Additional Inheritance - Chap 81
Chapter 81
Wen Xiaohui woke up feeling exhausted.
He hadn’t felt so tired in a long time. He didn’t even feel like this after spending the whole day at the gym, exerting himself like a masochistic. The muscles in his body seemed to be dozens of kilos heavier – he couldn’t even bring himself to move a finger.
The region below his waist had almost lost all sensation, but he was quite familiar with this feeling. Back when he and Luo Yi couldn’t control themselves and spent a whole night entangled with each other, he struggled to take a single step the following day. This wasn’t the first time he couldn’t stand Luo Yi’s youthfulness and stamina, but it felt even worse.
He raised his hand with difficulty as he covered his eyes. The light peeking through the window was too dazzling. His heavy heart and this depressing situation were akin to a vampire lurking in the shadows – unable and unworthy to face the sunlight.
His memory of last night was hazy, but not as bad as his first time with Luo Yi. He was completely drunk for their first time, but at least this time around, his body helped him remember how crazy he’d been. The biggest difference, however, wasn’t how much he remembered, it was the fact that he remained calm.
He didn’t feel angry, resentful, upset, regretful, or ashamed at all. He only felt calm since he knew that this day would come sooner or later. It was better to do it when he was drunk than to wait until Luo Yi was at his limit and reveal his fangs. It wouldn’t be beneficial for anyone to wait until this stage.
After lying on the bed with his eyes wide open, he endured the pain and got up. Both himself and the bed were clean. There was only a faint smell of alcohol and bleach – Luo Yi had been cleaning. His considerate nature was the same as always, and Wen Xiaohui could never find fault with him. It seemed strange how a person could epitomise both gentleness and cruelty.
After he got dressed, he suddenly remembered Luo Rui and ran out his bedroom door.
Passing through the corridor, Wen Xiaohui saw Luo Yi get up off the sofa and put down the notebook on his lap. He walked over to him with a dazzling smile. “Why are you up? You should rest some more.”
“Where’s Luo Rui?” He was shocked as soon as he opened his mouth – his voice was so hoarse.
“He’s still sleeping. He was more drunk than you.”
Wen Xiaohui opened the door to the guest room and saw that Luo Rui was indeed snoring in bed, and he could finally relax. He always felt so anxious.
Luo Yi closed the door gently and put his arm around Wen Xiaohui’s shoulders. “You should eat something if you’re getting up. Rest more once you’ve eaten. You must be tired from last night.” His tone of voice was both warm and indulging as always.
“Mn.” Wen Xiaohui wriggled out Luo Yi’s hug discreetly and walked to the dining room.
Luo Yi stared absentmindedly at his own hand, and dropped it stiffly.
Wen Xiaohui was presented with a light breakfast after opening the Thermos lunch box. He ate it in silence.
Luo Yi sat opposite him, looking at him profoundly.
Wen Xiaohui emptied his bowl quickly and stood up. “I’ll go wake him and give him some hangover medicine.”
Luo Yi grabbed Wen Xiaohui’s wrist. “Let him sleep some more. You shouldn’t take medicine unless you have to – it’s harmful to the body.”
Wen Xiaohui said indifferently, “Stop pretending to care about him. Is it necessary?”
“He’s your best friend. Of course, I care about him.”
Wen Xiaohui practically wanted to laugh out loud. Did Luo Yi ever stop to consider that Luo Rui was his best friend? He wanted to shake off Luo Yi’s hand, but he wasn’t successful this time.
Luo Yi tilted his chin up. “Sit.”
It was clearly an inconsequential word, but it felt almost like a command. Wen Xiaohui subconsciously sat down. He wanted to find out what Luo Yi wanted to say.
Luo Yi grabbed Wen Xiaohui’s hand and placed it by his lips. “You can’t have forgotten about last night.”
“I haven’t.” Wen Xiaohui said expressionlessly.
Luo Yi chuckled, “That’s good. I thought you’d forgotten after drinking too much. I couldn’t control myself last night… I’ll give you a massage later, okay?”
“It’s fine.”
Luo Yi used his lips to trace over Wen Xiaohui’s fingers. His complicated eyes possessed the magical ability of seduction. “I’m really happy that the connection between us hasn’t changed one bit. Last night was amazing. Xiaohui-ge, you also enjoyed it a lot.”
“I’m 24-25 years old, and I’m not frigid. Why wouldn’t I enjoy it?” Wen Xiaohui once again wanted to take his hand back, but Luo Yi still wouldn’t let go. The places caressed by Luo Yi’s lips felt as though they’d been burned.
Luo Yi looked at Wen Xiaohui’s face which didn’t show any emotional turmoil and he frowned slightly. “How much do you remember? Do you remember how many times we did it or how many positions we tried? Do you remember wrapping your legs around my hips or how pleasant your cries were?”
“That’s all part of having sex.” Wen Xiaohui smiled mockingly. “You can’t possibly think that only we’re like this? You should really try it with someone else – my skills aren’t that impressive. The world out there is vast.”
Luo Yi’s expression changed slightly. “Are you trying to make me angry?”
“No, I just wanted to tell you that last night wouldn’t be any different if I did it with someone else or if you did it with someone else.”
Luo Yi narrowed his eyes. The previously bright and joyful look radiating from inside had completely disappeared. His gaze became gloomy again.
“Oh, actually there is one thing – most people don’t have as much stamina as you.” Wen Xiaohui took advantage of Luo Yi being distracted and immediately took his hand back. He leaned on the back of the chair as he stared at Luo Yi coldly.
Luo Yi’s chest heaved. He gazed at the face in front of him, the one he yearned for day and night, and his chest felt more painful the longer he looked. Anger surged from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. He tried his hardest to suppress the impulse and said in a low voice. “If I knew you didn’t care, I shouldn’t have held myself back for so long.”
“Hmm, this is definitely the truth.” Wen Xiaohui stood up. “Luo Yi, you got everything you wanted. Congratulations!” He cocked his head. “That’s not right. You’re always able to get what you want.”
Luo Yi lowered his head. His fists were clenched under the dining table. “What I wanted isn’t this version of you.”
Wen Xiaohui nearly laughed in spite of himself. “What I want isn’t this version of you either. Can you give him back to me?”
At that moment, the doorbell rang suddenly. They were both surprised.
Wen Xiaohui wiped his face, then turned to open the door. Standing outside was someone unexpected – Li Shuo.
“L-Li-dage.” Wen Xiaohui was flabbergasted. His first reaction was to close the door, but he thought it would be discourteous. When he felt the coldness behind himself, he thought that seeming rude might have been the best outcome.
Yet Li Shuo didn’t give Wen Xiaohui a chance and instead, he strode inside into the house. His complexion was pale, but he was ever the gentleman, and his refined manners were tinged with a hint of irritability. Wen Xiaohui was sure that he’d suffered a setback relating to Li Chengxiu.
Luo Yi stood up and gazed at Li Shuo with the eyes of a venomous snake. In front of Li Shuo, he didn’t have to pretend to be the perfect partner.
Li Shuo looked at Wen Xiaohui who seemed nervous, then glanced at Luo Yi. He said calmly, “Luo Yi, you should grow up.”
“When did you get the right to lecture me?” Luo Yi replied coldly.
“When you started threatening my friends.”
Wen Xiaohui whispered, “Li-dage, you shouldn’t have come. You should leave now.”
Li Shuo glanced at Wen Xiaohui. “Xiaohui, I came to give you a last chance. You can go to the US and I guarantee that Luo Yi won’t be able to find you or your mum in your lifetime.” He lowered his eyes, looking dispirited. “I couldn’t help Chengxiu, I hope that I can at least help you.”
This sentence infuriated Luo Yi, and he took a few steps to get closer. Face-to-face, his long-standing hatred and jealousy towards Li Shuo erupted at that particular moment. Luo Yi seldom had worthy rivals. When he considered someone a threat, he had to deal with them quickly.
Wen Xiaohui didn’t know what Luo Yi was going to do. He wanted to stand between the two of them, but Li Shuo dragged him behind his back.
This made Luo Yi even angrier – his expression looked as fierce as a hungry wolf. He stopped in front of Li Shuo and his left hand gradually gripped the collar of Li Shuo’s shirt. He clenched his fist until it made a popping noise.
In Li Shuo’s presence, Luo Yi finally shed some of his maturity and steadiness – jealousy made him act like a 20-year old boy for the first time.
Li Shuo didn’t move and glanced at him calmly. “Xiaohui is the one renting this house. The police will come if you make a move here. Who do you think Xiaohui will say is trespassing1?”
Luo Yi swung his right arm, pressing his hand against Li Shuo’s neck.
Li Shuo only felt coldness on his skin as a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Wen Xiaohui let out a shout – he didn’t know where Luo Yi had produced a sharp pocket knife from. The blade was as thin as a cicada’s wing, reflecting a cold silver sheen. There was already a thin bloody line marring Li Shuo’s neck.
“Luo Yi! What the heck are you doing?!” Wen Xiaohui was about to pounce.
“Don’t move.” Luo Yi said to Wen Xiaohui. He still stared coldly at Li Shuo and the words spewing from his thin lips2 were enough to chill a person’s blood. “Li Shuo, I can cut off one of your ears or a finger, I can afford it. If I were to carve a few lines on your face, I wouldn’t even need to go to prison…”
“Luo Yi, you’re a psycho!” Wen Xiaohui grabbed Luo Yi’s arm. His voice trembled as he said, “Let him go. I’ll take you on if you dare touch him.”
Luo Yi smiled ruthlessly. “How can I let him leave in one piece after what you’ve said?”
Li Shuo narrowed his eyes. “What a pity! You’re just like Shao Qun – pushing your loved ones further away, the more extreme you are. Don’t you understand such a simple concept?”
There was a sinister glint in Luo Yi’s eyes.
All of a sudden, Wen Xiaohui bit down hard on Luo Yi’s arm. In a moment of pain, Luo Yi moved his arm and Wen Xiaohui reached out to push Li Shuo out of the way. Li Shuo grabbed Luo Yi’s arm. In the chaos, Wen Xiaohui felt his arm go numb and he cried out in pain.
Luo Yi and Li Shuo were both stunned. Luo Yi freed himself from Li Shuo, and he turned to see that his knife had slashed Wen Xiaohui’s arm.
“Xiaohui!” Luo Rui had heard the commotion and left his bedroom to witness this scene.
“Xiaohui-ge.” Luo Yi’s knife dropped with a clang. He wanted to run over to him, but he was punched to the ground by Li Shuo.
Luo Rui rushed over, carefully loosening Wen Xiaohui’s clothes to take a look. The wound was quite long, but it was very shallow. Colour returned to his face, which had gone pale from fear.
Li Shuo heaved a sigh of relief. “Where’s your first aid kit?”
Luo Yi dragged himself up off the floor and wiped away the blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. Like a ruthless wolf, he was about to lunge at Li Shuo.
“Li-dage.” Wen Xiaohui looked at Li Shuo and paused after each word: “You. Should. Leave.”
Li Shuo glanced at him in a daze.
Wen Xiaohui lowered his head – he didn’t dare to look at him. “This matter is between us. You don’t have to get involved again… I’m sorry.”
Li Shuo closed his eyes and sighed. He looked drained. Laughing at himself, he said, “Take care of yourself, Xiaohui.” He walked towards the front door when he finished speaking.
Luo Rui clenched his fists. He caught up with Li Shuo to escort him out the door.
With only Luo Yi and Wen Xiaohui left in the room, the resounding silence was like a knife slicing through their hearts.
Luo Yi’s expression looked pitiful; he swept away the loose strands of hair from his forehead. He took out the first aid kit from the cupboard to dress Wen Xiaohui’s wound.
Wen Xiaohui snatched the disinfectant swab and wiped his wound. Luo Yi applied some medicine to stem the blood loss, then wrapped the bandage around it a couple of times.
After a long period of silence, Wen Xiaohui said, “The Wen Xiaohui you crave and the Luo Yi I crave don’t exist anymore. You made me like this. We’re just two strangers trying to find traces of familiarity in each other. Don’t you think it’s ridiculous? What’s the point?”
Luo Yi said softly, “No matter what you’ve become, I still love you.”
“But I don’t love you.” Wen Xiaohui looked at Luo Yi calmly. “I hate you. I’m scared of you. If I could turn back time, I wish I’d never met you.”
Luo Yi endured the agonising pain in his heart and grabbed Wen Xiaohui’s hand. He enunciated each word clearly. “I’ll make you fall in love with this version of me – the real me.”
Wen Xiaohui looked at him with an empty gaze. Nothing at all.
Luo Yi leaned over and kissed him on the lips. “In a few days’ time, I’ll take you back to Beijing. We can have a fresh start.”
Wen Xiaohui turned his face away.
At that moment, Luo Rui returned, and Wen Xiaohui said, “Why didn’t you wear a coat to go outside? It’s freezing.”
Luo Rui shook his head. “It’s not cold. How’s your arm?”
“It’s fine. It’s just a surface wound.”
Luo Rui glared at Luo Yi. He grabbed Wen Xiaohui’s arm to carefully examine it.
Wen Xiaohui couldn’t stop himself from glancing at the pocket knife on the floor, wondering how Luo Yi could carry these kinds of things on himself at home. He felt terrified. He’d feel guilty for the rest of his life if Li Shuo really was injured because of him. Fortunately, Li Shuo truly gave up on him this time… As soon as he thought of the look of disappointment on Li Shuo’s face, he felt very upset. He owed Li Shuo and perhaps he’d never be able to repay him.
Luo Rui urged, “Xiaohui, go change.”
Wen Xiaohui nodded. “I’ll take you out for a spin.”
Luo Yi followed suit and stood up. “I’ll go with you both.”
“My car only seats two people.”
Luo Yi opened his mouth, but he didn’t insist. “Be careful out there.”
———————————————-
Wen Xiaohui and Luo Rui drove off after getting changed.
Luo Rui signed deeply. “My chest feels stuffy, staying in the same house as Luo Yi.”
“That’s why I’m taking you out.”
“Where are we going?”
“To see a friend. That’s if we’re able to see him.” Wen Xiaohui took his mobile phone out and felt apprehensive as he dialled Li Chengxiu’s number. The call connected. “Hello, Chengxiu?”
Li Chengxiu’s voice sounded dejected. “Adi?”
“Where are you?”
“I’m home.”
“That’s great. Shao Qun took you… Anyway, it’s good that you’re back.”
“Yeah, Li-dage brought me back.”
“Is he at your house now?”
“He was here this morning, but he left already. He said he was going to find you.”
“Oh, I wasn’t home. Erm, can I come see you?”
“Yeah. What would you like to eat?”
Wen Xiaohui laughed. “Anything at all.”
After hanging up, Luo Rui asked, “Who was that?”
“He’s a friend I met recently. I think he’s a bit like you.”
Luo Rui joked, “Is he cute like me?”
“He’s a little like the old you.” Wen Xiaohui smiled and said, “Pitiful.”
“Is your Mother Hen syndrome flaring up again?” Luo Rui pouted. “I’m jealous.”
Wen Xiaohui pinched Luo Rui’s cheek. “You’ll like him when you see him.”
When they arrived near Li Chengxiu’s house, they bought some fruit3.
Li Chengxiu resembled his voice – wan and weak. It wasn’t that he was physically weak; it was the kind of weakness caused by stress to one of his three energies under Chinese medicine. He’d lost so much weight that his cheekbones were starting to protrude and it was heartbreaking to watch.
Li Chengxiu reacted nearly instantly when he saw Luo Rui and he looked inquisitively at Wen Xiaohui. “So he’s…”
“Yeah, he’s Luo Rui. Lui Rui, this is Chengxiu.”
Luo Rui smiled as he greeted him. “Hello.”
Li Chengxiu looked at Luo Rui’s dazzling and charming smile, feeling a hint of jealousy. It seemed like those around Wen Xiaohui were all confident and dazzling.
“I brought you some fruit. Come and treat us to dinner.”
“Oh, why did you buy mangosteen? It’s so expensive…” Li Chengxiu accepted the fruit, then started mumbling to himself.
Wen Xiaohui looked around after he went inside the house. The evidence of Shao Qun causing trouble last time had been wiped away. Li Chengxiu was a very clean and tidy person and his house also looked neat and tidy. However, certain things were like a smashed vase or a broken chair – once broken, they could never be restored to their original state.
Li Chengxiu sliced the fruit and steeped the tea to take to them. “I’m making chicken soup.”
“Yeah, it’s great.” Luo Rui wriggled his nose.
Wen Xiaohui glanced at Li Chengxiu’s pale complexion. “W-When did you come back?”
“Yesterday.”
“Is Shao Qun making things difficult for you?”
Li Chengxiu trembled as he heard the name. He gulped. He couldn’t nod or shake his head, choosing to remain silent.
Wen Xiaohui sighed, “Li-dage brought Shao Qun’s older sister along, which is why he released you.”
Li Chengxiu nodded this time.
“Will he come to find you again?”
“I don’t know.” Li Chengxiu fiddled with his fingers. “I’m planning to move to another city.”
“Where are you going?”
“It won’t be too far, but I haven’t decided on the location yet.”
“Do you need any money?”
Li Chengxiu shook his head. “I… have some savings.”
“Let me know if you need help.” Wen Xiaohui remembered something and jotted down a string of emails and passwords to give to him. “These are secret email accounts. You can use them to get in touch with me if you change your mobile number and I’ll use this method to contact you too.”
Li Chengxiu nodded and carefully put it away.
Wen Xiaohui didn’t want to keep talking about Shao Qun. He was feeling so bothered that he didn’t want to bring up other people’s misfortunes. Wen Xiaohui and Luo Rui were on the same page and they talked about their childhoods instead. A hint of a smile finally appeared on Li Chengxiu’s face.
The three of them ate dinner merrily. Before he left, Wen Xiaohui mentioned that he was going back to Beijing, and that Li Chengxiu had to contact him using the mailbox. Li Chengxiu was unwilling to part and grabbed Wen Xiaohui’s clothes, whispering, “Thank you, Xiaohui. It’s good that I met you.”
Wen Xiaohui rubbed Li Chengxiu’s head. He laughed, “No need to thank me. If it’s possible, take care of Li-dage on my behalf.”
Li Chengxiu forced himself to smile as he felt unsure how to respond. Wen Xiaohui also knew that Li Chengxiu couldn’t promise anything. He looked at Li Chengxiu whose panic, worries, helplessness, and fear were the same as himself. It was like looking in the mirror, but he was a lot tougher than Li Chengxiu.
———————————————-
After they left Li Chengxiu’s house, Luo Rui whispered, “Are you scared? Let’s go home.”
Wen Xiaohui shook his head. “I really miss my mum.”
“I’ll always be by your side.”
Wen Xiaohui wrapped his arm around his shoulder. He laughed, “I know.”
He didn’t know what he’d have to face once he got back to Beijing – even more extreme behaviour from Luo Yi or Chang Xing lying in wait for his prey? He suddenly realised that he didn’t care. He had a life to lead regardless.
However, Luo Yi never stopped daydreaming of them going back to the way they were. Nothing in this world would enable them to ‘start from the beginning’ again.
Footnotes:
擅长, which is a term for to describe that someone is excels at something, used in the raws, but the sentence makes more sense assuming that it is a typo for 擅闯 (trespassing).
Men with thin lips are often thought to be fickle in love.
It’s rude to arrive at someone’s house without a gift and fruits (especially oranges) are a typical gift.
