Night draped over the city and the faint sound of water dripping from outside melted into the quiet, empty living room.
The soft hum of the air conditioner and the humidifier pulsed faintly in the background, making the air feel warm and hazily intimate.
Shi You dipped his hands into the basin. His fair fingers instantly flushed red from the heat.
When he pressed along the tendon near Lu Yicheng’s ankle, a low breath escaped the man, half suppressed, half strained, as he abruptly grabbed Shi You’s wrist.
“Stop.”
His voice was rough.
Shi You’s hand was pulled out of the water and from the sudden force, his body pitched forward. His knee bumped the floor and he nearly leaned all the way over the basin, almost touching Lu Yicheng’s leg.
Shi You looked up, puzzled.
He hadn’t even started washing yet.
Lu Yicheng felt a rush of restless heat, lifting a hand to push his fringe back and exposing the sharp line of his forehead.
His brows were knitted tight, his expression carrying a naturally intimidating chill but when his gaze dropped to the person kneeling before him, he forcibly drew in a deep breath, pressing down the harsh edge of his emotions and smoothing his expression as best he could.
Even so, his voice when he spoke was still a little frightening. “Shi You, what are you doing?”
The tone startled Shi You. The moment their eyes met, he felt as if a large, invisible hand had scooped him up, his whole body tingling with a faint, electric numbness.
“Hand warmer. Tea. Back massage. Washing your feet.” Lu Yicheng listed the items one by one, each syllable pushed out through his nose, his eyes darkening as he looked at Shi You. “Isn’t this a little too enthusiastic? Where did you even learn all this?”
Shi You did not get up. He simply raised his head, those pale amber eyes lifting to meet his, clear and bright. It took him a long moment before he quietly asked, “You… don’t like it?”
Lu Yicheng exhaled, letting the breath ease out slowly as he forced down the turbulence in his chest, burying it deep. He truly couldn’t figure out this little mushroom.
Shi You, compared to liking him as a person, seemed to like touching him more, nudging him, clinging to him, brushing against him at every opportunity and now he was babbling something about “repaying” him.
What did that even mean in a relationship? Was it some sort of mushroom exclusive vocabulary?
He hadn’t meant to ask but the strangeness in his heart finally nudged his curiosity past his restraint.
Lu Yicheng leaned down slightly, lowering his voice. “Shi You… do you like me?”
Asking it was unexpectedly difficult. The moment the question left his lips, he instantly regretted it, he didn’t even want to hear the answer. He almost wanted to say it was a joke, that he hadn’t meant it.
But the person below him didn’t hesitate even for a heartbeat.
“I like you,” Shi You said.
So quick it made the entire situation even stranger.
Lu Yicheng frowned. Something felt off, very off. “You just said you like me.”
Shi You nodded earnestly. “I like you.”
“……”
Lu Yicheng felt he had reached a state where words could no longer describe his emotions.
What was he supposed to do with this mushroom?
Shi You looked up at him again, then reached out and tugged lightly at his pant leg. “I… I just wanted to make you happy.”
He scratched his cheek a little awkwardly. “You treat me so well and I want to treat you well too. I want you to be in a good mood.”
He gave a small, almost sheepish smile. “Did… I maybe mess it up instead?”
His voice carried the soft lilt of someone from the south, gentle and sticky sweet, dissolving the last of Lu Yicheng’s irritation.
By the time Shi You finished talking, Lu Yicheng felt a wave of guilt instead, perhaps he was the childish one. Shi You didn’t understand relationships well yet. He was only trying his very best to be good to him.
“…Shi You.”
Lu Yicheng called his name softly, then took his hand and drew him upward and into his arms, circling his waist.
Alphas naturally ran hot. Even through their clothes, the heat of his embrace spread across Shi You’s skin, making him feel almost feverish.
Their bodies drew closer and closer. Lu Yicheng lowered his gaze, catching sight of the pale curve of the mushroom’s neck, flushed red as if it had been painted. He leaned in, brushing his nose against Shi You’s.
Then he gently pressed a kiss to his lips.
There was the faintest warmth in his voice when he whispered, “You were very good today. That’s your reward.”
Shi You instantly flushed, embarrassed and flustered. At such close distance, staring into Lu Yicheng’s blazing dark eyes, a dozen questions tumbled around in his head, like Why did you kiss me? or Do we kiss again? but when he finally spoke, all that came out was a soft, breathy sound. “…Mm…”
“It’s easy to make me happy,” Lu Yicheng murmured.
He lifted Shi You effortlessly and settled the mushroom onto his lap, long fingers gripping his slender waist. The scent of cold fir brushed past Shi You’s nose as the man continued, “If you want me in a good mood… just kiss me more.”
Shi You’s mind emptied for a full several seconds. He couldn’t even hear outside sounds, only the scorching heat of Lu Yicheng’s fingers curling around his palm, then tightening, interlocking their fingers one by one.
…Did his host like kissing this much?
He didn’t understand why kissing would make someone feel better but if his host liked it, then how could a mushroom possibly refuse?
And kissing his host felt good to him too, warm and soothing, like his whole being relaxed under that scent.
Not knowing where the sudden courage came from, Shi You threw his arms around Lu Yicheng’s neck.
He leaned forward, mimicking the kiss from earlier, brushing his lips lightly against Lu Yicheng’s, soft pecks, dry touches, shy little nuzzles.
Like a kitten.
Lu Yicheng did not move, only lowered his eyes to watch the mushroom clumsily “kiss” him.
Until Shi You, encouraged by his silence, used the tip of his tongue to timidly lick at the seam of his lips,
and Lu Yicheng’s eyes darkened instantly, his Adam’s apple rolling hard.
Shi You’s heart was pounding but the Alpha’s scent made him feel secure. He wasn’t good at kissing but when it came to rubbing, nudging and nuzzling, he was a natural.
But before he could do more, his lips were pried open completely.
Lu Yicheng’s tongue slid in, sweeping through his mouth, claiming every corner until Shi You couldn’t even breathe properly.
He struggled a little but it was useless, his resistance was weaker than a butterfly flapping against a storm. He was soft, helpless, trapped entirely in Lu Yicheng’s arms.
He couldn’t breathe, his host was kissing him breathless!
By the time Lu Yicheng finally let him go, he had made up for every kiss they’d missed in the days apart.
Shi You’s lips were swollen, flushed bright red, looking pitiful and kissable.
The mushroom clung to him like warm taffy, too dazed to move.
Shi You inhaled, savoring the Alpha’s scent. It was comforting, warm, secure. Buried against Lu Yicheng’s chest, his muffled voice drifted out:
“Your mood’s better now.”
“Mm.”
Lu Yicheng held him for a long time, the faint sweetness of cream clinging to his senses until his heart felt like it was melting.
Then the mushroom shifted on his shoulder, raised his head and innocently asked,
“Then Yicheng, when are we going for that walk?”
“……”
Silence. Very long silence.
Lu Yicheng stared at the earnest, innocent eyes looking back at him and sighed deeply, kneading the mushroom’s ear between his fingers.
…He supposed he should cooperate with him.
Anonymous Advice Forum.
【Title: Asking for help, why is my boyfriend acting super enthusiastic after not seeing me for a few days?】
【0L OP: I was away on a work trip for four days and after I got back, my boyfriend has been overly enthusiastic, pouring tea, massaging my back, even trying to wash my feet. I asked why and he said he wanted to be good to me and make me happy… but something feels off.】
【1L Si Ge: Bro I thought you meant “enthusiastic in bed” at first LMAO】
【2L LittleFatSheep: Throw this out. This is pure public display of affection, how dare you.】
【3L DNA: Why does it feel off? Is it the foot washing? LOL that’s adorable actually】
【4L NoMoreHiatus: Maybe he just missed you a lot but yeah the vibe is a little odd. OP are you A or B or O? What about your partner?】
【5L OP: I’m an Alpha. My partner is a Beta. We only recently started dating.】
【6L Si Ge: Ahhhh he’s a Beta! Ohhh no wonder.】
【7L OP: …No wonder what?】
【8L Si Ge: Betas are notoriously insecure. No pheromones, so they rely on actions to show affection. All Alphas and Omegas know we’re creatures ruled by pheromones. You were gone for several days, of course a Beta feels unsafe and if he’s a Beta pursuing an Alpha? Then he’s definitely scared of being abandoned, so he’ll try super hard to please you.】
【9L NightKnight: Agree. Your partner clearly likes you a lot. It’s not him being weird, it’s just how Betas express affection. As an Alpha, you’re used to pheromone based emotional communication. Beta behavior will feel strange at first.】
【10L Si Ge: You two are newly dating, it’s normal. Don’t worry too much.】
【11L Si Ge: AB couples just need time to adjust. Touch more. Spend more time together. Kiss kiss cuddle cuddle bang bang.】
【12L OP: He really likes being close to me. Always wants to hold hands or hug.】
【13L OP: But he seems to think kissing or anything above that is too fast. Doesn’t seem aware of that stuff.】
【14L OP: Though yesterday he wanted to make me happy and kissed me first. Kissed really cutely.】
【15L NightKnight: Damn I’m shipping you two. Get out of here. This is PDA disguised as a problem.】
【16L GuavaIsGreat: AB couples are my kryptonite!!! You don’t understand the FEELS!!】
【17L ChirpExplosion: You tricked me. I thought this was a real issue. It’s just a dog food post!!】
【18L CantHandleIt: Stop pretending something’s wrong. You just want his body don’t you.】
【19L AGJ: OP, go make love to your adorable little Beta. (heavy breathing)】
【20L WorldFamousArt: Polite question, do Betas get wet? Do they whimper too? Hehehehehe】
Lu Yicheng sat in the passenger seat, staring at the increasingly explicit replies, brows drawing together tighter and tighter.
“What are you reading, Old Lu?”
Jiang Yanbai was driving. Seeing Lu Yicheng’s expression darken, he couldn’t help asking.
Lu Yicheng lowered his phone, smoothing out his face, tone cool. “Nothing.”
The anonymous forum was something his senior in research had recommended, apparently good for asking any kind of question, especially relationship troubles.
He had thought he’d never need such a thing in his life. He didn’t expect that getting a boyfriend would leave him confused enough to actually post there.
Of course, the state of the forum users was… astonishing. Someone even said he was “lusting after his partner’s body.”
…Though that wasn’t exactly wrong.
Jiang Yanbai had come to find him today and from the look on his face, Lu Yicheng pretty much knew why.
“Old Lu, we’ve known each other forever, so I’ll be straight with you.” Jiang Yanbai said, clicking his tongue. “Your dad came to me again asking about you. You must’ve gotten his call too, telling you to go home for dinner.”
Lu Yicheng leaned back against the seat, unmoving, letting out an indifferent, “Mm.”
Jiang Yanbai couldn’t hold back anymore. “Ugh, fine, I’ll just tell you. Your dad wants you home because he arranged a blind date. Omega, only son of Wangyang Group. He invited them to the house already, wants you two to meet over dinner.”
“You definitely wouldn’t go if he told you directly, so as your buddy, I’m telling you now. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
He sighed dramatically.
“Come on, it’s not the end of the world. The Omega from Wangyang isn’t bad looking. Says he met you when you were kids and honestly, at this point, even having any official partner would stop your dad from pushing blind dates at you nonstop.”
“I already have a partner,” Lu Yicheng said, eyelids lowered, his deep voice as calm and still as an untouched lake.
“Hah, I figured, wait, what?!”
Jiang Yanbai almost stomped on the accelerator in shock. “You have a partner?? Who? When? How come I don’t know anything about this?!”
His mind went completely blank for half a second, then he slapped his own forehead dramatically. “Then what about the pretty white legged Beta you were hiding at home?! And the sweet little neighbor who brought you chestnut cake all the time?! What’s going to happen to them?!”
Lu Yicheng looked at him as if he were some kind of rare idiot. He had absolutely no idea what nonsense Jiang was talking about.
So Jiang hurriedly recounted the entire story.
“What the, when did that happen?” Jiang Yanbai was utterly incredulous. “I honestly suspected for a while that you might not even like humans. Never expected you to actually be capable of dating!”
“…” Lu Yicheng said nothing.
After all, the person he was dating really wasn’t human.
“Just tell Lu Zhenheng that you’re already in a relationship and to stop setting you up on blind dates,” Lu Yicheng said.
“Or better, why don’t you just bring your partner home for a meal? If I go back and tell Uncle Lu, he might not believe me,” Jiang suggested.
Hearing that, Lu Yicheng turned his head slightly, looking out the window. “This is my family’s matter. I don’t want to drag him into it.”
“Bullshit,” Jiang said instantly. “Before you started dating, you definitely thought about taking him home someday. Don’t act like you didn’t. You should just deal with this early if you actually want a good, stable relationship with your little partner.”
Lu Yicheng fell silent. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “I like him.”
Jiang almost slammed on the brakes again.
Hearing such a sentence come from Lu Yicheng’s mouth was genuinely terrifying.
“He likes me a lot too. I’m just… I’m probably overthinking it. I don’t know what kind of ‘like’ he means,” Lu Yicheng said quietly.
Jiang Yanbai almost cursed at the sky.
He already confessed, already agreed to date you and now you’re wondering what type of ‘like’ he means?! Are you serious?!
Lu Yicheng lowered his eyes.
A tear in the clouds let a shaft of sunlight break through; a southern wind rose, rustling like light rain across the trees.
At the end of the road, the clouds hung low. The shadows of passing trees swept over Lu Yicheng’s sharp brow bones, sliding across his eyes and sinking into a depth of color impossible to decipher.
He pressed his lips together, withdrawing his gaze from the darkening clouds.
Just then, his phone vibrated.
It was a message from Shi You.
A selfie popped up on the screen, bright, clear eyes, a cheerful smile, two fingers raised in a peace sign. His hands were smudged with soil and beside him sat a freshly planted little flower.
Miracle YouYou: Yicheng!
Miracle YouYou: Look at the flower I planted! [excited heart.jpg]
Miracle YouYou: I planted one for you too! Isn’t it super cute?
Lu Yicheng zoomed in on the photo before replying.
: Mm, it’s cute.
Miracle YouYou: Hehe, the staff at the plant workshop said I should’ve planted you a mushroom instead.
Miracle YouYou: I told them no.
Miracle YouYou: You already have one mushroom, me!
Something inside Lu Yicheng trembled, like a buoy floating on calm water, suddenly bobbing with a soft, unexpected splash.
The long, dry air from the car’s air conditioner seemed, for a moment, to be stirred by a breeze from nowhere.
He had been doubting things a moment ago but now his thoughts shifted.
No matter what Shi You was thinking, no matter how simple or strange, Lu Yicheng could and would follow him all the way through.
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The translator has been bribed with exactly zero coffees so far. Fix this. 😭
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
← PreviousNext →
ChaptersChapter 1 · MushroomChapter 2 · Blocking The RoadChapter 3 · Pectoral MuscleChapter 4 · Delivering MealChapter 5 · CoatChapter 6 · NeighbourChapter 7 · CookiesChapter 8 · BalconyChapter 9 · MyceliumChapter 10 · Don’t PinchChapter 11 · Warmth and NourishmentChapter 12 · Speak without RestraintChapter 13 · On the bedChapter 14 · InterviewChapter 15 · InjuredChapter 16 · So WetChapter 17 · Drink WineChapter 18 · Play AgainChapter 19 · HostChapter 20 · RomanceChapter 21 · KissChapter 22 · What should Daddy do?Chapter 23 · Washing FeetsChapter 24 · MoodChapter 25 · No kissing allowedChapter 26 · Broken BridgeChapter 27 · Blind DateChapter 28 · Dinner PartyChapter 29 · FamilyChapter 30 · Heat Sensitivity PeriodChapter 31 · LickChapter 32 · AgainChapter 33 · BabyChapter 34 · SeminarChapter 35 · Matcha TroubleChapter 36 · SpankingChapter 37 · EroticChapter 38 · JealousyChapter 39 · Little Male ServantChapter 40 · I want…Chapter 41 · Deep ConnectionChapter 42 · ToothpasteChapter 43 · DifferentiationChapter 44 · A KissChapter 45 · The Taoist TempleChapter 46 · Chasing SomeoneChapter 47 · Feeding the MedicineChapter 48 · The MessageChapter 49 · Get DownChapter 50 · Soft WaistChapter 51 · HeatChapter 52 · Deep Within the ForestChapter 53 · SensitivityChapter 54 · The Little Perverted MushroomChapter 55 · Turn AroundChapter 56 · DisappearanceChapter 57 · Don’t NurtureChapter 58 · MadnessChapter 59 · The ReasonChapter 60 · Declaring OwnershipChapter 61 · I Love YouChapter 62 · KitchenChapter 63 · Sneaking into BedChapter 64 · AdulteryChapter 65 · The Muscle Show!Chapter 66 · Was It Fun?Chapter 67 · In Front of the MirrorChapter 68 · The LondonChapter 69 · Don’t Be SadChapter 70 · End of Main StoryChapter 71 · Extra 1Chapter 72 · Extra 2Chapter 73 · Extra 3Chapter 74 · Extra 4Chapter 75 · Extra 5