Chapter 6 - Qin Yuan

The warm sunlight shines through the glass, and accompanied by the diffused and faint music, it coats the entire coffee shop in a soft layer of light. On the table, there’s a cup of coffee emitting a fragrant aroma, and outside window, there’s heavy traffic 1 that has yet to disburse.

If it wasn’t for this vexing thing in front of me, it would have been a pleasant afternoon. Recently, the days have gone by so comfortably that I almost forgot such a waste 2 of a person still exists.

I picked up the coffee in front of me with half a cup of milk added to it, took a sip, and waited for the man across from me to finish before opening my mouth to say, “I have absolutely no interest regarding what Mr. Qin said. As far as I know, my mother was originally worn down by a hoodlum who swindled her into marriage. Mr. Qin’s father is known to be an upper-class figure in X City’s influential circle, so how can he possibly be that kind of scum? Food can be randomly consumed, but family cannot be randomly recognized.”

Many people say that compared to Qin Yuan, my appearance is more like Qin Fu, that cheap father. Although that old geezer is past middle-aged, his temperament actually has a bit of a fresh, elegant, and ethereal 3 feeling to it. In reality, Qin Yuan is also quite good-looking; it can even be said that he is very beautiful, with long and slightly curled eyelashes, thin and delicate lips, fair and almost flawless skin. For a man, however, it’s too gentle and feminine.

Qin Yuan was dumbfounded by my words, but then immediately showed a somewhat innocent expression, “This….. There must have been a misunderstanding of some sort between them. This is a matter of those from the previous generation, and as people from the younger generation, we cannot judge or criticize, and just look and focus on the present.” He paused for a moment, then continued to say, “In fact, as long as you come back, you’ll be the Qin Family’s heir. With me being like this, I won’t fight with you at all. Right now, I only want to help my father hold onto the family property, and I can’t let it fall into the hands of another family. I’ll also help you when the time comes. We’re brothers, so naturally, with the two of us working together, there’s nothing we can’t do.”

What he said can’t even stand up to scrutiny at all. The publicly recognized heir to the Qin Family is Qin Mu who has not even half a dime’s worth of a relationship to my cheap father. Qin Fu assumed on his own that since he was the eldest, he can keep jumping through hoops 4 without giving up.

If I go back, I will only be used as a tool, moreover, not one that will be profitable early on. For what reason would Qin Yuan help me, an illegitimate child who’s caused him so much distress 5 ? Considering our identities, it’s strange enough that we can even sit down and talk.

However, it’s undeniable that his words deceived my foolish self in the previous world. But now, not to mention how I was harmed in the previous world by this idiot sending me to a psychiatric facility, but Qin Yuan’s own leg was broken by his uncle. With the Qin Family being a place like this, I would really have to be done with living to jump inside.

“Going on about this back and forth, Mr. Qin, what you’re saying has nothing to do with me. Also, I see that your leg isn’t convenient for walking, so let’s go home early to rest.” I stood up to say goodbye to him. Having to see him one more time was upsetting enough; I didn’t want to continue talking to this person.

Qin Yuan’s face turned cold and placed his cup heavily on the table, “I advise you that it’s better to sit back down and continue this conversation with me. Currently, your identity is special, and in the future, you’re more likely than not to have some kind of mishap happen at work or in your everyday life. In contrast, it’s safer to return to the Qin Family.”

I laughed out of anger; he still wants to use this ‘threat and intimidation’ ploy. “Return to the Qin Family and have my leg broken like you?”

“What did you say?” Qin Yuan asked, sullen and irate.

I smiled, bent down, and leaned in close to him, “Qin Yuan, I won’t take the initiative to provoke you, but if you dare to provoke me, I will definitely not let you live an easy life. A broken leg counts as nothing because I’ll make you understand what having absolutely nothing is really like.” With eyes cold and stern, and a voice frigid enough to penetrate bone, I know exactly how terrifying I am at this moment. This is what the perpetually gloomy me was most skilled at in my last life.

I had no intention of seeking him out to take revenge for the things that happened in the last life. Speaking of, if my willpower was firm enough without any devious inclinations, I wouldn’t have let him lead me astray. But when today’s conversation spoke of this topic, I couldn’t care less about all that has to do with the Qin Family. If he still comes to provoke me, I will naturally not let him to look good. My last life was so stifled and sullen, I was worried that I wouldn’t have a place to vent. After being reborn, I’ve long been familiar with Qin Yuan’s strategies and habits, and causing a bit of trouble for him would be no problem at all.

I didn’t deal with him in the past simply because there was no need to. Not to mention, the fact that his own uncle beat him crippled was enough suffering for his entire lifetime. Besides, being in the Qin Family was even worse. This household was an expert in the kind of business that stepped down on others to raise themselves up. I even used to sympathize with him, thinking that those people were too inhumane. Later, I realized that he simply brought it on himself, utterly unworthy of pity.

Qin Yuan’s face instantly turned pale, and said with a trembling voice, “What do you mean?” His body was a little stiff, and his hand accidentally knocked over the cup in front of him. The two burly bodyguards who were drinking coffee behind him stood up.

I narrowed my eyes, coldly looking at him. “Say, if you have limited mobility to begin with, and you were to become blind, deaf, or mute on top of that… how difficult would your days be to endure? However, the matters of the world are fickle, and it’s hard to say what can happen.” I cooly stared at them in confrontation. Unless I didn’t have a brain, I doubt they’d dare try anything with me in this crowded and public place.

Qin Yuan’s pretentious manner while seated was already cut in half, but because of what I said, his former attractive and intelligent face became extremely hideous. “Don’t be so naive. You’re just a little office worker at T·R right now, and if I were to really to secretly do something, I don’t believe you can do anything against me.”

“Really? That’s right!” I walked towards him, disregarding the two bodyguards by his side, and softly whispered into his ear, “It’s been reported that your sister had previously been kidnapped, but the perpetrator disappeared. The clues I happen to have in respect to this case, would Master Qin need me to help you investigate?”

Qin Yuan’s expression changed, “How did you know? No, you’re lying. How could you know those people?”

Of course I didn’t know those people, but a lot of the underhanded and malicious things that Qin Yuan did had been uncovered at the time. Among them involved the plan to kidnap his own older sister, and even the desire to create a facade of her death while she was held hostage. Although there is no conclusive evidence of this matter now, the head of the Qin Family has long harbored suspicions; otherwise, merely being disabled isn’t as bad as completely losing the right of inheritance.

I smiled for a second, and straightened up, “There are some things Master Qin doesn’t know. We, who had a mother to birth us but no father to raise us, have many unorthodox ways. It’s a very normal thing to know a few shady characters.” I slightly narrowed eyes, and callously sneered, “Don’t assume your meager methods can truly find out what there is to know about me. People are all like this. Even if there’s nothing going on, it’s still best to cause less trouble.” I really didn’t have to do anything special, and he was already scared to death.

Qin Yuan glanced around while biting his lower lip tightly, “Shi Shan, you better not regret this. There’s a limit if you’re playing hard to get, and I don’t believe that you aren’t in the least bit tempted by the Qin Family. Do you know what it means to be the successor of the Qin Family?”

Seeing him scared, I was in a good mood. Not to mention, he used to create hindrances for me, and this idiot would frequently curse me behind my back, calling me a hermpahrodite 6 .

“The things you don’t believe have increased, but I’m not obligated to explain myself to you. To be a proper person, you should be a little more kind and honest.” I shifted my gaze to Qin Yuan’s leg, deliberately showing a look of disdain, “You’re like this, yet you still can’t understand. You really won’t repent, even if you die.”

“Fine, we’ll wait and see.” Flustered and exasperated, Qin Yuan left these parting words, then was pushed away by his bodyguards. Before he had said that this would be his treat, but the result is he didn’t even pay; no wonder people don’t like him.

I smiled faintly as my eyes followed Qin Yuan’s departure in the distance. Regarding my recent decisions, my heart is becoming more and more resolute. I have to stay away from the center of these power disputes and not repeat the same disastrous mistakes again 7 .

I returned to my seat and quietly looked out the window. The sunset was enveloping the pedestrians and cars, and the people coming and going trailed their long and slanted shadows. My heart suddenly felt at peace.

I’m getting farther and farther away from the hysterical madman I was in my past life. I hope that in this world, I can walk a different path.

Actually up until now, I still haven’t been able to understand. My self-esteem was always very strong, and even after my confession was rejected, I’d at most feel a little averse and resentful, that’s all.

Because it was Wen Yang, my obsession ran a bit deep. In the face of his repeated rejection again and again, no matter what, I ought to have just given up. But in the end, I hurt Wen Yang so thoroughly.

Perhaps it wasn’t without reason that I could be admitted into a psychiatric facility. If I want to interact with Wen Yang normally again, should I see a psychiatrist first?

If it isn’t a last resort, who would willingly admit they have a mental disorder?

Wen Yang, if there is a next time, I hope to stand in front of you with my best disposition.

Two months later, the results of my internship assessment came out, and reportedly, I was the only person in the last two years to receive an A+ assessment. Once I graduate, I can formally be hired, receive a raise, enjoy benefits like the housing stipend or the employee dormitories, and more. I also slowly started to be in touch with the company’s core business affairs.

Coming out of the director’s office, Fu Xiaoyu came over, “What did the director say? Did he promise you a lot of benefits?”

While sorting out my things, I replied, “ No, he mainly asked me about my career plans, a normal conversation.”

“He’s still worried that you haven’t decided. Most graduates’ don’t work at their first job for very long, I’d say maybe a year or two. Our company is a place that trains their talents, and the director is still somewhat at a loss because the contract hasn’t been signed yet. If you went back and then got snatched up, he would be really hurt.”

“Don’t exaggerate so much, there’s graduates with two legs everywhere.” I gathered up the things on my desk, grabbed my keys, and said, “If nothing unexpected happens, then I’ll be here until I retire. I’m a small city resident with no courage to be an entrepreneur and lazy by nature. To me, the steps to change jobs are too cumbersome and the cost is too high. Moreover, my character is virtuous, detached from political and material pursuits; not even the government can tolerate this impassioned youth 8 . I won’t abandon a company I’m indebted to. I’m ready to stay and never leave.”

Fu Xiaoyu stared at me, “You…”

I laughed saying, “That’s what I just said to the director.” In this life, other than atoning for my sins, my greatest wish is to settle down, without ambition, without desires blinded by greed. I just want to live my life peacefully.

Across from me, Fu Xiaoyu seems to have let out a sigh of relief, and pressed her lips up in a smile.

I could feel that Fu Xiaoyu has a very deep and strong sense of identity and belonging towards the company. It’s probably not just her, but a lot of employees of the company who feel this way, so they’re very kind to their new colleagues.

I think this can only be attributed to my luck becoming better after my rebirth. Looking at it this way, I missed too many things in my last life.

“What are you doing? Looking at the two of you laughing, I’ve caught you guys now. You know, our company prohibits their employees from dating.” Two colleagues from the planning department passed by and stopped to tease us.

Translator’s Comments:

HA! MC already has someone in his heart :’) Let’s hope I can translate faster so we can get to some more juicy bits of drama.

Thank you for your support! <3

Footnotes

“车水马龙” (chē shuǐ mǎ lóng) Literally (character by character) “car water horse dragon.” It essentially means heavy traffic. “一号” (yī hào) Literally means “number one,” but in slang it can mean “toilet” or “top” (for BL relationships). In this context, obviously MC is referring to his trash half-brother as TOILET. I used “waste,” which is pretty fitting. “出尘”(chū chén) Literally “leave dust.” It’s a Buddhist term that means “separating oneself from the dust of worries” or “exceeding earthly ties.” It likely describes an “otherworldly” feeling. “上窜下跳” (shàng cuàn xià tiào) Literally “scuttling up and jumping down.” Essentially just means “doing everything he can” or “bending over backwards” or “jumping through hoops,” which I used because it included the jumping part like in the literal meaning. “如鲠在喉” (rú gěng zài hóu) Chinese idiom. Literally “as if having a fish bone stuck in the throat.” Meaning “causing a lot of distress and displeasure.” “二椅子” (èr yǐzi) Northern slang word for “not a male or female/intersex” but has a derogatory connotation. I used “hermaphrodite” because it’s an outdated and offensive term. “重蹈覆辙” (chóng dǎo fù zhé) Chinese idiom. Literally “follow the tracks of an overturned cart” or “repeat the same unfortunate mistake.” “愤青” (fèn qīng) Means “angry young man/youth” Also “highly nationalistic young people” which I don’t understand in this context.