“Hey, what’s up with you?” Chu Wenyu persistently asked, his fingers gripping the armrest tightly. He couldn’t understand why, this time, it was clearly Alpha’s fault, and Jiang Ling should be the one apologizing to him. Yet, even if he showed a bit of discontent, it seemed enough to irritate the other.
In this somewhat remote place, with only the two of them, the cool sea breeze couldn’t dispel the heavy atmosphere. Hearing Chu Wenyu’s words, Jiang Ling felt a dull pain in his chest. Eventually, he stood up and turned away, choosing temporary compromise.
He could clearly see Chu Wenyu’s puzzled and distressed expression. The latter was still clueless about his plan to leave. He hadn’t kept his promise, just as Chu Wenyu hadn’t. Yet, Jiang Ling knew he had gone too far, constantly hurting Chu Wenyu because of his inability to tolerate his true nature, just like the words he had blurted out earlier.
At least this time, he should apologize.
Chu Wenyu sat in the wheelchair, watching Jiang Ling’s movements, unable to guess what this guy was up to or what hurtful words he might say again. He stared as Jiang Ling approached step by step, the handsome face magnifying before his eyes. Chu Wenyu’s eyelashes trembled, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Had he pushed too hard? Was Jiang Ling unable to stand him anymore?
From Jiang Ling’s perspective, sitting in the wheelchair, Chu Wenyu seemed condescending, giving off a somewhat oppressive feeling. Realizing this, Jiang Ling sat down by Chu Wenyu’s feet, leaning against his knee affectionately, just as he used to do.
“Your Majesty, it’s my fault for not avoiding Princess Anna when she came over. I messed up,” Jiang Ling explained, his words breaking the ice between them. Chu Wenyu pursed his lips, his attitude no longer sharp.
What really got Chu Wenyu even more irritated and uneasy was Jiang Ling’s attitude after the incident. Since the other had softened up, he reluctantly followed suit. After hesitating for a moment, Chu Wenyu reached out, unconsciously starting to stroke Alpha’s eyebrows and eyes. It had been a long time since he could be this close to the guy, except for those times when he dared to do so while the other was asleep.
“Heh, you knew she had ideas about you, yet you insisted on attending her birthday banquet. How can I not doubt your intentions?” Chu Wenyu complained, pursing his lips.
He thought of cutting off contact between the two, but he never expected Anna to dare to do such a thing.
Jiang Ling didn’t resist; he had his own thoughts. How could he tell Chu Wenyu that the reason he came was to escape?
“In the future, I won’t see her again,” Jiang Ling gazed into the distance, his eyes fixed.
Not only did he not want to see her, but perhaps he wouldn’t have the chance to see her again. Hearing this, Chu Wenyu couldn’t help but curl his lips, feeling pleased, completely unaware of the underlying meaning.
“I don’t know what’s been going on with you these days, but maybe it’s because Anna is in the way. Since you see through her now, let’s be good from now on,” Chu Wenyu spoke in a gentle tone, eager to end the stiff atmosphere. He was genuinely happy about it.
The more he listened, the more uneasy Jiang Ling felt. He dared not think about how Chu Wenyu would react when he found out he was leaving. Perhaps there would be a furious outburst, but ultimately, it would probably return to calm.
“Yeah,” Jiang Ling held the hand on his forehead, savoring the warmth of the last moment.
“Your Majesty, didn’t you once say you wanted to go on a beach date with me? Unexpectedly, it’s happening so suddenly today,” Jiang Ling, feeling the soft sand under his bare feet, spoke lightly, but his mood grew heavier with the passing time.
Chu Wenyu frowned with a hint of disdain. “This doesn’t count. We’ll try again next time.”
Today’s events weren’t worth commemorating for him, and the noisy atmosphere at the banquet had completely spoiled his appetite. Only Jiang Ling understood that there wouldn’t be a next time. He wanted to fulfill Chu Wenyu’s wish one last time.
Without much thought, Jiang Ling patted the sand off his body and stood up.
“What are you going to do?” Chu Wenyu looked at him in confusion. Seeing the silver mask on his face, Jiang Ling decided without consulting Chu Wenyu and took it off, revealing the familiar dark red birthmark and, more notably, his clear eyes.
Chu Wenyu instinctively moved away.
“I know, Your Majesty, that you’re noble. But since we’re here, let’s just make do with it,” Jiang Ling sincerely smiled, bending down to gesture for Chu Wenyu to get on.
“I’m not lightweight, you know,” Chu Wenyu awkwardly mentioned, remembering Jiang Ling’s previous attitude, even finding the idea of pushing his wheelchair uncomfortable.
Jiang Ling, however, simply pulled him up onto his back, then stood up, arms tightly wrapped around the person’s thighs.
Not knowing when Anna would make her move, he couldn’t waste any more time. They had agreed during his conversation with Anna that he needed to return to the banquet when the fireworks ignited.
After a bit of struggling, Chu Wenyu sneakily chuckled and wrapped his arms around Alpha’s neck. The two walked along the seaside on the damp sand, often spotting beautiful shells of various shapes and colors.
“It’s a pity it’s nighttime, no sunshine,” Jiang Ling said, not feeling tired at all, thanks to the physical training under Chu Wenyu.
“But it’s quite enjoyable,” Chu Wenyu replied, half of his face buried in Jiang Ling’s broad back. The cool sea breeze gently brushed over their exposed skin, and with no one to disturb them, they were on the verge of drifting off.
“Your Majesty, do you want to step into the water?” Jiang Ling inquired.
Chu Wenyu hesitated before responding, “But I can’t stand steadily.”
“Your Majesty, don’t worry about that,” Jiang Ling slowly let go of Chu Wenyu, embracing him from the front. His hands firmly gripped Chu Wenyu’s waist, shifting his center of gravity onto himself so that there was no need for Chu Wenyu to use his legs for support.
Chu Wenyu’s waist was slender, and Jiang Ling worried that he might crush it with too much force. Despite not being much shorter than Alpha, Chu Wenyu still encircled Jiang Ling’s neck, moving in rhythm with him through the water.
They were very close, almost with their noses touching. Chu Wenyu could feel the warm breath of the other, and a faint blush crept up on his cheeks. The silent atmosphere was ambiguous.
“The water is cool, a bit chilly,” Chu Wenyu felt the water’s temperature with his remaining sense of touch. He looked into Alpha’s eyes and said slowly, his voice both tingling and magnetic.
His intention wasn’t really about the seawater; it was the atmosphere that left him a bit disoriented and infatuated.
Sure enough, when Jiang Ling heard this, he tightened his embrace, pressing their bodies closer together. The warmth of their skin touching, Chu Wenyu felt the rising heat, and the cool sea breeze couldn’t dissipate it.
He cleared his throat, breaking the rhythm beneath their feet, not moving forward but stopping abruptly. With the disrupted rhythm and the force of gravity, their legs tilted to the side, and they fell together on the beach.
The sand was soft, causing no pain. In that fleeting moment, Jiang Ling extended an arm to cradle Chu Wenyu’s head, preventing any harm.
The fine sand splattered on both of them, dampening half of their pants and clothes, but neither of them seemed to notice.
They were very close, almost too close. Chu Wenyu stared intently at Alpha’s lips, his breath quickening. His eyelashes trembled, and finally, he lifted his chin, leaning in for a soft kiss.
Jiang Ling’s heart raced, feeling a bit dazed, but he didn’t resist.
As he tasted the soft lips, he gently nibbled, and his hands tightened their grip.
Almost forgetting where he was, Jiang Ling closed his eyes, his whole being yearning for the relief of the overwhelming thoughts.
In this moment, Jiang Ling could distinctly sense the kiss stirring his emotions, disrupting his thoughts. Unconsciously, before he even realized it, his hands had already wrapped around Chu Wenyu’s waist, the touch tender and resilient, brushing against the fair and radiant skin, until he felt… he was evidently immersed in the moment.
Chu Wenyu, too, lost his composure. At this moment, he couldn’t sense the threat that Jiang Ling’s identity usually brought, and even in such an open place, he paid no attention.
He bent his legs, tilting his head back, and the skin on his neck was slightly damp—whether from seawater or sweat, or perhaps…
Until the sudden ‘boom’ sound snapped Jiang Ling back to his senses.
He halted his movements, his lips no longer responding, just opening his eyes. He caught a glimpse of dazzling fireworks not far away, bursting in a riot of colors, utterly spectacular. Faint cheers could even be heard.
Those people probably had no idea that not far from their view, two unexpected figures were entangled in a subtle embrace.
Sensing Jiang Ling’s stiffness, Chu Wenyu released his hold.
“What’s wrong?” His lips were rosy and seductive, a bit puzzled. Following Jiang Ling’s gaze to the splendid fireworks, he thought Jiang Ling was captivated and clicked his tongue.
“Tacky and unsightly. I’ll prepare something better for your birthday in the future.”
Jiang Ling, however, had no intention of responding. Carefully, he tidied Chu Wenyu’s clothes, avoiding eye contact, and stood up to brush off the sand.
“Your Majesty, we should go back and change our clothes; otherwise, we might catch a cold.” Jiang Ling scanned the surroundings, making sure this secluded place was free of onlookers. He wasn’t concerned for himself, but the impact on Chu Wenyu could be significant.
Chu Wenyu furrowed his brows, the abrupt interruption naturally leaving him a bit displeased. However, he understood that what they had just done was a bit too risky. Even if they were discovered, he had ways to ensure that person remained forever silent.
Seated on the sandy beach, he looked up at Alpha, who was also tidying up. His gaze was intense.
“Let’s go back to the room and change together.” His tone was soft and suggestive, reducing the need for worry.
Although Alpha might have lost interest, it wasn’t impossible to reignite it. Later, he could have Jiang Ling help him change clothes. In any case, he wouldn’t let this opportunity slip away.
Jiang Ling didn’t dare to look at him too much. As the countdown drew nearer, he felt a bit uneasy, so he just nodded casually.
“Hold me.” Chu Wenyu was still savoring the lingering warmth from earlier, now appearing lazily delicate. He extended his hand, looking at Jiang Ling with puppy eyes, indicating that he couldn’t get up on his own.
Jiang Ling’s actions lacked the warmth from before as he mechanically embraced Chu Wenyu. In his mind, thoughts of what might happen soon took over. As he pondered, he involuntarily glanced at Chu Wenyu’s expression. Perhaps in a short while, the look on this person’s face when mentioning him wouldn’t be the same. Would it be one of frustration and resentment?
He glanced at the red marks near Chu Wenyu’s shoulder, pursing his lips as he adjusted the clothes to cover them, avoiding exposure.
He admitted that he had lost control just now. This wasn’t how it should have been.
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)
