Chapter 176 - My Days as an Underling
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
1. My Days as an Underling
【Ding, transfer to new world complete. Memory transfer in progress….】
This was a modern world. Xie He’s name in this world was Yang Ling.
Yang Ling originally had a blissful and happy home life. However, when he was eight years old, he witnessed his parents’ murder and watched his home become engulfed by a sea of flames. As a child, he had hidden under his bed and thus managed to survive.
From that moment on, that man’s face had been firmly etched into his memory and the grudge was engraved into his heart.
After escaping his home, Yang Ling had wandered around for a while before he was taken in by his father, Yang Jin’s, close friend, Police Commissioner Hall. Hall hadn’t wanted Yang Ling to get involved with the underworld. He had tried to help Yang Ling forget about his painful past so he could lead a peaceful life…. But after Yang Ling grew up, he had still figured out a way to find out the truth behind his parents’ death. His father, Yang Jin, had been an undercover cop. Back then, because his identity had been exposed, he had been personally killed by the renowned crime boss Liang Chengshan.
Despite Hall’s attempts at stopping him, Yang Ling joined Liang Chengshan’s organization for the sake of revenge. He used any and all means to climb up the ladder to approach Liang Chengshan. Several years later, he finally managed to become Liang Chengshan’s capable subordinate.
But Liang Chengshan was extremely cautious and suspicious of others. He didn’t trust anyone. It would not be easy to kill him. Yang Ling had been by Liang Chengshan’s side all this time, waiting for an opportunity to strike a fatal blow against him.
After Xie He finished going through the memories, he clicked his tongue twice.
【Xie He：My target’s Liang Chengshan?】
【444：╰(*°▽°*)╯Host dada, you’re amazing! You knew before I even told you!】
【Xie He：A good pair of absolutely irreconcilable enemies—it’s definitely on brand for the System. 🙂 】
【444：……】
Xie He opened his eyes and found himself lying down on the sofa within some lounge. He stood up and headed to the washroom, glancing into the mirror. He was very pleased with his new body.
A healthy, wheat-coloured complexion; a tall and straight nose; slightly thin lips; long, narrow beautiful eyes; danger and allure swirling within his features…. The body was also very good. Yang Ling had broad shoulders, a narrow waist and a pair of long, straight, powerful legs. Two buttons of the white shirt he was wearing had been undone, revealing his slender neck. His collarbone could also be faintly seen. He was very sexy.
【Xie He：I like this body. It’s nice to change it up sometimes. This body would be a very energetic top. Smile.JPG 】
【444：……】
【Xie He：Too bad it will be other people who get to top him. 🙂 】
【444：O(∩_∩)O~】
Xie He pondered for a moment and recalled that he was currently in one of Liang Chengshan’s casinos. This casino was very luxurious. Even though they were in a regular lounge, it still made for a dazzling sight.
Today, Liang Chengshan had brought him here. Yang Ling had then gone to find him a beautiful blond man. Currently, Liang Chengshan was ‘busy’ and Yang Ling was waiting outside.
Xie He left the lobby. Liang Chengshan’s bodyguard, Kenny, glanced at him and then looked away nonchalantly. When they had first met, he had looked down on this Eastern Asian youngster. The other had looked beautiful and not strong at all. But after being beaten up by Yang Ling once, he didn’t dare underestimate him again. Even so, their relationship still wasn’t particularly good.
Xie He didn’t mind. He looked at his watch and guessed that Liang Chengshan should be done by now. He knocked on the door.
Shortly after, a low, refined voice came through from the other side. “Come in.”
Xie He lowered his gaze, pushing the door open as he walked in respectfully. He then looked up and gazed at the man inside.
The man was standing tall, his back straight. He had an arm reached out as he put on his black suit jacket. The man then took his time doing up his tie. When he turned his head slightly towards Xie He, a scholarly, wise face could be made out. His eyes were as deep as the ocean. Meanwhile, his lips were slightly curled upwards, an indiscernible smile played on them.
He didn’t look like a ruthless crime boss. He looked like a learned, graceful gentleman.
Xie He very quickly averted his gaze and stepped fully into the room.
【Xie He：Baby, what’s his Favourability Value? 】
【444：20. (⊙v⊙)】
【Xie He：Got it. 🙂 】
Xie He looked at the man on the bed. He was very beautiful, with blond hair and blue eyes. His features were exquisite. However, he seemed to have passed out after sex. Xie He wrapped him up in a quilt and carried him out.
He put the man in the lobby he had just been in and then stuck a wad of cash underneath him. Xie He then returned to Liang Chengshan’s room.
【Xie He：Not bad, not bad. I’m very pleased with Mr. Liang.】
【444：Pleased with what? ( ⊙o ⊙)】
【Xie He：Baby, you have to learn how to analyze the situation and find your own answers. Our Mr. Liang looks like the type to have a big thing, be good in bed, and have both physical strength and stamina. I like that type. 🙂 】
【444：……】
Xie He was now back in the room.
Liang Chengshan sat on the sofa. He placed the document in his hands down and smiled at Xie He. “Let Henry in.”
Xie He nodded. He then escorted Henry, who had been waiting outside for a long time, into the room. Henry was the manager of this casino. He was a middle-ranking core member of Liang Chengshan’s organization. Appearance-wise, he was a brown-haired, blue-eyed middle-aged man. He followed Xie He in nervously, his back drenched in a cold sweat.
Henry greeted Liang Chengshan with great reverence. “Boss.”
Liang Chengshan’s fingers were interlocked, his hands resting on his abdomen. He smiled slightly, expression as refreshing as a spring breeze. His voice was low. “You should know why I called you here.”
Although Liang Chengshan’s expression was very gentle, Henry paled. His voice shook. “I-I don’t know….”
Liang Chengshan raised a brow. “Oh? Then you also don’t know whose money you touched?”
When Henry heard this, he stopped trying to feign innocence. His legs trembled and he knelt on the floor at once.
Liang Chengshan narrowed his eyes. When he wasn’t smiling, the cold aura he emitted felt extremely oppressive. He said in a dull tone, “You thought I wouldn’t notice that you embezzled two hundred million dollars from the casino?”
Henry’s eyes were full of fear. His tongue was quivering. “Boss, I-I….”
Liang Chengshan sighed softly. He gave Henry a contemptuous glance and then threw an exquisite silver knife in front of him. He smiled. “Resolve this yourself and I’ll let your family off. You wouldn’t want to cause them trouble, right?”
Henry’s fingers clenched around the carpet. He lowered his head, cold sweat dripping down his forehead…. His gaze was stuck on that knife, his whole body wracking with shivers….
Liang Chengshan was not joking. He really wanted Henry to commit suicide…otherwise, he would kill off Henry’s family. Henry knew very well how coldhearted and cruel Liang Chengshan was. He knew how frightening this man was…. Henry deeply regretted having taken this risk and falling to the temptation of money. Did he…really have to kill himself now?
No, he didn’t want to die….
He was less than two meters away from Liang Chengshan right now…why not fight?!
Henry looked down, a crazed glint flashing through his eyes. He slowly reached out to grab the knife and gradually brought it over in front of him. But suddenly, he changed direction and pounced towards Liang Chengshan!
Xie He had been standing languidly on the side the whole time. The moment Henry attempted his ambush, Xie He’s eyes narrowed in concentration and he kicked off the ground! Lightning quick, he arrived in front of Henry. He slammed a hand against the other’s mouth, pushing Henry’s head back. With his other hand, he grabbed the hand Henry used to hold the knife and pulled with great force! The knife plunged straight into Henry’s throat!
Everything happened in the span of a few seconds. Henry widened his eyes in fear. The hilt of the knife was still in his hand but its blade was fully embedded into his flesh!
Xie He covered the other’s mouth tightly, eyes cold. He then pulled the knife out, causing blood to spurt out from the wound. Very quickly, the life drained from Henry’s eyes and he stopped moving. From beginning to end, he hadn’t been able to make a sound.
Xie He let go and stood up. He looked apathetic, as if what he had done was a trifling matter not even worth mentioning.
He then slowly made his way over to Liang Chengshan. He knelt down on one knee and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket. He gently wiped off the splatter of blood on Liang Chengshan’s leather shoes. He had accidentally allowed a drop to fall on Liang Chengshan’s shoes just now.
Liang Chengshan peered down, his gaze on Xie He. From this angle, he could see the top of the young man’s head. Xie He’s soft black hair fell over his forehead and his long eyelashes, that were like a feathered fan, trembled slightly. Liang Chengshan felt tempted. He reached out to raise Xie He’s chin, revealing a face so handsome it was like he had walked out from an oil painting. He stared into those long, narrow, sharp eyes…. Xie He was truly a rare beauty.
Liang Chengshan had many uses for this sharp knife. Although the other was really enticing, it would be a waste to use him for sex….. Liang Chengshan’s eyes darkened and he smiled before letting go.
【Ding, the target Liang Chengshan’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 30.】
Liang Chengshan stood up. “Let’s go. There are people here who will do the cleaning up.”
Xie He stood behind him deferentially. He asked, “Does his family need to be dealt with?”
Liang Chengshan smiled. “No. They don’t know anything. Just get the money back.”
Xie He looked down, covering up the cold light in his eyes. “Yes.”
…………………………
Xie He followed Liang Chengshan back to the other’s villa. He took Liang Chengshan’s jacket from him. Although Liang Chengshan was no longer young, he did not look old at all. His elegant face had only become more charming as the years had passed. His shoulders were broad and the body beneath his clothes moved with power. There was no excess fat anywhere.
They had not returned long when they heard the guard say that Liang shao had come.
Xie He’s expression changed.
Liang Chengshan had a son, Liang Ze. He had been conceived many years ago with one of Liang Chengshan’s mistresses. After the mistress died, Liang Chengshan had taken this son of his back. However, Liang Chengshan was apathetic towards him. He didn’t really care about him. Since Liang Ze had been young, he had been left in boarding schools. Their relationship was just so-so. Despite this, Liang Chengshan did still consider Liang Ze his son, so he was willing to nurture Liang Ze and handed over a few of his properties to the latter to manage.
With Liang Chengshan’s permission, Xie He went outside to welcome Liang Ze in. The other was a handsome man of mixed blood. His features were very deep. He was handsome and warm, like sunshine. He politely smiled at Xie He and then entered.
Xie He stared at Liang Ze’s back, smiling slightly.
【Xie He：Baby, what’s Liang Ze’s Favourability Value?】
【444：70！】
【Xie He：Very good. 🙂 】
Although they didn’t act very close just now, Yang Ling and Liang Ze’s relationship was actually not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Because of the environment he had grown up in, Liang Ze knew from a young age that if he wanted something, he had to seize it himself. He was actually a very ambitious man and was not satisfied with the current situation.
When Yang Ling had just joined Liang Chengshan’s organization, he had no chance of getting close to Liang Chengshan. Therefore, he settled for the next best thing: approaching Liang Ze. Liang Ze had had a very good impression of Yang Ling, so Yang Ling had been able to seduce him. Very quickly, they made the jump to friends with benefits. Their relationship eventually changed, and they became lovers. But Yang Ling had never wanted Liang Ze to make their relationship public.
After some time, Yang Ling had brought up wanting to go to Liang Chengshan’s side to Liang Ze. He had said that it was because he would be able to act as Liang Ze’s eyes and ears. Liang Ze had hesitated for a bit before eventually agreeing. He had then brought Yang Ling to Liang Chengshan and as expected, Liang Chengshan had taken an interest in Yang Ling.
This past year, although Yang Ling had been working at Liang Chengshan’s side, he had always kept contact with Liang Ze in secret, sending him information and helping him come up with plans.
When Liang Ze was informed by Xie He that Henry had been dealt with by Liang Chengshan, he had rushed over at once.
The casino Henry managed was one of the most profitable properties under Liang Chengshan’s name. Many people coveted it. Liang Ze was also very interested in it. It was just that Henry had been a senior core member of the organization. He had managed the casino for many years, so it wasn’t easy for anyone to meddle with it…. Now that Henry was dead, it meant that Liang Chengshan would be looking for a new manager for the casino.
Liang Chengshan glanced at Liang Ze indifferently and then smiled. “You came?”
Liang Ze smiled back and spoke in a deferential tone. “Yes, Father.”
Liang Chengshan placed the glass of wine in his hands down, casting a profound look towards Liang Ze. “How have the companies under your management been faring recently?”
Liang Ze said, “Don’t worry, Father. There’s no issue at all. The companies have been doing very well. I’ll bring the financial reports to you another day.”
Liang Chengshan nodded slightly. “Since that’s the case, you can manage the Merlin Bay Casino too.”
Liang Ze looked delighted and surprised. He didn’t think that Liang Chengshan would offer before he could mention it. “Yes, I will not let you down.”
Liang Chengshan smiled. “I hope so.”
If Liang Ze disappointed him, then he could only switch him out. Although he was willing to take care of his kid, in the end, it all depended on his son’s capability. If he was an idiot, Liang Chengshan would not allow him to take over his enterprises.
Liang Ze’s goal had been accomplished. The father-son pair chatted for a while before Liang Ze left.
After Liang Ze departed, Liang Chengshan turned to look at Xie He, voice low. “Come here.”
Xie He immediately walked over, demeanour respectful.
Liang Chengshan’s gaze bore into Xie He. A moment later, he slowly said, “I know that you used to be one of Liang Ze’s men, but since you’re with me now, you should have a sense of propriety, know whom you should be taking orders from. Understood?”
Xie He’s thin lips pursed slightly. “Understood.”
Liang Chengshan did not say anything more. He let Xie He leave.
For Liang Ze to arrive so quickly, it definitely had to do with Xie He’s disclosure. But Liang Chengshan wouldn’t mind this trifling matter. He was very happy that his son was capable and had a few tricks up his sleeve. But from now on, he would not be letting it pass. That’s why he had warned Xie He just now.
………………………………
After leaving Liang Chengshan’s place, Xie He returned home. His home wasn’t big and didn’t really have much. It was simple and tidy. It was obvious that Yang Ling wasn’t the type to indulge. He was Xie He’s complete opposite in this aspect.
【Xie He：Baby, are there security cameras here?】
【444：No~\\(≧▽≦)/】
【Xie He：Very good. Give me a Cultivation World feast. Smile.JPG】
【444：(⊙v⊙) Mn!】
After Xie He ate his fill, he began to watch the news on TV. Although Liang Chengshan had started out in the underworld, at present, except for a few illegitimate businesses, he also had many clean companies. He was a prestigious and respected figure in society.
Xie He patiently collected information. He then continued to calmly work for Liang Chengshan.
A bit over a month passed like this.
【444：Host dada, there’s been no progress for a really long time. (⊙o⊙)】
【Xie He：Don’t worry. We’re waiting for a chance to increase his Favourability Value. Otherwise, with Liang Chengshan’s ruthless nature, if he were to find out I betrayed him, he would definitely send me off to follow after Yang Ling’s dad’s footsteps. That wouldn’t do. Smile.JPG】
【444：Yi, you’re planning to betray him?】
【Xie He：Of course. Otherwise, our relationship will not be able to develop effectively. From the time I’ve spent here, I can tell that Liang Chengshan is a man who knows how to separate his personal and business matters. He’s also a very shrewd and determined person. If I were to continue acting as his obedient subordinate, although he’ll develop goodwill towards me, he’ll only ever see me as a subordinate. He won’t want any other relationship with me. If I’m no longer his capable subordinate and he finds me attractive enough, then he will probably want to explore my other uses.】
【444：What other uses? 】
【Xie He：Love-making, ah. 🙂 】
【444：……】He feels like Host dada’s actually the type to think with his lower half, what to do…. _(:зゝ∠)_
Recently, Liang Chengshan had been openly fighting with another famous gang, the Rodney Family. Liang Chengshan had won and had stolen some of their properties, causing the other side to suffer a huge loss. He had also stolen quite a lot of business from his opponent. Xie He had had 444 pay attention to this the whole time. He had felt that, with Rodney’s temperament, he would not swallow this all down so easily.
Today, Xie He and Liang Chengshan were returning from another city. On the way back home from the airport, Xie He received 444’s report, as he had expected.
【444：Host dada, there’s an ambush! Σ( ° △°|||)︴】
【Xie He：How many people?】
【444：More than ten. They’re hidden on both sides of the woods up ahead!】
【Xie He：Good. I got it. 🙂 】
【444：…Yi, aren’t you going to warn Liang Chengshan? It’s dangerous!】
【Xie He：It’s only interesting because it’s dangerous. Otherwise, how else would I get a chance to show off my skill?】
【444：……】
After the motorcade advanced another several thousand meters, the first car in the fleet exploded!
Xie He sat in front of Liang Chengshan in the passenger seat. When the chauffeur saw this, his expression changed drastically. He immediately changed directions and sped away. However, a huge truck came from behind and blocked their way! The chauffeur could only slam on the brakes!
Liang Chengshan’s expression did not change. It was as if they weren’t in the middle of a rain of bullets. He calmly instructed, “Go forward.”
The chauffeur continued forward, as instructed. Their car was bulletproofed and could withstand a certain amount of damage. However, the other side had set up barricades. Another truck suddenly appeared in front of them, cutting off their path! They had no choice but to stop.
Xie He looked outside nervously. He said to Liang Chengshan, “Boss, what should we do now?”
Their firepower was inferior to the enemy’s. They had been suppressed by the other side this whole time. Sooner or later, the enemy would reach them.
Liang Chengshan’s gaze darkened slightly. He had expected that Rodney might do something to him. He just hadn’t expected that the other would be so audacious. It would take some time for Liang Chengshan’s people to catch up. Liang Chengshan muttered to himself for a brief moment before ordering, “Drive into the forest.”
The chauffeur turned around and drove the car towards the side of the road, directly crashing into a few trees and killing a few enemies. Liang Chengshan pulled out his gun and opened the door. As soon as he raised his gun, he killed an approaching enemy.
Xie He and the chauffeur also got out. They flanked Liang Chengshan. Xie He’s marksmanship was also very accurate. With every pull of the trigger, he ended a life. The three of them continuously made their way deeper into the forest!
The people chasing after them pursued relentlessly. Very quickly, the chauffeur fell to the floor, having suffered a shot in a moment of carelessness. Only Xie He and Liang Chengshan were left.
Xie He followed Liang Chengshan, eyes slightly cold. He had been analyzing Liang Chengshan’s movements, constantly adjusting his plan in his head…. The odds of successfully killing Liang Chengshan were less than fifty percent right now.
As he was thinking this, they used up the last of their ammunition. Their preparations had been nowhere near as ample as their opponent’s.
Their pursuing enemies were ecstatic. Xie He narrowed his eyes and suddenly turned, landing behind Liang Chengshan, taking a bullet for him! Xie He was shot through the left shoulder but his movements were not hindered at all. He pulled out a dagger attached to his calf and pounced at the enemy like a leopard! The enemy unit turned pale in fright and fired twice more at Xie He! Xie He didn’t dodge, his eyes icy. When he finally made it in front of the enemy unit, he slashed the other’s throat!
Liang Chengshan watched as Xie He took a bullet for him without any hesitation and fearlessly killed the enemy…. He narrowed his eyes slightly.
But it was not time for thinking. He strode over to the fallen enemy unit and picked up the gun in the other’s hand. He finished off the rest of the pursuing force. Everything went quiet around them. Shortly after, Liang Chengshan’s men caught up.
Xie He’s shoulder and chest were soaked in blood. He stood up but faltered. His eyes shut and he fell to the ground.
Liang Chengshan just so happened to be standing next to Xie He and ended up catching him. He gazed at the young man in his embrace. The eyes on the young man’s handsome face were tightly shut, his thin lips were gracefully curved, and he looked very serene…. Even if he was in a sorry state, that didn’t detract from his beauty at all.
Liang Chengshan actually didn’t really trust Xie He.Actually, since his most trusted friend had betrayed him, he had never trusted anyone again. He only trusted himself. That was why he had kept a constant eye on Xie He just now.
But Xie He had not betrayed him. He had taken a bullet for him without any hesitation and had killed efficiently. He was extremely beautiful and wild, making him unable to look away.
He was truly a rarely seen gem. Liang Chengshan felt his interest in the other grow and grow…. He smiled.
【Ding, the target Liang Chengshan’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 40.】
The author has something to say:
A new world has started~
Eve: Oooh, back to a world with strong MC and ML. Yang Ling is quite refreshing. And the dynamic between MC and ML in this world is interesting. I love stories where MC and ML are enemies. …Though I guess I won’t be getting the ‘enemies to friends to lovers’ trope here. More like ‘enemies’ to ‘hostile FWBs’ to … angst.
Also…wonder how old LCS is…he’s right up there with Daddy Deng from arc 3 hahahahaha.
sere: oldddd (enough to have a kid that’s YL’s lover….) bruh