April 30th, an auspicious day for starting a business.
Qiao Shu’s “Confucius Says” bookstore opened quietly. This name had been in Qiao Shu’s mind ever since the idea of retirement first took shape. After all, who hasn’t memorized the Analects during their school days? The moment you open your mouth, it’s “Confucius says.” Using “Confucius Says” as the name of the bookstore is quite stylish.
Qiao Shu still thinks so to this day.
Early in the morning, Qiao Shu put on makeup, wore a mask, and disguised himself with a pair of glasses to attend the bookstore’s opening ceremony.
Gu Chenyan also wanted to come, but Qiao Shu refused him.
Are you kidding? It’s already conspicuous enough for him to disguise himself alone. If Gu Chenyan came, it would be impossible to hide the fact that this bookstore was his. Qiao Shu just wanted to be a low-key bookstore owner and have a place where he could read quietly.
If it were exposed, with his current fame, this bookstore would quickly become a fan-gathering spot.
“How about I bring you some coffee later?” Qiao Shu coaxed the man on the other end of the phone. “I’ll make it myself.”
Gu Chenyan: “If I come to the bookstore today, you won’t make me coffee?”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Qiao Shu couldn’t help but laugh out loud. “Mr. Gu, you’re a bit childish today.”
Childish and capricious.
He silently teased in his heart, finding Gu Chenyan’s rare cuteness endearing.
He kind of wanted to see it.
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm.”
“I want to be childish,” he said in a low voice.
Chen Wenyuan, who was waiting in the office for Gu Chenyan to finish his call and continue the work report: “…”
Is this really Mr. Gu?!
Shocking!
Being in love is terrifying!
Qiao Shu was stunned for a moment, and then his smile widened. He teased, “So, what compensation does little Gu want from Mr. Qiao?”
Gu Chenyan: “Change the nickname.”
Qiao Shu teased him further: “Isn’t ‘little Gu’ cute enough?”
Gu Chenyan: “Not as cute as ‘little Qiao.'”
“Little Qiao.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He’s getting into it!
“Hmph,” Qiao Shu narcissistically retorted, “Little Mr. Qiao is definitely the cutest in the world!”
Gu Chenyan chuckled.
Qiao Shu laughed too.
A few seconds later, Gu Chenyan said, “Since Little Mr. Qiao won’t let me come, how about giving me a live broadcast later?”
So, when Qiao Shu was cutting the ribbon, Gu Chenyan’s personal assistant was on the site, holding Qiao Shu’s phone and pointing the camera at Qiao Shu to live-stream the event to Gu Chenyan.
Beside him, a photographer was holding a camera to capture the bookstore’s opening ceremony.
Qiao Shu was a bit nervous for once.
It wasn’t because of the photographer, but because of Gu Chenyan on the other end of the video. This made him subconsciously want to appear more handsome, cooler, and more composed.
In the office, after Chen Wenyuan finished his report and left, Gu Chenyan relaxed and watched the happy and confident Qiao Shu in the video. A faint smile on his lips and his eyes filled with amusement.
His little husband.
As he watched, the person in the video suddenly turned around. Those bright and beautiful eyes looked in his direction, and then he waved exuberantly with a radiant smile.
Like a peacock.
An obedient and beautiful peacock.
Gu Chenyan couldn’t help but let out a soft, delighted laugh as he watched his little husband. Then, he also raised his hand and waved at the camera.
A bit silly.
But he just wanted to wave too.
But he was a beat late. His little husband had already turned away.
Qiao Shu didn’t see Gu Chenyan’s wave. After greeting the video version of Gu Chenyan, he turned back and completed the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It was simple, and Qiao Shu quickly finished the process. He eagerly took the phone from the assistant and entered the bookstore.
His bookstore had four employees: one in charge of the milk tea area, one dedicated to making coffee, and the other two managing the bookstore.
As the owner, Qiao Shu only needed to drop by occasionally.
Qiao Shu headed straight to the coffee area’s counter and took out a can of coffee beans from behind it. The can contained Blue Mountain coffee beans, Gu Chenyan’s favorite.
Qiao Shu didn’t like drinking coffee; he preferred sweet milk tea. Consequently, he had never paid attention to or understood anything about coffee.
However, he had recently learned a bit.
He placed his phone aside, keeping the video call open. Although they didn’t speak, both Qiao Shu and Gu Chenyan were busy with their own tasks, occasionally glancing at the video to see each other, sharing a smile, and then continuing their work.
It was warm and tender.
Qiao Shu skillfully ground the coffee beans, placed a layer of filter paper, and began to slowly brew the coffee.
He meticulously and patiently added water repeatedly, letting the aroma of the coffee fill the air.
Qiao Shu inhaled the fragrance with some enjoyment.
Though he didn’t love drinking coffee, he did quite like its aroma.
The small glass pot gradually filled with dark coffee. Qiao Shu took a deep breath and put down the kettle. He removed the filter paper, and then, with a proud flick of his eyebrows and a smug tilt of his head, he tapped the table lightly to show off.
Gu Chenyan heard the sound and looked at the video.
Qiao Shu proudly held up the glass pot. “Look.”
Qiao Shu: “I made it.”
Qiao Shu: “It smells wonderful.”
Gu Chenyan smiled warmly. “Thank you, Little Mr. Qiao.”
Qiao Shu quickly replied with a smile, “It’s no trouble at all. I’ll bring it over to you right away.”
Qiao Shu: “Wait for me.”
Qiao Shu ended the video call abruptly and casually tossed his phone into his pocket. Holding the coffee pot, he hopped and skipped his way to Gu Chenyan’s company.
The five-minute walk took him less than three.
Arriving at the company, Qiao Shu confidently pulled down his mask, greeted the employees along the way, and cheerfully entered the elevator.
He went straight to the top floor.
The secretaries and assistants in the CEO’s office smiled and congratulated Qiao Shu on the successful opening of his bookstore.
“Congratulations, Madam. Are you bringing coffee to the CEO? It looks like it was brewed by you.”
“Mr. Gu is lucky.”
“Madam is so thoughtful.”
Their comments made Qiao Shu happy and a bit shy. He rubbed his face and smiled, saying, “I’m off to deliver the coffee.”
Then he quickly walked towards Gu Chenyan’s office.
As soon as the office door opened, Gu Chenyan looked up towards the entrance.
Seeing Qiao Shu, he immediately smiled and stood up from behind his desk.
He walked quickly to Qiao Shu, took the coffee pot from his hands, and wrapped an arm around Qiao Shu’s waist. “Are you tired?”
Qiao Shu closed the door.
Qiao Shu: “I’m not tired.”
“Smell it. Does it smell good?” He looked at Gu Chenyan expectantly, his black eyes exceptionally beautiful.
Gu Chenyan felt like he was looking at a kitten seeking praise, clutching his sleeve and saying, “Praise me, praise me.”
He couldn’t help but chuckle.
Qiao Shu, waiting for compliments, was puzzled. “Why are you laughing?”
Gu Chenyan shook his head.
He raised his hand to ruffle Qiao Shu’s hair, then picked up the coffee pot and took a serious sniff. “It smells wonderful.”
Gu Chenyan: “Little Mr. Qiao did a great job.”
Qiao Shu immediately beamed with joy at the praise. He turned and walked behind Gu Chenyan, pressing his hands against Gu Chenyan’s back to push him towards the desk.
Gu Chenyan went along with him.
When they reached the desk, Qiao Shu eagerly took the coffee pot from Gu Chenyan’s hand and carefully placed it on the desk. Then, he walked behind the desk and pulled out the chair.
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu, please sit.”
His eyes were filled with a smile.
Gu Chenyan, smiling, walked over and sat down.
Qiao Shu smiled contentedly, turned to fetch a clean cup, and then returned to pour a cup of coffee from the pot.
The temperature was just right.
Qiao Shu handed the coffee to Gu Chenyan. “Mr. Gu, try it and see if you like it.”
Gu Chenyan took the cup, his warm fingers brushing against Qiao Shu’s slightly soft hand.
Qiao Shu giggled from the ticklish sensation.
Gu Chenyan deliberately brushed his fingertip against Qiao Shu’s hand again.
Qiao Shu said, “Stop it!”
Gu Chenyan replied, “Alright, I’ll listen to my wife.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He’s doing it on purpose!
He pouted, then quickly leaned down to kiss the back of Gu Chenyan’s hand before pulling away just as fast. “Hurry up and taste it.”
Qiao Shu: “I made it especially for you.”
Gu Chenyan glanced at him, chuckled softly, and then took a gentle sip of the coffee.
Qiao Shu watched with eager anticipation, waiting until Gu Chenyan finished tasting before asking, “How is it?”
Gu Chenyan: “Hmm.”
Gu Chenyan: “It’s very good.”
Qiao Shu breathed a sigh of relief.
Gu Chenyan beckoned to Qiao Shu, who happily walked over and naturally sat in Gu Chenyan’s lap.
Gu Chenyan asked, “Do you want to try it?”
Qiao Shu was taken aback.
He hesitated.
He didn’t like coffee, but this cup was brewed by him.
Qiao Shu: “Yes!”
Gu Chenyan wrapped one arm around Qiao Shu’s waist and held the coffee cup to Qiao Shu’s lips with the other hand.
The coffee smelled wonderful.
For a moment, Qiao Shu thought it was the finest beverage ever, but after taking a small sip, he frowned.
Qiao Shu: “Bitter.”
His voice was full of grievance as if he had just tasted poison.
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly.
Qiao Shu turned to glare at him. “You’re still laughing!”
Qiao Shu: “Mr. Gu is really bad.”
Gu Chenyan put down the coffee and, smiling, pinched Qiao Shu’s chin.
Qiao Shu blinked.
Gu Chenyan kissed Qiao Shu’s lips.
Their breaths mingled.
Their saliva mixed.
Qiao Shu straightened his feet, tightly gripping Gu Chenyan’s clothes with both hands. His closed eyes fluttered like butterfly wings.
Their breathing grew heavier.
Qiao Shu’s cheeks turned increasingly red.
After an indeterminate amount of time, Gu Chenyan finally released Qiao Shu. Holding him, he leisurely nibbled on Qiao Shu’s flushed lips. “How about now?”
Qiao Shu was confused.
Gu Chenyan asked, “Is the coffee still bitter?”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Gu Chenyan raised an eyebrow. “It seems it’s still a bit bitter.”
Before Qiao Shu could respond, an overwhelming wave of kisses descended once more, stealing away the little clarity Qiao Shu had regained.
The office was filled with romance.
Even the air seemed to blush with warmth.
…
May 1st, Labor Day.
The whole country was on holiday.
Countless people took advantage of this rare long weekend to travel alone or with friends and family to various tourist destinations.
Qiao Shu was among them.
Naturally, Gu Chenyan was too.
And Zai Zai was once again mercilessly abandoned by the two dads who wanted to have some private time together.
The plane pierced through the clouds, swiftly flying towards Europe.
Upon arrival at the airport, the driver and butler who had been waiting at the airport escorted Qiao Shu and Gu Chenyan to their destination.
It was a majestic and magnificent castle with a distinct historical charm that immediately captivated Qiao Shu upon sight.
It was Qiao Shu’s first time seeing a castle in person. He stared in awe, his emotions stirred, momentarily unable to express his excitement.
Gu Chenyan stood quietly beside him, watching Qiao Shu tenderly.
After a while, Qiao Shu snapped out of it.
Excitedly, he grabbed Gu Chenyan’s hand, his eyes sparkling. “It’s a real castle!”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes.”
Gu Chenyan: “It belongs to you.”
Upon hearing this, Qiao Shu became even more excited.
The fatigue from the long flight was suppressed by his excitement. Qiao Shu, full of joy, couldn’t wait to start exploring his territory with Gu Chenyan, without even bothering to unpack their luggage.
The castle was exceptionally well-maintained, with vast stretches of roses in full bloom. Their vibrant colors created a picturesque scene reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
And he was the master of this castle.
Qiao Shu glanced back at Gu Chenyan and saw the gentle gaze he received in return.
He smiled.
Then, stepping lightly, he entered the midst of the flowers, bending down to avoid the sharp thorns. He plucked one of the beautiful red roses from the bush.
Qiao Shu: “For you.”
Qiao Shu offered the rose to Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
A breeze brushed past, tousling Qiao Shu’s hair. Qiao Shu tiptoed and kissed the soft lips of the man in front of him. “For my knight in shining armor.”
Qiao Shu: “My knight, will you accept it?”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly. He reached up to brush aside a strand of Qiao Shu’s hair, then elegantly performed a medieval knight’s salute. “Yes.”
He took the rose.
Bowing his head, he grasped Qiao Shu’s fair and soft hand, planting a kiss on the back of it.
Gu Chenyan: “My prince.”
Gu Chenyan: “I will forever be loyal to you.”
Qiao Shu, like an adventurer, led Gu Chenyan around the vast castle, marveling at everything they saw. Every time he spotted something, he would be astonished for a moment before excitedly pulling Gu Chenyan to take a photo together.
The castle was enormous.
They wandered around for a long time but still couldn’t explore the entire castle. By the end, Qiao Shu felt physically and mentally exhausted.
The sky outside was still bright.
Qiao Shu tried to stay awake to adjust to the time difference, but he couldn’t resist.
Gu Chenyan indulged him.
Gu Chenyan: “Go to sleep. We can play anytime while we’re on vacation. No need to force yourself.”
Qiao Shu thought about it and agreed. There were plenty of places to visit in the city from morning till night. He didn’t have to work and he could sleep or play whenever he wanted.
Besides, exploring the castle at night would be more interesting.
With this in mind, Qiao Shu stopped insisting and reached out to Gu Chenyan, acting spoiled.
Gu Chenyan lifted Qiao Shu up into his arms.
Qiao Shu yawned. “My knight, please escort this prince back to the room for sleep.”
Gu Chenyan: “Yes, my prince.”
Said with solemnity.
Unable to resist, Qiao Shu affectionately kissed Gu Chenyan’s cheek, then tilted his head and rested it on Gu Chenyan’s shoulder.
Gu Chenyan’s shoulder was broad, his embrace warm, and his steps steady.
As Qiao Shu was held, he closed his eyes and gradually relaxed his breathing.
He fell asleep.
Gu Chenyan looked at the person sleeping in his arms, his eyes filled with gentle and affectionate smiles.
In the middle of the night, Qiao Shu woke up.
He was awakened by hunger.
He instinctively reached out to turn on the bedside lamp, but couldn’t find it.
“What’s wrong?”
A slightly hoarse voice sounded.
“I’m hungry,” Qiao Shu said.
“I can’t find the light.”
“I’ll do it,” Gu Chenyan replied.
He got up, and soon, the room was illuminated. Gu Chenyan covered Qiao Shu’s eyes with his hand. Once Qiao Shu adjusted, he removed his hand.
Qiao Shu blinked.
He looked around the unfamiliar room, feeling a bit bewildered. It took him a while to remember that he was currently staying in the castle. Immediately, he curiously began to observe his surroundings.
The room was huge.
The decoration was all in medieval style, with each lamp and ornament exuding grandeur.
There was even a large oil painting hanging on the wall.
Qiao Shu: “Wow.”
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
Qiao Shu exclaimed, “I’ve really become a prince.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled.
He flicked Qiao Shu’s nose and got off the bed, putting on his coat. “Let’s go.”
Qiao Shu: “???”
Gu Chenyan: “Aren’t you hungry?”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He almost forgot.
Because of Gu Chenyan’s arrival, the castle was temporarily equipped with chefs, servants, and tight security.
When the two of them went downstairs after freshening up, the chef had already woken up and was preparing food.
But it wasn’t the Western cuisine Qiao Shu had expected.
No foie gras1Foie gras is a delicacy made from the liver of a fattened duck or goose. or steak.
Instead, it was authentic Chinese cuisine.
As Qiao Shu sat at the magnificent dining table holding chopsticks and a spoon while looking at the grand and luxurious dining hall, he couldn’t help feeling a bit out of place.
Eating Chinese food in a castle.
Pfft
Qiao Shu couldn’t help but laugh.
Gu Chenyan: “What’s so funny?”
Qiao Shu slurped the delicious noodles in his bowl, deliberately making a slurping sound.
Gu Chenyan raised an eyebrow.
Qiao Shu chuckled, “It feels a bit out of place.”
“Disrespectful to this castle,” he added.
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly. “Then tomorrow, I’ll prepare Western cuisine for you.”
Qiao Shu: “…”
He quickly shook his head. “No, no.”
Qiao Shu wasn’t used to Western food. While he could occasionally stomach some of these dishes, having them as a regular meal always felt like a protest from his stomach and mouth.
He preferred Chinese cuisine, especially Sichuan and Hunan delicacies. They were spicy and satisfying. Unfortunately, Gu Chenyan rarely allowed him to indulge.
As he took another bite of noodles, Qiao Shu tilted his head and thought for a moment. “I can manage one meal.”
Qiao Shu: “I’ll take photos and post them on my social media.”
In times of uncertainty, post on social media first even if you don’t like it.
Gu Chenyan: “Okay.”
After finishing a bowl of noodles, Qiao Shu filled his stomach and was neither hungry nor tired at the moment, feeling very spirited.
So he proposed another adventure.
It was midnight now, the outside was dark, and the entire castle seemed deserted. In the corridors, it was even eerily quiet, to the point where every step echoed.
Qiao Shu scared himself with his imagination and quickly clung tightly to Gu Chenyan’s arm.
Gu Chenyan held a candlestick in one hand. When Qiao Shu pounced on him, the dim candlelight flickered, and the shadows of the two on the wall instantly distorted.
As if an evil spirit was pouncing.
Qiao Shu happened to look over.
“Ah!”
He was immediately frightened and screamed, his face turning pale for a moment. Then he quickly threw himself into Gu Chenyan’s arms, his hands and feet moving quickly in fear, climbing up Gu Chenyan’s body.
Like a koala tightly holding onto Gu Chenyan, Qiao Shu’s body trembled with fear.
Qiao Shu: “Ghost… ghost…”
His voice trembled with fear.
Gu Chenyan: “…”
He steadily supported Qiao Shu’s body, preventing him from falling to the ground, while his other hand also saved the candle that was almost knocked over by Qiao Shu’s movements.
Gu Chenyan: “Where?”
Qiao Shu, with his fearful head buried in Gu Chenyan’s shoulder, tightly closed his eyes, not daring to open them again. His whole body was trembling.
Gu Chenyan asked again, “Where is it?”
He gently patted Qiao Shu’s back to reassure him and said in a warm voice, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here.”
These words instantly brought back a bit of Qiao Shu’s courage, but he still didn’t dare to open his eyes. He only stretched out his hand and pointed in a direction based on memory.
Gu Chenyan looked in that direction.
Gu Chenyan: “…”
In the dark corridor, only the dim candlelight illuminated a part of the space, quiet and serene. Due to the ancient construction, there was also a faint, almost imperceptible chill in the air.
The flickering candlelight illuminated a section of the wall, and a large dark shadow swayed with the movement of the candlelight.
Deep and eerie.
As if it could pounce out at any moment.
But upon closer observation, one would find that the dark shadow was actually the overlapping shadows of two people.
Gu Chenyan couldn’t help but laugh and feel helpless.
Qiao Shu, clinging to him, was still trembling and asked, “Did you see it? Did you see it?”
Qiao Shu: “Let’s run away quickly.”
He was on the verge of being scared to tears.
Gu Chenyan finally laughed and patted Qiao Shu’s buttocks. “Look up.”
Qiao Shu was still afraid. “No!”
Qiao Shu: “Husband, run quickly!”
Gu Chenyan sighed helplessly. “There’s no ghost.”
Gu Chenyan: “That’s our shadow.”
But Qiao Shu was still scared.
He was startled at this moment, his imagination running wild. He always felt that if he looked up and opened his eyes, he would see a terrifying ghost face.
He shook his head vigorously.
Gu Chenyan teased him, “You’re so timid, yet you still want to explore?”
Qiao Shu: “…”
Gu Chenyan comforted him for a while, then turned Qiao Shu’s head to face him. Qiao Shu’s eyes timidly opened a slit.
What came into view was a face he found both familiar and handsome, a face with a gentle smile that immediately made Qiao Shu relax.
Qiao Shu pouted. “I was scared to death.”
Gu Chenyan said, “Don’t be afraid, don’t be afraid. I’m here.” He soothingly kissed Qiao Shu’s lips.
Gu Chenyan: “That’s our shadow.”
Gu Chenyan: “Do you want to take a look?”
Qiao Shu closed his eyes again, then cautiously opened a slit and slowly turned his head to look.
Meanwhile, his mind was filled with chaotic thoughts.
At first glance, seeing the slightly swaying shadow, Qiao Shu instinctively closed his eyes but quickly reopened them. He raised his hand, and the shadow on the wall raised its hand too.
He moved his head.
The shadow’s head moved too.
Qiao Shu: “…”
Gu Chenyan: “Still scared?”
Feeling very embarrassed, Qiao Shu argued, “I wasn’t scared.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled softly.
But soon, the sound of the wind outside scared the arguing Qiao Shu back into Gu Chenyan’s arms.
Gu Chenyan: “…”
He asked helplessly, “Do you want to turn on the lights?”
For the thrill of the adventure, Qiao Shu, who was naturally afraid of ghosts, suggested turning off the lights.
This led to the scene of the two of them walking around the dark castle with a candlestick.
There are always people who are extremely afraid of ghosts and dare not do anything alone. But once they have company, they want to drag others into all sorts of thrilling experiences.
Qiao Shu was such a person.
As soon as the suggestion to turn on the lights came up, Qiao Shu quickly refused, “No!”
Qiao Shu: “We just started exploring.”
Gu Chenyan: “Not scared anymore?”
Qiao Shu confidently hugged Gu Chenyan and said, “Because you’re here.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled.
Although the ghostly shadow turned out to be a false alarm, Qiao Shu was indeed frightened. He didn’t dare to get down. He clung to Gu Chenyan, trembling nervously and looking around.
Even the slightest noise made him panic.
Gu Chenyan, however, walked steadily through the dark castle with Qiao Shu in his arms, remaining calm.
His footsteps were steady, showing no sign of panic.
Well, almost no sign of panic.
When Qiao Shu was scared into screaming, the hand holding the candlestick would tremble slightly.
This phenomenon is commonly known as scaring each other.
Gu Chenyan was both amused and exasperated.
The two walked for a long time and finally came to a wall.
Qiao Shu asked, “What is that?”
In his nervousness, he instantly tightened his legs around Gu Chenyan’s waist.
Gu Chenyan looked in the direction Qiao Shu pointed, then took two steps forward, letting the candlestick illuminate the shadow on the wall.
A terrifying, hideous bull’s head appeared.
“Ah!”
“Monster!”
Qiao Shu screamed again. Possibly already terrified along the way, his voice was noticeably weaker.
“Don’t be afraid,” Gu Chenyan comforted, then walked closer while holding Qiao Shu. He handed the candlestick to Qiao Shu, saying, “Hold this for me.”
Qiao Shu’s hands trembled, but he managed to hold the candlestick steadily.
As they approached, Gu Chenyan saw the bull’s head clearly. It was a copper bull’s head. Its large face was twisted with a ferocious, terrifying mouth.
The bull’s head was mounted on a door.
Gu Chenyan said, “It’s a door.”
Qiao Shu: “Huh?”
Qiao Shu, with a trembling voice, cautiously looked and indeed saw that it was a door.
He patted his chest in relief after the false alarm. “Who put such a terrifying thing here?”
Qiao Shu: “It’s enough to scare someone to death.”
Gu Chenyan replied, “It might have originally been part of the castle.”
Although Gu Chenyan was the owner of this castle, he had never lived here and was completely unfamiliar with it. He only knew that he owned it.
Qiao Shu: “…”
“Should we open this door and take a look?” He was scared but eager to explore.
Gu Chenyan asked, “Not afraid?”
Qiao Shu admitted, “Afraid.”
Qiao Shu: “But I want to see.”
Gu Chenyan chuckled lightly. He couldn’t understand Qiao Shu’s mindset of being incredibly scared yet still wanting to face his fears, but it didn’t stop him from indulging Qiao Shu.
Gu Chenyan: “Shall I open it then?”
Qiao Shu said, “Okay.”
Gu Chenyan placed his hand on the door.
Qiao Shu said, “Wait!”
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
Qiao Shu took a deep breath. “I need to mentally prepare myself.”
After a while, once Qiao Shu had steeled himself, he signaled to Gu Chenyan, “Open it. I’m not scared anymore.”
Qiao Shu was very nervous when the door was opened, but fortunately, there was nothing scary inside, just a staircase leading down.
Qiao Shu let out a sigh of relief.
But then curiosity took over. “What’s down there?”
Gu Chenyan recalled the layout of the castle and said, “It should be the basement.”
Qiao Shu exclaimed, “The basement!”
Qiao Shu: “Let’s go explore it!”
Still obsessed with adventure but frightened, Qiao Shu clung to Gu Chenyan, who carried him down to the basement.
The basement was even eerier.
The echoes were louder.
Qiao Shu clung tightly to Gu Chenyan the entire time. His eyes were barely open, just enough to close them quickly if needed.
The basement was indeed more thrilling.
Qiao Shu saw several rooms. Although they were empty, he guessed that the basement was probably used by the castle’s former owner to imprison people.
This thought made it even more terrifying.
Luckily, the basement wasn’t very big. Urged by Qiao Shu, Gu Chenyan quickly finished exploring it.
Gu Chenyan asked, “Do you want to continue exploring?”
By now, the candle was almost burned out.
Qiao Shu, feeling exhausted from the constant tension, weakly shook his head. “No, no more.”
Qiao Shu: “I’m completely drained.”
Gu Chenyan looked at him.
Qiao Shu slowly blinked, then quickly covered his mouth, realizing his mistake. “A slip of the tongue, a slip of the tongue.”
Qiao Shu: “Let’s go back to the room.”
Gu Chenyan pinched his nose.
The lights in the castle turned on, and the bright space made Qiao Shu completely relax.
But he still didn’t get down.
Gu Chenyan put the candlestick aside, then carried Qiao Shu up the stairs back to the room.
The two went into the bathroom to wash up.
After washing up, Gu Chenyan carried Qiao Shu out and placed him on the soft, large bed, bending down to take off Qiao Shu’s jacket, and then his shoes and socks.
Once undressed, Qiao Shu instinctively rolled over on the bed. He reached out and grabbed the blanket. He rolled into the warm covers, wriggling comfortably inside.
Like a little bug.
Gu Chenyan couldn’t help but laugh.
After moving around for a while, Qiao Shu poked his head out of the blanket and looked at Gu Chenyan, who was undressing. “Mr. Gu.”
Gu Chenyan replied, “Hmm?”
Qiao Shu’s eyes shone brightly as he watched Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan hung up his clothes and walked to the bedside. He bent down and rubbed Qiao Shu’s furry head. “What do you want to do?”
Qiao Shu giggled, “Hehe.”
Qiao Shu: “I’m not sleepy yet.”
Gu Chenyan raised an eyebrow.
Qiao Shu said, “So…”
Qiao Shu: “Let’s watch a horror movie.”
The room didn’t have a TV but it was equipped with a projector. Qiao Shu mischievously picked a horror movie that closely resembled their current setting, “Castle Horror.”
As soon as the lights went out and the music started, Qiao Shu, with no courage at all, tremblingly burrowed into Gu Chenyan’s arms.
Qiao Shu: “Husband, hold me tight!”
Gu Chenyan: “…”
He helplessly held Qiao Shu tightly and, at his request, wrapped him snugly in a blanket.
Blanket magic.
Husband magic.
Magical incantation, ghosts leave quickly.
Halfway through the movie, Qiao Shu couldn’t take the fear anymore and turned off the sound.
Without the sound, the horror factor of the movie plummeted, and Qiao Shu even had the presence of mind to focus on Gu Chenyan.
Gu Chenyan happened to look down and see Qiao Shu’s bright, shiny eyes. “What’s wrong?”
Qiao Shu swallowed hard.
Gulp
The sound was super obvious in the quiet room. He licked his lips and honestly said, “Husband, you’re so handsome.”
Qiao Shu: “Tonight, you’re especially handsome.”
Gu Chenyan raised an eyebrow.
Qiao Shu continued with his flattery, “I was scared to death but you weren’t afraid at all and even comforted me.”
Qiao Shu: “You’re so cool!”
Qiao Shu: “You remained calm in the face of danger. Your courage is astonishing!”
Qiao Shu: “And you have great stamina.”
Qiao Shu: “You’ve been holding me for so long without getting tired, and you let me mess around.”
Qiao Shu: “So…”
Gu Chenyan prompted, “So?”
Qiao Shu clung to Gu Chenyan’s neck, slowly straightening his body and leaning closer to him.
Finally, their foreheads touched.
Their noses brushed against each other.
Their hot breaths mingled on each other’s faces, bringing a warm, moist sensation.
Qiao Shu bit his rosy lower lip, then extended his tongue to slowly lick it. When he spoke again, his voice was soft and gentle, with a hint of huskiness.
“So, do you still have the energy?” he asked.
Gu Chenyan’s eyes instantly darkened, a terrifying storm of aggression brewing within them.
His breath grew heavier.
The hand on Qiao Shu’s waist slowly moved upward, finally resting on the back of Qiao Shu’s neck.
That hand was broad and warm.
Even though it wasn’t very hot, Qiao Shu felt as if his neck was nearly scorched.
He couldn’t help but shrink his neck, the corners of his eyes quickly turning red. “Mr. Gu—”
Gu Chenyan: “What do you think?”
The husky voice fell into Qiao Shu’s ear, making his whole body tremble with a tingle.
But before he could answer, the hand pressing on his nape exerted force, pushing his head towards the man.
Their soft lips met.
Qiao Shu’s eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly parted his lips, accepting the man’s somewhat fierce kiss, responding passionately in return.
The lips were scorching.
The kiss was scorching.
…
Qiao Shu’s fingers tightly gripped the man’s back, his eyes misty as he gazed at the man who held his deepest emotions. He whimpered softly, his grip intensifying.
A thin layer of sweat formed on his forehead, causing his hair to stick, with the tips occasionally brushing against his forehead.
He stared at the swaying ceiling and suddenly felt an itch on his forehead, but he was reluctant to let go.
Qiao Shu took a deep breath.
Finally, he turned his head, hoping to rub the itch away on the bedsheet, but as soon as he turned, he faced the still-playing “Castle Horror” on the wall.
A terrifying ghost face appeared abruptly, instantly catching Qiao Shu off guard. He was scared stiff, his entire body tensing up.
His throat seized up.
“Hiss!”
Gu Chenyan gasped, “Little Mr. Qiao—”
Author’s Note:
Gu Chenyan: It’s going to break!
Qiao Shu: QAQ
