Stealing The Wind But Not The Moon [Completed]

99. Fire Needs Fuel And Oxygen.

Number 1 (Yihao) and Ruyun had lost their composure, and in a synchronized manner, they fled in opposite directions, their ponytails swaying in the wind.

Xiang Mingzhang leaned heavily on Chu Zhichen, his mind paralyzed after pouring out his emotions. After a moment, he straightened his posture, his deep and bottomless eyes fixing on Chu Zhichen as he asked, "Did I frighten you?"

Shaking his head before releasing the embrace, Chu Zhichen replied, "No, did I offer you solace?"

In an instant, Xiang Mingzhang came back to life, a faint smile gracing his previously somber face as he also responded negatively. He leaned towards Chu Zhichen, seeking to hold him for a while.

Cunningly evading the advance, Chu Zhichen stepped back, causing Xiang Mingzhang to be left suspended in the air. The mature man, previously stirred up, displayed a childlike devotion as he followed his master closely.

Gradually retreating to a grassy slope, Chu Zhichen's steps became uneven. At the precise moment he lowered his gaze, Xiang Mingzhang closed in, gripping him firmly with an inherent aggressiveness and desire to conquer.

Their bodies collided and they lost balance together. Xiang Mingzhang embraced Chu Zhichen as they rolled on the grass, their coats entangling in the midst of the chaos.

Exhausted, they let go of each other, gasping for breath, and lay down on the grassy slope, unconcerned with their disheveled appearances or the dirt that clung to them.

After an extended period, their breathing settled, and silence enveloped the surroundings.

Xiang Mingzhang broke the stillness, asking, "What are you thinking?"

Chu Zhichen responded, "I am contemplating what you were like when you were eight years old."

Xiang Mingzhang had no recollection of his own childhood. He only knew that he had always been tall, towering over his peers since he was young.

If childhood represented innocence and happiness, then Xiang Mingzhang's childhood was so brief that it could be dismissed. He was not particularly talkative, consumed with academic pursuits, daily practice of calligraphy and piano, and participation in various sports.

"When I was young, I had a strong inclination for comparisons." Xiang Mingzhang reminisced. "I compared myself with Xiang Rugang and Xiang Ruxu, with my aunt's child, and with the children from the director's family."

Chu Zhichen speculated, "Because of Xiang Xingzhao?"

Xiang Mingzhang delved into his psychological state during that time, explaining, "I understand the reason behind his favoritism towards me. I might his... However, I am repulsed by it, yet I strive to make myself deserving of such favor."

In his youth, he was likely afraid, afraid that others would deem him unworthy and uncover the hidden truth.

Chu Zhichen recalled the saccharine compliments from the Xiang family, highlighting the striking resemblance between Xiang Mingzhang and Xiang Xingzhao.

To what extent was this "resemblance" an elaborate facade?

He inquired, "Is Xiang Xingzhao molding you in his own image?"

"I am voluntarily becoming him," Xiang Mingzhang affirmed, leaving no room for denial. "Xiang Xingzhao is a shrewd old man. If I truly resemble him, he will place his trust in me. Only when I become like him can I replace him."

Upon entering elementary school, Xiang Mingzhang accompanied Xiang Xingzhao to Xiangyue Group during every winter and summer vacation. What started as a day or two gradually extended to an entire working week, allowing him unrestricted access to all departments.