The next day, Gao Qiong arrived at the small villa with a dazed expression. Yu Shangxian smiled elegantly and gracefully: "Good morning."
Gritting her teeth, Gao Qiong’s legs trembled: "I knelt in the Evergreen Forest all night, and you didn’t even plead for me?"
Yu Shangxian looked surprised: "You actually needed me to plead for you? I thought you were prepared to kneel for several days and nights, and I didn’t want to disturb your enjoyment."
Gao Qiong’s face turned as dark as charcoal.
Yu Shangxian chuckled: "You’re fine now, just avoid stirring up trouble in the future."
Gao Qiong clenched her fists: "Do you think I’ll give up on Satan? I won’t. That little enchantress will eventually fall to me. Since she’s a spy, I don’t believe she won’t reveal her true colors."
Yu Shangxian nodded with a smile.
Normally, on the anniversary of Bei Yao’s death, Satan would only stay at the small villa in the cemetery for three days. After all, there were many matters awaiting his attention outside, and staying on the island was inconvenient.
His demeanor on the island and off it were like two completely different people. Off the island, he was moody and tyrannical. Though it might be unkind to say, every year on the anniversary of Bei Yao’s death, Gao Qiong felt a sense of relief, as if she were on a vacation.
Gao Qiong asked, "It’s the fourth day today. Will Satan return?"
Yu Shangxian shook her head: "How would I know? According to his yearly routine, he should leave."
Gao Qiong grew anxious. This time, she didn’t dare to make any bold predictions and said uncertainly, "He wouldn’t stay longer on the island for that impostor, would he?" Staying too long could expose his whereabouts and bring many dangers.
Before Yu Shangxian could respond, a door in front of them was pushed open.
A Zuo pushed Pei Chuan in his wheelchair. Satan on the wheelchair calmly ordered, "Prepare to leave."
Gao Qiong and Yu Shangxian exchanged a glance, momentarily stunned. Then Gao Qiong breathed a sigh of relief—Satan intended to leave this place.
Pei Chuan said, "Call Xiao Yi over."
Soon, a plump, honest-looking man arrived. Xiao Yi was originally a corrupt official who had been implanted with Wangsheng and was now tasked with managing the island. Slick and pleasing in his work, he was also extremely loyal due to the influence of Wangsheng. Xiao Yi bowed respectfully: "Satan, what are your orders?"
Pei Chuan spoke calmly: "Take good care of the young lady on the island. Give her whatever she wants. If she wishes to visit the cemetery, do not stop her."
Pei Chuan wore a mask, so no one could see his expression as he said this.
Gao Qiong was stunned, thinking she had misheard. When it sank in, she nearly went wild with joy. Satan wasn’t planning to take the impostor with him—he didn’t want her anymore!
Hahaha, what a cause for celebration. She had always believed her suffering was worth it. That little seductress had only managed to evoke Satan’s pity temporarily. See, when Satan left, he only took her and Yu Shangxian!
Gao Qiong suppressed her wildly rising smile, so overjoyed that her lips twitched.
Yu Shangxian’s expression was inscrutable, but in the end, she followed Pei Chuan toward the edge of the island.
The man in the wheelchair remained utterly composed. A Zuo pushed Pei Chuan as he opened his laptop to check his emails.Yu Shangxian had followed Pei Chuan for nearly ten years, from his youth to the present, witnessing most of his life. On the island, the breeze was gentle, and Yu Shangxian suddenly recalled a year when the foundation of "Rebirth" was still unstable. They had implanted primary CTL chips into a group of people who came looking for Bei Yao.
Once the chips were activated, the punishment program began.
Some gouged out their own eyeballs on the spot, while others turned on their companions, leaving the ground soaked in blood.
No matter how the autopsies were conducted, these deaths could never be traced back to Pei Chuan.
Yu Shangxian had been smiling as he admired the power of the chips, but when he looked up, he unexpectedly saw Bei Yao standing by the door, her face pale. If Yu Shangxian had seen Bei Yao, Satan had naturally seen her too.
Not long after, the hidden dangers of CTL placed Satan in a dire situation.
They were forced to relocate. That morning, Satan begged Bei Yao to go with them, but in the end, she refused.
Even after many years, Yu Shangxian could hardly forget the expression on Satan’s face that day.
He gazed at her, his eyes humble and pleading: "Come with me, I beg you. I promise... I’ll never use CTL again, I swear."
Yet that year, Miss Bei Yao still did not go with him.
Of course, in the end, Satan did not leave either.
Later, Yu Shangxian was no longer sure whether Bei Yao refused to leave because she feared she might one day cause Satan’s death or because she was terrified of the cruelty they had displayed that day, foreseeing the inevitable chaos to come.
After all, she had rejected Satan so many times.
Sometimes, when the peach blossoms on Nanshan bloomed brilliantly across the mountains and fields, Satan would invite her for a walk. She would still refuse. His eyes would dim, yet his smile remained gentle.
Yu Shangxian thought to himself, if the Bei Yao on the island now was the real one, then Satan didn’t invite her to leave because he knew she wouldn’t go.
If she wouldn’t even grant him a single outing or date, how could she possibly accompany him into a chaotic world for a lifetime?
The sea breeze gradually grew stronger.
Gao Qiong’s dress fluttered wildly in the wind, her mood clearly uplifted. They were leaving now, and the next time they returned to the island would likely be June of the following year. By then, Satan would have long forgotten the imposter, that little temptress.
Before boarding the ship, Pei Chuan paused, his fingers hovering over the computer keyboard: "Xiao Yi."
The man promptly responded.
"If one day she returns home, let me know."
Though Xiao Yi didn’t understand what this meant—return home? How could that young lady return on her own?—he still obeyed: "Yes."
Pei Chuan gazed at the boundless sea, recalling the girl from last night who had recognized him as Satan, and let out a soft sigh.
There were some things he didn’t need to ask. Should she follow him or stay?
What was the point of asking? Only by staying could she return home.
The outside world was in chaos, but at least on the island, he could keep her safe. If their connection remained shallow, then if she left one day, his long-tranquil, lifeless heart would only feel a faint sense of loss.
Bei Yao had slept poorly at night, lost in dreams, and woke up later than usual in the morning. Remembering last night’s dream, her expression turned subtle.What had she just witnessed? Another version of herself in a parallel world, still attending classes and visiting Pei Chuan the next day. It was as if her departure hadn't altered anything in that reality. The sensation felt so vivid that she began to believe her arrival here was merely to fulfill Satan's longing—she was an anomaly in the river of time, yet also a gift for Satan who had endured twenty-seven years of solitude.
Bei Yao couldn't quite make sense of it. She stretched lazily, washed up, rubbed her eyes, and headed downstairs.
Breakfast was already prepared, but the villa remained unusually quiet.
Bei Yao asked the maid Zhang who was serving her milk, "Sorry I overslept. Where's Satan?"
Zhang gave her a surprised look. "It's already the fourth day—Satan's scheduled to leave the island today. Didn't you know, Miss?"
Bei Yao nearly choked on her milk. "He's gone?"
"He's left," Zhang confirmed.
A buzzing filled her mind as she sprang to her feet and dashed outside.
Zhang called after her, "Miss, aren't you having breakfast?"
Who cared about breakfast? That man always enjoyed abandoning her. How infuriating! Had he really left without even wanting his gift, Yaoyao? The island's environment was meticulously preserved under Satan's strict orders prohibiting vehicles, leaving only a few bicycles parked along the eco-friendly paths—originally reserved for emergency use.
Bei Yao mounted one of the bicycles. The nearby bodyguard hesitated, but didn't dare stop her, ultimately letting her pedal away.
The island's climate was pleasant, with gentle sea breezes even in June.
Approaching the beach, Bei Yao spotted the cruise ship along the coast from afar.
The ship was about to depart. She jumped off the bicycle and sprinted across the beach. The soft, beige sand filled her shoes with every step.
Kicking off her shoes, she ran barefoot toward the sea.
Stumbling through the fine sand like a hopping bunny, she struggled to maintain balance.
Gao Qiong, holding a wineglass on the deck, was the first to notice her.
"Damn!" Gao Qiong exclaimed at the sight of the girl racing across the beach.
That impish little seductress had come chasing after them again!
The ship began moving.
Gao Qiong watched as the girl cupped her hands around her mouth and shouted, "Pei Chuan! Pei Chuan!"
After a moment's thought, she anxiously added, "Satan!"
Gao Qiong cursed inwardly!
Though relieved Satan hadn't brought the little temptress along, what if he changed his mind upon seeing her? What if his extinguished feelings reignited?
Stealing a cautious glance at Satan who was inside attending a video conference, Gao Qiong maliciously swung the door shut.
Then she stood with arms akimbo, watching the little seductress.
Go on shouting, she thought. With the ship's excellent soundproofing, you could scream your lungs out and Satan wouldn't notice.
Bei Yao watched the ship sailing further away, clearly seeing the triumphant woman on deck toasting her from a distance.
Waving desperately, she cried, "Miss Gao Qiong, please stop!"
Gao Qiong smiled smugly. Get lost! I haven't lost my marbles.
Her throat aching, Bei Yao collapsed onto the soft sand, torn between hurt and anger. Exhausted from the frantic journey from the villa, she could barely catch her breath.Gao Qiong was in such high spirits that she could hardly resist bursting into song. She raised an imaginary glass to the young girl across the distance. When she turned around, she saw Satan standing behind her.
Gao Qiong nearly wet herself in fright.
"S... Satan."
Pei Chuan frowned. "What are you doing?"
Gao Qiong: "..." Instant karma had come too quickly.
In truth, Pei Chuan didn't really need to ask. His mind was sharp enough to pick up on any unusual activity - while Gao Qiong closing the door wasn't a major incident, any small disturbance these days was enough to put him on alert. He tilted his head and saw the pitiful young girl sitting on the shore.
Spotting Pei Chuan's emergence, Bei Yao perked up again. She waved at him: "Pei Chuan!"
Gao Qiong gritted her teeth: "Hahaha, Satan, the cruise ship has already set sail. I think she just wants to say goodbye to you."
Pei Chuan remained silent for a moment before saying: "Stop the ship and turn back."
Gao Qiong ground her teeth, mentally cursing that little temptress to death.
The boss's command was the ultimate order. The cruise ship soon began approaching the shore again.
A Zuo pushed Pei Chuan's wheelchair off the cruise ship.
Pei Chuan looked down at the panting girl on the beach. He reached out and helped her up: "What's wrong?"
Her fair toes curled slightly: "Are you leaving?"
"Yes."
Bei Yao pointed at herself: "But I'm still here." She felt an indescribable grievance - I'm still here, how could you leave without even saying goodbye?
Pei Chuan smiled gently: "You need to go home."
Her almond-shaped eyes widened as she remembered her earlier antics of jumping around the gravesite wanting to go home, feeling somewhat embarrassed.
With Yu Shangxian and Gao Qiong having disembarked nearby, Bei Yao found it difficult to explain about that dream.
She could only squat down, holding Pei Chuan's hand in a coquettish manner: "I want to go with you."
The sea was sky blue, almost blending with the azure sky above. Large white clouds floated like soft cotton candy.
Pei Chuan froze as a small, pale, and soft hand slipped into his palm.
This felt more real than last time - delicate and boneless, just like that snowy year when she had carefully bandaged his tightly clenched hand.
She felt somewhat embarrassed, having just told him a few days ago that she wanted to go home and asked him to take care, only to shamelessly ask to go with him today.
She gently scratched his palm, looking at him with pleading eyes.
Pei Chuan paused: "Alright."
Gao Qiong, watching from the side, nearly popped her eyes out. Seeing their joined hands, and how Satan seemed to tighten his grip slightly, she felt dizzy.
That little temptress! That little bitch! Using that move again!
She looked at her own claws, wishing she could pull out the little temptress's hand and replace it with her own.
However, Gao Qiong understood that if she tried anything, she'd likely end up kneeling with a splash and staying on the island permanently.
But this wasn't the end - what came next made Gao Qiong even more furious.
Logically speaking, making a girl travel from the small villa to the coast and then run across the beach was indeed physically demanding. But it wasn't unbearable - she could recover after some rest.
Yet that imposter was just too damn delicate!
Having run barefoot across the beach, the soles of her feet had been cut by broken shell fragments and were bleeding even on the wool carpet.
Gao Qiong turned her face away, refusing to watch the scene that drove her mad.
The more triumphant she had felt earlier, the more infuriated she felt now.Satan held that small, fair, and delicate foot, cleaning the sand off and applying medicine for the little enchantress.
The little enchantress rested her chin in her hands, looking bashful.
For Bei Yao, this Pei Chuan felt both familiar and novel. He was mature, lacking much of the youthful temperament that Pei Chuan in her world should have possessed.
For instance, self-consciousness.
The Pei Chuan from her world rarely used a wheelchair, always wearing his prosthetic leg, never letting others see his severed limb.
Yet the Pei Chuan before her remained silent, placing her fair, delicate foot on his knee to apply medicine.
The man’s hands were broad and gentle. She was ticklish and couldn’t hold back her laughter, letting out a soft giggle. Her large eyes glistened with moisture, and her earlier look of grievance had vanished.
Her laughter was crisp and clear. Pei Chuan’s hands paused for a moment, and Gao Qiong couldn’t help but turn her head to look.
The moment Gao Qiong turned, she regretted her nosy eyes.
She couldn’t resist glancing at the little enchantress’s foot—small, adorable, beautiful, and fair as jade, even fairer than Gao Qiong’s face. Resting in Satan’s palm, it looked as though he were caressing it.
Gao Qiong: "..." She thought maliciously to herself, This delicate creature probably only has this to keep Satan hooked.
After Pei Chuan finished applying the medicine, Bei Yao sat before him like an obedient child.
Pei Chuan asked, "Are you really decided? Once we leave the island, we likely won’t return until this time next year."
Bei Yao nodded. "Yes, I’ve made up my mind."
Beneath his mask, his pupils were deep and unfathomable. After a long silence, he said, "Set sail."
For twenty-seven years, this was the first time she had actively chosen to follow him, and he didn’t know what to say.
Yu Shangxian hadn’t lied. For Pei Chuan, the year he had spent with Bei Yao in the past was filled mostly with polite greetings from her. Bei Yao had never been close to him; she hadn’t even shown any affectionate attitude toward him.
But now, he rubbed his fingertips, as if the warmth and softness of the girl’s foot still lingered.
The island was very far, and it would take a full day to reach their destination.
Seeing that his computer was still on, Bei Yao assumed he was busy and went to watch the sea by herself.
The sea breeze carried a distinct salty scent. She had just settled by the railing when Gao Qiong sauntered over.
Seeing Bei Yao sitting there, Gao Qiong had no idea whether the ground was dirty or not. She snorted, "Don’t think that just because you’re following us, it means Satan likes you. He spared your life and let you stay on the island, but you didn’t appreciate it. Instead, you insisted on tagging along to your death."
Bei Yao was also angry. Before boarding, Gao Qiong had clearly seen her but deliberately tried to stop her from getting on the ship. If Pei Chuan hadn’t come out to check, she would have been left stranded on the deserted island for a year.
Bei Yao retorted, "If he doesn’t like me, does that mean he likes you?"
Gao Qiong: "..."
Bei Yao blinked. "He held my hand and let me kiss him."
"..."
Not satisfied, Bei Yao added—she rarely acted so petty—"He also likes to kiss me."
Gao Qiong was so furious she felt smoke coming out of her head. "Have you no shame?"
Bei Yao said, "I’m just telling the truth."
Gao Qiong wished she could kick her into the sea. This delicate-looking little enchantress has quite the fighting spirit, she thought. Gao Qiong said, "It’s not you he likes; it’s Bei Yao."
Unexpectedly, the little enchantress wasn’t angered at all. Instead, she said delightedly, "Liking Bei Yao is the same as liking me."
Gao Qiong: "..."When Yu Shangxian solemnly presented the latest test results of Wangsheng to Pei Chuan, he noticed that Satan would glance outside the cruise ship every few minutes.
Satan had never raised a young girl before. It was like suddenly having someone to care about, always wanting to see what she was doing and whether she might be bored.
Seeing that Gao Qiong and Bei Yao seemed to be chatting animatedly, Pei Chuan finally withdrew his gaze and focused on reviewing the test analysis results.
After dinner, it was time for Pei Chuan’s work handover. Since Bei Yao’s passing, aside from eating and sleeping, he had devoted all his time to work. Each year on the cruise ship also coincided with the period for transitioning work responsibilities to the land-based team.
After the meal, Bei Yao dashed out immediately.
She was quite sensible—aware of his busy schedule, she didn’t disturb him and found ways to occupy herself.
Pei Chuan withdrew his gaze, lost in thought.
Gao Qiong, on the other hand, was in a better mood now. After all, Bei Yao understood nothing. If one were to talk about a capable partner, it had to be someone like her, Gao Qiong! Her work performance was outstanding. Among the few gathered for the report and handover, Gao Qiong was the only woman—a testament to the requirements that had kept her in a high position for so many years.
She gazed at Satan, who was so close at hand. Pei Chuan was extremely focused when working, and even with his mask on, Gao Qiong could still recall his former appearance from memories years ago.
Gao Qiong thought to herself, Look at that—aside from being pretty, that little enchantress is utterly useless. Is there any need for her in such situations? None at all!
By the time everyone finished reporting and handing over work, it was almost ten o’clock.
A cheerful figure rushed in through the doorway, her voice as refreshing as a March breeze: "Pei Chuan, let’s go look at the stars."
Pei Chuan was taken aback for a moment, then smiled and said, "Alright."
Bei Yao happily pushed his wheelchair out.
Gao Qiong, still holding the reports: "..."
She nearly crumpled the report forms and lists in her hand. Satan didn’t care for reports—he preferred delicate, coquettish beauties who knew how to act cute.
Unable to resign herself to the situation, Gao Qiong decided to sneak a look.
Yu Shangxian tugged at her, amused. "What are you doing?"
Gao Qiong said, "I need to keep an eye on that spy. What if she harms Satan?"
"She won’t harm Satan."
Gao Qiong immediately shot Yu Shangxian a look as if he were a class enemy. "How do you know?"
"Didn’t she say it herself? She likes Satan."
"You actually believe her words!"
Yu Shangxian: "Why wouldn’t I?"
Gao Qiong stomped her foot in frustration. "What about her seems like a good person?"
Yu Shangxian replied in surprise, "Are we, by any chance, good people?"
Gao Qiong was left speechless. Finally, she said, "I don’t care. I have to go see for myself."
Yu Shangxian let go and shrugged. "Then go ahead. If you get thrown overboard to feed the fish, don’t expect me to fish you out."
Shooting a glare at Yu Shangxian, Gao Qiong stealthily made her way to the deck.
Stars were occasionally visible at sea, and tonight happened to be one of those clear, beautiful evenings. The stars twinkled over the ocean, and the moon in the sky was bright and lovely.
Bei Yao pulled up a small stool and sat beside Pei Chuan. He asked her, "Why have you suddenly decided to leave? Aren’t you looking for a way home anymore?"
Bei Yao thought for a moment. "I feel like I can’t go back."
Pei Chuan’s dark pupils remained calm and quiet.
Bei Yao looked at him nervously. "It seems true. Can I stay with you for now?"
Pei Chuan said, "Alright."Bei Yao's large eyes curved into crescents as she said, "You like me, don't you? Not because of the Bei Yao you knew before, but me—the one carrying all these memories."
Had she asked such a question a few years earlier, he would either have fallen silent out of insecurity or reacted differently.
But perhaps with age came thicker skin. Gazing at her, he calmly replied, "Mm."
He liked this adorable, lively girl who knew how to be close to others—his gaze was instinctively drawn to her. That was also how he had immediately recognized her as Bei Yao.
Receiving this confirmation, Bei Yao was the first to blush.
Pei Chuan looked at her flushed cheeks and said, "But you also know that I might be quite different from the Pei Chuan you remember. We talked about it last night—I am Satan now. Once we leave this island, you’ll see a different world. I’m not a good person, nor am I the Pei Chuan who turned himself in for you."
Bei Yao replied, "I know you’re Satan, but Satan is still my Pei Chuan. I don’t know how to explain it, but I remember what happened when we were young, about you and me."
His gaze flickered slightly.
Bei Yao continued, "You’re wearing a mask, and I can’t see your expression. Can I take it off?"
She reached out tentatively to touch his mask.
He grasped her wrist, meeting her eyes. "There’s a tattoo. It doesn’t look good."
After all, he was Satan—even a light grip on her wrist was released politely, wary of causing her discomfort. The old Bei Yao had always avoided physical contact with him, and Pei Chuan, with his keen perception, understood everything clearly.
Bei Yao blinked, her voice sweet and coaxing. "Let me see, please? You’re the handsomest and coolest!"
Their eyes locked, and he let out a soft sigh.
Pei Chuan felt an indescribable emotion—a tinge of embarrassment. At twenty-seven, he was unexpectedly stirred by a young girl’s casual praise.
In the end, he acquiesced silently.
Delighted, Bei Yao lifted his mask. Under the moonlight, the man’s features were sharp and cold.
Perhaps from frequent frowning, there were faint creases between his brows, but what drew the most attention was the black "S" tattooed on his right cheek.
The dark ink carried an eerie yet elegant chill.
She lifted her long lashes and asked, "Does the 'S' stand for Satan?"
"Mm," he replied with a gentle smile. "It doesn’t look very nice, does it?"
Bei Yao said, "It’s very handsome." She clasped her hands under her chin, sincerity shining in her expression.
Pei Chuan chuckled softly.
Her eyes reflected both him and the bright moon, radiating a clear, touching tenderness. When she gazed at someone, it felt as though they were her entire world.
Pei Chuan asked, "Is your foot injury feeling better?"
His tone was calm and deep, carrying an unshakable steadiness, as if kindly inquiring after a younger relative.
Dissatisfied with his detachment—especially since she would likely spend her life with him from now on—she recalled how the old Bei Yao had kept her distance. Remembering that he hadn’t minded tending to her wound before, she placed her small, fair injured foot on his knee. "Then take a look."
Her tone was intimate and coquettish.
Pei Chuan’s thoughts were unreadable, but he obediently examined the injury with care.
She brushed her toes against his fingers.
Beneath the moonlight, he remained silent but stroked the mischievous foot’s instep with his thumb.
Eventually, she couldn’t bear the ticklish sensation and withdrew her foot herself. Her laughter made her eyes shimmer like rippling water, and he couldn’t help but smile faintly in response.
She quite liked the way he looked when he smiled.
It seemed that from the moment they met—whether he was gardening or speaking—knowing she would leave had kept him as still and emotionless as stagnant water. But now, he seemed to have come alive.
Yu Shangxian had said that Bei Yao had never been close to him before.
He was like a traveler lost in the desert, enduring hopelessness day after day.
Bei Yao declared, "I want to stay next to your room tonight too."
"Alright."After a moment's thought, she added with a hint of grievance, "Next time you leave, don't abandon me, okay?"
Pei Chuan replied, "Mm." He apologized softly, "I'm sorry."
She said, "I'm not angry, I'm just afraid that one day I won't be able to find you."
Whether running, chasing, or asking around, the whole world would have no trace of him—just like when she couldn't find Pei Chuan in prison back then. She wasn't afraid of traveling a thousand miles; she was only afraid of missing him and losing him forever.
Before her, Satan's gaze was calm—this was the mature version of Pei Chuan grown up.
She pointed at the moon in the sky. "There seems to be something around it."
Pei Chuan looked up intently. Against the azure curtain of night, the moon was full and bright. Though the sky was dotted with stars, there was nothing around the moon.
Gao Qiong poked her head out and witnessed a scene that made her blood boil.
The little enchantress held Satan's mask, quickly kissed the "S" on his right cheek, then dashed back into the cabin. She was telling him, "This time I know I'm kissing Satan."
Gao Qiong was utterly exasperated. Ahhhh, that little enchantress! She's bewitched Satan into a daze again!
Probably only the little enchantress thought it was a quick stolen kiss. In reality, Satan's reflexes should have allowed him to kill her instantly, yet he permitted it.
He tacitly allowed it with full cooperation!
Author's Note: Probably just one more chapter until the end.
Next update before 23:30 on the 16th.
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