Jan 1, 2024
—
by
Juno
in Fight for Peace and Love
Bai Luo Luo felt a bit unsettled under Xue Hui’s intense gaze.
His throat moved slightly, and he said, “Where does it hurt? Let me take a look.”
“It hurts a lot in my chest.” Ruo Liu Fu Feng covered his chest, and Xue Hui, delicate as a trembling dandelion in the cold wind, seemed like he could be shattered by a gust of wind at any moment, making people want to protect him.
Bai Luo Luo said, “Are you injured? Come here; let me check.” As he spoke, he removed Xue Hui’s upper clothing to examine if there was any injury to his chest. In reality, Xue Hui’s chest was unharmed, and his skin still maintained a jade-like, glossy whiteness, giving a feeling of softness.
“Where does it hurt?” Bai Luo Luo continued to ask.
“It hurts in my chest.” Tears welled up in Xue Hui’s purple eyes, ready to flow out at any moment.
Bai Luo Luo actually admired Xue Hui’s ability to cry on command. Initially, he thought Xue Hui was genuinely in pain, but after a prompt from the senior system, he finally realized that Xue Hui, the big shot, wasn’t in pain at all; he was just in the mood for drama.
Helplessly, Bai Luo Luo said to the system, “Why doesn’t he join the entertainment industry?”
The system replied, “Maybe the entertainment industry isn’t developed on this planet.”
Bai Luo Luo thought it made sense and couldn’t argue with that.
Now that the big shot wanted to act, what could Bai Luo Luo do? He gently touched Xue Hui’s cheek and said, “Why did you leave? Do you know how dangerous it is outside? Do you know how worried I was about you?”
Choking back tears, Xue Hui said, “I-I was just scared.”
Bai Luo Luo, with deep affection, asked, “Scared of what?”
“I’m afraid you won’t like me anymore.” He finished, and sorrowful tears flowed down, clear and transparent, falling onto Bai Luo Luo’s hand as if they would scald it. Bai Luo Luo, in pain, said, “When did I give you such a misconception? Why would you think I’m like that?”
Xue Hui said, “Then, do you still like me the most?”
Bai Luo Luo replied, “It’s you, yes, it’s you, always you.”
As the two engaged in their back-and-forth, Yuan Shuzhe stood nearby, wearing an expression as if he had just eaten something unpleasant. The scene unfolding before him resembled the most cliché romantic dramas, and to make matters worse, Yuan Shuzhe realized that he seemed to be cast as the very unlikable third party in this play.
Initially, Yuan Shuzhe had a forced smile on his face, but as the scene progressed, he couldn’t even be bothered to smile. He stared expressionlessly at Bai Luo Luo and Xue Hui, listening to their excessively cheesy dialogue.
The foreplay concluded, and the climax arrived. Bai Luo Luo, holding Xue Hui’s face, angrily asked, “Who made you have such a misconception? Did Yuan Shuzhe say something to you?”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shuzhe’s heart tensed. He anxiously crossed his arms, slightly lowered his head, and perked up his ears, waiting for Xue Hui’s response. He knew that if Xue Hui revealed what he had done to Ling Yueming, there was no way Ling Yueming would let him stay here any longer. Yuan Shuzhe’s fingers twisted together as he continuously prayed that Xue Hui would maintain his almost childlike innocence.
Yuan Shuzhe’s prayers seemed to work.
After hearing Bai Luo Luo’s question, Xue Hui gently wiped away his tears, shook his head, and said, “No, he never said anything to me. Yuan Shuzhe is a good person; please don’t misunderstand him.”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Yuan Shuzhe: “…”
Both of them were somewhat shocked by Xue Hui’s statement. Unfortunately, the shocking points might be different for each. Bai Luo Luo found it incredible that the big shot still wanted to continue acting. Yuan Shuzhe, on the other hand, was amazed at how there could be someone so pure, innocent, and kind in the world. Yes, someone, not something.
With Xue Hui’s saintly declaration, it seemed like a radiant halo appeared around him. Even Bai Luo Luo felt afraid that he might sprout wings from his back and fly to an uncontaminated paradise. With the strange satisfaction he gained from Bai Luo Luo and Yuan Shuzhe’s almost worshipful eyes, Xue Hui sadly smiled and said, “I just doubted myself. I’m so useless. If I lose you… I really don’t know what to do.”
In his despair, Bai Luo Luo thought, yes, without me, who else would wholeheartedly accompany you in acting like this? So, big shot, when you think about changing actors in the future, could you let me die a bit more gracefully? But on his face was a resolute expression as he firmly held Xue Hui’s hand and said, “Xue Hui, don’t be afraid. I will never let you go. Even if I die, I will make sure you live on.”
Xue Hui made a sound of agreement, and his lips mumbled something.
Thinking he was about to say something emotional, Bai Luo Luo asked, “Don’t you trust me?”
After a moment of hesitation, Xue Hui whispered, “Then, are we still having chicken tonight?”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Xue Hui continued, “Can we catch a bigger one?”
The change in tone was too sudden, and Bai Luo Luo was a bit caught off guard. After a few seconds of silence, he said, “If you like it, I’ll make it for you.”
The big shot, Xue Hui, wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth—Bai Luo Luo had always thought it was tears.
Originally, Bai Luo Luo had planned to take Xue Hui along for the hunt. He really didn’t want Yuan Shuzhe to be with Xue Hui again. In case Yuan Shuzhe said something and stimulated the big shot’s acting tendencies, leading to the big shot going missing for a few more days, Bai Luo Luo was afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself from chopping him up.
However, Xue Hui found an excuse, saying his feet hurt and he couldn’t walk. When Bai Luo Luo offered to carry him, he claimed to be tired and wanted to rest at the camp.
Bai Luo Luo could see through his intentions. The big shot, who was gradually thinning due to his obsession with acting, was undoubtedly looking forward to the showdown between the white lotus and the third party. Bai Luo Luo had no choice but to give up, giving Yuan Shuzhe a sympathetic look as he left. Unfortunately, Yuan Shuzhe completely misinterpreted Bai Luo Luo’s intention—he saw Bai Luo Luo’s look as a threat.
Yes, what was he? Just an outsider, a third party. Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile, his hands clenched into fists.
Bai Luo Luo went to catch chickens, leaving Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe alone once again.
“Sorry, Xue Hui,” Yuan Shuzhe sincerely apologized, “I didn’t mean to upset you.” His tone was sincere, but his eyes couldn’t hide the resentment.
“It’s okay.” Xue Hui still had wounds on his face. Although Yuan Shuzhe had hurt him, there was no hint of resentment in his expression. He looked at Yuan Shuzhe tenderly and said, “It’s my fault. I was too impulsive. Ling is so gentle; I shouldn’t have misunderstood him.”
“He is.” Yuan Shuzhe said, “Brother Yueming is indeed very gentle.”
Xue Hui continued, “Don’t worry about this. I won’t tell Ling about what you said to me.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shuzhe’s cheeks twitched visibly. Even though Xue Hui was saying forgiving words, Yuan Shuzhe should have been happy, yet for some reason, a flame of inexplicable anger ignited in his heart. Why was Xue Hui always able to act like he was above it all? He should resent himself, but he easily spoke words of forgiveness. Too beautiful things always made people want to destroy them completely.
Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile and remained silent.
Xue Hui seemed to be in a good mood, lying in the camp Bai Luo Luo had set up and looking at the sky. His purple eyes were filled with tenderness, as if he had thought of something particularly joyful.
Yuan Shuzhe sat beside Xue Hui, his nails digging fiercely into his palm.
Bai Luo Luo didn’t know how Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe had talked, but when he returned to the camp, the atmosphere between them seemed a bit strange. Yuan Shuzhe had a forced fake smile on his face, while Xue Hui was extremely happy, hopping around and helping Bai Luo Luo.
When Bai Luo Luo went hunting, Xue Hui had mentioned wanting to eat chicken. Bai Luo Luo’s luck that night was terrifyingly good. Shortly after entering the woods, two plump chickens collided and died right in front of him.
Looking at the two dead chickens in front of him, Bai Luo Luo wondered, “Is this heaven’s favor?”
The system said, “It’s the big shot’s favor.”
Bai Luo Luo: “…” The big shot said he wanted chicken, and so chickens appeared.
Bai Luo Luo, holding the chickens, even began to suspect that all the chickens they had eaten before were delivered by the big shot. After the big shot left home, Bai Luo Luo’s difficulty in catching chickens increased significantly. Today, he encountered three chickens that just ran into him and died.
Dragging the two chickens back, Bai Luo Luo snacked on melon seeds with the system along the way.
The system said, “How are we going to prepare the chicken tonight?”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Let’s stew one and roast one. We still have plenty of potatoes and onions left from yesterday.”
The system said, “I think in a few days, you’ll have gathered all the ingredients Earth has to offer.”
Bai Luo Luo silently thanked the big shot for his gifts.
When Xue Hui saw Bai Luo Luo coming back with two chickens, he happily ran over to help Bai Luo Luo. His previous claim of foot pain was not evident now. He was even stronger than Bai Luo Luo, carrying one chicken in each hand.
Bai Luo Luo didn’t bother to remind Xue Hui about his shattered character. Since the big shot was willing to help carry the chickens, then let him.
After dealing with the feathers and cleaning the innards, Bai Luo Luo marinated the chicken with spices. He stuffed potatoes, onions, and some unique fruits from this planet into the chicken’s belly. Finally, he wrapped the chicken in a special large leaf, coated it with mud, and placed it in the prepared clay stove to simmer.
It was the first time Xue Hui had seen Bai Luo Luo cook like this. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he squatted beside Bai Luo Luo, repeatedly asking if it was ready.
Bai Luo Luo felt like he was looking at a child eagerly waiting to eat roasted sweet potatoes during the New Year. Xue Hui couldn’t wait to dig out the chicken and devour it.
While the two of them were busy, Yuan Shuzhe went to pick some fruits. He was much quieter than usual, and Bai Luo Luo didn’t bother to pay him any attention. After all, Xue Hui wasn’t truly a white lotus, and no matter how hard Yuan Shuzhe tried, he couldn’t create any big waves.
The clay-wrapped chicken was softer than roasted chicken. Unlike roasting, all the juices were sealed inside the meat by the leaves and mud. When it was fully cooked, the aroma of the leaves and the fruits inside would blend with the chicken. Bai Luo Luo had used lotus leaves twice on Earth, and both times were quite successful—the taste was excellent.
As the sky gradually darkened, wisps of smoke rose from the woods.
Bai Luo Luo roasted another chicken while waiting for the clay-wrapped chicken to simmer. Xue Hui was usually very well-behaved when Bai Luo Luo cooked, and today was no exception. He sat next to Bai Luo Luo, earnestly watching the chicken roasting over the fire.
Roasting the chicken took slightly less time than simmering, so Bai Luo Luo divided the chicken, giving Xue Hui a portion to fill his stomach.
Yuan Shuzhe also received a piece, and Bai Luo Luo didn’t make things difficult for him. The part he gave to Yuan Shuzhe had more meat, enough to satisfy his size.
Xue Hui enjoyed the meal immensely. His appetite was truly something else; Bai Luo Luo had never heard him say, “I’m full.” It was always, “I’m done.” The meaning was clear: if there’s more, I can still eat.
After eating meat for a while, Bai Luo Luo decided to change his taste. So, he didn’t share the chicken with Xue Hui this time. Instead, Bai Luo Luo ate a few potatoes, roasted beans, and some fresh fruits. Yuan Shuzhe was more experienced in picking fruits than Xue Hui, and most of the fruits he picked were sweet and juicy. Bai Luo Luo even saw him bring back a watermelon the size of a head. However, Xue Hui wasn’t interested in vegetarian food other than potatoes; Bai Luo Luo had never seen him willingly eat any other vegetables.
Xue Hui buried his head in the roasted chicken, nibbling on it while glancing at Bai Luo Luo. He mumbled something, and Bai Luo Luo, engrossed in his thoughts, didn’t catch what he said.
Bai Luo Luo waited for about half an hour, estimating that the meat was cooked. Using a stick, he carefully pulled the clay-wrapped chicken out of the fire.
Gently tapping the outer layer of mud off the chicken, Bai Luo Luo peeled away the leaves, revealing the snow-white meat. The wild chickens here were entirely natural, eating no artificial feed, resulting in very high-quality meat. Bai Luo Luo used a knife to slice the chicken, revealing a slow flow of light yellow chicken juice. He picked a piece, tasted it, and found that this method of cooking was indeed fantastic. It wasn’t as dry as roasted chicken; the meat was tender, and each bite was filled with juices. The potatoes and fruits inside the chicken’s belly were also perfectly cooked. Bai Luo Luo picked out a potato and took a bite; the potato was filled with the savory aroma of chicken, complementing the soft texture of the potato.
As Bai Luo Luo enjoyed his meal, Xue Hui had already brought his head close to Bai Luo Luo, watching his every move. Bai Luo Luo could see the intense desire in Xue Hui’s eyes.
Bai Luo Luo waited for Xue Hui to ask if he wanted to eat, but Xue Hui hesitated. Finally, he asked in a muffled voice if Bai Luo Luo wanted some.
Bai Luo Luo replied, “You eat. I don’t feel like eating; we still have another chicken later.”
Xue Hui nodded eagerly and continued to enjoy his meal.
After waiting for about half an hour, Bai Luo Luo estimated that the meat was cooked, so he used a stick to carefully pull the clay-wrapped chicken out of the fire.
Gently tapping the outer layer of mud off the chicken, Bai Luo Luo peeled away the leaves, revealing the snow-white meat. The wild chickens here were entirely natural, eating no artificial feed, resulting in very high-quality meat. Bai Luo Luo used a knife to slice the chicken, revealing a slow flow of light yellow chicken juice. He picked a piece, tasted it, and found that this method of cooking was indeed fantastic. It wasn’t as dry as roasted chicken; the meat was tender, and each bite was filled with juices. The potatoes and fruits inside the chicken’s belly were also perfectly cooked. Bai Luo Luo picked out a potato and took a bite; the potato was filled with the savory aroma of chicken, complementing the soft texture of the potato.
As Bai Luo Luo enjoyed his meal, Xue Hui had already brought his head close to Bai Luo Luo, watching his every move. Bai Luo Luo could see the intense desire in Xue Hui’s eyes.
Bai Luo Luo sliced a chicken wing for Yuan Shuzhe, and the rest was left for Xue Hui.
But this time, Xue Hui didn’t rush to eat; instead, he gently asked Bai Luo Luo if he didn’t want to eat.
Bai Luo Luo said, “You eat; I don’t feel like eating. Later, there’s another chicken.”
Xue Hui nodded but looked somewhat incredulous. Finally, after Bai Luo Luo repeated several times, he was convinced that Bai Luo Luo genuinely didn’t want to eat.
With Bai Luo Luo’s permission, Xue Hui excitedly rolled up his sleeves and grabbed the chicken, starting to eat. Bai Luo Luo, chewing on a potato, suddenly heard Yuan Shuzhe behind him softly asking if Xue Hui could finish such a large chicken.
Bai Luo Luo spat out the potato skin, turned to him, and said with a sigh, “Do you believe that if I bring another chicken, he can still eat it?”
Yuan Shuzhe: “…”
Xue Hui was genuinely happy this time. After finishing the meal, he slumped on the ground, letting Bai Luo Luo clean his hands and face. He even patted his fair belly, saying how much he liked Ling.
Bai Luo Luo thought to himself, “You like my chicken, huh.” — Oh, sorry, can’t talk about chicken, gotta keep it civilized.
After a satisfying meal and drink, the three of them went to sleep.
The night seemed peaceful, with no danger or surprises. Except for dealing with the big guy’s penchant for acting, this world was actually not bad.
Bai Luo Luo lay on the ground, looking at the sky above. Spending time with Xue Hui, he had noticed some peculiarities about him. For example, when Xue Hui was awake, there would be bird chirps and insect sounds around, but when he closed his eyes, the whole world seemed to fall silent. It was as if this planet fell asleep with him. Tonight was no exception; Xue Hui lay in Bai Luo Luo’s arms, sleeping soundly. His white hair was a bit messy, covering his eyes, but his breathing was steady. There was a faint blush on his cheeks, and occasionally, he dreamt of something delicious, puckering his lips.
Bai Luo Luo closed his eyes too, falling asleep with Xue Hui.
The next day, the three of them set out together.
Xue Hui, using the excuse of foot pain, insisted on Bai Luo Luo carrying him. Bai Luo Luo agreed, bent down, and lifted the light Xue Hui like a paper.
Yuan Shuzhe followed them, his eyes filled with almost tangible jealousy. Initially, when he first got to know Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo, he assumed Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo had that kind of relationship. Therefore, he had a somewhat contemptuous attitude towards Xue Hui. However, after following them for a while, Yuan Shuzhe realized that Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo were not what he had imagined. They slept together, but there was never any intimate contact. Bai Luo Luo was extremely accommodating to Xue Hui, yet there was never any attempt to cross boundaries. Bai Luo Luo’s gaze always seemed so clear, as if he had never harbored any inappropriate thoughts, even when looking at Xue Hui’s body, seemingly never giving rise to any improper desires.
Yuan Shuzhe wondered why it wasn’t him who encountered this person first.
The three continued forward, and as they approached the center, the density of the forest increased. Vines and weeds on the ground made walking very difficult, and the potential for rain to fall at any moment made the air damp.
Bai Luo Luo felt uncomfortable with his clothes, so he simply took off his upper garment.
Xue Hui had also lifted up half of his clothes. The two skins touched, and Xue Hui poked Bai Luo Luo’s clean wheat-colored back, saying, “Why are you this color?”
“Just get some sun,” Bai Luo Luo said as he chopped through the vines. “Are you sure the direction is correct?”
“No mistake,” Xue Hui replied.
Yuan Shuzhe was struggling to keep up; his breath was getting heavier, but he didn’t suggest a break. Instead, he gritted his teeth and continued following Bai Luo Luo.
Hearing his panting, Bai Luo Luo suggested taking a half-hour rest here.
Yuan Shuzhe sighed in relief, and Xue Hui, following Bai Luo Luo in everything, didn’t mind the delay. He excitedly hopped down from Bai Luo Luo, saying, “You sit, I’ll go find some fruits for you to eat.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Don’t go, it’s dangerous around here.”
Xue Hui said, “It’s okay.”
Bai Luo Luo advised a few times, but seeing Xue Hui being stubborn, he let him go. He repeatedly reminded Xue Hui not to go far, just look around nearby, and if there’s nothing, forget it. Xue Hui agreed and, like an elf, disappeared into the jungle, showing no sign of foot pain.
After Xue Hui left, only Yuan Shuzhe and Bai Luo Luo remained.
Yuan Shuzhe softly said, “I envy you guys.”
Bai Luo Luo hummed in response, looking at him, “Envy?”
Yuan Shuzhe smiled shyly. He had to admit, if it weren’t for spending some time together, Bai Luo Luo might have thought Yuan Shuzhe was an ignorant white lotus flower. He said, “Yeah, the relationship of Brother and Xue Hui is so good. I really envy it.”
Bai Luo Luo casually smiled and said, “What’s there to envy?”
Yuan Shuzhe smiled and said, “Is Brother treating Xue Hui like a little brother?”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Yeah, I have a younger brother around his age.”
Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile and said, “That’s… really great.”
As they were talking, they suddenly heard a scream from the forest, a sound Bai Luo Luo was very familiar with—it should be Xue Hui. Bai Luo Luo immediately stood up and ran towards the direction of the sound.
Before entering the forest, Bai Luo Luo heard a “whoosh” sound, like a rope being swung. Before he could react, he stepped on something, and his field of vision suddenly flipped. He was hung upside down.
“Damn!” Bai Luo Luo couldn’t help but swear. He tried to bend down to cut the vines entwining him, but the vines bound his hands directly. Bai Luo Luo exclaimed, “System—what is this?”
The system, still calmly munching on sunflower seeds, made two cracking sounds and said, “A kind of plant.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Damn, I already knew it was a plant. What kind of plant is it?”
The system replied, “Can you escape if I tell you the scientific name?”
Bai Luo Luo sighed, “You’re truly heartless.”
His body was suspended upside down, but his eyes were still searching for Xue Hui’s figure. However, his vision was gradually covered by vines, and Bai Luo Luo couldn’t see anything.
“Xue Hui—” Bai Luo Luo called out Xue Hui’s name, struggling incessantly.
The vines, as if imbued with life, quickly enveloped Bai Luo Luo entirely. He made a whimpering sound, and both his hands were twisted behind him.
“Help… mmm!” His mouth was also sealed, and when he realized what the vines were going to do to him, fear finally appeared in Bai Luo Luo’s eyes.
However, all resistance seemed futile in the face of overwhelming force. Bai Luo Luo was eventually wrapped into a large cocoon, hanging suspended in mid-air.
The vines continued to squirm, and from the outside, one could only perceive ambiguous sounds, trying to discern what was happening.
Xue Hui, like a ghost, appeared in the jungle.
Tilting his head, his beautiful face showed a curious expression, like that of a child. Numerous vines wriggled at his feet, then slowly lifted him, eventually forming a seat.
“Humans, so interesting.” With one hand supporting his chin, Xue Hui sat on the vines, his purple eyes filled with a certain kind of fascination, becoming even purer. In front of him hung two cocoons—one was Bai Luo Luo, and the other was Yuan Shuzhe.
Xue Hui waved his hand, and the cocoon enclosing Yuan Shuzhe was carried away to a place Bai Luo Luo couldn’t see. The cocoon containing Bai Luo Luo was brought before him.
“Ling…” Xue Hui’s slender, white fingers gently glided over the surface of the cocoon. He said, “Ling… I really like you.”
With that, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Bai Luo Luo couldn’t remember how long he had been wrapped in vines.
Anyway, when he was finally released, it was already dark. His entire body was soaked, and he wasn’t sure if it was sweat or some other fluid. His clothes and pants were back to normal, and there were no visible marks on his body. However, Bai Luo Luo’s eyes were vacant; he stared at the dark sky, unable even to hear what the system was saying to him.
After a long while, Bai Luo Luo slowly opened his mouth, with a sob in his voice, saying to the system, “I’m ruined—”
System: “…”
Bai Luo Luo covered his face with his arm and said, “Is he a pervert?”
The system replied, “It seems so.”
The vines didn’t go all the way, but they did what they were supposed to do. In the end, Bai Luo Luo felt sore all over, not knowing how many times he had gone through it. And his mouth was sealed from start to finish; he couldn’t even beg for mercy—Xue Hui didn’t give him the chance to beg.
The most terrifying thing was that towards the end, the vines had stopped moving, but when his clothes covered his body, he shivered uncontrollably with each slight touch.
Bai Luo Luo: “Damn.”
He should get up from the ground and go find Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe, but he couldn’t summon the strength, and he couldn’t even move. Bai Luo Luo lay like this for most of the night. In the middle of the night, he suddenly heard the faint footsteps. He struggled to turn his head and actually saw Yuan Shuzhe supporting Xue Hui.
Yuan Shuzhe exclaimed, “Brother Yu Ming!”
Bai Luo Luo almost wanted to say, “Don’t call me brother; you’re my brother.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “Are you okay?”
Bai Luo Luo slowly got up, his limbs feeling weak, and his thighs still trembling. He said, “I’m fine. Are you and Xue Hui okay?”
Yuan Shuzhe replied, “I’m fine. Xue Hui got injured a bit…” He released Xue Hui.
Xue Hui sniffled and limped towards Bai Luo Luo, throwing himself into Bai Luo Luo’s arms.
Bai Luo Luo’s whole body trembled, almost being knocked to the ground by Xue Hui. “Ling…” Xue Hui’s warm breath sprayed on Bai Luo Luo’s ear, making his breath tighten. Xue Hui’s voice was soft and gentle as he asked, “Have you been hurt?”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Damn it, how dare you ask me if I’ve been hurt? You nearly broke something important.
Xue Hui continued, “What’s wrong, Ling? Why aren’t you talking?” His expression was so innocent, as if the sudden appearance of the vines had nothing to do with him. If Bai Luo Luo hadn’t been spoiled about it, he might have actually been fooled by Xue Hui.
What could Bai Luo Luo do? He couldn’t just tear into Xue Hui here and ask him why he took advantage of him. After all, he was just a kid; why was life so cruel to him? Thinking of this, Bai Luo Luo’s heart ached, almost bringing tears to his eyes.
Xue Hui seemed to sense Bai Luo Luo’s bad mood. He looked a bit puzzled, trying to imitate the comforting manner Bai Luo Luo usually used on him, gently patting Bai Luo Luo’s back.
Yuan Shuzhe watched the two of them, feeling that the atmosphere between them was a bit strange.
On the way back, Bai Luo Luo didn’t say much, and even Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe remained silent. Although Yuan Shuzhe seemed very attached to Xue Hui on the surface, in reality, Bai Luo Luo was the lubricant in their trio.
That night, Bai Luo Luo fell asleep while pouring out his complaints to the system.
Bai Luo Luo said, “I don’t understand. Why would Xue Hui do that to me?”
The system suggested, “Maybe it’s because of love?”
Bai Luo Luo retorted, “To hell with love—”
The system added, “It’s also possible that he’s just plain weird.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “I feel really sad.”
The system replied, “I can see that.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Kaka kaka kaka.”
The system joined in, “Kaka kaka kaka.”
Amidst the sound of cracking melon seeds, both Bai Luo Luo and the system finally regained the calmness of their souls. Bai Luo Luo said he felt much better now. He thought that if he had the chance in the future, he must ask Xue Hui why he treated him like that.
After a long time, Bai Luo Luo did ask Xue Hui about it. Xue Hui, however, looked quite aggrieved and said, “Ling, I know you’ve been good to me, so I wanted to repay you.”
Bai Luo Luo was shocked, asking, “Repay me like this?”
Mumbling, Xue Hui said, “Yeah, they say humans feel really good doing this, and you seemed happy too, right?”
Facing Xue Hui’s serious expression, Bai Luo Luo realized the severity of the inter-species gap.
But their communication wasn’t that deep yet. Later that night, while Bai Luo Luo was pretending to sleep, Xue Hui sneakily went to find Yuan Shuzhe. Xue Hui had seen Yuan Shuzhe doing that kind of thing with others before, and since Yuan Shuzhe was a pure human, he thought he might understand why Ling Yueming would be upset.
Xue Hui slowly approached, pushing Yuan Shuzhe awake.
Yuan Shuzhe opened his eyes drowsily and asked, “What’s wrong, Xue Hui?”
Xue Hui said, “Yuan Shuzhe, there’s something I want to ask you.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “What is it?” Opening his eyes, he initially thought he saw Xue Hui’s purple eyes emitting a faint light in the darkness. However, after rubbing his eyes, he realized it was just his imagination.
Xue Hui stuttered, blushing. “It’s, it’s… why does Ling get upset when we… do that?”
Yuan Shuzhe, after hearing Xue Hui’s words, stayed silent for a while. He asked, “Did you really do it?”
Xue Hui confirmed, “Yes.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “When?”
Xue Hui mumbled, “You don’t need to know that…”
After collecting his thoughts, Yuan Shuzhe asked, “Is Ling unhappy about it?”
Xue Hui said, “Yeah, even though he was happy when we did it.”
Yuan Shuzhe was taken aback. His initial thought was that Ling Yueming was a scumbag who turned hostile after doing it, but then he reconsidered; Ling Yueming didn’t seem like that kind of person.
Xue Hui continued, “He said… not to do it anymore?”
Yuan Shuzhe was puzzled.
Xue Hui added, “He also said… not to?”
Yuan Shuzhe was left speechless.
Seeing Yuan Shuzhe’s bewildered expression, Xue Hui asked, “What’s wrong?”
With a forced smile, Yuan Shuzhe said, “Xue Hui, tell me, when you two were doing that, were you on top, or was Ling on top?”
Xue Hui thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know.”
Yuan Shuzhe, looking at Xue Hui’s delicate appearance, felt that his own thoughts were probably wrong. Seeing Xue Hui so clueless about the matter, it couldn’t have been him on top. But then, why was Ling Yueming upset? Did he regret it after?
Yuan Shuzhe couldn’t comprehend. He reluctantly said, “Xue Hui, don’t overthink it. Maybe Ling Yueming is just in a bad mood.”
Xue Hui said, “…Okay.”
Yuan Shuzhe patted Xue Hui’s shoulder with a somewhat heavy expression and advised, “But love can grow with time. If you try a bit harder, maybe Ling Yueming will change his mind.”
Xue Hui repeated, “Grow with time… So that’s how it is.”
At this moment, Bai Luo Luo was already asleep. If he hadn’t slept and heard this conversation, he would probably have shaken Xue Hui’s shoulders frantically, terrified, saying, “It’s not like that at all!!!”
Jan 1, 2024
—
by
Juno
in Fight for Peace and Love
Bai Luo Luo felt a bit unsettled under Xue Hui’s intense gaze.
His throat moved slightly, and he said, “Where does it hurt? Let me take a look.”
“It hurts a lot in my chest.” Ruo Liu Fu Feng covered his chest, and Xue Hui, delicate as a trembling dandelion in the cold wind, seemed like he could be shattered by a gust of wind at any moment, making people want to protect him.
Bai Luo Luo said, “Are you injured? Come here; let me check.” As he spoke, he removed Xue Hui’s upper clothing to examine if there was any injury to his chest. In reality, Xue Hui’s chest was unharmed, and his skin still maintained a jade-like, glossy whiteness, giving a feeling of softness.
“Where does it hurt?” Bai Luo Luo continued to ask.
“It hurts in my chest.” Tears welled up in Xue Hui’s purple eyes, ready to flow out at any moment.
Bai Luo Luo actually admired Xue Hui’s ability to cry on command. Initially, he thought Xue Hui was genuinely in pain, but after a prompt from the senior system, he finally realized that Xue Hui, the big shot, wasn’t in pain at all; he was just in the mood for drama.
Helplessly, Bai Luo Luo said to the system, “Why doesn’t he join the entertainment industry?”
The system replied, “Maybe the entertainment industry isn’t developed on this planet.”
Bai Luo Luo thought it made sense and couldn’t argue with that.
Now that the big shot wanted to act, what could Bai Luo Luo do? He gently touched Xue Hui’s cheek and said, “Why did you leave? Do you know how dangerous it is outside? Do you know how worried I was about you?”
Choking back tears, Xue Hui said, “I-I was just scared.”
Bai Luo Luo, with deep affection, asked, “Scared of what?”
“I’m afraid you won’t like me anymore.” He finished, and sorrowful tears flowed down, clear and transparent, falling onto Bai Luo Luo’s hand as if they would scald it. Bai Luo Luo, in pain, said, “When did I give you such a misconception? Why would you think I’m like that?”
Xue Hui said, “Then, do you still like me the most?”
Bai Luo Luo replied, “It’s you, yes, it’s you, always you.”
As the two engaged in their back-and-forth, Yuan Shuzhe stood nearby, wearing an expression as if he had just eaten something unpleasant. The scene unfolding before him resembled the most cliché romantic dramas, and to make matters worse, Yuan Shuzhe realized that he seemed to be cast as the very unlikable third party in this play.
Initially, Yuan Shuzhe had a forced smile on his face, but as the scene progressed, he couldn’t even be bothered to smile. He stared expressionlessly at Bai Luo Luo and Xue Hui, listening to their excessively cheesy dialogue.
The foreplay concluded, and the climax arrived. Bai Luo Luo, holding Xue Hui’s face, angrily asked, “Who made you have such a misconception? Did Yuan Shuzhe say something to you?”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shuzhe’s heart tensed. He anxiously crossed his arms, slightly lowered his head, and perked up his ears, waiting for Xue Hui’s response. He knew that if Xue Hui revealed what he had done to Ling Yueming, there was no way Ling Yueming would let him stay here any longer. Yuan Shuzhe’s fingers twisted together as he continuously prayed that Xue Hui would maintain his almost childlike innocence.
Yuan Shuzhe’s prayers seemed to work.
After hearing Bai Luo Luo’s question, Xue Hui gently wiped away his tears, shook his head, and said, “No, he never said anything to me. Yuan Shuzhe is a good person; please don’t misunderstand him.”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Yuan Shuzhe: “…”
Both of them were somewhat shocked by Xue Hui’s statement. Unfortunately, the shocking points might be different for each. Bai Luo Luo found it incredible that the big shot still wanted to continue acting. Yuan Shuzhe, on the other hand, was amazed at how there could be someone so pure, innocent, and kind in the world. Yes, someone, not something.
With Xue Hui’s saintly declaration, it seemed like a radiant halo appeared around him. Even Bai Luo Luo felt afraid that he might sprout wings from his back and fly to an uncontaminated paradise. With the strange satisfaction he gained from Bai Luo Luo and Yuan Shuzhe’s almost worshipful eyes, Xue Hui sadly smiled and said, “I just doubted myself. I’m so useless. If I lose you… I really don’t know what to do.”
In his despair, Bai Luo Luo thought, yes, without me, who else would wholeheartedly accompany you in acting like this? So, big shot, when you think about changing actors in the future, could you let me die a bit more gracefully? But on his face was a resolute expression as he firmly held Xue Hui’s hand and said, “Xue Hui, don’t be afraid. I will never let you go. Even if I die, I will make sure you live on.”
Xue Hui made a sound of agreement, and his lips mumbled something.
Thinking he was about to say something emotional, Bai Luo Luo asked, “Don’t you trust me?”
After a moment of hesitation, Xue Hui whispered, “Then, are we still having chicken tonight?”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Xue Hui continued, “Can we catch a bigger one?”
The change in tone was too sudden, and Bai Luo Luo was a bit caught off guard. After a few seconds of silence, he said, “If you like it, I’ll make it for you.”
The big shot, Xue Hui, wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth—Bai Luo Luo had always thought it was tears.
Originally, Bai Luo Luo had planned to take Xue Hui along for the hunt. He really didn’t want Yuan Shuzhe to be with Xue Hui again. In case Yuan Shuzhe said something and stimulated the big shot’s acting tendencies, leading to the big shot going missing for a few more days, Bai Luo Luo was afraid he wouldn’t be able to control himself from chopping him up.
However, Xue Hui found an excuse, saying his feet hurt and he couldn’t walk. When Bai Luo Luo offered to carry him, he claimed to be tired and wanted to rest at the camp.
Bai Luo Luo could see through his intentions. The big shot, who was gradually thinning due to his obsession with acting, was undoubtedly looking forward to the showdown between the white lotus and the third party. Bai Luo Luo had no choice but to give up, giving Yuan Shuzhe a sympathetic look as he left. Unfortunately, Yuan Shuzhe completely misinterpreted Bai Luo Luo’s intention—he saw Bai Luo Luo’s look as a threat.
Yes, what was he? Just an outsider, a third party. Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile, his hands clenched into fists.
Bai Luo Luo went to catch chickens, leaving Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe alone once again.
“Sorry, Xue Hui,” Yuan Shuzhe sincerely apologized, “I didn’t mean to upset you.” His tone was sincere, but his eyes couldn’t hide the resentment.
“It’s okay.” Xue Hui still had wounds on his face. Although Yuan Shuzhe had hurt him, there was no hint of resentment in his expression. He looked at Yuan Shuzhe tenderly and said, “It’s my fault. I was too impulsive. Ling is so gentle; I shouldn’t have misunderstood him.”
“He is.” Yuan Shuzhe said, “Brother Yueming is indeed very gentle.”
Xue Hui continued, “Don’t worry about this. I won’t tell Ling about what you said to me.”
Upon hearing this, Yuan Shuzhe’s cheeks twitched visibly. Even though Xue Hui was saying forgiving words, Yuan Shuzhe should have been happy, yet for some reason, a flame of inexplicable anger ignited in his heart. Why was Xue Hui always able to act like he was above it all? He should resent himself, but he easily spoke words of forgiveness. Too beautiful things always made people want to destroy them completely.
Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile and remained silent.
Xue Hui seemed to be in a good mood, lying in the camp Bai Luo Luo had set up and looking at the sky. His purple eyes were filled with tenderness, as if he had thought of something particularly joyful.
Yuan Shuzhe sat beside Xue Hui, his nails digging fiercely into his palm.
Bai Luo Luo didn’t know how Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe had talked, but when he returned to the camp, the atmosphere between them seemed a bit strange. Yuan Shuzhe had a forced fake smile on his face, while Xue Hui was extremely happy, hopping around and helping Bai Luo Luo.
When Bai Luo Luo went hunting, Xue Hui had mentioned wanting to eat chicken. Bai Luo Luo’s luck that night was terrifyingly good. Shortly after entering the woods, two plump chickens collided and died right in front of him.
Looking at the two dead chickens in front of him, Bai Luo Luo wondered, “Is this heaven’s favor?”
The system said, “It’s the big shot’s favor.”
Bai Luo Luo: “…” The big shot said he wanted chicken, and so chickens appeared.
Bai Luo Luo, holding the chickens, even began to suspect that all the chickens they had eaten before were delivered by the big shot. After the big shot left home, Bai Luo Luo’s difficulty in catching chickens increased significantly. Today, he encountered three chickens that just ran into him and died.
Dragging the two chickens back, Bai Luo Luo snacked on melon seeds with the system along the way.
The system said, “How are we going to prepare the chicken tonight?”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Let’s stew one and roast one. We still have plenty of potatoes and onions left from yesterday.”
The system said, “I think in a few days, you’ll have gathered all the ingredients Earth has to offer.”
Bai Luo Luo silently thanked the big shot for his gifts.
When Xue Hui saw Bai Luo Luo coming back with two chickens, he happily ran over to help Bai Luo Luo. His previous claim of foot pain was not evident now. He was even stronger than Bai Luo Luo, carrying one chicken in each hand.
Bai Luo Luo didn’t bother to remind Xue Hui about his shattered character. Since the big shot was willing to help carry the chickens, then let him.
After dealing with the feathers and cleaning the innards, Bai Luo Luo marinated the chicken with spices. He stuffed potatoes, onions, and some unique fruits from this planet into the chicken’s belly. Finally, he wrapped the chicken in a special large leaf, coated it with mud, and placed it in the prepared clay stove to simmer.
It was the first time Xue Hui had seen Bai Luo Luo cook like this. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he squatted beside Bai Luo Luo, repeatedly asking if it was ready.
Bai Luo Luo felt like he was looking at a child eagerly waiting to eat roasted sweet potatoes during the New Year. Xue Hui couldn’t wait to dig out the chicken and devour it.
While the two of them were busy, Yuan Shuzhe went to pick some fruits. He was much quieter than usual, and Bai Luo Luo didn’t bother to pay him any attention. After all, Xue Hui wasn’t truly a white lotus, and no matter how hard Yuan Shuzhe tried, he couldn’t create any big waves.
The clay-wrapped chicken was softer than roasted chicken. Unlike roasting, all the juices were sealed inside the meat by the leaves and mud. When it was fully cooked, the aroma of the leaves and the fruits inside would blend with the chicken. Bai Luo Luo had used lotus leaves twice on Earth, and both times were quite successful—the taste was excellent.
As the sky gradually darkened, wisps of smoke rose from the woods.
Bai Luo Luo roasted another chicken while waiting for the clay-wrapped chicken to simmer. Xue Hui was usually very well-behaved when Bai Luo Luo cooked, and today was no exception. He sat next to Bai Luo Luo, earnestly watching the chicken roasting over the fire.
Roasting the chicken took slightly less time than simmering, so Bai Luo Luo divided the chicken, giving Xue Hui a portion to fill his stomach.
Yuan Shuzhe also received a piece, and Bai Luo Luo didn’t make things difficult for him. The part he gave to Yuan Shuzhe had more meat, enough to satisfy his size.
Xue Hui enjoyed the meal immensely. His appetite was truly something else; Bai Luo Luo had never heard him say, “I’m full.” It was always, “I’m done.” The meaning was clear: if there’s more, I can still eat.
After eating meat for a while, Bai Luo Luo decided to change his taste. So, he didn’t share the chicken with Xue Hui this time. Instead, Bai Luo Luo ate a few potatoes, roasted beans, and some fresh fruits. Yuan Shuzhe was more experienced in picking fruits than Xue Hui, and most of the fruits he picked were sweet and juicy. Bai Luo Luo even saw him bring back a watermelon the size of a head. However, Xue Hui wasn’t interested in vegetarian food other than potatoes; Bai Luo Luo had never seen him willingly eat any other vegetables.
Xue Hui buried his head in the roasted chicken, nibbling on it while glancing at Bai Luo Luo. He mumbled something, and Bai Luo Luo, engrossed in his thoughts, didn’t catch what he said.
Bai Luo Luo waited for about half an hour, estimating that the meat was cooked. Using a stick, he carefully pulled the clay-wrapped chicken out of the fire.
Gently tapping the outer layer of mud off the chicken, Bai Luo Luo peeled away the leaves, revealing the snow-white meat. The wild chickens here were entirely natural, eating no artificial feed, resulting in very high-quality meat. Bai Luo Luo used a knife to slice the chicken, revealing a slow flow of light yellow chicken juice. He picked a piece, tasted it, and found that this method of cooking was indeed fantastic. It wasn’t as dry as roasted chicken; the meat was tender, and each bite was filled with juices. The potatoes and fruits inside the chicken’s belly were also perfectly cooked. Bai Luo Luo picked out a potato and took a bite; the potato was filled with the savory aroma of chicken, complementing the soft texture of the potato.
As Bai Luo Luo enjoyed his meal, Xue Hui had already brought his head close to Bai Luo Luo, watching his every move. Bai Luo Luo could see the intense desire in Xue Hui’s eyes.
Bai Luo Luo waited for Xue Hui to ask if he wanted to eat, but Xue Hui hesitated. Finally, he asked in a muffled voice if Bai Luo Luo wanted some.
Bai Luo Luo replied, “You eat. I don’t feel like eating; we still have another chicken later.”
Xue Hui nodded eagerly and continued to enjoy his meal.
After waiting for about half an hour, Bai Luo Luo estimated that the meat was cooked, so he used a stick to carefully pull the clay-wrapped chicken out of the fire.
Gently tapping the outer layer of mud off the chicken, Bai Luo Luo peeled away the leaves, revealing the snow-white meat. The wild chickens here were entirely natural, eating no artificial feed, resulting in very high-quality meat. Bai Luo Luo used a knife to slice the chicken, revealing a slow flow of light yellow chicken juice. He picked a piece, tasted it, and found that this method of cooking was indeed fantastic. It wasn’t as dry as roasted chicken; the meat was tender, and each bite was filled with juices. The potatoes and fruits inside the chicken’s belly were also perfectly cooked. Bai Luo Luo picked out a potato and took a bite; the potato was filled with the savory aroma of chicken, complementing the soft texture of the potato.
As Bai Luo Luo enjoyed his meal, Xue Hui had already brought his head close to Bai Luo Luo, watching his every move. Bai Luo Luo could see the intense desire in Xue Hui’s eyes.
Bai Luo Luo sliced a chicken wing for Yuan Shuzhe, and the rest was left for Xue Hui.
But this time, Xue Hui didn’t rush to eat; instead, he gently asked Bai Luo Luo if he didn’t want to eat.
Bai Luo Luo said, “You eat; I don’t feel like eating. Later, there’s another chicken.”
Xue Hui nodded but looked somewhat incredulous. Finally, after Bai Luo Luo repeated several times, he was convinced that Bai Luo Luo genuinely didn’t want to eat.
With Bai Luo Luo’s permission, Xue Hui excitedly rolled up his sleeves and grabbed the chicken, starting to eat. Bai Luo Luo, chewing on a potato, suddenly heard Yuan Shuzhe behind him softly asking if Xue Hui could finish such a large chicken.
Bai Luo Luo spat out the potato skin, turned to him, and said with a sigh, “Do you believe that if I bring another chicken, he can still eat it?”
Yuan Shuzhe: “…”
Xue Hui was genuinely happy this time. After finishing the meal, he slumped on the ground, letting Bai Luo Luo clean his hands and face. He even patted his fair belly, saying how much he liked Ling.
Bai Luo Luo thought to himself, “You like my chicken, huh.” — Oh, sorry, can’t talk about chicken, gotta keep it civilized.
After a satisfying meal and drink, the three of them went to sleep.
The night seemed peaceful, with no danger or surprises. Except for dealing with the big guy’s penchant for acting, this world was actually not bad.
Bai Luo Luo lay on the ground, looking at the sky above. Spending time with Xue Hui, he had noticed some peculiarities about him. For example, when Xue Hui was awake, there would be bird chirps and insect sounds around, but when he closed his eyes, the whole world seemed to fall silent. It was as if this planet fell asleep with him. Tonight was no exception; Xue Hui lay in Bai Luo Luo’s arms, sleeping soundly. His white hair was a bit messy, covering his eyes, but his breathing was steady. There was a faint blush on his cheeks, and occasionally, he dreamt of something delicious, puckering his lips.
Bai Luo Luo closed his eyes too, falling asleep with Xue Hui.
The next day, the three of them set out together.
Xue Hui, using the excuse of foot pain, insisted on Bai Luo Luo carrying him. Bai Luo Luo agreed, bent down, and lifted the light Xue Hui like a paper.
Yuan Shuzhe followed them, his eyes filled with almost tangible jealousy. Initially, when he first got to know Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo, he assumed Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo had that kind of relationship. Therefore, he had a somewhat contemptuous attitude towards Xue Hui. However, after following them for a while, Yuan Shuzhe realized that Xue Hui and Bai Luo Luo were not what he had imagined. They slept together, but there was never any intimate contact. Bai Luo Luo was extremely accommodating to Xue Hui, yet there was never any attempt to cross boundaries. Bai Luo Luo’s gaze always seemed so clear, as if he had never harbored any inappropriate thoughts, even when looking at Xue Hui’s body, seemingly never giving rise to any improper desires.
Yuan Shuzhe wondered why it wasn’t him who encountered this person first.
The three continued forward, and as they approached the center, the density of the forest increased. Vines and weeds on the ground made walking very difficult, and the potential for rain to fall at any moment made the air damp.
Bai Luo Luo felt uncomfortable with his clothes, so he simply took off his upper garment.
Xue Hui had also lifted up half of his clothes. The two skins touched, and Xue Hui poked Bai Luo Luo’s clean wheat-colored back, saying, “Why are you this color?”
“Just get some sun,” Bai Luo Luo said as he chopped through the vines. “Are you sure the direction is correct?”
“No mistake,” Xue Hui replied.
Yuan Shuzhe was struggling to keep up; his breath was getting heavier, but he didn’t suggest a break. Instead, he gritted his teeth and continued following Bai Luo Luo.
Hearing his panting, Bai Luo Luo suggested taking a half-hour rest here.
Yuan Shuzhe sighed in relief, and Xue Hui, following Bai Luo Luo in everything, didn’t mind the delay. He excitedly hopped down from Bai Luo Luo, saying, “You sit, I’ll go find some fruits for you to eat.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Don’t go, it’s dangerous around here.”
Xue Hui said, “It’s okay.”
Bai Luo Luo advised a few times, but seeing Xue Hui being stubborn, he let him go. He repeatedly reminded Xue Hui not to go far, just look around nearby, and if there’s nothing, forget it. Xue Hui agreed and, like an elf, disappeared into the jungle, showing no sign of foot pain.
After Xue Hui left, only Yuan Shuzhe and Bai Luo Luo remained.
Yuan Shuzhe softly said, “I envy you guys.”
Bai Luo Luo hummed in response, looking at him, “Envy?”
Yuan Shuzhe smiled shyly. He had to admit, if it weren’t for spending some time together, Bai Luo Luo might have thought Yuan Shuzhe was an ignorant white lotus flower. He said, “Yeah, the relationship of Brother and Xue Hui is so good. I really envy it.”
Bai Luo Luo casually smiled and said, “What’s there to envy?”
Yuan Shuzhe smiled and said, “Is Brother treating Xue Hui like a little brother?”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Yeah, I have a younger brother around his age.”
Yuan Shuzhe forced a smile and said, “That’s… really great.”
As they were talking, they suddenly heard a scream from the forest, a sound Bai Luo Luo was very familiar with—it should be Xue Hui. Bai Luo Luo immediately stood up and ran towards the direction of the sound.
Before entering the forest, Bai Luo Luo heard a “whoosh” sound, like a rope being swung. Before he could react, he stepped on something, and his field of vision suddenly flipped. He was hung upside down.
“Damn!” Bai Luo Luo couldn’t help but swear. He tried to bend down to cut the vines entwining him, but the vines bound his hands directly. Bai Luo Luo exclaimed, “System—what is this?”
The system, still calmly munching on sunflower seeds, made two cracking sounds and said, “A kind of plant.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Damn, I already knew it was a plant. What kind of plant is it?”
The system replied, “Can you escape if I tell you the scientific name?”
Bai Luo Luo sighed, “You’re truly heartless.”
His body was suspended upside down, but his eyes were still searching for Xue Hui’s figure. However, his vision was gradually covered by vines, and Bai Luo Luo couldn’t see anything.
“Xue Hui—” Bai Luo Luo called out Xue Hui’s name, struggling incessantly.
The vines, as if imbued with life, quickly enveloped Bai Luo Luo entirely. He made a whimpering sound, and both his hands were twisted behind him.
“Help… mmm!” His mouth was also sealed, and when he realized what the vines were going to do to him, fear finally appeared in Bai Luo Luo’s eyes.
However, all resistance seemed futile in the face of overwhelming force. Bai Luo Luo was eventually wrapped into a large cocoon, hanging suspended in mid-air.
The vines continued to squirm, and from the outside, one could only perceive ambiguous sounds, trying to discern what was happening.
Xue Hui, like a ghost, appeared in the jungle.
Tilting his head, his beautiful face showed a curious expression, like that of a child. Numerous vines wriggled at his feet, then slowly lifted him, eventually forming a seat.
“Humans, so interesting.” With one hand supporting his chin, Xue Hui sat on the vines, his purple eyes filled with a certain kind of fascination, becoming even purer. In front of him hung two cocoons—one was Bai Luo Luo, and the other was Yuan Shuzhe.
Xue Hui waved his hand, and the cocoon enclosing Yuan Shuzhe was carried away to a place Bai Luo Luo couldn’t see. The cocoon containing Bai Luo Luo was brought before him.
“Ling…” Xue Hui’s slender, white fingers gently glided over the surface of the cocoon. He said, “Ling… I really like you.”
With that, a satisfied smile appeared on his face.
Bai Luo Luo couldn’t remember how long he had been wrapped in vines.
Anyway, when he was finally released, it was already dark. His entire body was soaked, and he wasn’t sure if it was sweat or some other fluid. His clothes and pants were back to normal, and there were no visible marks on his body. However, Bai Luo Luo’s eyes were vacant; he stared at the dark sky, unable even to hear what the system was saying to him.
After a long while, Bai Luo Luo slowly opened his mouth, with a sob in his voice, saying to the system, “I’m ruined—”
System: “…”
Bai Luo Luo covered his face with his arm and said, “Is he a pervert?”
The system replied, “It seems so.”
The vines didn’t go all the way, but they did what they were supposed to do. In the end, Bai Luo Luo felt sore all over, not knowing how many times he had gone through it. And his mouth was sealed from start to finish; he couldn’t even beg for mercy—Xue Hui didn’t give him the chance to beg.
The most terrifying thing was that towards the end, the vines had stopped moving, but when his clothes covered his body, he shivered uncontrollably with each slight touch.
Bai Luo Luo: “Damn.”
He should get up from the ground and go find Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe, but he couldn’t summon the strength, and he couldn’t even move. Bai Luo Luo lay like this for most of the night. In the middle of the night, he suddenly heard the faint footsteps. He struggled to turn his head and actually saw Yuan Shuzhe supporting Xue Hui.
Yuan Shuzhe exclaimed, “Brother Yu Ming!”
Bai Luo Luo almost wanted to say, “Don’t call me brother; you’re my brother.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “Are you okay?”
Bai Luo Luo slowly got up, his limbs feeling weak, and his thighs still trembling. He said, “I’m fine. Are you and Xue Hui okay?”
Yuan Shuzhe replied, “I’m fine. Xue Hui got injured a bit…” He released Xue Hui.
Xue Hui sniffled and limped towards Bai Luo Luo, throwing himself into Bai Luo Luo’s arms.
Bai Luo Luo’s whole body trembled, almost being knocked to the ground by Xue Hui. “Ling…” Xue Hui’s warm breath sprayed on Bai Luo Luo’s ear, making his breath tighten. Xue Hui’s voice was soft and gentle as he asked, “Have you been hurt?”
Bai Luo Luo: “…”
Damn it, how dare you ask me if I’ve been hurt? You nearly broke something important.
Xue Hui continued, “What’s wrong, Ling? Why aren’t you talking?” His expression was so innocent, as if the sudden appearance of the vines had nothing to do with him. If Bai Luo Luo hadn’t been spoiled about it, he might have actually been fooled by Xue Hui.
What could Bai Luo Luo do? He couldn’t just tear into Xue Hui here and ask him why he took advantage of him. After all, he was just a kid; why was life so cruel to him? Thinking of this, Bai Luo Luo’s heart ached, almost bringing tears to his eyes.
Xue Hui seemed to sense Bai Luo Luo’s bad mood. He looked a bit puzzled, trying to imitate the comforting manner Bai Luo Luo usually used on him, gently patting Bai Luo Luo’s back.
Yuan Shuzhe watched the two of them, feeling that the atmosphere between them was a bit strange.
On the way back, Bai Luo Luo didn’t say much, and even Xue Hui and Yuan Shuzhe remained silent. Although Yuan Shuzhe seemed very attached to Xue Hui on the surface, in reality, Bai Luo Luo was the lubricant in their trio.
That night, Bai Luo Luo fell asleep while pouring out his complaints to the system.
Bai Luo Luo said, “I don’t understand. Why would Xue Hui do that to me?”
The system suggested, “Maybe it’s because of love?”
Bai Luo Luo retorted, “To hell with love—”
The system added, “It’s also possible that he’s just plain weird.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “I feel really sad.”
The system replied, “I can see that.”
Bai Luo Luo said, “Kaka kaka kaka.”
The system joined in, “Kaka kaka kaka.”
Amidst the sound of cracking melon seeds, both Bai Luo Luo and the system finally regained the calmness of their souls. Bai Luo Luo said he felt much better now. He thought that if he had the chance in the future, he must ask Xue Hui why he treated him like that.
After a long time, Bai Luo Luo did ask Xue Hui about it. Xue Hui, however, looked quite aggrieved and said, “Ling, I know you’ve been good to me, so I wanted to repay you.”
Bai Luo Luo was shocked, asking, “Repay me like this?”
Mumbling, Xue Hui said, “Yeah, they say humans feel really good doing this, and you seemed happy too, right?”
Facing Xue Hui’s serious expression, Bai Luo Luo realized the severity of the inter-species gap.
But their communication wasn’t that deep yet. Later that night, while Bai Luo Luo was pretending to sleep, Xue Hui sneakily went to find Yuan Shuzhe. Xue Hui had seen Yuan Shuzhe doing that kind of thing with others before, and since Yuan Shuzhe was a pure human, he thought he might understand why Ling Yueming would be upset.
Xue Hui slowly approached, pushing Yuan Shuzhe awake.
Yuan Shuzhe opened his eyes drowsily and asked, “What’s wrong, Xue Hui?”
Xue Hui said, “Yuan Shuzhe, there’s something I want to ask you.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “What is it?” Opening his eyes, he initially thought he saw Xue Hui’s purple eyes emitting a faint light in the darkness. However, after rubbing his eyes, he realized it was just his imagination.
Xue Hui stuttered, blushing. “It’s, it’s… why does Ling get upset when we… do that?”
Yuan Shuzhe, after hearing Xue Hui’s words, stayed silent for a while. He asked, “Did you really do it?”
Xue Hui confirmed, “Yes.”
Yuan Shuzhe asked, “When?”
Xue Hui mumbled, “You don’t need to know that…”
After collecting his thoughts, Yuan Shuzhe asked, “Is Ling unhappy about it?”
Xue Hui said, “Yeah, even though he was happy when we did it.”
Yuan Shuzhe was taken aback. His initial thought was that Ling Yueming was a scumbag who turned hostile after doing it, but then he reconsidered; Ling Yueming didn’t seem like that kind of person.
Xue Hui continued, “He said… not to do it anymore?”
Yuan Shuzhe was puzzled.
Xue Hui added, “He also said… not to?”
Yuan Shuzhe was left speechless.
Seeing Yuan Shuzhe’s bewildered expression, Xue Hui asked, “What’s wrong?”
With a forced smile, Yuan Shuzhe said, “Xue Hui, tell me, when you two were doing that, were you on top, or was Ling on top?”
Xue Hui thought for a moment and said, “I don’t know.”
Yuan Shuzhe, looking at Xue Hui’s delicate appearance, felt that his own thoughts were probably wrong. Seeing Xue Hui so clueless about the matter, it couldn’t have been him on top. But then, why was Ling Yueming upset? Did he regret it after?
Yuan Shuzhe couldn’t comprehend. He reluctantly said, “Xue Hui, don’t overthink it. Maybe Ling Yueming is just in a bad mood.”
Xue Hui said, “…Okay.”
Yuan Shuzhe patted Xue Hui’s shoulder with a somewhat heavy expression and advised, “But love can grow with time. If you try a bit harder, maybe Ling Yueming will change his mind.”
Xue Hui repeated, “Grow with time… So that’s how it is.”
At this moment, Bai Luo Luo was already asleep. If he hadn’t slept and heard this conversation, he would probably have shaken Xue Hui’s shoulders frantically, terrified, saying, “It’s not like that at all!!!”
