[-Why are you acting so out of character?!]
Had Chu Xuanzhen ever spoken to him in that tone before?
There had been one or two occasions, but he had soon shown his true colors. This was different. It was one thing for his voice to be gentle and doting, but even his gaze and manner were tender.
When Shen Yangge still did not respond, Chu Xuanzhen's eyes flickered, and he glanced at Su Shang, who stood motionless nearby.
Su Shang shuddered all over, immediately bowed to take his leave of Chu Xuanzhen, and made himself scarce.
Only the two of them remained in the Imperial Study. The scent of books, writing brushes, and ink filled the air, stirred now and then by a breeze. Looking at the man so close before him, Shen Yangge suddenly raised his hand and pressed it to Chu Xuanzhen's forehead.
Then he utterly ruined the mood by asking, "Your Highness, are you ill?"
The tenderness shattered without a fight.
Chu Xuanzhen immediately reverted to his cold, caustic expression. He caught the hand Shen Yangge had placed on his forehead, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. "What?"
"I merely asked you what rumors were circulating outside," he said coldly. "Why would you think I was ill, Shen Zhuanxie?"
Because you were acting like you were having some kind of seizure, doing things completely out of character!
Shen Yangge's lips trembled. He tried to pull his hand back, but Chu Xuanzhen held it tightly enough to hurt.
To avoid being subjected to Chu Xuanzhen's merciless mockery, delivered in that venomous voice from that venomous mouth, Shen Yangge stiffened his neck and retorted:
"You jest, Your Highness. Why would I think you had fallen ill because of the rumors...?"
"Then will you give me a reason,