Chapter 113 Xiao Che is that wolf, and a...
Lin Yan carried the hot potato-like white jade box back to Dan Garden. All the way, he felt as if the thing in his arms was incredibly heavy, making him restless and unable to sit still. The blush on his cheeks never faded.
As soon as he stepped into his quiet room in the Dan Garden, before he could even put away the hot item, he saw Xiao Che sitting leisurely on the soft couch by the window, examining another... more elegant and noble sandalwood box.
Seeing him enter, Xiao Che raised his head, a slight smile playing on his lips, his eyes filled with understanding and a gentle mockery.
"You're back?" Xiao Che asked casually, as if asking if the meal was to his liking. "Is everything settled with Chu Ye?"
Lin Yan felt a sudden panic and subconsciously hid the hand holding the white jade box behind his back, vaguely replying, "Yes, the invitation has been delivered, and he said he will definitely come."
Xiao Che's gaze swept over Lin Yan's hands behind his back, seemingly casually, but he didn't ask any questions. Instead, he pushed the sandalwood box in his hand forward and said in a serious tone as if discussing important matters: "Coincidentally, I also have some items here that you may need."
Lin Yan's eyelids twitched, and that ominous premonition grew stronger.
He walked over hesitantly, then peeked inside—
The sandalwood box was lined with soft silk, and several elegant porcelain vases and two pieces of polished jade were neatly placed on it. It looked like the refined objects on the desk of a scholar. If he did not know Xiao Che's intention, he would almost think that these were precious treasures to be appreciated.
"These, these are..." Lin Yan's voice was a little tight.
Xiao Che took out a small celadon porcelain bottle, uncorked it, and a faint, delicate orchid fragrance wafted out. Inside was a lustrous, colored paste.
“Some nourishing balms,” Xiao Che explained calmly. “They were made under the supervision of the imperial physicians and contain ingredients such as orchid buds and beeswax. They are mild in nature and beneficial to the body.”
Lin Yan's ears burned as he stared at the porcelain bottle, unable to utter a single word.
[Imperial physician dispatch? Even this... Xiao Zhaolin, just how much research did you do behind the scenes?!]
Xiao Che seemed completely oblivious to Lin Yan's emotional turmoil, and picked up another jade artifact from the side.
The object had smooth lines, a warm and smooth surface, and a delicate, soft luster.
"Made of warm jade, it also has a nourishing effect." Xiao Che's tone was calm and normal. "Before use, it should be soaked in warm water, or a little fragrance can be added for a smoother feel."
Lin Yan looked at the jade artifact, his cheeks burning even more, his fingertips even feeling numb, his voice almost stuck in his throat: "This...this jade...what is it for?"
As soon as the question left his mouth, Lin Yan wished he could bite his tongue off.
Xiao Che looked up at him, his gaze calm and focused, leaving no room for evasion: "Hanzhang, the wedding day is approaching, and I don't want you to suffer then."
His gaze swept over Lin Yan's shoulders and back, which tensed up instantly. His tone softened, but his words were clear: "Some things require advance preparation and a gradual approach to ensure a smooth transition."
Some vague yet alarming concepts uncontrollably flashed through Lin Yan's mind, causing him to catch his breath. He wasn't completely clueless; it was precisely because he knew a little that he felt even more embarrassed and at a loss for what to do.
"So..." Lin Yan's voice trembled slightly, "you want me... to use this?"
Xiao Che gently pushed the porcelain bottle and jade artifacts in front of him, his movements as natural as handing over a book: "From today onwards, you may try them slowly, but you must prioritize your own feelings. If you feel any discomfort, stop immediately."
Lin Yan stared at the two things in front of him, feeling a surge of heat rising up, almost engulfing him.
He struggled, saying, "Perhaps, we don't need to be so deliberate? We can just let things take their natural course..."
"Hanzhang," Xiao Che interrupted him, but his voice was firm. "This matter concerns you personally and cannot be taken lightly. I do not want you to suffer any hardship or pain."
Seeing Lin Yan's flushed face, Xiao Che softened his tone and said softly, "Be good, okay?"
Lin Yan wasn't unaware of the reasoning, but the process itself was enough to make him feel incredibly embarrassed.
Reason and a lingering fear of the unknown told him that Xiao Che's considerations were not without merit. Since they had decided to join hands, some preparations might indeed be necessary.
Finally, overwhelmed with shame and a sense of resignation, Lin Yan reached out and swiftly grabbed the porcelain vase and jade artifacts, clutching them tightly in his palm.
"I...I can do it myself." Lin Yan turned her head away, her voice barely audible, stubbornly trying to save face.
Xiao Che readily agreed, "Alright, I'll go outside. Call me anytime if you need anything."
After saying that, Xiao Che got up and walked steadily out of the quiet room, carefully closing the door behind him.
The soft sound of the door closing came, and Lin Yan seemed to suddenly lose all strength, collapsing onto the soft couch, burying her burning cheeks in the cool brocade, and silently exhaling a hot breath.
It was so agonizing.
Lin Yan prepared himself mentally for a long time before slowly sitting up straight and beginning to study how to use the two items.
The process... will not be discussed for now.
In short, after Lin Yan barely completed the so-called adaptation steps according to the points that Xiao Che had briefly mentioned, he felt uncomfortable all over and even his breathing was filled with shame.
The jade is warm and smooth, initially slightly cool, gradually warming to body temperature, its presence so distinct that it cannot be ignored.
Lin Yan stayed obediently in the room, not daring to go anywhere, and his movements were somewhat stiff and cautious.
By evening, the jade artifact had completed its mission and was properly disposed of.
Lin Yan lay sprawled on the couch, gazing at the intricate patterns on the canopy ceiling, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
Xiao Che arrived at just the right time.
He first inquired carefully about Lin Yan's feelings, and only after confirming that he was alright did he sit down by the couch.
Xiao Che reached out his hand, his fingertips warm, his movements extremely gentle, carrying a clear sense of reassurance and probing.
It is the touch of body heat that is more unsettling than objects.
Lin Chushi tensed up, so embarrassed that even her toes curled up, and she bit her lip tightly, refusing to make a sound.
Xiao Che was extremely patient; each touch of his fingertips was cautious and gentle, without the slightest hint of intimacy, but rather conveyed a sense of cherishing.
Gradually, a strange warmth quietly spread from my heart, as fine as a spring stream thawing, flowing to every part of my body.
Lin Yan's eyelashes trembled slightly, and she subconsciously grabbed Xiao Che's sleeve, pressing her flushed cheeks against the other's shoulder, as if this could hide the turbulent emotions in her heart.
………………
Lin Yan nestled in Xiao Che's arms, gently calming her breathing, and felt a little dampness in the corners of her eyes.
Xiao Che gently adjusted his clothes and wiped away the fine sweat from his forehead, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a fragile piece of porcelain.
"Are you alright?" Xiao Che asked in a low voice, tucking a slightly damp strand of hair behind his ear with his fingertips.
Lin Yan nodded, but couldn't speak, only hiding her burning ears even deeper into that reassuring shadow.
Once he had recovered, Xiao Che had already used a soft cloth to wipe away his thin layer of sweat, his movements as gentle as if he were handling a fragile piece of porcelain.
Looking at Lin Yan's still-flushed cheeks and hazy eyes, Xiao Che smiled with satisfaction, but his tone remained serious: "It seems acceptable. Try again next time."
Upon hearing this, Lin Yan felt a surge of lingering embarrassment and anger. She raised her foot and gave Xiao Che a light kick, her voice hoarse and reproachful: "...Get away."
Xiao Che chuckled softly and easily grasped Lin Yan's slender ankle.
Warm palms pressed against the skin, bringing comfort.
He leaned down, pulled Lin Yan, who was trying to dodge, into his arms, and kissed her slightly swollen lips.
The kiss was gentle and lingering, filled with tenderness and affection, quietly dispelling all the previous tension and embarrassment.
Lin Yan initially pushed him away, but quickly softened in the familiar scent of agarwood and the comforting embrace, letting the kiss deepen, only vaguely noting it in his mind.
Xiao Che, that bastard, being too well-prepared isn't a good thing either!
Lin Yan thought he should dedicate a song to himself—"The Wolf Fell in Love with the Sheep."
Xiao Che is that wolf, and a lecherous one at that.
snort.
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Author's Note: I've rewritten this chapter. I apologize for the delay in reading. I'll add an extra chapter to this chapter's author's note.
The autumn colors in Dan Garden are in full bloom.
The vibrant red maples, the lingering sweet fragrance of osmanthus, and the melodious chirping of several newly hung cages of thrushes under the eaves all contribute to the elegant and warm ambiance of Lin Yan and Xiao Che's home.
Despite being married for some time, Lin Yan often felt a subtle sense of unreality.
It wasn't about the relationship itself—his feelings for Xiao Che deepened with each passing day. They could understand each other with just a glance, and the sense of security and warmth they felt when they slept in each other's arms at night was genuine.
What puzzled him were certain moments that seemed too coincidental.
For example, a few days ago, a doctor surnamed Liu from the Ministry of Works was impeached by the Censorate for failing to properly educate his son and condoning the violence because his son got into a fight at a restaurant and seriously injured someone. During the court discussion, several ministers argued endlessly. Some believed that he should be severely punished as a warning to others, while others felt that Doctor Liu had been diligent and pragmatic for many years and his achievements were commendable. Although his son had made a mistake, he should be treated leniently in consideration of his father's hard work.
Lin Yan was standing in the queue, listening to the debate between the two sides, and she actually had her own thoughts in mind.
[Liu Langzhong is indeed a hard-working man. When the Ministry of Works was repairing the river embankment, he spent three months on the construction site without going home, getting sunburned and his skin peeled off. But his son, tsk, I heard he was spoiled by his grandmother from a young age, getting everything he wanted. And Liu Langzhong was often away on official business, neglecting to discipline him. Now that he has caused such a disaster, doesn't the father bear any responsibility? A son who is not taught is the father's fault. But saying this might be considered harsh by his colleagues, after all, Liu Langzhong has indeed had a tough life...]
Lin Yan was pondering to himself, not yet having figured out how to word his words in a way that would uphold the law without losing human sentiment, when he heard Xiao Che's cold voice ring out from the throne: "Liu Heng has failed in his duty to educate his son, allowing him to commit violence. He has neglected his responsibilities as a father and is hereby demoted one rank and fined half a year's salary. His son shall be handed over to the Prefect of the Capital for punishment in accordance with the law. Furthermore, he is ordered to send his elderly mother back to her hometown to be cared for and shall not be allowed to stay in the capital to spoil his young grandson."
This verdict precisely hit the nail on the head for Lin Yan—it punished Liu Langzhong for his dereliction of duty, but also took into account his hard work and did not dismiss him completely. More importantly, it highlighted the crux of the problem: "grandmother's overindulgence."
Lin Yan was slightly taken aback and subconsciously looked up at Xiao Che.
Xiao Che lowered his eyes and turned to the next memorial, his expression calm and unwavering, as if the judgment he had just made was merely a casual remark without any deeper meaning.
Is it a coincidence?
Lin Yan thought.
His Majesty is wise, so it's not surprising that he would think of this.
But similar coincidences happened frequently in the days that followed.
Lin Yan wanted to eat walnut pastries from Li Ji in the west of the city. As soon as the thought crossed his mind, the pastry would appear on the table at dinner. When he was reviewing documents, his neck was sore and he just wanted to move it around. Xiao Che's hand would press on the back of his neck at the right time and massage it with just the right amount of force. Even when he was taking a walk in Dan Garden, if he glanced at a certain late-blooming chrysanthemum a few more times, the next day that pot of flowers would be moved to the window of the study.
What made Lin Yan most uneasy was the bedroom.
Since their wedding night, the two have become increasingly compatible in their love affairs, with Xiao Che always able to accurately capture Lin Yan's unspoken desires.
The story begins with the "study materials" that Chu Ye gave him.
Before the wedding, Chu Ye, with the attitude of "being responsible for his brother's happiness," gradually stuffed Lin Yan with a lot of "good things" he had collected from Helian Feng's caravan—there were erotic picture books from foreign countries, with pictures and text, and bizarre poses; there were perfumes and secret medicines from the Western Regions, which were said to enhance the fun; there were even a few volumes of storybooks that he had obtained from some unknown channel, with such bold descriptions that even Lin Yan, a modern person who had transmigrated, blushed.
Lin Yan flipped through it several times and had to admit that the imagination of the ancients when it came to enjoying themselves was truly remarkable.
Certain images and descriptions left a deep impression on Lin Yan's mind, and would occasionally surface uncontrollably in the quiet of the night. Along with his fondness for Xiao Che, a secret thought arose—he wanted to give it a try.
But Lin Yan was too shy to say to Xiao Che, "Let's try this position" or "Let's use that balm."
However, something strange happened.
One day, after Lin Yan finished reading a storybook depicting "Mandarin ducks entwined necks, with red strings tied around their wrists," Xiao Che, while kissing him that night, pulled out a soft, smooth red silk string from somewhere.
The silk rope was of excellent quality, cool and smooth to the touch, and shimmered with a delicate luster in the candlelight.
With the same hands that held the vermilion brush and could determine the fate of the world, Xiao Che slowly and methodically wrapped the silk rope around Lin Yan's wrist and loosely tied a slipknot.
As he moved, Xiao Che's gaze was deep, and a smile played on his lips.
Lin Yan was stunned. His heart pounded and his blood rushed to his head.
This...this is so similar to the description he read before!
"Zhao... Zhaolin..." Lin Yan's voice trembled, "What... what is this?"
Xiao Che lowered his head and kissed the inside of Lin Yan's wrist, which was lightly bound with silk rope, where the pulse was pounding fiercely.
"I've noticed Hanzhang seems a bit listless lately, so I thought I'd add some fun," Xiao Che said in a low, husky voice, rarely seductive. "Don't you like it?"
How could Lin Yan say she didn't like it?
In fact, that subtle feeling of being bound, mixed with the warm touch of Xiao Che's lips and the palpitation of being completely controlled, instantly ignited all of Lin Yan's senses, stimulating him many times more than the dry descriptions in the storybook.
That night's experience was truly revolutionary.
Since then, it's as if a switch has been flipped.
Lin Yan vaguely recalled a certain intimate pose from the picture book, and Xiao Che would guide him to try it next time; he occasionally remembered the description of the perfume, and within two days, he could smell essential oils with a similar scent in the water when he bathed; he even complained to himself that Xiao Che's excessive demands at night had made his back ache, and when he woke up the next day, Xiao Che surprisingly did not get up early to practice martial arts, but instead held him and slept until the sun was high in the sky, and even personally massaged his back.
Once is a coincidence, twice is a tacit understanding, three times, four times... Even if Lin Yan was slow to notice, he would realize that something was wrong.
This can no longer be explained by a telepathic connection.
Lin Yan began to observe secretly.
He tried to mentally criticize Xiao Che for looking like an old man when he frowned while reviewing memorials, but the next second Xiao Che looked up, raised an eyebrow at him, and said, "Hanzhang thinks I'm old?"
He tried to hum a catchy tune that was completely out of step with the times in his mind. Xiao Che didn't react, but after a while, he inexplicably said, "Hanzhang seems to be in a very good mood today?"
The most terrifying time was when Lin Yan was mentally calculating a messy account in the Ministry of Revenue, wondering how to report it to Xiao Che in a way that would explain the problem without making himself seem agitated by work. However, after listening to his seemingly flawless explanation, Xiao Che directly pointed out several key data errors and potential loopholes, saying, "Although the 'retreat to advance' method you just considered is sound, this matter concerns military pay, so it's best to be straightforward. I trust you."
Lin Yan broke out in a cold sweat.
Could Xiao Che really hear what he's thinking?!
Lin Yan thought about it more and more and it seemed more and more likely. Otherwise, how could he explain those precise responses in political matters? How could he explain those embarrassing coincidences in private?
This is utterly unbelievable! Hearing someone's inner voice?
Lin Yan was caught in a deep state of doubt and confusion.
He wanted to ask directly, but he was afraid that if it wasn't true, he would look like a fool. If he didn't ask, he felt restless, like a cat was scratching at his heart.
This inner turmoil reached its peak on a rainy autumn afternoon.
On that day of rest, Lin Yan used the excuse of tidying up his study, but actually he stayed in the study in Danyuan, looking through the treasures that Chu Ye had "sponsored" for the nth time.
One of the books, from overseas, features vibrant colors and a realistic style, depicting many previously unheard-of intimate gestures.
Lin Yan turned to one of the pages, where a person was suspended from a bedpost with their wrists bound by soft silk ribbons, their posture both vulnerable and alluring.
His gaze lingered on the image for a long time, and an uncontrollable surge of eagerness welled up within him.
Xiao Che's fingers are long and strong; they would look beautiful tying knots with them...
Stop! Halt!
Lin Yan slammed the picture album shut, her cheeks burning. She thief-likely stuffed it back into the most hidden corner of the bookshelf, covering it up completely with several thick volumes of the "Da Yu Lü Shu".
He took several deep breaths, trying to clear his mind of the jumbled images.
However, once a thought arises, it spreads like weeds and is difficult to eradicate.
In the following days, Lin Yan couldn't help but steal glances at Xiao Che's hands.
The distinct knuckles of his hand when reviewing memorials, the rock-solid grip on his pen, the calloused and warm hand that caresses his skin… if wrapped with a silk ribbon and tied in an exquisite knot…
Lin Yan shook his head abruptly, cursing himself for being so spineless.
But the more suppressed one is, the clearer the image becomes.
Lin Yan even began to look for suitable silk ribbons in the storeroom—they had to be soft enough not to chafe the skin; the color had to be beautiful, preferably the black that Xiao Che often wore or the moon white that he himself preferred; the color had to be long enough to wrap around several times and tie a sturdy yet elegant knot…
"Lord Lin, what are you looking for?" The warehouse manager asked solicitously as he saw him peeking around.
Lin Yan jumped back like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, stammering, "N-nothing, just looking around." Then he fled in panic.
This state of unease continued until the next day off.
At night, the red curtains were drawn low, and the candlelight flickered.
Xiao Che seemed unusually patient tonight, his kisses tender and passionate, his caresses meticulous and delicate, leaving Lin Yan bewildered and weak all over.
Just as Lin Yan's consciousness was drifting and he was about to drown, Xiao Che suddenly stopped what he was doing.
Lin Yan opened her misty eyes blankly and looked at him with confusion.
Xiao Che then produced a dark-colored silk ribbon with subtle patterns from who-knows-where.
The silk ribbon was of excellent quality, shimmering with a dark luster in the dim candlelight—exactly the kind Lin Yan had been longing for and imagining countless times these past few days.
Lin Yan's breathing suddenly stopped, and his eyes widened in shock.
Xiao Che held the silk ribbon, slowly twirling it between his fingers. He gazed intently at Lin Yan, a deep smile playing on his lips. His tone was calm yet carried an unmistakable depth: "Han Zhang seems to have developed a rather keen interest in this item lately?"
With a "boom," Lin Yan felt all the blood rush to his head, his cheeks, ears, and neck instantly turning red, and even his toes curling up.
How could he have known?! He even chose the exact same color!
Lin Yan opened his mouth, but no sound came out. Embarrassment and shock left his mind blank.
Xiao Che said no more, leaned closer, his warm breath brushing against Hanzhang's ear, his voice low and husky: "I think this belt suits Hanzhang very well."
What happened next was completely out of Lin Yan's control.
The cool touch of the ribbon as it wrapped around my wrist, the perfect restraint when it was tightened, the shame and excitement of being guided by Xiao Che to strike the pose in the picture book... all the imagined details were realized one by one in Xiao Che's hands, even more thrilling than I had imagined.
Xiao Che's movements remained gentle, yet they carried a sense of complete control and guidance.
He seemed to know every subtle reaction of Lin Yan, the reason for every tremor, and could always slow down when Lin Yan was about to lose control, and give him more when he longed for more.
It was an extreme intimacy, but also an extreme form of being "seen through".
When everything finally calmed down, Lin Yan collapsed into the messy brocade quilt, the black silk ribbon still loosely wrapped around her wrist. She was completely exhausted, too lazy to even move her fingertips, but her mind was unusually clear.
wrong.
That's absolutely wrong.
Once or twice is tacit understanding, three or four times is knowing each other, but this time he was able to accurately produce even the silk ribbon that he had secretly imagined for days and even pondered in his mind about its color and texture. This can no longer be explained by mere knowing.
unless……
Lin Yan slowly turned his head to look at Xiao Che, who was standing beside him with his arm around him, gently stroking his sweaty back.
In the candlelight, Xiao Che's profile was deep and handsome, his expression content and gentle. Noticing his gaze, he turned his head to meet his eyes, his eyes filled with lingering emotions and clear tenderness.
"What's wrong?" Xiao Che's voice was still hoarse from the aftermath, making it all the more sexy. "Are you feeling unwell?"
Lin Yan stared at him, her heart pounding like a drum.
He took a deep breath and mustered all the courage he had to speak: "How did you know that I... I wanted to use this?"
Lin Yan raised her wrist, which was still tied with a silk ribbon, and shook it gently.
Xiao Che's hand, which was stroking his back, paused slightly.
Their eyes met, and the tent was completely silent except for the occasional soft crackling of the burning red candles.
Xiao Che looked at the mixture of shame, indignation, doubt, nervousness, and a hint of desperation in Lin Yan's eyes and remained silent for a moment.
Then, Xiao Che sighed softly. In that sigh, there seemed to be relief, helplessness, and more of a calm feeling that "this moment has finally come."
He reached out and carefully untied the loose knot on Lin Yan's wrist, took the ribbon away, and casually placed it beside the pillow.
Then, Xiao Che pulled Lin Yan closer to his chest, making them face each other and meet each other's eyes.
"Hanzhang," Xiao Che's voice was soft, yet every word was clear, "If I said I could hear your thoughts and feelings, would you believe me?"
Time seemed to freeze at that moment.
Lin Yan stared blankly at Xiao Che, his mind reeling as if struck by a heavy hammer, completely blank.
Can you hear... what's on your mind?
My inner thoughts?
Those outrageous rants? Those silly, whimsical fantasies? Those crazy outbursts directed at superiors, colleagues, and even the emperor himself? Those embarrassing, intimate fantasies about the bedroom?
They were all heard!
A heat wave, even more intense than when he was aroused, swept over his entire body. Lin Yan's cheeks, ears, neck, and even the skin all over his body turned bright red at a visible speed, making him look like a shrimp that had been cooked and was still steaming.
The overwhelming sense of shame engulfed him like a tsunami.
He recalled how he had mentally cursed Xiao Che as "a bat spirit reincarnated" and "a miserly man who crows at midnight"; he remembered complaining about his colleagues in the Ministry of Rites researching "the method of playing with glowing memorials at night" and "hot pot in the government office"; and he also recalled his rich imagination about erotic dreams, picture books, and various indescribable positions...
They were all heard!
"Aaaaaaah!"
Lin Yan suddenly sprang up from Xiao Che's arms, ignoring his sore and weak body. He scrambled to the innermost part of the bed, hurriedly pulled the brocade quilt over himself, and wrapped himself up tightly from head to toe, turning into a tightly sealed, shivering dumpling.
Xiao Che: "..."
Looking at his suddenly empty embrace and the bulging blanket in the corner of the bed, Xiao Che was both amused and exasperated.
He knew that Lin Yan would react strongly after he confessed, but he didn't expect it to be this strong.
"Hanzhang?" Xiao Che tried to reach out and touch the "zongzi".
"Don't come any closer!" Lin Yan's muffled voice came from under the covers. "You...you go away! Let me be alone! No! Just let me die!"
This is so embarrassing! I can't face anyone! How can he ever look Xiao Che in the eye again? How can he talk to Xiao Che? How... how can we be lying in the same bed?!
The mere thought that all his past inner monologues had been overheard by the person involved made Lin Yan wish he could dig a hole and disappear on the spot, or simply carry a carriage and flee this planet overnight.
Looking at the withdrawn "zongzi" (a type of rice dumpling), Xiao Che felt both sorry for it and amused.
He moved closer and gently patted him through the blanket: "Hanzhang, come out first, don't suffocate."
"I'm not coming out! I'd rather die than come out!" Lin Yan shouted in a muffled voice from under the covers, pulling the covers tighter around himself. "When...when did you start being able to hear me? Was it from the very beginning?"
If that's the case... then wouldn't all his initial complaints about "being dutiful my foot," "the 'nighttime memorial' trick," and "the strong smell of hot pot" have been heard?!
That's it, we're completely doomed.
Xiao Che paused for a moment, then decided to tell the truth: "...Yes."
Lin Yan, lying in the blanket, froze, then trembled even more violently.
"So, so you knew all along that I was cursing you in my heart? Cursing the Ministry of Rites? Cursing everyone?" Lin Yan's voice was filled with disbelief and despair. "You...you even deliberately gave me gifts? Xiao Che! You...do you have some kind of special fetish?!"
In the end, I was filled with grief and indignation.
Xiao Che finally couldn't help but chuckle softly.
Even when he was filled with shame and indignation, his thought process was still so unique and adorable.
“I don’t have that kind of fetish,” Xiao Che explained patiently, his voice becoming even softer. “At first, I was indeed surprised when I heard it, but later…”
Xiao Che's tone carried a genuine smile: "But later I discovered that Hanzhang's true feelings were more interesting and vivid than any memorial or court discussion. Your scolding of your colleagues made me aware of many things that happened behind the scenes. As for the reward..."
Xiao Che reached out and gently rubbed the head of the "zongzi" (a type of dumpling) through the blanket: "I reward you because you deserve it, because I like you. It has nothing to do with whether you curse me in your heart or not. On the contrary..."
His voice was low and tinged with a hint of sarcasm: "I find it quite amusing to hear you so respectfully thanking the emperor while muttering to yourself in your heart."
"Funny my foot!" Lin Yan retorted in a muffled voice from under the covers, but his tone was noticeably weaker.
It doesn't sound like Xiao Che was angry about this?
"Then...and then what happened?" Lin Yan couldn't help but ask, her voice still muffled. "You just listened the whole time? You knew everything I said? You knew everything I was thinking?"
“Hmm.” Xiao Che replied, frankly admitting, “So I know that Hanzhang is gay, I know that Hanzhang called my name in his dreams, I know that Hanzhang actually likes the braised pork I gave him, and I know what Hanzhang was thinking when he looked at those picture books…”
"Stop talking!" Lin Yan interrupted him abruptly, and the fever that had just subsided suddenly surged back up.
Sure enough! They even found out about his secret reading of erotic novels!
Xiao Che readily agreed and stopped, but the smile in his eyes deepened.
He reached into the gap in the blanket, and with a little skill, began to slowly peel the stubborn "zongzi" out from the inside.
"Xiao Che! Let go! I won't come out!" Lin Yan struggled, but having just experienced a passionate encounter, he was exhausted and could not overcome Xiao Che's strength.
Soon, the hairy head was dug out, and Lin Yan still covered his face tightly with his hands, refusing to be seen.
Xiao Che grasped his wrist and gently pulled Lin Yan's hand away.
In the candlelight, Lin Yan's cheeks were flushed as if drunk, and her eyes were also red, whether from embarrassment or from being sullen just now, her eyelashes were wet and stuck together, her lips were slightly swollen, and she exuded a sense of grievance and vulnerability after being thoroughly bullied, which made Xiao Che's heart soften and feel pity for her.
"Hanzhang, look at me." Xiao Che cupped Lin Yan's face, preventing him from looking away.
Lin Yan was forced to raise his eyes and meet Xiao Che's deep and gentle gaze.
There was no mockery or ridicule in it, only deep affection.
"To be able to hear your heart's voice is a great blessing from heaven for me." Xiao Che said each word with utmost seriousness. "If it weren't for this, I might never have known what you truly thought, what interesting ideas you had, how you had already fallen for me, or even... how to truly bring you joy."
He lowered his head and gently pressed his forehead against Lin Yan's, their breaths mingling.
"Hanzhang, tell me, if I can't hear you, wouldn't I be unable to know what you truly want? Wouldn't I miss out on so much?" Xiao Che's voice was low and husky, with a seductive quality. "Like tonight, if I didn't know what was on your mind, how could I have allowed you to enjoy yourself so much?"
The last two words were almost uttered close to Lin Yan's reddened earlobe, filled with warm breath and a strong implication.
Lin Yan trembled, and his heartbeat, which had just calmed down, became disordered again.
He wanted to argue, to say, "I wasn't satisfied," but the lingering intense pleasure and satisfaction in his body prevented him from saying anything against his conscience.
It seems that this is indeed the case.
If Xiao Che hadn't been able to hear him, those fantasies he was ashamed to speak of would probably have remained just fantasies forever.
Xiao Che, through this "cheating" method, precisely satisfied all his secret desires.
"But, but this is so unfair!" Lin Yan muttered softly, "You can know what I'm thinking, but I don't know what you're thinking."
"What does Hanzhang want to know?" Xiao Che readily agreed. "I can tell you anything. My thoughts and ideas have always been related to you."
Lin Yan was taken aback by these blunt words of love, her cheeks flushed even more, and she looked away: "Who...who wants to know?"
"You're just saying that." Xiao Che chuckled and kissed Lin Yan's burning cheek. "However, I can't always clearly hear Han Zhang's true feelings. When we're too far apart, or when your emotions are extremely calm, I can't hear them clearly. I can only clearly perceive them when your emotions fluctuate, or when I'm very close to you."
Lin Yan was taken aback and looked up at him: "Really?" Then does he still have some privacy?
“Of course.” Xiao Che nodded, his gaze sincere. “So Hanzhang doesn’t need to feel like he has no secrets, besides…”
He changed the subject: "I also find it amusing to hear Hanzhang cursing me in his heart, with all sorts of creative insults. Sometimes, if your insults aren't novel enough, I'll wonder if I haven't rewarded you enough, which is why Hanzhang's vocabulary is so limited."
"You!" Lin Yan angrily raised her hand and punched him. "You're getting cocky! Shameless!"
Xiao Che took the opportunity to grab Lin Yan's hand and place it against his chest, letting him feel his steady and powerful heartbeat.
"What's the point of having a face?" Xiao Che stared at him, his gaze intense and his affection as deep as the sea. "I only want Hanzhang."
Before Lin Yan could react, Xiao Che kissed him on the lips again.
This kiss was different from the previous gentle probing or intense demands; it was lingering and deep, as if it wanted to kiss away all the embarrassment, shame, and unease from before, leaving only the purest love and possession.
Lin Yan initially struggled symbolically for a moment, but quickly softened in the familiar scent of agarwood and the comforting embrace.
Yes, so what if we can hear each other's innermost thoughts?
He knew all his shortcomings, all his complaints, all his shameful thoughts, yet he still loved him, pampered him, indulged him, and tried every means to satisfy him.
Is there any more precious affection in this world?
As for fairness... forget it, what's the point of talking about fairness with the emperor?
In any case, he was doomed to fail at the hands of this mind-reading emperor.
After the kiss ended, both of them were a little unsteady on their feet.
Xiao Che pressed his forehead against his and asked in a low voice, "Are you still angry?"
Lin Yan buried her face in the crook of his neck and muttered, "I'm angry."
"How can I not be angry?"
"From now on, you can't tell me everything I'm thinking! Especially, especially those... those random things!" Lin Yan demanded, blushing.
“Alright.” Xiao Che readily agreed. “Then could Hanzhang promise me that if you have any thoughts in your heart in the future, you can tell me directly? So that I don’t always have to ‘guess’.”
"Who...who has such thoughts?" Lin Yan retorted stubbornly.
"No?" Xiao Che's hand slipped restlessly inside his loose collar, teasingly caressing a sensitive spot. "Then who was it that trembled so violently when bound by the silk ribbons?"
“Xiao Zhaolin!” Lin Yan looked up at him, embarrassed and annoyed.
Xiao Che smiled, his smile breathtakingly handsome in the candlelight.
He tightened his arms, holding the person firmly in his embrace, and with a flip, pressed the person back into the soft bedding.
"It's late." Xiao Che's voice was filled with an intense, almost palpable, desire and amusement. "I think we can discuss what we didn't finish earlier. If Hanzhang has any new ideas, why don't you think about them now?"
"I didn't! You... um!"
The unspoken words were completely sealed by a passionate kiss.
The red curtains fell again, concealing the enchanting atmosphere of the room.
Only faintly could be heard the shy and angry sobs gradually turning into a sweet and passionate melody, intertwining with low and joyful laughter, and finally transforming into the most intimate and moving chord in the autumn night.
What good is being able to hear someone's inner voice?
I know you, and I love you in every way.
You give me your complete trust, and I promise you a lifetime of indulgence.
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