Chapter 15: Getting More and More Outrageous!

Chapter 15: More Outrageous by the Minute!

Through the layers of fabric, he could clearly feel the curve of that waist—slender and supple, as if a slight force could snap it.

His palm could almost encircle it completely, his fingers unconsciously tightening.

The touch was even more… delicate than he had imagined.

Liu Qingci completely froze.

He was lying on Xiao Yan’s chest, not daring to move a muscle.

His body warmth seeped through the clothes, mixed with his companion’s crisp scent, making him so nervous that his ears turned red instantly.

Xiao Yan lowered his gaze, looking at the bright red tips of his ears and the trembling lashes of the person in his arms, feeling the tense, slender waistline under his palm. His Adam’s apple bobbed unconsciously.

Just then, the system’s emotionless mechanical voice rang in his mind:

“5-minute countdown starts.”

Liu Qingci had already come to his senses.

“Y-Your Highness, forgive me!”

He hastily braced his hands against the soft cushion beside Xiao Yan, struggled to get up.

But Xiao Yan suddenly tightened his arm.

He pressed him back into his embrace.

*Thud.*

His movement was forceful. Liu Qingci lurched sharply, lost all support, and could only lean against Xiao Yan.

“Don’t move.”

Liu Qingci dared not move again.

“Your Highness…” His voice carried an embarrassed panic.

In the midst of this standoff, the carriage driver’s fearful apology came through the window just then, accompanied by Fu’an’s cautious inquiry:

“Forgive me, Your Highness! It seems some wretch ahead overturned a cargo load, spilling melons and fruits all over the road. The wheels rolled over them, causing the violent jolt. Have you and Young Master Liu been frightened?”

Fu’an’s voice came through the carriage curtain, carrying obvious tension.

He knew his master’s temper well; if this sudden jolt had ruined His Highness’s mood, the servants would not fare well.

Xiao Yan’s eyes flickered upon hearing this.

He felt the body in his arms stiffen further at the sounds outside. Looking down, he could see Liu Qingci’s tightly pressed lips and fluttering lashes.

“It’s fine,” Xiao Yan said, his voice controlled. “Drive carefully.”

“Yes, yes! Your Highness is merciful!” The driver and Fu’an responded in unison, their voices filled with relief.

The carriage continued smoothly.

The two of them were still… embracing.

Liu Qingci was nervous, but Xiao Yan wasn’t much better.

He wasn’t used to physical contact, especially so intimately.

But the scent of the man in his arms was pleasant—like the fresh green scent of crushed pine needles in a morning forest, clean with a hint of bitterness.

Surprisingly, this kind of touch didn’t repel him at all.

But holding someone like this for a full five minutes, taking advantage of him, wasn’t exactly appropriate.

Not to mention Liu Qingci seemed to be turning into an ice sculpture.

And as for Xiao Yan, he was unequivocally gay!

He couldn’t delude himself into thinking that two grown men hugging for a while was no big deal.

“Ahem…” Xiao Yan cleared his throat, sat up a little straighter, and adjusted his posture.

He also pulled Liu Qingci a little away from his embrace.

They sat face to face, with Xiao Yan’s hand only resting loosely on Liu Qingci’s waist.

This position allowed Liu Qingci to breathe more easily, and he relaxed a bit.

Xiao Yan, seeing how frightened he had made him, thought he’d offer some comfort.

But what came out instead was, “What are you afraid of? You think I’ll eat you alive?”

Prince Yu’s flippant tone was spot-on.

Hearing this, Liu Qingci lifted his head and looked straight at Xiao Yan.

That clear, cool gaze seemed to say, “You think you can’t?”

Xiao Yan was taken aback by this direct yet subtle look, and then found it somewhat amusing.

Indeed, no matter how compliant Young Master Liu appeared, he still had his thorns.

Just then, a faint “grumbling” sound rang out clearly in the quiet carriage.

Liu Qingci’s body stiffened, his face flushing crimson, even the tips of his ears going red.

He instinctively pressed a hand to his stomach, wishing he could curl up into a ball.

Xiao Yan raised an eyebrow.

He said he didn’t want to eat, but he was clearly hungry.

Was he afraid Xiao Yan would poison him?

“Have something to eat.”

Xiao Yan picked a pretty lotus pastry from the food box and held it to Liu Qingci’s lips.

As a gesture of courtesy.

“There’s no need… Your Highness, I don’t…” Liu Qingci stammered a refusal.

Xiao Yan clicked his tongue, cutting him off. “I’ve already eaten, what are you afraid of? Poison?”

Liu Qingci felt a bit sheepish: "...That's not what I meant."

Actually, not long ago, he did mean exactly that.

Although now he realized he was overthinking it.

Seeing Liu Qingci was distracted, Xiao Yan shoved the lotus pastry right into his slightly open mouth.

"Mm..."

Caught off guard, Liu Qingci's cheeks puffed out slightly.

Lotus pastries have a crispy crust that shatters at the slightest touch, and tiny crumbs showered down.

Seeing this, Xiao Yan just stuffed the remaining half into Liu Qingci's mouth as well.

Liu Qingci hurriedly raised his hand to cover his mouth, his round eyes full of helpless protest.

His speech was slurred:

"Cough... Your Highness, I... I can't eat any more. Slow down... cough, cough..."

He coughed from choking, the corners of his eyes turning faintly red.

Xiao Yan had no experience in attending to others, let alone feeding someone.

Seeing his own rough movements, he felt a pang of guilt and softened his voice:

"Stop talking and just keep eating."

Liu Qingci: "..."

Outside the carriage.

The coachman heard the commotion inside and was bewildered, unsure of what to do.

He had no choice but to lower his voice and humbly ask Eunuch Fu'an beside him:

"Eunuch, we're almost there, but..."

Should I stop the carriage when we get there or not?

If I stop, I'll disturb His Highness's fun—won't I be dragged off and beheaded?

But if I don't stop, where am I supposed to drive this carriage?

Eunuch Fu'an glared at him in frustration.

His voice was so low it was almost a whisper: "Don't you have any tact? There's a bend up ahead, isn't there? Just go around once more!"

The coachman quickly nodded gratefully: "Yes, yes, yes! You're so wise, Eunuch!"

Eunuch Fu'an tucked his hands into his sleeves and stared into the distance with a melancholy look.

He sighed inwardly.

Lately, the Prince's residence had been peaceful, and he'd thought that His Highness Prince Yu had changed his ways.

Never thought it, never thought it.

Right on the public street, he's gotten even more outrageous!