Chapter 0: Plucking the Forbidden

“Forbidden Fruit”

Burn incense and offer to the Buddha, be a devout theist.

But when it comes to her.

He Yuzhou only believes

That success depends on man, and man’s will can overcome the heavens.

The Buddha says, Karma cannot be reversed.

But if he picks this Karma, so what?

First published on Jinjiang Literature City, by Shicheng
2025.7.19

***

He Yuzhou, despite a schedule with not a moment to spare, would unfailingly set aside time every year to fly from Hong Kong to a temple in the Mainland to burn incense and pray for blessings.

The temple stood atop a mountain, where the world’s tallest Amitabha Golden Statue towered above.

Bathed in sunlight, it gleamed with golden brilliance, Buddha’s radiance spreading in all directions.

Clouds curled around the mountaintop. Inside the grand hall, the Buddha statue stood tall.

Morning bells and evening drums, Buddhist chants lingered in the air.

For some reason, He Yuzhou’s expression was somber as he left the Guanyin Hall.

Chen Yanli was seven years older than He Yuzhou. The two had grown up together; their brotherly bond went without saying, so he could naturally tell He Yuzhou was in a foul mood at this moment.

He silently accompanied He Yuzhou.

He Yuzhou also remained silent, descending the stone steps slowly.

At the bottom of the steps was a giant banyan tree. The Red Wishing Ribbons hanging from its branches were even denser than the leaves themselves.

He Yuzhou’s steps were still unhurried, not fast nor slow, careless and indifferent.

He didn’t stop until the banyan tree’s shade enveloped him.

Chen Yanli would always remember that day—how He Yuzhou looked, standing beneath the temple’s Wishing Tree.

The ancient tree soared to the sky, its branches blocking out the sun.

He was tall and upright, so the Red Wishing Ribbons dangling down didn’t require him to look up; he even had to lower his eyes slightly.

He seemed utterly bored, his gaze drooping, not a trace of emotion in his eyes.

His gaze was careless, drifting, indifferent, sweeping over the Red Wishing Ribbons as if they meant nothing to him.

Calm, indifferent to the point of apathy.

Like a Deity in the temple, looking down on the ordinary mortals writing their beautiful wishes—wishes that, to him, were utterly insignificant.

Yet just as he was about to leave, those unfocused eyes suddenly locked onto one particular Red Wishing Ribbon among the dense cluster.

A gentle breeze passed by, dispersing the incense smoke from the burner.

The air was filled with the scent of incense.

Smoke curled all around.

As if he’d spotted something interesting, a ripple of genuine amusement appeared in his previously emotionless eyes, perhaps even a flash of excitement, as if victory was already in his grasp.

“Cousin.”

He spoke.

Only when they were children did He Yuzhou call him ‘Cousin’.

After growing up, he’d either call him Ah Li, or by his English name, Liam.

Calling him this out of the blue, Chen Yanli had no idea what He Yuzhou was up to.

“You like her.”

He said.

Chen Yanli naturally knew exactly who the “her” he spoke of was.

Chen Yanli didn’t reply; his silence made his attitude clear.

Then he heard He Yuzhou speak again.

“But there’s never been fair competition between us, because,”

His tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable, commanding force behind it,

“She—I’m determined to have her.”

Chen Yanli visibly frowned.

Just as he was about to say something, He Yuzhou slowly raised his hand, pulled down one of the Red Wishing Ribbons, and decisively yanked it off.

And Chen Yanli, caught off guard, saw the name signed at the end of the Red Wishing Ribbon in He Yuzhou’s palm…

Cen Yingshuang.

The Red Wishing Ribbon was clenched in He Yuzhou’s hand.

As if he’d seized her herself,

It was plain for all to see.

He was the one in control.

From beginning to end.