The cruise ship’s lights made the sea shimmer with rippling waves. Gao Qiong saw Satan sit for quite a while, then pushed his wheelchair back to the cabin. His expression was calm, as if nothing had happened.

But Gao Qiong understood—not calling A’Zuo to push him was Satan’s greatest sign of being unsettled.

Gao Qiong kicked the railing. This definitely wasn’t Miss Bei Yao. Miss Bei Yao wouldn’t kiss Satan.

She waited for Satan to be disappointed in the fake.

Or for the fake to reach land and become afraid of Satan.

The sea breeze carried a unique fishy, salty smell. The night’s moon was especially bright.

Someone had a sleepless night.

Morning sunlight blanketed the entire deck. The sea surface was quiet, the sun just rising.

When A’Zuo pushed Pei Chuan out the cabin door, everyone’s eyes widened.

The man’s expression was calm. On his stern face was a black tattoo “S”. If not for loyal A’Zuo behind him, everyone would almost think they’d mistaken the person. How many years had it been since seeing Satan’s appearance?

Facing subtle, surprised gazes, Pei Chuan was exceptionally calm.

Inside he wasn’t quite used to it. The mask worn too long—his skin was icily pale.

He wasn’t used to the strange looks he’d get during the meeting. He extended his hand to the girl beside him: “Give it back.” Stop playing.

Bei Yao held that fallen angel mask in her hand. She hid it behind her back.

Pei Chuan said gently: “Be good.”

Bei Yao felt somewhat awkward. Just a few days ago, she and Pei Chuan were the same age. A few days later, Satan was much older than her.

She returned the mask to him. Pei Chuan put it on himself. The subordinates’ expressions were still strange.

After the men ate breakfast, they had to discuss business. The ship was basically all rough men—just Gao Qiong and Bei Yao were girls. Pei Chuan glanced at Bei Yao beside him, saying to Gao Qiong: “Keep her company for a walk.”

Gao Qiong said unwillingly: “Yes.”

After implanting Rebirth, Gao Qiong’s loyalty was unquestionable. She dutifully followed Bei Yao. Bei Yao also feared causing trouble for Pei Chuan. To set his mind at ease, she didn’t refuse.

The island burying “Bei Yao” had no women’s clothes. The clothes she wore were all brought by Gao Qiong. Gao Qiong remembered Bei Yao’s kiss last night—now she found Bei Yao extremely displeasing to the eye.

Her critical gaze swept over Bei Yao’s figure.

Bei Yao asked her: “What are you looking at?”

Gao Qiong’s gaze finally landed on Bei Yao’s chest.

Bei Yao felt uncomfortable under her naked stare, somewhat embarrassed and annoyed.

Gao Qiong’s gaze was burning. Good lord, she’d gotten breast implants to fill out the dress Bei Yao wore, yet this little vixen actually fit it naturally.

Gao Qiong: “Hey fake, have you heard this saying—those who rely on beauty, when beauty fades, love diminishes.”

Bei Yao: “…” She wasn’t stupid either. She understood what Gao Qiong meant. Just as Gao Qiong disliked her, she also disliked Gao Qiong.

Bei Yao normally didn’t like being petty, but thinking her Pei Chuan had Gao Qiong following him all these years, her heart was also sour. She deliberately provoked Gao Qiong: “At least having beauty is better than not having it. Pei Chuan just likes me this way.”

Gao Qiong’s eyelid twitched: “What exactly do you want? Rebirth’s solution and Satan’s life are non-negotiable. Tell me about the rest—I can help you with anything. Your superiors sent you here. There must be an objective, right?” She couldn’t stand it! As long as this one would leave, she’d send her off like a Buddha, okay!

Bei Yao looked at her, gaze serious: “I have an objective.”

Gao Qiong brightened: “What objective?”

Bei Yao’s eyes curved: “To get Satan’s affection.”

“You’re playing me!”

Bei Yao was puzzled: “Why can’t you accept the truth?”

Gao Qiong was too lazy to talk to her. Bei Yao also didn’t plan to engage with her. She toured the cruise ship herself.

The cruise ship was very luxurious, making her think of the movie “Titanic.” The city where she was born had no sea. Bei Yao had never been out to sea. So in the gentle sea breeze, her mood was relaxed as she toured around.

Time seemed peaceful around her, particularly content and happy. Gao Qiong sensed this atmosphere. That happiness seemed contagious. Her expression changed. Displeased, she huffed: “Country bumpkin.”

Bei Yao didn’t quibble with her.

At noon, ordinarily mealtime, she didn’t even see Pei Chuan’s face. Lunch was delivered to her room.

Pei Chuan seemed very busy, remaining busy until evening, still without leisure.

Bei Yao looked toward the hall several times, feeling somewhat disappointed in her heart. She extended her finger—dusk’s light touched her fingertip.

Gao Qiong gloated: “This morning who was smugly saying Satan just likes you? Though Satan is busy, it’s not to the point he won’t even see you. Don’t flatter yourself.”

Very late, Bei Yao knocked on Pei Chuan’s door. The man’s voice inside was peaceful: “Come in.”

Bei Yao pushed open the door. He was reading.

Pei Chuan looked at the girl hesitating at the door: “What’s wrong?”

Bei Yao said: “Nothing.”

She actually wasn’t clingy. Just this world made her too lacking in security. Pei Chuan’s gentle affection last night still lingered in memory. Today he’d become distant—Bei Yao was confused and anxiously uneasy.

Pei Chuan said: “Rest well.”

She seemed to suddenly lose spirit, dejectedly walking toward her room.

Pei Chuan couldn’t bear it. Watching her departing figure, ultimately he said nothing.

After she left, he covered his chest and coughed.

When Yu Shangxian brought a doctor over, he frowned: “When did this situation appear?” Suddenly having heart pain during the meeting—this was the first time.

Pei Chuan was very calm: “It’s nothing. Have the doctor look first.”

The doctor came to examine him. After a long while he said: “Please take better care of your body. Don’t let emotional fluctuations be too great.”

Pei Chuan said: “I understand.”

Yu Shangxian rarely got angry: “Who exactly was it? We didn’t leak the island’s location. Your body had no issues before. I want to interrogate everyone on the island. If we can’t find out, kill them all.”

Pei Chuan looked up: “You’re overthinking. It’s nothing major.”

Not major? Then why did pain cause fainting?

Yu Shangxian wanted to speak but stopped. Pei Chuan said coldly: “Leave the doctor. You go out. Block the news.”

This was a death order. Yu Shangxian composed himself, responding: “Yes.”

The night wind blew, dispersing some anger, replaced by cleverness.

Yu Shangxian met Gao Qiong as he left. Gao Qiong was in a good mood. She said: “The fake’s room light went out very early. She definitely ate a closed door.”

Yu Shangxian narrowed his eyes: “These two days spending time with this young lady, what do you think of her?”

Gao Qiong originally wanted to curse a heap, but Bei Yao really wasn’t someone who could be hated. Gao Qiong pursed her lips: “Just like that.”

“What do you think her purpose is coming here? Will she harm Satan?”

Gao Qiong said joyfully: “You also think she has problems, right? She definitely has ulterior motives!”

Yu Shangxian glanced at Gao Qiong’s expression, feeling like chicken talking to duck. He smiled imperceptibly.

“The year Miss Bei Yao died, do you remember what Satan did?”

“Seems like he let inferior Rebirth flow out, causing chaos. He shut himself in his room. Everyone thought he couldn’t accept Bei Yao’s death, but our Satan is man enough! Within days he came back like nothing happened, even leading us to become stronger and stronger. Why are you asking this?”

Yu Shangxian was thoughtful: “Nothing.”

“So strange. I’m going to see Satan.”

Yu Shangxian blocked her: “Satan is resting.”

“This early?”

Gao Qiong thought about it—resting was good, better than looking at stars with the fake.

She thought it through and returned to her room.

Yu Shangxian’s steps paused. A sudden guess.

—

When Pei Chuan got up the next day, his complexion was clearly much better.

A’Zuo was honest. Coming to push the wheelchair, he asked worriedly: “How is Satan’s body?”

Pei Chuan said: “Fine.”

The second-floor restaurant, dawn’s first light. Pei Chuan frowned: “Where is she?”

Gao Qiong looked around—she also didn’t see Bei Yao. Seeing Pei Chuan look over, she shook her head: “I also don’t know. Yesterday I walked with her. Very early she went back to sleep.”

Except for leaving the island that day, Bei Yao was never late. She was punctual, polite, wouldn’t embarrass people.

Gao Qiong said: “You eat first. I’ll go call her.”

Yu Shangxian saw Pei Chuan lower his gaze without speaking. He smiled: “That young lady is only nineteen. We’re all nearly a generation older than her. Has Satan raised a little sister before? She’s probably lonely alone, throwing a tantrum. Yesterday you were in meetings all day without seeing her.”

His words were meaningful. Gao Qiong was displeased—the little vixen throwing tantrums! Giving Satan attitude! Give her a rocket, will she go to heaven!

Pei Chuan said: “You eat. I’ll go check on her.”

A’Zuo hurried to push the wheelchair. He raised his hand, refusing.

Pei Chuan went to Bei Yao’s room himself.

He knocked on the door, saying gently: “Bei Yao, sorry for not understanding your feelings. This world is very strange to you. It’s my fault, always leaving you alone.”

The room was quiet. Pei Chuan remembered Yu Shangxian’s words—was she throwing a tantrum? He sighed quietly: “I’ll keep you company today, okay? Have the ship stop—we can fish at sea.”

He paused. He was an uninteresting person, didn’t know how to coax little girls. Before, he couldn’t please her either.

He said: “If there’s anything you like or want, you can tell me.”

He waited outside her door. The morning sea breeze was gentle. Several wind chimes in her room rang crisply. Pei Chuan sat for a long time, then reached out and pushed open the door.

The room was empty. That string of seashell wind chimes swayed in the wind. Her bed’s covers were neat and tidy. Two tropical fish swam in the glass bowl.

Everything was tidy and lively. Only Bei Yao wasn’t in the room. She wasn’t taken by someone.

He closed his eyes.

He’d rather believe what Yu Shangxian said was true—she was just throwing a tantrum.

Sometimes what could he complain about? Living twenty-seven years, he finally understood one principle—even with overwhelming power, he couldn’t fight fate.

It made her come into his life, also could make her leave silently. Disturbing a pool of spring water, mocking his pitifulness. Pei Chuan pressed his chest. It seemed very painful, yet not that painful.

With Pei Chuan absent, naturally everyone at the restaurant didn’t dare eat.

The whole morning, Pei Chuan didn’t return. Just when everyone exchanged ambiguous looks and Gao Qiong’s face looked terrible, Pei Chuan came back alone.

He was particularly calm: “Let’s eat.”

Gao Qiong looked at him in surprise—no lip marks on his neck, clothes impeccable. She couldn’t understand the current situation. Looking at Yu Shangxian, Yu Shangxian also frowned in confusion, asking: “That young lady won’t come for the meal?”

Pei Chuan said calmly: “She’s not coming.”

The sea was azure blue, the sky pale. Pei Chuan added: “She went home. Lock that room.”

Everyone didn’t understand what happened, what “went home” meant. Yu Shangxian’s eyes showed some surprise.

Everyone ate the meal cautiously, afraid Pei Chuan would suddenly rage. But he never did, calmly finishing the meal, wiping his fingers clean, then having A’Zuo push him to the study.

After he left, Gao Qiong speculated: “Satan didn’t throw the fake into the sea to feed fish, did he?”

Yu Shangxian raised an eyebrow: “You’re not happy?”

“No… not exactly. Just feel this is too moody. He doesn’t like the fake that much, right?”

Yu Shangxian smiled: “Who knows?”

Gao Qiong muttered: “Definitely doesn’t like her. Otherwise when someone disappears, he’s as calm as if nothing happened.” With the fake gone, even Gao Qiong felt uncomfortable. Though the fake was annoying, sometimes she was quite pleasing to the eye? Gao Qiong often threatened to implant Rebirth in her, but never actually did it!

A perfectly good person, gone just like that. Gao Qiong touched her nose, not knowing what to say. She looked around everywhere but didn’t see the fake’s figure.

—

Two more days of sea travel. Bei Yao opened her eyes.

The surrounding light was somewhat dim. She smelled seawater and damp wood.

Her wrists were handcuffed to a wooden post. A man walked in.

“Yu Shangxian?”

“Are you alright?”

Bei Yao frowned: “You impersonated Pei Chuan calling me over—what do you want to do?”

She’d received Pei Chuan’s internal call to come over. As soon as she left, she was drugged unconscious, then hidden in the ship’s lowest cabin, occasionally used to store cargo. For a moment Bei Yao’s mind couldn’t help thinking many things, like murdering Pei Chuan to rise to power.

Yu Shangxian raised his hands: “Don’t think so complexly. I have no bad intentions. I’m just too curious about one thing. And afraid Satan will one day play himself to death. That’s why I dared to be so bold as to invite you here for a while.”

Bei Yao heard the keyword: “What do you mean Satan will die?”

“Do you know what Rebirth is?”

Bei Yao had heard this word from Gao Qiong, but everyone avoided discussing it in depth, not telling her.

Yu Shangxian explained leisurely: “Rebirth is a chip that can control people’s thoughts and emotions. Implanted in the brain, it can completely control a person’s thoughts and behavior. Cannot be removed, cannot be disobeyed.”

Bei Yao looked at him, expression somewhat grave.

Yu Shangxian said: “You guessed right. Gao Qiong and I both have Rebirth implanted, but the Rebirth in our bodies is a mature finished product. Usually it won’t harm us. But the initial version of Rebirth—Satan let it flow out at the time. The wealthy secretly competed to buy it. Many people died during implantation.”

Bei Yao pressed her lips without speaking.

“Ha, don’t be so nervous.” Yu Shangxian raised his eyebrow. “I’m just speculating—speculating that Satan initially implanted Rebirth in himself. He’s such a proud person, wouldn’t let others be his master. So he simply gave himself commands. What’s the command? Let’s guess.”

Yu Shangxian tapped his chin with his finger: “After you came, he showed reactions of violating ‘Rebirth’ commands—heart pain.”

His smiling appearance made Bei Yao want to kick him.

Yu Shangxian saw Bei Yao’s anxious appearance, saying: “I estimate when he implanted Rebirth, the command was not to love you so much, to continue living like a normal person. You came—his surface is calm, but inside Rebirth is acting up. Really terrifying, tsk tsk.”

Yu Shangxian said: “I’ll untie you first.”

He kindly untied Bei Yao. Bei Yao asked him: “Is there any solution for Rebirth?”

“Nope. Once dead, it all turns to dust. Speaking of which, this is also our created karma. Retribution—sooner or later we must bear it. Seeing how heartbroken you look, it’s not that there’s no solution—just don’t let Satan think about you.”

Bei Yao couldn’t help her lips twitching: “This is why you tricked me here?”

Yu Shangxian felt nothing wrong, nodding.

“Have you ever liked anyone?”

Yu Shangxian raised an eyebrow, shaking his head.

“…” No wonder. Bei Yao didn’t know where Pei Chuan found these two oddball right-hand people.

He actually thought if someone couldn’t see or hear, they could stop thinking about them.

Are all geniuses this odd? The two stared at each other. Yu Shangxian said: “Won’t work? Then what do you say to do?”

As they were talking, the skylight suddenly opened, revealing Pei Chuan’s masked face.

June weather, outside the sea breeze blew gently. The fallen angel mask even carried some indifference. He lowered his gaze, meeting Bei Yao’s eyes as she looked up from the warehouse.

Her clear pupils reflected his appearance.

Yu Shangxian standing to the side shivered.

But Pei Chuan just extended his hand: “Come up.”

Though this whole matter was Yu Shangxian being foolish, Bei Yao felt inexplicably guilty, not knowing if Pei Chuan heard their conversation below.

Yu Shangxian was very perceptive. After Bei Yao climbed up the ladder, he plopped down kneeling.

Yu Shangxian actively admitted fault: “I’m guilty, I confess. I’ll jump in the sea to feed fish myself.”

Saying this, he walked upstairs. Before long Bei Yao heard a very faint “plop.”

Yu Shangxian had jumped into the sea tied with a rope. His face was lifeless as the cruise ship dragged him along. Pei Chuan was like watching a farce, not making a sound throughout.

Yu Shangxian left. He looked up at Bei Yao, tone quite gentle: “The warehouse below is damp. Your skirt got wet. Go back and change clothes.”

Though it was midsummer, the weather was overcast. The sea breeze was somewhat cold.

Bei Yao bit her lip. She wanted to get close to him, yet felt momentarily at a loss. Her every smile, every touch toward him—it turned out to be Rebirth turning over and over in pain inside his body.

Bei Yao didn’t know what violating Rebirth would be like, but seeing how conscious Gao Qiong and Yu Shangxian were, she knew—that feeling must be worse than death.

She opened her mouth, obediently listening to him and going to change clothes.

Pei Chuan also said nothing.

When she came out in a changed dress, under weak sunlight, she wore a bright goose-yellow dress, like a blooming summer flower.

Pei Chuan nodded at her: “Come over.”

He made a gesture. Before long the cruise ship stopped.

The sea had no wind or waves, just like the man’s steady attitude. He picked up a fishing rod, saying to her: “I didn’t have time to keep you company yesterday. Today I’m free—I can play with you.”

Seeing Bei Yao lower her head without speaking: “Don’t you like this? What do you like?”

Bei Yao held the fishing rod, shaking her head. A lifeless Yu Shangxian still hung from the ship’s stern. She guessed Pei Chuan hadn’t heard her conversation with Yu Shangxian, just opened the underground warehouse and saw the two of them.

Pei Chuan paused: “Do you think I’m very boring?”

Bei Yao said: “Not at all.”

Pei Chuan said: “There are many things I don’t understand. I’m not good at guessing girls’ thoughts. If you’re angry I didn’t keep you company yesterday, it won’t happen again. Don’t collude with Yu Shangxian to hide from me. I’ll think you went home.”

When he said this, he was very calm. Bei Yao inexplicably felt her eyes sting. So he thought she was throwing a tantrum, colluding with Yu Shangxian to hide from him.

She suddenly asked: “What if I really went home?” Would you be able to return to your initial calm? Even if being this world’s worst Satan, at least his heart would be at peace.

He turned his head. Behind the fallen angel mask, his gaze was actually as gentle as water. June’s climate at sea was just right—neither warm nor cool.

He said: “I would miss you.” If you went home, I would miss you.

Bei Yao’s eyes suddenly reddened.

Satan missing her meant each time he missed her, his heart tore apart.

His gentle missing meant even breathing caused tearing pain.

He would miss, not forget.

So whether she left or stayed, he could never escape Rebirth’s suffering. Bei Yao for the first time wished the person he loved had become Gao Qiong.

His single sentence of missing made her almost choke up.

Pei Chuan asked: “Did I say something wrong?”

Why was the little girl crying?

His finger paused, lightly touching her cheek.

She pointed at his chest. Pei Chuan wore a black shirt. Under her finger, his body temperature burned. She asked him softly: “Does it hurt here?”

Pei Chuan stiffened.

She asked again: “How many times does it hurt each day?”

Beneath the mask, the man was silent for a long time. After a long while he spoke: “One hundred and three times.”

“Rebirth” told him not to love anymore, to live well. Initially he relied on Rebirth to live well. Over time, he actually didn’t miss her that much. He thought she’d forever left his world. But one day, she came back, carrying the appearance he’d once most desired. In one day, he fell in love with her again, a full one hundred and three times.

Bei Yao gripped the man’s broad palm: “Satan.” She said, “I’m not going home.”

He silently watched her.

“Satan.” She looked at the man’s quiet black eyes, calling his current name. “Bei Yao loves you very much.”

Your silent stillness, wordless silence—in the river of time, never forgetting her.