ABRIWMTHM Chapter 70

Shi Xing entered the bedroom again, and Chi Yao maintained the posture of supporting him to sit up when Shi Xing left.

Shi Xing closed the door and carefully observed the situation. Chi Yao sat upright, not moving an inch.

From the side, it was evident that he was truly uncomfortable.

Only when he was extremely unwell would Chi Yao disregard how his condition was revealed by these small details.

Shi Xing was originally very anxious, but with a decision in his heart, he was surprisingly calm now.

He walked over step by step, sat down beside Chi Yao, and extended his hand. Chi Yao lifted his arm in response, and their fingers intertwined.

Shi Xing flipped Chi Yao’s hand over with his mind, looking carefully for the first time, although he had long wanted to do so.

His fingers were long, and the palm had callouses shaped by training. Chi Yao used mental power directly in combat and didn’t have a preferred weapon, so the callouses were not very obvious; without careful inspection, it was easy to overlook them.

“What’s wrong?”

Feeling Shi Xing’s fingers lightly stroking his palm, Chi Yao asked.

His voice was very low, almost a whisper; he was indeed in discomfort and wouldn’t have wanted to speak if not for Shi Xing.

Shi Xing answered earnestly, “I think your hand looks nice.”

This made Chi Yao smile.

“Only now you think so?”

Shi Xing admitted frankly, “No, I noticed it when I saw you in the Nest.”

But at that time, their statuses were different, and though he noticed it, he just kept it to himself. After their relationship changed, they remained somewhat strangers. Shi Xing felt embarrassed to say something that might have sounded too presumptuous to Chi Yao.

Now, perhaps thinking about what he was about to do, Shi Xing became bolder in other aspects.

Chi Yao still had the energy to joke with him, “Is this all you noticed?”

Shi Xing looked at Chi Yao for a moment and sighed, “You’re sweating a lot again on your forehead; I’ll get you a towel.”

Chi Yao replied, “Don’t get a hot one.”

His body already felt like a small furnace and didn’t need any more warmth.

Shi Xing agreed.

When he returned with the towel, he casually responded to Chi Yao’s joke, “Of course not. But are you asking because you want me to continue praising you?”

Chi Yao lowered his gaze, the corners of his mouth curling up, “I see, you caught me.”

He replied intentionally like that.

Shi Xing understood in his heart but couldn’t help but chuckle at the banter.

After wiping Chi Yao’s hands, face, and neck, he asked if Chi Yao wanted him to wipe any more of his body, receiving a negative answer. Chi Yao found it troublesome.

Ever since his mental sea started becoming unsettled, he had been sweating coldly, trying to maintain a proper appearance; deep down, Chi Yao didn’t want to move at all.

After Shi Xing returned, he lifted the quilt off Chi Yao, had the robot change the thin blanket on the bed, and asked Chi Yao if he wanted to drape it over himself. Again, he received a negative answer. Shi Xing placed the blanket at the end of the bed, took a deep breath, and climbed onto it.

When Shi Xing actively came over to hug him, Chi Yao felt slightly surprised, “What’s wrong?”

After a pause, he thought Shi Xing wanted to absorb his surface mental power again to make him feel better. So Chi Yao replied honestly, “It’s not necessary; I shouldn’t be able to feel it now.”

Not being able to feel it… indicated he was already in so much discomfort that he couldn’t focus on anything else.

Shi Xing furrowed his brows, feeling that this sentence pierced his heart, making him uncomfortable.

“Then is it not okay for me to just want to hug you?” His words had a rare hint of stubbornness.

Chi Yao chuckled, “That’s fine.”

Shi Xing said, “Your mental power’s aggressiveness has become stronger again, Your Highness.”

Shi Xing attempted to probe his weak mental power into Chi Yao’s mental sea. The moment it submerged, it was different from before; instead of being repelled by the contract, it was happily pulled in by the contract, even though he didn’t know how the communication happened. Shi Xing just knew that the contract was demanding more mental power from him.

It seemed that things were indeed at a very bad point, on the edge of chaos threatening to erupt, and the contract didn’t care how long his mental power could last.

After all, during such times, any bit of stable energy was welcome.

Shi Xing understood.

His determination grew firmer.

What made him more anxious was that after he healingly enhanced his mental power a few times, Chi Yao didn’t seem to notice at all.

Usually, His Highness was highly perceptive; now… Shi Xing didn’t dare to imagine what kind of pain he was enduring.

Thinking about this was just the beginning; if they truly entered the disorder period head-on, the discomfort would be even worse. Shi Xing could only feel a tightness in his breathing.

But it would ultimately be noticed.

As his mental power reached its usual strength, Chi Yao finally sensed something off, saying seriously, “What are you doing?”

Shi Xing didn’t put on a show anymore and laid it bare. “I’m trying to see if I can suppress the chaos in your mental sea.”

Before Chi Yao could respond, Shi Xing stubbornly added, “This is the second chaos phase of entering the disorder period. There should still be three to four more phases until it completely enters the disorder period, but the earlier it gets, the easier it is to be interrupted and suppressed. After that, I won’t have much confidence.”

Chi Yao frowned, “That’s not what I was asking. You…”

As soon as Chi Yao’s hand touched Shi Xing, before he could push him away, the youth firmly clasped his neck, holding on tightly, “I’m not getting down, nor am I stopping. I want to give it a try.”

“You can scold me.”

Afraid Chi Yao wouldn’t get angry enough, he added, “Also, I won’t let go.”

“Mental power will dissipate in the air. Since my mental power endurance isn’t as good as a therapist’s, this is the only way to minimize mental power loss.”

Chi Yao irritably pushed him, making their embrace tighter.

Shi Xing’s attitude was very clear.

And once he had made up his mind, he was especially stubborn.

Chi Yao’s breath became heavier; he took a few deep breaths, wanting to explode, but feeling Shi Xing’s body temperature and heartbeat, thinking about the deeper reason for his insistence… veins on his forehead pulsed a couple of times, but he ultimately relaxed, quietly retreating.

Chi Yao sighed.

In his fatigue, he said helplessly, “I don’t have the strength to scold you.”

That was the truth, like a retreat caused by anger, yet seeming like a resignation.

Shi Xing took the opportunity to climb up higher, “Then that’s great; you can just rest in this way.”

Chi Yao lightly chuckled, “That sounds considerate; it seems like I’m the one causing trouble.”

After a moment of silence, Shi Xing moved slightly, pressing his cheek against Chi Yao’s.

Chi Yao was taken aback; Shi Xing was clearly doing it deliberately. Taking the opportunity of this physical contact, he softened his voice again with a hint of pleading, coaxing, “How could it be? I’m clearly asking you not to be angry.”

Chi Yao was stiff, “I didn’t hear it.”

Shi Xing closed his eyes, using their embrace to slide down slightly, rubbing the skin on the side of his face, as if he had completely fallen into Chi Yao’s embrace.

Suddenly, Chi Yao felt a softness in his ear; Shi Xing whispered softly, his lips brushing against Chi Yao’s ear, and Chi Yao could even feel the movement of his tongue.

“Please, Your Highness, don’t be angry with me.”

His tone softened, perhaps somewhat embarrassed, his words sticky and not very clear.

So… intimate.

Chi Yao swallowed hard, took another deep breath, and slowly closed his eyes.

In silence, it seemed to be tacit approval.

Shi Xing thought so too, but he didn’t ask directly.

An hour later, as Shi Xing’s mental power was reduced to the last bit, barely holding on at a level where if he continued, Chi Yao would push him away in anger, Chi Yao’s mental sea finally fell under the control of his healing mental power and had to start calming down.

As the mental power receded, Shi Xing felt exhausted, making movements taxing.

He let go of Chi Yao to sit on the other side of the bed, looking at each other, and then Shi Xing suddenly smiled.

Chi Yao’s tone still held a bit of coldness, “What are you smiling about?”

Knowing that Chi Yao wasn’t completely angry, at that moment, Shi Xing didn’t care too much anymore and explained honestly, “I just feel that both of us are quite disheveled right now, Your Highness.”

This was indeed the truth.

Chi Yao’s nightgown on his back had already been wet several times.

Shi Xing also wasn’t in much better shape, drenched in sweat from head to toe.

After catching his breath, Shi Xing noticed something and frowned, “Why hasn’t the chaos in your mental sea settled completely?”

Chi Yao replied, “This is the disorder phase; do you think it’s easy to calm down?”

This was precisely why therapists were necessary; a therapist’s mental power might not always exceed Shi Xing’s, but their rate of mental power recovery was several times that of Shi Xing’s.

For example, if Shi Xing’s current mental power was a pool of pure water.

Then a therapist’s mental power would at least have three swimming pools, or even more.

Moreover, the disorder phase was different from usual; it meant that the rhythms of the mental sea had collapsed, with many energy vortices inside him. In the absence of regulations, trying to re-align the mental sea cycle couldn’t be done in a single attempt. To break through or quickly conclude the disorder phase, there would be at least two to three treatments needed to achieve the ultimate effect of re-adjusting the cycle rhythm.

The output of sustained and stable healing mental power required during this process was something only therapists could manage.

Shi Xing wasn’t completely ignorant of knowledge related to the disorder phase.

As soon as Chi Yao made that remark, he quickly grasped the implication.

Gritting his teeth, the young man resolutely stated, “At least it has calmed down for now. Breaking the cycle a bit is still good.”

Chi Yao looked at Shi Xing, unable to praise him, yet also unwilling to scold him.

His expression was complicated.

Feeling analyzed by Chi Yao, Shi Xing took a leap of faith, rolling against his leg and muttering, “Your Highness, I’m so tired.”

Chi Yao stretched out his hand to push Shi Xing away, still holding a cold tone, “Don’t act spoiled.”

However, when he touched the sticky skin on Shi Xing’s neck, he realized Shi Xing wasn’t comfortable either.

The Empire had strong physical capabilities, and once the mental sea calmed down a little, Chi Yao felt less discomfort. Once his senses opened up again, he realized that the mental power within Shi Xing’s mental sea had bottomed out.

Chi Yao: “……”

He touched Shi Xing’s cheek, finally softening his tone, asking, “Are you uncomfortable?”

Shi Xing didn’t bother with pretense, pressing down Chi Yao’s hand resting on his face, mumbling, “Tired.”

He felt very sleepy.

Chi Yao’s mood was complicated; while he was pondering what he ought to do or say, Shi Xing held onto his hand and kissed his hand’s back.

The movement was light, almost calculated, yet also like instinctual affection.

Chi Yao remained silent for a moment. Taking advantage of the situation, his long fingers slid from Shi Xing’s lip line into his mouth, lingering momentarily, seemingly caressing yet also playing with it, running back and forth twice.

Both of them sensed the atmosphere was somewhat off.

But the two held their breaths and didn’t speak immediately.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

There was a knock at the door.

“Your Majesty, Star Star, we sensed that the mental power is no longer aggressive. The chaos is… interrupted?”

Xu Jin and Yan Changyue had arrived.

Well, nothing more needed to be said.

Chi Yao’s mental sea wasn’t completely calm, but… also not in enduring chaos.

Shi Xing entered the bathroom, starting the automatic cleaning. If not for Yan Changyue following closely and knocking midway, Shi Xing could have slept soundly until dawn in the bathtub.

The totally ineffective doctor had also been called in; after checking Chi Yao’s mental sea, he concluded.

“There should be no problem for now. If it calms down on its own, that’s naturally the best.”

“If it’s chaotic again, that’s also very normal; the disorder phase is always recurring like this.”

Chi Yao nodded, indicating he understood.

Shi Xing asked Yan Changyue to bring him the beast cores and crystals. After passively absorbing as much as possible, he piled the remaining ones on his bed. Xu Jin glanced at them in surprise; Shi Xing rubbed his eyes, saying, “I’m so tired, let my body absorb it tonight.”

Xu Jin nodded.

Shi Xing hugged two beast cores, collapsed onto his pillow, while Chi Yao washed up. The servants and robots tidied up the room, changing the sheets and duvet covers, and Shi Xing slept soundly, completely unfazed by any noise.

Before bedtime, Chi Yao glanced at Shi Xing, adjusted the position of the beast cores for him, and lowered all the curtains.

In fact, the palace’s curtains had soundproofing capabilities, which Chi Yao had never told Shi Xing about.

That night, Shi Xing slept very well.

When he woke up at noon the next day, he felt fully rested, still lying among the piles of crystals and beast cores. He woke up without a trace of weariness; his face was radiant, though he still moved sluggishly, a telltale sign that his condition wasn’t great.

He proactively canceled Tang Mi’s lessons, dragging a basket of Red Ore wherever he went.

Those who knew understood he was worried about Chi Yao’s condition recurring and wanted to adjust his own state to be ready for the next potential chaos outbreak.

Those who didn’t know would think he was carrying a basket of snacks, eating as he walked!

The day passed calmly.

However, a piece of bad news came: Chi Yao’s mental sea still experienced fluctuations, although it hadn’t intensified into chaos, it also hadn’t completely calmed down.

By evening, it was still the same. Shi Xing began to mental prepare for the likelihood of another outbreak of chaos.

Xu Jin had contacted a therapist during the day.

There was no image, just a voice.

A somewhat hoarse female voice sighed after learning about Chi Yao’s condition, “Could you hold on until I arrive?”

This was the best solution.

Shi Xing replied, “I’ll try, but my ability is limited.”

Er Ya had already heard from Xu Jin that Chi Yao had matched this year, bringing back a Blue Star human. Hearing Shi Xing’s voice for the first time, she curiously said, “So you’re the Blue Star person the Emperor brought back from the Nest this year?”

Shi Xing confirmed.

Although Er Ya was curious, her personality wasn’t as gossipy as Fei Chu’s. After confirming, their conversation quickly returned to the point, “Officer Xu said you interrupted His Majesty’s second chaos. After the interruption, how much power did you have left?”

Shi Xing replied, “Just the bare minimum?”

Er Ya sighed again, bluntly and sharply stating, “In that case, you probably won’t be able to help him until I arrive.”

Shi Xing didn’t give up, “Is there any other way?”

Er Ya thought of something and felt uncertain, but decided to give it a try, “Why don’t you try the contract?”

“It connects to people through mental power; it is strong, capable of covering the entire mental sea of the royal family.”

“I’ve studied it for several years, but my mental power level might not be enough; apart from being able to enter Your Majesty’s mental sea through it, it hasn’t ever responded to me at other times.”

Shi Xing was taken aback for a moment, then explained that the contract would absorb his mental power and expressed his feeling of the connection.

Er Ya replied, “It seems indeed that my mental power level is too low.”

“Since you think you can communicate with the contract, then when it’s absolutely necessary, try using your mental power to approach it and see if it responds to you.”

Knowing this, Shi Xing expressed gratitude. Xu Jin chatted with Er Ya for a while longer, and after a moment, hung up.

They didn’t talk for long, and Shi Xing found it odd, “Is it done?”

Xu Jin replied, “No, she ran into some trouble and said she would get back to me later.”

If Shi Xing remembered correctly, Er Ya was probably piloting a warship through the star system right now, so…

Shi Xing’s heart abruptly tightened, “What trouble? Did someone from the Alliance stop her?”

Xu Jin calmly said, “No, she said she saw two S-level beasts and wanted to whet her appetite.”

Shi Xing was stunned for a long while before realizing what “whet her appetite” meant.

“Is… hunting?”

Xu Jin thought for a moment, “I wouldn’t phrase it that way; she wouldn’t kill them, but the beasts she has her eye on will probably feel like they wish they were dead.”

“??”

Xu Jin didn’t know how to explain, ultimately saying, “You’ll understand when you see it.”

Shi Xing genuinely did not understand.

In the afternoon, Chi Yao had a meeting with the Senate. Fei Chu found out and specially went to the door to listen for excitement.

He didn’t hear the commotion, but came back with some bad news: the Senate didn’t want him to receive visitors from the Alliance in his capacity as a royal direct descendant.

Shi Xing’s focus wasn’t on the Senate’s attitude, but rather, “Did they have a fight with His Highness?”

Fei Chu replied, “No, it seems Chi has made up his mind; the Senate is just persuading him.”

Shi Xing nodded, continuing to absorb his Red Ore. The emotional fluctuations this news brought were wrapped up with his summary, and Shi Xing said, “As long as it’s not fighting, that’s good.”

Fei Chu: “…”

Fei Chu: “Why do you have no reaction at all? This is your matter.”

Shi Xing replied straightforwardly, “Anyway, His Highness will arrange everything for me; what kind of reaction would I need to have?”

Fei Chu: “…………”

Fei Chu felt something was off about this statement, but couldn’t pinpoint what it was.

A long time later, Fei Shangjiang would realize that this phrase had a subtly sweet undertone.

But at that moment, Fei Chu scratched his head, oddly agreeing, “That’s true.”

Even though Shi Xing prepared himself mentally, when Chi Yao’s chaos outbreak occurred that night, he still felt a wave of discomfort.

The discomfort stemming from his helplessness.

The suppressed chaos retaliated fiercely; Shi Xing tried to see that based on yesterday’s situation, he should not be able to suppress it today as his mental power wasn’t sufficient.

Chi Yao calmly ordered Yan Changyue to activate the energy isolation devices.

As the leaked mental power grew somewhat aggressive, Xu Jin and Yan Changyue were also waved out of the bedroom.

Fei Chu, Fu Qing, and Bi Zhou were all outside, ready at any moment. If the energy isolation devices lost control, they would step in to open the barrier and protect everyone in the villa.

Shi Xing attempted to inject mental power into Chi Yao, and the contract still welcomed his mental power as always.

After Xu Jin and Yan Changyue left, Chi Yao held his hand and slightly shook his head, pressing down.

“No need, you can’t manage today. Don’t try; injecting more mental power will only make the chaos spread faster.”

During the disorder phase, healing mental power and chaotic energy were like the east wind and the west wind, requiring a clear winner; there would be no coexistence. If it couldn’t be suppressed, it was better not to heal, which was also why Shi Xing hadn’t acted during some previous leaks from Chi Yao.

Shi Xing knew where his level stood; Chi Yao, as the patient, naturally understood.

Shi Xing wanted to retort but realized he couldn’t, feeling a bit dejected.

Chi Yao rubbed Shi Xing’s knuckles as if to comfort him.

Shi Xing said, “Isn’t there anything I can do?”

Chi Yao’s tone was gentle, “Just stay with me.”

Shi Xing felt uncomfortable and stretched out to hug Chi Yao. Perhaps due to their frequent embraces these past two days, this movement felt especially familiar and natural. Chi Yao was still somewhat uncomfortable, but he reached out a hand, lightly patting Shi Xing’s back, whispering, “Don’t be uncomfortable; you’ve done very well.”

Shi Xing mumbled, “But it’s not good enough.”

If he…

“What would you say then about the A-level Blue Star humans coming from the Nest every year? If you’re not good enough, then how bad could they be?”

Shi Xing frowned, burying his face into Chi Yao’s shoulder. “That’s not what I meant.”

After a moment’s pause, Shi Xing straightforwardly said, “I just don’t want you to enter the disorder phase.”

Chi Yao patted Shi Xing’s back gently, simply saying, “I know.”

Shi Xing hugged Chi Yao tighter.

Though not in good condition, Chi Yao unexpectedly felt the atmosphere was warm, and his emotional state felt very comfortable.

After some chaos, Shi Xing recalled Er Ya’s suggestion. He told Chi Yao and began to use his mental power to touch the contract.

In fact, this was his first time doing this.

Previously, he had always injected mental power into the contract, which was a one-way interaction. Today, his mental power was not severed.

The moment he made contact, Shi Xing’s pupils constricted.

Mental power involuntarily dissipated from his body, and slowly, Shi Xing said, “It seems very pleased that I finally did this.”

Chi Yao couldn’t feel it, merely asking, “And then?”

“Then…” after a brief pause, Shi Xing asserted, “It’s asking me for more mental power.”

Shi Xing began to inject mental power into the contract.

The contract absorbed at a slow pace; Shi Xing wondered, “Is it that my mental power level is also insufficient for the contract?”

It absorbed slowly, possibly only taking a portion of his highest-level energy; the rest was not taken.

Chi Yao couldn’t deny, “Perhaps.”

The contract could stabilize even his mental sea to some degree; it was hard to say it was weak.

Instead, the ability to consolidate his fragmented mental sea was a different dimension of strength, very powerful.

Shi Xing asked, “Does it feel uncomfortable? Is there any rejection from your mental sea?”

Chi Yao sensed it and shook his head, “No, it seems the contract has absorbed everything.”

This mental power didn’t end up in his mental sea.

“Then I’ll give it a try.”

In their embraced position, Shi Xing injected mental power into the contract bit by bit. After realizing the contract needed high-level mental power, he worked hard to make the mental power he released more condensed, retaining the dissipated portion and refraining from releasing it outward.

Indeed, after doing so, the contract’s absorption of mental power sped up a little.

They didn’t know how much time passed until both of them felt the contract actively releasing energy, binding Chi Yao’s mental sea.

The good news was that the contract was surprisingly powerful, releasing energy several levels above Shi Xing’s mental power. In short, once it entered Chi Yao’s mental sea, the chaotic mental sea couldn’t generate any resistance; it immediately calmed down a bit.

Shi Xing’s eyes lit up, “It’s useful, Your Highness; it’s truly useful!”

Chi Yao was also a bit surprised, nodding.

Shi Xing suddenly became energized, driving with enthusiasm, “I’ll continue to provide it with mental power.”

Chi Yao nodded again.

Gradually, under the contract’s binding, the mental sea actually stabilized.

Unlike Shi Xing’s healing, the energy released by the contract was incredibly strong. Upon touching Chi Yao’s mental sea, it would penetrate without saying a word, while those chaotic energy vortices couldn’t escape; once they made contact, they began to dissipate and disappear.

The more mental power he provided, the brighter Shi Xing’s eyes became.

When Chi Yao’s mental sea felt stable, Chi Yao said, “Alright, it should be interrupted now.”

Shi Xing was puzzled: “But it still wants my mental power. Should I try injecting more?”

Shi Xing had half of his mental power left; he didn’t want to give up.

At that moment, Chi Yao didn’t respond quickly, making a mistaken decision to agree to Shi Xing’s attempt.

Thus, the contract seemed like a bottomless pit, absorbing Shi Xing’s mental power faster and faster. As Chi Yao’s mental sea calmed down, it initially only sought high-level energy, but later, it absorbed whatever Shi Xing offered, unable to fill up.

Shi Xing wanted to see what the final situation would be and didn’t tell Chi Yao, continuing to provide.

Until Chi Yao sensed it, a very special, familiar energy.

The moment he realized what it was, Chi Yao’s pupils constricted, and he abruptly grabbed Shi Xing’s hand, not allowing any objections, “Enough.”

“Don’t inject more mental power. It…”

Shi Xing was perplexed, tilting his head.

Chi Yao furrowed his brows for a moment, suddenly saying, “The Alliance diplomats will arrive the day after tomorrow; I need to be stationed in the Empire.”

Shi Xing didn’t understand the connection between the two sentences.

Taking a deep breath, Chi Yao said, “This kind of mental power, it…”

“What is it? I only feel the healing energy; isn’t that good?”

As he finished, Shi Xing added, “It’s urging me, urging me to release mental power.”

Chi Yao’s attitude, however, was exceptionally firm, “Absolutely not; sever the connection!”

Shi Xing was confused.

Tilting his head to look at Chi Yao closely, he noticed Chi Yao’s expression was somewhat strange, as if he were hiding something…

Hide? Was there something he couldn’t tell him?

Was healing the mental sea not a good thing? Would it cause…

In a flash, Shi Xing recalled Xu Jin’s words.

—“……At the beginning of the disorder phase, it can help interrupt the repression and slightly mend the cracks. In earlier years, His Majesty would sleep under the influence of the contract, and upon waking, he would be much better.”

—“When it takes effect, it releases a special kind of mental power that can make those in contact drowsy; during those days, His Majesty couldn’t be awakened…”

Shi Xing dawned on him, “Is it that kind of energy that puts people to sleep?”

Chi Yao didn’t expect Shi Xing to know, and his expression turned strange, but he still nodded.

Shi Xing’s mind raced, quickly pinpointing what Chi Yao was hesitant to disclose, “But if, if one really falls asleep… during deep recovery, can it mend a few cracks? Your Highness?!”

Meeting Shi Xing’s hopeful gaze, Chi Yao fell silent.

Shi Xing understood.

Yes. It could indeed repair the cracks.

But in Chi Yao’s mind, the diplomats from the Alliance were of greater importance at this moment, or rather, in the environment he was in, they had to be prioritized. The prince didn’t want to sleep, perhaps…

Shi Xing’s heart twinged.

Chi Yao was afraid to sleep.

He didn’t want to leave this mess to Shi Xing and Bi Zhou.

Suddenly, Shi Xing felt a wave of genuine discomfort, and it showed on his face.

The corners of Shi Xing’s eyes reddened.

Chi Yao’s voice soft and light, “It’s fine; there will be next time, but not now…”

Shi Xing interrupted, “Uncle Xu said the contract’s healing is unpredictable.”

There could be next time. Perhaps. But who could say for sure that the next time Shi Xing infused mental power, the contract would surely respond?

Chi Yao was at a loss for words.

After a long pause, he sighed, unexpectedly feeling a sense of stupid anticipation wishing Shi Xing was a bit more naïve.

Chi Yao was still troubled, but Shi Xing wasn’t.

In fact, he had always been firm in his ideas.

Shi Xing loosened his hold on Chi Yao slightly without fully letting go; their faces were merely a finger’s breadth apart.

In such close proximity, Shi Xing could hear his own heartbeat again.

Shi Xing suddenly said, “Your Highness, do you perhaps like me a little?”

This question was too convoluted; Chi Yao didn’t react at first.

Shi Xing, however, didn’t actually want an answer from him; in an intensely ambiguous atmosphere, their gazes met. He leaned closer again, softly seducing, “Your Highness, you know, I like you a little.”

His face flushed, and Shi Xing’s eyes glistened with mist, continuing, “Perhaps it’s more than just a little.”

“I hadn’t dared to think it through.”

With each sentence, his pink lips opened and closed, a hint of glistening moisture at the corners of his mouth.

At the last sentence, he pressed against the corner of Chi Yao’s lips, playfully leaving a fleeting kiss before pulling away.

Chi Yao didn’t know what feeling was creeping within him; he only sensed softness, and… a lack.

As Shi Xing pressed on with a second kiss, everything fell into chaos.

Shi Xing’s lower lip was bitten.

His teeth were pushed apart.

In the rejection, the root of his tongue was sucked, leaving him numb.

He wanted to tell Chi Yao to pause, yet the sound that emerged was barely formed, turning into fragmented syllables in his throat, sounding intimate and indescribable.

When the hem of his clothing was lifted, Shi Xing trembled but didn’t resist. Instead, he embraced Chi Yao.

Then…

The contract had absorbed enough mental power and actively severed its connection with Shi Xing.

In the next moment, that special energy expanded exponentially. Before Chi Yao realized it, he lost consciousness and collapsed on Shi Xing.

However, the energy that caused slumber did not affect Shi Xing; he felt quite comfortable, and nothing more.

After holding Chi Yao for a while, Shi Xing pushed him onto the bed and settled him well before sitting up.

His lips were swollen, but he didn’t care.

With his hands behind his head, Shi Xing began to contemplate another matter.

When Chi Yao woke up, he would quickly realize that he used his confession as a distraction to mask the nature of infusing mental power into the contract…

By then, how would Chi Yao react to his sudden confession? Would he think Shi Xing was lying?!

Oh, right, how many days had it been? Three, four days? Five, six days?

When Chi Yao woke up, would he burst into a storm of rage, or would he punish him severely?

Even worse, would he get angry while punishing him??

Shi Xing hugged his legs tightly, feeling bold while doing it; but once it was done…

He immediately began to feel scared!