CHAPTER 18: CHAPTER 18: MESSENGER SENT BY THE DEATH GOD

Sheng Qianchi recalled the first time he felt possessive of Gu Jiayin.

It was during a group piano lesson, in a large piano classroom filled with the descendants of noble families, all well-versed in piano. He was there, as were Gu Jiayin and Pei Nianchen.

He sat coldly in the corner, isolated from the world, and all the girls who wanted to approach him were afraid of his iciness and dared not come near.

Meanwhile, Gu Jiayin and Pei Nianchen sat closely together, right by the piano teacher, with a gentle smile on her face as she snuggled charmingly against Pei Nianchen, listening to him tell jokes.

Midway through the class, the teacher suddenly invited him to play a piece.

Having been solitary since childhood, he was reluctant to interact with people and to perform in front of others. Yet, against his instincts, he accepted the teacher’s invitation.

That day, he showcased his piano skills flawlessly, and his piece "Pear Blossom Thoughts" enchanted everyone.

As the music faded and applause erupted, many girls surrounded him, gazing at him with admiration, flattering and praising him. As the only heir of the Sheng Family, numerous noble girls sought to establish connections with him.

However, Gu Jiayin remained by Pei Nianchen’s side, scarcely paying him any attention. Only after the multitude of praises ceased did she seemingly unintentionally look up at him and say, "Your music is highbrow and inaccessible."

Her comment caused an uproar in the room:

"How can it be highbrow and inaccessible? I understood it quite well; it’s very popular."

"Exactly, I can tell where the mountains are, where the waters flow."

"Right, I even imagined pear blossoms blooming."

There was even a noble girl trying to climb the social ladder who confronted Gu Jiayin, "Gu Jiayin, do you even understand piano? Young Master Chi played so well, it was evident to all."

"Yes, just because others say you’re Licheng City’s top socialite, you think you’re one too? Isn’t that disgusting?"

Pei Nianchen was certainly a qualified boyfriend; he immediately glared at and rebuked those criticizing her, "Say it again and see what happens!"

Pei Nianchen had a military prowess since childhood; his stern expression was as hard as steel, scaring the noble girls into retreating.

But Gu Jiayin still remained calm, even gently tugging on Pei Nianchen’s sleeve, quietly advising, "Let it go."

She was gentle and kind at that time, quite unlike the ruthless person she is now.

It was then, for the first time, that he gazed deeply into her eyes, his voice low, "Which part is highbrow, which part is inaccessible?"

Gu Jiayin did not leave Pei Nianchen for a moment, still leaning against him intimately, while Pei Nianchen leisurely stroked her long hair.

She smiled softly, "Your music is too lonely."

Indeed, she heard the essence of his music. He played an exquisite piece, even the melody was light and airy, but no one knew he infused it with a deep sense of loneliness.

His loneliness was such that, though he dwelled amidst prosperity and was accustomed to it, he could never truly integrate into it.

His loneliness was so well hidden, it was hard to resonate with.

At that moment, his heart quivered intensely, and a line of poetry sprang to mind: "Rare in life is a true soulmate, hardest in the ages to find a kindred spirit."

In others’ eyes, he had suddenly transformed from a disowned, fallen nobleman to a radiant heir; his outward silence and aloofness were perceived as the bearing of one who’d risen to power.

No one understood that inside, he was exceptionally lonely.

But, she understood.

For the first time, someone understood him.

She wasn’t really focused on him, and her evaluation was just an offhand remark. After her comments, she resumed her whispered conversations and delightful smiles with Pei Nianchen.

She stirred a ripple across the lake of his heart, yet she was unaware.

Looking at her, he had only one thought: why was such a transparent girl not in his arms?

It was at that moment that he felt an unprecedented possessiveness and desire to capture her, vowing to take her from Pei Nianchen.

So when Pei Nianchen looked over at him, he openly conveyed a challenge, which Pei Nianchen naturally did not shy away from.

Two men, seven years ago, had a silent battle of wills in a corner unnoticed by others.

However, this struggle had barely begun when the shipwreck incident occurred.

To be fair, he didn’t really know Gu Jiayin because their acquaintance was too brief.

He couldn’t speak of love for her; it was merely possessiveness, a desire to capture her to fill his spiritual void. Unfortunately, before he had a chance, she vanished, leaving only regret.

Of course, it was just regret, never heartache.

When asked why he chose Qin Yishu, it wasn’t because she saved him; he was never one to devote his life for a favor.

Instead, it was because they were born sisters, bearing a slight resemblance. Though he didn’t realize, it was always Qin Yishu intentionally mimicking Gu Jiayin.

Over the six years, Qin Yishu’s dress and even demeanor were similar to Gu Jiayin’s, yet she couldn’t capture that sense of clarity.

So, he didn’t touch her; looking was enough.

...

Screech!

The car braked on the wet road, creating an irritating sound of friction.

Sheng Qianchi suddenly opened his eyes, "What’s happening?"

Mo Jun looked ahead of the car, "It’s Pei Nianchen."

A flash of coldness passed through Sheng Qianchi’s eyes as he looked through the windshield.

Pei Nianchen’s car was parked not far away, and he stood in front of it, holding a black umbrella, wearing a dark green trench coat, blocking the way, with waterlogged, black mud-stained boots.

In the rainy night, he looked like an emissary sent by Death God.

Clearly, he was waiting for him.

Sheng Qianchi’s deep black eyes narrowed, dangerous and charming, he spoke indifferently, "Mo Jun, take a taxi back."

"Young Master Chi..." Mo Jun was uneasy; Pei Nianchen was the number one military king of Licheng City, extremely dangerous.

"Go." Sheng Qianchi’s command was irrefutable.

"Yes." Mo Jun got out of the car, glanced at Pei Nianchen, then turned and left, umbrella in hand.

Sheng Qianchi took a black umbrella from the back seat, got out of the car, and walked towards Pei Nianchen. Dressed in a black trench coat, his black leather shoes splashing water with every step.

Through the three-meter rain curtain, their gazes met, cold wind passing through them.

One eyed the other with iron-blooded intent, murderous and resolute.

The other was elegant and cold, with restrained authority.

One was a favored soldier, the other a scion of a noble family.

They should have had no intersections, but because of Gu Jiayin, they unquestionably became enemies.

Pei Nianchen’s lips were tightly pursed, his short, straight hair slightly damp, his eyes sharp and bone-chillingly cold, holding a small black leather suitcase in his right hand.

Compared to Pei Nianchen’s hair, Sheng Qianchi’s was slightly longer, accentuating his elegance, authority, and unfathomableness, a strand of his dark hair clumped from the dampness, hanging in front of his forehead, adding a touch of charm.

He met Pei Nianchen’s gaze without flinching, equally devoid of warmth.