I Don’T Want To Be This Master For A Day Anymore. Chapter 17

Yao Ye, I really want to beat you up.

Qiu Yin’an rushed to the doorway, kicking the door open. “I was applying medicine to him. It’s broad daylight, why are you closing the door?”

He looked toward the end of the long corridor, but Yao Ye had already disappeared. Damn it, Yao Ye definitely thought he had done something with Wan Qiongju.

Qiu Yin’an looked down and saw his spirit fox deliberately turn its head away, then sneak a glance at him sideways. Qiu Yin’an tutted and untied its leash. “Go tell Yao Ye that I was only applying medicine to Wan Qiongju.”

The spirit fox shook its head, free from the leash. “Young Lord Yao will understand you. You are twenty this year, the age when your vitality is strong, and Wan Qiongju possesses such a stunningly beautiful appearance. Everything is excusable.”

“Excusable my foot.” Qiu Yin’an whipped it with the rope in his hand, saying angrily, “Just say what I told you to say.”

“Alright, alright, my good master.” The spirit fox quickly ran into the distance. As it ran, it shouted, “My master is pure-hearted and ascetic, he didn’t touch Wan Qiongju, I bear witness—”

“Are you deliberately trying to get back at me?” Qiu Yin’an was enraged. He flung the rope in his hand toward the direction the spirit fox was running, intending to teach it a harsh lesson, but the spirit fox was too fast and wasn’t hit.

The spirit fox became even more smug: “My master’s heart is like still water, he remained unmoved even when tempted. He didn’t move a muscle.”

Qiu Yin’an was so angry that his fingertips trembled and his chest heaved violently. He roared, “Say one more word of nonsense, and when you come back, I’ll break your legs.”

The spirit fox ran far away, disappearing from Qiu Yin’an’s sight. Qiu Yin’an took a deep breath, releasing a wave of pent-up frustration.

When he re-entered the room, Wan Qiongju had already dressed and pulled the bed curtains closed. He took the small white medicine jar from Qiu Yin’an’s hand, put it away, and placed it back in the box.

After tidying everything, Wan Qiongju lightly bit his lip and spoke in a soft voice, “Master, tomorrow is my birthday.”

After speaking, Wan Qiongju scratched his hair a little shyly. He asked, “Does Master have any plans for tomorrow?”

Qiu Yin’an: “No plans. I’m only at Jiuling Mountain to help Yao Ye prepare for his sister’s wedding. Whether I’m here for one more day or one less, he can manage.”

“Then—can Master come down the mountain with me tomorrow?” Wan Qiongju opened his large, watery eyes, clutching his sleeves tightly, and took small steps toward Qiu Yin’an. Afraid that Qiu Yin’an would refuse, he quickly added, “When I arrived, I saw that the small town below Jiuling Mountain looked very interesting.”

Qiu Yin’an’s gaze lingered on Wan Qiongju’s face for a moment. The handsome youth’s shy, smiling demeanor was very endearing, making his heart feel ticklish.

Qiu Yin’an raised his hand and pinched Wan Qiongju’s slightly flushed cheek. “Not only is the town interesting, but Jiuling Mountain is also very interesting. If you hadn’t been injured, I would have brought you along that day when we left Qingxuan Peak. I guessed you would definitely like it.”

“Master, you are so kind.” Wan Qiongju jumped up excitedly, nearly throwing himself into his arms. The two stood very close. Qiu Yin’an was half a head taller than Wan Qiongju, who had to tilt his head back slightly to see Qiu Yin’an’s face.

“I knew it, Master thinks of me all the time.” Wan Qiongju’s face was filled with undisguised delight. This concern from Qiu Yin’an was undoubtedly the most precious treasure in the world to him.

“Not all the time, just when I have free time, I think of you,” Qiu Yin’an answered honestly.

“Really?” Wan Qiongju’s pupils widened instantly. He confirmed, “Master thinks of me whenever you have a moment?”

“Yes,” Qiu Yin’an nodded. He didn’t know what was wrong with answering Wan Qiongju honestly, but soon his own candor made his cheeks flush. The faint blush spread from his cheeks to his earlobes until it had nowhere to hide, hanging on his ear tips like drops of blood.

Why does my face feel so hot, Qiu Yin’an thought. He raised the back of his hand and pressed it against his warm face. Unconsciously, his heart was also pounding erratically. If he could reach it, Qiu Yin’an would surely press it down firmly.

Qiu Yin’an explained again, “You are my only disciple. Who else would I think of if not you?”

“Master—” the youth called sweetly, taking the opportunity to move a few steps closer. “When you weren’t around, I dreamed of you many times. Many times, I dreamed that you would never come back, so I came to find you.”

“Always having nightmares?” Qiu Yin’an narrowed his eyes slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said with a serious expression, “If you keep sleeping poorly, I can use a Technique to weave some good dreams for you and make them into dream-making spheres. If you place them under your pillow when you sleep, what you see in your dreams will become the scenes inside the sphere, and you won’t dream of this messy stuff anymore. You are still young; sleeping poorly all the time is not good, it will stunt your growth.”

Wan Qiongju replied with a smile, “There’s no need to trouble Master. Now that you are by my side, I won’t have nightmares anymore. Every night will surely be filled with good dreams.”

“How could I possess such heaven-defying ability?” Qiu Yin’an moved to the round table and sat down. “What you think about during the day, you dream about at night. I think you just have too many random thoughts during the day.”

Wan Qiongju pulled up a round stool and sat down beside Qiu Yin’an. “To be honest, Master, I was still doubting whether everything in my dreams was real on the way to Jiuling Mountain. It wasn’t until the moment I saw you with my own eyes that I finally felt settled.”

“Master, I’m truly afraid of losing you. Without you, I don’t think I could live very long.” Wan Qiongju’s voice sounded a little bitter, with a subtle catch in his throat. “During these few days of separation from you, I realized that I can never leave you for the rest of my life.”

Qiu Yin’an: “Just stay by my side without worry. If you keep being so anxious, you’ll worry yourself sick, and I will worry about you too.”

Qiu Yin’an knew the environment Wan Qiongju grew up in, so he understood Wan Qiongju’s insecurity and his dependence on him.

Qiu Yin’an took hold of Wan Qiongju’s hand, which was resting on the table, and squeezed it gently. He asked, “After traveling for so long, are you hungry? Should I call someone to make you something to eat?”

“I’m not hungry, just a little sleepy.” Saying this, Wan Qiongju yawned, and a wave of fatigue washed over his eyes.

Even traveling by sword, Jiuling Mountain was several hours away from Qingxuan Peak. Wan Qiongju couldn’t fly by sword, and his spirit fox couldn’t carry a person yet. Since he arrived at this time, he must have traveled overnight, which was confirmed by the dark circles under his eyes.

Qiu Yin’an stood up, placing a hand on Wan Qiongju’s back, and led him toward the inner room. “Go rest on my bed for a nap first. I’ll have someone clean the guest room next door later, and you can sleep there tonight.”

Wan Qiongju walked beside Qiu Yin’an. “No need to trouble them. I can stay with Master tonight too.”

Qiu Yin’an: “They have enough staff at Jiuling Mountain, it’s no trouble.”

Wan Qiongju’s eyebrows twitched slightly. He rubbed his eyes and said lazily, “Then I’ll listen to Master.”

While Wan Qiongju slept in the inner room, Qiu Yin’an, having nothing else to do, painted in the outer hall. About an hour later, Yao Ye arrived.

Qiu Yin’an was in the outer hall, facing the door, which was wide open. Hearing footsteps, Qiu Yin’an looked up toward the doorway. As their eyes met, Yao Ye pursed his lips and gave a mischievous smile.

Yao Ye had one foot inside the room but quickly retreated, then deliberately knocked on the door frame, asking meaningfully, “Is it convenient to enter now?”

Qiu Yin’an rolled his eyes at him, answering in a low voice, “No, get lost.”

Then he smoothed the rice paper with his left hand and wielded the goat-hair brush with his right, continuing the unfinished painting.

Yao Ye walked in with a playful smile. He explained, “I was just joking! Let me see what you’re painting?”

Yao Ye looked down. The painting showed a youth standing on the ground, with an eagle swooping down toward him.

Yao Ye praised, “That’s really good. Look at that eagle, how impressive it is. Its wings look like they’re genuinely flapping. Now, draw a bow and arrow for the little person.”

“Stop giving orders.” Qiu Yin’an put down his brush, picked up his teacup, and took a small sip. Since Yao Ye was here, he didn’t feel like painting anymore.

Yao Ye peered inquisitively into the room. “Where’s Wan Qiongju?”

Qiu Yin’an: “He was tired, resting in the inner room.”

Yao Ye leaned against the other side of the writing desk, grinning mischievously. “He’s tired, but you look quite energetic.”

Qiu Yin’an made a shushing gesture, signaling him to lower his voice. “He can’t fly by sword. He traveled overnight to get to Jiuling Mountain. Don’t wake him, let him get some good sleep.”

Yao Ye retorted carelessly, “But didn’t you take it out on him the moment he arrived?”

“Who told you I took it out on him?” A look of anger flashed across Qiu Yin’an’s face. He lowered his voice to explain, “I was applying medicine to him. What did that fox tell you?”

Yao Ye: “You know what your spirit pet is like, don’t you? It must have run off somewhere to fool around. I didn’t see a trace of it.”

Qiu Yin’an: “I didn’t do that kind of thing with him.”

“Really?” Yao Ye raised an eyebrow, sizing up Qiu Yin’an skeptically. “But I saw it with my own eyes.”

“I didn’t even experience it myself, so how could you see it with your own eyes?” Qiu Yin’an pointed a warning finger at Yao Ye’s nose. “I said no means no. If you keep being unreasonable, I’ll really get angry.”

“No, no, no, why are you getting worked up? I believe you.” Yao Ye quickly opened the folding fan in his hand and fanned it near Qiu Yin’an’s face, coaxing him. “The situation at the time looked exactly like something out of a picture book. I racked my brain and never would have guessed it was just applying medicine.”

Qiu Yin’an: “You should read fewer of those vulgar books.”

Yao Ye: “Didn’t you read them too?”

Qiu Yin’an: “I don’t read them now. Besides, I never read those niche ones you like.”

Yao Ye: “What’s the fun in men and women? Changing tastes occasionally is refreshing. I left two books for you last time, did you read them?”

Qiu Yin’an: “No.”

Yao Ye: “If you can’t practice it for real, at least satisfy your eyes. Are you trying to suppress yourself to death?”

“Mind your own business,” Qiu Yin’an answered sharply, then snatched the folding fan and threw it onto the writing desk. “Stop fanning. Why did you come looking for me? Haven’t the dowry preparations been completed?”

Yao Ye: “I had people find a few makeup artists. I originally wanted my sister to choose which one she wanted for her wedding banquet, but she hasn’t been feeling well lately. I have to choose, but I’m not very good at it. I wanted you to help me pick.”

Qiu Yin’an: “How would I know anything about makeup? You’d be better off picking a few serving maids and letting them look. At least they’re better than us two grown men.”

Yao Ye: “Hey, that makes sense. Then I’ll find a few pretty maids and let them choose.”

Qiu Yin’an: “By the way, lend me your Cloud-Riding Bell.”

Yao Ye unhooked the golden bell from his waist and handed it to Qiu Yin’an. “What do you need the Cloud-Riding Bell for? Where are you going?”

Qiu Yin’an took it and replied, “I’m going back to Qingxuan Peak tomorrow.”

Yao Ye: “Why go back to Qingxuan Peak? Is there something urgent?”

Qiu Yin’an: “It’s Wan Qiongju’s birthday tomorrow. I want to give him a big gift.”

As soon as Wan Qiongju was mentioned, Qiu Yin’an’s lips unconsciously curved into an arc, and his heart felt sweet, like he had eaten honey.

Yao Ye: “If you want to give him something, just pick it out here at Jiuling Mountain. I have plenty of good things.”

Qiu Yin’an: “It’s not the same. Don’t worry about it.”

“Oh, the things at my Jiuling Mountain aren’t good enough for him? What exactly are you planning to give him?” Yao Ye smiled, lowering his gaze, and draped an arm over Qiu Yin’an’s shoulder. “Aren’t you paying too much attention to him?”

Qiu Yin’an glanced at him sideways, answering faintly, “I’ve already taken him as my disciple. It’s only right that I pay attention to him.”

“Wait, when you were applying medicine to him just now, where exactly were you applying it?” Yao Ye suddenly reacted. His brow furrowed, and his eyes were unusually bright.

He circled Qiu Yin’an, scrutinizing him, then raised a finger and poked Qiu Yin’an’s left shoulder, stating confidently, “I’ve never seen you wait on anyone before, Qiu Yin’an. You’re acting strange.”

Qiu Yin’an grabbed the finger Yao Ye used to poke him and bent it backward forcefully. “Then how about I beat you up and personally apply medicine to you once? Will you quiet down then?”

“Ow, ow, ow, let go!” Yao Ye flailed his sleeves, randomly hitting Qiu Yin’an. Qiu Yin’an also picked up the folding fan and struck Yao Ye haphazardly. In their scuffle, they accidentally knocked over the teacup. With a crash, the sound startled the person in the inner room.

Wan Qiongju pushed open the inner room door and walked out, his eyes still heavy with sleep. His black hair was scattered, covering his entire face. He raised both hands and casually smoothed it back twice before his face was revealed. His voice was slightly hoarse as he called out, “Master.”

“Whoa!” Yao Ye stopped his wrestling hands with Qiu Yin’an. This was the first time Yao Ye had seen Wan Qiongju since Qiu Yin’an brought him back to Qingxuan Peak. He turned his head and asked Qiu Yin’an, “Is this still the little dirty kid we picked up from Wanzong Mountain?”

Qiu Yin’an boasted smugly, “How about that? I raised him well, didn’t I?”

“More than well,” Yao Ye rubbed his chin with one hand, his eyes constantly scanning Wan Qiongju’s handsome face.

He praised, “Don’t even mention it, he really is striking.”

Yao Ye leaned closer to Qiu Yin’an’s ear, covering his mouth with one hand, and whispered, “I thought you weren’t the type to lose control of yourself. How did you expose your true nature this time? So this kid is that captivating, huh? No wonder our Yin’an is so utterly smitten. Make sure to nourish your body well; he’s going to be a handful for you.”

Saying such things in front of Wan Qiongju made Qiu Yin’an’s face flush with anger. He kneed Yao Ye in the lower back. “My body is perfectly fine! If you dare say another word, I’ll test it out on you.”

Yao Ye quickly begged for mercy, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

Qiu Yin’an gritted his teeth. “Then stop talking nonsense.”

While the two were whispering, Wan Qiongju had casually tied his hair into a simple bun. Wan Qiongju didn’t have a deep impression of Yao Ye, but he had heard Qiu Yin’an’s spirit fox mention him. He bowed and addressed him, “Young Lord Yao.”

“Ah, given my relationship with your Master, there’s no need to be so formal.” Yao Ye crossed his arms over his chest and strolled toward Wan Qiongju. “Your Master saved you and has raised you to be so outstandingly handsome. You must thank him properly in the future. If you have no way to repay him, why not—”

“Stop spouting rubbish.” Qiu Yin’an slapped Yao Ye on the back of the head, warning him with his eyes not to speak nonsense. “Do you have something to do? If not, get out.”

Yao Ye rubbed the back of his head in pain. “I don’t have anything to do.”

Qiu Yin’an: “Didn’t you need to choose a makeup artist?”

Yao Ye: “It’s too late today. I won’t bother them. I’ll choose tomorrow.”

Qiu Yin’an: “Stop staring at Wan Qiongju.”

Yao Ye: “I was just looking to see if he’s grown taller. Yin’an, you’re too sensitive.”

Qiu Yin’an ignored Yao Ye and turned to ask Wan Qiongju, “Are you hungry?”

Wan Qiongju: “Yes.”

“Come on, your Master will take you down the mountain to eat something good.” Qiu Yin’an turned and walked toward the door. Yao Ye instantly darted to Qiu Yin’an’s side, wrapping an arm around Qiu Yin’an’s shoulder. He said, “I’m coming too. It’s a good chance to change up the flavor.”

“I’m not taking you. Don’t follow us.”

Despite the words, Qiu Yin’an did not push away the arm Yao Ye had draped over his shoulder. He slowed his pace, allowing Wan Qiongju to walk alongside him, then raised his hand and put his arm around Wan Qiongju’s shoulder, just as Yao Ye had done to him. The three walked down the mountain side by side.