Chapter 18
Mina dragged Zhang Yang into the bathroom, her tone sharp: “Calm down!”
Zhang Yang squeezed herself into the corner between the washbasin and the wall, as if hoping to find a sense of fleeting safety. She glared at Mina and said, “Do these people have any humanity left? They treat people as objects just because they have money? What is Ke Yu? A male prostitute?”
Mina replied coldly, “Can’t handle it anymore? I told you before that this world is not for you. They treat custom-made products like toys. Only you would spend all your money and indulge in a love story.”
“So you think what they’re doing is right? Even if custom-made products are like cloned humans, they are still living beings. Don’t you have any sympathy?”
“There’s no right or wrong. Custom-made products are commodities, products grown from cells. They have no identity, no family or friends. Their existence or disappearance doesn’t have any impact on anyone or anything,” Mina said coldly, looking at Zhang Yang. “Even if you don’t agree, you can’t change the rules. Those who set the rules are not you.”
The flesh seeks to conquer, what are lowly ants.
Zhang Yang clenched her fists. “Do they treat Ke Yu the same way?”
Mina turned away. “Something similar. Sister Bei is a high-profile figure’s mistress, just like my mother. This club is meant to entertain people with power and influence. Do you think what happened just now was crossing the line? Naive. Last year, right here, I saw several people playing with a custom-made product based on Sun Ning to death.”
Zhang Yang trembled.
Sun Ning was a supermodel with a great figure.
Mina spoke about it as if discussing a car running over a mouse on the street. “They didn’t do it on purpose, but they died. Sister Bei made a phone call and had the company’s people come to deal with the body. The party wasn’t over yet, and a brand new one was sent over.”
A surge of electricity ran through Zhang Yang’s body, leaving scars of fear cutting through her nerves.
“But these people aren’t the most twisted. At least in front of acquaintances in the same circle, they still have some face to consider. The really terrifying ones are those sold on the black market.” Mina glanced at Zhang Yang. “The custom-made products here are at most sex slaves, but the ones in the black market are treated as livestock. They face real sadists, pedophiles, murderers. Some custom-made products are sold there just to be abused, tortured, and killed.”
“Stop talking.” Zhang Yang trembled all over. It seemed that only now did she truly understand what kind of world she had stumbled into.
“Now you’re scared? Didn’t I warn you? You’re an accomplice too. You sponsored six million,” Mina said sternly. “I don’t lack sympathy, at least I’m not twisted. Most buyers treat custom-made products well after all. Those who abuse pets are still a minority. But after seeing so much, everyone becomes numb.”
Zhang Yang shook her head in pain. “Ke Yu staying here also carries the risk of getting hurt… and… dying.”
Mina sighed. “You’d better pray that he stays here all the time or that he gets taken away by some kind-hearted guest. If he gets old or disabled, he might be sold on the black market. Compared to that, staying here is better.”
Zhang Yang murmured sadly, “Ke Yu is a person, a person.”
“Fei Yang, face reality.”
Zhang Yang felt boundless despair.
Mina smiled lightly, “Try to be open-minded; everything will be much simpler. I brought you here not only for you to meet Ke Yao in your dreams but also to make you realize the truth. When you see Ke Yu later, you will be more sober because, to him, you are a stranger.”
“He really doesn’t remember me at all.”
“Of course,” Mina said, “Let’s go back. Control your expression. If Sister Bei suspects anything, I’ll be in trouble.”
The party was still going on, and as alcohol consumption increased, the atmosphere grew more heated. The high-class individuals who usually maintained their decorum became increasingly vulgar in their behavior.
Zhang Yang stood in a corner with a grim face, scanning the room with a sinister gaze. It felt like there was a huge stone weighing on her chest, making it difficult for her to breathe. These people, the extravagant scene, and the exquisite food and wine—all of it made her nauseous. It was as if she was watching a group of beasts in human clothing dancing wildly.
“Excuse me…” A timid, delicate female voice sounded nearby, almost drowned out by the music if not for their proximity.
Both of them turned their heads simultaneously—a girl sitting in an electric wheelchair.
She wore a tender pink Lolita dress, and her wine-red shoes were spotless. Although half of her face was covered by a mask, her delicate chin and fluttering big eyes were cute enough. The electric wheelchair was elevated, allowing the girl to be at eye level with them.
“Hello,” Mina smiled, “Nice to meet you. I’m Nana, and you?”
The girl sweetly smiled and pointed at herself, saying, “I’m Qian Dai.”
Her overly sweet way of speaking made them uncomfortable, and Zhang Yang’s mouth twitched. “Hello, I’m Fei Yang.”
“I heard that you are fans of Sheng Shi. I never expected to meet Brother’s fans here.”
Mina exclaimed in surprise, “You too? Are you here for Ke Yu as well?”
“Sort of, but it’s not just for him. I’m mainly curious and wanted to take a break. Because I can’t walk, I’m always stuck at home, and it worries my dad.”
Both of them glanced at Qian Dai’s legs at the same time, unable to help but feel sorry for her.
“I’m actually a Sheng Guang CP fan. Do you ship Sheng Guang?” Qian Dai asked with anticipation.
Mina followed Qian Dai’s lead, “Yes, we ship them.”
Zhang Yang knew that Mina had fewer reservations and was more casual about shipping. Unlike her, she couldn’t stand CP fans online, and at offline performances, she would exchange sarcastic glances with CP fans. However, at this moment, out of sympathy and respect for Qian Dai’s status, she maintained a calm expression and said, “I’m fine.”
Qian Dai happily said, “Have you seen Ke Yu? Have you seen Wen Qing?”
“We’ve seen them, but they don’t have much interaction, right?”
“Haha, if you want them to interact, they can. Isn’t that how things work here?”
Zhang Yang frowned and suddenly didn’t want to engage with her anymore.
Mina teased, “They’re both busy. What do you want? Do you want them to act out a scene from the Peach Garden?”
Qian Dai chuckled, “I’d love to see that, but not so much. I have something better.”
Both of them were puzzled, “What do you mean?”
Qian Dai blinked her eyes, “Come with me, and I’ll show you something amazing. I’ve never shown it to anyone before.” She pressed a button on the wheelchair, and it glided forward. She motioned for them to follow.
Curious, they followed her.
There were many empty rooms prepared for guests, and they randomly chose one.
Qian Dai’s wheelchair spun in place, and she was full of excitement. “Finally, someone can share it with me. Qian Dai is so happy.”
“What is it exactly?”
“Do you know, after I fell into the Sheng Guang pit, I became obsessed with them. They are the light of my life, my greatest pleasure.” Qian Dai bit her lip. “They are so perfectly matched. On Brother’s last birthday, Little Brother sent him birthday wishes, and even if Brother had to fight the whole world, he would respond to Little Brother. Oh my.”
Zhang Yang suddenly felt the urge to kick her to the ground. Because of that ill-fated birthday wish, Sheng Shi caused a backlash from fans, leading to even more fans turning against them, which eventually triggered the illegal fundraising scandal. Now it was the darkest moment of Sheng Shi’s life, and this brain-dead girl was deriving joy from Sheng Shi’s pain. CPF fans are truly despicable.
In her mind, Zhang Yang cursed Qian Dai with foul language, while Mina remained silent.
“My dad spoils me, you know. Since he saw how much I loved them, he gave me an amazing coming-of-age gift,” Qian Dai said excitedly, waving her arms. “I’ve created so many works, but I can’t show them to anyone. I can only enjoy them myself, what a pity.”
“What kind of works are they?”
“Turn on the TV.”
Zhang Yang turned on the TV, and Qian Dai mirrored her phone’s screen.
After a brief moment of darkness, a luxurious room appeared on the screen. The camera was fixed, capturing two figures entering the frame from the left and right sides.
Zhang Yang’s eyes widened.
It was Sheng Shi and Yue Chenguang!
A girlish laughter sounded off-screen, Qian Dai’s voice. “Now, you two… hold hands.”
The two figures in the footage obediently held hands.
Qian Dai screamed, “Brother, hug your little brother!”
“Sheng Shi” also followed the command and hugged “Yue Chenguang.” Neither of them displayed any additional emotions; they simply accepted and executed the instructions.
Qian Dai’s voice was filled with excitement. “Kiss, kiss.” It was like teasing a dog.
Zhang Yang could only watch as those edited kissing scenes became a reality before her eyes.
“Haha, that was from before, the filming wasn’t good,” Qian Dai said, switching to another video. To Zhang Yang’s surprise, it showed “Sheng Shi” and “Yue Chen Guang” dressed in the costumes from a crime drama, eating fried chicken. The two of them were chatting and laughing. Zhang Yang remembered this scene from the drama, it was when the two brothers hadn’t fallen out yet. But in the actual drama, they were sitting side by side, while in front of her, “Yue Chenguang” was sitting on “Sheng Shi’s” lap.
Mina regained her composure from the shock. “You got both of them at 100%?”
Qian Dai proudly replied, “Yes, I keep them in my mansion and provide them with dedicated stylists and nutritionists. They accompany me every day. I’ve filmed so much, including period dramas, Republican era dramas, and even cross-dressing, haha.” She smirked mischievously and whispered, “There’s also lovemaking scenes if you’re interested. Do you want to see?”
Zhang Yang felt her brain pulsing, and she used all her willpower to resist the urge to strangle Qian Dai.
Mina forced a few dry laughs. “You really know how to have fun.”
“Because it’s really fun. Actually, I’ve secretly posted some photos or videos pretending that I edited them myself, but they were blurry. It’s so frustrating when no one shares them,” Qian Dai said, twisting her body. “I even planned to hire a team to shoot the fan fiction I wrote, but my dad didn’t agree. He said it would be dangerous if too many people knew.”
“It is dangerous. They are 100% identical, and the fewer people who know, the better,” Mina warned.
Qian Dai pouted in disappointment. “Then, would you two come and play with Qian Dai next time? It’s a bit lonely being alone.”
Suddenly, Zhang Yang thought of something. “Is his name Ke Shun?”
“Yes, have you also consulted him for custom-made products for your brother?” Qian Dai asked.
“Um, yes, I have,” Zhang Yang’s heart sank. Qian Dai knew the whereabouts of Ke Shun’s two younger brothers, but they were unable to make their own decisions. Comparing their situations, maybe Ke Yao suffered even more with her.
Mina became interested. “Sure, when can we come to your place and play?”
Qian Dai grinned cunningly. “Great! But I need a male companion. Sister, who is your custom-made product?”
“I ordered Mo Chuan’s, but I won’t receive it until next month,” Mina pointed at Zhang Yang. “She has to wait even longer, so we don’t have one right now.”
“Mo Chuan, he’s quite handsome, but he doesn’t match my male companion character,” Qian Dai said with frustration. “I’ll have to change the script… but it’s okay. Next month, Sister, bring Mo Chuan along, and we can come to my house and play. We can shoot a movie together.”
Zhang Yang didn’t want to watch “Sheng Shi” and “Yue Chenguang” engage in intimate activities. It disgusted her to the core. However, she wanted to meet Ke Shun. She wanted to convey the longing between the brothers to each other. Perhaps that was the only thing she could do for them.
Qian Dai clapped her hands happily. “I’ll arrange for someone to take care of Mo Chuan… Sister, do you mind if he gets on top?”
“I do mind.”
Qian Dai pouted playfully. “Alright then, I’ll change the storyline.”
At that moment, Mina’s phone rang. She answered the call with a couple of “mm-hmm” and then said to Zhang Yang, “Ke Yu is ready.”
Zhang Yang’s heart clenched painfully.
Qian Dai smiled and said, “I’ve seen the 100% ones. The 85% ones look quite different, so whether or not I will show up is up to me. Now, go ahead and leave.”
Zhang Yang tried to remain calm as she walked out of the room. Once the door was closed, she angrily exclaimed, “Fuck, this is so disgusting.”
Mina shook her head. “Don’t show your disgust in front of her. I know who her father is, and he wouldn’t dare offend even my dad.”
“…I understand,” Zhang Yang replied.
“I told you, these clients have all sorts of fetishes,” Mina said as she led Zhang Yang to the third floor. “Second to last room, go inside.”
Zhang Yang looked at the closed door and took a deep breath, feeling a pang of pain in her eyes.
“Go on, sometimes what you can’t have is what you obsess over. After playing a few times, you might let go. Downstairs, there’s a group of handsome guys waiting in line to worship your feet. What’s a custom-made product compared to that?”
Zhang Yang felt anger rise within her at Mina’s contemptuous tone, but she couldn’t argue back. Her mind was filled with thoughts of the person behind the door.
Zhang Yang pushed open the door. A cool evening breeze hit her face, sweeping away the hot and stuffy air in her head. She saw a man sitting by the window with his back turned to her. The gentle breeze caressed the white curtains, wrapping around him in a tender embrace. The scene before her froze into a beautiful painting.
Zhang Yang’s nose tingled. “Ke Yu.”
Ke Yu turned around, his sparkling eyes fixed on Zhang Yang without blinking.
Zhang Yang’s heart ached. She walked briskly towards him and simultaneously took off her own mask. “Ke Yu!”
Ke Yu stood up and bowed. “Hello, customer.”
Zhang Yang felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her head. She was so sad that she could cry. The person who used to hold her and kiss her repeatedly, who would say sweet words, would never remember her again.
“I’m sorry, have you been here before?” Ke Yu asked.
“My name is Fei Yang.”
“Fei Yang.” Ke Yu smiled slightly. “You’re really beautiful.”
Zhang Yang’s vision blurred. “I haven’t been here before, but we met earlier than that.”
Ke Yu looked puzzled. “When?”
“A few months ago, at my home. We spent ten days together. Those were the most beautiful ten days of my life, but…” Zhang Yang choked with tears. “You don’t remember.”
Ke Yu furrowed his brows, as if contemplating something.
“I was supposed to take you home. I’m sorry, I was supposed to take you home.” Zhang Yang cried, “Why did it turn out like this?”
Ke Yu hugged Zhang Yang tightly. “Don’t cry, Fei Yang. Don’t cry, it hurts me when you cry.”
At that moment, Zhang Yang felt like the old Ke Yu had returned. She tightly clutched Ke Yu’s waist. “Ke Yu…”
A painful cry came from above.
Zhang Yang was startled and quickly let go. “What’s wrong with you?” Only then did she realize that Ke Yu’s face was extremely pale. “Are you feeling unwell?”
Ke Yu pursed his lips and honestly said, “I feel unwell everywhere.”
Zhang Yang was stunned and reached out to take off Ke Yu’s suit vest. She unbuttoned his shirt and when she saw the scars crisscrossing his fair chest, the pain was as if someone was digging into her heart.
Ke Yu lowered his eyelashes and remained silent.
Zhang Yang frantically removed Ke Yu’s shirt. The bloodied marks left by the whip covered his entire body, old and new wounds overlapping, a shocking sight.
“Who did this?” Zhang Yang screamed in despair.
Ke Yu calmly replied, “The customers.”
“Who? What are their names? Are they men or women?”
“Both.”
Zhang Yang was on the verge of collapse. “Is it like this every day you’re here?”
“Not every day. The parties only happen once a month. Sometimes I’m sent to the customers’ homes.” Ke Yu spoke calmly, as if he was discussing something unrelated to himself. “Some customers only have sex, while others enjoy hurting me.”
Zhang Yang covered her ears and let out a scream. She hated it. She hated this place, she hated the company, and she hated everyone involved in creating and participating in this project! She hated that she couldn’t set the whole place on fire and turn it to ashes!
