Chapter 8: Master, Speak to Me, Master~

Chapter 8: Master, Speak to Me, Master~

"What's wrong with you? We're both plants; it's nice to have someone to talk to in the same room."

Shen Junlan was seething. He shot a fierce glare at Huo Yanchi. Just moments after promising not to disdain him, Huo Yanchi was already contemplating nurturing another plant.

"Besides, I'm very low-maintenance. This room gets excellent sunlight too. I could grow to 1.8 meters tall in the future."

Shen Junlan quietly rose on his tiptoes, measuring himself against the asparagus fern in Zhao Qi's arms. "I'm already well over 1.8 meters, and then some. I'm even easier to care for."

"Master, speak to me, Master."

Huo Yanchi couldn't hear the asparagus fern's voice, but from Shen Junlan's words, he gathered an argument was brewing.

His "Little Leaf" seemed to be facing a challenge regarding his height, as Huo Yanchi had seen him secretly tiptoeing.

Little Leaf was half a head shorter than him, but certainly around 1.8 meters.

Sensing Little Leaf's emotional shift, Huo Yanchi immediately declared his allegiance.

"Zhao Qi, don't you know I already possess a one-of-a-kind Clivia? I have him, and I will never cultivate another plant again."

"I have no interest in these. In my office, apart from my Little Leaf, no other flora or fauna are permitted."

Zhao Qi's mouth parted slightly. He nodded with difficulty and exited, cradling the asparagus fern.

"Return after you've seen the asparagus fern off."

"Understood, President Huo, I'll be right back."

Shen Junlan snorted coldly. Did Huo Yanchi think a few words would appease him? Not a chance.

Huo Yanchi leaned back, his shoulders pressed firmly against the chair, unconsciously drawing closer to Little Leaf's hand resting on the chair.

"Why does my shoulder feel a little ticklish? Did someone touch my sensitive spot? That shouldn't be—my ticklish spot is a bit lower, below my nape."

"If some mischievous person were to tickle me there, I might laugh for a very long time."

Shen Junlan blinked his round, cat-like eyes a few times, his small fingers still unable to resist pressing against Huo Yanchi's nape.

His cool fingertips slid downward, massaging the prominent bone.

Shen Junlan diligently pressed for a while, but Huo Yanchi showed no inclination to burst into laughter. Defeated, Shen Junlan lowered his gaze and, through Huo Yanchi's slightly open collar, glimpsed his defined collarbone.

Huo Yanchi's neck muscles were taut. Judging by the curve of his collarbone, he seemed to be holding back.

Hmph, he knew it—Huo Yanchi was simply too embarrassed to laugh.

Shen Junlan was satisfied. It wasn't fair that only Huo Yanchi could tickle him; now he knew where to tickle Huo Yanchi.

"Master, you can only be my absolute best. Otherwise, I'll tickle you every single day."

Huo Yanchi tilted his neck, deliberately trapping Little Leaf's fingers between his nape and the chair back.

Shen Junlan had to exert some effort to free his fingers. Annoyed, he pinched Huo Yanchi's earlobe, twisting it until it flushed red. Only then did Shen Junlan clap his hands in satisfaction.

"Master, you're truly naughty, always bullying me."

Huo Yanchi yearned to protest his innocence, but then he remembered the pungent Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui and Little Leaf's trapped fingers. Any words of rebuttal transformed into a subtle curve at the corner of his lips.

It was perfectly fine to "tease" Little Leaf—a mischievous master picking on a well-behaved Little Leaf was entirely reasonable.

"By the way, Master, can you feel it when I pinch you?"

Seeing Huo Yanchi's expression remain unchanged, Shen Junlan finally relaxed.

"President Huo, do you have any instructions?"

Huo Yanchi toyed with his phone, his narrow eyes lifting slightly. His fingers tapped the screen several times, deliberately allowing Shen Junlan to witness him opening the photo album.

"You haven't seen the Clivia I've cultivated, have you? His name is Little Leaf, and he is absolutely, utterly, exquisitely beautiful."

"No, I haven't."

Huo Yanchi wasn't one to share personal matters. Zhao Qi only knew that Huo Yanchi kept plants and had visited the villa a few times, but he'd never seen any on the balcony.

Still, Zhao Qi was genuinely curious—what kind of spectacular Clivia could prompt Huo Yanchi to speak so effusively?

Shen Junlan leaned closer, surprised. He had no recollection of when Huo Yanchi had taken a photo of him.

"Oh, then you're missing out."

"Never mind, you may go now."

Zhao Qi's face went blank for a rare moment, taking a few seconds to nod in a daze.

It had only been a day or two since he last saw Huo Yanchi, but it felt as if he had transformed into a different person. Such childish behavior—Zhao Qi racked his brain, yet dared not believe it was Huo Yanchi.

"Master, do you really have a photo of me? How come I didn't know?"

Shen Junlan tried to take Huo Yanchi's phone but ended up placing his palm directly over Huo Yanchi's hand instead.

His fair hand was noticeably smaller than Huo Yanchi's. Huo Yanchi's skin was darker, with a faint scar near the web of his thumb. Shen Junlan gently caressed it.

The hand beneath his grew increasingly warm. Noticing Huo Yanchi's involuntary twitch, Shen Junlan swiftly withdrew, his arm tingling as if electrified. He nervously rubbed his fingers and shot an awkward glance at Huo Yanchi.

Why did Huo Yanchi always have these kinds of scars? There were some on his back too. Shen Junlan couldn't quite describe it, but they looked like they were from whips.

Shen Junlan fell silent, staring at Huo Yanchi's profile for a few seconds before whispering, "The phone, the phone—I want to see your photo album."

The phone remained unresponsive.

"If you won't show me, fine. It's just me anyway." Despite his words, Shen Junlan unconsciously plucked one of Huo Yanchi's hairs.

He quickly hid his hand behind his back, blinking innocently as he swiftly disposed of the evidence.

"Master, there's nothing there, see?"

Shen Junlan opened his palm, and as if by magic, a tiny sprout suddenly appeared.

The sprout swayed playfully, as if ready to start dancing for Huo Yanchi.

"Master, I was joking. Here's my sprout—isn't it cute? Just like when we first met."

Actually, it wasn't quite the same. The sprout now was so much more vibrant.

Huo Yanchi quietly opened his private album, filled with green images. He scrolled all the way to the bottom and tapped on the very first photo he'd taken of Little Leaf.

"Hey, Master, you actually have it!"

Shen Junlan watched intently, finding it quite novel to see himself from this perspective for the first time.

"I didn't seem very pretty before, and you still kept me with just a few leaves like that."

Shen Junlan couldn't quite recall the pain of being struck by lightning. After eight years of Huo Yanchi's pampering, he had forgotten all the hardships he had endured.

"No matter what Little Leaf looks like, you are always beautiful in my eyes."

Little Leaf's vibrant vitality practically leaped off the screen. As Huo Yanchi scrolled through the photos, he recalled that what had first attracted him to Little Leaf was precisely this kind of resilience.

The will to live, and to live well.

Shen Junlan propped himself up on his arms on Huo Yanchi's desk, trying to detect even a hint of deception in Huo Yanchi's eyes.

There was none, not even a trace.

Shen Junlan pressed his lips together and gave a small smile. So, he really was this good.

"Master, compliment me more often. When I'm in a good mood, I'll become even prettier."

Huo Yanchi's vocabulary for praise was limited. His fingers twitched, eager to search for a plethora of flattering words to extol Little Leaf to the heavens, if only he weren't under Little Leaf's watchful gaze.

*Knock, knock, knock.*

"Come in."

"Old Huo is here again. He's on his way to the top-floor office."

Zhao Qi spoke rapidly. The moment he finished speaking, Huo Yanchi heard the heavy thud of a cane hitting the floor.

The atmosphere around Huo Yanchi instantly grew cold and tense. He put away his phone and positioned himself in front of Little Leaf.

He truly didn't want Little Leaf involved in these matters, especially private affairs that were deeply distressing.

Zhao Qi quickly closed the office door and stood blocking the entrance, forcing a strained smile. "Old Huo, President Huo hasn't returned from his business trip."

Huo Qu possessed an intimidating presence. His cane tapped steadily on the floor. Since he had come, he knew for certain that Huo Yanchi was there.

"Zhao Qi, let him in."

As the office door opened, the first thing Huo Qu saw was Huo Yanchi's cold, detached eyes.

They were the same as eight years ago, if not even colder.

In the tense silence, Huo Yanchi remained composed, while Huo Qu was the first to yield, averting his gaze.

After years apart, Huo Yanchi was no longer the compliant grandson who could be pushed around.

It wasn't just his demeanor that had matured—even his emotions were now unreadable.

Huo Qu thought to himself that Huo Yanchi didn't even show anger. He was becoming increasingly difficult to handle.

"Xiao Chi, don't you have anything to say to your grandfather?"

"Old Mr. Huo."

Seeing the tension escalate, Zhao Qi swiftly closed the door and stood guard outside, ready to intercept anyone who might approach.

"Xiao Chi, since when do we address each other so formally?"

"Since when? You should know better than anyone."

The old misdeeds of those cut from the same cloth—and now they wouldn't even acknowledge them.

Huo Yanchi let out a cold laugh. That person's life was truly valuable, enough to make the Huo family come looking for him repeatedly.

"You know why I'm here today."

Huo Yanchi watched as Huo Qu moved to sit on the sofa, still employing the same pressure tactics he used at home. He sat upright, leaning on his cane, silent, staring intently at him.

In his youth, Huo Yanchi had feared this gaze the most. Now, he found it ridiculous.

It was nothing but empty threats—just a paper tiger that would collapse at the slightest poke.

Huo Yanchi watched Huo Qu's performance with detached amusement, his expression growing increasingly mocking. In the oppressive silence, he leaned casually against the desk, looking down at Huo Qu with a condescending gaze.

"Xiao Yang is not doing well. As his older brother, isn't it inappropriate for you to stay away all these years?"

"He's been given critical condition notices several times. The first thing he asked after stabilizing was where his brother had gone."

"Huo Yanchi, if you consider yourself his brother, go to the hospital and save him. Back then, it was your choice—no one forced you. You said it yourself: you would provide for your brother forever and treat him well forever."

No one forced him? Huo Yanchi drummed his fingers on the desk. How could Huo Qu forget? It was he who had forced him, using the lives of the four members of the Huo family as leverage.

If he didn't save Huo Yaoyang, they would all die.

The four members of the family—the three of them plus Huo Qu—there had never been a place for him.

Yaoyang—meaning 'bright sun'.

He was born with the expectations of the entire family. Naturally, he was different from Huo Yanchi, an accidental pregnancy that had to be carried to term, which cost the Huo family a billion-yuan deal.

He should have died long ago. The only reason he was kept alive was because he was useful—only he could save Huo Yaoyang.

"That's right, I did say that. So what? I'm no longer part of the Huo family. I haven't been for eight years. It was you who abandoned me. It was Huo Yaoyang who rejected me. If I'm to be good to my brother, he is no brother of mine. Why should I donate my blood four times a month to save him?"

"Is my life not a life?"

Huo Yanchi's tone was flat, but his slightly trembling fingertips betrayed his sorrow.

Shen Junlan was confused by this exchange. In the past eight years, the Huo family had never made an appearance, not even calling during holidays. He had no idea about the existence of a brother. If they truly missed this brother, there were always ways to reach out.

As for drawing blood—four times a month—the frequency made Shen Junlan's blood run cold. How much blood does a person have, to be drawn four times a month?

He peered out from behind Huo Yanchi, timidly grabbing the hem of his clothes, his eyes filled with concern.

"Master, don't be sad. You still have me. I'll always be with you."

"They're bad. Just ignore them."

Huo Yanchi's nearly fraying composure was pulled back by Shen Junlan. His throat worked, and as his eyes trembled, he swallowed the last trace of sorrow.

"Old Mr. Huo, if there's nothing else, please leave. My small office is too humble for someone as important as you. There's no need to seek me out again and again. He's survived several critical condition notices—what are you worried about? Worried that the blood supply isn't enough, or worried that I'm still not dead?"

"Wasn't it you who said eight years ago that you hoped my life would trade for his? Sorry, but I'm afraid you won't get your wish."

"Of course, if you're here to see when I'll die… Hah, stop coming by. I'll live to a ripe old age, longer than his, at the very least."

"Huo Yanchi."

Huo Qu growled under his breath, his cane striking the floor as he trembled while standing up, clearly furious. He glanced around, raised his cane, and swung it at Huo Yanchi.

Time seemed to freeze, as Huo Qu's cane hung in mid-air, unable to descend, as if held back by some invisible force.

Huo Yanchi's pupils constricted slightly. Little Leaf had positioned himself in front of him, his slender wrists firmly gripping the cane, eyes blazing with fury. From Huo Yanchi's perspective, he seemed utterly enraged, his cheeks puffed out with anger.

"Nobody gets to bully him. What gives you the right to hit someone?"

Huo Yanchi subtly stepped forward, half-embracing Shen Junlan, and placed his hand over Shen Junlan's, completely enveloping it.

Shen Junlan turned his head, his eyes filled with surprise.

He was certain Huo Yanchi hadn't realized it was his hand and couldn't help but mutter, "Master, you're holding my hand. Your hand is so cold. Don't be angry—I'll protect you."

Huo Yanchi's heart trembled. His Little Leaf was protecting him.

Small and slender, yet standing firmly in front of him, Huo Yanchi unconsciously rubbed his fingertips.

Little Leaf's hand was smooth and delicate, like fine mutton-fat jade, a testament to Huo Yanchi wiping his leaves four or five times daily.

"Huo Yanchi, let go."

Huo Yanchi was jolted back to the present moment, completely forgetting the scene unfolding before him.

Tsk, he scoffed lightly, holding Shen Junlan's hand, and with a deft motion, pushed Huo Qu away.

"Haven't you had enough from eight years ago, Mr. Huo? If you come again, remember to bring his critical condition notification. Maybe then I'll be in a better mood."

Huo Qu hadn't expected Huo Yanchi to be so cold-blooded, truly willing to let Yaoyang die. A beast, truly a beast.

"Zhao Qi, see the guest out."

Zhao Qi swiftly escorted him out. If Huo Qu refused to be reasonable, the company's bodyguards were quite knowledgeable about legal boundaries.

As the door closed and locked, Shen Junlan immediately clung to Huo Yanchi's arm, rubbing his head against Huo Yanchi's shoulder.

"Master, let's stick close together—it'll make you feel better."

"Do you want some candy now?"

Shen Junlan channeled some spiritual energy and conjured a leaf-shaped candy, opening his palm to offer it to Huo Yanchi.

"Master, have some candy."