Chapter 129

After hanging up the phone, Xie Xubai's expression was hidden in the shadows, making it difficult to discern. After a long while, he silently went to a quiet corner.

The corridor was deserted, and the silver-white walls reflected a cold, shimmering light.

Xie Xubai took out a theater ticket from his pocket. It was very thin, the paper was yellowed, and it looked like it would crumble at the slightest touch.

At the top, the four large characters “Hongyin Drama” are written in bold, vermilion regular script, separated by a wavy horizontal bar. In the center, the words “Hangzuo” are written neatly. On the left and right sides, “One ticket per person” and “Void after the performance” are written symmetrically respectively. At the bottom, “Row 7, Seat 15” is written. A blue circular stamp is stamped on the back.

It is obvious that this is a theater ticket, with a rough texture that gives it a vintage feel, like a product from the Republic of China era in the last century. It would not be out of place even if it were exhibited in a museum.

How did it come about?

After a brief recollection, Xie Xubai, with his strong mental power, could recall everything as easily as taking something out of a bag, and almost instantly remembered his visit to Lü Xiangcai not long ago.

That was the third day after he returned to the First Hospital.

Dealing with Fu Zong's detention, reforming hospital rules, revealing the truth, and calming the anxious medical staff... all sorts of important matters piled up, leaving Xie Xubai with no time for anything else.

Because Pei Yuheng suddenly lost his memories of reincarnation, Xie Xubai was worried about his health. After everything was initially settled, he stayed overnight at the hospital to make sure the other person was alright before leaving.

During this time, he asked someone to send messages of safety to his family and Lü Xiangcai, but Lü Xiangcai, for some unknown reason, made more than a dozen frantic phone calls to him.

His phone remained silent, whether it was damaged during the time travel or affected by the magnetic field.

Ultimately, it was the hospital's operator who helped transfer the call from the public phone, allowing him to receive a call from Lü Xiangcai.

As soon as the call connected, all that could be heard on the other end was heavy, irregular breathing; the person remained silent for a long time.

He asked a couple of questions first, and after a short while, he heard Lü Xiangcai speak casually, but he couldn't suppress the tremor in his voice: "You scared me to death. You didn't answer the phone, and I thought something had happened to you."

From that moment on, Lü Xiangcai's mindset seemed to have changed.

Xie Xubai originally planned to go home first to see Jiang Kaile and the kids, so that they could feel at ease.

Sensing Lü Xiangcai's unusual behavior, and with Pei Yuheng's incident preceding him, he felt a sense of unease and quickly changed course to go to Shengtian Group.

Lu Xiangcai was extremely surprised by his arrival. He rushed to the door to greet him, a clear smile curving his lips. The word "surprise" was practically written all over his handsome, affectionate face.

Then, Lü Xiangcai hosted a welcome dinner for Xie Xubai, dismissed everyone else, and went to the meeting room to listen to him recount his thrilling experiences during this period.

He would hold his breath every now and then for Xie Xubai’s dangers, feeling anxious and dazed as if he were there himself, and at other times he would breathe a sigh of relief and smile with relief for Xie Xubai’s survival.

Lu Xiangcai looked no different than before.

Xie Xubai did not believe that the strangeness he felt from the other person was an illusion, but working day and night without stopping had pushed his nerves to the limit. Exhaustion and fatigue surged up like a tide, and he couldn't help but gradually relax during his usual casual chat with his close friend.

Lu Xiangcai keenly noticed his fatigue and immediately stopped talking, suggesting that Xie Xubai rest there for a while.

To facilitate their discussions, Lü Xiangcai specially built this well-soundproof meeting room on his floor.

But instead of a meeting room, it's more like the brothers' secret base, decorated in a warm and relaxing style. There are various retro and new-generation game consoles on the table, and next to it is a custom-decorated home theater with surround sound speakers, bookshelves full of casual novels, and display shelves filled with various figurines.

The bedroom next door was specially prepared for Xie Xubai.

Xie Xubai didn't stay, afraid that if he went back too late, Jiang Kaile and the others would worry.

Lu Xiangcai had no choice but to see him to the door, bidding him a reluctant farewell and watching him leave with gentle eyes.

Having walked only a few steps, Xie Xubai suddenly stopped, feeling the gaze directed at him from behind, and belatedly realized something was amiss.

He turned around, looked at Lü Xiangcai, and asked softly, "Why didn't you ask me about my next plans?"

In this strange world, the growth of strength is traceable and can be sensed through changes in aura and pressure.

When he last received the title of Jiang family heir, Lü Xiangcai noticed his increased strength almost immediately upon meeting him and congratulated him.

Having obtained the title of vice president of the First Hospital, his mental strength has reached a new level, and he even has a rough estimate of the strength of Lü Xiangcai, who was previously difficult to fathom.

Lu Xiangcai showed no reaction whatsoever, smiling and only talking about trivial matters.

Xie Xubai observed the details of Lü Xiangcai's expression, then suddenly raised an eyebrow and smiled confidently, "You'll soon be free again, isn't that something to be happy about?"

Just as they initially agreed, Lü Xiangcai would provide channels and resources to help Xie Xubai quickly become stronger. In return, Xie Xubai would remove the shackles that had imprisoned Lü Xiangcai for many years when he was strong enough.

Xie Xubai's growing strength means that Lü Xiangcai is one step closer to freedom. The other party should be proactive and eager, rather than as deep and indifferent as he is now.

Lu Xiangcai was stumped by the question.

Perhaps realizing the problem, he fell silent, staring intently at Xie Xubai.

His gaze swept over Xie Xubai from head to toe, and his lazy smile vanished instantly, as if he had caught sight of the heavy weight on Xie Xubai's body. In its place was an almost burning emotion that was impossible to discern clearly.

After a long pause, Lü Xiangcai slowly uttered, "Don't think about it anymore, you're not strong enough."

"I've said it before, you must pay attention to the balance between work and rest. Look at the state you've put yourself in, always so suspicious. Were you just wondering what's wrong with me?"

He then curled his lips into a sly smile, a mischievous glint in his peach blossom eyes, and winked at Xie Xubai: "How could I not be looking forward to it? Every single second, I'm hoping that one day you can help me escape this sea of ​​suffering. I've already ordered the banner for you in advance. When that time comes, I'll be yours, life and all. The renowned Secretary Lü from a top 100 listed company will be your servant. Aren't you moved?"

"I dare not move, nor dare I accept." Xie Xubai knew that Lü Xiangcai hated being restrained more than anything else in his life, so he jokingly replied with a smile, "Instead of saying that, you might as well send me a few more postcards when you go on a trip."

“Lone smoke rising from the desert, golden mountains under the sun, misty rain in Jiangnan, frost-covered pine forests…” He recited slowly, and these words, spoken in his smiling voice, had a strangely light and pleasant quality. “The mountains and rivers are magnificent and beautiful. A person should go and see them in their lifetime. Isn’t that your life’s wish?”

Lu Xiangcai was moved. His lifeless heart was lifted up by Xie Xubai's hopeful and determined gaze. He said nothing, but his pupils trembled with panic.

In the few seconds their eyes met, he seemed to have a lot to say, but finally his expression relaxed: "You understand me best."

Lu Xiangcai stood with his eyelashes lowered under the porch at the company entrance. Sunlight shone down on the pillars, casting a distinct shadow on the smooth marble floor, which brushed against his toes.

It was like an invisible iron fence, handcuffing him to a dark and sunless abyss.

Lu Xiangcai let out a difficult breath and mechanically emphasized, "But you're not strong enough yet. So, wait a little longer, just a little longer..."

That afternoon, Xie Xubai returned home.

Upon seeing him, Ping An abandoned her usual composure and solemnity, "Waaah!" and pounced on him, her big tail wagging excitedly like a propeller, her fluffy head rubbing frantically against Xie Xubai's chest, nervously sniffing for any possible bloodstains.

The little ones also gathered around Xie Xubai, no longer patrolling their territory or sleeping.

These usually sluggish creatures seemed to sense something, their soft, fluffy little bodies rubbing against Xie Xubai's arms and trouser legs, squeezing and nuzzling each other, as if trying to send comfort into Xie Xubai's heart through their vigorous movements and intimate contact.

Even Jiang Kaile, who should have been in school, took leave to stay home. Xie Xubai tenderly lifted Ping An in his arms, gently patting and coaxing him, meeting the boy's sparkling eyes.

Jiang Kaile couldn't hold back any longer. She rushed into Xie Xubai's arms, biting her cheek, and said, "Teacher, I'll go with you next time!"

Xie Xubai could perfectly conceal his emotions, but those who cared could always sense the subtle differences.

Hearing everyone's concerned greetings, Xie Xubai smiled and went to each of them, putting his arm around Jiang Kaile's head and pressing it against his chest. He buried his face in Ping An's warm belly and rubbed back against her a few times, saying apologetically, "I'm sorry for making you worry."

That same evening, Xie Xubai rubbed his gold-rimmed glasses, patting the little ones casually with his other hand. The golden light in the bedroom stretched out like a dazzling and soft band of galaxy light, gently illuminating the little ones' peaceful and sound sleeping faces.

He couldn't sleep, his mind filled with many thoughts, unable to escape the present, past, and future, and inevitably thinking of the stoic and repressed Lü Xiangcai.

[Lu Xiangcai said I wasn't strong enough, and that might not be an exaggeration. But I roughly understand Yan Shuo's character; he wouldn't force others to do things, nor would he bother with such a thing. Given his personality, even if Lu Xiangcai secretly skipped work and disappeared for ten days or half a month without a trace, he probably wouldn't even bat an eye.]

[It couldn't have been Yan Shuo who trapped Lü Xiangcai... If it wasn't Him, then what could it be?]

Xie Xubai's hand hovered in mid-air. As he pondered intently, a mysterious force seemed to guide him to reach out.

There's something up ahead...

At the same time, he felt even more drowsy and confused, his eyelids trembling. Finally, he "glimpsed" a light and ethereal line like a spider's silk flitting past his eyes. He reflexively grabbed it and clearly felt a tangible touch in his hands, which should have been empty.

Xie Xubai suddenly opened his eyes.

None of the little ones woke up, and no one was disturbed except him. He looked closely and found that he was holding a thin piece of paper in his hand. It appeared out of thin air. The paper was yellowed, and the four large characters "Red Yin Drama" were written in vermilion ink, as if blood was flowing in a winding stream.

A chill settled in the night, and the shadows of trees swayed outside the window. In the bedroom, where breathing was intermittent, an eerie atmosphere gradually spread.

Author's Note:

Apologies for the late update, I'll send out 100 small red envelopes as compensation OTZ I'll continue updating tomorrow