Jiao Jiao's stomach let out a loud, pitiful growl.
Xue Tuzi's sharp gaze softened instantly. "Are you hungry?" His voice, now gentle, was a stark contrast to the venom he had spit earlier.
Jiao Jiao nodded with wide, watery eyes, looking every bit as small and vulnerable as he felt.
Xue Tuzi turned his head sharply. "Order us food," he commanded, his tone regaining its usual steel as he cradled Jiao Jiao closer. He moved with careful precision, peeling off the child's damp clothes, his fingers working deftly despite his own discomfort. His foot still ached from earlier, but he ignored it, dragging himself to the vanity where, to his surprise, three perfectly matching robes lay neatly folded. Xue Laohu had paid meticulously attention to detail.
Xue Tuzi wrapped Jiao Jiao in a warm towel, carefully drying his small body before helping him into one of the fresh robes. The silk draped elegantly over Jiao Jiao's tiny frame, the intricate embroidery of celestial clouds and lotus flowers standing out under the soft glow of the fire.
Across the room, Shudu leaned against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest as his crimson eye lingered on the tender scene before him. The way Xue Tuzi's hands moved—gentle, practiced, warm—sent a strange pang through him. He longed for those same hands to cradle his face with such care, to have Xue Tuzi's delicate fingers smoothing over his skin the way they did for Jiao Jiao.
He wanted to be held. To be seen.
To be loved.
The ache in his chest tightened, but before he could dwell on it, Xue Tuzi turned his head, catching him staring. His brows furrowed, annoyance flashing in his eyes.
"Well, what are you waiting for?" he snapped, irritation lacing his tone as he prepared to remove his own soaked robes.
Shudu let out a scoff, pushing himself off the wall. He turned on his heel without another word, yanking the door open and slamming it shut behind him.
Outside, the rain had lessened into a soft drizzle, the rhythmic patter against the wooden rooftop filling the empty hallway with a hushed melody.
"Master," Xiao Zongzi's voice echoed softly crawling her way towards him, as he clenched his fists.
"I'm not mad," Shudu muttered under his breath. His jaw tightened. "I'm just jealous, that's all."
Xiao Zongzi sighed. "Second Master truly cares for Xiao Jiao. Master should be pleased."
Shudu exhaled harshly through his nose, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he made his way toward the front desk.
At first glance, the inn's entrance seemed empty, the dim lantern light casting long, flickering shadows across the wooden floors. But just as he reached the counter, a sudden movement caught his eye.
Xue Laohu materialized from beneath the desk, popping up as if he had been napping under the table the entire time. He whisked out his fan with a flourish, snapping it open to cover his mischievous grin.
"How can I help you tonight?" his voice smooth and honeyed, amusement dancing in his glimmering eyes.
Shudu didn't hesitate.
In one smooth motion, he reached out, grasping Xue Laohu's wrist and pulling it close to his chest. Droplets of water still clung to his skin, trickling down his face and disappearing beneath his chest. His crimson gaze, half-lidded and burning with intent, bore into Xue Laohu's startled expression.
"Would you mind warming my bed tonight?" he murmured, voice dipping into something dangerously low and sultry.
Xue Laohu's breath hitched, his face twitching between disbelief and exasperation. He yanked his hand away, flicking his fan shut with an irritated huff.
"Nonsense," he scoffed, turning his flustered face to the side.
How could this bastard be flirting with me when Xue Tuzi is right there?! Some faithful Gong he is. Maybe they really shouldn't be together.
But then again… his life depended on it.
Internally, he sighed.
Shudu arched a brow, his smirk deepening as he rested his elbow on the counter, his posture leisurely yet predatory. "I was under the impression that I had caught this beautiful maiden's eye."
Xue Laohu bristled. "You're a married man," he huffed, making his stance clear.
"My wife no longer wants me," Shudu lamented, his tone laced with theatrical sorrow. He cast his gaze downward, his clawed fingers trailing teasingly over Xue Laohu's hand. "Am I to remain unloved forever?"
Xue Laohu rolled his eyes, slapping his hand away. "Make up with him," he snapped, placing his hands on his hips to prevent any further touching.
Shudu's smirk returned, sharp and knowing. "I'd rather not."
The flickering lantern light caught the gleam of his fangs as he leaned in ever so slightly, his breath warm against Xue Laohu's ear.
"I'd rather taste new fruit."
Before he could say anything more, Xue Laohu's fan came down in a sharp, decisive whack against Shudu's head.
"Grand. Master. Xue." Shudu's voice carried a note of suspicion, his crimson eye narrowing as he studied the innkeeper before him. His gaze swept over the figure—the delicate shoulders, the long strands of black silk cascading down their back, the sharp yet strangely familiar features.
Xue Laohu didn't so much as blink. "Don't know him," he responded smoothly, not a single note of hesitation in his voice.
Shudu tilted his head slightly, scrutinizing the innkeeper with an intensity that made the air feel heavier. His lips curled into the faintest smirk, though his eyes remained sharp. "Ah. My apologies…" He took a deliberate step back, his gaze still assessing. "It's just… you remind me of him. You look just like him, actually."
Xue Laohu let out a soft, airy laugh, quickly fluttering his fan to conceal his grin. "Then he must be a dashing, handsome young man," he quipped, his voice carrying the perfect blend of amusement and flirtation, never once breaking character.
Shudu hummed in agreement, his eyes drifting down the dimly lit hallway. His mind wandered to the beauty he had left behind, imagining the way Xue Tuzi's damp robes must have clung to his skin before he had slipped into something dry. He had completely missed it.
A slow exhale left his lips before, suddenly, he slammed his hand against the wooden counter, the sharp sound cutting through the quiet.
"Bring us your finest meals," he ordered, his voice firm as he turned on his heel, heading back toward the room without another glance.
Xue Laohu lowered his fan just enough to smirk. "Of course," he replied smoothly, watching as Shudu disappeared down the hall, the sound of his heavy footsteps fading into the distance.
Shudu stepped back into the room, as expected, Xue Tuzi was fully dried and dressed, now wearing the same matching robes as Jiao Jiao. The delicate embroidery of clouds and lotus flowers shimmered faintly in the firelight, casting an ethereal glow around him. His hair, usually tied at the crown, was left completely loose, the ribbon dangled on a chair. The loose strands framed his face, making his sharp features appear softer, almost serene.
No words passed between them as Shudu made his way toward the fireplace, unravelling his long black braid with practiced ease. The thick, damp curls bounced free, cascading past his waist and down to his ankles. Water droplets clung to the ends, catching the flickering firelight as they dripped onto the wooden floor. He reached for a towel, patting himself dry before his fingers moved to the waistband of his trousers. The soft rustle of fabric was nearly drowned out by the crackling of the fire.
Across the room, Xue Tuzi stole a glance through the reflection in the bronze mirror. His gaze traced the way Shudu's muscles flexed as he moved, the defined lines of his back shifting like rolling waves beneath his tattooed skin. The inked patterns seemed to undulate with every subtle motion, as though alive. Xue Tuzi swallowed, biting his lower lip, his breath catching in his throat before he slowly released it.
Sensing the weight of his gaze, Shudu tilted his head slightly, his lingering eyes unreadable. But before their eyes could meet, Xue Tuzi's gaze darted away, landing instead on Jiao Jiao, who was happily occupied with his worm plushie. The boy clutched it tightly, murmuring some secret dialogue between himself and the toy. With an almost imperceptible sigh, Shudu slipped his arms into the sleeves of his robe, frowning slightly at the intricate patterns embroidered along the hem. His fingers absently traced over the lotus flowers, his mind elsewhere.
By the window, Xiao Zongzi had climbed onto the open sill, her long, spindly legs moving with delicate precision as she spun a fresh web. The silk glistened faintly in the dim light, stretching between the wooden beams, hopeful for an unsuspecting prey.
Then, a knock came at the door. The sound was firm but measured, breaking the quiet hush of the room.
"Room service!" Xue Laohu chirped in a high, practiced tone, his voice light and playful as he stood outside their door, disguised as the innkeeper.
Shudu exhaled through his nose and pulled the door open, stepping back as Xue Laohu wheeled in a cart piled high with steaming dishes. The rich, savory aroma of roasted meats and delicately spiced vegetables filled the room, mingling with the lingering warmth of the fireplace. The food was beautifully arranged, each plate a work of art, the meats glistening with juices, the vegetables cooked to tender perfection. But the pièce de résistance was the neatly stacked dumplings placed at the center of the spread—Xue Tuzi's favorite dish. Xue Laohu had spared no effort, ensuring even the most minute details were attended to, going as far as to include a bouquet of freshly cut red roses nestled beside the dishes. The deep crimson petals stood out, vibrant and velvety, the most romantic touch of a lover's dinner.
Xue Laohu clasped his hands together, giving an exaggerated bow. "Please enjoy," he said smoothly before stepping out. Once the door shut behind him, his physical form shimmered, vanishing into a faint wisp of light. He slipped back into his spiritual state, allowing him to linger unseen, watching the scene unfold from the corner of the room.
The scent of the feast was enough to make Jiao Jiao's small stomach grumble loudly, the sound echoing in the quiet room. He clutched his worm plushie to his chest and hurried to sit, eyes wide with eager anticipation.
Xue Tuzi reached for the bouquet, plucking one of the roses from its bundle, his fingers tracing over the velvety petals. He lifted it to his nose, inhaling its subtle fragrance. The firelight caught the curve of his cheek as he admired the bloom, his profile a picture of quiet elegance. For a moment, he looked like something out of an old painting—an enchanted maiden, lips brushing against a rose, lost in thought.
If Xue Laohu had any say in it, this was the moment where a fire should have ignited in Shudu's chest, a burning passion at the sight of such delicate beauty. Instead, Shudu barely spared him a glance. Without a word, he reached for a jar of wine, popping the lid off and tilting it back, drinking deeply.
Jiao Jiao, unbothered by anything outside his meal, had already scooped up a spoonful of dumplings and broth, stuffing his mouth in eager delight.
"Careful, it's hot," Xue Tuzi warned, but it was too late.
Jiao Jiao's eyes widened, his face scrunching in pain as the scalding broth burned his tongue. He let out a sharp yelp, his lower lip trembling as tears welled up in his eyes. He turned toward Xue Tuzi, seeking comfort, mouth open to reveal the reddened tip of his tongue.
With a soft sigh, Xue Tuzi leaned in, inspecting the damage with an almost parental patience. Shudu watched, his grip tightening around the neck of the wine jar as Xue Tuzi reached for a cup of water. Without needing to ask, he extended his hand toward Shudu, his voice gentle but firm.
"Pass me a cloth."
Shudu blinked, momentarily caught off guard. His gaze flickered to Xue Tuzi's outstretched hand before he silently handed it over, watching as Xue Tuzi dipped the cloth into the cool liquid. Carefully, he pressed the damp compress against Jiao Jiao's mouth, soothing the burn with slow, precise movements.
"He's so lucky," Shudu muttered under his breath, his voice barely more than an exhale.
Xue Tuzi didn't look at him at first, too focused on patting Jiao Jiao's head as the boy sniffled, now eyeing his dumplings with a newfound wariness.
"So lucky…" Shudu repeated, swirling the wine in his jug, his fingers drumming lightly against the ceramic.
Xue Tuzi's hand stilled for a fraction of a second before he let out a sharp breath, his expression darkening. "Well, he has a father who doesn't tend to him," he remarked coldly, rolling his eyes.
Shudu's jaw tensed. His grip on the jug tightened as he snapped his head up, baring his teeth in a quiet snarl. "Hey, it's hard for me. I—" He hesitated, the words feeling heavy in his throat. "I don't know how to be like—"
"Like what?" Xue Tuzi cut in, his tone razor-sharp, his glare colder than ice.
Shudu exhaled sharply through his nose, frustrated. He gestured vaguely toward him and Jiao Jiao. "Like that."
Xue Tuzi narrowed his eyes, waiting.
Shudu clenched his jaw, his fingers curling into a fist against the table. "I never got any of that… affection growing up," he admitted, his voice quieter now, almost reluctant. His brows furrowed as his gaze dropped to the table. "That woman would have rather sliced my tongue a million times before ever placing a caring hand on me."
Xue Tuzi pressed his lips together. There was something unreadable in his gaze as he glanced back at Jiao Jiao, who was now cautiously dipping his finger into the soup, testing its temperature like a child trying to outsmart a lesson learned too late.
Xue Tuzi turned his head, his expression softer now as his eyes sought Shudu's. "This woman," he started carefully, "was she—"
"Fuck no," Shudu snapped, cutting him off. He took another deep gulp of wine, swallowing down more than just the liquid. His expression twisted into something dark and bitter. "That old ugly hag? Hmph. She's dead now."
Xue Tuzi lowered his gaze, watching as Shudu continued to drown himself in liquor, tilting back jar after jar with reckless abandon. The demon's face remained unreadable, but his actions spoke volumes. Xue Tuzi turned to Jiao Jiao, who was happily munching on his dumplings, cheeks stuffed so full he resembled a little squirrel hoarding food for winter. In the polished surface of a silver plate, Xue Tuzi caught the reflection of Shudu—the way his lips parted slightly as he took another swig, the faint furrow in his brows as though the memories pressing against his skull were unbearable.
He glanced back at Jiao Jiao their resemblance was undeniable, and he couldn't help but wonder how hard Shudu's life was. To fight for every scrap of food, to go to sleep with an empty stomach and for no one to comfort him. To never hear a gentle voice call his name. To never feel the warmth of an embrace. A childhood of survival, nothing more.
Xue Tuzi was lucky. He had found his Gege—the only person who had ever shown him kindness in that wretched orphanage. He clutched his chest absently, his fingers curling over his robes as he let his gaze wander back to Shudu. The proud, untouchable demon was reduced to this—wallowing in liquor, his body heavy with exhaustion.
Xue Laohu, watching invisibly from the shadows, grinned as realization struck him. Could it be? Could the beauty's heart finally be melting? Was this the moment he had been waiting for? He had seen this play out in romance dramas countless times—the brooding, prideful male lead would reveal his heartbreaking past, and the protagonist would be overcome with emotion, cupping his face, kissing away his pain, offering him the love he never had. This was the setup of all great romances!
It was only a matter of time. Xue Laohu watched closely, anticipation thick in the air.
Xue Tuzi didn't know what overcame him—perhaps it was pity, or perhaps it was something deeper. He knew what it felt like to have nothing.
His movements were slow, deliberate as he dipped his spoon into his bowl, scooping up a dumpling and bringing it close to his full lips. He blew on it gently, the steam curling from the broth like a ghostly wisp. His delicate movements caught Shudu's eye, pulling the demon from his drunken haze.
Then, Xue Tuzi leaned in. His round, doe-like eyes locked onto Shudu's, their gaze steady and unwavering.
"Say ah," he murmured, holding the spoon up to Shudu's lips.
Shudu, expecting the bite to be for Jiao Jiao, blinked in confusion. "Huh?"
Before he could process what was happening, Xue Tuzi pushed the spoon into his mouth.
Xue Laohu's grin widened—yes! This was it! The moment of intimacy! Surely Shudu would chew slowly, their eyes meeting, tension thick in the air, leading to a lingering touch—a whispered confession, a kiss—
Shudu choked. Violently.
The dumpling shot out of his mouth as he coughed, gasping for air. His body convulsed as he pounded a fist against his chest. "Water—water—!" he gagged, eyes watering.
Xue Tuzi tilted his head, his lips forming a small pout. "I see… you also can't handle spicy food," he remarked, unimpressed.
Shudu continued hacking, his face red as he grabbed the nearest cup and guzzled the water down in desperate gulps.
Xue Laohu's face fell in disappointment.
"I've tried teaching Xiao Jiao how to eat with spice, but he outright refuses," Xue Tuzi sighed, stirring his soup idly. "I suppose it's genetic."
Jiao Jiao, having long since learned his lesson, eyed Xue Tuzi's bowl of fiery red broth with suspicion, knowing better than to ever accept a bite from his plate.
Shudu, still recovering, scoffed. "I could use something sweet," he muttered under his breath, running a thumb over the rim of his cup.
Xue Laohu's ears perked up. Was this it? His second chance?
"Perhaps your lips will do," Shudu murmured, his voice smooth and low, his eyes flicking toward Xue Tuzi.
Xue Laohu almost vibrated with excitement. This was it. Surely, this time, Xue Tuzi would lean in—tilt his chin up, his lips parting slightly before he closed the space between them, their breaths mingling, their hearts—
Xue Tuzi turned away and popped an entire red-hot chili pepper into his mouth, biting down with an audible crunch.
Shudu recoiled in horror, watching as Xue Tuzi swallowed the pepper whole, his lips now plumper than usual, stained a deep red.
"How can you eat that?" Shudu asked, nose twitching in disgust.
Xue Tuzi licked his lips slowly, unfazed. "I like the pain," he said coolly.
Shudu raised a brow. "I bet it burns on the back end too," he drawled, smirking.
Xue Tuzi stiffened, his face flushing at the remark.
Shudu leaned in, voice dropping to a husky whisper. "If you need me to assist you there, I can," he purred, flicking his tongue out suggestively, the tip curling as he hovered near Xue Tuzi's ear.
Xue Tuzi's expression twisted in horror before he shoved Shudu's face away, lips pressing into a thin line.
Xue Laohu, witnessing the entire exchange, buried his face in his hands. As they continued eating, he sighed, deflating against the unseen barrier that separated his spiritual form from the physical world. The dishes were exquisite, the atmosphere was intimate, and yet—nothing. Not a single spark, not even a lingering glance that hinted at romance. It was as if fate itself was determined to keep these two fools from falling into each other's arms.
"Xiao Jiao, it's time to clean your teeth before bed," Xue Tuzi announced, reaching for the child.
Jiao Jiao immediately pouted, his tiny feet stomping against the wooden floor. "Nooo," he whined, tilting his head back dramatically, as if the mere suggestion had physically wounded him.
Shudu snorted into his cup, watching the tiny boy's theatrics with mild amusement. Xue Tuzi, unfazed, scooped him up with ease and carried him over to the water basin. Jiao Jiao squirmed, but there was no real fight in him—only the reluctant acceptance of his inevitable defeat.
As Xue Tuzi gently brushed the child's teeth, he turned his head slightly, casting a glance toward Shudu, who was staring absently at his empty wine jar, his mind elsewhere. His long lashes shadowed his cheeks, his fingers drumming idly against the table, the scent of liquor clinging to his breath.
"You should… rinse your mouth as well," Xue Tuzi remarked, his tone flat but firm. "You reek of alcohol."
Shudu smirked, his head tilting to the side as his curls tumbled over his shoulder, catching the soft glow of the lantern light. "Oh? Will you rinse it for me?" His voice was a lazy drawl, playful yet laced with something deeper.
Xue Tuzi let out a slow, tired exhale. "Bring your mouth over here," he said, extending his hand.
Shudu arched a brow, momentarily surprised by the offer. Usually, Xue Tuzi's sweetness came at a price. The beauty was venomous when he wanted to be, his patience thin, his kindness often laced with poison. Still, curiosity outweighed caution. He stood, his movements slow and deliberate, and made his way over.
By the time Shudu reached him, Xue Tuzi had finished tending to Jiao Jiao, who promptly dove into bed, clutching his stuffed worm and wiggling it through the air like a sword-wielding warrior.
Shudu hesitated for a moment, his sharp gaze flickering between Xue Tuzi's delicate hands and the water basin where he was rinsing the instruments. The moment Xue Tuzi's fingers curled under Shudu's chin, prying his mouth open, an unexpected tension crackled between them.
Xue Tuzi's breath caught.
The sight of those sharp, pearly canines sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. He had felt them before—pressing against his skin, scraping along his throat, sinking into his flesh with a hunger that left him breathless. That mouth had devoured him once, licked over every inch of his bare body, kissed places that still burned in his memory.
His heart hammered violently against his ribs.
Shudu, as if sensing his thoughts, flicked his tongue out, curling it suggestively, his lips parting just enough to hint at something sinful. The teasing gleam in his eyes was unmistakable.
Xue Tuzi's fingers twitched. His grip on the toothbrush tightened.
Without a second thought, he smacked Shudu's tongue.
"Ow!" Shudu reeled back, rubbing his lips with a dramatic pout. "Was that necessary?"
Xue Tuzi turned on his heel, rolling his eyes as he walked away, feigning indifference.
Xue Laohu, watching all of this unfold, screamed internally, his hands clutching at his head as he rocked back and forth in sheer agony.
Why? Why?!
Every single time there was an opportunity for tenderness, it was instantly ruined by pain, teasing, or outright violence. Couldn't they, for once, just have a sweet, heart-melting moment without it ending in someone getting smacked?!
He exhaled through gritted teeth, glancing at the glowing numbers on his internal timer. He had one hour left before time ran out.
If he failed this quest… it would cost him a thousand life points.