The Little Crybaby Continues to Court Death as a Cannon Fodder - Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Once dressed and ready, Yu Qing regained his arrogant and composed demeanor. He lifted his chin and looked down at Xi Yue, asking, “Don’t you have classes this afternoon?”

Xi Yue realized then that Yu Qing still wanted to attend lectures. He shook his head. “No classes. If you’d like to attend one, I can take you to audit a public lecture. Or, would the Young Master like to visit my studio?”

Yu Qing nodded. Xi Yue naturally stepped to his side, sliding an arm around his slender waist.

Yu Qing looked down oddly at the large hand resting against his hip, his face filled with confusion.

What’s with the hands all of a sudden?

Besides, it was summer. Wouldn’t it be hot for Xi Yue to cling to him like that?

But Xi Yue’s expression was perfectly serious, his movements so natural they were beyond reproach, even carrying a sense of low-profile loyalty. Yu Qing simply assumed Xi Yue wanted to ensure his safety and allowed the embrace.

…

Xi Yue’s studio wasn’t huge, but it certainly wasn’t small.

To the left of the entrance, a row of shelves held greyish-white plaster busts, while full-body statues stood on either side—their lines pure and cold against the smooth white walls. The opposite wall was a riot of color, adorned with oil paintings hung in an orderly yet staggered fashion. In the center, two long tables were joined to form a workspace covered in white gauze, displaying three small sculptures.

When the light from the window spilled in, the colors, lines, layers, and structures intertwined with the play of light and shadow, making the entire space burst with vitality.

Xi Yue was very focused when he painted and rarely spoke to Yu Qing, and Yu Qing didn’t disturb him. He sat on a nearby cabinet, swinging his legs and watching intently. The painting had a diagonal composition: a woman with her back to the viewer, her body forming a fluid curve.

When Xi Yue was finishing up, Yu Qing finally spoke. “Her spine is so long.”

“Her back doesn’t strictly follow human anatomy; there are a few extra vertebrae,” Xi Yue explained. “But it fits the pursuit of beauty.”

No wonder Yu Qing found the painting familiar. This piece was an imitation of The Grand Odalisque by the Neoclassical master Ingres. For artists like them, formal beauty was paramount—they pursued absolute beauty and flawless imagery. Ingres had deliberately elongated the body to capture an extreme sense of elegance.

Yu Qing jumped down from the cabinet and walked over to Xi Yue. Because one was standing and the other sitting, Xi Yue had to look up at him.

Yu Qing said, “I want one like this too.”

He spoke with a serious expression, looking down from above, leaving Xi Yue no room to refuse.

Before painting, Xi Yue had changed into old clothes, which were now dappled with paint, as were his hands. He went to wash them first. When he returned to help Yu Qing unbutton his shirt, Yu Qing suddenly stepped back, a wary look in his eyes.

Now he knows to be on guard?

Xi Yue wanted to laugh, but mostly he found this version of Yu Qing adorable. He reassured him: “I’ve seen many nude models; I won’t have any improper thoughts about you, nor will I feel anything.”

“I am a professional artist.”

Art academies frequently hired life models. Although the models were usually middle-aged or elderly, Xi Yue didn’t believe he would have a physical reaction while painting Yu Qing.

On the other side, Yu Qing slowly let his guard down.

That’s true. Xi Yue was the protagonist; if he felt something, it would be for Shang Ling. Why would he feel anything for a “death-seeking side character” like him?

Yu Qing gave Xi Yue a look, and Xi Yue stepped forward understandingly. When his fingertips touched Yu Qing’s buttons, an inexplicable heat swept through his body. Knowing Yu Qing’s skin was delicate, Xi Yue moved with extreme caution.

The fabric inevitably brushed against soft skin, causing Yu Qing’s shoulders to quiver. He bit his lower lip, looking flustered and slightly anxious.

Xi Yue toyed with the button thoughtfully.

Is he really this sensitive?

As the white collarbones and chest were revealed—pinkish and slightly concave—the sight was youthful yet intensely alluring. Seeing that hint of pink, a jolt of electricity ran through Xi Yue’s scalp. He didn’t realize how predatory his gaze had become. Yu Qing stood before him like a pitiful little lamb being watched by a hunter in the shadows.

Sensing a reaction he shouldn’t have, Xi Yue quickly and decisively re-buttoned Yu Qing’s clothes, his voice sounding slightly strained: “I’m sorry, I can’t paint today.”

He added, “Aren’t we going to the snack street later? If we paint now, we’ll be too rushed, and I can’t guarantee the quality.”

Since he wanted it, Yu Qing naturally wanted the best, not a perfunctory, second-rate product. He let Xi Yue finish dressing him, while he stared at the painting, his eyes filled with a mix of disappointment and anticipation.

Such a beautiful painting.

…

Before going to the snack street, Yu Qing had to book a hotel. He couldn’t stand Xi Yue’s dorm; those damned mosquitoes were still bothering him. He named a hotel—a “viral” boutique hotel famous on social media.

When checking in, Yu Qing was especially brisk, pulling out a card and preparing to book for a week.

Xi Yue whispered in his ear, “In case you’re not comfortable there and need to change, let’s book for one day first. See if it suits you, and if you like it, we can extend.”

Yu Qing thought about it. That makes sense; Xi Yue is very thoughtful.

The elevator ascended, and they entered the room. Yu Qing was in high spirits the whole way. Thinking of the snack street, the corners of his eyes lifted with joy.

Not long after they entered the room, Xi Yue made a phone call. Five minutes later, representatives from various brands entered with models, pushing rows of mobile clothing racks. All the models had physiques similar to Yu Qing’s—they were specifically employed by the Yu family. Whenever Yu Qing wanted new clothes, these models would try them on so he could see the effect before ordering brand-new items.

Yu Qing frowned. Didn’t we say we were going to the snack street?

But he really didn’t have a change of clothes. He pointed at a few outfits, and the group immediately cleared out. Once again, only the two of them were left. Xi Yue stepped forward to help him change.

After changing, Yu Qing sat on the edge of the bed, his white legs swinging idly before being caught. Xi Yue was helping him put on socks.

Yu Qing was scrolling through travel guides. After Xi Yue finished one sock, Yu Qing turned the screen toward him: “Out of these places, which one is fun?”

The options were a water park, hot springs, and camping.

“Does the Young Master want to visit a hot spring?” Xi Yue said. “Perfectly timed, then. Mr. Yu has arranged a blind date for you with the heir of the Lu Group. The location is Kangyun Hot Spring Resort, and the time is this evening.”

Yu Qing, sitting on the bed, widened his eyes, his lips parting in shock. A second later, his brows furrowed in anger, and his gaze turned cold.

Xi Yue reached for the slippers. “Young Master, we need to go find President Lu first.”

Yu Qing bit his lip and remained silent, though the rise and fall of his chest showed his emotions were far from calm.

In truth, he knew Xi Yue probably wouldn’t take him to the snack street because Grandpa wouldn’t allow it—no one would. He was used to having his diet controlled; he wasn’t allowed to touch that “junk food.”

But Xi Yue promised!

If Xi Yue had refused from the start, he wouldn’t have expected it. Now, Xi Yue was telling him indirectly that his hopes were dashed. The drop in expectation made him feel inevitably aggrieved.

If you didn’t want to take me, why did you agree?

He admitted he had a bad temper, and if Xi Yue hadn’t agreed, he would have pestered him endlessly. But Xi Yue shouldn’t go back on his word! Most importantly, Yu Qing thought Xi Yue was his person, yet Xi Yue had secretly arranged a blind date behind his back.

A surge of betrayal-fueled rage made his snowy face flush.

Yu Qing sat on the bed while Xi Yue knelt at his feet, helping him into his slippers. The moment the slipper was on, Yu Qing kicked it away. Xi Yue looked up, and Yu Qing glared back arrogantly.

Yu Qing threw his phone aside, his pale arms propped on either side of him as his hands sank into the white bedding. His eyes were full of fire: “You’re taking me on a blind date?!”

Xi Yue fetched the slipper again. Yu Qing watched him expressionlessly, then maliciously kicked it off again. His small foot, clad in a pure white cotton sock, intentionally kicked Xi Yue’s chest before stepping onto Xi Yue’s shoulder.

He thought he was being mean and bullying him, unaware that this was only a benefit to the other person.

Xi Yue tilted his head to look at the foot. Because the movement was so sharp, the cotton sock had slipped slightly, revealing half of an exquisite foot. Because he rarely walked, his feet were small. The flesh was delicate and white, with a translucent quality under the light, like a thin-skinned lychee that would burst with juice if squeezed slightly.

“Young Master, this hot spring resort is very famous. It’s built on a mountain peak, surrounded by scenery like a snow-capped mountain.” Xi Yue held the angry little foot that was still kicking and helped pull the sock back on, coaxing him in a soft voice. “Don’t you want to go to a hot spring anyway? The point is that you want to go; the blind date is just a convenience to meet the Lu heir. If you don’t like him, just refuse.”

“There’s no need to let him ruin your mood.”

Xi Yue added, “I’ll find a way to take you to the snack street. Just give me a little time.”

Xi Yue really knew how to talk. Especially when he spoke so gently, full of loyalty, making it sound like everything was for Yu Qing’s benefit.

But Yu Qing was still angry. He hated people who broke their word; it made his trust feel like a joke. He was dressed neatly, his white feet encased in white socks, with one foot still resting in Xi Yue’s palm.

Xi Yue’s hand was resting against the floor. Visually, it looked as though he was afraid the floor would dirty Yu Qing’s feet and was using his hand as a protective mat.

After staring at Xi Yue for a moment, the Young Master came up with another “bullying” idea.

Yu Qing raised his other foot, using the toe of his white sock to slowly brush against Xi Yue’s Adam’s apple. He moved it upward, hooking Xi Yue’s chin.

He looked down from above and asked icily, “Are you going to be good?”

Being bullied by the wicked Young Master didn’t make Xi Yue angry. Instead, he tilted his head back in cooperation, his expression exceptionally submissive as he gave his answer.

“I will be very good.”