{"id":16655,"date":"2022-07-11T12:00:49","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T16:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/?p=16655"},"modified":"2022-08-15T11:43:54","modified_gmt":"2022-08-15T15:43:54","slug":"death-progress-bar-124","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/death-progress-bar-124\/","title":{"rendered":"Death Progress Bar 124"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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As the ship docked at the port on Crescent Bay Island, Shi Jin turned to look at Li Jiuzheng, who stood a few steps behind him. \u201cHave you arranged things at the clinic?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng nodded, smiling at him. \u201cYes, a few of my senior brothers will take turns to look after it, and Mr. Gua Two took care of all the other formalities. I can stay here for at least half a year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWe won\u2019t be here for so long\u2014we\u2019ll stay till the end of April at most.\u201d As Shi Jin spoke, he remembered the upcoming legal underworld organizations\u2019 conference, and his eyebrows wrinkled in a frown.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat\u2019s wrong?\u201d Li Jiuzheng asked immediately, noticing the shift in his mood.<\/span><\/p>

During the plane and ship journey, which took two days in total, Li Jiuzheng gradually calmed down, changing back to the goofy older brother who always had an affectionate smile for Shi Jin. Furthermore, the more time they spent together, the more clingy he became.<\/span><\/p>

Being together all the time like that would naturally slowly reveal some things. Shi Jin noticed that Li Jiuzheng was keenly attuned to his emotions, quickly and accurately capturing every change in his mood. It was almost to the point where Shi Jin ran his fingers through his hair and Li Jiuzheng could tell that he was annoyed by his hair having grown a bit too long.<\/span><\/p>

At first, Shi Jin felt a little creeped out; he even doubted for a moment whether Li Jiuzheng could actually read his mind and had an urge to avoid him. However, when he suppressed his wariness and fear, evoked by the original \u2018Shi Jin\u2019s\u2019 memories, and observed Li Jiuzheng, he found that his brother was simply very perceptive. Also, this kind of attention was aimed at him alone\u2014when facing anyone else, Li Jiuzheng reverted to his old self, appearing polite, cold, and not willing to interact with other people.<\/span><\/p>

A moment ago, Li Jiuzheng again noticed the change in Shi Jin\u2019s mood just because of a brief frown. After Shi Jin got used to this and tried hard to understand it, his only remaining feeling towards it was helplessness. The same was true when it came to Li Jiuzheng himself. Shi Jin really didn\u2019t know what to do with him\u2014he couldn\u2019t beat him or curse at him, he couldn\u2019t give him a stern talking-to, and while he did want them to have a heart-to-heart talk, he didn\u2019t know where to start. He felt as if he was walking through a minefield where the slightest misstep could blow up in his face.<\/span><\/p>

Somehow, he was feeling the pain of a teacher trying to guide an emotionally sensitive adolescent student.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cXiao Jin?\u201d After not receiving a response, Li Jiuzheng stepped closer to Shi Jin in concern.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin glanced at him, recalled to reality. Then, his eyes lit up as an idea appeared in his mind. \u201cFifth Brother, have you ever ridden a jet ski?\u201d he asked.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng looked at him in bewilderment and hesitantly shook his head. \u201cNo, I haven\u2019t\u2026 Do you want to ride one, Xiao Jin? I can go and learn\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cI\u2019ll teach you! Now come on, let\u2019s get off the ship.\u201d Shi Jin clapped him on the shoulder, then rushed into the lounge. Seeing that Lian Jun had finished talking on the phone with Lu Shan, he hurried forward to grab the wheelchair handles.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat happened to make you so happy?\u201d Lian Jun asked with a smile, seeing that his lover was in high spirits, which was rare recently.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin leaned down to kiss him. \u201cI\u2019m going to take my brother out to play to make up for his childhood. Are you jealous?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun\u2019s smile faded. \u201cYes,\u201d he replied honestly. This was obviously a priviledge that he alone should enjoy.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cAnd that\u2019s why I\u2019m so happy.\u201d Shi Jin daringly pinched Lian Jun\u2019s cheek, grinning like the cat that got the cream. \u201cWhile you\u2019re diligently working, I\u2019ll go to mountains and seas and have fun in your stead. Don\u2019t be jealous though\u2014you\u2019ll still be the one I love the most.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun pulled his hand down and playfully bit his finger. \u201cWhere did you learn to talk like that?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin smirked and said nothing. After giving Lian Jun another kiss, he grabbed the handles of his wheelchair and vivaciously pushed it towards the deck.<\/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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After getting off the ship, the group took a short rest and had lunch. Once they were done eating, Shi Jin sent Lian Jun off to take a nap, then tugged Gua Nine aside for a whispered discussion. Li Jiuzheng, whose room was next to his and Lian Jun\u2019s, was also dragged along.<\/span><\/p>

An hour or so later, Lian Jun woke up from his nap but didn\u2019t see Shi Jin anywhere. Puzzled, he called over Gua One, who was standing guard outside the room, and asked, \u201cWhere\u2019s Shi Jin?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHe took Dr. Li jet skiing,\u201d Gua One replied.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun frowned at the reply. He looked past the window at the sea outside and indeed caught sight of something moving in the sparkling waters of the bay. \u201cMake sure the people watching over Shi Jin keep sharp and alert,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd let me know when he comes back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Gua One acknowledged the order.<\/span><\/p>

Only then did Lian Jun feel relieved. <\/span>Suppressing the sense of loss at being \u201cabandoned\u201d by his lover, he went over to his study and pushed down the door handle.<\/span><\/p>

The roar of the engine and splashing of sea waves rushed at him when the door cracked open, mixed with Shi Jin\u2019s voice.<\/span><\/p>

{It\u2019s not this button! Maintain the direction\u2026 Don\u2019t be scared, this handle doesn\u2019t turn\u2026 Yes, that\u2019s it, just like that\u2026 All right, Fifth Brother, let\u2019s go a little farther.}<\/span><\/em><\/p>

Lian Jun paused for a second, startled, then immediately looked in the direction of the sound\u2014a tablet standing on the desk.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Nine, who was guarding the study, explained, \u201cThis is a live stream Shi Jin opened using Annihilation\u2019s internal network. Both the account and channel have been encrypted and protected, and only you can access it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun came back to his senses and moved his wheelchair to the desk to look at the tablet.<\/span><\/p>

In the shaky picture on the screen, Li Jiuzheng was awkwardly turning the throttle adjusting the water scooter\u2019s speed, glancing in the direction of the camera from time to time. Then, an arm swung past just in front of the camera, waving at Li Jiuzheng.<\/span><\/p>

{Fifth Brother, stop turning to look at me\u2014keep your eyes forward and control where you\u2019re going,}<\/span><\/em> Shi Jin\u2019s voice sounded, also very close to the camera. This live stream was clearly intended to be Shi Jin\u2019s perspective, and the camera was probably mounted on his chest. This meant what could be seen was only what Shi Jin saw and not Shi Jin himself.<\/span><\/p>

The anticipation on Lian Jun\u2019s face faded, replaced by a blank expression\u2014he hardly wanted to keep looking at Li Jiuzheng\u2019s back.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cShi Jin said that streaming like this will give you a sense of substitution,\u201d Gua Nine explained attentively, seeing that his boss didn\u2019t seem to like the first-person POV.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun naturally preferred seeing Shi Jin\u2019s face to having a sense of substitution. Keeping his gaze on the screen, he drummed his fingers on the wheelchair armrest, then said, \u201cTell Gua Six to have someone follow them and film them with a drone.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes, sir.\u201d Gua Nine had predicted this development. He immediately took out his phone and gave Gua Six a call.<\/span><\/p>

Listening to Shi Jin\u2019s voice that sounded from time to time in the live broadcast and looking at the clear blue sea, Lian Jun felt as if the lively atmosphere was also transmitted through the screen. His expression slowly eased and the corners of his mouth crept up. That person somehow could always find a way to make people smile.<\/span><\/p>

The drone was soon in place, and the picture on the tablet screen was split in two. One half was Shi Jin\u2019s POV camera that was capturing his voice, and the other half was the picture from the drone displaying his figure.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun asked Gua Nine to adjust the image again. Now, the picture taken by the drone occupied the whole screen and the POV was minimized to a small window in the corner. For a while, Lian Jun watched Shi Jin\u2019s dashing figure as he rode the jet ski. Satisfied, he turned his attention to documents and started working.<\/span><\/p>

The \u201cnoise\u201d from the tablet should have been very distracting but in fact, Lian Jun\u2019s work efficiency was exceptionally high today. Every time he finished processing a document, he would look up to see what Shi Jin was doing, and his face would relax. Anyone could see he was in a good mood.<\/span><\/p>

Gua Nine and Gua One looked at each other and smiled.<\/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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While riding the water scooter, Shi Jin found a drone hovering above. Realizing why it was there, he grinned and waved at it, then sped up and rushed farther into the sea with an excited whoop.<\/span><\/p>

Hearing Shi Jin\u2019s cheerful shout, Li Jiuzheng looked back at him, startled. Blue sea, blue sky, and his family at his side\u2014this was probably the most beautiful scenery he\u2019d ever seen in his life\u2026 It didn\u2019t feel real.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cFifth Brother, stop dazing off! Let\u2019s do one more lap and go pick some tropical fruits,\u201d Shi Jin called to him familiarly, steering over to him.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng came to his senses. At Shi Jin\u2019s excited appearance, the corners of his mouth slowly rose. Emulating the youth, he let out a shout and followed after him.<\/span><\/p>

Is this what it feels like to have fun with your family? I feel so happy I think I might pass out from excitement\u2026 No, I can\u2019t, I mustn\u2019t let Xiao Jin down.<\/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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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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Li Jiuzheng felt like he had fallen into a long, beautiful dream. In the dream, he spent every day with his younger brother. They played in the sea and went hiking; on sunny days, they built castles on the beach, and when the weather was bad, they spent time indoors, listening to rain patter on the windows and watching movies. Occasionally, he would help his brother with homework. What his eyes saw was bright sunlight and clear blue water, what his ears heard was laughter and birdsong. Every day, he was so happy that even if the world were to end in the next second, he would die with a smile.<\/span><\/p>

It was a winter so warm he wanted to sink into the pleasant sunshine and never wake up.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat are you blanking out for, Fifth Brother? The fruits on this tree taste good. Can you hold my phone? I\u2019ll climb up and pick a few.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

One afternoon, Shi Jin took Li Jiuzheng to pick wild fruits in the forest on the south side of the island. He was holding a phone gimbal and adjusted the camera position from time to time, skillfully enough that he looked like a professional live streamer.<\/span><\/p>

After he spoke to Li Jiuzheng, he waved at the camera. \u201cDon\u2019t worry, I\u2019m very good at climbing trees. I guarantee to get down safely.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Immediately, a small line of words appeared in the chat box of the live broadcast channel, where the number of viewers was always \u20181\u2019: [Be careful.]<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin grinned and shoved the gimbal into Li Jiuzheng\u2019s hand. After rubbing his hands, he grabbed the lowest branch and quickly climbed up in two or three moves, heading towards the hanging fruits.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng, nervously holding his mobile phone, waited below, following Shi Jin around the trunk as if ready to catch him at any moment.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOkay, here\u2019s fine. I\u2019m going to pick the fruits.\u201d Once he climbed to a suitable branch, Shi Jin waved at Li Jiuzheng and the phone camera.<\/span><\/p>

Abruptly, Li Jiuzheng\u2019s face turned white. He dropped the phone, picked up a stone from the ground, and hurled it toward Shi Jin.<\/span><\/p>

Xiao Si screamed, < JinJin, watch out! ><\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin\u2019s expression changed. He hurriedly twisted sideways, pulling back his outstretched hand.<\/span><\/p>

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

The stone hit the place right next to where Shi Jin had been a second ago\u2014and smacked the small green snake that suddenly poked out of the leaves.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHiss\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/em><\/p>

The snake hissed loudly in pain and fell to the ground.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng was frightened. The snake was already dying, but he was not reassured. He picked up a rock and, face stretched taut, started smashing its head until it was nothing but a bloody mess. His eyes were hard and cold, filled with murderous intent.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cDon\u2019t hurt Xiao Jin, don\u2019t try to take Xiao Jin away\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

He finally, finally managed to hold onto something. No one and nothing was allowed to destroy it! Absolutely not!<\/span><\/p>

The snake was long dead but Li Jiuzheng didn\u2019t stop. The stone and his hands were covered in blood, and it also splattered on his clothes and face. It looked somewhat terrifying.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin was stunned by Li Jiuzheng\u2019s sudden outburst of violence. After coming back to himself, he frowned deeply and scrambled down the tree, then rushed over to Li Jiuzheng. He grabbed his brother\u2019s shoulders and swung him around to make him face him.<\/span><\/p>

Their eyes met before Li Jiuzheng managed to get his expression under control. Faced with the icy killing intent in his gaze, Shi Jin froze. Some memories and emotions abruptly surged up inside him, making him release his grip and take a step back.<\/span><\/p>

Seeing this, Li Jiuzheng snapped back to his senses. He glanced at his hands, at his blood-stained clothes, and finally at the mangled corpse of the snake behind him. His heart shook, and the stone in his hand fell to the ground. He wanted to touch Shi Jin but was afraid of getting the blood on him. In a panic, he tried to wipe the blood off his hands, saying anxiously, \u201cNo… Xiao Jin, don\u2019t be afraid, it can\u2019t hurt you anymore and I won\u2019t either. Don\u2019t\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin took a deep breath and suppressed the overflowing emotions. He stepped forward and pulled his brother up from the ground, then wiped the blood on his hands with the front of his t-shirt. \u201cFifth Brother, thank you for protecting me.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

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

Taken aback, Li Jiuzheng stared at him blankly.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYou reacted so quickly and decisively and hit that snake so accurately with the stone. You were so cool! Tonight, we\u2019re going to eat snake meat.\u201d Shi Jin smiled at him and smacked him affectionately on the shoulder, then picked up his phone from the ground.<\/span><\/p>

He switched to the front-facing camera to show that he was not hurt and explained the situation just now. After that, he went over to the dead snake. \u201cLook, it\u2019s this one that wanted to attack me. Fifth Brother killed it and saved me. By the way, Lian Jun, do you like snake meat? The head was smashed but the body is intact. It should be enough for a stir-fry or something.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

In the study, Lian Jun, who was anxious due to not knowing what had happened and was about to rush out and find Shi Jin, paused. Listening to Shi Jin\u2019s chatter and seeing him safe and sound, he slowly sat down, trying to suppress the lingering fear. [Stop fooling around!] he typed with a scowl.<\/span><\/p>

At this rare for Lian Jun exclamation mark, Shi Jin touched his nose, his conscience pricking a little. \u201cDon\u2019t be angry, I didn\u2019t expect there would be a snake on the tree\u2026 Besides, isn\u2019t Fifth Brother a doctor? I was never in any danger, you don\u2019t need to worry.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Hearing this, Lian Jun became even angrier and called him directly. Shi Jin hurriedly answered the phone and began appeasing his irate lover, murmuring apologies and assurances.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng stood some distance behind Shi Jin, his tense body relaxing as he listened to the youth\u2019s slightly coy muttering on the phone. He glanced at his hands with most of the blood wiped off, and sat down on the ground as if his legs suddenly lost strength.<\/span><\/p>

Did he protect Shi Jin?<\/span><\/p>

It was good\u2026 It was good he didn\u2019t scare him.<\/span><\/p>

In the end, Shi Jin really took the dead snake back and boasted about Li Jiuzheng\u2019s glorious achievement to anyone he saw. As it turned out, Lian Jun couldn\u2019t eat snake meat, so Shi Jin gathered some firewood and made a small fire in an open space between two of the villas. He skinned and dressed the carcass, seasoned the meat, put it on skewers, and roasted it over the fire.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cIt smells really good.\u201d The aroma of roast meat was so enticing that Shi Jin\u2019s mouth watered. \u201cIt will definitely be delicious. Thanks to Fifth Brother, we have such delicious fresh meat to eat today.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Nothing showed on Li Jiuzheng\u2019s face, but he felt embarrassed being praised so much. \u201cIf you like it, you can eat as much as you want, Xiao Jin.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cNo, let\u2019s share it half and half. You\u2019ve never eaten snake meat, right? You should have enough to decide if you like it\u2026 Oh, why don\u2019t we try catching some hares tomorrow? Hare meat is also delicious,\u201d Shi Jin suggested eagerly, throwing his arm around Li Jiuzheng\u2019s shoulders. He wanted to make his brother used to physical contact with people.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng looked at his face that was close to his own and nodded, the corners of his mouth tugging up a little.<\/span><\/p>

Seeing him smile, Shi Jin smiled too. This was how life went on\u2014after there was enough happiness in your world, the pain slowly faded away, and time was the best medicine.<\/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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In the blink of an eye, the Lunar New Year came. On New Year\u2019s Eve, everyone went to gather food ingredients in the mountains and forest; even Lian Jun was taken by Shi Jin to a boat and went out to sea to help with fishing. Everyone prepared the ingredients together, cooked together, ate the reunion dinner, and set off fireworks, celebrating the passage of the old year and the advent of the new.<\/span><\/p>

At midnight, Shi Jin served the <\/span>dumplings<\/span><\/a> that everyone had made together, giving every person one bowl, and said, \u201cA new year means a new beginning. Whoever gets a coin in their dumpling will be lucky for the next year. Now let\u2019s eat and see who\u2019s the king of luck!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cSeeing as you\u2019re so enthusiastic about this, you must\u2019ve secretly put the dumplings with coins into your own bowl,\u201d Gua Two teased.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin scowled and stuffed a piece of fruit into Gua Two\u2019s mouth to block it.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng looked at Shi Jin with a smile. He picked up his chopsticks and stirred the plump white dumplings in his bowl, remembering how he and Shi Jin made them together. His smile widening, he picked up one and ate it.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOw!\u201d He suddenly covered his mouth.<\/span><\/p>

Everyone on the table turned to look at him with a collective <\/span>\u2018No way\u2019<\/span><\/em> expression.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng looked back at them, his eyes widening a little. Slowly, he lowered his hand and spat out a coin.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cShi Jin, you cheater! I can\u2019t believe you didn\u2019t give this dumpling to Jun-shao!\u201d Gua Two mercilessly exposed that Shi Jin rigged the game.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun eyed the bowl in front of him, expressionless. He showed no sign of reaching for his chopsticks.<\/span><\/p>

Li Jiuzheng froze for a moment, stunned, then turned to stare at Shi Jin.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin didn\u2019t expect Gua Two to be so despicable as to sow discord even in this situation. He pounced at the other man to bring down \u201cthe hammer of justice\u201d on him. \u201cWho said there\u2019s only one dumpling with a coin?\u201d he growled through clenched teeth. \u201cShut up and eat your dumplings!\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Everyone burst out laughing. Li Jiuzheng looked at the coin in his hand and clenched his fist over it, holding it tight. His lips slowly curled in a smile\u2014to cheat and secretly give him the dumpling with a coin so he would be lucky in the coming year, his younger brother was so cute.<\/span><\/p>

His smile was pure and childlike and his eyes were bright as if filled with sparkling stars called happiness. Shi Jin saw his brother\u2019s expression out of the corner of his eye and felt as if a tight knot that had always existed in his heart suddenly loosened up. He turned his head, glancing at the moonlit sea gently lapping the shore, and let out a long breath.<\/span><\/p>

It hadn\u2019t been easy, but the child who grew up in pain finally learned how to really smile.<\/span><\/p>

He let go of Gua Two, walked over to Lian Jun, hugged him from behind, and buried his face in his shoulder.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHmm?\u201d Lian Jun laid his hand over the arm hugging him, looking sideways at his lover.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cHappy New Year,\u201d Shi Jin murmured. In a whisper, he explained, \u201cThere are actually three dumplings with coins, and two of them are in your bowl.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun paused in surprise, then smiled. \u201cYou\u2019ve really learned how to follow bad examples\u2026\u201d he said, turning his head to kiss Shi Jin\u2019s hair. \u201cThank you. Happy New Year.\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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On the fifth day of the new year, Lu Shan called.<\/span><\/p>

{I\u2019m very sorry to disturb you at such a time but this really can\u2019t wait. The leaders of Meridian Gate and Epoch came to Formosa in person to find me and did much to prove their <\/span>goodwill. If I continue to drag my feet, they\u2019re going to become suspicious.}<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin was huddled on the sofa with Li Jiuzheng, teaching him how to play mahjong. Hearing Lu Shan\u2019s words, he paused and looked at Lian Jun sitting behind the desk with a frown.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun had been expecting this phone call. He gave Shi Jin a reassuring glance, then returned his attention to the phone. \u201cThis is normal. This year\u2019s underworld conference is not far off. They should be trying to stabilize the alliance before it starts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

{Then should I accept <\/span>their sincerity?} Lu Shan asked.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cYes. When they contacted you, who seemed to be in charge, Meng Qing or Qi Yun?\u201d<\/span><\/p>

{Meng Qing from Meridian Gate.}<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun nodded as if he already knew. \u201cAs expected. He\u2019s a little conceited and likes to play first fiddle. Compared to him, Qi Yun from Epoch is much more cunning and dangerous. You should pay more attention to Qi Yun and not get too close to him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

{I understand.}<\/span><\/p>

The conversation stopped for a moment. Both of them knew that the real battle was about to begin.<\/span><\/p>

{It will probably happen after the conference ends. You should get ready,} Lu Shan said with a sigh.<\/span><\/p>

Her words sounded cryptic, but Lian Jun replied, \u201cI\u2019ve already finished my preparations. It\u2019s actually you who should watch out\u2014don\u2019t let yourself be caught in it. Also, thank you for helping me delay things until now.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lu Shan laughed. {Stinky boy, how are you talking to your aunt? I\u2019ve fought and survived in this mire for so many years. As if it would be that easy to catch me.} She paused, then added, {Take care of yourself. See you at the conference.}<\/span><\/p>

\u201cSee you at the conference,\u201d Lian Jun replied and ended the call. At that moment, the door of the study was suddenly pushed open and Uncle Long, who had shut himself in his lab since arriving on the island, appeared.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cThat probably won\u2019t happen,\u201d he said, then continued with emphasis, \u201cThe latest examination results are out. Jun-shao, you can start the treatment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Thud<\/span><\/em>. The tablet slipped out of Shi Jin\u2019s hand and fell to the ground. He sprang to his feet and blurted out, \u201cUncle Long, what did you just say?\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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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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The doctor turned to him. \u201cI said, Jun-shao\u2019s body is strong enough that he can start the real treatment. However, I also have bad news.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

\u201cWhat bad news?\u201d Shi Jin asked hurriedly.<\/span><\/p>

Uncle Long tapped the file folder he held. \u201cI\u2019ve mentioned before that the medicine will reactivate the toxin remaining in Jun-shao\u2019s body. Unfortunately, the toxin is more tenacious than I expected\u2014it shows signs of becoming active already, even before the treatment began. I\u2019m speculating this is caused by the improvement of Jun-shao\u2019s physical condition.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun moved his wheelchair to Shi Jin\u2019s side and took the younger man\u2019s hand, squeezing it soothingly. \u201cYou mean, I\u2019d better take the medicine as soon as possible?\u201d he asked, looking at Uncle Long.<\/span><\/p>

Uncle Long nodded. \u201cYes. A preemptive attack is a good strategy in war, but also in medicine. Without a doubt, it would be safer and less risky to try to get rid of the toxin while it\u2019s still suppressed than after it becomes completely active.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

That was obvious, but now they faced a problem. The underworld conference was not that far away. If Lian Jun began taking the medicine now, then by April, when the conference started, he would likely be in the most critical and painful stage of the treatment and would definitely not be in a good enough condition for public appearance.<\/span><\/p>

However, Lian Jun <\/span>had<\/span><\/em> to attend this year\u2019s conference. It was a critical time; as the other four top-echelon organizations were about to finish forming their alliance, Annihilation couldn\u2019t show any weakness to the outside world.<\/span><\/p>

\u201cOnce I start taking the medicine, how long will it take for the toxin to be completely cleared?\u201d Lian Jun continued to ask.<\/span><\/p>

Uncle Long glanced at Shi Jin, whose expression had become very ugly. \u201cIt may take as little as three months or as much as half a year or even a year, it\u2019s impossible to say. The treatment consists not only of getting rid of the toxin but also of recovery and rehabilitation. No matter how much you try, it\u2019s impossible to speed those up.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Three months at the earliest. And there were less than two months left until April.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin clenched his fist.<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun thought for a moment, frowning. \u201cWould it be possible for me to take the medicine\u2014\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin squeezed his hand warningly. \u201cDon\u2019t you dare to joke around with your body.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Lian Jun stopped talking. Seeing that Shi Jin\u2019s expression was really bad, he got up and hugged him, soothingly stroking his hair. At the moment, he also didn\u2019t know what he should do.<\/span><\/p>

Shi Jin hugged him back, frowning deeply.<\/span><\/p>

The time of the treatment and the conflict did overlap after all. What do they do 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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Translator’s Notes:<\/h4>
  1. Is this what it feels like to have fun with your family? I feel so happy<\/span> I think I might pass out from excitement\u2026<\/strong><\/em> – here, Li Jiuzheng actually says something like “this is greatest happiness”, but the word he uses is\u00a0\u5e78\u798f [x\u00ecngf\u00fa].
    The meaning of this word is difficult to render accurately in English. It is typically glossed as \u201chappy; happiness\u201d in dictionaries, however, a sharp distinction between \u5e78\u798f and some of the other words for \u201chappy\u201d is made in Chinese.
    Xingfu typically refers to a state of long-term happiness with one’s life, and implies having a loving family, spouse, or a sense of general well-being. This is in contrast to words such as \u958b\u5fc3\uff0f\u5f00\u5fc3 (k\u0101ix\u012bn) and \u5feb\u6a02\uff0f\u5feb\u4e50 (ku\u00e0il\u00e8), which refer to a state of fleeting happiness, or a relatively short elevation in mood that comes with certain news, event, activity, etc. (Wiktionary<\/a>)<\/span><\/li>
  2. \u00a0Small green snake<\/strong><\/em> – the species is not specified but it might’ve been bamboo viper<\/a>.<\/span><\/li>
  3. The youth\u2019s slightly coy<\/span> muttering on the phone<\/strong><\/em> – \u6492\u5b0c<\/a> [s\u0101ji\u0101o] – to act in a loveable, coy, childish or coquettish manner to someone who loves or dotes on them, in order to fulfil their wish or display their affection.\u00a0<\/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
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    Translator: Eques<\/em>
    Editor: –
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    Eques:<\/h4>

    Long time no see, everyone! Sorry for disappearing on you, I wasn’t in a good place mentally for a while. I think I’m better now and I fully intend to finish translating DPB. Thank you for all your patience and support, guys, you’re awesome \u2764<\/p>

    Aaaaaanyway, it’s happening, my little buttercups\u2014Lian Jun’s about to start the treatment! I honestly warn you, it’s gonna be a real<\/em> rollercoaster because the author is a total S.<\/del> I love and hate those chapters. \u30fe(\u2267\u3078\u2266)\u3003<\/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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    \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
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    ...<\/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-16655","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\/16655","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=16655"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16655\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":16763,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16655\/revisions\/16763"}],"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=16655"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=16655"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/betwixtedbutterfly.com\/translations\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=16655"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}