Qi Wuliao never knew how twisted life could be. He had never expected that he would go through half of the things he had, that he would become the man he was today.
Centuries ago, he was a human named Huang Zaijian. He had fallen in love, had killed himself because of this love. When he woke up, he was already no longer Huang Zaijian, he was already Qi Wuliao. He had shed his past, becoming a different man. 500 years in the future, Qi Wuliao quickly became used to the new world.
Never in his life, he never thought that he would meet the man who he killed himself because of.
Qi Wuliao understood that his actions couldn't be justified. Li Yinlui was truly in love with him, the vampire loved him with his whole heart. But back then, his family had been killed by vampires during the war. He loved Li Yinlui, was utterly hurt by the deaths of his family, and when he found out that Li Yinlui had been lying about his identity the whole time they were in love, he broke.
During that time, his emotions were out of control. When he realized what he had done, he held onto the knife dripping blood, stared at the broken and hurt expression on Li Yinlui's face, merely falling down helplessly onto the ground with the knife falling out of his hand.
Lying so weak on the ground, Qi Wuliao wanted to tell Li Yinlui that it wasn't his fault, but he could only choke on his blood, closing his eyes as he died.
When he woke up once more, Huang Zaijian had already been dead for nearly 500 years. Li Yinlui had disappeared.
And he... he was given a new body, a new identity under the Hunters Association. He became Qi Wuliao, the son of President Qi of the Hurs Hunter Organization. He began his new life, forgetting about his life as Huang Zaijian.
He... never thought he would meet Li Yinlui again. He wasn't planning to meet the man. Even when he was captured along with Wen Zhuhei, he wasn't planning on revealing his identity. But when he saw that the man had gone mad, that the man was still mourning the loss of Huang Zaijian, Qi Wuliao gave him in answer that revealed his identity.
The man needed to let go. They were both in the wrong. The ending for them was inevitable, a relationship built on lies would never last. Huang Zaijian no longer existed, he was already gone. Thus, Li Yinlui needed to let go too.
Qi Wuliao moved on forward with his life as he worked with Wen Zhuhei and Achin's President, Bai Zhensu. Together, they all worked on reuniting the nation, for both the vampires and humans.
Qi Wuliao wasn't looking for love. It wasn't on his mind. However, it seemed that love was looking for him. Thus, he could only fall.
"Zhuhei!" The figure of a man was seen briskly walking through the gates. He was tall and gallant, a mole by the corner of his eye that dipped. Wearing a white suit, there was a cigarette in his hands, unlit. His black hair was pushed back. The small scar on his face only made him appear more flirtatious. His features weren't feminine, they obviously belonged to a man, but his features also came together beautifully, giving him an exotic look.
"Get rid of that cigarette." Wen Zhuhei heard the steps from far away, walking to the front of the door. His facial features were softer and fairer, earrings upon his ears. With obvious pale skin, his lips were plump and red.
Qi Wuliao grinned, "It's not lit." As if to prove his words, he shook the cigarette in his hand, waving it around as he briskly walked by Wen Zhuhei.
Wen Zhuhei shook his head, "What are you here for?"
"Can't I visit my good friend?" Qi Wuliao asked, cocking his brows. "I've been so busy, especially since it's the second year of us cooperating together. The hunters are giving me quite a bit of crap for cooperating with you."
Without any politeness, he plopped himself on the sofa, his feet rested on the coffee table. Qi Wuliao sunk back into the soft sofa, sighing in relief.
"This mansion or castle, whatever it is, I need one of these. It's so comfortable and the designs are also interesting."
Wen Zhuhei rolled his eyes at Qi Wuliao, but he also sat down.
"Well, I guess I have to address you as Your Majesty now." With a cheeky smile, Qi Wuliao chuckled. "Chen Shujin really does want to rest. I bet he abdicated quickly because he wanted to do bedroom plays with that new title." He wriggled his brows.
Wen Zhuhei rebuked, "Wuliao." His eyes narrowed, but his ears turned pink.
"Seriously?" Qi Wuliao threw it out there, but it seemed like Chen Shujin really did that.
Wen Zhuhei coughed into his hand. "That's not important."
Qi Wuliao laughed. "I'm letting you off because I feel nice today." Then, sitting up and positioning himself into a more proper posture, he asked, "Speaking of, where is Shujin? He's always by your side."
"There's a meeting he attended with his brother." Wen Zhuhei answered, "Sufei, prepare a cup of milk tea for Wuliao."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Xu Sufei, standing by the side, leaving with this order.
Qi Wuliao yawned. The lack of sleep was getting to him. He'd been pulling so many all-nighters, he was surprised he hadn't dropped dead yet. Must be the privileges of being a hunter. Your body was enhanced and stronger compared to humans, but still below vampires.
"I've been experimenting lately." Qi Wuliao watched as Wen Zhuhei cocked his brows. "Don't give me that look. I haven't been doing anything inappropriate. I've only been making new potions and new tonics. I've been talking to the president and we both agreed on making potions that can enhance the humans abilities too." Then, pausing he added, "Humans are weak after all."
Wen Zhuhei nodded his head at his words. "True, I can't refute that."
Just as Qi Wuliao was about to say something else, he could hear very light steps coming towards him. He didn't need to think to know who it was. "Shujin." He turned around with a grin on his face, only to stiffen as he saw the man standing next to Chen Shujin.
Qi Wuliao felt like an arrow shot at his heart, almost gasping as he saw the man next to Chen Shujin. He stared at the breathtaking vampire next to Chen Shujin. He didn't look similar to Chen Shujin, but Qi Wuliao knew who this man was. Chen Xueyi. He was Chen Shujin's younger brother, a pure-blood vampire who had been living for over 5,000 years now.
Qi Wuliao had heard about this man before, but he didn't know how attractive the man was. It knocked him straight in the chest. With blonde hair and golden eyes, the man wore black gloves upon his hands. There were a few piercings in his right ear, his bright red lips standing out against his pale skin.
Wow. Qi Wuliao didn't know what to say other than this. He was quite sure that he looked like a fool at the moment. He considered himself a handsome man but even he was left gasping at Chen Xueyi's appearance. Compared to Chen Shujin's mature, regal, and cold features, Chen Xueyi's features were more sculpted, giving off a rather carefree aura.
"You're here again."
At Chen Shujin's bland tone and the cock of his brows, Qi Wuliao only smiled back. These words didn't affect him anymore. He had thick skin.
"Hello to you too. I'm here to borrow your lover." Qi Wuliao smiled as politely as possible, dismissing the scowl on Chen Shujin's face. Just to provoke the man, he even swung his arm over Wen Zhuhei, pushing them together.
"Do whatever you need to as quick as possible." Chen Shujin walked over, pulling Wen Zhuhei away from Qi Wuliao.
Qi Wuliao rolled his eyes as Wen Zhuhei happily turned away from him, Chen Shujin kissed his cheeks as he moved and embraced the man. He crossed his arms, watching them without a word.
Then, he glanced at Chen Xueyi, "Hello, you must be the Second Lord, Chen Xueyi. It's a pleasure to meet you, I am Qi Wuliao, the current leader of the Hurs Hunter Organization." Qi Wuliao introduced himself carefully, not leaving out any information.
Chen Xueyi nodded his head, sticking out his hand, "Chen Xueyi, the Second Lord. I've heard about your name often."
Qi Wuliao smiled as he grasped onto the man's slim hands, his fingers long and lean. It was a pity he couldn't see the man's bare hands, only seeing the outline of it with the black gloves that covered it.
Chen Xueyi smiled lightly as he shook hands with Qi Wuliao before taking back his hand.
Qi Wuliao literally felt his heart stop at the moment that Chen Xueyi smiled at him. That smile seemingly lit up his face.
"It seems like you attended a meeting?" Qi Wuliao wasn't shy. He was very forward, thus, he wasn't afraid to start speaking to Chen Xueyi.
Chen Xueyi seemed a bit surprised by his words, but he still answered, "You must have heard from Zhuhei. Yes, my brother and I just came back from a meeting with the other Lords. It wasn't anything big, just some minor topics."
Qi Wuliao nodded his head, glancing over at the couple who were still hugging and kissing. He could hear Wen Zhuhei's small laughs and Chen Shujin's deep chuckles.
Looking away with a sigh, he asked, "Well, until they are done, would you mind sitting with me for a bit?"
"Of course not. Although this is our first meeting, it would be great to speak about some of the things happening lately. I've heard a lot about you from Zhuhei." Chen Xueyi walked towards the direction that Qi Wuliao pointed at.
Hmm, this was oddly easy. Qi Wuliao couldn't understand how this man was still single. With looks like that, he would have thought that anyone would pounce to get him.
Qi Wuliao sat down. As he sat down, he caught sight of Chen Shujin looking at with a smirk on his lips. Even just seeing that smile was enough for chills to run down his back. If anything, Chen Shujin was his worst enemy. They mutually hated each other.
"This is my first seeing you. Do you not go out often to the human parts of Achin?" Qi Wuliao was being very honest. He had only heard of Chen Xueyi's name. He had never seen the man whether it be in person or just a picture. After all, the vampires were still secretive even with each other beginning to mingle together.
Chen Xueyi's expression didn't change much. While his features looked softer and more open, the man was even colder than his brother, Chen Shujin, whose appearance hid the play-devil he was.
"I don't really go to the human cities. Since most of my duties are here, I don't go out often." Chen Xueyi replied briskly.
The man was replying back to every question Qi Wuliao asked, yet Qi Wuliao felt like nothing was happening. Shouldn't there be a lovey-dovey atmosphere in the air around now? Qi Wuliao wondered if his flirting skills were off today.
Then, thinking about this, his own mood darkened. Then again, back then, it was only Li Yinlui who he flirted with.
Even so, he asked a few more questions before Wen Zhuhei walked over.
"It seems like you two are getting along." Wen Zhuhei eyedbthe two of them as he and Chen Shujin walked over.
"You're finally done? Here, let's go. I need to show you something else too." Qi Wuliao stood up. "I'll return him anyway. No need to look at me with such dark eyes. What can I even do to him?" Qi Wuliao could feel Chen Shujin's cold eyes, his piercing eyes as if he was going to stab him at any moment.
Chen Shujin smiled, albeit, a dark look in his eyes, "Well, of course. It's not like you can outrun me." Saying that, he then winked at Wen Zhuhei, "Come back quick."
Wen Zhuhei's lips twitched into smile before he then directed Qi Wuliao, "Let's go to my office."
Qi Wuliao whistled as he followed Wen Zhuhei, sneaking a peak at Chen Xueyi before quickly looking away.
Once they safely arrived in Wen Zhuhei's office, Qi Wuliao quickly took a seat. "So, is your brother-in-law taken?"
Wen Zhuhei, who had just taken a sip of water, choked for a second, beating at his chest. His face grew flushed as he coughed. "You, what are you thinking?" Once he stopped coughing, Wen Zhuhei glared at the nonchalant man sitting on the chair by his desk.
Qi Wuliao lifted his lips deviously, "Because cupid has shot an arrow straight into my heart." He dramatically pointed at his heart.
Wen Zhuhei scrunched his face, "Don't do that." He cleared his throat. "No, Xueyi is still single. He's been single for as long as I've known him. I know that he has bed partners but I don't believe he's ever been in a serious relationship."
Alright. So the man was definitely not a virgin. Qi Wuliao's eyes narrowed. Then again, only his body was a virgin.
"Do you think he'll be open to a relationship?" Qi Wuliao wasn't afraid to continue asking questions. In fact, as he started, he began to ask even more questions.
"Shujin once told me that Xueyi looks soft on the outside but he's cold on the inside. He also said that Xueyi only takes care of his needs and that he doesn't see the point in having a lover." Wen Zhuhei, while exasperated, continued to answer Qi Wuliao's questions.
Ohh... hearing that, while it dimmed down the hope in his heart, Qi Wuliao was still intent on chasing the man.
Qi Wuliao coughed, dismissing the many thoughts in his head. "Enough of that. I did come here for serious matters after all." He reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. "Look at it first."
"What is this?" Wen Zhuhei accepted the box, opening it as a small white pill appeared. He picked up the pill, looking at it closely, his eyes narrowing.
"That," Qi Wuliao began to explain, "Is the first step into creating the Hunter's weapons that can rival the vampires, the Fakers. Of course, since I've began cooperating with you, there are still hunters out there who are dissatisfied with my decision. That being said, they won't listen to my orders and are still creating Fakers. I was able to get hold of that small pill and did some experiments on it."
Wen Zhuhei gazed at the pill in his hands which could easily be crushed with the slightest of his movements. "What else did you find out?"
The mood was getting darker, the tension getting higher. Qi Wuliao's face hardened. "They have people tailing me. I believe their main purpose is to cause discord between the humans, hunters, and the vampires. If either you, Zhensu, or I die, war is sure to break out. I won't be coming for a while, in case they find out where you live and try to attack you. It is better for me to be their main enemy."
"No." Wen Zhuhei immediately voiced out his disagreement. "It's better for them to latch onto me than you."
"As if. I don't have anyone around me who can be put in danger. You have Shujin. It doesn't matter if you're a vampire or not, you wouldn't want them to hurt Shujin. Not to mention, your role is too important and Shujin would rip me up if something happens to you. It's better for them to focus on me." Qi Wuliao raised a brow as he countered Wen Zhuhei's words.
He meant it. Wen Zhuhei had Chen Shujin, his lover. Not to mention, he had people by his side who cared for him. Qi Wuliao didn't have any of that so if anything did happen to him, it wouldn't be as bad.
"You always say stuff like that. Aren't I your friend? I should have a say in this too." Wen Zhuhei sighed as he shook his head. His sharp eyes narrowed, turning a shade darker.
Qi Wuliao chuckled, "Just stay put, Your Majesty. I look like this but I can also protect myself. I may not be as strong as you, but I am taller." He smirked, "My body may not be as strong as a vampire's but compared to humans and other hunters, I am strong enough to deal with them." He glanced down at the watch. "I'll have to leave now. I probably won't be coming for a long time but I'll make sure to keep in contact. Until then, make sure you watch Chen Xueyi for me. I'm serious when I say that I'll be chasing him."
Wen Zhuhei rubbed his temple, "Just do whatever you want."
Qi Wuliao laughed at Wen Zhuhei's words. No matter what, Wen Zhuhei couldn't fight his words. His eyes darkened. Now that this was settled, he had to focus on those damn bastards.
-
"Your Highness, another bouquet of flowers have been sent."
Chen Xueyi glanced at the red roses in the maid's hand. "Set it on the table."
Another one... These flowers have been coming for a long time. Once a day, 365 days a year, they always came at 5:20.
As he stared at the red flowers, he caught a glimpse of the white letter tied to the bouquet.
He picked it up.
'Hey, Handsome,
Today marks the 520th day that I've been chasing you. Do you know who I am yet? If not, you still have a long time. Hopefully, you'll accept my feelings soon.
From, your secret admirer.'
Reading the letter, Chen Xueyi's lips couldn't help but form a small curve. How could he not know? As soon as that man left the first day that they met, these flowers showed up. Everyday, without fail, 12 roses were delivered.
12 red roses, signifying, 'be mine.'
Chen Xueyi carefully picked up the roses, depositing them into a vase next to dozens of other vases filled with red roses. As he did so, catching sight of a few dying flowers, he carefully picked them out and replaced them with the other roses.
He was a bit confused. After that day, he never came again. Chen Xueyi gazed out his window silently.
-
"Fuck." Qi Wuliao gasped as he clenched the side of his stomach.
"Catch him!"
A dozen men were chasing after Qi Wuliao, who ran past the alleys.
Four years later, Qi Wuliao had successfully shaken off all the attacks aimed at him. Only this time, there was a traitor in his ranks. He knew he should've cleaned them up better!
As he ran, he could feel blood seeping out of the wound by his stomach. He grimaced as he looked behind him.
Well, it seems like they weren't underestimating him this time. Qi Wuliao wavered between grabbing his gun or trying to stop his blood from pouring out. In the end, as he ran through the dark night, he chose to pull out his gun instead.
Qi Wuliao didn't have time to slow down as he ran, pointing his gun behind him and quickly shooting. It may look like blindly shooting but he had already analyzed all of the men's positions.
As he ran, hearing the sound of a body falling to the ground was reassuring. Until.. he heard a gun shooting from behind him.
"Fuck!" Qi Wuliao dodged to the side, jumping past the fence. He really hoped he wouldn't bleed out. He looked at the area he was being chased in. Thankfully, he knew this area well enough.
Not pausing for one second, he ran into a dark alley.
"Chase him! We can't lose him!" The burly man entered the dark alley. It was dark, dark to the point where nothing could be seen. Even with higher senses, the place was still dark to them.
A dead end. As the leader looked at the wall in front of him, he cussed under his breath. "He's gone."
He punched a hole into the wall, cursing. "Look around this area. He couldn't have gone far."
"Yes, sir!"
Qi Wuliao, on the other hand, didn't hear any more people chasing him. He leaned up against the metal door, gasping as he quickly reloaded his gun, supporting his body on the wall.
He wasn't able to send Chen Xueyi his flowers yet. Essentially, he had spent the whole day being chased, running, and trying to escape. Unluckily for him, once he got rid of one group, another group of men appeared. When he returned, he was going to turn his company upside down and catch that rat.
He grunted, blood spilling from his wound. He couldn't even leave yet. They were definitely going to look around first before leaving. Thus, Qi Wuliao breathed as quietly as possible, sinking down.
His left hand hurriedly searched through his pocket. He really hoped he hadn't lost his phone, because if he did, he was really doomed this time.
Qi Wuliao gasped as a stabbing pain came from his stomach. His body weakly slid down, almost collapsing if it weren't for the wall behind him.
"Wuliao?"
"Hey," Qi Wuliao realized how quiet his voice was now. Even his sight was getting blurry.
"Where are you? Why are you breathing so hard?" Wen Zhuhei's voice echoed.
Qi Wuliao had to stop for a second. Damn, his sight was getting even blurrier. He would have used his shirt to stop his bleeding, but it was already dirty. Even if it stopped bleeding, he would be infected.
"Wuliao? Wuliao?!" Wen Zhuhei's voice rose.
"Why are you so loud?" Qi Wuliao's lips lifted even in his rough state. He bit back a groan.
"It's already so dark. Are you alright?"
"Hey, Zhuhei. Do me a favor. Go to the Headquarters for Hurs Hunters Organization. Talk to Janice, a lady with red hair and glasses. As soon as you see her, tell her to lead you into the bar. She'll understand what you're asking for. Inside that room, you'll find information about the people trying to disrupt our plans. I'm doing my best to hold out, but I probably won't be able to hold them back for long." Qi Wuliao's voice shook. His voice lowered as he heard very light footsteps from outside.
"Wuliao? What's happening? What are you-"
Qi Wuliao had to end the call. In the dark, he listened to the steps outside.
"Fuck, where did he go? He's bleeding to death anyway. Just surround this whole area. Even if we don't catch him, he can't escape no matter what. Just let him bleed to death."
With that, their steps faded away. Of course, that made it harder for Qi Wuliao. Since he couldn't escape, he could only wait and see if backup would come from his people.
He really was bleeding to death. If it was just his stomach, he could hold out for longer, but those bastards shot a couple of holes into him. Since his stomach was where his heaviest wounds were, he prioritized that spot, but he knew that he only had so much blood.
His phone kept ringing. In the dark warehouse, it was a source of light. But for fear that his location would be revealed, he shut off his phone.
Qi Wuliao didn't worry. If he died, he died. There was a tracker on his body so his people would come to pick up his body.
That was what he originally thought. Knowing that Chen Xueyi was probably still waiting for his flowers, Qi Wuliao struggled to keep his eyes from closing, shaking off the dizziness he felt. His body felt weak.
His breath came out in labored pants. In the end, he succumbed, eyes closing as his hands fell to his side. His breath was light, so light that just a glimpse at him made him appear dead. But he was still holding on.
-
The flowers didn't come. Chen Xueyi waited, staring at his watch. One hour, two hours, three hours. The flowers didn't come. He wrinkled his brows. For 4 years now, 12 flowers always came at 5:20.
As he looked out, gazing at the dark night, his door was opened, banging.
"Xueyi, there's trouble. Wuliao is missing." Chen Shujin's brows were furrowed, only to slightly widen his eyes as Chen Xueyi stood up suddenly.
"Where?" Chen Xueyi's voice shook. Even he didn't know how his eyes trembled, how his voice was shaking.
"I don't know. Zhuhei got a call from him. It seems like he's been attacked. At current, Zhuhei and the other hunters are trying to find out his location. Zhuhei needs to meet up with Zhensu first so we have to find Wuliao." Chen Shujin cocked his brows as he saw the state his brother was in.
Chen Xueyi clenched his hands. "Let's go."
-
Blood spilled upon Chen Xueyi's pale skin. His eyes shone in the dark night as he killed the man in his hands.
He was trying to listen. Using his senses, he was trying to find a breath.
"I'll handle the rest of the men. Find him quick." Chen Shujin's fangs protruded, golden eyes gazing at the five men before them.
"Alright." Chen Xueyi moved, his body flashing. He was carefully listening, trying to find a familiar breath. He was trying to find the slightest of movement, moving through the dark and abandoned alleys.
Just as he passed a warehouse, he stopped. A breath! His eyes widened as he hurriedly broke down the door. With his night vision, he saw a man collapsed to the side, blood spilling from his body, his body riddled with gun shots. The man's face was pale, even his lips looked blue.
Chen Xueyi felt his heart tremble as he quickly ran to the man. He was alive. Barely, but he was still alive. He panicked. He knew that Qi Wuliao had lost a big amount of blood, he had to be quick.
His hands trembled as he barely lifted the man onto his back, stumbling. He knew that Chen Shujin would easily handle the men, hence, he hurriedly left.
-
Qi Wuliao heard a lot of voices.
"He's lost too much blood!"
"We're losing him!"
He went in and out of consciousness. He felt a huge burden on his body and he was certain that he died a few times before being revived.
After that, everything became black.
When Qi Wuliao woke up, he was surprised to find out that he was still alive. In the white hospital room, that was rather lavish, his eyes slowly blinked open. There was an oxygen mask on him, helping him breath properly.
"You're awake."
Qi Wuliao's eyes slowly shifted to the man by his side. He didn't know vampires could look so haggard. Chen Xueyi was still handsome, but the man had bags under his eyes and even his hair was in a mess. Under the oxygen mask, he couldn't help but smile.
"The doctors said that you had six bullets in you. Two on your right leg, two by your stomach, one on your left arm, and another one on your shoulder blade. One of the bullets nearly punctured your organs." Chen Xueyi stood up, standing next to Qi Wuliao.
Qi Wuliao nodded his head. Really. After four years of not seeing him, Chen Xueyi looked even more handsome. Because of that, the heart monitor by his side was slowly rising. With no sense of shame, Qi Wuliao didn't bother about Chen Xueyi's eyes that glanced at the heart monitor.
"You're a jerk, I hope you know that." Chen Xueyi spat out. His eyes looked down at the man on the hospital bed, looking both weak and gaunt. His body was wrapped in bandages and the mask on him made him look even weaker.
If he could laugh, Qi Wuliao would, but the oxygen mask wasn't letting him do so.
"If you're going to chase me, how can you not even care about yourself? When I found you, you were almost dead. If I had been any later, you'd be dead right now." Chen Xueyi's voice shook. He gritted his teeth, clenching his hand by his side.
Qi Wuliao looked at the man, only smiling from his tone of voice. Was this love he felt? If it was, he would gladly take any beating. Even Chen Xueyi's angry words became music to his ears.
Chen Xueyi's ears suddenly flushed, "Once you get better, we can try going on a date."
Qi Wuliao's eyes widened. Goddamnit!
With his body in this condition, it would take him months to be perfectly healthy.
But staring at Chen Xueyi's slightly flushed face, Qi Wuliao bit back his anger directed towards himself. Whatever. At least Chen Xueyi would take care of him then.
His heart monitor got faster and faster. Locking eyes with Chen Xueyi, he winked as he flashed him a grin, making the man look away.
Fuck! If things kept going like this, he was really going to have a heart attack from the man's cuteness.
Now he really felt like all those bullet wounds were worth it.
Qi Wuliao sunk into his bed with a silly smile on his face.