Chapter 60#

The Nemesis Who Pinched My Butt#

Su Ruhui looked around, his gaze finally settling on Han Ye opposite him. Su Ruhui said, “Han Ye, since I gave you the position of head of the Blissful Abode seven years ago, I had no intention of taking it back. I didn’t stay because I hated you. I can roughly guess that you sent me to the Secret Sect back then so that I could properly treat my illness. I am very grateful to you, and I owe you a thank you.”

Han Ye clenched his fists tightly.

Su Ruhui paused, then bowed to the thugs of the Paradise Pavilion: “In any case, for the sake of our past friendship, I would like to trouble you all to listen to what I have to say.”

Blind Lu said, “Young master, please tell me your orders!”

Su Ruhui hurriedly waved his hand, “Elder Lu, calm down and listen to me. The things you encountered in the Snow Realm are called ‘demons’ by the Secret Sect. They came from the depths of the Snow Realm and have been secretly infiltrating the human world for several months. The Secret Sect’s Frontier Guard was almost completely wiped out, which is inseparable from them. They have the talent to change their bodies and appearances, and can disguise themselves as humans in a way that is indistinguishable from the real thing. Han Ye, what you and I saw in Kunlun that day was the demon race.”

Han Ye frowned, “A demon…?”

“Indeed,” Su Ruhui said, his sleeves tucked in. “The Secret Sect discovered the demon race several months ago, but according to my experience, traces of the demon race have been found in the human world for decades. Their infiltration of the human world is not a sudden event, nor is it accidental; rather, it is a long-term, planned, and purposeful operation. How could such a meticulous and cautious group suddenly attack a refugee camp and expose themselves? In my opinion, they did it deliberately, with the aim of escalating the conflict between the Black Street and the Secret Sect. They want to reap the benefits while you two fight it out.”

Red Demon asked hesitantly, “What does Boss Su mean?”

Su Ruhui cupped his hands and said, “I urge everyone to put aside your anger and discuss the assassination of Tantai Jing in a more thorough manner. Once the Black Street Secret Sect starts fighting, the demon race will definitely have an opportunity to take advantage of it.”

The thugs of the Pleasure Pavilion exchanged bewildered glances, clearly unsure of what to do. The hall masters present whispered amongst themselves, also without a clue, and all their eyes were fixed on Han Ye. After all, Han Ye was still the one in charge of the Pleasure Pavilion.

“Su Ruhui,” Han Ye took a deep breath, his expression dark, “What you said makes a lot of sense, but I’m afraid we cannot comply.”

“Why?” Su Ruhui knitted his brows, “Are you willing for demons to invade, seize land, and cause widespread suffering?”

“What does the demon invasion of the human world have to do with us? Have you forgotten, this human world has never belonged to us.” Han Ye looked around, beyond the eaves was the Black Street market, buildings piled high, one on top of another. People huddled and squeezed into birdcage-like dwellings, and even with such construction to accommodate as many people as possible, many still wandered in the icy wilderness of the Snow Realm.

He let out a mocking laugh, saying, “Su Ruhui, look around you. We are the people abandoned by the Secret Sect, the people exiled by the human world. They say Black Street is full of murderers guilty of heinous crimes. Go ask them on the street why they kill, and who they kill? The aristocratic families exploit us, making us grovel on the ground and lick their toes like livestock. When we pick up weapons to resist, they call us violent ruffians and exile us to the Snow Realm. Su Ruhui, I want to ask you, when you killed two aristocratic sons back then, the Secret Sect sentenced you to be beheaded, and you fled into Black Street, becoming an enemy of the Secret Sect. Why did you kill, and who did you kill?”

Su Ruhui was uncharacteristically silent; he couldn’t answer this question.

“You once lived and died with us commoners, sharing our worries and joys. When someone like you picks up a butcher’s knife, what kind of good person would they kill?” Han Ye said, “If demons come, it has nothing to do with us. We only care about our grudges and our grievances. Our brothers and uncles still lie at the foot of the Great Wall, and our people are still wandering in the Snow Realm. Those high and mighty nobles say we are livestock and beasts, so let them see our fangs. If they say we are barbaric, then let them taste the power of barbarism!”

The Pleasure Palace fell silent, the makeup making the ruffians’ faces grotesque, yet also resolute like gods and devils. Even Old Man Lu no longer spoke in support of Su Ruhui, who realized he could no longer persuade them. Although there were disagreements within the Pleasure Palace, they all harbored the same hatred and pain, and had the same enemy. Su Ruhui could not dispel their hatred with a few words; too many bodies were buried beneath the Snow Realm’s Great Wall, and the war between Black Street and the Secret Sect was inevitable.

“Su Ruhui, Sang Chiyu, you are also people exiled by the Secret Sect,” Han Ye said, “I am willing to set aside past grievances and invite you to be our brothers. And,” Han Ye clenched his fist, enunciating each word, “Su Ruhui, if you are willing to return to the Pleasure Palace, I will gladly hand over the position of master. If you hate me, I will commit suicide to atone for my past sins.”

Su Ruhui rubbed his forehead, “Didn’t I say I don’t hate you?”

Hope flickered in Han Ye’s eyes like a lamp, “Then are you willing to stay?”

Sang Chiyu pursed his lips, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his saber.

“Sorry,” Su Ruhui’s answer was clear, “I cannot stay.”

Red Ghost stood up, and all the other hall masters stood up, their gazes towards Su Ruhui as heavy as twilight. Old Man Lu’s eyes trembled slightly, and he sighed heavily.

Su Ruhui and Sang Chiyu knew about their plan to act during the Grand Council. Whether they decided to attack the palace or assassinate Tantai Jing with explosive vests, they couldn’t let Su Ruhui and Sang Chiyu leave.

Han Ye’s brows were etched with deep disappointment. He said, “Capture them alive.”

As soon as his voice fell, Sang Chiyu fiercely drew his saber, a lightning-like, sharp, and twisted saber light appearing abruptly. “Instant Shadow Shift” activated instantly, and he suddenly appeared in front of Han Ye, gripping his horizontal saber with both hands and raising it high, like a mountain pressing down. In an instant, the saber energy was as powerful as a mountain. Han Ye’s pupils constricted, and he drew his saber to block, narrowly parrying Sang Chiyu’s blade.

All these actions happened in a single breath; the other ruffians of the Pleasure Palace hadn’t even had time to draw their weapons.

Su Ruhui was speechless; he felt that Sang Chiyu seemed to have been waiting for this moment, that this kid had long wanted to draw his saber and kill people… no, kill Han Ye.

The ruffians tacitly chose to draw their sabers; firearms were too lethal, and there was a risk that a single accurate shot could kill someone. However, even with saber-to-saber combat, Su Ruhui alone against so many people was quite pressured. These clever fellows understood the principle of picking the softest persimmon, and none of them went for Sang Chiyu, instead all rushing towards Su Ruhui.

[To your left!]

Su Ruhui dodged to the left, avoiding a ruffian’s incoming saber.

[Watch your back!]

Thanks to the system’s warning, Su Ruhui truly had no eyes in the back of his head. He crouched like a civet cat, and the sneak attack from behind missed. Su Ruhui shouted, “A gentleman uses words, not fists! Why not sit down and have a drink, everyone! Why must we fight!”

Red Ghost said, “Boss Su, if you stay for a few days, we’ll treat you to good wine and food, male and female prostitutes for your entertainment. Why must you leave!”

“What kind of talk is that!” Su Ruhui quickly glanced at Sang Chiyu over there, and shouted, “I am a virtuous man, I never visit prostitutes!”

Red Ghost’s hammer-like fist slammed down, and Su Ruhui quickly ducked under a table, poking his head out from the other side and shouting, “Sang Chiyu, don’t get caught up in the fight, take me and run!”

Red Ghost punched the square table, which shattered into pieces, wood splinters flying everywhere. Su Ruhui cursed under his breath and scrambled out from under the table. Red Ghost was already completely red, muscles bulging, his physique having doubled in size. This fellow’s secret technique was “Raging Blood,” which could greatly enhance his physical abilities for a short period. He looked over with bloodshot eyes, roared, and lunged at Su Ruhui.

Sang Chiyu was fighting Han Ye and was quite far away, unable to provide backup. Su Ruhui secretly groaned, about to unleash his fire-rat.

Sang Chiyu suddenly shouted, “Su Ruhui, duck!”

Su Ruhui quickly covered his head and squatted down. A saber spun through the air, its tip grazing Su Ruhui’s hair, then spinning into Red Ghost’s arm. Red Ghost howled, collapsing like a mountain, clutching his shoulder and rolling around.

Han Ye laughed in anger, “You dare to be distracted while fighting me?”

Sang Chiyu was expressionless, drawing the second saber from his waist. This saber was different from the Secret Sect’s straight, standard horizontal sabers; its blade was slender and curved. When he drew this saber, it was as if he had drawn a crescent of eerie, cold moonlight.

Su Ruhui saw that saber and was slightly stunned. That was “Withered Moon,” rumored to have been forged by the Grand Sect Master himself, with the Three Star Officials immersing it in starlight. Su Ruhui had known Sang Chiyu for so long, yet he had never seen him draw this saber.

Sang Chiyu was truly intent on killing.

Su Ruhui, while covering his head and scurrying around to avoid the ruffians’ blades, shouted, “Han Ye, you won’t last ten moves under that saber! Why aren’t you running!?”

“Bullshit,” Han Ye sneered coldly, black flames igniting around him, “Sang Chiyu, you’ve wanted to kill me for a long time, haven’t you? You underestimate me too much; my Cavernous Profound Realm is no joke. What realm are you in?”

“I don’t know,” Sang Chiyu slowly crouched, the saber blade resting behind his elbow, “But Su Ruhui was indeed wrong.”

Han Ye curled his lips, “You do have good judgment, knowing my strength.”

“Ten moves is too many,” Sang Chiyu added indifferently, “I only need one.”

After he finished speaking, his figure suddenly flashed, and he charged towards Han Ye like a swift hunting eagle. It was an unparalleled speed, so fast that Han Ye couldn’t clearly see his figure. Han Ye’s heart trembled, and he suddenly realized that this guy hadn’t used the Instant Shadow Shift secret technique at all, but his saber was already almost invisible.

It was an almost demonic and eerie strike. Han Ye finally understood why Sang Chiyu’s opening move concealed his saber; it was so Han Ye couldn’t see where the saber came from. But he felt that invisible, icy, murderous aura, surging towards his eyebrows. He could feel the direction the saber was coming from! Han Ye roared hoarsely, rushing out like a beast. Boiling flames surged, following Han Ye’s saber, charging towards that eerie and ghostly phantom.

Everyone involuntarily stopped, gazing at the two clashing figures. Su Ruhui covered his head, unconsciously holding his breath.

A blink later, the battle was over, and the two stood back to back. The Pleasure Palace was silent; at this moment, time seemed to have stopped. Han Ye slowly knelt down, and Su Ruhui saw him trembling as he clutched his waist, blood gushing incessantly from between his fingers. The ruffians rushed towards Han Ye in alarm, shouting, “Call a doctor, call a doctor!”

Sang Chiyu retrieved Withered Moon, retreated to Su Ruhui, and grabbed Su Ruhui by the collar.

“I said, one move.” Sang Chiyu’s expression was indifferent.

Su Ruhui looked at Han Ye’s appearance, unsure if Sang Chiyu had intended to kill him.

As he was still looking in Han Ye’s direction, Sang Chiyu turned his head back, and the person in his vision became the indifferent Sang Chiyu.

Sang Chiyu pursed his lips, looking displeased, “He won’t die.”

Su Ruhui felt inexplicably guilty, “I wasn’t concerned about him.”

Then he thought again, Sang Chiyu doesn’t like him anyway, so why bother explaining?

Sang Chiyu grabbed his wrist and said, “Let’s go.”

Su Ruhui pulled his hand back, then shamelessly intertwined his fingers with Sang Chiyu’s. Sang Chiyu clearly stiffened for a moment. Su Ruhui didn’t care if he was willing or not, shrinking like a quail as if very scared, holding his hand tightly.

“Brother Sang, don’t let go of me. I’m prone to tripping on flat ground. If you don’t hold me, I’ll fall flat on my face and we’ll be caught.” Su Ruhui began to talk nonsense.

Sang Chiyu frowned and looked back at him, actually giving him face and not shaking him off.

Su Ruhui optimistically comforted himself, this guy is easily soft-hearted and not very smart, believing such an absurd reason. As long as Sang Chiyu wasn’t married yet, he still had a chance.

He said, “Brother Sang, you came to save me so desperately, and you’re holding my hand. Will your sister-in-law be angry? Oh dear,” he covered his mouth, “I keep calling you brother, will she get jealous?”

Sang Chiyu: “…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain to your sister-in-law. Although we’ve been married, held hands, and kissed, and you even fiercely pinched my bare butt, we have a pure brotherly… no, a pure sworn enemy relationship. You pinching my butt was definitely not because you desired my body, but because it’s your unique Sang family palm technique. Of the thirty-six stratagems, attacking the butt is paramount, I understand.”

This fellow kept spouting vulgarities, and Sang Chiyu, unable to bear it any longer, said, “I don’t have a sweetheart.”

Su Ruhui persisted, “Then who is the person who didn’t die?”

Sang Chiyu, however, fell silent.

Wait, Su Ruhui slowly came to his senses. Han Ye said Sang Chiyu’s sweetheart died, but Sang Chiyu said she didn’t. Su Ruhui originally thought Sang Chiyu was lying, but what if neither of them was lying? He knew Sang Chiyu’s bad habits well; what was there to hide about a sweetheart? He wouldn’t try to steal her; he would only try to seduce Sang Chiyu and make him fall for him instead. Unless…

“Could your sweetheart be me?”

The Sworn Enemy Who Pinched My Butt

Su Ruhui looked around, his gaze finally settling on Han Ye opposite him. Su Ruhui said, “Han Ye, since I gave you the position of the Pleasure Palace’s master seven years ago, I have no intention of taking it back. I didn’t stay away because I hated you. I can probably guess that you sent me to the Secret Sect back then because you wanted me to get proper treatment. I’m very grateful to you, and I owe you a thank you.”

Han Ye clenched his fists tightly.

Su Ruhui paused, then bowed to the ruffians of the Pleasure Palace: “Regardless, for the sake of our past camaraderie, I trouble you all to listen to a word from me.”

Old Man Lu said, “Young Master, what are your orders? Please tell us!”

Su Ruhui quickly waved his hand, “Old Lu, listen to me calmly. Those things you encountered in the Snow Realm, the Secret Sect calls them ‘demons’. They come from the depths of the Snow Realm and have been secretly infiltrating the human world for several months. The Secret Sect’s Pioneer Guard was almost completely wiped out, and it’s inextricably linked to them. They have the talent to change their bodies and appearances, able to impersonate humans and deceive. Han Ye, what you and I saw in Kunlun that day were demons.”

Han Ye furrowed his brows, “Demons…?”

“Precisely.” Su Ruhui said, his sleeves folded, “The Secret Sect discovered the demons a few months ago, but according to my experience, traces of demons have been in the human world for decades. Their infiltration of the human world is not a matter of a day or two, nor is it accidental, but a long-term, planned, and purposeful operation. How could such a meticulous and strategic race suddenly attack a refugee camp and expose themselves? In my opinion, they did it deliberately, with the aim of escalating the conflict between Black Street and the Secret Sect. When you two contend, they will reap the benefits.”

Red Ghost hesitated, “Boss Su means?”

Su Ruhui cupped his hands and said, “Please put aside your temporary anger and reconsider the assassination of Tantai Jing. Once Black Street and the Secret Sect go to war, the demons will surely seize the opportunity.”

The ruffians of the Pleasure Palace looked at each other, their expressions bewildered, clearly undecided. The hall masters in the seats whispered among themselves, also without a clue, everyone’s gaze falling on Han Ye. After all, Han Ye was still the current master of the Pleasure Palace.

“Su Ruhui,” Han Ye took a deep breath, his eyes dark, “What you said makes a lot of sense, but we cannot obey.”

“Why?” Su Ruhui knitted his brows, “Are you willing for demons to invade, seize land, and cause widespread suffering?”

“What does the demon invasion of the human world have to do with us? Have you forgotten, this human world has never belonged to us.” Han Ye looked around, beyond the eaves was the Black Street market, buildings piled high, one on top of another. People huddled and squeezed into birdcage-like dwellings, and even with such construction to accommodate as many people as possible, many still wandered in the icy wilderness of the Snow Realm.

He let out a mocking laugh, saying, “Su Ruhui, look around you. We are the people abandoned by the Secret Sect, the people exiled by the human world. They say Black Street is full of murderers guilty of heinous crimes. Go ask them on the street why they kill, and who they kill? The aristocratic families exploit us, making us grovel on the ground and lick their toes like livestock. When we pick up weapons to resist, they call us violent ruffians and exile us to the Snow Realm. Su Ruhui, I want to ask you, when you killed two aristocratic sons back then, the Secret Sect sentenced you to be beheaded, and you fled into Black Street, becoming an enemy of the Secret Sect. Why did you kill, and who did you kill?”

Su Ruhui was uncharacteristically silent; he couldn’t answer this question.

“You once lived and died with us commoners, sharing our worries and joys. When someone like you picks up a butcher’s knife, what kind of good person would they kill?” Han Ye said, “If demons come, it has nothing to do with us. We only care about our grudges and our grievances. Our brothers and uncles still lie at the foot of the Great Wall, and our people are still wandering in the Snow Realm. Those high and mighty nobles say we are livestock and beasts, so let them see our fangs. If they say we are barbaric, then let them taste the power of barbarism!”

The Pleasure Palace fell silent, the makeup making the ruffians’ faces grotesque, yet also resolute like gods and devils. Even Old Man Lu no longer spoke in support of Su Ruhui, who realized he could no longer persuade them. Although there were disagreements within the Pleasure Palace, they all harbored the same hatred and pain, and had the same enemy. Su Ruhui could not dispel their hatred with a few words; too many bodies were buried beneath the Snow Realm’s Great Wall, and the war between Black Street and the Secret Sect was inevitable.

“Su Ruhui, Sang Chiyu, you are also people exiled by the Secret Sect,” Han Ye said, “I am willing to set aside past grievances and invite you to be our brothers. And,” Han Ye clenched his fist, enunciating each word, “Su Ruhui, if you are willing to return to the Pleasure Palace, I will gladly hand over the position of master. If you hate me, I will commit suicide to atone for my past sins.”

Su Ruhui rubbed his forehead, “Didn’t I say I don’t hate you?”

Hope flickered in Han Ye’s eyes like a lamp, “Then are you willing to stay?”

Sang Chiyu pursed his lips, his fingers tightening on the hilt of his saber.

“Sorry,” Su Ruhui’s answer was clear, “I cannot stay.”

Red Ghost stood up, and all the other hall masters stood up, their gazes towards Su Ruhui as heavy as twilight. Old Man Lu’s eyes trembled slightly, and he sighed heavily.

Su Ruhui and Sang Chiyu knew about their plan to act during the Grand Council. Whether they decided to attack the palace or assassinate Tantai Jing with explosive vests, they couldn’t let Su Ruhui and Sang Chiyu leave.

Han Ye’s brows were etched with deep disappointment. He said, “Capture them alive.”

As soon as his voice fell, Sang Chiyu fiercely drew his saber, a lightning-like, sharp, and twisted saber light appearing abruptly. “Instant Shadow Shift” activated instantly, and he suddenly appeared in front of Han Ye, gripping his horizontal saber with both hands and raising it high, like a mountain pressing down. In an instant, the saber energy was as powerful as a mountain. Han Ye’s pupils constricted, and he drew his saber to block, narrowly parrying Sang Chiyu’s blade.

All these actions happened in a single breath; the other ruffians of the Pleasure Palace hadn’t even had time to draw their weapons.

Su Ruhui was speechless; he felt that Sang Chiyu seemed to have been waiting for this moment, that this kid had long wanted to draw his saber and kill people… no, kill Han Ye.

The ruffians tacitly chose to draw their sabers; firearms were too lethal, and there was a risk that a single accurate shot could kill someone. However, even with saber-to-saber combat, Su Ruhui alone against so many people was quite pressured. These clever fellows understood the principle of picking the softest persimmon, and none of them went for Sang Chiyu, instead all rushing towards Su Ruhui.

[To your left!]

Su Ruhui dodged to the left, avoiding a ruffian’s incoming saber.

[Watch your back!]

Thanks to the system’s warning, Su Ruhui truly had no eyes in the back of his head. He crouched like a civet cat, and the sneak attack from behind missed. Su Ruhui shouted, “A gentleman uses words, not fists! Why not sit down and have a drink, everyone! Why must we fight!”

Red Ghost said, “Boss Su, if you stay for a few days, we’ll treat you to good wine and food, male and female prostitutes for your entertainment. Why must you leave!”

“What kind of talk is that!” Su Ruhui quickly glanced at Sang Chiyu over there, and shouted, “I am a virtuous man, I never visit prostitutes!”

Red Ghost’s hammer-like fist slammed down, and Su Ruhui quickly ducked under a table, poking his head out from the other side and shouting, “Sang Chiyu, don’t get caught up in the fight, take me and run!”

Red Ghost punched the square table, which shattered into pieces, wood splinters flying everywhere. Su Ruhui cursed under his breath and scrambled out from under the table. Red Ghost was already completely red, muscles bulging, his physique having doubled in size. This fellow’s secret technique was “Raging Blood,” which could greatly enhance his physical abilities for a short period. He looked over with bloodshot eyes, roared, and lunged at Su Ruhui.

Sang Chiyu was fighting Han Ye and was quite far away, unable to provide backup. Su Ruhui secretly groaned, about to unleash his fire-rat.

Sang Chiyu suddenly shouted, “Su Ruhui, duck!”

Su Ruhui quickly covered his head and squatted down. A saber spun through the air, its tip grazing Su Ruhui’s hair, then spinning into Red Ghost’s arm. Red Ghost howled, collapsing like a mountain, clutching his shoulder and rolling around.

Han Ye laughed in anger, “You dare to be distracted while fighting me?”

Sang Chiyu was expressionless, drawing the second saber from his waist. This saber was different from the Secret Sect’s straight, standard horizontal sabers; its blade was slender and curved. When he drew this saber, it was as if he had drawn a crescent of eerie, cold moonlight.

Su Ruhui saw that saber and was slightly stunned. That was “Withered Moon,” rumored to have been forged by the Grand Sect Master himself, with the Three Star Officials immersing it in starlight. Su Ruhui had known Sang Chiyu for so long, yet he had never seen him draw this saber.

Sang Chiyu was truly intent on killing.

Su Ruhui, while covering his head and scurrying around to avoid the ruffians’ blades, shouted, “Han Ye, you won’t last ten moves under that saber! Why aren’t you running!?”

“Bullshit,” Han Ye sneered coldly, black flames igniting around him, “Sang Chiyu, you’ve wanted to kill me for a long time, haven’t you? You underestimate me too much; my Cavernous Profound Realm is no joke. What realm are you in?”

“I don’t know,” Sang Chiyu slowly crouched, the saber blade resting behind his elbow, “But Su Ruhui was indeed wrong.”

Han Ye curled his lips, “You do have good judgment, knowing my strength.”

“Ten moves is too many,” Sang Chiyu added indifferently, “I only need one.”

After he finished speaking, his figure suddenly flashed, and he charged towards Han Ye like a swift hunting eagle. It was an unparalleled speed, so fast that Han Ye couldn’t clearly see his figure. Han Ye’s heart trembled, and he suddenly realized that this guy hadn’t used the Instant Shadow Shift secret technique at all, but his saber was already almost invisible.

It was an almost demonic and eerie strike. Han Ye finally understood why Sang Chiyu’s opening move concealed his saber; it was so Han Ye couldn’t see where the saber came from. But he felt that invisible, icy, murderous aura, surging towards his eyebrows. He could feel the direction the saber was coming from! Han Ye roared hoarsely, rushing out like a beast. Boiling flames surged, following Han Ye’s saber, charging towards that eerie and ghostly phantom.

Everyone involuntarily stopped, gazing at the two clashing figures. Su Ruhui covered his head, unconsciously holding his breath.

A blink later, the battle was over, and the two stood back to back. The Pleasure Palace was silent; at this moment, time seemed to have stopped. Han Ye slowly knelt down, and Su Ruhui saw him trembling as he clutched his waist, blood gushing incessantly from between his fingers. The ruffians rushed towards Han Ye in alarm, shouting, “Call a doctor, call a doctor!”

Sang Chiyu retrieved Withered Moon, retreated to Su Ruhui, and grabbed Su Ruhui by the collar.

“I said, one move.” Sang Chiyu’s expression was indifferent.

Su Ruhui looked at Han Ye’s appearance, unsure if Sang Chiyu had intended to kill him.

As he was still looking in Han Ye’s direction, Sang Chiyu turned his head back, and the person in his vision became the indifferent Sang Chiyu.

Sang Chiyu pursed his lips, looking displeased, “He won’t die.”

Su Ruhui felt inexplicably guilty, “I wasn’t concerned about him.”

Then he thought again, Sang Chiyu doesn’t like him anyway, so why bother explaining?

Sang Chiyu grabbed his wrist and said, “Let’s go.”

Su Ruhui pulled his hand back, then shamelessly intertwined his fingers with Sang Chiyu’s. Sang Chiyu clearly stiffened for a moment. Su Ruhui didn’t care if he was willing or not, shrinking like a quail as if very scared, holding his hand tightly.

“Brother Sang, don’t let go of me. I’m prone to tripping on flat ground. If you don’t hold me, I’ll fall flat on my face and we’ll be caught.” Su Ruhui began to talk nonsense.

Sang Chiyu frowned and looked back at him, actually giving him face and not shaking him off.

Su Ruhui optimistically comforted himself, this guy is easily soft-hearted and not very smart, believing such an absurd reason. As long as Sang Chiyu wasn’t married yet, he still had a chance.

He said, “Brother Sang, you came to save me so desperately, and you’re holding my hand. Will your sister-in-law be angry? Oh dear,” he covered his mouth, “I keep calling you brother, will she get jealous?”

Sang Chiyu: “…”

“Don’t worry, I’ll explain to your sister-in-law. Although we’ve been married, held hands, and kissed, and you even fiercely pinched my bare butt, we have a pure brotherly… no, a pure sworn enemy relationship. You pinching my butt was definitely not because you desired my body, but because it’s your unique Sang family palm technique. Of the thirty-six stratagems, attacking the butt is paramount, I understand.”

This fellow kept spouting vulgarities, and Sang Chiyu, unable to bear it any longer, said, “I don’t have a sweetheart.”

Su Ruhui persisted, “Then who is the person who didn’t die?”

Sang Chiyu, however, fell silent.

Wait, Su Ruhui slowly came to his senses. Han Ye said Sang Chiyu’s sweetheart died, but Sang Chiyu said she didn’t. Su Ruhui originally thought Sang Chiyu was lying, but what if neither of them was lying? He knew Sang Chiyu’s bad habits well; what was there to hide about a sweetheart? He wouldn’t try to steal her; he would only try to seduce Sang Chiyu and make him fall for him instead. Unless…

“Could your sweetheart be me?”