Chapter 41
Perhaps because Zhao Huaiyu was his mission target, or perhaps because of the continuous, in-depth weekly letters from the "wolf pup", Shen Qi didn't feel much strangeness towards Zhao Huaiyu, despite meeting him again after four years. Through the letters, he'd pieced together an image of the wolf pup growing up, which surprisingly wasn't much different from what he was seeing in person.
He's taller and more robust now. Shen Qi wondered what he had been eating all these years. Looking down at him, it was clear that the wolf pup was now at least a head taller. Hmm, he shouldn't call him a wolf pup anymore. Big wolf? Dog wolf? Little dog wolf seems more apt.
Because he did raise him, didn't he, his little dog wolf.
Compared to Shen Qi's equanimity, Zhao Huaiyu was almost greedily gazing at him.
If four years ago he was still naive, now he was very clear about what he wanted. Since he woke up from those bewitching dreams three years ago, he understood what he desired.
This person had appeared with an overwhelmingly powerful posture just when he was on the brink of obsession and distortion. Shen Qi had pulled him from the mire, given him a future and hope, and planted a seed in his heart.
And now, that seed had blossomed and was just waiting to bear fruit.
The two men cast silent glances at each other, lost in their thoughts. One looking down, the other looking up, each seemingly part of a beautiful painting.
Shen San glanced here and there, particularly taking a close look at Zhao Huaiyu. Recognizing him, his eyes swirled as he asked, "Aren't you from Commander Zhao's family? It seems like I remember you once stayed at my place?"
As he spoke, the serene tableau was interrupted. Zhao Huaiyu circumvented the rockery, ascended to the pavilion, and walked straight up to Shen Qi, giving him a crisp and precise military salute.
"Master Shen Qi."
Indeed, he hadn't misestimated. Shen Qi measured his height with his eyes. In an era where people weren't typically tall, his own height of 1.8 meters was already considered high. Zhao Huaiyu, he figured, was probably about 1.87 meters.
Given that he was only eighteen now, he might still grow a bit more.
Shen Qi didn't like looking up, so he gestured with his chin. Understanding the signal, the little dog wolf stepped forward and half-kneeled in front of him obediently.
Shen Sange stood there, mouth agape.
"I already know about your father's predicament," Shen Qi said satisfyingly as he stroked Zhao Huaiyu's face. Because of his haste, the young man had some stubble on his cheeks. Although it was prickly, it was filled with male pheromones, which caused a tingling sensation in his heart. He playfully rubbed it a few more times, "You did good. You even completed the task more than a month ahead of our agreed time."
His face beamed genuine admiration. He had originally given Zhao Huaiyu four years, but he had been training in the capital for more than half a year before he returned to the Ludii. If calculated, it had only taken him three years.
He had indeed chosen the right person.
Zhao Huaiyu stayed still, letting him stroke his face. His eyes were tightly locked on Shen Qi, revealing slight tension: "So, I've passed, haven't I?"
"Of course," Shen Qi nodded, "Among all my subordinates, you are the fastest and best."
He had, of course, attempted to win over more people like Zhao Huaiyu, but not every family had such a pitiful character. Even if they did, not all carried the same sense of duty and valor as he did. As the years went by, Zhao Huaiyu was the only successful case.
This made the little wolf dog even more extraordinary.
Shen Qi's gaze swept over Zhao Huaiyu's broad back and resolute face, feeling that his previous impulse was justified.
However, he couldn't help but wonder about the boy's inner qualities.
A hint of mystery flickered in his eyes.
Although Zhao Huaiyu had guessed that he wouldn't be the only one who had caught the favor of Master Shen, hearing it directly still stung a little. Yet, he was soon reassured by Shen Qi's latter words—no matter who else received his favor, only Zhao Huaiyu could stand by his side!
He tentatively asked, "So, can I stay by your side in the future?"
Shen Qi raised an eyebrow, "You've only just taken over the Lu army; you can't leave your post without permission. We'll discuss it further once the army's morale is stable and there are no risks."
Zhao Huaiyu had anticipated such a response, and wasn't too disappointed. He already had a plan in mind. Showing no concern, he agreed and then suddenly reached out with his arms, hugging Shen Qi around the waist and burying his head in his stomach. He knelt on the ground without regard for Shen Sange who was standing nearby, nor for the hat that was nearly knocked off due to his movement.
A deep, muffled voice passed through, filled with a satisfying sigh, "Master Shen, I missed you very much."
Shen Qi was surprised. Instinctively, he wanted to reprimand and push Zhao Huaiyu away. But upon hearing his words, a mild tenderness enveloped his heart, and his body stiffened momentarily before relaxing. Conveniently, he caught the hat that was about to fall off.
The intimate moment flooded him with a potent masculine aura. His senses heightened. The simple act of a hug disarmingly sent shivers down his spine.
As for Shen Qi, he seldom interacted closely with others since he was young. Especially after reaching adulthood, he began to feel the desire for intimacy. Given his status, many would willingly submit to his desires. However, he knew, since his sexual awakening, that he could only accept those who were his subordinates.
Yet, given his status, finding a suitable partner, even for carnal desires, was not easy. He could come out openly, but he could never publicly declare that he submitted to others.
So, whenever he saw the young masters around him flirt and brag about their sensual achievements, Shen Qi couldn't help but feel frustrated.
Especially as his body matured and his longing increased. The saying was true—what one cannot obtain is what one wants the most. Born into wealth, possessing both intelligence and good looks, he was accustomed to directing everything. In this matter, however, he could only restrain himself.
But restraint could not resolve his issues. He did not decline the matchmaking banquets organized by the head wife of the family, holding out hope that perhaps he could find a suitable person there.
But now, it seems like he's found him.
Handsome, strong, intelligent, with a reputable background, and most importantly, very obedient.
With his mental preparation in place, Shen Qi didn't resist any longer. He casually placed his hat aside, saying to Shen San, "Could you please have these people sent back? Also, tell mom for me that I won't be going home tonight."
Shen San, after observing for quite a while, had figured it out. Although Zhao Huaiyu wasn't exactly the future sibling-in-law he had envisioned, there was nothing he could do if his brother liked him. Plus, He was happy to be off duty. During this cold winter, returning to the warmth of home with his wife and children was the best option. He really couldn't partake in this kind of cultured escapade.
Thinking this, he immediately put aside the fan he was using to act sophisticated, gave Shen Qi a knowing look, chuckled, and stood up, "Alright, I won't interrupt your reunion. I'll be waiting for you at home tomorrow."
Despite his curiosity about when Shen Qi and Zhao Huaiyu got together, considering the current situation, he decided to let them catch up. He would naturally find out tomorrow.
Shen San was very decisive in his actions and quickly left with the group of people.
It was only then that Zhao Huaiyu finally relaxed a bit, curving his lips into a smile. He knew his actions were impulsive, but when he had first heard Shen Qi announced his preferences publicly on the radio, he became anxious. After finding out that Shen Qi was surprisingly attending a blind date following his train journey, he felt like he was going to explode. Overwhelmed with emotion, he rushed to the plum garden.
Seeing groups of people in the plum forest upon entering the garden, he wished he could wipe them all out. Upon seeing Shen Qi, who was even more handsome than four years prior, his long-repressed dark emotions bubbled up.
He wanted to take him away, tie him up, hide him away, to make sure that he could only ever see him!
Fortunately, his anger was vented over the years, calming down quickly. He started to weigh his options internally. Although his actions were rash, according to his analysis, there was an 80% chance they'd work. As expected, Shen Qi didn't reject him.
Shen Qi instructed Shen An to guard outside the pavilion, pulled Zhao Huaiyu away from his embrace, extended two fingers to grip his chin, and examined his expression: "Do you like me? Hmm?"
Zhao Huaiyu was momentarily taken aback by his directness, then his eyes lit up, and his gaze was locked onto Shen Qi, with honesty written all over his face: "Yes, you're right, I like you." He paused, his gaze becoming burning hot, full of agression, "I want you."
Even Shen Qi was stirred by his fiery and straightforward gaze, feeling a warmth. He involuntarily licked his lips, his gaze subtly sweeping over Zhao Huaiyu's body: "Do you know what I have been doing today?"
Zhao Huaiyu's face darkened: "I know."
"Tell me your thoughts." Shen Qi liked to see his expression change due to his words or gaze. It seemed like this man was completely controlled by him, his emotions entirely decided by his will.
Zhao Huaiyu must have been imagining the worse, his eyes darkened, and his expression became more and more grim. All of a sudden, he grabbed Shen Qi's hand, rose up, and pounced on him in a swift and fierce manner, pressing him onto the bench. Trapped between the back of the chair and his chest, his peach blossom eyes were filled with desperate savagery, "You are mine, you can only be mine!"
Nightly dreams, daily thoughts, his obsession with the man before him has seeped into his bones. He is his, he must be his!
Having gotten revenge on Lu Jun, the future of Madame and Zhao Huaishen depends on his whim. Years of resentment being let go, he was left with only one thought - Master Shen Qi!
If he can't have him, he'd rather they both perish!
Shen Qi’s face darkened. He kicked Zhao Huaiyu. Using all his might, Zhao Huaiyu didn't resist and was accordingly knocked to the ground.
Shen Qi rose to his feet, stepping on Zhao Huaiyu's shoulder to keep him down. Intimidatingly, he leaned down and said: "I don't like the attitude you just displayed, nor the words you said. I am my own, and will never belong to anyone."
Zhao Huaiyu displayed neither despair nor sadness. His expression barely changed as if it wasn't him who was shamefully pinned to the ground. He just looked at Shen Qi with unwavering eyes, expressing defiant silence.
Shen Qi closed his eyes, calmed the anger in his heart, receded his foot, and spoke coldly: "You should go back."
Zhao Huaiyu's face finally changed. He promptly sprung up from the ground, his eyes reddened, teeth clenched, "I won't go!"
Shen Qi had no desire to argue and sidestepped him, intending to leave. Just as he was passing by, he got caught and was knocked back onto the bench.
"I won't go, I won't leave..." Zhao Huaiyu stubbornly repeated his statement. His hands tightly gripped Shen Qi like iron clamps, not allowing any movement. He clumsily leaned in for a kiss, randomly nibbling on Shen Qi's face.
Shen Qi was burning with anger and about to call for Shen An, but suddenly his face felt wetter than before. Drip, drip. Upon closer inspection, it turned out Zhao Huaiyu was crying.
The puppy-eyed boy was crying while his red eyes nibbled on him, shedding tears as if he was the victim here, despite being the one to bully - utterly pitiful.
Shen Qi was taken aback, unable to decide whether to laugh or cry. Considering the puppy's age, he sighed, his anger subsided, and he reached out to pat his head: "Alright, alright. If you don't want to go, then don't."
The puppy seemed suspicious, his tears continued to fall unrestrainedly, as if heartbroken beyond control. He even took the chance to lick Shen Qi's lips: "Really? You're not lying to me?"
Shen Qi, slightly disgusted, wiped the tears and saliva off his face and scolded annoyed: "Try shedding two more tears, and I'll kick you out this instant!"
The puppy's face instantly grew tense. He hastily rubbed his face, triggering his tears to stop. He sniffed, "Then I want to stay, stay by your side."
Shen Qi furrowed his brows but did not refuse: "Do as you wish."
"I like you, even if you don't like me, it's okay." The puppy-boy put on a bitter smile, his gaze filled with no resentments or regrets. "I misspoke earlier, I belong to you, everything of mine is yours."
He suddenly cast an awkwardly shy smile, his eyes fleeting: "As long as you won't drive me away, you can treat me however you like."
Shen Qi took a deep breath; his throat was a bit dry.
"Really." The puppy looked at him with a die-hard, no-regret expression. He even took Shen Qi's hand, placed it on his chest, hesitated a bit, then pushed it into his shirt directly. Then, he flipped over, exchanging their positions, showing a shy yet affectionate expression, "I won't resist."
Shen Qi: ……
It took some effort to control himself, to withdraw his hand, then face the disappointed look in the puppy's eyes. He took a deep breath: "Well then, since that's the case, I grant you permission to stay by my side for the time being…"
Before he could finish his sentence, the puppy's face lit up, his eyes bursting with a passionate light, causing Shen Qi to swallow the rest of his sentence.
"I'll be obedient." The puppy hugged him tightly, his eyes reddening.
Shen Qi looked at his anxious appearance, his heart softened, and he leaned down to plant a kiss on his eye: "Good, I like obedient children the most. As long as you are obedient, I won't drive you away."
The puppy blushed instantly.
Seeing this, Shen Qi chuckled and teased him, "You like me so much?"
The puppy's gaze was empowering, "I do like."
Being looked at with such a gaze, it was impossible for Shen Qi to remain indifferent. An unprovoked sense of happiness sprouted up in his heart. As he looked at Zhao Huaiyu again, his gaze changed. If previously, it was a spur of the moment desire to cultivate a bed partner; now, he had some extra ideas.
If he couldn't find a suitable person, why not cultivate one himself?
The thought of having a partner nurtured by himself drove a surge of heat in his heart.
With this slipping thought, he got up from Zhao Huaiyu, stood up, and straightened his clothes, "If you want to be with me, you need to do what I tell you to do next."
Zhao Huaiyu cleanly stood up, "Okay."
"First," Shen Qi looked him up and down, especially pausing at his aroused lower half. He narrowed his eyes, "Go take a bath and change your clothes." He paused, "I'll go with you."
Zhao Huaiyu almost couldn't hold back from pouncing on him again.
Shen Qi actioned as he stated, he directly took Zhao Huaiyu to his private courtyard, with just a wall separating them, there's a hot spring which he redirected and rebuilt into a private bath.
"Take off your clothes."
Shen Qi, lazily leaning on the side of the bath, leisurely observed Zhao Huaiyu.
Zhao Huaiyu was decisive. He starts unbuckling his belt promptly. His fingers were long and lean with clearly defined knuckles. As he undid his belt, his gaze was intent on Shen Qi, filled with a somber intensity.
He had already removed his coat upon entering the room. His belt clicked open, tossed casually aside. His military uniform fell to the floor, revealing a white shirt underneath. He unbuttoned the shirt calmly, revealing the strong and solid torso underneath.
In response, Shen Qi felt a stirring within and subconsciously crossed his legs.
There was another click. The belt on his trousers loosened. Zhao Huaiyu gave the belt an inscrutable glance before tossing it aside. With the constraint of his belt gone, his trousers fell down as soon as he undid the button. Then swiftly, as if unable to wait, the last piece of cloth protecting his modesty flew off. Now completely bare, he was revealed in full to Shen Qi.
Taking in the sight, Shen Qi drew in a stealthy breath.
Shoulders, chest, abs, waistline, legs, and a certain heft elsewhere—every part of him was to his taste. He initially thought that the 18-year-old young man might be too young, but upon seeing his body, there wasn't a hint of immaturity. It was like a Western human sculpture.
He watched, wide-eyed, as the sculpture-like figure approached him, not hiding or avoiding, and eventually stood in front of him.
A strong and intense wave of masculine pheromones filled the air, and without any need for a hand gesture, the young man obediently squatted in front of him, displaying a completely submissive demeanor, as if waiting to be led.
Shen Qi's eyes turned red in an instant.
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