RTCBM 58

On a bench by the seaside road sat a man wearing sunglasses and a mask. He stared blankly at the stream of passersby, lost in thought, until a man in a suit came to stand in front of him.

“What do you want from me?” Wen Shang asked. It was the first time he’d met with Hua You alone since their breakup.

Hua You looked up at Wen Shang, then removed his sunglasses and mask. He patted the empty space on the bench beside him. “Won’t you sit?”

“No need. I’ll stand. I won’t be staying long anyway.” Wen Shang’s tone remained distant, like speaking to a stranger.

Hua You had expected this and didn’t take it to heart. He had come to meet Wen Shang because of what happened with Sun Hai.

“I’m not trying to avoid responsibility, but that incident really wasn’t something I ordered Sun Hai to do.”

“What difference does it make who did it? It already happened.”

“Sun Hai really went too far. I’m not going to make excuses for him,” Hua You admitted. “But he got what he deserved. Can we just leave it at that?”

Wen Shang didn’t reply. His silence was as good as agreement. After all, for someone like Sun Hai, a seated boss in the underworld, to let things go so easily, likely meant Hua You stepped in and talked him down.

“If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going.”

Just as Wen Shang turned to leave, he heard the man behind him say, “Ah Shang, I’m sorry.”

His foot, mid-step, paused and then returned to the ground. He turned back again.

“Sorry for what?” Wen Shang looked at him.

“For what Sun Hai did to Mu Yuan, and for the things I did to you before,” Hua You stood up from the bench. “I told you before, I’ve thought about reaching out to you more than once. But don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not here to stir up anything. I just wanted to apologize to you in person, sincerely.”

Wen Shang looked calmly at the man in front of him and let him finish what he had to say.

“I didn’t understand anything back then. For the sake of fame and success, I degraded myself and trampled on your feelings. So many things I thought didn’t matter at the time… only after a long while did I slowly start to realize how wrong I was. I came to understand, to wake up, and finally see just how cruel I’d been to the one who loved me with everything he had.”

The regret on Hua You’s face wasn’t an act. He truly felt guilty for what he had done. Wen Shang understood what he meant, but sometimes, things that are over really are over.

“I accept your apology,” Wen Shang said, “but I won’t forgive what you did back then. From now on, if we can avoid seeing each other, let’s not meet again. Live your life. I have mine. The road ahead is long. Let’s take care of ourselves.”

This time, when he turned to leave, Wen Shang wouldn’t be looking back. Hua You was now part of his buried past. Mu Yuan was his true future.

Now it was time to go home. To return to the one meant for him.

As soon as he stepped inside, the scent of something burnt hit his nose. Following the smell, he went to the kitchen.

The countertop was covered in scattered utensils and ingredients. The floor was dusted in flour, broken eggshells lay everywhere, and smoke was coming from the oven. Wen Shang quickly rushed over and switched it off. The whole place was a mess, clearly the work of his destined one, yet said person was nowhere to be found.

Wen Shang ran upstairs to check. Nai Gai and Yu Yuan were both curled up peacefully in their beds, but there was still no sign of Mu Yuan.

Strange.

Wen Shang turned to leave the room when a voice suddenly called out from outside the window: “Wifey!”

He instinctively turned toward the sound and finally saw his beloved. Somehow, Mu Yuan had climbed up the mango tree in the backyard and was now clinging to a branch, smiling and waving for help.

“Wifey, I’m stuck. Come up with something and help me down!”

“…”

Ten minutes later, Wen Shang came out of the house with a folding ladder and rescued Mu Yuan from the tree.

“I swear, what were you thinking climbing up there?” Wen Shang scolded with a hint of sternness. Mu Yuan was still recovering, his leg movement was limited, and his right eye was still bandaged. Yet he dared to climb a tree? Not even for a second could this guy behave himself.

“I saw the mangoes on the tree were ripe and thought I’d grab a couple for you to try,” Mu Yuan muttered with a pout. In truth, he just wanted to eat them himself, but to dodge any blame, he made it sound like a sweet gesture.

He pulled two plump, golden mangoes out of his pocket and held them up to Wen Shang. “Look, I didn’t even take a bite. I saved them so we could eat them together.”

This guy… Wen Shang really didn’t know what to do with him. He was his precious one. He couldn’t hit him, couldn’t scold him, and even raising his voice felt too much. Every line he tried to draw just kept being pushed back further and further.

Trying to change the subject, Mu Yuan grinned and said, “Oh, right, Wifey, I made Portuguese tarts for you today. Hold on, I’ll go grab some—”

“No need,” Wen Shang cut in with a glance. “They were already burnt.”

“If you could just sit still for one day, I’d believe miracles really do happen.”

Mu Yuan thought he was mad and scooted closer, tugging on Wen Shang’s shirt and blinking his eyes. “Don’t be mad. I’ll be good next time, okay? I’ll behave.”

Wen Shang sighed and pinched his nose lightly. “You’re not supposed to behave. That’s what makes you adorable.”

After three months of careful recovery, Mu Yuan’s injuries had mostly healed. Though his right eye was saved, his vision had worsened. The doctor instructed him to take his medication on time and return regularly for follow-ups. Naturally, Wen Shang took on the task of making sure he stayed on track.

Mu Yuan had been thinking about leaving the triad for a long time. He should have spoken to Qin Hong three months ago, but the incident delayed everything. In a way, it gave him more time to put his affairs in order.

Once he stepped away, no one would be left to run Sixth House. He planned to have A Zhi succeed him. That kid had been by his side for years, and it was about time he stepped up. As for He Dongying, once Mu Yuan left, he would undoubtedly follow. If Qin Hong agreed to Mu Yuan’s departure, he wouldn’t make things difficult for He Dongying either. The only question was whether Qin Hong would approve the resignation.

---

That afternoon, after the leadership meeting at the Yiguan wrapped up, Mu Yuan deliberately waited until everyone else had left before slowly rising from his seat.

“Xiao Yuan,” Qin Hong called out, beckoning him over. “You’re still here? Good. Come over for a bit.”

Mu Yuan walked over with a puzzled look. He didn’t know what Qin Hong wanted to talk about.

“How’s your health these days? Feeling better?” Qin Hong asked with a kind smile, speaking in the tone of an elder showing concern.

“Pretty much fine now. Nothing serious anymore.”

“That’s good to hear.” Qin Hong nodded. “By the way, a few new venues in Feng District are about to open. I’m thinking of putting you in charge of them.”

He patted Mu Yuan’s shoulder and encouraged him with a smile. “Keep up the good work. I have faith in you.”

“Boss Qin,” Mu Yuan stayed quiet for a moment, then slowly said, “I don’t think I can take on that job.”

“Oh?” Qin Hong raised an eyebrow. “Why not? You’re already managing over twenty venues. A few more shouldn’t make a difference. I know you’ve got what it takes.”

“That’s not what I meant,” Mu Yuan replied calmly. “The reason is… I’m planning to leave Sheng Yi.”

“You’re switching sides?”

“No. It’s not that.” Mu Yuan clarified, “I’m planning to leave the triad. I won’t be in the underworld anymore.”

“You’re serious?”

Mu Yuan nodded firmly. “I’m not joking. I mean it.”

Qin Hong’s expression changed. He furrowed his brows and slammed the table hard. His voice turned cold. “Sheng Yi isn’t some open market where you come and go as you please.”

Mu Yuan said nothing. He just looked at him quietly.

“I’ll ask you one more time. Are you serious about this?”

“Very serious.”

Qin Hong narrowed his eyes slightly, staring at Mu Yuan for a long moment.

“Fine.” The quick agreement left Mu Yuan stunned, but before he could say anything, Qin Hong added, “But there’s one condition. Three days from now, same time, you come to Yi Hall and face off against the other six elites of the Sixth House. If you can defeat more than half of them, I’ll let you go. I won’t stop you.”

—

“No way.” That evening, when Mu Yuan told Wen Shang about it, Wen Shang immediately objected.

He Dongying agreed with Wen Shang and also disapproved. Leaving Mu Yuan’s current state aside, the six remaining elites of Sheng Yi were not average fighters. Each of them held their position not just for their talents but also for their top-tier combat skills. Even members like Longmei and Yuan Yuan, the women among them, were fierce and never backed down. And monsters like Hifi and Zhong Bo were known for their brutal strength and stamina. Being friendly behind the scenes was one thing, but once they stood on opposing sides, their loyalty to the triad would always come first.

Besides, with Mu Yuan’s body still healing, going up against six of them and having to beat at least four was simply too much.

“Don’t go.” Wen Shang pleaded. “Let me fight in your place.”

“No.” Mu Yuan shook his head. “The challenge only counts if I face them myself.”

“You just recovered from your injuries, and now you’re about to throw yourself back into a fight. You’ll be down before the match is even halfway through.”

“Mu Yu,” He Dongying suddenly called him. “Maybe you should just go.”

“What did you say?”

“Have you thought about this?” He Dongying continued. “Qin Hong gave you three days. Doesn’t that also mean he’s giving you time to get away?”

“You could leave this city. Start over somewhere else.”

“No.” Mu Yuan’s answer was firm. “I joined the Sixth House with my head held high. If I leave, I’ll do it the same way. I won’t run.”

“Why are you so stubborn?” Wen Shang couldn’t understand it. He was speaking from his own heart. He was afraid Mu Yuan would get hurt again. He knew Mu Yuan was strong, but even the strongest person couldn’t keep taking blow after blow like this.

In truth, Mu Yuan had considered leaving quietly. But he couldn’t. This city held so many people dear to him. So many memories. Everything he loved was here. He didn’t want to let go of it all.

He didn’t know if he could win the upcoming challenge. But no matter what, he had to face it.

Wen Shang didn’t say another word to Mu Yuan the entire night. Mu Yuan knew he was sulking.

When it was time to sleep, Mu Yuan scooted closer to him and gently nudged him. “Wifey.”

Wen Shang kept his back to Mu Yuan and stayed silent.

“Wifey,” Mu Yuan called again. Whether Wen Shang liked it or not, Mu Yuan stretched his arm out from behind and pulled him into his embrace. He leaned close and brushed his lips against his ear. “Trust me, alright?”

Wen Shang turned over and faced him in the dark. “It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just…”

“Then why are you sighing?”

“Just because I trust you doesn’t mean I’m not worried.” Wen Shang took Mu Yuan’s hand and bit the back of it. Since he couldn’t stop Mu Yuan from doing this, all he could do was remind him again and again. “Promise me you won’t push yourself too hard.”

“I promise,” Mu Yuan replied brightly, carefully hiding the anxiety in his heart so Wen Shang wouldn’t notice.

Three days passed. As promised, Mu Yuan arrived at the Yiguan. The atmosphere in the main hall was heavy. Qin Hong sat in the center, his expression stern as he looked toward Mu Yuan. At the sides of the hall, the six elites, Hifi, Elder, Yuan Yuan, Long Mei, Lao Cai, and Zhong Bo, were already in position.

There was no fixed order for the challengers. The first to step forward was Elder. Mu Yuan’s heart dropped. He knew he was in for a tough fight. Elder wasn’t just Sheng Yi’s current Red Pole. He was also a professional fighter. Facing the strongest opponent right out the gate, Mu Yuan couldn’t deny his nerves. Truthfully, even he wasn’t confident he could win this round, but he had no choice. He had to go all in and face it head-on.

The moment the fight began, Elder dashed at him like lightning. Before Mu Yuan could react, he took a punch square in the stomach.

It hurt, but not as much as he expected. With Elder’s skill, there was no way he had pulled that punch by accident.

After that single blow, Elder stopped. Then Hifi stepped forward and threw a symbolic punch to Mu Yuan’s shoulder. One by one, Long Mei, Zhong Bo, Yuan Yuan, and Lao Cai followed.

None of them truly intended to fight. What showed on their faces wasn’t hostility. It was farewell.

Mu Yuan stood there, stunned.

“You can go now,” Qin Hong said suddenly.

“What… what did you say?” Mu Yuan stared blankly at Qin Hong, looking utterly stunned.

“You knew you were going to lose, yet you still insisted on showing up and fighting them. Seems like your mind is truly made up. If you’re so determined to leave, what’s the point in keeping you? But remember this. Once you’re gone, don’t come crawling back. From this day on, anything that happens in Shengyi has nothing to do with you.” Though Qin Hong’s words were cold and sharp, there was weight and sentiment behind them.

With a single “Goodbye,” Mu Yuan’s nine-year life in the triad came to an end.

—

Wen Shang had been pacing anxiously inside the house all afternoon. Ever since Mu Yuan left for Yiguan, a heavy sense of unease had weighed on his heart. But Mu Yuan had told him to stay home and wait for his return. So Wen Shang obeyed. He trusted him.

And he kept waiting.

The sun dipped into the horizon…

The evening clouds faded quickly…

Night fell…

A silver moon hung high in the sky…

It was getting late.

Still, Wen Shang waited.

He didn’t know how long he had been waiting, until he heard a familiar voice, softly humming a tune behind him.

I won’t betray your love or let your heart grow cold.
I know you fought back tears to see me off.
Ah… so hard, so hard…
So hard to part ways, to be left behind in bitterness again and again.
I entrust my words to the wild geese soaring above.
Ask them to carry my message, though they may tire of hearing it.
Don’t let anyone feel lonely because of you.

Wen Shang spun around in a hurry. There stood his one true love, leaning against the doorframe with that familiar, roguish grin, chin tilted high. He wasn’t hurt. Just like he’d promised, he stood there, safe and sound, right in front of him.

“What are you just staring for?” Mu Yuan smiled and opened his arms wide. “Aren’t you coming over for a hug?”

Wen Shang rushed into his arms and pulled him in tightly, unwilling to let go.

“Wifey,” Mu Yuan whispered by his ear and chuckled softly, “from now on, I’m no longer Boss Mu.”

“I haven’t really figured out what path I’ll take next,” he added. “But it doesn’t matter anymore. No matter how big the problem, I’ve got you.”

The air around them seemed to tremble with their heartbeats, dense with everything unsaid.

“I didn’t quite catch that last part,” Wen Shang murmured, holding him close with a playful glint in his eyes. “Say it again?”

Mu Yuan laughed under his breath, bit his ear gently, and repeated clearly, “No matter how big the problem, I’m not afraid. I’ve got you.”

-END-