Ning Xuan nodded as if he half understood. That counted as being in a bad mood? From his perspective, Feng Xuanyi had simply gone completely beast mode and lost all self-control. Still, hearing how cautious and careful Yi Shu was made Ning Xuan sigh inwardly and firmly take note: Just look at how difficult this man is to serve. Even people who’ve attended him for years are this nervous and cautious around him. Truly the textbook definition of a spoiled noble brat.
Listening to the crisp clattering of dishes being cleaned up inside, Ning Xuan followed the maids out. He hurried all the way back to his room without looking back, kicked the door shut behind him, then collapsed against it as though all strength had left his body. Sliding down to the floor, the calm mask he had been wearing finally disappeared.
His heart pounded wildly, each beat thudding painfully against his chest. His face burned hotter and hotter—whether from running too quickly or because his body still retained the sensations from earlier, he could not tell. Sweat dampened his back. The memory of large hands moving over his skin lingered vividly, impossible to shake off, leaving his whole body burning painfully hot.
A faint scent of lemongrass still clung around him—it was Feng Xuanyi’s scent. Light, fresh, calming, just like the impression the man gave others.
His legs trembled slightly, as though on fire, especially at the roots of his thighs where the burning sensation lingered intensely. Everywhere Feng Xuanyi had touched still tingled with faint soreness. Even breathing felt difficult. In the silent room, he could clearly hear his own heartbeat and breathing, each one pounding against his chest as though his heart might burst free at any moment.
His mind felt hazy, yet strangely clear at the same time. Everything from earlier replayed vividly before his eyes. He could not understand why Feng Xuanyi always insisted on teasing and provoking him like this, nor why he himself became so confused and lost every time he faced that man.
Two men. And with such a huge gap in status between them. Though Ning Xuan did not reject homosexuality—and in this dynasty it was practically encouraged, free from the pressures of social gossip—everything else was wrong. The timing was wrong. The place was wrong. Their identities were wrong. And the person… was wrong too.
Ning Xuan was not the type to shy away from responsibility. But faced with someone like Feng Xuanyi, he could not help hesitating. Should he stop himself before it was too late… or continue sinking deeper?
His dark eyes lowered, losing some of their usual brightness, becoming clouded and uncertain instead. Burying his face in his arms, he took deep breaths, trying to calm the storm inside him. Yet the moment he inhaled, he caught a faint warm, musky scent. Ning Xuan froze.
Slowly, he looked down between his tightly pressed legs. His expression stiffened in shock. Blood rushed instantly to his head, and his already flushed face turned bright red, vivid enough to drip color.
Unsteadily shifting his body, he shakily pulled off layer after layer of clothing until only the thin final undergarment remained. His fingers trembled uncontrollably as he peeled it away. Spreading his legs slightly, he stared blankly at the reddened skin there, raw as though it had been rubbed nearly bloody. Scattered traces of dried white fluid still remained, with damp-looking smears spreading outward from where his movements had disturbed them.
Ning Xuan’s vision swam. Veins pulsed at his temples while his lips twitched uncontrollably.
Damn it! You had your fun and walked away clean as a whistle. No—worse—you didn’t even bother cleaning up afterward and just let me leave like this! And after crawling my way out of there, I still have to clean up after you myself?!
Grinding his teeth, he pulled his pants back up despite the unpleasant sticky feeling that had already dried against the fabric. After fastening everything, he cracked the door open slightly and cautiously checked the courtyard outside. Since most people were still attending Feng Xuanyi inside, the area was relatively empty.
Sneaking out awkwardly, he hurried to fetch water. Along the way, a servant he vaguely recognized greeted him warmly. The man’s smile was probably nothing more than normal politeness mixed with flattery, yet in Ning Xuan’s current state, it felt unbearably suggestive. As if needles were pricking his back, he hurriedly exchanged the briefest possible pleasantries before fleeing straight back to his room.
Once inside, he yanked at his clothes frantically, as though afraid that if they remained on him even a second longer, Feng Xuanyi’s scent would seep deeper into his skin. Tossing everything aside in record speed, he took a deep breath and leaped straight into the bath basin.
The moment the cold water hit him, he shuddered violently, his teeth instantly chattering.
Damn it… I forgot to heat the water…
The icy well water chilled him from toes to scalp, raising goosebumps all over his body. But with the shock came clarity. His brain finally began functioning again at full speed, and he immediately started cursing himself.
Why is it that every time I get too close to Feng Xuanyi, something absurd and terrible happens to me?! And every single time, I end up completely dazed, like I’m under some kind of spell, letting him lead me around by the nose! Worst of all, afterward I can never calm down properly. Either I fall into some ridiculous lovestruck maiden mode full of pink bubbles, or I become melodramatic and self-pitying!
A horrifying realization suddenly flashed through his mind, leaving him mentally charred inside and out. Without hesitation, Ning Xuan slapped himself hard across the face.
“Use your brain, will you?! Your head is finally functioning again, so why are you still thinking you might actually like that scumbag?!”
Knock knock knock.
Three crisp knocks sounded at the door, startling Ning Xuan so badly he instinctively tried to sink deeper into the water. His foot slipped, and he crashed heavily into the bathtub.
“Who is it?” he called after sputtering and coughing up water, rolling his eyes in annoyance at whoever had interrupted his peaceful bath. Yet his tone remained polite and respectful.
“Are you laying eggs in there or incubating them?”
The moment he heard that line, black lines practically appeared across Ning Xuan’s face. There were only two people in this world capable of saying something so utterly rude to him despite all his careful politeness and fake friendliness. One was Qing Zhu. The other was Yi Xuan.
Given the situation, the latter was far more likely.
“Brother Yi Xuan, do you need something? I’m bathing right now, so it’s not very convenient for me to come out,” Ning Xuan replied with forced politeness. One should never offend petty people, and among petty people, one absolutely must never offend Yi Xuan. Today’s karmic retribution within three short hours had already proven that much. Heaven itself seemed determined to help that guy.
“Hurry it up then. Master’s calling for you,” Yi Xuan grumbled from outside.
Damn it! Does this ever end?!
Doesn’t anyone get to rest around here? Labor laws clearly state the standard workday is eight hours, and people are supposed to get holidays too! But no—I transmigrated into ancient times not as some rich noble living in luxury, but as a tiny servant with no personal freedom, endlessly squeezed dry like a slave!
Taking a deep breath, Ning Xuan deliberately put on a weak, pitiful tone. “Can I request sick leave today because I’m not feeling well?”
After waiting a long time without hearing any reply, Ning Xuan cursed inwardly. Damn you, are you really that dedicated to being nothing more than a messenger? Would waiting one extra second or saying one extra sentence kill you?!
Reluctantly climbing out of the tub, he found that although his hair had originally been tied up safely, his earlier slip had soaked it completely. Standing there dripping wet, he looked exactly like a drowned chicken.
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