I Rely on the Collapse of the Character Setting to Survive in the Hands of the Male Lead Chapter 136

Chapter 136

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Chu Lishu, who had returned a day earlier, happened to be able to handle Changjun’s matters. He had no intention of letting Lin Qingyang know.

Lu Shi hid the person in Chu Lishu’s courtyard. There were rules in the residence that no one could enter or leave his courtyard casually, so others couldn’t find them.

By the morning, Changjun could finally move. He quickly put on his clothes, and prepared to leave, but was being watched by Lu Shi.

“You guys… what exactly…”

Lu Shi completely ignored him and simply didn’t let him leave.

Changjun dared not offend and could only wait anxiously. Finally, Chu Lishu returned.

Chu Lishu glanced at him, and Changjun knelt down in fear.

“Do you know who I am?” Chu Lishu asked.

“Yes… the other Young Master of this residence?” Chang Jun said tremblingly.

“Hmm, I know everything you did last night,” Chu Lishu said indifferently. “Do you know what crime this is?”

Changjun, frightened, quickly kowtowed. “I didn’t want to, Young Master, I didn’t know Father would do that.”

“This morning, my cousin woke up not knowing you had been to his room. He only knew you were missing. Your father barged in with people, causing my cousin a lot of embarrassment.”

Changjun’s face turned pale, feeling guilty. He lowered his head and said, “It’s my father’s confusion; it’s our mistake.”

Chu Lishu continued in a calm tone, “Because my cousin didn’t know this was related to you, he spoke to me about your situation after seeing me. He mentioned your talent in forging and construction, saying you would surely become the most formidable craftsman in the Great Zhou Dynasty. He wanted to introduce you to me, saying we would get along well.”

Changjun was astonished, the overwhelming guilt almost drowning him. He had no idea that the young master valued him as a craftsman to such an extent, not just as a passing interest.

Chu Lishu squinted at Changjun, continuing to play on his emotions. “His appreciation for you is purely based on your talent, with no other intentions. Misunderstandings from others aside, I believe that after spending a few days with him, you should be clear if he has ever crossed any boundaries with you.”

Changjun began to tremble uncontrollably, shaking his head. “No, I know the young master hasn’t. He is upright and honest, how could he…”

“He is aware of your situation with your foster father, sympathizes with you, and wants to keep you, providing you with a better life to utilize your talents and create better things. That’s why he consulted with me on how to help you,” Chu Lishu explained.

Unable to hold back any longer, tears filled Changjun’s eyes. The young master had treated him so well, yet he had almost harmed him due to his father’s manipulation. It was rare to find a benefactor in life, and he had almost repaid kindness with enmity. It felt like he deserved a thousand deaths. “I don’t deserve it, I don’t deserve it. I almost harmed the young master. I just want to apologize to him.”

“Let it go. He is kind-hearted. If he knew about last night, he would undoubtedly be disappointed. Since I took your place, it’s to prevent him from witnessing such a thing. Your foster father wouldn’t dare speak up about this matter, and we’ll all keep silent, pretending it never happened.”

Changjun looked at Chu Lishu in disbelief, “Young master is willing to… cover for me?”

Chu Lishu smiled faintly, “The fault is not yours. I know you were also manipulated.”

Changjun widened his eyes. He distinctly remembered the furious demeanor of the young master last night. He thought he was done for. Could it be that he misread the situation due to his guilty conscience? Was the young master actually a good person? And it seemed like he was in a good mood.

But it made sense. If the young master was a good person, his cousin, who was with him, would likely be no different.

Changjun quickly expressed his gratitude with kowtows. He didn’t want the kind young master to know about such a sordid affair. “I’m just worried about my father’s side…”

“You guys should leave,” Chu Lishu said calmly.

Changjun was momentarily stunned, his expression carrying a hint of sadness. Indeed, he had no face to stay here any longer. It was truly regrettable. He couldn’t bear to part with the workshop, nor with the person who respected and understood his peculiar ideas.

“However, are you willing to leave your foster father who holds your indenture?” Chu Lishu asked.

“You… do you want to buy me?” Changjun asked in surprise. Instead of anger, there was a sense of anticipation. After the events of last night, he had already lost all hope in his foster father.

“I can grant you your freedom, ensure your foster father never bothers you again, and even work with Boss Liu, whom you’ve met, to establish a workshop privately. You would be the public owner of the workshop. Are you willing?” Chu Lishu asked.

Changjun seemed to be unable to comprehend Chu Lishu’s words, staring blankly at him.

Chu Lishu smiled kindly, “I’ve seen your drawings, they’re excellent. I believe many of the imaginative structures in this courtyard are inspired by your ideas. Just as you told my cousin, how can we waste your talent? This is a joint decision between us. We will contact Boss Liu, allowing you the freedom to create as you wish. You won’t be just an employee; you will be one of the owners. You can decide on anything you want to do. This is our respect and commitment to you. Are you willing to accept this help?”

Changjun suddenly fell to the ground, crying out, “How… how can I repay this?”

“Utilize your talent well. Someday, we may need your help,” Chu Lishu said, approaching and patting Changjun on the shoulder.

Meanwhile, Lin Qingyang was dealing with the issue of Changjun’s disappearance, unable to find him within the residence and deciding to search outside.

However, at that moment, a sudden alert echoed in his mind.

【Special Mission: Successfully assist the male lead in subduing over Chang Jun. Reward: One mystery box!】

Lin Qingyang was startled. It was completed? The special mission was completed just like that?

Ah, he understood now. Changjun, who had gone missing, must have been found and taken away by the male lead. With that innocent appearance, Changjun was probably easily swayed by the male lead, making the mission effortlessly accomplished. Not bad, not bad. No need to worry anymore.

But what about the mystery box? Why was the system introducing such fancy things?

Lin Qingyang looked at the system interface and indeed found a gift box with a finger icon on it. It seemed like he just needed to click on it with his consciousness.

Lin Qingyang was about to give it a try when the system sent a reminder.

System: 【The probability of obtaining high-quality items from the mystery box is related to the host’s luck value. The host’s luck value is associated with your identity positioning. If the host wants to open valuable treasures, it is recommended to open it when the identity positioning is higher. There may be pleasant surprises.】

Lin Qingyang: 【When did you become so considerate? Not bad, not bad. Five-star rating】

Now that he was just a supporting character, it would be best to open the mystery box when he had a higher identity positioning. Who knows, there might be some incredible game-changing items inside.

Lin Qingyang was enjoying himself when the old craftsman completely stopped working, insisting that Lin Qingyang had hidden Changjun.

Lin Qingyang had no patience for this and was about to use his advantage to intimidate the old craftsman when Changjun walked in looking bewildered.

The old craftsman immediately rushed over, crying miserably, “Were you threatened by the young master? Did he touch you and then hide you away?”

“Father, what are you talking about? Last night, didn’t I go to inspect the stargazing spot nearby for design inspiration? I told you, didn’t I? Are you drunk or confused?” Changjun spoke with confidence for the first time, as he had two influential figures backing him up.

Along with Changjun, Chu Lishu also arrived.

Chu Lishu went directly to Lin Qingyang and whispered, “I’ve confirmed it. It was him. I’ve arranged for him to return to eldest cousin’s side to develop his talents slowly.”

“What about Chief Steward Ning?”

“Chief Steward Ning just wanted to verify the truth of what you said. Changjun has no grudges, no conflicts of interest. He’s just an ordinary person, and Chief Steward Ning wouldn’t harm someone without a clear reason.”

“But isn’t he the one responsible for dealing with people related to the former crown prince?”

Chu Lishu shook his head, “He only deals with those who pose a direct threat. Changjun doesn’t fall into that category.”

“Only those who received favors from the former crown prince and still harbor loyalty to him are targeted for elimination. Chang Jun has no idea that the person he spoke to back then was the former crown prince. So, he is completely unrelated,” Chu Lishu explained.

Lin Qingyang found Chu Lishu’s explanation reasonable, but couldn’t help asking, “But, it seems I can’t prove that what I said is true, right?”

Chu Lishu smiled and said, “Watch how I handle this later.”

Lin Qingyang naturally agreed to that.

However, on the other side, Chang Jun was about to be beaten by the old craftsman when Chu Lishu intervened, speaking up, “You’ve caused trouble in the residence. Pack your things and leave immediately. Someone will escort you back to Jiangnan. Prepare to depart! “

The craftsmen were dumbfounded and quickly pleaded for mercy.

Chu Lishu looked at Lin Qingyang.

Lin Qingyang directly ordered the household servants, “The young master’s words are equivalent to my authority at any time. No need to ask anything else, just act immediately.”

The courtyard’s guards and servants immediately started taking action upon hearing the orders.

By noon, the group of craftsmen was forced onto carriages. It wasn’t until this moment that the old craftsman realized something was wrong because Chang Jun didn’t board the carriage with them.

“Where is Chang Jun, my son!”

“Fearing that you might resort to violence and cause trouble, arrangements were made for you to gather at the ferry crossing. You can leave first,” a servant replied.

The old craftsman had no choice but to be sent away in a sorry state. Inside the carriage, the people started fighting halfway through the journey. After all, they were all master craftsmen who suffered because of the old craftsman. Otherwise, they could have earned more rewards. Now, having offended their employer, they planned to complain to Boss Liu upon their return. What chances did they have left to make a living in Jiangnan?

The old craftsman engaged in a heated argument with them. If they hadn’t wanted a share of the spoils, why would they have joined him in causing trouble at the courtyard?

Everyone was busy shifting blame, creating a noisy scene on the way.

Meanwhile, at the entrance of the mansion, Chang Jun was kneeling before the two figures.

Lin Qingyang quickly helped Chang Jun to his feet. This was a future great figure; he couldn’t accept such a gesture of kneeling.

Chu Lishu spoke slowly, “By the way, when you return to Jiangnan, Boss Liu will help you restore your original identity as a farmer’s son. Therefore, your experience of being sold will be erased. To prevent your new identity from being exposed, you must forget this trip to the capital, forget that you were once the adopted son and apprentice of the old craftsman.”

Chang Jun immediately took it seriously. Others were putting so much effort into planning for him, and he felt only gratitude and appreciation. He wouldn’t doubt anything.

“You both are my benefactors, and I will remember this kindness for a lifetime. I will repay you by working hard in the future, even if it means being a cow or a horse,” Chang Jun said, his eyes reddening again.

Seeing Chang Jun getting emotional, Lin Qingyang felt overwhelmed, “Don’t be like this. It’s just a small favor for us.”

“No, for me, it’s like being given a second chance at life,” Chang Jun insisted.

“In fact, there’s a reason we’re helping you like this,” Chu Lishu explained.

Chang Jun looked at Chu Lishu in confusion.

Chu Lishu suddenly laughed in a very friendly manner and looked at Lin Qingyang, saying, “Cousin, it seems he really forgot about you.”

Lin Qingyang was stunned, not understanding, so he could only awkwardly smile.

“What… What did I forget? Have I met the young master?” Chang Jun suddenly became excited.

“Did you forget that you’ve been to the capital?” Chu Lishu asked curiously. “Cousin remembers it well. At that time, you weren’t doing too well. He treated you to a meal and some drinks. You even showed him the drawings of the water wheel you made. Do you really not remember?”

Chang Jun looked utterly confused.

“At that time, you were still young, probably got drunk and passed out, taken away by your family, and forgot everything,” Chu Lishu sighed. “Luckily, Cousin remembered when he saw your drawings. Your fate was intertwined so early, and Cousin naturally wanted to help you.”

Chang Jun’s expression shifted from confusion to excitement, then guilt, and finally, he was deeply moved.

“I never expected to have such a connection with the young master. At that time, I went through too much, and being so young, I truly didn’t remember. I’m sorry, young master, but I remember now. We met even back then,” Chang Jun said emotionally.

Lin Qingyang immediately nodded and smiled, “Yes, we had a connection early on. Meeting again is like the heavens seeing that you weren’t doing well and sending me to help you.”

Chang Jun was even more touched, expressing his gratitude before boarding the carriage.

Watching the departing carriage, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but give a thumbs-up to the male lead. He realized how capable the male lead was. What he thought would be a difficult situation was effortlessly resolved by the male lead in just a few words. In the future, whenever someone asks Chang Jun about his experience, he will probably mention this episode.

Chang Jun arrived at the pier but didn’t see his father and the others, only the one who had guarded him before, Lu Shi.

Lu Shi handed Chang Jun some money and said, “Go find Boss Liu with peace of mind. The master has arranged everything for you. We’ve also sent off your foster father, so he won’t come looking for you again.”

“Thank you!” Chang Jun expressed his gratitude and then boarded the ship.

Little did he know that this ship had just crossed waters where five men had drowned due to a boat accident. One of them, a young man, had his face smashed against a reef, disfiguring him. The authorities, based on their belongings, quickly identified them as southern craftsmen. The incident was soon swept under the rug.

Not long after Chief Steward Ning, who had been released from confinement, was considering how to deal with Lin Qingyang, he received news from his subordinates. A workshop had opened in Jiangnan, and its owner, a person named Chang Jun, had exceptional craftsmanship, leading to a flourishing business.

They had secretly verified that this person was the one mentioned by Lin Qingyang. Their agents had mingled with the workers in the workshop and, through casual conversations, confirmed that Chang Jun had indeed encountered someone related to the former crown prince, visited the capital, and had even met Lin Qingyang when facing trouble.

Chief Steward Ning looked at the gathered information, and his eyes began to lose focus. Everything matched up. Lin Qingyang hadn’t lied. As a result, his basis for speculating that Yuan Ran might still be alive was no longer reliable.

If Yuan Ran didn’t return alive, then… it’s likely that Qi Ci, who died without a complete corpse, has perished somewhere unknown and won’t be coming back either.

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