Chapter 47: Putting on a Show

Chapter 47: Putting on a Show

The silence stretched so long that Li Zhiming grew uneasy and spoke up first: "Father."

"You are no son of mine!"

The Prime Minister, like a lit cannon, pointed at him furiously: "Go lock yourself in the dungeon."

"Lord Prime Minister, please don't be hasty in punishing the eldest young master. Sang Yu would like to speak."

"You?"

The Prime Minister sized him up with utter contempt.

Though he was a prince, his nation had been defeated, and he was nothing but an unloved castoff—humiliated by his own son, and the whole capital knew it.

Though the Emperor had seen fit to let him reside in the Prime Minister's residence, it was just a throwaway arrangement.

As the Prime Minister, he could show Sang Yu respect or crush him underfoot, as he saw fit.

Sang Yu smiled politely and bowed: "Lord Prime Minister, a quarter of an hour will suffice. Please, a word in private."

He was gentle and courteous, yet his words carried weight that brooked no refusal.

"Fine. If you've got something to say, come in and say it."

"Yes."

Sang Yu tilted his head slightly, giving a long, meaningful look at the kneeling Li Zhiming, then turned and went inside.

...

Li Zhiming's knees had long gone numb by the time Sang Yu finally emerged from the study.

"Young master, get up."

Sang Yu reached out to help him up.

Li Zhiming timidly glanced at his so-called father, and only when he saw no objection did he dare to stand, shaky on his feet, almost stumbling and falling flat on his face.

"Careful."

Sang Yu glanced at the Prime Minister and said in a calm tone: "The young master is unwell. I'll escort him back to his room to rest. I hope you don't mind, Lord Prime Minister."

Li Zhiming quickly bowed respectfully, and only after receiving his father's nod of approval did he dare to leave.

After all, the man was his nominal father, his benefactor, and he had killed the man's son. Whether you looked at it from filial piety or basic morality.

He knew he was in the wrong, and he couldn't help but feel guilty.

Though that bastard Li Zhixing deserved to die.

He basically asked for it.

He had been told not to provoke Sang Yu, not to provoke Sang Yu, but he just wouldn't listen. That trap of his never knew when to shut up.

Oh well, that big mouth of his was bound to get him killed sooner or later.

He had it coming.

Li Zhiming rationalized it and managed to comfort himself. Having crossed that hurdle of guilt, the weight in his chest finally lifted.

The two walked side by side, their silhouettes—one white, one blue—catching the Prime Minister's eye.

The aide beside him seemed puzzled: "Why isn't the Prime Minister asking any more questions? Surely it was that hostage prince from Nanxun who put the eldest young master up to it. The eldest young master has a pure heart and has never trained in martial arts—how could he harm anyone?

Now that the second young master has met an unnatural end, if word gets out about brothers killing each other, then..."

"It won't get out."

"Why?"

"It doesn't matter anymore. Issue the order: whoever discusses this matter or spreads it—kill them. No exceptions. Anyone."

The man flinched, then quickly bowed his head: "Yes, my lord."

"Also, regarding the eldest young master and Sang Yu—stop looking into them. The Emperor's decision to house him in the residence must mean something more. Post more guards and make sure they're safe."

"Yes."

The Prime Minister looked away without expression, his eyes gradually darkening.

Li Zhiming and Sang Yu walked shoulder to shoulder through the vast residence, winding through countless corridors and gardens. Having just escaped death, they strolled as if on a casual walk.

As luck would have it, fluffy snowflakes drifted down around them.

"Young master, I read in a book that if two people walk side by side in the snow, and the snowflakes fall on their shoulders, they will grow old together and never part."

Sang Yu watched the tiny snowflake in his palm, which melted into a drop of water in an instant.

He reached out again to catch another, as if refusing to accept it.

Li Zhiming was momentarily stunned. A youth as beautiful as a flower should be like this—yearning for the beauty described in books, not going crazy every five minutes.

Seeing him lost in thought, his expression distant, Sang Yu figured he was still worried and anxious.

"Don't worry. Look... we've walked together in the snow. You and I can grow old together, right?"

Li Zhiming couldn't help but laugh, charmed by how serious he was.

He's so fun.

He didn't seem like a demon at all.

But then.

Li Zhiming suddenly recalled one of his deaths, when this madman had forcibly kissed him. Though it wasn't really a kiss—he'd just chomped down on his lip.

But it was still his lips.

And he had touched him too, messing with him, as if seeking revenge.

Yikes.

What if next time he snaps, he goes even further?

Li Zhiming froze up instantly, frightened, and quickly corrected him: "The whole 'growing old together in the snow' thing is for lovers who are actually in love. We are brothers, friends—it doesn't really apply to us."

He smiled warmly, as if he was simply correcting his mistake.

Sang Yu asked in surprise, "Really? Can this only be used as a blessing between lovers?"

"Of course."

His look of curiosity was so innocent that Li Zhiming didn't notice anything amiss.

"Have you heard a story?"

Sang Yu shook his head.

Li Zhiming told a story about a pair of young lovers who stayed true to each other to the very end. At the end of their lives, they held each other close, never letting go.

Finally, they sat together under the falling snow, making a wish together.

That the snow turning their hair white in this life would let them grow old together forever, never apart.

As he spoke, Li Zhiming's eyes got a little red.

Maybe he was moved by the story, thinking of himself, still single, with his one and only chance at romance having been cut short—a real pity, pretty sad.

Sang Yu looked at him. "Is the young master wishing for a next life with Miss Cui?"

"No."

"Hm?"

Li Zhiming shook his head. "Meeting me was her bad luck. Let's not meet in the next life."

"So, did you love her a lot?"

Love?

He felt a bit lost, still hurting inside, but as for promising forever—no. He was a modern guy, never buying into love at first sight.

It was just a physical attraction.

He had never encountered such a woman, nor such a bold and passionate woman from ancient times. The newness of it all had briefly swept him off his feet.

And with her death, that little spark died before it could grow.

Li Zhiming sighed up at the sky. "Life is just about being born, growing old, getting sick, dying, getting married, and mourning. You're still young; it's okay if you don't get these lovey-dovey things."

"The young master is funny when he talks nonsense."

"??"

"We've arrived."

Two courtyards stood adjacent to each other.

However, Sang Yu's courtyard was busy with people coming and going because of what happened.

"Young master, my courtyard is surely uninhabitable now. I'm afraid I'll need you to take me in."

"?" Li Zhiming thought, are you scared of ghosts?

You kill people without even flinching.

But he didn't dare refuse, so he quickly and kindly took Sang Yu's arm. "Of course, come to my place. There are empty rooms; take your pick."

"Alright."

No hesitation at all.

But there were no other courtyards nearby, and leaving him too far away was risky. If he pulled something, better to keep him close.

Sang Yu picked a room off to the side.

"By the way, what did you tell my father? Why did he stop being mad at me?"

Sang Yu shook his head, all calm. "Nothing much, just laid out the pros and cons. The prime minister only has you, his eldest son, and wouldn't want to end the family line."

"That's all?"

That was hard to believe.

"Of course, there's more to it."

Sang Yu said seriously, "If word got out that the prime minister's legitimate son hurt his own brother, it would be a huge blow to the family's future. And if the prime minister found out what Li Zhixing did, he'd have it coming."

Li Zhiming thought about it, figured it made sense, and didn't ask more.

Whatever the reason, as long as it kept trouble off his back, everything was fine.

This risky move wasn't for nothing.

Sang Yu was much calmer now and treated him better—no more cold looks or constant threats.

Now he even showed a little concern once in a while.

That was pretty nice.

The kid was learning.

Li Zhiming lay on the recliner, watching the snowflakes drift down, while Sang Yu sat nearby quietly reading. He felt pretty relaxed.

If only Li Ruoyao didn't come bug Sang Yu every day.

The girl seemed really into this handsome young man, not caring about his cold attitude. She showed up at Li Zhiming's courtyard right on time every day.

She'd bring snacks or toys, then cling to Sang Yu, sitting across from him and just staring.

She'd watch him all day long.

Li Ruoyao was naturally easygoing and didn't give a damn about reputation. Besides, after the prime minister cracked down, the servants didn't dare gossip.

Sang Yu didn't care, totally indifferent.

But Li Zhiming was sick of it.

Whenever the girl had any little complaint, she'd come to him. If Sang Yu ignored her with a cold face, she'd still run to him, treating him like Sang Yu's mom.

What was that about?

What a headache.

Li Zhiming had had enough. When Li Ruoyao came hopping into the courtyard again, he pulled Sang Yu, who was reading, into his arms right in front of her.

Then he quickly lowered his head and kissed Sang Yu on the forehead.

Sang Yu: "???"

Li Ruoyao: "???"

Both of them stood frozen in place.

The little pastries in Li Ruoyao's hands tumbled to the ground, her lips quivered, and she nearly burst into tears.

Sang Yu was stunned, the tips of his ears turning red.

"Brother!"

Li Ruoyao ran in, stomping her foot angrily: "How can you bully Sang Yu? He's mine! You know I like him!"

Li Zhiming, setting aside his own embarrassment, scolded her sternly: "You're a young lady, do you even know what you're saying?"

"I do!"

"A girl must protect her reputation. Talking such nonsense won't do. You can't keep hanging around your brother's place. Go home now."

Li Ruoyao stomped her foot: "I won't go back! You're so mean, Brother! I like Sang Yu, and you—"

"Sang Yu is your brother's man."

Li Zhiming, throwing all caution aside, pulled Sang Yu up, wrapped an arm around Sang Yu's waist, tilted his head, and let his lips graze past Sang Yu's ear.

A tingling, heart-stirring sensation.

"Brother!"

"See." Li Zhiming looked up with a smile, "Your brother shares a bed with Sang Yu every night. You know he's the one I brought back—he's mine. Stop making a fuss."

"You—"

Li Ruoyao's face flushed bright red.

Maybe she was shocked by his boldness, or angry at his sudden change in attitude.

She shook her head: "I don't believe it. You've never been like this before. You're just putting on a show for me now. I don't believe it."

This girl was pretty sharp.

Li Zhiming whispered to Sang Yu: "Please, just play along and help me get her to give up. Please, please."

Sang Yu smirked.

Just as Li Ruoyao was about to speak again, Sang Yu grabbed Li Zhiming by the collar, hooked Li Zhiming's chin with one hand, tilted it up slightly, and kissed him.

This was no simple peck on the forehead.

He deftly parted Li Zhiming's lips, slipped his tongue inside, and considerately covered Li Zhiming's shocked eyes with his hand.

Then he shifted his gaze to glance at Li Ruoyao.

Li Ruoyao felt as if she'd been struck by lightning.

When Li Zhiming snapped back to reality, he tried to push Sang Yu away.

Sang Yu countered by gripping Li Zhiming's slender waist, pulling his lips back slightly, and warning him in a voice only the two of them could hear: "Play along, or the one in my arms will be your little sister."

!

You beast.

Li Zhiming didn't dare move and obediently played along.

He closed his eyes. Goddamn it.

To put on a show and save a misguided girl, he had to sacrifice his own chastity. It really wasn't worth it, but he couldn't just leave her be.

A madman like Sang Yu would toy with a naive girl like Li Ruoyao until she was completely ruined.

He absolutely couldn't let her fall for a guy like Sang Yu.

Steeling himself, Li Zhiming went all in, wrapping his arms around Sang Yu's neck and deliberately making strange noises, the wet, smacking sounds especially loud.

Li Ruoyao's face slowly drained of color.

Sang Yu's hand on Li Zhiming's waist slowly wandered lower, moving to his ass, and gave it a deliberately wicked squeeze.

"Mm..."

It stung a little.

Li Zhiming really couldn't hold it back this time, letting out such a shameful sound.

Sang Yu cast a sidelong glance at the dumbstruck Li Ruoyao and smiled faintly: "Miss, do you want to keep watching my intimate moments with the young master?"

Li Ruoyao snapped back to reality, her face pale, and fled in a panic.

Once he heard her footsteps fading, Li Zhiming quickly pushed Sang Yu away.

"I—I was just acting. Sorry for dragging you into this. If there's ever anything I can do for you, just say the word. I won't refuse."

Li Zhiming couldn't meet his gaze, his eyes darting around everywhere.

Sang Yu, however, remained unruffled, his expression still cool and detached. He ran his slender, pale fingers over his lips, as if savoring the taste.

"The young master tastes quite good."

"!!"

Li Zhiming suddenly felt a chill run down his spine.

He gave an awkward laugh: "You're still young, you wouldn't understand. Women are the real treasures. When you come of age, I'll have Father pick a beautiful bride for you. You'll be totally smitten."

Sang Yu slowly rubbed the glistening moisture on his fingertips, staring at it, his voice calm.

"The young master likes beautiful women?"

"Of course. What man isn't? You'll be the same. Anyway, I'm heading back to my room to rest. Make yourself at home."

Li Zhiming was too embarrassed—just looking at him made him want to crawl into a hole and hide. He quickly made an excuse and bolted back to his room.

Sang Yu stood alone in the courtyard, quietly staring at his tightly shut door, let out a soft laugh, and muttered to himself.

"I'd say a man is just as charming as a beauty."

If Li Zhiming could have seen it, he would have noticed the strange excitement and joy on Sang Yu's face, his gaze utterly infatuated.

Staring at the door, like he'd discovered a treasure trove of surprises waiting for him.

Just waiting for him to come open it.