Qin Hao respectfully escorted Xiao Ma out the door. He then turned back into the disco hall, swiftly finished checking the accounts, and—before the others had arrived—left the premises and headed for the hospital.
His younger sister was in the courtyard, basking in the sun with the support of a kind-hearted social worker known as Auntie Jin. When she saw Qin Hao approaching briskly, her face lit up with joy beneath the sunlight.
“Brother!”
Qin Hao took Auntie Jin’s place and helped her sit on a nearby stone bench. “How are you feeling?”
“I can walk a little on my own now. The doctor said if this keeps up, I’ll be discharged soon.”
He plucked a tiny fallen leaf from her hair. Though his expression remained calm, his gaze softened. “I’ve been busy lately. I can’t come see you often.”
“I understand. Don’t worry about me, Brother. I’m fine. Auntie Jin comes every day—she treats me very well.”
Her smile was so radiant that Qin Hao instinctively raised his hand to touch her face—but halfway through, he stopped and lowered it again. He glanced around, found no suspicious figures, and saw that Auntie Jin had already moved some distance away. Lowering his voice, he said,
“Xiao Qiao… I’ve wronged you.”
“Brother! Why do you keep saying that? If not for you, I wouldn’t even be alive now. You’re the one who saved me.”
“No… it’s my fault.” Guilt and regret surfaced in Qin Hao’s eyes. “You’re still young—you needed someone to look after you, but I… If I had stayed with you more after coming back from Thailand… if I’d noticed your illness sooner, I would never have agreed to do those things for them.”
“Brother,” Xiao Qiao grasped the corner of his clothes and looked at him with firm resolve, “I’m already in middle school. I’m not a child anymore. I know you’re doing something important. I don’t believe what others say about you—I believe in you. But I can take care of myself too. You should believe in me as well.”
Qin Hao fell silent. He raised his hand again, intending to touch her face, but in the end only rested it gently atop her head, patting her twice before pulling her into his shoulder.
The two were only half-siblings and had met when they were already older; they had never shared much physical closeness. Caught off guard by this sudden embrace, Xiao Qiao nearly stumbled into his arms. Her face flushed red, puzzled by her usually distant elder brother’s sudden change.
But Qin Hao quickly slipped a small note into her hand, then gently pushed her away, ending the brief embrace.
“Memorize this number. Tear it up and flush it down the toilet,” he murmured. “Be a little cautious around Auntie Jin—don’t trust her completely. If you don’t hear from me for a long time, or something feels wrong, call this person.”
……
A few days later, Xiao Ma brought Qin Hao to the headquarters to report their work to the boss as routine. Xia Liu Yi was quite pleased to see that the two new brothers were getting along peacefully.
Halfway through the meeting, Xiao Ma stepped out to take a call. He rushed back moments later, face scrunched in frustration, and leaned close to whisper to Xia Liu Yi,
“Boss… Thailand just sent another assassin. Got killed by Jade Guanyin. The body’s lying in my house right now. I need to go deal with it.”
Xia Liu Yi frowned. “Tell her this—Xiao Qi Hall can protect her for a time, not forever. If her godfather calls me to demand her return, I have no reason not to hand her over. If she wants to keep operating here, she’d better give me a proper reason.”
Xiao Ma hurried off. At the door, he hesitated—thinking to drag Qin Hao along to handle the mess. After all, dirty work should be shared among good brothers. But then he recalled that night when Qin Hao barged into his house—and how Jade Guanyin reacted upon seeing his face, like a hungry cat spotting fresh fish. A chill ran down his spine. Without another word, he left Qin Hao behind and hurried off with two trusted subordinates.
Xia Liu Yi continued listening to Qin Hao’s report. Meanwhile, he noticed that when two seasoned sub-leaders entered to report matters, aside from respectfully addressing him, they each gave Qin Hao an additional nod of acknowledgment.
Curious, Xia Liu Yi waited until they finished and withdrew before speaking half-jokingly,
“You, always wearing that sour face and barely speaking—since when did you become so popular?”
“I’ve never interacted with them,” Qin Hao replied. “But the brothers say I resemble Azure Dragon Boss.”
His bluntness struck without warning, as always. Xia Liu Yi fell silent for a long time before finally saying flatly,
“You don’t resemble him at all.”
“What kind of person was Azure Dragon Boss?” Qin Hao asked, meeting his gaze calmly.
Again, Xia Liu Yi said nothing for a long while.
For the first time, he truly examined the differences between Qin Hao and Azure Dragon—and suddenly realized something strange. Aside from the face, nothing about this impostor reminded him of Azure Dragon.
The youth before him was fearless, intelligent yet somewhat unrefined, solitary and withdrawn. He repaid kindness with everything he had, yet refused deeper connections. Though he had spent little time with his half-sister, he was willing to risk his life for her. He had no friends, treated his subordinates fairly but kept his distance, lived alone, avoided brothels, and had no steady woman.
That sense of isolation—of deliberately keeping the world at arm’s length—was not like Azure Dragon.
It was like himself… at twenty.
Like the man who had personally brought about Azure Dragon and Xiao Man’s union…
Like the man who, despite their pleas, chose to leave the home they had shared for ten years, claiming he needed “space”…
Like the man who would give his life to protect their happiness, yet dared not draw close again…
Like the man who, night after night, extinguished his desires through self-inflicted pain, until his heart grew cold…
Xia Liu Yi lowered his eyes, thinking for a long time. Finally, he changed the subject.
“How is your sister?”
Qin Hao understood and answered, “The surgery was successful. She’s recovering well.”
Xia Liu Yi rummaged in his pocket, pulled out a lollipop, unwrapped it, and popped it into his mouth.
“She’s just a girl you picked up halfway. Why risk your life in the ring for her?”
“She’s my only family,” Qin Hao said calmly.
A bittersweet taste spread across Xia Liu Yi’s tongue.
Yes… Xiao Man had also been his only family.
For her, he would do anything—even push Azure Dragon toward her, then turn and walk away forever. And yet… they had died such tragic deaths.
Was it all his fault?
Before he could sink deeper into those thoughts, a burst of excited female voices rang out from the corridor:
“Where is he? Where’s that new guy?!”
Having dumped all responsibilities on the Boss and gone off to Hawaii for over half a month under the excuse of “recovering from overwork,” Cui Dong Dong—the chief steward—had returned in grand fashion!
She was noticeably more tanned, her short hair even sharper than before, dragging a suitcase stuffed with Hawaiian souvenirs. Hands on hips, she shouted loudly down the corridor.
Everyone in the office—and even the bodyguards outside—pointed toward the CEO’s room.
Cui Dong Dong’s grin widened as she dragged her suitcase noisily down the hall and burst through the door.
“Boss! Where’s that guy who looks like Azure Dragon?! I came back just to see him! Hahaha!”
Xia Liu Yi, still chewing his candy and lost in thought, was startled so badly that he nearly choked. He grabbed his teacup and hastily gulped it down.
Meanwhile, Cui Dong Dong had already locked the door and cornered the bewildered Qin Hao, reaching out to grab his face.
“Damn! That’s way too similar! Did you get plastic surgery, kid?!”
Qin Hao stepped aside silently, tilting his head just enough to evade her grasp.
Cui Dong Dong’s eyes lit up. With a flick of her wrist, she launched into a series of Taiji grappling techniques. Qin Hao moved like a shadow, dodging every move effortlessly, never letting her come close.
Rather than angering her, this delighted her even more.
“Hahaha! Interesting! Boss, where did you find this little treasure? Looks like this, fights like this—you’re going to piss He Chu San off to death! Hahaha!”
“Pfft—!”
Xia Liu Yi spat out his mouthful of tea.
……
Sammy was driving when he suddenly let out an earth-shaking sneeze, nearly running a red light. He hurriedly slammed on the brakes. While waiting at the light, he rubbed his nose in confusion and pulled out a small, exquisitely crafted box from his coat, checking it over carefully—he was afraid even a sneeze might knock or damage it.
He had picked up this box from a gold shop at noon. That afternoon, he had taken delivery of his new car from the dealership, first driving to pick up his father, Auntie Wu, and Xin Xin—letting his long-impoverished family finally enjoy sitting in their own car, savoring a bit of novelty.
The moment his father got in, he scolded him for wasting money. After hearing that it was assigned by the company and cost him nothing, he immediately redirected his criticism toward the company.
“If the company has money, it should use it for development—prepare for the future! Not let certain individuals indulge themselves!”
“Oh, come on, Dad—you were grinning ear to ear when you got in just now!” Xin Xin teased from the passenger seat, turning back.
“You little girl! What benefits did your brother give you? You already rode in it before, didn’t you?!”
“No way! If you, dear father, hadn’t gotten in first to ‘bless’ it, how would I dare sit in it?”
The family laughed and bantered, then began chattering excitedly about an upcoming wedding banquet—his father and Auntie Wu, after half a lifetime, had finally come together and planned to host a feast next month, inviting all their old neighbors and friends. No gifts required—only congratulations.
He Chu San first drove them to the hospital for his father’s check-up, then took his younger sister Xin Xin alone to her art class.
Xin Xin had been rebellious in the past, dropping out in her fifth year of secondary school. After the incident with Da Gao, and after quitting drugs under Xiao Luo’s supervision, her temperament had mellowed considerably. She began caring for her parents and taking life seriously.
He Chu San had once intended to send her back to school, but she knew her own limits and persuaded him otherwise. Instead, he enrolled her in an art academy—whether she became a comic artist, designer, or makeup artist, it would still be an honest craft.
With just the two siblings in the car, Xin Xin grew more talkative. She chattered endlessly about her time detoxing at Xiao Luo’s place—how Xiao Luo had tied her to a bed for days, thrown her into ice buckets during withdrawal, slapped her hard when she lost control…
“She said it’s lucky Da Gao didn’t get me hooked on ‘white powder’. If I had touched that, I’d be done for. Let me tell you, Brother—don’t be fooled by Sister Luo looking gentle. Her hands are vicious. She was once harmed too, got addicted, and clawed her way out on her own. She’s incredible—I really admire her. And Sister Dong Dong came to visit sometimes—she’s so cool, haha…”
After a burst of fangirling over Cui Dong Dong, Xin Xin began cursing drug dealers to die miserable deaths in the streets.
As He Chu San listened, his thoughts grew heavier. He thought of the things Cui Dong Dong had done… thought of his Brother, Xia Liu Yi… and that faint, unspoken possibility of “washing clean” that seemed to linger.
When they arrived at the art school, Xin Xin refused to get out, pestering him with gossip about his “sister-in-law.” Xiao Luo kept tight-lipped, Cui Dong Dong only smirked, and no one would tell her anything—leaving her maddeningly curious.
He Chu San merely curved his lips into a faint smile, said nothing, and with a gentle Taiji push, sent her out of the car.
“Hey! Brother, you must be feeling guilty! What are you afraid of? I won’t tell Dad and Mom!” Xin Xin shouted after him. “Where are you going now? Picking up sister-in-law? Showing off your new car, right?!”
He Chu San smiled as he drove on for a few streets before pulling over. He took out the delicate little box again, turning it over in his hands.
Imagining the expression Xia Liu Yi would have upon seeing what was inside, his heart softened. His fleeting hesitation—and the guilt he felt toward his family and his own conscience—was gradually buried beneath that gentle affection.
He slipped the box back into his suit pocket and drove toward Xia Liu Yi’s company.
At the intersection just half a street away, he suddenly sneezed again. While waiting at the red light, he took out the box once more, smiling faintly as he looked at it.
—Silly girl… today, your brother isn’t just showing off his new car to your sister-in-law. He’s planning to ask him to be his bride.
……
“What nonsense are you spouting?!” Xia Liu Yi slammed his teacup onto the table, wiping his mouth in embarrassment as he glared at Cui Dong Dong.
Cui Dong Dong glanced at the expressionless, slightly bewildered Qin Hao and feigned surprise.
“He doesn’t know about Sammy boy?”
“What the hell would he know?! What are you babbling about—what’s it got to do with him?!” Xia Liu Yi snapped, afraid she might blurt out something else in front of Qin Hao. “Qin Hao, step outside.”
Qin Hao obeyed. Just as he reached the door, Cui Dong Dong called out,
“Hey, Qin Hao—wait! Stay outside for a bit. Don’t go yet. I’m treating you to dinner tonight. You didn’t meet me when you joined—I’m your Deputy Hall Master!”
Qin Hao nodded and left.
Outside, the bodyguard A’Nan saw him sitting quietly on the sofa, looking thoughtful. He went over, patted his shoulder, and tried to salvage the gang’s image.
“Ahem… Brother Hao, don’t misunderstand. Our lady boss isn’t usually like this. She’s normally very serious. Really.”
Inside, the “normally very serious” lady boss was gleefully pulling out two coconut-shell dolls from her suitcase—big-headed, small-bodied figures, each with an absurdly long protrusion between the legs.
With a wicked grin, she said, “Got these for you and Sammy boy. Put them by your bed. Look—when the bed shakes, their little sticks wobble nonstop! Hahaha!”
After laughing, she noticed Xia Liu Yi’s dark expression and sidled up to him.
“What’s wrong? Mad? I didn’t know he didn’t know about your ‘Madam’—just joking.”
“Cut the crap,” Xia Liu Yi snapped. “Why are you taking Qin Hao out to dinner?”
“Of course I’m eating with him! You secretly took in a personal disciple behind my back—I’ve got to check him out, see what he’s made of. For Sammy boy—no, for Xiao Qi Hall!”
She leaned in conspiratorially.
“Boss, honestly—you handled this badly. Didn’t you think about trouble in your backyard? You even took him as a direct disciple. When Sammy boy joined, he was only under me! You’re hiding this from him, aren’t you? Otherwise he’d have already piled firewood in your backyard and doused it with gasoline!”
“What’s it got to do with him?!” Xia Liu Yi retorted—but for the first time, unease crept in.
He Chu San knew about his past with Azure Dragon, yet had never shown jealousy. But now—this living “lookalike”… that was another matter.
That damn brat had been acting every bit the “Madam” lately—even controlling how many cigarettes he smoked. If jealousy flared…
He Chu San had always seemed a little unfathomable to him—an actor through and through. He understood his feelings, but never his thoughts.
“Let him try!” Xia Liu Yi added stubbornly.
Cui Dong Dong burst out laughing. “Then I’ll invite Sammy boy tonight and see if he dares!”
She flung open the door. “Qin Hao, let’s go! Big sister’s treating!”
Xia Liu Yi cursed and rushed after her.
In the corridor, Cui Dong Dong hooked Qin Hao’s arm. Xia Liu Yi strode up and grabbed his other arm.
“Cui Dong Dong—you dare!”
She laughed even harder. “What, afraid your little treasure will get eaten? Relax—he’s strong. ‘That someone’ can’t even beat—”
She turned—and froze.
“…him.”
He Chu San stood there in a tailored suit, elegant and composed, smiling gently.
“Sister Dong Dong, you’re back.”
Cui Dong Dong’s grin froze. After three seconds, she stammered,
“Hey, Sammy—no, Consultant He… long time no see.”
She glanced at Xia Liu Yi—whose hand was still gripping Qin Hao’s arm.
He Chu San smiled at Xia Liu Yi. “Boss.”
Xia Liu Yi slowly let go.
“And this is?” He Chu San asked, turning to Qin Hao.
“A new colleague!” Cui Dong Dong quickly interjected.
He Chu San smiled warmly. “Hello. I’m the company’s investment consultant—surname He.”
He extended his hand.
“Qin Hao.”
They shook hands. He Chu San studied his face carefully, his smile deepening.
“This new colleague is truly a fine-looking talent. No wonder the boss favors you. Isn’t that right, Boss?”
“……”
Xia Liu Yi’s face darkened.
Sensing the tension, Cui Dong Dong glanced around—bodyguards nearby, a few staff passing—and quickly decided to retreat.
“Well then—Boss, Consultant He—I’m taking this new colleague to dinner. We’ll be off!”
She dragged Qin Hao away.
“Boss Dong Dong, are you free these days?” He Chu San called after her. “There are some projects to discuss.”
“Sure, sure! We’ll arrange it later!” she called back, quickening her pace. “Oh right—Boss, your gift’s in your office. Don’t forget to take it home!”
“Alright. Thank you, Sister Dong Dong.”
She hauled Qin Hao into the elevator at top speed.
“Sister?” Qin Hao asked, confused.
“Don’t ask. Knowing too much is dangerous,” she muttered, clutching her chest. “I’ve offended the wrong stars today… maybe I should go on vacation for two more weeks…”
……
With Cui Dong Dong fleeing the battlefield, Xia Liu Yi was left standing alone, facing the smiling, composed “enemy general” He Chu San.
He could only strike first.
“What are you doing here?”
He Chu San glanced at a passing staff member, nodding politely. Once she hurried off, the corridor fell quiet.
He stepped forward and quietly took Xia Liu Yi’s hand—the very one that had grabbed Qin Hao moments ago. His smile turned gentle and warm.
“I came to take you home for dinner, Brother Liu Yi.”
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