You Jiang walked forward with a beaming smile. “How come you’re coming out from here?”

Chiyu replied with a light smile, “Just delivered a soul in.”

You Jiang let out an “oh,” and said, “Weren’t you supposed to be searching for a lost soul in the mortal realm? Why are you getting distracted by this? That old man won’t even promote you.”

“The Emperor of the Underworld has already been very good to me. Besides, I just happened to run into it, it’s not like I deliberately stayed overtime,” Chiyu said, then asked, “You haven’t said yet, why are you here?”

“I was just bored and wandering around. Then I ran into Meng Po and chatted for a bit. Later I saw a shadow that looked like you, so I followed to take a look, and it really was you,” You Jiang said as he grabbed Chiyu’s arm. “Why don’t you keep me company for a bit? I’m bored to death.”

Being dragged along by him, Chiyu asked, “The Emperor of the Underworld hasn’t been coming to accompany you lately?”

“Don’t mention that old man,” You Jiang grumbled resentfully. “Ever since you left for the mortal realm, he went back too. Said something about having a lot of important matters to handle. Who’s he fooling?”

“Maybe he really is busy with official business?” Chiyu tried to comfort him. “Don’t overthink it. I feel like he’s pampered you for so many years; he definitely still cares about you.”

You Jiang rolled his charming eyes. “Cares or not, it’s the same. I’m the one who can’t leave him.”

Chiyu laughed lightly and shook his head. “I should head to the mortal realm. You should go back too. Maybe the Emperor of the Underworld will come looking for you tonight.”

“He wouldn’t even think of me,” You Jiang snorted with a grim face, then laughed, “Why don’t I go to the mortal realm with you instead?”

“Don’t mess around. I’m not going there for fun,” Chiyu refused, afraid he’d cause trouble.

“I know, you’re going to search for souls. But I can help too,” You Jiang said, shaking Chiyu’s arm, acting spoiled. “Just take me along.”

Chiyu was helpless. “That trick doesn’t work on me. I’m not the Emperor. Just stay put. If he can’t find you, he’ll be worried.”

“Let him worry. What’s that got to do with me?” You Jiang was determined and kept pestering.

Chiyu finally couldn’t resist and sighed, “Fine, I’ll take you. But you must promise not to cause trouble. Once you’re done playing, we come back.”

“Got it!” You Jiang agreed happily.

Chiyu glanced back at the prison gate, thinking for a moment. “You Jiang, wait here for me for a bit. I’ll be right back.”

“Okay,” You Jiang responded and waited in place.

Chiyu went into the prison and came back out within a short time. Curious, You Jiang asked, “What were you doing? Still unfinished work?”

Chiyu hesitated, thinking there was no harm in telling him. “It’s not official business.”

“Then what is it?”

“The soul I delivered just now was a tree spirit. He was born from a fragment of my soul. So…” Chiyu paused, “Even though he committed wrongs, he was blinded by hatred. In the end, those people got what they deserved. I promised him that if he could endure his punishment in hell without dissipating, I’d personally send him to reincarnate.”

You Jiang frowned in confusion. “Isn’t that the rule of the Underworld anyway? Why must you personally send him? The regular wardens would handle it by the book.”

Walking along, Chiyu explained, “He couldn’t let go of a little demon, which was why he was so obsessed. That little demon has already reincarnated. I promised to send him to be reborn near that demon.”

You Jiang let out a sound of realization. “That’s some deep love.”

Still, his heart felt a little sour as he sighed, then thought of something else. “If you think about it, he could technically be considered your son. A father helping out his son — that sounds reasonable.”

“What father and son!” Chiyu quickly covered You Jiang’s mouth. “Besides, this doesn’t count as breaking the rules. He’ll reincarnate as whatever he’s destined to be. I’m just making sure he’s near the little demon.”

“Fine, fine, fine,” You Jiang brushed away Chiyu’s hand. “You’re always right. I didn’t say anything, okay?”

Chiyu shot him a look. “Let’s go.”

Then he pulled You Jiang along and crossed through the gate to the mortal realm. They didn’t stop along the way and arrived back at Li Xin’s mountaintop villa.

When they arrived, it was still before dawn. You Jiang looked around at Li Xin’s home and sighed, “Chiyu, you sure arranged a nice life for your junior brother.”

“He’s been in the mortal realm for a thousand years. Naturally, he’s accumulated a lot,” Chiyu said, leading You Jiang to the garden pavilion. “Let’s not go inside yet. They’re all still sleeping.”

After sitting down, You Jiang asked, “Your junior brother has treated you with such deep affection. What about you?”

“What about me?”

“Do you… feel anything for him?” You Jiang carefully chose his words.

“Feel anything?” Chiyu pondered for a moment.

“I can remember a few things from when I was alive now. Back then, I probably did have feelings for him,” Chiyu admitted, recalling the scene of them in the Fortune Temple, tangled together in bed, making his face flush red.

“And now?” You Jiang pressed.

“I… don’t know,” Chiyu said, thinking about their interactions over the past few days. “I don’t resist his touches… in fact… I even… rather like it.”

Seeing Chiyu stammering, You Jiang burst out laughing, “Haha! I knew it.”

Chiyu was both embarrassed and angry. “What are you laughing at?”

“You’re obviously into him,” You Jiang said, laughing. “You already did everything last lifetime. You like him now too. Then just go for it!”

“Huh?” Chiyu was dazed. “Go for what?”

You Jiang shook his head, disappointed. “Sleep with him, obviously.”

Seeing Chiyu still looking confused, You Jiang sighed, “I think your years in the Underworld made you dumb. Just do what you did to him in your past life.”

Chiyu finally understood, face flushing even redder. But he suddenly thought of something and said, “Even back then, not even our master knew about me and him. How do you know?”

You Jiang froze. “I… um…”

Chiyu, sensing he was hiding something, pressed, “Spill it. I’ve always felt like I knew you even before I died. Is that right?”

“I…” You Jiang knew he couldn’t hide anymore and scratched his head awkwardly, admitting, “Yeah.”

Chiyu snorted, “I knew it.”

You Jiang scooted closer to him. “Don’t be mad. I just wanted what’s best for you. Remembering all those messy past things wouldn’t have done you any good. I just thought, if you could live peacefully in the Underworld, without burdens, wouldn’t that be better?”

“Then tell me properly now. How did we meet? And what else do you know? Say everything,” Chiyu said seriously, fixing him with a stern look.

You Jiang gave a sheepish laugh. “Alright, alright, I’ll tell you. But stop making that scary face — it’s ugly.”

Chiyu ignored him. “Talk.”

You Jiang sighed, recalling the first time he met Chiyu.

Back then, he was still a young fox spirit who had only recently transformed into human form. Because he was exceptionally good-looking, he was often envied by his own kind. With weak powers and no family to rely on, he was constantly bullied, beaten, and ostracized.

One time, while being chased and beaten by his fellow clansmen in the mountains, he happened to run into Chiyu, who was out training.

At first, Chiyu didn’t plan to intervene, since they were all demons. But seeing how badly You Jiang was being bullied, he couldn’t bear it and decided to step in and save him.

At the time, You Jiang saw that Chiyu was a Taoist priest and was so terrified he didn’t even have the presence of mind to figure out whether Chiyu was a friend or foe—he just bolted into the forest.

Chiyu didn’t take it to heart and simply turned and left.

Later, after calming down, You Jiang realized Chiyu had saved him.

He felt that he had been terribly rude. After all, it was rare to meet a good person, and he hadn’t even thanked him.

So, he transformed into his human form and hurried after Chiyu.

He chased all the way down the mountain before catching up. He quickly called out, “Immortal Master, please wait!”

Chiyu turned his head at the sound and saw You Jiang kneeling on the ground, bowing his head in thanks. “Little demon You Jiang thanks the Immortal Master for saving me.”

Chiyu glanced him over. “I just couldn’t stand the sight of it, that’s all. In the future, stay away from them. You won’t always have someone to save you.”

You Jiang nodded obediently. “Yes, Immortal Master. But…I have nowhere else to go.”

Then, he blinked his big, watery fox eyes up at Chiyu. “Why don’t I follow you from now on?”

Chiyu was taken aback and chuckled, “You’re a demon. How can you follow me?”

“I’ve never harmed anyone or done anything bad. Please believe me, Immortal Master. I’m truly just a little demon focused on cultivation,” You Jiang said anxiously, afraid Chiyu would misunderstand.

But Chiyu still refused. “I can tell your spiritual energy is very pure—otherwise I wouldn’t have saved you. But I really can’t take you with me. You should go back.”

You Jiang refused to give up. “Immortal Master, I have no family, and my own kin bully me because of how I look. If you don’t take me in, I really have no way out but death.”

Chiyu could relate—he too had been envied by his sect brothers for his cultivation talent, and even when he left the mountain to train, no one wanted to accompany him.

Chiyu looked at You Jiang, feeling a bit sorry for him. But considering their respective identities, he still shook his head and refused.

“If my sect finds out I’m traveling with a demon, this training journey will be over for me.” He removed the pouch from his waist and handed it to You Jiang. “There’s a healing pill inside. It can heal your wounds. This is all I can do for you.”

Seeing that Chiyu had made up his mind, You Jiang had no choice but to accept the pouch, nodding dejectedly. “Thank you, Immortal Master.”

After that parting, Chiyu never saw You Jiang again, and completely forgot about the little fox spirit he had saved by chance.

Years later, Chiyu noticed Li Xin’s feelings toward him were becoming strange, and he himself was also losing his way without realizing it.

Unable to face it, Chiyu found an excuse to leave the mountain to calm himself down.

While passing by a lake, he was admiring the scenery when he spotted a wounded figure lying by the water.

Chiyu approached and immediately sensed that the figure was a demon. His face turned stern as he demanded, “You fox demon, why are you here? Have you hurt anyone?”

At the sound of his voice, You Jiang turned and looked at him, eyes lighting up in recognition. “Immortal Master, don’t you recognize me?”

Chiyu was stunned. This little demon did seem vaguely familiar. He scrutinized You Jiang cautiously. “Have we met before?”

You Jiang hurriedly removed the pouch from his body and held it up. “Immortal Master, you forgot? You saved me a few years ago and gave me this.”

Chiyu glanced down and recognized it as his own pouch. Only then did he remember. “You’re that little fox spirit from back then?”

“That’s right,” You Jiang smiled. “Immortal Master finally remembers me.”

Chiyu glanced at his wounds. “Why is it that every time I see you, you’re in this sorry state?”

You Jiang let out a pitiful hum. “The first time it was my kin bullying me. This time…it’s because I trusted the wrong person.”

As he spoke, his lips trembled and his eyes reddened as if he might burst into tears at any moment.

Chiyu sighed. “Come here. I’ll heal you.”

“Thank you, Immortal Master.” You Jiang limped over to him.

As Chiyu worked his healing magic, he asked, “What happened this time?”

Tears welled up in You Jiang’s eyes as he sobbed, “After you left that day, I wandered around. Later, I met a man. My spiritual sense was weak, so I didn’t realize he was actually the Nether Emperor in disguise. I got involved with him.”

Chiyu stiffened. “The Nether Emperor?”

You Jiang nodded. “He disguised himself to wander the mortal world and met me. He treated me very well, so I fell for him.”

“And then?”

“Then he revealed his identity and said he wanted to take me back to the Netherworld to spoil me alone. But when I got there—good grief—his harem was full of men, women, demons, ghosts, you name it.” As he spoke, You Jiang wiped away a few more tears. “He’s a liar! Spoil me alone? Once I got there, he completely ignored me!”

“Still, that’s no reason for you to end up in such a miserable state,” Chiyu said, withdrawing his healing magic. “Alright, try moving around.”

You Jiang took a few steps and found the pain was gone. “Thank you, Immortal Master.”

Sniffling, he muttered, “You’re the only one I can rely on.”

Chiyu shook his head. “Alright, tell me what happened next.”

“After that, I was furious and argued with him. He threw me into the Cold Palace. The other demons and spirits in his court wanted to use the chance to kill me, especially the Empress of the Netherworld. That wicked woman framed me for deceiving the emperor and wanted me executed.”

“So you escaped?” Chiyu asked.

You Jiang nodded. “Of course. What else could I do, wait around for them to kill me?”

Chiyu looked at him with a bit more respect. “Escaping from the Nether Palace… you’ve got some skill.”

“Our fox clan is best at charm magic. When they were escorting me for execution, that old fool didn’t even show up to save me. I used charm magic on the ghost escorts, confused their minds, and escaped. I almost made it to the gates when that wicked woman showed up. Luckily, I was quick-witted or I’d have died there.”

Speaking of it, You Jiang started crying again. “That old fool! I was almost beaten to death and he didn’t even come to save me. How could I have been so blind to trust him?”

Chiyu sighed heavily. Just listening to it was giving him a headache.

“It’s a good thing they didn’t catch up. You should find a place to rest and recover,” Chiyu said, then turned to leave.

You Jiang immediately followed, calling out, “Immortal, Immortal, why don’t you take me with you? I just escaped. If they catch me again, I’m as good as dead.”

Chiyu stopped in his tracks. “You’re overestimating me. How could I possibly be a match for the Queen of the Underworld?”

“Please, just help me to the end,” You Jiang pleaded, grabbing Chiyu’s hand. “Just hide me somewhere. I really don’t want to die at their hands.”

Chiyu saw how pitiful he looked and, after hesitating for a moment, reluctantly agreed.

As night fell, the two of them traveled to a cave to rest.

They chatted about past events and, without realizing it, developed a sense of “regret for not having met sooner.”

Later, Chiyu brought You Jiang to the foot of Fude Temple Mountain, arranged a place for him to stay, and then returned to his sect.

In the days that followed, Chiyu would often come visit and chat with him. Over time, You Jiang noticed that Chiyu was carrying emotional baggage.

Chiyu had clearly fallen for Li Xin but couldn’t bring himself to accept his feelings. He felt dirty and ashamed for harboring such improper thoughts toward the junior he had raised himself.

Although You Jiang had suffered in love himself, he couldn’t bear to see Chiyu tormented. He often tried to comfort and encourage him.

He told Chiyu to accept Li Xin’s feelings — after all, they loved each other deeply and shouldn’t be restrained by societal conventions.

Under You Jiang’s continuous guidance, Chiyu finally chose to follow his heart and accepted Li Xin.

From then on, they acted as senior and junior brothers in front of others — respectful and courteous — but in private, they were intimate lovers, inseparable and affectionate.

When You Jiang found out they had gotten together, he was genuinely happy for Chiyu. He even taught him, in great detail, how to please Li Xin in bed.

Hearing You Jiang recounting all this from their past life, Chiyu’s face turned red. “You even taught me that?”

You Jiang gave a matter-of-fact “Mhm.” “We’re good friends. I may not surpass you in other areas, but in this one, I’m way ahead. Of course I had to teach you properly.”

He then leaned close to Chiyu’s ear and lowered his voice, saying, “You enjoyed it quite a lot back then, remember?”

Chiyu immediately stood up. “Let’s not talk about this!”

You Jiang chuckled, “Fine, fine, we won’t. Try it yourself someday — maybe it’ll jog your memory.”

“You… stop talking!” Chiyu said, flustered.

You Jiang thought he was even more adorable now than when he had first fallen in love a thousand years ago. Smiling mischievously, he leaned closer again. “Why don’t you test it out with your junior brother tonight? He looks like he’s been thinking about you too.”

“You Jiang!”

“Don’t be mad,” You Jiang said, grabbing Chiyu’s hand and continuing to coax him. “Your junior brother has been pining for you for so many years — his love is so pure and deep it could move the heavens. Aren’t you touched?”

“I… I…” Chiyu was so embarrassed he couldn’t speak. His ears were burning red.

“You two have already done it in your past lives, anyway. Besides, it might even help you recover your memories,” You Jiang teased, laughing lightly.

Mentioning this, Chiyu changed the subject and asked, “When you went with me to Fude Temple back then, you didn’t meet my junior brother? Why did it seem like you didn’t recognize each other when we went to the Underworld?”

“We really didn’t know each other,” You Jiang said. “Back then, the place you hid me in was very secret. Other than you, no one could find me. I didn’t dare go out either, so naturally, I never met him.”

“And after that?” Chiyu asked again. “How did you take me to the Underworld?”

“Later, that old man found me,” You Jiang said with a snort. “He said the Queen of the Underworld’s family was too powerful at the time, and he was trying to keep them in check, so he had to wrong me temporarily. Talking about putting the country first — I think he was just afraid of losing the Underworld throne.”

“And you forgave him?” Chiyu guessed.

“Of course not!” You Jiang raised his voice. “He came back to beg me several times. Eventually, I got annoyed, left you a message, and ran away.”

“After he dealt with the Queen of the Underworld and her family,” You Jiang continued, “he also cleaned out all the consorts sent by various factions in the harem, leaving only a few obedient ones. Then he came looking for me again. I still didn’t want to go back, but he begged me, promised me the position of Queen of the Underworld. I wasn’t interested, but he kept pestering me.”

“Later, I realized I couldn’t escape him, so I set a condition — I would return to the Underworld, but I wouldn’t live in the palace. I didn’t want to spend my days competing over a man. Not long after returning, I secretly came back to the mortal realm to look for you. But when I arrived, I heard that you had sacrificed yourself to the heavens. By the time I rushed over, I could only retrieve your celestial soul.”

“So there was only a celestial soul left?” Chiyu asked.

“I found you at the foot of the mountain where you hid me,” You Jiang said. “After that, you know what happened.”

Chiyu nodded. “Then do you know what happened to Fude Temple after I sacrificed myself?”

You Jiang was just about to answer when Li Xin’s voice came from behind.

“Senior Brother, why didn’t you wake me up when you got back?”

Chiyu turned around immediately and saw Li Xin standing there in a black robe, smiling gently at him.

“I didn’t want to wake you, so I brought You Jiang to sit in the garden for a while,” Chiyu said, then gestured for Li Xin to greet You Jiang. “He’s staying with me for a few days.”

Li Xin smiled and greeted You Jiang, “Welcome. Thank you for helping my senior brother ask the Underworld Emperor for help back then. I never had the chance to properly thank you.”

“No need,” You Jiang said with a smile. “Chiyu is my good friend. His business is my business.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted toward Li Xin’s chest.

Li Xin’s robe was slightly open, revealing part of his firm chest and a glimpse of his tight waistline.

You Jiang couldn’t help clicking his tongue twice, leaning toward Chiyu and whispering, “Such a fine body. Want to enjoy it again?”

Chiyu noticed his gaze and immediately understood what he meant. He elbowed him lightly, “Quit fooling around.”

Li Xin caught their little exchange and awkwardly coughed. “Let’s head inside. I’ll have Chang You prepare some breakfast.”

“Alright,” Chiyu quickly responded and walked ahead.

As he passed by Li Xin, he didn’t even dare lift his head, feeling that You Jiang’s gaze had been far too obvious — Li Xin surely guessed what they were whispering about.

Chiyu wanted to find a hole to crawl into out of embarrassment and fled into the house.

Meanwhile, You Jiang had already made up his mind to give Chiyu a little push, so he secretly grabbed Li Xin’s hand from behind and whispered:

“Your senior brother just told me he remembered everything from your past lives. But seeing you act so distant compared to back then, he’s wondering if you’ve fallen for someone else.”

“I haven’t,” Li Xin was indeed tricked. He stopped in his tracks, glanced at where Chi Yu had already gone in, and then turned back to ask You Jiang, “Did my senior brother really say that?”

You Jiang kept his composure, “Yes, he said that you treat him with respect, but… but…”

“But what?” Li Xin asked anxiously.

“But you don’t touch him,” You Jiang said.

“I… I was afraid of scaring him,” Li Xin lowered his voice even more, “How much has he remembered?”

You Jiang thought for a moment, “Quite a bit. For example, he liked leaning on you, he liked you kissing him, and also…”

You Jiang lowered his voice and whispered something into Li Xin’s ear. Li Xin’s ears immediately turned bright red.

“He… how could he tell you everything?” Li Xin was in disbelief.

“Of course,” You Jiang said with an air of certainty, “We’re the best of friends. There’s nothing we don’t talk about.”

Li Xin knew that You Jiang and Chi Yu had been friends for a thousand years, but he didn’t expect Chi Yu, who was so reserved, would confide such private matters to anyone else.

There was likely some truth to it, but not all of it could be taken as fact.

You Jiang patted his shoulder, “Kid, I see you’re suffering too. Don’t hold back anymore, wouldn’t it be better to just get back on track?”

Li Xin wanted to, but he didn’t want to hurt Chi Yu. “I want to wait until he fully remembers. I don’t want him to feel even the slightest discomfort.”

You Jiang sighed inwardly, thinking: These two really are enough to make one worry.

“I’ve been talking for so long, and you didn’t listen to a word?” You Jiang said anxiously, “Your senior brother is already uncomfortable. What are you waiting for? Are you waiting for him to make the first move? With his temperament, even if he remembers everything, he still won’t do it.”

Indeed, in the past, it was Li Xin who confessed to Chi Yu first, but that only scared Chi Yu away, and he stayed in the mountains for several days before returning. Afterward, even though they lived under the same roof, the atmosphere was always awkward. During that time, Chi Yu often went out, rarely seeing him. It wasn’t until Li Xin thought Chi Yu hated him that Chi Yu suddenly accepted him.

Li Xin thought for a moment, then looked at You Jiang, “You’re right. If we wait, we’ll both be uncomfortable.”

“Exactly,” You Jiang smiled brightly, praising him, “Tonight, be a bit more proactive. Your senior brother has feelings for you, and once you give him a little push, the glass will break, and everything will come naturally.”

Li Xin nodded, “Thank you… You brother.”

You Jiang covered his mouth with his sleeve, laughing, “What ‘You brother’? That’s too formal. Just call me You Jiang like your senior brother does.”

Li Xin nodded and made a gesture for him to go ahead, “Please.”

You Jiang happily followed Li Xin into the main door.

Chang Wu and Chang You had already gotten up. Seeing Li Xin and You Jiang come in, they hurriedly greeted them, “Boss You, good morning.”

You Jiang smiled lightly, “So polite. Just call me You Jiang.”

Chang You replied, “Our master told us that you’re his longtime friend, so you’re a distinguished guest. We’ll make sure to serve you well.”

You Jiang hummed in acknowledgment, “Good. I prefer things to be casual. No need for formalities.”

Chang You nodded, “Breakfast will be ready shortly. Please wait a moment.”

“Alright.”

Li Xin glanced at the two brothers and thought: These two little troublemakers are so warm to others, but they’ve never been this kind to me.

A bunch of ungrateful wolves!!

He scanned around and realized that Chi Yu wasn’t there. Li Xin hurriedly asked Chang Wu, “Where is Master?”

Chang Wu replied, “Master went upstairs. He said he doesn’t need food, so he won’t be coming down.”

Li Xin looked at You Jiang, “Do you think the trip to the Underworld wore him out?”

You Jiang shook his head, “I don’t know. You can go upstairs and ask him yourself.”

Li Xin hesitated. He didn’t want to disturb Chi Yu.

You Jiang sighed, “You’re too cautious. He likes you. If you go up to keep him company, he won’t mind at all.”

Li Xin thought You Jiang had a point. He smiled and nodded, then strode upstairs.

Chi Yu was meditating on the bed. When he heard the door open, he knew Li Xin had come in.

He opened his eyes and glanced at Li Xin, perhaps due to the things You Jiang had said earlier, he suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.

“Senior brother, was the trip to the Underworld exhausting?” Li Xin walked to the side of the bed, “Let me help you adjust your energy. How about it?”

Chi Yu coughed lightly, “No need. It’s just that my soul hasn’t fully integrated yet. My body is still getting used to it.”

Actually, the discomfort from extracting that broken soul hadn’t disappeared yet, and he didn’t want Li Xin to feel guilty, so he didn’t say anything.

Li Xin also felt awkward because of You Jiang’s words. Now seeing Chi Yu in discomfort, he struggled for a while, then finally gathered his courage to sit beside Chi Yu.

He wanted to hug Chi Yu. If it were before, he would have had no hesitation, just taking what he wanted.

But now he was a bit hesitant. He was afraid Chi Yu would think he was driven by lust and afraid Chi Yu might misunderstand that he didn’t care for him.

The atmosphere was a little awkward, and it was Chi Yu who spoke first, “Li Xin, do you have something to say?”

Li Xin forced a smile, “I just saw that you’re tired, so I wanted to come up and keep you company.”

Chi Yu calmed his breath and ended his meditation, “It’s nothing. It’s just that You Jiang is downstairs alone, and we’re up here. It’s a bit rude to keep him waiting. You should go down and have some food with him.”

“He’s fine with it,” Li Xin met Chi Yu’s gentle gaze, and his heart warmed, “Chang Wu and Chang You were very enthusiastic when they heard he’s your friend.”

Chi Yu picked up on the hidden meaning in his words, “That’s because you’ve taught them well. They’re just being considerate.”

Li Xin hummed, “I’ve raised them for so many years, but I’ve never seen them so enthusiastic toward me.”

Chi Yu smiled in his eyes, “Are you jealous?”

“I didn’t.” Li Xin immediately defended himself. “I just think they are too fawning. I don’t know who they learned it from.”

Chi Yu laughed out loud, “The more you say, the more absurd it sounds. If they ignored You Jiang completely, would you be happy?”

Li Xin was choked up. If they were truly that rude, it really wouldn’t be acceptable.

Chi Yu noticed he was uncomfortable and wanted to comfort him, but Li Xin spoke again, “Senior Brother, I just feel like I’ve been neglected.”

“No way.” Chi Yu moved a little closer. “It’s just normal etiquette when receiving guests. They are still closest to you.”

“I’m not talking about them.” Li Xin lowered his head, unsure how to start.

“I’m closest to you too.” Chi Yu chuckled lightly. “In the previous life, and in this one too, I just can’t remember everything. I don’t know what you like, what you want, so I can only interact with you based on instinct.”

Li Xin quickly responded, “You stood in front of me and scolded that tree spirit, was that also based on instinct?”

Chi Yu thought for a moment, “Indeed.”

“I knew it. Every soul of yours always has me in it,” Li Xin said with joy, wiping away the small amount of unhappiness in his heart. “Senior Brother, the longer it goes on, the deeper you are in my heart. Even though we’ve been apart for so many years, I still think about you every moment.”

As he spoke, he hugged Chi Yu with emotion.

Chi Yu was amused by his words of loyalty and patted his back. “I know. If I remembered those pasts, I definitely wouldn’t let you wait alone for all these years.”

Li Xin’s heart warmed, his eyes slightly reddening. He rubbed his face against Chi Yu’s neck, like a large pet needing comfort.

“Senior Brother, let me hug you.” Li Xin tightened his embrace.

Chi Yu didn’t push him away but instead hugged him back.

Such a person, such a heart, how could he bear to refuse?

He thought for a moment, You Jiang was right. It wasn’t like he hadn’t done this in the previous life. Why bother with useless formalities and customs and make the person in front of him suffer?

He realized he cared for Li Xin, felt heartache for him, perhaps because their previous life’s bond was so deep. So, as long as there was a bit of warmth, it would stir the emotions he felt for this relationship.

Forget it, Chi Yu thought to himself. If he wants it, let him have it.

Li Xin wasn’t satisfied with just this kind of contact. He truly wanted more.

He tilted his head slightly, breathing out hot air in Chi Yu’s ear. “Senior Brother, do you remember what you said the first time we…”

Chi Yu’s ears instantly turned red. He could feel Li Xin’s heated body and his restless desire. “I… What did I say?”

When Li Xin brushed against his cheek, he lightly kissed his earlobe—just a fleeting, quick touch, but enough to make Chi Yu’s heart race.

“You said… I’ll follow you.” Li Xin’s voice was low and deep, filled with a seductive warmth.

Li Xin then let go of all restraint. If Chi Yu allowed it, he wouldn’t care about anything else.

These years had been too agonizing for him. Once he confirmed Chi Yu’s identity, he wanted to do this.

Before, he had been timid, but now he wanted to indulge, after all, it was hard-won, and he didn’t want to wait any longer or miss any chance to be with Chi Yu.

He noticed Chi Yu was trembling slightly, just like that first night at Fude Temple—shy and cute.

Li Xin’s mind recalled the scene from back then, so beautiful and enchanting.

His body unknowingly became hot as he stared into Chi Yu’s eyes, breathing in the same air.

He was waiting for Chi Yu’s response.

But in truth, none of that mattered. Whether Chi Yu agreed or not, the outcome would be the same.

Li Xin only knew that as soon as Chi Yu left him last night, his emotions were in turmoil. He was worried that once Chi Yu left, he might not come back or something might happen.

He couldn’t sleep all night, turning over and over, only seeing Chi Yu’s figure in his mind.

He also felt ashamed of himself. If Chi Yu knew how clingy he was, how sentimental he was, he would surely be disgusted with him.

But he couldn’t control it.

He had lost so much, for so long, and now that he had regained something—even if it was just a little—he didn’t want to lose it again.

“Senior Brother, will you?” Li Xin couldn’t wait any longer and asked again.

He stared at Chi Yu’s shy face, his lowered eyes, the image overlapping with his memories of their previous life. Unable to control himself, he kissed Chi Yu. He too was trembling, cautious, afraid to be pushed away by the person in his arms.

The kiss was gentle at first, and before Li Xin could even feel the warmth of Chi Yu’s lips, he pulled back.

Chi Yu didn’t answer, nor did he push him away.

Both of their breaths were quickening, and the temperature in the room rose. Chi Yu felt a sense of familiarity with the scene.

Li Xin cupped Chi Yu’s face, gazing into his eyes, which were rippling with emotions. His heart raced.

His usually dignified, composed Senior Brother, always showing a reserved and aloof demeanor in front of others, only Li Xin had seen him with eyes full of affection and charm.

Li Xin couldn’t hold back anymore and kissed him again, this time with much more passion.

This kiss was entirely different from the previous one, and Chi Yu trembled even more.

Li Xin’s enthusiasm made Chi Yu lose his senses. Their tongues met, intertwining, and Chi Yu unconsciously responded.

The images in his mind merged with reality, and under the influence of love, he could no longer distinguish between the past and the present.

Li Xin became more and more frantic, releasing the longing he had felt for a thousand years. His mind was a blur, and he couldn’t think of anything except that the person in his arms was Chi Yu.

He pushed Chi Yu onto the bed, kissing his neck and moving down, his actions urgent but careful.

“Bu Yi…” Chi Yu gasped, reaching up to stroke Li Xin’s hair.

Li Xin looked up at him. “Senior Brother, I love you. I’ve always loved you. No matter what you become, I will always love you.”

Words of love without embellishment—these were the most touching words.

Chi Yu was a little dazed, murmuring a soft “Mmm,” with his eyes closed. “I’m afraid it will hurt. Be gentle.”

Li Xin froze, and endless pity ignited in his eyes. These were the words Chi Yu had said in their previous life.

Exactly the same.

He knew Chi Yu was afraid of pain, so he had always been gentle, afraid of hurting him.

But even then, Chi Yu still bled for him, sacrificing to the heavens.

He suddenly stopped, feeling disgusted with himself. He was so fixated on this matter, he felt like an animal.

Chi Yu’s soul was unstable. He couldn’t do this. He absolutely couldn’t hurt him.

He sat up on the edge of the bed. Chi Yu immediately felt the absence and opened his eyes, groggily asking, “Bu Yi, what’s wrong?”

Li Xin didn’t dare to look back. He was afraid that if he looked at Chi Yu even one more time, he wouldn’t be able to resist the temptation.

“It’s nothing. I was just too impatient.” Li Xin calmed himself, trying to look less desperate.

Chi Yu sat up as well, the memories of the previous life making him a bit dazed. He leaned behind Li Xin, hugging him. “Bu Yi, don’t worry. I’ll follow you.”

Li Xin instantly rekindled his desire for Chi Yu, and the fleeting moment of rationality he had vanished completely.

He turned and embraced Chi Yu. “Shixiong, you’ll follow me?”

Chi Yu nodded. “Bu Yi, hold me tight.”

Li Xin obediently tightened his arms, his gaze fixed on the reddening corners of Chi Yu’s eyes. He instantly felt a burning heat course through his body, and he stopped holding back.

He kissed Chi Yu again, this time much more gently than before, his thoughts focused on not hurting him, not even a little.

A tender, lingering kiss enveloped them both, pulling them into the tide of passion once more.

Li Xin lowered his hand, undoing Chi Yu’s belt. Chi Yu obediently complied with every movement he made.

The sound of breathless sighs filled the air, saturating every corner of the room.

Thud, thud, thud—

An untimely noise interrupted the rising atmosphere.

Li Xin angrily shouted toward the door, “Who is it?”

After a moment, Chang Wu’s trembling voice was heard. “Lord Li, there’s someone downstairs with an invitation.”

“What invitation? Can’t it wait until later?”

His good moment was ruined, and Li Xin was fuming.

“You should come down and take a look. Also… Lord, Boss You said this matter isn’t simple and wants you to come down immediately.”

Upon hearing that it was You Jiang’s request, Chi Yu immediately regained his senses. “You go down first, we’ll be there shortly.”

“Shixiong…” Li Xin was displeased, a trace of complaint in his voice. “Can’t we just go later? I was just…”

Chi Yu wrapped his arms around his neck and took the initiative to kiss him. “Behave, the important matters come first, go take a look downstairs first.”

Hearing Chi Yu’s words, Li Xin had no choice but to comply. “Alright, but tonight, Shixiong must make it up to me.”

Chi Yu pushed him away bashfully. “Enough, get up.”

“Then I’ll take that as Shixiong agreeing.”

Li Xin indulged in a kiss before quickly getting up, tidying his clothes, and heading downstairs with Chi Yu.

He was determined to find out whose invitation had interrupted his moment.