Chapter 96: Lying Bad Kid

Chapter 96: Lying Bad Kid

After the kiss, Tan Xing hiccupped and sobbed as if he had been greatly wronged.

"Who made our little star so upset?"

Tan Xing couldn't form complete sentences, only managing to point his index finger at Liang Xigui's chest with force.

Liang Xigui couldn't help but chuckle, assuming that Tan Xing was still upset with him over the meat-eating incident. After all, he rarely went against Tan Xing's wishes in other matters.

"You're only allowed a little bit of grilled meat tonight."

Tan Xing didn't want to revisit such unpleasant memories, so he simply nodded in agreement with Liang Xigui's statement.

Liang Xigui held Tan Xing with one arm while his other hand gently patted Tan Xing's back, helping him catch his breath.

He found it amusing how childlike Tan Xing could be, yet he was willing to indulge him, creating a tender web that kept Tan Xing by his side, where he wanted to be.

Tan Xing buried his head in the crook of Liang Xigui's neck, his restless fingers betraying his inner turmoil.

"I want to get down, Mr. Liang."

When Tan Xing caught the curious gaze of the horse beside them, he felt embarrassed and insisted on walking himself.

Liang Xigui let him down, but Tan Xing soon crept back, intertwining their fingers.

Seeing Tan Xing's somewhat deliberate enthusiasm, Liang Xigui raised an eyebrow in confusion. Could something else have happened earlier? It seemed unlikely that Tan Xing would be this attentive just because of the meat.

"Xiao Xing, what fun things did you talk about earlier?" Liang Xigui asked casually, his eyes fixed on the distant sunset.

Tan Xing turned to stroke the horse's mane, hesitating for a moment before smiling faintly and saying, "Just about Auntie and Uncle's day out today, and some riding techniques."

Liang Xigui remained silent, but Tan Xing felt his palms grow sweaty with guilt. Lying really put a strain on one's nerves.

"Is that so? Are there any interesting places we can visit together tomorrow?"

Tan Xing's head felt like it was splitting open. His worst fear had come true. Damn this world; how was he supposed to continue spinning his tale?

Liang Xigui noticed Tan Xing's damp palms but didn't ask why, merely pulling out a tissue from his pocket to dry them off.

"Xiao Xing?"

"Eh, I forgot."

"Xiao Xing has a terrible memory."

"A little bit."

Suddenly, Liang Xigui stepped in front of Tan Xing, leaning down to whisper, "Lying isn't good, is it Xiao Xing? Are you a good kid?"

A surge of annoyance rose within Tan Xing, feeling unappreciated despite his consideration for others. He lifted his head and rammed it into Liang Xigui's chest, much like a fearless calf.

"Mr. Liang is an idiot."

Liang Xigui said nothing, bending down and hoisting Tan Xing onto his shoulder. Startled, Tan Xing could only cling awkwardly to the back of Liang Xigui's shirt.

As they walked further, the sound of laughter grew louder. Tan Xing wriggled, wanting to get down, but Liang Xigui slapped his hand, warning, "If you fall, you'll be back in the hospital."

Tan Xing made a face behind Liang Xigui's back, his hands futilely scratching at the air.

Passing by Kong Luo's room, Tan Xing covered his face, trying to make himself as small as possible, though it was akin to an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

"I'm sorry, okay? Mr. Liang."

Liang Xigui tossed Tan Xing onto the bed and then loomed over him. "Sorry? You seem perfectly fine to me, Xiao Xing."

Fearing that Liang Xigui might actually discipline him right there, Tan Xing clung to him, pressing close and whispering apologies.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. Please forgive me, Mr. Liang."

Those who were loved truly had no fear, knowing they were Liang Xigui's weakness. Tan Xing felt both suffocated by the weight of their bond and irresistibly drawn to deepen their connection.

Liang Xigui lost his temper at the affectionate rubbing, pinching Tan Xing's cheek in exasperation.

"Honey on your lips?"

"If Mr. Liang says so, it is so."

Unable to get answers from Tan Xing, Liang Xigui decided to ask Kong Luo later.

He could temporarily ignore other matters, but if his own actions caused a rift between him and Tan Xing, that was absolutely unacceptable.

Tan Xing was kissed again by Liang Xigui for a while. Seeing Tan Xing's flushed face and swollen lips, Liang Xigui reluctantly released him.

"There are many mosquitoes tonight, don't take off your jacket to cool off." Liang Xigui walked to the suitcase, spraying mosquito repellent on Tan Xing's exposed skin.

In the evening, Liang Xigui led Tan Xing to the bonfire that had been lit. Many tables and chairs were arranged around it, waiting for everyone to finish dinner before starting entertainment activities.

Kong Luo had already found a spot and waved them over. Liang Xigui, having questions to ask, sat down between Kong Luo and Tan Xing.

"I wanted to sit next to Xiao Xing."

"Mom, are you in elementary school?"

This comment earned Kong Luo a slap, but she could do nothing but concede.

As soon as Tan Xing sat down, someone came over to chat. Seeing Liang Xigui's disgruntled expression, Kong Luo couldn't help but laugh out loud.

Taking advantage of the moment, Liang Xigui asked Kong Luo about their conversation. She paused, waving her hand dismissively. "Ask, ask, ask. All you know is to ask. Are you in elementary school too?"

"You'd even lie with your eyes wide open to make yourself sound younger."

Kong Luo glanced around at the nearby tourists, suppressing the urge to strangle Liang Xigui as she gritted her teeth and said, "We'll talk about this tonight."

She knew Liang Xigui wouldn't let it go, but with Tan Xing right there, she couldn't betray her teammate so easily. At the very least, she had to wait until Tan Xing wasn't around.

"Thanks, Mom."

Kong Luo rolled her eyes. She always ignored such smug behavior, finding it beneath her to argue with him.

Tan Xing listened to the male student enthusiastically recounting his travel adventures, stirring within him a desire for similar experiences. Once he finished his mission, he also wanted to roam the mountains and waters without a care in the world.

Liang Xigui picked up a grape from the fruit platter, peeled it, and extended it toward Tan Xing's mouth. "Xingxing, have a grape."

Watching Tan Xing lower his head to take it, Liang Xigui rewarded him with a kiss on the corner of his eye. "Good boy, Xingxing."

Kong Luo had been keeping an eye on their interactions, witnessing Liang Xigui's childish antics in full. She couldn't bear to watch, finding it unworthy of jealousy at that level.

The male student was bewildered, but as a fellow man, he instantly understood Liang Xigui's warning. Turning away, he decided not to provoke this "married man" any further.

As night fell, everyone held up their bowls of alcohol, slightly tipsy. By the bonfire, locals were singing and dancing, their passionate and bold movements igniting excitement, as if they were in the midst of ancient legends.

In the firelight, Tan Xing and Liang Xigui locked eyes, their gazes filled with unending tenderness.

"Bi cha md ha ri tai."

This was the local language phrase that Tan Xing had secretly learned from Gong Bu today.

Liang Xigui's eyes flickered, and after a moment, he suddenly leaned in to gently touch Tan Xing's lips.

"I love you too."