BL Ch109

Yu Duqiu left the study, avoiding the crowd, and quietly slipped to the basement of the auxiliary building. When he emerged, his suit pocket held something new, and his confidence was bolstered. Humming a tune on his way back to the main building, he ran into the very Xiao Bai wolf who had irritated him that morning.

The banquet was still hours away, and no guests had arrived yet. Bai Zhao stood on the tree-lined avenue stretching from the main gate to the main building, talking with someone. A sturdy tree trunk obscured the other person’s figure, and neither noticed Yu Duqiu’s approach.

The tree, a century-old ginkgo transplanted a few days earlier, would turn a brilliant golden yellow in the coming October, perfect for the season.

But Yu Duqiu had chosen it from the seasonal planting catalog for a single line of symbolic meaning printed below its description.

He had even imagined, when the ginkgo leaves turned golden and blanketed the ground, setting up a table beneath it for two. They could sip wine, play a few rounds of chess, and chat until the sun set, autumn fading into winter.

However many autumns he had left, he wanted to spend them with this man.

Wasn’t that far more romantic than spouting clichéd sweet nothings? The little guy didn’t get his intentions and still doubted his sincerity.

He needed some taming.

Bai Zhao seemed engrossed in conversation, his eyes fixed on the other person, his profile slightly tense. Yu Duqiu was nearly upon him when Bai Zhao’s peripheral vision caught him. He turned immediately, smiling, and called out, “Duqiu, you’re here.”

The poetic imagery in Yu Duqiu’s mind stalled, his brows knitting slightly, instinct signaling something off.

Xiao Bai, the wolf, usually gave him some face in front of others, still calling him “young master,” rarely using his given name directly.

Then, the person behind the tree stepped into view, confirming his suspicion—

The man bowed respectfully, then looked up with a smile. “President Yu, it’s been a while.”

Yu Duqiu’s heart tightened briefly, but he quickly donned his usual smirking mask, deliberately slipping one hand into his pocket, adopting a carefree, slouched stance, and drawling lazily, “Secretary Fei, you’re early? Just you?”

Fei Zheng wore a well-tailored but unremarkable black suit, indistinguishable from any corporate employee’s attire. Though nearly 1.9 meters tall, he, like his boss, often bowed and kept his head low, speaking little, his presence barely noticeable.

His appearance, aside from a slightly prominent eagle-hook nose, could be called refined. When he smiled, faint crow’s feet appeared at the corners of his eyes, inevitable past thirty-five, lending him the steady air of a mature man. Not quite a heartthrob, but in the dating market, he’d outshine ninety-nine percent of men his age.

It was impossible to connect this affable, humble secretary with a throat-slitting, ruthless killer.

Yet the task force had traced the suspicious account transactions to Fei Zheng’s name.

Of course, it was possible Du Shuyan had used an employee’s account without their knowledge or tricked the unaware secretary into making the transfers. What capitalist boss didn’t exploit workers for profit these days?

But Yu Duqiu’s gut screamed—this was the guy.

The Queen, responsible for multiple murders and repeated attempts on his life, stood right before him.

Fei Zheng straightened, answering politely, “Here’s the situation, President Yu. Miss Du is unwell today, and President Du stayed home to care for her, regrettably unable to attend the banquet. He asked me to deliver a gift to express his apologies and wish you and your family a joyful reunion and good health. I also came to see if there’s anything I could help with. I ran into Mr. Bai, and we were just chatting.”

As he finished, Ji Lin’s voice erupted through Yu Duqiu’s earpiece. “That coward Du didn’t even show! Trying to stay out of it again!”

Indeed, Du Shuyan, ever eager to curry favor with the Yu family, never missed an invitation, especially with Yu Jiangyue’s rare return—many would kill for a chance to meet her. By all accounts, he should’ve come to see the woman who once arranged his sister’s engagement.

Now, he’d declined, not only skipping himself but keeping Du Lingya away, likely tipped off by Hong Liangzhang, fearing a trap and opting to play turtle, hiding in his shell.

Cowardly, yes, but a clever dodge. So far, he’d maintained airtight alibis for every crime scene.

With one of tonight’s key players absent, executing the plan just got trickier.

Still, they’d anticipated this. Given the opponent’s cunning, a one-shot success was unlikely. If Bai Zhao could gain their trust and infiltrate their inner circle tonight, it’d be a major win.

Though Du Shuyan hadn’t come, he’d sent Fei Zheng, suggesting he was intrigued by the email’s sender. They still had a shot.

Yu Duqiu reached out, patting Fei Zheng’s arm to show familiarity. “Brother Shuyan’s too polite. If he can’t make it, a word would’ve sufficed—our families don’t stand on ceremony. What’s wrong with Lingya? Should I send a doctor?”

Fei Zheng looked uneasy. “Miss Du’s been down, suffering headaches. You know why—it’s the engagement. If you send someone, it might upset her more.”

Yu Duqiu feigned guilt. “Oh, hearing that, I feel a bit bad.”

“You’re not at fault. Love can’t be forced. The sooner Miss Du lets go, the sooner she can move on.” Fei Zheng’s gaze shifted to Bai Zhao. “Besides, you’ve got Mr. Bai now. I heard him call you by name—your bond seems strong. There’s no room for anyone else. I’ll talk to Miss Du, tell her it’s time to move forward.”

Yu Duqiu naturally slid an arm around Bai Zhao’s waist, and Bai Zhao leaned into him cooperatively. Yu Duqiu’s gaze was tender, indulgent, like he was looking at a cherished lover. “Yeah, Bai Zhao’s been through life and death with me these past months. I can’t do without him. Peizhuo’s not bad either, at least he’s devoted. Maybe Lingya could give him a shot.”

At the mention of that name, Fei Zheng’s thick brows furrowed, followed by a sigh. “President Du actually likes young Mr. Pei, but… with Mr. Pei’s situation, it’s awkward. President Yu, you and Mr. Pei went abroad together—what exactly did he do? Will it affect his son?”

Yu Duqiu hummed ambiguously, dodging a direct answer. “It’s complicated. The police are investigating, and I’m not supposed to talk. It shouldn’t drag in his family—he didn’t kill or commit arson… Oh, wait, he did kill a criminal. Maybe that’ll balance things out.”

“He killed someone?!” Fei Zheng exclaimed, shocked. “Mr. Pei seems so refined, to do something like that…”

“Even a cornered dog jumps the wall. A desperate man might kill too. Still better than those psychos who murder for fun.” Yu Duqiu smiled faintly. “Right?”

Fei Zheng nodded. “True, killing a criminal beats harming innocent people.”

Ji Lin, listening through the earpiece, watched the main avenue’s surveillance feed, scrutinizing every frame of Fei Zheng’s expression—flawless, almost convincing Ji Lin himself. Was this guy really the cold-blooded Queen?

Lu Qing was skeptical too. “Either he’s Oscar-worthy, or he’s actually clean. Ji-ge, are we wrong again?”

The word “again” hit Ji Lin hard. One mistake nearly cost everyone’s lives—he couldn’t afford another.

“Don’t rush. Bai Zhao hasn’t made his move yet. Yu’s just setting the stage, making them think he trusts Bai Zhao. The real show’s coming.”

Since Fei Zheng arrived early, the banquet hall was still being set up. Yu Duqiu suggested he relax elsewhere—billiard room, gym, pool, home theater, or music hall. Fei Zheng insisted he was here to work, needing to do something to report back.

Yu Duqiu’s mind raced, assigning him an easy task: pet care.

The kennel and stables were under surveillance, fronted by a wide lawn, open and clear, where any activity would be obvious.

If Fei Zheng interacted with Hong Liangzhang or Hong Yuanhang, they’d spot it instantly.

Yet Ji Lin and Lu Qing stared at the screens all afternoon, burning through half a bottle of eye drops, and the Hong duo showed no odd behavior, as if unaware Fei Zheng was there. Meanwhile, Fei Zheng diligently worked the whole time—brushing the two dogs and horse, bathing them, his tasks meticulous and practiced, like he often cared for animals. He even took them for a walk on the lawn.

Black Cat and Sheriff, usually hostile to strangers, were oddly calm today, not barking once. But Xiao Bai, typically docile, threw a fit, rearing its head to avoid Fei Zheng’s touch, as if he were unclean. Fei Zheng didn’t mind, patiently stroking its mane, pulling a tin of candies from his pocket to coax it. When Xiao Bai ignored them, he popped one into his mouth with a smile.

Lu Qing nearly tore her hair out, finding nothing amiss. “How’s he so calm? Not curious who sent that email?”

“If he wasn’t, he wouldn’t still be here.” Ji Lin coordinated with the bureau while monitoring every corner of Palace No. 1, eyes and mouth working overtime. “Where’s that Yu guy? Don’t tell me he’s off fooling around with his lover again?”

“Ahem, earpiece’s on, Captain Ji.” Yu Duqiu’s easy voice came through. “The hall’s ready, guests are arriving. I sent Bai Zhao to get Fei Zheng—he’ll make his move. Watch closely. Also, I don’t have a lover anymore, so watch your words. Xiao Bai’s jealousy runs deep.”

Ji Lin’s eyes flicked between monitors, spotting Bai Zhao’s figure and several banquet guests, one face familiar. He sneered, “You’re the one who needs to watch it. Inviting your first love to a family banquet? Not afraid Bai Zhao’ll flip the table?”

Yu Duqiu sighed, “I’ve said a million times, Jingyu’s not my first love… Whatever, focus on your job, don’t meddle. I’ll have dinner sent up.”

As he spoke, Lu Jingyu approached, his smile as warm as a spring breeze. “Duqiu, you’re here. Where’s that new bodyguard of yours? Fired?”

Yu Duqiu gave a wry smile. “Not fired, I’m the one chained.”

Chained in every sense.

Lu Jingyu, sharp at reading people but less chatty than Zhao Feihua, kept a polite distance, saying smoothly, “If I’d known, I’d have seized my chance at the jewelry expo. Too bad. When you’re free again, give me a call.”

Ji Lin caught most of it, thinking, What a messy circle. With Young Master Yu’s playboy nature, he’d likely flirt back, not meaning much but enjoying the tease, especially with Bai Zhao out of earshot—

“Say that to me alone, fine, but not in front of him.” Yu Duqiu’s voice carried a smile, yet it sent a chill down the spine. “He’s petty, hot-tempered, and holds grudges. If you upset him, he’ll tattle to me, and I’m happy to indulge him. Then, I might have to make you disappear from his sight.”

Ji Lin: “…”

What kind of murder manifesto was that?

Lu Jingyu was spooked, silent for a long moment.

Yu Duqiu patted his shoulder amicably, also clarifying to Ji Lin, “Don’t misread, ‘disappear’ just means firing you.”

Probably with an industry-wide blacklist to boot… Lu Jingyu shuddered, forcing a smile, changing the subject. “I was kidding, don’t take it to heart… By the way, the banquet hall’s set up as you wanted, but honestly, using that painting to celebrate a family reunion… isn’t it a bit off?”

Yu Duqiu tilted his head, gazing at the white silk draped over the ceiling—behind its pure hue lay unimaginable splendor.

“No, for this banquet, the painting’s meaning couldn’t be more fitting… Whether he kills the ‘lamb’ first, or I bury him first, we’ll see tonight.”

The early autumn breeze swept across the lawn, its rustling mingling with faint footsteps. The man feeding the dogs perked up, turning warily.

The newcomer’s face was blank. “Secretary Fei, Young Master Yu invites you to the banquet.”

Fei Zheng stood, deftly sealing the dog food, smiling. “I’ll pass. It’s your family banquet—an outsider like me joining feels wrong. Please tell President Yu I’m done with the work and heading back.”

Bai Zhao politely insisted, “If you leave, I’ll be in a tough spot. It’s just dinner, not all guests are Yus, nothing inappropriate.”

Fei Zheng had shed his suit jacket while working, shirt sleeves rolled up, hands bare of any jewelry. He slung the jacket over his shoulder, hands on hips, exhaling. “Since you put it that way, I won’t make it hard for you, but I’m all sweaty…”

“There’s a shower upstairs. I’ll have someone grab you a change of clothes.”

“Mr. Bai, you’re too kind. I’ll take you up on it, then.”

Fei Zheng followed him, leaving the camera’s range. Lu Qing switched to the next feed, the red box tracking Fei Zheng until he entered the auxiliary building’s staff bathroom.

Bai Zhao used the moment to grab food from the kitchen, heading to the main building’s study, entering the secret room, and locking the door.

Ji Lin, seeing him, skipped dinner, saying, “Time to move. Our people are in place.”

Bai Zhao methodically laid out a tablecloth, arranging cutlery precisely. “Yeah, I’ll have Hong-bo deliver him clothes first, see how they react.”

Lu Qing, too anxious to eat, said, “If only the bathroom had cameras.”

Ji Lin teased, “What, you a creep now?”

“No way, I’m worried he’s plotting something in there!”

Bai Zhao set down the tray. “He won’t. I removed anything in the bathroom that could be a weapon. His phone’s outside, in view of the cameras. He can’t exactly slip down the drain—eat first, it’ll be a long night.”

Ji Lin glanced down, seeing three different desserts prepared, a touch of warmth stirring. “You’re too polite, we’d be fine with something simple.”

Bai Zhao’s face stayed cold. “These are for Ms. Lu. Your dinner’s this.”

“?”

A plate of something unidentifiable appeared: a slightly charred pancake, vaguely recognizable, wrapped around a gooey mess oozing a ghastly gray-green liquid.

“Young master made it himself, a seafood medley pancake, returning your last favor.” Bai Zhao stepped back, distancing himself from the fishy stench of the culinary nightmare. “Top-tier ingredients—bluefin tuna, gooseneck barnacles, Alaskan king crab, sturgeon caviar… all raw, blended into a paste. He said it’s the freshest, most tender, true-to-nature flavor. You’ll love it.”

“…”

Lu Qing pinched her nose. “First time I’ve thought pricier doesn’t mean better… Ugh…”

“…He’s flat-out trying to murder me!”

Ji Lin was about to blast eight hundred curses at Yu through the earpiece when a hand stopped him.

Bai Zhao gripped his wrist firmly, leaning in, his dark eyes glinting coldly. “He put his heart into this. Don’t ruin his effort.”

Ji Lin fumed, “Why don’t you eat it? Poison’s bad enough, but you’re backing him up with threats? You two better stay together—spare the rest of us!”

Bai Zhao actually smiled faintly. “Thanks for the blessing.”

“…”

Two lunatics, impossible to reason with!

As a pancake-fueled bloodbath loomed, Lu Qing’s eyes widened, freezing. “Wait! Look, the clothes and phone at the bathroom door are gone, Hong-bo’s gone, and where’s Fei Zheng?!”

Ji Lin, hearing the alert, shoved grudges aside, diving to the monitors—sure enough, the open bathroom door was empty, no one inside.

Lu Qing checked every feed, finding no trace of the Queen’s red box.

A living person had vanished under their noses.

“He can’t have left Palace No. 1—the gates are locked unless he sprouted wings.” Ji Lin relayed Fei Zheng’s disappearance to all undercover officers inside and out, urgently contacting Yu Duqiu. “Yu, the Queen’s gone. Where in your house has no cameras? I’ll send people to check.”

Yu Duqiu, mingling with Yu Jiangyue and guests, excused himself, enduring discomfort to step aside, replying softly, “Besides bathrooms, showers, and changing rooms, the only indoor spots without cameras are my bedroom and the study, since I’m there often. Everywhere else should be covered.”

Ji Lin’s gut churned with a sudden, overwhelming sense of dread.

As if echoing his fear, a sharp “ding!” rang out in the sealed room, jolting all three.

Bai Zhao pulled out his phone, glancing at the new email alert, then slowly looked up.

Lu Qing, unnerved by the dark shadow in his eyes, stammered, “W-What’s wrong?”

Bai Zhao pocketed the phone, staring at the airtight secret room’s door—a hundred-pound special alloy, so soundproof that a party outside would go unnoticed within.

“The Queen sent me an email. He’s here… waiting for me in the third-floor study.”

The third-floor study… right outside their door!

“No way… Didn’t you send the email anonymously? How’d he get your address…” Lu Qing’s voice trailed off as realization hit, a chill creeping up her spine. “Did he figure out who you are?!”

Bai Zhao nodded. “Probably.”

“There’s no camera in the study, but my computer’s on.” Yu Duqiu acted fast, directing Ji Lin. “Switch to the last black screen. I’ll activate the webcam and project it.”

Ji Lin complied, but when the screen lit up, it was empty—just rows of bookshelves, ornate furniture, and a chessboard with an unfinished game, all serene and calm.

Ji Lin’s doubts piled up. “No one’s there. Is he bluffing?”

Lu Qing strained her ears. “Shh! Listen, what’s that?”

“Tap, tap, tap…”

A rhythmic tapping came through the speakers, like someone striking the desk with a small, sharp chisel. The eerie sound echoed in the silent room, almost syncing with their racing heartbeats.

Bai Zhao scanned the chessboard onscreen. “A piece is missing.”

Yu Duqiu’s voice turned icy. “Flip the camera.”

Ji Lin had already hit the switch before he spoke. The screen went dark for half a second, then lit up again—

His pupils shrank to pinpoints.

A man in a black mask sat at the computer, his sinister, silent gaze locking onto Ji Lin’s.

The stare was so precise and venomous, it felt like no barrier separated them, like they sat face-to-face, nowhere to hide.

Lu Qing gasped, instinctively covering her mouth, forgetting he couldn’t hear or see them.

Ji Lin’s fists clenched, trembling uncontrollably, veins bulging on his hands.

One door away, yet he couldn’t rush out to subdue this brazen devil.

The man lounged casually in the wide armchair, a golden King piece tipped over in his hand, its crown’s sharp edge tapping the wooden desk, betraying slight impatience.

His damp hair was slicked back, as if he’d stepped through time from last year’s dark, rainy alley, reeking of blood, awaiting his next prey.

Clearly, he wasn’t here to negotiate—he was here to kill.