He tilted his head and gently pressed his cheek against Xia Liu Yi’s forehead. Closing his eyes, he too drifted into a light slumber.
After barely an hour or two of sleep, a soft knock echoed through the room.
“Mr. He?” Kevin called softly.
He Chu San opened his eyes and replied, “Come in.”
“Yes.”
Kevin unlocked the door and stepped inside. He had locked it the night before, fearing that Master Qiao might send someone to administer “medicine” again. He had confirmed this with He Chu San before leaving. When he saw Xia Liu Yi resting peacefully on the hospital bed, he froze for a moment.
Xia Liu Yi slept deeply, showing no signs of waking. He Chu San raised a finger to his lips, signaling Kevin to draw the curtains.
“He climbed in through the window. No one saw him,” He Chu San explained in a low voice.
Kevin nodded, feeling reassured. “Rest assured, Mr. He. The bodyguards are all our own men. However, since this hospital was chosen by Master Qiao, I’m concerned that he may have people outside as well. It would be best if Mr. Xia doesn’t leave directly later—lest he be seen. Shall I get him a doctor’s coat and a mask?”
He Chu San had always appreciated Kevin’s attentiveness. Smiling faintly, he said, “That’s a good idea. Did you rest well last night? How is your mother?”
Kevin smiled back. “My injury is nothing serious, thank you, Mr. He. My mother is in good spirits and health. After work yesterday, she even helped an elderly neighbor carry a sack of rice upstairs and later bragged about it to me.”
“That’s wonderful. You’ve truly worked hard during this time. I should be the one thanking you.” He Chu San paused, then added, “I’m a few years older than you. When no one else is around, call me Brother Chu San. Please don’t keep calling me ‘Mr. He’—it feels too distant.”
Kevin lowered his gaze, a smile playing on his lips as he unconsciously smoothed his neatly combed hair. He understood He Chu San’s genuine concern, devoid of any false courtesy. He also recognized that these words established a clear boundary—their relationship would remain confined to brotherhood. After all, the man he loved was still peacefully asleep on his shoulder.
“Alright, Brother Chu San. I’ll fetch the doctor’s outfit.”
“Much appreciated.”
Kevin turned and left. Out of habit, He Chu San tilted his head, intending to nuzzle Xia Liu Yi, only to realize the man was already awake. He quietly observed Kevin’s departure with a thoughtful expression.
Seizing the moment, he kissed him. “Did you sleep well like that? Does your neck hurt?”
Xia Liu Yi shook his head, leaned closer, and kissed him gently, his hand softly caressing his face. He remained silent, but a faint unease stirred within him. He sensed that Kevin might harbor a certain fondness for He Chu San. Although he knew He Chu San would handle it appropriately, he couldn’t help but feel a flicker of anxiety.
He had once been carefree in love, disregarding the romantic entanglements that surrounded this refined elite. However, self-awareness had struck him deeply—he realized he was no good man. His feelings in love had become sensitive and delicate. He felt he owed He Chu San too much and wished he could shield him from everyone’s sight, keeping him safe in his arms.
……
Kevin soon returned with the doctor’s clothing. As Xia Liu Yi discreetly observed him, he hurriedly changed into disguise. Before leaving, he asked He Chu San, “Can I come see you again?”
“You’re not allowed to climb through windows anymore—it’s too dangerous,” He Chu San said seriously. “I’ll make arrangements.”
He pulled Xia Liu Yi down by the waist, and they exchanged another lingering kiss. “Take good care of yourself, understand?”
“Alright. You take care too—stay safe.”
“I’ll be fine.”
Xia Liu Yi hugged him tightly and whispered, “Remember what you said. If anything happens to you, I won’t live.”
He Chu San turned his face slightly and whispered back, “If anything happens to me, I’ll wait for you below.”
Xia Liu Yi’s eyes widened—he hadn’t expected such an answer. But after a brief pause, it sounded like the most beautiful love words he had ever heard, and he broke into a delighted smile.
“Alright. It’s a deal.”
……
After He Chu San, the “traitor”, was forcibly taken away by He Yi Society, Xiao Qi Hall launched several fierce clashes against them. Eventually, Inspector Zheng personally mediated. Boss Xia accepted the reconciliation, and both sides lowered their banners. The turmoil between these two great jianghu factions ended swiftly and strangely.
However, Master Qiao, by nature overly cautious, remained deeply wary of Xia Liu Yi’s violent tendencies. For several days, he hid at home, not daring to step outside, fearing that Xia Liu Yi might pretend compliance while secretly seething with murderous intent—lying in ambush nearby, waiting for the chance to hack him down in a single stroke.
On this day, after repeatedly confirming he wasn’t being followed and learning from his scouts that Boss Xia had gone out to sea to relax on Lamma Island and wasn’t even in Hong Kong, he finally gathered the courage to leave his lair. He brought along his advisor and went once more to the hospital to visit He Chu San.
The hospital was located on Hong Kong Island, in a bustling city center. Directly across the street stood a police station. By placing He Chu San here, Master Qiao reasoned that Xiao Qi Hall would never suspect such an obvious location—and even if they did, they wouldn’t dare to carry out an attack so brazenly right opposite a police station.
Though the hospital entrance was bustling with activity, behind the building lay a serene little garden, a peaceful haven for patients to rest and stroll. It had been over a week since He Chu San’s surgery. That day, under the gentle caress of sunlight, he emerged from the hospital with Kevin’s unwavering support, following the doctor’s instructions to move around and prevent adhesions from forming in his wound.
Master Qiao and his advisor found the hospital room empty and proceeded to search the lower floors. Leaning heavily on his cane and panting profusely, he finally spotted several tall, imposing bodyguards standing in a corner of the garden—they were undoubtedly Kevin’s men.
He strode forward, and the guards recognized him, quickly stepping aside to create a path for him.
There sat Consultant He, draped in a sky-blue silk robe over his thin hospital attire, leaning against a long wooden bench. His head was lowered as he engrossed himself in reading a book. In his arms, he held a small jade-green vase, no larger than a palm.
Nearby, Kevin crouched on the grass, diligently gathering wildflowers. Holding a small bundle of pristine white blossoms, he carefully brought them back and arranged them into the vase.
He Chu San closed his book, lifted the vase, inhaled the fragrant air, and gently adjusted the delicate petals. With a subtle smile, he expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you.”
A gentle breeze ruffled his dark, silky hair—he was more captivating than the flowers themselves. The entire scene exuded a tranquil, almost dreamlike serenity.
—No wonder that mischievous Kevin is completely enchanted! Even dared to obstruct my “painkiller” for his sake! Master Qiao cursed inwardly.
He then coughed loudly and spat a mouthful of thick phlegm onto the grass, shattering the idyllic scene like a vulgar hand tearing through silk.
He Chu San was abruptly pulled back into the harsh reality of the present moment. Looking up and seeing him, the brightness of his smile remained unchanged. “Brother Qiao! What brings you here to visit your little brother?”
“You look quite spirited today, Brother He!” Lord Qiao chuckled.
“All thanks to your care, Brother,” He Chu San replied, shifting aside with effort. “Please, have a seat.”
Master Qiao, leaning on his cane, plopped down beside He Chu San without ceremony. He twisted his neck and pounded his aching knees. “Ah, I’ve been too busy these past few days to visit my little brother. How’s your recovery?”
He Chu San chuckled, “Lying down all day—my bones are practically rusting. I suggested discharge, but the doctors advised against it. Brother Qiao, did you come to see me about something? Give your little brother some work to do—if I keep lying here, I’ll suffocate from boredom.”
“What a coincidence! Your big brother here has just the thing for you!” Master Qiao slung an arm over his shoulder and began whispering into his ear for quite some time.
He Chu San suppressed the foul stench of his breath and listened carefully, maintaining his smile with great effort. “That’s simple enough. However, these matters require a team. Besides myself, I’ll need people from my company.”
“Easy! I’ll rent an office nearby for your top students! Let them come visit you anytime and take your instructions!”
“That won’t be necessary. Moving equipment and data back and forth is too troublesome—there’s a risk of errors. The facilities in Central are more convenient. It’s better to keep the original office. I can direct them remotely by phone.” He paused, then added hesitantly, “But… I heard from Kevin that people from Xiao Qi Hall smashed up my company and even injured him. My employees are still too afraid to return to work. I’m worried Xia Liu Yi might come back for revenge.”
With a pitiful expression, the refined elite sought help. “Brother Qiao, about this matter…”
In truth, Kevin had already gone to Master Qiao that very afternoon after being injured, crying and lodging complaints, which triggered the conflict between the two factions. Master Qiao knew the entire process even better than He Chu San himself.
He cursed inwardly, blaming himself for the situation. He couldn’t let go of Xia Liu Yi, and now he was stuck in the middle of it all. He coughed violently into a handkerchief, trying to clear his throat. After a moment of contemplation amidst the flying spittle, he finally spoke with feigned solemnity.
“Brother He, I’ll handle Xia Liu Yi for you. I’ll renovate and clean up your office, and invite everyone back to work. You and your people can focus on your tasks. How does that sound?”
The refined elite looked at him with admiration and trust. “Then I must trouble you, Brother.”
“Good! Rest easy!” Master Qiao beamed, pulling him close again and breathing foul air into his ear. “Good brother, I’ll send the account books over this afternoon. Take a look first.”
He Chu San leaned gently against him like a delicate bird, maintaining his calm smile. “Of course. Oh, and Brother… one small matter—the street outside is quite noisy at night…”
Futile Devices Scans 
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