Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Aftereffects of Becoming a Eunuch

Just as Shazhu stepped out of the police station, Xu Damao was also released. The two locked eyes, and Shazhu was the first to speak, mocking him.

"Isn't this Xu Damao? Did you get hauled in for some trouble?"

Xu Damao panicked. He wasn't married yet; if Shazhu spread rumors and ruined his reputation, he would never find a wife. "Shazhu, let me tell you, don't go spreading lies. Slander is against the law."

Shazhu shrugged with an indifferent air and pressed on, "Then tell me, why were you at the police station?"

Xu Damao certainly wasn't going to admit he was there for reporting Wang Lin. Seeing that Shazhu had also just walked out of the station, he decided to turn the tables. "You have the nerve to ask me? Aren't you coming out of the station yourself? Why don't you tell me why you were in there?"

Shazhu looked as if he were ready to jump for joy; he had been dying to brag about today’s events. "I was there because I assisted the police in catching an enemy spy. If you don't believe me, go inside and ask." He held his head high, looking as smug as possible.

Xu Damao couldn't stand seeing Shazhu so arrogant, but he didn't dare actually go into the police station to verify it. His shifty, narrow eyes darted around, and he quickly hit upon a plan.

"Shazhu, brother, it’s been a rough day. That damn Wang Lin is the reason I was dragged in. I’m having such a hard time." Xu Damao squeezed out a tear and continued to complain. "You tell me, isn't it enough that Wang Lin already has Qin Huairu? He’s even hitting on my fiancée, Lou Xiao'e. Boo-hoo, I’m in such a miserable spot."

He threw his arms around Shazhu, acting heartbroken. He knew Shazhu had long harbored a secret crush on Qin Huairu, and he didn't believe for a second that Shazhu would let Wang Lin get away with this once he knew the truth. Xu Damao never let a grudge sit overnight; he wanted Shazhu to pay the price for his earlier arrogance today.

"Shazhu, my heart is broken. Why don't you keep me company for a drink? My treat."

When Shazhu heard the offer of free drinks, his face lit up. "Alright, no problem. Let's go, let’s get a drink." Shazhu didn't even realize that his feelings toward Xu Damao had shifted. As Xu Damao poured out his woes, Shazhu felt a strange, tugging sensation of sympathy in his heart.

He told himself it was only because Wang Lin had bullied his goddess, Qin Huairu.

"Alright, Shazhu, you’re a real friend. Come to my place; I’ve already got the food and drink ready."

Back at Xu Damao’s house, both men were already bleary-eyed and intoxicated, their minds far from clear.

"Xu Damao, that Wang Lin is really a piece of work. *Hiccup*... he already has Sister Qin, and he’s *still* trying to steal your wife. He—he wants all the men in this courtyard to end up bachelors!"

Though Xu Damao was drifting into a stupor, he hadn't forgotten his goal. He secretly slipped a powder he had prepared into Shazhu’s glass, topped it off with more Erguotou, and began to voice his own grievances.

"Exactly, that’s what I think too. That Wang Lin doesn't deserve Qin Huairu at all. If there’s anyone in this entire compound who is a perfect match for her, it’s you, Shazhu. Come on, have another drink."

The words hit the mark, and Shazhu was ecstatic. Being already drunk, he didn't notice the undissolved powder at the bottom of his glass.

"Haha, Xu Damao! Today, you finally said something... something sensible. Cheers!" Shazhu downed the drink in one gulp. Xu Damao, his own head spinning, followed suit. Moments later, their heads slumped, and both passed out.

An hour passed, and the quiet of Xu Damao’s house was broken by discordant sounds.

Over at Wang Lin's place, Wang Lin had watched the entire scene. He knew exactly what that powder was. Seeing their state, he knew the night was going to be anything but peaceful.

"Wife, let’s go sleep in the Shadow Realm. It won't be quiet here tonight."

"Alright." Qin Huairu agreed without hesitation; she had been looking forward to resting there. The Shadow Realm was like a perpetual spring, free of mosquitoes, with endless food and servants to attend to them—it was pure luxury. Unlike this courtyard, where someone was always pounding on the door.

Lou Xiao'e, having never been there, was brimming with curiosity. "What is the Shadow Realm?"

Qin Huairu explained happily, "Hehe, it's a wonderful place. You'll love it there."

Lou Xiao'e looked at Wang Lin with yearning eyes. Wang Lin smiled, and in a flash, the three of them vanished, reappearing in their home within the Shadow Realm.

After they left, a shadow manifested in Wang Lin's room, slowly shifting into a human shape until it perfectly mirrored his appearance.

The Shadow-Wang Lin wore a wicked smile as he stepped out of the room, instantly shifting his expression to one of fury. "Those two idiots, not sleeping in the middle of the night, howling like ghosts!"

His shout woke everyone in the courtyard. As they stirred, they were met with sounds that made their skin crawl.

"What on earth is happening?" Liu Guangqi asked in shock, recognizing the voices of Shazhu and Xu Damao.

Soon, the First Uncle Yi Zhonghai, Second Uncle Liu Haizhong, and Third Uncle Yan Bugui gathered outside Xu Damao’s door. Even Yi Zhonghai looked embarrassed, not knowing what to say.

"Dongxu, kick the door down!" Yi Zhonghai habitually commanded, only to realize his mistake—Jia Dongxu had already been taken away by the police.

The Second Uncle, seeing his chance, spoke up with a smug look, "Guangqi, kick the door open for me."

"You got it, Dad!" Liu Guangqi, excited and curious to see what they were doing to be making such hideous noises, kicked the door in with a loud *bang*.

As the door swung open, everyone covered their eyes in horror.

Hearing the door open, Xu Damao looked up with desperate hope, clawing at the floor to escape Shazhu’s weight. "Guangqi! Help me! Save me!"

Shazhu, still under the influence of the drug and its side effects, saw Xu Damao struggling and felt his possessiveness flare up.

"Xu Damao, keep screaming! Even if you scream until your throat breaks, you’re mine tonight. You have to help me blow off this steam!"