Chapter 27

The scene was too much for a group of teenagers who had never encountered such content before.

It wasn’t just a matter of being too explicit; it felt like they had stumbled into an entirely different world!

Fang Junqi couldn’t even eat his chips anymore. The academic achiever, who hadn’t cursed since starting middle school, couldn’t hold back this time. “Mingzi, what the hell are you doing? Four guys, late at night, watching a gay film?”

Xu Xiaoming was also embarrassed, stammering, “I-I don’t know either. Last time I watched, it wasn’t like this, it was a guy and a girl…” As he spoke, he grabbed the disc case and showed it to everyone. “Look, there’s clearly a woman on the cover, with such a big chest.”

On the cover, a blonde woman was striking seductive poses, wearing almost nothing. But inside the case, there were two real men, fully equipped.

Qi Mu took quite a while to regain his composure. His expression was complex, “What kind of mess is this?”

Xu Xiaoming stopped pretending and explained, “It’s an enlightenment film. Dong Jisheng had a blast in America and brought me back quite a few. But the previous ones were all beauties with big breasts, slim waists, and long legs. This time, though…” How did it end up being two men? And why was it so blunt, jumping straight to a home run without any buildup?

Fang Junqi and Qi Mu both stared at him with deadpan eyes.

Xu Xiaoming felt extremely wronged: “It was purely an accident, brothers!”
This scene killed everyone’s appetite. Even Fang Xiaopang couldn’t eat anymore. He said, “It’s getting late. Let’s head back.”

Qi Mu had already made his plans. He waved his hand and said, “You guys go ahead. I’m staying here tonight.” Yin Xiuzhu rarely celebrated his birthday, and it felt too lonely for him to be alone in such an empty house. Qi Mu had figured it all out; today was Friday, so staying over wouldn’t be an issue. His parents didn’t mind, and he had already informed them in advance.

Unexpectedly, his words made the other three turn their heads in surprise.
Qi Mu blinked, “What, you guys want to stay too?”

Fang Junqi and Xu Xiaoming shook their heads vigorously.

Yin Xiuzhu, who had been silent, finally said, “You’re staying tonight?”

Qi Mu replied, “Yeah, I’m not leaving. I already told my mom, and she agreed. Besides, we don’t have any classes tomorrow.” Then he looked at Xu Xiaoming and Fang Junqi, “Why don’t you two stay as well? It’s late, and it’s a hassle to go back and forth.”

They both shook their heads like rattles, one saying, “I have a tutoring session early in the morning. I’m afraid I’ll be late.” The other said, “My mom doesn’t let me stay out. She’s worried I’ll get into trouble.”

Qi Mu didn’t insist: “Alright then, see you guys on Monday.”

Yin Xiuzhu snapped out of his daze: “I’ll go get the driver.”

Xu Xiaoming said, “No need, no need. My driver is already here. We’ll head out on our own.”

Yin Xiuzhu insisted, “Let me walk you out.”

As he moved, Qi Mu quickly followed—no way was he staying alone in this house after watching a horror movie. Are you trying to scare Tyrant Qi to death?

In November, it was already quite cool outside, especially at night when the temperature dropped to just above ten degrees. Though they were dressed warmly enough to avoid freezing, a gust of wind still made them shiver.

The cold wind blew straight into the back of Yin Xiuzhu’s neck, gradually cooling his previously boiling blood.

Qi Mu also shrank his neck, feeling that the dark garden was particularly creepy, strangely resembling scenes from a horror movie.

Fang Junqi and Xu Xiaoming both sat in the back after getting into the car.

After a moment of silence, Xu Xiaoming quietly said, “Our Brother Mu is something else. He watched that movie and still stayed so calm.”

Fang Junqi replied, “What’s there to be uncomfortable about?”

Xu Xiaoming muttered, “Just… two people, one room, late at night, all quiet… even if you screamed your lungs out…”

Fang Junqi glanced at him, “I think you didn’t just grab the wrong movie; you must watch this kind of thing often.”

Xu Xiaoming looked shocked, “How could that be? I like girls with D-cups. What’s the point of watching skinny guys?”

Fang Junqi sneered, “Heh.”

Xu Xiaoming was not having it. “Fatty Fang, speak properly. What’s with the ‘heh’?”

Fang Junqi turned to look out the window.

Xu Xiaoming, eager to explain, said, “Hey, don’t get the wrong idea. I’m not interested in guys. If I were interested…” His brain worked quickly, and he said, “If I liked guys, I would have gone after Qi Mu ages ago!” With Qi Mu’s rosy lips, white teeth, and big eyes, he was more attractive than most school beauties.

Fang Junqi gave him three words, “You are crazy.”

Xu Xiaoming fell silent, regretting his words immediately. No matter how good-looking his Brother Mu was, he was still his Brother Mu. Using him as an example was really pushing it!

Once they left, Qi Mu couldn’t stand it any longer. Being in this cold, dark place, where a female ghost could pop out at any moment, was making him nervous.

“Let’s go inside before we catch a cold.” Qi Mu spoke softly, afraid of scaring any ghosts.

Yin Xiuzhu, however, found it hard to move. The thought of being alone with Qi Mu inside made his heart race with a mix of sweetness and heat, and he needed the cold air outside to cool down.

Qi Mu pretended to sneeze, “Achoo.”

Yin Xiuzhu immediately responded, “Let’s go back inside, don’t catch a cold.”

Qi Mu sighed in relief, staying close to him. If it weren’t for the embarrassment, he would have grabbed his hand.

The Yin family’s garden was truly well-built. The pine and cypress trees were neatly trimmed, the lawn was beautifully maintained, and there was even a fountain, which, though not running at the moment, must look splendid when in operation.

The path was paved with cobblestones, making no noise under their sneakers. The two boys walked shoulder to shoulder, bathed in moonlight, looking like a painting.

Unfortunately, their moods were completely different: Yin Xiuzhu wished this path stretched to the ends of the earth so he could keep walking with Qi Mu forever; Qi Mu, on the other hand, felt the path was too long, like the Bridge of Helplessness, with the surrounding bushes resembling the Yellow Springs, where a hanging ghost could jump out at any moment!

Suddenly, a shadow flashed by.

Qi Mu froze for a moment before completely breaking down, “G-ghost… ghost!” He hugged Yin Xiuzhu tightly.

Yin Xiuzhu was stunned, not because of the ghost but because of the sudden embrace.

Qi Mu clung to him desperately, his entire body pressed against him. Even though they were separated by their school uniforms, a strange heat seemed to pierce through, directly striking Yin Xiuzhu.

“D-don’t be afraid,” Yin Xiuzhu’s voice was so hoarse that even he could barely hear it. He raised his hand, which felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, and when it landed on Qi Mu’s back, it felt like a heavy hammer striking an iron anvil, sending sparks flying.

Qi Mu had no idea about any of this; he was scared to death, his soul nearly scared out of him!

“Meow~”

A pitiful and timid cry sounded.

Yin Xiuzhu’s voice trembled slightly, “It’s okay, it’s just a kitten.”

Qi Mu still clung tightly to Yin Xiuzhu but moved his head slightly. Hanging onto Yin Xiuzhu, their similar heights meant that when Qi Mu turned his head, his dry hair brushed against Yin Xiuzhu’s nose, making him feel even more dizzy.

“A cat?” Qi Mu, using the faint light from the garden lamp, finally saw the black shadow clearly.

It was indeed a cat—a little black kitten with only its four paws white.

It looked as if it had just been weaned, tiny and pitiful, with wet eyes that were both fearful and pleading as it looked at the two boys huddled together.

Qi Mu sighed in relief but didn’t let go of Yin Xiuzhu. He whispered, “Is it really a cat?” What if it’s some kind of ghost that turns into a monster as soon as you get close…

Yin Xiuzhu dared not move and gently said, “Don’t be afraid, it’s just a kitten. If you don’t like it, I can chase it away.”

The kitten, probably hungry, meowed again, softly and weakly, looking both pitiful and adorable.

Qi Mu, a sturdy man, couldn’t resist this kind of delicate charm. Forgetting about ghosts, he finally let go of Yin Xiuzhu, bent down, and reached out to touch the kitten, “You little thing, where did you come from?”

The kitten wasn’t afraid of Qi Mu; it nudged his palm with its little head and let out another endearing meow.

Qi Mu’s hand felt a slight tickle, and his tense nerves finally relaxed. “I think it’s hungry.”

Yin Xiuzhu stared at the black cat.

The kitten, very sensitive, sensed the unfriendly gaze and immediately shrank closer to Qi Mu.

Qi Mu scooped it up and asked Yin Xiuzhu, “Do you have any milk at home?” Then he muttered to himself, “Can cats drink milk?”

Yin Xiuzhu paused.

Qi Mu thought aloud, “I think cats can’t drink milk; it gives them diarrhea. So what should we feed it? Hmm… I’ll go to the supermarket and buy some cat food!”

It was already so late, and a trip to the supermarket would take up the whole night. Yin Xiuzhu could only say, “I’ll cook some chicken breast for it. If we don’t add salt or seasonings, it should be fine.”

Qi Mu was impressed, “You really know a lot!”

Yin Xiuzhu: “…” Although he didn’t like the little black thing, there wasn’t much else they could do.

After picking up the kitten, Qi Mu no longer stuck closely to Yin Xiuzhu. He said, “I heard black cats ward off evil spirits. Maybe this little guy came to protect us.”

Yin Xiuzhu glanced at the kitten, which, sensing the danger, quickly snuggled against Qi Mu and meowed.

Qi Mu laughed, “Look, it even cuddles up. It’s really affectionate.”

Yin Xiuzhu disliked the kitten.

With the distraction of the kitten, Qi Mu’s fear of ghosts diminished. They cooked chicken breast for the little creature, and seeing it eat contentedly, Qi Mu found it quite endearing.

“This little thing is pretty cute,” Qi Mu said.

Yin Xiuzhu replied softly, “Just average.”

Noticing Yin Xiuzhu’s lack of enthusiasm, Qi Mu asked, “Don’t you like cats?”

Yin Xiuzhu remained silent.

Qi Mu continued, “I actually like it a lot. I think it must have been abandoned after weaning and wandered here on its own. Unfortunately, my mom is allergic to pet fur, or I would have taken it home.”

Upon hearing the first part of Qi Mu’s statement, Yin Xiuzhu truly disliked the kitten. But then Qi Mu added, “I was hoping you could keep it. That way, I could come over every day, and it would be like I’m taking care of it too!”

Yin Xiuzhu: “…”

Qi Mu said, “Of course, if you don’t like cats, that’s fine. I’ll ask Xu Xiaoming instead…”

“Not that I don’t like them,” Yin Xiuzhu said genuinely, “I actually like them quite a lot.”

Qi Mu was thrilled, “That’s great! Then let’s keep it here. When I’m not around at night, it can keep you company.”

At this point, Yin Xiuzhu understood, and a warm feeling surged in his heart, instantly washing away any lingering bitterness.

Qi Mu continued, “I was originally thinking of adopting a dog with you, but this little one arrived just in time. If you don’t mind, let’s keep it.”

The house was too empty, and Qi Mu couldn’t be with him every day. Having a little pet around might make Yin Xiuzhu feel more comfortable on quiet nights.

Yin Xiuzhu’s voice became slightly hoarse again, “Alright.” He couldn’t refuse; he was completely powerless against the warmth Qi Mu provided.

Qi Mu played with the kitten and said, “Shall we give it a name?”

Yin Xiuzhu replied, “You choose.”

Qi Mu actually had an idea and said, “Let’s name it Gui Gui. On dark and stormy nights, a little Gui Gui catching ghosts—how’s that?” [1]

Yin Xiuzhu smiled, “That’s good. With this little ghost around, the others won’t come.”

Qi Mu looked up at him, grinning, “You really understand me!” Then he awkwardly added, “Well, I’m not afraid of ghosts; it’s mainly for your sake since you’re alone at home…”

The tenderness in Yin Xiuzhu’s eyes was nearly overflowing. He responded, “Thank you.”

If Yin Xiuzhu had teased him, Qi Mu would have been more at ease, but with sincere thanks, Qi Mu felt a bit awkward. He said, “Alright, it’s getting late. Let’s go to bed early.”

Yin Xiuzhu then remembered, “I’ll go tidy up the room for you.”

“Eh?” Qi Mu followed him upstairs and gently suggested, “Can’t we just sleep together?”

Yin Xiuzhu’s steps faltered, almost tripping. He swallowed and said, “My bed… is small. It’s better if I prepare the guest room for you.”

It would be great if the bed were small—then they could sleep close together! But Qi Mu couldn’t bring himself to say that. He mustered his courage and said, “It’s fine, I don’t take up much space. I sleep well and won’t kick you out of bed.”

Yin Xiuzhu replied, “I don’t sleep well.”

Qi Mu: “…” This is not going to work, there’s no way for him to fall asleep tonight!

Yin Xiuzhu prepared the guest room for him, changed the sheets and bedding, and adjusted the air conditioning to a comfortable temperature.

Qi Mu looked at him with anticipation, and Yin Xiuzhu, glancing back, almost gave in to his wish.

The kitten was cute, but it couldn’t compare to even a fraction of the charm of the person before him.

Yin Xiuzhu averted his gaze with effort and said firmly, “Good night.”

Qi Mu, seeing the bed was ready and knowing there was no turning back, reluctantly replied, “Good night.” He thought to himself that if he could sleep tonight, he’d change his last name to Yin and be known as Yin Qi Mu from now on!

Yin Xiuzhu’s lips twitched but he ultimately resisted. He closed the door and stepped out.

Qi Mu, in the bright, spacious, comfortable, and beautiful room, was scared out of his wits.

Yin Xiuzhu let out a light sigh and returned to his own bedroom.

It was already late, around 10:30 PM. Yin Xiuzhu usually went to bed by 11:00, so it was about that time.

He took a quick shower and lay down on his bed.

Qi Mu was just next door. Qi Mu was within ten steps of him. He would see him first thing in the morning.

Yin Xiuzhu rested his forearm over his eyes, the corners of his mouth curling into a sweet smile illuminated by the gentle light.

Yin Xiuzhu was so happy he didn’t know how to describe it—his heart was full, swelling, and tingling with a gentle warmth.

He sighed lightly and turned onto his pillow, eagerly anticipating the arrival of the morning, looking forward to seeing Qi Mu as soon as he opened his eyes.

What should he make for him in the morning? Qi Mu’s favorite is chocolate, but sweets aren’t the best in the morning. Maybe he could start with a cup of hot cocoa…

The more he thought about it, the more energetic he felt. He began to resent how slowly time passed, how the moon was so obstructive, and how the sun was so lazy—why wasn’t it rising yet? Why wasn’t it up in the sky yet? Why wasn’t it waking up Qi Mu?

After tossing and turning for twenty minutes, Yin Xiuzhu sat up.

He got out of bed and went to open the wardrobe, retrieving a blue short-sleeved shirt with a white collar from the far corner.

This was Qi Mu’s shirt. Although it had long been washed by Yin Xiuzhu and no longer carried Qi Mu’s scent, just seeing it brought a sense of calm to his restless heart.

On countless sleepless nights before, it had been this shirt that helped him drift off to sleep.

Yin Xiuzhu carefully hugged it and returned to his bed.

In his drowsy state, he fell asleep, drifting between dreams and past memories.

In his dreams, as long as Qi Mu was there, it was a good dream.

And tonight’s dream seemed even better than a good dream. He actually dreamt of going to the beach alone with Qi Mu.

Neither of them went into the water.

Qi Mu lounged lazily on a beach chair and said, “Help me apply sunscreen to my back. Make sure it’s even; otherwise, I’ll get sunburned and it’ll look terrible.”

Yin Xiuzhu had applied sunscreen before, so he knew exactly what to do. “Alright.”

But when his gaze fell on Qi Mu’s back, a strange electric current surged through him, leaving him somewhat disoriented.

Qi Mu had a very attractive physique: narrow, slightly slender shoulder blades that resembled small open wings, and a spine that dipped at the waist, elegantly like the trailing feathers of a peacock.

As Yin Xiuzhu’s hands fell onto his waist, he suddenly realized what he was doing, and countless kisses began to rain down.

Qi Mu was mildly surprised but not angry. Instead, he chuckled and said, “It tickles.” His voice was familiar yet unfamiliar, lingering in Yin Xiuzhu’s ear.

Yin Xiuzhu felt his mind buzzing, as the surging, repressed madness buried deep within him finally found an outlet.

He lifted Qi Mu, bending his body into a charming curve, and then…

He abruptly woke from the dream, finding himself in a chaotic mess.

The overwhelming pleasure still lingered in his mind, and Yin Xiuzhu hadn’t yet awakened from that scarlet dream.

“Qi Mu…” As he spoke, he realized how unbearable his voice sounded.

Yin Xiuzhu closed his eyes, trying to regain a bit of clarity. Yet the darkness before him only fueled the wild thoughts in his mind, and Qi Mu’s disoriented, infatuated appearance was like a seed planted at the tip of his heart.

He liked Qi Mu…

From the first moment he saw him, he liked him.

But this liking was more about affection and dependence, a longing for the only light in his life, a fixation on a lifeline, projecting all the missing emotions onto him.

When did things change?

Yin Xiuzhu didn’t know. But embracing him, possessing him, making him call his name, filling his eyes with him… This emotion was like a cursed magic bean, with its frenzied vines wrapping around his entire heart.

If this were the case, could they be together forever?

Holding him before sleep, kissing him upon waking, whether it was a lonely night or a beautiful sunrise, he would always have him by his side.

The temptation was too great for Yin Xiuzhu.

Like a traveler who has wandered alone through countless days and nights in the desert, finally encountering an oasis. It is a temptation that comes from life itself, from the soul and is irresistible.

Yin Xiuzhu took a deep breath, changed his clothes, and took a shower.
Just as he stepped out of the bathroom, there was a knock at the door.

Qi Mu’s voice came softly: “Yin Xiuzhu, are you asleep?” The plaintive tone in the quiet night sounded especially pitiful, like a small kitten abandoned on the roadside, meowing plaintively.

Yin Xiuzhu’s body, which had cooled down, suddenly felt a rush of heat again, and for a moment, he thought he was still dreaming.

Not hearing a response, Qi Mu continued, “If you’re awake, open the door. I-I’m not afraid of ghosts; it’s just that that little kitten, Gui Gui, keeps scratching my door, making it impossible for me to sleep…” His excuse was as flimsy as it could be, but Qi Mu, who had been staring at the ceiling for three or four hours, was beyond caring. If he continued like this, he felt like he might even wish for death!

Yin Xiuzhu’s heart softened completely. His body moved faster than his mind, and when he opened the door to see Qi Mu, with messy hair, and wide eyes, wrapped in a blanket with only his beautiful collarbone exposed…

The scene in his dreams exploded in his mind.

Yin Xiuzhu slammed the door shut.

Qi Mu: “……”

Three seconds later, Yin Xiuzhu opened the door again and looked at him intently.

He was calm, as if nothing had happened, as if the loud slam of the door almost hitting Qi Mu’s face hadn’t been his doing!

Qi Mu looked bewildered: “Are you… sleepwalking?”

Yin Xiuzhu: “……”

Seeing him silent, Qi Mu thought he might have guessed right, and a hint of joy appeared in his heart: sleepwalking would work well; he could slip into his room, climb into his bed, and persuade him to sleep together…

“I just woke up,” Yin Xiuzhu’s words dispelled Qi Mu’s thoughts.

Qi Mu, feeling slightly embarrassed: “Oh, you woke up? It wasn’t my noise that woke you, was it? Hahaha.”

Yin Xiuzhu’s mind was filled with unrelated thoughts: “I had a dream.”

“A dream?” Qi Mu understood, “Was it because of the movie tonight?”

Yin Xiuzhu’s pupils constricted sharply, thinking Qi Mu had seen through his thoughts.

Qi Mu quickly reassured him: “If you’re scared, just say so. I already said I’d stay with you, but you wouldn’t let me. Don’t be so polite; I won’t make fun of you. Don’t worry, I’m coming over. With me here, no ghost or monster would dare to come near you!”

Yin Xiuzhu was indeed affected by tonight’s movie, but not by the horror film Qi Mu mentioned.

Of course, he wouldn’t explain.

Qi Mu was already trying to squeeze in: “It’s getting late; let’s go to sleep.”

As soon as Yin Xiuzhu’s arm brushed against Qi Mu’s, he pulled away slightly due to the “heat,” and Qi Mu took the opportunity to enter the room, puzzled: “Did you just take a shower?”

The bathroom light in Yin Xiuzhu’s room was still on, with steam lingering inside.

Qi Mu muttered to himself, “Woke up from a nightmare, so you took a shower to calm down? What a peculiar habit.” Qi Mu didn’t understand this special preference.

Yin Xiuzhu then came to his senses, remembering the mess on his bed—not only was the blanket sticky, but Qi Mu’s clothes were also in a state that was hard to look at.

Even if Qi Mu was naive, he’d understand.

Seeing Qi Mu about to lift the blanket and get into his bed, Yin Xiuzhu quickly stopped him: “Don’t…”

Qi Mu, unguarded, bumped into his arms, blinking up at him: “What’s wrong?” Brother, have some mercy on me, let me stay the night. I’m really scared of myself!

Yin Xiuzhu: “…”

At that moment, all he wanted to do was kiss him.

[1] “Gui” means Ghost