Chapter 4: How Could This Young Master’s Lips Not Be Soft?

Chapter 4: How Could Young Master's Lips Not Be Soft?

"Warning⚠️: Task target Pei Yuhuai's affection level has decreased, currently at stage four."

"Warning my ass, fuck off."

Ji Huaiyu was shaking with rage, his heart burning at the thought that Pei Yuhuai had been lying in someone else's arms—or worse, beneath someone else—wrapped up in some desperate, passionate tangle before coming here.

"Pei Yuhuai!"

"You think you can just yell my name like that?"

"You..."

"Imperial Son-in-Law should focus on his wedding night. Young master's got shit to do, no time for chit-chat with the Imperial Son-in-Law."

With that, Pei Yuhuai happily left the back courtyard.

Ji Huaiyu trembled with fury.

He didn't know why he was so angry—it felt like his property had been tainted. Even if he didn't like this thing, even if he didn't want it, it should still be his!

The old Pei Yuhuai always did what he said. All it took was a few sweet words, and that high-and-mighty prince would jump through hoops for him, his affection soaring.

He could easily control the young prince.

Why did it feel like he was losing control now?

-

Pei Yuhuai really couldn't be bothered with this dumbass. He remembered that the little canary he'd brought was gone—if someone else snatched it up, he'd be screwed.

He searched all the way to the front hall, where everyone was boozing and chatting, totally wasted.

In the chaotic crowd, he spotted Lan He at once—his classy vibe standing out in every move. Elegant.

Just flat-out elegant, no contest.

Lan He didn't notice him. After drinking a cup of wine, he rose and left the table. Pei Yuhuai saw that and got ready to chase after him.

"Where's the young prince off to?"

Someone asked him.

Pei Yuhuai grinned. "Just going out for a walk."

Outside, a drizzling rain had begun to fall, wetting the ground. He sloshed through puddles, chasing Lan He into the back garden.

Muddy water splashed all over his clean robes, and he couldn't give a damn.

Once inside the garden, all the noise and celebration just disappeared. It was secluded and dim, just the swaying shadows of flowers, rocks, and trees.

Rare flowers and trees twisted together in thick, tangled layers. Walking through them felt like "pushing through clouds to see the moon again."

"Young master's looking for me?"

A sudden voice in the rain made Pei Yuhuai spin around in a hurry.

Under a misty old tree stood a tall guy with long, dark hair, prayer beads slowly rolling around his wrist.

He held an umbrella, slowly tilting it up to reveal sharp, refined features.

Like some celestial being who'd dropped down from the heavens, untouched by the mortal world.

Pei Yuhuai's breath hitched, and for a second, he forgot how to talk.

Damn, he's hot.

Why the hell had he been hung up on that dead-end Ji Huaiyu all this time?

He must've been blind.

After a long, quiet stare, he finally snapped out of it and raised an eyebrow. "You're the one I brought. Isn't it obvious I'd come looking when you disappear?"

Lan He's face gave nothing away. "Young master's not at the front hall celebrating, but you came all the way to the garden to find me. How sweet."

"..."

Why did that sound so passive-aggressive?

Pei Yuhuai grinned. "Scared someone might snatch you up. Young master's gotta keep an eye on you."

"Oh? Young master's worried about me?"

"Of course."

Lan He's eyes flickered, his knuckles going white as he squeezed the beads, like he was holding something back. His lips were pale.

He stepped forward, umbrella in hand, shoes splashing through puddles, his voice crisp and cool: "Young master's getting soaked."

"Hm?"

The umbrella blocked the rain overhead. Lan He glanced down at him, a faint blush spreading across his pale face.

Gorgeous—like a finely carved Buddha statue.

Under the hazy night, it made him even more dangerously alluring. Pei Yuhuai felt his chest heat up without realizing it.

His eyes couldn't help but drift to Lan He's lips, and suddenly his throat went dry.

Lan He caught the look in his eyes and quietly smirked.

"Young master likes this face of mine, huh?"

"Like it? Hell yeah, I like it. It's almost as good as mine."

Lan He lowered his eyes, lips pressed shut, but his fingers stopped rolling the beads, almost crushing them.

When he opened his eyes again, there was a shimmer in them.

Pei Yuhuai saw all of it and was secretly thrilled.

Oh.

Still acting all high and mighty, huh.

Pei Yuhuai suddenly felt a weird rush of competitiveness. Letting his playboy side take over, he grabbed Lan He's hand and shoved it against his chest.

"Pretty boy, young master's got his eye on you. I'll get you a nice place to stay."

Translation: I want to keep you.

Lan He curled his lips, his palm rubbing over it teasingly: "What's the young master's game, buying me a place to live? Is it for my looks, or... my bedroom skills?"

"??"

Recalling last night, Pei Yuhuai couldn't help but swallow. That beauty was a curse, a real curse.

"Is the young master scared?"

"Scared? Ridiculous, why the hell would I be scared? Only children make choices—I want both, obviously."

With that, Pei Yuhuai grabbed him, harder than he meant to. Lan He let out a muffled groan, his lips going even paler, sweat beading on his forehead.

?

"What's wrong with you? I haven't done anything to you—why do you look like you're about to keel over?"

Last night, the guy didn't seem this delicate.

Lan He bit his lip, then tossed the umbrella aside, exposing both of them to the rain. Rainwater trickled down his temples.

That flash of red burned like a fire, searing his heart.

"Young master." He called softly, an unreadable look crossing his face. "Do you truly like me? Want me?"

Pei Yuhuai blinked to see him clearly.

"Of course. I said what I said."

The second those words left his mouth, his wrist was suddenly seized. An overwhelming presence bore down on him, backing him up step by step.

Until his back hit the rockery, with nowhere to run.

His back slammed against the cold, rough stone surface, making Pei Yuhuai jolt. He looked up quickly and almost drowned in those dark eyes.

His heart lurched: "You..."

"Even if I'm a monk, would you still like me?"

"What?"

Lan He lowered his gaze, staring at him.

His cool fingers brushed Pei Yuhuai's forehead, trailing over that pretty, delicate face, slowly drifting down, tracing the young man's brows, eyes, nose, and lips.

Like a poisoned moon, enchanting and deadly.

Finally, his thumb settled on Pei Yuhuai's lips, circling slowly, watching the color rise.

"So soft."

His eyes went red as well.

Pei Yuhuai's heart hammered at the teasing, meeting the stare locked on him.

It was like staring at a meal he'd been craving, ready to devour him whole—wild and possessive, hungry for him.

The realization startled Pei Yuhuai.

He was the young lord, the one who was supposed to keep a male companion, and now he was getting flustered by that very companion?

No.

Pei Yuhuai flipped the script, grabbing Lan He's robe and puffing up his cheeks: "Of course my lips are soft—want a taste?"

He talked big, but his ears were already bright red.

"Cat got your tongue? Weren't you just acting all bold? Come on, I'm game anytime!"