It seems superstitions shouldn’t be taken lightly.

Yuri thought so, remembering the character ‘Bad*’ written in red ink on the corner of today’s calendar sheet. On the tear-off daily calendar, next to the date written in Chinese characters, a small character indicating the day’s fortune was printed in the top left corner. Although not every day, the character ‘Bad’ occasionally appeared.

(*흉=凶: bad luck/misfortune)

“Seeing this puts me in a bad mood all day, so why even write it?”

A month after arriving in China, Yuri had only just noticed the fortune character on the calendar and had asked, puzzled. At the time, Ling Xinlu had responded indifferently: “The elders like these things. It’s just a reminder to be careful. You don’t need to mind it.” He’d even waved his hand dismissively, as if finding the whole thing ridiculous, and added: “There are so many people in the world, how could everyone’s fortune be the same?”

Yuri had nodded, thinking Ling Xinlu had a point, and hadn’t bothered with it since. So, this morning, upon tearing off the calendar sheet and seeing the ‘Hung’ character, he’d only joked: “I’d better be careful today.”

But today proved to be quite the opposite. From the moment he tore off that calendar sheet, things started to go wrong.

He hadn’t thought much of it when he received a call from James: [“Yuri, how are you doing? When are you coming back?”]

“I don’t know yet. I don’t have any plans in the near future. How about everyone there? Is everyone doing alright?”

[“Well, everyone except me is fine. Kyle’s still the same, and that internationally wanted second son occasionally disappears for no reason, probably getting into some illegal shit again. Tay’s still half-alive, half-dead from meeting the wrong person, but claims to be seeking simple happiness in Kyle’s pile of books. Oh, and the one who’s planning a book fair––what does a military company have to do with a book fair anyway?! Are they going to display a weapons catalogue?!––he’s also fine.”]

Hearing the exasperation in James’s voice when he asked: [“Anyone else you want to know about, Annette? Derek?”], it seemed Kyle had caused some trouble again.

“Sounds like you’ve been having a hard time lately.”

Yuri muttered: “People get irritable when life is tough”, and unconsciously glanced at Ling Xinlu, who was making coffee at the nearby dining table. At that moment, Ling Xinlu looked back at him, and Yuri cursed inwardly.

Ling Xinlu wasn’t the same as before. Even when he heard the names of Riegrow or Jeong Taeui – regardless of what he was thinking – his expression didn’t change. He’d just scoff: “That guy’s still the same, huh?” or laugh brightly: “Haha, Taei-hyung must be suffering. I miss him.”

Ling Xinlu was no longer like he was during those difficult days, when even the smallest clue related to them would cause him to lose all expression, his face paling and filling with a barely controlled, murderous aura. Now, he even joked: “I should write Taei-hyung a letter. Gotta draw like a dozen hearts on it just to piss that guy off.”

Despite this, Yuri still avoided mentioning them in front of Ling Xinlu. He didn’t actively try to hide it, but he hoped Ling Xinlu wouldn’t overhear.

Although Xinlu had learned to mask his emotions, his eyebrows still furrowed for a fleeting moment whenever he heard anything related to them—mostly Riegrow. His fingers would twitch as if to clench, then relax as if nothing had happened. Yuri noticed all of it.

Things would gradually get better with time, but he probably wouldn’t ever feel truly comfortable talking about them.

Unless some miracle allowed Ling Xinlu’s left eye to see again—and even if his eye could see again…….

Although Yuri was good at hiding his emotions behind an indifferent expression, it was difficult to completely conceal anything from this perceptive man. This time was no different.

Ling Xinlu was mouthing the words: ‘Who was calling? Coffee’s ready’, demonstrating his sharp observation skills once again. He seemed to have read something in Yuri’s eyes when he’d glanced over.

Seeing Ling Xinlu mouth: ‘What’s wrong?’, with a serious and slightly suspicious expression, Yuri sighed inwardly. Why did he let that worried look show?

[“Hey, when are you coming back? It’d be better if you were here, I’m about to die from overwork.”]

“Well, I don’t have any plans yet, but if you die from overwork, I’ll definitely attend your funeral. But before that, I have some helpful advice for you, James––”

Yuri abruptly stopped. Because Ling Xinlu’s expression, looking at him with a puzzled look, had vanished for a fleeting moment. From the name ‘James’, he must have understood why Yuri had looked at him with such a troubled expression.

Yuri quietly looked down and continued speaking.

“…….Or maybe Mr. Jeong Taeui could help. He’s free these days.”

[“Hmm? HMM. That could work.”]

Although they hadn’t worked together for long, he was a smart and quick young man. If entrusted with a task, he would at least complete it as expected, unless it required specialized expertise.

James seemed to share Yuri’s thought, murmuring in a positive tone: [“Right, right. Why didn’t I think of that sooner?!”]

Then the call ended with a farewell: [“Anyway, let me know before you come back. There are a lot of people who need you.”] He would probably call Jeong Taeui right away.

After Yuri put down the phone, Ling Xinlu reminded him in a calm voice:

“Your coffee’s getting cold. Mr. Gable, you don’t like cold coffee.”

“Ah, yes.”

Yuri replied shortly and returned to the dining table. While he was on the phone, a simple breakfast had been set out.

“I added less salt because I was worried it would be too salty, but it seems a bit bland. I’ll add more next time.”

Ling Xinlu chatted casually while eating his omelet. Yuri sat down in the opposite chair and murmured: “Is that so?”, Ling Xinlu placed a cup of coffee in front of Yuri and picked up his own.

“I still prefer milk to coffee, but after drinking it so often, coffee isn’t so bad. But doesn’t drinking coffee on an empty stomach right after waking up hurt your stomach?”

“I’m used to it.”

“Ah, I see.” – Ling Xinlu nodded. He stared at Yuri and smiled.

“Then I guess you’re also used to glancing at me whenever Taei-hyung or that guy is mentioned, huh?”

Yuri froze, his fork stopping mid-air. But immediately after, he casually resumed spearing his salad and replied: “Do I?”

“You do.” – Ling Xinlu said casually and drank his coffee.

“How’s Taei-hyung doing these days?”

“He seems to be doing well.”

“It’d be strange if that guy was not doing well.”

Yuri glanced at Ling Xinlu and then looked back down at the table.

Xinlu’s face was expressionless, as if he were talking about an old friend he’d had a falling out with. Yuri simply replied: “Indeed.”

“By the way,”

Ling Xinlu said, biting into a bell pepper as big as an apple.

“I’ve been trying not to think about it, but when Mr. Gable keeps reacting like that, it makes me think about it more and it’s bothersome, you know?”

Yuri’s fork paused again. This time he froze for a longer moment, then quietly lowered his head.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

Ling Xinlu finished the bell pepper in a few bites, staring intently at Yuri until he swallowed. Then he clicked his tongue and sighed. Wiping the sauce from his mouth with his thumb and licking it clean, he said casually,

“I don’t dwell on what to do anymore. It’s good to hear news of Taei-hyung occasionally, and as for that guy, sooner or later there will be a chance to deal with him, so I’ll just patiently wait for the right opportunity. Of course, hearing his name isn’t pleasant, but I won’t let it affect my mood and health anymore. So don’t worry.”

As soon as he finished speaking, Ling Xinlu tilted his head and furrowed his brow, glancing at Yuri.

“…….Though, I’m the one with the grudge, why is Mr. Gable more worried than I am?”

The last sentence was spoken in a complaining tone, like a playful jab. Yuri finally smiled and relaxed his shoulders: “You’re right.”

He knew that Xinlu was no longer as unstable as before.

He believed that even if he heard their names, or even confronted Riegrow directly, Xinlu wouldn’t lose control and reveal the turmoil within him.

However, he still didn’t want to mention their names in front of Xinlu, because he didn’t want him to be reminded of those bad memories.

Ling Xinlu quietly watched Yuri’s sigh of relief in silence, then smiled faintly. He spoke in a gentle yet sincere tone:

“Thank you for worrying about me. Now, and before.”

They dropped the subject. They cleared their plates while talking about other things, such as what time today’s appointment at the rehabilitation center was, and how Xinlu didn’t want to go at all because he was bored.

Everything seemed normal. His amiable and easygoing demeanor, his mischievous eyes occasionally flashing with cunning, were all the same as ever. Whether it was because he didn’t want to reveal that he was still bothered by them in front of Yuri or not, he didn’t mention them again.

Yuri recalled the morning’s events and sighed softly.

It was alright now. He had become much more stable. He could calmly and composedly face whatever came his way.

Now, Yuri even thought that perhaps it was a good thing that he had gone through that unstable, vulnerable period. That it had passed.

So that he could steadily walk the difficult and complicated path ahead, skillfully handling everything and persistently pursuing his goals.

…….He hoped that later, looking back, he could say that those experiences had become useful fertilizer for the tree of his life.

Yuri checked his watch and sighed.

It was time for Ling Xinlu to come back.

Perhaps because the day had started with a heavy heart, today didn’t seem to be as unlucky as the calendar had predicted. Although it wasn’t rush hour, the traffic was congested, making them late for their appointment at the rehabilitation center. While waiting for Ling Xinlu to finish his examination, Yuri stood on the street drinking water and was asked for identification by a police officer.

The rest of the day’s schedule was just to stop by Xinlu’s parents’ house and then head home. After Ling Xinlu came out of the center, they would go straight there.

Hopefully there won’t be any more bad luck from now on.

Yuri remembered the superstitions and silently made the sign of the cross, just like his grandmother used to do.

Just then, the passenger door swung open. Ling Xinlu climbed in, muttering: “Oh, it suddenly got colder.” Yuri started the car, turned on the heater, and looked at him.

“How was it today?”

“Hmm, feels like a waste of money and time.”

Ling Xinlu shook his head slightly. He said his eye felt even more tired and gently massaged his eyelid.

Yuri drove in silence.

The doctor had said that depending on his effort, and with the help of assistive devices, he might be able to recover his eyesight to the point of being able to vaguely distinguish the shapes of objects. Ling Xinlu had scoffed: “Even with all that effort, I’ll still be practically blind.” Yet, he obediently went to the rehabilitation center.

Sometimes he would frown and say he didn’t want to go when he wasn’t in the mood, but if Yuri persisted a few times, he would sigh in annoyance and get ready. So far, he had never missed a single session at the center. But there didn’t seem to be any progress.

“Was the program tiring today? You look more tired than usual.”

Yuri glanced at Ling Xinlu through the rearview mirror. He was leaning his head against the window, looking outside. Hearing this, he turned to look at Yuri and clicked his tongue: “It’s not that, it’s just…….”

“The program was the same as always, but Big Bro and Second Bro kept calling and bothering me.”

“…….—?”

“I should have started my apprenticeship by now, but my eye is in this state. I’m fine with it, but my mother is vehemently opposed. She says with eyes like these, how can I do any strenuous work?”

Ling Xinlu shrugged: “I should have started learning the ropes a long time ago, but my mom keeps objecting, and my father indulges her, so he can’t make a decision.”

Yuri nodded silently.

The Ling clan——Ling Houlong had decided to entrust the entire clan’s alcohol-related business to Ling Xinlu.

Many people were dissatisfied with this decision.

Not only were Ling Xinlu’s much older brothers unhappy, but there were also many others whose interests were involved, and among them, those who opposed Ling Houlong’s decision outnumbered those who supported it.

However, no one dared to openly oppose Ling Houlong, and Ling Xinlu was expected to start his apprenticeship soon.

Although the matter had been decided, the reason it was delayed day after day was due to Ling Xinlu’s mother’s staunch opposition.

Her argument was that a frail and unhealthy child couldn’t possibly handle such strenuous work. She wanted her son to live a leisurely life, far removed from the demands of the business.

Regardless of what she said, Ling Xinlu himself had no objections to the decision, and sooner or later he would have to take over, but it kept getting postponed.

“But it seems I’ll be starting to get involved in the business from next week. I don’t like dragging this out either.”

It seemed that Ling Xinlu himself had made this decision. If he had decided, then his mother couldn’t object forever.

“Besides, if I wait until my eye is healed to work, I’ll probably be unemployed for life.”

Ling Xinlu chuckled: “It seems like my mother wants that, though.”

Yuri glanced at him but didn’t say anything.

They had tried almost everything. Both Yuri and Ling Xinlu had given up hope that his eye, which hadn’t shown any improvement for so long, would ever fully recover.

So, words like: “It’ll get better soon”, or “Don’t say that”, which Ling Xinlu had heard hundreds of times, were just empty platitudes.

“If you start your apprenticeship, who will you be working with?”

“Probably my youngest uncle. Among those involved in the clan business, he’s the only one with enough time to guide me.”

The apprenticeship would begin by shadowing and observing someone already involved in the alcohol business. It would be the starting point of a takeover process that could last 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 10 years, or even longer.

“So, most of the Ling clan’s business is handled by relatives?”

When Yuri asked, Ling Xinlu chuckled, as if he were being asked a silly question despite already knowing the answer.

“Ordinary business can be handled by outsiders, but the work that generates the main income for my clan—it’s all pretty dangerous, so it has to be entrusted to blood relatives. You know, my clan is inherently very suspicious. Even if you’ve known someone for a thousand years, trust isn’t easily given.”

He added jokingly: “Even Big Bro, who seems gentle, is no different, so don’t trust him too much.”

Yuri continued driving in silence, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

From the beginning, Ling Xinlu had been the closest to the center of the clan’s power. He was destined to take root there, sooner or later.

And that day was fast approaching.

“Haizz……. What a bother.”

Ling Xinlu muttered to himself with a sigh. Yuri drove in silence for a while, then lowered the car heater, even though it was already warm enough, and spoke:

“If you don’t want to do it, can’t you avoid it or choose a different line of work? Or if the current situation isn’t favorable, could you wait until a more suitable time?”

Yuri spoke cautiously.

This wasn’t something he could interfere with. No matter how close he was to any of them, he didn’t belong to their world, and he had no right to meddle in anything. Nor should he comment on who should take on what role within the clan.

However…….

“——It’s not just alcohol. There are things that can’t be traded openly……., …….Most of them are transported along with the alcohol.”

Yuri clearly understood the danger implied in that statement. A danger that everyone knew about.

But aside from the inherent danger of those goods, Yuri didn’t want Ling Xinlu involved with them.
This wasn’t for any specific reason, but simply Yuri’s personal wish.

If Ling Xinlu wanted to, he couldn’t do anything about it, but if he didn’t, Yuri hoped he wouldn’t get involved with the alcohol—and the drugs or whatever other illegal goods were being traded along with it. Yuri wasn’t in a position to interfere in the Ling clan’s internal affairs, but if he could, he really didn’t want to advise him to do it.

If Ling Xinlu didn’t want to…….

“If you don’t want to do it, there’s probably a way to avoid it.”

Yuri said that much and then fell silent. Saying anything more would be overstepping his boundaries.