I Rely On The Collapse Of The Character Setting To Survive In The Hands Of The Male Lead Chapter 239

Chapter 239

In the courtyard, the two who were forcibly left behind to drink looked at each other. Xu Wenze and Liu Xiaowei watched as Lin Qingyang clearly tried to drink himself into oblivion, quickly intervening.

“Why aren’t you drinking? This wine brought back by uncle isn’t bad,” Lin Qingyang slurred, already getting himself quite drunk. He had exceeded his usual alcohol tolerance, but still couldn’t dispel the discomfort in his heart; his mind was filled with Chu Lishu.

“Qingyang, drinking isn’t about getting drunk. If you’re troubled, just talk to us. Maybe we can help you share the burden,” Xu Wenze said with concern.

Liu Xiaowei sat aside, bored, nibbling on some food. While he had indeed come to deliver wine, he couldn’t drink, so he could only watch Lin Qingyang go crazy with alcohol. In his few words, he only mentioned Chu Lishu.

“Did he bully you? Do you want me to go beat him up?” Liu Xiaowei suggested bluntly.

Xu Wenze disapproved and gave Liu Xiaowei a disapproving look. Lin Qingyang also glanced over, furrowing his brow. “No, I won’t allow anyone to hurt him,” he said firmly.

Liu Xiaowei looked at Lin Qingyang disdainfully, while Xu Wenze chuckled silently.

But Lin Qingyang suddenly hugged the wine jug, looking distressed and teary-eyed. “He said he doesn’t like me…”

Both of them were taken aback by this revelation. While Liu Xiaowei didn’t have much say in the matter, Xu Wenze could confidently respond, “Lin Qingyang, I can guarantee he likes you.” He had been jealous numerous times, both openly and subtly, how could Chu Lishu not like him?

Lin Qingyang took a deep breath. “Naturally, I don’t believe what he said. He was just angry at the time. But I’m also afraid, afraid that maybe he really doesn’t like me that much, and he’s only considering it out of acceptance. Perhaps any trivial reason could make him give up. After all, being with me, another man, is really too difficult for him.”

“I’ve heard from my nephew that the kid has guts. If he thought it was too hard, he wouldn’t have started in the first place,” Liu Xiaowei frowned.

Xu Wenze nodded in agreement.

Lin Qingyang, in a daze, murmured, “Yeah, we’ve both started. He even kissed me. Clearly, with a little more effort, we could be together. But it’s all ruined.”

Lin Qingyang’s heart ached whenever he recalled Chu Lishu’s expression at that moment. He realized he had already grown to like him so much… It wasn’t pity or sympathy, he just genuinely wanted to be with him.

Xu Wenze patted Lin Qingyang’s shoulder reassuringly. “Don’t worry, as long as you find a chance to talk to him and explain everything, he’ll believe you. It’s okay if he’s avoiding you for now. After all, you’re both study companions of the Fourth Prince’s studies. Eventually, you’ll have to accompany the Fourth Prince in the palace, and he won’t be able to escape. There’s no need to rush.”

“If you’re really anxious, I’ll just bring him here,” Liu Xiaowei couldn’t stand it.

But as soon as Liu Xiaowei finished speaking, Lin Qingyang glared at him. “How could you tie him up?”

Liu Xiaowei raised his hand as if to discipline the boy, but Xu Wenze intervened. “He’s drunk.”

Liu Xiaowei could only back off, sulking as he ate his food.

Xu Wenze felt embarrassed. “Fifth Lord Liu, don’t you drink? You brought this wine, after all.”

Lin Qingyang, in his tipsy state, immediately adopted a protective attitude towards Liu Xiaowei. “My uncle doesn’t drink, he can’t handle it.”

Liu Xiaowei felt even more inclined to scold the boy. He looked somewhat displeased as he glanced at Xu Wenze, making the situation even more awkward for him.

“I apologize for my rudeness.”

“Who said I can’t drink?” Liu Xiaowei felt embarrassed in front of outsiders, so he poured himself a glass of wine. He cleverly thought that as long as he drank it down and then used his inner strength to force it out, he wouldn’t get drunk. Ignoring Xu Wenze’s attempts to stop him, he immediately gulped it down.

There was a loud bang, startling Xu Wenze, who quickly reached out to support Liu Xiaowei’s head, only to find that his forehead had already hit the stone table, leaving it red. Lin Qingyang beside them couldn’t help but chuckle. “I told you one glass would be enough. You had to verify it yourself.”

Ignoring the two of them, Lin Qingyang grabbed the wine jug and stood up, swaying slightly. “You two… do as you please. I… I have something to do.”

Xu Wenze hurriedly exclaimed, “Ah? Then Fifth Lord Liu?” All the servants had been dismissed by Lin Qingyang to rest, so there was no one to help at the moment.

However, Lin Qingyang seemed oblivious and proceeded to the study, where he rummaged around for a while before emerging with all the scrolls in his arms.

Ignoring Xu Wenze’s calls, he left his own courtyard without a word.

Xu Wenze felt increasingly awkward and didn’t know what to do. He could only follow Lin Qingyang and realized that he was heading to Chu Lishu’s courtyard. Relieved, Xu Wenze returned to find someone to take care of Fifth Lord Liu. Fortunately, there was still a nanny in the house. Upon hearing the situation, she quickly greeted Xu Wenze politely, lest he lose face.

Lin Qingyang wasn’t fully sober; he only felt a strong longing for Chu Lishu. Clutching the scrolls, he arrived at Chu Lishu’s bedroom, which was filled with Chu Lishu’s scent, making him even more dizzy.

He lit a candle and began unfolding the scrolls one by one. Unknowingly, he had already painted dozens of them, each depicting the most unforgettable moments of Lin Qingyang’s midnight dreams. The vivid expressions in the paintings had already revealed the hidden feelings in Lin Qingyang’s heart.

He hung up all the paintings and stared at them blankly, pretending that Chu Lishu was right there. One of the paintings depicted Chu Lishu dressed as a bride in Wuxin Fort. Unable to resist, he reached out and touched it, feeling a pang of bitterness. Then he looked at the two paintings of Crown Prince Yuan Ran in the distance, both based on the drawings from the imperial tomb, modified by himself. He fantasized about the person he had fallen in love with, realizing that it didn’t matter how they looked; he just liked them.

Facing the room full of paintings, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but cry. The candle went out, and the wine was finished, but he still couldn’t bear to leave. Staggering, he made his way to the bedside and collapsed onto it, hugging the blanket as if he were embracing Chu Lishu. With his head buried, he released his emotions, and before he knew it, he was drifting off to sleep.

But at that moment, a crisp sound startled Lin Qingyang awake.

Who?

For a moment, Lin Qingyang’s mind went blank, but his heart seemed to ignite like a fire—Chu Lishu was back!

Lin Qingyang rushed towards the figure in the darkness, afraid of missing any opportunity. Finally, when he embraced the person he had been yearning for, feeling their breath in each other’s presence, Lin Qingyang finally felt his soul returning home.

“Chu Lishu, don’t leave.”

Lin Qingyang pleaded, holding onto him tightly and kissing him desperately. Their lips pressed together, souls entwined. Despite having kissed only once before, their exploding emotions seemed to transcend words. They could only express their feelings through actions.

Surprisingly, Chu Lishu didn’t resist. Despite saying he didn’t like it, he didn’t resist the kiss.

Lin Qingyang saw a glimmer of hope and held on even tighter, kissing more fiercely. He might have even bitten Chu Lishu, but he didn’t resist.

There was no resistance….but there was also no reciprocation.

Lin Qingyang suddenly realized, could it all be a dream? A drunken dream of his own? Was that why Chu Lishu was so compliant?

A sense of desolation washed over him. Even though in dreams one could do as they pleased, it wasn’t the real Chu Lishu. What meaning did it have?

Lin Qingyang halted everything, pressing his forehead against Chu Lishu’s. He breathed heavily, tears streaming down his face, his hands still unwilling to let go, gripping Chu Lishu’s shoulders tightly.

“Do you not like me? Have you stopped liking me? Or did you never like me at all?” Lin Qingyang spoke softly. “Please tell me, okay?”

Lin Qingyang’s plea, with an air of distress, completely defeated the last bit of resistance within Chu Lishu. His voice seemed to signal ahead of his mind, as if his soul couldn’t wait to provide an answer, abandoning all restraint.

“I do like you… Lin Qingyang.”

As Chu Lishu uttered those words, it was as if something broke loose, waves surging forth, and the boulder pressing on his chest collapsed with a resounding crash.

Even though he dared not believe, even though he hadn’t yet received his own answer, even though he knew his feelings had grown entirely upon the lies of the other, he couldn’t bring himself to lie to Lin Qingyang anymore. Even if Lin Qingyang mocked him the next second for being deceived again, even if he stumbled twice over the same person, he accepted it.

With a wry smile that seemed to express resignation, he said, “Lin Qingyang, I can give you my love, my life, my everything, only hoping that your lies become truth, that you truly love me deeply, and that I never have to worry about you leaving me behind.”

Chu Lishu exerted force with his arms, taking the initiative, stepping forward, and suddenly embraced Lin Qingyang, crashing into the folding screen hanging beside them. His strength was such that he seemed to want to meld the other person into himself, his nose rubbing against Lin Qingyang’s in disarray, exuding an affectionate breath of both resistance and acceptance.

His words carried all his desires, uncontrollably pouring out, as if the drunken person was not Lin Qingyang, but himself.

Lin Qingyang was dumbfounded. If this was a dream, how beautiful it would be.

Chu Lishu’s breath sprayed all over Lin Qingyang’s face. “Qingyang, don’t lie to me this time. If you say you like me, I’ll believe you. But from now on, you’ll truly belong to me.”

Lin Qingyang, belonging only to him.

If they were together, they would accompany each other for life; if they were apart, they would perish together.

He admitted that he couldn’t be without Lin Qingyang anymore. He admitted it. He wanted both Lin Qingyang’s heart and his presence. That’s the only way it could be.

In the darkness, the redness in Chu Lishu’s eyes was rapidly intensifying. Compared to seeking revenge or fighting against injustice in the world, his strongest desire at this moment was only this. It was as if nothing else mattered as long as he had this person.

Chu Lishu’s lips were just nearby, teasingly close yet not touching, as if tempting something with each shift in angle.

Lin Qingyang couldn’t believe what he heard. Just like that?

Was it really that simple? Could he really have Chu Lishu like this?

Lin Qingyang’s lips trembled as he spoke, unable to distinguish anymore whether this was a dream or reality, but the answer was simple.

“Chu Lishu… Yuan Ran, I love you.”

A low chuckle followed, “Well said.”

Immediately after came a kiss even more intense and fiery than before, the screen unable to withstand the weight of the two, threatening to collapse at any moment.

In an instant, Chu Lishu had already fallen onto the bed with Lin Qingyang in his arms, their clothes disheveled in the unintentional pulling and tugging.

The kiss never stopped, its sticky sound filling the entire room, and their bodies gradually heating up. Both felt something, and the kiss gradually took on a different flavor.

From cheeks to necks, to collarbones, Chu Lishu pressed against Lin Qingyang’s body. With the collar of his shirt undone, Lin Qingyang’s chest rose and fell rhythmically, as if being ignited all the way down.

Intimacy was not unfamiliar to them, but this time, Lin Qingyang felt incredibly nervous.

The belt had been discarded, and soon the two were completely exposed to each other.

Suddenly, Lin Qingyang’s breath caught uncontrollably, and Chu Lishu climbed back up to kiss him again. One hand cradled his face, while the other comforted their restless bodies.

Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but wrap one arm around Chu Lishu, while the other hand joined in.

The ultimate pleasure came after understanding each other’s intentions, with no need for restraint. Lin Qingyang could kiss Chu Lishu to his heart’s content.

In that moment of feeling electrified all over, both of them took a deep breath.

Lin Qingyang’s heart seemed to be about to leap out of his chest. With the alcohol effect intensifying, the Lin Qingyang of the past, who had been a typical straight guy for many years, seemed to have no fear of what was about to happen, as long as it was with Chu Lishu. Thinking this way, he began to feel excited.

But the person gasping heavily on top of him was getting heavier and heavier. Lin Qingyang didn’t notice anything unusual, just reminiscing about what had just happened, blushing shyly, and then awkwardly waiting…

Waiting…

Lin Qingyang’s breathing evened out!

“Chu Lishu?” Lin Qingyang called out in astonishment.

But all he heard was the slightly heavy breathing of Chu Lishu beside him. They were entangled together, with a sticky mess between them. Chu Lishu showed no further reaction, leaving Lin Qingyang the only one still feeling excited.

Lin Qingyang suddenly felt a sense of embarrassment. Just as he didn’t know what to do, he suddenly sensed that the heat against his skin wasn’t just from the arousal—it was clearly hotter than usual.

Lin Qingyang was alarmed and quickly pushed Chu Lishu away, covering him with the blanket and hastily putting on his clothes. He lit the lamps.

Upon closer inspection, Lin Qingyang noticed that Chu Lishu’s cheeks were flushed and he looked unnaturally hot. Lin Qingyang suddenly remembered what Mu Huijun had said earlier about Chu Lishu being seriously injured. Now, besides the abnormal flush on his face, there were dark circles under his eyes, indicating a severe illness. Lin Qingyang hurriedly administered some medicine from the medical kit and then went to prepare hot water.

But just as he turned to leave, a figure appeared at the door.

Upon seeing that it was Lu Yi, Lin Qingyang, despite feeling a bit embarrassed about being caught in such a situation, quickly explained, “He seems to have a fever. I gave him some medicine, so it should reduce soon. He…”

“The master’s injuries haven’t healed, and he hasn’t slept for three days and nights. It’s not surprising that he has a fever and faints. Just focus on helping him recover,” Lu Yi interrupted, understanding that as long as the master felt Lin Qingyang’s presence, he could truly rest. Otherwise, even if he fell unconscious, he might not recover.

Lin Qingyang obediently nodded and asked Lu Yi to bring some hot water while he hurried back to take care of Chu Lishu. Thanks to the effective medication from the system, Chu Lishu’s fever quickly subsided. However, Lin Qingyang still took the time to wipe him all over, hoping to make him more comfortable while sleeping.

Looking at the dark circles under Chu Lishu’s eyes, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but feel distressed. He kissed him gently, but his lips couldn’t help but curl up into a smile.

It was really Chu Lishu, back beside him, lying on the bed within his reach. Just moments ago, they had confessed their feelings to each other and shared an intimate moment. Despite knowing it was not the right time, Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but laugh softly.

He truly experienced what it meant for a dream to come true. The person he thought would be difficult to win back was now his.

Climbing onto the bed, Lin Qingyang embraced Chu Lishu, providing him warmth. Unable to contain his emotions, Lin Qingyang murmured, “How can you be so kind? You didn’t even let me apologize or explain, and yet you forgave me. How lucky am I?”

Lin Qingyang said many things, but eventually, he couldn’t resist sleep any longer. His body had reached its limits after days without proper rest. Finally, he could sleep peacefully at this moment.

Lu Yi stood guard outside, as he always did whenever the master was alone with Lin Qingyang. He kept an eye and ear out for any unusual sounds, maintaining a certain distance. Unless there was a loud noise, they wouldn’t hear anything. At this moment, he wondered what was happening inside.

However, Lu Shi had already been sent back by Lu Yi. He knew he couldn’t catch up to escort Qi Ci after witnessing that scene.

When Lu Shi returned, it was time for Qi Ci to depart. Everyone present looked at Lu Shi with puzzled expressions, wondering why he had returned alone.

“Where did Senior Brother go? Why hasn’t he come back yet? There are still important matters to attend to!” Mu Huichun had been enslaved for several days, feeling extremely irritated. Seeing that Senior Brother was not around only made him more annoyed.

“Master…” Lu Shi felt a sense of embarrassment on behalf of his master.

Watching Lu Shi’s awkward demeanor, Yue Chen couldn’t help but laugh, while Huo Luo raised an eyebrow.

Qi Ci also chuckled and spoke up, “Now, I can finally leave with peace of mind.” Compared to the unsettling farewell, this was the final piece of news Qi Ci wanted to hear.

Everyone knew deep down that those two had probably reconciled already. As subordinates, they naturally felt happy for their lord.

Yue Chen smiled and said, “I truly fear that in the future, nights may be short and days may rise high, and henceforth, the monarch may not attend morning court.”

The others couldn’t help but stifle their laughter.

Huo Luo cleared his throat, indicating it was time to leave. Qi Ci bowed and bid farewell, “I entrust His Highness to all of you.”

The others nodded and wished them well. Afterwards, Huo Luo led the way, while Qi Ci drove the disguised smuggling carriage, slowly disappearing into the night with the drowsy Ning Ziheng.

Not long after, Huo Luo returned, everything went smoothly with the disguise. Qi Ci also blended into the large smuggling group outside the city, thanks in part to the recent visits of envoys, which made the risky business ventures quite active and provided them with the best cover.

By the time morning light appeared, Qi Ci had already arrived in another city with Ning Ziheng, while the emperor’s men were still aimlessly searching within the city.

Chu Lishu slept comfortably, surrounded by a familiar scent and warmth lingering by his side. Subconsciously, he knew this was the safest and most beloved place. It was as if all weariness had been swept away, and his body and spirit were refreshed by the nourishment of spring rain.

Chu Lishu slowly opened his eyes, and what met his gaze was Lin Qingyang’s sleeping face. A sense of relief washed over him, and he couldn’t help but sigh in resignation; this was what he truly wanted.

He remembered everything from last night. He felt grateful that he had spared himself and fulfilled his own desires. Gently leaning closer, their foreheads touched, and he let out a sigh of relief.

Although he wanted nothing more than to stay like this, there were still things to be done.

Chu Lishu carefully removed the hands and feet entwined around him, reluctant to disturb Lin Qingyang. He knew Lin Qingyang hadn’t rested well during this time. As he was about to quietly get up, he suddenly realized that his other hand was tied with his own hairband. The other end of the hairband was tied to Lin Qingyang’s wrist, so that if he moved his hand, Lin Qingyang’s wrist would be lifted.

Chu Lishu’s heart trembled, and unable to resist, he moved his hand slightly. Sure enough, Lin Qingyang woke up quickly, instinctively pulling the hairband. Chu Lishu was pulled into his embrace.

Chu Lishu lay on top, quietly watching Lin Qingyang until Lin Qingyang’s drowsy eyes gradually focused.

As Lin Qingyang saw Chu Lishu clearly, he blinked, feeling a moment of awkward shyness before realizing what he was holding in his hand. Hastily attempting to undo it, he stuttered, “I just… I mean…”

However, before Lin Qingyang could untie it, Chu Lishu reached out, clasping Lin Qingyang’s hand and pressing it against the pillow, fingers intertwined. Gently kissing Lin Qingyang’s lips, he affectionately nuzzled, then lifted his head, his eyes filled with so much love that it almost left Lin Qingyang stunned.

“Qingyang, I apologize to you, I’m sorry.”

“Huh?”

“That day, I was provoked too much and said hurtful things. You’ve forgotten them, right? Just remember what we said last night. Even without the hairband, we’re bound together forever. You can’t escape, and neither can I.”

Lin Qingyang suddenly felt a bit uncontrollable, his eyes reddening. In truth, he didn’t feel wronged, but Chu Lishu’s words made him suddenly feel that way.

“No, I’m the one who should apologize. I did deceive you. I…”

Chu Lishu leaned down and kissed Lin Qingyang again. He couldn’t bear to hear Lin Qingyang’s hoarse voice, which filled him with uncontrollable heartache and regret. Why did he lose control like that back then?

“During that time, you were deceiving me, and I was deceiving you as well, but I never expected you to know everything. So, none of that matters now. In the future, you’ll be honest with me about everything, and I won’t hide anything from you anymore, okay?”

Lin Qingyang quickly nodded, tears almost streaming down his face.

Chu Lishu gazed affectionately at Lin Qingyang. “Say it again.”

“What?” Lin Qingyang didn’t immediately understand.

Chu Lishu’s eyes sparkled with a smile as he gazed at Lin Qingyang, completely focused. “Then I’ll go first. I love you, Qingyang. My heart belonged to you a long, long time ago.”

Lin Qingyang didn’t know how to react. Chu Lishu’s gaze made his cheeks flush. Last night felt like a dream, but now, this was the most genuine feeling.

“Lishu, I…”

“Call me Yuan Ran.”

“Yuan Ran… I love you. I don’t know when it started, but when I realized it, it could only be you.”

Chu Lishu suddenly thought of something and chuckled, “Even if it’s not the love between men?”

Lin Qingyang was taken aback, feeling embarrassed. “It’s indeed not homosexual love, but it’s you, only you.”

Chu Lishu leaned down and kissed him again, adjusting their position slightly. Lin Qingyang instantly felt something, his face flushing.

Chu Lishu whispered hoarsely in Lin Qingyang’s ear, “Let’s prove it then…”

Lin Qingyang’s ear was bitten, and he let out a whimper, only able to make a strained sound of agreement.

“Did I upset you last night? I apologize. Let’s continue what we didn’t finish last night…” Chu Lishu’s voice became increasingly hoarse, his kisses trailing down Lin Qingyang’s ear to his jawline. His whole demeanor changed, making Lin Qingyang’s heart race. Despite being a man, he felt his body turning weak, and warmth spreading through him.

It’s happening, cough, okay, he was mentally prepared for this. Don’t be afraid, don’t back down, bring it on!

Suddenly, there was a knocking sound at the window.

“Is Master awake? There’s an urgent matter that needs your attention,” Lu Yi spoke from outside the window, his voice determined.

The two on the bed, about to get excited, suddenly felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured on them, abruptly cooling their ardor.

“Tsk…” Chu Lishu made a dissatisfied sound but eventually got up. Looking at Lin Qingyang, who seemed lost underneath him, he also felt a bit awkward for a moment.

Lin Qingyang quickly untied the hairband and urged Chu Lishu to get up, “There are more important matters at hand. Get up, get up.”

Chu Lishu chuckled and murmured, “The manner of the virtuous consort.”

“Huh?” Lin Qingyang was already putting on his clothes and didn’t catch what was said.

“Nothing. Come on, let me comb your hair,” Chu Lishu said with a smile.

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