Chapter Sixty-Nine: Gong Shaolin

“They’re coming, they’re coming!” Huang Kai, who’d been acting as a lookout in the distance, hurried over, panting, “I spotted that pale pretty boy. Looks like the two of them will meet up soon!” Huang Kai, with his sycophantic demeanor, made Guo Lang speechless. Had he really been bullied by such a person in his previous life? Ah, what a pathetic existence!

“Ahem, Lang, you go over and say hello first,” Chen Kaimin calmly instructed.

“Huh?” Guo Lang was momentarily stunned, pointing at his own head in confusion, “Why… why me?”

“If we all go over at once, it’ll come off as awkward, but you’re different. Uncle Xie specifically picked you to celebrate Xiao Qin’s birthday. You have a legitimate reason to approach her. Later, you can subtly mention you’ve invited other friends to celebrate with you, and then our appearance will seem more natural.”

Guo Lang’s face darkened; he felt that the son of an official really was different—able to speak about such underhanded tactics so naturally. Didn’t Chen Kaimin realize how sleazy his plan sounded?

In truth, Chen Kaimin was a bit embarrassed himself, feeling a touch of artifice. But there was no other way. He couldn’t just walk up to Xie Xiaoqin and say, “I heard you’re picking up a little pretty boy from the capital? We specially came to see if the capital’s young lords are any different!” Ideally, Xie Lin would act as the intermediary, but Chen Kaimin sensed Xie Lin wouldn’t be cooperative—though he seemed to respect Guo Lang, so he decided to have Guo Lang go first. If things got awkward, maybe Guo Lang would bring Xie Lin along for support.

As expected, Guo Lang wasn’t confident Xie Xiaoqin would treat him kindly, so he decisively placed his hand on Xie Lin’s shoulder, “Hey, Second Brother Xie, come walk with me, will you?”

Xie Lin stiffened; few people were so familiar with him. Even his older brother kept a certain distance, given Xie Lin’s personality. Guo Lang’s casual gesture felt strange, but for some reason, it wasn’t unpleasant… He flashed his standard gentle smile. “Alright…”

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In the airport, Xie Xiaoqin, dressed in a pale blue blouse, exuded an air of delicate elegance. At this moment, she gazed toward the exit, her rosy face betraying a hint of anticipation. She had met Gong Shaolin in the capital, and because of her father’s work, she’d attended school in City C since middle school. Yet deep down, she always saw herself as a child of the capital, never particularly impressed by the rustic, ingratiating scions of City C. On the contrary, someone like Gong Shaolin—heir to a distinguished family with generations of pedigree—was leagues above the likes of Chen Kaimin and his second-generation playboy friends.

She’d admired Gong Shaolin’s refined demeanor for a long time. Yesterday, she posted about her birthday on her social media, and to her delight, Gong Shaolin responded, saying he would come celebrate with her. The news had filled her with secret joy. But then, her father suddenly appeared, solemnly declaring, “Tomorrow’s your birthday, right? I’ve arranged for you to meet a companion—Guo Lang, son of your Uncle Guo. You two spend your birthday together. Young people celebrating is more lively than us old men, don’t you think?”

She hadn’t understood his reasoning. He’d never celebrated her birthday before—it was always just her and her friends. Now, out of nowhere, he was concerned about her birthday, and… was this some kind of matchmaking? She was only eighteen, and she’d never even heard of this Guo Lang!

Irritated and puzzled, she went to ask her sister, who worked at the prosecutor’s office, “Who’s this Guo Lang?”

Surprisingly, her sister did know. She blurted, “Guo Lang? Sure, I know him—he’s the son of Director Guo from Caiyun District!”

“How come I’ve never seen him before?” Xiaoqin asked.

Her sister’s friend chimed in, “Oh, I know that guy. He’s a total loser. Once, when I visited his home, I saw him sneak off to his room with a photo for some… self-entertainment. Classic creep. He hardly ever shows up, especially avoids mingling with people from the circle—bit of a weirdo. Uncle Guo is such a tough guy, but his son’s a total loser. Why do you ask about him?”

Xie Xiaoqin was stunned. What was her father thinking? She immediately resolved to avoid this so-called creep, heading to the airport early to meet her guest. If she was going to celebrate, it would be with someone refined like Shaolin, not with someone who made her queasy.

But things rarely go as you wish—especially when the other party has a thick skin. Clearly, she had underestimated him!

“Hey, are you Xiaoqin?” As she was lost in thought, a voice—sleazy, no, seductive—came from behind. Xie Xiaoqin turned to see Guo Lang’s smiling face!

Startled, she frowned, “Who are you?” Who was this person, calling her Xiaoqin as if they were close?

“I’m Guo Lang. Uncle Xie sent me to celebrate your birthday!”

“Guo… Guo Lang?” Xiaoqin stammered. She hadn’t expected he’d actually chase her down at the airport. If he made it here, he must know her purpose. Most people would have backed off out of pride by now. What kind of person was this? Her sister was right—a total loser, and shameless at that!

Then she noticed someone beside Guo Lang. Looking over, she was suddenly stunned, “Second Brother…? Why are you here?”

Xie Lin gazed at her calmly, “Why shouldn’t I be?”

Xiaoqin retreated slightly, forcing a smile, “No, that’s not what I meant…” At home, if there was anyone she feared, it wasn’t her hot-tempered sister, nor her rigid, stern elder brother, not even her imposing father—it was always this seemingly gentle second brother.

Others might admire her second brother’s warm image, but not her. Years of being siblings had taught her what kind of person he really was—cold, eccentric, and intimidating. He’d never done anything frightening, never even lost his temper. Imagine someone who, for over twenty years, had never once shown anger or even been emotionally agitated. Even her older siblings kept a deliberate distance, and many in their circle instinctively avoided provoking him. Some people, even if they do nothing, inspire a mysterious sense of dread, and Xie Lin was one of them. Simply standing there, he gave the impression he wasn’t someone to trifle with.

To think that Guo Lang seemed so familiar with this man, who kept his own siblings at arm’s length, surprised Xiaoqin. Had she misjudged Second Brother all these years? Maybe he and Guo Lang were cut from the same cloth? Just another loser? No… that couldn’t be. It wasn’t just her who found Second Brother intimidating—it was everyone around him…

“What’s wrong? What are you thinking about?” Guo Lang waved his hand, puzzled by Xiaoqin’s dazed expression.

“Nothing…” Xiaoqin managed a smile. “It’s just rare… I never thought Second Brother would have such close friends!” She glanced at Guo Lang’s arm resting casually on Xie Lin’s shoulder, finding it incredible. Second Brother merely smiled at her words, without denying it, which made her even more bewildered. Was Second Brother… actually gay?

Of course, Guo Lang had no idea this seemingly innocent girl’s mind was spinning out such wild speculations. He simply carried out Chen Kaimin’s instructions, his expression relaxed, “I’ve also invited other friends to celebrate your birthday. They’ve booked a venue at Yu Sheng Garden. Let’s head over first…”

Xiaoqin nearly exploded on hearing this. Who was he to dictate her plans? She hadn’t even said anything, and he was arranging her schedule? Her temper almost flared, but faced with Second Brother, she dared not act up. Suppressing her irritation, she forced a smile, “But, I’ve already invited other friends…”

“Gong Shao, right?” Xie Lin unexpectedly spoke up.

“Yes…” Xiaoqin replied, embarrassed by Second Brother’s directness. “Shaolin came all the way from the capital for me…” As she spoke, she suddenly fell silent, realizing Second Brother wasn’t looking at her, but at someone behind her. She sensed a strange change in his demeanor. Nervously, she glanced back, and saw a tall figure in a beige suit.

Gong Shaolin… Guo Lang narrowed his eyes. This was his first time seeing him in the flesh. How to describe him? As Huang Kai had said, a classic pretty boy: exquisitely sculpted features, a handsome, elegant nose, lips like cherry blossoms. The curve of his mouth was flawless, always seeming to wear a smile.

He gave Guo Lang an impression of slender elegance, and an aura of innate nobility.

Yes, definitely the kind of face that invites a punch, Guo Lang privately labeled him.

The newcomer didn’t notice Guo Lang, who was deliberately concealing his presence, but immediately looked at Xie Lin. Their gazes met mid-air, and a barely perceptible spark seemed to crackle. Both their pupils contracted sharply, but Gong Shaolin took a slight step back—a subtle movement, but Guo Lang caught it keenly.

In terms of mental strength, he was slightly inferior to Xie Lin, Guo Lang judged, but he knew Gong Shaolin wasn’t a pure mental-power type. Though his profession gave him high mental strength, he wasn’t a mage like Xie Lin who focused on it. Gong Shaolin was a dual-class—magic and martial arts.

Guo Lang had thoroughly investigated him in his previous life. Twenty years later, the data read: Gong Shaolin, Undead race, profession: Rune Knight, level: Golden Peak! Once among the top ten experts of the Undead, and before Guo Lang’s death, Gong Shaolin was said to be just one step from entering the Epic rank.

So this is what he looks like? Guo Lang rubbed his chin, dismissing him inwardly, “Nothing special…”