Bad Blood - Chapter 6

Ding Ke had had enough. She brushed off Li Mujin’s hand, pressed down on his shoulder, and stood up using his support. She grabbed a tissue to wipe her mouth, tossed it into the trash can, and looked down at the man with a self-important demeanor. “Is that right? Who do you think I am? So not only do I share the name with the victim of the murder case two years ago, but I also look like her? You think she didn’t die and wants to get close to you?”

Li Mujin’s eyebrow twitched slightly. He was more intrigued by her reaction than by what she said.

“There’s no mirror, but there’s always water, right?” Ding Ke candidly told him, “I’m a law student, currently researching your case. I do know that man has ill intentions, and I do know you’re at Prestige Mountain Residence. But it’s all because I want to explore the answers to the doubts in the case. If I’ve made you misunderstand, I apologize.”

She finished speaking and left, unwilling to stay even a second longer.

Just as she opened the door a crack, someone closed it again. She looked up to see Li Mujin’s hand pressing down on the door above her. Long and slender, with a hint of redness, it was almost the kind of hand Zhang Miaomiao fantasized about.

She found it annoying. “What do you want?”

Li Mujin turned her left shoulder with brute force, making her face him. “If you’re scared, scream. I can open the door and let them see. A man and a woman, saying nothing happened-who would believe that?”

He was neither angry nor annoyed by the provocation. His voice changed again, more breathy, with longer tail notes, and his breathing frequency quickened. It seemed the more she resisted, the stronger and more vigorous his desire to conquer became.

Ding Ke realized she had misjudged him; he wasn’t shameless, he was a psychopath.

Li Mujin slowly bent down, meeting her gaze, breathing deeply with her breath. The rich coffee aroma stimulated the secretion of dopamine, naturally making him happy and excited. “You have no reaction to having the same name and appearance as someone else. Is that normal?”

“What reaction do you want me to have?”

“None?”

Ding Ke’s jaw muscle twitched slightly.

Li Mujin didn’t do anything, just maintained his posture and said “None?” Ding Ke felt he had another meaning, and she seemed to understand what it was, but she couldn’t say it, making it seem like she had some kind of meaning towards him…

She was very irritated and directly pushed the door open, letting others see them standing so close, with him bending over for her.

People outside forgot what they were doing, unanimously looking towards the same place, their actions and expressions filled with curiosity.

Fu Zhizhi let out a shout.

Shu Rui glanced once and then withdrew his gaze.

Huang Yong was preoccupied with today’s sales figures, which were sure to set a new record.

Li Mujin was unfazed, standing up leisurely. When had he ever feared live broadcasts? The more people, the better.

Ding Ke glanced at her watch; it was time to clock out. She lifted her leg and left, not lingering for a moment.

Li Mujin watched her back, having nothing to say.

Her personality was quite different.

As soon as Ding Ke left, he didn’t want to stay either.

Fu Zhizhi and Shu Rui followed closely behind, and Huang Yong, seeing them about to leave, turned to grab a brochure, thinking to catch up and ask about booking a session, but stopped when he saw two words written in the blank space-

Ding Ke.

He didn’t know if it was initially about the session, but now it was definitely about the person.

The three got into the car, and Fu Zhizhi, seeing Li Mujin wasn’t in the mood for a party, didn’t mention it. He self-importantly started talking about the girl they had just seen. “It had to be me. If I hadn’t dragged you two over, we wouldn’t have run into such a stunning girl.”

Shu Rui looked at his phone, not lifting his head. “You said if we didn’t come, your dad would hang himself. He’s not afraid of carrying some karma, but I can’t afford it. I’d definitely drag him here.”

“Tsk. Just say, wasn’t this the right decision?”

Shu Rui raised his head, glanced at Li Mujin, who was resting with his eyes closed, and said, “Why don’t you take a look yourself? See how his mood is now?”

“Definitely very…” Fu Zhizhi was quite confident, but when he turned to see Li Mujin’s low spirits and slightly irritated face, his words of praise got stuck in his throat.

Shu Rui smiled faintly. “Why don’t you call and wail like a ghost, then go back to catch up on sleep after leaving school?”

Fu Zhizhi remembered. “Oh, right, I didn’t explain clearly on the phone. Went to school? How did that happen? Weren’t you watching over the mental illness at that time?”

After Li Mujin’s incident, his family sent him to Germany for treatment. Reporters followed the news for half a year, but his family kept publicly updating the treatment progress, which wasn’t interesting. Gradually, the public lost interest and stopped following. Li Mujin’s return to the country wasn’t reported.

“The foreign language school had a spot for direct admission,” Shu Rui said.

Fu Zhizhi’s understanding was refreshed.

Shu Rui looked at his dumbfounded expression. “I thought after all these years hanging out with him, you’d understand rules are made for ordinary people. The whole world is the same.”

In fact, there was a disciplinary action, no direct admission, but changing schools meant no disciplinary action.

Shu Rui initially didn’t know why Li Mujin called Li Chong when he came to Zhan City. Who did he report to?

Turns out it was to have Li Chong smooth things over.

Of course, Fu Zhizhi knew, what rules do rule-makers follow? Just that the process of not following them wouldn’t be known to ordinary people.

They still have to blow a bubble of equality for ordinary people.

A pink bubble.

The topic gradually stopped fitting their personas until Li Mujin unexpectedly started the car, reminding them that fighting for ordinary people’s rights wasn’t within their scope as social misfits.

When Ding Ke returned to the dormitory, Zhang Miaomiao had just finished a game.

“We’re going for hot pot later,” Ding Ke said, putting down her bag, taking off the work badge from her wrist, and resting her head on the table for a little break.

Zhang Miaomiao walked over to Ding Ke, resting her chin on her hand, watching her.

Ding Ke sensed her gaze but didn’t open her eyes. “You can play another round.”

Zhang Miaomiao said, “I found another employer for you. This time, I swear on my life, there won’t be any more surprises.”

Ding Ke opened her eyes.

“The last time, I really wanted to help you, but it turned out like that, and I felt so guilty. My mom also said I was brainless. I want to make it up to you,” Zhang Miaomiao said sincerely.

Seeing her unable to let go, Ding Ke confessed, “The news about the male master you saw on my computer, I actually saw it before going for the interview.”

“What?” Zhang Miaomiao was surprised.

Ding Ke stopped resting, sat up, casually tidied the desk, and continued, “So the risk was my choice to take, you don’t need to feel too guilty.”

“Why?” Zhang Miaomiao scratched her head, puzzled.

Ding Ke’s tone was relaxed, as if she thought it was easy to understand. “The pay was good enough, and being a private tutor is more comfortable for me than working at the gym.”

Zhang Miaomiao wanted to say that money shouldn’t come at the cost of life, but considering Ding Ke’s situation, her words seemed like ‘let them eat cake.’

“Let’s go, hot pot,” Ding Ke stood up.

“Okay.”

In the second week of May, Li Mujin transferred to Zhan City Sports University, School of Competitive Sports, as a freshman, majoring in Sports Training, specializing in shooting, under the pretense of recovering from illness.

Yu Tai was the last to know in the dormitory, lucky they weren’t in the same program, otherwise, he might have wanted to kill someone.

A roommate returned from getting food, seeing him clutching a pillow and kicking his legs. “News travels fast. I only heard on the way back that this guy was assigned to our dorm. Just saying, dissatisfaction in the dorm isn’t a good thing, you never know what kind of person they’ll shove in halfway.”

“What?” Yu Tai jumped half a meter, his voice booming.

The roommate raised an eyebrow, asking, “You didn’t know?”

Yu Tai’s face turned red and his neck thickened. “Can I refuse?”

The roommate took a bite of Roujiamo¹. “What are you afraid of? He’s definitely not staying in the dorm, have you ever heard of a young master staying in a dorm? Plus, that guy has schizophrenia, for his and our sake, his family must have arranged with the school not to stay on campus.”

Yu Tai felt a bit more comfortable.

“Just because he’s asking about Ding Ke doesn’t mean he likes her,” the roommate drank some soup. “We didn’t pay attention before, just knew he was in the news for rape and murder, didn’t know the victim.”

Another roommate said, “Isn’t that normal? In any news, the more famous one gets more attention, who cares about the ordinary person?”

The roommate nodded, put down the soup, and said, “I looked it up halfway, the victim was also named Ding Ke.”

Yu Tai stood up straight. “Damn, isn’t my girlfriend in danger?”

“Didn’t he just go to Zhan City Normal University? Why come here?” The roommate speculated, “After asking you, he must have met Ding Ke, realized it was just a name match, and gave up.”

Another roommate analyzed, “Right, and we haven’t heard of anything happening to Ding Ke, don’t worry too much.”

Yu Tai was convinced, but after sitting for a while, he still felt something was off, stood up, “No, I have to go find my girlfriend!”

Equestrian Club.

Li Mujin finished obstacle training, dismounted neatly, handed the reins to the coach, listened carefully to the coach’s guidance on what to pay attention to during training, and under the coach’s recommendation, replaced his horse’s entire set of equipment.

Shu Rui stood by the window on the second floor of the club, watching Li Mujin’s equestrian skills improve, suddenly feeling sentimental.

Fu Zhizhi had drunk the club’s wine, curled up on the sofa asleep, and was woken up by the staff delivering afternoon tea, sitting dumbly, eyes barely open. “Is he done training yet? What are we eating?”

Just as he finished speaking, Li Mujin came up, taking off his gloves as he walked, dropping them by the water bar, then taking off his helmet, placing it on the side cabinet, followed by his belt, suspenders, shirt, and finally walking into the shower.

Fu Zhizhi saw Li Mujin’s smooth back, crossed his legs, and took a piece of watermelon. “It’s quite smooth, what body wash does he use? How come he doesn’t get acne?”

Shu Rui sat opposite him, turned his neck, picked up a glass of wine, took a sip, closed his eyes, and said, “With solid fundamentals, learning things is fast. He only bought the horse last month, and now he’s quite skilled.”

“You didn’t say how much that horse cost, the saddle alone could be a down payment for a house, and that coach, the tuition is so expensive, if he doesn’t learn well, is it worth all that money?”

Shu Rui suddenly couldn’t refute.

Fu Zhizhi ate enough watermelon, burped a few times, wiped his hands. “What’s up with Mujin lately, horseback riding, fencing, skiing, swimming, never idle for a moment. You should remind him, sudden death doesn’t just happen when women drain you.”

Shu Rui stared at the swirling bubbles in his wine. “Just doesn’t want to stop.”

“Why?”

Shu Rui didn’t answer, but he thought he knew.

Probably because of this Ding Ke?

Afraid that if he stops, he’ll think of two years ago?

Shu Rui felt Li Mujin wasn’t looking for Ding Ke so intensively because he feared she was the Ding Ke from before, and also feared she wasn’t. Although he didn’t know why Li Mujin would be afraid.

Li Mujin finished showering, casually wiped his hair, blew it half dry, changed clothes, put on shoes, grabbed his car keys, didn’t even say goodbye to the two, and left first.

Fu Zhizhi pointed in the direction he left, raised an eyebrow at Shu Rui. “Look, no manners!”

“He didn’t say he was bringing us.”

“…” Fu Zhizhi didn’t care about that. “You’re quite indulgent. Since I knew you guys, I’ve heard Zhao Jing say wherever Mujin goes, you go, she’s been jealous of Mujin every day, enough to sour herself to death.”

While speaking, Zhao Jing sent a message. “You said the equipment, the boss got it all together for me! I’m already at your apartment in Zhan City! Downstairs! Hurry up and come out to meet your sister!”

Shu Rui put away his phone, stood up, left hand in his pocket. “I’m heading out too.”

“Hey, no, what are you going to do?”

Shu Rui was already out the door.

Fu Zhizhi clicked his tongue, so troublesome, one after another!

Bakery.

Half an hour ago, there was a peak in traffic, Ding Ke was busy for a while, now the store was quiet, and she was leisurely tasting the baker’s new products.

The baker looked at her expectantly, she glanced up, chewing as she spoke. “It’s quite soft, but has a good chew, the saltiness is just right.” She took another bite of the black bread beside her. “This one suits my taste, is it pure rye?”

The baker nodded, evaluating several new products. “This one might sell well, this one just make some occasionally for you to take.”

Ding Ke smiled lightly. “Thanks, sis.”

“You’re welcome.”

Across the street from the bakery, in the same spot as before, Li Mujin sat in his car, looking through the same two layers of windows, watching Ding Ke’s curved lips.

He still didn’t know if she was or wasn’t.

Actually, it wasn’t difficult. They had so much history, even if she pretended, habits and personality could change, but a person’s aura wouldn’t.

She would eventually slip up.

Besides, he had already decided early on, whether she was or wasn’t, he would make her an accessory. But two weeks had passed since the gym encounter, and he hadn’t made any moves.

He couldn’t quite say what was wrong with him.

Soft-hearted was impossible; his heart was made of stone. He felt the biggest reason was that facing her, he always thought of two years ago.

Previously, he didn’t mind, but now recalling it, he didn’t want to face her innocent face filled with resistance, her sweet mouth saying cold words.

So he filled his time with various activities, leaving no room for further thoughts. At least until he resolved this dilemma, he didn’t want any more contact with her. Knowing himself, he wouldn’t be stuck in this predicament for long. When the time came, he’d crush her with the normal force of Li Mujin…

Yet he still found himself here.

Suddenly, he realized his absurdity, finally withdrawing his gaze, preparing to leave.

But just then, in the corner of his eye, Ding Ke walked to the window, watering the flowers on the windowsill. Nothing special, except for her action of wiping her palms with a tissue after watering.

His Ke had this habit.

Because of sweaty palms, her hands were always damp.

Was she not pretending when he couldn’t see?

He suddenly didn’t want to leave.

But his hand still started the car.

Ding Ke was about to finish her shift, but the store suddenly filled with customers.

“Hello, can it still be heated now?”

“Why isn’t the self-service slicer working? Is it out of power?”

“Is there no more peanut butter and condensed milk?”

…

Ding Ke had to settle accounts and answer questions. “It can be heated… it’s not broken, there’s a usage guide on the left side… yes, I’ll get it right away…”

Those eager to check out were also urging. “My car’s here, can you hurry up?”

“Okay, right away.” Ding Ke was busy, her palms sweating even more.

“I want a European bun and caramel lollipop, and I have a discount coupon, can I use it now?”

While scanning for payment, Ding Ke looked up to answer her. “If it’s within the expiration date, you can use it.”

“Can you check out first?” The people waiting in line couldn’t wait.

Ding Ke turned back. “Okay.”

“I saw the sign at the door saying new products can be sampled, how do I sample them?” Someone even asked.

Ding Ke glanced at the porcelain dish next to the cash register. “There are samples here.”

“Can I get another peanut butter?” Someone said.

“Okay.”

“Are there any more pretzels?”

“No, sorry.” Ding Ke couldn’t spare a glance up, nor could she wipe the sweat from her palms. She forgot it was Friday, the busiest day at the bakery.

The baker came out to help, but due to the sudden influx of people and their uncontainable voices, busy and flustered, she still felt overwhelmed, unable to keep track.

Especially as her palms kept sweating, dampening the receipts.

The sound in her ears came in waves, suddenly silent, then suddenly lively again.

Ding Ke mechanically operated the cash register, suddenly experiencing tinnitus, lifting her head, only seeing mouths moving, hearing no sound.

It seemed she had finished checking out, the baker took over her remaining tasks, starting to pack for the last few customers.

But Ding Ke seemed not to have fully awakened from the recent hustle.

Even though she had left the cash register, her mind hadn’t rested.

At that moment, the bell at the door rang with a “ding-ling-” sound, stretching endlessly…

The glass door was pushed open, a straight leg stepped in, its owner walked up to Ding Ke, calmly and evenly took her hand, gently holding her fingers, unfolded her palm, folded a tissue four times, and slowly wiped away the sweat from her palm.

The bell still had lingering echoes, the store had only a few people but remained noisy.

But their corner was quiet, Ding Ke could even hear Li Mujin’s steady, even breathing.

Footnote:

1. Roujiamo(肉夹馍):A traditional Chinese street food originating from Shaanxi Province, often referred to as the “Chinese hamburger.” It consists of a type of flatbread filled with tender, flavorful braised meat, typically pork or beef, and sometimes seasoned with spices or herbs.