Mr. You's fictitious marriage

Chapter 7

For You Huo, he didn't recall any instance of being held or comforted by his always distant mother. His mother was a well-educated woman with a solid background and what seemed like endless opportunities. She made the fatal error of falling in love with his father, who was only a passing acquaintance in her life. She seemed to be completely broken after their brief romance and his departure.

The child left to her by that fickle lover seemed to remind her of the worst things. She couldn't bear the sight of his innocent face. Instead, she immersed herself in work, burying herself in her studies and career, hoping to find solace and distraction from the painful memories. Her ambition became her shield, shielding her from the vulnerability and emotional turmoil that threatened to consume her. As the child grew older, he yearned for his mother's affection, but no matter how hard he tried, he could never break through the walls she had built.

She carried on with her research and studies as if nothing had happened, but the indelible core of her youth was gone. Over time, her health got worse. Her family continued to care for her even after that, which can mostly be credited to her brother, Old Yu, as the rest of the relatives weren't too fond of her thanks to her unsociable personality. She passed from a long illness when You Huo barely entered his teenage years.

His gloomy character kept the rest of his relatives at arm's length, just as it did with his mother.

The only person who always thought of him and showed him love was his uncle. He never attempted to prevent his son from approaching You Huo, like others did. When they were able to meet during the breaks at the military academy, Little Yu Wen always looked up at him like he was some sort of hero.

Qin Jiu uttered various monosyllabic sounds during his speech to let him know that he was listening, not interrupting him otherwise.

After a short silence, he tore off an herblet of feather grass and tickled You Huo's cheek. You Huo brushed it off with ostentatious annoyance.

"Hey, why don't we give you desensitization therapy?"

"Give me a what?"

"Slowly getting you used to casual touches." You Huo finally opened his eyes. Qin Jiu was looking at him upside down, a barely-there smile at the corners of his lips. The look in his eyes playsome yet sincere.

His husband seemed to always be full of strange ideas. You Huo wondered how that brain of his even worked.

That suggestion of his... It was an unnecessary thing that he wouldn't even consider in any other circumstance. What was the use of this anyway?

Previously, whenever he thought of touches, he would recall the unwanted molestations of Du Dengliu. There were others, but they were simpler to dismiss than the heir to the throne. He only needed to cast them a chilly glance to warn them off.

But Qin Jiu... His proximity didn't seem to bother You Huo all that much. He questioned when it first began. Their casual touches didn't trigger his stress responses anymore; just half an hour ago, he was fine with being held in his arms. It seemed like he was already quite used to Qin Jiu's touches already.

Was there even a point in taking it a step further?

"Let us start right away, husband mine!" A big, calloused hand appeared in front of You Huo's eyes as a silent offering.

You Huo wordlessly grabbed Qin Jiu's arm, allowing him to pull himself onto his legs.

They led the horses back by the reins as they walked back on foot. Their two hands never left each other until they reached their bedrooms.

***

Each day, they would engage in rigorous physical activity, partake in a hearty meal, and indulge in an amble or a delightful horseback jaunt prior to supper. They had traversed the entire expanse of this territory, which proved to be neither extensive nor particularly advantageous. It was mostly covered by grooves. Nevertheless, You Huo found peace in this place. Just as Qin Jiu had astutely observed, tranquility enveloped one effortlessly here, in marked contrast to the deep clutches of the vipers' nest of the Court.