SA 12.2

Ye Jingsheng drove Xiao Jie back in silence, his mind focused on Ye Ling. After a while, Xiao Jie spoke up, “Did Wu Yixue tell you what it would cost to bring those German specialists over?”

“That’s none of your concern. Even if I have to rob Citibank, I’ll get the money together.”

Xiao Jie pouted. “Hospitals in Hong Kong are fiercely competitive, and that deputy director position of his is shady as hell.”

Ye Jingsheng didn’t take it to heart. He knew Xiao Jie always had a distaste for so-called “upright people.” Whatever means Wu Yixue used to climb the ladder, what did it matter to him? As long as Ye Ling could wake up, that was all that mattered.

“You think he’ll use the money I give him to climb higher?” Ye Jingsheng shrugged indifferently. “I’m not ICAC. I don’t care how he got his position. I just care that Ye Ling is alright.” That was why he needed the money, that 10% share of Hongyun, no matter what it took.

Xiao Jie fell silent, knowing that whenever Ye Ling was involved, Ye Jingsheng lost all sense of rational judgment.

The car passed through the tunnel in their silence. Just before they arrived, Xiao Jie finally broke the quiet. “That shithole you call a home isn’t livable anymore. Move in with me. Oh, and the street food stall near my place just got a fresh batch of seafood from Lamma Island. Let’s grab supper.”

Ye Jingsheng smiled, pulling Xiao Jie closer and brushing his lips lightly against the corner of his mouth. “You know I still have to help Fang Yang.”

Xiao Jie froze for a moment. “You’re going to live with him? You and him… you’re getting way too close.”

Ye Jingsheng laughed. “Don’t be like that. You know why I’m doing this.” The only thing he could still give Ye Ling was that 10% of Hongyun’s original shares after the restructuring.

Xiao Jie lifted his head, his expression unexpectedly grave. “Ah Sheng, you’ve always lived life on your own terms, but in this world, especially in this line of work, how many people can you really trust? Fang Yang… he’s too dangerous. In some ways, he’s even more treacherous than Pei Jun.”

“Don’t fucking talk to me about him!” Ye Jingsheng growled through gritted teeth. “Pei Jun swore to my face, time and time again, that he would do whatever it took to save Xiao Ling. And yet, everyone in the task force knew he was meant to be sacrificed. Everyone but me! I could’ve saved him, but I was stupid enough to believe Pei Jun! I shouldn’t have left the scene that day! I was a goddamn idiot, a fool, to believe his bullshit!”

“Ah Sheng,” Xiao Jie said softly, “you can’t carry the past with you forever. Pei Jun’s a hypocrite, and Fang Yang’s an outright bastard. No matter who they are, you should keep your distance.”

Ye Jingsheng didn’t respond, his chest rising and falling with angry breaths. Xiao Jie knew he was upset. Leaning in, he gently bit Ye Jingsheng’s lower lip, catching him off guard.

Before Ye Jingsheng could react, Xiao Jie let go and said, “I’ve known you since we were kid. We’ve been through this for years. Whatever you do, don’t leave me behind… like you did last time. You think I want to keep living just because I survived? What’s the point without you?”

Ye Jingsheng gave a silent smile, ruffling Xiao Jie’s hair, stiff from too much gel. “I’m your big brother. If I don’t watch your back, who will?”

Xiao Jie got out of the car, watching the taillights fade into the distance, and suddenly shivered. Odd. It was still September, yet he felt a chill that cut to the bone.

Fang Yang… you’re impressive, or maybe it’s just that Ah Sheng takes things too seriously. Loyalty and trust… those have always been a fool’s dream for him alone. Pei Jun failed him then, and Fang Yang won’t be any different now.

But Ah Sheng… your heart is already leaning in one direction. What more can I say?

Ah Sheng, you don’t belong to me anymore.

—–

Ye Jingsheng drove to Fang Yang’s mansion atop the hill. At the gate, several bodyguards signaled for him to stop. He handed over his sidearm, waiting as the guard removed the magazine before motioning him through. The car rolled through the gates, and the state-of-the-art surveillance system immediately scanned him and the vehicle thoroughly, ensuring he was unarmed. Once cleared, a bodyguard approached, respectfully handing his gun back.

“Where’s Yang ge?” He asked.

“He hasn’t returned yet. Something came up in Mong Kok, and he went to handle it.”

“Tch. Busy as ever.” Ye Jingsheng drove into the garage, unfazed to see Chen Chen’s car parked there. The sleek black Lotus stood out, understated yet superior, much like its owner.

Since their return, Chen Chen had spoken very little to Ye Jingsheng, and there was a faint hostility he couldn’t quite place. He recalled what Fang Yang had told him. Chen Chen had lived here at Hongyun’s “Yi Garden” with Fang Yang since the age of seventeen, ever since becoming Hongyun’s second-in-command. Rumor had it the mansion’s security rivaled that of political leaders, impenetrable to even a fly.

From what Ye Jingsheng knew of Fang Yang, he doubted the man would willingly live in such a cage. Safe from danger, but also devoid of excitement. Clearly, he stayed here for Chen Chen’s sake.

They’re really tied to each other, aren’t they? Heh… Ye Jingsheng couldn’t help but start questioning the nature of their relationship himself.

Someone was already waiting to lead him to his room. The duplex suite offered a stunning view. After a quick shower, Ye Jingsheng stood on the balcony, gazing at the sea of brilliant lights scattered across the mountains below. His eyes suddenly lit up. Wasn’t that Chen Chen standing by the pool? His subordinates stood at a respectful distance, while the expansive courtyard had only Chen Chen pacing slowly around the pool.

What’s he doing? Strolling for leisure? Ye Jingsheng watched curiously until he saw Chen Chen turn his back, spread his arms, and fall straight into the pool.

With the splash of water, Chen Chen began to struggle, his body bobbing up and down in the waves. He can’t swim? Ye Jingsheng’s heart jumped to his throat. Without a second thought, he leapt off the balcony, diving straight into the pool.

Even though it was only September, the pool water felt bone-chilling in the middle of the night. Ignoring the cold, Ye Jingsheng took a deep breath and dove to the bottom, reaching for the sinking Chen Chen.

As Chen Chen instinctively grabbed his arm, struggling to break free, frustration flared within him. Gritting his teeth, Ye Jingsheng gripped Chen Chen’s neck and forcefully hauled him to the surface.

With a loud splash, both men burst through the surface, water streaming off them. Chen Chen coughed violently, choking and spluttering as he gasped for air. The cold wind bit into Jingsheng, sending a sharp shiver down his spine. Turning to the approaching bodyguards, he yelled, “You knew he couldn’t swim, and you still let him near the pool?!”

“What happened?” A familiar voice interrupted. Ye Jingsheng turned to see Fang Yang walking in, flanked by his entourage. Taking in the scene, Fang Yang frowned and motioned to his men. “Get two large towels.”

He crouched down beside Chen Chen, carefully wiping the water from his face and hair. Without turning, Fang Yang said in a calm but firm tone, “This is Chen ge’s habit.”

“Huh?” Ye Jingsheng froze mid-motion, pausing as he ran a hand through his wet hair. He stared at Fang Yang in confusion.

Chen Chen, finally catching his breath, pushed Fang Yang’s hand away and said, “I almost drowned as a child, came close to dying. Ever since, I could never learn to swim. So every night, I throw myself into the pool.”

Ye Jingsheng frowned, still baffled. How was there any logical connection between the two?

“Chen ge forces himself to experience that feeling of being on the brink of life and death every day,” Fang Yang explained. “In this line of work, we walk a razor’s edge. Only by transcending the fear of death can you remain undefeated.”

“Ridiculous!” Ye Jingsheng spat, tossing his towel onto the ground. The group collectively inhaled sharply. “Transcend death? Who the hell can transcend death? He’s not some damn monk chanting in a temple! If he wants to strengthen his will, instead of throwing himself in the pool and waiting for someone to drag him out, why doesn’t he just learn to swim? You only truly understand life and death when you’re facing them on a real battlefield, not through this self-deluding nonsense!”

Fang Yang’s brows knitted tightly, and silence fell over the courtyard. Suddenly, Chen Chen burst out laughing. “You’re right! You’re absolutely right. I’ve been too rigid.” Standing up, he waved Fang Yang away. “Ye Jingsheng, you live up to your reputation.”

Ye Jingsheng was still seething. Throw yourself into a pool every day to build resolve? What kind of logic is that? He felt like an idiot for rushing in to save Chen Chen. What a waste of effort! Yet, Chen Chen intrigued him in a strange way.

Later, in the bathroom, Ye Jingsheng turned off the faucet and wiped his dripping face. In the mirror, he noticed a tall figure behind him.

Water splashed onto Fang Yang’s face as Ye Jingsheng flung it toward him. He tilted his head slightly but maintained his glare.

“What do you want? I’m dead tired today, no time for your bullshit.”

“You always make it impossible for others to relax,” Fang Yang muttered as he reached out toward him. Ye Jingsheng slapped his hand away and walked out of the bathroom. But just as he took a step, a powerful shove from behind sent him stumbling onto the bed. Before he could react, Fang Yang was on top of him, pinning him down.

“Fang Yang,” Ye Jingsheng sneered. “What, you’ll die if you don’t get horny for a day?”

Fang Yang’s face remained cold as he grabbed Ye Jingsheng by the shoulders and kissed him roughly, almost bruisingly.

“You’re the one who’s a horny pig,” Fang Yang bit out, nipping at Jingsheng’s sharp jawline. “You spent the whole day fooling around with Hua Xiao Jie as soon as you got back!”

“You—”

“I saw it with my own eyes. He got in your car. You’re dead tired? Did you fuck him too many times, huh?”

Fang Yang growled, yanking down Ye Jingsheng’s jeans with a harsh tug. His hand gripped Ye Jingsheng’s already hard length, squeezing it with force, stroke after stroke. “And on top of that, you still..” Fang Yang cut himself off, biting down on Ye Jingsheng’s dark nipple with a vengeance, as if punishing him.

Ye Jingsheng closed his eyes and inhaled sharply. Suddenly, without warning, he lifted his leg and kicked Fang Yang hard in the crotch.