AFMWDX Chapter 26

TL: Hua

Yu Qingtang lay limply on the sofa, half a peeled orange tucked into his palm. Xu Baizhang put his glasses back on, retied his apron, and began to ladle out the soup.

Xu Baizhang with his glasses on was a gentleman devoid of desire, but just moments ago, when he had taken them off, this gentleman had seemed ready to bite Yu Qingtang right into his own body.

He gently fiddled with the back of his neck. If it weren’t for the “evidence” there, Yu Qingtang might have suspected he was dreaming.

The wound had been meticulously treated—the bleeding stopped, disinfected, and sealed with a waterproof patch. It was like a declaration of ownership, rejecting anyone else’s touch.

They sat across from each other. Xu Baizhang handed him a bowl, peeled shrimp for him, and served him food, but his mouth remained silent.

Yu Qingtang: “Do you want to hear an explanation?”

Putting himself in the other’s shoes, he knew he would be uncomfortable too, especially since he had just promised a few days ago to keep his distance from the director.

Xu Baizhang: “If you want to tell me.”

Yu Qingtang confessed everything that had happened that day, including Liao Wenfeng’s deception using Section Chief Jiang as an excuse and his feelings that crossed the line of a superior-subordinate relationship.

Xu Baizhang didn’t blame him, nor did he press for details. He simply asked, “You didn’t drive today?”

“I didn’t want to have to drive the boss home after dinner, so I took his car.”

Xu Baizhang: “Why didn’t you call me?”

“The restaurant is not far from home, and I’m in a hurry to get back, so taking a taxi is more convenient.”

Xu Baizhang: “It’s my fault. I should have gone over earlier to wait for you.”

“No, it’s not your fault,” Yu Qingtang said. “But I promise you, if there’s trouble again, I’ll contact you immediately.”

“Qingtang, can I ask a question?”

Yu Qingtang stopped his chopsticks and waited for him to speak.

“Why didn’t you end up with him?”

If judged by the standards on Yu Qingtang’s matchmaking profile, that station director fit them perfectly.

Yu Qingtang: “He was married before.”

Xu Baizhang: “And after that?”

Yu Qingtang rested his chin on his hand. “Can I ask a question in return?”

Xu Baizhang: “Go ahead.”

“If the person you met for the blind date wasn’t me, would you have married someone else?”

“No.”

Yu Qingtang’s lips curled from a straight line into a smile. “Do I still need to answer your question?”

Xu Baizhang lowered his head to peel a shrimp. “No need.”

Yu Qingtang rubbed the waterproof patch on the back of his neck. “How long does this stay on?”

“After you shower, I’ll help you take it off.”

—

Three days later, Yu Qingtang was in his office organizing materials for the visit while Liu Siyan helped him check his voice recorder and tablet.

Because the interviewee was a special case, the detention center only allowed one person to enter.

Yu Qingtang put on his earphones and watched the video the grandmother had recorded for Xu Hao. Since returning from Yulong Village, he had clicked on it countless times; every time he watched it, his nose felt like he had swallowed a lemon.

An elderly woman nearing ninety, her days were numbered. She had never been to school and was mostly illiterate; through her trembling body and words, she only hoped her grandson could return soon.

He pressed a finger against the base of his ear, and the sour heat in his nose subsided.

Yu Qingtang took off his earphones. “What is it?”

Liu Siyan was staring at the area around his ear. “The ‘battle’ between you two has been pretty intense lately!”

Yu Qingtang: “What?”

Liu Siyan took a photo and handed it over. “See for yourself.”

Just below the base of his ear was a dark red hickey, round and full, with the texture left by suction in the center—looking like quenched sealing wax.

Yu Qingtang had focused on wearing a turtleneck, not realizing he had left a “little souvenir” there.

He forwarded the picture to his own WeChat and then deleted it from Liu Siyan’s phone.

Liu Siyan took her phone back, leaning against the desk while twirling the ends of her hair. “Big-shot anchor, looks like newlywed life is going quite smoothly.”

“It’s alright.” Yu Qingtang zoomed in on the photo, trying to find traces of Xu Baizhang’s teeth.

Liu Siyan: “Have you slept together?”

Yu Qingtang: “No.”

Liu Siyan leaned in. “How far have you gotten?”

Yu Qingtang zoomed in and out on the photo. “Exactly as far as what you’re seeing.”

The sensation of teeth sinking into skin flickered through his neurons. Yu Qingtang pulled up his collar, hiding that part from Liu Siyan.

“Biting” could be a personal quirk, but based on these two instances, Yu Qingtang was certain that Xu Baizhang’s quirk wasn’t just biting—it was “sucking,” as if he wanted to drain the blood from his body.

“Are you sure?” Liu Siyan didn’t believe him at all. “It’s already like this, and you haven’t rolled around in bed yet? Your waist isn’t sore? Your legs don’t hurt? You can stand up straight? No seven-times-a-night marathons?”

Yu Qingtang snatched her phone, opened an app, and handed it back. “If you’re really that bored, go listen to an audio drama. Qingfeng’s personal channel, all resources are free.”

Liu Siyan wasn’t exactly a “2D world” fan; she just occasionally watched hit anime or listened to audio dramas.

Liu Siyan turned off the phone and tucked it into her pocket. “Do you know that Master Qingfeng hasn’t released a new audio drama in six months? Plus, for the past two years, he’s either played the ‘top’ or done ‘self-pairing’ dramas. I’m bored of it; there’s no spark.”

Yu Qingtang had a versatile voice and could handle both “top” and “bottom” roles. However, he preferred and was better at voicing the “bottom.” Unfortunately, since he couldn’t find a partner with a “top” voice he liked, he had to do it himself, which always felt slightly off.

Yu Qingtang: “Stop thinking about it. There will be even less of a chance in the future.”

Liu Siyan felt it was a pity. “Are you really retiring from the circle?”

Yu Qingtang: “This circle needs fresh blood.”

“If you won’t pair with others, you could pair with your husband. Let me listen and have a real ear-treat.”

“If you don’t think about it, you won’t want to hear it.” Yu Qingtang packed his things and opened the door. “Not chatting anymore; I have to go.”

Today was the day of the appointment to see Xu Hao.

“Wait, wait, wait.” Liu Siyan hurried to rummage through her bag. “Want an orange? I just bought them, thirty yuan a pound, super sweet.”

“No thanks, you eat it for me.”

“Qingtang.” Liu Siyan gripped the orange. “I’m counting on you.”

Yu Qingtang’s hand clenched and then relaxed. He waved his hand with his back turned. “I’m off.”

—

Yu Qingtang had seen photos of Xu Hao as a child at the grandmother’s house; he was chubby-cheeked and loved to smile, someone everyone would praise as cute.

The person actually in front of Yu Qingtang was a rebellious teenager taller than himself, with his hair shaved into a buzz cut and hints of bleached highlights at the tips.

Just like the school bully in idol dramas, his face is full of “I don’t like you” written all over it.

Yu Qingtang greeted him in an adult manner: “Hello, I am Yu Qingtang.”

Xu Hao had one foot up on the stool, his shoulders slouched. “Whatever. Say what you have to say and get out.”

The prison guard gave an order: “Xu Hao, be polite. Put your foot down. This is a host from the news channel.”

Xu Hao lowered his foot, his eyes scanning sideways. “I don’t watch any damn news. I don’t care who he is.”

Rebellious teenagers were indeed frustrating, but fortunately, Yu Qingtang was prepared. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t watch the news. I have another identity—I am your second uncle’s spouse.”

Xu Hao didn’t spare him a glance, preoccupied with picking his teeth. “Which second uncle?”

“Xu Baizhang.”

Xu Hao wavered for half a second before quickly returning to his hostile attitude. “Tch, you really think just anyone can pretend to be my second uncle’s family?”

Yu Qingtang didn’t explain. He played the message Xu Baizhang had recorded for him.

There were only two sentences.

“Xiao Hao, long time no see.”

“Listen to Uncle Yu.”

The content was brief, but the effect was massive. Finally, a look of “being well-behaved” appeared on the rebellious teen’s face.

Yu Qingtang stopped the recording. “Believe me now?”

Xu Hao lowered his head and picked at his hand. “I’m already such a piece of trash; why does he still bother with me?”

“No matter what you’re like, he is still your uncle.” Yu Qingtang added, “And of course, I am your uncle too.”

Xu Hao’s eyelids flickered up three times, each time glancing at Yu Qingtang’s face, as he muttered softly, “Second Uncle got married without saying a word.”

“Special circumstances—there was no way to notify you in time.” Yu Qingtang took a candy tin from his bag. “Here, wedding candy. Your second uncle said you like this flavor.”

It was Want Want milk candy in its red packaging.

The candy tin had been thoroughly inspected, inside and out.

The detention center had strict regulations prohibiting the delivery of items during visits. After Yu Qingtang pleaded for a long time and the items underwent multiple checks, they finally agreed: the candy could only be eaten in the visiting area, and any leftovers had to be taken back.

Xu Hao’s ears turned beet red. “Only little kids like this stuff!”

“Alright, I’ve noted that. Next time I’ll bring ‘grown-up’ food.” Yu Qingtang pushed the candy toward him. “Give me some face; your second uncle and I bought this specifically for you.”

“Just this once.” Xu Hao grabbed one and stuffed it into his mouth. After chewing for a long while, he muttered out a muffled, “Thanks.”

Yu Qingtang felt quite relieved; at least the boy knew how to say thank you.

With the tension between them slightly thawed, Yu Qingtang took out his voice recorder and switched it on in front of him. “Everything we say from here on will be recorded. Don’t worry, all content will be blurred or voice-changed, and nothing will air without your consent.”

Xu Hao’s face slumped. “I already told you I don’t know anything. What’s there to ask?”

It seemed the “uncle” card had reached its limit for now. Yu Qingtang took out his tablet. “Your grandmother left a message for you.”

Due to visiting protocols, a prison guard stood behind Xu Hao. It wasn’t convenient for Yu Qingtang to leave the room, but he didn’t want to sit directly across from the boy while he watched it, so he stood up and walked to the window.

This wasn’t Yu Qingtang’s first time in a detention center. During his senior year of university, he had interned at the provincial station for a year, working on the legal column for the social channel.

Back then, Yu Qingtang had thought the windows here were truly small—welded with bars, so small you couldn’t even see the sky.

Xu Hao turned the volume to the lowest setting.

Yu Qingtang had watched that video countless times; he knew every word the grandmother said by heart.

“Haohao ah, they all say you’re bad, but Grandma knows you’re a good boy. You didn’t steal that money on purpose; you wanted to buy Grandma new clothes and to build Grandma a new house. Grandma knows, I know it all.”

“No matter why you did it, stealing or robbing is wrong. If you did wrong, then you must fix it. Once you’ve changed, Grandma will be waiting for you to come home.”

“Grandma doesn’t want new clothes or a new house. Grandma just wants her good grandson back.”

“You have to talk to the police; tell your Uncle Yu everything. Only by telling the truth can you reform properly and come out early.”

“Our Haohao has grown up; you can’t act like a spoiled child in Grandma’s arms anymore.”

“Haohao… Grandma’s good boy, Grandma misses you. Come back soon…”

When the video ended, Yu Qingtang was still standing by the window, desperately trying to catch a glimpse of the sky through the tiny opening.

Ten minutes passed before he turned back around.

The rebellious punk had turned into a dejected puppy with bloodshot eyes. Yu Qingtang didn’t hand him a tissue; a teenager with sky-high pride didn’t need that.

Yu Qingtang pretended not to notice his watery eyes. “Is there anything you want to ask me?”

“How is Grandma’s health?”

“She can eat and drink, and she’s still got the spirit to pick fights with people. She misses you terribly, but she won’t say it to anyone.”

Just like you.

Missing someone in silence, wiping away tears in secret.

Xu Hao sniffed hard. “I know my grandma is old. I’m not getting out. I won’t see her again.”

“Stop talking nonsense. You’re only sixteen; what do you mean you ‘won’t get out’? Also, don’t curse your grandmother like that; she has your second uncle looking after her.”

Yu Qingtang gripped his pen. “What you need to do now is cooperate with the police and tell them everything you know.”

Xu Hao stopped talking back, but he kept his head down, clearly not intending to speak.

Yu Qingtang gave him some time to think before saying gently, “Xiao Hao, you know, don’t you? You know everything.”

Xu Hao kept his head down, treating the words like wind passing his ears.

“Xiao Hao, I went to great lengths to see you, and it wasn’t just for the program.” Yu Qingtang took a deep breath. “I have a friend who was once caught up in that place. I really want to know what kind of organization it is and what exactly happened there.”

“Those people put you up to it, didn’t they? Do you remember their names? Or maybe their faces?”

Xu Hao’s breathing quickened, as if he were watching a horror movie. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything.”

He grabbed his head, his whole body trembling. “Don’t ask me. I really don’t know, I don’t know, I don’t know…”

The reaction exceeded Yu Qingtang’s expectations. He walked over and pulled the boy close, patting his back and comforting him in a low voice. “Don’t think about it anymore; we won’t talk about it. It’s okay, we’re done for today.”

Yu Qingtang wanted the truth, but never at the cost of hurting Xiao Hao.

He coaxed Xu Hao, telling him about recent funny events in Yulong Village. He talked about how the hen from the third aunt’s house bit the dog from the second uncle’s house, how the fourth uncle’s cat had a litter of eight, and how all his friends were thinking of him. He talked until Xu Hao’s state stabilized.

Visiting time was up. Yu Qingtang stopped the recorder, forced to end the interview for the day.

Although he hadn’t gained many clues, at least it hadn’t been a wasted trip.

Before leaving, Yu Qingtang called out to him. “Can I ask you one more question?”

Xu Hao was clutching a candy wrapper in his palm. “What?”

Yu Qingtang: “Your second uncle’s father… do you know much about him?”

Xu Hao’s face went stiff, like it had been set with glue. “Why?”

“How did his father pass away?”

The corners of Xu Hao’s mouth pulled down sharply. “My second uncle didn’t tell you?”

“I never asked.”

“Then don’t ask me either!”

—

The follow-up on Xu Hao continued, and there were other cases to interview. Their schedule was tight and the workload heavy; they were busy to the point where day and night blurred together.

That day, they worked overtime until 11:00 PM. Yu Qingtang and Liu Siyan headed home together.

The elevators in the main office building shut down at 11:00 PM, so they had to take the freight elevator in the West Building. Since they weren’t on a high floor, the two of them chatted as they walked down the fire stairs.

As they neared the exit, Liu Siyan wrinkled her nose. “What’s that smell? Who spilled alcohol?”

Yu Qingtang frowned. “It is very strong.”

Suddenly, a figure lurched out from the doorway. He was tall, swaying unsteadily, and reeked of heavy booze.

Liu Siyan gasped, then squinted. “Station Director? What are you doing here?”

Liao Wenfeng’s gaze was fixed entirely on Yu Qingtang. “I want to talk to you.”

Yu Qingtang: “I’ll go to your office tomorrow.”

Liao Wenfeng: “We talk now.”

“You’ve drunk so much. What is there to talk about?”

“Qingtang, why can’t you look at me?” Liao Wenfeng said. “How do you still not understand how I feel? I really can’t be without you.”

Liu Siyan was nearly gagging from disgust. “Director, please calm down. How about I call a cab for you?”

Liao Wenfeng roared, “I can’t be calm!”

Yu Qingtang scanned the surroundings. There were no cameras in the fire escape, but once they stepped outside, they’d be under the city’s surveillance network. Especially at the TV station entrance, the surveillance density was extremely high.

Liao Wenfeng was so drunk that if Yu Qingtang tried to leave by force, he would likely be harassed, and any footage caught on camera would be trouble. He cherished this job and didn’t want to be linked to this leader.

Yu Qingtang said, “What do you want to talk about?”

Liao Wenfeng: “I want to talk to you alone.”

Yu Qingtang handed his car keys to Liu Siyan. “Wait for me in the car.”

Liu Siyan pulled him closer. “Are you joking? Do you know what the situation is?”

Yu Qingtang knew perfectly well. The TV station was a den of gossip, and the rumors about him and the director were already messy enough.

Yu Qingtang became an evening news anchor as soon as he joined the provincial TV station, and there was bound to be a lot of gossip in private. Over the years, he has silenced the envious mouths with his abilities.

In the middle of the night, it was fine if Liu Siyan was there, but if he was caught alone with Liao Wenfeng, it would be even harder to explain.

Yu Qingtang had considered all of this. When he handed over the keys, he slipped his phone to her as well. “It’s fine. Wait for me outside. Also, help me ask Dr. Xu if that herbal medicine should be taken before or after a meal.”

The fire door closed automatically, the vibration triggering the dim, flickering lights in the stairwell.

Yu Qingtang moved near the exit. “What do you want to say?”

“I knew about you back when you were a freshman. I was the head of the News Department then and went to your school to recruit; I saw you hosting the gala.”

So, angels really did exist. He was so beautiful, his voice so clean; when he stood there, the whole world seemed to glow for him.

Back then, Liao Wenfeng thought that once Yu Qingtang graduated, he absolutely had to bring him to the provincial station.

Only after getting to know him better did he realize that Yu Qingtang didn’t just have an outstanding appearance and a god-given voice—he also possessed extraordinary intelligence and ability.

Learning that Yu Qingtang’s dream was to be a news anchor, Liao Wenfeng expanded the number of evening news anchors after he officially joined, increasing the staff from two teams of four to three teams of six.

As expected, Yu Qingtang lived up to expectations, taking a commanding lead and securing the only male anchor spot.

He was excellent—so excellent he didn’t need any outside help or green lights. But Liao Wenfeng wanted so badly to give him those green lights, to use the back door for him, so that Yu Qingtang would be grateful to him, submit to him, and fall in love with him.

Liao Wenfeng’s eyes were bloodshot. “You are so outstanding, so perfect. You should belong to me, you should—”

Yu Qingtang interrupted him. “I’ll say it one last time: I am married.”

“I don’t care. If you divorce, I will be a proper husband and cherish our relationship.”

Yu Qingtang didn’t want to waste his breath on a drunkard. “I can pretend you never said that. Please don’t say another word.”

Alcohol had plugged Liao Wenfeng’s ears; he looked like a painted clown. “Tangtang, look at me. From when you were nineteen to twenty-nine, I’ve liked you for ten years. It’s my fault; I should have divorced earlier.”

“It’s all my fault for making you wait so many years. You must have gotten impatient and married someone else just to spite me. I’m sorry.”

Yu Qingtang couldn’t stand another second. “I’m leaving. Sort yourself out.”

He didn’t even get the door open before he was yanked back.

“Don’t go! Tangtang, don’t leave.”

“Liao Wenfeng, let go! Don’t make me call the police!”

The fire door was shoved open from the outside. The hand gripping Yu Qingtang was forcibly torn away, and he was pulled into a safe zone.

Liu Siyan rushed in, panting. “Qingtang, are you okay?”

Yu Qingtang rubbed his stinging forearm. “I’m fine.”

Immediately after, the two of them stood there dazed, their attention fixed on the scene before them.

They saw Xu Baizhang make a move that looked like he was channeling internal energy. He stood firmly with his feet apart, aimed his palm at Liao Wenfeng, and pushed. It didn’t look like much force was used, but Liao Wenfeng stumbled back and collapsed, clutching his abdomen and groaning in agony.

He curled up on the floor like a live shrimp being roasted.

Liu Siyan’s mouth dropped open wide enough to swallow a ball. “My god! Does Chinese medicine include studying secret martial arts manuals?”

Yu Qingtang was also stunned. He knew Xu Baizhang practiced Tai Chi, but he hadn’t expected such formidable skill. It turned out martial arts movies weren’t entirely fiction.

Xu Baizhang stood with his back straight, hands behind him—the only thing missing was a legendary sword. He looked down at the defeated man writhing on the floor. “If you dare harass him again, it won’t be just one palm strike.”

As Xu Baizhang turned to walk toward them, the two of them took a sharp breath, almost wanting to bow in respect.

“Are you all right?” Xu Baizhang asked him.

“I’m fine. Luckily you came just in time.” Yu Qingtang’s adrenaline hadn’t faded yet. “How did you get here so fast?”

Liu Siyan had been gone for less than ten minutes.

Xu Baizhang: “I was waiting at the station entrance for you to get off work.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I didn’t want to interfere with your work.”

Yu Qingtang felt a mix of admiration and warmth. “Let’s go. Let’s go home.”

“Uh, wait…” Liu Siyan pointed behind them at the man still rolling on the ground and wailing. “Master Xu—no, Dr. Xu, should we call an ambulance? Will he die?”

The director’s howling was terrifying.

It sounded like a ghost was being exorcised.

Did he hit him with some “Bone-Melting Palm”?

Would there be nothing left of him by morning?

Xu Baizhang looked coldly at the man on the floor. “He’s fine. The pain will clear his head.”

Though it was a bit petty, Liu Siyan couldn’t resist. Before leaving, she stealthily recorded a short video of Liao Wenfeng wailing.

Try acting like a creep again, and I’ll expose you to everyone. You scumbag!

The three of them left together, with Xu Baizhang leading the way.

Liu Siyan: “Are you taking Master Xu’s car?”

Yu Qingtang nodded.

Liu Siyan: “Then I’ll grab a cab.”

“Come on, we’ll drop you off first.”

Yu Qingtang opened the back door, but Liu Siyan stopped him. “Can you two lovebirds sit in the front? Don’t let me interrupt your vibe from the back seat.”

Yu Qingtang smiled. “Alright.”

Just as he opened the front door, Yu Qingtang remembered that Xiao Hao had written a letter and left it in his car. He hadn’t had a chance to read it yet. “Wait for me; I need to go grab something.”

Xu Baizhang: “I’ll go with you.”

“No need, it’s just right there.”

Yu Qingtang stopped halfway. Leaving the two of them in the car… Siyan won’t feel awkward, will she? She was an extrovert with friends but easily got social anxiety around strangers—especially since Xu Baizhang carried such a natural air of authority.

Forget it; it’s not right to drag either of them back now.

Yu Qingtang was fast; the round trip took less than five minutes. He opened the door and got in, checking their reactions. They seemed relatively harmonious.

When they arrived at Liu Siyan’s place, she bid them a warm farewell and specifically said to Xu Baizhang, “Master Xu, call me anytime. Bye-bye!”

Once Liu Siyan left, Yu Qingtang was curious. “You two chatted well?”

Xu Baizhang: “Your friend is very enthusiastic.”

Yu Qingtang: “What did you talk about?”

“Her father has leg problems; she wanted me to take a look.”

“That’s it?”

It wasn’t that Yu Qingtang suspected Xu Baizhang, but based on his understanding of Liu Siyan, this woman would definitely not be content with just talking about this.

Xu Baizhang drove into the underground garage. “She also told me about your preferences.”

Yu Qingtang: “What preferences?”

“She said,” Xu Baizhang slowed his speech, “that you like… excitement.”

Yu Qingtang: “…”

I’ve never seen such a blunt wingwoman.

Xu Baizhang pulled the handbrake. “Can I ask, exactly what level of ‘excitement’ are we talking about?”

Yu Qingtang’s gaze shifted from left to right, eventually meeting Xu Baizhang’s eyes in the rearview mirror. “What do you think?”

“I can’t guess.” Xu Baizhang unbuckled his seatbelt and leaned over. “I only know that you sound particularly good when you’re panting.”

Xu Baizhang’s eyes were reflected in his own; their shadows overlapped in the dim light.

Yu Qingtang could hear his heart racing, but he didn’t look away. “Dr. Xu, are you flirting with me?”

“Stating a fact.”

Like a child who had done something bad and was about to run away, Xu Baizhang was grabbed by the collar and held in place.

Yu Qingtang tilted his head. “What are you hiding from?”

Xu Baizhang tilted his head the other way, his breath falling near Yu Qingtang’s ear. “Nothing.”

Yu Qingtang reached out and grabbed his tie, rolling it up slowly. “Dr. Xu seems to be in a good mood?”

“It’s alright.”

“Can I know why?”

Xu Baizhang’s breath was hot enough to start a fire. “Just as I was about to call you, I received the call you asked your friend to make.”

“Wasn’t that what I was supposed to do?” Yu Qingtang unclicked his seatbelt, tugged the tie tight, and leaned in closer. “If I don’t call my husband, who else would I call?”