Li Shasha took a wrong turn with the Rubik’s Cube but quickly corrected it, determined to find the shortest route.
Accompanied by the sound of the Rubik’s cube turning, he inquired, “How do you plan to explain it later?”
Li Xiangfu responded, “Naked syndrome.”
After a brief pause, he added, “It’s more of a psychological condition. I haven’t figured out how to explain it when someone asks.”
After a few twists and turns, the Rubik’s Cube was successfully restored. Li Shasha glanced at the admission application forms enthusiastically filled out by others on the table and stared down at his hands. “Dad, don’t pay too much attention. You don’t have a childhood that needs a lifetime to heal, right?”
The call abruptly ended without warning, with Li Shasha taking the initiative to hang up.
In recent calls, it seemed he was the one often getting hung up on. Li Xiangfu shook his head helplessly, his attention quickly captured by the surrounding scenery. To be fair, the architecture of the ancient village held great appreciation value. While engrossed in completing his works and immersed in the primitive scenery outside, he neglected the village’s humanistic customs.
Next to a residential house, he unexpectedly spotted Mo Yijing already working on her fourth piece, seemingly preparing to choose the best one.
Li Xiangfu greeted her, and Mo Yijing smiled back, asking, “Is the painting done?”
Li Xiangfu nodded.
Seeing him standing in the middle of the path, Mo Yijing smiled slightly and said, “Please give way.” The long-haired beauty passed under the dirty wall covered with graffiti, creating a particularly impactful scene.
Mo Yijing couldn’t help but remark, “If it wasn’t a bit strange to have contestants in the painting, I would definitely ask you to be a model.”
At this moment, she was unaware that someone had already fast-forwarded to find a sponsor to be a mannequin.
As Li Xiangfu continued walking back, he overheard person behind him commenting, “It’s a shame that there are too many lightning rods here, destroying the overall sense of harmony.”
Li Xiangfu had noticed this during his visit, and the village chief had also mentioned the frequent thunderstorms in this area. His eyes scanned the patterns on the wall, and he quickly retreated, lost in thought.
Li Xiangfu resided in a three-story house along a narrow road. As he approached the door, Judge Fang appeared from the other direction, busy adjusting his clothes. When he saw Li Xiangfu, a greasy smile appeared on his face. He greeted, “Have you had dinner?”
Too uninterested in engaging with such a person, Li Xiangfu gestured to his throat, and he wrote down his discomfort on paper with a pen.
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
After engaging in various deceptive actions, Judge Fang wasn’t one to easily comply with others’ instructions. He suggested, “I’ve mentioned before that you’re good but lack aura, so winning might be challenging. I’m sorry for Zhou Panbai.”
The phrase ‘not necessarily’ was intentionally harsh.
Although the topic shifted, Judge Fang persisted, “I cherish talents.”
Li Xiangfu smiled slightly.
Judge Fang interpreted it as agreement, and his heart skipped a beat.
Just as he was about to reach out, there was a bang. Li Xiangfu broke a pen in front of him and simultaneously glanced at his lower body.
Judge Fang instinctively clamped his legs.
Throwing the broken piece, Li Xiangfu sneered and walked directly into the door. The pen’s tip rolled to the front of Judge Fang’s leather shoes. His face twitched, and he glared at the spot where Li Xiangfu disappeared, saying harshly, “Wait for me!”
It was just past seven o’clock, and there was still over an hour left to submit the work.
To prevent any deceitful tactics, Li Xiangfu never left his drawing board. The beautiful sunset in the ancient village cast its glow through the window, prompting him to once again appreciate the painting.
In the portrayal, Qin Jin stands slightly sideways, a striking red mole on his shoulder catching the eye. His bare upper body leans against the rough bark surface, seamlessly blending into a rare wild beauty.
“Beautiful.”
As Li Xiangfu squinted, the delicate sunset afterglow caught his eyes, yet he remained oblivious to this beauty. After multiple readings, a sudden sense of contentment filled his heart. Art had triumphed over nudity.
Indeed, only a noble pursuit could rescue oneself.
After stowing the painting, as he gazed at the sunset, thoughts of Qin Jin—the significant contributor to the artwork—crossed his mind.
If Qin Jin is willing to offer support, courtesy demands reciprocation. However, there’s a crucial matter to ascertain before that. Li Xiangfu set up his drawing board, hands in constant motion, contemplating Qin Jin’s recent words: “I have been here several times before, and it has been the same here for several years, and there is almost no change.”
Qin Jin approached tasks with a strong purpose. Initially thinking it was to pursue him, Li Xiangfu reconsidered. Qin Jin agreed to just be friends with a single sentence on the train, with no further entanglement. Yet, during the visit to the old house, Qin Jin mentioned participating in a folk gathering activity, promptly becoming its sponsor and adding bonuses.
To give up an obsession for someone who pursues through such indirect means is not an easy feat.
While pondering, Li Xiangfu sketched a simple drawing.
Preparing to leave, he suddenly sat back down and started drawing a second picture.
With everything ready, he ventured around the ancient village, locating the village chief choosing vegetables at the door. Initiating a conversation, he pulled out Qin Jin’s sketch and asked, “This person who accompanied us, was he a frequent visitor here?” Inquiring without apparent reason, the village chief eyed him strangely.
Li Xiangfu offered no explanation but generously handed over a bunch of money.
The village chief counted, precisely one thousand, and immediately dismissed any hidden meaning, nodding as he spoke, “I’ve been here a few times, staying for two or three days at a time. However, this person is rarely in the village. Instead of staying, he goes hiking nearby.”
Li Xiangfu presented another painting, distinct from the previous one, with color, featuring a protagonist who was a killer.
After a brief study, the village chief recalled and shared, “About four or five years ago, he passed by here… It seemed like he was headed to the snowy mountains. I even gave him some advice, warning him about the possibility of encountering thunderstorms this season and advising against going.”
Li Xiangfu concealed the suspicion in his eyes, questioning, “After so long, do you still remember?”
“I can’t recall his appearance, but I recognize the shape.” The village chief glanced at the colorful hair and thick bangs covering his eyes, clicking his tongue.
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.
Li Xiangfu swiftly pointed to Qin Jin’s portrait and asked, “Was this person here at that time?”
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The village chief explained, “It’s a local term. Every few years, there are thunderstorms in the snow-capped mountains. The night battles are particularly frightening, lighting up half the sky. The clouds hang so low that they seem right above your head.” Though lacking embellishments, the description conveyed a sense of grandeur to Li Xiangfu.
“It’s unfortunate that the young people didn’t heed the advice and claimed they came specifically to witness this marvelous spectacle.” The village chief shrugged, adding, “Not long after, I saw a helicopter flying towards the snow-capped mountains. Probably a rescue team.” Incidents of travelers getting trapped in the mountains weren’t surprising to the village chief.
Li Xiangfu couldn’t recall when the conversation with the village chief concluded. Instinctively standing up, he retraced his steps. When he snapped back to awareness, he found himself beneath a residential house. Leaning against the wall, the cold sensation through his shirt stimulated his nerves, aiding in calming his mood.
After a brief pause, Li Xiangfu began to piece together the timeline. A few years ago, they embarked on an expedition together, and in recent years, Qin Jin made frequent visits.
Publicity, development, tourism—setting aside every possibility, the only factor that could draw Qin Jin was people. This could extend to lovers, family members, or a cherished memory.
Given that Qin Jin has no family, there’s no need to conceal people in a small mountain village. Li Xiangfu blinked, lowered his head, and murmured, “Family.”
– “My brother and you went to the same high school.”
– “He ran away from home.”
Recalling their conversation, Li Xiangfu felt a chill. Liu Yu’s repeated concerns about encountering Qin Jin during the guqin purchase and the phrase “evil man has his own destiny” in Luo An’s circle of friends hinted at a vague point—the true person with an old grudge against Qin Jin might not be his family at all but himself.
“Qin Jiayu.” Despite repeating the name, there was only a slight feeling of dizziness, without a trace of recognition.
‘Running away from home’ indicated that Qin Jiayu had not returned yet.
The family’s attitude was also peculiar, seemingly fearful that Qin Jin might be angered by this revelation. This reason didn’t carry much weight.
The original mobile phone had been taken away by the judges for safekeeping. The only number Li Xiangfu could recall was the landline, so he dialed it again.
Li Shasha: “Dad, please calm down when you’re out, and don’t call back all the time.”
“Who’s at home now?”
“Your eldest brother.”
This answer surprised Li Xiangfu.
“It seems he came back to pick up some documents,” Li Shasha explained.
Originally intending to ask Li Huaichen to answer the phone, Li Xiangfu changed his mind and first informed the system about Qin Jin.
After hearing the information, Li Shasha contemplated, “The other party has been approaching you gently, so it’s not a secret love but a love-hate relationship?”
Li Xiangfu closed his eyes and, upon reopening them, said, “…May nine years of compulsory education save your life. Love brain.”
Sounds of footsteps descending the stairs reached them, and Li Shasha turned to see Li Huaichen hastily preparing to return to the company. He calmly said, “Dad wants to know why you hid Qin Jiayu’s affairs from him.”
Li Huaichen abruptly stopped.
A few seconds later, he took the microphone from Li Shasha and asked, “Do you know everything?”
Li Xiangfu explained his thought process.
Li Huaichen set aside the document, rubbing his brows. He finally grasped why the old man often claimed that he feared Li Xiangfu’s occasional cleverness the most in his life.
For about a minute, neither of them uttered a word. Eventually, Li Huaichen sighed softly and provided a brief explanation, “When the rescue team arrived, Qin Jiayu’s whereabouts were unknown, and there was a small amount of his blood at the scene. Plus, you had been trapped for several days without food. Consider this, even with enough provisions, if someone vanishes in the ice and snow suddenly, those with even a hint of imagination would lean towards the darker possibilities.”
“You had a head injury then, unable to handle the stimulation, so Dad chose to keep the matter under wraps as much as possible. During that period, Qin Jin visited the hospital once, but we prevented him.”
Li Xiangfu pondered, “So the choice of the interview location is not coincidental. Perhaps Qin Jin is attempting to jog my memory?”
Li Huaichen didn’t dispute this perspective.
Li Xiangfu fell silent for a moment. “If I don’t find out, how long do you plan to keep it a secret?”
“Your sister has already called Anqing over and is ready to discuss the matter.”
Li Xiangfu lapsed into silence once again.
Li Huaichen added, “Now that you know everything, maintain your distance from Qin Jin and call once a day to confirm your safety.”
“Alright.” After hanging up the phone, Li Huaichen unexpectedly met a pair of tearful eyes. Unfortunately, Li Shasha’s petite face couldn’t convey more complex expressions.
Li Huaichen, unsure how to deal with children, inquired, “…is something wrong?”
Li Shasha earnestly stated, “I’m worried about Dad. I want to see him.”
Upon hearing this, Li Huaichen’s expression softened. He gently touched his head and reassured him, “Don’t overthink it; he’ll call you everyday.”
After a few words of comfort, Li Huaichen stood up, preparing to head to the company.
Li Shasha caught the corner of his clothes and posed the most crucial question, “I’m really upset right now. Can I go to school two days later?”
“…”
Li Xiangfu would rather learn the truth two days later.
Approaching nine o’clock, the free painting session concluded. On the way to the gathering, Li Xiangfu encountered Qin Jin. His mood felt peculiar as if every action carried a deliberate undertone.
Fortunately, during the players’ assembly, perhaps to avoid suspicion, Qin Jin rarely engaged with him for an extended period.
The contestants placed their signed paintings on the table one by one. Li Xiangfu intentionally went last and positioned his painting upside down.
Due to an unclear deal between Zhou Panbai and Judge Fang, Zhou Panbai’s shirt was tightly buttoned, anxious not to reveal the red spots underneath.
Perhaps due to the chaos of his daily private life, a closer look at Li Xiangfu’s eyes might reveal a hint of haziness. However, at this moment, with the anticipation of the upcoming results, they comically sparkled.
Judge Fang shared the same mood. Despite his earlier anger, the thought of finally having an opportunity to release that frustration made him quite content.
His pleasure abruptly halted as he opened Li Xiangfu’s work; Judge Fang’s meaty fingers exerted an unintended force, causing the paper to creak. Realizing he had lost composure, he quickly adjusted his breathing but couldn’t help glancing towards Qin Jin.
As the contestants submitted their works and retreated to another area, unable to see the content of the paintings, the surprise was evident. Li Xiangfu had painted something that rattled the judges.
When the painting reached the next judge, Judge Zhao, who had previously tolerated Fang Yuanjian’s actions, didn’t seem pleased. Wasn’t this a blatant display of power?
His eyes darted around, considering that he hadn’t witnessed much interaction between Li Xiangfu and Qin Jin in daily life, and their relationship seemed well hidden.
Despite the bothersome elements, the painting itself was a valuable collector’s item. The artist’s creation conveyed a sense of desolation and rebirth, even to those ignorant of its context. It held a unique blend of sadness and resilience that, after prolonged observation, touched the innermost emotions.
Judge Zhao stared blankly for a moment and unconsciously praised, “Great painting.”
The two foreign judges eagerly praised it without hesitation.
The only one unmoved was Judge Fang. Lacking enthusiasm for art, he had relied on his father’s influence to reach his current position. After the initial shock wore off, he instinctively elevated himself to a moral high ground, questioning why Li Xiangfu included sponsors in the painting.
The more he contemplated it, the more plausible it seemed. This could fuel misunderstandings among other contestants, allowing him to capitalize on the issue in the future and salvage some pride.
Just as he was about to express his disapproval, a cold voice cut through the air, “Naturally, everyone should appreciate a good painting together. Please ask Judge Fang to allow us to enjoy this artwork.”
It wasn’t a question, yet it sent a chill down the spine.
Preempted, Judge Fang swallowed hard.
Qin Jin walked over, and picked up the painting, ensuring everyone had a clear view.
When the contestants saw the protagonist in the painting, their eyes widened. Some glanced at Li Xiangfu, some at Qin Jin, while Zhou Panbai’s eyes remained uncertain.
“Mr. Qin, what do you mean?” Finally finding his voice, Judge Fang dryly remarked, “Please do not interfere in the selection process.”
“Interference?” Qin Jin carefully tasted the word, and his smile took on a hint of gloominess. His gaze fell on Zhou Panbai’s collar, and then the raised corners of his mouth became more apparent. “It seems that Judge Fang enjoys exploring art in the contestants.” Qin Jin, typically serious with his words, exuded an unsettling aura when he laughed.
The straightforward statement brought everyone back to reality in an instant.
Zhou Panbai contemplated a sharp retort, but his previous indulgence with the judges left him unwilling to assert his innocence now.
True to his decisive nature, Qin Jin swiftly approached and seized Zhou Panbai’s collar.
Given the vast difference in strength, Zhou Panbai, not particularly tall, dangled on his tiptoes, resembling a little chicken suspended mid-air. In the struggle, the buttons on his collar surrendered, unveiling the concealed red spots beneath.
Contempt filled the eyes of surrounding players.
“I commissioned Li Xiangfu to create the painting,” Qin Jin informed the other judge, “I want to see how amusing you find it to be on tenterhooks.”
The judge, seemingly drained of all strength, realized that half of his artistic career was likely over.
Disregarding the despicable figure sitting there like mud, Qin Jin addressed the remaining judges. “I hope the next steps ensure absolute fairness.”
Judge Zhao immediately nodded in agreement.
“Continue.”
Happiness arrived unexpectedly!
Judge Fang, appearing surprised, thought this was an opportunity given to him. He quickly expressed that his immorality in private life had no bearing on selfish intentions in the competition.
Qin Jin remained silent, seemingly acquiescing.
Li Xiangfu glanced at Judge Fang, wiping cold sweat on the stage, suppressing the mockery in his eyes.
The scoring session resumed, and Mo Yijing whispered, “Mr. Qin is truly noble. Most people would turn a blind eye if they weren’t sure.”
You Fang expressed regret, “It’s a shame the judge wasn’t immediately removed.”
Deep down, he understood that capitalists are astute, and Qin Jin handled the situation adeptly. After this incident, Judge Fang likely wouldn’t dare make any more mistakes.
Little did You Fang know that Qin Jin refrained from direct action because another person, Li Xiangfu lurked in the shadows, eager to ensure Judge Fang experienced a downfall with no chance of redemption.
Other players said little but deliberately distanced their stools from Zhou Panbai.
After sitting in a daze for a minute, Zhou Panbai, unable to face the embarrassment, hastily fled.
Ignoring the curious glances from onlookers, Zhou Panbai sprinted a considerable distance, feeling a rush of blood to his head.
It’s over, everything is ruined.
He had sacrificed so much, refusing to relinquish his dignity, only for everything to crumble with just a few words.
Furious, he collapsed beneath the scorching sun, not knowing how much time had passed. When he finally opened his eyes, the scent of disinfectant filled his nostrils, and he found himself receiving an intravenous drip.
The ward was situated close to the front desk, allowing snippets of the nurse’s conversation to filter through the door. Although spoken in hushed tones, the words reached Zhou Panbai’s ears.
“People in these cities have terribly poor physical fitness.”
“Who could argue otherwise? The one who came in the afternoon fainted completely naked. The symptoms were more severe than fainting due to blood loss. Doctor Tang was shocked.”
“Indeed, even when beautiful men are sick, it’s different from ordinary folks.”
Observing the IV drops above him, Zhou Panbai felt his anger accumulating. After a while, he seemed to reach a decision, his clenched fists gradually relaxing, and his demeanor becoming unusually calm.
—
Under Qin Jin’s influence, the evaluation of the free creation session turned out to be remarkably fair.
After Zhou Panbai abstained from voting and Qin Jin strategically had Li Xiangfu paint to challenge the judges, everyone ceased making further assumptions about the relationship between the two. Instead, they viewed Li Xiangfu’s works objectively, appreciating his undeniable skill. Many were relieved not to have associated closely with him in the same group.
In just one day, numerous events unfolded. Returning to his residence at night, Li Xiangfu expected to feel exhausted, yet surprisingly, he found himself unusually energetic.
The ancient village was vibrant with the Qiyuan Festival celebrations. Lanterns adorned every house, and the streets were bustling with people.
Choosing not to join the festivities, Li Xiangfu surmised that Qin Jin wouldn’t either. After careful consideration, he decided to address Qin Jiayu directly, finding it unnecessary and futile to test Qin Jin.
The group members stayed in a relatively concentrated area, and Qin Jin’s residence was nearby. As Li Xiangfu approached the door, he noticed it was slightly ajar.
The homeowner had taken their children to partake in the Qiyuan Festival, leaving only one room lit in the courtyard.
In the darkness, Li Xiangfu ascended the stairs, attempting to find the light switch. Reaching the door, he raised and lowered his arms several times, hesitating for no apparent reason. During this hesitation, the door swung open on its own.
Qin Jin, appearing to have just concluded a shower, draped a towel over his shoulders with dripping hair.
Leaning against the doorframe, he inquired calmly, “What brings you wandering outside at night?”
Li Xiangfu pursed his lips.
Qin Jin stared at him for a moment, then turned around to pick up a water glass from the table and took a sip.
Li Xiangfu entered the room, stood for a while, and then spoke, “It’s about your brother.”
Qin Jin paused, took a step forward, unexpectedly pulled him to his side, and simultaneously kicked the door shut.
Li Xiangfu was momentarily stunned; the outburst had come abruptly.
As the door closed, a flurry of footsteps and banging against the door followed in the corridor. Clearly, the visitor harbored ill intentions. The lively atmosphere outside and the sounds of firecrackers made shouting for help futile. Frowning, Li Xiangfu retreated, asking, “Who is it?”
Qin Jin calmly called the police, providing the specific location, and informed him, “The intruder could be Fang Yuanjian or Zhou Panbai. One of them is likely the culprit.” After a pause, he added, “Robbers often bring calamities with them, and Fang Yuanjian values his life too much to risk it.”
Li Xiangfu comprehended the implication. Only Zhou Panbai, with his bare feet, seemed unafraid of wearing shoes. An unpredictable individual, he was likely to resort to physical aggression without considering the consequences.
The door, not particularly sturdy, seemed on the brink of being kicked open. Seizing the opportunity, Qin Jin grabbed a chair and hurled it forward.
The first intruder took a hit on the bridge of his nose and let out a scream. Several others wielding sticks rushed forward, with Zhou Panbai emerging at the end.
Li Xiangfu was at a loss for words. “You didn’t have to show up,” he remarked.
“What’s the difference?” Zhou Panbai sneered. “If something happens to you, I’ll be the prime suspect.” Li Xiangfu now understood the weight behind Qin Jin’s earlier words. The destructive potential of fools could sometimes surpass that of ordinary individuals.
“One more step, and you’ll be arrested,” Li Xiangfu cautioned.
Overwhelmed with anger, Zhou Panbai shouted, “Anyway, you’ve ruined my life!”
Li Xiangfu was taken aback. “Me?”
“Don’t think I can’t sense your connection, treating me like a bastard child. Why are you the only one allowed to call the shots?”
“…”
Although Qin Jin had exposed the incident, all the animosity was directed at Li Xiangfu. When Li Xiangfu noticed Qin Jin turning away with a smirk, he couldn’t help but retort, “We’re in this mess together now.”
Surrounded by hired thugs, Qin Jin surveyed the scene and warned, “Don’t fall into Zhou Panbai’s clutches; your fate will be worse than mine—much worse.”
“…” Seeing Zhou Panbai’s predatory intentions, Li Xiangfu found himself at a loss for words.
One moment they were bantering with a smile, and the next, Qin Jin launched a surprise attack. The approaching assailant, armed with a stick, was kicked away by the sudden assault.
Casually discarding the towel, Qin Jin playfully beckoned with his fingers.
Provoked to this extent, Zhou Panbai erupted in anger, declaring on the spot, “Hurry up! Do you know how much he’s worth? The ransom for kidnapping him would set you up for life!” Turning his fierce gaze toward Qin Jin, he added menacingly, “Because you have a bit of filthy money, prepare for your bones to be crushed piece by piece.”
Shortly after, he stared at Li Xiangfu as if he were an archenemy who had taken everything from him, asserting with a vicious expression, “Blood fainting can lead to unconsciousness. The nurse mentioned your severe mental disorder…”
Li Xiangfu couldn’t fathom why this matter was suddenly brought up.
Zhou Panbai grinned and continued, “I’ll lock you in a room and hire people to undress in front of you every day. Your life will be worse than death for the rest of your days!” His maniacal laughter was harsh, leaving Li Xiangfu not terrified but rather stupefied.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Qin Jin. “So, if I’m mistakenly captured, I’ll have to watch people undress every day. Are you prepared for your skin to be broken inch by inch?”
Qin Jin squinted his eyes and, for the first time since they met, uttered a curse word, “Fuck.”
Thanks for the chapter. I wonder what actually happened to QJ’s younger brother.
Okay, but the ending of this chapter was hilarious. I’m legit crackling up. Thank you so much for the chapter, Lynn.
You’re welcome! 😂
I believe, this is the first and last time Qin Jin will curse lmaoo