1.7

Wen Ning has been walking for quite some time now. The road to the castle from the training ground was very straightforward but once you stepped into the castle, it was confusing.

When they arrive at the west section of the castle where the first prince resides, a male servant was waiting at the open entrance with two guards at the side. It seems their arrival has been expected as the servant bows and tells them that Prince Liu Li Fei has been waiting. Liu Li Feng scoffs hearing that and Sun Junjie rolls his eyes which earns both of them a silent glare from the servant. Wen Ning innocently looks at the interaction between these three. They must not get along very well.

The servant then realizes that Wen Ning was there, standing between the two. He looks at Wen Ning's overall appearance and sneers at him before turning his back and telling them to follow. Wen Ning's mouth opens in shock at the servant's arrogance. He shakingly points his finger to the man and gives a look of disbelieve to the two men beside him. Sun Junjie knowingly pats his back, he too often receiving such treatment. "You'll get used to it. Come now, we don't want to make the 'princess' angry," Sun Junjie mocks which Liu Li Feng sighs at, knowing his brother can be very demanding. Wen Ning huffs, still annoyed. Now he knows why the servant and the two don't get along.

They follow behind the servant and after many twists and turns of the hallway, they finally reached a room. They were brought to a round-shaped, medium-sized dining room where tea and small cakes have been served on the table. The servant told them to have a seat and enjoy the treats while he goes and tells the first prince of their arrival. He leaves the room and the three sat there in silence.

Wen Ning looks around the room, intrigued by the intricate wood carvings on the frame of the open window showcasing two large dragons clawing each other apart while giving them a view of the large and beautiful garden outside. His eyes then caught something white falling to the ground. "Oh, it's snowing," Wen Ning murmurs to himself. "We can play snowballs then," a voice to his right whispers at his ear.

Wen Ning sighs and looks at the mischievous man sitting very close to him. Sun Junjie slyly smiles while popping a piece of the served cake into his mouth. He then wraps an arm around Wen Ning's waist and tears off a piece of meat bun, holding it between his fingers as he moves it to Wen Ning's mouth. "Say ahh," Sun Junjie playfully says. Wen Ning frowns, eyeing that piece of bun as if it had offended him. Sun Junjie still waits patiently so Wen Ning decides to feel generous and plays along. He leaned forward, his mouth closer to the piece of bun and eats it, accidentally licking Sun Junjie's fingers in the process. Wen Ning quickly realizes his mistake and backs away from Sun Junjie, in turn hitting his back hard against Liu Li Feng's broad chest prompting his husband to hold onto Wen Ning's shoulders, balancing them both from falling due to the sudden action. Wen Ning, not noticing his current position of being held from behind by Liu Li Feng, glares at the snickering Sun Junjie who then took the offending finger and gives it a lick, his eyes bored into Wen Ning.

Wen Ning couldn't help but blush at such gesture. This man! Just because Wen Ning does not mind the flirting, there is a limit to such action. Does Sun Junjie not realize who Wen Ning was? How can Sun Junjie act like this to Bai Yujin, knowing how complicated their relationship is? Wait! Shouldn't Liu Li Feng stop Sun Junjie? His lover is acting shamelessly towards Wen Ning for heaven's sake!

"Master, umm forgive A-Jia for asking but shouldn't you act a little bit colder to Sun Junjie? Because, because aren't you Liu Li Feng's wife and Sun Junjie is the, ahem, mistress. Or is this part of the plan too?" A-Jia nervously asked as it tugs at its ears, confusion on that little face.

Wait…A-Jia is right. All this time, Wen Ning has been treating Sun Junjie like how he treated Wei Ying because of the similarity of their faces. Too absorbed with his new purpose of living his life to the fullest, he has forgotten that these two people in front of him was not his Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji. Also, this was a job and he was not long in this world. He should not expect anything from these two with the short time limit he has. He's an idiot. Again, falling for the past.

Liu Li Feng looks at the suddenly quiet Bai Yujin. The ger was looking down at the floor, his face tense and lips pursed. Both Bai Yujin's hands were placed on his lap, fingers gripping at his clothing. Liu Li Feng couldn't help but worry about the sudden change of expression from Bai Yujin. Maybe Sun Junjie took it too far. With one hand massaging his shoulder and the other rubbing his arm up and down, Liu Li Feng tries to comfort Bai Yujin. He could feel Bai Yujin's body tensed under his touch and Liu Li Feng felt dejected but still kept comforting his quiet wife. "I…he likes to tease. Do you want me to tell Sun Junjie to stop?" Liu Li Feng whispers at Bai Yujin, his eyes glancing towards a nervous Sun Junjie. Even his partner noticed the situation. Sun Junjie wanted to apologize but he stutters to utter the words.

Liu Li Feng wanted to stop Sun Junjie's attempt until he heard a whisper from Bai Yujin. "Yes?" Liu Li Feng got closer, hardly able to hear what Bai Yujin said. "Why are you treating me like this?" Bai Yujin's voice wavers, his head still down. Liu Li Feng and Sun Junjie looked at each other, both confused. Sun Junjie got closer, his fingers almost touching Bai Yujin's bangs to have a look at him but he stops himself when he hears what Bai Yujin says next. "Aren't you two lovers? So why are you treating me in such a way? You are supposed to hate me! Liu Li Feng, you were forced to marry me and Sun Junjie, why aren't you screaming at me for stealing your lover? Don't make me confuse with your actions," Bai Yujin wraps his arms around himself, shaking in anger and frustration.

Sun Junjie froze hearing Bai Yujin's words. He knows he is being cruel, getting close to Bai Yujin who has been deeply hurt by the actions of Liu Li Feng because of Sun Junjie, but as he said before, there is something that makes him want to be closer to Bai Yujin and he is too selfish to let go of that. Twisted his intentions are he doesn't regret his decision to get to know the beauty in front of him. This lonely person, something within Sun Junjie's heart is saying, deserves all the love in the world even if it's from their husband's secret lover.

He gets closer to Bai Yujin, placing his hands on the ger's lap, trying to catch their eyes. "Yu-Yujin, I'm sorry. I'm don't hate you, I really don't. You have to believe me, I do care about you. Please don't cry," Sun Junjie tries to catch his attention but Bai Yujin's eyes were shut close. Sun Junjie looks desperately to Liu Li Feng, asking him for help.

Liu Li Feng grits his teeth. He has to explain so Bai Yujin. He doesn't want to hear those words being utter by that mouth. Liu Li Feng wraps his arms around Bai Yujin's chest from behind, placing his chin on the ger's shoulder, hoping this would at least calm the person down. He tries to be gentle with his hold, afraid of hurting the man again. "Bai Yujin, we're sorry. Please believe us, especially me when I say that we have no bad intentions towards you. Yes, our situation might not be ideal but that doesn't stop all of us from being close, to being friends. I, I do care for you and I hope to still be in your life. So please, give me a chance to get to know you. If not for my sake, at least for our child," Liu Li Feng looks at the bump hiding behind that jacket. He has been wishing to feel the movement of their child. The way Bai Yujin has been talking about the child during their outing in the city makes Liu Li Feng excited for the birth. He hopes before the child's arrival, Liu Li Feng could feel the movement.

Wen Ning grows quiet, even with the pleads from Sun Junjie to look at him and Liu Li Feng's confession Wen Ning was just so tired. He was not a plaything for these two. They can't just expect him to accept such unreasonableness. Being friends with his husband and his lover? Don't joke around! He is not a masochist who will answer your beck and call. He still has his dignity despite being the joke among the residents of the castle. Your reasoning does not have anything to do with him.

"Let me go. Now," his cold voice made Liu Li Feng tensed but the man does as Wen Ning says. Slowly he unwraps his arms around Wen Ning and Wen Ning throws himself out of that warm embrace and pushes off Sun Junjie whose hands had made its way to Wen Ning's face. Wen Ning stomps his feet towards the room's exit making both soldiers stand up. "Where are you going?" Liu Li Feng tries to take hold of Wen Ning's hand but Wen Ning manages to evade from his touch. He stood in front of the door and turns his head back, icily glaring at them. "I need some space from you two especially after what you said just now. Are you crazy? Being friends? Don't make me laugh. Do you not remember what I said that day? A reminder, I do not share. Don't treat my feelings like its something for you to decide, that's just disgusting," Wen Ning turns to open the door but Sun Junjie held onto his sleeve stopping him. "Yujin please understand. Our intention to be your friend is sincere," "That's why I don't understand. Are you hearing yourself right now? Just, just don't follow me. I'll come back so just wait here okay. It's too much for me right now," Wen Ning pushes the door open and with his back to them, he says one final thing. "I'm still leaving even if you don't agree to the divorce," Wen Ning shuts the door before hearing Sun Junjie loudly asking Liu Li Feng what Wen Ning meant. Hmph! Serves him right.

Stupid husband.

*****

"Stupid, stupid, stupid. I'm so stupid! What am I, a young maiden? Argg, stupid Wen Ning!" Wen Ning grumbles to himself, walking back and forth in the snow under the exact apple tree he and A-Jia had stumbled across that first time.

After his outburst, he walked outside and headed to the garden he saw through the window of the dining room. As he wanders without direction, he ended up at the same apple tree and decided to just…contemplate in his life choices. He decides to sit under the tree with his knees to his chest, staring blankly at the frozen lake. "Stupid Liu Li Feng, stupid Sun Junjie. Why can't they just leave me alone," Wen Ning complains tiredly.

There was a movement in his clothing and A-Jia pops out with its head out in the air and body warmly covered with both the heat from Wen Ning and his clothing. A-Jia looks up at Wen Ning, whose face looked so exhausted that A-Jia couldn't help but want to comfort its master. Still, A-Jia was puzzled. Why did its master seem to always act warm and cold with the two men? Sometimes he was nice and sometimes he was mean. Even A-Jia is confused too. If master wants to cut off the relationship between him and Liu Li Feng, shouldn't he just ignore the man and be rude towards him? That would have made master's task easier to settle. A-Jia couldn't help itself but ask.

Wen Ning hearing the question from A-Jia starts to frown. A-Jia was afraid if he had stepped on a sensitive issue but We Ning just sighs and begins telling the sugar glider his dilemma.

"I can't do my job properly A-Jia. Those two…they looked too much like the two most important people in my previous life," Wen Ning whispers.

"But master, they might have the same face but they aren't the same people,"

"I know, damn it I know but it's difficult to hate them when Bai Yujin himself forgave those two, and I can't hate them. I just really can't."

"So act! And don't be too hard on yourself, it's your first job, everyone gets confuse. Master, you have to remember, what you are doing right now is to return to those two important people. So do your job properly and then you can quickly return to them. Also, don't get hurt from some strangers," A-Jia advises, being quite grown up for once. Even Wen Ning got embarrassed being encouraged by this child.

Sigh "You're right A-Jia. I have to treat this as a job. I'll start doing better, I promise,"

Growl!

"Right after I eat," Wen Ning pats his belly, the growling sound turning louder making him embarrassed. He wraps the jacket tightly around him and started to stand up before the sound of something hitting the ground was heard to his left. There a red apple landed beside him. Wen Ning's eyes twinkle when he saw the apple and without hesitation, he picked it up and ate it. Sweet!

Another one fell and Wen Ning quickly takes it and puts it inside his robe pocket. How lucky! He can eat this one when he gets back home.

"You should really not eat anything given by strangers. Someone might try to harm you with it."

A voice suddenly said, surprising Wen Ning with a squeak. He tries to look for the source of the voice but fails. Then an apple falls on his lap. Wen Ning cocked his head to the side while he looks at the apple and then a thought. He slowly looks up and got the shock of his life. A man was staring at him as he lays his body on the thick branch of the apple tree. He slyly smiles at Wen Ning while one of his legs was swaying playfully. In the person's hand was a bitten apple

With a last bite to the apple, the man throws it away and jumps down in front of Wen Ning causing Wen Ning to shriek out in fright. He fixes his robes, patting himself clean from the leaves stuck to him and stood up with one of his hands inside his loose robe, still with that sly smile on his lips.

Wen Ning was shaking with nervousness. Who the heck is this? Scaring him in broad daylight. The nerve! And, and with such clothes. Isn't he embarrass being half-naked?! Especially with this coldness in the air.

There the man stood, wearing only his inner robes very loosely with the chest section opening wide with a full view of the man's broad chest just barely covering his pecs. His long hair that reached his waist was let loose and looked very messy as if the man had just woken up from a nap. A sharp nose and jaw, fox-like eyes, and a smile that may look flirtatious but Wen Ning could feel danger from it. Hmm, interesting. "Master, master, its-," "Hush A-Jia, trying to concentrate here," Wen Ning whispers as he pushes A-Jia head inside his robe chest pocket with his finger. The little sugar glider had ran there when the man jumped in front of them.

Wen Ning was in high alert. The man was as tall as Liu Li Feng, probably an inch shorter than his husband but still tall. He was towering over Wen Ning who was still sitting with his knees to his chest. The man walks forward, swaying in his steps and bows down a bit as he tries to get a closer look at Wen Ning's face. A look of glee appears when he sees Wen Ning. "Well, well, well. It seems I caught myself a little sparrow and don't you look precious," his hand hovers to touch Wen Ning's hair. Wen Ning cowers, hiding his face trying to make himself smaller. The man seems to notice Wen Ning's distress, pulls his hand back and takes a step backward.

Wen Ning thought the man left so he lifted his head and he was face to face with the stranger. "Ah!" Wen Ning shouts and in doing so hits the back of his head against the tree behind him."Oww…," he whines out. A hand then rubs the back of his head, fingers massaging the bruise where Wen Ning hit his head. Wen Ning glances up through his lashes and he sees the stranger laughing softly at him with the back of their palm covering his laughter. "Gosh, you're adorable. Am I that scary?" his eyes shines with mirth causing Wen Ning to drop his guard, just a little. That dangerous aura from this person, maybe he was imagining it.

"A li-little," Wen Ning mumbles, a small blush on his round cheeks. The stranger slowly stops laughing and stands up, his hand towards Wen Ning. Wen Ning hesitates but he gently held onto that hand and the stranger pulls him to his feet. He cleans the snow off Wen Ning's robe and nods as he looks at Wen Ning up and down, looking satisfied. The stranger then pets Wen Ning's head and takes a thick strand of the ebony hair, placing a kiss at the end of it. "Don't worry, I don't bite…hard," he grins and releases Wen Ning's hair. Wen Ning backs away, glaring at the smirking men but his anger and embarrassment fade when he sees the sorry state of this stranger. Really, how can he stand this cold?

Wen Ning cautiously walks towards the stranger who is still watching him. When he gets close, Wen Ning removes the fluffy golden black jacket he was wearing and drapes it over the man's shoulders. He smoothed out the coat, making sure the man wore it properly so that the cold wouldn't come through and hums happily. The jacket looked good on the man! Like it was meant to be worn by him.

The man lifted a brow, finding Wen Ning's action to be somehow cute. Wen Ning's happy expression then turns grumpy when he sees the man's questioning look. Wen Ning pokes a finger to the man's now covered up chest. "You, aren't you ashamed walking around with barely any clothes? Also, it's snowing! How can you stand here in the cold with just your inner robe? Even I can't go out without wearing at least 3 pairs of clothing on me," Wen Ning huffs and pokes at that chest again.

The man's face was blank as he stares at Wen Ning's finger on his chest. Wen Ning realized how bold he is acting to the stranger and thought he had crossed a line with how expressionless the man was now. Before he got the chance to apologize for his rude behavior, the man suddenly lets out a loud, unrestrained burst of laughter that ends up surprising Wen Ning, making him move backward and accidentally slipping in his step. Wen Ning, knowing what would happen next, quickly protected his belly and closed his eyes, bracing himself for the intense pain but he didn't feel it. He slowly opens his eyes and realizes that the stranger had saved him from the fall. He was now in the man's embrace. Realizing this, Wen Ning turns into a bumbling mess, trying to apologize but only stutters coming out from him. Not able to speak any coherent words, Wen Ning gives up and just mumbles out a thank you.

The man flicks his forehead. "Ouch! What is that for?" Wen Ning complains with a pout as he rubs on the spot. The man gives a small smirk to Wen Ning. "For being accident-prone. Also, for pocking my chest. I don't know if you're acting or just plain oblivious but I'm guessing you get yourself in trouble a lot," The man let's go of Wen Ning and leaves. He walks a bit before stopping in his steps, contemplating something as he massages his chin. He tiredly sighs and looks back. He crooks a finger, ordering Wen Ning to follow him. "If you don't want to freeze your butt off, better follow me," and with that, he walks off, not caring if Wen Ning follows or not.

Wen Ning, after deliberating whether to follow, decides to trust in his instincts and quickly scurries after the stranger. He was able to catch up and walked beside the man. The man peeked at Wen Ning, probably noticing the wariness he must be emitting but the man just smirks and ignores him. They continue to silently walk through the garden until they reached a bridge that leads them to a gazebo across a small pond.

They walked across the bridge and at the center of the gazebo was a large bench that could fit three people on it. Fluffy cushions were on the seating and a large and thick blanket was placed there. The man skips towards the bench and sprawled across it. A satisfying moan could be heard from him as the stranger planted himself on the comfortable and warm looking seat. Face still on the cushion, the man waves for Wen Ning to come over.

He hesitates a bit but Wen Ning shuffles closer to the man. The man mumbles something that Wen Ning can hardly hear so he gets closer to him until Wen Ning has his face close to the covered face. Suddenly, his arm was pulled down to the bench making him seat at the cushion. A head than plops on his lap and the man hums, making himself comfortable in Wen Ning's lap.

Wen Ning was too shocked by the man's action that his hands hover from touching the stranger. He was nervous, looking left and right, making sure no one was around since he was afraid if someone saw them. Wen Ning didn't want any unsavory rumors surrounding Liu Li Feng regarding him. Let people talk about Liu Li Feng and Sun Junjie's relationship but Wen Ning as the second prince's wife still has his dignity and his responsibility to take care of his husband's image.

After confirming that no one was around, he sighs in relief and pouts down at the stranger. The stranger seems to notice Wen Ning looking at him and opens one eye, taking a peek at Wen Ning. " Cover yourself with that blanket. It's getting cold and I'm not moving from this spot," the man points at the blanket by Wen Ning's feet which had fallen when the man pulled him down to sit. Wen Ning timidly picks it up, strands of his hair tickle the skin of the man when he hears a giggle. He ignores and wraps himself with the blanket, resigning himself to being a pillow for this childish stranger.

Minutes past and the atmosphere surrounding them was quiet yet comfortable. Snow falls from the sky covering the trees and plants until everything in front of him turned white. Wen Ning felt himself relax as he enjoys the rare silence. He did not realize that his fingers were threading the stranger's soft hair. Seeing that the man did not remark his actions, Wen Ning continues his incidental pampering as he gazes at the garden.

" Calming isn't it," the stranger voices out, eyes still closed as he pushes his head to those fingers. Wen Ning hums out in agreement. It really was. "Too calming," Wen Ning blurts out. The man chuckles at those words but he doesn't seem to mind.

"Makes you think if something bad is going to disturb the peace and quiet suddenly," the man replied.

" That's a bad way of thinking,"

"Oh little sparrow, don't be naïve. This 'peacefulness' won't last long. Something always comes to destroy what you have. It's inevitable. You- ouch! What the hell was that for?" the stranger grunts as he rubs his forehead, eyes open looking in disbelieve at this child. Did this sparrow just slap his head?!

"For being such a negative thinker! You, you should appreciate life more!" Wen Ning scolded, removing his fingers from the man's hair and putting them to the side. His frowns deepen when the man does not seem to understand what he means. "This peace we have, you should be grateful that you can live in an era where no one is hurt. Do not take the peace we gain too lightly!" Wen Ning's voice got louder as he scolded the man.

This man does not know what Wen Ning has seen and gone through in his world. The war that lasted for months, years until he couldn't keep count, restless sleep worrying about his loved ones, tears shed for those that left too soon and the pain of seeing the destruction caused by this foolish thing call war. He trembles remembering.

The man is not convinced. His eyebrows scrunched up and think that this sparrow's logic is very naïve like himself but after seeing the distress on this beauty's face, he decides to take pity and stops trying to agitate them. But still, the frustration and almost crying look on the sparrow makes his cruel heart skips a beat. He wants to see more of this face in pain. He wants it so much.

The man puts a palm to Wen Ning's cheek, gently caressing it with eyes shining in mirth but then roughly takes his chin and pulls his face downwards until Wen Ning was face to face with the coldest eyes he has ever seen. Wen Ning could feel the cold exhale of the man hitting his cheeks. "So you will do anything to keep this peace? Even killing anyone in your way?". The man's tone was serious and he expected an answer from Wen Ning.

Wen Ning lifts a brow and looks at the man curiously. Should he play along? He seems so serious that Wen Ning hesitated for a while but as he consciously rubs his belly and feels that small kick, Wen Ning knew that whatever happens, his priority is for this child. "If I have too, I will," doesn't mean he wants to but if he must for his loved ones, he will.

The man seems surprised with the sparrow's reply and after much deliberation, he gives a last stroke to the chin and lets it go. If their crying face makes his heart skips a beat, the determination in those eyes made him want to consume this person. Oh Bai Chao, you have been hiding a gem from me haven't you?

The man then continues his previous state, making himself comfortable on Wen Ning's lap, ignoring the sudden act just now as if it didn't happen. This man is too…peculiar. His moods are so weird that Wen Ning can't keep up.

With his eyes on Wen Ning, the stranger begins to ask him a question. "Tell me, what would you do, say if a group of enemy's soldiers suddenly attacks your soldiers right now? How do you retaliate back without the enemy daring to take action on you?" the suddenness of this takes wen Ning by surprise. Wen Ning though quickly thinks of a plan to such a question. He tilts his head to the man. "Have they hurt our soldiers?" "Badly," the man grins in reply. Wen Ning contemplates for a moment and tells the man his answer, thinking that the stranger just wants to tease him.

"If you're saying that this happened at our current time, how long would you think this snow will last?"

"Hmm, the snow today seems quite heavy. I am guessing that there will be a snowstorm or at least the roads will be difficult to travel with this kind of weather,"

"How long?"

"A week, give or take,"

"So the enemy's soldiers will definitely have enough food and resources at their camp to last them through this snow,"

"Your point?"

"Poison,"

"…interesting. Why?"

"Food and resources are scarce in this type of weather. They just can't waltz to a nearby village to buy them if they came to this country without giving notice or under false pretenses. So, they have to have plenty to keep themselves full in this duration. Also, the nearest kingdom to ours takes 5 days to travel by horse. They can't travel back and forth for supplies. Only when in a dire situation will they buy food from our kingdom's village,"

"Good point. What about the poison?"

"There's a type of poison mixture that is tasteless and undetectable when it enters the bloodstream. It takes a while for the poison to act but when it does, the person's heart will begin to fail and cause them a sudden heart attack. It's difficult to make so you have to be delicate and careful when mixing it,"

"Where did you find out out about this?"

"Books," actually from Wen Qing's teaching but this person doesn't need to know.

"Hmm, so what do I do with the poison?"

"Spread the mixture in their food and water supply. Maybe during dinner. They won't notice something going amiss since they'll be too focused on the food,"

"What about if someone tries to report back?"

"It takes five days to go to the nearest kingdom so they won't be able to get support. If there is more than one group, I suggest tranquilizing the horses by adding a sleeping mixture into the horses' water so that they just fall into a deep sleep making the surviving soldiers unable to reach for help,"

"Such a cruel method. I would have never guessed you could come out with such a plan. You looked so…innocent,"

"This is just a what-if situation. I just think this is a good strategy to immobilize our enemies before they dare to do more,"

"Should we kill off all the groups?"

"No, leave one group alive,"

"Why?"

"A warning. So that the enemy knows that we are watching and they can't escape from harming someone without expecting us to give them something in return tenfolds,"

Wen Ning admires Jiang Wanyin. He was ruthless and firm is his act to release judgment on those he believed deserves to. The sect lord was one of the prominent figures who successfully lead the troops during the attack against them by those blood cultivators. His methods might be cruel but it worked to the point that everyone knew not to mess with him. Wen Ning imagined what would Jiang Wanyin do in the situation this stranger had given him and came out with this plan.

Too focused on the past, Wen Ning does not notice the delighted glee coming from the man in his lap.

Finally, he found it. His lips were spread out into a wide grin and his body was shaking with childish excitement as if he found that one item he wanted very much and would hurt anyone in his way just to obtain it. This naïve yet fearless boy, why can't you just be like the others? Now you just make me want to have you more, more and more. My little sparrow.

Wen Ning did not notice that the man was now off his lap and his hand on Wen Ning's hair. He suddenly pushes Wen Ning down so that Wen Ning's whole body was lying on the cushion seat as the stranger hovers above Wen Ning with a crazed look in his eyes. The man gently grips Wen Ning's hair which he can't help but let out a gasp. This seems to excite the stranger as he uses his other hand to caress Wen Ning face; fingers on Wen Ning's lips as he shushes a stuttering Wen Ning and it slowly moves downwards to his neck, fingers pressing to the skin. Wen Ning struggles to escape but the firm press of the stranger's body to his makes him unable to. Wen Ning covers his belly, afraid if the baby inside got hurt.

The gold black jacket seems to have fallen from the stranger, leaving him with only his inner robe and his long hair cascading down, tickling Wen Ning's skin. This debauched appearance from the stranger made Wen Ning red all over. He tries to cover his eyes but a firm hand grips his fingers, pushing them away as the stranger continues to stare at Wen Ning. He can't let himself be treated this way.

"Le-let go! I don't like this. Please, let me go now!" Wen Ning begs as he continues to push and kick the man but his hold was firm. The stranger got closer to Wen Ning until his lips touched Wen Ning's ear. "Little sparrow, you are so gullible. You should have run away the first time you saw me. Now, don't even think of getting away," he whispers harshly as the grip to his fingers tightens. Wen Ning was in pain. He chocked out a sob and helplessly cried out for help.

"None of that sparrow. I'll give you anything if you say yes. Say yes and be mine Bai Yujin,"

With his other name whispered by this stranger, he tenses and slowly looks at this man. Wen Ning narrowed his eyes and grits his teeth in anger. "Who the hell are you?"

The man opens his mouth to answer but was then suddenly pulled off Wen Ning. Wen Ning quickly sat up to see who had saved him but he was then engulfed by someone. "Yujin, Yujin, it's okay. We're here, you're saved now," he soon realized that the person hugging him for dear life was Sun Junjie. He was so relieved that Wen Ning sagged himself on Sun Junjie and weakly hugs back, glad to be out of that predicament.

"Prince Liu Li Feng, stop!"

Wen Ning looks at the side and he could see Liu Li Feng was on top of the stranger, his grip on the man's collar and his other hand in a fist, ready to strike again but was held back by the male servant who had greeted them. He could see the suppressed anger in Liu Li Feng's eyes and Wen Ning wanted to move to stop him but was too emotionally exhausted to do so. He still didn't want Liu Li Feng to get into trouble. "Li-Liu Li Feng stop, don't please. Li Feng, hus-husband, please st-stop and come here," Wen Ning weakly calls out, his free hand reaches towards Liu Li Feng while the other hand was in Sun Junjie's hair. He could feel the tremor in Sun Junjie's body, he too feels close to joining in with Liu Li Feng but chooses to stay close to Wen Ning.

Liu Li Feng seems to hear Wen Ning calling him and reluctantly puts his fist down. He gives a last glare to the man and roughly pushes him to the floor before walking back to Wen Ning. "Are you alright?" Liu Li Feng asks him as both his hands palm Wen Ning's cheeks. Liu Li Feng fingers move towards his neck when he sees red marks on it. He accidentally brushed past a mark which Wen Ning couldn't help lowly cry in pain. His eyes darken and Liu Li Feng started to move back to finish the job before a grip to his sleeve stops him. He looks back at Wen Ning who just shook his head, quietly saying no. Liu Li Feng sighs in frustration and went back comforting Wen Ning.

"What is going on here?!" a voice shouted out. Wen Ning saw his brother coming towards them with two attendants beside him, his face in a scowl and hands in fists. When he saw the stranger still lying on the floor mouth bleeding from Liu Li Feng's initial punch, he was about to go over him but when he sees Wen Ning shaking, looking at Bai Shirong with trembling eyes, he puts two and two together and had an idea what happened.

Bai Shirong walks to Wen Ning, leaving the man attended by the two behind him and the previous male servant. He rubs Wen Ning's arm and gently spoke to him. "Did he touch you? Don't worry, big brother will handle that man," he smiles, trying to comfort Wen Ning in his own way. "N-no, brother it's al-alright. He di-didn't do…much," Wen Ning tries to reassure but the three who were him didn't seem to believe so.

"Bai Shirong! How could you keep such a gem from me? I feel so hurt. It's not fair that my brother has him. Liu Li Feng, I order you to give the little sparrow to me. I might just forgive you for the punch if Bai Yujin says yes to my offer," the stranger shouts out happily, already sitting on the floor with his leg crossed, not caring that his face was bleeding and that he just attacked Wen Ning.

"Crazy motherfucker," "Ditto!" Sun Junjie growls as he hugs Wen Ning tighter to him and A-Jia, the sugar glider was glaring its little eyes on the man while he stands on Sun Junjie's head with both paws by its side.

Liu Li Feng couldn't stand this absurdity. He turns back towards the grinning stranger, covering Wen Ning with his body and snarls out to the man. "Brother, do not test me. I will not be responsible for the hurt I will inflict on you if you dare to say more," "Boo, so boring. Not fair!" the man whines out.

Wen Ning tenses as he hears the title Liu Li Feng called the man. "Bro-brother? Does that mean…," Wen Ning pushes Sun Junjie to the side so that he can take a glimpse of the man. The man sees Wen Ning and slyly grins as he waves a hand to him.

"I guess I can't hide it now. Nice to meet you again little sparrow. My name is Liu Li Fei; first prince of Zhenbou and eldest brother to Liu Li Feng. It's nice to finally meet my adorable sister-in-law," he smirks, eyes still on Wen Ning.

Wen Ning wished he could just end this.

*****

*what do you guys think of the story so far? Comments are always welcome!*