Roter Satin

Kapitel 6

She remembered it all so vividly, so clearly, that it was impossible to erase it from her mind. And yet, it was all so unbelievable, so completely different from the gentle and refined Du Liu of the past.

Was it really that she deeply loved Du Liu? Was it really that Du Liu who claimed to "love her and not want to lose her" yet repeatedly made her shed tears and hurt her, while vowing to "love her forever and give her a chance"?

Or—is that the real him? The other side hidden within human nature?

Du Liu looked at Xu Fangfang seriously and said quietly, "If you insist on believing that I am lying, then you might as well listen to me continue to cover up the lie."

Xu Fangfang said sadly, "Go ahead and tell me. I'm listening."

“That was all done intentionally!” Du Liu’s first words were like a thunderbolt.

Xu Fangfang was surprised and immediately stopped sobbing.

"If I hadn't done that, I can't guarantee you'd still be alive. But I would certainly be dead!"

Xu Fangfang didn't understand the second sentence at all.

Du Liu looked at her with deep affection and seriousness, "Only by doing that will there be a chance! A chance to live!"

"I will live on, not for anything else, but for you!"

"To be alive and with you!"

"I know that if you die, I will never live alone; but I'm not sure if you would be with me if I died. Deep down, I'm conflicted. My only wish is that we can live and die together. But even more, I hope that you can live. Live well! Live—no matter how difficult or challenging life may be, that's the same thought in most people's hearts!"

"At that time, helping me up would only have hastened my death. Yes, I hated you then!"

Hate stems from the question: Why did I fall in love with you? And why did I love you so deeply? Hate arises from the question: Why did I prefer you to live a lowly life rather than let you die with me?

"They are inhuman. The thing they can't stand the most is love. If I had shown that I loved you back then, they would never have let me go easily. They would have killed me first, and then tortured you! Only by showing hatred can they satisfy their twisted psychology. They would spare you and save me like a cat playing with a mouse, but no one knows what will happen next."

"Of course. It's also possible that they would sit idly by and watch you grieve as I die beside you, in your arms, and then tell you that if you hadn't forcibly pulled me up, I would still be alive; that by doing so, you actually killed me."

If that situation were to occur, in your profound grief, would you hate yourself? Would you be unable to forgive yourself? Would you even go insane because of it?

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [20]: "So, this is the only path I have left to take—gamble! Take a gamble!"

"If I live, I will still silently appear when you need me most. If I die, you may hate me for the selfishness I ultimately showed, forget me, and thus lessen your pain."

"So, this is the only way!"

"This approach might be hard for you to accept at first. But no matter what, I have to do it!"

"The result was: they saved me, but crippled the hand that held the knife!"

"But I still survived, and I saw you again, and we were together again!"

"But since I'm alive, and since you already hate me, I can't help but tell you I'm petrified! I can't help but confess my true feelings to you!"

"I absolutely do not want you to believe these words. But I cannot remain silent! Because—I am unwilling, unable, and unable to... deceive you!"

This is Du Liu's third "sentence".

He didn't say anything more.

His lips were sealed, his tongue blocked. Lips pressed against lips, tongue blocked tongue. A kiss. A passionate kiss. A passionate kiss tinged with tears.

Xu Fangfang's letter.

How could she not believe it? (This is the real Du Liu! The true Du Liu!) After the passionate kiss, Du Liu laughed and said, "—Tell me, how could I hate you? We're alive and together, and I've only lost one hand. Between losing a hand and being alive and with you, what's more important? Do you think I don't know? But I also hate you, hate that you only now finally uttered the silent words 'I love you'!"

“Who said I ‘love you’?” Xu Fangfang persisted, acting coquettishly.

“Yes, yes. You didn’t say it, I did. But now it’s your turn to ‘say’ it!” He suddenly hugged Xu Fangfang tightly and began another round of “saying.”

※ ...

Du Liu smiled bitterly. “Fang, there is a type of person called a ‘gentleman.’ For such people, their advance might be a retreat; their retreat might be an advance. When they claim to be going to save someone, they are actually plotting to harm that person. When they bar their teeth and show signs of wanting to kill someone, they might secretly hope that person lives a long and healthy life. For such people, a deer is a horse, black is white, and everything could be a lie. But the difficulty lies in the fact that no one knows which of their words is true. Coincidentally, those people are precisely such ‘gentlemen,’ and they are originally members of the so-called ‘gentleman’s school.’” He paused. “And for ‘gentlemen,’ in front of those who do not know the truth, they do indeed appear to be gentlemen.”

Xu Fangfang seemed to realize something and said, "There seem to be quite a few people like that."

Du Liudao said, "There were already quite a few."

Xu Fangfang asked, "But I still don't understand—what exactly is 'Junzi Men'?"

The so-called "Gentlemen's Gate" originally referred to "gentlemen on the roof beams," and it is said to have originated with Yanzi Li San, who was the first leader of this sect. This sect encompasses many professions, but they all revolve around the forty-one characters related to "stealing, robbing, plundering, greed, possession, deception, fraud, cheating, abuse, robbery, plundering, spying, probing, entanglement, etc." It is said that the sect is divided into thirty-six trades and seventy-two professions, and in modern times, it even claims to have eighty trades and three hundred and sixty-five professions. The true number of professions is unknown. However, at least the sixteen overt and covert professions of "gentlemen on the roof beams" are well-known. The people we see are likely in the "tomb raiding" profession, which is on par with the "robbing" profession under the "non-greedy" category. People in this profession make a living by tomb raiding, and they are indeed "non-greedy," not because they enjoy money, but because they like adventure. However, in reality, they are people who want everything and are greedy for everything.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [21]: Xu Fangfang was not relieved by Du Liu's explanation, but rather somewhat bewildered. She hesitated, looking at Du Liu as if she were looking at another person, and asked hesitantly: "You seem to know a lot; but you—how come..." Du Liu smiled, "Knowing more is better than knowing nothing. But it's no wonder you are suspicious, because this is indeed not something that ordinary people should know. However, I know, Chen Xing knows, and A Ding knows too."

Xu Fangfang felt that Du Liu was even more of a stranger. "Why?"

"Because: they are members of the underworld. Just like Huang Zilan's husband. And within the underworld, there is a branch called the Black Path. Some people say that a branch within the Black Path is called the Black Society. Or perhaps there is no difference between the two. But in any case, they are members of the Black Path. They practice martial arts. And I, Chen Xing, and A Ding also practice martial arts. Since we practice the martial arts of the underworld, we inevitably have some knowledge of what the underworld is like."

"Martial arts?" Xu Fangfang seemed a little dazed. "But you don't usually fight." Du Liu said, "Only what can kill or take life can be called martial arts. The higher a person's martial arts level, the harder it is for them to control their moves. In terms of fighting, or what you call brawling, I am no match for them, and even worse than Chen Xing and A Ding. But in terms of 'martial arts,' I can make anyone take notice."

"Why?"

"That's because the martial art I practice is one of 'mutual destruction.' The higher the opponent's martial arts skill, the greater the chance of injury or death. That's why they attacked A Ding all at once, but could only attack me one by one. They didn't want to die with me. If you don't speak up, after a certain period of stalemate, they might retreat without a fight, or I might collapse first."

Xu Fangfang looked slightly saddened. "I shouldn't have spoken up..." "No. Your speaking up actually saved me. If they had let Chen Xing out back then, I would have surely died."

"

"Chen Xing? -- Wasn't he always afraid of you? If those people didn't dare, how could he dare to fight you? He betrayed the past to survive, not to die." Xu Fangfang asked in confusion.

Du Liu shook his head and said, "He is only inferior to me in terms of temperament. Martial artists cultivate qi, but I cultivate 'Kingly Qi,' which can make people subconsciously support me as a king. Qi practitioners all fear me. 'Kingly Qi - Two-Heart Blade' is all I have. Its essence is 'self-harm makes others harm,' which is the true origin of 'with a blade in hand, one is full of courage.'"

Xu Fangfang couldn't understand a word, but she still wanted to hear. She nestled in Du Liu's arms and asked, "Where's Chen Xing?"

"Chen Xing practices 'evil energy' and is skilled in swordsmanship. His falling technique is no less than mine. It's the 'Farewell My Concubine Sword,' and he also practices footwork, 'angry and unrestrained kicks,' which are essentially 'one flower, two flowers, three flowers.' Because he mainly uses footwork, he's known as 'Chen Xing's Kick.' But in fact, his feet are his weakest link. The reason people call him that is because in daily life, all they see is 'fighting,' not killing. People think his footwork in fights is insidious, vicious, and ruthless, which is why they say that."

"It's just like a martial arts novel," Xu Fangfang said wistfully.

"Comparing the two of us, 'Kingly Aura' subdues others with its aura, while the Two-Heart Blade can only be used for mutual destruction. 'Self-Mutilation' requires first injuring oneself before harming others; however, evil aura can find a new master, and the Overlord Blade can counter the Two-Heart Blade. This is because all overlords will harm others rather than perish together, and overlords are often the mortal enemies of kings. Therefore, if the two of us were to clash, I would inevitably be the one to die. He would at most suffer some superficial wounds. If he has already mastered those 'flowers,' he would be even more terrifying."

Xu Fangfang suddenly became extremely worried. She touched Du Liu's forehead, "...No fever—then have you been reading too many martial arts novels?"

Du Liu pulled Xu Fangfang's hand away and said seriously, "But it's true. Do you remember when A Ding and Lei Zhenyu were fighting over Huang Zilan?"

"Of course I remember. If it weren't for that incident, A-Ding would have been a Party member long ago, and might even be a deputy division-level official by now. —What's wrong?"

"Things aren't actually that simple. If it weren't for the time we encountered robbers during a class reunion, and Ah Ding rushed out and revealed his martial arts skills, Lei Zhenyu would never have fought with Ah Ding. That time, it was a purposeful test. It was meant to make the three of us reveal our true selves. In the end, only Ah Ding was exposed. Therefore, the underworld forced Ah Ding to learn martial arts to kill people. He ultimately restrained himself—because once he killed someone, there were only two paths: either being sentenced to death or becoming a member of the underworld."

Xu Fangfang was even more surprised, "He also has a lot of nouns?"

"It should be. But all I know is that he is 'demonic energy,' and nothing else."

"If he knew martial arts, how come he was beaten by us and unable to fight back?" Xu Fangfang didn't believe it. "I'd be half-convinced if you and Chen Xing knew martial arts. But if you said he did, I don't believe it at all. Putting everything else aside, just look at when he fought those people. He was beaten back and seriously injured as soon as he charged in. Even I probably wouldn't have done that..." Suddenly remembering A Ding's last charge, she shook her head sadly, "...Maybe, he really did know?" She murmured, "Now... he's dead. Why think so much?"

"What? A Ding is dead?" Du Liu was stunned.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [22]: "He took Tong Rong's two hands with him when he died." Xu Fangfang suddenly felt disgusted with A Ding again - such an ugly person, even if he had love with Tong Rong, it was impossible to have a good impression of him.

Du Liu was startled. "He..." His gaze suddenly swept like a sharp arrow towards the edge of the cliff where Tong Rong's body lay, and sure enough, he could vaguely see that Tong Rong's hands were gone.

His eyes immediately revealed an indescribable terror.

“You…” Xu Fangfang sat up straight for no reason and looked at the terrified Du Liu, “…what did you find out again?”

"

“I hope… I hope… he’s dead…” Du Liu murmured to himself, his voice trembling. Then, his gaze suddenly swept to the side, and his hand reached out to grab the backpack.

The backpack contained the pitifully small amount of food that Tong Rong had brought back.

He unpacked his backpack and then looked at the food.

This is food that should be shared.

“I have to eat something,” he said.

Just then, the green gate went out, plunging the world into darkness. In the darkness, Du Liu quietly said, "How lucky we are. The food is actually in our hands. And it's right here."

III. Heavenly Trap

They hugged each other, and Zhu Qian suddenly felt relieved.

Now that her appearance and physique had changed, she no longer needed to worry about being humiliated. No one would be sexually interested in someone who looked like a zombie or skeleton, even if that person was also a zombie or skeleton.

But how long can such a "miracle" last? Will it be able to recover in the future? If not, would she rather suffer humiliation to maintain her beauty, or would she rather be ugly to maintain her chastity?

She suddenly thought of the past.

It seems like only yesterday that she was one of the three most beloved beauties, a celebrity who frequented only high society. She was always accompanied by powerful figures or incredibly wealthy tycoons. If it weren't for this autumn outing, if it weren't for the search for Ding Dada (regardless of whether she genuinely intended to find him, it was because of this search that she ended up in this desperate situation), if she hadn't associated with these people back then, wouldn't she still be a "beauty" now?

But everything spiraled out of control because of one wrong step. What will happen next? Will they be able to get out? Will they freeze or starve to death?

"Look! [A series of seemingly random characters]... ...

Everyone looked over and saw eight people eating something. Silence fell. How long the silence lasted, no one knew, until suddenly darkness descended. But before the darkness arrived, everyone had already seen—Du Liu opened the backpack containing the food!

"Don't eat it...don't eat it...you absolutely can't eat it..." people muttered in unison, scattering away. Suddenly, Zhang Dawei screamed like a madman, "—You absolutely can't eat it!"

However, in this dark world, everyone already knew: shouting was useless. Everyone shared only one feeling: the sky had fallen!

Slowly, voices that seemed to tremble yet weren't quite trembling began to emerge. No one asked what the voices were, and no one hugged tightly anymore. Then, the sounds stopped. Someone was drinking water.

People gradually came together again.

The green light shines brightly, but what can dispel the darkness in people's hearts? How long can they live without food?

But what's even more agonizing is that on the other side of the transparent wall, the eldest culprit has started eating again!

(If it weren't for Ding Dada, those people would have let us have some food after breaking the mechanism. At least, our food shouldn't have been eaten by Du Liu and Xu Fangfang! But now...) Green Light is lonely. Something even more unacceptable happened.

—Du Liu and Xu Fangfang are no longer here.

—At the intersection, only a deep "well" remains.

Finally, the last glimmer of hope was extinguished.

The transparent wall is no longer transparent. They can no longer see the leader and the others, Du Liu and Xu Fangfang, or any food.

---Magpie Bridge Fairy

Reply [23]: (I can't even see it anymore!)

"Have something to eat?" Du Liu enthusiastically urged.

Xu Fangfang pushed Du Liu's hand away. "Eat? — This is the last food. If we're going to eat, we'll all eat together. If we're going to be hungry, we'll all be hungry together. I can't eat."

"You'll starve if you don't eat."