


    Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang and clearly felt that his strength was lacking. He watched Ren Chong vigilantly, a faint light emitting from his hand.


    ¡°How strong can your will be? As long as I kill you here,¡± Zhou Sheng smiled, ¡°then the you in reality will never be able to wake up again. Ren Laoshi, think about it, you don¡¯t have that capability.¡±


    Ren Chong said, ¡°How can one capture the tiger¡¯s cub without entering the tiger¡¯s lair? It¡¯s worth it. Since you¡¯re not willing to obediently hand your ¡®control rights¡¯ over to me, then don¡¯t blame me for being violent.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly dragged out a line of Golden Fire and shot swiftly towards Ren Chong!


    Outside the investigation office, the motorcade drove onto the street. Chen Yekai looked at Yu Hao, who was in the back seat, through his rearview mirror. Fu Liqun was always holding Yu Hao¡¯s hand.


    ¡°He¡¯s asleep. Don¡¯t drive too fast.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. The medicine is working. He won¡¯t wake up so easily.¡± Chen Yekai answered.


    Yu Hao was still lying down and entering his dream. He was covered with Fu Liqun¡¯s jacket; one hand was left exposed outside the jacket, and it was being held by Fu Liqun.


    When did our story begin? At the moment I closed the door, deep in my heart, did I still long for the door to be pushed open by him? Time kept rewinding in his mind; the lush greenery that covered the mountains and the plains when spring arrived, the heavy, pure white snow in winter, the golden leaves in autumn¡­from the moment they fled in the snow and met, countless thoughts flashed through Yu Hao¡¯s mind as if he was watching a trotting horse lamp.


    Their video calls when they lived in separate places; Zhou Sheng gasping for breath as he dashed through the platform to chase after the high-speed train that had already departed; their rented apartment in Ying City, the snow outside Dawn of Spring in an Empty Mountain during the Spring Festival, and the snowballs that flew around everywhere, Zhou Sheng shielding him as he stood in front and faced his furious father; the cruise ship that set sail on the river bank, the hearts that were personally handed over in class; Mt. Qing in the distance as viewed from the ferris wheel and the nervous person in front of him; even further back, everything seemed so long ago that it felt like his past life¡­


    Standing on stage during the college¡¯s celebration, Yu Hao looked at the audience and saw Zhou Sheng leaning over the railings at the last row while smiling at him¡­every day and every night in their dormitory, the chess pieces in his luggage with faded colours, the dark and gloomy Great Wall, as well as the beacon fires that abruptly flared up and dazzled the world, gingko leaves swirling in the air, and everything paused at the instant when Zhou Sheng asked him for a lighter with a cigarette in his mouth.


    Yu Hao walked into his own dreamscape. Without the power of the Golden Crow Wheel, everything seems hazy, as if it was covered with a thin layer of mist. In the distance stood the capital and a mountain range, and the Great Wall even further beyond looked just like an ink painting.


    ¡°Here it is.¡± Yu Hao whispered.


    He stood in front of the door to the small cement room and said, ¡°Come ba.¡±


    Yu Hao pushed open that door, but unexpectedly, someone else appeared inside¡ª¡ª the one who had once controlled his totem, his dark self.


    At this moment, Dark Yu Hao raised his head and looked at him, seeming bewildered.


    Colosseum platform, an intense flare burst out of the Golden Crow Wheel. Zhou Sheng wielded his jingubang with his right hand, while a blazing fire was ignited in his left; he pressed it down toward Ren Chong.


    ¡°GET¡ª¡ªTHE¡ª¡ªHELL¡ª¡ªOUT!¡± Zhou Sheng roared angrily.


    Ren Chong raised his voice, ¡°Do you know what your biggest mistake is?¡±


    Ren Chong quickly dodged and rushed up to the railings¨C that explosive speed had appeared again! Just like how Zhao Liang would turn into afterimages, Ren Chong¡¯s speed was even faster. He whooshed with a blow to Zhou Sheng¡¯s waist and struck Zhou Sheng¡¯s left hand where the golden fire was bursting from with one hand; his other hand clenched into a fist, and he brutally punched Zhou Sheng until he was sent flying!


    ¡°You¡¯ve always only focused on the influence dreamscapes have on reality, but you seldom think about the impact of physical harm dealt to your physical body on your dreamscape¡¯s self.¡±


    Zhou Sheng propped himself up with his jingubang and looked at Ren Chong. His thinking dulled under the effects of the drug, such that he was unable to withstand Ren Chong¡¯s normal speed. But at this moment, the sea of clouds gathered, transformed, and the back of Zhou Sheng¡¯s black dragon emerged, and it quietly approached Ren Chong from behind. Zhou Sheng looked up at Ren Chong, his gaze carrying a hint of a mischievous smile.


    ¡°This is just the beginning.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel here is your ¡®totem¡¯? Don¡¯t play tricks anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng suddenly roared with indignance, ¡°You have a fucking death wish!¡±


    The black dragon suddenly lunged out of the sea of clouds and grabbed Ren Chong! Ren Chong was caught off guard and was now held down by the black dragon. He struggled to break free. Golden flames burst out of Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, and he once again rushed forward!


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: DREAM BATTLE, GO ZS AND HAOHAO!

 Chapter 159.1

    ¡°Crap.¡± In the underground research room, the researchers saw Ren Chong struggle uncontrollably in the chair.


    ¡°Reality intervention, quick! Shock him with a current to break him free of the predicament!¡±


    Electricity began flowing through the electrodes attached to Zhou Sheng¡¯s arm; Zhou Sheng instantly started convulsing uncontrollably.


    Yu Hao stood in the cement room and stared at his dark self in a daze.


    ¡°You appeared again.¡± Yu Hao studied him and asked in surprise, ¡°When did you come back?¡±


    Dark Yu Hao sat in front of the charcoal stove, warming both his hands by the fire. ¡°Every time you doubt yourself. I¡¯ll never disappear.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to disappear,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I know it¡¯s impossible too.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go look for Zhou Sheng?¡± Dark Yu Hao said slowly, ¡°Can you save him? You?¡±


    Yu Hao looked around; when he entered, the door was already closed. At this moment, it seemed as if only this small room remained in his spiritual world.


    ¡°When you come here,¡± Dark Yu Hao said again, ¡°it proves that you¡¯re about to die. Where else do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But even if there¡¯s just a slight chance, I won¡¯t give up.¡±


    Dark Yu Hao sneered. Yu Hao continued, ¡°Come ba, come back to me.¡±


    Dark Yu Hao¡¯s eyes widened, and he was instantly stunned. Yu Hao said, ¡°I need your help now, help me open the door.¡±


    ¡°If you continue walking from here,¡± Dark Yu Hao said, ¡°You may never be able to come back again.¡±


    ¡°Come.¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid.¡±


    Dark Yu Hao fell silent. Yu Hao just waited patiently, and in the end, his dark self got up and walked towards Yu Hao. Yu Hao welcomed him with open arms; the two of them flashed for an instant and merged into one.


    Within the cement room, a flash of light swept past; another door appeared. Yu Hao walked up to it, and just like the instant when he and Zhou Sheng pushed this door open together previously, he left the subconscious and suddenly entered an even deeper consciousness space.


    As if it had transformed into a starry cosmos ¡ª beyond that door, a giant tree that shone with an intense light appeared! Yu Hao appeared on one of the leaves, and there was still a protective glow that materialised around him.


    ¡°Succeeded!¡± Yu Hao cried, ¡°I succeeded!¡±


    But no one came to share his joy. Yu Hao ran quickly along the leaves to the stems, then to the branches and forks. He was searching everywhere and muttered to himself, ¡°I¡¯ll have to find Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream next¡­Which leaf is it?¡±


    At the top of the tree trunk in the distance, a bright light appeared.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao subconsciously turned around and darted towards that bright light.


    ¡°So cold¡­¡± Yu Hao could sense it; as compared to the even deeper world of the memory of ruins, this place had a kind of chill that could penetrate through one¡¯s skin, blood, and even their bones. Only running towards the bright light made him feel slightly better.


    As he ran, he searched for a world that might belong to Zhou Sheng on the branches. Countless leaves drifted on this gigantic tree of the world, fell into the void, then disappeared completely. New, tender leaves would then slowly start to grow towards the sunshine that spilled down from above.


    He knew which section in Zhou Sheng¡¯s subconscious was related to the experience of death¡ª it was an illusion that emerged from being drowned when he picked up the Golden Crow Wheel as a child. If he can find that leaf, he may be able to enter Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream ¡ª he could come up from the bottom of the water. But how could he get in? Perhaps recalling the sensation of drowning from not being able to swim could let him find the resonance of that moment with Zhou Sheng in the deep-layer consciousness?


    As Yu Hao ran, he left countless branches, but he still couldn¡¯t find Zhou Sheng¡¯s leaf. All these leaves looked the same, so he couldn¡¯t distinguish between them.


    There must be a way¡­Yu Hao thought. There are a lot of things that he hadn¡¯t thought through clearly yet, don¡¯t get anxious¡­


    He slowly stopped running and looked at the scene in front of him in astonishment.


    He left the highest branch of the tree; there were steps here that came from all sides. He went up the steps and arrived at the top, then faced the sun that illuminated this giant tree of the world¡ª¡ª it was another Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°I actually can see you here?¡± Yu Hao uttered in disbelief.


    ¡°This is the world of the collective unconscious.¡± A grand voice answered, ¡°Humans, animals, all living beings with free will, their deepest conscious layers are interconnected here. It has no concrete representation of its own, but in your cognition, it¡¯s expressed as the ¡®huge tree of the world¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Golden Crow Wheel!¡± Yu Hao was stunned, ¡°You can talk?¡±


    ¡°In this place, our awarenesses have been completely separated, and your interpretation of me is a ¡®voice¡¯, which is one of the six senses.¡± Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s voice said, ¡°Corrector, why are you here?¡±


    Yu Hao stared at the Golden Crow Wheel blankly. ¡°Wait, you¡¯re alive? What I mean is, are you an AI? I¡¯m looking for Zhou Sheng¡­¡±


    Suddenly, a golden light wave appeared in front of him that spread out around him. In the middle of the light wave, a shining image of Zhou Sheng appeared. He walked towards Yu Hao and said, ¡°Corrector.¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao said excitedly, but he quickly understood that this is just an image that the Golden Crow Wheel had transformed into.


    The Golden Crow Wheel look at Yu Hao quietly. Yu Hao calmed down and said, ¡°I know this is the collective unconscious; it connects everyone¡¯s dream, and it¡¯s the dreamscape of the world. I want to find Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream through it and enter his dream. Do you know what happened?¡±


    ¡°The Overseer.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    ¡°Yes! Yes!¡± Yu Hao answered.


    Then, without saying a word, Golden Crow Wheel turned around and walked down the steps. Yu Hao followed closely behind. ¡°You can communicate with us! Why have you never communicated with us before?¡±


    ¡°Energy,¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°A lack of the required energy makes it impossible for me to activate some functions. I can only activate the keyword search function and communicate with you guys through the last category of perception.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Could you hurry? I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ll run out of time, how much time has passed?¡±


    ¡°In the world of the collective unconscious, time in the external world is still.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    Yu Hao thought that that was good. He asked, ¡°Then why can we communicate now? Because of the collective unconscious world?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± The Golden Crow Wheel walked down the steps and onto a branch. It said, ¡°Because one of your kind is charging me. Language compilation, consciousness interference and other such extension modules have been restored to become available modes. However, the CPU has not yet detected an energy source for the adapter.¡±


    ¡°Charging?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Who¡¯s charging you?¡±


    ¡°Borrowing a section of the Overseer¡¯s conscious.¡± Golden Crow Wheel released the image of a memory ¡ª in it was Zhou Sheng¡¯s perspective. He saw the process of the Golden Crow Wheel being dissolved and charged up. Yu Hao instantly stopped moving. ¡°What do they want to do? Wait¡­I suddenly thought of something.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced sideways at the shining Golden Crow Wheel with a human body that had turned into Zhou Sheng; he realised that he was now talking directly to the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s AI, which is to say that for humans, this guy is equivalent to an omnipotent God! Could he hug his thigh and get him to open up more rights for Yu Hao? Then he wouldn¡¯t need to look for Zhou Sheng anymore!


    ¡°Could you give me some other sort of power?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°I have to get the Overseer out, otherwise I don¡¯t know what kind of insane things Ren Chong would use you for!¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°Please specify. Corrector, what permissions do you need me to open?¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me sort my thoughts out first, this is too complicated.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel continued, ¡°The authority of the Corrector can only be adjusted after the Overseer submits an application to the CPU. Commands can¡¯t be directly made here.¡±


    ¡°What on earth are you?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Hold on for a moment. Conversion of instructions. I need access to some of your information.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel stopped moving as well. He turned around and faced Yu Hao. Looking at Zhou Sheng¡¯s familiar face, Yu Hao frowned deeply and muttered, ¡°Tell me about your origins, your functions, as well as what I should do now in order to bring Zhou Sheng back.¡±


    The ¡®Zhou Sheng¡¯ that shone with a golden light dispersed with a ¡®bang¡® and transformed into countless scenes that surrounded Yu Hao ¡ª every single one of them were memories that had been saved!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao almost stopped breathing ¡ª this was a scene that came from ancient times! The first scene drifted toward him, and when it arrived in front of him, two haloes appeared that surrounded a very complex apparatus.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°My Creator.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said.


    ¡°Is it a lifeform completely different from us?¡± Yu Hao reached out to touch it, but the scene disappeared.


    Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°Not entirely accurate. According to the definition in human language, ¡®lifeform¡¯ refers to an individual or ethnic group that can propagate and supercede the old with the new. My Creator is unable to carry out either of these activities.¡±


    Then, an even bigger silver halo landed in an environment akin to that of ancient Earth. Golden Crow Wheel continued, ¡°17,442 years ago.¡±


    The silver halo released this complex device that hovered above the wilderness. Animals would find it once in awhile and try to touch it, but fail.


    ¡°What was the intention of your Creator in creating you?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Initially, it was to observe the consciousness of other populations.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°After discovering this planet, the reproductive model of this planet¡¯s lifeforms was judged to be of ¡®value¡¯. Through the analysis and sampling of the consciousness of lifeforms here, it was hoped that the reproductivity model of the group my Creator belonged to could be completed.¡±


    ¡°They are lifeforms that only have consciousness, but no physical body.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Did they want to find a way to reproduce by themselves through the analysis of human and animal consciousness?¡±


    ¡°Extraction.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°Partial extraction and interference. Learn how to create new individual bodies through the splitting of consciousness.¡±


    ¡°What about them?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Are your Creators still on Earth?¡±


    ¡°Intense stellar activity resulted in radiation bursts.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°My Creator used me to activate a barrier, which consumed a lot of energy from the processor. Eventually, the barrier disappeared, and my Creator was affected by an interference and dissipated.¡±


    ¡°Dead.¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°An inaccurate definition,¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°For them, there is no ¡®death¡¯ as defined by humans.¡±

 Chapter 159.2

    After that, this device lost a lot of energy and was buried in the sand. Even later on, humans appeared. They picked up the Golden Crow Wheel that had a very complex structure and studied it from the perspective of the ancients. More than 10,000 years passed, and Yu Hao swept past through those scenes quickly. He was afraid that he wouldn¡¯t have enough time at first, but since there was no concept of time in this place, he might as well figure things out properly first.


    ¡°Ancient Bashu people.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°They found you.¡±


    ¡°And passed the authentication of the login mechanism.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered in the void, ¡°A match in frequencies was detected.¡±


    It was a young sacrifice; while he was naked from head to toe, he lay on the sacrificial altar and seemed to have taken some kind of strange medicine. He was offered an even higher seat in front of the altar. This bare device suddenly lit up, which gave all of the people who were offering up the sacrifice a huge fright.


    After the light faded, the offering sat up with a dazed expression. Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°4,300 years ago, he became the first human to pass the authentication.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°How did he pass your authentication? Because he almost died?¡±


    ¡°Match in frequencies.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°It was activated after detecting the one who logged in.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao had a vague conjecture that perhaps this sacrificial human had inadvertently triggered the Golden Crow Wheel through his near-death experience while being sacrificed. He had once read some literature on research regarding one¡¯s spirit, at this time¡­is consciousness the closest form to the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s original Creator?


    ¡°Your Creator has no physical body,¡± Yu Hao muttered, ¡°So humans are similar to their form in a ¡®soul-like state¡¯, which is why¡­they can pass the authentication!¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t be analysed.¡±


    Yu Hao continued watching. Ancient Bashu people carefully placed this device on a piece of gold foil with pliers, then covered it with another and began beating it, then poured an alloy solution made from copper and gold. After their forging took form, they handed it to the young priest who was supposed to be a sacrificial offering. The priest wore it on his chest.


    After that, the ancient Bashu civilisation flourished and the Golden Crow Wheel was handed down from generation to generation, until war broke out and the country separated into two ¡ª the Ba and Shu countries. The last priest was dragged down from his position, the Golden Crow Wheel taken away from him, then he was executed through hanging. After the war, the Golden Crow Wheel dropped while it was being transported, and the Minjiang River changed its course and washed it downstream.


    Time flew by quickly, until Zhou Sheng, who was a child then, found it in the mud while swimming in a tributary channel. However, after he got the Golden Crow Wheel, he drowned because he was too weak. Yu Hao was scared witless from watching, but fortunately, Zhou Sheng was washed ashore with the Golden Crow Wheel grasped tightly in his hands still.


    ¡°This guy is always like this¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°He¡¯s too stubborn.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°This is what you wanted to know.¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°Do you have an autonomous consciousness? That is to say, apart from choosing the first user, can you¡­help me?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°Restricted by permissions.¡±


    Yu Hao pondered for a moment, then continued, ¡°You don¡¯t want to land in Ren Chong¡¯s hands either, right?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°Although I call myself ¡®I¡¯, I do not have likes and dislikes, or the concept of morality like you humans. If the new Overseer passes the authentication of the old Overseer, there¡¯s no difference in terms of operation for ¡®me¡¯.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay then, let me change my question. What are the permissions of the ¡®Corrector¡¯?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°Correctors are made by Overseers; authentication is completed through partial consciousness interference. The specific functions of Correctors are: to oversee the subconscious, assist the Overseer in rebuilding the channels in the subconscious and the world of the surface consciousness. Oversee the collective unconscious, in order to prevent chaos and integration in the world.¡±


    ¡°¡­breaking away from dreamscapes, fixed-point travelling, searches, keyword retrieval related to me¡­¡±


    ¡°But I¡¯ve never used the fixed-point travelling function,¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I often need Zhou Sheng to bring me around.¡±


    ¡°The reason for that is a lack of energy.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°Now, there¡¯s enough energy to unlock that function.¡±


    ¡°Can I activate you?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Without the Overseer?¡±


    ¡°That operation can¡¯t be performed.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then I basically have no permissions!¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°Because your status is only that of a Corrector. You¡¯re not responsible for governing and altering consciousness. But once the Overseer is found, through the merging of your permissions, you can activate the World module for a brief moment under the premise that I have enough energy.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the World module?¡±


    ¡°The Creator mode.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°To modify and rebuild the conscious world at will.¡±


    Yu Hao looked around. ¡°I must find him first.¡±


    There was an almost infinite number of leaves on the world¡¯s tree. Every leaf corresponds to either a human or an animal, and if he just casually touched one, the consequences would be very troublesome. Yu Hao didn¡¯t want to randomly touch anything here.


    ¡°If the surface consciousness collapses to the subconscious, the Corrector may temporarily acquire the World module.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s precisely the reason I¡¯m here¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go and find Zhou Sheng. Help me find the leaf that represents Zhou Sheng.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel brought Yu Hao and walked to higher ground. They left the branch area and arrived at the top of the highest branch.


    In the dream world, a resplendent streak of lightning suddenly burst from level ground. Zhou Sheng was in the air ¡ª he had been hurled out from the electrocution. With a pained cry, thunder and lightning were instantly released from the sea of clouds, and the world turned dark. The black dragon wailed in anguish, tumbled down, and landed with a resounding thud.


    ¡°I said,¡± Ren Chong slowly got up, gasped for breath, and said seriously, ¡°that this is just the beginning.¡±


    Zhou Sheng struggled to get up. Another burst of electric current passed through his body, and he fell harshly back to the ground.


    ¡°You¡¯re actually electrocuting me in reality?¡± Zhou Sheng was still smiling fiercely, ¡°Once I deal with you guys, I¡¯ll let you have a taste of what I¡¯m feeling now.¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t have that chance.¡± Ren Chong said.


    Zhou Sheng extended a hand and grasped the jingubang tightly; the jingubang turned into a shield, and within a split second, it had resisted the lightning that filled the sky. At the next moment, Zhou Sheng brought all his potential into full play ¡ª he rushed from level ground, and while withstanding the electric charges that streaked madly through the air, he lunged at Ren Chong!


    ¡°Inject his right hand with the anesthetic.¡±


    A medic inserted a needle into Zhou Sheng and pushed a strong anesthetic in.


    In the dream, right when Zhou Sheng was about to strike with his shield, Ren Chong jumped into the air and kicked the shield with one foot. Zhou Sheng¡¯s shield left his hands, and with a ¡®dang¡®, the shield was sent flying by this kick. Immediately afterward, Ren Chong clutched Zhou Sheng¡¯s throat. Zhou Sheng¡¯s right hand drooped by his side ¡ª he couldn¡¯t lift it at all!


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡± He used his left hand to try and break free from Ren Chong¡¯s grasp, yet Ren Chong lifted him up, charged madly, and brutally flung him onto the railings!


    ¡°It succeeded! It does work!¡±


    ¡°Anesthetize his left hand.¡±


    ¡°All his limbs have been anesthetized.¡± A researcher said, ¡°Try to make it such that he can¡¯t move anymore. Once he¡¯s under the control of the drug, there won¡¯t be anymore danger.¡±


    Ren Chong took a few steps back. ¡°Under the influence of anesthetics in reality, you can¡¯t feel your limbs anymore. What do you want to do next? Spit fire to burn me?¡±


    Zhou Sheng tried several times to get up, but he would always fall back to the ground. His legs keep trembling, and he failed in the end.


    ¡°Ai.¡± Zhou Sheng lay on the ground and looked at the sky.


    Ren Chong lifted him up and pushed him against the railings. He asked, ¡°Where¡¯s your totem?¡±


    Half of Zhou Sheng¡¯s body was pressed against the railings, and he couldn¡¯t move for a moment.


    In the world of the Colosseum, on the ground, Satan transformed into Dark Zhou Sheng. Clad in black armour from head to toe, he stood in the middle of the arena, raising his head to look at the zenith of the dense, dark clouds.


    Through the clouds, he looked at the sky in the distance. On the zenith¡¯s platform, Zhou Sheng¡¯s upper body was pushed past the railings. While being separated by this distance, he and his dark self looked into each other¡¯s eyes.


    Zhou Sheng was pressed against the railings, and he kept gasping for breath.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you now¡­¡± Zhou Sheng muttered.


    In the next moment, Zhou Sheng was lifted by Ren Chong and dragged to the Golden Crow Wheel. As if he was a sacrificial offering, Ren Chong clutched his collar and faced the Golden Crow Wheel, then said in a low voice, ¡°Come ba¡­¡± Then he gripped Zhou Sheng¡¯s throat with both hands and lifted him toward the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Zhou Sheng closed his eyes in agony, his four limbs drooping without any energy left in them. Not far behind Zhou Sheng, the scene in front of the Golden Crow Wheel was reflected in the shield.


    ¡°As long as I completely kill off your self-consciousness here¡­¡± Ren Chong muttered. His vice-like grip on Zhou Sheng¡¯s throat tightened continuously.


    A prominence-like intense light burst out of the Golden Crow Wheel; flares flew over and enveloped Zhou Sheng and Ren Chong, its light and flames forming a storm. Zhou Sheng¡¯s consciousness was gradually disappearing, and what took its place was Ren Chong¡¯s ferocious grin. The flames on the Golden Crow Wheel was slowly transiting toward Ren Chong through Zhou Sheng¡¯s body.


    ¡ª


    Zryuu: ¡­¡­¡­.. I had quite a few issues with trying to keep the computer terms consistent like permissions/rights/authority (these are generally the same I think), so if there¡¯s any confusion do let me know lol and I¡¯ll go recheck it


    Juurensha: NOOOO HAOHAO GO SAVE YOUR HUSBAND

 Chapter 160.1

    ¡°Get ready for access to the integrator!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve succeeded!¡±


    ¡°That kid¡¯s self-consciousness is disappearing.¡±


    In the underground research room, a huge EEG chart was displayed on the screen. Zhou Sheng¡¯s brain waves were growing extremely weak, while Ren Chong¡¯s wave bands had occupied the entire screen. Zhou Sheng, who was fastened onto the chair, was convulsing from head to toe, and bluish veins could be seen on his arms.


    A leaf glowed with a golden light, its edges seeming to burn with a golden flame.


    ¡°Is this Zhou Sheng¡¯s?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°I must go into Zhou Sheng¡¯s subconscious world.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel motioned for Yu Hao to stand on the leaf. The leaf emitted a faint light. Yu Hao noticed that there were several other leaves next to this leaf, and they were connected to Zhou Sheng¡¯s leaf.


    ¡°What do the connected leaves represent?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Spiritual connection.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are ours so far apart from each other?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°This is the exit of your subconscious world.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Oh that¡¯s not far, I just didn¡¯t recognise it¡­these leaves all look the same. Send me in ba.¡±


    He stood at the entrance to Zhou Sheng¡¯s subconscious and waited for the door to open, or for him to be transported in. But even after he waited for a long time, nothing happened.


    ¡°The conscious world is being disturbed,¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°It¡¯s impassable.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°You must return to the subconscious or surface consciousness world and wait for the disturbance to be removed. Time will not move here.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s on that machine now.¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°In that case, it¡¯s probably impossible to go into Ren Chong¡¯s subconscious too. But how do I know when he¡¯ll get off that machine?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel didn¡¯t answer. Yu Hao took a deep breath and reminded himself not to panic.


    ¡°Can I enter the subconscious of someone who¡¯s awake?¡±


    ¡°Can not enter when they¡¯re awake.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    So he can¡¯t enter other people¡¯s dreams either. Yu Hao still wanted to take a gamble. He asked, ¡°Search ¡®Zhao Liang¡¯.¡±


    ¡°¡®Sleeping¡¯ was not found.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said.


    ¡°Ren Chong¡¯s currently vying over the totem with him¡­¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Must think of a way to get them both off the machine and returned to reality too¡­My God, what should I do now? Wait, is Huang Ting still in his dream? Is he awake? Search for ¡®Huang Ting¡¯!¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel turned around and didn¡¯t walk too far away. He walked up to a leaf. Yu Hao said, ¡°I want to enter his subconscious world!¡±


    A door appeared on the leaf, and Yu Hao thought, that¡¯s great!


    ¡°I still need your help.¡± Yu Hao held the door handle and said to Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°In your conscious world, you can use my functions within the scope of your permissions.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    ¡°See you.¡± Yu Hao suppressed the unease he felt and resolutely opened the door. An icy cold white mist could be seen beyond the door, and it suddenly sucked him into Huang Ting¡¯s subconscious world!


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Yu Hao looked left and right. This conscious world did not collapse, so that is to say, Huang Ting was still in the dreamscape on the surface. A barrier appeared around him. He spread his wings and flew past the fog. According to the judgment imposed on the situation in his own subconscious world, he flew towards the bright side.


    Many roaring, colossal monsters appeared in the fog. Yu Hao glided through quickly, and he avoided arms that sporadically reached out from within the fog to grab him. With one spurt of energy, he rushed out of the subconscious area!


    The fog had already swallowed most of the maze, and it was currently corroding its way to the center. Yu Hao paid close attention to the surrounding mechanisms.


    Fortunately, he was close to the center of the maze, so there weren¡¯t as many mechanisms anymore. Yu Hao walked into the courtyard in the middle and suddenly saw that the pond in the courtyard had swirled into a black whirlpool. Huang Ting was walking toward the whirlpool from the shore.


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Yu Hao shouted. Huang Ting turned around, and terrifying screams could be heard within the whirlpool. Countless hands reached out from within, and they actually wanted to drag Huang Ting into the water!


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Huang Ting looked very calm as he stopped walking.


    Behind him, a massive monster that seemed to be pieced together from many corpses slowly rose from the black whirlpool, and there were numerous hands dripping with blood as well. Like a scene from hell in an oil painting, it kept approaching Huang Ting.


    Yu Hao spread his wings out and rushed forward. He shouted, ¡°Huang Ting!¡¯


    For a moment, he could vaguely feel a sense of danger¡ª Huang Ting was on the verge of losing control over his conscious world, just like how he faced the darkness beyond the Great Wall in the beginning and was about to jump down. It¡¯s fortunate he came now, otherwise Huang Ting¡¯s entire dreamscape would have completely collapsed!


    Right when Yu Hao lunged at him, the monster behind Huang Ting roared madly and shot out viscous streams of blood that knocked Yu Hao squarely in his chest, sending him flying straight out and stuck him tightly to a wall! Yu Hao¡¯s hands were parted, with a dagger in each of them, but he couldn¡¯t even budge an inch.


    ¡°Wake up! Huang Ting!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Huang Ting stood by the pond with his back to the giant, rotten corpse monster. He looked back.


    ¡°How does it feel like for someone¡¯s life to end?¡± Huang Ting murmured, ¡°It¡¯s finally my turn today.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°I arrested someone before.¡± Huang Ting said to Yu Hao, ¡°When he was handcuffed by me, he told me that I would die as well one day¡­I wasn¡¯t the least bit afraid then. What I said was that, ¡®I¡¯m not afraid of death, but you are.''¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s chest heaved fiercely. He saw the giant rotten monster stretching out dozens of bloody hands from behind to catch Huang Ting¡¯s shoulders, wrists, and ankles, pulling him back and into its arms.


    ¡°Some people died because of you.¡± Yu Hao¡¯s gasps eased, ¡°But there are even more people who survived because of the choices you made, Huang Ting.¡±


    Huang Ting answered, ¡°But at this moment, the people I saved won¡¯t come to save me. These bodily curses follow me relentlessly like my shadows. They¡¯ve been accompanying me every night after I found out that I¡¯m sick¡­¡±


    ¡°Yes, right?¡± Yu Hao couldn¡¯t struggle anymore because of the sticky blood that enveloped his whole body. He spun the dagger between his fingers, grasped the blade, and said in a low voice, ¡°I understand that feeling. You saved so many people, but in the end, no one can come to save you.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°These days, I¡¯ve always been wondering what on earth I¡¯m living for¡­¡±


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°When you do all these things! Isn¡¯t it for the sake of not letting the pain you¡¯ve experienced happen again to someone else?!¡±


    Huang Ting fell silent and looked at Yu Hao. Yu Hao mustered all his strength to shout, ¡°You¡¯ve had enough of tasting the fear and feeling of facing death head-on. You¡¯ve experienced this kind of reluctance and helplessness, but what you¡¯ve been guarding all your life, wasn¡¯t it because you didn¡¯t want anyone else to experience that kind of feeling anymore?!¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s eyes suddenly widened. Yu Hao said in a low voice, ¡°Wake up! You can still fight! Even if you don¡¯t have much time left, why don¡¯t you liberate yourself once?! What about your principles? Your justice?! What¡¯s the point of dying in such a stifling way?!¡±


    After he spoke, Yu Hao¡¯s five fingers clenched tightly, and his hand was instantly drenched in blood, then he opened them up again. Huang Ting extended a hand out, but his body still couldn¡¯t avoid being dragged toward the rotten corpse giant!


    The motorcade drove onto an elevated highway. Yu Hao, who was in deep sleep, suddenly grasped Fu Liqun¡¯s hand tightly, then let go just as quickly.


    ¡°He sent us a signal!¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°So fast?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°It hasn¡¯t even been fifteen minutes.¡±


    Ou Qihang immediately threw the medicine into the back seat, then adjusted the passenger seat such that it lay flat. Chen Yekai drove the car off the elevated highway, then parked it by the road. He called Qin Guodong and asked him to send someone over to drive his car, then he said to Ou Qihang, ¡°Go to the back.¡±


    Chen Yekai was driving an SUV. Fu Liqun adjusted his seat and lay down. Ou Qihang was lying in the last row, and Chen Yekai went to the passenger seat. A colleague from the office came over. Chen Yekai said, ¡°I¡¯ll have to trouble you to drive.¡±


    In the maze world, Huang Ting said, ¡°I¡­This is a dream?¡±


    Huang Ting was already in the firm grasp of the monster. Yu Hao took a deep breath and shouted, ¡°Huang Ting! I know that in this world, no matter what we do, we may not get anything in return for it. In fact, everything you do may not even amount to anything from the very beginning!¡±


    ¡°But, you can¡¯t leave yet.¡±


    Dark clouds surged in the sky, revealing a gap in between. Silver white moonlight spilled through the clouds.


    ¡°Save one more soul ba.¡± Yu Hao said in a low voice, ¡°Go all out one more time, because that¡¯s what we¡¯re living for. Regardless of whether we get anything in return, since there¡¯s not much time left to live, why don¡¯t you fight until the end of your life?¡±


    Huang Ting¡¯s pupils contracted, as if he had sobered up a little. He struggled fiercely, but he couldn¡¯t break free from the fetters of the giant monster.


    ¡°Let me go!¡± Huang Ting roared angrily, ¡°Yu Hao! Help me, quick!¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at the sky. Three flashing figures were shooting toward the earth like meteors!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not Zhou Sheng! It¡¯s Huang Ting!¡± Chen Yekai shouted in the sky.


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Ou Qihang shouted.


    ¡°Huang Ting¡ª¡ª!¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s boiling armour was like a celestial fire shooting straight down from the sky.


    Whoosh whoosh whoosh, three rays of light landed. A flying scalpel swept past and cut up the sticky blood that bound Yu Hao¡¯s limbs. Fu Liqun wielded a long halberd, and riding on the momentum of his fall, he stomped onto the monster with one foot. Ou Qihang readied his cannon and fired a shot; the monster let out an anguished howl, and several corpses fell out. Fu Liqun slashed the monster¡¯s body with his halberd and dragged Huang Ting out!


    Yu Hao flexed his arms. Fu Liqun brought Huang Ting along with him to the edge of the pond.


    ¡°Why is it this dream?¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no time to explain!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Help him seize his totem back first! Quick! It¡¯s up to you now!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Prepare to deal with the boss!¡±


    ¡°This boss shouldn¡¯t be difficult to fight ba.¡± Ou Qihang retreated a little. ¡°It should at least be easier to fight than the dragon in Liqun Ge¡¯s dream.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Could you not mention my dark history?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Can you guys summon your mounts?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°No, Zhou Sheng must be here for us to do so.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Scheming white wolves then! Although Zhou Sheng isn¡¯t around, we don¡¯t need to be afraid of it!¡±


    The corpse giant staggered and finally emerged from the pond. Its attention had been lured away by Ou Qihang¡¯s cannon shots, and it walked towards them. Huang Ting said, ¡°Where¡¯s the totem?¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head and glanced around. The moonlight landed, and within the mist above the pond, the faint outline of a symbol could be discerned.

 Chapter 160.2

    ¡°In the fog!¡± Yu Hao had just shouted this when Huang Ting raised his hand, and within a split second, the earth shook; the entire maze began to disintegrate and drift away, and the central courtyard kept rising. The corpse giant roared at the skies and stirred up a storm from the ground!


    This was Zhou Sheng¡¯s first time not participating in a dream battle, but Yu Hao didn¡¯t have the time to think too deeply about it. Huang Ting stood by the pond and stretched out his hand. Silver particles burst out from within the fog and flew toward his body.


    ¡°Everyone, take your places!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Yu Hao, attract its attention! Everyone else is to provide support and attack!¡±


    Yu Hao spread his wings out and flew. The platform rose higher and higher, and started revolving. The corpse giant spewed viscous blood into the sky, and Yu Hao dodged it several times. The daggers in his hands merged into a staff, then he dove toward the giant. With his wings spread out, Yu Hao¡¯s figure had formed a side profile silhouette under the moonlight.


    Meanwhile, Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, and Fu Liqun made their moves at the same time!


    The corpse giant was instantly smashed, and corpses shot out everywhere. Every one of the criminals who had been defeated by Huang Ting crawled up from the ground and roared as they rushed toward them. Without their mounts, everyone could only surround Huang Ting to protect him; fugitives could be seen in all directions.


    ¡°Not done yet?¡± Chen Yekai looked back. Huang Ting¡¯s eyes were slowly regaining their lucidity, and his totem kept streaming into his body.


    Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Protect him!¡±


    Four people gathered at the edge of the pond to guard Huang Ting. Every one of them released the firepower they had, and Huang Ting¡¯s body gradually began to emit light.


    ¡°Why do I feel like this dream is really chaotic!¡± Ou Qihang kicked away a criminal that had lunged at him as he shouted to Yu Hao.


    ¡°Because Zhou Sheng¡¯s not here! The Golden Crow Wheel can¡¯t work as well!¡± Yu Hao answered.


    ¡°Won¡¯t it be really easy for us to wake up?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    ¡°The Golden Crow Wheel is charging!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°There¡¯s no time to explain!¡±


    Yu Hao could only swing his staff around to hit his enemies; the light it released frightened the criminals around him, but it wasn¡¯t able to exert as much power as Chen Yekai and Ou Qihang¡¯s firearms, and he couldn¡¯t be like Fu Liqun who could cut his enemies in half with the halberd he wielded.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get into close combat!¡± Chen Yekai reminded.


    Yu Hao was almost dragged into the enemy¡¯s group, but Fu Liqun grabbed his wings and dragged him back.


    Meanwhile, Huang Ting¡¯s totem had been almost completely seized back.


    Countless fierce-looking criminals stopped their attack and retreated slowly. Yu Hao said, ¡°What do they want to do?¡±


    ¡°Again?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°They can¡¯t be killed ah, if only I could summon my Gundam¡­¡±


    The criminals gathered once again in the middle of the courtyard and piled themselves up into a corpse giant. Chen Yekai said, ¡°Listen to my orders. Xiao Ou, get ready, we¡¯ll fire together!¡±


    ¡°Three, two¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no use.¡± Huang Ting¡¯s voice rang out from behind, ¡°Let me do it ba.¡±


    The last bit of the totem shattered and burst with a bang, permeating Huang Ting¡¯s entire body. In the next moment, Huang Ting flew up from the ground. While adorned in slim-fit robe, his right hand drew back, and a red magic book appeared in his left hand!


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Holy crap¡­¡± Ou Qihang said.


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Chen Yekai shouted.


    A flame tornado diffused from the platform with a blast, like white light produced from an explosion. Yu Hao subconsciously shielded his eyes. Everyone shouted at the same time and retreated. Within the flames, Huang Ting¡¯s black hair was tousled in the wind, like a blazing black flame. The pages of the magic book in his hand fluttered rapidly, and the other four people immediately retreated behind Huang Ting.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± Huang Ting said in a low voice, ¡°Since I don¡¯t have much time left, then just liberate myself one last time ba. What¡¯s the point in giving up so easily when I¡¯m still alive?¡±


    In the next moment, countless streaks of lightning strikes descended from the sky, and the maze platform drifted between heaven and earth. Smashed bricks fell within the dreamscape, and the maze platform collapsed completely and turned into bricks that fell to the ground! Lightning gathered in Huang Ting¡¯s hand, as if the apocalypse had arrived, and the rage of the devastating thunderbolt burst out of the Archmage¡¯s hand and illuminated the entire world!


    ¡°Good God!¡± Fu Liqun shouted, ¡°We¡¯re going to fall!¡±


    Yu Hao was about to fly to his companions, but four gigantic floor tiles carried them as they slowly rose into the air. Under the night sky, lightning had gathered into a huge dragon that danced madly in the air and destroyed everything it touched. A glowing symbol appeared between Huang Ting¡¯s brows; with an open magic book in his left hand, he pointed at the sky with his right finger. After the thunder and lightning passed, celestial fire descended endlessly from the skies that shook the earth as they launched a series of explosions! At that moment, Yu Hao felt like he was the only God in this world!


    ¡°Enough ba!¡± Chen Yekai saw that all the corpses between heaven and earth had already turned into ashes. He shouted, ¡°Stop! It¡¯s over!¡±


    ¡°A night with a full moon is when magic is at its strongest.¡± Huang Ting said in a low voice, ¡°Thank you, brothers.¡±


    This move from the Archmage had simply overturned everything Yu Hao thought that he had known about Huang Ting. The lightning had turned the maze, courtyard, and criminals into ashes, and they were burned until nothing was left by the celestial flames.


    What next? Yu Hao suddenly remembered ¡ª without Zhou Sheng, would the sun in this dream still rise?


    ¡°The moon is out!¡± Ou Qihang cried.


    The dark clouds that blotted out the sky billowed gently and gradually retreated. Huang Ting, who was hovering in the sky, looked up at the clear and bright full moon.


    ¡°Moon?¡± Chen Yekai wondered.


    The four of them looked up together. All of the dark clouds had dispersed, only leaving behind the bright moon that was illuminating the entire dream world. Everything that appeared in front of him had already subverted Yu Hao¡¯s understanding of dreams, but in the next moment, he realised that the moonlight seemed to have another kind of miraculous effect when it shone down upon the world, which was different from that of the sun!


    The moonlight illuminated the earth; a sorrowful song travelled over from somewhere far away. The fog in the subconscious was like a tide that gradually receded, revealing distant shores and mountains. A siren was singing at the top of her voice in the depths of the fog.


    Huang Ting¡¯s abstruse gaze was cast on the end of the mountains and the sea; the fog that enveloped the center of the dream world dispersed and encircled the mountain range-like highlands.


    The moon revealed its gentle face, its silver white light spilling all over the dreamscape.


    Under the light, the collapsed bricks between heaven and earth rose one after another and reassembled, supporting a giant garden in the sky that was built against a mountain.


    Running water streamed down; the ashes of the rotten monsters drifted in the air and permeated the soil. Countless buds of life sprouted in the Hanging Gardens, unfurling themselves towards the sky. With the siren¡¯s song in the background, a spacious terrace facing the mountains with the sea at its back was piled up with pure white marble. The streams on the mountain meandered over and poured into the pond, while the central courtyard¡¯s pond formed a fountain.


    The sea breeze blew; Huang Ting was adorned in a slim-fit magic robe as he stood on the platform, turning his body to face the other four.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Huang Ting said in a low voice, then closed the red leather magic book in his hands.


    The other four walked toward Huang Ting. Yu Hao breathed a sigh of relief and looked at the bright moon.


    The sun didn¡¯t rise, but the moonlight seemed to have replaced it temporarily in a certain sense, providing them this most precious light within the dark night.


    Yu Hao and Huang Ting looked at each other, feeling deeply moved for a moment. They didn¡¯t know where to start talking from.


    ¡°What is this?¡± Yu Hao asked, ¡°Archmage, your magic book?¡±


    Huang Ting showed the book¡¯s cover to the rest¡ª ¡¶Criminal Law¡·.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Colosseum World.


    On the earth, in the arena, Dark Zhou Sheng hovered in the air. He raised one finger to point at the sky; nine dark monsters burst into blazing black flames with a blast and suddenly gathered toward the Great Devil¡ª


    The Great Devil¡¯s eyes were bloodshot; black flames shot out from his entire body, from the ground to the sky, as if a shot that could destroy the heavens and earth had been fired at the sky! Ren Chong was caught off guard ¡ª a huge piece of the platform below him instantly collapsed. Heaven was rent asunder, the earth cracked, and the world turned dark; the platform in the sky collapsed and fell to the earth, sending flares up with it as it landed!


    Zhou Sheng fell to the earth, and with a loud blast, he finally managed to break free from his predicament. Nearly a third of the Colosseum arena had been destroyed! A tsunami blew in the surrounding seas, and a tremendous wave surged towards the arena.


    Ren Chong ran quickly to the center of the platform; only a small foothold was left there, and he hadn¡¯t snapped out of his stupor yet. Zhou Sheng landed. On the earth, Satan, with black flames surrounding his body, shot over obliquely like a meteor and suddenly seized the shining shield that was falling through the air in the midst of the rain of bricks plummeting down like a torrential downpour!


    In the next moment, Satan shook the shield and turned it into the jingubang, rushed onto the platform, and struck Ren Chong with it as swift as a sudden clap of thunder!


    Ren Chong hadn¡¯t yet seen clearly the changes that were occurring right in front of him. He raised his hands hastily to block the hit with his arms, but before anyone could register it, Satan¡¯s move was just a feint, and he disappeared from before Ren Chong¡¯s eyes with a ¡®whoosh¡®!


    The prominence flare encircled Ren Chong¡¯s whole body. Within just a few seconds, Ren Chong had absolutely no clue as to what had happened. He looked at the earth ¡ª the stones that constituted the totem had collapsed, and he didn¡¯t know where Zhou Sheng was.


    ¡°Who was that just now?¡± Ren Chong uttered to himself.


    Zhou Sheng fell harshly onto the audience seats. The Colosseum arena was already in a mess, and it looked like it had just been ravaged by an earthquake. Zhou Sheng mustered all the strength he had left to crawl up the grandstand and looked up at the ball of shining fog hovering in the air. Faintly discernible sounds of a song travelled out from within the fog.


    Zhou Sheng let out a breath of boiling air. He reached out and held the ball of light in his arms, then closed his eyes.


    The wave surged and swamped the entire arena; seismic sea waves billowed, and it completely submerged his safe haven, the Colosseum, as well as the floating islands that were scattered about the sea. Icy cold sea water washed over, and quietly washed Zhou Sheng into the depths of the subconscious.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: DDD: ZHOU SHENG!!! Yu hao, go save him! (The moon instead of the sun was a great touch though)


    Zryuu: Huang Ting¡¯s dreamscape is the Hanging Gardens of Babylon:

 Chapter 161.1

    Hanging Gardens Dreamscape.


    Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, Ou Qihang, and Fu Liqun stood on the platform.


    ¡°Then, I¡¯ll have to trouble you.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Huang Ting nodded. ¡°All right, wake me up ba.¡±


    Chen Yekai put one hand on Huang Ting¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°You must be careful, brother.¡±


    Yu Hao drew a circle in the air; the moonlight shone down, and traces of a silver Golden Crow Wheel lit up. A flash spread across the entire dreamscape, amidst which his voice could be heard, ¡°Good night.¡±


    Everyone was ejected from Huang Ting¡¯s dream.


    Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, and Fu Liqun opened their eyes almost at the same time. The car was still on the road.


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Fu Liqun shook Yu Hao, but Yu Hao didn¡¯t wake up. Ou Qihang got up from the back seat and observed Yu Hao; Yu Hao breathed evenly ¡ª he was still in a dream.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°He¡¯s still searching for a way to enter Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream¡­Where are we?¡±


    The colleague who was driving said, ¡°We¡¯ll arrive outside the enemy¡¯s base in 20 minutes.¡±


    Xiao Jian¡¯s voice travelled over from a walkie-talkie, ¡°How¡¯s the situation on your side?¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°We¡¯re awake. We¡¯ve contacted Huang Ting. Yu Hao¡¯s still doing his best, hopefully it¡¯ll work out.¡±


    Xiao Jian said, ¡°Take a short rest. We might need to forcefully breakthrough later. You guys mustn¡¯t try to be heroes then.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m still dizzy.¡± Ou Qihang responded.


    ¡°It¡¯s the effects of the drug.¡± Chen Yekai drank some water and looked at his watch ¡ª 3 AM. He rolled down the window, and the cold wind outside assaulted his face. The dark clouds in the sky gradually retreated, revealing a full moon.


    Huang Ting woke up on the sickbed; there were two rooms in the ward, and one was empty. Only one nurse was on duty beyond the screen. The monitoring devices were all active.


    Huang Ting endured the discomfort of his coughs and pulled out the cannula from his arm. He looked up at the infusion bag, got up, and noticed that the freezer had tranquilizers. He opened one box and drew out the drug with a syringe from the shelf.


    A nurse on duty heard sounds from inside, and craned his head out to look around. However, a hand suddenly reached out from behind him and covered his mouth, and a needle was stabbed into his neck. Dozens of seconds later, he collapsed to the ground bonelessly. Huang Ting patiently prepared a number of syringes, put on a cap and a mask, changed into a medical gown, took the nurse¡¯s ID, and pushed a cart as he left.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± A guard heading to the hall passage asked.


    ¡°Delivering medications.¡±


    The guard picked up his walkie-talkie and notified the security guard in the hall. Huang Ting had already prepared a syringe in his hand, and he was just about to stab the other party when he was actually allowed to pass.


    Huang Ting went to the elevator, pressed a button, and went down. At this moment, all medical staff and researchers were gathered in the hall, staring anxiously at the scene in front of the computer set up. But Huang Ting didn¡¯t stay in the hall. After leaving the cart behind, he turned around and left.


    The motorcar stopped outside the abandoned factory. Nearly twenty people got out of the cars and retrieved weapons from the trunks. Qin Guodong personally oversaw the operation; he looked into the distance with infrared binoculars. Ou Qihang went over quickly. Amidst the cold winds, Xiao Jian held a display screen and tapped on the map of the surroundings.


    ¡°There are more guards at the side door, and no infrared remote sensing devices were found there.¡± Xiao Jian said, ¡°They¡¯ve contacted Huang Ting, but it¡¯s still unclear how useful it would be.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t wait for his support.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Barging in forcefully won¡¯t work either. Be patient, try to think of a way.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Yu Hao asked us to inform everyone that once the power inside gets cut, Huang Ting will find a way to get Zhou Sheng out.¡±


    Xiao Jian was a little surprised. Qin Guodong fell silent for several seconds before saying immediately, ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll be responsible for drawing their fire!¡±


    In the dark, the chilly wind was bitingly cold. It was pitch dark inside the factory with only the security booth having lights on. From the outside, it was impossible for people to discover that there was a research laboratory in the underground area. However, once infrared imaging was used, active human figures at the bottom and the guards in the factory could all be seen at a glance.


    Chen Yekai held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and waited beside him. He closed his eyes, listening to the breathing sounds Yu Hao made while sound asleep.


    Night had already fallen on the Great Wall world. Yu Hao stood on the platform high in the sky and gazed at the moon in his dreamscape that had already changed. The sun no longer existed, only the bright moon shone brightly upon the earth. The army in the capital was assembled in a square-shaped formation outside the city. Yu Hao nervously searched for Zhou Sheng¡¯s dream, but he never dreamed of Yu Hao.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng, dream of me,¡± Yu Hao gasped for breath, ¡°This is our last chance.¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s voice could be heard, ¡°Search for the whereabouts of the Overseer.¡±


    Colosseum dream world. Ren Chong smiled as he faced the giant Golden Crow Wheel, then raised one hand.


    Seawater was spreading out continuously; the entire world had already turned into a vast ocean. The flares on the Golden Crow Wheel were being sucked into Ren Chong¡¯s whole body, and his body underwent strange changes, as if it was burning fiercely within the golden light!


    Zhou Sheng lay sideways as he hugged his last totem and slowly sank to the bottom of the sea. He was submerged by the indigo blue water, falling completely into the darkness.


    The convulsing him sitting in the chair finally quieted, his clenched fist loosened and his head drooped forward.


    Suddenly, the entire underground research room went pitch black ¡ª the power supply had been cut, and the world went dark.


    ¡°What happened? Not enough energy again?¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t started the connection yet, that shouldn¡¯t be the case!¡±


    The blackout once again triggered the researchers¡¯ panic and another round of discussions.


    ¡°Turn on the reserve power supply¡­quickly!¡±


    ¡°Someone shut off the electricity!¡±


    ¡°There are invaders outside!¡±


    Within the dark, only the core chip of the Golden Crow Wheel radiated a soft, blue light; Huang Ting¡¯s figure suddenly appeared in front of the researchers, and a few muffled groans could be heard. The security guards rushed forward, and gunfire broke out.


    ¡°He has a gun!¡± Someone shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t let it hit Director Ren!¡±


    Huang Ting wielded a fireman¡¯s hatchet in his left hand that he used to chop at the connecting wires of the helmet on the chair a few times. He dragged Zhou Sheng off the chair, then fired a shot at the cover box on the computer set up. However, the cover box was made of bullet-proof glass. He was thinking of a way to get to the Golden Crow Wheel when a dagger swung over from his side; someone shouted, ¡°Who are you?! Watch out for any other invaders!¡±


    The security guards had already taken their places to guard Ren Chong. Huang Ting decisively made the decision to give up on the Golden Crow Wheel and Ren Chong. He dragged Zhou Sheng and escaped toward a corner, went to the safe passage, angled the fireman¡¯s hatchet into the door handle of the safe passage, then picked Zhou Sheng up and rushed to the third floor.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Huang Ting patted Zhou Sheng¡¯s face and shouted, ¡°Wake up!¡±


    Huang Ting fished out a stimulant and injected it into Zhou Sheng. He lifted his eyelids and shone his torchlight on it, but Zhou Sheng¡¯s eyes were glazed over, and his pupils contracted slightly under the light.


    In the Colosseum world, the world was destroyed, and the Golden Crow Wheel had lost all of its flames. The platform collapsed, bringing along with it a dark and dull Golden Crow Wheel as it fell toward the sea. All buildings were turned into bricks that collapsed into the deepest part of the ocean.


    Ren Chong¡¯s body burned with raging flames, and he hovered in the air above the ocean, laughing loudly. He released the flares on his body and formed a passage in front of him. Before leaving Zhou Sheng¡¯s consciousness, Ren Chong looked back to take a glance and sneered, ¡°I¡¯ve finally succeeded. Hope I¡¯ll never see you again.¡±


    Huang Ting quickly ran up with Zhou Sheng in his arms. When he passed the corridor, shouts could be heard inside.


    ¡°Help me! Help me!¡± Someone shouted, ¡°Huang Ting! Is it you? Let me out, quick!¡±


    Huang Ting turned his head and suddenly saw Zhao Liang¡¯s face appearing in the window of one of the prison cells, seeming quite anxious.


    ¡°Zhao Laoshi?¡± Huang Ting immediately snapped out of his daze.


    Zhao Liang peered out and saw Huang Ting holding Zhou Sheng. He asked, ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡±


    Huang Ting put Zhou Sheng down and walked to the prison cell. Zhao Liang asked, ¡°What on earth happened? I was pulled down from a chair by someone, and for some reason, Ren Chong didn¡¯t explain anything to me before detaining me here¡­my memory¡¯s all muddled up, did someone do an experiment on me?¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Zhao Liang stared at Huang Ting with a blank face, and Huang Ting didn¡¯t know how to answer him for a moment either.


    ¡°Have you ever been here?¡± Huang Ting asked.


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°I know this place; it¡¯s an underground chemical experimental base I discovered a very long time ago. But why¡­do I feel like I just had a dream¡­?¡±


    After Huang Ting fell silent for a moment, he said, ¡°Step back.¡±


    Zhao Liang took a few steps back. Huang Ting opened fire on the door lock and kicked the door open. Zhao Liang was wearing a singlet and a pair of undershorts as he ran out like a gust of wind.


    Huang Ting said, ¡°Do you know where the exit is? We¡¯ll talk after we find a way to get out of here.¡±


    Zhao Liang said, ¡°There¡¯s a secret passageway on the fourth floor, it¡¯s a vent; follow me!¡±


    Huang Ting picked Zhou Sheng up and followed Zhao Liang. Zhao Liang extended a hand and said, ¡°Is this kid okay? Was he used for an experiment too? Give me the gun.¡±


    ¡°Screw the fuck off.¡± It was still okay when Zhao Liang didn¡¯t ask, but Huang Ting turned indignant once he did and cursed for once. He kicked Zhao Liang and rebuked, ¡°You almost got us killed! Lead the way!¡±


    Zhao Liang, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Zhao Liang and Huang Ting looked at each other, then murmured, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Then they heard the sound of people giving chase at the end of the corridor.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let him get away!¡±


    So Zhao Liang could only go forward and lead the way in a hurry.


    In the hall of the research room.


    ¡°The power is back on!¡±


    The hall regained its brightness. Ren Chong took off the helmet and glanced at the surroundings, as well as Zhou Sheng¡¯s destroyed seat. He said in a low voice, ¡°Huang Ting woke up?¡±


    The security guards were still extremely vigilant. The leader said to Ren Chong, ¡°We were caught completely off guard¡­¡±


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Ren Chong answered, ¡°They¡¯re not important anymore.¡±


    ¡°There are people attacking outside.¡± The leader said, ¡°What should we do? Ask for instructions from the top?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± Ren Chong answered, ¡°Is the transferred energy ready?¡±


    ¡°Everything is ready to go at any time.¡± A researcher said.


    Ren Chong answered, ¡°Guard the outside and prepare to charge the apparatus.¡±


    The researchers were still checking several parts of the computer that Huang Ting had wrecked. Ren Chong said, ¡°It¡¯s all right. The analysis set up is useless now.¡±


    ¡°Immediately get ready to start up the high-voltage power supply. We¡¯re already connected to North China¡¯s power grid.¡± A researcher said to Ren Chong.


    ¡°How much longer does it need?¡±


    Great Wall World.


    ¡°Overseer can¡¯t be found, Colosseum dreamscape has already collapsed and integrated into the subconscious world.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°Begin searching subconscious worlds¡­¡±


    Muddled chaos appeared in the scene displayed by the silver Golden Crow Wheel. Yu Hao nervously stared at that chaos as he searched for Zhou Sheng¡¯s figure, ready to enter at any time.


    Outside the factory, Fu Liqun and Ou Qihang practically had nothing they could do. Xiao Jian and the rest wielded **, each with one gun, and nearly all the people they brought along charged straight in. Most employees in the office were military veterans and operated with ease; they had occupied the periphery of the factory within a short period of time.


    ¡°They¡¯re underground!¡±


    ¡°There aren¡¯t many guards! That¡¯s strange¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t shoot! They¡¯re on our side!¡±


    ¡°Zhou Sheng has been saved!¡±


    Huang Ting and Zhao Liang each carried one of Zhou Sheng¡¯s arms and dragged him out of the underground exit. Fu Liqun and Ou Qihang immediately went forward, shouting, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re on the same side, the same side¡­¡±


    ¡°Who the fuck is on the same side as you!¡± When Ou Qihang saw Zhao Liang, he was instantly enraged and went forward to kick him to the ground.


    Qin Guodong pushed people aside and came in, roaring angrily, ¡°Stop fighting! Talk after getting into the car! Xiao Jian, send someone here to examine him¡­Huang Ting, tell me what¡¯s happening inside!¡±


    Huang Ting gasped for breath and coughed several times, and spat out a mouthful of blood. He looked at Qin Guodong, and after they looked at each other for a moment, he only said three words at last, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°What is Ren Chong doing underground?¡±


    Everyone looked at one another. A colleague from the office reported, ¡°Boss, they have shrunk the scope of their defences to the center of the hall, and all of them have guns. What should we do?¡±


    Qin Guodong motioned for Ou Qihang and the others to go first. Fu Liqun immediately carried Zhou Sheng on his back, Ou Qihang took care of him at the side, and they quickly ran to the car parked outside the factory.


    ¡°Follow me in to take a look.¡± Qin Guodong said in the end. He wore a gun holster vest and led the rest to enter through the entrance to the underground research room.


    Chen Yekai was observing Yu Hao¡¯s situation in the car. Fu Liqun carried Zhou Sheng into the car, then Xiao Jian brought someone over to give them a check-up. As soon as Chen Yekai saw Zhou Sheng, he instantly shouted, ¡°Wake up!¡±


    Zhou Sheng remained unconscious. Chen Yekai asked about Huang Ting, and after knowing that Huang Ting was safe as well, he finally felt relieved.


    ¡°He¡¯s in a coma.¡± The examiner said, ¡°Not sure about the cause; it¡¯s best to send him to a local hospital.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll go now.¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Xiao Jian said, ¡°It¡¯s up to you guys now. Go back to Beijing, don¡¯t stay here any longer. Wait for our news tomorrow morning.¡±


    Chen Yekai uttered an ¡°un¡°, then went to the driver¡¯s seat to drive.


    Huang Ting caught up and got into the passenger seat, saying, ¡°Wait for me!¡±


    Chen Yekai looked at Huang Ting. Both of them stared at each other quietly, then leaned towards the other and hugged each other fiercely.


    Fu Liqun placed Zhou Sheng beside Yu Hao, reclined his seat and fastened his seat belt. He patted Zhou Sheng¡¯s face, whispering, ¡°Young Master, nothing must happen to you.¡±


    Ou Qihang got on the car as well and pulled the sliding door close. Huang Ting said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Chen Yekai turned the steering wheel. Everyone was finally saved, but they didn¡¯t know what was happening in the dream. He drove the car onto the national highway and asked Huang Ting, ¡°How is the situation underground?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Huang Ting answered. The words he said the most today were ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±.


    ¡°Which step have they progressed to?¡± Ou Qihang answered, ¡°How¡¯s Zhou Sheng now?¡±


    Huang Ting shook his head, his brows furrowing deeply. He coughed violently again. Chen Yekai suddenly slowed down and when they passed by a town, he stopped by the roadside.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Huang Ting asked, ¡°Let¡¯s go ah.¡±


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡¯s unconscious, and Ren Chong is still sitting in that chair?¡±


    Huang Ting said, ¡°From what I last saw, that was the case.¡±


    Underground research room.


    ¡°Stop being so obstinate about getting your way!¡± Qin Guodong¡¯s voice resounded through the hall as he led his men to the bottommost floor. ¡°Ren Chong, your desire for power is practically manic!¡±


    Yet Ren Chong couldn¡¯t hear Qin Guodong¡¯s words. He sat quietly on the chair, the core chip of the Golden Crow Wheel shimmering beside him. The experimental chair was just like a throne that led to the temples of the gods. All the security guards wielded guns that they pointed at Qin Guodong and everyone else; both sides had their weapons drawn, ready for a confrontation.


    ¡°Put down your weapons!¡± Xiao Jian commanded in a stern voice, ¡°We¡¯ve already called the police!¡±


    Both sides fell silent; even the drop of a needle could be heard.


    ¡°The power grid has been connected. Begin supplying energy.¡± A researcher¡¯s voice broke the silence. Qin Guodong held his gun up and immediately pointed it at Ren Chong, and just when he was about to shoot, the hall darkened in an instant again with a ¡®buzz¡®, plunging into darkness.


    At the same time, Yanqing County, in the town, and even the whole area of North China¡¯s power grid, Beijing, and all of their power supply equipment ¡ª all their energy had been completely drained!

 Chapter 161.2

    Street lights in every direction had gone out; the lights in thousands of households disappeared, and there was a chorus of surprised cries at the power failure. The car was parked at the roadside, and Chen Yekai immediately turned his head.


    Ou Qihang: ¡°Ren Chong is drawing the energy away.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°What does he want to do?¡±


    Everyone sensed danger at the same time.


    Lights of thousands of households went out; the world returned to how it was supposed to look like at night. In the night sky, only the splendour of the bright moon remained that spilled all over the world.


    In the underground research room, the Golden Crow Wheel chip emitted an intense light; bizarre rays burst out, so resplendent that no one could look straight at them! Ren Chong was still wearing his helmet, his eyes squeezed tight. Then, the Golden Crow Wheel chip released a pulse¡ª


    That pulse instantly swept across everyone in the hall who were the first ones to bear the brunt ¡ª everyone, including Qin Guodong, who was just one second away from pulling the trigger, the security guards, and the motorcade outside the factory, lost their surface consciousness in an instant and fell to the ground!


    The Golden Crow Wheel flickered with a golden light and rose from the ground, started rotating slowly, and released a second pulse that diffused across the whole world!


    The pulse swept by; Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, Fu Liqun, and Huang Ting who were on the car instantly turned dazed and lay back in their seats.


    Only Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were lying on their respective seats, hand in hand, falling into a coma.


    Mountains toppled, the earth overturned, dark clouds swept through the sky, loud blares rang out from the ground to the sky one after another, then echoed back to the ground from the skies; it was as if the hand of the Creator had suddenly descended and pressed down on the world, then grasped it ¡ª the world then shattered, drifted, and turned into swirling fragments before assembling itself back together again.


    Along with the fierce eruption of that pulse, the colossal sand table of the world was sent out, and the surface world hovering in the universe was inverted! All knowledge was subverted; the world was like a coin that flipped over along its fixed axis; its whirl shook heaven and earth, then another thunderclap blared, and everything froze!


    Billions of flashing dream world debris were recombined, putting together the grand world of the collective unconscious. At this moment, under the influence of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s powers, all life in the world entered their dreams at the exact same time! Innumerable dreams constituted the spiritual sea of mankind ¡ª just like how the tide that had always concealed the deepest realm suddenly receded all at once, revealing the vast and endless wondrous sight that had existed since the beginning of time!


    High-speed rail whizzed through the air like roller coasters; skyscrapers that hovered in the air spun like they were Rubik cubes, billions of doors in the sky and on earth opened, then slammed shut again, abstract lines formed sculptures standing on the curved surfaces of mountains and rivers. The stars transformed into candy in some places, while transforming into raging flames in others; at the end of the night sky, a giant bathed in flames lifted a heavy hammer and struck the tinfoil-like human-shaped pieces of paper under the smelting furnace. Panlong soared through the sky, then dove down and swallowed the cars on the ground in one big gulp. Whales grew wings and flew about freely above the palaces.


    Fierce gales blew at plants. The fluff of dandelions turned into cats with wings that grew from its ribs, numerous of which flew through the city; a torrential downpour buffeted down, transforming into pink coins that drifted across the earth. Baffled pedestrians walked through the streets dressed only in their underwear, and there were even winged horses dragging floats behind them, gun salutes were fired, and they revelled heartily in the air.


    Following which, all of the dreamscapes collapsed at the same time after they were released, retracted, and turned into countless hemispherical bubbles that floated to the surface of the ocean of subconsciousness!


    In the Great Wall world, Yu Hao waited anxiously for the result of the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s search, but within a second, a rippling spatial fluctuation affected his dream, and with a ¡®whoosh¡®, the Golden Crow Wheel disappeared right in front of him!


    Yu Hao shouted and fell from the sky. He immediately spread his wings out and shouted, ¡°Golden Crow Wheel?!¡±


    He didn¡¯t get an answer. The world spread out in front of him with bizarre scenes; in the distance, a giant tree peeked out from the ground, one over the other, it kept growing, and countless dreamscapes emerged from the tree of the world, and like a jigsaw puzzle that was being pieced together, a new world was formed!


    ¡°What happened?¡± Yu Hao murmured, ¡°Where is this place?¡±


    Ren Chong¡¯s voice travelled over from the tree of the world, ¡°So the world of the collective unconscious looks like this¡­¡±


    ¡°Ren Chong?!¡± Yu Hao shouted angrily, ¡°What do you want to do?!¡±


    Once Yu Hao turned around, he left the soap bubble of his dreamscape and flew to the giant tree in the distance. However, there was a tremendous force in the air ¡ª a massive stone like a mountain range appeared above his head within a split second that was about to ram straight into him!


    With a loud bang, Yu Hao exerted all his strength to avoid the mountains and brushed by its edge as he flew out; someone¡¯s dream on the earth instantly shattered from the impact!


    ¡°In this collective dreamscape¡­¡± Ren Chong¡¯s voice rang out slowly, ¡°I will obtain supreme strength.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°You lunatic, is that the voice in the deepest part of your heart?¡±


    Yu Hao swooped down to the earth; the dreamscapes of mankind slowly floated to the top, standing in great numbers as they floated to the surface of the water like the boundless stars of the universe, but also like bubbles that appeared on earth. The fog of the subconscious spread out from below the giant tree in the distance. A mass of fog swirled towards Yu Hao. Yu Hao dodged and got out of its way, but even more fog shot swiftly toward him like missiles.


    Yu Hao flew toward the tree of the world, but at that moment, a flashing, black scorching sun rose from the tree of the world and released another pulse that formed a fierce gale to blow him far away!


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Golden Crow Wheel?! Golden Crow Wheel! Are you still here?! Answer me!¡±


    Yu Hao looked up; it seemed like the moon in the sky wasn¡¯t far away. It coexisted with the Golden Crow Wheel, like an eclipse, forming a rather strange sight.


    ¡°The Overseer¡¯s consciousness has been temporarily replaced.¡± The moonlight illuminated Yu Hao; like a spotlight on stage, a pillar of light followed him at all times to protect him from the influence of the integration into this collective unconscious.


    Yu Hao¡¯s staff lit up. He landed temporarily, saying, ¡°Continue searching for the Overseer! Quick!¡±


    ¡°The Overseer¡¯s dark self is hiding in one of the dreamscapes,¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered, ¡°The master personality is under the tree of the world; he has already fallen into the sea of subconscious.¡±


    The fog surged over. Yu Hao muttered, ¡°What the hell is this guy trying to do?¡±


    ¡°Through the integration of the collective unconscious, accomplish the invasion of consciousness.¡± Golden Crow Wheel answered.


    Yu Hao saw a large number of monsters hiding in the fog released by the tree of the world; they were currently invading everyone¡¯s dreamscapes, and they kept attacking the soap bubbles on the ground, popping them by tearing them apart with their teeth before seizing complete control over them. Starting from where the tree of the world was situated, thousands upon thousands of soap bubbles were being broken one after another, while numerous aerial roots extended from the tree of the world under Ren Chong¡¯s control took root in the ruptured soap bubbles, drew nutrients from them, and further expanded their scope of influence.


    ¡°Any self will do!¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Mark it for me now!¡±


    Moonlight was cast upon a distant place; Yu Hao flew over ¡ª it was a bizarre, sky blue dream that was both clear and bright. The dream was currently emitting a beautiful layer of light.


    He entered that dreamscape, saying, ¡°Whose dream is this?¡±


    In the garden where flowers were in full bloom, Zhou Sheng wore a suit of black armour, had short, jet-black hair, wore metal boots, and had pulled a chair out to sit on it in reverse. He hugged the back of the chair and was currently chatting with a beautiful girl. Yu Hao landed from the sky, shouting, ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng looked up and glanced at Yu Hao. Yu Hao was stunned.


    ¡°Satan?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°How did you get out? What kind of timing do you think this is?! And you¡¯re actually here picking up girls?! Wait, no! You like girls?!¡±


    ¡°This is your sis-in-law.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng raised his hand as he wanted to hold Yu Hao¡¯s hand, saying to that girl, ¡°Greet sis-in-law.¡±


    The girl wore a white dress and a wreath on her head, seeming just like a little princess. She was only about fourteen or fifteen years old. She smiled sweetly at Yu Hao. ¡°Hello, sis-in-law.¡±


    ¡°Where did this sister of yours come from?¡± Yu Hao was stunned silly.


    Dark Zhou Sheng said, ¡°¡®Kay, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°Be careful.¡± That little sister said.


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°I knew you wouldn¡¯t be able to let go of me in your heart, and that you would come looking for me.¡±


    ¡°But, this¡­¡± Yu Hao could hardly believe what he was seeing, ¡°When did you come out?¡±


    ¡°Right when Ren Chong initiated the solar eclipse.¡± Dark Zhou Sheng answered solemnly, ¡°Are we going to look for my other self now?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Wait¡­hold on, why didn¡¯t you come search for me in my dream?¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng opened his palm up, motioning for Yu Hao to hold his hand. He explained, ¡°What if the enemy pursued us all the way into your dream?¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the little girl again and said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll¡­we¡¯ll¡­¡±


    Dark Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao and kissed him on the cheek, then said to the girl, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a call when I¡¯m free. Let¡¯s go, Wifey, fly.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao spread his wings out and could only start flying. When he heard the words ¡®give you a call¡¯, he instantly remembered that not long after he got to know Zhou Sheng, he had seen him smiling while calling someone ¡ª so it was her?


    ¡°She¡¯s your younger sister?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Dark Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°A girl brought over by my stepmother after her divorce.¡±


    Yu Hao remembered that Zhou Laichun had married a rich woman after his first divorce, before divorcing again for a second time. That stepmother even had her own daughter! He never knew!


    ¡°You¡¯ve never told me before!¡± Yu Hao said angrily.


    ¡°But you¡¯ve never asked, have you?¡± Dark Zhou Sheng answered, ¡°See, even lovers who are closest to each other have things they hide from the other party.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°That¡¯s not it at all, he must have just forgotten to say it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re jealous?¡± Dark Zhou Sheng laughed.


    ¡°This is no time to be discussing this!¡± Yu Hao looked at the giant tree in the distance; the number of ruptured soap bubble areas was growing, and the giant tree¡¯s aerial roots were controlling even more places as well. Yu Hao said, ¡°I have to find Zhou Sheng.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s in the sea of the subconscious,¡± Dark Zhou Sheng, ¡°How are you going to find him? Or just forget it ba, what do you think of me? Why don¡¯t we just find some random dreamscape, replace its original owner, and live a simple life together there?¡±


    Yu Hao threw Dark Zhou Sheng down from the sky. With a loud blare, black vapour erupted from the earth. Zhou Sheng turned into Satan and slowly floated up.


    ¡°Listen carefully to me.¡± Yu Hao placed his dagger against Satan¡¯s throat, saying, ¡°We made a bet last time, and you still owe me your wager.¡±


    Satan smiled and used his palm to resist the tip of Yu Hao¡¯s dagger. ¡°If you can bear to, stab me right now. You definitely can¡¯t bear to.¡±


    Satan was showing him Zhou Sheng¡¯s trademark mischievous grin. Yu Hao kept his dagger and said to Satan, ¡°Now, fulfil your promise to me. You have to keep your word ba.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m the dark self.¡± Satan answered, ¡°It also includes ¡®going back on my words¡¯. The dark me likes acting in bad faith and breaking promises, you should understand ba.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Previously, Yu Hao¡¯s bet with Satan was to ¡®promise me one thing¡¯, but as for what would be promised, Yu Hao decided not to say for the time being then. He kept it so that perhaps in the end, during a decisive battle between Satan and Zhou Sheng, it may result in turning the tables. However, once Satan played this trick, Yu Hao was instantly helpless.


    ¡°That¡¯s your other self!¡± Yu Hao said.


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± Satan lifted Yu Hao¡¯s chin, ¡°But he¡¯s also my mortal enemy. I¡¯ve found that guy unpleasant to the eye for a very long time, he¡¯s always unwilling to face up to his true thoughts¡­¡±


    Yu Hao smacked Satan¡¯s hand away. ¡°State your terms.¡±


    Satan said meaningfully, ¡°You¡¯ve never been all that smart, my angel baby. Look over there.¡±


    Yu Hao turned his head and looked at the tree of the world. The giant tree¡¯s area was still expanding continuously, and dreams touched by its aerial roots were all covered by the fog, their outlines turning indistinct. Satan said, ¡°The subconscious is already under his complete control. His tentacles now are drawing nutrients from this soil¡­¡±


    There were more and more aerial roots now, as if they had formed a boundless forest. Yu Hao said, ¡°What will this turn into?¡±


    ¡°Every dream invaded by the aerial root symbolises a person¡¯s self-consciousness.¡± Satan said, ¡°He can already control these people¡¯s minds at will, and he will only get stronger as the scope of his control grows.¡±


    ¡°¡­and the ¡®me¡¯ you want to fight is right below its roots.¡± Satan pointed at the tree of the world itself with a hint of a smile in his eyes, ¡°That¡¯s the collapsed Colosseum, that¡¯s the soil where the tree of the world grows from. The bottom layer is our dream, while the upper layer is Ren Chong¡¯s own dream.¡±


    Yu Hao looked up at the top of the tree.


    ¡°Now, you just need to get close to it and go into the fog,¡± Satan said, ¡°And you¡¯ll immediately be discovered. The permissions opened up for you by the moon are shrinking. Once you go in to find him, the moon won¡¯t be useful anymore.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Then please attract his attention, I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    ¡°Yo, no, no.¡± Satan said with a smile, ¡°That idea¡¯s good, but it¡¯s far from enough to rely on me alone. First of all, let¡¯s try to stop him from expanding, come.¡±


    Yu Hao frowned. ¡°Come? How?¡±


    ¡°Use your totem to build your true Great Wall.¡± Satan and Yu Hao were suspended in the air, ¡°I¡¯ll light the help-seeking beacon fires for you and restrain Ren Chong from swallowing any more people.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°My totem has long since disappeared!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that in the sky?¡± Satan smiled thoughtfully, ¡°You haven¡¯t realised?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    The bright moon illuminated Yu Hao, its light growing more and more pure and holy. Yu Hao spread his wings out; one pair, two pairs, three pairs ¡ª the six-winged angel flew about in the air.


    ¡°My¡­totem.¡± Yu Hao instantly sensed the tremendous power that the moon was transmitting to him! The essence of the moon was the totem he once possessed! Just like how the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s power had transformed into a part of the sun in Zhou Sheng¡¯s dreamscape before, Yu Hao¡¯s totem had already transformed into the bright moon that always followed him around without his awareness!


    Where the sunlight disappears, there would still be a bright moon illuminating the dark world¡­


    The moon shattered into pieces with a bang and turned into countless light particles, flying toward Yu Hao like a heavenly road. Yu Hao¡¯s entire body was so resplendent one couldn¡¯t look straight at him. He wielded a dagger and swung it at the ground¡ª


    ¡ªThe light arc drawn by the dagger turned into a silver Great Wall that unfurled and stood aloft in the dream world; the massive wall that has existed since time immemorial effectively withstood the fog coming from another side! It blocked Ren Chong from advancing!


    Heaven and earth were separated by this formidable Great Wall; with a cut right across the middle, to the north was the tree of the world and the Golden Crow Wheel in the solar eclipse, while to the south was Yu Hao and Satan, who were standing atop the Great Wall, as well as the billions of dreamscapes behind them that they were guarding. Meanwhile, the moon had also disappeared completely along with what had happened.


    ¡°What do you think you are?! A mantis trying to stop a chariot?! Don¡¯t overestimate yourself!¡± Ren Chong¡¯s roar resounded through the sky!


    The fog under the Great Wall began surging, and countless huge, roaring black wolves appeared within that were climbing up the Great Wall. Yu Hao said, ¡°We can¡¯t hold on with just this city wall alone!¡±


    Satan turned into Dark Zhou Sheng once again. With a lighter clasped between his fingers, he twirled it, jumped, and held it tight; once he pushed the lighter, with a ¡®click¡®, meteor-like flames burst out of the lighter with a bang that scattered in all directions, flying toward the hundreds of beacon towers at the top of the Great Wall, and flame pillars burst into the air like tornadoes. Under every flame pillar, a whirlpool of fire dispersed, revealing the soldiers in Yu Hao¡¯s dream!


    Just behind them, in a dreamscape that was just like the sea, innumerable star-like totems rose and released light particles that flew toward the Great Wall; they turned into flying fighters irradiating a strong glow that rode fine steeds in the air, and this magnificent army with millions of troops charged at the huge dark wolves!


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Omg, final battle time! Also, it¡¯s so cool that Yu Hao is now the moon (and the wordplay with the name is really good)

 Chapter 162.1

    In front of them was an endless stream of black demonic wolves that they couldn¡¯t finish killing, while behind them were their reinforcements flooding over like a tide; their war cries shook the heavens, and they were waging war against the tree of the world.


    ¡°This¡­¡±


    ¡°Consciousness is about to be invaded.¡± Satan said, ¡°They would all instinctively resist that. In this way, his attention will be focused on the Great Wall.¡±


    Sure enough, at the top of the tree of the world, more fog was released that flew toward the Great Wall; the fog battered like missiles against the reinforcements summoned by Satan.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to go save people.¡± Yu Hao said.


    Satan looked into the distance and answered, ¡°Archangel, are you sure you want to go there alone?¡±


    Yu Hao stopped. Satan said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to be unable to see you come back alive.¡±


    ¡°Can I understand that as your appeal for help from your friends?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Satan didn¡¯t answer and just smiled. ¡°They may have been swallowed by the subconscious as well. When you¡¯re looking for them, be careful¡­let¡¯s kiss?¡±


    Yu Hao blocked Satan. He released the totem¡¯s strength with his left hand, and it formed a silver Golden Crow Wheel shape, while a blast erupted from his right hand; silver flames shot out and opened up a portal, then he kept his wings and threw himself in.


    Dream worlds covered by the fog and controlled by aerial roots looked different now, as if they were ruins as they turned into wastelands.


    In Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, all of its vegetation had withered. A giant pillar took root beside the pyramid, and all of the light particles in the dreamscape revolved around that aerial root as they were being constantly sucked into the world tree. The aerial root released a billowing fog that was swallowing this dream world. Ren Chong, bathed in black flames, appeared in the fog and said in a low voice, ¡°Everything you seek is but an illusion, such absurd notions¡­¡±


    With his flying scalpel in hand, Chen Yekai was fighting Ren Chong. In the sky, on the ground, Ren Chong had divided himself into many clones that whizzed through the air, dragging black flames behind them as they knocked Chen Yekai down to the ground.


    Chen Yekai kept gasping for breath and struggled to get up, and right at that moment, Yu Hao grabbed Chen Yekai¡¯s wrist and pulled him behind the pyramid!


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Chen Yekai uttered in disbelief.


    All of Ren Chong¡¯s clones converged once again, revolving as they turned into a whirlpool of black flames and bombarded Chen Yekai¡¯s hiding place. Yu Hao said, ¡°Go in! Into the pyramid!¡±


    The two of them ran into the pyramid. Heaven and earth shook, and Ren Chong had begun to bombard the main door.


    ¡°This will be your grave for eternity!¡±


    Chen Yekai said to Yu Hao, ¡°What happened? I suddenly entered my dream and realised that this guy was in my dream, he¡¯s too strong! I can¡¯t compete with him! We need to think of a way to leave this place!¡±


    Meanwhile, Yu Hao pulled Chen Yekai to the terrace of the pyramid atrium. The two of them looked out together.


    ¡°No! Cut that pillar.¡± Yu Hao said to Chen Yekai, He¡¯s drawing energy from your dreamscape. As long as we cut off Ren Chong¡¯s forced invasion, you can drive him out.¡±


    Chen Yekai placed the flying scalpel in Yu Hao¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°My Feathered Serpent God disappeared, so I can¡¯t do anything aside from luring his attention away from you. Can you still fly?¡±


    Yu Hao shook his head. ¡°My powers come from your impression of me. Now that this dream had been invaded by Ren Chong¡¯s will, I¡¯m the same ¡ª all of my powers have disappeared.¡±


    Ren Chong soared through the air, releasing black flames and began bombarding the pyramid. The bricks at the top kept collapsing; the two of them avoided the falling stones. Chen Yekai stared at Yu Hao blankly, who was still looking out.


    ¡°The only way is to pick up or awaken your impression of me.¡± Yu Hao turned his head and said to Chen Yekai, ¡°You have to trust me.¡±


    Chen Yekai gazed at Yu Hao, then nodded.


    ¡°A brief moment will be enough.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Cut off the aerial root, and you¡¯ll be able to recover.¡±


    Chen Yekai closed his eyes and said, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±


    Yu Hao ran up to the terrace. Chen Yekai turned around and walked to the main door of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. The aerial root that support both heaven and earth was not far from the terrace. Yu Hao brandished his dagger, looked back, and saw Chen Yekai¡¯s back.


    ¡°Trust me, Chen Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°Recall the past we shared, give me the strength to fight for you in your conscious world¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai didn¡¯t look back. He made a gesture, and the main door of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢ blasted open. Outside the door, a black robed Ren Chong hovered in the air.


    ¡°Finally going to stop resisting and submit to your capture?¡± Ren Chong¡¯s voice resounded through the sky. Chen Yekai just closed his eyes, as if he had really given up on resisting. Amidst Ren Chong¡¯s arrogant laughter, he opened up both hands; his gun fell on the platform and rolled down.


    Ren Chong stretched one hand out, and billowing black flames burst out of his hand that swept over Chen Yekai¡¯s whole body. Chen Yekai, who was burning in those black flames, suddenly opened his eyes and shouted, ¡°Now!¡±


    Yu Hao leapt out of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s terrace and jumped towards the aerial root!


    Within a moment, countless scenes erupted around Chen Yekai, revolving rapidly around Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢! Many memories reappeared like a trotting horse lamp¡ª¡ª


    On the night of the college celebration, Chen Yekai was always looking up at the singing Yu Hao on the stage in silence.


    After the snowy night passed, the morning sun shone brilliantly; Chen Yekai woke up with a hangover and gazed at Yu Hao, who was curled up on the sofa.


    ¡°There used to be a saying here. Un¡­I forgot. In any case, I remember that the suspension bridge was related to some classic.¡±


    ¡°Why did you say it if you have forgotten it?¡±


    In the bitingly cold winter, Chen Yekai stood outside the glass wall of the cafe, looking at Yu Hao¡¯s side profile as he was looking down and brewing coffee.


    In the dark night, Chen Yekai¡¯s breathing was both rapid and shallow.


    ¡°Give it to me, Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said nervously.


    Chen Yekai finally released the handle of the scalpel in his hand, allowing Yu Hao to take it away. He watched his back as he left, and after a long time passed, he chased after him and left the enshrouding shadow of the dormitory building. But on the field, Zhou Sheng found Yu Hao.


    So Chen Yekai retreated again and sighed wearily.


    ¡°Wishing you both well.¡± Chen Yekai stood in the dark and whispered.


    In midsummer, Chen Yekai stood outside the door to Yu Hao¡¯s dormitory. He smoothed his hair, looked down at the sports attire that he was wearing, took his phone out, and after pondering for a moment, finally raised his hand to knock on the door with a smile on his face.


    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you forget about all these.¡±


    On the platform at the top of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, Zhou Sheng scrutinised the scenes of Chen Yekai¡¯s memories.


    ¡°That¡¯ll be good too.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Such indistinct feelings, even if not spoken, would cause a lot of trouble for the other party ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng remained silent for a moment, but never snapped his fingers and release his golden flames.


    ¡°You like him?¡± Zhou Sheng asked.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t burn these memories. After some time passes, it¡¯ll gradually fade away.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything more and in the end, he put down his hands, saying, ¡°Brother, although I agree that you have to walk out of it, I really can¡¯t help you¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai smiled, while Zhou Sheng shook his head helplessly. He turned around to leap out of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, stepped onto his jindouyun, and flew toward the scorching sun in the sky.


    In the next moment, all of the memory scenes shattered, bursting into light particles that chased after the faraway Yu Hao! Yu Hao suddenly opened his eyes wide ¡ª the wings on his back fluttered out straight; his silver light was so dazzling that one couldn¡¯t stare straight at him, and he was like a celestial body that illuminated the dark night of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡ª


    He raised his hand, lifted the flying scalpel, and shouted, ¡°Get lost!¡±


    Before anyone could react, the flying scalpel shone with a white light, drawing a crescent-shaped knife Qi that whistled through the air and cut the aerial root that connected heaven and earth straight across its middle into two!


    The giant root broke apart; Ren Chong instantly blew up, turning into billowing black flames that dissipated in the sky.


    In the world of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢, the moon appeared once again. The leaves of countless rainforests reflected a silver light that surged like a tide. In the sea of consciousness shrouded by the fog, a lone island appeared; a light pillar shot out of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s apex, and like a lighthouse in an area fallen into the enemy¡¯s hands, it illuminated a small area.


    Yu Hao glided back and hovered in the air in front of Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai resumed his Great Chieftain look, and both of them looked at each other in silence.


    Yu Hao raised his hand and threw the flying scalpel back to Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai lifted his hand and caught it, summoned his Feathered Serpent God, leapt onto it, and only said two words, ¡°Go ba.¡±


    Yu Hao stood on the back of the Feathered Serpent God. A moonlight barrier enveloped both Chen Yekai and his Feathered Serpent God. The Feathered Serpent God broke through the fog and meandered as it advanced forward.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡± After leaving Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Chen Yekai finally raised a topic.


    ¡°Under the tree.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°His dark self is guarding the Great Wall. It¡¯s not enough to rely on my strength alone.¡±


    ¡°Dark self.¡± Chen Yekai smiled, ¡°Never seen him before. Is he a little devil as well?¡±


    ¡°Un¡­a little.¡± Yu Hao thought about it, then explained the details that Golden Crow Wheel told him to Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai muttered, ¡°Ren Chong wants to invade everyone¡¯s consciousness. We must hurry.¡±


    Yu Hao uttered an ¡°un¡°. Chen Yekai continued, ¡°I thought you¡¯d ignore everything else and kill your way straight through to the bottom of the tree to save him.¡±


    ¡°I am really anxious, and I might have done that in the past.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°But Qihang said some things that made me reconsider a little¡­He needs you guys. He needs everyone.¡±


    Feathered Serpent God descended from high up and flew into the depths of the fog, revealing the Hanging Gardens concealed by the subconscious. Huang Ting, wearing an Archmage attire, held a magic book in his left hand with its pages fluttering in the wind, and he was currently wandering about and fighting with Ren Chong, who had a trail of black flames behind him ¡ª both sides showed no signs of giving in at all!


    Ren Chong¡¯s consciousness had not yet completely controlled Huang Ting?! Yu Hao reacted ¡ª Huang Ting shouldn¡¯t be afraid of him!


    ¡°Huang Ting!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Huang Ting released fireballs that filled the sky, and they shot swiftly like meteors towards Ren Chong, who was soaring through the sky. He shouted, ¡°Chop down the bastard pillar for me!¡±


    Chen Yekai and Yu Hao instantly separated in the air. Yu Hao brandished his dagger, which flickered with the arc of a moon as he swung it. The Feathered Serpent God suddenly grabbed Ren Chong from the air and slammed him against the ground, then Huang Ting released a black gravitational field. Ren Chong wailed in anguish as he wanted to fly away, but he was sucked straight into that black hole, and his black flames disappeared with a blast as well.


    Huang Ting gasped in the air. When he turned his head around to take a look, Yu Hao had already cut off the aerial root ¡ª the half that fell down from the sky was drawn away, while the root that remained in Huang Ting¡¯s dream world turned into black vapour and dissipated.


    Huang Ting, ¡°Where¡¯s Zhou Sheng?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go find Qihang and Gege first, I¡¯ll explain it to all of you later. I really don¡¯t want to explain the same thing four times.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°How much longer can the Great Wall last?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have to ask Satan that.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±

 Chapter 162.2

    In the Great Wall in the distance, its lights shone brilliantly, and its splendour radiated in all directions. The fog was still creeping up the wall, rising upward; at the other camp facing the Great Wall from far away, in the Golden Crow Wheel that was in the state of an eclipse, a solar prominence was erupting from its periphery. An endless stream of dark monsters were flying out from the black disc; they plunged into the fog and headed to the Great Wall.


    ¡°Look.¡± Huang Ting motioned to the other two. There was a lone island flickering in the distance that was driving the fog away.


    ¡°That¡¯s¡­Loulan?¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Gege has already succeeded!¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t expect that Fu Liqun could actually break free from Ren Chong¡¯s control by relying on his strength alone! This was something even Huang Ting couldn¡¯t do!


    Chen Yekai, ¡°Where¡¯s Liqun?¡±


    ¡°I see him!¡± Yu Hao cried out, ¡°Gege!¡±


    A figure riding a celestial horse appeared in the sky. Chen Yekai immediately shot in that direction, and Fu Liqun noticed it. Clad in a suit of silver armour, he flew over on his celestial horse.


    ¡°I¡¯m freezing!¡± Fu Liqun wailed in anguish, ¡°Why are you guys so late?¡±


    ¡°You broke free from Ren Chong?¡± Yu Hao could hardly believe it.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°I dreamt that a pillar was inserted into my world. Ren Chong even ran out and asked me for my totem¡­¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°You weren¡¯t afraid of him at all?¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°Of course not. I¡¯m going abroad soon, why would I be afraid of him?!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You could defeat him?¡±


    Fu Liqun shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t mention it anymore. I¡¯m not capable at all, so I could only start fooling and brainwashing him. I successfully tricked him into the gym that went bankrupt and locked the door, let that enchantress SM him, then cut the pillar. It seemed like after that, everything returned to normal all of a sudden, and I could summon my mount too, so I thought about looking for you guys. That¡¯s the Great Wall? What happened?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°You¡¯re really good at fooling people.¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°That¡¯s right. I didn¡¯t take all those lessons in that pyramid scheme organisation in vain¡­Where¡¯s Young Master? Where did Xiao Ou go? What the hell happened? Can we still wake up?¡±


    Yu Hao snapped out of his daze. ¡°Look for Qihang first, quick!¡±


    As his comrades returned one by one, it seemed like the powers Yu Hao had lost were gradually returning as well. Fu Liqun steered the celestial horse in front and broke through the fog; the Feathered Serpent God following closely behind, and they entered the last dream. The high-rise buildings of Ying City stood in great numbers, the fog enveloped the area at the bottom of the high-rise buildings, and Ou Qihang was standing at the rooftop.


    ¡°Qihang!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Ou Qihang was kneeling at the top of the high-rise building. Ren Chong hovered in mid air, as if he was putting Ou QIhang on trial. Black flames burst out of his hands that wrapped around Ou Qihang¡¯s body. When he heard the shout, Ou Qihang suddenly raised his head.


    As soon as the four of them entered the dreamscape, the Feathered God Serpent disappeared and fell from the sky. Ou Qihang shouted fiercely, ¡°Yu Hao!¡± He kept struggling and rushed to the edge of the rooftop. Huang Ting grabbed a lightning rod, swung around in the air, and lunged at Yu Hao, shouting, ¡°Don¡¯t jump!¡±


    But Ou Qihang had already jumped off the high-rise building. Fu Liqun shouted angrily, ¡°Asked you not to jump!¡± He pounced toward Ou Qihang, hugged his waist, smashed into the glass wall with him, and they fell into an office building together.


    Glass shards flew out. In the next moment, Chen Yekai crashed in, followed by Huang Ting, and finally Yu Hao.


    Ou Qihang¡¯s head was all bloody. He got up in a daze and stared at the other four.


    ¡°Ren Chong¡¯s coming!¡± Huang Ting warned.


    Everyone immediately took their places and guarded Ou Qihang, facing the outside of the glass wall. Ren Chong slowly descended.


    ¡°Does he know that we¡¯re gathering our team?¡± Huang Ting asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s not easy to judge.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°His focus is on the Great Wall now, so he might not know.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°This guy¡¯s controlling so many dreams, is his attention unable to keep up? Look, why does it feel like he¡¯s a little silly?¡±


    Chen Yekai, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Once Fu Liqun said that, everyone else noticed it as well. Yu Hao said, ¡°It should be because us humans and the original users of the Golden Crow Wheel are different in the first place ba. Distributing this much attention should be more or less a little difficult.¡±


    Yu Hao could hardly do two things at the same time, and someone as smart as Zhou Sheng could at most multitask at two or three things at once. Ren Chong was using his will to control billions of dreamscapes, yet he wasn¡¯t in a situation where his hands were too full?


    Yet these words instantly enraged Ren Chong. Countless black flame missiles sailed forth in full strength and barraged the glass wall. For a moment, the heaven and earth shook, and the exterior wall of the grand building kept falling apart. Huang Ting decided decisively, ¡°Run first, talk later!¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°Not being able to use my Gundam is one thing, but why are you guys this weak too?!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I want to ask you!¡± Fu Liqun cried out, ¡°Your pot!¡±


    Five people ran down the safety corridor with Huang Ting supporting the rear. Ren Chong¡¯s will launched a frenzied bombardment on the glass building, and dust kept falling from the top of the safety corridor. Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°Where can we run to?!¡±


    ¡°Is your safe haven still usable?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    ¡°Can¡¯t get in anymore!¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Fog could be seen everywhere below the fifth floor;  the environment had turned cold, and the remaining energy that wasn¡¯t a lot in the first place had all been drawn away. Yu Hao opened up his barrier to protect everyone. They looked down from the corner of the staircase; the fog of the subconscious was spreading over, while concrete and gravel were collapsing overhead.


    ¡°We have to get outside.¡± Huang Ting looked up and observed, ¡°This place is about to collapse.¡±


    Suddenly, Yu Hao was struck by a flash of inspiration. ¡°It won¡¯t collapse, at least not now!¡±


    Ou Qihang stared at Yu Hao, baffled. Yu Hao saw that this building had been on the verge of collapse for a long time, yet the devastating effect of collapse never formed. When he connected it to the influence of will on dreamscapes, he suddenly figured out a certain vital node.


    ¡°Because we¡¯re here,¡± Yu Hao said to the rest, ¡°Qihang thinks that there will be a turn for the better, that there¡¯s still hope. Before we come up with a solution, this building will protect us.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°But how can we defeat him?¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s words inspired Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai immediately grabbed Ou Qihang¡¯s arm and said patiently, ¡°Listen, Xiao Ou.¡±


    Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai looked at each other. Chen Yekai took a deep breath, then said seriously to him, ¡°Ren Chong isn¡¯t as invincible as you imagine him to be.¡±


    Ou Qihang was distraught as he said, ¡°I know. I understand the principles, but I just can¡¯t convince myself.¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°I remember you mentioned before that if it were possible, you wanted to participate in the research of the Golden Crow Wheel?¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°!!!¡±


    Yu Hao had never heard Ou Qihang mention this wish of his before and presumed that Ou Qihang had said it to Chen Yekai in private. Ou Qihang¡¯s expression changed slightly. After remaining silent for a moment, he glanced at Yu Hao, ¡°I just thought about it before. If the Golden Crow Wheel was handed to me, maybe more mysteries could be solved¡­¡±


    Chen Yekai pointed at Yu Hao, signaling for Ou Qihang to talk to Yu Hao about it himself.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Do you think that it¡¯ll be more effective in your hands than Zhou Sheng¡¯s?¡±


    Ou Qihang thought about it, then answered, ¡°Not exactly, I was wondering¡­if I could borrow it for a short while at an appropriate time¡­¡±


    ¡°Like Ren Chong?¡± Yu Hao replied.


    ¡°Of course not.¡± Ou Qihang laughed and answered, ¡°I won¡¯t use it to do evil. I just want to use it to study dreams.¡±


    The building started shaking violently. Yu Hao suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯ll try to persuade Zhou Sheng to lend it to you after this all ends.¡±


    Ou Qihang uttered in surprise, ¡°Really?¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. He and Chen Yekai looked at each other, then Chen Yekai said, ¡°You must believe that we can seize it back, otherwise there will be no chance.¡±


    Ren Chong divided himself into a dozen or so clones that surrounded the glass building. Each of them concentrated their energy, then released a black flare that connected with each other, locked firmly onto the building, then started closing in like a chain. With a loud blare, the chain twisted itself around the building and instantly shattered the skyscraper into pieces! Bricks and tiles flew out; the building was cut into two across the middle, and within the blink of an eye, the weight of the upper half crushed its foundation and started collapsing layer by layer.


    Right at the next moment, a flash of light burst out from the bottom of the building ¡ª a Gundam broke through the ruins and flew straight at Ren Chong!


    ¡°That¡¯s mine!¡± The Gundam roared angrily, ¡°They¡¯ve already promised to lend it to me! Ren Chong! Give it back!¡±


    Gundam RX-7202 brandished its weapon and swept past. Ren Chong was struck in an instant, then turned into revolving black flames. Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, and Fu Liqun flew out at the same time, wielding their respective weapons in mid-air as they cut down all of Ren Chong¡¯s clones.


    Yu Hao spread his wings out and flew to the giant pillar. With one swing of his dagger, he had drawn an arc of light.


    The aerial root connected to Qihang¡¯s dreamscape was cut and drawn away, and another light pillar rose in the dream world.


    ¡°You promised me, Yu Hao!¡± The Gundam followed the Feathered Serpent God and rose in the sea of subconscious, broke through the fog, and flew to the huge tree.


    ¡°I got it!¡± Yu Hao was a little irritated, ¡°You don¡¯t need to remind me all the time.¡±


    Yu Hao really couldn¡¯t understand what Ou Qihang was thinking sometimes. Huang Ting said, ¡°If Zhou Sheng really agrees to lend it to you, you have to promise me that you won¡¯t come into my dream. I don¡¯t want to dream of you.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I won¡¯t. Uncle Kai said that he¡¯s willing to do the research with me.¡±


    ¡°You guys¡­¡± Yu Hao suddenly seemed to realise something, and he looked at Chen Yekai.


    Chen Yekai answered, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it has nothing to do with Ryuusei.¡±


    Yu Hao nodded. Ou Qihang asked, ¡°Who¡¯s Ryuusei? Is this the collective unconscious? The whole world¡¯s under Ren Chong¡¯s control? How much time has passed in the real world?¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, so we can save Young Master now ba.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at the roots of the huge tree. They had already reached the bottom of the canopy. The pale light of the Golden Crow Wheel shone down through the leaves, and just beneath the intertwined roots of the world tree, the fog of the subconscious was already so dense that one wouldn¡¯t even be able to see their fingers stretched out in front of them. However, right under the roots, a bottomless cave appeared with a faint light flickering in it.


    ¡°Before falling into the subconscious, he asked me to pass on a message to you. He left a signal behind for you that would guide you to where he is¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Yaaaay, the team¡¯s back all together!

 Chapter 163.1

    Gundam, celestial horse, and the Feathered Serpent God hovered in the air as they gathered at the periphery of root area.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Everyone¡¯s here, listen to my explanation ba.¡±


    Yu Hao started explaining to them what the Golden Crow Wheel had told him, while the rest listened quietly. During which, tens of thousands of rotten monsters climbed down the trunk and hurriedly plunged into the fog. Under the cover of this fog, they formed a troupe as they passed through the fog area to attack the Great Wall.


    A loud noise suddenly rang out from the Great Wall far behind them; a dark titan giant rose from within the fog, wielding a giant hammer that it then used to smash the city wall with.


    ¡°¡­So, I have to find Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao said at last.


    ¡°Where are all these monsters coming from?¡± Fu Liqun asked with a frown.


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°Every dreamscape¡¯s boss, the darkness in ordinary people¡¯s hearts.¡±


    In the area controlled by the world tree, billions of dreamscapes had already withered away.The gatekeepers and the bosses of those dreams, all of them had already been drawn away, and were madly laying siege to the Great Wall.


    ¡°Let¡¯s set out ba.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Yu Hao raised the scepter in his hand, illuminating the subconscious world, and expelling the fog. At the moment the moonlight burst out, Ren Chong, who was at the top of the tree, instantly discovered them. He roared madly, ¡°Still going to put up a desperate struggle?!¡±


    Within a split second, tens of thousands of monsters under the huge tree rushed toward Yu Hao. Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Cover him!¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t hesitate any longer; he spread his wings out and flew to the cave at the tree roots. Ou Qihang, Chen Yekai, Huang Ting, and Fu Liqun followed behind as they protected Yu Hao.


    ¡°Guard this place!¡± Yu Hao shouted, then stabbed the scepter right into the ground at the entrance to the cave at the tree roots. With a ¡®buzz¡®, the scepter released a bright light that cleared the surrounding fog, while the other four immediately guarded the entrance of the cave. Yu Hao tucked his wings in and instantly shot into the darkness like an artillery shell, flying towards that little bit of light in the bottom most depths under the tree.


    Right after he entered the dark passage, sounds and light all instantly disappeared.


    A boundless expanse of darkness was just like the deepest part of the sea of subconscious. Yu Hao¡¯s wings shattered, turning into luminous feathers that dissipated all over the air. After losing the scepter, the power of the moonlight rapidly drained away from him, and his consciousness gradually blurred. Between heaven and earth, a tranquil and gentle marine snow fell, but right at the deepest part of the sea, there was a faint, flickering light that always guided his way forward.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao muttered, ¡°Quick, wake up, I¡¯m waiting for you¡­¡±


    The sea was both ice cold and dead silent. Heat was dissipating rapidly from his body, he had difficulty breathing, and it was hard for him to keep going. He saw that the light was still very far away, very far away¡­


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª!¡± Yu Hao cried out in pain.


    Along with that cry, countless scenes flickering with a golden lustre erupted all around Yu Hao, revolving around him and warding off the chill of this whole ice cold world!


    In the conference room, a red-haired Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao to one side and swung out to strike with an earth-shattering punch. Yu Hao hid behind Zhou Sheng, looking a little flabbergasted.


    Yu Hao kept falling towards the light in the sea.


    On that day, Zhou Sheng carried Yu Hao¡¯s PP bags on his back, dragged Yu Hao¡¯s luggage, and even carried a cardboard box on his shoulder as he took Yu Hao away from his dormitory and into another building. Yu Hao watched silently from behind.


    At the top of Mt. Tianqing, Zhou Sheng stormed across the suspension bridge while Yu Hao gazed at his back.


    ¡°What I saw the most, and what left the deepest impression on me, was your back¡­¡± Yu Hao whispered sadly in the light.


    Riding a bicycle as he rushed through the finish line in the sunset; the chilly feeling of being sprayed with water; the stifling hot dormitory in the summer, and Zhou Sheng standing on the ladder, touching his forehead carefully, Yu Hao turned around to face the wall while feeling sour¡­


    Until that day, they sat quietly opposite each other with the radiance of twilight streaming into the ferris wheel¡­ding ding dong dong, the jingle rang out at the deepest part of his mind¡ª


    ¡°Zhou Sheng!¡± Yu Hao heard the music coming from the bottom of the sea and shouted desperately.


    Zhou Sheng stood in the middle of the ocean floor, holding the heart-shaped music box in his hand. He looked up with a blank and bewildered expression, like a child who had experienced a very long wait and didn¡¯t know where the future lay.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng¡ª!¡± Yu Hao¡¯s tears spilled out, drawing an arc and disappearing in the sky.


    ¡°I was so fortunate to have met you, but I¡¯ve already lost all rights to cry for you¡­¡±


    The kiss on the ferris wheel, accompanied by the millions of fireworks exploding in the background; in a summer night, Yu Hao skateboarded through the open space in the park. When he looked back, he saw Zhou Sheng following him appearing very careful.


    ¡°I¡¯m wearing a helmet, don¡¯t worry¡­¡±


    ¡°Look ahead, don¡¯t look back!¡± Zhou Sheng bellowed immediately.


    ¡°To see that you were always the one standing right in front of me...¡±


    In their rented apartment, Zhou Sheng removed his hands that were covering Yu Hao¡¯s eyes; on the dining table, there was a huge bouquet of blooming roses and lit Valentine¡¯s Day candles. Surprise filled Yu Hao¡¯s eyes.


    Amidst the snow swirling through the sky, Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand, and in the warm private room, he turned his head sideways to kiss Yu Hao on the cheek in front of his parents. Yu Hao blushed unconsciously.


    ¡°Are you the one or were we not meant to be¡­¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao! Yu Hao! Fuck this god damn rail!¡±


    Yu Hao stood in the carriage and abruptly looked back, only to see Zhou Sheng¡¯s suit fluttering in the wind as he dashed across the platform, all the way to the end before he had no choice but to stop.


    When he saw him again, Zhou Sheng was holding an iron rod as he faced the pursuers amidst the cold winds and snow. Yu Hao still thought he was dreaming as he staggered out of the bushes. Zhou Sheng raised his hand angrily, the pursuers dispersed in an uproar, and only then did he turn around furiously and hugged Yu Hao.


    ¡°I hope we get another chance someday¡­¡±


    At home, Zhou Sheng hugged Yu Hao as they danced under the warm lamp light.


    ¡°All I can do is pray¡­¡°


    ¡°Yu Hao?¡± Zhou Sheng murmured, raised his head and looked up at Yu Hao, who was falling obliquely from the sky. He muttered to himself, ¡°Yu Hao¡­This is for you.¡±


    He faced the dark sky, holding up the ball of faint light that illuminated the subconscious world with both hands.


    ¡°Zhou Sheng.¡± Yu Hao choked back a sob.


    In an instant, Yu Hao touched the light with one hand. Within the music of the music box, the totem changed its form, then a flare spread out and enveloped the whole place; the colour of the world changed as well, and boiling golden flames flooded the heavens and earth!


    Yu Hao opened his eyes wide in the intense glare; within the flames, the memory fragments that were lost were being reconstructed at a rapid rate!


    ¡°Had another nightmare?¡± Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways and asked.


    Yu Hao lay on the sofa in Zhou Sheng¡¯s home, his eyes wide open as he kept gasping for breath.


    ¡°What did you dream of?¡± Zhou Sheng frowned.


    ¡°That room¡­¡± Yu Hao gasped for a moment, then calmed down. He said, ¡°I don¡¯t know why, but I¡¯ll dream of it now and then.¡±


    ¡°General?¡±


    In the dream world of the Great Wall, Yu Hao stared in disbelief at the General clad in armour who had appeared once again. General snapped his fingers in front of Yu Hao, and the scene of the cement room in the back mountains appeared, then it was burned until nothing was left by golden flames.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s all in the past, don¡¯t think about it anymore.¡± General murmured.


    ¡°Why do you know I was having nightmares¡­You¡¯re Zhou Sheng! Did I guess right?¡± Yu Hao asked in a hurry.


    Just as General was about to leave, he suddenly turned around. Yu Hao murmured, ¡°It¡¯s you! Only you would know what I dreamt about¡­Wait, what did you burn? Is it my memory? I¡¯m confused¡­¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡± General said in a low voice inside his helmet, ¡°Now I have to erase this portion of your memories as well.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll still feel it!¡± Yu Hao said anxiously, ¡°You admit it? Zhou Sheng! It¡¯s you!¡±


    Yu Hao rushed forward and hugged Zhou Sheng tightly. Zhou Sheng said a bit angrily, ¡°Stop it!¡±


    ¡°Let me see¡­¡± Yu Hao pressed, ¡°I just knew it was you!¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s hands were trembling. He looked up, reached out and took off Zhou Sheng¡¯s helmet, revealing Zhou Sheng¡¯s familiar face. His brows were slightly furrowed as he looked down and gazed at Yu Hao, inexplicable anxiety and unease evident in his eyes.


    ¡°Good bye.¡± Zhou Sheng said calmly. He wrapped one arm around Yu Hao and snapped his fingers with his other, erased another portion of his memories, put on his helmet, then said, ¡°Goodnight.¡± After that, he forcibly ejected Yu Hao from the dream world.


    Night fell on the Great Wall; fireworks exploded brilliantly one after another.


    Two chairs were placed on a terrace. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng sat side by side, quietly watching the fireworks that were rising from the Great Wall.


    ¡°Ai.¡± Zhou Sheng suddenly said, ¡°You really like Gege?¡±


    ¡°Gege?¡± Yu Hao was baffled. ¡°I don¡¯t ah, why do you ask that?¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand and said helplessly, ¡°I¡¯m talking about me!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao¡¯s face instantly flushed red, but he didn¡¯t want to deny it either. This sort of conversation was really too embarrassing.


    ¡°You¡­don¡¯t talk about it anymore.¡± Yu Hao said sadly, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault that my feelings were transferred!¡¯


    Zhou Sheng draped an arm around Yu Hao¡¯s shoulders, saying, ¡°It¡¯ll transfer away. You¡¯ll meet the right person for you. Setting aside the question of whether I¡¯m straight or not, you definitely wouldn¡¯t want to date me.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Yu Hao¡¯s embarrassment was slightly alleviated. He asked, ¡°You¡¯re really good ah.¡±


    Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t say anything. Yu Hao said, ¡°You¡¯re the best, you¡¯re practically¡­a sun that shines with a brilliant radiance.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡­I don¡¯t know how to describe it, I¡­¡±


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t be so corny.¡± Zhou Sheng was actually blushing a little now. He said, ¡°Stop, watch the fireworks ba.¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t have any feelings for me.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°But I still feel very blessed to be your friend. Don¡¯t think too much about it, I won¡¯t¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng snapped his fingers, Yu Hao¡¯s memories scattered out and burned up in the golden flames.


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°I said, the fireworks are really beautiful!¡±


    Yu Hao said in a daze, ¡°Oh¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Take you out to buy clothes tomorrow?¡±


    Yu Hao had wanted Zhou Sheng to stop spending money, but after thinking about it, he said with a smile, ¡°Okay.¡±

 Chapter 163.2

    Under the Great Wall, the autumn breeze blew as they ran and jumped between the walls. Yu Hao was breathless as he really couldn¡¯t keep up with Zhou Sheng.


    ¡°Punch, turn sideways, kick!¡± Zhou Sheng ordered, ¡°Don¡¯t pretend to be dead, come on!¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Let me take a break, we can get tired in dreams too!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Letting you learn, yet you don¡¯t want to; what if I¡¯m not by your side at times?¡±


    Yu Hao said helplessly, ¡°I didn¡¯t say I wouldn¡¯t learn, but aren¡¯t we together all the time?¡±


    Yu Hao walked towards the stake, and Zhou Sheng sat on the city wall. Yu Hao turned his head sideways to look at him, yet there was a hint of a smile in Zhou Sheng¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°Who wants to be with you everyday?¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Could you not be so lovey dovey and sticky?¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng, didn¡¯t answer, and faced the stake as he practiced in earnest.


    Zhou Sheng stared for awhile, then continued, ¡°Ai? You¡¯re angry just because of that?¡±


    Yu Hao answered, ¡°I¡¯m not. You¡¯re right, we¡¯ll part one day.¡±


    Zhou Sheng fell silent. Yu Hao thought about it, then said, ¡°What do you think we¡¯ll be like in ten years? Will we go to different places? You should go to a first-tier city, right? I may stay in Ying City, find a job, celebrate the New Year and festivals, give you a call to ask about how you¡¯re doing, you¡¯ll get married and have a baby¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll have your boyfriend too.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Let me guess, what would your future boyfriend be like?¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I won¡¯t find a boyfriend. I don¡¯t want to look for one anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed and said. ¡°You can use me as a comparison to find one.¡±


    Yu Hao stopped talking again. Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You know what, Yu Hao? If you were a girl, I would definitely woo you, and I¡¯d do anything to succeed in wooing you.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Stop talking about it!¡±


    Zhou Sheng sighed again, ¡°But if you were a girl, you wouldn¡¯t like me.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°I don¡¯t want to learn how to fight. After learning how to, you won¡¯t care about me anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng held his forehead with one hand and could only snap his fingers in the end, saying, ¡°Never mind, never mind, let¡¯s ride the roller coaster ba.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Yu Hao immediately said, ¡°Since I¡¯m going to forget this anyway, why don¡¯t¡­¡±


    As he spoke, Yu Hao leapt toward Zhou Sheng, who was sitting on the city wall, and brazenly straddled Zhou Sheng across his waist. Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t reacted when Yu Hao had already kissed him on his lips forcefully, taking him along as they rolled down the city wall and fell down.


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°!!!¡±


    When the flames burned Yu Hao¡¯s memories, Yu Hao revealed a blank expression for a brief moment, then snapped out of his stupor and shouted loudly. Zhou Sheng shouted as well. Yu Hao immediately spread his wings out, taking Zhou Sheng along as he made a sudden about-face and flew back to the city wall.


    ¡°We fell just now?¡± Yu Hao said with slight trepidation, ¡°Were we parkouring? It¡¯s still too dangerous.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why do you look so weird?¡±


    ¡°Fuck me!¡± Zhou Sheng said angrily to Yu Hao, ¡°Fuck!!!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Why are you flaring up??¡±


    Zhou Sheng practically couldn¡¯t do anything with Yu Hao at all. He turned around, wiped his lips, then pinched his lips, all the while looking irascible. When he turned around to look at Yu Hao again, a bunch of question marks could be seen above Yu Hao¡¯s head.


    The golden flames was burning more and more intensely, setting the entire world on fire. All the dissipated memories were converging once again amidst the flames; countless scenes and images swept by quickly, and finally paused at one instant¡ª¡ª


    ¡ª¡ªZhou Sheng ran quickly, jumped into the air, and unleashed a slam dunk.


    Yu Hao felt like he got struck in an instant. He stared blankly at Zhou Sheng, and time seemed to stop. When Zhou Sheng landed, he was immediately knocked into and fell to the ground.


    The flow of time recovered in an instant. Yu Hao instinctively wanted to run up to take a look at him, but after taking two steps out, he realised that Zhou Sheng seemed like nothing had happened as he staggered a few times before standing up. Zhou Sheng ran beyond the three-point line and inadvertently caught a glimpse of Yu Hao, who was passing by. He proudly raised an eyebrow at him, and brazenly flirted once with this boy he didn¡¯t know who was just passing by.


    Light revolved around Zhou Sheng¡¯s body, then paused at a certain evening: after running 30 kilometres, he was sweating from head to toe. He looked at the stands, and Yu Hao had fallen asleep while leaning against the railings. Zhou Sheng took off his sports T-shirt, wrung his sweat out of it, threw it over his shoulder, then went up the steps to look at him.


    In the sunset, Yu Hao slept soundly while wearing his earphones. His brows furrowed deeply, as if he had some troubles that couldn¡¯t be resolved. He had fair skin, messy hair, very long eyelashes, and ruddy lips. Half of his face was hidden in the shadows, and his slim yet delicate face was so beautiful it looked like the silhouette of a bird flying past a mountain range, like the arc of a meteor drawn as it streaks across the night sky.


    Zhou Sheng took his phone out and casually took a picture of Yu Hao sleeping soundly, then patted him.


    ¡°Wei, wake up!¡±


    Yu Hao shifted uncomfortably, and he hadn¡¯t opened his eyes before Zhou Sheng left the stand and walked away by himself. From then on, he would see Yu Hao sitting on the stands almost every day.


    ¡°Wei.¡± Yu Hao whispered in the golden light, ¡°Have you slept enough?¡±


    In an instant, Yu Hao¡¯s hand passed through the light of the totem and grasped Zhou Sheng¡¯s wrist firmly. Both of them embraced each other in the golden light.


    A gentle breeze blew; the golden light retracted, then spread out endlessly between the heavens and earth, turning into wheat fields that connected with the horizon.


    Zhou Sheng bowed his head and looked at Yu Hao, who was in his arms, then looked up at the sky again. At the same time, both of their bodies was set ablaze. Yu Hao lifted his hand, and a music box appeared within. Amidst the jingling of the music, countless memories on earth began recombining themselves, constructing the surface conscious world.


    Outside the tree of the world.


    Dark monsters advanced dauntlessly in waves. Ren Chong¡¯s indignant voice resounded through the sky.


    ¡°Just a motley crew! You¡¯re still not giving up?!¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s too many!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°We can¡¯t finish killing them no matter how many we slaughter!¡±


    Fu Liqun and Ou Qihang stood in front to ward them off; Huang Ting and Chen Yekai stood in front of the shining scepter and guarded the entrance of the cave. Huang Ting shouted, ¡°Hold on!¡±


    Chen Yekai said, ¡°You have to find their weak point! These are all dark thoughts from ordinary dreams! They¡¯re not hard to kill!¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°Don¡¯t just fly around, get down and kill monsters!¡±


    Fu Liqun, ¡°You guys have AOEs that can blow up a whole area, and Xiao Ou even has a Gundam! I fucking¡­¡±


    Fu Liqun rode his celestial horse and dragged away the monsters that were besieging them. Ou Qihang followed behind to shoot his cannons, while Huang Ting began releasing his fireball arrays and bombed their enemies indiscriminately.


    More and more monsters appeared, and they were even abandoning the Great Wall as they returned to the world tree as reinforcements.


    Ou Qihang shouted, ¡°All of the monsters are coming!¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Chen Yekai shouted.


    ¡°He should have woken up by now ba?¡±


    ¡°This nap of his is really long¡­But why do I still seem to be waiting¡­¡±


    ¡°Un? What are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°Waiting¡­I don¡¯t know either. I always feel like something¡¯s missing¡­¡±


    Yu Hao raised one hand in the darkness, a light glimmering in his palm.


    In the grand world of consciousness, the Great Wall suddenly disappeared!


    Amidst earth-shattering cries, the Great Wall turned into silver white light particles that swooshed over, forming a starry river that shot swiftly into the entrance below the world tree, then disappeared without a trace.


    The dark titan giant made one last swing down with its hammer, but it staggered and smashed harshly into the ground.


    The fog broke through the border, advancing rapidly as it invaded the billions of dreamscapes guarded by the Great Wall!


    ¡°Is this it?¡± Yu Hao held a ball of silver white light with both hands and lifted it up to Zhou Sheng¡¯s face. A totem appeared in Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand. Yu Hao placed his hand on Zhou Sheng¡¯s palm; two balls of light merged, then emitted a dazzling glare. Zhou Sheng lowered his head and kissed Yu Hao on his lips.


    ¡°Integration of permissions, activation of the World mode.¡± The Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s voice rang out.


    The Great Wall collapsed, and the fog billowed. Seeing as how the barrier was lost, the dark monsters gushed toward the entire world like a tide. Chen Yekai rode his Feathered Serpent God and soared into the sky, but millions of demonic birds assembled by black flames flew from the tree, wreaking havoc and tearing apart everything in sight.


    ¡°Nicky!¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao¡¯s scepter disappeared!¡±


    What came next was a ray of golden light bursting from the cave at the bottom of the world tree that broke through the void¡ª


    In the dream of that world, the one who was dreamed of awoke.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Omggg, so their real first kiss happened in a dream???


    Zryuu: AND NOW WE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED DURING ALL THOSE FUZZY TIMES

 Chapter 164.1

    ¡°Just wait to get beaten into pulp ba, idiot.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s voice resounded through the sky; once the golden light retracted, billions of flaming jingubangs spun rapidly, whistling through the air as they swept through the ground and smashing all of the dark monsters into pieces!


    Yu Hao flew out of the cave and leapt up to the Feathered Serpent God. Everyone let out a loud cry and looked up at the sky.


    The boundless golden light withdrew, and the jingubangs were recalled again before turning into dinghaishenzhen. Zhou Sheng shone with a brilliant golden light; golden flames burned fiercely on his body that turned into a splendid suit of battle armour. He stepped onto a flaming layer of clouds, shook his jingubang again, roared angrily, then swept it out horizontally! The innumerable aerial roots of the world tree were instantly destroyed and broken apart. Even more flying monsters shot down from the tree, but Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t even spare them a glance; he merely let go, and the flames swept back, dying the dark night a red colour and burning his enemies up!


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    No one could speak for a moment and just looked up at Zhou Sheng, who was suspended high up in the air clad in a suit of golden armour, as if the God of War had just descended upon earth!


    Ren Chong roared madly, ¡°The subconscious should be your final destination!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s very obvious that it isn¡¯t.¡± Zhou Sheng replied coldly.


    Satan led a magnificent army to charge into the middle of the battlefield. Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways, looking at the earth; Satan flew over and disintegrated into light particles in the sky that drifted into Zhou Sheng¡¯s body.


    The world tree actually started moving ¡ª it stretched out its aerial roots, rotated, twisted around one another, and assembled themselves into two giant arms that lifted high up before whipping down on Zhou Sheng and gang from overhead.


    ¡°Hide behind him!¡± Yu Hao shouted.


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s selves merged into one; wings that could blot out the sky instantly spread out across his back. Black feathers faded into a bright golden colour, and a vague fierceness could be seen in his gaze. He shook the jingubang with both hands and faced the arm of the world tree that was whipping down from above. Within an instant, the jingubang swung out, and the arm of the world tree shattered with a blast, turning into countless golden lights that fell to the ground. Zhou Sheng swung his jingubang one more time, and half of the giant platform on the world tree was immediately smashed into smithereens ¡ª its bricks flew out and fell, as if it was the heavenly palace destroyed with one hit by the Great Sage¡¯s rod!


    In that dark night, while facing the Golden Crow Wheel that seemed like a solar eclipse, Zhou Sheng was like the God of War ¡ª so dazzling one couldn¡¯t stare straight at him.


    Ren Chong said in a low voice, ¡°Come, let me see what other moves you have.¡±


    Zhou Sheng gazed at the platform of the world tree. He flew to the Golden Crow Wheel. The tiny Ren Chong figure raised his hand and pointed the Golden Crow Wheel at the sky; within an instant, countless lightning streaks burst out in the sky that poured down like a rainstorm; fierce gales stirred, and the fog suddenly scattered. Dreamscapes that were like lone islands began reassembling once again, appearing as glass bubbles that guarded the border.


    Aerial roots shot out of the world tree once again, intending to reestablish its connections with the dreamscapes.


    ¡°Do you think that there¡¯s only the sun behind you?¡± Zhou Sheng asked coldly.


    Then the intensity of the golden light surrounding Zhou Sheng¡¯s body rose again. Everyone raised their arms one after another to shield their eyes from the glare. Zhou Sheng unfolded his wings open and actually emitted his light by force; under the illumination of that intense glare, a ray of golden light swept across level ground, and the connections between dreamscapes disappeared one after another. Under the light, the world tree began to burn, and after burning, verdant leaves with edges that flickered with a golden colour appeared.


    Amidst the mountain ranges, it was as if the first light was bursting from the rising sun, and that bright light was coming from the God of War, Zhou Sheng!


    Ren Chong let out a mad roar and abandoned his control over the world tree. Behind him, the Golden Crow Wheel gathered a black force field that was aggregating energy as it faced Zhou Sheng, ready to launch a bombardment!


    Yet Zhou Sheng crouched down, stepped onto his flaming cloud, and flew towards the wrecked platform at the top of the world tree.


    ¡°Seize the totem!¡± Chen Yekai shouted, ¡°Help him!¡±


    Everyone flew to the platform. The Golden Crow Wheel released a bombardment of black light; Zhou Sheng was suspended in mid air as he shook his jingubang, turning it into a shield. With a loud blare, sound waves rippled through the air as he resisted this startling hit with a ¡®clang¡®.


    In the next moment, Zhou Sheng spun as he flew to the platform and swung down with his rod from above, smashing Ren Chong head-on back onto the platform. Yu Hao, Chen Yekai, Fu Liqun, Ou Qihang, and Huang Ting rushed over afterward and landed on the platform at the top of the world tree.


    Ren Chong staggered to his feet, saying, ¡°You¡¯re just a kid who¡¯s still wet behind the ears, what right do you have to take this treasure for yourself¡­?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said in a low voice, ¡°Just based on the fact that Laozi and the rest are better than you! If you can¡¯t accept it, then just hold it in!¡±


    Huang Ting said angrily, ¡°Ren Chong! You never said that you would use it like this after getting the Golden Crow Wheel!¡±


    The black flames on Ren Chong burst out, and he was drawing dark energy from the solar eclipse. He smiled insidiously, ¡°How I would use it? Do you think it¡¯s a very abominable thing for me to control their wills? Huang Ting, do you really think that without the Golden Crow Wheel, your wills belong only to yourselves?¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°In this world, even if it doesn¡¯t exist, people will interfere with your self-consciousness through means you can¡¯t see, can¡¯t figure out, and means you can never think of, until they have firm control over you in their hands. You may think that you¡¯re ¡®you¡¯, but you¡¯re just a yes-man who believes you¡¯re not.¡± Ren Chong said, ¡°How many fanatical periods have we had in history? Have they not shown you enough? Have those experiences not taught all of you that for tens of millions, hundreds of millions, and even billions of people, in reality, since when have these so-called ¡®people¡¯ ever had the right to think independently?! They are all just animals that have been brainwashed!¡±


    Ren Chong revealed a sinister expression, ¡°In that case, how much difference is there between being controlled by others and being controlled by me? Do you think that you can wake up after defeating me? Precisely the opposite will happen ¡ª reality is an even bigger dream. You are all sinking into the dream, as if you¡¯re all entranced drunks leading a befuddled existence. Even if you seize the world¡¯s totem back from my hands, what can you do in reality?¡±


    Yu Hao said seriously, ¡°No. Your dream, the world¡¯s dream, and even our dreams, are all fundamentally different!¡±


    Ren Chong opened his eyes wide. Zhou Sheng held his shield up and protected his comrades who were behind him.


    ¡°Have you ever seen the sun rise in a dream?¡± Yu Hao said with a smile, ¡°You¡¯ve never seen it before, so you won¡¯t understand.¡±


    ¡°We can give you a live demonstration.¡± Zhou Sheng pointed at Ren Chong and said overbearingly, ¡°I¡¯ll mouth off with you after we¡¯re done!¡±


    The black flames released by Ren Chong swept across the entire platform. Yu Hao shouted, ¡°Cover Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Zhou Sheng rushed forward, while everyone else followed closely behind to cover him. The black flames spread out; Yu Hao spun and brandished his daggers. With one swing of his daggers, he struck Ren Chong down. The black flames swept everything away, and Ren Chong¡¯s figure appeared in mid air. Chen Yekai flew up, his Feathered Serpent God abruptly bit him, and Ren Chong disintegrated once again!


    Zhou Sheng opened up both arms and flew towards the Golden Crow Wheel. He flew around the Golden Crow Wheel as he began circling it and stretched one hand out towards the Golden Crow Wheel.


    Light particles erupted from the Golden Crow Wheel with a bang, flowing endlessly toward Zhou Sheng. As they returned to his body, they formed a starry path!


    Right at the moment Zhou Sheng began seizing back the totem, it was like the final battle of every world ¡ª a hurricane stirred up in the core area, and leaves swirled across the sky. The platform spun around non-stop, rose into the air, and left the tree of the world.


    Ren Chong roared madly as he dodged in mid air, but he was being pestered constantly by the other five people. Just as he was about to fly towards Zhou Sheng, a Gundam attacked him from behind and scattered Ren Chong with one cannon shot, turning him into black flames.


    ¡°This guy can¡¯t be killed!¡± Fu Liqun steered his celestial horse to rush forward and stabbed Ren Chong¡¯s body with his halberd, scattering him again. But no matter how many times he scattered, Ren Chong could always gather himself into another form.


    Huang Ting shouted, ¡°Wait for Zhou Sheng!¡±


    A gravitational field opened up; all of the leaves in the center of the platform were sucked in crazily, Zhou Sheng kept orbiting about, and most of the prominence around the periphery of the Golden Crow Wheel disappeared. Only the dark fireball in the middle was still burning.


    Yu Hao cried out, ¡°Hold on!¡±


    Ren Chong lunged at Yu Hao. Yu Hao flipped in mid air, held up his scepter, and pointed it at Ren Chong; silver white moonlight burst out of his scepter that made Ren Chong howl in fear, and he kept trying to dodge it.


    Meanwhile, Zhou Sheng had taken all of the Golden Crow Wheel away.


    ¡°Permissions replacement has succeeded.¡± The Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°All¡ªright!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted readily. He flew over from the sky, his whole body gleaming with a golden light. With the strength of his waist and legs, Zhou Sheng swept his jingubang out, and the figure that Ren Chong had just gathered suffered this strike from Zhou Sheng that hit him squarely in the middle, then his figure exploded into black flames once again.


    Ren Chong laughed strangely, ¡°In my dream, you¡¯ll never be able to kill me¡­¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the reminder, let¡¯s change to another battlefield?¡± Zhou Sheng revealed a mischievous smile, then swung his rod down on the platform. The entire platform was completely destroyed, its bricks plummeting down to the earth. Following which, what replaced it was a giant Golden Crow Wheel beneath their feet that began to revolve. Ren Chong suddenly flew up, and just as he was about to break free, Zhou Sheng turned his body sideways in a carefree manner and hooked the air with two of his fingers.


    Before anyone could register it, the Golden Crow Wheel flipped over along its axis and pocketed all of the people in it!


    Yu Hao only saw his vision blur, then he appeared in the Hanging Gardens.


    The sun illuminated the earth, and everything was thriving. A huge flaming sword materialised in Huang Ting¡¯s hand, his Archmage robe fluttering in the wind.


    ¡°Ren Laoshi,¡± Huang Ting said, ¡°You¡¯re a really bad example of what a leader should be like.¡±


    Then he swung his sword down on Ren Chong¡¯s head. Ren Chong reflexively raised both hands to block it, and he was hit into the garden with a loud ¡®dang¡®. Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, Fu Liqun, and Yu Hao then caught up; each of them hit him once, and Ren Chong flew towards the earth like an artillery shell.


    ¡°He has a physical body now!¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Zhou Sheng placed his left hand on a pergola while he wielded his jingubang with his right. He waited on the terrace of Hanging Gardens and said indifferently, ¡°Un, continue.¡±


    Ren Chong flew to the front, and just as he was about to kick someone, Zhou Sheng carried the jingubang on his back, spun rapidly in situ, and made a homerun, saying, ¡°Bye bye!¡±


    Golden flames burst out, and a portal appeared in front of him, then Zhou Sheng hit Ren Chong and sent him in!


    Huang Ting stretched two fingers out in front of his brows and slashed through the air, watching as they disappeared within the door.


    Ying City; Ren Chong burst out of the sun and shouted. He smashed into the exterior glass wall of a high-rise building until glass shards flew everywhere. A Gundam flew up to him and raised its hand.


    ¡°In this world, there will always be people who aren¡¯t willing to be under your control,¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°No matter how small our voices are¡­¡±


    Then the Gundam punched violently through the floor, hitting Ren Chong down to the ground. Zhou Sheng whistled, and with his jingubang in hand, another Golden Crow Wheel portal appeared; the Gundam had punched Ren Chong straight into the door.


    Loulan, Fu Liqun carried his long halberd on his shoulder as he flew over.


    Ren Chong¡¯s head was all bloody now. After suffering this series of attacks, he barely had any strength left to retaliate and was now suspended in mid air.


    ¡°Admittedly, it¡¯s very important to be sober while one is alive; but no one can¡­deprive me of¡­¡± Fu Liqun¡¯s halberd stabbed into Ren Chong¡¯s abdomen, and he said in a low voice, ¡°My right to have my own dreams!¡±


    Ren Chong grabbed the halberd and released the last strength he had. Just as he was about to turn around for a flying kick and seize the initiative back, Zhou Sheng appeared behind Ren Chong, and lifted his jingubang as if he was picking up something, and picked up the Golden Crow Wheel like he just performed a conjuring trick. It spun several rounds in the air, then landed on Ren Chong¡¯s head like it was covering him.


    ¡°Bye.¡± Fu Liqun smiled, ¡°Sometimes, dreams are not only dreams, but also dreams.¡±


    Golden light burst out; Ren Chong¡¯s right arm was fractured, and his body was all bloody as he landed harshly on the apex of Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢. Chen Yekai walked towards him with a gun in hand and pointed it at Ren Chong, who staggered to his feet.


    ¡°While we¡¯re in this age, we often give in to the values that the majority comply with.¡± Chen Yekai said calmly, ¡°Not everyone is in a dream. Take note, some of them are just pretending to be asleep.¡±


    Ren Chong roared madly and lunged at Chen Yekai. Chen Yekai fired a shot; a gorgeous beam hit his left shoulder, causing Ren Chong to fall back. Zhou Sheng appeared behind Ren Chong¡¯s body and lifted up a portal with his jingubang, and hooked Ren Chong in.


    ¡°You can¡¯t wake up someone who¡¯s pretending to be asleep.¡± Zhou Sheng said to Chen Yekai, ¡°A bad habit of intellectuals.¡±


    ¡°When necessary, they¡¯ll naturally wake up.¡± Chen Yekai answered.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng leapt into the Golden Crow Wheel at the same time; with a flash, they appeared in the world of the Great Wall.


    Ren Chong struggled to get up with much difficulty. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng, with one in front and the other at the back, blocked Ren Chong¡¯s way.


    Yu Hao gazed at Ren Chong, who had lost almost all of his fighting power. He let out an aggrieved sneer, ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect that you could actually¡­take him out of the subconscious.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°So your investigation was lacking. As a boss, that¡¯s a fatal mistake.¡±


    Ren Chong said slowly, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have had that momentary slip up, if I had known that this would happen, then at the very beginning, I would¡¯ve¡­all of you¡­¡­all of you¡­¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°The cost of catching me would¡¯ve been too high. The newspaper wouldn¡¯t pretend as if nothing happened. Ren Laoshi, as a reporter, I quite agree with some of your views. There are some people who always hope that everyone would keep sleeping and never wake up for the rest of their lives. But unfortunately, there will always be people who will wake other people up assiduously, even if it interferes with their¡­dream of freedom.¡±


    Ren Chong said, ¡°Since you think you¡¯re right, then try it ba. I¡¯d like to see how long you can hold on for¡­¡±


    Yu Hao brandished his scepter and struck down; Zhou Sheng made the Golden Crow Wheel materialise behind Ren Chong, kept him, and the three of them disappeared at the same time before reappearing on the sky platform of the Colosseum world.

 Chapter 164.2

    The Golden Crow Wheel radiated a prominence-like flare; the sky and earth were flooded with a radiant golden light.


    Ren Chong struggled up on the platform. When Zhou Sheng returned to his dream, the dark clouds had all retreated. The platform sunk gradually and coincided with the center of the arena. Under the gaze of the public, the Golden Crow Wheel spewed its flares. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng stood in the middle of the arena, watching as Ren Chong slowly crawled towards the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go back to your dream anymore.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t struggle anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng walked forward, but Ren Chong suddenly burst up and lunged forward, intending to perish together with Zhou Sheng. Yu Hao got a huge fright, and just as he was about to go forward, Zhou Sheng kicked Ren Chong into the sky and roared madly, ¡°You still want to resist?! Where are your tranquilizers?¡±


    Ren Chong was punched squarely in the chest, then Zhou Sheng gave him another flying spin kick and shouted, ¡°Where are your stimulants?!¡±


    ¡°What about your aphrodisiac?!¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s last punch hit Ren Chong brutally onto the steps in front of the Golden Crow Wheel, and cheers that could shake the heavens rang out in the surroundings! Yu Hao couldn¡¯t bear to look any further and sighed. If it was someone else, he might have gone up to persuade Zhou Sheng to stop, but Ren Chong had caused them too much misery through his torments, and he had almost made a huge mistake that no one could remedy.


    Ren Chong could only exhale and not inhale any longer. He lay on the steps, saying slowly, ¡°Zhou Sheng¡­Zhou Sheng¡­you¡­¡±


    ¡°What else do you want to say?¡± Zhou Sheng decided to might as well keep his jingubang. He stepped on Ren Chong¡¯s chest with one foot. ¡°Say all you want, Laozi will chat with you.¡±


    Yu Hao didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry for a moment.


    Ren Chong, ¡°You¡­don¡¯t necessarily need to be like this. I thought you were the one who understands it best¡­Zhou Sheng, why on earth are you so insistent? As long as you¡¯re willing to give in, what you can get would far surpass everything you see right now!¡± Then Ren Chong¡¯s eyes shone with a fanatic glint, ¡°Whatever you want! I can give them all to you!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You can¡¯t give me what I want, only my wife can. Do you want to be my wife? Sorry but that idea¡¯s too disgusting.¡±


    ¡°Quit it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°What next?¡±


    Ren Chong said softly, ¡°To be content with mediocrity, give up the road to success; that¡¯s how you want to live your life?¡±


    Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways to study Ren Chong¡¯s face that was as swollen as a pig¡¯s head from being beat up. He thought for a bit, then said, ¡°I forgot who said this: everyone has only one kind of success, that is, to choose the way you want to live your life for yourself. That¡¯s the principle ba?¡±


    When Yu Hao heard this, a hint of a smile could be seen in his eyes.


    ¡°Kill me ba.¡± Ren Chong said.


    Zhou Sheng looked back at Yu Hao, signalling for him to decide. Yu Hao said, ¡°I think this guy¡¯s too ambitious, it¡¯s a little dangerous.¡±


    Zhou Sheng was surprised. ¡°I thought you¡¯d intercede for him.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°No, I¡¯m just afraid that he¡¯d do something again¡­would it be of any use to erase his memories?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°If he¡¯s killed here, he¡¯ll fall into a vegetative state. Are you sure you won¡¯t have a thorn stuck in your heart forever due to killing a person¡¯s consciousness?¡±


    ¡°Even if there¡¯s a thorn, then I¡¯ll just live with it.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Compared to the safety of so many people, this is the safest way. In any case, I¡¯m making this choice myself.¡±


    Zhou Sheng lifted his foot that was stepping on Ren Chong and retreated a little. ¡°I¡¯ll bear it with you? Do you want to take a look at his memories?¡±


    Yu Hao went over and held Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand, staring seriously at Ren Chong. Zhou Sheng kept silent for a moment and snapped his fingers.


    Ren Chong¡¯s memories burst out and started revolving around him ¡ª the scope kept expanding, and they were presented in front of the two of them like a trotting horse lamp. Yu Hao could roughly guess a bit of Ren Chong¡¯s past, but he didn¡¯t expect that the truth would be this tragic.


    Ren Chong was 56-years-old this year, but the memory that left a deepest impression on him was still how he had personally witnessed his own father committing suicide when he was just a child, while others around him rejoiced with enthusiasm and cheered. He looked at the people around him in bewilderment, and as if he was infected by their enthusiasm, he started cheering as well. Immediately following which was his adolescent period; he spent a long time in exile in a barren land, struggling with everyone, stabbing each other in the dark, and implicating others.


    ¡°He¡¯s pretty unlucky.¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Qin Laoshi and the leaders of the newspaper office experienced these times as well.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°Experiencing dark times is not a ¡®pardonable¡¯ excuse.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pointed at the scene of Ren Chong attending a meeting when he was in his forties; some of his ideas were fiercely attacked by the other participants, and he felt downcast after the meeting, changed his post, and went to the Special Investigations organisation. He got to know Qin Guodong then and started working under him.


    He was very dissatisfied with his position at the special investigation team, and he always hoped to return to his previous post. What appeared the most in his memories was how the humans in this world shouted slogans, cheered incessantly, and a period where everyone in the country were fanatics.


    ¡°He might have some Stockholm tendencies.¡± Yu Hao summarised simply.


    ¡°Wu.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hoping to return to that era. Actually, I have to admit that a portion of what he said was right.¡±


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng shook his head helplessly and released golden flames from his palm. He considered whether to destroy these memories or to strangle this guy to death. At this point now, Yu Hao couldn¡¯t really do it either, but suddenly, the Golden Crow Wheel said something.


    ¡°Warning.¡± Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°Energy in output circuit overload, CPU has run out of energy.¡±


    ¡°No more electricity?¡± Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°It can¡¯t be ba!¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel said, ¡°Energy is insufficient, shutting down soon.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    When Ren Chong heard this, no one knew where his strength came from as he immediately turned around and crawled towards the Golden Crow Wheel. Zhou Sheng shouted, ¡°Wait!¡±


    Zhou Sheng hadn¡¯t even gone forward yet when Ren Chong already hugged the edge of the Golden Crow Wheel in a demented manner. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng often flew in and out of the Golden Crow Wheel, but they had never really come into contact with the wheel in dreams. Now, the prominence instantly started to burn Ren Chong¡¯s whole body, and he let out a blood-curdling screech.


    Yu Hao wanted to go forward to pull him away, but he was abruptly dragged back by Zhou Sheng and into his embrace. Half of Ren Chong¡¯s body squeezed into the Golden Crow Wheel; he let out a mad cry and was burned until nothing was left.


    ¡°He escaped?¡± Yu Hao asked.


    Zhou Sheng shook his head. ¡°His memories have been burned too, let him be ba. That lower half of his body looks terrifying no matter how you look at it¡­¡­get the hell in, who cares where you go?¡±


    The moment Ren Chong climbed into the Golden Crow Wheel, the flames had already burned away most of his memories. They just didn¡¯t know if this guy would fall into a vegetative state when he woke up in reality. Zhou Sheng went forward and kicked him, and kicked the remaining lower half of Ren Chong¡¯s body into the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°Warning, energy is insufficient. Automatic shutdown in a minute.¡± Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s voice rang out.


    ¡°Hold on!¡± Zhou Sheng walked towards the Golden Crow Wheel and said, ¡°I have something to say to you.¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°Overseers, please ensure that all work is done before shutdown.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°Golden Crow Wheel, can we still charge you?¡±


    Golden Crow Wheel, ¡°At this stage, adapted energy source for the CPU can¡¯t be detected.¡±


    Zhou Sheng stared at the Golden Crow Wheel in a daze. Golden flames appeared in his hand, and he looked down at his right hand, then looked up again.


    Meanwhile, the Golden Crow Wheel was very quiet. Yu Hao held Zhou Sheng¡¯s hand tightly.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Yu Hao suddenly said.


    Zhou Sheng remained silent for a long time, then said, ¡°Un. Thank you, Golden Crow Wheel.¡±


    Yu Hao wanted to say something, but reined it in, and Zhou Sheng made a ¡®shh¡® gesture. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t say anything, look.¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel turned still quietly and made a sound.


    ¡°Automatic shutdown in 10 seconds, 9, 8, 7¡­¡±


    The sun gradually dimmed, and the prominence kept shrinking toward the center of the Golden Crow Wheel. The sun erupted with a white, dazzling beam as if it was collapsing. Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng held hands as they stood in front of that beam. Yu Hao raised his hand, and the light particles of his totem materialised in his palm that flew toward the Golden Crow Wheel.


    ¡°3, 2, 1. Thank you for your usage, good bye.¡±


    The Golden Crow Wheel disappeared with a bang, and the world fell into darkness. However, right at the next moment, another ball of warm light appeared in place of the Golden Crow Wheel; its light was getting stronger and stronger, and along with the jingle of the music box, it illuminated the world!


    Zhou Sheng started laughing. He turned around and embraced Yu Hao.


    Yu Hao closed his eyes. Zhou Sheng lowered his head and kissed him on his lips. In the instant Yu Hao woke up, he realized he had woken up in the pitch dark car.


    Street lights in all directions were lit up again. It was 4.30 AM, and the lights in the town were flashing once again.


    Zhou Sheng, who was originally sound asleep, tightened his grip on Yu Hao¡¯s hand. He opened his eyes and sat up from the reclining chair. Yu Hao was thoroughly spent and let out a long sigh.


    In the underground research room, in the middle of the Golden Crow Wheel, the largest crystal turned completely dark. Then, lights in the surrounding lit up, and the hall of the research home was bright again.


    Everyone who had collapsed all over the floor looked baffled as they got up one after another. Qin Guodong swayed from side to side with a splitting headache, and he was the first to snap out of his daze. He shouted, ¡°Put your weapons down! There¡¯s nowhere to escape to anymore!¡±


    The researchers stepped back in succession. Qin Guodong led his men forward and took off Ren Chong¡¯s helmet. Ren Chong was still unconscious; he fell from his chair and kept convulsing. Xiao Jian went forward to open the lid of the cover box and removed the inner core of the Golden Crow Wheel, as well as its base.


    Qin Guodong ordered, ¡°Give Huang Ting a call and ask them to go back and wait first. I¡¯ll return it to him afterward.¡±


    Chen Yekai twisted the key and started the car up. No one talked on the car and just remained sitting quietly.


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were holding hands. Yu Hao said, ¡°I¡¯m so tired.¡±


    ¡°Young Master¡¯s awake? Are you Young Master?¡± Fu Liqun asked.


    Zhou Sheng said impatiently, ¡°No! I¡¯m the Great Devil, Zhou Sheng!¡±


    Everyone laughed, and Zhou Sheng was amused too. He turned his head sideways to look at Yu Hao. There was a hint of a smile in Yu Hao¡¯s eyes, as well as some tears as he looked at Zhou Sheng, then their lips lightly touched.


    ¡°Ai ai.¡± Fu Liqun, who was in the back seat, said, ¡°Take note.¡±


    ¡°Take note of your influence.¡± Ou Qihang said.


    Chen Yekai looked at them through the rearview mirror. Huang Ting answered a call and simply said a few words to Qin Guodong, then passed his message to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng didn¡¯t reply. Yu Hao said, ¡°Where do we go now? Home?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Great Wall ba.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°We might be able to catch the sunrise.¡±


    ¡°It feels like I¡¯ve been dreaming for a really long time, but it lasted for only a moment¡­¡±


    Six people walked up the eastern section of the Great Wall in the dark. Yu Hao said, ¡°Time should have stopped completely. What Ren Chong intervened in at last was the entire collective unconscious¡¯ world.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Those driving on the road, the high-speed rail, airplanes ¡ª if everyone had fallen asleep at the same time, then they would¡¯ve been done for. Fortunately, see, nothing happened.¡±


    ¡°It really is like a dream ah.¡± Ou Qihang stretched amidst the cold winds and said, ¡°I can barely distinguish whether this is reality or not anymore.¡±


    Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand and climbed up the Great Wall¡¯s steps. ¡°My dear wife, are you cold?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡± Yu Hao answered, ¡°I wore more layers today¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Mine¡¯s warm though, let¡¯s switch.¡±


    Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao switched their jackets. Zhou Sheng placed one hand in his pocket and said, ¡°Yo, you even brought this out?¡± Then he took out the silver music box.


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Kaikai said you got caught, then asked me to quickly pack my things and go downstairs. I didn¡¯t know what I should bring. I didn¡¯t even take the keys and just took the music box out.¡±


    Zhou Sheng started laughing. Six people climbed to the top of the Great Wall and sat in one row, facing east. The wind was bitingly cold; the banner of a Cultural Festival fluttered in the winds on the Great Wall. The marble white colour of the dawn sky broke through the horizon, and the light of dawn shone upon the earth.


    ¡°The sun is rising.¡± Yu Hao said.


    The winds stopped for a brief moment. In that tranquility, Zhou Sheng winded up the music box tightly, and as an accompaniment for the rising sun that shone upon the world, ¡¶A Little Happiness¡·started playing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that song so many times I¡¯m sick of it.¡± Fu Liqun said.


    ¡°We¡¯ll change to another one next time.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    The sun rose; the mountain ranges and rivers faced the reddish-gold glow of daybreak, leaving the darkness and restoring their endless appearance in the daytime.


    The sun rose; under the clear blue sky, thousands of rays of golden light criss crossed with one another, and just like Zhou Sheng stepping onto his flaming cloud in the dream, it blanketed the heavens and earth as raging flames brazenly set the dome of heaven on fire, awakening all living things that were fast asleep.


    The sun rose; and like the many sunrises they saw, those brilliant memories, the morning mist dissipated under the sunlight. Amidst the music, Yu Hao leaned on Zhou Sheng¡¯s shoulder and watched this scene quietly. There was no earth-shattering change, nor was there the cries of tens of thousands of beasts and the swirling of bricks; it was just like every sunrise for the past five billion years ¡ª ordinary, yet not that ordinary at all. It nourished the world that all living things depend on for survival. A ray of sunlight spilled into their souls; crisscrossing dreams were instantly separated from reality, and the distinction was clear.


    The sun rose as usual, its sunlight shining brightly upon the world. Zhou Sheng suddenly said to Yu Hao, ¡°Yi? Look to the West.¡±


    ¡°Ah? There¡¯s another sun?¡± Ou Qihang asked.


    Everyone laughed. Yu Hao looked to the West and said, ¡°The moon¡¯s still here.¡±


    There was a very, very indistinct outline of a full moon, but it was still hanging in the sky, so faint that it could barely be seen anymore.


    Zhou Sheng turned his head sideways, and took advantage of this time to lightly kiss Yu Hao¡¯s ear. Yu Hao instantly flushed red from his neck all the way up to his ears, and he said sternly to Zhou Sheng, ¡°I remember quite a lot of things now. I¡¯ll settle all of them with you when we get home.¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Uh¡­¡±


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Hahaha, you tell him Haohao! Such a good final battle!

 Chapter 165.1

    Two days later, at the investigation office.


    Qin Guodong took out a plastic bag with the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s chip inside and handed it over to Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng accepted it.


    ¡°I have to go back to take over Ren Chong¡¯s mess.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°The special investigation team hasn¡¯t been dissolved yet, so someone has to look after it.¡±


    Zhou Sheng took the chip and handed it to Ou Qihang. Ou Qihang was overwhelmed by the honour. ¡°You¡¯re really lending it to me?¡±


    ¡°Yu Hao promised you ah.¡± Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Which means I promised you too. It¡¯s no big deal to lend it to you for a year to play with.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°If the CPU doesn¡¯t have any energy, it probably won¡¯t be able to start up again.¡±


    Ou Qihang studied the wires in the bag, saying, ¡°Un, I¡¯ll give it a try ba.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t take it to your school¡¯s laboratory ah.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯m only going to study it at home, I won¡¯t tell anyone about it.¡±


    One month later, at the newspaper office.


    Zhou Sheng rode a shared bicycle and arrived outside newspaper office in the evening, then went in to look for Yu Hao. Situ Ye, while holding an ocarina, was teaching Chen Yekai, Ou Qihang, Fu Liqun, and Lin Ze how to play it.


    ¡°Yo, everyone¡¯s here?¡± Zhou Sheng said in surprise, ¡°Why are you guys suddenly learning this?¡±


    Yu Hao was writing his manuscript, and he was about to blow up. He was still going all ¡®ahhhhhh I¡¯m never going to finish this¡¯, while Situ Ye said with a smile, ¡°Just playing for fun.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you guys learning?¡± Zhou Sheng took one as well, ¡°Let me play too? Wifey, there¡¯s no rush, you can write first.¡±


    ¡°¡¶Silent Memories¡·¡± Ou Qihang said sternly, ¡°Douyin¡®s divine melody.¡±


    Zhou Sheng¡¯s mouth twitched. Situ Ye continued, ¡°You don¡¯t need to learn it.¡±


    Yu Hao glanced at Zhou Sheng, and Zhou Sheng felt even more baffled.


    Two months later, Sanjia Hospital.


    Everyone was holding bouquets and fruit baskets as they rushed into Huang Ting¡¯s hospital ward.


    ¡°Why are you all dressed so formally¡­¡± Huang Ting glanced at them, but everyone just treated him like air and rushed straight to the other hospital bed where the bone marrow donor lay.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Chen Yekai was even shedding tears. He went to shake the donor¡¯s hand. It was Yu Hao¡¯s first time seeing Chen Yekai cry like this, and he couldn¡¯t help but want to cry too.


    ¡°Thank you, Dage.¡± Zhou Sheng said to that man.


    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, you¡¯re welcome.¡± The donor said.


    ¡°Thank you for saving our brother!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°If you have any instructions for us in the future, feel free to let us know!¡±


    Huang Ting, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Huang Ting just lay idly in bed and looked at the ceiling.


    Six months later, Beijing Airport.


    ¡°I¡¯m going ah.¡± Fu Liqun sadly bid farewell to his friends at the airport.


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Don¡¯t weep so much, ai, we¡¯ll go to Germany during the National Day holidays to find you. We¡¯ll meet again in a few months.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡± Fu Liqun said, ¡°Young Master, Young Madam, I¡­¡±


    Yu Hao smiled as he embraced Fu Liqun. Chen Yekai and Huang Ting hugged Fu Liqun as well in turn.


    ¡°Huang Ting, go back earlier.¡±


    ¡°Never mind, I¡¯m recovering very quickly.¡± Huang Ting answered.


    Ou Qihang darted over and shouted, ¡°Liqun Ge!¡± Then he leapt up and hugged Fu Liqun.


    Cen Shan smiled while watching them to one side. Fu Liqun turned around, held hands with Cen Shan, and went to the security checkpoint. Zhou Sheng just looked down at his phone, glancing at Fu Liqun once in awhile as he waited for him to leave.


    Yu Hao turned his head sideways to look at Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng looked away. Yu Hao caught a glimpse of a large paragraph of WeChat content he wrote that he wanted to send to Fu Liqun, but he deleted all of it in the end.


    ¡°Gege!¡±


    Just as Fu Liqun was about to wait in line, Zhou Sheng finally shouted and took a few steps forward.


    Fu Liqun stood still, turned his head, and looked at Zhou Sheng with loneliness evident in his gaze. Zhou Sheng couldn¡¯t rein it in; he went a few steps forward, but stopped, and the two of them just looked at each other quietly like that.


    ¡°I love you!¡± Fu Liqun smiled as he shouted, then turned his head and didn¡¯t look at Zhou Sheng any longer.


    ¡°I love you too!¡± Zhou Sheng shouted openly as if no one else was around.


    Everyone couldn¡¯t help but burst out laughing. Zhou Sheng held Yu Hao¡¯s hand and left. After Fu Liqun passed through the security checkpoint, he sat beside Cen Shan, shook his head, and finally began to cry.


    Eight months later, at home.


    Yu Hao scanned his fingerprint to unlock the door. He heard the laughter of a girl and Zhou Sheng¡¯s mad laughter in the house.


    ¡°He¡¯s back, he¡¯s back.¡± Zhou Sheng was amused, ¡°Quick, greet your sis-in-law, go. Yu Hao, Anqi¡¯s here.¡±


    ¡°Hello, sis-in-law.¡± Anqi laughed.


    ¡°Hello, Meimei.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°I went out for an interview today, so I couldn¡¯t pick you up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all right, Ge went.¡± Anqi said, ¡°I bought some chocolate for you.¡±


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°How many days are you staying for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going abroad tomorrow,¡± Anqi said, ¡°So I came to find you two. Sis-in-law, why do I feel like I¡¯ve met you somewhere?¡±


    Yu Hao brewed some pour over coffee for Anqi and Zhou Sheng, saying, ¡°In a dream ba?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°Wu¡­¡±


    Anqi said, ¡°Really seem to have seen you in my dreams before.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Zhou Sheng never told me that he has a younger sister.¡±


    Anqi said, ¡°Ai you don¡¯t know this, my Mum used to be really annoying; she would always nag and grumble as she thinks my Ge¡­¡±


    Zhou Sheng smacked his thigh and said, ¡°Ai! I remembered something. Repeat it for your sis-in-law again! I guarantee he¡¯ll laugh himself to death!¡±


    Yu Hao understood something ¡ª Zhou Sheng¡¯s stepmother most likely wanted to marry this daughter of Zhou Laichun who wasn¡¯t related to him by blood to Zhou Sheng! No wonder. Does he think I get jealous that easily?!


    ¡°What is it?¡± Yu Hao smiled, ¡°I heard you guys laughing so happily just now¡­¡±


    Anqi said solemnly, ¡°Just the other day, I heard it from my Mum¡­hahahahahaha¡ª¡ª¡±


    Anqi hadn¡¯t even said it before she bowled over laughing. Zhou Sheng laughed so hard that he lay sprawled on the table as well. Yu Hao didn¡¯t know whether to cry or laugh for a moment as he looked at this pair of siblings.


    ¡°Zhou Laichun that idiot hahahaha¡ª¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°???¡±


    Yu Hao was instantly intrigued. He said, ¡°Don¡¯t laugh anymore! Hurry and tell me ah!¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡± Anqi finally reined herself in and said intermittently, ¡°Zhou Laichun had a baby, but for some reason, he got into a fight with his wife and went to get a DNA test. As a result¡­it was his chauffeur¡¯s kid, hahahaha¡ª¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°His chauffeur is really handsome okay?! Why are you looking down on his chauffeur! Xiao Qin and my family¡¯s chauffeur have eloped! That¡¯s true love! The chauffeur¡¯s wife even went to my house to catch the adulterers¡­¡±


    Yu Hao instantly burst into laughter and almost knocked the coffee over.


    ¡°Then what should we do?!¡± Yu Hao cried, ¡°He¡¯s going to come and torment us again!¡±


    Zhou Sheng laughed so hard tears were spilling out. He shrugged helplessly.


    Anqi asked, ¡°Ge, you don¡¯t want to go back to manage the company?¡±


    ¡°Your Ge¡¯s in charge of the office now ah.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°The results of his postgraduate entrance examination will be released soon, and he still needs to go to graduate school.¡±


    Anqi laughed so hard she collapsed in her chair. She said, ¡°Aiya I don¡¯t know about you guys either, do as you see fit ba.¡±


    ¡°The results are out,¡± Zhou Sheng said to Yu Hao, ¡°I passed the written examination.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You passed?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°The interview is next week.¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°You passed?! Why didn¡¯t you say anything?!¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Hahahaha it¡¯s obviously ¡¯cause this gossip about the Old White-eyed Wolf is more interesting ah hahaha, how can the postgraduate entrance exam compare?!¡±


    Yu Hao immediately went to rummage around for the party poppers he had prepared, then pointed it at Zhou Sheng¡¯s head and pulled the string; with a ¡®bang¡®, rainbow ribbons were strewn all over the heads of the other two. Anqi shrieked and ran away. Yu Hao thought that she was frightened, but Anqi said, ¡°Give me one! Congratulations, congratulations!¡±


    ¡°I prepared a whole box!¡± Yu Hao shouted, ¡°This is great! I¡¯m the wife of a postgraduate from today on!¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    Anqi and Yu Hao started pulling party poppers like crazy together and made a mess of the house.


    ¡°Congratulations to the old Director Zhou for having another beloved son!¡± Anqi clearly didn¡¯t like Zhou Laichun that much either.


    ¡°Hahahaha¡ª¡± Yu Hao laughed so hard he fell to the sofa. He shouted, ¡°Congratulations, congratulations!¡±


    One year later.


    Ou Qihang began analysing the Golden Crow Wheel¡¯s circuit on the computer. Qin Guodong came in and sat down.


    ¡°He promised to lend it to you for a year?¡± Qin Guodong asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Ou Qihang looked at the computer screen and answered, ¡°It can¡¯t be used now anyway. Zhou Sheng said that there¡¯s no use in him holding onto it, so he lent it to me temporarily. He¡¯ll come get it from me whenever he wants to use it.¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°Spent so much effort in applying for this lab for you, but the analysis still failed.¡±


    Ou Qihang pulled a swivel chair over, saying, ¡°It¡¯s very difficult. This is a product of another civilisation, so it¡¯s good that we even know what it¡¯s used for. The CPU can¡¯t find an appropriate energy connector at all; it looks like it has to extract energy directly from the stars.¡±


    Qin Guodong said, ¡°What kind of job do you plan on looking for?¡±


    Ou Qihang answered, ¡°I¡¯m going to graduate school. Don¡¯t touch it, I have to go out for a while. I¡¯ll come back next week.¡±


    Qin Guodong placed both hands behind his back and glanced at the Golden Crow Wheel on the analyzer. Ou Qihang packed up the things in the lab and suddenly asked, ¡°Qin Laoshi, may I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Qin Guodong turned around and said.


    ¡°At the very beginning, have you ever thought of taking the Golden Crow Wheel for yourself?¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯m really curious. Or is it that you discovered it was of no use in the end, which was why you returned it to Zhou Sheng?¡±


    ¡°Is that very important?¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s necessary to think too deeply about the process.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯m just curious. Who knows if you would use it after the CPU is successfully charged.¡±


    Qin Guodong answered, ¡°By then, someone will come to stop me. Evil can never prevail over good. I¡¯m not as arrogant as Ren Chong.¡±


    Ou Qihang said with a smile, ¡°Right? But I think you may have had that idea before.¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I really didn¡¯t.¡± Qin Guodong said, ¡°Throughout this lifetime, I¡¯ve always been worn out from gaining insight into the hearts of people. If you understand the hearts of too many people, then one wouldn¡¯t even have a single friend in this world, so why bother? Manipulating and playing around with people¡¯s hearts may satisfy Ren Chong¡¯s desire for power, but once he succeeds, it also means¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°It also means that you would be the only person left in this world.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Qin Guodong nodded. ¡°All living things have already been invaded by your spirit, so you¡¯ll turn into the only God. How lonely would that be, and how unfortunate would that be?¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°That¡¯s true. Once all desires are satisfied, there¡¯s not much meaning left in living.¡±


    Qin Guodong asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Australia, to play.¡± Ou Qihang said, ¡°I¡¯ll bring some specialities back for you, byebye.¡±

 Chapter 165.2 (END)

    Newspaper office.


    Lin Ze and Situ Ye dragged their luggage into the office. Lin Ze said to Jin Weicheng who was the editor on duty, ¡°Jin Laoshi, we¡¯ll have to trouble you for being on duty.¡±


    ¡°Have fun.¡± Jin Weicheng said.


    March, Australia, Hardy Reef.


    During midsummer in the Southern Hemisphere, the Great Barrier Reef¡¯s waters that were almost transparent looked just like jelly. Houses dotted the water in great numbers, and the coral reef was dyed a beautiful bluish-green as it spread out on the offshore seabed. The sun shone brilliantly; the seabed could be seen with just a glance. Yachts with glass bases sailed by one after another, as if they were floating in mid air ¡ª the blue skies, white clouds, and sea waters had merged into one colour.


    Yu Hao slept until it was dark out because he was still suffering from his jet lag. When he arrived the night before, it was pitch dark outside, and he couldn¡¯t see anything. When he woke up in the morning, the water house facing the sea was enveloped by muslin curtains, while the radiant sunlight streamed in from outside.


    ¡°Get up!¡± Chen Yekai said, ¡°Look at the time!¡±


    Beside Yu Hao on the bed, Zhou Sheng had gone missing, his warmth still lingering under the blanket.


    As soon as Yu Hao looked at the time, he was startled. Ou Qihang followed in as well, saying, ¡°Get up and change your clothes! It¡¯s about to start!¡±


    Yu Hao, ¡°¡­¡­¡±


    ¡°Why is it that you guys aren¡¯t wearing anything, but I have to wear a shirt!¡± Yu Hao lamented, ¡°I want to go snorkelling too!¡±


    ¡°How are we not wearing anything!¡± Chen Yekai said.


    Ou Qihang, ¡°Exactly, we¡¯re obviously wearing beach shorts.¡±


    Ou Qihang and Chen Yekai were both half naked and were obviously very aware of their status as tourists. They were even barefoot as they pushed Yu Hao to the wash basin. Ou Qihang smeared sunscreen on Yu Hao, Chen Yekai helped him wax his hair, and after being embroiled in chaos for a while, Chen Yekai looked at the diving watch on his wrist and said, ¡°Okay, when the time comes you just need to walk along the route.¡±


    Ou Qihang said, ¡°We¡¯ll go off first!¡±


    Yu Hao scrutinised himself in the mirror. He took a deep breath, stood there for awhile, then pushed the door open and left.


    Lin Ze was half naked and wore a pair of beach shorts as he waited at the entrance to the water house. He placed an ocarina next to his mouth, and once the door opened, the music began to play.


    Yu Hao laughed. That was the Douyin divine melody that they had been practicing diligently for months.


    ¡°You walked with me into a cicada summer, walking through the hustle and bustle of a city; songs still in the air, in your eyes like pomegranate blossoms, I can¡¯t see your tenderness¡­¡±


    Yu Hao sang along with the music as he walked out of the long corridor. Lin Ze blew his ocarina with a cadence as he followed him from behind. At the end of the corridor, Chen Yekai appeared and began blowing on an ocarina and followed up.


    ¡°I miss you so much, every rainy season; what you choose to forget, is what I am attached to the most¡ª¡±


    Situ Ye waited in the garden and smiled at Yu Hao. That smile was as brilliant as the sun, and he sang with Yu Hao,


    ¡°This letter is too short for my feelings; there are too many ripples that I cannot finish telling of, every aspect of my story is about you.¡±


    On the stony path, Cen Shan blew an ocarina with a gentle hint of a smile in her gaze, accompanying Yu Hao to walk towards the dock.


    Ou Qihang waited at the dock. He started playing his ocarina and joined them. Yu Hao stepped onto the yacht with a glass base; the boatman paddled the water, and the gondola-like boat swayed as it was rowed onto the transparent sea.


    Skies were clear, the breeze was still, and the waves were quiet. Yu Hao stood at the bow of the boat and looked at the coral island in the middle of the sea. There was an arch there built with white roses; Fu Liqun and Huang Ting both wore shirts as they waited with Zhou Sheng. Zhou Sheng casually yanked a few times at the rose petals used for decoration.


    Five boats that were decorated as gondolas drifted in slowly on that transparent sea as it approached the island.


    Yu Hao looked at Zhou Sheng, who was waiting for him on that island. Situ Ye sang to one side,


    ¡°How did I fall in love with him, and decide to go home with him; giving up my all, my everything, it doesn¡¯t matter¡­¡±


    ¡°This letter is too short for my feelings; my youth of yester-year is a long story, my story is still about you.¡±


    The gondola reached the shore. Yu Hao disembarked. Adorned in a white shirt and a pair of black suit pants, he walked towards Zhou Sheng, who was drenched in sweat from the sweltering heat. Zhou Sheng looked very handsome today but also seemed really hot. He would loosen the tie around his neck from time to time, and sweat could be seen dripping from his hair.


    ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Zhou Sheng said.


    ¡°Overslept.¡± Yu Hao said with a little embarrassment.


    ¡°Without anyone going into your dream to wake you, you can¡¯t get up.¡± Zhou Sheng¡¯s slight smile was intoxicating. He bowed his head and kissed Yu Hao, held his hand, and they walked to the arch decorated with white roses. Situ Ye immediately took his camera out and froze this moment.


    A year and a half later.


    ¡°¡­there¡¯s still another project here, they actually took us into a waterfall with an inflatable boat! Zhou Sheng was insistent on pulling me over to play with him, and we ended up getting drenched.¡±


    The photo Chen Yekai received was of a half naked Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng wearing life jackets, cutting a sorry figure as they were soaked all over. As well as another photo they took together in front of a waterfall.


    ¡°Chich¨¦n Itz¨¢¡¯s really hot, they¡¯re quite tan now¡­¡± Chen Yekai said as he held the photos.


    In the photo was Zhou Sheng, who was wearing a shirt and a pair of black shorts as he played football on the Cuju court. Yu Hao captured the moment of Zhou Sheng kicking out handsomely, kicking the football used for practice out in a path that drew an arc in the air.


    ¡°We¡¯re following an expedition team.¡± Cen Shan read the letter from Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng under the sunlight by the window of her home in Vienna. Fu Liqun looked at the photo ¡ª in it were the two of them and several other expedition team members at a camp set up in the desert, and they were making a ¡®yeah¡¯ gesture.


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°They actually went?¡±


    Cen Shan asked, ¡°Why are they so insistent on Loulan?¡±


    Fu Liqun smiled and hugged Cen Shan from behind, touching Cen Shan¡¯s bulging stomach with both hands.


    ¡°Will they be able to make it for our wedding in time?¡± Cen Shan said, ¡°They have to get their asses here next month.¡±


    Fu Liqun said, ¡°They¡¯ll make it, don¡¯t worry. They¡¯ve already bought their tickets. Let me take a look?¡±


    Fu Liqun looked through the photos, saying, ¡°The Loulan in the dream ah. Do you remember that the movie we watched when we first met was about it?¡±


    Cen Shan said, ¡°Of course I remember, and I kept getting bitten by mosquitoes¡­after passing the Devil City of Yardang was a vast no man¡¯s land. I didn¡¯t see Lop Nor, and wolves were howling all night, it reminded me of the legendary ¡®scheming white wolves¡¯.¡±


    Fu Liqun laughed. Cen Shan flipped to the last photo; in it were Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng with their faces covered as they withstood the sandstorm and scorching sun with only their eyes showing, and they were sitting cross-legged in front of the ruins of the ancient city.


    ¡°Hailed a cab in Ramla Square¡­to head to the Lighthouse of Alexandria.¡±


    In Los Angeles, Shi Ni sat on a swing in her courtyard, reading the letter with her head down.


    ¡°¡­the earliest lighthouse has already sunk to the bottom of the sea, and Egypt rebuilt it in 2015.¡± Shi Ni looked at the photo; Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng were sitting under the Lighthouse of Alexandria. Zhou Sheng sat on the railings while Yu Hao stood, smiling at the camera, and she seemed to vaguely recall something.


    ¡°The Hanging Gardens of Babylon have not been found yet.¡± Huang Ting flipped over the front of the photo, ¡°But we¡¯ve visited the ancient Babylonian ruins in southern Baghdad¡­Damn it, aren¡¯t you guys a bit too bold? Isn¡¯t Iraq still in the midst of war?¡±


    In the photo were Yu Hao, Zhou Sheng and a sentry.


    ¡°Then, Zhou Sheng almost hit the one dressed up as a zombie¡­¡±


    Ou Qihang flipped through the photos that Yu Hao mailed over; it was a photo they took together in front of ¡®The Walking Dead¡¯ attraction in Universal Studios.


    ¡°Luckily I pulled him back in time.¡± Ou Qihang didn¡¯t know if he should laugh or cry, ¡°I want to travel around the world too! It¡¯s so exciting!¡±


    ¡°The letter is too short for my feelings, I don¡¯t have enough to describe everything in detail¡­¡±


    Yu Hao sat in front of the ruins of the ancient city of Pompeii; there was a board spread out on his knees, and he had his head bowed as he wrote a letter. He placed the photos that they had taken in the envelope, then put it in the mailbox. Zhou Sheng looked up at Pompeii¡¯s ruins and said, ¡°It¡¯s the last one?¡±


    ¡°Un, for Liang Laoshi.¡± Yu Hao said, ¡°There aren¡¯t any left.¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go to my dream?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Yu Hao laughed.


    The next day, both of them got up very early. After visiting the last place of interest, they would take a plane at noon to Vienna to attend Fu Liqun¡¯s and Cen Shan¡¯s wedding.


    Colosseum, the marble white colour before dawn cast some light down. Summer¡¯s morning was the coldest period in Rome. Zhou Sheng and Yu Hao wore long-sleeved jackets as they entered the arena.


    Zhou Sheng stood in the darkness before dawn, looked around, then looked up at the grandstand. Yu Hao¡¯s camera was hung around his neck. He sat down in the grandstand and looked at Zhou Sheng, who was in the arena.


    ¡°Hey, boy!¡± Yu Hao shouted down.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Zhou Sheng answered.


    Yu Hao asked, ¡°Who do you want to challenge this time?¡±


    Zhou Sheng, ¡°I don¡¯t want to challenge anyone! Just here for an inspection tour.¡±


    Yu Hao said, ¡°Come up?¡±


    Zhou Sheng said, ¡°You come down.¡±


    ¡°You come up.¡±


    ¡°You come down. Behave.¡±


    So Yu Hao could only walk down the stairs to stand next to Zhou Sheng. He said, ¡°I still want to take a picture of you from a higher place.¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Zhou Sheng pulled Yu Hao¡¯s hand, ¡°The sun¡¯s coming out, watch it from here.¡±


    Yu Hao and Zhou Sheng held hands, like two travellers who had walked over from a long river of time.


    The sun rose, illuminating this world that was sound asleep and awakened all living beings. Its light surrounded them, its rays shining in through the many doorways of the ancient Roman arena. Each opening in the wall was like a door¡ª a door that led to the billions of dream worlds that shone resplendently like brilliant stars.


    ¡ª¡ªSeizing Dreams¡¤The End¡ª¡ª


    ¡¾Dogs actually aren¡¯t that terrifying. Dogs are mankind¡¯s friends ah.¡¿A bunch of messy words were written on the postcard.


    Lin Ze held the postcard and said, ¡°Why did that kid suddenly send me such a postcard? And it¡¯s of Monet¡¯s painting?¡±


    Situ Ye was bored stiff. ¡°He should¡¯ve gone to Paris again ba?! When is Yu Hao Didi coming back! Hasn¡¯t he been away from home for too long!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still writing his manuscripts. Don¡¯t you worry about him.¡± Lin Ze said, ¡°Why is it an impression of a sunrise?¡±


    Situ Ye, ¡°Why are you caring about that impression of his? I¡¯m bored! I want to play too! I want to go to Australia too! I want to go to Antarctica! I want to go to Croatia to see King¡¯s Landing City¡­¡±


    Lin Ze, ¡°I¡¯ll definitely take you during the National Day holidays! Stop shouting! I got it!¡±


    The author has something to say:


    Every time I finish telling the stories of the protagonists, I¡¯ll feel like I¡¯ve just lived through a grand and magnificent life.


    Hopefully, everyone has their own dreams, in which the sun would always rise.


    ¡¶Seizing Dreams¡·extras will be released in the simplified version first, please pay attention to the information of the publication of the simplified version.


    The simplified edition will be published in Jinjiang three months later.


    Okay, that¡¯s it, see you guys in the next book.


    ¡ª


    Juurensha: Annnnd we¡¯re done! Omg this was such a good series, and I hope all of you enjoyed it too! Such a sweet ending!


    Zryuu: Omg¡­ I¡¯m finally done with the mass update haha. I¡¯ve had all this done quite awhile back actually. Translating this series has been such a ride, and I honestly don¡¯t regret it because it is such, a good, novel!! There are actually a lot more extras (I¡¯ve gotten the first part of the extras), but I¡¯m not sure when I¡¯ll ever get around to translating them lol cause they¡¯re only available in the physical copies (the smut too hahaha) and I¡¯m kinda lazy¡­ we¡¯ll see~ Hope you guys enjoyed this novel as much as I did, and as Feitian said, see you guys in the next book! (Dinghai Fusheng Records LOL)