BL Ch149

October 20th.

The day of Pei Xianyong’s trial.

Yu Jiangyue, usually dressed in understated attire, arrived at the court in a vibrant red dress, declaring her joyous mood to the world.

Yu Youhai wasn’t as flamboyant, but his good spirits were evident, a constant smile gracing his lips.

The plaintiff’s seat, which should have been occupied by the victim’s family, was filled by a lawyer. The family’s story was quite extraordinary; initially declared dead, they had miraculously returned to life.

This bizarre news should have sparked discussion, but the citizens of Pingyi were captivated by a ubiquitous advertisement –

Bus stops, subway stations, airports, train stations, shopping malls, skyscrapers, landmarks… every possible advertising space had been commandeered by a mysterious wealthy individual, displaying white hibiscus flowers 24/7. In the image, pure white petals bloomed slowly in the morning sun, the branches and leaves unfurling halfway before the image reset, repeating endlessly.

Nothing else accompanied the image. No name, no date or location, as if intended only for those who understood.

The advertisement, online for just a day, ignited fervent discussion on social media. People speculated about the meaning behind the flower and the identity of the wealthy individual behind this grand yet低调 gesture, who chose to remain anonymous.

Various theories clashed, with no consensus reached.

But for the person behind the advertisement, this was merely the first step in his pre-wedding preparations.

Lawyers had drafted seven or eight versions of the prenuptial agreement in the past few days, and today, they were finally finalizing the document.

Three people sat under a parasol on the lawn. The lawyer summarized the revisions. Yu Duqiu removed his sunglasses, reviewed the document, and, satisfied, handed it to Bai Zhao. “See if there’s anything else you want to change.”

Bai Zhao didn’t take it. “I don’t need your assets. In case of a divorce, I’ll leave with nothing.”

Yu Duqiu pinched his cheek. “We’re not even married yet; why are you talking about divorce? The prenup is to protect you. We’ll also have a postnuptial agreement, and a sunset clause… guarantees for every stage of our lives, to give you peace of mind. Be good, take a look.”

Bai Zhao reluctantly took the document, flipped through a few pages, and asked in surprise, “You’re giving me the lab and the company? Why?”

Yu Duqiu: “The Themis project was built on your mother’s research data. Who else would I give it to? Your mother would be happy to see her son inherit her work. Don’t worry about the project; it’ll restart next month. Grandpa already discussed it with the mayor. He’ll come out of retirement to be a consultant, ensuring the project’s smooth progress. We expect to see initial results within five years.”

“But I have no management experience…”

“So what?” Yu Duqiu grinned, leaning on his shoulder. “You can hire me as your secretary. Then I can legitimately come to your office, and once the door is closed, we can–”

Bai Zhao quickly covered his mouth, glancing at the lawyer, who had tactfully shifted his gaze to the distant sky.

“Anyway, don’t worry. Feihua and the others will help you.” Yu Duqiu sat up straight, looking at him seriously. “If you want to be my bodyguard for life, I’m happy with that too, but I believe you’re capable of much more. Brain-computer interfaces have immense potential in healthcare, biology, entertainment, and other fields. It’s a worthwhile investment in an emerging industry that can benefit countless people. I think that’s why your mother dedicated herself to this field. Whether you want to take up the mantle is entirely up to you.”

Bai Zhao pondered for several minutes. Yu Duqiu didn’t rush him, simply staring at him with pleading eyes, hard to resist. Bai Zhao finally relented. “You brought up my mother; what else can I say?”

Yu Duqiu cheered, then continued, “If there’s no problem, sign it. We still have the event planner, honeymoon designer, wedding chef… a whole bunch of people to meet.”

Bai Zhao felt dizzy just listening. “Wait, it’s just an engagement, right? I thought we’d just have a meal with our families?”

“You’re marrying into a wealthy family, baby.” Yu Duqiu said. “If we don’t make it grand, people will think I’m not serious. I want them to know I mean business.”

Bai Zhao smiled. “Should I change my last name, then?”

Yu Duqiu actually considered it. “Yu Chao… Mm, doesn’t sound good. Do you want to change back to your family name?”

Bai Zhao signed the agreement, shaking his head. “No, I’m used to it. It’s fine. I don’t need to carry on the family line.”

“Okay, then let’s look at the engagement venue.” Yu Duqiu dismissed the lawyer and waved towards the distance. Zhou Yi and Lou Baoguo immediately ushered in an event planner.

“I bought a new yacht. We’ll take our guests to the new island I bought. That way, we can avoid most of the media. What do you think?”

“Sounds good. Couldn’t they salvage the old one?”

“It sank too deep. And even if they could, the repair costs would be enough to buy a new one.” Yu Duqiu sighed. “It’s just a boat; I can live without it. But it’s a shame about my chess set. That was an antique, used by a grandmaster.”

Just then, their two phones vibrated almost simultaneously. They exchanged a look, a hint of nervousness in their eyes.

“It’s my mother.”

“It’s Grandpa.”

“What do you think the verdict is?”

“If it wasn’t good, they wouldn’t be calling us so urgently.”

“True.”

They answered their phones at the same time. Yu Duqiu said, “Mom? What’s the verdict?”

Yu Jiangyue took a deep breath, her voice trembling with excitement. “Death sentence, pronounced in court! Tell Xiao Bai, we’re going to tell Auntie Cen, right now!”

An hour later, several cars arrived at the cemetery, having come directly from the court. Yu Duqiu and Bai Zhao, having arrived earlier, were waiting at the entrance. They walked towards Yu Jiangyue’s car, surprised to see a police car following behind, with familiar faces emerging –

Ji Lin was there on Peng Deyu’s orders; he was the only one suspended and available. Mu Hao was sent by Feng Jinmin, assigned to light duties as he gradually returned to the force. They had both observed the trial and would have to write reports later. Although Pei Xianyong’s case was closed, Pei Ming, Du Shuyan, Hong Liangzhang, and others hadn’t been sentenced yet, and not all the buyers of the new drug had been apprehended. They still had a lot of work ahead.

Bai Zhao carried flowers and entered the cemetery with Yu Jiangyue and Yu Youhai.

Yu Duqiu lagged behind, nudging Mu Hao’s arm. “So, how did it go?”

“Hm? It went well.” Mu Hao, thinking he was asking about the trial, said, “The evidence was conclusive; Pei Xianyong had no defense. The lawyer you hired was very professional; it was a smooth process…”

“That’s not what I’m asking.” Yu Duqiu winked. “I’m asking about you and Ji Lin. I heard from Lao Zhou that you two made progress at the banquet? What happened after?”

Mu Hao paused, then chuckled wryly. “Duqiu, when did you become so nosy?”

“I don’t care about other people’s gossip.” Yu Duqiu glanced at Ji Lin, who was walking slightly behind them, catching his furtive glance. Ji Lin, embarrassed, quickly looked away.

“Why isn’t he walking beside you?”

“I don’t know; he seems to be avoiding me.” Mu Hao scratched his head, puzzled. “I’ve invited him to dinner several times since that night, but he always says he’s busy. But isn’t he suspended? What’s he so busy with?”

Yu Duqiu looked him up and down. “Did you do something to him?”

“No.” Mu Hao paused. “Should I have done something?”

“That depends on whether you’re interested. If you’re not, reject him sooner rather than later.”

“I don’t know if I’m interested…” Mu Hao fell silent, then said after a few steps, “But I think he’s quite cute.”

Yu Duqiu stared at him as if he had seen a ghost. “You think he’s what?”

“Cute.” Mu Hao looked at him, confused. “Don’t you think so?”

Yu Duqiu looked at Ji Lin – his height and aggressive personality were anything but cute. The only remotely cute thing about him was perhaps his delicate features.

But this adjective shouldn’t be coming from Mu Hao.

This guy’s vocabulary consisted only of right and wrong, not beautiful or ugly. In all their years of acquaintance, Yu Duqiu had only heard him compliment his looks once: “You’re quite fair-skinned.”

So plain it was hard to respond.

“Good, keep thinking that.” Yu Duqiu patted his shoulder. “Isn’t your birthday in a few days? Go invite him to dinner now. Don’t stop until he agrees.”

Mu Hao: “Won’t he find me annoying?”

“Trust me, he won’t find you annoying no matter what you do. If he’s avoiding you, it means you haven’t done enough.”

Mu Hao highly doubted that, but he didn’t know anyone with more relationship experience than Yu Duqiu. He had no choice but to trust him.

“Alright, I’ll ask him.”

Ji Lin was walking peacefully when Mu Hao suddenly blocked his path, leaving him no escape. He knew who had orchestrated this. But he didn’t have time to confront Yu Duqiu, who had already run ahead to find his own partner.

Cen Wan’s tombstone was as clean as last time, the fresh white hibiscus flowers making it even more elegant. Bai Zhao gently wiped the marble with a wet tissue. The woman in the photo still wore a gentle smile.

“Wanwan, I can finally bring your son to see you openly,” Yu Jiangyue said, her eyes welling up.

Yu Duqiu handed her a tissue, complaining, “You knew his identity last time, didn’t you? Keeping it from me for so long. If Auntie Cen knew, she would have felt sorry for me.”

Yu Jiangyue laughed through her tears. “You’re so cheeky. Come, kowtow to your father-in-law and mother-in-law.”

“Not father-in-law and mother-in-law.” Yu Duqiu knelt down properly. “It’s father and mother.”

Yu Youhai was confused. “What’s the difference?”

Yu Jiangyue understood first, looking meaningfully at Bai Zhao, raising an eyebrow questioningly.

Bai Zhao covered his mouth with a cough and nodded shyly.

Zhou Yi and Lou Baoguo were stunned, taking a while to process this earth-shattering secret.

Housekeeper Wang hadn’t been lying; they were the ignorant ones.

They exchanged incredulous looks, then quickly pulled out their phones, sharing this explosive gossip with Zhao Feihua.

But they received an even more shocking reply: [You’re only finding out now? I’ve known for ages! You have no idea how much pressure I’ve been under!]

Lou Baoguo’s hands trembled as he typed: [Actually, I… I… I always felt a little不服气 calling him Big Brother… now I’m completely convinced…]

Zhou Yi pondered how to explain to his daughter that the handmade engagement gift she made for the couple might need a slight adjustment. The doll holding the bouquet shouldn’t be her “Brother Bai”…

Yu Duqiu kowtowed three times, then clasped his hands together. “Don’t worry, I’ll give him a home for the rest of his life. We’re getting engaged in a few days. It’s okay if you can’t make it. I brought wine; let me offer you a toast.”

Yu Youhai smiled. “You brat, you’re quite thoughtful.”

“I’m about to be a married man; I have to be more responsible.” Yu Duqiu placed the prepared glasses before the tombstone, pouring wine into each, and juice into the smallest one. “Mei ge is still young, so no alcohol for her.”

Bai Zhao, amused and touched, watched him complete the toast, then helped him up, brushing the dust off his knees. “I was feeling sad, but you cheered me up.”

Yu Duqiu drank his wine. “This is a happy occasion. Why the long face? If I could marry myself, I’d be laughing in my dreams.”

Bai Zhao had no words. It was a good thing Ji Lin wasn’t here; he would have been subjected to a tirade.

The two elders, momentarily amused, soon became emotional again, tearfully cursing the recently sentenced Pei Xianyong, their ranting likely to continue for a while.

Yu Duqiu, worried Bai Zhao might also be affected, pulled him aside, bumping into Mu Hao and Ji Lin.

They walked side-by-side. Ji Lin’s face was slightly flushed; he had clearly been coerced into accepting the dinner invitation. He immediately lashed out at the mastermind behind it. “Yu Duqiu, you–”

Yu Duqiu slung an arm around his shoulder. “Captain Ji, come on, let’s take a walk.”

“Walk my ass. This is a cemetery, not a park.”

“Don’t be so grumpy. Mu Hao just complimented you.”

Ji Lin froze, his voice dropping immediately. “He… complimented me? About what?”

“Hm? He didn’t tell you?”

“No…”

“Oh, then I won’t tell you either.”

“Hey! Are you asking for a beating–”

Yu Duqiu dodged his punches and kicks, leading them on a seemingly aimless stroll, stopping before a newly erected tombstone.

Seeing the name and photo, Ji Lin stopped abruptly, his fists unclenching. “When did you buy him a tombstone?”

The photo was a portrait of a man with thick eyebrows, deep-set eyes, a prominent hooked nose, and a faint smile playing on his lips.

The name below was his former name: Yang Zhengjin.

“Lingya contacted me a while ago, saying Du Shuyan wanted to buy him a tombstone, but she didn’t know how to handle it, and Pei Zhuo was too busy with the company. She asked for my help. As it happens, I had the same intention.” Yu Duqiu pointed to the adjacent tombstone. “That’s his father’s grave. I buried them together.”

Ji Lin turned and saw Yang Yongjian’s tombstone.

Mu Hao asked, “But Fei Zheng’s body fell into the ocean, right? What’s buried here?”

Yu Duqiu shrugged. “His ring, some of his belongings, and the unfinished painting you found in his apartment. I burned it for him. He saw the lamb in that painting as me, so it’s like I was buried with him. He should be satisfied now.”

Ji Lin looked at him, speechless. “Burying yourself with him… you truly are a materialist, not afraid at all.”

“So what? Is he going to crawl out of the ocean and strangle me?” Yu Duqiu retorted nonchalantly, then turned to Zhou Yi. “Lao Zhou, did you bring what I asked for?”

Zhou Yi replied “Yes” and quickly handed him a bag.

Yu Duqiu pulled out a box of candy and placed it before the tombstone.

Ji Lin recognized the brand, Fei Zheng’s favorite. He frowned. “He caused so much pain to Brother Mu, and you’re offering him his favorite candy?”

Mu Hao didn’t mind. “Duqiu wants to celebrate Pei Xianyong’s sentencing with him, right? One thing doesn’t cancel out the other. Fei Zheng was also a victim; this is indeed worth celebrating. If this day had come sooner, perhaps so many tragedies could have been avoided…”

Bai Zhao shook his head. “His fate wasn’t solely due to Pei Xianyong. A person consumed by hatred can’t live long. One needs hope to survive.”

Mu Hao: “And love. Pei Xianyong was defeated by your mother’s love for you.”

Yu Duqiu, placing the candy down, chuckled. “Unbelievable, hearing you talk about ‘love’? Do you even know what love is?”

“I don’t really understand it. I might not be able to save others with love,” Mu Hao admitted honestly. “But I can burn myself to illuminate others.”

Yu Duqiu burst out laughing, pointing at the serious-faced officer. “This guy has been like this since high school, ridiculously naive.”

Ji Lin immediately raised his fists in protest. “How is that naive? A good police officer needs Brother Mu’s kind of dedication.”

Mu Hao smiled warmly. “I knew Xiao Ji would understand me. Duqiu, remember before the incident last year, I said I would call you?”

A year had passed, and many things had faded from memory. Yu Duqiu thought for a moment. “I vaguely remember. Why?”

“I wanted to tell you I might be in trouble. If anything happened to me, you could go to Xiao Ji. He’s the most tenacious and courageous person I know; he would definitely get to the bottom of it. But I didn’t get to call you before the incident. Fortunately, you two eventually met. Perhaps it was fate.”

Yu Duqiu paused. “…Wait, so you initially contacted me hoping I would reach out to Captain Ji?”

“Yes.”

“So the first person you thought of after discovering something was wrong was Captain Ji?”

“Yes, is there a problem?”

Yu Duqiu looked at him, then at the stunned Ji Lin. “I’m truly curious how you two managed to wait until today to get together.”

“What do you mean ‘get together’! We’re not together!” Ji Lin denied vehemently. “Don’t talk nonsense!”

“Fine, fine, I won’t say anything. Whatever.” Yu Duqiu dodged Ji Lin’s righteous fist, hiding behind Bai Zhao, then distributed the remaining items from the bag to the three of them. “Let’s get down to business. We haven’t properly celebrated the case being closed yet.”

Ji Lin’s expression turned serious. “It’s not completely closed. Du Shuyan has a club specifically for his buyers. When we went to investigate, they had already been tipped off. A few slipped through the net. I’ll have to continue the investigation after I’m reinstated… What the hell is this?”

Mu Hao examined the colorful, cylindrical object in his hand. “It looks like… a party popper?”

As he spoke, a loud “Bang!” echoed as a shower of red, confetti-like petals exploded from the popper, raining down on Fei Zheng’s tombstone.

Ji Lin: “…”

Celebrating right after paying respects, even if Fei Zheng was a heinous criminal, Yu Duqiu’s actions were deserving of divine retribution.

“Good thing it’s an empty grave,” Ji Lin muttered, covering his face, feeling a strange sense of pity for Fei Zheng. “Otherwise, I’m afraid he would jump out and strangle you.”

Yu Duqiu burst out laughing. “Hurry up and set yours off too. The groundskeeper will come and chase us away soon.”

Bai Zhao, without hesitation, joined in the madness. Another “Bang!” echoed through the air.

Ji Lin and Mu Hao, never having done anything so disrespectful before, hesitated. They could faintly hear the groundskeeper yelling in the distance, “Who the hell is setting off firecrackers?! Aren’t you afraid of ghosts knocking on your door at night?!”

Yu Duqiu grabbed Bai Zhao and ran. “We don’t have any firecrackers; you two are on your own!”

That sly fox! Ji Lin gritted his teeth, still hesitant. He wanted to do it, but his conscience wouldn’t let him.

Just then, Mu Hao suddenly snatched the party popper from his hand, twisting both ends. Two loud “Bangs!” later, confetti rained down between them.

Ji Lin stared at him, stunned. “Brother Mu, you…”

Mu Hao tossed the empty tubes into the trash can. “I know you wanted to do it, and I did too. It’s fine. If there’s any retribution, it’ll fall on me. Fei Zheng hurt so many people, and made you worry about me for so long. He deserves it.”

Ji Lin stared at him, speechless.

He suddenly understood why Yu Duqiu and Bai Zhao always indulged each other’s mischief.

Who could resist someone willing to break the rules for them?

The groundskeeper quickly found the two culprits, but seeing their police uniforms, he didn’t press charges, just gave them a warning. Mu Hao, however, insisted on cleaning up the confetti, borrowing a broom and dustpan, diligently sweeping Fei Zheng’s gravesite clean. Ji Lin helped him, and they quickly caught up with Yu Duqiu and Bai Zhao, resulting in another round of playful chaos.

Yu Jiangyue and Yu Youhai, having delivered the news of the verdict, were ready to leave. They waved goodbye at the cemetery entrance. Yu Duqiu yelled, “Captain Ji! My engagement party is the day after tomorrow! Don’t forget to come! And don’t forget what I asked you to do!”

Ji Lin waved back impatiently. “I know, I know! I already took care of it!”

Bai Zhao, overhearing, asked, “What is it?”

“A secret.” Yu Duqiu placed a finger to his lips, winking. “You’ll find out that day.”

On a sunny afternoon in Pingyi, a car passed a bus stop just as a hibiscus flower on the advertisement panel slowly unfurled its petals. Across the street, on another billboard, and in a shop window further down the road… countless pure white flowers bloomed simultaneously.

If anyone stopped to observe closely, they would notice that these flowers weren’t simply repeating the same animation. Each time they bloomed, the petals and leaves unfurled a little further, the light in the background growing brighter.

The sun was rising, the flowers were about to bloom, the entire city silently awaiting a grand spectacle.