Brother's Picked Flowers Smell So Good, and Look So Beautiful

"I have no interest in the mess between you two. And the money I spent on you before wasn't thrown to the dogs. Remember to pay me back."

With that, Song Mingzhou strode away.

Gu Yanting stared in astonishment at the figure disappearing around the end of the corridor, uncertainty flickering in his eyes.

He knew Song Mingzhou too well. Though he had been born into modest wealth, he had never been favored. Ever since Old Master Song passed away, no one in the Song Household had welcomed him.

Only Gu Yanting had stayed by his side, so Song Mingzhou had loved him beyond escape.

Even if he no longer loved him,

he could not have changed so suddenly.

So... he was still acting?

That had to be it.

Convinced he had seen through Song Mingzhou's act, Gu Yanting did not take those angry words to heart and turned back to his room.

The moment Song Mingzhou rounded the corner, he saw Duan Xun leaning beside the staircase.

He was holding several fresh flowers, seemingly picked from the mountain, his head lowered as he carefully arranged the bouquet.

Song Mingzhou's expression tightened when he saw him.

"Brother... Teacher Duan."

He cautiously changed the way he addressed him, afraid someone might overhear. After all, Duan Xun had said on the first day that he did not like others knowing about his private life.

They were patron and lover, so naturally their relationship could not be exposed.

Duan Xun lifted his head from the flowers and let out a lazy sound. "Hm?"

Song Mingzhou pressed his lips together. He looked as obedient as a student meeting his teacher, his eyes shining brightly. "Did you hear everything just now?"

The corridor was empty, and this spot was not far from it. He must have heard their voices.

Was I... not too fierce or nasty just now? Duan Xun likes people who are obedient and soft, the kind who can act cute like Shen Qing. I can't expose myself.

Little 7, was I cold just now? Did I rein in my presence?

527 propped its chin in both hands. It's fine, it's fine. Duan Xun doesn't like Gu Yanting anyway, so this won't affect the main storyline.

Oh.

No, wait.

Song Mingzhou hurriedly asked again, Gu Yanting said I bullied Shen Qing just now. Will Duan Xun believe him? I did push him down, but he deserved it. I don't like the sight of him.

Should I explain this?

Without showing it, Song Mingzhou watched Duan Xun's expression closely. He could not read his mood, and Duan Xun's words remained as reserved and aloof as ever. "I heard."

He heard it!

Song Mingzhou was still debating whether to explain when Duan Xun straightened and walked toward him, bringing with him a refreshing fragrance.

"Shen Qing..."

Duan Xun deliberately paused. Noticing the cool-looking young man's back tense, he felt his previously stifled mood ease pleasantly, whether it was an act or not. Only then did he continue, "Did you push him down?"

He's asking so directly? Should I admit it?

No. I didn't lay a hand on him directly. So what if I deny it? It's not like he can insist on blaming me.

Song Mingzhou shook his head without changing expression. "No. He accidentally fell."

"Mm."

Mm??

Mm???

What did that mean?

Duan Xun brushed past him, stirring a faint breeze. Seized by an impulse he did not understand, Song Mingzhou reached out and grabbed Duan Xun's sleeve.

"Brother."

He called out softly, looking innocent and aggrieved. "Are these flowers... for Shen Qing?"

He sees you as a backup!!! Wake up already. When you're badly hurt and miserable, he'll be with someone else. You're such a huge backup!

Duan Xun smiled. His slightly oppressed mood instantly vanished, and he looked at Song Mingzhou with just the right expression.

Song Mingzhou became wary. "..."

After hesitating for a moment, Duan Xun spoke softly. "No. Are they pretty?"

Having received the answer he wanted, Song Mingzhou released his sleeve and laughed soundlessly. "They're pretty. Did Teacher Duan go out to pick them himself?"

"Yes. Put them by the bedside."

Song Mingzhou was a little surprised.

He had not expected the tragic great villain to have such a romantic side. Feeling rather taken aback, he rubbed his hands together and stared at the bouquet. "Can I help arrange them?"

"You can."

The two walked side by side toward the room.

As they reached the door, Duan Xun suddenly said, "Life is short. You should enjoy it while you can. If you come across a ditch you can't cross, change direction in time. You might find a bridge."

"?"

Song Mingzhou turned to look at Duan Xun's profile. Fragmented sunset light streamed in through the window and fell across his face. He did not know whether the sunlight had enveloped him or whether his face had stunned the sunlight itself.

The sight struck heavily at his heart.

Song Mingzhou stared blankly until they reached the door, only then snapping back to himself and recalling what Duan Xun had said.

Duan Xun... was he comforting him??

"What are you thinking about?"

That pleased voice sounded by his ear, warm breath brushing his sensitive earlobe. Song Mingzhou reflexively shrank back, then smiled as well.

"I was thinking that the flowers Brother picked smell so good, and they're beautiful too."

"Is that so?" The curve of Duan Xun's lips lifted slightly, and his tone grew even more pleased. "I'll pick you a bouquet next time too. Fresh flowers suit a beauty."

Song Mingzhou felt a little embarrassed. "I'm a beauty?"

"Of course."

"That word describes girls."

"Who says so? Boys can be beauties too." Duan Xun's gaze fell on his delicate features, his Adam's apple shifting imperceptibly. "Just like you."

His expression barely changed, and his tone was the same as before.

Yet Song Mingzhou still heard something different in it, like a pebble dropping into a still lake, stirring faint ripples that struck the shore and slowly faded away.

Song Mingzhou fell silent and did not answer.

But inside, he was screaming wildly!

7! He said I'm beautiful. He's looking at me like that, and I—I want to kiss him. Do you think he really likes Shen Qing? Why didn't he give the flowers he picked to Shen Qing? Why does he want to pick flowers for me instead?

I think Shen Qing doesn't deserve him, and he doesn't deserve flowers this beautiful either. Don't you agree?

He's so exquisite-looking. I love him so much. 7, why aren't you saying anything?

527: Silence was my protective color.

The two entered the room one after the other, and Shen Qing happened to see the scene when he opened his door and came out.

Actually, he had already seen Duan Xun return holding flowers. He had assumed they were for him, so he had deliberately timed things to send Gu Yanting away first. He had planned to have a private talk with Duan Xun and ask what was going on with Song Mingzhou.

Unexpectedly, not only did he fail to receive Duan Xun's flowers, he saw Duan Xun bring Song Mingzhou into his room.

That evening, "Song Mingzhou! I really underestimated you. You can even bewitch Brother Xun. Borrowing his influence is doomed to end badly. Just wait and see."

That evening, after the program ended and everyone returned to their rooms to rest, Song Mingzhou knocked on Duan Xun's door.

The door opened from within, revealing a flawless, exquisite face. Duan Xun leaned against the doorway and looked him over. "What is it?"

Of course there is! Since you're keeping me, I need to have the awareness of a canary. Why does this patron have no awareness at all? On such a long night, aren't you going to summon me to attend you?

Is he really impotent?.?

Suppressing the urge to let his gaze wander, Song Mingzhou furrowed his brows in distress. "Teacher Duan, the showerhead in my room is broken. Can I borrow your bathroom?"

Hehe, let me in, let me in!!

I refuse to believe my post-bath appearance won't tempt you. Let's see who can hold out.

Having heard every bit of his inner thoughts, Duan Xun's eyes trembled slightly. His Adam's apple moved faintly as his gaze fell upon Song Mingzhou's slender, pale neck.

Song Mingzhou felt as if he had waited a long time.

So long that his legs had begun to ache from standing.

Only then did he hear a bland voice say, "Mm." The tall figure before him turned and went inside, leaving the door open for him.