Chapter 29: Unexpected Tastes and Persistent Affection

In Chen Yu’s adjacent estate. The garden.

Chen Yu watched the several scholars sprawled drunkenly across the table. With a languid sigh, he instructed, “Find someone to escort them to the guest rooms to rest.”

“Yes, Young Master.”

Chen Yu then turned his gaze to Qiu Zhi, who had only recently arrived, a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “Did Cousin succeed in his endeavor?”

Qiu Zhi replied, “Do not inquire.”

Chen Yu loosened his collar, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. “I must admit, I never would have expected Cousin to have such a taste.”

Qiu Zhi furrowed his brow. “Young Master Chen, this matter must not be spoken of lightly, or else Master…”

“Alright, alright, I know,” Chen Yu interjected, waving a hand. ‘Did they truly think he was unaware of his cousin’s temperament?’

Confident that Chen Yu would not speak carelessly, Qiu Zhi bowed respectfully. “Then I shall take my leave now.”

Just then, a house servant walked past, supporting Lin Cheng’an.

Lin Cheng’an groggily opened his eyes and, upon seeing Chen Yu, lunged forward to grab him.

The servant failed to restrain him, watching helplessly as Lin Cheng’an stumbled into Chen Yu’s embrace.

“Young Master, I beg your forgiveness!”

The servant attempted to pull Lin Cheng’an away, but the latter clung tightly to Chen Yu, murmuring in a daze, “Ah Yu, why has Ziyan not returned yet?”

Chen Yu gently pushed Lin Cheng’an away. Observing the flush on his cheeks, he chuckled wickedly and lifted him into his arms. “I shall personally take you to experience what he is doing.”

“Mmm… I trouble you, Ah Yu…”

“Indeed, it will be quite a bit of trouble.”

“Mmm…”

****

At the Chen residence.

After instructing servants to prepare two tubs of hot water, Ji Xiao personally attended to Wei Xiuyuan as he bathed. His voice was hoarse with deep affection.

“Ziyan, I truly admire you. Please, just agree to me, won’t you?”

Wei Xiuyuan’s eyes remained closed, his voice cool and clear. “You are the only son in your family, and so am I.”

“We can adopt a child, and they can take your surname.”

“Young Master Chen.”

“Call me by my given name.”

“Young Master Xiao.”

Ji Xiao sighed resignedly. “I will not force you, but trust me, in this life, I will only ever admire you and will not marry. You may not believe me now, but with time, you will know.”

Wei Xiuyuan’s eyelashes fluttered slightly, but he offered no reply.

After changing into fresh, new clothes, he made to leave.

Ji Xiao reached out, stopping him. “Rest for a while first. Knowing my cousin’s disposition, your friends are likely quite drunk and have already settled down in his estate.”

Wei Xiuyuan glanced at him. “Let go.”

Ji Xiao released his hand, letting out a soft, melancholic sigh. “Ziyan, you truly are… merciless once you’ve had your way.”

Wei Xiuyuan remained silent.

He touched the jade pendant at his waist, ensuring nothing had been left behind, then walked out without a trace of hesitation.

Ji Xiao did not stop him.

Over the next few appointments, Ji Xiao managed to spirit him away for a vigorous session each time, employing various tactics.

Eventually, Wei Xiuyuan simply stopped attending engagements, choosing instead to stay home and review his studies.

Ji Xiao, familiar with the route, arrived at his home and was led inside by Wei Xiuqin, his sister.

“The imperial examination is in two days. My brother is in his room, reviewing his studies.”

Ji Xiao smiled and nodded. “I will go see him and discuss the examination questions. Please do not disturb us.”

“Alright, Brother Xiao, don’t worry! I’ll be helping Mother in the front, so I won’t interrupt your study discussions.”

“Good. I know the way, you don’t need to see me off.”

“Okay~”

Upon reaching Wei Xiuyuan’s room, Ji Xiao pushed open the door.

Wei Xiuyuan’s brow furrowed the moment he saw him. “How can you come uninvited?”

“I missed you, so I came.”

Wei Xiuyuan set his book down, his voice chilling. “Yesterday, you just led me away from Scholar Fang’s banquet.”

“If I go even a single day without seeing you, I cannot bear it.”

Ji Xiao walked to him and gently brushed aside his hair.

“I wish I could see you every day.”

Wei Xiuyuan pushed his hand away, his voice several degrees colder. “I think it’s not me you’re thinking of.”

“How can that be~”

“You merely wish to sleep with me.”

“Desire stems from love, does it not? Does this not simply prove my affection for you?”

“Get out.”

Ji Xiao was momentarily stunned. ‘He didn’t even say ‘Kindly leave,’ just ‘Get out’?’

Ji Xiao reached out and embraced him, a hint of grievance in his voice. “I don’t want to get out.”

Wei Xiuyuan was speechless.

Ji Xiao leaned into his neck, inhaling deeply.

Wei Xiuyuan pushed his head away, stating coldly, “Do not indulge your desires.”

Ji Xiao tilted his head, leaning in to kiss his lips, then kissed them again.

Wei Xiuyuan was speechless.

“Ziyan, I want you.”

Wei Xiuyuan could only sigh.

****

That night, Ji Xiao stayed overnight at the Wei residence, ‘talking through the night by candlelight’ with Wei Xiuyuan.

The next day.

Ji Xiao still lingered, refusing to leave.

Wei Xiuyuan impatiently pushed away his head, which kept coming closer. “Stop this nonsense. I have the imperial examination tomorrow.”

“I believe in you. Even with one less day of study, you will still achieve a top rank.”

“Chen Xiao!”

Wei Xiuyuan looked at him with cold eyes. “If you truly loved me, how could you disregard my examination tomorrow and only seek your own pleasure these past two days?”

‘Did he not know how long one had to sit for the examination?’

Ji Xiao withdrew his hands, slumping silently to the side. “I’m sorry.”

Wei Xiuyuan was speechless.

He turned his head slightly, seeing Ji Xiao looking as though he might burst into tears, and his heart was filled with nothing but profound helplessness. “Fine, do as you wish.”

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