Jiao Jiao, the tiny Gu worm, nestled himself on Xue Tuzi's bed, bouncing lightly in exhaustion before succumbing to sleep. The little creature's chest rose and fell in steady rhythm, its tiny body swaddled snugly in a blanket. Xue Tuzi chuckled softly, leaning down to press a gentle goodnight kiss to Jiao Jiao's oversized head. The scene was serene, the room dimly lit by the flickering candle on his bedside table.
Setting the Gu worm aside, Xue Tuzi reached for a small jar perched on the nightstand. The moment he twisted it open, the heady, intoxicating aroma of essential oils wafted through the air, filling the room and even seeping out into the cool night breeze through the open window. Carefully, he dipped his fingers into the silky substance, massaging the fragrant oil into the smooth skin of his neck. The motions were deliberate, his fingers gliding down to his shoulders and chest, leaving a glistening sheen behind. He worked the oil into the tips of his hair, his movements almost ritualistic, before continuing to lather his legs and feet with meticulous care.
Satisfied, Xue Tuzi sighed, sinking into the comfort of his bed. He pulled Jiao Jiao close, cradling the tiny creature against his chest as he leaned over to extinguish the candle. Darkness enveloped the room, save for the faint glow of moonlight filtering in through the window.
Unbeknownst to him, a shadow loomed by the sill. A wolf waited patiently, its amber eyes glinting in the darkness as it watched Xue Tuzi settle into sleep. The intoxicating scent beckoned, drawing it forward with an almost magnetic pull. Silently, it slithered through the window, its predatory instincts guiding it toward its quarry.
The wolf was no ordinary creature; it was Shudu, slipping through the shadows. His nose led him straight to the source of the fragrance—Xue Tuzi. He leaned down, his face hovering mere inches above Xue Tuzi's exposed neck.
"Damn, why do you smell so good?" Shudu muttered, his voice low and husky as his eyes fluttered shut, savoring the scent. He leaned closer, his nose brushing against Xue Tuzi's skin.
Startled awake, Xue Tuzi's eyes snapped open, his hand darting beneath his pillow to retrieve a concealed blade. In a flash, the knife was pressed firmly against Shudu's neck, the sharp edge biting just enough to draw a thin trickle of blood.
"Get out!" Xue Tuzi hissed, his wide doe eyes narrowing into a glare.
Unfazed, Shudu leaned closer, the blade pressing deeper against his throat. "Who are you trying to lure with this scent, huh?" he whispered, his breath warm against Xue Tuzi's ear. Shudu's grin widened as he inhaled deeply once more.
"Obviously not you," Xue Tuzi snapped, rolling his eyes as he pushed Shudu away with an annoyed shove.
Shudu reached out, his fingers grasping a silky strand of Xue Tuzi's hair. He brought it to his nose, inhaling the lingering fragrance. "What are you, a dog?" Xue Tuzi growled, swatting Shudu's hand away, his cheeks flushed with a mixture of anger and embarrassment.
Shudu chuckled, unfazed by the outburst. "I thought dogs slept with their masters," he teased, his grin playful yet predatory.
"On the floor," Xue Tuzi shot back, attempting to kick him off the bed. But Shudu was quicker, catching Xue Tuzi's delicate foot mid-air.
Without warning, Shudu began massaging the soft foot, his touch firm yet gentle. His fingers traced the curve of Xue Tuzi's arch, his nails brushing against the faint pink tint of his neatly trimmed nails. A shiver ran up Xue Tuzi's spine, and before he could stop it, a quiet "Mnn" escaped his lips.
Shudu's smirk deepened as he planted featherlight kisses along the delicate foot. His hands moved with practiced ease, stroking up the length of Xue Tuzi's leg. His touch lingered on the smooth, firm skin of his thighs, which parted instinctively beneath his hands.
Xue Tuzi's breath hitched, his chest rising and falling as Shudu's hands ventured closer to forbidden territory. Shudu's eyes widened slightly, his pupils darkening as the tension between them thickened, the air heavy with the anticipation of something far more primal.
Shudu's hands froze mid-motion, his playful smirk giving way to a furrowed brow as his gaze flickered to Xue Tuzi's face. The beauty's cheeks were flushed a deep crimson, his rosy lips caught between his teeth in an unconscious act of restraint. Shudu's sharp eyes trailed downward, taking in the disheveled robe barely concealing Xue Tuzi's form. His voice, tinged with concern, broke the silence.
"No pants. No underwear. Window wide open…" Shudu muttered, his tone low but stern. His eyes locked onto Xue Tuzi's as he leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. "Are you trying to get raped?"
The words hit like a spark igniting a fuse. Xue Tuzi's misty gaze sharpened instantly, his thighs snapping shut with a loud rustle of fabric as he shoved Shudu back with a surge of frustration.
"Get out!" he snapped, his voice laced with a mix of embarrassment and anger. He tugged his robe tighter around himself, his slender fingers fumbling with the ties in his haste.
Shudu, undeterred, tilted his head and fixed Xue Tuzi with an unrelenting stare. "You're going to lure a demon in," he said matter-of-factly, his voice edged with warning. "Xiao Jiao isn't strong enough to protect you."
Xue Tuzi rolled his eyes dramatically, letting out an exasperated huff. "Hmph, I don't need protection," he muttered, folding his arms over his chest as though to shield himself from the conversation.
A low chuckle escaped Shudu's lips as he leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over the shell of Xue Tuzi's ear. "You have a terrible track record against demons," he murmured, his voice dropping into something darker, more intimate. "They'll swallow you whole. Is that what you want?" He brushed his nose lightly against Xue Tuzi's neck, inhaling the lingering scent of oil on his skin. "Do you want to be devoured?"
Xue Tuzi's frown deepened, his lips pressing into a thin line. Without warning, his delicate hands shot out, landing firmly on Shudu's abdomen. He pinched one of the bruises he had left behind with precision, forcing a pained groan from Shudu's lips.
"Get out." Xue Tuzi repeated, his voice sharper this time as he doubled down, pinching every visible bruise he could find with practiced accuracy.
Shudu winced, his usually composed demeanor crumbling under the assault. "Ow! Stop it!" he whined, retreating further onto the bed, his movements sluggish as he clutched his ribs protectively.
A sly smile tugged at the corners of Xue Tuzi's lips, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Why is this beauty so venomous?" Shudu hissed, his voice tight with pain as he tried to fend off Xue Tuzi's relentless fingers.
"Because he doesn't like insects," Xue Tuzi replied coolly, his hand darting up to Shudu's face. He pressed his palm against Shudu's swollen cheek, his fingers squeezing just enough to force another pained groan from him.
"Ouch!" Shudu hissed, his brows knitting together as Xue Tuzi's round lips curled into a triumphant smile.
But before Xue Tuzi could relish his victory, Shudu moved swiftly, closing the distance between them in an instant. His lips crashed against the beauty's in a greedy, feverish kiss, his free hand trailing slowly down the curve of Xue Tuzi's back. Xue Tuzi squirmed in protest, his hands pinching and clawing at Shudu's shoulders, but his efforts were futile against the demon's unrelenting strength. Eventually, he relented, his resistance melting away as Shudu devoured him with an intensity that left no room for escape.
"I like the taste of poison," Shudu murmured against his lips, his voice low and thick with desire. He allowed Xue Tuzi a brief moment to catch his breath before diving back in, his lips capturing the other's with renewed hunger. His teeth grazed Xue Tuzi's bottom lip, tugging and nibbling until it was swollen and blood-red, the faint metallic taste mingling with their shared breaths.
From within the folds of Xue Tuzi's blankets, a tiny head peeked out. The little Gu worm, blinked his large eyes curiously at the commotion before suddenly being snatched away by Shudu. The demon tossed the tiny creature into the air with a mischievous grin, catching him effortlessly each time.
"Xiao Jiao!" Xue Tuzi exclaimed in alarm, his voice tinged with worry. He frowned at Shudu, who continued tossing the Gu worm higher and higher. Jiao Jiao, however, squealed in delight, his big head bobbing with each toss, his crescent-shaped eyes sparkling with amusement.
"Look at your mama," Shudu teased, catching Jiao Jiao in his palm and cradling him like a fragile treasure. "He thinks I'm going to drop you. Such an overbearing mother." His chuckle was rich and low, but it only deepened Xue Tuzi's glare.
Without hesitation, Xue Tuzi snatched Jiao Jiao back, holding the tiny creature protectively against his chest. He twisted and turned the little Gu worm, inspecting him from every angle to ensure he was unharmed. Satisfied that Jiao Jiao was fine, Xue Tuzi looked up, ready to reprimand Shudu, but the demon had already collapsed onto the bed, his breathing slow and steady in deep sleep.
Xue Tuzi sighed, exasperation etched on his delicate features. His gaze softened as it lingered on Shudu's face, the sharp angles of his jawline contrasting with the swollen cheek that bore evidence of their earlier skirmish. Hesitantly, he reached out, his fingers tracing the line of Shudu's cheek before trailing down to his firm chest. His fingertips ghosted over the bruises scattered across the demon's skin, their vivid colors a testament to Xue Tuzi's ruthlessness.
"He's like a roach," Xue Tuzi muttered under his breath, his fingers still brushing lightly over the bruises. "No matter how much I step on him, he won't die." His words were harsh, but the tender way he touched Shudu betrayed a flicker of affection.
Lifting Jiao Jiao high above him, Xue Tuzi tilted his head, his expression contemplative. "Am I too harsh on him? Or just not harsh enough?" he asked the Gu worm as though expecting an answer.
Jiao Jiao tilted his head in response, his tiny eyes blinking innocently.
With a soft sigh, Xue Tuzi brought Jiao Jiao back to his chest, cradling him close as he lay down. His eyes fluttered shut, his body finally succumbing to the weariness of the day. The room fell into peaceful silence, the moonlight casting a soft glow over the unlikely trio as Xue Tuzi drifted into a deep, dreamless sleep.
An alarm blared inside Yi Ming's head, sharp and unrelenting, like the jubilant pop of champagne bottles followed by a cascade of applause. The noise reverberated in his skull, a disorienting symphony that yanked him from the haze of slumber. The screen flickered to life, bathing the dimly lit room in a pale glow as bold text filled the screen:
CONGRATULATIONS USER!
ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER #2 ACHIEVED
+100 POINTS
SPICY LEVEL: [One Hot Pepper]
+50 BONUS POINTS
Still half-asleep, Yi Ming wiped a smear of drool from the corner of his mouth, his sluggish movements betraying just how thoroughly he'd passed out at his desk. His eyes, heavy with fatigue, squinted at the notification. The digits blurred for a moment before snapping into focus.
"Only 50 bonus points this time?" he muttered, the corners of his mouth pulling down into a dissatisfied frown. He rubbed his temples, trying to piece together what could have transpired between Shudu and Xue Tuzi to earn the achievement. The memory eluded him, like a stubborn shadow refusing to take form.
It didn't matter, not tonight. Whatever drama or intrigue had unfolded between the characters was a puzzle for tomorrow. Yi Ming pushed himself up from the chair, his limbs weighed down by exhaustion, and staggered toward the bed. The mattress seemed to swallow him whole as he collapsed onto it, his mind already slipping back into the embrace of sleep.
The following day, Yi Ming awoke with a spark of anticipation, his steps brisk as he made his way to the courtyard. Today, he was eager to witness the blossoming romantic chemistry between Xue Tuzi and Shudu—an affair that had earned him points through the system. However, the sight that greeted him brought him to an abrupt halt.
Shudu stood in the courtyard, his usual presence marred by a series of purplish bruises staining his skin. His left cheek was swollen, its redness stark against his dark complexion. He looked battered, as though he had emerged from a fight he hadn't been prepared for.
Xue Laohu, froze at the sigh, his expression crumbled into one of concern as he rushed forward. "What happened?" he asked, his voice sharp with worry.
Shudu exhaled a long, exasperated sigh, running his fingers lazily down his chest and gesturing toward the darkened welts marring his torso. "Your incompetent disciple…" he said coolly.
Xue Laohu's brows knit tightly together, a frown shadowing his usually composed face. "I deeply apologize on his behalf," he said, his voice filled with sincerity. Without another word, he retrieved a small jar of ointment from his robe.
Shudu's lips curved into a faint, amused smile as he watched Xue Laohu kneel beside him, carefully unscrewing the lid of the jar. The cool scent of herbs wafted into the air as Xue Laohu dipped his fingers into the salve, his movements deliberate and gentle. He leaned in closer, his fingers brushing softly against Shudu's bruised cheek as he began applying the ointment in delicate strokes.
Xue Laohu's touch was so tender that it sent Shudu into a moment of quiet contemplation. His eyes softened as he observed Xue Laohu's focused expression. Meanwhile, Xue Laohu's mind wandered, confusion tugging at his thoughts. Despite the system's declared progress, why did it seem like Xue Tuzi and Shudu were still far from being enamored with each other?
"Grandmaster Xue," Shudu murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Xue Laohu startled slightly, his gaze snapping up to meet Shudu's. Shudu leaned into the hand cradling his face, his lips brushing softly against Xue Laohu's palm in a fleeting kiss. "Is there something on your mind?"
Xue Laohu blinked, his breath catching for the briefest moment. "Ehhh… no, it's nothing," he stammered, quickly turning his attention back to the task at hand. His fingers resumed their rhythmic strokes, smoothing the ointment over the bruises with care.
Shudu let out a quiet chuckle, his gaze lingering on Xue Laohu's flushed face. The courtyard was silent save for the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze, a charged stillness hanging between them as the scene unfolded.
Xue Tuzi stretched lazily beneath the warmth of his blankets, his mind foggy with sleep. But the haze quickly lifted as he remembered a certain unwelcomed insect who had shared his bed the night before. He twisted his head sharply to check—but the space beside him was empty. Shudu was gone.
He scanned the room Jiao Jiao, was also missing. The realization hit him—he had overslept.
Grumbling under his breath, Xue Tuzi threw off the covers and stumbled out of bed. He hastily ran his fingers through his disheveled hair, gathering just enough to tie it back with a simple ribbon. His movements were rushed, the ribbon knot uneven as he fumbled with his clothes, slipping on a fresh robe. One shoe dangled precariously from his foot as he bolted out of the room, still fastening the other as he sprinted toward the courtyard.
The sight that awaited him made him stop dead in his tracks. His Shizun, stood beside Shudu, his expression unusually tender. Xue Tuzi's gaze sharpened as he watched Xue Laohu carefully tending to Shudu's injuries.
Shudu sat with his shirt unbuttoned, exposing the taut lines of his chest, which was marred by faint bruises. Xue Laohu, with the precision of an artist, was meticulously applying ointment to the damaged skin. His touch was light, deliberate, but even so, Shudu flinched slightly when the cool salve met his sensitive flesh.
Xue Laohu immediately froze, his hand hovering in midair, concern flashing across his face. "Did I hurt you?" he asked softly, his tone betraying a rare vulnerability.
Shudu didn't answer right away. Instead, a sly smile played on his lips as he reached out, his fingers curling around Xue Laohu's wrist. With deliberate slowness, he guided Xue Laohu's hand back to his abdomen, pressing it firmly against his skin. "Don't stop," Shudu murmured, his voice a low purr, his eyes holding a faint glimmer of amusement.
Xue Laohu's movements were slower now, almost hesitant, as though the intimacy of the moment had caught him off guard.
From his vantage point, Xue Tuzi's chest tightened. His Shizun was tending to Shudu's battered body, the tension undeniable, Xue Tuzi rooted to the spot, unsure whether to interrupt or simply retreat unnoticed.