Chapter 14

Shen Ze and Lin Jianxi’s names together were infamous throughout the industry. The doctor said, stunned, “What a coincidence! Running into each other here—fate must run deep.”

Lin Jianxi and Shen Ze exchanged a glance, momentarily at a loss for words. Shen Ze drew in a deep breath, released his hand, and walked over to the window to gaze outside.

After finishing his conversation with the doctor, Lin Jianxi reached a conclusion: he still needed to bring Song Cheng’an to the hospital for proper medication and examinations. No matter what mental illness it turned out to be, the moment self-harm began, it was serious. Lin Jianxi frowned slightly in distress—Song Cheng’an would never agree to go to a hospital…

He stepped out of the doctor’s office, and Shen Ze hurried after him. “You’re trying to get him treatment, aren’t you?”

Lin Jianxi turned. “Yeah, you caught on?”

Shen Ze gave a wry, self-mocking smile. “Who else but him, hanging around you?”

Lin Jianxi nodded. “Fair enough… I still need to check the next hospital. Go handle your business—I won’t keep you.”

Shen Ze stepped in front of him. “I can help.”

Lin Jianxi blinked. “Huh?”

Shen Ze pressed on. “He won’t come willingly. Wait for one of his episodes, and I’ll help you drag him here.”

Lin Jianxi turned down Shen Ze’s offer… Song Cheng’an already hated him interacting with others; this would only set him off worse.

Lin Jianxi went home and took a nap. In his drowsy haze, he felt someone nuzzling his cheek. He knew it was Song Cheng’an and rolled over with a smile. “You’re back? Tired? I left dinner for you on the table.”

Song Cheng’an asked, “Where were you today?”

Lin Jianxi answered honestly. “At the hospital. I asked the doctor about some issues with you.”

Song Cheng’an crouched by the bedside, blinking up at him. “Are my issues that bad?”

Lin Jianxi met his gaze. “Song Cheng’an, let’s go to the hospital, okay? You’re not doing well at all right now.”

“…I don’t like that place,” Song Cheng’an murmured, lowering his lashes. “Isn’t how we are now good enough? Lin Jianxi, tell me anything you don’t like about me. I can change.”

“There’s nothing wrong with you. It’s just that you never sleep well.”

Song Cheng’an smiled at him. “Hold me, and I sleep perfectly.”

…

~~~

In the haze of passion, Lin Jianxi stroked Song Cheng’an’s hair. “You never pull punches at work. So many people resent you but don’t dare say a word. What happens on the day you can’t fight back anymore… I don’t want to see another Gu Heng…”

As he spoke, Lin Jianxi’s voice grew heavy with sorrow. It had been ages since he’d last seen Gu Heng.

Gu Heng had his flaws in handling certain matters, but he’d always been good to him… It was so hard to hate someone who loved you without conditions.

Song Cheng’an gently wiped the tear from the corner of his eye. “Don’t worry. That day won’t come. Lin Jianxi, I promised to protect you for life—for a lifetime. You can do whatever you please. The whole world will be yours.”

…

~~~

Afterward, Lin Jianxi stared blankly out the window. The system zipped over. “He really won’t face that day. All the characters’ fates are predetermined.”

“What’s his ending?”

“The standard triumphant hero’s finale.”

“And Gu Heng?”

“Driven insane.”

“Then what’s the point of me trying?” Lin Jianxi gave a faint smile. “I feel sorry for them, worry about their bad ends and mental breakdowns, so I always hesitate… But their destinies are set in stone. No matter what I do, it won’t change a thing.”

The system nodded. “Exactly. So just keep living.”

Relief washed over Lin Jianxi. He even craved a cigarette… but he couldn’t. Silently, he made plans: the day the plot ended, he’d go wild—booze, smokes, street food stalls. Right then, Song Cheng’an walked back in from outside the bedroom, carrying a plate of fruit.

Lin Jianxi crooked his fingers in a beckoning gesture. “The divorce papers. Hand them over.”

Song Cheng’an nearly fumbled the fruit plate. Lin Jianxi chuckled. “Scared you? Relax—I’m just gonna sign them. Nothing more.”

Song Cheng’an set the fruit aside and dashed off to grab the divorce agreement. When he handed it over, he clutched the pages tightly, asking warily, “Did someone propose to you?”

Lin Jianxi burst out laughing. “I’m camped out at your place every day—who could propose?”

“…Plenty,” Song Cheng’an muttered. Then he perked up, plopped down beside him, laid the papers across Lin Jianxi’s lap, and offered a pen.

Lin Jianxi bit the cap between his teeth and signed with fluid strokes.

Only then did he flip through the full document. That’s when he realized Gu Heng had essentially walked away empty-handed. They weren’t as wealthy as before, but there was still a decent sum—and Gu Heng had given it all to him.

“…”

Lin Jianxi sighed and leaned against Song Cheng’an, slowly closing his eyes.

“Are you feeling sorry for him?” Song Cheng’an ventured cautiously.

“He did wrong. This is his burden to bear.”

Lin Jianxi sidestepped the question. After a long pause, he added, “My health’s holding up now. I want to find something to do.”

“Like what? Teacher? Your own boss? Freelance?”

Lin Jianxi shook his head. “Don’t worry about me. You focus on your work.”

One step at a time.

He couldn’t just hole up in Song Cheng’an’s place forever. Lounging around aimlessly had been fine with Gu Heng, but things were different with Song Cheng’an.

Lin Jianxi still couldn’t get used to depending on him completely.

~~~

He landed a low-key office job. The monthly pay was modest, but it covered his needs. His department manager was a quiet young man in his mid-twenties, with a mixed-race look—blue eyes and long lashes. Colleagues whispered he was the company heir, the boss’s son, there to intern and gain experience.

Lin Jianxi made a point to keep his distance from the young master. After everything he’d been through, he wanted no part of tycoon drama—it was all too messy. Better to steer clear.

But one day, when he visited Song Cheng’an’s company, he spotted the young master right outside the office.

The little young master was surnamed Ji. He stood at the office door and, upon seeing Lin Jianxi, said coldly—though stuttering—”N-N-No… you can’t go in.”

Lin Jianxi arched a brow slightly. The young master didn’t stutter at work—was he nervous now?

Song Cheng’an was probably in there hashing out some deal with company folks. Lin Jianxi knew better than to interrupt. He looked at the little young master, whose cheeks were flushed pink, and smiled lightly. “No need to be nervous.”

Young Master Ji flushed with embarrassed anger, but when his eyes met Lin Jianxi’s, his fury deflated instantly. He looked away and muttered, “You can’t go in right now. Just wait a bit.”

“Have I done something to make you dislike me, Manager?” Lin Jianxi asked.

“…Yeah.”

“Oh.” Lin Jianxi fell silent, standing quietly off to the side.

One minute later.

“You’re ignoring me… Why should I pay any attention to you?” Young Master Ji grumbled.

“…”

Young Master Ji’s eyes reddened with grievance. “The first day you started working here, I recognized you right away. I’ve been watching you ever since, but you never once looked my way. In the work group chat, when I @ you, all you ever reply with is ‘OK’—even though you type full responses to everyone else. Just ‘OK’ for me. That’s why I can’t stand you.”

Lin Jianxi racked his brain, trying to remember where he’d seen the man before. After a moment, it clicked. “Have you… been to my house before…?”

Young Master Ji said nothing.

Amused by the other’s tsundere attitude, Lin Jianxi chuckled. “You could’ve just told me straight up. My memory’s not the best…”

“But you wouldn’t forget Song Cheng’an. It’s been nearly three years since you last saw him.”

“I’ve known him a long time. Hell, I didn’t even know your name until now.”

“Ji Xingyan.”

“Got it, Manager Ji. I won’t let it happen again. Forgive me?”

Ji Xingyan kept his face cold, stammering, “G-go sit on the sofa over there. My father’s in there talking business with him. It might take a while.”

Lin Jianxi went to rest. He’d come looking for Song Cheng’an today because he wanted to drag him out shopping that evening—anything to avoid going home and doing those things. Lin Jianxi was bone-tired and figured it’d be a good way to burn off some energy.

The sofa was impossibly comfortable. Before long, Lin Jianxi had drifted into a hazy sleep. In his drowsiness, someone draped a blanket over him. Those striking blue eyes were unmistakable; Lin Jianxi cracked one eye open and knew it was Ji Xingyan. He curved his lips into a smile. “Thanks, Manager Ji.”

Ji Xingyan crouched beside him. “Why won’t you pay attention to me?”

Lin Jianxi mumbled lazily, “You know what I’ve been through. I’ve got some psychological scars, so I just want to steer clear of all that.”

Ji Xingyan’s expression softened. He pursed his lips. “…Oh. Then get some sleep. I’ll wake you when they come out.”

Lin Jianxi slept soundly, feeling at ease.

He hadn’t realized there were so many people in that room. The moment they emerged, their chatter jolted him awake. Lin Jianxi sat up on the sofa just as Song Cheng’an appeared, surrounded by a cluster of sharply dressed men.

Song Cheng’an wore his usual icy expression, clearly irritated by every extra word from the others. When someone addressed him, he’d grunt “Mm” and nothing more.

One man’s gaze landed on Lin Jianxi.

The blanket had slipped down to Lin Jianxi’s lap, his hair slightly tousled and half-obscuring his striking eyes. He licked his dry lips and regarded the group coolly.

The man narrowed his eyes, amusement practically gleaming in them.

Song Cheng’an—rarely one to smile at outsiders—cracked a grin and leaned in. “What’re you looking at?”

“Mr. Song… that guy…” The man pointed. “Is he your secretary?”

“Secretary?” Song Cheng’an echoed. “Good-looking, isn’t he?”

“Very.”

“Pretty, right?”

“Pretty.”

“Doesn’t it make your heart race?”

“…”

Song Cheng’an pressed, “Want him?”

“…Mr. Song.” The man sensed the shift; the room had gone utterly silent, so quiet he could hear the breathing of those around him.

Song Cheng’an’s gaze turned dangerous. “Well? Speak up.”

The silence deepened.

Everyone bowed their heads or averted their eyes, desperately trying to fade into the background.

In the pin-drop quiet, Lin Jianxi rose smoothly. Amid the focused stares of the crowd, he walked calmly over to Song Cheng’an and lightly patted the side of his neck.

His eyes caught the ceiling lights, cold beauty laced with sternness. “Song Cheng’an, where are your manners?”

The brush of Lin Jianxi’s hand against his skin sent an exquisite shiver racing through Song Cheng’an. He stared at the man before him—Lin Jianxi, flawless from head to toe, on display for all to see.

He was Song Cheng’an’s.

At least here, Lin Jianxi only struck him.

Song Cheng’an’s lips twitched upward uncontrollably, but fearing Lin Jianxi would realize how much he enjoyed it, he forced himself to calm. He lowered his gaze obediently, the picture of compliance, and said earnestly, “He’s not my secretary.”

The man laughed nervously, scared half to death. “Ahahaha, right, of course.”

Song Cheng’an handled the final pleasantries with polite deference. They spoke of business on the surface, but eyes kept darting to Lin Jianxi—leaning against the wall, a faint smile playing on his lips as he listened intently to Ji Xingyan. Everyone inwardly puzzled over just who this enigmatic figure could be…

The next day at the company, Ji Xingyan called Lin Jianxi in for a talk. “You know what they were buzzing about after you left yesterday? My dad grilled me about it again.”

“Tell me,” Lin Jianxi said.

Ji Xingyan cleared his throat. “He wanted to know your exact status—why everyone bends over backward for you. That Gu guy, Song Cheng’an, Shen Ze, and all those others like me that you can’t even remember. They’re always vouching for you out there.”

“What’d you tell him?” Lin Jianxi asked.

“I said I listen to you too.”

Lin Jianxi couldn’t suppress a chuckle.

Ji Xingyan fell silent for a beat, then ventured hesitantly, “Since you’re not scared of pissing off Gu Heng and can be with Song Cheng’an… could you give me a shot?”

“?”

Lin Jianxi crossed his legs. “You know exactly why I’m with him, better than anyone.”

“But that was back when Gu Heng was locked up. He’s out now, and you two are still together.”

The words hit like a thunderclap in Lin Jianxi’s mind. “He’s out?”

Ji Xingyan faltered. “You… didn’t know?”

Lin Jianxi frowned faintly.

Realizing his slip, Ji Xingyan rushed to cover. “Don’t read into it. He’s got a new identity now, doing pretty well. Normal you wouldn’t know—maybe he’s planning a surprise.”

But Ji Xingyan annoyed himself with the words. “He hasn’t even come looking for you—why are you still hung up on him? The guy right in front of you is me…”

Lin Jianxi heard none of it.

Gu Heng was out.

From what Young Master Ji said, he’d been free for quite some time.

Lin Jianxi lowered his lashes.

Part of him puzzled over why Gu Heng hadn’t sought him out; another part latched onto a different question.

If that was the case, was the plot nearing its end? Would he have to witness Gu Heng’s descent into madness firsthand?

Lin Jianxi doesn’t want to watch.

But he also wanted to see Gu Heng, to see what he looks like now.

Lin Jianxi took a deep breath and asked, “Can you give me his current contact information? I’m not going to bother him… I just want to ask how he’s doing. He won’t know who I am… Is that okay?”

…

Ji Xingyan: “Then promise me one request.”

Lin Jianxi: “…What?”

Ji Xingyan probed, “Come with me to have dinner with some friends.”

Lin Jianxi thought to himself, what kind of request was this? But he still agreed: “Today?”

“Mmm, wait for me to get off work together tonight.” Ji Xingyan couldn’t hide his delight.

Lin Jianxi smiled helplessly. “Alright.”

Ji Xingyan looked at him, a different emotion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly turned his head to hide it.

“If you want to eat something, just message me… Don’t worry about us—what you like, we all like.”

~~~