No one knew where Shui Su had gone. Or rather, they had never known. The head of the Jiang Family had three children, and Shui Su was the eldest son. Yet, despite being the one with the most stories and the one who received the most attention in his upbringing, he was an oddity. There was no doubt about his genius; it was rare for someone so young to possess such strategic acumen.
However, it was precisely this uniqueness that led the family head to realize from the very beginning that this child only truly belonged to the identity of "descendant of the Jiang Family." Identities like Ghost Messenger and Underworld Messenger were not uncommon in Rongcheng. Many stories and those involved in funerary circles spoke highly of their deeds, and even though he had never seen them, he was not lacking in understanding of their existence.
It wasn't until his five-year-old son stood by his bedside in the dead of night, coldly stating that he needed to go out on a mission for three days, that he began to gain a clearer and more intuitive understanding of that world. Jiang Shui Su candidly revealed his identity as a specially authorized Ghost Messenger who could live among humans.
"So in the future, I will have many tasks that do not belong to this world, and I will have much time that does not belong to you." The five-year-old child, still small and undeveloped, already bore an air of maturity in his eyes, a calmness that suggested he had seen it all.
Since then, not only the Jiang Family but even Shui Su's biological father could not ascertain his exact whereabouts. Perhaps this was a good thing; the family head thought more than once. If his wife, who had given her life to bring this child into the world, were still alive and saw her beloved son in such a situation, she would undoubtedly be heartbroken. Thus, he had other children—so normal compared to Shui Su, so devoid of uniqueness—but obedient souls unconfined by their small bodies.
Yet Xiao Mei always felt different about Shui Su. His life gained vitality because of the Jiang Family and became rich because of Shui Su. To exaggerate a bit, if it weren't for Shui Su, perhaps his life would have ended long ago. And Shui Su was also different for him; the love confirmed before any physical development had faced numerous obstacles until now, with few instances like this that left him confused and unable to accept.
Clearly, he had just promised not to hide any plans anymore just two days ago; clearly, he had said he would no longer let him live in waiting...
The shattered cup on the floor and the person flushed with anger left Song Bunan silent. He understood what Xiao Mei was upset about but could not offer comfort. He watched as familiar eyes flickered across the screen, something struggling in his mind trying to break through the fog he recalled—and it was important.
"I need to find him!" Xiao Mei couldn't contain himself any longer and slammed his hand on the table to vent his frustration. He thought he would be persuaded against it but found no obstruction from his friend when he shook his numb hand. Turning to look, he saw Song Bunan's serious expression as he stared blankly ahead; he knew what this demeanor represented and chose to remain silent until his friend came around.
Since he had gone incognito, it certainly wasn't under Jiang Shui Su's identity. But given his abilities and status, who needed him to take their place? The list that Shui Su had shown him gradually formed in his mind as he carefully recalled all the names on it—Red Circle blue lines ordinary black text—so densely packed that it made his nerves ache.
He remembered. Song Bunan clenched his fists, forcing himself to recall. There must be an important name that he had overlooked, someone they all knew—especially in relation to Shui Su...
And Shui Su's relationship.
Xiao Mei was startled when Song Bunan suddenly turned to look at him. The man's face was illuminated from behind, casting a shadow that made him appear more stern than usual. His large eyes, typically filled with warmth and laughter, now held an inscrutable emotion, like a pool of water being violently stirred.
"What’s wrong?" he asked.
"What’s your name?" Song Bunan replied.
"Are you out of your mind? How could you not know my name?!" he responded, confused.
"Long Mei is the name given to you by the Jiang Family. What were you called before that?" Song Bunan's serious tone made Long Mei feel a bit anxious. After pondering for a moment, he answered, "Long Yiming."
"Right." Song Bunan seemed to recall something. He slumped down, leaning against the soft pillow, murmuring to himself, "Yes, Long Yiming. It is Long Yiming."
Xiao Mei had been adopted by the Jiang Family when he was only three years old. He had only fragmented memories of his past, but he distinctly remembered the moment he was renamed. The head of the family stood before him, speaking slowly and earnestly, instructing him to remember that from now on, he would be called Long Mei—nothing else.
At that time, all he knew was that this kind uncle treated him well, offering him warm food and clothes, holding him close to comfort him so he would no longer have to wander alone. He agreed; his name would be Long Mei.
The family that had given him the name Long Yiming had long since vanished from his life. He couldn’t even remember if he had parents or relatives. His scattered memories were filled with cold streets and makeshift beds made of thin cardboard for shelter against the chill, along with a dilapidated house where he could see the sky through the cracks.
But how did Song Bunan know about this name? Even Shui Su had never been informed.
Xiao Mei grasped Song Bunan's hand, demanding to know how he knew there was another name for him. His friend lay sprawled on the sofa, his gaze unfocused until Xiao Mei’s grip drew his attention. After a long moment of eye contact, Song Bunan's voice softly reached his ears. "You’re on the List."
The List? What List? A barrage of question marks flooded Xiao Mei's mind. He had answered, yet his confusion only deepened.
Song Bunan suddenly stood up and left the room, locking the door from the outside to prevent anyone from following him. He heard Song Bunan's voice coming from outside, instructing someone to keep an eye on the room and not let him out.
“Song Bunan!” he shouted excitedly, pulling at the door with all his might, but it wouldn’t budge. “What the hell is going on, Song Bunan! Let me out! Song Bunan!!!”
No one responded.
The faces on the screen changed repeatedly, no longer showing those familiar eyes. They walked through the Gu Family Courtyard, not missing a single room or any of its occupants. The people hidden within those rooms showed no fear of their visitors; most accepted their accusations, claiming they were just workers and not the bosses. Many engaged in fierce struggles, like brainwashed individuals, frantically insisting that what the laboratory did was the right thing.
Occasionally, familiar figures flashed by, but none were the one Xiao Mei cared about the most. Now he slumped onto the sofa, feeling both angry and helpless, cursing his friends and loved ones as nothing but annoying riddles.
“What does it matter if it’s Long Yiming?” he sighed.
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