Selling Cakes: C25

Chapter Twenty-five

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

_{“Oh, he’s fine too. What? Don’t you trust me?” Old Zhou choked down his guilt before he continued, “Pregnancy takes a toll on the body.}
Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!

“Oh, he’s fine too. What? Don’t you trust me?” Old Zhou choked down his guilt before he continued, “Pregnancy takes a toll on the body. It’s a natural part of the process for him to be a bit weak. So just take care that he gets his medicine on time, yes?” For a good while after Old Zhou spoke, Xiao Ning held there with a scrutinising gaze. The old man felt his back soak with sweat under it before he was finally allowed to go boil the medicine.

_{“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight.}The door to the bedroom was soon flung open. “If you lot are going to make me come all the way here, you better feed me, you—” Old Zhou stormed in shouting, his medical box in hand. But upon seeing Xiao Ning’s expression, his jaw snapped shut, and he dragged a stool to sit beside Shen Yunjie.

“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight. Sensing the world spinning before his eyes, his next instinctive move was to plant a kick, but that man had his knees restrained and his legs forced open. Again. It happened again. For the second time that day, Shen Yunjie was made to feel the shame of having a ruffian forced upon him. His eyes burnt at the thought. His heart lurched violently. It was as if his entire chest was drowned in an immense wave of pure loathing that caused a surge of sickly sweetness, melded with a tinge of iron, to flood his throat.

_{Deep in sleep, Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten. The weight bearing down on him was enough to prompt furrowed brows.}“Never again. I won't allow any to ever bully you again, A’Yun.” Xiao Ning bent his head, kissing the shed tears cresting Shen Yunjie’s eyes after he spoke.

Deep in sleep, Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten. The weight bearing down on him was enough to prompt furrowed brows. Warmth then surrounded his lips. A rough touch grazed behind his ears, trailing along his neck to tug his collar open and leaving a tingle in its wake. Those covered lips then parted, something slipping between to encircle his tongue, and soon the soft sounds of moist movements filled his ears.

_{Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.}
Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.

Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.

_{“Oh, he’s fine too. What? Don’t you trust me?” Old Zhou choked down his guilt before he continued, “Pregnancy takes a toll on the body.}“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”

_{The door to the bedroom was soon flung open. “If you lot are going to make me come all the way here, you better feed me, you—” Old Zhou stormed in shouting, his medical box in hand. But upon seeing Xiao Ning’s expression, his jaw snapped shut, and he dragged a stool to sit beside Shen Yunjie.}
“Oi! Why are you still standing there?! Take him to the doctor already!” A neighbour who was hiding nearby during the altercation stuck out his head to shout, knocking Zhao Sheng back to his senses.

The door to the bedroom was soon flung open. “If you lot are going to make me come all the way here, you better feed me, you—” Old Zhou stormed in shouting, his medical box in hand. But upon seeing Xiao Ning’s expression, his jaw snapped shut, and he dragged a stool to sit beside Shen Yunjie.

_{Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour.}Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour. Nonetheless, Zhao Sheng found this person before him like the finest porcelain incarnate: beautiful yet fragile. So with his eyes trained on those features, he remained for a good while. From that delicate face, his gaze followed the trail of the slender neck beneath them to the body concealed by those simple thin robes. His thoughts dwelled on the flawless and radiant form hidden from his sight. Thoughts that birthed an urge—one that had him reaching out to grasp that man’s waist.

_{Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!}Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!

_{Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.}“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.

_{Deep in sleep, Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten. The weight bearing down on him was enough to prompt furrowed brows.}
Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

_{“Why are you crying?” The man asked in a voice that was rather familiar.}
Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour. Nonetheless, Zhao Sheng found this person before him like the finest porcelain incarnate: beautiful yet fragile. So with his eyes trained on those features, he remained for a good while. From that delicate face, his gaze followed the trail of the slender neck beneath them to the body concealed by those simple thin robes. His thoughts dwelled on the flawless and radiant form hidden from his sight. Thoughts that birthed an urge—one that had him reaching out to grasp that man’s waist.

“Why are you crying?” The man asked in a voice that was rather familiar.

_{“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.}
One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—

“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.

_{“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”}
“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.

“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

_{Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!}“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.

Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”

_{“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”}“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

_{“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.}
With urgency, he withdrew his hand and swiftly turned his head away in embarrassment—and directly towards the door now filled with a returning Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ning.

“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.

_{“Well…” Old Zhou rubbed his chin, sighing. “It’s not easy to say, but there’s no need to worry. The child he's carrying is relatively stable, so just be patient. You’ll be a father again in due time.”}“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

“Well…” Old Zhou rubbed his chin, sighing. “It’s not easy to say, but there’s no need to worry. The child he's carrying is relatively stable, so just be patient. You’ll be a father again in due time.”

_{Xiao Ning nodded lightly. “I’ll bring A’Yun over to thank you one day.”}“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”

Xiao Ning nodded lightly. “I’ll bring A’Yun over to thank you one day.”

_{Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!}
“Um, brother. I-I…” With a tremor in his voice, Zhao Sheng tried to explain the situation to Xiao Ning, who had made his way over to Shen Yunjie’s side. But without looking at the stuttering man or waiting for a coherent sentence to escape him, Xiao Ning cut in with a sombre tone, “I know.”

_{During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.}During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{“Oh, he’s fine too. What? Don’t you trust me?” Old Zhou choked down his guilt before he continued, “Pregnancy takes a toll on the body.}“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.

_{Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”}
Zhao Sheng’s face paled, but Xiao Ning then continued, “The neighbours informed me before I came in. According to them, I have you to thank for protecting A’Yun. I’ve also sent word to Old Zhou. He’ll be over shortly.”

Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”

_{Shen Yunjie, now freed, clutched his aching stomach at the revelation. Curling into himself, his slender shoulders now trembled.}A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.

Shen Yunjie, now freed, clutched his aching stomach at the revelation. Curling into himself, his slender shoulders now trembled.

_{Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”}Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”

_{Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.}
Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”

_{“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight.}Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

_{Shen Yunjie, now freed, clutched his aching stomach at the revelation. Curling into himself, his slender shoulders now trembled.}Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”

Shen Yunjie, now freed, clutched his aching stomach at the revelation. Curling into himself, his slender shoulders now trembled.

_{Zhao Sheng’s face paled, but Xiao Ning then continued, “The neighbours informed me before I came in. According to them, I have you to thank for protecting A’Yun. I’ve also sent word to Old Zhou. He’ll be over shortly.”}
Xiao Ning nodded lightly. “I’ll bring A’Yun over to thank you one day.”

Zhao Sheng’s face paled, but Xiao Ning then continued, “The neighbours informed me before I came in. According to them, I have you to thank for protecting A’Yun. I’ve also sent word to Old Zhou. He’ll be over shortly.”

_{During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.}Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.

During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

_{“Oi! Why are you still standing there?! Take him to the doctor already!” A neighbour who was hiding nearby during the altercation stuck out his head to shout, knocking Zhao Sheng back to his senses.}Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”

“Oi! Why are you still standing there?! Take him to the doctor already!” A neighbour who was hiding nearby during the altercation stuck out his head to shout, knocking Zhao Sheng back to his senses.

_N/A
Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.

N/A

_{The door to the bedroom was soon flung open. “If you lot are going to make me come all the way here, you better feed me, you—” Old Zhou stormed in shouting, his medical box in hand. But upon seeing Xiao Ning’s expression, his jaw snapped shut, and he dragged a stool to sit beside Shen Yunjie.}After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Ning fed it to Shen Yunjie. He kept watch of that man until his rapid breaths gradually lessened and his face was no longer a deathly pale hue. Only then did he finally tuck that man under the blanket and close the canopy, allowing that man to rest peacefully.

_{“Mmn…” Shen Yunjie hummed, his eyes fluttering open, the haze of sleep still veiling his vision in blackness. As the shadows cleared and the peeking moonlight outlined the room’s forms, he caught sight of some strange man hovering above him.}Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

“Mmn…” Shen Yunjie hummed, his eyes fluttering open, the haze of sleep still veiling his vision in blackness. As the shadows cleared and the peeking moonlight outlined the room’s forms, he caught sight of some strange man hovering above him.

_{“Well…” Old Zhou rubbed his chin, sighing. “It’s not easy to say, but there’s no need to worry. The child he's carrying is relatively stable, so just be patient. You’ll be a father again in due time.”}
Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.

_{“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”}“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.

“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

_{During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.}
“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

_{Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”}Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”

Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”

_{“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.}“Anyone who touches you deserves death.”

“Daddy!” A loud cry echoed from the entrance.

_{A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.}With urgency, he withdrew his hand and swiftly turned his head away in embarrassment—and directly towards the door now filled with a returning Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ning.

A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.

_{Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful.}Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”

Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

_{Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour.}With urgency, he withdrew his hand and swiftly turned his head away in embarrassment—and directly towards the door now filled with a returning Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ning.

_{“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”}
“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.

“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

_{Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning simply hugged the man in an embrace closer, his heart now frantic. Such a thing was never his intention.}
“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning simply hugged the man in an embrace closer, his heart now frantic. Such a thing was never his intention. His change in looks was not to cause that man fright. It was simply a disguise used to take care of the trash who saw it fit to appear before the man he was currently holding. He wanted to explain as much but couldn’t find the words to do so for the life of him after seeing the ever-stoic mask of Shen Yunjie actually break. This hugging him was all Xiao Ning could manage. Consoling that man was all he could do until exhaustion from crying sent him back to the land of dreams.

_{Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.}Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

_{“Oi! Why are you still standing there?! Take him to the doctor already!” A neighbour who was hiding nearby during the altercation stuck out his head to shout, knocking Zhao Sheng back to his senses.}Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!

_N/ADuring the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

N/A

_{Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful.}
“Well…” Old Zhou rubbed his chin, sighing. “It’s not easy to say, but there’s no need to worry. The child he's carrying is relatively stable, so just be patient. You’ll be a father again in due time.”

_{“Anyone who touches you deserves death.”}
After saying all this, the old man moved to leave once more but was again held back by Xiao Ning.

“Anyone who touches you deserves death.”

_{During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.}During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

_{After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Ning fed it to Shen Yunjie. He kept watch of that man until his rapid breaths gradually lessened and his face was no longer a deathly pale hue. Only then did he finally tuck that man under the blanket and close the canopy, allowing that man to rest peacefully.}Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning simply hugged the man in an embrace closer, his heart now frantic. Such a thing was never his intention. His change in looks was not to cause that man fright. It was simply a disguise used to take care of the trash who saw it fit to appear before the man he was currently holding. He wanted to explain as much but couldn’t find the words to do so for the life of him after seeing the ever-stoic mask of Shen Yunjie actually break. This hugging him was all Xiao Ning could manage. Consoling that man was all he could do until exhaustion from crying sent him back to the land of dreams.

After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Ning fed it to Shen Yunjie. He kept watch of that man until his rapid breaths gradually lessened and his face was no longer a deathly pale hue. Only then did he finally tuck that man under the blanket and close the canopy, allowing that man to rest peacefully.

_{“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.}
“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.

“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.

_{“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”}
“Oh, he’s fine too. What? Don’t you trust me?” Old Zhou choked down his guilt before he continued, “Pregnancy takes a toll on the body. It’s a natural part of the process for him to be a bit weak. So just take care that he gets his medicine on time, yes?” For a good while after Old Zhou spoke, Xiao Ning held there with a scrutinising gaze. The old man felt his back soak with sweat under it before he was finally allowed to go boil the medicine.

“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”

_{Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.}“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”

Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

_{“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.}Never did Zhao Shen dream he would get the chance to hold Shen Yunjie in his arms—that he would support that slender back—that his fingers would graze over the curves of those legs—that he would feel the cotton-like softness of the feet atop his own!

“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.

_{Xiao Ning nodded lightly. “I’ll bring A’Yun over to thank you one day.”}
After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Ning fed it to Shen Yunjie. He kept watch of that man until his rapid breaths gradually lessened and his face was no longer a deathly pale hue. Only then did he finally tuck that man under the blanket and close the canopy, allowing that man to rest peacefully.

Xiao Ning nodded lightly. “I’ll bring A’Yun over to thank you one day.”

_{Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.}
With the big one taken care of, only the little one now needed his attention. Fortunately, Xiao Yuan was a well-behaved little boy. Whatever he was fed, he ate. After eating, he was carried to the backyard by Xiao Ning for a bath. Then, no sooner than he was dried and placed upon his little bed, Xiao Yuan was fast asleep.

Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.

_{Xiao Ning kept his focus on Shen Yunjie even as Zhao Sheng bumbled out. Extending his hand, he took hold of that slightly cold hand poking out from the blanket. But upon lifting the covers lightly, he noticed Shen Yunjie’s belt was undone.}Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.

_{Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour.}
During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{After saying all this, the old man moved to leave once more but was again held back by Xiao Ning.}
During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

After saying all this, the old man moved to leave once more but was again held back by Xiao Ning.

_{Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.}Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.

_{“Um, brother. I-I…” With a tremor in his voice, Zhao Sheng tried to explain the situation to Xiao Ning, who had made his way over to Shen Yunjie’s side. But without looking at the stuttering man or waiting for a coherent sentence to escape him, Xiao Ning cut in with a sombre tone, “I know.”}
Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

“Um, brother. I-I…” With a tremor in his voice, Zhao Sheng tried to explain the situation to Xiao Ning, who had made his way over to Shen Yunjie’s side. But without looking at the stuttering man or waiting for a coherent sentence to escape him, Xiao Ning cut in with a sombre tone, “I know.”

_{“Why are you crying?” The man asked in a voice that was rather familiar.}“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”

“Why are you crying?” The man asked in a voice that was rather familiar.

_{During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.}One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—

During the hour of the Horse (11-1 am), the candle marking the hour drew its last breath, plunging the room in pitch-blackness, its final wisp of green melting into the air.

During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.}
A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.

A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.

_N/A
Deep in sleep, Shen Yunjie felt his chest tighten. The weight bearing down on him was enough to prompt furrowed brows. Warmth then surrounded his lips. A rough touch grazed behind his ears, trailing along his neck to tug his collar open and leaving a tingle in its wake. Those covered lips then parted, something slipping between to encircle his tongue, and soon the soft sounds of moist movements filled his ears.

N/A

_{“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight.}
“Mmn…” Shen Yunjie hummed, his eyes fluttering open, the haze of sleep still veiling his vision in blackness. As the shadows cleared and the peeking moonlight outlined the room’s forms, he caught sight of some strange man hovering above him.

_{Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”}“Oi! Why are you still standing there?! Take him to the doctor already!” A neighbour who was hiding nearby during the altercation stuck out his head to shout, knocking Zhao Sheng back to his senses.

Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”

_{With the big one taken care of, only the little one now needed his attention. Fortunately, Xiao Yuan was a well-behaved little boy. Whatever he was fed, he ate. After eating, he was carried to the backyard by Xiao Ning for a bath. Then, no sooner than he was dried and placed upon his little bed, Xiao Yuan was fast asleep.}
“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight. Sensing the world spinning before his eyes, his next instinctive move was to plant a kick, but that man had his knees restrained and his legs forced open. Again. It happened again. For the second time that day, Shen Yunjie was made to feel the shame of having a ruffian forced upon him. His eyes burnt at the thought. His heart lurched violently. It was as if his entire chest was drowned in an immense wave of pure loathing that caused a surge of sickly sweetness, melded with a tinge of iron, to flood his throat.

With the big one taken care of, only the little one now needed his attention. Fortunately, Xiao Yuan was a well-behaved little boy. Whatever he was fed, he ate. After eating, he was carried to the backyard by Xiao Ning for a bath. Then, no sooner than he was dried and placed upon his little bed, Xiao Yuan was fast asleep.

_{Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”}Swiftly, Zhao Sheng dashed inside the house, leaving the smoke and heat of the downstairs kitchen behind as he scrambled up the stairs towards the bedroom. Unlike the bustling scene below, that part of the house was truly peaceful. Tidy and neat. An apt description for everything there. Desks, screens, and cabinets all lay in their proper place. Even the window was dressed, the long-necked porcelain vase holding peonies mirroring its snow-white colour also providing a faint sweet fragrance. Yet despite being small, the room never felt suffocating at all. Each bit of it was a reflection of the attentiveness the one usually tasked with such matters of homeliness had been.

_{Chapter Twenty-five}
Yet that man still busied himself with leaving lingering kisses. After dropping two on Shen Yunjie’s chest, he moved downwards towards that swollen and soft stomach, planting another soft kiss. The sudden feeling of warmth spreading across that man’s heart then stole his attention. Upon looking up, he realised that the hand over the mouth of the one below him was now soaked with tears.

Chapter Twenty-five

_{One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—}One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—

One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—

_{Yet that man still busied himself with leaving lingering kisses. After dropping two on Shen Yunjie’s chest, he moved downwards towards that swollen and soft stomach, planting another soft kiss. The sudden feeling of warmth spreading across that man’s heart then stole his attention. Upon looking up, he realised that the hand over the mouth of the one below him was now soaked with tears.}Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.

Yet that man still busied himself with leaving lingering kisses. After dropping two on Shen Yunjie’s chest, he moved downwards towards that swollen and soft stomach, planting another soft kiss. The sudden feeling of warmth spreading across that man’s heart then stole his attention. Upon looking up, he realised that the hand over the mouth of the one below him was now soaked with tears.

_{Pulling the covers open, Zhao Sheng carefully laid the one in his arms onto the bed. Shen Yunjie’s eyes still lay firmly shut, despite being moved; his face still drained of colour.}After the medicine was decocted, Xiao Ning fed it to Shen Yunjie. He kept watch of that man until his rapid breaths gradually lessened and his face was no longer a deathly pale hue. Only then did he finally tuck that man under the blanket and close the canopy, allowing that man to rest peacefully.

_{“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.}“Um, brother. I-I…” With a tremor in his voice, Zhao Sheng tried to explain the situation to Xiao Ning, who had made his way over to Shen Yunjie’s side. But without looking at the stuttering man or waiting for a coherent sentence to escape him, Xiao Ning cut in with a sombre tone, “I know.”

“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.

_{One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—}
Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”

One small tug. That was all it took for that belt tied tight to be loosened—

_{“Never again. I won't allow any to ever bully you again, A’Yun.” Xiao Ning bent his head, kissing the shed tears cresting Shen Yunjie’s eyes after he spoke.}
Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

“Never again. I won't allow any to ever bully you again, A’Yun.” Xiao Ning bent his head, kissing the shed tears cresting Shen Yunjie’s eyes after he spoke.

_{A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.}“I need to boil some medicine.” Before his butt hit the stool, Old Zhou shot back up. But before he left the room, Xiao Ning grabbed him by the arm.

A hand moved, long tresses slipped through caressing fingers before trickling back unto the bed where they were strewn.

_{Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”}
Shen Yunjie, now freed, clutched his aching stomach at the revelation. Curling into himself, his slender shoulders now trembled.

Caught off guard by the reaction, Xiao Ning froze for a second before reaching out to gently pull Shen Yunjie into his embrace. “Please don’t cry.”

_{“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.}Zhao Sheng insisted once more there was no need before sprinting out the room so fast he accidentally hit the door frame with a loud bang.

“I’m asking about A’Yun.” Xiao Ning’s face darkened more as he spoke.

_{During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.}“Mmn…” Shen Yunjie hummed, his eyes fluttering open, the haze of sleep still veiling his vision in blackness. As the shadows cleared and the peeking moonlight outlined the room’s forms, he caught sight of some strange man hovering above him.

During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”}“Never again. I won't allow any to ever bully you again, A’Yun.” Xiao Ning bent his head, kissing the shed tears cresting Shen Yunjie’s eyes after he spoke.

“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

_{“Mngh!” Shen Yunjie wanted to shout, but that man had his mouth blocked. He wanted to use his hands, but that man had them pulled and pinned above his head incredibly tight.}During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.}
“Why?” Shen Yunjie’s trembling hands now covered his face, his voice choked by sobs. “Those people humiliated me—looked down on me… So why are you also doing the same…?”

During the Hour of the Snake (9-11 pm), as the night deepened, a dark shadow fluttered over the outer wall of the Xiao household, its form dispersing into the surrounding darkness.

_{Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.}Staring at that man in a daze, Shen Yunjie finally muttered after a long time passed and that hand left his lips, “Young master?”

Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

_{“Daddy…” Xiao Yuan huddled beside Xiao Ning, his little hand reaching out to lightly shake his father’s shoulder. Clasping his hand over his son’s, Xiao Ning comforted, “Don’t worry, Xiao Yuan. Your daddy is just very tired and needs a good rest, just for a short while.”}Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

_{With urgency, he withdrew his hand and swiftly turned his head away in embarrassment—and directly towards the door now filled with a returning Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ning.}
Not knowing what to do, Xiao Ning simply hugged the man in an embrace closer, his heart now frantic. Such a thing was never his intention. His change in looks was not to cause that man fright. It was simply a disguise used to take care of the trash who saw it fit to appear before the man he was currently holding. He wanted to explain as much but couldn’t find the words to do so for the life of him after seeing the ever-stoic mask of Shen Yunjie actually break. This hugging him was all Xiao Ning could manage. Consoling that man was all he could do until exhaustion from crying sent him back to the land of dreams.

With urgency, he withdrew his hand and swiftly turned his head away in embarrassment—and directly towards the door now filled with a returning Xiao Yuan and Xiao Ning.

_{Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.}Hearing this, Zhao Sheng awkwardly licked his cracked lower lip, his gaze facing the floor as he then spoke. “T-there’s n-nothing to thank me for. We’re all neighbours here, so it was only right that I…. Anyhow, since you’re here now, I’ll, um, be on my way.”

Zhao Shen’s throat bobbed as he swallowed back his own spit. His heart slammed against his chest so hard that even his fingers trembled.

_{Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.}
“Never again. I won't allow any to ever bully you again, A’Yun.” Xiao Ning bent his head, kissing the shed tears cresting Shen Yunjie’s eyes after he spoke.

_{“Anyone who touches you deserves death.”}Xiao Ning was shocked by the question but soon realised it was prompted by him still wearing his face-changing mask. So pulling some ointment from his sleeve, he smeared the fluid around his chin until he was able to peel the disguise from his face and reveal his handsome and well-defined features.

“Anyone who touches you deserves death.”

_{“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”}Soundlessly, the bedroom door was pushed open. Silently, footsteps approached the bed. With a smooth swish, the canopy of the bed was opened, revealing the still sleeping form of Shen Yunjie.

“What’s wrong with A’Yun?”

Author's Note:

N/A

Notes:

N/A

Selling Cakes: C25

Chapter Twenty-five

Author's Note:

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