BL Ch16

As night fell, the vast lawns of Number One Palace were hidden beneath a dark, ink-like sky, with only a few windows emitting dim, ambiguous lights. Fang Xiaomo had finished a sumptuous dinner in the guest room, his stomach full. Having nothing else to do, he decided to take a walk to aid digestion. Referring to the floor plan, he found a study on the same floor. The walls were lined with large bookshelves, making it a small library with books of various genres, mostly incomprehensible to him.

On the round table in the center of the study was a chessboard with gold and silver pieces that gleamed brightly. Fang Xiaomo picked up a knight-shaped piece, weighing it in his hand. It was heavy, seemingly made of real gold and silver, and he estimated the set to be worth at least several hundred thousand.

He didn’t know how to play chess and didn’t dare entertain any inappropriate thoughts, so he put the piece back.

“That’s not the right square,” a cold male voice suddenly sounded behind him.

Fang Xiaomo was startled, his hands trembling, knocking over several pieces. The pieces clattered onto the ground, scattering the board.

“S-sorry!” Realizing he had caused trouble, he shrank back, terrified.

Yu Duqiu leaned against the doorframe, staring expressionlessly at the scattered pieces on the floor. After a moment, he sighed lightly, “Forget it, it was going to be messed up sooner or later. Come on, let’s go to the room.”

Fang Xiaomo dared not disobey him. Chen Kuan had warned him that if Yu Duqiu wanted to kill someone, it would be as easy as squashing an ant. Fortunately, he wasn’t a cruel person. 

Yet Fang Xiaomo felt that Yu Duqiu’s expression just now was scarier than a villain’s.

Entering the guest room, Yu Duqiu closed the door and asked, quite gentlemanly, “Would you like a drink? You seem very nervous.”

Fang Xiaomo shook his head, shyly saying, “You look so good, I feel a bit inferior…”

Yu Duqiu’s bathrobe was half-open, revealing his strong, alabaster chest, like white marble.

His physique was already impressive, and coupled with his strikingly handsome face and extraordinary silver hair, he stood out wherever he went.

“Don’t overthink it, just enjoy.” Yu Duqiu smiled gently, raising his hand to caress Fang Xiaomo’s delicate face.

Fang Xiaomo was captivated by the smile, standing there motionless.

Yu Duqiu, taller than him by a head, had a mysterious air of dominance when he approached. Fang Xiaomo shrank back, and Yu Duqiu pressed closer, eventually pinning him against the window, hands on the frame, whispering, “Don’t be afraid.”

Fang Xiaomo took a deep breath, resignedly nodding and closing his eyes. Being favored by Yu Duqiu wasn’t a loss; it was even a blessing.

“Good boy.” Much better than a certain ungrateful white-eyed wolf.

Yu Duqiu kissed his ear with a smile, murmuring a few flirtatious words. Seeing the boy’s neck quickly turn red, he leaned down to leave a more vivid mark.

Sleeping with an inexperienced boy was a hassle, requiring much reassurance. But tonight, he was patient and had time to play slowly.

Overthinking was draining, and he needed an outlet for his pent-up emotions. But the greatest satisfaction from human intimacy wasn’t the pleasure or the love; it was the sense of control over everything.

Though he seemed confident, Yu Duqiu knew there were unknown factors in these cases, like the mysterious killer in the rainy alley, Bai Zhiming’s bizarre disappearance under his nose, and why the killer spared him while murdering two others. Was it really just fear of his family?

These questions he couldn’t answer yet, the truth eluding his grasp. This lack of control needed compensation elsewhere.

Fang Xiaomo trembled in his arms but knew to please him, tilting his head to kiss him. Yu Duqiu turned away, avoiding it. “It’s okay, don’t force yourself.”

He never understood why some enjoyed tasting others’ saliva; didn’t they find it disgusting?

Fang Xiaomo, thinking Yu Duqiu was considerate, became even more compliant. Yu Duqiu took the opportunity to slip his hand into the boy’s pajamas, gently patting his back. “Relax, take off your clothes, and then…”

Thunk!

A crisp sound, as if something hit the glass window.

Yu Duqiu looked up at the sound, abruptly stopping mid-sentence—

The guest room was on the third floor of the villa, the window facing the back garden. Under the lit stone path, a man stood in the lonely light, looking up at them.

The man wore a new tailored suit, like a groom waiting to meet his bride.

Fang Xiaomo, anxious and flustered, didn’t notice the sound, obediently removing his shirt and boldly hugging Yu Duqiu, trying to kiss his neck.

Yu Duqiu reflexively kissed the top of his head but couldn’t tear his eyes away from the man below.

The man stood still, hands at his sides, like a human statue weathered by time. His face was expressionless, merely watching him.

That gaze was so intense, as if the world had narrowed to one person to gaze upon. The moment Yu Duqiu met it, he felt like he was being sucked into a vortex, drowning in those deep, infatuated eyes, unable to pull away.

But reason told him that even the most loyal dog couldn’t become utterly devoted to a new master in just ten days.

Such displays had a purpose.

“What’s wrong?” Fang Xiaomo sensed his distraction, turning to look out the window.

Yu Duqiu pressed the boy’s head, leading him away from the window. “Nothing, let’s go to the bed.”

“Okay…” Fang Xiaomo followed him shyly.

The wind howled, sounding like a mournful wail. Bai Zhao looked up at the third-floor window where the figure had disappeared, the bright indoor light piercing through the night. About five minutes later, the light was dimmed to a warm, ambiguous yellow—perfect for indulgent entanglements.

His neck ached, and he looked down at his feet where two or three decapitated roses, battered by the wind, lay on the ground. The gardener would probably throw them into the trash tomorrow morning. He picked up one of the less withered white flowers, blew off the dust, and tucked it into the buttonhole of his suit.

“White boutonnières are too formal, usually worn at weddings,” a voice said suddenly.

Bai Zhao looked up sharply.

Yu Duqiu stood there, arms crossed, his robe and hair tousled by the wind, footprints leading straight to him until he stood directly in front of him.

“Are you being a lovesick stone, Xiao Bai?” Yu Duqiu asked.

Bai Zhao stared at him, “Aren’t you sleeping?”

“There’s a pitiful big dog standing in the wind, watching you play with another puppy. Can you still play?”

“I thought you didn’t care.”

“I don’t,” Yu Duqiu said, his gaze entwined with Bai Zhao’s. “I’m just curious why you’ve suddenly stopped being rebellious and decided to play the affectionate lover.”

“I used to think you had a fiancée and couldn’t be serious about me.”

“That has nothing to do with having a fiancée. Even if I planned to break off my engagement with Lingya, I wouldn’t be serious about you. Some people are naturally indifferent, and you can’t change that.”

“Not necessarily.” Bai Zhao gently stroked the rose at his collar as if caressing a lover’s cheek. “I suddenly realized you’re not as heartless as I thought, so I want to try.”

“Try what?”

“Chasing you,” he said with a faint smile. “Is that okay, Young Master?”

Yu Duqiu was slightly taken aback.

Bai Zhao had a handsome face, especially his eyes, which might have been inherited from his father or mother. His dark pupils shone like still waters, making his gaze seem profound and calm, as if he had seen through everything and was above it all. When he looked directly at someone, his unique mix of steadiness and wild charm easily made hearts race.

Yu Duqiu had seen countless beautiful people, but even he felt his heart skip a beat at this moment.

“You said your heart couldn’t hold anyone… but it seems that’s not true.” Bai Zhao pulled Yu Duqiu’s robe closer around his neck. “You came down to find me, which means you care about me, right?”

Yu Duqiu slapped his hand away, not gently. “Sweetheart, I can’t take this sudden display of affection. Tell me, are you getting close to me for reasons other than avenging your father?”

“Yes,” Bai Zhao admitted without hesitation. “To protect you.”

Yu Duqiu laughed as if he’d heard a joke. “Be honest, what do you want? Money? Power? I’ve seen it all. It’s human nature, nothing to be ashamed of. With your face, I’m willing to spend a fortune. There’s no need to play the hard-to-get love game or pretend to be jealous and deeply in love. If you’re not tired, I’m tired of watching your performance.”

Bai Zhao seemed not to hear him and pulled the white rose from his buttonhole. “Here.”

“…What for?”

“To see if the legend comes true.”

Yu Duqiu took the flower and casually threw it on the ground, clapping his hands. “Boring. I’ve said what I needed to. Xiaomo is still waiting for me. I’m leaving. I advise you to rest early. Don’t wait up. My night… is very long.”

“No matter how long the night, daylight always comes,” Bai Zhao said, bending down to pick up the flower and reattaching it. “Even if my world is eternal night, I still have the right to hope for sunlight.”

Yu Duqiu took half a step away, then turned back.

Bai Zhao remained calm, meeting his scrutinizing gaze.

Yu Duqiu suddenly smiled. “I have to say, that last line was quite good. It actually made me think talking to you is more interesting than sleeping with a boy.”

“It means you’re not just a hedonistic scoundrel; you have some brains.”

“One compliment and you’re already smug.” Yu Duqiu took the white rose and brushed it against Bai Zhao’s handsome profile. “Say something else that interests me, and maybe I won’t go back.”

The soft petals brought a slight tickling sensation. Bai Zhao closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling a breath of relaxation in his heart, and then reopened his eyes. “Want to play chess?”

The study was quiet, the chessboard on the table flanked by two glasses of amber whiskey, ice cubes floating in the liquid.

Yu Duqiu arranged the scattered chess pieces one by one. “You should thank Xiaomo for messing up my precious endgame. He spoiled seventy percent of my interest, giving you the chance to steal my night.”

Bai Zhao’s gaze shifted from Yu Duqiu’s robe, which had slipped open to reveal his crossed legs, back to the whiskey. He took a sip, savoring the blend of vanilla, fruit, mint, and toffee flavors.

“Who was the endgame with?”

“Mu Hao,” Yu Duqiu replied. “A few years ago, when he visited the U.S. He was terrible at chess but hated to lose. I could beat him in three moves, but he insisted on pausing and saving the game, saying he’d come back to win when he improved. Sadly, he probably won’t get the chance in this lifetime.”

Bai Zhao looked up. “You’ve never shown any sorrow over his death, yet you seem to cherish him.”

“It’s not that I’m not sad. My anger just far outweighs my grief. When I first heard the news, I went quite mad. Otherwise, do you think my hair turned white for no reason?” Yu Duqiu joked.

“How did you calm your anger afterward?”

“There’s no calming down. I just buried it. Anger makes you impulsive; you need to be calm to win at chess,” Yu Duqiu said as he placed the final king piece. “Alright, let’s start. You go first.”

Bai Zhao glanced at the chessboard indifferently. “I don’t know how to play.”

“…” Yu Duqiu grinned sinisterly. “Are you messing with me?”

“Teach me.”

“No, get lost.”

“Teach me, and you’ll have someone to play with in the future.”

“Do I lack people to play with?”

“You do,” Bai Zhao’s eyes were clear. “Otherwise, you wouldn’t have kept that endgame all this time.”

Yu Duqiu’s gaze sliced across Bai Zhao’s excessively handsome face. “I’ll only teach you once.”

He picked up his glass of whiskey, took a disgruntled sip, and his mood lightened slightly. “Since we’re drinking Glenfiddich, I’ll teach you with the Scottish Opening.”

The golden pieces reflected a luxurious light. Yu Duqiu pressed a piece forward two squares. “Touch and move, no regrets once released. This piece is called a ‘pawn.’ It can only move forward one square at a time. On its first move, it can advance one or two squares. Its role… it’s like Du Shuyan, not very capable, but useful if used well.”

Bai Zhao remarked, “Your analogy is quite vivid.”

Yu Duqiu smiled and pushed one of Bai Zhao’s pawns forward two squares, making the gold and silver pawns face off. Then he moved another piece to the left diagonal. “This is called a ‘knight,’ and it moves in an ‘L’ shape. It’s the only piece that can jump over others, dominating in eight directions.”

The gold and silver pieces gradually moved out, occupying territories.

“This is a ‘bishop.’ It can only move diagonally, with no limit on distance. It’s better than the knight in overall strategy but inferior in swift assaults.”

“The knight and bishop can be seen as our side and the police. Lao Zhou and Baoguo are formidable in close combat, while Chief Peng and Ji Lin are flexible in overall strategy.”

“This is a ‘rook,’ moving horizontally or vertically, with no limit on steps. It can castle with the king. Usually stationed on the backline, it supports and protects other pieces.”

“So it’s like Uncle Hong,” Bai Zhao deduced.

Yu Duqiu showed approval. “You’re good at drawing analogies.”

Bai Zhao pointed to the last two unexplained pieces. “I guess this king-shaped piece is you, the highest status and most powerful.”

Yu Duqiu shook his finger. “Wrong. While the king indeed has the highest status and its capture ends the game, it has the most limited movement. I’m the king and the thorn in the side of all the pieces on the opposing side. The entire game exists because of me and ends if I fall. I must tread carefully, not making a single misstep. And you—”

Yu Duqiu picked up the piece next to the king. “You are my ‘queen,’ the most powerful piece. It moves in any direction and any number of squares, capable of grand attacks or strategic retreats. Your duty is to protect your king at all costs, even if it means sacrificing yourself. Understand?”

Bai Zhao asked, “Why me? Zhou Yi and Lou Baoguo have been with you longer; you should trust them more.”

Yu Duqiu replied, “Lao Zhou has a daughter, and Baoguo has parents. They have ties and concerns. In a life-or-death situation, they would hesitate. But you, an orphan with no attachments, skilled—you’re perfect.”

“…You could just say no one would care if I died.”

“I would care,” Yu Duqiu smiled affectionately. “I haven’t slept with you yet, so don’t die easily.”

Bai Zhao ignored his teasing and picked up his silver queen. “But the opposing king also has a powerful queen and many helpers. They seem to have gained the upper hand, capturing many of your pieces. Aren’t you going to attack?”

“Don’t just think about attacking. First, you must position your pieces strategically. Each piece must be in its place to maximize their strengths and secure ultimate victory.” Yu Duqiu reset the chessboard. “We are in this game, destined to make sacrifices, so why not enjoy the process? Lighten up, follow me, and at least—”

He tapped the solid wood chessboard with the pure gold king, producing a firm sound.

“At least there’ll be no shortage of happiness. I can buy anything money can get. We can enjoy ourselves openly. My income is legal, while the other side can only spend their dirty money cautiously. Which side do you think is better?”

Bai Zhao smiled. “Sounds good.”

Yu Duqiu nodded in satisfaction and downed his drink, feeling quite pleased. “Alright, the rules are explained. Let’s play a game!”

Bai Zhao reached across the chessboard, disregarding the rules, and picked up Yu Duqiu’s golden queen, knocking over the golden king. “If I’m so important, listen to me more, or this will be your fate.”

Yu Duqiu’s eye twitched. “…You better leave. Teaching you chess is like teaching a cow to play the piano.”