Chapter 105: May I taste? Master.

Chapter 105: May I taste? Master.

The air is so saccharinely thick it could drown someone.

It seemed as if a wind had picked up outside. The light on top of the tent swayed incessantly. In the oscillating brightness and darkness, Yi Li saw Qi Xie lower his head, drawing closer.

The strikingly handsome and wicked face suddenly loomed larger. Yi Li felt a sudden surge of nervousness, surprised at his bold invitation.

He had changed.

He yearned for this kiss, longing for Qi Xie's touch.

Yi Li couldn't fathom why he had become like this, as if addicted, utterly ensnared by Qi Xie's kisses, enamored by the sensation of having his breath taken away.

Passion conquered reason. With trembling anticipation, Yi Li closed his eyes, obediently awaiting the kiss.

He wasn't sure why one must close their eyes when kissing. The time Qi Xie kissed him over their clothes, neither of them closed their eyes. Yet in their subsequent encounters, Qi Xie always ensured his eyes were covered.

However, after what felt like several seconds, there was still no contact on his lips.

Impatiently, Yi Li opened his eyes, only to find Qi Xie's thin lips halted just millimeters away.

It was evident in Qi Xie's eyes and expression that he too was moved, his gaze deep and clouded. He held Yi Li's hand firmly, the knuckles prominent, yet he hesitated to lean in.

The faint scent emanating from Qi Xie seemed to have transformed, becoming more potent and rich, weaving through the air and enveloping Yi Li layer by layer.

Yi Li's throat tightened. Due to Qi Xie's hesitation, his voice held a hint of anxious impatience, "Don't you want a taste?"

"I want to, I really do." A thin sheen of sweat clung to Qi Xie's eyelashes, his gaze lingering on him with a hint of morbidity.

"Then why don't you taste?"

Why hasn't he kissed him yet?

His mind was a complete haze, all he craved was to be taken, to have Qi Xie kiss him without delay.

The long-anticipated kiss finally descended upon him.

Contrary to his intense expectation, Qi Xie's kiss was delicate. His tongue merely traced a circle around his lips, sweeping across like the softest feather, moistening them.

It lacked any trace of sensuality, pure to the extreme.

With the wet touch receding, Qi Xie lowered his gaze upon him, his warm hand caressing the pale nape of his neck: "How can I taste what's in your mouth without trying?"

The fleeting kiss clearly hadn’t satiated Ying Li. He appeared somewhat dazed, his mind slightly clouded, unwittingly getting caught up in Qi Xie's rhythm.

"Your tongue..."

He spoke with sugar in his mouth, his voice slightly muffled, with an undertone that crumbled like sand: "Extend your tongue..."

Kiss him like before, to the point where he's left breathless.

"Should I extend my tongue and taste within your mouth?" Qi Xie teased, running his tongue along the barely parted seam of his lips, his warm breath damp against his face, "Like this?"

Ying Li felt an itch down to his bones from Qi Xie's gentle teasing, yet he never truly delved deeper.

Resting his forehead against Ying Li's, Qi Xie's eyelashes brushed against his cheek: "I can't taste it, teach me. Will you show me how to taste you?"

His tone was seductive, laden with a heavy insinuation, like a tempter leading one astray.

Throughout their few kisses, it was always Qi Xie who took the initiative. Ying Li found himself passively receiving, only recalling the sensation of their lips meeting but not the exact manner in which Qi Xie kissed him. It seemed like he would first envelop Ying Li's lips, then delve in with the tip of his tongue. Sometimes the kiss was fervent, as if he wanted to devour Ying Li whole, while at other times it was tender...

Ying Li's nose turned a deep shade of red, moisture gathered at the corners of his eyes, and the raw sensation on his lips intensified. He instinctively turned his head to escape, but the arm encircling him was as unyielding as a fortress. Despite his own strength, he couldn't break free.

Seeking a kiss was the boldest move he could muster, and he was so embarrassed he couldn't bear to look at him.

"Hmm? Teacher Ying."

At that unique title, Ying Li shivered slightly, his voice growing fainter: "I can't..."

"No more kisses." He sounded a touch aggrieved, "Don't you want to kiss me?"

The torment of almost-kisses was infuriating.

"I do. Every day, I look for opportunities to kiss you," Qi Xie's fervent gaze settled on Ying Li, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "How could I not? I'm going crazy wanting to."

When it came to their kisses, it was Qi Xie who always led the way. Just a hint of pleasure on Ying Li's face would send him into raptures. If Ying Li were to initiate, the excitement would send Qi Xie's blood racing, wishing he could pull Ying Li close and kiss him endlessly.

He whispered into Ying Li's ear, biting it gently, "There are too many people around."

Indeed, the place was crowded. They had been speaking in hushed tones since their arrival, and even an occasional cough from outside the tent would startle Ying Li, making him as skittish as a scared bird.

Ying Li furrowed his brows.

Qi Xie asked, "Can you hold back?"

Ying Li paused, "Hold back what?"

"Your moans."

"Little one, you're being too loud," Qi Xie whispered sultrily into his ear.

Ying Li's face blazed with heat. Qi Xie continued, "Does it matter if they hear?"

Ying Li was sensitive, the slightest touch would elicit strong reactions. He would whimper in Qi Xie's embrace, a mix of pain and pleasure in his voice – a sound Qi Xie found intoxicating.

He wasn't deterred by the crowd; in fact, he wished to kiss Ying Li passionately in full view, letting everyone know that Ying Li belonged to him.

Yet his overpowering possessiveness raged on; he wanted to shield Ying Li from prying eyes. He didn't want others to see how pliant Ying Li could be in his arms. He wanted Ying Li to cry only for him, to let out those soft sobs for his ears alone.

"Can you hold back your tears? When you cry, I lose control..." His voice was husky and on the verge of breaking, "It gets intense."

“……”

Ying Li pouted, unable to resist.

Whether in comfort or discomfort, Ying Li would cry. The harder he cried, the more fervently Qi Xie kissed him, transitioning from a gentle madman to an utterly wild one.

With cheeks aflame and an expression of both embarrassment and disappointment, Ying Li murmured, "I'm going to take a bath."

Qi Xie took his hand, pulling him into an embrace, "Has the sugar melted?"

Enveloped in warmth, Ying Li felt a cozy heat throughout. He moved his tongue slightly and whispered, "Not yet."

"If you can't hold back, bite me, okay?"

Qi Xie tenderly kissed the tip of Ying Li's nose, then sought his lips, probing slowly, "I want to kiss you, to taste you."

His hand traced Ying Li's spine, moving up to cradle the nape of his neck, smoothing it as one would a ruffled cat. The gesture was deeply soothing.

Heat radiated between them, Ying Li entranced, his lips parting even more, his voice barely audible as he moaned, "Mmm..."

"Such a good boy."

A soft intertwining sound came from between their lips. Ying Li's lips were entirely enveloped, with Qi Xie's tongue moving deftly like a fish, slipping between the seams and swirling inside his mouth. It was deep and urgent, lacking the earlier playfulness, betraying a hint of impatience and roughness, clearly struggling with restraint.

Both were lost in this prolonged, fervent kiss.

They became people who knew only to kiss.

The sticky sounds magnified. Ying Li felt dizzy from the intensity of the kiss, his tongue numbed, his gaze increasingly unfocused, seeming to drift amidst ethereal clouds, his body going limp.

Every moan and whimper from Ying Li was assertively sealed by Qi Xie's lips, not a hint of sob escaping.

The candy had fully melted, blending into their sweet breaths.

Only when Ying Li couldn't hold back any longer did Qi Xie release him. He placed his palm over Ying Li's mouth, bending down to kiss his ear, his eyes darkened with passion, murmuring, "Little one, be good, hold it in."

(Holding back tears, nothing else, and no inappropriate assumptions please.)

With tears in his eyes, Ying Li nodded, his breathing rapid.

……

They had been in the tent for quite some time.

……

Ying Li didn't know how he ended up back in Qi Xie's embrace. His eyes were hazy; he felt so comfortable from the kisses yet longed for more, constrained by their surroundings.

The shimmer at the corner of his lips licked away, Qi Xie remarked, "I've tasted it, you're sweeter than candy."

A pang of anxiety surged through Yin Li's heart, his body reflexively tensing up as he gripped the hand that covered his lips tightly.

Five minutes later, only then did Yin Li's breathing gradually stabilize. Qi Xie, unsatisfied, kissed his eyes, making his already dewy lashes even wetter, whispering, "I'll wash your clothes for you."

With a hint of embarrassment in his voice, Yin Li rasped unevenly, "I'll wash them myself..."

Qi Xie brushed his sweat-dampened hair behind his ears and continued to shower kisses on Yin Li's face, "I dirtied them, it's my responsibility."

Yin Li blushed even deeper.

Qi Xie went to take a shower first. After a while, Yin Li finally picked up his pajamas and left the room.

The production team had rented several RVs for grooming purposes. Yin Li bumped into Bian Qiao, who seemed to have just taken a shower, his hair still wet.

With a friendly nod, Bian Qiao greeted him, "Heading for a shower?"

With a slightly hoarse voice, Yin Li nodded.

Bian Qiao commented, "The water pressure's a bit unstable; you'll need to wait a bit for the hot water."

"Alright."

Having spent the entire day in a car, Yin Li hadn't really sweated. The scent of barbeque smoke had clung to him a little. He took a quick shower, and when he finished, Bian Qiao was still standing there.

"Yin Li," called out Bian Qiao, "are you turning in?"

Yin Li replied, "Is there something you need?"

"If you're not planning to rest yet, would it be alright if we chat for a bit?"

With a courteous smile, Bian Qiao's face under the moonlight looked serene, his gaze composed and confident.

Yin Li nodded and replied, “I’ll drop off my clothes back in my tent and then come over immediately.”

“Alright, take your time. I’ll wait for you over there.”

Inside the tent, Qi Xie was awake, seemingly waiting for him. Yin Li said, "Bian Qiao wants to see me. I’ll step out for a bit.”

He didn’t really need to report his whereabouts to Qi Xie, but he felt the need to explain anyway.

Yin Li changed into a different jacket and stepped out, coincidentally bumping into Shen Yao who had just finished freshening up. Shen Yao asked, “Done with your shower? Where are you headed?”

As Yin Li zipped up his jacket, he replied, “Bian Qiao seems to want to talk to me.”

Shen Yao glanced briefly in the direction and left with a slight pout.

As Yin Li approached, Bian Qiao took note of his exposed ankles, asking, “Aren’t you cold dressed like that?”

Yin Li shook his head, “No, I’m fine.”

Bian Qiao was, as always, impeccably dressed, his shirt buttoned up to the very top. It reminded Yin Li of the first time they met; Bian Qiao was always so meticulous and precise.

The temperature difference between day and night at the campsite was significant, and where they stood was directly in the path of a gusty wind.

Bian Qiao suggested, “It’s too windy here. Let’s move over there.”

They walked to a slightly wind-sheltered spot, also further from the main camp. The vast wilderness surrounded them, bathed in a hazy moonlight.

The evening breeze rustled the leaves and billowed through Bian Qiao's shirt, accentuating his slender and tall figure. He gazed at Yin Li, momentarily at a loss for words.

He had wanted to meet with Yin Li, but hadn’t thought through what to say. Hence the silence. He pondered that if it were Shen Yao instead, the latter would undoubtedly have had plenty to discuss with Yin Li, at least not allowing for awkward silences. He admitted to himself, somewhat ruefully, that he could be quite dull.

Suddenly, Yin Li pointed to the flickering glow in the distance and asked, "Is that a swarm of fireflies?"

"It seems so," Bian Qiao responded, narrowing his eyes slightly. "Shall we go take a closer look?"

Over there was an untouched meadow, with grass reaching just above the ankles—soft and fluffy, as if stepping on cotton.

The night breeze was filled with the scent of fresh grass. The sounds of insects and birds harmonized in their ears, and the fireflies danced through the air, as if they were fragments of stars scattered across the earth.

Yin Li, captivated, couldn't help but exclaim, "So many fireflies... they're breathtaking."

Bian Qiao, looking up, remarked, "I saw fireflies when I was very young, but I've never seen this many before."

"Me neither, it's truly mesmerizing."

Wishing to catch the closest firefly, Yin Li attempted to reach out. But with his shortsightedness making it hard to see the ground clearly, he stumbled over something and nearly fell.

With swift reflexes, Bian Qiao reached out, grasping Yin Li's arm, "Be careful."

Once Yin Li had regained his balance, his heart still racing from the scare, he quickly expressed his gratitude.

Releasing his grip, Bian Qiao said, "I think I caught one."

He opened his other hand to reveal a firefly, the size of a grain of rice, nestled in his palm. Its tail emitted a soft, but brilliantly bright glow, illuminating the scar in his palm.

Yin Li's eyes sparkled, "That's impressive."

He bent down to study the firefly, his demeanor no different from a curious child's. Bian Qiao observed him intently for a moment, taking in his thick, curly eyelashes and delicate nose tip.

In an unguarded moment, the firefly took flight again.

Yin Li traced the trajectory of the escaping firefly with his eyes, gazing up at the sky. Suddenly, Bian Qiao's voice sounded close by his ear.

"Are you and the captain dating?"

Yin Li froze, his heart racing wildly. Turning to face the questioner, his expression first registered shock before slowly settling into composure.

Bian Qiao's demeanor was as indifferent as moonlight, as if it was merely a casual inquiry.

Yet, Yin Li found himself at a loss for words.

He wasn't sure if what they had could be termed as 'dating'. He didn't resist Qi Xie's kisses and embraces—in fact, he rather enjoyed them. So much so, that he found himself wanting to kiss Qi Xie daily. They had only shared a few kisses, yet he couldn't comprehend his own fondness for them. Qi Xie's arms easily encircled his shoulders, his strength evident when he effortlessly lifted Yin Li as if cradling a child, enveloping him in a profound sense of security. Perhaps it was because he had never been held this way as a child that he cherished such embraces so much.

"Does everyone know?" Yin Li inquired.

Thus, they had automatically been paired together when tents were being assigned that evening.

"I'm not sure about the others," replied Bian Qiao, "I just had a feeling you two might be together, so I thought I'd ask."

Yin Li widened his eyes slightly, "How... how did you sense that?"

"The two of you tend to disappear together."

Reflecting carefully, Bian Qiao continued in a measured tone, "The time you fell ill, he bought medicine for you and picked you up from the hospital several times. That night in Sea City when you both went out alone, you returned wearing his coat. And then at the music festival..."

"You walked hand in hand."

And there was that time they watched the rainbow. He hadn't been asleep and had seen Qi Xie carrying Yin Li down from the upper floor. He could've pretended to sleep, but instead, he chose to stir, attempting to separate them.

A surge of realization hit Yin Li, and he took a deep, discreet breath, "Did everyone else see?"

"I'm not certain. I haven't asked them," Bian Qiao shook his head. However, judging by Shen Yao's behavior that night, he probably had an inkling.

Yi Li nodded silently.

Bian Qiao remarked, "I'm not trying to pry, but I find it intriguing."

Yi Li was puzzled, "Why?"

Bian Qiao explained, "I thought you'd be drawn to people with personalities like Shen Yao or Xie Wen Shi."

Shen Yao himself is cheerful, while Xie Wen Shi is younger, lively, and energetic. Both have a knack for lightening the mood, and being around them probably doesn't carry much pressure.

Yi Li couldn't quite articulate the type of personality he preferred; he still lacked a clear criterion for choosing a partner.

"He and I..."

"Haven't gotten together yet."

Uttering those words didn't bring relief, but instead, a sharp pain in his heart.

Typically, a couple's love story begins with getting to know each other, holding hands, embracing, kissing, and gradually delving deeper—progressing step by step.

They seemed to have disrupted this order.

From the outset, they ventured into each other's intimate space, followed by embracing, holding hands, and kissing.

Initially, his heartbreak was overwhelming, but now he didn't resent it at all. One moment he talked about setting boundaries with Qi Xie, and the next, he found himself deeply immersed. His internal balance had shifted, even his rationality favored Qi Xie, making him remember only the good in Qi Xie.

Qi Xie had changed him in peculiar ways.

They had only kissed a few times.

They had shared several kisses already.

Yi Li knew it wasn't as simple as falling for anyone who kissed him a few times.

Bian Qiao, without a hint of relief, looked even more solemn, "So, what's your relationship now? Is he pursuing you?"

Yi Li shook his head in a daze, still at a loss for words, pondering over the nature of their relationship himself.

His mind had been foggy these past days. Whenever he was alone with Qi Xie, they were hugging and kissing, glued to each other like two stuck-together candies, even though they hadn't defined their relationship.

Qi Xie said that whenever Yi Li desired a kiss or embrace, he should seek him out. Yet, Yi Li felt this arrangement was somewhat unfair.

The intensity of Qi Xie's affection was startling, erupting suddenly, which made Yi Li wary. He feared that such fervent affection might fade as quickly as it had arisen.

The more he pondered, the clearer his feelings became.

He did have feelings for Qi Xie.

It wasn't just about the kisses and embraces.

Reflecting on his emotions, he realized he was somewhat scared—the intensity of his feelings seemed to be growing at an even faster pace.

Seeing Yi Li furrow his brows, Bian Qiao felt a hint of guilt, "Did my question make you uncomfortable?"

Yi Li shook his head, replying, "No, I'm just still trying to figure things out."

"You're dressed too lightly. You'll catch a cold in this wind. Go back and think it over," said Bian Qiao. "Sorry for disturbing you. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

With his mind filled with thoughts, Yi Li headed back. However, as he pulled open the tent, he was taken aback.

Qi Xie was smelling Yi Li's clothes, his entire face buried within them, inhaling deeply like one might with a beloved cat, until his neck turned red.

"What are you doing?"

Qi Xie turned to look at him, his voice husky, "Smelling your clothes."

A flush spread across Yi Li's face, embarrassed to the core, "Why are you smelling my clothes?"

"They smell wonderful," Qi Xie replied. "Won't you let me?"

There was a distinct scent to Yi Li. Apart from the gardenia, there was another aroma, seemingly emanating from his very bones—a subtle fragrance that could only be detected when close. His worn clothes bore the scent too. Just one whiff calmed Qi Xie, soothing his frazzled nerves.

Yi Li commented, "...That's strange."

It was also rather embarrassing. It was one thing for Qi Xie to smell freshly laundered clothes, but quite another for him to cherish and sniff the worn ones.

"It's not strange. You smell delightful. I just can't resist," Qi Xie said, pulling Yi Li's hand to his lips, planting soft kisses, "Why do you smell so good?"

"I can't smell it."

Yi Li sniffed at his own clothes, detecting only the scent of shower gel—the fresh lime fragrance provided by the production team.

"Here, and here too," Qi Xie indicated, touching Yi Li's neck and collarbone with his fingertip, "It smells particularly good here. Can I taste?"

Whenever Qi Xie kissed him, he'd take the opportunity to kiss other parts of him when Yi Li was lost in the passion, especially favoring his neck and collarbone, to the point where love bites emerged.

Yi Li's face was a deep shade of red, "You..."

"You're so lecherous."

His ears burning, he retreated into his sleeping bag, turning his back to Qi Xie.

In the next moment, he was enveloped in a warm, firm embrace. Though they used the same shower gel, their scents were entirely distinct; Qi Xie's aroma was charged with a predatory desire.

From behind, Qi Xie held him close, whispering in his ear, “You look so good, smell so sweet, taste so divine. Do you aim to torture me by saying I shouldn't even think of it?”

Yi Li dared not close his eyes, feeling the searing breath and teasing tickle behind his ear, “So, you've never thought of it just because I told you not to?”

“I think of you every day,” Qi Xie murmured, his warm lips against the nape of Yi Li’s neck. "Every cell in me yearns for you."

Feeling Qi Xie's essence on that patch of skin, Yi Li involuntarily shrank back, “Did you learn those lines somewhere?”

“No, I'm just honestly expressing my physical response,” Qi Xie said softly, planting gentle kisses. "Let me look at you, alright?"

His deep and raspy voice echoed in Yi Li's ears, every tone hinting at danger. But with so many people around in the camp, Qi Xie couldn't act on his desires, and so, Yi Li wasn't afraid.

Yi Li turned to face him, his eyes, deep and liquid, fixing on Qi Xie.

“Did you feel it?”

Qi Xie seized Yi Li's hand, pressing it firmly against his chest, as if yearning for their essences to merge.

Yi Li pursed his lips, looking up, “Yes, it's racing.”

He recalled an earlier moment when Qi Xie had made a similar gesture, though he hadn’t fully grasped its meaning then.

How could someone's heartbeat race so wildly?

Stealthily, he felt his own — it was equally, if not more, frenzied.

With restrained passion, Qi Xie confessed, “It races whenever it sees you. It adores you.”

The once restrained and serene sea could no longer contain itself, as it surged with towering waves, wildly pouring out its passion.

"I'm so fond of Ying Li."

"I'm especially fond of Ying Li."

"I like Ying Li 300 percent."

His presence was as overwhelming as a tightly woven net, ensnaring Ying Li within. He took a shallow breath and said, "You keep saying you like me so many times a day. Don't you ever tire of it?"

Qi Xie replied, "I never tire. Every time I see you, I want to say it once more."

Ying Li teased as if trying to provoke him, "What if you kept staring at me?"

"I wouldn't just stare at you."

The intensity in Qi Xie's gaze as it settled on him was fiercely compelling, almost alarmingly so: "I'd find a way to come closer to you."

"To kiss you, to embrace you."

Physical intimacy expressed his affection more than words ever could; he needed to convey his fervent love to Ying Li in this manner.

The palpable heartbeat echoed from his trembling chest; the air in the tent seemed to be drained, leaving behind a room brimming with affection.

"No more kisses," Ying Li blocked the impending kiss and turned on his side with closed eyes, "I want to sleep."

When there was no response from behind, Ying Li felt a mix of surprise and apprehension, unsure of what he might see upon opening his eyes, until he felt his feet being lifted.

Qi Xie was removing his socks.

His palm cradled Ying Li's foot, and the sound of a swallowing Adam's apple became notably pronounced in the stillness of the night.

"So ticklish..." Ying Li couldn't bear it any longer and opened his eyes, his brows knitted in anxiety. "Why are you taking off my socks?"

Qi Xie's voice was deep and raspy, with a hint of seriousness: "Aren't I allowed to kiss your feet?"

Flustered and annoyed, Ying Li retorted, "Were you born in the year of the dog? Why do you want to kiss everything?"

Qi Xie responded, "I wasn't born in the year of the dog. I belong to you."

"Your dog."

How could Qi Xie say such a thing...

Ying Li felt a lump in his throat, his heart tingling with emotion, and his head seemed to be enveloped in warmth. He stared at Qi Xie, speechless.

Qi Xie affectionately nuzzled against Ying Li's calf, much like a puppy seeking attention.

His heartbeat went erratic again.

The profound emotions swirling in his eyes were intense; he bent down to plant a gentle kiss on Ying Li's porcelain-white instep.

"May I kiss them now? Master."

Author's Note:

The main story will conclude in October. It might be early or mid-month. Oh, how slow I type; a turtle on a keyboard would move faster than me.