No One Is Allowed To Lay Eyes On The Evil God’s Precious Beauty - Chapter 26

Chapter 26: Kissing is a Very Interesting Thing…

As it turned out, the Qin family had no intention of letting the matter go.

Early the next morning, news of the burglary at the Qin mansion hit the headlines. The photos didn’t show the basement; instead, the camera focused on the storage cabinet beneath the stairs. Word was that the police had collected footprints and data from the courtyard and were further investigating the case.

Wu Yi wasn’t particularly worried when he saw the news. After all, this wasn’t his first time doing something like this. He had prepared everything meticulously, not to mention that Qing Zhu had erased many of his tracks. Identifying him based on such slim evidence would be incredibly difficult.

However, what he didn’t expect was that before the case could even be linked to him, it would first involve someone else.

Fu Liuye returned from his vacation with many gifts for Wu Yi. Having spent the winter “hibernating” at home, Wu Yi suddenly developed a craving for the Indonesian food near Fengyue. He left Li Qingquan to watch the house and headed to the company. But as soon as he stepped out of the car, he noticed the atmosphere was off.

Taking the private elevator upstairs, Wu Yi found the office door wide open. Two men in police uniforms were waiting by the entrance. He paused for a moment before walking inside.

“So that day, you…”

Sensing someone entering, the person talking to Fu Liuye instinctively looked over. His gaze stalled on the young boy in the down jacket, seemingly recognizing him.

“This must be your younger brother.”

Fu Liuye’s expression shifted slightly when he saw Wu Yi, but he quickly smoothed it over. “Yes.” He walked toward Wu Yi, gently placing an arm around his shoulders and guiding him toward the desk, keeping him away from the center of the room. “Why are you here so suddenly? You didn’t tell me you were coming.”

Wu Yi blinked and answered obediently, “I sent you a message, but you didn’t reply, so I just came.”

Fu Liuye glanced at his phone on the desk and gave a helpless smile. “I didn’t see it. Wait here for a moment.”

“Okay.” Wu Yi sat familiarly in the office chair, scanning the people in the room without saying a word.

Soon, one of the officers stepped toward him. “Hello.”

Fu Liuye shifted to block his path. “You can direct your questions to me.”

“President Fu,” the man said with some difficulty, “but the person seen entering the neighborhood at that time was your brother.”

Wu Yi realized what was happening. “Are you investigating the burglary at the Qin house?”

“Yes.”

Fu Liuye didn’t budge. He said coldly, “Haven’t you seen the evidence and witnesses? He was only there to pick up a few boxes of fruit from a friend’s house that day, and he had dinner with me afterward. Do you intend to call him a thief without any proof?”

The officer’s face stiffened. “Of course not. We just want to clarify a few things.”

The tension in the office grew palpable. Wu Yi sat at the desk feeling awkward before finally standing up and walking over. “It’s okay. If you have questions, you can ask them here.”

Fu Liuye turned, his body rigid. He looked like he wanted to say more, but Wu Yi simply took his arm and gave it a reassuring pat. “I’m not that fragile. It’s just a few questions.”

The questioning officer was an acquaintance of Fu Liuye’s. He performed a routine inquiry about Wu Yi’s purpose for visiting A-Mu’s house. Wu Yi answered everything honestly.

“So you stayed at that gentleman’s house the entire time and never left?”

“Yes, we chatted for a while.”

Although he didn’t know A-Mu well, Wu Yi had a gut feeling that A-Mu wouldn’t betray him. Sure enough, the officer didn’t express doubt and eventually left politely with his team.

When the door closed, Wu Yi let out a sigh of relief, only to find Fu Liuye staring at him with a complex expression. “What is it?” he asked, feigning composure despite his inner unease.

Fu Liuye shook his head and returned to a smile. “Hungry? Let me change, and we’ll go eat.”

The meal was relaxing. The incident in the office didn’t dampen Wu Yi’s mood; on the contrary, talking to the police had relieved the anxiety he’d been carrying. Fu Liuye seemed to notice this, helping him take photos and edit captions for his social media as usual.

As he posted the update, Wu Yi happily scrolled through the praise from fans. Looking up, he caught Fu Liuye’s gentle gaze and realized that since leaving the office, Fu Liuye hadn’t asked a single thing about the Qin family.

He put down his phone and looked at him sincerely. “Brother, aren’t you curious about those things?”

Fu Liuye was startled, but before he could speak, Wu Yi continued, “But Qing-qing said some things can’t be told to you for your own good.”

Wu Yi was always straightforward with those he cared for, making his internal conflict more obvious. Fu Liuye, being no fool, saw his struggle. “It’s alright. I can guess some things myself. Just do what you need to do; you don’t need to explain anything to me.”

Touched, Wu Yi nodded with teary eyes. “Mhm!”

After finishing lunch, Wu Yi checked the news again. “The Qin Mansion Burglary” was still on the trending list. He figured Qin Yifan would likely call him again and wondered if he should move Qing Zhu. While his apartment complex was private, the Qins were powerful people; if they wanted to break in and take someone, it wouldn’t be difficult.

He was so preoccupied with this that when he arrived home and waved goodbye to the driver, he didn’t notice Qin Yifan waiting by the entrance. He scanned his face to open the door, only stopping when his name was called.

“Wu Yi!”

Qin Yifan, dressed in a simple tracksuit with a dark expression, strode toward him. Wu Yi was startled but quickly regained his footing, throwing back the words Qin Yifan had once used: “You’re stalking me!”

“I…” Qin Yifan choked. “Do I need to personally stalk you? Your address is in the school records.”

“Fine, so you secretly looked up my information!”

Looking at Wu Yi’s beautiful, defiant face, Qin Yifan couldn’t bring himself to be too harsh. He stepped closer. “Tell me the truth. Were you at our house that night?”

Wu Yi widened his eyes. “Are you joking?”

He put on an innocent act. Qin Yifan couldn’t tell if it was real or fake. Thinking of the information the police had, he decided to bluff. “I’ll be honest with you—fingerprints were found on the cabinet. The police matched them in the database, and they’re yours.” He saw Wu Yi frown and softened his tone. “My mom and grandfather are furious. But since we know each other, if it was you, we won’t press charges. Just return what you took.”

A silence hung in the lobby for several seconds before Wu Yi suddenly pouted. “Why are you trying to scare me? The police already came to see me today. I cleared things up with them. Don’t you know how to ask them yourself?”

Qin Yifan was stunned. “They already went to see you?”

“Obviously.” Wu Yi wasn’t as calm as he looked and didn’t want to linger.

Qin Yifan stared at him, his suspicion still lingering. “Is it really that much of a coincidence? You’ve been following me, even to my house, and now my house is robbed and you happen to be in the area visiting a friend? Are there really that many coincidences?”

Facing Qin Yifan, Wu Yi didn’t feel the same intense unease he felt with Qin Nianyu. He said dismissively, “You think you’re the only one who can live in a place like that? If I wanted to, I could move in within minutes.”

Hearing this innocent boast, Qin Yifan’s suspicions wavered. He figured he might be overreacting. Wu Yi usually seemed a bit ditsy; surely he wouldn’t do something like that. Furthermore, he remembered the terrifying footage his family had seen on the security cameras after returning from vacation. It made his skin crawl. Looking at the boy’s pure, pale face, he figured Wu Yi would be scared to tears if he saw that footage.

He found it almost funny and realized his mother must have been desperate to send him here to ask. Wu Yi, seeing his expression shift, acted impatient. “Are you done? Move out of the way.”

Normally, Qin Yifan would have lost his temper if someone spoke to him like that, but he couldn’t get angry at Wu Yi. Instead, he offered a piece of advice. “Just… be careful lately.”

“What does that mean?” Wu Yi frowned.

“My mom is very suspicious. She won’t stop until this is settled. She’ll likely come for you herself. Good luck.” Qin Yifan gave his final warning and turned to leave.

Wu Yi watched him disappear and sighed inwardly. So troublesome. He was still being targeted by this family. But then he thought—it was a society ruled by law. Would they really dare to break into a private residence?

…

Wu Yi had brushed off Qin Yifan’s warning, but he forgot that Qin Yifan himself wasn’t exactly a normal person—and for this family, there seemed to be nothing they wouldn’t do.

That night, Wu Yi received several missed calls from different numbers. Li Qingquan, lying on the sofa playing a popular game, noticed him coming out of the shower. “Lots of people called you. I didn’t answer. Check who it is.”

Wu Yi dried his hair and saw the string of missed calls. His heart sank. Recalling Qin Yifan’s words, he guessed who it was and ignored them. But before bed, as he scrolled through local forums, text messages began popping up one after another.

[Is this Wu Yi? I need to talk to you.] [Where did you take that thing?] [If you don’t want this to reach your school, answer the phone. Otherwise, I can’t guarantee your reputation won’t be affected.]

Wu Yi read them and shrank under the covers. He wasn’t exactly afraid, but he was annoyed. He didn’t even have to guess the identity behind that tone. Perhaps because Qin Nianyu carried Qing Zhu’s token, he felt a strange wariness toward her.

He blocked the numbers one by one, then tossed his phone aside and lay on his stomach, feeling a bit wilted. Qing Zhu had fallen asleep without leaving him anything, yet he claimed Wu Yi was different… it was all talk.

Thinking of that cold, sharp face, Wu Yi closed his eyes and thought: Smooth talker.

…

The next morning, Wu Yi stayed home. He checked local news every few minutes, terrified his name would appear. Thankfully, it was quiet.

He lay in bed worrying until he heard the front door close. He got up and walked out to find that Li Qingquan had brought in a delivery. The “Taoist” had already unpacked the food and set the table neatly. He gave Wu Yi a bright smile. “Let’s eat! I was just about to call you.”

Wu Yi glanced toward the foyer. “Was that just the delivery man?”

“Who else would it be?” Li Qingquan asked.

Wu Yi relaxed. “Good.” He sat down, but Li Qingquan’s curiosity was piqued. “What’s up with you lately? Is it because your ‘dear’ isn’t around? You’re looking as wilted as pickled cabbage.”

Wu Yi widened his eyes and sniffed his own sleeve. “Hey, I don’t mean you smell! I mean your state of mind!” Li Qingquan looked at him even more suspiciously. “Did you do something guilty?”

“It’s nothing.” Wu Yi was bursting with the secret. After struggling for a moment, he couldn’t help but share: “I stole something from someone’s house, and now they’ve found out.”

“Huh?” Li Qingquan was about to shove a piece of beef into his mouth, but his jaw dropped. “You… how are you back to your old petty thief habits?”

“It belonged to us in the first place!” Wu Yi protested. “But they haven’t proven it was me yet, they just suspect.”

Li Qingquan, having seen the world, put his chopsticks down and calmed himself. “If there’s no evidence, what are you panicking about?”

Wu Yi pulled out his phone and showed him the list of text messages. Li Qingquan’s brow furrowed into a deep frown. After a long silence, he blurted out, “Holy crap, that’s terrifying.” He pushed the phone back and shook his head. “They look a bit crazy. I don’t think they’ll let this go easily.” He finally understood why Wu Yi was in this state. Anyone would be.

Wu Yi poked at his rice with his chopsticks. “So what do I do?”

Li Qingquan asked, “Can I ask… did you steal their family heirloom?”

Wu Yi thought for a moment and nodded seriously. “Pretty much.”

“What?!”

At this point, Wu Yi saw no reason to hide things from Li Qingquan. He pointed toward the guest bedroom. “I stole Qing-qing’s body back.”

Li Qingquan’s eyes nearly bulged out of his head. “Are you serious?!”

Wu Yi nodded and ate a few bites of rice, finding it tasteless. Li Qingquan went silent for a long time before sighing. “Tell me the details.”

Wu Yi recounted the whole story. Li Qingquan listened with rapt attention. “You actually have potential as an adventurer. You look so delicate, yet you’re so bold.”

Wu Yi didn’t want to tell him that he only had the courage to go into that basement because he was holding onto Qing Zhu.

“In this situation, you should ask President Fu for help,” Li Qingquan suggested. “Have him get some guards, or let him talk to Qin Nianyu directly. Two businesspeople meeting is better than a kid like you handling it.”

Wu Yi shook his head immediately, repeating what Qing Zhu had told him.

“That’s true,” Li Qingquan said, enlightened. “They aren’t your ‘dear’s’ designated servants; they shouldn’t get involved.”

“What about you?” Wu Yi asked. He suddenly felt that telling Li Qingquan might have been a bad idea, but the other man didn’t care. Instead, he looked a bit proud.

“I’m not an ordinary person. We Taoist Masters have unique constitutions. Otherwise, how could we do this job?”

Wu Yi didn’t quite get it, but he felt relieved. “As long as it doesn’t affect you.”

He looked so well-behaved, sincerely worrying about others even while in a predicament himself. Li Qingquan watched him out of the corner of his eye and finally made a decision. “I’m not busy lately. Why don’t you let me handle this?”

“What?”

Li Qingquan blinked. “I’m going back to my old trade.”

…

Li Qingquan’s main profession was being a “Taoist Master,” though his skills were… questionable. He was basically a con artist. After tidying up, he put on the “New Chinese Style” outfit he’d worn to the Fu house, donned round-framed glasses, and with his sun-darkened skin, he managed to look ten years older.

He prepared a script, learned the layout of the Qin house from Wu Yi, and headed out with a box of props. Wu Yi stayed home waiting for news. It was nearly dark when he heard the door open. He sat up and saw Li Qingquan lugging his heavy box inside.

“I’m exhausted! I had to use every bit of my nineteen years of training to fool those people today.”

Wu Yi didn’t want to hear the complaints. He poured him a glass of water. “How did it go? Did they believe you?”

“Is that even a question?” Li Qingquan took the water and sprawled out on the floor.

Wu Yi knelt on the rug in his socks. “Was it really that easy? That Auntie Qin seems hard to fool.”

“I didn’t have to lie! I have actual skills, okay?” Li Qingquan boasted, downing the water and recounting the story. Wu Yi’s eyes lit up, especially when Li Qingquan mentioned his master’s name.

“Is your master that famous?”

“Of course! He performed major rituals in Cloud City years ago for celebrities and tycoons.” Li Qingquan was smug. “As soon as I mentioned his name and used the info you gave me, they believed everything. I told them someone deliberately lured the ‘body’ away, and that we can perform a ritual to summon the corpse back. They’ve already set a date.”

Wu Yi was shocked. “You really do make a living with your mouth.” He couldn’t believe the rational-looking Qin Nianyu would be swayed by such talk.

Li Qingquan basked in the admiration. “Well, it’s mostly thanks to my master—and your info. If there’s a chance, I’ll introduce you to my master. He’s very accurate with fortunes.”

“I’ve never had my fortune told,” Wu Yi said, intrigued.

“Before I joined, my master said I have a ‘Carefree Fate.’ I shouldn’t be too obsessed with anything; living as I please is the way to avoid obstacles.”

Wu Yi nodded, thinking that description fit Li Qingquan perfectly.

“You’ll have a chance,” Li Qingquan chuckled. “I think my master would like you. But he’s old now and rarely leaves the mountain. If you get a chance, come visit with me.”

Wu Yi was tempted, but looking at the closed door of the guest room, he didn’t give a definitive answer.

Over the next few days, Li Qingquan went to the Qin house daily to “prepare,” buying time. He was a carefree soul; even though the crisis had shifted to him, he didn’t care. One night, he dragged Wu Yi out, insisting he hadn’t experienced Cloud City’s nightlife yet.

Wu Yi rarely went to such places. Dragged to a bar, he felt his head throb from the explosive DJ music. But Li Qingquan found it relaxing, looking around and fixing his hair. “I have to look a bit haggard every day. I’m just waiting for your ‘dear’ to wake up. If I can’t summon anything back later, they’ll tear me apart.”

Wu Yi, holding a Coke, nodded. “But I don’t know when he’ll wake up.”

“Have you heard of Sleeping Beauty? You call him ‘Qing-qing’ (dear) all day—maybe if you kiss (qin) him, he’ll wake up.”

Wu Yi widened his eyes. “Which ‘Qing’ did you think it was?”

“Eh? It’s not the same?” Li Qingquan laughed, unabashed. “I’m just joking. Look at you blushing.”

Wu Yi glared at him. “It’s just hot in here, don’t you think?”

“Sure, sure.”

Wu Yi took a sip of his Coke and tugged at his sweater collar. He had long since taken off his jacket. He wore a red-and-white V-neck sweater with a thin pearl necklace that accentuated his pale, beautiful neck and collarbones. As they chatted, many eyes fell on him, but he was oblivious, watching the crowd dancing on stage with a slight frown.

Soon, Wu Yi lost patience. “When are we going back? It’s too loud.”

The music peaked, and Li Qingquan couldn’t hear him. As Wu Yi prepared to ask again, a hand suddenly reached out. A beautiful, layered cocktail was placed in front of him. A man in a striped shirt smiled at Wu Yi.

“Hi, are you alone?” His deep, gravelly voice reminded Wu Yi of the Coke he was drinking.

Wu Yi glanced at a stunned Li Qingquan. “Can’t you see him?” he asked seriously, without a hint of sarcasm.

The man laughed awkwardly. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you were together. Do you mind if I sit?”

“Go ahead,” Li Qingquan said airily.

Wu Yi said nothing and took another sip of his Coke. The man pushed the cocktail closer. “This is for you. It suits you. Very beautiful.”

“This is a bar,” Wu Yi said. Qing Zhu had told him not to drink, or he’d turn into an idiot.

“Yes. Do you know what it’s called?” The man leaned in with an affectionate gaze.

Wu Yi shook his head honestly.

“It’s called Deep Blue Sea. Just like your eyes.” The man smiled ambiguously, staring into Wu Yi’s eyes. “Are you wearing contacts? They’re lovely.”

Li Qingquan blinked, feeling completely ignored.

Wu Yi, who didn’t like the man’s perfume, frowned. “No, my eyes are just blue.”

“Oh?” The man was momentarily stunned. “I see. They really are stunning.” Sensing the awkwardness, he pushed the glass again. “Why not try a sip?”

“I don’t drink,” Wu Yi said.

“Never tried it?” The man raised an eyebrow. “You could try. To be honest, I’ve noticed you since you walked in. You’re so pure and beautiful. If you’re willing, we could go to the hotel across the street after this. What do you say?”

Wu Yi was shocked. It took his brain a moment to realize this stranger wasn’t just looking for a seat. “You want to…”

Before the man could finish, his head suddenly slammed into the table like a ball hitting a hard floor. Startled, Wu Yi jumped back as Li Qingquan withdrew his fist, looking furious.

“Holy crap! Where did this pervert come from?!”

The dazed man sat up, clutching his head, and exploded in rage. “What are you doing?!”

Li Qingquan didn’t flinch, standing in front of Wu Yi. “I should ask you that! Talking like that out of nowhere, you sicko!”

The man laughed angrily. “What’s it to you? Did I say I wanted to sleep with you?”

Seeing he still dared to use that word, Li Qingquan lunged with his fist. The man rolled up his sleeves. But before they collided, Wu Yi grabbed Li Qingquan’s arm.

“Stop it, let’s just go. I don’t want to be here.” He saw people calling for security.

Li Qingquan patted his head. “Okay, let’s go home.”

The man, seeing Wu Yi’s beautiful, troubled face, lost his anger and tried to apologize. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“What are you still here for?” Li Qingquan snapped. The man ignored him and tried to ask for Wu Yi’s contact info.

Wu Yi watched him approach and covered his nose. “Can you stop coming closer? You smell bad. It’s stinky.”

His serious tone made the man freeze. They left the bar and weren’t followed.

In the car, Li Qingquan laughed the whole way. “Did you see his face? I bet those words hurt more than my punch!”

“But I was telling the truth. His perfume was so strong.”

“He spent all that time flirting only to be told he’s stinky,” Li Qingquan cackled.

Wu Yi didn’t find it funny. His head still rang with the DJ music. “I’m never going back there. It’s too loud.”

“Deal. I thought it looked fun in videos, but who knew there were perverts like that. We’ll find a proper place next time.”

Wu Yi felt relieved. The noise of that place always gave him a sense of unreality and reminded him of less pleasant memories.

It was late when they got home. Li Qingquan, always adaptable, had claimed the sofa as his territory and fell asleep before his hair was even dry. After washing up, Wu Yi stood by the laundry machine, then found himself walking to the guest bedroom door.

The house was dark, with only a sliver of light from his own room. He hesitated before opening the guest room door. The fresh air system kept the room crisp. A small lamp by the bed illuminated those closed, narrow eyes.

Wu Yi entered quietly and crouched by the bed. Looking at Qing Zhu’s lifeless form, the day’s agitation was smoothed away.

“Qing-qing, when will you wake up?” he whispered. Tonight’s events returned to him, and he finally felt the grievance of being offended. “Someone bullied me today. Li Qingquan punched him. I didn’t understand at first, otherwise I would have yelled back. If it were you, what would you have done?”

He didn’t continue, but imagined Qing Zhu saying “don’t listen to that” in his familiar tone. He smiled, but seeing the body remain unresponsive, his smile faded. “Qing-qing, I miss you again. Wake up soon, okay?”

He reached out and hooked his pinky around Qing Zhu’s long finger. “Pinky swear.”

The cold, stiff finger didn’t repel him; in the quiet night, it brought him peace. He slid his fingers into the large palm, holding it tightly. Qing Zhu’s hand seemed to curve slightly as if holding him back.

Satisfied, Wu Yi knelt on the floor, resting his head on that hand. His lashes looked golden in the lamplight as his gaze moved to that striking face—the deep brow, the straight nose, and the thin, pale lips.

His gaze lingered on those lips. Resting his head on their joined hands, he thought of Li Qingquan’s joke about Sleeping Beauty.

He couldn’t help but wonder—how were other people’s lips different from his? Why were there so many people in TV shows and at the bar tonight who couldn’t seem to stop pressing them together?

Is kissing a very interesting thing?