Chapter 39: Are You Eating Vinegar?

Chapter 39: Are You Eating Vinegar?

Zhang Mian appeared to have a very easy-going and friendly personality, and his innocent baby face only served to emphasize his adorable nature. Every time he smiled, two charming dimples would cutely peek out from the corners of his mouth, making him look so sweet and angelic.

Everyone in the villa was rather welcoming towards him, except for Cheng Qianli.

I dont like that guy one bit. The day after Zhang Mians arrival, Cheng Qianli immediately sought out Lin Qiushi to nag and whine. Like a broken record, he listed off all of his complaints and vented all of his dissatisfactions.New novel chapters are published on

Lin Qiushi, on the other hand, had a rather good impression of Zhang Mian. Why dont you like him?

Havent you noticed that big brother Ruan has only been paying attention to him ever since he came? Cheng Qianli grumbled. He doesnt even take us inside the doors with him anymore

Lin Qiushi grew silent.

Cheng Qianli impatiently stared at Lin Qiushi, waiting for the other to agree with him, Dont you think so?

Not at all. Lin Qiushi candidly replied. Besides, isnt it better for us if he doesnt take us with him all the time? Unless youd rather enter the door worlds that often?

Cheng Qianli: Thinking about itthat was actually true.

But, honestly speaking, Ruan Nanzhu really did treat Zhang Mian rather specially. Ever since he arrived, Ruan Nanzhu took the other with him to the door worlds at least three to four times a week, and Zhang Mian also adapted fairly well; he adjusted to the changes between reality and the door worlds very quickly.

As for Lin Qiushi, Ruan Nanzhu would simply tell him to take care of his body or get some rest.

From an outsiders perspective, Ruan Nanzhu seemed to want to train Zhang Mian, to polish him up, which would explain why he went so far as to bringing the other everywhere, risking their lives in the process. However, from Lin Qiushis point of view, Ruan Nanzhus current actions were strangely odd. Yet, he couldnt exactly pinpoint where this inexplicable sense of oddity came from at the moment.

One morning, Zhang Main greeted Lin Qiushi out of nowhere, subtly asking whether there were any other people here that he hadnt met yet.

Lin Qiushi, who was eating his breakfast at the time, was more than taken aback at the others random question, Other people? What do you mean?

Zhang Mian restated, I mean, are there other members in this organization. He then laughed brightly, revealing two lovely dimples and looking particularly cute, Have you not seen them either?

Lin Qiushi shook his head.

Oh, Brother Ruan took me to meet some more members yesterday. Zhang Mian continued, So, I was just a little curious about how many members are in our team.

This matter was rather sensitive, so even if Lin Qiushi was aware of it, he wouldnt be able to tell him. In any case, though, he genuinely didnt know much, since he was kept in the dark half of the time and didnt bother to ask unnecessary questions. That being said, he could only shake his head in the end, indicating he didnt know.

Zhang Mian hummed in understanding, and no longer probed the other for answers.

Meanwhile, the others gradually began filling the open seats at the table; each and every one of them greeted Zhang Mian as they sat themselves down. No sooner, Lin Qiushi was met with the most bizarre sight ever. With the exception of a few people in the room, everyone was laughing and chatting happily with Zhang Mian.

Cheng Fei was smiling, Yi Manman was smiling, and even Lu Yanxue was smiling; everyone had particularly wide and brilliant smiles etched onto their faces. The strange sight left Lin Qiushi tilting his head in sheer puzzlement.

Excluding that brat, Cheng Qianli, the only other person in the room who didnt smile when he saw Zhang Mian was the ever-expressionless Cheng Yixie.

Lin Qiushi was at an utter loss. For a while, he couldnt process the situation; he didnt know what came over everyone in this room.

Ruan Nanzhu and Zhang Mian were still working closely together for the next couple of weeks, with both individuals simultaneously disappearing for long periods of time.

One day, Cheng Qianli approached Lin Qiushi in private and asked him, Are you eating vinegar?1

Lin Qiushi was busy browsing the forum at the time. Having heard Cheng Qianlis question in the passing, his first response was, Eating vinegar? What kind of vinegar? Am I supposed to be eating vinegar right now? Did you guys make dumplings or something?

Cheng Qianli: Lin Qiushi, are you okay?

Seeing that Lin Qiushi truly didnt understand him, Cheng Qianli clarified, Arent you frustrated or annoyed that big brother Ruan is only paying attention to that newcomer? I mean, the first one who did extremely well in the door world and the first one big brother Ruan ever acknowledged and paid special attention to was obviously you, but now

Dumbfounded, Lin Qiushi replied, Its not like were dating or anything though? Are you saying that the amount of attention he gives people should be on a first-come, first-served basis?

Cheng Qianli was stumped, Are you seriously not jealous?

Lin Qiushi stared at Cheng Qianli skeptically, before suggesting, Would you like for me to call your older brother, and ask him to take out that loose screw in your head?

No thanks, blurted Cheng Qianli. At the mention of his older brother, Cheng Qianli instantly grew pale in the face, and, within seconds, he turned around and slipped away.

Who knew whether Cheng Qianli went to talk to Ruan Nanzhu about the matter, but after they finished eating their dinner, Ruan Nanzhu unexpectedly called Lin Qiushi over to the corridor.

As he lit a cigarette, he offered one to Lin Qiushi.

Lin Qiushi politely declined, I have liver cancer. Though, admittingly, he had completely forgotten about his own liver cancer up until now.

Oh, sorry. Ruan Nanzhu then put out his cigarette. Bear with it for just a little longer.

Lin Qiushi: Huh?

Ruan Nanzhu: It should be no more than a week.

Lin Qiushi: He couldnt keep up with what the other was saying.

Ruan Nanzhu no longer spoke. As the light in his eyes grew colder, he turned to look at Zhang Mian, who was smiling cheerfully, relaxedly chatting with everyone in the room. He then raised his hand and tenderly rested it on Lin Qiushis head for but a moment, before silently turning on his heels and walking away.

If Lin Qiushi was only slightly confused at first, he was utterly bewildered by the end. Even after replaying their brief interaction in his mind countless times, he still didnt have a single clue as to what Ruan Nanzhu was talking about.

Because of the frequent trips he had taken to the door worlds without a break, Zhang Mians body seemed to be on the verge of collapse, barely able to withstand the relentless perils of the door worlds. His most recent trip was by far the worst, with him being sent to the hospital for his injuries.

Everyone in the villa paid him a visit and expressed their heartfelt admiration for him.

Chen Fei and Lin Qiushi both visited to the hospital together. Before making their way inside, Chen Fei bought a basket of fruits at the gate of the hospital; although Lin Qiushi wanted to be the one to buy it, he was blocked by Chen Fei.

Dont buy it. Chen Fei stopped him. Your role in this is different, is it not?

Lin Qiushi: ???Role?

Chen Fei momentarily froze at the sight of Lin Qiushi perplexed expression, Brother Ruan didnt tell you anything?

Lin Qiushi: Tell me what? Right now, Lin Qiushi truly felt that everyones behavior was even odder than usual.

Forget it. Its nothing serious. Chen Fei seemed to have an epiphany after seeing the dazed look on Lin Qiushis face. Sighing heavily, he dismissed it with the wave of his hand, Give it one more week. Itll be over by then.

Lin Qiushi: Seriously, what are you even talking about? He was beyond baffled at this point.

Fortunately, Zhang Mians injuries werent life-threatening. When Chen Fei and Lin Qiushi went to see him, they bumped into Ruan Nanzhu, who was sitting by the hospital bed, watching over the other.

Upon seeing Chen Fei and the other enter the ward, Zhang Mian smiled weakly.

Chen Fei immediately began pampering the other, inquiring about his well-being and asking whether he was comfortable. He even expressed great worry for the other, saying that if he truly could not handle the risk anymore, he should let Brother Ruan know; although this was necessary step for all newcomers wanting to join the organization, they could also make an exception for him and let him in through the back door.

Zhang Mian insisted that he could still keep up with Ruan Nanzhus pace, and expressed that he hoped to become an official member of the team as soon as possible.

Hearing this, Chen Fei smiled in deep appreciation, revealing that they hadnt come across such a capable newcomer with great potential like him in quite a long time, Youll surely be the backbone of our team in the future.

Lin Qiushi, who was quietly listening to them from the side, didnt dare utter a word. Compared to the Zhang Mian, who not only had the resolve to enter through the door worlds but the ability to pass through advanced boss levels with flying colours, he was like a headless chicken, merely scrambling around trying to defeat low-tiered monsters in the novice village

After checking up on Zhang Mian, Lin Qiushi thought that days like now would persist for a long while. After all, Ruan Nanzhu seemed especially interested in Zhang Mian. However, he certainly didnt expect that six days after Zhang Mian had returned to the villa from the hospital, he suddenly vanished into thin air.

That morning, Lin Qiushi went downstairs to have breakfast as usual, but he didnt find a trace of Zhang Mian. As he waited, he noticed everyone else acting normally, as if there nothing was out of the ordinary, What happened to Zhang Mian? I havent seen him at all today for some reason?

Lin Qiushi: Youre bringing me along with you? He felt a tad awkward, But Im afraid Ill just drag you down.

Before defeating the BOSS of any game, you always have to gain more experience points and level up your character. Ruan Nanzhu continued, In the same sense, the more you enter the door worlds, the more experience youll gain and more accustomed youll become to those situations.

Lin Qiushi: He dubiously glanced at Cheng Qianli, who was currently reading a horror novel with an ugly expression, his face cringing and distorting ever so often.

Ruan Nanzhu: Dont take Cheng Qianli as an example.

Upon hearing his name being mentioned by Ruan Nanzhu, Cheng Qianli turned his head around in question, Big brother Ruan, did you call me?

A lying Ruan Nanzhu: Mhm, Im just praising you.

A pleased Cheng Qianli: Oh, ehehehe.

Lin Qiushi could barely look at Cheng Qianlis foolish face without feeling awfully embarrassed for the boy. Just how could he be so stupid?

Although it was only inevitable that he was overcome with a sense of unease and hesitation, Ruan Nanzhus composed attitude managed to reassure Lin Qiushi and dispel any lingering doubts he had in his heart.

Now that the matter with Lin Qiushi was completely settled, Ruan Nanzhu took him to meet the client the following afternoon.

Lin Qiushi had originally thought the client would be an ordinary person, but he certainly never imagined it would be Xu Xiaocheng, who he had previously met in the second door world. Yes, the very Xu Xiaocheng who was, in reality, the hottest female celebrity making headlines right now, Tan Zaozao.

Unlike the excessively meek Xu Xiaocheng of the door worlds, the Tan Zaozao of the real world was a gorgeous, mature woman who exuded confidence and sex appeal. Her thick, long hair cascaded down her back in gentle waves, and her elegant scarlet dress hugged the curves of her hourglass body, emphasizing her bewitching beauty and turning heads.

Her presence was tremendously overwhelming; it was difficult for others to compete head-to-head with her. However, Ruan Nanzhu wasnt in the slightest inferior to her. As the two sat side-by-side one another, they painted a dangerously seductive and stunningly regal picture for onlookers, attracting even more attention.

Youre as handsome and impeccable, as always. Are you sure you dont want to reconsider entering the entertainment industry? This was the first sentence that came out of Tan Zaozaos mouth.

Theres nothing to reconsider if the entertainment industry hasnt reached out to me in the first place. Ruan Nanzhu casually dismissed. Now, this here is someone youve met before, Yu Linlin.

From the very beginning, Tan Zaozao didnt even bother glancing at Lin Qiushi; that was until she heard Yu Linlins name. Almost immediately, she directed all of her attention to Lin Qiushi. The look in her eyes became ever so gentle as she reminisced about their shared experience in the door world, Youre much cuter now than in the door world.

Lin Qiushi: Thank you. As a full-fledged adult male, he wasnt that happy at being called cute by a girl.

Hes coming in with us. Ruan Nanzhu said. Is that fine with you?

If its no problem for you, its certainly no problem for me. Tan Zaozao replied. Once again, I look forward to our cooperation.

Ruan Nanzhu nodded.

The two began discussing business amongst themselves, from negotiating prices to arranging who would be holding onto the door clue. After they finished deliberating, and came to an agreement, Tan Zaozao invited them out for a meal.

It was quite obvious that Tan Zaozao was particularly interested in Lin Qiushi. All of their talks during the meal revolved around Lin Qiushi.

At this point, Ruan Nanzhu seemed rather upset. He interrupted Tan Zaozao in the middle of her chat, and brusquely stated, If you have any questions, just ask me. Everyone else is merely cooperating with you under my orders; theres no need to engage in small talk and interrogate about their life.

Although Tan Zaozaos lips were curved up, her eyes werent smiling at all, But I want to get to know Linlin better.

Ruan Nanzhu put down his knife and fork, Im full.

Lin Qiushi: But you only took one bite of the steak in front of you.

Tan Zaozao: Ruan Nanzhu, youre honestly so petty.

At any rate, once Ruan Nanzhu said that he was full, that was the end of it; there was no room to argue, and there was nothing else that could be done. Yet, the moment they exited the steakhouse, Ruan Nanzhu dragged Lin Qiushi over to a nearby restaurant and ordered a tables worth full of dishes.

Lin Qiushi: I thought you were full?

Ruan Nanzhu: I became hungry again.

Lin Qiushi: Just how can you speak so shamelessly?

Ruan Nanzhu was so childish at times. Rather than interacting with a grown man, Lin Qiushi felt as though he was pampering a spoiled child and going along with their whimsical wishes. Lin Qiushi sighed helplessly, but no longer dwelled on the issue.

As they ate, Ruan Nanzhu revealed that Tan Zaozao was treated differently from his other clients. Generally, whenever they picked up requests, they would not meet with the clients face-to-face in the real world; however, Tan Zaozao was the only exception. She was originally introduced to him by a mutual acquaintance, not to mention her identity and status was a bit more special than most people, which is why he interacted with her in real life.

But if you dont meet up your clients, how do you know that youll enter the same door as them? This was the only point Lin Qiushi couldnt seem to wrap his mind around.

Ruan Nanzhu took out a few silver bracelets from his pocket and said, Because of this.

The silver bracelets looked quite ordinary, other than the indecipherable runes carved into them. Lin Qiushi didnt recognize any of the scrawled characters. Slowly reaching out, he lightly touched one of the ornaments, when a glacial sensation sparked at his fingertips, running down his entire arm; the frostiness from the bracelet made it seem as though it was crafted out of blazing ice.

This bracelet started Lin Qiushi. Did you get it from inside the door?

Ruan Nanzhu hummed, From one of the worlds.

Lin Qiushi muttered, I see, before withdrawing his hand.

One can usually request assistance in the underground forum, but in order for us to receive a task, the other party must first pay a large sum of money for a security deposit. Ruan Nanzhu explicated. In addition to the security deposit, the other party must pay a service fee, which would then be refunded to the client, once the client returns the bracelet.

Lin Qiushi: Are you trying to dominate the industry value chain or something?

Ruan Nanzhu spread out his palm wide and shrugged, Life isnt free. Its only natural that we need to make a livelihood, as well; we wouldnt want to end up destitute, after all.

That was quite reasonable. Lin Qiushi nodded to himself. But half a million is too much, I

Just when Lin Qiushi was about to say he didnt need that much money, he was cut off by Ruan Nanzhu, Thats the price for your life. Youre saying your precious lifes worth far less than a measly half a million?

Lin Qiushi was struck dumb.

Ruan Nanzhu continued on, Every time someone enters through those doors, theyre putting their life at a huge risk. Theres even the possibility of them never making it out alive. Even after they die, they still wish to leave something behind for the living people in the real world, the people they wish to protect.

Such was the truth. Although Lin Qiushi himself didnt necessarily have a care for the world, given that he didnt really have any other ties that held him down to this place anymore, he understood where Ruan Nanzhu was coming from. Those who knew they were going to die, would always worry about the people around them. Their children. Their partners. Their parents. It was only natural that if they died, theyd still want to continue protecting those people, even if the last thing they did was leave their loved ones with everything they gained in life to secure their livelihood.

Taking that into account, Lin Qiushi gladly accepted Ruan Nanzhus generosity.

This will be Tan Zaozaos third door. We will be entering in a weeks time. Ruan Nanzhu added, I will notify you about the clue tomorrow morning.

Lin Qiushi grunted in understanding.

Itll be a pleasure working with you. Ruan Nanzhu extended his hand towards Lin Qiushi.

The pleasure is all mine. I look forward to us finally working together. Chuckling, Lin Qiushi received the others hand in his own.

The past few times, Ruan Nanzhu merely brought Lin Qiushi along with him into the door worlds; it was he who was helping Lin Qiushi. However, this time, they would officially be working together, as equals. Although Lin Qiushi couldnt help but feel a tad apprehensive, that feeling of worry was eclipsed by the inexplicable and faint rush of excitement that stirred within the pit of his stomach.

Indeed, the worlds beyond those doors were cruel and bleak, insufferably frightening and dreadful. But knowing that there were people around who cared for him, that there was always someone whod stand right beside him through thick-and-thin, all of his fears vanished.

It didnt matter whether he stood before a god or a devil, or whether he was confronted by Death itself. It was as if all the despair in the world ceased to exist, replaced by a halo of hope heroically glistening in the desolate shadows, like a pure, beautiful flower that would forever bloom in the dark pits of hell.

Authors Comment:

I dont tend to write about love triangles in my stories, so theres no need to worry.

1For those unfamiliar with this expression, Eating vinegar is another way of expressing jealousy.

2This doesnt make as much sense in English as it does in Chinese, so I obviously took liberties. So, Ruan Nanzhu had originally said that Zhang Mian was there to work for us which could also be interpreted as spy on us depending on context, which I, instead, translated as infiltrate. At this part, however, Lin Qiushi referred back to Ruan Nanzhus original, ambiguous statement, and he agreed, saying that the expression, working for us, was quite apt, because Zhang Mian technically did work for them like mad, despite being a spy, hence why they have a lot of clues nowafter all, the only way to get more clues on other doors is to conquer the previous doors. If any of you have suggestions for rephrasing this section, feel free to share.