Chapter 9: Will the Original You Come Back?

Without any further potential legal crisis, Lin Jiangye finally immersed himself in the experience of a human classroom.

Even being stared at for a long time did not trouble him in the slightest.

Having seen far too many ferocious gazes from humans before death, he had long since successfully become desensitized. Psychologically, he was extremely healthy.

He even liked this safe and peaceful atmosphere very much. It was much more interesting than the daily training of death god reserves, and at the same time, he could enjoy “safety protection” from a distance.

Even if he were attacked and kidnapped by a criminal on the spot, Yu Wangxiao could rescue him at the fastest speed… provided the other party was willing.

Lin Jiangye was enjoying life, while Li Yushen, sitting on the other side of the classroom, had already fallen deeply asleep. He had come to class to accompany his brother and had never understood a word.

When Li Yushen woke from deep sleep, the crowd in the large lecture hall had gradually begun to thin out.

He followed his brother downstairs in a daze, preparing to go drag people along to play billiards in a while.

But just as they reached the front entrance, Li Yushen suddenly stopped in his tracks, forcefully dragged the person beside him back, and quickly hid in the shadow behind the door, squeezed by the flow of people into a rather wretched posture.

The pink-haired guy was startled and shuddered, then turned his head and cursed angrily, “Are you having a damn wet dream? Hurry up and get off me!”

“Shh, shh, shh. Look at that license plate over there. A plate with six eights,” Li Yushen lowered his voice.

“Holy shit. His little uncle isn’t personally coming here for real-life Mortal Kombat, is he? I only advised Lin-ge to get a lip piercing. Does he have to hate me that much…”

“Do you have delusions? He’s here to pick up Little Sheep.”

“Ah? Ah?!”

“So surprised? One look and I can tell your information is outdated. I heard Lin-ge got angry not simply because Little Sheep dumped him,” Li Yushen clicked his tongue twice. “His uncle snatched him away. On Mid-Autumn Festival, he directly kept him in the old residence bedroom for a whole night. He’s completely pampering him right now.”

“No, this is basically giving Lin-ge no face at all… You dare say it, but I don’t even dare believe it. Li Yushen, if you’re deliberately tricking me, I’ll come in the middle of the night and cut off your balls.”

Li Yushen laughed when he heard that and did not continue joking. “Ji Ting, pat your conscience and tell me, when have I ever lied to you? Let me tell you, Yu Lin is doomed. That person probably deliberately let us see this. He’s being so open about it.

“I’ll go back later and explain it to my mom. You’d better be careful too. Recently, if the Lin family invites you for cooperation, take it easy. You absolutely cannot touch the medical equipment they procure.”

“Hiss, is it that scary?”

“Two weirdos who only favor their adopted son. How good could their character be? Although Little Sheep can’t stand up for himself, it’s not like we’re blind.”

***

Lin Jiangye almost could not find the car that had come to take him to the evening banquet.

Because aside from its special license plate, this low-key black sedan did not really have anything particularly eye-catching about it.

It was completely unlike the convertible supercars Yu Lin liked, whose engines roared like cattle… Just picking someone up would attract all kinds of attention.

The driver in a suit and leather shoes was the first to notice him. His attitude was very friendly, and he took the initiative to open the rear door for him.

Lin Jiangye quickly slipped inside. He did not notice that there was someone else in the back seat and nearly threw himself directly onto Yu Wangxiao’s lap.

A soft laugh followed immediately. “Don’t be anxious. No one is chasing you down.”

His nose drew close to the man’s neat collar, and he smelled a faint trace of cologne, wrapping around and enclosing him in fine layers.

It was a gentle and restrained woody scent, mixed with the citrus fragrance from the car diffuser. For some reason, it stirred Lin Jiangye’s… appetite.

It had only been one day since they last saw each other, yet when he saw Yu Wangxiao’s flawless face again with his own eyes, he actually began to wonder about the texture of the flesh on this person’s cheeks.

“Sorry.”

Lin Jiangye’s eyes trembled, and he quickly shifted away his almost aggressive gaze.

He was apologizing for his extremely unreasonable desire.

Yu Wangxiao’s focus, however, was completely different from his. His gentle gaze slowly swept over the side of Lin Jiangye’s face. “You don’t look too good. Are you hungry?”

“…Mm, very hungry.” Lin Jiangye rarely felt a little guilty, but he still answered honestly.

Yu Wangxiao calmly touched the pocket of his coat, took out several exquisitely wrapped pieces of chocolate, and handed them to him.

“Then before the banquet starts, let’s secretly eat a little first.”

The back seat was well-stocked with drinks. There were several bottles of whiskey that looked very expensive, as well as fizzy drinks with no alcohol content.

To ease the subtle dryness in his throat, Lin Jiangye soon gulped down a large bottle of grape soda, his eyes narrowing happily.

For some unknown reason, it was very difficult for him to feel constrained in front of Yu Wangxiao. Even in such an enclosed car space, he only cared about burying his head and eating fiercely.

It was not until he wanted to open the fifth piece of chocolate that Yu Wangxiao leisurely stopped him.

“Don’t overeat. I’ve looked at the menu. There’s strawberry foie gras and beautiful cakes, all things you like. Save some room.”

That hand with distinct knuckles clasped Lin Jiangye’s wrist and gently squeezed it. His fingertips quietly brushed across the coat’s cuff button. The tracker was still untouched in its original place.

Perhaps Yu Wangxiao thought his thoughts were well hidden, but his favorability suddenly rose by 2%, and pink waves spread inside the light screen above his head.

This time, there was no immediate physical change. It only secretly intensified Lin Jiangye’s hunger.

So hungry.

“Strawberry foie gras…”

What would the texture be like? Would it be very similar to a soft and delicate soul snowball?

He turned his hand around and held Yu Wangxiao’s arm, unconsciously becoming a little dazed.

The unfamiliar icy touch made Yu Wangxiao pause for a moment, but he did not pull away. He raised his other still-free hand and, as if nothing had happened, tidied Lin Jiangye’s collar for him.

The Gu family was on the other side of the city. The car drove steadily enough that they had time to slowly grasp the proper boundaries of their interaction.

Unfortunately, Lin Jiangye was not good at controlling the sense of distance in human social interaction. Even when they reached their destination, their hands were still tightly clasped.

Lin Jiangye was purely using it to satisfy his craving by looking at plums to quench thirst, while Yu Wangxiao… seemed to only be staring at him.

Observing the structure of his skull, the subtle direction of the whirl at the crown of his head, as well as the flatness of his face and how well the skin fit.

The reason was obvious. Yu Wangxiao was suspecting his true identity, even suspecting that this body itself was not Lin Jiangye’s original body.

So what if he suspected?

Compared to the vigilance from their first meeting on the first night, Lin Jiangye now understood Yu Wangxiao’s temperament better.

—He was a person with somewhat strong possessiveness and desire for control, but at the same time, he allowed unexpected situations to appear beside him. As long as the direction of events remained within his predictions and control.

That happened to be fine. Lin Jiangye did not want to break away from this control, at least not for now.

Because the world had already pointed out a new path for him to become stronger. Even if the requirements for achieving this path seemed extremely inexplicable.

Before he recovered his body, appropriately satisfying Yu Wangxiao’s needs and letting his favorability rise faster was the same as satisfying his own needs.

A choice that benefited both sides, and a human pleasing enough to feast one’s eyes on—Lin Jiangye had no complaints at all.

Without leaving a trace, he slightly lifted his chin, letting Yu Wangxiao look as much as he wanted.

Yu Wangxiao smiled and leisurely gave his evaluation. “Your complexion is better than the day before yesterday, but your lips are still deathly pale. Tuantuan, lift your face a little higher.”

“Mm?”

In the next instant, a soft foreign object with a delicate texture pressed against his lips and gently rubbed across them. It smelled of citrus, wrapped in the faint woody scent of the man’s fingertips.

Lin Jiangye’s pupils shrank. His usually silent breathing suddenly grew heavier, and a fleeting silver light flashed through his pitch-black eyes.

He was simply hungrier, but this expression was interpreted as subtle resistance.

Yu Wangxiao withdrew his hand and soothingly covered Lin Jiangye’s wrist bone, rubbing it. Then he unhurriedly held his hand again. “It’s only lip balm. Don’t worry, I won’t poison you.”

“…Thank you. I really like this scent.” Lin Jiangye worked hard to regain his focus and pressed his lips into a smile.

Moist, fragrant—he did indeed like it. Yu Wangxiao had really good taste. Even his lip balm had a comfortable scent.

When the two of them got out of the car hand in hand, quite a few people had already gathered inside the banquet hall.

The main doors were open, revealing the splendid golden interior. Classical music flowed leisurely outward, and well-dressed people moved about in clusters.

It was no longer early. The afterglow of the sunset completely covered the plants and trees of the Gu family manor, dyeing them with large swaths of orange-red shadow.

Yu Wangxiao’s figure soon attracted countless overt and covert gazes. He had long since grown used to it, and with a calm expression, he tilted his head and spoke softly with Lin Jiangye.

“Don’t go too far from me. Whatever you want to eat, you can wave for a waiter. No alcohol.”

“I know. Where’s the menu?” Lin Jiangye stared at the golden petals twining and climbing around the pillars on both sides of the door, somewhat puzzled.

This dazzling and gorgeous gold was not naturally formed. It was surrounded by a strange aura that made him very uncomfortable.

How strange. Was this a cultivation method humans could achieve?

Seeing him spacing out again, Yu Wangxiao helplessly flicked his forehead. “Wake up. Look at your phone. I sent it to you.”

“…Hm? Okay. You shouldn’t drink too much alcohol either. It’s very unsafe.”

Suddenly remembering the prediction about a “water calamity,” Lin Jiangye immediately added seriously.

“Thank you for the reminder. Otherwise, I’d be in danger.” Yu Wangxiao curved his lips and answered good-temperedly.

Their interactions were becoming more and more natural, without any need for acting skills to participate. This made the gazes quietly sizing them up from around them increase even more.

The moment they recognized Lin Jiangye’s identity, many people froze briefly, then could only pretend nothing had happened, smooth over their emotions, and take the initiative to come forward and greet them.

Yu Wangxiao bringing that unfavored young master by his side was equivalent to directly declaring his position.

—He was probably going to personally get involved in the muddy waters of the Lin family, and his preference was very obvious.

This declaration made some people’s situation awkward.

For example, inside the banquet hall, the Lin parents who were socializing, and Lin Jingyao, whom they proudly brought with them.

Lin Jiangye tilted his head and looked over with great curiosity.

The white moonlight in the story indeed had a very good image.

His features were gentle, refined, and handsome. His hair was a light and clean brown-tea color. He wore a well-tailored white suit and stood behind his father holding champagne, his attitude humble and proper.

Sensing Lin Jiangye’s undisguised gaze, Lin Jingyao turned his head, curved his lips, and revealed shallow dimples at him.

He looked like a gentle and proper person. Even after studying abroad for nearly three years, he had not lost the noble air cultivated since childhood.

Lin Jiangye thought about it. So… that bizarre behavior of showing off his love and exposing his thighs on Moments was something only he could see?

Was it to use Yu Lin to anger him? What a nasty person.

Before he could think further, their gazes fully met.

Lin Bingsheng subconsciously raised his hand to adjust his tie, then took his wife, Qiu Zhen, and took the initiative to step forward. He even deliberately pushed Lin Jingyao slightly toward Yu Wangxiao.

Their goal was very clear. They were only coming for Yu Wangxiao. But Lin Jiangye’s hand was still resting on the man’s arm, and no matter how one looked at it, it was an eyesore.

The moment Qiu Zhen opened her mouth, she could not hide her complaining tone. “Jiangye, why are you here too? You didn’t even tell us in advance. Really…”

Yu Wangxiao raised his brows and said nothing, rarely revealing an expression that seemed like a smile yet not a smile.

Lin Jingyao was clearly better at reading expressions. He immediately pressed Qiu Zhen’s wrist and interrupted her, speaking softly, “Hello, Mr. Yu… Gege, long time no see.”

After he finished speaking, he lightly glanced at Yu Wangxiao as if unintentionally, then moved his feet without leaving a trace, deliberately putting some distance between himself and Lin Jiangye.

Lin Jiangye looked at him in confusion, and Lin Jingyao immediately lowered his eyelids as if full of fear.

The young master who had pretended to be obedient at home all year naturally had outstanding acting skills. It was as if even his breath quickly grew weaker, and his eyelashes trembled skillfully.

That abruptly bloodless and frightened appearance looked even more sub-healthy than the original host’s sickly body.

Lin Jiangye silently tightened his gradually strengthening abdominal muscles. “Hello.”

Then he paused, looked at the Lin parents whose expressions were not good, and added, “Hello to you too.”

Perhaps his tone was too stiff and distant. Hearing this, both of them froze, and wordless awkwardness quickly spread.

“…You child, you’re just impossible to raise close. After so long, you still act like a stranger? Do you have any manners?” Qiu Zhen’s brows shot up, once again on the verge of anger.

Lin Bingsheng hurriedly coughed and smiled helplessly. “Chairman Yu, our son was not educated well by us. He truly doesn’t understand things. In the future, please be more tolerant of him.”

“Hm? He’s very sensible.”

So far, this was the first sentence Yu Wangxiao had said to the three of them.

His deep eyes narrowed slightly, more long and slender than his usual gentle lines, revealing a bit of indifference and impatience that kept strangers away.

Before the Lin family could react, Yu Wangxiao had already shifted his gaze away.

He squeezed Lin Jiangye’s wrist, his tone gentle. “Let’s go. The appetizers should be served.”

“What food is there?” Lin Jiangye’s eyes instantly lit up, and the way he held the other’s arm also changed from stiff to increasingly natural.

“You’ll like the Gu family private chef’s cocktail shrimp, but the dipping sauce might be spicy. Can you handle it?”

Hearing this, Lin Jiangye hesitated for a moment.

This food flavor that humans were so passionate about, and that was completely equivalent to pain, was something he had no experience handling. The original host’s body was not good, and it seemed he had not touched many spicy things either.

However…

Thinking of the fresh and delicious texture of shrimp meat, resilient, soft, and smooth, Lin Jiangye’s expression gradually became firm. “It’s fine. If I eat it a few more times, I won’t be afraid anymore.”

“Take it easy. I don’t want to send you to the emergency room in the middle of the night.” Yu Wangxiao could not help laughing slightly and casually called over a waiter. “One cup of almond milk, heated.”

“Yes, Mr. Yu. May I ask if you would like to move to the second floor and take a seat? The old madam has reserved the best seat for you.”

“No rush. I’ll take someone around first.” As he spoke, he raised his brows slightly. “That piece of purple jadeite she bought at auction last year—is she finally willing to bring it out?”

“Yes. It’s behind the golden seat in the right-side hall. It has been waiting for your arrival to appraise it.” A smile spread in the waiter’s eyes. “This way, Mr. Yu. We’ve prepared tea and snacks for you.”

“Hm? You should say that I came specifically to broaden my horizons. My eye for these things is far inferior to the old madam’s.”

…

Yu Wangxiao’s attitude toward others quickly returned to his usual easygoing manner.

Even a Gu family waiter whose name he could not call out could chat back and forth with him for a few sentences.

Only Lin Bingsheng and the other two stopped awkwardly, surrounded by the subtle gazes sizing them up from all around.

Perhaps they truly had never expected that Yu Wangxiao would not place them in his eyes at all, not even for a second.

Because… rumors of a marriage alliance between the Yu and Lin families had long since been vaguely circulating in private for quite some time. They had never denied it either, and had used the momentum to obtain many beneficial collaborations.

After all, just three days ago, Yu Lin had really still been dating the original host.

Using this subtle relationship to play close to the line, perhaps in the future, the fake could become real, and Lin Jingyao, whom Yu Lin had “secretly loved” for many years, could be pushed onto the stage. Everyone would be happy.

Their calculations were loud and clear, yet for some reason, the person who truly had the right to speak… had instead been ignored by them for a very long time.

Of course, Yu Wangxiao knew the inside story better than anyone.

His existence was indeed insignificant. His meaning was limited to clearing obstacles for the protagonist’s future and setting the opening stage for this good show.

He should have been powerless to resist, obediently dying on a deep night filled with tender moonlight.

He should have been covered in blood, broken apart, quietly welcoming the fate of being devoured by the death god.

But right now, he was playing with a brightly colored imperial purple jadeite, leisurely savoring the butterfly effect that was about to happen.

“Mm…”

Just then, an inexplicable soft groan from beside him interrupted his thoughts.

Yu Wangxiao turned his eyes and was stunned to meet Lin Jiangye’s excessively beautiful face. His breath paused slightly.

It was very strange. Lin Jiangye looked unsteady, his face flushed with a sickly and unnatural red, then bit by bit turned deathly pale. Only the trembling corners of his eyes still retained a faint trace of blood color.

A strange color flashed through his overly dilated ink-black pupils, like pure silver-white liquid metal, vanishing in an instant.

Yu Wangxiao froze for a brief moment, then quickly narrowed his eyes. He reached out to support Lin Jiangye’s waist, firmly holding him at his side, and took a tube of adrenaline from his inner pocket.

“What’s wrong? Can you speak?”

His low, unhurried voice flowed by Lin Jiangye’s ear, while the hard outer packaging of the injector had already been pressed firmly against the side of his thigh, ready to be urgently injected at any moment.

Lin Jiangye recognized this little life-saving thing, but he temporarily did not need it. Speaking of which, normal people would not carry such things around with them either…

Now was not the time to investigate deeply. He took a deep breath, worked hard to nod, and squeezed a response out of his dry throat with difficulty. “The almond milk. It’s poisoned.”

Yu Wangxiao reacted extremely quickly. He immediately lifted the glass cup containing the hot milk by its rim and supported Lin Jiangye as they walked toward the second floor.

“Is it hydrogen cyanide? You didn’t drink it, did you?”

Lin Jiangye’s head was very dizzy. To keep his balance, he unconsciously clenched Yu Wangxiao’s sleeve. “…I smelled a little. It should be fine.”

“Good. Don’t worry, I’m here.”

His rapidly weakening body was steadily supported, and the bitter almond smell was slowly covered by a light woody fragrance.

The spiral staircase going upward was empty and silent. Using the handrail as cover, Yu Wangxiao slowed his movements.

He turned his head and stared closely at Lin Jiangye’s unfocused eyes, as if carefully distinguishing the truth hidden in their depths.

“I saved you again. Tuantuan, this time I want a reward.”

“Mm, mm? Mm.” Lin Jiangye responded in a daze. He thought this request was quite reasonable.

“In the future, when I ask you something, you can only tell me the truth, or refuse to answer. Choose one of the two. Can you do that?”

Those words sounded rather like he was taking advantage of someone in danger.

Lin Jiangye looked back at his lowered, deep brows and eyes, but he did not feel uneasy. He only grew even hungrier. He really wanted to bite him, right on the brow bone.

“…I can.”

He suppressed the strange desire that would not fade and said softly.

The instant his words fell, half his body suddenly rose into the air. Lin Jiangye discovered that he had been easily picked up in a bridal carry, and the man’s leather shoes made soft sounds as they stepped on the stairs.

“First question—the original you, will he ever come back?”

“No.”

“Very good.”

The favorability progress bar flickered, blooming into dazzling pink ripples.