Chapter 6: Peeping

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Shen Xunqing looked at Yu Huan, who was two or three years younger but surprisingly stronger than he had imagined. The warmth from Shen Xunqing’s palm seemed to burn through the thin summer fabric, scorching Yu Huan’s skin. Yu Huan’s body stiffened abruptly but he feigned composure and said, “Young Master Shen…”

Shen Xunqing responded softly with an “Hmm,” but paid no further attention. With his fingertips, he tucked a stray lock of Yu Huan’s hair behind his ear. “Do you dislike me? Is it because I brought you here without your consent?”

Yu Huan’s hand, resting on the chair, clenched slightly before relaxing. He lowered his gaze and said, “Young Master Shen, you worry too much.”

Shen Xunqing sighed gently and said, “I actually like you very much.” His voice was almost a whisper, as if speaking directly to Yu Huan. The tips of Yu Huan’s ears flushed red, but he remained silent.

Outside the door, a loud thud sounded like something heavy hitting the ground. The black servant covered his eyes helplessly and quickly withdrew with Chi. He had already said not to disturb the master and madam; with the master’s skill, it seemed Chi’s help was unnecessary.

Yu Huan heard the noise and asked in surprise, “What’s happening outside?”

Shen Xunqing replied calmly, “Nothing, just a few more rats in the mansion. We’re clearing them out.” After a brief pause, he asked, “Does our last agreement still stand?”

Yu Huan glanced at Shen Xunqing, whose eyes held a pure and unmistakable smile. Yu Huan instinctively nodded. “Of course it stands.”

Turning his head away to avoid Shen Xunqing’s too direct gaze, Yu Huan felt a pang of disappointment. The boy he had met at first seemed gone forever, or perhaps Yu Huan had been too focused on appearances and had never truly understood the boy’s real nature.

This seemingly frivolous, reckless, and inconsiderate person before him was indeed the Shen Xunqing others spoke of, not the gracious and poised youth who had once shielded him from the rain.

After seeing Yu Huan back to his room, Shen Xunqing sent servants with some items over. Naturally, the things used by someone he liked had to be the finest.

Pacing in the courtyard, Shen Xunqing found himself in a somewhat desolate corner. He stared into the shadows and spoke in a low voice, “You all, come out at once!”

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From the dim corner, the black servant appeared silently, holding Chi by the arm. The two glanced at Shen Xunqing’s stern face and hurriedly knelt, speaking in unison, “Your servant pays respects, Master.”

Shen Xunqing sneered coldly, “A few days gone, your skills have not grown, but your nerve has. Must I report everything I do to you?”

Chi broke out in cold sweat and explained, “Master, I know I was wrong. It was my idea—I only wanted to help you. I hoped you and madam would marry soon. But when I saw madam, he suddenly fell from the beam; no one had told me madam was a man! I imagined madam as ‘slender hands like soft reeds, skin like congealed fat, a neck like a cicada’s shell, teeth like a gourd’s resin, a forehead like a moth’s, charming smiles and beautiful eyes.’”

Only someone like that would be worthy of their master. But instead, madam was a man—though a handsome one. Yet mortals have but a fleeting existence; could the master truly follow this person through every reincarnation?

Chi thought of this and lost any thought of joking. Judging by the master’s appearance, he guessed it was a first taste of love—just a fleeting indulgence. When the thrill passed, all would return to normal.

Shen Xunqing turned his back, hands clasped behind him. He was certain that when they first met, the young devil had no defenses against him. Why else would he have bound the person to the mansion and pressured him to stay?

Casting a subtle glance at Chi, Shen Xunqing asked, “Tell me, what plan do you have?”

Chi’s eyes darted, then he smiled and said, “Master, have you heard of ‘catching by letting go’?”

Shen Xunqing raised an eyebrow. Chi continued, “When hunters chase prey, they often let it go for a while. When it’s exhausted and relaxed its guard, they catch it by the vital spot. How about you give it a try?”

Shen Xunqing pondered briefly and said, “Very well.” Then, in an instant, he vanished from Chi and the black servant’s sight.

Chi collapsed onto the black servant, exclaiming, “My goodness, are you sure this master is a reincarnated soul? I still feel his aura of authority around him. And when did he become so irritable?”

The black servant sprang up without responding. Chi could only struggle to his feet and follow, saying, “Hey, brother, wait for me!”

The black servant snapped, “Why follow me? Find a vacant room to rest.”

Chi protested, “No, we haven’t seen each other in a long time. One bed, to reconnect our feelings!”

The black servant said sharply, “Get lost!”

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Late at night, Shen Xunqing gradually revealed himself from hiding in Yu Huan’s chamber. Sitting on the edge of the bed, he studied Yu Huan closely. Only a day had passed, yet Yu Huan looked so haggard—his face pale, bloodless, lips cracked and dry.

Could it really be, as Chi said, a strategy of “catching by letting go”?

Yu Huan, lying on the bed, furrowed his brows as if disturbed by a nightmare. Shen Xunqing mimicked someone from a past life, gently smoothing Yu Huan’s creased brow. Just by quietly watching, the restless and uneasy heart inside him calmed.

Seeing Yu Huan’s frown ease and his expression soften, Shen Xunqing withdrew his hand—only to have Yu Huan grab it in his sleep and hold on tightly, a faint smile of contentment curling his lips.

Shen Xunqing was taken aback but remained still, holding that pose until dawn before quietly leaving.

After the morning court, Shen Xunqing hurried back to the mansion. He intended to visit Yu Huan directly but glanced at the pale purple official robe he wore and frowned. Deciding to change clothes, he donned a white robe once more. After tidying his appearance, he headed toward Yu Huan’s room.

With Shen Xunqing absent, Yu Huan had nothing to do but stay inside and reread the books he had seen before. Suddenly, there was a “knock knock” at the door. Yu Huan went to open it and found the young man still in white, smiling at him. The scene was strikingly similar to the day they first met, but this time, Yu Huan saw an unfamiliar emotion in those eyes. Almost instinctively, Yu Huan lowered his head.

Yu Huan was a head taller and far more robust than Shen Xunqing, yet when he bowed his head, inexplicably, a certain feeling of grievance was unmistakably conveyed.

Shen Xunqing appraised Yu Huan from head to toe, narrowing his eyes. “Why haven’t you changed into the clothes I sent you?”

Yu Huan seemed to have anticipated this question. “The fabric looks very expensive, and I’m afraid of getting it dirty.” This was indeed one important reason. He also didn’t want others to think he was a kept man. Lastly, though he admired how white robes looked on others, he really disliked wearing white himself. White was beautiful but troublesome—if it got even a little dirty, he doubted he could tolerate it.