Chapter 5 The Apocalypse 4

Even without blood ties, Lu Xuejin is the only being in this world who is still connected to him.

His older brother was weak yet annoying. Although they had only met a few times before this summer, Luo Mingchuan only knew about Lu Xuejin's situation in another city from other people. However...

We can't ignore this.

Without him, with Lu Xuejin's personality and appearance, she would be devoured by wolves and tigers sooner or later, leaving not even bones behind.

Luo Mingchuan lowered the brim of his hat, hiding himself in the shadows where the lights couldn't reach. He silently watched the crowds coming and going at the bar entrance. The neon lights on the street flickered and shimmered. Across the street, the cold-blooded animals in the reptile house lazily and coldly watched the street. Men and women rushed towards novelty and pleasure, recklessly squandering their youth. But he stood alone, feeling no loneliness.

The sweltering night wind swept across his high brows and nose, and brushed against the healed scars on the upper half of his arms. The self-destructive impulses that surged every night vanished without a trace as he focused on observing the bar's movements and listening to the conversations of the customers coming and going.

He had too many things to think about and too many chores to do during this time, so he had no time to wield the knife.

Luo Mingchuan had never been to a bar, but in his usual impression, such places of entertainment were never short of despicable people who coveted beauty.

Sure enough, not long after, he heard a drunken man being dragged out of the bar by his friends, mumbling incoherently, "Lu...Lu Xuejin..."

Luo Mingchuan's unwavering eyes suddenly narrowed.

"Stop talking!" the man's friend interrupted impatiently. "I'll call you a taxi. Go home and clear your head..."

The man suddenly grabbed his friend's wrist, his eyes bloodshot, and a naked desire almost crawled out of his pupils, a shocking sight.

"Do you still have the medicine you mentioned before?"

Upon hearing this, Luo Mingchuan's bloodlust, which had just subsided, stirred again. This time, however, he didn't rush towards his wounded arm, but instead pointed at the complete stranger he had never met.

My friend pulled his hand away: "Are you crazy?! Go home first, and talk to me again when you're sober!"

They were probably just drinking buddies from nightclubs. The other person didn't pay much attention to the man, only saying that they had already called a car and asked him to wait at the door for a while before making a hasty escape.

The man covered his head and muttered a few curses, then staggered a few steps and leaned unsteadily against the wall. His senses were heightened by the intoxication; the flickering lights stung his eyes, and he instinctively ducked into the shadows at the alley entrance.

Luo Mingchuan followed silently.

His sinister gaze, like a cold blade, slowly pierced the man's back.

"Snow... Ugh! Who?!..."

...

When Luo Mingchuan reappeared under the lights, he was dressed neatly and appeared normal. However, the scratches on the knuckles of his drooping left hand, the bloodstains between his fingers that had not yet dried, and the faint smell of blood wafting from the depths of the alley on the hot night wind silently told the story of what had just happened.

He continued to stand silently, stiff as a stone, motionless. Only when he occasionally heard customers coming and going talking about Lu Xuejin, "What a handsome bartender," "His smile is so gentle," would his cold eyes flicker slightly.

A dark-colored sedan approached from a distance, its headlights flashing. Luo Mingchuan took a half step back to avoid the light, feeling a strange sense of unease about the car and its owner.

He frowned.

...

Wow, so beautiful! The baby is amazing!

The spherical system carefully rests on the rim of the stemmed glass, gazing intently as the deep pink and light red colors slowly settle in the liquid, a touch of frosty white clinging to the glass. Under the dim light, this glass is exceptionally beautiful.

Lu Xuejin smiled and said, "This cup is called Cherry Blossom Snow Top."

The system was very cooperative, extending its robotic arm and raising a mini camera, snapping several photos in quick succession before the lens involuntarily turned towards Lu Xuejin.

The baby is so beautiful...

The metal ball turned red, making the system dizzy, and I couldn't help but take many more pictures.

The waiter carried away the cherry blossom-topped drink, and Lu Xuejin pondered for a moment before replacing it with a newly made cocktail. The system's eyes lit up; it seemed to really enjoy his bartending. The little robot on the table followed his hand movements, turning left and right, its mini camera working non-stop.

"Do you have time to make me a drink?" a deep male voice asked. Cheng Ce had somehow gotten into a high stool. His light brown trench coat made him look less aloof than usual, and the smile on his handsome face added a touch of friendliness.

Dongyao glared at him hostilely: [Here we go again! You little tagalong!]

Since that night's transaction, Cheng Ce has shown up at the bar every day without fail, doing nothing but sitting in front of Lu Xuejin watching him mix drinks, and supporting his work every single time.

Cheng Ce called over a waiter: "Mr. Lu just recommended some of the wines in the store to me. I want to take ten bottles with me. Also, please open a champagne tower for me. I'm in a good mood today."

"OK."

A few casual words can lead to a six-figure transaction. The waiters might be excited for the first few days, but after a few days they get used to it.

This wasn't unusual; every now and then, wealthy young men would shower Lu Xuejin with money. This bartender had only been at the bar for less than a month, and the turnover had tripled. He was truly likable.

As fellow working people, the waitresses couldn't help but secretly bring him snacks and step in to help him out when he was being harassed by customers, all without asking for anything in return.

"Baby, don't let him fool you!" Dong Yao, fearing Lu Xuejin would be misled by sweet talk, hurriedly transmitted various methods the rich second-generation used to woo women to his host, finally concluding emphatically, "Don't be fooled by how good Cheng Ce is to you now. Once he gets you, he'll show his true colors! These kinds of people are always fickle and never a good match."

“I know,” Lu Xuejin said softly.

He lowered his head to mix drinks for Cheng Ce, his expression serious and focused, his long eyelashes half-covering his clear pupils, light and shadow flowing across his fair and soft face. He had an unassailable appearance, reminiscent of everything soft and pure. The mesmerizing light fell into his eyes, and for a fleeting moment, Cheng Ce seemed to glimpse a refreshing and captivating blue.

If Lu Xuejin changed her hair and eye color, she might be able to play an angel on screen.

It is precisely because of her beautiful appearance that she has attracted the covetousness of wave after wave of people, like annoying flies that keep coming one after another.

"How's your child? Is he keeping up with his studies?" Cheng Ce took only a sip of his drink before putting down his glass. He had no fondness for alcohol; he only went to the bar every night to chat with Lu Xuejin and strengthen their relationship. "You can't be too strict with children, otherwise they'll easily become rebellious. Just teach them a little more."

He was reciting experiences he had copied from the internet.

Cheng Ce had no interest in Lu Xuejin's child; if he did, it would only be aversion. But he knew how to hide his emotions, and he also knew that Lu Xuejin was only willing to sit here and talk to him to earn tuition fees for the child.

Sure enough, when the child was mentioned, a genuine smile appeared in Lu Xuejin's eyes. He pursed his lips, a little embarrassed, and said, "Thank you. He's been studying much more diligently lately."

In fact, Lu Xuejin had no idea about Luo Mingchuan's studies; she was just happy as long as the contribution points arrived on time.

"Very beautiful." Cheng Ce stared intently into Lu Xuejin's eyes and slowly smiled, though his smile was particularly stiff, as he was always cold-faced. "You're welcome. If the child has any other questions, feel free to ask me. I really like children."

Even Dong Yao could tell Cheng Ce's smile was fake, and angrily said, "He likes my ass! Liar! You nasty, malicious man!"

“…Okay. Thank you, Mr. Cheng.” Lu Xuejin pushed a glass of scorching sun over, her fair, pale pink fingertips brushing against the glass. When Cheng Ce took it and held it in his palm, he could still feel a trace of its soft warmth.

He has not offered a second deal so far.

Cheng Ce was a quick learner; he could succeed at anything he set his mind to. But in front of Lu Xuejin, this talent met with resistance—Lu Xuejin saw his eagerness and attempts to please him, but never responded. Sometimes, when he went too far, the timid young man would be frightened and retreat—just like a rabbit that had been startled and retreated into its burrow, afraid of being snatched away by an eagle.

Perhaps their first meeting was too outrageous, which is why Lu Xuejin always saw him as a sexual pervert. Thinking of this, the resentment in his chest dissipated somewhat. After all, without that transaction, he wouldn't have had any dealings with Lu Xuejin.

His desire for Lu Xuejin came swiftly and impulsively. In Cheng Ce's rigid and cold life, only a few blood-soaked dreams had ever aroused him, but they would subside as soon as he woke up. Apart from Lu Xuejin, no other being could ignite such a strong craving in him in an instant.

Is this a disease? Or is it just a man's inherent weakness?

Cheng Ce had no idea. He only knew one truth—if you have a desire, you must obtain it by any means necessary, leaving no regrets.

The strong liquor rolled down his throat, burning his heart and lungs. Cheng Ce closed his eyes briefly. In the dim, shifting light, his dark pupils silently contracted, turning into vertical pupils resembling those of a wild beast. He was completely unaware of this, but Lu Xuejin and Dong Yao saw everything.

"What the hell?!" Dong Yao stood in front of Lu Xuejin. "Even zombification wouldn't be like this! It's definitely not a good thing, it might even have rabies. Baby, you should stay away from it!"

Lu Xuejin, however, seemed not to have seen anything.

After that, Cheng Ce appeared before Lu Xuejin every night without fail, displaying remarkable perseverance and extravagant spending, which caused much gossip among the staff. The boss privately asked Lu Xuejin for her opinion on Cheng Ce, but Lu Xuejin simply shook her head.

The boss said with some regret, "It's a pity. Actually, Cheng Ce is a good person, and his family doesn't have any troubles. He would be a good match. But if you don't like him, then forget it."

Lu Xuejin suppressed a laugh: "I don't want to think about those things right now, I just want to make money."

"That's true." The boss shrugged. "Men and women only affect how fast we make money."

But Lu Xuejin's unwavering stance seemed to make Cheng Ce a little anxious, and not long after, he proposed a second deal.

Cheng Ce's gaze was calm and peaceful as he patiently awaited Lu Xuejin's reply. He didn't urge her at all, and even very gentlemanly offered her a glass of warm water. Such thoughtfulness would surely astound any friend who brought him to the bar, who would exclaim that Cheng Ce had been possessed.

The hot water, passing through the glass, gently warmed his palms. Lu Xuejin's long eyelashes drooped slightly, and tears shimmered in his eyes, like trembling eyelashes. He spoke, in a very soft and gentle voice, "...Okay."

He lowered his head, seemingly unable to look Cheng Ce in the eye.

Cheng Ce waited until Lu Xuejin got off work. He walked to the car and opened the passenger door in a gentlemanly manner. Just then, his eyes narrowed and he pressed his lips heavily against Lu Xuejin's.

The young man with full, smiling lips seemed to be smiling even when he was expressionless. At this moment, his lips were glistening with moisture, and there was a rosy mark on the corner of his lips from somewhere.

"Don't move."

Cheng Ce leaned closer and gently wiped Lu Xuejin's lips with his finger, his movements as careful as if he were handling a fragile treasure.

The young man instinctively leaned back, his back pressed against the car door, his body forming a beautiful, smooth curve from top to bottom.

From certain angles, this posture could easily be mistaken for a tall man forcing a young man to do something, such as grabbing his chin and plundering between his lips and teeth.

"Bang—!"

The fierce punch grazed Cheng Ce's cheek, which he narrowly avoided, before slamming heavily into the car body. The terrifying force shook the entire vehicle.

"Stay away from him!"

The young man in the black hat and black clothes had a terrifying expression, with veins bulging on his neck. He stood in front of Lu Xuejin, his large hand gently pressing on Lu Xuejin's thin shoulder, a silent act of comfort.

Luo Mingchuan shielded the person behind him, then turned and raised his fist at Cheng Ce.

The two had never met before, yet they started fighting in front of a bar with a huge flow of people.

Onlookers raised their phones to take pictures. When the bar staff heard the commotion and rushed over, they were all taken aback when they saw Lu Xuejin, who had just finished get off work. Then they showed an understanding expression.

"...Mingchuan, stop! Stop hitting him!"

Even the voices trying to stop the conflict are so weak.

That's why men dare to force him so brazenly!

A metallic taste filled his mouth, and his clenched fists were bruised and battered. Cheng Ce looked cold and refined, but his skills were by no means weak. Luo Mingchuan felt no pain; a surging killing intent surged through his chest, clamoring to tear the person in front of him to pieces.

My tense arms were suddenly embraced, followed by the faint scent of shower gel.

Lu Xuejin's voice was choked with sobs: "He, he's my guest..."

[This sentence is very easy to misunderstand, baby!] Dongyao was extremely anxious. Even as an inanimate being, it knew how suggestive its host's words could be in this situation. It quickly said, [Baby, you need to explain to the male lead right away, or someone might really die!]

Lu Xuejin added, "He was the one who took care of my business before, Mingchuan, you misunderstood."

Misunderstand?

Luo Mingchuan abruptly threw Cheng Ce aside, turned around and approached, his chilling aura dispelling the summer heat and sending shivers down one's spine.

He gritted his teeth and asked, word by word:

"What else did he do to you?!"