The Sickly Villain Only Wants to Survive

47

Zhu Tong eyed the stable-looking saddle on the beautiful white horse, eager yet hesitant. "Is it allowed to ride without gear?"

Shao Ming chuckled. "The gear station isn't far. Since we're not on the track yet, there's no safety issue. Don't worry—I'll guide you."

"..."

Zhu Tong glanced at the stable hand who had just brought out the horse.

The stable hand, who had initially grumbled about the "pampered" boyfriend, was now seeing Zhu Tong in person and realized how refined and elegant the young man looked. Such a clean and delicate person clearly didn't belong in a stable.

The boy, with his baseball cap and an aura of perfection, exuded one word: "Exquisite."

An exquisite boy deserved an exquisite horse, and given how good-looking he was, it was no wonder Shao Ming pampered him so much.

Zhu Tong proved that with enough good looks, you could indeed get away with anything.

The stable hand said, "A short ride shouldn't be a problem. We have professional equestrian staff here, and the team will ensure your safety."

Reassured, Zhu Tong glanced at Shao Ming again, then tried to mount the horse as he had seen Luo Su do earlier. He grabbed the reins with one hand, placed one foot in the stirrup, and swung his leg over the horse's back.

However, while his leg made it across, his body didn't, and he lost his balance, tipping to one side.

He let out a small yelp, but before he could fall, someone steadied him by the arm. Without much effort, Shao Ming pushed him back into position, righting his body instantly.

Zhu Tong wobbled for a moment, barely managing to stay seated on the horse.

The sudden change in perspective, being so high up, made him tense up, but it was also thrilling in a way he couldn't quite explain.

He took a deep breath.

Standing beside the horse, Shao Ming looked up slightly. "How does it feel?"

Zhu Tong took a moment to assess and then replied, "It's interesting."

"Then let's go."

Shao Ming smiled, gently patted the horse's back, gripped the reins, and led the horse forward.

The moment the horse moved, Zhu Tong wobbled again, but before he could get anxious, a warmth enveloped his hand.

Shao Ming had gently taken his hand. "It'll be fine. Don't worry."

"..."

The warmth on his hand, combined with Shao Ming's familiar voice, acted like a calming charm, easing the tension in his body.

As the horse trotted slowly, the soft clopping of hooves on the ground caught Zhu Tong's attention, distracting him from his earlier nerves.

Shao Ming, however, couldn't help but be distracted by the hand in his grasp.

It was so pale, so smooth, and felt so nice to hold.

His heart stirred slightly, and a small smile tugged at his lips.

As the two of them left the stable, their striking figures—Zhu Tong on the dazzling white horse, Shao Ming walking alongside—quickly caught the attention of people in the riding field.

"Huh? There's such a beautiful horse here?"

"Who's that on the horse? He's so handsome."

"Wait, isn't there someone beside him? Is that a staff member? Doesn't look like it."