MLV Ch 46

Old Master Jin pointed to the wall behind his study, where numerous strange masks hung. They had varied faces and vibrant colors; some had the wrathful eyes of a guardian deity, some had mouths full of fangs, and others had horns, golden eyes, and sharp sideburns, a fusion of human and beast. The old master walked to the wall, gazed at the masks, and said slowly, “Shen Duo must have told you, our line of work has many schools and clans, and each family has its own craft. Our Jin family’s craft is the ‘Divine Nuo Dance.’”

“Divine Nuo Dance?”

The old master nodded and pointed to a mask hanging in the very center. The entire mask was lacquered in gold, with a dot of cinnabar on its forehead. Its eyes were long, narrow, and slanted upwards, the corners painted red. Unlike the other wrathful, ferocious masks, this one had a sacred air of universal salvation.

“This is the divine mask Ah Ze wore as a child, the Crown Prince mask. When Ah Ze was little, he was so clever and sensible. The family tutors taught him to dance, and he learned instantly. He was the Nuo God Crown Prince of our old Jin family. From the time he was five, people from all over would come and invite him to perform the Nuo dance. He was so young, he had to attend classes and study on weekdays, and during winter and summer breaks, he had to fly everywhere for performances. His schedule was packed. I asked him if he was tired, that it was okay to refuse those people. Our Jin family has a lot of clout; no one would dare say anything about us.” The old master caressed the bodhisattva-like divine mask, tears glistening in his eyes.

“Ah Ze said he wasn’t tired at all. The living could find joy in his Nuo dance, and the dead could find peace. He loved dancing for them.”

“Such a good child. Anyone who saw my Ah Ze was envious. But…” The old man let out a long sigh. 

“When he was ten, he entered the forbidden zone, and everything changed. He became a xiong sui. The Divine Nuo Dance is a dance to exorcise evil. If a xiong sui performs our Jin family’s dance, every step would be like walking on knife points and a sea of fire, causing him immense pain. From then on, he could never dance the Nuo dance again. Those old fools at the Academy wanted to euthanize him. His father has a heart of stone and refused to keep him. That woman with the surname Xu hides daggers in her smiles and fanned the flames. I fought tooth and nail, just hoping for a miracle, that one day he would turn back into the Ah Ze he used to be.”

“Euthanize?” Jiang Ye was startled.

The old master nodded. 

“All xiong sui must be exterminated. This is the rule passed down from our ancestors. The Academy spared Ah Ze because of me. But I had to make an agreement with them: if they ever find Ah Ze committing any misconduct, they can sanction him, put him to sleep. I’m old. I can’t watch over him, teach him to follow the rules, to know when to advance and retreat, to understand good and evil. Xiao Ye, you just asked him to apologize, and he actually listened. It shows he’s not completely beyond hope. Shen Duo told me you are a good child. Since you like him, can grandpa entrust him to you?”

Jiang Ye: “…”

If he didn’t tell the truth now, it would be too late. Jiang Ye wanted no deeper connection with Jin Feize, especially not this terrifying male-male relationship. Jin Feize was a fatal quagmire that pulled people in, and he had to get out as soon as he could. Jiang Ye himself was just a student who had just finished his college entrance exams. To expect him to restrain Jin Feize was the worst possible plan. And… thinking about what Jin Feize had done to him, a shadow fell over Jiang Ye’s heart. He really didn’t want to deal with that guy.

Jiang Ye took a deep breath. 

“Grandpa, I…”

Old Master Jin suddenly pulled out a file from under the desk and handed it to him. Jiang Ye looked down and saw it was a medical examination report. The patient was Jin Tianhong, and the diagnosis was a Grade II neuroepithelial tumor.

“The doctor said I don’t have many days left. A glioma is a malignant brain tumor, very difficult to treat. His dad wants me to go to America, but what’s the use? I’d only be farther away from Ah Ze. In this world, if I don’t plan for him, what will he do after I’m dead? Will he be crazy for the rest of his life, or be caught for some mistake by those old coots, tied up, and euthanized in prison?” Old Master Jin patted the back of Jiang Ye’s hand and said, “Of course, Xiao Ye, I’m not using my illness to pressure you. I know Ah Ze is a hot potato, how could I let you be dragged down by him? You’re just a child yourself. If you’re not willing, you can refuse me right now.”

“I…” The words were stuck in Jiang Ye’s throat like a fishbone. He couldn’t get them out.

The medical report was only a few thin sheets of paper, but in Jiang Ye’s hands, it felt as heavy as iron. Jiang Ye tried to refuse, but after opening his mouth several times, he couldn’t utter a single word. This was the final request of an old man who didn’t have long to live. He couldn’t harden his heart to refuse.

Jiang Ye lowered his head, his gaze falling on the video on the phone. The frame was frozen on the moment little Jin Feize looked at the camera. His dark pupils were as clear as a shimmering mountain spring, radiantly brilliant, truly like a divine crown prince descended to the mortal realm. Time seemed to flow back to the day of the god parade, when he had gently stood on his tiptoes and pressed a kiss to Jiang Ye’s forehead. A ripple stirred in Jiang Ye’s chest, a ripple that crossed twelve years and resonated in his heart today.

Finally, he closed his eyes and said, “Alright, I’ll watch over him for you. However, I hope Grandpa can do me a small favor.”

Old Master Jin was overjoyed. 

“Good, good, good! Tell me, I’ll definitely get it done for you!”

By the time their conversation ended, the clock was already pointing to ten o’clock sharp. Jiang Ye walked out of the study under the clear, bright moonlight. As he passed the small wisteria garden, a bloated figure stood alone by the bamboo trellis. Jiang Ye fixed his gaze on it, and the figure slowly shuffled toward him. The moonlight shifted onto the man’s large, pale face, which resembled an over-proofed steamed bun, illuminating his two small, bean-like eyes.

It was Jin Feifei.

For some reason, Jiang Ye always felt that there was something strange about his appearance.

He lowered his head and wrung his hands, looking bashful. Jiang Ye spoke first, “Is something the matter?”

Jin Feifei carefully handed over a small, red velvet box. 

“This is a relic of brother’s birth mother.”

“A relic?”

Jiang Ye took the box and opened it. Inside was a translucent jade pendant, its inclusions as crimson as blood.

Jin Feifei said in a small voice, “My mom found it in Auntie Shi’s dowry box. She asked me to give it to you. Brother doesn’t like my mom, so it’s more appropriate for you to give it to him.”

Jiang Ye put the box away. 

“Pardon me for asking, but how did Auntie Shi pass away?”

Jin Feifei shook his head. 

“I don’t know. She and my brother accidentally fell into the forbidden zone, and only my brother came back. I don’t know anything else. You… you’d better not ask anyone else. This matter is a Jin family secret, many people are very guarded about it, especially my dad.”

Jiang Ye lowered his eyes in deep thought, said his thanks, and turned to leave. Suddenly, he heard Jin Feifei call out from behind him, “Jiang Ye!”

He turned back. 

“Is there anything else?”

Jin Feifei hesitated, then asked, “I heard from my mom that you’ve seen those things. Are they… are they scary?”

“They’re alright.” Jiang Ye studied his expression. 

“Why do you ask?”

“Nothing, just curious. I’m going now, goodbye.” As if afraid Jiang Ye would ask more questions, Jin Feifei hastily turned and waddled away.

Li Miaomiao was squatting by a stone lion counting ants. Jin Feize had his hands in his pockets, leaning against the side of the business van. Seeing Jiang Ye come out, Jin Feize’s eyes curved into a smile. 

“What did you talk about for so long?”

“…Nothing.” Jiang Ye handed the jade pendant box to Jin Feize. 

“Your little brother gave it to me. He said it belonged to your mother.”

Without even looking, Jin Feize said, “Throw it away.”

Jiang Ye frowned. 

“This is your mother’s relic.”

“Can’t I throw away a relic?” Jin Feize was puzzled. 

“The person is gone, what’s the point of a memento? To reminisce? How boring. If you truly miss someone that much, why not just go die with them? Buried together, flesh rotting with flesh, bones molding with bones. Isn’t that better?”

Jiang Ye: “…”

Forget it, he’d just keep it for him.

Jiang Ye’s backpack was stuffed with daily necessities and could easily get messy. To avoid forgetting where he put it later, he temporarily placed the jade pendant in Li Miaomiao’s little rabbit crossbody bag where she kept her phone.

Uncle Gao said that the old master had arranged for them to stay at the Jin Group’s own hotel, where it would be comfortable and free of charge. Jiang Ye couldn’t refuse, and since this guy Jin Feize refused to go home and insisted on following them, he had no choice but to respectfully comply. The car entered the main gate in front of the hotel courtyard, passed a fountain and a flower bed, and arrived at the entrance. A bellboy enthusiastically came forward to help open the car doors and take their luggage. The moment Li Miaomiao got out of the car, her eyes widened like saucers. In front of the hotel entrance, a square formation of staff was already standing at attention. As soon as Jiang Ye and Jin Feize stepped out, everyone bowed at a ninety-degree angle and shouted in unison:

“Welcome, Young Master! Welcome, Young Master-in-law! Welcome, Miss Li!”

The roar made Li Miaomiao’s legs go weak, and she nearly stumbled back into the car.

The hotel manager, dressed in a sharp suit, came to greet them personally. He addressed Jiang Ye, “The old master has given his instructions. It’s the Young Master-in-law and Miss Li’s first time in the capital, so we will help arrange your itinerary for the next few days.”

Li Miaomiao leaned in, winking. 

“Brother, you’ve married into a rich and powerful family!”

Jiang Ye: “…”

The hotel manager said, “The rooms are ready. The presidential suite on the top floor. Hot water and drinks have already been prepared. One room for Miss Li, and one for the Young Master and Young Master-in-law. Is this arrangement acceptable?”

Jin Feize smiled and nodded. 

“Very well arranged. I’ll have my grandpa give you a promotion and a raise.”

Jiang Ye stopped him. 

“I’ll have a room by myself.”

The manager glanced at Jiang Ye, then at Jin Feize, and said very shrewdly, “No problem, the suite has more than one bedroom.”

He escorted the three of them to the guest room on the top floor. Every staff member they encountered on the way bowed to Jiang Ye and loudly called out, “Young Master-in-law.”

Jiang Ye felt helpless. Everyone was calling him “Young Master-in-law.” How many more people knew about his and Jin Feize’s mistaken relationship?

He subtly questioned the manager, who replied, “The old master is very influential in the capital, and he has many businesses under his name. You are the future esteemed son-in-law of the Jin family. Before long, the entire capital will know. Many people will surely want to meet you and curry favor with you in the coming days, but rest assured, the top floor can only be accessed by the VIP-exclusive elevator. You will absolutely not be disturbed. Oh, and Uncle Gao said you’ll be participating in the Academy’s selection exam. The old master has already smoothed things over with the Academy. The Jin family sponsors their various operations with huge sums of money every year, so they definitely won’t give you any trouble.”

“Brother, there’s already a video of you on Douyin.” Li Miaomiao held up her phone.

Some guest had filmed the Jin Hotel’s welcoming ceremony and uploaded it online. The title was “Mysterious Youth Marries into the Jin Family Conglomerate, a Real-Life Dragon King’s Return.” The comments and reposts had already surpassed a thousand.

Li Miaomiao said, “The whole country knows you married into the family now.”

Jiang Ye: “…”

The manager saw them to their room and then excused himself. Li Miaomiao went to her own room, leaving only Jiang Ye and Jin Feize.

Jin Feize pinched Jiang Ye’s cheek and said, “Why did you make me apologize?”

Jiang Ye swatted his hand away. 

“You keep doing things to make your father hate you. Be careful he doesn’t give you any inheritance.”

Jin Feize clutched his stomach and started laughing, his shoulders shaking.

“Xiao Ye,” Jin Feize said, “you’re so adorable. Do you think this is some family drama about fighting over inheritance? Grandpa drew up his will long ago. I am the primary heir to the Jin Corporation’s shares.”

“…What about your father?”

“Grandpa said he’s the dean of an academy at Capital University, a department-level official. He has his own salary and doesn’t need these worldly possessions. I’m mentally ill and can’t support myself, so I need the money more. Therefore, all the Jin family’s money belongs to me. However…” Jin Feize stroked his chin. 

“I don’t think Xu Yuan knows about this. Jin Ruohai never accepts gifts and lives on his fixed monthly salary, which can’t possibly support his wife who spends money like water. How pitiful. She went through all that trouble to please Jin Ruohai and belittle me, only to get nothing in the end. Maybe I should tell her about this. Do you think she’ll weep bitterly and kneel before me, begging for my forgiveness?”

Jiang Ye was silent for a long moment before saying, “Your grandfather has a brain tumor. Did you know?”

Jin Feize shrugged nonchalantly. 

“I know. So what? People get old, they’re supposed to die.”

He had a heart of stone. Even though Old Master Jin’s every thought was for him, he couldn’t feel a shred of familial affection. Jiang Ye glanced at his indifferent expression and didn’t say more, preparing to go to the second bedroom to sleep.

Jin Feize grabbed his arm, forcing him to stop in front of him, his gaze lingering on his lips. 

“Xiao Ye, we haven’t kissed in ten days. And you seem to have forgotten something. You promised to sleep with me.”

“I did not.”

A wicked smile played in Jin Feize’s eyes. 

“If I say you did, you did. Are you going to undress yourself, or should I help you?”

Jiang Ye stared at him coldly, his autumn-water eyes seemingly frozen, devoid of warmth.

“Or perhaps…” Jin Feize rubbed against his cheek like a little cat. 

“You want to try the vibrating tracker?”

Jiang Ye took a deep breath. 

“I bought condoms. I’ll go get them.”

Jin Feize smiled sweetly. 

“Xiao Ye, you’ve become so obedient.”

Jiang Ye turned to rummage through his bag for the condoms, but instead pulled out a small black object. Jin Feize’s eyes narrowed. Realizing the guy was lying, he was about to grab his hand to snatch the object. But Jiang Ye’s hand moved like lightning, pressing the device directly against his waist. With a series of crackling sounds, forty thousand volts of high-voltage electricity were sent into Jin Feize’s body. Jin Feize looked at Jiang Ye in disbelief and collapsed limply to the floor.

Jiang Ye looked down at him. He really wasn’t a normal person. A taser could knock out a grown man, but he actually remained conscious, his limbs just temporarily paralyzed and unable to move.

Lying on the floor, Jin Feize laughed. 

“You’re finished. I’ll give you ten minutes to run.”

“The one who’s finished is you.” Jiang Ye took out a black collar from his bag and said calmly, “That video you recorded before, I already asked your grandfather to hack into your phone and delete it. Your online backups are gone too. Even if a few slip through the cracks and you post them, the Jin family will help me delete them from the entire internet within a minute. I also asked your grandfather for an electric shock collar, the one in my hand. While the shock can’t kill you or knock you out, it will cause you pain. If you don’t want to be shocked all day, then from today on, you will listen to me.”

Jiang Ye fastened the collar around his neck. The electronic lock automatically engaged. It could only be unlocked when Jiang Ye transmitted the code.

Jin Feize stared at him for a long moment. His eyes were calm and serene, as cold as spring ice. Jin Feize finally realized he had fallen into his hands and immediately put on a pitiful act. His eyes grew misty with tears as he asked softly, “Back then, the Academy used me for experiments, shocking my heart with high-voltage tasers every day. Can you really bear to do this to me too?”

Jiang Ye hadn’t expected him to have such a painful past. His heart involuntarily twitched.

He closed his eyes, maintaining his ice-cold expression. 

“Playing pitiful won’t work.”

Jin Feize struggled to rest his head in his lap and said aggrievedly, “Xiao Ye, I just don’t know the right way to love you. You know full well that I would give my life for you. Please take off the collar, okay? I’ll never bully you again.”

Jiang Ye was unmoved. 

“Your lies don’t work on me. You don’t like me at all. I’m just a toy you’ve chosen to add some fun to your boring life. Today, you deliberately made me go to your house for dinner and pretended to listen to me in front of your grandfather. You wanted to tie me to you. With your grandfather around, I would never be able to leave you.”

“Ah, you saw right through me.” Jin Feize’s eyes curved into a smile. 

“Isn’t that good? Be my little cat while you’re alive, and be my specimen when you’re dead. You’ll stay by my side for a lifetime, and we’ll never be separated.”

Jiang Ye didn’t want to deal with him anymore. He pushed his head away, turned around, and opened his suitcase to get his toiletries. Jin Feize finally stopped making a fuss. Lying on the floor with his head tilted, he asked Jiang Ye, “Jiang Ye, you’re so strange. Even my stone-hearted father can’t help but soften when he sees my tears. Those idiots at school give me gifts every day, even though they know I’ll throw them away after class. The Daoist priests from Dragon Tiger Mountain were willing to die for me, even though they knew I was a xiong sui. Everyone likes me. Why are you the only one who hates me so much?”

Jiang Ye’s deep, cool eyes were devoid of warmth. 

“They don’t like you. They are just captivated by your appearance.”

“What about you?” Jin Feize asked. 

“Don’t you like my appearance?”

This time, Jiang Ye did not answer immediately.

Jin Feize was an utterly detestable person. When others offered him their sincere hearts, he would stomp them under his feet and even mock them for being foolish. Therefore, Jiang Ye absolutely could not fall for him. Even if Jin Feize stripped naked and slept in his arms, he had to remain as unshakable as a monk.

He must not let his heart be moved.

“See,” Jin Feize laughed softly. 

“You clearly like it. You like it but won’t admit it. Is your mouth harder, or is what’s down below harder?”

“Jin Feize,” Jiang Ye ignored his lewd words, his voice as cool and clear as autumn water. 

“From today on, you will listen to me.”

“And what happens if I don’t? Will you fuck me?”

Jiang Ye said coldly, “I’ll beat you.”

Jin Feize suddenly started to get up. With a quick hand, Jiang Ye pressed the remote. The shock collar struck him down, and he collapsed limply to the floor again.

This time, he didn’t speak for a long while. Jiang Ye lifted his eyes and saw him staring fixedly at him. The seductive smile was gone from his pitch-black eyes, leaving only a bottomless depth. This guy had shed his friendly and gentle disguise, finally revealing his dangerous nature. To be face-to-face with him would make one’s hair stand on end involuntarily, a bone-chilling cold seeping from the bottom of one’s heart. The inhuman feeling about him grew stronger, and even his skin seemed to have become much paler. At this moment, Jiang Ye finally felt that he was a xiong sui, not a human. It turned out that he was acting every single moment of every day, disguising himself from head to toe to look like an ordinary person.

But Jiang Ye did not retreat, nor did he lower his head. He met his gaze, not giving an inch.

“You’d better make me wear this collar for the rest of my life.”

“As you wish.”

“You’d better never change its battery.”

“It’s solar-powered.”

“Fine, you’re just wonderful,” Jin Feize let out a low laugh. 

“Jiang Ye, we have all the time in the world. I’ll play with you, nice and slow.”