As soon as Lu Heng entered the room, Song Xiaozhou clung to him. The longer they spent together, the more Lu Heng realized that this kid was like a well-raised puppy; he was clingy, and the moment he saw him, he’d eagerly pounce over, circling around, wanting kisses, licks, and hugs.
Song Xiaozhou said, “I didn’t see you when I woke up this morning.”
When he woke, he’d groggily reached out to hug Lu Heng’s arm, only to grab at empty air.
Lu Heng had disappeared early in the morning.
Looking at Song Xiaozhou’s clear black-and-white eyes, so pure and clean, Lu Heng couldn’t help but lower his head to kiss his lips. “I woke up early and went out to get some fresh air.”
The words were spoken between their lips. Song Xiaozhou obediently parted his mouth, extending a warm, soft tongue to lick Lu Heng’s cool lips, pushing into his mouth, and kissing him in a sticky, lingering way.
When they parted, Song Xiaozhou was panting, his eyes bright with a watery sheen. He said, “Then you should wake me up.”
Lu Heng let out a low, deep laugh, his thumb stroking Song Xiaozhou’s cheek. “You were sleeping too soundly. I couldn’t bear to wake you.”
Song Xiaozhou let out a dissatisfied cry, grabbed Lu Heng, and bit his chin. “Jinzhi—” He stretched the word, his eyes glistening as he stared at him like a helpless little puppy.
Lu Heng laughed even harder and didn’t agree. So Song Xiaozhou pestered him, biting his chin, daring even to nip at his collarbone. His tiny fangs grazed the pale skin of the fierce ghost, leaving it reddened, and he let out a sigh. “Jinzhi, you’re so beautiful.”
Lu Heng knew his looks were exceptional. Hearing Song Xiaozhou’s tone, he raised his eyebrows. “Am I?”
Song Xiaozhou said honestly, “More beautiful than anyone I’ve ever seen.”
He rubbed the tip of his nose against Lu Heng’s neck. “Cool and white like jade.”
Lu Heng lowered his gaze and smiled. “A ghost’s body is always cold.”
Song Xiaozhou lifted his head to look at him. There was fascination in his eyes, along with a hint of tenderness. He smiled vaguely. “Then I’ll warm you up.”
Lu Heng was pushed back by Song Xiaozhou and stumbled onto the bed. Song Xiaozhou straddled him, his raised hips pressing against the man’s legs, his eyes still fixed on Lu Heng, they were innocent, yet carried an indescribable air of wildness.
Lu Heng’s breath quickened instantly.
The youth was full of energy, and after crossing that line between them, Song Xiaozhou found it harder and harder to hold back. His shyness gave way to boldness, and he clung to Lu Heng, softly asking for more of his attention.
Lu Heng liked seeing Song Xiaozhou in such a dazed, entranced state. He was usually self-controlled; after all, he was a fierce ghost who fed on human blood and flesh, growing stronger the more he killed, yet he had never once harmed Song Xiaozhou.
But now, faced with Song Xiaozhou’s deliberate teasing, his restraint began to fray.
Song Xiaozhou, flushed to the ears, noticed Lu Heng’s calm expression but also sensed the change beneath it, which made him both embarrassed and strangely pleased. His skin felt hot, and even then, Lu Heng’s touch still carried a chill, its presence so starkly at odds with his refined and handsome appearance. Song Xiaozhou stared for a moment before lowering his head slightly, unsure what to do.
Lu Heng ran his fingers through the youth’s soft black hair, pressing gently to guide him closer.
Song Xiaozhou glanced up at him with faint reproach, but Lu Heng only gave a quiet laugh, his voice low and hoarse. “Good boy.”
Kneeling in front of him in his nightclothes, Song Xiaozhou complied, though the moment quickly became overwhelming. Determined, he adjusted and pressed on.
Lu Heng’s hand in his hair tightened unconsciously before relaxing again, his fingers brushing lightly against the back of Song Xiaozhou’s neck in a wordless gesture of approval.
Morning sunlight streamed into the room, brightening one corner. The two of them remained in the shaded part, and Lu Heng narrowed his eyes slightly, watching the dust drift in the dappled light with a sense of unrestrained satisfaction.
Song Xiaozhou, quick-witted, licked it until it was moist. After keeping it in his mouth for a moment, the chill faded, replaced by a distinct, growing warmth. Feeling even more pleased with himself, he looked up at Lu Heng, watching the vengeful spirit’s face absorbed in lust. His heart was pounding in his chest, and he moaned, uncomfortably squeezing his legs together. He licked the glans with his bright red tongue and asked, “Jinzhi, are you warm now?”
He was like a small pet seeking praise and trying to be good.
Lu Heng’s eyes were tinged with red.
…
By the time they came out of the room, the sky was already high. It was another clear day. Although Lu Heng didn’t fear such a day, he still felt very uncomfortable.
The Jing’an Courtyard was built halfway up the mountain, with its back to Mount Furi. Mount Furi was high, and from there, one could overlook the city’s myriad lights.
“That’s the Lu family.” Lu Heng said.
Jing’an Courtyard had a pavilion. From the railing, one could take in the vast city. Song Xiaozhou followed his gaze. The Lu family was in the eastern city, where most of the powerful and wealthy lived.
The Lu family mansion was imposing and particularly noticeable among the others; one could spot it at a glance.
Resting against the vermilion railing, Song Xiaozhou drifted into thought. Eighteen districts lay between the eastern city and the western market. If it weren’t for this strange, unexpected ghost marriage, he would probably never have crossed paths with Lu Heng.
Even if they did, it would also be with him in a cage, and Lu Heng would glance at him from afar and ride away on his horse.
Lu Heng should have been there, surrounded by admiration, not vengeful spirits, alone in this place. Song Xiaozhou wondered, People say vengeful spirits have obsessions after they die, so what was Lu Heng’s?
Lu Heng asked, “What’s wrong?” He looked at Song Xiaozhou’s tight grip on his hand. The boy looked at him and asked, “Do you want to go home?”
Lu Heng froze, looked up at the Lu Mansion, and gave a cold laugh. “Home ah… Do I want to? Of course, I want to go home.”
Song Xiaozhou said, “Then I’ll take you back!”
Lu Heng chuckled softly, “We can’t get out.”
Song Xiaozhou was a little confused, thinking he was referring to the guards at the gate. He said anxiously, “We can avoid them. We can quietly run out when they change shifts late at night.”
Lu Heng’s eyes were tolerant and gentle. He patted Song Xiaozhou’s head. “Steward Zheng disappeared without a trace, and you’re still alive. Lu Xuan won’t let this go.”
