Shu Qing harbored resentment towards the King of the Underworld and didn’t want to listen to him at all, but he also didn’t want to cause trouble for himself. The King of the Underworld had just reprimanded him last night, and even if Shu Qing was a bit slow, he wouldn’t give him another chance to make a fuss the very next day. So, even though today’s methods weren’t entirely satisfying, they were the best within his capabilities. He managed to sow discord between two informers and punished one of them first. He didn’t let the King of the Underworld catch any mistakes. He also intimidated everyone else, showing that offending him wouldn’t end well. Who would believe he was just feeding them ordinary sugar water? Even the maid who prepared the sugar water didn’t believe it, suspecting he had secretly drugged it. But it was indeed just ordinary sugar water. At this moment, this fact made the King of the Underworld, who tried to question him, feel frustrated. Even though his body was very tired and his eyes remained closed, Shu Qing couldn’t help but smile. The King of the Underworld had never seen such a little butterfly. When scared, it didn’t seem like an act. When arrogant, it was truly arrogant, fearing nothing and acting recklessly. He wanted to ask more, but the little butterfly’s steady and even breathing indicated he had truly fallen asleep. Sleeping so peacefully? The King of the Underworld was both angry and amused.
The next day, Shu Qing still woke up very late. He had slept for a long, long time, waking up just before noon. Although he disliked the King of the Underworld, the bed was large and soft, the most comfortable place he had ever slept. Since there was nothing urgent to do and no one to wake him up, he indulged in his whims, acting spoiled and arrogant, which was the prerogative of a malicious concubine. Besides, the King of the Underworld was entirely responsible for his current state. So Shu Qing slept as he pleased, waking up naturally when he felt comfortable.
“Ouch…” His stomach still hurt. Shu Qing didn’t notice when he got up, and a sudden movement made his stomach ache. But fortunately, his head wasn’t dizzy anymore, and he felt much better than yesterday. The maid outside heard the noise and softly asked, “Has Little Immortal woken up? Would you like to freshen up and have a meal?”
“Yes, come in,” Shu Qing replied. He hadn’t left the room at all yesterday, and today he didn’t want to confine himself again. He decided to go out for some fresh air. The maid helped him change clothes and wash up. Shu Qing chose a light green outfit and picked out some luxurious jewelry, dressing himself elegantly and beautifully. He indeed had a good appearance. The maid, knowing his narrow-minded and malicious nature, couldn’t help but be captivated by his looks, stealing a few more glances.
Shu Qing glanced at her, “What are you looking at?”
The maid quickly snapped back to reality and blurted out, “Little Immortal has the appearance of a celestial being, truly dazzling and radiant…”
Shu Qing smiled. Whether it was genuine or not, whether the other party was sincere, he enjoyed these compliments. “Really?”
“…Yes.”
“Was it you who told His Highness about the sugar water yesterday?”
“…”
The conversation suddenly turned into an interrogation, scaring the maid into kneeling immediately. “Please forgive me, Little Immortal, spare my life… It was His Highness who asked, and I couldn’t disobey, I didn’t dare not to answer…”
After his ruthless actions, his infamous reputation should be even more notorious now. In reality, he had no real power, just relying on the King of the Underworld’s playful affection to act arrogantly. But it was enough. He just wanted everyone to fear him.
“I’m not saying I’m going to punish you, get up. Since it was His Highness’s request, I won’t make things difficult for you. Besides, you’ve put me in a good mood today, so I won’t blame you for this.”
“…”
The maid knelt on the ground, unable to believe what she heard. Was it because she had just complimented him on his looks? Did that put him in a good mood?
“Still not getting up? Do you like kneeling?”
The maid quickly stood up, “Thank you, Little Immortal.”
“I want to take a walk in the garden today, go call a painter over.”
“…Yes.”
Shu Qing didn’t have many usual hobbies, apart from dressing himself up, he liked tending to flowers and plants. The scenery in the Underworld didn’t interest him much, but the lush and vibrant flowers and plants, unmatched even in the Immortal Realm, did. Previously, he could only sneak here when he had free time, but now it had become a place to pass the time.
Shu Qing sat on a rock, surrounded by a riot of flowers, while not far away, the best painter in the Underworld was painting him. In the time it took for half an incense stick to burn, another painting was completed and handed to Shu Qing, “Please have a look, Little Immortal.”
Shu Qing looked at it, and a rare gentle smile appeared on his face, “Not bad.” As expected of the best painter in the Underworld, the brushwork was vivid and lifelike, capturing even the details of Shu Qing’s eyebrows and eyes with remarkable accuracy.
The painter breathed a sigh of relief, discreetly wiping the sweat from his forehead. “It’s been a long time painting, Little Immortal must be tired too, why not take a break?”
The maid brought tea and snacks, “Little Immortal should eat something too.” It wasn’t out of concern for him. Since waking up, Shu Qing hadn’t had a drop of water or a bite to eat. Who knew if he was hungry or not? But if he got hungry and threw a tantrum, they’d be the ones in trouble.
Shu Qing looked at the painting in front of him, in a good mood, he was naturally agreeable, “Alright.” Although he had no appetite and didn’t want to eat anything, he still reached out for a pastry and took a small bite.
“Take this painting back and hang it in my room.”
“Yes.”
In terms of painting skills, there used to be an even better painter in the Underworld. Unfortunately, that person despised Shu Qing, not only deliberately distorting his appearance but also cursing him to his face, calling him a lowly seducer who only charmed the King of the Underworld and deserved to be cut into pieces. It was truly a pity. Shu Qing genuinely liked that person’s painting skills.
The atmosphere was rare and peaceful. Suddenly, a strange voice came from not far away, “It’s been a long time since I came to the Underworld, when did such a little beauty appear?” It sounded like it was still a bit distant, but when Shu Qing turned his head, the person was instantly in front of him, startling him. It was someone he had never seen before. Dressed in luxurious clothes, with an elegant demeanor and an ethereal aura, he looked quite impressive. He must be some celestial being. Most likely, he was a brother of the King of the Underworld.
Sure enough, the next second, the maid beside him bowed, “Greetings to His Highness, the Mountain God.” Although Shu Qing had never seen him before, he had learned about these things as soon as he arrived in the Underworld, knowing this was the sixth brother of the King of the Underworld, and their relationship wasn’t very good. Shu Qing also bowed, “Greetings, Your Highness.”
“No need for formalities.” The Mountain God looked at Shu Qing, a smile at the corner of his eyes, appearing quite friendly. “When did you come, little beauty? I haven’t seen you before.”
“…”
His tone was frivolous, lacking any respect, as if he were visiting a brothel. Shu Qing could sense the malice from the other party, and irritation began to spread in his chest. The pastry he had just swallowed became a burden, making him want to vomit. But there was no choice. The other party was a celestial being, a brother of the King of the Underworld, standing there with an absolute superiority in status. And to be fair, what he said wasn’t too excessive, so Shu Qing couldn’t justifiably get angry.
“Your Highness jests, how could a humble person disturb Your Highness’s eyes? I’ll take my leave now.” Just as he was about to retreat, his wrist was suddenly grabbed by the other party, “Let me think, I heard Fourth Brother recently took someone into his room, could it be you?”
“…”
“So it is you? Fourth Brother is really lucky.” Shu Qing tried to pull his hand back, but the other party held on tightly. Their strength was inherently unequal, and his attempts to break free were in vain. “Your Highness, please have some respect.”
“Heh.” The Mountain God chuckled a few times, sensing Shu Qing’s attempt to break free, he tightened his grip even more, pulling him directly in front of him and leaning in closer. “Don’t be in such a hurry, little beauty.”
“…”
“I’ve heard quite a few rumors about you on my way here, they say Fourth Brother dotes on you quite a bit?” “It’s been so many years, it’s the first time I’ve seen Fourth Brother take someone into his room, I’m curious, do you have some special technique for managing the household?”
Slap—
Before the words were fully spoken, the crisp sound of a slap echoed. Shu Qing couldn’t control himself. A fire of anger burned in his chest, consuming all his reason. Who told the other party to lean in so close, who told him he had a free hand, the slap was uncontrollable, automatically swinging over.
“…You dare hit me?!” The Mountain God was instantly furious, “I’ll kill you, you wretch!”
[Author’s Note]
Little Butterfly: Just a spur-of-the-moment thing.