ISWTDB Ch170

Chapter 170: Be Your Steward (5, 6)

“Dempus, did you hear what I said? Hey!”

The sudden shout broke Dempus’s train of thought.

Jian Jinghan next to him seemed a bit unhappy with his distraction, her voice slightly raised.

Suddenly interrupted from his memories, Dempus felt a surge of dissatisfaction and instinctively turned his head.

His gaze was as sharp as that of a hawk, and the imposing presence of a superior radiated from him.

This scared Jian Jinghan, making her shiver involuntarily.

At that moment, Dempus regained his composure and immediately revealed a warm smile.

It was as if the cold, stern man from just moments ago didn’t exist, and he nodded at Jian Jinghan, smiling as he said, “I heard everything you said just now.”

“You were talking about the new jewelry line from the Ying Group, right? I also think it would suit you very well. I’ll have Ying Tan send you a set.”

Dempus mentioned Ying Tan, which was naturally the alias of the original owner, Asa, in the outside world.

After establishing the Ying Group in Country H, with the help of the Giovanni family, the original owner had ventured into various businesses.

The most famous were the jewelry and real estate industries.

Ying Group’s jewelry was quite renowned, famous for its design, and was lauded by socialites.

Jian Jinghan only discovered after living in the villa for some time that the original owner was actually the chairman of the Ying Group.

However, in her eyes, the original owner was merely a nominal leader.

She believed that the real boss behind the scenes was Dempus.

It was just that Dempus was low-key and didn’t want to sit in that position.

During her time living in the villa, Jian Jinghan had enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle that she had never dared to imagine before.

She sensed that Dempus seemed to have some affection for her, which made her feel proud.

After receiving numerous benefits from him, she became even more eager to capture his heart.

At this moment, having obtained what she desired, the female protagonist no longer had much to say.

She happily fantasized about how people around her would praise and envy her once she wore those jewels.

Seeing the woman across from him like this, Dempus lowered his eyes to hide the sarcasm in them.

After all, she was just a vain woman; why had he ever thought she was refined and unworldly?

He truly felt like he had been blind, as she was nowhere near the Asa he knew outside.

He had even been under some sort of illusion, questioning whether he had feelings for this woman that were different from anyone else’s.

Looking back, it felt like he had been bewitched, and it had all been an illusion.

At that moment, Dempus clearly realized that he had indeed been out of sorts.

It was as if someone had deliberately manipulated his mind, leading him to have some impossible thoughts.

Fortunately, he was now clear-headed.

With this in mind, a hint of gloom crossed the man’s eyes, but he decided to keep it hidden for the time being.

After all, the woman in front of him might not be as simple as she appeared.

He was the patriarch of the Cappadocia clan.

Could it be that someone wanted to use this woman to confuse and manipulate him?

If that were the case, it would be better to keep her close, as it was far safer than risking the unknown.

But he wondered if Asa had noticed anything.

Perhaps it was best not to inform him of this for now.

Even if he hadn’t fully understood the reasons in his heart, Dempus instinctively wanted to protect Ying Zhao.

Thus, the man maintained his usual gentle demeanor toward Jian Jinghan, chatting with her for a while.

With a few casual promises of gifts, he easily made the woman elated.

Then, he graciously escorted her back to the door of her room.

However, just before the two parted ways, Jian Jinghan intentionally and ambiguously grasped Dempus’s arm.

She softly expressed her gratitude, saying, “Dempus, thank you so much for your care these past few days. You’ve really been so good to me!”

Dempus smiled and shook his head, his eyes brimming with warmth.

In a very gentlemanly manner, he replied to the female protagonist, “It’s all part of what I should do.”

But once Jian Jinghan entered the room and the door closed behind her, Dempus’s previously gentle expression vanished in an instant, replaced by deep coldness in his eyes.

Furrowing his brow, he patted the spot on his sleeve where Jian Jinghan had touched him, as if trying to brush off some dirt, then turned and left without hesitation.

After leaving, Dempus immediately headed to the garden.

Thinking of the beautiful scene of Ying Zhao tending to the flowers just moments ago, the man was now filled with thoughts of that person.

He wanted to see Ying Zhao, to find the one who had disrupted his emotions.

However, he searched the garden for a long time but couldn’t find Ying Zhao anywhere.

He had clearly noticed that person was right there when he left moments ago.

How could they disappear so quickly in such a short time?

Dempus’s mood grew a bit irritable; for the first time, he found himself frustrated by the spaciousness of his estate.

Feeling annoyed, he had no choice but to ask the other servants in the house, and luckily someone saw Ying Zhao heading toward the upstairs art studio.

Upon hearing this, Dempus hurriedly made his way over.

Pushing open the door to the art studio, he indeed found the person he had been thinking about.

Ying Zhao’s back remained straight, and with his long hands gloved in white, he was meticulously organizing his art supplies.

Dempus knew that Asa usually painted; it seemed to be a hobby of his.

It must be said that as a vampire, the original owner’s behaviors and lifestyle were extremely similar to those of a human.

The man had never paid much attention to this before, but at this moment, he desperately wanted to understand the person who had been by his side for many years.

However, looking at the busy figure across from him, it was clear that Ying Zhao wasn’t just tidying up the items.

Instead, it seemed like he was packing to move these supplies elsewhere.

Seeing this, Dempus couldn’t help but feel puzzled and asked Ying Zhao, “Asa, why are you moving these things? Is there something wrong with this place?”

Dempus looked at this well-lit room, imagining the elegant figure of the person across from him sitting gracefully on the stool, holding up a paintbrush. He couldn’t help but long for such a scene.

However, after he spoke, there was no response for a long time.

“Asa!” Dempus approached Ying Zhao with some confusion but found that although the latter was tidying up, he was actually performing mechanical motions, his thoughts had long since drifted elsewhere, and he was in a daze.

Seeing the usually meticulous person zoning out while putting things away made Dempus involuntarily curl his lips into a smile, feeling that Ying Zhao was quite adorable.

The blank look in his eyes, not knowing what he was thinking about, inexplicably made the man’s heart tremble.

He felt that the person across from him, who had always been very alert in his impression, would actually have such moments.

He wondered if Asa also zoned out while busy with work; it was really cute!

It was not until Dempus had looked for a long time that the person across finally came back to his senses.

The man looked at Ying Zhao, who was a bit dazed, blinking at him with a hint of a smile in his expression.

He chuckled lightly at Ying Zhao, saying, “What are you thinking about? You didn’t even notice when I came over?”

In reality, Ying Zhao had lost his focus because the little Bai in his consciousness told him that he sensed a summoning from Bai Rui, and he might have to leave for a while.

This was the first time the little Bai had encountered such a situation, being summoned to leave the small world, which puzzled Ying Zhao a bit.

However, he thought that since Bai Rui took the initiative to recall the little Bai, something urgent must have happened, so he agreed without hesitation.

Although the little Bai said he would return as soon as possible, the flow of time in reality was different from that in the small world.

He had no idea how long it would take for the little Bai to come back to this small world.

Due to the small episode discussed with the little Bai, and his habitual reliance on his beloved’s presence, Ying Zhao hadn’t noticed Dempus beside him.

At this moment, hearing the man’s question, Ying Zhao’s cheeks immediately flushed slightly, and he apologetically said, “Sorry, my lord!”

Seeing the person across from him blushing because he had been caught made Dempus unable to suppress the fluttering in his heart.

He leaned closer and gave Ying Zhao a light kiss on the forehead, not pressing for more questions.

However, Ying Zhao took the initiative to stop his work and asked Dempus, “My lord, why did you come here? Is there something you need?”

Again with the inquiry about his needs!

Dempus frowned and gazed at Ying Zhao.

The impeccable attire and perfect etiquette.

This question, which he had heard countless times, usually seemed ordinary to Dempus.

But at this moment, he couldn’t suppress the irritability in his heart.

He always felt that the person across from him shouldn’t treat him with such respect.

They should be closer, having a more intimate relationship!

Dempus couldn’t deny his own feelings.

He was very clear that he had developed feelings for Asa, who had followed him for many years, that were different from before.

The things he wanted to do with this person, like drinking blood and kissing, were not merely similar to the desires shared between bloodlines.

He truly wanted to take this person as his lover and eternal partner.

Although this feeling came a bit suddenly, Dempus thought it was perfectly natural.

After all, they had known each other for so many years; he must have just not awakened to it before.

Recalling how he had just realized he was under some kind of control, leading to the illusion regarding Jian Jinghan, he understood why that feeling always made his heart feel uncomfortable and resistant.

The false feeling was so fragile that Dempus became even more resolute in his feelings for the person in front of him.

Because he realized that when one truly fell in love with someone, that overwhelming love could not be suppressed at all.

Thus, this person was the one he truly wanted to pursue and cherish for the rest of his life.

Having understood what he truly wanted, Dempus suddenly felt enlightened.

However, when he looked at Ying Zhao, he still squinted his eyes slightly.

He knew that he couldn’t rush this matter.

For vampires, the meaning of a partner was very different, considering their exceptionally long lives.

If it were just a simple relationship, the other party might still choose to obey him.

Since the other had already recognized him as the master, generally, they wouldn’t oppose the master’s requests.

But Dempus also understood that with the person in front of him, he wanted more than just obedience.

He wanted this person to love him, to truly be infatuated with him, just as he was infatuated with him.

Thinking of this, the man could not help but lean closer to Ying Zhao, embracing him in a very intimate manner.

Feeling the slender waist of the other, he displayed a smile he considered very charming.

He said to Ying Zhao, “I have nothing to instruct. I just wanted to know, what exactly is my Asa busy with?”

“Aren’t you usually painting here? Why suddenly moving out?”

Ying Zhao raised an eyebrow, sensing the ambiguity from the other party, and chose not to comment on his lover’s clumsy flirting.

He simply nodded gently and replied, “Miss Jian looked for me this morning, asking me to turn this room into a piano room.”

“Miss Jian said she wanted to practice piano here, so I was tidying up my painting tools.”

Upon hearing this, Dempus frowned involuntarily. This room had always been used as a studio by his beloved.

Why did Jian Jinghan suddenly ask Asa to convert this room into a piano room?

Besides, this was clearly his beloved’s room; what right did that woman have to say it should be converted!

Did she really consider herself the owner of this villa?

Seeing Dempus’s confusion, Ying Zhao explained to him, “Miss Jian said she thought the lighting in this room was very good and that it could directly overlook the garden.”

“Don’t worry, my lord; I’ll have someone arrange the piano and other necessary tools shortly.”

“The room will be rearranged according to Miss Jian’s instructions.”

Who would have thought that as soon as Ying Zhao finished speaking, the man bit his lip hard, clearly already angry.

At this moment, Dempus was indeed infuriated, feeling that he was being wronged by his beloved.

What did his precious one think of him?

Did he think his frowning was because he blamed him for not quickly following that woman’s instructions to get everything done?

Recalling the days before, he and Jian Jinghan indeed seemed to have some ambiguity, so it was not surprising that the person across would misunderstand.

But why did his beloved show no signs of jealousy at all!

Was it possible that Asa never liked him at all?

Thinking of this, Dempus felt somewhat suffocated, and with a cold face, he said to Ying Zhao, “No need! This room will be your studio!”

“As for the piano room, let her choose another room at will.”

“But?” Ying Zhao revealed a troubled expression upon hearing the man’s words.

Seeing that his beloved hesitated over such a small matter, Dempus simply pinched the chin of the person in his embrace.

He let him gaze directly into his own eyes and said, “Haven’t you been listening to me?”

“If she asks, just say it was my order. As for later, that Miss Jian doesn’t need to have all her requests fulfilled!”

Ying Zhao slightly curled the corners of his lips upon hearing this, nodded at Dempus, and couldn’t help but give a thumbs up for his man in his heart.

Dempus saw that his beloved finally revealed a hint of a smile and thought that it must be because he had just handled things in a way that satisfied his darling.

Hastily leaning closer to Ying Zhao, he playfully kissed his earlobe and softly said, “Asa, I remember over the years, you have always gone by the alias Ying Tan.”

Ying Zhao nodded upon hearing Dempus’s words, not understanding why the man suddenly mentioned his alias.

However, the man revealed a gentle smile at him.

While playing with his fingertips, he softly said with a warm expression, “I just think this name sounds nice.”

“Ying Tan, Ying… really suits you!”

“I really like this name; from now on, I’ll call you that, okay?”

Dempus lowered his head and rubbed his nose against Ying Zhao’s.

The affectionate action and indulgent tone made Ying Zhao’s heart tremble.

He couldn’t help but think, this was his lover from countless worlds, who clearly had his whole heart and gaze only on him.

The previous frustration over the interactions between his lover and the female protagonist instantly vanished.

So, Ying Zhao immediately nodded, bending his brows and eyes to express that he liked Dempus calling him that.

The man felt the docility of the person in his arms and kissed Ying Zhao’s lips again.

Then, he casually picked up a painting placed nearby, appreciating it while praising it, nearly elevating Ying Zhao to the heavens.

In fact, Dempus was not exaggerating; after all, the original owner had taken painting as a hobby long ago.

In so many years of a long life, anyone would hone some decent painting skills.

Thinking of the image he had previously fantasized about the person opposite sitting in a chair painting, Dempus felt a stirring in his heart.

He said to Ying Zhao, “Ying Tan, could you draw a portrait of me?”

Ying Zhao hadn’t expected his lover to suddenly make such a request, but he almost immediately agreed.

He thought that the original owner indeed painted quite a few portraits of Dempus privately.

However, he had no other thoughts; it was just practice for portrait drawing.

After all, for the original owner, the most familiar person was none other than Dempus.

However, if someone else saw the numerous portraits of Dempus piled in the original owner’s bedroom, they would definitely think that the original owner was deeply infatuated with him.

As for the current person being Ying Zhao, his familiarity with his lover was even greater than the original owner’s familiarity with Dempus.

So even if the man wasn’t sitting directly opposite him, even if he couldn’t see him, Ying Zhao could quickly sketch out his lover’s image.

Dempus watched as the person opposite sat in front of the easel, earnestly focusing on painting himself, and couldn’t help but feel his throat tighten.

Indeed, it was as attractive as he had imagined.

Rather than wanting the other to paint a picture for him, the man more wanted to cherish the Ying Zhao in the painting.

The way Ying Zhao gazed at him so focused made the man immensely satisfied.

Dempus felt that he truly longed for Ying Zhao to concentrate all his attention on him.

He crazily shouted in his heart: Just keep looking at me! Look at me forever! Never take your eyes off me!

This feeling of being gazed at by the beloved made the man unable to suppress the heat rising within him.

He had to turn to the side, casually crossing his legs to conceal his embarrassment.

Even so, he still thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded by Ying Zhao’s gaze.

However, this beautiful feeling didn’t last long; the person opposite had already completed the painting, which surprised Dempus a bit.

As soon as he heard Ying Zhao say he had finished, he immediately stood up and excitedly walked over to the easel.

Admiring his own portrait, the man felt even more astonished in his heart.

He thought his beloved was truly gifted; he hadn’t expected the painting to be so vivid and lifelike.

The figure of himself in the painting looked flamboyant and carefree, yet couldn’t hide its charm.

The seemingly smiling eyes seemed to gaze at the person outside the painting, even giving people a heart-fluttering feeling.

So, is this the image of himself in Ying Tan’s heart?

People say that paintings reflect a person’s psychology; then, does that mean that in reality, his beloved also thought he was very charming?

Thinking of this, Dempus treasured the painting greatly.

Gratefully, he leaned over and kissed Ying Zhao’s cheek, saying, “Thank you! Ying Tan, I really like this painting; I want to hang it in my bedroom!”

Ying Zhao smiled and nodded upon hearing this; he was actually quite satisfied with the painting.

He even thought to himself that when they got to the real world, he would draw several more portraits of his lover to hang in the room.

Seeing Dempus excitedly taking the painting back to his room without waiting for it to dry, Ying Zhao couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly.

It was just a painting, and yet the other treasured it so much; but this did match his man’s usual style.

After all, in all these worlds, every time he gave his lover anything, the other would cherish it exceptionally.

This was also something that touched Ying Zhao deeply.

After putting away the painting, Dempus quickly returned but found that Ying Zhao had already started on another painting.

The earlier painting process had sparked Ying Zhao’s interest; looking at the scenery outside, he unconsciously began to sketch.

Seeing this, Dempus didn’t disturb Ying Zhao.

He moved a chair closer to Ying Zhao’s side and gently wrapped his arms around him from behind.

Watching Ying Zhao’s focused expression, the man’s face grew softer.

From time to time, a few gentle kisses fell on Ying Zhao’s cheek.

A warm and peaceful atmosphere lingered between the two.

Some affection didn’t need to be verbally expressed; it could be deeply felt.

Because it was something that couldn’t be hidden in the details of actions and glances.

Warm breath brushed against his ear, and Ying Zhao unconsciously slowed down the brush in his hand.

He was also infected by this warm and beautiful atmosphere, turning his flushed cheek to gaze at his lover beside him.

Dempus, seeing Ying Zhao like this, thought of their unfinished business and couldn’t help but feel dry-mouthed, lowering his head to seek Ying Zhao’s lips.

However, just as he touched that soft warmth, he heard a servant’s voice outside the door reporting to Ying Zhao, “My lord, are you there? Lord Fritsch is looking for you.”

The sudden voice disrupted the romantic atmosphere, and Dempus gritted his teeth in displeasure.

Realizing that the visitor was none other than the current head of the Giovanni family, Fritsch, he still didn’t stop, but stubbornly tried to kiss Ying Zhao again.

Thinking to himself, no matter who it was, they shouldn’t try to stop him from getting close to his darling.

He just didn’t know what that Giovanni kid wanted with his beloved.

Ying Zhao cooperated, but after a while, the other still hadn’t let go of him. Thinking about the person waiting outside, he could only turn his head to Dempus, revealing a somewhat pleading gaze.

Seeing Ying Zhao’s soft gaze, the man instantly lost all principles.

He sighed helplessly in his heart and had no choice but to comply, reluctantly releasing his arms.