Chapter 124

Coins

Notice Temporarily unedited, read at your own risk

As the s.h.i.+p docked at the port on Crescent Bay Island, s.h.i.+ Jin turned to look at Li Jiuzheng, who stood a few steps behind him. Have you arranged things at the clinic? he asked.

Li Jiuzheng nodded, smiling at him. Yes, 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.

We wont be here for so longwell stay till the end of April at most. As s.h.i.+ Jin spoke, he remembered the upcoming legal underworld organizations conference, and his eyebrows wrinkled in a frown.

Whats wrong? Li Jiuzheng asked immediately, noticing the s.h.i.+ft in his mood.

During the plane and s.h.i.+p 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 s.h.i.+ Jin. Furthermore, the more time they spent together, the more clingy he became.

Being together all the time like that would naturally slowly reveal some things. s.h.i.+ 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 s.h.i.+ 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.

At first, s.h.i.+ 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 s.h.i.+ Jins memories, and observed Li Jiuzheng, he found that his brother was simply very perceptive. Also, this kind of attention was aimed at him alonewhen facing anyone else, Li Jiuzheng reverted to his old self, appearing polite, cold, and not willing to interact with other people.

A moment ago, Li Jiuzheng again noticed the change in s.h.i.+ Jins mood just because of a brief frown. After s.h.i.+ 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. s.h.i.+ Jin really didnt know what to do with himhe couldnt beat him or curse at him, he couldnt give him a stern talking-to, and while he did want them to have a heart-to-heart talk, he didnt know where to start. He felt as if he was walking through a minefield where the slightest misstep could blow up in his face.

Somehow, he was feeling the pain of a teacher trying to guide an emotionally sensitive adolescent student.

Xiao Jin? After not receiving a response, Li Jiuzheng stepped closer to s.h.i.+ Jin in concern.

s.h.i.+ Jin glanced at him, recalled to reality. Then, his eyes lit up as an idea appeared in his mind. Fifth Brother, have you ever ridden a jet ski? he asked.

Li Jiuzheng looked at him in bewilderment and hesitantly shook his head. No, I havent Do you want to ride one, Xiao Jin? I can go and learn

Ill teach you! Now come on, lets get off the s.h.i.+p. s.h.i.+ 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.

What happened to make you so happy? Lian Jun asked with a smile, seeing that his lover was in high spirits, which was rare recently.

s.h.i.+ Jin leaned down to kiss him. Im going to take my brother out to play to make up for his childhood. Are you jealous?

Lian Juns smile faded. Yes, he replied honestly. This was obviously a priviledge that he alone should enjoy.

And thats why Im so happy. s.h.i.+ Jin daringly pinched Lian Juns cheek, grinning like the cat that got the cream. While youre diligently working, Ill go to mountains and seas and have fun in your stead. Dont be jealous thoughyoull still be the one I love the most.

Lian Jun pulled his hand down and playfully bit his finger. Where did you learn to talk like that?

s.h.i.+ 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.

Death Progress Bar is translated by Betwixted Translations. Read on the original translators site to get the fastest updates!

After getting off the s.h.i.+p, the group took a short rest and had lunch. Once they were done eating, s.h.i.+ 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 Juns, was also dragged along.

An hour or so later, Lian Jun woke up from his nap but didnt see s.h.i.+ Jin anywhere. Puzzled, he called over Gua One, who was standing guard outside the room, and asked, Wheres s.h.i.+ Jin?

He took Dr. Li jet skiing, Gua One replied.

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. Make sure the people watching over s.h.i.+ Jin keep sharp and alert, he said. And let me know when he comes back.

Gua One acknowledged the order.

Only then did Lian Jun feel relieved. Suppressing the sense of loss at being abandoned by his lover, he went over to his study and pushed down the door handle.

The roar of the engine and splas.h.i.+ng of sea waves rushed at him when the door cracked open, mixed with s.h.i.+ Jins voice.

{Its not this b.u.t.ton! Maintain the direction Dont be scared, this handle doesnt turn Yes, thats it, just like that All right, Fifth Brother, lets go a little farther.}

Lian Jun paused for a second, startled, then immediately looked in the direction of the sounda tablet standing on the desk.

Gua Nine, who was guarding the study, explained, This is a live stream s.h.i.+ Jin opened using Annihilations internal network. Both the account and channel have been encrypted and protected, and only you can access it.

Lian Jun came back to his senses and moved his wheelchair to the desk to look at the tablet.

In the shaky picture on the screen, Li Jiuzheng was awkwardly turning the throttle adjusting the water scooters 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.

{Fifth Brother, stop turning to look at mekeep your eyes forward and control where youre going,} s.h.i.+ Jins voice sounded, also very close to the camera. This live stream was clearly intended to be s.h.i.+ Jins perspective, and the camera was probably mounted on his chest. This meant what could be seen was only what s.h.i.+ Jin saw and not s.h.i.+ Jin himself.

The antic.i.p.ation on Lian Juns face faded, replaced by a blank expressionhe hardly wanted to keep looking at Li Jiuzhengs back.

s.h.i.+ Jin said that streaming like this will give you a sense of subst.i.tution, Gua Nine explained attentively, seeing that his boss didnt seem to like the first-person POV.

Lian Jun naturally preferred seeing s.h.i.+ Jins face to having a sense of subst.i.tution. Keeping his gaze on the screen, he drummed his fingers on the wheelchair armrest, then said, Tell Gua Six to have someone follow them and film them with a drone.

Yes, sir. Gua Nine had predicted this development. He immediately took out his phone and gave Gua Six a call.

Listening to s.h.i.+ Jins 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.

The drone was soon in place, and the picture on the tablet screen was split in two. One half was s.h.i.+ Jins POV camera that was capturing his voice, and the other half was the picture from the drone displaying his figure.

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 s.h.i.+ Jins das.h.i.+ng figure as he rode the jet ski. Satisfied, he turned his attention to doc.u.ments and started working.

The noise from the tablet should have been very distracting but in fact, Lian Juns work efficiency was exceptionally high today. Every time he finished processing a doc.u.ment, he would look up to see what s.h.i.+ Jin was doing, and his face would relax. Anyone could see he was in a good mood.

Gua Nine and Gua One looked at each other and smiled.

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While riding the water scooter, s.h.i.+ 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.

Hearing s.h.i.+ Jins cheerful shout, Li Jiuzheng looked back at him, startled. Blue sea, blue sky, and his family at his sidethis was probably the most beautiful scenery hed ever seen in his life It didnt feel real.

Fifth Brother, stop dazing off! Lets do one more lap and go pick some tropical fruits, s.h.i.+ Jin called to him familiarly, steering over to him.

Li Jiuzheng came to his senses. At s.h.i.+ Jins excited appearance, the corners of his mouth slowly rose. Emulating the youth, he let out a shout and followed after him.

Is this what it feels like to have fun with your family? I feel so happy I think I might pa.s.s out from excitement No, I cant, I mustnt let Xiao Jin down.

Death Progress Bar is translated by Betwixted Translations. Read on the original translators site to get the fastest updates!

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.

It was a winter so warm he wanted to sink into the pleasant suns.h.i.+ne and never wake up.

What are you blanking out for, Fifth Brother? The fruits on this tree taste good. Can you hold my phone? Ill climb up and pick a few.

One afternoon, s.h.i.+ 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.

After he spoke to Li Jiuzheng, he waved at the camera. Dont worry, Im very good at climbing trees. I guarantee to get down safely.

Immediately, a small line of words appeared in the chat box of the live broadcast channel, where the number of viewers was always 1: [Be careful.]

s.h.i.+ Jin grinned and shoved the gimbal into Li Jiuzhengs hand. After rubbing his hands, he grabbed the lowest branch and quickly climbed up in two or three moves, heading towards the hanging fruits.

Li Jiuzheng, nervously holding his mobile phone, waited below, following s.h.i.+ Jin around the trunk as if ready to catch him at any moment.

Okay, heres fine. Im going to pick the fruits. Once he climbed to a suitable branch, s.h.i.+ Jin waved at Li Jiuzheng and the phone camera.

Abruptly, Li Jiuzhengs face turned white. He dropped the phone, picked up a stone from the ground, and hurled it toward s.h.i.+ Jin.

Xiao Si screamed, < JinJin, watch out! >

s.h.i.+ Jins expression changed. He hurriedly twisted sideways, pulling back his outstretched hand.

Thud!

The stone hit the place right next to where s.h.i.+ Jin had been a second agoand smacked the small green snake that suddenly poked out of the leaves.

Hiss

The snake hissed loudly in pain and fell to the ground.

Li Jiuzheng was frightened. The snake was already dying, but he was not rea.s.sured. He picked up a rock and, face stretched taut, started smas.h.i.+ng its head until it was nothing but a b.l.o.o.d.y mess. His eyes were hard and cold, filled with murderous intent.

Dont hurt Xiao Jin, dont try to take Xiao Jin away

He finally, finally managed to hold onto something. No one and nothing was allowed to destroy it! Absolutely not!

The snake was long dead but Li Jiuzheng didnt stop. The stone and his hands were covered in blood, and it also splattered on his clothes and face. It looked somewhat terrifying.

s.h.i.+ Jin was stunned by Li Jiuzhengs 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 brothers shoulders and swung him around to make him face him.

Their eyes met before Li Jiuzheng managed to get his expression under control. Faced with the icy killing intent in his gaze, s.h.i.+ Jin froze. Some memories and emotions abruptly surged up inside him, making him release his grip and take a step back.

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 s.h.i.+ Jin but was afraid of getting the blood on him. In a panic, he tried to wipe the blood off his hands, saying anxiously, No Xiao Jin, dont be afraid, it cant hurt you anymore and I wont either. Dont

s.h.i.+ 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-s.h.i.+rt. Fifth Brother, thank you for protecting me.

Protecting?

Taken aback, Li Jiuzheng stared at him blankly.

You reacted so quickly and decisively and hit that snake so accurately with the stone. You were so cool! Tonight, were going to eat snake meat. s.h.i.+ Jin smiled at him and smacked him affectionately on the shoulder, then picked up his phone from the ground.

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. Look, its 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.

In the study, Lian Jun, who was anxious due to not knowing what had happened and was about to rush out and find s.h.i.+ Jin, paused. Listening to s.h.i.+ Jins 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.

At this rare for Lian Jun exclamation mark, s.h.i.+ Jin touched his nose, his conscience p.r.i.c.king a little. Dont be angry, I didnt expect there would be a snake on the tree Besides, isnt Fifth Brother a doctor? I was never in any danger, you dont need to worry.

Hearing this, Lian Jun became even angrier and called him directly. s.h.i.+ Jin hurriedly answered the phone and began appeasing his irate lover, murmuring apologies and a.s.surances.

Li Jiuzheng stood some distance behind s.h.i.+ Jin, his tense body relaxing as he listened to the youths 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.

Did he protect s.h.i.+ Jin?

It was good It was good he didnt scare him.

In the end, s.h.i.+ Jin really took the dead snake back and boasted about Li Jiuzhengs glorious achievement to anyone he saw. As it turned out, Lian Jun couldnt eat snake meat, so s.h.i.+ Jin gathered some firewood and made a small fire in an open s.p.a.ce between two of the villas. He skinned and dressed the carca.s.s, seasoned the meat, put it on skewers, and roasted it over the fire.

It smells really good. The aroma of roast meat was so enticing that s.h.i.+ Jins mouth watered. It will definitely be delicious. Thanks to Fifth Brother, we have such delicious fresh meat to eat today.

Nothing showed on Li Jiuzhengs face, but he felt embarra.s.sed being praised so much. If you like it, you can eat as much as you want, Xiao Jin.

No, lets share it half and half. Youve never eaten snake meat, right? You should have enough to decide if you like it Oh, why dont we try catching some hares tomorrow? Hare meat is also delicious, s.h.i.+ Jin suggested eagerly, throwing his arm around Li Jiuzhengs shoulders. He wanted to make his brother used to physical contact with people.

Li Jiuzheng looked at his face that was close to his own and nodded, the corners of his mouth tugging up a little.

Seeing him smile, s.h.i.+ Jin smiled too. This was how life went onafter there was enough happiness in your world, the pain slowly faded away, and time was the best medicine.

In the blink of an eye, the Lunar New Year came. On New Years Eve, everyone went to gather food ingredients in the mountains and forest; even Lian Jun was taken by s.h.i.+ Jin to a boat and went out to sea to help with fis.h.i.+ng. Everyone prepared the ingredients together, cooked together, ate the reunion dinner, and set off fireworks, celebrating the pa.s.sage of the old year and the advent of the new.

At midnight, s.h.i.+ Jin served the dumplings that everyone had made together, giving every person one bowl, and said, A new year means a new beginning. Whoever gets a coin in their dumpling will be lucky for the next year. Now lets eat and see whos the king of luck!

Seeing as youre so enthusiastic about this, you mustve secretly put the dumplings with coins into your own bowl, Gua Two teased.

s.h.i.+ Jin scowled and stuffed a piece of fruit into Gua Twos mouth to block it.

Li Jiuzheng looked at s.h.i.+ Jin with a smile. He picked up his chopsticks and stirred the plump white dumplings in his bowl, remembering how he and s.h.i.+ Jin made them together. His smile widening, he picked up one and ate it.

Ow! He suddenly covered his mouth.

Everyone on the table turned to look at him with a collective No way expression.

Li Jiuzheng looked back at them, his eyes widening a little. Slowly, he lowered his hand and spat out a coin.

s.h.i.+ Jin, you cheater! I cant believe you didnt give this dumpling to Jun-shao! Gua Two mercilessly exposed that s.h.i.+ Jin rigged the game.

Lian Jun eyed the bowl in front of him, expressionless. He showed no sign of reaching for his chopsticks.

Li Jiuzheng froze for a moment, stunned, then turned to stare at s.h.i.+ Jin.

s.h.i.+ Jin didnt expect Gua Two to be so despicable as to sow discord even in this situation. He pounced at the other man to bring down the hammer of justice on him. Who said theres only one dumpling with a coin? he growled through clenched teeth. Shut up and eat your dumplings!

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 smileto 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.

His smile was pure and childlike and his eyes were bright as if filled with sparkling stars called happiness. s.h.i.+ Jin saw his brothers 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 sh.o.r.e, and let out a long breath.

It hadnt been easy, but the child who grew up in pain finally learned how to really smile.

He let go of Gua Two, walked over to Lian Jun, hugged him from behind, and buried his face in his shoulder.

Hmm? Lian Jun laid his hand over the arm hugging him, looking sideways at his lover.

Happy New Year, s.h.i.+ Jin murmured. In a whisper, he explained, There are actually three dumplings with coins, and two of them are in your bowl.

Lian Jun paused in surprise, then smiled. Youve really learned how to follow bad examples he said, turning his head to kiss s.h.i.+ Jins hair. Thank you. Happy New Year.

On the fifth day of the new year, Lu Shan called.

{Im very sorry to disturb you at such a time but this really cant wait. The leaders of Meridian Gate and Epoch came to Formosa in person to find me and did much to prove their goodwill. If I continue to drag my feet, theyre going to become suspicious.}

s.h.i.+ Jin was huddled on the sofa with Li Jiuzheng, teaching him how to play mahjong. Hearing Lu Shans words, he paused and looked at Lian Jun sitting behind the desk with a frown.

Lian Jun had been expecting this phone call. He gave s.h.i.+ Jin a rea.s.suring glance, then returned his attention to the phone. This is normal. This years underworld conference is not far off. They should be trying to stabilize the alliance before it starts.

{Then should I accept their sincerity?} Lu Shan asked.

Yes. When they contacted you, who seemed to be in charge, Meng Qing or Qi Yun?

{Meng Qing from Meridian Gate.}

Lian Jun nodded as if he already knew. As expected. Hes 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.

{I understand.}

The conversation stopped for a moment. Both of them knew that the real battle was about to begin.

{It will probably happen after the conference ends. You should get ready,} Lu Shan said with a sigh.

Her words sounded cryptic, but Lian Jun replied, Ive already finished my preparations. Its actually you who should watch outdont let yourself be caught in it. Also, thank you for helping me delay things until now.

Lu Shan laughed. {Stinky boy, how are you talking to your aunt? Ive 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.}

See you at the conference, 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.

That probably wont happen, he said, then continued with emphasis, The latest examination results are out. Jun-shao, you can start the treatment.

Thud. The tablet slipped out of s.h.i.+ Jins hand and fell to the ground. He sprang to his feet and blurted out, Uncle Long, what did you just say?

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The doctor turned to him. I said, Jun-shaos body is strong enough that he can start the real treatment. However, I also have bad news.

What bad news? s.h.i.+ Jin asked hurriedly.

Uncle Long tapped the file folder he held. Ive mentioned before that the medicine will reactivate the toxin remaining in Jun-shaos body. Unfortunately, the toxin is more tenacious than I expectedit shows signs of becoming active already, even before the treatment began. Im speculating this is caused by the improvement of Jun-shaos physical condition.

Lian Jun moved his wheelchair to s.h.i.+ Jins side and took the younger mans hand, squeezing it soothingly. You mean, Id better take the medicine as soon as possible? he asked, looking at Uncle Long.

Uncle Long nodded. Yes. 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 its still suppressed than after it becomes completely active.

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.

However, Lian Jun had to attend this years conference. It was a critical time; as the other four top-echelon organizations were about to finish forming their alliance, Annihilation couldnt show any weakness to the outside world.

Once I start taking the medicine, how long will it take for the toxin to be completely cleared? Lian Jun continued to ask.

Uncle Long glanced at s.h.i.+ Jin, whose expression had become very ugly. It may take as little as three months or as much as half a year or even a year, its 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, its impossible to speed those up.

Three months at the earliest. And there were less than two months left until April.

s.h.i.+ Jin clenched his fist.

Lian Jun thought for a moment, frowning. Would it be possible for me to take the medicine

s.h.i.+ Jin squeezed his hand warningly. Dont you dare to joke around with your body.

Lian Jun stopped talking. Seeing that s.h.i.+ Jins expression was really bad, he got up and hugged him, soothingly stroking his hair. At the moment, he also didnt know what he should do.

s.h.i.+ Jin hugged him back, frowning deeply.

Translators Notes:

Is this what it feels like to have fun with your family? I feel so happy I think I might pa.s.s out from excitement

The meaning of this word is difficult to render accurately in English. It is typically glossed as happy; happiness in dictionaries, however, a sharp distinction between and some of the other words for happy is made in Chinese.

Xingfu typically refers to a state of long-term happiness with ones life, and implies having a loving family, spouse, or a sense of general well-being. This is in contrast to words such as (kixn) and (kuil), which refer to a state of fleeting happiness, or a relatively short elevation in mood that comes with certain news, event, activity, etc. (Wiktionary)

Small green snake

the species is not specified but it mightve been bamboo viper.

The youths slightly coy muttering on the phone

[sjio] 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.

Translator: Eques

Eques:

Long time no see, everyone! Sorry for disappearing on you, I wasnt in a good place mentally for a while. I think Im better now and I fully intend to finish translating DPB. Thank you for all your patience and support, guys, youre awesome

Aaaaaanyway, its happening, my little b.u.t.tercupsLian Juns about to start the treatment! I honestly warn you, its gonna be a real rollercoaster because the author is a total S. I love and hate those chapters. ()