BL Ch49

As late July arrived, the city of Pingyi, with its significant urban heat island effect, had turned into a furnace. If you cracked an egg on the ground in the afternoon, you’d have a sizzling omelet in just three minutes.

However, for the wealthy hidden behind lush green branches, this small inconvenience wasn’t something to worry about.

On a winding mountain road, a silver-gray Koenigsegg sped by like a ghost, roaring through the curves and startling the birds into flight. When it passed through sunlit areas, the carbon fiber diamond weave of the car’s body glittered under the light, dazzling like a diamond.

The bronze gates of Mansion No. 1 slowly opened, welcoming the return of its speeding master. Yu Duqiu casually parked the car in front of the fountain, where Hong Liangzhang, who had been waiting with chilled water in hand, greeted him. As they entered the house together, Hong asked, “How are things at the lab?”

Yu Duqiu downed the water and nodded. “Not bad. The success rate of the animal trials is steadily increasing. By next month, we should be able to produce the first prototype of the brain-machine interface. We’ll hold a press conference then.”

Hong Liangzhang was surprised. “So soon? It’s only been a few months…”

“We used Miss Cen’s data, standing on the shoulders of giants naturally speeds things up.”

“But back then, even the old master used Miss Cen’s data when he tried to restart the research, and yet he made no progress for over half a year…”

“Technology from over a decade ago can’t compare to what we have now.” Yu Duqiu paused and asked, “Did my grandfather stop the research because he hit a bottleneck?”

Hong Liangzhang thought for a moment. “I don’t think so. At the time, you had just been in an accident, so he paused the research to take care of you.”

Yu Duqiu looked doubtful. “I know my grandfather loves me, but he also loved his students. Besides, I had doctors taking care of me. It doesn’t make sense that he would abandon such an important project just to look after me.”

“Well… I don’t know the full story,” Hong Liangzhang admitted, though he knew most of the Yu family’s secrets. “All I know is that back then, everyone in the house was terrified something might happen to you again. The old master and Chairman Yu were losing sleep over it every day. It’s understandable that they had no heart for research.”

Yu Duqiu gave a noncommittal grunt, sounding a bit like a sulking child. “He used to worry about me. Now that I’m constantly under threat, he doesn’t even call to comfort me.”

“The old master might not say it, but he’s surely watching over you silently,” Hong Liangzhang chuckled. “In any case, the lab’s progress is good news. It’ll appease the investors. When do you want to invite Mr. Wu over? I’ll arrange the reception.”

“He’s abroad and it’s inconvenient for him right now. Besides, he was an old friend of my mother’s, no need to be too formal—it’d just seem awkward.”

“Well, it does seem distant. I’ve never heard Chairman Yu mention such a generous and loyal friend before. They must not have been in touch for a long time.”

Yu Duqiu handed back the empty glass, his new ring glinting. He smiled. “Alright, we’ll invite him once the case is solved. It’s not safe to have him here now. By the way, has the police shared any new information?”

Hong Liangzhang suddenly remembered. “Captain Xu called this afternoon. He said he couldn’t reach you and that it seems there’s been some progress on the case. He asked you to return the call when you got back.”

“I was busy and didn’t hear it. Alright, I’ll call him back. By the way, have you heard anything from Ji Lin?”

Hong Liangzhang shook his head sympathetically. “No, and he hasn’t been back to the bar either.”

“He’s not really going to break down, is he? That’s too fragile.”

“Young master, emotions can sometimes become a person’s downfall,” Hong Liangzhang sighed bitterly. “Like Xiao Bai, who’s willing to sacrifice himself for your safety. Or Captain Ji, who risked everything to uncover the real culprit behind Xiao Mu’s death. They’re brave and strong when they can give their all for their feelings, but if you take away their ability to act on those feelings, it’s like stripping them of their right to love. They become vulnerable because the belief that drives them is their love. When you have someone you cherish, you’ll understand.”

“Then I guess I won’t ever understand.” Yu Duqiu shrugged. “Are you speaking up for Bai Zhao? Did he ask you to?”

Hong Liangzhang smiled. “No, but after what happened at Charlotte Peace Hall, I realized that Xiao Bai would protect you in a crisis. Even if you don’t plan to keep him around long-term, it might be wise to have him by your side for now, just in case.”

Yu Duqiu seriously considered this for a moment. “I’ve thought about it too. Old Zhou and Baoguo have families, so they naturally have more concerns. I don’t dare hire anyone else for now either, in case I attract another Huang Hanxiang or fall into the Queen’s trap again. After thinking it over, I’ll probably have to rehire that wolf-eyed Bai Zhao. But I’ll need to pull his fangs, so he’s fully under my control… By the way, where is he?”

In the garden, the white hibiscus flowers, wilting under the sun, were slowly drooping. A few petals, ready to fall, broke free from their stems, catching the passing breeze and drifting gently toward a cool pond, where they landed softly.

Floating alongside the petals on the water was a man lying on his back, staring blankly at the blue sky and white clouds.

A petal drifted across his vision, transforming the clouds into clusters of snow-white hibiscus in his memory. The dazzling sunlight became a natural hallucinogen, turning the sky and clouds into a backdrop for his memories. A familiar yet distant voice echoed in his mind—

“The hibiscus flower isn’t showy. It doesn’t grab attention. It quietly gathers strength at night and then blooms gently when the sun rises.”

“It blooms in the morning and withers by evening, always like that. It’s especially resilient, which is why your mother gave you that name.”

“Since you’ve made up your mind, I hope you can keep your pure heart, survive the darkness, and wait for the dawn that belongs to you…”

…

Boom—

The calm water suddenly rippled. The noise from the water pump’s operation abruptly broke the voice in his mind.

The man floating in the pool instinctively turned over, standing upright in the water, scanning his surroundings.

The water level of the pool continued to drop, and the culprit disturbing his rest was squatting by the edge of the pool, smiling at him. His face was so handsome that it was impossible to be angry.

“Why aren’t you strolling around the garden? Don’t you like chatting with the gardeners? Do you not like the new guy, Xiao Jiang?”

“…I was afraid you wouldn’t like it.”

“You’re quite likable when you’re obedient.” Yu Duqiu beckoned him over as if summoning his two Dobermans. “Come here, I need you for something.”

With the water level low enough to touch the ground, Bai Zhao walked over, only to suddenly have his chest muscles groped.

“Nice body,” Yu Duqiu commented, his hand wandering down to Bai Zhao’s abdomen. “Pretty firm… Is this the hardest part of your body?”

Bai Zhao grabbed his hand, pulling it toward himself. “If you keep going, there’ll be something even harder.”

Yu Duqiu leaned in quickly, his lips almost brushing Bai Zhao’s ear, breathing warm air as he spoke, “Go ahead, let me feel it.”

Bai Zhao raised an eyebrow. “Am I back on your wish list?”

“Just teasing a stray dog,” Yu Duqiu replied, biting gently at the ear so close to his mouth. “I won’t sleep with a voyeur. If you give up on me, maybe I’ll consider keeping you around.”

With that, he stood up to leave, but a strong force yanked him back, nearly pulling him into the pool.

Bai Zhao looked up at him, and in the deep gaze, Yu Duqiu saw his own reflection—it was unclear whether he was glowing or if it was Bai Zhao’s eyes that made him seem radiant.

“Don’t go,” Bai Zhao said, holding onto his hand, his voice husky with the movement of his throat. “Tease me a bit longer, Young Master.”

Yu Duqiu couldn’t look away for a moment. Water droplets streamed down Bai Zhao’s face, disappearing into the ridges of his muscles and the only piece of fabric on his body.

Above the fabric’s edge, a hint of a tattoo seemed to show. The last stroke slanted upwards, tracing towards his pelvic bone.

“What’s the tattoo?” Yu Duqiu asked, as his other hand touched Bai Zhao’s protruding pelvic bone. His finger slid down, hooking onto the waistband of Bai Zhao’s underwear, tugging lightly, but before he could see the tattoo clearly, his hand was stopped again.

“…Don’t touch recklessly.” Bai Zhao’s voice was even huskier, as he reached to touch Yu Duqiu’s hand and the large ruby ring on his finger. “New ring?”

“Yeah, just picked it up after coming back from the lab. It took a while to customize… It’s much harder than you.” Yu Duqiu gave a mischievous smile, his gaze moving back up to meet Bai Zhao’s smoldering, slightly tense eyes. Unfazed, he added, “You’re too easily flustered. Take care of it yourself, then come to the study.”

A flash of eager anticipation crossed Bai Zhao’s eyes, though he asked with feigned restraint, “Why do you want to see me?”

Yu Duqiu’s expression turned cold as he replied, “The police just sent word that Huang Hanxiang’s body has been found.”

“……”

Half an hour later, the last traces of the earlier playful atmosphere in the pool were completely shattered by the horrific sight of a disfigured corpse projected on the screen in the study.

Lou Baoguo had just finished his afternoon tea. Upon seeing the photo, he ran out and vomited everything up. He came back wiping his mouth, weakly sitting down again. “Young Master… your tolerance is impressive, but you should also think about our feelings.”

Zhou Yi felt disgusted too, but he’d seen countless drug victims’ faces distorted beyond recognition, so he managed to stay composed. “The poor guy, he was quite handsome when he was alive, but ended up like this after he died…”

To be fair, Huang Hanxiang hadn’t committed any heinous crimes, at most being a greedy person willing to take risks.

“But he aided evil forces, helping drug dealers ruin lives. He doesn’t deserve sympathy,” Zhou Yi sighed. “So many anti-drug officers fall into traps because of accomplices like him, lowering their guard and ending up ambushed. I’d say this is his just deserts.”

Yu Duqiu tapped the keyboard, turning off the projection. He relayed the call from Captain Xu half an hour earlier. “Huang Hanxiang’s body was found on the beach in the Changhe District. It’s been soaking for over ten days in this heat, so it’s turned into that mess. His parents couldn’t even recognize him. But the two slashes on his neck were obvious, and Xu wasn’t satisfied until they did a DNA test. It’s definitely Huang Hanxiang.”

Zhou Yi thought for a moment. “The Changhe beach… wasn’t that where Bai Zhiming’s body was also found?”

Bai Zhao nodded.

Lou Baoguo marveled, “Brother, that’s impressive. You recognized your father even in that state?”

Bai Zhao replied calmly, “He was missing a finger on his left hand. He lost it in a factory accident when he mishandled some machinery. It’s easy to recognize.”

“Ah, that explains it…”

“Or maybe not,” Zhou Yi said, frowning. “Some criminal organizations cut off fingers to intimidate members, like punishing someone who betrays the group. Bai Zhiming might have made that mistake.”

“Wow, Brother, looks like your foster father wasn’t just a criminal, but a top-tier one,” Lou Baoguo joked.

Bai Zhao crossed his arms, sitting expressionlessly. “From the moment I learned he was involved in crime, he ceased being my foster father.”

“Fair enough. Who’d want to be the son of a drug dealer? Good thing he’s not your biological dad,” Yu Duqiu quipped cruelly. “Pei Ming and Pei Zhuo weren’t as lucky as you. No matter how successful they are, they can’t escape people gossiping behind their backs. The label ‘drug dealer’s child’ will probably follow them to their graves.”

Lou Baoguo sighed, “Can’t blame them for being messed up in the head. With that kind of background, who wouldn’t be a bit antisocial?”

Only Zhou Yi remained focused on the connection between the two murders. “Bai Zhiming and Huang Hanxiang must have crossed paths with the same criminal gang and were silenced. But where were they between the time they disappeared and when their bodies turned up? Drug dealers often have many hidden hideouts. Without a tip from an informant, it’s hard to track them down.”

Lou Baoguo said casually, “Old Zhou, you should be a consultant for those street cops. You’ve been through way more life-and-death situations than them. Those city drug dealers, no matter how bold, just rely on tricks like spiking drinks or using knives. You used to face real bullets.”

“I don’t want to work for them. My daughter is starting her third year of middle school, and I need to spend more time supervising her studies,” Zhou Yi said, suddenly realizing that Yu Duqiu was staring at him. He quickly added, “Of course, Young Master, I’ll still be loyal to you.”

Yu Duqiu walked over and patted his shoulder, causing Zhou Yi to flinch, fearing he was about to be fired. But Yu Duqiu said, “Relax, I don’t just have you guys. Do you think the dozens of guards outside are just getting paid to do nothing?”

“But they aren’t your personal bodyguards. If there’s a close-range attack…”

“It wouldn’t be your job to handle it. I’ve got someone willing to die for me right here.”

“…?”

Yu Duqiu perched on the table, lifting one leg. His Oxford shoe brazenly pressed against the clean, crisp fabric of a suit pant leg. He tilted his head, gazing at the man with a stern expression. “Xiao Bai, want to be my queen again?”

Bai Zhao lowered his gaze to the leg, then gripped the offered ankle unceremoniously. His large hand slipped under the pant leg, gently caressing the skin. The calluses on his palm felt slightly rough against the thin sock, tickling slightly.

“You once said you don’t give second chances,” Bai Zhao murmured, his hand slowly moving up. “But you’ve given me one. Am I the first person you’ve made an exception for?”

Yu Duqiu paused, momentarily forgetting that he’d ever said those words.

Bai Zhao’s long fingers continued to explore upward, still feeling fabric. With a raised brow, he asked, “Knee-high socks?”

“The formal outfit is just a regular ensemble.” Yu Duqiu pressed harder, his foot landing firmly on Bai Zhao’s thigh. “So, I’ll take that as your agreement? Let me be clear, though—when the case is over, I’m still going to fire you.”

Bai Zhao chuckled in a low tone, lifting his dark eyes, his gaze predatory like a wild animal ready to strike. “Not necessarily.”

Yu Duqiu frowned slightly, a rare expression for him, as he pulled his leg back. Where had that fragile and vulnerable aura gone—the one this man had while floating in the pool moments ago?

He realized, once again, that he had caught the attention of a stray dog, one sniffing around for a fresh opportunity.

Zhou Yi nudged Lou Baoguo with his elbow, whispering behind his hand, “Can you feel it? That sticky tension between them?”

Lou Baoguo sighed. “Sticky? It’s so thick you could practically stretch it out like gum.”

Just then, someone knocked on the study door. Yu Duqiu called out, “Come in,” and Hong Liangzhang entered, saying, “Young master, Captain Ji’s made a move.”

Yu Duqiu’s eyes lit up immediately. “I knew it! He’s not someone to be easily crushed. After ten days of rest, he should be done sulking. What did he say?”

“No word from Captain Ji directly, but the surveillance at the Yi Qing Bar caught him.”

Yu Duqiu was taken aback. “He went back to that alley again? Isn’t he worried his chief will catch him?”

“He didn’t go to the alley.” Hong Liangzhang’s expression was complicated, as though baffled, much like an elder confused by the habits of the younger generation—like a grandfather who couldn’t understand why his grandson was always on his phone. “He went straight into the bar, but the weird thing is… his appearance was quite different.”

Lou Baoguo interjected, blunt as always. “He must’ve been drinking away his sorrows, right? What’s strange about that? Captain Ji’s usually so prim and proper, and he probably can’t even get drunk. He’ll probably check the bar’s fire safety regulations after a few drinks.”

Hong Liangzhang shook his head. “No, no, no. It’s not strange that he went drinking; it’s the way he was dressed. Normally, he’s either in black or white. But today… he was wearing a shirt covered in flowers and butterflies, with his hair slicked back. I had to watch the footage a few times to make sure it was really him. Do you think he’s just… letting loose after taking the hit too hard?”