Chapter 40: Huo Jingzhao Forcefully Kisses Pei Lianyi

In his view, the night of the auction banquet, when Huo Jingzhao had overstepped his status and openly competed for the treasure pearl on his behalf, had given him immense courage. It had even pried open his long-sealed and forbidden heart.

The two had their first private agreement to embrace. Not knowing when Huo Jingzhao might impulsively pounce on him, Pei Lianyi was often tense and anxious, yet thrilled by the other man’s adoring gaze.

Later, Huo Jingzhao had even been beaten bloody and nearly lost his life trying to repay the debt for that pearl… A small object carried their joys and sorrows. One could even call it their token of love.

But now, the young man had ruthlessly thrown it away, cast it into oblivion, leaving him not a shred of hope.

Pei Lianyi was so angry it was pure despair, his face beneath the fine rain gradually becoming hazy.

Huo Jingzhao, on the other hand, seemed to have vented his anger. He slowly withdrew his hand and returned to his guise of the refined and genteel Young Master Huo. “Since Master Pei and the other Family Heads have important matters to attend to, I shall take my leave first.”

With that, he bowed to Pei Lianyi as he had done before, turned, and walked away.

“You… you scoundrel!” Pei Lianyi’s lips trembled, his face pale as he scolded hoarsely.

How could he treat him like this…

How dare he treat him like this?!

The bitterness and grievances that had been accumulating for days erupted completely in this moment. Pei Lianyi wanted to curse, to shout, but when he opened his mouth, only a hoarse, breathy sound came out.

“Isn’t this what Master Pei wanted?” Huo Jingzhao said heavily, his back to him. “I will follow Master Pei’s instructions, take good care of Ziying, and be with Ziying.”

The angrier he was, the lighter his tone became. “I will certainly make Master Pei very satisfied.”

Staring at his cold and estranged back, Pei Lianyi suddenly asked in a choked voice, “What about me?”

“…” Huo Jingzhao’s back stiffened, the smile at the corner of his lips abruptly freezing.

Pei Lianyi gasped hoarsely, then repeated his sharp question, his voice desperate, “What about me?!”

“You…” Huo Jingzhao was frozen in place by his uncharacteristic, broken voice.

Pei Lianyi let out a helpless, low roar: “I’ve tried. I’ve truly tried everything. I tried not to see you. I forbade the servants in the mansion from mentioning your name in my presence. I tried to put away everything you ever used, not to ask for any news of you. Now, I am even shamelessly, desperately trying to like someone else. But it’s useless, all of it is completely useless…!”

The emotion in his eyes trembled violently. His rapid-fire, accusatory shouts were words soaked in blood, every sentence piercing the heart: “No matter what I do, I miss you unbearably. I worry about you. I know this is wrong. I’ve begged it to stop, begged until my head splits open with pain, begged until I feel like I’m dying, and it’s still useless.”

“Huo Jingzhao, tell me, what am I supposed to do?”

Huo Jingzhao’s head buzzed at his words. A wild, surging joy flooded into him, causing his chest to swell with excitement, his heart pounding like a startled deer. He forgot how to move his legs, wanting only to turn back, grind the man to pieces, melt him down, and turn Pei Lianyi, inside and out, into his exclusive property.

“Lianyi…! Lianyi, what’s wrong?!” Shi Chengji was gaping in astonishment when Pei Lianyi suddenly staggered.

Ashamed beyond measure for speaking such shameless words to his beloved son’s husband, Pei Lianyi only wanted to flee this place as quickly as possible. Forcing his numb and swollen legs to move, he cried out in distress:

“Let’s go, quickly… go!”

Before Shi Chengji could even utter a word of agreement, he saw Huo Jingzhao striding towards them.

“Since Master Pei has spoken such words, how could I possibly let you leave?”

The young man’s pupils were dark and glassy. His black clothes, soaked by the rain, clung to his body without a single gap, clearly defining the curve of his arm muscles as he raised them.

His pace was slow at first, but when he saw Pei Lianyi retreating with his mature, well-proportioned body, Huo Jingzhao’s expression changed drastically. Like a cheetah in the jungle, he moved faster and faster, more and more urgently—

“What are you… going to do?”

“Jingzhao, stop…” Seeing the man give no response, Pei Lianyi frowned.

His heart was full of resentment over Huo Jingzhao throwing away the pearl. Deciding to give up entirely, he said in a deep voice, “Huo Jingzhao, I won’t seek you out ever again… Mmph—!”

Before he could finish, the man in front of him leaned forward, pressing his hips forward and sealing his trembling lips.

Blinded by lust, Huo Jingzhao kissed him urgently. To prevent the person in his arms from escaping, like a wild beast seizing its prey, he habitually gripped Pei Lianyi’s jade-like neck, impulsively deepening the kiss.

“No— Ah… Mm!” Pei Lianyi clenched the kite, his fingernails nearly tearing the silk fabric, but he couldn’t break free from the man’s hand.

“Master Pei… stick out your tongue.” Huo Jingzhao had completely forgotten his usual facade. His large hands, calloused, held Pei Lianyi firmly, the strength so great his fingertips sank into that delicate flesh.

“Mm… Ah!” Pei Lianyi’s legs went weak. His body tensed straight, his head thrown back like a drowning man, his usually upright, cold, and aloof face flushed crimson.

This can’t be… this is not allowed! This goes against all propriety and rules, he screamed miserably in his heart. Yet, looking up close at Huo Jingzhao’s prominent brow bone and deep-set eyes, Pei Lianyi couldn’t help but part his lips.

It was then Huo Jingzhao realized the person in his arms wasn’t struggling. His dark eyes shook, and he pulled his hand back slightly, feeling a bit guilty.

Gazing at Pei Lianyi’s trembling skin, his Adam’s apple bobbed thirstily. He called out “Master Pei,” then leaned in and pressed forward again.

Pei Lianyi sobbed and gasped for air. The rain had soaked half his face, making it impossible to tell if it was water or pitiful tears.

Through his clothes, he grabbed Huo Jingzhao’s firm muscle, embedding his fingertips with all his might. Then, as if remembering something, he could only tremble and curse, “Let go of me, let go! The pearl… Mm, you bastard…”

“Be good.” Huo Jingzhao felt a sharp pain from the grab, giving a short “Tsk” sound, but his expression remained unmoved by the shouts. He locked Pei Lianyi’s wrist and continued biting his lips.

“Ah—” Pei Lianyi was born with fair, delicate skin, and his lips were much more tender than most people’s. In just a few moments, they were red and swollen.

Although he had experienced childbirth, since giving birth to Ziying, he had never been touched by another man. For years, he had forbidden himself from talking about love and desire, living with a clear heart and few selfish thoughts, devoting all his energy in his prime years to the family business. In this aspect, he was no different from a blank sheet of paper… Now, his lips and teeth were filled with the vigorous scent of the young man. Pei Lianyi felt both excitement and shame, completely at a loss on how to please Huo Jingzhao. He could only hold onto his shoulders and lean forward, responding to him.

Huo Jingzhao felt his entire body go numb and tingly from that soft, delicate tongue. He couldn’t help but grunt lowly, using his sharp teeth to indirectly grind against his lip.

Only when he was comfortable kissing him and raised his eyes did he realize that under such extreme stimulation, Pei Lianyi had been trembling uncontrollably.

Even on the verge of fainting, he was still murmuring words like “the pearl,” “give it back to me.”

Huo Jingzhao managed to recover a fraction of his feigned humanity. Suppressing the fire burning three inches below his navel, he raised his hand towards him: “Master Pei, look, what is this?”

When he uncurled his fingers, a pearl necklace slipped from between his knuckles, dripping down onto Pei Lianyi’s shoulder.

“Mmph… mine. Ah.” Pei Lianyi had been kissed so thoroughly his waist was limp, and he couldn’t even stand steadily. Yet he still quickly cupped the pearl in his hands.

“Mine…”

Huo Jingzhao hastily caught him, also scooping the kite in his hand into his arms.

“Yours, it’s all yours.” He stroked Pei Lianyi’s soaking wet, jade-colored hair ribbon, his thoughts straying wildly.

So, just now, he had only pretended to throw the pearl away to anger him.

Pei Lianyi closed his eyes, finally feeling a sliver of relief.

“Why?” His gaze was vacant as he looked at Huo Jingzhao.

“Couldn’t bear to.” Huo Jingzhao answered simply.

Pei Lianyi’s throat tightened with emotion.

Huo Jingzhao used his hand to touch the kite he treasured so much, asking, “Who was Master Pei thinking of when he painted the mandarin ducks?”

Pei Lianyi opened his tired eyes wide, gazing deeply at him, and softly uttered a single word: “…You.”

Huo Jingzhao’s heart pounded like thunder. He touched the wet, intertwining necks of the mandarin ducks, praising, “So beautiful,” but his gaze was fixed on Pei Lianyi’s face.

“Master Pei’s hands are so skillful, so amazing… both your mouth and hands are so nimble.” He sighed softly.

What was there this person couldn’t do?

Tasting wine, cultivating flowers, wielding brush and ink with lingering tenderness, sensitive and full of charm, myriad expressions flowing freely and naturally.

The man before him was not only beautiful, but also a treasure from head to toe.

Just as Huo Jingzhao was about to press further, Pei Lianyi clutched his right leg, his face contorted in pain.

Seeing his agonizing expression, Huo Jingzhao immediately felt flustered: “What’s wrong with your leg?”

Pei Lianyi’s breath hitched. He lowered his gaze and said, “It’s nothing. I caught a bit of a chill.”

Without another word, Huo Jingzhao scooped him up horizontally in his arms. “I rode a horse here. I’ll take you back right now.”

“Why have you become so light?” Noticing the man’s thinner body, he frowned in annoyance.

Pei Lianyi was introverted by nature, conservative and reserved. He was also a distinguished, well-known figure in Rongchu City. How could he bear being held like this by a junior in broad daylight? He ground his teeth in shock and anger, slapping the man’s back, about to tell Huo Jingzhao to put him down immediately. Yet the other man walked straight up to the already dumbfounded Shi Chengji, and with a single yank, snatched back the handkerchief Pei Lianyi had given him.

“Farewell.” Taking the handkerchief, and turning so Pei Lianyi couldn’t see, Huo Jingzhao curved his lips into an outrageously arrogant, darkly sinister smile, then strode off with the man in his arms.

On the way back, the two rode the same horse. Feeling the eyes of outsiders on them, Pei Lianyi’s face was full of shame.

What proper father-in-law would ride the same horse as his live-in son-in-law? But the man behind him still seemed to be in a fit of anger, so he could only swallow his scolding words for the moment.

From behind, staring at Pei Lianyi’s pale pink ear, Huo Jingzhao suddenly asked, “Did Master Pei go horseback riding with Li Man’er?”

Pei Lianyi was momentarily stunned. “That was because I went with her outside the city to…”

“Master Pei only needs to answer me: yes, or no?” Before he could finish explaining, Huo Jingzhao’s deep voice cut him off, tightening his arm around his waist.

Pei Lianyi had no choice but to admit, “…Yes.”

Huo Jingzhao’s eyes instantly became dangerous. He let out a heavy “Heh,” then cracked the horsewhip, increasing their speed.

Feeling the jolting beneath him, Pei Lianyi cried out uncomfortably, “Put me down.”

The man behind him ignored his words, riding onward in sullen silence.

The usually well-behaved, sensible, and polite man had suddenly become so domineering and stubborn. Sitting stiffly in Huo Jingzhao’s arms, a sickly flush spread across Pei Lianyi’s face.

After riding for a while, they were about to approach Pei Manor. Huo Jingzhao showed no intention of dismounting, instead circling around the entrance several times with Pei Lianyi.

“What are you doing?” Worried about being seen, Pei Lianyi asked restlessly, “Why aren’t we entering the manor?”

As soon as he finished speaking, a strong hand appeared beside his face. This hand tilted his jaw, forcing his gaze directly at the manor gate.

“Master Pei, take a good look and remember this gate. Lest you go out with some man or woman and forget your way home entirely.” Huo Jingzhao narrowed his dark eyes, his voice low and husky.

Pei Lianyi’s face burned with fire. He was instantly overwhelmed with shame.

“I didn’t.” He grasped Huo Jingzhao’s hand, denying it softly.

Still stubborn? It seemed he hadn’t been kissed enough just now. Huo Jingzhao’s expression changed slightly. His handsome brows furrowed slightly, thinking to himself that today he absolutely must teach this wretch a lesson, so he would remember it.

Just as Huo Jingzhao was secretly plotting, Pei Lianyi in front of him suddenly squeezed the back of his hand, saying softly, “It’s only when I go out with you… that I forget to return.”

His grip wasn’t strong, just a brief brush against the man’s skin before quickly letting go. But Huo Jingzhao felt a thread of itchiness, like an ant gnawing at his heart, burrow into his palm, making the back of his throat both hot and itchy.

“Master Pei…” He took a deep breath, then suddenly yanked the reins in his hand. With a loud “Hyah!”, he forced the steed beneath them to turn around and leave Pei Manor.

“Jingzhao, why aren’t we going back to the manor?” Seeing his own front gate receding into the distance, Pei Lianyi asked, puzzled.

Huo Jingzhao remained silent, only the tense sound of his breathing could be heard.

“Why aren’t we going back?” Pei Lianyi began to panic.

Even the most innocent and blank person would sense something was wrong. And having navigated the business world for many years, Pei Lianyi had long developed an instinct to seek advantage and avoid harm. Acutely sensing a hint of danger, he immediately cried out, “Jingzhao, where are you taking me? No, ah! You… put me down.”

Pei Lianyi wanted to turn his head to look at Huo Jingzhao. Just then, the horse they were riding jolted a few times. His calves, dangling on either side of the horse’s belly, trembled, pulling at the old scar on his thigh. The pain made his eyes redden.

Not wanting the man to truly make a scene, Huo Jingzhao softened his tone and said:

“Although no one in the manor would dare gossip, it’s still somewhat improper for me and Master Pei to ride the same horse. Let’s go through the back gate, enter from the rear courtyard. I’ll escort Master Pei back to his bedchamber to rest. Is that alright?”

His words were thoughtful and considerate, leaving no room for fault. Pei Lianyi nodded, saying nothing more.

Jingzhao was still as gentle and considerate as before. He silently thought this, feeling ashamed for the chaotic thoughts he’d had moments ago.

Watching him quiet down, Huo Jingzhao swallowed his saliva. A never-before-felt tenderness tore at his volatile body, making his heart thunder in his chest.

Born of humble origins, he had witnessed much of the world’s coldness and filth from birth, thus developing a nature that disregarded everything. Apart from his blood relatives, no one could stir his emotions. After becoming the Young Sect Master of the Nine Blossoms Sect, he viewed all people as mere dogs and straw, things provided solely for his amusement. He toyed with them when happy, tossed them aside when displeased. In short, nothing could stir the slightest interest in him; it was all utterly passionless…

Only this person before him, the one he should address as father-in-law, the one he should kowtow to thrice and offer up to the high hall; this natural-born beauty, this proud and unyielding character forged from the finest gold and jade—he alone could repeatedly stir Huo Jingzhao’s wicked desires, making him forget everything else.

Today, he was going to seize this Bright Pearl.