Chu Wenyu, one hand tapping the armrest, stared intently at the replay video of the recent battle, his brow furrowed in deep thought.
Just a few days ago, the celebrated genius therapist, as everyone had gossiped about, had gone AWOL like a madman, failing to distinguish reality, leaving people bewildered. However, even though this simulated patient boasted a SS-class strength, it barely had half the might of his actual ailment.
His focus had long shifted away from Zheng Ziang, and he had a strong hunch that the person from that day was definitely not Zheng Ziang.
Yet, as Chu Wenyu observed the movements of the person on the other side, a glimmer slowly appeared in his dark, gloomy eyes. Due to their anonymity, the individual on the screen was also an abstract representation, nothing extraordinary.
As for who that person in the garden was, that remained uncertain. Nevertheless, Chu Wenyu had a notion that this person might help him tackle his ailment.
Over a decade ago, when he chose to conceal his true identity with an Alpha disguise, he was well aware of the consequences. Not only would there be periodic surges of spiritual power, but the condition would worsen, ultimately leading to a catastrophic end.
But Chu Wenyu, at just over ten years old, harbored no desire for a long life. He simply yearned to dominate and manipulate everyone. Even when he later ascended to power, his desires remained unchanged. Sometimes, seated on the throne, watching those who had once scorned him beg for mercy, Chu Wenyu found his life devoid of purpose. The more he felt this way, the more he delighted in tormenting others.
However, now, he seemed to want to live a little longer, to sit on the throne for an extended period, to possess the power to control someone. Even if that person was willing now, Chu Wenyu was too fearful to take the risk.
“Have you found out the identity of this person? Find a way to bring him into the palace for me,” Chu Wenyu impatiently inquired of his steward.
Since this was a galactic competition, this person might not necessarily be a citizen of Burke Star, but that thought didn’t even cross Chu Wenyu’s mind.
The steward had been trembling since entering the hall and was sweating profusely. He never imagined that an inconspicuous event he had to investigate would lead to such a monumental secret.
Ever since the eldest prince of Charles Star was brought to Burke Star, the Emperor’s unusual transformation had not escaped his notice. They shared meals and lodgings, and the Emperor bestowed rare treasures upon him, taking him to royal banquets. Even the survival rate of the palace staff had increased several-fold.
If… if the Emperor…
“Y-Your Majesty, there’s a possibility that… perhaps this person is inside the palace,” the steward summoned all his courage to utter these words.
He dearly wished his research was faulty, but the robust monitoring system of the Burke Star royal family seldom lied.
After he spoke, he even took two steps back, deeply concerned that his position as the palace steward might be swiftly replaced.
“Hmm? What do you mean?” Chu Wenyu lifted his gaze, his eyes piercing, as if they could penetrate the very heart of the man before him.
Fearful of further consequences, the steward refrained from saying more and instead laid out all the information he had gathered before Chu Wenyu. And at the very top was the identity of the anonymous figure.
Hometown: Charles Star
Name: Jiang Ling
For a moment, Chu Wenyu’s mind went blank. His finger touched the line, and his heart churned with a mixture of emotions, with the sense of joy almost non-existent.
How could Jiang Ling deceive him?
The sequence of events suddenly became clear in his mind. The anonymous contestant in the rankings was him, the person he encountered in the state of unconsciousness was also him, and the one pretending not to know anything was also him.
“The consequences for such mistakes should be crystal clear to you. You shall face the penalty yourself,” Chu Wenyu’s heart sank, and he swept the documents off the table, scattering them across the floor, his voice icy.
“Your Majesty, if I’ve made a mistake, I’ll take the blame, but what stands before you is the truth,” the steward defended himself, observing the conflicted expression on Chu Wenyu’s face.
Chu Wenyu stared at him fiercely, his gaze like that of a ravenous wolf. Then, he slumped in his wheelchair, his cherry-red lips stained with fresh blood.
If it was really him, Chu Wenyu had no clue about the purpose behind his actions. He couldn’t even dare to take their previous flirtation seriously.
He couldn’t sense the other’s spiritual energy, which meant he was either using some sort of spiritual concealment technique or was of a level no less than SS-class. If so, what was Charles, the old man who sent him here, thinking? This was far from a simple abandonment.
In other words, even if Charles had such intentions, Jiang Ling, with his spiritual energy level, couldn’t possibly fail to think of an escape plan.
Chu Wenyu seemed to be going mad, murmuring incessantly: Why is he staying by my side?
Why is he staying by my side?
Why is he slowly seducing me…
His performance had alarmed the steward nearby, who promptly asked, “Your Majesty, should we immediately summon the royal guards?” He had come to report in secret while the hostage was absent, fearing he might have made a mistake.
In his eyes, the hostage’s intentions were obvious.
Chu Wenyu relaxed his face, suddenly came out from his frenzy and even becoming more composed.
“Find out everything you can about his account, and remember to summon the newly appointed royal therapist into the palace,” Chu Wenyu’s voice grew as cold as winter river water.
The matter concerning Alpha had thrown his thoughts into chaos, and he happened to need an outlet.
After all…he had been too peaceful for a long time.
The steward had no idea how this related to Zheng Ziang, but he saw the terrifying state of the Emperor. It seemed another manic episode might be on the horizon, so he quickly took his leave.
Chu Wenyu remained huddled in his wheelchair, his face frighteningly pale. His mind raced chaotically, lacking any discernible pattern.
He mumbled in a daze, “The secret royal dungeon beneath the palace should still be impenetrable…” The protective net was made of the most durable technological composite materials, and even a SS-class would have a hard time escaping without external assistance.
Since he chose to save him, he had to help him to the end. How can he allow himself to hide his strength and retreat according to his mood?
Chu Wenyu revealed a mysterious smile on his face, as if he was not the one who had been searching for a way to generate spiritual power for Alpha all along. He wanted Jiang Ling to grow stronger, but he wanted to ensure the other had no way out in his hands.
Suddenly, a tale came to mind, and Chu Wenyu thought of himself as perhaps the kindest snake in the entire universe. As long as the farmer was willing to nurture him, he would coil contentedly nearby.
Jiang Ling had just returned from Princess Anna’s residence. She hadn’t returned home since the last banquet, remaining at the palace due to her dejected mood. His reason for being there was a message from Princess Anna, indicating that Nao Nao seemed to have fallen ill again. After seeking Emperor Chu Wenyu’s permission, he went to check on her.
However, he hadn’t anticipated that when he returned, the monarch seated before him was no longer the same as the previous one.
“How’s that cat doing?” There was no noticeable emotion in Chu Wenyu’s voice.
Normally, Chu Wenyu was the type to get jealous of even a cat. But perhaps lately, he had become more like an ordinary person, thinking that Jiang Ling constantly keeping him company might become suffocating. That’s why he reluctantly agreed to let Jiang Ling visit the cat for a short while.
But now, that isn’t happening.
Oddly enough, the ragdoll cat was perfectly fine and he had a brief chat with Princess Anna. With nothing much to do, he wandered around the palace for a bit and was about to take the tyrant out to enjoy some sunshine.
“No problems,” Jiang Ling replied.
Chu Wenyu suddenly felt that to the person in front of him, he might be no different from that cat. He was willing to lend a hand to both when he was in a good mood, and now is obviously a time when he’s in a good mood.
So, lend him now.
He was no longer satisfied with the simple flirtations of the past.
“Your Majesty, do you want to go outside and catch some sun?” Jiang Ling sensed that the atmosphere was a bit strange and made the invitation.
Chu Wenyu lowered his gaze, huddled in his wheelchair, and clutched the armrests. “I’m tired, and I don’t want to go out. Can you give me a back rub?” After saying this, he raised his eyes and looked at Jiang Ling with those watery eyes.
Jiang Ling acknowledged that they had feelings for each other, but it was due to their personalities that they had always been reserved and gradual. He seldom saw Chu Wenyu like this.
In such a situation, Jiang Ling had no choice but to agree helplessly.
Chu Wenyu pushed his wheelchair to his room, walking ahead of Jiang Ling, and his eyes were filled with coldness.
He wanted to test when Jiang Ling would finally confess to him.
Jiang Ling felt that this time, helping with a back rub was different from helping with leg massages or back rubs in the past. Before, it was just a physical need. Now, it seemed more like Chu Wenyu was leading him along, and he was willing to go along with it in a daze.
Chu Wenyu firmly closed the door, lit his favorite light-scented candle in the room, and then turned around to gaze straight at Jiang Ling with slightly parched lips.
“Hold me onto the bed,” he reached out and ordered.
Jiang Ling, as usual, gently placed him on the bed.
After Chu Wenyu removed his outer garment, he exhaled slowly while looking at Jiang Ling. Slowly, he turned over and assumed the proper position for a back rub.
He lay on his side, his cheek resting on his elbow. Although he was wearing a mask, the area where he had no birthmark was clearly visible on his side.
“Come and help me,” he licked his lips, and his formerly fierce gaze was now filled with a different kind of desire.
Jiang Ling felt that the tyrant today was a bit strange, but his allure made him follow Chu Wenyu’s words.
“Right here?” Jiang Ling asked as he massaged the area connecting Chu Wenyu’s neck and back. After sitting for a long time, this area was prone to stiffness.
“Yeah,” Chu Wenyu closed his eyes, revealing long eyelashes.
Jiang Ling furrowed his brow and massaged the area through the fabric for a while.
The scent of the candle gradually spread throughout the room, and the temperature began to rise. Jiang Ling started to feel a bit warm.
A normal person with a functioning brain might have guessed the intention behind this. But if the subject was Chu Wenyu, Jiang Ling couldn’t possibly think it was intentional. After all, the tyrant was so proud that even if they had mutual feelings, their interactions wouldn’t be like this, leaving him baffled.
“It hurts where the clothes rub,” Chu Wenyu instructed, nonchalantly.
Jiang Ling hesitated for a moment, then reached into the other’s clothing and began to massage. His hand glided over the supple waist and the beautiful butterfly bones, each touch was warm and delicate. Due to the nature of the action, Jiang Ling couldn’t help but get closer.
Chu Wenyu’s back swayed with the movement of Jiang Ling’s palm. He blinked slightly, and his breath quickened. He gazed into Jiang Ling’s azure eyes, turned his head slowly, rubbing against the other’s shoulder, creating friction that made him pant.
Even Jiang Ling, as serious as he usually was, succumbed to the temptation. He allowed Chu Wenyu to nuzzle his face, his nose brushing against the slightly hard mask. Until he felt something soft on his lips, and Jiang Ling’s heart raced. The peppermint scent of pheromones enveloped Chu Wenyu’s face.
The kiss didn’t deepen, and Jiang Ling quickly regained his composure. He felt like it was going too fast. Most importantly, this didn’t seem to align with Chu Wenyu’s usual style.
Chu Wenyu turned over, his expression devoid of any anger, at least understanding that he was now attractive to Jiang Ling. His gaze fixed on the nearby scented candles, and his breathing gradually calmed, filled with determination, much like when he decided to seize power in his youth.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
