41. Can’t Drown Your Sorrows in Drink

JingYuan didn’t know how many times his heart shattered into pieces over the course of the night. YiHan’s words combined with the sight of a grovelling face on the boy he’d painstakingly protected since childhood caused his heart to crumble into pieces once more.

He carefully scooped his little one into his arms and gently kissed the other on the head. “Yes. I’m here to save you. From today onwards, I will never be angry with you. As long as I’m alive, I will never let anyone harm you ever again,” he sighed.

YiHan let out a chuckle before he shut his eyes tight and clung tight onto JingYuan’s thin waist. “I know,” he whispered. “I’m talking about my dreams. I want to sleep a bit more. Can you stay with me just a while longer…?”

JingYuan felt his gut and heart turn into ice. He hugged his boy back so hard it’s as if he was going to buy YiHan deep into his own flesh and bones. “Sleep. I won’t leave, even if you wake up. I’ll always be with you as long as you’re willing to let me,” he swore in a deep voice.

YiHan was exhausted. Surrounded by an embrace which made him feel safe, he slowly drifted off to sleep.

JingYuan unwaveringly maintained his position. It was only when the boy in his arms was soundly asleep did JingYuan cautiously carry the other up in his arms and softly placed him on the big bed.

Then, JingYuan turned around and searched the closet for a set of sleepwear. He gently changed the other into the new outfit. He spent the entire time trying hard not to look at YiHan’s snowy white body. Tried hard not to touch the other’s soft and tender skin.

JingYuan realised the self-control he was so very proud of had vanished without a trace when it came to YiHan. Even if YiHan wasn’t in the nude, just the sight of that pair of rosy lips set his body ablaze. He was so grateful the little guy didn’t ask him for help to shower. Otherwise, who knew what ruckus would occur?

Once YiHan was fully-dressed in his clean sleepwear, JingYuan was drenched in sweat. He lightly combed the flyaway hairs away from YiHan’s forehead. He stood there before the bed, staring down at the sleeping YiHan. His mind tumbling and rumbling away. He clenched his hands into tight fists, digging his nails into his palms. He forced himself to push away the impulse to kiss YiHan and vehemently turned away and marched to the door. As his hand reached out for the door knob, the paused. He had just promised the little one he’d stay with him. How can he leave while YiHan was asleep?

JingYuan heaved a sigh and turned back. He sat down at the chair by the desk and massaged his aching temples. Tonight’s barrage of incidents was hard for him to adapt to. The changes that’d happened to the boy made him furious and sad. He didn’t know why these changes appeared. He’d only been away for half a month. Why was his little prince in this state?

Beneath his dark gaze brewed a raging typhoon. If this was the fault of someone’s mischief, then that person had better pray he never figure out who they are. Once he knew who they were, he’ll pull the other down to hell or die trying!

He turned to look at the pitiful, small ball of YiHan curled up in bed and let out another heavy sigh. The frustration in his mind had no outlet, no escape. He reached out to the liquor bottles on the desk and took a deep gulp from them.

Time trickled by. The bottles on the table slowly emptied. JingYuan leaned his head against his palm, his elbow on the table. His mind was buzzing with thoughts he couldn’t understand or keep track of. Just then, he heard movement coming from the bed. He hurriedly tried to stand up and go to the other.

Dizziness overwhelmed JingYuan the moment he was fully upright. A bitter smile adorned his face. It looked like he really can’t drown his sorrows in drink. Every time he’d get hammered.

Worried about the little guy on the bed, he hastily strode over to the bed without even waiting for his vision to stop whirling. He stumbled over to find the little one restlessly mumbling about something. He leaned in close to listen. Ah. YiHan wanted to use the bathroom.

JingYuan didn’t know whether to cry or to smile. He shook the emotions out of his head, peeled the blanket away from YiHan and carefully scooped the other up into his arms and to the bathroom. Once in there, he had to hold the boy who refused to open his eyes upright with one arm while helping him pull down his pants with the other. He took a moment to steady himself and cautiously took hold of tiny YiHan. A soft semi-whistle rustled through his teeth. Gently, JingYuan coaxed YiHan into resolving certain bodily functions.

T/N:

This place in the story may be the worst place to talk about this, but here’s some advice: don’t act like JingYuan in his narration/thoughts, especially all the time. Thinking of your significant as little kiddies/babies who need your protection all the time is not healthy. It gives the impression you’re looking down on them. It’s fine if both parties have talked about it and are okay with it but know that it’s a sore topic due to the constant infantilisation issues women used to face. Men back then used the “you’re just a girl who needs my protection” excuse so much to stop women from gaining any independence or equal rights (it’s “too dangerous”/ “for your own good”). Don’t be the dick who sets red flags off then get defensive over it. For those who don’t understand just how bad it can be, I recommend:

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

A classic short story that’s about a woman who’s suffering from postpartum depression who spirals into insanity due to over-coddling and infantilisation.

JingYuan’s a nice fantasy, but he’s not the best guy early in the story.

 

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40. Are You Back to Save Me?

JingYuan’s pupils shrank. Blood streaked through his eyes. His entire being shivered at the soft “bang” that left YiHan’s lips. His blood froze.

Why? Why would his little one curse himself with such unprosperous statements? Why would he say he was already dead? That’s akin to stabbing JingYuan in the heart with a sharp knife!

YiHan was clearly the apple of everyone’s eyes. Why would he describe himself as a pitiful and lonely little stray? Just what was going on? Who bullied him? When did Uncle and Aunt get angry at him? Just when did Yan and XueQing start refusing to care about him? Just who made him feel that JingYuan would let him be insulted, jeered at and attacked without doing anything? Just what was YiHan talking about? When did all of that happen? In those 2 weeks JingYuan away on his business trip? Just what happened?

JingYuan’s face clenched and furrowed. A typhoon building beneath his eyes. His grip on YiHan’s arm started to tighten unwittingly.

YiHan flinched. His shoulders shrank inwardly. “It hurts…” he sobbed, but he never did struggle.

As if he had just been woken up from a dream, JingYuan blinked and hurriedly loosened his hand on YiHan. It was clear the little one was drunk. They all say that drunks speak the truth. Aunt Bai did say HanHan suddenly matured after a nightmare. Perhaps everything he mentioned just happened in his dream? Darn it. His HanHan was well-loved. Just why would he have that kind of nightmare?

JingYuan was starting to regret going on a business trip at such a crucial period. It was obvious something significant happened to his little one. Now, he’s as oblivious as an ignorant fool!

Was his departure after their cold war which made YiHan feel unsafe? But that’s no reason YiHan would think the family who adored him to the core would abandon him. Or…did someone imply something which sowed the seed of doubt in YiHan’s mind?

JingYuan looked at the YiHan standing before his eyes, sweet and obedient to the point of just whispering how much his arm hurt instead of shouting and yelling it out. He could feel his heart bleeding. Just what kind of emotional attack did his proud and roaring little tiger suffer to turn it into a cute little rabbit? This was simply unforgiveable!

Raging bloodlust flashed through JingYuan’s eyes, yet his hands gently unravelled YiHan from his jacket. “I’m sorry, HanHan. I didn’t mean to hurt you. Let me see your arm? Is it swollen?” JingYuan softly apologised.

However, just as JingYuan finished unbuttoning YiHan’s shirt, YiHan screeched and rapidly backpedalled. He frantically burrowed under the table, curled himself into a tiny call and gripped tight at his clothes.

“Don’t do this. Please. I beg you. Don’t. Kill me. Just kill me…” YiHan sobbed.

Stunned, JingYuan’s arms remained outstretched. His two eyes bore into the person under the table. His chest heaved and his blood whirled in a frenzy. He was so furious that he could just roar and yell right then and there.

Just! What! Happened?

JingYuan stood still. Violent puffs of air whooshed through his nostrils. He closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths. Only then did he bent down, a knee against the floor, and gently cajoled, “HanHan, come out. It’s fine. Look at me. It’s Mu JingYuan. Your JingYuan. Do you hate me?”

The cautious face he was met with was overflowing with tears. YiHan blinked away the tears in his eyes. After a careful look at the man before him, he felt even more upset. He pushed himself out from under the table and threw himself into JingYuan’s arms. “

“Didn’t you leave? Weren’t you never ever going to come back again? Why are you back?” YiHan softly grumbled. He warily looked up at JingYuan, a grovelling smile on his lips. “Are you back to save me? You’re not angry at me anymore?” he timidly asked.

 

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39. I’m Dead

JingYuan couldn’t stop YiHan in time. He watched as YiHan chugged down half a bottle of strong liquor. Panicked, he rushed over to snatch away the bottle. “Dearest, this is alcohol,” he said in an exasperated voice.

Only then did YiHan realised what he drank. A burning blaze ran through his throat and into his stomach. He cleared his throat and awkwardly replied, “A-Alcohol? Why would there be alcohol in my room?” As he said so, he looked up and around. “This is my room” he continued in a confused yet depressed tone.

Looking at YiHan’s befuddled figure, JingYuan was speechless. He was laughing. He was furious. He didn’t know what to say. The only answer he could give was, “It’s fine. You’ve already drank it. Dr Chen did say you can have some to help you sleep.”

“Is that so? Since I’ll be sleeping, it’s fine to have some,” YiHan drily smiled. Having said so, he opened up another bottle and took a big gulp out of it.

“…” Why is it alcohol again? JingYuan warily glanced at the table. By the gods, all of the bottles on the side table were alcohol! The water jug was placed at the very end!

YiHan loved to play but his alcohol tolerance levels were exceedingly low. He’s the kind that would fall over after one glass. When he’s out playing, no one would dare to force him to drink anyway. The vast amounts of alcohol he’d just downed made his head spin. The tiny YiHan within his mind seemed to be banging his head against the floor. Gods, let me be reborn once more! I’ve completely humiliated myself before JingYuan!

Of course, JingYuan knew just how badly YiHan could hold his drink. When he saw YiHan take another big gulp, his eyes nearly popped out. “Fine. I’ll help you into the shower. Then, you sleep,” he said with a helpless smile.

The liquor was getting to YiHan. His head was rather numb, but he still caught on to the keyword, “shower”. He reacted with a great big leap backwards and shouted, “No way. I don’t need you to shower me!”

JingYuan’s gaze darkened. “Why not? It’s not like I haven’t washed you before.”

“That’s different!” YiHan said.

“How so?” JingYuan took a step closer to YiHan.

YiHan paused and thought about it. “Before, I was clean,” he said miserably, “But now my body is so very dirty. I can’t let you see it,”

JingYuan didn’t understand. Did YiHan not shower yesterday? He took another step forward and replied, “It’s because your body’s dirty that you have to shower.”

YiHan’s hands clenched tight around his hair. He swayed and shook his head. “I can’t wash it off. I can’t get clean. There were so many people. So dirty…I’ll never be clean…”

JingYuan still didn’t understand what YiHan was going on about, but he couldn’t bear watching YiHan go on like this. He strode forward and embraced YiHan. “Okay, okay. No showering. It’s fine. Good boy.”

When YiHan heard the word “good”, his head bopped like mad. “I’m good. I’m a very good boy. Don’t abandon me,” he mumbled.

JingYuan’s heart felt like it could die. Unwittingly, he kissed YiHan’s forehead. “How could I abandon you? Even if you’re not a good boy, I won’t ever abandon you,” he said.

The emotions YiHan kept suppressed burst out once more. “You’re a liar. I don’t believe you. In another year or so, you’ll leave. You won’t ever return. You won’t care if others insulted me. You don’t care if others beat me up. I’ll die. Are you happy? I won’t keep bothering you. You can happily fly off with Sis. I’ll die. I won’t ever trouble you again,” he softly sobbed.

JingYuan froze. His gaze hardened. The air around his crackled and turned to ice. “What are you prattling about?” he harshly said, “Why do you keep mentioning you’re going to die?”

YiHan flinched. “I’m already dead,” he lightly retorted in anguish, “You all keep saying I’m just a little fool, but I’m really smart. I feinted and made that policeman fire and hit here.” He tapped the spot over his heart with a finger as he said so. With a sly smile, he continued, “With a bang, I died. Dead is good. I died and came back. Everything was still the same as before. Father and Mother aren’t angry at me. Brother and Sis are still willing to talk to me. You haven’t left. I’m so happy.”

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38. Let Me Go

But what’s going on now? The room was very quiet. So quiet that the only thing that could be heard were his and JingYuan’s breathing. Gods, his unreliable family actually just left him to JingYuan without care. Really? It didn’t occur to YiHan to consider just who was the one who insisted to clinging on to JingYuan’s clothes. But even if he let go, JingYuan had no plans on letting him go.

What should he do now? Play dead? That’s a good plan!

Nevertheless, reality was cruel. Because of YiHan’s body locking up, JingYuan had noticed he wasn’t mad with hysteria anymore.

“HanHan, how do you feel? Do you want some water?” JingYuan asked.

“…”

There was no way to keep playing dead. All YiHan could do was look up, but he didn’t dare look into JingYuan’s eyes. Upon realising he was still sitting in JingYuan’s lap, he hurried to get on his feet.

“I’m fine. I’ll be okay once I sleep. You can head back,” came a rush of garbled words.

JingYuan held YiHan’s wriggling body tightly. He turned YiHan’s head around until he was looking straight into YiHan’s eyes. Sadness flashed across his eyes.

“HanHan, can you tell me why you’re angry? Why are you so angry to the point of ignoring me? What are you unsatisfied with? Please tell it to me straight?” JingYuan said.

Forced to gaze into the eyes of the man he loved, YiHan’s weak heart thumped and raced. When he saw the hurt in JingYuan’s eyes, his heart ached in anguish. All he could do was stammer.

“I-I’m fine. I-It’s just…I was in a bad mood before. I threw my anger around. It’s all my fault. I-I won’t do it again.” Don’t worry. I’ve decided never to throw a temper tantrum with you again. I’ll be good. So, please don’t leave me again. Just let me be able to look at you.

JingYuan did not look happy as YiHan had thought he would. Instead, he hugged YiHan tight in his arms.

 “Little fool, who wants your apology? No matter what you do, my little prince, you never need to apologise,” he said, pain in his voice. Just who scared his roaring tiger cub into a quivering little rabbit? Feng Qun? Then, be prepared to bear the full brunt of his rage!

YiHan dryly chuckled. No need to apologise? You certainly don’t need apologies. You’ll just turn away and leave. Never to return. Even if I’m being humiliated, even if I die in a miserable corner all alone, you’ll never look back at me. Leaving me to die a restless ghost.

YiHan was stunned. His heart wasn’t really empty of hate. He hated his family for not believing him. Even in his most painful moments, they weren’t willing to lend a hand. He hated JingYuan for spoiling him rotten yet left without hesitation. But what right did he have to hate? Everything happened because of his arrogance and stupidity. All the bitter fruits he reaped could only go down his throat. No one in this world was obliged to love him, to spoil him, for his whole life.

A few more chuckles escaped YiHan’s throat. He tried once more to reach the ground, but JingYuan’s embrace only grew tighter. All he heard was JingYuan’s voice.

“HanHan, are you still angry with me?” he asked.

YiHan let out a weak sigh. “N-No,” he mumbled.

JingYuan’s voice was filled with bitter agony. “You still deny it. If you aren’t, why would you push me away? Just what should I do to soothe your fury? Tell me, please?”

“I’m really not. Let me go,” YiHan said in a helpless, dejected tone.

JingYuan finally let go and YiHan swiftly hopped to the ground. When YiHan turned around, he was petrified. JingYuan’s face was filled with torment and pain which he’d been unable to hide in time.

YiHan’s heart ached even further. Overwhelmed, he raised his hand to caress JingYuan’s face. When it was halfway in the air, something struck his mind and he hurriedly withdrew his hand. But JingYuan who’d been focusing on him caught it. JingYuan looked at the boy trying to hide from him. With a pained smile, he changed the topic.

“Do you want some water?” he asked.

“Ah, right. I’m thirsty. I’ll have some,” YiHan rushed out. In a panicked frenzy, he grabbed a bottle from the table without looking to see what it was, pulled out the cork and poured its contents straight into his mouth.

Translator’s Note:

Surprise! Have an “advent calendar”. From 1 to 24 December, a new chapter of the week’s theme/story will be uploaded (along with the usual weekly chapters). This week, it’s Reborn as a Good Child.

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37. In His Arms?

“He can’t be here that fast, but he won’t be long,” Bai FuRen lightly soothed Ma.

As he said so, Doctor Chen arrived. Panting and sweating, he was led straight up the stairs by Aunt Yang.

“Finally, you’re here. Doctor Chen, come take a look at HanHan,” Ma immediately said as soon as Doctor Chen entered her sight.

No matter how mad Doctor Chen was, there was no time for him to catch his breath. He hurried over to check up on YiHan. However, YiHan was extremely uncooperative. He wouldn’t even let Dr Chen touch him.

Dr Chen bustled and worked until he was drenched in sweat. Finally, he was done. He looked up to YiHan’s parents and said, “He’s fine. Just in shock. With some warm water to drink and a good night’s sleep, maybe a few, and he’ll be fine. If he can’t sleep, then he can get something to help him. Suitable amounts of alcohol or something. The point is to calm him down.”

“That’s great,” Yan said. “Please, Doctor Chen, stay here tonight. If anything arises with our little brother, you can respond in time then. Aunt Yang, please arrange a room for the doctor.”

Aunt Yang swiftly responded in acknowledgment.

Doctor Chen agreed verbally but, on the inside, he was rolling his eyes. It’s just shock. They called in such a panic that he thought something major happened. Now, they want him to stay for the night. Nothing was wrong with this Little Master at all. What can happen?

However, he wouldn’t be so foolish as to try and talk some sense into this family. What a joke. How can one talk about sense and rationality with a family of son-cons and bro-cons? He’ll just stay. It’s only one night.

YiHan was still not willing to let go of JingYuan and JingYuan couldn’t bear to let him go. The whole family can’t just stay in YiHan’s room. JingYuan looked up at the Bai family.

“Uncle, Aunt, Yan, XueQing, go back to your rooms. Rest. I’ll stay here with him tonight. Don’t worry,” he said.

FuRen glanced at his young son. “Then, please do. If there’s anything you need, we’re just a shout away,” he said with a nod.

JingYuan solemnly nodded. The Bai family all knew just how much JingYuan adored their little son/brother. They can relax with YiHan in his hands. Just look at how he carefully embraced YiHan. One could tell that he truly cherished YiHan. Thus, without any dissent, the family dispersed.

XueQing was the last to leave the room. She looked back and dazed deep into JingYuan’s eyes. He looked back, not a single hint of avoidance.

A soft sigh left XueQing’s lips. It seemed the possibility of this marvellous man being hers was very slim.

Aunt Yang took Doctor Chen’s words to heart. She headed downstairs and brought a few bottles of excellent liquor up to YiHan’s room. Then, she tiptoed out of the room and shut the door behind her.

The room fell into silence. JingYuan tenderly kissed YiHan’s shimmering forehead. His hand gently patting at YiHan’s back in an attempt to soothe YiHan’s emotions.

YiHan’s mental state was as if he’d just woken up from a nightmare regarding his past life. Zoned out and dazed. In reality, the entire time just before he died in his past life, he’d frequently fallen into such a foggy frame of mind. He suspected that something was wrong with his mind due to all those horrible things he went through, and those problems were brought with him to the present.

After such a long period of being soothed, his mind was wide awake. He’s just hiding due to momentary shame. After all, being scared into hysteria by a lackey was certainly something that’s quite unbelievable. Everything hadn’t happened yet. How should he answer his family if asked?

He can’t think of any explanation. Thus, he decided to just bury himself in JingYuan’s arms for a while longer. Wait! JingYuan’s arms?

His body froze. Yes. It was currently four years ago. He’d not fought with JingYuan to the point of no return yet. They were still at the phase of his one-sided temper tantrum. He hadn’t voiced out those filthy thoughts yet. So, JingYuan was still willing to hug him, to hold him, to coax him. Look at that gentle patting motion. Wasn’t that the action of someone soothing a child?

Ever since his rebirth, he’d always felt as if he was unable to face JingYuan. While his greatest wish prior to his death previously was to meet JingYuan once more, now that he’s here, he’d turned into a great big coward. Constantly avoiding a proper interaction with JingYuan to prevent himself from losing his mind and acting out.

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36. Heartache

In her heart, Ma insulted and jeered at Feng Qun over and over. She thoroughly trusted JingYuan anyway, so she left her youngest son in his arms. JingYuan strode out the door and she quickly followed suit in her high heels.

Bai FuRen and his two other children made their excuses to the old Mr Yan and Yan Cheng, and followed the departing trio.

Once the Bai family was gone from the hall, old Mr Yan’s expression darkened even further. He stared at his foolish son.

“What are you standing around for? Are you waiting for that Feng brat to cause even more trouble?” he exclaimed in fury.

“Pardon me, sir. I have some urgent business waiting for me at home. I’ll be leaving first. I will be back another day to make up for this,” said Feng DeCheng in a panicked tone as he wiped the sweat off his forehead.

Then, he rushed away without a single look Feng Qun who he was leaving behind. The crowd dispersed and pretended as if nothing happened. The hall was as tranquil as ever.

“What a cruel man DeCheng is. He abandoned his son just like that,” Yan Cheng said.

“It takes a bold man to sacrifice a castle to protect his queen. If someone like that ever rises to power, he would be a terrifying man. Be careful of that man,” the old Mr Yan replied.

“Don’t worry, Father. I will never let him have the chance to,” Yan Cheng said with squinted eyes.

“If you still have to dilly-dally chatting here, does that mean you want that Feng Qun to hang around until New Year’s?” The old Mr Yan’s brows furrowed, exploding in fury once more.

“Don’t be angry. I’ll get someone to throw him out right now.” Yan Cheng hurriedly put on a grovelling smile.

A laugh nearly broke out of Mr Yan through the sheer ridiculous performance. He tried hard to keep a straight face and looked away. Yan Cheng chuckled and ordered some men to throw out Feng Qun with his poisonous glares.

Chen TianYang watched as Feng Qun was kicked out. A gleam flashed through his eyes. Bai YiHan was the apple of XueQing’s eye. This fool just hurt him, making XueQing angry. So angry that she grabbed hard at that fool’s neck. Did her fingernails hurt? It was absolutely unforgiveable.

Hmph. He’d never even been strangled by XueQing! Unforgiveable!

He picked up the handkerchief XueQing casually threw away. He folded it into a neat little square and carefully slipped it into his pocket. Then, he slowly walked off.

***

In the car, JingYuan worriedly asked, “HanHan, shall we go to the hospital?”

YiHan’s mind was all jumbled up. The past and the present memories were all melded together. He was thrown back to just before his death. Upon hearing the word ‘hospital’, he reflexively and fervently shook his head.

“I don’t want to! I won’t go to the hospital! I don’t want others to look at me! Don’t let them see me! Please! I beg you!” he cried.

JingYuan’s heart felt as if it was going to shatter from the heartache. He tilted YiHan’s head until YiHan’s forehead touched his cheeks.

“We won’t go to the hospital. No hospital. There, there. It’s all fine now. No one will discover where you are,” JingYuan said soothingly.

He held YiHan tight in his arms. His face dark and gloomy. Hate filled and dripped from his heart. Once he was done comforting his HanHan, he will make that Feng Qun suffer so badly he wished he could die!

XueQing was seating in the front passenger seat. Her head kept turning around to look at YiHan. Her face was very upset too. Her expensive crystal-encrusted nails were on the brink of snapping from the force she was exerting on them. The treasure of their entire family was actually frightened into hysteria right within their sight. What right did she have to call herself a bro-con now?

Upon arrival at the Bai family mansion, JingYuan carried YiHan out the car and up to YiHan’s room. He was about to put YiHan down on the bed, but YiHan’s hand clung on tight to his sleeve. If YiHan wasn’t willing to let him leave, how could he bear to let YiHan go? He could only sit on the bed with this big baby in his arms.

Ma was pacing in circles in worry. “What do we do now?” she repeatedly said.

FuRen held her tight by the shoulders. “Don’t panic. Doctor Chen will be here soon,” he said.

“Didn’t you call him on the way back? Why isn’t he here yet?” Ma asked.

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35. Nothing to Do with the Feng Family

Feng DeCheng’s face was crumpled together in a frown. He couldn’t afford to offend anyone present at all. Just what had that cursed child of his done to frighten Little Master Bai so? He gritted his teeth internally. He just knew that boy was useless. He thought that since he became a lackey of Little Master Bai, that boy would be somewhat capable. But DeCheng didn’t think that the boy would offend everyone the family couldn’t afford offending before the family even got any benefits from the Bai family.

And just what would these people do to the Feng family in vengeance? At that thought, DeCheng loathed the fact he couldn’t just gobble up this troublesome and failure of a son!

DeCheng shot a harsh glare at Feng Qun. How he wished he’d never had such a son. “Please don’t misunderstand me, Miss Bai. The Feng family really isn’t involved in this at all. That unruly child had the good fortune to mingle with Little Baster Bai before. I’ve always told him. He must respect Little Master Bai. Never ever make him upset. I really don’t know what happened today. That rebellious child actually clashed with Little Master Bai. Our family has nothing to do with this!” he grovelled.

Mu JingYuan who’d kept silent for the entire conversation spoke up, “He’s your son. Now you say his actions has nothing to do with the Feng family?”

“Mr Mu, my heart aches too at the fact this treacherous boy actually dared to clash against Little Master Bai. From today onwards, he has nothing to do with the Feng family!” DeCheng said with a thump to his chest.

Feng Qun’s entire being froze. He stared at his father with disbelief. Is his father abandoning him? All because of a weird, nonsensical Bai YiHan?

JingYuan’s gaze bore into Feng Qun, but his words were directed to DeCheng. “I hope Mr Feng remembers what you’ve said today. If anything happens to Young Master Feng, don’t blame it on me,” he said.

“I wouldn’t dare. Even if this bastard dies, it has nothing to do with the Feng family!” he hurriedly said. He had a bunch of lovers after all and quite a few more sons. Who cared about this one?

It wasn’t hard to tell JingYuan was really angry from his words. Why else would he, who was always calm, collected and known as the tiger with the smiling mask, ever say something so unforgiving in front of so many witnesses?

Everyone knew this Little Master Bai was the apple of Mu JingYuan’s eye. He treasured Bai YiHan even more than YiHan’s parents did. It’s well known that every dragon has its reverse scale. Touch it and it’ll fly into a rage. Undoubtedly, Bai YiHan was Mu JingYuan’s “reverse scale”. If one angered JingYuan directly, perhaps they might still survive. But if one angered the Little Master Bai and JingYuan knew of it? Then not even the gods could help them. That person would feel the full force of JingYuan’s fervent rage, no matter who was truly responsible for the matter.

There was a mutually accepted law among the upper-class society in this city. As long as the Bai family didn’t fall and Mu JingYuan’s still around, whoever touched Bai YiHan, dies.

Now that DeCheng’s unlucky son had frightened Bai YiHan into a mad frenzy, no matter who was truly to blame here, DeCheng would thank the heavens and hell as long as the Feng family was not burned by the flames of JingYuan’s fury. This son was definitely a gone case. Even if DeCheng could protect his son, he would never do that. It’d make the flames jump to him instead. Either way, he wasn’t lacking in sons. Even if all his sons died, he could still make more.

JingYuan continued staring darkly at Feng Qun for a while long. Only then, did he speak up again. “Mr Yan, my apologies for disrupting your birthday party. HanHan’s in shock. I’ll be taking him home to rest now,” he said.

The old Mr Yan nodded. He threw a side glance at his own foolish son.

“Of course. He was frightened on our grounds. That’s partly our responsibility,” Yan Cheng hurriedly said.

“Thank you, President Yan, for your understanding,” JingYuan said with a nod.

Bai FuRen and Hua XiaoRan attempted to take over care of their young son, but YiHan clung hard to JingYuan’s clothes as if he was clutching at the last strands of hope. His knuckles popped out, white with how tight his grip was. There was no way his parents could take him from JingYuan’s arms.

Translator’s Notes:

1. Reverse scale: It’s a common belief among Asian cultures that every dragon has a (patch of) scale that’s grown upside down under the dragon’s chin. If it is touched/messed with, the dragon will go berserk with rage. From an anatomy standpoint, it makes sense since that/those scale would be protecting the central artery going from the heart to the head – aka where the dragon will be most easily killed. This belief is formally recorded via one of Han FeiZi’s works.

2. Last strands of hope: The actual translation would be life-saving straw. It’s a quote/para-quote of the saying “a drowning man will clutch at a straw”. This phrase has been edited out/changed as only quoting a part of that saying would end up being rather vague.

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34. The Old Mr Yan

Everyone always referred to the elderly as old children. Once one was past a certain age, they would do anything and everything based on what they like and what they didn’t, just like a child. When the old Mr Yan was young, he was in a position of power and got used to have control over everything in his grasp. Now, he’s an old man. He didn’t need to toil over or handle anything. His son was a filial man. In his home, the old Mr Yan’s word was still the law. No one dared to make him unhappy. However, in his old age, his tastes began to shift from capable elites like his son and Bai Yan towards the rather foolish but sweet and obedient children like Bai YiHan. And Bai YiHan just so happened to be the old Mr Yan’s cup of tea. From the moment YiHan wished him happy birthday, he’d occasionally peeked over to where YiHan was standing. Who knew that in the brief seconds he looked away, that child would be scared stiff!

As an old kid with deep pockets and power, the old Mr Yan was rather unreasonable when his temper erupted. “That Bai family’s kid was doing alright. What did the other boy do to frighten him so? Yan Cheng, why must you let such schemers into this party? Are you afraid my birthday party would be too serene and wanted him to help mess things up?” Mr Yan said with a cloudy face.

Yan Cheng was a filial son. Everyone knew that. The moment he realised his father was furious, he hurriedly explained, “It’s all my fault. Calm down. Today’s your big day. Don’t get too angry and overexert your body.”

The old Mr Yan wasn’t willing to just let things be. “Since you still think of me as your father, why aren’t you kicking that unscrupulous Feng kid out? Are you waiting for him to play his tricks on me too?” he said.

That was a very serious accusation. Upon hearing that, Feng Qun’s father, Feng DeCheng, heart dropped. He scrambled forward to Mr Yan.

“It’s all my son’s fault for getting into a conflict with Little Master Bai. But he absolutely would not have the guts to do the same to you, sir. Don’t worry. I’ll take him home straight away. I’ll firmly teach him a lesson,” Feng DeCheng said.

“The young Mr Feng certainly doesn’t have the courage to get into a fight with Mr Yan. It’s only because the Bai family was weak. That’s why my son could be bullied by just anyone!” Ma harrumphed.

“No, no. That’s not it, Mrs Bai. The Bai family is one of the best in the city. How could that brat of mine dare to bully Little Master Bai? It’s all a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding. Don’t be angry, Mrs Bai. I’ll definitely give him a good beating on Little Master Bai’s behalf,” DeCheng said with a toady smile.

At that, Bai Yan slowly marched over. “Whether it’s all just a misunderstanding is still up for debate. My younger brother has always been a good and sweet child. He’d never get into a fight willingly. As my sister said just now, our brother had a sudden change in personality recently. We’ve all been worried sick. We suspect someone’s been causing him trouble while we’re not looking, but no matter how much we investigate, we’d never been able to find out the mighty fellow behind it all. From the looks of today, I think we’ve found a lead,” Yan said.

Feng Qun internally retorted. Bai YiHan had always been a good and sweet child? Never got into a fight willingly? How could you say all that and not feel like a lying bastard?

When Feng DeCheng heard what Yan said, he panicked. This was bad. He hurriedly raised his fingers and vowed, “Don’t say that, Young Master Bai. Even with all the courage in the world, no one in the Feng family would dare cause trouble to Little Master Bai. If that useless son of mine really did upset him, I will immediately hand him over to you for punishment. No questions about it!”

XueQing had calmed down by now. She steadily clacked her way over. “Just what year is it?” she said, “Do you really think we can kill him just because you handed him over to us? No matter how poor our family is, we would never allow anyone to bully our family. He is part of the Feng family. The Bai family will thoroughly investigate on whose orders he acted on. Naturally, we’ll use our own ways to seek justice for my little brother then.”

Ma looked at XueQing with an approving gaze. It was clear she agreed with her daughter. Chen TianYang silently stood behind XueQing. While he said nothing, his expression clearly told everyone his stance on this: if XueQing wanted to kill anyone, then he will be in charge of cleaning up the scene and corpse.

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33. Feng Qun Turns to the Dark Side

Just as the two men stopped XueQing from hitting Feng Qun in public, Ma Bai also began to walk over. “XueQing, let go now. That boy’s touched our precious baby. Do you really think he wouldn’t be taught a lesson? Your brother’s right. You’re a lady. He’s not worth looking unladylike for.”

XueQing turned and looked at her mother, then at Bai YiHan, who was still quivering in Mu JingYuan’s tight embrace, and finally at her solemn father with his face filled with dark fury. Finally, she unwillingly loosened her grip on Feng Qun.

The moment TianYang saw her loosen her grip, he quickly took out a delicate embroidered handkerchief from his pockets and handed it to her. “Come. Wipe your hands,” he said in a soft voice.

XueQing glanced at him and accepted the handkerchief offered. When TianYang witnessed XueQing actually using something he owned, his face shone with happiness.

The hand hanging down by Feng Qun’s side clenched into a tight fist. His nails digging deep into his palm. Just what’s this now? This whole debacle was clearly not related to him at all. That fool went into hysterics all on his own. So why was everyone looking at him like that? Just what was he in their eyes? A cockroach? Something that would dirty their hands at a mere touch?

The Feng family couldn’t compete with these high-class beings. Sure. In this hall, the Feng family certainly wasn’t a family worth mentioning. However, he himself was a son of a rich and noble family too. The kind that everyone had to put on a smile for, especially after he successfully sucked up to that fool from the Bai family. His status in society had risen dramatically. Feng Qun thought that he could be considered one of the elites in this city. But he didn’t know that a mere shriek from that fool would strike him all the way down to hell. He’d be viewed as if he was a filthy stink bug by these people. He’d be forced into a precarious situation, as if he was standing on needles. He didn’t even have the courage to walk away now!

Even his father, the man who usually acted so high and mighty before Qun, just stood there in the crowd, grovelling and smiling along at the Bai family. There was not a single hint he’d step in and help his son out.

Why? Just why? What right do these people have to humiliate him so? Bai YiHan! Just you wait. Once I turn over a new leaf and rise in power, I will strike you down to hell and make you live a life that’s worse than death!

Feng Qun hung his head. To an outsider, it seemed as if he was admitting fault. In reality, it was so he could hide that venomous gaze gleaming out at YiHan.

Just then, the old Mr Yan, supported by Yan Cheng, had finally arrived. They’d hurried over as soon as they heard the commotion. As the host and the birthday star, a commotion in his party would naturally be a humiliation to the old Mr Yan. His good mood had vanished. “What’s going on?” he asked with a glum face.

“Apologies for disturbing you, Mr Yan. It’s nothing much, only my youngest son. He’s very timid. We don’t know why but he was somehow frightened by that Feng Qun. We sincerely apologise for disrupting your birthday party,” Bai FuRen replied in a soothing tone.

The old Mr Yan knew of Bai YiHan. The precious baby the entire Bai family protected and treasured somewhat illogically. It’s only through rumours though. Rumours said that this child was spoilt rotten by his family. Today was the first time the old Mr Yan really met Bai YiHan. To his surprise, YiHan was actually a good, obedient child. The boy even wished him happy birthday with a tongue as sweet as candy.

The old Mr Yan thought then that such a delicate and sweet child was sure to tug anyone’s heartstrings. No wonder the Bai family treasured him that much. He thought back at the loud and unruly children of his. If this was his grandson, he thought, he would surely spoil him to the ends of heaven and earth.

It’s only been a short time since they met. Just how and why was YiHan frightened out of his wits? True. This child certainly didn’t look like a courageous boy, but who could bear frightening such a cute child?

The old Mr Yan exchanged a few polite words with FuRen. As he did so, his eyes drifted over to YiHan. The child who’d smiled so sweetly at him with two dimples, was now hunkered down in the Mu family son’s embrace, quivering like a quail. His elderly heart ached at the sight.

Translator’s Note:

1. Turns to Dark Side: aka “blackening”. While that’s a common term among translated Chinese novels, it’s not used as a verb here so I thought I’d turn it into a little reference.

2. Quivering like a quail: Just like how English like to use chicken as the mascot for coward, quails are often viewed as cowards who shiver all the time (because they fluff their feathers a lot for heat). Chicken = smallest common bird = quail.

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32. Don’t Dirty Your Hands

JingYuan’s heart felt like it was bleeding. His eyes were bloodshot. If he didn’t need to calm down the boy in his arms, he might’ve just charged in and beaten Feng Qun up until all that’s left were blood smears and bones.

Soon, the Bai family rushed to the scene. XueQing instantly noticed the horrible state her little brother was in. There was no way she could keep calm. She strode straight for Feng Qun and grasped him by the neck. It’s as if she wanted to strangle him to death right then and there. Her red lips parted. A chilly voice asked, “Feng Qun? I remember you. You’re always tagging along my little brother. Always following him around. Explain to me right now. Just what did you do to him? Our whole family was wondering why he’d suddenly changed. It seems like you’re the one to blame! How dare you!”

Feng Qun was well and truly frozen with fear. That terrifying gaze from Mu JingYuan which seemed like it wanted to gobble him whole. Bai XueQing’s tight strangle on his neck which threatened to kill him off at once. The gloomy expressions on the Bai parents and Bai Yan. The looks everyone else in the room was shooting at him, disagreeing, mocking, gossiping, condemning. They made his mind crawl frantically at the walls. He had a feeling that if he didn’t give a proper and thorough explanation today, he might be sent out of the room on his back.

But he didn’t know what was going on either. How could he? He really felt as if he was wronged more than Dou E from The Injustice to Dou E was. Who knew just why that oblivious, pampered fool would suddenly go crazy? He was shocked too, okay?

Everything was going alright in the first place. He coaxed and sucked up to that fool. That meant he was sort of in the same boat as the great Bai family. He didn’t know just what went wrong with that fool. All of a sudden, that fool stopped contacting him and his friends. He called and he called but no one answered. He wrecked his brains but couldn’t recall just what did he do to offend this precious baby. He was frustrated and irritated, then he bumped into the fool at this birthday party. He was going to schmooze and sweet-talk the other. Coax that idiot into talking to him again. How could he have imagined he’d start hyperventilating like a crazed man?

Feng Qun wasn’t of XueQing strangling him. No matter how much she trained, she’s still just a girl. The moment he wanted to, he could just flip her over his shoulder. But how could he? He didn’t even dare to twitch! Who’s this? This is the great Miss of the Bai family! If he dared so much as to touch a single hair on her, not only will the Bai family knock all his teeth out, her suitors will too!

The Bai family is a proud and noble family. Anyone who dared to be Bai XueQing’s suitor wouldn’t be some average joe! Without some family backing and capability, who’d dare to desire this tyrannical blossom?

Bai Yan walked forward and grasped his sister’s wrist. “XueQing, let go first. He’s not worth debasing yourself in front of everyone. If you want to get rid of him, why not just hand him to me?” he said in a low tone.

XueQing was not happy with that. Those beautiful and glamoured up eyes glared straight back at Yan. “Look at how badly he’s frightened our little brother. You want me to let go? I hate him so much I want to just strangle him right here and now!” she shot through clenched teeth.

Just as XueQing said so, a slim and tall man rushed out from the crowd. Handsome and polished in a charcoal grey suit which emphasised his broad shoulders and long legs. His ever-confident face brushed with a tinge of worry. He hurriedly walked over to XueQing. In a soft, soothing voice, he said to her, “XueQing, calm down. Anger’s bad for the body. He’s not worth it. No matter what happened, he frightened the Bai Little Master. I will help him seek justice. Let go for now. Don’t dirty your hands.”

How could Feng Qun not recognise this man? This man, who looked so gentle and refined but whose words were so out of topic he might as well be in another room, was the young master of the Chen family, Chen TianYang. The Chen family was a noble family that could stand side-by-side with the Bai and the Mu families. This Chen TianYang was also one of the best of his generation. However, he loved Bai XueQing with his entire being. That meant if Bai XueQing said the sun was square, he’d be the guy who compliments just how nice the sun looked as a square.

Translator’s Notes:

1. The Injustice to Dou E: Chinese play from Yuan Dynasty (around 1270 to 1360 when Kublai Khan ruled and before the Ming dynasty). Child bride/Widow who was wrongly convicted and executed because of crimes a rejected suitor committed (murdering the rejected suitor’s father by poison).
   
   The basics of the story is guy gets rejected -> tries to poison girl’s mother-in-law so the girl is left without any “guardians” -> ends up killing his father instead by sheer bad luck -> frames girl for murdering father -> corrupted official tortures girl to get confession because what is using actual brains and power and “ooh, money!” -> girl gets executed, does a spiel about how she’s innocent and the heavy summer snowstorm + upcoming 3 years of drought + blood sticking to her clothes only will prove it so -> the snowstorm, drought and blood thing all happen -> girls come back as ghost to complain to her father (who sold her off to pay his debts) -> Justice!
   
2. Chen TianYang: XueQing’s love interest finally shows up!
   ﾟ☆* ヾ(≧ ∀ ≦)ノ *☆ﾟ

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