Applaud for Happiness - Chapter 43

 Chapter 43

Shen Qi felt that he had made a mistake. He shouldn't have compromised the first time he saw the little wolf pup whining. Once he had given in, it led to a second, third time, and so on.

The underfloor heating system in the other courtyard was burning hot. He sat on the windowsill, leaning against the broad, low window. A loosely draped army coat was the only thing on him. A wolf pup was nestled against his hip, his movements fierce, still, in stark contrast, tears trickled down his face.

"I just wanted to make it comfortable for you. I've thoroughly studied each of those drawings you gave me..."

"Do you dislike this posture, young master? But you were clearly clenching tightly..."

"Shut up!" Shen Qi slapped his face.

The little wolf pup looked aggrieved, his eyes rapidly filling up with tears. Yet, the task at hand didn’t pause at all, "I really did study what the young master gave me seriously. Young master, please don't despise me, okay? I know I lack experience, but I will work hard..."

No, you're already very experienced!

Shen Qi gritted his teeth. It had only been a short half month. He had already experienced all sorts of play from all angles. The little wolf pup had even honed his skills from being initially naive, stirring his desire with just a flick of his fingers.

What was infuriating was he seemingly had no way to refuse!

After that round had ended, Shen Qi was so spent that he could not muster any energy. He could only let the little wolf pup carry him to the bath for a cleanup.

Inevitably, this led to a second round during the cleansing process.

By the time they made it to the fresh sheets, he was completely exhausted. He couldn't even keep his eyes open, much less have the energy to vent his pent-up frustrations, closing his eyes and falling into sleep instantly.

With a smile, Zhao Huaiyu looked at his sleeping face, then pulled him into his arms and took the liberty to rub his lower back.

Given that Lu Province still needed Zhao Huaiyu's management, to avoid prolonged absence, their engagement banquet was organized in a rush. They chose not to have a grand ceremony, inviting only close acquaintances.

The representative from the Zhao family was Zhao Huaichao. Regardless of what he truly felt, once the engagement banquet started, he smiled broadly and even enthusiastically gave his blessings.

Not just Zhao Huaichao, but almost everyone prepared well. Their psychological quality was commendable, and they didn't show any peculiarities.

Shen Qi was always aloof, not minding others' opinions. This time, due to considerations for Zhao Huaiyu, he felt a little concerned. But he apparently underestimated the little wolf pup's psychological tolerance, or he just didn't care about anyone other than himself, including the Shen Family members.

Separated by a door from the imminent engagement banquet, Shen Qi was pressed against the door. The little wolf pup lifted him up with his sturdy arms, his eyes red: "Does the young master like me?"

Shen Qi, teased to the point of restlessness, responded with heavy-lidded eyes, “I… like you…”

The little wolf pup wasn't satisfied: “Young master, say it fully for me to hear, then I will release you…”

Driven to the limit, Shen Qi could hear the footsteps coming and going outside. His whole body was tensed. He glared at the little wolf pup accusingly. Typical of a wolf pup, always in heat whenever and wherever.

The little wolf pup’s eyes welled up with tears immediately, putting on a pitiful look: “You tricked me, you don’t actually like me…”

He began to pull away from him.

But Shen Qi, gritting his teeth, restrained him: “I LIKE YOU!” His air was a mix of urgency and desperation. His usually lofty and proud demeanor could no longer be maintained.

Zhao Huaiyu knew he could not push too hard. Satisfied internally, he also satisfied Shen Qi.

At the last moment, Shen Qi suddenly widened his eyes: “What are you doing?!” He felt something cold being placed inside his body. His facial expressions changed drastically as he realized what it was.

He was willing to be dominated but it didn't mean he liked toys!

Zhao Huaiyu hadn't expected his reaction to be so drastic. He quickly grasped Shen Qi's hand, reassuringly: “Do not overthink. It's a medicine yoni egg I specifically got for you. Rest assured, I told them it was for my own use, no one will suspect you. This thing is beneficial for your wellbeing, I specifically asked.”

Shen Qi's face improved slightly, but he still looked displeased. Frowning, he reached out to remove it.

Zhao Huaiyu’s eyes instantly reddened, tears on the brink of falling: “I honestly have no ulterior motives, I'm only doing this for your wellbeing. I don't want you to suffer in the future, if you don't like it, just throw it away. I won't indulge in these superfluous acts anymore..."

Shen Qi was simply lost for words. Where was Zhao getting all the tears from? He could even cry on cue.

In front of him, the tall man was letting tears fall freely, appearing utterly wronged. He thought...

Forget it.

He rubbed Zhao's nape to calm him: “Alright, stop crying. I’m not angry with you. But remember to discuss with me before you do anything in the future, okay?”

Exhaling helplessly, he looked half-amused and half-annoyed: “You really are a crybaby.”

His eyes softened slightly.

The 'crybaby', upon hearing this, blinked and his tears instantly disappeared: “I got it, I will inform you first in the future." Not waiting for any possible objection, he quickly helped Shen Qi put on his trousers and tidy up his clothes.

As Shen Qi got back on his feet, he realized the discomfort wasn't extreme. Moreover, there was a hint of an indiscernible, secret thrill deep within him. Frowning, he steeled himself to bear with it.

This endurance lasted throughout the entire engagement banquet. Despite the cold weather, Shen Qi was sweating profusely. After seeing off the guests, he nearly buckled at the entrance. This time he refused to endure any longer, and without acknowledging Zhao Huaiyu, removed the object himself even if it added to his happiness points due to the engagement ceremony.

Zhao Huaiyu didn't stop him, carefully storing away the object. Then he clung to Shen Qi: "I really don’t want to leave the young master..."

The engagement feast was over, and thus he needed to leave, probably not seeing Shen Qi for half a year.

With this thought, his eyes reddened again, tears looking at Shen Qi: "Will you miss me, young master?"

Shen Qi originally didn't want to respond, but seeing his pitiful appearance, all the anger disappeared instantly. He ruffled Zhao's hair, comfortingly: "Look at you, so pitiful. You are my fiancé, who else would I miss?"

He originally wanted to say fiancée, but on second thought, corrected himself.

It didn't matter to Zhao Huaiyu, in the public eye he was the one who was 'marrying', and about the actual situation, only he and Shen Qi needed to understand.

"Can the young master promise me something?" He stammered at Shen Qi.

"Speak."

Zhao Huaiyu's eyes reddened: "Young master, can you not find someone else, please?" His eyes welled up with tears, "I promise not to touch anyone else. Can you also not let others touch you please?"

Shen Qi's eyes narrowed: "Who are you thinking of touching?"

He initially didn't worry about the brief separation, but hearing Zhao's words brought a sense of unease. His "puppy" has just reached maturity and was at an age of strong demand. There's no absolute loyalty at this time, especially for men; casually meeting someone for venting leaves no traces.

His face unconsciously turned dark as he thought about it.

"I only want you!" Zhao Huaiyu, who was originally crouching by the bed holding Shen's waist, kicked off his shoes, climbed onto the bed, lifting Shen. Lying on himself, this was his favorite position – feeling the weight on him made things seem real.

"I only want to touch the young master, only you in my lifetime!"

Shen Qi leaned back slightly, gripping Zhao's chin, his expression cold: "Remember, you're mine. Once I find out you've been with someone else, you'd do well to disappear as far as possible from my sight-, and never show your face again."

Zhao Huaiyu seemed shocked by this harsh imagery. His eyes reddened again, and he held Shen tightly: "I won't, I promise I will not touch anyone else even if it kills me!"

Seeing the mist rising in his eyes, Shen Qi let go of him, kissed his lips, and comforted him: "Don't worry, as long as you abide, I promise you too, to not touch anyone else."

"Really?" Zhao Huaiyu has tears in his eyes.

"No, I'm joking." Shen Qi teased him, and as expected, the moment his words fell, he saw the tears gather in Zhao's eyes, misty and pitifully blurred.

"Okay, okay, I was just joking. Yes, I'm serious," Shen Qi finally conceded.

After seeing the tears disappear, he wiped off an imaginary cold sweat and sighed in his heart. This person's tearful appearance was too distressing.

Zhao Huaiyu lowered his head and buried his face in Shen Qi's neck, no tears to be found, and happiness filled his eyes.

They were given a three-day engagement holiday, after which Zhao Huaiyu had to take a train back to Lu Province. They wouldn't see each other for at least half a year. The wife originally wanted him to leave after the New Year, but the people in Lu Province couldn't wait. Although Commander Zhao and Zhao Huaishen were being suppressed, there were others watching intently. Zhao Huaiyu's half-month absence was already the limit.

Shen Qi and Zhao Huaiyu were like people who bought the train tickets after boarding - they only thought of formally dating after getting engaged. So they took advantage of the three days and did everything that couples do.

Walking through the gardens, horse riding, watching operas, dining, watching movies...

They didn't miss any of the activities they could think of. Along the way, they indeed became much closer.

On the third day, Shen Qi made a formal introduction of Zhao Huaiyu to his friends Chen Ding, Yang Jiadong, and Cun Xuebin, whom he had not introduced before. As he was busy exploring human philosophy with Zhao Huaiyu and their engagement day had been too hectic, he took this opportunity to make a proper introduction.

Over the past four years, Chen Ding and the others had matured a lot. They all had families, held positions just like Shen Qi, and could make significant contributions in a few more years.

They all knew about Shen Qi's orientation early on. As everyone went out together, Shen Qi never brought a female companion. Over time, this seemed strange, so Shen Qi admitted it.

Chen Ding once suggested arranging a male companion for Shen Qi, but Shen Qi refused. They never thought that Shen Qi would like someone like Zhao Huaiyu – they couldn't help but tease Shen Qi behind Zhao Huaiyu's back.

A few of them had already forgotten about the events four years ago, and if it weren't for Shen Qi mentioning it, they would have almost forgotten that they had met Zhao Huaiyu before.

Everyone enjoyed the dinner. After all, Shen Qi and Zhao Huaiyu were already engaged. Zhao Huaiyu's performance was excellent, not disappointing anyone. After three rounds of drinks, the friends started calling each other brothers.

Shen Qi was delighted.

Perhaps because he was leaving the next day, Zhao Huaiyu was particularly excited that night, sticking to Shen Qi endlessly.

"Enough!" Shen Qi was extremely tired and wanted to sleep.

Zhao Huaiyu's eyes reddened as he started to cry, "Sir, do you not like this position? Let me change, how about this? What about this?"

Shen Qi said weakly, "Let go of me…."

Tears from Zhao Huaiyu's eyes dripped onto Shen Qi's face as he cried and carried Shen Qi from the bed to the floor. "Sir, I feel so sad. After I leave tomorrow, I won't be able to see you for such a long time. I won't be able to hold you. Don't you feel sad? My heart is so broken that I could die…"

He sobbed as if he was about to pass out from the sadness, looking utterly miserable.

However, his actions didn't stop for a moment, as he changed their position while crying.

Shen Qi rolled his eyes ungracefully and said, "Go ahead and die for me then."

These lines were clearly from the movie they had watched yesterday, yet Zhao Huaiyu was already using them, unbelievable.

Staring at his reflection in the mirror, Zhao Huaiyu lowered his head and bit Shen Qi's shoulder, mumbling, "I am going to die on you..."

Shen Qi had initially planned to see Zhao Huaiyu off at the station himself, but when he woke up, it was already noon and Zhao Huaiyu had left. All he saw was a letter from him and a wooden box underneath.

Rubbing his waist, Shen Qi sat up and opened the letter. After ignoring the sweet nothings, the essence of the letter was his hope for Shen Qi to wait for him. He would work hard to settle things in Lu Province and come back as soon as he could. He also lightly suggested that he would welcome Shen Qi to visit Lu Province. Finally, he mentioned he had left a gift in the box for Shen Qi, to look at whenever he missed him.

Shen Qi didn't know why he had a bad feeling about this.

When he opened the box, his premonition came true.

Inside the sandalwood box, there was a row of jade phalluses of varying lengths and thicknesses. From their color and luster, it was clear that they were of high quality. There was even a small tag on the largest one.

Hint: This one most closely resembles mine!

Shen Qi: ……

Oh, to hell with it!

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Note: Sorry about the lack of updates, I wanted to focus on finishing Forcefully Doting On You first. Now that it's completed, I'll go back to doing two to three updates a week for this story. Thanks for reading and see you in the next chapter!

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