Chapter 89

Like… like what?

Ji Wei looked down in a daze at the thing in his hand. He blinked first, and then a wave of shame shot from the hand holding the handcuffs straight to the top of his head.

He quickly turned around, placed the object back on the bedside table, feeling as if his whole body was about to catch fire.

“I didn’t book it, your mother did,” he tried to explain.

Behind him, the man let out a thoughtful “oh.”

After a while, the sound of the shower turning on came from the bathroom, followed by the gushing of water.

Lu Shenxing must be taking a shower.

Ji Wei slowly calmed down, let out a long breath, and walked to his suitcase to get his pajamas.

After Lu Shenxing came out, he went to take a shower too.

He didn’t like taking baths in hotels, preferring showers. Including washing his hair, he was done in about ten minutes. He stood in front of the mirror, blow-drying his hair.

His hair color, like his eyes, was on the lighter side, a slightly deep brown, and his hair was soft. After drying, it was a fluffy mass, with a few strands sticking up stubbornly.

But he was going to sleep right after, so he didn’t mind.

Ji Wei walked out of the bathroom. Lu Shenxing wasn’t asleep yet; he was sitting on the bed, looking at his computer, his long, narrow eyes squinted in concentration.

He got into bed, pulled up the covers, and couldn’t help but feel a little curious.

As if he knew what he was thinking, Lu Shenxing said calmly, “I’m looking something up.”

“Did you find it?”

Ji Wei asked subconsciously.

Lu Shenxing closed his computer and said in a low voice, “I found it.”

Ji Wei nodded and closed his eyes, ready to sleep.

But before he could completely close them, he suddenly felt a chill as the covers were lifted. Then, his hands were raised and lowered by the man, and he immediately felt the cold, thrilling touch of handcuffs.

Click.

He was cuffed to the bed.

In a very embarrassing position, his body completely spread out.

Realizing his predicament, Ji Wei didn’t dare to open his eyes. Instead, he said with a trembling voice, “Let… let me go… Mmph.”

Before he could finish his sentence, the man’s kiss fell, silencing his words and turning them into muffled whimpers.

It was too deep.

He was being kissed until he was out of breath, but Lu Shenxing still unhurriedly conquered his mouth. When he was dazed and his mind wandered, he would be bitten, forcing him to be fully immersed in the kiss.

Because he was restrained.

He couldn’t break free.

And he couldn’t hide.

By the time Lu Shenxing finished helping him, his mind was a complete blank. He kept his eyes tightly shut, his thick eyelashes trembling incessantly, with faint tears seeping out.

Suddenly, the man called his name. “Weiwei.”

His breathing hitched, and he felt an inexplicable panic.

“Open your eyes and look at me.”

The man’s hand covered his eyelids.

—An incredibly cold touch.

Only his fingertips retained a hint of scorching heat.

The skin around the eyes is one of the most delicate areas. When it was suddenly covered, Ji Wei’s heart seemed to stop for a beat, then it began to pound violently in retaliation, as if it would burst out of his chest the next second.

As that hand slowly moved up, his tightly closed eyes also opened, bit by bit, and countless rays of light flooded into his pupils.

A moment of darkness.

Then he saw Lu Shenxing pulling off his tie, leaning over, and kissing him slowly and deliberately.

His face immediately turned red, flushing from his cheeks to his neck.

Even the upturned corners of his eyes were red.

He was extremely shy.

***

The next day, when Ji Wei sat up in bed, Lu Shenxing had already gone out. He was very conflicted about whether to get up. If he could, he would have buried himself under the covers so he wouldn’t have to see anyone.

And just at that moment, Mother Lu sent him a message.

[Mother Lu] Baby, how was last night?

Ji Wei looked at the phone screen, his face burning.

It wasn’t very good, actually.

Even though he had been on a plane for several hours, there was no sign of fatigue on Lu Shenxing.

On the contrary, he was so sleepy he couldn’t stand it. He had been half-asleep and felt someone rubbing against him, which burned away all his sleepiness. He didn’t wake up until ten o’clock today.

He edited his reply several times before sending it.

[Ji Wei] It was okay.

[Mother Lu] Just okay? I’ll have Huang Bo make something to replenish A-Xing’s energy later.

Ji Wei: …Does he still need replenishing?

The moment he saw the message, a blush quickly spread across his face. He fell back onto the bed and buried his head in the pillow.

He thought, if it were his twentieth birthday, given Lu Shenxing’s stamina, he probably really wouldn’t be able to get out of bed.

At that thought, his face turned even redder.

Ji Wei hadn’t logged into Weibo for a long time. He didn’t know that the Consulate in Russia had released an interview video.

In the video, an airport staff member was being interviewed.

“At 10:45 yesterday, that Chinese elderly man came to me saying his grandson was missing. Our airport immediately took it seriously… We are also very grateful for the help of several Chinese tourists, especially one unnamed tourist who provided us with a highly accurate portrait, which allowed us to find the child hidden under a chair.”

When asked why the child was hiding, the staff member said with some helplessness, “He lost his phone and was afraid his grandfather would scold him, so he hid himself. Fortunately, nothing bad happened… It’s no trouble. Our airport welcomes all Chinese tourists. It is our duty to provide dedicated service to tourists.”

At the 2 minute and 21 second mark, a video of him drawing was inserted. The person filming tried to get a clear shot of the drawing in his hand, but because of the screen’s reflection, nothing could be seen clearly. Only his side profile was visible.

Usually, such official videos don’t get many views, but someone with a sharp eye recognized him.

[Tiger Skin Egg] This looks like… Ji Wei?

He had only posted one sentence, but now everyone was very concerned about news of Ji Wei, especially his fans. They refreshed Weibo several times a day from morning to night, just wanting to know any news related to Ji Wei.

In less than an hour, his post had been reposted over thirty thousand times.

[Fish Ball Ball] I watched the video carefully. It really is Weiwei. Awwwww, he’s lost so much weight and has become so much quieter. Mom’s heart aches for him.

[Tofu Skin] Did he go to Russia for a trip? It’s good to relax.

[Snail Noodles] Sigh, he’s not in a good psychological state himself, yet he’s still helping others. Weiwei is really too good. From now on, anyone who speaks ill of him has no heart.

[Red Oil Rice Cake] Am I the only one who noticed how amazing Ji Wei is? He drew a portrait in ten minutes of someone he had only just met. I can’t say anything other than ‘holy shit’.

[Pine Soot] Awwwww, our Weiwei is so amazing. You must get well soon. We’re waiting for you to come back.

Ji Wei was even more unaware of these comments.

He only knew that Lu Shenxing hadn’t returned all morning.

He wanted to call and ask, but his rational mind told him that Lu Shenxing had come to Kolis for business. He couldn’t just disturb him. It was already willful of him to have come along; he couldn’t be any more willful.

It was just that—

He missed his brother.

***

Although Kolis was a small city, due to its superior geographical location, it had the largest art trading market on the border. Every summer, many collectors flocked here to buy paintings, making it very lively.

“Mr. Lu, I think we’re being followed.”

The person leading Lu Shenxing and the others through the market was a local from Kolis named Alai.

“I know.”

Lu Shenxing lowered his eyes, his tone surprisingly calm.

Ying Guanxiao, however, was a little panicked. “They’ve been following us since Yancheng. I thought we could shake them off by transferring from Yekaterinburg, but they still managed to catch up.”

The security in Kolis was not good, and at night, it could even be described as chaotic. Alai couldn’t help but worry about this generous Chinese client.

However, he was a professional guide and remained calm as he introduced, “Besides counterfeit goods, the market also sells works by local artists. The profit margin is not high, and they are basically all sold through Aleksei.”

“Let’s go take a look.”

Lu Shenxing’s voice was lazy.

“Are you… going to buy a painting?”

Alai asked cautiously.

“Does it matter?”

Ying Guanxiao looked puzzled.

“Aleksei’s wife has a very bad temper. If you look for a long time without buying anything, you’ll get a real tongue-lashing,” Alai said with lingering fear.

As a guide, he usually wouldn’t introduce clients to Aleksei. After all, those who could afford a guide were all wealthy, and tips made up a large part of his income. If the client was in a bad mood, the tip would naturally not be much.

But this Mr. Lu seemed very interested in the Kolis art market, asking him to introduce it in great detail, so he had no choice but to do so.

“It’s fine.”

Lu Shenxing said calmly.

Alai could only sigh and lead them straight ahead to Aleksei’s shop in the deepest part of the art market.

There were many paintings in the shop. Unlike the exquisitely displayed shops in front, the way the paintings were treated could be described as simple and crude.

Piles of scrolls were stacked on the floor.

Lu Shenxing bent down and picked up an oil painting.

It was at a very amateur level.

It was more like the work of a beginner than that of a local artist.

The shop owner’s wife was taking inventory. Besides selling paintings, the shop also sold cigarettes, alcohol, and other goods. Seeing him, she said irritably, “If you’re not buying, don’t look!”

“Where’s Aleksei?”

Alai couldn’t help but take a few steps back, asking with some trepidation.

“I’m here.”

From behind a mountain of scrolls, a Russian man with brown hair and green eyes emerged. “Hello, is there a work you like?”

Lu Shenxing scanned the shop, his gaze finally landing on the only oil painting hanging on the wall.

It was a painting of a still landscape, but the brushstrokes were messy. One could only make out a lake and the reflection of a birch forest in it. If you stood closer, it also looked like a crying human face.

For some reason, the feeling of this painting was very similar to the fake one he had seen at the Yiqiu Art Museum.

—It exuded a sense of madness.

He lowered his eyes. “Who is the owner of this painting?”

Aleksei followed his gaze, and when he saw the painting, his pupils contracted. He never thought anyone would like this painting. After a while, he finally said, “He’s already dead.”

Lu Shenxing asked thoughtfully, “What was his name?”

Aleksei was not a talkative person. Hearing Lu Shenxing’s question, he was at a loss for words for a long time, avoiding Lu Shenxing’s gaze.

The shop owner’s wife noticed their conversation, came out from behind the counter with her hands on her hips, and shouted at Lu Shenxing and the others, “We’re not open for business! Get out of here! Don’t be an eyesore.”

Ying Guanxiao was stunned. It had been many years since he had encountered such a situation. He smiled and took out a checkbook and pen from his pocket. “My friend likes this painting of yours. Name your price. Just say a number.”

Problems that could be solved with money were not problems.

And there were few problems that couldn’t be solved with money.

Rarely encountering such a generous customer, the shop owner’s wife was also stunned for a moment. She looked at Aleksei, but since he didn’t say anything, she could only take a deep breath and shout at them to leave. “It’s not for sale, it’s not for sale! Get out of here!”

Ying Guanxiao was about to say more, but Lu Shenxing shook his head and turned to leave the shop.

He had no choice but to follow and leave as well.

Not long after they left, an old man leading a mixed-race child walked into the shop. Looking at their retreating backs, he couldn’t help but ask, “How did you treat them?”

The shop owner’s wife didn’t understand his meaning and replied strangely, “Treat them? Those two wanted to buy a painting, and I yelled at them to leave.”

Aleksei added in accented Chinese, “Not yelled, just the tone wasn’t very good.”

Hearing their words, the old man’s face suddenly turned red. He pointed at them with a trembling finger for a long time, then coughed heavily.

“They helped me so much! If it weren’t for them, who knows what would have happened to your son, and you yelled at them to leave? I’ve lost all face!”

After being scolded so harshly, Aleksei asked blankly, “So it was them who helped? But what can we do now that they’re gone?”

The shop owner’s wife heard this and hugged her son. Seeing his timid appearance, she wanted to scold him but held back, just tapping his nose. “Don’t run off on your own without an adult anymore, you hear me?”

The child let out a nasal “mm.”

Only then did she turn to Aleksei and say, “Alai must know how to contact them.”

“But this painting is…”

Aleksei hesitated.

“Your son was almost lost, and you’re still reluctant to part with a painting? Whose painting could be more important than your son? What valuable paintings could you possibly have here?”

The old man grew even angrier.

“Dad, you don’t understand…”

The usually fiery shop owner’s wife reined in all her temper in front of her father and tried to smooth things over for Aleksei.

“You must repay kindness!”

The old man couldn’t stop coughing.

The shop owner’s wife looked at Aleksei with concern and gave him a look. Aleksei had no choice but to raise his hands and say, “Okay, okay, I’ll contact Alai.”

Only then did the old man feel relieved. He ruffled his grandson’s hair and prepared to go out. The shop owner’s wife couldn’t help but urge him, “Dad, aren’t you going to stay a few more days?”

“I’d just be a bother.”

The old man didn’t look back.

His daughter was grown up and had her own family.

Just seeing them was enough.

***

Ji Wei was waiting alone in the hotel. For some reason, he felt a little flustered and finally couldn’t resist sending a message to Lu Shenxing.

[Ji Wei] When are you coming back?

His hand holding the phone was a little nervous.

After a while, he received a reply.

[Lu Shenxing] Missed brother?

[Ji Wei] Just… thought of you for a moment.

He chose his words carefully.

[Lu Shenxing] Only for a moment?

He sounded a little disappointed.

Ji Wei was about to say no, but the next second, when he saw the message Lu Shenxing sent, his face flushed, and he almost dropped his phone.

[Lu Shenxing] Yesterday, brother was at it for many moments.

His mind flashed back to the image of being rubbed against last night. He touched his increasingly hot cheeks; they were burning.

His phone vibrated again.

[Lu Shenxing] I’m just teasing you. I’ll be back soon.

He stared at the screen for a long time, breathed a sigh of relief, and replied with an “okay.”

But as Lu Shenxing lowered his eyes and put away his phone, slowly walking out of the art market, on a rooftop hundreds of meters away, a heavy-duty rifle was silently being set up.

“Rich people these days are really bold, coming out without bodyguards.” One person observed with binoculars.

The person holding the gun shook his head. “Look closely. The people around him are all well-trained bodyguards, just not wearing uniforms and scattered in the crowd. Do you believe that as soon as a shot is fired, someone will rush up to block the bullet for him?”

“Then what should we do?”

“One shot, one kill.” The man narrowed his eyes, a flash of ruthlessness in them. “We only have one chance.”

He skillfully pulled the bolt back slightly, then pushed it forward.

The bullet was loaded, and the muzzle was aimed at Lu Shenxing.