Little Pink Starfish

Zhang Qiu returned to Xi’an from Xinjiang just in time for the registration period.

Lu Feng, Hua Ting, Pei Qing, and Xiao Lingdang had all gone back to Beijing. Xia Pi Hui Wang had inexplicably gotten angry and disappeared, and second brother Zhang Yushui had gone after him. There was a death in the Desert Falcon film crew, and it had caused a big stir. Recently, Weibo’s trending topics were all about the Desert Falcon death incident. The director was having a headache, and naturally, Qi Xi’s scenes couldn’t be filmed. His agent had found him another Xianxia drama, reportedly in Anhui.

Zhang Qiu returned to his small, empty rental apartment, feeling a heavy weight in his heart. He had originally planned to upgrade to a bigger place after coming back this time, but now there was no need. What if Li Shu came back and couldn’t find him?

Xiao Jiangshi sat obediently on the sofa, gazing at Zhang Qiu with wide eyes.

On the way back, Xiao Jiangshi seemed to sense something and had been very well-behaved, no longer mischievous. Zhang Qiu felt guilty for making Xiao Jiangshi worry about him. He pulled himself together, picked up Xiao Jiangshi from the sofa, gave him a kiss, and said cheerfully, “Today we’re eating out! Daddy will get you ice cream!”

Xiao Jiangshi’s eyes instantly lit up. He wrapped his little arms around Zhang Qiu’s neck and said very seriously, “Daddy, Big Daddy will come back. We will wait for him.”

“Alright, we’ll wait for him.” Zhang Qiu couldn’t let Xiao Jiangshi worry about him anymore.

Zhang Qiu took Xiao Jiangshi out for a nice meal, coaxing him into happiness. But once they got home, his headache returned. Classes would start in a couple of days—what was he going to do with Xiao Jiangshi? He was currently living in an old community near the university, and there should be a kindergarten nearby. If necessary, he could temporarily put Xiao Jiangshi in kindergarten for a while.

Just as he was thinking about it, his phone rang.

It was his senior calling. They had probably arrived and were calling to report their safety.

“What? The map is missing?!”

Zhang Qiu was stunned. The map they had found in the tomb of Emperor Hui of Jin had been kept by his senior, but they had never figured out its exact location. They had gone to Xinjiang first and dealt with Ju Wang, and Zhang Qiu had completely forgotten about the map.

“Only the map is missing,” Hua Ting said, looking grim. When he got home, everything was intact—doors and windows were fine, but the study’s safe had been opened. Nothing valuable in the house was taken, only the map.

Thinking of his senior’s high-end villa, with its strict security and electronic surveillance, Zhang Qiu realized that whoever stole the map was no ordinary person.

“Forget it, if it’s lost, it’s lost. Senior, don’t worry about it too much. Ju Wang is dead anyway, so there shouldn’t be any more trouble.” Zhang Qiu reassured him. “This trip to Xinjiang was dangerous. You should go to the hospital for a thorough checkup. We’ll stay in touch if anything comes up.”

Hua Ting was upset. Everyone had trusted him with the map, and now it was gone. He just wanted to find a way to retrieve it as soon as possible.

Lu Feng patted Hua Ting’s shoulder comfortingly. “I’ll go report it to the police. And while I’m at it, we’ll get you checked up properly at the hospital.”

“I actually feel much better lately, so I don’t really need to—”

“Alright, alright, I’ll listen to you and go!”

Zhang Qiu hung up the phone and collapsed onto the bed. Although Ju Wang was dead, the conspiracy behind everything didn’t seem to be over. The map wasn’t complete, and now someone had stolen it. Who was behind this? What was their goal? And who was the person Ju Wang had mentioned?

All of it made Zhang Qiu’s head spin. But the moment he thought of Li Shu, all his energy drained away. What did any of this have to do with him? Maybe losing the map was a sign that it was time to stop this dangerous path of tomb raiding.

The next day, Zhang Qiu found a kindergarten nearby. It wasn’t far from his university.

Xiao Jiangshi stared coldly at a snot-nosed kid inside, then grabbed Zhang Qiu’s hand and said with firm determination, “Daddy, I don’t want to go to school with these little kids.”

You’re a little kid too! Zhang Qiu found it funny and tried to coax him, “There are lots of fun things inside, and you can make friends.”

“No.” Xiao Jiangshi’s face was practically frozen over as he firmly repeated, “I am not a little kid.”

Zhang Qiu was about to persuade him again when Xiao Jiangshi suddenly lifted his head, revealing two sharp little tiger teeth. “Daddy, do you really want to send me in there?”

For a second, Zhang Qiu had a terrifying vision of Xiao Jiangshi biting all the kindergarten kids. He did not want to see tomorrow’s headlines read: Entire Kindergarten Bitten in Xi’an!

“Fine, we won’t go.” Zhang Qiu gave up on the idea and hugged Xiao Jiangshi as he bid farewell to the teacher.

As soon as Xiao Jiangshi heard they weren’t going, he immediately softened up again. Zhang Qiu realized that his son was becoming increasingly difficult to handle.

With no other choice, Zhang Qiu brought Xiao Jiangshi to his first public class, sitting at the back. As soon as they entered, they drew everyone’s attention. Female classmates immediately swarmed over with snacks, eager to feed Xiao Jiangshi.

“Your little brother is so cute!” One girl handed Xiao Jiangshi some chocolate and, noticing that Zhang Qiu was good-looking, smiled sweetly. “What’s your major? Maybe we can study together in the library sometime.”

Xiao Jiangshi held up a chocolate bean to Zhang Qiu’s mouth. “Daddy, Auntie gave this to me. It’s really good.”

The room went silent.

Zhang Qiu silently ate the chocolate and patted Xiao Jiangshi’s head. Then he turned to the girl and said, “This is my son, Zhang Xiao Jiang.”

“Ha…haha…” The girl forced a laugh. “Didn’t expect your son to be so big already…” Then she left.

Class began, and the professor was a strict one. Seeing a student bring a child to class, he was clearly unhappy and specifically asked for Zhang Qiu’s name. Throughout the class, Zhang Qiu became a frequent target of questioning.

When class finally ended, the professor called out, “Next time, don’t bring a child. Even if he is very well-behaved.”

Zhang Qiu nodded and carried Xiao Jiangshi back home, his headache growing worse.

“Daddy, I suddenly want to go to kindergarten,” Xiao Jiangshi said softly, wrapping his little arms around Zhang Qiu’s neck.

Zhang Qiu knew his son was being considerate and felt a pang of sadness. He’s so young, yet he’s already learning to compromise for me.

“It’s okay, Daddy will think of something.” Zhang Qiu kissed his son.

The only solution he could think of was to keep sneaking Xiao Jiangshi into class. He played hide-and-seek with strict professors, making Xiao Jiangshi act adorable while he played pitiful. In just a few days, Zhang Qiu and Xiao Jiangshi had become minor school celebrities, even trending on Weibo.

But Li Shu still hadn’t come back. The only good news was that senior brother Hua Ting was completely healed—so much so that the hospital staff found it unbelievable.

Zhang Qiu thought back to the crimson mist Li Shu had released in the underground queen’s tomb. When it enveloped him, his energy had immediately improved, and his wounds had started to heal.

“Damn you, Li Shu! If you don’t come back soon, I’m climbing the walls!” Zhang Qiu gritted his teeth.

By late August, Xiao Jiangshi had figured out each professor’s temperament and could seamlessly switch between being cool and being cute. He had practically become the class mascot. Professor Fang especially liked Xiao Jiangshi and even invited Zhang Qiu to bring him over to his house.

Professor Fang’s wife was an excellent cook and very warm-hearted. The elderly couple had a grandson about Xiao Jiangshi’s age, but their son’s family was based in Beijing and rarely returned to Xi’an. With their grandson away, they poured all their affection into Xiao Jiangshi. In just a short time, he had gained some weight, and his face was round and chubby.

That night, after bathing his son, Zhang Qiu poked his son’s soft belly, making Xiao Jiangshi giggle.

Knock knock—

Someone knocked on the door.

Zhang Qiu glanced at the time—it was already past eleven at night. He didn’t have many friends at university, so no one should be visiting at this hour. Realizing something, he jumped off the bed barefoot and rushed to the door.

The door swung open.

Seeing the person outside, Zhang Qiu’s excitement froze into a stiff smile. After a pause, he forced a grin. “Second Sister-in-law.”

Xia Pi Hui Wang had immediately understood from Zhang Qiu’s eager expression that he had been expecting Li Shu. Just as he was about to speak, footsteps sounded from the staircase, and he quickly stepped inside. Zhang Qiu looked up—it was his second brother coming up behind him.

“Second Brother—”

“There’s news about Li Shu.”

Zhang Qiu was momentarily stunned. His hands trembled. “What?”

“Let’s go inside and talk. Li Shu isn’t dead.” Zhang Yushui patted Zhang Qiu’s shoulder and reassured him, “Calm down first. We confirmed the information before coming. It’s really Li Shu.”

Xia Pi Hui Wang watched as Zhang Qiu, overwhelmed with joy, fumbled around for cups to pour them water—even though the cups were clearly right on the table. He quickly stopped him. “No need to bother, we’re all family.”

“We’re all family,” Zhang Yushui repeated with a smile, his gaze fixed on Xia Pi Hui Wang. “Your Second Sister-in-law is right—there’s no need for formalities.”

Xia Pi Hui Wang’s face stiffened. If Zhang Qiu weren’t eagerly waiting for their news, he would have kicked Zhang Yushui to death by now.

“This started half a month ago. Your Second Sister-in-law—A’Yan—is somewhat well-known in the underworld. Someone tried to hire him for a tomb raid, offering a high price. But at the time, we weren’t in the mood for such things, so we refused,” Zhang Yushui explained. “Later, we heard rumors that they had hired Li Shu. When we first heard it, A’Yan immediately contacted the original client to confirm it before telling you. But it turned out that there was no trace of Li Shu at all. However, the person spreading the rumor claimed to have seen him. Apparently, he was taken by another group.”

“I pulled some strings and finally got hold of a photo. Take a look.”

Zhang Yushui took a photo out of his pocket and handed it to Zhang Qiu.

The man in the photo was tall and cold-faced, with sharp, otherworldly features. Zhang Qiu’s hands shook as he clutched the photo. Though the image was blurry, he knew—it was Li Shu.

It really was Li Shu.

Li Shu was alive!

Zhang Qiu’s eyes reddened. As he held onto the photo, the past month of anxiety and torment transformed into sheer frustration. Gritting his teeth, he muttered, “Bastard, I’m going to bite you to death!”

If he was alive, why hadn’t he come looking for him? Did he have any idea what Zhang Qiu had been through this past month?!

He was so angry he could explode!

Xia Pi Hui Wang chuckled at Zhang Qiu’s mixture of joy and irritation. When he looked up, he noticed Zhang Yushui staring at him intently. He turned away, feigning nonchalance.

Zhang Yushui smirked. Xia Pi Hui Wang, irritated, chose to remain silent—he knew better than to fall into Zhang Yushui’s traps.

While Zhang Qiu was lost in his own emotions, his phone rang. Xia Pi Hui Wang nudged him back to reality. It was his senior, Hua Ting, calling.

“Junior Brother, Li Shu is in Beijing right now! Hurry over!”

Hearing this, Zhang Qiu, though slightly calmer from knowing Li Shu was safe, immediately asked for more details.

“Do you remember Uncle Qi? The one who invited us to the banquet last time—Qi Zhirong? There’s an auction tonight, so Lu Feng and I went to check it out. Uncle Qi was there too. When I went to the restroom, I saw Li Shu in the hallway. At first, I thought I was seeing things, so I deliberately followed him. He went into Uncle Qi’s VIP room…”

Hua Ting frowned, hesitated for a moment, then said, “You should come over first.”

Zhang Qiu was too overwhelmed by the news to notice Hua Ting’s hesitation. Meanwhile, Zhang Yushui and Xia Pi Hui Wang exchanged glances—they both sensed something was off.

Li Shu’s possessiveness over Zhang Qiu was well known. Even in the desert, he had given his divine essence to Zhang Qiu at the last moment, ensuring his survival. Zhang Qiu’s lifeblood was Yin-heavy, and having spent so much time with Jiangshi like Li Shu, his blood had become an even stronger magnet for supernatural forces. It was his divine essence that had been protecting him from bad luck and unwanted attention.

Now, Li Shu was alive, but he hadn’t come back for Zhang Qiu. Was something holding him back? Or was there another reason…?

After discussing their plans, Zhang Yushui and Xia Pi Hui Wang decided to return to their hotel. Zhang Qiu originally wanted them to stay over, but after seeing his small, broken sofa, he decided against it. Besides, his second brother’s eyes were glued to his sister-in-law the whole time—it would be awkward to have them around.

The three of them booked a morning flight, with Xia Pi Hui Wang handling the tickets.

The next morning, Zhang Qiu went to his university to request leave and called Professor Fang. However, his wife answered and informed him that the professor had joined a research expedition and would be away for some time.

Carrying Xiao Jiangshi, his money, and his bags, Zhang Qiu met up with his second brother and sister-in-law at the airport.

Zhang Yushui had his arm around Xia Pi Hui Wang’s waist, but as soon as Zhang Qiu and Xiao Jiangshi arrived, Xia Pi Hui Wang smacked his hand away. Zhang Yushui, looking aggrieved, only provoked more irritation.

This guy actually has the audacity to look pitiful!

Last night, they had—cough, cough, forget it.

Xia Pi Hui Wang’s face was cold, but his beauty gave his sternness an air of noble elegance. It only made him more attractive, drawing the attention of passersby. Zhang Yushui’s expression darkened as he glared at them, then nonchalantly pulled Xia Pi Hui Wang back into his arms.

“Aren’t you hot?” Xia Pi Hui Wang asked icily.

“It’s nice and warm like this,” Zhang Yushui replied with a grin, his shamelessness on full display.

Zhang Qiu sighed. Ever since his second brother was reborn, he had completely changed. Where was the aloof, ascetic master he once knew?!

They arrived in Beijing at around ten in the morning. Lu Feng picked them up, with Hua Ting and Hua Hua already in the car. Xiao Jiangshi was especially happy to see Hua Hua, and the two kids chattered away in the back seat, giggling together.

Zhang Qiu wanted to ask about Li Shu, but his second brother, Zhang Yushui, had been staring at Lu Feng since they got off the plane, making Lu Feng uneasy.

“What’s wrong?” Lu Feng finally asked.

“You’re not human,” Zhang Yushui said solemnly.

The car fell into complete silence.

Zhang Qiu looked at Lu Feng. Luckily, Lu Feng didn’t seem angry.

“Second Brother, why are you cursing people—”

Zhang Yushui knocked Zhang Qiu on the head and sat up straight. “I wasn’t cursing. I meant it literally. The moment I left the airport, I could tell something was off. He has a power that ordinary people don’t, similar to Pei Qing’s, though Pei Qing’s is purer. If it weren’t for the shock he received in Xinjiang, his bloodline might not have awakened yet.”

He then glanced at Hua Ting and smirked. “Otherwise, do you really think two ordinary men could have a child together?”

Hua Ting wasn’t embarrassed, but his main concern was Lu Feng. Hearing that Zhang Yushui’s explanation seemed reasonable, he quickly asked, “I’ve also noticed changes. His strength has increased a lot since Xinjiang, and—”

He wanted to say that Lu Feng had become unstoppable in bed, but he stopped himself just in time. Before, he used to feel sorry for Lu Feng’s body and was very restrained. But now that Lu Feng had fully recovered, he finally realized that Lu Feng was just a natural-born beast!

Everyone in the car, except for the two kids, was an experienced adult. They all immediately understood Hua Ting’s abrupt silence and barely held back their laughter while pretending not to notice.

“Other than the extra strength and energy, I don’t feel any different,” Lu Feng joked. “And I definitely don’t transform.”

“Your power hasn’t fully awakened yet. It needs a trigger,” Zhang Yushui explained before shifting his tone. “But even as you are now, your lifespan will be much longer than an ordinary person’s. There’s no need to chase after complete awakening—it’s not necessarily a good thing.”

Zhang Yushui didn’t know Lu Feng well and was afraid that once Lu Feng discovered his lineage, he might obsess over it and get consumed by ambition, leading him down a dangerous path. He wanted to caution him against that.

Lu Feng understood his meaning and nodded. He had never cared much about power. Before, his only concern had been curing Xiao Ting. Now that Hua Ting was healthy, he just wanted to live their life together and grow old together. If awakening his bloodline meant turning into some kind of divine beast, while Hua Ting remained mortal, then that would be a nightmare.

He was already very happy with things as they were—especially with how much energy he had now.

If Hua Ting had known Lu Feng’s thoughts, he might have been touched at first, but then he definitely would have wanted to strangle him.

---

When they arrived at the villa, Hua Ting sent Hua Hua and Xiao Jiangshi off to play before turning to Zhang Qiu.

“I need to tell you something, so you can be mentally prepared.”

Hearing his serious tone, Zhang Qiu nearly dropped his teacup. His mouth opened slightly. “It’s about Li Shu?”

“He’s fine. He’s in Beijing.”

Zhang Qiu let out a deep breath. As long as Li Shu was safe, that was all that mattered.

“But—Li Shu seems to have lost his memory.”