“Zhou Song…”

Thinking he was hearing things, Zhou Song didn’t move. But when he heard Shen Qingzhu call his name again, he realized it wasn’t an illusion.

He turned his face slightly. “What’s wrong?”

There was a pause before the faint voice sounded again, “…Come inside.”

Because of his discomfort, Kun Ze’s voice was weak, with a softness to the tone that seemed to have little hooks that made Zhou Song’s heart itch and tremble. So much so that he hadn’t even heard exactly what was said. He raised a hand to his flushed ear, unable to calm his thundering heartbeat.

“Zhou Song…” Shen Qingzhu called again, now sounding faintly annoyed. However, without much strength, his voice trailed off into a soft, melting tone.

Zhou Song snapped back to reality. “What?”

Having to repeat himself seemed a little embarrassing now. Shen Qingzhu bit his lower lip, falling silent.

Zhou Song thought he was too weak to speak and grew more anxious. He stood up suddenly, wanting to turn around but not daring to. Pacing in place, he called, “Shen Qingzhu, are you alright?”

Seeing Zhou Song fidget at the entrance, like an ant on a hot pan, yet restraining himself from looking into the cave, Shen Qingzhu’s embarrassment dissipated somewhat. He closed his eyes, loosening the hand clutching his collar. In a soft tone, he repeated, “Come in.”

Zhou Song froze, wondering if he was truly hearing things this time. “W-What?”

If not for knowing his character, Shen Qingzhu might have suspected that Zhou Song was pretending not to hear him, just to mess with him. Shen Qingzhu sighed, leaning weakly against the stone wall. The fire inside him was burning stronger, and simply controlling himself was exhausting.

His glands throbbed painfully, and he let out a muffled groan. “I told you to come in!”

This time, Zhou Song heard him clearly and knew it wasn’t his imagination. Yet he still hesitated. He wasn’t sure if Shen Qingzhu was fully aware of what he was saying. After all, he was a Qian Yuan, and being close to Kun Ze in such a state was risky.

“I-I can’t go in!”

This blockhead!

Shen Qingzhu was genuinely annoyed now. He dug his nails into his palm, using the pain to keep himself lucid. Summoning all his strength, he bit out, “Stop talking nonsense!”

Realizing Shen Qingzhu was angry, Zhou Song panicked, dropping his reluctance and striding into the cave. But as soon as he saw Shen Qingzhu’s appearance, he froze.

Kun Ze’s face was pale, his dark hair stuck to his sweat-drenched forehead, and his usually bright eyes were glazed over. He was biting down hard on his lower lip to endure his discomfort, making his lips a striking red. Clear beads of sweat trailed from his chin, sliding down his elegant collarbone before disappearing into his damp shirt, which clung to his skin, revealing a hint of underlying beauty.

Zhou Song’s mind buzzed, and his entire body heated up. Coupled with the enticing scent of orchids, he found it nearly impossible to keep his composure. Clenching his jaw, his muscles strained as he forced himself to turn his gaze away.

Seeing Zhou Song still restraining himself at a time like this, Shen Qingzhu didn’t know whether to be angry or moved.

But one thing was clear: if Zhou Song didn’t help him now, he might lose control and do something even more embarrassing.

He leaned against the stone wall, reaching out a trembling hand. “Zhou Song, come here…”

Logic told Zhou Song that Shen Qingzhu was not fully lucid and that he should stay away. But… how could he refuse this Kun Ze, who looked at him with pleading eyes?

Torn between conflicting thoughts, he found himself moving toward Shen Qingzhu. Squatting down beside him, he let Kun Ze grip his arm and asked, “Shen Qingzhu, it’s hard for you, isn’t it?”

He wanted to reach out and brush the hair off Shen Qingzhu’s face but held back, fingers curling as he restrained himself.

Immersed in the faint scent of pine and cypress, Shen Qingzhu felt a slight relief. Greedily, he took a deep breath, finding himself quickly unsatisfied with the mere hint of the scent. Tightening his grip on Zhou Song’s arm, he looked directly into his eyes. “…Zhou Song, do you… care for me?”

The question struck Zhou Song like a bolt, making him avert his eyes in panic. “I… I…”

“Just answer yes or no,” Shen Qingzhu said firmly, giving him no room to dodge.

Faced with his unwavering gaze, Zhou Song fell silent. After a moment, a daring thought took root in his mind, causing his heart to pound wildly.

Maybe… this was his only chance to reveal his feelings. Although it felt a bit like taking advantage of the situation, how could he let such an opportunity slip?

Besides, lying was not an option.

“Yes.”

This time, he didn’t avoid Shen Qingzhu’s gaze, looking at him resolutely. “I’ve cared for you since the moment I saw you.”

Even though Shen Qingzhu had guessed as much, he was still stunned by Zhou Song’s heartfelt response.

Zhou Song was a simple man, silent and reserved. Yet he gave his all to the person he loved, offering everything he had to give.

Initially, Shen Qingzhu had found his straightforwardness amusing and occasionally teased him to pass the time in the village. But as he got to know Zhou Song, he found himself increasingly touched by the man’s actions.

If he had to choose someone to marry in this village, Zhou Song would be his first choice.

Maybe he wasn’t in love with him yet, but he was willing to trust him.

Shen Qingzhu’s eyelashes trembled, his eyes tinged red from the strain of his rain-season symptoms. A small smile formed on his lips. “Will you treat me well for a lifetime?”

Zhou Song’s nervous lips quivered as he stammered out, “Yes.”

One word. It wasn’t fancy, but to Shen Qingzhu, it was enough.

He shifted closer, letting the scent of orchids surround Zhou Song as he rested his head on Zhou Song’s broad shoulder.

Zhou Song felt as if he were dreaming. The person he cared for was in his arms!

Overwhelmed, Zhou Song struggled to keep his emotions in check, questioning if this was all a dream. But before he could collect himself, Shen Qingzhu leaned into his embrace, seemingly relieved by his presence. Closing his eyes, Shen Qingzhu took a deep breath, then lifted a hand to his collar, exposing his flushed neck and revealing his vulnerable gland.

“You know what to do… don’t you?”

Although he had anticipated it, seeing Shen Qingzhu actually reveal himself in this way still made Zhou Song’s heart race. His gaze wavered as he felt nervous.

The sight of Kun Ze’s flushed gland felt almost invasive to him, and he hesitated to touch it.

As Zhou Song hesitated, Shen Qingzhu could guess what he was thinking. In a soft but firm voice, he said, “Zhou Song, I’m still aware of what I’m doing… This isn’t purely because of the rain season. If it were any other Qian Yuan here, I’d rather suffer than ask for help… Do you understand?”

Zhou Song’s gaze steadied, looking back at Shen Qingzhu.

Shen Qingzhu looked up, a bead of sweat sliding down his red-tinted eye, like a tear. “I’m a Kun Ze, and I’ve taken the initiative… If you still don’t want to… then… ah!”

Before he could finish, Zhou Song’s lips brushed against his neck, sinking into the delicate gland. The sudden prickling pain made Shen Qingzhu shiver.

But the pain was quickly replaced by a soothing sensation, as the scent of pinewood enveloped him. The mingling of pine and orchid was unlike anything he had ever experienced. It was almost indescribable—a comfort like being immersed in warm water.

The soothing feeling made Shen Qingzhu’s body relax as he nestled closer into Zhou Song’s embrace, letting out a soft sigh.

Zhou Song, too, was struggling. His beloved was in his arms, and the intoxicating scent made his instincts surge, urging him to claim Kun Ze completely.

But his love for Shen Qingzhu kept his instincts at bay.

He tightened his arms, drawing Shen Qingzhu closer, as if he could protect him entirely within his embrace.

The cave was filled with the scent of pine and orchid, blending harmoniously, as if the two were meant to be together.

Shen Qingzhu was still asleep when he felt someone gently shake his shoulder. Opening his eyes groggily, he tried to speak but found his voice slightly hoarse. “What’s the matter?”

Zhou Song looked down at him, his gaze warm, but with a hint of urgency. “The rain has stopped. We should head down the mountain.”

Hearing that the rain had stopped, Shen Qingzhu became a bit more alert but remained comfortably leaning against Zhou Song, unwilling to move. Though he had endured the worst, his body was still weak. “What time is it?”

Zhou Song glanced outside. “It’s around the third watch; dawn hasn’t broken yet.”

Shen Qingzhu frowned. “It’s so early. Why rush down? We could wait until morning.”

Zhou Song hesitated before replying, “If we go down early, there won’t be many people around. If anyone sees us together, it could raise questions.”

Shen Qingzhu paused and looked up at him. “Oh? Are you trying to avoid taking responsibility by sneaking away?”

“Of course not!” Zhou Song’s panic was evident. Unable to move as Shen Qingzhu leaned on him, he clasped Shen Qingzhu’s hand to his chest tightly. “I just don’t want to affect your reputation.”

Seeing Zhou Song’s nervous explanation, Shen Qingzhu’s eyes softened with amusement. He leaned closer, nearly brushing Zhou Song’s nose.

Zhou Song froze again.

Shen Qingzhu chuckled, pulling back slightly as his fingers trailed to Zhou Song’s chin, giving it a gentle shake. “I trust you.”

Shen Qingzhu wasn’t the kind to get overly sentimental. Since he’d made his choice, he wouldn’t hold back from showing affection. Though, he reminded himself, there were boundaries—there was still no official commitment between them.

Zhou Song, flustered like a shy bride, allowed Shen Qingzhu to tilt his chin, too stunned to move.

Shen Qingzhu found it amusing. He traced his finger along Zhou Song’s jaw, feeling him grow more rigid under his touch. Smiling, he asked, “So, are we going or not?”

Zhou Song, feeling his heart and mind tingle from Shen Qingzhu’s touch, finally grasped his mischievous hand. “Let’s go now.”

Shen Qingzhu let him help him up, though his legs were still weak from the lingering effects of the rain season. He frowned slightly.

Zhou Song steadied him against the wall, picking up his bow and umbrella, and secured them together. Walking over, he squatted in front of him. “Climb on; I’ll carry you.”

Looking at Zhou Song’s broad back, Shen Qingzhu didn’t refuse, leaning forward to drape himself over it. In his current state, it was best not to push himself.

He couldn’t resist teasing, though. “Aren’t you afraid someone might see you carrying me like this?”

Zhou Song, feeling his weight, frowned slightly, thinking Shen Qingzhu could stand to gain a little more weight. “It’s early. I’ll take the back roads once we’re down; no one will see.”

Satisfied, Shen Qingzhu leaned his head on Zhou Song’s shoulder, closing his eyes. “Then I’ll sleep a bit more.”

Zhou Song turned his face, feeling Shen Qingzhu’s breath on his neck, his lips brushing his cheek. Gently, he replied, “Mm, sleep well.”