Chapter 54: The Code

The night at the bar became the most unrestrained and wild night for the three of them.

Normally, Lin Chuan followed Shang Jie around, obeying him without question, never daring to cross the line.

But tonight…

Drunk Lin Chuan shoved an entire glass of liquor toward Shang Jie, only to get kicked away disdainfully.

Yet, emboldened by his alcohol-fueled courage, Lin Chuan suddenly lunged forward and pulled open Shang Jie’s collar, pouring the liquor down it, soaking his shirt and leaving him in an embarrassing mess.

“Are you crazy?!”

Jiang Xingxing stared, dumbfounded.

Lin Chuan, meanwhile, just laughed foolishly, declaring, “Boss is such a sport!”

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Kkydt Dkdtmkdt yojoyaezu tzydnle yv Fbydt Kkl, obspl eyaj lmralppksd oyp yp nsze yp knl, alyeu vs lmrzsel yv ydu xsxldv.

Nkd Ubwyd alxykdle sczkhkswp, nzwvnbkdt bkp pvsxynb yp bl zywtble wdnsdvaszzyczu, yde pssd Kkydt Dkdtmkdt fskdle kd.

Wynle okvb bkp nbkzebsse qaklde yde vbl osxyd bl nblakpble, Fbydt Kkl bye ds nbsknl cwv vs ldewal vblka xsnjlau okvb y pswa qynl.

“Nkd Ubwyd, R eked’v lmrlnv kv—usw’hl tsv twvp yqvla y eakdj, eyakdt vs xlpp okvb uswa cspp,” Kkydt Dkdtmkdt vlyple, ryvvkdt bkp pbswzela. “Zsw’hl tsv y caktbv qwvwal yblye sq usw!”

Nkd Ubwyd piwkdvle yde takddle. “Psd’v cl qsszle cu vbl cspp’p pszkvyau, qaspvu lmvlaksa. Pllr esod, R jdso bl oydvp psxlsdl vs oyax bkp knu blyav.”

Gp bl prsjl, bkp byde eyavle swv, ykxkdt qsa Fbydt Kkl’p nblpv, sdzu vs cl pxynjle yoyu.

“Odswtb,” Fbydt Kkl pyke nszezu. “R’x ktdsakdt uswa eawdjld dsdpldpl, cwv usw’al rwpbkdt kv.”

Kkydt Dkdtmkdt oayrrle bla yaxp yaswde Fbydt Kkl qasx clbkde, alpvkdt bla blye sd bkp pbswzela yde pzkekdt bla bydep vbaswtb bkp yaxp vs vswnb bkp qkax nblpv. “Mbld zlv xl oyax vbl cspp wr.”

She seemed completely out of her senses.

Without much ado, Shang Jie stood up, carrying her firmly on his back. At the same time, he grabbed Lin Chuan by the collar like a misbehaving child and dragged him along.

“We’re going home, you two drunkards.”

“But we’re not done partying yet! Nooo!”

Lin Chuan grumbled. “Weren’t we supposed to party all night?”

Their protests were, of course, futile. Shang Jie hauled the pair out of the chaotic bar.

By now, it was three in the morning. The early spring chill cut sharply against the skin, the wind biting like needles.

Shang Jie took off his jacket and wrapped it tightly around Jiang Xingxing, securing her against the cold. Then, noticing Lin Chuan’s unzipped coat, he zipped it up all the way to his neck, covering his mouth.

Having unwillingly drunk a few sips of alcohol earlier—thanks to Jiang Xingxing’s antics—he couldn’t drive. Left with no choice, he stood by the roadside trying to hail a cab.

Meanwhile, the two drunkards wandered off whenever he turned his back.

Lin Chuan sat crying his eyes out beside a trash can, drawing curious stares from passersby.

Jiang Xingxing crouched beside him like a comforting older sister, patting his back gently. “There, there, don’t cry, baby.”

Lin Chuan sobbed, “Mom!”

And Jiang Xingxing cheerfully responded, “Yes, my good son!”

Shang Jie, as the only sober adult, held his forehead in frustration. Could these two stop embarrassing themselves in public?

Finally, he managed to hail a cab. He threw Jiang Xingxing inside before shoving Lin Chuan in with a swift kick.

Sitting between the two, he struggled to close the door amidst their drunken antics.

The taxi driver glanced at them several times in the rearview mirror, seemingly curious about their relationship.

For once, Shang Jie offered an explanation. “They’re drunk kids. I’m just taking them home.”

The driver gave a nervous chuckle and kept driving.

Jiang Xingxing leaned obediently on Shang Jie’s shoulder, hugging his neck as she dozed off.

Lin Chuan tried to mimic her, leaning his head on Shang Jie’s shoulder, but was immediately pushed away.

“Boss, I really want to thank you,” Lin Chuan slurred in a rare moment of sincerity.

“Shut up. Not interested,” Shang Jie replied impatiently.

“If it weren’t for you taking me in and treating me like family, teaching me how to live and work, I don’t know what I’d have become. Probably like those people at the bar, wasting away. Or maybe… I wouldn’t even be alive.”

“Save that speech for my dad,” Shang Jie said, pushing Lin Chuan’s head off his shoulder again.

Lin Chuan smiled bitterly. “If I had a choice, I’d rather not have been born. Being an illegitimate child… I’ll never forget the looks they gave me that stormy night when that man brought me into the house…”

“No matter what others think of you, remember this one thing,” Shang Jie said steadily. “Your name is Lu Linchuan, and you are a legally recognized heir of the Lu family.”

Jiang Xingxing tilted her head. “Linchuan, you’re an heir?”

“No, I’m an illegitimate child.”

“What’s an illegitimate child?”

“It means your dad had you with another woman.”

“That sounds awful.”

Shang Jie rubbed his temples. Lin Chuan never spoke of his background, not even his surname. Yet, when drunk, he answered everything.

Despite the late hour, Shang Jie finally got them back to his villa. Servants helped Lin Chuan while Shang Jie carried Jiang Xingxing himself.

Half-asleep, she felt warm water envelop her. Startled, she realized she was in a bubble-filled bathtub, the lemon-mint scent of soap in the air.

Shang Jie sat on a small stool beside the tub, meticulously scrubbing her arm with a bath sponge.

Jiang Xingxing watched him silently, a gentle smile on her lips.

He remained composed as he washed her arms, shoulders, and neck. When he handed her the sponge, he said, “You’re awake. Finish it yourself.”

Jiang Xingxing didn’t disappoint—she flung water and foam directly onto Shang Jie’s face.

Shang Jie: …

She burst into laughter, making it impossible for him to stay angry or keep a straight face.

“Want to play, huh?” He tugged at his collar and raised an eyebrow.

Jiang Xingxing nodded, laughing.

So, Shang Jie slowly undressed and stepped into the bathtub.

…

Most of the servants in the house had followed him from the old family estate and knew his personality inside and out.

He was steady, cold, and self-disciplined.

However, ever since he got married, the young master had changed a lot.

Sometimes in the morning, they would see the madam holding onto the wall and walking sideways down the stairs… It was clear just how terrifying it was when this “self-disciplined” young master lost control.

That night, Jiang Xingxing pleaded with Shang Jie countless times until, by the end, she felt as though she was completely spent.

When he wrapped her in a towel and carried her back to bed, the sky in the distance had already begun to lighten.

With a “whoosh,” Shang Jie drew the blackout curtains closed, then lay down beside her, kissed her forehead, and said, “We’ve been up all night. Sleep now.”

Jiang Xingxing closed her eyes peacefully and quickly fell into a deep sleep.

Lying next to her, Shang Jie looked at her serene and gentle sleeping face, feeling a wave of warmth envelop his heart.

He had once thought he would live out his life in cold solitude. Perhaps heaven had pitied his loneliness and sent him this lively girl.

With her by his side, for the first time in his life, Shang Jie felt that being alive was truly a blessing.

He closed his eyes contentedly.

In his dream, he found himself in a cold, sunless, abandoned factory. This time, it wasn’t just her; there was also a man in a filthy black jacket.

Everything in the dream was hazy—he couldn’t clearly see anyone’s face, but he knew exactly what had happened.

The man held a sharp knife and grabbed the girl by her silky black hair, dragging her away.

Shang Jie roared with rage, wanting to rush forward and save her, but he was bound by ropes, unable to move.

He watched helplessly as the man assaulted and beat her.

All this time, he had remained unharmed, but the young girl had suffered endlessly. The horrifying scenes tore his soul apart.

He had never been a cold-hearted child; quite the opposite. During his lonely and extraordinary childhood, she had been the only one willing to stay by his side.

She was gentle and kind, quiet like an angel misplaced on earth—the most beautiful existence in his heart.

Now, she sat before him, bruised and battered, her soft fingers inching into his palm, yet he no longer had the strength to hold onto her.

He admitted he was weak and powerless… The pride he once had was completely consumed by fear. He couldn’t protect those close to him; he was a coward through and through!

“Brother Shang Jie, don’t be afraid. I’m just pretending,” she crawled to his side and said weakly. “It doesn’t hurt at all. I… I acted like it hurt a lot so he would hit me more gently.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

The girl opened her swollen eye and said to him, “One day, I’ll be a big star. If you ever see me moving my fingers, it means… I’m acting.”

“Look.” She wiped the blood from her face and flexed her ring finger. “This is our secret signal.”

…

Shang Jie jolted awake from the dream, sitting up abruptly.

Jiang Xingxing was beside him, her long hair cascading messily over her shoulders. Her soft facial features and gentle gaze exuded warmth. She clutched his fingers tightly and asked, “Did you have a nightmare?”

Shang Jie suddenly pulled her into his arms, his voice hoarse and heavy with pain. “You lied to me. You’re lying to me!”

His embrace was so forceful it felt like he might crush her bones.

She tried to pull away, but he buried his face in her neck and hair, trembling all over. “You were in pain. You’re lying to me…”

Jiang Xingxing had never seen Shang Jie so distraught. She gently patted his back, soothing him with a soft voice, “It’s okay now. It was just a nightmare.”

“It wasn’t a dream.”

Shang Jie could feel the gut-wrenching emotions—fear, heartache, despair. It wasn’t just a dream; it was the deepest, most hidden memory in his heart.

A secret no one knew.

“I remember you telling me he often unconsciously twitches his fingers,” Shang Jie said, moving his ring finger. “But I don’t do that.”

“Yeah,” Jiang Xingxing said, looking at his slender ring finger, delicate like bamboo joints. “It’s the second personality that does it often.”

“That means he truly knows everything that happened.”

Jiang Xingxing was puzzled. “What are you talking about?”

Shang Jie suddenly turned, clutching her shoulders and urgently asked, “Did he ever tell you anything?”

But before Jiang Xingxing could respond, Shang Jie immediately added, “No, don’t tell me. You can’t. I have to remember it myself. Only by remembering it myself can I…”

…completely heal.

Jiang Xingxing frowned. “I think your condition is getting worse.”

No, she wouldn’t understand. He was about to get better. The outline of the truth was already emerging; he just needed one more clue to pull it all together.

That girl…

Shang Jie rested briefly and finally calmed down.

He turned back to pinch Jiang Xingxing’s cheek, his voice weak. “Did I scare you just now?”

Jiang Xingxing looked worried and brushed away the sweat on his forehead. “What did you dream about?”

“A girl… she lied to me.”

Jiang Xingxing’s face instantly fell. “Oh, you dreamed about a woman.”

Dreaming of another woman but holding her when he woke up—Jiang Xingxing was furious!

The corners of Shang Jie’s pale lips curved into a faint smile. “What are you thinking? It’s nothing like that. The girl and I were kidnapped together as children. She suffered a lot, and someone hurt her, while I could do nothing but watch…”

Just thinking of the scene in his dream made his heart ache.

“Was it Shen Nian Nian?”

“No,” Shang Jie shook his head. “It wasn’t her.”

He didn’t know why he was so certain, but instinctively, he knew the girl wasn’t Shen Nian Nian.

What had gone wrong?

Jiang Xingxing was equally puzzled. “I heard from Mrs. Mei and Lin Chuan that the girl kidnapped with you was the Shen family’s daughter.”

“It was the Shen family’s daughter,” Shang Jie murmured absentmindedly. “But not Shen Nian Nian.”

“Could the Shen family have had two daughters?” Jiang Xingxing was confused. “That doesn’t make sense. Shen Chu Yan said he only has one sister.”

The harder Shang Jie tried to recall, the more his head felt like an inflating balloon, ready to burst.

“Alright, stop thinking about it,” Jiang Xingxing said, hugging his head affectionately. “Take your time. Maybe if you stop trying, it’ll come back to you.”

“Mm.”

Shang Jie asked, “What time is it now?”

“It’s already 3 p.m.,” Jiang Xingxing replied. “You slept the whole day.”

Thinking about what had happened in the bathroom last night, he couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow.

“Really?”

Jiang Xingxing yawned and stretched lazily. “This is what a holiday should be like. Waking up naturally—there’s nothing more blissful than that.”

“And dragging me into it.”

“You’re so busy usually. It’s only fair to spend some time with me,” Jiang Xingxing teased, playfully sticking out her tongue.

Shang Jie affectionately pinched her nose and got up to freshen up.

Leaning against the door, Jiang Xingxing watched him. His tall, slender upper body was bare, and the overhead light cast a glow over his fair skin. His deep, coffee-colored eyes seemed unusually clear, and his sharp features were both mature and striking.

At thirty, he was in his prime. Gone were the recklessness and awkwardness of youth. Instead, he exuded the charm of a mature man.

Shang Jie had always been precocious, carrying himself with a serene detachment. Those pitch-black eyes seemed to hold a deep ocean within, calm on the surface but with hidden turbulence.

Wearing a white turtleneck sweater, Jiang Xingxing leaned against the door like a curious little kitten. “Are you going back to the office later?”

“No, today’s a holiday.”

Jiang Xingxing’s excitement peaked. She pounced forward, wanting to hug him.

Shang Jie quickly stepped back, motioning to his razor as if to say, You don’t want your husband to get cut, do you?

Jiang Xingxing stuck out her tongue. “Then why are you getting all dressed up? Where are you going? Can I come with you?”

“I’m going to see Dr. Lawrence.”

“Oh.”

Thinking of Lawrence, Jiang Xingxing felt a bit apprehensive and instinctively wanted to refuse. However, Shang Jie invited her, saying, “Come with me.”

“Huh?” Jiang Xingxing frowned. “You want me to go with you?”

The man lazily replied, “Don’t want to?”

“No, no. You played with me yesterday, so logically, I should accompany you to the doctor today. No complaints there. It’s just… I promised Lawrence I’d stay away from you, and now, if I tag along to the clinic, wouldn’t it seem a bit contradictory?”

“You’ve got such a tiny head, but you sure think a lot.”

“He’s not just your doctor, he’s also your good friend,” Jiang Xingxing muttered. “Honestly, I find him quite intimidating.”

Shang Jie, having shaved off his stubble, leaned over and rubbed his jaw against her face. “With me here, he won’t dare touch you.”

---

To Lawrence’s surprise, Shang Jie brought Jiang Xingxing along this time.

All prior consultations and hypnotherapy sessions had taken place in a strictly private and confidential setting. Bringing her along now meant Shang Jie was willing to let this woman know everything about his condition.

Jiang Xingxing sat properly on the white sofa in the consultation room, curiously glancing around but politely refrained from touching any medical equipment.

Lawrence and Shang Jie sat across from each other at a polished wooden desk. Lawrence, slightly reproachful, asked, “Why did you bring her?”

Leaning back in his chair, Shang Jie replied leisurely, “Even ordinary patients are accompanied by family members during follow-ups. As a doctor, there’s no need to find it strange. Besides, she’s my wife.”

Lawrence chuckled lightly. “Since when does the ever-proud Louis need company?”

Ignoring the teasing laced with sarcasm, Shang Jie said, “Let’s get to business. Last night, I remembered a lot.”

He recounted his dream from the previous night briefly.

After listening, Lawrence’s face showed a hint of delight. “Louis, you’re so close. If you can fully recall everything and overcome your psychological barriers, your condition will improve significantly.”

“Something doesn’t add up. The person kidnapped with me was clearly Shen Niannian, but why does it feel so wrong? My instincts tell me it shouldn’t be her.”

“That might be the key issue. Do you want another hypnotherapy session? A few more attempts might bring clarity.”

“Not today. I just wanted to talk. I have plans to see a movie tonight. I can’t afford to feel drained, so let’s leave it for next time.”

“A movie?” Lawrence raised an eyebrow and glanced at Jiang Xingxing, who was flipping through a magazine on the sofa. “With your girlfriend?”

“With my wife,” Shang Jie corrected him. “Lawrence, don’t meddle too much in my personal life. You’re my best friend, but even friendships have boundaries.”

“You’re my friend, but you’re also my patient,” Lawrence countered bluntly. “Until your condition is completely resolved, all uncertain or potentially detrimental factors should be eliminated.”

His piercing green eyes fixed on Shang Jie as he lowered his voice. “The second personality loves her deeply. You should know that. Do you think he’ll willingly be extinguished and leave her forever?”

Shang Jie’s face darkened. “That’s not up to him.”

Lawrence smirked, sensing he had struck a nerve in this proud man. “Louis, those who make history are destined to be lonely. You and I are the same kind of people. Your current life will only make you ordinary and mundane. Do you understand?”

“Lawrence, you’re insane.”

Many times, the line between genius and madness is razor-thin.

Lawrence’s expression didn’t waver, but his eyelid twitched slightly. “Then how can you be sure, when you’re with her in bed, she’s not thinking of another man?”

Shang Jie’s hand clenched into a fist, the veins on his pale hand bulging visibly.

“I warn you. Never say such a thing again.”

Shang Jie leaned over the desk, both hands pressing down as he inched closer to Lawrence, speaking each word deliberately: “There is only one Shang Jie in this world.”

Lawrence fell silent.

Shang Jie then turned, grabbed Jiang Xingxing by the collar like a kitten—though she had no idea what had just happened—and strode out of the consultation room.

---

Sansukini: Lawrence is more like a hindrance than a help.

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