Replacing the Evil Way

Chapter 81: Present and Future

A quarter of an hour later, the streets outside finally returned to tranquility. He Wei and Cheng Zesheng held each other tightly in this backlit alley where the sunlight couldn’t reach. He Wei’s eyes were slightly raised as he gazed at the brilliant sunlight at the end of the alley. He knew he couldn’t completely possess this embrace right now, so he could only temporarily draw warmth from it.

“Can’t you really tell me?” Cheng Zesheng stroked He Wei’s black hair. “Maybe I can help you, you don’t have to go through this alone.”

He Wei shook his head, not answering. Cheng Zesheng didn’t force him; he knew that He Wei’s character was deep and stubborn, and that there was no way to make him speak about something he didn’t want to.

“You don’t need to know anything, just stay safe here,” He Wei said, gently caressing Cheng Zesheng’s face. He smiled and continued, “Actually, we shouldn’t have met, but I couldn’t resist wanting to see you.”

Cheng Zesheng held his hand and was about to speak when he heard hurried footsteps approaching. Another He Wei appeared at the entrance of the alley, panting heavily. Upon seeing the two of them in their current posture, his usually composed expression cracked.

The most awkward scene unfolded. Cheng Zhenqing was indeed a jinx.

Cheng Zesheng looked around, and the two He Weis in front of him were nearly identical from head to toe, from their gaze to their hair strands, except for their clothing. It was impossible to distinguish them.

“Is it really you?” Officer He stared at He Wei. “Who was that man in black just now? Cheng Zhenqing?”

From his tone, He Wei could tell that Officer He had definitely lost track of Cheng Zhenqing. Cheng Zhenqing was very cunning, and both of them were experienced old cops. Losing him wasn’t surprising at all.

Cheng Zesheng heard his brother’s name, and his eyes flickered. He grabbed He Wei’s arm and asked urgently, “Do you know where my brother is?!”

He Wei smiled and said, “But you two can’t meet. Don’t worry, there will be a chance in the future.”

Cheng Zesheng nodded obediently, looking very well-behaved. But Officer He, who was standing at the entrance of the alley, was not easy to dismiss. He came over and said, “Take me to Cheng Zhenqing. I’ve got something very important to ask him.”

Seeing him approaching step by step, He Wei hooked his index finger on the collar of Cheng Zesheng’s shirt, pulled it forward, and at the same time tilted his head to approach, whispering in his ear: “Help me stop him.”

“Okay.” Cheng Zesheng agreed immediately, and He Wei smiled, raised his chin slightly, and kissed his lips.

The face of the man opposite suddenly became gloomy, and his pace quickened. He Wei had already turned around and walked toward the other exit of the alley with steady steps. Cheng Zesheng grabbed Officer He who was coming over. He Wei frowned and said in a somewhat impatient tone: “Cheng Zesheng, let me go! He’s leaving!”

Cheng Zesheng firmly held his arm, pushing his back. “Let’s go back. It’s getting late.”

“He knows where your brother is. You should come with me to follow him!” 

Cheng Zesheng placated him, “Oh, don’t worry; I’m sure I’ll have a chance to see my brother in the future. It’s not urgent right now…”

He Wei’s figure turned a corner and completely disappeared at the other end of the dark alley.

Officer He glared at Cheng Zesheng and shook off his hand. “What were you thinking? Whether it is he or Cheng Zhenqing, they would be helpful to us in our current situation. You were not only intimate with him in front of me but also let him escape. Do you think I’m a fool?”

Cheng Zesheng was troubled. “But… he is you, isn’t he?”

“No,” Officer He replied firmly, with a hint of hostility. “Since we can exist as separate individuals, we can’t be confused. And if it were me, I would definitely try my best to help my past self out of trouble, rather than being indifferent like this.”

For the first time, He Wei showed anger in front of Cheng Zesheng, and he left without paying any attention to him. Cheng Zesheng had a headache and hurriedly followed him. He called out to him a few times, but he didn’t respond. He Wei maintained his indifferent attitude until they returned to the apartment.

In order not to offend his current wife for the sake of his future wife, Cheng Zesheng felt that this trip to Antarctica was really difficult and challenging.

He stood on the balcony, gazing at the unfamiliar night scenery, and subconsciously touched his lips.

At that time, with the last kiss, there was also a whispered sentence that came through.

“I love you.”

He said.

***

In the evening, He Wei returned to the Lihui Garden. As soon as he entered, he was grabbed by Cheng Zhenqing by the collar. He instinctively grabbed Cheng Zhenqing’s arm and twisted it behind his back. Cheng Zhenqing cried out, “Hey hey hey, you treat me like a tool, and I can’t even get angry or seek revenge?”

“…,” He Wei let go of him, pushing him aside and pretending not to know anything.

Cheng Zhenqing sarcastically remarked, “Ten years of cultivating to cross the same boat, a hundred years to share a pillow for sleep. How many years have I accompanied you all before I had to sacrifice myself to create opportunities for you? Why does this kid, Zesheng, have such good luck? How come I can’t find a partner like that?”

He Wei smiled faintly, with a hint of mockery in his smile. “Everyone has their own fate. You can even reincarnate, which would make many people jealous.”

Cheng Zhenqing waved his hand dismissively. “What’s the use of coming back here? I can’t do anything, and I have to watch my little brother die. Instead of suffering like this, it’s better not to have this chance of rebirth.”

After a while, the takeaway Cheng Zhenqing ordered arrived: beer and grilled skewers. He and He Wei sat on the balcony, and Cheng Zhenqing had ordered dishes that He Wei could eat. It seemed that after going back so many times, he had learned his eating habits quite well.

When he heard that the scene he had imagined before had actually happened, he nearly spat out his beer.

“Damn, whether you’re ruthless or not, I can’t beat you.” Cheng Zhenqing raised his thumb. “Impressive, you really want to break them up and have Zesheng all to yourself, don’t you?”

He Wei held a wine glass and smiled. “No, I’m pretty clear about myself. There won’t be a breakup; at most, just a bit of discomfort.”

He felt a bit resentful, which was why he deliberately left a kiss in front of “He Wei.” It was ironic that, in the end, all this fighting was against himself, and no one would believe it if he said it out loud.

“You’re just too competitive. Let it go, let it go. I acknowledge your ruthlessness. If there’s anything, I’ll handle it myself. You can stay home,” Cheng Zhenqing said.

“What do you have in mind?” He Wei asked. “Are you planning something?”

Cheng Zhenqing supported his right leg, propped his arm casually on his knee, and stroked his chin. “I’m thinking whether I should get you a gun, just in case you encounter danger.”

“… The public security in Shengzhou City is quite good, no need to worry,” He Wei replied.

Cheng Zhenqing was referring to what might happen if he had to fight with the killer when the murder occurred. What if he needed to defend himself against an armed assailant?

He Wei lowered his head, playing with the bamboo skewers in the takeaway box. He hadn’t told Cheng Zhenqing about his speculation regarding the killer’s identity. It was possible that it could be himself, having accidentally killed Cheng Zesheng in a situation where he had no choice. And the only reason for such an accident was the previous him trying to break the time loop, attempting to kill his past self, He Wei. However, according to the paradox rules, this would never be achieved. So, if he wanted to kill He Wei, it would inevitably result in Cheng Zesheng’s death.

He Wei felt that this time he had some advantage. The amount of information he had gathered during this cycle was enormous, including his childhood memories. The crucial point might be the exchange of identities between him and Emloyee He.

“As for the gun, it’s not necessary. I didn’t bring one with me this time, and I’ve no intention to use it.” He Wei said.

“Well, then you should adapt to the situation. Take care of yourself,” Cheng Zhenqing patted his shoulder. “Remember, not only my little brother’s life is important, but yours is too.”

***

He Wei spent a leisurely week at Lihui Garden. One night, as Cheng Zhenqing returned home, there was a tall and well-covered man following him.

“Naturally, you couldn’t find me at the Hutaoli, I’ve been staying here lately,” Cheng Zhenqing waved to him. “Come in, let me introduce you to a friend.”

“Okay,” the man responded monotonously. He Wei stood up, and when their eyes met, he was surprised. “…Is it you?”

Hearing the familiar voice, He Wei had already guessed his identity – pianist Cheng Zesheng.

Indeed, under the mask was a handsome face. Cheng Zesheng looked at He Wei with suspicion and whispered to Cheng Zhenqing, “I met him on the street earlier, and he was asking about you. It feels suspicious. Are you really friends with him?”

He Wei replied, “…” No need to be so secretive, let’s just be open and honest about it since he can hear everything clearly.

“Hey, misunderstanding, It’s all a misunderstanding.” Cheng Zhenqing patted Cheng Zesheng on the back and said, “He wanted to see me and has no intention of harming me. He came to… find me for some business, right?” He gestured to He Wei, silently signaling him to play along and help deceive Cheng Zesheng.

“Is he your client?” Cheng Zesheng asked in surprise. He turned to He Wei, “You said you weren’t involved in smuggling firearms anymore. Why are you still doing this?”

“Silly boy, how can you trust a man’s words.” Cheng Zhenqing defended himself, “Especially someone like me?”

“…” Cheng Zesheng blinked his bright black eyes, his expression showing concern. This innocent and pure look almost made He Wei burst out laughing. It wasn’t his fault; Cheng Zesheng was so different from his impression of him. However, this gentle and warm demeanor, combined with his handsome face, didn’t feel out of place. It was as if he was meant to be such a neighborly and comforting man.

Cheng Zesheng obediently sat there, with his hands neatly placed on his knees, looking even more prim and proper than a student in class. At this point, He Wei whispered to Cheng Zhenqing, “Why did you bring him here?”

“He was looking for me. We met once before, and it won’t affect the time loop. I just brought him along this time,” Cheng Zhenqing replied, covering half of his face with his hand. “We’ll just chat casually. You guys aren’t familiar anyway, so there’s not much to talk about, right?”

Although Cheng Zesheng was sitting there, his eyes occasionally wandered towards He Wei with curiosity and wariness. He Wei got up to pour him a glass of water. Cheng Zesheng politely thanked him and, seeing his casual attire, asked, “Are you living with my brother?”

“Sort of, temporarily,” He Wei replied, also studying Cheng Zesheng. “Didn’t you know that your brother has a place here?”

Cheng Zesheng shook his head, looking worried. He had been searching for Cheng Zhenqing for a while, and when he learned that Cheng Zhenqing had left Hutaoli, he rushed to Fusheng Jinlong Garden. However, he couldn’t find his brother there either. He was extremely anxious, fearing that his brother might get caught by the police for smuggling firearms.

Later, it was Cheng Zhenqing who came to find him, wanting to choose a gun from the armory. Cheng Zesheng quickly grabbed him and tried to persuade him not to get involved in this.

He Wei became even more curious and sat down beside Cheng Zesheng. “Why did you build an armory? I heard that you’re not very good with guns, and your talent lies more in disassembling them.”

Cheng Zesheng’s face turned red, and he seemed a bit embarrassed as he stammered, “Because, because I really wanted to learn… I used to dream about becoming a police officer when I was a child, so my brother said we should have more guns to satisfy my curiosity… But I’m too useless, and I still don’t know how to use them properly…”

“You dreamt of it?” He Wei suddenly grabbed his wrist and squinted at him. “Did you ever go to Fulong Mountain when you were a child?”

“Fulong Mountain?” Cheng Zesheng looked puzzled, shaking his head. “I was in Canada until I was twenty, and I never came back. Is Fulong Mountain in the southern part of the city? I’ve never been there.”

He Wei fell into silent contemplation for a moment, then released his wrist. He leaned back against the sofa, lost in thought.

He must have made a mistake. They had carefully investigated Cheng Zesheng’s background, and it was indeed true that he had never returned to China in his early childhood. Therefore, there was no chance for the bizarre exchange situation he had experienced to occur.

Cheng Zesheng touched his wrist, still feeling the warmth from the contact. He couldn’t help but cast occasional glances at He Wei. The moment their skin touched, his heart inexplicably accelerated, just like that day when He Wei protected him on the street. He was pretending to cry, and the other party was comforting him. His heart had also raced for a long time that day and couldn’t calm down.

Cheng Zhenqing came out of the bathroom and noticed the somewhat strange atmosphere in the living room. The pianist little brother and He Wei were sitting together on the sofa, with He Wei staring at the lamp and Cheng Zesheng looking at him, completely unaware of the slightly ambiguous and puzzled expressions on their faces.

Damn it, this hadn’t happened in previous loops. Cheng Zhenqing’s temples throbbed. He pulled He Wei aside and whispered, “Hey, you’ve already caused trouble with one of my brothers; don’t lay your hands on the other one too.”

“…” He Wei looked bewildered. What did he do? Why would he lay hands on the pianist?