Shudu pushed open the door to his bedroom, Jiao Jiao still stood by the window, his round body half-hidden behind the drapes, his tiny numbs curling and uncurling against the sill.
"Let's go," he exclaimed, reaching for the hem of his shirt, peeling it off in one fluid motion. His muscles flexed as he rolled his broad shoulders back, and for a moment, the serpent inked across his back seemed to slither, its fangs poised over the trembling rabbit trapped in its coils. The tattoo was alive in the candlelight, just as he was—dangerous, unpredictable, yet strangely inviting.
His lips curled into a mischievous smirk as he bent forward, sweeping Jiao Jiao effortlessly into his arms darting out the window with Xiao Zongzi trailing behind.
She let herself drop, silk threads spilling from her abdomen as she wove a web mid-fall, swinging effortlessly from rooftop to rooftop. Her master was in an unusually good mood, which could only mean one thing—he was about to indulge in one of life's sweetest pleasures. And there was no way Xue Tuzi had complied so easily.
A chill breeze swept through the open window, stirring the gauzy curtains as Shudu crouched on the sill, balancing effortlessly despite holding Jiao Jiao in his arms. The night stretched out behind him, a tapestry of stars glimmering against the vast darkness, but his eyes were drawn only to the figure within.
"Hey," Shudu murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, a thread of sound meant only for the man before him. His gaze drank in the sight—Xue Tuzi, bathed in soft moonlight, draped in sheer white robes that barely clung to his form, the loose fabric slipping just enough to reveal the expanse of his smooth chest. The love bites Shudu had left behind were still there, bruises blooming against his pale skin, proof of their last encounter. His lips—still red and swollen from Shudu's earlier assault—parted slightly, drawing attention to the small mole resting just below them.
Slowly, Xue Tuzi stepped forward, his movements deliberate and calculating. Their faces were mere inches apart now, the space between them heavy with unspoken tension. His round, doe-like eyes flickered, thick lashes, long enough to brush against the curve of his cheeks, lowered just slightly as he cast a glance downward toward Jiao Jiao who greeted him with open arms.
The little Gu worm was yanked from his arms, and before he could react, a sharp kick struck his chest. The force sent him flying backward, his balance lost as he tumbled from the window.
"Go sleep with your bug wife," Xue Tuzi spat, his voice sharp, cold, his eyes flashing with menace. He held Jiao Jiao firmly in his grasp, his arms protective and possessive. The little Gu worm could do nothing but wave his little nubs in farewell as he watched Shudu fall to the ground with a hard thud.
He pushed himself up, rage flashing in his crimson eye. He groaned, his muscles tensing as he sprang to his feet, prepared to lunge back through the window.
But before he could, Xue Tuzi turned away, shutting the window with a resounding snap.
Shudu growled low in his throat, pounding his fists against the glass. "Dam bunny—!"
Inside, Xue Tuzi did not turn back. He pulled the curtains closed with a deliberate tug, shrouding himself in solitude, shutting Shudu out entirely.
The room fell into silence.
Xue Tuzi exhaled, his arms tightening around Jiao Jiao as he cradled the small creature close, he carried him gently to the bed, tucking himself back to sleep despite the ruckus.
Outside, in the thickening darkness, Shudu let out a quiet, frustrated sigh. His nails scraped against the windowpane—a last, silent plea to be let in. But the beauty inside ignored him completely.
The morning light streamed through the window, spilling across the room in golden beams. Xue Tuzi stirred, stretching his limbs with a soft sigh of pleasure. Nestled against his chest, Jiao Jiao remained burrowed into a tight little ball, his gelatinous body rising and falling with each breath. Xue Tuzi smiled, carefully shifting the Gu worm to the side, his fingertips grazing the creature's smooth, cool skin before he slipped out of bed.
Padding over to the window, he pulled back the curtains—and to his surprise, there was Shudu, fast asleep, crouched against the windowsill. His arms were folded beneath his chest, his fiery red eye half-hidden behind stray locks of ink black hair. Xiao Zongzi dangled down from the rooftop, her many legs twitching as she prepared to greet Xue Tuzi. But before she could say a word, he threw the window open with such force that it knocked Shudu down, sending him tumbling backward.
A dull thud followed.
"Ugh—" Shudu groaned, his nails digging into the dirt as he lifted his head, dazed. Above him, Xue Tuzi stood at the window, his lips curved into a smug smile. The morning breeze played with his hair, lifting the strands as he tilted his face away with a light, amused chuckle.
Shudu's frown deepened. In a single motion, he sprang up, leaping back onto the window ledge and landing effortlessly inside the room.
"You lied," he accused, striding toward Xue Tuzi with irritation. He grabbed Xue Tuzi's arm, fingers curling around his wrist.
Xue Tuzi arched a brow, yanking his arm free. "I don't recall promising anything."
Before Shudu could retort, a loud yawn echoed through the room. Jiao Jiao blinked awake, a single tear clinging to the corner of his large, bulging eye.
Xue Tuzi strode to the wardrobe and begun to undress. His robe slipping from his shoulders in a slow, fluid motion. His smooth, pale skin gleamed under the morning light. Shudu swallowed hard. His irritation vanished in an instant, as he walked towards him.
"Are you teasing me?" he murmured, his voice dipping into something low and rough as he stepped closer.
Xue Tuzi, utterly unconcerned, tilted his head back, his lips curving into a lazy smirk. "Maybe."
Shudu took another step forward, intent on closing the distance—but before he could make his move, a sharp, sticky sensation wrapped around his limbs.
Jiao Jiao had struck.
The Gu worm spat out silk threads, binding Shudu in place. In the same breath, Xue Tuzi delivered a swift, well-aimed kick, sending the demon crashing to the ground.
Shudu grunted, struggling against his restraints. "You little—"
But it was too late. Xue Tuzi had already finished dressing, slipping into a fresh set of robes with practiced ease. With Jiao Jiao perched smugly on his shoulder, he turned toward the door.
Jiao Jiao stuck his tongue out at Shudu, letting out a sharp hmph before turning his head away with an air of haughty satisfaction leaving him behind to struggle with the binds.
Xue Laohu yawned loudly, stretching his arms overhead until his joints popped. The morning air was crisp, laced with the faint scent of lotus blossoms drifting from the pond nearby. Huo Yi stood at the water's edge, her hands folded behind her back as she admired the architecture of the surrounding buildings. Curious, she crouched down, dipping a slender finger into the pond. The carps immediately swarmed, their gaping mouths snapping eagerly at the disturbance, their scales flashing gold and red beneath the water's surface.
Li Zhameng emerged from the courtyard, with practiced grace, he folded into a deep bow, the sleeves of his robes touching against the cobblestones. "This disciple greets Shizun," he murmured, his voice carrying just enough warmth beneath the formality to make Xue Laohu's pulse stutter.
Xue Laohu nodded as Xue Tuzi's figure approached, then his gaze flicked around the courtyard. "Where is Shudu?" he mused aloud.
As if on cue, the insect demon appeared, strolling leisurely down the corridor, brushing away the loose silk threads still clinging to his body from Jiao Jiao's bindings. His crimson eye flickered with irritation the moment he caught sight of Xue Tuzi. Scoffing, he crossed his arms over his chest in silent disdain.
"Lord Shudu!"
Huo Yi bolted to his side, barely able to contain her excitement.
Shudu's sharp expression softened the moment she reached him. Without hesitation, he rested a hand atop her head, his fingers briefly threading through her hair before settling there.
Watching their quiet exchange, Xue Laohu's brows furrowed. How was it possible that his Shou MC felt not even a flicker of jealousy, seeing Huo Yi so wrapped around his man?