Inside the cell, the atmosphere froze for several moments.
Chu Xuanzhi tilted his neck back, seemingly trying to move closer. His moist, red lips were about to touch Chu Tianyin's.
But in the next instant, he was shoved away hard, crashing to the floor with a deafening clatter from the shackles on his wrists and ankles.
Even though the kiss had never landed, Chu Tianyin still looked as disgusted as if he had swallowed a fly. He even reached up to wipe his lips, casting a repulsed glance at Chu Xuanzhi, who lay on the floor, his condition unknown.
His voice was icy. "Chu Xuanzhi, whatever you're trying to do, I won't let you have your way. You think you can use me to gain control of the Imperial Secret Guards? Dream on!"
"Chu Xuanzhen isn't nearly as simple as you imagine. Otherwise, you and I wouldn't be here. Haven't you realized that already?"
The clanking chains seemed to answer Chu Tianyin's words. Chu Xuanzhi lay motionless on the floor. This was the first time he had failed to tease him.
It was also the first time Chu Xuanzhi had ignored him.
Chu Tianyin's expression stiffened slightly. As though something had occurred to him, he rose from his chair and walked toward Chu Xuanzhi, whom he had shoved several yards away.
Inside the cell, the only sounds were Chu Tianyin's footsteps on the floor and Chu Xuanzhi's slightly labored breathing.
As he drew closer, Chu Tianyin stopped, standing two steps away from Chu Xuanzhi.
"Chu Xuanzhi."
The name sounded like a demon's whisper.
Yet the man on the floor remained motionless, offering not even the slightest response. Chu Tianyin frowned. He could only move another step closer and call his name again. "Chu Xuanzhi."
"Why are you playing dead?"
Still,