Bottom Line (Second Update)

Chi Li was having breakfast in the dining room. Si Jinyan had left at dawn and still had not returned.

The appearance of the Aberrant Forms weakened Chi Li's urge to simply run away. This was a remote stretch of coast; without communication or transportation, he would have trouble getting far.

From Si Jinyan's attitude, although he was forceful, he did not completely disregard Chi Li's feelings. Chi Li felt there was still room for change. Perhaps he could find a way to talk to Si Jinyan and get him to let him go willingly.

Si Jinyan did not return until noon. The moment he came back, he went straight to the room to find Chi Li. He first checked Chi Li's wound, then carried him back to bed and insisted on sleeping with him.

Chi Li was considering how to make Si Jinyan agree to let him leave, so he indulged these actions.

Chi Li felt a chill around his ankle, followed by that familiar cold, hard sensation.

Si Jinyan carefully drew in the fins that might cut Chi Li. Like claiming territory, his fish tail coiled upward from Chi Li's ankle.

Chi Li frowned and looked at Si Jinyan.

Si Jinyan said frankly, "I can't quite control it."

Chi Li knew about Si Jinyan's condition.

Si Jinyan said, "Lu Jiu suggested that I do it with you to ease the loss of control, but I didn't accept his suggestion."

Chi Li's ankle went numb. "Should I thank you, then?"

Si Jinyan moved closer to Chi Li, breathing in the faint scent of his pheromones. "That wasn't what I meant. But from now on, I'll respect your wishes."

Chi Li was startled by that. He wanted to bring up leaving, but after opening his mouth, he held back. His