Our Entire Family Has Secrets [Transmigrated] - Chapter 8
Twenty minutes later.
Yuan Bozhu stood at the door of the Nightless Continent.
It could be said that it was indeed a wealthy township that made ordinary people yearn for.
Just the grand entrance alone was so imposing that the group of classmates behind him dared not make a sound. It seemed like even the slightest noise would be disrespectful to this noble place.
Everyone was afraid of showing any weakness in front of others, so even if they wanted to exclaim “wow,” they swallowed it back.
Looking through the gate, there wasn’t anything particularly impressive, just a driveway winding into the unknown.
Greenery lined both sides with hidden lights, neon lights reflecting each other, giving the illusion that simply entering would lead to enlightenment.
The attendants guided them towards a side entrance and informed them that three shuttle buses were already waiting there.
Nightless Continent was very large inside, divided into different areas, even indicating the lanes for vehicles and pedestrians.
Although the banquet hall reserved for Qin Rui’s birthday party was located on the outskirts of the Nightless Continent, it would still take at least half an hour to walk there.
Everyone boarded the buses in batches.
It was quite rare to accommodate so many students at once in a place like Nightless Continent.
This was a special privilege granted by Nightless Continent for the adult ceremony of members’ children.
Normally, dozens of non-members wouldn’t be allowed to enter.
Because of this, Qin Rui walked with his head held high, appearing extremely proud. Without him, the forty students from Class 7 of Senior Grade Three would probably never have the chance to enter such an impressive place.
He indeed had reasons to be proud.
Qin Rui’s father operated real estate in the Interstellar Land Alliance, and his business had expanded to neighboring stars. It was said that he ranked in the top five hundred in the recent Alliance wealth ranking, owning billions in cash assets and thousands of enterprises, truly a tycoon.
But Qin Rui was his father’s fourth child, and his mother had remarried ten years ago.
So, he couldn’t enjoy his father’s love alone.
This time, for his coming-of-age ceremony, he only received the Nightless Continent Gold Card attached to his father’s black card, without the treatment of his father personally attending to celebrate his birthday.
Whenever someone looked at him with sympathy and tried to comfort him, Qin Rui would casually say,
“Don’t pity me just because my dad doesn’t care about me. Understand this, this young master has money to spend as he pleases.”
After the three shuttle buses slowly moved a hundred meters, a magnificent view suddenly appeared before their eyes.
The colorful scenery inside the Nightless Continent immediately unfolded.
“Wow…”
The classmates, who had been holding their breath since entering, couldn’t help but exclaim in amazement.
They admired this legendary paradise, a land that had seemed unattainable to them before, now beneath their feet.
Everyone feels like they’re coated in an expensive protective layer at this moment.
This dreamlike city, constructed by money, seems both real and unreal, shimmering with mirage-like lights.
As the sun sets, the golden evening glow further numbs the expressionless faces.
Amidst the fluctuating conversations and incessant exclamations of everyone around, Yuan Bozhuo let out a shallow yawn.
Nightless Continent.
This extravagant and glamorous place, coveted by many, holds no attraction for Yuan Bozhuo.
Here, people often harbor the illusion that money can buy everything.
Many seek things to satisfy their desires through Nightless Continent’s top-notch services.
Yet for Yuan Bozhuo, money is the least valuable thing.
Material desires, vanity, the allure of wealth, and indulgence are all fleeting, merely illusions.
He couldn’t muster the slightest interest. Before becoming
“Yuan Bozhuo,” he was the most promising candidate for ascension in the cultivation world.
With a miraculous cultivation speed that allowed him to reach the pinnacle of the cultivation world in just a few lifetimes, he became an unreachable legend.
Before entering the tribulation period, eighty-one Mahayana Buddhist practitioners sought his guidance, discussing scriptures tirelessly for forty-nine days and nights, while thirty thousand cultivators flocked to his sect, all eager for even a word of advice from Yuan Bozhuo to enlighten them.
Back then, even a casual remark from Yuan Bozhuo carried the weight of law in the cultivation world, and people from all walks of life willingly placed themselves under his tutelage.
Money, power, everything was at his fingertips, with transcendence just a thought away.
However, temptations never enticed Yuan Bozhuo.
He spent a lifetime cultivating detachment, like an ordinary mortal.
Even the salvation of the world didn’t catch his eye, let alone the entertainments offered by Nighless Continent, which held no interest for him.
Of course, the most important reason was…
He was getting tired of Nightless Continent.
Once inside the standalone building where the birthday banquet was held, his classmates could finally let loose.
As Yuan Bozhuo had anticipated, in this environment, everyone quickly forgot about him.
Especially when seated at the table, faced with exotic delicacies from various countries, his classmates eagerly took out their phones to capture the moment.
Qin Rui, on the other hand, showed concern for Yuan Bozhuo several times,
Asking if he needed to switch his utensils, if he could tolerate the scent of the 200,000 yuan per pound white truffles, how to eat a forearm-length langoustine, reminding him that the $8,000 bowl of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall wouldn’t taste good if it got cold, and casually mentioning that the caviar, which cost several hundred yuan per spoonful, was plentiful enough to enjoy without restraint.
Yuan Bozhuo remained mostly silent throughout, only responding politely with “Hmm” or “Okay.”
Considering Qin Rui was the birthday boy today, Yuan Bozhuo occasionally added a few more words, like “Oh, I see.”
Some of the more active boys in the class couldn’t sit still; they wandered around the three-story glass house and returned each holding a bottle of wine, excitedly sharing their discoveries with everyone:
“The banquet hall is huge! There’s even a place upstairs for singing, swimming, bowling!”
“I thought our private room was just one big room, but it’s an entire house.”
“Oh my god, even though I knew Nighless Continent would be beautiful, being inside still feels overwhelming. Is this heaven on earth?”
“Remember what the attendant on the shuttle said earlier? Every wine cellar, restaurant, gift shop, even the supermarket we passed by on the way here, they’re all free.”
Upon hearing their discussion, Qin Rui intervened, proudly stating,
“Of course, everyone here is either wealthy or influential. A membership card alone costs tens of millions, so it’s only natural that these small things are complimentary.”
Before anyone could react with amazement, he continued, “There was a fork in the road earlier, leading to another area where there’s golf, horseback riding, rock climbing, skiing, surfing, hot springs, and even the largest Ferris wheel in Qiancheng… Anyway, whatever you can think of, it’s all there.”
“Nighless Continent is so huge; you can’t explore it all in just a few days. We only have one night tonight, so after dinner, I’ll show you guys the coolest things.”
His words sparked another round of cheers from the crowd.
Yuan Bozhuo quietly ate his meal alone.
While others engaged in socializing, he had already finished eating.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, it had just passed seven o’clock.
Once Qin Rui finished cutting the cake, he could find an excuse to leave.
To the north of Nighless Continent, around twenty yachts were docked in the harbor, with a few lit up and one appearing to be preparing to set sail.
Generally, yacht parties were held during the daytime.
Because nighttime at sea was full of dangers, with strong winds, low temperatures, and little chance of rescue if something went wrong.
Even if they set sail, there would be restrictions on how far they could go, ensuring they could return at any moment.
Lin Shuanghuai didn’t like the sea, nor did he know how to swim.
As he walked on the swaying pontoon, he discreetly clenched his fists, as if hoping it would alleviate some of his psychological burden.
Chen Jin invited him to Nightless Continent, saying he wanted to apologize for accidentally injuring him last time.
Lin Shuanghuai didn’t believe a word.
But he still came.
He knew that nothing good would come of it when he arrived, but then again, what if? What if Chen Jin really wanted to apologize to him?
The sight of him covered in blood that day might have softened Chen Jin’s heart.
He was his own brother, his own flesh and blood brother. Surely there would be some sibling affection?
Dad said he never wanted him to set foot in the house again, but he still sent him money every month, right on time. You couldn’t cut off blood ties, no matter how much you hated, could you?
With this almost self-deceptive thought in mind, Lin Shuanghuai hesitated and walked to the yacht.
The sailor glanced at him, confirmed his identity, and let him on board.
The sound system was so loud it made his feet numb, and the deck and gangplank were full of people Chen Jin had called, all enjoying the party.
Lin Shuanghuai straightened his clothes and his mood.
To avoid embarrassing himself in front of Chen Jin’s friends, he wore the most presentable white shirt from his wardrobe. It was from last year’s spring collection by Berker, worn only by nobles and celebrities in the entertainment circle, costing over seventy thousand, almost half a year’s living expenses for him.
But Lin Shuanghuai wasn’t short of money, so he didn’t mind buying it.
He just thought at the time of buying it that he would wear this shirt home for Chinese New Year.
But as in the past ten-plus years, the Chen family never sent him an invitation.
So, the shirt hung in the closet, never worn.
Today, as he put it on, Lin Shuanghuai finally understood the phrase “clothes make the man”. He admired himself in the mirror for a long time, feeling really handsome.
The collar, which should have been buttoned with a tie, was slightly open, revealing his fair neck and collarbone, formal but not too stiff.
Lin Shuanghuai thought this was safe enough.
He looked so good today that Chen Jin couldn’t possibly find fault.
Once on the yacht, Lin Shuanghuai brought out his best smile, his most graceful manners, and walked up the gangplank with his back straight.
During this time, he greeted everyone who passed by with polite hellos and charming smiles.
He successfully gained the favor of everyone and the admiration of the girls—
Even though he had been sent out of the Chen family since he was three, you couldn’t tell he was a wild child.
Many people even thought he was from some prestigious family, whispering and inquiring.
These people didn’t know Lin Shuanghuai, which was normal.
Chen Jin changed friends, including girlfriends, every day.
Seeing Lin Shuanghuai approaching, Chen Jin hugged the girl next to him without getting up to greet him.
He just smiled strangely, then snapped his fingers, signaling the DJ to stop the music.
The boat suddenly fell silent.
“Let me introduce you all, this is my brother.”
He said so, but still didn’t stand up. Instead, he leaned his head on his new girlfriend’s shoulder and lazily said,
“He’s the one who killed my mom at birth, blinded one of my eyes at two, and was told by six fortune tellers that he’s an unlucky star in my life. He’s been kicked out by my dad for fourteen years… my dear brother.”
As Chen Jin said the last word, Lin Shuanghuai happened to walk up to him.
Being introduced like this, Lin Shuanghuai wasn’t angry at all. He still smiled, waved to everyone in a big way, and said,
“Yeah, that’s me. Good evening, everyone.”
The Chen family, the wealthiest in Qiancheng, had a second young master who was not officially recognized, a secret known to all in the circle.
Few people had seen him, but many had heard his name.
It was said that the moment he was born, his previously healthy mother, Lin Yuanyan, suddenly lost her vital signs—without any difficult labor, without any accidents, even doctors couldn’t find any reason, she just suddenly suffered organ failure and died.
Chen Feng, who cherished his wife like a treasure, lost her forever like this. The bad news was like a bolt from the blue, turning what was supposed to be a joyous occasion into mourning.
The arrival of the newborn brought no joy to the Chen family, only deep and prolonged grief and death.
Chen Feng didn’t believe his wife died for no reason, he had to find out why. For two whole years, he searched countless doctors and medical institutions, but couldn’t find an explanation.
Later, he started to believe in fortune-telling.
Although everyone thought he was crazy, Chen Feng believed those masters.
They claimed to be from the Fortune Teller, possessing the ability to foresee the future and explore the past.
They told Chen Feng that Lin Yuanyan would die because of that child.
It was an ominous bloodline, sucking the life force from the mother, thus allowing itself to survive.
At first, Chen Feng dared not fully believe it, he tried to find evidence of his son’s innocence.
Until one day, Chen Jin, the eldest son at the age of eleven, ran to him with blood all over his face, saying his younger brother had blinded him.
At that moment, Chen Feng harbored deep hatred toward his younger son.
He had killed his beloved wife, and now he had to harm his eldest son who he cherished in his hands.
Lin Shuanghuai was never his child; he was an ominous thing!
The fortune-teller told him that this child was a calamity to the Chen family, and if he awakened his bloodline when he grew up, it would be a disaster for the family.
So Chen Feng, filled with fear and anxiety, drove Lin Shuanghuai, who was not even three years old, out of the Chen family, fostered him elsewhere, paid people to take care of him, and kept his distance.
The first few years weren’t smooth at all.
Some nannies took the money but didn’t do their jobs and treated Lin Shuanghuai poorly behind his back.
It wasn’t until a neighbor called the police, reporting someone abusing a child at night, that Chen Jin heard about it.
Chen Feng couldn’t forget the pain of losing his wife, but he also didn’t want to see anyone harming his son, so he went through many caregivers.
As Lin Shuanghuai grew older, things became much smoother.
By the time he was in elementary school, he was very sensible, not crying, not making trouble, and getting along well with the caregivers.
At school and in the neighborhood, everyone praised Lin Shuanghuai.
He looked like a delicate doll, lively and clever, unexpectedly calm and obedient, good at pleasing adults.
Over the years, although father and son never met, Lin Shuanghuai’s obedient and gentle appearance softened people’s hearts.
From initially refusing to contact him at all, Chen Feng now occasionally sent text messages asking if he needed money or if there was anything he needed.
Apart from not being able to return home, the father-son relationship seemed to have eased somewhat.
To outsiders, the old account of the Chen family is still a topic of conversation. Many people don’t understand the whole story, only knowing that the Chen family’s younger son was driven away for blinding his elder brother.
Among the Chen family members, Chen Jin is the only one who often meets with Lin Shuanghuai.
It’s not that he’s not afraid of the saying “the curse of the lonely star in destiny,” but he hates Lin Shuanghuai too much, more than he fears him.
His right eye, though it looks normal, can’t see anything at all.
Chen Jin blames everything on Lin Shuanghuai, wishing he could also gouge out one of his eyes in compensation. So, he often troubles Lin Shuanghuai.
Although Lin Shuanghuai himself can’t remember what happened back then, his brother’s heartfelt hatred forces him to accept this accusation.
And so, over the years, Lin Shuanghuai has been atoning for his two-year-old self.
He really hopes to do something to mend the relationship with his brother. Because Chen Jin is his only connection to that family.
Other than that, he’s been far away from home.
“Good evening, brother.”
After greeting everyone else, Lin Shuanghuai looked at Chen Jin.
“Wow, look at what you’re wearing?”
Chen Jin looked him up and down, showing a regretful look, “Such tattered clothes, how can you bear to wear them to see me? Aren’t the money dad gives you enough to wear designer clothes?”
Lin Shuanghuai stared at him for a moment, his smile unchanged, “The money is enough, but my status isn’t. Those brands won’t sell to me.”
Chen Jin likes hearing these kinds of things, he’s well aware.
Sure enough, knowing Lin Shuanghuai is in trouble, Chen Jin feels relieved. He lets the DJ continue playing music and informs the captain to prepare to set sail.
The music plays, but everyone’s gaze remains on Lin Shuanghuai.
Someone whispers, “Why is he here too? Didn’t they say the brothers have a bad relationship?”
And someone else whispers back, “Just for fun. Chen’s tricks to mess with people are plenty.”
Chen Jin never offers him a seat from start to finish. Once the boat starts moving, he simply turns his head and gets affectionate with his new girlfriend, ignoring Lin Shuanghuai.
Lin Shuanghuai stands a little to the side, occasionally returning people’s curious glances, showing neither awkwardness nor discomfort.
He’s long used to such situations.
He’s only here, waiting for a “sorry” he doesn’t know if he’ll ever hear, hoping for a miracle in a relationship with his brother that’s impossible to repair.
The sea breeze at night is particularly cold, coupled with the fast-moving boat, Lin Shuanghuai suddenly feels a bit chilly.
He looks up at the moon already high in the sky, and starts counting stars out of boredom.
But no matter how he counts, he feels like he can’t count them all, so he gives up and stares blankly at the sea.
Twenty minutes later, the boat slows down.
They stop about ten nautical miles from the port, not too far but not too close either.
A distance too far for someone who fell into the sea to be saved.
Lin Shuanghuai wonders inexplicably.
A glass of wine is handed to him by Chen Jin’s new girlfriend.
“Your brother wants you to have a drink,” she said.
She didn’t understand the strange atmosphere between the two brothers, so she just did as Chen Jin instructed.
Lin Shuanghuai smiled at her and took the drink, saying, “Thank you, sister-in-law.”
The girl blushed instantly.
Actually, she felt very uncomfortable at this party today.
No one treated her like a person there; they all thought she was just a wealthy peripheral woman who was brought along. Nobody paid attention to her, treating her as nothing more than an accessory to Chen Jin.
But in reality, she was just dating Chen Jin, and it took him some effort to win her over.
However, no one would believe it if she said so, and Chen Jin never bothered to explain.
When Lin Shuanghuai called her “sister-in-law,” it softened her heart.
She suddenly bit her lip, silently saying to Lin Shuanghuai from the angle facing away from Chen Jin, “Don’t drink.”
Then she hurriedly turned around and sat down beside Chen Jin.