Chapter 64 - Full of Courage
“You can swim?”
“Is there a country boy who doesn't know how to swim?” While Zuo Shaoqing had been raised with strict manners, he had secretly mastered the art of swimming. Youuxi Town boasted a few pristine rivers, transforming into a haven for men and boys during the summertime.
It was only after getting scolded by Mrs. Xue for “lazing around and having fun” when playing in the water during a visit back home that he became hesitant about taking a dip. In hindsight, it must have been Lil ‘Six who ratted him out.
Lu Zheng set down his wine glass and extended his arms by the poolside. Watching Zuo Shaoqing joyfully splashing around like a little fish, he felt an unexpected sense of contentment.
For the first time in his life, his emotions were stirred by someone else.
Zuo Shaoqing believed that, in this moment, he had departed from the cares of the world. Freed from the burden of hatred and the weight of his dreams, he felt incredibly light-hearted.
He swam over to Lu Zheng's side, poked his head out of the water, and gazed at him with bright, moon-like eyes, “What kind of wine did Master Lu have? Could you share a sip with me later?”
Without waiting for Lu Zheng's approval, he reached for the wine jug, selected the lone cup on the floor, poured himself a glass, and took a sip.
The robust flavor of the wine filled his mouth, traveling down his throat, leaving a warm burn in his stomach. Zuo Shaoqing stuck out his tongue and couldn't resist pouring another cup.
Lu Zheng didn't intervene; in fact, his attention was far from the wine. He was simply squinting his eyes and savoring the enchanting sight before him.
Zuo Shaoqing hadn't removed his clothes, and they clung to his form, emphasizing the contours of his slender waist, despite being damp. It was a bit on the heavy side, but it still allowed the silhouette of his lithe body to shine through.
His cheeks were flushed, his eyes sparkled with intelligence, and the way he drank with his head held high exuded a certain heroism. His delicate, pale neck was extended gracefully, reminiscent of a bird he had once seen, pure and pristine.
A surge of heat coursed through Lu Zheng's body. He reached out and pulled the person closer to him, as if under a spell, and trailed his lips along Zuo Shaoqing's neck, tasting the lingering wine on his lips.
Zuo Shaoqing's initially rosy cheeks blazed like cooked shrimp. Holding the wine cup in one hand and the wine jug in the other, he didn't have the chance to push Lu Zheng away.
If he had known earlier that this spontaneous move would be so effective, he would have devised a more deliberate plan instead of standing before him, clad in wet clothes as he was now.
Unaware that his natural demeanor made him all the more appealing, Zuo Shaoqing didn't realize that an overly calculated plan would arouse suspicion in Lu Zheng, just like the approach of the flawless young man he had previously turned away.
“Lu…” “Master Lu…” Zuo Shaoqing blinked rapidly, his long eyelashes adorned with tiny droplets of water. With this motion, he inadvertently appeared as skittish as a startled rabbit.
“Impressive alcohol tolerance!” Lu Zheng shifted one hand to Zuo Shaoqing's waist and deftly confiscated the wine cup from his grasp.
Zuo Shaoqing lowered his gaze, his heart pounding audibly in his chest. He caught the intoxicating scent of masculinity tantalizingly close and murmured weakly, “I've only had two drinks. Nothing more.”
In that moment, he truly wished he were inebriated. Being under the influence would have made handling the aftermath of drunkenness easier. Even if Lu Zheng pushed him away, he could feign ignorance of any post-sleep activities.
But his alcohol tolerance was no ordinary thing. He had once relied on alcohol to bury his worries, initially finding solace in a deep slumber thanks to his resilience. Over time, his tolerance had only grown, rendering him immune to the numbing effects of alcohol, leaving him with nothing but a headache.
Lu Zheng extended the wine cup towards him and fixed his gaze on Zuo Shaoqing. “Pour the wine.”
Zuo Shaoqing complied, his hand trembling slightly as he filled the cup. He then glanced up at the spot where he had been drinking, and his face flushed instantly.
This… This action was far too provocative…
Lu Zheng nonchalantly sent the wine cup back and brushed Zuo Shaoqing's lips with his fingers. They were soft and rosy, undeniably inviting.
Unconsciously, Zuo Shaoqing stuck out his tongue and moistened his lips. The place touched by Lu Zheng's warm finger tingled slightly. Afterward, he realized that he had unintentionally made a seductive gesture. He couldn't be sure whether Lu Zheng interpreted it as deliberate.
This realization jolted his befuddled mind back to some semblance of clarity. He hastily pushed against Lu Zheng's chest with one hand, taking a step back. He lowered his head shyly, silently chastising himself, “This is bad, this is bad. I've been too forward, and it might be misconstrued.”
He swiftly thought of a solution and inquired, “Master Lu… Would it be acceptable if I summon that young servant from earlier?”
Lu Zheng asked with a poker face, “How do you know he's a footman?”
Surprise flashed momentarily in Zuo Shaoqing's eyes. “Isn't he? Why else would a regular young master wear such attire? I assumed…”
Lu Zheng lifted his chin, forcing Zuo Shaoqing to meet his gaze, waiting for his next words.
This posture made Zuo Shaoqing feel as if he were being teased, even though he knew Master Lu wasn't well-versed in playful banter. “I thought that Master Lu found it appealing.”
“Found what appealing?” Lu Zheng's lips curved into a faint smile, but there was genuine mockery in his eyes.
Zuo Shaoqing answered with a thought, “Well… A good body suits a good person.” He felt like a fox!
“You're not looking too shabby yourself. Your physique…” Lu Zheng's sharp eyes roved over Zuo Shaoqing's form. He suddenly realized that, in just a month, Zuo Shaoqing had grown taller. What was once only slightly above chest level now reached his shoulders. “Your physique is quite impressive too.”
The youth's body carried a subtle, delicate fragrance, and his supple waist shifted sensually under Lu Zheng's hand. The movement was maddeningly provocative. Although his legs were not submerged in the water, they failed to conceal his allure.
If it weren't for Lu Zheng's strong resolve, he would have been tearing off the obstructing clothing instead of having a conversation with Zuo Shaoqing.
Zuo Shaoqing forcefully pulled his hand away and submerged himself in the water, wearing an anxious expression as he glanced at Lu Zheng. “Wu Tie, quit fooling around. I'm tardy…” After a moment's hesitation, he firmly uttered two words, “I'd rather die than yield!”
“Haha…” Lu Zheng emitted a low chuckle. He rarely laughed, which created a noticeable drop in the surrounding atmosphere. Zuo Shaoqing even hid his face in the water.
Standing before him with folded arms, Lu Zheng waited for Ye Zichen to rise, but as time passed without any sign, he eventually had to haul the person out of the water himself, gripping his wet collar.
Zuo Shaoqing gasped heavily as he greedily inhaled the fresh air. Had Lu Zheng not intervened just now, he might not have been able to control himself. Yet, the implications of his rescue and his current state were entirely different.
“They'd choose death over surrender?” Lu Zheng unfastened his belt and removed his heavy jacket, revealing a snug undergarment beneath.
Zuo Shaoqing pondered briefly, wavering between the notions of “those who take the bait” and “those who prefer death to submission.” Ultimately, he decided against leaving Lu Zheng with a “disheveled and unsightly” impression.
He covered his chest with both hands, adopting the look of an affronted spouse, eyes wide open. He exclaimed, “Don't come any closer!”
Zuo Shaoqing's heart felt like it was crawling with a thousand ants. It tingled and itched, and his lower abdomen grew warmer. The lower part of his body had become uncontrollably aroused. Fortunately, his pants were loose; otherwise, it would have been exposed.
Lu Zheng brought him to the pool's edge, leaned in close, and gazed into his eyes with their noses almost touching. “Didn't anyone tell you not to stare when you're lying down?”
The close contact between their bodies left nothing to the imagination. Zuo Shaoqing steeled himself and shut his eyes. “It's not your fault, I was just… late to react.”
Lu Zheng nipped at the tip of his nose before removing his undershirt, leaving only the last layer of undergarment. Lu Zheng's broad hands slipped beneath the shirt's hem, gliding over his smooth skin.
Creamy skin, that's probably the sensation, Lu Zheng thought, exploring every inch of Zuo Shaoqing's skin, even the small, erect appendage.
“Mm…” Zuo Shaoqing's legs tightened, and he moaned in pleasure. He arched his back, drawing closer to Lu Zheng…
“Is it truly better to die than to surrender?” Lu Zheng withdrew his hand suddenly, examining the hazy, milky residue on his palm for a moment before standing up abruptly, leaving Zuo Shaoqing with hazy eyes, sprawled on the ground.
Zuo Shaoqing's mind exploded. He turned over and lay on the ground, burying his face in his hands and holding his breath. He wished he could dig a hole and disappear into it.
This was too embarrassing; he had nearly made an advance. He couldn't fathom what Master Lu must think of him.
After a swat on his rear, Zuo Shaoqing heard Lu Zheng's deep, resonant voice, “Haven't you recovered yet? Your constitution is too fragile!”
Zuo Shaoqing silently cursed himself, “This body is too young and immature!” He shivered all over, the cold undergarment sapping the last vestiges of warmth from his body.
Lu Zheng observed his shivering form and tossed him back into the pool, ordering, “Stay in the water!”
Zuo Shaoqing submerged himself and heard Lu Zheng say, “Yinyi, fetch a clean set of clothes. They require a replacement.”
“Huala…” Zuo Shaoqing barely glimpsed Yinyi's broad back as he emerged from the water. Then, he fell into a daze.
He had just… He had just engaged in such a shameful act in front of an outsider. That back must belong to the green-clothed guard he had encountered earlier. Could he be Lu Zheng's secret guard?
“Master Lu…” Zuo Shaoqing gazed at Lu Zheng with a pitiful expression. He wanted to ask if Lu Zheng needed someone to oversee his ceremonies.
Lu Zheng had already changed into dry clothes, standing gracefully in the room. Confronting Zuo Shaoqing's embarrassed and resentful expression, he smirked shamelessly.
Though he wished to assure Zuo Shaoqing that he had not seen anything inappropriate, it seemed unnecessary to share such details with this audacious scholar.
A quarter of an hour later, Yinyi returned with fresh clothes. He placed them down swiftly and left without turning back. This time, he didn't conceal himself in the shadows but exited openly through the main door, which put Zuo Shaoqing at ease.
After changing into the new clothes, Zuo Shaoqing had no desire to expose himself in front of strangers.
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