As more time passed, Qiao Si found the solitude increasingly unbearable. In the end, he had no choice but to send Qiao Bo with gifts to visit Duan Heng once again.

When Qiao Bo finally returned, Qiao Si eagerly asked, “What did Duan Heng say?”

“Master Duan still refuses to move back…”

Dismissing Qiao Bo, Qiao Si sat alone as he reflected on the situation. Even Duan Heng’s temper had grown more formidable and difficult to handle.

Throughout his life, Qiao Si had always been able to make anyone under his command obedient. When he was in a good mood, he was generous and kind; when he was not, he turned ruthless, and no one dared to cross him.

Yet with Duan Heng, he found it hard to strike the right balance.

After all, Duan Heng had grown stronger and more independent. If Qiao Si were to let go, Duan Heng would likely fly away. But if he held on too tightly, he might accidentally crush him.

Cruelty meant nothing when directed at something he truly cherished.

This time, Duan Heng’s stubborn refusal, unaffected by either kindness or force, lasted longer than Qiao Si had anticipated. So long that he even felt a twinge of sadness.

Because his thoughts were consumed by Duan Heng, he had little interest in entertaining Xiao Jian, while Duan Heng remained unperturbed, keeping up this silent war without so much as a ripple.

Between the two of them, it had now become painfully clear who was the one truly caught up in emotion.

Duan Heng was no longer who he once was. He had his own connections, his own funds, and an ever-growing network of allies. Establishing himself independently would not be difficult. Qiao Si could sense that Duan Heng no longer wished to remain under him.

If it had been anyone else, Qiao Si would have handled it swiftly and decisively—keeping those who could stay and dealing with those who could not as quickly as possible.

But Duan Heng was his most favored. How could he bear to ruin something he cherished with his own hands?

Even with someone as ruthless toward him as Qiao Che, Qiao Si had merely stripped him of power while still providing him with a comfortable position and ensured a life of luxury. Wherever he went, people still respectfully addressed him as “Fifth Master.”

Let alone Duan Heng, who had once shared so much warmth with him.

As Duan Heng’s new contract was nearing its expiration, Qiao Si could tell that Duan Heng might want to leave. Instead of waiting for Duan Heng to bring it up himself, it was better for him to take the initiative.

He had raised Duan Heng to this point, and even gave him countless benefits. He did not expect anything in return—Duan Heng had already been diligent in bed. All he wanted was for Duan Heng to save his image.

So, when Qiao Si met Duan Heng at the company that day, he called out to him.

“Duan Heng.”

The young man hesitated before stopping but did not look at him.

“Hand over your tasks in the next couple of days. You won’t need to come in next month.”

Only then did Duan Heng finally lift his eyes.

Qiao Si continued, “Your contract is about to expire. I know there are companies trying to poach you. I won’t make things difficult for you, you can go.”

“I know your heart is no longer here,” Qiao Si paused for a moment before continuing, “and I’m tired of it too.”

Duan Heng was taken aback by his generosity, staring at him wide-eyed and remaining silent for a while.

Qiao Si was prepared for the usual fleeting nature of human relationships, waiting for Duan Heng’s response. What he had not expected was for the young man to remain silent for several minutes, his eyes gradually reddening, as if holding back his emotions.

Suddenly, Duan Heng snapped. Gritting his teeth, he said, “Even if Fourth Master wants to kick me out, I’m not leaving.”

Qiao Si was startled by his sudden outburst, his tone instinctively softening. “If you don’t want to leave, then don’t. It’s not a big deal.”

He could no longer see through Duan Heng. The boy wanted to distance himself yet refused to let go—what exactly was he thinking? His behavior was as unpredictable as someone caught in the throes of love.

Despite that, Duan Heng continued glaring at him, his eyes still red. It took him a long moment before he finally forced out a reply, his voice slightly choked, “Fine, I will go. It is not like I care.”

Qiao Si felt bewildered by Duan Heng’s fluctuating attitude, and asked, “What’s this about?”

“You said you were tired of me, didn’t you? That I’m too old for you!”

The young man’s aggressive yet pitiable demeanor flustered Qiao Si, who quickly reassured him, “Of course not.”

With people passing by in the hallway and some sneaking glances, Qiao Si had no choice but to lead him into the office and shut the door.

“Sit down first.”

Duan Heng stubbornly stood there, as if rooted to the floor.

“Sit down. Don’t just stand there like that.”

Duan Heng was taller than him, and if he refused to sit, Qiao Si would have to look up to reprimand him, which diminished his authority a bit. Qiao Si impatiently added, “When I tell you to sit, you sit. You haven’t even left yet, and you’re already ignoring me?”

With reddened eyes, Duan Heng reluctantly sat on the sofa. He kept his gaze fixed on the floor, looking as if he were holding back tears. Qiao Si offered him a handkerchief, but he refused to take it, instead sitting rigidly with his nose slightly red.

Seeing him like this, Qiao Si’s resistance melted away. With a sigh, he said, “Look at you.”

Looking down at the young man’s damp lashes, Qiao Si instinctively placed a hand on his head. “If you feel wronged, just tell me. Have I ever mistreated you?”

The young man stubbornly pressed his lips together. Qiao Si felt somewhat helpless, like an old-fashioned master trying to appease a sulking young concubine. He could not bear to see his cherished one suffer, yet he could not find the right words to soften the situation.

They remained in a deadlock for a while before Duan Heng finally let out a dry cough, his voice caught in his throat. “Fourth Master, if you have someone else in your heart, just stop being good to me. I don’t have the temperament to wait until you come down from someone else’s bed to remember me. If you don’t like this side of me, then you should’ve cast me aside sooner.”

With this revelation, all the coldness of the past weeks turned out to be jealousy, a form of love. Qiao Si’s heart softened completely, he no longer cared to question what Duan Heng had been up to all this time. Without thinking, he reached out and pulled the young man’s head into his embrace.

“You… It’s just Xiao Jian.”

“I’m entirely yours, Fourth Master. Isn’t that enough? Are those younger ones really better than me?”

Qiao Si gently stroked his head.

“They’ll grow up and grow old too. People’s looks and ages will change, but my heart for you will never change. Even so, do I still fall short compared to them?”

Qiao Si held him close, his heart already melted. A rare wave of melancholy washed over him.

Duan Heng had the knack for turning his once hardened heart into something malleable. Qiao Che fascinated him, but Duan Heng was the most considerate, the warmest part of his life.

What would he do without Duan Heng?

Duan Heng had thrown several tantrums, each time coming back to receive even more affection than before. This time, it had reached unprecedented levels, making him second only to Qiao Si. Even the most senior figures in the organization now regarded the young man with wariness.

Qiao Si treated him like a precious treasure, untouchable and immune to even the slightest criticism.

Addicts knew this feeling well; the moment they relapsed, their cravings became stronger than before. Qiao Si had lost himself completely, drowning in indulgence, to the point where he no longer kept track of time.

Naturally, his obliviousness did not go unnoticed by those loyal enough to speak up.

“Fourth Master,” Qiao Bo called, “during today’s meeting, Master Duan had replaced several key positions when you’re not here. Did he consult you first?”

Qiao Si leisurely played with his newly acquired birds, and replied, “I entrusted him with these matters. There’s no need to ask me.”

“Master Duan now has control over everything. We reviewed the accounts recently, and his expenditures are alarmingly high.”

Qiao Si responded, “What’s done without money? He has his reasons.”

“But if it’s spending without earning, that’s—”

Qiao Si dismissed the concern, “Rome was not built in a day, you know? Give it some time and you’ll see. You’re too impatient.”

Qiao Bo wanted to sigh but dared not. After a pause, he finally said, “Fourth Master, you trust him too much.”

Qiao Si turned to look at the trusted aide who had been by his side for years. “Do you doubt him?”

“It’s not that…”

Qiao Si nodded. “You were the one who recommended him to me back then.”

Qiao Bo said, “People change, Fourth Master. And you’re giving him too much control now. With such great temptation, who can say for sure…”

Qiao Si shook his head, “Don’t worry, nothing will go wrong.”

As he spoke, he caught sight of a familiar figure in the distance. From the window, he could see Duan Heng walking across the lawn below. The young man looked up and met his gaze, then flashed a radiant smile and waved at him with a carefree energy.

Such a charming presence. Just imagining the strength in those arms filled Qiao Si with a quiet sense of satisfaction.

He was willingly keeping himself in the dark, savoring the last bit of joy amidst the looming danger.

Qiao Si slept until late morning the next day after spending an intimate night with Duan Heng. Though he would have slept until evening if it were not for Qiao Bo’s frantic wake-up call.

“Fourth Master, there’s trouble with the shipment.”

Qiao Si immediately woke up, “What happened?”

Before Qiao Bo could respond, he was already sitting up in bed, frowning. “How much did we lose this time?”

Qiao Bo’s face turned pale, “It’s all gone…”

Qiao Si grunted, saying nothing as his expression darkened. He got out of bed and started dressing.

“Tell them not to panic. It’s not a big deal.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Handle the arrangements with the Japanese. I’ll talk to them.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And find the mole,” Qiao Si said slowly as he finished dressing. “If you can’t find them this time, then don’t bother looking anymore.”

“…”

“This isn’t a threat. We don’t have time. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Fourth Master.”

Recent shipments had encountered continuous issues, each loss greater than the last. Even Qiao Si began to feel uneasy. 

Whoever was behind this was not just stepping on his toes—they were doing it openly, growing bolder by the day, no longer bothering to hide their intentions. That meant they were ready. They had the confidence to challenge him head-on.

The final blow revealing the true intentions was not far off.

He had to be ready.

From the Japanese side, the one sent to handle negotiations was not even Japanese—a tall, deep-eyed Nordic man named Richard, whose fluent Chinese made for a peculiar combination.

This major trouble forced Qiao Si to treat them as honored guests, entertaining them with wine and women to keep them pliable and easier to deal with.

But just a few days later, Richard was ambushed and beaten to a pulp at a nightclub.

The troublemakers were not even big shots; their ringleader was just a college student from a nearby university. Only when someone reminded Qiao Si did he recall that these kids had stirred up trouble at his establishments before. His incompetent subordinates had failed to handle them, wasting resources in pointless fights.

Back then, he had dismissed them as nothing more than reckless brats and had bigger matters to deal with. But now, these monkeys had reappeared and caused more trouble.

Qiao Si had little regard for Richard and his crew. 

A gang leader who could not even handle a bunch of students? What a joke.

But given the delicate situation, even small matters required his personal attention to show sincerity.

That night, Duan Heng climbed into Qiao Si’s bed once again. With things not going well for Qiao Si lately, he needed Duan Heng’s comforting presence more than ever to help ease his worries.

After a passionate night, both of them were satisfied but exhausted as they stayed in the warmth of the moment, momentarily pushing aside the worries that had been troubling them.

Duan Heng’s arm was still tightly wrapped around Qiao Si’s waist, his body domineering yet obediently resting in Qiao Si’s arms. Qiao Si stroked the young man’s head, feeling a surge of affection. As he gently played with his soft hair, he asked, “Do I treat you well?”

The young man kissed his collarbone, “Very well.”

“Who do you owe for where you are today?”

“Of course, it’s you, Fourth Master.”

Qiao Si felt pleased by the answer. He stroked the back of Duan Heng’s neck, and said, “If one day you become more capable than me, will you still remember the kindness I’ve shown you?”

The young man laughed softly and looked at him. “Of course. Fourth Master, what’s gotten into you today?”

“Nothing, just glad that all my care for you hasn’t been in vain. I’ve cared for many, but you’re the one who’s stayed the longest.”

Qiao Si paused for a moment, and after a brief silence, he said, “Stay by my side, and when I grow old, all of this will be yours. What do you think?”

The last sentence carried a hint of emotion, and without realizing it, he had used “I” instead of his usual self-reference as “Fourth Master”. The young man noticed the shift in tone and looked up at him in silence. Their eyes met in a moment of intense emotion, and then the young man leaned in, forcefully pressing his lips against Qiao Si’s.

This time, their intimacy was not driven by desire, but rather, it happened naturally. Their kisses were full of warmth and connection, as if they fit together perfectly—two mirrored forms, indulging in each other’s needs and desires. It felt like a moment out of time, a sensory experience that seemed almost surreal.

The next day, Qiao Si indulged in a lazy morning, completely drained after spending the night with Duan Heng. Every time he was with Duan Heng, it felt as though all the strength and energy he had carefully cultivated were drained away.

He thought about Richard’s humiliation on his turf and realized it was time to deal with that issue. Tomorrow marked the start of a multi-day conference, with the final preparations taking place today, making him only feel more exhausted.

This annual event was a grand occasion, with all high-ranking members from across the organization gathering in one place. At this meeting, Qiao Si planned to officially announce Duan Heng as his successor.

He had used the best of what he had to keep Duan Heng by his side. As long as Duan Heng still held any sense of gratitude, he should not let Qiao Si down.

In the lazy state between waking and not, Qiao Si casually asked Qiao Bo, “How’s the arrangement for tomorrow’s conference?”

“It’s all set, Master Duan’s handling everything this time.”

“Mn. I trust his work.”

Duan Heng was always thorough and organized, with a sharp mind. A person like him, if he could be relied upon, would make Qiao Si’s life much easier in the years to come.

After a pause, Qiao Si added, “Have someone check if everything’s in order.”

Qiao Bo was gone only for a short while, but when he returned, he looked tense.

“Fourth Master, we have a lead on the mole.”

He handed over a small data disc that still smelled faintly of blood. Qiao Si noticed a spot of red on the corner of Qiao Bo’s coat and immediately sat up. “You’re hurt?”

“No, it’s old Hu’s blood. He’s one of our lower-ranked men who was looking after the western territory for you…” Qiao Bo said somberly, “But you probably don’t remember him.”

Qiao Si often forgot about the smaller figures. He replied indifferently, “Make sure he’s rewarded properly.”

Qiao Bo hesitated before saying quietly, “Thank you, Fourth Master. But he won’t be able to receive your reward anymore…”

Qiao Si grunted in understanding, “Then check on his family in a few days. If they’re still around, make sure to take care of them if they need it.”

Despite his poor memory, Qiao Si always had a way of caring for those who had risked their lives for him.

The unassuming little disc held records that, once displayed on the screen, were so dense and tangled they nearly made his head spin, catching him completely off guard.

With just a glance, Qiao Si felt as though he had stepped into a parallel world. The mix of familiarity and new revelations gave him a surreal sense of clarity, his mind sharp and fully alert.

With the speed of skimming through the information and the efficiency of photographic memory, his body tense as if he had just taken a hit of something, shivering slightly but alert. His gaze became sharp, cold, and cruel, a complete shift from the relaxed demeanor he had before.

After thoroughly reviewing the extensive records, Qiao Si let out a laugh, followed by a sinister chuckle.

“So even that batch of weapons was taken by him?” Qiao Si mused, “That old man from the Tong family really died in vain.” He paused, then remarked with a hint of admiration, “Not bad. Got what they wanted, and used my blade to do the killing.”

After a pause, Qiao Si asked again, “Tell me, if you were him, what would you do now?”

Qiao Bo was still struggling to process everything. Qiao Si did not expect a quick response from him and continued on his own, “He has military-grade weapons.” He looked out the window, “Were the personnel for this conference also arranged by him?”

His loyal aide’s face turned pale. “Yes, Fourth Master…”

Qiao Si laughed again, “A young hero with such courage.”

Once all the key figures gathered in one place, without exception, and with that level of firepower in his hands, wiping them out would be no different from burning an anthill.

“I really underestimated him.”

Duan Heng had no intention of waiting for Qiao Si to give him anything—he would take it himself.

Gaining something through one’s efforts was far quicker and more abundant than receiving it from others. Duan Heng had grasped this truth at a young age, never letting small gains distract him from larger goals, a boldness that even Qiao Si had to admire.

Of course, Duan Heng could not have achieved this alone. Qiao Che had also played an equally crucial role.

Qiao Si had never imagined that these two would form such a perfect pair. Reflecting on it now, the sacrifices they made to bring him down demonstrated their determination and commendable spirit.

Qiao Che had once hurt him the most and knew his weaknesses. Ruthless as he was in all things, he had always faltered at matters of the heart.

That was why Duan Heng invested considerable effort, step by step, and eventually succeeded in capturing him.

The restraint and acting skills displayed were beyond ordinary capabilities, revealing a true talent destined for great achievements. Qiao Si had not misjudged him.

Life often repeats itself. What happened a decade ago had now come full circle.

Sitting in his chair, the high from his earlier excitement had worn off, leaving Qiao Si feeling doubly exhausted and drained. The light through the window made him seem almost ethereal.

After a while, he said, “Kill him.”

Qiao Bo was slightly shocked, “Fourth Master, this…”

“If you don’t do it today, you won’t get another chance.”

“Yes, Fourth Master.”

Unlike Qiao Bo’s hesitation and soft-heartedness at crucial moments, Qiao Si was always clear-headed and decisive.

Qiao Si got dressed, grabbed his cane, and headed downstairs to bask in the sun and handle the minor matter involving Richard. 

As he passed through the garden, he saw Duan Heng working in the adjacent building. Duan Heng smiled and waved at him, saying something, but Qiao Si could not quite make it out.

His ears felt as if they were covered by a layer, muffling the outside sounds. The sun was so bright that he found it hard to keep his eyes open; it felt as if he had suddenly gone blind.

The sunlight was unbearably dazzling. Duan Heng stood by the window, smiling down at him, while he walked slowly beneath the scorching sun, his back drenched in cold sweat.

Dealing with those naive college kids was easy. The one named Ren Ning Yuan, who appeared composed and scholarly, was said to be the leader of the group. He was already tied to a chair, unable to move, nothing more than prey waiting to be slaughtered.

Taking care of him would be as simple as a snap of the fingers. But today, Qiao Si was in no hurry. Once he dealt with this petty matter, he would have to personally oversee Qiao Bo’s task. He figured it was best to take his time.

At some point, a small-time thug barged in, shouting “Boss! Boss!” at Ren Ningyuan. He was swiftly restrained, tied up like a bundle, and tossed into the corner. At least it provided some mild entertainment.

Qiao Si sat for a while longer, so long that he even started to feel dazed. Eventually, he finally got up and walked towards the fearless young man in the chair.

The young man looked to be no more than 20, bore a striking resemblance to someone Qiao Si once knew. The same sharp features, the same quiet yet resolute expression, filled with defiant determination.

By now, that person was likely a corpse with a gaping hole. No longer moving, no longer smiling, no longer looking at him with those eyes, calling him “Fourth Master.”

Cold sweat slithered down Qiao Si’s back like a serpent. He raised his hand, only to find it trembling.

“Such a good pair of eyes.”

Before he could register any movement, darkness abruptly swallowed his vision. As he realized he had been struck on the back of his head, Qiao Si experienced a surreal sensation. It felt like slipping off a cliff and plunging into darkness for a split second. The disbelief was immense, but it had truly happened, and it was too late.

Aside from him and Ren Ning Yuan, only the least noticeable person thrown in the corner remained in the room.

Despite this, he had been successfully ambushed.

Qiao Si finally clawed his way out of the haze. The brightness filtering through his unfocused vision told him one thing—he had been unconscious for a while.

He paid little mind to the pain and dizziness, focusing instead on what time it was and whether anything had happened while he was unconscious.

However, when he tried to speak, Qiao Si realized he could not open his mouth, nor could he make a sound. Let alone his limbs, he could barely feel them at all.

His panic was brief; upon hearing someone enter, he regained his composure.

The person approached his bedside, and Qiao Si heard the sound of a water basin being set down, followed by the wringing of a towel.

The warm towel gently wiped his face with familiar motions. Qiao Si blinked, prompting the person to exclaim, “Fourth Master! Fourth Master, You’re awake?”

It was Qiao Bo.

That realization gave Qiao Si a rare sense of relief. Though Qiao Bo’s near-tearful joy gave Qiao Si a sinking feeling.

He had thought he had merely blacked out for a while, that he had just woken up from a short rest.

Clearly, that was not the case.

When he discovered the only part of him that could move was his eyes, Qiao Bo’s reaction was both joyous and sorrowful. His voice trembled with unguarded emotion. “As long as you’re awake… and that’s all that matters.”

The man’s eyes were slightly red as he continued, “Fourth Master, you’ve been like this for ten days. I was afraid you wouldn’t…”

Qiao Si’s heart sank. He wanted to speak but could only stare intently at the man, who seemed to have aged years in mere days.

Qiao Bo understood his questioning gaze, his smile fading as he reluctantly said, “Fourth Master, things outside are… very different now…

“After what happened to you, even after the surgery…there was no sign of recovery. The doctors said you might not wake up…”

Qiao Bo continued with difficulty, “You know how those people are…”

Despite the chaos in his heart, Qiao Si’s mind remained clear. Even without Qiao Bo’s explanation, he could already guess the current situation.

He was as good as dead—naturally, his fall meant everyone scattered. His subordinates had long harbored their own ambitions.

“The ones in charge now are Fifth Master and… Master Duan,” Qiao Bo informed him.

A tremor ran through Qiao Si. One unexpected revelation after another had struck him like thunderclaps, but this particular piece of news left him with indescribable feelings.

Qiao Bo’s failure was a great disappointment, as it tarnished his mission. With Qiao Si’s unexpected incapacitation and the shift in power, no one cared about dealing with Duan Heng anymore.

Yet, hearing that Duan Heng was still alive gave Qiao Si an inexplicable sense of relief, like a cool breeze amidst the fire raging in his chest.