Forcefully Doting On You - v3c28

 

Chapter 84

The scenes in the virtual world had finally come to an end. The manufactured reality slowly faded, revealing the original state of the room.

Everyone was quiet, and it was so still that you could hear a pin drop. They were emotionally affected by the experience, their hearts too stirred to calm down immediately.

Suddenly, Han Dan spit out a mouthful of blood.

Using blood as a medium to awaken past life memories is a damaging practice that can harm the body. It was only normal for Han Dan, an ordinary man, to feel the physical toll.

Qin Zhongjin, the man who performed the ritual on him, remained undisturbed. He didn't even glance towards him. However, his hold tightened around Mu Cai, who was watching Han Dan with concern.

The beauty in red furrowed his distant mountain-like eyebrows slightly, and a hint of anxiety reflected in his shining eyes. When he looked at someone with concern, hardly anyone could stay unaffected.

Han Dan was about to comfort Mu Cai with a reassuring smile when he saw Qin Zhongjin lean in, murmuring in his ear, "Cai Cai, how would you like to punish him?"

With his view hampered by the man's face and hair, and given the abrupt question, Mu Cai's attention naturally shifted: "I don't mind, it's up to you."

A trace of fluctuation can be seen on Qin Zhongjin’s face. Unable to resist, he tightens his grip around him, and speaks quietly, "Does Cai Cai not hate him at all, or are you..."

Or are you unable to forget your past feelings for Qin Zhongyi?

Mu Cai, seeing his tentative expression, guessed what was unsaid in Qin Zhongjin's words. He rolls his eyes at him and says, "I just don't care to think about it anymore."

While speaking, he lightly pats his arm, showing a mix of slight annoyance yet also reassurance. Han Dan, who was perfectly healthy, spat out a mouthful of blood after awakening past memories using his blood. Qin Zhongjin, who was hit tonight and shed bloody tears, is likely more injured.

Not daring to make his touch too heavy, yet annoyed at his misunderstanding, Mu Cai could only soothe him by gently stroking his arm.

Qin Zhongjin's mind was in turmoil instantly.

His head leaned towards Mu Cai's neck, his soft lips brushing past his cool earlobe. Seeing his body slightly tremble at his gesture, he asks uncertainly, "Is what Cai Cai saying true?"

Mu Cai lightly pinches Qin Zhongjin's arm: "What on earth are you thinking? If I truly harbored old feelings, would I have handed him over to you for punishment?"

According to the instrument's detection and system prompts, the energy field's spiritual energy fluctuations began with Mu Cai. In other words, the original plot of this world is set in the present era, without any real past incarnation. Such a complete previous life's plot supplemented only after he arrived, so he is also considered the original character, and he can make decisions on behalf of the original character.

Initially, Mu Cai was under the mistaken impression that Qin Zhongjin had sent people to kill him, but he had no thoughts of revenge. His ideas remain the same now that he knows it was Qin Zhongyi.

Several hundred years is simply too long a time, his emotions have long since calmed down. He doesn’t want to stir any waves because of this matter. If Mu Cai were emotionally affected by this age-old affair, the one to suffer in the end would still be himself. For his peace of mind, Mu Cai does not intend to retaliate. Precisely speaking, he doesn’t even want to spare Qin Zhongyi another glance at this point, let alone getting back to his scroll, embracing the little peach tree, and playing well.

Yet, this only pertains to him.

Mu Cai might disregard the harm that has been inflicted upon himself in the past, but he cannot forgive Qin Zhongyi for Qin Zhongjin, who was also hurt by him. Therefore, Mu Cai transfers the choice to Qin Zhongjin, enabling him to execute the punishment.

It seems that Qin Zhongjin is satisfied with Mu Cai’s response, not pursuing the matter further. Standing up straight, he turns his head towards Qin Zhongyi who is bound tightly and says in a deep voice, "Cai Cai can be generous, forgiving you, but I cannot. You’ve damaged my eternal love due to your selfishness and madness, thus you must be punished."

As he speaks, a light flick of the hand and a bright red sword emblem glows at the center of his brows. A golden mark, identical to the pattern of the sword emblem, strikes into Qin Zhongyi's body in an instant. The latter, painfully curling up, struggles against the tight golden ropes binding him, resembling a gilded beast squirming.

Qin Zhongjin's voice was as cold as ice: "This Qiankun Sword Seal will accompany you through ten reincarnations. If you live peacefully and honestly in your next ten lives, the seal will have no effect. But if you do harm, endless misfortune and calamity are waiting for you."

At this point, the corner of his blood-stained mouth curved into a cruel smile: "You should leave now."

Qin Zhongjin’s voice was not loud, and his tone very calm. But as soon as he finished his words, Qin Zhongyi, binded by the golden ropes, suddenly began to struggle violently. Countless golden lights burst from his body as, the golden Sword Intent seemed to pierce Qin Zhongyi's soul.

Soon, the exploding golden light dimmed, and Qin Zhongyi, previously lying on the chair, had disappeared, even the bloodstained golden cord had vanished completely.

Until this moment, Qin Zhongjin, who stood perfectly upright, seemed unable to bear the strain anymore and softened, appearing as if he was about to collapse.

Mu Cai quickly reached out to hold him.

Fortunately, Qin Zhongjin also seemed to know he couldn't support himself any longer, directly clutching Mu Cai's thin shoulder, and resting his entire upper half on him. Both Su Yao and Han Dan stood behind them, from their perspective, it looked as if Qin Zhongjin had fully embraced Mu Cai.

Being a full head shorter than Qin Zhongjin, Mu Cai was taken aback when he was suddenly burdened with half of the other's body, almost running out of breath. He couldn't help but lightly punch Qin Zhongjin’s chest, complaining in a low voice, "You’re too heavy, I can barely breathe."

Although he said that, Mu Cai didn't really push Qin Zhongjin away. Instead, he quickly embraced Qin Zhongjin's back, making him feel more comfortable leaning on Mu Cai.

Mu Cai's hand was delicate and fair, resting on Qin Zhongjin's chest, causing Qin Zhongjin to feel restless. He wanted to hold this hand, place it near his lips to kiss it, and let the owner know how much he longed for contact.

Fortunately, Qin Zhongjin still had his wits about him and restrained himself from acting on this impulse.

There were still other matters to attend to.

With this in mind, Qin Zhongjin, with Mu Cai in his arms, turned to face Han Dan and Su Yao.

There were words that needed to be said.

For some reason, Su Yao felt a bit nervous, having a faint premonition in his heart, suspecting that this elder Qin was likely to target him.

As expected, Qin Zhongjin's expression was cold as he calmly said, "Su Yao, your grandfather asked you to come to the capital city to ask for my help in resolving your Life and Death Tribulations. Tonight, your tribulations have passed, and there is no need for you to stay with me any longer. In the future, whether you want to stay in the capital or return to Miao Village, I can arrange it for you."

It sounded so benevolent and righteous, that Su Yao simply had no grounds to refute. But only he knew the sudden pang of melancholy in his heart.

Leaving Qin Zhongjin's residence meant that he would no longer be able to see Mu Cai.

However, what did it matter?

Regardless of past or present lives, he had never done anything to wrong Mu Cai. But similarly, he was never in Mu Cai's eyes from beginning to end.

Thinking of this, Su Yao felt absent-minded. He stammered, "There's no one in Miao Village anymore, I'll stay in the capital city then. Thank you, Elder Qin."

Qin Zhongjin's expression was stable, stating, "No harm. Han Dan has sustained serious injuries, and you are proficient in mystic arts, help him recover first. When I return, I'll arrange a house and other matters for you immediately."

He didn't inquire about the opinions of the two standing across from him, but neither Han Dan nor Su Yao had the room to refute. They could only nod under the dim light, looking desolate.

Qin Zhongjin, seeing that the matter was settled, unperturbed, turns around. His hand tightening on Mu Cai's shoulder, he said softly in a deep voice, "Cai Cai, let's go home."

Mu Cai looked at Qin Zhongjin's face, slightly pale due to excessive blood loss, hesitating to say something. In the end, he only held onto Qin Zhongjin and nodded, quietly replying, "Hmm."

Hearing his voice, Qin Zhongjin seems delighted, his sharp eyebrows softened greatly, and a light curve raised at the corner of his mouth, "Let's go."

Together, the duo left, walking through the courtyard before Han Dan's villa. At this moment, the dawn was slowly breaking, the first faint light illuminating the sky, presaging the start of a clear morning.

________________________

The assistant sat in the driver's seat of the black sedan as usual, waiting for their return.

Upon seeing Qin Zhongjin's injuries, a hint of surprise visible on his normally calm and composed expression. However, the assistant quickly composed himself, helping Mu Cai get the injured man into the car without asking a single question, and then returned to the driver's seat.

Qin Zhongjin rested against the car door, gasping slightly. He uttered with a chuckle, "I'm a bit tired, can't move. Might need to inconvenience Cai Cai to climb over my legs to get into the car."

While saying this, he even patted his own slender legs.

Mu Cai stood by the car door, hesitating for a long time before saying, "Mr. Qin."

As soon as Qin Zhongjin heard this form of address, his eyebrows immediately furrowed. He queried uncertainly, "Cai Cai?"

He withheld his confession for the longest time, bearing the cool address of the other party. Now Qin Zhongjin's love was bare in front of his 'Cai Cai', why would he still use such a name? Could it be possible that 'Cai Cai' didn't like him anymore?

The mere thought increased his breathing rate.

Mu Cai hesitated a while, then said, "Mr. Qin, you should go back and recuperate. I won't be returning with you."

Qin Zhongjin's face turned even paler, his slender fingers clenching on his leg, nearly grinding his teeth as he asked, "Why? Cai Cai? Tell me why?!"

Mu Cai didn't respond for a moment.

He knew that what he just said was somewhat cruel to Qin Zhongjin. But if he didn't say it, would he really go with the other party? What would they do when they return? Fall in love with Qin Zhongjin?

This world is merely an energy field. As soon as the energy is exhausted, everything he experiences here will turn to dust. If Mu Cai invests too much emotion, all he will end up with is endless pain.

This was already evident at the end of the last world.

When Mu Cai thought of Claire, his eyes couldn't help but dim.

He confessed his feelings before leaving and was miserable after returning to the real world. If he gets entangled with Qin Zhongjin for some more time, Mu Cai doesn't know what he will become once he goes back.

Besides, Claire's shadow hadn't completely disappeared from his heart, and he didn't want to have an intimate emotional relationship with others. Previously, Mu Cai didn't know that Qin Zhongjin liked him. He commanded the other person, justifying himself due to the need to stimulate the energy field. But now that he knows Qin Zhongjin's feelings, he can't do that anymore.

Such an unequal emotional relationship is unfair to Qin Zhongjin.

With these thoughts in mind, Mu Cai finally mustered up the courage to look directly at Qin Zhongjin, saying, "Mr. Qin, you’ve cared for me a lot during this time, and for that, I'm truly grateful. Back then, I harbored some resentment for you, that’s why I might have seemed exploitive. However, it wasn't because... it wasn't because I couldn’t forget our past, causing me to intentionally get so close to you."

Upon hearing this, Qin Zhongjin's body stiffened abruptly.

Pretending not to notice his reaction, Mu Cai continued. Once the words had left his mouth, there was no going back. "The past is hundreds of years behind us, Mr. Qin. There’s no need for you to dwell on a ghost like me. After all, humans and ghosts walk separate paths. As the most powerful exorcist in the country, you should understand this better than anyone."

"No," replied Qin Zhongjin, his face only showing a momentary haze before he instantly regained his composure. His tone, akin to a volcano on the verge of erupting, sharply articulated, "I don’t understand."

Taken aback, Mu Cai was at a loss for words.

The man across him spoke, pronouncing each word with deliberation, "I don't care about any differences between humans and ghosts. All I know is that you're coming with me."

As he spoke, he raised his hand abruptly.

Since the case of Zhang Rongfa, Qin Zhongjin always wore an iron ring on his hand. Now, from that styleless ring, a golden chain streaked with blood suddenly extended.

The chain was very long and draped all the way down to the ground. When Mu Cai noticed where it led, an incredulous expression came over his face.

To his surprise, the other end of the chain was connected to the iron ring on his own ankle!

When had Qin Zhongjin done this? Had he injured himself again?!

Casting a nervous glance, Mu Cai indeed saw a deep cut in the palm of Qin Zhongjin that hadn't been there before. From the wound to the iron ring, a dried trail of blood remained.

In shock, Mu Cai exclaimed, "Are you mad? Why are you hurting yourself like this?"

Qin Zhongjin, however, started to laugh, which resembled more of a cry.

He reached out, pressing his hand against his forehead, "Indeed, I'm mad."

"Because you're leaving me."

________________________

Author's note:

Han Dan & Su Yao: We want Cai Cai.

Qin Zhongjin: Separate Paths for Humans and Ghosts, let's break it up!

Cai Cai: I don't want to be with you. Humans and ghosts follow separate paths.

Qin Zhongjin: Iron chains imprison... no physical indecencies allowed.

Cai Cai: ...

A massive scene of double standards.

However, in some sense, Qin Zhongjin isn't entirely wrong, since he is not really human =w=

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