Xue Tuzi collapsed, a sharp cry tearing from his lips as agony shot up his leg. His ankle throbbed, a flood of hot, wet blood spilling down his skin, soaking into the dirt beneath him. His breath came in ragged gasps as he forced his trembling hands to push himself up, only for his gaze to lift—
—and meet the eyes of the demonic wasp.
Terror gripped him like a vice.
The wasp hovered just above the ground, its monstrous form an abomination that should not exist outside of nightmares. Its wings beat in slow, deliberate movements, the sheer power behind them causing the air to tremble, scattering dust and loose leaves in a rising storm.
Its elongated jaws stretched unnaturally wide, revealing rows upon rows of jagged teeth, each one gleaming with a thick, foul-smelling goo that dripped slowly onto the ground, where it sizzled and burned through the dirt like acid. At each corner of its grotesque maw, jagged pincers twitched, snapping together with a sickening metallic click—an eager promise of pain.
Its skin, a sickly, pulsing green-yellow, seemed almost alive, shifting and rippling as if something squirmed beneath the surface. Its bulbous, red eyes burned with an insatiable hunger, unblinking, unrelenting, fixated solely on him.
And then—
The stinger twitched.
Long, serrated, and dripping with venom, it pulsed at the end of its segmented body, the thick, toxic fluid glistening under the sun. A slow, deliberate movement, as if savoring the moment before the inevitable strike.
Xue Tuzi's body locked up.
His fingers dug into the dirt, his breathing shallow and erratic. Every muscle screamed at him to move, but his mind was blank, frozen in a primal, all-consuming fear.
A shrill, maniacal laughter erupted from the beast, a sound so unnatural it felt as though it could peel the very fabric of reality apart. It echoed through the air, reverberating off the trees, clawing its way into Xue Tuzi's mind like nails scraping against glass.
Xue Tuzi lay frozen, his body locked in place, limbs refusing to obey even as his every instinct screamed at him to run. His wide, terror-stricken eyes reflected the grotesque figure before him, reality bleeding into his past.
This creature.
The same beast that had devoured countless children at the orphanage. The same horrific laughter that had filled those darkened halls, that had stolen the lives of the only family he had ever known.
The laughter grew louder, more deranged, its guttural cackling mixing with the wet clicking of its gnashing pincers. Xue Tuzi's breath came in short, panicked bursts, his vision blurring with the flood of tears welling up in his eyes. He wanted to fight. He wanted to run.
But those jaws.
Those preying eyes.
He couldn't move.
His lips trembled, his voice barely above a whisper as he choked out, "Gege…" A single tear rolled down his cheek, falling against the bloodied dirt beneath him. "Please… save me."
The demonic wasp lunged.
A blur of motion.
A sickening crack.
And then—
A spray of blackened blood as the creature's head was ripped clean from its body.
Shudu stood there, fist clenched around the severed skull, black ichor dripping between his fingers. His chest rose and fell steadily, his piercing crimson eye locked onto the trembling form before him. Xue Tuzi was still frozen stiff, his body racked with silent tremors, his breathing erratic as his mind remained trapped in that tragic night.
Shudu frowned. He stepped forward, crouching down, his voice softer than usual. "Hey… it's dead."
No response.
Xue Tuzi's eyes were glazed over, still caught in a world of his own horror.
A rare flicker of concern crossed Shudu's face as he reached out, his calloused thumb brushing against the tiny mole at the corner of Xue Tuzi's quivering lips. His other hand gently cupped his face, thumb stroking against his damp cheek. "Xue Tuzi," he called, tilting his chin up.
Still nothing.
Shudu hesitated. He had never seen him so broken. So distraught. The usually sharp-tongued beauty, now reduced to something so fragile.
His grip tightened, and on impulse, he leaned in—
His breath ghosted against Xue Tuzi's lips, just a mere heartbeat away.
And then—
"Mama!"
Fuck.
Dammit.
Xue Laohu screamed internally, hands tangling into his hair as his masterpiece was shattered before his very eyes.
Xue Tuzi's trance snapped at the sound of Jiao Jiao's voice. "Xiao Jiao!" His tone was urgent as he instantly turned away from Shudu, pulling the child into a tight embrace.
Shudu exhaled heavily, his jaw ticking as he licked his bottom lip, tasting the missed opportunity that had just slipped through his fingers. His crimson eye lingered on the pair for a moment before he sighed, shaking his head.
Xiao Zongzi skittered onto his shoulder, tapping him gently with one of her long legs, as if offering silent consolation.
And just like that, the beauty had returned to himself—cold, proud, and insufferably arrogant.
Xue Tuzi struggled to push himself up, pain searing through his ankle. His fingers curled into fists, his pride forcing him to bite down the wince that threatened to slip from his lips. Ignoring the throbbing pain, he kicked off his boot, pulling a needle and thread from his hair.
Shudu raised an eyebrow, watching as Xue Tuzi carefully threaded the needle, his expression unreadable.
"You're seriously going to stitch yourself up?"
Xue Tuzi ignored him. His fingers moving with practiced precision as he pierced his own flesh, weaving the thread through the deep, bleeding gash. Not even a flinch.
Stubborn bastard.
Shudu sighed, watching the delicate yet unyielding movements of those slender hands, the way Xue Tuzi's brows knitted together, his lips pressing into a thin line as he sealed the wound shut.
Once finished, Xue Tuzi stood up, dragging his foot slightly as he walked, his fingers tightening around Jiao Jiao's tiny hand. The wound may have been stitched, but the burning pain remained.
Still, he would never ask for help. Not after the weakness he had displayed.
Then—
A strong arm wrapped around his waist.
Xue Tuzi's breath hitched as he was suddenly lifted off his feet.
His body tensed, lips parting in an instinctual protest when he felt hot breath ghost against his ear.
"I expect to be rewarded after this," Shudu murmured, his smirk stretching against Xue Tuzi's skin.
Xue Tuzi scoffed, his brows furrowing in irritation. "Put me down, you—"
"Xiao Jiao," Shudu cut him off smoothly, shifting his grip so that Xue Tuzi was securely in his arms. "Hop on to my shoulders. Useless can't walk."
Jiao Jiao blinked, his round eyes darting between the two before obediently climbing up, settling onto Shudu's shoulders with a bright smile. He clutched his stuffed worm to his chest, his tiny fingers gripping onto Shudu's hair as he took in the view from his new perch.
Xue Tuzi, however, seethed.
His lips parted, a sharp retort at the ready—
But the warmth of Shudu's arms around him, the firmness of his grip, the way his heartbeat thumped steadily against his own—
It silenced him.
Xue Laohu arched a brow, arms crossed as he observed the scene unfolding below. Xue Tuzi wasn't even resisting.
He figured he might as well set the ambiance properly. With a flick of his wrist, peach blossoms burst into full bloom, their soft pink petals carried by a warm, gentle breeze. The wind curled around them, dancing through Xue Tuzi's hair, littering his brown waves with delicate petals that shimmered under the afternoon sun.
Xue Tuzi rolled his eyes, reaching up with an annoyed huff to pluck the petals from his hair. Annoyance flickered across his face as he shook out the last of the blossoms, only to glance upward—his gaze catching on the ink-black spider tattoo on Shudu's neck. He watched as a bead of sweat trickled from the base of it, sliding slowly down his golden skin.
His fingers twitched.
Shudu's grip on him was firm, steady, his muscular arms effortlessly supporting Xue Tuzi's weight. But that wasn't all he was carrying—he had Xue Tuzi in his arms, Jiao Jiao balanced on his shoulders, and Xiao Zongzi dangling on Jiao Jiao's back.
And yet, the demon trekked on, unbothered.
Almost.
"Can't you go any faster?" Xue Tuzi grumbled, swinging his feet slightly, his voice sharp despite the light flush still warming his cheeks.
Shudu's brow twitched. "Clamp it. You can't even walk, and you're giving me orders?" His nostrils flared, his eyes narrowing as he exhaled sharply. "Keep talking like that, and I might just drop you."
Xue Tuzi scoffed, rolling his eyes, but before he could snap back, he felt it.
The steady, rhythmic thump of Shudu's heartbeat beneath his cheek.
He hadn't even realized his face was pressed against Shudu's chest—his breath caught, and instinctively, he tilted his head up.
He stole another glance at the demon.
Handsome.
Strong.
His golden skin glowed under the sunlight, his sharp jawline cut with effortless precision. Sweat trickled from his temple, sliding down the curve of his neck.
Xue Tuzi bit his lip.
Another breeze swept through, carrying the scent of earth and rain, playing with the loose strands of his hair.
"Hold still," Shudu scolded softly, his arms tightening around Xue Tuzi to keep him secure.
A startled warmth spread through him—Xue Tuzi turned his face slightly, his cheek resting fully against Shudu's chest, letting the steady drum of his heartbeat lull him into something dangerously close to comfort.
Then—another gust of wind, another storm of petals.
They swirled around them, catching in their hair, sticking to damp skin.
But Xue Laohu was still unsatisfied.
He tapped his chin, frowning. Sure, Shudu was playing the role of the valiant gentleman, and sure, Xue Tuzi was going along with it, but only because he had no choice.
If he weren't injured, Xue Tuzi would have kicked Shudu to the curb without hesitation.
This wasn't romance.
This was circumstance.
He needed something more.
His gaze flickered ahead—the towering peak of Mount Dingfeng. It would only take them about an hour to climb the rest of the way, but—
"Rainstorm," he commanded.
Immediately, the sky darkened.
Clouds gathered with unnatural speed, churning violently, until the first fat drops of rain splattered against the ground. A drizzle. Then a steady pour. Then a relentless downpour.
Thunder rumbled, low and ominous, rolling through the valley. Lightning cracked across the sky, illuminating the drenched earth in stark flashes.
Among the storm, Xue Laohu conjured something new.
At the foot of the mountain, a small, humble inn appeared. Its wooden lanterns swayed back and forth, their golden light flickering against the rain-slicked darkness.
A single signboard creaked in the wind, hanging above the entrance.
The perfect place for two people to take shelter. A slow, satisfied grin crept onto Xue Laohu's face as he gazed at the small, secluded inn nestled beneath the stormy sky. The relentless rain drummed against the roof, the distant roll of thunder humming in his ears. It was the perfect setting—cozy, intimate, and isolated. A place where flames could be kindled, whether by candlelight or raw emotion. He lifted his hand into the air, fingers twirling in anticipation.
"Hey, yo! System, disguise me as the innkeeper," he commanded.
The transformation was swift but jarring. His body spun in midair, swirling in a cascade of golden light, twinkling stars, and glittering sparks. He barely had time to process the sensation before a dizzy spell overtook him. When he landed on his feet, the shift in his body was undeniable. A weight on his chest, a narrowing at his waist, but his height remained the same, he frowned. Something soft and silky brushed against his back, and when he reached up, his fingers ran through long, flowing strands of hair.
"Wait, what—?!" His eyes widened as he clutched at his chest. A set of modest, perky lumps greeted his hands. His shoulders had slimmed, his waist had drawn in, and his robes now draped over a distinctly feminine form. His reflection in the nearby mirror confirmed it—the system had turned him into a woman.
"Is this your idea of a joke?!" he barked, gripping his newfound assets in frustration. Then, after a beat of silence, he hummed in thought. "Hmm… Can we make them a little bigger?"
As if answering his wish, his chest swelled slightly beneath his touch. He watched in fascination as his reflection morphed further—his robes shifting to slide sensually off his shoulders, revealing a teasing glimpse of his new, delicate collarbones. His hair, now a river of midnight silk, cascaded down his back in an alluring sheen. But his face—his damn face—remained eerily similar. Softer, perhaps, but unmistakably his.
"Ugh," he groaned, yanking out his fan—now a simple white ivory accessory—to cover his face. "I guess this will do."
Just as he was coming to terms with his new form, the inn doors creaked open.
"How strange. An inn in the middle of nowhere," Shudu murmured as he stepped inside, his voice calm despite the storm raging outside. Rain dripped from his face as he carried Xue Tuzi effortlessly in his arms, while Jiao Jiao perched atop his shoulders, his tiny hands gripping his hair for balance.
Xue Laohu's eyes gleamed with mischief. Showtime.
"Welcome! Welcome!" He swept forward, his new voice an exaggerated, honeyed lilt as he threw his arms open in greeting. A wide, toothy grin stretched across his overpainted lips, the red rouge uneven and embarrassingly obvious.
Shudu's brows twitched.
Xue Laohu clapped his hands together, leaning in just enough to let his eyes flicker between the trio. "My, what a beautiful family!" His gaze zeroed in on Jiao Jiao, who peered at him shyly before quickly lowering his head. With a delighted gasp, he pointed at him. "And this little one—he looks just like Papa!" He giggled behind his fan, fluttering it coyly.
Jiao Jiao let out a small squeak, burying his face into Shudu's hair.
Xue Tuzi, still cradled in Shudu's arms, exhaled sharply, his patience visibly thinning. "Two rooms," he ordered coldly, his tone laced with irritation.
Two rooms? Tch. That wouldn't do. If he was going to ignite any flames between these two, they needed to share a space, preferably one bathed in candlelight and the soft flicker of a warm fire.
"Oh dear," Xue Laohu hummed, fanning himself dramatically. "I'm terribly sorry, but I only have one room left." He cast a quick glance at Xue Tuzi, tucking a strand of hair behind his ear. "But don't worry! It's spacious enough for your husband and child."
Xue Tuzi stiffened.
"Not my husband," he snapped icily, his glare sharp enough to cut glass.
Xue Laohu let out a nervous chuckle, whipping his fan up to shield his face. "Ha ha ha… Your wife has quite the sense of humor!" He turned to Shudu, flashing him an exaggerated, knowing look.
Shudu simply arched a brow.
Xue Laohu coughed into his sleeve, beads of sweat forming at his temples. "So lucky," he continued, pressing forward with forced enthusiasm. "To have such a strong and handsome husband." He snapped his fan shut, giving a firm nod as if to emphasize his point. Surely, surely, Xue Tuzi would see the value in this man if a random woman was fawning over him. Maybe, just maybe, it would stir some jealousy in that frozen heart of his.
Instead, Xue Tuzi scoffed, crossing his arms tightly over his chest. "If you want him, you can have him."
Xue Laohu felt the sting of those words like a slap to the face.
A-Tuzi! How can you be so cold, so cruel—so BITCHY?! I'm amazed Shudu hasn't thrown you off his arms and walked off into the night!
Shudu, seemingly unfazed by the venomous remark, sighed and rolled his eyes, his grip on Xue Tuzi never faltering.
Xue Laohu forced a smile. "Surely, I couldn't." He waved his hand dramatically. "I wouldn't dare break apart such a lovely family." His overpainted lips formed an exaggerated pout. "Please, allow me to take you to your room."
With a snap of his fingers, the inn responded to his will.
The door creaked open to reveal a grand, carefully curated chamber. A lavish, oval-shaped bed dominated the space, draped in sheer white silks that billowed slightly with the draft. The canopy's delicate curtains were tied with gold tassels, swaying gently. A vanity with an ornate mirror sat in the corner, a soft incense burning atop it, filling the air with a subtle, calming fragrance. Near the crackling fire, a wooden cradle had been placed—an extra touch of consideration for the little one. Dim candlelight flickered against the walls, and outside the window, lanterns dangled, swaying with the wind.
It was perfect.
A place for romance. A place for baby number two.
Xue Laohu's smile stretched wide as he gestured them inside. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call." He winked before dramatically twirling on his heel.
The moment he stepped away, Shudu unceremoniously dropped Xue Tuzi onto the floor with a dull thud.
Xue Tuzi let out a strangled grunt.
Jiao Jiao, still perched on Shudu's shoulders, gasped in outrage. He quickly scrambled down, glaring up at Shudu before hurrying to Xue Tuzi's side.
Shudu, meanwhile, scanned the room, his brow furrowing slightly.
"Hey," he murmured, a flicker of recognition in his eyes. "Doesn't that woman look familiar?" He turned his head slightly, glancing at Xue Tuzi, who was rubbing his sore lower back.
Xue Tuzi stilled. His fingers clenched briefly before he murmured "Shizun."