Chapter 7*

During the late summer nights, the wind had cooled slightly, no longer as oppressive and humid as during the peak of the season. It carried the first whispers of autumn's approach.

Soft moonlight spilled over Xiao Ye, who sat curled up on the doorstep, knees drawn to his chest. His gaze remained fixed on the road—until a familiar figure appeared at the far end.

He rushed forward, catching the staggering man just in time, lips pressing into a thin line as he summoned all his strength to steady him and guide him inside.

The faint scent of alcohol clung to Qin Yuxuan, rich and intoxicating.

Inside, the bed had long been prepared with a cool blanket. As soon as Qin Yuxuan collapsed onto it, he let out a contented hum.

Xiao Ye moved wordlessly, taking a damp cloth and gently wiping the man's face.

His elegant brows, his sculpted features—Xiao Ye's trembling fingers dared to trace them only through the veil of soft fabric.

A single tear slipped out, landing on Qin Yuxuan's jade-like skin with a light plop. Startled, Xiao Ye gasped and hurriedly wiped it away.

Qin Yuxuan's half-closed eyes opened suddenly , revealing an unexpected clarity.

"Young Master—"

Before he could finish speaking, his wrist was caught in a firm grip and pulled forward into the canopy bed. The gauze curtains fluttered up before softly settling back down.

Xiao Ye found himself fully sprawled on the mattress, eyes wide, trying to discern Qin Yuxuan's expression in the dim light. 

It seemed like he was smiling, but also just watching him intently, eyes dark and unreadable. 

The grip on his wrist remained tight, but he knew that even if Qin Yuxuan let go, he wouldn't pull away. No matter what the man wanted, he would give it—without hesitation, without expecting anything in return.

Fingertips gently traced his cheek before slipping lower, lightly parting the folds of his robe.

His body trembled. He turned his head away, unable to meet those eyes.

Qin Yuxuan leaned in close, breathing softly against the exposed, snow-white skin of his neck. "My Xiao Ye smells so sweet."

His warm breath hovered, not quite touching—as if relishing the way he trembled beneath it.

Xiao Ye's heart pounded. With his free hand, he reached out helplessly, clutching at the man's robe.

He was afraid—but more than fear, it was the thought of this warmth vanishing that terrified him the most.

At last, soft lips descended, trailing along the curve of his upturned jaw, brushing over his delicate chin, and then hovering over his tightly sealed lips.

A damp tongue teased at the seam of his mouth, coaxing him to relax. The kiss was deliberate, tender, smoothing over the faint indentations left by his own teeth.

His lips parted, and at once, a supple, velvety heat slipped inside, wrapping around his own small tongue, tasting, exploring, sucking gently.

Xiao Ye's light summer robes, already loose, slipped further, hanging askew from his arms and exposing the smooth expanse of his shoulders and back. At some point, their bodies had entwined completely, bare skin pressed flush together. Even that most intimate place below was nestled tightly against the other.

"Ah—"

Qin Yuxuan ground against him twice, teasing and deliberate. A thin sheen of sweat broke out along Xiao Ye’s back, his breathing uneven, cheeks flushed a deep crimson. 

A hand wrapped around his slender, trembling length, stroking in slow, teasing motions.

Xiao Ye shivered instictively, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. At last, unable to resist, he arched his back—spilling helplessly into the man's grasp, shame burning through him.

He wanted to cry. He had never done anything so embarrassing, not even by himself. Would Qin Yuxuan find him disgraceful now and turn away in disgust? 

Through his hazy vision, he saw Qin Yuxuan raise his fingers to his lips, licking them with a smirk.

"Xiao Ye, was that your first time cumming? Why does it taste so sweet... with a faint floral scent?"

Panicked, he reached out to stop him. "Young Master—"

"No wonder the wine never tasted quite right," Qin Yuxuan chuckled, murmuring into his ear. "It seems it was missing a key ingredient. Next time I brew Drunken Spring Breeze, I’ll have to add a little bit of this."

Xiao Ye's face burned, but before he could protest further, his legs were pushed apart as the man slowly settled between them, pressing in close.

There was pain—then heat.

A scorching warmth spread from the place where they were joined. That tight passage was stretched open, then filled completely.

His arms clung weakly to the man above him, his body swaying with each thrust.

And yet, beneath it all, his heart brimmed with happiness.

Happiness so deep, it dulled the pain of his first time. Happiness so intoxicating, he willingly drowned in it.

Qin Yuxuan whispered his name, over and over, his lips brushing reverent kisses to his mouth.

"Xiao Ye, Xiao Ye."

Shyly, he tentatively flicked out his tongue in response—only to be immediately captured in another deep, lingering kiss.

His body was weak, spent, yet Qin Yuxuan held him close, rocking into him with an unrelenting rhythm.

"Ah—"

The pleasure built again, sharper this time, coiling hot and tight in his belly. Sweat slicked his skin, heat pooling deep inside him until he felt like he might melt completely.

Would losing his cultivation and memories feel like this?

If so, then he would rather perish in this person's embrace, free of regrets.

His body tensed, arched, before finally unravelling, his release shuddering through him in waves. He felt weightless, as if floating among the clouds.

A low, husky groan sounded beside his ear, and with one final, deep thrust, warmth spilled deep inside him, trickling out from where they were joined.

"You are my Xiao Ye."

In his daze, he thought he heard those words. But before he could grasp them fully, sleep had already claimed him.