Forcefully Doting On You - v3c19

 

Chapter 75

Note: Early chapter release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi (´｡• ◡ •｡`) ♡

The sigh-like sound echoed in the room, making everyone present tense up.

Mu Cai's face changed immediately.

This was the voice of Qin Zhongyi!

In the original plot, it was this second prince who, like him, had not been reincarnated and remained in a soul state, who tried to assassinate the main character. Qin Zhongyi and Qin Zhongjin were already embroiled in a life-and-death conflict over the throne. As someone close to Qin Zhongyi, Mu Cai was killed by someone sent by Qin Zhongjin. The enemy naturally harbored deep hatred towards the main character, and even after becoming a ghost, he didn't let him go. Qin Zhongyi was always ready, waiting for the day to make Qin Zhongjin taste the same suffering he had endured.

The above content was the brief-outline-like script given by the system that Mu Cai was familiar with. As for why this plot happened ahead of time, Mu Cai had no idea.

Faced with the sudden change in the plot, he was somewhat accustomed to it.

Qin Zhongjin, who was originally squatting in front of the sofa holding a jade pendant, directly reached out to press on Mu Cai's waist. He turned his body, his back facing Mu Cai, and his muscles tensed up, forming a protective stance.

The voice came from the porcelain bottle that looked like a mural on the table. Although Qin Zhongjin, with his profound cultivation and the Heavenly Eye, noticed the strangeness of the porcelain bottle immediately, he didn't realize there was a fierce ghost hidden inside. As a result, he couldn't take immediate precautions.

Proof enough of how terrifying this fierce ghost was!

The enemy was hiding in the porcelain bottle, shouting Mu Cai's name even before he revealed himself. The sorrow and the joy of finding something lost again in that voice made Qin Zhongjin very uncomfortable.

He couldn’t bear the thought of anyone coveting his precious Mu Cai!

A wisp of green smoke emerged from the strange bottle on the table, and a figure dressed in a wide-sleeved robe and a hair crown walked out of it. His face gradually became clear, surprisingly looking seven-tenths similar to Qin Zhongjin, albeit with higher cheekbones and a fiercer look in his eyes.

In accordance with the plot, Mu Cai timely pretended to be surprised and muttered, "Brother Zhongyi..."

This voice was ethereal and melodious, soft, seemingly murmuring from the nose, with a hint of coquettishness and surprise.

Although the sound was not loud, it was like a thunderclap going off next to Qin Zhongjin's ear. For the first time, he realized that voice could be a sharp blade, piercing his heart in an instant.

Qin Zhongjin's hand tightened, loosening abruptly just before he hurt Mu Cai. He didn't turn his head, the muscles under his clothing trembling slightly. He was afraid of seeing the expression on Mu Cai's face.

He feared seeing Mu Cai display the expression he longed to see, but not for him, Qin Zhongjin – rather, for another man.

Across from him, Qin Zhongyi greedily gazed at the beautiful man in red, who had already half-sat up from the couch.

The other's long, ink-black hair hung down, bright eyes wide open staring at him. Even those rosy lips were slightly ajar, seemingly surprised. Such a cute expression painted on such an alluring face, the resulting sight was simply irresistible.

Qin Zhongyi's heartstrings felt like they were struck, unable to settle for a long while. What he couldn't have centuries ago, his dear Mu Cai, he finally met again today. It was worth every painstaking effort he put into plotting this for over hundreds of years.

Only now, there were too many nuisances around.

Qin Zhongyi's frigid gaze swept across and noticed the hand resting on Mu Cai's slender waist – an exceptionally offending sight.

Removing his gaze, he took his first good look at the reincarnation of his Third Younger Brother. The latter kept his eyes tightly shut with a bright red sword mark right between his brows.

Seems like he had opened his heavenly eye and inherited the sword arts – a Taoist master that he, Qin Zhongyi, had to guard against.

Indeed, this Third Younger Brother, throughout the past and present life, was always in opposition with him.

Taking a stride, Qin Zhongyi was instantaneously at Su Yao's side. His sleeve fluttered in the wind with his movement, and the moment everything calmed down again, Qin Zhongyi's hand had already clasped onto Su Yao’s neck like a hawk's talon.

Su Yao had already sensed danger when he heard that deep voice. However, when he tried to distance himself from the table and fled the dangerous core, he found that he could no longer move.

Not only was he immobile, but he couldn’t even open his mouth, let alone speak. All he could do was wait for this fierce ghost to strangle his neck.

Qin Zhongyi stood a few steps in front of Qin Zhongjin, eyeing Mu Cai from his dominant position, "Little Third Brother, how about we make a trade?"

His words were slow, clearly articulated, and with a chilling tone, "Let go of Mu Cai and I will release this scholar."

The direction of the plot was quite in line with the character settings and the past entanglements in the drama. However, Mu Cai felt something was off about the scene.

He turned his head to look at Qin Zhongjin.

The latter's side profile was stern, and his complexion apathetic, completely indifferent to the situation. Catching his gaze, Qin Zhongjin turned his head, his drooping eyelashes casting a shadow in his eyes. Qin Zhongjin's hand, held tightly on the hilt of his sword, tightened slightly more. Mu Cai heard him say in a surprising soft voice, "Don't worry, Mu Cai. I won't let you fall into danger."

His words had just fallen when the laughing Qin Zhongyi opposite him, his face full of scorn, chimed in, "Hahahaha, Little Third Brother, you certainly put up a good show!"

Qin Zhongjin remained silent in response.

A sharp gaze from Qin Zhongyi swept over. Being brothers, he and Qin Zhongjin indeed bore resemblance, with matching stern expressions. Now, with his enraged eyes wide open, he appeared even more terrifying. Mu Cai felt a chill in his heart.

“Back then," Qin Zhongyi began his tale, "who took a fancy to this scholar, indulged in wine and conversation with him, causing my dear Mu Cai to shed tears for days? And who was it cold and indifferent to Mu Cai, yet surprisingly warm-hearted to the scholar, engaging in late-night talks, causing my Mu Cai to be downcast?”

He continued angrily, "Qin Zhongjin, do you really think no one remembers all the things you did back then?" Qin Zhongyi glanced at Qin Zhongjin and sneered, "Oh, right, you've been reincarnated. How could you possibly remember? But even if you don't remember, Mu Cai and I remember everything!"

From the moment Qin Zhongyi started speaking, Qin Zhongjin's expression remained calm. Only upon hearing these words did a crack finally appear on his seemingly masked face. Turning towards Mu Cai, there was a slight tremble in his voice, "Mu Cai, is what he said true?"

Mu Cai turned his head away.

Don't look at him; he doesn't know either.

The script was just a rough outline, and most of the information about the previous life came from fragments of the original owner's memory. Indeed, in the original owner's memory, ever since Qin Zhongjin turned 15 or 16 years old and started to become more aware, he indeed became much colder towards the original owner, while growing closer to Su Yao from his previous life.

The original owner was naturally heartbroken, always feeling that his beloved Elder Brother Zhongjin didn't want him anymore. However, as for whether Qin Zhongjin and Su Yao had late-night talks, and whether the original owner cried every day, Mu Cai couldn't answer. Hindered by the current plot and atmosphere, Mu Cai could only pretend to be stubborn and resolute by turning his head away to avoid the inquisitive "gaze" of the other party.

The person in front of him had his long eyelashes lowered, obscuring the bright eyes like morning stars. His slightly pursed, rosy lips revealed his unwillingness to answer.

The previously empty hand of Qin Zhongjin moved to grip Mu Cai's knee. He raised his head, staring persistently in Mu Cai's direction, as if he would not give up until he received an answer.

Qin Zhongyi's voice echoed above, "Mu Cai, don't let him deceive you again. Think about the cold treatment you received before and the time he sent someone to kill you. What did you do wrong!"

Finally, Mu Cai lifted his head.

Qin Zhongyi tightly grasped Su Yao's neck, his grip getting stronger.

His grip was powerful, and as a fierce ghost, just one hand applied force and Su Yao found it nearly impossible to breathe. Su Yao subconsciously struggled, but his hands and legs were too weak to lift; his vision darkened, his head buzzed, and it seemed like he would die in the next moment.

Qin Zhongyi intentionally acted this way in front of Qin Zhongjin and Mu Cai. He knew that Mu Cai was kind-hearted, and even if Qin Zhongjin didn't care about Su Yao's life, Mu Cai would not just stand idly by.

Indeed, Mu Cai couldn't stand it anymore.

He saw Su Yao's face turn purple, his struggle growing weaker, as if he could stop breathing at any moment. And yet, Qin Zhongjin still didn't move. Mu Cai immediately spoke, "Brother Zhongyi, let go. I'll go with you."

Leaving aside the fact that the protagonist couldn't die in the plot, Mu Cai could never stand watching someone being strangled to death in front of him. If Qin Zhongyi wanted his life, Mu Cai wouldn't be shaken so easily.

However, according to the plot, the original owner's past memories, and Qin Zhongyi's current demands, there was a high probability that he wouldn't kill Mu Cai. Qin Zhongyi was also a key character in the story; following him would naturally progress the plot, so Mu Cai agreed.

A smile flashed across Qin Zhongyi's face.

If he wanted to rob something, he would have acted long ago. He was just uncertain whether Mu Cai wanted to go with him. In his previous life, Mu Cai loved Qin Zhongjin so much that no matter how hard he tried, he could not win his heart. This time, he still wanted to maintain his image and cook Mu Cai in warm water.

Qin Zhongjin said sternly, "Mu Cai!"

But Mu Cai responded calmly and indifferently, "Second Prince, I thought you genuinely liked Su Yao. But it appears that the Second Prince is indeed heartless."

Qin Zhongyi, clutching Su Yao's neck, tossed him aside and extended his arms towards Mu Cai, "Mu Cai, come over."

Mu Cai stood up, his red dress swishing at his ankles.

Qin Zhongjin tightened his grip on the wrist of the person beside him, nearly hissing, "Mu Cai!"

In that moment, he wanted to imprison the person in front of him forever. He had been patient for so long, so gentle with Mu Cai. Seeing their relationship beginning to warm, was he really leaving at this time?!

He could not accept it!

Qin Zhongjin's mind was already in chaos, completely unaware of Qin Zhongyi's livid expression. Seeing the timing was right, Qin Zhongyi flicked his fingers, and a black shadow pierced into Qin Zhongjin's temple.

He suddenly "woahed" and spat out blood, collapsing to the ground. Naturally, this freed him from the restraint of those around him. If this was a normal circumstance, such a trick would not escape the eyes of Qin Zhongjin. But Zhongyi was no ordinary soul, and Zhongjin was already a jumbled mess.

Mu Cai was shocked, his face turning pale instantly.

He hurriedly tried to help Qin Zhongjin up, but someone wrapped them in a hearty embrace instead.

An unfamiliar scent arrived with Zhongyi’s hand, gripping Mu Cai's arm like an iron vice.

"Let’s go, Cai Cai,” he whispered into Mu Cai's ear.

Mu Cai was not about to sit idly by and let Zhongjin fend for himself.

Regardless, the other party had been kind to him, never causing him trouble, even promising to teach him about the peach tree, gifting him with a scroll for shelter, and facilitating his spirit's recovery. In his original self's memory, although Zhongjin was cold and did not particularly like him, he never harmed him. This is why his original self was always skeptical about Zhongjin ordering his assassination.

Mu Cai didn't move but expressed his concerns, "Brother Zhongyi, he never really troubled me. You shouldn't treat him this way, he looks seriously injured."

Jealousy almost surged within Zhongyi, he longed to kill the man lying on the ground immediately. However, with Mu Cai in front of him, he had to suppress himself and said, "Cai Cai, if I really wanted to kill him, he wouldn't be in his current state. His current situation is due to his own internal turmoil. It's his own doing."

Mu Cai felt slightly relieved hearing this. In his original memories, Zhongyi had always been kind to him. He wouldn't lie to him.

After some thought, he took out a plump little peach from his space and placed it on the ground before Zhongjin. This peach had been given to him by the peach tree. Every once in a while, it would give him one; sometimes Mu Cai didn't want to eat it, so he stored it away in his space, telling the little peach tree he'd eat it later.

Now, he took out the last remaining peach, hoping it might help Zhongjin feel a bit better. "Here, eat this. It might help your injuries. With the life-and-death calamity of Scholar Su past and the little peach tree fully grown, you no longer have to keep monitoring me for them. You and I shouldn't have had any interaction in the first place."

Of course, this was not possible. The main character would still seek him out later to eliminate potential troubles. Besides, with such a big ghost like Zhongyi around, Zhongjin, being an exorcist, naturally wouldn't let it go.

After Mu Cai had said those words, he turned to leave, yet his robe was gently caught by a hand.

The strength was very light, but Mu Cai felt it instantly and immediately stopped.

Zhongjin raised his head. Fresh blood still stained his lips, a sight that was stark and alarming, but Zhongjin didn't seem to care. Instead, he asked with a hoarse voice, "Cai Cai, can you tell me why you dislike me?"

Zhongjin had seen through his spiritual eye since he was very young.

The consequence of giving up human sight was that the way he saw things was different from ordinary people. In his vision, the world was like a giant black cloth, and everyone and everything moved about in the form of spirits. The nature of their virtues and evils determined the purity of their souls, which defined what they looked like in Zhongjin's eyes.

Over the years, he thought he had seen through the superficial illusions. Until one day, he ascended the stairs, entered a room, and saw a scroll hanging on the wall.

The beauty lying under the peach tree had the purest soul. Without the myriad of grey shadows obstructing his view, he became the only colorful soul in Zhongjin's black-and-white world, a sight unspeakably beautiful.

He was enchanted at first sight, almost as if it was an inevitable calamity destined by fate.

And now, this only patch of color was about to leave him.

Zhongyi saw that the other party still didn't appreciate the situation and was filled with rage. Now, anger turned into bitter laughter as he said, "Fine! Since you're so eager to know, I'll let you see it!"

________________________

Author's Note:

Mu Cai: I was just acting, but how did he become so unsettled and even started vomiting blood qwq

Zhongjin: Actually, I was acting too. I let myself be hit by all the attacks on purpose to make Cai Cai worry about me. But vomiting blood and feeling heartbroken are real qwq

The dialogue between two acting masters.

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