I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 238

Chapter 238

Lin Qingyang sat in the carriage on the way back, feeling completely dejected. Indeed, there was a price to pay for lying, and he was dumped even before the relationship began. He knew Chu Lishu’s distrustful nature, and he should have been honest with him when they already trusted each other. Even if it was about something like the system that he couldn’t explain, he should have taken the risk and been sincere with him.

Lin Qingyang felt more and more regretful with each passing moment, sighing repeatedly.

“Don’t be like this. His Highness will come to understand in the future,” reassured Huo Luo, who was responsible for watching over him, as he decided to act alongside Lin Qingyang from this moment on.

Lin Qingyang looked at Huo Luo and asked, “Do you believe me?”

Huo Luo hesitated for a moment. “I can’t judge the situation between you and His Highness, but I know you wouldn’t harm us. You’re our friend, and as you said, we’ve been through thick and thin together. That can’t be false. But as for His Highness…”

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but interject, “Let’s change direction. He must be heading back to his residence. I need to see him and explain everything to him.”

Huo Luo frowned and said, “Qingyang, you should understand that His Highness is a person of deep thoughts. After tonight’s events, he won’t easily come to terms with it. If you rush things, it might backfire. I suggest you give His Highness some time.”

Lin Qingyang fell silent. He knew that what Huo Luo said made sense, but he couldn’t shake off his anxiety.

When the carriage returned to the courtyard, people immediately inquired why Chu Lishu didn’t come back with them, which worsened Lin Qingyang’s mood.

He locked himself in his room, struggling to pass the time, planning to go see Chu Lishu early the next morning, hoping that by then, he would have calmed down.

Suddenly, a system notification sounded in Lin Qingyang’s mind.

【Congratulations, host, your role has been upgraded to ‘supporting male lead’, please keep up the good work…】

Lin Qingyang immediately felt extremely annoyed. What use was the upgrade when Chu Lishu wasn’t by his side?

Suddenly, Lin Qingyang thought of something – mystery boxes. He still had three of them. Initially, the system mentioned that the probability of getting good items varied depending on his role positioning.

In this world, besides the male protagonist, being able to become the supporting male lead is already the highest honor. Lin Qingyang was also in a desperate situation, so he quickly entered the system interface and selected a mystery box, then opened it.

A burst of electronic fireworks flashed on the screen.

【Congratulations, host, you have obtained the ‘unbind’ permission. From now on, even if the host does not stay by the side of the male lead, points will not be deducted. Congratulations, host, you have taken another step towards freedom.】

Lin Qingyang: …M! M! P!

Note: similar to curse word.

If the mystery box were in his hands, he would definitely throw it away fiercely. Who wants to untie the binding? He doesn’t want that! He wants to meet every day, check in every day.

It feels like even the heavens are not helping him.

Lin Qingyang felt even more uncomfortable.

On the other side, Chu Lishu woke up during the treatment by Mu Huichun.

“Senior brother, I’m telling you… this isn’t good, are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Losing control of his senses, falling into Qi Deviation, it’s like challenging the limits of his body, completely destroying his own protective mechanisms.

Mu Huichun looked at Chu Lishu’s eyes, the deepest red seemed to be unable to fade away. Although it might not be noticeable at first glance, Mu Huichun knew that this was a symptom. Originally, he insisted on accelerating the progress, but Mu Huichun disagreed. Now, it’s gotten worse. The consequences are uncertain, Mu Huichun can only watch carefully.

“Yu Suoxi…” Chu Lishu spoke in a deep voice, questioning.

“Returned to the palace, no unusual movements,” Qi Ci replied.

“Your Highness, killing Yu Suoxi might not be feasible. What we need to worry about now is whether he will expose us. However, based on his recent behavior and remarks, although he seems unstable, the likelihood of him exposing us seems low. He may not be planning to oppose us for the time being,” Yue Chen calmly analyzed.

Qi Ci nodded in agreement, “I think so too. He’s acting very strangely. Sometimes, the more formidable the enemy, the more excited he becomes. Now, dealing with us seems too simple for him, and he seems to have lost interest in the challenge.”

Chu Lishu remained silent for a moment, perhaps still undecided, then asked, “How are your injuries?”

“They’re all fine, just that Lu Yi and Lu Shi are a bit more severe. But with me here, there’s no need to worry. Your injuries are the most serious right now. If there’s nothing urgent, you should rest properly,” Mu Huichun quickly replied. “By the way, where’s Brother Lin? Why isn’t he here with you when you’re injured?”

As soon as these words were spoken, Yue Chen and Qi Ci fell silent.

Chu Lishu slowly raised his head and looked over, instantly startling Mu Huichun. The redness in his eyes seemed to intensify a bit.

“He’s not with us. There’s no need to mention him again.”

Mu Huichun looked shocked.

Chu Lishu continued, “From now on, we’ll stay here and not go back.”

Mu Huichun was speechless for a while and then looked a bit displeased. “Senior Brother, did you have a quarrel? Don’t be like this. Just now, Lin Qingyang left some ginseng pills for you, specifically to help you.”

Chu Lishu suddenly mocked himself, “There were indeed many flaws, even the medicine could not be traced.”

Mu Huichun simply didn’t understand what Chu Lishu was saying, and was about to argue a few more words for Lin Qingyang when Yue Chen stopped him.

Seeing Chu Lishu’s exhausted appearance, it was better for him to rest first.

The three left first, but Chu Lishu still didn’t sleep a wink that night.

Countless scenes of their time together invaded his mind, making him unable to stay calm at all. Every scene was incredibly clear, and he remembered every tone of Lin Qingyang’s voice.

He remembered the moment he had just learned the truth about his parents’ death, Lin Qingyang’s promise to take him away, and a few days ago, when Lin Qingyang cried for him, breaking through all his worries and kissing him.

These scenes seemed to gather together to mock him, yet they still dispelled his inner resentment, leaving only disappointment and pain behind.

Early the next day, Lin Qingyang, with dark circles under his eyes, was about to go find Chu Lishu.

But just as he was about to leave, he saw Yue Chen and Mu Huichun coming over.

Yue Chen had come to accompany Huo Luo to attend the court session together, after all, they still held official positions. And Mu Huichun had come to move his belongings.

As soon as Lin Qingyang heard that Mu Huichun was moving out, he panicked, “Is he really not coming back? Is he really so angry, doesn’t he believe me at all?”

Yue Chen felt somewhat awkward. After some thought, he said, “Qingyang, just wait for three more days. His Highness is currently fully occupied with dealing with Yu Suoxi. Three days later, Yu Suoxi will leave the capital. We don’t intend to take action against him anymore. We just hope he can leave peacefully. Right now, His Highness is still upset about your situation, so don’t rush.”

Lin Qingyang’s eyes gradually dimmed. Yue Chen could only reach out and pat his shoulder before leaving with Huo Luo.

As they reached the doorway, Huo Luo glanced back. “Has Lu Shi arrived? To replace me?”

“Yes, Lu Shi’s injuries are relatively minor, so he’s been sent to replace you.”

“What does His Highness really want? Doesn’t he trust Lin Qingyang? Isn’t it a bit too much?” Huo Luo frowned.

“Are you silly? His Highness is indeed heartbroken, but subconsciously, he still wants to protect him, worried that Yu Suoxi will take advantage of the situation to harm him.”

Huo Luo suddenly understood. Then he asked, “You just mentioned not dealing with Yu Suoxi…”

“Today, Yu Suoxi came to see His Highness…” Yue Chen frowned.

Meanwhile, Mu Huichun had already returned to the medicine hut to pack his belongings. Up until now, Mu Huichun still didn’t know what was going on. He only thought they had a disagreement, so whenever Lin Qingyang inquired about something, Mu Huichun was forthcoming. When Lin Qingyang heard that Chu Lishu was injured again, he felt even more upset and concerned.

“Wait, I’ll accompany you back,” Lin Qingyang took the opportunity to say.

Mu Huichun chuckled, “Aren’t you just finding an excuse to see my senior brother? But, since my senior brother isn’t here, before I leave, that Yu Suoxi you dealt with last night came looking for my senior brother. He insisted that my senior brother accompany him around the capital, so my senior brother went.”

As soon as Mu Huichun finished speaking, Lin Qingyang abruptly stood up. “What! He went out with Yu Suoxi? That’s so dangerous.”

“Anyway, senior brother went. I really don’t understand. One moment they’re like mortal enemies, the next they’re like friends.”

Unable to wait any longer, Lin Qingyang turned to leave.

“Are you going to find senior brother? Do you know where they went?”

Lin Qingyang waved his hand directly and ran off. Finding Chu Lishu was the easiest option for him.

But as soon as Lin Qingyang stepped out, a figure descended in front of him.

It was unexpectedly Lu Shi.

“You…”

“Are you going to find the master?”

“Yes.”

“No, the master said he doesn’t want to see you.”

Lin Qingyang frowned. “I must go.”

Lü Shi clicked his tongue and said, “Forget about it. If you take one step out the door, I’ll knock you out.”

Lin Qingyang was immediately infuriated.

But Lu Shi rolled his eyes. “You deceive the feelings of our master like this. Not holding you accountable is already considering our past relationship. Don’t force me to take action against you, understand?”

Although the master said he didn’t like Lin Qingyang, although Lin Qingyang seemed to have no idea about the master’s previous feelings towards him, Lu Shi and Lu Yi knew very well. They knew exactly how much the master liked Lin Qingyang, which is why they felt so sorry for the master.

Last night, unable to rest easy, Lu Shi went to watch over the master, only to find him staring blankly with wide-open eyes, sleepless the whole night. Seeing him like that was truly heart-wrenching.

Recalling that scene, Lu Shi’s expression towards Lin Qingyang became even more unfriendly.

Lin Qingyang took a deep breath. “Do you all not believe that I love him?”

Seeing Lin Qingyang’s suddenly serious expression, Lu Shi was taken aback for a moment, then finally lowered his gaze and said, “It’s useless for us to believe or not. It depends on whether the master believes it or not. Anyway, I won’t let you go find the master.”

Lin Qingyang looked at him incredulously, but didn’t push further. He just turned back and tried to find another way out, but he was constantly blocked by the elusive Lu Shi. Eventually realizing he couldn’t overpower Lu Shi, he had no choice but to reluctantly give up.

Mu Huichun had also finished packing and was about to leave. Lin Qingyang suddenly noticed that he hadn’t visited Chu Lishu’s courtyard at all, sparking a glimmer of hope. “Are you just packing your things?”

Mu Huichun regretted, “I know what you’re thinking, but senior brother said he doesn’t want those things anymore, so he won’t come to pack. But I think he might just be stubborn.” Mu Huichun had witnessed firsthand how much Chu Lishu liked Lin Qingyang, so he didn’t believe that they would just break up over a quarrel.

“But I’m quite curious. Since you know senior brother’s true identity now, do you think he’ll revert back in the future?”

Lin Qingyang nodded.

Mu Huichun smiled and said, “Senior brother’s true self is much more imposing and commanding than he is now, a true epitome of masculinity. Are you sure you still like senior brother?”

Lin Qingyang was taken aback for a moment, then said seriously, “I like him no matter what.”

Mu Huichun smiled and patted Lin Qingyang’s shoulder. “That’s good. I’ll speak up for you too. I’ve already decided you’re my sister-in-law.”

The term caught Lin Qingyang off guard, but it lifted his spirits. He nodded with a thick skin. “Uh, yes, I’m your sister-in-law. I’ll definitely reconcile with your senior brother.”

After Mu Huichun left, Lin Qingyang couldn’t see Lu Shi anywhere, so he could only stay at home and figure out a solution.

Chu Lishu did spend a day strolling around the capital with Yu Suoxi. Although he didn’t obtain any valuable information, he clearly understood Yu Suoxi’s intentions.

After Yuan Ran’s apparent death, he found life too boring. He finally found an entertaining “pet” only to lose it again. Now that he discovered that the two were actually the same person, his interest in Chu Lishu grew even stronger. He simply wanted to watch the show, eager to personally help Chu Lishu improve his strength, achieve everything, and then confront him properly.

Once he confirmed all of this, Chu Lishu gave up on dealing with Yu Suoxi for the time being. Not only was it difficult to kill him again, but the current situation also wasn’t favorable.

The Emperor had already sensed something amiss and began secretly dispatching people to arrest individuals. Qi Ci and Ning Ziheng couldn’t stay any longer.

After discussing with everyone that night, Chu Lishu decided to let Qi Ci and Ning Ziheng leave.

They couldn’t go to Tianheng Kingdom, but they could go to the border of two countries. There, Ning Ziheng had cultivated influence long ago. Remote places are out of the emperor’s reach, it would be impossible for him to find them.

Chu Lishu needed them to inspect the border, ensuring that Yu Suoxi wouldn’t make any additional moves after they returned. Although Yu Suoxi claimed not to target him in the capital, there was no guarantee that he wouldn’t strike against the Great Zhou Dynasty while dealing with the Emperor. Chu Lishu didn’t want the Great Zhou Dynasty  to perish before he had finished seeking revenge.

Qi Ci, who was proficient in military maneuvers, and Ning Ziheng, who was more adept at conspiracies and schemes, were indeed the best candidates.

Fortunately, Ning Ziheng had briefly regained consciousness that night, and Mu Huichun confirmed that his life was saved. They quickly prepared the necessary medications for Ning Ziheng’s continued treatment. They made preparations for their departure the following night.

Chu Lishu made a series of considerations and arrangements for the future, once again spending a sleepless night.

The next day, Yu Suoxi came again. Chu Lishu didn’t want to go out, but fearing that Yu Suoxi might notice his arrangement for Qi Ci’s departure, he had no choice but to accompany him outside to continue strolling around the capital.

Learning from Lu Shi that they had arranged to go out again, Lin Qingyang couldn’t contain his emotions anymore. Whether it was out of concern or jealousy, his emotions finally became uncontrollable. He continued to find ways to break through Lu Shi’s defenses.

Just at this critical moment, Liu Xiaowei finally returned.

He had just come over with a few jars of wine to visit, and Lin Qingyang’s eyes lit up as soon as he saw him.

“Uncle, help me!”

Liu Xiaowei: “???”

Soon, Lu Shi was cursing loudly as he was subdued, and Lin Qingyang mounted a horse and dashed out of the residence.

He headed straight for Chu Lishu’s location using his ‘golden finger’.

At a tavern, on the second floor, in a cozy corner facing the street.

Yu Suoxi was sipping wine leisurely, watching Chu Lishu, and sighed, “I thought you would be better today, but it seems to have gotten worse.”

Chu Lishu looked at Yu Suoxi, furrowing his brows. “What are you talking about?”

“I’m saying your mind isn’t here. Facing an opponent like me, you’re still distracted. It was understandable yesterday, but today as well? Are you underestimating me, not worrying that I might just snatch you away when I feel like it?”

Chu Lishu sneered, “Yu Suoxi, I admit that I can’t deal with you right now, but that doesn’t mean I’ll surrender without a fight. By saying such things, you’re underestimating me.”

Yu Suoxi chuckled, “Isn’t that how it should be? Stop thinking about irrelevant people and focus on how to deal with me instead.”

Chu Lishu’s expression changed slightly. He slowly raised his glass, lifted it to his lips, and drank. “Rest assured, there will come a day when I’ll take your life.”

Yu Suoxi’s smile became even more brazen. He changed the subject, saying, “The pear blossom wine in this tavern is quite good. Do you often drink it?”

Chu Lishu’s movement slightly froze, and he didn’t answer.

Suddenly, a voice came from downstairs.

“Chu Lishu!”

Chu Lishu froze for a moment, then set down his glass, poured himself another drink, but didn’t turn to look. Yu Suoxi looked somewhat surprised at the railing outside, where Lin Qingyang stood, gazing up at them. Lin Qingyang also shot him a fierce glare.

“Oh, your cousin’s here.”

Chu Lishu remained silent.

“Hey, there’s also a young gentleman next to him. Oh, I know him, he’s Young Master Xu from the Duke Wei Guo’s residence. It’s strange, isn’t it? Before sticking to you, he was always sticking to Young Master Xu. What’s he up to?”

Chu Lishu looked up at Yu Suoxi, warning, “Are you really that bored?”

Yu Suoxi raised an eyebrow, laughing.

Chu Lishu still didn’t look down below. Instead, he spoke directly, “Lu Yi, send him away.”

A figure flashed beside him, and Lin Qingyang, who had just tried to come up, was blocked by Lu Yi.

“Young Master Lin, please leave. The master has matters to attend to.”

Lin Qingyang became anxious, “But weren’t they supposed to meet yesterday? Why are they together again today? That person is obviously very dangerous…”

Seeing Lin Qingyang genuinely concerned about Chu Lishu, Lu Yi’s previous anger dissipated somewhat, and he patiently explained, “Young Master Lin, the master doesn’t want to see you for now. It’s best if you go back and don’t make things difficult for us.”

“What’s going on?” Xu Wenze looked utterly bewildered. He had been accompanying Concubine Xu during this time, and today he had come out of the palace to find her favorite candied fruits to help her regain her appetite. He hadn’t expected to encounter Lin Qingyang in such a hurry and thought something was wrong, so he hurriedly followed.

Lu Yi, however, wasn’t willing to say more. “Both of you, leave.”

Lin Qingyang’s eyes were almost red with anxiety. He shouted directly towards the second floor, “Chu Lishu, let’s talk. There are so many things I really need to tell you!”

In such a tense atmosphere, Xu Wenze didn’t know how to intervene and could only watch helplessly.

Suddenly, an impatient voice came from above, “Lu Yi.”

Understanding the cue instantly, Lu Yi acted swiftly. Before Lin Qingyang could react, he struck him with a palm, causing Lin Qingyang to faint and be caught by Xu Wenze beside him.

Xu Wenze exclaimed in surprise, “Lishu, what are you doing? Can’t we have a civilized conversation?”

But Lu Yi remained firm. “Young Master Xu, the master is in a bad mood right now. It’s better if you take him away. If you don’t leave soon, I’m afraid even you will faint.”

Xu Wenze couldn’t just leave Lin Qingyang unattended. Feeling both anxious and helpless, he could only take Lin Qingyang away for the time being.

However, as Xu Wenze escorted Lin Qingyang away, he couldn’t help but glance back. In a moment of astonishment, his gaze met Chu Lishu’s.

Xu Wenze paused for a moment, then sighed helplessly.

The unmistakably displeased look… Wasn’t he feeling jealous? I’m the one who had to carry him out after you knocked him out, and you’re still not happy?

Xu Wenze couldn’t understand what these two were playing at. He couldn’t help but feel uneasy as they arrived at the separate courtyard.

Although Lu Yi’s palm strike wasn’t heavy, Lin Qingyang, who hadn’t slept much for two consecutive nights, fell into a deep sleep until evening. When he woke up and realized what had happened, he was truly struck with a heavy blow and felt completely disheartened.

Outside, there was a commotion. Upon stepping out, they saw Lu Shi still tied to a chair, while Xu Wenze stood nearby, awkwardly trying to persuade him.

Lu Shi was furious, especially when he saw Lin Qingyang coming out, which only aggravated his anger.

With Lin Qingyang feeling low-spirited, he straightforwardly said, “Let him go.”

After Lu Shi was untied, he glared fiercely at them and stormed off.

“Qingyang, what’s going on?” Xu Wenze couldn’t help but ask, “How did things escalate between you and Chu Lishu like this?”

Lin Qingyang let out a deep sigh and, seeing the wine brought by his uncle, couldn’t resist saying, “Come, accompany me for a drink.” Normally, Lin Qingyang was very mindful of his alcohol intake, but this time, he wanted to get thoroughly drunk, if only to temporarily forget the painful sensation in his chest.

Meanwhile, the disappeared Lu Shi naturally continued to watch Lin Qingyang from the shadows. But before long, Lu Yi arrived. He had been sent to take over the watch, and incidentally, to see what Lu Shi was up to and how he managed to find the master.

Upon seeing Liu Xiaowei there, it became clear to him.

“You have no idea how out of line Lin Qingyang is, I…”

“Forget it, let’s go. You can rest now.”

“Huh? What do you mean, you’re not going to keep watching?”

Lu Yi shook his head helplessly. “The master sent you here to protect Lin Qingyang. Now that Liu Xiaowei is here, who else could harm him? Let’s go.”

Lu Shi really didn’t know how to react. “What does the master mean by this?”

Lu Yi glanced back at the trio drinking together and couldn’t help but say, “No matter what the master’s intentions are, all I know is that he’s not feeling well right now.”

In Chu Lishu’s private residence, Qi Ci had already settled Ning Ziheng into the carriage, ready to depart at midnight. Everything was prepared. Qi Ci advised Chu Lishu to rest instead of staying up with them, as there was nothing urgent left to attend to.

It was evident to everyone that Chu Lishu was already very tired. With his injured body, he couldn’t endure staying up like this. Was he truly busy, or was he simply pushing himself too hard?

Yue Chen hinted to Huo Luo, suggesting that they should leave first with Qi Ci.

When only two people remained in the room, Yue Chen spoke up, “Your Highness, you should rest. There’s really no need for you to stay up for the rest of the matter.”

“I want to see Qi Ci off,” Chu Lishu insisted.

“Your Highness, could it be that you can’t sleep?” Yue Chen asked. “Do you usually have insomnia?”

Chu Lishu didn’t respond.

Yue Chen sighed. “Your Highness, you are the Crown Prince. Anything you desire, you can have. Why bother distressing yourself?”

Chu Lishu finally put down his pen and looked up at Yue Chen. “What do you think I want?”

Yue Chen smiled. “Your Highness, if you don’t want to admit it, no matter how much I say, it won’t matter. But when something is within reach, do you truly not want it?”

Chu Lishu’s gaze flickered, and after a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “People are easy to get, but genuine hearts are rare. I have given my heart, and I don’t want to settle for just a person.”

Yue Chen responded, “Your Highness, I won’t speak for others, but speaking for myself and Huo Luo, after getting to know Lin Qingyang, we could see clearly. Regardless of his past actions, his feelings towards you afterward were genuine. He cares for you. Don’t you want to acknowledge that? Moreover, the questions posed by  truth-telling incense were actually answers to previous questions. Even though there were various deceptions between you two before, it doesn’t mean things can’t change in the future. Haven’t your feelings toward him changed as well?”

“If you want to know his heart, as he suggested, why not give him the medicine again and ask him directly? Wouldn’t that solve everything?” Yue Chen suggested.

“But…” Chu Lishu’s tone remained calm. “I simply don’t want to believe anymore.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t believe, but rather that he didn’t want to believe.

“And I dare not believe anymore,”

Chu Lishu added before returning to his writing.

Yue Chen was momentarily stunned, observing Chu Lishu’s expression as if he had seen through something. He found himself unable to voice any further attempts to persuade Chu Lishu.

Once bitten, twice shy.

Chu Lishu had experienced what kind of harm, what kind of betrayal, they had gradually learned the whole story. Yue Chen dared not claim to empathize with Chu Lishu’s feelings, but as Yu Suoxi had said, those who had experienced such things should not trust others again. Even towards the closest people, they should maintain a basic level of suspicion.

Yue Chen contemplated that if Chu Lishu hadn’t encountered Lin Qingyang, his current state would likely still involve maintaining suspicion towards both him and Huo Luo. Perhaps their relationship wouldn’t be one of loyalty, but rather one of utility.

The current change brought happiness, but also accompanied danger.

What was cruel was that the source that prompted his change was filled with deceit. Regardless of how beautiful the future developments might be, for Chu Lishu, it might no longer matter whether Lin Qingyang loved him now. He only knew that he didn’t want to endure any more deception.

He was afraid.

He would repel anyone who could potentially cause him such harm. The more he cared, the more he loved, the more he would push away.

Yue Chen was extremely worried. Could it be that Chu Lishu’s heart really wasn’t going to open up again?

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. It was Lu Yi and Lu Shi returning. They had been waiting outside for a while and, with their exceptional hearing, they naturally overheard the conversation inside. Lu Yi knocked on the door and entered to report the situation. Chu Lishu didn’t deny their actions, confirming their suspicions. All Chu Lishu wanted was Lin Qingyang’s safety.

Lu Yi, contrary to the rules of the Shadow Wolves, intervened and said, “When we left, Young Master Xu was drinking with Lin Qingyang. They probably intend to drink all night.”

Lu Shi glanced at Lu Yi in surprise. Wasn’t there still Liu Xiaowei?

But after reporting, Lu Yi pulled Lu Shi back and they left.

Chu Lishu, who was writing, didn’t stop his pen, but one stroke was noticeably heavier. Yue Chen naturally noticed this and his eyes lit up.

Indeed, no matter how rational a person is, no matter how logical their words are, and no matter how ruthless their decisions may be, it’s all futile. Perhaps just one small incident, one sentence, can instantly make them regret their actions, because ultimately, they will still be defeated by their own heart.

Yue Chen added fuel to the fire, “Since Your Highness has decided to give up, then let it be. But speaking of which, I’m really curious whether Lin Qingyang is truly a homosexual person as they say. After all, he used to be very fond of Young Master Xu, and from what I’ve observed, Young Master Xu also seems to have some feelings for Lin Qingyang…”

As Chu Lishu’s increasingly uncontrollable cold and stern gaze fell upon him, Yue Chen quickly added, “Ah, forgive me, I was just gossiping. I shouldn’t have mentioned such trivial matters. I’ll take my leave now.”

With the moon hanging high, Chu Lishu suddenly opened the door.

Lu Yi and Lu Shi stepped forward, awaiting orders.

Chu Lishu paused for a moment, then spoke with an unsteady tone, “I forgot something at the seperate courtyard.”

Lu Shi instinctively responded, “I’ll go fetch it immediately, Your Highness…”

Lu Yi quickly pulled Lu Shi back, stopping him from speaking.

Chu Lishu spoke in a deep voice, “You both come with me to retrieve it.”

Immediately, Lu Yi and Lu Shi swiftly led the way to the other courtyard.

Chu Lishu seemed genuinely in a hurry, and both Lu Yi and Lu Shi thought he might be using it as an excuse to see Lin Qingyang, assuming he would go to Lin Qingyang’s courtyard to find the person.

However, Chu Lishu headed straight for his own courtyard instead of Lin Qingyang’s, leaving Lu Yi to come up with an excuse for their master, “There seems to be a fire in Lin Qingyang’s courtyard; they might still be drinking with Xu Wenze.”

But Chu Lishu only paused for a moment, without even shifting his gaze, before walking straight back into his own courtyard and entering his house.

He had come back to find something, not to see Lin Qingyang. He couldn’t sleep… he needed that lamp… Since obtaining that lamp, he had used it every night to fall asleep. Perhaps with it, even without Lin Qingyang, he could sleep soundly.

But as Chu Lishu stepped into the room, he suddenly heard someone’s breathing.

With the help of the moonlight, he saw several scrolls hanging in his room. Some depicted Chu Lishu, some depicted Yuan Ran. Some he had seen before, some he hadn’t, but all showed Lin Qingyang’s artistic skill.

Chu Lishu seemed to be strolling through an art exhibition, but when he turned his head, he accidentally kicked over a wine jar.

The crisp sound woke up the person sleeping on his bed.

Chu Lishu stiffened as he looked over, and heard a familiar voice, groggy yet recognizable, asking, “Who’s there?”

It felt as if Chu Lishu’s soul split in two at that moment, constantly pulling in opposite directions, one inward, one outward.

Just as one side seemed to gain the upper hand, when Chu Lishu took a step back, the person on the bed seemed to sense something and suddenly leaped up from the bed, emanating a strong smell of alcohol as they rushed towards him.

Chu Lishu could have evaded… originally… could have evaded.

But the next moment, a strong embrace and a plea of “Chu Lishu, don’t go” shackled his pride and dignity.

A passionate kiss descended, carrying tears and the taste of alcohol, effortlessly shaking Chu Lishu’s resolve.

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