Chapter 32: Aged Vinegar

Chapter 32: Aged Vinegar

Early this morning, Chen Shuoan caught Zheng Yuanzhi to give him a piece of his mind.

He slammed that goddamn booklet onto Zheng Yuanzhi's desk, snapping, "Take a look at what you've written here?"

Zheng Yuanzhi was puzzled by his sudden grievance, so he leaned in to flip it open and said, "What is it? Obviously, it's something good."

Chen Shuoan couldn't begin to imagine what Zheng Yuanzhi considered "good."

When Zheng Yuanzhi flipped to the last page, his face suddenly flushed, and he stammered, "I'm a respectable man—my sister must have left this book in my study."

Chen Shuoan teased, "Your sister's got some unusual tastes."

Zheng Yuanzhi looked embarrassed and gave an awkward smile. "She doesn't usually read poetry or practice music; her hobby is just reading these little pamphlets, which I thought was no big deal. If my sister is reading such subversive stuff, I really should step in."

Chen Shuoan slung his arm around Zheng Yuanzhi's shoulder, smiling. "How is that rebellious? People always lose the ability to love because of all these rules. Love has nothing to do with gender—just follow your heart."

"Guess I'm the one who's old-fashioned. If I knew someone who was gay, I wouldn't treat them any differently. My sister's at that innocent age; reading these booklets is just a hobby, and I really shouldn't take that right away from her," Zheng Yuanzhi said.

"Speaking of which, there's this man I've been in love with for years, but he never loved me back." Chen Shuoan's face twisted in pain and sorrow.

Da Rong had always been pretty open-minded, so their talk about same-sex love didn't surprise anyone.

But Chen Shuoan's words were like a meteor hitting the ocean, sending waves crashing, and everyone else pricked up their ears.

Zhang Chenggong's reaction was even more over-the-top; his mouth hung open like he couldn't close it. "What?! Does His Highness know about this?!"

Hadn't His Highness the Sixth Prince dug up that guy's family graves?!

Li Wei shot a shocked look at Yuan Rang, who was sitting in front. What Highness? Is it the one I'm thinking of?!

There was something fishy about Zhang Chenggong's words. Damn, this is getting spicy!

Qin Zhonglian was shocked too.

When he saw Yuan Rang stand up and walk over with a dark expression, he silently said a prayer for his bro.

Looks like His Highness had no idea.

Qin Zhonglian clasped his hands together and silently prayed to Buddha for protection.

Chen Shuoan never expected his joke to cause such a commotion.

His voice trailed off, and he slowly said, "The God of Wealth."

Zheng Yuanzhi slowly closed his jaw, which was about to hit the floor. "..."

Lame.

Qin Zhonglian: "..."

Everyone: "..."

Zhang Chenggong lunged at Chen Shuoan, grabbed his neck, and shook him hard. "You little shit! Talking like that with all those pauses—aren't you afraid you'll choke to death?!"

Chen Shuoan couldn't speak, feeling like he really was about to suffocate.

Suddenly, a hand shot out, grabbed Zhang Chenggong by the collar, and dragged him off.

Zhang Chenggong, still pissed, spun around ready to cuss someone out, only to lock eyes with Yuan Rang's dark, brooding gaze.

He instantly deflated and slunk off.

Qin Zhonglian watched the show from the sidelines.

Why does this guy never learn?

Don't hang all over Chen Shuoan for no reason, and don't do it even if you have a reason.

He's been burned over and over, but he never learns a thing.

Seeing there was no more drama, everyone scattered.

Yuan Rang walked over to Chen Shuoan, leaned down, and grabbed his neck, slowly stroking his small Adam's apple.

His mind was a storm of madness with nowhere to go, feeling like this one-sided love was going to kill him.

If he could like the God of Wealth, then what about the most powerful man in the world?

Could he like him too?

Yuan Rang smiled faintly, hiding the terrifying possessiveness in his eyes, and said softly, almost like he was coaxing, "It's stuffy in here. Shuo'an, come walk with me."

His Highness was practically kind and gentle, except for being a bit cold—how could Chen Shuoan refuse?

He took the hand Yuan Rang offered, and was yanked so hard he nearly stumbled into his arms.

Chen Shuoan steadied himself, patted his chest, and silently thanked his quick reflexes for saving him from embarrassment.

Good thing my toes are strong—solid as a rock.

Zheng Yuanzhi frowned from the sidelines. "Are my eyes playing tricks on me? Why does His Highness look a little disappointed?"

Qin Zhonglian snorted, "Just pretend you didn't see anything."

With that, he and the other three exchanged meaningful smiles.

Zheng Yuanzhi: "..."

What's that supposed to mean? You're all ganging up on me?

It was late autumn, and the maple leaves along the tree-lined path had turned a deep red.

Chen Shuoan and Yuan Rang strolled along the path of green stone steps. The red leaves falling from the trees against the lush green underfoot was a striking sight—truly beautiful.

Their shoulders brushed, and Chen Shuoan's palms felt damp and warm.

Yuan Rang, tall with long legs, walked unusually slowly.

He selfishly wished he could stretch this moment out forever.

Chen Shuoan lagged behind Yuan Rang, tugging at the hand that held his.

"Let go, my hands are sweating."

Yuan Rang chuckled softly and brought his hand to his lips.

Then he loosened his grip a little and blew gently into the space between their hands.

"No."

Not allowed to let go. And I never will.

Chen Shuoan's face flushed so red he looked like he might explode on the spot.

Both hands were slender and fair, fingers now interlaced in a lingering, intimate grip, adding a hint of something suggestive.

Chen Shuoan was left dizzy by the teasing.

It was getting even hotter...

Yuan Rang felt the foreign warmth in his palm and, being mischievous, kept blowing on it.

He pressed his advantage, feigning confusion. "Huh? Why's it getting hotter?"

Chen Shuoan snapped back to reality at the taunt.

He was livid—this scoundrel had said everything there was to say, leaving him with nothing but his anger.

"Hold it if you want, but if you can't stand the heat, let go!"

Chen Shuoan snapped, but his hand made no move to pull away.

Yuan Rang was madly in love with him, adoring that stubborn, soft-hearted, spoiled attitude of his.

"I don't mind. I'm happy."

Chen Shuoan's face went bright red.

Happy about what? Happy that you washed your hands with my sweat?

Yuan Rang paused mid-step, turned, and looped his other arm around Chen Shuoan's waist. They stood under the maple tree, the air between them as hot and intense as the red leaves.

Chen Shuoan was suddenly pulled into a hug, his mind going blank.

"Shuo'an, you're always missing the Crown Prince. Now that he's back in the capital, you must be thrilled."

Huh?

I miss the Crown Prince?

How can you so casually make up rumors about me right to my face?

Chen Shuoan could barely keep up with His Highness the Sixth Prince's baffling train of thought. Dumbfounded, he said, "When did I ever miss the Crown Prince?"

Yuan Rang lowered his lashes, hiding the crazed look in his eyes.

The jealousy he'd harbored for over half a year had finally turned into sweet, mellow fruit wine, leaving his heart feeling soft and sugary.

"Just perfect."

Yuan Rang took his hand again and led him on, walking slowly, looking completely at ease.

Leaving the not-so-bright Chen Shuoan to a whirlwind of thoughts.

What does that mean?

What's perfect?

My head hurts—someone must be stealing my vast knowledge.