Sponsored chapter (5/5)
Si Wei stormed off.
His departing figure exuded an aura of anger, as if he were ready to charge into battle with a bayonet.
Yu Baihan took a sip of champagne and inwardly rooted for him: Go on, fight!
It would be even better if they fought at a martial arts studio, the kind of combat that’s intense!
He was scolding Fang Qiu, and he couldn’t help but imagine Si Wei engaging in a full-on brawl. As he did so, he noticed a gathering crowd in front of him—a group of young masters from several prominent families in H City.
One of them ventured, “Young Master Si, what happened with the Third Young Master just now?”
Yu Baihan: Ah, here comes the .
Perfect timing, they’ll give him something to do.
He put on a facade of innocence, replying, “I don’t know.”
The person on the other side cast a glance at Lu Huan next to him, seemingly reassured by Lu Huan’s lack of intervention. They continued their probing, saying, “It must be something significant to cause such a commotion, right?”
Yu Baihan mentally urged them:
You’ve got all the answers; now turn in your homework.
“Well, it could be work-related.”
He willed them inwardly:
Deliver your responses promptly.
“Got it.”
The group exchanged looks before smiling at Yu Baihan and walking away. Just before departing, they shot him a knowing glance, as though observing a young master who is unaware of the world’s intricacies.
Yu Baihan waved off the nosy inquiries and resumed sipping his champagne.
A sip of a drink, refreshing.
Adorned in his finely tailored attire, holding a champagne glass amidst the glittering reception hall, he truly looked like a scion of wealth.
Lu Huan chuckled and asked, “Is the champagne to your liking?”
The glass in Yu Baihan’s hand reflected the shattered fragments on the ground nearby. He quipped, “Delightful, brewed with meticulous care and offering a lingering aftertaste.”
Putting in the effort pays off.
Lu Huan only smiled, his response was succinct.
The banquet would continue into the late hours of the night.
Yu Baihan had enjoyed dinner and witnessed the spectacle, and now he felt it was time to leave.
He inquired of Lu Huan, “I’m ready to go back, what about you?”
“Let’s head back.” Lu Huan briefly observed the smiling and welcoming crowd around them before his gaze settled, his interest waning.
—
After bidding farewell to the banquet’s host, the two of them departed.
Back at the hotel, Yu Baihan switched into more casual attire.
This outfit was too formal, constraining his free soul.
Returning to his relaxed shirt and shorts, he sauntered to the balcony for a view.
The balcony faced the opposite beach.
With nightfall, the sea lay tranquil and expansive beneath the darkened sky. The beach lights illuminated the surroundings, and clusters of people gathered in small groups, with resident singers adding to the festive atmosphere.
An eager excitement surged within Yu Baihan, much like the ebb and flow of the tide.
He turned to Lu Huan, asking, “I want to head out for a bit of fun. Are you coming?”
Lu Huan remained seated on the sofa, engrossed in his tablet. “No.”
“In that case, I’ll go by myself.”
“En.”
—
A ten-minute walk from the hotel led directly to the beach Yu Baihan had spotted earlier.
Upon reaching the beach, he realized that the liveliness of the atmosphere was even more exuberant up close than it appeared from a distance.
Around two to three hundred meters from the shoreline extended a continuous expanse of pavement adorned with bright yellow light bulbs that glowed like stars.
Identifying an open-air bar, Yu Baihan secured himself a cocktail and perched on a barstool, captivated by the skillful flair of the bartender as he prepared drinks.
Taking advantage of a lull while the bartender was engrossed in mixing concoctions, Yu Baihan pulled out his phone and snapped two photos to share on his social media. One captured the ambiance of the bar, while the other showcased the view of the sea beyond.
[Yu Er]: The sea’s waves are captivating~ [Image][Image]
Within minutes, comments and likes began to pour in on his Moments.
[Qiao Yun]: Have a blast! 🤗
[Yang Xinyuan]: Just got back from this place in City H!
[Qi Jue]: Is Brother Lu with you too? 🍉
Yu Baihan responded to each message before adding a reply under Qi Jue’s comment:
“Yes, but not really.”
There’s still a considerable distance between us, a large part of the beach, and a pool balcony in between.
After his replies were sent, his ordered cocktail arrived. Yu Baihan pocketed his phone and engaged in conversation with the bartender while savoring his drink.
“Is there a special occasion happening here?” he inquired.
“Yeah, it is the Summer Beach Music Festival,” the bartender confirmed as he skillfully shook a cocktail shaker. “It runs for a month, every weekend, right here on the beach.”
Propping his chin on his hand, Yu Baihan surveyed the bustling scene. “No wonder it’s so lively.”
He continued chatting with the bartender for a while.
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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He paused, his expression turning thoughtful.
“Why?” Yu Baihan asked, curious.
The bartender chuckled, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features. “Many people come here looking for a potential partner. And you, being so remarkable, I suppose anyone who glances your way would be utterly captivated at first sight.”
Hearing what he said, Yu Baihan realized that there seemed to be some eyes falling over intentionally or unintentionally.
He immediately sat upright and said, “I have a partner.”
It’s not too distant, perhaps even close enough that yelling towards the hotel balcony could yield an echoing response.
The bartender’s gaze inadvertently slid down to his fingers.
Yu Baihan noticed it immediately. “It’s not on the left hand.”
The bartender retorted, “I was just curious about the ring.”
Yu Baihan found himself slightly embarrassed. “I’m sorry.” His mind had clearly jumped to impure conclusions.
Just as he brought up Lu Huan, he took out his phone to check for any messages. Upon opening WeChat, he found one sent just ten minutes ago.
[Fish]: Did you head to the bar?
It seemed like Lu Huan had browsed through his social media posts.
Yu Baihan’s brows knitted, and he swiftly typed a response.
[You Er]: Why, you don’t like it? [Threatening to unplug the network cable.jpg]
Yet, after half a minute passed, no reply arrived from the other side.
Setting down his phone, Yu Baihan contemplated ordering another drink to sample.
As he focused on perusing the drink list, an individual suddenly took the seat beside him. “What do you want to drink?”
Yu Baihan shifted his attention to the boy, about his age, sitting in front of him. He swiftly realized that he didn’t recognize this face.
Turning to the bartender, he inquired, “Is this one of your colleagues?”
However, the newcomer wasn’t wearing any work attire either. An undercover bartender, perhaps?
The bartender behind the counter chuckled. “No.”
The young man next to him also grinned, saying, “You’ve got a sense of humor. I just wanted to get you a drink.”
Yu Baihan remained vigilant. “No thanks.” There’s no free lunch.
“You’re being polite. Are you here alone?”
“I’m here with a group.”
The conversation continued, and Yu Baihan suddenly felt a new presence in the empty seat next to him. He initially brushed it off and stared at the young man across from him, lost in thought.
“?” Yu Baihan turned his head.
Swiveling around, he found Lu Huan seated behind him. The top button of Lu Huan’s shirt was undone, sleeves rolled up on his arms, presenting a blend of casualness amidst his commanding elegance.
The lights of the bar mingled with those from the beach, creating an aura of handsomeness that dimmed the surroundings.
Yu Baihan was momentarily stunned. “Why are you here?”
Lu Huan responded, “I was concerned you might be drinking excessively.”
Yu Baihan felt touched for a moment.
Lu Huan added, “Causing a disturbance.”
Yu Baihan, “…”
The heart-fluttering emotion he felt earlier dissipated as he gazed intently at Lu Huan. So, it truly bothered him.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.”
Yu Baihan and Lu Huan exchanged glances when they heard a hesitant voice from behind. “Um, who is…”
Before the person could continue, Lu Huan interjected, “He’s with me.”
At the bar, “…”
Yu Baihan thought to himself, ‘Oh, Lu Huan overheard that.’
—
The young man from earlier had departed.
Only Yu Baihan and Lu Huan remained in front of the bar. Lu Huan possessed an air of extravagance, emanating a captivating aura even when he sat still, like a human-shaped charm generator.
The bartender playfully winked at Yu Baihan. “Is this what you were referring to?”
Upon hearing this, Lu Huan turned his head and glanced at Yu Baihan.
Yu Baihan returned the look, silently conveying, “What are you doing? You’re the cause of all this.”
The bartender turned to Lu Huan. “What would this gentleman like?”
“No need.” Lu Huan inquired of Yu Baihan, “Are you still staying here?”
With one not ordering and the other already finishing his drink, they were like two radishes hogging a field without growing.
Yu Baihan didn’t have the courage to linger, so he stood up and gestured toward the section of the beach where the resident singer was performing. “Let’s move from here. How about checking out that spot?”
A resident singer had positioned himself close to the shoreline.
The singer was a young man in his mid-twenties with an acoustic guitar and a voice that was both pure and clear. A crowd had gathered around him, swaying to his tunes, and the atmosphere was jubilant.
Yu Baihan squeezed his way through the crowd and found a vantage point to stop and enjoy the performance.
People encircled the performer, singing along and sharing laughter. Some even captured videos with their smartphones.
After approximately half a minute of standing behind Yu Baihan, Lu Huan lowered his gaze, turned, and started walking away.
In a crowd, he progressed toward the beach, leaving the bustling surroundings behind.
The sea at night appeared to merge with the sky.
The sea, frigid and deep, was met by the pressing night. The expanse of the ocean resembled a roaring beast, its depths cloaked in darkness.
Lu Huan stood beside the sea, its image mirrored in his eyes.
The briny breeze tugged at his clothes. He stood alone, immersed in silence for a considerable period of time. The guitarist’s rendition had shifted from a lively tune to a somber melody.
As the crowd hushed, the vocalist’s singing carried faintly to Lu Huan’s ears:
Scatter light of the moon beaming through the clouds,
You got away from the crowds, paved into the scales of the sea.
…
As the lost soul drowned into silence, where no one shall arouse you.
…
You ask me where people go when they die,
Does anyone love you in that place?
Can the world no longer abandon you?
Lu Huan shut his eyes, and out of nowhere, a sequence of disjointed images danced across his mind: a deceitful visage, a shattered foundation, an unyielding lifeline…
In the end, it all appeared to coalesce into a concept known as “fate.”
His breath eased, and his shoulders seemed to carry an immense burden.
Enveloped in the bone-chilling seabed, the mournful singing in his ears abruptly ceased, supplanted by another voice.
The voice was strangely familiar, capable of disconcerting the mind.
Lu Huan opened his eyes expectantly:?
He shifted his gaze towards the nearby throng.
Amidst the gathering, Yu Baihan was harmonizing with the singer in a familiar manner. When the chorus reached its crescendo, Yu Baihan unexpectedly inserted the lyrics from Humai:
“You said you love the salty sea breeze,
Walking on wet sands—”
Lu Huan, “…”
His hand hanging at his side quivered.
In proximity, the serene sea waves abruptly transformed into a tempestuous surge.
A wave surged forward, crashing…! The wetness soaked Lu Huan’s trouser legs, sweeping away the jumbled images in his mind, purging them all.
The chill and damp trouser legs jolted Lu Huan’s racing thoughts back to reality.
For a fleeting instant, he exhaled slowly, releasing a breath tainted with bitterness toward the sea.
—
After a few minutes elapsed, Yu Baihan concluded his chorus with renewed fervor. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, and he exchanged a warm embrace with the singer.
Fantastic, he had it recorded.
It could be replayed at his convenience, a pleasure he could indulge in repeatedly.
Once his beachside performance was over, Yu Baihan scanned the area but couldn’t spot Lu Huan among the crowd. His gaze swept further and quickly located Lu Huan on the dark beach.
The silhouette was tall and straight.
A form etched onto his aesthetic senses.
Stepping away from the bustling gathering, Yu Baihan approached Lu Huan, asking, “What brought you here?”
His voice bore the remnants of the Humai lyrics.
The nearby waves swelled and receded in a continuous rhythm, as if extending the sensation.
Lu Huan collected himself, replying, “It’s peaceful here.”
Yu Baihan offered thoughtfulness, “If it’s inconvenient, we can return.”
The hour wasn’t too early, and after a modest amount of wine, Yu Baihan’s energy was on the upswing. He was keen on going back, taking a shower, and lying down.
“Alright.” Lu Huan agreed.
Side by side, they ambled along the shoreline toward the hotel.
The coast was sparsely populated. Yu Baihan and Lu Huan walked shoulder to shoulder, a young couple visible not far ahead.
As the girl’s footwear got soaked from the water, the boy stooped to lift her. One arm encircled her, while the other cradled her shoe.
Laughter and conversation floated from ahead.
Yu Baihan turned his head, noting the damp hem of Lu Huan’s trousers. He extended his arm to give the man’s arm a pat, remarking, “Lu Huan, your pants and shoes are wet.”
Lu Huan glanced sideways, querying, “So?”
Yu Baihan’s eagerness shone, and he bent down, proposing, “Get on my back.”
“……”
Lu Huan halted, righting him, “I’m concerned someone might call the police, thinking I’m killing you.”
Yu Baihan contemplated this, his enthusiasm waning.
—
Exiting the beach led to a flight of over a dozen steps.
Yu Baihan lifted his foot to cross them, but his thoughts seemed to seize up, and he nearly faltered—Plop! Suddenly, a hand shot out from the side, swiftly steadying him.
Lu Huan turned his head towards Yu Baihan, only to observe a slightly flushed countenance. The salty sea breeze wafted around them, mingling with a faint trace of alcohol.
Yu Baihan gazed back, his eyes brimming with moisture, more radiant than when he was scheming.
Lu Huan observed impartially, “You’re drunk.”
Yu Baihan nodded, admitting, “Yes.”
He belonged to the type of drinker who possessed moderate tolerance but an affinity for quality liquor. Even when inebriated, he wouldn’t become rowdy. While his mind might wander, his thoughts would remain lucid. It was probably his determination never to lose that kept him alert.
For a few seconds, their hands held fast.
With a composed expression, Lu Huan averted his gaze and pulled him up the steps in that manner.
Yu Baihan traversed several steps unthinkingly, only to step on air again. Plop!
Swiftly, he grasped Lu Huan’s arm, steadying himself: the staircase was a bit steep, and a tumble could be truly troublesome.
“Lu…” Yu Baihan halted, giving Lu Huan’s shoulder a pat and changing his words, “Can Student Lu aid a fellow classmate in distress?”
Lu Huan stopped, playing along, “What service is required?”
Yu Baihan’s lips curled into a mischievous grin, and he inquired playfully, “Carry me.”
A pause hung on the steps.
Observing Lu Huan’s silence, Yu Baihan offered in a good-natured tone, “It’s alright. Forget it if you’re uncomfortable with the idea.”
“……”
A chuckle suddenly echoed ahead.
Lu Huan extended his hand, pulling him up, and then turned around to hoist him onto his back.
Yu Baihan lay atop Lu Huan’s shoulder. Lu Huan’s frame was strong and sturdy, his shoulders squared, and his hands supporting Yu Baihan’s thighs. The height aligned just right for his arms to encircle Lu Huan’s neck.
Without a shred of shame, he clung, positioning his chin on the man’s shoulder.
For the next five minutes, he was reduced to a floppy fish unable to stand upright.
Ah, this is comfortable. =u=
The moment his arms were draped, he sensed Lu Huan’s shoulders tense for a heartbeat, before they resumed their usual posture and continued ascending the steps.
The time was now around nine or ten in the evening.
With the reception ongoing and most beachgoers yet to return, the hotel’s lobby stood quite deserted. Lu Huan carried Yu Baihan on his back as they entered, eliciting covert sidelong glances from the front desk and a few waitstaff.
Yu Baihan couldn’t help but feel resigned: Spare the stares; it’s all in good fun.
Advancing across the hall and about to take a turn, he was engrossed in conversation with Lu Huan when an alcoholic scent drifted into his nostrils. Yu Baihan sniffed instinctively, quipping, “Am I fermenting?”
Why did the aroma of wine seem to be growing stronger?
His warm breath caressed Lu Huan’s ear. Lu Huan inclined his head, whispering, “Probably not.”
Just then, rounding the corner, the elevator materialized before them. In a synchronous “ding,” the elevator doors slid open right before them. Yu Baihan lifted his gaze, spotting Si Wei’s back and stepping into the elevator.
Bang. The doors snapped shut again, leaving behind only the lingering alcohol fumes.
Yu Baihan: …
Recovering from the initial shock, he slapped Lu Huan’s shoulder and quipped, “It’s not me that’s fermenting… it’s my third brother!”
“True,” Lu Huan seemed to chuckle, striding to the elevator and lowering Yu Baihan to the floor. With a quick press of the button, he remarked, “There are no more steps back here. You can handle the rest on your own.”
Yu Baihan stood erect once again, grinning, “Thank you, Lu, for lending a helping hand.”
—
Returning to their room via the elevator, Yu Baihan took the first turn for a shower, leaving Lu Huan to follow suit afterward.
The sound of water splashing and the shower running as he brewed some tea in the kitchenette to alleviate his potential hangover. Once ready, he placed the cup on the small coffee table outside the balcony, taking advantage of the moonlit night and the gentle sea breeze to appreciate the nighttime panorama.
The hotel’s design imbued the swimming pool balcony with a sense of aesthetics, tiered from the left to the bottom. Perched on a chair, Yu Baihan’s gaze encompassed the balcony on the lower floors.
As he sipped his tea and gazed out over the beach, an abrupt commotion erupted from the swimming pool balcony on a level two story below.
A resounding thud resounded as something struck the balcony door. Then, with another forceful push, the door swung open, and an unsteady figure emerged. Grasping a wine bottle, they slammed it onto the ground beside the pool with a crash.
Yu Baihan: ???
What sort of evening show is this?
Rising to his feet, he circled the pool, propping himself on the railing for a better view.
Meanwhile, Lu Huan, having just stepped out of the shower, reached the door and inquired, “Why are you lying there?”
Yu Baihan immediately motioned him over, tugging him to look below. “Check it out, someone’s losing it over there!”
Lu Huan cast a brief glance and said, “…that’s your third brother.”
Huh? Yu Baihan squinted for a closer look, and indeed, it was him!
Si Wei seemed to have indulged in a bit too much wine. The typically well-composed friend was now in the throes of a frenzy. Flipping over the wine bottle wasn’t enough; he also extended his leg to kick away a table and chair.
So absorbed was he in his fit of madness that he didn’t even notice the duo observing his antics from the vantage point two floors above.
Yu Baihan, seizing his phone, began to capture this priceless display.
Lu Huan cast a sidelong glance. “What are you doing?”
“Well, if he damages any furniture, he should compensate accordingly. I’ll write down the price so he doesn’t skip out on the bill.”
“……”
With a gleeful sense of documenting the evidence, Yu Baihan was engrossed in his recording when a sudden motion caught his attention. Si Wei was lifting the coffee table and spinning around!
Then, in an unfortunate twist of events, the floor gave way beneath him. His feet skidded, propelling him down the steep stairs and into the swimming pool with an explosive splash. Plop!
Swearing under his breath, Yu Baihan stared blankly at his phone, which was still poised to capture the scene.
His senses returned in the following instant, and he hastily zoomed in on the high-definition footage—magnifying it five times.
Amidst the splashing turmoil in the pool, a hand clung to the railing, struggling to ascend. Soon, Si Wei hoisted himself onto the pool’s edge, resembling a stranded fish gasping for air.
Following his collapse, he clutched his leg and let out an agonizing howl, “Ah!!!”
“…………”
Yu Baihan turned to Lu Huan in bewilderment, “He broke his leg.”
Author’s note:
Yu Baihan: What did I say?
Lu Huan: I knew it was a flag, but it’s turning out quite entertaining.
*The lyrics in the chapter are quoted from Seabed by A Durian
LMAO SI WEI IS THEIR ENTERTAINMENT NOW
Well deserved for that scum si wei. Pls hurt yourself more 😊
Si Wei: throwing a tantrum in a drunken state
Literally everyone else: Grabbing popcorn, eating melons,calmly analysing
Thanks for the chapter!!
Poor Lu Huan, still trapped with his memories of the past.
Well, Yu Baihan came along to see how 3rd Brother would react and he’s sure getting to see it all! 😂
Thanks for the chapter 💞