Several of his winged companions had yet to come home, and Ling'er had gone to the palace to pay her respects, leaving the Marquis's Residence rather quiet.
In the main room of the Rear Residence, the plaque bearing "Upright Gentleman" gleamed in the sunset.
From the bathroom behind it came the faint sound of splashing water:
Splash...
The Scarlet Qilin Guard's red robe hung on a clothes rack outside the white stone bath, beside a white brocade robe.
Linghu Qingmo soaked in the warm water, flushed to the ears, arms folded across his chest as he ground his teeth:
"You traveled all that way. If you wanted a bath, you could have taken one yourself. I already washed this morning. Why did you have to drag me along...?"
Xie Jinhuan sprawled against the edge of the bath, his broad chest and the contours of his waist and abdomen exposed, looking like a dissolute emperor keeping Consort Mo company:
"We haven't seen each other in so long. Keep me company and chat, won't you? Those last few trips to the Northern Region were seriously dangerous. Shang Mingzhen's techniques were especially overbearing, and he had a Half-Demon Body. At the end, I even took a hit from Huaxian Old Monster head-on. It nearly killed me..."
"..."
Linghu Qingmo was full of righteous spirit. His boyfriend had been out slaying demons and exorcising evil, yet he had been unable to help. Feeling a little ashamed, he did indeed want to spend more time with him.
But was this keeping him company for a chat?
Should I put my hair up for you, too?
Linghu Qingmo pursed his lips. Considering all his boyfriend's hard work and accomplishments, he could hardly snap at him. In the end, he leaned closer and urged:
"Hurry up and