Chapter 49: I am happy to accept the opportunity
Ever since the clumsy "cheek pain relief" scam succeeded, the trapped beast in Di Feisheng's heart, which had been forcibly suppressed, seemed to smell the scent of honey seeping out of the cracks, and began to stir, and could no longer stay still.
He was no longer content with simply guarding her, merely being close. He longed for more, for deeper intimacy, for a more direct confirmation of this lost possession, to fill the deep-seated anxiety and panic. And Li Lianhua's complete trust and naive dependence became the perfect breeding ground for all his "extremely aggressive" behavior.
As a result, all kinds of carefully woven but full of loopholes "tricks" began to emerge one after another.
"Lotus, look here," he would point to a tiny red mark on his chin that didn't even exist, his brows furrowed slightly, his tone carrying just the right hint of distress, "I was bitten by a mosquito just now, and it's very itchy."
Li Lianhua would put down the little gadget in his hand, come closer, open his clear yet vacant eyes, and look intently. Then, hesitantly, imitating the last time, he would blow very lightly on the spot, or touch it carefully with his cold fingertips. Di Feisheng would then take his hand and whisper, "It seems... a little better. Blow on it again?"
Sometimes, when feeding her, he would deliberately let a few drops of water splash onto the back of his hand, then frown seriously and say, "It's hot."
Li Lianhua would subconsciously lean forward and blow on the water droplet, the soft air brushing against his skin, bringing a subtle shiver. Di Feisheng would then "take advantage of the situation" and pull his hand closer, her fingertips gently caressing the back of his hand, enjoying the innocent concern.
He even learned to "pretend to sleep." During his afternoon nap, he would lean back on the couch, close his eyes, and breathe slowly, but he would keep a trace of his mind to pay close attention to the person next to him. Li Lianhua would look at him blankly at first, but after a long time, he would feel a little helpless, and would even stretch out his slightly cool fingers and touch the tip of his nose very lightly, as if to confirm whether he was still breathing. At this time, Di Feisheng would "slowly wake up", hold the hand that wanted to retract with his backhand, pull it to his lips, and press a very light kiss, then look at the other person's eyes that suddenly opened wide, full of confusion but no resistance, and explain seriously: "You had a nightmare and need to calm down."
The most outrageous incident was when Li Lianhua, frustrated by trying to solve a complex Luban lock, unconsciously pouted, her eyes aggrieved. Di Feisheng watched, his heart itching like a feather scratching. He leaned over, pointed at the corner of his lips, and said in a low, coaxing voice, "You need some comfort here, too."
Li Lianhua looked at him blankly, as if she didn't understand what the inability to unlock the lock had to do with comforting his lips. But under Di Feisheng's persistent and expectant gaze, he still hesitated and slowly moved over, touching the designated spot very lightly.
They separated in an instant, so fast that it seemed like an illusion.
The sound of the flute was like a ignited fuse, and suppressed emotions erupted! He suddenly reached out, not pushing her away, but gently yet undeniably grasping the back of Li Lianhua's neck, preventing her from retreating. Then he lowered his head and accurately captured her lips, which were slightly opened in surprise and still carried the sweet scent of cakes.
It was no longer a superficial touch, but a real kiss full of temptation and endless desire.
Li Lianhua's body froze instantly, his eyes wide open, filled with utter bewilderment and a hint of panic. He subconsciously tried to struggle, but Di Feisheng's gentle yet firm arms held him captive. The unfamiliar, warm breath invaded him, bringing a strange, suffocating feeling that made his heart race.
Di Feisheng's kiss was tentative and cautious at first, as if it were a rare treasure, but soon, the longing and love that had been suppressed for too long burst out like a flood, and he couldn't help but deepen the kiss, sucking and greedily absorbing the breath that belonged only to him.
It was not until he felt the person in his arms begin to struggle slightly due to lack of oxygen and let out a vague whimper that Di Feisheng suddenly woke up and forced himself to let go. His breathing was heavy, and his eyes were filled with surging, almost uncontrollable desire and fear.
Li Lianhua immediately shrank into the corner of the couch, gasping for breath, her cheeks flushed, her eyes wet, as if she had been extremely frightened, or as if she had been infected with some unfamiliar emotion. Her fingers tightly clutched her clothes, and she looked at him at a loss.
Di Feisheng's heart ached, and he cursed himself for being too impatient. He tried to calm his breathing, slow his voice, and spoke with a sincere and soothing tone, "I'm sorry... It's me... I missed you so much." He reached out, wanting to touch him, but he subconsciously moved away.
Di Feisheng's hands froze in mid-air, a flicker of hurt flashing across his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by a deeper tenderness. He didn't force anything, but patiently, whispering soothing words over and over again, until the panic in Li Lianhua's eyes slowly faded, returning to that familiar, dependent, bewildered look.
Although Li Lianhua was particularly wary of overly intimate contact for a while after that "cross-the-line" kiss, Di Feisheng did not give up. He restrained his impatience and became more patient, using more roundabout and gentle methods to gradually rebuild trust and continue his "sweet deceptions."
He knew he was exploiting her innocence, that his actions were despicable. But so what? He was content with it. He was willing to use a lifetime of patience and tenderness to weave an impenetrable net, securely protecting his precious child within his embrace, teaching him, bit by bit, what dependence, what closeness, what... a close intimacy that belonged only to the two of them, one that no one else could peek into.
Every cautious approach, every ignorant response, and every secret ecstasy and sinful pleasure in his heart after success made him addicted and unable to extricate himself.
This is a sinking into depravity in which he is the only one sober, yet he is willing to be drunk in it forever.
In the afternoon, the atmosphere inside Lotus Tower relaxed for a rare moment. Li Lianhua was sprawled on a soft couch by the window, clumsily tracing a plum blossom outside on rice paper with a charcoal pencil. Her expression was focused, and though her drawing was crooked, it exuded a sense of peace. Di Feisheng sat nearby, a scroll in hand, but his eyes were most likely fixed on the man, a tenderness and indulgence in their depths.
After months of careful care and guidance, Li Lianhua, though still as naive as a child, had become much less fearful of her surroundings. At least around Wuyan and Shishui, who often appeared around Di Feisheng and whose presence was relatively familiar, she no longer hid in panic as she had at first. This subtle improvement was enough to lift the heavy stone in Di Feisheng's heart a little.
At this moment, Wu Yan's voice, deliberately lowered, came from outside the door: "Your Majesty, I have something important to report."
"Come in." Di Feisheng responded lightly without raising his eyes.
The door was gently pushed open, Wu Yan walked in quickly with his head lowered, and knelt on one knee: "Your Majesty, there is urgent news from the western branch, about..." Before he finished speaking, he suddenly took a breath and subconsciously raised his hand to touch a fresh bloodstain on his left cheekbone. It was caused by a scratch from a hidden weapon when he was tracking a group of thieves not long ago.
This subtle movement and the faint smell of blood immediately attracted the attention of the person on the couch.
Li Lianhua raised his head, his charcoal pencil suspended in mid-air, his vacant gaze fixed on the wound on Wuyan's cheek. He tilted his head and stared for a moment, as if trying to think. Suddenly, his eyes lit up, as if he had remembered something important.
He put down the charcoal pencil, climbed down from the couch somewhat clumsily, and walked towards Wuyan barefoot, step by step.
Wu Yan was about to continue reporting when he suddenly felt the light in front of him dim. He looked up and saw the host standing in front of him. He was startled and quickly lowered his head: "Host..."
Li Lianhua didn't care. She stretched out her slender fingers and carefully touched the scar on Wuyan's face. She whispered, "It hurts..."
Wu Yan's entire body froze, cold sweat instantly breaking out as he stammered, "I, your subordinate, am fine! I dare not trouble the host!"
Li Lianhua seemed not to hear. He remembered it clearly—every time the flute sounded "painful," he would touch it, blow on it, or even... kiss it, and he would say, "It doesn't hurt anymore." This was his way of expressing concern and making the pain "go away," a way he could understand.
So he imitated what he remembered, gathered his strength, and blew gently and seriously at the wound, speaking with childlike innocence: "Blow...it doesn't hurt..."
Wu Yan felt that breath as cold as the wind in the coldest days of winter, blowing his soul away! He was completely petrified on the spot, forgetting even to breathe, his mind blank, and he just wanted to faint on the spot!
This isn't over yet! After blowing, Li Lianhua seemed to feel the effect wasn't enough. He tilted his head and thought for a moment, then slightly stood on tiptoe, pouting his lips, and slowly moved closer to Wuyan's cheek. He remembered that sometimes, blowing wasn't enough, he also needed... a kiss...
Just before those soft lips, scented with the sweet fragrance of pastries, were about to touch Wuyan's skin—
"presumptuous!"
A bone-chilled roar filled with terrifying anger exploded like thunder!
Wu Yan felt an irresistible and terrifying force suddenly hit him. He was like a fallen leaf caught in a strong wind, instantly lifted into the air and thrown fiercely towards the door! With a heavy "bang", he hit the door frame and fell to the ground. His internal organs seemed to shift, his throat felt sweet, and he almost vomited blood.
Li Lianhua was suddenly pulled backwards by an extremely domineering yet gentle force, and instantly fell into a tight and hot embrace.
Di Feisheng held Li Lianhua's waist tightly with one hand, locking him firmly in his arms, and raised his other hand. With a barely perceptible trembling, he wiped the fingertip that had just touched Wuyan's wound with force, as if it was stained with something extremely filthy.
His face was so gloomy that water could drip out of it. The terrifying murderous aura emanating from his body caused the temperature of the entire room to plummet. His sharp eyes were like poisoned ice blades, fixed on the trembling Wuyan who collapsed to the ground. He squeezed out an icy voice from between his teeth: "Do you want to die?!"
Wuyan was so frightened that his soul was shaken out of his body. He rolled and crawled to his knees again, banging his head on the ground, his voice trembling: "Your Majesty, please forgive me! I deserve to die! I would never dare! The host... The host just..."
He just means well...but he is too embarrassed to say this even if he dies.
Li Lianhua was terrified by this sudden change and the terrifying aura of Di Feisheng. He huddled in Di Feisheng's arms, his body trembling violently. His eyes instantly turned red, tears welling up in them. He stared at Di Feisheng's cold face, bewildered and frightened, sobbing softly and aggrievedly, "...It hurts...Blow...Feifei..."
He didn't understand what he had done to make him so angry, he just wanted to help relieve the pain...
Hearing the crying, confused and frightened voice of the person in his arms, Di Feisheng's raging anger and jealousy were like being poured with ice water. Most of it was extinguished in an instant, and turned into a sharp pain of heartache and regret.
He suddenly folded his arms, pressing the man tighter against his chest, lowered his head, and gently rubbed the top of his head with his chin. He forced all the violence out of his voice, leaving only a hoarse soothing tone: "It's okay... I'm not trying to be mean to you... Don't be afraid..."
He took a deep breath, and when he looked up at Wuyan again, his eyes were still cold, but he had restrained his murderous intent: "Get out. Don't show up in front of him until your injuries are healed."
"Yes! Yes! Thank you, Your Majesty, for not killing me!" Wu Yan felt as if he had been pardoned. He retreated tumbling and crawling, his clothes on the back completely soaked with cold sweat.
Silence returned to the room.
Di Feisheng loosened his embrace, holding Li Lianhua's pale, frightened face in his hands. Gently wiping away the tears from his eyes with his thumb, he instructed him word by word in a low, earnest voice, "Listen, Lianhua. Blow, kiss... only to me. Only when I'm in pain. Do you understand?"
Li Lianhua looked at him with tearful eyes, not quite understanding, but nodded subconsciously and repeated in a low voice: "Only... to Ah Fei..."
"Yes, only to me." The remaining jealousy and violence in Di Feisheng's heart were finally completely soothed by these words. He lowered his head, gently resting his forehead against Li Lianhua's, and whispered with a sigh, "Mine...only mine."
It seemed that while this naive child gradually accepted the outside world, some rules needed to be taught to him deeply. Beneath Shura's gentleness, his almost paranoid possessiveness never subsided.
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