Yuri received the news while waiting for Ling Xinlu at the hospital.

He stood outside because Xinlu didn’t want anyone else to join the consultation with Dr. Breyen or hear the results of the morning’s check-up. Regardless, he would hear about everything discussed through James anyway. While waiting, Yuri sat in the hospital courtyard, breaking biscuits into crumbs for the pigeons gathering under the sunlight. When the name ‘James’ appeared on his phone screen, Yuri glanced briefly toward the hospital building.

He wondered why Ling Xinlu hadn’t come out yet. Had Dr. Breyen already contacted James? Picking up the call, Yuri was caught off guard when, after a few pleasantries, James dropped a bombshell:

[“Jeong Taeui has been confirmed to be at Al Saud’s mansion.”]

“………”

Although he had somewhat anticipated it, Yuri was momentarily speechless. He tossed the remaining piece of biscuit far away and stood up abruptly.

“How was it confirmed?”

[“It seems he directly called Rick. Currently, he’s at Al Saud’s residence along with Jeong Jaeui.”]

“I see. What’s the situation right now…….”

[“It was likely a covert call, as it was disconnected shortly after. So, we couldn’t confirm further details. However, given that no alarming signs were mentioned, it seems he’s not in immediate danger.”]

Just then, Ling Xinlu stepped out of the hospital with a light gait, holding a bag of medicine in his hand. Instead of the thick bandages covering half his face, he now wore just an eye patch and a pair of sunglasses. From a distance, he gave Yuri a small wave and gradually walked closer. However, upon noticing Yuri’s serious expression while on the phone, Ling Xinlu’s own expression shifted into something more peculiar. He stopped just as he reached Yuri, his gaze flickering with a probing light.

“…….Now that contact has been made, we should act quickly.”

[“That’s the only option. If they change locations during this time, it will become troublesome. In any case, Yuri, thank you for your hard work over these past months. Jeong Jaeui’s location has been confirmed.”]

James added: [“Finally, the efforts of these past few months have paid off.”]

Yuri muttered a half-hearted response: “Yeah.”

The contract was complete. The initial objective, the whereabouts of Jeong Jaeui, had been fully confirmed, marking the end of Yuri’s work. The rest would be handled by those who needed Jeong Jaeui.

[“We’ll discuss the contract renewal later. For now, as you said, I need to act quickly.”]

“Alright then.”

The call ended.

Yuri silently put his phone back in his pocket, while Ling Xinlu, who had been quietly observing him the whole time, finally spoke.

“Have they been found?”

His tone remained as calm and steady as always, but Yuri caught a faint, unusual emotion flickering beneath it. He nodded slightly in response.

“Where?”

“They reported that it’s at Raumaan Abid Al Saud’s private mansion, and Jeong Jaeui is there.”

“How were they able to confirm that?”

“Mr. Jeong Taeui himself made contact. He called Mr. Riegrow.”

After a brief silence, a short response broke through: “Ah, so that’s how it is.”

On the way back to the hotel, there was little conversation between them. When Yuri asked about Ling Xinlu’s eye, he received only a half-hearted reply: “The same as before.” Ling Xinlu’s face betrayed no thoughts or emotions as he stared intently out the window, lost in his own world.

The recovery process progressed quite quickly, leaving almost no visible scars on the surface. Once the bandages were removed, he looked no different from any ordinary person. The movement of his eye appeared completely normal, to the point where it would be difficult to notice that one eye had lost its full agility unless someone already knew. His body, too, had nearly returned to its original state.

Over the past few days, Ling Xinlu’s mood seemed to have improved significantly. At the very least, he appeared to have recovered to a state reminiscent of the times the two would frequently cross paths in Seringe before his injury.

When the late night arrived, and his body grew weary and sluggish, Ling Xinlu’s mood would sink alongside it, becoming darker and more somber. However, as his wounds had healed further, the pain seemed less severe than before, and the nights of waking in agony and writhing in bed were now a thing of the past.

Instead, Xinlu mentioned that he had developed mild insomnia. When he woke in the middle of the night, he often found it hard to fall back asleep and had gotten into the habit of sitting in the living room in the dark for a while. If those few nights could even be considered a ‘habit’, then so be it. Each time that happened, Yuri with his sensitive ears easily awakened by the faintest sound, would immediately wake up as well. He would quietly make his way to the living room, standing silently behind Ling Xinlu at a measured distance, watching over him without uttering a single word.

‘Ah……. seriously……. Please, just leave me alone for a while. Do you really have to bother me like this?’

Ling Xinlu would often grumble irritably, but if Yuri remained silent and steadfast in his presence, he would eventually say nothing more and simply turn his head away. Occasionally, very rarely, Ling Xinlu would let a few words slip, one or two sentences at most, when his mood allowed for it. Most of the time, they were just murmurs, spoken without any expectation of a response.

This time was no different.

After Ling Xinlu retired to his room early, Yuri spent some time reading before turning off the light and lying down. However, he barely managed to fall asleep before waking up again, stirred by faint sounds from outside.

It was as if something was moving, like a large cat, making almost no noise as it softly landed on the sofa. Then, all movement stopped. Yuri grabbed his robe and stepped out. As expected, just as he thought, Ling Xinlu was sitting in the dark living room.

“…….”

And as usual, Yuri stood a few steps away, maintaining a measured distance.

Even in the darkness, Yuri could make out the contours of Ling Xinlu’s profile. But his expression remained unclear. Yuri silently gazed at the pale outline of his cheekbones, faintly illuminated by the dim light filtering in from outside.

“Today, I’ve had a bad headache, and my mood’s been terrible.”

Came the sudden whisper. The voice was lower and rougher than usual. It wasn’t because Ling Xinlu was tired—it was because he was suppressing a seething anger within, struggling to keep himself in check.

“On days like this, could you not look at me?”

Even so, the statement was much gentler than the blunt: ‘Get lost!’ that Ling Xinlu used to snap at him in the beginning. But Yuri didn’t respond, nor did he move. His silence was his way of refusing the request. Perhaps that very silence touched the nerve of the anger Ling Xinlu was trying so hard to suppress.

After a moment of tense quiet, Ling Xinlu finally turned his head and looked directly at him.

“When someone’s trying to calm themselves, trying to be a bit nicer, and you just insist on pouring oil on the fire……. Didn’t I already tell you? Your gaze makes me uncomfortable. I don’t understand what you want from me.”

“I don’t want anything.” 

Yuri’s brief answer caused the corner of Ling Xinlu’s mouth to twist into a crooked smile. His expression shifted, as if the anger he was fully aware was merely a means to vent his frustrations, repressed deep within, had finally found a crack to seep through.

“Then.”

Xinlu’s voice hissed through clenched teeth, lower than ever, as though he were trying desperately to keep his emotions in check.

“That’s the problem. I don’t understand. If you were like everyone else, carrying ambitions so easily visible, it wouldn’t matter. I’m too used to those kinds of looks to care anymore. But you don’t seem to have any ambition. So, what the hell is it, then?”

“…….I don’t know.” 

Yuri hesitated for a moment but eventually gave an honest answer.

What confused him more was the fact that Ling Xinlu had even asked such a question. In the past, he had never stared at anyone so intently, not even the people he had once felt affection for or briefly dated. None of them had ever asked: ‘Why are you looking?’

Why did he like someone? Even Yuri himself didn’t know. Appearance, personality, the way they spoke, their actions—no single factor could completely explain why he liked someone. But the sum of all those elements, blended together to form a person……. that, he liked.

Ambition? That was even further from the way Yuri understood things. The way he knew was simply to embrace everything about a person, accepting and welcoming it all. Two individuals, distinct and separate in their own right, yet at times blending into one, indistinguishable. Like the feeling of losing oneself while swimming in water—that sensation.

Unable to put such thoughts into words, Yuri remained silent, quietly gazing at Ling Xinlu. Ling Xinlu met his eyes with his own deep, dark gaze. For a moment, his expression seemed irritated, yet the corners of his mouth curled up as if in a faint smile.

“That’s right. Ambition only arises when one has tasted its flavor. Isn’t that so? Just like those who have experienced the allure of wealth, they crave even more.”

The icy anger in Ling Xinlu’s voice gradually faded. Like a predator concealing its killer instincts before its prey, he pushed his anger deep down, suppressing it entirely. With a subtle wave of his hand, he gestured: “Come here.” Yuri hesitated for a moment, but when Ling Xinlu repeated the gesture with another wave and said again: “I said, come here”, he stepped closer and sat down beside him, slightly angled from where Ling Xinlu sat.

Ling Xinlu lightly tapped the seat right next to him, but when Yuri chose to sit a bit farther away, his eyes flicked back and forth between Yuri and the empty spot beside him. A faint scoff escaped his lips, mocking and amused.

“I’ve always thought that you, Mr. Gable, seem like you’re living in a different world sometimes. At the very least, it looks like your feet are hovering about 10 centimeters off the ground.”

“…….Is that so?” 

Yuri glanced down at his feet, neatly planted on the floor. He tapped his heels against the ground a few times. Ling Xinlu watched the action, the corners of his mouth curling upward, half a smile, half a sneer.

“Is it because you don’t know what ambition is? Why don’t you try grounding yourself in this world a little? If you don’t know how, I can help you.”

Yuri looked at him with a puzzled expression as Ling Xinlu rose from his seat. The slightly upturned eyes of Ling Xinlu seemed to smile, but there was something strangely distorted about the emotion behind them. Before Yuri could fully process what was happening, Ling Xinlu was already standing right in front of him, stopping at an unnervingly close distance.

“Mr. Ling Xinlu…….?”

“Just looking is enough to feel satisfied? What a lie. That’s just the excuse of people who’ve never had what they wanted. Those who aren’t even capable of ambition but don’t want to hurt their pride use that line as a shield. And you……. it seems you don’t even realize that……..Shh.”

The soft “Shh” escaped Ling Xinlu’s lips, his whispered breath brushing against Yuri’s.

At some point, without Yuri realizing, Ling Xinlu had perched himself on Yuri’s lap, sitting upright with deliberate intent. He lightly licked Yuri’s lips, as though sampling their taste, before tilting his head slightly. His eyes fixed on Yuri, observing every tiny reaction, before slowly sliding his tongue between the lips that had been pressed firmly shut. What seemed immovable and tightly sealed was effortlessly parted by Ling Xinlu’s deliberate movements. The light weight that had initially rested on Yuri’s lap grew heavier as Ling Xinlu settled fully, pressing down with unmistakable intention. While sitting on Yuri’s lap, Ling Xinlu’s hands gently cradled Yuri’s cheeks, guiding him into a deep kiss. Yet Yuri remained completely motionless. Sitting there quietly, he seemed frozen, as if caught in the grip of a reality he couldn’t process, unable to respond or resist.

“So calm.” – Ling Xinlu chuckled softly, murmuring the words against Yuri’s lips as he pulled away momentarily.

Of course, Yuri was calm—because everything felt utterly unreal.

“…….”

It was only after the surreal dizziness in his mind began to dissipate that Yuri blinked. That was when the sensations became clearer: The warmth of Ling Xinlu’s body, the taste of his tongue, and the feel of those hands gently caressing his cheeks. A slight tremor ran through Yuri’s body, an involuntary reflex he couldn’t control. And it seemed that Ling Xinlu noticed the subtle change. Yuri could feel the playful curve of Ling Xinlu’s lips, pressed against his own, as if in quiet amusement at the reaction.

The hands that had been gently caressing Yuri’s cheeks shifted to his head, firm yet gentle, holding him in place with an unyielding determination. Almost instantly, the sensation of Ling Xinlu’s lips deepened, growing more intense, and transforming into an overwhelming wave of heat. The next moment, that wave of heat didn’t just consume Yuri’s lips—it seeped into his mind, overtaking his thoughts.

“……..!”

A rich heady fragrance seemed to permeate the air. It was the intoxicating, alluring scent of a grand and radiant flower, a smell so potent it could leave one paralyzed in an instant. Amid the blurred stream of his consciousness, Yuri became aware—the source of that scent was none other than Ling Xinlu himself.

Yuri didn’t even realize he had begun to respond, his lips instinctively drawing Ling Xinlu’s tongue in, until the other’s movements suddenly paused. It was only when Ling Xinlu seemed momentarily startled that Yuri became aware of what he was doing. The once intense and fervent motions of Ling Xinlu gradually slowed, softening into something gentler, as though melding with Yuri’s hesitant response. Bit by bit, slowly and tenderly, the overwhelming passion began to transform into a flowing rhythm, enveloping them both in its gentle current.

“──. ─!!”

After a brief pause, Ling Xinlu seemed to sync his movements with Yuri’s, exuding a surprising tenderness. His gestures, lightly caressing Yuri’s chin, sliding down his neck, across his collarbone, and to his chest, were unhurried and intimate. The weight of his hand pressing on Yuri’s thigh, followed by a soft touch lower down, carried a sense of care and gentleness, as if Ling Xinlu were treating someone he truly cherished.

Ling Xinlu softly nipped at Yuri’s cheek with his lips, inching closer and closer until the distance between them was so small it was almost impossible to discern clearly. Meanwhile, Yuri, adrift in a haze of thoughts, came to a realization: Sharing warmth with this endearing person felt like a dream?? A dream interwoven with the reality he was experiencing.

‘Even so, it was undeniably lovely.’ That thought unexpectedly sent a rush of heat to Yuri’s head, leaving him flushed. A sweet fragrance filled his senses, saturating his mind and making his heart burn with the same intensity. Perhaps that was the reason why, as he gazed at Ling Xinlu, the lips brushing against his cheek and the edge of his ear, Yuri leaned in and pressed his lips against Ling Xinlu’s cheek without a shred of hesitation.

In that moment, Ling Xinlu suddenly paused. He tilted his head slightly, gazing intently at Yuri. His expression was peculiar, leaving Yuri no choice but to stare back, unsure of what his own face might look like. The only thought echoing in his mind was: ‘So adorable.’

Ling Xinlu continued to study him for a long while before murmuring something softly.

“Feels like.”

“…….What?”

“Does it……. feel nice?”

“……. Does it feel nice?” – As Ling Xinlu asked, his hand gently stroked Yuri’s arm in a tender yet faintly languid motion.

Yuri remained silent for a moment before nodding honestly. His heart was still racing, pounding hard against his chest. It was still burning, aching with intensity. Ling Xinlu observed him quietly, then let out a soft laugh, his eyes curving with a seductive charm. “I knew it.” – Xinlu said, before placing a light kiss on Yuri’s earlobe.

“But like this, do you still feel that just looking is enough?”

Ling Xinlu’s voice was sweet, like candy offered to tempt a stubborn child—a tone that seemed to be waiting, almost expectantly, for that child to admit: No, just looking isn’t enough; they truly want the candy.

“…….”

Yuri blinked slowly, feeling the soft brush of Ling Xinlu’s lips against his cheek. He exhaled a long breath, gentle yet trembling, before speaking:

“Mr. Ling Xinlu, do you feel comfortable? That feeling.”

The lips moving against his cheek suddenly stopped. They lingered for a long moment before slowly pulling away from his skin. Ling Xinlu sat upright, keeping just enough distance for Yuri to clearly see his face. His eyes locked onto Yuri’s, scrutinizing every angle, as though searching for something hidden in his expression. Moments later, the hand resting on Yuri’s cheek also slid away, falling gently to Ling Xinlu’s side.

“Honestly……. that’s one way to ruin the mood. Your breathing is still so unsteady, and yet you ask something like that?”

Ling Xinlu clicked his tongue in annoyance, while Yuri keenly felt the absence of his warmth as it drifted away. He lowered his head in silence, noticing the faint chill creeping through the collar of his shirt, which had unknowingly come undone. Ling Xinlu glanced down at Yuri, whose head was bowed, and clicked his tongue again before letting out a soft sigh.

“Still, it’s not as unpleasant as I thought. Actually……. it’s better than I expected. Quite surprising. …….If you find it comfortable, then why are you looking at me like that?”

Ling Xinlu licked the fingertip that had touched Yuri’s lips, his brows furrowing slightly as he caught Yuri’s silent and emotionless gaze fixed on him.

“If I truly lack what you call ambition, as you say, then all your efforts would have been in vain, wouldn’t they?”

The moment Yuri slowly uttered those words, the expression on Ling Xinlu’s face vanished entirely. His features became unreadable as he stared at Yuri with an impassive gaze. Tilting his head slightly, he asked:

“No ambition? …….So you think it’s funny? That I’ve wasted my time?”

Yuri paused for a moment, lost in thought, then shook his head.

“I don’t know.”

“…….”

Ling Xinlu stared intently at Yuri, his eyes wide and unblinking for a long moment, before abruptly turning his head slightly to the side. “Ha.” – He let out a dry, humorless laugh.

“You’re such a strange person……. Just when I start to find you interesting, you immediately manage to irritate me to my very core. It’s not easy to pull that off, is it?”

Leaning down, Ling Xinlu moved closer to Yuri. His eyes, now fixed on him, curved subtly in a way that was both dangerous and laden with meaning.

“Maybe I should try poking at you and see what happens. If I wanted to, it wouldn’t be hard to make someone annoyed. Hurting others. That’s an easy thing to do.”

“Is that so?” – Xinlu whispered into Yuri’s ear. His body pressed closer, sharing its warmth to Yuri. The clear intention behind his actions was unmistakable, as the heavy weight of flesh subtly rubbed against Yuri’s lower abdomen, leaving no room for ambiguity about the implication.

“No ambition, you say? If it’s now, you can do anything you want. I’ll oblige.”

A sweet voice. A sweet scent. Like honey pouring into his ears, Ling Xinlu’s melodic tone filled the air as he whispered. Then, with a deliberate gentleness, he bit softly on Yuri’s earlobe.

Ling Xinlu tilted his head back slightly, gazing down at Yuri. When their eyes met, he smiled. That smile was unmistakably laced with seduction, as if he knew exactly how he appeared and was intentionally wielding that knowledge. ‘You can have me now. Anything you want. If you miss this moment, there won’t be another chance.’ Even knowing this might lead to hurt, it was the one moment Yuri could claim this endearing person, even if just once. 

That smile said it all, and Yuri understood. Ling Xinlu, too, knew that Yuri had realized.

Yuri continued to look at him in silence. Then, slowly, he reached out a hand. The smile in Ling Xinlu’s eyes seemed to deepen, growing even more pronounced.

Yuri wrapped his arm around Ling Xinlu’s head, gently pulling him closer, as if wanting to lose himself in the sweet smile gracing his face. The warmth of Ling Xinlu’s soft, endearing body followed his lead obediently, resting comfortably in his embrace.

And then—

*Bump*

A sound rang out as Yuri firmly pressed his lips together and delivered a solid pat to Ling Xinlu’s cheek.

“…….”

In an instant, the smile vanished from Ling Xinlu’s face. His expression froze, resembling someone who had just been unexpectedly knocked on the head while wearing a warm, tender smile. He stared at Yuri, wide-eyed and visibly startled.

After holding Ling Xinlu’s gaze for a moment, Yuri seemed to question himself: ‘Maybe that wasn’t quite right?’, tilting his head slightly, he leaned in again and placed another kiss.

This time, on the lips.

*Bump*

And this time, a little firmer.

And silence enveloped them once more. Not only had the smile vanished, but Ling Xinlu’s eyes had grown noticeably colder.

“……..”

“You don’t like it?”

Yuri asked with a serious expression, facing Ling Xinlu’s icy and unresponsive demeanor. Then, very slowly, agonizingly slowly, Ling Xinlu lowered his gaze, his expression indifferent.

“You’re right. I do feel a little hurt.”

To be honest, Yuri had never thought a kiss – if that could even be called a kiss – would provoke such a significant reaction. But he truly hadn’t expected to receive such a cold gaze from Ling Xinlu.

The women he had been with in the past had all been incredibly understanding and patient. They had never criticized him, not even for his lack of skill. This was the first time he had seen a face so shocked and displeased over something as simple as a kiss. It left a heavy weight in his chest, and he had a feeling this memory would stay with him for a very long time.

“The hurt I’m talking about isn’t something like this──……. Forget it.”

This time, Ling Xinlu’s frustration was unmistakable. His expression was filled with clear disappointment as he coldly spoke, turning away from Yuri. He returned to the chair where he had been sitting earlier, though it was evident that the irritation bubbling within him hadn’t fully subsided. His eyes glanced at Yuri, brimming with annoyance and dissatisfaction.

“I thought…….if I left someone flushed, stripped of reason, moaning and writhing right before they climaxed, then walked away—it might actually be more amusing.” – Ling Xinlu began to mutter, almost to himself, not caring whether Yuri was listening or not. The words were followed by a sharp, disdainful click of his tongue.

So that’s what he was thinking.

The realization struck Yuri hard, leaving a wound deep enough for him to know that this memory would linger for a long time.

Quietly, Yuri placed a hand on his chest, lightly brushing over his heart.

However, his body had undeniably heated up. Below, he felt a strange, fleeting heaviness that he couldn’t ignore. The thought that he had once confidently identified himself as heterosexual now seemed almost laughable. Perhaps sensing the gaze fixed on him, Ling Xinlu glanced over and coldly asked:

“What’s wrong?”

“Ah……. I just think, maybe I’m not sure I can’t be with men.”

When Yuri shook his head and voiced his thoughts, Ling Xinlu just smirked dismissively, showing little interest.

Yuri pondered for a moment and then asked:

“And you, Mr. Ling Xinlu, have you always considered men as sexual objects from the start?” 

The moment he said it, Yuri couldn’t help but feel that this question resembled some strange survey interview. Perhaps Ling Xinlu thought the same, so he frowned slightly, then responded indifferently as if he just wanted to get it over with.

“I don’t think much about that. Men or women, my experience with those things is so little that I can count it on one hand. In this regard, I’m quite carefree. There were a few times I did it just because I found the other person’s moaning amusing, but that’s about it.”

Yuri remained silent. Ling Xinlu’s confession about having almost no experience surprised him. With just a little interaction earlier, Xinlu had created the impression that he was certainly skilled and experienced.

As if reading Yuri’s mind, Ling Xinlu continued:

“I just need to know how to do it better than many professionals, even if it’s the first time. Even with the first person I tried, it took me more than 10 hours to experiment, get familiar, and grasp how to do it. And after that, he clung to me like a madman, to the point where I found it annoying to shake him off. During the act, he cried and wailed as if he was about to die, even fainted, yet afterward, he clung to me like a drug addict.”

Yuri nodded as if listening, but midway, he paused for a moment.

‘Indeed, young people are different, their stamina is really good. More than 10 hours……. he must be exaggerating, maybe it was a few hours. This person was in a more difficult position and could endure for so long, so his stamina is truly extraordinary. But……. being so exhausted during the act that man faint, can he still maintain an erection?’

A thought crossed Yuri’s mind, plunging him into contemplation. In the silence, he looked directly at Ling Xinlu, and he responded with a gaze as if to ask: ‘What’s wrong?’ And then, as if realizing something, Ling Xinlu’s eyes slightly narrowed.

It was as if he had seen through everything Yuri was thinking. It was at that moment that Yuri realized he had just been pondering a very private aspect of someone else. He quickly shook his head and tried to dismiss those thoughts. Of course, it wasn’t important.

“Sometimes people misunderstand me. Even Taei-hyung was once misunderstood at first.”

“…….Misunderstanding?”

“…….Well, it has nothing to do with Mr. Gable, so forget it.”

Ling Xinlu suddenly mentioned something that didn’t fit the flow of the conversation, making Yuri look at him in surprise. But he just silently looked back at Yuri, then waved his hand as if to say not to worry about it.

“Actually, back then, he clung to me in the most pitiful way. I tried everything to shake him off. To the point where, out of sheer frustration, I told him that if he pulled down his pants and spread his ass, I’d take him right there on the spot. And to my surprise, he actually did it, awkwardly pulling his pants down and presenting himself right in the middle of a crowded club. He was like an addict, completely out of his mind. He used to be so arrogant, but when he latched onto me, all his dignity was gone.”

Ling Xinlu sneered slightly, his words like a mockery aimed at someone, sounding as if he was just mumbling to himself. Hearing those words, Yuri vaguely realized he was alluding to something he had once misunderstood. But what echoed more clearly in his ears was Ling Xinlu’s tone full of frustration and annoyance when mentioning it.

Ling Xinlu was talking about the person he had once been ‘intimate’ with for the first time, with a tone devoid of any affection or sympathy, simply viewing it as an experiment. Even though Yuri thought he knew Ling Xinlu well, these words revealed another aspect that left him speechless. Although he knew it was just a part of who Ling Xinlu was and it didn’t diminish his allure, still…….

Yuri’s heart felt bitter.

Both fell into silence. Yuri, like Ling Xinlu, said nothing more, each seemingly lost in the memories and thoughts the story had stirred up.

“I once thought I would never fall into such a foolish situation. …….But now I find myself more pathetic than him.”

That bitter smile was self-mockery.

What Ling Xinlu was remembering was the pain in Seringe. Yuri had often seen how the memories of what had been taken from him there sometimes crushed him, making him unable to bear it.

“If I soak him-self in drugs…….”

As if a sudden thought had just flashed in his mind, Ling Xinlu mumbled. He spoke casually, as if blurting out something meaningless. But immediately after, he fell silent, as if that very thought had truly sunk into his mind. It made Yuri’s heart suddenly feel cold, and he unconsciously withdrew his hand.

“Would he belong to me then?”

“You shouldn’t.”

Yuri replied firmly, but it seemed Ling Xinlu didn’t fully hear or care. He just cast a sharp look at Yuri.

“Even if he doesn’t belong to me, if Taei-hyung ends up like that, ‘he’ will suffer. ‘He’ will be angry, go mad, and cause chaos. Isn’t that right?”

“Surely.” – Ling Xinlu continued to mumble, as if convincing himself, his eyes gradually becoming dark, burning with hatred. Yuri faced that gaze and softly said:

“Stop it. That will only make you lose Mr. Jeong Taeui forever.”

“Lose? He was never mine to begin with. What will be lost is his, not mine.”

“Haha” – Ling Xinlu let out a laugh, then raised his hands. Even when looking at those empty hands, he no longer knew what he was holding. Only hatred, anger, resentment, and despair remained.

“As long as I can pull Taei-hyung to my side, I’m willing to do anything. Do you think I don’t dare? I will tie Taei-hyung to me, then mock the other as he screams in rage! To say that Jeong Taei is mine, not ‘his’!”

His voice became rough. His eyes blazed with excitement, one side dark and the other gleaming with a malicious glint.

Yuri thought it was a strangely indescribable image. One eye alive with burning anger, while the other was pitch black, as if light couldn’t penetrate. He couldn’t help but feel a pang in his heart, as it seemed to reflect Ling Xinlu’s inner self.

“Are you planning to kill the other eye too?”

“What?”

It seemed Ling Xinlu didn’t understand the words Yuri had just blurted out. His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. Yuri silently looked at him for a long moment, then slowly spoke. He knew these words might become a dagger stabbing straight into him.

“Do you really want Mr. Jeong Taeui? Want him for who he is? Or do you hate Rick so much that you want to use him as a tool for revenge?”

The expression on Ling Xinlu’s face completely faded away. The light in his eyes extinguished, and there was no trace of emotion left on his lips. His face looked pale, but Yuri did not avert his gaze, only bitterly continued speaking.

“The way you’re doing it—that’s not loving Mr. Jeong Taeui. At least, that’s what I think.”

“Are you saying I don’t love hyung?”

“Not in this way.”

“Why do you think you have the right to deny my feelings?”

Yuri did not answer. But he also did not take his eyes off him. Facing that determined gaze, a distorted smile gradually appeared on Ling Xinlu’s face. “Ha…….” – A suppressed breath softly escaped his lips.

“Do you think my feelings will shift elsewhere? What? Are you hoping, even just a little, that you’ll receive some scraps from me?”

“I’m not saying this for myself. It’s you who’s trying to do something wrong.”

Ling Xinlu laughed as if what Yuri said was ridiculous. He laughed for a long time, a low chuckle, then looked down at Yuri with a cold gaze.

“Hurt Taei-hyung?”

“…….The person you will hurt is not Mr. Jeong Taeui, nor Riegrow. It’s yourself.”

Ling Xinlu’s loud laughter suddenly froze. The cold eyes looking at Yuri also became icy, as if all the blood in his body had solidified. Even the anger boiling inside him seemed to freeze, so he just stood there, staring down at Yuri.

Ling Xinlu slowly tilted his head, then looked down at his empty hands. As if trying to guess if there was anything in them. But he would soon realize. Realize that the only thing he was holding onto was distorted and hurtful emotions——a truth he did not want to admit.

“………!”

In the next moment, those empty hands grabbed Yuri’s hair tightly. He immediately slammed his head down onto the table with a loud *BANG*. The glass on the table shattered under the pressure. Small shards fell scattered on the floor. Soon after, drops of blood began to drip down, staining the broken glass red.

In an instant, Yuri’s head and the table were covered in blood. Yuri blinked several times as blood flowed into his eyes. The burning pain spread, but he wasn’t sure exactly where it was coming from on his head.

Just as I was thinking…….

Ling Xinlu still held Yuri’s hair tightly, pressing his head down on the table, and coldly spoke.

“You’re not bad, you have some good points……. yes, maybe I really like you……. such thoughts crossed my mind.”

“…….”

“But in the blink of an eye, you ruined everything. You made my mood so terrible, so disgusting that I couldn’t stand it.”

It was because Yuri had exposed in front of him the image he least wanted to see: A tragic, pitiful person, becoming more despicable than he wanted to admit.

And Ling Xinlu knew that very well. That’s why he felt angry.

“Why? Do you think you’re so great? Do you feel happy seeing through others with such a nonchalant face?”

He knew very well that this was just a way to vent his anger.

Yuri did not respond. No justification, no persuasion, no apology.

*BANG*—Once again, Yuri’s head was slammed hard onto the table. A short groan escaped his lips, but Yuri still said nothing. And that was the last time. Ling Xinlu released him, pushed him aside, and then walked straight into the room, each step heavy. The door slammed shut with a piercing sound, and after that, it never opened again.