Main Story Chapter 11-17: Along with the Sins (与罪同行) | Light and Night 光与夜之恋

Before proceeding with the current chapter, please read the previous chapter here.

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I saw many images.

I saw Jesse standing at the roadside we separated, clenching his fists tightly until his knuckles became pale, then said sorry towards my disappearing silhouette.

I saw him walked into a room that says "LianShan Organization - Human Safety Department" but arranged like a police station, talking to a youth that I don't know of with a serious expression.

I saw him carelessly barging into a room with not a single ray of light, with a handcuffed man with a scarred face sitting in there.

There are a few people dressed in black uniform surrounded him to stop Jesse from talking to that man. He dodged as he pushed those people away, and hurled his fist towards the scarred man.

Jesse: So is it the person back then, is it him that has kidnapped someone else again?!

Man: Why are you coming here to ask me again when you already have the answer? Yes, just like this, get angrier.

Jesse's eyes reddened, like a hysteric beast with fangs let out. But that man shows no signs of fear, but have instead laughed.

Man: You're afraid. I've already told you long ago. The Strains are not easy opponents.

He scoffed lightly, mocking through his gaze.

Man: To be so helpless from knowing someone important is about to be hurt soon, it must've been very difficult for you isn't it? This is the price for Xia family to pledge their loyalty to LianShan Organization.

More men in uniform rushed towards the place as soon as the news reached them, forcefully separating Jesse from the scarred man. Between the aggressive movements, both faces are wounded.

The youth earlier brought Jesse out of the room, and restrained him by pressing onto his shoulder.

Youth: Calm down, the news of the fire at the art gallery is immediately deleted after it was released. This means that it's highly possible for other forces to have interfered this incident. For the news to be taken away, and the boy is transferred... I know you're worrying, but we have been working actively to trace for his new location. In a situation like this, you can never act abruptly.

Jesse: I know. But Yu Yang, did you hear what he said? He indeed has accomplices, and it's not even just one.

Yu Yang: But the organization has been investing for so many years, and there's no way for them to investigate on which branch of the Strains he is related to, he's provoking you. Also... Let me tell you, I saw the kidnapper this time, I'm certain that this person isn't the same group as he is.

Jesse: You've seen him? Give me his info.

The youth hesitated for a moment, looked around and finally nodded softly.

Yu Yang: I knew you haven't been able to forget Uncle's death, and you've been blaming yourself for it. That person's words have became an indelible nightmare of yours.

Jesse: It's not only about what happened back then... She is more important than anything, so I want her to be fine, and I can't allow the slightest bit of possibility of danger for her.

Yu Yang: Just think about it yourself, have you ever allowed them to get to their plans for even once throughout all these years? Why did you mess up whenever it's about your childhood sweetheart? If there were people of the Strains endangering the society, we will definitely not forgive them. Didn't we also avenged for you back then?

Jesse did not speak, only to lower his head and looked towards his palm.

Just then, the door is pushed open. A uniformed person rushed in with panic written all over his face.

He took the photo of the fire scene, and in the tattered art gallery, the girl's panicked expression is among the crowd, looking incomparably eye-catching.

With a loud clang, Jesse immediately stood up. The chair wobbled a few times, then collapsed to the ground.

I took my hand back, heart beating vigorously. The large amount of information made me a little confused.

Uncle's death? Does that mean it's Jesse's dad? Has he already passed away?!

Also childhood sweetheart...  Because of Yangyang's kidnap, he thought I'd be facing danger, and hence that's why he was so determined to decline me from being involved in this matter?

LianShan Organization, the weird scarred man, even the youth named Yu Yang... Are all of these the secrets Jesse is hiding from me?

Warm is felt from my arm. I lowered my head to see Jesse's cheek softly nuzzling against it.

His brows are still knitted into a pained frown. I don't know what he is dreaming of, or should I say, all dreams are causing him pain.

But this time, I've decided to not delve into it any further. There's a secret in everyone's hearts, but if it were a scar so painful, I really can't bear to tear it open for him.

I hope, that he will forever be the simple, happy Tangyuan whenever he's with me.

You: Tangyuan, wake up, we're home.

Jesse: Ugh... Let me sleep a little longer.

You: I'll not wait for you if you sleep any longer.

Jesse: Let's go let's go let's go! I'll not sleep for another second longer!

He immediately sat up in reflex and jumped off the car in. his sleepy eyes. I felt like laughing a little, but my heart felt sore when I recalled his response.

The first thing I have to do is to tend to Jesse's wound as soon as we're home.

You:  Tell me if it hurts.

I hold onto the cotton bud as I applied iodine on his face.

Jesse: Am I still a man if I complain about pain? But what you said earlier, it sounds a little like an innuendo.

I instantly applied more strength on my hand.

Jesse: ... Ouch ouch ouch!

You: Didn't you say you aren't a man if you complain about pain?

Jesse: So do you wish for me to complain about it or not?

He suddenly gazed up and looked at me seriously. But I have instead felt weirdly panicked, quickly lowering my head and placed the iodine back to the first-aid kit.

You: What are you saying...

Jesse: I'm asking you on how you're viewing me,

You: You're Tangyuan.

Jesse: So what Tangyuan is to you? Childhood friend? Good friend?

You: Both.

But he seemed like he isn't satisfied with my answer, and grabbed my hand that is tidying the first-aid kit.

Jesse: You were angry earlier because I am hiding something from you, and you didn't like be being dishonest with you, right? Or was it... because I'm very important to you, so you wanted to know everything about me?

I stunned a little, and immediately understood that he asked this because he has overheard my conversation with the driver.

But just right at this moment, the lamp above us have dramatically flashed and extinguished. We then sat in the darkness quietly. 

You: The latter.

I heard my affirmative voice.

You: To me, you have always been very important.

Jesse smiled softly. In the darkness, his face leaned closer towards me.

Jesse: Do I don't regret in whatever I do, I am willing to do all of them.

I don't know what this sentence that came out of nowhere meant. He has already stood up, and pressed on the switch a few times.

Jesse: Do you have lightbulbs at home?

You: I've made a group purchase before, but...

Jesse: You can't find it.

You: Uh, yeah, it's just--

Jesse: It's just that you simply placed it aside, but you didn't expect that there'd be someday you'd really need it.

You: ......

Jesse: You simply placed your keys aside when you were in primary school, and you ended up getting yourself locked in the school's library. You simply placed your exam admission slip aside, and you ended up almost not making it to the exam.

He switched on the torch on his phone, and searched across a few cabinets in my house.

Jesse: It should be slightly better after you worked, but you are probably still simply placing your hairclips everywhere.

You: How did you know that

Jesse: I saw it when I entered the door, there are quite a few on the shoe rack.

I felt a little embarrassed from what he said. Thank goodness the lights are off now, and he can't see my face.

Jesse: Let me look at this cabinet... Found it!

You: Did I place it there?

Jesse: It's in the sorting box where you placed tissues. I guess you bought them together, then you didn't manage to find a place to store it, so you simply tossed it in.

You: ......

It only took a moment for the house to be brightened again.

Jesse: I took out all of the remaining bulbs for you, and placed them in the miscellaneous basket by the entrance. There are also screwdriver, spanner, scissors, tape and other sorts of household tools. I've also tidied your cabinet. The first one has tissues, second one has garbage bags and first-aid kit, the third are the surplus toiletries. Don't simply store your things, it'll be a huge headache when you are looking for them when you need it.

You: Okay, thank you!

I took out the extra blanket at home, and spread it out on the floor as a second bed, just like how it was when we were little.

Just when I was planning to simply toss the bag for the blanket after spreading it out, Jesse suddenly had his eyes on it. Under his gaze, I folded it and placed it back to where it originally was.

Why does it feel like this kiddo is now like my parent? He has indeed changed a lot!

After switching the lights off, I laid on my bed. I should be able to get into the dreamlands after a busy day, but I can't fall asleep no matter what I do.

Jesse: Can you fall asleep?

You: I can't.

Jesse: I heard that a way to help with sleep is to hear others talking softly. Wanna give it a try?

You: Sure, you can say anything, but you can't say any of my embarrassing past out!

Jesse: Missy, you are gauging a gentleman's heart with your own measure now. I remember everything about you, so of course the embarrassing things are included.

You: Quit that.

Jesse: I also remember many good points about you alright?

You: Then try telling me.

Jesse: I'll begin then. You are someone very competitive and faithful.

You: Wait, why does it sound kinda wrong from the very start?

Jesse: I'm praising you seriously. Whenever there's a kid being bullied back in our community area, you'll help him to bully them back.

You: Annotation, the 'kid' here is specified for the kid named Jesse.

Jesse: Do you still want to listen?

You: I want to, of course I want to, go on.

Jesse: You dislike troubling others since you were little, but you're always solving all sorts of troubles for others. Sometimes, I really wish you can rely on others from time to time, this kind of feelings is actually pretty good. You won't let go as long as you are set on a goal, even if everyone are going to obstruct you, you'd still persist for it. 

Jesse: Your personality is strong, and you also have a strong mentality, and there are also times where you'd doubt yourself. But don't doubt, everything you do are right. You have a lot of sympathy, you can feel others' struggles, but you aren't too soft that you'd get manipulated by others. It's also very simple for you to be happy, but there are also times when it's difficult. But of course, I have now found the secrets to it. You...

The even sounds of breath are heard. Jesse stunned, then smiled as he climbed up.

Jesse: I'm already prepared to talk about it for three days and nights, but you've instead fallen asleep. Then I'll first tell you the last one. You, are the person that Jesse wishes to protect the most. Good night.

While most of the people are already in their dreams in the city, there are always people who are still busy.

In the president suite of the highest floor in Lu's Hotel, Lu Ting is welcoming a guest that came from afar.

Lu Ting: Mr. Zha, I've purchased medicine from you for so many years, but this is still our first time meeting each other. I'll definitely be show you great hospitality throughout your days in Guang Qi city.

The man in black hair on the opposite has instead shook his head.

Mr. Zha: Thank you, Mr. Lu, but no need. I'll make my own arrangements. My baby son is going to finish his shift an hour later, so I suppose, perhaps our conversation today can end earlier today?

Lu Ting (chuckles):  I understand. I heard that there's a medicine NOVATEN developed that could allow the vessels to be more stable. Even if the transformation fails, the body can disappear without leaving a trace. To be honest, there are some vessels showed signs of self-combustion, it's somewhat troublesome to take care them.

Mr. Zha: If required, I can offer my help to take care of those, since this is a situation that is caused by the instability of the medicine.

Lu Ting: No need, although it's a little troublesome, but I have took care of them.

Mr. Zha: Mm, if you were to cooperate with the Elder of Erdas and those of high position among humans... Problems like this can indeed be taken care very properly.

Lu Ting smiled, raising a tea cup in gesture.

Lu Ting: In the current society, cooperations for profit is far more reliable and secure than blood and race. For instance, between you and I.

Mr. Zha: You're right. Then, allow me to properly introduce our newly developed medicine to you, Mr. Lu. But this medicine has not much of relation towards the vessels.

Lu Ting's expressions changed.

Lu Ting: Has the medicine to suppress degeneration been researched?

Mr. Zha: Not only that, it can even stimulate Talent to the greatest extents.

Lu Ting: Stimulate Talent... I believe Mr. Zha has proceeded with enough experiments to be able to make a statement like this.

Mr. Zha: Of course. Just like you, I also believe that it is necessary to have appropriate unions with other races.

The man took out a name card and placed on the table. The words Sun TaiZhong are clearly seen on it.

Lu Ting looked at the words on the name card, and showed an understanding expression.

Lu Ting: Looks like Mr. Zha has already helped me once again before our met this time. But don't worry, we have also prepared backup. Even if the situation in the hospital is told to public, it's fine too.

Mr. Zha: Killing two birds with one stone?

Lu Ting: No, this time, it's killing three birds with one stone.

Mr. Zha: Then I shall look forward to it very much.

He stood up, not showing even the slightest bit of smile from his calm face, but Lu Ting knows, that this is already his kindest expression.

Mr. Zha: I'm going to see my baby son now.

Speaking of his son, he rarely showed a smile on his face.

In the corridor, the man's footsteps hastened a little. He seemed like he's particularly looking forward to this meeting.

He called for one of his subordinates.

Mr. Zha: How's the young master's illness condition?

Subordinate: It's still the same, degeneration is not obvious, but his personality have became more extreme, headache and hallucinations happens.

Mr. Zha (sighs): Increase the dosage, and watch his changes at all times.

To read Chapter 11's Light End, click here.

Night End coming soon.