Chapter 13 Are You Sick?

Chapter 13: Are You Sick?

Hanlin Bachelors didn't hold any official rank or real job; their main focus was still on study, spending their days studying classics and the principles of governance.

They also participated in some basic tasks, such as helping compile historical records or classics.

Additionally, they had to practice writing policy essays and related compositions, getting a handle on current affairs and governing the people, which senior Hanlin scholars like Lecturers would then review and critique.

Fortunately, the Hanlin Academy provided a public lunch funded by the court, which was a lifesaver for a broke guy like Cheng Ge.

In the afternoons, they'd go observe government affairs in the Six Ministries, and if they got lucky and attended an imperial lecture, they could join in the excitement.

If by chance the emperor took a liking to them, they'd get promoted super fast.

The rest of the time was theirs to do whatever—socializing or studying as they saw fit.

After a full day of work, Cheng Ge was dead tired after work.

The court didn't provide dinner, so he had to scrounge up his own dinner.

However, just as he reached the gate, he saw the Lin family's carriage waiting off in the distance.

Seeing him come out, a servant ran over, carrying a bunch of bags.

"Master Cheng, my eldest master prepared these for you. He couldn't spare the time today, so he had me wait here early.

If you're free during the ten-day break, you can come stay at the Lin mansion. If anything comes up, you can send someone to find him."

Since Cheng Ge wasn't a native of the capital, he had to crash at the Hanlin Academy's dorms.

He quickly took the items, including a big, heavy food hamper that was clearly packed with plenty of goodies.

Cheng Ge really liked Lin Nanshu; he was like water—gentle and easygoing, but still had strength. Hanging out with him was super comfortable.

"Mm, say hi to Yuli for me."

Cheng Ge hugged the things and watched the departing carriage, feeling a bit choked up.

In his past life, his parents were overseas for years, and though he had two older brothers who were nice to him, his oldest brother was always at the office, and his second brother was always busy with art shows. He hadn't seen them in ages.

On top of that, he went to school in another city, so while he had plenty of money, he didn't get much company.

Sometimes, Cheng Ge felt a bit lonely, so he moved into the dorms in college.

At least with more people, it felt less lonely.

Carrying his stuff back to the dorms, he couldn't wait to open the hamper. The smell of the food filled the room, still warm.

Besides clothes to change into, there were also tons of snacks and pastries. He set everything on the table.

The dorms at the Hanlin Academy were so-so, with four guys to a room, and they provided basic stationery.

At noon, he had eaten a public meal, which was barely edible.

For a foodie like Cheng Ge, that was rough; he only had two bowls and didn't go back for more.

Now starving, he grabbed a bowl and started scarfing down the food like a total savage.

Just as he was enjoying his meal, a hand suddenly plopped on his shoulder. Cheng Ge jumped at the sudden touch, nearly dropping his bowl.

He turned around and found himself face-to-face with Zhang Qinghang's big face, instantly killing his appetite by a third.

"What are you doing here?"

Zhang Qinghang didn't seem to notice his annoyance and pulled up a chair and sat next to him.

"Didn't you know, Muyu? I got assigned to the same room as you."

Great, now he couldn't even eat anymore. Couldn't this jerk have waited until he was done?

But didn't this guy move his family to the capital? Why was he still crashing in the dorms?

Cheng Ge frowned, grabbed a piece of chicken with his chopsticks, and said nothing more.

Seeing that he was being ignored, Zhang Qinghang leaned closer, trying to make conversation.

"Muyu, your meal looks quite good. Which restaurant or inn did you order it from?"

As he spoke, his gaze involuntarily fell on Cheng Ge's lips.

With every bite, those moist lips caught a hint of gloss, looking especially enticing.

Cheng Ge felt uncomfortable under his stare and turned to look at him for several seconds without blinking.

Suddenly being stared at like that by Cheng Ge, Zhang Qinghang straightened up, his heart racing with excitement.

He considered himself handsome and from a good family; there was no reason Cheng Ge would reject him.

"Are you hungry?" Cheng Ge even wore a faint smile.

Just as he guessed—Cheng Ge was just too proud to show it!

In the morning, with so many people around, and Cheng Ge being a scholar who valued his reputation, it was natural he wouldn't act intimate in public.

Now that they were alone, he was about to confess his feelings.

"I... I haven't eaten. I was thinking of you, so I came back early." A strange flush crept onto his face as he reached out and grabbed Cheng Ge's hand.

Those fingers were like scallion segments—long, fair, and soft as jade. Just rubbing them made his heart itch with desire.

Cheng Ge's eyes sparkled with amusement as he slightly tilted his chin, gently taking Zhang Qinghang's hand in return.

His gaze was tender as water, alluring and seductive—one look could make anyone drown in it.

Zhang Qinghang's heart pounded like a drum. He had never seen Cheng Ge so forward. He leaned in closer, swallowing hard.

"Muyu, I adore..."

"Here, this is a treat for you. As a fellow student, you can't say I don't look out for you."

Zhang Qinghang looked down at the chicken tail in his palm, his face instantly darkening like the bottom of a pot.

Seeing him so deflated, Cheng Ge barely held back a laugh. He picked up another piece of food with his chopsticks and deliberately chewed noisily.

Zhang Qinghang's face went from green to white before he finally regained his composure and spoke coldly, "What do you mean by this?"

Cheng Ge swallowed his food and raised an eyebrow. "What do I mean? Don't you like it?"

"That's the best part of the whole chicken. Other people beg me for it, but I save it just for you."

Zhang Qinghang's chest heaved with rage. "Cheng Muyu, don't be such an ungrateful bastard!"

Cheng Ge put down his bowl and chopsticks, crossing his arms. "Why would I mess with you? You said you hadn't eaten, so I was kindly offering you food.

Instead of being grateful and kowtowing to your daddy a couple of times, you dare to stand here and yell at me?"

At these words, Zhang Qinghang shot to his feet in fury, glaring down at Cheng Ge.

"Cheng Muyu, do you know who my father is? With just one word, he could run you out of the capital. Do you believe me?"

Cheng Ge just stared back, silent, his chopsticks still in hand.

Seeing his reaction, Zhang Qinghang thought he had probably heard enough and was starting to feel afraid.

He slowly leaned down, lifting his fingertips to brush over Cheng Ge's eyelids, stroking them back and forth.

"If you just behave and listen to me, I won't treat you badly. If you want to stay in the capital in the future, I'll help you too." Zhang Qinghang's voice carried a hint of temptation.

Cheng Ge blinked, his thick lashes brushing against Zhang Qinghang's fingers, sending a thrill through him.

His Adam's apple bobbed uncontrollably, and compelled, Zhang Qinghang leaned in closer.

Seeing that large face looming right before him, Cheng Ge's eyes widened in shock.

"Fuck your mother! Are you insane?!" Cheng Ge yelled, and with lightning speed, jammed his chopsticks right up Zhang Qinghang's nose.