C28 – Third Prince Please Behave with Dignity!
Shortly after, a soldier escorted two individuals inside. Both appeared to be no more than thirteen or fourteen, clad in cloaks and shivering from the cold. Their flushed faces evoked sympathy.
“Are these the Seventh Young Masters of the Huo Family?” A playful voice interjected, laced with a hint of menace. “Come closer, let me get a better look.”
Yin Xu felt the chill acutely. Despite bundling up, the frigid weather persisted.
He glanced up at Teng Yu, momentarily taken aback. In the dim basement, shrouded by a cape, discerning Teng Yu’s features had been challenging.
Were it not for shadowing them all the way, Yin Xu would have never believed the jovial rascal before him was the same silent, cold individual.
Stepping forward, he presented himself before Teng Yu, granting him a thorough examination. Yet, upon catching sight of Han Qing, a flicker of surprise flashed across his eyes before swiftly dissipating.
With his back to the others, only Teng Yu and his son caught the fleeting astonishment. They naturally comprehended its source.
Teng Yu’s lips curved into a playful smile as he abruptly seized Yin Xu’s hand, pulling him into an embrace. Tilting his chin upward, he unabashedly scrutinized him.
“You...”
“Pfft...”
“Thud...” Everyone stood stupefied, never anticipating such a display from the Third Prince.
Unperturbed by the myriad gazes fixed upon him, Teng Yu lowered his head, inhaling Yin Xu’s scent. Astonished, he adopted a coquettish expression, praising, “It’s delightful!”
This scent... Teng Yu glared at the figure in his arms, attempting to decipher him.
Yin Xu blushed, struggling against Teng Yu’s hold, though his efforts lacked conviction. He protested, “Hey, what are you doing? Let me go!”
Unnoticed by all, Yin Xu’s eyes gradually darkened, resembling thick ink. Across from him, Huo Yiloong wore a momentary blank expression before slumping to the ground, fast asleep.
“Fifth brother seems to have imbibed too much,” Yin Xu remarked calmly.
Hastily, a companion assisted Huo Yiloong to his feet. Only upon confirming his inebriation did they express surprise and lend aid.
The First Prince and company didn’t dwell on the incident. After all, Huo Yiloong had indeed consumed a considerable amount of alcohol.
Teng Yu’s scrutiny remained fixed on Yin Xu. Though sensing the peculiarity of the scene, he couldn’t discern its nature.
Rising with Han Sen’s assistance, Teng Yu yawned, remarking, “Drinking alone lacks allure without the company of a beauty. Thus, I shall take my leave.” With that, he departed.
Passing by Yin Xu, Teng Yu cast him a sly glance, smirking as he jested, “Should insomnia plague you tonight, Seventh Young Master Huo, feel free to join us in the hall.”
Yin Xu, head bowed, gritted his teeth in response, “I appreciate your concern, Third Prince.”
“Haha...” Teng Yu chuckled as he exited.
...
Teng Yu: “Are we meeting tonight?”
Yin Xu: “Depends on your mood.”
Teng Yu: “And what might induce such a mood?”
Yin Xu: “Offer more olive branches.”
Teng Yu: “Declined.”
Teng Yu, “...”