Chapter 280

Xie Yuchun and his team came to discuss a long-term collaboration with Shengtian Group regarding special biochemical materials needed for a certain research project. The meeting was going to be lengthy, so Jiang Kaile handed the consecrated box to Lü Xiangcai, asking him to submit it, and waited with Xie Xubai in the meeting room.

Xie Xubai saw the water dispenser, poured the goat milk powder into the bottle, added hot water to make it, squeezed out a few drops to test the temperature on the back of his hand, and only when he felt it was suitable did he hold Ping An on his lap and lift her chest to feed her.

Puppies have delicate digestive systems and need to be fed small, frequent meals.

Ping An was actually hungry earlier, but it kept quiet. But when Xie Xubai teased it with his fingers smeared with goat milk, it finally couldn't hold back and rubbed against Xie Xubai's fingers affectionately before sucking on them greedily.

It was too small to control its strength, so it strained so much that the tips of its tail and ears stood up straight and it shook wildly.

Xie Xubai couldn't help but laugh when he saw it snoring loudly as it ate.

Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the young man's slender cheek. He stood tall and straight, his long legs and gentle brows drooping gently, bathed in the shimmering golden light, making him appear as beautiful as a fairy from a painting.

A group of employees who had come with great enthusiasm to pay homage to the two renowned scholars, Xie and Pei, were suddenly struck by this scene and stood frozen in place.

It wasn't just because Xie Xubai was handsome; there was also an indescribable emotion, a mix of bitterness and longing, growing wildly in my chest.

"Young Master Jiang, do you know who that person sitting in the reception room is?"

"Young Master Jiang, do you have his contact information?"

"Young Master Jiang..."

This wasn't Jiang Kaile's first visit, but his reputation as a troublemaker meant his employees avoided him like the plague. This was the first time he'd been surrounded by such enthusiasm.

Hearing that they wanted his contact information was fine, but the next second, when someone asked where Xie Xubai lived, Jiang Kaile's face immediately darkened.

Because Xie Xubai was present, he held back his anger, coldly staring at the man until he panicked and shut up. Then, with a wave of his hand, he "politely" asked everyone to leave, and then contacted the butler to help investigate the man's motives.

After doing all this, Jiang Kaile, who was furious, suddenly froze.

He actually managed to control his temper.

Jiang Kaile has an inherent deficiency: it is flammable and explosive. The exact nature of this deficiency is difficult to pinpoint; even the most sophisticated medical equipment cannot determine the cause.

No matter how much others tried to reason with him, his family tried to persuade, scold, and even hit him, and they tried both Western and Chinese medicine to treat him, he just couldn't hold back. He would explode on the spot at the slightest displeasure, and no one could stop him.

In the end, he inevitably got himself into trouble and ended up in jail. His own mother and uncle rushed over with people to bail him out, then looked at him with sighs and a look of family misfortune on their faces.

Jiang Kaile felt she had done nothing wrong.

Although he wasn't the type to stand up for what's right, who could resist punching a snobbish teacher who insulted others, a bullying classmate who threw thumbtacks at someone, a thug who molested someone and filmed it, or a boss who forced people to buy and sell things and bullied them?

But now he actually held back.

Not only did he hold back, but he also vaguely knew how to clean up the mess later.

Has anyone taught him?

Thinking about this, Jiang Kaile felt like crying again.

He felt a little embarrassed; after all, he was a man, so why was he acting so awkwardly? He was concerned about his image and afraid that Xie Xubai would notice something was amiss, so ignoring the strange looks from others, he quickly opened the door and went to the corridor to do squats like crazy, finally managing to suppress the tears welling up in his eyes.

But Jiang Kaile couldn't hold back—he certainly couldn't in front of Xie Xubai. So, after running back breathlessly, he blurted out, "You know what? I think I've grown up."

Xie Xubai had just finished feeding Ping An and wiped his hands clean with a tissue. Hearing this, he stroked the boy's head and affirmed with satisfaction, "Yes, you've grown up."

That statement is truly deadly.

Jiang Kaile realized that his tears had been held back for nothing, and Xie Xubai's words flowed freely as soon as he started speaking.

Fortunately, a video call came through at that moment, saving Jiang Shaoxia's precarious sense of shame.

On the other end of the phone was an innocent-looking boy with prominent fangs, his face pressed against the camera, pouting in distress: "Lele, I don't know how to do my winter break homework—"

He suddenly noticed that Jiang Kaile's eyes were red, as if she had been crying. He immediately sat up straight, his eyes turning cold, like a vicious wolf ready to devour someone: "Who bullied you?"

"No, no one, I just had sand in my eye."

Jiang Kaile was so glad that Xie Xubai hadn't chimed in, otherwise he would have been so embarrassed he'd want to crawl into a hole in the ground. He quickly changed the subject: "Let's not talk about that. I have some good news for you. I found my teacher today!"

"Teacher?" the boy with the tiger teeth asked in confusion, "Did they get lost?"

“Not a school teacher.” Jiang Kaile glanced at Xie Xubai, and seeing that the other party didn’t seem to mind, slowly revealed half of Xie Xubai’s face in the video, tilting his chin up with pride, “He’s my private tutor, and he’ll be teaching me at home.”

The boy with the tiger teeth looked on in disbelief, his eyes widening: "You still have to go to school during your vacation? That's scary."

Jiang Kaile was about to bring up the reasons for his declining grades when he suddenly remembered that he ranked third in his grade at the end of the semester.

Oh no, his grades aren't bad!

For some reason, despite having so many opportunities to form a relationship with Xie Xubai, Jiang Kaile only wanted him to be his teacher.

For some reason, he subconsciously brought up his poor grades.

What if his friend accidentally lets it slip? How will he cover it up?

Will the teacher think he's a bad kid who lies and has ulterior motives?

Fortunately, Xie Xubai didn't notice Jiang Kaile's strange behavior and naturally greeted the boy with tiger teeth on the other end of the video call: "Hello, little classmate, may I ask what your name is?"

The boy with the tiger teeth met his eyes, instinctively sat up straight, and obediently replied, "Hello, teacher, I am Chan Sheng."

Xie Xubai asked softly, "Which chan, which sheng?"

“Yes…” the boy suddenly stammered.

Chan Sheng was born with a stutter, and his classmates often teased him about it. Jiang Kaile once stood up for him, achieving the glorious feat of beating up fifteen people at school.

He was afraid that Chan Sheng might say something inappropriate and become embarrassed, so he was about to smooth things over when he noticed that the boy with the tiger teeth had a dazed look in his eyes, as if he was lost in some kind of memory.

"It is the cicada of summer, and the rebirth of life."

At that moment, the boy's tongue stopped curling, and his speech suddenly became clear, as if divinely inspired.

He spoke each word slowly and deliberately, with utmost seriousness.

"It means that the cicada remains silent in its pupa for many days before bursting into song and awakening the summer, thus emerging from its cocoon and being reborn."

Xie Xubai smiled and replied, "It's a very nice meaning. Are you and Lele good friends?"

The tone was like coaxing a child.

But Chan Sheng is not 6 years old, he is 16 years old.

When Jiang Kaile was cornered in an alley by his enemies, the innocent and romantic tiger-toothed boy smashed the head of the leader of the thugs with a brick, blood splattering on his face, but he remained expressionless.

“Yes.” Chan Sheng, who had never been taught to use honorifics, said awkwardly, “You can call me Sheng Sheng.”

Jiang Kaile: "..."

God the hell.

Xie Xubai asked a few more questions, which Chansheng answered one by one.

They were having a good chat, and Jiang Kaile, who was being left out, felt a little jealous for some reason. Taking advantage of a gap in their conversation, she put her phone away, promised to tutor Chansheng when she got back, and then hung up.

As soon as I finished speaking, my heart skipped a beat again.

He was two grades younger than Chan Sheng, yet he could teach others how to do their homework; his secret was exposed.

Jiang Kaile turned her head in fright, only to be flicked on the forehead by Xie Xubai.

The young teacher's eyes crinkled with a smile, as if she had already seen through his little schemes, and she said with a gentle smile, "Aren't you silly?"

Jiang Kaile rubbed her forehead, blushed, and hummed, "I'm not stupid."

.

Throughout history, business negotiations have always been plagued by a host of trivial and unpleasant problems.

One side wants a higher selling price, while the other wants the lowest purchase price. One side wants a huge stake in the finished project, while the other wants unlimited, exorbitant investments.

Given such a tangled web of interests, their words naturally become barbed and merciless, seemingly amicable yet rife with undercurrents.

From market share to data analysis, from project prospects to actual benefits, they attacked the other party's weaknesses and exaggerated their own advantages, going on for a full two hours.

After the meeting, the board members stopped Xie and Pei, laughing and extending their hands: "Oh dear, President Yan is just young and impetuous, and his words were a bit harsh. Please don't take offense..."

Xie Yuchun didn't even look at the hand extended in front of him and said, "No need for formalities. The project has been agreed upon, and we are very satisfied with the concessions your company promised. It's a pleasure to cooperate with you."

The board members were surprised that Xie Yuchun would be so disrespectful, and they were left feeling humiliated.

Just then, Lü Xiangcai sneered from the side, his mockery making them instantly furious.

Pei Yuheng was looking at his phone.

His subordinates knew that Professor Pei disliked these kinds of business occasions, but he was only there because he was one of the main people in charge and had to be present.

Professor Pei didn't say much throughout the meeting, but he was engrossed in playing on his phone as if no one else was around, which was not in line with his personality.

The subordinate couldn't resist taking a curious glance and happened to see Pei Yuheng coldly reply to the student: "So, are you planning to publish this paper in Story Magazine or Yilin?"

subordinate:"……"

Xie and Pei traveled a long way to H City, and Lu Xiangcai had originally prepared a welcome-home banquet for them, but they declined, citing important matters.

A large group of people passed by the reception room.

When one of the research team members came out to use the restroom, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of Xie Xubai and Jiang Kaile waiting inside.

The door is closed now, but the light is on, so maybe the person hasn't left yet.

Recalling Xie Pei's and the young man's discomposure when they bumped into each other, he figured they might know each other and intentionally tried to remind them. Before he could even speak, the two professors, as if they had X-ray vision, turned a corner and pushed open the door to enter.

The others, confused, looked awkwardly at Lü Xiangcai: "This... our professor might have left something inside."

As a result, Lü Xiangcai took a big step and, as if impatient, ran inside even faster than them.

Xie Yuchun asked Jiang Kaile, who was sitting next to Xie Xubai, in a friendly manner, "Little friend, would you mind if I let you talk to your parents?"

Jiang Kaile glanced at his teacher's expression and, understanding the unspoken message, stepped aside.

Pei Yuheng sat down on the sofa next to Xie Xubai, rubbing his hands together somewhat awkwardly, and looked at Ping An on Xie's lap: "You have a dog? What's its name?"

The research team was stunned; Professor Pei, who was not good with words, was actually taking the initiative to find topics to talk about!

Xie Xubai smiled and took the opportunity to show off to Pei Yuheng: "Its name is Ping An. It was a gift from a supermarket owner. Isn't it cute?"

Pei Yuheng agreed in a low voice and then offered a few words of praise.

He rarely praised anything, his tone was somewhat indifferent, and he regretted his words as soon as they left his mouth.

He was afraid that the young people in front of him would think he was putting on airs or acting like an elder, and he often had such misunderstandings when interacting with his students.

How can we make up for it?

Pei Yuheng was unaware of this and found it inexplicable.

He was certain that he did not know the young man in front of him at all, but the moment they met, he suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to think, "This is his child."

The problem is that he has dedicated half his life to scientific research and remains unmarried and childless. He witnessed those sordid things during his student days and has always been careful, so it's certain that he hasn't been framed or had any offspring born out of wedlock.

So why?

Why does Xie Xubai's smile make him feel so heartbroken?

If you can't figure it out, then stop thinking about it.

Now, Pei Yuheng only wants to follow his heart and keep Xie Xubai by his side, preferably recruiting him into his team. He has no other skills, only this little bit of power, enough to protect someone for half a lifetime without worry.

So he asked kindly, "What's your major?"

Xie Xubai: "I'm studying finance, and I'm a senior now."

Pei Yuheng majored in biochemistry in college, then switched to bioengineering in graduate school. During that time, he met Xie Yuchun from the same university, which led to his initial exposure to astronomy. He eventually earned dual doctoral degrees in astronomy and biology.

It has absolutely nothing to do with finance.

Furthermore, during the time he ran his own research lab, he was held hostage by someone in terms of project funding, so he was very disgusted by those capitalist practices.

Pei Yuheng said dryly, "Finance, huh? Not bad, pretty good."

The subordinates thought their professor must be possessed by a ghost.

Xie Yuchun was more direct, explaining with a smile, "Old Pei wanted to ask if you were interested in pursuing further studies in biology, as he wanted to be your mentor."

Pei Yuheng's main research project is to work with Xie Yuchun to establish a closed life support system in the spacecraft, to achieve self-sufficiency in outer space, and to conduct in-depth research on how to utilize and even transform the resources of other planets into a habitable environment for humans.

But this is just an excuse used to the outside world.

Only the research team knew that they had actually discovered extraterrestrial life, which was the real purpose of joining the biological research.

Pei Yuheng may seem to be a marginalized leader, but he actually occupies a pivotal position in the team. Even a small achievement revealed between his fingers is enough to bring him fame for the rest of his life.

Everyone was scrambling to get in, but the key was that Pei Yuheng wouldn't budge no matter what.

But now, what gives this person the right?

He even studied finance!

The path of scientific research is as difficult as climbing a mountain, and every road is full of thorns. Who hasn't endured two or three decades to get through it?

Moreover, Xie Pei's attitude towards Xie Xubai was clearly unusual.

For a moment, even those who had already joined the research team couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

Meeting Xie Yuchun's amused gaze, Xie Xubai said helplessly, "Don't joke around. This isn't like roasting sweet potatoes or potatoes, where you just throw them into the oven and that's it."

"How do you know it won't work if you don't even try? By the way, which school are you attending now?"

Xie Xubai stated the school's name.

Xie Yuchun: "Hey, it's alright, just a little lacking. How are your grades?"

Xie Xubai's lips twitched slightly as he replied that he had received four individual scholarships, four first-class academic scholarships, and three national scholarships.

"Not bad, not bad, you haven't slacked off." Xie Yuchun changed the subject, "If I wanted you to get into the xx Biology Master's program, how long do you think it would take you?"

Xie Xubai tossed the ball back to him: "Let's see if you really want me to take the test."

Xie Yuchun: "What if it's true?"

How exactly did the words "hypothesis" and "real thought" end up together?

Xie Xubai: "Three months, but registration is in October, so it will take a year."

Judging from his tone alone, Xie Xubai seems humble and unhurried.

But the content itself was simply amazing.

You think you can learn in three months what others spend years studying? Are you kidding me?

At this point, other people's opinions changed again.

Some people think Xie Xubai is boastful and exaggerates to an extreme.

Some people think that Xie and Pei's special regard for Xie Xubai might indicate that he possesses some extraordinary talent.

After all, Xie Xubai had never missed a scholarship, especially the National Scholarship, which was only awarded in the second year of university. He had won it three times, which was remarkable even in an ordinary university!

As for whether Xie Xubai was lying or exaggerating—this is something that can be found out in a minute, who would dare to lie? Especially in front of two big shots.

While the others were having their own thoughts, Xie Xubai spoke up first: "If you've finished asking your questions, I also have something to ask you."

Xie Yuchun: "Okay, go ahead and ask."

Xie Xubai leaned closer and complained helplessly in a voice only the two of them could hear, "Do you really enjoy making fun of me the moment we meet?"

Xie Yuchun chuckled: "You brat, who else would I make fun of if not you?"

A middle-aged man and a young man spoke intimately, exchanging pleasantries. Even if you couldn't hear what they were saying, you could sense that it was an atmosphere that outsiders couldn't intrude upon.

If it comes to comparing achievements and talents in scientific research, they would be extremely dissatisfied.

But if it's just a harmless joke between family members... the research team members silently accepted it.

Because there's no need to compare, and there's nothing to compare.

Just then, Xie Xubai's phone rang. It was Ms. Zhao Fang calling, asking where he was fooling around and why he wasn't coming home for dinner without telling her in advance.

Xie Xubai quickly softened his tone and said he wanted to eat, but when he looked up, Xie Yuchun had already stood up, reverting to her shrewd and capable demeanor: "It's getting late, let's go home, we should go too."

"..." Xie Xubai glanced at the disconnected phone and understood immediately, "Are you jealous?"

With a kind and gentle expression, Xie Yuchun asked, "What am I jealous of?"

Xie Xubai coughed lightly: "It's nothing. May I ask for your contact information?"

Xie Yuchun laughed and said, "Why do you need my contact information? As long as we're in the same boat, we'll definitely meet again someday."

Xie Xubai: "..."

He's definitely angry.

Experience told Xie Xubai not to provoke Ms. Xie at this time, but judging from her emotions, she didn't seem angry.

He wanted to ask what the situation was, but the female soldier Xie was incredibly fast and decisive, disappearing through the door in the blink of an eye.

Just like when she left countless times.

Xie Xubai had a chance to stop him, but in the end he slowly lowered his hand.

He knew it very well.

Although he took the initiative to approach them, as an ordinary person with no talent or ability, knowing nothing and doing nothing, Xie and Pei acted as his mentors and navigators, guiding him step by step in the right direction.

In that turbulent period, no one but those involved could imagine how much sweat and effort they had to put in and how many objections they had to overcome.

They have worked hard for too long.

Now that he has his own life, they have no obligation to stay for him any longer.

That's fine too.

Xie Xubai ignored the slight melancholy in his heart and thought with a sense of ease that as long as people are still alive, even if they are separated by vast distances, they will eventually meet again.

.

Regardless of whether Xie Xubai joins the team in the future, his relationship with the two bosses is definitely not ordinary.

Some people didn't care, while others were eager to curry favor with him. Little did they know that Lü Xiangcai would seize the opportunity to move forward and squeeze them all behind him!

They couldn't wait any longer, so they glared angrily at Lü Xiangcai and left.

Lu Xiangcai was thick-skinned and didn't care about being tortured by someone's eyes. After everyone had left, he smiled and said to Xie Xubai, "Hello, how about we become friends? I am Lu Xiangcai, but I would prefer you to call me by my real name, Cen Haiyue."

Xie Xubai's eyes flickered twice.

Most of the acquaintances he has encountered so far have lost their memories. There are only two exceptions: Xie Yuchun and Cen Haiyue.

Xie Yuchun can be interpreted as being a god, transcending the material world and not bound by rules. But what about Cen Haiyue?

Cen Haiyue winked at Xie Xubai and pointed upwards: "Probably because this instance is controlled by that person, and I am his subordinate, I am less affected."

This is the thirty-first floor. The next floor up is Yan Shuo's office. The answer is obvious.

“But don’t worry.” Cen Haiyue patted Xie Xubai on the shoulder and said with a smile, “Anyway, the overall situation is settled. I think you can take this time to rest and relax.”

Yes, others may not know or understand, but those of us who spend every day with Xie Xubai, how could we not know how hard he works?

Cen Haiyue struggled to resist the urge to drag his best friend away for a long talk all night, and said reluctantly, "In case you can't handle it, I'll come to see you again in a couple of days."

At this point, Xie Xubai still didn't understand what Cen Haiyue meant by "can't take it anymore".

Half an hour later, he took Jiang Kaile's car home. The moment he unlocked the door with Ping An in his arms, he saw Xie Yuchun and Pei Yuheng sitting on the sofa and almost thought he was hallucinating.

Of course, Xie Yuchun wasn't the only one in the living room. There was also Zhao Fang, Xie Yuchun's mother, who was enthusiastically showing him a photo album of embarrassing childhood pictures, and Xie Huaizhang, Xie Yuchun's father, who was drunk and had his arm around Pei Yuchun.

Xie Xubai: "..."

Zhao Fang was having a rare chat with someone and didn't even notice Xie Xubai's return. She was still sharing with Xie Yuchun: "Look at this picture again. This is when he was seven years old and losing his baby teeth. He accidentally knocked out his front tooth while eating an apple. His mouth was full of blood, and he cried loudly. He hid in the washing machine and said he was going to die and asked us to bury him. Oh my, you have no idea how cute he was back then."

Xie Yuchun couldn't help but laugh when she thought of that scene, and said with unwavering agreement, "He was absolutely adorable. What happened afterward? Did he cry all night?"

Zhao Fang said nostalgically, "No, this child has always been strong. He stopped crying as soon as the bleeding stopped. We then taught him that, according to tradition, if an upper front tooth falls out, it should be placed under the bed so that the tooth can grow downwards healthily. So he would hold the fallen tooth in both hands and obediently put it under the bed. Every night before going to sleep, he would earnestly pray to the tooth fairy to make his tooth grow back quickly."

Seeing Xie Yuchun listening attentively, Zhao Fang, as a mother, felt a great sense of satisfaction and reached out to flip to the back: "Oh right, there's also a picture of him when he was one year old—"

Xie Xubai's brow twitched, anticipating what she was about to say, and he quickly called out, "...Mom!"

Both of them raised their heads.

Zhao Fang patted her chest: "You scared me to death! When did you get back? Why didn't you say a word?"

Xie Yuchun raised an eyebrow, her gaze towards Xie Xubai carrying a simple yet dangerous meaning: I used to change your diapers when you were little, and now you're feeling shy? Are you acting like a stranger to your mother? Or have you forgotten your adoptive mother now that you have a biological mother?

Xie Xubai: "..."

There's no way to respond.

He was completely stumped and looked to the other two people in the room for help.

To his surprise, when he turned around, he saw Xie Huaizhang, who was drunk, holding Pei Yuheng and pointing at him with a sorrowful expression: "You have no idea how much of a troublemaker this brat was when he was a kid. He smashed half of my collection cabinet! That purple clay teapot of mine was made by Master Zhang Xuan himself and carefully preserved for more than 20 years. Now it's even a collector's item!"

Xie Xubai: "..."

Pei Yuheng quickly patted Xie Huaizhang on the back to comfort him, "It's alright, it's alright. I have a friend who likes to collect tea sets. He's even acquired a few pieces by Master Zhang Xuan. I'll ask him to inquire about them for you later."

Upon hearing this, Xie Huaizhang's eyes immediately lit up: "Really? Brother, no need for further words, from now on you're my brother! Come on, let's keep drinking!"

Pei Yuheng pushed up his glasses, accepted the wine, and said slowly, "Alright, Brother Xie, let's not be strangers. From now on, just call me Yuheng. I'll treat Xie Xubai like my own son."

Xie Huaizhang: "Of course, we're brothers, and he's your son too!"

Xie Xubai, who was sold off in just a few words: "..."

He finally understood what Cen Haiyue meant by "can't take it anymore".

At this moment, Zhao Fang finally noticed the puppy in Xie Xubai's arms. The instant she looked over, Ping An blinked its wet eyes and barked sweetly at Zhao Fang.

Zhao Fang was instantly charmed and picked up the dog to pet it.

Ping An knew that whether she could stay or not depended on the attitude of the person in front of her, so she immediately used all her charm to act cute.

When asked how they successfully built a relationship with the couple, Xie and Pei explained their reason for visiting: starting tomorrow, they would be moving upstairs from Xie Xubai's house.

A close neighbor is worse than a distant relative, so neighbors are like relatives. If you get along well in advance, you can help each other out if there are any inconveniences in the future. Over time, wouldn't that make you even closer than relatives?

There was a certain logic to this argument, and Xie Xubai felt that no matter how confused the couple was, they shouldn't be so easily fooled.

It wasn't until Xie Huaizhang excused himself to go to the toilet that he mysteriously pulled Xie Xubai aside. His eyes were clear and lucid, showing no trace of his previous confused and drunken state.

He quietly asked Xie Xubai, "Could you take a closer look for me? Were those two really Xie Yuchun and Pei Yuheng?"

Although the science and education channel doesn't receive nearly as much attention as the entertainment channel, Xie Huaizhang still recognized Xie and Pei, since their photos were featured on the news this morning.

Hearing this, Xie Xubai roughly understood why Xie Huaizhang, a seasoned drinker, had lost his composure like this, and replied yes.

"That's good, that's good." Xie Huaizhang paused, then patted Xie Xubai on the shoulder. "I'll go drink with them again. You're graduating soon, see if you can get them to recommend you..."

Xie Huaizhang didn't expect those two big shots to accept Xie Xubai.

Even a mere verbal introduction would be enough to pave a bright future for Xie Xubai.

Xie Xubai finally understood Xie Huaizhang's good intentions. His throat tightened, and he grabbed Xie Huaizhang, saying, "Don't drink it, Dad. Don't you remember your liver is in bad shape?"

Those who don't know how to control themselves when they're young suffer a bit when they're old. Xie Huaizhang is also nearing retirement age and hasn't been drinking with people much in recent years.

He waved his hand with a smile and said, "It's alright, it's alright. Professor Pei and Professor Xie are both outstanding national figures and good people. How often do we have the opportunity to meet such important people? I'm just happy."

"Actually..." Xie Xubai licked his dry lips, preparing his words, "Actually, they are my teachers. You know their identities are special and must be kept secret from outsiders, so I have never told you."

What?

Xie Huaizhang was truly shocked at this moment, staring wide-eyed as he looked Xie Xubai up and down: "Good lad, my son is so capable that he has caught the eye of two academicians?"

Xie Huaizhang had been a little puzzled as to why Xie and Pei were being so enthusiastic towards them, so this was not surprising.

He didn't think Xie Xubai was a perfect person, but he also didn't doubt his son's excellence; that box of certificates was proof of that!

Xie Xubai nodded: "Yes, so..."

Xie Huaizhang said, "Then you should drink even more! He's your teacher!"

Xie Xubai: "..."

Looking at the other person's righteous and indignant face, he seriously suspected that Xie Huaizhang was simply being controlled too much by his mother and wanted to indulge her to the end.

Xie Xubai shook his head. Seeing that the four elders were all happy, he let them be. He could always use his spiritual power to treat their bodies later.

The night was lively and bustling. He watched from the sidelines, acting as the middleman, sometimes feeling helpless, sometimes unable to help but smile.

The next morning, around nine o'clock, someone rang the doorbell.

Xie Xubai was eating breakfast at the dining table when Zhao Fang went to open the door. He had just picked up his soy milk when he heard Jiang Kaile and Chansheng's obedient, high-spirited, and affected greetings from the doorway: "Hello, Madam!"

On the third day, Cen Haiyue visited with bags and bags of gifts. As a well-known "social butterfly" in the industry, he was adept at dealing with middle-aged people and used sweet words to make the couple smile.

…

...

………

[Xie Xubai, are you happy?]

The question came from somewhere, accompanied by a chaotic and noisy electrical sound, distorted and blurry, rushing past the ear like the static that bursts out when an old television breaks down.

Xie Xubai stood on a boundless land, where no other living creature could be seen. It was utterly desolate, stretching as far as the eye could see, with a scarlet full moon overhead that stained the world like hell.

He heard a thud ahead, something crashing heavily to the ground. He looked up and saw Ping An's head.

The head was facing him, half of its face corroded by sulfuric acid, revealing hideous dark brown scars. One eye had been burned away, and the remaining eye was full of tears.

The large dog struggled incessantly, its damaged vocal cords emitting mournful whimpers, and its front legs pounded the ground frantically.

It didn't want to die; it wanted to live.

Xie Xubai rushed forward like a madman, using the golden light to heal Ping An's injuries, but those injuries did not improve at all.

With her last ounce of strength, Ping An licked his palm and closed her eyes in despair.

At that moment, the sky suddenly cracked open, lightning flashed and thunder roared, and shadows of various shapes crashed to the ground, and the world began to rain down corpses.

Those corpses were all people he knew.

Xie Xubai saw Jiang Kaile, who had turned into a red dragon; Pei Yuheng, who had turned into a ghoul; Cen Haiyue, who had drowned; Xie Yuchun, who had emptied her entrails to sacrifice herself; and her biological parents, who had been turned into human-headed ghosts.

And there were his comrades-in-arms, his companions who loved and trusted him.

A body fell from the sky, and Xie Xubai caught one after another, until they piled up and drowned him.

[Xie Xubai, are you happy?]

The voice became clearer; it wasn't just one person asking, but many people asking.

Xie Xubai let out a heavy breath, pushed aside the corpses with difficulty, and crawled out from the gap with trembling fingertips.

He was covered in blood and in pain all over. He swallowed the metallic taste in his mouth, braced his elbows on the floor, gritted his teeth, and the veins in his neck bulged. He slowly straightened up and staggered forward.

Keep moving forward.

He wants to move forward.

He has to move forward.

The voice continued, incessantly muttering. It was a mixture of men and women, young and old, acquaintances and strangers, all mingling together like the wailing of a ghost.

Xie Xubai, are you happy...?

Xie Xubai, if we die, can you be happy...?

Have you forgotten us...?

How can you be happy...?

Hot blood slid down his forehead, flowed past the corner of his eye, and fell to the ground with a soft thud. Xie Xubai's vision was blurred with blood, and he could barely see anything. Exhausted, he opened his eyes again and again.

He heard a cracking sound; he heard the sound of his soul shattering.

He's beyond saving; he's going to die.

Xie Xubai tilted his head back, his pupils unfocused, his eyelashes trembling slightly, like a butterfly fluttering its wings on the verge of death: "I..."

That's enough.

Thick tentacles surged out of the shadows like a tide, hooking around Xie Xubai's waist and pressing him into a strong, broad chest.

The young man's soul trembled uncontrollably, as if he were enduring unimaginable pain.

Yan Shuo hugged him tightly, opening his arms to frame the cold, thin body, blocking his view of the corpses with his palms, and clasping his fingers with his other hand.

"That's enough." Yan Shuo's voice was hoarse as he whispered in Xie Xubai's ear, "You just had a nightmare, none of it was real. It's alright now."

The tentacles surged, gently enveloping Xie Xubai in a tranquil darkness.

………

...

…

"Thank you, Xubai!"

Xie Xubai woke up and looked at Cen Haiyue's worried face, blinking blankly: "What's wrong?"

"You suddenly fell asleep just now, and I couldn't wake you up no matter what I did."

This was hardly a quiet and comfortable environment; the noise was deafening. Cen Haiyue was very worried that something might be wrong with Xie Xubai's health.

Xie Xubai propped himself up and found that they were on a huge cruise ship, with surging waves and dazzling sunlight.

Countless people crowded around the railing, peering over their necks to watch the whale dive, causing a whirlpool to form. Then, with a loud, high-pitched whale cry, it burst through the surface, whipping its tail and creating a giant wave tens of meters high, almost obscuring half the sky!

People shouted loudly, their faces flushed with excitement.

Xie Xubai was already covered with two blankets, so Cen Haiyue asked a waiter for another one and carefully wrapped it around his upper body as well, muttering regretfully, "It's still a bit cold going out to sea in winter. It's my fault for being too hasty; I should have taken you to a hot spring."

Hearing the cheers of the crowd, he raised an eyebrow and looked over, then chuckled, "Whale tide, isn't it spectacular? But it's still a little less impressive than my real form. We'll do it another day..."

"What true form?"

Cen Haiyue paused.

He initially thought Xie Xubai was pretending not to know to tease him, but when he turned his head, he saw genuine confusion on the young man's face.

Author's Note:

I feel like I can't stop writing within three chapters (halo above my head, peacefully closing my eyes).