Bad Boys Boot Camp: V1-C52

Chapter 52: Decision

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”}
Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”

_{Chapter 52: Decision}He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.

Chapter 52: Decision

_{Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.}Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

_.
The woman’s piercing words still echoed in his ears, each and every one as sharp as a dagger. They sliced through all pretence of an amicable exchange to reveal the harsh and horrifying truth.

_{Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.}Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."

Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_{She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.}Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”

She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}.

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.}
“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin. Unlike the shouting and protesting one would expect from a parent, Qin Zhen had no qualms, regarding it as just another experience in Qin Mo’s life. “But Shen Zhyuoyun, you need to figure out what path you will walk in the future."

The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.

_{So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name.}That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.

So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

_{Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.}N/A

Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_{As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.}Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.

_{“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”}“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”

_{Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.}
“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

_{“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”}That was how their conversation ended, as well as how Qin Zhen thought the matter would close, until around dinner time that same evening, when the gossip called her back, all pepped up to the nth degree!

“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”

_{“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”}Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”

_{Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”}
Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."

Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

_{She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce.}Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.

She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce. But it wasn't until she got to telling him about the fall of his parents’ company and the lawyer, Mr Chen’s, death, that the ferocity in his gaze resulted in his eyes themselves going blood red. It was a look so frightening that anyone coming across him would be given a start.

_{Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.}
Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”

Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

_{Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

Staring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

_{So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name.}
Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_{{This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.}}“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”

This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.

_{Hearing her excited friend, Qin Zhen maintained her composure and allowed the other girl to rаmble on the other end.}So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

Hearing her excited friend, Qin Zhen maintained her composure and allowed the other girl to rаmble on the other end.

_{He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.}Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.

_{This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.}
The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.

This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.

_{Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.}“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

_{“Wait!” Qin Zhen cut her off, seeing how interested her friend was in telling the entire drawn-out story. If she let that girl start from there, the odds are it would take all night—without a break. “Can you give me the abridged version?”}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

“Wait!” Qin Zhen cut her off, seeing how interested her friend was in telling the entire drawn-out story. If she let that girl start from there, the odds are it would take all night—without a break. “Can you give me the abridged version?”

Having known her friend and what was needed to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhen replied with a timely “mhm”, fanning the flames of the other woman’s passion, who got more fired up knowing there was an audience on the other end.

_N/A
This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.

N/A

_{{I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.}}“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

_.Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.

_{He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.}
Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.

_.Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

_{“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”}Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”

_{Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.}Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."

Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

_{“So, again, I don’t wish to meddle in Qin Mo’s decision regarding your relationship, but I have to say what I must, so please consider my suggestion,” Qin Zhen continued. “The lawsuit you're about to engage in will be an uphill battle.}
She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

“So, again, I don’t wish to meddle in Qin Mo’s decision regarding your relationship, but I have to say what I must, so please consider my suggestion,” Qin Zhen continued. “The lawsuit you're about to engage in will be an uphill battle. There’s not even a guarantee that you will find a decent lawyer. On top of all that, countless unforeseen events might occur. So, given this reality, I cannot agree to you dragging Qin Mo into all of this. I’ve looked after that boy, whom I consider my brother, for sixteen years… I cannot allow him to sacrifice his life.”

Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.

_.
.

After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

_{“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin.}Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin. Unlike the shouting and protesting one would expect from a parent, Qin Zhen had no qualms, regarding it as just another experience in Qin Mo’s life. “But Shen Zhyuoyun, you need to figure out what path you will walk in the future."

_{“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”

_{Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”}
.

Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”

_{Chapter 52: Decision}“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

Chapter 52: Decision

_{“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… {he died?}}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… he died?

_{His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.}
.

His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.

_{Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.}I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_{“So, again, I don’t wish to meddle in Qin Mo’s decision regarding your relationship, but I have to say what I must, so please consider my suggestion,” Qin Zhen continued. “The lawsuit you're about to engage in will be an uphill battle.}She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

_{“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”}Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

_{“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”}
Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.

_{“Zhen-{zi}! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”}But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”

_{“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”}
That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.

“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”

_{“Wait!” Qin Zhen cut her off, seeing how interested her friend was in telling the entire drawn-out story. If she let that girl start from there, the odds are it would take all night—without a break. “Can you give me the abridged version?”}Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

“Fine… Here’s the short version. The Shen Group was originally run by Shen Zhuoyun’s parents, so when they got into a car accident, the group was left to him. But since he was underage at the time, his aunt and uncle were the ones given power of attorney over the business.”

_{Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.}Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.

Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.

Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."

_{Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."}“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… he died?

_{“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything.}
“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything. I even heard that they have dealings in the underworld, which is also losing them money. So who knows what they dare do at this point? With Shen Zhuoyun’s return, severing his financial path would be no different than killing his parents, and kicking them out of the Shen Group would be anything but a walk in the park. Envious ones like them are guaranteed to—”

Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.

_{Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.}
Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.

_{{Oh, so it’s another cliched family drаma situation.}}Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

Oh, so it’s another cliched family drаma situation.

_{Oh, so it’s another cliched family drаma situation.}
“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”

Oh, so it’s another cliched family drаma situation.

_{“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”}“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”

_{Having known her friend and what was needed to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhen replied with a timely “mhm”, fanning the flames of the other woman’s passion, who got more fired up knowing there was an audience on the other end.}As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.

_{She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce.}
“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”

_N/AQin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

N/A

_{Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.}
That was how their conversation ended, as well as how Qin Zhen thought the matter would close, until around dinner time that same evening, when the gossip called her back, all pepped up to the nth degree!

Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.

_{Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.}The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.

Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_N/A“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”

N/A

_{As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.}
“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”

_{“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”}She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”

_{After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.}Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

_{The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.}So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

_{Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.}Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

_{Men were inherently prideful. Even if they weren't of the chauvinistic ilk, Chinese men held a deep-seated revulsion to the very idea of “living off a partner”, akin to having a thorn stabbed into their spine.}
Hearing her excited friend, Qin Zhen maintained her composure and allowed the other girl to rаmble on the other end.

Men were inherently prideful. Even if they weren't of the chauvinistic ilk, Chinese men held a deep-seated revulsion to the very idea of “living off a partner”, akin to having a thorn stabbed into their spine.

_{{I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.}}Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

_{What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.}Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.

What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

_{Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.}So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.

_{She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.}
“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”

She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

_.“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”

_{Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.}
Having known her friend and what was needed to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhen replied with a timely “mhm”, fanning the flames of the other woman’s passion, who got more fired up knowing there was an audience on the other end.

Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

_{So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name.}Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.

_{Men were inherently prideful. Even if they weren't of the chauvinistic ilk, Chinese men held a deep-seated revulsion to the very idea of “living off a partner”, akin to having a thorn stabbed into their spine.}The boy—with a well-proportioned figure wearing a shirt that exposed traces of the perfectly contoured muscles beneath and features that one would not consider rough but rather indescribably handsome—currently had those peach blossom eyes, which should have been sparkling, trained upon Qin Zhen with a beast-like ferocity.

Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

_{Hearing her excited friend, Qin Zhen maintained her composure and allowed the other girl to rаmble on the other end.}That was how their conversation ended, as well as how Qin Zhen thought the matter would close, until around dinner time that same evening, when the gossip called her back, all pepped up to the nth degree!

Hearing her excited friend, Qin Zhen maintained her composure and allowed the other girl to rаmble on the other end.

_{Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."}She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce. But it wasn't until she got to telling him about the fall of his parents’ company and the lawyer, Mr Chen’s, death, that the ferocity in his gaze resulted in his eyes themselves going blood red. It was a look so frightening that anyone coming across him would be given a start.

_{“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”}Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.}
“Fine… Here’s the short version. The Shen Group was originally run by Shen Zhuoyun’s parents, so when they got into a car accident, the group was left to him. But since he was underage at the time, his aunt and uncle were the ones given power of attorney over the business.”

_{Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.}.

Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_{Sjhen Zhuoyun cared little for Qin Zhen’s “abduction” comment. After all, he was indeed abducting Qin Mo’s emotions in an attempt to gradually transform them into love for himself. But her other comment struck a chord: "Can't even protect your own life."}Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.

_.This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.

_{That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.}Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.

_{The woman’s piercing words still echoed in his ears, each and every one as sharp as a dagger. They sliced through all pretence of an amicable exchange to reveal the harsh and horrifying truth.}
Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”

The woman’s piercing words still echoed in his ears, each and every one as sharp as a dagger. They sliced through all pretence of an amicable exchange to reveal the harsh and horrifying truth.

_{“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything.}Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything.}She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

_N/AWhat’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

N/A

_.Having known her friend and what was needed to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhen replied with a timely “mhm”, fanning the flames of the other woman’s passion, who got more fired up knowing there was an audience on the other end.

_{“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”}
“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”

_{“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”}Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.

_{“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”}Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.

“By the way, have you ever heard of a guy called Shen Zhuoyun?”

_{I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.}
After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

_{Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.}N/A

Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_{Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.}
But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_{As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.}Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”

_{Having known her friend and what was needed to keep the conversation going, Qin Zhen replied with a timely “mhm”, fanning the flames of the other woman’s passion, who got more fired up knowing there was an audience on the other end.}Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”

_{Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.}But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.

_{Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.}Men were inherently prideful. Even if they weren't of the chauvinistic ilk, Chinese men held a deep-seated revulsion to the very idea of “living off a partner”, akin to having a thorn stabbed into their spine.

Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.

_{Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.}
“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”

Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_{So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name.}“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”

_{Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.}
“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… he died?

_{But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”}“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin. Unlike the shouting and protesting one would expect from a parent, Qin Zhen had no qualms, regarding it as just another experience in Qin Mo’s life. “But Shen Zhyuoyun, you need to figure out what path you will walk in the future."

But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

_{The woman’s piercing words still echoed in his ears, each and every one as sharp as a dagger. They sliced through all pretence of an amicable exchange to reveal the harsh and horrifying truth.}“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”

The woman’s piercing words still echoed in his ears, each and every one as sharp as a dagger. They sliced through all pretence of an amicable exchange to reveal the harsh and horrifying truth.

_{“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.}
“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”

“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

_{Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.}“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”

Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

_{Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.}“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything. I even heard that they have dealings in the underworld, which is also losing them money. So who knows what they dare do at this point? With Shen Zhuoyun’s return, severing his financial path would be no different than killing his parents, and kicking them out of the Shen Group would be anything but a walk in the park. Envious ones like them are guaranteed to—”

Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

_.“Fine… Here’s the short version. The Shen Group was originally run by Shen Zhuoyun’s parents, so when they got into a car accident, the group was left to him. But since he was underage at the time, his aunt and uncle were the ones given power of attorney over the business.”

_{What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.}
Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

_{His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.}“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.

_{“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin.}After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

_{Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”}“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”

Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

_{{I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.}}“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”

I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

_{“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”}
Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

_.“He’s… no one special.” Qin Zhen shook her head. “I’ve just come across a person named Shen Zhuoyun, and just couldn’t shake the thought of the name being familiar. It must’ve been my mistake.”

_{Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.}.

Qin Zhen was certain she had heard the name Shen Zhuoyun before, but where and when she had come across it still remained far from her grasp.

_{Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.}After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

_.
“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything. I even heard that they have dealings in the underworld, which is also losing them money. So who knows what they dare do at this point? With Shen Zhuoyun’s return, severing his financial path would be no different than killing his parents, and kicking them out of the Shen Group would be anything but a walk in the park. Envious ones like them are guaranteed to—”

_{Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women.}Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

_{“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”}His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.

“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”

_{Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”}.

Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”

_.“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

_{“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”}
Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_N/A
Now that she was sitting before Shen Zhuoyun, she realised going to the boy was the right decision. If she hadn’t, she would’ve never known the future boyfriend that younger cousin of hers had brought along was, in truth, a ferocious beast.

N/A

_{Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.}So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

_{“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”}She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

_{Noticing he was still silent, Qin Zhen added, “My suggestion doesn’t necessarily leave you at a loss, you know? You and Qin Mo need time to cool down. What’s more, you need time to make something of yourself before you can stand before Qin Mo.}
She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce. But it wasn't until she got to telling him about the fall of his parents’ company and the lawyer, Mr Chen’s, death, that the ferocity in his gaze resulted in his eyes themselves going blood red. It was a look so frightening that anyone coming across him would be given a start.

Noticing he was still silent, Qin Zhen added, “My suggestion doesn’t necessarily leave you at a loss, you know? You and Qin Mo need time to cool down. What’s more, you need time to make something of yourself before you can stand before Qin Mo. But if you choose to give up on the Shen Group, with Qin Mo’s progrаmming skills and the inheritance he’ll receive upon adulthood, he’ll be fully capable of providing for you both and then some. So I guess the question in that case is, are you willing to do so?”

_{His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.}Qin Zhen didn’t rush him to answer; she simply sat there, finger tapping rhythmically on the table, a faint smile blossoming on her face as she noticed the change in his reaction. “It seems I was right. Qin Mo must not be in love with you.”

His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.

_{Chapter 52: Decision}But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

Chapter 52: Decision

_{“Zhen-{zi}! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”}She had no intention of interfering with Qin Mo’s personal affairs apart from those regarding Qin Hongjun, but this time, after finding out what she had, she couldn’t dare ignore it.

“Zhen-zi! I finally remembered who that Shen Zhuoyun guy is!”

_{That was how their conversation ended, as well as how Qin Zhen thought the matter would close, until around dinner time that same evening, when the gossip called her back, all pepped up to the nth degree!}
“So, again, I don’t wish to meddle in Qin Mo’s decision regarding your relationship, but I have to say what I must, so please consider my suggestion,” Qin Zhen continued. “The lawsuit you're about to engage in will be an uphill battle. There’s not even a guarantee that you will find a decent lawyer. On top of all that, countless unforeseen events might occur. So, given this reality, I cannot agree to you dragging Qin Mo into all of this. I’ve looked after that boy, whom I consider my brother, for sixteen years… I cannot allow him to sacrifice his life.”

That was how their conversation ended, as well as how Qin Zhen thought the matter would close, until around dinner time that same evening, when the gossip called her back, all pepped up to the nth degree!

_{She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce.}Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.

_{“Wait a second! Now that you mention it,” her friend suddenly chimed in excitedly, “I have the faintest feeling I might have heard that name before as well. Give me some time to think about it, and I’ll call you if anything comes to mind, alright?”}She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce. But it wasn't until she got to telling him about the fall of his parents’ company and the lawyer, Mr Chen’s, death, that the ferocity in his gaze resulted in his eyes themselves going blood red. It was a look so frightening that anyone coming across him would be given a start.

_{“Fine… Here’s the short version. The Shen Group was originally run by Shen Zhuoyun’s parents, so when they got into a car accident, the group was left to him. But since he was underage at the time, his aunt and uncle were the ones given power of attorney over the business.”}
Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

_{“Wait!” Qin Zhen cut her off, seeing how interested her friend was in telling the entire drawn-out story. If she let that girl start from there, the odds are it would take all night—without a break. “Can you give me the abridged version?”}Qin Zhen hung up the phone right then, her expression now far from serene. She had no idea what to think, so she sat there in silence until she rose to her feet and left the room.

_{Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.}“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

Without being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

_{“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come.}
As for Shen Zhuoyun, he still sat as straight as a rod on that sofa, forcing himself to list every one of that woman's words despite seething with anger. It was because she was right. He knew she wasn’t jumping for joy at him having feelings for Qin Mo; that was more than obvious. But every word spoken about his current circυmstances was simply... right.

After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}.

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}
Lawyer Chen being killed was not something he expected, but after thinking about what happened to him with Jumbo Guo and the fact that the school was bought off regarding that matter, he had to admit it was far from an outlandish occurrence. For money—for greed—his aunt and uncle’s envy was long established.

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.

_N/AStaring at a pair of phoenix eyes resembling Qin Mo’s, Shen Zhuoyun sat facing Qin Zhen as time lingered on without a word being said.

N/A

_{Committing murder was no different from planting a bomb under your own feet in modern society. All it would take is someone finding the detonator and giving the lightest of presses to blow them to smithereens. What did bother her, though, was that lawyer surnamed Chen. Chen, of all names, Chen. That made it all not seem like a coincidence, no matter how much she tried to deny it.}
Originally, he thought contacting Mr Chen was all it would take to reclaim what was his, but it seems that more obstacles still lie in wait, especially now since the Shen Group was nothing but a husk. That wasn’t what he wanted. He wished to take back all of the Shen Group, just as it was in his parents’ hands.

_{Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”}Noticing he was still silent, Qin Zhen added, “My suggestion doesn’t necessarily leave you at a loss, you know? You and Qin Mo need time to cool down. What’s more, you need time to make something of yourself before you can stand before Qin Mo. But if you choose to give up on the Shen Group, with Qin Mo’s progrаmming skills and the inheritance he’ll receive upon adulthood, he’ll be fully capable of providing for you both and then some. So I guess the question in that case is, are you willing to do so?”

Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”

_{Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.}Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

_{Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.}
Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

_{Qin Zhen was well aware that friend was the one always in the know within their circle; snooping into everyone’s business seemed to give them joy. Whether it be a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship being on the rocks or an unequal inheritance distribution, she knew it all. So if she didn't know, it was a sign there was barely anyone who did.}Those who embezzled so much as a cent from what was rightfully his must be made to repay all they owed.

_N/A“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… he died?

N/A

_{“Because I just remembered something just now, something I just put together because you brought up that guy,” the other woman reduced her voice to a whisper as she spoke. “Did you hear about a lawyer named Chen who died a couple of days ago? The one whose practice mostly involved inheritance disputes?” Given the man’s esteemed reputation, Qin Zhen had heard of him, but… he died?}
So just as Qin Zhen said, the current him lacks the ability and the strength. Frankly speaking, apart from conviction, he had not a penny to his name. The fight ahead with that aunt and uncle will be no different than painting a target on his back and worrying about both the bullets shot in the open as well as those concealed. Thus, he would surely not be the only one in danger after getting involved with Qin Mo.

_{“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”}N/A

“Okay! Here’s a rundown of the drаma from the very beginning—”

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}His words made Qin Zhen’s lips curl victoriously towards him.

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”}
What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

Qin Zhen then said with a frown, “From my recollection, the Shen Group was now in a state of utter chaos.”

_{What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.}Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

_{“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come.}Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

_{After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.}
Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

After hearing all this, Qin Zhen got all she needed and so didn’t prod for more. It was someone else's family business, after all. Delving any further would be crossing the line.

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}Shen Zhuoyun’s gaze was instantly filled with gloom.

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{“Wait!” Qin Zhen cut her off, seeing how interested her friend was in telling the entire drawn-out story. If she let that girl start from there, the odds are it would take all night—without a break. “Can you give me the abridged version?”}This man… Can that soft-hearted cousin of mine really handle such a person? From the looks of it, this guy would definitely be the one dominating Qin Mo.

_{But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”}What’s more, Qin Mo was no longer a memory seared into him from a fleeting glance, nor was he someone who left a lasting impression in his heart after offering him a hand in a time of great need.

But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

_{Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.}
He could happily use all the sappy words in the world to describe how important Qin Mo was to him. So losing Qin Mo was a result he was unwilling to bear.

Qin Zhen still couldn’t believe it. Yes, things can escalate once assets are involved. But to kill someone over it? There were few who would go to such lеngths to silence someone.

_{She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce.}“Breaking you two up is not my intention. I promise you that I have no aversion to same-sеx relations.” Qin Zhen couldn’t get a read on Shen Zhuoyun, but she could read her cousin like a book. With the guarded nature of that cousin of hers, it’s hаrd to say his mind had completely come to terms with the matter. It was even hаrder to believe he had fallen madly in love with Shen Zhuoyun in just six short months. “But are you certain Qin Mo truly likes you, or is it just reliance? Are you planning on abducting him to always keep him by your side? Are you seriously intending to put my little brother in danger when you can’t even protect your own life?!”

_{“Have you ever heard of the Shen Group? The Shen Group, everyone has recently been comparing to literal dog crap? Well, it turns out the true heir to the Shen Group is supposed to be that Shen Zhuoyun guy.”}“What?” Qin Zhen was caught off guard, her brow lifting. “Why would you say that?”

_{“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”}
Noticing he was still silent, Qin Zhen added, “My suggestion doesn’t necessarily leave you at a loss, you know? You and Qin Mo need time to cool down. What’s more, you need time to make something of yourself before you can stand before Qin Mo. But if you choose to give up on the Shen Group, with Qin Mo’s progrаmming skills and the inheritance he’ll receive upon adulthood, he’ll be fully capable of providing for you both and then some. So I guess the question in that case is, are you willing to do so?”

“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

_{Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”}“Well,” her friend continued, “he was the one in charge of the Shen’s inheritance dispute. Yet of all times, he lost his life now—stabbed to death by some random gangsters looking for a fight of all things? Rather strange, isn’t it?”

Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

_{“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin.}
Men were inherently prideful. Even if they weren't of the chauvinistic ilk, Chinese men held a deep-seated revulsion to the very idea of “living off a partner”, akin to having a thorn stabbed into their spine.

_{Chapter 52: Decision}She had left nothing secret. She started telling him everything she had heard from her friend, and, so far, while that boy’s expression remained unchanged, his eyes, to the contrary, grew quite fierce. But it wasn't until she got to telling him about the fall of his parents’ company and the lawyer, Mr Chen’s, death, that the ferocity in his gaze resulted in his eyes themselves going blood red. It was a look so frightening that anyone coming across him would be given a start.

Chapter 52: Decision

_N/AWithout being aware of it, Qin Zhen actually hit the nail on the head.

N/A

_.“That’s an understatement,” the other woman replied with a grin. “All the wealth the group amassed was by that guy’s parents, and the two currently running the show are as incapable as they come. They are your quintessential nouveau riche!” After saying this, she paused as if she remembered something more. “As far as I see it, given how down in the dumps the group’s reputation is and that Shen Zhuoyun is supposed to be of legal age right now, those guys are probably busy looting the group for all its worth.”

_{But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”}
Shen Zhuoyun's frightening gaze quickly regained its focus, fixing its attention completely on Qin Zhen, while his voice crackled slightly as he finally spoke. “You’re right.”

But just as she said a few pleasantries and was planning to end the call, her friend added urgently, “Hey, just make sure you stay far away from Shen Zhuoyun, alright?!”

_{Noticing he was still silent, Qin Zhen added, “My suggestion doesn’t necessarily leave you at a loss, you know? You and Qin Mo need time to cool down. What’s more, you need time to make something of yourself before you can stand before Qin Mo.}“I’m not sure if other people dared to say it,” her friend continued once more, “but the two stewards of the Shen Group are as ignorant as they are fearless. I wouldn’t put it past them to do just about anything. I even heard that they have dealings in the underworld, which is also losing them money. So who knows what they dare do at this point? With Shen Zhuoyun’s return, severing his financial path would be no different than killing his parents, and kicking them out of the Shen Group would be anything but a walk in the park. Envious ones like them are guaranteed to—”

_{Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.}Qin Zhen wasn’t exactly optimistic towards same-sеx relationships, but it had less to do with prejudice and more to do with how society excludes anyone from that group. But if it's truly Qin Mo’s preference, what could she do about it? It’s not like she could force him to be with women. However, her recommendation to Shen Zhuoyun wasn’t just that. Though she frаmed it like he had a choice in the matter, if the boy did choose to put her cousin’s life at risk, she would take him down herself. The fact that her baby cousin was snatched up by some man with hidden motives was bad enough, but the scenario of the two going down like a pair of star-crossed lovers was pushing it too far. Does she look like that much of a pacifist?!

Qin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

_{“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”}“I honestly have no feelings one way or the other about the kind of relationship you have with Qin Mo.” Perhaps this reaction of hers was due to her being his older cousin. Unlike the shouting and protesting one would expect from a parent, Qin Zhen had no qualms, regarding it as just another experience in Qin Mo’s life. “But Shen Zhyuoyun, you need to figure out what path you will walk in the future."

“Shen Zhuoyun?” the friend responded, “I don’t think so. Who is he?”

_{That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.}
I guess… I have no other choice but to leave.

That afternoon, when a friend of hers called to chat, she couldn’t help but pick their brain too.

_N/AQin Mo was his conscience. Just as he said in that warehouse, that boy was his conscience and his soul.

N/A

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Updated on a Saturday. Raws: jjwxc

Bad Boys Boot Camp: V1-C52

Chapter 52: Decision

Author's Note:

Notes:

No comments:

-_-

Popular

Recents

Comments

Labels

Pages

Search This Blog

Pageviews last month

Contact