Month: October 2024 (Page 3 of 6)

Chapter 11 – Leg Shaking Like Working a Sewing Machine

October 18, 2024 / / 0 Comments

“It was probably around one or two o’clock in the afternoon, someone heard crying at the orphanage’s entrance and picked me up. That’s why I was named ‘Weishi.’”

When Zhong Weishi said this, his face was expressionless, and his tone was as calm as if he were recounting an unrelated piece of news.

But to an outsider’s ears, it was rather shocking.

Gu Lizhou stared at the little brat before him, who was probably about 12 years younger than him, with a complicated expression.

He had mixed feelings inside, but mostly disbelief.

There had never been a situation like this around him.

Wasn’t throwing away children something that only happened in the news or TV dramas?

“So how did you grow up?” Gu Lizhou looked at him. “Adopted?”

“Sort of.” A wisp of white smoke blew from Zhong Weishi’s lips.

It was the first time Gu Lizhou saw the boy with his eyes downcast.

There was an indescribable feeling.

Sadness?

Not really. In his opinion, Zhong Weishi wasn’t the kind of weak person who needed others’ pity.

He still remembered the scene at Qingfeng Garden when Zhong Weishi had pinned him against the wall and warned him.

It was the recklessness unique to youth.

Like a plant growing wild.

The crowd in the square grew larger, and the sound of people was so loud that it was almost like a swarm of demons.

But at this moment, in Gu Lizhou’s eyes, there was only the reflection of a slender, lean boy.

Gu Lizhou could tell he didn’t want to talk much about his childhood, so he tactfully changed the subject. “My name is Gu Lizhou—‘Li’ as in gift, and ‘Zhou’ as in oasis.”

“I thought it was the ‘Zhou’ for a small boat.”1His Zhou was from “洲” which came from ‘绿洲’ meaning Oasis. ZW thought it was ‘舟’ from ‘小船’ which means small boat. Zhong Weishi laughed.

Gu Lizhou furrowed his brows briefly, then relaxed. “I heard it was originally that ‘Zhou,’ but later, my aunt asked someone to read my fortune. They said I lacked water in my fate, so they changed it to the ‘Zhou’ with the water radical.”2The water radical in the 洲 ‘zhou’ in his name here is ‘氵’ this one.

Zhong Weishi nodded thoughtfully. “They’re both nice. They suit you.”

The two had been at odds for several weeks, so hearing a compliment out of the blue, Gu Lizhou almost felt flattered.

Out of politeness, he returned the compliment. “Well, you cried at just the right time. If you had cried at one or two in the morning, your name would’ve been Zhong Choushi.”3The ‘丑’ chou in Choushi can also mean shameful, ugly, disgraceful or clown, other than in 1-2am.

Zhong Weishi burst out laughing and couldn’t hold back a curse. “fvck you.”

After a while, he rubbed his nose and moved closer. “So, what, I just cursed out of habit.”

Gu Lizhou wanted to say, “I know ah,” but for some reason, the words twisted on their way out. “Apologize.”

Zhong Weishi had never apologized to anyone in his life. He hadn’t even apologized for mistaking Gu Lizhou for Er’Gou and pinning him against the wall last time, let alone for cursing at him.

Seeing Zhong Weishi hesitate for a while without responding, Gu Lizhou cleared his throat. “If you don’t apologize, give me back the chicken wrap.”

“fvck,” Zhong Weishi’s eyes widened. “Weren’t you the one who forced me to eat it! You didn’t say anything about paying ah!”

“But you still ate it.” Gu Lizhou shrugged. “So, either apologize or pay up.”

“If you’d told me you wanted money, I’d have thrown it up.” Zhong Weishi slapped his palm. “Wait till I get rich, and I’ll treat you to a big meal.”

“Will that day ever come?” Gu Lizhou shot him a sidelong glance.

“Don’t look down on people,” Zhong Weishi flicked away his cigarette butt. “One day, I’ll bury you alive with coins.”

The rhythm of the square dance was so strong that even while Gu Lizhou crossed his legs, he couldn’t help but tap his foot to the beat. In the end, he forced himself to put it back down.

Out of the corner of his eye, Gu Lizhou noticed Zhong Weishi’s leg shaking like he was working a sewing machine.

Da Fei had somehow crossed over from the south square, carrying a plastic bag in his hand.

Gu Lizhou saw Zhong Weishi pull out a cup of milk tea, pierce it with a straw, and start drinking it in big gulps without even saying thank you.

Gu Lizhou thought the two brothers were going to sit down and chat, so he shifted to the side. Unexpectedly, Da Fei handed him another cup of milk tea. “Want some? It’s on me.”

Although Gu Lizhou had seen all kinds of shameful performances from this group, knew their twisted taste, had seen Da Fei cross-dressed, and even conspired with them on the “catch Er’Gou plan,” he still didn’t consider them familiar.

Just as he was hesitating whether to take the milk tea, the person next to him nudged his arm. “Try it. The boba milk tea here is really chewy.”

Gu Li Zhou took the milk tea.

He couldn’t remember the last time he had this kind of milk tea. The only time he ever ordered milk tea was at a tea restaurant, where he’d get the plain kind without any add-ins.

“What’s a boba milk tea?”

Da Fei looked at him in shock. “Is this your first time drinking milk tea?”

Zhong Weishi almost choked on his own milk tea, thinking, are these rich people really like the ones on TV who don’t eat or drink junk food? What’s the point of life if that’s the case!

“Boba is just pearls, those round balls,” He explained, making a circle with his slender fingers. “Made from tapioca, I think. Anyway, they’re chewy.”

“Then why call them boba instead of pearls?” Gu Lizhou pierced the milk tea and took a sip.

“Doesn’t boba sound bigger!” Zhong Weishi puffed out his chest.

Gu Lizhou choked on the milk tea he had just sipped. “Oh.”

The legendary boba was indeed quite chewy.

Gu Lizhou felt that this cup of milk tea tasted different from what he remembered.

The milk flavor was a bit stronger than the black tea, and the aftertaste was a bit cloying.

When he lifted it up to look, he noticed that the toppings had almost piled up to the middle of the cup.

Nata de coco, red beans, pudding… He tasted all sorts of things.

“Are all these ingredients free?” Gu Lizhou couldn’t help but complain.

“Yes! How did you know!” Da Fei pointed to a direction. “There’s a ‘7 O’Clock’ milk tea shop over there. The owner is really nice—toppings are all free. Guaranteed to fill you up with just one cup!”

“…” He had no intention of going there.

Da Fei sat between the two of them, opened a bag of snacks, and handed some to Zhong Weishi, pointing at the dancing aunties. “Honestly, I could dance better than that.”

Zhong Weishi replied, “Then hurry up and open my eyes.”

Da Fei said, “Let me finish this bag of spicy strips first.”

Gu Lizhou was initially texting when he suddenly caught a whiff of spice and turned to look.

Zhong Weishi and Da Fei were each holding a bag of spicy strips, watching and eating, laughing as they enjoyed themselves.

Since Da Fei was currently dressed as a “woman,” he delicately nibbled on one strip, even sucking his fingers afterward. The person next to him, however, grabbed the bag and shoved a handful into his mouth at once.

He ate the spicy strips with the vigor of a tug-of-war.

Gu Lizhou struggled to hold back his laughter, turning on the recording function and pretending to scratch his nose as he aimed the camera at Zhong Weishi.

The gang was practically a fountain of joy for him!

Da Fei suddenly leaned closer to Zhong Weishi and whispered, “He was just looking at me. Should I offer him some?”

“Give ah.” Zhong Weishi mumbled, “Give him yours. I’ve already bitten into mine.”

“But he doesn’t look like the kind of person who eats spicy strips.” Da Fei looked around sneakily, whispering as if he was afraid Gu Lizhou might overhear.

“Just in case he likes them.” Zhong Weishi smiled and nudged Da Fei. “Try it.”

Gu Lizhou thought his secret filming had been discovered, so he calmly put away his phone and ran a hand through his hair.

He stared seriously at the lead dancer auntie in the square.

“Um…” Da Fei, acting as if he were meeting a blind date for the first time, shyly extended the spicy strips. “Want some?”

“Ah…” Gu Lizhou was still caught up in his thoughts—’Did they catch me filming? How awkward. How should I explain?’—and didn’t react immediately.

Zhong Weishi tilted his head, recommending the spicy strips just like he had recommended the milk tea. “Try it. Weilong, an old brand. It’s really good, trust me.”

Gu Lizhou: “…”

Author’s Note:

Key takeaway: The easiest way to compliment a person’s good temperament?

You don’t look like the kind of person who eats spicy strips.

Chapter 9

October 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

      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)

October 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

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~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

 

Chapter 17

October 17, 2024 / / 0 Comments

       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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Chapter 42 – Kiss

October 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 42: Kiss

 

“Phoenix… Are you running a fever?”

 

“…”

 

Upon hearing Long Ling’s words, Su Muluo didn’t respond immediately.

 

Long Ling looked down at his Phoenix, wanting to reach out and touch his forehead… but then Su Muluo bit him on the shoulder.

 

Long Ling: “?”

 

He sensed a hint of discontent in Su Muluo’s bite and met his gaze, finally realizing.

 

His Phoenix… didn’t seem to have a fever??

 

Then what could it be?

 

Long Ling’s hand brushed Su Muluo’s face, feeling the slightly higher temperature than usual, frowning slightly.

 

If it’s not a fever, then could it be…

 

A guess crossed Long Ling’s mind, and he was stunned for a moment, and suddenly he didn’t dare to speak.

 

Su Muluo on the sofa was sobered up by him for a short time, and soon fell into the same confused state as before.

 

Just like the previous two times of insomnia, his whole body seemed to be burned by flames, tossing and turning, unable to rest.

 

But there was one difference, that is, this time it was not painful, but a strange, completely indescribable feeling.

 

He had never experienced this feeling before, but vaguely knew what it meant.

 

After a while, Su Muluo’s soft black hair was wet with sweat and stuck to his fair face. His breathing became increasingly rapid, and the hand holding the corner of Long Ling’s clothes almost couldn’t hold it.

 

Long Ling was still a little at a loss when holding his Phoenix. He thought Phoenix had a fever just now, but there was a reason, and it was a bit aggrieved to say it.

 

Last time he thought Phoenix was in estrus, but he was beaten several times by Phoenix. Seeing the phoenix in a similar situation as before, of course he would not think in an improper direction because he had been beaten before.

 

But who could have thought that this time it seemed to be… so improper.

 

But why?

 

Long Ling was confused, he wanted to find out why his phoenix was in such a state. But it was obvious that the first thing to solve now was not this problem.

 

Su Muluo had buried his face deeply in Long Ling’s shoulder. The feeling tortured him to sweat. His breathing was trembling and broken. He curled up, and his originally fair skin was steamed with an attractive blush.

 

He didn’t say a word to Long Ling, but his posture and attitude were silent demands. He subconsciously relied on Long Ling and trusted his dragon unconditionally.

 

He was willing to entrust everything he had to the person in front of him.

 

Long Ling gently stroked Su Muluo’s cold and soft face, feeling that his phoenix was like a nestling seeking to snuggle and nest. All of a sudden, his heart was full of softness and the joy of being loved by his phoenix.

 

“Phoenix.”

 

Long Ling called his Phoenix softly, as if calling his most precious treasure, lowered his head, and kissed Su Muluo’s lips carefully and cherishingly.

 

Phoenix’s lips were as soft as his own, and Long Ling had imagined the taste many times in his mind. Although they had had several short kisses before, they were just a touch of the water. Only this one could be considered the first kiss between them.

 

The lips and teeth were intertwined, and the breath depended on each other. This kiss was gentle and affectionate, full of sweetness.

 

After the kiss, Long Ling opened his eyes and saw that his Phoenix’s face was flushed, and the soft lips were also red and swollen from his kiss, and the corners of his mouth suddenly raised.

“Phoenix.”

 

He called his beloved’s name affectionately, and his slender fingers buried in Su Muluo’s hair and rubbed gently, and then gradually moved down…

 

Just then, Su Muluo grabbed his arm and said, “I’m fine.”

 

Long Ling: “?”

 

Su Muluo was still panting, and the blush on her face did not fade, but she still pretended to be calm and said, “I’m not uncomfortable, let me go, I want to sleep.”

 

Long Ling: “???”

 

Long Ling tried to struggle and said, “Phoenix, don’t force yourself, I can be gentler…”

 

“No, I’m telling the truth,” Su Muluo said, “I’m really fine, you see my forehead is not hot anymore.”

 

He said that and pressed Long Ling’s hand on his face. Long Ling touched it, and sure enough, the temperature of Phoenix’s body was not as hot as before.

“…”

 

Long Ling was silent for a while, still couldn’t accept the fact that the phoenix in his mouth flew away like this, so he immediately refused to do it, hugged Su Muluo tightly and said: “Phoenix bullies people!”

 

The atmosphere was heated!

 

They also kissed!

 

He thought he could do this and that with the phoenix!

 

He felt grievance.

 

Su Muluo felt a little guilty, touched his head, coughed lightly and said: “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I suddenly became so…”

 

But the fact is that when he kissed his dragon, those abnormalities were appeased and disappeared from his body.

 

Perhaps, as the spirit of the jade pendant said, he could only relieve those conditions by getting close to his dragon. And kissing is also a slight degree of closeness.

 

Long Ling hummed unhappily, and buried his face in Su Muluo’s shoulder and rubbed it.

 

However, he didn’t mean to force Su Muluo to do this and that with him now. In any case, he had a real kiss with his phoenix, and he was still very happy.

So when he had rubbed enough, he raised his head and said, “What happened to the phoenix just now?”

 

Su Muluo was silent for a while, and decided to tell him what the spirit of the jade pendant said.

 

“Didn’t I sleep after I got the phoenix relic that day?” Su Muluo said, “In my dream, I saw the spirit of the jade pendant…”

 

He told him that the jade pendant was left by himself a thousand years ago, and that he and Long Ling were connected in spirit. But there was only one thing hidden, that is, to repair his soul, he could only do this and that with his dragon.

 

After hearing those words, Long Ling frowned, and the first question he was concerned about was exactly what Su Muluo had hidden: “Then how can I repair the soul of the phoenix?”

 

Su Muluo slightly moved his eyes away and said, “I don’t know, it didn’t tell me.”

 

Long Ling didn’t say anything, but just put his forehead against Su Muluo and stared into his eyes without blinking.

 

“…”

 

After a while, Su Muluo couldn’t stand it anymore and said, “It really didn’t tell me, really, there are many things it doesn’t know.”

 

Long Ling ignored this sentence and said directly, “Do you have to do that with me to repair the soul of Phoenix? But Phoenix is ​​embarrassed to say it?”

 

Su Mulu: “…”

 

“Phoenix can’t lie to me.”

 

Long Ling’s dark golden eyes were deep, and he looked at Su Muluo with a focused and persistent look.

 

“But there is one thing I want to make clear to Phoenix.”

 

“I want to be close to Phoenix, not because I like to do this kind of thing… but because I like Phoenix.”

 

“I like Phoenix, I want Phoenix, and I want to hold Phoenix every day, so that Phoenix can only stay in my arms and can’t go anywhere.”

 

He said his possessiveness of Phoenix without reservation, his voice was slow and lingering, it was a whisper that only lovers can whisper.

 

“It is because I like Phoenix that I want to get more from Phoenix. I want Phoenix to give me all her eyes, leave all her joy and emotions on me, and Phoenix’s warmth and body… I want all of these.”

 

“But if Phoenix doesn’t want to, I can wait, and I am willing to wait. Because I know that Phoenix can’t escape.”

 

He approached Su Muluo, his breath pausing, His phoenix was completely trapped within his arms.

 

“Phoenix can only be mine, belonging to me alone.”

 

Su Muluo met Long Ling’s dark golden eyes. For a moment, he couldn’t find the words.

 

The gaze of his dragon was gentle but deep, like an abyss without bottom, almost pulling him in.

 

Yet, if he were truly engulfed by it… it wouldn’t be a bad thing.

 

Deep down, Su Muluo knew he liked it.

 

He enjoyed his dragon’s possessiveness, the intense love that could almost consume him. He liked his dragon asserting its sovereignty over him, even if it was a bit excessive.

 

He… liked only this one dragon.

 

Su Muluo remained silent for a long time. Just when Long Ling thought he might not respond at all, Su Muluo quietly leaned over, bowed his head, and buried his face in Long Ling’s shoulder.

 

The phoenix embraced him, completely relying on him.

 

Long Ling couldn’t help but smile uncontrollably when he saw this, gently returning the embrace of his soft phoenix, stroking the phoenix’s silky hair, and couldn’t resist kissing the top of his head.

 

“So, even if Phoenix is embarrassed, it can tell me,” Long Ling said. “I can wait, because Phoenix will surely be mine.”

 

His tone was filled with confident determination. Su Muluo listened silently, inhaling the mature and pleasant scent emanating from him.

 

He had hesitated for a long time whether to speak to Long Ling, fearing that Long Ling would be upset if he knew about his concealment. So even though he didn’t show it on the surface, he felt lost and worried deep down.

 

But now, everything was clear between them. Su Muluo felt all his previous confusion and uncertainty dissolve, now feeling incredibly reassured leaning against his dragon’s chest.

 

“Phoenix,” after holding his soft phoenix like this for a while, Long Ling remembered something and asked, “Did the jade pendant mention the reason for your serious injury?”

 

Su Muluo shook his head. “It said it didn’t know, including yours.”

 

Long Ling fell silent, then frowned. “I was too useless. If I could have protected Phoenix back then, Phoenix wouldn’t have suffered such serious injuries.”

 

“At that time, I was truly useless.”

 

Su Muluo fell silent, feeling like he had said these words to himself not long ago.

 

He lifted his head and comforted Long Ling by patting his head. “It’s okay. You were seriously injured at the time, and I couldn’t protect you either.”

 

Long Ling said coldly, “My injuries were because I was inferior, not Phoenix’s fault. But Phoenix’s serious injury must be because I’m too useless to protect him.”

 

Su Muluo slapped him lightly. “Don’t talk about yourself like that.”

 

Long Ling stared at him for a few seconds, then sighed, understanding that Su Muluo didn’t like those words. He changed the subject. “So when will Phoenix and I get to…?”

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

“You just said you could wait, right?”

 

“I can certainly wait,” Long Ling said confidently, “but Phoenix can’t wait. Didn’t the jade pendant say Phoenix’s condition will only get worse? And just now, Phoenix’s condition at home also shows it’s right. What if something happens suddenly when Phoenix is outside…”

 

“Shut up!”

 

Su Muluo imagined that scenario and felt extremely embarrassed. He immediately covered Long Ling’s mouth to stop him from speaking.

 

Long Ling blinked, then kissed his phoenix’s palm.

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

He quickly withdrew his hand, turned away, and pondered for a moment… finally whispered softly, “Wait a little longer… at least until Yang Yueyue’s matter is resolved.”

 

Upon hearing this, Long Ling clicked his tongue and said, “Phoenix mentioned another woman while we were being intimate.”

 

Su Muluo: “?” How did he even think of that?

 

Long Ling continued, “Phoenix must not like me anymore, only knows to mention other women!”

 

Su Muluo: “???”

 

Long Ling: “I don’t care! I’m not happy! I want Phoenix to kiss me a hundred times!!”

 

Su Muluo: “???”

  

He knew this dragon was always looking for trouble. He immediately tried to push him away and ignore him—but at that moment, his phone vibrated, indicating several messages had arrived.

 

Su Muluo had to temporarily stop and pick up his phone. He opened it and found that Liu He had replied to his messages.

 

[Sorry, Mr. Su, I was in a meeting just now and didn’t see your messages.]

  

[However, I understand the situation you mentioned. Such incidents are not limited to Lin City; many cities have recently reported incidents of monsters harming people.]

 

[We have brought Yang Yueyue back to the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings, and tomorrow we will perform a ritual to expel the monster attached to her… If you’re free, you can come to the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings tomorrow morning to see her.]

 

After reading Liu He’s messages, Su Muluo fell silent for a second.

 

Did he promise his dragon too early just now?

 

“Oh, you’ve already caught someone?” Long Ling grinned beside him. “Did Phoenix just say… after this matter is resolved, we can do this and that?”

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

Su Muluo met Long Ling’s smiling eyes and fell silent for a moment, burying his face in Long Ling’s chest.

 

Motionless, he began to play dead.

T/N: Hello hello! 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~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 58

October 16, 2024 / / 0 Comments

       Zhan Pengcheng took a leave to take Zhan Weiyang to the hospital for treatment. Pei Qing also went with them.

       Zhan Weiyang looked very nervous. He put on a loose coat over his hooded sweatshirt and pulled the collar high, covering half of his pale face.

       The parking spaces at the hospital were very crowded, so Zhan Pengcheng asked them to get off at the hospital gate first and wait in line for a parking space.

       After Pei Qing got out of the car, he stood at the door, held Zhan Weiyang’s hand, and helped him jump out.

       Zhan Pengcheng stuck his head out and said to them, “You go and wait for your number to be called first. I’ll come over after I park the car.”

       Pei Qing nodded, “Okay, Uncle.”

       Then Zhan Weiyang followed Pei Qing obediently into the hospital outpatient building, which was all white.

       There were more patients in the hospital than Pei Qing had imagined. The outpatient hall was crowded with people, and it seemed that there was no big difference from other general hospitals.

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t say anything all the time but just held Pei Qing’s hand tightly.

       Pei Qing turned to look at him and said, “It’s okay, don’t be afraid.”

       Zhan Weiyang nodded, still without saying a word.

       They took the elevator to the second floor of the outpatient building and sat down on the chair outside the doctor’s office.

       Pei Qing was looking at the number on the display screen in front of him, while Zhan Weiyang shrank his neck and looked around anxiously.

       After a while, Pei Qing raised his hand and hugged his shoulders.

       Zhan Weiyang quickly came over, first leaning his head on Pei Qing’s shoulder and then nervously burying his face in his arms.

       Pei Qing said, “Don’t worry, you’ll get better soon after taking the medicine.”

       Zhan Weiyang whispered, “Will I?”

       “Yes,” Pei Qing said, “You won’t hear strange noises in the future, and no one will force you to do things you don’t want to do.”

       Zhan Weiyang asked him, “Will I still turn into a tree?”

       Pei Qing said, “Of course not.”

       Zhan Weiyang thought about it and said, “Okay then.”

       Not long after, Zhan Pengcheng parked the car and got in. Before he got close, he saw Zhan Weiyang leaning on Pei Qing’s shoulder from a distance and couldn’t help but stop.

       Pei Qing noticed him and was not panicked. He just raised his hand and patted Zhan Weiyang’s head calmly, saying, “Yangyang, Dad is here.”

       Zhan Weiyang raised his head.

       Pei Qing then stood up and let Zhan Pengcheng sit in his seat.

       Zhan Pengcheng came over and said, “No, you sit.”

       The chairs around were all occupied, and the nearest empty seat was still some distance away from here.

       Pei Qing did not sit down. He said, “Uncle, please sit down. I’ll go get you some water.” Then he turned and left.

       Zhan Pengcheng sat down, put his hand on Zhan Weiyang’s head, and said, “Don’t be afraid.”

       Zhan Weiyang nodded.

       Zhan Pengcheng stared at him for a while and asked, “If you are afraid, do you want to lean on your Dad?”

       Zhan Weiyang looked up at him, seemed to hesitate for a moment, and leaned his head on Zhan Pengcheng’s shoulder.

       Zhan Pengcheng also changed his posture very considerately, wanting him to lean more comfortably, and said to him, “It’s okay, Dad is here, don’t be afraid.”

       Zhan Weiyang said, ‘hmm’.

       After waiting for half an hour, Zhan Weiyang’s number was finally called.

       Zhan Pengcheng accompanied Zhan Weiyang to get up and go into the clinic, but it was not convenient for too many people to go in, so Pei Qing stayed outside to wait for them.

       As Zhan Weiyang walked forward, he kept looking back at Pei Qing.

       Pei Qing nodded at him and smiled again.

       Zhan Weiyang reluctantly smiled, then turned around and grabbed Zhan Pengcheng’s sleeve. His steps were nervous and cautious until he and Zhan Pengcheng disappeared at the clinic’s door.

       Pei Qing still held two half-drunk mineral water bottles in his hands. His expression was calm, but his hands were shaking the bottles back and forth.

       People were coming and going around, and the empty seats were quickly occupied by others, but Pei Qing’s attention was always in front of him, facing the closed door of the clinic.

       Actually, at that moment, he wasn’t thinking about anything. All his thoughts were fragmented, and he couldn’t sustain continuous thinking. He saw people running ahead as if in a panic and heard a woman crying not far away, but these seemed like colourless background scenes, meaningless to him.

       He slightly tilted his head back, his jawline tightening into a beautiful curve. He quietly looked at the white ceiling light and suddenly thought that once Zhan Weiyang was cured this time, he would definitely take him back and ensure he never had to endure such suffering again.

       After waiting for almost half an hour, Pei Qing saw Zhan Pengcheng bringing Zhan Weiyang out. Zhan Weiyang looked very unhappy and was in a trance.

       Zhan Pengcheng grabbed one of his wrists and walked him to Pei Qing.

       Pei Qing stood up and asked, “How is it?”

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “The doctor recommended hospitalisation.”

       Pei Qing looked down at Zhan Weiyang, and couldn’t help but change his expression slightly, and asked, “Is it so serious?”

       Zhan Pengcheng nodded, “We still need to do an examination today, but the doctor has said that for his current condition, it is best to be hospitalised for a period of time.”

       Pei Qing asked, “What about tonight? Can family members stay with him?”

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “Yes.”

       Pei Qing felt a little relieved. He lowered his head and asked Zhan Weiyang, “Yangyang, is it okay to be hospitalised?”

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t say anything, and after a while, he suddenly reached out and hugged Pei Qing’s waist.

       Zhan Pengcheng stood by and stared at them for a while.

       Pei Qing reacted calmly. He raised his hand, patted Zhan Weiyang on the back, and asked him, “Are you scared?”

       Zhan Weiyang nodded and shook his head.

       Pei Qing patiently asked, “What’s wrong?”

       Zhan Weiyang raised his head and said to him, “I want to be hospitalised.”

       “Do you want to be hospitalised?” Pei Qing asked softly.

       Zhan Weiyang nodded again, “The doctor said I can be cured.”

       Pei Qing smiled, “If the doctor said you can be cured, you can definitely be cured.”

       They stayed in the hospital for a whole day to complete the admission procedures and do various examinations. When Zhan Weiyang was admitted to the inpatient ward, it was already afternoon.

       The boy in the same ward with him was also in his teens with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

       Zhan Weiyang was very scared. His bed was next to the window. After the examination, he had been sitting quietly on the bed with his legs hugged after entering the ward.

       Zhan Pengcheng and Pei Qing had been busy all day, and their minds were tense and their bodies tired. Zhan Pengcheng stood at the door of the ward, unscrewed the bottle of mineral water Pei Qing handed him, and drank it with his head tilted back.

       Pei Qing walked to Zhan Weiyang’s bed and asked him, “Are you okay?”

       Zhan Weiyang secretly glanced at the boy in the next bed and nodded without daring to do so.

       Zhan Pengcheng came over, put the remaining one-third of the mineral water bottle on the bedside table, and said to Pei Qing, “You go back first.”

       Pei Qing did not agree immediately but asked, “Uncle, are you okay to be here alone?”

       Zhan Pengcheng nodded, “I’m fine. I just went to the nurse’s station and asked; they said I could borrow a reclining chair to sleep by the bed at night. You should go back and rest early today. If it’s convenient after you finish work tomorrow afternoon, bring me some things.”

       Pei Qing said, “I’ll go back and get it for you first.”

       Zhan Pengcheng thought about it and said, “Why bother? There’s no need to go out of your way.”

       “No trouble,” Pei Qing said, “I can drive back.”

       Zhan Pengcheng nodded, handed Pei Qing the car keys, and told him to go home and get some clothes and daily necessities.

       When Pei Qing left, Zhan Weiyang kept looking up and staring at his back eagerly. Zhan Pengcheng sat down beside the bed. He noticed Zhan Weiyang’s eyes and said, “Isn’t it good for Dad to stay here with you?”

       Zhan Weiyang turned back reluctantly and said, “Good.”

       Zhan Pengcheng thought of the way he hugged Pei Qing today and felt a little uncomfortable. He asked him, “In your heart, is Dad not as good as Qing ge?”

       Zhan Weiyang whispered, “No.”

       Zhan Pengcheng was still not satisfied and asked, “Do you like Dad or Qing ge more?”

       Zhan Weiyang lowered his head, pouted, and said, “I like Dad.”

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Chapter 29 – I am a straight man at the most cosmic level, understand? (Part 1)

October 15, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 29 – I am a straight man at the most cosmic level, understand? (Part 1)

 

“Zhong Kui?” Zhao Qiao’s mind was racing quickly. “The Emperor is right. Li Chisu is indeed Zhong Kui. He’s determined to take my body and soul, which both belong to the Emperor…”

 

“Stop your damn nonsense,” Zhao Qi couldn’t help but curse. “Wasn’t your life miserable at home? Always complaining about being ‘lonely and destitute, weeping constantly, and surviving on nothing but the bare essentials’? So this is what you call ‘lonely and destitute’? In that case, I’d like to experience ‘lonely and destitute’ myself.”

 

“Your Majesty is wrong. Today, it was Li Chisu who came to me. I was only putting on an act for your grand plan, pretending and feigning,” Zhao Qiao said in distress. “You don’t know how tortured I am inside.”

 

“Tortured?” Zhao Qi recalled Zhao Qiao’s recent gaze at the young female musician and grimaced. “I suspect you’re fabricating things out of thin air, sneaking around, and making things up with no basis. Absolutely speechless and beyond help!”

 

Zhao Qiao started wailing again. “Your Majesty is truly wronging me—”

 

Zhao Qi waved his hand dismissively. “Forget it. I can’t be bothered with your nonsense. What did Li Chisu say to you?”

 

Zhao Qiao took a moment to catch his breath and burped before answering, “He said he wanted to see the little mute girl.”

 

“Little mute girl?” Zhao Qi frowned. “Who is that?”

 

Zhao Qiao: “……”

 

Zhao Qi pointed at himself. “Could it be me?”

 

“Your Majesty is brilliant! Your Majesty, I’ve already tested it, and Li Chisu seems to genuinely like you. It feels like he won’t marry anyone else but you. He even said that during the Wan Shou Festival banquet, he definitely wants you to designate the little mute girl as his queen.”

 

Zhao Qi got goosebumps. “Is this person sick?”

 

“I said the same thing. He replied,” Zhao Qiao imitated Li Chisu, trying to look like a dashing rogue, “‘Since I first saw her, I can no longer tolerate anyone else in my eyes. Perhaps this is a kind of illness’?”

 

Zhao Qi covered his chest. “Stop, stop… I’ve never been confessed to so directly by someone of the same sex before. Even though I know Li Chisu sees me as a girl, this feeling is still quite complex, uncomfortable, and awkward.”

 

Zhao Qiao cautiously asked, “Your Majesty, what do you think?”

 

“What do I think? I…” Zhao Qi mumbled, “Even if I were dead and nailed in my coffin, I would still shout from my grave with these decayed vocal cords: ‘I refuse!’”

 

“Huh?” Zhao Qiao looked shocked. “If you refuse, what about the beautiful men in the harem…”

 

Zhao Qi looked pained. “Who hasn’t been naive in their youth?”

 

“Indeed.”

 

The two brothers fell silent for a moment. Zhao Qi then asked, “You mentioned in your letter that you have a solution to the problem. Are you now suggesting that you want to stay in my belly to have babies?”

 

Zhao Qiao came to his senses and said, “Your Majesty, I’ve inquired about Li Chisu. Although he is charming and has many beautiful concubines, he has his principles.”

 

“What principles?”

 

“He never forces himself on beautiful women,” Zhao Qiao explained. “All the beauties in his residence are willing to follow him, devoted to him, and won’t leave even if chased away. But if they say a single ‘no,’ no matter how much he has doted on them, he will let them go without a word.”

 

Zhao Qi pondered, “So you mean, as long as I say no, he won’t insist?”

 

Zhao Qiao nodded. “I’ve already told him that Your Majesty has no interest in him and doesn’t want to marry him, but he said he wants to hear Your Majesty refuse him in person.”

 

“But I’m a mute girl. How can I refuse in person?!”

 

“Then write the refusal yourself. Anyway, only you can do it.”

 

Zhao Qi said slowly, “So your plan is for me to dress up as the little mute girl again and meet Li Chisu?”

 

“Heavens, Your Majesty, your wisdom is unparalleled! I’m in awe!”

 

Zhao Qi struggled but couldn’t hold back. “Idiot, stay away from me!”

 

Though he scolded, the problem still needed to be solved. If personally refusing Li Chisu could resolve the issue, it was worth a try.

 

As for cross-dressing, it’s either zero times or countless times. He had long come to terms with it… or so he thought.

 

After Zhao Qi agreed, Zhao Qiao quickly arranged for the two to meet. Zhao Qiao’s concubine, who was highly skilled in makeup, was tasked with transforming Zhao Qi, reportedly capable of turning him into a beauty unrecognizable even to Zhao Qiao’s own mother.

 

Zhao Qi asked, “Can you make me look a bit uglier?”

 

The maid was surprised. “Why?”

 

“To avoid Li Chisu being infatuated with me again.”

 

The maid giggled. “Young master, you’re naturally beautiful. How ugly can you get? How about I give you a light makeup?”

 

Zhao Qi thought for a moment and said, “Let’s go with heavy makeup. I’m afraid it might be too light and Li Chisu might recognize me.”

 

Zhao Qiao enjoyed elegance and had planted many apricot trees in the courtyard. It was now the season when the apricot blossoms were in full bloom, and the petals fell like rain in the breeze.

 

Zhao Qi was dressed in a bright red Confucian robe, heavily made up, walking through the apricot flower rain like a blooming peony.

 

He entered the pavilion and didn’t see Li Chisu. Just as he was feeling puzzled, his head was suddenly tapped with a folding fan. He instinctively turned around but found no one behind him. Turning back, he bumped into a chest with a faint scent of alcohol. His chin was then lifted by the fan handle, meeting a pair of peach blossom eyes.

 

“Miss Zhao, long time no see. I hope you’ve been well.”

 

As expected, a frivolous playboy with unguarded flirtation. Zhao Qi turned his face away and stepped back, maintaining a safe distance from Li Chisu.

 

Li Chisu looked at him with a gaze full of admiration. “Seeing Miss Zhao is harder than seeing the emperor. You seem to have lost some weight. How have you been recently?”

 

Zhao Qi had indeed lost some weight recently, mainly due to staying up late and worrying about state affairs and Rong Tang during the day. But he decided to shift the blame to Li Chisu.

 

Zhao Qiao had already prepared paper and ink. Zhao Qi took the pen, dipped it in ink, and wrote:

 

【Not good, you’re driving me crazy.】

 

Li Chisu studied Zhao Qi’s handwriting for a while before politely saying, “Miss Zhao’s handwriting is as interesting as she is. But how have I upset you?”

 

Zhao Qi continued writing: 【I heard you want me?】

 

Li Chisu tapped the character “want” with his fan. “Miss wrote it wrong.”

 

Zhao Qi looked at him with confusion. Li Chisu smiled. “I don’t just ‘want’ you, I ‘want to marry’ you.”

 

Zhao Qi snorted, as if to say, what’s the difference?

 

“There is a difference,” Li Chisu said. “I desire many people, but for marrying in a proper manner, there is only you.”

 

The way he spoke sounded like classic lines from a playboy. “I was just playing with them, but I’ve fallen for you”; “Meeting you made me realize what true love is”; “I’m ready to step into the marriage grave for you”… Perhaps such lines might work on a young girl, but to deceive him, a straightforward man, was futile.

 

Li Chisu seemed to sense Zhao Qi’s disdain and said, “The reason I want to marry you as my queen, besides genuinely liking you, is that I made a mistake.”

 

Zhao Qi looked at him.

 

Li Chisu leaned in, filled a cup with wine, and pushed it to Zhao Qi. Zhao Qi shook his head, indicating he didn’t need it. Li Chisu didn’t insist and drank it himself. Then he said, “I mistakenly took you for a courtesan. I’ve taken considerable advantage of you, so it’s only right and proper that I give you a legitimate status. Otherwise, if this matter gets out, you might not only face criticism but also have trouble with future marriage prospects.”

 

On that day, Zhao Qi didn’t think much of being held by Li Chisu, having his skirt tugged, or resting on his thigh. To Zhao Qi, these were insignificant matters. However, in the Dajing Dynasty, while the restrictions on women weren’t overly harsh, and it was not uncommon to see young ladies out and about, it was still a feudal society. A lady’s reputation would suffer if she was touched or embraced by a man.

 

Zhao Qi wrote: [I don’t need you to take responsibility.]

 

Li Chisu responded, “Oh?”

 

[You didn’t do anything too outrageous that day. Ignorance is no crime. I choose to forgive you.]

 

Li Chisu snorted with a hint of amusement and said, “That wasn’t even considered outrageous.” He advanced step by step towards Zhao Qi. “What would be considered outrageous then?”

 

Zhao Qi retreated until his back hit the pillar of a pavilion; he had nowhere else to go.

 

Holding a pen in his hand, Zhao Qi gave a warning glance to the approaching Li Chisu: Don’t come any closer. If you do, I’ll scream my throat out. Don’t blame me if you get scared.

 

Li Chisu leaned in, and Zhao Qi quickly covered his mouth with his free hand. Unexpectedly, that rogue grabbed his wrist. Zhao Qi’s palm brushed against the rouge on his lips, looking like a fiery red sunset. Li Chisu’s fingertips lightly traced that “sunset” and chuckled, “Why are you covering your lips, my lady?”

 

Zhao Qi glared at him.

 

“Is this considered outrageous?” Li Chisu moved closer, picking up an apricot blossom that had fallen on Zhao Qi’s shoulder and tucking it behind his ear. “You really smell wonderful.”

 

Zhao Qi’s expression was now one of gritted teeth.

 

Teasing a beauty can be fun, but if it really makes her angry, it’s not worth the trouble. Li Chisu, understanding this well, released his hold and said, “Don’t be angry, my lady. When I first smelled your scent at Chunfeng Pavilion, I couldn’t forget it. I even specifically sought out a renowned perfumer in the capital, but no matter what, I couldn’t replicate your scent. If you could share the formula with me, I’d make a sachet and wear it every day.”

 

Zhao Qi moved past Li Chisu, returning to the stone table, and wrote: [I can tell you, but you must agree to one condition.]

 

“Feel free to say it,” Li Chisu replied.

 

[Don’t look for me again. I will not marry you. Give up on this idea.]

 

Li Chisu’s fan snapped shut, and the smile in his peach blossom eyes dimmed slightly. “Then, my lady, perhaps you should not tell me.”

 

Zhao Qi: ???

 

Li Chisu’s expression turned serious. “Miss Zhao, there are indeed many reasons I want to marry you, but I genuinely have feelings for you.”

 

Zhao Qi: …I don’t want your affection. Your affection, which is scattered everywhere, isn’t worth much.

 

“I’ve looked into your situation at the Ninth Prince’s residence,” Li Chisu gazed at him with soft eyes. “You suffer from a speech impediment, and your birth mother is an insignificant concubine. Life for you and your mother in the residence is quite difficult. Rest assured, if you marry me, you will not be a concubine or a side consort. You will be my only queen. I will ensure that you and your mother live in wealth and honor, with unbounded respect.”

 

How can that compare to being the ruler of a country?! To be honest, even straight men would be swayed by such affectionate gazes from Li Chisu. But Zhao Qi prided himself on being a cosmic-level straight man; he wouldn’t be easily enchanted.

 

[But I don’t like you!]

 

Zhao Qi wrote urgently, his characters flowing wildly. Li Chisu saw that his hand was stained with ink and said, “It’s fine. I will make you like me.”

 

Zhao Qi pinched his philtrum, producing a bit of powder.

 

“If you truly don’t want to, I won’t force you.”

 

Zhao Qi’s eyes lit up: Hmm, there’s hope!

 

“After the wedding, I won’t touch you,” Li Chisu said. “We’ll respect each other like guests, and being a couple in name only is acceptable.”

 

…So after all this time, Li Chisu still wants to marry him?

 

Zhao Qi wrote frenetically: [I heard from my brother that you never force anyone. Why are you forcing me?]

 

Li Chisu raised an eyebrow slightly, half-serious and half-joking, “Yes, I only force you. Even if it’s force, I will have you.”

 

Zhao Qi’s breath caught, and he gave up on communicating with Li Chisu. He drew a turtle on the paper, wrote “Li Chisu” beside it, tossed the pen aside, and walked away.

 

Li Chisu admired Zhao Qi’s masterpiece and looked at the beauty’s unpretentious back, smiling to himself.

 

Xiao Yu came over from the side, gleefully saying, “Oh, finally, a girl who doesn’t fall for the master’s charms. How does it feel, master?”

 

Li Chisu tapped Xiao Yu’s head with his fan. “After all this time with me, have you ever seen me fail?”

 

Xiao Yu pouted and quietly said, “Tch.”

 

Li Chisu said, “You’re so unruly. It seems I’ve spoiled you too much.”

 

“Xiao Yu just can’t stand it,” Xiao Yu replied.

 

“What’s wrong with me?”

 

“You treat pursuing a girl like a game. You’re enthusiastic during the chase, but once you get her, you quickly lose interest. No wonder you end up with so many romantic troubles.”

 

“I part ways amicably with those I pursue, not like what you describe.”

 

Xiao Yu shook her head. “As they say, ‘If you walk by the river often, how can you not get your shoes wet?’ Master, aren’t you afraid that one day a pregnant girl will come knocking and demand to be your concubine?”

 

Li Chisu, unfazed, replied, “I’m charming. What you’re describing is vulgar.”

 

Xiao Yu grumbled, “What’s the difference? They’re all just heartless, promiscuous men. Xiao Yu really hopes someone will come and properly deal with the master, so he can experience the taste of being desired but unattainable, and see if he can still handle things as effortlessly as he does now.”

 

Li Chisu rolled up the paper with the turtle drawing and placed it in his sleeve, smiling, “To be honest, I hope for someone like that too.”

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~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

 

Chapter 41 – Longing...

October 14, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 41: Longing…

 

During Su Muluo’s absence these days, although Qiansui kept the coffee shop open, business wasn’t as good as before. Calculating the earnings from this period, he found it wasn’t enough to buy more than a few cans of cat food. So, he added some money himself and sent Qiansui a WeChat red envelope.

 

Qiansui must have registered with the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings to live in Lin City, and he had an ID card. Since Huang Gaigai left, he had even bought himself a mobile phone, though he rarely used it.

 

Compared to living as a human, he still preferred being with the cats on the street. However, having a phone was necessary. This way, when Su Muluo sent him a red envelope, he could also buy his favorite cat food.

 

It was afternoon now, and there were few customers in the shop. Su Muluo calmly wiped the coffee cups, while Long Ling stood beside him, wearing a look of deep resentment.

 

Just moments ago, he had been tied up and hung outside the door, enduring half a minute of cold wind. Now, he was very unhappy and deeply yearned for Phoenix’s comforting kiss.

 

However, his Phoenix paid him no attention, continuing to wipe the coffee cups.

 

After a while, two familiar figures entered the shop. Su Muluo smiled slightly upon seeing their faces and said, “Welcome.”

 

The two girls were Song Nan and Yang Yueyue, the first customers at his coffee shop and the first to order his special coffee. Song Nan especially became a regular customer afterward, bringing Su Muluo quite a few clients with issues like baldness, insomnia, and cervical spondylosis.

 

Although Song Nan hadn’t been coming as often recently, Su Muluo still remembered them.

 

However, today Song Nan seemed off, and so did Yang Yueyue beside her. Once close friends who used to walk hand in hand and show affection, they now seemed distant, and even outsiders could sense the tension between them.

 

“Boss, long time no see.” Song Nan greeted Su Muluo wearily and ordered, “Two cups of special coffee, no sugar.”

 

Only after speaking did she notice the black-clad man standing next to Su Muluo. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the man exuded a cold aura that was intimidating upon first glance, yet his gaze towards the boss was surprisingly gentle, almost… like that towards a lover.

 

Song Nan wondered briefly but had no energy to delve deeper into it now. After hastily paying, she headed straight for a window seat without acknowledging Yang Yueyue beside her.

 

Yang Yueyue followed with a cold expression. They didn’t seem like they were here for coffee; it was more like a negotiation.

 

Su Muluo sensed something had happened between these two girls, possibly involving privacy. So after preparing the two cups of special coffee, he avoided eavesdropping on their conversation intentionally.

 

Song Nan chose a seat at a distance from the bar counter. Initially, neither of them spoke, but eventually, it was Song Nan who broke the silence… As their conversation progressed, their voices gradually grew louder, escalating into a heated argument.

 

“We’ve been friends for thirteen years! What have I done to deserve this from you?!”

 

“Ridiculous! Look at yourself in the mirror before saying that. Do you even deserve it?”

 

“Aren’t you afraid this will get out and everyone will know what kind of person you are?”

 

“Stop it. They’ll only laugh at you for being incapable of keeping a man!”

 

…

 

After a fierce argument, Yang Yueyue sneered and turned to leave. Song Nan immediately grabbed her arm, saying, “Don’t go! We’re not finished!”

 

Yang Yueyue sneered disdainfully, “I have nothing more to say to you!”

 

Song Nan took out her phone, saying, “I recorded it! If you dare to leave, I’ll send this recording to him right now!”

 

Yang Yueyue paused in her steps, turned around, and faced Song Nan.

 

In that moment, her expression was almost inhuman, her pupils dilated, her gaze cold and even eerie.

 

moment, then calmly wiped the coffee cups, while Long Ling stood beside him with a face full of lingering resentment.

 

He had just been tied up and left hanging outside, enduring a chilly wind for a good half-minute. Now, he was in a foul mood and deeply desired the comfort of Phoenix’s affectionate kiss.

 

But his Phoenix ignored him completely, continuing to wipe the coffee cups.

 

After a while, a few customers entered the shop. They were two familiar figures.

 

Upon seeing their faces, Su Muluo smiled faintly and greeted, “Welcome.”

 

The two girls were Song Nan and Yang Yueyue. They were the first to visit his coffee shop and the first to order his special coffee. Song Nan had become a regular customer, even bringing Su Muluo many clients suffering from issues like baldness, insomnia, and cervical spondylosis.

 

Although Song Nan hadn’t been coming as often recently, Su Muluo still remembered them.

 

However, today, Song Nan seemed off, and so did Yang Yueyue beside her. Formerly close friends who used to walk hand in hand and show affection, they now exuded a palpable tension that even strangers could perceive.

 

“Boss, long time no see,” Song Nan greeted with a weary expression. She ordered, “Two cups of special coffee, no sugar.”

 

Only after speaking did she notice the black-clad man standing next to Su Muluo. She hesitated for a moment, feeling the man emitted a cold aura that was intimidating at first sight. Yet his gaze towards the boss was surprisingly gentle, almost… like that towards a lover.

 

Song Nan briefly wondered, but she had no energy to delve deeper into it now. After hastily paying, she headed straight for a window seat without acknowledging Yang Yueyue beside her.

 

Yang Yueyue followed with a cold expression. They didn’t seem like they were here for coffee; it was more like a negotiation.

 

Su Muluo sensed something had happened between these two girls, possibly involving privacy. So after preparing the two cups of special coffee, he intentionally avoided eavesdropping on their conversation.

 

Song Nan chose a seat at a distance from the bar counter. Initially, neither of them spoke, but eventually, it was Song Nan who broke the silence… As their conversation progressed, their voices gradually grew louder, escalating into a heated argument.

 

“We’ve been friends for thirteen years! What have I done to deserve this from you?!”

 

“Ridiculous! Look at yourself in the mirror before saying that. Do you even deserve it?”

 

“Aren’t you afraid this will get out and everyone will know what kind of person you are?”

 

“Stop it. They’ll only laugh at you for being incapable of keeping a man!”

 

…

 

After a fierce argument, Yang Yueyue sneered and turned to leave. Song Nan immediately grabbed her arm, saying, “Don’t go! We’re not finished!”

 

Yang Yueyue sneered disdainfully, “I have nothing more to say to you!”

 

Song Nan took out her phone, saying, “I recorded it! If you dare to leave, I’ll send this recording to him right now!”

 

Yang Yueyue paused in her steps, turned around, and faced Song Nan.

 

In that moment, her expression was almost inhuman, her pupils dilated, her gaze cold and even eerie.

 

Song Nan was startled and took a step back. At that moment, Yang Yueyue seized the untouched cup of coffee and splashed it towards her.

 

The coffee was scalding hot. If it had splashed on her face, it would have been very embarrassing, if not disfiguring. Song Nan screamed and instinctively closed her eyes.

 

In that moment, she even thought she was in great danger. However, after a few seconds, the imagined burns did not appear.

 

“…”

 

Song Nan cautiously opened her eyes and realized that the coffee shop owner had somehow appeared beside her. The cup of coffee hadn’t splashed on her head but had spilled all over the floor, splattering Yang Yueyue’s red skirt.

 

“Sorry, this is just a coffee shop,” Su Muluo said coldly. “We don’t welcome troublemaking customers.”

 

He directed these words at Yang Yueyue. After listening, she glared coldly at Song Nan, neither apologizing nor saying anything further, then turned and left without looking back.

 

Song Nan watched her leave, then looked down at the steaming coffee on the ground and the shattered remnants of the coffee cup. Suddenly, she realized what her former close friend had done to her… Her legs weakened, and she slumped into a chair.

 

Su Muluo asked, “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine…” Song Nan replied weakly, “Sorry, boss, for causing you trouble… I’ll compensate you for this cup.”

 

“No need, it’s not much money,” Su Muluo said. “But what happened between you and your friend? Why the conflict?”

 

Song Nan shook her head, obviously reluctant to say more. As she tried to get up to leave, Su Muluo stopped her.

 

“Your friend is acting strange,” Su Muluo said bluntly. “If you just leave like this, I can’t guarantee what might happen later.”

 

Song Nan was startled and immediately looked at Su Muluo, hesitating. “Boss, when you say ‘acting strange,’ do you mean—”

 

Su Muluo interrupted, “You should know well. Has she changed her behavior drastically recently?”

 

In fact, when Yang Yueyue splashed the coffee earlier, he felt something was very wrong—because he sensed a demonic aura from Yang Yueyue.

 

Although the aura only appeared for a moment, Su Muluo was sure it emanated from Yang Yueyue. However, the aura disappeared quickly, and he couldn’t detect it anymore.

 

This situation was quite strange because when Su Muluo first met Yang Yueyue, she was just a normal person without any demonic aura.

 

If Yang Yueyue was like Lin Chengcheng, a half-demon who had not awakened her demonic powers before, it would be even less likely—because once the demonic power of a half-demon awakened, demonic aura naturally emanated from their bodies, an irreversible change.

 

Just like when Su Muluo met Lin Chengcheng before awakening, he didn’t realize he was a demon. After awakening, the demonic aura appeared on his body, which made Su Muluo see that he was a bird demon… But Yang Yueyue is different, Su Muluo can’t see her prototype at all.

 

Of course, powerful demons can hide their demonic aura, not noticed by others. Obviously, Yang Yueyue did not have this strength because there was no strong demon aura on her.

 

In other words, Yang Yueyue is still an ordinary person, but may be related to demons… Or, possessed by demons.

 

This is Su Muluo’s preliminary guess, but he did not tell Song Nan these guesses, after all, the existence of demons can not be leaked.

 

Song Nan listened to Su Muluo’s words was surprised, said: “Really so! Yue Yue, she recently changed her temper, I almost do not know her!”

 

Eyes widening, he realized this situation was not simple.

 

Yang Yueyue must have indeed been possessed by a demon, but how could such trouble-causing creatures reappear within the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings?

 

Regardless, this matter should be handed over to the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings for handling.

 

“So, give me her address and contact number,” Su Muluo said, “Don’t meet her in these few days. If there’s any situation, come find me.”

 

Song Nan exchanged contact information with him, still concerned, “Boss, are you going to help Yueyue get rid of the demon? What if something happens to her?”

 

Though she had just been splashed with coffee by Yang Yueyue, she knew her friend didn’t really mean harm, likely worrying about her friend’s situation after being possessed by a demon.

 

Su Muluo reassured, “Don’t worry, I will report to the appropriate organization to ensure her safety.”

 

Song Nan: “There’s an organization too!”

 

It must be some powerful ghost-catching organization!

 

Gratefully, she said, “Thank you, Boss. Please let me know if there’s any progress!”

 

Su Muluo nodded, watching her leave, then sent a message to Liu He.

 

In reality, being possessed by a demon was a very troublesome situation. If the demon fully occupied a human body, it could easily kill its host. Su Muluo didn’t yet know the extent of Yang Yueyue’s possession, so for her safety, he couldn’t intervene casually.

 

Therefore, he chose to contact the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings immediately. Besides, they should have more experience in dealing with such matters than he did.

 

After sending the message, Liu He, who usually responded instantly, didn’t reply promptly. Su Muluo guessed she must be occupied, then glanced at Long Ling, saying, “Mop the floor.”

 

The spilled coffee hadn’t been cleaned up yet.

 

Long Ling: “I won’t.”

 

He had just been left hanging by Phoenix on the door handle!

 

Outrageous!

 

Su Muluo met his gaze, saying nothing.

 

“…”

 

Moments later, Long Ling reluctantly took the mop and cleaned the floor.

 

But it wouldn’t be in vain. At 7 PM, Su Muluo returned to his long-unseen rental house… only to be pounced on the couch by his dragon.

 

Su Muluo: “?”

 

Long Ling pinned him down, tightly embracing him. With their noticeable size difference, he couldn’t break free.

 

So he futilely pushed Long Ling away, saying, “Let go.”

 

“I won’t,” Long Ling said, “Phoenix tied me up, made me hang on the door handle, and even made me mop the floor! I’m not happy!”

 

Su Muluo said, “That’s because you took advantage of me first!”

 

Long Ling retorted, “I didn’t! It’s because I like Phoenix. It’s all Phoenix’s fault for being so good-looking that I can’t control myself.” Then confidently added, “Besides, Phoenix has kissed me and even stole a kiss while I was asleep. Phoenix is the one taking advantage of me!”

 

Su Muluo wanted to hit him upon hearing this but couldn’t do anything while trapped in his arms… so he angrily bit Long Ling’s shoulder.

 

Long Ling fell silent. Phoenix’s bite was gentle, feeling like he was scratched by a soft little kitten, even causing him to lose control and lightly bite Su Muluo’s lips in return.

 

Su Muluo: “…”

 

Taking advantage again!

 

For the fourth time!!!

 

He immediately wanted to transform back and fly away. However, at that moment, a strange sensation surged from within him… Suddenly, his expression changed.

 

Long Ling only heard a light hum from Phoenix, seemingly in pain, curling up immediately and letting go, asking worriedly, “Phoenix, did I hurt you?”

 

He was somewhat flustered, concerned about what might have happened to his Phoenix… However, upon seeing Su Muluo’s current state, he froze.

 

A flush of crimson spread across Su Muluo’s fair face, his usually beautiful and cool ink-black eyes now shimmering with a hint of watery ripple.

 

His Phoenix curled up on the couch, trembling all over, eyes tinged with red, like a ripe, intoxicating fruit emitting a tantalizing allure.

 

Long Ling: “…Phoenix?”

 

“…”

 

Su Muluo didn’t reply.

 

His mind felt heavy and hazy, recalling the words spoken by the spirit of the jade pendant.

 

An unstable soul would bring many complications. Having Long Ling by his side could only temporarily alleviate those issues, but it wouldn’t solve them fundamentally… Someday, his condition would worsen.

 

Could it be… now?

 

Su Muluo’s eyelashes trembled slightly, his fragmented breathing becoming slightly urgent as he turned his scattered gaze towards Long Ling, soon tightly embraced by his dragon.

 

The mature and reassuring aura of the man enveloped him, long fingers gently rubbing against his hair. Su Muluo trembled, gripping Long Ling’s clothes tightly, whimpering.

 

At the same time, he heard Long Ling’s deep and concerned voice by his ear:

 

“Phoenix… Are you running a fever?”

 

Su Muluo: “…”

T/N: Hello hello! 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~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

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Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

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Chapter 57

October 13, 2024 / / 0 Comments

       Pei Qing called Zhan Pengcheng the next day, and during the lunch break, he came out of the company. He took a taxi home and met Zhan Pengcheng. He told Zhan Pengcheng in detail about Zhan Weiyang’s current condition.

       “Auditory hallucination?” Zhan Pengcheng was obviously stunned. “What hallucination?” He asked anxiously.

       Pei Qing said, “It’s complicated. He said there was a System that gave him tasks to complete. If he couldn’t complete them, he would be turned into a tree.”

       “A tree?”

       Pei Qing nodded, “Uncle, do you remember Yangyang’s big flower pot? He prepared it for himself. He thought that one day he would become a tree, and then he would have to plant himself in it.”

       Zhan Pengcheng thought of Zhan Weiyang’s flower pot. He knew that Zhan Weiyang liked that flower pot very much, but he never knew why. Today, when he knew the answer, he felt a kind of fear. His face turned pale, and he said, “He never told me.”

       Pei Qing wanted to comfort him and said, “He didn’t tell me either. I asked his good friend Chen Youyou.”

       “How could this be?” Zhan Pengcheng was still reluctant to believe it, “Are you sure it’s like this? Yangyang has been fine for so many years.”

       Pei Qing said, “I hope it’s not like this.”

       Zhan Pengcheng stood up, pacing back and forth restlessly, “How can there be hallucinations? Is there anything else besides the System task you mentioned?”

       Pei Qing replied, “I don’t know, he didn’t tell me. But I think the most serious thing is that he thinks he will become a tree.”

       “How could he turn into a tree?” Zhan Pengcheng thought it was ridiculous.

       “Yes,” Pei Qing said, “none of us think he could possibly turn into a tree, but he thinks so himself. If one day he wakes up and really thinks he’s turned into a tree… Uncle, how do you think he’ll face us as a tree then?”

       Zhan Pengcheng’s entire body looked tense as he looked towards Pei Qing, not being able to utter a single word for a long time.

       Pei Qing could guess what he was thinking. Like himself, he was also afraid, afraid that Zhan Weiyang would really turn into a tree. It wasn’t that his body could become a tree, but rather that his mind had become a tree—alive yet without consciousness.

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “I’ll take him to see a doctor.”

       Pei Qing nodded, “Okay.”

       Zhan Pengcheng reached out to touch his cell phone but couldn’t find it after a long time. Later, he realised that the phone had been on the coffee table in front of him. He bent down to pick up the phone, and before dialling, he said to Pei Qing, “He is very reluctant to go to the hospital.”

       Pei Qing also stood up, gently pulled up his clothes, and said, “He promised me.”

       “He promised you?” Zhan Pengcheng was very surprised.

       Pei Qing replied, “Yes, he promised me that he would listen to the doctor and let the doctor cure him so that he would no longer hear those voices that kept pestering him.”

       Zhan Pengcheng looked at Pei Qing for a while, reached out and patted his shoulder, and said, “Thank you.”

       That day, Zhan Pengcheng called someone to help find an expert and added an appointment for the next morning, then turned down all social events and stayed at home waiting for Zhan Weiyang to finish school in the afternoon.

       Late last night, Zhan Weiyang pushed open the door of Pei Qing’s room, walked to Pei Qing’s bed in the dark, squatted down, hesitantly approached and whispered, “Qing ge.”

       He wanted to say something to Pei Qing, but he didn’t have the heart to wake him up.

       Actually, Pei Qing was not asleep at that time. He heard Zhan Weiyang coming in, but he didn’t make a sound until Zhan Weiyang squatted beside the bed and called him. Then he turned over and opened his eyes to face Zhan Weiyang and said, “Yangyang, what’s wrong?”

       Zhan Weiyang folded his arms on the bedside, resting his head on them. Looking at Pei Qing’s hazy outline, he said, “Can I go to the doctor?”

       Pei Qing half sat up and stretched out a hand to him, “Come up first.”

       Zhan Weiyang got on the bed, and got into Pei Qing’s arms. He hugged his waist and said again, “Can I go to the doctor?”

       Pei Qing touched his hair, “Are you not scared anymore?”

       “Scared,” Zhan Weiyang said softly, “but I want to be with you.”

       Pei Qing was a little emotional, “Because you want to be with me, are you willing to go to the doctor even if you are scared?”

       Zhan Weiyang said, “Ah. I think it might be too heavy if you move me along with the flower pot.”

       Hearing Zhan Weiyang’s words, Pei Qing felt a mix of amusement and discomfort. “Well, if you go see a doctor and get treated, I won’t have to move the flower pot anymore. In the future, I can hold your hand and take you with me. How does that sound?”

       Zhan Weiyang raised his head and asked him, “Can the doctor really cure me?”

       “Of course,” Pei Qing said, “If the doctor takes the System out of your head, it won’t deduct your points, and it won’t turn you into a tree.”

       Even though Zhan Weiyang couldn’t see clearly, he still tried to stare at Pei Qing’s face in the dark.

       Pei Qing said, “So I’ll tell your Dad tomorrow to take you to the doctor, okay?”

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t answer. He just hugged Pei Qing tightly, trembling slightly as if he was afraid.

       Pei Qing stroked his back to calm him down, “Why are you so scared?”

       Zhan Weiyang’s voice began to tremble, “Because it can’t be cured.”

       Pei Qing asked him, “What can’t be cured?”

       Zhan Weiyang was very scared, “It can’t be cured. They said it couldn’t be cured, and then they are going to quarrel about it.” He had some vague memories in his head about his mother and father, who had brought him back from the hospital and started to quarrel fiercely.

       Once, his mother broke a vase at home and shouted at the top of her lungs, “It can’t be cured again! Why see a doctor? What a waste of time?”

       The vase fell in front of Zhan Weiyang at that time.

       Zhan Weiyang was so scared that he dared not move. It was his grandmother who came over and picked him up to keep him away from the battlefield where his parents quarrelled.

       In fact, Zhan Weiyang could not recall these things clearly. It was probably something left in his subconscious that made him have a deep fear of hospitals and doctors.

       Pei Qing didn’t know what Zhan Weiyang remembered, but he could sense Zhan Weiyang’s emotions. He said to him, “It will be cured. Don’t you believe me?”

       Zhan Weiyang whispered, “Really?”

       Pei Qing nodded, her voice low and steady, “Really, when has gege ever lied to you?”

       Zhan Weiyang nodded and said, “Then you go with me.”

       “Okay,” Pei Qing replied, “I’ll go with you.”

       Last night, Zhan Weiyang stayed in Pei Qing’s room to sleep. Since it was very late, he was extremely tense, but once he fell asleep, he slept very soundly. He just kept holding onto Pei Qing with one hand, unwilling to let go no matter what.

       Pei Qing prepared him mentally first. When he returned home and saw Zhan Pengcheng today, Zhan Weiyang was already nervous. He hid behind Pei Qing, only showing a pair of eyes and shouted, “Dad,” and then quickly retracted his head.

       Zhan Pengcheng was also nervous, standing far away. He said to Yangyang, “Yangyang, tomorrow Dad will take you to the hospital for a checkup, okay?”

       Zhan Weiyang did not answer.

       Until Pei Qing turned his head and looked at him, he stretched out half of his head again and nodded gently to indicate his agreement.

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Chapter 77 – I really can't give birth

October 13, 2024 / / 0 Comments

Chapter 77

 

The moment Si Lan jumped into the Glazed Purification Furnace, he transformed into his true form, a “wild pheasant.” The ferocious flames leaped up, setting his brown feathers ablaze.

 

Engulfed in flames, he appeared as if he were bathing in fire, yet his expression remained calm and composed. Through the wildly dancing flames, he looked at Ju Zhu, who stood in the distance.

 

Ju Zhu also revealed her true form as a divine phoenix, deliberately fanning the flames towards Si Lan with her wings. She gazed at Si Lan and mocked, “You really are just a wild pheasant! Just like your mother, a lowly, despicable creature!”

 

Perhaps it was due to the intense fire, but Si Lan’s eyes turned blood-red. He slowly moved his wings, and as the burnt brown feathers fell away, they revealed a strange silvery glow beneath.

 

There seemed to be something hidden within the glow.

 

Ju Zhu suddenly felt uneasy. If he were truly just a wild pheasant, he would not be able to survive in the Glazed Purification Fire. Could he be a divine phoenix?

 

Then…

 

A sense of unease inexplicably arose in Ju Zhu’s heart. She tried to leave the furnace by flapping her wings, but the next moment, Si Lan charged at her.

 

In an instant, he was right in front of her. Before she could react, he thrust his hand into her abdomen and grasped her phoenix core.

 

She was immobilized by a spell, unable to move.

 

“For your crimes, death is too lenient. But, rather than kill you, it seems more cruel to turn you into the very thing you despise the most—a wild pheasant.”

 

Fear filled Ju Zhu’s eyes, and she let out a long cry, as if trying to send a message outside. But she didn’t know that Si Lan had already set up a barrier in the furnace the moment he entered.

 

No one outside could see or hear what was happening inside, nor could they come to her rescue.

 

Previously, she had lost a significant portion of her cultivation when the God of Pity took away the divine array on Mount Guyue. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be so powerless in front of Si Lan. If her phoenix core were taken away, her cultivation would be completely destroyed!

 

She would become an ordinary “bird.”

 

Facing Ju Zhu’s desperate gaze, Si Lan slowly extracted the golden phoenix core.

 

Intense pain spread from Ju Zhu’s abdomen, causing her tail feathers to tremble uncontrollably. She hadn’t expected Si Lan to be so bold as to attack her here.

 

She was a princess of the Divine Phoenix Clan!

 

“I’ve heard that consuming a phoenix core can greatly increase one’s cultivation.”

 

Hearing this, she let out a frantic scream, cursing, “I should have killed you back then, just like your mother!”

 

He sneered, “It seems that keeping your tongue serves no purpose.”

 

Ju Zhu panted, her eyes trembling as if she had seen something terrifying. Despite her pride, she couldn’t bring herself to beg for mercy and continued to threaten Si Lan, “How dare you! I am a princess of the Divine Phoenix Clan. If anything happens to me, do you think you’ll be able to live peacefully?”

 

Si Lan was unfazed by her threats. With his fingers wrapped in flames, he passed them over her mouth, pulling out her tongue. Blood gushed from her mouth, rendering her unable to speak.

 

At that moment, the silver glow on Si Lan’s body slowly dissipated, revealing his form burned by the Glazed Purification Fire. His massive wings folded behind him, with layers of golden feathers and emerald green edges glowing faintly.

 

His long tail feathers swayed without wind, and the phoenix eyes on the tail tips flickered in the flames.

 

Ju Zhu’s horrified gaze slowly moved to Si Lan’s face, realizing that his appearance had changed. His eyes were now deep and narrow, with a red spot at the corner of his brown beak and green feathers like a gem on his forehead. He looked like a phoenix, yet not quite.

 

Ju Zhu didn’t know who he was, but she now understood that he was certainly not a wild pheasant.

 

She only knew that a phoenix could undergo rebirth in the Glazed Purification Fire, unaware that other beings could do the same.

 

She saw her reflection in his eyes slowly change, from the golden feathers of a phoenix to the lowly black feathers she despised. Her once sharp eyes turned dull and round, and her beak lost its luster, becoming a sharp black beak.

 

Her tail feathers were gone, replaced by two dull grey wings on her back.

 

She… she had become the wild pheasant she despised!

 

She completely broke down, making strange sounds from her throat.

 

No, she couldn’t let anyone see her like this!

 

If anyone saw her, she would rather die.

 

But Si Lan chose this moment to open the furnace lid and throw her out.

 

Outside, the gathered immortals gasped in shock at the sight of her.

 

“Is… is this wild pheasant the Demon Lord?”

 

“This isn’t the Demon Lord, this is… Oh my…”

 

Before the person could finish, the immortals realized that the blackened wild pheasant was Princess Ju Zhu.

 

How could the haughty princess of the Divine Phoenix Clan, who looked down on all other beings, become a wild pheasant?

 

Ju Zhu used her wings to prop herself up from the ground, her body trembling. She looked around before running towards the Divine Mother, seeking justice.

 

Just then, the furnace lid was pushed open again, and Si Lan emerged, his red robes and black hair untouched by the Glazed Purification Fire.

 

Haowei, seeing Si Lan unharmed, finally relaxed his tense expression.

 

The immortals looked from Si Lan to Ju Zhu, unsure what to say.

 

The one accused of being a wild pheasant had walked out of the Glazed Purification Fire unscathed, while the proud Divine Phoenix Princess had become the wild pheasant.

 

Ju Zhu crawled to the Divine Mother, pointing to her abdomen and mouth, then to Si Lan, crying and begging for justice.

 

The Divine Mother looked troubled and asked, “Ju Zhu, what happened?”

 

Seeing that the Divine Mother didn’t understand, Ju Zhu used her wings to write on the ground: “Phoenix core taken.”

 

“You mean, he… he took your… oh no, chicken core?” the Divine Mother corrected herself.

 

Hearing “chicken core,” Ju Zhu trembled with anger, her black feathers shaking, making her look even worse. She endured the pain and wrote “phoenix core.”

 

As long as they could find her phoenix core in Si Lan’s body, it would prove she was a divine phoenix.

 

The Divine Mother looked at Si Lan with difficulty, and Si Lan stepped forward to explain, “When I entered the Glazed Purification Furnace, I saw her engulfed in flames, suffering immensely. Her throat was burned, so I cast a spell to save her, but she accused me after coming out.”

 

The “wild pheasant” on the ground glared at Si Lan with venomous eyes, wishing she could tear him apart, but her fury could only remain in her eyes.

 

Si Lan used the haughty gaze she once had to coldly look at her and said, “If that’s the case, let the immortals examine my spiritual core to see if I have swallowed her phoenix core.”

 

“Ah, you’re such a reasonable child,” the Divine Mother sighed, turning to the immortals, “The Emperor and I won’t examine him, lest we be accused of bias. How about you all take a look?”

 

The Immortal Lords exchanged glances. One of them, who had a good relationship with the Phoenix Clan, stepped forward, apologized to Si Lan, and then probed into Si Lan’s spiritual void.

 

Si Lan’s spiritual void seemed weak, like someone recovering from a severe injury. His internal energy was chaotic, but there was no trace of the Phoenix Pill.

 

The Immortal Lord shook his head.

 

Upon seeing this, Ju Zhu became indignant, flapping her wings and making a hoarse cry. Other Immortal Lords then checked Si Lan’s spiritual void again, but the result was the same.

 

Now, the crowd’s gaze toward Ju Zhu became somewhat peculiar.

 

She kept accusing others of being wild chickens and of eating her Phoenix Pill…

 

Why did she seem so insane?

 

Just then, Si Lan spoke up, “Ever since I entered the Glazed Clean Furnace, she has been rambling on, accusing me of eating her Phoenix Pill and even claiming I ripped out her tongue…”

 

“Although I have conflicts with the Phoenix Clan, I wouldn’t do such things.”

 

The hall fell into a silence so deep you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was lost in their own thoughts.

 

An Immortal Lord suddenly spoke up, “I heard that not long ago, God of Sorrow retrieved the divine array, claiming that a descendant of the Phoenix Clan had used despicable means to deceive him. Those means involved… sucking the blood of Princess Fangyi.”

 

“Do you think she might have sucked Princess Fangyi’s blood to transform into a phoenix?”

 

“I’ve heard of such dark arts, they are very sinister.”

 

For Ju Zhu, the most precious thing was her lineage, and now it was being questioned by so many. She couldn’t accept it.

 

She wasn’t a wild chicken.

 

She didn’t want to turn out like this.

 

All of this… was Si Lan’s fault!

 

In a frenzy, she rushed towards Si Lan, wanting to perish together with this “culprit.”

 

Fortunately, Haowei cast a spell, stopping her in mid-air, causing her to fall to the ground and cough up blood.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan hurriedly stepped forward to help Ju Zhu up, saying, “Though she is at fault, it does not warrant death.”

 

The Immortal Lords thought Si Lan was too kind-hearted and gentle, speaking up for someone who had wronged him so much.

 

However, they didn’t hear what Si Lan whispered in Ju Zhu’s ear.

 

“You must live well, as a wild chicken.”

 

He had once thought of killing her to avenge his mother, but later realized that for the noble Phoenix Princess, turning her into a humiliated wild chicken was perhaps the cruelest revenge.

 

Haowei then spoke, “Divine Mother, she may be spared the death penalty, but not the living one. Her repeated false accusations today are a crime. She should be sent to the Tribunal.”

 

Si Lan said, “In her current state, she might not survive the Tribunal. It would be better to exile her to Flat Top Mountain.”

 

Flat Top Mountain was where the wild chickens resided.

 

Ju Zhu’s eyes widened, struggling with her wings, casting a pleading look at the Divine Mother. She didn’t want to go to Flat Top Mountain, which was full of dirty, ugly wild chickens.

 

Seeing no response from the Divine Mother, she turned her gaze to Qu Yu and the other Phoenix Clan members.

 

Qu Yu and the others were bewildered, not understanding why she had suddenly turned into this black chicken.

 

They feared that if Ju Zhu was truly a wild chicken, the heavens would punish their entire clan for deceit. Yet, they also feared she had been wronged and wanted to defend her, but seeing the whole hall seemingly accepting Ju Zhu as a wild chicken, they dared not speak.

 

“You can continue being your wild chicken princess at Flat Top Mountain,” Si Lan whispered the final words into Ju Zhu’s ear.

 

Full of humiliation, Ju Zhu stretched her claws, trying to grab Si Lan but failing, and was exiled to Flat Top Mountain with an expression of unwillingness.

 

The Phoenix Clan, terrified, knelt down to beg for forgiveness. The Divine Mother and Haowei did not punish them harshly, only confining them to the Phoenix Clan’s territory for a hundred years.

 

After this commotion, the delayed binding ceremony finally began.

 

Those Immortal Lords who had previously disliked Si Lan now looked at him with complex expressions.

 

Although Si Lan had never revealed his true form, his emergence unscathed from the Glazed Clean Furnace proved he was a divine phoenix, not a wild chicken.

 

In fact, even if he were a wild chicken, neither they nor the Divine Mother would care. His identity as the Demon Lord was more problematic.

 

But the Divine Mother, adhering to Ju Zhu’s words, conducted the test, leading to the revelation that Ju Zhu was a fraud.

 

In hindsight, it seemed as if Si Lan and the Divine Mother had conspired against the Phoenix Clan.

 

Si Lan didn’t care about the Immortal Lords’ gazes. His thoughts were on finally avenging his mother. He muddled through the ceremony, etched his and Haowei’s names on the Stone of Eternal Life, toasted with the immortals, and finally had some alone time.

 

While Haowei stayed in the hall with the other immortals, Si Lan drank the celebratory wine alone, mumbling, “Mother, you can rest in peace now. My identity remains hidden, and no one will dare harm me anymore.”

 

He sometimes thought Yu Wuxia’s words were true; there was no fairness in this world. At least between him and Luo Hui, he felt he could never repay what he owed her.

 

As a child, Luo Hui had shielded him from all storms, but she died before he grew up.

 

For Luo Hui, what had she gained from him in this life?

 

So unfair indeed.

 

Drunk, he muttered incoherently, “Mother…”

 

Haowei opened the door and heard the word “Mother” before Si Lan’s mutterings trailed off.

 

His words were slurred, and Haowei couldn’t understand him. Approaching, he saw the celebratory wine had been finished, the jug on the floor, a cup tipped over on the table, its contents precariously close to spilling.

 

Haowei lifted Si Lan from the chair, and Si Lan muttered again, “Mother.”

 

Haowei knew that today’s events must have reminded him of unpleasant things from the past. After placing him on the bed, he gently untied his outer robe.

 

Si Lan grabbed Haowei’s hand, hiccuped, and said, “You’ve had it really hard, so… hic, mom, let me be your mom in the next life.”

 

“…,” Haowei was speechless.

 

After speaking, Si Lan suddenly sat up, hugging Haowei tightly and burying his head in Haowei’s shoulder, as if crying. But when Haowei looked, he saw that Si Lan’s eyes were closed, and his lips were tightly pressed together.

 

Haowei could only gently pat his back, slowly soothing his emotions.

 

“Mom…” Si Lan suddenly called out again unexpectedly.

 

Haowei’s hand paused, feeling as if Si Lan was calling him. That night, he held Si Lan, listening to him constantly call out “mom.”

 

He never expected his wedding night would turn out like this.

 

Not only did they not drink the nuptial wine, but he was also repeatedly called “mom.”

 

The next morning, when Si Lan woke up, he lifted his head to meet Haowei’s eyes and immediately sensed a strong aura of resentment. His mind was a bit blank, unable to remember much of what happened last night.

 

Supporting himself with his arms to sit up, one of his hands landed on Haowei’s chest, making Haowei grunt and grab his hand.

 

He tried hard to recall last night’s events, “Last night… did I fall asleep?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Oh.” Si Lan pondered for a moment and then seemed to understand why Haowei was upset. So he leaned down and kissed the corner of Haowei’s mouth. Just as he was about to lift his head, Haowei held his head, kissing him delicately along the corner of his mouth.

 

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Si Lan explained, “I drank a bit last night. How about I make it up to you tonight?”

 

Haowei’s eyelids drooped, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down, “Tonight, or maybe this morning.”

 

“The morning isn’t very good… I…”

 

Before Si Lan could finish his sentence, he was covered head to toe with the quilt. Underneath, Haowei flipped over and pinned him down.

 

Haowei’s voice was hoarse, “The morning isn’t good either.”

 

“…,” Si Lan was speechless.

 

After taking care of everything, Si Lan felt utterly exhausted, as if he had fought a battle, panting lightly with red-rimmed eyes.

 

Tiny beads of sweat glistened on his small nose, making the tip of his nose look even more delicate and cute.

 

Haowei rubbed his nose, gazing at him intently, “Si Lan, did you foresee Zhu Zhu’s actions yesterday?”

 

“Mm—,” Si Lan’s voice sounded moist.

 

“In the future, if something like this happens, can you tell me in advance? I’m really worried about you.”

 

“Okay.” Si Lan cupped Haowei’s face, rubbing his nose, lips, and chin with the corner of his mouth, repeating, “Okay.”

 

Haowei couldn’t help but hold him tightly, wanting their skin to be as close as possible.

 

“By the way, you haven’t told me how you convinced everyone in the celestial realm to agree to the celestial-demon marriage.” Si Lan asked.

 

Haowei was silent for a moment. Si Lan became more curious, staring at him intently. Haowei had to cough lightly and say, “I told them I found the Childbearing Pill.”

 

“?” Si Lan’s face turned pale, “Why did you deceive them like that? What if they find out the Childbearing Pill is fake and I can’t bear a child?”

 

“Then we’ll just work harder.”

 

“Work harder on what?”

 

“On cultivating.” After a pause, Haowei’s voice turned husky, whispering in Si Lan’s ear, “You look like you’re three months pregnant right now.”

 

“…,” Si Lan was speechless.

 

Seeing Si Lan’s blushing face, Haowei held back his laughter.

 

He had lied to him.

 

He didn’t actually tell the celestial lords he found the Childbearing Pill. Instead, he told them if they didn’t agree to their union, he would marry into the demon realm. Then, the celestial realm would lose a divine empress while the demon realm would gain a demon empress.

 

Hearing this, the celestial lords, with devastated expressions, had no choice but to agree.

 

From under the covers, Si Lan’s muffled voice emerged.

 

“I really can’t bear a child.”

 

“Let’s try this position, it’s more likely to result in pregnancy.”

 

The End.

T/N: Alright, that marks the end of the main story. Now for the side stories…. I’m not sure if I want to take a short hiatus before working on those. They are pretty short (except the last one which is about Si Lan’s parents…) Thanks for accompanying me on this journey, I believe this might be the novel I’ve managed to translate in the shortest time, considering it’s chapter length.

Welp, as usual, 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~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

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