BL Ch75

A few petals from the roses Yu Duqiu held were blown off by the wind, gently falling beside the tomb, pure white like snow, making the tombstone seem even colder.

“Mu Hao isn’t that kind of person,” Yu Duqiu suddenly said, “If he disliked someone, he wouldn’t keep it to himself; he would make it clear to you.”

Ji Lin looked up at him blankly.

Yu Duqiu gave him a smile, “Trust me, in terms of being disliked by him, I have more experience than you. Have you ever been scolded by him? Been yelled at by him? Had your ears pulled and roared at?”

“…No…”

“Then he doesn’t dislike you.”

“But he didn’t want to see me…”

“There must be his own reasons, whatever they are, it should be for your own good.” Yu Duqiu shrugged, “His way of thinking is too straightforward; he’s not good at hiding or evading. Back in high school, if I did something he couldn’t stand, he wouldn’t care who I was or who was watching, he’d criticize me harshly, without saving face for me. For someone like that to come up with excuses to avoid you, you must be quite special to him, hmm, at least more special than I am.”

Ji Lin was stunned for a long while before finally breaking into a grin, his teeth whiter than his face, “Since when did you get so good at comforting people?”

“I’m just telling the truth. I think you’re overthinking it, Comrade Ji. Maybe he never even noticed your feelings; after all, he’s a straight arrow.” Yu Duqiu extended his free hand towards him, “But I’m glad you told me all this; it makes me feel relieved, at least I don’t have to worry about you being bought over for now.”

“…Can you stop thinking about yourself for once?” Ji Lin heavily slapped his hand, gripping it tightly to stand up.

Yu Duqiu pulled him up, then shook his reddened hand and held it out to the person behind him, raising an eyebrow.

Bai Zhao was speechless, reaching out to massage it for him.

Ji Lin didn’t want to watch, but just as he was about to speak, he heard the shameless Yu Duqiu say, “It’s only right for people to think for themselves. I’m not like Mu Hao, that selfless, hot-blooded fool who gave up a bright future to become a low-paid cop after watching too many cop shows.”

Ji Lin got angry, “Watch your words, cop shows were my dream’s starting point too.”

“No wonder, birds of a feather flock together.” Yu Duqiu clicked his tongue, “I used to watch ‘Black Cat Detective’ when I was a kid; it didn’t stop me from growing up like this.”

“…You do have a clear understanding of yourself.”

Hearing this, Bai Zhao squeezed his hand, “Why watch that?”

“You want to know?” When Bai Zhao nodded, Yu Duqiu generously replied, “It was part of my therapy. Back then, I was afraid of police, and doctors thought watching cartoons could gradually reduce my stress response, and someone watched with me.”

“Who?”

“Dr. Sun? Or was it my psychotherapist?”

Bai Zhao lowered his eyes, continuing to massage his hand, “It was quite effective; you’re not scared anymore.”

Yu Duqiu: “I’m not scared, but I still don’t like seeing people in uniforms.”

Ji Lin, who was wearing a police uniform, “…You seem to have accidentally spoken your true feelings.”

“Let’s not dwell on these old stories.” Yu Duqiu changed the subject swiftly, withdrawing his hand, “Go get the wine.”

Bai Zhao returned quickly, bringing a bottle of red wine, the dark red liquid inside a dark green glass bottle, merging into a deep black.

Yu Duqiu had even prepared wine glasses, pouring a small amount into each, “From Château Pichon Longueville, do you know the meaning behind it? Probably not.”

Ji Lin: “I’m not as knowledgeable as you. I won’t drink; who drinks in a place like this in broad daylight?”

Yu Duqiu completely ignored him, finding nothing wrong with drinking in front of a grave, continuing on his own, “This winery was founded by Montesquieu for his close friend. Every time his friend went off to battle, he would prepare fine wine to see him off, hoping for his safe return. After Montesquieu’s death, his friend’s wife continued the tradition, so, Château Pichon Longueville was born out of love, representing both friendship and romance. It’s very fitting to have a drink with Mu Hao, isn’t it?”

Ji Lin avoided the question, saying, “I won’t drink, you can toast him.”

Yu Duqiu looked slightly surprised, “One sip won’t affect your work; won’t you give me this little bit of face? I thought we were friends.”

“It’s not about being friends.” Ji Lin hesitated for a moment before revealing the truth, “I haven’t been sleeping well recently, I’m taking sleeping pills, so I can’t drink.”

Yu Duqiu paused, “Since when?”

“After the night Jiang Sheng kidnapped you.”

So, he’s been on them for two weeks.

“Is it because of Jiang Sheng… or because of what the Queen said?”

“Both, I guess. Jiang Sheng’s grimacing face before he died keeps appearing in my nightmares. I even think his vengeful spirit is haunting me, blaming me for not saving him.” Ji Lin took a glass of wine, bent down to place it in front of the tombstone, then stood up, glancing at the Mu couple resting in the shade not far away, “The Queen said on the phone… he killed Mu Ge, so that must be true, right? I haven’t told uncle and auntie yet; I’m afraid it will make them even more upset.”

“You believe him just because he said so?”

“It’s not just him; everyone says so, and you mock me for being foolish, vainly believing he’s still alive.” Ji Lin rubbed his nose with his finger as if it were cold, even though it was high summer, “The Queen had no reason to keep him alive. He discovered evidence of their crimes, and he couldn’t reveal information about other anti-drug officers. To the Queen, he had no value alive; he was a threat, safer dead.”

Ji Lin, head bowed, rubbed his fingers, “Although you all kept it from me, I already know — there was Mu Ge’s blood in that rental apartment in Jiangxue District, right?”

Yu Duqiu didn’t respond.

“They might have tortured Mu Ge… Bai Zhiming lost a finger; could that have been one of their methods of punishment? Then Mu Ge…” Ji Lin’s fingers were rubbed so red they seemed to bleed, “He was very old-fashioned, didn’t like electronic devices, preferred writing with pen and paper, had beautiful handwriting, and nice hands. I heard the city bureau would ask him to write chalkboard announcements when needed. If he was really… I’d rather he died in that rainy alley, less tortured.”

Even Yu Duqiu, in such an atmosphere, couldn’t make light-hearted jests, only saying, “Don’t torture yourself.”

“It’s okay, I can handle it…” Ji Lin took a deep breath, forcing himself to turn away from the tombstone, “By the way, shouldn’t we leave? We’ve been out too long; I need to go back and review the case. Uncle and Auntie have been through a lot today; they should rest too. I’ll go get them to say goodbye to Mu Ge one last time.” With that, he walked towards the shade.

Yu Duqiu stroked the glass in his hand, watching Ji Lin’s slender retreating figure in silence for a long time before sighing lightly, “He’s now just a shell driven by duty, his soul lost.”

Bai Zhao sealed the remaining wine and replied, “Duty is enough. There aren’t that many miracles in the world.”

Yu Duqiu gave a low hum, “I won’t allow the living to decay in front of me like the dead are rotting somewhere unknown.”

He bent down, placing the wine glass and the bouquet beside the tombstone, then took out two flowers.

Ji Lin brought the Mu couple back to the grave for one last farewell. Seeing the two untouched glasses of wine, their eyes reddened again, saying, “You probably won’t get another chance to drink with him.”

“It’s okay, I don’t like drinking anyway.” Ji Lin must have racked his brain, but the comfort he offered still felt weak.

Meng Lan didn’t want to continue with these sad topics, changing the subject, “These flowers are so beautiful, Duqiu, thank you.”

“Just picked from the garden, if you like them, I’ll have some fresh ones sent over later.” Yu Duqiu handed her one of the flowers he held, “Roses represent happiness, honor, and hope. Honor for Mu Hao, happiness for you.”

Ji Lin was staring blankly at the name on the tombstone when suddenly, his vision was filled with white.

Yu Duqiu, eyes curved in a smile, looked at him, “Hope for you, Captain Ji. I promise you, we will win.”

When they left the cemetery, it was still Mu Hao’s parents leading the way.

The couple’s heavy hearts had lightened after expressing themselves. Walking alongside Yu Duqiu, who occasionally said something witty, made them laugh several times.

Ji Lin and the bodyguards followed behind, holding the unexpected white rose, examining it from all angles, “He can come up with so many meanings for just one flower. He’s really something.”

Bai Zhao shook his head, “He didn’t make them up. They’re written in the June flower guide; he’s read and remembered them.”

“…His memory is indeed impressive.”

Zhou Yi suddenly pointed out a blind spot, “Xiao Bai’s memory is pretty good too.”

“Not as good as his, nor as meticulous. Among all the flowers in the garden, he chose roses. Out of all the wines in the cellar, he picked Pichon Longueville.”

Ji Lin was taken aback, “He… chose them specifically?”

Bai Zhao didn’t confirm or deny, only saying, “His true thoughts are never spoken. Do you understand?”

Ji Lin nodded, half-understanding.

Zhou Yi sighed, “Xiao Bai has only been here for three months and has figured out what took me over a decade to grasp. The young ones are formidable.”

“He told me himself.” Bai Zhao gave them a look that left much to ponder, then quickened his pace to walk beside Yu Duqiu.

Zhou Yi: “…Was Xiao Bai just showing off?”

Lou Baoguo: “Even a blind man could see that proud expression!”

Yu Duqiu had just finished talking with Mu’s mother when he felt someone next to him. He glanced over, “Something up?”

Bai Zhao moved slightly closer, whispering, “I’ll drink with you when we get back, until you’re satisfied.”

Yu Duqiu, who had brought wine with no one to share it with, felt his spirits lift at the words, “Good.”

“And play chess with you, as many games as you want.”

Yu Duqiu’s expression froze, immediately turning suspicious, “Why are you so attentive today?”

“I want to make you happy.”

“I’m not unhappy, just visiting a grave.”

“Just visiting a grave.” Bai Zhao mimicked his tone, “And yet you needed so many people to accompany you to find the courage?”

Yu Duqiu narrowed his eyes dangerously, “Don’t try to read my mind.”

“Did I get it wrong?”

Yu Duqiu didn’t directly answer this question, “It’s not just Mu Hao buried here; there are a few from my family, including the driver who was kidnapped with me back then. How could I be happy?”

Bai Zhao’s lips brushed against his ear, “Whatever you say goes.”

Yu Duqiu pushed away his overly close head, “No manners… come to my room tonight.”

As the voices faded away, the cemetery returned to its quiet state.

The sky was slightly darker than when they arrived, the wind stronger, stirring up the fallen leaves and petals on the ground.

From somewhere, a whole white hibiscus was blown, fluttering, spinning, and finally landing right in front of the rose bouquet, as if finding its place, nestling beside it, sleeping peacefully.