The plot was falling into place, proceeding step-by-step according to the script’s natural progression.
Well… specifically, the “Demonic Cult” plotline on Chu Ling’s side.
It had been two days since his heart-to-heart with Ji Wuyuan’s body double (which was, in reality, a heart-to-heart with Ji Wuyuan himself). His stalling tactic of “accepting, but taking it slow” was in full effect.
Perhaps because the teasing that evening had been a bit much, the deathly shy Young Master Chu hadn’t quite recovered. Whenever he saw “Ghost Big Brother,” he instinctively dodged away, no matter how much the latter begged for forgiveness.
Thus, Chu Ling earned two days of peace. Ji Wuyuan, sensing that pushing too hard might be counterproductive and that one must balance tension with relaxation, temporarily dialed back the physical contact meant to deepen their bond.
In this reprieve, Chu Ling found a new hobby: fishing.
They say a true fisherman never returns empty-handed. Though Chu Ling wasn’t an addict and had never tried the sport in his previous life, he believed in the universal truth of “Newbie Protection” in any field!
Zijin was in charge of skewering the bait; Zipei was in charge of removing the fish once they were hooked. One handled the “before,” one handled the “after”—a clear division of labor.
As for Chu Ling? He only needed to sit quietly, rod in hand, watching and listening in all directions. Now—!
The moment the float plunged downward, Chu Ling stood up instantly and yanked the rod upward with all his might!
Water splashed everywhere, refracting crystal-clear light. On the hook, a plump fish blew a metaphorical kiss to the excited Chu Ling, gave a flick of its tail, and leaped back into the pond.
Chu Ling: “…”
“Don’t be discouraged, Young Master. That fish was just being difficult. You’ll catch the next one for sure,” Zijin comforted him immediately.
“Yes, Young Master, Zijin is right,” Zipei echoed firmly.
Chu Ling sighed. How many times had he heard “the next one” by now? Even the next-next-next time wasn’t a guarantee.
He had to admit he had zero talent for fishing. But with both of them encouraging him, he could only listlessly cast the re-baited hook back out.
He had talked a big game earlier about eating grilled fish he caught himself; the fire was already crackling, and the spices were ready. Who would have thought…
Sigh, fishing is too hard.
Zijin and Zipei shared a silent look. The former gave a slight nod. Zipei shifted a few steps to the side, picked up a small pebble from the ground, and flicked it toward the water with a snap of her finger.
The pebble zipped into the water, accurately striking a large fish. The stunned fish thrashed wildly under the surface, its open mouth—as hoped—snagging the nearby hook. And then…
“A fish is on!”
Seeing the large fish being pulled up, unable to shake off the hook, the youth’s eyes sparkled. Joy was written all over his face.
Zijin and Zipei smiled and congratulated him: “Congratulations, Young Master! You caught a huge one!”
Once he tasted success, it was as if a “lucky break” floodgate opened. One after another, plump fish took the bait, a dazzling and impressive display of “skill.”
The fire crackled with jumping sparks, and an enticing aroma began to fill the air.
Zijin sprinkled the seasonings, flipping the golden-brown, crispy fish. Before long, she handed a perfectly grilled fish to the youth.
“Young Master, here. Careful, it’s hot.”
The youth reached out to take it, smiling. “There are plenty of fish; you two eat as well.”
That brilliant, radiant smile bloomed on his exquisite face like sunlight, warm and searing, comforting the trembling souls of those nearby.
Chu Ling nibbled on his “self-caught” grilled fish. His pale pink lips took on a translucent sheen from the oil, and his lilac-like tongue flickered between his teeth as he ate with gusto.
Suddenly, he looked up at the lush canopy and poked the System in his mind: [Sys, is the voyeur still there?]
System: [They just left.]
Just as Chu Ling was about to relax, the System added: [But Ji Wuyuan has arrived.]
One leaves, another arrives. It was clear the previous watcher had sensed Ji Wuyuan’s approach and made a quick exit.
Chu Ling muttered inwardly: Seriously, what is wrong with these people?
The “stalker” was Zhao Shiniang, the Master of the Vermillion Bird Hall. Ever since he first spotted her, he’d been getting periodic pings from the System that she was watching him from the shadows, though she never showed her face.
It had been days. Surely curiosity has a limit? Unless… it on Ji Wuyuan’s orders?
The thought gave Chu Ling pause.
Knowing he was the “canary” kept by the Cult Leader, yet repeatedly coming to spy on him—it had to be a directive from Ji Wuyuan. Monitoring him? Reporting his every move in minute detail?
Hiss—
Chu Ling shivered, goosebumps nearly surfacing. He shook his head inwardly. Pervert. Total pervert. I bow to your superior creepiness.
Before the man appeared, his voice arrived—a magnetic cadence flowing like a stream.
“Why has Ling-er come to the woods all by himself? I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Are Zijin and Zipei invisible to you?
Chu Ling snarked internally. Turning toward the sound, he saw a black-clad figure strolling down a path between the trees. On that handsome face—devoid of the ghost mask—those narrow eyes tilted upward, and a playful smile played on his lips.
He seemed a distance away, yet in just a few strides, he was beside the campfire. His hem, embroidered with dark gold thread, brushed against Chu Ling’s feet.
“Hall Master.” x2
Zijin and Zipei stood immediately, retreating a respectful distance and bowing their heads low.
Ji Wuyuan spared them a glance before his eyes swept over the grilled fish on the fire. His gaze traveled back up to the youth’s snow-white, tender cheeks, which had somehow been smudged with bits of charcoal. He looked like a little calico cat—a scene that mirrored the one back in the ruined temple.
Only this time, having actually eaten the fish, he truly earned the title of “little glutton cat.”
Ji Wuyuan’s eyes curved. He leaned over slightly, his fingers hooking under the youth’s chin. While the youth blinked in confusion, Ji Wuyuan pulled out a handkerchief and began to wipe his face meticulously.
“Don’t move.”
The simple command made the youth’s shy, fidgety body freeze.
Once the soft cloth left his face, his chin was still held. Ji Wuyuan turned his head left and right, and only after ensuring not a single flaw remained did he satisfy himself and release his grip.
However, as his hand dropped, his fingertips lingered for a flirtatious caress, as if reminiscing about that impossibly soft texture.
The moment his chin was free, the youth scrambled up, pitter-pattering to the edge of the pond. He checked his reflection in the water, looking left and right, before returning to sit by the fire. He gave Ji Wuyuan a beaming smile.
“Thank you, Ghost Big Brother.”
Ji Wuyuan watched his childish antics from beginning to end, the smile in his eyes deepening. A single, delighted sound escaped his lips: “Oh? And how is Ling-er going to repay me?”
The youth was instantly dumbstruck.
Taking advantage of the youth’s slow reaction, Ji Wuyuan suddenly pressed forward. His handsome, deep-set face—radiating a smile—closed in until their breaths mingled at an extremely dangerous distance.
His scorching gaze dropped, slowly patrolling the youth’s face as he exhaled a warm, moist breath.
“How about… a kiss?”