Chapter 43: My Sweet Leaf, Not Dirty, It’s Sweet

Chapter 43: My Sweet Leaf, Not Dirty, It's Sweet

A wave of heat washed over him. Huo Yanchi’s gaze fixed on the adorably docile Xiao Yezi beneath him. He raised a hand, tenderly wiping a bead of sweat from the tip of Xiao Yezi’s nose.

He scooped up a handful of colorful paper confetti and playfully scattered it over Xiao Yezi’s face. Heart-shaped pieces settled on his skin, and Xiao Yezi lay there, almost like an offering, a slight frown the only sign of discomfort.

“Huo Yanchi, are you hot?”

Shen Junlan’s back was damp. He tugged at the collar of his pajamas, revealing a sheen of sweat on his collarbone.

Overwhelmed by the almost explosive heat, Shen Junlan frantically pulled at his clothes, desperate to cool down.

The heat seemed to emanate from his very bones. He curled his legs, his knees brushing restlessly against Huo Yanchi’s abdominal muscles.

It was Huo Yanchi’s abs that had tempted him. The videos were one thing, but now he was pushing it, wearing that half-open shirt, so tantalizing, making Shen Junlan unbearably hot.

“Brother, could you change your clothes?”

Oh?

Huo Yanchi’s interest was piqued. Could it be that Xiao Que had been at it again? Had Xiao Yezi bought him that kind of clothing too?

“What style? Bring it out, and I’ll put it on.”

Huo Yanchi adjusted his posture with feigned composure, pulling Xiao Yezi up as he did, his eyes expectant as he waited for the clothes.

*Smack.*

What landed on Huo Yanchi’s face was a thick, high-necked wool sweater.

“Xiao Yezi, this isn’t exactly… *intimate* wear.”

Huo Yanchi was bewildered. Had he misunderstood?

“You little tease, wearing that shirt to seduce me. If you change into a sweater, I won’t be hot anymore.”

Shen Junlan mumbled, sulking on the floor. He wiped the sweat from his neck with the back of his hand, glaring accusingly at Huo Yanchi.

Heaven knows, it was Xiao Yezi who lit that incense—yet he was blaming Huo Yanchi.

“No, Xiao Yezi, it’s the incense you bought, not what I’m wearing. Look, see for yourself.”

Huo Yanchi swiftly pulled on the sweater and stood there, striking a model-like pose, changing positions as if ready for a fashion magazine photoshoot.

“My sweet Leaf, still hot?”

Shen Junlan was on the verge of tears. It was even hotter now. The sweater only enhanced Huo Yanchi’s attractiveness, making Shen Junlan want to tear it off and reveal those flushed collarbones.

“Hot.”

Huo Yanchi chuckled softly as he removed the sweater. He lifted Xiao Yezi’s chin, his thumb brushing over his damp eyes.

“Xiao Yezi, go take another whiff of that arousal incense. I guarantee you’ll be even hotter than you are now.”

Oh, Xiao Que, Xiao Que, you’ve really gotten me into trouble.

“Brother, what should I do then?”

Shen Junlan’s sticky fingers intertwined with Huo Yanchi’s wrist. He looked up at Huo Yanchi from below, his fingertips tracing lightly, his eyes pleading.

Those subtle gestures broke Huo Yanchi’s composure. With a firm grip, he lifted Shen Junlan and gently placed him on the bed.

“Brother, is it like last time?”

“No, let’s try something different.”

Shen Junlan gazed at Huo Yanchi, utterly bewildered. What “different” meant, he truly had no idea.

A series of light kisses descended, from his chin to his collarbone—nibbling, licking.

The wet marks seemed to grow more pronounced. Shen Junlan let out a strained moan.

But compared to that, what Huo Yanchi did next left Shen Junlan completely stunned.

“Xiao Yezi, the bathroom or here?”

“Th-the bathroom.”

Huo Yanchi didn’t hesitate. He picked up Shen Junlan and carried him to the bathroom, placing him on the cool surface of the sink. Cold water streamed down his back—it seemed like more than just a bath.

“Xiao Yezi, are you afraid of me?”

“No, Huo Yanchi, why would you say that?”

Huo Yanchi’s fingers moved slowly, his voice low and husky. “Then why are you so tense? Xiao Yezi, would I ever harm you?”

He cared for him too much for that. The way Xiao Yezi looked at him made him feel like some infamous criminal.

“Brother, your eyes… they look different.”

Huo Yanchi raised an eyebrow. Indeed, they were different.

Today, he truly wanted to… consume Shen Junlan.

“My sweet Leaf, don’t be afraid of me. If you’re not used to it, close your eyes.”

Before Shen Junlan could grasp what he meant by “used to it,” Huo Yanchi grasped his hand and lowered himself.

What followed was something Shen Junlan could never have imagined, no matter how hard he tried.

“Huo Yanchi, have you lost your mind?”

*Cough, cough.*

Huo Yanchi lifted his gaze, his eyes blazing with desire. He looked more like an alluring demon than Shen Junlan ever could.

The only word Shen Junlan could think of was “madman.” When Huo Yanchi smiled faintly, he truly seemed like a madman ready to devour him completely.

No—Huo Yanchi not only thought it, he acted on it.

“My sweet Leaf, it’s fine. As long as you’re happy.”

Shen Junlan’s palm rested on Huo Yanchi’s head, his damp eyes closed, yet tears still escaped from the corners.

Bright fireworks burst in his head, one after another. Shen Junlan thought, *This isn’t how Qixi Festival is supposed to be spent, is it?*

He hadn’t reciprocated.

Shen Junlan tugged at the dangling necklace, the leaf pendant scorching hot against his skin.

In the flowerpot painted with a clivia pattern, all the leaves swayed without any wind, yet clearly, there was no wind in the room.

A silent storm raged and swelled within the unnoticed flowerpot, where a tiny sprout emerged from the soil, hidden beneath the towering leaves. Bright crimson, it shimmered for just a few moments before reverting to a pale green.

“Huo Yanchi?”

A muffled reply.

Shen Junlan’s fingers tightened, his mind went blank for an instant.

*Cough, cough.*

Huo Yanchi turned his head, resting it on Shen Junlan’s shoulder as he coughed lightly.

“You… why didn’t you spit it out? That’s gross.”

Shen Junlan couldn’t bring himself to look into Huo Yanchi’s eyes. Holding Huo Yanchi’s waist, he muttered, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to. Brother, please don’t be angry with me.”

“My sweet Leaf, it’s not dirty. It’s sweet.”

Huo Yanchi, afraid Shen Junlan wouldn’t believe him, even made a show of swallowing.

“No, that can’t be right.”

Shen Junlan started to doubt his own senses. Dazed, he let Huo Yanchi help him bathe, but as soon as he touched Huo Yanchi’s side, Huo Yanchi gently caught his wrist.

“Master, I can do this myself.”

Shen Junlan’s gaze was firm, without a hint of hesitation at such a moment, as natural as if it were the most ordinary thing.

“No need, Xiao Yezi. Let me serve you.”

The word “serve” made Shen Junlan blush.

Huo Yanchi humbled himself, lowering himself deeply, all the way to the dust. Shen Junlan felt a tightness in his chest, holding Huo Yanchi’s waist and rubbing his cheek against Huo Yanchi’s collarbone.

“Master, don’t use that word. I don’t like it. I want you to be happy as well. You always tell me to think of myself first, yet you put me first.”

Huo Yanchi’s retort was cut short as Shen Junlan covered his mouth, whispering softly.

“I really am dumb. I can’t help you much—it’s always you helping me. And… I’m happy you sneaked back, but also unhappy. You were so tired, yet you still put me first. You’re foolish too.”

“You can be direct with me. I’m afraid I might misunderstand, and if you’re unhappy, I’ll be unhappy too.”

Huo Yanchi’s mental state was fragile, and Shen Junlan worried deeply. His fingers slid down, resting on the faint scars on Huo Yanchi’s wrist—marks Huo Yanchi still refused to let him heal.

Truthfully, there was little he could do to help Huo Yanchi.

A wave of helplessness suddenly washed over him. Shen Junlan sniffled, feeling wronged, holding Huo Yanchi even tighter.

“Xiao Yezi, don’t talk like that. With you here, I feel alive. You’re the only reason I’m willing to live in this world. That was true before, and it will be true from now on.”

He raised his wrist to Shen Junlan’s lips, offering it willingly.

“You know it well—you’re my anchor. With you here, I only dare to go this far.”

Shen Junlan held Huo Yanchi’s wrist, kissing it gently, infusing it with faint traces of spiritual energy. This time, Huo Yanchi didn’t pull away, letting him kiss freely.

He wasn’t talking nonsense to Shen Junlan. During those days trapped in endless darkness, he had nearly given up.

Xiao Yezi was like a searing light, bursting into Huo Yanchi’s life. The room suddenly carried another’s presence, and every aspect of Huo Yanchi’s life began to intertwine with Xiao Yezi’s.

When Xiao Yezi clung to his back and said he liked him, Huo Yanchi knew in that moment—his life no longer belonged solely to himself. It belonged to Xiao Yezi too.

He had to live, and live well.

“My sweet Leaf, staying by my side is the greatest help. Don’t undervalue yourself, and don’t overthink things. Understand?”

Huo Yanchi’s other hand gently stroked Xiao Yezi’s hair, his gaze full of fondness.

“Understood.”

Shen Junlan bent his knee, rubbing against Huo Yanchi, as if something clicked.

“Brother, I like you so much.”

*Tsk.*

Huo Yanchi’s eyes darkened. He circled Shen Junlan’s waist and turned on the shower.

Somehow, only four words echoed in Huo Yanchi’s mind: dreamlike yet real.

“Brother, I’m not going to take care of you anymore.”

His Xiao Yezi had quit. Huo Yanchi didn’t force it, watching as Xiao Yezi ran out before quickly showering and brushing his teeth.

A small bundle rose under the bedsheets. Shen Junlan pretended to yawn, making sleepy noises, truly like a soft, adorable kitten.

“Xiao Yezi, you’ve taken all the blankets. What am I supposed to cover myself with?”

Shen Junlan grumbled irritably, “My knees are all red and sore. As punishment, you’re not allowed blankets tonight.”

“Is that so? Then I’m truly pitiful.”

Huo Yanchi deliberately made shivering sounds, rubbing his hands and breathing into them as if he were in an ice cellar.

“Fine, fine, I’ll share a little with you.”

Huo Yanchi seized the opportunity, slipping under the edge of the blanket Xiao Yezi lifted and wrapping his arms around Xiao Yezi’s waist. With a slight tug, he held him firmly in his embrace.

“Xiao Yezi, happy Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine’s Day). Goodnight.”

“Happy Qixi Festival.”

Shen Junlan thought, from now on, he wanted to spend every holiday with Huo Yanchi.

***

The flower shop had been closed for two days. Huo Yanchi checked the surveillance footage—quite a few people had come looking for them.

“Xiao Yezi, does this person look familiar?”

Shen Junlan zoomed in for a closer look. It was Mimi’s owner, Qin An or something.

“Huo Yanchi, why don’t you come to the shop with me first? Are you busy with work?”

“Not busy. I’ll stay with you this morning.”

Qin An had left them a note, saying to contact him when they saw it—he had something very important to discuss.

“Hello, is this Qin An? This is Shen Junlan. What did you need?”

“Oh, Huo Yanchi, it’s for you.”

Shen Junlan handed the phone to Huo Yanchi, leaning in to eavesdrop carefully on their conversation.

“Are you from the Qin family? Is this your grandfather’s idea or your father’s?”

After a few seconds of silence, the other end retorted, “Is there a difference?”

“What do you think?” Huo Yanchi’s voice turned cold.

Shen Junlan didn’t understand the intricacies of their words, but seeing Huo Yanchi’s dark expression, he guessed something had gone wrong and fell silent as well.

“My grandfather is in a private room on the fourth floor of Jinlanli. At ten o’clock. Please do us the honor.”

After hanging up, Shen Junlan hooked his fingers around Huo Yanchi’s and tentatively asked, “Master, has something happened? You don’t seem happy.”

“Qin An is from the Qin family in the capital. His grandfather and Huo Qu were once as close as brothers when I was twelve or thirteen. But for some reason, they had a falling out and haven’t been in contact since.”

“Probably, Qin An told him something after last time. Today, he said he needs to talk to me about something important, face to face.”

Shen Junlan heard Qin An say four words: “It’s about you.” Anything related to Huo Yanchi, Shen Junlan guessed, couldn’t be good news.

“Huo Yanchi, I’ll go with you. No matter what, we’ll face it together.”

“Alright.”

Huo Yanchi knew that leaving Shen Junlan alone would only make him worry, so it was better to bring him along.

As soon as they arrived at Jinlanli, Qin An came out to greet them from the lobby. His expression seemed even gloomier than the other day.

Shen Junlan: “Is Mimi better now?”

Qin An: “Yeah.”

Mimi’s cat food had been laced with medication—not a lethal dose, but enough to suppress the cat’s appetite.

The reason? His mother disliked Mimi’s constant meowing.

After investigating, Qin An discovered that his parents had long been a couple in name only. Though not officially divorced, they each had their own partners.

And, to make matters worse, both had illegitimate children.

As the legitimate only child of the Qin family, he suddenly found himself unloved by both parents, treated like an outsider. How could Qin An possibly be happy about that?

“Mr. Huo, my grandfather would like to speak with you alone.”

Shen Junlan and Huo Yanchi interlocked their fingers. Shen Junlan gave Qin An a gentle smile. “It’s fine. Huo Yanchi and I are one. Your grandfather can pretend I’m not here.”

Old Man Qin was around the same age as Huo Qu but seemed much frailer. He shakily rose with his cane, staring intently at Huo Yanchi.

His gaze was eerie and unsettling, like a visitor from hell.

“It’s been years since we last met. Yanchi, you’ve become quite the prominent young talent in the capital.”

“Old Man Qin, let’s get straight to the point. You must already know I’m no longer part of the Huo family. There’s probably nothing you can gain from me.”

Old Man Qin smiled dismissively and gestured for Huo Yanchi to sit. He signaled Qin An to pour tea for both of them, but his eyes remained fixed on Shen Junlan.

“This must be your boyfriend. I heard from Xiao An that he’s a veterinarian. That’s nice.”

Rumors about Huo Yanchi were rampant in the capital, but it was rare to hear he had a partner—and an ordinary one at that, who offered him no advantage.

Old Man Qin studied Shen Junlan for a long time. Aside from his good looks, he couldn’t see anything particularly special about him.

Huo Yanchi gave a noncommittal hum in response. The probing gaze made him uncomfortable, but he met Old Man Qin’s eyes calmly. In their silent confrontation, Old Man Qin was the first to look away.

“We’re all aware of the recent conflicts in the capital. When the city gate catches fire, the fish in the moat suffer. I don’t understand why you and Huo Qu are at each other’s throats. You’re family—why must it be a fight to the death?”

“Oh? Even unrelated Qin businesses have been affected? That’s surprising. And it’s even more surprising that you’re acting as Huo Qu’s mediator. ‘Cutting ties for life’—wasn’t that what you said back then?”

Huo Yanchi had been there when Old Man Qin declared they would have nothing to do with each other ever again after he left the Huo family.

“No, Yanchi, you misunderstand. I just want to discuss cooperation with you. As for Huo Qu, I think I have some say in the matter. The first thing a blind man does upon regaining sight is discard his cane. Back then, I was the one discarded.”

The Qin family had either divested or shut down all businesses related to the Huo Corporation, cutting ties completely.

Amid the power struggle between Huo Yanchi and Huo Qu, Old Man Qin sensed a business opportunity. He was struggling to find a suitable pretext when Qin An returned and mentioned that Huo Yanchi was working as a bodyguard at a flower shop, possibly for his boyfriend.

His initial plan was to approach Shen Junlan, but the shop had been closed every time he visited. Pressed for time, he had Qin An contact Huo Yanchi directly.

“That new energy project of yours—has it passed the review?”

Everyone knew what “review” meant. It was a key government project for the second half of the year, and Huo Yanchi’s company was the sole winner of the bid. The Qin family hadn’t been at the meeting, so they didn’t know the specifics, but they understood that aligning with the project meant soaring success.

“Old Man Qin, I’ll be frank. This project doesn’t need partners.”

“What if I told you I know about Huo Yaoyang’s condition? I was the one who found the specialist back then…”

Old Man Qin trailed off, confident that Huo Yanchi would be curious.

“Oh? What does that have to do with me?”

“What?” Huo Yanchi’s reaction took him by surprise. The refusal was so blunt that Old Man Qin was momentarily at a loss.

It was an open secret in their circles that Huo Yanchi was seeing a psychologist. Old Man Qin knew the details—the Huo family had long treated him as a mere resource, and years of neglect had shaped his reclusive personality.

Logically, this should be his greatest concern. Yet he seemed indifferent.

“Old Man Qin, if there’s nothing else, let’s end it here.”

“Wait, don’t you really want to know why you were never loved? Why it had to be you?”

Huo Yanchi’s grip tightened. He raised his eyes, which were bloodshot, his expression a mix of amusement and menace, both sinister and violent.

Under such a gaze, Old Man Qin broke out in goosebumps. For a moment, he even suspected Huo Yanchi might lash out and kill someone.

“Even if I knew, what then? Could I kill Huo Yaoyang?” Huo Yanchi’s tone was light, as if asking the price of groceries. Then, he slowly added, “Heh, Old Man Qin, just kidding.”

Qin An, standing nearby, was too terrified to breathe. The oppressive, cold aura was unlike any he had encountered from other powerful figures. It seemed casual, yet every word carried a hidden blade, capable of killing without a trace.

“There’s no need for cooperation, Old Man Qin. You should focus on your family affairs, especially the emotional ones. Settle your own household matters before meddling in others’.”

Their eyes met—a tacit warning.

Old Man Qin had thought his family’s secrets were safe. His son and daughter-in-law had always presented themselves as a model couple, and he believed he had covered everything up.

He instinctively glanced at Qin An, who shook his head. Only then did he realize that walls have ears. What he thought was a secret was merely gossip for others over tea.

For a man who valued face above all, his dignity had been trampled into the ground by a young man in his twenties who didn’t even regard him with respect.

“How hateful. Absolutely despicable.”

“Huo Yanchi, don’t put on such airs, pushing people too far. You’re just a cursed lone star, destined to end up alone, bringing harm to those close to you, your dearest family and friends. What right do you have to talk about others’ emotional lives? That old Taoist was right—you’re a calamity, cut off from love at twenty, destined for a lifetime of solitude.”

Old Man Qin, furious and trembling, his face flushed red with rage, lashed out at Huo Yanchi without thinking.

Before Huo Yanchi could respond, Shen Junlan stepped forward from behind him, sneering at Old Man Qin.

“That old Taoist was nothing but a hack. How come he didn’t predict I’d show up? Huo Yanchi isn’t some cursed lone star—he’s a blessing. We’re going to be together for life. Save your outdated nonsense. You seem more like the one destined to lose your family.”

For a moment, Shen Junlan’s expression mirrored Huo Yanchi’s, leaving Old Man Qin momentarily stunned and unable to retort.

Shen Junlan glanced at Qin An and snorted coldly, his eyes seeming to say, “How did Mimi end up with an owner like this?”

“Huo Yanchi, let’s go.”

Once outside, Shen Junlan could still hear the sound of things being thrown in rage by Old Man Qin.

Failing to secure cooperation and resorting to slander—no wonder he and Huo Qu were sworn brothers. What kind of decent person would that be?

“Huo Yanchi, don’t listen to his nonsense. What ‘harming friends and family’? Those scumbags in the Huo family are all alive and well. If he were really cursing them, how come Huo Yaoyang is still alive and kicking?”

“You had me when you were twenty. That old Taoist was just spouting nonsense.”

Shen Junlan stared intently at Huo Yanchi, afraid he might fall back into self-hatred.

The blazing sunlight poured over them, and Huo Yanchi even managed a soft smile.

It was a smile Shen Junlan had never seen before. His heart skipped a beat, and he couldn’t take his eyes off Huo Yanchi.

“Huo Yanchi,” Shen Junlan murmured softly, not caring they were on the street, stood on his toes, and kissed Huo Yanchi’s Adam’s apple.

“Xiao Yezi, I guess that old Taoist never predicted you’d be a flower.”

Shen Junlan took a moment to process, then laughed too.

Truth be told, it really had nothing to do with humans—it was about him, the one and only flower in the world.

“Hmph, Huo Yanchi, you should be counting your blessings to have picked such a beautiful flower like me.”

Shen Junlan suddenly leaped onto Huo Yanchi’s back, resting his chin on his shoulder and whispering, “Huo Yanchi, as long as I’m here, you’ll never be alone.”

The Huo family’s heartlessness was worse than Shen Junlan had imagined. Just because of an old Taoist’s few words, they abandoned a child of a few years.

Zhou Jiayun always claimed Huo Yanchi was the child she carried for ten months and labored to bring into the world, but the words “calamity” extinguished all that love.

Huo Hongqing, a father absent from Huo Yanchi’s life, only appeared to beat and scold him. Huo Yaoyang was the treasured darling, while Huo Yanchi faced nothing but abuse.

Love? Shen Junlan couldn’t sense a shred of it. They forced a young Huo Yanchi to give blood four times a month and demanded he be fond of his younger brother Huo Yaoyang.

No one ever asked if Huo Yanchi was willing or if he was happy all these years.

Those scars had always been a source of deep pain for Huo Yanchi. He never spoke of it, but Shen Junlan knew—he loathed it, found it revolting, even hated himself.

No one had ever firmly chosen him, yet they stood on their moral high ground pointing fingers, blaming Huo Yanchi instead.

Shen Junlan’s downcast eyes were filled with pain. If Huo Yanchi truly had such a fate, he would willingly give him all his lifetime’s Merit, just to ensure he lived a peaceful and prosperous life.