Day: October 17, 2024

Chapter 9

      After his failed attempt at seizing power, he went into hiding but was eventually caught. This time, after being confined, he escaped and was caught again. Chu Yunhan felt that his luck had truly run out. He had no idea what that guy would do to him this time, and his heart was filled with anxiety. Every little sound outside the door made him feel like he was sitting on pins and needles.

      Chu Yichen’s room had not changed much from before. The blackish-grey colour scheme had a cool and depressing feeling. Even the green plants were common asparagus ferns. The air was filled with a faint aroma, like sandalwood, and there was some Chinese medicine aroma.

      He paced around the room with his head down and a frown on his face, thinking about what to say later. When he saw another feet on the ground, he stopped abruptly. They were already very close. He raised his head and saw Chu Yichen’s face.

      Handsome, aloof, and even somewhat unfamiliar. Sometimes, Chu Yunhan had the illusion that the Chu Yichen, who was now the head of the family and the Chu Yichen, who had once been his childhood playmate, were not the same person—just an icy shell. He had authority and methods but no heart.

      “Are you going to kill me?” he asked anxiously.

      The man didn’t answer; his gaze fell on the small piece of neck exposed by his collar, and his pupils shrank suddenly. Chu Yunhan subconsciously reached out to touch the place where Chu Yichen was staring. He then suddenly realised something and his cheeks felt warm.

      That was a hickey. Sheng the Fifth always liked to come over and cuddle him to sleep. It was the same thing this morning, and he even bit him painfully. He was embarrassed and wanted to explain but didn’t know how. He pulled up his collar uncomfortably. His eyes met Chu Yichen’s and he couldn’t help but freeze.

      The man’s gaze was strange. It was as cold as an eternal glacier, but it contained a strong heat, as if rolling lava was about to burst out. The two originally contradictory emotions seemed to be violently colliding and spinning, which seemed a bit scary. Suddenly, the man ripped open his shirt, and the broken buttons fell to the ground, making scattered sounds.

      Her chest was exposed, and several old and new hickeys on her neck were clearly visible. Chu Yunhan was startled and tried to push him away, but his wrists were grabbed and pinned to the wall. The man was so powerful that he couldn’t get away, so he couldn’t help but said angrily, “…What are you doing? Let go!”

      “I really… underestimated you.” Chu Yichen looked at him, with a mocking smile on his lips. The glow outside the window fell on his eyes, dyeing his pupils reddish. Wrapped in dark clothes, he looked like a pale vampire—lonely and sinister. The man slowly let go of his hand and walked out of the door.

      Chu Yunhan was a little overwhelmed by this sudden appearance. Just when he breathed a sigh of relief and started to sort out his clothes, two people came in. One of them was holding a medical kit in his hand, and the other man in a white T-shirt said, “Young Master Yun, I’m afraid I need to trouble you to cooperate.”

      “What are you going to do?” He had a bad premonition in his heart.

      The man in white smiled and put on a pair of medical gloves, “I’ve been entrusted to clean you thoroughly, inside and out.”

 

      For Chu Yunhan, ‘getting cleaned’ was nothing short of a nightmare. Not only did they suppress his resistance, but they also used restraints. His eyes were covered with a blindfold, leaving him unable to see. His hands were bound behind his back with wide straps, and even his ankles were tied. According to the man, it was to prevent him from moving around and hurting himself. Washing his body was one thing, but when something was inserted into his anus, he was both shocked and furious. He twisted his body and shouted, “Get out! Do you want to die?”

      “Honestly, I don’t really want to take this kind of work. The risk of touching your body is too high. If someone gets upset and destroys my hand afterwards, I will have to use my feet to eat.” The liquid was poured into his body, and he joked, “My skills with these hands are not as good as his, but they are still not bad. But it’s a pity that you won’t have the chance to try it, Young Master Yun.” After that, he slowly pulled out the hose and stuffed something unknown to block the anal hole.

      The sensation of liquid filling his body, ready to be discharged yet blocked tightly, was driving him to the brink of collapse. Chu Yunhan panted heavily, his entire body trembling in shame and agony. “Take it out… pull it out… It feels too uncomfortable…”

      “Seeing you like this, I can’t even bear to tell you that this all is not really unpleasant.” The man smiled, “Since that person got angry, I’m afraid that the real difficulty for you is the latter.”

      After three consecutive rounds of anal penetration, every part of his body was carefully washed and dried, and even a layer of lotion was applied. The continuous struggle almost exhausted Chu Yunhan’s strength. He knew very well that even if he cursed these two people, it would be useless, so he simply stopped speaking and let them control him. When the blindfold was taken off, he found that he was brought back to Chu Yichen. The straps on his feet were untied, and his hands were tied in front of him. He was wearing a thin silk nightgown loosely on his body, and the thin belt around his waist was untied, exposing a large area of ​​his chest.

      The man was sitting on the edge of the tea table, holding a ceramic cup in his hand, and said casually, “All cleaned up?”

      Chu Yunhan, who was treated like this for the first time, was already furious and yelled, “You sick bastard! Whether I’m clean or not is none of your damn business. I’ll sleep with whoever I want, let whoever I want to kiss me. Who the hell do you think you are?” He said these words as if he were pouring beans into his mouth, and then he realised that something was wrong. He was already in a situation where he was at the mercy of others, and if he offended that person again, he would only be even more miserable, so he couldn’t help but feel a little bit guilty.

      Chu Yichen put down the blue-glazed cracked cup he was playing with, looked at him, and said slowly, “Do you know why I don’t like these antiques?”

      He frowned, “The devil knows.”

      “Because there are always other people’s marks on those objects as if they are always telling you clearly that they do not belong to you.” The man stood up and approached him step by step. “In the same way, I don’t like people leaving marks on things that belong to me.”

      The gradually shortening distance gave Chu Yunhan a sense of oppression, and he instinctively took a step back. His mind was a little confused, and then Chu Yunhand asked, “What do you mean?”

      The other party had no intention of stopping. The other party approached closer, and Chu Yunhan had to retreat again. The two of them moved forward and backward, one step, two steps, until Chu Yunhan’s back was pressed against the wall.

      There was no way to retreat.

      Chu Yichen was slightly taller, so Chu Yunhan was trapped between his body and the wall. They were so close that he was at an extremely ambiguous distance. Chu Yichen looked down at his face, and the tips of their noses were almost touching.

      “Do you know how I deal with traitors? The Grey Wolf is still alive, but there’s not a single piece of unscarred flesh left on him. I locked him up in a very quiet place, where he watches every day as his wife and daughter are violated. He slaughtered thirty-two of my men, so I’ll make sure he suffers for thirty-two years before he dies. Fair, right?” The man’s voice was low and sweet, even with a little gentleness.

      Such a voice said such words, which made Chu Yunhan feel chill and got goosebumps all over. “You…” He was so flustered that he didn’t know what to say.

      “You deceived me, plotted against me, and teamed up with outsiders to deal with me, but I didn’t touch you at all. I blocked the news that you were colluding with the Gray Wolf and still allowed you to live in this house as the eldest young master of the Chu family. Why do you think that’s the case?” Those black eyes were as calm as the deep sea, sucking in all the light.

      “Because…we are brothers…” He felt a little guilty when he gave this answer, and unnaturally avoided the other person’s sight.

      “Yes, brothers.” Chu Yichen chuckled self-deprecatingly, “All these years, this relationship has been the shackles binding my hands and feet, keeping me from doing anything. I once thought I’d live my entire life this way, but now I can finally be free. Because you’ve torn this relationship apart, time and time again until it’s shattered beyond repair. The relationship I guarded with all my heart, forcing myself to lower my boundaries to protect it repeatedly—was something you never cared about. How ridiculous.” The smile on his lips disappeared, and his cold expression returned. “Since you don’t want it, why should I persist? From now on, our brotherhood is broken.”

      “You want to kill me?” Chu Yunhan’s voice was trembling. “I…you said you had to lock me up for the rest of my life before I went to find Sheng the fifth. The rest of my life is too long, I can’t stand this kind of torture…”

      “Torture, huh.” The man repeated this word, “So, being confined was already unbearable torture for you, to the point where you’d willingly offer yourself to another man.” After saying that, he pulled away his waist. The laces and silk nightgown were wide open, exposing his body. Chu Yunhan was startled and used his tied hands to push Chu Yichen, but the other party pressed his hands on his head. This refusal obviously made the man a little unhappy, and his body pushed him against the wall. The force was so strong that it made his chest feel tight.

      Chu Yichen’s fingertips traced from the side of his neck to his collarbone, leaving warm touch points on those hickeys. His voice was a little dry and hoarse, “The thing I treasured like a priceless gem, you tossed away like garbage. If I had known it would come to this, I wouldn’t have held back from the start. Since you were willing to climb into Sheng the Fifth’s bed to escape, I’ll give you a chance to beg me to spare your life in the same way.” After saying that, he lowered his head and pressed on his lips.

      The kiss was ferocious and savage, without any restraint. Chu Yunhan was completely stunned, his eyes widened. By the time he realised what was happening, the man had already moved in and hooked his tongue.

      “Hng…” He couldn’t push the other person away, so he bit down hard in desperation. Chu Yichen felt pain and stepped away from his mouth. His tongue was injured and blood spilled from the corner of his mouth.

      “You’re crazy!” Chu Yunhan was shocked and angry, his mind was buzzing, his whole body was shaking, and even his voice became unstable, “Chu Yichen, do you know what you are doing?”

      “fvcking you.” The man wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his fingers, dragged him to the bed and pushed him down. He stopped his roving hands and tied the belt to the bed frame tightly. Then he simply tore off the obstructive nightgown, his expression calm without a trace of ripples.

      “You’re so fvcking crazy! I’m your older brother!” He stared at the other person in disbelief and roared.

      “As I said just now, you and I are no longer brothers. If you want to live, you have to please me.”


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Chapter 30 – How can the flowers at home be as attractive as the ones in the wild? (Part 2)

Chapter 30 – How can the flowers at home be as attractive as the ones in the wild? (Part 2)

 

Zhao Qi returned to the side room, and Zhao Qiao came forward, handing him a cup of tea. “Your Majesty, how is the situation?”

 

Zhao Qi took a big gulp of tea and said, “It’s done.”

 

Zhao Qiao was overjoyed, “Really?”

 

“Of course not!” Zhao Qi said, gripping the cup tightly. “What a terrible idea you came up with. It was useless and even made me get harassed by that scoundrel for no reason!”

 

Zhao Qiao was astonished, “That… that shouldn’t be the case!”

 

Zhao Qi took the handkerchief handed to him by a maid and began to vigorously rub his face, muttering, “I shouldn’t have wasted my time coming to your place to listen to your nonsense.”

 

Zhao Qiao trembled with fear, “Your Majesty, this humble servant didn’t expect this either. I genuinely wanted to help alleviate your worries.”

 

“Well, then I truly thank you.” Zhao Qi said, flinging the handkerchief with force. “I’ve decided that you shouldn’t attend my birthday celebration. Continue your house arrest.”

 

Zhao Qiao gasped in shock, “But Your Majesty, I traveled from my fief all the way back to the capital just to wish you a happy birthday! Please, for the sake of those two bottles of wine, grant me another chance!”

 

Zhao Qi didn’t even want to listen, changed his clothes after removing his makeup, and gave Zhao Qiao a final, sharp glance before leaving. No matter how Zhao Qiao wailed behind him, he did not turn back.

 

When leaving the Ninth Prince’s residence, it was still early. Jiang Dehai asked, “Your Majesty, shall we return to the palace?”

 

Zhao Qi, seething with anger, said, “Since we’re out, let’s take another stroll.”

 

As Zhao Qi was walking around, the sound of horse hooves approached from a distance. People on the street instinctively moved aside, and Zhao Qi also stepped to the side with the crowd. Then, a group of young riders whizzed by, kicking up dust.

 

A young lady dressed in the attire of a high-born lady stood next to Zhao Qi, hiding her face behind a fan. She said to her maid, “From their attire, they should be from the He family’s army.”

 

“Yes, Miss.” The maid replied cheerfully. “Did you see General He just now?”

 

Hearing “General He,” Zhao Qi’s ears perked up slightly.

 

The young lady, her cheeks painted with rouge, said, “I didn’t look closely, so how would I know?”

 

“But Miss, your eyes were clearly fixed on them just now—”

 

The young lady pouted, “Stop talking nonsense, or I’ll hit you!”

 

Unable to hold back, Zhao Qi laughed aloud. The young lady glanced over with some irritation in her apricot eyes and quickly left with her maid.

 

Zhao Qi said to Jiang Dehai, “I didn’t expect our younger brother Changzhou to be quite popular.”

 

Jiang Dehai laughed, “General He is young, talented, cheerful, and handsome. As the saying goes, beauties love heroes. There are many girls in the capital who are interested in him.”

 

“Is that so?” Zhao Qi laughed. “Then isn’t there even more interest in Prime Minister Xiao?” Xiao Shiqing was powerful and handsome, so he should be more popular than He Changzhou.

 

Jiang Dehai replied, “Actually, not so much.”

 

“Oh?”

 

“The Prime Minister is second only to the Emperor, so even if high-born ladies admire him, they wouldn’t dare to imagine themselves with him. They would rather be realistic and think about General He.”

 

Zhao Qi understood. This was probably the difference between the approachable older brother and the aloof power broker. On a whim, Zhao Qi said, “I remember Changzhou has been training troops in the suburbs these days. Since it’s still early before sunset, let’s go visit him.”

 

In the camp outside the capital, He Changzhou was wiping a dagger while two young soldiers knelt in front of him. These two soldiers had been caught secretly engaging in homosexual activities and were now brought before He Changzhou to await punishment.

 

After finishing with the dagger, He Changzhou spoke, “Do you know your crime?”

 

The soldiers, trembling, replied, “We know our crime and await the General’s punishment.”

 

He Changzhou smiled, “Actually, I’ve seen such things many times. But I’m curious, were you already in this situation before coming to the camp, or did it start only after you arrived here?”

 

The soldiers glanced at each other, and one of them answered, “Replying to the General, I used to like girls before.”

 

“Hmm?” He Changzhou showed interest and continued, “How did you come to accept yourself as someone who prefers the same sex?”

 

The soldier wasn’t sure why the General was asking, but answered honestly, “Actually, I struggled with it for a long time.”

 

He Changzhou nodded, “I understand.”

 

“But I couldn’t control my feelings,” the soldier glanced at his lover beside him, saying somewhat shyly, “I couldn’t stop thinking about him, wanting to see him, and my palms would sweat when I saw him. Then one day, when I saw him smile at me, I just accepted it. It’s not something shameful. Even the men’s pleasure houses in the southern part of the city have four or five establishments.”

 

He Changzhou was enlightened, “You’re right.”

 

At this moment, a deputy general entered the tent and reported, “General, a young man named Zhao seeks an audience. He said you would recognize him by this jade pendant.”

 

He Changzhou took the pendant, his expression changed, and he immediately stood up and ran to meet its owner.

 

Outside the camp, Zhao Qi was looking around with interest. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw He Changzhou running towards him and smiled brightly, “Changzhou!”

 

He Changzhou stopped in front of him, looking down with great pleasure, “Your Majesty, what brings you here?”

 

“Just passing by and decided to come see you.” Zhao Qi lightly patted He Changzhou’s shoulder. “You look quite impressive in armor. Do you have any food? I’m hungry.”

 

He Changzhou remained silent, just smiling at him.

 

Zhao Qi: ???

 

Jiang Dehai prompted, “General, the Emperor is asking you a question.”

 

He Changzhou came back to his senses and said, “I hunted a few rabbits yesterday. Should I roast them for the Emperor?”

 

Zhao Qi frowned, “Didn’t I tell you not to eat wild game anymore?”

 

He Changzhou replied, “The game from the hunting ground doesn’t count as wild game.”

 

“Oh, in that case, use less spice.”

 

He Changzhou put aside his military tasks and accompanied Zhao Qi in roasting the rabbits.

 

Under Zhao Qi’s guidance, He Changzhou roasted the rabbits until the skin was crispy and the meat tender. To accommodate Zhao Qi’s taste, He Changzhou used no spices, but it did not affect the flavor of the roast rabbit. Zhao Qi ate two rabbit legs in one go, feeling a bit thirsty. He looked at Jiang Dehai and asked, “Is there any water?”

 

“Certainly, certainly,” Jiang Dehai said, “I’ll get it right away from the carriage.”

 

“Here, have mine.” He Changzhou handed Zhao Qi a water pouch. “It’s newly replaced today, I haven’t used it.”

 

Zhao Qi casually replied, “Even if you had used it, I wouldn’t mind.”

 

The pouch’s stopper was a bit tight. Zhao Qi tried several times without success and naturally handed it over to He Changzhou. “Here.”

 

He Changzhou smiled, took the pouch, easily removed the stopper, and handed it back to Zhao Qi.

 

“Impressive, impressive,” Zhao Qi praised, drinking more than half of the water in a hurry. Some water spilled from the corner of his mouth. Jiang Dehai quickly took out a handkerchief to wipe it, but Zhao Qi casually wiped it with his sleeve.

 

Jiang Dehai helplessly said, “Your Majesty, your sleeve…”

 

“It’s fine, there aren’t so many rules in the army.” Zhao Qi stood up, looking at the boundless fields and listening to the sounds of military drills not far away, feeling a surge of heroism. “Refreshing!” A real man should dedicate himself to the country like He Changzhou. Zhao Qiao, that wastrel, is just squandering taxpayers’ money.

 

He Changzhou asked, “Your Majesty, would you like to take a walk around?”

 

Just a moment ago, Zhao Qi was full of grandiosity: “But I’m too lazy to walk.”

 

He Changzhou laughed, “Shall I ride a horse and take Your Majesty?”

 

He Changzhou brought over a fine steed, its coat glossy and black, with well-developed limbs, clearly a noble horse. He Changzhou said, “This is a fine horse I went through great effort to obtain from Xixia. I intended to give it to Your Majesty during the Wan Shou Festival. Now that Your Majesty is here, you can meet it in advance.”

 

Zhao Qi enthusiastically said, “Can I touch it?”

 

“Of course, it’s now Your Majesty’s.”

 

Zhao Qi touched the horse’s head. The steed, gentle and accommodating, even blinked its dark eyes. “What’s its name?” Zhao Qi asked.

 

“It doesn’t have a name yet,” He Changzhou said, “Your Majesty can name it.”

 

Zhao Qi pondered a poetic line related to horses, “’If only the Flying General of Dragon City were here, to prevent the Hu horses from crossing the Yin Mountains.’ Perhaps it will be a good horse for our Dajing to defend against foreign enemies in the future—why not name it ‘Maybe’?”

 

He Changzhou replied, “…As long as Your Majesty is happy.”

 

Zhao Qi mounted Maybe, while He Changzhou led the reins and leisurely walked through the forest.

 

The hillside was covered with many unknown wildflowers, carrying a floral fragrance in the spring breeze. Among them was a type of light blue flower that Zhao Qi found very charming. “What’s this flower called? I’d like to plant some in Yonghua Palace.”

 

He Changzhou said, “Yonghua Palace already has many peonies.”

 

Zhao Qi responded, “Yes, but that’s not a conflict. A home flower can’t compare to the fragrance of wildflowers.”

 

He Changzhou laughed, “Alright, Your Majesty can plant them. In the future, you’ll be able to see these flowers every day and remember today.”

 

“Not necessarily,” Zhao Qi said, “I probably won’t think about it that much.” Moreover, not everything today was pleasant.

 

He Changzhou replied, “…Oh.”

 

Time flew by quickly with He Changzhou, and before long, the sun was setting in the west. Zhao Qi had to return to the palace. He Changzhou said, “Since there’s nothing much going on in the camp, let me escort Your Majesty back to the palace.”

 

Upon returning to the palace, He Changzhou learned that Zhao Qi had moved to the Haiyan Hall and frowned, “Isn’t Haiyan Hall where the Prime Minister lives?”

 

“Yes. Rong Tang is recuperating in Yonghua Palace. I didn’t want to disturb him, so I temporarily moved in with the Prime Minister.”

 

He Changzhou replied, “Your Majesty’s explanation leaves me speechless.”

 

Jiang Dehai said, “I need to assist Your Majesty with changing clothes. Please, Major General He, step aside for a moment.”

 

He Changzhou asked, “Your Majesty, should I step aside?”

 

“Do as you wish.” They are all men, so why so many rules?

 

He Changzhou replied, “Then I’ll stay.”

 

Jiang Dehai helped Zhao Qi out of his outer robe and brought him a dragon robe to wear. He Changzhou watched Zhao Qi’s narrow waist, swallowed, and downed the already cold tea on the table.

 

As soon as Zhao Qi had changed his clothes, someone outside reported, “Your Majesty, the Prime Minister has returned.”

 

Zhao Qi went to the main hall and said to Xiao Shiqing, “Prime Minister, I’ve returned on time.”

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at He Changzhou behind him, with a fleeting look of displeasure, and said, “Major General He is here as well.”

 

He Changzhou said, “I escorted Your Majesty back.”

 

Xiao Shiqing raised his eyebrows, “I remember Your Majesty was going to the Ninth Prince’s Mansion.”

 

“I did go,” Zhao Qi said, “When I left, it was still early, so I took a stroll around the outskirts of the capital.”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied coldly, “Is that so? Since Your Majesty has safely returned to the palace, Major General He may leave now.”

 

“Not in a hurry,” He Changzhou smiled, “I’m enjoying a rare leisure day today, so I’d like to spend a bit more time with Your Majesty.”

 

Xiao Shiqing said, “There are many people in the palace accompanying the Emperor.”

 

“But those people aren’t me,” He Changzhou said meaningfully, “The Prime Minister also mentioned before that I should get closer to Your Majesty to deepen the relationship between the ruler and his ministers—has the Prime Minister forgotten?”

 

Xiao Shiqing’s eyes narrowed, then he smiled and said, “I haven’t forgotten. I did indeed say that Major General He should deepen his—ruler and minister relationship with His Majesty.”

 

Zhao Qi sensed that the atmosphere was off and was about to speak when a head eunuch rushed in, kneeling before Zhao Qi. “Your Majesty, while organizing the Yonghua Palace storeroom today, I discovered that two items were missing.”

 

Zhao Qi asked, “What items?”

 

The eunuch replied, “Long Xiangsi and Long Xiangsi No. 2.”

 

Jiang Dehai said, “Who is so bold as to steal from the Emperor’s storeroom? How do you manage things?”

 

The eunuch, anxious, kowtowed repeatedly, “Your Majesty, I’ve already sent people to search for them. We’ll definitely find the items soon!”

 

Zhao Qi said, “It’s not something important, so it’s no big deal if it’s lost. But the fact that there’s a thief in the palace is serious. Investigate thoroughly, it must be found!”

 

The eunuch replied, “I will obey the decree!”

 

Xiao Shiqing asked, “Long Xiangsi… is it the medicine Rong Tang used last time?”

 

“Mm,” He Changzhou nodded, “It’s an aphrodisiac. It’s said that after taking it, one can see the person they love in their heart. As for Long Xiangsi No. 2… Your Majesty, what is it?”

 

“It’s a little trinket Zhao Qiao used to fool people,” Zhao Qi said. “It’s better if you don’t know. It might shatter your worldview.”

 

The eunuchs searched for several days but couldn’t find the missing items. They had to broaden the search, combing through every palace and hall except Ci’an Palace. They thoroughly searched every room but never found a trace of the medicine. Zhao Qi suspected the thief had already consumed the medicine. Since it wasn’t something he cared about, he shrugged it off and moved on.

 

One day, Zhao Qi was strolling in the Imperial Garden when he happened to see Jiang Bao’er leading the remaining beauties from the harem in practicing the “Peerless Divine Skill” he had taught them. After watching for a while, he called Jiang Bao’er over and praised her, “Well done. Keep it up and aim to practice until you’re as strong as an ox.”

 

Jiang Bao’er, who had already bulked up a bit, said, “Yes, Bao’er will practice more.”

 

Zhao Qi nodded in satisfaction, “Good. Off you go.”

 

Jiang Bao’er hooked her arm around Zhao Qi’s, “Bao’er hasn’t seen Your Majesty for a long time. Can’t we spend a bit more time together?”

 

Zhao Qi felt a shiver and pushed Jiang Bao’er away, “You need to stop this habit of hooking arms. It’s not appropriate.”

 

Jiang Bao’er pouted, “Bao’er doesn’t do this with anyone else. Your Majesty, I recently learned to make a new kind of pastry. The sisters who have tried it say it’s much better than what’s served in the imperial kitchen. Since this place is not far from Mingcui Palace, may I have the honor of inviting Your Majesty to try it?”

 

Zhao Qi was too lazy to move, “Or you could bring the pastries here?”

 

Jiang Bao’er was taken aback, “In broad daylight, isn’t that a bit inappropriate?”

 

Zhao Qi was puzzled, “Why, does trying your pastries need to be timed?”

 

“No, that’s not it,” Jiang Bao’er bit her lip, hesitated for a moment, then smiled, “Please wait, Your Majesty. I’ll have someone bring it over.”

 

Zhao Qi had never tried Jiang Bao’er’s pastries before. They were sweet but not greasy, and had a soft and sticky texture. He finished one and reached for another.

 

Jiang Bao’er watched Zhao Qi closely, seemingly trying to find something unusual about him. But despite waiting, Zhao Qi remained as usual.

 

Zhao Qi complimented, “Not bad. You should consider switching careers to become a chef. It’s much more promising than being a male concubine.”

 

Jiang Bao’er forced a smile and tentatively asked, “Your Majesty really doesn’t want to go to Mingcui Palace? Bao’er is willing to serve you.”

 

“No need,” Zhao Qi stood up, “Continue practicing, I’ll be going now.”


T/N: There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

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Chapter 17

       Qian Xiaoke was really tired. He slept soundly against Jiang Tongyan in the dark and almost drooled.

       When the train was about to arrive at the station, Jiang Tongyan woke him up. He was in a daze after opening his eyes, as if he didn’t know what day it was.

       “Wake up.” Jiang Tongyan said, “You should get off at the next stop.”

       Qian Xiaoke, who was still not awake, looked at him blankly, and it took him a long time to remember who this person was.

       “Remember to pay back the money.” Qian Xiaoke raised his hand and rubbed his mouth.

       Jiang Tongyan smiled, “Okay, I will definitely remember, but…”

       He glanced at his watch again and said, “When are you going to settle this account you owe me as well?”

       “Ah?” Qian Xiaoke raised his hand and scratched his ear, “Am I hallucinating because I haven’t woken up yet?”

       Jiang Tongyan leaned back in his chair, looked at him, and smiled, “There’s no hallucination. You leaned on my shoulder to sleep; it’s one yuan per minute, and you slept for… twenty-one minutes. Considering how fated we are, I’ll give you a 10% discount, so twenty-one yuan at a 10% discount is… twenty yuan and seventy-nine cents. I’m generous, so I’ll round it down and charge you twenty yuan.”

       Qian Xiaoke looked at him sleepily without saying a word.

       When the subway arrived at the station, Qian Xiaoke got up, took his small schoolbag and walked out. Jiang Tongyan followed quickly, “When will you pay the money?”

       Qian Xiaoke pretended not to hear and walked out with big strides. He almost tripped when he went up the stairs. Fortunately, Jiang Tongyan was quick and grabbed his arm.

       Qian Xiaoke thanked him very politely, and then continued to go up the stairs ruthlessly.

       Jiang Tongyan followed him with a smile, and the more he looked at him, the more interesting he felt.

       As the saying goes, when you are interested in a person, it means… you are in danger.

       However, as a person who grew up abroad, Jiang Tongyan did not know these ‘common sayings’ very well. And so far, he did not realise how ‘dangerous’ it was.

       With a smile on his face, he followed Qian Xiaoke, like a subway pervert.

       Qian Xiaoke exited the subway station and continued walking towards home with an indifferent stride, pretending not to hear the calls of the people behind him. No matter how the people behind him called, he pretended not to hear.

       Can’t hear, can’t see, who is that person? I don’t know.

       Qian Xiaoke felt as if he were walking on air. Never before had he desired so much to have the skills of Qinggong1similar to parkour.

       On the way from the subway station to Qian Xiaoke’s home, Jiang Tongyan passed by Jiang Tongyan’s hotel. Jiang Tongyan took a look, did not go in, and continued to follow Qian Xiaoke.

       This time Qian Xiaoke panicked.

       What kind of person was Qian Xiaoke? He was a very vigilant person.

       Ordinary people should refrain from trying to take his money and avoid taking advantage of others.

       This society was very dangerous; not only do girls living alone need to pay attention to their safety, but boys also need to protect themselves.

       Usually, Qian Xiaoke would be very cautious and careful to see if there were any strange people around before going home. After all, a ‘young man’ like him could easily attract the attention of criminals.

       For Qian Xiaoke, getting robbed and r4p3d was unforgivable, and he must nip this possibility in the bud.

       When he realised that Jiang Tongyan had passed by his hotel without entering and followed him, he panicked.

       Qian Xiaoke slowed down and looked back at Jiang Tongyan.

       “Sir, you have been following me since I left the subway station. May I ask, what’s the matter?” Qian Xiaoke started to play the innocent passerby again.

       Jiang Tongyan was already familiar with his routine and was too lazy to play along with him, so he said directly, “You owe me twenty yuan. I’m here to collect the money.”

       “…You are blackmailing me.” Qian Xiaoke was dissatisfied.

       “But you did lean on my shoulder.”

       “I…” Qian Xiaoke suddenly had an idea, “You have no evidence.”

       Jiang Tongyan really had no evidence.

       He lost his phone, and he didn’t even have a photo. How could he prove that Qian Xiaoke had slept on his shoulder for twenty-one minutes?

       Qian Xiaoke smiled smugly, “Speechless, huh?”

       He poked Jiang Tongyan’s shoulder with his finger, “Young man, you are still too young!”

       After that, Qian Xiaoke happily left, leaving Jiang Tongyan alone in frustration.

       “Hey.” Jiang Tongyan called out to Qian Xiaoke’s back.

       Qian Xiaoke turned back, “First, I am not ‘hey’!”

       He snorted, “Second, I don’t know you, don’t talk to me!”

       After that, Qian Xiaoke ran away, fearing the man would catch up and ask for money.

       When Qian Xiaoke ran into his own neighbourhood, he finally calmed down and realised something very important. Whether he really owed Jiang Tongyan twenty yuan was another matter, but Jiang Tongyan did owe him eight yuan!

       Eight yuan!

       With eight yuan, he could buy two packs of Shin Ramen!

       Two packs of Shin Ramen are two meals!

       Qian Xiaoke lost a lot!

       He felt that this was not okay, so he frowned and walked home while thinking. He was thinking that no matter what, he had to get the eight yuan back.

       ====

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t sleep well all night.

       There were two reasons that affected his sleep. One was that the couple next door did not sleep at night and communicated their feelings through alternative sports all night, and the second was that he was thinking about his eight yuan.

       When he got up the next day, Qian Xiaoke was listless, and his legs hurt.

       He took a shower, packed up, and went out early.

       As usual, he bought an egg-filled flatbread at the breakfast stall at the neighbourhood entrance and ate while walking to the subway station. When he passed Jiang Tongyan’s hotel, he stopped for half a minute, and his mind was full of the eight yuan.

       This morning, the subway was unexpectedly crowded. He was squeezed into a corner and almost couldn’t get off the train.

       Qian Xiaoke recalled again about last night, and the feeling of Jiang Tongyan encircling him made him feel quite at ease.

       As he thought of this, Qian Xiaoke felt that it was great to have money. If one day he became rich, he had to hire a handsome guy who was taller and stronger than Jiang Tongyan as a bodyguard so that he would not be afraid of being squeezed by people when taking the subway in the future!

       Wait!

       Qian Xiaoke suddenly had an epiphany: Who takes the subway when you’re rich? Get the Maseratis and Rolls-Royces lined up!

       Qian Xiaoke, who was dreaming, arrived at the company and clocked in for work. He had forgotten about the ‘eight yuan’ until he ordered takeout at noon, and then it came to his mind again.

       Cheng Sen happened to pass by at this time and was about to go out to pick up Zhou Mo for lunch.

       Qian Xiaoke asked tentatively, “Chairman Cheng, don’t you have any client meetings today?”

       Cheng Sen looked at him, puzzled, “Why? Are you asking for leave?”

       The company originally had two receptionists, but the girl resigned last month, leaving only Qian Xiaoke. If Qian Xiaoke took a leave, he might need someone to help keep an eye on the front desk’s work.

       “No, no, no.” A leave? How is that possible? If he took a leave, his money would be deducted money, okay?

       Qian Xiaoke quickly explained, “I’m just asking. If you have guests today, I can prepare tea in advance!”

       “Oh, no,” Cheng Sen walked to the elevator, “I’m going out this afternoon.”

       In an instant, Qian Xiaoke was filled with sorrow.

       No guests, which meant he wouldn’t see Jiang Tongyan today.

       If he couldn’t see Jiang Tongyan, then, his eight yuan…

       “By the way,” Cheng Sen suddenly turned back and said to Qian Xiaoke, “Chairman Jiang called me this morning and said he lost both his wallet and phone last night.”

       When Qian Xiaoke heard the words ‘Chairman Jiang’, his eyes began to sparkle like a cat’s in the night, the gleam in his gaze practically blinding the person in front of him.

       “Which Chairman Jiang?” Qian Xiaoke asked knowingly.

       “That one…” Cheng Sen smiled, “The project director from New York, he may have to stay here for more than a week.”

       Cheng Sen’s mobile phone rang, it was Zhou Mo calling.

       “It’s inconvenient for him to lose his mobile phone. How about this, you go to his hotel this afternoon to find him and take him to buy a new one? The company will reimburse the mobile phone money.” After saying that, Cheng Sen walked towards the elevator, “Chairman Jiang is our important partner. Take good care of him for me.”

       After Cheng Sen gave instructions, he entered the elevator without waiting for Qian Xiaoke’s response.

       Qian Xiaoke’s mind was full of question marks, thinking: Hotel? Am I going to the hotel where Jiang Tongyan is staying again?

       Cheng Sen had already left, and Qian Xiaoke was still in a daze.

       Two minutes later, the phone at the front desk rang.

       “Hello, Senqi Limited…” Qian Xiaoke hadn’t finished saying the company’s name when he heard a smiling voice on the other end, “Qian Xiaoke?”

       This voice sounded familiar.

       Qian Xiaoke: “… It’s me.”

       “I’m Jiang Tongyan,” Jiang Tongyan was sitting on the sofa in the hotel with his legs crossed at this time, calling Qian Xiaoke with the hotel phone, “Just now Cheng Sen said that you will come to pick me up to buy a mobile phone later, is that true?”

       Qian Xiaoke was a little entangled.

       He didn’t really want to meet Jiang Tongyan, but if he didn’t meet, he wouldn’t get his eight yuan back.

       “Chairman Cheng has ordered so.”

       “Okay, just right.”

       Okay? What’s okay?

       Just right? What’s just right?

       “I haven’t eaten yet,” Jiang Tongyan said, “When you come, pack some food for me downstairs, and we’ll go buy a mobile phone after we’ve eaten.”

       Qian Xiaoke: “…I only promised Chairman Cheng to accompany you to buy a phone, but I didn’t say I would accompany you to eat.”

       “Who said you have to accompany me to eat?” Jiang Tongyan laughed, “I mean, you buy it for me and bring it up. I’ll eat, and you watch.”


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