Chapter 56: See the Sun

After Xie Bo left, Lin Yiwei was left alone facing the vast Thames River, letting the cold wind blow against her, allowing her body to relax and her mind to clear.

The urban twilight gradually faded away, replaced by neon lights rising behind her, signaling the onset of night. In a slight drunken haze, Lin Yiwei lowered her head to caress the crimson gemstone bracelet on her wrist, bringing it to her lips for a kiss.

She used to hope that Lin Xie could accompany her again to watch the snow, wanting to secretly tell him a secret amidst the silent snowfall, but now… she wished that the one accompanying her to see the snow would be Xie Bo instead.

Perhaps, this was her life—always missing out on beautiful scenes, never getting what she truly wished for.

…

Xie & Chi’s engagement with the Liang family was finalized, with Xie Bo overseeing the grand exhibition of Chi Xiyu’s work throughout September.

Initially unnecessary for Xie Bo to intervene in these trivial matters, he took the initiative to ensure a globally renowned solo exhibition for Chi Xiyu.

Despite Chi Xiyu’s insistence, adamant about Xie Bo managing her art exhibition herself, claiming it was only meaningful if he handled it personally—she’d rather not hold the exhibition at all if someone else intervened.

Yielding to his cherished daughter’s demands, Chi Youhuai reluctantly agreed.

This grand event invited renowned artists from home and abroad, along with business partners from both the Chi and Xie families, as well as elite socialites… Several mainstream media personnel from Qinggang City also attended to cover and photograph the event.

Xie Bo was already aware of Lin Xie’s situation and had taken charge of transporting Chi Xiyu’s paintings. Chi Youhuai no longer hid anything from him.

That night, Xie Bo finally met Lin Yiwei’s brother—Lin Xie, in the underground studio of the Egret Lake Villa owned by the Chi family. In stark contrast to Lin Yiwei’s sharp and fierce demeanor, Lin Xie appeared delicate and elegant, even frail. Perhaps due to years of not seeing sunlight or poor nutrition, his young skin was abnormally pale, his features delicate, carrying a hint of sickly tenderness.

He wore the same rimless moonlight silver glasses as Xie Bo, which unexpectedly furrowed Xie Bo’s brow—he disliked others sharing similarities with himself, especially this man. However, Xie Bo’s glasses were non-prescription, purely decorative, while Lin Xie’s had lenses. He was too thin, noticeably shorter than Xie Bo, yet still towering at least 1.82 meters, with a thin layer of skin covering his skeletal frame, making his contours hollow.

As a stranger entered the room, Lin Xie glanced at him. Due to his extreme thinness, his eyes appeared strikingly bright and piercing. Xie Bo felt his gaze, as if it penetrated him, connecting with the girl hidden in his memories. However, these were all his own conjectures—Lin Xie was unaware of their relationship. He withdrew his gaze and continued to paint expressionlessly.

The sound of paper rustling echoed through the silent underground basement like the void of a black hole. Xie Bo noticed the thin, elongated hand gripping the paintbrush, so emaciated it resembled a skeletal frame. Even without a doctor’s diagnosis, Xie Bo could see with the naked eye that this young man had serious health issues. Perhaps out of sympathy, he felt a sense of worry.

Chi Youhuai spoke coldly to the young man, “Xixi’s art exhibition is coming up. If you can complete all the paintings by the end of the month, there will be a bonus and a raise. But if you can’t finish…” He let out a disdainful snort, threatening, “Just try it.”

Lin Xie remained indifferent, lost in the world of his artwork as if it were the only place to shelter his soul.

Xie Bo observed several completed paintings around him. His task this time was to transport these works to the art exhibition hall. During this process, no third party could intervene. Xie Bo lingered among the paintings, noting they were all intense in dark tones, abstract, and clearly reflecting a wild emotion dominating the artist’s mind. Although his background was in business, he had some exposure to art through public elective courses and the international renown of the art school at Feige University.

He could discern that these paintings concealed a wild soul, the artist teetering on the brink of mental collapse.

Seeing Xie Bo’s focused appreciation, Chi Youhuai commented with crossed arms, “These paintings… I really don’t think they’re any good. The previous award-winning character pieces were far more interesting. His skills are really deteriorating.” He seemed concerned about Chi Xiyu’s future.

Xie Bo refrained from commenting and asked, “Uncle Chi, should these completed paintings be sent to the Starlight Exhibition Hall now?”

Chi Youhuai replied, “Not yet. Professor Mai needs to review them to ensure they’re good enough before they can be exhibited.”

“Does Professor Mai know about this?”

Chi Youhuai led Xie Bo out of the studio, saying as they walked, “This person was recommended by Professor Mai to me. You know about Xixi’s painting skills… she’s not good at business and her academic performance is mediocre. Back in junior high, she was only interested in singing and dancing, which I couldn’t stand. So, I thought of giving her a special skill, making her resume look better for the future. I don’t want my business partners laughing at me, saying that Chi Youhuai’s children are all incompetent.”

Chi Youhuai wasn’t as scheming as Xie Sizhao; his mind wasn’t much better than that of his children’s.

Now that he regarded Xie Bo as his prospective son-in-law, he had no guard up and didn’t hide anything.

“A parent’s love for their child involves foresight. Xie Bo, can you understand?”

Xie Bo never had parents who planned ahead for him; he had to earn everything himself. But he obediently replied, “Uncle Chi, you’re a good father.”

“We initially agreed that she could stop after winning a few art awards casually. But this Lin guy turned out to be impressive. He immediately helped Xixi win an international Art Award. Professor Mai said it’s the most prestigious award in the art world. So, I had no choice but to keep him and have him continue painting.”

“Lin Xie… he didn’t choose to stay voluntarily?”

“Ha, what can I do? Initially, we discussed half a year of ghostwriting for two million, but after winning these heavy awards, if he leaves, Xixi will revert to her original state. How will she participate in competitions and exhibitions in the future? Everyone will know those awards were fake, and Xixi’s reputation will be ruined for good.”

Chi Youhuai looked helpless, “If we have to blame someone, blame this kid for being too talented. In terms of art, he truly is a genius! It’s a shame to bury such talent in the mundane world. Professor Mai even advised him that instead of living in poverty for life, he might as well use his talent to make some money.”

“Uncle Chi,” Xie Bo said in a deep voice, “I must remind you, this is illegal.”

Not only is it illegal, but it’s also criminal…

However, Chi Youhuai didn’t care: “That kid is an orphan. I’ve investigated—no family in this world, not even friends… Even if he dies in my basement, who would know? Of course…” He smiled at Xie Bo, “The condition is that my son-in-law absolutely trusts you. Only you know about this; not even Chi Xicheng knows. He can’t keep his mouth shut; he blabs after a few drinks. My company can’t rely on him at all.”

Xie Bo understood clearly that when wealth accumulates to a certain extent and stage, one’s spirit inflates along with wealth, scornful of the law and above everything else.

Chi Youhuai’s industry didn’t come from his own efforts; it relied on inheriting from his ancestors. Therefore, his own abilities and level were insufficient to support and sustain all of this.

Chi Youhuai had investigated Lin Xie’s background, believing he had no family in this world, but he overlooked Lin Yiwei.

This determined girl relentlessly pursued Lin Xie’s whereabouts. If anything happened to him, even if it meant risking her life, she would surely hold onto the Chi family.

She wouldn’t give in until all was lost.

“Uncle Chi, have you ever considered letting him go one day, or are you planning to keep him for life?” Xie Bo asked Chi Youhuai.

“When Xixi retires from the art circle and no longer needs him, he will be of no use to our family anymore.” Chi Youhuai might have felt that what he was saying was indeed a bit much and quickly added, “Look at the life he used to live, selling those unsellable paintings through underground channels. Sometimes he couldn’t sell a single painting for days. Even Van Gogh’s paintings weren’t appreciated before he died. I’m giving him a chance to showcase his art to more people, providing him with food and shelter. When he leaves one day, there will still be a substantial amount of money in his account that he could never earn in his lifetime. He can live a good life with that money. Can he blame me? He should be grateful even.”

Trading so many years of freedom and sunlight for this so-called wealth…Lin Xie might be able to accept it, but Lin Yiwei’s character absolutely couldn’t tolerate her elder brother being treated like this.

“Have you considered maintaining a long-term working relationship with him? That is… granting him freedom but allowing him to continue painting for Xixi, which can also help avoid legal risks.”

“I’ve talked to him about it, but he’s unwilling. This kid’s ambitions are sky-high; he thinks he’ll definitely become famous one day and refuses to cooperate with me. Who would want to go through all this trouble to keep someone confined?”

Through the window, Xie Bo gazed at the young man in the studio.

His complexion was pale, his figure frail and fragile, like a drifting leaf on the verge of collapse.

“I’m concerned about his health. Shouldn’t we take him to the hospital for a check-up?”

“We can’t send him to the hospital. As long as he can eat and sleep, there shouldn’t be any problems. If necessary, I’ll hire a private doctor for him.”

“Uncle Chi, if you trust me, I have a doctor friend named Yi Shiqi who is very discreet.”

“Of course, I trust my son-in-law.”

Chi Youhuai held Xie Bo in high regard. His own son was useless; he envied Xie Bo as if he were looking at “someone else’s child,” admiring Xie Sizhao to the point of jealousy.

In the future, after Xie Bo and Chi Xiyu were married, he might even entrust the Chi Group to Xie Bo to manage, allowing his incompetent son to live as a wealthy idler for the rest of his life, which was also a good choice.

“Then let your friend come and check on him.” Chi Youhuai scrutinized Lin Xie. “He doesn’t seem well; it wouldn’t be good for Xixi if something happened to him.”

“Next time, I’ll bring Yi Shiqi over. Uncle Chi doesn’t have to waste time coming out to the outskirts every time; you can leave it to me.”

“No problem.”

Chi Youhuai gave Xie Bo the password and they left the villa together.

Xie Bo watched him leave.

Later, he waited until midnight when the driver brought Yi Shiqi over.

The young man got out of the car grumbling, “Why did you call me out here so late? I’m scared of the dark! Just now, walking along that dark road felt like I was going to encounter ghosts, and now you want me to wear a lab coat. Is that necessary?”

“Go and check on a patient for me, give him a detailed physical examination.”

Leading him into the villa, Xie Bo knew there were surveillance cameras in the basement. Chi Youhuai would definitely check the video footage to see if Xie Bo was truly doing what he said and not up to anything else.

“Do the examination at a hospital; let me see. Without equipment, how can I do it?”

“Can’t you use observation, questioning, and palpation?”

“Come on… is that necessary? It’s the 21st century; take a blood test at the hospital, and you can find out everything. Why be so secretive?”

Xie Bo led him to a blind spot in the staircase where the surveillance couldn’t reach and said solemnly, “He can’t go to the hospital or anywhere else. Conduct a thorough examination for him. Show me your expertise; I need to ensure his health without any mishaps.”

“Master Xie, what’s the situation? We can’t do anything illegal!”

“What do you think?”

“Alright, alright, I’ll do the examination for your patient, but I won’t do it for free.”

“What else do you want?”

“I want a girlfriend.”

“Weren’t there a few girls chasing you the other day?”

“I’m not talking about those high-class women like Chi Xiyu.” Yi Shiqi grinned and leaned closer to Xie Bo, whispering, “The last patient I saw, the one with the Guanyin birthmark on her forehead, that stunning beauty. I want someone with that kind of looks.”

Xie Bo scoffed coldly, “You’re dreaming.”

That woman… there wasn’t a second one like her in the whole world. It wasn’t just about her beauty surpassing others; it was that no one else could make Xie Bo willingly peel a pomegranate. She was truly unique to him.

“By the way, did you break up with her, Master Bo? Can you give me her contact information?”

“I have it. Interested?” Xie Bo pulled out his phone.

“Very interested!”

“Do you really mean it?”

Yi Shiqi noticed a flash of sharpness in Xie Bo’s eyes and trembled, “Forget it, forget it, I don’t want it anymore.”

Following the password given by Chi Youhuai, Xie Bo opened the door to the basement and led Yishi Qi inside.

“I’ll explain this later. If there’s anything wrong with his body, you must tell me truthfully. But if anyone asks, you’ll answer according to what I say.”

“Oh man, this is so mysterious.” Yi Shiqi saw Xie Bo enter several passwords before finally reaching the studio, sensing that something was amiss. “Master Bo, is this legal?”

“Some people are committing crimes, but I want to save someone. Will you help me?”

“I… I… I’m scared.” He exaggeratedly clung to Xie Bo’s arm.

“For something this big, I’ve got your back. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Yi Shiqi followed Xie Bo’s instructions and conducted a physical examination on the man in the room, including collecting blood and urine samples to take back for testing.

Xie Bo stepped out of the studio and, in another locked cabinet that seemed to contain Lin Xie’s personal belongings, found a Redmi phone.

He looked up at the refined young man in the room.

The youth was like a puppet, lifeless in his eyes. Whenever Yi Shiqi instructed him to open his mouth or remove his clothes for the examination, he complied mechanically.

He seemed devoid of autonomous consciousness, as if his soul had already been absorbed by the vividly colorful world within the paintings, leaving behind nothing but an empty shell in this world.

This Redmi phone represented Lin Xie’s past and possibly contained messages related to Lin Yiwei.

Xie Bo felt a strong curiosity and wanted to see what Lin Yiwei looked like as a child. He decided to tuck the phone into his bag.