Chapter 55

Chapter 55

“The same goes for you, Xiao Ning,” Lu Qianque said. “Whether it’s me or Sir, we both hope you can live a happy and joyful life.”

This wasn’t just polite talk; Ning Qiuyan could clearly feel their sincerity. “I know.”

Once he had calmed down from the impact of the video, Ning Qiuyan returned to his previous spot to continue organizing his things. Lu Qianque didn’t leave immediately. Instead, he crouched down beside him and suddenly said, “But… it seems there’s a bit of a difference between what we hope for and what you want.”

Ning Qiuyan turned his head. Lu Qianque’s gaze was very soft.

Having known him for so long, this was the first time Ning Qiuyan had seen an elder-like expression on Lu Qianque. Compared to Guan Heng, Lu Qianque always seemed more relaxed and lively, to the point that Ning Qiuyan often forgot that the man was nearly ten times his age.

Of course there was a difference.

What Ning Qiuyan wanted and what they hoped for were not the same thing at all, and he believed Lu Qianque was well aware of that.

“Have you been happy these past few months?” Lu Qianque asked sincerely. “Have you been a carefree Little Puppy?”

There was that nickname again.

Ever since Dr. Ling had pinned that label on him and passed it to Lu Qianque, Ning Qiuyan had been wearing it, unable to take it off.

However, Lu Qianque had traveled thousands of miles to save him and had even carried him on his back without complaint. Even if Ning Qiuyan was a little dissatisfied, he felt too embarrassed to lash out. He could only keep his mouth shut in a display of sullen annoyance.

Seeing him like this, Lu Qianque laughed. “So, it turns out the Little Puppy needs to be pampered all the time to be happy.”

Ning Qiuyan: “…”

Finally, Lu Qianque winked at Ning Qiuyan and stood up, saying he really had to leave or he would miss the most suitable flight.

“See you next time,” Lu Qianque said before departing.

Once Lu Qianque left, Ning Qiuyan was alone in the room again.

Ning Qiuyan sat there, the words “see you next time” echoing in his mind. He didn’t know if it was just a casual parting phrase or if they really would meet again. If he could see Lu Qianque again, did that mean there would be a chance to see Guan Heng again in the future?

A heart as greedy as a snake trying to swallow an elephant-even though he hadn’t truly parted from Guan Heng this time, he was already thinking about when they could meet again.

It was the early hours of the morning when Lu Qianque left. Three or four hours later, the sun came up, but Guan Heng still hadn’t returned.

Daytime was not Guan Heng’s time for activity, so Ning Qiuyan assumed Guan Heng wouldn’t return to the hotel until at least the evening. He found some clothes to wear, tidied himself up, and headed out. He had nothing right now; he needed to get a new phone and daily necessities, and stop by the school while he was at it.

Ning Qiuyan was usually very frugal and hadn’t changed his phone in a long time, so he spent a while in the store.

This time, he went straight for the latest model. He used the money he had saved from working as a caregiver at the hospital; after buying the phone, there was still plenty left over.

He logged back into his social media apps, and red notification dots immediately flooded the entire interface.

As expected, the news of him being kidnapped at the hospital by a frantic “psychiatric patient” had spread. Everyone was messaging to ask about it. Missed calls didn’t show up on the new phone, but there were over a dozen missed voice calls from Rong Qi.

Ning Qiuyan called Rong Qi back, but the other boy didn’t pick up immediately. It wasn’t until Ning Qiuyan entered the school gates and realized it was the weekend and there were no classes that Rong Qi’s call finally came through.

Rong Qi wasn’t at school. He said to Ning Qiuyan, “Forget it, since you’re already there, wait for me. The school cleared out a few floors in the faculty dormitory for us to stay in. I don’t know what the conditions are like, and I haven’t checked it out yet either. Let’s go take a look together.”

Ning Qiuyan had seen this being discussed in the student group chats as well.

The old dormitory building needed repairs and renovations, so the school could only use this method to temporarily house the affected students.

“Okay,” Ning Qiuyan agreed.

He went to a convenience store to buy a bottle of hot milk and stood under some massive redwood trees to wait for Rong Qi.

Rong Qi said he was staying at a nearby hotel and it would only take about ten minutes to bike over.

After they met up, Rong Qi first asked about Ning Qiuyan’s ordeal at the hospital. Ning Qiuyan brushed it off with a few vague words. Seeing that he really didn’t seem to be hurt, Rong Qi felt relieved and stopped prying, sighing, “Ning Qiuyan, you’ve really had the worst luck lately.”

“There’s still a little bit of luck amidst the misfortune,” Ning Qiuyan said.

At least he had seen the person he wanted to see most.

Rong Qi changed the subject to the dormitory. “Come on, let’s go see the rooms. If they’re no good, we’ll just rent a place outside. I don’t want to suffer anymore.”

As his roommate, Rong Qi was well aware of Ning Qiuyan’s lifestyle and knew he was very frugal.

Before Ning Qiuyan could speak, Rong Qi patted him and said, “It’s fine. I’m going to rent a big place anyway. You can just move in; no need to pay rent.”

“Let’s just rent a small one then,” Ning Qiuyan thought for a moment. “We’ll split the rent fifty-fifty.”

Rong Qi scoffed. “I’m letting you take advantage of me and you’re still not happy about it.”

The temporary dormitory wasn’t as bad as they had imagined, but they could no longer have a room for just the two of them. Each room had to house at least four people. The good news, however, was that there was a living room, which they didn’t have before.

Ning Qiuyan hadn’t participated much in true collective living, and Rong Qi was the type who hadn’t even wanted a roommate when he first arrived. The situation made both of them feel a bit out of place. Rong Qi asked, “Are we staying?”

Ning Qiuyan said he could accept it and asked, “What about you?”
Rong Qi reached out and slung an arm around him. “If you’re staying, then I’m staying.”

The two of them went to handle the paperwork together, shoulders hooked. Just as they stepped out of the dormitory building, Ning Qiuyan’s phone rang.

Guan Heng’s name was displayed on the screen.

A faint warmth bloomed in Ning Qiuyan’s heart. It turned out Guan Heng hadn’t changed this number. Just as Lu Qianque had said, Guan Heng had contacted him immediately at the time; he had always intended to come and save him.

Something else occurred to him, and he immediately scanned his surroundings, but he didn’t see anyone. However, this confirmed Chi Yang’s claim-Guan Heng indeed had people following him. Otherwise, how would Guan Heng know he had already bought a new phone?

He stepped to the side to answer the call. “Mr. Guan?”

“Where are you?” Guan Heng asked.

His tone was much the same as before.

They hadn’t seen each other since the night before last. Hearing Guan Heng’s voice, Ning Qiuyan subconsciously tightened his grip on the phone.

He let out a soft puff of white mist into the cold air and replied, “I’m at school. I just went to buy some things.”

“Mhm.” Guan Heng’s tone was no different from the past, possessing a certain patience. “Do you still have things to take care of?”

“No, I’m already finished,” Ning Qiuyan said. “I was just about to head back to the hotel.”

Guan Heng simply said, “Good. Then I’ll wait for you.”

Was Guan Heng already back at the hotel?

But it was still daytime.

Ning Qiuyan felt a bit puzzled, sensing that Guan Heng might have something to tell him. It could be about the Blood Supervision Council, or it could very well be about leaving Sujing.

At that thought, he didn’t want to delay for a single moment. He hurriedly said goodbye to Rong Qi to leave, but Rong Qi called out to him, “Wait, where are you going?”

“To find my… friend.” Ning Qiuyan didn’t know how to describe his relationship with Guan Heng, so he could only use that word for now. “See you tomorrow.”

“Find your friend?” Rong Qi asked again. “Then where have you been staying these past few days?”

“With him.” Ning Qiuyan was in a rush to leave, turning around and walking backward, nearly colliding with a pedestrian behind him.

Rong Qi had almost never seen him so reckless. Standing on the steps, he shouted, “Who is it? A friend from Wutong? That guy named Su?”

He’s not from Wutong.

He’s from Du Island, the place you asked about last time.

Ning Qiuyan smiled, his eyes sparkling. “…No! I’m off!”

He turned back around and strode forward, eventually breaking into a run as he dashed out of the small path.

Ning Qiuyan scanned a shared bike and cycled quickly back to the hotel.

Many thoughts flashed through his mind during the elevator ride. No matter which one it was, they all revolved around wanting to create another opportunity for their paths to cross.

He wanted to ask Guan Heng if he could go to Du Island again.

After everything that had happened, he had realized he couldn’t just say goodbye like that again. If Guan Heng no longer needed his blood, then he could work as a farmhand, tending the farm like Guan Ziming, or help Granny Bai, or stay in the mansion and follow Uncle Kang’s arrangements. Any job would do; he was reasonably capable of hard work.

University breaks were quite long anyway. If Guan Heng agreed, he could spend two or three months on Du Island every year.

Would Guan Heng agree?

He probably would.

He thought so.

Ning Qiuyan admitted he was a bit of a romantic, often prone to overthinking, but he wasn’t a fool. He could clearly feel that Guan Heng treated him differently than others. Otherwise, why would Guan Heng leave Du Island, where he had lived for one or two hundred years, just for his sake?

Since there was a new beginning after the end, he didn’t want to remain silent about the words he hadn’t been able to say a few months ago.

With these thoughts in mind, he walked down the softly carpeted hotel corridor. The closer he got to the room door, the harder his heart pounded.

Coincidentally, just as he reached the door and moved to ring the bell, it opened before him.

A woman in her thirties stood inside, wearing a suit and possessing a capable aura. Seeing Ning Qiuyan, she gave a slight smile. “Xiao Ning is back. Hello, my name is Qu Shu. I’m Mr. Guan’s assistant during his time in Sujing.”

So Guan Heng wasn’t alone.

Ning Qiuyan’s heartbeat hadn’t settled yet, but he calmed down slightly and greeted her politely. “Hello, Ms. Qu.”

“I’m quite a bit older than you, so just call me Sister Shu,” Qu Shu said. “Come in quickly.”

The room was very dim, with a faint scent of incense.

Ning Qiuyan saw the curtains drawn tight, blocking out every sliver of daylight, and the flickering flames of scented candles.

Only a single floor lamp was lit in the room. Guan Heng sat on a black leather sofa, his skin almost as white as his shirt, looking as if he weren’t quite real.

The two might have been talking before, but the conversation stopped when Ning Qiuyan interrupted them.

Guan Heng looked toward the door and asked calmly, “Is it raining again?”

Indeed, a fine drizzle was falling outside.

Ning Qiuyan had cycled fast, so his hair was damp now. He looked at Guan Heng with equally misty eyes; across the foyer, his gaze was filled with Guan Heng alone.

Fragmented images flashed through his mind.

They were feverish and similarly dark-embraces from behind, comfort, and intimate care.

“It’s drizzling,” Ning Qiuyan heard himself answer. He looked down and unzipped his jacket, taking off the damp garment and hanging it in the foyer closet.

There were already clothes hanging there-a very long, thick hooded cloak. It was black.

Ning Qiuyan had never seen such a garment, but he soon noticed a pair of black leather gloves on the shelf, along with a black mask.
He roughly understood how Guan Heng planned to travel temporarily during the day; these items were all effective at blocking UV rays.

Qu Shu, quick-witted and efficient, had already brought a clean towel from the bathroom. “Dry yourself off quickly. Your hair is soaking wet. Be careful not to catch a cold.”

“Thank you.” Ning Qiuyan dried his hair, shaking his head slightly to get rid of the water droplets.

He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but after he did that, the smile on Qu Shu’s face seemed to deepen. However, she didn’t stay long. She quickly bid Guan Heng farewell, gave a respectful nod, and turned to leave the room.

Only the two of them remained.

The situation when they first met up had been complicated, and everything had happened in such a rush that they hadn’t really had a chance to talk. Even Lu Qianque had spoken more with Ning Qiuyan than Guan Heng had.

Of course, to Ning Qiuyan, the significance of their interaction was entirely different.

As soon as it fell quiet, Ning Qiuyan didn’t know what to say. To avoid an awkward silence, he searched for a topic. “Um… Lu Qianque has already left. He came to say goodbye to me in the early hours of the morning. He might have reached Luochuan by now.”

“I know,” Guan Heng replied. “There’s nothing left for him to do here.”

Ning Qiuyan gave an “mm” in response. He wanted to ask if Guan Heng’s business was finished and when he would be leaving, hesitating over whether to voice the request he’d been thinking about on the way here.

But Guan Heng spoke before he could. “Come here.”

Guan Heng was leaning lazily back in the sofa in his usual habitual posture, his right elbow resting on the armrest and his long fingers propping up the side of his face. “I have something to say to you.”

“Oh.”

Ning Qiuyan set the towel down and was about to walk over when Guan Heng added, “Keep the towel around your shoulders.”

He foolishly draped the towel over his shoulders and obediently sat down at the other end of the sofa.

It was only then that Ning Qiuyan noticed a small black leather box sitting on the coffee table. It was exquisite, with a silver snap fastener, and had likely been brought back by Guan Heng.

Guan Heng had a tall, imposing frame that felt oppressive even when he was sitting down. His eyes were deep and dark, and his thin lips always appeared cold. Being called for a talk like this would always make one feel apprehensive.

However, his first words were to ask Ning Qiuyan, “How was your rest? Do you still feel unwell?”

He was asking about what had happened the night before last. When Guan Heng left, Ning Qiuyan hadn’t woken up yet.

Ning Qiuyan’s face heated up slightly as he answered, “I slept for a long time and didn’t seem to dream much. My body feels light; I’m not uncomfortable anymore.”

He had a vague guess as to what had been added to that glass of water.

It was likely Guan Heng’s blood, in a small dose-maybe only a drop or two.

He was curious about it, though, and couldn’t help asking Guan Heng, “Does Lu Qianque have this ability too? Or does every… do all of you have it?”

“Not necessarily,” Guan Heng said. “The elders possess stronger abilities.”

Ning Qiuyan nodded thoughtfully. He wondered if their blood had such miraculous healing effects on humans, whether it could be helpful to medical science.

Of course, he knew that was something that could never be exposed, and he didn’t want Guan Heng to be captured and used as a test subject.

While he was caught in this internal brainstorm, Guan Heng called his name. “Ning Qiuyan.”

He continued, “Let’s talk about you rushing into that fire.”

Ning Qiuyan snapped back to reality. Seeing that Guan Heng’s mood wasn’t great, he had the inexplicable feeling of being held accountable after the fact, which sparked a bit of guilt. “…I just wanted to go in and get my guitar. The fire on our floor wasn’t that big yet. I thought as long as I ran fast enough, there wouldn’t be any danger. But the thick smoke billowed up while I was heading downstairs.”

The guitar case was currently sitting not far away, resting quietly beside Ning Qiuyan’s pile of belongings.

Ning Qiuyan’s voice grew quieter as he spoke.

Guan Heng naturally recognized that it was the guitar he had given Ning Qiuyan. He said somberly, “Is a guitar more important than your life?”

Ning Qiuyan remained silent.

They had lost contact, and at that time, that guitar was his only memento. How could he just let it burn?

Even if Guan Heng knew what he was thinking, he probably wouldn’t understand its significance.

“If it burns, it burns,” Guan Heng said. “You must remember that nothing and no one in this world should be more precious than your own life.”

Ning Qiuyan’s chest trembled slightly as he looked at Guan Heng.

Guan Heng’s expression was calm yet serious, as if he were saying that regardless of whether Ning Qiuyan was his exclusive Blood Bag or not, he still held a very special significance, because life itself stood above all else.

With this guidance, Ning Qiuyan immediately thought of his mother, the people who were important to him, and his unfulfilled dreams.

Losing his life for a guitar was indeed not worth it. He shouldn’t have run into the fire so recklessly-even Rong Qi’s angry outbursts in the hospital ward hadn’t made Ning Qiuyan reflect on his mistake as deeply as he was doing now.

Unfortunately, while he knew he was wrong, he didn’t regret it.

Because it was the guitar Guan Heng had given him.

The importance of that point was something he might never be able to explain to Guan Heng.

However, Guan Heng’s next words left Ning Qiuyan stunned. “Even if it’s because of me, you shouldn’t disregard your life.”

Ning Qiuyan’s head began to buzz. Guan Heng had brought it out into the open-was he trying to completely cut off his hopes?

But he had never craved anything more; he just wanted to be able to see Guan Heng.

“If you want one, I can give you a second, a third… countless guitars. But you don’t get a second life,” Guan Heng said coldly. “Do you know what to do next time?”
Air rushed back into his lungs, and the heavy blade hanging over his heart suddenly vanished.

It felt like a sudden turn for the better. Relieved, Ning Qiuyan nodded subconsciously. “I understand. I’ll never put myself in danger again.”

Guan Heng looked slightly satisfied. He sat up, took the small black box from the coffee table, and opened it.

With the crisis averted, Ning Qiuyan’s eyes felt a bit hot. He quickly leaned in to look at the contents of the box to distract himself. “What is this?”

Set against the black velvet inside the box were two dark red gemstones. They were oval-cut, resembling two small pomegranate seeds, emitting a low-key yet unmistakable glow under the light of the floor lamp.

Guan Heng removed the gems from the velvet. Only then did Ning Qiuyan see that the two stones weren’t separate; they were connected by silver fittings. The top stone had a clasp on the back, while the bottom one had a short pin.

Ning Qiuyan recognized it as a uniquely designed stud earring. Once worn, the upper part would clip onto the ear cartilage-a clever design.

As Ning Qiuyan leaned closer, the distance between them narrowed significantly.

Guan Heng didn’t answer immediately. Instead, he looked at Ning Qiuyan with an unreadable expression, deep as the ocean. “I prepared this for you. Do you want it?”

Ning Qiuyan was flattered. “Really? But I don’t even have my ears pierced.”

As he spoke, he couldn’t help but reach out to take it for a closer look, but Guan Heng gave a slight flick of his fingers, hiding the earring in his palm.

“There are conditions,” Guan Heng said. “Don’t be so quick to agree to everything.”

Ning Qiuyan withdrew his hand sheepishly and asked, “What conditions?”

Guan Heng asked, “Have you heard Lu Qianque mention the Blood Supervision Council?”

Ning Qiuyan didn’t understand what this had to do with the Blood Supervision Council, but he answered, “I’ve heard of it. Lu Qianque told me the Blood Supervision Council is the body that manages Vampires. Chi Yang has been on the run from them.”

“Yes.” Guan Heng nodded. “The Blood Supervision Council manages Vampires who violate regulations, but it also grants Vampires certain reasonable rights. For example, it allows them to give a special status to humans with whom they have a Blood Contract, protecting their uniqueness and inviolability. As long as they apply for and receive a Mark, that human’s status will be recognized worldwide, and they will not suffer any harm from Vampires.”

Ning Qiuyan listened, still somewhat confused and entirely off-guard. “What does that mean? Does it mean the Blood Supervision Council also protects humans?”

Guan Heng’s phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, masking his emotions, but his gaze remained fixed on Ning Qiuyan’s face. This was the first time he had looked at Ning Qiuyan with such directness. He didn’t answer Ning Qiuyan’s question, but instead posed another: “Are you willing to continue?”

Ning Qiuyan was even more baffled. “Continue what?”

Guan Heng said, “Continue our agreement on Du Island. Give yourself to me.”

The moment the words were spoken, Ning Qiuyan’s eyes widened, and his mouth parted slightly in surprise.

He had spent so much time thinking about how to return to Du Island, but he had never imagined that Guan Heng would take the initiative to suggest continuing. It was so sudden that it felt surreal.

Had something gone wrong on Du Island again?

Though he should have been worried, Ning Qiuyan’s heart beat honestly and wildly-so loudly that Guan Heng must have been able to hear it. In the next second, Guan Heng’s hand covered the back of his head.

Those five cool, strong fingers slid into his hair, pressing intimately against Ning Qiuyan’s scalp. Their noses almost touched. The sheer impact of Guan Heng’s face made it impossible for Ning Qiuyan to think.

Aside from the few times he had donated blood, they had never been this close.

“This time, the surrender is different.”

Guan Heng’s desire for control was blatant, so strong that Ning Qiuyan felt as if he were drowning in it. He laid out the conditions clearly and slowly, ensuring Ning Qiuyan absorbed every bit of information.

“I will place stricter, more excessive demands on you, but I will also give you the most generous rewards.”

Ning Qiuyan’s eyelashes trembled, each one distinct. “Do… do you still need my blood?”

“I will control my desire for your blood, Ning Qiuyan, but I want more than that,” Guan Heng said. “Not just your thoughts, actions, and body, but all of your emotions as well.”

Ning Qiuyan’s breath hitched for a moment before becoming rapid. His eyelashes fluttered even more violently.

“The earring is the Mark that you belong to me. Everyone will know you are mine. Once it’s on, there’s no possibility of taking it off, no room for regret. You will belong only to me, and you will belong to me forever.”

Guan Heng showed no intention of letting Ning Qiuyan off the hook, his grip making Ning Qiuyan feel a slight sting. He pressed closer, describing the consequences as irreversible, giving Ning Qiuyan every reason to refuse.

“This is a Vampire contract. Do you still want it?”

But Ning Qiuyan hardly hesitated.

He followed his heart’s choice honestly, answering Guan Heng’s question almost like a reflex: “Yes.”

Guan Heng’s fingers tightened, and a dangerous deep red appeared in his dark eyes. “Good boy.”