Blood Bonds And Golden Ties

Chapter 46: Framed

[Xi Feng]

Cao Xin entered a huge, dark room. Black strips of silk cris-crossed on the floor in front of him. A big sheet of cloth hung down from the ceiling. Two torch stands stood on either side of it. Behind the cloth, he saw a sitting shadow. "Shi Fu, Cao Xin has arrived," Cao Xin bowed before the man behind the curtains.

"How did it go?"

"Shi Fu, Han Jun and Xiao Zhao are at odds with each other. Today, Xiao Zhao tried to stab Han Jun. After today, they will never be friends again, nor will they be a threat to you any longer."

"Hahahaha!" the voice rumbled. "You are the student I'm the most proud of. Every mission I give you, you somehow manage to pull off so well. I picked the right man."

Cao Xin bowed. "Thank you Shi Fu for your compliment."

The man behind the curtain waved his hand. "Come closer, Cao Xin." Taking a couple steps forward, Cao Xin stood there, head still bowed.

"Raise your head."

Cao Xin did as orded.

"I am so proud of you. Now tell me, Cao Xin, what is your next move?"

"I'm glad you asked, Shi Fu. I want to break Mo Ran's and Xiao Zhao's relationship. This way, they will not be able to do anything great. As you know, Master, both have an important background. If they find out the truth, then it will be hard to reach our goals."

"Good. Very good. Just do as you plan, Cao Xin."

"Yes Shi Fu."

"You may leave."

Cao Xin bowed and exited.

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[Shi Han Jun]

They sat in Han Jun's dorm room. Hu Tiao Xia was sitting at the table drinking tea. He looked away when Li Qing dressed Han Jun's wounds, claiming he doesn't like to see blood.

Han Jun sat on the bed. His hands clutched his kness as Li Qing gently applied the medicine on his shoulders.

"OW!" Han Jun recoiled at the touched. He gritted his teeth.

"Han Jun, such small pain and you act like you're dying. What kind of man are you?" Hu Tiao Xia asked.

Han Jun merely glanced at him.

After Li Qing had applied the medicine, Han Jun slipped his clothing on. "Get some rest." Mo Ran stood up and turned to leave.

Han Jun grabbed the edge of his clothing. Li Qing turned back to him. "Stay," he whispered.

Li Qing hesitated but then nodded. He settled on the bed

Han Jun stared into space and sighed. "Li Qing, do you secretly hate me too?" Han Jun glanced at Li Qing's face and saw him swallow hard.

Han Jun looked away. "Just be honest. You can say what you truly feel. Maybe then, I can die in peace."

Li Qing grabbed Han Jun's sleeve. "What do you mean?" Concern was written all over his face.

Han Jun smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Don't worry. I won't do anything rash."

Li Qing loosened his grip on Han Jun's sleeve. "Actually..."

Han Jun's eyes snapped to Li Qing's face. He waited.

"I..."

"You...go on," Han Jun encouraged.