Life, for me, is nothing more than running from one swamp to another. No matter where I go, I’m always knee-deep in mud.
This time, I was lucky enough not to die, though I did end up locked up for a few extra months. But before they took me away, it was quite amusing to see the look on Jiang Sen’s face.
He still cared about appearances, so he didn’t punch me directly. Instead, he had me taken away.
The new prison wasn’t a single cell, but this time, my cellmate was quite easy to get along with.
The prison routine was monotonous: wake up at six in the morning, do some exercises, watch TV, glue cardboard boxes, and after lunch, we could even take a couple of walks outside. If it weren’t for the lack of pay, I wouldn’t mind staying here. After all, the workshop wasn’t this accommodating.
But on the third day, I was taken away again.
Early in the morning, two guards opened the door and called me out. One of them was holding a bag.
I could tell it contained the clothes I was wearing when I was arrested.
My cellmate looked at me with a strange expression, then slowly smiled. “Well, well, someone’s bailing you out and you didn’t even mention it. At least let me see you off.”
“No need, don’t worry. I’ll remember your kindness.”
I smiled back, picked up the bag, and followed the guards out. I ignored my cellmate’s calls behind me.
With my naturally cheerful demeanor and lack of fussiness, it’s obvious my life hasn’t been great. But I enjoy this feeling of basking in someone else’s authority, since I’m used to being trampled like mud.
Holding the paper bag, I changed clothes and followed the guards out, not daring to ask too many questions.
The iron gate creaked open, and I was momentarily blinded by the sight before me, instinctively stepping back.
A group of bodyguards stood like toy soldiers from my childhood, lined up behind several black cars.
In front of the lead silver car, my former cellmate leaned casually against the vehicle, playing with a pocket watch. He was slender, draped in an obviously expensive coat. His slightly long black hair was tied into a small bun, one leg bent with his foot resting on the car door. He flicked the pocket watch into the air with his thumb, catching it as the chain gleamed in the sunlight.
Well, well, he really was a young master, and not just any young master—a big one.
I might really be done for this time.
The two guards held me until they brought me in front of him, then released me and stepped back.
Only then did he look up at me, his beautiful face instantly lighting up with joy. “See, I told you I wouldn’t let you die.”
I was stunned for a moment, quickly piecing things together in my mind.
Then, I smiled and nodded. “Thank you.” But I subtly stepped back, creating some distance.
He frowned. “You—never mind. This isn’t the place to talk.”
A guard opened the car door for him, and he got in first. As I approached, he said, “You—”
“Can I ride in the back car?”
I cut him off, closing the door before he could answer.
I knew that if I hesitated, his scolding would follow, and he might even slap me.
Sitting in the car with the bodyguards, I tried to make conversation and finally learned that his name was Yalian.
Soon, we arrived at an apartment.
In the end, we both ended up sitting in the leisure area of the apartment’s backyard. As I walked, I wondered if it was possible to sneak out with some flowers to sell later.
In the gazebo, Yalian looked displeased. “What was that attitude earlier!? I went out of my way to get you out, and you dared to reject me, not just once! Do you even know what you are?”
His sharp tongue really couldn’t produce anything pleasant.
But I awkwardly smiled, pulling my chair closer and saying carefully, “I have a criminal record. I was afraid they’d misunderstand.”
“Misunderstand what?”
Yalian didn’t get it.
“They’re all here to protect you, right? I was worried that if I got too close to you, they’d tell your parents.” I hesitated, then added, “You mentioned before that you’d get scolded for being involved in this. I didn’t want you to get in trouble again because of someone like me.”
“But I’m really grateful you got me out.”
I added.
Yalian’s thin lips parted slightly. His brown eyes, which had been blazing with anger, flickered for a moment before he finally said, “Oh, I see. I—”
He continued, “I was just in a bad mood. Forget it, I don’t care.”
Alright, alright, I get it. You’re just being tsundere.
But your mouth is really something else.
A servant came over and poured tea, then brought some pastries.
I couldn’t help but admire, “Your place is so big and beautiful.”
“This isn’t my home, just a temporary place.” Yalian raised his chin, full of pride. “Anyway, I got you out. I kept my promise.”
“Yeah, you’re really amazing.” I added, “It’s a shame I can’t repay you. In fact, I feel like I’ve wronged you.”
Yalian looked puzzled. “What do you mean?”
I bit my lip. “I’m sorry.”
Yalian grew impatient. “Just say it!”
I said, “I didn’t know you were this wealthy.”
Yalian: “So?”
I leaned closer, looking into his eyes with a somber expression. “I stole your ring. I thought it was worthless.”
Yalian stared at me blankly, then looked down at his hand. His face was almost expressionless, but not entirely. It was more like his brain had short-circuited.
I continued, “But now I see it must be incredibly valuable, and I can’t repay you.”
Yalian’s brain, which seemed to be rarely used, finally kicked into gear. He took a deep breath, slammed his hands on the table, and stood up abruptly. His gem-like eyes trembled as he spoke in a voice like a deflated rubber duck: “What!? Where is it!? What did you do with it!?”
I replied, “A police officer took it.”
He grabbed my collar and shook me. “You! I went through all this trouble to save you, and all you wanted was to be a thief, stealing my ring and making up lies! I actually thought you were different! You’re just a thief, a useless alpha! You’re not even worth that ring if you died!”
Yalian shook me, his face flushed with anger, making him look even more like a rose.
He gritted his teeth, his eyes filled with deep disappointment. “Say something!”
I slumped, looking utterly exhausted, and covered my face with my hands. “Just think of me as a thief.”
“How could you…” Yalian’s lips trembled, his black hair falling over his cheeks. “I regret saving you.”
I forced out a few tears and gave a bitter smile. “I regret not dying too.”
Yalian’s sharp instincts caught on. “What do you mean?”
I shook my head. “Nothing.”
Then I extended my hands. “Call someone to cuff me and kill me. I’m willing to pay for your disappointment. It’s the only thing I can afford. I’m sorry.”
Yalian’s anger flared, and he punched my shoulder hard, calling over a group of bodyguards to pin me to the ground. Yalian stepped on my leg, pressing his knee into my stomach. “Where’s the ring?”
I said, “It was taken.”
Yalian: “By who?”
I replied, “I don’t remember. Just that his last name was Jiang.”
I heard him suck in a sharp breath.
Normally, I’d curse him to die, but now, I hoped he wouldn’t—because if he did, I’d really be done for.
He clenched his teeth. “Why did you steal it? Was it just for money?”
I smiled weakly. “Of course it was for money. If I didn’t die, it would’ve been enough to live comfortably.”
He suddenly realized something was off. “But you just said you thought it was fake!”
Thank God, he caught it.
“Even if it was fake, it could still be sold for money.”
I hesitated.
He seemed to take control of the conversation, gripping my chin and forcing me to look at him. “Then why did you say you regretted not dying? How much of what you’re saying is true?”
At least one thing I said in our conversation was true.
I thought to myself.
I weakly hung my head, speaking slowly as if giving up on myself, "Alright, I really thought I was going to die, and I really thought it was a fake. So, knowing I wouldn’t be able to see you again, I wanted to leave some kind of memento, no matter what."
Yalian’s thin lips parted slightly, and his hand, which had been holding mine, jerked away as if burned. He even seemed a bit flustered. "What?"
I said dejectedly, "I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have overreached. But don’t worry, I won’t shirk responsibility. Do with me as you will—this is my fault. Whether it’s wanting to leave a memento or stealing the ring, either one is enough to get me killed a hundred times over."
"What do you mean by 'memento'?" Yalian asked after a long pause.
I replied, "It’s the meaning behind the words that shouldn’t have been spoken."
I forced a bitter smile. "I’m sorry, in the end, I still failed to protect it."
Yalian was silent for a few seconds before suddenly erupting in anger, shouting at the surrounding bodyguards, "Get out! All of you, get out!"
The bodyguards seemed accustomed to his sudden outbursts and left without a word.
After they were gone, Yalian walked over, tears streaming down his face after a moment. "Then why didn’t you say it earlier? Are you mute?"
Saying it earlier would have ruined the effect.
I thought this but still shrank back. "I’m sorry."
Yilian raised his head again, as if afraid his imaginary crown might fall off. "Is 'sorry' all you can say?"
I thought for a moment and added, "Thank you for saving me."
He pursed his lips, helped me up, and gently touched my wound before lowering his head. "Then why… the memento? Those days, I wasn’t exactly kind to you."
"Because I’ve never met a beta like you…" I lowered my head.
Great, that was the second truth I’d told today. I was almost out of my daily quota of three honest statements.
Yalian said, "I-I actually don’t think a memento is a bad thing, but—" He stammered, "Next time, tell me. You have to tell me. I’m not patient, but I’m really not…"
He couldn’t finish, but I understood. You tsundere types are all like this.
Damn it, it’s the 23rd century—who still likes this kind of personality?
I reached out, touched his hair, and quickly withdrew my hand. "I’m sorry."
This time, Yalian said, "It’s fine."
After a brief silence, he asked, "Why did Jiang Sen—that officer—take your ring?"
I scratched my head awkwardly and said softly, "I pleaded with him. I said there was someone I couldn’t let go of, so I wanted to write a letter before I died. He was confused because my records didn’t show any close connections, so he thought I was trying to send a message."
Yalian didn’t ask about the person I couldn’t let go of, but he turned his face away, a faint smile on his lips.
I continued, "So I took out the ring, but he snatched it."
My expression darkened. "I begged him, but he hit me. I’m sorry, I really am useless."
"He hit you?" Yalian was clearly angry.
Bro, you almost hit me yourself just now.
I held back that thought and whispered, "It didn’t hit anything vital."
For some reason, he blushed and asked, "What nonsense are you talking about? Where?"
I hadn’t meant anything by it, but now my mind was racing with inappropriate thoughts.
I forced myself to focus, "He just kicked me, that’s all. It’s nothing—the bruise on my back is probably gone by now. Don’t worry."
Yalian wanted to ask more, but his words were interrupted by the sound of an announcement.
"Young master, Mr. Jiang Sen is here to visit," a servant said.
Well, well, here to catch me red-handed.
Thank goodness I acted faster.
I felt a wave of fear.
Yalian bit his lip, grabbed my shoulders, and said in a low voice, "Stay out of sight for now. I’ll handle this."
He added, "Consider it… for your memento."
I grinned foolishly. "What?"
Please, please, let them argue.
If they calmly sort things out, I’m dead twice over.
