Chapter 134
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“Changjun, has the young master done anything to you recently?” the old craftsman finally caught up with Changjun, who had returned for a bath and change of clothes.
Changjun, fully focused on making the fan, was oblivious to the rumors circulating outside. With the fan almost complete, he felt confident there wouldn’t be any issues. Feeling joyful, he had come back to freshen up when he suddenly heard the question, not understanding what the old craftsman was talking about.
“The young master has always treated me kindly and well,” Changjun replied.
The old craftsman clicked his tongue and said, “Has he touched you, like that old man in the village used to do…”
Changjun’s face instantly turned pale. “Father, how can you say such things about the young master? He’s a good person. How could he possibly…”
“The entire household knows about his reputation for being homosexual. Why is it impossible? Have you ever thought about why he would be so good to a lowly craftsman like you? He’s the young master of the Marquis’s residence, and he even serves as a study companion to the prince in the palace. Do you really think he could be friends with you on an equal footing? If he just wanted something built, he could pay us. Why would he need to lower himself to befriend you? Did he not hint at it, or did he hint at it and you didn’t understand?”
Changjun was shocked, frantically shaking his head. He couldn’t bring himself to believe these words. In his impression, Lin Qingyang was very friendly, treating him like a friend, and there was no trace of what his adoptive father was describing. He had shadows from his past, thinking people like that were terrible, and if Lin Qingyang had approached him with ulterior motives, he would be deeply disappointed. After all, he already admired Lin Qingyang greatly, but this admiration was devoid of any emotional elements.
“You fool! Do you only want to be treated as a lowly worker, played with for a while, and then discarded?” The old craftsman angrily exclaimed, “If a wealthy family like that really wants to do something to you, you won’t be able to refuse. Be careful, or you won’t leave alive.”
Changjun immediately froze. “No, that won’t happen. The young master is different from others. There must be some misunderstanding. He has never crossed any boundaries with me.”
“That’s because you’re foolish, always focused on your woodwork.”
Changjun couldn’t retort to that. He indeed often concentrated entirely on his creations. Could he have overlooked something?
“I also heard that the young master is considering marriage. If he really gets married, it will be even harder for you to stay.”
Changjun’s expression changed. “Father, who said I want to stay? Aren’t we returning to Jiangnan after finishing the project?”
However, in the face of Changjun’s question, the old craftsman maintained a stern face and offered no reply.
Changjun seemed to understand something and became immediately agitated. “Father, did you gamble away the money again? Do you have more debts? Are you trying to sell me to the young master?”
“Sell? How much do you think you’re worth?” The old craftsman didn’t hide anything and said directly, “I’ve inquired, and they are a respectable family. There won’t be any disgraceful things happening. If you play along with me in this act, I guarantee I’ll take the money and leave. You can stay here with no worries about food and clothing. How about that?”
“I don’t want to, Father. We can’t do this. Whatever debt you owe, I’ll work more to repay it for you. Father, I’m a man! How can we do this?” Changjun, now grown and more assertive, resisted outright. The old craftsman wanted to say more, but Changjun stubbornly refused to listen and walked away.
Back in the workshop, he encountered Lin Qingyang playing with small toys. Watching Lin Qingyang, Changjun felt a mix of emotions. He couldn’t help but feel a bit sad, thinking about how well the young master had treated him. He wanted to ask questions but felt that his status didn’t allow him to inquire about such matters. If the young master really had any intentions toward him, what should he do?
The next day, Changjun couldn’t stop thinking about the issue. He was undoubtedly not opposed to same-sex relationships, but he felt that the young master had been too good to him, and he couldn’t find a way to repay that kindness. If the young master really had any intentions, he felt like he wouldn’t be able to resist. Lost in such thoughts, he was summoned back by the old craftsman that night.
The old craftsman told him not to do anything else and just continue working to earn money. Changjun couldn’t help but let out a sigh of relief.
However, he didn’t realize that the old craftsman had made up his mind. Worried that Lin Qingyang wouldn’t make a move and he wouldn’t get the money, the old craftsman wanted to make sure to turn things into a done deal. As luck would have it, he encountered Qi Yan, who came to visit Lin Qingyang. The two friends went out to have some fun, inevitably got drunk, and Lin Qingyang, fearing that Qi Yan might take advantage of him, instructed Shuncai to make sure he got home safely. Little did he know that someone at home had been eyeing him covetously.
The old craftsman watched as the young master was led in, clearly intoxicated. Seeing an opportunity, he directly administered a drug to Changjun, rendering him groggy. Changjun was still conscious but powerless to resist. The old craftsman took him back to the workshop. Since Changjun often spent the night there, the household servants didn’t notice anything unusual, and they were unaware that the old craftsman had also stayed behind.
Moreover, Lin Qingyang wasn’t accustomed to having someone stand guard at night. When he slept, he allowed the household servants to go to sleep as well. So, when the night grew quiet, the old craftsman brought Changjun into an inner room. Lin Qingyang was fast asleep, and the old craftsman had already undressed Changjun, preparing to place him on the bed.
“Don’t cry now. Save your tears for tomorrow morning. Cooperate with me and say that the young master has touched you. I’ll make them compensate us, and then you can stay here to serve the young master. Even if it’s without a formal status, the young master likes you so much. From now on, you’ll be the master’s person, understand?”
In the old craftsman’s perspective, Lin Qingyang’s slow approach to Changjun indicated genuine affection. However, he couldn’t wait any longer. He feared that when they returned to Jiangnan, Lin Qingyang might only leave Changjun behind, leaving him powerless to demand money. The old craftsman believed that if the legitimate son was defiled, the family would surely pay to settle the matter. Then, he could leave Changjun behind, and the young master would continue to care for him, providing a steady stream of income.
The old craftsman envisioned a rosy outcome. After all, Lin Qingyang was drunk, and he had treated Changjun well before. Even if something happened, everyone might just consider it a matter of course.
However, Changjun was unwilling, filled with both hatred and resentment. Wasn’t this framing the young master? If that were the case, he’d rather be sold and preserve some dignity.
However, he had no way out. The old craftsman directly tucked the undressed Changjun into the bed, where he seemed to be able to feel the smooth silk lining of Lin Qingyang’s bedding.
The old craftsman even considered pulling off Lin Qingyang’s clothes as well, but the moment his hand reached out, he felt a cool sensation at the back of his neck. Suddenly realizing the potential danger in his actions, he decided against it. If he woke Lin Qingyang up, all his efforts would be in vain.
In the end, the old craftsman gave up, turned around, and left, preparing for the drama that would unfold the next morning.
In the darkness, Changjun couldn’t hold back his tears. He wanted to make himself move, but his body remained limp and unresponsive.
Suddenly, a beam of light illuminated the room, startling Changjun. Before he could react, a figure appeared before him.
In the candlelight, it was a beautiful man, almost like a celestial being. Changjun had never seen such a face—mesmerizing and divine. He began to wonder if he was dreaming.
However, the gaze of the man looking at him was eerie, sending shivers down Changjun’s spine.
An almost imperceptible chill lingered in the air, causing goosebumps. Changjun realized it wasn’t a dream. He thought the man in front of him would shout, but instead, the man merely cast a cold glance at him.
Then, the man reached over him and lifted the sleeping Lin Qingyang.
Changjun widened his eyes, unsure if this person was a threat and why he would take the young master away. He became anxious.
Chu Lishu adjusted Lin Qingyang’s position as he held him, lowering his head to glance at him. Unconsciously, he rubbed his nose against Lin Qingyang’s.
Changjun was left in a state of shock.
Suddenly, Lin Qingyang seemed to be disturbed from his sleep. He mumbled in a daze, “Huh? Who… who is it?”
“It’s me, cousin,” a gentle voice, completely inconsistent with the expression just now, sounded pleasant.
“Mmm…” As if knowing who the person was, after a responsive sound, a comforting soft snoring followed.
“Cousin?” Changjun instantly remembered. The servants at home had mentioned that there was another master in the residence who didn’t usually reside here. That was the young master.
Rumors had it that this young master was superior to the young master in every aspect but still followed him.
Now Changjun saw it for himself – the relationship between the two was obviously extraordinary.
“Take the person away, along with the bedding,” a sudden change in tone, a cold announcement.
Before Changjun could react, he saw a masked figure in black approaching, directly wrapping him up with the blanket and mattress, lifting him swiftly, preparing to leave.
The second masked person had already begun to rearrange the bed.
The last scene Changjun witnessed was the young master holding onto the master, sitting down, waiting for the nearby bedding to be laid out. He maintained the posture of holding tightly without loosening for a moment, with a gentle expression and gentle movements, as if cradling a precious treasure.
When Lu Shi returned, he saw Lu Yi standing on the roof and quickly approached, asking, “Where’s the master? Is he still inside? Are they sleeping together?”
Lu Yi glanced at him, as if to say, “Since you’ve said it, why are you asking me?”
Lu Shi immediately grabbed Lu Yi anxiously and said, “Lin Qingyang is drunk. He shouldn’t be in any trouble, right?”
“What you should worry about is whether the master will do anything to him. Even if the master has changed now, he won’t be suppressed,” Lu Yi replied.
Lu Shi was dumbfounded, immediately expressing fear, “What nonsense are you talking about? How could the master possibly…”
“Then explain the master’s recent behavior. What does he intend to do?” Lu Yi interrupted.
“Yeah, I was wondering too. What does the master want to do? It can’t be that he really wants…”
“Seeking revenge is difficult. The master doesn’t dare to make any promises easily, and he’s hesitant to define anything with Lin Qingyang. He’s afraid of causing harm to Lin Qingyang. In reality, the master probably had some response to Lin Qingyang’s feelings long ago. Even if he doesn’t like men, it doesn’t hinder him from responding to Lin Qingyang’s emotions.”
“Did the master really fall for him? Why?”
“Why is there a need for a ‘why’? Just based on the degree of concern the master has for him, can you honestly say otherwise? If not, go ask him yourself,” Lu Yi said.
Lu Shi naturally didn’t dare to, “Could it be… he’s planning to confess to Lin Qingyang and then walk hand in hand? I… I can’t accept that image.”
“Not for the moment, but that doesn’t mean he’s doing nothing. Don’t you understand the master’s temperament? Even in his mildest moments in the past, anything he set his eyes on must be claimed and hidden from others’ coveting eyes. So…”
The more Lu Shi listened, the more overwhelmed he felt, “So…”
“So, be a bit more polite to the main madam in the future!” Lu Yi said insightfully, patting Lu Shi on the shoulder. “Even if the master hasn’t explicitly stated anything, as covert guards, we should be as clear in our hearts as a mirror, right?”
“The… main madam?” Lu Shi said with a mournful face.
“Yeah, that’s right. Anyway, the master is destined to become the emperor in the future, and with so many people in the harem, what’s wrong with adding one more man?” Lu Yi indicated that he had already accepted it; whatever the master said was the truth.
Lu Shi pondered for a moment. If it really was the master taking the lead, then… there didn’t seem to be anything he couldn’t accept. It’s just that the sudden change where the master could be either gender left him a bit startled.
“Lin Qingyang is really lucky. He managed to get the master to accept him. It must be some incredible karma accumulated over several lifetimes!” Lu Shi couldn’t help but make a sarcastic remark.
Lu Yi chuckled, “Maybe it’s the master’s good fortune?”
“You’re talking nonsense!” Lu Shi didn’t believe it.
Lu Yi didn’t say anything more.
There were several occasions when he saw the master, with a face full of murderous intent, plotting something, and the description of “ruthless” wouldn’t be an exaggeration. Despite experiencing such setbacks, Lu Yi could accept whatever the master became, but it was still painful. Clearly, the master was the most dazzling presence, but now he was in the darkest place. However, on those few occasions when it was time to take action, the plans were more or less altered because of Lin Qingyang. Although it caused a lot of trouble, the goals were still achieved, and it even reduced the burden of sins on the master. Wasn’t that a good thing?
Lu Yi had long felt that Lin Qingyang’s presence was extraordinary, and now he was just more certain.
Inside the room, Chu Lishu sat on the bed helplessly, watching Lin Qingyang sleep soundly.
After watching for a long time, he sighed.
“You win!”
After saying that, he gently kissed Lin Qingyang on the lips.
In fact, Chu Lishu had long known that he had fallen, but he had been trying to maintain his composure and not think about it. He knew that it wasn’t the time for such thoughts now; he carried a burden too heavy, sometimes pressing him so hard that he couldn’t breathe. But there was no way around it because every time he thought about losing Lin Qingyang, it became even more difficult for him to breathe. The events in the palace, the pressure from both sides after leaving, everything made him restless, forcing him to make a decision. So, he gave up the struggle.
Chu Lishu slowly pulled away from the lips he had desired, a scenario he could never have imagined before – being infatuated with another man’s lips.
That night, his body was extremely aroused, unable to stop, as if he had opened some kind of switch. Subsequently, he compelled Lin Qingyang to be with him several times. He lied to himself, saying that it was just a man’s impulse, but now he understood. With just a gentle kiss, he was stirred, and how could that be labeled as merely a man’s impulse? It was just his dissatisfaction at not completely possessing the person in front of him.
From heart to body, he had fallen for one person.
Chu Lishu knew that there was no turning back for him.
“Lin Qingyang, I’ve surrendered myself to you. Endure a little longer, wait for me.”
Chu Lishu couldn’t help but brush his lips against Lin Qingyang’s again, but he still couldn’t wake him up. He didn’t dare let him know about his determination. Their relationship as cousins had led Lin Qingyang to do so much for him. If they truly declared their feelings, they might end up doing even more without any reservations.
Moreover, based on Lin Qingyang’s usual behavior, if they were truly together, he would become even more clingy, unable to conceal his love. It could easily be noticed by enemies. Their cousin relationship was already very precarious, let alone a romantic one.
He couldn’t control Lin Qingyang. After all, Lin Qingyang wasn’t a woman who would stay in her chamber waiting for him. If he couldn’t isolate and protect him completely, he could only suppress his desires temporarily, waiting for that fearless moment to arrive.
One day, he would openly let Lin Qingyang stand by his side.
Chu Lishu held Lin Qingyang in his arms, and the hollow feeling in his heart was instantly filled. Lin Qingyang seemed to sense the familiar presence and nuzzled against him, adjusting his position to sleep even more deeply.
Early the next morning, the noisy and bustling sounds woke the hungover individuals.
Cries and shouts burst into the inner chamber.
It was only when the sounds of gasps and sobs became incessant that Lin Qingyang felt someone had invaded his room. Supporting his heavy head, he climbed off a soft object, bewilderedly looking toward the door. Shuncai was earnestly blocking someone, but the entrance was already crowded with many people staring inside.
“You guys…”
“Umm…”
Suddenly, a muffled voice came from below. Lin Qingyang first froze for a moment, then lowered his head in disbelief. The scene before his eyes instantly sent his mind soaring into the clouds.
He must be dreaming. It had to be a dream.
Definitely a dream!
Oh no, the male lead wouldn’t kill him, right?
What on earth was going on?!
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