Case Files Chapter 116: Still Waters and Bitter Cold (9)

Translated by Vivian of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Addis

 

As Wen JinHan stood at the bar counter, he was a little absentminded, partially because of what could almost be considered a confession from his enemy, and partially because of his mission that he wasn’t making much progress in. They pulled back and forth in his brain like a game of tug-of-war, giving him a headache.

He glanced at Jiang Shu, who was standing not too far away. The relationship between Jiang Shu and Li Long could be a breakthrough point, but the premise was that he had to be sure that Jiang Shu wouldn’t insist on staying with him. As he was lost in thought, Wen JinHan’s grip loosened, and the wine bottle cork he was holding fell onto the counter and rolled away.

He quickly bent down to search for it under the counter.

It was hard to feel for the cork in the dim lighting, so he quickly took a step back and stood up.

“Ah——” exclaimed Wen JinHan when he accidentally bumped his head on the bottom of the counter.

He sullenly bent back down and continued looking for the cork. Suddenly, he felt something strange and withdrew his hand in surprise. He felt around again to make sure his hunch was right; instantly, beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead.

“JinHan, what are you doing?” called Jiang Shu.

“I was picking something up and accidentally bumped my head.”

Jiang Shu walked over and helped him up. “Is it serious?”

“No, I’m fine.” Wen JinHan grinned.

“You should go back and rest, you look a little pale. If necessary, you should see a doctor.”

Wen JinHan nodded and hastily returned to the room. During the day, Ou Chen usually wasn’t there, so he closed the door.

Just then, he had touched a very familiar object: a listening device. Moreover, not too long ago, he had already checked that spot and made sure that there weren’t any listening devices in the bar. Even earlier, he had periodically inspected everywhere until he was sure that Ou Chen had no intention of listening in on their conversations. However, this had appeared today, which was enough to mean that because of the escape of the undercover agent the other day, Ou Chen suspected him. Even though he might not have been the one to suggest planting a listening device there, he had acquiesced in it.

Wen JinHan sank into the sofa and couldn’t help but smile bitterly. This was Ou Chen; no matter how much he liked something, he would still never lose reason. He was kind to Wen JinHan, but that didn’t stop him from being suspicious of him. As for Wen JinHan, he had almost gotten himself into a mess and exposed himself just because of a momentary fluctuation in feelings. When he imagined what might have happened if he had said something to Jiang Shu at the bar that he shouldn’t have, he shuddered.

Was he disappointed? Not really. He and Ou Chen had always been guarding against each other, and in the end, it was Wen JinHan who wasn’t in much of a position to complain.

This matter caused Wen JinHan to resume his cool-headedness, firmly stopping that foot that was just about to step into a vortex. However, if feelings could be thrown away very easily, there wouldn’t be any heartbreak in this world.

*****

“It’s an honor to have you here, Duke. I hope you’ll forgive me for the poor reception last time, and that you can have more fun this time.” Ou Chen raised his wine glass respectfully.

The Duke of Canterbury was clearly not very patient. “I don’t have a lot of time today, so it’s best if you don’t waste any.”

Ou Chen’s expression flickered before resuming his elegant demeanor. “My request is very simple, I really only need one sentence from you, sir.”

“Does it take just one sentence to transport your drugs through Northern Europe. There are a lot of companies and forces involved.”

“That area is your sphere of influence and I’m borrowing your circulation channels, so of course I know what kind of price I should pay. I won’t take any of the profits from this transaction, and I’ll pay for all of it.” Ou Chen was also very happy. He wasn’t lacking in money right now, but because his opponents had worked together to block his previous channels, causing his goods unable to reach their buyers, his enemies were waiting for him to be accused of going back on his word so they could steal his spot as the giant of the ring in Southeast Asia. Thus, even if he lost money, he couldn’t let this happen.

The Duke clearly didn’t buy it. “Do you think I lack money?”

“…Of course it doesn’t matter very much to you, but one can never have too much money. Moreover, if you want anything else, I can help you without hesitation.

The Duke narrowed his eyes. From the moment he was born into the Canterbury bloodline, he no longer desired fame and wealth. Beauties? He didn’t lack those, either, and he looked down upon the people here. However… a pair of glittering black eyes suddenly appeared in his mind.

The Duke rubbed his chin. “Last time I was here, I encountered a Chinese beauty.”

Ou Chen’s heart tightened, and he purposely acted surprised. “Who did you take a liking to? I’ll bring them over immediately.”

“Ah, what’s his name again?” The Duke tilted his head to his side.

One of the men in black immediately answered, “I heard that his name is Wen JinHan, and that he’s Mr. Ou’s.”

Ou Chen clutched the armrest of his chair before slowly slackening his grip. He smiled lightly. “It turns out that it’s JinHan. He must not know better, bumping into you. He’s just a kid, I hope you’ll forgive me for that.”

“That person is very interesting, I like him. I’m going to be staying in Asia for a while, and I’d like him to be my escort during my time here.” The Duke tone was final.

“JinHan has been with me for a very long time, and he’s been quite spoiled. I’m afraid he won’t meet your requirements.” Ou Chen knew that the Duke was very clean and that he never touched people that others had slept with.

“That’s okay, I’ll teach him well. It’s not like I won’t return him, what are you worried about?” The Duke didn’t seem to have any intentions of giving up.

Ou Chen didn’t understand. “So if I let him accompany you, you’ll be willing to make the transaction with me? No matter how attractive JinHan is, I don’t think he’s of this much value.”

“But right now, excluding him, I can’t think of anything else I want. So, how about it?” The Duke seemed to be a little troubled.

Ou Chen realized that he wasn’t purposely trying to make it difficult for him. The Duke was merely someone who didn’t need to count his profits anymore and only needed to satisfy his own desires. Even if what he wanted was a discarded piece of atrash, he had to have it, and it didn’t matter what price he would have to pay for it. His state of existence was to chase his inner desires, and there wasn’t a question of whether it was worth it or not, only one of whether he wanted it or not. Wen JinHan was just a small pleasure that had appeared in his boring life, and although it might not last long, when he wanted it, he didn’t care what he had to use to get it.

Ou Chen closed his eyes. “I’ll have to ask JinHan about this. If he doesn’t want to, then I won’t force him.”

*****

Wen JinHan was cornered in the cellar again. This time, it was Jiang Shu instead of Mo Ran.

Jiang Shu pursed his lips and finally said with difficulty, “I heard a piece of news from Li Long…”

It must not be good news. Wen JinHan asked calmly, “Is it about me?”

“Yes.”

“I’ll know about it sooner or later, and it’s better to hear it from you than someone else.”

Jiang Shu looked at him, and his expression was a little pitying. “This time, Brother Chen encountered a troublesome matter, and he sought the help of an European. However, this European is very distinguished and practically as rich as a country. He doesn’t need anything else, except…” He paused and seemed to be considering how he should say the next part, “except he took a liking to you.”

Wen JinHan was taken aback. A liking to him? An European? Suddenly, the scene in the restroom from the other day came to mind; was it that person?!

“So?” Wen JinHan’s expression remained unchanged.

“Brother Chen… didn’t refuse his request, but he said that he needed to ask your opinion.”

Ask my opinion? Wen JinHan practically wanted to laugh out loud. If my opinion mattered, I wouldn’t still be trapped here. Ou Chen was just deceiving himself, trying to find an excuse for selling away his lover that wasn’t too unbearable.

“JinHan, I know you’re not as delicate as you appear, but I also know that you have persistence and dignity. However, in the eyes of Brother Chen and the others, although feelings aren’t very cheap, if they needed to abandon something, it wouldn’t be the last thing for them. If things really get to that point, it’s most important to take good care of yourself.”

Wen JinHan didn’t react at all to this, and instead asked Jiang Shu a question. “You’re always watching indifferently from the sidelines. In reality, you’re waiting for that day to arrive, right?”

Jiang Shu didn’t understand.

“The day you regain your freedom.”

Jiang Shu’s expression changed drastically.

*****

Before Ou Chen brought the matter up to him, Wen JinHan was still holding onto a sliver of hope that perhaps Ou Chen wouldn’t be this heartless. However, hopes were merely hopes and couldn’t compete with the cruelty of reality.

“He never touches other people’s people, which is why you don’t need to worry too much. I’m guessing that he just wants someone with him as leverage to guarantee that I’ll fulfill my promise.” Ou Chen stroked his hand. “I’ll get someone to secretly ensure your safety.”

He never touches other people’s people? So he wants me there to perform acrobatics then? Wen JinHan thought in self-ridicule. He wasn’t sure whether Ou Chen was trying to deceive him or himself.

“Brother Chen, I know that me going will help resolve a big problem, but I’m still scared. I’m scared that I——” won’t come back.

“He’s always been trustworthy, and he’ll definitely send you back once things are over.” Ou Chen hugged him tightly. “JinHan, when you return, I definitely won’t put you in any more danger, and I’ll let you live a happy, heavenly life.”

Ou Chen, feelings aren’t an object that you can sell and buy back. You should know that people can’t step into heaven after being in hell.

When Wen JinHan got into the car, he didn’t look back at Ou Chen. It would be too much to say a stab in the heart or a heart that was like dead ashes, but Wen JinHan’s heart seemed to have been punctured, and cold air kept hissing out, unable to be suppressed.

Fortunately, he had stopped himself from falling too much, as he could still keep a clear mind and think prudently right now. Canterbury didn’t gain much profit from Ou Chen, and with his power, Ou Chen was irrelevant to him. Moreover, he had Ou Chen’s lifeblood in his hands, so this might be the best opportunity for him to overthrow Ou Chen’s influence. He had heard many rumors about Canterbury in the past, and along with their encounter from last time, he definitely wasn’t someone that could be easily controlled. With Ou Chen, if one was cautious and patient, then they would have a chance, but with the Duke, even if one was impenetrable, he would still crack their shell and force them to move. Wen JinHan cast his mess of feelings into the back of his mind and began to worry about his imminent future.

“Chinese beauty, you’re mine.” This was the first thing the Duke said to him as he sat in his tall chair.

Wen JinHan’s carefully constructed mental defenses were instantly torn apart, and he immediately wanted to throw the plate of fruit on the table at the Duke’s face.

 

I’ve never hated someone so much in my life for no reason!