Our Entire Family Has Secrets [Transmigrated] - Chapter 33
Chapter 33
When Yuan Bozhu stepped into the room, he immediately sensed something amiss.
Unlike Yuan Qifeng, who could distinctly perceive rare energies, Yuan Bozhu was highly sensitive to subtle changes in his surroundings.
He realized the air was unusually warm.
Lowering his gaze, Yuan Bozhu’s expression shifted in that moment. He reached back and closed the already loose door.
After a quick scan confirmed no one was inside, he gestured and cast a barrier around the room, blocking all external detection and containing any internal traces from escaping.
The barrier silently enveloped the area.
Proceeding further, Yuan Bozhu observed that the decorations in the living room were exactly as they were the last time he visited.
Lin Shuanghuai probably hadn’t considered this place a long-term residence, evident from the lack of effort in tidying up.
On a small, delicate sofa lay a school uniform waiting to be washed, while a rudimentary coffee table held two books, one open workbook, several sheets of draft paper, and an open stationery box.
Unprompted, Yuan Bozhu imagined Lin Shuanghuai studying here.
The low coffee table, cramped in appearance, served as the makeshift study spot since his room lacked a proper desk.
Everything was disheveled, suggesting Lin Shuanghuai had returned home recently and fallen ill, unable to tidy up.
The closed bedroom door remained silent.
Yuan Bozhu observed, unable to use his energy field to sense their presence before their rare bloodline fully awakened.
Despite being several meters away, he caught Lin Shuanghuai’s suppressed breath and irregular heartbeat.
Even so, the domain of spiders only detected vague energy fluctuations and couldn’t definitively determine who, where, or what had awakened.
In other words, Yuan Bozhu couldn’t simply approach and instantly understand what had happened to Lin Shuanghuai.
Approaching the bedroom door, he rested his hand on the handle but did not open it.
Suddenly, he raised his hand and lightly tapped on the door.
Knock, knock, knock.
Clearly, Lin Shuanghuai wasn’t going to respond.
This gesture seemed to be merely a psychological preparation for Lin Shuanghuai, informing him that an outsider was about to invade his safe space.
Regardless of Lin Shuanghuai’s consent, Yuan Bozhu intended to enter.
Lin Shuanghuai’s bedroom, like the living room of this apartment, echoed the same desolation.
It lacked the vitality or disorderly liveliness one would expect from a seventeen or eighteen-year-old.
Within this roughly twelve-square-meter space, there was only a bed, a wardrobe, a half-open ventilated window, and nothing else.
The bedsheet was plain grey, and apart from a calendar, the walls were bare.
Even Yuan Bozhu’s room felt more lived-in compared to this.
Lin Shuanghuai’s energetic and lively persona seemed a stark contrast to the cold emptiness of his home.
It appeared he only displayed a facade to others and didn’t bother with his surroundings when alone.
The two-meter-wide wardrobe imposed a heavy presence in the small bedroom.
Yuan Bozhu stood nearby but refrained from approaching directly.
He had never encountered a rare species in their awakening phase, and much of his knowledge came from novels and dramas.
However, textual descriptions were superficial, and in this specific scenario, Yuan Bozhu doubted he could offer much assistance.
He wondered why Lin Shuanghuai had no family members or elders of his kind to care for him.
According to the original setting, a young bloodline with such unique and potent abilities should have received support and high expectations from their kin, including from domains like the spiders.
Yet here was Lin Shuanghuai, alone during his lengthy awakening period of thirty days, prone to unpredictable states that could endanger others or himself—an unethical and unreasonable situation for any species.
Suddenly, the meticulously closed wardrobe door crept open, revealing Lin Shuanghuai’s cautious gaze peeking through the narrow gap.
In that moment of eye contact, Lin Shuanghuai tensed and quickly shut the door again.
Yuan Bozhu didn’t pressure him to come out immediately.
He withdrew his gaze and glanced at the grey-white curtains beside him.
Originally stirred by the wind blowing through the half-open window, they now hung lifelessly due to the external barrier that blocked their movement, adding to the stifling atmosphere.
Yuan Bozhu pulled back the curtains and closed the window.
Exiting the bedroom, Yuan Bozhu wandered around the room and realized that Lin Shuanghuai truly didn’t pay much attention to his daily life.
There were no pots or pans in the kitchen; the chopsticks were all disposable utensils from takeout meals.
Inside the fridge, there was an unopened bottle of milk, several boxes of chocolates, cookies, and bread, but no sight of fruits, vegetables, meat, or eggs.
Lin Shuanghuai seemed to have accepted that his stay here wouldn’t exceed the expiration dates of these foods.
Eventually, Yuan Bozhu found an infrequently used kettle from under the cupboard—it didn’t look new but wasn’t very old either.
Yuan Bozhu guessed it was provided by the landlord for Lin Shuanghuai.
However, the mineral water bottles piled up in the living room indicated that, apart from boiling water for instant noodles, Lin Shuanghuai had never used the kettle.
Its surface was already dusty.
Yuan Bozhu boiled a kettle of water, poured it out, washed the kettle, and boiled it again.
This habit was taught by Zhang Shu.
Whenever she traveled, Zhang Shu would instruct Yuan Bozhu that even in five-star hotels, one should disinfect the kettle.
Sometimes Yuan Bozhu wondered how Zhang Shu managed to blend so seamlessly into ordinary people’s lives when it wasn’t necessary at all.
She had lived in the Star Thief Castle, accustomed to having servants and handmaids at her beck and call, truly living the life of a princess.
Yet now, during travels, she would take away the complimentary disposable items from hotels and use them when needed.
While waiting for the water to boil, Lin Shuanghuai’s phone rang again from the bedside.
Still hiding in his small corner, Lin Shuanghuai refused to come out.
Seeing the persistent caller on the phone, Yuan Bozhu decided to step into the bedroom.
The caller ID displayed “Han Banlan.”
Glancing at the wardrobe, Yuan Bozhu speculated that such a cramped and enclosed space might provide Lin Shuanghuai with a sense of security.
Approaching with the phone, Yuan Bozhu crouched down suddenly.
Though separated by just a door, he didn’t open the obviously concealing door, instead softly informing him, “It’s your classmate.”
After saying this, Yuan Bozhu felt like his direction might not have been clear enough.
“Han Banlan,” he added the name and asked,
“Do you want to answer?”
Yuan Bozhu expected Lin Shuanghuai to remain silent, but a faint voice came from inside,
“…Mm.”
The crack in the wardrobe door opened again, and a hand reached out from within.
Yuan Bozhu passed the phone through.
Lin Shuanghuai’s strange reaction and the mystery surrounding everything made the atmosphere eerie.
Normally, no one could remain completely uncurious and ask no questions in such a situation, but Yuan Bozhu could.
Lin Shuanghuai whispered to Han Banlan from his darkness, asking her not to call the police and explaining that he was just sick.
His voice grew quieter, and Yuan Bozhu ceased eavesdropping.
His gaze wandered somewhat absentmindedly out the window.
Protected by the barrier, the city-wide search initiated by the Spider Domain couldn’t reach this place.
For a short while, he didn’t have to worry about anyone coming here.
Yet this also meant he had taken on a responsibility that wasn’t originally his.
As the water boiled, Yuan Bozhu hurriedly reasoned with himself why he had come here.
Was it to prevent Han Banlan and the others from inadvertently revealing the existence of rare species in this world by calling the police?
Or was it because Lin Shuanghuai’s stubborn entanglement had convinced him inwardly that this person was his friend?
Neither explanation seemed quite right upon reflection.
The water boiled quickly.
Yuan Bozhu poured two cups.
He left one cup half-full and set it aside. Expressionless, he picked up the other cup, then suddenly flipped his wrist, pouring the water onto the floor.
In the uneven spot on the ground, a small puddle formed.
Leaning against the kitchen door frame, Yuan Bozhu’s gaze fell coldly downward.
He watched as the water, shortly after making contact with the ground, violently boiled and evaporated.
Yuan Bozhu couldn’t see the so-called rare species energy field, and due to his unique physiology, he wouldn’t be affected by such energy fluctuations.
However, he could now almost confirm that Lin Shuanghuai’s ability was spiraling out of control.
The high temperature inside the house felt like the entire world was running a fever alongside Lin Shuanghuai.
Suddenly, Yuan Bozhu understood why the Spider Domain had gone to such lengths, mobilizing all the rare blood species near Qiancheng to find Lin Shuanghuai.
Such peculiar powers were irresistible to anyone.
Yuan Bozhu was clear about one thing:
The Spider Domain would become the most prominent antagonist organization in the main storyline over the next decade.
And the greatest antagonist throughout would be the next boss of the Spider Domain.
Yuan Bozhu had tried his best to avoid the main storyline but had voluntarily joined the Spider Domain initially to gather information he hadn’t obtained in the original text—why his older siblings had died and whether it was related to the subsequent upheaval in the Spider Domain.
However, as time passed within the Spider Domain, Yuan Bozhu realized that it seemed disconnected from the main storyline now.
Neither its current boss, Satan, nor most of the registered rare species inside seemed relevant to the plot ten years later.
The deaths of Yuan Wanjiao and Yuan Qifeng remained a mystery.
Yuan Bozhu thought the Spider Domain would remain dormant like this forever.
Now, they were after Lin Shuanghuai, and the situation had become unsolvable again.
Despite several attempts to review the known plotlines, Yuan Bozhu couldn’t find the words “Lin Shuanghuai” among the many evil antagonists and unlucky cannon fodders of the Spider Domain.
One highly probable possibility was—perhaps Lin Shuanghuai never managed to enter the subsequent plotlines.
Perhaps he would die during an unattended awakening period.
His phone suddenly vibrated.
At this inappropriate moment, the last person who should contact him called.
Yuan Bozhu glanced at it and answered.
Satan always spoke with a smile tinged with indifference, “Gabriel, good evening.”
Yuan Bozhu didn’t know when the sunset had occurred. It was Satan who reminded him that it was already dark outside.
“Good evening,” he replied.
“Did you receive our urgent letter? Regarding the awakening of rare species with special attributes near Qiancheng. Your insight is always beyond imagination, and I’d like to hear your thoughts.”
“Not sure.”
“What a pity,” Satan said with feigned regret but actually seemed unconcerned.
He continued, “Actually, I didn’t call you for that matter.”
Yuan Bozhu had anticipated this and remained silent.
“I suspect the bloodline awakening this time is related to the lineage I’m seeking… Of course, I can’t confirm it yet, but soon. Generally, after the energy field is deployed, the awakening period lasts up to thirty days. Thirty days later, he won’t be able to hide anymore—I’ve been working hard specifically for the Chi Di lineage all these years.”
Satan became slightly more serious, though not entirely, as he finished and laughed, “Wait, I need to ask first, do you still remember our last agreement?”
Yuan Bozhu replied softly.
“Fortunately, if you had forgotten, I might have been sad.” Satan was serious this time, “I’ve already started investigating the teenagers over sixteen in major schools near Qiancheng. When we find the source of the special energy field, I’ll need your help.”
Yuan Bozhu paused for a moment, then asked, “Why not find someone else?”
“Although I guessed you would ask me this question, when you actually ask, I feel sad.” Satan sighed, “Gabriel, don’t you think I don’t know? When the mercenaries of the Spider Domain rated blood abilities, you deliberately suppressed your power and only took an A grade. Did you think I didn’t know anything?”
Yuan Bozhu’s expression darkened slightly, waiting for the continuation.
“In these decades, only two people globally have achieved S-level ability ratings. Each rare bloodline takes pride in achieving S-level, commanding countless followers on their own planets and throughout their star systems. Yet you don’t care at all, preferring to hide your strength and refusing to become an S-level. So last year when the system directory updated, I didn’t make you reevaluate. I know this hierarchy means nothing to you. You see, how considerate I am. If you want me not to see, I can pretend not to see.”
Yuan Bozhu kept his eyes low, waiting for the next part.
“But now, I need your help, and I have to be frank with you.” Satan didn’t dwell on why Yuan Bozhu chose to hide his strength but stated the conclusion directly, “Gabriel, whether you admit it or not, the fact now is, if that powerful rare species awakened recently refuses to submit to us, the only person who has the chance and capability to bring him back is you.”
Yuan Bozhu had already prepared the words to decline in a very short time. However, as soon as he opened his mouth, his gaze froze.
Not far from his line of sight, Lin Shuanghuai slowly and unsteadily emerged from the bedroom.
Yuan Bozhu remained composed and said to Satan on the phone, “I’m busy right now. Let’s talk another day.”
However, Satan seemed particularly keen on brewing phone conversations. Despite having various more discreet means of communication, he insisted on discussing with Yuan Bozhu at this moment, “A long time ago, I received a prophecy that told me… faith is reviving. The power of Chi Di is gathering again, and we need a new opportunity. Perhaps, it’s the person we’re looking for.”
Lin Shuanghuai was covered in sweat, wearing thin innerwear, and staggered over to Yuan Bozhu.
“Gabriel, if you see him, you must—”
Suddenly, Lin Shuanghuai in front of him collapsed toward Yuan Bozhu.
Yuan Bozhu’s arms hung limp as Lin Shuanghuai leaned against him, his whole body slipping downwards like water. Satan’s voice echoed in his ears like a curse:
“Bring him back.”
Yuan Bozhu wrapped his arms around Lin Shuanghuai’s waist, his expression cold, and abruptly hung up the phone.