Chapter 00125: Not Every Gourd Holds Medicine
# Not Every Gourd Holds Medicine
Chapter 125
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 125 – Not Every Gourd Holds Medicine
Late at night at the brightly lit North Mountain Branch of the Security Bureau, the atmosphere was lively and noisy.
After finishing their late-night snack, no one had yet dispersed.
Tong Hua suggested that they go back and play poker to help digest, since everyone had a room in the branch.
If they got sleepy while playing, they could just head back and fall asleep—it wasn’t the first time they’d done it.
Just as someone was clutching a terrible hand and getting increasingly frustrated, suspecting that Tong Hua might be secretly cheating, Wen Wen heard the sound of her phone vibrating in her pocket.
When the screen lit up, a familiar name appeared.
For some unknown reason, every time she saw that name recently, her heart would skip a beat.
It seemed that every time he called on his own, nothing good ever came of it.
Could it be… that he had once again gotten himself into trouble?
“Hello? Ji Jue?”
After mentally preparing herself, she answered, “It’s so late, is there something you need?”
“Wen Jie, there’s indeed something…” Ji Jue’s voice hesitated on the other end. “There’s an issue that's a bit complicated… How about you come over to my place? And, um, best if you come quietly, without others noticing…”
In an instant, Wen Wen’s eye twitched at the corner.
What? Calling your older sister over in the dead of night so secretly? Has the kid gotten too full of himself? What on earth is he thinking?!
Listening in quietly to the conversation, Tong Hua’s eyes suddenly lit up with curiosity, the glimmer of gossip shining in them.
Even Old Zhang seemed to intentionally tilt his head to listen.
Clearly, something was going on! Things were moving along so fast? But no one else had really noticed anything unusual, had they? When did this all begin? Wen Wen was already ahead of everyone else.
Seeing the admiration in Tong Hua’s eyes, Wen Wen couldn’t help but playfully punch her on the head.
“You little brat.”
Hanging up the phone without any hiding, she called to the others, “Everyone, let’s go. Let’s surprise him and see what kind of ‘medicine’ this kid is peddling inside his gourd.” If anyone had any improper ideas in the middle of the night, they’d soon get a good lesson from your big sister!
Fifteen minutes later, in the living room of Ji Jue’s home, Wen Wen pushed the door open.
Taking a good look at the person sitting on the sofa, her vision went black in shock.
The surprise did not work out, and instead, she got a fright.
That “medicine in the gourd” was way too potent; she simply couldn’t hold on!
After a brief bout of chaos, everything quickly returned to a calm silence.
Under the dim light of an old lamp, everyone sat on the sofa with their hands clasped, watching the guest in the middle.
Chen Yubo kept his head lowered, trembling, and instinctively clutched the bag in his arms tightly.
“Meow~”
At the opening of the bag, a black-and-white cat stepped on top of a blue cat.
Curiously, it peeked out, looking left and right before tilting its head at him.
Truly adorable.
“This one is called ‘Chief,’ and that one is ‘Ah Fu.’” Ji Jue pointed and announced, “This one here is Chen Yubo.”
“Hmm, it’s Chen Yubo,” Old Zhang nodded first, confirming the judgment.
“Chen Yubo, huh…” Wen Wen rubbed her temple wearily. “He does look a bit like his brother, though he’s grayer now.”
“Indeed, it’s definitely Chen Yubo.”
Tong Hua said expressionlessly, “I’d recognize that face even if it turned to ash.”
Chen Yubo smiled bitterly, “Miss Tong, please don’t laugh at me.”
“Recognize?” Ji Jue asked in confusion.
“We’ve had dealings before,” Tong Hua replied with a grave and solemn expression. “The hatred from losing one’s wife is something you can never put behind—an endless grudge!”
“What?”
Ji Jue was shocked into silence and instinctively looked toward Chen Yubo, who immediately shrank back guiltily.
It was even more staggering to behold, and then Tong Hua continued, “Two years ago, the JC over in the Empire released a limited edition in diamond-studded ‘Maiden Pink.’ I hurried overnight to the Empire’s main store to queue up and order, only to have someone slip in money and cut in line…” She glanced at the bag in Chen Yubo’s hands, looking increasingly at a loss for words, “...and then buy it back to fill the cats' bowls.”
“Uh, I honestly had no idea you’d placed an order,” Chen Yubo weakly defended himself. “As the saying goes, ‘first come, first served.’ Had I known…”
“Do you think you’d hand it over if it were me?” Tong Hua cut in sharply.
Chen Yubo fell silent instantly, clutching the bag even tighter.
That bag was meant for the cats—how was he supposed to fill it without it? Hearing the two cats inside meowing, he scrambled to open some canned food for them.
“What is JC?” Old Zhang asked softly.
Ji Jue replied, “It’s a luxury brand.”
“In any case, Cliff City isn’t large. In our social circles, most faces are familiar by now. Didn’t Xiao Chun introduce him to you?” Tong Hua sighed, shaking her head as she looked at Ji Jue, who was intently feeding the cats. “He truly loves those two cats.”
But sadly, the cats remained indifferent, snatching at the can without a care for their owner’s situation, not even bothering to act cute.
This heavy silence couldn’t go on forever.
Ji Jue coughed twice, then whispered, “Is it really true—Chen Xingzhou is…”
“Yeah, I saw it with my own eyes. He’s still being rescued,” Tong Hua confirmed.
Chen Yubo hesitated, then sighed and said, “This time, things don’t look good at all.”
After being shot, Chen Xingzhou was immediately taken by Uncle Lin to the hospital.
However, his condition was not promising; the bullet carried a curse.
Hanging on only by the alchemy materials on his body, he was barely alive.
Living didn’t truly count as living, but his death was only a hair’s breadth away.
Now, he was still fighting for his life at the Charity Hospital of the Chongguang Church.
After arriving at the hospital and learning the details, Chen Yubo’s first thought was to run away.
Taking advantage of the chaos when no one was paying attention, he slipped away directly.
It wasn’t that he was unfeeling or cruel—in the past, Chen Xingzhou had given him strict orders: should anything happen to him, don’t hesitate to leave Cliff City immediately and go live under an alias somewhere else.
Seizing the final chance, he ran back home, leaving behind his treasures, silks, and even the collection of sports cars he had spent over ten years gathering.
He only took with him an emergency gold watch and, most importantly, the two cats.
Then, once he calmed down, he discovered… he simply couldn’t run away!
In days like these, disasters in the wild were rampant.
Storms and earthquakes were common, and with transportation between cities limited to airships or hard-pressed convoys, there was no way for him to slip out of Cliff City undetected.
Chen Xingzhou wasn’t unfamiliar with smuggling and had plenty of connections, but now that his big brother’s life hung in the balance, he couldn’t trust anyone from that circle.
Picking a wrong person to trust could very well be the end of him.
When he looked around, trying to find one person he could truly rely on, he was dismayed to realize that he had almost no one at his side.
At the moment his life was at the brink, there was only one person who hadn’t turned his back on him to save themselves.
And that was the unlucky kid sitting right across from him now—Ji Jue.
This was the origin of everything.
After assessing the situation, Ji Jue neither pulled his gun nor coldly turned him away.
Even knowing the magnitude of trouble attached to him, he sighed and let him into his home, even arranging contacts with the North Mountain area for him.
Before they arrived, Chen Yubo couldn’t say how many times he had felt deeply moved and cried silently in gratitude.
Unfortunately, Ji Jue wasn’t one to make lofty promises.
Given the way things were, the North Mountain Branch might not even be able to help much.
After stamping out her cigarette, Wen Wen sighed and said, “Boss Chen, we all know your situation, and I’m sorry, but there’s nothing we can do.”
Chen Yubo’s face gradually turned pale. “Even you, supervisor Wen…”
“This afternoon, I impulsively went to hassle Lei Yaoxing, and I almost got screwed over badly. When I got back, I saw Tong Shan’s deathly face, and he’s been muttering ever since… Honestly, my brain still hurts when I see the people from Huangji.”
Wen Wen was blunt. “Even if I despise the trash from Huangji showing off, I have to consider the position of the Security Bureau. At this critical point, if we force ourselves in, things might spiral further out of control, becoming the spark that sets off a conflict between Bailu and Tianyuan.”
“I…I…”
Chen Yubo mustered his courage, “I can hand over all my assets…”
“It won’t help.” Tong Hua interrupted him. “If the Security Bureau really wants your property, they have plenty of methods. And if Wen Jie wants to cash in a little money, I have Tong family connections. Do you really think you can get away with it?”
Chen Yubo was immediately struck dumb.
“Then…let’s run away.”
Ji Jue, rubbing his nose wearily, said, “Wen Jie, can you arrange a boat? Even a speedboat will do—get a big flying craft. I’ll send him out of Cliff City right now. If we move quickly, he could be at Boat City or Tide City by tomorrow morning in time for breakfast.”
Wen Wen was about to reply when Tong Hua held her hand. “He can’t leave, Ji Jue.”
The young woman’s expression lost all her usual frivolity and radiant lightheartedness, turning both compassionate and ruthless. “He’s already trapped. There’s no way for him to run.”
Her phone was passed before Ji Jue.
The screen lit up, displaying the latest news.
“Just now, Chen Xingzhou’s lawyer fell to his death from a building. The safe has been broken into, and Chen Xingzhou’s will has been discovered.”
Tong Hua sighed, “If Chen Xingzhou dies, all his assets at Yongji Bank—more than four billion in funds, shares from eleven listed companies—will go entirely to his only relative, Chen Yubo.”
The will was notarized by Yongji Bank.
Even if the heavens were to collapse, that sum of money would definitely land in his hands.
Ji Jue stared blankly, his scalp tingling.
He turned stiffly to look at Chen Yubo. “That means…” Right next to him is now, not just all of Cliff City, but the entire Haizhou—a prize worth a thousand “Tang Monk meats”! An utterly defenseless person suddenly inherits such enormous wealth; even if Chen Xingzhou isn’t dead yet, just possessing this qualification makes him the target of countless arrows, the very center of the storm.
If he stayed in Cliff City, his brother’s remaining organization and splinter groups might cover for him because of Chen Xingzhou’s past contributions.
But if he left, outside awaited ravenous, bloodthirsty mouths, eager to chew him up… Not to mention everyone else.
Just hearing it made Ji Jue’s blood boil; he had almost wanted to take one swing at the bastards! It wasn’t as if he hadn’t kidnapped people before, after all! He nearly tore someone apart once! Alas, a little remnant of conscience held him back—he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
Ji Jue sighed, “Can’t we just give up on the inheritance?”
“The folks at Yongji Bank only care about contracts, not people. Even if Chen Xingzhou suddenly opened his eyes and said ‘no way,’ if I don’t hand it over, they won’t budge until the contract is annulled. No matter the trouble this money brings, they will make sure it ends up in Chen Yubo’s hands. Otherwise, Yongji Bank’s reputation would be ruined. They’ve probably already sent out managers; all they’re waiting for is Chen Xingzhou’s death certificate to become official and then come collect.”
“After all these years together, old Chen…” Tong Hua sighed, “Now your only way is to go find Lei Yaoxing, grovel ferociously, and then sign the waiver to forgo emergency treatment. Once your brother passes, hand the money over to him and beg him to cut you a break so that you can sever ties with Huangji once and for all. That way, Wen Jie can use the power of the Security Bureau to protect you and save your life.”
Chen Yubo remained silent.
He lowered his head; several times he tried to speak, only to have tears spill uncontrollably. “My father... my father was a gambler. Even when I was in my mother’s womb, he abandoned us. My mother died early, when I was just two years old. Without my brother, I would have been thrown into a gutter like trash and left to rot. Even the first time I ever had to use a knife was to get money for my tuition and meals. I know he did many shameful things, but without my brother, I wouldn’t even exist. I share half the sins he did. When you choose this life, debts must be paid. If I die, then die. But if I have to grovel to the person who caused his downfall, I’d rather just die…”
He wiped his tears and snot messily, then got up to bow deeply. “Thank you all for your kindness. It’s my fault for being unworthy, for not knowing my place. I’m sorry, so sorry.” And with that, he bowed to take his leave.
But then, Ji Jue pressed him back onto the sofa. “Hold on a minute.”
He said, “The situation might not be as bad as it seems.”
So, forcefully, he pushed trembling Chen Yubo back onto the sofa, whose legs were subtly shaking.
Ji Jue paused for a moment, sighed, and said, “At least there’s one more option.” Chen Yubo gulped and was nearly moved to tears, “If there’s a way, then hurry and say it!”
Then, Ji Jue spoke. “After all, in the worst case, death is the only outcome, right?” He looked at him intently before suddenly asking offhand, “Would you mind never getting married, for the rest of your life?”
“Ah?”
Chen Yubo was stupefied. “First, let’s be clear—” Ji Jue raised one finger. “This money—we stand no chance if Chen Xingzhou doesn’t die, not even a shred. But if he does die, you still wouldn’t keep it, would you? Yet at least you can decide where the money goes, right?”
“After all, it’s all going to be handed over. With so much money, why would you want to let it fall into the hands of a black-hearted gang leader like Lei Yaoxing? Even if he promised to spare your life, would you believe him?”
Chen Yubo was silent; it was hard to refute.
In truth, even if Lei Yaoxing smiled and said lightly, “Just playing along,” how could he ever relax?
“Give it to the Security Bureau. The people there would only find ways to embezzle, or they’d wash it through several layers into some department’s little fund. I’m pretty sure that’s true, isn’t it, Wen Jie?”
Wen Wen waved her hand nonchalantly in acknowledgment. “So—”
Ji Jue asked in a serious tone, “Have you ever considered the Chongguang Church?”
The sudden suggestion left everyone dumbfounded.
In the silence, all that could be heard was the meowing of the two cats in Chen Yubo’s arms.
Chongguang Church, a religious organization spread throughout the mortal realm, venerates the doctrine of light.
Its teachings hold that the souls and spiritual essences of all beings originate from light and will eventually return to light.
At a glance, it might seem no different from any ordinary faith.
But the key is that the light they worship has actually manifested into something tangible…
Countless souls channeling compassion and virtue, through the faithful practices of generations, have miraculously formed a quasi-divine sage.
Those chosen by destiny in the transformation of ascension, pursuing the elevation of their souls and their own transformation, are dedicated to following the path set out by themselves, and by resonating with the compassionate light, they receive the sacred covenant.
These chosen ones abandon all wealth and fame, devoting their lives to practicing the glorious doctrines, healing the suffering, and comforting souls.
If one ever betrays the sacred pact or deliberately harms others, they immediately lose the protection and blessings of the sage, reverting back to their original state.
Although only a very few can receive the sacred covenant—the registered members number barely a dozen thousand, with only a few thousand chosen ones—the charitable arm of the Chongguang Church is spread all over the world, including right here in Cliff City.
Unlike those who merely scam people out of money or use such organizations solely for tax evasion, their charitable funds truly help: funding education in poor areas, water supplies in arid regions, medicine for afflicted regions struck by plagues, hospitals in war-torn areas… Even if Ji Jue himself is not a believer, who in Cliff City hasn’t benefited from the care and protection of a charitable hospital?
“You donate all this money to the charity fund of the Chongguang Church, then go to the bishop in Haizhou and pledge your faith, vowing never to hold private property or seek personal gain again. With that money, the Chongguang Church will stand as your guarantor—even if you face the worst of enemies, they’ll have a solution for you. Besides, you haven’t done anything terribly wicked. No one will cling onto you forever. And after a few years, once the limelight has faded, no one will remember Chen Xingzhou or you. If you really can’t stand a life of hardship, you can eventually leave the Church. Given this sum, the Church will certainly arrange a place for you. How about it?”
“Really… is that for real?” Chen Yubo was in a daze, instinctively glancing around at the others.
After the initial shock, everyone—though silent—nodded in reluctant agreement.
After all, it was more than four billion, not to mention company shares whose prices couldn’t even be estimated at this moment, and other immovable properties… When wealth reaches such a level, it can never be measured in anything but numbers.
It was more than enough for ten thousand Ji Jues to spend their entire lives lavishly.
To suddenly donate it all, even if it wasn’t originally your money, might seem extravagant.
Yet, as it stood, this was the best option for Chen Yubo right now.
There truly was nothing better.
“I…I’m fine with that,” Chen Yubo finally said.
He hesitated slightly, and after hearing his two cats meow, he solemnly nodded.
He wasn’t married, and though he had plenty of girlfriends, their financial dealings were always clear—mutual satisfaction, just empty words of “honey” with no real attachment.
With his brother Chen Xingzhou’s shadow looming over him, he had every reason to be wary of forming any trust beyond the ordinary with strangers.
But the two cats in his arms—those he could love and care for without the fear of betrayal—were the one thing in this world he could afford to protect.
A person’s attachments in life can be many, but sometimes they only come down to a fraction.
If he were to die, those two might indeed turn into stray cats—starving one day, overfed the next, bullied by others.
Who would even spare a glance at them?
“Just… could you leave a little money for me to buy cat food?” he asked tentatively.
“If you donate all your money, the Chongguang Church will buy cat food for them for the rest of their lives. Isn’t that a bit foolish?”
Tong Hua rolled her eyes impatiently, tapping her finger on her arm in a serious manner. “The plan is beautiful, but we have to face reality—the condition is that you must survive through this period until a new power takes over, before your ties with Huangji are completely severed. If not, even a benevolent Chongguang Church won’t interfere in these dirty matters. Have you thought about that?” She looked over at Ji Jue.
In the silence, Ji Jue slowly nodded.
In the end, with a helpless sigh, he said, “After all, we’re still friends.” He glanced at the shivering young Chen, his headache worsening. “How can I just kick him out when he comes to me at such a critical moment?” A good person, no matter what—they say you have to see it through to the end.
If need be, I’ll be a coward for a few days and hide him away.
When he was on the brink, clinging to his cats and crying at my doorstep, I can’t just stand by and watch him die on the street.
When things go south, it’s just our bad luck.
It feels like every gift fate gives comes with an outrageous surcharge! All I want is for those brothers to pay a little extortion fee—why is that so hard to get?
“Ji Xiong, Brother Ji, I…” Chen Yubo once again was moved to tears, overwhelmed with emotion and about to cry out, only to be pushed away face-first by Ji Jue, who helplessly said, “No! I already regret it. Calm down.”
“Actually, under these circumstances, it isn’t all that dangerous.”
Sitting on the sofa, after watching for a long time, Wen Wen suddenly spoke, “We might be able to try it, if we must.”
(End of Chapter)