After Rebirth, Married to a Deadly Enemy - Chapter 18

Yes, yes, those lifeless fish eyes. Whenever he wanted to annoy someone, he would stare them down with those lifeless fish eyes, making people really want to give him a good smack. Little brat, making your brother wait for you like this. Bai Xiangxing suddenly perked up, sitting up straight. But, he had to keep up appearances: “Your name is Xiang Rong, right? How old are you?” Lin Qing, Guan Longfei, and the staff assisting with the auditions immediately realized that Bai Xiangxing had probably made his choice, as his expression had changed. Was this kid the best-looking? Not really. There were several very good-looking children among those who had interviewed earlier, and Bai Xiangxing hadn’t reacted like this. Besides, wasn’t he supposed to choose a well-behaved and sensible child? This kid had a pair of lifeless fish eyes, he looked cold towards everyone, not the type with a good temperament. “Twelve years old,” Xiang Rong answered. “Not bad, it’s you,” Bai Xiangxing decided on the spot. Everyone: As expected, he’s chosen! “Congratulations! You’ve stood out among thousands and become my little brother…” The flamboyant act must continue, so Bai Xiangxing smiled and extended his hand towards Xiang Rong, waiting for him to shake hands. As soon as he did, he would whisk the child away. Then, five seconds passed, ten seconds, fifteen seconds… Xiang Rong remained standing quietly. From being announced as the “chosen one” to now, he hadn’t even furrowed his brow, let alone reached out to shake Bai Xiangxing’s hand. This time, not just the people around, even Bai Xiangxing himself was about to lose his composure. What’s this stubborn kid doing? “Do you not want to leave District 64?” Bai Xiangxing’s question wasn’t about whether Xiang Rong wanted to become his little brother, but if he wanted to leave District 64. Given Xiang Rong’s arrogance, it was impossible for him to accept just anyone as his brother, but he had always wanted to leave District 64. As expected, Xiang Rong immediately responded, “I want to, but I don’t want to be adopted by you.” “Are you being foolish?” Zhang Cheng couldn’t stand it anymore. This was such a great opportunity, something many people in District 64 spent their entire lives dreaming about. And this kid was rejecting it. “Mr. Bai comes from an extraordinary family. Becoming his brother would change your life completely. You can go to school normally, not go hungry, and no one will ever bully you again.” For the children of District 64, being able to eat and attend school was the ultimate dream. But Xiang Rong remained unmoved, his gaze fixed firmly on Bai Xiangxing. “I want to, but I want to exchange it with something.” Bai Xiangxing had now calmed down. Although he was uncomfortable with this, he had to maintain his composure. After all, this wasn’t the same little brother he had in his previous life, and his goal was simply to get Xiang Rong out of District 64. As for other matters, they could be dealt with later. Little brat, I’ll settle scores with you later. “What do you want to exchange it for?” Bai Xiangxing asked with curiosity. “I have a formula for improving the efficacy of suppressant drugs,” Xiang Rong said. Bai Xiangxing’s eyes lit up. An improvement formula for suppressant drugs? “It’s a formula that can enhance the efficacy of suppressant drugs and reduce side effects. I’ll exchange it with you,” Xiang Rong continued. In the eyes of Lin Qing and Guan Longfei, this might not be a big deal, but to the people at the television station, it was different. In District 64, children of Xiang Rong’s age almost never had access to a neural interface. Unless they were from wealthy families, with cars and bodyguards, carrying a neural interface was risky, as it could easily be stolen. “I’ll send it to you separately,” Bai Xiangxing said, tapping his personal business card on his neural interface. This way, they could establish direct communication. Xiang Rong hesitated for a moment, then rolled up his sleeve, revealing his neural interface on his wrist. He scanned Bai Xiangxing’s business card with his own interface. It was a straightforward process. “I’ve sent it to you,” Xiang Rong said. With the communication channel established, he sent over the information. Bai Xiangxing glanced at the information Xiang Rong had sent. It only mentioned the degree of enhancement for the drug’s efficacy, while the specific formula remained concealed. In his previous life, he admired Xiang Rong’s prudence and caution multiple times. However, when the roles were reversed, he felt somewhat uncomfortable. Nonetheless, he knew that Xiang Rong revealing this much information was already a sign of some level of trust. In this future society, the Union had specialized departments, abbreviated as TS, in every district to discover individuals with special talents. District 64 was no exception, and its TS department was located right in the center of the district. The district’s administrators had even promised that any resident with special abilities, regardless of their background, could participate in a level assessment at TS. If they were assessed at Grade A or above, they could be sent to other districts as special talents. These individuals would not only leave District 64 but also gain access to a better learning environment and job opportunities. However, promises were one thing, and the actual assessment was another. The residents of District 64 had the final say in whether someone could be assessed as Grade A or above. Xiang Yan, Xiang Rong’s older brother, had been a victim of the assessment. The formula he submitted had been assessed as Grade C, and TS had given him a mere 1,000 star coins before sending him away. But within three days, TS publicly announced that a high-ranking official’s child had received an S-grade assessment using the same formula with identical effects. Xiang Yan had died as a result. At that time, Xiang Rong was only ten years old, and the suppressant formula had been given to him by his brother. Xiang Yan had originally intended for Xiang Rong to use the formula to leave the district as well, so they could both escape together. Bai Xiangxing couldn’t help but recall these past events. To outsiders, he appeared to be contemplating the formula, but they couldn’t discern anything unusual. “If the information you’ve given me is true, this formula is very valuable,” Bai Xiangxing looked up. Xiang Rong, who had been gripping his hand tightly, suddenly released it. He was still just a twelve-year-old child. “The information is true. If it’s not, you can send me back anytime.” “Aren’t you afraid I might deceive you with the formula and then claim it’s ineffective on purpose?” Bai Xiangxing asked. Xiang Rong became nervous, his teeth unconsciously biting into his lower lip. Fraud and deception were common practices in District 64, and he wasn’t entirely certain himself, especially when he thought about what happened to his brother. “Aren’t you willing to adopt me?” Xiang Rong asked. “Adopting is one thing, but right now, you’re making a trade with me,” Bai Xiangxing replied. Xiang Rong’s face tensed, and his black and white eyes stared fixedly at Bai Xiangxing. Without realizing it, he had already bitten his lower lip. He was afraid. Bai Xiangxing’s heart softened. “Forget it…” “I trust you. You won’t deceive me. All those supplies you donated to District 64 in the past were real,” Xiang Rong said firmly, as if he were convincing himself once again. “I trust you. Don’t deceive me.” With those last four words, there was an implicit plea. He wanted to leave District 64, fulfill his brother’s wishes by using the formula he left behind, and start a new life outside. Hearing Xiang Rong’s final four words, Bai Xiangxing couldn’t help but feel like giving himself a slap. “Deal.” Bai Xiangxing didn’t have any more words to say and gave a definitive answer. Xiang Rong, still trembling with uncertainty, suddenly widened his eyes, and there were specks of light gleaming within them. It was like a person who had been in darkness for a long time finally seeing a glimmer of light through the cracks. By this time, it was almost five o’clock, and although they had found the person they were looking for, Bai Xiangxing insisted on staying until six o’clock. He wanted to ensure that those who had seen the advertisement and rushed from afar would at least receive some bread. “Alright, we’re leaving now. Manager Zhang, thank you for your help these past few days,” Bai Xiangxing bid farewell to Zhang Cheng. “No trouble at all,” Zhang Cheng waved his hand repeatedly. “Goodbye,” he said, and with that, Bai Xiangxing was about to leave. “Wait a moment,” Zhang Cheng paused and then hurriedly ran over to block Bai Xiangxing, who was about to leave for the exit. “No need to escort us,” Bai Xiangxing said, pulling Xiang Rong as he tried to bypass Zhang Cheng. “Not that, you haven’t paid the advertising fee yet,” Zhang Cheng reminded cautiously. “Is that so?” Bai Xiangxing pretended to have forgotten and looked back at his two bodyguards. Lin Qing & Guan Longfei: Should we say yes, or should we say no? “You haven’t paid,” Zhang Cheng said. “Alright, how much is it?” Bai Xiangxing asked. “Not much, for two days of full-scale advertising coverage, a total of five million star coins,” Zhang Cheng had calculated the compensation in advance. Five million!! That was enough to buy a Level 4 mecha. The two unworldly bodyguards couldn’t help but gasp. Bai Xiangxing was much more composed. He didn’t even furrow his brows. “The contract, please.” “Contract?” Zhang Cheng was once again taken aback. “We didn’t sign a contract.” “No contract? You want five million without a contract?” Bai Xiangxing retorted. “A mere five million, and you didn’t think it necessary to sign a contract?” “A mere five million? You still dare to ask me for it? Do you remember what I told you when I first came here? Do you know why I’m advertising?” Bai Xiangxing suddenly raised his voice, emanating a domineering aura that filled the surroundings. “I remember. You said you were here to do charity because you were bored,” Zhang Cheng recalled the rather bizarre reason, which was hard to forget. Bai Xiangxing immediately disregarded the first part of Zhang Cheng’s statement. “You remember that I’m here for charity, right? Do you know why I’ve been doing charity for so many years? Do you know why I’ve never been charged by official channels for my donations? It’s because of the Union, and they even grant me tax exemptions based on my donation amount. What are you trying to do, profit from charity?” Lin Qing & Guan Longfei: What a cunning move, accusing someone else first! “But…” Zhang Cheng began to explain. “Do you know who I am?” Bai Xiangxing interrupted Zhang Cheng and leaned in close, speaking in a low voice that only the two of them could hear. “Do you really want to go against the military?” Zhang Cheng had looked into Bai Xiangxing’s identity on the first day he advertised, and he also knew that Bai Xiangxing had left the Bai family and married Shi Zhen. He was now the general manager of Xinzhen. Although the situation at Xinzhen wasn’t great, it was still impossible for them not to come up with five million, especially since Shi Zhen had given Bai Xiangxing a small asteroid with rare minerals as a dowry. Such a generous gift surely indicated that they had the means. Lin Qing & Guan Longfei: What a crafty move, reporting to the authorities! “But…” Zhang Cheng was at a loss for words, facing Bai Xiangxing’s stern warning. Bai Xiangxing, who had a reputation for being ruthless, had already made it clear that he was here for charity. Attempting to charge him for advertising in this context was indeed a questionable move, and Zhang Cheng didn’t want to risk antagonizing the military. So, he quickly thought about the potential consequences and decided to yield. “I understand, I understand. I’ll take care of it immediately, and we’ll send you the contract as soon as possible,” Zhang Cheng said, clearly giving in to Bai Xiangxing’s pressure. The most important thing is that Bai Xiangxing’s demeanor is just too extravagant, with that air of nobility, who can believe he’s broke?!! But now, it seems like the other party is trying to evade payment? And even using the military to pressure him?!! Zhang Cheng’s whole being is falling apart; he knows just how dangerous District 64 can be. If he really manages to get the military involved and accidentally uncovers some other issues, it won’t be a mere five million problem anymore. “Mr. Bai said it well, doing charity is a duty, and our advertising is also for charity,” Zhang Cheng said with a bitter face. “Manager Zhang, you truly understand,” Bai Xiangxing said appreciatively, patting Zhang Cheng’s shoulder, and then swaggered away with his entourage. Darn it!!! A whole year’s commission gone. Zhang Cheng is fuming, jumping up and down behind them. After leaving the building, Bai Xiangxing noticed that the three people beside him were all looking at him with strange expressions. “What’s wrong?” Bai Xiangxing asked. Lin Qing and Guan Longfei were still in shock over their own sister-in-law swindling five million from them with just a few words. Only Xiang Rong, who’s straightforward, said, “You’re playing deadbeat!” “With that money, you could build a school here for them, why give it to him?” Xiang Rong was quickly convinced and had no objections. “Star, should we leave now?” Lin Qing finally snapped back to reality. “I still need to go back and get something,” Xiang Rong hurriedly interjected. “Go get your things first,” Bai Xiangxing said. The four of them got into the car and, under Xiang Rong’s directions, drove for about fifteen minutes, arriving at an old apartment building. Bai Xiangxing took a look and realized he had never been to this place before. Xiang Rong relied on modifications and repairs to his neural life but was afraid of attracting attention, so he changed his residence every time he completed a transaction. The term “a fox with three burrows” didn’t even begin to describe him. Xiang Rong lived on the third floor, in a one-room apartment. He began packing his things, while Bai Xiangxing and Lin Qing stood quietly in the bedroom, waiting. Suddenly, Bai Xiangxing’s gaze fell on a photo frame on the living room table. In the photo were two boys, one older and one younger, both smiling at the camera. “Don’t touch that.” Xiang Rong, who was packing, turned around and saw Bai Xiangxing about to touch the photo frame. He rushed over in a panic, startling Bai Xiangxing. His hand shook, and he was about to drop the frame. Suddenly, a hand swiftly reached out and caught it before it hit the ground. Lin Qing glanced at the photo of the two boys and then focused on the slightly older one’s face. Why did he look somewhat familiar? “Give it back to me,” Xiang Rong rushed over again and snatched the photo away. “Is he your brother?” Lin Qing asked. Xiang Rong ignored him, put the photo into his bag, and went back to packing.