Little Pink Starfish

The party started at 8 PM. Zhang Qiu had spent the whole afternoon wandering around. When he looked at the time and saw it was almost 7, he realized he still hadn’t bought formal wear and instantly got a headache. Qi Xi snorted and said, “Serves you right, running off so fast. I went to record a show.”

“Your face?” With how she looked, Zhang Qiu really didn’t know how Qi Xi could appear on TV. Surely she wouldn’t go on fully wrapped up?

Li Shu glanced at Zhang Qiu from the side and said calmly, “I didn’t use much force. With his physique, it’ll fade in an hour.”

That’s not using much force?! Qi Xi was fuming. Her eyes rolled under her sunglasses, then she suddenly smiled sweetly, “Xiao Qiuqiu, I knew you’d be worried about me. After all, who told me to be so beautiful? You can help me with a face mask when I get back tonight. Hahaha, I’m off!”

Seeing Li Shu’s calm face made Qi Xi all the happier. She immediately ran off. Serves you right for hitting me!

Zhang Qiu: ………

Leaving and digging me a pit too. If I ever care about a drama queen again, I’m a pig!

“Haha, I suddenly remembered I haven’t bought formalwear yet for the party. I’ll take Little Jiangshi to buy clothes.” Zhang Qiu hugged Little Jiangshi and tried to slip away, but the collar of his shirt was grabbed from behind by Li Shu. He fell against Li Shu’s firm chest.

Li Shu looked down, his gaze dim. “The clothes are ready. I’ll take you to change.”

“They’re ready? Hey, what size am I wearing—wait, don’t drag me, it’s uncomfortable.” Zhang Qiu shouted as Li Shu pulled him toward the hotel. When Li Shu heard he was uncomfortable, he really let go. Zhang Qiu sighed in relief—only to feel a strong arm wrap around his waist and lift him, carrying him toward the hotel.

His little uncle seems a bit domineering now.

But hehehe I like it.

Sure enough, three sets of formalwear hung in the suite’s living room—one black and two white. One of the white sets was small, with an adorable bowtie—it was for Little Jiangshi. The little one, loving to look good, climbed down Zhang Qiu’s arm and ran over, dimples showing as he pointed at the clothes, “Daddy, mine.”

“The clothes are yours. Your daddy—” Li Shu looked at Zhang Qiu and smiled a little.

Zhang Qiu almost reflexively replied “is yours”, but stopped when he saw Li Shu handing him the other white set. “This one’s yours.”

“Why am I wearing white? I want black.” White always gave a soft, creamy boy look. Zhang Qiu preferred looking more manly. Wasn’t the plan to take the upper hand while Li Shu had amnesia?

Li Shu’s eyes scanned him up and down. Zhang Qiu suddenly felt hot all over. He’d been getting worked up too easily lately—what’s going on?

“My size won’t fit you.” Li Shu touched Zhang Qiu’s cheek and, using the same tone Zhang Qiu used to coax Little Jiangshi, said, “Be good, go change.”

Zhang Qiu, dizzy-headed, took the clothes and went to the bedroom. Little Jiangshi happily bounced along holding his outfit, “Daddy, I want to change too.” Li Shu pinched the little one’s cheek, in a good mood, smiling, “Big Daddy will help you.”

When he’d changed and stood at the doorway, Zhang Qiu felt weirdly nervous, like Li Shu was waiting to marry him outside. Where did this feeling come from? It’s not like I haven’t worn formalwear before.

Lately my heart’s gone soft… dreaming like a girl… Zhang Qiu muttered and opened the door.

He saw Li Shu and Little Jiangshi standing in the living room. Li Shu in black formalwear had a great figure—long legs, broad shoulders, narrow waist, flat chest and abs. Zhang Qiu knew what was under the clothes. Little Jiangshi looked like a tiny flower boy, cheerfully asking, “Daddy, am I handsome?”

Super chicken cute.

But Zhang Qiu didn’t dare say “cute.” Little Jiangshi had recently learned boys should be “handsome.” He nodded seriously, “Very handsome.”

Little Jiangshi was so happy he almost wagged a tail—if he had one.

Zhang Qiu tried to ignore the fiery gaze burning into him. But he couldn’t take it anymore. His scalp tingled, his whole body flushed, and he looked up—meeting Li Shu’s eyes. His heart tightened. Those crimson pupils seemed to pull him in.

“D-Do I not look good?” He thought he looked pretty youthful and handsome.

Li Shu walked over and wrapped an arm around Zhang Qiu’s waist. His voice was low, husky, and sexy: “I regret picking this set for you.” It highlighted Zhang Qiu’s fair skin, slim waist, and round butt—making him want to tear the clothes off.

Zhang Qiu’s legs went weak, collapsing against Li Shu. He didn’t even register what Li Shu said.

Knock knock—

Little Jiangshi said happily, “It’s Second Uncle, I’ll get the door!” and ran over.

At the door were Zhang Yushui and the Prince of Xiapi, praising Little Jiangshi. Zhang Yushui used the chance to snuggle up, saying, “Look how cute Little Jiangshi is. Our phoenix egg will definitely be just as cute.”

“Second Uncle, I’m very handsome!” Little Jiangshi corrected.

Zhang Yushui raised his voice, “The phoenix egg will be just as handsome!”

“Then you give birth to it,” the Prince of Xiapi smirked, glancing at him sideways. Zhang Yushui nearly did something inappropriate on the spot. He cleared his throat and said to the two still hugging inside, “The car’s here. Hug later.”

Zhang Qiu’s face burned from Li Shu’s gaze. His body felt hot. He quickly said, “Coming.” And startled himself—his voice was hoarse.

The Prince of Xiapi smiled, “Young people need to learn moderation.”

“Second Sister-in-law, you make it sound like you’re in your eighties.” Zhang Qiu saw how glamorous she looked—far from old.

She just smiled, saying no more.

Two cars waited outside the hotel. Xiao Lingdang and Pei Qing were already inside. Today, Xiao Lingdang also wore white. Compared to Zhang Qiu’s youthful handsomeness, Xiao Lingdang was adorably cute like Little Jiangshi—so much so that Pei Qing didn’t want to let go. He wished Xiao Lingdang would return to the Soul Pearl, but didn’t want him to miss out on joy because of his possessiveness, so he held back.

At exactly 8 PM, they arrived at the Gao family’s gate. The doors opened, and the car drove into a brightly lit courtyard filled with elegant music and soft conversation.

The group exited. As they entered, everyone inside looked their way—Xiapi Prince and Li Shu’s looks were too striking. Zhang Qiu was used to it. Gao Zhihao, mid-conversation, immediately broke away to greet them.

“I’ve been waiting for you! Have fun tonight. If you need anything, just let me know.” He smiled warmly and gave Li Shu a meaningful look, “Li Shu, enjoy yourself. I’ll catch up with you later.”

After the pleasantries, Gao Zhihao went to greet other guests.

Zhang Qiu came for the food. The Gao family had good chefs. None of them really knew the other guests, and even those curious about their identity didn’t dare approach—Li Shu’s aura scared them off.

After a while, Zhang Yushui and the Prince of Xiapi got up. Zhang Qiu’s eyes sparkled teasingly. “Ohhh~” But got his forehead flicked by Second Brother. “What’s in that head of yours!”

“We’re going to meet the outsider sorcerer.”

Zhang Qiu sobered. “Want me to come?”

“Too many eyes. Just us is enough,” said Zhang Yushui, leaving with a carefree air.

Zhang Qiu was full and sleepy. Xiao Lingdang and Little Jiangshi were playing around the courtyard. Pei Qing trailed behind them, which Zhang Qiu was happy to let happen. The courtyard was decorated like a fairground for kids, with staff watching over them. Laughter rang out.

Li Shu saw Zhang Qiu dozing on the couch and said, “If you’re tired, go back.”

“We haven’t talked about the Silken Path yet, can’t go.” Zhang Qiu mumbled. Then he heard children screaming outside—instantly jolting awake. “Little Jiangshi!” and ran out.

Others with children also rushed out.

In the yard, several kids were crying, clothes messy. Some screamed, covering their eyes, yelling about ghosts and wanting their moms.

Zhang Qiu saw Little Jiangshi calmly sitting on the swing, letting out a burp. He knew his son had just eaten again.

Li Shu said, “Probably some vengeful ghosts released by Second Brother while dealing with the sorcerer. Kids’ eyes are pure—they got frightened.”

Gao Zhihao came out, worried. “What’s going on? Get some warm drinks, calm the children.”

The guests were all high society. Now, they held their sobbing kids, who refused to stay and just wanted to go home. Some had even fainted from fear.

“I’m terribly sorry this happened. Please take your kids home and see a doctor.” Gao Zhihao knew he couldn’t retain the guests and made quick arrangements.

The party quickly emptied out. Gao Zhihao wiped his brow and approached them.

“Apologies to all of you.”

Li Shu held Little Jiangshi, calmly bullshitting, “My son is frightened too. We’re going back.”

Zhang Qiu looked at the full and perky Little Jiangshi and couldn’t associate him with being scared.

“Going back, huh?” Gao Zhihao hesitated. “Actually, I invited you tonight for a reason. If it’s not too much trouble, you can rest in a guest room. The family doctor can check your child.”

Using Little Jiangshi as an excuse, Gao Zhihao got Li Shu to agree.

When they returned to the hall, Second Brother and Sister-in-law sat like they’d never left. “What happened just now?” they asked.

“Nothing serious. Since Mr. Zhang’s here, let’s all go.” Gao Zhihao smiled and had his son send the rest of the guests off. He led them to a large second-floor study.

Gao Zhihao’s study was quite large, with many books—but they all looked brand new. There were plenty of antique decorations placed around as well.

Once they were seated on the sofa, Gao Zhihao pondered for a moment and said, “You are all straightforward people, so I’ll get straight to the point. I’ve long heard of Li Shu’s famous reputation in the circle, and also Pei Qing—a retired special forces soldier. Mr. Zhang is a top expert in Feng Shui…”

He went on to praise each of them. When his gaze landed on Zhang Qiu, he paused slightly, then said, “Young Master Zhang has a wealth of knowledge.”

Zhang Qiu felt the word ‘wealth’ had nothing to do with him. The praise made his face flush. Heaven knows he only got into graduate school by sheer luck.

“I’m someone born with intense curiosity. As a businessman, without some impulsive drive, how could I have built this enterprise?!” Gao Zhihao said with a laugh. “Some time ago, I happened to acquire a map. After having it researched, the itch in my heart wouldn’t go away. I just want to satisfy my curiosity. If we really find any treasure, the first thing I’ll do is donate it to the country…”

Zhang Qiu had never seen someone make tomb-robbing sound so noble. Gao Zhihao’s righteous tone almost had him applauding. But Second Brother beat him to it, smiling and saying, “Gao Boss, with such generosity and vision, it’s truly admirable.” Though his tone carried a hint of teasing.

Whether Gao Zhihao caught the sarcasm or not, he just laughed and nodded repeatedly. “You flatter me. Let’s get back to the point. This time, I want to ask the most renowned in the field to lend a hand.”

“Lend a hand?” Zhang Yushui raised an eyebrow.

Zhang Qiu thought of how Second Sister-in-law had reminded him to raise the price. This Gao Zhihao is really sly—using noble-sounding reasons and now asking for ‘help’. Is he trying to avoid paying? But with Second Brother here, haggling is his specialty.

“Of course, of course. Since I’m asking for this favor, I won’t let you suffer,” Gao Zhihao said heartily. “Because of our acquaintance, I’ll offer 20% more than the usual rate in the circle.”

Zhang Yushui quoted a number—one that made Zhang Qiu smirk secretly. It was the price Qi Zhirong had once offered Li Shu.

Gao Zhihao nodded. “Not too much, not too much. All of you—”

“The last price offered to Li Shu,” Zhang Yushui said with a warm smile.

Zhang Qiu saw the disbelief on Gao Zhihao’s face—maybe he felt that offering the same price again was losing face. But he quickly composed himself, still smiling, though clearly not as relaxed. After thinking for a while, he said, “Fine, that price is well worth it for Li Shu’s skill.”

Once the price was settled, Zhang Yushui even helped Zhang Qiu get a separate fee. It wasn’t much, but better than nothing. Gao Zhihao had originally not included Lingdang—thinking the fair and cute kid was Pei Qing’s younger brother.

They earned a good sum and secretly dealt with the sorcerer. While Gao Zhihao suffered a loss in both people and money, the group left in a good mood. Little Jiangshi had eaten his fill again and was sleepily dozing in Zhang Qiu’s arms.

As they passed the Lin residence, Zhang Qiu felt a gust of wind and heard Lingdang whisper, “Xiao Lin went to the Lin house.”

“Leave him be. He needs to let go completely,” Zhang Yushui said.

Zhang Qiu agreed. For Xiao Lin, reincarnation was probably best. Lin Jiahe wasn’t someone who could take responsibility. Both men had backed down—especially now that Xiao Lin was already dead.

The next morning, Zhang Qiu was still sleeping when someone knocked on the door. He opened it—it was Xiao Lin.

“Zhang Qiu, I came to say goodbye. I’m leaving,” said Xiao Lin.

Still half-asleep, Zhang Qiu didn’t react immediately. After a moment, he realized what Xiao Lin meant—he was going to reincarnate. He looked at Xiao Lin, who gave him a peaceful smile. Zhang Qiu was momentarily speechless, then finally patted him on the shoulder. “See you again if fate allows.”

He didn’t know what Xiao Lin had seen at the Lin house the night before that made him decide to leave.

“Young Master is doing well. Miss Su from the Su family is gentle and beautiful. They seem well-matched,” Xiao Lin said quietly.

Apparently, Miss Su had been at the Lin house last night. She and Lin Jiahe probably did something that Xiao Lin saw.

Zhang Qiu sighed silently. When Second Brother learned Xiao Lin was going to reincarnate, he especially bought gold ingots, various paper money, and incense.

“With money, even ghosts will do your bidding. Help Xiao Lin smooth things out, maybe he can get a good reincarnation.”

Zhang Qiu was amazed. Little Jiangshi stood beside him, watching attentively.

Everyone stood in the dark living room with curtains tightly drawn. Zhang Yushui drew a formation. Xiao Lin stood in the middle. A basin sat within the formation, burning gold ingots and spirit money, the blue flames consuming them without smoke. Zhang Qiu remembered Second Brother had said this meant someone below had accepted the bribe.

Xiao Lin’s figure slowly faded. Before leaving, he said thank you.

Everyone felt a bit emotional after seeing him off. While eating, they saw the local news: the Lin and Su families had formed a powerful alliance, and the wedding was scheduled in three days. No wonder Xiao Lin was in such a hurry to go.

“I just knew without me, your meals wouldn’t taste good.”

A flamboyant voice came from behind. Zhang Qiu didn’t even need to look to know it was the drama king Qi Xi. He swaggered in, sat in an empty seat, and glanced around. “Everyone’s here. Rare. Even Pei Qing and Lingdang. Oh right, where’s Xiao Lin?”

“He went to reincarnate,” Zhang Qiu said.

Qi Xi froze, then glanced at the newspaper headline and smiled knowingly. “Love is no good—it hurts. Leaving is for the best.”

Zhang Qiu looked at Qi Xi. He didn’t know if he was talking about Xiao Lin or himself. After speaking, Qi Xi acted like nothing had happened and happily ordered three baskets of dumplings and porridge, eating like a pig.

His fangirls should really see him like this.

After breakfast, Qi Xi heard about the jade bi and seriously said, “Count me in.”

Zhang Qiu remembered the jade bi was related to Lao Xiezhi’s death and didn’t refuse. Li Shu glanced at Qi Xi. The latter grinned and promised, “Don’t worry, I’ll stay far away from your little Qiuqiu.”

The matter was settled. They just waited for Gao Zhihao’s message. That old fox hadn’t even shown them the jade bi yet—only said he’d lead the way. Now, two days had passed and there was still no news.

It wasn’t until noon on the third day that anything changed. Zhang Qiu was on a date with Li Shu—he had initiated it. He even left Little Jiangshi with Second Sister-in-law, pretending not to see Second Brother’s black face ready to beat him.

Zhang Qiu had done a lot of research online the night before, dressed up nicely today, and earned plenty of second glances on the street. Full of confidence, he sat across from Li Shu, swearing to himself that he’d win him over today.

“Uncle, this meat is especially tender, it’s really good.” Zhang Qiu said cutely, pointing at the steak—just short of saying “I’m also tender and delicious, eat me now.”

Li Shu’s expression stayed cool. “Oh,” he said, gracefully cutting the steak and putting a piece in his mouth, his eyes locked on Zhang Qiu.

Just who the hell is seducing who?!

Zhang Qiu gulped. His little uncle is too good at this.

“Not bad,” Li Shu said with a curl of his lips.

Zhang Qiu giggled, “Actually, I—”

“Is Lin Qing with you?”

A voice from behind interrupted Zhang Qiu’s “I’m also tasty” confession. He turned around in surprise—Lin Jiahe stood there, wearing a formal suit, hair disheveled, clearly in a hurry.

He stepped closer, eyes full of sorrow and hope, voice hoarse, “Is Lin Qing dead?”

“How do you know?”

Lin Jiahe swayed like he might faint. Zhang Qiu hurriedly helped him sit down. Lin Jiahe held his forehead, silent for a long time. Zhang Qiu saw tears silently falling down his cheeks.

Too late now.

But he couldn’t say that.

“I shouldn’t have sent him to the army. I shouldn’t have,” Lin Jiahe said softly. “Why… why did he leave to become a bodyguard without telling me? Why am I the beneficiary? What do I need money bought with his life for…”

Xiao Lin’s death benefit.

Zhang Qiu immediately thought of Qi Zhirong. But would a big boss come to Chengdu just for a death payout?

Lin Jiahe was lost in grief, mumbling. He had always carried the burden of his family—marry, have children, inherit the business. These had all been arranged. But when he saw the death compensation form with his name as the recipient, all the self-deceptions he had built up shattered.

He didn’t want to marry, didn’t want kids, didn’t want the business. He just wanted Lin Qing—wanted Lin Qing alive, in front of him.

He remembered that night—in a half-dream, half-awake state—he thought he saw Lin Qing smiling at him, calling him “young master” as he used to, telling him not to be afraid, that he would protect him.

“Lin Qing—” Lin Jiahe’s voice broke, full of tears. After a while, he asked, “Did he come here? I saw him…”

The saddest thing in the world may be regret.

But regret often changes nothing. Zhang Qiu felt bad, but still told the truth: “He had a lingering attachment—couldn’t let go of you. You were in poor health, and someone had been cursing the Lin family. He asked my second brother for help. Now you’re healthy, getting married, the Lin family will thrive. He let go of his attachment and reincarnated.”

“He’s so stupid. Even in death, he thought of everything for me. He’s such a fool.” Lin Jiahe covered his face, tears soaking his hands.

Zhang Qiu had nothing to say. Part of him thought Lin Jiahe deserved it, but he couldn’t bear to say it now. Xiao Lin claimed he’d moved on—but deep down, he never wanted to blame Lin Jiahe.

And so, what should have been a lovely, flirty date turned into a disaster. All the research Zhang Qiu had done the night before went to waste. He cried inside.

After a while, Lin Jiahe stood up, his back hunched as if all his energy had been drained. His eyes were red. He whispered, “Thank you for helping him. Thank you.”

Zhang Qiu watched Lin Jiahe’s lonely, desolate figure walk away and could only sigh. Then he turned to Li Shu across from him, thick-skinned, puffing his cheeks and whining, “Uncle~ I’m sad, lonely, and cold. Hug me, pet me, kiss me~!”

Li Shu’s originally grim face—darkened from the date being ruined—slowly softened. The corners of his lips lifted, a faint crimson flashing in his eyes.

“Alright.” Li Shu smiled. Seeing the goofy grin spread across Zhang Qiu’s face, he felt oddly happy. “Kisses are allowed.”

Zhang Qiu heard fireworks go off in his chest.

How can his little uncle be so good at flirting?!