Chapter 53: The Curious Kitty Gets Eaten

Originally, Li You had no intention of sleeping, but after reviewing several rounds of test mistakes and going over key knowledge points a few times, he grew a bit dizzy, and his eyelids began to fight each other.

He held the light brain, staring blankly at rows of knowledge points on the silver-blue light screen with unfocused eyes. His half-closed eyes blinked slowly again and again as he turned his head to seek out Li Ye’s figure.

Li Ye stood by the window, communicating with General Peisengke and handling work matters.

Li You stared at his brother unblinkingly, lifting his heavy eyelids a bit.

Ah, his brother was truly handsome.

Li You thought, how had he been such a blockhead before? How had he failed to notice the secrets hidden in his brother’s eyes sooner?

Fortunately, it was not too late now. He had returned, and he had discovered the words hidden in the other’s eyes.

The corners of Li You’s lips curved up as his gaze boldly and openly fixed on Li Ye standing by the window.

The room still only had the light on near the booth area, and it was not very bright by the floor-to-ceiling window. Outside, blue-white light from the artificial moon filtered through the glass and fell on Li Ye, plating his body with a layer of light as thin and sheer as gauze.

Li Ye had not retracted his tail or horns. He wore the inner layer of his military uniform—an upper body black high-neck tight tactical suit that perfectly showcased his robust physique. The tail extended from the base of his spine and coiled beside those long legs.

Li Ye’s black hair had grown quite a bit during their time in Kailenoa District. He had trimmed it short upon returning, but now it was getting long again, tied back with a black hair tie, which added a touch of gentleness to his otherwise cold and aloof aura.

The ponytail made Li You feel something wondrous. Paired with those broad pectoral muscles, it inexplicably gave off an erotic vibe.

At that thought, the dazed Li You snapped back to attention and wildly shook his head a few times. The pair of cat ears atop his head swayed back and forth with the motion, looking very soft.

Li You touched his cheek with the back of his hand. Sure enough, it was a bit hot.

He sneakily glanced at Li Ye again. The communication had not ended yet, and his brother was still in work mode. From Li You’s angle, he could clearly see Li Ye’s profile: calm brows, high browbones, straight nose bridge, deep eye sockets, thin lips…

Li You stared in a daze. He pursed his lips, slowly stood up, and shuffled over to Li Ye’s side. He stood there with his hands behind his back, lowered his head to glance at his brother’s tail, and reached out to touch it.

Li Ye’s words paused for a moment. He glanced sideways down at Li You, stayed silent for a few seconds, then continued his conversation with Peisengke.

“Notify them to return and confirm the marker points. We’ll discuss the next plan at tomorrow morning’s meeting.”

Peisengke acknowledged on the other end, and the two then ended the communication.

Li Ye closed the light screen, lowered his hand, and turned to look at Li You. “What’s wrong?”

Li You held Li Ye’s tail in both hands, his eyes bright. “Nothing, I just suddenly really wanted to touch your tail.”

“Bro, what you were just talking about with General Peisengke—is it about scouting Kailenoa District?” Li You asked. “Any leads?”

“Mm.” Li Ye nodded and turned fully to face him. “The route you provided was correct. The scouting team has located Kailenoa District, but that area is surrounded by an unknown magnetic field. The team can’t land for now and has only marked the position.”

“Unknown magnetic field?” Li You frowned and lowered his gaze in thought. “Garna is already dead, so his main body in Kailenoa shouldn’t exist anymore either. This magnetic field shouldn’t be created by an Abyss species.”

Li You looked up. “Bro, do you remember the Polar Night there?”

When Polar Night arrived, gravity increased, mutant species went berserk, and Abyss species were affected simultaneously.

“You mean that magnetic field might be related to gravity?” Li Ye gazed into Li You’s eyes. “That’s a valid line of thinking, but there’s one more thing.”

“After Garna’s main body died, the Polar Night disappeared.” Li Ye reminded him.

“You mean…” Li You reacted. “That monster was the source of the Polar Night and the abnormal gravity?”

“Very likely.” Li Ye said.

“But Garna is already dead?” Li You was surprised. “Then why is there still an unknown magnetic field caused by Polar Night and gravity?”

“That’s the extra unknown.” Li Ye said calmly. “Garna is definitely dead—no mistake there. So there are only two possibilities. First, there’s another Abyss species in Kailenoa District of the same type as Garna. Second, artificial.”

Li You’s eyes widened. Several seconds later, his expression changed abruptly. “If it’s artificial, could it be related to Little Wan Sis’s incident?”

“Mm. Jason and Lude’s suspicions grow stronger. One of them might have contacted certain people or groups.” Li Ye’s hand rested on Li You’s head, looking at those flattened ears. His fingertip slowly rubbed through his hair. “Compared to an extra Abyss species, the uncontrollability of human interference is greater and harder to handle.”

Li You’s eyelashes trembled as he tilted his head up slightly, leaning into his brother’s touch. “Do you have a plan now?”

“I’ll follow the route you gave and go to Kailenoa District personally.” Li Ye’s hand slid down to cup Li You’s face, his fingertip gently rubbing the corner of his eye. “To rule out the first possibility first.”

Li Ye planned to lead the team personally to deal with the possible second Abyss species in Kailenoa.

“At the same time, the Empire needs the A-grade crystals in Kailenoa District. That will be a rich resource.” Li Ye said. “Yulian has complained to me more than once about the Empire’s shortage of crystal stones.”

“So this trip is unavoidable?” Li You gripped Li Ye’s hands tightly. “Bro, you have to take me with you!”

Li Ye shook his head. “Youyou, I need you to stay in the Empire.”

“But I…”

“You have to trust me.” Li Ye held Li You’s hand, his fingertip caressing the lines in his palm. “Besides, there’s something only you can do for Ye.”

“What?” Li You looked at Li Ye.

“Your Highness Youyou.” Li Ye lowered his head and devoutly kissed the back of his hand, like a loyal knight or a submitting great cat. “The Charlen Empire is your empire. While I’m away on the expedition, it will be the Empire’s centennial founding anniversary and the tenth year since surviving the great catastrophe. The ceremony that day should be hosted by you.”

Li Ye raised his gaze, staring into Li You’s bright blue eyes, unique to the royal bloodline. “You can do it, right?”

Li You could not say no, nor was it possible. Though he desperately wanted to go with his brother, he now realized he bore heavy responsibilities—not just for himself, but for his brother too.

“Then you…” Li You’s voice grew much smaller. “Can’t you wait until after the ceremony?”

“Survey instruments show the magnetic field outside Kailenoa District will weaken during the ceremony period. That’s the best chance to break through.” Li Ye offered his tail to Li You’s hand, soothing him softly. “I promise I’ll return safely.”

Li Ye had never broken a promise to Li You before.

Li You trusted Li Ye. He finally nodded. “You have to be careful.”

“I will.” Li Ye pinched his earlobe. “It’s late. Get some rest. You have training tomorrow.”

The warmth on his earlobe withdrew, and Li You’s breathing tightened. He reached out and grabbed Li Ye’s arm as it began to pull away, his emotions surging. “Brother!”

Li Ye looked at him and waited quietly for what came next.

Li You’s lips parted, but he did not know what to say. All his worry showed on his face—words could not match the endless concern in those eyes. After a long while, Li You’s lips closed, his lip line pressed straight. He held Li Ye’s hand in both of his and guided that large hand back to his face. He tilted his head and gently rubbed against Li Ye’s palm, saying softly, “Touch me more.”

Li Ye’s gaze shifted. He took a step forward, lowered his head to look at the youth inches away, and gently rubbed his cheek with his fingertip.

Li You’s skin was very fair and tender; even a light rub left faint marks.

The two silently nestled together, enjoying this brief warmth. Time ticked by, and Li Ye reminded him again. “You really should rest.”

“…” Li You opened his closed eyes and looked up at Li Ye, gazing at his brother’s beautiful eyes by moonlight. He stood on tiptoe, his lips lightly brushing Li Ye’s. They did not separate, just stayed pressed together, feeling each other’s breath.

Li Ye’s hand stroked the back of Li You’s head, steadily supporting it. His fingertip gently kneaded the flesh at the nape of his neck, like soothing a kitten.

To be precise, what he soothed was indeed a kitten.

Li Ye thought. This was his cat, his Youyou.

They kissed by the window, seen only by the moonlight.

Li You’s hands climbed onto Li Ye’s shoulders. As the other deepened the kiss, he wrapped them around Li Ye’s neck, tilted his head back, and completely surrendered himself.

His waist was encircled by Li Ye’s strong arms, borrowing that strength to stand steady. Later, he simply stepped onto Li Ye’s shoes. Though kissed until his upper body and head arched back slightly, he still refused to part.

They exchanged breaths and sensations. When Li Ye tried to pull away, Li You chased after for another kiss, letting out dissatisfied hums from his mouth. Thus, he was thoroughly kissed again, tongues entwining fiercely. After releasing, Li Ye’s nose tip pressed against his lips, both breathing unsteady.

“Want more?” Li Ye asked him.

“Yes…” Li You’s cheeks flushed red. He nuzzled Li Ye’s face in a kittenish way, his voice trembling and breath disordered, yet he still said, “Yes, more kisses…”

Both their bodies grew aroused. Li Ye scooped him up, supporting Li You’s buttocks as he carried him to the bedside. He sat down first, adjusted Li You’s position straddling his lap, held the back of his neck, and kissed him again.

Li You knelt astride Li Ye’s legs, his brother’s tail brushing the side of his thigh, also ridden beneath him. The sensation was wondrous.

They embraced in a kiss, the atmosphere gradually heating up. Just as things neared the point of no return, Li Ye pushed away Li You, who was melting into a puddle. “Enough. Time to sleep.”

Li You gazed at his brother pleadingly, his chest heaving nonstop.

He thought, the future vision he had glimpsed earlier had indeed come true. He and his brother kissed by the window, and he had been the one to initiate.

If this had happened before, he would have been startled into panic, but now Li You only wanted to keep kissing.

He hugged Li Ye’s neck and gently rubbed his face against the other’s, murmuring softly, “Brother…”

Li Ye’s throat bobbed. He gripped the back of Li You’s neck and lifted him slightly away, his voice somewhat hoarse. “Li You.”

Li You’s eyes were hazy. “Here.”

He lightly touched Li Ye’s lips again and again, his legs fidgeting restlessly. His watery eyes glanced downward boldly. He pressed the zipper at Li Ye’s collar and looked up into Li Ye’s eyes. “Bro, do you want to?”

Li Ye’s breath hitched. “What did you say?”

“Do you want to?” Li You’s toes curled, his fingertip brushing Li Ye’s Adam’s apple. His voice grew smaller but clear. “I want to.”

Li Ye gripped Li You’s waist, unconsciously tightening. When the collar zipper was pulled down a bit, he immediately pressed Li You’s hand. “No.”

Li You pursed his lips and looked at him, his expression seeming a bit pitiful.

“Not now.” Li Ye said patiently. “You have training tomorrow. Nothing’s prepared in the room. You’d get hurt.”

“But the previous times were fine.” Li You countered softly. “I won’t get hurt.”

“Be good.” Li Ye’s patience was nearly at its limit. He grasped Li You’s waist to lift him off, but Li You clung tighter, refusing to let go.

“But you’re clearly reacting.” Li You glanced down, then looked up, his voice a mosquito buzz. “Then… should I use my hand?”

Li Ye said nothing.

“Or… do you want to use my legs?” Li You blinked, his hand probing downward, only to be caught by Li Ye in time.

“Li You, you’re being a bit disobedient today.” Li Ye’s brows furrowed deeply. Before he could finish the next sentence, Li You leaned in for a kiss, shattering all restraint in an instant. He could not resist at all.

Honestly, in this tussle, the one truly pinned down was Li Ye, the beneficiary was him. But the one satisfying curiosity was Li You, and the one suffering at the thigh roots was also Li You.