The moment Song Guocheng appeared, Gu Ye’s unpleasant memories from that day surged up again like spoiled leftovers that made him sick to his stomach.
Once, he had respected Song Guocheng a little because of Song Jiaxin. But now, that faint respect was gone. He could not even be bothered to exchange pleasantries. His expression was cold, his tone cutting straight to the purpose of his visit.
Song Guocheng was taken aback. For a few seconds, he did not even know how to respond.
His second son… had actually managed to pull something like that off? Had he really tied that Qin Huai around his little finger?
As that thought dawned on him, the anger that had been simmering in his chest began to fade, replaced by quickening calculation.
The Song family’s current standing was built entirely by his own hands. Though they had risen high, like a carp leaping over the dragon gate, they were still far behind families like the Qin or Gu, whose foundations were deeply rooted and centuries strong.
Even the progress they had made in recent years was due largely to Gu Ye’s backing from behind the scenes.
But if they could establish a direct connection with Qin Huai… then the possibilities were endless.
His mind was racing, so much so that when Gu Ye called his name in irritation, he jolted out of his daze.
Gu Ye was not someone whose moods were hard to read. With one look, he could tell exactly what Song Guocheng was scheming. A faint, humorless smile touched his lips. “It is never good to be too greedy, Mr. Song.”
That tone alone made Song Guocheng shiver. Meeting the sharp, commanding gaze in Gu Ye’s eyes, he forced a dry laugh and tried to pull himself together.
Even if Song Shiyi was doing well with Qin Huai, what good would that really do? The boy was rebellious and reckless, if he didn’t stir up trouble for them, that would already be a blessing.
Better to keep Gu Ye close and grateful.
“Song Shiyi is your son,” Gu Ye said flatly, his voice carrying the authority of someone long accustomed to giving orders. “You will find a way to make him hand over that piece of land to me. I don’t care how.”
Even though a chill of uncertainty crawled up Song Guocheng’s spine, he could only grit his teeth and agree. Refusal was not an option.
When Gu Ye rose to leave, Song Guocheng hurried to call for his eldest son. “Jiaxin, go and see Mr. Gu out.”
He was no fool. He knew full well that the only reason the Gu family had ever extended a hand to them was because of Jiaxin.
Even if that useless second son had disappeared entirely, it wouldn’t matter.
Song Jiaxin’s mood had already been heavy before, and now his fingers dug deep into his palms as he clenched his fists behind his back. Still, he forced a polite smile and walked Gu Ye out.
They walked down the hallway together until Gu Ye suddenly stopped.
He looked at Song Jiaxin with an expression of rare gentleness, a softness so unexpected that it seemed almost out of place on his usually composed and restrained face. His voice, low and steady, carried a warmth that was seldom heard. “A’Xin,” he called softly, each syllable heavy with quiet emotion.
“I’m sorry that you’ve had to suffer during this time.”
His gaze lingered on the bandages still wrapped around Song Jiaxin’s head. Beneath the layers of white gauze, the faint traces of injury seemed to pierce straight into his heart. A deep ache spread through him as he took in the sight.
For a moment, Gu Ye hesitated, then, unable to restrain himself, reached out to gently touch Song Jiaxin’s cheek. His fingertips were cautious, trembling slightly as though afraid the smallest pressure might bring pain.
Song Jiaxin’s shoulders trembled almost imperceptibly at the contact, but he did not flinch away. His eyes, filled with quiet sorrow, slowly lifted to meet Gu Ye’s. The sadness in his gaze was deep and soft, like ripples forming on a still lake.
“I’m not feeling wronged,” he said, his voice subdued but steady. “I just didn’t expect my brother to treat me like this. I’m really… sad.”
Hearing those words, and seeing the once-proud, lively young man before him looking so subdued, made Gu Ye’s chest tighten with discomfort. It was a feeling that tangled itself around his heart, something close to guilt and something heavier than sympathy.
For some inexplicable reason, another face appeared in his mind, Song Shiyi.
Those dark, glimmering eyes that always carried a smile, eyes that would widen slightly when excited, paired with lips that curled faintly at the corners.
That expression had always held a touch of innocence, yet underneath it lingered an unmistakable trace of mischief, a dangerous charm that was impossible to ignore.
The image came so suddenly that Gu Ye’s palm seemed to burn. He quickly drew back his hand as though waking from a dream and cleared his throat, forcing his tone back into calmness. “I’ll take care of this,” he said quietly but firmly. “You don’t need to worry about it anymore.”
Then, after a brief pause, he added, “It’s already getting late. You should go back and rest. I can walk on my own from here.”
Song Jiaxin nodded faintly, saying nothing more. He watched Gu Ye turn and walk away, his figure gradually fading into the dimly lit corridor until only the sound of his receding footsteps remained.
The moment Gu Ye disappeared from sight, Song Jiaxin’s expression changed. The gentleness that had softened his features a moment ago vanished completely, replaced by a cold and impatient look. His lips curled slightly in annoyance as he clicked his tongue.
“Tch.” The sound was sharp in the quiet air.
He raised his hand and wiped his cheek with his sleeve, scrubbing at the spot where Gu Ye’s fingers had touched as if trying to erase the warmth that lingered there. The gesture was quick and almost irritating.
Then, as if to vent the restless emotion building inside him, he turned and kicked the railing beside him with sudden force. The metallic clang echoed loudly, breaking the stillness of the corridor, and for a long moment, Song Jiaxin simply stood there, the faint sting in his foot grounding him in the silence that followed.
His eyes, half hidden beneath the shadow of his lashes, were unreadable, filled with something that looked like resentment, but perhaps also confusion, as though even he could not tell which emotion had won over him in that instant.
Song Shiyi! That bastard Song Shiyi again.
The name flashed through Song Jiaxin’s mind like a spark of fire igniting dry grass. He clenched his fists at his sides, forcing himself to take a slow, deep breath to steady the anger that surged in his chest. By the time he reached the gate of his home, the night air had cooled his expression into one of calm detachment.
Lin Nian was waiting at the door, her figure outlined softly by the porch light. When she saw her son approaching, her brows lifted in surprise.
“Back so soon?” she asked, her tone laced with mild disappointment, “Didn’t you say you were going to have a long talk with Mr. Gu?”
“What’s there to talk about?” Song Jiaxin replied curtly, his voice carrying a trace of impatience.
Lin Nian sighed, the corners of her mouth tightening with disapproval, “You foolish child,” she murmured, “You know perfectly well what Mr. Gu’s feelings for you are…”
She trailed off, unwilling to finish the sentence. No matter how practical she was, this was still her son, and there were some things a mother simply couldn’t bring herself to say too bluntly.
Song Jiaxin turned his head slightly, suppressing the urge to roll his eyes. He had no fondness for Gu Ye whatsoever. That man’s concern always felt suffocating, too heavy and deliberate to be genuine. Yet, the Song family’s current situation left him no room for choice.
The company’s recent troubles had already pushed his father to the edge, and the only person still willing to lend them support was Gu Ye. It was precisely because of that connection that Song Jiaxin could still hold his head up high in front of Song Gucheng.
So even if he disliked it, even if every polite smile felt like swallowing shards of glass, he had to endure it. He had to keep pretending.
“Never mind,” Lin Nian said at last, softening her tone but not her expression. “That temper of yours will never change. Still, no matter what happens, don’t forget that you are Mr. Gu’s savior. He owes you his life, and that means something. Don’t throw that away so easily.”
She gave him a meaningful look, then gestured toward the interior of the house. “Your father is waiting for you inside. Go on.”
Song Jiaxin hesitated briefly at the doorway, then exhaled and nodded. “Got it.”
He stepped into the living room. The faint scent of cleaning solution hung in the air, whatever chaos had occurred earlier had already been cleared away by the servants. Not a trace of the previous mess remained.
On the sofa sat Song Gucheng, his back straight, his face calm but unreadable. The earlier fury that had shaken the house seemed to have dissipated, leaving behind only a heavy silence that pressed against the air.
Song Jiaxin stood quietly for a moment, studying his father’s expression. He couldn’t tell whether the calm was genuine or merely the stillness that came after a storm, but he could sense one thing clearly, something deeper, something cold and calculating, was now taking shape behind those composed eyes.
By the time he returned, the mess from earlier had already been cleaned up. The servants had restored order, and Song Guocheng sat on the sofa, his face calm and collected once more.
“Jiaxin, come and sit,” his father said with a look of paternal gentleness. “Did Mr. Gu say anything to you before he left?”
“No, he seemed upset,” Jiaxin answered quietly. “He left without saying much.”
“I see.” Song Guocheng nodded thoughtfully. “You should talk to him more when you can. Show concern. He’s always treated you well, and he values you a great deal.”
“I know, Father,” Jiaxin murmured, bowing his head.
After a few casual remarks, Song Guocheng shifted the topic to what really concerned him. “Has Shiyi come to see you lately?”
Jiaxin gave a bitter laugh, raising a hand to touch the bandage still wrapped around his head. “You know how things are between me and my brother, Father…”
“I really did want to make peace with him,” he continued with a tone of wounded sincerity. “I even invited him to a gathering with some friends, hoping to ease the tension. But he suddenly lost control and attacked them, beat all of them up. In public.”
Song Guocheng’s face darkened. The unease in his chest deepened. At this point, he was starting to suspect that Song Shiyi might have some sort of mental instability.
Still, he had no choice. As shameful as it was to admit, their family now survived off Gu Ye’s favor. No matter how difficult the situation became, he could not afford to alienate anyone of importance.
“Your brother’s not a bad person,” he said finally. “He’s just… been away too long. New environments can be hard to adjust to. You understand.”
“Find some time to meet him again. Have a proper talk. No resentment lasts forever between brothers. Convince him to come home. Your mother and I both miss him dearly.”
Jiaxin bit down hard, feeling the pressure in his jaw as his teeth ground together. But on the surface, he smiled obediently, the very picture of a filial son.
Only when he returned to his room did his expression twist into something dark and venomous.
He swept his arm across the table, sending everything crashing to the ground in a clatter.
Song Shiyi wanted him to bow his head to that bastard? How very amusing.
A cruel smile crept across his handsome face, warping his refined features into something feral. “Just you wait,” he whispered to the empty room.
Later that night, Jiaxin made a call. The background thumped with loud club music, and a man’s rough, drunken voice came through the line. “Hello?”
“You sound relaxed,” Jiaxin said, his tone laced with cold mockery. “Already forgotten the last time you got humiliated?”
For a few seconds, there was silence. Then Qi Xuan laughed, a slow, sinister laugh.
“I was just waiting for your word,” he said. “What now? Has Bai Xu decided to move? Going to deal with that fearless little rat?”
“It’s me,” Jiaxin said with a bitter laugh. “I’m the one who has to bow my head to that bastard.”
Qi Xuan’s laughter came louder, careless and cruel.
“I didn’t call to amuse you,” Jiaxin snapped. His voice dropped to a chill. “You still deal with all sorts of… unconventional substances, don’t you? Prepare something for me. I’ll tell you when to use it.”
“Gladly,” Qi Xuan drawled, his voice muffled as he toyed with someone beside him. He tilted another man’s chin up and smiled lazily. “I’ll be waiting.”
Jiaxin hung up without another word.
Even so, it took several days for him to gather the nerve to reach out to Song Shiyi.
“Let’s meet,” he finally texted. “There are things I want to talk about face to face, brother.”
“Sure,” came the reply. “Come to me.”
The address he sent was none other than the plot of land Qin Huai had given Song Shiyi.
When Jiaxin saw it, his lips curled into a smirk. To him, it was nothing but a blatant show of arrogance.
They had agreed to meet at night. Jiaxin knew the area was remote, but when he arrived, he realized it was even more deserted than he imagined. Not a single person in sight.
A faint trace of unease crept up his spine as he remembered what his brother had done before. But by then, it was too late to turn back.
He tightened his grip on his phone and forced himself to walk forward into the darkness.
That night, when Jiaxin went to meet someone at an empty lot, there was no sign of Song Shiyi anywhere.
He frowned, took out his phone to call, but before he could press the button, a hand came from behind, cloth pressed over his mouth and nose.
The sharp, chemical scent burned his throat. Darkness swallowed him whole.
When he woke again, the world was pitch-black. His eyes were covered, wrists and ankles bound tight.
Then a voice, low and calm, drifted through the dark.
“Good evening. We meet again, my dear brother.”
Song Shiyi’s voice was soft, almost lazy, but the words sent a chill crawling down Jiaxin’s spine.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cresvynia
[Translator]
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ChaptersChapter 1 · He’s in the BookChapter 2 · You Like playing Stand-in, Right?Chapter 3 · This Kind of person is just asking for troubleChapter 4 · Is it so Bloody?Chapter 5 · Let’s Rot togetherChapter 7 · Illegitimate SonChapter 8 · Unfaithful husbandChapter 9 · MemoriesChapter 10 · Silence before stormChapter 11 · Hunt beginsChapter 12 · Nightmare I rememberChapter 13 · Why do they ride on their own heads?Chapter 14 · I forgive myselfChapter 15 · Can you take me in tonight since I’m homeless?Chapter 16 · Mr. Qin, do you like me?Chapter 17 · If you like it, you can have itChapter 18 · Gu Ye, it’s obvious that you also pursue these thingsChapter 19 · If you still can’t let go of Gu Ye, why not give it a try with me?Chapter 20 · He actually made him bow down to that bastard.Chapter 21 · Ruining someone’s future is simply unforgivableChapter 22 · God can’t possibly favor someone like youChapter 23 · UrnChapter 24 · May they die a horrible deathChapter 25 · If you’re broke, stop showing off.Chapter 26 · Kneel before me, begging for mercy.Chapter 27 · The plan succeededChapter 28 Part 1 · This time, the victim is Gu Ye Part 1Chapter 28 Part 2 · This time, the victim is Gu YeChapter 29 · This time, I’ll make full use of youChapter 30 · Educating about the existence of lawsChapter 31 · So who is he now?Chapter 32 · I want to destroy this fake spacetime.Chapter 33 · So, I was himChapter 34 · They’re all crazy, just let me have my wayChapter 35 · I will punish them in the right way.Chapter 36 · I’m already a lunaticChapter 37 · Can you stay by Qin Huai’s side for my sake?Chapter 38 · I’ll grant your requestChapter 39 · Not a pitiful littleChapter 40 · They Both should dieChapter 41 · I want to destroy the empire that Song Gucheng builtChapter 42 · Do you hate me too?Chapter 43 · No one should feel goodChapter 44 · He’ll definitely be the winner in the end!Chapter 45 · Acting is really tiringChapter 46 · I wanted that bastard to disappearChapter 47 · Ready made scapegoatChapter 48 · He’s willing to save themChapter 49 · I’ve come to catch up with youChapter 50 · You stole someone else’s placeChapter 51 · Shiyi, why won’t you save me…Chapter 52 · To make a good life is more importantChapter 53 · Even if you really cheated on me, it doesn’t matterChapter 54 · Finally, I can say goodbye to you completelyChapter 55 · Angel sent by heaven to save himChapter 56 · CEO Gu is a very affectionate personChapter 57 · If you love him, go to jail for himChapter 58 · His most beloved son wanted to kill himChapter 59 · Take good care of our dear fatherChapter 60 · Take back everything that truly belongs to meChapter 61 · He knew that Gu Ye would not let him downChapter 62 · The Song family’s shares must absolutely not be transferred to Song ShiyiChapter 63 · I am no one’s thingChapter 64 · He always knew what kind of person Song Qingwen was.Chapter 65 · FinalChapter 66 · Extra