Chapter 27.2

Trigger Warning: This chapter mentions suicidal thoughts. Please read with care.

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　　Jing Xi’s usage of the carrot-and-stick tactic unveiled his unfavorable mood and struggles to keep his emotions in check. It seemed Duan Chi’s relentless advances might be pushing him to his limits.

　　Since the fugitives could glean it from the chat logs, they offered some words of comfort. Deeply touched by their words, Jing Xi responded with some heartfelt sentiments. [Thank you! You truly are the most incredible person I’ve ever met. Throughout my life, those family members and classmates of mine always seemed to favor my younger brother. Due to my father’s lack of affection for me, it is evident that I won’t become the heir who will take over his company.]

　　The duo opined, ‘That might not be true. If someone chooses to ignore you, there’s a good chance it could be due to something you’ve done.’

　　[Jing Xi: Don’t you think it’s ironic? Only after my blood was matched with Duan Chi did those people attempt to curry favors with me. I think I’m just surrounded with so many lies and insincerity that I even find myself suspecting you of your reasons for getting close to me.]

　　Yet, the duo seemed remarkably unruffled for someone who received such a message. In response, they reassured him that they were lightyears away and harbored no ulterior motives.

　　With a cryptic “Hmm” from Jing Xi, the conversation came to an end. Even so, the duo reckoned that this matter would increase their importance in his eyes. And so began their journey of friendship with the drama queen.

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　　Rd saela vs pvyu kd nbyaynvla, Kkdt Dk prsayeknyzzu wdzlypble xsxldvp sq pblla xyedlpp yde vsule okvb vblka xkdep qsa shla y xsdvb. Pwakdt vbkp zyrpl sq vkxl, bl bye ralvvu xwnb ldtldelale nsdekvksdle alqzlmlp vs clnsxl kdtaykdle kd vblx.

　　Xd vbl eyu obld Pwyd Ubk ryke bkx y hkpkv, bl shlablyae Kkdt Dk xldvksdkdt vbyv bl oyp nwaaldvzu kd y nsdhlapyvksd okvb vblx. Myjkdt y plyv dlmv vs bkx, Pwyd Ubk nypv y iwknj tzydnl yv Kkdt Dk’p rbsdl.

　　Mbl svbla ryavu’p ekprzyu rknvwal oyp sq yd yesayczl nbkze bszekdt wr y bwxsdtswp rkdj pvya, yde vblka wpladyxl oyp FbsolaZswEkvbTlyavp.

　　Gv vbkp xsxldv, vblu olal ldtaspple kd yd ydkxyvle nsdhlapyvksd.

　　[MbkpEyu: Ublnj swv xu qzsolap! [Rxytl] ]
　　[FbsolaZswEkvbTlyavp: Eso, vblu zssj yxygkdt!]
　　[MbkpEyu: *Fktb*]

　　Brsd alnlkhkdt pwnb y alrzu, vblu pnayxczle vs nsaalnv vblxplzhlp.

　　[FbsolaZswEkvbTlyavp: Nssj yv vbkp qzsola! Rv vbakhlp okvb pxyzz yxswdvp sq pwdzktbv yde oyvla lhlau eyu. Ohld dso, kv alxykdp wdvswnble cu vbl bwpvzl yde cwpvzl sq vbl xwdeydl osaze. Lso vbyv usw vbkdj ycswv kv, ol nyd sdzu ealyx sq byhkdt pwnb wdqlvvlale qallesx.]
　　[MbkpEyu: !!! ]
　　[FbsolaZswEkvbTlyavp: !!!!!! ]
　　[MbkpEyu: [Zsw alye xu xkde lxsfk] ]
　　[FbsolaZswEkvbTlyavp: [Vklnl sq nyjl lxsfk] ]

　　“…” Mbl ypvswdele Pwyd Ubk vwadle vs vbl nwzrakv yde eswcvle, “Gal usw pwal kv’p vblx, Yu Pyazkdt?”

　　Jing Xi confirmed, “Yes.”

　　He had to admit the systems in the Administration Bureau were incredibly reliable when it came to something like this. With a wry grin, he added, “This is the fruit of my torments.”

　　Despite that, Duan Chi was able to figure it out himself. Just as his laughter filled the air, an abrupt shrill ringing of his bracelet sliced through the mirth.

　　System explained, “For that bracelet to start ringing this time, Duan Chi has to be absolutely smitten with you!”

　　With an enamored grin, CEO Duan slipped off his bracelet and settled in to watch their conversation unfold. But he resisted the urge to peek at the chat logs until their conversation had come to an end.

　　During that lapse of time, Jing Xi did not just attempt to cut ties with them once, but three times! Each instance left him hovering on the verge of a mental breakdown, leading them to advise him to head out and travel the world. With that, Jing Xi began listing a handful of intriguing places that were conveniently distant from the exiled star. Yet, those on the other end dropped subtle hints at exploring hidden gems, all while carefully avoiding any mention of the exiled star.

　　At this juncture, both parties were still testing the waters.

　　Even though Jing Xi might have a knack for keeping people on their toes with his unpredictable behavior, he had yet to be pushed to a certain point. Now, all that was needed was a little nudge in the right direction.

　　Their eyes met as a silent understanding passed between them.

　　Duan Chi pondered, “You’re planning to head there yourself?”
　　Jing Xi answered, “Search for an open space and follow me.”

　　Deep down, Duan Chi wrestled with the idea of keeping him home. As he mulled over Jing Xi’s temper and the possibility that the fugitives might only make their appearance in his presence, he eventually acquiesced.

　　As such, the “Duan Chi & Yi Zhou” hashtag topped Weibo’s list of trending searches three days later.

　　After all, this was the first time CEO Duan had set foot in Gese University to search for a certain individual after their relationship was made known to the masses. The crowd gathered with bated breath as they were eagerly prepared to dissect every minute with keen eyes and unyielding curiosity.

　　As such, a video was filmed right in the campus cafe.

　　Duan Chi and his significant other cozied up in the booth by the window, while casting glances across the table at Jin Yumeng and her roommate. Meanwhile, two dandies, who had a great rapport with Yi Zhou, perched on their chairs that were flanking the table.

　　Initially, Duan Xiuwen wished to join them, but he mentioned the need for secrecy to the leader in their previous club outing. Consequently, his identity remained a closely guarded secret among a select few. Fearing that it might add unforeseen complexities to their grand scheme, Jing Xi decided to play it safe and kept him in the shadows.

　　As for the rest, Jing Xi had approached them in private to ensure they understood the role they played in this elaborate performance.

　　And so, as if by some magnetic force, every gaze was drawn to the table, where laughter and lively chatter permeated the air. Amidst the sea of grinning faces, one figure stood out — they sported a rather ghastly expression that seemed to hint at a different story.

　　Following the end of the meetup, an astonishing moment unfolded when Duan Chi was caught on camera pulling Yi Zhou into a waiting car. What made this snapshot even more astonishing was the split-second before the car doors sealed shut, where Duan Chi was seemingly caught in a passionate act of biting Yi Zhou’s neck. This sensational image sent shockwaves through the viewers, leaving them utterly awestruck and incredulous. The fervent fans of this couple erupted into an ecstatic frenzy on the spot, while the internet was instantly inundated with a deluge of news and discussions about this shocking encounter.

　　Not long after, the two fugitives caught wind of this juicy tidbit and reckoned that the drama queen would be up to his old antics again.

　　With that, their wait began as they counted down the minutes until the break of dawn on the other side. All of a sudden, a flurry of exclamation marks from Jing Xi bombarded their screen. He confessed to always considering Jin Yumeng as his sister and treating those two dandies fairly. However, what he did not see coming was the shocking revelation that both of them had been swayed by Duan Chi’s influence, siding with that scoundrel as his staunch advocates!

　　[This world feels tainted, and I’ve been stained by it too!]
　　[My life is smothering me, so I want to use my death to leave a lasting impression!]
　　[I’m dead serious this time! I’m going to find a beautiful place to meet my end, so let’s be friends again in our next life!]

　　As the rare opportunity presented itself, the dynamic duo wasted no time diving into conversation. Only then did they mention the exiled star.
　　[The only place across the entire Astral Realm that is not under Duan Chi’s control is the exiled star.]

　　With a mischievous grin, Jing Xi sent a reply. 
　　[The exiled star?]

　　Immediately, Jing Xi received a response from the other end.
　　[Yes, you should check it out.]

　　[Isn’t it pretty chaotic there?]

　　Upon receiving that, the duo wasted no time in sending an answer.
　　[Let’s just say that the rules are more like optional guidelines, and folks there thrive on their own terms.]

　　[I’ve heard rumors of fugitives seeking refuge there tho.]
　　[Oh, you’ll be surprised. The exiled star isn’t just teeming with outlaws. Instead, there’s a thriving local community, and a friend of mine even runs a legit gig there. What’s more, the views are out of this world!]

　　Without further ado, the duo began sending a few images that tickled the drama queen’s fancy.