Chapter 143 - I Heard You Were Reborn
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
Trigger warning: Non-consensual drug use, drug addiction/withdrawal. Even more…graphic non-con descriptions. I don’t know how or what to warn here. It’s just one h.e.l.l of a…depressing time here.
1. I Heard You Were Reborn
【Ding, transfer to new world complete. Memory transfer in progress….】
The new world was a modern world. Xie He’s ident.i.ty in this world was named Lin Xin.
Lin Xin lost his parents in an accident when he was six years old. Father Lin’s good friend, Han Chengshan, adopted him. Although he lived in another person’s home, Han Chengshan and his wife treated Lin Xin very well. They never treated him harshly. They treated him like their own child.
Han Chengshan had a son named Han Wenqian. He was seven years older than Lin Xin. Despite being the only son of the Han Family, Han Wenqian had never fought with the young child his father had brought home. He doted on him like he would his real brother. Back then, when Lin Xin was brought home, the couple was very fond of him. All sorts of rumours billowed up. Many people said that Lin Xin was Han Chengshan’s illegitimate child. They persuaded Han Wenqian to start making preparation, so as to prevent this b.a.s.t.a.r.d child from stealing what ought to belong to him…. Han Wenqian had always disdained these malicious, unfounded rumours. He trusted his parents. Furthermore, he had liked the adorable, obedient child at first glance.
Since they were young, Han Wenqian had always been the first to help Lin Xin when he was bullied. Others were not allowed to say anything bad about his baby brother, let alone hit him. He had always protected Lin Xin very well. Once, one of Han Wenqian’s good friends —another rich kid—had become interested in the pretty, delicate, and charming Lin Xin, and had tried to take liberties with him. Han Wenqian had disregarded their friends.h.i.+p and had beaten the other man half to death. This matter blew up within the circle. From then on, everyone knew that Han Wenqian truly cared for Lin Xin and no one dared to try anything with him again.
Although Lin Xin had lost his parents when he was young, he had still gotten to experience a warm home with the Han Family. He had the Han couple, who cherished him, and an elder brother that protected him. In this warm environment, Lin Xin grew up to be cheerful and bright.
Furthermore, Lin Xin was kindhearted, sensible and grateful. He had never wanted a share in the Han Family’s company. In his eyes, it all belonged to Han Wenqian. He was already very satisfied and felt very fortunate to have what he had. Therefore, he never did anything that would destroy the peace at home. After entering university, Lin Xin didn’t choose to major in anything related to finance. Instead, he chose to major in what he was interested in: music. He studied piano.
Lin Xin had a good background, and was kind, br.i.m.m.i.n.g with talent, pretty and gentle. He was very popular at school. He was the Prince Charming in many girls’ hearts. Right now, he was about to graduate, and had a girlfriend named Shu Yan that he had been dating for a year.
Not only did Lin Xin have a happy, beautiful life, his future was glorious.
To Xie He, Lin Xin was a model example of a greenhouse flower. There was a tree that protected him from the rain. If nothing unexpected were to happen, he could live the rest of his life happily and soundly. He would never know the cruelty of life or how it felt to have to worry about money. Even without Han Chengshan, Han Wenqian would protect him for the rest of his life.
Xie He had transmigrated through many worlds but Lin Xin’s was the most beautiful. It was so blissful that it made him…a little reluctant to destroy it.
【Xie He：Baby, who’s my target this time?】
【444：Han Wenqian.】
【Xie He：Hehe. ? 】
Xie He combed through the memories related to Han Wenqian. Han Wenqian, who was seven years older than Lin Xin, was a typical rich kid. He had entered the Han Family business years ago. Because of his age, Han Chengshan’s body was not very well. One year ago, he had practically handed the company over to his son and was now more or less retired.
Han Wenqian was capable and skilled. He had a powerful and aloof temperament outside, but in front of Lin Xin, he always maintained a gentle, reliable, good older brother image. He was very involved in his brother’s life. Xie He thought that Han Wenqian obviously liked Lin Xin very much, but this ‘like’ was purely familial. He only saw Lin Xin as a younger brother.
But with the Favourability Value as high as it probably is, it wouldn’t be difficult to transform it into romantic love. This world looked like it would be easy.
Xie He opened his eyes and found himself lying in bed at home. His room was on the second floor, next to Han Wenqian’s. The third floor had the Han couple’s bedroom. On the first floor was a living room, kitchen and so on.
Xie He put on his slippers and walked to the washroom. The young man in the mirror had fair skin, pretty, bright eyes, and soft black hair that covered his forehead. When he smiled, others could see his little dimples. He was very good-looking and looked completely harmless. Anyone who saw him would feel an instant fondness and closeness to him.
It was currently the weekend, so Lin Xin was at home. Although the Han home wasn’t very close to his school, it wasn’t an issue to come home every day. However, Lin Xin wasn’t an ostentatious person and wasn’t willing to let his cla.s.smates know that his family was wealthy. Therefore, he lived at school most of the time. He only came home for the weekends.
Furthermore, the Han Family would get together every weekend to have a meal together.
Unlike the other rich families that would fight and scheme against each other, the relations.h.i.+ps between the Han Family members were uncomplicated. They didn’t have many relatives. Usually, the four of them interacted with each other in a very relaxed and happy manner. They were like a regular family. Lin Xin had no desire to fight for anything and Han Wenqian wasn’t worried about Lin Xin having such thoughts at all. Moreover, Lin Xin was a member of the Han Family in the hearts of the Han couple. Even if he didn’t fight for anything, they would not treat him unfairly.
Xie He smiled. He was very satisfied with the family situation. Suddenly, he received a message from Lin Xin’s girlfriend, Shu Yan. Apparently she wanted him to accompany her out.
There were as many fish in the sea as there were girls who liked Lin Xin at school. Shu Yan was beautiful, lively, and had courageously pursued Lin Xin. She had managed to rise above all of Lin Xin’s other suitors and won him over. Lin Xin was bashful and gentle by nature. Furthermore, this was the age where young people yearned for love. He was moved by Shu Yan’s pa.s.sion. The two of them had been a couple for more than a year now.
But in Xie He’s opinion, Shu Yan was just a vain girl. The reason she went after Lin Xin was mostly because Lin Xin was a good catch. If she had the most handsome boy in school as her boyfriend, she would get a huge boost in reputation. Shu Yan loved to socialize and always wanted Lin Xin to accompany her. She was really good at acting coquettish and Lin Xin had a very good temperament, so they had always gotten along.
To Lin Xin, since Shu Yan was his girlfriend, he must do everything a boyfriend should. That included accompanying her, doting on her and spoiling her.
Xie He, however, had no interest in accompanying a little girl in watching movies or strolling about. He was not the honest Lin Xin. He directly responded that he wasn’t feeling well today and told her he’d spend time with her another day.
After sending the message, Shu Yan called him. The girl’s melodious voice came through, “Lin Xin, are you not feeling well? Are you sick? Where’s your house? I’ll come visit you.”
Xie He said in a gentle tone, “I’m fine. It’s just a bit of a cold. Don’t worry.”
Shu Yan didn’t feel rea.s.sured. She said, “You can’t be careless just because it’s a cold. Is there anyone at home? How about I come over?”
Xie He declined again, “My parents are at home. It’s fine, really.”
Only then did Shu Yan give up. She instructed, “Drink more hot water and rest more. Don’t strain yourself.”
Xie He laughed and said, “OK.” He then spoke to Shu Yan gently for a while before hanging up.
Very few people knew that Lin Xin was the adopted son of the Han Family. He had never let anyone come over either. Therefore, even though others thought that he must be really well off, they didn’t know just how well off he really was. Xie He didn’t plan on letting Shu Yan know his ident.i.ty. He didn’t want to make breaking up harder than it already was.
Xie He glanced at the time. Han Wenqian would be back in a few hours.
Currently, the busiest person in the Han Family was Han Wenqian. However, no matter how busy he got, he would always come home for a meal on the weekend. He would also inquire about how Lin Xin was doing at school. He was a very good older brother.
Xie He was a bit excited to meet Han Wenqian. He sent a text to Han Wenqian in Lin Xin’s style: Ge, when are you coming back?
Han Wenqian, who usually replied very quickly, was slow to respond this time. Xie He didn’t take it to heart because Han Wenqian would sometimes be too busy to respond on time…. It was only when night came that Xie He felt that something was off.
Han Wenqian had called Mother Han to tell her that he would not be coming back for dinner tonight. He didn’t mention Lin Xin at all, nor did he respond to the text.
A pensive look flashed through Xie He’s eyes. He then hid that emotion and went to sit down at the dining table.
Mother Han was a graceful and elegant woman. She picked up some food and placed it in Lin Xin’s bowl kindly. She said, “You’re so thin. Eat more.”
Father Han looked dignified, with white hair at his temples. He looked at Lin Xin with a very gentle gaze and asked in a caring tone, “Xiao Xin, how is school? You’re going to be graduating soon. What do you plan on doing?”
Xie He smiled and said, “I plan on continuing to learn at Teacher’s side. Teacher said that there will be a chance to perform at S Country’s royal concert hall in five months. He has already decided to take me with him.”
When Mother Han heard this, she was very happy and said, “That’s an incredible opportunity. You must definitely grab hold of it!”
Xie He nodded, eyes glittering.
S Country’s royal concert hall was the dream of many artists. It was rare for a newbie like him to perform there. This was a very high starting point for him. It was not something that could be bought with money. It was because of his own talent and hard work that he got this chance.
After the meal, Xie He asked Mother Han in a seemingly off-hand manner, “Did Ge say when he was going to be home?”
Mother Han shook her head, “No. He only said that there was a meeting today so he’d come home rather late.”
Xie He looked down and said, “Oh.”
After dinner, Father and Mother Han went out for a walk. Xie He went to the piano room.
The piano room was across from Xie He’s room. It was a really s.p.a.cious room. In the center was a beautiful, white grand piano. This was a birthday present Han Wenqian had given to Lin Xin not long ago. It was worth several millions.
Xie He’s lips quirked upwards. His brother was very generous. He sat in front of the white piano, hands placed on the keys. Xie He gazed at his own hands. His fingers were long, slender and fair. He had smooth joints and the fingernails were l.u.s.trous, like pearls. They were a pair of very beautiful hands. They were the hands of a pianist.
Xie He shut his eyes and pulled up Lin Xin’s memories. His hands danced on the keys and a song flowed out. Lin Xin was indeed very talented and his heart was very pure. He fervently loved music.
【Xie He：Baby, when my adorable older brother comes back, remember to give me a heads up.】
【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】
By the time Han Wenqian came home, it was already really late. If it were any other time, he would have already been home for hours. However, he didn’t want to come home today.
These last few days, he suffered horrifying nightmares. The nightmares felt so real. He wished that everything was fake but…after a bit of research, he knew that the nightmares had been real. In three years, he would die.
He didn’t expect to have been reborn. If his rebirth was for the sake of fixing his regrets, then his regret was having misjudged someone.
Han Wenqian came to the second floor and heard the faint, clear melody of the piano coming from the piano room. The notes that poured down in torrents were beautiful, as if they were flowing into the depths of his heart. It easily washed away his fatigue and made him feel carefree and relaxed.
Han Wenqian used to love to hear Lin Xin play the piano. Lin Xin’s music was just as beautiful as he was. He was the little brother he loved for sixteen years.
But at this moment, all that was left in his heart was ice and pain.
Han Wenqian stared at the door for a long time before slowly pus.h.i.+ng the door open…he finally saw that person again.
It had clearly just been one week since they last met but it had been three years in his heart.
Under the dim light, the young man sat before the white piano. There was an expression of concentration on that pretty side profile. His beautiful, slender fingers danced on the black and white keys of the piano like fairies. Bathed in that refres.h.i.+ng, piano melody, he looked like he was enshrouded by a holy light. He looked like an angel that had descended into the mortal realm.
Han Wenqian’s fists clenched. He had been tricked by this appearance before and had paid a heavy price.
Xie He only noticed that Han Wenqian was standing at the door when he finished his song.
Han Wenqian was tall with handsome and cold features. The contours of his face were sharp and there was a slight coldness in his dark pupils. His thin lips were curled up into a callous arc. He was wearing a white s.h.i.+rt and dark slacks, with a pair of exquisite cufflinks on the sleeves of his s.h.i.+rt. A blazer was draped over one arm. It was obvious that he had just come back from work.
Xie He stared at Han Wenqian. At this moment, a fierce sense of danger arose inside him. This was not the Han Wenqian in Lin Xin’s memories.
【Xie He：Baby, what’s Han Wenqian’s Favourability Value?】
【444：The Favourability Value…the Favourability Value is 20 and the Blackening Value is 80! Σ( °△°|||)︴】How is this possible, ah?!
Xie He’s eyes narrowed slightly. This was the first time something had been outside of his expectations. In his predictions, Han Wenqian should not be blackened. His Favourability Value should also be at least 70.
But as reality would have it, that was not the case. Where did he go wrong?
As Xie He was pondering over this, he heard the System chime in.
【Ding, the hidden story of this world’s target Han Wenqian has been triggered. Would you like to spend 3000 experience points to unlock the hidden story?】
Xie He very quickly stored away the emotion in his eyes. He got up and walked over to Han Wenqian, an intimate smile on his lips. Faint dimples appeared on his face and he looked at the other with s.h.i.+ning eyes, “Ge, you’re home.”
Han Wenqian slowly hooked his lips into a cold smile and said in a flat tone, “Why haven’t you gone to bed?”
Xie He acted like he didn’t sense anything wrong and smiled. “I was waiting for you.”
Han Wenqian stared at the young man before him. The young man was exactly as he remembered, looking as gentle and harmless as ever. Who would have ever expected that underneath this gentle and harmless exterior, there was a sinister, viper-like heart? His eyes s.h.i.+fted down to Xie He’s pale, weak neck…. A bloodthirsty urge turned its head inside his chest. With just a wring of his hands, he could kill him.
But why couldn’t he do it? The other had so clearly betrayed him but he unexpectedly could not kill him.
No, it absolutely wasn’t because he was feeling softhearted. He just didn’t want to let the other off so easily.
Don’t you like to act? Then I’ll watch and see how long you can act for. Because I will personally tear off your facade and make you taste ultimate despair.
【Ding, the target Han Wenqian’s Blackening Value +20. The current Favourability Value is 20, the current Blackening Value is 100.】
Han Wenqian reached out to rub Xie He’s head, the cold in his eyes dispersing. He gave Xie He a meaningful look and chuckled. “It’s really late. Go to bed.”
Xie He nodded obediently. “Ge, you also should go to bed. Don’t work too hard.”
Han Wenqian nodded and watched Xie He enter his room. He then turned around, face a sheet of ice.
………………………………
Xie He returned to his room, shut the door and then lied on his bed, content.
【Xie He：Unlock the hidden story.】
【Ding, 3000 experience points spent. The hidden story of this world’s target Han Wenqian has been unlocked. Host, please accept the hidden story from Han Wenqian’s point of view.】
As soon as these words fell, memories flooded Xie He’s mind.
Time advanced quickly.
This peaceful, tranquil life continued for three years. These few years were all very typical. Han Wenqian was still a doting older brother to Lin Xin and the Han Family company did very well. It continued to expand very smoothly.
That is, until three years later, when everything changed.
During an important auction, the Han Group’s secrets were leaked. They lost to their compet.i.tor, Qin Ye. The losses were heavy. However, that was only the start. Very soon, the Han Family’s criminal history was also exposed. Their tax evasion and money laundering scandals were brought to light. The company was investigated thoroughly. In a blink of an eye, the Han Family’s situation had become unstable.
Han Wenqian worked hard to stabilize the situation. Through his investigation, he found out that the traitor who had spilled the company secrets had been Lin Xin.
When Father Han was informed of this, he had been so angry his heart condition had flared up and he nearly died because of it.
Han Wenqian hadn’t believed that Lin Xin would do such an ungrateful thing so he had personally gone to question Lin Xin with the proof. However, what occurred was that he ended up catching Lin Xin and Qin Ye in bed together, kissing. When Lin Xin saw him, he mocked Han Wenqian for being stupid and ignorant in front of Qin Ye. He admitted to the betrayal and said that he deserved a share of the company.
Lin Xin’s admission destroyed the last shred of hope in Han Wenqian’s heart. He left, heartbroken and in sorrow. Absent-minded, he ended up killed in a car accident.
When he woke up again, he realized that he had come back three years into the past.
Three years ago, Qin Ye had yet to appear and Lin Xin had yet to betray him. He could fix his mistakes.
After Xie He finished looking at these memories, he finally understood where the Blackening Value had come from.
【444：Oh my G.o.d! It was actually like this?! What should we do?! Σ( ° △°|||)︴】
【Xie He：Baby, I’m really happy, ah. ? 】
【444：…Ah?】
【Xie He：Originally, I had to go on the offensive. But now, I don’t have to do a thing. I just have to lie here and wait for Han Wenqian to send himself to my door. It’s even easier and more pleasant than I originally antic.i.p.ated. 】
【Xie He：Isn’t this a good thing? I’m about to get a very pa.s.sionate “boyfriend” Smile.JPG】
【444：……】
The author has something to say:
Darlings, look here~~ The gong and shou of this world are both adults and they have no blood relation. Everyone knows that they are not biologically related. They’re not on the same family register either! Yingyingying…this author is really afraid!
Don’t ask why this silly author is so cowardly. After getting blacklisted and inspected by the higher ups, as well as getting my story wrongfully locked, this author is in great despair, ah! I’m even afraid while correcting typos! I have been very obedient and only writing stuff above the neck…. This author is trembling from the fear of being stuck in a little black room. QAQ
Eve: I already want to blame Qin Ye. I refuse to believe that a cinnamon roll like Lin Xin could do such a bad thing. Hmph.
sere: oop when XH said it was gonna be easy i already expected the opposite… also im getting ye jinzhou vibes ew… Eve said this arc is gonna be dark and im scared.
Yoooo i only found out we were doing daily updates when i was like wait i was a whole arc ahead now i am 7 chapters ahead lmaooo rip to me