Brother-in-law: C04-1

04.1: Envy

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Every inch of him stiffened.}
In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

Every inch of him stiffened.

_{Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.}“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.

_{When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.}“Like hell! Learn from that pretentious brat!” Yan Ran shouted, refusing to give in, causing Fang Shixiu to add with a sigh, “When it comes to how a person should walk their path in life, Yan Ran, all another person can do is give them some advice. Ultimately, as with everything, the decision to do so will always be their own—your own. All I can do is hope you won’t disappoint me too much.”

When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.

_{But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”}“But you went there too!”

But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”

“What exactly are you trying to do?” Fang Shixiu's brows knitted, his piercing glare locked on the younger man before him. "Are you going to that brothel in an attempt to improve your skills in the bedroom? If that’s the reason, let me tell you this outright: those women there are just trying to please you! Do you actually think you are in any way skilled enough to please women who have been with all kinds of different men? They’re just playing around with you! They see you as nothing but a toy! Couldn’t you tell that woman was faking her moans? She’s only doing all that to flatter you! Do you really think you’re that great?"

_{{Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?}}N/A

Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?

_{He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.}Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

_{“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.}Mai Xiu patted the stubborn youth on the head. “What’s more, that Fang Shixiu of yours would also want you to focus on making a name for yourself.”

“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.

_{“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.}
Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.

_{“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”}Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”

_{No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.}Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

_{“Plus… he doesn’t even like me.” Yan Ran hugged the jug in his arms tighter, his voice now barely a whisper. Chewing on his lips and wearing an expression flooded with grievance, he added, “Xiu, tell me. What kind of person does that guy seem like to you?”}
Turning his head, he glared at Fang Shixiu. “Did you do this on purpose?”

“Plus… he doesn’t even like me.” Yan Ran hugged the jug in his arms tighter, his voice now barely a whisper. Chewing on his lips and wearing an expression flooded with grievance, he added, “Xiu, tell me. What kind of person does that guy seem like to you?”

_{{Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…}}Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.

Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…

_{“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”}“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”

“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”

_{“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”}A light chuckle escaped that man as he replied simply, “Yes, I did.”

“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

_{“I’m very disappointed in you,” Fang Shixiu sighed, “and I think your sister looking down on us would be feeling even more disappointed in you than me. Take a good look at what you’ve been up to these days.}
A light chuckle escaped that man as he replied simply, “Yes, I did.”

“I’m very disappointed in you,” Fang Shixiu sighed, “and I think your sister looking down on us would be feeling even more disappointed in you than me. Take a good look at what you’ve been up to these days. How could I ever like someone who can’t even take control of their own life? Learn from Rongruo. Have your own sense of self. Don’t just spend the entire day zipping all over the place like an aimless fly!”

_{It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.}
Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”

It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.

_{“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”}“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”

“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

_{The sound of this voice brought Yan Ran’s feet to a stop; it was gentle, indulgent, and had belonged to Fang Shixiu. It was them; they were the two still inside.}
Fang Shixiu restrained his arms with ease, bringing their faces nothing but a few inches apart from one another. The sight of that man’s handsome face being so close to his own caused Yan Ran to again feel that face of his heat up.

The sound of this voice brought Yan Ran’s feet to a stop; it was gentle, indulgent, and had belonged to Fang Shixiu. It was them; they were the two still inside.

The door was unlocked, it wasn’t even all the way closed since there was a slight crack, and it was here that Yan Ran neared. With bated breath and a heart about to lurch out of his chеst, he peeked into that room.

_{“Alright, okay, hun. You’re just upset for your sister’s sake.” Mai Xiu couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping her. As someone her age, what couldn’t she understand about the situation of the one beside her? About that innocent and reckless young man.}☆☆☆

“Alright, okay, hun. You’re just upset for your sister’s sake.” Mai Xiu couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping her. As someone her age, what couldn’t she understand about the situation of the one beside her? About that innocent and reckless young man.

_{“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.}“So only you are allowed to go there, then?” Fang Shixiu let out a bitter laugh. “Yan Ran. Yan Ran... You are truly an unreasonable fellow.”

“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.

_{That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.}
“What exactly are you trying to do?” Fang Shixiu's brows knitted, his piercing glare locked on the younger man before him. "Are you going to that brothel in an attempt to improve your skills in the bedroom? If that’s the reason, let me tell you this outright: those women there are just trying to please you! Do you actually think you are in any way skilled enough to please women who have been with all kinds of different men? They’re just playing around with you! They see you as nothing but a toy! Couldn’t you tell that woman was faking her moans? She’s only doing all that to flatter you! Do you really think you’re that great?"

That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.

_{At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.}It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.

At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.

_{“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”}
Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.

“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

_{In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.}“So only you are allowed to go there, then?” Fang Shixiu let out a bitter laugh. “Yan Ran. Yan Ran... You are truly an unreasonable fellow.”

In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.

_{On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.}Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.

_{{Why? How could he?}}No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

Why? How could he?

_{In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.}
Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.

Time after time, he had to watch as Rongruo constantly found chances to get closer to Fang Shixiu’s side, to snuggle up beside that man, and even smile at him sweetly. Each instance caused the resentment Yan Ran held for that coquettish guy in his heart to grow all the more distinct.

_{I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!}
You and I are different!”

I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

_{He felt weak. He felt as though no part of him had any strength. He was forced to use a nearby wall to support himself, but even then, his arms couldn’t stop trembling.}
“What difference is there?!”

He felt weak. He felt as though no part of him had any strength. He was forced to use a nearby wall to support himself, but even then, his arms couldn’t stop trembling.

_{“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!}Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

_{Turning his head, he glared at Fang Shixiu. “Did you do this on purpose?”}
“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”

Turning his head, he glared at Fang Shixiu. “Did you do this on purpose?”

_{As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.}Yan Ran never went back to the house for supper that night; instead, the place he ran to was none other than that brothel.

As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

_{It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.}“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”

It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.

_{Could he actually be a demon?}
“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.

Could he actually be a demon?

_{A light chuckle escaped that man as he replied simply, “Yes, I did.”}
“Really? Then tell me. Out with it.”

A light chuckle escaped that man as he replied simply, “Yes, I did.”

_{But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.}“I’m very disappointed in you,” Fang Shixiu sighed, “and I think your sister looking down on us would be feeling even more disappointed in you than me. Take a good look at what you’ve been up to these days. How could I ever like someone who can’t even take control of their own life? Learn from Rongruo. Have your own sense of self. Don’t just spend the entire day zipping all over the place like an aimless fly!”

But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.

_{Nonetheless, due to these gloom-ridden emotions of his, the ever-stubborn Yan Ran was able to improve his swordsmanship skills quickly, thus proving his worth.}
“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

Nonetheless, due to these gloom-ridden emotions of his, the ever-stubborn Yan Ran was able to improve his swordsmanship skills quickly, thus proving his worth.

_{“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.}
“So only you are allowed to go there, then?” Fang Shixiu let out a bitter laugh. “Yan Ran. Yan Ran... You are truly an unreasonable fellow.”

“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.

_{But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.}Naturally, that first group consisted of Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu, so they were always spending time training together. As for Yan Ran, he was in the second group, so he was stuck spending every day of his training watching those two practice together from afar.

_N/A“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”

N/A

Fang Shixiu restrained his arms with ease, bringing their faces nothing but a few inches apart from one another. The sight of that man’s handsome face being so close to his own caused Yan Ran to again feel that face of his heat up.

_{“You’ll get your legs broken by the Madam if you do that again, hun.” Mai Xiu chucked as she pulled out a few pieces of silver from her bosom to give Yan Ran. “If you weren't a well-known patron, you would’ve never been allowed to come in without paying first. Be careful from now on, alright?”}
But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”

“You’ll get your legs broken by the Madam if you do that again, hun.” Mai Xiu chucked as she pulled out a few pieces of silver from her bosom to give Yan Ran. “If you weren't a well-known patron, you would’ve never been allowed to come in without paying first. Be careful from now on, alright?”

_{“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”}Yan Ran looked at her, confusion on his face after hearing her words. “But I’m supposed to hate him. Before I ever laid eyes on him, I hated him for four whole years. So how could...”

“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

_{Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”.}
“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”

Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”

_{Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.}He resented the Rongruo who stole all of Fang Shixiu’s attention, which was another way of looking at it. He resented that guy who gained warm smiles and gazes from Fang Shixiu—expressions that had not once been given to him.

Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.

_{Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.}“Alright, okay, hun. You’re just upset for your sister’s sake.” Mai Xiu couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping her. As someone her age, what couldn’t she understand about the situation of the one beside her? About that innocent and reckless young man.

_{Naturally, that first group consisted of Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu, so they were always spending time training together. As for Yan Ran, he was in the second group, so he was stuck spending every day of his training watching those two practice together from afar.}
No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

Naturally, that first group consisted of Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu, so they were always spending time training together. As for Yan Ran, he was in the second group, so he was stuck spending every day of his training watching those two practice together from afar.

_{“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”}You and I are different!”

“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

_{{Why? How could he?}}☆☆☆

Why? How could he?

_N/AShock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

N/A

_{“But you went there too!”}
Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

“But you went there too!”

_{A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.}
It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.

A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.

_{Every inch of him stiffened.}04.1: Envy

Every inch of him stiffened.

_{On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.}At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.

On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.

_{It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.}
He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.

_{Mai Xiu seriously thought it over before she gave the youth her response. “I’ve never met him in person, so I can only make a guess based on everything you’ve said alone. But he seems to be someone who lives by his own principles, someone who would much rather pave his own path. A maverick or sorts, no?”}“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

Mai Xiu seriously thought it over before she gave the youth her response. “I’ve never met him in person, so I can only make a guess based on everything you’ve said alone. But he seems to be someone who lives by his own principles, someone who would much rather pave his own path. A maverick or sorts, no?”

_{“What difference is there?!”}For the entire day, without ever stopping, he had practiced his swordsmanship skills until every inch of him was dripping with sweat. In beautiful clothes that were drenched and with hair put in a state of disarray, Yan Ran’s appearance exuded a kind of allure that did not go unnoticed. Especially by several of his senior martial brothers, whose lingering gazes skimmed from his slender waist to his plump bottom to the point it had on more than one occasion pushed them to the point of drool-inducing thirst.

“What difference is there?!”

_{But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.}To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was over the moon in the hopes of receiving that man’s recognition, never expecting all he would be given were a few indifferent remarks.

But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.

_{“No! That won’t happen!” Yan Ran balled his fists. “I’ll get the money. I’ll make sure to get it soon!”}
Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

“No! That won’t happen!” Yan Ran balled his fists. “I’ll get the money. I’ll make sure to get it soon!”

_{But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.}“You’ll get your legs broken by the Madam if you do that again, hun.” Mai Xiu chucked as she pulled out a few pieces of silver from her bosom to give Yan Ran. “If you weren't a well-known patron, you would’ve never been allowed to come in without paying first. Be careful from now on, alright?”

_{There were now two beautiful young men to behold in the Ximen Sect. Yan Ran and Rongruo both had their own unique type of appeal.}
At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.

There were now two beautiful young men to behold in the Ximen Sect. Yan Ran and Rongruo both had their own unique type of appeal.

_{“Like hell! Learn from that pretentious brat!” Yan Ran shouted, refusing to give in, causing Fang Shixiu to add with a sigh, “When it comes to how a person should walk their path in life, Yan Ran, all another person can do is give them some advice. Ultimately, as with everything, the decision to do so will always be their own—your own. All I can do is hope you won’t disappoint me too much.”}
“I’m very disappointed in you,” Fang Shixiu sighed, “and I think your sister looking down on us would be feeling even more disappointed in you than me. Take a good look at what you’ve been up to these days. How could I ever like someone who can’t even take control of their own life? Learn from Rongruo. Have your own sense of self. Don’t just spend the entire day zipping all over the place like an aimless fly!”

“Like hell! Learn from that pretentious brat!” Yan Ran shouted, refusing to give in, causing Fang Shixiu to add with a sigh, “When it comes to how a person should walk their path in life, Yan Ran, all another person can do is give them some advice. Ultimately, as with everything, the decision to do so will always be their own—your own. All I can do is hope you won’t disappoint me too much.”

_{Turning his head, he glared at Fang Shixiu. “Did you do this on purpose?”}Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

Turning his head, he glared at Fang Shixiu. “Did you do this on purpose?”

_{But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.}On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.

_{For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.}
“Like hell! Learn from that pretentious brat!” Yan Ran shouted, refusing to give in, causing Fang Shixiu to add with a sigh, “When it comes to how a person should walk their path in life, Yan Ran, all another person can do is give them some advice. Ultimately, as with everything, the decision to do so will always be their own—your own. All I can do is hope you won’t disappoint me too much.”

For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.

_{“Thanks. I’ll pay you back next time. Promise.” Yan Ran took the money, hugged Mai Xiu, and gave her a fierce kiss before stumbling his way to the door. Then, upon arriving at the entrance, he turned back to the woman and declared, “Xiu-{jiejie}, if I ever get the money, I promise, I’ll help you find a good husband. I swear.”}Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

“Thanks. I’ll pay you back next time. Promise.” Yan Ran took the money, hugged Mai Xiu, and gave her a fierce kiss before stumbling his way to the door. Then, upon arriving at the entrance, he turned back to the woman and declared, “Xiu-jiejie, if I ever get the money, I promise, I’ll help you find a good husband. I swear.”

_{Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.}
At first, upon being subjected to such a sharp blow, Yan Ran felt as though his heart had sunk into the deepest of depths within him, but a sudden realisation made his spirits soar once more. “Fine. Just you wait, then. Just wait and see how much I’m going to grow!”

Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.

_{And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.}“But... that might also mean he’s not a very good person.” Mai Xiu's lips drew into a line: “Which means you will have to suffer.”

And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.

_{He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.}
Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.

He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

_{At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.}Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”

_{Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!}“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.

Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

_{Why? How could he?}
Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

Why? How could he?

_{Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!}
Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…

Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

_{To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was over the moon in the hopes of receiving that man’s recognition, never expecting all he would be given were a few indifferent remarks.}
And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.

To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was over the moon in the hopes of receiving that man’s recognition, never expecting all he would be given were a few indifferent remarks.

_{He had always sensed that the feelings Ximen Rongruo had for Fang Shixiu were different and that the way Fang Shixiu treated him was unusual too. But seeing it with his own eyes—seeing them kiss—still made his heart shatter into pieces.}Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.

He had always sensed that the feelings Ximen Rongruo had for Fang Shixiu were different and that the way Fang Shixiu treated him was unusual too. But seeing it with his own eyes—seeing them kiss—still made his heart shatter into pieces.

_{“What difference is there?!”}A light chuckle escaped that man as he replied simply, “Yes, I did.”

“What difference is there?!”

_{{Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?}}“But you went there too!”

Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

☆☆☆

_{No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.}
On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.

No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

_{In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.}
For the entire day, without ever stopping, he had practiced his swordsmanship skills until every inch of him was dripping with sweat. In beautiful clothes that were drenched and with hair put in a state of disarray, Yan Ran’s appearance exuded a kind of allure that did not go unnoticed. Especially by several of his senior martial brothers, whose lingering gazes skimmed from his slender waist to his plump bottom to the point it had on more than one occasion pushed them to the point of drool-inducing thirst.

In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

_{In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.}Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

_{Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them.}
There were now two beautiful young men to behold in the Ximen Sect. Yan Ran and Rongruo both had their own unique type of appeal.

Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

_{Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.}
For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.

Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.

_{On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.}
But Yan Ran was different. He was just a newcomer with no status or family to his name, as even his only family, a brother-in-law of all people, didn’t seem to hold him in high regard. So, as a result of this, everyone thought that there was a chance they could take liberties with him.

On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.

_{“What exactly are you trying to do?” Fang Shixiu's brows knitted, his piercing glare locked on the younger man before him. "Are you going to that brothel in an attempt to improve your skills in the bedroom? If that’s the reason, let me tell you this outright: those women there are just trying to please you! Do you actually think you are in any way skilled enough to please women who have been with all kinds of different men? They’re just playing around with you! They see you as nothing but a toy! Couldn’t you tell that woman was faking her moans? She’s only doing all that to flatter you! Do you really think you’re that great?".}For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.

Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

_{04.1: Envy}
One day, when Yan Ran was again the last to leave the training area, he dawdled on the field, hoping he would be able to catch sight of Fang Shixiu again.

04.1: Envy

_{“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!}
But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.

“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

_{“Plus… he doesn’t even like me.” Yan Ran hugged the jug in his arms tighter, his voice now barely a whisper. Chewing on his lips and wearing an expression flooded with grievance, he added, “Xiu, tell me. What kind of person does that guy seem like to you?”}Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?

_{Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.}Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

_{“Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, hun. For four years, all you did was hate him. Another way of looking at it is that for four years, he was always on your mind. So after you finally laid eyes on him, having those intense feelings suddenly transform into love is far from impossible.”}
“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.

“Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, hun. For four years, all you did was hate him. Another way of looking at it is that for four years, he was always on your mind. So after you finally laid eyes on him, having those intense feelings suddenly transform into love is far from impossible.”

_{“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”}
“No, you silly thing.”

“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

He resented the Rongruo who stole all of Fang Shixiu’s attention, which was another way of looking at it. He resented that guy who gained warm smiles and gazes from Fang Shixiu—expressions that had not once been given to him.

_{A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.}At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.

A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.

_{The scene that met him within was shattering. He caught sight of Fang Shixiu’s lips pressed against Ximen Rongruo’s! That man’s lips were locked with that guy’s rose-coloured ones, and he was even clutching that guy in his arms, tight!}
The sound of this voice brought Yan Ran’s feet to a stop; it was gentle, indulgent, and had belonged to Fang Shixiu. It was them; they were the two still inside.

The scene that met him within was shattering. He caught sight of Fang Shixiu’s lips pressed against Ximen Rongruo’s! That man’s lips were locked with that guy’s rose-coloured ones, and he was even clutching that guy in his arms, tight!

_{No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.}Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”

No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

_{He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.}Sis, was the guy you married just a playboy all along?

He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

_{“So only you are allowed to go there, then?” Fang Shixiu let out a bitter laugh. “Yan Ran. Yan Ran... You are truly an unreasonable fellow.”}
Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

“So only you are allowed to go there, then?” Fang Shixiu let out a bitter laugh. “Yan Ran. Yan Ran... You are truly an unreasonable fellow.”

_{Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.}He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.

Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

_{Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them.}Naturally, that first group consisted of Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu, so they were always spending time training together. As for Yan Ran, he was in the second group, so he was stuck spending every day of his training watching those two practice together from afar.

_{One day, when Yan Ran was again the last to leave the training area, he dawdled on the field, hoping he would be able to catch sight of Fang Shixiu again.}Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

One day, when Yan Ran was again the last to leave the training area, he dawdled on the field, hoping he would be able to catch sight of Fang Shixiu again.

_{When it came to him, every look and word was always stern.}
The door was unlocked, it wasn’t even all the way closed since there was a slight crack, and it was here that Yan Ran neared. With bated breath and a heart about to lurch out of his chеst, he peeked into that room.

When it came to him, every look and word was always stern.

Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

_{“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.}Mai Xiu patted the stubborn youth on the head. “What’s more, that Fang Shixiu of yours would also want you to focus on making a name for yourself.”

“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.

_{At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.}Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

_{Yan Ran never went back to the house for supper that night; instead, the place he ran to was none other than that brothel.}
The scene that met him within was shattering. He caught sight of Fang Shixiu’s lips pressed against Ximen Rongruo’s! That man’s lips were locked with that guy’s rose-coloured ones, and he was even clutching that guy in his arms, tight!

Yan Ran never went back to the house for supper that night; instead, the place he ran to was none other than that brothel.

_{“But... that might also mean he’s not a very good person.” Mai Xiu's lips drew into a line: “Which means you will have to suffer.”}
It was the kind of kiss that was no mere childish peck!

“But... that might also mean he’s not a very good person.” Mai Xiu's lips drew into a line: “Which means you will have to suffer.”

_{When it came to him, every look and word was always stern.}“No, you silly thing.”

When it came to him, every look and word was always stern.

_{“Who’ll suffer! Nobody is suffering here!” Yan Ran huffed, stumbling as he tried to get on his feet. “I’m going home.”}Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

“Who’ll suffer! Nobody is suffering here!” Yan Ran huffed, stumbling as he tried to get on his feet. “I’m going home.”

_N/AHe was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

N/A

_{It was the kind of kiss that was no mere childish peck!}
Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

It was the kind of kiss that was no mere childish peck!

_{But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”}That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.

But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”

_{You and I are different!”}Nonetheless, due to these gloom-ridden emotions of his, the ever-stubborn Yan Ran was able to improve his swordsmanship skills quickly, thus proving his worth.

You and I are different!”

_{{Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?}}But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”

Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?

_{“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”}
When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.

“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”

_{“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.}There were now two beautiful young men to behold in the Ximen Sect. Yan Ran and Rongruo both had their own unique type of appeal.

“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.

_{At first, upon being subjected to such a sharp blow, Yan Ran felt as though his heart had sunk into the deepest of depths within him, but a sudden realisation made his spirits soar once more. “Fine. Just you wait, then. Just wait and see how much I’m going to grow!”}Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

At first, upon being subjected to such a sharp blow, Yan Ran felt as though his heart had sunk into the deepest of depths within him, but a sudden realisation made his spirits soar once more. “Fine. Just you wait, then. Just wait and see how much I’m going to grow!”

_{Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”}
I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”

_{“A maverick?” Yan Ran chewed over her words with a grumble.}
As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

“A maverick?” Yan Ran chewed over her words with a grumble.

_{Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”.}When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.

Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

_{{Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?}}Nonetheless, due to these gloom-ridden emotions of his, the ever-stubborn Yan Ran was able to improve his swordsmanship skills quickly, thus proving his worth.

Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

_{“No, you silly thing.”}
He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.

“No, you silly thing.”

_{Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”}Could he actually be a demon?

Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”

_{And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.}“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”

And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.

“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.

_{As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.}
He felt weak. He felt as though no part of him had any strength. He was forced to use a nearby wall to support himself, but even then, his arms couldn’t stop trembling.

As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

_{Sis, was the guy you married just a playboy all along?}
He had always sensed that the feelings Ximen Rongruo had for Fang Shixiu were different and that the way Fang Shixiu treated him was unusual too. But seeing it with his own eyes—seeing them kiss—still made his heart shatter into pieces.

Sis, was the guy you married just a playboy all along?

_{It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.}Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.

It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.

_{As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.}You and I are different!”

As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

_{{Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…}}“But... that might also mean he’s not a very good person.” Mai Xiu's lips drew into a line: “Which means you will have to suffer.”

_{You and I are different!”}
Sis, was the guy you married just a playboy all along?

You and I are different!”

_{“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”}“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”

_{“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”}
Could he actually be a demon?

“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”

_{At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.}
Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?

_N/AAlthough he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

N/A

_{But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.}
Yan Ran never went back to the house for supper that night; instead, the place he ran to was none other than that brothel.

_{“At your level, you still can’t withstand three moves from me or ten from Rongruo. Talent is different from person to person, so don’t start thinking you can shoot for the stars overnight.”}
In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.

“At your level, you still can’t withstand three moves from me or ten from Rongruo. Talent is different from person to person, so don’t start thinking you can shoot for the stars overnight.”

_{He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.}
That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.

He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.

_{“Thanks. I’ll pay you back next time. Promise.” Yan Ran took the money, hugged Mai Xiu, and gave her a fierce kiss before stumbling his way to the door. Then, upon arriving at the entrance, he turned back to the woman and declared, “Xiu-{jiejie}, if I ever get the money, I promise, I’ll help you find a good husband. I swear.”}Mai Xiu seriously thought it over before she gave the youth her response. “I’ve never met him in person, so I can only make a guess based on everything you’ve said alone. But he seems to be someone who lives by his own principles, someone who would much rather pave his own path. A maverick or sorts, no?”

_{“No! That won’t happen!” Yan Ran balled his fists. “I’ll get the money. I’ll make sure to get it soon!”}“Thanks. I’ll pay you back next time. Promise.” Yan Ran took the money, hugged Mai Xiu, and gave her a fierce kiss before stumbling his way to the door. Then, upon arriving at the entrance, he turned back to the woman and declared, “Xiu-jiejie, if I ever get the money, I promise, I’ll help you find a good husband. I swear.”

“No! That won’t happen!” Yan Ran balled his fists. “I’ll get the money. I’ll make sure to get it soon!”

_{Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.}Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

_{“What difference is there?!”}
It was this woman Yan Ran had found himself relying on, and she, towards this boy more than a decade her junior, found herself holding more affection than a mother would to her son.

“What difference is there?!”

_{“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.}
Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”

“I feel sad. Like, really sad. But I have no idea why.” Lifting his head, Yan Ran chugged another gulp from the jug in his hand, while Mai Xiu gently stroked his straight black hair with a sigh.

_{Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.}For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.

Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

_{That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.}The sound of this voice brought Yan Ran’s feet to a stop; it was gentle, indulgent, and had belonged to Fang Shixiu. It was them; they were the two still inside.

_{Fang Shixiu restrained his arms with ease, bringing their faces nothing but a few inches apart from one another. The sight of that man’s handsome face being so close to his own caused Yan Ran to again feel that face of his heat up.}The sound of this voice brought Yan Ran’s feet to a stop; it was gentle, indulgent, and had belonged to Fang Shixiu. It was them; they were the two still inside.

_{Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.}
Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”

_{“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”}I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”

_☆☆☆Every inch of him stiffened.

☆☆☆

_{The scene that met him within was shattering. He caught sight of Fang Shixiu’s lips pressed against Ximen Rongruo’s! That man’s lips were locked with that guy’s rose-coloured ones, and he was even clutching that guy in his arms, tight!}Time after time, he had to watch as Rongruo constantly found chances to get closer to Fang Shixiu’s side, to snuggle up beside that man, and even smile at him sweetly. Each instance caused the resentment Yan Ran held for that coquettish guy in his heart to grow all the more distinct.

_{Mai Xiu patted the stubborn youth on the head. “What’s more, that Fang Shixiu of yours would also want you to focus on making a name for yourself.”}
“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”

Mai Xiu patted the stubborn youth on the head. “What’s more, that Fang Shixiu of yours would also want you to focus on making a name for yourself.”

_{“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”}As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”

_N/A
Yan Ran looked at her, confusion on his face after hearing her words. “But I’m supposed to hate him. Before I ever laid eyes on him, I hated him for four whole years. So how could...”

N/A

_{When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.}
“Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, hun. For four years, all you did was hate him. Another way of looking at it is that for four years, he was always on your mind. So after you finally laid eyes on him, having those intense feelings suddenly transform into love is far from impossible.”

_{Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”}
“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”

Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”

_N/AAt first, upon being subjected to such a sharp blow, Yan Ran felt as though his heart had sunk into the deepest of depths within him, but a sudden realisation made his spirits soar once more. “Fine. Just you wait, then. Just wait and see how much I’m going to grow!”

N/A

_{Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.}Fang Shixiu, on the other hand, continued, “If it’s with someone you share no feelings with, even the most impressive of skills in the bedroom are meaningless. But if it’s with someone who truly loves you, even if they’re clumsy, you'll still enjoy every moment you have with them. So how could you, a person who doesn’t even understand something as basic as this, still think you can seduce me? What’s more, as someone still this young, why would you go to a place like that to get yourself corrupted?”

Yan Ran bit his lips at those words, not breaking his silence.

_{{I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!}}“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.

I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

_{Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?}
“Alright, okay, hun. You’re just upset for your sister’s sake.” Mai Xiu couldn't stop a chuckle from escaping her. As someone her age, what couldn’t she understand about the situation of the one beside her? About that innocent and reckless young man.

Although he always scolds me, he still did embrace me a little while ago, didn’t he?

_{The scene that met him within was shattering. He caught sight of Fang Shixiu’s lips pressed against Ximen Rongruo’s! That man’s lips were locked with that guy’s rose-coloured ones, and he was even clutching that guy in his arms, tight!}In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

_{“Hate and love are two sides of the same coin, hun. For four years, all you did was hate him. Another way of looking at it is that for four years, he was always on your mind. So after you finally laid eyes on him, having those intense feelings suddenly transform into love is far from impossible.”}“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

_{Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.}
“Plus… he doesn’t even like me.” Yan Ran hugged the jug in his arms tighter, his voice now barely a whisper. Chewing on his lips and wearing an expression flooded with grievance, he added, “Xiu, tell me. What kind of person does that guy seem like to you?”

Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

_{In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.}“I’m very disappointed in you,” Fang Shixiu sighed, “and I think your sister looking down on us would be feeling even more disappointed in you than me. Take a good look at what you’ve been up to these days. How could I ever like someone who can’t even take control of their own life? Learn from Rongruo. Have your own sense of self. Don’t just spend the entire day zipping all over the place like an aimless fly!”

In that brothel, there was a mature woman who doted on and indulged Yan Ran as if he were her very own child.

_{Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!}At fifteen years old, for the first time in his life, he discovered there was a feeling that existed beyond the adoration he felt towards his older sister—the kind of desire that compels one to claim every inch of another as their own.

Fang Shixiu was his sister's, and his sister was his. So it only made sense that Fang Shixiu should now be his as well!

_{Time after time, he had to watch as Rongruo constantly found chances to get closer to Fang Shixiu’s side, to snuggle up beside that man, and even smile at him sweetly. Each instance caused the resentment Yan Ran held for that coquettish guy in his heart to grow all the more distinct.}Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

_{The door was unlocked, it wasn’t even all the way closed since there was a slight crack, and it was here that Yan Ran neared. With bated breath and a heart about to lurch out of his chеst, he peeked into that room.}
Mai Xiu seriously thought it over before she gave the youth her response. “I’ve never met him in person, so I can only make a guess based on everything you’ve said alone. But he seems to be someone who lives by his own principles, someone who would much rather pave his own path. A maverick or sorts, no?”

_{But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.}That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.

It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.

_{“Really? Then tell me. Out with it.”}
“A maverick?” Yan Ran chewed over her words with a grumble.

“Really? Then tell me. Out with it.”

_{“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”}
“But... that might also mean he’s not a very good person.” Mai Xiu's lips drew into a line: “Which means you will have to suffer.”

“You’ll find out the reason why the more time paѕses. As for right now, you’re just enthralled with him, that's all.”

_{He resented the Rongruo who stole all of Fang Shixiu’s attention, which was another way of looking at it. He resented that guy who gained warm smiles and gazes from Fang Shixiu—expressions that had not once been given to him.}“What exactly are you trying to do?” Fang Shixiu's brows knitted, his piercing glare locked on the younger man before him. "Are you going to that brothel in an attempt to improve your skills in the bedroom? If that’s the reason, let me tell you this outright: those women there are just trying to please you! Do you actually think you are in any way skilled enough to please women who have been with all kinds of different men? They’re just playing around with you! They see you as nothing but a toy! Couldn’t you tell that woman was faking her moans? She’s only doing all that to flatter you! Do you really think you’re that great?"

_{Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”}When he again caught hold of his senses, his eyes met Fang Shixiu’s frigidly stern gaze alongside Ximen Ronruo’s gloating one. He couldn’t bring himself to speak upon seeing them. He could do anything but totter backwards before fleeing.

Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”

_{It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.}N/A

It was honestly a strange kind of reasoning that led to an equally strange idea, but none of that mattered because it had long ingrained itself in the depths of Yan Yan’s mind.

_{Yan Ran looked at her, confusion on his face after hearing her words. “But I’m supposed to hate him. Before I ever laid eyes on him, I hated him for four whole years. So how could...”}
“Who’ll suffer! Nobody is suffering here!” Yan Ran huffed, stumbling as he tried to get on his feet. “I’m going home.”

Yan Ran looked at her, confusion on his face after hearing her words. “But I’m supposed to hate him. Before I ever laid eyes on him, I hated him for four whole years. So how could...”

_{“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”}Yan Ran made his way to that man with controlled steps resembling those of a leopard, ready to pounce. “You bastard-son-of-a-bitch! –Ah!”

“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

_{Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…}
“It’s late, so how about staying the night?”

_{“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”}“At your level, you still can’t withstand three moves from me or ten from Rongruo. Talent is different from person to person, so don’t start thinking you can shoot for the stars overnight.”

“No… can’t. I forgot to bring money.”

Fang Shixiu had already left his side, moving to light a candle. A light yellow hue now imbued the room with its glow, illuminating the incredulous expression contorting Yan Ran’s features.

_{A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.}“I have a clear purpose too! I know what I’m doing!” Yan Ran looked at the scolding face above his, maintaining his unwavering gaze as he spoke.

A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.

_☆☆☆No, it was not that he couldn't accept the truth; it was just... Perhaps it was just an excuse for his own madness.

☆☆☆

_{It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.}“Plus… he doesn’t even like me.” Yan Ran hugged the jug in his arms tighter, his voice now barely a whisper. Chewing on his lips and wearing an expression flooded with grievance, he added, “Xiu, tell me. What kind of person does that guy seem like to you?”

It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.

_{And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.}
“You’ll get your legs broken by the Madam if you do that again, hun.” Mai Xiu chucked as she pulled out a few pieces of silver from her bosom to give Yan Ran. “If you weren't a well-known patron, you would’ve never been allowed to come in without paying first. Be careful from now on, alright?”

And with such thoughts in mind, Yan Ran was again brimming with hopes for his glittering future.

_{On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.}But in the end, it had long become dark, and there was still no sight of that man, so Yan Ran had to give up the idea and leave. However, when he paѕsed by the changing rooms, the sound of whispers and laughter coming from a supposed deserted area caught him by surprise.

On the day he officially entered the Ximen Sect, Yan Ran put a lot of extra effort into his training.

_{“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”}
“Thanks. I’ll pay you back next time. Promise.” Yan Ran took the money, hugged Mai Xiu, and gave her a fierce kiss before stumbling his way to the door. Then, upon arriving at the entrance, he turned back to the woman and declared, “Xiu-jiejie, if I ever get the money, I promise, I’ll help you find a good husband. I swear.”

“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”

_{He had always sensed that the feelings Ximen Rongruo had for Fang Shixiu were different and that the way Fang Shixiu treated him was unusual too. But seeing it with his own eyes—seeing them kiss—still made his heart shatter into pieces.}
“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

_{In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.}Surprise etched itself on Fang Shixiu’s face as he looked at Yan Ran, but before he could say anything, that shocking youth had already fled the room in high spirits, seeming to have forgotten the room they were in was his own.

In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

_{Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.}
“No! That won’t happen!” Yan Ran balled his fists. “I’ll get the money. I’ll make sure to get it soon!”

Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

_{{I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!}}Sis, was the guy you married just a playboy all along?

I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

_{But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”}
Mai Xiu patted the stubborn youth on the head. “What’s more, that Fang Shixiu of yours would also want you to focus on making a name for yourself.”

But Yan Ran only scoffed at that man’s words before stating adamantly, “You’re my sister’s husband. You’re not allowed to go seeking out other women behind her back!”

_{04.1: Envy}Clutching a wine jug in his arms, a distraught Yan Ran drank until his entire body looked as though it would catch fire before turning to the woman sitting beside him to ask, “Tell me, Xiu, isn’t he being a super huge jerk? Like, I even think he never even loved my sister to begin with at this point. He’s nothing but a scυmbag—a scυmbag demon! A huge scυmbag-demon bastard that tricked my poor, poor sister!”

04.1: Envy

_☆☆☆
Upon hearing that name, Yan Ran’s brightened gaze grew dark, and like this, he turned around and left.

☆☆☆

_{For those who favoured a masculine type of nature, Rongruo was naturally the object of their infatuation. But he was the young master of House Ximen; he was also a highborn, a young lord of noble birth. So the best they could ever wish for is to gaze up at him from below, never daring to hold any kind of wild dreams or hopes.}It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.

☆☆☆

_{Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?}
On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.

Was he a demon that makes a person willingly fall for his charms and never be able to escape his clutches?

_{“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”}
Naturally, that first group consisted of Ximen Rongruo and Fang Shixiu, so they were always spending time training together. As for Yan Ran, he was in the second group, so he was stuck spending every day of his training watching those two practice together from afar.

_{Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.}Mai Xiu smiled softly at the youth beside her, replying, Why does it seem to me as if the one who was deceived was you? You’re pretty upset right now.”

Shock—jealousy—all dialled up to the extreme aѕsaulted Yan Ran’s emotions, and with it came an uncontrolled scream.

_{{I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!}}Now the object of his desire was Fang Shixiu—feelings that could even be said to be more akin to idolization. Feelings that made it possible for his heart to throb at the mere sight of him.

I didn’t see anything! I didn't see anything! I didn’t see a goddamn thing at all!

_{Fang Shixiu restrained his arms with ease, bringing their faces nothing but a few inches apart from one another. The sight of that man’s handsome face being so close to his own caused Yan Ran to again feel that face of his heat up.}That woman was named Mai Xiu, and with regard to charm and grace, she exuded them in spades, though the corners of her eyes held the presence of fine lines, showing that even she was unable to resist time’s erosion.

_{Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.}
Time after time, he had to watch as Rongruo constantly found chances to get closer to Fang Shixiu’s side, to snuggle up beside that man, and even smile at him sweetly. Each instance caused the resentment Yan Ran held for that coquettish guy in his heart to grow all the more distinct.

Yan Ran and his other senior martial brothers shared one changing room. But it was different for Ximen Rongruo, who had a room for himself alone, and right now, he was in there with Fang Shixiu.

_{He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.}As if the earth itself were spinning in disarray, Yan Ran fled the scene in borderline panic.

_{In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.}“I already have a woman I love! One I will love with all my heart until I’m no longer on this earth!” Fang Shixiu raised a hand to his chеst, clutching it as he spoke. “The only reason for me to go to such a place is to ease my own needs and nothing else! I have a crystal-clear understanding of what my purpose is and what I’m doing. So what about you? What reason do you have for this?”

In an instant, the temperature of Yan Ran’s body went from the burning heat of magma just about to burst from the earth's surface to the frigid depths lying below the sea.

_{“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”}“Love? Who the hell loves him?” Yan Ran bellowed, “I just can’t stand the fact that he’s betraying my big sister! That’s all it is!”

“But your sister is no longer with us; she is no longer of this world. Are you still refusing to accept reality?”

_{Fang Shixiu restrained his arms with ease, bringing their faces nothing but a few inches apart from one another. The sight of that man’s handsome face being so close to his own caused Yan Ran to again feel that face of his heat up.}
He resented the Rongruo who stole all of Fang Shixiu’s attention, which was another way of looking at it. He resented that guy who gained warm smiles and gazes from Fang Shixiu—expressions that had not once been given to him.

_{He ran out of those two giant gates of the Ximen Estate. He ran until the lion statues guarding that maѕsive property’s entrance were no longer visible from his sight. Only then did he stop and hunch over to catch his breath. He breathed in deeply, but his thoughts were a complete blank, and a suffocating weight still bared down on his chеst.}“You sure know how to sweet talk, hun.” Mai Xiu couldn’t help but chuckle. “But I’m afraid by the time you get that money, I'll already be an old woman.”

_{It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.}
It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.

It honestly made Yan Ran so mind-numbingly angry that he poured every ounce of himself into training like crazy and, as a result, would often accidentally injure his seniors when they sparred.

_{He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.}“Like this?” This voice was soft and gentle, carrying hints of flirtatiousness, and clearly belonging to Ximen Rongruo.

He was a simple person, and he had always been this way. Whether he would get close to or distance himself from a person or thing was solely up to his own whims.

_{“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!}“What exactly are you trying to do?” Fang Shixiu's brows knitted, his piercing glare locked on the younger man before him. "Are you going to that brothel in an attempt to improve your skills in the bedroom? If that’s the reason, let me tell you this outright: those women there are just trying to please you! Do you actually think you are in any way skilled enough to please women who have been with all kinds of different men? They’re just playing around with you! They see you as nothing but a toy! Couldn’t you tell that woman was faking her moans? She’s only doing all that to flatter you! Do you really think you’re that great?"

“My goal is to keep you from going to that brothel ever again!

_{For the entire day, without ever stopping, he had practiced his swordsmanship skills until every inch of him was dripping with sweat. In beautiful clothes that were drenched and with hair put in a state of disarray, Yan Ran’s appearance exuded a kind of allure that did not go unnoticed.}
Nonetheless, due to these gloom-ridden emotions of his, the ever-stubborn Yan Ran was able to improve his swordsmanship skills quickly, thus proving his worth.

For the entire day, without ever stopping, he had practiced his swordsmanship skills until every inch of him was dripping with sweat. In beautiful clothes that were drenched and with hair put in a state of disarray, Yan Ran’s appearance exuded a kind of allure that did not go unnoticed. Especially by several of his senior martial brothers, whose lingering gazes skimmed from his slender waist to his plump bottom to the point it had on more than one occasion pushed them to the point of drool-inducing thirst.

_☆☆☆
A year soon paѕsed, and he was officially enrolled in the first group and was a mеmber who could fight along with Fang Shixiu.

☆☆☆

_{One day, when Yan Ran was again the last to leave the training area, he dawdled on the field, hoping he would be able to catch sight of Fang Shixiu again.}
To say he was excited would be an understatement. He was over the moon in the hopes of receiving that man’s recognition, never expecting all he would be given were a few indifferent remarks.

One day, when Yan Ran was again the last to leave the training area, he dawdled on the field, hoping he would be able to catch sight of Fang Shixiu again.

_{On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.}
“At your level, you still can’t withstand three moves from me or ten from Rongruo. Talent is different from person to person, so don’t start thinking you can shoot for the stars overnight.”

_{{Even though he said there will never be any feelings when it’s with a person you don’t like, just now, when he held me down, he was excited, wasn’t he? If he needed to teach me a lesson, there was no reason for him to use such an intense method at all! So maybe, just maybe, deep down, he wants to get closer to me too! A man’s body can never lie. Never! Heehee…}}On the training grounds of the Ximen estate, the swordsmen were divided into two groups based on their abilities. The first was for top-level swordsmen, while the second was for up-and-coming swordsmen whose skills needed refinement.

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Updated every Friday. Raws: Kobo

Brother-in-law: C04-1

04.1: Envy

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