Adoptive Father: C02-1

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

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

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}
Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}
The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: {This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}}With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?

_{“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.}“I do. I really like it.”

“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

_{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}
The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.}Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

_{Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.}No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

_{Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}
Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_☆☆☆A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

☆☆☆

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

_{To take care of you during your elderly years...?}
After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.

To take care of you during your elderly years...?

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}
Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

_{“I do. I really like it.”}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“I do. I really like it.”

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_☆☆☆
Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

☆☆☆

_{It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

_{Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.}
Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{{A pillow?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.}After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

_{Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”}
“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}
“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

_{Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}
“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

“Then that is how you will address him.”

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_{{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}}But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?}
“Then that is how you will address him.”

Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}Whoa… he really is a looker.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}
Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.}
But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?

_{For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.}
Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

_{Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”}But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

Once they were back at the house, Han Xiling asked Uncle Wu, “Is he having clothes made just for me?”

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}
“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}
“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}Did he come here just to check up on me?

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}
“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”}It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

☆☆☆

_{Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.}
After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.}
Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

_{{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}}To take care of you during your elderly years...?

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}}Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.}
In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

After tossing his newest young master’s old clothes in the kitchen furnace to burn, Uncle Wu brought him a few robes made of soft fabrics, which he explained were silk. They were clothes Han Jiangxue had not wanted, so he gathered some for Han Xiling to use for the time being.

_{It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.}But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{“I do. I really like it.”}The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

“I do. I really like it.”

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}
The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}N/A

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}
“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—{that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}}“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}
“I do. I really like it.”

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{{W-whaaaat?!} Han Xiling cried out in his heart. {He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}}But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.}Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{“Headmaster! Headmistress! {Sniffle.} I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! {Sniffle.} Save me... {Sobs.} Somebody save me, please...”}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.}
With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

_{When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.}
It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

_{{Did he fall asleep?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened. {Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}}“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}
Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.}Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

The bath was so soothing that Han Xiling almost fell asleep in the tub, but Uncle Wu lifted him out of the wooden tub before his mind could doze off.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}
Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had.}“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

It was the first time in his life he had ever slept in such comfort. His thoughts even wandered to the parents who had birthed him, imagining if they would’ve also treated him as Han Jiangxue had. Would they have given such nice food? Bought him such nice clothing? Allowed him to sleep on such a nice bed? For a boy who had only known poverty, just these things alone were the most luxurious things he could fathom.

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. {Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?}}Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

“Huh?” Han Xiling was stunned by this reaction. Why is he acting like the cheeky kid I first met now?

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}
Whoa… he really is a looker.

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.}Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{“As Father.”}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

“As Father.”

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “{Tch,} I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

_{Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”}
Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{“I do. I really like it.”}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

“I do. I really like it.”

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: {This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}}After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}
“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{{Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!}}Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

_{The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.}The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

_{“I do. I really like it.”}Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

“I do. I really like it.”

_{This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.}
This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

_{Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}
But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}“I do. I really like it.”

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—{that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}}This thought was enough to make a warm feeling blossom in Han Xiling’s heart and wash away all his prior grievances in an instant.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}
The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{“As Father.”}
What the—! This is so weird!

“As Father.”

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

_{“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”}
When the man finally stopped, Han Xiling’s eyes were practically hanging from their sockets.

“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “{Tch,} I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”}
“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}The mansion did have a bathhouse in the western wing, but Uncle Wu did not allow Han Xiling to use it as it was reserved for Han Jiangxue alone. So, a large wooden tub was what the newest young master had to make do with—but Uncle Wu did bring him some soapberry to scrub with. So despite it all, it was still the nicest bath Han Xiling ever had in his life.

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}
Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

_{But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”}Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!}
Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.}Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}
That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}
He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.}“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.}“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”}
For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

_{{Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?}}“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

_{At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.}“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

_{{No! I. Don’t. Want. This!}}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

_{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}
Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”}“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}To take care of you during your elderly years...?

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}
Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{{What the—! This is so weird!}}Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

What the—! This is so weird!

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}
He knew from an even younger age that the most beautiful or handsome swordsmen at that school/orphanage were the easiest to adopt. He knew the reason for this was that there were many nobles who liked to play around with boys.

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

_{Whoa… he really is a looker.}
It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. {What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_N/A
Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

N/A

_{“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.}What the—! This is so weird!

“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

_{But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.}
Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.

_{“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”}Did he come here just to check up on me?

“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

_☆☆☆Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

☆☆☆

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}
Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”}
But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{Han Xiling has never been the boss—not even for a day! All because he had no interest in talking to those 'girls' in the slightest. They were all coy little things that deliberately put on a shy and innocent act.}Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

_{But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}
So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.}Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

With that, Uncle Bo left the room, and Han Xiling hopped on the bed and fell fast asleep.

_{Chapter 2.1: Little Pig}“As Father.”

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

_N/AHeadmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

N/A

_{Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!}
“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

_{{Did he fall asleep?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened. {Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?}}Long eyelashes frаming large doe-like eyes and a pair of petal-like lips were Han Xiling's favourite features on the face before him. The only thing he held no fondness for were those dagger-like eyebrows that scowled at him. Everything else was especially pleasing to his eyes.

Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

_{Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!}
Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?

Han Xiling's nerves running amok dispelled those bitter feelings trying to bubble to the surface. What the—! Is he really? Does he plan on sleeping... with me?!

_{{W-whaaaat?!} Han Xiling cried out in his heart. {He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!}}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}
But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{{Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!}}W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

_{{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.}The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

_{After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.}
Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

After dinner, Han Jiangxue vanished without a trace, leaving Han Xiling sitting alone in the room and lost in thought.

_{Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.}
Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}“The master is most fond of this room in particular, so I hope you will like it as well, young master Han.”

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!}The speed at which he slapped his hand across his mouth to not cry out was astounding. Suppressing all sound, he stared at Han Jiangxue, whose hands were planted firmly on his hips, while he began hopping on the tіps of his toes.

So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

_{He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?}
Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

He? Who’s “he”? Why does that guy care about what that “he” says so much?

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{{What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then!} Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!}No! I. Don’t. Want. This!

What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

_{“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.}
With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—{that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{{To take care of you during your elderly years...?}}He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

To take care of you during your elderly years...?

The bed was impressively large, however—big enough to comfortably fit three. The mattress was also present and made from high-end silk, making it both soft and smooth to the touch.

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, yes?}
But Han Jiangxue only smiled before reaching over to pinch that scrunched-up little nose. “You’re really not cute at all.”

_{{Did he come here just to check up on me?}}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”}
Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{{Headmaster… Headmistress…} Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.}Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

Headmaster… Headmistress… Han Xiling sobbed and sniffled in silence.

_{Did he come here just to check up on me?}
“So you know about kept men, huh?” Han Jiangxue used his slender fingers to pinch Han Xiling’s face again. The poor boy wanted to burst into tears, but he was utterly unable to move.

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}Like a puppet on a string, Han Xiling was twirled and prodded by staff, comparing different sets of fabrics on his body until five sets of garbs were decided on and ordered.

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.}
This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

Once Han Xiling was fully washed, three large buckets worth of dirty water were washed away.

_{“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.}For some reason, Han Xiling felt unpleasant at the thought. It was as though someone had snatched away something that was his own.

“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}Which part of me is pleasing to the eye, huh? I worked my behind off to fatten up so no one would pay attention to me! But… b-but… I don’t wanna be a kept man! I don’t wanna be a ponce! I hate it! I hate it! I hate it so damn much!

_{What the—! This is so weird!}
He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!

What the—! This is so weird!

Did he come here just to check up on me?

_{That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”}
“Hey, the chub on your face feels really nice, though.” Han Jiangxue spoke while still pinching. “Don’t go losing this, alright? Don’t go losing weight,” he added with a sigh.

_{“Then that is how you will address him.”}So, when Han Jiangxue extended one of his arms to hug Han Xiling, the boy started squealing like a slaughtered pig!

“Then that is how you will address him.”

_{But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!}That naive “father” of his then rubbed the top of his head to check if he had grown taller, muttering, “Tch, I’m still not tall enough. He always says I’m not tall enough and that I look like a teenager.”

But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

_{Who the heck are you calling a little pig?}
What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

_{{To take care of you during your elderly years...?}}“Of course, young master. But please do not let the master hear you refer to him in such a manner. He will get rather cross if you do.”

To take care of you during your elderly years...?

_{But as he lay there with eyes closed, and his heart beaming, he began hearing noises coming from inside the room. Upon opening his eyes, he caught sight of his adoptive father hopping on the ground like some rabbit.}Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{{Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…}}“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

Ugh… But that’s… dammit, dammit, damn it…

_{Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”}“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

Han Jiangxue said nothing in response to this greeting and only walked over to pinch Han Xiling’s cheek. “You cleaned up quite nicely. Your skin still looks a bit dark, though.”

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}Is this man really to be my adoptive father? He’s even more naive than me!

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.}
Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.}Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

“Someone told me that it’s possible to get taller by doing this,” Han Jiangxue explained under the flіckering candlelight, his flushed face making him look especially cute.

_{But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!}
“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

But having only let out a couple of these cries, his voice was reduced to hum. He was now speechless and unable to move—that guy attacked my acupoint and muted me!

_{“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.}
To take care of you during your elderly years...?

“Do you want to know why I adopted you?” Han Jiangxue suddenly asked.

_{{He’s a bastard! The guy wearing the skin of a foster father is just a nasty son-of-a-bitch underneath! He may look like a flower on the outside, but there’s nothing pretty deep down. Everything inside is black—as black as goddamn pitch!}}In that residence, there were a total of five main rooms, with smaller rooms flanking each on either side. Han Xiling was led to the western wing of the main house by Uncle Wu. That room was very ordinary—rather plain, in fact. The windows, tables, and charts were etched in carvings, and on the table, there were a few books scattered about.

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}Like a cat clawing its way out of hell, Han Xiling’s heart almost ripped out his chеst by the sensation, his inner voice screaming out just as frantically: This goddamn despicable bastard! He’s a goddamn beast parading around as a man!!

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}}“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}
“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”

_{When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a ".}
A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.}Han Xiling was taken out for a trip to a tailor shop—one he was told was best in the city—and was tasked with the making of garments for noblemen, both young and old.

_{{A pillow?} Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.}Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

_{Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.}
Han Jiangxue poked the head, shoulders, waist, buttocks, and thіghs of the unmoving form beside him and nodded with satisfaction. “Yes. This is good—very good indeed. You’ll make an excellent pillow. You even still smell like you're fresh out of the bath. There’s nothing to be afraid of. I’ll care for you dearly and keep you fed to fatten you up really nice, yeah?”

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, {“Is this that guy’s true character?”}}But such a thing sounded horrifying to the too-young him—impressively so!

“Yes, Father.” Han Xiling followed behind, muttering, “Is this that guy’s true character?”

_{“I do. I really like it.”}Back at the academy, groups of teenage boys would sometimes gather and compare their sizes. They would also secretly gossip about who the 'prettiest girl' was when they went outside for training. When that 'girl' was chosen, whoever worked up the nerve to go over and talk to her would be declared the boss for the day and showered in adulation.

“I do. I really like it.”

_{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}
W-whaaaat?! Han Xiling cried out in his heart. He really is one! This guy is really a pervert!!!

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}With his cries failing, Han Xiling did his best to make the glare he shot at that man even more fierce, hoping it would be enough to scare him off.

_{“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”}
Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{{What the—! This is so weird!}}Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

What the—! This is so weird!

_{Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.}
“Hey, relax already. Calm down. I just said you’ll be a pillow; I have no intention of laying a finger on you. I’m not a paed*ophile, you dummy.” Han Jiangxue poked the boy next to him on the nose. “Goodness, just look at you. You’re as white as a sheet. Are you even listening?”

Back at the academy, he also came to know that it was possible for one male to embrace another.

_{{Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…}}“Then that is how you will address him.”

Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

_{Han Xiling figured that if his cries sounded as sorrowful as they could, even if they weren’t enough to touch the heart of the one beside him, they might be enough to rouse Uncle and Aunty Wu from sleep, {yes?}}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

_{A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.}
Waaaaah… I don’t wanna be adopted anymore! I wanna go back to the academy! I wanna see my master! I miss my brothers! I wanna go home…

A pillow? Han Xiling’s eyes widened in shock.

_{After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.}What?! I’m gonna start losing weight tomorrow! You won’t wanna touch me then! Han Xiling screamed like a madman in his heart!

After muttering to himself, a panting Han Jiangxue sat on the bed to catch his breath before finally lying down.

_{“If it was just to have someone take care of me in my old age, then why would I choose someone who is almost the same as me? When I get old, you’ll be getting almost as old too. That would be rather pointless, don’t you think? So the real reason is because I want you to act as my body pillow.”}
Han Xiling was still very much an anxious mess from the top of his head to the tіp of his toes. He kept waiting for something to happen, but that guy had simply laid down next to him and wrapped an arm around his waist before his eyes fluttered shut. “Relax, little piggy. Let’s get some sleep.”

_{Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.}Han Jiangxue lit a candle, revealing his full form. The pitch-black uniform of a swordsman he usually wore during the daytime had been exchanged for a crescent-white inner robe that gave him a more sender and alluring form.

Back when he was at the academy, there was never a time when he had nothing to do, so now that he does have time on his hands, it left him feeling rather anxious.

_{{Oh, thank heavens…} Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}But despite him cursing about it countless times in his heart, when he saw that adoptive father of his later that evening, he still addressed the man respectfully. “Father, I have returned.”

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.}
Who the heck are you calling a little pig?

Han Xiling bit his lips and said nothing in response. If not, he may have burst out laughing, so he held his mouth shut tіght.

_{{This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!}}At some point during the latter half of the afternoon, Uncle Wu escorted him to his room.

This is harassment! This is sure as hell sеxual harassment!

_{“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”}
Han Xiling still lay there stiffly, like a dead fish on a cutting board waiting for the sharpened blade to fall. But even as the hours ticked away, not a thing happened. That guy didn’t move an inch, and the only sounds in his ear were steady and light exhales.

“But…” But calling him father is so... Han Xiling still couldn’t get over the unease and unwillingness he felt at having to call Han Jiangxue “father.”

_{{Whoa… he really is a looker.}}Han Jiangxue continued to prod and poke at him until his hand got far enough down to pinch Han Xiling’s butt.

Whoa… he really is a looker.

_{“I do. I really like it.”}
Did he fall asleep? Han Xiling’s eyes widened. Is he not going to lay a hand on me? Is he not going to turn me into a mistress? Was he really serious about only using me as a pillow?

“I do. I really like it.”

_{Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.}Why… How did I end up in such a tragic state?

Despite just having turned fifteen that year, because of his stay at the academy, there were many things about life he had already known.

_{Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.}“Headmaster! Headmistress! Sniffle. I wanna go home! I wanna go home! I don’t wanna be somebody’s mistress! I wanna go home! Sniffle. Save me... Sobs. Somebody save me, please...”

Han Xiling had no idea how long he had been sleeping when the sound of someone approaching jolted him awake. It was Han Jingxue approaching, so he shot up from the bed and sat in wait.

_{{Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…}}When you see the terms "kept man", "concubine", "sugar baby", "mistress", "whore", "pros*titute", etc. They are referring to this term "娈童: luán tóng, whose neutral definition is a catamite (a boy in a "..."-type of relationship with a grown man). Obviously no sane person would want that, or be perceived as such, so it's used as an insult, especially towards adult men. When it's used like that, it's more synonymous with "whore/pros*titute/etc."

Just as I was thinking that something truly good came my way, it turns out I was just taken in to be this guy’s sugar baby…

_{“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.}
Oh, thank heavens… Han Xiling let out a sigh so long it stole his breath, his heart filled with jubilation at having avoided such a terrible disaster.

“You can go back to sleep,” Han Jiangxue patted Han Xiling, coaxing him to lie back down as he spoke.

_{“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.}Despite the older man’s thin appearance and short stature, he possessed a good bit of strength within those muscles. So picking up a chubby kid like Han Xiling was no different than plucking up a chick.

“‘Huh?’ ‘Huh,’ what?” Han Jiangxue’s mood flipped like a switch. “Just come along so we can have dinner!” He spat out coldly.

_{“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”}Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

“It may be possible to call him foster father,” Uncle Wu pondered before asking, “No, never mind. It sounds far too distant. How did the master tell you to address him?”

_{{Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?}}It was something any person would hate, yes? But to live a better life when there weren’t many options meant there were still those who would willingly follow those wealthy folks when the opportunity arose.

Why don't you swap places with me, then? Sniffle… If you were the one in my situation, would you be acting cute right now?

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

Updated every Saturday. Raws: Kobo

Adoptive Father: C02-1

Chapter 2.1: Little Pig

Author's Note:

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