C68. Does He Like Me?

C68. Does He Like Me?

When the words were spoken, Chu Hechao froze in place.

Yuan Li was also startled by the statement, his eyes widening in disbelief. Was this joke being taken too far?

Seeing the regretful expression on the man's face, Yuan Li felt a surge of determination.

He had almost lost to Chu Hechao once, would he allow it to happen again?

After a moment of contemplation, Yuan Li leaned forward, bringing his face close to Chu Hechao's. He said in a deliberate manner, "Alright, I'll trouble General with that."

Chu Hechao, still regretful, felt a sudden hitch in his breath.

He looked at Yuanli in disbelief, what did this mean?

Was he... agreeing to let him apply lip balm with his lips and tongue?

Tension thickened in Chu Hechao posture as he placed the oil bowl on the table and sternly said, "Don't speak recklessly."

Suppressing a smile, Yuan Li feigned innocence and asked, "Isn't that what we're supposed to do?"

Chu Hechao remained as still as a stone, sitting upright without a hint of movement. Yuan Li's smile deepened as he teased, "General, why aren't you reacting?"

He glanced at Chu Hechao and remarked, "Are you scared?"

Chu Hechao's expression shifted several times, finally locking eyes with Yuan Li.

The elegant and lively face of the youth before him seemed to radiate a joyful charm. Chu Hechao could sense Yuan Li's gentle breath, and as his gaze lowered, he noticed the youth's fair cheeks and dry, cracked lips.

The lips seemed pale and rough, yet inexplicably, Chu Hechao felt as if the smiling youth before him had transformed into a seductive demon, tempting him towards forbidden desires.

Watching the man silently endure, Yuan Li found it peculiar.

Normally, Chu Hechao would have already retaliated by now.

Suddenly, Yuan Li remembered the speculation he had dismissed in his busy state of mind.

Could it be that Chu Hechao was attracted to men?

Now was the perfect time to verify this speculation.

Curiosity, which should not have surfaced at this moment, surged within Yuan Li. He made a bolder move, leaning forward and saying, "Chu Hechao?"

His lips moved hesitantly.

Once again, Chu Hechao found himself standing on the edge of a steep, dark cliff.

All other sounds faded away, leaving only Yuan Li's face and lips in Chu Hechao's sight. Rationality clashed with desire, emotions battled with morals. In that moment, a faintly ferocious expression crossed the man's face.

Various voices resounded.

"Look at him, acting so brazen in front of him without a care. He needs to be taught a lesson."

"Chu Hechao, he's said such things, why is he still holding back?"

"He's Chu Mingfeng's wife, and Chu Mingfeng's dying wish was for him to be taken care of."

"He's your sister-in-law, he shouldn't be touched."

"We can't let him be condemned by gods and men alike."

Chu Hechao hands slowly formed into fists.

"You are Chu Hechao, the grand general of the Northern Border, he could easily shut up all voices like those jesters."

"With enough power, no one would dare speak out, you could turn a sister-in-law into your wife."

"You shared a toast and exchanged vows with Yuan Li, so you should the one who become his husband."

Amidst the chaotic voices in his mind, Chu Hechao adam's apple bobbed up and down, his expression taking on a frightening intensity as he gazed at Yuan Li.

Wanting a clearer view, Yuan Li leaned in even closer, but ended up slipping from the chair in an attempt to lunge towards Chu Hechao. Reacting swiftly, Yuan Li reached out to steady himself against Chu Hechao's thigh.

As his hand touched him, Yuan Li felt the muscles in his thighs tense up instantly. He raised his head, and Chu Hechao's face revealed a restrained look of pain, then he closed his eyes.

The man remained silent like a mountain, with his eyes closed, exuding a sense of endurance, and looking extremely handsome.

Yuan Li's heart began to beat faster for some unknown reason.

Suddenly, he had a strange and hesitant feeling.

Chu Hechao...

Does he like him?

Yuan Li swallowed hard, doubting whether he was mistaken in his feelings.

If he truly likes him, would Chu Hechao be so harsh towards him?

Always shouting at him, telling him not to come close, is that how someone shows affection?

Perhaps everyone has a mischievous and dark side, as Yuan Li watched Chu Hechao's restrained expression with closed eyes, he became bolder and insisted on forcing Chu Hechao to open his eyes.

After some thought, Yuan Li hesitantly moved his hand on Chu Hechao's thigh, carefully observing Chu Hechao's expressions.

The man's jaw momentarily tensed in an attacking curve, his eyes still closed, his thick brows furrowed. Every subtle expression was noted by Yuan Li, but quickly disappeared and returned to a neutral expression.

However, large beads of sweat began to trickle down the man's forehead.

He had been pushed to this extent.

Yuan Li stared at the bead of sweat as it slid from Chu Hechao's temple to his Adam's apple, unable to resist reaching out to wipe it away.

Chu Hechao's Adam's apple twitched again.

More sweat emerged from his forehead, and Yuan Li, thoughtfully, gently touched Chu Hechao's Adam's apple.

Suddenly, the man's neck tensed, and he swiftly and accurately grabbed Yuan Li's hand, which was causing trouble.

Startled by the sudden action, Yuan Li looked nervously at Chu Hechao.

Chu Hechao finally opened his eyes.

The man's face was sweaty and bloodshot eyes, as he stared intensely at Yuan Li with a dark and unfathomable gaze.

"Yuan Li," he croaked, each word dripping with intensity, "do you want me dead?"

Even after returning to his room, Yuan Li couldn't shake off Chu Hechao's intense gaze.

When he laid in bed, Yuan Li touched his chest and realized his heart was racing.

That look from Chu Hechao filled Yuan Li with a mix of chills and unrest.

His emotions were a turbulent mix of shock, embarrassment, and an inexplicable feeling.

Yuan Li truly felt that Chu Hechao liked him.

But he still had some doubts.

After all, it seemed absurd. Even though he knew there was nothing between him and Chu Mingfeng, he was still Chu Hechao's brother-in-law in name and had always maintained a brotherly stance towards Chu Hechao. Despite Chu Hechao's constant worry, he was actually kind to his family.

So how could Chu Hechao like him, his brother-in-law?

Yuan Li was conflicted and couldn't make sense of it.

He really wanted to know if Chu Hechao liked him...

Yuan Li knew rationally that if this delicate situation were to be exposed, it would only be awkward for the two of them.

"Sigh." Yuan Li sighed softly.

He pulled the covers over himself and decided not to dwell on it for now.

Just sleep.

The next morning, Yuan Li woke up with dark circles under his eyes.

Lin Tian worriedly asked, "My Lord, did you not sleep well?"

Yuan Li sighed deeply, tormented by his restless curiosity throughout the night and shook his head.

He woke up and started his morning exercise routine. Yuan Li ran and ran, eventually reaching Chu Hechao's martial arts training ground.

He had thought Chu Hechao would have finished training by now, especially since Yuan Li had woken up late that day. However, when he arrived, he was surprised to see Chu Hechao still there.

The General was only wearing a thin shirt, with the steam rising from his body creating a mist in the morning air. His robes were already discarded around his waist, revealing his honey-colored skin and sweat rolling down with the movement of his muscles.

His heaving chest and abdomen showed the strength of a mature man, exuding a certain masculine charm that reminded Yuan Li of the first time he saw him in March last year.

Looking at him with a worried expression, Yuan Li hesitated to speak. He really wanted to ask Chu Hechao if he liked him, but he felt it would sound too self-centered.

If Chu Hechao didn't feel the same way, it would be embarrassing.

The morning of March still carried the chill of winter, but as they warmed up, the cold was pushed back by the warmth of their movements.

Chu Hechao noticed Yuan Li and raised his eyelids, sharp eyes turning to look at him. When he saw Yuan Li, his forehead wrinkled slightly, his thin lips straightening. He looked at Yuan Li with an expression that seemed calm but hiding a multitude of thoughts.

Yuan Li suddenly felt the weight of his gaze, cold and hot, causing him to shiver. Without a word, he turned and ran away.

After washing up and getting ready, a servant brought Yuan Li a box of lip balm and hand cream to prevent chapping.

Yuan Li was surprised and asked, "Where did this come from?"

"The General sent someone to inquire at the He's mansion," replied the servant who brought the lip balm. "Please use it, and if you run out, there is more at He's mansion."

He Lang lived a refined life, and Yuan Li chuckled, applying some lip balm and clearing his throat before politely saying, "Please tell the General that I appreciate it."

The servant left, and Yuan Li opened the box, smelling a faint scent of jasmine. He applied some to his lips, finally feeling relieved that talking no longer caused pain.

Half an hour after breakfast, Liu Jixin brought two people to meet Yuan Li.

Yuan Li changed into fresh clothing and waited in the main hall. Soon, Liu Jixin entered with two young men, bowing and greeting, "We pay our respects to the Governor."

The two men behind him also bowed, introducing themselves as Zheng Rong and Zhou Gongdan, respectively.

Yuan Li watched the two men with interest. Zheng Rong stood on Liu Jixin's left, known to Yuan Li as Liu Jixin's brother-in-law. Seeing Zheng Rong now, Yuan Li was surprised at his weak appearance – pale face, thin body, and fragile limbs, showing signs of various ailments.

Seeing such a weak individual, Yuan Li felt the urge to train him properly. With his current physical condition, even a slight cold could be unbearable for him.

The other man, Zhou Gongdan, looked better, with a handsome and elegant appearance exuding a sense of charm and ease. Despite the patched shoes indicating poverty, he remained clean and composed, showing no sign of discomfort.

"Zhou Gongdan," Yuan Li teased with a smile, "what an extraordinary name."

Glancing at Zhou Gongdan's shoes, Yuan Li's smile grew wider.

In today's society, households where people can read and write usually have a certain financial background. Even for the poor scholars, the term "poor" still means being from a prestigious family.

While commoners may wear patched shoes, those who can read, even if impoverished, do not reach such levels of poverty.

Upon first glance, Yuan Li could tell that this person, despite wanting to come under his wing, was also testing him. Testing to see if he was judgmental of the poor, superficial, or inconsistent in character, judging people by appearances.

Yuan Li pretended not to notice.

Zhou Gongdan showed a wry expression, bowing to Yuan Li and saying, "This name truly ties me to Zhou Gong. It is my birth haste that led my mother to dream of Zhou Gong in her sleep, crying out loud and giving me a name similar to Zhou Gong's. I truly feel inadequate. If the Governor doesn't mind, please call me We Ning instead."

Yuan Li nodded, then turned his gaze to Zheng Rong.

Zheng Rong seemed a bit nervous, speaking in a tense voice but with clear reasoning.

After Liu Jixin recommended them, Yuan Li conducted a thorough assessment of the two individuals and found that their knowledge and perspective were excellent. Zheng Rong was knowledgeable about the people's livelihood while Zhou Gongdan had a good understanding of military matters.

Yuan Li was pleased and gladly accepted these two talents, inviting them to have lunch with him in a gentle manner.

The estate's food far surpassed the usual fare of Zheng Rong and Zhou Gongdan. The two, who always paid attention to their manners, couldn't help but eat a lot, eventually feeling a bit too full.

After lunch, Zhou Gongdan's demeanor became much more enthusiastic. He sighed deeply, thinking to himself that if he could eat this kind of food every day, he would want to rely on Yuan Li as his strategist.

Without staying too long, they left. Yuan Li separately gave each of them a gift.

Zheng Rong received a good inkstone and a set of brushes, while Zhou Gongdan received ten pairs of sturdy boots.

"Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles," Yuan Li smiled at Zhou Gongdan. "Without good shoes, how can We Ning explore the vast mountains and rivers?"

On the way back, Zhou Gongdan held a pair of boots, lost in thought. Zheng Rong felt somewhat guilty for receiving such a good gift while Zhou Gongdan only got boots.

He whispered comfortingly, "We Ning, the Governor must have noticed the patches on the shoes and thus gave you boots. It's a sign of the Governor's caring heart, don't overthink it."

Zhou Gongdan nodded with a smile and asked, "Do you know why the Governor gave me 'ten pairs'?"

Zheng Rong inquired, "Why?"

"Because it is the Governor's reminder for me to 'seek truth from facts'," Zhou Gongdan explained.

Perplexed, Zheng Rong shook his head, but then chuckled suddenly.

Yuan Li did not immediately appoint Zheng Rong and Zhou Gongdan as his officials, indicating that he wanted to observe them for some time. Therefore, the two were not yet allowed to address Yuan Li as "Master" directly; they still referred to him as "Governor."

Their arrival was timely, as spring approached, and Yuan Li's governmental affairs became increasingly busy, requiring more manpower, especially due to the recent lack of rain, leading to even more duties for Yuan Li.

By the end of March, with the anticipation of spring rains, Yuzhou had gone without rain for half a month, causing restlessness among the people. Local authorities sent documents to Yuan Li, inquiring about preparations for the drought.

Not only the commoners but also the wealthy landlords were concerned about the weather in Yuzhou.

Yuan Li also sent people to inquire about the situation in neighboring Bingzhou and Yizhou. These two prefectures had also experienced very little rainfall this month.

If it continued to be dry, a large-scale drought was likely to occur.

Yuan Li's heart grew heavy, and he even started to prepare for the drought. Finally, on the last day of March, when Yuan Li checked the weather forecast that was updated every seven days, he was to be pleasantly surprised to find out that there will be a thunderstorm in three days.

The rain would last for three days and the amount of rainfall would be more than sufficient. Yuan Li finally breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew it was going to rain, so he was no longer in a hurry. The others didn't know yet and were still worried. At this time, Yuan Li calmly reassured them, which made them even more admire him.

In private, everyone gathered together and talked, and they all agreed that the young Prefect was indeed the most composed Prefect in the world, even after half a month without rain. They even thought that Yuan Li must have some way to deal with the situation so calmly.

As soon as these words were spoken, they gained the approval of more and more people. Because of their trust in Yuan Li, they relaxed their anxious heart a little.

Yuan Li was unaware of their thoughts and was counting the drops of rain. Who knew that before the thunderstorm arrived, the arrival of Guli Chi and the Wuzhen leaders of the various tribes came first.