FI CH96: Old Scars from Bygone Years

On Weibo, a screen full of verified accounts lit up in an instant.

Netizens were stunned for a few seconds before they all started taking screenshots to commemorate the moment. They flooded the trending topic, digging deep into the wealth of information.

—The founder of the Alliance is Little Boss!?

—My dead memories have been revived! I haven’t heard any news about Little Boss in so long, turns out he was quietly making big moves!

—Ahhh, it’s my white moonlight, my goddess boss! [Heart Eyes]

—What a power move! Screenshotting this! Gotta commemorate!

—Public Service Announcement! For anyone who doesn’t know “Little Boss,” come catch up! [Link Collection]

…

The sudden revelation of his identity successfully drew out a wave of fans from back in the day.

The phone in Lin Su’s hand wouldn’t stop vibrating.

He was scrolling through the comment section with a sense of nostalgia when an eye-catching ID suddenly popped up in the topic: [My Classmate is a Big Shot]: [Utterly Shocked]!?

In the next second, the phone on his desk also lit up.

[Chen You]: [Utterly Shocked] You…!?

Lin Su: “…”

He paused for a moment before lightly tapping out a [Cat Head] emoji in reply.

On Weibo, his identity sparked a massive, heated discussion. Amidst the buzz, netizens soon clicked on the blue “V” verified accounts mentioned above and were immediately shocked.

—The Huiyu Student Aid Foundation! I looked it up, it has already sponsored underprivileged students in 24 regions. It’s a real charity.

—Who doesn’t know about Tianhuan Scientific Research? It’s a top-tier research team collaborating with H University.

—The Yixue Journal is the authoritative academic publication in the world of Feng Shui!

—These are all the organizations that helped establish the new “Alliance,” and you guys were calling it a private workshop? [o.0???]

—It’s not just the Blue V’s; the Gold V’s are incredibly prestigious too! [Screenshot]

The timing was perfect, as it was right after the Golden Dew Awards had ended and public attention was at its peak. Sheng Linyu, the film crew, and fans from the Spirit Exploration Rules show were all active on Weibo. Most of these fans had lived through the “anti-plagiarism incident” back then, and now they all surged in.

The hashtag #AsBrightAsFire shot to the top of the trending list in an instant.

He Zhenling glanced at it, his tone calm. “You have plenty of Blue V accounts scattered around. Looks like you won’t be needing mine.”

“…” Lin Su squeezed up against him. “How could that be?”

He scrolled through the list of reposts. The Spirit Exploration Rules crew, Ke Juexin, Ye Yuzhu, Chen Keqing, and others were all there. “I didn’t expect all these little butterfly effects to take wing.”

Silence fell beside him for a few seconds.

Just as Lin Su was about to offer some gentle comfort, he turned his head and met He Zhenling’s soft gaze. The corner of He Zhenling’s lips curved up as he carefully studied Lin Su’s features, his expression gentle and open, clear and proper.

“They all received your help. It’s only natural they would step up for you now. What’s so unexpected about it?”

Lin Su’s gaze flickered, and he held his breath for a moment.

Their eyes met, and it was as if He Zhenling was devotedly taking in every part of him. A warmth spread through Lin Su’s chest, and after a moment, he shyly pressed a hand against He Zhenling’s firm chest.

“Your heart… suddenly feels so broad…”

He Zhenling suddenly laughed and grabbed his hand. “Let’s handle one thing at a time.”

Lin Su quietly pulled his hand back, speaking seriously, “Our Blue V account, of course, will be useful.”

He casually scrolled through the comments under the topic.

Although a large number of verified accounts were vouching for the Alliance, there were still dissenting voices jumping around in the public square: some were stubborn deniers, some acted like they were the only sane ones left, and a few disgruntled established families were trying to muddy the waters.

The comment section devolved into a chaotic argument:

—The accounts above are just a bunch of vested interests, trying to fool you newbies. [Eating melon]

—I’ve never seen any livestream, but seeing how young this “Little Boss” is, you just know his head is empty. And he’s starting an Alliance?

—To the brother above, what’s in your head? Maybe hide the explicit livestreams on your homepage first. [Making a fool of yourself]

—If they want to be willing sheep, you can’t stop them.

—The fans are all girls, aren’t they? Just looking at his face~

—What about it? Am I supposed to look at you instead of my beautiful and powerful goddess boss? [Surprised]

Amidst the comments, the ID [My Classmate is a Big Shot] was on a rampage, tearing into every comment that mentioned “scamming money” or “fake persona” with replies like: Sinful creature, shut your mouth. Master Du’s yesterday is your tomorrow! [Halt!]

“…”

Xuenima exclaimed in amazement: [The class president has such honest-looking features, yet he’s so eloquent.]

Lin Su raised an eyebrow and, using Ling Sheng’s Blue V account, gave Chen You a “like.”

Before the person in question or the netizens could react.

He jumped back into the public square and posted a new Weibo entry, attaching the link to the official website Pei Jin had just finished.

@LingShengGroupV: #AsBrightAsFire# Thank you to all parties for the promotional heat. The Alliance is recruiting. Interested parties, please enter: [Link]

The central figure of the topic had finally appeared, and the post was instantly pushed to the top.

Comments flooded in below: “Ahhh, this tone! Is it Little Boss!?”

“Goddess Boss, when is your next livestream?”

“Website bookmarked! It was actually made by Tianhuan Scientific Research!”

Lin Su glanced at the comments, then charged back into the public square, personally selecting a few lucky trolls to reply to:

“The scamming you mentioned, does it refer to investing over a billion to build a venue, then spending over a decade cultivating the next generation of celestial masters, all to scam a few commission fees? ^u^”

“Who are you stopping? 0 followers.”

He then found a comment that said, “So gullible, believing everything,” and directly liked it, replying with an image.

Xuenima leaned in closer: [What did you send?]

“A completely black picture. The moment you open it, your own face is reflected back at you.”

[…]

The major Blue V account went on a rampage in the comment section. Onlookers, catching wind of the drama, flocked over, leaving a trail of “WTF, over a billion!” and “Hahahahaha…” comments as they took screenshots.

The #AsBrightAsFire# topic shot to number one on the trending list.

The toxic comments were instantly silenced by ridicule.

Lin Su, having satisfied his craving for a fight, logged out, pleased. “See? I told you I’d get it up there within the day.”

He Zhenling gave the trailblazing Blue V account a deep look: …

Lin Su handed the phone back to him.

He Zhenling asked, “Had enough?”

“Enough.” Lin Su leaned back lazily, patting the President of the Surveillance beside him before turning his head. “As for the rest… it’s time to investigate which established families dared to slander an official Tianshi Association.”

He Zhenling lowered his eyes, his lips curling. “Little Boss, received.”

The obstacle of public opinion was completely cleared.

He Zhenling acted with swift and decisive force, quickly investigating the families that were spreading rumors about the official body.

Within a month, things were cleaned up from top to bottom.

Pei Jin also completed the system design and began installing the equipment in the venue piece by piece.

On the day it was mostly finished, Lin Su paid a visit.

The venue was located on the west side of the city.

The surrounding greenery was beautiful, with winding paths and excellent feng shui. The massive venue was shaped like a half-arc, highest in the middle and flanked on both sides. The overall structure resembled the ancient pictograph for the character “mountain” (山).

Upon entering, the view was spacious and bright.

The design retained an optimal feng shui layout while integrating the latest modern technology.

Lin Su stood in the center of the main hall, looking around in awe. “Nima, we’ve basically become cyber-celestial masters.”

Xuenima looked up in admiration: [But you don’t even know how to use screen mirroring. You’re not going to get locked inside the Alliance one day, are you?]

“…”

Lin Su turned his head warily. “Senior, is this equipment complicated?”

Pei Jin explained, “Not complicated, most of it is smart-tech. We’re using the latest ‘Authentication and Recognition System,’ which specifies permissions for each member…”

He went on to list a string of terms like “genetic… record… engineering… digital.”

Lin Su took a shallow breath and concluded, “In short, it’s very advanced and very convenient, right?”

Pei Jin nodded with a smile. “Yes, that’s right.”

Lin Su was relieved. “You’ve worked hard, Senior.”

As they were talking, the sound of footsteps came from the main entrance behind them. Turning around, they saw Bai Jiang arriving with Yan Guanyue, followed by Yi Daiming and Yi Shui.

During this time, Qi Wang had been busy consolidating the Qi family’s power.

The Lu family’s main branch was not in the capital.

So for his visit to the venue today, Lin Su had called on the Bai and Yi families, and also invited Yan Guanyue.

Pei Jin said his farewells and went to get busy.

Yan Guanyue still wore his silver-rimmed glasses, his face appearing slightly cool and distant. Upon seeing Lin Su, a small smile appeared. “We finally meet again in the capital, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Su smiled slightly. “Guanyue.”

His gaze shifted to Yi Shui standing beside them.

Yi Shui looked much more vibrant than before, and a faint glimmer of light now colored her once vacant, emotionless eyes. “Brother Teacher.”

Bai Jiang: ^v^

Lin Su reached out and patted her head. “Xiao Shui.”

Yi Shui moved to stand by Lin Su’s side.

She didn’t speak, so Yan Guanyue gently adjusted his glasses and looked at Lin Su.

“Mr. Lin, you invited me here today because…”

Lin Su got straight to the point. “You know about the newly established Alliance. I’m short-staffed right now. I’d like to entrust the management and coordination of the Alliance to you.”

Management and coordination was a role roughly equivalent to second-in-command.

A ripple passed through Yan Guanyue’s eyes. “Such a major responsibility, you’re entrusting it to me?”

Lin Su nodded. “Are you willing?”

He was silent for only two seconds before his calm and unflappable expression returned. “I will do my utmost.”

Xuenima turned its head: [You were planning to rope Guanyue in all along?]

Lin Su ignored its choice of words: Guanyue is clear-headed, rational, and more than capable. He also has no family background and is someone I can trust. He’s the perfect person for the job.

He spoke again, “Additionally, I hope you can help contact the others who participated in the event with us.” Those were also capable celestial masters without family backing. “See if they are willing to join.”

Yan Guanyue agreed. “I will ask them.”

…

With the matters of staffing and coordination handed over to Yan Guanyue, all the necessary preparations for the Alliance were in place.

The establishment of the Alliance was now a certainty.

Yi Daiming’s expression grew serious as he looked at Lin Su. After a long moment, as if he had made a great resolution, he let out a heavy sigh. “Brother Su, I have seen the blueprint you’ve laid out. So, according to our agreement…”

Yi Shui, who had been waiting at the side, looked up, her eyes shining.

Yi Daiming’s gaze fell on her, his weathered face showing a mix of affection and helplessness. “Please… take back Xiao Shui’s ability.”

A bamboo brush appeared in hand.

Slender fingers wrapped around the shaft.

Pale golden sunlight streamed in from the bright entrance, casting a warm glow in Lin Su’s eyes. “As you wish.”

After speaking, he lifted the brush and brought it down—

Golden threads weaved through the air, their paths intertwined.

The hem of his clothes moved without a wind, and the refracted sunlight washed over Yi Shui’s small face as she closed her eyes and tilted her head up.

A moment later, Lin Su withdrew his hand. “It’s done.”

Yi Shui slowly opened her eyes. The smoky blue of her pupils, as if a storm had passed, was now a clear lake blue. She stood quietly for a few seconds as Yi Daiming and Bai Jiang held their breath, watching her.

Then, the corners of her mouth curved into a tiny smile as she whispered, “What a peaceful world.”

No more visions of past lives and futures.

No more yin-yang eyes that saw ghosts at every turn.

Her beautiful eyes looked at Lin Su. “Thank you, Brother Teacher.”

Lin Su smiled. “You’re welcome.”

As if a new world had opened up to her, Yi Shui looked around with curiosity before running in small steps into the sunlight at the entrance. Yi Daiming called out “Hey, hey,” then chuckled and chased after her.

Bai Jiang watched the grandfather and granddaughter, smiling. “Teacher, is it better this way?”

Lin Su’s gaze also followed them, his voice gentle. “This is better.”

“She should be a bird, free to fly.”

…

The grandfather and granddaughter were playing with their shadows over there.

Lin Su brought his gaze back and scanned the venue. “By the way, Xiao Bai, I have something to ask of you too.”

Bai Jiang was cheerful. “Teacher, just give the order. There’s no need to ‘ask’…”

Lin Su said, “The new venue is too empty. I plan to put some of my collection here as founding treasures. The things of mine that were on display at your place, I’d like to move them back.”

It was like a bolt from the blue for Bai Jiang! Σ(●口●!!)

Lin Su asked, “Is that not allowed?”

“…” Two fried eggs seemed to appear in front of him. Bai Jiang parted with them in pain. “It’s… it’s allowed.” He hesitated for a moment, unable to hold back. “But, can you leave the exam papers for me?”

Lin Su was gentle. “…I never planned on taking that kind of thing anyway.”

Bai Jiang let out a huge sigh of relief, the storm clouds clearing. “Then it’s fine.” ^▽^

Xuenima closed its eyes: [What is he even worried about.]

As they were talking, Yi Daiming called out to him again. He turned around, holding Yi Shui’s little hand. “By the way, Brother Su.”

He said seriously, “Regarding the Alliance, we have internally and unanimously nominated you to be the president. You can’t refuse this.”

This time, Lin Su didn’t act modest. “Of course I won’t.”

Power meant responsibility.

He was the one who initiated the Alliance. At least in its early stages, he would bear this responsibility.

A smile appeared on Yi Daiming’s face, and Bai Jiang and Yi Shui also looked over with anticipation.

“In that case, President Lin, in half a month, we will prepare for the Alliance’s opening ceremony and your inauguration.”

Yi Shui’s commission was resolved smoothly.

With all matters of the Alliance arranged, Lin Su finally had some leisure time.

He sprawled out on the living room sofa like a noodle, stared peacefully at the ceiling for a while, and couldn’t resist taking out his phone. “I’ve been so busy lately I haven’t even had a good meal.”

Xuenima, who was swimming in a ball pit, started to say: [When have you not eat—]

Halfway through, it sensed the key element and turned its head: [He!]

Lin Su had already sat up, eagerly sending a Weixin message to He Zhenling: Come to my residence for a gathering. [Blatant]

Ling: Your invitations are indeed blatant now.

[Su to Natural Wake]: Not coming? [Wagging Tail]

Ling: Heh, wait for me.

He put his phone away. “Nima, he told me to wait.”

A rustle came from the ball pit: [Going dark.]

…

He Zhenling arrived quickly.

Lin Su had just gotten out of the shower when he arrived.

Ling Sheng Group’s headquarters had recently moved to the capital, very close to his home. He Zhenling was wearing a suit when he came in, probably having come directly from the office.

Lin Su had just walked out of the bathroom.

The two met face-to-face in the hallway. His hair was slightly damp, darkening the fabric on his shoulder with a small patch of water.

He Zhenling’s gaze fell there, and his throat moved slightly. He walked up to Lin Su, picked up the towel on his shoulder, and gently dried his hair, speaking seriously. “Finished with the Alliance business?”

Lin Su squinted. “Yeah, pretty much. They want me to be the president.”

He Zhenling paused, his eyes lowering. “Oh… President Lin.”

Lin Su flushed slightly at the title. “You’re being formal.”

He Zhenling’s movements slowed as he looked at him. His fingertips, separated by the towel, gently brushed over his scalp, sending a tingling numbness through him.

He chuckled. “President Kunkun.”

“…”

Lin Su looked up and met his gaze.

They were standing in the half-lit, half-dark hallway. As their eyes met, a certain warmth crept into He Zhenling’s gaze. Lin Su’s breath grew a little hot, and he couldn’t resist tugging on his suit jacket—

The man before him lowered his lashes and leaned in.

One hand cupped the back of his head over the towel as He Zhenling expertly parted his lips, sucking and tasting his tongue.

Lin Su’s hands climbed up to his neck with a soft hum.

His tongue was suddenly hooked fiercely. He Zhenling pulled back, his brow heavy as he looked down at him. “Want to continue here?”

Lin Su’s eyelashes trembled. “…To the bed.”

The sensitive word stimulated the nerves, and the gaze before him darkened.

The next moment, he was lifted up in one swift motion—

Lin Su propped himself on He Zhenling’s shoulders as the towel slipped to the floor. He Zhenling turned his head to seal his lips, hooking his legs around his waist as he carried him towards the bedroom.

The door was casually slammed shut behind them with a “bang.”

In a dizzying kiss, Lin Su felt his vision spin before his back was against the bed. He Zhenling braced himself on either side, pressing down on him. The neat suit jacket was pulled off to the side, revealing a reddened neck above the collar.

Breaths and the faint sound of moisture escaped their lips.

Lin Su was still fixated on his “good fruit,” his hand tugging at the man’s shirt, pulling it up.

He Zhenling’s breath hitched, and his lips parted. “Don’t mess around…”

Lin Su leaned in for a peck. “Just one bite…”

The veins on the back of his hand pulsed. He Zhenling took a deep breath and supported himself on both sides, letting him be.

He was a head taller.

Lin Su slid down a little, pulling up the hem of the shirt to the perfect height. The metal loop of his piercing glinted as he expertly raised his head, but his wrist was suddenly caught in a grip filled with restrained force.

He Zhenling lowered his head, a silent frown on his face.

In the heated atmosphere, neither had the extra mental capacity to think, and an uncontrollable heat swirled around them. Lin Su released his lips and glanced up, his eyes landing on the man’s bobbing, distinctly lined Adam’s apple.

He swallowed lightly and pulled the shirt up further—

Just as he was about to bite down, he suddenly froze.

Lin Su’s gaze fixed on the spot: just above the flushed collarbone was a faint… bite mark? It looked like an old mark from years ago, already somewhat faded.

Noticing the lack of movement, He Zhenling collected himself and pushed himself up. “What’s wrong, you…” His voice trailed off as he met Lin Su’s accusatory, as-if-catching-a-cheater gaze.

He Zhenling: ?

Lin Su scrambled up, his eyes burning. “…Who bit you?”

“…”

He Zhenling looked down at him for a long moment, then suddenly smiled. “Why don’t you open your mouth, and we can compare?”

Author’s Note:

Kun: (Opens mouth like a giant abyss) Ahhh—

Big Bird He: …Just open it normally.

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