MCL CH9

Chapter 9: Yan Xingzhou, this person, is indeed also…

During the wait for a reply, Qi Xian subconsciously began to imagine his own future funeral.

It wasn’t until he vaguely saw a figure flash before him.

The moment Yan Xingzhou passed by without a glance, a sense of relief washed over Qi Xian, as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over his head. In an instant, his entire body was drenched in a cold sweat.

Lin Xi remained silent throughout, watching as Yan Xingzhou walked to the bedside.

He was still lying in bed. The tall man stood before him, and from this angle, it was a posture of condescending scrutiny.

In the silence, Lin Xi could even feel that viscous gaze like an invisible hand, slowly stroking every inch of his skin.

Cold.

Bone-chilling.

Lin Xi had found it puzzling for a long time. A man like Yan Xingzhou, how could he not have awakened an ice-type ability? If he were put to work in a cold storage facility, it would probably save a large sum of money on freezer procurement.

The footsteps stopped as Yan Xingzhou paused by the bed. The surroundings were so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Lin Xi met his gaze and smiled, offering a greeting. “President Yan.”

Although his life wasn’t in danger, his body was covered in dense wounds and he had lost a lot of blood, which made his already pale face look as fragile as paper.

“Mm,” Yan Xingzhou acknowledged. “It seems I don’t need to introduce myself.”

“The medical staff told me everything after I woke up.” A gentle smile hung on Lin Xi’s face. Soft red hair fell by the side of his face, and the gratitude in his heterochromatic eyes looked extremely sincere.

Such a gaze would undoubtedly be full of affection even when looking at a dog. When it fell on Yan Xingzhou, it was even more gentle.

Lin Xi: “It was chaotic yesterday. I didn’t have a chance to thank you.”

“We can talk about thanks later, when we have time.” Yan Xingzhou looked down at Lin Xi, his tone unhurried. “Let’s solve the problem at hand first.”

The problem at hand? Does he mean…

Lin Xi had already realized something. Before he could speak, he felt a shadow cover him without warning.

He subconsciously tried to move back to avoid it, but the next moment, his arm was grabbed by Yan Xingzhou and pressed down.

The distance between them suddenly closed as Yan Xingzhou leaned down. Within arm’s reach, Lin Xi felt a touch on his neck.

Fingertips traced down his esophagus, point by point, making the atmosphere even more ambiguous.

This action would undoubtedly seem intimate to others, but Yan Xingzhou’s fingers were simply too cold. Coupled with the inquisitive gaze that seemed to be observing a lifeless object, Lin Xi had no doubt that if he detected the slightest thing wrong, that silently stroking hand would not hesitate to snap his throat.

Lin Xi’s throat moved slightly, and the resulting tremor was transmitted to Yan Xingzhou’s fingertips.

Yan Xingzhou narrowed his eyes. His unconcealed, naked gaze seemed to want to pierce through those mismatched eyes and see the soul hidden behind them.

He moved closer, to a distance that couldn’t be any closer, before he finally spoke slowly. Although he was staring intently at Lin Xi, his words were directed at Qi Xian. “The smell of blood doesn’t seem to have been completely washed away. The action team’s shampoo is a bit pungent. In addition, there’s also a strong smell of contamination value inhibitors… Captain Qi, if you ask me, my assessment is, it smells quite nice.”

Qi Xian, who was trying his best to be invisible air on the side, was suddenly brought back into the topic. He was stunned for a moment, then gave a dry laugh. “…Is that so.”

“Mm,” Yan Xingzhou replied. “But objectively speaking, it probably doesn’t count as fragrant.”

He looked down at Lin Xi and asked with a sincere attitude, “Is this answer satisfactory?”

“Thank you, very satisfactory.”

Lin Xi looked up and revealed a slight smile. “Then now, can President Yan let me go first? Although I have always respected everyone’s sexual orientation equally, I’m sorry, I’m really not used to being touched by a man like this in public.”

Like a clap of thunder flashing through his mind, Qi Xian subconsciously glanced at the long-empty doorway of the ward, for a moment hesitating whether he should tactfully leave.

Not used to it in… public.

Does that mean he’s in the way?

It was only a moment of stalemate before Yan Xingzhou released his hand.

He slowly straightened up by the bedside, took a step back unhurriedly, his attitude could be called gentlemanly. “Of course. I have finished my assessment.”

Hah, assessment?

Was he assessing whether he smelled fragrant, or… something else?

With his throat free again, Lin Xi smiled without a trace. “Didn’t President Yan come here specifically to see Captain Qi? I’m fine here. There’s no need to waste unnecessary time on me.”

Yan Xingzhou glanced at his hand, where the sensation of touch still lingered, then turned and strode away.

Pausing at the door of the ward, he glanced at Qi Xian, who was still standing there stunned. “Captain Qi, are we going to the conference room?”

“Ah, yes.”

Qi Xian finally came to his senses. After saying goodbye to Lin Xi, he got up and followed.

It wasn’t until the footsteps outside the ward had faded away that the voice that had been quiet in his mind for a long time sounded again, its tone somewhat grim: [You’re not safe.]

Lin Xi stroked the lingering sensation on his neck and slowly lay down on the bed. “Why do you say that?”

[You were tricked into going there three years ago because you received his message, right?]

[Tsk tsk tsk, don’t look at his calm, cool, and collected appearance. I think he’s a madman too.]

[A person like that, aren’t you afraid that after he confirms you’re not dead, he’ll kill you a second time?]

Lin Xi: “Not afraid.”

[Oh? So certain?]

Lin Xi: “Because I know he was never the one who wanted to kill me.”

[Not him? Are you sure?]

“Some things, you don’t need confirmation to know the answer.”

Lin Xi smiled silently, but his tone was faint. “But you’re not wrong about one thing. Yan Xingzhou, that person, is indeed also a madman. If it’s not necessary, it’s best to steer clear of him.”

[Steer clear? Such a good chess piece, I thought you would drag him into this.]

“What I have to do has nothing to do with him.” Lin Xi slowly closed his eyes. “Besides, one madman reviled by thousands in the story is enough. Another one, don’t you think it would be a bit of a scene-stealer?”

[What a flimsy excuse! Not using such a great resource of connections, that doesn’t sound like the Executive who would stop at nothing. Can I interpret this as you can’t bear to, that you’ve gone soft?]

[But even if you don’t want to provoke him, it seems he’s already noticed you.]

[Oh dear~ How annoying, what to do, what to do~~]

Lin Xi finally frowned in annoyance. “Shut up, you’re too noisy.”

What to do?

He wanted to know too.

From beginning to end, he couldn’t figure out where he had gone wrong in his interactions with Yan Xingzhou, yet somehow, he had been inexplicably targeted.

Is this Yan Xingzhou person toxic or something?

On the other side, Qi Xian had already brought Yan Xingzhou to the reception room.

“Regarding all the relevant information on this rift, I will have someone organize it and send it to you later,” Qi Xian said, secretly observing Yan Xingzhou’s expression. By this time, he naturally knew the purpose of this man’s visit. Although he wasn’t sure what he wanted them for, he tactfully did not ask further. “Because the matter at the quarantine zone has just been resolved, the analysis report of that C-class contaminant may take another two days.”

“It’s fine, I’m not in a hurry,” Yan Xingzhou said. “Besides the analysis report, I’ll also need to trouble Captain Qi to provide us with a sample of the cell tissue collected on-site. In addition, I also need a blood sample from the survivor of this incident.”

“A blood sample from the survivor?” Qi Xian confirmed in a low voice. “You mean, Mr. Lin?”

As his voice fell, Yan Xingzhou suddenly looked up at him. “His surname is ‘Lin’? His full name is…”

The gaze that came over was filled with too many complex emotions, which stunned Qi Xian for a moment before he realized that the two had just met yesterday. “Lin Ni.”

“Lin Ni…” as if savoring tea, he murmured the name repeatedly. Yan Xingzhou quickly returned to his usual indifferent demeanor. “Just collect the blood during his treatment. Don’t let him know.”

Although it was strange, Qi Xian still replied, “Understood.”

The rift incident had been completely settled. After Lin Xi arrived at the action team’s facility, his previous quarantine time was reset, and he stayed for an extra seven days.

Finally, the day for the end of quarantine arrived again.

Lin Xi had been brought in on a stretcher, so he had no luggage and was traveling light. Now, wearing a simple uniform borrowed from the action team, he returned the pen to the staff member after completing the departure registration at the front desk and asked, “Why haven’t I seen your Captain Qi today? Is he not at work?”

The staff member: “We have a visitor today. The captain should be receiving them.”

A visitor that requires Qi Xian’s reception? Could it be—

Lin Xi’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced out the window and, sure enough, saw the black Cadillac parked squarely at the main entrance.

He hadn’t seen Yan Xingzhou since that day, but now, this person had come to the action team just as he was about to end his quarantine.

Coincidence or?

The staff member: “Are you looking for Captain Qi for something?”

“No, it’s nothing, really,” Lin Xi said, turning to leave without hesitation. But just as he took a step, he came face to face with the opening elevator doors.

Caught off guard, he met the eyes of the person in the elevator.

The staff member had sharp eyes and immediately spoke up, “Captain Qi, this gentleman is looking for you.”

Lin Xi: “…”

In a moment, a smile had appeared on his lips. He greeted them familiarly, “Captain Qi… President Yan.”

Yan Xingzhou’s gaze fell on Lin Xi, and he nodded. “Long time no see, Mr. Lin. You’ve finally finished your quarantine. Congratulations.”

He didn’t know if it was his imagination, but Lin Xi felt that when Yan Xingzhou said “Mr. Lin,” his tone was filled with an indescribable, subtle meaning.

Lin Xi was not surprised that this person had learned his name from Qi Xian.

Anyway, he had just made it up on the spot.

Qi Xian followed Yan Xingzhou out of the elevator. His expression still looked a bit grim, but he quickly composed himself and walked over to Lin Xi. “You were looking for me?”

Lin Xi glanced to the side. Seeing that Yan Xingzhou was standing there with no intention of interfering, he thought for a moment and decided not to let this person disrupt his own plans. “It’s like this. So much has happened during the quarantine period, and I’ve lost all my personal belongings. I don’t know anyone around here, so I really have no choice but to ask you for help.”

“You’re being too polite. It was our action team’s work error that led to the accident. We should be responsible for you to the end,” Qi Xian said. “Just say whatever you need.”

“Actually, it’s just a small matter.” Lin Xi met Qi Xian’s gaze. “Would you mind lending me some money?”

Qi Xian readily agreed, “Of course, no problem. Say it, how much do you need to borrow?”

Lin Xi smiled with incomparable gentleness. “Not much, twenty thousand is enough.”

“Oh, twenty thousand is enou—” Qi Xian’s words paused slightly. “How much?”

Lin Xi: “I don’t have a phone right now, so it would be best if it’s cash.”

The corner of Qi Xian’s mouth twitched slightly. “Well, that’s not too much.”

Although it was very faint, Lin Xi clearly heard someone laugh softly beside him.

He didn’t look at Yan Xingzhou’s expression and just looked at Qi Xian with an expectant expression.

Qi Xian steeled himself. “Alright, you wait here. I’ll go to an ATM and withdraw—”

“No need to go to such trouble.”

Qi Xian turned to look at Yan Xingzhou, who had suddenly spoken. “What?”

“I mean, no need to go to such trouble to withdraw cash. I have some here.” Yan Xingzhou had been watching from the side. Seeing Lin Xi also look over, he curled his lips into a silent smile. “Borrowing from anyone is still borrowing. Borrowing from me is the same.”

He glanced at his assistant out of the corner of his eye. “Ju Ze.”

Ju Ze, who had been with Yan Xingzhou for a long time, was worthy of being his personal assistant. The moment he understood, he had already strode out of the action team’s main entrance.

When he returned a short while later, there was already a tightly sealed black bag in his hand. He came to Lin Xi and placed it squarely. “Twenty thousand in cash. Please count it, Mr. Lin.”

Lin Xi: “…?”

What era is this? Who carries tens of thousands in cash when they go out!

Yan Xingzhou looked at Lin Xi. “Is it enough?”

Three simple words, leaving no doubt that if Lin Xi had said “not enough,” he would have had his assistant go and get more.

“It’s enough.” Lin Xi took the bag from the ground and looked up at Yan Xingzhou. “Should I write you an IOU?”

“No need,” Yan Xingzhou replied faintly. “Wanyuan Corporation. You can come find me anytime you want to repay the money.”

“Then, thank you.” Leaving those words behind, Lin Xi ignored the very spectacular expressions of the others around him, picked up the bag, and turned to walk out of the action team’s building.

The more he lingered at this time, the more likely he was to cause more trouble.

Since he had woken up, Lin Xi had been either in the quarantine zone or in the action team’s ward. As a gust of wind blew past, he finally felt a refreshing sense of freedom.

But at this moment, it only gave him more of a headache.

All because of one Yan Xingzhou.

[He seems quite rich.]

After a soft sigh, the voice in his mind turned curious: [But what are you borrowing money for?]

Lin Xi looked up at the sun in the sky, his mismatched eyes squinting slightly. “Because, only with money can you do whatever you want.”

[Huh???]

Lin Xi did not answer and walked straight to the nearby bus stop.

Stopping in front of a waiting college student, he revealed a gentle smile. “Excuse me, may I borrow your phone for a moment?”

Such a face suddenly crashing into view, the college student’s face flushed under his smile, and he immediately handed over his phone. “Of course, you can.”

“Thank you,” Lin Xi took it and skillfully dialed a phone number.

After a moment of a busy tone, the call connected. He said “hello,” his attitude quite polite. “Hello, is this the fake ID service?”

[Pfft—!]

“Why did they hang up?” Lin Xi glanced at the ended call interface on the screen, as if not noticing the college student’s gradually stiffening expression, and dialed again. “Hello? Yes, it’s me again. Don’t be afraid, rest assured I’m really not a bad person. This isn’t a sting operation. I’m just an ordinary person who wants to get a fake ID. I was saying, your business… tsk, why did they hang up on me again.”

After fiddling with it again, in the end, Lin Xi had no choice but to return the phone to the now completely petrified college student and sighed regretfully, “They even blocked me.”

[…………]

Brother, you are truly out of this world!