Chapter 30

Ying Huai's expression stiffened for a moment.

He forced himself to calm down, instinctively shielding Liang Shining behind him, and curved his eyes at Ying Qi. 'No, gege, that was a misunderstanding. That day, Liang Shining and I...'

Before he could finish, a familiar sound emerged from Ying Qi's phone.

Ying Huai looked down and saw that his brother had somehow dug up the clip from their live stream that day, and had just tuned it to the part with their Adventure Challenge.

Ying Huai's eyes widened abruptly. He stepped forward and pressed down on Ying Qi's phone. 'Wait a second, gege—'

'It was a camera angle trick, gege, all for the live stream effect,' Ying Huai said through gritted teeth, swiftly powering off Ying Qi's phone and curving his eyes into a smile. 'Isn't Mr. Liang an actor, gege? He's familiar with these rules.'

Ying Qi's expression eased slightly.

He frowned, staring at Ying Huai for a few seconds, then suddenly spoke. 'Then why are your ears red, Xiao Huai?'

Ying Huai was taken aback.

He opened his mouth to say something, but saw that Ying Qi had no intention of pressing further. His brother turned and walked straight ahead.

Ying Huai let out a silent sigh of relief.

He quickly followed, took two steps, then suddenly realized something and abruptly turned his head.

—He came face to face with Liang Shining, who was following closely behind him.

'You still dare to follow?' Ying Huai gritted his teeth. 'Why aren't you leaving?'

Liang Shining was quiet for a few seconds, then spoke in a low voice. 'I was afraid your brother would be angry with you.'

Ying Huai was stunned for a few seconds, feeling both amused and exasperated.

'Even if he's angry, he's still my brother. What could my brother possibly do to me?'

Ying Huai couldn't fathom what was going on in Liang Shining's stubborn head. He covered his mouth and coughed twice, then looked up with a half-smile. 'Could it be that Mr. Liang actually likes me, hmm?'

Ying Huai's original intention was just to tease Liang Shining.

He watched with satisfaction as Liang Shining's face reddened as desired, feeling the earlier frustration finally ease a bit. He smiled, his eyes curving, and turned to walk forward again.

Unexpectedly, the next second, he heard Liang Shining let out a soft, low 'Mm.'

Ying Huai was startled.

He was already dizzy; now he stumbled, and Liang Shining suddenly reached out to steady him.

'Where are you uncomfortable, Ying Huai...'

'Mr. Liang has learned to flirt back now, huh.'

Before Liang Shining could finish, Ying Huai interrupted with a light laugh.

Ying Huai steadied himself against Liang Shining, took a deep breath, and looked up with a half-smile. 'The student has surpassed the master.'

As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Liang Shining's expression stiffen for a moment, his face darkening slightly.

Ying Huai was baffled.

But before he could say anything, he heard Ying Qi's gentle voice from behind. 'Xiao Huai?'

The next second, Liang Shining felt the person in front of him break free from his arm as if guilty of a crime.

Liang Shining was slightly taken aback.

'Alright, Mr. Liang, don't make my crimes any heavier.'

Ying Huai took a deep breath, as if having made some resolution, and casually curved his eyes. 'Since it's a misunderstanding, clearing it up is enough. Mr. Liang... and I, neither of us need to mind it anymore.'

Liang Shining frowned, not quite understanding. Before he could say anything, he watched the person quickly stride into the car in a few steps.

His hand hanging at his side clenched slightly. Suddenly, he heard Ying Qi's voice again from not far away.

'Xiao Ning?'

Liang Shining looked up and saw Ying Qi closing the car door, beckoning to him slightly.

Liang Shining was stunned.

His expression tightened, but in the end, he still took two steps forward and walked to Ying Qi's side.

'Brother Ying,' Liang Shining said in a low voice.

He watched Ying Qi look at him quietly for a few seconds before speaking with a somewhat serious tone. 'You and Xiao Huai that day... really didn't have anything happen?'

Liang Shining shook his head earnestly.

Ying Qi's expression eased a bit. He glanced at the person in the car who was slowly rubbing his temples, and let out a silent sigh.

'Xiao Huai is sometimes afraid of worrying me, and sometimes likes to hide things from me. Sometimes I don't dare ask too much.'

Ying Qi spoke softly. 'So I'll trouble you... to take care of him more often.'

Liang Shining was taken aback, a flicker of surprise crossing his expression.

He looked up, listening as Ying Qi spoke quietly. 'I don't know what has happened between you and Xiao Huai, but I can sense that Xiao Huai is different toward you.'

Ying Qi turned his head, his gentle expression tinged with a bit of helplessness and fondness.

'So I'll also trouble you... when I'm not around, to watch over him a little more for me.'

·

Liang Shining's figure gradually disappeared as the car turned the corner. Ying Huai withdrew his gaze and met Ying Qi's gentle, slightly smiling expression.

'What is it?' Ying Huai was taken aback, then smiled and curved his eyes. 'Does gege have something to tell me?'

Ying Qi shook his head slightly. 'Nothing.'

He stared at Ying Huai, his gaze softening slightly. 'It's just that I feel your current state... is much better than before.'

Ying Huai was stunned. 'Before?'

Ying Qi paused, then spoke softly. 'When you first left home.'

Ying Huai's fingers curled slightly.

The next second, he suddenly laughed. 'If gege has nothing to ask me, I have something to ask gege. What did you say to Liang Shining just now?'

Ying Qi noticed Ying Huai's obvious attempt to change the subject, but didn't expose it.

He looked at his younger brother and smiled gently. 'Nothing much, just talked a bit about you.'

Ying Huai was stunned, then chuckled wryly. 'Why talk about me with Liang Shining? Talk about how much he dislikes me...'

'For example,' Ying Qi leaned back in the car seat and spoke leisurely, 'whether Teacher Liang actually likes you?'

Ying Huai choked, suddenly covering his mouth as he coughed violently.

'I was joking,' Ying Qi was taken aback, patting Ying Huai's back with a mix of amusement and exasperation. 'I just asked him to help take care of you a bit more when I'm not around.'

He had thought Ying Huai would sigh in relief, but instead, the person in front of him trembled and abruptly looked up. 'What do you mean, when gege isn't around?'

Ying Qi was stunned.

He hadn't expected Ying Huai to react so strongly, and spoke somewhat blankly. 'Just... normally, if I'm not by your side...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly felt the car body lurch sharply to the side.

Immediately after, a piercing screech of brakes accompanied by a violent crash suddenly rang in their ears.

Ying Qi and Ying Huai's bodies were thrown off balance for a moment. Ying Qi instinctively tried to shield Ying Huai beside him, but the next second, he watched as Ying Huai turned his whole body sideways, tightly embracing him and shielding him completely behind himself.

The car spun sharply, its rear suddenly crashing into the guardrail beside them before barely coming to a stop, narrowly avoiding flipping over.

The blare of the horn mixed with the driver's curses, but Ying Qi couldn't care about that. He quickly lowered his head to check Ying Huai's condition.

'Xiao Huai? How are you?' Ying Qi anxiously tried to help Ying Huai up, but for a moment didn't dare move him.

Thanks to the driver's timely swerve, the seatbelts, and Ying Huai's protection, Ying Qi hadn't suffered much impact. But Ying Huai had been lying across his lap since the crash, his body trembling slightly, unable to get up for a long while.

Ying Qi was nearly frantic with worry. With trembling hands, he dialed 120, and finally heard the person in front of him gasp for breath twice.

'Xiao Huai?' Ying Qi's voice trembled as he suddenly reached out to support Ying Huai's arm.

'How are you? Xiao Huai? Is your heart uncomfortable anywhere? Are you injured anywhere?'

He reached out and pulled Ying Huai into his arms, seating him facing him on his lap, anxiously trying to check Ying Huai's condition.

But the next second, his wrist was suddenly gripped tightly.

'Gege, are you okay?'

Ying Huai's fingers were cold and trembling. A bloody scratch had appeared on his forehead from somewhere, but he paid it no mind, only frantically confirming Ying Qi's condition. 'Gege, are you hurt anywhere, cough, cough...'

'I'm fine, your head is bleeding, are you dizzy anywhere...' Ying Qi spoke urgently.

But before he could finish, he was interrupted again by Ying Huai's panicked voice. 'Gege, don't get hurt, don't leave me...'

Ying Qi was slightly taken aback.

The knuckles of Ying Huai's slender fingers were tinged blue-purple, his lips pale from difficulty breathing.

But Ying Huai seemed not to have heard the words just spoken, still lost in his own emotions, his fingers constantly searching over Ying Qi's body, trying to confirm his condition.

Ying Qi's heart was in turmoil. He grabbed Ying Huai's wrist and spoke in a low voice. 'Ying Huai!'

The person in front of him paused slightly.

'Calm down, I'm fine, look at me.' Ying Qi looked at the person before him, speaking slowly, word by word. 'Don't be afraid, I'm okay.'

The person in front of him didn't speak. After a few seconds, his body suddenly trembled, and he sharply turned his head to cover his mouth, coughing violently.

'...Gege?'

Ying Qi let out a silent sigh.

'Mm, I'm here.'

Ying Huai was swaying unsteadily. Ying Qi reached out and let him lean against his shoulder. 'Are you uncomfortable anywhere?'

Ying Huai's head was so dizzy he felt like vomiting. He only shook his head slightly, then abruptly stopped.

He frowned, steadied himself for a few seconds, then spoke slowly. 'Gege, could you... hand me my glasses?'

Ying Qi was taken aback.

He looked around and pulled out a new pair of glasses from under the seat.

Ying Qi vaguely felt something was off. 'Since when have you started wearing glasses, Xiao Huai?'

Ying Huai didn't speak, shaking his head as he put the glasses on with trembling fingers, then quickly checked Ying Qi's condition again.

He tried hard to steady his breathing, but after a few seconds, instead of improving, his breathing grew increasingly difficult. He clutched his chest, his lips growing even paler.

'Xiao Huai?'

Ying Qi didn't have time to think. He quickly pulled a Medicine Bottle from his pocket and placed it in Ying Huai's mouth.

'What's been going on with your health lately?' Ying Qi asked worriedly. 'You just now...'

—Just now, Ying Huai had seemed lost in his own emotions, a state that made Ying Qi feel vaguely alarmed.

Ying Huai didn't speak.

The wound on his forehead throbbed faintly. His mind was muddled, one moment filled with the screech of brakes, the next with the sight of Ying Qi's cold corpse in the Hospital from his past life.

He didn't understand why, even after passing the time node from his past life, Ying Qi would still encounter such an accident.

He hadn't asked Ying Qi to help him decline the Variety Show. Lu's father had already stepped down. He hadn't asked Ying Qi to investigate the Ying Family's side any further. Ying Huai couldn't understand why anyone would still want Ying Qi's life.

Cold sweat beaded on Ying Huai's forehead, his temples throbbing with pain, but he forced himself to calm down.

He looked out the window, his expression turning slightly cold.

This was a one-way street, a route Ying Qi often took home. There weren't many cars on the road, but that car had just crashed through the guardrail, coming from the opposite lane in the wrong direction to hit them.

—Ying Huai absolutely refused to believe this was an accident.

But looking at Ying Qi's bewildered expression, he paused and forcibly softened his own expression.

'I'm fine, gege. I was just... scared.' Ying Huai looked up, curving his eyes slightly.

He forced himself to calm down. 'Let's hurry home.'

Ying Qi paused.

He looked at Ying Huai's hand, still trembling slightly where it gripped his wrist, and nodded gently.

·

The driver at fault admitted that he had been driving while fatigued, momentarily dozed off, lost control, and veered from the adjacent lane into theirs, causing the accident.

He was willing to take full responsibility and pay full compensation, but Ying Huai insisted on calling the police. By the time they returned from giving statements at the station, it was completely dark.

Ying Huai had already received a simple check-up and bandaging at the police station. He firmly refused Ying Qi's suggestion to take him to the Hospital again, only wanting to follow Ying Qi home quickly.

Ying Qi had no choice but to agree.

Ying Huai couldn't hold on any longer and fell into a dazed sleep on the way home.

But Ying Qi noticed that at every little sound, Ying Huai would suddenly wake up, instinctively turning to look at him. Only after confirming Ying Qi was alright would he succumb again, closing his eyes in a daze.

At the next turn, just before Ying Huai could startle awake again, Ying Qi simply reached out and pulled him close to his side.

'It's alright, sleep,' Ying Qi said softly. 'I'm here.'

Ying Huai was exhausted to the extreme. His body struggled slightly, as if still trying to force himself awake, but his muddled consciousness left him powerless to even lift an eyelid.

Ying Qi's heart ached terribly, but his voice remained gentle. 'It's fine, don't worry.'

'I won't leave you, Xiao Huai.'

He repeated the words softly, over and over, until he felt the person in his arms gradually soften, his head resting weakly on Ying Qi's shoulder. Only then did Ying Qi let out a silent sigh.

·

Ying Huai slept soundly the whole way, only startling awake when Ying Qi carried him through the door of the Villa.

'Gege...?'

Ying Qi responded softly.

Ying Huai processed this for a few seconds, then struggled to get down. 'I'm fine, turn on the light, let me check you again...'

Before he could finish, the next second, he heard Song Si Lan's voice, barely suppressing anger. 'If you dare get down, I'll send you straight back to the Hospital.'

Ying Huai was startled.

He looked up somewhat blankly, meeting Song Si Lan's expression, which was as dark as still water.

Song Si Lan motioned for Ying Qi to put him on the bed.

He first counted Ying Huai's pulse, then frowned at the wound on Ying Huai's forehead before finally speaking irritably. 'Dizzy? Any nausea?'

Ying Huai glanced up at Ying Qi and shook his head slightly. Suddenly, Song Si Lan reached out and slowly pressed on the occipital bone at the back of his head and the center of his crown.

Ying Huai felt the fogginess in his head lessen for a moment, but the next second, after Song Si Lan removed his fingers, the dizziness suddenly surged back.

Ying Huai's face instantly turned pale. He couldn't control himself as he leaned over the side of the bed, covering his mouth as he dry-heaved.

'I just pressed your Fengchi and Baihui acupoints. They provide some relief for mild concussions,' Song Si Lan said, his voice growing more serious, speaking through gritted teeth. 'And you still say you're fine.'

Ying Qi, beside him, reached out to support him, mimicking the spots Song Si Lan had just pressed to slowly massage those two acupoints for Ying Huai.

'Fortunately, this doesn't require special treatment, and it just happens to force you to rest in bed more.' Song Si Lan snorted coldly. 'Congratulations, Teacher Ying. By sacrificing yourself to save others, you've earned yourself an extra two weeks of bed rest.'

'Why did you come over so suddenly?' Ying Huai asked hoarsely after catching his breath.

'Your brother called Liang Shining, and Liang Shining called me.' Song Si Lan said expressionlessly.

Ying Huai was stunned, looking up hesitantly. 'So Liang Shining...'

'Yes, he already knows.' Song Si Lan seemed to guess what Ying Huai wanted to say.

He glanced at Ying Huai, curling his lips maliciously. 'You're welcome.'

Ying Huai, who had originally wanted to ask Song Si Lan to keep it secret: ........

He took a deep breath and suddenly turned to Ying Qi beside him. 'Gege, my stomach feels a bit off. Could you prepare a Hot Water Bottle for me?'

Hearing Ying Huai's words, Song Si Lan narrowed his eyes slightly.

Ying Huai watched as Ying Qi obediently left the room. Before he could turn his head back, he heard Song Si Lan speak in a low voice. 'Out with it. What's wrong now?'

Ying Huai turned to look at Song Si Lan, curving his eyes slightly.

Song Si Lan remained unmoved.

He crossed his arms and frowned. 'Are your eyes acting up again? Or is your heart uncomfortable...'

'No,' Ying Huai chuckled wryly. He lowered his head and coughed twice, speaking as if joking. 'Doctor Song, are you that eager for me to be unwell?'

'If only wishing made it so,' Song Si Lan sneered. 'This is all experience I've gained from you—and another person—over such a long time.'

Ying Huai was taken aback, instantly thinking of something. 'The other patient you mentioned last time?'

'Yes,' Song Si Lan gritted his teeth. 'I really should get you two together sometime, lock you both up in the Hospital.'

...Ying Huai really did want to meet that person and exchange tips on dealing with Song Si Lan.

'Alright, what did you really want to ask me?' Song Si Lan took a deep breath, returning to the previous topic.

'Nothing major.' Ying Huai snapped back to attention and smiled, curving his eyes.

'I just wanted to ask if Doctor Song could prescribe me some sleeping pills.'

As soon as the words left Ying Huai's mouth, he saw Song Si Lan's brow instantly furrow.

'Why do you suddenly want sleeping pills?' Song Si Lan frowned. 'Are you sleeping poorly at night? Is it because of those dreams?'

Ying Huai was stunned. 'What dreams?'

'Every time you wake from unconsciousness, you unconsciously slip into a dazed state and say fragmented things.' Song Si Lan stared at Ying Huai, speaking slowly.

Ying Huai instantly realized Song Si Lan was talking about the memories from his past life that surfaced when he was unconscious.

His expression changed. He raised his eyes with a smile, trying to brush it off, when he suddenly heard Song Si Lan speak again. 'Are those dreams? Or... things you've actually experienced?'

Ying Huai's hand hanging at his side trembled uncontrollably.

He hadn't expected Song Si Lan to be so sharp. His expression flustered for a moment, which Song Si Lan quickly caught.

'What have you been through, Ying Huai?' Song Si Lan took a step forward, recalling the fragments Ying Huai had once uttered. 'The things you mentioned about the Sanatorium...'

Before he could finish, the next moment, Ying Qi suddenly walked in from the doorway. 'Xiao Huai, the Hot Water Bottle is ready.'

He looked up, seeing the state of the two before him, and was momentarily stunned. 'What's wrong?'

'Nothing, just asking Doctor Song some questions.' Ying Huai quickly snapped back to attention.

He took the Hot Water Bottle from Ying Qi's hand, looking up at him with a smile. 'Thank you, gege.'

'Those were just some nightmares. Doctor Song is overthinking it.' Ying Huai touched the Hongyu Jewel at the end of his hair, returning to his usual lazy tone.

Song Si Lan looked like he still wanted to say something, but a trace of weariness showed on Ying Huai's expression. He closed his eyes and slowly lay back down.

Song Si Lan paused, ultimately swallowing back the words that had reached his lips.

He followed Ying Qi out of the room quietly, hesitated for a moment, and ultimately dialed Liang Shining's number again.

·

Ying Huai, however, rested steadily at home for a few days.

But looking at Ying Huai's still-pale complexion, Ying Qi always felt something was off about his younger brother's condition.

This feeling solidified one night when Ying Qi returned home late from the company and unexpectedly found someone sitting quietly on the sofa.

'Xiao Huai?'

Ying Qi was stunned for a moment, then quickly stepped forward with concern. 'Why aren't you asleep yet? Are you feeling unwell somewhere...'

After a long pause, the person hugging his knees on the sofa stirred and looked up somewhat dazedly.

'...Ge?'

Ying Qi half-knelt in front of Ying Huai, watching as the man lowered his eyes slightly, his peach-blossom eyes unfocused.

This was the second time Ying Qi had encountered Ying Huai in this state. His heart panicked, but he forced himself to remain calm on the surface. 'Mm, I'm here, Xiao Huai. Did you... have another nightmare?'

Ying Huai was dazed for a moment.

'A nightmare... was it a nightmare?'

Ying Huai stared at Ying Qi, his body beginning to tremble bit by bit. 'No, it wasn't a dream...'

'Ge, don't get hurt...'

He suddenly reached out, cradling the Hongyu Jewel Pendant at the end of his hair. 'This jade bead... did you get it to protect me? I'll give it back to you, please don't leave me, okay...'

Ying Qi didn't understand what Ying Huai was saying.

He watched Ying Huai's breathing grow subtly rapid, and suddenly reached out, mimicking what Song Si Lan had taught him last time, rubbing and pressing on that acupoint.

Ying Huai let out a muffled groan, a flicker of pain crossing his expression.

His body swayed abruptly, and he couldn't help but slump against Ying Qi's shoulder. After a long moment, he slowly opened his eyes.

'Ge?' Ying Huai steadied himself and spoke weakly. 'You... how did I get here?'

'Do you know how you came to the living room, Xiao Huai?' Ying Qi suppressed the worry in his heart and spoke gently.

Ying Huai felt utterly weak. He opened his mouth to accept the medicine Ying Qi placed under his tongue and spoke softly. 'I wanted to wait for you to come home, ge. I think I fell asleep in a daze, and then...'

He paused here, suddenly frowned, pressed a hand to his chest, and murmured, 'Ge... my heart feels a bit uncomfortable.'

As soon as the words left his mouth, he heard Ying Qi speak in a soothing, gentle tone. 'It's alright. If you can't remember, don't force it.'

Ying Qi rose from his half-kneeling position and gently embraced the person before him.

'You just had a nightmare. You were trapped by it.'

Ying Qi watched as Ying Huai's eyelids slowly fell between blinks, and a vague idea gradually took shape in his mind.

'It's alright.'

·

Ying Huai's condition did not improve. Several times, when Ying Qi woke up in the middle of the night, he would see Ying Huai sitting quietly in some corner, looking dazed.

Each time, Ying Qi would wait quietly for Ying Huai to regain awareness, then watch as the man slowly fell back into a deep sleep.

But later, Ying Huai seemed to become aware of his own state. He began avoiding Ying Qi, locking his bedroom door at night to keep him out.

Ying Huai had been hiding at home like this for a week when he was finally 'dragged' out by Ying Qi one day.

'Xiao Huai, a friend is here to see you.' Ying Qi gently knocked on the door and spoke softly. 'Come out for a moment.'

Ying Huai, holding the plump Bouquet in his arms, lazily yawned. 'I can't get out. My Bouquet is sleeping on me, I can't get up...'

Before he could finish, the next second, he suddenly heard an excited meow. Immediately after, his hands were suddenly empty.

Ying Huai was stunned. He looked up to see his older brother holding a cat treat stick, somewhat clumsily coaxing the greedy Bouquet cat step by step toward the door.

'What were you saying just now?' Ying Qi looked up and spoke, gentle yet firm. 'You can come out now, right?'

Ying Huai paused.

'Useless,' he muttered quietly. 'Completely useless at a critical moment.'

He sighed silently, stood up, and slowly walked to the door.

The next second, an excited voice instantly came from in front of him. 'Xiao Shidi! Long time no see—'

Before he could finish, he saw Ying Huai turn around expressionlessly and head back into the room.

Xin Wan instantly panicked. 'Hey, hey, Xiao Shidi, wait a minute, hear me out, aren't I your friend—'

'I don't have friends,' Ying Huai said with a smile, his eyes curving slightly, and without hesitation tried to close the door. 'Shixiong flatters me.'

But the next second, a ball was thrown from somewhere and, as luck would have it, rolled right through the crack in the door.

At the same moment, the greedy Bouquet cat let out a 'meow' and instantly squeezed through the door crack, using its paws to bat the ball around Ying Huai in circles.

Ying Huai's hand, trying to close the door, was forced to stop. Xin Wan seized the same moment to push forward, forcing his way in.

Ying Huai: ...

—He swore this Bouquet was doing it on purpose today.

'Are you a dog?' Ying Huai gritted his teeth, looking at the beaming person on the other side. 'Squeezing through any crack you see.'

'Whatever Xiao Shidi says is right,' Xin Wan said cheerfully.

'Your brother says you haven't gone out in days. Come out and play with me today.'

Ying Huai yawned and replied casually, 'Next time for sure.'

'There won't be a next time,' Xin Wan leaned in. 'The Variety Show starts filming again next week, so there won't be time to go out and play.'

Ying Huai was stunned. He looked up. 'The Variety Show can start filming?'

'Yeah,' Xin Wan nodded. 'They found evidence regarding that Le Xi matter. The Director got the new approval.'

'And it seems Liangshi Company also put in some additional investment. They originally wanted to replace the previous Director, but the Lu family kept holding firm and wouldn't let go — looks like in the end they just added another one instead.'

Ying Huai looked somewhat surprised.

He hadn't expected what Liang Shining said last time to be true, and the Liangshi Group adding investment was even more beyond his expectations.

He listened as Xin Wan continued. 'Didn't your manager notify you about all this, Xiao Shidi?'

Ying Huai snapped back to attention and curled his lips nonchalantly. 'He's busy running around for Le Xi. No time to care about me.'

Xin Wan was stunned. Before he could frown, he heard the person in front of him lazily yawn. 'Just as well. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet.'

Xin Wan was momentarily torn between laughter and tears.

'So hurry up and take advantage of this peace and quiet to come out and play with me, Xiao Shidi,' Xin Wan said quickly.

Ying Huai leaned halfway against the headboard, lowered his eyes, his expression carrying a rare indifference. 'Not going. In a bit, I have to coax my Bouquet to sleep...'

Before he could finish, he suddenly heard Xin Wan speak urgently. 'It's that Art Exhibition I mentioned to you last time. I've basically set it up these past few days. I'm specially inviting you, Xiao Shidi, to try out the exhibition today.'

Ying Huai's words abruptly stopped.

—He remembered the matter of visiting the Art Exhibition in his previous life.

Back then, right after his second release from the Sanatorium, he received an invitation to Xin Wan's Art Exhibition.

Thinking of the matter he hadn't been able to explain to Xin Wan last time, he went again. Unexpectedly, his itinerary was leaked, and he suffered another round of attacks from the media across the internet.

And Xin Wan, precisely because of this unexpected exposure, saw his Art Exhibition become unexpectedly popular. The judges took a liking to Xin Wan's fame and ultimately let him win the championship in one go.

Ying Huai looked up with an inscrutable expression. Just as he was about to say something, he suddenly heard a staggering set of footsteps from behind.

'Bouquet is tired from playing and has already fallen asleep.'

Ying Huai looked up just in time to see his older brother awkwardly holding the huge Bouquet cat, speaking with gentle difficulty. 'Go out and play, Xiao Huai. I'll watch him for you.'

Ying Huai looked at his swaying older brother and was silent for two seconds. 'I actually wasn't planning to refuse, gege.'

Ying Qi was stunned.

'Also, that Bouquet weighs 18 pounds.'

Ying Qi's movements froze.

Ying Huai looked up, a smile he couldn't suppress appearing in his peach-blossom eyes. 'Are you sure it's not heavy?'

·

The location of the Art Exhibition wasn't the suburban Villa Ying Huai had given Xin Wan in his previous life, but a refined small courtyard rented within the city.

Ying Huai wore a black new Chinese-style outfit today, embroidered with dark red patterns of spider lilies that shimmered faintly with the light, echoing the Hongyu Jewel Pendant at the end of his hair.

Added to that, he wore a pair of gold-rimmed Glasses today. Because he wasn't feeling well, his expression unintentionally carried a touch of languor, giving his whole person an indescribable air of ease and leisure.

People passing by frequently glanced his way, and a few young girls even secretly started live streams.

Ying Huai paid it no mind. He lifted his eyelids and leisurely looked at the paintings Xin Wan had on display.

Meanwhile, Xin Wan behind him was about to explode.

'What are you looking at? This is my Xiao Shidi.' Xin Wan, like a mother hen protecting her chicks, spread his wings wide and circled around Ying Huai.

He bared his teeth indiscriminately at everyone. 'Focus on the paintings.'

As Xin Wan shooed people away, he earnestly explained the creative meaning behind each painting to Ying Huai, when he suddenly heard the person beside him speak lazily. 'Shixiong is so noisy.'

Ying Huai extricated himself from Xin Wan's arm and sighed silently. 'Does Shixiong have to follow me?'

Xin Wan was stunned for a moment, speaking somewhat aggrievedly. 'I'm just worried someone might bully you, Xiao Shidi.'

Ying Huai looked up with a half-smile. 'Then Shixiong won't bully me?'

Xin Wan was stunned.

Fragments of inexplicable memories, absent for a long time, surfaced in his mind again. Xin Wan's heart panicked for a moment, and he grabbed Ying Huai's wrist. 'Of course not.'

Ying Huai frowned.

He shook off Xin Wan's arm and spoke lazily. 'But I'm worried Shixiong will bully me.'

The memories in his mind churned incessantly. Something seemed about to connect into a line. Xin Wan opened his mouth to explain, but the chaos in his head left him unable to utter a single word for the moment.

'Shixiong, why is the central spot for displaying a painting empty?' Xin Wan suddenly heard Ying Huai ask softly.

'That's the painting I'm going to submit for the final judging,' Xin Wan explained in a low voice. He looked at Ying Huai, hesitated for a few seconds, and spoke again. 'I haven't... completely finished it yet.'

He watched as Ying Huai seemed to want to say something more, but Ying Huai paid him no heed at all.

Ying Huai looked at the blank space with interest for a few seconds and slowly said, 'It's fine. Shixiong is so famous.'

He turned his head, looked at Xin Wan, and slightly curved his eyes. 'You're sure to get a good ranking.'

Xin Wan was stunned. He felt inexplicably panicked and instinctively wanted to explain. 'No, I...'

But another fragment of memory surged in his mind. Xin Wan let out a muffled groan and abruptly closed his eyes.

When he opened them again, Ying Huai's figure had already disappeared.

'Xiao Shidi—'

Xin Wan anxiously stepped forward. A gentle voice suddenly came from behind him. 'Teacher Xin.'

Xin Wan had no time to deal with it. Unexpectedly, the person behind him took two steps forward, directly blocking Xin Wan's path.

'Teacher Xin's Art Exhibition is truly novel,' Song Fengyi blocked Xin Wan's way, speaking politely. 'It's just that there seem to be rather few visitors.'

'What are you doing here?' Xin Wan frowned.

'I'll be on the Variety Show with Teacher Xin later, so of course I need to understand Teacher Xin better,' Song Fengyi said with a smile.

'And isn't this Art Exhibition open to the public? Doesn't Teacher Xin want more people to come, to create heat and fame for you?'

Xin Wan was instantly annoyed hearing the words 'heat' and 'fame.'

'No, I don't. If you want to look at the paintings, look. If not, get lost,' he said through gritted teeth.

He tried to bypass Song Fengyi again to search for Ying Huai when he suddenly heard the person behind him unexpectedly mention Ying Huai's name. 'I saw Ying Huai seemed to have come to this Art Exhibition just now.'

Xin Wan's steps abruptly halted.

He turned back anxiously. 'You saw Ying Huai? Where is he...'

Song Fengyi didn't answer his question. Instead, he smiled gently. 'Where Ying Huai is isn't important. What's important is the heat Ying Huai can bring you.'

Fragmentary memories surfaced again. Xin Wan's brow furrowed slightly. 'What do you mean?'

'Teacher Xin and Ying Huai were fellow disciples for so many years. You must have some black material on Teacher Ying from back then, right?' Song Fengyi coaxed persuasively.

Xin Wan instantly understood something. He spoke abruptly. 'No.'

'Ying Huai's reputation is improving a bit now, but if a bombshell were to drop at this time—' Song Fengyi left the sentence hanging.

Those chaotic memories suddenly surfaced in his mind. Xin Wan abruptly pressed his temples, a flicker of pain crossing his expression.

'Has Teacher Xin thought of something?' Song Fengyi didn't notice Xin Wan's abnormality. Instead, he smiled.

Xin Wan didn't speak.

He looked dazed, his hand hanging at his side slowly clenching.

'Yes,' Xin Wan murmured. 'I've thought of something.'

A flash of triumph crossed Song Fengyi's expression.

He didn't notice Xin Wan slowly taking out his phone, just continued speaking on his own.

'I've already contacted the media. As long as Teacher Xin leaks some information to me, or fabricates something fake—just having this hook, the media will swarm over. Then we won't have to worry about the Art Exhibition lacking heat.'

'I don't mean to harm Ying Huai intentionally. It's just that if Ying Huai really did those things, the public needs to know the truth.' Song Fengyi sighed with a gentle expression.

'For example, hasn't Ying Huai ever deceived you, Teacher Xin?' Song Fengyi looked concerned. 'I remember Teacher Xin was always very angry with Ying Huai because of that company-hopping incident, weren't you?'

He turned his head and looked at Xin Wan, who had lowered his eyes, his expression unclear. 'Yes, I... was very angry.'

'I agree,' Xin Wan looked up. 'But this black material is too big. I need to contact the media personally.'

Song Fengyi didn't mind and said with a smile, 'Fine.'

'Then let's first find out where Ying Huai is now.'

·

Ying Huai's energy was low. He grew tired after not walking around for long.

He still frequently dreamed of events from his previous life these past few days. The lack of sleep, coupled with his heart now feeling subtly uncomfortable.

Ying Huai took a few deep breaths with his hand pressed to his chest, still feeling somewhat stifled.

He closed his eyes for a moment, leaning against the wall as he tried to go outside for some air, when he suddenly heard a voice carrying a hint of smugness from behind.

'Huaihuai, leaving already?'

Song Fengyi walked out from around the corner, followed by Xin Wan, whose expression was slightly dark.

A flicker of understanding crossed Ying Huai's expression.

'With Teacher Song here,'

'Why is Huaihuai in such a hurry to leave? I heard just now that Teacher Xin explained the creative background of every painting to you.' Song Fengyi smiled and took a step forward.

'Teacher Xin has other matters to attend to. Could I trouble Huaihuai to explain them to me again?'

'No.'

As soon as Song Fengyi finished speaking, he heard Ying Huai refuse him directly.

Ying Huai curved his eyes and spoke lazily. 'I'm tired. I'm leaving.'

He turned to walk out but felt a series of hurried footsteps approaching from behind.

A hint of a smile appeared in Ying Huai's peach-blossom eyes.

He deliberately slowed his pace, waiting for Song Fengyi to approach, when he suddenly felt two figures stride over from the side.

Liang Shining and Xin Wan simultaneously blocked Song Fengyi.

Ying Huai was stunned.

Song Fengyi frowned. Afraid Ying Huai might escape early, he gritted his teeth and tried to bypass the two people in front of him.

But the next second, a commotion suddenly arose at the entrance of the Art Exhibition.

A group of media personnel, carrying equipment, quickly swarmed into the Art Exhibition.

Song Fengyi's steps halted.

He slowly withdrew his hand, watching with satisfaction as the media scanned their surroundings and suddenly looked in Ying Huai's direction.

The smile at the corner of Song Fengyi's mouth gradually widened. He watched the media rush over, opened his mouth to hypocritically express a few more words of concern, when suddenly a microphone was thrust in front of him.

'Mr. Song, in the recording just now, were you deliberately trying to frame Mr. Ying?'

Song Fengyi was baffled. He tried to sidestep. 'What recording? I don't know what you're talking about...'

'You just said you wanted to gain heat by dragging Mr. Ying down, even going so far as to fabricate false information, but you simultaneously mentioned not wanting to deceive the public,' the media person pressed relentlessly. 'Then by doing this, aren't you deceiving the public?'

Song Fengyi suddenly realized something.

He abruptly turned his head and looked at Xin Wan beside him. 'You—'

Xin Wan ignored him.

He still shielded Ying Huai, blocking the man completely behind him, staring intently at the person in front.

All the memory fragments, the causes and effects from his previous life, connected together. Xin Wan stood in front of Ying Huai, his eyes gradually reddening.

—He remembered how he had failed Ying Huai time and again in his previous life, remembered how he, obsessed with fame in his previous life, had step by step pushed Ying Huai out.

'I'm sorry, Xiao Shidi,' Xin Wan said in a low voice.

Ying Huai frowned.

He didn't know what Xin Wan was doing. He just slightly turned his body, listening as Song Fengyi over there spoke anxiously. 'You've got it wrong. That recording is fake, it's synthesized—'

'What about the live stream?' the media person spoke again.

Song Fengyi's voice cut off abruptly.

A flash of disbelief crossed his expression. He abruptly turned his head to look at Ying Huai.

'You—'

Ying Huai didn't speak, only slightly curved his eyes.

He coughed a few times with his hand pressed to his chest, slightly turned his body, revealing two young girls holding phones behind him, looking righteously indignant.

'Teacher Song, why don't you say hello to the live stream audience?'

Ying Huai spoke softly.