Chapter 5 These days, even being a simp will get you...
After returning to his sect, Xu Zangyu found that everyone seemed to have changed.
Those fellow disciples who had previously treated him coldly were now praising him behind his back, saying, "If it weren't for our third senior brother sacrificing himself to eliminate the demon, we might all have been tricked by that fox demon."
That's a good compliment, but it seems that Xiao Mingxin killed the fox demon.
"My third senior brother was wronged, but he didn't say a word. He even asked us if we were hurt. I used to curse him for being a bastard."
"It's all because I'm too weak that I dragged my third senior brother down. I will definitely practice my swordsmanship properly in the future to protect my third senior brother."
Xu Zangyu, who came to find Chen Zhiguang, was both amused and exasperated upon hearing this. If it weren't for the need to save his life, he wouldn't have had to resort to spreading rumors about himself.
Although we've managed to deceive them for now, who knows what will happen when Xiao Mingxin regains his memories?
Chen Zhiguang was preparing a medicinal bath for Xiao Mingxin. The dark, steaming medicinal liquid was extremely cold, which was just right to suppress the evil fire in Xiao Mingxin's heart.
He asked Xiao Mingxin, who was soaking in the tub, "Although half of the poison in your body has been removed, the remaining part is rushing straight to your heart, which is affecting your mind. Did something happen to you or cause you any shock?"
The eyes that had been tightly closed in the bathtub opened, still looking confused.
Chen Zhiguang sighed, "We won't get any results from this. Let's wait until you regain your memory."
Thank you.
Chen Zhiguang gave him some more instructions, telling him not to use his internal energy or get emotionally agitated, before leaving him to stay there and detoxify himself.
When Xu Zangyu arrived, Chen Zhiguang had just returned from Xiao Mingxin's place. Upon meeting Xu Zangyu, he asked, "How is Third Senior Brother? Is the medicine he took still effective?"
"It's all better now."
He also recalled some damned things that made his scalp tingle. He tried to forget them, but the memories only deepened, to the point that Xu Zangyu began to question the meaning of life.
He would rather kiss Chu Shu than Xiao Mingxin. He wasn't the original owner of this body who liked men; he liked beautiful women, and he still had to get married in the future.
Getting entangled with Xiao Mingxin will never end well.
Chen Zhiguang took his pulse again before he felt relieved.
"Did Third Senior Brother want to see me about something?"
"I want to ask how my senior brother is doing?" Xu Zangyu came to find out his own death date, no, to gather information.
"It has recovered somewhat. It should be fully recovered in half a month to three months."
In just a few months, Xu Zangyu's eyes became increasingly dark.
The sun was shining brightly. Chen Zhiguang looked through the medicinal herbs drying in the courtyard, wrapped a few bundles, and handed them to Xu Cangyu. "Senior Brother's medicine is still missing a few ingredients. I need to go out and collect them. I'll trouble you to deliver the things Senior Brother needs for his medicinal bath these next few days."
"I've already prepared it and written the time. You can just give it to the senior brother."
Xu Zangyu really wanted to refuse. Ever since he returned, he had been hiding. Outsiders thought he was just traumatized and listless, but in fact he was afraid of dying because he felt guilty.
But Chen Zhiguang didn't give him a chance to refuse, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and agree.
Slender, verdant bamboo grows on both sides of the cobblestone path, its delicate fragrance mingling with the scent of wildflowers on the ground, a truly refreshing aroma. Perhaps it's because Xiao Mingxin has lived here for a long time, but Xu Cangyu often smells an indescribable fragrance on him.
The smell was pleasant, but for Xu Zangyu at this moment, it was a warning.
Tell him that he has entered the Bamboo Grove Residence, Xiao Mingxin's territory.
He knew the path to the Bamboo Grove Residence all too well, so he walked with great difficulty.
Step onto the white stone steps, push open the door, and you'll arrive.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally pushed the door open. It was quiet inside. After passing the screen, Xu Cangyu saw a naked person soaking in the bath, with his eyes closed and the contours of his taut muscles hidden in the dark medicinal water.
He had seen plenty of shirtless men, but he didn't dare look at Xiao Mingxin. Just one more glance would bring back those damned images from that night.
The memory of how sweat soaked his chest and dripped onto his face is too painful to recall.
He walked over carefully, trying not to make a sound. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Xiao Mingxin was still asleep. He put the medicine bag next to him and left without staying for a moment longer.
I was startled when I arrived at the entrance. The cobblestone path I had come by was nowhere to be seen. It was completely blocked by dense purple bamboo, and I had no sense of direction at all.
This is a formation, but Xu Zangyu cannot see through it.
Suddenly, a chill ran down his back, and a force pulled him back. The door slammed shut, and his falling body was caught in a strong embrace. Xu Cangyu saw the bloodshot eyes and curled up into a ball.
Chen Zhiguang said he was feeling better, but... he's not better at all!
Xu Zangyu's body was half-soaked in the medicinal liquid, and the cold air made him shiver, but he still reminded Xiao Mingxin: "Senior brother, isn't this a bit ambiguous between us?"
Xiao Mingxin just looked at him without saying a word.
Xu Zangyu's face immediately fell. It was over; there was no reasoning with someone who had no sense.
He tried to pull away the arms that were binding him, but he couldn't budge them an inch. He could only plead, "Senior brother, it's me, Xu Cangyu. Please don't mistake me for someone else. I... I'm not senior sister."
"You didn't see wrong."
He suddenly spoke, startling Xu Zangyu.
"That's great, senior brother, please let me go. I brought you the medicine, so please soak it quickly and don't delay."
If you're sick, you need to get treatment; let go of her hand immediately!
"Go away."
Xu Zangyu felt as if he had been granted a pardon, and said, "Okay."
The arms on her body were tightened even more.
"......"
Xiao Mingxin: "It's your own fault for not leaving."
Xu Zangyu: "......"
When did I say that?
Cold lips pressed down unexpectedly, and in front of him was Xiao Mingxin's face, which was incredibly clear. This was the first time he had been so close to someone while fully conscious.
The corners of my lips, which had already healed, were almost sucked raw again.
Xu Zangyu is going crazy.
The cold, damp medicine enveloped him, subjecting him to an almost unbearable torment of extreme heat and cold, until he fainted.
When Xu Cangyu woke up, he touched the cool silk, which was Xiao Mingxin's clothes, spread on the marble floor, where he had been sleeping.
Looking up, Xu Cangyu saw Xiao Mingxin still soaking in the medicinal pool. Startled, she jumped up from the ground.
Her long eyelashes trembled, and her deep amber eyes opened. She saw him and said, "I took the medicine you gave me, but why did you fall asleep as soon as you came in?"
"Asleep?"
Xu Cangyu looked down at himself. He was clean and odorless, and his clothes were neat and tidy, so it didn't seem like anything had happened.
Was he dreaming when he saw Xiao Mingxin kiss him?
"Don't touch the white four-leaf flowers on both sides of the bamboo grove; those are datura, which can bewitch the mind and cause illusions. What were you dreaming about?"
Xu Zangyu's cheeks flushed, and he tried his best to hide it, laughing, "I was wondering why I was delivering medicine to my senior brother when a dog suddenly pounced on me and bit me. It was all a dream."
The atmosphere fell silent instantly.
Xu Zangyu stood up and declined, saying, "Thank you for informing me, Senior Brother. Since you are still treating the poison, I will not disturb you any longer. I will come to visit you again tomorrow."
Once outside, the scene was exactly the same as when they arrived. Along the cobblestone path winding through the bamboo forest, there were indeed a few inconspicuous four-leaf white flowers. Xu Cangyu quickly covered his mouth and nose, afraid of accidentally inhaling them again.
When did Xiao Mingxin plant this flower? Is it because she was poisoned that she is so timid that she has to use this poison to save her life?
Why didn't that unreliable junior brother Chen Zhiguang tell him?
*
After delivering medicine for three days, Xiao Mingxin showed no improvement. The dream he had last time still made him uneasy, so he pushed the task of delivering medicine to his junior brothers who admired Xiao Mingxin.
Xiao Mingxin's welcome was as strong as ever. He pushed the task out, and no one objected. His fellow disciples were all grateful to him, as if they had received a great benefit. Xu Zangyu was also happy to get away.
He couldn't face Xiao Mingxin's face. He liked women, even the vicious Chu Shu was better than Xiao Mingxin.
He had to find a way to be with Chu Shu. Even if Xiao Mingxin recovered from her mental illness and started thinking about things she shouldn't have, she wouldn't think he liked men or deliberately made fun of him. At most, she would think he was just confused by the poison.
As soon as it was light, he fetched the morning dew from the mountaintop. It took him several hours to collect just a small bottle. This time-consuming and laborious substance was only used by the young lady to brew tea. When he first entered the sect, Chu Shu always liked to order him to collect the dew.
Xu Zangyu didn't want to offend him, so he had no choice but to comply. Later, when he found it too troublesome, he handed it all over to the disciples who admired Chu Shu.
Later, when Chu Shu found out, she got angry and never let him pick any more.
When Xu Cangyu arrived at Chaolu Peak, he found no one there. He learned from the sweeping disciples that the young lady, who rarely left the mountain, had actually gone down the mountain, saying that she had to go to Chuncifang to take care of an important matter.
What could possibly alarm Chu Shu?
Xu Zangyu also went down the mountain.
The streets were bustling with activity, and the topics of conversation were mostly related to Chuncifang. The most famous picture book was "The Record of Beauties of Kyushu," which collected various beauties, both famous and unknown. Xiao Mingxin and Chu Shu were frequent visitors to the book.
Today happens to be the day of the Spring Farewell Pavilion's art exhibition, no wonder there are so many people gathered here. But isn't Chu Shu the one who hates people talking about her being on the register? Why would she come to join in the fun?
The entrance to Chuncifang was crowded with people. Before Xu Cangyu could even squeeze in, he was pushed and stumbled. He wasn't one to suffer a loss, so he immediately drew his sword. But then seven or eight people stepped out from behind the person who pushed him.
"You must be Xu Zangyu from the Tianyi Sect?"
They were actually after him, and they even had backup ready. Xu Zangyu didn't remember offending these people, so he asked them why.
"Have I ever had a grudge against you?"
The young man in the lead raised his nose and said, "No, but I don't like you."
Xu Zangyu: "......"
Why are there so many mentally ill people these days?
Xu Cangyu turned to leave, but the man grabbed her shoulder and threatened her: "You like Chu Shu too, right? I heard she completely ignores you, and you've been running to Chaolu Peak for years."
"Chu Shu has long been disgusted with you, you fly-around bug, yet you have no sense of propriety and are so shameless."
So it turns out she's someone who likes Chu Shu. No wonder she approached him; the young lady has a face that's so good she'll never lack admirers.
He was forced to work hard and be someone's dog, and some people even complained that he had taken the place of the sycophant.
The men who were protecting the woman were all filled with righteous indignation. They all drew their broadswords and held them to his neck, pressing against his head from all angles.
"I'll teach you a lesson today!"
Xu Zangyu was holding the Five Poisons Itching Powder in his hand, but before he could throw it out, a large piece of paper was placed in front of him.
The ink-soaked brush, its tip already perfectly shaped, let out a loud shout from the leading man:
"sign!"
Xu Zangyu was taken aback by the shouting. He thought these people wanted him to sign some kind of indenture, but it turned out to be just a guarantee to sever ties.
He was promised he wouldn't bother Chu Shu, wouldn't be allowed to like Chu Shu, and so on. The threats in his words revealed the bittersweet pain of unrequited love and unrequited affection that Chu Shu was experiencing.
It can only remove the stumbling blocks on the road to getting closer to the one you love, and fulfill the fantasy of that expectation in your heart.
Xu Zangyu was so moved that he wrote his name in one stroke of his pen.
Just as he wrote the character "许", a voice exclaimed, "You didn't hesitate at all! It shows you're a coward who's afraid of death. You're not worthy to stand beside Chu Shu at all!"
The sourness made Xu Zangyu's hand tremble, and the names on the back of the name were blurred together.
This guy must have gone crazy from being single for so long.
He had originally planned to say that he didn't like Chu Shu at all, but he was afraid that if the man got impatient, he would stab him and ask why he didn't like him, and what right he had to dislike him.
He doesn't have time to deal with these sycophants.
With a flourish, he finished writing: "May I leave now?"
The man leaned closer to look, held up the paper, and asked him, "Did you deliberately write your name unclearly so that no one would recognize you? So that's the trick you were up to! I knew no one could accept such a heartbreaking agreement."
"......"
"I was wrong, I'll rewrite it."
Xu Zangyu rewrote his name in the same place, and as he finished the last stroke, a gilded fan flew over and knocked down all the people surrounding him, knocked the pen out of his hand, and carried the paper back to its owner.
"The signature is neat and clean."
Upon hearing the sound, Xu Zangyu felt a chill run down his spine, and he didn't even have the courage to turn around and look.
"If you don't want my fan to be stained with blood, you can still run now."
Chu Shu was extremely beautiful and proud. Even her clothing style was understated yet luxurious. Her hair was simply tied back, which only accentuated her stunningly beautiful face.
He never expected that the sycophant who had been strutting around just moments before would actually grab a knife and run away as soon as he saw the person in charge. In the blink of an eye, he was gone, leaving only a cloud of dust.
He was left alone, facing Chu Shu's smiling eyes.
"I knew people's words were unreliable. You said you were willing to do anything for me before, but now you're turning around and cutting all ties with me. I'm afraid you've been resentful about all the things I asked you to do for me before."
The paper was shoved into his hand. "Keep it safe, don't lose it."
Xu Cangyu quickly tore up the damned evidence. "They forced me to do this. How could I break off my friendship with my senior sister? It's just a piece of paper. What difference does it make if I don't follow what I wrote?"
"It's just a temporary measure, Senior Sister has really misunderstood me."
Chu Shu's smile remained unchanged, but it made him feel a little uneasy, as if something was off about it.
The cool fan handle tapped against his lips. "You'd better only speak the truth. If I find a single lie in your words, you'd better not speak anymore."
Xu Zangyu had told lies to death long ago. As long as his acting was convincing, no one could tell he was lying. However, the pressure on Chu Shu was much greater. She was just as difficult to deal with as Xiao Mingxin.
A note from the author:
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