Chapter 111: Step On

Chapter 111: Treading

Song Yuqing blinked slowly, his long lashes tracing a faint arc in the dim light. Was he getting this jealous over Pei Huai?

"Hmm?" the alpha persisted, pulling him closer as he awaited an answer.

Song Yuqing looked at Qi Zhengqing, his lips parting slightly as he spoke calmly, "I like you more right now, though sometimes I prefer Pei Huai."

"He's not complicated, so being with him is relaxing."

"During the times you prefer Pei Huai," Qi Zhengqing's voice deepened, his lips brushing close, each word carrying scorching breath and nearly overflowing jealousy, "I'm so jealous of him."

He envied Pei Huai's youth, his impulsiveness, how carefree he was.

He envied that Pei Huai could also receive moments of affection from Song Yuqing.

But due to his personality and age, he could never be like Pei Huai, allowing Song Yuqing to feel such intense, reckless love.

Song Yuqing watched Qi Zhengqing quietly, hooking his arms around his neck, his fingers gently tracing the alpha's scent gland. "You don’t need to envy him."

"You're great too." Song Yuqing paused, his touch soothing. "I love you very much too."

In some ways, he and Qi Zhengqing were similar.

His life was isolated and colorless, and so was Qi Zhengqing's. Because of this, they could see through each other, seeing the vulnerability and desire beneath their tough exteriors.

Qi Zhengqing was more like someone who had experienced hardship and confusion, who had found his footing after struggling alone.

When he saw someone like himself, Qi Zhengqing didn’t want him to go through what he had.

Unlike Gu Jingtang, who sought novelty and wanted to drain his life to make him sustenance for himself, Qi Zhengqing was different.

Qi Zhengqing was willing to become his nourishment, to let him consume everything he had.

Song Yuqing looked up at Qi Zhengqing. "Mr. Qi, even rationally speaking, I would still love you the most."

To love Qi Zhengqing was to learn to love himself.

He was destined not to become like Qi Zhengqing, precisely because he met Qi Zhengqing.

"You are irreplaceable and unique to me."

"I know that as long as you’re here, you’ll always catch me, no matter what I do."

In the darkness, Qi Zhengqing listened quietly as Song Yuqing spoke. His tone was calm yet gentle and comforting, but Qi Zhengqing's heart was in turmoil because of him.

Rational love surpasses fleeting infatuation; it’s the mutual need that remains even after passion fades.

Qi Zhengqing lowered his head and nuzzled against Song Yuqing. "You’re the same to me, Qingqing."

It was both rational and a matter of the heart.

And the only spot of color in his desolate life.

Song Yuqing had also been his anchor.

Making him cherish the world, giving him a reason to keep living, and transforming his rigid, dull existence into something vibrant because of Song Yuqing.

Coal Ball bumped against Qi Zhengqing’s leg and let out a "meow," interrupting their plans to touch and kiss.

It even broke their embrace.

Both looked down and saw the pitch-black cat, only its eyes visible, bumping against Qi Zhengqing’s well-pressed dark trousers before tilting its head to stare at Song Yuqing.

Coal Ball let out a trembling meow again!

Clearly dissatisfied that its Dad had been monopolizing its Mom for so long.

Song Yuqing lifted his pale chin, signaling to the alpha. "Hand Coal Ball to me."

Qi Zhengqing picked up the cat and handed it to Song Yuqing.

Almost the moment Coal Ball landed in Song Yuqing’s arms, Qi Zhengqing naturally leaned down, his broad shoulders sinking slightly as he lowered his head to play with the cat alongside Song Yuqing.

"Do you still need to feed her?"

Song Yuqing poked the little coal ball with his fair fingers. "She can drink milk on her own now. Just put some milk in a dish, and she’ll lick it up."

Coal Ball purred contentedly. "Hmm, she’s like an engine, always rumbling."

Qi Zhengqing genuinely wondered how such a tiny creature could make so much noise without disturbing Song Yuqing’s sleep.

Not at all like Song Yuqing, who slept quietly, curling up obediently in the alpha’s arms. Asleep, Song Yuqing was the most insecure and clingy.

Song Yuqing tilted his head and shot him a light, sidelong glance, clearly displeased with the alpha’s criticism of Coal Ball. "You’re the engine."

Qi Zhengqing: "…"

Now he wasn’t even allowed to comment on Coal Ball.

Such a domineering kitten.

Song Yuqing had always been this domineering, yet he always thought of himself as magnanimous.

Qi Zhengqing: "Okay, he’s not the engine. I’m the engine. Is that better?"

The words "Is that better?" were spoken softly and slowly, full of indulgence, as if coaxing a sulking child.

The moment he finished, a low chuckle escaped his lips.

Song Yuqing: "…"

Did Qi Zhengqing think he couldn’t hear him laughing?

His sidelong glance instantly sharpened. Song Yuqing kicked Qi Zhengqing. "Move, I want to get down."

The ball of his foot landed squarely on Qi Zhengqing’s firm, taut thigh muscle.

The nearly transparent pale skin pressed against the alpha’s dark trousers, the extreme fairness intertwining with the rich depth, creating an almost provocative yet fragile allure.

Qi Zhengqing’s breath hitched almost imperceptibly.

The alpha’s large hand settled on the young man’s ankle, highlighting its delicate, almost breakable elegance.

Qi Zhengqing’s thumb pressed against the slightly protruding round bone on the inner side of the ankle, gently encircling the slender joint, creating a warm but firm hold.

His thumb brushed against Song Yuqing’s ankle, making the arch of his foot curl slightly.

"It's been a long time since you've stepped on me like this."

"Step higher?"

Song Yuqing: "..."

Still holding the cat in his arms, Song Yuqing lowered his gaze to where the alpha had indicated. The pale corners of his eyes glistened with moisture, his scrutiny so evident it made the alpha's Adam's apple bob slightly under his gaze.

Song Yuqing took pity and nodded slightly.

His pale toes pressed down—an act meant to humiliate, yet for the alpha, it felt like a reward.

"Feel good?" Song Yuqing stared at Qi Zhengqing.

The alpha's gaze was intensely aggressive. "You know it does."

"I think you're kind of a pervert," Song Yuqing said calmly. "You want me to hit you?"

Strands of hair fell across his collarbone, partially hiding it. On his refined face was a look of genuine interest, as if earnestly discussing the matter with the alpha.

"What do you think?" Qi Zhengqing dodged the question, turning it back to Song Yuqing.

"Doesn't being hit hurt?" Song Yuqing pressed.

Qi Zhengqing: "It’s more like pain and pleasure go together. And you’re not the type of master who enjoys humiliating others."

Training and control aren’t about breaking someone’s spirit or reducing them to a plaything.

It’s about guidance and affection—the one in charge patiently teaching their partner, building a deeper closeness through submission and discipline.

It's like dog training: punish, then reward.

Song Yuqing thought it over carefully. But the difference is, there’s no talk of abandonment, no casually letting go of the leash to make the dog feel fear and insecurity.

Song Yuqing: "Got it. Go shower. I still have some work to finish."

After Qi Zhengqing finished showering, he sat with Song Yuqing. Though neither spoke, both savored the moment of quiet companionship.

Occasionally, during Song Yuqing’s breaks, they would chat briefly.

"When did you start getting interested in these kinds of films?" Qi Zhengqing picked up a reel and asked Song Yuqing, adding, "Should I find some for you?"

Song Yuqing didn’t hide much in front of Qi Zhengqing. "I’m not interested."

"I don’t have an artistic bone in my body, nor any passion for appreciation."

"It’s just…"

Song Yuqing’s gaze fell on the film reel in Qi Zhengqing’s hand. "Light and sound are great ways for transmitting information."

Qi Zhengqing: "In that case, I should find even more reels for you."

The intelligence agencies of Xinzhou were not under Song Yuqing’s control, nor under Qi Zhengqing’s control. Each had their own sources of intel.

In any endeavor, information is crucial—the advantage often lies in the information gap.

Clearly, Zheng Kaiji held more information; otherwise, he wouldn’t have come knocking so soon after someone sent Song Yuqing the reel.

Song Yuqing even suspected Zheng Kaiji had opened and inspected that reel beforehand.

His every move was likely on Zheng Kaiji’s radar.

In fact, caution was wise.

And the more this was the case, the more he had to act as if he knew nothing and go about his business as usual. It might even be good to let Zheng Kaiji think he had changed because of something Qi Zhengqing said—pinning it on Qi Zhengqing was just fine.

Song Yuqing briefly mentioned Zheng Kaiji’s visit the previous day.

"Are you planning to cooperate with him?" Qi Zhengqing looked at Song Yuqing.

After finishing his typing, Song Yuqing closed his laptop. "Still thinking about it."

Qi Zhengqing asked further, "What information do you have on hand now?"

Song Yuqing beckoned Qi Zhengqing closer. The alpha leaned in, listening as Song Yuqing spoke softly into his ear, his breath brushing against the alpha’s neck, causing a slight tickle.

Song Yuqing’s soft lips gently grazed the alpha’s ear. Before he could finish, Song Yuqing seemed to find the leaning posture somewhat tiring.

He simply hooked his arm around the alpha’s neck, pulling them closer, their posture intimate and suggestive.

Qi Zhengqing felt his mind hazy from the faint fragrance from Song Yuqing’s lips.

Qi Zhengqing: "Do you need my help?"

Song Yuqing looked up and shook his head gently. "No, I can handle it myself."

"I don’t need you involved yet."

The alpha lowered his gaze, nuzzling Song Yuqing’s lips, and asked, "Then when will you need me?"

"When I need you, I’ll let you know."

"Are you so eager to be used?" Song Yuqing pushed Qi Zhengqing away slightly.

Qi Zhengqing let himself be pushed back, his movements compliant, but his eyes remained fixed on Song Yuqing.

"What’s between us isn’t about being used."

Song Yuqing nodded. "Mm."

"Whatever you plan to do, remember to tell me. Even if you don’t need me, just let me know."

"At the very least, I can ensure your safety."

"Mm." Song Yuqing covered the alpha’s mouth, clearly having run out of patience, and stared at him with slight displeasure. "You talk too much."

"Stop nagging all day long."

Qi Zhengqing’s hand rested on Song Yuqing’s waist, his warm palm familiar and intimate, pressing gently but firmly. "So impatient."

Author's Note:

Song Qingqing: Why does this guy talk so much?