As dusk descended, the sky surrendered to a deepening twilight, the vibrant hues of day fading into an inky embrace. Within the Xu grand manor, a handful of guests lingered - elderly friends who had shared laughter and life with Grandfather Xu. They moved with quiet reverence, bowing their heads in silent tribute as they held flickering incense sticks aloft. Each finished prayer was marked by the gentle placement of the smoldering stick into an ornate burner, releasing wisps of fragrant smoke that curled towards the ceiling.
A small altar stood bathed in soft lamplight, adorned with a photograph of Grandfather Xu and offerings: steaming teacups beside bowls brimming with fresh fruit and his favorite delicacies. This was where mourners gathered to pay their respects, each incense offering a whispered plea for peace and remembrance on this solemn occasion - the second anniversary of his passing which coincided perfectly with Qingming Festival (Tomb-Sweeping Day).
The Xu family had chosen to hold their memorial at night, mindful that other families would be making similar journeys to their ancestral graves, tending to the earth where loved ones rested.
Yohan's slender frame blended seamlessly into the shadows as he concealed himself behind a towering tree in the grand courtyard. The soft rustle of leaves was his only companion as he watched, transfixed, as luxury cars glided effortlessly through the gates of the Xu grand manor. Elderly figures emerged from their vehicles, their faces illuminated by the flickering lamplight that cast an eerie glow over the proceedings.
He didn't want to be here. Kane's parents and every member of this formidable clan loathed him, branding him responsible for Grandfather Xu's death. The guilt gnawed at him constantly – how could he have known that his mere presence would trigger such a fatal heart attack? Was there something so terrifying about his face that it could induce cardiac arrest in those who beheld it?
If not for Kane dragging him along against his will, Yohan would rather be curled up on the couch at home, lost in some melodramatic TV series. Actually, Kane would have preferred that Yohan remain confined to their home. He had always forbidden Yohan from showing his face outside, a rule that strictly applied anywhere but within their walls.
That's why, If not for important occasions like this one, Kane wouldn't have brought him along. Even at banquets and important meetings, Yohan was forced to wear a mask - as he had on the rare dates they ventured out years ago.
Yohan found himself curious what Kane and his uncle had discussed before the marriage regarding his confinement. Why had Kane agreed to continue confining Yohan, as his uncle had done since childhood - making a prisoner of him even within their marriage? Though Kane was kinder in his own way, sometimes bringing Yohan along if his face was concealed.
He took a deep breath, trying in vain to quell the rising tide of sadness within him. Yohan slapped his cheeks to rally himself, but then he realized – he wasn't wearing a mask. Panic surged through him; he didn't want anyone to see him like this.
He bolted towards the mansion's sprawling backyard, its lush greenery offering a momentary sanctuary from the world outside. Moonlight bathed the meticulously manicured gardens in an ethereal glow, transforming them into a scene straight out of a fairytale. Lush plants and trimmed bushes shimmered under the celestial light, but Yohan couldn't appreciate their beauty tonight.
Unfortunately for Yohan, even this haven couldn't offer true peace. His heart sank as he spotted someone lurking among the shadows – a short, stout man whose face twisted into a sneer as soon as he saw Yohan.
"Hiding again?" The man sneered dismissively. "Trash like you should know your place. There's no need for you to show yourself around here; you bring nothing but bad luck wherever you go."
"People close to you will only experience bad luck because of your presence," he spat, eyes flashing with malice. "No wonder your parents died so young... "
Despite his seething rage, Yohan remained silent, refusing to give the man the satisfaction of a reaction. With an air of quiet defiance, he walked past him, leaving their unpleasant encounter behind.
"Who said you could leave now, you little piece of trash?" He shoved Yohan from behind with a forceful push, sending Yohan tumbling to the ground. But Yohan quickly regained his footing, shaking off the dirt that clung to his pants. His teeth clenched in anger, Yohan hissed at the man.
"You're nothing but a lapdog for my cousin," he spat. "What gives you the right to insult and bully me? If I'm indeed cursed with bad luck, then I'll curse you so that every day of your life will be filled with misfortune! May it grow worse with each passing year!"
This man was not one of Xu's family members or even someone who hated Yohan because of Grandfather Xu. No, this individual was one of his uncle's loyal servants - a distant relative who had been hired to do his bidding.
A year after Yohan married Kane, Yoh had grown increasingly enraged when he discovered that the marriage he thought would torment Yohan was actually bringing him happiness. Unable to accept this reality, Yoh sent this servant to Kane's doorstep with a fabricated story - that the man was a long-time caregiver who had looked after Yohan since childhood.
And ever since the servant's arrival, disaster seemed to follow Yohan wherever he went - as if fate itself was conspiring against him. With Yoh's guidance, the servant orchestrated a campaign of bullying and slander against Yohan, meticulously crafting each move to maximum effect. One particularly cunning plan had even convinced Yoh to return to their homeland, solely for the purpose of ensnaring Yohan and shattering Kane's trust in him.
Yoh reveled in the success of his scheme, returning periodically with stealth and deception to further torment Yohan. His satisfaction knew no bounds as he watched his cousin suffer. Yoh also felt a sense of satisfaction as he observed that Kane not only trusted his servant, but also obeyed some of his words.
For instance, when the servant suggested that Yohan should do this or that, Kane would nod in agreement and follow through with it. Even when the servant expressed his desire to accompany them to help at the Xu family residence for Grandfather Xu's ceremony, Kane had agreed and brought him along. That was how he ended up being there in present.
Now, however, the servant seethed with anger as he dragged Yohan towards the beautiful fountain in the backyard. With a cruel smile, he pushed Yohan into its depths.
"You should know your place!" The servant sneered. "Remember what happens if I reveal your disobedience to Young Master Yoh!"
As water dripped from his face, Yohan glared at his tormentor with a burning intensity. The servant, however, merely laughed and snorted in derision.
"Yes, this is where you belong," he jeered. "You're better suited to scrounging for scraps in a sewer than being the spouse of a young master from a wealthy family!"
As the servant's maniacal laughter echoed through the night air, he disappeared into the shadows, leaving Yohan sitting in the fountain, shivering and soaked to the bone. The cold water seemed to seep into his very marrow as he struggled to stand up, his drenched clothes clinging to his body like a wet shroud.
Yohan wrapped his arms around himself, trying to conserve what little warmth he had left. He didn't want to venture back into the mansion looking like a drowned rat. Instead, he decided to head deeper into the backyard, drawn towards the greenhouse by memories of its cozy warmth.
Kane and Kian would often retreat there during winter visits, seeking warmth and comfort among its lush plants and rare flowers. Yohan recalled being there once before; it was a cozy haven with plush seating and a tranquil atmosphere. He hoped to find solace within its walls, and perhaps even warmth from the room heater that hummed softly in the distance.
As Yohan pushed open the greenhouse door, he was met with a warm welcome. The staff had left it unlocked, and he slipped inside without hesitation. His gaze swept across the room, landing on the thermostat mounted on one wall. With a swift motion, he flipped it up, and the heating system hummed to life. A soothing warmth began to fill the air, easing his chilled bones.
Exhaling slowly, Yohan felt his tension dissipate as his body relaxed into the gentle heat. However, his wet clothes still clung to him uncomfortably. Without thinking twice, he shed them quickly - shirt and pants both gone in an instant, leaving him clad only in a damp brief.
The sensation of cool fabric against his skin proved unbearable; Yohan sought out a blanket instead. After finding one draped over a nearby bench, he peeled off his sodden briefs, wrapping himself snugly in the blanket like a cocoon. The softness enveloped him, and he felt a sense of security wash over him.
The greenhouse was quiet, as everyone had gathered elsewhere to pay their respects to the late Grandfather Xu during the ceremony. Yohan didn't worry about his nudity; after all, he was far enough from prying eyes. With his clothes spread out on nearby benches to dry, he wandered through the lush greenery, marveling at the vibrant plants that seemed to thrive in this warm oasis.
Eventually, exhaustion caught up with him as he settled onto one of the plush sofas scattered throughout the greenhouse. The warmth and tranquility of his surroundings proved too enticing; Yohan drifted off into a peaceful slumber amidst the beauty surrounding him.
Ten minutes later, the soft click of the greenhouse door echoed through the tranquil space, followed by measured footsteps drawing closer. Yohan stirred from his slumber, half-awake and disoriented. He scrambled to his feet, oblivious to the blanket slipping from his grasp and pooling at his feet like a forgotten dream.
The footsteps paused just outside his line of sight, accompanied by a clattering sound. Knowing everyone else in this mansion regarded Yohan with hostility after Grandfather Xu's unfortunate demise, Kian sought him out alone. Worried that Yohan hadn't eaten dinner, Kian had sent a maid to pack some snacks into a food box for him; then he was searching for where Yohan might be hiding.
But little did Kian know, his search would lead him to a sight that would leave him speechless. As he pushed open the greenhouse door, his eyes widened in surprise – and embarrassment. Yohan stood before him, wrapped only in a blanket that had slipped down to reveal his naked form. The food box clattered to the ground as Kian's hand involuntarily released its grip.
Yohan was taken aback by Kian's reaction – it was almost as if he'd seen something terrifying instead of just Yohan standing there. He wondered aloud, recalling how Grandfather Xu had suffered a heart attack after seeing him for the first time. This time around, however, Kian also looked at him with an expression akin to one who'd witnessed pure horror...
'H-huh? Is my face really that scary?'