{"id":13965,"date":"2021-02-15T12:00:45","date_gmt":"2021-02-15T17:00:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=13965"},"modified":"2025-09-08T18:33:55","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T22:33:55","slug":"death-progress-bar-110","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/death-progress-bar-110\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Progress Bar 110"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrevious<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProject Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNext<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Dried Fruit Snacks<\/h1>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\tNotice<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\tTemporarily unedited, read at your own risk<\/span>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

With unexpected persistence, the crew waited outside the whole day.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin sat on the walkway\u2019s end. Munching on snacks bought by Gua Two, he asked, \u201cWhy are they so dead set on our beach? I mean, the island isn\u2019t small and it\u2019s mainly living from tourism, so there are definitely other places with suitable scenery.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Gua Two leaned against the walkway\u2019s decorative railing, playing with the binoculars in his hand. \u201cAccording to what they told Gua Six, everywhere else is swarmed with tourists and it would interfere with the shooting,\u201d he said. \u201cWhat\u2019s more, the \u2018falling into the sea\u2019 scene is supposed to be set in an isolated, deserted place, but this island is a popular tourist area and there are boats and yachts everywhere. Because of our beach\u2019s location, however, there are not many ships passing by, so they pretty much wouldn\u2019t have to worry about this issue.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

So this was the reason.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin nodded to show that he understood, and stuffed another takoyaki<\/a> into his mouth. Glancing at the binoculars Gua Two had been tossing around in his hand, he asked curiously, \u201cWhat did you bring this for?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cTo watch the fun, of course,\u201d Gua Two replied. He went over to Shi Jin and squatted down next to him, offering him the binoculars. \u201cJun-shao said that you\u2019re interested in the film crew, so here you go. The crew seems to live on that small cruise ship over there. If we look from here, we might be able to see what they\u2019re doing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Speechless, Shi Jin pushed the binoculars away. \u201cThat\u2019s not called \u2018watching the fun,\u2019 that\u2019s called \u2018voyeurism.\u2019 And it\u2019s not that I\u2019m interested in the film crew, I\u2019m just a little curious about how a movie is filmed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIsn\u2019t it the same thing?\u201d Gua Two took the binoculars back and stood up, preparing to \u201cwatch the fun\u201d. At that moment, however, Gua Six appeared, striding onto the veranda from the outdoor corridor on the side of the villa, then coming in their direction with quick steps.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat\u2019s up?\u201d Gua Two turned to greet him, lowering the binoculars.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Six ignored him and walked up to Shi Jin. \u201cShi-shao, just now, the film crew sent someone to discuss the matter of renting the beach again,\u201d he said with a slightly odd expression. \u201cJun-shao allowed him to come in and asked me to call you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cCall me?\u201d Shi Jin was puzzled.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Six nodded. \u201cThe person that came is Rong Zhouzhong,\u201d he said dryly.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin stared at him blankly for a moment, then rubbed his ears as if he suspected he heard wrong. \u201cWhat? Who did you say came?\u201d he asked in shock.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Shi Jin rushed back to the villa and went straight to the living room. Seeing a familiar figure sitting on the sofa, he raised a hand to massage the bridge of his nose. <\/span>It\u2019s true when they say the world is small…<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Today, Rong Zhouzhong wore a slim-fit, light gray casual shirt. His hair was dyed brown and styled into loose, natural curls, and a pair of gold-rimmed glasses sat on his nose. He looked gentle and intellectual, which was quite different from his usual image.<\/span><\/p>

But Shi Jin was sure he wasn\u2019t mistaken\u2014the person sitting on the sofa in his living room was none other than Rong Zhouzhong.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Death Progress Bar is translated by Betwixted Translations<\/a>. Read on the original translator’s site to get the fastest updates!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rong Zhouzhong was a little irritated. An old director he was friendly with had invited him to make a guest appearance in his movie, playing a teacher who dies midway through. Because it was just a cameo role, he\u2019d intended to get it over and done with quickly. Unfortunately, his plan went up in smoke\u2014when he was about to film his last scene, a staff member accidentally revealed his itinerary, which resulted in a large number of fans and paparazzi flocking over. Because of this, they were unable to finish the shooting in the original location and had no choice but to look for another one.<\/span><\/p>

Every day of delay meant a loss of money. The whole situation was his fault, so when he heard the crew had trouble borrowing the location, he immediately volunteered to try to persuade the owner.<\/span><\/p>

According to the quick inquiry he made before coming here, the owner of this place was in business. The film crew\u2019s request was refused, but perhaps if he mentioned Shi Weichong or Fei Yujing\u2019s name\u2026 They were his brothers, so it wasn\u2019t like he couldn\u2019t use their names if he needed to! Anyway, he had to borrow\u2026 no, rent this beach no matter what! He couldn\u2019t let the crew lose even more time and money because of his own staff\u2019s mistake.<\/span><\/p>

He should be polite and respectful and use a gentle approach. The crew didn\u2019t plan to take advantage of the owner; they didn\u2019t mean to borrow the beach for free but rent it for a high price\u2014something along these lines\u2026 It was all the fault of that stupid staff member! If that idiot hadn\u2019t made such a low-level mistake and leaked his schedule\u2026 <\/span>No, no, don\u2019t think about this, calm down, calm down…<\/span><\/em><\/p>

He took a few deep breaths, suppressing the irritability caused by the stupidity of his staff, being chased by intrusive fans and paparazzi, and having to lower his head to some stranger. He took a sip of tea on the coffee table, a vein popping out on his forehead. He\u2019d said he would act respectfully, but wasn\u2019t the owner of this villa too rude?! What\u2019s up with this treatment of guests?! The first time, the crew members hadn\u2019t even been allowed to come in, and though Rong Zhouzhong was let inside, he was left sitting alone in the living room. What the hell, was this an attempt to show him who was boss or something?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

\u2026Once he went back, he would fire that damn idiot whose stupid mistake caused this whole trouble in the first place!<\/span><\/p>

Pat, pat, pat<\/span><\/em>. Suddenly, a sound of flip-flaps stepping on the wooden floor could be heard.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong immediately restrained his emotions. Schooling his face into the expression he used to face the media, he turned in the direction of the footsteps and began politely, \u201cPlease forgive me disturbing you, I\u2019m\u2026 Xiao Jin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Halfway through the sentence, the gentle voice snapped like a broken guitar string, replaced by a familiar prickly tone.<\/span><\/p>

Yep, it was Rong Zhouzhong, no mistake.<\/span><\/p>

With a sigh, Shi Jin walked over and plopped down opposite his brother. \u201cIf you\u2019re Xiao Jin, then who am I?\u201d he quipped. \u201cIs it your crew that wants to borrow our beach, Third Brother?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The expression on Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s face was almost comical as he stared at Shi Jin, his gaze sweeping over the teenager\u2019s comfortable home clothes and the snacks in his hand. It took him more than ten seconds to react. \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d he asked in shock. \u201cDon\u2019t tell me, are this villa and beach yours? You live here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, they\u2019re Annihilation\u2019s property,\u201d Shi Jin replied, putting the snacks he was carrying on the coffee table. \u201cIs it your crew who wants to borrow the beach?\u201d he asked again.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong nodded. He focused on Shi Jin, frowning. \u201cHave you been here ever since you took a leave from school? Is Lian Jun here too? What about those other people? You\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cStop, stop!\u201d Bombarded with questions, Shi Jin hurriedly raised a hand to interrupt him. \u201cCalm down and wait here for a moment, okay?\u201d he said, getting up. \u201cLian Jun should\u2019ve finished his meeting with Gua One already. I\u2019ll go and ask him if you guys can borrow the beach.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

In a daze, Rong Zhouzhong watched him leave. A moment later, he blinked as a certain realization cut through the shock, surprise, and disbelief spinning around in his mind. The beach was Annihilation\u2019s property. He came here to beg the owner to borrow it. The owner of the beach was Lian Jun…<\/span><\/p>

That was to say\u2014he was here to beg Lian Jun.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun, the person who snatched Shi Jin away.<\/span><\/p>

His face turned black. Feeling as if a blazing fire was scorching his whole body from inside out, he pulled out the phone and called his agent Long Shi. \u201cFire the idiot who leaked my itinerary!\u201d he growled through clenched teeth. \u201cImmediately, right this moment! I never want to see his face again!\u201d He hung without waiting for an answer, picked up the teacup from the table, and drained it in one gulp.<\/span><\/p>

He really wanted to just get up and leave, but he couldn\u2019t\u2014the crew couldn\u2019t afford any more delays. And\u2014his fingers clenched on the teacup as his gaze fell on the snack bag on the coffee table\u2014and Shi Jin was here. He had to borrow this beach no matter what! Even if he had to agree to some ridiculous demands in Shi Weichong and Fei Yujing\u2019s name!<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

If you’re seeing this notice, you’re reading this chapter on pirate site – the original translator of Death Progress Bar is Betwixted Translations.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Shi Jin came back a few minutes later, accompanied by Lian Jun. Behind them followed Gua One, whom Rong Zhouzhong had met before.<\/span><\/p>

Ready for a battle, Rong Zhouzhong immediately sat up straight, his eyes full of fighting spirit. He decided that he would respond with grace no matter what attitude Lian Jun took or what conditions he set, as not to lose face for their family. However, Lian Jun spoke before he could properly assume his identity of \u201cShi Jin\u2019s older brother.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou can use the beach, on the condition that the crew members undergo a security check before coming in, and they aren\u2019t allowed to approach the walkway and the villa,\u201d Lian Jun said, surprisingly accommodating.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong: \u201c\u2026Sure, that won\u2019t be a problem.\u201d It was as if his punch hit cotton. He felt uncomfortable and aggrieved.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun nodded, as if the matter had been settled, and motioned for Gua One to push him back into the study.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWait a moment,\u201d Rong Zhouzhong called out. \u201cGive me a bank account number. I\u2019ll pay the rent on a daily basis.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun stopped and glanced back at him. He wanted to say that since it was Shi Jin\u2019s request, something like that wasn\u2019t needed, but meeting the other man\u2019s fierce, unhappy eyes, he closed his mouth and turned to look at Shi Jin.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin waved his hands to show he wouldn\u2019t get involved in this matter. The place belonged to Annihilation, and the sides in the deal were Annihilation and the film crew, not him and Rong Zhouzhong. He was willing to help Rong Zhouzhong out since they were brothers, but he would never let Lian Jun suffer a loss because of it. It was Lian Jun\u2019s choice whether to accept money\u2014he wouldn\u2019t interfere.<\/span><\/p>

Seeing him like this, Lian Jun\u2019s chest filled with warmth. He looked at Rong Zhouzhong and said, \u201cIf you\u2019re determined to pay, then just give the rental fee to Shi Jin. Now excuse me, but I must leave, I still have some work to do.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin hurriedly grabbed the wheelchair to stop him. \u201cWhy did you say to give it to me? I don\u2019t want it,\u201d he said with a frown.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat\u2019s mine is yours.\u201d Lian Jun took his lover\u2019s hand and squeezed it soothingly, then raised it to his lips to kiss it.<\/span><\/p>

Coaxed with sweet words until he felt his insides were full of sugar, Shi Jin let Lian Jun back to the study in a daze. After returning to his senses, he let out an embarrassed cough and went to sit in his previous place opposite Rong Zhouzhong. \u201cOkay, then this matter is settled. You\u2019d better hurry back and let your crew know\u2014I\u2019ve heard from Gua Six that they\u2019ve been waiting without being able to do anything for several days already.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s teeth nearly cracked from clenching them as he watched the two\u2019s interaction. Silently cursing Lian Jun for being shameless, he growled out, \u201cHow much is the rental fee?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin replied, \u201cI\u2019ve no idea either, this\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s face was serious to the point of sternness. \u201cOne should keep clear accounts even with his brothers. Just give me the number and I\u2019ll transfer the money to you.\u201d If not, he would lose to Lian Jun! Anyway, if he had to be in someone\u2019s debt, he would much rather that person be Shi Jin, not Lian Jun!<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin saw through his brother\u2019s thoughts at a glance since they were pretty much written on his face. He kept silent for a few seconds, then said, \u201cThen\u2026 just give me the market price.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong immediately stretched out his hand. \u201cYour account number.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201c\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin looked at the door of the study, which was closed again. Recalling how busy Lian Jun and Gua One were when he came in a moment ago, he was loath to disturb them again. He took out his phone, pulled up Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s number in the contacts, and sent him a text message with his personal bank account number.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong left right after he got it. For some inexplicable reason, his back as he walked away gave off an intimidating impression.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Two, who popped out from who knows where, had a hard-to-describe expression on his face. \u201cYou know, I think your brother will definitely pay you twice the market price,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin couldn\u2019t even refute, since Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s expression had practically screamed <\/span>\u2018I this master don\u2019t lack money for some measly rental fee, let me show you.\u2019<\/span><\/em> It was so glaringly obvious that he would have to be blind not to notice it.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

After Rong Zhouzhong left, Gua Six instructed the security guards to open the passage in the security fence on the beach. He also sent a team to contact the crew and conduct a simple security check.<\/span><\/p>

After the check, Gua Six sent a boat to guide the <\/span>small cruise ship<\/span><\/a> that the film crew used as a base into the beach bay. Once it was moored, the crew immediately rushed to move all kinds of equipment over to the beach and into the temporary work sheds.<\/span><\/p>

The beach became lively in an instant. Afraid that someone would ignorantly barge in the villa, Gua Six deployed the security personnel to the area around the wooden walkway, completely cutting off access to the villa.<\/span><\/p>

As the sky got darker, the beach gradually became quiet. After checking the time, Shi Jin called Rong Zhouzhong and invited him to the villa for dinner.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong accepted the invitation, feigning nonchalance. Then he grabbed his assistant who happened to pass by, and asked, \u201cMy brot\u2014I\u2019ve been invited to someone\u2019s house for dinner. What do I need to pay attention to?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

The assistant, who knew his employer\u2019s true personality all too well, was shocked. \u201cSomeone invited you to their house for dinner? Which poor soul failed to see through your disguise?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong gave him a death glare. Voice murderous, he said, \u201cYou know, I\u2019ve been quite in a bad mood recently.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Feeling a chill run down his spine, the assistant replied hurriedly, \u201cBring a gift, remember to mind your manners, and by no means lose your temper and expose your true nature or you\u2019re going to be hated! Absolutely!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

What do you mean by \u2018you can\u2019t expose your true nature or you\u2019re going to be hated\u2019! You have a death wish?!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Angry, Rong Zhouzhong threw him out of the room and slammed the door.<\/span><\/p>

About an hour later, Rong Zhouzhong knocked on the door of the villa exactly at the appointed time, carrying a bulging shopping bag.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d Shi Jin asked as he took it.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cFood. My personal assistant<\/a> is afraid that my stomach couldn\u2019t adapt to the local dishes, so he bought me a lot of food. It\u2019s so much that I can\u2019t finish it all by myself,\u201d Rong Zhouzhong replied, hiding his expression by bending down to change out of his shoes.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin glanced in the bag, at the food packets with labels printed in unfamiliar writing<\/a>. \u201cWhy are they all snacks?\u201d he asked, frowning. \u201cYour assistant is too inexperienced. He should\u2019ve bought you some ready-made meals or something. Snacks can\u2019t replace proper food, you know.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s movements became stiff. \u201cUh\u2026 He\u2019s new, he\u2019s still learning.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy don\u2019t you come to eat with me as long as you\u2019re filming here? It\u2019s not like it\u2019s far,\u201d Shi Jin invited casually. He turned around to put the bag with snacks on the table, missing the sight of Rong Zhouzhong stumbling as he nearly tripped over the threshold.<\/span><\/p>

After a natural and ordinary welcome, Shi Jin led Rong Zhouzhong to the dining room. Lian Jun was already there. Seeing Rong Zhouzhong come in, he took the initiative to greet him.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong instantly switched to combat mode. He returned the greeting with a polite nod, then, in the most elegant and graceful way he could manage, took the seat Shi Jin indicated.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Dinner was excellent, but the atmosphere at the table was strange. To be exact, it was strange because of Rong Zhouzhong. He was like a different person: all his actions were elegant, his conversation sparkled with charm and wit, without a trace of his usual testiness. Coupling this with his exceptional good looks, his whole person seemed to shine. It was as if\u2026 he competed with Lian Jun, trying to outdo him in every way.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin felt his stomach beginning to ache.<\/span><\/p>

He was perfectly clear what kind of character his third brother had, both through the \u2018original Shi Jin\u2019s\u2019 memory and his own interactions with him. The person who usually was bad-tempered, petty, had a venomous mouth, and never forgot a grudge, suddenly became polite, restrained, amiable, and considerate\u2014the contrast was just too big. Adding to this his gentle and scholarly appearance today\u2026 This guy wouldn\u2019t really be possessed or something, right? Because this felt kind of like watching a horror movie.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

After the horror-movie-like diner finally ended, Shi Jin was tasked with seeing Rong Zhouzhong off.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong lived on the cruise ship with the rest of the film crew. Shi Jin led him to the living room\u2019s balcony, and from there to the veranda and the wooden walkway. \u201cNext time, you don\u2019t have to go through the gateway on the beach, you can come directly through here,\u201d he said as they walked. \u201cI\u2019ve asked Gua Six to notify the security guards, so they won\u2019t stop you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong let out a quiet <\/span>\u201cmhm\u201d<\/span><\/em> to indicate agreement, then thanked Shi Jin politely. His attitude was humble and earnest.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin couldn\u2019t take it anymore, so he stopped and turned to look at him, a serious expression on his face.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong didn\u2019t react in time and almost ran into him. He quickly stepped back and steadied himself, then asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThat\u2019s what I want to ask.\u201d Shi Jin\u2019s gaze swept him up and down like a searchlight. Suddenly, he reached out and took off the older man\u2019s glasses, moving closer to <\/span>stare at his face.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong instinctively leaned back. \u201cWhat are you doing?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cProvoking you,\u201d Shi Jin replied. \u201cLet\u2019s have a fight. If you win, I\u2019ll give this back to you,\u201d he continued, waving the glasses in his hand. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll be careful not to hit you in the face this time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Veins popped out on Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s forehead, a crack appearing in the mask he\u2019d worn all evening. \u201cI don\u2019t want to fight with you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cBut I want to,\u201d Shi Jin said, throwing a punch at him at the same time. Pupils shrinking, Rong Zhouzhong hurriedly sidestepped to avoid it.<\/span><\/p>

The first hit didn\u2019t connect, so Shi Jin immediately followed with the second.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong didn\u2019t want to fight with Shi Jin\u2014rather, what he wanted was to get close to him and make up for the past. He no longer intended to do things that would annoy or hurt his younger brother, as he had before. However, Shi Jin seriously tried to beat him up and kept goading him with provocative expression and remarks. He even called him a vase, which was like a red rag to Rong Zhouzhong.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cStop trying to annoy me,\u201d he warned, holding back his temper, doing his best to stop his gentle mask from breaking.<\/span><\/p>

But Shi Jin stubbornly continued to attack him. \u201cVase,\u201d he repeated.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI said, stop trying to piss me off!\u201d Finally, he couldn\u2019t bear it anymore and reached out, trying to grab Shi Jin\u2019s fist to stop him. His mask shattering into dust, he said in his usual irritable tone, \u201cShi Jin, I don\u2019t want to hit you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin avoided his hand and punched him in the abdomen. \u201cWhat\u2019s your game this time? Are you trying to make me fall for your \u2018good brother\u2019 pretense so you can get benefits from me? After all, Ruixing is now back in my hands.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s eyes opened wide with disbelief, the pain in his body and the pain of his sincere heart being stamped on amplifying each other. His lips pressed into a tight line, and his expression sank. \u201cTake those words back, Shi Jin,\u201d he forced out through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cTake them back? Why should I?\u201d Shi Jin twisted his arm and pushed him face-down on the ground. Looking down at him, he said, \u201cRong Zhouzhong, that \u2018polite and friendly\u2019 character just now was acted out very well. Your movie emperor title is well deserved. Well, after more than ten years of acting practice, it would be weird if your skills weren\u2019t up to par. Speaking of which, I never had an opportunity to ask you\u2014have I done well as your practice dummy? I should\u2019ve been quite easy to use.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s attempts to get free came to an abrupt halt. His hair became disheveled in the struggle and fell down his forehead and over his eyes. The hazy moonlight and the walkway\u2019s dim lights were only enough to make out the lower half of his face with tightly clenched lips.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cShi Jin, is this really what you believe?\u201d he said in a rare serious, dispirited tone.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin reached out and brushed the hair out of his forehead. Looking into the eyes full of emotions his brother was too late to conceal, he asked, \u201cAre you scared?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Flustered, Rong Zhouzhong closed his eyes and turned his head away. Pressing down on the wound in his heart, he gritted his teeth and said, \u201cScared of what, of you? Kill me if you can, I dare you!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAt that time, I felt exactly like you\u2019re feeling right now.\u201d Shi Jin released him and continued, \u201cRong Zhouzhong, do you remember how many nasty, ugly things you\u2019ve said to me? Stop playing a nice, caring brother, it\u2019s just too fake.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s body stiffened. He closed his eyes again, a sour, painful feeling rising in his heart, making him choke. \u201cYou\u2026\u201d he began, his voice barely a whisper.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIf you really want to repair our relationship, don\u2019t approach me wearing a fake mask. It makes me remember things I\u2019d rather not.\u201d Shi Jin withdrew his pressuring aura and plopped down cross-legged beside his brother.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Rong Zhouzhong turned his head away so as not to look at him. After a long silence, he said, \u201cToday, I wasn\u2019t pretending, I\u2026 I just didn\u2019t want you to lose face! You asshole that doesn\u2019t understand anything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy are you calling me names? As if <\/span>you<\/span><\/em> weren\u2019t an asshole.\u201d Frowning, Shi Jin stretched out his leg to kick him lightly.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong grabbed his ankle. \u201cYeah, I really am an asshole,\u201d he said, looking up at him. \u201cIf you\u2019re angry, continue beating me up, I deserve it. Just don\u2019t hit me in the face, I have a scene tomorrow.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Without hesitation, Shi Jin kicked him again, then stepped on his back with one foot like a villain, rocking him back and forth as if playing with a ball. \u201cThat\u2019s right, Rong Zhouzhong, you\u2019re a complete and utter asshole,\u201d he drawled.<\/span><\/p>

When had Rong Zhouzhong ever been subjected to such \u201ctorment\u201d? His forehead was full of bulging veins, but it was indeed him who was in the wrong first, so he closed his eyes and endured, letting his younger brother vent.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYour heart is smaller than the tip of a needle. I can\u2019t believe that you\u2019ve really been holding a grudge for something I said when I was nine years old.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

This did happen. Before the whole truth about Shi Xingrui\u2019s family came out, Rong Zhouzhong really held a grudge against Shi Jin for agreeing with Shi Xingrui\u2019s \u2018Your brothers are your servants\u2019 words. Aggrieved but unable to refute, he could only keep silent and listen to the scolding.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd you\u2019re childish enough to actually give me cucumber pillow in revenge. What are you, a preschooler?\u201d Shi Jin ridiculed.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong turned his head to glare at him. \u201cAre we really doing this? Who\u2019s the preschooler here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cQuiet! When the creditor speaks, the debtor shouldn\u2019t interrupt!\u201d Shi Jin stomped on his butt. Showing no mercy, he continued, \u201cYou\u2019re not only childish but also oversensitive, bad-tempered, conceited, don\u2019t think before you speak\u2026 There\u2019s no good place at all!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Suffering both physical and mental humiliation, Rong Zhouzhong felt like he was suffocating. \u201cLittle bastard, don\u2019t push it,\u201d he said through clenched teeth.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin retracted his leg, then grabbed him and pulled him to his feet. Looking him straight in the eye, he asked, \u201cWhat if I push it? Are you going to kill me? Go on then, here\u2019s the gun.\u201d He took out his gun and thrust it into his brother\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>

Fuck!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong was so angry that he wanted to curse out loud.<\/span><\/p>

Are you serious? Haven\u2019t we been through this once already?!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

He threw the gun away and grabbed Shi Jin by the collar, glaring at him. He opened his mouth to speak, but as he looked into Shi Jin\u2019s emotionless eyes, his heart trembled and he swallowed back the words on his tongue. Annoyed, he let go of Shi Jin and turned to lean on the walkway\u2019s railing, growling, \u201cIf you want to beat me, then beat me, if you want to scold me, then do, just don\u2019t show that half-dead look! Fuck! Shi Xingrui, you old sleazebag, what did you do to raise this kind of troublesome bastard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin smacked him on the back of the head. \u201cYou\u2019re the troublesome bastard!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou fucking\u2026\u201d Rong Zhouzhong turned his head to insult him back, but seeing Shi Jin\u2019s face, the words died in his throat. He punched the top of the railing several times in anger, then closed his eyes and collapsed on the walkway without strength like a dead body.<\/span><\/p>

The world suddenly became quiet. Shi Jin didn\u2019t hit Rong Zhouzhong or scold him again.<\/span><\/p>

He\u2019s probably gathering his strength<\/span><\/em>, Rong Zhouzhong thought, suppressing his temper. Body tense, he waited for the next \u201ctorture.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

One minute, two minutes… More than ten minutes passed, but the \u201ctorture\u201d did not come. Instead, the surroundings became quieter and quieter, as if he was completely alone.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin wouldn\u2019t have just left him here, right?<\/span><\/p>

A frown appeared on Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s face. He couldn\u2019t help but open his eyes and turn to look at the place where Shi Jin was sitting before.<\/span><\/p>

Click.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

The sound of a shutter came from a mobile phone hanging right in front of him.<\/span><\/p>

After pressing the camera button, Shi Jin retracted the phone that almost touched Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s face. He admired the photo he took, humming with satisfaction, and gave his brother a bright smile as if his previous antagonistic attitude was a lie. With his other hand, he took a bag of dried fruit snacks out of his pants\u2019 pocket. \u201cHehe.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong looked dazed.<\/span><\/p>

Hehe?<\/span><\/em><\/p>

\u201cYour impression of a salted fish just now was simply perfect, Third Brother,\u201d Shi Jin said, munching on a piece of dried fruit. \u201cConsiderately,\u201d he took out another piece and stuffed it into Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s mouth. \u201cThank you for your hard work, Third Brother, it was good after-dinner entertainment. Good night, Third Brother, sleep well. See you later.\u201d Then he got up, patted the dust off his ass, and headed back to the villa.<\/span><\/p>

A foolish expression on his face, Rong Zhouzhong chewed the dried fruit as he watched Shi Jin walk away. Thinking back on Shi Jin\u2019s various actions this evening, he realized that he\u2019d been played by the other party. He was so angry that he jumped to his feet in one move and rushed after Shi Jin, shouting, \u201cLittle bastard, how dare you to fool me! Don\u2019t run! Delete the photo! Delete it right now!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

He\u2019s finally back to normal.<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Shi Jin ate a piece of dried fruit with satisfaction, turning to wave at Rong Zhouzhong who was chasing after him. He stepped into the bedroom, closed the French window behind him, then pulled the curtains closed right in front of Rong Zhouzhong.<\/span><\/p>

Fuck!<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s expression distorted; he was so angry that he almost died on the spot. He stomped around on the veranda for more than ten minutes before reluctantly leaving.<\/span><\/p>

In the bedroom, Lian Jun put down a document and looked at Shi Jin who was peeking at Rong Zhouzhong through the gap in the curtains while eating dried fruit. \u201cIs it fun?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin nodded. \u201cYeah, it\u2019s fun.\u201d Out of all of his brothers, Rong Zhouzhong was the most fun.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Author’s P.S.:<\/h5>

Rong Zhouzhong, pushed face-down on the walkway, <\/span>aggrieved<\/span> <\/del>[crossed out]<\/span><\/em>: \u201cI wasn\u2019t pretending, I\u2026 <\/span>I was just afraid that you\u2019ll hate me [spoken too quietly to be understood]<\/span><\/em>. You asshole that doesn\u2019t understand anything!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Translator\u2019<\/span>s Notes:<\/h4>
  1. “Shi Jin stuffed another takoyaki<\/span> into his mouth”<\/strong><\/em> – not a mistake. Apparently, it’s very popular in Taiwanese cuisine due to the historical influence of Japanese culture (and the island is close to Formosa\/Taiwan).<\/span><\/li>
  2. “He even called him a vase<\/span>, which was like a red rag to Rong Zhouzhong”<\/strong><\/em> – \u82b1\u74f6<\/a>, a person who is pretty but otherwise useless, particularly a young and attractive but untalented actress.<\/span><\/li>
  3. “Your impression of a salted fish<\/span> just now was simply perfect”<\/strong><\/em> – \u9e79\u9b5a – slang for a dead body.
    “Being a man without a dream, what is the difference between you and a salted fish?” was one of the lines in a 2001 Hong Kong sports comedy film “    Shaolin Soccer.<\/a>” Since then, “salted fish” also became a metaphor for someone who\u00a0doesn’t want to do anything, doesn’t want to move, and doesn’t have dreams.<\/span><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Translator: Eques<\/em>
    Editor: –
    <\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

    Eques:<\/h4>

    I have to agree\u2014while Rong Zhouzhong isn’t my favorite brother (that would be Li Jiuzheng), he’s the most fun to bully<\/del>.<\/p>

    I quite enjoyed translating this chapter even though it was about two pages longer than usual. _(:\u0437)\u2220)_<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPrevious<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tProject Page<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
    \n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNext<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    ...<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":17,"featured_media":11238,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[66,35,67,39,69,37],"class_list":["post-13965","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dpb","tag-betrayal","tag-bl","tag-comedy","tag-modern","tag-system","tag-transmigration"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/cdv-e1584612887502.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13965","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/17"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13965"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13965\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":14123,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13965\/revisions\/14123"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11238"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13965"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13965"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13965"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}