Jun Zhan Tian wasn't convinced. He took a slow, deliberate step forward.
"Show me your hand," He ordered, his voice calm but carrying the weight of a thousand battles.
Tang Yuan yelped in panic.
"I—uh—I—"
He took another step back.
Crack!
His foot caught on an uneven stone in the courtyard. Time slowed as his massive body lost balance. His arms flailed wildly, his mouth opened in a silent scream.
Thud!
A dust cloud exploded as the ground trembled beneath his weight. Tang Yuan sprawled out, stunned, his entire body vibrating from the impact.
Jun Zhan Tian let out a booming laugh, shaking his head. "Fatty, you look like a scared little chick tossed into a battlefield! Relax, it's not like I'm about to charge at you with an army."
Tang Yuan wheezed in response, struggling to right himself. His chubby hands patted his robes hastily, ensuring that all his body parts were still attached.
Then, his blood turned cold.
The pill...
The pill was gone!
His eyes darted wildly across the ground. His stomach lurched.
He had it just moments ago! Where did it go?!
"Oh no, oh no, oh no! Where is it?!" He dropped to his knees, his round frame jiggling as he frantically fell around in the dust.
Jun Zhan Tian, still chuckling, waved a hand dismissively and strode into the Jun residence, his deep laughter echoing behind him.
Tang Yuan didn't even notice his departure. He was too busy crawling around, digging through every crack and crevice in the courtyard like a desperate beggar searching for a lost gold coin. Beads of sweat poured down his forehead as the minutes ticked by.
This is bad! This is really, really bad!
He wiped his drenched face and forced himself to calm down. Okay, okay, think! Mo Xie gave me instructions! I just have to follow them carefully!
He took a deep breath.
Don't forget to skip your breakfast.
Tang Yuan nodded.
Don't eat anything in the morning, okay?
Tang Yuan nodded again.
…Wait.
…What exactly did Mo Xie say?
Did he tell him to eat breakfast or not to eat breakfast?
His brain struggled against the rising panic. That blasted tumble had completely jumbled his memory! He squeezed his temples, trying to focus.
Mo Xie definitely mentioned breakfast. That was for sure. And his tone had been serious, almost like it was some kind of life-or-death situation!
…But had it been "Don't eat" or "Definitely eat"?
Tang Yuan gulped.
Mo Xie is a genius, right? His plans never fail. If he mentioned breakfast, then surely it means I should eat! He must have some hidden strategy I don't understand!
His belly suddenly let out a deep, hungry growl, as if agreeing with his logic.
Tang Yuan clenched his fists.
That's right! I will trust Mo Xie! I will eat a legendary breakfast!
----
Back to Mo Xie's Courtyard
Jun Mo Xie was lounging lazily on his chair, his eyes half-closed in a state of complete relaxation, when the familiar sound of footsteps made him tilt his head. A faint, enticing fragrance filled the air—a scent that was uniquely hers.
He smirked without even needing to look. "My beautiful sister-in-law has graced me with her presence. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
Before he could even straighten up, Guan Qinghan's sharp gaze locked onto him like a predator cornering its prey. Her long, flowing robes whispered as she moved forward, closing the distance between them in a few elegant strides.
Instead of answering, she pressed her hands against his chest and shoved him back onto the chair with surprising force.
Jun Mo Xie raised a brow. "Oh? A little rough today, aren't we?"
Guan Qinghan ignored his teasing, her piercing eyes narrowing as she leaned in. Then, in a slow, deliberate motion, she sniffed him.
Jun Mo Xie's smirk twitched.
Her lips curved into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Spirit Fog Lake, was it?" Her tone was dangerously soft, a blade hidden within velvet.
Jun Mo Xie resisted the urge to gulp. This woman… she's too sharp!
He kept his composure and exhaled dramatically. "Qinghan, you wound me. Do you think I would dare lie to you? Didn't I tell you the second prince had invited me for an important meeting?"
Guan Qinghan didn't respond. Instead, she grabbed his collar, her grip firm, pulling him forward until their faces were mere inches apart. Her icy blue eyes held him captive.
"Hmph! Important meeting?" She murmured, her breath warm against his skin, "Who was she?"
Jun Mo Xie blinked. This woman is relentless!
Realizing he was completely at her mercy, he raised both hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. Her name is Chu Yue'er."
A tense silence stretched between them. Then, in an unexpected move, Guan Qinghan pulled him in—and kissed him.
Jun Mo Xie's eyes widened slightly before amusement flickered in them. He let her claim his lips, savoring the sweet, intoxicating warmth. When she finally pulled back, a sly smile played on her lips.
"You're quite bold," She whispered, her fingers brushing over his jaw. "Going to a brothel when you have me at your disposal."
Jun Mo Xie chuckled, sliding his arm around her slender waist. He traced a slow, lazy circle on her back, his touch feather-light. "Ah, my dear Qinghan, it was not like that, I promise… Things are a bit different. She and I... I cannot explain it in just a few words to you."
Guan Qinghan scoffed, though her slightly flushed cheeks betrayed her. "Hmph. Shameless man."
He leaned in, brushing his lips against her ear, his voice low and filled with mischief. "Then, how do I earn your approval, my fierce little sister-in-law?"
A wicked gleam flashed in her eyes as she pushed him back onto the chair again, this time straddling his lap with deliberate slowness.
Jun Mo Xie's breath hitched for a fraction of a second before a smirk stretched across his lips.
Guan Qinghan leaned close, their faces barely apart, and whispered, "By taking responsibility."
And then, with a slow, teasing grind against him, she ensured that Jun Mo Xie understood exactly what kind of responsibility she meant.
His grip on her waist tightened slightly as he let out a low chuckle.
"Then, my dear Qinghan…" he murmured, his fingers trailing along her back. "I suppose I have no choice but to take full responsibility for you."
Guan Qinghan smiled, her lips curving in satisfaction. "You never had a choice."
--- ✦ ✦ ✦ ---
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