{"id":8077,"date":"2026-07-27T08:25:40","date_gmt":"2026-07-27T06:25:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/?p=8077"},"modified":"2026-07-27T08:25:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-27T06:25:40","slug":"a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-81","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/2026\/07\/27\/a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing-in-the-face-of-melodrama-chapter-81\/","title":{"rendered":"A Love-Struck Brain Is Nothing In The Face Of Melodrama &#8211; Chapter 81"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\" lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After the little cousin returned the kitchen knife and sat on the sofa, Shi Xuanzhu had already discreetly examined the blond man from head to toe.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man had top-tier looks, even his hands were long and well-jointed, each line flowing perfectly. His fair skin glowed with a gentle radiance, and faint cyan veins under the skin added a subtle sense of restrained strength to his hands.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But what drew the most attention was the watch that had unconsciously peeked out from his wrist.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The platinum case resembled a frosty blade on a cold night\u2014cold yet noble. It collided with the deep and mysterious silver dial, creating a strange spark. The three subdials resembled delicate star trails, and the crocodile leather strap added a touch of casual freedom.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu often followed luxury trends, so he naturally recognized the watch.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A Patek Philippe 5208P-001.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">It not only contained the craftsmanship of a minute repeater but also had a single-button chronograph and an instantaneous perpetual calendar.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This was also a watch worn publicly by a certain president. It was very expensive, and only top-tier clients could submit a purchase request to the brand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He still remembered reading the official website\u2019s description.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This watch movement is considered a pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking craftsmanship. The internal structure of the movement is precise and complex, with numerous components, each carefully polished and adjusted to ensure accuracy and stability.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The finishing techniques of the movement are astonishing: Geneva stripes, hobnail patterns, and other decorations are clearly visible, as if the inside of the movement were a magnificent stage, each component playing the lead role, together performing the wonderful melody of time.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Most importantly\u2014the watch was currently worth 6.4 million RMB.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Enough to buy two of the most expensive cars he had purchased just for show.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Yet this wasn\u2019t even the most expensive accessory the man wore.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu shifted his attention to the man\u2019s fingers.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">On his index finger was a Graff custom signature single-diamond ring, the 10-carat square main diamond pure and dazzling. On his long fingers, it looked even more striking. The platinum ring setting was simple yet refined, its smooth lines wound along his finger bones, perfectly fitting the contours.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu knew this British brand. Though relatively young, established in 1960, it had become a favorite among the upper class.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He instinctively calculated the price and craftsmanship of the ring in his mind, widening his eyes\u2014the ring alone was more expensive than his house!<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The ring cost at least 40 million RMB! Especially with a square main diamond\u2014square diamond rings were always pricier. And he had bought a villa in the capital, where land was precious.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Even at the collar, the man wore a Boucheron custom Quatre tie clip, made from 18k rose gold, white gold, and yellow gold, set with approximately 10 carats of padparadscha and small diamonds. It added a splash of color to his otherwise classic, elegant, yet somewhat dull outfit.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By this point, Shi Xuanzhu was too shocked to speak and even felt a little unimpressed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After all, the padparadscha as the main stone could not exceed three million.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Considering the overall craftsmanship, at most five million\u2014already extreme.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Then Shi Xuanzhu almost slapped himself\u2014his total liquid assets didn\u2019t even reach five million.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">And the man\u2019s entire ensemble likely cost over fifty million.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fortunately, the blond man did not seem to notice Shi Xuanzhu\u2019s scrutiny\u2014or rather, he didn\u2019t see Shi Xuanzhu at all. His attention remained on the handsome young man across from him.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His gaze carried a gentle, lingering tenderness, as if\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Looking at a lover.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu was startled by this thought.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But the more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Ye Wangxing claimed to be widowed, but who truly knew his situation abroad?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Hiring someone to act with him and even causing a scene at the police station was possible.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Although Mr. Aldrin was unlikely to act with Ye Wangxing, there was no real evidence of the widowhood claim, especially since Ye Wangxing hadn\u2019t told them who his husband was.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu also felt a sense of unreality. Among the wealthy people he could access, an ensemble totaling 10 million RMB was already impressive. Very few would spend 50 million on accessories alone.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Moreover, this man appeared to wear them daily\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu felt dazed. Meanwhile, Song Yun and Song\u2019s parents had no idea of the total value of the man\u2019s accessories, they only knew they must be very expensive.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The little cousin, however, remained alert, watching the man closely.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">At first, her cousin hadn\u2019t wanted this man to enter. Only after the man spoke in English that she couldn\u2019t understand did her cousin reluctantly allow him in.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man paid no attention and continued staring at the handsome young man, who seemed accustomed to his outfit and behavior, not even glancing at him, just drinking tea continuously.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The two seemed to be in a standoff, locked in mutual observation for some time.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Finally, the handsome young man could not endure it any longer and asked impatiently: \u201cWhat exactly are you doing here?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Due to the company\u2019s development direction, we are planning to enter this market. The original branch will gradually take on more responsibilities, and I came here to oversee the overall situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man spoke with a smile, his words flowing naturally and sounding both serious and normal.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But the handsome young man did not believe the blond man\u2019s words. He sneered and said: &#8220;Octo, you know what I\u2019m asking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man remained calm and smiled, saying: &#8220;Wangxing, I was really just worried about you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Worried enough to use illegal means to find my brother\u2019s current home address?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The handsome young man bluntly pierced through the blond man\u2019s facade.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man\u2019s demeanor suddenly shifted, becoming gentle yet still assertive. He said: &#8220;Darling, you know I have restrained myself, and this is not illegal.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xuanzhu seemed to understand, yet also seemed not to, while Song Yun and Song\u2019s parents looked utterly confused.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The little cousin, sensing the tension between the two, shrank back, glancing nervously between them, afraid they would start arguing at any moment.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Strangely, after the blond man said that, Ye Wangxing only sighed and rubbed his brow, looking as if he thought <i>\u2018I knew it would be like this.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Show me the plan you mentioned.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man spoke with a tone of apparent resignation. Upon hearing this, the blond man\u2019s previously strong aura disappeared, and he returned to his original gentle and harmless demeanor.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He retrieved a laptop from his assistant, who had remained silent like an invisible presence, and naturally sat next to Ye Wangxing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Does your company not have a printer? Why must you put the PPT on a laptop for me to see? I thought I mentioned this issue last time?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man frowned but opened the laptop.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man, however, acted as if deaf, coming almost face-to-face with the young man and began explaining the PPT.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Since he spoke in English at machine-gun speed, the little cousin, whose English was barely above elementary level, was the first to give up and go outside for some air, just in time to gossip with her parents pretending to be busy in the small garden.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song\u2019s father and mother were the second to give up. They felt like they were listening to a foreign language and, not wanting to fall asleep in front of their son-in-law, chose to supervise the housekeeper in the kitchen.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The housekeeper, suddenly monitored and critiqued: &#8220;\u2026&#8221;<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun, having been a good student before, understood some words, but the more technical business vocabulary went over his head.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Thus, he and Shi Xuanzhu held on until the end, but as the speed increased and the discussion delved deeper, even including coded language, they eventually left the sofa and moved to the small side lounge to continue their conversation.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After this interruption, their anger calmed somewhat, though they still had significant disagreements regarding the variety show and film crew. Fortunately, they did not argue.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Once they temporarily reached a consensus on Ye Wangxing\u2019s matter, they returned to the living room.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">By then, the relatives had already left. Song\u2019s father and mother, helping with hospitality, were not overly rude.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man and Ye Wangxing went to the small garden, with the blond man\u2019s assistant shadowing them.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">When Song Yun reached the small garden, he arrived just as their conversation ended.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">We\u2019ll hold a meeting in a few days once I settle here to discuss matters with the executives in detail and meet the other senior managers,\u201d Ye Wangxing said seriously.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man naturally agreed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I will have them greet you with the ceremony befitting an Emperor,\u201d the blond man said enthusiastically.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">That\u2019s unnecessary. Just don\u2019t cause me trouble, that\u2019s the best etiquette,\u201d the young man coldly refused.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man immediately looked like a little dog that had been kicked.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I\u2019m just pursuing you, darling,\u201d the blond man said pitifully, but his hand firmly held the young man\u2019s, fingers interlocking.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun gasped and moved to stop the blond man, but the man said: \u201cKaizer has been dead for six months. You should move on and accept a new relationship.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man\u2019s tone was gentle yet pitiful, as if trying to make Ye Wangxing pity him, like a caring friend guiding him to open up.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun froze, unsure whether to intervene. After all\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>It sort of makes sense\u2026 but I still need to see what Ye Wangxing wants.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun turned to look at Ye Wangxing and saw him pull his hand away from the blond man.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The handsome young man shook his hand as if it were contaminated. He grabbed a tissue from the table, wiped his palm, and looked cold.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">If it weren\u2019t for all of you approaching me under Kaizer\u2019s name, I might have already forgotten him while spending New Year\u2019s vacation in Sognefjord\u2014but who would have thought you could actually follow me there.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The handsome young man frowned, rarely showing some disgust on his face.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">God knows, when I was watching the aurora and turned around to see Chris behind me, I almost told the bodyguards to shoot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The blond man looked even more wronged: \u201cThat was his doing. You can\u2019t blame us for that, my dear.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The handsome young man merely sneered: \u201cYou say that as if I didn\u2019t see you at the North Pole.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Hearing this, the blond man finally put away his look of grievance.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, he did not get angry. On the contrary, he took the handsome young man\u2019s hand, brought it to his face, kissed the back of it, and while keeping that pose, smiled at the young man\u2019s newly revealed expression of disgust and said: \u201cIt is an honor to leave such a vivid mark in your memory.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Uh, Wangxing, is it really okay to drive him away like that? What exactly is your relationship with Mr. Octo?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun looked worriedly at the young man, who had just slammed the door, and hesitated before asking.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man waved his hand casually, then picked up a tissue from the table and wiped the back of his hand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s fine. It doesn\u2019t involve you guys\u2014if he dares to do anything to you over this, then he\u2019s really finished. Besides, he and I are partners, so it\u2019s fine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After cleaning his hand, the young man took a few deep breaths and calmed himself before speaking.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">In this quiet state, he no longer looked like the violent young man who had just shoved the laptop into the assistant\u2019s hands and pushed the two of them out the door.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man glanced at Shi Xianzhu, who seemed a bit restless, and added: \u201cJust make sure you don\u2019t go near him and start a conversation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He said coldly: \u201c\u2014Otherwise, you won\u2019t even know when he betrays you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xianzhu felt a little unconvinced but still spoke gently: \u201cBrother, he shouldn\u2019t be as bad as you think. He seems gentle and easy to talk to.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man ignored Shi Xianzhu and turned to go upstairs\u2014the maid had already prepared his guest room for the night.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">As he went up the stairs, he threw out a sentence abruptly: \u201cMy husband\u2019s brother is in Africa and can\u2019t come back yet.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Shi Xianzhu and Song Yun exchanged a look, initially puzzled, then gradually shocked.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Watching the young man disappear at the stairway, Shi Xianzhu hesitantly said: \u201cHe doesn\u2019t mean\u2026 that his husband\u2019s brother in Africa is the one sent there by that person, right?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">After that day, Shi Xianzhu and Song Yun never discussed it with anyone else.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Meanwhile, Song Yun\u2019s father and Ye\u2019s mother wanted to use the evening to have a proper heart-to-heart with their two sons.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Of course, by \u201cheart-to-heart,\u201d they meant asserting their parental authority, but unfortunately, neither son intended to cooperate that night. The parents had no choice but to be driven back to their house by the driver.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Their two sons, however, slept well. The next morning, Ye Wangxing even voluntarily brought up the matter with Song Yun.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">I didn\u2019t expect that after returning to the country I\u2019d sleep well. Abroad, I always had nightmares at night and couldn\u2019t breathe properly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing said casually.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun felt worried, but Ye Wangxing waved him off: \u201cDon\u2019t worry. The doctor checked me, it\u2019s nothing serious. Blood oxygen is fine. Probably just poor sleep quality at night.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This reassured Song Yun somewhat. Seeing that a doctor had checked him, he turned to ask about Ye Wangxing\u2019s schedule for the day.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Nothing much. The assistant already selected a house for me. I\u2019ll go see it and inspect the company afterward.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The young man spoke casually. Shi Xianzhu, hearing Ye Wangxing\u2019s plan, wanted to build a good relationship with his wealthy young brother-in-law, but unfortunately, he had filming obligations and couldn\u2019t stay home long.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">So he could only watch regrettably as Song Yun and Ye Wangxing left together while he went off to work.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Initially, Song Yun wanted to help his brother navigate the property viewing, being a local, to avoid his brother being scammed. But upon arrival, he couldn\u2019t stop talking.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The flat near the second ring road was large, he had seen similar ones before but could not afford them then\u2014though his budget still wasn\u2019t enough now.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His brother had rushed to buy a place, so he didn\u2019t expect much. Yet, in front of him appeared a single-floor, whole-apartment flat with full renovations, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, strong and durable, showcasing a stunning view.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun quickly regained composure, having seen the world before\u2014he at least lived in a small villa in the capital. Upon hearing the price, he almost shouted: \u201cEighty! Eighty million?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He managed to restrain himself, giving Ye Wangxing a shocked look. Ye Wangxing gave him a reassuring glance and left all matters to his assistant.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun didn\u2019t notice that the seemingly composed Ye Wangxing\u2019s hands actually trembled slightly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">19, in my original world, I wouldn\u2019t dare buy a 1 million house, let alone 80 million\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing\u2019s voice trembled slightly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The gold I\u2019ve saved isn\u2019t even half of 80 million.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">19 quietly checked the gold prices in Ye Wangxing\u2019s world and said calmly: \u201cMaster, your calculation is off. At your gold prices, your current savings equal about 20 million.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Your small-world mission funds have already reached 40 million, enough for half this price.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ye Wangxing: [\u2026.]<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">19, that hurts.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun didn\u2019t notice Ye Wangxing\u2019s expression, he was still dazed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He watched Ye Wangxing complete the procedures, reserve a room for him, and leave the rest to the assistant team.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Then\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun was taken by his brother to private restaurants that required credentials, various spas, and entertainment venues.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Returning with a pile of skincare products tailored for his skin, the sky had already darkened.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">His brother washed up and slept, leaving Song Yun almost overwhelmed by this luxurious life.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Fortunately, lying in the prepared guest room at night, Song Yun slowly regained some of his composure.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">But the next second, a surge of worry arose.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun worried about his husband. Even though it was confirmed he wouldn\u2019t return that night, being away on the first night caused some insomnia.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>Maybe I shouldn\u2019t have spoken to him that way. In this era of popularity and social media, attending a variety show is also a way to gain exposure. Whether he knows anyone or not, it\u2019s important to become familiar to the audience first.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun thought, a bit bitter in the deep night.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2018<span style=\"font-size: medium;\"><i>Maybe my control over him is too strong. I thought it was unreasonable that he didn\u2019t follow my advice to join the crew and practice acting, but perhaps the unreasonable one is me.\u2019<\/i><\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He lay in bed, thinking for a long while, sighed, and decided to check the study for milk to help sleep.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2026<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Then he planned to message Shi Xianzhu on WeChat, explaining that he hadn\u2019t meant it during the day.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">However, when he stepped out, he noticed his brother\u2019s door wasn\u2019t closed, leaving a wide gap. He instinctively peeked inside.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The dim room\u2019s only light came through a narrow curtain gap, barely outlining the interior.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The room was empty except for some daytime decorations, which cast eerie shadows under the moonlight.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun shivered, thinking the room\u2019s size wasn\u2019t entirely a good thing.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">On the bed, the cold, handsome young man from the day lay quietly asleep, looking somewhat innocent.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">This reminded Song Yun of his brother sleeping in childhood. He smiled silently, about to turn, but suddenly felt that something was off.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">During the day, when viewing the master bedroom, could something that large at the window cast such a shadow?<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The thought abruptly entered Song Yun\u2019s mind, frightening him. Upon closer inspection, the room was still quiet.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">He sighed in relief and took a few steps forward, but instinctively glanced back.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">From the angle blocked by the door, something he hadn\u2019t noticed appeared.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A pale, large hand suddenly emerged from the gap.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The hand had long, well-defined fingers, visible veins emphasizing strength, neatly trimmed nails with a cold hardness.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">It was a beautiful hand, but Song Yun nearly screamed.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The hand was extremely pale, tinged with blue.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Like\u2026 like\u2026<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u2014<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">A dead person\u2019s hand.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">The icy-white hand gradually tightened, slowly grasping the young man\u2019s neck.<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\"><span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Song Yun: \u201c\u2026\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p lang=\"en-US\">\u201c<span style=\"font-size: medium;\">Ahhhhhh!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<p>Support translation:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.patreon.com\/bePatron?u=25191841\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"217\" height=\"51\" class=\"wp-image-338 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/10\/become_a_patron_button.png?resize=217%2C51\" alt=\"\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 217px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 217\/51;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/ko-fi.com\/lajnaa\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/kofi3-3.png?resize=185%2C47\" alt=\"This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is kofi3-3.png\" width=\"185\" height=\"47\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" class=\"lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 185px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 185\/47;\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\r\n\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>\r\n<p><!--EndFragment--><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After the little cousin returned the kitchen knife and sat on the sofa, Shi Xuanzhu had already discreetly examined the blond man from head to toe. The blond man had top-tier looks, even his hands were long and well-jointed, each line flowing perfectly. His fair skin glowed with a gentle radiance, and faint cyan veins [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":7815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[118],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8077","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-a-love-struck-brain-is-nothing","entry","has-media"],"acf":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":false,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ontimestory.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/20250409131120_300_420.jpeg?fit=300%2C420&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8077","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8077"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8077\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8078,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8077\/revisions\/8078"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7815"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8077"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8077"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ontimestory.eu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8077"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}