After mulling on it for several minutes, he finally decided it was best to act like he did care. He spoke in a low voice almost too afraid that if he was loud, it would upset Yuan Ling. "M-My Lord… Is everything alright?"
"NO!" Yuan Ling sat up so abruptly it nearly caused Eunuch Wan to faint. He sobbed, "Hui-Gege spent all night keeping me up and making me ache, but then he just left like our time wasn't even special enough to commit to memory!"
Eunuch Wan blinked in confusion, "Eh? Eh? My Lord is in pain? Should I bring rejuvenating medicine then?" Yuan Ling chucked a stone tablet at Eunuch Wan, barely missing him. "EEK! My Lord! Forgive this lowly one!"
Yuan Ling let out a lonely wail, "I just wanted him to comfort me!!! The only medicine I need is my Hui-Gege!"
Eunuch Wan had long grown accustomed to this childish Emperor and felt helpless to his whims. All he knew to do in this kind of situation was to try to calm him down.
He forced on a smile as he bowed submissively, "My Lord… Perhaps Chancellor Zhu Hui is just embarrassed? Maybe he needs time to calm down… It's as they say, a man always likes those who play hard to get."
Yuan Ling went to throw another stone tablet but hesitated. He tapped his chin in thought, "You're right. Hui-Gege would never dislike the time we spent together. He loves me far too much."
Eunuch Wan, who was relieved to see the stone tablet not thrown, nodded enthusiastically. "It has to be true, my Lord."
"But he still ran away from me!!" Yuan Ling threw the tablet, this time hitting Eunuch Wan in the middle of his forehead.
There really was no one other than Zhu Hui who could tame this childish Emperor...
Days continued to pass like this while Yuan Ling waited for Zhu Hui to ask to spend the night with him once more. He waited for Zhu Hui to get impatient and drag him somewhere to kiss him. However, the stoic man just continued to go about his business as if nothing ever happened.
Yuan Ling could take it no longer! He jumped to stop Zhu Hui who was about to leave after turning in his daily report, "Halt! Your Emperor commands it!"
Zhu Hui turned to him with a slight smile, "Hmm? What is it, my Lord? Do you need me to do something else?"
Yuan Ling turned to the Royal Eunuchs on duty and shouted, "Leave!"
The Eunuchs flinched in fear and looked at each other with uncertainty. Eunuch Wan spoke on their behalf, "M-My Lord… we really can't!"
Yuan Ling shouted with a reddened face, "SCRAM!"
The Eunuchs didn't question it again and quickly shuffled out the door with their heads lowered. Zhu Hui let out a sigh, "My Lord should know it is their job to watch over you at all times. It's for your own safety."
Yuan Ling waved him off, "I don't need their safety when I have you."
Zhu Hui had an idea of what was on the other person's mind but didn't feel like spoiling it. He spoke without expression, "Does my Lord require something from me?"
Yuan Ling nodded quickly with bright shining eyes, "Yes! You must be my servant tonight just like last time!"
Zhu Hui's face twitched, "My Lord… I was your servant that time because you asked for it as a reward."
"Exactly! Reward me!"
Zhu Hui let out a sigh, "And what could I reward you for?"
"I have been allowing you to dress me! Now reward me!"
Zhu Hui felt his heart itch as he looked at Yuan Ling's expression begging to be complimented. He forced himself to stay stern, "That's too easy."
Yuan Ling frowned as his invisible puppy ears drooped. He pouted, "You won't reward me?"
Zhu Hui's voice remained calm, "Not until you do something that should be rewarded."
Yuan Ling thought to himself. What could he do to get a reward?... Or… Should he seek a punishment instead?
At this wicked thought, he let out a strange toothy grin. He gave a chuckle, "Ofufu~ I believe it is rather stuffy in this room."
Zhu Hui frowned at his suspicious-sounding words. He had an ominous feeling brewing inside. Zhu Hui spoke, "No. It is a good temperature."
Yuan Ling tugged at his robe, "Then it must be this Emperor's robe."
Zhu Hui spoke sharply, "My Lord. We are in public."
Yuan Ling undid the tight knot which held it in place, allowing it to slide off his shoulder teasingly. He giggled, "It would be a shame if this were to… Fall off."
"Don't. You. Dare."
With only skill a wannabe-nudist could have, Yuan Ling stripped off his several layers of clothes in a matter of seconds. Zhu Hui panicked and looked around the room. After making sure they were alone, he rushed to the door to ensure it was locked.
"Hui-Gege~"
Zhu Hui turned to him with a dark expression as his mind struggled to hold on to his sanity. He froze when he noticed Yuan Ling taking off his inner robe, dropping it sensually on the ground. His pale ivory skin was exposed and vulnerable to the man hungrily gawking at him. The marks that were so clear days before, were now beginning to fade.
Zhu Hui fought the urge to pin the other man down as his eyes trailed up and down that slim frame and decadent body. He gulped as he forced himself to remain calm.
They were still in public. He couldn't possibly attack the man and have his way with him. Anyone walking by could hear them or try to come inside.
It was too dangerous.
Yuan Ling giggled, "I came up with more dance moves. How's this one look? I call it the mating rabbit."
Zhu Hui clenched his fists, cracking each knuckle. His face twitched, "You…"
Yuan Ling tossed his head back in a laugh seeing how upset Zhu Hui looked. He decided to tease him more, "Look, Hui-Gege. I am so flexible I can reach my toes~"
Without warning, Zhu Hui sprung at him with his hands reached out. Yuan Ling jumped in surprise and let out a yelp. He promptly began to run away from his pursuer. Zhu Hui chased him around the room, refusing to let him get away. Yuan Ling used the tables and shelves to separate him from the other. However, it was all in vain.
Yuan Ling was grabbed and pulled backward. Zhu Hui noticed he put too much strength behind his pull and Yuan Ling was going to fall on the hard ground as a result. He quickly exchanged his body midair to protect him. Yuan Ling instead landed on the softer body of Zhu Hui. He looked back up at Zhu Hui, "Hui-Gege! Are you alright?"
Zhu Hui's voice was dark, "Get off."