32 Chapter 29: Fluffy Fantasies/Arc 4.4
The room was engulfed in darkness. The thick curtains blocked out the morning sun, creating the illusion of night. The air was unusually cold for indoors without the technology of the modern era.
It felt like a blizzard, and one would believe so if the green grass wasn't visible and the blue skies clear. The familiar lotus pond was painted across the room walls and the only sign of entertainment were some old books, not a gadget in sight.
On the large bed, a figure lay, seemingly in deep sleep. Looking closely, one would notice his tense body and the grip on the sheets.
Cold.
.
Hurts
.
Annoying.
Why?
Because I'm jealous.
Of who?
Chen Xiang.
Why Chen Xiang?
Because he loves Chen Xiang.
.
.
.
Why not me?
Calm down.
No!
I hate this.
I love him.
It hurts.
I want to die.
I want him to love me.
He never will.
.
Why?
Am I ugly.
.
Too impure?
I can change!
.
.
.
I should kill him.
He's hurting him.
He doesn't love him.
I'll love him.
.
.
.
No, I don't deserve him.
I-
The silver eyes were shut tight when they snapped open upon feeling the rays of the sun.
His vision cleared as he looked up to see Zhou Jian staring at him. He hadn't realized when the man had entered and opened the curtains, revealing the picturesque view of the garden.
Sitting up, Wang Tao glanced at the black ears which were slightly drooping and noticed the other's bad mood. Before he could express his worries, Zhou Jian reached out and rubbed the other's head slowly.
"Morning, A Tao."
Zhou Jian's heart softened as he watched the man's eyes narrow as he purred. The silver tail perked up, sneakily moving closer.
After a few moments, he reluctantly stopped and Wang Tao got out of bed. The younger man headed to bathe, tail swaying behind him.
When Wang Tao returned after changing, he quickly hid his surprise at seeing Zhou Jian still there, sitting on his bed. The Zion looked over and approached him, grabbing his hand to drag him to the mirror.
Seating his friend down, Zhou Jian picked up a nearby towel and began drying the other's hair.
"What are you doing?"
Wang Tao turned around to face the older man, confused with his sudden actions. Zhou Jian didn't answer, simply turning the other back around. He continued until the hair was dry before picking up the brush in front.
"W-"
"Shh. I just felt like it."
Zhou Jian stopped his friend before he could say a word. He already knew what the other wanted to ask.
Wang Tao decided to not bother with it anymore, enjoying the feeling. He found himself wishing the other would do this again but thought it unlikely.
Tying up the hair, Zhou Jian lowered his hands now finished. Wang Tao met the man's eyes through the mirror and noticed that the other was in a daze.
After a few moments, Zhou Jian opened his mouth and Wang Tao waited but he didn't make a sound. The older male hesitated before simply telling the other to come down for breakfast and leaving.
[ ...That was weird. ]
Wang Tao sat there for a while. He couldn't understand what was going on but somehow knew he wouldn't get his answer any time soon.
____
Chen Xiang thanked the man who was filling his plate with food. Zhou Jian gazed at the young man gulping down his food and smiled lightly.
The transmigrator had performed the role of a traumatized person, hoping to hint at the other his unfortunate past. Coupled with his malnourished appearance and scars when they first met, Chen Xiang knew that the fool was catching on.
Zhou Jian finally started to eat when he was satisfied with the amount the boy was eating. Hearing a noise, he looked over and noticed that his friend had decided to come down after a while. Wang Tao mumbled a greeting before sitting and beginning to eat.
"J-Jian Ge?"
"Yes? Is something wrong?"
"W-well I um. I was hoping you could take me somewhere."
The human fidgeted as he looked up at the beast man beside him. Zhou Jian's eyes softened and he quickly agreed. The boy's eyes brightened significantly, filling the older man with joy.
The boy had been so quiet, something he was unused to knowing the other's cheerful personality, and had worried him. Zhou Jian frowned a bit when he realized that Chen Xiang still hadn't smiled. He went into deep thought, thinking over everything in an attempt to understand why.
[ It's working~ ]
Chen Xiang lowered his head to allow his bangs to fall, blocking his face from the two.
Wang Tao, who was watching, tilted his head slightly. He looked at the human for a few seconds before lowering his head and focusing on his plate.
Chen Xiang finished his meal before excusing himself. He decided to take a walk around the house to find the place for his next scheme.
He gave himself a pat on the back for his idea to develop these skills in his original world. Chen Xiang never thought that they could help him snatch such a powerful man one day.
_ _ _
Wang Tao looked at Zhou Jian who was once again in a daze. The man was tapping his finger on the table and his food was mostly uneaten.
It reminded Wang Tao of his state in the first world when he figured out that he was in love. The Celestial had trouble focusing and handling his emotions, even though they weren't as strong as they were now.
"A Jian, what's wrong?"
Wang Tao tapped the man's shoulder to get his attention. Zhou Jian lifted his head and noted the concern on the other's face. Once his brain cleared, the question sank in.
"Nothing's wrong. I'm fine."
"Mum taught me that those who say they're fine normally aren't."
"Madame Wei? Sigh, trust me I'm fine. Stop worrying."
"That's a lie, you were tapping your finger. I know you only do that when you're nervous."
"A Tao, I'm ok."
Zhou Jian rubbed the other's hair before rising from his seat. He put up his food and left the dining room.
Wang Tao bit his lip as frustration grew. He did not understand why the other wouldn't confide in him.
After a while Wang Tao tried to distract himself and continued eating. Once he finished his meal he washed the dishes before heading to his garden so he could clear his head.
