Mochen changed the subject, his tone casual. "You know, your father is looking for you."
Bai Ye nodded, his expression unreadable.
Mochen pressed on. "Why don't you go see him? It's been a while since you've returned to the Underworld."
Bai Ye's gaze drifted away, his voice low. "If I go see him, I'll have to assume the throne. And I cannot do that... not without my... heart core."
Mochen nodded, understanding. TheHeart Core was the source of a demon's power and life force. Without it, Bai Ye was vulnerable, fifty percent his abilities diminished.
Mochen leaned forward, his eyes locked on Bai Ye's. "What if I told you that your father, the Great Lord, is causing havoc in the Underworld? The Conference of Evil is in disarray because of rumors about your banishment. Why don't you go settle the matter, put your father's mind at ease, and then return to the human realm? We can continue your search for a cure, and you won't have to reveal your... condition to anyone."
Bai Ye's gaze snapped back to Mochen's, his eyes narrowing as he considered the proposal. After a moment, he nodded. "I'll think about it."
Mochen excused himself, saying, "I'll go prepare some more medicine for Lian when he wakes up."
Bai Ye nodded, expecting Mochen to leave, but instead, Mochen lingered. Bai Ye's gaze drifted to the Azure Dragon head accessory on his cloth, and he smiled, picking it up.
Mochen shook his head, a hint of amusement in his voice. "No, Bai Ye."
Bai Ye's eyes snapped back to Mochen, his expression questioning.
Mochen sat down, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Bai Ye?"
Bai Ye hummed in response, his tone neutral.
Mochen's grin widened. "I'm about to ask you a question, and I don't want you to kill me."
Bai Ye's gaze narrowed, his expression skeptical.
Mochen took a deep breath. "Are you going to marry that mortal... Wen Tianlian?"
Bai Ye's silence was deafening, his face turned away, his expression unreadable.
Mochen's breath hitched, and he exclaimed, "No way! Dear Prince, your heart lies with him?"
Mochen didn't wait for a response, instead, he continued talking, answering his own question. "I knew it! You've always been stoic, but I've seen the way you look at him. You're smitten, Bai Ye!"
Bai Ye's silence remained, but Mochen just chuckled, nodding to himself. "I'll take your silence as confirmation, Dear Prince."
Bai Ye was quiet but then he let his frustration boil over, and he turned to Mochen, his voice low and menacing. "I'm giving you three seconds to leave, right now."
Mochen's eyes widened, and he immediately fell silent, straightening his back as he hastily retreated towards the door. As he reached the threshold, he turned back to Bai Ye and said, "You should go check on Lian. He must be stirring in his sleep."
Bai Ye's movement was fluid and swift as he stood up, his eyes locked onto the door as if he could see Lian through the wooden panels. Mochen's jaw dropped in surprise, his eyes fixed on Bai Ye's sudden movement.
Bai Ye strode towards the room where Lian lay sleeping, his footsteps quiet on the wooden floor. As he entered the room, he was met with the peaceful sight of Lian's slumbering form. Bai Ye's gaze softened, and he sat down on the other side of the bed, his eyes drinking in Lian's tranquil features.
As he sat there, Bai Ye's mind began to wander. He couldn't tell Lian the real reason why Lian was tied to him now. The kid was already shouldering too much, and Bai Ye couldn't bear the thought of adding more weight to Lian's shoulders.
Bai Ye's gaze roamed over Lian's face, taking in the gentle curve of his lips, the soft flush on his cheeks. The kid looked beautiful, even in sleep. Bai Ye's thoughts surprised him - he couldn't remember the last time he'd thought someone was beautiful. But there was something about Lian that drew him in, something that made him want to protect the kid at all costs.
As he sat there, watching Lian sleep, Bai Ye realized that Lian's cute and adorable nature was growing on him. It was becoming something he couldn't live without. The thought startled him - he, Bai Ye, the infamous Demon Prince, was smitten with a mortal.
A really dumb one at that.
Bai Ye's eyes narrowed, his mind racing with the implications. He couldn't afford to be distracted, not now, when his immortality was at stake. But as he looked at Lian, he knew he couldn't help himself. He was willing to risk everything to keep Lian safe, to keep him by his side. Just like he did twelve years ago.
The silence in the room was broken only by Lian's soft breathing, but Bai Ye's thoughts were a jumble of emotions, a mix of confusion, concern, and something more. Something he couldn't quite put his finger on.
While Bai Ye was distracted, Lian's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed at Bai Ye's back, taking in the familiar sight of his broad shoulders. Bai Ye sat on the side of the bed, lost in thought, his black hair a stark contrast to the white locks Lian remembered.
Playing the guqin had reduced Bai Ye's powers and thus, his hair black.
Lian's voice was husky with sleep as he tugged on Bai Ye's clothes. "Old monster."
Bai Ye turned, his eyes locking onto Lian's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, until Lian's gaze drifted to Bai Ye's hair.
Bai Ye's eyebrows rose as Lian pointed at his black locks. "What?" he asked, amusement dancing in his voice.
Lian's expression was serious, his eyes still heavy with sleep. "Old monster, I want to see the white hair, not this one."
Bai Ye chuckled, shaking his head. "Why?"
Lian's voice was matter-of-fact. "My master and everyone else called you the White-haired Demon because it makes you stand out. I remember your white hair and your back even before I met you. I want to get used to it."
Bai Ye's laughter deepened. "Why are you so obsessed with my hair?"
Lian's face scrunched up in protest. "I'm not obsessed! It's just... my whole world revolved around wanting to know the White-haired Demon. And now that I've seen you, you're walking around with black hair!"
Bai Ye's eyes sparkled with mirth as he thought to himself, How does this boy's brain work? Hair and hair color were the last things on his mind, especially when Lian was recovering from an attack.
Lian was definitely not a normal kid. He had a problem – an obsession with Bai Ye's hair. Bai Ye's lips twitched as he suppressed a grin. This was going to be entertaining.
"Fine," Bai Ye said, his voice dripping with amusement. "I'll bring back the white hair. But just for you, Lian."
Lian's face lit up, a bright smile spreading across his face. "Really?"
Bai Ye nodded, his eyes glinting with mirth. "Really."
With a flick of his wrist, Bai Ye's black hair transformed into the familiar white locks. Lian's eyes widened, and he reached out, his fingers brushing against Bai Ye's hair.
Bai Ye's heart skipped a beat as he felt Lian's touch. It was a simple gesture, but it sent shivers down his spine. He looked at Lian, his eyes searching for answers. What was it about this boy that drew him in?
Lian's eyes met Bai Ye's, and for a moment, they just stared at each other, the air thick with unspoken emotions.