Chapter 0137 Misunderstanding

Chapter 0137 Misunderstanding

Qu Yunmie wasn’t joking.

He was very serious about teaching Xiao Rong martial arts.

After all, Xiao Rong’s health wasn’t good, and seeing doctors and taking medicine hadn’t cured him. Xiao Rong repeatedly emphasized to Qu Yunmie that he didn’t need special attention; given enough time, he would recover on his own. If Qu Yunmie insisted on diagnosing and prescribing remedies, he wouldn’t refuse either. Whatever was prescribed, he would drink it calmly, as if this was his way of reassuring others.

All medicines have side effects. After experiencing a series of shocks, Qu Yunmie understood that Xiao Rong wasn’t lying; ordinary medical treatments had no effect on him. What else could he do? He didn’t know the answer at first, but after Gao Xunzhi hinted at it, he figured it out. ...

Practicing martial arts not only strengthens the body but also relieves stress—at least for Qu Yunmie, his most relaxed moments were when he came here to beat up wooden stakes.

As for whether Xiao Rong wanted to learn... how could he not want to? There were countless people waiting in line for his guidance. ...

Qu Yunmie waited for Xiao Rong’s reaction. After three breaths, Xiao Rong finally looked at him.

After looking, he turned around and walked away indifferently.

Qu Yunmie: “...!!”

It was dinner time, and the soldiers were scattered, eating in groups. Many saw their most respected The King hurriedly chase after Xiao Situ.

From a distance, they couldn’t hear what the two were saying, but they saw The King reach out to grab Xiao Situ’s arm, and Xiao Situ shook him off fiercely, speaking to him coldly.

Soldiers: ... Huh.

Holding their bowls, they joked together.

Soldier A: "It’s good to be educated; even The King treats him with respect."

Soldier B: "I think The King is smitten by his looks. No scholar ever got such treatment before."

Soldier C: "Ha, Xiao Situ’s temper is just like my wife’s; they both get angry after a few words."

After their comments, the three exchanged glances and burst into laughter.

They were ordinary soldiers of the Northern Pacification Army, who rarely spoke with The King or Xiao Situ. Joking about the higher-ups was one of their entertainments. After joking, they continued to find places to eat, so none of them noticed that they had inadvertently hit the truth. ...

The conversation between the two went like this:

Qu Yunmie: "Why are you leaving right away? Are you afraid of getting tired? Don’t worry, I know you’re different from those peasants; I won’t let you get tired."

Xiao Rong: "..."

Hearing Qu Yunmie’s considerate words, Xiao Rong shook off his hand: "I, want, to, go, eat, dinner. You practice alone!"

Qu Yunmie: "..."

A quarter of an hour later, Xiao Rong sat in the largest restaurant on Treasure Street, eating cold dishes with a cold expression.

Qu Yunmie didn’t stay in the camp but silently sat across from him.

This restaurant opened this month. The owner wasn’t from Chenliu but a noble relative of the imperial family named He.

Someone investigated and found out that this noble relative was a distant relative of the young emperor, even more distant than He Tingzhi. His grandfather was a distant cousin of Emperor He Kui, the founder of the dynasty. Because of the shared surname He, he was granted the title of a local lord. Logically, after so many changes in emperors, he should have become a commoner long ago, but because his family lived long lives... his grandfather passed away ten years ago, and his father was still alive, so he retained the title of a prince.

This indirectly showed how tragic the fate of the imperial branch had been.

In any case, this noble relative posed virtually no threat. Knowing his awkward position, he concealed his identity and sent servants to handle affairs.

He spent a large sum of money to buy the lease from five managers, then negotiated with the government, eventually reaching an agreement. He paid to rebuild the house himself. Although the house didn’t belong to him, as long as he paid the fixed commercial tax, it would be his for the next ten years. After ten years, everything would be settled, and the law would be more complete, allowing him to retain the property if he had the ability.

Now, with the rising real estate prices in Chenliu, many thought this was the limit. But some knew better; Chenliu was now at the level of the capital city but far from matching the true Capital City.

So this owner named He had excellent foresight. Building a unique grand restaurant in the most prosperous area of the most prosperous city meant it would be a golden goose for decades, if not centuries. If Xiao Rong didn’t believe in monopolizing benefits, he would have taken over himself.

But he couldn’t monopolize every benefit. This wasn’t a game, and he wasn’t a miser. Honestly, his current standard of living was already the best north of the Huai River. It wasn’t he who needed money, but the treasury that swallowed gold. So balancing and regulating were what he should do. ...

The cold dishes were served, followed quickly by hot dishes. Xiao Rong paid with a gold piece and requested the best private room. The restaurant staff naturally catered to him, rushing to serve the dishes without much idle time. When the last dish was served, the waiter didn’t leave but stood there, waiting for Xiao Rong’s instructions.

Only then did he curiously glance at the person sitting across from Xiao Rong.

The private room was lavishly decorated, with floor vases and porcelain lanterns in the corners, a long couch against the wall, and a set of chairs and tables for guests. The dining table occupied only half of the room, with Xiao Rong and Qu Yunmie each sitting on one side.

Xiao Rong ordered ten dishes and a pot of tea, but he had the waiter place everything on his side, leaving nothing in front of the person opposite him.

There was originally another set of utensils, but halfway through, Xiao Rong glanced over and had them removed.

Qu Yunmie: "......"

He didn’t dare to get angry with Xiao Rong, but noticing the waiter constantly observing him, he gave him a cold look: "What are you looking at? Get out!"

The waiter dared not provoke him and hastily retreated.

Once he left, Qu Yunmie changed his cold demeanor and silently watched Xiao Rong, who was still eating. He asked, "What did I do to make you angry again?"

The same question, asked by different people, conveyed different meanings. If someone else asked this, it might sound like a provocation, but Qu Yunmie genuinely didn’t understand, so he asked hesitantly.

Perhaps he felt that not understanding was his fault.

Xiao Rong’s chewing slowed down. Honestly, he didn’t know why he was angry. Qu Yunmie was doing it for his benefit, giving him what he considered good. Even if Xiao Rong didn’t like it, he should thank him for the intention and explain that not everyone enjoyed martial arts or found relaxation in exertion.

He knew the right thing to do, but he didn’t do it. And for some reason, he began to dislike the correct approach. The thought of thanking Qu Yunmie suddenly sparked an idea in his mind.

Why should I thank him? He should treat me this well.

Xiao Rong: "......"

This thought startled Xiao Rong and made him feel uncomfortable. A mouthful of rice got stuck in his throat, neither going up nor down. Xiao Rong covered his neck and started coughing violently.

Qu Yunmie was still waiting for his response. Seeing this, he was momentarily stunned before abruptly standing up. He raised his hand to slap Xiao Rong's back, but Xiao Rong, seeing the large hand coming towards him, widened his eyes in terror, unable to speak. He quickly stood up and, amidst Qu Yunmie's bewildered expression, leaned into his embrace.

Qu Yunmie wasn't thinking about trivial matters at this moment; he just didn't understand what Xiao Rong meant. Xiao Rong, with a strained face, grabbed his hand and pointed to his abdomen.

Xiao Rong gestured, and fortunately, although Qu Yunmie couldn't understand spoken words, he had an exceptional ability to interpret body language. Realizing Xiao Rong's intention, he immediately hugged him and then forcefully impacted his abdomen.

In one swift motion, whatever was choking Xiao Rong came out, followed by a relieved moan. Xiao Rong, feeling boneless, leaned against Qu Yunmie, weak and still buzzing in his head. His head slid down, and his upper body hung limply on Qu Yunmie's arms. It was only when Qu Yunmie lifted him slightly that Xiao Rong was brought back up.

Qu Yunmie: "…"

Fearing Xiao Rong might still be in trouble, he pinched his face to make him look at him: "Xiao Rong, Xiao Rong?"

Xiao Rong weakly turned his eyes, looking at Qu Yunmie's worried expression. He smacked his lips and said, "I almost choked to death."

Hearing this, Qu Yunmie finally relaxed, but then his expression turned angry: "How old are you? How can you choke while eating!"

As he spoke sternly, he tightened his arms around Xiao Rong.

Xiao Rong's waist was indeed slender; Qu Yunmie felt like he could hold two of him at once. But thinking about such a scenario, Qu Yunmie felt a chill down his spine instead of any excitement.

Forget it. One Xiao Rong was already more than he could handle; another would truly be the end of him.

Xiao Rong, unaware of his thoughts, regained some strength and his face wasn't as red as before. He gently tried to pry Qu Yunmie's hands off him, not with much force, just conveying that it was time to let go.

Qu Yunmie snapped back to reality but didn't release him. Instead, he continued holding Xiao Rong's waist, releasing only the hand that had been pinching his chin: "Tell me where I went wrong first, and then I'll let you go."

Xiao Rong: "…"

Fine, he's learned to take advantage of the situation.

Xiao Rong wouldn't indulge him. He tried again to pry Qu Yunmie's hands away. Qu Yunmie frowned, clearly unwilling, but eventually released him.

With his breathing restored and limbs free, Xiao Rong rubbed his sore throat, glancing at Qu Yunmie's displeased expression. He pursed his lips and said, "You didn't do anything wrong; I just had the wrong expectations. I thought you were taking me out to play, but it turns out you were just giving me another task."

Qu Yunmie was taken aback: "Adults… also go out to play?"

Xiao Rong, seeing his dumbfounded look, chuckled: "Why can't adults play? The pleasure dens in Jinling are filled with people in their forties and fifties."

He paused, worried his words might be misunderstood, leading Qu Yunmie to open a new door: "Well, I'm not talking about indulging in frivolous activities. Life is about experiencing joy and sorrow, but there aren't always joyful moments. To be happy, one must do things that bring joy. When struggling to survive, the goal is to stay alive. Once survival is secured but life isn't good, the goal becomes maintaining basic needs. Now that basic needs are met, people want to live happily. Qu Yunmie, don't you want to be happier?"

Qu Yunmie looked at him and casually said, "Seeing you lively and energetic in front of me makes me very happy."

Xiao Rong: "…"

Caught off guard by the honest truth, Xiao Rong choked, this time metaphorically rather than literally, but his face still reddened slightly.

He whispered, "I can promise you that I'll be lively and energetic for the next few decades, but you can't be content with just that. You'll always want something new."

Qu Yunmie thought, yes.

I want you to stop brushing me off with vague promises. I want you to clearly tell me that you'll be "by my side" for the next few decades.

Once he realized he liked Xiao Rong, Qu Yunmie recalled every word and phrase Xiao Rong had ever said to him. What once seemed comforting now revealed gaps. Xiao Rong was meticulous and used smooth talk to deceive him and manipulate others. Initially, Qu Yunmie was one of those deceived.

If Qu Yunmie had discovered Xiao Rong's intentions back then, he would have been furious. Now, he was still angry, but for different reasons.

He wasn't upset that Xiao Rong approached him with ulterior motives; he was frustrated that after so long, Xiao Rong's attitude remained unchanged.

He had loosened up and become more generous, offering things Qu Yunmie never dared hope for. So why wouldn't he give him a simple promise?

He sensed a possibility but refused to think about it.

That Xiao Rong saw such matters as mere "play" or "relaxation," without deep significance. That night, only Qu Yunmie was excited enough to seek elders and declare grand ambitions. While Qu Yunmie dreamed of a lifelong companionship, Xiao Rong might have simply yawned and gone to sleep.

This possibility was cruel, and Qu Yunmie didn't want to think about it, but it intruded like a monster, shattering his dreams and taunting him amidst the wreckage.

Qu Yunmie lowered his eyes.

Xiao Rong: "…"

Watching Qu Yunmie's eyelids droop lower, Xiao Rong's heart raced, wondering what he had said wrong.

His tone was gentle.

Confused, Xiao Rong was about to ask what Qu Yunmie was thinking when he saw Qu Yunmie raise his head, saying with a desperate tone, "I want to drink with you."

Xiao Rong: "…………" Fine.

Though Qu Yunmie didn't indulge in frivolous activities, he shared one thing with those aristocratic heirs.

After a long silence, Xiao Rong glanced at Qu Yunmie: "You should know that drinking and… intimacy don't have to happen together, right?"

He wanted to use a softer term, but since they were alone and had already done it, why beat around the bush?

Hearing him speak so straightforwardly, Qu Yunmie stood straight and nodded.

But before Xiao Rong could speak, he added, "But if we don't drink, you won't be intimate with me."

Xiao Rong was taken aback, looking into Qu Yunmie's eyes, but Qu Yunmie turned his gaze to the window.

Outside, people bustled, voices and laughter filled the air, but the liveliness belonged to others. While ordinary people enjoyed peaceful lives, they could only seize fleeting moments. Xiao Rong wasn't even sure if he had truly enjoyed life, despite living in luxury and using the best tools, yet bearing the most burdens and fears.

Qu Yunmie's situation was worse. For ten years, he hadn't relaxed a moment, forced to grow up overnight, never longing for childhood. Play? He didn't know what it meant. His life was about getting stronger, fighting, getting stronger, and fighting again.

Either he killed others or they killed him.

His desires and greed were focused on one person, unique and irreplaceable. Thus, his standards fluctuated with this person. When Xiao Rong treated him well, he yearned for more; when Xiao Rong treated him poorly, he consoled himself, believing it was enough as long as Xiao Rong was still there.

But Xiao Rong didn't like this. He disliked seeing Qu Yunmie become so humble.

Xiao Rong felt suffocated and frustrated. The words he spoke carried a harsh tone of disappointment: "Qu Yunmie, can't you be a bit more assertive?"

When Qu Yunmie heard his voice, he turned his head back. Xiao Rong's words penetrated his mind, but he couldn't immediately comprehend their meaning.

He looked at Xiao Rong in slight confusion, making the latter feel a heat rise to his face. His tone grew increasingly angry: "It's because you always do this that I get so upset. Do you think I enjoy hitting a wooden dummy? I don't, but you believe it's good for me, so you bring me to the camp. You treat me well, respect me, and care for me—all of which you've done. But do you know that seeing you like this makes me feel like you're sacrificing yourself for me? I don't want to exploit or humiliate you; that's not my intention!"

Qu Yunmie's expression gradually changed as he fell silent. Suddenly, he asked Xiao Rong, "So, you still don't want to owe me anything?"

Xiao Rong: "..."

This time, he really exploded: "What's the point of talking about owing each other now? That's just self-deception! I just don't want you to always put me first. If you care about my wishes, have you ever considered that your feelings are also part of my wishes? I don't know what the future holds, but right now, I want you to be kinder to yourself."

Qu Yunmie found this strange because he had never been unkind to himself. He killed whoever he wanted, and he kept track of those who wronged him, always seeking revenge.

Someone who has lived a hard life is unaware of what they lack. Xiao Rong said whatever he did, and Qu Yunmie listened, which was a sign of insecurity. He feared Xiao Rong leaving, so he never crossed any boundaries.

Even on that night, when he was truly drunk, he slowly sobered up and noticed something odd about Xiao Rong's attitude. He let things happen, but he never intended to seduce Xiao Rong. He impulsively hugged Xiao Rong, and everything after that was initiated by Xiao Rong.

At twenty-four, he was at the peak of his vigor. To put it bluntly, a man his age would react even to a pretty sheep walking by if he had never experienced intimacy. He had tasted the sweetness, but apart from wanting to repeat it the next day, he hadn't done anything else. For many days afterward, everything remained normal, and even Xiao Rong couldn't tell there was anything different about him.

It wasn't that he was such a gentleman; it was that he was incredibly patient.

He could endure pain and suppress his desires.

He thought that night was a fleeting moment, and if it happened again, it might be a year or longer. Anyone would find such an absurd situation hard to accept, but he accepted it, even thinking it was fine since he was a patient person. A year was a year.

Until now, with Xiao Rong's reminder, he realized he had misunderstood something.

He thought Xiao Rong's affection for him was minimal, just a tiny bit, like a fingernail's edge. So under the influence of alcohol and mutual understanding, he was willing to spend a night together. But now, Xiao Rong told him, cough, at least in Qu Yunmie's ears, that his affection was much more than just a little—it was enough to fill a hand.

Qu Yunmie looked at Xiao Rong, blinking. This time, he truly understood.

The atmosphere became quiet as he stared intently at Xiao Rong, making his heart race. His gaze told Xiao Rong that something was about to happen. Feeling nervous, Xiao Rong quickly lowered his head, but he stayed, indicating consent rather than refusal.

However, in the next moment, Qu Yunmie suddenly left.

Xiao Rong: "........" Damn it.

This time, even if the heavens themselves came, he wouldn't care. Frustrated, Xiao Rong raised his head and looked in the direction Qu Yunmie had gone. To his surprise, Qu Yunmie hadn't left; he had simply walked over to close the two wooden windows.

The sound of the windows closing echoed, and then, in a flash, Qu Yunmie scooped him up. It wasn't a princess carry but rather a way of holding him by the buttocks, like carrying a child.

Qu Yunmie really enjoyed holding him. Xiao Rong rested his head against his shoulder, pursing his lips without saying another word.