{"id":15622,"date":"2021-08-30T12:00:53","date_gmt":"2021-08-30T16:00:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=15622"},"modified":"2021-09-14T14:00:27","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T18:00:27","slug":"death-progress-bar-116","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/death-progress-bar-116\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Progress Bar 116"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Shi Jin slept into the afternoon. When he woke up, he found that Lian Jun was sleeping next to him, probably having a post-lunch nap.<\/span><\/p>

He opened his eyes but lay in a daze for a while before his mind completely cleared of the fog of sleep. His gaze moved from the tightly drawn curtains to the small alarm clock on the nightstand before turning on his side towards Lian Jun. He watched his lover\u2019s sleeping face for a moment, then reached out and hugged him contentedly.<\/span><\/p>

There was nothing better than waking up and finding the person you like right by your side.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDid you wake up?\u201d a familiar voice rumbled over his head. Arms closed around him, drawing him deeper into the hug, and a light kiss brushed his forehead. \u201cAre you hungry? You should get up and eat something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin looked up and met Lian Jun\u2019s open eyes. \u201cDid I wake you up?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, I woke up a while ago. I was just being lazy,\u201d Lian Jun replied, smoothing Shi Jin\u2019s sleep-tousled hair.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin raised an eyebrow and gently knocked on Lian Jun\u2019s forehead. \u201cYou, being lazy? I\u2019m finding it hard to believe you even know what those words mean.\u201d Watching the other man\u2019s lazy appearance, languid from sleep, he couldn\u2019t help but to shift down a little and place a kiss on his collarbone, then trail lower.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun reflexively clutched his lover\u2019s hair and called out, \u201cShi Jin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin paused and looked up at him. He placed one last kiss on the chest over his heart, then lay back down and hugged him tightly, no longer making trouble.<\/span><\/p>

By this point, Lian Jun\u2019s clothes were already completely messed up. The love and affection radiating from Shi Jin\u2019s actions made his heart melt. He stroked his lover\u2019s back in a tender caress then rolled over and pushed him down.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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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

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After Shi Jin got up and washed, he went to the dining room for a late lunch. As he ate, Lian Jun, who accompanied him, told him that Rong Zhouzhong came looking for him this morning.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou said he saw you walking?\u201d Shi Jin nearly choked to death on the mouthful of food he was about to swallow. When Lian Jun nodded, he got up, rushed back to the bedroom, and looked for his cell phone.<\/span><\/p>

The phone was dead; it must have run out of power sometime during the night. He plugged it in the charger and turned it on, only to be greeted with a blast of sound as the text messages and missed phone calls came in, the notifications\u2019 vibrations almost making his hand numb.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI <\/span>knew<\/em> <\/span>it would be like this.\u201d Shi Jin massaged his temples, trying to stave off the oncoming headache. He glanced through the text messages. Finding that, sure enough, all of them were inquiries about Lian Jun\u2019s situation, he couldn\u2019t help but once again deeply resent his brothers\u2019 big mouths and their little \u201cinformation exchange\u201d chat group.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun rolled the wheelchair to his side. \u201cHave I caused you trouble?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, my brothers are just too annoying,\u201d Shi Jin groused. Seeing Lian Jun approaching, he leaned over to kiss him, but remembered that he\u2019d just been eating and his mouth would not be tasting very good so instead, he hugged him and rubbed his cheek against Lian Jun\u2019s face. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019ll tell them to keep mum about your true physical condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun liked these little gestures of intimacy very much. \u201cI\u2019m not worried,\u201d he replied, turning his head to kiss Shi Jin\u2019s cheek, not minding it was a little greasy. \u201cCome on, let\u2019s go back to the dining room so you can finish your lunch.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

After the meal, Shi Jin typed out a text warning his brothers not to tell anyone that Lian Jun can actually walk and chose <\/span>\u2018send to multiple recipients.\u2019<\/span><\/em> A minute later, his phone began to vibrate wildly as a flood of text messages rushed in.<\/span><\/p>

\u2014It felt like his phone had been taken over by a flock of ducks, Shi Jin thought, expressionless.<\/span><\/p>

Five minutes after Shi Jin sent out the text, Rong Zhouzhong showed up at the door.<\/span><\/p>

The brothers looked at each other, one standing, one sitting on the sofa. Neither wanted to be the first to speak; after such a serious fight, they were both feeling somewhat awkward facing each other now.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDo you want me to throw him out?\u201d Gua Two asked, popping out from who-knows-where. He stared at Rong Zhouzhong menacingly\u2014Shi Jin became abnormal after this guy had appeared! He was a source of danger and they should get rid of him as soon as possible!<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong felt a chill down his spine, but refusing to show weakness, he defiantly glared back.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Two\u2019s gaze turned icy, and he took a step forward.<\/span><\/p>

Before the situation deteriorated further and open hostilities broke out, Shi Jin stepped in between the two. \u201cGo do your own stuff, I\u2019ll be fine,\u201d he said, patting Gua Two\u2019s arm appeasingly, then looked at Rong Zhouzhong and nodded towards the veranda. \u201cLet\u2019s talk there?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong stopped glaring at Gua Two to glance at Shi Jin, then dipped his head in agreement and headed for the French window.<\/span><\/p>

Seeing this, Gua Two let up on his intimidation act. \u201cWill you really be alright?\u201d he asked, looking at Shi Jin. \u201cPeople you don\u2019t want to see will not appear in front of you. We all will protect you, you know?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s heart felt warm. \u201cThank you, but it\u2019s fine, you don\u2019t need to worry. I\u2019m just going to talk to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Gua Two took a glance at Rong Zhouzhong, who had already strode outside. Still a little uneasy, he stressed, \u201cJust call out if anything\u2019s wrong, I\u2019ll be right here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin gave him the OK sign.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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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

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The brothers sat down at the rattan table in the corner of the veranda. Shi Jin asked for two cups of hot milk tea to be sent over from the kitchen, then looked at Rong Zhouzhong. \u201cLian Jun\u2019s legs are not permanently disabled,\u201d he said, cutting to the chase. \u201cAfter treatment, they can regain full mobility, at least to the point that he\u2019ll be able to lead a normal life. This knowledge is not public and we\u2019d like it to stay so. Can I ask you and the others to keep it a secret?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong had had most of the day to take the news in and had already gotten over the shock. Choosing his words, he replied, trying to make his voice as gentle as possible, \u201cYou needn\u2019t even have asked\u2014none of us is the type to shoot his mouth off. Is\u2026 are his legs already cured?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin shook his head. \u201cNot yet. Right now, he\u2019s only doing physical conditioning, strengthening his body before the treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIs there anything I can do to help?\u201d Rong Zhouzhong asked.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin glanced at him in surprise.<\/span><\/p>

Expression awkward, Rong Zhouzhong looked down at his milk tea and continued, \u201cI mean, you seem to be completely head over heels with him. Since you\u2019re determined to be with him, the only thing we can do is accept it and do everything we can so your future life together is as happy as possible.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin studied his brother for a moment. Taking a sip of tea, he said with a smile, \u201cI never thought I\u2019d ever see you this honest and considerate. Yesterday\u2019s beating seems to have been quite effective.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

This was probably the first time since their relationship deteriorated that Shi Jin showed him such a sincere and unguarded smile, and Rong Zhouzhong stared blankly at him for a moment, a little dazed. Watching Shi Jin, who looked much brighter and more cheerful than he did the past few days, some worry left his heart. The corners of his mouth tried to rise, but he concealed it by snorting coldly and drinking a few sips of milk tea. \u201cObviously, you have quite a big misunderstanding about me. You start to beat or scold me as soon as you see me, you unreasonable little bastard.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou deserve it,\u201d Shi Jin retorted. His initial awkwardness easing a little, he asked, changing the topic, \u201cThe filming here is almost finished, right? When are you leaving?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAre you so eager to get rid of me?\u201d Rong Zhouzhong scowled.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin only smiled in reply.<\/span><\/p>

Dissatisfied, Rong Zhouzhong asked in a resentful tone, \u201cWhat about you? How long are you going to stay here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Until the outcome of the negotiations between Tarantula and Snake Fang is clear and the dust in G Province settles<\/span><\/em>,<\/span><\/i> Shi Jin replied silently. Out loud, he only said vaguely, \u201cI\u2019m not sure\u2014we aren\u2019t leaving until Lian Jun settles his business here.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong was not happy with this answer, but he wisely didn\u2019t comment. He stirred the milk tea, watching Shi Jin\u2019s carefree, relaxed appearance. Abruptly, he raised his cup and downed the rest of his tea, then stood up. \u201cCan I come over for dinner every day before I leave? The boxed meals the movie crew eats taste awful.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin looked up at him. His brother stood with his back to the sun, the light brightening the edges of his tall figure and softening the slight frown on his face into a much milder expression. For a moment, Shi Jin had a strange feeling as if the person in front of him was both unfamiliar and close to him at the same time. \u201cSure,\u201d he replied with a smile. \u201cThe first day you came here, didn\u2019t I invite you to come to eat at the villa whenever you wanted?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Satisfied, Rong Zhouzhong turned to leave. Before he took the first step, however, he suddenly whirled back, gave Shi Jin a light smack on the forehead, and hurriedly strode away, as though afraid of retaliation.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin touched his forehead, dumbfounded, then looked at Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s disappearing back and snorted, \u201cChildish.\u201d Chuckling, he put down his cup and stretched himself with satisfaction.<\/span><\/p>

After the experiment just now, he was pretty sure that he would no longer be affected by the original \u2018Shi Jin\u2019s\u2019 memories and feelings about Rong Zhouzhong. It was as if he\u2019d become \u201cimmune\u201d to him.<\/span><\/p>

That\u2019s great<\/span><\/em>. He let out a pleased sigh.<\/span><\/p>

When Lian Jun, who was watching from inside the villa, saw this scene, a load was finally taken off his mind. Feeling much more lighthearted, he slid his wheelchair back to the study.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Under Zhang Zhuoyuan\u2019s efforts, Tarantula and Snake Fang officially began to negotiate. It was going as poorly as Lian Jun predicted. Lu Shan didn\u2019t want to release Xi Fan, and demanded that Snake Fang paid reparations; Snake Fang had suffered heavy losses and would collapse if it were to suffer the government\u2019s suppression on top of that, and as such it absolutely refused to admit to the accusation of malicious competition. Neither of the leaders was willing to back down even a little. Zhang Zhuoyuan, who took upon himself the role of a mediator, was driven to the verge of a nervous breakdown every day.<\/span><\/p>

{We have to find a way to make one of them soften up a bit. If they go on like this, things will never get anywhere,} Zhang Zhuoyuan complained on the phone, his voice both anxious and annoyed. {The higher-ups are already giving me grief for failing to stabilize the situation in G Province for so long, and now, Tarantula is so focused on fighting with Snake Fang that they don\u2019t even care about business matters. I know you told me to drag things out if possible, but the pressure from my side is getting too heavy.}<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun was completely unbothered. \u201cIt\u2019s fine, no need to be anxious.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

{How can I not be anxious?} Lian Jun\u2019s serene reply only made Zhang Zhuoyuan\u2019s anxiety even worse; at this rate, he felt he would soon go bald from the stress-induced hair loss. {It\u2019s already been a week, and they\u2019re arguing more and more. I have to be present every time they talk or they\u2019d definitely start fighting directly! I\u2019ve got other things on my plate, I can\u2019t keep spending all my time on them. Anyway, Lian Jun, didn\u2019t you want the four of them to form an alliance? Now that Snake Fang and Tarantula have become deadly enemies, is that even possible?}<\/span><\/p>

\u201c\u2018Deadly enemies\u2019? Not really. Neither Lu Shan nor Yuan Peng is hotheaded fools who only know how to quarrel. They\u2019re playing mind games and messing with you by the way. In another week at most, they will come to an agreement. You just need to tough it out,\u201d Lian Jun comforted. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Shi Jin changing posture from lowering his head over the table to sprawling on the sofa, apparently done with the schoolwork. The corners of his mouth turning up, he wrapped up the phone conversation: \u201cJust be patient and continue watching them play. They will definitely come to an agreement soon without making any trouble. After that, the four organizations will \u2018officially\u2019 form an alliance\u2014that\u2019s when the real fight begins.\u201d He hung up and rolled his wheelchair towards Shi Jin.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin looked over at the sound. Seeing Lian Jun coming, he raised his body up and flung himself on the armrest, taking Lian Jun\u2019s hand just as the other man started reaching towards him.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHave you finished talking?\u201d he asked, wriggling forward to half-crawl into Lian Jun\u2019s lap.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun nodded and cast a meaningful glance at Shi Jin\u2019s schoolwork. Thus, Shi Jin crawled back onto the sofa, picked up his notes, and crawled forward again to hand them to Lian Jun.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun read them carefully, then nodded with satisfaction. \u201cWell done. I think you can move on to trying to review the simpler documents\u2026 Now, should we go eat?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin beamed with happiness at his words and sat up to give his lover a delighted kiss. \u201cYeah, let\u2019s go! I asked the kitchen to make seafood soup today!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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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

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At the dinner table, Shi Jin and Lian Jun were completely lovey-dovey, feeding each other and whatnot, while Rong Zhouzhong sat on the side, <\/span>unable to swallow a bite.<\/span><\/p>

He decided to come for dinner, aiming to take advantage of the relaxing atmosphere of a meal and ease his relationship with Shi Jin. However, he foolishly forgot one thing\u2014where was Shi Jin, there was usually also Lian Jun.<\/span><\/p>

Rather than dinner, this meal should be called a \u201cdowner.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

So when your lover is here, you immediately throw away your older brother, huh, little bastard?<\/span><\/em> Rong Zhouzhong grumbled in his mind. He didn\u2019t dare to show his dissatisfaction outwardly, though, since he was well aware that the place of the wrongdoing brother in Shi Jin\u2019s heart was much lower than that of the \u201cinvalid\u201d underworld organization boss.<\/span><\/p>

But damn if he would reconcile himself to it.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin, who just finished ladling soup into Lian Jun\u2019s bowl, suddenly turned to look at Rong Zhouzhong. \u201cWhy aren\u2019t you eating? Is the food not to your liking? You didn\u2019t touch this dish at all, but I thought it was one of your favorites\u2014did I remember it wrong?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Startled, Rong Zhouzhong glanced at the <\/span>squirrel fish<\/span><\/a> in front of him. The glumness in his heart dissipating a little, he reached for it with his chopsticks, replying, \u201cNo, I just ate too many snacks in the afternoon and I\u2019m not very hungry now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s expression immediately turned reproachful. \u201cYou ate so many snacks you can\u2019t eat dinner? What are you, a preschooler? You\u2019d better eat less junk food, you know. I think you\u2019ve gained a few kilos since the last time I saw you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Gained\u2014<\/span><\/p>

Jab<\/span><\/em>.<\/span><\/i><\/p>

The chopsticks in Rong Zhouzhong\u2019s hand stabbed the fish\u2019s eye. Looking sideways at Shi Jin, he said with a smile that didn\u2019t reach his eyes, \u201cYou must remember wrong. I check my weight myself every day and it definitely hasn\u2019t changed, thank you very much.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAre you sure your scale isn\u2019t broken?\u201d Shi Jin asked with a frown, straight-faced and in an annoyingly sincere tone. \u201cIt\u2019s easy to gain weight after hitting middle age. People who rely on their face to eat, like you, must be especially careful of this. You don\u2019t want to have me calling <\/span>you<\/span><\/i> ugly fatso in the future, do you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u2018Hitting middle age\u2019\u2026 \u2018Rely on their face to eat\u2019\u2026 \u2018Ugly fatso\u2019…<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Stabbed three times in a row, Rong Zhouzhong felt a mouthful of blood rising to his throat. Glaring at Shi Jin\u2019s \u201chonestly concerned\u201d face, he said sullenly, \u201cYou will never have a chance to call me an ugly fatso, I assure you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201c<\/span>Uh-huh<\/span><\/em>, of course not, absolutely. I believe you,\u201d Shi Jin replied, looking as if he was agreeing against his better conscience but was trying to be kind.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong closed his eyes, took several deep breaths, and decided to stop asking for abuse. As if venting anger, he gobbled down a large bowl of rice and the whole squirrel fish, then pushed his chair back and left, nursing an injured heart and clutching his overstuffed stomach. Quietly, he decided never to come here to eat again.<\/span><\/p>

After the door closed, Shi Jin snickered.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun gave him a light knock on the head. \u201cWhy do you always try to aggravate him?\u201d he asked in a helpless tone.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWell, who told him to hit me on the head last time?\u201d Shi Jin conveniently found an excuse for his bad hobby. Very pleased with himself, he took a sip of the seafood soup and stated contentedly, \u201cAh, this is what I call living!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun rubbed his head again, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.<\/span><\/p>

The next day, Rong Zhouzhong immediately broke his resolution, arriving in the villa right on time for lunch. When Shi Jin found him sitting at the dinner table, he patted him on the shoulder and ordered matter-of-course, \u201cGo get the tableware and set the table. When you\u2019re done, bring in the soup.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong looked up at him, dazed, then obediently stood up, went to the kitchen to get the tableware, and arranged it on the table, though it was obvious he didn’t do this very often. After that, he went back to the kitchen, put on the oven mitts handed him by the cook auntie, and picked up the hot soup pot.<\/span><\/p>

As he was about to step out of the kitchen, he heard Shi Jin chatting about cooking with the cook auntie, and stopped to listen secretly for a while. When he finally arrived at the dining room and his gaze fell on the two dishes that had already been put on the table, his expression warmed.<\/span><\/p>

It turns out that Xiao Jin can cook\u2026 Amazing.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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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

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Not long after lunch, the film director came looking for Shi Jin to say that the crew finished shooting all the scenes planned here and were moving on to the next shooting location. He expressed his gratitude to Shi Jin for letting them borrow the beach and invited the young man to join them for a thank-you meal if he was free.<\/span><\/p>

Surprised, Shi Jin looked towards the beach, where the crew members had already begun packing the equipment and tidy up. \u201cWhat about Rong Zhouzhong? Is he leaving, too?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Heaven only knew what kind of story the director\u2019s brain had made up, but he looked at Shi Jin with a bit of pity and said sympathetically, \u201cHe\u2019s not staying with the crew, but I saw him packing, so he should be about to leave as well\u2026 Mr. Shi, I know young people like chasing Xingxing, but there should be moderation in all things. The only reason he stayed here for so long only because his whereabouts were leaked and he was avoiding paparazzi, nothing else. You shouldn\u2019t have unrealistic expectations. I\u2019m sorry\u2026 Anyway, don\u2019t take it too hard. You just became an adult, you\u2019ve still got a whole life ahead of you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

What the heck is this guy saying?<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Refusing to think more about what exactly the director was imagining, Shi Jin chatted with him politely for a moment, then saw him off.<\/span><\/p>

The movie crew left in the evening, and Rong Zhouzhong didn\u2019t come over for dinner that night. Shi Jin, remembering the director\u2019s words, naturally assumed that his brother was gone, too, and told the kitchen there was no need to prepare an additional portion for Rong Zhouzhong anymore.<\/span><\/p>

As a result, he was really surprised when Rong Zhouzhong showed up at lunch the next day.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHuh? Didn\u2019t you leave? Have you decided to stay and let me take care of you, after all?\u201d Shi Jin asked before he could think.<\/span><\/p>

Rong Zhouzhong gave him an exasperated eye roll. \u201cShut up, as if. Here, your birthday present,\u201d he said, throwing Shi Jin a bag. \u201cMy next job takes me out of the country. I probably won\u2019t be back for your birthday. See you.\u201d He turned and walked to the entrance hall, picked up the suitcase he\u2019d left there, then opened the door and left.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin stared blankly for a second before his brain caught up with this sudden turn of events. Seeing that the door was about to close automatically, he woke up and rushed outside, calling after Rong Zhouzhong, \u201cHey, are you not going to eat? Let\u2019s have lunch before you leave.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

At the sound of his voice, Rong Zhouzhong turned to look at him and gestured to the car parked on a street nearby and the assistant waiting next to it. \u201cSorry, no time. I have a plane to catch.\u201d After saying goodbye again, he walked to the car in quick steps, opened the back door, and got in.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin watched until the car disappeared, then turned his attention to the bag in his arms. Inside, there was a box with a very expensive wristwatch. \u201cThis guy\u2026 He really should stop wasting money like this,\u201d he muttered with a frown.<\/span><\/p>

As soon as he spoke, the mobile phone in his pocket suddenly vibrated. He took it out to check, only to see it was a message about receiving a wire transfer. The sender was Rong Zhouzhong, and the description said, <\/span>\u2018The rent.\u2019<\/span><\/em> Seeing the amount, which several times exceeded the market price, Shi Jin was speechless for a few seconds, then suddenly laughed.<\/span><\/p>

This guy really was an idiot\u2014all he knew was how to throw money on someone. It used to be like that in the past and it was still like that now.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Five days after the film crew\u2019s departure, the negotiations between Tarantula and Snake Fang finally made progress. Tarantula took a step back, saying that they can drop the accusation of \u201cmalicious competition,\u201d but Snake Fang had to show some sincerity. After thinking it over, Snake Fang accepted this proposal. After that, the two organizations started negotiating privately, directly excluding the authorities.<\/span><\/p>

Zhang Zhuoyuan was both relieved and slightly miffed. He spent more than ten days running around acting as an intermediary (read: drudge), only to end up being thrown away by Tarantula and Snake Fang when they no longer had any use for him.<\/span><\/p>

Anyway, this meant that the chaos in G Province was at last resolved, and Lian Jun and Shi Jin could finally go back home.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhy don\u2019t we go straight to Crescent Bay Island? It\u2019s winter now in B city, and the cold isn\u2019t good for your body,\u201d Shi Jin said worriedly while packing.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun ruthlessly refused: \u201cNo. We won\u2019t go to the island until after your end-of-semester exams. Make sure to review properly after we\u2019re back\u2014you\u2019re not allowed to fail any course.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Only then remembering that right now, he was still a student, Shi Jin flinched as if struck by a lightning bolt, and crumpled on the bed with a despondent expression.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Two days later, the charter plane they were riding landed at the airport in B city.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin intimately experienced the difference in temperature between the north and the south as soon as he stepped out of the plane, as a blast of cold wind instantly made his nose get runny. He hurriedly retreated back inside the cabin and zipped up his jacket, then turned around and covered Lian Jun\u2019s legs with an additional blanket.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIs it so cold out there?\u201d Lian Jun asked.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNot really, but it\u2019ll take a moment to get used to it again,\u201d Shi Jin replied, though he felt positively freezing. They only left for a little more than a month, but the weather in B city changed from sweltering to frigid. This cold was no joke.<\/span><\/p>

After returning to the club and settling in, Lian Jun let Shi Jin contact an \u201cassociate\u201d in the Ministry of Public Security and obtain a copy of his file.<\/span><\/p>

According to it, as a police academy freshman who had some experience with fieldwork, Shi Jin had received a special military assignment and went to a small island in G Province to take part in a long-term mission of obstructing the war between underworld organizations.<\/span><\/p>

After reading this file, Shi Jin got a new understanding of Lian Jun\u2019s meticulousness.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cBe sure to completely memorize it,\u201d Lian Jun said. \u201cIn case anyone in school asks, you must be able to answer according to this cover story.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOkay, I will,\u201d Shi Jin agreed obediently, then noticed the frown on Lian Jun\u2019s face and his subdued mood. Guessing that the reason was his forthcoming return to school, he rushed over to give his lover a hug. \u201cI will come back every weekend call you every day. Don\u2019t worry too much, okay?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun didn\u2019t reply, only cupped Shi Jin\u2019s face in his hands and kissed him.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThis time, can you go with me to school to send me off?\u201d Shi Jin asked imploringly.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAll right,\u201d Lian Jun agreed immediately. \u201cLast time, it was the beginning of the school year and there were too many people, but it should be fine now. Still, the school gate is unfortunately as far as I can accompany you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDoesn\u2019t matter. How about going for another check-up on the way? It\u2019s been a few months since the last one, and I\u2019d like to know your current physical condition,\u201d Shi Jin made another cautious request.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun stroked the young man\u2019s cheek, closing his eyes as he leaned in to give him another kiss. \u201cOkay,\u201d he agreed softly.<\/span><\/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

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Translator: Eques<\/em>
Editor: –
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Eques:<\/h4>

I’m baaaaaaack… _(:\u0437)\u2220)_<\/p>

Okay, throw the rotten tomatoes, I’m ready.\u00a0 o(T\u30d8To)<\/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

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