With only five days left before the one-month deadline, Shi Qing's rejection level had remained at fifty-five, without any further decrease in his daily life.
The system began to grow anxious, muttering softly to itself:
【Host, host... Are you sure it's okay? Is it really alright? Only five days left, sob.】
But even with the system resorting to pitiful pleas and sobs, it couldn't move Shi Qing's heart, which was as firm as iron.
At this moment, it was midday nap time, and Yu Chenyan had yet to wake up. Shi Qing was comfortably nestled in Yu Chenyan's embrace, feeling the warmth emanating from the young man's body and thoroughly enjoying it.
【Why the rush? Haven't you noticed how Yu Chenyan's physique has been improving lately?】
He spoke nonchalantly while poking at the solid muscles in front of him.
【During such a wonderful moment, there's no need for your sobbing.】
【Sob...】 The system reluctantly swallowed the remaining sobs, pitifully saying, 【But there are only five days left until a full month is up.】
【If the rejection level doesn't drop to fifty, we'll definitely be expelled by the world consciousness, just five points away...】
If the gap was much wider, or if there were no hope at all, the system wouldn't be so anxious. But it was just a five-point difference!
With a little effort, they could stabilize it!
Unfortunately, despite the mere five points needed, Yu Chenyan refused to lower his rejection level any further.
Shi Qing, however, remained unruffled.
【Be good, why don't you read "Shan Hai Jing"? Didn't a graphic version come out?】
The system was always helpless when it came to its host. Seeing Shi Qing's uncooperative attitude, it could only continue sobbing before finally running away.
As it left, Shi Qing continued as before, taking advantage of the fact that Yu Chenyan was still asleep, poking and prodding the young man freely.
It was only when the firm muscles by his side twitched slightly, followed by a long, slender hand reaching out to grasp Shi Qing's hand and gently enclosing it in his palm, that Shi Qing paused. The grip was strong but didn't hurt his tender fingertips.
"Are you awake?"
The young master, who had been indulging in secret actions while someone else was asleep, felt no guilt at all. He casually greeted, then withdrew his hand and resumed poking.
"Why do I feel like you've gotten even more robust than before? It's happening so fast."
Yu Chenyan tried to ignore his actions and replied in a deep voice, "I've been eating more these past few days."
"I've been eating more too, but why am I just getting a bit plump?"
Shi Qing lowered his head and patted his own belly, looking displeased. "I haven't grown any taller either."
Yu Chenyan looked at his flat abdomen and said honestly, "You're not fat."
"Why do you say I'm not fat? I've gained so much weight."
The young master's petulant temper flared up again. He grabbed Yu Chenyan's hand and placed it on his belly. "Feel this, look how much fat there is."
Yu Chenyan let his hand rest there, and Shi Qing's fair face displayed his unhappiness as he continued to mutter.
"It's strange, we do everything together every day, eat the same things, but why do you keep growing taller and stronger, with such firm muscles? Meanwhile, I can only gain a bunch of fat."
Yu Chenyan, with his hand resting on Shi Qing's belly, could feel the softness of it. It wasn't really fat; it was just that his originally soft belly had become even softer after indulging in good food and being kept warm during this winter.
Through their clothes, Yu Chenyan could imagine how delicate and fair the skin was, and there wasn't much soft flesh to pinch, just a small amount.
The best way to describe it was: plump and tender.
Almost unconsciously, Yu Chenyan gently pinched it with his fingertips.
"Ah!"
Shi Qing's body immediately wriggled like a fish, itching from the pinch.
Shi Qing glared at Yu Chenyan, irritated. "What are you doing?"
Only when he saw Shi Qing's angry gaze did Yu Chenyan realize what he had done. He immediately withdrew his hand and lowered his head slightly.
"Sorry."
"Hmph!"
The young master grumbled as he crawled out from under the warm blanket. Because it was naptime, his fair face was still tinged with a blush, making him appear somewhat bashful.
After taking his seat, he announced, "Today, I've made plans to hang out with a friend, and you're coming along too."
Without waiting for Yu Chenyan's response, he added imperiously, "You're not allowed to refuse. I've already informed His Majesty, and he agreed to let you accompany me out of the palace."
Yu Chenyan remained silent for a few seconds and then said, "Alright."
Upon seeing Shi Qing's immediate joy upon his agreement, he noticed the satisfied and triumphant look in his eyes. He could guess what the young master was thinking.
Perhaps Shi Qing had bragged about something to his friends outside the palace, likely something about a prince following him around like an attendant.
The young master, who was eager to show off, quickly got up, called in a eunuch to help him dress, and urged Yu Chenyan impatiently.
"Hurry up!"
Though it sounded like an order, the soft and tender tone in his voice made it seem like he was coquettishly demanding.
Yu Chenyan silently stood up and began to dress. Having stayed with Shi Qing for a while, most of his cloaks were left here.
Maybe the young master hadn't realized it himself, but he was growing more attached to Yu Chenyan. He wanted Yu Chenyan by his side no matter what; without him, he didn't feel happy.
However, as time passed, Yu Chenyan's mood became increasingly complex. While he appreciated Shi Qing's willingness to take him along wherever he went, something was brewing in his heart.
Shi Qing treated him as a follower or a playmate, but Yu Chenyan wanted more. He wanted something deeper.
Once Shi Qing changed his clothes, he heard that there was a peony ice sculpture outside and eagerly ran out to see it.
Inside the room, only the eunuch who had been serving Shi Qing and the one who had come to inform Shi Qing about the ice sculpture remained with Yu Chenyan.
Yu Chenyan, accustomed to taking care of himself, started adjusting his accessories at his waist.
"Your Highness, this servant..."
The eunuch approached with lowered eyes and began to earnestly assist Yu Chenyan in getting dressed.
The eunuch who had been serving Shi Qing was disdainful when he saw this. He couldn't understand why a prince who wasn't favored by the emperor and could be easily overlooked would be so obsequious.
He didn't want to stand there and watch Yu Chenyan dress any longer, so he turned and left to find Shi Qing.
Inside the room, only the two of them remained.
Yu Chenyan extended his arms slightly and raised his head just a little. His demeanor was completely different from the usual reserved and aloof impression he gave. He asked in a soft tone, "What's the situation?"
The eunuch replied, "Your Highness's prediction was correct. The barbarians have repeatedly violated the border and have taken three cities, though they are all desolate places."
"Regardless of whether they are desolate or not, if they are part of our country's territory and have been taken by another nation, it is a great disgrace. The court is likely to be in an uproar."
Yu Chenyan's face showed no unnecessary expressions as he asked, "Who is the general leading the barbarian forces?"
"They say it's their second prince, who has always been brave and skilled in battle."
Yu Chenyan said, "Tell my uncle to contact some of the old comrades. When news of the battle reaches us, they should submit a petition. Since the barbarians have a prince leading their forces and have captured three cities, it would be best if a prince from our side leads the army to reclaim the cities and restore our prestige."
"Yes."
"Also, tell my uncle that the final result must be that I lead the troops."
The eunuch was shocked and quickly raised his head, saying, "Your Highness?"
Yu Chenyan waved his hand and said, "You may leave."
The eunuch hesitated for a few seconds before respectfully bowing and leaving.
Yu Chenyan stood in the room for a while before walking out and reaching the end of the corridor, where he saw the young master enthusiastically admiring the ice sculpture.
Shi Qing had been born prematurely, so even during the summer, his family didn't allow him to touch ice, let alone play with ice sculptures during the winter.
Therefore, this was the first time he had ever seen an ice sculpture.
Yu Chenyan approached with large strides.
He watched the translucent ice sculpture and suddenly asked, "Do you like peonies, or do you prefer ice sculptures?"
Shi Qing hummed and playfully kicked Yu Chenyan. Raising his small chin proudly, he said, "I'm not telling you."
Yu Chenyan wasn't disappointed by the lack of an answer. He simply gazed at the ice sculpture before him.
He thought that since Shi Qing didn't say anything, it must mean he liked peony ice sculptures.
If there came a day when he could fill the entire palace with peony ice sculptures, Shi Qing would probably be even happier then.
.
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