Les Secrets du Paradis, Saison 4

Chapitre 37

The prince pulled him away from the crowd: "Cangya won't be out until after midnight. I'll introduce you to everyone then. Don't be afraid, most of the people here are from our lineage."

Feng Nian'en looked up and saw that there weren't many people in the large living room, about twenty. If it weren't for the waiters moving around and the large furniture, it would have seemed rather empty. He nodded, not feeling particularly sad.

The prince gave him a few more instructions before being pulled away by a girl with a high ponytail. The girl had bright, large eyes and a lively expression. Before leaving, she gave him a defiant glance, which made his heart clench, as if he were seeing that rebellious girl again.

He hid alone in the shadows by the curtains. Although this was useless against the vampire's night vision, no one bothered him. However, he could always faintly smell blood at the tip of his nose.

He frowned, trying to slip out the door unnoticed, when a slightly overweight vampire approached him with a cocktail.

"You must be the young master we're introducing today." He had a calm and serene voice, just like his appearance. He wasn't tall or handsome, but he possessed a natural affability. His lips were quite red for a vampire, though that might have been because he had just drunk Blood Mare.

"Sorry, you might have mistaken me for someone else. I'm not some young master." He said, taking a step back, not wanting to get to know this vampire any further. Neither Lan Ya nor Xu Zuo were there, and even Ruo Ya hadn't appeared. Wasn't she the one who notified him?

He was somewhat annoyed, and although he had already made up his mind, he was now at a loss.

The vampire smiled and took a step forward, explaining, "Young Master is a title that indicates you've just joined the vampire clan. You can get rid of this identity in fifty years."

"Really? Thank you." He nodded and took a step back, but the vampire followed suit. He took a sip of his drink, his round face scrunched up: "The amount of blood being added is decreasing. Has Prince Elie switched to a vegetarian diet?"

Volume Two, Chapter Twenty-Five: Father's Last Words

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After he finished speaking, he glanced worriedly at Feng Nian'en beside him, wrinkled his nose apologetically, and explained, "I'm not saying anything bad about Prince Ellie, nor am I complaining about how poorly your branch of the family organized the banquet."

Feng Nian'en couldn't help but smile, and began to like this chubby vampire.

The vampire smiled, placed the empty cup on the windowsill, and stretched out his hand: "My name is Sa Ya."

“Sa Ya?” Feng Nian’en blinked, and before she could say anything, the other person touched his nose and muttered, “Laugh, I know this name is weird.”

"Strange? No way."

"You don't know?" The other person tilted their head, looking somewhat excited. "Don't you think those two words sound like 'stuck in your teeth'?"

"Sa Ya, Sai Ya," Feng Nian'en realized after being reminded by the other party. Seeing his expectant look, as if he had finally found a kindred spirit, she couldn't help but let out a soft laugh.

"Sorry, sorry," he immediately stopped laughing and apologized repeatedly, "I didn't mean it, your name is very... well, very unique."

“Special features? Humph!” Sa Ya muttered with a long face and a pout, “Laugh now, let’s see which unlucky name you’ll be called later.” He then gave a look of amusement, “Your elder relative is that Cang Ya guy, right? Hehe, I really want to know what name that guy will give his juniors.”

Feng Nian'en lowered his eyes. What his name was didn't matter to him, but the other person's words reminded him of his current situation.

He needed a name, something like "tooth." From that moment on, he was a formal member of the vampire clan.

What about Feng Nian'en? Does he no longer exist in this world? Or did he disappear long ago, vanishing the moment Cangya bit him? Who is he? Whose memories are in his mind? Did Feng Nian'en become him, or did he inherit Feng Nian'en's memories?

He lowered his head, and the crimson curtains with silver trim swayed slightly.

“Hey, really—” Sa Ya said in surprise, “You haven’t been named yet. That guy Cang Ya might give you a good name. Now is not the time to be sad. Look at me, I’ve been called Sa Ya for over seventy years, and I haven’t…”

As they were talking, a commotion suddenly broke out in the hall. Sa Ya turned his head and saw who it was. He wrinkled his nose and muttered, "That guy Lin Ya is really something. He always attracts so much attention whenever he shows up." He looked up and saw that Feng Nian'en was also looking towards the center of the hall, but her gaze was fixed on the man who had come with Lin Ya.

"Is something wrong?" He tilted his head and laughed. "Yes, the guy who came with him isn't a vampire, but since Linya brought him here, it means there's no problem. That guy might be a wizard. But Linya should be more discreet on an occasion like today. Lanya will be coming over in a bit."

Feng Nian'en did not answer; his mind was completely occupied by the person who should never have been there.

Long Xinsheng!

How did he end up here?

How did he end up here?

Suzaku brought him here, that's right, he came with Suzaku. But why did Suzaku bring him here? This is the world of vampires, how could a human be allowed to appear? Even if Suzaku is audacious, he shouldn't have revealed his identity in front of a human, much less brought a human here.

Could Long Xinsheng also be a vampire? No, no, he didn't sense any of his own kind; he was clearly a human. Then why was he here? Did he know Suzuka's identity? Did he know where he was?

Volume Two, Chapter Twenty-Six of Father's Last Words

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And—Feng Nian'en suddenly realized with fear that Long Xinsheng would see her!

If he knew where he was, if he knew who these people were, if he saw himself... Thinking of this, Feng Nian'en suddenly took a step back, pressing his body against the wall.

What to do? He might have already seen him. What to do? Even if he doesn't know yet that everyone around him is a vampire, what will happen when Cangya appears? What kind of naming ritual will take place? How will he explain?

Although it was only a single encounter, it was enough for Feng Nian'en to gain some understanding of the handsome man. If one were to use an animal as a metaphor, Long Xinsheng was like a leopard—beautiful, yet absolutely dangerous! He would show no mercy to his enemies. Moreover, he was perfectly aware that the other party, like himself, harbored no goodwill towards each other.

Thinking of this, Feng Nian'en almost turned and ran. But if he left now, Cang Ya would be furious, and even the Prince might be angry, then he would never get any help again. However, if Long Xinsheng knew his current identity… No! No, even if it would anger Prince Ruo Ya, he couldn't let Zhang Hanwen know that he was no longer human, absolutely not!

As Feng Nian'en was searching the side door and slowly backing away, someone suddenly patted his right shoulder. He turned around sharply, and a graceful and long-lost face appeared before him as if magnified.

"You've come, boy." The clear voice didn't convey much emotion; it was impossible to tell whether he was happy or angry.

"Lan, Lan Ya?" He always felt a sense of familiarity towards this vampire who had once taken care of him.

Lan Ya nodded, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the two people talking to the prince. He took a sip of wine, leaned against the wall, and stared intently at the huge silver chandelier in the center of the hall.

Upon seeing him appear, Sa Ya, who was standing nearby, quickly greeted him.

Lan Ya glanced at him, waved casually, and remained silent. Sa Ya wasn't bothered by the other's coldness; instead, she leaned closer and whispered as if sharing a secret, "Do you know who that guy is?"

Lan Ya glanced at him again, gave a cold laugh, and returned her gaze to the chandelier. Just when both of them thought he wouldn't answer, he spoke as if reciting data: "Long Xinsheng, male, 25 years old, graduated from the University of California with two master's degrees, fiancé of Zhang Jiru's daughter, and a prized disciple of Semi Leah, a rising star who is expected to inherit his position in the wizarding world. Currently working at Weite as assistant general manager, but has already submitted his resignation."

A wizard? Feng Nian'en stopped in his tracks as he was backing away. That Long Xinsheng was a wizard? The image of a wizard, instilled in him since childhood, immediately flashed into his mind: long nose, hunchback, evil, and ugly!

Long Xinsheng is a wizard!

What should we do about Zhang Hanwen?

"So he's Sam's apprentice," Sa Ya said as if suddenly realizing something. "That old man must have lived quite a while. I knew Lin Ya wouldn't bring an ordinary person here."

Lan Ya gave a cold laugh, withdrew his gaze, and straightened up: "Who he brings is none of my business." After saying that, he ignored Sa Ya and turned to walk away.

Feng Nian'en, who was deep in thought, immediately followed, walked around a large flowerpot, and Lan Ya pushed open a door that at first glance looked like a mural.

This is a small living room that resembles a lounge, with two long sofas, several large chairs, and drinks on the coffee table—thankfully, not red.

Volume Two, Chapter Twenty-Seven: Father's Last Words

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Lan Ya seemed completely oblivious to his presence. He closed the door, shutting out all the noise. He slumped onto the sofa, his shoulder-length black hair disheveled and obscuring his handsome face. Even without any restraint, his posture on the sofa remained elegant.

Feng Nian'en paused for a moment, then finally couldn't help but ask, "Um, you said... well, that Long Xinsheng is... a wizard?"

Lan Ya's shoulders twitched slightly, and after a long pause, a somewhat muffled voice came out: "Hmm."

"Is he a wizard?" Feng Nian'en murmured as if to herself. Just as she was about to ask something else, the door was pushed open again.

Ruoya glanced at the vampire on the sofa with her clear, bright eyes, then turned to Feng Nian'en: "Come here, you need to change your clothes."

"Change clothes?" Feng Nian'en was taken aback, but before he could ask, Ruoya pulled him out.

"It's better that you came out." Ruoya whispered as she closed the door. "Vampires from other lineages also came today."

The vampire on the sofa remained silent, and after a click, the small living room fell completely quiet.

Twelve o'clock finally arrived, and with the deep, melodious chimes, the hall fell silent. The servants had already left through the side door, the food and drinks had been cleared away, and more roses and red roses had been piled up. All the lights were turned off, but the candles on the candlesticks were lit, flickering with a yellowish light.

"Today, we are going to welcome a new member here." The prince spoke from the third floor of the spiral staircase. His gentle voice was not loud, but it carried to every corner of the hall, and everyone's eyes were focused on him.

"In the long years to come, he will be our kin, compatriot, friend, and brother, witnessing history with us and protecting the vampire clan with us."

As he spoke, Feng Nian'en was pushed out of the side door by Ruoya. He walked slowly, and the others stepped aside to make way for him. He finally reached the stairs and knelt on one knee in front of the prince as Ruoya had instructed.

He lowered his head, his muscles trembling beneath his cloak. What kind of ritual was this? Vampires had such a long history; shouldn't they be indifferent to everything? Why, why did they still have to do these things like humans?

“Lift your head, boy.”

He slowly raised his face, and the prince's face, illuminated by the candlelight, shone with a sacred glow. His heart relaxed, and he almost thought he was attending a Christian baptism. But immediately, in those gentle, bright eyes, he saw a dark figure.

A black tuxedo, a black cloak with silver trim, pale skin, lips reddened from drinking the blood Ruoya gave him because he couldn't resist the temptation... That was him!

That devilish man was Feng Nian'en!

His pupils suddenly dilated, and his body almost uncontrollably fell backward.

"Cangya".

"Yes!" Cangya, who had appeared out of nowhere, knelt on the right side of Feng Nian'en, who was a step higher than him. He looked up, his face shining.

"With blood as witness, this life that is about to join my clan will be your junior."

"Yes!" The voice was clear and resonant. "With blood as witness, this life is my junior. I will teach him, guide him, and protect him, so as not to dishonor my clan or my lineage; with blood as witness, he is my junior!"

As if in a game, a boy who looked to be in his teens said such things to a man in his twenties, but no one present smiled. Even Long Xinsheng, the only human present, was more shocked than the others.

Volume Two, Chapter Twenty-Eight: Father's Last Words

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The entire venue was shrouded in a mysterious atmosphere.

The rich scent of roses, the cloying stench of blood, the flickering candlelight. If there's anything that can inspire awe in most vampires, it's perhaps the naming convention.

All vampires undergo this ritual; those who do not are not accepted by other vampires, and even if they are physically identical, they are merely wandering vampires.

After this day, they are completely disconnected from humans; through this ritual, they are completely transformed into another kind of being. This is an irreplaceable psychological shift for them.

Feng Nian'en gradually became confused, his heart gripped by something strange. He stared intently at the prince's radiant face until his vision was blocked by the figure of a young boy.

Taking the silver knife from Ruoya, Cangya slashed his right index finger, then pressed it against Feng Nian'en's forehead, and declared loudly, "With blood as witness, you are named Fang!"

The loud sound echoed in the hall for a long time, and all the lights turned on instantly, illuminating the entire building, both upstairs and downstairs.

Cangya slowly withdrew his hand, a red stain appearing on Feng Nian'en's brow. He slowly stood up, turned around, and faced the crowd. Scattered applause gradually gathered, and each pale face showed an unprecedented fervor.

Feng Nian'en slowly scanned the crowd. He saw Long Xinsheng, but his gaze did not linger, and he felt no emotion whatsoever.

Things are different now. He's no longer one of them. From this day forward, from this day forward, he's a vampire! From this day forward, from this day forward, he's a fang!

Perhaps for every vampire, their name day will accompany them throughout their entire life. From dressing to kneeling to standing up, it seems like an eternity is condensed into a single moment, but in reality, the total time will not exceed one hour.

This day is sacred but not significant. After all, it's just the naming of a vampire clan and doesn't have much impact on the entire clan, just like every newborn is merely a family matter.

The ceremony ended, and the vampire members took their leave. Feng Nian'en tried desperately to find Lan Ya but couldn't find a way to leave. While changing clothes, Ruo Ya had explained the relationship between wizards and vampires to him, but he wanted to know more, especially about Long Xinsheng.

After the ceremony, he clearly felt that something deep inside him had changed, but Zhang Hanwen's crying face remained vivid.

"I never expected that kid Cangya would come up with such a good name."

Feng Nian'en, who had finally managed to walk away from Cangya, was blocked by Sa Ya. Sa Ya's fair face was filled with resentment: "Now you're all set, you don't have to worry about your name anymore."

"Huh? Uh, thank you!" he replied absentmindedly, while searching for the figure he was looking for. Was he gone? I just saw him a moment ago, could he have been mistaken? How come he disappeared as soon as the lights came on?

"Congratulations on officially joining the vampire clan!" Saying this, Sa Ya took out a bunch of keys from his pocket and put them into Feng Nian'en's hand.