UCTOOT CH141.3

Shi Shu: “I won’t be happy even if we reach the end. I don’t like that estate.”

Xie Wuchi: “I know you don’t like it. Be good, wait a little longer. Someone will come to take you away soon.”

Shi Shu felt infinite depression in his heart: “Is what you say true or false?”

Xie Wuchi led him around a rugged path: “Of course it’s true. I am your lover; I won’t lie to you.”

Shi Shu: “…”

Talking on one side, frowning on the other. Shi Shu stared at this impenetrable misty black forest. The road underfoot was bumpy, and places the torchlight didn’t reach were prone to making one fall flat on their face.

Especially with the monotonous long walk, a sense of fatigue and sleepiness arose. Walking and walking, Shi Shu suddenly pitched forward, luckily scooped up by Xie Wuchi.

“Sleepy?”

Shi Shu: “A bit sleepy.”

Xie Wuchi: “Can you still walk? Come here, I’ll carry you.”

Shi Shu just wanted to struggle and refuse, but in the blink of an eye, he was already held and carried on his back. Xie Wuchi: “The road is still long. Sleep a bit if you’re sleepy. Have you formed a biological clock since coming here? Getting sleepy as soon as it gets dark.”

Shi Shu was light. Lying on Xie Wuchi’s back, the torch could burn at first, but slowly the grease and wood burned out, the light becoming weaker and weaker until it completely extinguished. Before his eyes became an airtight darkness.

This suffocating darkness terrified Shi Shu. He never cared what was in the dark before, but since transmigrating, Shi Shu became increasingly afraid of the dark, even feeling breathless before the black curtain.

Shi Shu’s back went cold: “Can you see the road?”

Xie Wuchi: “Walking slower is fine; I can see the road. But there’s a dark cloud in the sky; once it covers the moon, I probably won’t be able to see.”

Shi Shu: “Then what do we do?”

Xie Wuchi: “Find a grave mound to sleep on for the night. Are you afraid?”

Shi Shu: “I haven’t become the type of person like Wu Song or Lu Zhishen yet.”

Xie Wuchi: “Don’t be afraid. I am here.”

Shi Shu felt panic in his heart. The person beneath him carried him with steady steps, his body warmth high. Shi Shu initially felt some wariness, but slowly ripples of dizziness rose in his mind. Lying on Xie Wuchi’s back, answering sporadically, he wanted to talk to him. Suddenly, his vision dropped.

When he woke up hazily again, the surroundings were so dark he couldn’t see his fingers. The moon was covered by dark clouds. He barely made out the outlines in front of him and asked: “Where is this?”

Xie Wuchi: “Can’t see the road. Let’s rest a while before walking.”

In the wilderness, unknown on which mountaintop. Only the outlines of mountains could be vaguely seen around them, pitch black. Shi Shu was exhausted; the only thing supporting his spirit was returning to the bed in the courtyard for a good sleep. Thinking of this, Shi Shu said again: “I really want to go home.”

As soon as he said it, an unbearable grievance seemed to arise, and his eyes reddened instantly: “Why was I sent here? I really want to go home…”

All of Shi Shu’s emotions concentrated on these words, the voice expanding infinitely in his mind. His whole body was cold. He heard the sound of Xie Wuchi approaching: “Shi Shu.”

Shi Shu looked up, eyes wet.

His face was gently cupped by two hands. Xie Wuchi’s brows and eyes were very close: “Can I kiss you?”

Shi Shu’s attention was diverted: “What?!”

Xie Wuchi’s palms were hot. He whispered, “Hugging and intimate contact can alleviate sad emotions. Want a kiss?”

A tear from Shi Shu fell into his palm, greatly puzzled: “What are you talking about?”

Xie Wuchi said, “Don’t be afraid. It’ll be quick. I just want to press against your lips.”

Shi Shu reached out to block, but his face was held by him. As he stood frozen in place by sadness, Xie Wuchi’s figure moved closer and closer, gently touching Shi Shu’s lips.

Shi Shu reached out to cover his face: “…” While still confused, Xie Wuchi leaned down and kissed him again. In an instant, including his breath and body temperature, it was gently imprinted on Shi Shu’s lips, then on his face, sweeping past like a burning feather.

Shi Shu looked at him in confusion for a few seconds. Xie Wuchi asked: “Is your mood a bit better?”

Shi Shu recalled for a few seconds: “You—”

Xie Wuchi: “Changing the world is hard, especially since you are now in ancient times. If you can’t control other things for now, control your emotions first.”

Shi Shu felt his tears at the corner of his eyes being gently wiped away by fingertips: “Don’t be afraid. I’ll accompany you.”

Next, Shi Shu seemed a bit bewildered and in a fog. He sat with Xie Wuchi for a while until the dark clouds dispersed, then was led by the hand, stumbling back to the estate. It was deep night when they returned; all was silent. Shi Shu threw the sugar packet on the table, went back to the courtyard, and lay down on the bed.

While sleeping, he told himself to get up and bathe in a bit. However, there was a slight movement outside the door. Moments later, Xie Wuchi came in carrying a wooden basin of hot water.

Shi Shu scrubbed himself quickly and lay back in bed. He was simply too tired. His mind was muddled. After waiting a moment, a figure pressed down beside him.

Shi Shu was pulled into Xie Wuchi’s arms. Sleeping against him was quite comfortable, so he didn’t resist. Unintentionally, Xie Wuchi seemed to kiss his lips again.

Shi Shu slept deeply and sweetly until he woke up the next morning. Sunlight was spilling into the room. Shi Shu got out of bed holding his dizzy head, looked around for a moment, and seeing the hour was late, lowered his head to run out, running right into Xie Wuchi who was just entering.

Freshly washed clothes and pants hung on the rack; one pair was Shi Shu’s underpants. The sunlight was snowy bright. Shi Shu met the eyes of Xie Wuchi who was entering the door. Scenes from last night suddenly returned to his mind very clearly.

Shi Shu froze for a second: “Uh.”

The room was tidied in perfect order. The clothes and shoes taken off were washed. The room revealed a tidiness of being meticulously cared for. Shi Shu turned to look at Xie Wuchi. He returned to the bedside to fold the quilt, his speech and conduct revealing a… house-husband vibe.

“…”

Shi Shu remembered the kiss he landed while cupping his face last night, the indescribable intimacy. What does this mean? Is he a real husband? Has he been taking care of me as a partner all along?

Xie Wuchi folded the quilt, his lowered gaze turning back. Shi Shu’s ears heated up, and he turned away. An invisible magnetic field seemed to gather between the two.

Shi Shu suddenly had a feeling of being married.

Early spring was sunny. Clusters of new green buds grew on the treetops, soft branches swaying. Shi Shu turned toward the dining hall: “Leaving? Time to eat.”

Breakfast at the estate was noodles. Shi Shu carried the bowl to the corner and handed it to him. He watched unblinkingly as Xie Wuchi took a bite with his chopsticks, even biting half the noodles, tasting the flavor before returning it to Shi Shu: “I’ve had enough.”

Shi Shu took the bowl. The noodle soup was warm. When he ate and felt the moisture on the chopsticks, he couldn’t help his ears turning red, turning his face aside to eat.

Driving a flock of lambs up the hillside, Shi Shu waved the bamboo whip, saying enthusiastically: “I’ve thought it through. I’m going to learn a trade, learn how to farm. Then when I save enough money to buy a piece of land myself, I won’t have to look at the estate owner’s face anymore.”

Xie Wuchi: “Mood improved?”

Shi Shu: “Staying broken isn’t a solution. I plan to learn while breaking down. Survival of the fittest; strive to live a little better day by day.”

Xie Wuchi: “Mn. Forget the past to move forward.”

Shi Shu drove the flock of lambs under the sunlight with his bamboo whip, passing the villagers’ fields. Some were weeding, others bent over hoeing, and some carried plowshares to farm. They pressed seeds into the nests in the fields. Shi Shu looked back at Xie Wuchi.

Xie Wuchi: “You can go.”

Shi Shu passed the ridge, squatted nearby to watch, and asked: “What seed is this?”

“Barley.”

Shi Shu passed a field, saw rapeseed being scattered in patches into the ground, then watered, and asked again: “What are they planting here, brother?”

“Spinach. You don’t even recognize spinach?”

“…Eaten it, never seen the seeds.”

Shi Shu squatted by the field observing. A lamb came to rub against his knee. Another ram head-butted him into the field. Shi Shu shouted “Holy crap,” getting mud all over his knees. He scrambled up, wanting to hit the sheep but also not wanting to. Looking up, Xie Wuchi was looking at him from the stone bridge not far away.

Shi Shu met his gaze. Sunlight fell into his eyes. He scratched his head and walked toward him with a clear, bright demeanor.

Shi Shu began a long cohabitation with Xie Wuchi. Shi Shu worked every day, leaving daily chores to Xie Wuchi, like occasionally helping wash clothes and managing household affairs.

Shi Shu became increasingly curious about Xie Wuchi. He always accompanied Shi Shu to work and do things, but otherwise didn’t interfere with Shi Shu, nor did he clarify the identity of this person claiming to be “husband.”

In broad daylight, walking on the road, Shi Shu pulled a blade of grass: “What do you do? I find you very suited for family life.”

Xie Wuchi was beside him, pushing aside blocking peach blossom branches, smiling: “Suited for family life? It’s good you think that. I’m not a very aggressive person. I value family relationships highly and am willing to spend time and energy taking care of my lover.”

Shi Shu pulled another blade of grass: “Is that so? You’re a really nice person.”

The busiest time of spring farming passed. Shi Shu received his wages and had a whole day of rest. Now the two prepared to relax and go to the market.

Shi Shu was in a good mood, hearing the voice in his ear: “Baby, how much money have you saved?”

Shi Shu took out the money pouch: “Two strings. Going to the market to buy delicious food.”

Xie Wuchi kept saying “Baby,” “Baby.” Shi Shu slowly accepted it—or perhaps he became desensitized. Shi Shu said: “Is there anything you want to eat?”

Xie Wuchi: “I’m okay with anything. Last time I heard you say you wanted roast chicken; I’m somewhat interested too.”

Shi Shu: “Then buy one. And buy some braised meat.”

Xie Wuchi: “Baby earned the money himself; spend it however you like.”

Shi Shu went to the market with him happily. They walked around. Paper wrapped a fragrant, oily, shiny fat chicken. They cut some boiled pork and braised meat, bought small snacks, and toured the entire ancient market. Reaching the tail of the market, Shi Shu smelled alcohol.

Smelling alcohol, nostalgia rose. Shi Shu thought of his mom and dad and modern times again. Every time he thought of home, his mood would fall into lowness and depression.

“I am an adult. Adults have their own ways of expressing melancholy.” Shi Shu bought a jin of wine.

He and Xie Wuchi returned to the small hut in the estate. It was afternoon. Thinking of home, his mood was still bad, and he couldn’t help drinking a few extra mouthfuls of wine. Outside the window, it happened to start raining. Raindrops hit the tiles, then poured down the steps like beads. The gloomy weather made his mood even worse.

Shi Shu was optimistic most of the time, but occasionally he still broke down. Especially since his alcohol tolerance was poor. After drinking a few cups, he lay on the bed, preparing to sleep.

Actually, Shi Shu’s vision had long been blurred by tears.

Thunder and lightning flashed outside the window, conveniently masking Shi Shu’s uncontrollable choking sobs.

Broken again. People shouldn’t be idle; they should work.

Shi Shu curled into a ball, sensing Xie Wuchi lying down behind him. The temperature had risen these days; covering up with a thin quilt at night wasn’t cold anymore.

So, when he was hugged into his arms again, Shi Shu subconsciously spoke stubbornly: “Um… no need…”

Then, the moist corner of his lips was gently kissed.

In the dim air, Shi Shu looked at the person in front of him. Xie Wuchi’s breath was audible: “I want to kiss you. Can I?”

Shi Shu: “…Is this something to ask about?”

Xie Wuchi’s eyes held a dark light, staring only at his lips: “Then, can I?”

“…”

In the air, an anxious atmosphere permeated. Shi Shu’s brain was dizzy. He retreated, leaning against the cold wall. Further forward was Xie Wuchi’s gaze.

Shi Shu met his eyes. Xie Wuchi almost touched his lips, voice very soft: “Just a kiss, okay? It won’t be very lustful, won’t hurt you, and won’t make you uncomfortable.”

Shi Shu couldn’t focus. In his cochlea was Xie Wuchi’s husky voice.

Shi Shu’s throat rolled, stammering: “No… not act…”

Xie Wuchi’s thumb rubbed his ear, wiping the tears from the corner of his eye: “Why?”

Shi Shu: “I… We…” Does it matter…

Xie Wuchi: “Just a kiss, okay? I want to comfort you, like a goodnight kiss or a cheek kiss. Have you seen foreign TV shows? They use kissing to express trust and intimacy… Just like this,” his fingertip gently touched Shi Shu’s lips, “Like this, kiss gently, nothing will happen.”

Shi Shu watched unblinkingly, throat rolling: “I…”

In the atmosphere, a raging tide was flowing.

Shi Shu heard his low voice: “Baby, give me a kiss.”

Shi Shu blinked. In a moment of relaxation, he nodded very lightly. The next second, a boiling, venting torrent of rainstorm erupted outside the doors and windows. Shi Shu’s vision went black, his jaw was gently gripped, the bedding on the kang became messy in an instant, and Xie Wuchi’s kiss fell.

Burning, fervent, a mad kiss falling on the lips like crushing. One hand clasped his ear, hair intertwining. Xie Wuchi kissed his lips, the tip of his tongue invading quickly. When Shi Shu’s fingers moved slightly, reaching out to push Xie Wuchi’s shoulder: “…”

His hair was clasped, teeth forced open. There was only the sound of water from sucking, licking, and teasing between mouths and teeth, and muffled groans in the throat. Shi Shu was embraced in a warm hug, chin pinched, forced into a deep kiss with him, lips and teeth entangled inseparably.

Shi Shu’s breathing quickened, breath scorching. Clutching Xie Wuchi’s collar, unable to breathe, tongue tip repeatedly licked, until his consciousness fell into dizziness-like paralysis.

Shi Shu was forced to squeeze out a broken voice: “Xie… Wu…”

But he could only say a few words. Xie Wuchi just separated, dark red gaze lingering on his face, then kissed again, repeatedly licking, biting, devouring…

In the darkness, senses disappeared, only the heat before his eyes was perceptible. Shi Shu had his face cupped, deeply kissed over and over, until exhausted, lying on the pillow panting.

“Don’t cry. I’ll always be with you, won’t let you stay lonely in this era.”

Xie Wuchi kissed him, repeating it over and over.

Shi Shu didn’t understand this somewhat blurry accident. After being kissed enough by him, the drunkenness not yet sobered, in this drowsiness, he fell into a deep sleep in the rainy night.

…………

The explosive kiss in the rainy night revealed unspoken emotions. When Shi Shu woke up again, memory prevailing, his feelings toward Xie Wuchi became even more complex.

He could no longer project any “brotherhood” onto Xie Wuchi, remembering only the expanding lust in the rainy night and the body temperature approaching invisibly.

Unknowingly, more than two months had passed, reaching the deep spring season.

“Shh! Shh!” Shi Shu held the bamboo whip, running on the hilltop driving the sheep. “Don’t go down the slope, eat grass right in this field!”

Azure sky, lush green grass. After the wild grass grew madly, herding sheep became much easier.

Shi Shu called the sheep, then lay on the grass. Closing his eyes when the sunlight hit them, then opening them again, he felt a light tickling on the tip of his nose. Xie Wuchi leaned over sitting beside him, brushing away a stray blade of grass from his face.

Xie Wuchi had been accompanying him. Shi Shu now had the courage to sleep on other people’s graves.

“I can farm now, but am I really going to spend my whole life in this village? Ancient life seems barely acceptable now… of course, only barely.”

“It’s bad in the estate. That young master is baffling, always wanting to strip my clothes off, what a psycho…”

Meeting Xie Wuchi’s gaze, Shi Shu’s ears turned red, and he averted his gaze somewhat deliberately.

Xie Wuchi was looking at the flock of sheep on the grass. A ray of sunlight came through, shining right through his hand, approaching transparency.

Xie Wuchi looked up again. A huge black cloud was about to block the sun; a fine drizzle was about to fall.

Shi Shu counted the sheep in the grass: “Xiao Xi, Xiao Mei, Xiao Nuan, Xiao Lan…”

Xie Wuchi lowered his eyes, turned around, and said to Shi Shu: “Sleep for a while. I’ll watch the sheep for you.”

“Okay.” Shi Shu had been targeted by the young master recently, tired like a beast of burden, dozing off during the day. Shi Shu lay down: “Then I’ll sleep a bit.”

Xie Wuchi looked at him for a moment.

Fingertips gently tapped on his lips.

He stood up, picked up the sheep named “Xiao Xi,” and walked toward the other side of the slope.

Raindrops fell on the tip of his nose. Shi Shu shivered and snapped his eyes open: “My sheep?”

In the next instant, Shi Shu discovered that the person who had been by his side was gone. Shi Shu was stunned, then took off running all over the mountains and plains calling: “Xie Wuchi? Xie Wuchi? Where are you?”

Where are you?

Not in front, not behind the slope…

This fellow transmigrator from his era suddenly disappeared like this. A great panic and fear struck Shi Shu’s heart. The suffocation and darkness of a modern person staying alone in ancient times surged. Tears were about to gush out—

He stood on the hillside. Before his eyes appeared a grand procession with ceremonial guards. Geese walk and duck steps, chanting and playing, monks and eunuchs, an eight-bearer sedan chair.

Seeing the guards clear the way, eunuchs holding treasure cases, heads bowed respectfully, walking softly forward, in the yellow mud bamboo forest amidst this light rain.

Shi Shu was just about to dodge when he saw a lamb crashing recklessly toward the procession—taking a step forward, wildly chaotic wind amidst the drifting drizzle.

Navy blue monk robes, simple clean shoes. Under long hair, restrained and quiet eyes. A cold young man looking down as if looking at a dog, standing amidst the ten thousand feet of red dust (worldly affairs).

Brushing away dust, extinguishing purity, raising his brows and eyes.

From a distance, meeting Shi Shu’s gaze.

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