Chapter 41

Chapter 41 Shirt Seduction

Moisture hung in the air, seeming to permeate every corner of the bathroom, an indescribable comfort seeping from deep within Shen Junlan's bones.

Shen Junlan’s legs were shaky as he bent over. The bathrobe around his waist started to slip downward, only to be gently pulled back up by Huo Yanchi.

In the mirror reflected Huo Yanchi’s handsome face, looking relaxed and satisfied. Shen Junlan rinsed the foam off his hands without a word.

It felt as though everything had changed, yet somehow nothing had changed at all.

Shen Junlan couldn’t quite put his finger on what he was feeling, but when his gaze met Huo Yanchi’s deep, intense eyes, he instinctively curved the corners of his lips.

Actually, it wasn’t such a big deal.

“Huo Yanchi.”

The hoarse tone made Shen Junlan suddenly go quiet. He wiped his fingers, uncomfortably touching his throat. His pale fingertips rested against the crimson kiss marks, creating a stark contrast.

Huo Yanchi leaned halfway against the doorframe, making a soft sound through his nose. No matter what Shen Junlan was like, he could completely captivate him.

The inexperienced Xiao Yezi was incredibly alluring, capturing all of Huo Yanchi’s attention as if every breath was meant to seduce him.

“You don’t seem… as affected as I am.”

After hesitating for a few seconds, Shen Junlan finally asked. He was like someone inexperienced—every reaction seemed to push all of Huo Yanchi’s buttons, which oddly helped ease a bit of his own embarrassment.

“Because I’m your older brother.”

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Shen Junlan turned his head away and chuckled softly.

Fine. If Huo Yanchi was so insistent on being his older brother, then that's fine.

“Xiao Yezi, you really don’t need to hide anything from me. I adore every part of you.”

He loved it when Xiao Yezi tried to hide his claws, loved it when he closed his eyes and gripped his wrist, and especially loved it when Xiao Yezi, having no choice, could only call his name over and over again.

“But that won’t do. Xiao Que said—”

“Stop. Don’t listen to Xiao Que this time. Listen to me. It doesn’t matter how you are. Haven’t you always accepted me, even when I’m in a bad mood?”

Shen Junlan thought about it and realized it made sense. After all, this was Huo Yanchi. He could accept everything about Huo Yanchi.

“Brother, what if I keep the old turtle in the flower pond? I’m not sure if it’s doing well at the flower shop. With the python vine in the garden, they could even chat.”

Huo Yanchi imagined it for a moment—their garden would probably turn into a zoo one day, with all sorts of animals and plants taking over. It was quite a surprising thought.

“I think we should ask for its opinion first. What if it doesn’t want to?”

“Alright.”

Shen Junlan’s eyes wandered before he suddenly realized they were acting silly—standing in bathrobes at the bathroom door, doing nothing but chatting.

He tentatively took a step forward. His calf wasn’t cramping anymore, but his eyes kept twitching.

He kept wanting to look at Huo Yanchi, then at himself—really, just like a fool.

“Xiao Yezi, come to bed.”

Huo Yanchi gave Shen Junlan no time to hesitate, pulling him right into bed. Wrapped in familiar warmth, his restless, racing heart gradually relaxed.

Shen Junlan stretched lazily, a faint smile showing in his dimples. If only such wonderful days could last forever.

***

With the flower shop now up and running smoothly, Shen Junlan, as the little boss, had to handle flower arrangements himself, though he didn’t need to manage inventory or deliveries.

He wasn’t artistic at all. Every time he told a customer, “Just a moment, please,” he would sneak back to the small room to watch tutorials.

“You should hire someone.”

The old turtle sunbathed lazily. It couldn’t understand why, even with so much money, Shen Junlan still insisted on doing everything himself.

The people it had seen in the Taoist temple were carried around in sedan chairs even when seeking enlightenment, with servants taking care of their every need. Someone like Shen Junlan was rare.

“No need. My bodyguard will be here soon.”

Shen Junlan’s tone was unusually cheerful when he mentioned the word “bodyguard.” The old turtle thought for a moment—it was probably his husband? No, wait, maybe boyfriend or partner.

“Welcome—”

Speak of the devil.

“Xiao Yezi.”

“Coming.” Shen Junlan came hurrying out from the back room. He had learned how to arrange flowers now—he could definitely create a beautiful arrangement.

“This customer wants flowers for professing love. Can you help me arrange them?”

The customer’s partner liked baby’s breath, and the customer also requested roses.

Huo Yanchi picked out vibrant roses, meticulously trimming off every thorn before gently handing them to Shen Junlan.

There were eleven roses in various colors.

“Xiao Yezi, this means ‘for all lifetimes, with undivided devotion.’”

Huo Yanchi spoke right by his ear. The phrase “for all lifetimes” made Shen Junlan’s heart skip a beat.

If only it could really be for all lifetimes—he would stick to Huo Yanchi like a medicinal plaster, following him everywhere.

“Here, your bouquet is ready. Would you like to see if it’s alright? If so, I’ll wrap it up.”

The color combination was stunning, and the flowers were exceptionally fresh. It almost felt like they seemed to bloom even brighter in Shen Junlan’s arms.

“It’s perfect. Please wrap it up. How much?”

“99. Wishing you a long-lasting love.” Shen Junlan roughly knew the cost price of these flowers. He wouldn’t lose money, though he wouldn't make much profit.

The customer paid promptly and, holding the bouquet, turned to Huo Yanchi. “Thanks. May your love last long too.”

Huo Yanchi’s gaze lingered on Xiao Yezi’s eyes, his heart filled with emotion.

He, too, hoped for a love that would last long.

“Huo Yanchi, you said you had something to tell me. What is it?”

Huo Yanchi took Xiao Yezi’s hand as they sat down, speaking in a very low voice. “I need to go to the neighboring city to check on the branch office’s operations. Recently, the general manager there filed a formal report, saying that some executives are accepting bribes, and the amounts involved are substantial.”

This matter could be serious or minor—the company could easily be affected.

Shen Junlan: “Then I’ll go too.”

"You stay here, just wait for me at home."

They both spoke at almost the same time. Shen Junlan pouted a little unhappily. "Why can't I go?"

"This is a covert investigation. We're taking the high-speed train, and you can't come along."

Shen Junlan murmured a sad "oh," hooking his fingers with Huo Yanchi's, saying clingily, "How long will you be gone? When will you be back?"

"It might take two or three days. I'll wrap up early if I can. Xiao Yezi, be a good boy and wait for me at home. If you miss me, just call me on video. If I don't pick up, I'm busy."

"You can ask Xiao Que to come over to keep you company. With him around, you won’t feel too lonely."

Shen Junlan mumbled gloomily. For over eight years, he had never been apart from Huo Yanchi for this long.

Even before Huo Yanchi had left, it felt like his heart had already followed.

"Xiao Yezi, I have an evening train. The sooner I go, the sooner I’ll be back. Do you want to go home and help me get my things ready?"

"Yes."

Shen Junlan sat on the floor, sorting through things, unsure what to pack for Huo Yanchi.

His travel suitcase was always packed, grab-and-go. Asking him to come back was just to steal a bit more time together.

"Xiao Yezi, look at the calendar. Three days from now is Qixi Festival, Chinese Valentine's Day. I’ll definitely be back by then."

"Okay."

They could go on a date for Qixi. He’d set something up in advance to surprise Huo Yanchi.

The high-speed train ticket was for 6 p.m. Huo Yanchi had a quick bite before heading out.

Standing at the door with his suitcase, with the light behind him, a glint of amusement shone in his eyes.

"Xiao Yezi, I’m leaving. Got nothing to say to me?"

Shen Junlan blinked, fighting back tears, and quickly dove into Huo Yanchi’s arms. Rising on his tiptoes, he pecked his cheek.

"Huo Yanchi, I'll miss you like crazy."

"Me too, Xiao Yezi. I gotta go now. Be good and stay home. For the next few days, let Xiao Zhang drive you to the flower shop. If it's slow, just come back."

Shen Junlan nodded eagerly, afraid that if he opened his mouth again, he’d beg him to stay instead of saying goodbye.

"I’ll video call you when I arrive. I’ll be back soon."

The car drove away, but Shen Junlan’s gaze remained fixed far away. Crouching by the door, he sniffled and discreetly wiped away his tears.

"Tweet, tweet, tweet."

Shen Junlan rubbed his reddened eyes and looked up just as Xiao Que landed in his arms.

"Xiao Que, what are you doing here?"

Seeing Shen Junlan down, Xiao Que fluttered his wings and gently wiped the corner of Shen Junlan’s eye. His pitiful, weepy look was truly endearing.

"Huo Yanchi sent me. He said he’s going on a business trip and asked me to keep you company these few days."

Honestly, Huo Yanchi was quite the really thoughtful boyfriend, taking care of every detail.

"Thank you, Xiao Que."

Xiao Que chirped, tugging at Shen Junlan’s clothes to pull him up and drag him inside.

"Jun Lan, since Huo Yanchi isn’t home, I can teach you some new moves—specifically for when he’s away on business."

As a bird of today's world, he’d seen it all.

Out-of-control ones, reserved ones, even those who didn’t care if their accounts got banned. Though he seemed like just a bird, in that household, they basically treated him as if he didn’t exist, saying all sorts of risqué stuff.

Shen Junlan nodded seriously, ran to the study to grab a sheet of A4 paper and a black pen, looking every bit the eager student, ready to take notes as Xiao Que spoke.

"No, no, no, Jun Lan, this isn’t something you write down. Just listen."

Some words couldn’t even pass censorship if spoken aloud—they could only be implied.

"Remember the 'battle outfit' we bought together? Tomorrow night, message Huo Yanchi first to make sure he’s back at the hotel and alone. Then, put it on."

"Oh, and then?"

Shen Junlan looked adorably innocent, leaning forward with intense focus, his eyes full of curiosity as he stared at Xiao Que.

"Uh."

Did he really need to teach him the rest? Just do whatever teasing moves come to mind, say some suggestive things—wouldn’t that drive him wild?

"But maybe not, Xiao Que. He’s there for work, and it’s really tiring."

"Exactly! Because he’s tired, this is your way of rewarding him. I’m sure he'll love it."

Shen Junlan seemed to understand but not quite. Whatever, he’d just follow Xiao Que’s advice.

When Xiao Que flew away, he left with a sense of accomplishment. If not for Huo Yanchi’s repeated warnings not to show Shen Junlan anything inappropriate, he would’ve gladly shared that master’s X-rated account with him.

That person never hid anything from him. He didn’t want to know, but seeing it so often, he’d memorized it against his will.

After Huo Yanchi arrived, he only sent a few voice messages. He had work to handle in advance, so after reassuring Shen Junlan, he got straight to it.

Shen Junlan didn’t dare disturb him all day.

By 9 p.m., after much hesitation, Shen Junlan sent Huo Yanchi a picture of himself.

He was wearing Huo Yanchi’s shirt, burying his nose in the sleeve, taking a deep breath.

[Xiao Yezi: Master, I miss you so, so much. Your scent is still on this shirt. I love it.]

The move left Huo Yanchi speechless. He gripped his phone, staring at the picture over and over, his thumb brushing over Xiao Yezi’s cheek as if he were actually touching him.

[Xiao Yezi: I want to see you.]

[The Best Huo Yanchi in the World: Video call.]

Beep.

The video connected. The loosely worn shirt was only buttoned twice, and as Shen Junlan leaned forward, everything was laid bare.

Including the underwear full of holes Shen Junlan had considered using as a rag.

Shen Junlan lay on the bed, holding the phone slightly higher. In the fleeting frames, the shirt barely reached his thighs, half-revealing the torn underwear beneath.

Huo Yanchi was staring intently, and even through the screen, Shen Junlan could sense the shift in his emotions.

Heh heh, so Huo Yanchi really likes this, huh.

"Gege, it feels like a lifetime since you left today. I’ve been missing you like crazy."

"I’ve missed you too, Xiao Yezi. Why are you dressed like this?"

Shen Junlan’s round eyes darted playfully as he purred, "Huo Yanchi, you tell me what I mean. Do I look good like this? I just wanted you to see."

He understood now—this was a blatant scheme.

A blatant seduction. Huo Yanchi could see but not touch. His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly as he said hoarsely, "Xiao Yezi, hold the phone up higher. In a moment, I’ll tell you what to do, and you’ll do it."

Shen Junlan froze momentarily before rolling onto his back and obediently replying, "Okay."

After all, they were separated by a screen—it wasn't like Huo Yanchi could actually reach through the screen.

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Author's Note: Sorry, little angels, I had to go to the hospital tonight and ended up posting later than usual. Love you all! [hahaha][hahaha][hahaha]