TSSRWAB Chapter 29

The Demon King’s hearing.

 

Xie Zhuhan heard everything clearly from outside the courtyard.

 

Lu Xi stood in the courtyard on the first floor, with Jian Huai and Dahl on his left and right. Opposite him stood Xie Zhuhan alone. Xie Zhuhan’s expression was cold and stern, and his aura was powerful. Dahl watched him warily.

 

This person is very strong, Dahl thought to himself.

 

No one spoke.

 

After a long while, Lu Xi swept a glance at Xie Zhuhan and said lazily, “I don’t remember inviting you, Mr. Xie.”

 

“I have something to say to you. Tell them to leave,” Xie Zhuhan said coldly.

 

Dahl looked worried, and the gentle smile on Jian Huai’s face faded. The two of them looked at Lu Xi at the same time. One is uneasy about his master being alone with this dangerous human, and the other worries that Lu Xi might still have lingering feelings for this person.

 

Lu Xi’s love was too passionate back then.

 

“This is my place. You entered without an invitation, Mr. Xie. Say what you have to say here.”

 

Xie Zhuhan’s cold eyes held displeasure. The young man from five years ago wasn’t like this. He wouldn’t have turned a deaf ear to his words.

 

“If you won’t speak, please leave. I made myself very clear last time.”

 

Lu Xi’s face showed impatience, and he simply said, “We’re leaving. Please close the door on your way out, Mr. Xie.” After speaking, he turned and left briskly, with Jian Huai and Dahl protecting Lu Xi.

 

Xie Zhuhan’s eyes stung from the sight.

 

The young man had once been completely open with him and never guarded against him.

 

“Lu Xi.” Xie Zhuhan spoke up, calling out to the young man’s retreating figure. His voice was cold. ”I don’t care who the mother of those two children is. I can be their father, as long as you return to my side.”

 

“Ha.” Lu Xi was amused. How come he never noticed before that Xie Zhuhan could be so narcissistic and shameless?

 

What bullshit.

 

“Want to be my sons’ other father? You’re not the only candidate.”

 

Jian Huai took the opportunity to laugh and say, “Of course. I’d like to apply to be a candidate for Doubao and Dougao’s other father. If possible, tomorrow—no, even now—we can get the certificate. Lu Xi, I’m serious.”

 

Dahl looked annoyed. This male vixen’s mouth was too fast!

 

“Master, there’s also me. I was betrothed to you since childhood. I’m the rightful main partner,” Dahl hurriedly added. “If possible, I wouldn’t mind you accepting other brothers[mfn]what he means is that LX can still accept other men in his harem lolz[/mfn] either, as long as I’m the head wife.”

 

Lu Xi: …What kind of nonsense are you spouting! Is this the old society? Do I need to marry several concubines?

 

Jian Huai’s eyelid twitched. But facing the outsider, he wouldn’t argue with this big-chested musclehead about how stupid those words were.

 

“Xie Zhuhan, look at me.” Lu Xi raised his head to stare at the other, indifferent to how cold and fearsome his expression was now. “I don’t love you anymore. Xie Zhuhan, I don’t love you anymore.”

 

“Impossible.” Xie Zhuhan’s face was cold. “You said-”

 

Lu Xi will always love Xie Zhuhan.

 

But he couldn’t see a trace of love in Lu Xi’s eyes now. Xie Zhuhan couldn’t finish the sentence he was about to say.

 

Lu Xi raised an eyebrow, then, as if remembering something, exclaimed, “You mean, I once said, ‘Lu Xi will always love Xie Zhuhan‘?”

 

That sounded like sarcasm.

 

Xie Zhuhan’s face was cold, but his gaze remained fixed on the young man’s face.

 

“You’re not worthy.” Lu Xi said calmly. “Don’t disturb me anymore.”

 

Xie Zhuhan’s voice was hoarse and his face was as cold as frost. He wanted to say something, but not a single word would come out. The two humans beside the young man watched him warily, as if he would harm him.

 

How could he?

 

How could he harm the young man?

 

He is so-

 

Xie Zhuhan wanted to blurt out the words in his heart, but his head throbbed violently and his heart clenched. Finally, without looking at Lu Xi again, he turned and left. The butler waiting at the entrance saw his master’s pale face and rushed forward, but didn’t dare to support him.

 

“Master, are you alright?”

 

Xie Zhuhan sat in the car. Threads of black magical power emanate from his body and his voice suppressing pain.

 

“Leave.”

 

The butler was terrified, fearing the master might lose control of his magic, and hurriedly drove away.

 

The small courtyard returned to peace.

 

“Dahl, don’t talk about being the main wife or head wife anymore. The Qing Dynasty is over.” Lu Xi quickly hit the brakes on Dahl’s devoted gaze. “And Lao Jian, thanks for backing me up earlier.”

 

Jian Huai: “Everything I said came from the heart.”

 

“Master, me too.” Dahl hurriedly affirmed his loyalty.

 

Lu Xi: … “Let’s eat barbecue.”

 

Aside from that little incident, the birthday party was overall happy. Lu Xi had reconnected with old friends. In the end, Pete took photos and said he could post them on Weibo to interact more with fans.

 

“Do I still have fans?”

 

Pete: “…You do, right? Interact more, and you’ll eventually have more.”

 

@LittleLuXixi: Happy to reunite with friends [Photos] X9.

 

Wang Shuo, Zhang Zihan, and Xu Nuoyan all reposted. Lu Xi only then noticed that Jian Huai had already posted a “Happy Birthday” message in the early hours, but didn’t @ him. Lu Xi rarely uses Weibo, and now that he saw it, he clicked on it and saw Jian Huai’s fans leaving comments like: Whose birthday, gege?, Family?, Doesn’t seem like Huai-ge‘s parents or jiejie, Not his niece either, Must be a close friend from his circle, Whoever it is, since gege said it, just send blessings!

 

As soon as Lu Xi posted on Weibo, Jian Huai reposted it and added a [cake] emoji.

 

Then everyone knew who the early morning blessing was for.

 

Top comments controlling the narrative: 【Deep brotherly affection, wishing Lu Xi a happy birthday.】

 

【Everyone is just brothers, happy happy.】

 

The fans were strictly guarding, terrified that casual viewers or anyone else might say something like ‘Jian Huai and Lu Xi seem suspicious, that there’s a bromance’ or similar. But they couldn’t stop the CP fans, who had already moved to the supertopic and created short stories, even R-rated ones.

 

We used to be teammates on the same stage. You stood at the peak of the spotlight while I stayed in the corner. Now the positions are reversed, you are still the peak in my heart. Super sweet~

 

The comments under Lu Xi’s post were relatively few and also harmonious.

 

He saw a familiar ID and replied: 【Thanks for coming back.】

 

–

 

Zhu Li heard the Weibo notification sound, and spotted the @LittleLuXixi ID out of the corner of her eye. Her hand trembled in disbelief as she tapped to open it.

 

【Thanks for coming back.】

 

She immediately burst into tears.

 

Her son[mfn]崽崽 zǎi zǎi – In Chinese idol fan circles, “崽崽 (zǎizǎi)” is an affectionate nickname full of pampering and tenderness. Literally, it means “child” or “young animal,” and fans use it to call their idol in a way that conveys a motherly desire to protect the idol like their own child.[/mfn] remembered. Her son remembered her!!!

 

This was a major Weibo account that had been supporting Lu Xi five years ago during the dance competition. She supported her son all the way, making charts, doing data, and chasing live events. Zhu Li never expected Lu Xi to remember. Perhaps when Lu Xi was at his peak, such a reply might have led people to say he was flirting with fans, but after four years, the emotions were too complex.

 

Her son was just someone who cherished feelings deeply.

 

She recalled the first time she went to the airport to take live photos of Zhao Yu. Lu Xi had been pushing his luggage toward her when he abruptly turned away. He must have recognized her, mistaking her for a fan coming to greet him. But she never expected-

 

Aaaaahhhhhhhh her son was too pitiful.

 

Zhu Li’s motherly heart ached unbearably. She immediately went back to work on the data. What’s the point of eating now?!

 

A mother’s love is great!

 

–

 

Little Male Fox was in post-production when Lu Xi returned after his birthday celebration. He received a call from the author and largest investor, Guozili, who announced another major investor had poured in ten million.

 

The group chat exploded.

 

DirectorHuNotFlop: Why didn’t this financial backer daddy invest earlier!!! I’ve already finished eating chaff and swallowing vegetables!!!

 

DirectorHuNotFlop: It’s ten million ahhh!!!

 

DirectorHuNotFlop: Filming was so rushed. If I’d known, I could have filmed for another month!

 

Guozili: I’m puzzled too, but at least the special effects can be better now. I’m thinking of hiring an American special effects team.

 

Guozili: And we have money for promotion now too.

 

Guozili: I love this financial backer daddy, ruthless with money and not picky.

 

Before filming Little Male Fox, to save money, they changed everything unless special effects were absolutely necessary. Now, with money for post-production, hiring an American special effects team was completely possible, with the remaining budget going towards promotional expenses.

 

Everyone had a well-thought-out plan, and the post-production team was more motivated.

 

However, this meant the completion time for Little Male Fox would be delayed.

 

When Lu Xi returned home, he thought for a long time before remembering he was supposed to look for the ring. So he rummaged through boxes and cabinets at home and finally found a wooden box in the luggage he had brought back. Inside was an intricately patterned emerald ring.

 

The ring is in men’s size. It was a bit big for Lu Xi, but it fit just right on his index finger.

 

“Pervert, pervert, let me see what you look like.”

 

Lu Xi put the ring on, concentrating intently on his surroundings, but nothing appeared.

 

…He felt a little disappointed.

 

In the following days, the chilling aura around him never returned. Lu Xi concluded he had been overthinking it.

 

The weather gradually turned colder. Lu Xi lazed around at home for over half a month, picking up and dropping off his sons from school every day, sunbathing, and taking walks. Dahl’s cooking skills are excellent, and during this time, Lu Xi gained three pounds.

 

Lu Xi: …

 

After the birthday, Jian Huai hadn’t contacted him either. Lu Xi breathed a sigh of relief. He still didn’t know how to interact with him.

 

When he picked up Doubao and Dougao from school that day, he saw someone moving out of the elevator on the first floor.

 

The same elevator.

 

Lu Xi shielded the two as they entered the elevator.

 

Their apartment is on the 23rd floor, and the other apartment is on the 24th floor. They have the same floor plan, and the other apartment is right above theirs.

 

The building has two elevators serving two apartments per floor, but they are separated in the middle so that residents don’t disturb each other, with direct elevator access to each home. It was less convenient for neighbors on the same floor to visit each other than for those on the floors above or below. Residents on the first floor must take the elevator down to the ground level and switch to another elevator to visit neighbors on the same floor.

 

For upstairs and downstairs, they could use the elevator or the emergency staircase.

 

They arrived on the 23rd floor.

 

Lu Xi took the two home.

 

After dinner that evening, the doorbell rang. Dahl answered the video call, and it rang again a while later.

 

“Who is it?” Lu Xi walked towards the entrance.

 

Dahl said angrily, “The upstairs neighbor.”

 

“They just moved in today and are already visiting?” Lu Xi looked at Dahl. “Why are you angry?”

 

He looked at the video.

 

Jian Huai’s face was on the screen, smiling slightly. “Good evening, Lu Xi. I just moved in today. Can I have a meal with you?”

 

Lu Xi: …

 

He opened the door.

 

Jian Huai brought fruit as a gift. If he hadn’t confessed last time, Lu Xi would’ve genuinely believed Old Jian was just a good neighbor, a brotherly friend, and that their friendship would last forever. But now, if Lu Xi still didn’t know Jian Huai’s purpose for moving upstairs, he’d really be a green tea bitch.

 

But the upstairs isn’t his home, so it is normal for Jian Huai to rent there. He can’t just be bossy and forbid Jian Huai from living upstairs.

 

“You’re too polite.” Lu Xi accepted the fruit and asked Dahl to prepare some dishes.

 

Jian Huai smiled: “Just make something simple is fine.”

 

Dahl: … He originally planned to just make something simple to send him off. Was he supposed to prepare a full Manchu-Han Imperial Feast for this vixen?!

 

“Hello, Uncle Jian.”

 

Doubao and Dougao were playing with toys. They greeted him obediently, with their faces full of enthusiasm.

 

Jian Huai said, “I’ve moved upstairs. You’re welcome to be my first little guests. Dougao, last time you mentioned building a robot together. You can come up on the weekend. I’ve prepared the materials.”

 

“!” Dougao’s cool little face showed surprise and delight.

 

Doubao clapped his hands, cheering “Great! Great!” for his didi.

 

Dahl: This male vixen is so cunning!

 

Dougao really likes Uncle Jian Huai. Doubao, as the gege, naturally supports whatever his didi likes. What could Lu Xi do? Of course, he has nothing to say. Since Jianhuai didn’t come on too strong from the start, and it feels awkward to refuse him now.

 

Jian Huai is a good neighbor and maintains proper boundaries. He never intrudes too often. On weekends, he would invite the two children upstairs to play, do puzzles, build robots, and have fun. Whenever he cooks something special, he always sends a portion downstairs for them.

 

He never mentioned liking Lu Xi again.

 

As time passed, Lu Xi no longer felt awkward, and her relationship with Jian Huai returned to what it was before.

 

One day, after lazing for over a month, Lu Xi received a call from Director Yuan Tang.

 

Director Yuan was preparing a new movie and needed a third male lead. He asked if Lu Xi is interested and, if so, to come for an audition. The audition is in Beijing. Lu Xi didn’t think much and agreed immediately.

 

Doubao and Dougao had already adapted to life back in the country, and with Dahl taking care of them, Lu Xi had no worries.

 

He talked to the two of them in the evening, and they accepted it well. They happily told their Daddy to work hard and that they would take good care of themselves.

 

That night, Pete booked the flight tickets. Lu Xi stayed one more night, put the two to sleep, and the next day before dawn, left for Beijing with Pete.

 

 

Doubao and Dougao sat on the bed in their pajamas, sleepy-eyed, and their soft black hair was messy. Doubao touched his own cheek.

 

Daddy just gave them a kiss.

 

“Didi, don’t be scared. Gege will sing you to sleep.” Doubao took his didi‘s hand.

 

Dougao looked at his gege with a cool little face and didn’t refute.

 

The two crawled back into bed, huddled together, and continued to sleep.

 

“Can’t sleep ya,” Doubao said in a babyish voice.

 

Dougao couldn’t sleep either but didn’t speak.

 

“I miss Daddy,” Doubao faced his didi. He nodded like a little adult and answered his own question. “But Daddy likes working. We have to support him. Daddy always supports us eating ice cream, eating candy, and going to the amusement park.”

 

Dougao hummed in acknowledgment.

 

“Don’t be scared. If Daddy’s gone, there’s still gege and Uncle Dahl to take care of us,” Doubao said earnestly, his chubby little face serious.

 

It was unclear if he was saying it for his didi or for himself.

 

Dougao reached out and patted Doubao’s shoulder.

 

After a good while, Doubao spoke again, “Didi, that person hasn’t appeared for a long time.”

 

They hadn’t seen him since Daddy’s birthday.

 

“Miss him a little bit.” Doubao extended his pinky finger, his little face serious. “Only this little bit. If he doesn’t miss us, then not even a little bit.” Hmph. He puffed out his cheeks angrily.

 

Dougao patted his gege‘s shoulder again.

 

“I miss gege.”

 

“I miss Dougao too.” Doubao became happy. “I also miss Daddy.”

 

The little kids soon drifted off to sleep again. When they woke up, apart from Daddy not being at the breakfast table, nothing else was different. In fact, Uncle Dahl’s breakfast was even more abundant! After eating, they even had chocolate in their little pockets!

 

Doubao’s eyes sparkled.

 

“Master said that after he left for work, you could each have one every day,” Dahl said with a smile.

 

The two were delighted.

 

Daddy is really the best!!!

 

–

Since returning from the hot spring resort, Xie Zhuhan had experienced heart palpitations, severe headaches, and nearly lost control of his magical power.

 

Just thinking about how he was like that-

 

He couldn’t even think about what would happen next; his heart was throbbing with pain.

 

Thinking of the young man also brought pain.

 

It was like something breaking through the soil and growing wildly, only to be suppressed by a powerful force.

 

The study door opened again.

 

The butler’s worried expression softened into one of respect as the door opened, and he bowed his head.

 

The master did not need his sympathy or concern.

 

“Where is he?” Xie Zhuhan silently traced that name with his lips. Even uttering it caused a faint, thread-like pain in his heart.

 

The butler knew exactly who was being referred to without the master needing to specify who he meant and replied smoothly, “Young Master Lu is in Beijing for an audition. It’s for Director Yuan Tang’s work, Phoenix Seeking Phoenix. He’s auditioning for the third male lead.”

 

“Does he like it?”

 

“I don’t know, Sir,” the butler reported.

 

It was just like four years ago. If Young Master Lu glanced at something or liked it, the master would buy it for him.

 

Xie Zhuhan remained silent for a moment, then waved for the butler to leave.

 

The butler was deeply concerned about the master’s health, and even considered suggesting asking the Old Master to take a look. But he knew that once the words are spoken, his position would be lost. The master detested the Old Master.

 

This father and son don’t get along at all.

 

The old Demon King and the new Demon King.

 

When the young Demon King defeated the old Demon King, he drove him out of his territory.

 

The butler left with a heavy heart, watching the master’s figure fade into the distance.

 

The master used his magic again.

 

 

Maple Grove Kindergarten, Apple Class.

 

This period is games class. They did exercises on the playground, followed by free time.

 

Doubao and Dougao are the darlings of Apple Class. The two brothers, one quiet, one lively, are both handsome and charming. If children in the class liked Doubao, Doubao would tell them they have to like his didi too and be friends with his didi, then he would be friends with them.

 

As for Dougao, he’s always hanging out with Doubao.

 

Thus, the entire class of children was captivated by the two brothers.

 

“Doubao, come play with the ball!”

 

The mischievous and lively boys prefer Doubao more. The quiet, cute little girls liked playing with Dougao didi.

 

Doubao propped his cheek with his hand and shook his head. “I don’t want to play ball.”

 

“Why?”

 

“I know! Doubao said his Daddy has to work.”

 

When work was mentioned, everyone understood. Their parents often go on “business trips” and wouldn’t be home for several days. They all knew from experience how much they hated these trips. Now that Doubao’s Daddy is on a business trip, everyone sat in a row on the playground, comforting Doubao like little adults.

 

“My mom said she’d buy me a toy while she’s on a business trip.”

 

“After a business trip, you get candy, and you can go to the amusement park.”

 

“My daddy is really easy to talk to after he comes back from a business trip.”

 

“Doubao, you can think of your request, and your daddy will fulfill it when he gets back.”

 

Doubao said, “My Daddy is amazing! He supports everything my didi and I do, and we should support his work too. I’m not angry with Daddy.”

 

No one expected Doubao to say that, and the children were all stunned.

 

“Then why won’t you play ball?”

 

“Yeah, yeah, what are you thinking about?”

 

“Are you missing your mommy?” Xiao Hua covered her mouth after saying that, afraid that Doubao would be sad, and said apologetically, “I’m sorry, Doubao, I shouldn’t have mentioned your mommy.”

 

Doubao: ???

 

“Why ya? I’m not angry.”

 

Xiao Hua said softly, “Your Daddy told my grandma that your Mommy passed away.”

 

It turns out Doubao doesn’t have a mother. Everyone feels sorry for Doubao.

 

Surrounded by others, Doubao stood up with his cheeks puffed out. He grabbed his didi‘s hand and shouted, “I don’t have a mommy, but I have two daddies!”

 

So their Mommy passed away.

 

Xie Zhuhan appeared on the playground. His cold face softened slightly.

 

 

 

 

 

Author’s Note:
I updated 5,000 words today, I’m so awesome!

–

Just to clarify, there’s no true love or white moonlight[mfn]白月光” báiyuèguāng – refers to an idealized, unattainable first love or a person who holds a special, often unresolved, place in someone’s heart[/mfn]. Our Demon King, the epitome of BKing[mfn]BKing: Internet slang for someone who is exceptionally cool, domineering, or impressive, often in a showy or arrogant way[/mfn], has only ever loved Xixi from start to finish.

–

Today’s BKing: I’m dead.