Month: January 2025 (Page 1 of 5)

Chapter 29

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t really want to ask Jiang Tongyan for money; he just wanted to change the subject.

       “Be careful.” Seeing Jiang Tongyan bump into the table, he sent a caring words, “Don’t break the table, it’s fragile.”

       “… You’re crazy!” Jiang Tongyan yelled at him, “Is it as valuable as a broken table like yours?”

       Qian Xiaoke said, “I’ll have to pay for the table if it’s broken.”

       “What? Are you afraid of breaking it?”

       “That’s your own doing; what does it have to do with me?” Qian Xiaoke’s logic was meticulous, leaving Jiang Tongyan speechless.

       It was past six now. Qian Xiaoke usually got up at six-thirty, washed up in a daze, returned to the room to be in a daze for a while, and went out at seven. He always kept his routine well, but today, he was woken up by Jiang Tongyan a bit earlier.

       “Are you leaving?” Qian Xiaoke asked.

       As soon as Qian Xiaoke finished asking, he suddenly had an idea and said with a smile on his face, “Are you going to our company later? Directly from here? Taking a taxi? Can you give me a ride?”

       Jiang Tongyan sneered, “You really know how to take advantage of a situation.”

       If there’s an advantage to be taken and there’s a chance to turn the tables on him, of course, Qian Xiaoke wouldn’t miss out on such an opportunity.

       “Rest assured,” Jiang Tongyan adjusted his clothes, saying, “Even if I go back to the hotel first, I won’t give you a ride anyway.”

       Qian Xiaoke pouted, “Scumbag.”

       “Why am I a jerk now?” Jiang Tongyan felt extremely wronged.

       “What do you think? You stayed here overnight, didn’t pay for the room, and you won’t even give me a ride.” Qian Xiaoke said, “If you’re a scumbag, then who isn’t?”

       This logic was too powerful, so powerful that Jiang Tongyan had nothing to say and left quickly.

       He opened the door, and Qian Xiaoke said, “Do you need me to see you off? Do you know how to get out?”

       Just as he was talking, the neighbour who had been howling all night also opened his door.

       Qian Xiaoke had met that neighbour several times, so they could be considered ‘acquainted’. When the other party saw him, he looked at Jiang Tongyan again and smiled knowingly, “Hi, good morning.”

       Qian Xiaoke felt he might misunderstand something but before he could explain, Jiang Tongyan had already left.

       It was pitch dark.

       It was filthy and chaotic.

       It was a mess.

       It was a group of rabble.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t want to stay here for another second.

       After he left, Qian Xiaoke went through his usual morning routine, leaving at seven for work, buying an egg-filled pancake outside the neighbourhood, and eating it all the way to the subway station.

       Everything was going on in an orderly manner, and there was no difference just because there was one more person sleeping at his home last night.

       However, this was just Qian Xiaoke’s opinion.

       In Jiang Tongyan’s opinion, he had something important to solve.

       Jiang Tongyan first returned to the hotel to shower and then had a meal. After finishing his work, he saw it was almost time, so he picked up the phone and called Cheng Sen.

       Cheng Sen had just arrived at the company and was checking his emails. He saw that it was Jiang Tongyan calling, and he smiled when he picked up the phone, “Up so early? Are you coming over this afternoon?”

       “Something’s up.” Jiang Tongyan said, “Are you at the company?”

       “Yeah.”

       “Okay, then wait, I’ll come over.”

       Since Jiang Tongyan was back in the country for a project, Cheng Sen thought he was coming to discuss work, but to his surprise, Jiang Tongyan was in such a rush for something else.

       It was ten in the morning when Jiang Tongyan arrived at Cheng Sen’s company. As soon as he walked out of the elevator door, he saw Qian Xiaoke sitting at the front desk.

       Qian Xiaoke said naively, “Good morning, Chairman Jiang!”

       When Jiang Tongyan saw him, he avoided his eyes for no apparent reason. He dared not look directly at him, and he knew why.

       He waved his hand as a greeting and went straight to Cheng Sen’s office.

       Qian Xiaoke was too lazy to pay attention to him. He watched him walk away and then continued to do what he had to do.

       When Jiang Tongyan passed by Qian Xiao’s front desk, he stole a glance at him from the corner of his eye. When he walked to the corner, he took the opportunity to turn his head and look at Qian Xiaoke.

       He watched him, but Qian Xiaoke paid him no mind.

       Jiang Tongyan pouted and muttered in his heart: Ungrateful brat!

       Jiang Tongyan arrived at the door of Cheng Sen’s office, and Cheng Sen was waiting for him.

       “What’s wrong?” Cheng Sen asked, “What happened?”

       “Something’s up.” Jiang Tongyan said, “Does your company provide dormitories for employees?”

       “Huh?” Cheng Sen was about to get him some water, but this question threw him off, “What dormitories?”

       “A lot of your employees are from out of town, right?” Jiang Tongyan sat on the sofa, “Do you manage them all?”

       Cheng Sen didn’t understand what he meant at first and thought he was talking about himself, “If you come over, I will definitely arrange something for you.”

       “That’s not what I’m talking about.” Jiang Tongyan said, “That’s all easy to say.”

       “Then what are you talking about?” Cheng Sen realised after asking and stood there with a cup, looking at him and smiling.

       “What are you smiling at? It’s so creepy.” Jiang Tongyan reached out to take the water cup, “Don’t look at me like that.”

       “Who are you speaking up for? Qian Xiaoke?” Cheng Sen looked like he saw through everything, “What did he say to you? That kid’s getting bold, even daring to complain about the company.”

       “What complaints!” Jiang Tongyan said, “That’s not it. He didn’t say anything.”

       Cheng Sen smiled, Then what’s this about?”

       “Just asking,” Jiang Tongyan said, “I went to his place yesterday and took a look. That place is not habitable at all. If you live there for a long time, you will become a psychopath.”

       He glanced at Cheng Sen, “You wouldn’t want your employees to be psychopaths during their employment, would you? That would be terrifying!”

       Cheng Sen leaned on the table and looked at him meaningfully, “It doesn’t matter. If he becomes a psychopath and goes crazy, we can just fire him. It’s not a big deal.”

       When he said this, Qian Xiaoke happened to come to deliver a package to Cheng Sen and stood at the door and knocked softly.

       Cheng Sen smiled when he saw him, “Xiaoke, perfect timing. I want to ask you something.”

       “Sure, ask away!” Qian Xiaoke was just another person in front of Cheng Sen and Jiang Tongyan. When he stood in front of his boss, he was as well-behaved as a harmless little white rabbit. But when he was with Jiang Tongyan, he turned into a crazy rabbit.

       “Say, if an employee goes crazy, can we keep him?”

       Qian Xiaoke was shocked, “Who? Who went crazy?”

       Gossiping is a must. Even in front of the boss, if there’s gossip to be had, it must be had.

       “You.” Cheng Sen laughed, “Tongyan just said your living environment is so bad it could drive you crazy. We’re wondering if the company can continue to employ someone with such an unstable mental state, what do you think?”

       Qian Xiaoke turned around and glared at Jiang Tongyan when he heard it. The anger in his eyes had soared to Jiang Tongyan’s forehead.

       Qian Xiao: “Jiang Tongyan! Do I owe you something?”

       Jiang Tongyan thought for a moment, “It seems like you do. Have you not paid back the 20 yuan before?”

       Qian Xiaoke heard, “It’s so hard to get a stable job! Why are you doing this to me?”

       Jiang Tongyan clicked his tongue, impatiently saying to Cheng Sen, “Why are you scaring him? Could you not start trouble?”

       Cheng Sen drank water and laughed at them, thinking these two people were interesting.

       “By the way, Xiaoke, what’s going on?”

       Qian Xiaoke was full of rage but managed to hold it in front of the boss.

       “Well, there’s a package for you.” Qian Xiaoke handed the package to Cheng Sen. When he walked out, he kept looking at Jiang Tongyan viciously.

       Jiang Tongyan felt uncomfortable under his gaze, and rolled his eyes and looked out the window.

       After Qian Xiaoke left, Cheng Sen laughed, “You two get along pretty well.”

       “Who? Who gets along with him? Don’t slander me.”

       “If you don’t get along, why come here this morning to talk about this?” Cheng Sen said, “We don’t manage employees’ private lives, nor do we ban office romances. Your coming here in a while won’t affect anything.”

       “Can you stop this?” Jiang Tongyan seemed unhappy, “Who wants an office romance with him? I wouldn’t stoop so low to fall for a mad rabbit with no looks, no brains, no quality!”

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t feel like talking to him anymore. He stood up to leave, “Even if I were to date, I’d go for that person, what’s his name, the one Zhou Mo introduced, someone with style, grace, eloquence…”

       Jiang Tongyan turned around to see Qian Xiaoke standing at the door again.

       “Why are you back?” Jiang Tongyan was dumbfounded.

       He recalled what he just said, pretty sure Qian Xiaoke heard it all.

       But so what if he heard? Was anything he said untrue?

       He wasn’t afraid!

       However, when Jiang Tongyan saw Qian Xiaoke staring at him with a dark expression, he still couldn’t help feeling a little guilty.

       What was he afraid of?

       He didn’t know.

       Of course Qian Xiaoke heard everything—he had no looks, no brains, and no character.

       He remembered every word!

       Qian Xiaoke ignored Jiang Tongyan and said to Cheng Sen, “Chairman Cheng, Manager Guan came looking for you earlier and asked if it was convenient to see you.”

       “Okay, let him in.” Cheng Sen glanced at the dumbfounded Jiang Tongyan, not even bothering to mock him, “Tongyan, you’re done here, right? Then let’s talk about other things in the afternoon, I have a guest to entertain now.”

       Jiang Tongyan raised his hand and rubbed his eyebrows, “Alright, you get busy, I’ll come back this afternoon.”

       He walked out, following Qian Xiaoke with a dejected expression.

       This was the second time he got caught bad-mouthing someone behind their back, and Jiang Tongyan felt genuinely ashamed.

       He watched as Qian Xiaoke smiled and brought the person who came to see Cheng Sen in and then exited through the door. He watched as Qian Xiaoke didn’t spare him a glance and walked past him, treating him like he was nothing. His heart was clogged with panic.

       “That… Well…” Jiang Tongyan stood at the front desk, saying to Qian Xiaoke, “Just now… I’m sorry.”

       Qian Xiaoke was really angry, and he felt so wronged.

       He thought he had been quite good to Jiang Tongyan, aside from the misunderstanding that made things awkward, he had always been like a ‘benevolent father’ figure, yet Jiang Tongyan spoke of him like that in front of Cheng Sen.

       Speaking ill of him was one thing, but trying to get Cheng Sen to fire him was another.

       Qian Xiaoke felt so wronged that tears were about to burst out.

       Seeing Qian Xiaoke ignoring him, Jiang Tongyan rubbed his hands awkwardly: “I really didn’t do it on purpose.”

       “Which one was on purpose then?” Qian Xiaoke looked up and asked expressionlessly, “Was it not intentional to bad-mouth me, or not intentional to get Chairman Cheng to fire me? Jiang Tongyan, I’ve been trying to make it up to you, why do you have to treat me like this? Do you really hate me that much?”

       The two of them seemed to be acting in an idol drama, and Qian Xiao’s eyes turned red as he spoke.

       Jiang Tongyan never thought it would turn out like this. When he saw Qian Xiaoke was about to cry, he panicked.

       He quickly grabbed tissues from the desk, holding them out to catch Qian Xiaoke’s tears.

       Qian Xiaoke found his action silly and burst into laughter.

       “Annoying!”

       Jiang Tongyan saw him laughing and secretly let out a sigh of relief, “Yes, okay, good, I’m annoying.”

       Qian Xiaoke pouted and didn’t say anything.

       “Don’t cry,” Jiang Tongyan said, “It really wasn’t intentional. How about this, I’ll treat you to dinner tonight, hotpot or street barbecue, your choice, okay?”

       Qian Xiaoke looked up at him. He pursed his lips and muttered, “Is that all I’m worth to you?”

       “Huh?” Jiang Tongyan genuinely didn’t know how to soothe someone, always saying the wrong thing.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “Eat spicy hotpot and also barbecue.”

       He sniffed and said, “Tonight, I want to eat snail noodles!”

       Although Jiang Tongyan didn’t know what snail noodles were, he agreed readily, saying to Qian Xiaoke, “Okay, whatever you want to eat.”

       He looked quite doting like this.

       Jiang Tongyan found that Qian Xiaoke was actually quite easy to coax. Just give him delicious food, and he wasn’t picky. He didn’t need Michelin-starred restaurants, just street food would do.

       He asked, “But, what is this snail noodle?”

       Qian Xiaoke shook his head and sighed, “You rich people are so ignorant!”

       Jiang Tongyan conceded, whatever Qian Xiaoke said today, he’d accept. He didn’t know how, but Qian Xiaoke had him wrapped around his finger. Life was indeed mysterious.

       “Then see you in the evening?” Jiang Tongyan said, “I have an appointment with Cheng Sen to discuss something in the afternoon. I guess the meeting will last until quite late. Will you wait?”

       “Why not, I’ve got nothing else to do.” Qian Xiaoke had nothing else to do anyway.

       Jiang Tongyan’s mood inexplicably improved, not even knowing why.

       After Jiang Tongyan left in a good mood, Qian Xiaoke sat there, happily checking the time. He also didn’t understand his own feelings, it was like there was a little bird in his heart, flapping its wings, making him restless, eager to fly.

       Maybe it was because of the snail noodles tonight, or because Jiang Tongyan was treating, he’d order an extra large bowl with ten quail eggs!

       Cheng Sen had no idea what had transpired outside, unaware of what ‘deal’ his partner had struck with his employee. After finishing his business meeting, he finally sent off the legendary guest who was extremely obsessed with cleanliness just before noon.

       Normally, if a client was still discussing business by noon, Cheng Sen would definitely invite them for a meal. But Manager Guan was different—he had a cleanliness obsession and couldn’t handle eating food from outside. Especially in the past couple of years since getting a partner, he had to go home for every meal.

       After seeing off the guests, Cheng Sen turned around and looked at Qian Xiaoke who was laughing foolishly.

       “What’s up? So happy?” Cheng Sen smiled and walked over, leaning against the front desk and asked, “Have a girlfriend?”

       Qian Xiaoke was shocked, “Chairman Cheng! How dare you say such a thing! It’s ruining someone’s reputation!”

       Cheng Sen laughed loudly, “Just asking casually, why are you so nervous?”

       He tapped the table lightly with his fingers, “Where do you live now?”

       Qian Xiaoke frowned and said nervously, “Chairman Cheng! Don’t believe the slander of the wicked!”

       “Hmm? Who’s the wicked one? What slander?” Cheng Sen laughed, “Don’t be nervous, just asking.”

       “Chairman Cheng, you must believe me, although the place I’m living is bad, living there won’t affect my mental health! It’s quite sunny there!” Qian Xiaoke explained, “And I’ll move out in another month and a half, although I won’t be able to rent a nice place, but it’ll be fine! You have to believe me, Chairman Cheng!”

       Cheng Sen looked at him, a little amused. As a boss, he really never asked about the employees’ private affairs, but now listening to Qian Xiaoke’s words, he realised how hard it must be for those who came to work from out of town. Their monthly salaries might be high, but the rent was even higher.

       “Okay, I understand.” Cheng Sen walked back thoughtfully.

       Qian Xiao had wanted to ask what he knew, but trying to guess what the boss was thinking was pointless. No matter how much he guessed, he would never figure it out. And if he had to guess, he knew better than to ask too much—asking would only have increased his chances of bad luck.

       During the lunch break, Qian Xiaoke thought about having a ‘big meal’ in the evening, so he bought a piece of bread and sat there. While eating the bread and playing a mobile game, Jiang Tongyan returned.

       Jiang Tongyan originally agreed to meet with Cheng Sen in the middle of the afternoon, but he was really bored in the hotel, so he came early.

       As soon as he got out of the elevator, he saw Qian Xiaoke playing mobile games and eating bread there and suddenly felt he was so pitiful.

       He was not even having a proper meal for lunch.

       So miserable.

       ‌It was pitiful to see him.

       “What are you doing?” Jiang Tongyan looked at the time, “Are you busy now?”

       Qian Xiaoke looked up at him, “Busy.”

       “… What are you busy with? Busy playing games?”

       “Busy eating!” Qian Xiaoke said, “It’s my lunch break, not taking clients.”

       Jiang Tongyan wanted to ask this man to go downstairs to eat together. He was purely pitiful for Qian Xiao, but this kid didn’t appreciate it, so he just left.

       Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes and turned away.

       Qian Xiaoke looked up at him, ignored him, and continued to eat bread and play games.

       Not long after, Jiang Tongyan returned with a packed lunch box in his hand.

       Qian Xiaoke ignored him until Jiang Tongyan put the lunch box in front of Qian Xiao.

       “Leftovers, eat it.” Jiang Tongyan said, “A reward for you.”

       Qian Xiaoke looked up and said to him, “Your leftovers are so neat?”

       “If I say it’s leftovers, it’s leftovers!”

       Qian Xiaoke pouted, “Then I won’t eat! You have a mysophobia!”

       Jiang Tongyan was happy, “What’s wrong with you kiddo? You are picky when I give you food.”

       “Although poor, but I have dignity, okay!”

       “…” Jiang Tongyan turned away, took a deep breath, then turned back, “Fine, I bought it for you.”

       Qian Xiaoke hadn’t finished the bread yet and looked at him while biting the bread.

       “What are you looking at? Just eat it.”

       “Then I won’t eat.” Qian Xiaoke said, “I won’t accept something for nothing. I can’t eat your food without knowing why.”

       His eyes lit up, “Unless you want to poison me?”

       “Why would I have the time for that? Who are you? Why would I want to poison you?” Jiang Tongyan said, “I just feel sorry for you, eating bread for lunch.”

       Qian Xiaoke stared at him and didn’t move.

       In the end, Jiang Tongyan gave in first.

       “Consider this your medical fee,” Jiang Tongyan said, “Did you not do that for me yesterday?”

       It was self-inflicted humiliation!

       Why did he have to bring that up?

       Jiang Tongyan bit off his tongue in hatred.

       Qian Xiaoke was upset, but he smiled. He put down the bread and opened the lunch box.

       “Alright, if you put it that way, I’ll accept it.” He opened it and exclaimed in surprise, “Wow, rich people are really something!”

       This restaurant had just opened recently, and Qian Xiaoke had passed by it several times. He looked at the promotional boards but never dared to go inside.

       One meal, four dishes, a mix of meat and vegetables, all colourful and aromatic!

       Qian Xiaoke said, “Chairman Jiang, you were really not that bad. Just for this meal alone, I’ll definitely give you a good massage tonight!”

       “What do you want to massage?” Cheng Sen walked out of the office.

       Jiang Tongyan gave Qian Xiaoke a glare, and Qian Xiaoke quickly shut up.

       This was Chairman Jiang’s secret, a wound that would bleed if touched.

       “Nothing,” Jiang Tongyan said, “Where are you going?”

       “I was going to ask you, why are you here so early?” Cheng Sen glanced at the lunch box in front of Qian Xiaoke and knew why Jiang Tongyan had come so early, “Have you eaten?”

       “No.” Jiang Tongyan thought: I was busy buying food for this ungrateful brat! And this little bastard still didn’t appreciate it!

       “Together?”

       “Let’s go.”

       Cheng Sen turned his head and asked Qian Xiao, “Xiaoke, let’s go eat together?”

       Qian Xiaoke almost choked and waved his hand quickly.

       Cheng Sen laughed and took Jiang Tongyan downstairs.

       In the elevator, Cheng Sen said, “If you’re going to pursue someone, do it properly; don’t act so weird all the time.”

       “Who am I pursuing?” Jiang Tongyan’s eyes almost popped out, “Who’s acting weird?”

       Cheng Sen just smiled without saying more, enjoying the drama and encouraging them to continue.

       Jiang Tongyan then had a meeting with Cheng Sen and the project team that lasted the whole afternoon.

       At around 4:00, they left the company to check out a site. Before leaving, Jiang Tongyan secretly told Qian Xiaoke at the front desk, “Wait for me to come back.”

       The two of them seemed to have a bit of that secret romance vibe.

       Qian Xiaoke got off work at six. Jiang Tongyan thought he’d be back by then, but they encountered some issues, and by the time they were resolved, it was almost six. Cheng Sen invited the project team to dinner, but Jiang Tongyan made an excuse to leave quickly.

       Cheng Sen didn’t stop him because he had guessed where he was going.

       On the way back from the site, Jiang Tongyan got stuck in traffic. He wanted to call Qian Xiaoke to let him know he was almost there but realised he didn’t have Qian Xiaoke’s number.

       That was awkward.

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t want to ask Cheng Sen because it was embarrassing, and he wanted to save his pride.

       He was really anxious as if his buttocks were growing grass on the way, making the taxi driver stop and turn around to look at him. The driver almost wanted to recommend a hospital for haemorrhoid treatment.

       Jiang Tongyan was very anxious, but Qian Xiaoke was waiting patiently.

       He didn’t really want to go home; the office environment was much better than his place.

       Jiang Tongyan rushed into the office building, waited anxiously for the elevator, and once inside, he watched the floor numbers. He took deep breaths to calm himself before the doors opened.

       When the elevator door opened, Qian Xiaoke looked up.

       “You’re back.” Qian Xiaoke was so calm, and then he continued to play games with his head down.

       Jiang Tongyan originally imagined that Qian Xiaoke was anxiously waiting and jumping up and down in the company. However, he didn’t expect that it was all in his head.

       “What are you doing?” Jiang Tongyan came over, “Still playing?”

       “Almost done.” Qian Xiaoke said, “I’m really good at this.”

       Jiang Tongyan really didn’t get what was so impressive about playing a match-3 game. If he had the ability to make him hard, now that would be truly impressive!

       “Okay, stop playing, pack up and go, I’m starving.”

       Jiang Tongyan urged, but Qian Xiaoke insisted on finishing this game.

       In fact, Jiang Tongyan was never a patient person. There were not many people who could make him wait.

       But he actually stood there and waited for Qian Xiaoke to play games, which was unbelievable.

       After finishing, Qian Xiaoke put away his phone contentedly, picked up his small backpack, and followed Jiang Tongyan off work.

       When the two walked into the elevator, Qian Xiaoke said, “Do you think we might suddenly have a power outage and get stuck in the elevator?”

       “…Qian Xiaoke, what’s in your head? Can’t you think of something good?”

       Qian Xiaoke laughed and apologised obediently.

       Fortunately, they did not encounter a sudden power outage or get trapped in the elevator. They walked into a snail noodle shop very smoothly.

       As soon as they entered the door, Jiang Tongyan frowned and rubbed his nose hard, “What’s this smell? Is this place sanitary? Can we eat somewhere else?”

       He found out Qian Xiaoke liked this kind of dirty, smelly food. What kind of person was he?

       Qian Xiaoke said, “This taste is authentic! You know, you will understand when the snail noodles come up.”

       Jiang Tongyan didn’t understand; he had never eaten this thing before.

       Jiang Tongyan stood there and ordered a portion of the snail noodles and then found a place to sit by the window.

       Jiang Tongyan was a little overwhelmed by the smell in the room. He wanted to take his head off and put it outside the window.

       At this moment, he didn’t know what was coming; when the snail noodles arrived, the smell would be even more pungent!

       Jiang Tongyan swore that he would never eat with Qian Xiaoke again!

       “What the hell!”

       When the waiter brought a bowl of deluxe snail noodles, Jiang Tongyan’s brain was about to explode.

       Are you sure there is no shit in it?

       Are you sure this thing is edible?

       Are you sure Qian Xiaoke is not deliberately messing with him?

       Jiang Tongyan rolled his eyes so hard he nearly fell out of his seat.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “I told you, rich people have no experience; this stuff is delicious.”

       “… This is a question of whether you have money or not.” Jiang Tongyan said, “Normal people would want to eat shit, right?”

       “You are the shit one! Can’t you be more civilised?!” Qian Xiaoke was annoyed; how could one insult snail noodles like that? This was one of humanity’s greatest inventions!

       Jiang Tongyan said, “If that’s the case, I’ll pay for it. You can have as many bowls as you want, but I’m leaving.”

       “No way!” Qian Xiaoke slammed the table, “You promised to have dinner with me!”

       The two people were shouting here, attracting the attention of the people around them. Those who saw thought they were a couple quarrelling.

       Jiang Tongyan, “Keep your voice down, keep your voice down, it’s embarrassing.”

       It was a Chinese virtue not to make noise in public places.

       Qian Xiaoke obediently lowered his voice, “Try it! It’s really delicious.”

       He added, “Snail noodles smell bad but taste amazing!”

       Jiang Tongyan was frowning, trying to distance himself.

       He felt like he couldn’t wear these clothes anymore; he was covered in the smell after sitting there for a while.

       Qian Xiaoke really wanted Jiang Tongyan to try it; missing out on this delicacy would be living in vain!

       Qian Xiaoke persuaded earnestly, “Chairman Jiang, remember the hotpot we had? You were hesitant at first, but you liked it after trying, right?”

       Seemed like it.

       “Also, you resisted the street barbecue at first, but who ate so much last night?” Qian Xiaoke said, “I used to blame and discriminate against you. You rich people are like this, going in and out of high-end restaurants all day but missing out on the real delicacies of the world.”

       Qian Xiaoke mixed the snail noodles in the bowl, “Do you know what the most important thing in life is?”

       “Being happy?”

       “Exactly!” Qian Xiaoke said, “The most important thing in life is daring to challenge oneself. As a seven feet tall, strong man, isn’t it embarrassing to go out and say you’ve never had snail noodles?”

       “Well,” Jiang Tongyan said, “I’m not seven feet tall.”

       “Huhh?” Qian Xiaoke was full of question marks. “In ancient times, ‘seven feet’ was roughly equivalent to ‘seven inches’ now. Calculated, it’s about 1.7 meters,” Jiang Tongyan said. “I’m almost 1.9 meters.”

       “…That’s not the point!” Qian Xiaoke said, “It’s embarrassing not to have eaten snail noodles!”

       Jiang Tongyan looked at him, “Yes, it seems like no one around me has tried them.”

       “Then you should definitely try them!” Qian Xiaoke said, “Think about it, they haven’t tried it, but you have. Wouldn’t that make you look cool? More well-informed?”

       Jiang Tongyan actually wanted to say that they would not be comparing this. No one would give him a thumbs up and say ‘awesome’ from the bottom of their hearts just because he had eaten snail noodles.

       However, seeing Qian Xiaoke so seriously and earnestly in recommending this stinky thing, Jiang Tongyan was actually swayed.

       “Try it.” Qian Xiaoke said, “If you don’t believe me, I’ll eat some first.”

       Qian Xiaoke picked up a clump of noodles with chopsticks, slurping it down with evident enjoyment, good enough for an advertisement.

       Jiang Tongyan had already adapted to the taste a little bit at this time. He felt it was not as pungent and unbearable as at the beginning. Seeing Qian Xiaoke eating so deliciously, he even began to doubt whether he was really ignorant and did not know how to appreciate food.

       Jiang Tongyan looked around. Everyone was eating this thing, and everyone was eating with a flushed face.

       Try it?

       Maybe he should just try it.

       Jiang Tongyan picked up the chopsticks hesitantly.

       Sometimes, once the door to this new world was opened, incredible things would happen one after another.

       From the day Jiang Tongyan met Qian Xiaoke, he had stepped into a world he’d never known before–the ordinary, lively world of common people.

       Jiang Tongyan came from a wealthy family for generations. He was a real ‘golden’ young master and had been living a life of luxury since he was a child. He had always eaten the best steaks, drunk fresh milk, frequented high-end restaurants, and had a private car to ferry him around.

       He was the epitome of a pampered life.

       However, he was not overly spoiled except when dealing with Qian Xiaoke, where he often lost control of his temper. In front of others, he was always the epitome of grace, though his love life had never been smooth.

       Or rather, it had been completely smooth.

       In short, Jiang Tongyan never imagined he’d one day sit in an unremarkable street-side shop eating something that smelled this bad.

       What he didn’t expect was that this thing was actually delicious!

       “Why?” Jiang Tongyan couldn’t fathom how something could smell so bad yet taste so good.

       “Amazing, isn’t it?” Qian Xiaoke smiled and raised his eyebrows at him, “Try the peanuts in it, they’re amazing, my favourite!”

       Qian Xiaoke was thrilled, feeling like he’d contributed to promoting the cause of the snail noodles business today!

       Jiang Tongyan was once again amazed; this stuff wasn’t just edible; it was delicious.

       Spicy hot pot, roadside barbecue, snail noodles. He suddenly found that Qian Xiaoke was right, and he was a friend who could be deeply befriended—the premise is that Qian Xiaoke was mute.

       After eating, the people came out, and the breeze blew. The ‘wonderful’ smell of snail noodles was everywhere, which made Jiang Tongyan roll his eyes again. Jiang Tongyan, who had eaten and then destroyed the bridge, once again disliked the taste.

       “It stinks.”

       “It’s okay.” Qian Xiaoke said, “I’m happy.”

       Jiang Tongyan looked at him with a question mark on his head, thinking and wondering what there was to be happy about.

       “Chairman Jiang, do you have any plans later?”

       “What do you want to do?” Jiang Tongyan suddenly got nervous.

       Qian Xiaoke was full, standing there rubbing his bulging belly and said, “I practised a little this afternoon.”

       “Ah?”

       “I’ll give you a massage.” Qian Xiaoke said, “If you have nothing to do later, I’ll go back to the hotel with you and give you a massage.”

       Jiang Tongyan was shocked.

       “Qian Xiaoke! Are you serious?”

       “Of course, your disease hasn’t been cured yet.”

       Jiang Tongyan was starting to question his life.

       “Let’s go,” Qian Xiaoke said, “It’s been more than an hour.”

       “…During work hours?”

       Qian Xiaoke stopped and smiled awkwardly and said, “Well, you will tell Chairman Cheng, right?”

       Jiang Tongyan sneered, “It depends on my mood.”

       “So, are you in a good mood now?” Qian Xiaoke’s eyes sparkled, looking at Jiang Tongyan with pure innocence.

       “Neutral,” Jiang Tongyan pretended, “Neutral.”

       “Then if I perform a musical duo for you, will you be happy?”

       Jiang Tongyan laughed out loud, “You also know to do musical duo? Can you do it alone?”

       Qian Xiaoke looked at him and smiled, “See, you’re laughing, which means you’re in a good mood. You won’t tell Chairman Cheng then!”

       Such powerful logic left Jiang Tongyan speechless!

       “Let’s go,” Jiang Tongyan waved and called a taxi, “I’m impressed by you.”

       Qian Xiaoke followed behind and continued to ask, “So what you mean is that you are in a good mood now, right?”

       “Yes, yes, if you keep talking, I definitely won’t.”

       Hearing what he said, Qian Xiaoke immediately shut up obediently.

       Back at Jiang Tongyan’s hotel, as they walked in, Jiang Tongyan started to question his life choices again: What was he doing? Was this not better than seeing a psychologist? Why was he messing around like this with Qian Xiaoke?

       Meanwhile, Qian Xiaoke followed behind like a little assistant, reviewing in his mind what he needed to ‘study’ next.

       Hold it first, then gently and tenderly…

       It would be best to say things like ‘You’re so great’ or ‘You’re so big’ to boost confidence during the process.

       Qian Xiaoke really prepared for the lesson!

       They went upstairs together and entered the suite.

       This time, when Qian Xiaoke walked into this suite again, he had a new appreciation for the place.

       3688 for one night, which was 688 more than his rent for a month!

       Luxurious!

       It’s too luxurious!

       Qian Xiaoke put his schoolbag aside and then heard Jiang Tongyan say, “Let’s take a shower first.”

       “Okay.”

       “You go too.”

       “Huh?” Qian Xiaoke was startled, “Do you want to shower together? That’s not part of the treatment!”

       “Shower together, my head.” Jiang Tongyan said, “I’ll use this bathroom, you use that one.”

       He removed his clothes and walked to the bathroom, “You’re covered in that smell; you’ll stink up the whole room.”

       Qian Xiaoke smelled himself, and indeed, not only his clothes but even his hair smelled of snail noodles.

       He trotted off to take a shower, feeling somewhat embarrassed, but then he thought, he had already done those things with Jiang Tongyan. Although it was ‘unfinished and ended halfway’, they had already seen each other naked. 

       There was no need to be shy.

       So, Qian Xiaoke took a comfortable bath.

       After he finished his bath, he was fragrant and soft. He walked out in a clean bathrobe hanging in the bathroom and said to Jiang Tongyan happily, “It’s so comfortable. This is the perfect time for grown-ups to do what grown-ups do!”

       Jiang Tongyan was in a good mood after taking a bath, but when he heard Qian Xiaoke’s words, he felt that the other party was mocking him.

       He stood by the window sipping tea and turned back angrily, but seeing Qian Xiaoke looking all rosy and warm, he felt an indescribable surge of desire.

       Qian Xiaoke sat on the bed and patted him, “Chairman Jiang, come on, let’s get started.”

       It was late and after the massage, he could go home.

       Or so Qian Xiaoke thought, but in Jiang Tongyan’s eyes, this gesture looked like an invitation for something else, something very intimate.

       Jiang Tongyan’s heartbeat suddenly quickened. He realized that whenever he was around Qian Xiao now, he would constantly experience that strange, inexplicable feeling—something similar to… the feeling of a crush.

       This was simply wonderful.

       He didn’t like fools or sharp-tongued people.

       But here he was, his mind and body out of his control, sitting obediently next to Qian Xiaoke.

       Qian Xiaoke tilted his head to look at him, “Then let’s get ready.”

       Jiang Tongyan’s heart beat fast, and he felt that the blood in his body was flowing backwards.

       Given the situation, shouldn’t it be enough?

       Qian Xiaoke didn’t notice his unusual behavior; instead, he calmly began his ‘treatment’.

       With the heart of a healer, Qian Xiaoke maintained his integrity and composure at this moment.

       Qian Xiaoke said, “Chairman Jiang, relax, take a deep breath, and imagine the happiest moment of your life.”

       The happiest moment?

       Jiang Tongyan’s face instantly turned red.


T/N:
It’s long right? It feels like the chapter is excitingly long right?
This chapter is 2-3x longer than usual (*꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ)
I’ll try to keep the 1x/week update but this chapter makes me quite tired because it’s long, lmao
So forgive me in advance if I didn’t post anything next week ><


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Chapter 37

       Separated by a door, neither could sleep.

       The people outside the door were waiting uneasily, while the people inside were leaning on the bedside and quietly looking out the window at the moon hanging high in the night sky.

       It wasn’t until the sky began to lighten with dawn that Chu Yichen said, “Let him in.”

       Upon hearing the words, Chu Yunhan jumped and rushed into the room in a few hurried steps. Seeing the man seated on the sofa, he grew nervous again and asked cautiously, “Did you… get some rest?” He hadn’t slept all night, and his eyes were swollen and red from crying, looking pitiful like a tearful little rabbit.

       Du Chuan and Bai Xiao both retreated, leaving only two people in the room.

       The man glanced at him and said, “Sit down.”

       Chu Yunhan sat down on the nearby sofa, his gaze stopped on Chu Yichen. The memory of last night’s scene flashed before his eyes, as if he could see through the pajamas to the terrifying scars underneath. His heart trembled, and his eyes grew red again. Catching sight of Chu Yichen’s somber expression, he quickly realized and lowered his head to adjust his own expression, muttering, “There seems to be something in my eye…”

       Chu Yichen was silent for a while and said, “I didn’t let you see these scars because I felt it unnecessary. I know very well the kind of person you are, and I know the situation I might face. Rescuing you meant abandoning my responsibilities as the family head—it was my own decision, and the consequences should be mine to bear. They have nothing to do with you.” He paused and continued, “I forced you to submit because I didn’t control myself or keep my emotion in check when I saw the traces left by Sheng the fifth on your body. That was my one-sided obsession with you. I tried to turn you into my private property through my status as the head of the family, which pushed you to almost commit suicide. I will try my best to make up for these mistakes in the future. If you want, we can continue as strangers with a casual relationship. If you’re tired of it, we can end the arrangement. I can even help you find another Dom.”

       Chu Yunhan never expected that the other party would say such words, and he was stunned. “It has nothing to do with me…?” He murmured and repeated, with a layer of bitter sadness on his face, “If it weren’t for me, you wouldn’t have done this at all. If it weren’t for me…”

       “So?” Chu Yichen abruptly interrupted his words, stared at him with a pair of black eyes, and said, “Aside from guilt, what else do you plan to do? What can you do for me? What I want, you can’t give me. And the one thing I don’t want is your pity.” He added, in a soft voice that dissipated like smoke.

       But Chu Yunhan heard it. What the man said was—”I’d rather it be hatred than pity.” He froze in place, unable to say a word.

       A dry and long silence spread in the room, and a deep chasm seemed to have formed between the two of them. They were standing on opposite sides of each other, looking at each other—close yet impossibly far.

       “Leave. You should get to work,” Chu Yichen finally said, his voice laced with an indescribable weariness. He stood and walked toward his desk.

       The moment their gazes broke apart, a wave of inexplicable panic surged from the depths of Chu Yunhan’s heart. His chest felt hollow, as though he were being pushed into that abyss, tumbling downward, about to be shattered to pieces. The person before him seemed to be moving further and further away, on the verge of disappearing altogether.

       He sprang to his feet suddenly, walked over quickly, and hugged the figure tightly with both hands. He didn’t know why he did this, but he knew that at this moment, he wanted to do this. Only by doing so could he dispel the fear and unease, only by doing so could he hold on to the person in front of him. The urge was so strong it made him tremble slightly, his body pressed tightly against the man in his arms.

       Chu Yichen, who was suddenly hugged, froze, and the documents in his hand fell on the table.

       His hands trembled, his heart trembled, and his body seemed to be about to lose control due to tension. Chu Yunhan lowered his eyelashes, resting his forehead against the nape of Chu Yichen’s neck, his voice tinged with a crying tone as he murmured, “I’ll give you… anything you want… Just don’t push me away…”

       The usually cold man’s eyes now had an uncontrollable reddish colour. His hand, pressed against the desk, tightened, knuckles white. He tried his best to force his voice to remain steady and said, “Do you even know what you’re saying?”

       “I do,” Chu Yunhan said, his voice trembling. “It’s not pity. It’s regret… regret for what I’ve done, regret for my stupidity, for knowing nothing, for letting you get hurt so badly… When I saw those scars, I…” He lowered his head and couldn’t go on. The feeling of distress seemed to come up again as if it was going to tear him apart. Hot tears seeped into Chu Yichen’s back, leaving small, warm stains.  He choked out and said, “I thought about it all night yesterday. I owe you too much, more than I can ever repay. If you want, I’ll give you my heart and my life. For the rest of my time… we’ll stay entangled like this. And if you don’t want that… I still want to stay by your side…”

       A heart, a life, a lifetime. That was what he was offering.

       Chu Yichen was stunned and stood motionless as if even his breathing had stopped.

       He didn’t dare move, like a child suddenly given a long-coveted toy, too overjoyed to even touch it; like a lonely tree where, after ages of solitude, a bird finally landed, afraid to rustle its branches lest it scare the bird away; like someone lost in a long-awaited dream, holding his breath, afraid of waking the one who had never appeared in his dreams before.

       This was enough, wasn’t it? To hear these words in this lifetime, even if it were a dream, he seemed to have no regrets.

       There was moisture in the man’s eyes, and he suppressed it, rolling in his eyes.

       Chu Yunhan, who had not received a response for a long time, was full of loss and sadness. These words had drained all his courage, leaving him without the strength to demand an answer. The hand around Chu Yichen’s waist slowly loosened, and he took half a step back dejectedly. Feeling that the other party turned around to face him, without daring to raise his head, he said hastily, “Did I… make it difficult for you again? I won’t cause you any more trouble in the future…” He tried to force a smile, but it wouldn’t come. His expression was painfully forlorn, and he didn’t know what to do. Before he could even finish talking, and he said, “I’ll leave now,” 

       He suddenly felt an arm hook around his waist, pulling him into a firm embrace. His chin was tilted upward at the same time.

       A layer of soft warmth enveloped his lips, very light and shallow, like a dragonfly passing over the water or like snowflakes touching the wings of a bird.

       It took Chu Yunhan a long time to realise that it was a kiss. He stood there stunned and slowly closed his red eyes.

       It was a kiss of utmost gentleness, like an answer, like a comfort. It felt as though a patient and polite gentleman was lingering and moving tenderly, awaiting a shared, intimate dance. The more intense the emotions, the more restrained the movements became. Chu Yichen treated him with the caution one would afford an ancient, priceless porcelain artifact.

       The heat in the air gradually rose; their breathing grew uneven, their heartbeats chaotic, their thoughts tangled. It felt intoxicating, as though his entire body was aflame, each inch burning with the uncontrollable desire to get closer to the other. The phrase ‘skin-to-skin contact’ floated into Chu Yunhan’s mind. He realized that the touch of skin could indeed convey emotions. In that kiss, he seemed to sense the buried emotions within this cold and lonely man—his restraint, his sadness, and his inexpressible love and hate. Chu Yunhan gently raised his hand to embrace the other, then lifted his face and pressed his lips firmly against the man’s fervent ones.

       There was a momentary pause in the other’s movements. Then, fiery breaths surged forward with unyielding dominance, and the man roughly captured his lips. Chu Yichen’s hot and wet tongue pried his lips open, relentlessly occupying and consuming his mouth as if determined to seize even his very breath. Chu Yichen was like a wild beast, rough and aggressive, deepening the kiss with such ferocity that it felt as though he wanted to devour him whole and fuse him into his very being.

       Chu Yunhan closed his eyes tightly, raised his neck and let the other party take over. There was a chaotic buzzing in his head, and his whole body felt like it was on fire, almost burning.

       For the first time, he saw Chu Yichen’s heart clearly.

       After he tore through the dust-covered heart in every possible way and cut it open layer by layer, he finally understood.

       It turns out that within his heart, it was him.

       That man had hidden it so deeply—so deeply that it required stripping down to the bone to uncover. And he had been so foolish—foolish enough to repeatedly let him down.

       At this moment, Chu Yunhan also saw his own heart clearly for the first time.

       At some unknown point, a shadow had begun to take shape within it. Slowly, it occupied more and more space. Slowly, it grew clearer and clearer. Slowly, it became a constant attachment, a perpetual concern. 

       Chu Yichen.

       I owe you a heart, so I will repay you with this heart. Your heart holds me; my heart holds you. Only then will it be fair—only then will it be whole.

       Brotherhood, debts, entanglements, the past—none of it matters anymore.

       Even if I end up falling into hell for this forbidden love, I only hope to face it together with you.

       There were tears in the corners of his eyes sliding down his cheeks. Chu Yunhan tightened his arms around the man as if he wanted to become one with him in the scorching flames.

       Let us start over.

       No longer as ignorant and naive boys, no longer as estranged brothers, no longer as tormenting adversaries, no longer as awkwardly silent master and servant.

       I am willing to accompany you, using my life as a yardstick, to accompany you all the way until the end.

       Leave my thoughts in your ears word by word, so that I may never again wander alone.  

       Let me gather your emotions, bit by bit, into my palm, so that you may never again drift aimlessly.

       Chu Yichen, let us start over.


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Chapter 60 – I listened to Li Chisu's stories from the past. 

Chapter 60 – I listened to Li Chisu’s stories from the past. 

Li Chisu boarded the dragon boat with two maids. Zhao Qi and Xiao Shiqing had already entered the cabin, leaving only He Changzhou waiting on the deck.

 

He Changzhou shook off the previous dejection he had shown in front of Zhao Qi. Standing upright with his sword, his figure was tall and straight, exuding youthful vigor and noble bearing, though his expression was far from pleasant.

 

Li Chisu met his undisguised scornful gaze and smiled, “Why does General He look at this king like that? Did I offend you in the capital without realizing it?”

 

He Changzhou sneered, glancing at the two maids behind Li Chisu, and said sarcastically, “The Prince of Zhao Nan is indeed as rumored—always accompanied by beauties wherever he goes, even on a dragon boat.”

 

Li Chisu slightly turned his head and said, “Little Fish, Su Hua, General He is praising you as beauties. Don’t you want to thank him?”

 

“No need.” He Changzhou stepped forward, tapped Li Chisu’s shoulder with the sword sheath, and said coldly, “Even if it’s you, it makes no difference. You’re simply not worthy.”

 

After finishing his words, He Changzhou walked away, leaving the three of them staring at each other.

 

Little Fish asked in confusion, “Master, when did you offend this young general?”

 

Li Chisu rested his fan against his chin, pondering, “I’m curious too.”

 

An inner official approached and said, “Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence inside the boat for tea.”

 

Li Chisu nodded and said to the two maids, “You wait outside for me. I’ll go… pay my respects to the Emperor.”

 

Zhao Qi invited Li Chisu for tea mainly to ask about a matter that was both extremely embarrassing and of great importance. However, with Xiao Shiqing and He Changzhou sitting on either side of him, he couldn’t find an opportunity to speak.

 

“Doesn’t the Prime Minister have other matters to attend to?” Zhao Qi asked tentatively.

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “Seeing Li Chisu is important, no matter how busy.”

 

“…Fine then.”

 

The inner official led Li Chisu inside. Before Li Chisu could bow, Zhao Qi said, “Skip the formalities. Please take a seat and have some tea.”

 

Li Chisu smiled and said, “Thank you, Your Majesty.” He looked Zhao Qi up and down and said, “Has Your Majesty gained weight?”

 

Zhao Qi nearly spat out his tea, instinctively covering his belly, and looked at Li Chisu with a mix of disgust and complaint. “I’ve gained some weight recently.”

 

Li Chisu’s lips curled into a grin. “Being able to eat is a blessing. Your Majesty is very fortunate.”

 

Zhao Qi inwardly complained about the so-called blessing. “Do you want this blessing or not?”

 

Xiao Shiqing noted Zhao Qi’s reaction and took a sip of tea. “I heard that Your Highness has been in Jiangxia for three days already.”

 

Li Chisu said, “As expected, nothing escapes the Prime Minister’s notice.”

 

“You’ve been away from your fief for several months. Not returning to Nanzhou immediately after leaving the capital—are you not concerned about the morale and welfare of the army?”

 

Li Chisu replied with a leisurely smile, “The civil and military officials of Nanzhou are different from those in the northern borders. When the lord is absent, they do what they need to do without worrying about the lord’s safety. Not to mention a few months; as long as His Majesty gives the word, staying for a year or more is not a problem.”

 

“What good is it for you to stay for a year or more? Should I let you watch the dragon eggs hatch?” Zhao Qi rolled his eyes and said, “Since you’re the ruler of Nanzhou, it’s inappropriate to wander around aimlessly. You should return as soon as possible.”

 

“You’re right, Your Majesty,” Li Chisu said awkwardly, “but I haven’t married a princess yet. Returning to Nanzhou means I’ll be lectured by those old ministers left and right. Just thinking about it gives me a headache.”

 

He Changzhou sneered, “Oh, even at this point, you still want to marry a princess?”

 

Li Chisu was slightly surprised. “At this point? What’s wrong with it?”

 

Zhao Qi shot He Changzhou a “shut up” look and retorted, “I’m the Son of Heaven, not your father. What’s the use of you whining about not being able to marry a princess in front of me all day? Can I just magically produce one for you?!”

 

Li Chisu lightly chuckled, “Your Majesty is right. In such matters, it’s crucial that the young lady herself is willing.”

 

Zhao Qi’s expression darkened further. “But the young lady isn’t willing.”

 

Suddenly, Xiao Shiqing interjected, “That’s enough.”

 

Once Prime Minister Xiao spoke, even the Emperor fell silent, let alone the other two.

 

“An appointed prince cannot stay away from his designated fiefdom for long,” Xiao Shiqing asserted without room for objection, “Within two days, Your Highness must depart for Nanzhou.”

 

Li Chisu’s eyes darkened briefly, then swiftly returned to his usual charming demeanor. “Is this also His Majesty’s wish?”

 

“It is necessary,” Zhao Qi affirmed, showing respect to the Prime Minister’s brother, “What the Prime Minister intends is also my intention.”

 

The smile on Li Chisu’s face faded a bit. “I obey.”

 

In the following days, Xiao Shiqing remained with Zhao Qi, who never found an opportunity to ask Li Chisu.

 

At noon, the dragon boat finally docked in Jiangxia. Unlike in Cangzhou, although the officials of Jiangxia were lined up neatly to greet them, they all looked disheveled, pallid-faced, as if they hadn’t had a proper night’s sleep or a decent meal in days.

 

The Governor of Jiangxia, Pang Dai, a thin man in his forties, stood at the forefront, his official robes stained with wet mud, his hair disheveled. He bowed to Zhao Qi, “Governor Pang Dai of Jiangxia leads all officials here to respectfully welcome Your Majesty.”

 

Curious, Zhao Qi asked, “Governor, where did you come from? Why have you made yourself look like this?”

 

Pang Dai looked ashamed. “I fear Your Majesty might find it amusing.”

 

“You needn’t worry,” Zhao Qi reassured him. “I have received professional training; generally speaking, I don’t laugh.” Unless it’s unavoidable.

 

Pang Dai managed a wry smile. “I was just now involved in rescuing Your Majesty’s palace.”

 

“You mean, my palace was flooded too?”

 

“With continuous heavy rains, many breaches occurred along the Huai River. Most parts of the city are flooded, and even Your Majesty’s palace, though situated high, couldn’t escape this calamity.”

 

“That’s true,” Li Chisu added. “During my three days in Jiangxia, I had to change locations daily. There are now few habitable places left in Jiangxia.”

 

Pang Dai assured him, “But Your Majesty, do not worry. I have found a new lodging for you, a century-old inn here in Jiangxia. This inn—”

 

Interrupting the unnecessary details, Zhao Qi turned to Xiao Shiqing, “Prime Minister, if my palace is in this state, what about the common people in the city?”

 

Xiao Shiqing calmly patted Zhao Qi’s waist, reassuring him, “Your Majesty, first retire to your lodging. I will personally inspect the banks of the Huai River.”

 

“I want to go with you!” Zhao Qi insisted.

 

Xiao Shiqing glanced at Zhao Qi’s abdomen. “It’s not safe for you there.”

 

“But…”

 

Xiao Shiqing turned to Pang Dai, “Pang Dai.”

 

“At your service.”

 

“Escort His Majesty to the inn.”

 

Frustrated and a little angry, Zhao Qi muttered under his breath, “Brother completely disregards my opinions again.”

 

Xiao Shiqing looked surprised. “You…”

 

“Forget it,” Zhao Qi sighed. “You go ahead, I’m leaving.”

 

Xiao Shiqing regained his composure and nodded slightly. “Take care on the way, Your Majesty.”

 

With a bit of resentment, Zhao Qi left. Jiang Dehai was about to follow when Xiao Shiqing said to him, “Try to persuade His Majesty.”

 

Jiang Dehai’s smile was bitterly ironic. “This old servant will try his best.”

 

Accompanied by courtiers… oh, there were no court ladies, Zhao Qi traveled by carriage to the inn where he would stay. Along the way, it started raining again, and there seemed to be a trend of it getting heavier. Zhao Qi was somewhat worried, “Did Prime Minister bring an umbrella?”

 

Jiang Dehai smiled, “Your Majesty, rest assured. Even if someone forgot their umbrella, the Prime Minister wouldn’t.”

 

Raindrops the size of soybeans fell heavily on the carriage, making dull thuds. “With such heavy rain, even an umbrella would be useless.”

 

“That’s why the Prime Minister didn’t let Your Majesty accompany him,” Jiang Dehai spoke with a maternal concern, “Many breaches along the Huai River, it’s dangerous. Moreover, Your Majesty is now pregnant; how can you go to such places?”

 

“But he doesn’t know I’m pregnant. Not letting me go is probably because he’s afraid I’ll cause him trouble.” Zhao Qi’s greatest virtue was self-awareness. “But I really am not useful. If I went, I might just be a hindrance to him.”

 

Jiang Dehai hurriedly said, “Your Majesty must not say such things! You are the emperor, how could you be useless?”

 

“Alright, you don’t need to comfort me.” Zhao Qi reassured himself, feeling uplifted. “Although I can’t be there in person, there are still many things I can do.”

 

Upon reaching the inn, Zhao Qi wasted no time and immediately inquired about flood control efforts from Pang Dai.

 

“How many breaches are there currently?” Zhao Qi asked.

 

“In total, Your Majesty, there are twelve breaches. We’ve repaired five, and I’ve documented all of this.”

 

Frowning, Zhao Qi queried further, “As Emperor, I am truly busy and don’t have time to remember everything in your reports. What about the remaining seven breaches?”

 

“I’ve already ordered repairs to continue through the night, but the rain has been incessant…”

 

With a stern face, Zhao Qi pointed out, “I must emphasize, this disaster, I’m sorry to say, carries significant responsibility for you. You’ve been the Governor of Jiangxia for decades; why were precautions not taken?”

 

Pang Dai defended himself, “Your Majesty, I did take precautions, but this year’s rainy season is truly unprecedented.”

 

“In that case, you must…” Zhao Qi paused, firm in his stance, “You must find a solution to this issue.”

 

Pang Dai sighed helplessly, “I want to solve it too, but the materials needed for repairing the riverbanks have always been insufficient.”

 

“We can purchase them.”

 

“But the relief funds from the court have already been allocated to aid the flood victims. The government is truly strapped for resources…”

 

Zhao Qi cut him off decisively, “Purchase them!”

 

“Pardon?”

 

“After all, this disaster is ultimately my fault. My greatest mistake is allowing you to make mistakes.”

 

Pang Dai and the other officials knelt on the ground, “Your Majesty, I dare not. I have made a mistake—”

 

 

As night fell, the rain showed no signs of easing. 

 

Xiao Yu packed his belongings while teasing his master, “Well, that’s settled. They didn’t catch up to us, and they sent us back to our fiefdom with our tails between our legs.”

 

Su Hua asked, “Is His Highness really going to Southern Province?”

 

Li Chisu, fanning himself casually, replied, “Not going would be defying the imperial decree, risking one’s head.”

 

Su Hua doubted, “Would His Highness willingly leave like this?”

 

“Of course not,” Li Chisu said leisurely, “I don’t dare hope for much else, but before leaving, let me at least have a farewell encounter with His Highness.”

 

“A farewell encounter?” Xiao Yu exclaimed, “Isn’t that already quite a hope?”

 

Li Chisu playfully tapped Xiao Yu’s head with his fan handle, “Don’t be so harsh with your words, young lady, or you won’t find a husband in the future.”

 

Xiao Yu blushed, “Whether I find a husband or not has nothing to do with His Highness!”

 

As the master and servants chatted, Xiao Jinzi, who had finally recovered from seasickness, knocked on the door and whispered, “Your Highness, the Emperor requests your presence.”

 

Xiao Yu was surprised, “Why would the Emperor summon His Highness so late?”

 

Li Chisu smiled, “Indeed, why would the Emperor summon me?”

 

Zhao Qi dealt with the officials from Jiangxia with a mix of kindness and severity until late into the night, before finally having the energy to attend to his “private matters”. He had initially wanted to meet Li Chisu together with them, but after reasoning and appealing emotionally, he sent He Changzhou away.

 

When Li Chisu arrived, only Zhao Qi was in the room.

 

Zhao Qi had changed into casual clothes, with a hint of weariness on his face. Yet to Li Chisu’s eyes, he remained irresistibly charming—a little beauty, if only Zhao Qi’s gaze wasn’t so piercing.

 

Li Chisu smiled and bowed to Zhao Qi, “I greet Your Majesty.”

 

Zhao Qi simply “hmphed” and straightened his posture.

 

“Is the Prime Minister not here?” Li Chisu asked.

 

“He hasn’t returned yet.”

 

Li Chisu remarked, “No wonder—General He Changzhou isn’t here either?”

 

Frowning, Zhao Qi said, “When I’m speaking to you, you keep bringing up others.”

 

Li Chisu’s lips curved with a smile, exuding elegance and grace. “Your Majesty is right. Let’s not mention them, only Your Majesty and I.” Stepping forward, he fixed his watery eyes on Zhao Qi without blinking. “So, why did Your Majesty summon me alone at this late hour?”

 

Zhao Qi mentally prepared himself before speaking slowly, “I want to ask you, during the palace banquet that night, what did you… do to me?”

 

Li Chisu chuckled knowingly, “So Your Majesty is still troubled by that?”

 

“It’s necessary,” Zhao Qi said tersely, “Otherwise, someone might get away with everything scot-free.”

 

“Get away with everything?” Li Chisu was slightly surprised, “Are you talking about me?”

 

“Less talk,” Zhao Qi’s face turned cold, “Tell me exactly what you did that day.”

 

Li Chisu’s thoughts returned to over three months ago.

 

During the palace banquet, he was summoned to the Imperial Garden by an unsigned letter. The person who wrote the letter didn’t show up, and after waiting for a long time, just as he was about to leave, he stumbled upon Prince Huai and Rong Tang meeting privately. He enjoyed the scene without any concern, especially since Prince Huai was involved in his schemes. He only left after watching the scene play out, by which time it was already completely dark.

 

The paths in the palace were intricate. Without a guide, he unknowingly walked near Yonghua Palace and saw a person hurriedly leaving the hall, almost as if fleeing.

 

He recognized that person as General He Changzhou. This young hero was widely renowned, so what could have happened to make him so panicked?

 

Driven by curiosity, he entered the hall and found it empty of even a eunuch or palace maid. He recalled the recent rumors: the Emperor greatly favored his male favorite Rong Tang, even giving up his own sleeping quarters for Rong Tang’s recovery. But even if it wasn’t the Emperor residing in Yonghua Palace now, security shouldn’t be so lax.

 

The inner hall was lit, the door closed but not locked. He pushed it gently, and it opened.

 

Through the layers of curtains, he saw someone on the bed tossing and turning in obvious distress. He approached and recognized the person lying there, astonished, “Your Majesty?”

 

The Emperor’s dragon robe was half-removed, exposing his shoulder, with a clear tooth mark visible. His cheeks were flushed, eyes teary and misty, lips shimmering with a glossy sheen. Even someone as experienced as Li Chisu couldn’t help but feel his breath quicken at the sight of the Emperor in such a state.

 

The Emperor seemed feverish, continuously tugging at his dragon robe, and looked at him with wet eyes, “Help me… help me take it off…”

 

“Do you really want me to help you?”

 

The Emperor nodded, choked up.

 

“But I’ve never taken off a dragon robe before,” Li Chisu teased, “Would Your Majesty teach me?”

 

The Emperor’s long hair lay scattered on the pillow, shaking his head feebly, unable to utter a complete sentence.

 

“Not teaching? Then I’ll have to go slowly.” With nimble fingers, he slowly removed piece by piece of the dragon robe, “Since this was brought to me by Your Majesty yourself, I can’t be blamed.”

 

“Hmm…”

 

When he had only a shirt left, a familiar fragrance wafted over him. He raised his eyebrows in astonishment, “The scent on your body, this is…”

 

He had only smelled this fragrance on Xiao Ya, finding it refreshing and intoxicating. He had specially ordered a search but couldn’t find this kind of fragrance in the entire capital. Why would it appear on the Emperor?

 

He carefully studied the Emperor’s features, increasingly familiar, gradually overlapping with the impression he had. He couldn’t help but smile ruefully—so that was it.

 

The little beauty on the bed, even after being stripped, wasn’t behaving, gripping his hand and refusing to let him leave. A faint blush covered his fair skin, eyes and brows as lovely as peach blossoms.

 

Since the Emperor was his Xiao Ya, he didn’t need to worry about anything anymore.

 

Just as he was determined to take apart his “Xiao Ya” and enter his body, a cold voice sounded behind him, “What are you doing?”

 

Li Chisu returned to his thoughts, covered up the final scene, and told Zhao Qi the truth.

 

Even though Zhao Qi had mentally prepared himself, hearing these words firsthand still drained the color from his face, his anger flaring up. “You removed my dragon robe, and then?”

 

“Then…” Li Chisu’s expression was provocative, “naturally, I used my body to help Your Majesty relieve yourself.”

 

Zhao Qi’s face lost what little color remained—it was indeed as he had suspected. How could it be anyone else but this beastly Li Chisu!

 

Li Chisu chuckled, “Your Majesty, don’t be angry. I will take responsibility for you.”

 

Zhao Qi pounded the table fiercely, gritting his teeth, “I… don’t… need… that!”

 

“Don’t need it?” Li Chisu raised an eyebrow, “If Your Majesty doesn’t need it, why investigate this matter in detail?”

 

Zhao Qi said coldly, “Because I want to tell you, you scum, you’re finished.”

 

Li Chisu: “Eh?”

 

Deep into the night, Xiao Shiqing returned to the inn with a chill. His black robe was soaked, and an attendant had prepared hot water for his bath.

 

He asked, “Has the Emperor slept?”

 

“He retired half an hour ago.”

 

Xiao Shiqing hadn’t even had a chance to remove his outer robe when Fu Zi came to report, “Prime Minister, Doctor Zhang has arrived.”


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

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Chapter 36

       Chu Yunhan’s hands were trembling, and so were his lips. His mind felt like a beach battered and scattered by massive waves, leaving him incapable of coherent thought. He stared blankly at the scarred body before him, then stiffly raised his eyes to look at the face behind the oxygen mask.

       Their gazes met.

       Chu Yichen closed his eyes tiredly.

       “Why… is he tied up?” Chu Yunhan’s voice was hoarse as if someone were strangling him, and every word was excruciating to utter.

       Zhang Juan took a towel and wiped the sweat beading on Chu Yichen’s forehead, speaking calmly, “As you can see, I’ve stitched him up inside and out. His physical condition is decent, but he’s recovering quickly. These injuries, for him, aren’t too serious. However…” The doctor’s expression dimmed as he continued slowly, “They injected him with a central nervous system stimulant. The dosage was too high, leading to a certain degree of addiction. When the withdrawal symptoms hit, and his body doesn’t receive the drug, it causes excruciating pain. As for how intense the pain is…”

       He paused, looked at Chu Yunhan and said, “I researched it. The data suggests that the withdrawal pain is akin to thousands of ants gnawing their way out of the body all at once. When it happened for the first time, he completely tore off the gauze from his wounds, flesh and all, injured Du Chuan, and ended up curling into a ball, begging me to shoot him.”

       Tears welled up in Chu Yunhan’s eyes, blurring his vision as he stared unblinkingly at the man lying before him.

       This was the man who had never bowed his head to anyone. This was the man who habitually endured in silence. This was the man who would swallow broken teeth along with his blood.

       What kind of unbearable pain would it take for someone like him to beg his doctor for death?

       “I originally planned to gradually reduce the drug dosage to ease the process. The pain would have been somewhat milder that way. But he didn’t want to touch the drug anymore, so now he can only rely on his willpower to endure it. All I can do is give him mild sedatives and painkillers, though the pain relief is far from effective. He’s afraid of hurting others or doing something irrational due to the pain, so he asked us to tie him up when he had an attack,” Zhang Juan sighed. “Although the frequency and intensity of his episodes have been decreasing, it will still take some time to fully recover. Judging by this situation, overexertion might have been the trigger.”

       Chu Yunhan’s chest heaved as he breathed, and the scars on the man’s body rose and fell along with the motion. Beneath his touch, the bullet wound’s scar was clear and frightening. A thought was forming in his mind, growing sharper with every passing moment, awaiting final confirmation.

       The Gray Wolf’s fierce eyes flashed through his mind.

       —Everything is up to you, Young Master Yun.

       —The person had been caught. Young Master Yun can rest assured that he will not be allowed to die so easily.

       —Just leave it to me. You don’t have to worry, and you will be the head of the Chu family soon.

       “Who…” Those two words seemed to drain all his strength, and he could no longer muster the courage to complete the question.

       Zhang Juan was silent for a moment and said, “You should already have the answer in your heart, right? There are very few people in this world who can hurt him, very few people who can deceive him, who can make him put aside his responsibility as the head of the family and sacrifice his life to save regardless of the overall situation. He issued a ban prohibiting anyone from mentioning his injuries in front of you. He didn’t want you to feel guilty, yet he’s been carrying that guilt himself. On that day, to save him, Black Eagle lost 32 people. Gray Wolf’s men decapitated them and hung their heads on the flagpoles at the junkyard.”

       So it was…really him…

       He was the demon who pushed Chu Yichen into hell.

       He was the culprit who ruined this body like this.

       It’s him…

       He had never thought about what happened in the three hours when Chu Yichen fell into the hands of Gray Wolf.

       He had never thought about what methods Gray Wolf would use to deal with Chu Yichen.

       He had never thought about how Chu Yichen escaped.

       He just coveted that position on a whim, so he followed the enemy’s instigation and made a phone call pretending to be kidnapped, deceiving the people he was supposed to be closest to into an irreversible trap.

       —I will do as you ask, provided you do not hurt him.

       On the phone, Chu Yichen’s voice was steady, unwavering. Without hesitation, he came for him, walking step by step into the trap that had been meticulously laid by his own hands.

       The thin line between life and death, covered with bruises. Unable to live, unable to die.  

       How much blood had that scarred body shed? What kind of torment and humiliation had he endured? How much pain had he suffered?

       He didn’t know.

       He knew nothing.

       He had simply acted as though nothing had happened, calling out ‘Yichen’ as if everything were normal, selfishly placing himself in the role of the victim. Shamelessly, he had told that man, “Chu Yichen, we’re brothers.” He had even brazenly accused him, “Yes, I did set a trap to deceive you. But now you’ve gained everything you wanted, and I’ve been left with nothing. I didn’t stand in your way or cause you any real harm. Why are you treating me like this?”

       How could he? How dare he say such a thing after torturing this man into such a broken state?

       Now he understood why Chu Yichen would not take off his clothes in front of him even during sex; he understood why Chu Yichen had such a complicated expression when looking at him. He understood all the things he had never understood before. It was only when he saw it with his own eyes, when he touched it with his own hands, that he realised the magnitude of his mistake. Only then did he understand how thoroughly he had destroyed this man.

       Layers of mist formed in his sour eyes, turning everything in front of him into blurry chaos. Many faces appeared in front of him; all of them were Chu Yichen. There was the way he smiled when he was a teenager, there was the way he was focused when playing ball, there was the way he played chess with himself, there was the way he looked lonely as he left, and there was the way he pressed himself on the bed coldly and ruthlessly.

       Chu Yichen’s voice echoed softly in his ears.

       —I have been wondering if it is because my tolerance and leniency towards you make you feel that no matter what you do to me, you can be forgiven?

       He never understood how much pain and sorrow this question contained. This was the person who had been by his side since they were young, who had treated him with endless patience and tolerance, who had never once voiced any grievances. And yet this person had been hurt so deeply by his selfishness, jealousy, and reckless actions, left broken beyond repair—and still, he hadn’t killed him. Still, he had let him go. Still, he had kept it all a secret.

       “If I’m willing to become a stranger?” the figure in the room on the East Shore softly said.

       “I will take good care of him. Please rest assured.” said the man standing straight before the Chu family tombstone, his gaze lowered.

       “Take him away and protect him. This is an order!” Amidst the gunshots one after another, the look that looked at him deeply was revealed.

       In the end, that man still chose to protect him. 

       The pain in his heart was sharp, as though a blade had pierced through it, so intense that he couldn’t make a sound. His strength seemed to drain away, his chest tight with suffocation. His body swayed, and large tears spilt from Chu Yunhan’s eyes, scalding as they fell onto the scarred body of the man before him.

       “I’m sorry… I don’t know… I don’t know anything… I’m sorry…” Chu Yunhan choked and spoke, trembling with every word. His hand, trembling as well, hesitated to touch the body before him, afraid of offending the man who lay there. In the end, he could only stand there, helpless and unsure of what to do.

       Chu Yichen frowned deeply and never opened his eyes.

       Seeing the two of them like this, Zhang Juan said helplessly, “Young Master Yun, you should return to your room first.”

       Chu Yunhan shook his head persistently, “I want to stay here.”

       “He needs a quiet rest.” Dr. Zhang had no choice but to persuade him again.

       “I won’t talk. I’ll just stay here… I won’t make a sound…”

       Zhang Juan sighed and hardened his heart, “Your presence here affects his mood and the treatment. I’m the doctor; you have to listen to me.”

       Chu Yunhan looked at Zhang Juan with reddened eyes, then at the man lying on the bed. After a moment of silence, he softly said, “Then… I’ll wait outside…” Finally, he lowered his head and walked out.

       Once the door closed, the doctor sat by the bed, his gaze falling on Chu Yichen’s arm, where the veins bulged as he gripped the edge of the bed tightly. With a hint of exasperation, Zhang Juan said, “I know you don’t want him to see you like this, but if he doesn’t know anything, the stalemate between you two will never end. Now that he’s gone, stop holding it in. If it hurts, just cry out.”

       The man still remained silent, his eyes tightly shut, completely motionless.

 

       Chu Yunhan didn’t return to his room, instead choosing to stay outside Chu Yichen’s door. No matter how Du Chuan tried to persuade him, he stubbornly refused to move. The butler, seeing that he wouldn’t budge, reluctantly had a single sofa brought in so he could sit for a while.

       He just sat on the sofa and waited. Sometimes, he stared blankly at the door, other times he lowered his head, lost in thought, his eyes red. Occasionally, he wiped at the corners of his eyes with the back of his hand. The slightest movement of the door would make him lift his head like a rabbit, nervously glancing around.

       More than two hours later, Zhang Juan and his assistants came out. Chu Yunhan immediately jumped up from the sofa and asked anxiously, “Is he feeling better?”

       The doctor nodded. “The pain’s passed, but he’s too weak to get up for the time being. I think that when he fully recovers, he’ll be the first to kill me, so I’m making a quick exit now.” He smiled at him, adding, “You two… really…”

       Before he finished speaking, Bai Xiao came out and said with a grin, “Doctor Zhang, the Young Master’s order has come. They want to arrest you and put you in solitary confinement. If you don’t run now, I’ll have to take action.”

       “This guy…” Zhang Juan cursed, then quickly slipped downstairs.

       Chu Yunhan was about to enter but was stopped by Bai Xiao.

       “Young Master wants you to go back and rest.”

       “I’ll just take a look at him.”

       “He… doesn’t want to see you now.”

       Hearing this sentence, the corners of his eyes turned red again. He stood dryly for a while and murmured, “I’ll stay here. Whenever he wants to see me, he can call me.”


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Chapter 88

       They spent the entire afternoon in Zhan Weiguang’s room.

       Zhan Weiguang wanted to play games, but Zhan Weiyang said he wanted to read and didn’t want to play with him, so Pei Qing sat down to play games with Zhan Weiguang.

       Zhan Weiyang lay on Zhan Weiguang’s bed with a book spread out in front of him. While reading, he reached out to take the milk tea on the bedside table.

       Zhan Weiguang saw it and said, “If you dare to dirty my bed, I will kill you.”

       Zhan Weiyang looked at him, silently turned his back to him, and continued drinking the milk tea.

       Pei Qing played the game a little carelessly. He received WeChat messages from work from time to time and often had to stop to reply to WeChat.

       Zhan Weiguang felt very strange, “Didn’t you just join the company? Why are you so busy?”

       Pei Qing replied, “It was originally the company where I interned before. They are all familiar colleagues and familiar working environments. It’s easier to get started.”

       After that, his mobile phone rang, so he took the mobile phone out to answer a call.

       When Pei Qing came back to Zhan Weiguang’s room, he found Zhan Weiyang lying on the bed and had fallen asleep.

       Zhan Weiguang turned down the volume of the game, walked to the bed, pulled open the quilt and put it on his chest, his expression full of complaints.

       Pei Qing whispered, “You slept for so long in the morning. Why are you sleeping again?”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “He sleeps late every night, so he is used to taking a nap.”

       Pei Qing thought for a while and said, “That’s why he’s still just a kid with a mind that’s completely pure and free of worries. He sleeps well every day too.”

       Zhan Weiguang looked at him strangely.

       Pei Qing said, “What’s wrong?”

       Zhan Weiguang glanced at the sleeping Zhan Weiyang again and said to Pei Qing, “Can we go out and talk?”

       Pei Qing nodded.

       The two left the room and came to the corridor. There was no air conditioning outside. The afternoon sun shone directly through the window, and their body suddenly felt the temperature’s heat.

       Zhan Weiguang didn’t get an answer to his question in the morning, so he still wanted to ask Pei Qing, and he also wanted to add Pei Qing’s words just now, he said, “Since you think Zhan Weiyang is like a child, why can you still date him?”

       Pei Qing smiled and answered naturally, “Because he is not a child after all.”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “I still don’t understand.”

       Pei Qing said, “If you don’t understand, don’t think about it. Just know that I am serious about Yangyang.”

       Zhan Weiguang looked at him and said nothing.

       Pei Qing was silent for a while and said, “If you must ask, it’s that I need to feel needed by others.”

       Zhan Weiguang tried to understand Pei Qing’s words and blurted out, “Do you want to raise a son?”

       Pei Qing couldn’t help laughing and said, “Don’t let your father hear this.”

       “You dare to say that about my father!” Zhan Weiguang said, “Have you ever thought about his reaction when the time comes?”

       Pei Qing said, “I have thought about all the consequences. It doesn’t matter. It’s just an experience that you always need to face.”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “I’m afraid you can’t make it.”

       “You can always make it,” Pei Qing looked out the window, “When you think you can’t make it, just imagine the future and grit your teeth to get through it. Don’t limit yourself to the pain in front of you. Look at your brother, how hard he works to get into a good university.”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “Okay, as long as you think you can.”

       Pei Qing looked at him, “In fact, I didn’t expect you to be able to accept it. I thought it would be more difficult.”

       This time, Zhan Weiguang was silent for a while, and he said earnestly, “I was thinking before, do I have the qualification to oppose Zhan Weiyang’s relationship?”

       Pei Qing did not say anything.

       Zhan Weiguang said, “I don’t think I am.”

       Pei Qing hesitated momentarily and said, “I don’t think we should say whether we have the right to object. It is understandable that you and Uncle are concerned and even interfere with Yangyang’s relationship.” At this point, he paused before continuing, “But I will tell him not to listen.”

       Zhan Weiguang cursed.

       Pei Qing smiled and said, “Human emotions can be understood by each other. I will sympathise with your thoughts, but sympathy does not mean blind obedience.”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “I know.” He lowered his gaze and said softly, “If it weren’t for me, Zhan Weiyang wouldn’t be like this now. I hope he can be happy in the future.”

       It was the first time Pei Qing heard Zhan Weiguang say such a thing. He said, “It’s not because of you. You were also a child at that time.”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “If I didn’t fight with others—”

       “Weiguang,” Pei Qing interrupted him, “There are no ‘ifs.’ If your uncle hadn’t taken you swimming that day, if Yangyang had stayed close to him… None of that matters. What’s done is done, and you have to accept it. Living in guilt and self-blame won’t change anything.”

       Zhan Weiguang raised his hand to cover his face and said, “Qing ge, there’s something I’ve never said before. I often think that I am responsible for Zhan Weiyang and should take care of him for his whole life. But if he stays with me for his whole life, neither of us will be happy. So, I’m grateful for your presence.” He paused, and because his hand was covering his face, his expression was hidden, but his voice was choked with emotion when he continued speaking, “I just hope you’re truly sincere with Zhan Weiyang and that he’s truly sincere with you, that you both can be happy together. It’s not that I want to get rid of him; I just don’t want to see him as a burden. I believe he shouldn’t be a burden.”

       “Of course he is not a burden, “Pei Qing said, “You can rest assured. I’m sincere, and I am very happy to be with him.”

       After Zhan Weiguang finished speaking, Pei Qing noticed that he still hadn’t calmed down from his emotional state. Pei Qing raised his hand and patted Zhan Weiguang’s back, saying, “Why are you acting like a child too?”

       Zhan Weiguang said, “These are things I can’t say, to anyone. Do you understand?”

       Pei Qing hugged him and comforted him, “I understand.”

       At this time, the door was suddenly opened from the inside.

       Zhan Weiyang poked his head out with messy hair. Just as he was about to speak, he was stunned when he saw Pei Qing hugging Zhan Weiguang.

       Zhan Weiguang’s first reaction was to stand up straight, wipe his face with his hand and walk away. He really didn’t want to lose face in front of Zhan Weiyang.

       Zhan Weiyang, however, kept staring at the two of them, and after a while, he came over, pulled Pei Qing’s sleeve, and said, “Let’s go down.”

       Pei Qing replied, “Okay, let’s go down.”

       Zhan Weiyang grabbed Pei Qing’s hand with one hand, held his book with the other, and pulled Pei Qing downstairs together. When he reached the stairs, he turned around again and looked at Zhan Weiguang angrily.

       Zhan Weiguang was in no mood to care about these things, so he went straight into the bathroom and turned on the cold water to wash his face.

       Zhan Weiyang was still unhappy until he returned to his room. He asked Pei Qing, “Why did you hug Zhan Weiguang?”

       Pei Qing said, “I just saw him crying and comforted him.”

       Zhan Weiyang sat on the bed and said angrily, “You can’t hug him too!”

       Pei Qing squatted in front of him and looked up at him, “I just hugged him a little.”

       Zhan Weiyang said, “No!”

       Pei Qing nodded, “Okay, I won’t do it again in the future.”

       Zhan Weiyang was still unhappy, but he couldn’t help but be curious and asked, “Why did Zhan Weiguang cry again?”

       “Again?” Pei Qing was surprised.

       Zhan Weiyang nodded, with a tone of disdain, “He cries more and more now.”

       Pei Qing said, “Well…”

       Zhan Weiyang thought for a moment, looked at Pei Qing, and asked tentatively, “If Zhan Weiguang has no place to live in the future, can he live next door to us?”

       At that moment, Pei Qing thought that if Zhan Weiguang knew that Zhan Weiyang cared about him so much, he might be moved to tears again. He smiled and said, “Sure.”


The author has something to say:
Doesn’t it look like He Shuhuan hugging a crying Ruping when Yiping discovers them?


Notes:
Apparently, the author is talking about a scene from Romance in the Rain


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Chapter 59 – My belly is really fat 

Chapter 59 – My belly is really fat 

In the darkness, Xiao Shiqing’s eyes glowed with a deep, mysterious light.

 

Just a moment ago, the movement beneath the little emperor’s belly had been fleeting, so slight that it was almost imperceptible. Yet his intuition told him that it was no illusion.

 

Xiao Shiqing stared at his own hand for a long time before placing it back on Zhao Qi’s lower abdomen—everything was calm, nothing unusual.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s hand moved over Zhao Qi’s waist, shoulders, legs, and arms, confirming once again that aside from the little emperor’s belly, which hadn’t just remained the same but seemed to have gained some weight, the rest of his body had neither grown nor changed.

 

An absurd thought once again emerged.

 

In his sleep, the little emperor murmured something unintelligible, turned over, and resumed his previous position facing Xiao Shiqing. At that moment, a flash of lightning split the pitch-black sky, illuminating the inside of the boat as if it were daylight. After the lightning, the thunder roared, and Xiao Shiqing gathered his composure, pulling the person into his arms and covering his ears.

 

The heavy rain continued through the night, and by the time Zhao Qi woke up the next day, it hadn’t stopped. With bleary eyes, Zhao Qi looked at the handsome young man sitting by the bed dressing, and it took him a while to remember that he had shared a bed with Xiao Shiqing last night. He called out, “Prime Minister?”

 

Zhao Qi was not fully awake, and his voice was soft, like a newborn kitten.

 

Xiao Shiqing was wearing his outer robe and had yet to secure his crown. His long hair fell over his shoulders, giving him an extra touch of charm and nonchalance.

 

Xiao Shiqing’s gaze towards him was somewhat subtle. “Did you sleep well?”

 

“Mm, it was okay.” Zhao Qi sat up, rubbed his eyes, and asked, “Where is Jiang Dehai?”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “I’ll help you get dressed.”

 

“Ah, that’s too embarrassing.” Zhao Qi said this but still raised his arms to allow Xiao Shiqing to help him with his clothes.

 

While tying the belt, Xiao Shiqing stood behind him and, seemingly casually, said, “Your Majesty’s waist seems to have gotten thicker.”

 

Zhao Qi was startled, and the remaining drowsiness vanished instantly—indeed, it wasn’t just his father’s eyes; the dragon egg had really grown! Little one, how can you be so troublesome? Do you have to develop so quickly?

 

“I’ve been eating a bit more lately, so I’ve gained some weight.” Zhao Qi covered his belly to prevent Xiao Shiqing from feeling it, forcing a smile. “There’s no need to trouble yourself, I can dress myself.”

 

Eating a bit more… Xiao Shiqing’s lips curled into a cold smile. The little emperor’s appetite hadn’t been great for nearly a month; he could barely finish a meal before getting full, and yet he still managed to gain weight—how bizarre.

 

However, since the little emperor wished to keep it hidden, he had no intention of exposing it. He looked at Zhao Qi’s belly and said:“I see.”

 

“Your Majesty, Prime Minister,” Jiang Dehai’s voice came from outside the door, “Do you want to have breakfast?”

 

To prove that he really had gained weight, Zhao Qi deliberately ate a bit more. Fortunately, his morning sickness had improved recently; he wasn’t throwing up as much as before and was able to drink a bowl of porridge with pickled vegetables.

 

“Brother, look,” Zhao Qi said, showing the empty bowl to Xiao Shiqing and trying to cover up, “I’ve had such a big bowl of porridge.”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “You used to drink a whole basin.”

 

“??? Brother, what nonsense are you talking about? I never ate that much before.”

 

“Eat as much as you can,” Xiao Shiqing said, “Don’t push yourself too hard.”

 

In the end, Zhao Qi still ate to the point of being stuffed, holding his slightly rounder belly and grumbling, “So full—hiccup.”

 

Jiang Dehai was both amused and exasperated, “Your Majesty, why go through all this trouble?”

 

Zhao Qi said seriously, “Didn’t you hear Uncle Cheng say? I’m starting to show now, my belly’s getting bigger. I need to create the illusion that I’ve just gained weight so that Prime Minister Brother won’t suspect me.”

 

Jiang Dehai’s expression was complicated, “Your Majesty is indeed wise.”

 

Zhao Qi glanced out the window, “Why is it suddenly so quiet? Has the rain stopped?”

 

“Yes, it stopped not long ago. It looks like the sun might come out.”

 

Zhao Qi was a bit happy, “Then I’ll go for a walk on the deck.”

 

After a day and night of torrential rain, the ship was full of moisture, both damp and hot. Zhao Qi felt that if he stayed any longer, he could hatch eggs. He was also worried about the critically ill He Changzhou, so he first went to He Changzhou’s cabin.

 

The once dashing and spirited young hero was reduced to a state of misery by seasickness, lying motionless on the bed like a stranded mermaid, not even aware when someone entered the room. Beside the bed was a ceramic jar, so he could vomit when needed.

 

Zhao Qi poked the “mermaid” with his finger, “Changzhou?”

 

He Changzhou slowly opened his eyes. Seeing Zhao Qi’s face, his dull gray eyes finally showed a hint of light. He weakly said, “Your Majesty…”

 

Zhao Qi frowned, “How are you doing?”

 

He Changzhou shifted a little, resting his head on Zhao Qi’s lap. Zhao Qi, considering him a “patient,” temporarily allowed him this small indulgence.

 

“Uncomfortable,” He Changzhou mumbled, “Nauseous, want to vomit.”

 

Zhao Qi sighed, “The way of heaven is cyclical, no one is spared.”

 

“What?”

 

“…Did you use the dried tangerine peel that Uncle Cheng gave you?”

 

“Yes,” He Changzhou said with a hint of frustration, “But it didn’t help much.”

 

Zhao Qi expressed deep sympathy, “Hang in there. The rain has stopped, and the ship isn’t rocking as much. We’ll be arriving in Jiangxia soon. Once we’re ashore, you should return to the capital.”

 

He Changzhou shook his head, “No, I want to stay with you.”

 

“You’re seasick to this extent, staying will only cause trouble.”

 

He Changzhou nuzzled Zhao Qi’s lap, “I’ll get better with more practice.”

 

Zhao Qi quoted Jiang Dehai, “Why go through all this trouble?”

 

“I want to be with Your Majesty always.”

 

“Parting is a part of life. Some people drift apart as time goes by…”

 

“Because in the future, I will not only command infantry and cavalry but also the navy, to protect the Great Jing and to protect Your Majesty. As a military commander, how can I be seasick?”

 

Zhao Qi firmly declined, “There’s no need for that. Everyone has their own expertise. Even your model, Zhao Yun, wasn’t skilled in naval warfare.”

 

He Changzhou smiled, “Your Majesty, talk to me for a while longer, and I won’t feel seasick.”

 

“Alright, then I’ll tell you a story about a little duck.”

 

As He Changzhou listened, his face rested on Zhao Qi’s small belly. For Zhao Qi at this moment, his belly was the most sensitive part. He pushed the troublesome head away and asked, “What’s the matter?”

 

“I want to see if the dragon egg will kick Your Majesty’s belly.”

 

Zhao Qi snorted with laughter, “If it kicks, it won’t do so in front of you. You’re not its real father.”

 

He Changzhou was hurt, “Will it only kick in front of the real father…”

 

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty!” Jiang Dehai rushed in urgently, “The real father might have arrived!”

 

Zhao Qi and He Changzhou exchanged a glance and said in unison, “What?”

 

Jiang Dehai said, “The lookout boat ahead spotted a pleasure boat. Upon inspection, it turned out that the owner of the boat is… King Zhaonan.”

 

Zhao Qi suddenly sat up, causing He Changzhou’s head to thump against the bed board.

 

“Is that true?”

 

Jiang Dehai nodded repeatedly, “The Prime Minister has already ordered King Zhaonan to board the dragon boat and pay his respects to the Emperor.”

 

Zhao Qi sneered. Great, Li Chisu came to him without him having to search. Now, the identity of the other troublesome father of the dragon egg could be confirmed.

 

“Let’s go meet him.”

 

He Changzhou, who had been half-dead a moment ago, quickly got off the ship, leaving Zhao Qi and Jiang Dehai stunned, “I’ll go too.”

 

When Zhao Qi and the others reached the deck, Xiao Shiqing was already there. Looking forward, they could see a pleasure boat slowly approaching them.

 

Zhao Qi asked, “Brother, didn’t Li Chisu return to his fief in Nanzhou? How come he’s here?”

 

Xiao Shiqing replied, “There are two routes from the capital to Nanzhou, one of which passes through Jiangxia.”

 

“So, it’s a coincidence?”

 

Xiao Shiqing mocked, “Jiangxia has suffered from floods. Wouldn’t Li Chisu know? Knowing the area is perilous, he deliberately chose this route, clearly intentional.”

 

Zhao Qi stared at the approaching boat—hmph, whether it was intentional or not, it was falling right into the trap.

 

Having slept with me and made me carry the dragon egg, even if Li Chisu had ten eggs, it wouldn’t be enough for me to break.

 

The boat stopped in front of the dragon boat. It was likely Li Chisu’s private vessel—small but exquisite, somewhat like the style of the imperial music bureau in the capital, romantic and warm.

 

Li Chisu stood at the bow of the boat, wearing a scarlet long robe, holding a folding fan. His long, ink-black hair was casually tied behind him, flowing with the river breeze. From his face and posture, he certainly looked like a handsome and elegant figure.

 

Behind him stood two young women in white. One was charming and lovely, while the other was strikingly beautiful but cold. Both had exceptional looks.

 

Meeting Zhao Qi’s elevated gaze, Li Chisu greeted with a gentle smile and eyes like spring water, “Your Majesty, it’s been several months. I hope you’ve been well.”

 

Zhao Qi wished he could poke a hundred holes in him and said coldly, “It really is a twist of fate that I would run into King Zhao Nan here in Jiangxia.”

 

Li Chisu’s smile grew even wider. “It just means that the emperor and I are quite fated to meet.”

 

Xiao Shiqing, with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, said, “Since the prince is here, why not come aboard and catch up with me?”

 

He Changzhou remained silent, but his gaze at Li Chisu was as sharp as a knife.

 

Li Chisu replied with a smile, “Since the Prime Minister has extended an invitation, this prince will naturally comply.”

 

Zhao Qi snorted and turned to enter the boat.

 

Li Chisu watched his retreating figure and asked with a grin, “How was that?”

 

The two maidservants behind him exchanged puzzled glances. “What do you mean?”

 

“The emperor,” Li Chisu said, narrowing his peach blossom eyes, “isn’t he quite adorable?”

 

“The emperor is indeed good-looking, but Prime Minister Xiao beside him is even—wait,” Xiao Yu’s eyes widened as she said anxiously, “Master, you’re not actually interested in the emperor, are you? He’s the Son of Heaven! Please, come to your senses!”

 

Li Chisu sighed leisurely. “It’s too late. I’m already past the point of no return.”

 

Xiao Yu stomped her feet in frustration. “You’re really going to make Xiao Yu angry! If you’re in debt to the emperor’s charm, you’ll have to pay it off in this lifetime!”

 

The other maidservant said calmly, “Xiao Yu, stop. It’s pointless.”

 

“Elder Sister—”

 

“The prince has deliberately stayed in Jiangxia for several days. Can’t you see his intentions?”

 

Li Chisu smiled and said, “Those who understand me, like Su Hua, truly know me.”

 

Receiving her master’s praise, Su Hua remained expressionless. “Your Highness, forgive me for speaking frankly, but Prime Minister Xiao is full of grace and charm. If the emperor were really interested in women, why would he be interested in you?”

 

“Exactly,” Xiao Yu agreed. “What do you have to compare with him? He’s stronger in presence, more powerful, and more handsome than you.”

 

“You two really—” Li Chisu laughed instead of getting angry. “You’re just boosting someone else’s confidence while undermining your own prince’s authority. In my opinion, I may not be inferior to Xiao Shiqing. Not to mention, I have more patience and skill than he does.”

 

Xiao Yu retorted, “But you still need the chance to use your skills.”

 

“And isn’t that why I’m here looking for an opportunity?” Li Chisu said. “Get ready and come with me onto the dragon boat.”


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 68 – Side Story Two

Chapter 68: Side Story Two

 

  Long Ling took Little Pheonix out to buy a bunch of vegetables, preparing to make a feast for his phoenix.

 

  In the kitchen, there was a clatter of pots and pans as Long Ling cooked. Little Pheonix hopped and jumped on his shoulder, occasionally chirping happily.

 

  —Then suddenly, Long Ling turned around and kissed it on the cheek while Little Pheonix was unprepared.

 

  Little Pheonix: “…”

 

  This dragon really knows how to take advantage of it!

 

  Bad dragon!

 

  Little Pheonix immediately stopped chirping and glared at Long Ling with a puffed-up expression.

 

  Long Ling calmly looked back at his phoenix, as if nothing had happened, and asked, “Phoenix, do you want some tomatoes?”

 

  He picked up a juicy red tomato slice and offered it to Little Pheonix’s beak.

 

  The tomato was ripe and juicy, emitting a tempting sweet and sour aroma. Little Pheonix pecked Long Ling’s finger and then carried the tomato away, flying to the side to eat it.

 

  Long Ling watched as Little Pheonix ate the tomato bit by bit and said, “Isn’t it inconvenient like this? Phoenix, do you want to change back?”

 

  He had originally intended to “coax” his phoenix into changing back to human form, but it seemed that Little Pheonix was completely unmoved.

 

  Little Pheonix naturally understood the meaning behind Long Ling’s words. After finishing the last bite of tomato, it gave the dragon a disdainful glance and turned its head away.

 

  It didn’t want to change back.

 

  If it changed back, it might be pinned down by this dragon for several days under the excuse of “feathering.” During that time, he would ask whether it preferred human or dragon form, which was simply outrageous and too much!

 

  Anyway, it didn’t want to change back for the time being!

 

  Having made up its mind, Little Pheonix flew back onto Long Ling’s head and nestled there.

 

  Seeing that he couldn’t “coax” his phoenix back, Long Ling felt a slight regret, while at the same time a little grumbling arose in his heart.

 

  Clearly, he hadn’t done anything excessive, and towards the end, the phoenix also seemed to enjoy it very much, holding onto him tightly and unwilling to let go.

 

  —Of course, he was just grumbling in his mind and definitely wouldn’t say it out loud.

  If he said it out loud, he might be immediately tied up and hung at the door by his phoenix, or even taken away to be boiled into soup.

 

  After busying themselves in the kitchen for two hours, a sumptuous lunch was ready, with various dishes filling the table, exuding a mouthwatering aroma.

 

  Under such temptation, Little Pheonix hesitated for only half a second before jumping down from Long Ling’s head, transforming back into human form, and sitting at the table.

 

  Long Ling immediately sat next to his phoenix, held his hand, and kissed his fingertips.

  Su Muluo said, “No kissing.”

 

  Long Ling smiled and said, “Nope, your phoenix scent is irresistible to me.”

 

  Every time after stroking its feathers, his phoenix would pout and ignore him for a while. But even if it said no to kisses and hugs, in reality, it would still indulge him.

 

  Extremely adorable.

 

  Sure enough, Su Muluo behaved just as Long Ling had expected. After saying “no” once, he remained silent and allowed his dragon to kiss him on the cheek again.

 

  Long Ling happily took advantage of his phoenix again and picked up a piece of fish for him, saying, “Phoenix, try this dish.”

 

  The fish was selected from the tenderest part of the belly, spicy and fragrant, with an indescribable tenderness that brightened Su Muluo’s eyes. He said, “Delicious!”

 

  Then he picked up a piece for his dragon.

 

  Long Ling said, “Phoenix is really good, I like phoenix the most.”

 

  After that, he leaned over and kissed Su Muluo again.

  After a meal, Su Muluo was very satisfied and said, “Your cooking skills seem to have improved since last time.”

 

  Long Ling said, “That’s because I regained my memory.” After saying that, he recalled for a few seconds and continued, “I remember thousands of years ago, I used to cook for the phoenix every day.”

 

  At that time, Su Muluo was often busy with clan affairs and had no time to cook. Besides, the phoenix didn’t actually need to eat much—but since Long Ling was young and eager, he learned to cook for himself from an early age.

 

  Su Muluo chuckled and said, “It seems like I’ve raised you quite well.”

 

  ”No way,” Long Ling said, “It was clearly the phoenix who squeezed and bullied me every day, calling me a little loach, saying I was clueless and brazen, which was too much.”

 

  Su Muluo: “?”

 

“I never said that, when did I ever say that?”

  

“Feng Huang said it!” Long Ling exclaimed loudly, “Feng Huang says every day that I’m a little loach, won’t let me sleep with Feng Huang, and won’t let me hug Feng Huang every day—totally outrageous!”

 

Su Muluo: “???”

  

Long Ling continued loudly, “So now every day I hug Feng Huang, I have a reason, it’s all because Feng Huang owed me before! From now on, Feng Huang has to let me hug every day! And let me do this and that! Otherwise, it’s Feng Huang’s fault!”

 

Confident and brazen.

 

Su Muluo: “……”

 

He angrily patted Long Ling’s head a few times and walked away.

 

Long Ling immediately followed, holding Su Muluo’s hand and refusing to let go.

 

The two argued all the way to the living room. Su Muluo remembered the calls from Liu He before, took out his phone, and found that Fan Huai, Liu He, and Zheng Hechun had contacted him several times these days, sending some concerned messages.

 

When Heavenly Law fell before, all human cultivators and demons sensed something unusual. Su Muluo guessed that Fan Huai and the others might have sensed something too, so they wanted to contact him to confirm his suspicions.

 

So he turned to Long Ling and said, “Do you think we should tell them about the situation?”

 

“Whatever, Feng Huang can do whatever he wants,” Long Ling said, “as long as we don’t have to go to the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings.”

 

His attitude was completely like “even if the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings wants to do something to Feng Huang, I can protect Feng Huang”, with an unspoken confidence and certainty. Su Muluo thought for a moment and dialed Liu He’s number.

 

The phone was answered immediately after dialing, and Liu He’s voice came through with obvious joy, “Mr. Su! Are you okay?”

 

Su Muluo said, “I’m fine, sorry, I didn’t see your call earlier.”

 

“It’s okay, it’s okay, as long as you’re okay!” Liu He thought Su Muluo hadn’t returned yet, “Where are you and Lord Long Ling now? Do you need us from the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings to come pick you up?”

 

Su Muluo said, “No need, we’ve already returned to Lin City.”

 

They chatted for a few more moments on the phone. Liu He’s previous purpose in calling was to confirm if Su Muluo was safe. Seeing that he was well now, he hesitated and mentioned that Fan Huai and Zheng Hechun wanted to visit him—Su Muluo didn’t refuse and agreed directly.

 

While they were talking, Long Ling listened nearby, occasionally playing with Su Muluo’s slender fingers or tangling a strand of his hair around his fingers—when he heard that Liu He and the others were coming, he immediately clicked his tongue.

 

Su Muluo hung up the phone and looked at Long Ling, “What’s with the clicking? I thought you didn’t like going to the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings? Now that they’re coming over, we don’t have to go.”

 

“But I don’t want others to come here either,” Long Ling hugged his Feng Huang’s waist, not very happy, “I want it to be just me and Feng Huang here.”

 

Su Muluo smiled and comfortingly patted Long Ling’s head, saying, “They’re not going to live here, just visiting for a while and then they’ll leave, it’s okay.”

 

Long Ling grunted softly, slightly appeased, and buried his face in Su Muluo’s shoulder for a rub.

 

Before long, Fan Huai, Zheng Hechun, and Liu He arrived at the villa. Liu He exclaimed as he entered, “Mr. Su, is this your new home? It’s so beautiful!”

 

Su Muluo said, “He bought it for me.”

 

Liu He said, “Oh! Lord Long Ling is so good to you!”

 

This time they not only brought people but also many valuable gifts—from rare ingredients to various treasures, they had everything.

 

Just these gifts filled half of the living room, surprising Su Muluo, “Why so many gifts?”

 

“It’s only right,” Fan Huai smiled, “you and Lord Long Ling gave us the Golden Dragon, even if we moved the entire Bureau of Extraordinary Beings here, it wouldn’t match the value of that Golden Dragon.”

 

After all, that was a complete true dragon, enough to match the accumulation of the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings for hundreds of years.

 

However, the purpose of the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings coming here was not just to give gifts. First, they wanted to confirm whether Long Ling and Su Muluo were safe, and second, they wanted to inquire about the anomalies during the fall of Heavenly Law and whether these two were involved.

 

Su Muluo didn’t conceal anything about this and said, “It was indeed us.”

 

Fan Huai asked, “So, that bloody rain—”

 

Su Muluo said, “Yes, it’s also related to Heavenly Law.”

 

Fan Huai: “……”

 

Zheng Hechun: “……”

 

Liu He: “!!!”

 

Su Muluo didn’t directly say it was the fall of the Old Heavenly Law, but they had already guessed a lot.

 

The minds of Fan Huai and the other two were in turmoil for a moment. Previously, they had only considered Su Muluo and Long Ling as powerful demons. But now, their understanding underwent a tremendous collapse and reconstruction.

 

If they were merely demons, how could they involve the Heavenly Law?!

 

The two individuals before their eyes were clearly… beings who could connect with the Heavenly Law!

 

The living room fell into silence. Fan Huai couldn’t utter a word. He had originally wanted to test Su Muluo’s identity as the Phoenix, but now he didn’t dare entertain such thoughts—besides, he already had a good idea.

 

When the three from the Bureau of Extraordinary Beings left, they seemed somewhat dazed. Observing their reactions, Su Muluo felt he should speak more tactfully next time, to avoid startling them again.

 

In response, Long Ling said, “Anyway, that’s the truth. No matter what the Phoenix says, it seems it will always startle them.”

 

Su Muluo remained silent for a moment before replying, “Seems like it.”

 

Then he patted Long Ling, who was still clinging to him, and said, “Let’s pack up.”

 

The living room was filled with various gifts, and just packing them took up their entire afternoon. Later in the evening, after Su Muluo finished showering, he walked out of the bathroom wearing Long Ling’s pajamas.

 

The reason he wore Long Ling’s pajamas was because his own ones, which he had left in the bathroom to change into, had disappeared—no prizes for guessing who took them.

 

Fresh from his shower, smelling faintly of soap, Long Ling immediately pulled Su Muluo into his arms and refused to let go.

 

Su Muluo asked, “What about my pajamas?”

 

“I don’t know,” Long Ling said innocently. “Maybe they ran off on their own.”

 

With that, he buried his face in Su Muluo’s shoulder and nuzzled him, enjoying the pleasant scent from the bath.

 

Su Muluo looked at Long Ling, feeling that this dragon could lie and take advantage of him.

 

Good and bad.

 

So he ruffled Long Ling’s hair messily.

 

The new bed in their new home was much softer than their previous rented place, and lying on it was incredibly comfortable. As night fell, Su Muluo curled up in Long Ling’s embrace, lazily burying his face into his chest, feeling a bit sleepy.

 

At this moment, Long Ling leaned over and kissed Su Muluo’s brow and eyes.

 

Su Muluo looked up at him.

 

Long Ling’s lips curled slightly, a hint of anticipation in his eyes. “Phoenix, do you want to touch the feathers?”

 

“…” Su Muluo stared at him for a few seconds and replied, “Sure.”

 

Long Ling’s eyes lit up, about to say something when—

 

Su Muluo transformed back into a little phoenix and spread his wings at him.

 

“Chirp.”

 

There you go, touch the feathers.

 

Long Ling: “…”


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 27 – Tomorrow Is My Birthday

Gu Lizhou couldn’t remember when he had fallen asleep, but before he even opened his eyes the next morning, he could already feel the blazing heat from outside the window.

Hot.

His entire body was sticky and uncomfortable to the point of misery, and even his breathing felt labored.

He looked up to find the air conditioner turned off.

Heartless little beast!

He even covered him with a blanket last night!

“Zhong Weishi!—” he shouted, only to find that no one was in the room.

Gu Lizhou fumbled for the remote control and pressed the switch button.

It didn’t start.

It was only after pressing the overhead light switch again that he was sure it that the power was out.

Didn’t pay the utility bill?

That was the first thought that popped into his head.

It was only seven o’clock.

Gu Lizhou sighed, shaking the tattered blanket dr4p3d over him. Zhong Weishi’s sleeping habits were terrible.

Last night, he had one leg thrown over Gu Lizhou’s waist, then rolled over to straddle him, and later, he just sprawled out completely, draping his legs over Gu Lizhou’s chest.

Utterly shameless.

At that time he was only one solid iron kitchen knife away from becoming a murderer.

In short, the night had left him with an aching waist and an utterly exhausted body, filled with regret.

The room was hot and stuffy. Gu Lizhou stretched lazily and planned to head back to Room 303 to catch up on sleep. That’s when he noticed a sticky note stuck to the front door.

“I’m off to the film crew. The key is on the table. If you go out, help me lock the door with a couple of extra turns. I’ll grab it from you later.”

Muttering “Even a thief wouldn’t bother coming here,” Gu Lizhou chuckled as he locked the door for him.

As soon as he stepped out, he saw the dirty clothes he had changed out of last night fluttering on the balcony in the breeze.

Including. His. Underwear.

If he remembered correctly, there was no such thing as a washing machine in that apartment…

The little beast washed it by hand?

So filial?

When Gu Lizhou returned to Room 303, he found out that the power outage was caused by an issue with the community’s circuit breaker. The electricity had been cut off for the entire complex around six in the morning, and workers were urgently repairing it.

“Have you eaten breakfast?” Cao Zhiheng asked, waving a large palm-leaf fan.

Meng Jingshi was sitting at the dining table, sipping soybean milk. When she saw Gu Lizhou sit down, she gave a shy smile and lowered her head.

Meeting her boyfriend’s friend for the first time, only to make him sleep in the next room, made her feel quite embarrassed.

Gu Lizhou yawned, poured himself half a glass of cold water, and asked, “Not yet. Got any more?”

“Nope. I thought you ate with your little brother, so I didn’t buy anything,” Cao Zhiheng said.

“Then why the hell did you asked, my ass.”

After finding his power bank, Gu Lizhou sent a message to Zhong Weishi.

-Did you wash my clothes?

-Probably that female ghost washed them for you last night.

Gu Lizhou chuckled to himself as he stared at his phone.

-Thanks.

-Kowtow to the female ghost.

“Staring at your pants. What are you looking at your crotch for?” Cao Zhiheng rapped the table, interrupting him. “I’m going to Jing Jing’s place for dinner tonight. I probably won’t be back until late. You’re on your own for dinner.”

“Yo,” Gu Lizhou raised an eyebrow. “Planning to meet the in-laws ah?”

“Yes ah,” Cao Zhiheng said, crossing his legs. “What kind of gift do you think I should bring for a first meeting with the in-laws ah…”

Gu Lizhou gave mocking laugh. “How would I know? I don’t have in-laws.”

Cao Zhiheng waved dismissively. “Forget it. Asking you is pointless. A solo since birth like you has no right to join this discussion.”

“He’s never been in a relationship ah?” Meng Jingshi’s eyes widened. She had always assumed that someone like Gu Lizhou, with his school-heartthrob-level looks, must be a seasoned player in the dating scene, only choosing to enjoy single life after growing tired of romance.

“Yes ah, we’ve all suspected he’s gay,” Cao Zhiheng joked with a grin.

Gu Lizhou raised his glass, pretending to throw it at him, and Cao Zhiheng quickly ducked behind his girlfriend, his smile mischievous.

“With your looks, finding a partner should be easy ah. Do you have an ideal type? Or any specific requirements for a girl?” Meng Jingshi asked.

Gu Li Zhou had no concept of the word “ideal type”.

Back in high school, some classmates had invited him out for a group meal and subtly hinted that a girl liked him. But at the time, he wasn’t interested in the slightest and responded bluntly with, “You’d better focus on your studies.” Unexpectedly, the girl burst into tears on the spot.

Gu Lizhou was confused.

It was only later that he learned the girl thought he was mocking her for having poor grades, which had made her cry in anger.

The next evening during self-study, the girl’s best friend cornered him in the classroom and, in front of the entire class, furiously scolded him: “Do you think you’re so great just because your grades are good? What’s so amazing about you? Do you even know she folded 999 paper cranes for you ah!…”

From that moment on, Gu Lizhou felt that girls were an incomprehensible species, and he never entertained the idea of dating throughout his three years in high school.

When he got to university, he became obsessed with writing, leaving him even less time to think about romance.

By the time he realized it, he had already missed the ambiguity crushes of adolescence and skipped straight to the restrained and rational approach adults have toward love.

And this was a kind of loss that lasted a lifetime.

He no longer had the desire to fall in love.

Maybe, just like the lyrics in that Eason Chan song, the person meant for him had been born in a different country, in a different year, before he was even born.

Maybe they had missed each other by a hundred years—a whole century.

Maybe that person was living on the same land as him, but due to various circumstances, they would never meet in this lifetime.

He believed in true love, but also knew that not everyone was lucky.

It’s possible to meet the right person at the right time.

Blind dates, marriage, children…

He knew that this was something he would inevitably have to face and experience, but there was an inexplicable resistance in him.

It was probably because he had been single for so long that he didn’t want to change his current, free lifestyle.

Meng Jingshi glanced up and continued, “I have a younger cousin who’s two years younger than me. She’s never been in a relationship either. Do you want me to introduce you two?”

Before Gu Lizhou could open his mouth to decline, Cao Zhiheng had already made the decision for him. “Sure ah, sure ah. What does she look like ah? Let me see.”

“What are you getting all worked up about?” Meng Jingshi shot him a look.

Cao Zhiheng: “I’m just helping him out… It’s his first time, so he’s inexperienced. Look at me—my judgment is top-notch.”

Meng Jingshi opened her friend’s social media and handed her phone to him. “Here, isn’t she pretty? She works for a state-owned enterprise now. Her dad’s a university professor, and her mom’s a bank client manager. Their family’s well-off, and she’s quiet, well-mannered, and cultured.”

“Yo, what a coincidence? Old Gu’s dad is a university professor too. This girl seems like a good match ah…” Cao Zhiheng glanced at his girlfriend and quickly added, “But no one’s better than you.”

At first glance, Gu Lizhou knew the girl wasn’t his type, but since she was Meng Jingshi’s cousin, he couldn’t reject her outright. Instead, he asked tactfully, “Where’s she from ah?”

“She’s from Yucheng ya. Lives in the city center—only half an hour by subway,” Meng Jingshi enthusiastically pitched.

Gu Lizhou put on a regretful expression. “What a pity. I live in City B and am just here for a trip.”

Cao Zhiheng, catching Gu Lizhou’s subtle signal, quickly chimed in, “Long-distance relationships are tough. Even figuring out where to spend New Year’s becomes a hassle. We can’t let your cousin go through that.”

Meng Jingshi pouted. “Aiya, travel is so convenient nowadays. Flying back and forth is quick ah. Besides, after getting married, you can just move over—what’s the big deal?”

Gu Lizhou: “I prefer someone a bit livelier since I have a pretty dull personality. If I end up with someone who doesn’t like to talk, we won’t have much to chat about ah.”

“Livelier? We’ve got that ah! Otherwise, look at this one… a kindergarten teacher and super outgoing.”

“…”

“Not satisfied ah? Okay, so she’s a bit on the heavier side, but she’s really popular, easygoing, and great to be around.”

Gu Lizhou thought to himself: A bit on the heavier side? This girl looks like she weighs more than he does.

Would he even be able to carry her on their wedding day?

Meng Jingshi caught on to what he was implying. “Otherwise, why don’t you tell me your type, and I’ll check with my girl friends for you?”

“I don’t really have any concept of this stuff. When you truly like someone, all those rules and conditions don’t matter. Even if it’s a guy, I’d chase him down.”

Cao Zhiheng choked on his soy milk, coughing for a long while.

Gu Lizhou fiddled with the keychain on the table. “I was just giving an example. Don’t overthink it. Besides, you’re not my type.”

Cao Zhiheng squinted and slowed his speech. “Wait a second… First, you say you don’t have a type, and then you say someone’s not your type. That’s contradictory ah, Old Gu.”

Gu Lizhou froze.

“Tsk tsk tsk,” Cao Zhiheng wagged his index finger, “Something’s off. You definitely have a type.”

Irritated by his persistence, Gu Lizhou said, “I like myself. Every time I look in the mirror, I wish I could marry myself. Okay?”

“…”

After breakfast, Cao Zhiheng dropped his girlfriend off at work. When he got home, the power was back on.

Gu Lizhou was sprawled on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.

“When are you going to roll back ah?” Cao Zhiheng asked.

“Why? You called me over when you were lonely and bored. Now that things are steady with your girlfriend, I’m suddenly in the way?” Gu Lizhou raised an eyebrow.

“No.” Cao Zhiheng laughed and slapped his leg. “Do I seem like that kind of person?”

Gu Lizhou: “I think so.”

Cao Zhiheng’s smile vanished. “So, when are you rolling?”

“I’ll pack up right now.”

“Hey, hey, hey,” Cao Zhiheng grabbed him. “I’m joking. Stay as long as you want. It’s fine. Worst case, when my girlfriend comes over, you can squeeze in with the kid again.”

“Forget it.” Gu Lizhou said, letting out another yawn. “I barely got three or four hours of sleep last night. I’m so sleepy. He’s like a tiny, immovable tractor, puttering away. I flipped him over multiple times, and he still didn’t wake up. Honestly, it’s unbelievable. I don’t even know what he was born as, but he sure knows how to sleep. Even when I was a student, I couldn’t sleep as much as he does.”

Despite his complaints, the smile in Gu Lizhou’s eyes was impossible to hide.

Cao Zhiheng threw his head back and laughed. “Really? Does he snore too?”

Gu Lizhou: “He’s better than you. You’re not snoring; you’re setting off fireworks.”

The two almost fought on the sofa.

Jokes and banter aside, Gu Lizhou knew he couldn’t keep crashing at someone else’s place forever. It was disrupting their relationship too much.

Just a couple of days ago, his college roommate Cheng Hang had reached out, asking when he’d return to B City—there was something he needed help with.

Gu Lizhou had majored in computer science in college, initially aiming to join a software company as an engineer after graduation. Unexpectedly, during those four years, he developed a writing software equipped with mind-mapping features.

Cheng Hang, on the other hand, was exceptionally talented and his family has a mine. After graduation, he went straight into starting his own gaming company. Several of the games developed by his team consistently ranked on the popular charts of app stores.

This time, they were preparing to develop an adventure-puzzle mobile game where players could explore dozens of unique storylines.

The planning team would travel the world to conduct on-site research, recreating authentic scenes to give players a magical experience of adventuring amidst breathtaking landscapes.

The task Cheng Hang wanted to assign to Gu Lizhou was to write the main storylines for the various scenarios.

Although the workload would be massive, it was one of the few jobs that truly interested him.

Just as he was booking his flight online, a message from Zhong Weishi popped up.

-It’s my birthday tomorrow. Want to grab barbecue in the evening?

Before Gu Lizhou could finish reading, Zhong Weishi’s typing indicator appeared again.

-If you’re not into barbecue, we can eat something else. I love everything anyway [showing teeth] [showing teeth].

Zhong Weishi’s WeChat profile picture was a Q1Chibi. version of Luffy munching on a drumstick. Every time Gu Lizhou saw that avatar, he couldn’t help but picture Zhong Weishi’s cheerful smile.

A smiling face that was hard to refuse.

The unpaid flight ticket order was set to cancel automatically in 19 minutes.

Gu Lizhou’s fingers hovered indecisively over the input box for a long time.

Friendship between adults is peculiar. Despite having phones and WeChat, despite occasionally thinking of one another, they rarely take the initiative to reach out.

It’s the fear of disturbing the other person’s life, the dread of awkward silences in a conversation.

He knew his relationship with Zhong Weishi fell into that category—if they parted ways, they’d likely lose touch entirely.

Once he left, who knew when he’d return to Yucheng again? And who knew where that cheerful fountain of joy would end up?

Shooting, becoming famous, moving away…?

Gu Lizhou thought the phrase “parting never to meet again” could easily rank among the most heart-wrenching idioms ever.

[Useless Yet Awake]: Ok

[Lunatic]: Will there be a gift?

[Useless Yet Awake]: You’re so shameless. Who just outright asks for a gift like that?

[Lunatic]: Why do you think I told you a day in advance? I was afraid you’d show up empty-handed and feel embarrassed. Qiangzi and the others already have their gifts ready.

Gu Lizhou chuckled at his phone.

-What do you want? I’ll buy it for you.

-How boring is that, I like the feeling of surprise when I open the gifts!!! You mustn’t tell me!

-Dream on. I’m coming empty-handed for a free meal.

-Then I’ll rip your face off and use it as a rag.

A dialog box popped up on the web page.

Payment timeout. Your flight ticket order has been automatically canceled.

Chapter 87

       Pei Qing passed the company interview, and those two days were also the days of Zhan Weiyang’s final exam.

       Since it was the same company where Pei Qing had previously interned, and he had performed exceptionally well during his internship, several people among the interviewers were familiar with him. Passing the interview was quite easy for him. Furthermore, as soon as he passed the interview, the company immediately offered him a contract and had him start taking over the work.

       Pei Qing met Qin Yishan, whom he had not seen for half a year. Although the two had contact information, they had never contacted each other. It was probably last month that Pei Qing saw Qin Yishan had a boyfriend in the Moments.

       This time, when Pei Qing came back, Qin Yishan took the time to treat him to a meal. They didn’t talk about feelings but about the company and work. Qin Yishan said that the manager valued Pei Qing very much and asked him to work hard and develop well.

       “Thank you,” Pei Qing thanked her sincerely.

       It was not until the weekend, when work was stable that Pei Qing bought some gifts to visit the elders at Zhan Weiyang’s home.

       He arrived at around 10 am on a Saturday morning. Zhan Weiyang was still sleeping in and hadn’t gotten up.

       Grandma always liked Pei Qing and was happy to see him. She took his hand and asked him to sit on the sofa, asking about his recent situation and his family situation.

       Pei Qing patiently chatted with Grandma.

       Zhan Pengcheng came over and sat down soon. He asked Pei Qing, “Have you really decided to come here to work?”

       Pei Qing nodded, “Yes, Uncle.”

       Zhan Pengcheng smiled and said, “It’s good for young people to come out and try their luck, but the last time I talked to your father, he said he still hopes you can help him after graduation.”

       “Actually, he doesn’t need my help. Right now, he is doing quite well running the company with Auntie; they are still young, and the two of them have a tacit understanding. They don’t need me,” Pei Qing said in a flat tone.

       Zhan Pengcheng nodded, “But parents always want their children to be around.”

       Pei Qing smiled and said, “Uncle, not every parent is as concerned about their children as you are.” He was speaking from the heart. After watching for so long, he knew that Zhan Pengcheng really gave 100% of his heart to Zhan Weiyang.

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “My situation is special. For Weiguang, I have no objection if he wants to go out and explore the world, after all, he is a boy. For Weiyang, forget it; it is best for him to stay at home.”

       At this point, Zhan Pengcheng paused for a moment and said to Pei Qing tentatively, “Yangyang said before that he wanted to take the entrance exam for C University. Can you help me persuade him not to go so far?”

       Pei Qing asked, “Is Uncle confident that Yangyang can get into C University?”

       Zhan Pengcheng suddenly sounded a little smug, “Yangyang has worked hard this semester, and his teacher said that he has made great progress. I don’t think it is impossible. What if he really gets in?”

       Pei Qing thought to himself that only the biological parents could have such strong confidence. However, he maintained his composure and said, “If he get accepted, then go ahead. After all, it’s one of the top universities in the country.”

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “I don’t think it’s a good idea. It’s still too far away.”

       At this time, Zhan Weiguang walked down the stairs in slippers.

       He was taken aback to see Pei Qing, “Qing ge, when did you come?”

       His school had just been closed for the holiday, and he had just returned from school last night. It was quite late when he got home, and he fell asleep after taking a shower.

       Before Pei Qing answered, Zhan Pengcheng said, “Your Qing ge came here to find a job.”

       Zhan Weiguang looked at Pei Qing with a complicated expression.

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “What are you doing standing there for? Go and have breakfast.” Then he stood up and said, “Yangyang should have breakfast too. If you keep sleeping, it’ll be noon already.” After that, he walked upstairs, apparently intending to wake Zhan Weiyang up.

       Zhan Weiguang walked to the dining room, looked at Pei Qing halfway and said, “Have you had breakfast?”

       Pei Qing replied, “Yes.”

       Zhan Weiguang asked, “Would you like to eat more?”

       Pei Qing smiled, stood up from the sofa, and said to Grandma, “I’ll go and have something to eat with Weiguang.”

       He followed Zhan Weiguang to the dining table and sat down. There were only two of them in the dining room. Auntie Luo quickly put Zhan Weiguang’s breakfast on the table and went to the kitchen to continue preparing lunch.

       Zhan Weiguang waited until Auntie Luo left before grabbing Pei Qing’s wrist and saying, “Don’t tell me that your coming back has nothing to do with Zhan Weiyang!”

       Pei Qing calmly glanced at his grabbed hand and said, “Of course it has something to do with it. Why are you so agitated?”

       Zhan Weiguang was indeed a little agitated, but he still remembered to suppress his voice and said, “Have you thought it through? Is it really okay to decide so casually on such an important matter as work?”

       Pei Qing said, “Is that important?”

       Zhan Weiguang was stunned, “Isn’t it important?”

       Pei Qing smiled, “It’s more important to come back to accompany Yangyang. If the job is not suitable, I can find another one.” But where in the world could he find another person who was as cute as Zhan Weiyang and so wholeheartedly devoted to him?

       Zhan Weiguang couldn’t help but say, “Are you crazy?”

       Pei Qing didn’t say anything.

       Zhan Weiguang said, “Can I ask you a question?”

       Pei Qing looked at him, “What?”

       Zhan Weiguang asked seriously, “What do you like about my brother?” He couldn’t figure it out.

       Before Pei Qing answered this question, Zhan Weiyang had already run down from upstairs, rushed into the dining room happily, raised his hands and hugged Pei Qing, “Qing ge!”

       Pei Qing patted him on the back, “Let’s go eat.”

       At this time, Zhan Pengcheng also followed, Zhan Weiyang reluctantly let go, sat down in a convenient position for Pei Qing, reached out and took a bun to his mouth to eat.

       Zhan Pengcheng sat down next to the dining table. He looked at Zhan Weiyang for a while and asked him, “Are you tired from the recent final exams?”

       Zhan Weiyang turned his gaze from Pei Qing’s face to Zhan Pengcheng’s face and said strangely, “It’s alright.”

       Zhan Pengcheng said, “Then why do you eat so much every day?”

       Zhan Weiyang didn’t say anything but just secretly glanced at Pei Qing again.

       After breakfast, Zhan Weiyang quietly told Pei Qing, “I’ll eat more meat while I’m at home, so I won’t have to eat meat in the future.”

       Pei Qing smiled with his head down. When he raised his head, he pretended to be serious and said, “Then you must eat more and eat better.”

       It was another summer vacation. Although it was just July, the weather in Chongfeng had already become hot. The bright sun outside made the plants lose their spirits.

       After lunch, Pei Qing and Zhan Weiyang moved the fortune tree on the balcony to a place near the door where direct sunlight could be avoided.

       Pei Qing hadn’t seen the fortune tree for half a year, and he felt that the tree had grown a little taller.

       Zhan Weiyang seemed to have grown a little taller, but not much, about one centimetre.

       Pei Qing said, “You grew taller together.”

       Zhan Weiyang was very happy to hear this and said, “It is me.”

       Pei Qing said, “Really? Why is it you?”

       Zhan Weiyang said, “Our souls are connected.”

       Pei Qing was quiet for a while and said, “Then we must protect it and let it grow tall and strong.”

       At this time, Zhan Weiguang stood by the balcony door and shook the mobile phone in his hand, “Do you want milk tea? I’ll order takeout.”

       Pei Qing raised his head and said to him, “I don’t drink it. You drink it.”

       Zhan Weiguang raised his foot and gently kicked Zhan Weiyang’s butt, who was squatting on the ground, “Zhan Weiyang, what do you want to drink?”

       Zhan Weiyang said, “Oreo Boba.”

       Zhan Weiguang expressed some annoyance, saying, “Another Oreo Boba, really?” Despite his words, he still ordered the milk tea that Zhan Weiyang wanted.


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Chapter 35

       In the afternoon, there was a negotiation to cooperate with a company in Hong Kong to develop a real estate project. Both sides were stubbornly holding onto their positions regarding the investment ratio and profit sharing, resulting in a prolonged deadlock. Finally, they managed to reach an agreement.

       After it was over, Chu Yunhan entertained the guests for dining and entertainment as the gracious host. In the dimly lit private room, the hostesses sat with the guests. They were all wearing short cheongsams with high slits, and their white breasts and thighs were exposed, exuding an atmosphere of lustful allure. One sat next to him as well, trying to cosy up to him, but a single glance from him made her sit back obediently, eventually hugging a microphone and softly singing to herself.

       When the entertainment was over, and the guests were sent back to the hotel, the sky was already filled with stars. He leaned wearily against the back seat, quietly watching the neon lights flowing in the city at night, but the man’s face always appeared in his mind unconsciously.

       Cold and distant, smiling, locking eyes, asleep—frame by frame, like scenes from a movie. The more he thought about it, the more a faint heat spread over his body.

       What the hell… was he losing it?

       Was he really so sexually frustrated? 

       He shook his head irritably. Ever since the cemetery ambush incident, both of them had been overwhelmingly busy. As a result, he hadn’t made any requests to the other party, and he has been enduring them for over a month. Looking at Chu Yichen’s current state of exhaustion, he had no idea how much longer he would have to endure it…

       He was probably really poisoned by that person. Even at times like this, he wasn’t thinking about finding someone else. He was really eaten to death.

       He smiled helplessly.

       Let’s just bear with it a little longer…

 

       When he returned to the mansion, the study was still brightly lit. Standing at the doorway, Chu Yunhan glanced in to see the man seated behind the desk, engrossed in writing something with a pen. He had changed into a set of grey cotton pyjamas.

       Apparently, he had fallen asleep but had to get up to work temporarily.

       He frowned, walked in, and pretended to look for books on the bookshelf. While muttering, “Where is it?” he walked to the desk and cleared his throat.

       Chu Yichen looked up at him and asked, “Just got back?”

       “Well.” He glanced at the documents on the table and said, “Aren’t you done yet?”

       “Just a bit more.”

       With nothing more to say, Chu Yunhan casually pulled a book from the shelf and said, “Finally found it. Well… I’ll head back to the room then.”

       The man’s eyes turned from the book to his face, and he smiled and said, “Reading this at night?”

       Chu Yunhan looked down at the book and instantly felt as if his seat were on fire, embarrassment flooding him. The cover of the book, a traditional thread-bound edition, prominently displayed the words ‘Golden Lotus1Ming dynasty vernacular novel, formerly notorious and banned for its sexual content‘ in cursive calligraphy, with smaller, neatly printed characters beneath that read ‘Illustrated Edition’. His face turned red as he stiffened and said, “Just bored… reading randomly…”

       With a smile on his lips, Chu Yichen put down his pen, turned his chair towards him, and said, “Slave, come here.”

       Chu Yunhan felt his entire body heat up as though it were burning, almost steaming. Swallowing nervously, he stepped over to the chair hesitantly, stealing a quick glance at the door before kneeling down.

       A warm hand caressed his face, fingertips repeatedly rubbing over his lips before the man issued the command, “Suck.” Chu Yunhan parted his lips slightly, taking the man’s index finger into his mouth, his tongue curling around it as he gently sucked. The man gradually raised his finger, forcing him to tilt his head back, exposing the graceful, supple curve of his neck.

       In the quiet study room, the sounds of swallowing and sucking seemed particularly erotic. His Adam’s apple quivered, and his moistened lips turned a deeper red, like petals after rain—soft and alluring.

       This was the first time Chu Yunhan had willingly stepped into the role of a slave outside of the club. He could imagine how he looked right now—kneeling, sucking on another man’s finger, letting the man invade his mouth, completely yielding to his whims. The tension heightened the thrill, and coupled with over a month of abstinence, it didn’t take long for him to become aroused.

       Chu Yichen saw the bulge in his crotch and ordered, “Take off your pants and get on the desk.”

       He shamelessly did as he was told, leaning on the table and raising his fair ass high. The man stood up, but when his hand was about to touch his skin, he suddenly stopped. He frowned, then took a report and threw it before him, saying, “Read it out. You’ll be slapped if you make a mistake in a word.”

       Chu Yunhan had no choice but to obey and read a long paragraph. The man behind him remained silent the entire time, which puzzled him. He turned his head to peek at the risk of being punished, but he heard Chu Yichen say, “Get dressed. Get out.”

       Chu Yunhan froze, sitting up and turning to face him. Chu Yichen was leaning back in his chair, one hand gripping the armrest, the other pressing against the edge of the desk. His face looked a bit pale.

       “What’s wrong?” he asked.

       The man frowned deeply and said stiffly, “Get out.” He closed his eyes, his expression weary, as though he couldn’t even stand to look at him anymore. 

       Chu Yunhan was completely thrown off by Chu Yichen’s attitude. It was like having a bucket of cold water dumped over him, extinguishing all his passion. Frustrated, he said angrily, “What’s that supposed to mean? Do you find it fun to toy with me like this?”

       “Didn’t you say you were leaving? Yet here you are, refusing to go. What, do you enjoy sticking your ass out, begging me to use you? Pathetic,” Chu Yichen’s voice was cold and cutting, every word like a blade.

       Hearing this, Chu Yunhan froze completely, his face flushing red and then turning pale. It felt as if a knife had been plunged straight into his heart, and instead of being pulled out, it twisted cruelly, leaving a mess of torn flesh and blood in its wake.

       So this was Chu Yichen’s true opinion of him.

       So this was how lightly that man regarded him…  

       Chu Yunhan grabbed his pants, quickly put them on, and left the study without looking back. On his way down the stairs, he bumped into Du Chuan, knocking the cup from his hand. The scalding tea spilt onto his arm, but he didn’t even notice. He grabbed the car keys from the driver’s hand, slammed the door, stepped on the accelerator and rushed out of the door.

       He had no idea where he was going, but staying in that house—staying even one more second—was unbearable.

       Only when the car reached the highway did he realise his face was wet.

       Pathetic.

       But everyone else could call him pathetic—everyone except you. 

       It was you who made me like this. 

       It was you who made me unable to live without you…

       Chu Yichen…why do you do this to me…

       The road in front of him was blurred by the tears that kept pouring out. He finally pulled over to the side of the road, slumping forward onto the steering wheel as his shoulders shook with silent sobs.

 

       When his emotions finally calmed down, Chu Yunhan began to think about what to do. If he had been his proud and haughty old self, he would have left and never returned, preferring to bottle up his feelings rather than face that person again. But after everything that had happened, he had matured a lot compared to before. He didn’t know why the man’s attitude had suddenly changed or what he had done wrong. But because that person was Chu Yichen, there had to be a reason behind it.

       He wanted to talk to the other party and figure this out.

       In the end, Chu Yunhan made up his mind, turned the car around, and drove back to the old mansion.

       Deep down, he knew that he just couldn’t let go.

 

       Dragging his heavy footsteps to the door, he hesitated for a long time before finally mustering the courage to push it open. But the person in the study was gone. He walked up the stairs dejectedly and came to Chu Yichen’s door. He saw Bai Xiao leaning against the door and asked, “Is he in there?”

       “Young Master Yun, Young Master is resting.” Bai Xiao replied with a face devoid of any warmth, his tone respectful but cold.

       He glanced at the door and asked, “Is he… okay?” He had vaguely noticed Bai Xiao’s furrowed brow earlier. 

       The other party didn’t answer, merely stared at him in silence. 

       Chu Yunhan felt depressed and was about to leave when he saw the door open from the inside. Du Chuan stepped out, startled upon seeing him, and quickly hid what he was holding behind his back before shutting the door. Putting on a perfunctory smile, he said, “Young Master Yun, you’re back.”

       Chu Yunhan didn’t miss the little movements, and he distinctly heard a sound from within just as the door closed—a muffled noise from deep in someone’s throat. Suspicious thoughts swirled in his mind as he stepped closer to the door.

       Bai Xiao immediately moved to block his path. “Young Master Yun, Young Master is resting. It wouldn’t be appropriate to disturb him now.”  

       “Disturb…” Chu Yunhan let out a cold laugh, tinged with bitterness.

       That sound… the muffled groan… was obviously…

       He has another sub. No wonder he said those things earlier…

       Then what does the contract mean? What do they mean to each other?

       Chu Yunhan felt as if he had been thrown into an ice cellar. He was angry and desperate, and his fists clenched so tightly that they shook. He suddenly stepped forward and kicked the door. Bai Xiao reached out to grab him, but Chu Yunhan punched him so hard that he collided with the wall.

       “Young Master Yun!” Du Chuan shouted in desperation, and he rushed in like a tiger.

       Chu Yunhan stormed in, consumed by the thought of catching someone in the act, but froze in his tracks when he saw the scene before him. 

       The room was brightly lit. Three people stood by the bedside, seemingly in the middle of a discussion. Hearing the commotion behind them, they turned around simultaneously. One of them was Zhang Juan, and the other two were his assistants, dressed in pyjamas, clearly summoned in a hurry without even having time to change.

       From the gap between their bodies, Chu Yunhan saw Chu Yichen lying on the bed.

       The man’s wrists and ankles were bound to the bedframe with soft straps. His eyes were tightly shut, a towel clenched between his teeth, and his forehead was covered in sweat. Suppressed groans escaped from deep in his throat, his expression one of profound pain, as if enduring some unbearable torment.

       The sight was shocking enough, but when Chu Yunhan’s gaze fell on Chu Yichen’s exposed chest, he was completely stunned. 

       In his youth, when Chu Yichen would strip off his sweat-drenched jersey, there were always girls on the sidelines blushing and screaming. His skin was flawless, not even a single mole, and his taut muscles perfectly outlined his well-proportioned physique. 

       But now… his chest was covered in hideous scars, crisscrossing in all directions—some long, some short, of various shapes. One knife scar ran vertically downward, disappearing beneath the waistband of his pants, its stitched wound resembling a long, grotesque centipede. The sight was appalling.

       The scene before him hit Chu Yunhan like a bolt of lightning, rendering him completely motionless. He couldn’t even tear his gaze away. Bai Xiao, who had rushed in after him, was about to drag him out when Zhang Juan spoke up, “Enough, he’s already seen it. There’s no point in hiding it anymore.”

       Bai Xiao glanced at the man writhing in pain on the bed, then at the devastated Chu Yunhan, and released his grip. 

       “What… what is going on?” Chu Yunhan stammered, his tongue feeling clumsy.

       While Zhang Juan slowly pushed the remaining transparent liquid in the needle into Chu Yichen’s body, he said, “I’m afraid you have to ask Young Master Yun this question yourself.”

       Chu Yunhan’s heart jolted, his face turning pale as he looked at Zhang Juan. The suspicion that had been lingering in his mind, like wind sweeping sand, became increasingly clear and undeniable.

       At that moment, the man on the bed let out a hoarse sound, his brows deeply furrowed.

       Zhang Juan sighed and said, “How long are you planning to keep this from him?”

       Chu Yichen’s eyes fluttered open slightly, weakly glancing at the family doctor, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t. His chest heaved with difficulty due to labored breathing, prompting one of the assistants to place an oxygen mask over his face immediately.

       “I’m really tired of this hide-and-seek game you two keep playing. No one in this house dares to disobey your orders, so I’ll do it myself.”

       Zhang Juan stood by the bedside, pulled down Chu Yichen’s pyjama pants with a swift motion, then grabbed Chu Yunhan and dragged him to the edge of the bed. With a blank expression, he said, “Since you’re here to see, then see it clearly. There are 89 scars on his body in total. These circular ones are from being pierced with an awl. These shallow ones are knife cuts. These small burn marks are from electric shocks, while the larger ones are from scalding. This dent on his thigh? That’s where a chunk of flesh was gouged out. Fortunately, these are all external injuries meant to inflict pain but not fatal. The dangerous ones are twofold. First, this long slash wound—it starts under his ribs and runs all the way to his abdomen.”

       Then, Zhang Juan pressed Chu Yunhan’s hand against Chu Yichen’s chest and said slowly, “The second is a gunshot wound, right here. The bullet entered from his back and exited from the front. If it had been just a little off, he’d be dead. Young Master Yun, can you guess how long it took me to stitch up this body that was practically torn to shreds?”


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