RUAN YANJUN
When I did not get a response after knocking twice, I pushed open the door. I found Luo Fan standing by that same window where he had spent hours watching the road below, even if he could only see shadows of people passing by.
We were back in the inn where we had rested before we headed to Suyang to meet his former master, and he seemed to have taken a liking to that window.
He had his back on me and did not even turn to look at me. I knew he was still resentful that I had forced him to come with me near the place that he had sworn never to set foot on again.
Slowly, I approached him and stood beside him. His usually bright and solemn face was marred with distress.
I glanced below and found an empty road. The rain was still pouring outside so naturally, nobody was passing by. That must have made him even more morose.
"What's with that look on your face?" I asked, even if I already knew the reason. "Don't you feel even a little excited to return to the place of your childhood?"
He suddenly turned to me with a surprised expression. "How did you know that?"
I smirked. "A-Fan, I know so much about you… more than what you know about yourself."
He frowned, apparently confused. "What is it exactly that you know about me that I don't? Why can't you just tell me instead of dragging me back to the place that I'd rather not see again?"
I sighed. "I already told you. You will not believe me if the words came out of my mouth, so they'd rather come from a more reliable source."
He looked away. The worry was back on his face. "Lord Ruan, I know I am indebted to you and I really want to pay you back in any way I can, but I don't think I can do this. I'm not ready."
He had spoken with such courage, and as he waited for my response, he kept his face straight, as if he had anticipated my anger and was ready to stand his ground.
His unwavering stance amused me. If I did not get that urgent message from the empress of Xianru requesting my immediate return, I would have indeed gotten furious.
He was fortunate this time.
I probably could use this to my advantage. This way, he'd think I was being considerate and would think more highly of me.
"Fine," I replied.
His face suddenly softened. He blinked twice, unable to believe what he just heard.
I smirked. "Let's make a compromise. I understand you're not ready, so I'll give you time to gather your nerves, but eventually, we will go there… Is that good enough for you?"
He could not speak. He still looked hesitant to accept the compromise.
"Am I still being inconsiderate to you?"
He shook his head. "You're being very kind, my lord. But give me two months at least. If you don't mind, I also wish to return to my wife and spend some time with her. After that, I should be ready."
The mention of the word 'wife' instantly made my blood roil. My vision darkened and I struggled to suppress the urge to knock out the vase at the stand beside the window.
Is he really missing that woman? Does he really prefer her company over mine?
I could imagine the killer glare burning in my eyes. Fortunately, he could not see it.
I knew he'd been using the word 'wife' intentionally as his means to dissuade me from taking advances on him, but even though I had no intention of getting into a relationship with him, hearing that word still made me angry all the time.
I tightened my fists and calmed my rising temper. Then I took a deep breath and forced out a smug smile.
"Is she the real reason why you don't want to go? Because you're missing her?" I taunted.
"I do miss her, but it's not the reason why I can't go. I'm just not ready yet."
"Does seeing her help in any way?"
"She knows how to comfort me. I'll feel better after seeing her."
I clenched my teeth.
Has he fallen in love with that woman? And what does he mean by comfort? What does that woman do to comfort him?
The thought made me want to growl like a beast.
But why am I being so bitter about that? It's true that this man's beauty was quite a sight that never failed to entice me, but that was all. I should not involve myself any further than that. It wouldn't be wise to include unnecessary emotions in my queer fantasies.
His request was actually easy. It would take us two months to return to Xianru. I probably needed a week or two to see through the problem in the imperial palace. By then, he should be ready to travel again.
"Alright," I said. "I grant your request. Now, we have a deal, and I hope you won't back out from your word."
His eyes suddenly glowed which had me immobile for a moment. His whole face just turned brighter with that added sparkle in his eyes.
"Thank you, my lord." He folded his hands and lowered his head. "I'll see to it that I will be ready by then."
Unable to suppress my desire to touch him, I reached out and lightly brushed the side of his face with the back of my fingers. Such a beautiful, soft, and flawless face, so unlike his calloused hands.
He suddenly took a step back, his eyes wide, the sparkle replaced by horror. It snapped me from a trance, as well.
His guard was up. Whenever he was in this stance, I tried not to push further. It's not that I feared he'd strike me, but I did not want to take things by force. I'd take the initiative, and if he resisted, I'd let him know he was free to do so. I might persist a little, but I knew when to stop. That way, he'd feel some sense of security around me, that he needed not avoid me completely because he could always say no.
I wasn't usually a very patient person, but if I wanted something so badly, I'd usually take my time and make sure it would eventually end up in my hands. However, this was the first time I had desired a person so forbidden in all aspects. I wanted to find out if the same rule should apply.
"Hasn't Jinjing ever touched your face?" I asked.
"She would not dare. She's a decent woman."
I laughed out loud. "Decent?" I taunted. "Since when did the word 'decent' change its meaning?"
His lips thinned, and I knew he wanted to hit me for insulting his beloved, but being a priest, he had to always keep his composure, and that's a weakness that any wicked person such as myself would always take advantage of.
But not this time. Not while I had every intention of keeping him on my side for a while.
"We'll leave at dawn," I said before his anger could escalate.
I was about to leave when I saw the plant on the table. I picked it up and examined it.
Wei Yusheng had used his energy to keep the herb fresh, but the effect was now waning and the plant might wilt soon. It was important that it be refined while it was still fresh or its efficacy would diminish.
"We might have to take another route on our way back," I said. "We need to take this herb to an alchemist I know. He's not yet at the level of a Divine Mage, but he's getting there."
He smiled. Suddenly, his anger was gone. That was how easy it was to manipulate him. Just change the topic and he'd forget whatever had been done just moments ago. "That's a good idea, my lord."
I smiled back. "Anything for my A-Fan."
He flushed, and the more that it amused me.
He looked even more beautiful with his cheeks glowing red like that. He had no idea how much I craved for a bite of him.