BL Ch119

Two days later, the online storm over the richest man’s alleged fraud was drowned out by a celebrity cheating scandal, quietly fading from Pingyi City’s gossip circles.

Lou Baoguo sat on his packed suitcase, munching on the drama, cursing, “This guy’s scum! His wife stuck with him from nothing, and he cheats once he’s famous. Disgusting! I spit! Feihua, great scoop! Where’d you get it?”

Zhao Feihua pushed up his glasses, fingers flying over the keyboard. “I’ve got seven or eight more bombshells to shake the entertainment world—like a certain actor marrying a pop singer, a hot star’s love-hate saga with their boss, or a director hooking up with their lead. All bought from top paparazzi. I knew our boss would one day embarrass himself nationwide—these scoops can bail him out a few times.”

“You’re… an unassuming PR genius.”

“Too kind. The police and Director Yu did the heavy lifting on the舆论. I’m just the cleanup crew.”

Zhou Yi, fresh from an 800-word parenting essay to his daughter, chimed in, “Still hit the young master hard. Heard the lab’s research is paused, his overseas companies’ stocks tanked, and the U.S. SEC’s probing, suspecting data fraud in his other businesses.”

Zhao Feihua paused, sighing. “I’m handling that mess. Good thing our boss planned ahead, transferring assets to Director Yu before returning. She says she’ll deal with the U.S. side—her clout should smooth it over. Otherwise, he’d be stuck in America, no time for yacht trips… That’s business—lose trust, and who’ll deal with you? Not going bankrupt’s a win.”

Lou Baoguo’s eyes widened. “So, the young master came back ready to burn bridges? Badass. Sacrificing this much for a brother, and the internet calls him selfish? They know nothing—pisses me off!”

“Normal. The internet’s got two ‘NTs’—plenty lack critical thinking.” Zhao Feihua closed his laptop, patted Lou Baoguo’s shoulder gravely. “My job’s light. Yours is dangerous. Stay safe. We’ll drink when you’re back.”

Lou Baoguo froze, then leapt back, clutching his goosebump-covered arms, eyeing him warily. “W-What’s with the mushy talk! I’m straight! Got a girl I like!”

Zhou Yi gave him a strange look. “Feihua, wrong meds? Since when are you this polite?”

Zhao Feihua nudged his glasses, a wise glint flashing. “After witnessing certain things, I realized being alive and well is a divine gift. So, I’ve resolved to be a better man—respect the boss, love my colleagues. Come, a farewell hug.”

“Get lost! Who’d hug you!” Lou Baoguo roared, bolting ten meters away, nearly crashing into Yu Duqiu descending from the elevator.

“Whoa, lively crowd,” Hong Liangzhang said, entering the lobby, chuckling. “Vacation vibes, huh? Young master, car’s waiting outside.”

Yu Duqiu steadied Bai Zhao, asking, “Why’re you here? Jia Jin can handle this. While he’s around, rest, spend time with Yuanhang.”

Hong Liangzhang grinned. “I’ve hovered enough—he’s probably sick of me. Been busy with him, neglected this side. My bad. Here to make up for it—a yacht needs a manager.”

Yu Duqiu’s eyes flickered with surprise, blurting, “The sea’s rough. You’re older—don’t go, you might get seasick.”

“No worries, our ship’s huge, not a speedboat.” Hong Liangzhang grabbed Bai Zhao’s luggage. “Let’s go—crisp autumn, calm seas.”

Yu Duqiu and Bai Zhao exchanged a glance.

Beneath the calm, a dark current seemed to stir.

Three cars left the gates, heading for Changhe Beach.

Zhao Feihua packed up, about to leave, when he ran into a late-arriving Yu Jiangyue.

“They’re gone?” Yu Jiangyue gazed at the empty lobby, sighing. “Stayed up late with the SEC, overslept. Jia Jin didn’t wake me.”

Jia Jin shrugged. “Young master said not to, let you sleep.”

“Now he’s considerate? After causing this mess, making me pull an all-nighter?” Yu Jiangyue rubbed her forehead, slumping onto the sofa, exhausted. “Good thing Bai Zhao’s with him, or I’d worry about that brat.”

Zhao Feihua thought, Bai Zhao’s no safety belt—he’s the gas pedal. Those two together are one plus one equals chaos, doubling the recklessness.

“Feihua, you done?” Yu Jiangyue asked.

Zhao Feihua reported, “Yes, most platforms are clear of negative posts about President Yu. But my investor group chats are still buzzing—won’t die down soon.”

Yu Jiangyue waved it off. “Can’t muzzle everyone. You’ve done well, thanks.”

“No, no, you’re the one working hard, Director Yu.”

“Tell me about it.” Yu Jiangyue gave a wry smile. “This time’s fine—he prepared, never claimed his product could cure addiction short-term, leaving room to counter. Once the SEC finds nothing, his credibility will recover.”

She paused, eyes flickering with memory. “…As long as he’s safe, it’s no big deal.”

Zhao Feihua sensed her thoughts, his gossip soul igniting, cautiously probing, “Yeah, just rumors this time, not like that kidnapping case from his childhood, dug up now to smear him…”

Halfway through, Yu Jiangyue snapped her head up. “What? Dug up when?”

Zhao Feihua flinched, unsure what he’d misspoken, stammering, “J-Just a couple days ago, a report… Police pulled it, don’t worry.”

“What’d it say? You read it? Recount it.”

“It said… President Yu was kidnapped by a driver as a kid, police found him, shot the driver… Very detailed, exact time and place. President Yu thinks a cop from back then leaked it—they’re investigating, should have results soon.” Seeing her grim face, he soothed, “It’s fine, Director Yu. To outsiders, it’s just a juicy tale, exaggerated, won’t hurt his rep or business. Probably his enemies tossing out scraps…”

“No, this isn’t something you stumble on.” Yu Jiangyue’s face darkened, worry creasing her brow. “I handled it, I know best. Without serious digging, no one could know the details—not even Duqiu knows the full truth. It’s harder than finding his project’s flaws but does less damage. Why would someone bother?”

Zhao Feihua and Jia Jin exchanged puzzled looks, finding it odd.

The leak aimed to ruin Themis and Yu Duqiu’s name. Though Zhao Feihua didn’t know who the police’s “King and Queen” were, a suspect was involved.

What kind of bored criminal digs up elite gossip, risking tangles with old-school cops?

“If it was a fluke, fine. But if it’s planned… what’s their game?” Yu Jiangyue’s confusion deepened, frozen in thought.

Zhao Feihua and Jia Jin stood silent, not daring to interrupt.

Suddenly, stark fear flashed across Yu Jiangyue’s grave face.

Jia Jin, with her for years, had never seen such an expression. “Director Yu, what’s wrong?”

Yu Jiangyue grabbed his arm, fingers clawing like talons, barking, “Check someone for me, now!”

The black Volkswagen cruised the coastal highway, flanked by two Rolls-Royces, exuding grandeur.

“Why not your car?” Bai Zhao drove steadily, but the budget car couldn’t match a multimillion-yuan ride’s comfort.

Yu Duqiu, unbothered, lowered all windows, elbow on the door, silver hair dancing in the sea breeze, eyes unreadable behind sunglasses, lazily scolding, “Mind your business.”

Bai Zhao chuckled. At the next light, he snatched Yu Duqiu’s sunglasses, pulling him by the neck.

Yu Duqiu, boneless, leaned into his shoulder, parting his lips for the familiar warmth, cold eyes warming with desire.

The light was short, the kiss quick. Bai Zhao pulled back, saying, “Cheer up, think of it as a vacation.”

Yu Duqiu held his chin, pecking his warm lips. “If it was just us sailing… how perfect.”

The light turned green, cars ahead moved. Bai Zhao, flustered, pried off his hand, dodging the tempting tease, sitting upright. “Stop… A big ship, just us? You’d get bored.”

Yu Duqiu reclined the seat, head on his arms, gazing at the blue sky through the sunroof, as if on deck. “Bored? We’d fish, dive, ride jet skis by day… Grill seafood at night, lie on deck under the stars, breeze blowing, go till dawn, no interruptions, no worries… Yachts are called ‘sea utopias’ for a reason.”

Bai Zhao’s mind wandered, cut off by a scoff. “Bet you only heard ‘go till dawn,’ written all over your face, little beast. Daydreaming while driving? Help me figure out how to handle Hong-bo.”

Bai Zhao quashed his stray thoughts, serious. “He’s coming for a reason. You won’t go hard on him, so we stay vigilant. I’ll taste your food, sleep in your room.”

“That last bit’s personal gain, huh?” Yu Duqiu slid on his sunglasses, smirking. “We don’t know what we’ll face at sea. Save your energy, behave.”

Bai Zhao hesitated, then relented. “…Fine.”

Changhe’s yacht marina housed most of the city’s fleet. A hundred meters out, tall masts stood against blue skies and clouds, seabirds sunning atop. One four-story yacht towered over the rest.

The public dock allowed anyone to stroll the pontoon, but boarding required the owner’s okay. Arriving, they saw Du Shuyan’s group blocked by the captain, an awkward scene.

“On purpose. Who knows what they’d do if they boarded first?” Yu Duqiu grinned wickedly at Bai Zhao, then approached, feigning surprise. “Brother Shuyan, why not aboard? Captain Sun, these are my guests.”

Captain Sun, early forties, tanned from years at sea, caught the hint, switching from stern to warm. “President Yu’s guests! My bad, no eye for faces. This way, watch your step.”

Du Shuyan’s face soured. Dressed sharply, he’d been mistaken for a pushy tourist, slighted by a mere captain.

Fei Zheng gave Yu Duqiu a deep look, likely sensing his malice.

Yu Duqiu ignored it, scanning Du Shuyan’s group: Fei Zheng plus two others, no gun calluses.

The yacht’s capacity was limited. Yu Duqiu brought three bodyguards. Excluding “turncoat” Bai Zhao, it was five versus three—seemingly against him.

That was his goal.

The more they felt in control, the bolder they’d act, the less guarded they’d be.

In reality, two of the five pre-placed crew were city bureau cops, armed. Bai Zhao was loyal, making it four versus six. Barring surprises, they’d win.

But with Bai Zhiming’s lesson, Yu Duqiu stayed cautious, inspecting everyone’s bodies and bags before boarding. When Bai Zhao’s turn came, the detector beeped. He raised his hand. “Ring.”

Then Fei Zheng’s beeped.

Fei Zheng, resigned, pulled out a metal candy tin, about to explain, but Yu Duqiu cut in, “Secretary Fei’s hypoglycemic. This tin triggered alarms at a jewelry expo—nothing.”

Fei Zheng blinked, bowing humbly. “President Yu’s memory is sharp. Need me to open it?”

Yu Duqiu said, “Nah, what’s a tin hide? But I’m curious about that candy’s taste.”

Du Shuyan, stepping onto the deck, stumbled at those words, nearly plunging into the water.

Fei Zheng steadied him, then opened the tin generously. “Pick any, President Yu.”

Yu Duqiu peered in, heart skipping.

All real candy—no weapon ring.

He’d expected Fei Zheng to brush off the candy as bland, confirming a hidden weapon, without exposing Bai Zhao’s tip. But Fei Zheng, after telling Bai Zhao the tin’s secret, brought no weapon.

What did it mean? He didn’t fully trust Bai Zhao, revealing the “weapon” to test his allegiance.

Close call—they nearly blew it.

“This looks sweet.” Yu Duqiu casually grabbed a piece, popped it in, grinning. “Yup, sweet.”

But no ring meant they were unarmed. Planning to improvise? The yacht’s kitchen had knives… Best keep them out of there.

Fei Zheng smiled. “Ever try this candy as a kid, President Yu?”

Yu Duqiu, deep in thought, shook his head. “Probably not.”

“Maybe you did, just forgot,” Fei Zheng said. “Understandable—you’ve tasted so much, who’d recall one candy? I’m looking forward to lunch. Must be lavish. Thanks for hosting.”

Yu Duqiu waved it off. “Don’t mention it, Secretary Fei.”

The group boarded.

Lou Baoguo, no yacht newbie, still whooped, “Huge! Like moving Palace No. 1 to sea!”

Zhou Yi sighed, “Shame I can’t bring Xiao Guo.”

Lou Baoguo consoled the doting dad. “No worries. After her junior high exams, summer break, ask the young master—he’ll grant her wish.”

“Her wish isn’t sailing.” Zhou Yi nodded at the clingy duo ahead. “She wants to know if the young master and Xiao Bai made up. Their last fight stressed her out… Looks like her wish came true.”

Captain Sun, seeing Yu Duqiu with an unfamiliar man, hand-in-hand like first-date lovers, eagerly briefed Bai Zhao. “This yacht’s the president’s, bought two years ago, over 500 million. 66 meters long, max speed 35 knots, one fuel-up crosses the Pacific. Helipad and jet skis at the stern—a true sea palace. Oh, five cabins, holds ten guests. Pick a big one…”

“No need, he’s in my suite,” Yu Duqiu said.

The captain blinked, eyeing Bai Zhao with new respect. “Got it! President Yu’s suite’s on the upper deck, links to a private bow terrace, with a sunroom—best views, most private.”

Bai Zhao, uninterested, glanced at Hong Liangzhang trailing, whispering to Yu Duqiu, “When he sees those unfamiliar crew, how’ll you explain?”

Yu Duqiu murmured, “Say my mom, worried, hired new staff. We’ve swapped house employees lately—he won’t suspect. He doesn’t know those cops; the ones he does are onshore, directing. Even Ji Lin got blocked by Chief Peng, lowers their guard.”

The two “crew,” Li and Wang, were city bureau elites, Mu Hao’s peers, volunteering for the mission. Tanned, burly, they looked like seasoned sea workers, swiftly handling luggage, blending perfectly. Without Ji Lin’s photos, Yu Duqiu wouldn’t have clocked them.

Hong Liangzhang noticed the new faces, asked a few questions, then let them go, saying, “Young master, I’m uneasy about these two. What if they’re another Jiang Sheng? I’ll keep an eye.”

Yu Duqiu replied, “It’s fine, Baoguo and Zhou’ll watch. Check the kitchen for lunch—don’t neglect Brother Shuyan.”

Hong Liangzhang nodded, heading downstairs.

Zhou Yi and Lou Baoguo trailed the “crew” to the lower deck’s cabins, feigning room prep. In a camera-free spot, Lou Baoguo grabbed Zhou Yi. “Hey! Guess who the young master’s targeting?”

Zhou Yi said, “Doesn’t matter. Suspect everyone but our people—just in case.”

“True… Hope we dock safely. Comrade Xiao Lu asked for a big lobster—she’s gotta have a thing for me.”

“Nah, she’s into the lobster…” Zhou Yi froze, ear twitching. “Hear something?”

Lou Baoguo scanned around. They were in the cabin area, doors open for guests, revealing lavish interiors.

One small door was shut, noises coming from behind.

“I think… that’s the storage closet? Mops, vacuums,” Lou Baoguo said.

“Probably the ship swaying, stuff fell.” Zhou Yi, ever the worrier, reached to tidy the tools—

The door wouldn’t budge.

Not locked or stuck—it opened a crack, then was yanked back by force.

Zhou Yi blinked, ruling out “haunted mop” for “someone’s inside,” shouting, “A-Bao!”

Lou Baoguo sucked in a breath, launching a thunderous kick. “Human or ghost, come out!”

Before his foot hit, the door swung open. Ji Lin, hiding half the day, stepped out, resigned. “It’s your dad. I couldn’t stay away…”

Lou Baoguo’s eyes bulged, too late to stop. A deafening bang—the outward-swinging door, like a broken bone, slammed inward, cutting off Ji Lin’s words, hurling him back into the closet. The tool rack crashed, a clatter of falling gear.

“…”

After seconds of silence, Zhou Yi gingerly nudged the wrecked door. The unlucky cop sprawled amid trash cans, rags, and brooms, a grimy mop on his head like dreadlocks, wheezing a faint, “Damn… you…”

Lou Baoguo bit his fist, teeth chattering. “T-T-This… Is this assaulting an officer?”

Zhou Yi facepalmed. “See you in court.”