Go To Your Death Chapter 16

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On the eve of the birthday banquet, Xiling Island shed its usual tranquility and grew bustling. The servants attended to their respective duties, making final arrangements and confirming every detail.

From the afternoon onward, guests began to arrive by private jet or yacht.

Lin Jinyao stood in his room, gazing out the window, quietly observing everything.

Security on the island had been visibly upgraded. Bodyguards in black suits with earpieces were everywhere, silently maintaining order and safety.

Such a huge commotion? And he actually said it would only be a small affair?

In the afternoon, Chen Jin appeared before Lin Jinyao right on time.

He brought with him the detailed itinerary for the birthday banquet and the guest list, along with an image consultant and the formal attire.

Mr. Lin, Mr. Mu instructed me to have you look over the itinerary and the list first. Chen Jin handed him an exquisite booklet, a slight smile on his face.

Lin Jinyao glanced at him, took the booklet expressionlessly, and casually flipped to the first page.

The guest list featured the top elite of Xijing and Hai City, including financial titans and political heavyweights. The list wasn’t long, but it was enough to shake the foundations of the country’s power structure.

Fan Yu’s name was actually among them.

Lin Jinyao’s gaze paused slightly on the name Fan Yu, his brow furrowing.

Seeing that he seemed to have read his mind, Chen Jin explained casually, Young Master Fan is on speaking terms with Mr. Mu. He wasn’t originally invited, but the night before last, he personally called Mr. Mu. He joked that if he were excluded, he wouldn’t be able to hold his head up in Xijing and would lose a lot of face. So, Mr. Mu agreed.

Thick-skinned! Lin Jinyao commented in a low voice.

The corner of Chen Jin’s mouth curved into an imperceptible arc.

Indeed!

Turning another page, Lin Jinyao’s eyes swept quickly across the text, finally stopping at the column for the Zhou family of Hai City.

The names of Zhou Hongbing and his current wife, Liu Yun, were prominently listed, followed by their ten-year-old son, Zhou Jinzhou.

Zhou Xuan’s name… was actually not on there.

Lin Jinyao’s heart sank. He had thought the one coming would be Zhou Xuan.

Looking further down, the entire itinerary was tedious and grand. From the afternoon garden party to the banquet, the ball, and finally the midnight fireworks show, every segment displayed meticulous care and luxury.

Lin Jinyao’s eyes paused, pointing to a spot marked with a golden seal. He looked up at Chen Jin. What part of the program is this?

Chen Jin explained with a smile, Mr. Mu has some very cherished collections and past memories. He wants to take this rare opportunity to share them with a few of his closest friends.

Closest friends?

Who? Fan Yu?

That dog of a man!

What exactly was he trying to do?

Mr. Lin, please try on the formal wear. The designer’s voice interrupted his thoughts.

Lin Jinyao sighed and handed the list back to Chen Jin. Resigned to his fate, he stood up and walked to the side, allowing the people to surround him, dress him, and make adjustments. The entire process felt powerless and frustrating.

Seeing his look of utter despondence, Chen Jin wanted to laugh but didn’t dare. He took the booklet and prepared to leave. In that case, I won’t disturb Mr. Lin any further.

As evening approached, Mu Huacheng returned earlier than usual.

When he entered the room, Lin Jinyao was curled up on the living room sofa, hugging his legs and staring blankly at the sea outside the window.

It felt too ethereal! He looked like a lifeless doll, exquisite yet fragile.

Mu Huacheng disliked this sense of transience, as if this person might leave him at any moment.

He paused for a beat, then lightened his footsteps and walked over, embracing the younger man from behind. He rested his chin on the soft crown of Lin Jinyao’s head. Have you tried the suit? Do you like it?

Lin Jinyao hadn’t expected someone to be behind him. Mu Huacheng’s sudden voice startled him.

Yes. Lin Jinyao’s body trembled slightly as he answered softly.

I saw the photos. it suits you well. Mu Huacheng murmured, his arms slowly tightening, pulling him deeper into his embrace. My A-Yao looks good in anything.

His palm slid down Lin Jinyao’s arm, grasping his slightly cool fingers. Large hand over small hand, he meticulously rubbed each fingertip.

I heard you were very good today and spent the whole time looking at the itinerary? Mu Huacheng’s tone was flat.

I was just getting to know it. Besides, I said I would change. I’m being very good. Lin Jinyao’s voice was as light as a feather.

Who would emphasize that they were being good? The more someone said it, the less they could be trusted.

Mhm, I believe you. Mu Huacheng chuckled inwardly, turning his head to kiss Lin Jinyao’s earlobe.

Lin Jinyao endured the numbing sensation and looked up to ask, What is that special segment for…

Mu Huacheng pulled him onto his lap, encircling him completely. You’ll know when the time comes.

As expected, he couldn’t get any information out of him! That dog of a man!

Should he give up? No!

Lin Jinyao closed his eyes in Mu Huacheng’s arms, then opened them again. His eyes were clear, carrying a trace of calm determination. Is there something Mr. Mu wants me to see?

It’s nothing much, just a… good show that is many years overdue. He lowered his head to kiss the ends of Lin Jinyao’s hair, his voice carrying a hint of pleasure. A show prepared specifically for the Zhou family.

Lin Jinyao didn’t understand what kind of play this man was going to perform for him.

Seeing Mu Huacheng’s deep gaze fixed firmly on him, as if trying to suck him into an endless abyss, he actually felt a bit afraid of what was to come.

A-Yao, remember what you promised me.

Stay by my side forever.

And then, see clearly…

Who your true enemy is.

Mu Huacheng’s birthday banquet was held in a massive glass banquet hall overlooking the sea on Xiling Island.

As night fell, the lights shone brilliantly. The hall was filled with the scent of perfume and the shadows of elegant guests; the elite had gathered.

Lin Jinyao wore an ice-blue suit, standing by Mu Huacheng’s side. His aura was cold and detached, and his exquisite face maintained a habitual indifference that was out of place with the surrounding atmosphere.

Mu Huacheng’s arm was around his waist, silently declaring his ownership to all the guests.

The gazes cast from the surroundings were complex and varied—curiosity, scrutiny, envy, and even disdain. Lin Jinyao accepted them all, acting as if he were an outsider, his heart unmoved.

Fan Yu, dressed in high fashion and holding a glass of red wine, raised his glass toward Lin Jinyao from a distance. He had a face full of smiles, causing Lin Jinyao to look over.

Seeing that he had caught Lin Jinyao’s attention, Fan Yu was overjoyed. But from Lin Jinyao’s perspective, Fan Yu’s face was full of provocation. He didn’t know what the man was so smug about.

It seemed that kidnapping him last time had been too light a punishment. Did he want a repeat performance?

Lin Jinyao rolled his eyes and looked away.

Fan Yu wasn’t annoyed. He just gave a cheeky smile and nudged Chen Jin, who was standing next to him. He doesn’t seem very happy to see me!

Chen Jin replied, After tonight, if you provoke him again, he’ll be even unhappier.

Tsk tsk, poor little thing.

Stop provoking him. Do you want to be tied up again?

You don’t understand!

Chen Jin shook his head helplessly, not wanting to deal with him.

Lin Jinyao had no mind to worry about a nuisance like Fan Yu. All his thoughts were currently tied to the Zhou family.

Because of the matter with Xiao Bai, he still needed answers from the Zhous!

Finally, halfway through the banquet, the master of ceremonies announced with a smile, Tonight, there is a special segment…

Snap!

The lights in the hall dimmed slightly. A spotlight hit a small stage at the front of the hall, where several display stands covered in velvet cloth had been arranged.

Mu Huacheng patted the back of Lin Jinyao’s hand and led him slowly onto the stage.

The room fell silent instantly, and all eyes focused on them.

Thank you all for gracing us with your presence today. Mu Huacheng’s voice was steady and magnetic. I’d like to take this opportunity to share some collections that hold extraordinary meaning for me.

He first displayed two other items—an abstract painting and an ancient nautical compass—briefly recounting their connection to the Mu family history.

Standing to the side and listening, Lin Jinyao’s heart grew tighter and tighter. He knew these were just the appetizers; the main event was coming!

Sure enough, Mu Huacheng’s tone shifted. His gaze casually swept over a certain member of the Zhou family in the audience before finally landing back on Lin Jinyao. His eyes became deep and meaningful.

The final piece, he began slowly, his voice full of tenderness, yet it made Lin Jinyao’s spine turn cold and his scalp tingle, is less a collection and more a piece of destiny that has been lost and found.

Staff members pushed forward the final display stand, covered in dark velvet.

Mu Huacheng released Lin Jinyao’s waist, stepped forward, and gently grasped a corner of the velvet cloth.

His movements carried a solemnity that was almost devout.

The entire hall fell into a dead silence.