TMWTGD CH77

In truth, Military Advisor Xie was already quite a heartthrob in his own right. Calm, brilliant, formidable, and exceptionally handsome. Born with an aura of perfection, he naturally drew a multitude of pursuers.

Yet no matter how numerous they were, people in reality stayed within normal human limits. It would never happen that someone stared at him in a daze, forgetting what they were doing entirely.

Yet inside this dream world, all logic had died. Heaven only knew what about him bewitched them so thoroughly.

His face?

It was still that very same face; was there any need to be this obsessed?

Yan Ke whispered, “This only proves that in the Lord Marshal’s heart, you really are this extraordinary!”

Xie Jianwei remarked dryly, “Even if you speak ten thousand flattering words about him, he cannot hear you.”

With his little scheme exposed on the spot, Yan Ke wept tears of grief. “My Lord, will the Lord Marshal settle scores later and execute me?!”

Considering the bond forged between Lu Li and Loren from having shared the same pair of trousers back in the resource-scarce war years, Xie Jianwei figured he wouldn’t actually execute his good brother’s beloved.

Besides, he was here too.

Xie Jianwei comforted him, “Rest assured. If he tries to settle scores with you, I will settle scores with him.”

Military Advisor, you are truly righteous! Yan Ke felt he had regained the courage to live on!

Reining in his thoughts, Xie Jianwei said, “Alright, let us begin the final treatment.”

His current situation was rather awkward.

Upon birth, he had enchanted the entire hospital staff into utter disarray, even sparking a riot. The conflict allegedly began when two nurses clashed over their shift rotations. One complained that the other refused to clock out, while the other complained that the first arrived too early. The two came to blows, their boyfriends who worked at the hospital joined the brawl, the boyfriends’ friends piled in, and before anyone knew it, baby Xie Jianwei was hastily escorted home after barely a few days of life.

Word had it that the moment he left, the hospital staff stopped fighting, instead collapsing into each other’s arms in inconsolable tears.

Indeed, even as a nursing infant, Xie Jianwei already wielded such catastrophic power.

Later on, the family swapped nannies on a daily basis. Was it because they failed to care for him properly? No, it was because they cared too thoroughly, to the point where every single one of them plotted to kidnap baby Xie Jianwei and elope.

Later still, Xie Jianwei was kidnapped every other day. Yet none of those kidnappings ever required calling the police, because the moment Xie Jianwei shed a few tears, the culprits would tenderly escort him back home.

With this kind of influence, attending kindergarten was naturally out of the question, so he had been kept secluded at home.

Essentially everyone in the entire world, aside from Xie Jianwei’s immediate family, suffered from a peculiar mental ailment. Turning into absolute stunned fools upon laying eyes on him.

Because of this, he was sheltered at home. But Xie Jianwei was human after all, harboring curiosity about the outside world, eager to explore and experience the life of an ordinary person.

Taking advantage of a lapse in the household security, he disguised himself and snuck out.

He had wrapped himself like a rice dumpling, revealing only his eyes. Many people still praised his lovely eyes, but at least it didn’t incite a public riot. However, in the sweltering heat of midsummer, bundling up like this was suffocating. Strolling along, he let down his guard; the moment he loosened his disguise slightly, absolute chaos erupted on the street!

Half the street seemed to freeze like a paused film frame, remaining completely motionless for several seconds before springing into action.

A young man walking his dog rushed over, blurting out, “U-Um… do you have a lover?” The girlfriend holding his hand affectionately showed no anger at all, gazing at Xie Jianwei with starry eyes as she chimed in, “Do you prefer men or women?”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Worse still, their husky bounced around Xie Jianwei, its eyes practically screaming: Beautiful person, take me home!

A petty thief edged closer with a bashful face, foolishly pulling out his stolen goods and asking Xie Jianwei, “Do you need a phone? I have two here, yours for free.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

The police officer pursuing the thief offered shyly, “Do you need protection? I… I can escort you home.” Protection my foot, hurry up and catch the thief already!

Xie Jianwei was left entirely speechless.

Yan Ke suggested, “I have an idea.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Speak.”

Yan Ke said, “Smile at them. Wait until they freeze in a daze, then turn and run.”

Xie Jianwei: “…” You must be joking.

Yan Ke insisted earnestly, “Trust me, it definitely works.”

The problem was that this felt far too embarrassing!

Glancing around, Xie Jianwei noticed drivers on the road showing signs of abandoning their vehicles to run toward him. He couldn’t afford to be surrounded.

Steeling his resolve, the corners of his lips curved into a stiff smile.

Yan Ke swore he had never seen the Military Advisor smile so awkwardly in his entire life. Yet even such a stiff, strained smile that barely counted as attractive successfully caused the crowd to gasp in awe, completely petrifying them on the spot.

It was truly toxic!

Yan Ke bellowed in his mind, “My Lord, run!”

Xie Jianwei spun on his heel and fled in absolute disarray.

Fortunately, his “smile” possessed devastating lethality. Anyone who caught sight of it remained frozen in place, none giving chase.

Wrapping his disguise securely as he sprinted, he crossed an intersection before finally coming to a panting halt.

He had escaped, an experience as thrilling as it was absurd.

The pressing issue now was that running around wrapped like this in forty-degree summer heat could kill someone from heatstroke!

Xie Jianwei had zero desire to remain outside. He wanted to go home, immediately!

That brought a minor complication. Where was home?

His memories were fragmented. He knew of his shocking history as a universal charmer, and knew his family was immune to his irresistible constitution, but who his family members were and where his house was located were details completely missing from his mind!

Military Advisor Xie felt thoroughly vexed.

Checking for a communication device, he found his hands empty. Apart from a small wallet of loose cash, he carried nothing.

He had to find a secluded spot to rest for now.

Fortunately, this area bordered the suburbs. Walking a short distance, he spotted a grove of trees that looked cool and shaded, likely devoid of people.

As long as no one was around, he could strip off his disguise to catch his breath.

Smothering himself any longer would lead straight to heatstroke. Checking cautiously around like a thief to confirm the area was deserted, Xie Jianwei took off the heavy coat, removed the hat, and unwound the scarf veiling his face. Relieved, cool air washed over him delightfully.

If only he could take a shower, that would be ideal.

Sadly, he couldn’t find his way home, nor did he know where the rascal Big Li was hiding.

Lounging under a tree to enjoy the shade, he wondered if it was his imagination, but an unusual number of birds perched in the branches above, chirping loudly.

There must be a nest, the Military Advisor assumed simply.

Until a flock of butterflies began circling gracefully around him.

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Yan Ke nearly laughed himself silly: “What an eye-opener, hahahaha!”

This universal charmer constitution bewitched not only humans, but sent birds and butterflies spinning in dizzy infatuation as well.

Xie Jianwei could only count his blessings that no bees were around, or else the scene would be far too terrifying to contemplate!

Annoyed by the flutter of butterflies, Xie Jianwei contemplated swatting them away when, not far off, a blond youth stood petrified like a statue for three full minutes.

So breathtaking! Utterly exquisite!

How could someone this gorgeous exist in the world? His raven hair is like silk, his skin like flawless jade, his eyes like fallen stars from the heavens, and his delicate lips like the freshest petals kissed by morning dew…

No, language is far too barren to capture even one ten-thousandth of his beauty!

Striding forward briskly, the blond youth dropped to one knee before Xie Jianwei, speaking devoutly, “May I have the immense honor of knowing your name?”

Xie Jianwei: “…” Where did this lunatic spring from now!

“I am Liters Aiya from Country X. Meeting you is the greatest fortune of my three lifetimes.”

Liters was tall and handsome, his green eyes shimmering with pure devotion, flawlessly demonstrating what it meant to fall in love at first sight, hand over his heart, and desire marriage in seconds flat.

Noticing he appeared slightly more rational than the random pedestrians earlier, Xie Jianwei figured he might be an important character, saying, “You may call me Xie Jianwei…”

Before he could finish, Liters clutched his chest, gasping in adoration, “Your voice is so melodious, pure heavenly music, far sweeter than the finest symphony in the world…”

The corner of Xie Jianwei’s mouth twitched.

Liters spent several hundred words praising his voice, followed by several hundred words extolling his name, easily assembling an eight-hundred-word essay before letting out a soft sigh: “Jianwei, may I treat you to a meal?”

Xie Jianwei had little interest in dining with this lunatic. Just as he prepared to decline tactfully, his stomach let out an uncooperative rumble.

Liters immediately spoke with sorrow, heartache, and distress: “Come, my beautiful Jianwei, you must be starving! Heavens, I truly do not know what delicacy in this world could ever be worthy of you…”

Seeing that he was gearing up to chant another ode, Xie Jianwei interrupted, “I will be heading home shortly, no need to trouble yourself.”

Liters’s eyes sparkled at once. “Let me escort you home! It just so happens I wish to pay a visit to… propose…”

Xie Jianwei: “…” You want to propose marriage? We met ten minutes ago and you already want to propose? What kind of madness is this!

Never mind that Xie Jianwei had no clue where his house was; even if he knew, he wouldn’t dare bring him along.

Yet he didn’t want to dine with him either.

Liters proved remarkably attentive. Making a phone call, a fleet of off-road vehicles drove directly into the grove. A line of men in black suits stepped out, bowing their heads respectfully: “Your Highness!”

Your Highness? Xie Jianwei glanced at the blond fellow beside him. What kind of status did this lunatic hold?

Liters ordered, “To the Al Suna Mansion.”

The men in black acknowledged, “Yes, Sir!”

From start to finish, none of them lifted their eyes, completely avoiding being charmed by Xie Jianwei.

Relieved, Xie Jianwei figured that following the blond youth might actually yield a decent meal.

Stepping into the vehicle, the rear seats were exceptionally spacious, separated by a small console table right in the middle.

Xie Jianwei found the arrangement quite sensible, while Liters thoroughly despised the console table, viewing it like a cursed Milky Way separating him from Xie Jianwei!

The ride was rather comfortable: cool air, iced drinks, and while Liters chanted poetry continuously, one grew accustomed to it after a while.

Compared to sprinting like a sweltering mummy in forty-degree heat on an empty stomach, this was sheer luxury.

Before long, they arrived at the dining estate. A single glance told Xie Jianwei that Liters was loaded with both wealth and noble status, likely an extraordinary figure.

Because of his noble standing, his attendants were disciplined to perfection, keeping their eyes cast down without daring to look up.

As long as they didn’t look at Xie Jianwei, they wouldn’t act foolishly, which made things easy.

Lunch was exquisite and delicious. Starving as he was, Xie Jianwei found everything appetizing.

Liters ate nothing at all, spending the entire time singing praises of his beauty without showing the slightest fatigue.

Once fed and hydrated, Liters suggested, “There are suites upstairs. Would you care to rest for a while?”

Xie Jianwei didn’t overthink it. This was Lu Li’s dream after all; if something untoward were about to happen, that fellow would surely rush over at lightning speed rather than remaining missing.

“Thank you for the trouble.”

Liters nearly leaped from his seat in excitement!

Beaming, he said, “Wait here a moment, I will make arrangements immediately!”

He bolted off eagerly while Xie Jianwei sipped tea in the dining room.

Shortly after, Liters returned, bowing with gentlemanly flair: “This way, my beautiful prin… prin… ahem, Sir.”

Princess, my foot! Xie Jianwei pretended not to hear.

The room Liters prepared was opulent enough to make a real princess gasp in awe.

Xie Jianwei felt somewhat unnatural in it, but didn’t nitpick, saying to Liters, “I would like to rest for a while.”

Liters stared at him unblinkingly. “Of course, go ahead and sleep.”

Xie Jianwei had to be more direct: “I wish to sleep alone for a while.”

Liters said, “There is no one else here.”

Xie Jianwei held his gaze.

Liters finally caught on, smacking his forehead in regret: “Rest well. Once you wake up, I will come find you.”

Xie Jianwei wanted to tell him not to bother, but knew it was futile.

Once Liters left, Xie Jianwei locked the door, took a shower, changed into fresh clothes, and fell asleep.

He even dreamed of Lu Li finding him, smelling of overwhelming jealousy upon seeing him with Liters, dragging him away to lock him in a room and fool around with him.

Upon waking, Xie Jianwei felt he might be going a little crazy himself.

Still, he truly missed Lu Li, wondering where the rascal had gone.

Right as he woke, knocking sounded outside.

Dressed neatly, Xie Jianwei opened the door to find Liters with sparkling eyes: “Did you sleep well?”

Xie Jianwei asked, “You haven’t been waiting here the whole time, have you?”

Liters admitted sheepishly, “You noticed?” Scratching the back of his head, he said shyly, “I feared it was all a dream, that once I woke up, you would be gone.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Did everyone in this dream share the exact same thought process as Big Li!

It was nice that no one had the heart to hurt him or cause him grievances, but this was getting a bit out of hand!

Liters hovered around Xie Jianwei all afternoon. Toward evening, a subordinate approached him: “Your Highness, you must prepare for the evening banquet.”

Liters pulled a long face.

The subordinate urged, “This banquet is hosted by the President of Country Z; your attendance is mandatory.”

Catching this exchange, black lines ran down Xie Jianwei’s forehead. A banquet hosted by the President? For Liters to attend, he was almost certainly a prince of Country X.

Liters truly had to attend, but hated leaving Xie Jianwei, fearing he would vanish the second he looked away.

Having finally found his beloved, how could he bear to part?

His subordinate offered a suggestion: “You may bring Mr. Xie along. Don’t you happen to need a dance partner?”

That enlightened Liters in a flash. Turning around, he dropped to one knee before Xie Jianwei: “Jianwei, could you grant me this small request!”

A fine prince, dropping to his knees at every turn!

Xie Jianwei said, “Stand up first.”

Inheriting the dream master’s stubborn nature, Liters acted shamelessly: “If you don’t agree, I won’t get up.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Liters pleaded, “Please, Jianwei, please accompany me!”

Xie Jianwei could have refused, but wanted to look around; perhaps he might cross paths with Lu Li.

Hesitating briefly, he relented, “Alright…”

Liters cheered instantly: “Thank you so much! I am the happiest man alive, Jianwei, I truly…” (Several hundred words omitted here.)

The evening banquet was prestigious, so attending dressed like this was out of the question. Liters scrambled to arrange an outfit for him.

Normally, custom tailoring was impossible on such short notice, but with Liters’s extraordinary status, he procured an exclusive designer set limited to only two pieces worldwide: one for Xie Jianwei, one for himself, delighting him to no end.

Xie Jianwei figured this matching couple’s attire might make Lu Li explode with fury, but who told him to conjure such an absurd dream? A little explosion would teach him a lesson!

The evening banquet held immense prestige, being hosted by the President.

Fortunately, because the attendees were prominent figures, their composure was far superior to random pedestrians; they didn’t freeze into open-mouthed fools upon seeing Xie Jianwei, though infatuation was unavoidable.

Liters felt both proud and regretful. Proud that his partner (overthinking) was recognized and admired by so many; regretful that several bastards were clearly coveting his (overthinking massively) Jianwei!

Xie Jianwei tried to keep a low profile, but the gazes locked onto him were ceaseless.

As the crown prince most favored to inherit the throne of Country X, many came to converse with Liters.

Without fail, their opening line was always praise for Xie Jianwei.

Xie Jianwei grew numb to it, letting it pass in one ear and out the other.

Some sycophants, eager to flatter Liters, praised him and Xie Jianwei as a match made in heaven, intoxicating Liters into downing several extra glasses of wine.

Seeing him occupied, Xie Jianwei excused himself to the restroom to catch some fresh air.

Just as he stepped inside, he ran directly into someone.

It was a white-haired youth, who stared at Xie Jianwei in a daze before asking urgently, “Are you truly Liters’s lover?”

To address the Prince of Country X by name meant this youth was no ordinary figure either.

Xie Jianwei remained silent.

The youth couldn’t help pressing, “Do you love him? If not, do I still have a chance!”

Xie Jianwei: “…” The issue is I don’t even know who you are, kid.

The youth introduced himself: “I am Aleksey from Country E. My elder brother is the President of Country E, I…”

So he was the President’s younger brother. Impressive, impressive my foot!

Xie Jianwei declined firmly, “My apologies, I already have someone I love.”

Aleksey looked desolate: “Do you love Liters?”

Not daring to claim he loved him, Xie Jianwei merely said, “Today was the first time I met him.”

“Truly?” Aleksey’s eyes brightened instantly, “Then I still have a chance!”

Where on earth did you deduce a chance from!

Xie Jianwei had no words to retort. Just then, Liters caught up, greeting Aleksey with polite pleasantries, though both were likely cursing each other inwardly.

Following Liters back to the banquet hall, while Liters was mobbed by guests, Xie Jianwei received seven or eight business cards in no time.

All invitations requesting his company as a guest.

Xie Jianwei ignored them completely, tossing them straight into the trash bin.

When the banquet concluded, Liters and Xie Jianwei returned to the mansion. Liters acted cautious the entire drive, hesitating to speak several times.

Xie Jianwei knew what was on his mind. Likely wanting to ask him to stay the night.

Xie Jianwei felt melancholy; without knowing where Lu Li was, he had no idea where to go either.

While pondering what to do, the car pulled up outside the mansion.

Summoning his courage, Liters finally spoke, “Tonight, would you…”

“Thank you, Your Highness, for taking such meticulous care of A-Wei.” A deep, resonant male voice rang out, prompting Xie Jianwei and Liters to turn simultaneously.

Spotting the newcomer, Xie Jianwei’s eyes lit up, while Liters tensed with vigilance.

The only person who could bring joy to Military Advisor Xie was naturally Lu Li.

Lu Li cast an airy glance at Xie Jianwei, bowed slightly to Liters, and said, “Good evening, Your Highness.”

Nervous, Liters asked, “You are…”

Lu Li said, “I am Xie Jianwei’s elder brother.”

“Elder Brother?” Liters’s guard dropped in an instant, beaming with delight: “So you are his brother!”

That enthusiastic call of “brother” made Lu Li furrow his brows slightly. Liters remained oblivious, heaping flattery onto the “brother,” hoping that pleasing him would smooth the path to marrying his younger brother.

To Xie Jianwei’s surprise, Lu Li’s temper was remarkably mild, refraining from pummeling the blond youth and patiently enduring his ramblings for a long while.

Finally, Lu Li said, “The hour grows late, I shall take A-Wei home.”

Xie Jianwei bid farewell to Liters immediately.

Liters watched him go reluctantly, looking as though his very soul was being carried away.

Lu Li held Xie Jianwei’s hand. Feeling completely anchored, Xie Jianwei kept his head bowed, acting impeccably docile.

Liters watched the two brothers depart, turning back inside with a crestfallen expression only after the car’s taillights vanished from sight.

Inside the car, Lu Li remained dead silent.

Xie Jianwei was rather curious. Were they stepbrothers sharing no blood relation this time?

His elder brother? He was older than Lu Li in reality!

Lu Li asked, “Did you eat?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes.”

Lu Li asked again, “Did you have fun?”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Lu Li sighed softly, his taut expression relaxing as he whispered, “Do not run off on your own in the future. It is too dangerous.”

Hearing that gentle voice, Xie Jianwei wanted to lean closer, but seeing Lu Li acting so properly, he wasn’t sure if he should cuddle up.

After a moment, Xie Jianwei murmured, “I’m a bit cold.”

Saying this, he nudged closer to Lu Li, assuming the idiot would take the opportunity to embrace him, only for Lu Li to tell the driver, “Turn down the air conditioning.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

He had no choice but to shift back silently, and with the AC turned down, the car felt sweltering hot!

Fortunately, the drive was short. Within twenty minutes, the car entered an elegant manor estate.

Surveying the surroundings, Xie Jianwei deduced his family was very well-off. Perhaps not nobility, but undeniably wealthy.

Lu Li spoke little during the ride. When the car stopped, he stepped out first, with Xie Jianwei trailing behind.

Walking inside together, the villa was styled with warm taste. Luxurious yet understated, exquisite without feeling cold, the warm tones carrying the coziness of home.

Evidently, the family lived together here in harmony.

Xie Jianwei wondered where their parents were.

Lu Li said, “Mom and Dad probably won’t be back until the day after tomorrow. Remember to call them when you head upstairs; they have been worrying about you.”

Xie Jianwei nodded repeatedly, “Okay.”

Lu Li asked, “Do you want to bathe?”

Xie Jianwei said immediately, “Yes!” In this heat, going without a shower was unbearable.

Lu Li said, “Wait here, I’ll go draw the bathwater for you.”

Wealthy as the household was, not a single domestic servant was employed. For no other reason than the younger son being far too beautiful; if servants lacked ironclad discipline, every single one of them plotted to kidnap him and elope, which was an endless headache.

After several chaotic incidents, they dared not hire help. With only four family members, hiring full-time staff was unnecessary anyway; having cleaners come periodically while the family was out was more than enough.

That was why Lu Li went upstairs in person to draw his bathwater.

Xie Jianwei paid no heed to the brother dynamic. One was surnamed Lu and the other Xie, clearly a blended family, so what need was there for restraint?

While Lu Li drew the bath, Xie Jianwei began stripping his clothes in the bedroom.

Before the tub finished filling, Xie Jianwei was already standing naked before the bathroom doorway: “Not ready yet?”

With his sleeves rolled up, Lu Li was testing the water temperature, looking dashing beyond words. Without looking up, he said, “Give it a moment.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I’m a bit cold.”

Pausing, Lu Li looked up, only to be met with Xie Jianwei’s completely bare frame, freezing in place.

Xie Jianwei had done it on purpose, making no move to hide, blinking playfully: “Can I get in?”

Lu Li whipped his head away swiftly, his expression steady, though the tips of his ears flushed scarlet. He said in a low voice, “Put your clothes on first.”

Xie Jianwei said, “What does it matter? I have to take them off anyway.”

Closing his eyes, Lu Li shut off the faucet: “It’s ready. Go ahead and wash.”

Dropping those words, he strode out without looking back, pulling the bathroom door shut behind him.

Xie Jianwei pouted. Pretending to be so upright.

Soaking into the tub, he let out a contented sigh, while Lu Li rushed straight downstairs, sitting on the sofa and gulping down glass after glass of ice water.

His mind was crammed with Xie Jianwei’s body. Hos fair skin, sexy waist, and long, straight legs.

He was truly growing increasingly…

Lu Li downed three full glasses of iced water, yet the fire in his chest refused to subside, burning hotter, spreading from bone to blood, conquering every nerve.

He could not harbor such thoughts. That was his younger brother, born of the same father and mother, a biological brother sharing the exact same blood!

At that thought, deep sorrow wrapped around his heart. Lu Li lowered his head, resting his forehead against his hands, looking pained and exhausted. Why did he have to be his brother?

Soaking for a while, Xie Jianwei grew restless again. Was Big Li truly not coming in?

Thinking it over, he picked up his phone and dialed Lu Li’s number.

Xie Jianwei purred softly, “Ge.”

A loud buzz rang through Lu Li’s head. Forcing composure, he asked, “What is it?”

“Could you do me a favor?”

“What is it?” Lu Li asked anxiously, “Are you feeling unwell?”

Xie Jianwei’s voice sounded lazy: “Could you help me wash my back?”

Lu Li: “…”

Xie Jianwei wheedled, “Please help me, I can’t reach it myself, and I can’t exactly ask someone outside…”

Hearing the words ask someone outside, Lu Li blurted out immediately, “Wait there.”

Delighted, Xie Jianwei said, “Okay.”

Xie Jianwei had hoped to lure him into a shared bath, but Brother Lu held firm. Soaking wet, his expression remained steady, washing Xie Jianwei’s back before turning to leave without a backwards glance.

Xie Jianwei called after him, “Your clothes are soaked, wash together with me.”

Lu Li said, “No need, I showered earlier.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Never had Military Advisor Xie imagined he would face such a day.

Failing to seduce him, lingering in the tub was pointless. Stepping out, Xie Jianwei dried off and threw on a loose robe.

With only the two of them home, wearing nothing would be fine anyway.

Besides, sometimes wearing loose clothing was far more lethal than being naked.

Xie Jianwei casually draped a bathrobe over himself, leaving the buttons undone and the sash loosely tied.

He called his parents first. They asked an endless string of questions, and Xie Jianwei answered each in turn, gleaning little useful intelligence.

Lu Li was working downstairs, so Xie Jianwei sought him out: “Ge, would you like something to drink?”

Without looking up, Lu Li said, “No need.”

Xie Jianwei said, “I squeezed too much juice, I can’t finish it alone.”

Saying this, he had already walked over, carrying an iron tray bearing two glasses of juice.

Lu Li could only say, “Leave it there, head to bed early.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Alright.”

With that, he picked up a glass and bent over to hand it to him.

Looking down, Lu Li first saw a jade-white hand, then the bare arm, and following upward, the collarbones, the flushed pink upon his chest, and his flat abdomen.

Xie Jianwei did it deliberately: the robe was loose to begin with, and bending over laid the view bare.

Lu Li stared unblinkingly for a long time, likely unaware of how scorching his own gaze was.

Xie Jianwei thought inwardly. Let’s see how long you can hold back.

To his astonishment, even under such temptation, Lu Li actually restrained himself.

Stiffly averting his head, he commanded sternly, “Go back to your room and rest!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Standing up, Lu Li personally escorted Xie Jianwei back to his bedroom.

Watching the door slam shut with a loud click, Xie Jianwei stood bewildered.

What was going on?

Since when was Big Li capable of such endurance?

Xie Jianwei still had no idea they were supposed to be full biological brothers.

Refusing to concede defeat, he tossed and turned in bed without falling asleep, simply getting up to knock on Lu Li’s door.

Lu Li couldn’t sleep either. Closing his eyes brought visions of Xie Jianwei, and opening them brought waves of self-reproach. Hearing the knock, he asked in a hoarse voice, “What happened?”

Xie Jianwei whispered, “I can’t sleep.”

Lu Li’s heart clenched painfully. Sitting up, he said, “The hour is late, rest early.”

“Ge…” Xie Jianwei’s voice wrapped around his heart like a velvet hook, “can I come in?”

Rationally, Lu Li knew he shouldn’t, but what use was rationality? Could it be eaten?

He opened the door, met by Xie Jianwei gazing at him pitifully: “Can we sleep together?”

Lu Li kept a stiff face: “In this heat, isn’t squeezing together too warm?”

Xie Jianwei smiled, “If it’s warm, we can turn on the AC.”

Before Lu Li could speak, Xie Jianwei slipped inside like an eel, flopping onto the bed and refusing to budge.

Lu Li paused: “I’ll sleep in the guest room.”

Hearing this annoyed Xie Jianwei: “If you go, I’m following.”

“A-Wei,” Lu Li frowned, “stop messing around.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Hearing those words from Lu Li was truly novel.

Yet Xie Jianwei was determined to mess around to the end, murmuring, “Can’t we just sleep together? There are only the two of us home, I’m… a bit scared.”

With him speaking so softly, Lu Li’s fragile willpower crumbled entirely. Sighing, he turned back.

Lying down, Xie Jianwei immediately clung to him, though not daring to push too far, merely hugging one of his arms.

Xie Jianwei had intended to tease him further, but having run around all day, exhaustion crept up on him, and he drifted off to sleep within minutes.

Seeing him asleep, Lu Li gently slipped his arm free, threw on a jacket, stepped onto the balcony, and smoked cigarettes through most of the night.

When Xie Jianwei awoke the next morning, broad daylight flooded the room.

Stepping out of bed, Lu Li was already dressed neatly, appearing ready to head out.

Lu Li said, “Breakfast is ready, remember to eat.”

Xie Jianwei asked, “You’re going out?”

“Some business at the company.”

Xie Jianwei quickly changed: “I’m coming with you.”

Lu Li said, “Stay home. Didn’t you play enough yesterday?”

Xie Jianwei ignored him, dressing at lightning speed.

Lu Li was all talk anyway; as long as Xie Jianwei insisted, he had no counters.

The two walked out together, yet the moment the front gates opened, both brothers froze in their tracks.

Outside was an absolute gathering of luxury vehicles, and not just cars; helicopters circled overhead with deafening roars.

The moment Lu Li stepped out, a crowd of emissaries rushed forward eagerly, thrusting a stack of invitations toward him:

“Mr. Lu! This is an invitation from our Prince (Prime Minister) (Princess) (His Majesty)… We wonder if your esteemed younger brother would do us the honor of gracing us with his presence?”

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Author’s Note:

Lu Li: Damn it, I want to destroy the world!