Qiang Jin Jiu (Author : Tang Jiuqing 唐酒卿)

Chapter 40 : Tearing & Biting

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Fresh vegetables were a rare sight in winter, and so the ones that fetched a high price in Qudu now were all green vegetables. Having been rewarded by Li Jianheng, Xiao Chiye’s dinner table tonight included a plate of crisp, shredded cucumber.

“Side dishes that accompany the main dishes help to invigorate the spleen and eliminate toxins.” Xiao Chiye scooped up a bowl of hot soup and pushed it towards Shen Zechuan. “You’ve been standing outside for so long. Warm yourself up and have a refreshing meal before you take a rest.”

“As the saying goes,” Shen Zechuan wiped his hands and took a seat. “One who is unaccountably solicitous is hiding evil intentions. So, what instructions does the Second Young Master have?” 

“Plenty.” Xiao Chiye said. “We’ll talk as we eat.”  

Both men lifted their chopsticks together. 
There was no one else inside the room. The two bowls of rice were quickly eaten clean, as was the plate of shredded cucumber that they split between themselves. Neither of them touched the meat dishes.

“The Spring Festival is right around the corner, and my shifu is coming to the capital.” Xiao Chiye drank the soup. “If Ji Gang-shifu is free, we can arrange for both elders to meet.”

“A new year celebration, or a Hongmen banquet? You have to make it clear.” Shen Zechuan set down the chopsticks. “My shifu doesn’t stake his life on games.” 

“New year celebration.” Xiao Chiye said. “There are only both of them left in this generation, and they have not seen each other in so many years.”

“Sure. I’ll prepare a big gift later and ask shifu to come out of obscurity.” Shen Zechuan had eaten his fill.

Seeing him get up, Xiao Chiye said, “Rest in my room as usual tonight.”

Shen Zechuan looked back and smiled as he said, “Naturally, I won’t run. We’ll take our turns in the bath. Take your time. I’ll go first."

With that, he lifted the curtain and headed inside to wash his face and rinse his mouth. 
Xiao Chiye called for the servants to clear the table. As he stood by the window, he saw that it was snowing outside. He turned his head and saw Shen Zechuan’s silhouette through the hazy curtain fabric.

Shen Zechuan removed his outer garment. It was as if he was peeling away a layer of coarse shell to reveal the fresh, tender, and succulent flesh within. When he lowered his head to undo his waist belt, the curve of his nape danced with tangerine-yellow light as if to add a velvety touch of exquisiteness to that already smooth part.

Looking at him through the curtain fabric was just like scratching an itch through a boot. It magnified that temptation, which was brimming with desire, and scattered it, sending it wandering aimlessly through his limbs and bones. It tickled him so badly that it made him irritable and gave him certain violent thoughts. The man being like jade himself counted for nothing. What bothered Xiao Chiye the most was Shen Zechuan’s desire.

That pair of eyes. And that kind of smile. Whether by design or accident, he seemed to exude such a sexual desire.

“Come and hug me.” 

“Come and touch me.”   

“Come and sweat it out with me to your heart’s content.”

This desire was as unaggressive as a drizzle, but unbeknownst to him, it had invaded his mind. Shen Zechuan himself seemed oblivious to it. He showed a different kind of indifference that was completely opposite to desire as he casually presented this confusing riddle for others to ponder.