BL Ch116

The guest left, the tea cooled, and the cigarette in the incense burner had burned to ash, leaving just a stub.

Fei Zheng poured the untouched tea down the sink, tidied the apartment, and drove to the company.

As his car vanished at the road’s end, a figure emerged from the alley, silently watching the direction it went. Confirming Fei Zheng wouldn’t return and no lackeys were around, they waved to a few “shoppers,” and the group re-entered Jiangxue District.

Fei Zheng’s purchased apartment was in Building 15, while Jiang Sheng and Bai Zhiming’s rented unit was in Building 17, under police control for months. Yu Duqiu, footing a year’s rent, ensured the landlord kept it vacant to preserve the scene. As the proxy “sub-landlord,” Bai Zhao easily gained permission to search the unit.

Valuable evidence had long been taken by police, leaving the already sparse apartment nearly empty. Only a wooden bed and a desk remained, showing how stingy Bai Zhiming was—living in a lavish villa himself but renting his adopted son a dump barely better than a hostel.

Perhaps because someone died here, the air felt chillingly grim, tinged with a faint stench of blood and decay that set nerves on edge.

The others, seeing no clues, asked, “Mr. Bai, what are you looking for?”

“An answer.” Bai Zhao leaned on the dusty windowsill, gazing out at the dim sign of Yiqing Bar in the distance.

Renting a place for a crime made sense, but why buy here?

This old complex wasn’t in a school district, had no subway or mall plans nearby, and held little appreciation potential unless demolished.

Fei Zheng, not a local, could’ve bought closer to work, where prices were similar. Why choose this outdated neighborhood with scarce parking over a modern, well-equipped new build?

The others exchanged confused looks, not grasping his vague reply. Bai Zhao didn’t press them, lost in thought for a moment, then said, “Let’s go. Time to report back.”

Leaving the alley, they passed the general store again. The owner’s drama had moved to the next episode, not sparing them a glance.

Bai Zhao stopped abruptly. “I’m grabbing something. You guys head to the car.”

Puzzled, they watched him dart back to the store, tap the counter’s glass, point at the shelves’ array of small goods, exchange a few words with the owner, and return with his purchase.

A sharp-eyed bodyguard noticed he bought the same candy as the suspect and asked warily, “Is something off with that candy?”

“Nope.” Bai Zhao slid into the car, tucking the candy into his pocket. “He’s been buying it for years. Must be good. I’ll let the young master try it.”

“…”

The questioning bodyguard wanted to say Yu Duqiu’s interest in snacks like candy, much like video games, had vanished after elementary school. If he wanted to curry favor, an expensive gift would show more sincerity. This kiddie stuff wouldn’t impress the ultra-wealthy Young Master Yu, or even most people…

“Whoa, you went out and brought me a gift? Miss me that much?” The ultra-wealthy Young Master Yu toyed with the candy tin, eyeing it like a novel curiosity, his gaze sparkling. “What do you want in return? Bugatti’s got a new model—interested?”

The returning bodyguards gasped, green with regret. Had they known a candy tin could score a multimillion-yuan supercar, they’d have bought out the whole store!

Bai Zhao shook his head. “No need. Save it for later. Let’s start the meeting.”

The envious bodyguards filed out of the meeting room, leaving Zhao Feihua, Lou Baoguo, and Zhou Yi awkwardly avoiding eye contact.

Yu Duqiu, never serious in formal settings, was even less so at home, slouching like he needed a recliner.

Bai Zhao shifted his chair closer, and Yu Duqiu naturally rested his head on his shoulder.

Zhao Feihua’s glasses slipped repeatedly as he pushed them up, texting Lou Baoguo under the table: [Remember last time we met here? Bai Zhao was tied up in the basement. Just a few months, and he’s the empress now!]

Lou Baoguo: [Pfft, big bro endured bitter hardship to rise. Looks glamorous, but he’s suffered plenty behind closed doors.]

Zhao Feihua figured as much. Being Yu Duqiu’s favorite was no picnic.

“Since everyone’s here, let’s begin.” Yu Duqiu cleared his throat dramatically. “I said I’d take you all sailing for a long vacation. Sorry, plans changed.”

Lou Baoguo, most excited for the break, deflated but dutifully asked, “New mission, young master?”

“Yeah, I’m still sailing, but not for fun. This might be riskier than Mogu. For special reasons, police won’t board, and I can’t take many people.” Yu Duqiu patted Bai Zhao’s chest. “This guy’s coming—can’t live without me. I want your thoughts. If you don’t want in, I get it. No firings, no pay cuts.”

Zhao Feihua quipped, “No chopping us up to feed the dogs either?”

Yu Duqiu grinned. “Little chatterbox, didn’t get enough ‘exercise’ this morning?”

Zhao Feihua zipped his lips.

Lou Baoguo and Zhou Yi exchanged glances, both puzzled. Yu Duqiu had never asked their opinions on missions before.

“I’ll admit, I used to doubt you all. But now, trustworthy people around me are dwindling, and I don’t want to lose any more.” Yu Duqiu addressed their confusion, his calm gaze settling on Zhou Yi. “Zhou, you’ve been with me longest—hardworking, never complaining, fearless despite family to care for. Not because I’m charming, but because you’re grateful. But let me say, the dangers you’ve shielded me from have more than repaid any debt. From now on, live for yourself, for your daughter.”

No one expected such heartfelt words from Yu Duqiu. Even tough-guy Zhou Yi’s eyes reddened. “Young master, when my wife was sick, I couldn’t borrow enough anywhere. Everyone said it was hopeless, to save my money. Only you, when I applied, said if I gave up without trying, my heart would die with her, and you didn’t want a walking corpse. You prepaid years of my salary, gave my wife a few more months, let our family have peace in her final days. That’s a debt I’ll never repay.”

Yu Duqiu pinched his brow, exasperated. “I’ve told you, that was just to buy your loyalty. It was pocket change to me… Ow?”

Bai Zhao pinched his cheek. “Enough tough talk. Doing good isn’t a crime.”

Zhou Yi, tears glinting, smiled. “Young master, whatever you say, I know the truth. I’m in for this mission. For Xiao Guo, I’ll face any danger and come out alive. You won’t regret taking me!”

Yu Duqiu sighed. “Fine, buy extra insurance. Expense it to finance.”

Zhao Feihua, moved, texted Lou Baoguo: [Sun rising at midnight? Yu’s grown a conscience?]

Before Lou Baoguo could reply, he was called out, sitting up straight. “Yes, young master!”

Yu Duqiu cut to the chase. “If you’re chasing Lu Qing, don’t come. Though, alive or not, you probably won’t win her.”

Lou Baoguo’s face flushed, then paled. “I know my limits, but if I bail now, how could I face Xiao Lu after dodging this storm? I want to match her—brave, hardworking, meticulous…”

“Stop, this isn’t your love confessional.” Yu Duqiu tapped his watch. “Since you said that, I’ll be straight: Miss Lu’s joining this op, supporting from the rear. I recorded your spiel. I’ll send it to her when we’re back. The rest is on you.”

Lou Baoguo’s face burned, his burly frame squirming. “No, young master! That’s too embarrassing!”

Zhao Feihua sneered, “Oh, please, you’re thrilled inside, aren’t you?”

“Feihua.”

“Yes!” Zhao Feihua turned, back straight, expecting praise.

He’d averted plenty of crises for Yu Duqiu, saving the company’s reputation multiple times. Surely a promotion or raise was due? Otherwise, he wasn’t boarding this pirate ship.

Yu Duqiu called his name, then said lazily, “The company might face a major PR crisis in the next three days. Ignore it for now, but draft a plan and wait for my signal.”

“Huh? Oh…” Zhao Feihua waited, but no more came. He pressed, “That’s it? You’re not asking my opinion?”

Yu Duqiu blinked. “What opinion?”

“Whether I want to sail with you! You asked them, why not me?”

“Oh, you weren’t in the plan. Just here to listen since you showed up.” Yu Duqiu added kindly, “Criminals won’t humor your chatter like I do. One word, and you’d be dead. Stay on land.”

Zhao Feihua’s glasses skewed in rage, tolerance snapping. He slammed the table, standing. “Don’t underestimate me, Yu!”

Yu Duqiu dug his ear, flashing a “three” gesture. “If we pull this off, your bonus will be this much.”

Zhao Feihua sat instantly, grinning. “Three hundred thousand? Thanks, boss! Knew you were the best!”

Yu Duqiu shook his head. “Guess bigger.”

Zhao Feihua’s eyes bulged. “Three million? A hundred each? Holy—You’re my dad!”

Yu Duqiu smirked. “Three hundred each, cash, plus a 30% raise. Respectable enough?”

Zhao Feihua gushed, “Dad—no, grandpa, let me kowtow a few times, or I won’t feel right taking this!”

“Enough, you’re overacting.” Yu Duqiu grinned at their uncontainable joy, then looked up, scratching Bai Zhao’s chin softly. “None for you. Everything you do for me is expected.”

Bai Zhao peeled an orange-flavored candy, popping it into his mouth. “I’ve already got more rewards than anyone.”

“Good you know.” Yu Duqiu, while the others weren’t looking, sucked his fingertip, tasting lingering sweetness. “Keep my priceless treasure safe.”

Across the city, another candy was offered.

It earned a scolding.

“Why’d you take him to your place? Even if he’s Bai Zhiming’s son, that doesn’t mean he’s truly on our side.” Du Shuyan didn’t take the candy. Still wary of the man before him, he kept his tone soft but couldn’t hide his anger, voice louder than usual. “You tested him once and trusted him? What if he’s with the cops?”

Fei Zheng pocketed the candy, sliding into his boss’s chair, spinning halfway to face the floor-to-ceiling window. Beyond the clear glass, towering buildings loomed like giant iron bars, caging the city’s people in concrete and steel.

“He’s not with the cops. Bai Zhiming raised them to hate police—a shadow that never fades.” Fei Zheng tossed the candy back into the tin carelessly. “I think he might be Yu Duqiu’s man.”

Du Shuyan whipped around. “Impossible! Besides that fool Aya, who’d be loyal to that lunatic? He’s a mole! Unlike Aya, at least she’s a childhood friend.”

Fei Zheng shrugged. “No matter his excuses, Mogu’s biggest winner was Yu Duqiu—undeniable fact. Still, I can’t see why he’d back Yu Duqiu. Maybe I’m overthinking.”

Du Shuyan slumped onto the sofa, deflated. “Not your first misjudgment. You said hold off telling Bai Zhiming, wait till police surrounded Mogu, then tip him off so he’d have no choice but to obey, fight the cops to the death, take them all out. And? Everyone came back fine, except him! What a useless idiot!”

Du Shuyan’s anger grew. “You too—getting sloppier. With so many lackeys, why handle Wu Min yourself? If you hadn’t shown up, we might not be in this mess. And keeping Mu Hao alive—what for? I’m understanding you less and less…”

Fei Zheng let out a sudden chuckle.

Du Shuyan froze, terrified of that cold laugh, like a blade at his throat, silencing him instantly.

“President Du, let’s be clear: who started this mess? Who made the first wish, begging me to kill? Who made the second, asking me to deal drugs?” Fei Zheng didn’t turn, staring out the window. “I’m the one confused. The coward who begged me to save him now dares point fingers.”

Du Shuyan swallowed, trembling uncontrollably.

Fei Zheng was mad—really mad.

He couldn’t control this blade, only beg it not to stab him.

“I-I’m not blaming you…” He shuffled to the window, voice shaking. “Things are just getting worse… I’m scared.”

“Pei Ming’s locked in the hospital. I can’t get any intel, don’t know if we’ve really fooled the police…”

“Hong-bo’s acting weird too. I asked about Yu Duqiu last night; he hasn’t replied.”

“Hong Yuanhang’s back in the country, so U.S. shipments are blocked. Wang’s pressuring for goods, or no investment—project’s dead. My head’s about to explode…”

Fei Zheng listened quietly to his complaints, gaze fixed on an office building opposite. A cleaner, high up, wiped glass, his black uniform making him look like an ant clinging to the pane, one gust away from falling.

“You named everyone but me.” Fei Zheng pinched the tiny figure, flicking it skyward, turning back. “President Du, police are closing in on me, and you’re not worried about me—just the goods? Seems you don’t care if I live or die.”

Du Shuyan froze, stammering, “You said… you’d handle it, told me not to worry…”

Fei Zheng’s smile tightened, crow’s feet forming. “I said I’d take the fall, and you believed me? A confession might lighten my sentence.”

Du Shuyan’s face drained, rushing to him, bending to clasp his cold hand. “Fei Zheng, you won’t betray me, right? You’ve killed so many—confessing won’t help. Just leave. I swear, get me one more batch, and I’m out. I’ll send you somewhere safe, give you enough money for a secure, wealthy life.”

Fei Zheng’s fake smile vanished, his sharp gaze slicing through Du Shuyan’s false mask. “I didn’t want in at all—you begged me. You said one job, just to please your investors. And? Again and again. I warned you, once they’re hooked, they never stop. Like your greed—once it swells, it’s endless. Honestly, letting the cops take you might save me the hassle.”

Du Shuyan, seeing he wasn’t joking, collapsed to his knees. “I didn’t mean it, I had no choice! Without investors, I’d be ousted from the board. This is my family’s legacy—how could I let it go? Once the new project succeeds, I’ll stand firm, no need to grovel to those greedy snakes. Trust me! I’m so close, I can’t get caught now!”

He pleaded desperately; Fei Zheng remained unmoved.

Du Shuyan, near tears, red-rimmed eyes pitiful, looked at the killer, saying against his heart, “Fei Zheng, I know you’re not cruel. You saved me back then; I’ve always been grateful. Please, be a good man, save me once more…”

Something in those words struck Fei Zheng. He grinned, giggling. “Don’t panic, just kidding. I’ve got a plan—you’ll be fine.”

Du Shuyan, half-doubting his mercurial mood, asked, “R-Really?”

“Of course, but I need your help.”

“How? I’ll do anything!”

“Leak this first.” Fei Zheng pulled out a small USB drive. “From Bai Zhao. If it’s legit… Yu Duqiu will come to us himself. Whether Bai Zhao’s genuine or not, doesn’t matter. Neither he nor Yu Duqiu will walk away alive.”

“So you gave him the data?”

After the others left to handle their tasks, Yu Duqiu still leaned on Bai Zhao, the meeting room now just the two of them.

The candy had melted to a tiny speck, rolling on his tongue. “Once this leaks, my company’s stock will tank. Gotta warn my mom, or she’ll chew me out.”

Bai Zhao replied, “Already gave Director Yu a heads-up. She said if anything happens, she’ll handle it, as long as you’re safe.”

Yu Duqiu turned, skeptical. “Why do I feel like you’re closer to my mom than I am?”

Bai Zhao’s left cheek pressed against his right. “This was Hong-bo’s job. I’m just filling in.”

At that name, Yu Duqiu’s eyes dimmed. “Yesterday, when I ‘got poisoned,’ he didn’t even check on me. Guess I’m less important than his grandson… Makes sense, no blood ties.”

“He probably guessed where the ‘poison’ came from, didn’t dare act.” Bai Zhao turned slightly, kissing him. “Candy good?”

Yu Duqiu chuckled. “That topic jump… Trying to cheer me up?”

Bai Zhao said, “That obvious?”

“Couldn’t be clearer. Think I’m some naive kid?” Yu Duqiu hooked his neck, wrinkling his nose. “This candy tastes like cheap saccharin, cloyingly sweet, gross. I’m done—take it.”

Zhao Feihua, heading to his car to draft the PR plan, remembered his coat was still on the meeting room chair. He needed it for a client meeting, so he doubled back.

The corridor’s thick carpet muffled his steps. At the meeting room door, ready to push it open, he heard unusual sounds.

After last night’s poisoning at Palace No. 1, his first instinct was caution, sidestepping quickly and peeking through the door crack. Nervous yet excited, he thought catching a suspect might earn him another raise from a pleased Yu Duqiu—

“Mm… enough.” Yu Duqiu tilted his head back, parting their entwined lips, panting slightly. “Candy’s gone… still eating…”

Bai Zhao’s calloused thumb wiped moisture from his lip, voice low and resonant in the vast meeting hall. “Can’t kiss without candy?”

Yu Duqiu slid off his lap, leaning against the table, one foot on Bai Zhao’s chair, his dress shoe grinding lightly, grinning brazenly. “Wanna kiss? Give me more sweetness.”

Zhao Feihua bit his fist to stifle a scream.

Was this something he could witness?!!

Lou Baoguo had said Bai Zhao endured much suffering to reach this position, likely through inhumane torment. Would he see Young Master Yu whip him with a belt? Strangle him with a tie? Some perverts liked asphyxiation games…

Zhao Feihua’s imagination ran wild, clutching his frail frame, shivering by the door. Knowing he was about to witness cruelty, he couldn’t look away—

Poor worker Bai Zhao, cowed by his boss’s power, stood, lifting Yu Duqiu’s thighs and hoisting him onto the heavy table.

Yu Duqiu, grinning, tilted his chin, gazing at his own reflection in Bai Zhao’s heated eyes. “Make me forget all this messy trouble for a bit. Can you?”

His tone was like training a dog. Zhao Feihua silently mourned for Bai Zhao.

“Then teach me again.” Bai Zhao unbuttoned his shirt’s top, kissing the cold blade necklace. “Tell me… all the ways you like.”

Yu Duqiu arched his neck, its elegant line rising and falling. “Trying to kill me, huh… little beast…”

“Just want you more obsessed with me.”

His dress shoe was slipped off, an eager hand sliding up his trouser leg, pulling down his long sock.

Bai Zhao’s breath was ragged, hot. “Young master, you know… you’re so sexy in this?”

“It’s just standard suit styling, uncultured.” Yu Duqiu’s lips grazed his ear, whispering, “Could pair it with garter socks… Beg me if you want to see.”

Bai Zhao pressed him down, voice hoarse. “Please… I’ll do anything, wear it for me…”

What followed blew past Zhao Feihua’s imagination.

He stared, dumbfounded, as his boss was pinned to the table, shirt savagely torn open.

Not only did the boss not resist, he fondly ruffled the head buried against him. “What’s the rush… I’m not going anywhere.”

That silver hair spilled across the dark wood, strikingly vivid.

Suddenly, Yu Duqiu turned, facing the door, flashing a faintly dangerous smirk. He raised his arm, miming a gun, and mouthed: Bang!

Zhao Feihua collapsed onto the carpet, terrified by the silent shot, scrambling to shut the door gently and respectfully, then crawling and tumbling out of the main building. In his car, still shaken, he floored the gas, startling the napping dogs, who chased him barking to the gate, filling Palace No. 1 with frenzied howls.

In the meeting room, a certain “wild dog” mid-feast heard the noise and looked up. Yu Duqiu yanked him back, resuming their unfinished passion.

The breeze through the window caressed his body, an autumn never so scorching and exhilarating.