TMWTGD CH22

He had truly guessed wrong.

His Lu Li wasn’t afraid of angst at all. The only time he had split was actually because Xie Jianwei fed him a bite of sweetness. Lu Li decided that sweet treat was poisoned, developed indigestion after swallowing it, and split into two.

Therefore, the cause of the split wasn’t whether Xie Jianwei tormented him, but whether the world’s setting was complete, the logic was seamless, and the dream felt genuine.

Yan Ke was thoroughly resigned to Lu Li’s peculiar inclinations. “My Lord, what on earth did you do? Why does every Lord Marshal insist that you don’t love him?”

Xie Jianwei cast a faint, languid glance at him. “I would like to know what I did, too.”

As a seasoned subordinate who had watched them through every step of their journey, Yan Ke thought back carefully, yet truly couldn’t fathom it. Xie Jianwei kept himself impeccably upright, maintaining an appropriate distance from everyone, and the only person he ever let close was Lu Li.

During the galactic campaigns, their tacit understanding was unmatched, practically operating on telepathy.

After restructuring the Milky Way, Xie Jianwei had been busy for a period, but once development was on track, he relinquished all authority without a shred of hesitation to avoid suspicion.

Those veteran subordinates had witnessed it with their own eyes. They understood full well that if the Military Advisor weren’t head over heels in love with the Marshal, how could he step away from everything so easily?

So, Lord Marshal, what on earth were you so insecure about? How could someone who loved you this deeply ever not love you?

Yan Ke couldn’t figure it out, and neither could Xie Jianwei, but he knew he would find the answer, and he would definitely uncover it inside Lu Li’s dream.

Returning to the dream, Xie Jianwei had nothing to do, so he tapped open the little box Lu Yan had left for him.

The box was secured with strict encryption, impossible for anyone other than Lu Yan to open. But that exclusion certainly did not apply to Xie Jianwei. Such rudimentary encryption was like a thin sheet of paper to Third Young Master Xie, who could breach the entire Star Network.

He watched Lu Li for a while, and paid close attention to that student. The student undeniably admired Lu Li, though Lu Li held zero interest in him. Even so, Xie Jianwei minded it somewhat. Regardless of his lover’s feelings, having someone covet his partner was irritating, even if the rival was entirely fictional.

Military Advisor Xie nursed his baseless jealousy for a bit, quickly concealing the box only when he noticed Lu Li returning.

Lu Li was genuinely occupied today, so a trace of weariness showed between his brows.

Heart aching for him, Xie Jianwei said, “Doctor Lu, teach me how to cook.”

Lu Li looked at him. “Why?”

Xie Jianwei said, “If I learn how to cook, dinner will be ready the moment you walk through the door.”

Lu Li smiled, taking his hand. “I won’t teach you.”

“Why?”

Lu Li said, “I like cooking.”

Xie Jianwei replied, “Yet you are so busy during the day, you must be exhausted when you return.”

Xie Jianwei’s unvarnished concern felt like a soothing balm to Lu Li’s heart. He said, “I am a little tired.”

Xie Jianwei said, “That is why you should let me handle it in the future…”

Before he could finish, Lu Li added, “Yet the moment I see you, I don’t feel tired at all.”

Xie Jianwei was rendered speechless. They were already an old married couple, yet he still spouted sweet words that young lovers enjoyed hearing.

Watching the tips of Xie Jianwei’s ears turn crimson, Lu Li truly felt his fatigue vanish. Everything he did and all the effort he exerted was for their future, their shared future. The mere thought chased away every shred of exhaustion, making him wish a day had forty-eight hours.

Doctor Lu headed into the kitchen radiant with energy. In high spirits, even his stir-frying movements looked dashing. If a stranger peeked in from the door, they would probably assume he was a master chef whose dishes cost a fortune.

Xie Jianwei had a hearty appetite for dinner, scooping another spoonful after finishing a bowl of rice.

Lu Li said, “Don’t eat too much at night, or you’ll get indigestion.”

Xie Jianwei mumbled, “But it’s so good, I want to eat more.”

His voice was soft and muffled, sounding just like he was acting spoiled.

Lu Li’s heart fluttered. His firm principles crumbled like a sandcastle before Xie Jianwei, swept away in seconds. “Go ahead and eat. I will take you for a walk in the courtyard in a little while.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Okay!”

After dinner, the two strolled beneath the cool night sky. The weather was lovely tonight. As darkness fell, starlight spread across the sky. Walking beneath drifting cherry blossoms felt like stepping on clouds, their minds and bodies relaxed in comfortable ease.

Looking at the cherry blossoms made Xie Jianwei crave cherries, and he sighed softly, “When the flowers fade, will they bear fruit?”

Lu Li asked, “Bear what fruit?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Cherries, of course.”

Lu Li laughed, “Who told you cherry blossom trees bear cherries?”

Xie Jianwei was at a loss for words. What was going on here? The cherry blossom trees in the galactic era produced endless cherries that could never be finished!

Lu Li explained, “Cherry blossoms and cherry trees are not the same species. Ornamental cherry blossoms do not produce edible fruit.”

The all-knowing Military Advisor Xie never imagined a day would come when he tripped over an obscure subject like ancient history.

Lu Li flicked the tip of his nose. “Craving cherries?”

Xie Jianwei said dejectedly, “They won’t bear fruit anyway.”

Lu Li said, “There is a cherry orchard in the northern district. Once they ripen in a while, I will…”

He paused abruptly mid-sentence.

Xie Jianwei had already turned to him in pleasant surprise.

Before he could speak, Lu Li added, “I will pick a basket and bring them back for you.”

Xie Jianwei blinked.

Lu Li looked away, quickly changing the subject.

Xie Jianwei did not miss that detail. Lu Li had initially intended to say he would take him to pick cherries, but changed it at the last second to bringing them back for him. Xie Jianwei mused that Lu Li’s mindset was abnormal, or rather, exceedingly abnormal.

Something he hadn’t planned on mentioning today, Xie Jianwei decided he might as well bring up now.

After walking a few more laps, Lu Li asked, “Shall we head inside?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes, we haven’t studied yet today.”

Lu Li asked, “Did you review your lessons during the day?”

Having watched cherry blossoms all morning and nursed baseless jealousy all afternoon, Military Advisor Xie spouted nonsense with a straight face, “Of course. I read books all day, quiz me on anything you like.”

Lu Li said, “Don’t exhaust yourself. Reading for a short while is enough, spend more time relaxing.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I want to learn more.”

Lu Li said, “These subjects don’t have much practical use.”

Xie Jianwei seized the opening, “How could that be? If I learn more now, once my health recovers, I can go to school.”

The moment those words left his mouth, Lu Li halted abruptly in his tracks.

Xie Jianwei paused, “Doctor Lu?”

Veiled in the shadows of the night, Lu Li’s features were difficult to discern. “What did you say just now?”

Pretending not to notice anything, Xie Jianwei repeated, “Doctor Lu, you have to teach me more so people won’t laugh at me when I go to school.”

Lu Li’s voice dropped several degrees. “School?”

“Yes,” Xie Jianwei said with mild longing, “I haven’t been to school in so long, I don’t know if I can fit in.”

Lu Li said nothing.

Xie Jianwei walked over to take his hand. “Let’s go. Today we have physics, and there is so much I don’t understand…”

He spoke in a light, clear, and melodious voice, like fruit hanging on a bough, slightly green yet exuding a sweet fragrance.

Under normal circumstances Lu Li would have adored it, but right now he could taste only bitterness, a cold ache spreading through his chest.

Only when they entered the house did the bright illumination pull back his wandering thoughts. In a raspy voice, Lu Li asked, “Do you want to go to school?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Of course.” But then he grew slightly nervous, “I just… don’t know if I can adapt.”

Lu Li clenched his fists. Only after fighting to rein in his emotions did he speak slowly, “Don’t worry. With someone like you, you will adapt very quickly.”

Xie Jianwei was too attractive. Stepping out of this estate, he would be a walking spotlight. Countless people would chase after him, many would revere him, and he would experience a dazzling, colorful life.

Rationally, Lu Li felt he should be pleased, but in reality he could feel no joy at all, experiencing only agonizing torment.

He couldn’t recall when these feelings had taken root.

Perhaps during his third month in this villa, or maybe the second. Back then, Xie Jianwei was frail while his own schedule was packed. Fearing Xie Jianwei wasn’t safe alone at home, he had brought his assistant to look after him.

In a mere three days, his assistant had fallen hopelessly in love with Xie Jianwei.

Lu Li only grew vigilant after catching him staring blankly at the napping Xie Jianwei for two straight hours.

He dismissed the assistant the very next day, yet no matter how many caretakers he hired afterward, the exact same pattern repeated.

Men and women alike were inevitably drawn to Xie Jianwei, sinking deeper without realizing it, longing to possess him.

It was likely from that point onward that Lu Li completely abandoned any idea of taking Xie Jianwei outside.

He knew this possessive urge was wrong. Xie Jianwei shouldn’t be locked inside this house forever, shouldn’t be cut off from the outside world, and shouldn’t have no one familiar beside him except for Lu Li.

Yet Lu Li couldn’t bring himself to let go. The thought of Xie Jianwei leaving this place to become the center of attention, confronting endless temptations, meeting someone better suited for him, relying on others, and drifting further away left Lu Li’s chest burning with a searing ache.

Yet it was unavoidable. Xie Jianwei already wanted to leave the cage and take flight.

Lu Li remained distracted the entire evening, his tutoring jumbled and disorganized.

Xie Jianwei called to him, “Doctor Lu?”

Lu Li snapped out of his daze, looking at him, “Hm?”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes curved into crescents as he whispered, “Can I apply to medical school?”

Lu Li paused.

Looking somewhat nervous, Xie Jianwei said, “I want to be Doctor Lu’s student.”

Lu Li’s heart gave a violent thump.

Xie Jianwei deliberately softened his voice, “Being your student, working in the same place as you, that way we can be together all the time…”

Lu Li stared at him without blinking. “Why do you want to be with me all the time?”

His cheeks faintly flushed, Xie Jianwei lowered his head and murmured, “Because… because I like Doctor Lu.”

This was not the first time he had said it, but his tone tonight carried an unprecedented tenderness, like clouds woven with cotton candy; the soft vapor filled with a sweetness that set one’s heart trembling.

Lu Li asked, “What kind of liking is it?”

Xie Jianwei looked up at him. “The kind where we stay together, always, always, always together.”

Lu Li stared at him, looking straight into his eyes. He could see the trust, see the affection, and sense his racing pulse. Yet the fondness Xie Jianwei felt and the love Lu Li craved were not the same thing.

Those terrible past experiences had left Xie Jianwei with a near-paranoid possessiveness over what belonged to him.

Over the past year, Lu Li had experienced this countless times.

Broken chopsticks could not be thrown away, worn-out fountain pens had to be kept, and clothes in the wardrobe, as long as Xie Jianwei had worn them once, could never be discarded, even if he never touched them a second time.

Whatever belonged to Xie Jianwei had to stay with him forever.

Lu Li understood clearly that the current Xie Jianwei needed him.

Yet whether a Xie Jianwei who stepped out into the wider world would still need him was entirely unknown.

Not to mention…

What youth was not prone to fickle passions?

That night, Xie Jianwei slept terribly.

Lu Li had likely stayed awake all night, his arms encircling him without the slightest slack, holding him so tightly as if loosening even a fraction would mean losing him forever.

Early spring was already rather warm, and Lu Li had a naturally high body temperature like a roaring furnace. While being held by him felt wonderful in winter, once the weather warmed up, Military Advisor Xie constantly felt the urge to kick him out of bed.

That was already true for a normal sleeping posture, let alone now when he was being pinned ruthlessly against his chest.

If Xie Jianwei had not felt heartache over his mental ailment, he would have enforced household discipline long ago.

Despite staying up all night, Lu Li was full of energy the following day. There was no helping it, whose fault was it for being his dream? He could establish whatever settings he pleased. Never mind pulling an all-nighter, even going seven rounds in a night would leave him spirited enough to conquer an army.

Pitiably, Military Advisor Xie wilted.

He slept hazily for barely an hour, and during that hour he dreamed he was wrapped in the grip of a giant furnace that kissed him relentlessly. Hitting it burned his hands, kicking it scorched his feet, and being kissed by it set him ablaze, yet the damn thing refused to let him vent his fire.

What was the point of having such a furnace?!

After seeing Lu Li off, Xie Jianwei intended to catch up on his sleep.

But reconsidering, he realized he could not.

Number One Lu Li had left, but Number Two Lu Li was on standby, and he still had to play along in this drama with him.

Xie Jianwei could only wait early beneath the cherry trees, dozing off on a rattan chair.

Having visited for three consecutive days, Lu Yan navigated the path with practiced ease, spotting the youth beneath the cherry blossoms the moment he stepped through the gate.

That single glance took his breath away.

He had known all along that his younger brother’s little lover was remarkably handsome, yet he could hardly fathom how anyone could be this breathtaking.

Cherry blossoms bloomed in profusion around a youth who looked like a masterpiece painting.

No amount of vocabulary could capture even a fraction of this stunning vista.

Lu Yan was untamed by nature, and countless people had accused him of being heartless.

Yet at this moment, something pounded violently within his chest like rolling spring thunder, shaking his entire universe.

Walking up to Xie Jianwei, Lu Yan stared fixedly at lips softer than cherry petals, and guided by some inexplicable impulse, he leaned down and took them into his mouth.

Softer than they looked, sweeter than imagined, and more intoxicating than the loveliest dream.

Lu Yan deepened the pressure unconsciously, delving into his mouth. He expected to be shoved away in disgust, yet surprisingly, Xie Jianwei let out a soft hum like a cat, looping his arms around his neck and offering himself up willingly.

A loud buzz rang through Lu Yan’s head. Cupping the back of the youth’s head, he turned what began as a tentative taste into a passionate, lingering kiss.

Xie Jianwei was still half-asleep, only aware that this was Lu Li, which made him thoroughly submissive. Only when their bodies pressed tightly together did awareness gradually filter back in.

Did Lu Li not refuse to touch him?

He opened his eyes, and Lu Yan hit the brakes just in time.

Their gazes met, and Xie Jianwei remembered. Oh, hello there, Number Two Lu Li.

Lu Yan stared at him unblinkingly for a while, eventually curving his lips into a wicked smirk. “Good morning, little Jianwei.”

Xie Jianwei was silent.

According to the setting, was he not supposed to resist fiercely, slap him across the face, and drive this rogue out of the courtyard?

The trouble was, he only wanted to continue.

How exasperating, unable to even see lovemaking through to the end.

Military Advisor Xie got a rare taste of what the Lord Marshal felt whenever his advances were thwarted.

His foul mood actually fit the situation well enough. Although he was unhappy because the man had not pushed inside, Lu Li would certainly assume he was displeased because he had almost gone all the way.

The process did not matter as long as the outcome was the same.

Xie Jianwei slipped into character in a flash, the haze in his eyes clearing to reveal utter horror. “What… what are you doing!”

Lu Yan stood up, adjusting his clothes at an unhurried pace. “I should be the one asking you that.”

Xie Jianwei tugged at his clothes in flustered disarray. Unfortunately, covering one side left the other exposed, creating an even greater mess that tempted one to mess with him even further.

Lu Yan’s Adam’s apple bobbed involuntarily, barely maintaining his composure as he said, “I kindly came to wake you, yet you wrapped your arms around my neck and started kissing me.”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes widened in disbelief. “H-How could that be…”

Leaning in close, Lu Yan suddenly remarked, “Did you mistake me for Lu Li?”

Xie Jianwei thought, you are Lu Li in the first place, and if you were not, never mind a kiss, you would have been blasted into the sky like a shooting star long ago.

Assuming he had hit the mark, Lu Yan said ambiguously, “I never expected you to be this enthusiastic toward your Doctor Lu.” His gaze drifted downward, eyeing little Xie.

Xie Jianwei felt his heart itch under that suggestive look, yet had to put on an indignant, humiliated front, which was truly tiring.

“I… did not!”

Lu Yan said, “It’s fine, I don’t mind. We look almost identical anyway.”

Xie Jianwei snapped immediately, “You are nothing like Doctor Lu!”

Beaming, Lu Yan asked, “If we aren’t alike, why kiss me? Could it be you actually wanted me to do this to you?”

Xie Jianwei nearly blurted out that he did.

Barely holding back, Military Advisor Xie fought to steady himself. “You’re talking nonsense, I never… I never wanted…”

“Alright, alright,” Lu Yan consoled him, “it’s no big deal. You’ve been with Lu Li for over a year, so why act like an innocent novice who…”

Before he finished, Xie Jianwei’s face flushed scarlet as he blurted, “Doctor Lu and I never did anything like that.”

Lu Yan froze visibly. “What?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Doctor Lu would never be as improper as you!”

“Improper?” Lu Yan laughed in disbelief. “What I just did was improper?”

Xie Jianwei stated with absolute conviction, “Very improper, and you are a thoroughly improper person!”

Lu Yan found this fascinating. He stared at Xie Jianwei for a long moment, asking with lingering skepticism, “Lu Li never held you?”

Xie Jianwei played dumb so hard he felt embarrassed for himself. “Of course he held me.”

Lu Yan was speechless.

Xie Jianwei stammered, “He holds me to sleep every night.”

Lu Yan asked, “And then?”

Xie Jianwei asked, “What do you mean, and then?”

“That’s all?”

Xie Jianwei fell silent.

Lu Yan pressed again, “He merely holds you while sleeping?”

Feigning annoyance, Xie Jianwei snapped, “What else should there be!”

Lu Yan wore a peculiar expression. “Lu Li… is truly a saint of romance.” Although he used the words ‘saint of romance’, his tone made it sound remarkably like an idiot.

Xie Jianwei thought, insulting yourself as a fool, you certainly are something.

Xie Jianwei’s acting was flawless, plenty convincing enough to fool Number Two Lu Li.

Lu Yan genuinely bought it, convinced that Lu Li had hidden this lovely bird away for over a year without devouring him.

His thoughts stirred, finding the game even more entertaining.

If Lu Li would not eat him up, he could not blame his older brother for helping himself.

Xie Jianwei took the chance to finish dressing, asking, “Why did you come back again?”

Hearing this, Lu Yan said with feigned innocence, “I did it all for you.”

Xie Jianwei did not believe a single word.

Reaching out, Lu Yan presented today’s gift to him. “This is Sabayon flown in fresh from Italy this morning.”

Xie Jianwei was not a sweet-tooth fiend, but he enjoyed food, especially delicious treats.

This Sabayon was a palm-sized dessert crafted with exquisite finesse, its defining feature being a rich blend of wine and egg aromas, accompanied by a perfectly toasted scent that made it wonderfully appetizing.

Lu Yan set the pastry on the table and said, “Taste it and see. If you like it, I’ll bring more tomorrow.”

Xie Jianwei did not stand on ceremony with him. Passing up ancient delicacies would be foolish, considering recipes and ingredients were long lost in the interstellar era, where pastry chefs were little more than decorative relics.

Having fed him pastry, Lu Yan casually sat beside him, letting his hands stray over him.

Xie Jianwei acted as if he noticed nothing, even deliberately leaving more openings for him.

Lu Yan was full of wicked ideas. When he opened the monitor today, what he showed Xie Jianwei was not Lu Li.

Unfortunately, Xie Jianwei had assumed they were watching Doctor Lu, staring with wide, expectant eyes, only to be slapped in the face with an explicit erotic scene.

“Th-This…” Xie Jianwei was dumbstruck.

On the screen, two men were tangled together, moving with intense fervor.

Lu Yan even clicked his tongue, commenting, “These are the top heartthrobs in cinema recent years, though their skin isn’t half as tender as yours.”

Snapping back to his senses, Xie Jianwei gasped, “What on earth is this?”

Lu Yan said, “Don’t panic, there might be a signal transmission error.”

Xie Jianwei flushed bright red. “You… you are truly…”

Lu Yan replied, “What does it matter? This is human nature. If two people who like each other don’t do this, that’s when there’s an actual problem.”

Xie Jianwei was struck speechless.

Lu Yan switched off the screen, turning to Xie Jianwei. “You like Lu Li, don’t you?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Of course I do.”

Lu Yan asked again, “Then does Lu Li like you?”

Xie Jianwei hesitated briefly, yet answered quickly, “He does!”

Lu Yan asked, “Truly likes you?”

Xie Jianwei insisted with stubborn pride, “Doctor Lu definitely likes me!”

Lu Yan laughed softly. “If he truly likes you, why doesn’t he make love to you?”

Xie Jianwei could practically recite the subsequent script from memory, retorting on cue, “That has nothing to do with you.”

Putting on the persona of a caring older brother, Lu Yan offered a solemn breakdown. “Look, you are young and don’t understand, but Lu Li certainly does. If he genuinely liked you, he would have done these intimate things with you long ago.”

Xie Jianwei bit his lower lip, wanting to refute him yet having no idea where to start.

Lu Yan aimed to lead him astray. “It doesn’t matter if you don’t believe me, you can test it yourself tonight.”

Xie Jianwei looked at him. “Test what?”

Lu Yan said, “If you like Lu Li, you should show your intentions. Take the initiative, see if he will make love to you.”

Xie Jianwei paused in surprise.

Lu Yan tempted him, “If Doctor Lu does it with you, your mind can be at ease. It proves you like each other mutually, and people who like each other will stay together always and forever.”

Evidently Number Two Lu Li had done his homework, well aware of young Xie’s psychological vulnerability, deliberately emphasizing the word ‘always’.

Xie Jianwei appeared swayed.

Knowing when to stop, Lu Yan left early after successfully sending Xie Jianwei’s thoughts spiraling.

Xie Jianwei could see through the upcoming scheme clearly, so he needed some advance preparation.

Seducing Lu Li was simple enough, but he worried about losing his own restraint.

After all, having held back for so long, going overboard might clash with the innocent persona of an inexperienced youth.

As for what preparation? Venting his pent-up desire was naturally the best remedy.

Xie Jianwei could not do it inside the dream, but he could return to reality.

Yan Ke blinked. “My Lord, why are you back again?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Pause the treatment for a moment. Lu Li cannot sleep here indefinitely, there are many affairs to handle.”

Yan Ke complied obediently, “Understood.”

The mental field paused, and Xie Jianwei arranged personnel to escort Lu Li back to the Marshal’s Manor.

Lu Li was still somewhat disoriented upon waking. “I seem to have slept for a very long time?”

Without batting an eye, Xie Jianwei said, “Not at all, you merely took a short afternoon nap.”

Lu Li was missing a large chunk of memory, but he naturally did not dare let it show.

Knowing this about him, Xie Jianwei duped him openly.

Who told Lu Li to keep hiding the fact that his different personalities did not share memories?

To maintain the illusion of shared awareness, even with no memory, Lu Li had to pretend he remembered.

Furthermore, his personalities had started trying to eliminate one another, entirely lacking harmony or communication, making it impossible to uncover the truth.

Taking advantage of this, Xie Jianwei concealed the therapy with effortless ease.

Massaging his temples, Lu Li said, “I’m heading to the Leader.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Didn’t we already agree?”

Lu Li paused.

Xie Jianwei looked at him and asked, “Didn’t you promise not to go out this afternoon and stay home with me?”

Lu Li had no idea which bastard personality had made that promise, but fearing Xie Jianwei might notice something amiss, he conceded, “I won’t go out, I was just muddled from sleep.”

Smiling, Xie Jianwei straddled his lap, looping his arms around his neck, pressing nose to nose. “Xiao Li.”

He pitched his voice deliberately low, his naturally melodious tone turning soft and airy like drifting clouds.

The corners of Lu Li’s mouth lifted, his hands cupping his rear as he asked softly, “Want it?”

Showing rare initiative, Xie Jianwei captured his lips in a kiss.

Overwhelmed by favor, the Lord Marshal enjoyed a long-awaited cowgirl ride, thoroughly soaked in sweet bliss.

Having held back for so long in the dream, Xie Jianwei finally satisfied his craving in reality.

In the past he often complained that Lu Li was insatiable, yet when the man abruptly stopped, life grew rather difficult to endure.

Then again, absence made the heart grow fonder, and indulging after a dry spell felt exceptionally satisfying.

Xie Jianwei was sated, but Lu Li pushed his luck, eager for a second round right after finishing the first.

Xie Jianwei dared not continue. The therapy was not over, and staying away too long would cause shifts in the dream, rendering all his previous efforts completely wasted.

Out of options, Xie Jianwei used his trump card, knocking out the unsuspecting Lord Marshal.

Returning to the dream, Xie Jianwei felt entirely refreshed, confident he could flawlessly portray an innocent, unpretentious youth who knew nothing of seductive wiles.

Lu Li returned punctually, everything proceeding according to routine.

Except before bed, right before Xie Jianwei emerged from the bathroom, he staged a little mischief.

He tampered with the hairdryer, putting it on strike so not a wisp of air could blow out.

Emerging with dripping wet hair, Xie Jianwei said, “Doctor Lu, the hairdryer is broken.”

Lu Li was organizing books, looking up at the sound of his voice.

Xie Jianwei wore a sheer shirt that absorbed water readily, moisture dripping from his hair leaving translucent watermarks across the fabric in an instant.

Xie Jianwei had not dried his hair at all, stepping out dripping wet with his clothes largely soaked through, clinging to his slender shoulders and chest.

Worse yet, water droplets continued trickling down, tracing his chest and slipping along his frame toward his lower abdomen.

Lu Li watched helplessly, feeling waves of parched heat rise in his throat.

Xie Jianwei called him, “Doctor Lu?”

Lu Li snapped to attention, asking, “The hairdryer is broken?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes, no air comes out no matter what.”

With no spare in the house, Lu Li could only say, “Come over, I will dry your hair for you.”

Delighted, Xie Jianwei approached with a towel. “Thank you for the trouble then, Doctor Lu.”

Lu Li smiled, gesturing for him to sit by his side.

Xie Jianwei lowered his head to make it easier for Lu Li, yet the posture inadvertently bared the fair nape of his neck.

Jade-like luster paired with glistening droplets of water made Lu Li feel even thirstier. Yet he had no desire for water, he only wanted to taste that skin.

Drying his hair left Lu Li burning hot all over.

Just as it was finally dry and Lu Li breathed a sigh of relief, Xie Jianwei remarked, “My clothes are soaked through.”

Lu Li’s gaze drifted unnaturally toward his chest.

Deliberately tugging at his collar, Xie Jianwei said, “It feels so uncomfortable, I have to change.”

Saying this, he unfastened the buttons directly, stripping the shirt off before Lu Li could intervene.

With that youthful body suddenly unveiled before his eyes, what had already stirred in Lu Li swelled with intense, throbbing heat.

Appearing entirely oblivious, Xie Jianwei turned to search for pajamas in the dressing area.

With his back to Lu Li, rummaging through clothes made his slender waist sway back and forth. His loose trousers hung low, looking as though another movement would send them sliding right down.

What quickened Lu Li’s breath even further was that Xie Jianwei wore no underwear.

With merely a gentle tug downward, those lovely curves would be completely exposed.

It felt as if gasoline had been poured into Lu Li’s mind, instantly detonating into a blazing sea of fire.

After searching for a while, Xie Jianwei said helplessly, “They don’t seem to be dry after washing, they must still be hanging outside.”

How could Lu Li hear a single word he was saying?

Xie Jianwei asked again, “Doctor Lu, may I wear your clothes?”

Lu Li was struck dumb.

Without waiting for an answer, Xie Jianwei retrieved one of Lu Li’s sleep shirts and slipped it on.

The sleep shirt was black. Xie Jianwei almost never wore such dark shades, yet wearing it was unexpectedly provocative, the fair skin and dark fabric forming a striking contrast that made one afraid to look too closely.

Tugging at the hem, Xie Jianwei said, “It is so long, I don’t even need pants.”

He said it casually, yet Lu Li instantly pictured Xie Jianwei wearing only his shirt with bare legs beneath.

“I will go take a cold shower.” Doctor Lu fled in utter disarray.

Xie Jianwei curved his lips into a smile, thinking, this is only the beginning.

When Lu Li returned from the shower, Xie Jianwei nestled naturally into his embrace.

Lu Li had taken quite a while in the shower, likely having relieved himself with his hand on top of bathing.

Entertaining that thought made Xie Jianwei’s heart itch slightly as well.

How could his Lu Li be so endearing?

Xie Jianwei nuzzled against his chest, waiting a moment before whispering, “Doctor Lu?”

Lu Li answered in a low rumble, “Hm?”

Xie Jianwei said, “I can’t sleep.”

Lu Li rested his chin against the crown of his head. “What is wrong?”

Moving his hand restlessly against his firm abdomen, Xie Jianwei said, “I feel hot.”

Lu Li remained silent.

Assuming he had not heard, Xie Jianwei added, “So hot.”

Loosening his hold slightly, what met Lu Li’s eyes was a flushed youth whose moist gaze and trembling red lips resembled sweet fruit waiting to be plucked.

A loud buzz sounded in Lu Li’s head.

Xie Jianwei brushed his fingers against his hand. “Could you… could you help me?”

Lu Li felt his obvious arousal.

Biting his lower lip, Xie Jianwei murmured in distress, “I don’t know how to handle it.”

Taking a deep breath, Lu Li slipped his hand inside.

This body of Xie Jianwei’s was exceedingly sensitive, and with Lu Li’s palm so hot, he spilled over after merely a few strokes.

Lu Li cleaned him up, washed his own hands, and patted his back gently. “Sleep now.”

Yet Xie Jianwei whispered softly, “Doctor Lu…”

With his rationality steadily being eroded away, Lu Li answered, “Hm?”

Xie Jianwei looked up at him. “Let’s make love.”