FI Ch14: The Second Client 

The walkie-talkie crackled twice, followed by silence.

After a while, Qi Zhuang’s hesitant voice came through: “…Are you sure?”

The butler replied, “Pretty much.”

A few seconds later, the walkie-talkie was cut off.

On the third floor, in the Qi family study.

Qi Zhuang put down the walkie-talkie, his expression not looking good. Jiang Yafang, seeing his serious face, immediately became nervous.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

“It’s a bit tricky.”

Qi Zhuang furrowed his brows, hesitating before speaking in a subtle tone. “That Lin Su, his relationship with He Zhenling seems… unusual.”

Jiang Yafang was taken aback. “How is that possible?”

She was about to say something, but then she thought of Lin Su’s face, and a mix of disgust and realization surfaced. “I knew it… A person with no background, how could he be so arrogant!”

Qi Zhuang didn’t speak.

Jiang Yafeng suddenly frowned, “You wouldn’t change your mind, would you?”

“I’m just worried about He Zhenling…”

“Then what do you suggest we do!?”

Jiang Yafeng became agitated, “I only have one precious son, Jiayuan! Jiayuan doesn’t have much time left. Where else can we find another body?”

Seeing Qi Zhuang’s expression waver, Jiang Yafeng gritted her teeth and said, “And didn’t we already investigate? That little bastard is just an ordinary student, no family background, no connections, and he hasn’t even been registered in the Heavenly Master Association. He was only protected by the Surveillance Association because he was suspected of ‘returning to life.’ What connection could he possibly have with He Zhenling—”

Her voice suddenly trailed off, and her expression gradually cleared.

“…Isn’t this even better?”

Qi Zhuang, confused, turned his head, “What are you talking about?”

Jiang Yafeng, in the midst of intense emotional turmoil, had already fallen into her own thoughts, “Once Jiayuan takes over that body, it will be easier to deal with He Zhenling, right?”

Their original plan was for Qi Jiayuan to occupy Lin Su’s body, and then use the news of the Qi family head’s return to life to claim that “Lin Su” was actually a member of the Qi family, openly raising him in their home.

The only tricky part was He Zhenling, who was with Lin Su.

But now—

“If He Zhenling really has any thoughts, couldn’t Jiayuan easily confuse him by pretending to be Lin Su? He could even make use of the Surveillance Association…”

The more Jiang Yafeng thought about it, the more convinced she became, growing excited. “No wonder they say Jiayuan is the lucky star of our Qi family!”

Qi Zhuang’s expression shifted from disbelief to wavering, and finally, he truly fell into deep thought…

Once an idea takes root, it spawns countless reasons to support its growth.

The study fell into a long silence.

Finally, Qi Zhuang let out a deep breath, his hands clenched together, his gaze unclear:

“Yes… Jiayuan is the lucky star of the Qi family. He will definitely turn things around and turn misfortune into fortune.”

He said as he picked up his phone to make contact, “First, get He Zhenling out of the way. As for the rest, we’ll deal with it after the switch.”

Jiang Yafeng finally relaxed, showing a smile.

*

In the guest room downstairs.

Lin Su still didn’t know what kind of grand scheme the Qi family had planned. At least for now, he was still sitting across from He Zhenling, fully dressed.

The buttons were fastened to the top, and as he lifted the teacup, his sleeve revealed a fair wrist.

He Zhenling paused for a few seconds, looking at him.

“Why haven’t you gone back yet?”

Lin Su shook his head, “I stayed in the room with the door and windows closed all afternoon. Once the curtains were drawn, I was going to leave. What would others think? I am concerned about your reputation.”

“…”

He Zhenling’s voice was calm, “You’re considerate, to still care about my reputation.”

Xue Nima whispered: [He Zhenling actually has a reputation…]

Lin Su blocked it and gently changed the subject, “The Qi family will probably find a way to get you out of here in the next couple of days. I’ll also leave the Qi family.”

He paused, “Taking their eldest son with me.”

He Zhenling skipped over the last sentence, “Have you found a place to stay?”

“A friend’s house.”

Seeing the raised eyebrow, Lin Su added, “It’s very safe.” He wrote down an address and handed it to him, “I’ll message you if anything happens. Don’t worry, I won’t… be reckless this time.”

He Zhenling looked at him deeply, “I actually believe you.”

…

Lin Su stayed for a while before returning to his room.

He Zhenling hadn’t left yet, and the Qi family wouldn’t take drastic action against him for now. So, by evening, after eating and drinking his fill, Lin Su prepared to go out.

[Where are you going?]

“To fulfill my promise.”

[?] Xue Nima: [When did you make a promise, and to whom?]

Lin Su calmly walked upstairs, “Didn’t I say I would visit him when I had time? Now I have time.”

Xue Nima: [……]

Outside the door on the third floor, a line of servants was waiting.

Lin Su reached the door, and as expected, he was stopped. He waved his hand.

“I’m here to visit the young master.”

The servant’s face twitched, about to refuse, but then they heard Qi Jiayuan’s voice from inside:

“Let him in. You all step back.”

The servant paused for a few seconds, lowered their head, and moved aside.

The door opened, and there he was, lying in bed.

The soft white bedding contrasted with a doll-like face. It was a similar scene to the one Lin Su had seen the night before.

The difference was that one had been in a cramped attic; the other was in a spacious, bright master bedroom, surrounded by call buttons, emergency equipment, protective talismans, and calming spiritual tools.

Lin Su closed the door and walked to Qi Jiayuan’s bedside.

The two of them stared at each other for a moment, and in the end, it was Qi Jiayuan who spoke first:

“Lin Su, Ge.”

“Looks like you really like calling me ‘Ge.'”

Lin Su looked at him, “But the one who should be calling ‘Ge’ doesn’t seem to be me.”

Qi Jiayuan’s expression didn’t change, still wearing a pure smile, “You really know everything.”

Lin Su replied calmly, “Mutual understanding.”

He had deliberately made him call him “Ge,” guiding him to open his mouth.

Qi Jiayuan smiled, “How much do you know? Have you met him?”

It was obvious who “he” referred to.

Lin Su didn’t answer, just glanced at him, “What about you?”

Qi Jiayuan didn’t answer either, smiling as he said, “It seems like Mom and Dad don’t take you seriously, but my intuition tells me I should be cautious of you. My intuition has always been accurate and has helped me a lot since I was little.”

For example, his intuition had taught him to feign weakness, to win his parents’ favor, and to deliberately hurt himself whenever he was with his brother.

Sure enough, his parents grew even more convinced that his brother would bring disaster.

Lin Su remained silent for several seconds, looking at him calmly, “You’ve always known.”

You knew that I was the one who shouldn’t exist.

“Yes, I’m not like… oh,” Qi Jiayuan covered his mouth, “They’re so stupid.”

People are naturally inclined to sympathize with the weak.

The Qi couple had mistakenly targeted the wrong person at first, and then, under Qi Jiayuan’s guidance, they had become completely convinced.

Seeing that Lin Su didn’t speak, Qi Jiayuan innocently said, “Are you blaming me? But what could I do? I went to the attic once—”

He whispered, “If I had to live like him, I might as well die.”

Xue Nima couldn’t hold back: [Your mother!]

Lin Su pressed it down: His mother is upstairs.

Xue Nima: [……]

The room fell silent for a moment, then Lin Su spoke, “Aren’t you afraid I’ll tell your parents?”

Qi Jiayuan’s smile didn’t falter. “Would they believe it?”

They wouldn’t.

If they believed it, they would have to admit the colossal mistake they made over the past 22 years, acknowledging that they were the ones who ruined the Qi family.

Lin Su didn’t speak again. The answer he needed was confirmed, and he was ready to leave.

A voice came from behind:

“Aren’t you going to ask me why I told you all this?”

Lin Su turned around. “Aren’t you going to ask me why I came?”

Qi Jiayuan’s smile tightened. “…Of course, you came to wish me a speedy recovery.”

Lin Su gave him a slight smile. “Yes, Small Claw Card.”

With that, he pushed open the door and left, his smile vanishing as he did.

Click.

*

In the hallway, Xue Nima finally spoke:

[Why did he confess all this to you?]

“Because he knows I’m about to ‘die.'”

Lin Su casually walked down the hallway. “Defending isn’t his style. From the moment he noticed me, he never intended for me to survive.”

[Isn’t he afraid you’ll record this and tell others?]

“Our conversation didn’t contain anything substantial.”

Xue Nima thought about it and realized it was true.

[What about telling He Zhenling?]

Lin Su chuckled. “That might be the purpose of his ‘confession.'”

Tomorrow, Qi Jiayuan would “occupy” this body.

If He Zhenling hears about it tonight and finds “Qi Jiayuan” gone the next day, he would certainly focus on the “twin” issue.

By then, Qi Jiayuan could use his identity to guide the situation and divert attention, disappearing quietly.

It was a much more refined plan than his parents’.

Xue Nima was speechless: “Doesn’t that mean sacrificing the entire Qi family?”

Lin Su shook his head. “A pair of parents is nothing compared to Qi Jiayuan’s life.”

This is what you call parents catching cicadas, with the filial son waiting behind.

As he spoke, they had already returned to the guest room.

Lin Su entered and said, “Since it’s confirmed that he’s not innocent, I have no more concerns.”

His long, jade-like fingers slipped into his pocket.

He had already said it: he would return the deviated path exactly as it was.

*

The next morning.

Lin Su woke up, roused by a glow of sleep: [You’re awake? He Zhenling has already left.]

He sat up and glanced at the message.

Aside from Hei and Bai Wuchang asking if he wanted to join a party at his house, there was no other information.

“He didn’t leave any messages.” Lin Su’s eyes revealed a faint sadness, and he sighed lightly. “In the end, the bond of these past few days was fleeting.”

Xue Nima calmly reminded him: [Do you still remember He Zhenling’s reputation?]

“…” He put away his phone and returned to normal. “Get up.”

He Zhenling was gone, and the Qi family should be moving soon.

*

In the small attic in the backyard.

Bang! The door was pushed open, and Qi Zhuang stood in the doorway, glaring at the young man inside, who appeared to be in good health.

He Zhenling was gone, and now he could come deal with this:

“Son of a bitch! What have you done?!”

Qi Jiachuo sat by the window, the small amount of daylight illuminating the old book in his hands. He turned his head upon hearing the voice, his calm face unchanging.

“What have I done?”

“What do you think? Jiayuan has fallen ill again. Did you do something to steal his life and fortune?”

Qi Jiachuo looked at him in silence.

Qi Zhuang’s anger rose. The thing he hated most was Qi Jiachuo, who had a face somewhat like his maternal grandfather’s, looking at him with an expression of complete disrespect.

He grabbed a chair beside him and threw it at him. “Son of a bitch!”

Bang!

Qi Jiachuo sidestepped, the corner of the chair hitting the window, cracking the glass. He paused, seeming to soften his tone. “I didn’t do anything.”

He added, “What could I do?”

Qi Zhuang stared at him for a few moments, seeing nothing unusual, then coldly said, “You’d better be honest. The Qi family is already being merciful by leaving you alive—”

He looked at the book in Qi Jiachuo’s hand. “Moreover, they’ve treated you well.”

Qi Jiachuo’s gaze dropped slightly.

That was just so he wouldn’t go mad.

After Qi Zhuang finished his inspection and vented his anger, he turned to leave. Just as he was about to go, Qi Jiachuo’s voice suddenly came from behind:

“Is this how the Qi family treats me, just because I’m a ‘disaster star’?”

Qi Zhuang furrowed his brows and turned around. “What?”

Qi Jiachuo looked into his eyes. “If I returned all the fortune and life, would you feel any guilt or gratitude?”

“What nonsense are you talking!” Qi Zhuang looked at him with a mocking expression. “This is what you should repay.”

The room fell silent for two seconds. “I understand.”

Qi Zhuang was bewildered and turned to slam the door shut.

Once his figure disappeared from outside the attic, inside the room, Lin Su had quietly appeared, leisurely leaning against the head of the bed.

“All done?”

Qi Jiachuo turned his head, seeing Lin Su so at ease, and couldn’t help but laugh. “Done.”

His eyes were clear, without a trace of attachment. “Let’s go.”

*

In a secluded, ancient inn.

The door to the inn was suddenly pushed open, and Lin Su walked in with someone, excitedly saying,

“Lao Xue! I’m here, aren’t you going to sweep the couch and welcome me?”

The door across from them quickly opened.

Xue Zhibai walked down the stairs. “You’re here, you’re here! My inn has been waiting for you!”

The two walked a few steps closer.

Xue Zhibai was about to say something to Lin Su when he turned and saw Qi Jiachuo behind him. The young man was elegant and gentle, with a very humble demeanor.

“Who is this?”

Lin Su briefly answered, “Big Brother.”

“……”

Qi Jiachuo smiled, accustomed to it.

Xue Zhibai sucked in a breath. After looking at him twice, he pulled Lin Su aside and whispered,

“You better go inside. There’s someone else in the room.”

“?”

__

Author’s Note:

Xue Zhibai sighed: “You’re no longer the boy you once were.”

Lin Su: “?”

Qi Jiachuo: “…I don’t understand the outside world.” (smiles)

He Zhenling: “Heh, reputation. Heh.”