Chapter 117: Fingers.

Chapter 117: Fingers.

"No, I didn't mean it like that. When I said 'sleep,' I just meant being beside you in sleep..."

Ying Li suddenly realized how ambiguous his words sounded. He quickly clarified, "Just like the other day... resting on you as I sleep."

In an instant, their positions were reversed, and the substantial weight pressing down on him felt like a mountain. Ying Li's vision was obscured, seeing nothing. All he could sense was Qi Xie kissing his body, nipping at his collarbone and neck, and there seemed to be a downward trajectory.

It was as if all the emotions Qi Xie had been suppressing burst forth in that moment. His fervent kisses seared every inch of Ying Li's skin. His movements were both hasty and aggressive, far from gentle.

The disparity in their sizes and strengths was stark. Ying Li couldn't move; even with all his might, he couldn't push Qi Xie away. His legs were splayed wide open, and Qi Xie was acting rather audaciously on top of him. Panicking, Ying Li reiterated, "I didn't mean it like that... Please don't misunderstand... Please, don't—"

His words were cut off, Qi Xie tightly covering his eyes, making even blinking a challenge. A numbing sensation spread from the tip of his tongue as Qi Xie kissed him.

A brief yet dominant kiss.

Qi Xie declared, "I've already misunderstood."

Ying Li could hear the restraint and pain in Qi Xie's voice. He felt lost, almost tearful, "But I really didn't mean it that way..."

Qi Xie was having none of it. He pressed down on Ying Li, grabbing his slender wrists and lifting them above his head, pinning them into the covers. His fingers laced tightly with Ying Li's, his teeth grazing Ying Li's ear, "I've already misunderstood. Now what?"

The pressure on his wrists felt as if they might shatter; it was intensely painful. Yet Ying Li had no strength to resist. In his desperation, he proposed, "I'll help you, I can help you... alright?"

……

No matter how many appeasing words he spoke, or how many times he was kissed, Qi Xie remained steadfast, reverting to his previous unyielding demeanor.

Ying Li's shoulders trembled. His throat ached, as did his wrists, legs—pain was everywhere.

Qi Xie gazed at his parted lips, eyes flaming red as they closed, "Don't fear me."

"I am afraid, truly terrified..."

Tears welled in Ying Li's eyes. Qi Xie's soft tone sounded more menacing than ever, making him exceedingly anxious.

Tears trickled from the corners of his eyes, mingling with sweat, causing strands of hair to stick to his cheeks. His vision was pitch black, naturally unable to see Qi Xie's lust-filled face, bloodshot eyes, or the blush staining his entire body. Yet, the warmth from their touching palms was unmistakably clear. Qi Xie's body was scorching, its overwhelming heat threatening to burn away Ying Li's rationality.

He seemed even more distressed than Ying Li, a thousand times over: "I know, I understand... Don't cry, I'll heed your words."

"Then let me go..."

Consoling kisses were planted on his cheeks and by his ears. Ying Li was incredibly trusting, reciprocating any semblance of kindness with all his heart. In his mind, he only remembered the good Qi Xie did, forgetting the latter's unreasonable and wicked nature. While his words promised compliance, his actions were defiantly rebellious.

Ying Li's tears flowed incessantly. He had wept numerous times, and his most vulnerable moments were all witnessed by Qi Xie.

Qi Xie seemed to have murmured something, perhaps words of affection, but Ying Li didn't catch them. The kisses on his cheeks felt light as feathers, dancing over his skin. It felt as though his senses were being dragged into a quagmire, the thick mud encasing him from all directions. As he sank, odd noises emerged—similar to water, but stickier. It muddled and tore apart his reasoning and soul.

When he regained consciousness, he realized that what brushed against his cheeks wasn't kisses, but strands of Qi Xie's hair.

……

To witness the Northern Lights, one would have to travel several hundred kilometers further north. The local meteorological office predicted the appearance of the lights in a week. The Aurora Chasers planned to lead them northwards gradually, enjoying the journey and allowing ample time to adapt to the drastic climate and altitude changes.

Gale Town was a renowned port city, ice-free throughout the year. Surrounded by sea on three sides, it boasted a long, winding coastline. Numerous islands dotted the waters, while majestic mountains spanned its northern side. The beautiful natural landscape was accentuated by a natural fjord in the south, with rapid waters and significant drops, a haven for rafting enthusiasts.

They all rose early the next day. Group leader Karlson arrived at the villa in the morning, generously bringing breakfast and briefing them on the day's itinerary.

"I've tried fjord rafting before; it's super thrilling!" Xie Wen was ecstatic at the prospect of rafting, "Brother Li, you'll surely love it!"

Ying Li preferred not to talk while eating. He curved his lips into a small smile and nodded, "Mm-hmm."

Karlson studied Ying Li's face and remarked, "Darling, you seem a bit pale today."

Ying Li blinked in surprise, "Do I?"

Song Ji Mo inquired, "Feeling unwell?"

A blush tinted Ying Li's cheeks as he shook his head, "No, I'm fine."

It was just that he had gone to bed late the night before and hadn't slept well. He was exhausted.

Xie Wen noticed something off about Ying Li. After a closer inspection, he pointed at the corner of his own mouth and asked, "Brother Li, have you been feeling a bit 'heaty' recently? The corner of your mouth looks quite red and a little swollen, especially right here."

Song Ji Mo raised an eyebrow, "Heaty?"

Ying Li awkwardly licked his lips, his neck flushing to the tips of his ears, "Yes, perhaps. I had the air conditioning on all night; the room was quite dry..."

"Really? It was so cold here, I also had mine on the entire night..."

Xie Wen's gaze shifted to the side, catching Qi Xie's eyes. For some inexplicable reason, he felt that the captain seemed to be in an unusually good mood today, so good that it gave him goosebumps.

As Ying Li was engrossed in his bread, he suddenly sensed a foot stretching over from the opposite side. A shiver ran down his spine. He attempted to dodge, but Qi Xie pursued relentlessly.

Ying Li thought Qi Xie's mischief was somewhat childish, yet he felt helpless towards these little antics.

Once they packed up and set out, Karlson, ever the diligent guide, continued introducing various attractions along the way. This area was close to...

The three countries.

At the crossroads, architectural styles converge. Along the path, one can witness an eclectic mix of buildings. During this season, many tourists flock here. Karusen commented that they're primarily here to chase the Northern Lights.

"Seeing the Northern Lights isn't always easy. Fortunately for you all, you found me," said Karusen, stroking his thick beard with pride. "The groups I lead always get to see the Northern Lights every year."

[This bearded old man is so adorable, just like Santa Claus! LOL.]

[What's with Xiao Ying today? She seems a bit off.]

[Obviously not thrilled about not sitting with her partner.]

[Ah! Why aren't you two sitting together?]

Ying Li sat with Bian Qiao, with Shen Yao and Song Ji Mo seated in front. Xie Wen Shi and Qi Xie sat in the same row, their discomfort palpable.

Their vehicle stopped at the nearest rest station. Karusen guided them to several renowned churches nearby, then led them southward, weaving through the alleyways of Central Street. The low-rise buildings on either side have stood for centuries. They wandered from galleries to museums, immersing themselves in the local culture and artistic flair. The journey concluded at the most scenic harbor to the south.

The sky mirrored the blue of the sea, and the salty sea breeze hinted at the waves crashing ashore. The beach sand was a milky white, soft and moist like snow granules. Because of its unique white sand, many people took photos and checked in at the seaside.

Feeling the chilly sea breeze, Ying Li looked up to the sky. Suddenly, a flock of seabirds flew over him. Curious about all things unfamiliar, he asked, "What birds are those? Seagulls?"

"Not seagulls, but terns, also known as the flying penguins. They are only found in the cold, high-latitude seas," Xie Wen Shi remarked, looking rather smug as he provided the answer.

Observing many people feeding the terns, Ying Li inquired, "Can we feed them? What do they eat?"

Shen Yao replied, "When I was coming from that side earlier, I believe I saw someone selling feed."

Ying Li followed Shen Yao's pointing finger and indeed saw an old man with a cart, selling feed and dried small fish.

Karusen chuckled and advised, "Promise me you'll wear a hat before feeding them. They have a direct digestive system, and you certainly won't enjoy the scent of their droppings."

"Exactly, it stinks terribly and is really messy," Xie Wen Shi's expression of disgust was almost too evident. He shook his head, saying, "That's why I won't be feeding them."

Bian Qiao furrowed his brow, asking Ying Li, "Do you want to feed them?"

Ying Li was somewhat inclined to feed them, but sensing the group's lackluster enthusiasm, he reconsidered. Suddenly, someone emerged from behind him.

Qi Xie approached the old man.

Ying Li's eyes lit up, querying, "Are you going to feed them?"

"Yes."

Qi Xie glanced sideways at him, adjusting his hat. The hem of his black trench coat fluttered in the wind, his silhouette tall and imposing.

Shen Yao, catching the spark in Ying Li's eyes, surmised he wanted to join in. He nudged Ying Li's arm, suggesting, "Let's give it a try. It's not every day we get this opportunity, and I've never seen these birds before."

Ying Li nodded, "Alright."

They bought several bags of dried fish and approached the shoreline where many local children were playing. Spotting them filming, some kids even cheekily made faces at the camera.

The terns, now accustomed to tourists, displayed no fear. In fact, they eagerly flew towards anyone they saw approaching, hoping for a treat.

The moment Ying Li extended his hand, a flock of terns flew over, pecking at the dried fish in his palm. The sensation tickled him as he remarked, "These birds really do resemble penguins."

Their backs were adorned with sleek, glossy black feathers, while their bellies were as white as snow. Their waddling gait was endearingly clumsy.

Xie Wen Shi came fully prepared, even brandishing an umbrella, commenting, "They might be cute, but they have a rather swift digestion."

After feeding the terns, Shen Yao handed a wet wipe to Ying Li, "Clean your hands."

"Thank you," Ying Li replied, wiping his hands clean.

In a bid to appear impartial, Shen Yao offered Xie Wen Shi and Qi Xie a piece each.

Qi Xie's brow slightly furrowed as he accepted and pocketed it.

Xie Wen Shi glimpsed Qi Xie's reddened palm, asking, "What happened to your hand? Were you pecked?"

With a cold demeanor, Qi Xie responded, "Yes."

Ying Li turned his attention to him, inquiring, "Is it broken skin? If so, you need to disinfect it."

Qi Xie pinched his swollen palm, feeling a bit numb, "I'm not sure."

Xie Wen Shi took a closer look, commenting, "It doesn't seem to have broken skin. Maybe Little Brother Li should check."

Ying Li raised an eyebrow slightly.

Admiring his own matchmaking skills, Xie Wen Shi mentally patted himself on the back. Having recently learned the idiom "mature generosity", he felt he was exemplifying it perfectly.

Oddly enough, while he was initially surprised to discover Ying Li and Qi Xie were in a relationship, he quickly adjusted to the idea. The more he observed them, the more compatible they seemed. He jokingly blamed his sudden shipper tendencies!

Qi Xie stretched out his palm towards Ying Li, who hesitated for a moment before gently grasping his wrist.

Ying Li felt Qi Xie's icy fingertips and the relentless pulse beneath. The throb of the blood vessels felt akin to his own heart racing.

Qi Xie's fingers were unusually long, with distinct knuckles. They were truly a beautiful pair of hands. Ying Li's thoughts drifted to the events of the previous night when Qi Xie had blindfolded him. He wasn't sure which hand Qi Xie had used, but remembered how warm and mischievous those fingers felt. He had been overwhelmed by just a few whispered words in his ear.

Lost in the memory, Ying Li's face flushed. The rosy hue extended to the corners of his eyes. He released Qi Xie's hand, advising, "The skin isn't broken, but be careful."

Their subtle interaction was captured on camera.

[Qi Xie is definitely going to be the strict spouse in the future. Or rather, maybe it's more accurate to say 'husband in charge'.]

[Hee-hee, that gentle touch! Little Ying is just too tender.]

[Can the Qi-Ying shippers not over-interpret? Clearly, Da Yao and Little Ying are the best pair to root for.]

[Hilarious, isn't it obvious they're all just side characters? Qi-Ying is the real deal!]

Far away, the continuous glaciers shone with a golden glow under the sun's reflection. Melting snow continuously dripped from them, flowing between the rocks and forest streams. Karusen brought them to a very well-known local rafting club.

The club's owner personally greeted them. Karusen, who seemed to have a close relationship with the owner, introduced him saying, "He's a narcissist and insists every customer call him Captain Pike."

Xie Wen Shi enthusiastically greeted him, "Hello, Captain."

"Hello to all of you," Pike replied dramatically, "My dear God, you're all so handsome. It's an honor to have customers as good-looking as you."

Xie Wen Shi playfully asked, "So who's the most handsome?"

Captain Pike laughed heartily, saying, "That's a tough one. I'd say you're all equally handsome in your own right."

After a simple lunch at the club, they took a cable car up the mountain. Captain Pike mentioned that the canyon was filled with oddly shaped rocks, had a total drop of more than 800 meters, contained waterfalls with rapid currents, and several dangerous bends, enough to make many people cry out of fear in the past.

The staff fitted them with life jackets and waterproof suits. Shen Yao raised an eyebrow at Ying Li, "Ying Li, want to go together?"

With their number and including the staff, they had to split into three groups for the journey.

Xie Wen Shi looked at Shen Yao in surprise, while Shen Yao's gaze remained on Ying Li.

The camera was rolling. Ying Li glanced at the others and nodded, "Sure."

The two of them set off first. Together with the cameraman and staff, a total of five people boarded the kayak.

Shen Yao asked him, "Nervous?"

Ying Li replied, "Not at all. How about you?"

"Me?" Shen Yao shrugged, looking at him, "Terrified. Almost to death."

He never cared for extreme sports. The last time he went bungee jumping, he made a fool of himself. This time, he candidly admitted his fear.

Ying Li offered a suggestion, "Maybe close your eyes? It might help."

But if I close my eyes, I won't be able to see you.

Shen Yao didn't voice that thought, instead, he smiled and said, "Alright, I'll give it a try."

Once preparations were complete, at the staff's command, their kayak shot out, fiercely surging along the water, extremely turbulent.

The mist in the gorge was thick, filling their view with a dense fog, wetting their exposed hair and eyebrows.

Shen Yao couldn't resist looking over at Ying Li, seeing the dimples on his cheeks and his greatly magnified smile. He realized Ying Li genuinely loved extreme sports, whether it was racing cars in the desert or skydiving; the more perilous, the more thrilled he was.

The striking orange-red kayak gradually diminished, turning into a speck that vanished from their sight.

The staff asked the remaining four, "Who's pairing with whom?"

Xie Wen Shi said, "I'll pair up with Qiao Ge."

Bian Qiao nodded in agreement.

The second group soon set off as well.

Song Ji Mo and Qi Xie naturally formed the third pair and began their preparations.

After rounding a bend, the kayak jolted violently as it struck a large rock. The vessel rocked from side to side, causing the cameraman to shout. His voice wavered with the tumultuous movement. Shen Yao steadied Ying Li, yelling, "Hold on tight!"

Contrarily, Ying Li was even more exhilarated. His hat had blown off, and he didn’t bother to retrieve it. He heard Xie Wen Shi’s scream but couldn't discern who he was with. Turning to look behind, the thick mist obscured everything from view.

The gorge spanned two kilometers, and the most treacherous bends were already behind them.

The director and crew were waiting downstream to assist them.

When disembarking, Shen Yao's legs were jelly-like. The wind had tousled his hair into a mess, yet he couldn't help but laugh heartily.

Li Chang Hong, seeing their elation, asked, "How was it? Thrilling?"

Ying Li, heart racing, responded, "Intense."

Li Chang Hong remarked, "If not for my weak heart, I’d have eagerly joined for a round or two."

A crew member approached with towels, saying, "Dry your hair, you don't want to catch a cold."

Ying Li shed his waterproof gear, revealing a light-colored contrast sweater underneath, paired with white casual pants. He looked as youthful as a high school student. Yet, Shen Yao noticed the fine red marks covering the smooth skin of Ying Li’s neck, as if tiny blood vessels had ruptured beneath the surface. He couldn’t help but imagine that Ying Li's bare chest and back might also be similarly flushed.

Shen Yao handed a towel to Ying Li, "Dry yourself off, be wary of the cold."

Ying Li replied, "Thank you."

Shen Yao smiled, saying, "No need for formalities."

He pushed back his slightly damp hair, revealing a smooth forehead and deep-set eyes, pondering that he might never have such moments with Ying Li again.

The rest of the group gradually disembarked. Save for Xie Wen Shi, everyone else managed to maintain composure.

Xie Wen Shi, looking pallid, told them, "At the second bend, our boat almost capsized. That was close!"

Shen Yao chuckled, "Sounds like you got more excitement than we did."

Ying Li also began to laugh. With his fair complexion and disheveled hair, the sunlight illuminated his amber eyes, making them sparkle brilliantly. His appearance was flawless and striking, rendering the surrounding beauty mere backdrop.

After the rafting, they took a boat to see the grand waterfall within the gorge. With winter approaching, the nights came early. They returned to the villa before sunset and enjoyed a dinner arranged by Karlson, catering to their Chinese palate.

Back in his room, Ying Li received a call from the official C-Platform. They informed him that his fan count had just exceeded two million today, with several of his videos being prominently featured by the platform. They also reiterated their interest in signing a contract with him.

Logging into his account, Ying Li noticed a rapid increase in his fanbase due to the platform's promotion.

After a month's hiatus, he finally went live again.

[Mistaken click?]

[Is today a special day? Li Li is broadcasting!]

[You must be seeing things. Li Li has probably forgotten about us.]

Seated properly at his desk, Ying Li saw the barrage of comments and felt genuinely sorry for his fans, "No mistakes, no illusions. I haven't forgotten any of you. I've just been incredibly busy lately. Things will settle down soon."

[We understand. Your priorities come first. We'll always wait for you.]

[Three months without an update, but instead of losing fans, you gained more. You're truly unparalleled on C-Platform.]

The comments were filled with astonishment and congratulations.

Given the equipment constraints, Ying Li didn't plan to sing that evening. Instead, he casually chatted with his fans, being an attentive listener.

Suddenly, Ying Li spotted an odd comment: [Li Li, your roof has collapsed.]

Ying Li, puzzled, asked, "My roof has collapsed?"

[It means you've been 'cuckolded.' Your idol is in a relationship now.]

Ying Li, even more confused, asked, "My idol?"

[Number! Didn't you used to be a fan of that group? Or have you switched allegiances?]

[If you've switched, you're one lucky fan.]

Ying Li suddenly remembered he once shared a post about Number, though that post had since been hidden. He inquired, "My idol... is in a relationship?"

The moment he asked, the comment section erupted in lamentations.

[Don't even bring it up. I'm heartbroken. If it's true, I don't know how I'll cope.]

[From being a devoted solo fan, I was forced into shipping a pair. Learning to accept is a necessary skill in fandom.]

[Worse still, the person they're dating is also my favorite. This feels like a betrayal!]

[I feel like a cherished garden has been invaded by a pig.]

[Pig? Haha, more like a dog, right? Old dog Qi!]

Still out of the loop, Ying Li noticed Qi Xie's name popping up in the comments. His gaze sharpened, "Where did you all get this news from?"

[Check Weibo! It's been trending for a while.]

[Someone who barely posts once in half a year has made a post!]

[Don't make things up, and don't assume. The main party has never directly answered it.]

[Exactly, it's all in the minds of the shippers. You all see romance in mere silhouettes. I don't buy it.]

Ying Li opened Weibo in confusion. Number always seemed to trend easily. The top trending topics were mostly about them. Ying Li, used to the attention, checked each one.

The top trending hashtag was #GotSomeSugar. It wasn't tagged with Number's name. When he clicked on it, it led directly to Qi Xie's Weibo page.

#Number Qi Xie: Got some sugar.#

The attached image was of a candy wrapper, its minor wrinkles smoothed out as if someone had carefully preserved it.

[Dude, has your account been hacked?]

[Ahhh, so early! Front row, here for a photo op!]

[I thought it was a selfie. Didn’t expect just a candy wrapper. When will you post a selfie, bro?]

[Is this candy that good? The captain actually posted on Weibo for once!]

[Delicious! Especially delicious, pure milk-flavored, very creamy.]

[Advertisers, pay up!]

[Apart from essential promotions, hasn't Qi Xie been off his personal Weibo for half a year? What's special about today?]

[Why post a candy wrapper? There must be a special meaning behind it!]

[What special meaning can a candy wrapper have?! Explain now! @Number Qi Xie]

Ying Li recognized it. It was the candy he had given Qi Xie in the tent a few days ago. Although, in the end, he had eaten it himself.

The wrapper of the candy, once its contents are consumed, becomes nothing more than discarded trash. It should have found its place in the trash can, but now, it rests in someone's hands.

While the comments buzzed with speculation, only Ying Li understood the significance behind that wrapper—a tightly sealed tent, a daring kiss, and a suppressed urge to cry that couldn't break through.

It was challenging for him to articulate his feelings at that moment. It was as if amidst a snowy, icy realm, a warm spring suddenly surged through his body, eventually reaching his heart.

Ying Li glanced at the time of the post again—it was 3 a.m.

Three o’clock…

They were…

A blush suddenly crept up Ying Li’s face, silently grateful that there were no cameras capturing the moment.

The post had already surpassed a million shares, showcasing once more the influence of a top-tier celebrity.

Being the other protagonist in this media storm, Ying Li didn't have much of a reaction, but he felt that Qi Xie was audaciously bold.

He exited Weibo, switching back to the live stream interface. Animated gift effects exploded one after another, overshadowing the chaotic barrage of messages.

-20, always generous, ensured that there was a continuous stream of gift effects on Ying Li's live screen every time he broadcasted.

Ying Li had no choice but to disable the gift feature.

-20：【？】

Ying Li spoke, "I'm just here to chat with you all for a bit and will end the live stream shortly. No need for gifts."

The show wasn't over yet, so he could only squeeze in a short live session, mostly during the evenings.

He then noticed a comment in the chat: [Honey, why does your IP show you're in Europe?]

Ying Li almost forgot that his IP would change and hesitantly replied, "I... am traveling here."

He wasn't lying; he was indeed visiting the area.

Soon, another comment popped up: [Why is 20's IP in Europe too?]

-20: [Traveling.]

The chat reacted with surprise: [What a coincidence?!]

[Did you two sneakily meet up behind our backs?]

Livestreaming relies heavily on fan donations. Ying Li had heard that many top supporters often request private meetings with streamers, but -20 had never made such a demand.

[What a coincidence, Number's team is also in Europe! It's fate!]

Ying Li was also intrigued: "Where are you?"

-20: [Gael.]

Now, Ying Li genuinely believed it was a coincidence. They had nearly toured the entire town of Gael today. He even thought there might have been a moment when they passed by each other, "Hmm, that town is beautiful. I hope you have a pleasant journey."

After chatting casually for another hour, Ying Li prepared to end the stream.

[You're disappearing again, I'm mad!]

[Sweetie, when's your next live stream?]

Ying Li pondered for a moment and responded, "I might stream again in about a week. My work here is almost done, and then I'll be able to stream daily."

[Really?!]

[You better keep your word!]

After ending the stream and just as he settled into bed, as if on cue, his phone vibrated twice.

Speak of the devil.

Ying Li opened WeChat to find that Qi Xie had sent him the picture of the candy wrapper.

"It's sweet."

Ying Li was well aware of its sweetness, and his heart rate involuntarily quickened. He replied, "I've saved it."

Intense emotions are hard to convey through mere text, so Qi Xie decided to call him: "Sneaking peeks at my Weibo?"

"Am I not allowed?" Ying Li, sitting cross-legged on his bed, countered as he picked up the call.

Ignoring the initial question, Qi Xie declared, "I'm coming to kiss you."

Without missing a beat, Ying Li retorted, "Stay away."

"Hmm?" Qi Xie's voice carried a hint of confusion.

Ying Li insisted, "You're not allowed here."

"We haven't kissed today."

With his heart still racing, Ying Li took a deep breath, "Today... no kisses."

"Why?"

Ying Li murmured, "My mouth hurts."

There was a brief silence on the other end of the phone, punctuated by faint footsteps that Ying Li couldn't make out.

Ying Li thought he didn't believe him: "It really does hurt."

"I don't lie."

Qi Xie questioned, "Heatiness?"

Ying Li detected his feigned ignorance, realizing he was teasing him with Xie Wen Shi's words.

"You..." Unable to match his thick skin, Ying Li blurted out indignantly, "It's all your fault."

Qi Xie accepted the blame with ease, "Yes, blame me."

"Open the door."

The knocking from the receiver synced with the real-world knock. Ying Li's heart raced. Hesitating briefly, he didn't want Qi Xie to stay out in the cold, so he let him in.

Qi Xie's attire was at least in order, and he didn't immediately try to kiss Ying Li.

Ying Li decided to have a serious talk with him, but one thing led to another, and they ended up in bed.

It was only when he was firmly pinned down that Ying Li started to resist, "Wait a minute—"

"I... I have something to say," Ying Li's face flushed crimson from the kisses, most of his clothes already shed, leaving him tantalizingly exposed, utterly irresistible.

"Don't... don't kiss me yet..."

The warmth of a large hand cradled the nape of his neck, soothing him. Qi Xie halted, tenderly kissing Ying Li's eyelids, "Speak."

A sudden tension gripped Ying Li. His fingers clutched Qi Xie's arm, struggling to find words.

Then, a gentle peck landed on his nose, stealing away whatever he intended to say.

This intimate closeness was overwhelming. The intoxicating scent of Qi Xie made Ying Li's head spin, fearing he might surrender in the next moment.

Ying Li sat up first, creating some distance between them, lips pursed as he said, "You don't have to pursue me anymore."

Qi Xie gazed at him, narrowing his eyes slightly.

"It seems... I've fallen for you."

Ying Li shook his head, his voice soft yet resolute.

"No, not 'seems'."

"I've indeed fallen for you."

Voicing these feelings felt as simple as one's upper lip meeting the lower, not as challenging as he'd imagined.

Yet, Ying Li couldn't bring himself to meet Qi Xie's gaze, looking down as he whispered, "I really do like you..."

He might have been more smitten by Qi Xie's kisses than he'd thought, harboring a desire for him, wanting his embrace and kisses. Otherwise, it's hard to explain why he followed Qi Xie during the music festival, repeatedly sought his kisses, or even shamefully suggested maintaining their unconventional relationship.

This fierce affection left him overwhelmed and scared, yet it also brought joy and elation. He couldn't pinpoint when he'd begun to have feelings for Qi Xie.

His heart never stopped racing.

He couldn't dissect his affection as if it were a mere problem to solve.

But in this moment, he knew crystal clear that he desired more than just Qi Xie's kiss.

Ying Li still couldn't meet his gaze. Saying the words "I like you" felt slightly harder than seeking a kiss. For that slight difficulty, he had mentally prepared himself for days.

Qi Xie's jaw tightened, lifting Ying Li's chin, "Look at me."

Ying Li swallowed hard, compelled to meet his gaze. He saw a change in Qi Xie's expression, a lingering mist that was enigmatic, dangerous, and passionately intense.

The grip on his chin tightened, causing a sharp pain. Ying Li winced, "It hurts..."

The face in his palm was soft, warm. Qi Xie assured himself of the tangible reality of the man before him, not an illusion or a dream.

Qi Xie's Adam's apple bobbed slowly. His voice was hoarse, hesitating in an uncharacteristic manner, "You... like me?"

Ying Li, true to his heart, nodded solemnly, "Yes, I like you."

His flushed cheeks and ears betrayed his emotions. While Qi Xie used them as gauges of truth, nothing reassured him more than Ying Li's verbal confession.

It felt as if fireworks exploded in his head, a tingling sensation rushing up his spine. The euphoria of having his feelings reciprocated was even more intoxicating than the pinnacle of passion, filling the void within him.

Fearing disbelief, Ying Li rushed to clarify, "I'm serious, I'm not joking—"

Before he could finish, Qi Xie, like a ravenous wolf, pinned him down, staring at him fiercely. Ying Li almost cried out, "Wait!"

Qi Xie's patience had worn thin, a hint of red in his eyes, "Wait for what?"

He was eager to be one with Ying Li.

Holding onto Qi Xie's hand, Ying Li shyly asked, "So... are we dating now?"

Qi Xie pressed a kiss onto his lips, pecking gently, "Or what, boyfriend? Am I being a rogue now?"

Boyfriend...

A title that's oddly familiar, as mundane as it gets.

Yet, when uttered by Qi Xie, it made his heart race in a unique way.

He didn't resist such a designation.

He deeply cared about a sense of belonging.

Ying Li, dazed from the kisses, murmured, "You've always been a rogue." Always trying to get touchy-feely, stickier than bubble gum.

Qi Xie's voice grew softer, "Yes, I am."

A warm, dry palm slid under his clothes, touching his smooth skin. Ying Li gasped softly, grasping the wandering hand, "What are you doing?"

"Being a rogue."

Qi Xie pried open his mouth, an overwhelming warmth flooding into the depths of Ying Li's mouth, kissing him to the point of breathlessness, the cool fragrance of Qi Xie almost merging with Ying Li's very flesh.

The man in his arms moaned continuously, seemingly running out of breath, prompting Qi Xie to reluctantly release him.

Taking deep breaths, Ying Li felt he couldn't indulge him any longer. He set some ground rules, forbidding any intimate actions, both on and off camera, until the program ended.

"Do you agree?"

"Alright."

Without any haggling, Qi Xie agreed very straightforwardly.

Ying Li, with wide, round eyes, looked at him in disbelief. Yet, the next moment, a deep, magnetic voice softly reached her ears.

"Once the show's over, you'll see what I'll do to you."

Author's Note:

The main story is expected to conclude in the next chapter or the one after that!

There's also extra content. Anything not mentioned or explained in the main text will be in the extra!

Ah, it was locked, but I've edited it. Thanks for the review, dear editor.