Become the Sickly Villain in the Novel - Chapter 76

The conversation between the two continued. Li Nuo felt a little lost, but since he had dreamed of those memories a few times, there was a chance he might recall them later.

He turned to look at Qin Xu. “What about you? Do you regret it, being born into this world?”

In the novel, it was only mentioned that Qin Xu’s position as a director was inherited, with no further details provided.

“Come to think of it, I’ve never seen your parents. Even at the company, I’ve never encountered them. Sometimes, Brother Mo would mention it briefly, saying he had an older brother.”

“They’re dead.”

Qin Xu’s sudden response startled Li Nuo. He stole a glance at Qin Xu’s expression.

“You don’t need to tread so carefully. They don’t deserve to be called parents. The only family I acknowledge is my grandfather and my biological mother.”

An abusive father and a stepmother who aided and abetted his cruelty, not just toward Qin Xu but also through their actions outside the family. Those two were unworthy of being considered human.

His father and mother had married for political reasons. There was no love between them. In fact, his father despised his mother and, by extension, him as well.

His mother had passed away from illness when he was very young. His grandfather was in poor health and had been in long-term recuperation, unable to intervene in family matters. After his stepmother entered the household, Qin Xu’s already miserable life became even more unbearable.

Observing Qin Xu’s expression, it was clear that his past was anything but pleasant.

“And your grandfather and biological mother?”

“They’re gone too. Grandfather was in poor health, and my mother passed away when I was still a child.”

“As for my biological father—” Qin Xu’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “He was truly a ‘great father.’”

His expression made Li Nuo realize something. “Those old scars… Could it be… Ah, I’m sorry. I just finished watching that movie, and since we were talking about parents, I—”

“It’s exactly what you’re thinking.”

Qin Xu’s response made Li Nuo jump up from the sofa, eyes wide, his words stuck in his throat.

After a long pause, he finally managed to ask, “…Is that true?”

“Yes. My father did it, and my stepmother fueled the fire.”

So this was the past that the novel never mentioned. Li Nuo felt a wave of sorrow and lowered his gaze.

“Don’t look like that. It’s all in the past now. I only brought it up because you asked.”

This was the second time he had spoken about his past. The first time, Mo Chuan had pestered him endlessly until he relented.

“Later, my grandfather found out and immediately sent them both abroad. Not long after, news came that they had died overseas. That was ten years ago.”

“……”

“It was probably murder, disguised as an accident.”

Once again, Li Nuo’s eyes widened in shock.

“There’s nothing surprising about it. Considering who they were, it’s not strange that they made enemies. And being overseas, it’s even harder to do anything about it.”

Li Nuo tightened his grip on the pillow in his hands, his heart pounding at the shocking revelation. Qin Xu glanced at his watch and pulled him back down onto the sofa. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. How about we watch a lighter movie?”

“No, tell me more.”

“There’s nothing much left to say. That was the main part of it.”

“I still want to hear it.” Qin Xu rarely spoke about himself, so Li Nuo was eager to understand what kind of emotions he carried while recounting his past.

His light-colored pupils locked onto Qin Xu, leaving him unable to refuse. Carrying emotions he had never felt before, he slowly began to tell his story.

“That night at the izakaya, when the four of us had dinner together, you saw the scars on my hands. That was from back then.”

Li Nuo’s gaze dropped to the hand gripping his own wrist. He had been curious at the time—why would a privileged young master bear so many scars on his hands?

Now he understood. Not just his hands, but his body bore even more scars, all inflicted by his own father.

“After my grandfather found out, he took me away from my father. That was when I was in middle school.”

It had gone on for that long. As Li Nuo listened, an intense loathing for Qin Xu’s despicable father welled up inside him.

“Then, as you know, they were sent abroad. My father resisted, but he couldn’t go against my grandfather.”

Knowing that his son was already ruined, Qin Xu’s grandfather, who was still the chairman at the time, abandoned his son and instead placed all his hopes on his grandson. Perhaps out of guilt for his earlier negligence, he granted Qin Xu whatever he desired.

“So, I suppose you could say I was raised by my grandfather.”

For the longest time, Qin Xu had harbored a burning desire to take revenge on his father. But when the man met such a pathetic end in a foreign land, Qin Xu found himself at a loss.

“So, I want to do what he always wanted to accomplish. If Yuesen truly falls entirely into my hands, he would be powerless in his rage even in hell. Besides, this company was left behind by my grandfather, so I have to protect it well.”

Although Qin Xu was talking about himself, his tone remained flat, devoid of any particular emotion.

Li Nuo looked at the person in front of him. Even though Qin Xu was speaking so calmly, Li Nuo couldn’t shake the feeling that he seemed somewhat sorrowful. Not for his father, but for the hatred that had once consumed him, only to dissolve into nothingness. For the child he once was, filled with resentment and despair.

He reached out his right hand, turned slightly, and cautiously asked, “Can I hug you?”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just… I just want to hug you.”

He simply wanted to comfort Qin Xu, the boy covered in scars who had spent his childhood in endless darkness.

Qin Xu didn’t say anything further. Instead, he pulled Li Nuo’s arm, allowing him to embrace him. Wrapping his arms around Li Nuo’s waist, he drew the person in completely, burying his face in Li Nuo’s shoulder and closing his eyes.

Li Nuo blinked. He had been the one asking to hug Qin Xu, yet somehow the roles had reversed. But it didn’t matter. He tightened his arms around Qin Xu as if hoping that through this embrace, he could pass on some comfort, easing even a fraction of the pain he carried.

Sensing his movements, Qin Xu opened his eyes briefly before shutting them again.

He’s so small… but so warm.

Maintaining this position, Li Nuo softly asked, “Could it be that this time, your injuries were also caused by an enemy? Because you wanted to protect the company?”

“…You figured it out?” Qin Xu’s muffled voice came through.

Hearing his confirmation, Li Nuo felt a jolt of shock. What kind of business war is this? They’re actually resorting to violence!

A false depiction of business warfare: A battle of wits, where experts engage in strategic maneuvers, and the use of force when necessary.

The reality of business warfare: Pouring boiling water on a rival’s money tree, hiring someone to cut off their internet, sneaking into the kitchen before a partnership meeting to tamper with the menu.

Well, this was a novel world. It made sense—it was false.

“It wasn’t hard to guess,” he muttered under his breath. “But right now, you’re recovering. You shouldn’t overwork yourself.”

“I know.”

“Then get some rest. You should sleep.”

It was the first time Qin Xu had held someone so naturally, not wanting to let go. But when Li Nuo released him, he had no choice but to do the same.

Li Nuo gestured for him to get into bed, but after Qin Xu sat down, he still didn’t let go of Li Nuo’s hand.

“What’s wrong? Is there something else?”

Li Nuo’s gaze fell on their intertwined hands. When he saw the scars on Qin Xu’s skin, his eyes couldn’t help but show a trace of sadness.

Noticing this, Qin Xu’s eyes flickered, and he turned his head away. His voice, though seemingly muttered to himself, was clearly meant for someone to hear.

“I don’t want to be alone right now.”

Even Qin Xu himself was startled by what he had just said. Perhaps, after finally speaking openly about his past, he had unknowingly relaxed.

Li Nuo understood. After an emotionally intense confession, it was natural to want someone nearby. If Qin Xu weren’t physically unwell, he probably would have gone out drinking instead.

“I’ll grab a manga and come right back. I’ll stay with you tonight.”

“……”

“I won’t be long.”

Qin Xu seemed to agree, as he slowly let go of Li Nuo’s wrist.

Li Nuo returned as quickly as possible with the book he wanted to read and sat down beside the bed. “Now, you should rest.”

Perhaps he truly did feel lighter. Qin Xu quickly fell asleep, while Li Nuo kept his promise, staying by his side the entire time, quietly reading, never leaving.

Later that evening, after dinner, Li Nuo returned. “Do you need to shower tonight?”

Though he couldn’t bathe for long, with waterproof bandages, a quick rinse was still possible.

“No, not tonight. Fortunately, it’s winter. If it were summer, this would be troublesome. I’ll have to trouble you to help me wipe down instead.”

Li Nuo carefully examined Qin Xu’s injuries. Though Qin Xu was reluctant to apply medicine, under Li Nuo’s firm insistence, he had used it every day. Now that the bruises had faded slightly, Li Nuo finally felt some relief.

Just as Qin Xu was about to head into the bathroom to wash his lower body on his own, the door suddenly swung open.

The person didn’t even knock, instantly putting Qin Xu on alert.

But upon seeing who it was, his wariness turned into exasperation.

The intruder was Mo Chuan.

“Ah, Xiao Nuo, I heard you were here, so I…”

The moment Mo Chuan saw Li Nuo standing there, looking puzzled, and Qin Xu with his upper body bare, he immediately fell silent, his expression stiffening.

But once he realized what they were actually doing, he felt relieved.

He’s just helping him wipe down, Mo Chuan gritted his teeth internally. They’ve gotten closer while I was away, huh…

Even though he was practically drowning in jealousy, he still maintained a nonchalant expression.

Seeing Mo Chuan, Li Nuo’s smile bloomed like a flower. “Why are you here?”

When he noticed Mo Chuan’s gaze land on Qin Xu, Li Nuo understood. It must be something important regarding the company. “You two talk first, I’ll step outside.”

As he tried to leave the room, Mo Chuan stretched out his arm to block his way. “Where are you going? It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other, hasn’t it?”

Even though he had been receiving videos and pictures from this side every day.

“Yes, but I figured you two had business to discuss, so I didn’t want to interrupt.” Li Nuo slipped out from under his arm and ran off with a smile.

Mo Chuan watched him dash back to his own room and let out a helpless sigh before stepping inside Qin Xu’s room and closing the door.

“What’s going on?”

“What? Aren’t you already aware of the injury?”

“I’m not talking about that. I’m asking why you were like that with Li Nuo.”

“It’s exactly as you saw.”

“You really gave me a shock. Someone who always hated showing his body to others is suddenly so at ease being half-naked.”

Mo Chuan sat by the bed, propping his chin up with his hand.

“He found out about my injuries. I couldn’t reach my back to clean it properly, so he helped me.”

“Yeah, I’m not blind. I saw that. So you called me here just for this?”

“……”

“I told you to get some proper rest while I handled things, and here you are showing off your physique in front of the person I like!”

Faced with Mo Chuan’s anger, Qin Xu remained unfazed as he finished getting dressed.

“If I had known he’d be staying by my side like this, I should’ve just taken that stab wound head-on.”

“Hah! I can stab you right now if you want.”

“What’s the point now?” Qin Xu sat down on the sofa. “Anyway, how have things been these past few days?”

Although they had been in contact, the situation was complicated. Besides, he hadn’t been feeling well these past few days, so their contact had been minimal.

Now that the topic shifted to business, Mo Chuan’s expression became serious. “They’ve been retaliating aggressively. Remember how there were a few key people we hadn’t managed to bring over to our side? The biggest one among them.”

“That one’s been around for years, hasn’t he? Clinging on till the end, always making trouble.” Qin Xu sneered. “But he doesn’t pose a real threat, does he?”

“No, just some desperate struggling before the end.” Mo Chuan’s expression remained relaxed.

“Anything else?”

Hearing this, Mo Chuan’s face turned somewhat strange. “You know Li Yuzhi, right? Li Nuo’s father.”

“What about him?”

“He’s been in contact with Zhang Wanhui. You know that. A few days ago, I spotted him near Director Wen’s secretary. Oh, wait. More accurately, the three of them were together. They seemed to be discussing something.”

Qin Xu frowned. Wen Dong’s secretary was undoubtedly one of his closest aides, so why were Li Yuzhi and Zhang Wanhui getting involved with them?

“Anything else?”

Mo Chuan’s expression turned even more peculiar. “Here’s something interesting. Do you remember that MLM company you dealt with before?”

Qin Xu nodded.

“Following the trail of that manager, we found out that the company’s owner was also connected to Zhang Wanhui.”

“Wasn’t that guy supposed to have fled abroad? Last we checked, he had gone to Southeast Asia.”

“Yes, so their connection was before he ran. But there’s no doubt they were in contact.”

Qin Xu’s frown deepened. “Can we determine when Wen Dong got involved with Li Yuzhi and Zhang Wanhui?”

“Hmm… Around a year ago, give or take.”