“And where do you think you’re going?” Chen Haoran asked as he spotted Jin Yu about to leave the battle arena.

  “Huh? To my room,” Jin Yu replied casually.

  Chen Haoran chuckled. “Only the weak sleep at night. Come with me.” He grabbed Jin Yu by the wrist and dragged him through the vast manor without warning.

  “What? Where are you taking me?” Jin Yu asked, stumbling behind him in confusion.

  “Somewhere sightful,” Chen Haoran said with a mischievous grin.

  That grin made Jin Yu uneasy. Where the hell is this guy taking me?

  Then it hit him—this man was Uncle Lin’s disciple. He’s just as crazy as his master! What if he wants to beat me up too?!

  Jin Yu flinched at the thought. He quickly pulled his hand free and took a few steps back.

  Chen Haoran blinked in confusion. “What’s wrong?”

  “I asked where you’re taking me,” Jin Yu said sharply, eyes narrowed.

  Chen Haoran tilted his head, trying to figure out what triggered such intense suspicion. “Why do you look like I’m about to eat you?”

  “Who knows? Maybe you’ll do worse,” Jin Yu muttered, stepping back again, his expression full of distrust.

  Chen Haoran’s brow twitched. “Did Yan Houdong smack your head earlier? Why are you acting like a lunatic?” He was getting more irritated by the second. I’m trying to help this brat and he’s looking at me like I’m a serial killer.

  “You’re the lunatic! You and your crazy master—who knows if he sent you to finish me off? I don’t trust either of you!” Jin Yu’s voice cracked with offense as he recalled being bashed around by Uncle Lin.

  “…What the…” Chen Haoran stared at him, stunned—then suddenly burst into laughter.

  “Hahahaha! Haaaa—hahahaha!” He laughed so hard he clutched his stomach, nearly choking on his own saliva.

  Jin Yu’s face turned red with embarrassment. Is it really that strange to be cautious?

  “Oh, my darling brother… pfft—” Another round of laughter escaped Chen Haoran.

  “Looks like Master really traumatized your young heart. Fear not, I’m your senior brother. I won’t lay a finger on you, okay? Don’t be so tense.” He patted his chest in a mock-promise, still smiling as he stepped forward.

  “Don’t panic, alright?” he said, grabbing Jin Yu’s cheeks. “Now, smile for me. Your suspicious eyes are breaking my heart.”

  “Get off me, man—I’m not a kid!” Jin Yu slapped his hands away, clearly disgusted.

  “Come on~ or do you want a kiss? Muah!” Chen Haoran leaned in, puckering his lips.

  “Ugh! Get away from me, you freak!” Jin Yu shoved him back, horrified.

  “Hahahaha! Cute boy,” Chen Haoran laughed even harder, thoroughly enjoying Jin Yu’s misery.

  “Ewwww! What the hell, man?! Stop grossing me out!” Jin Yu’s face twisted in utter horror as he wiped his lips fiercely. He wished he could smash Chen Haoran’s face into a wall.

  “My cute little brother, let’s go man you up,you need some real experience.” Chen Haoran winked.

  The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

  Jin Yu nearly retched. “What fucking experience?! I’m as straight as a pole!” He bolted a few meters away, horrified. This bastard is gay?!

  “Boy, what the hell?! Why’s your brain so filthy at your age?” Chen Haoran’s grin faded as he realized the misunderstanding. “Stupid—I meant let’s get drunk and enjoy a good view! Hmph. What do you take me for? Have you seen me bending backs?! I’m as fierce as a stallion!”

  “Pfft… who knows,” Jin Yu muttered, still keeping his distance, distrustful.

  Chen Haoran’s eye twitched. He still doesn’t believe me?

  “Foolish brat! What does a single dog like you even know? Believe me, I’ll beat you up if you keep doubting!” He cracked his knuckles for emphasis.

  “You think I’m scared of you? I’ll tell my father to take your hands!” Jin Yu shot back, deadpan.

  “…”

  “Pfttt…” Chen Haoran broke into a low chuckle, eyeing Jin Yu’s serious expression. This kid is too damn cute.

  “Whatever. Let’s go. Don’t be such a chick,” he said with a smirk before turning to walk ahead.

  Homo bastard!

  'But,Should I follow him or not?'. Jin Yu hesitated, torn between safety and curiosity.

  Let me just check it out. He won’t dare try anything. If he does, that old man will take his head for sure!

  ---

  The manor path curved into a narrow alley lit by hanging lanterns that glowed a warm crimson.

  At the end stood a two-storied building framed by elegant wooden pillars, its curved roof shimmering under moonlight.

  Silk banners fluttered gently at its entrance, and a plaque above the arched doorway bore four golden characters: Velvet lantern pavilion

  Jin Yu blinked. So this is the place?

  As Chen Haoran pushed open the carved wooden doors, a wave of music and sweet fragrance spilled out.

  The air was heavy with sandalwood and the soft notes of zithers, mixed with the gentle rustle of silk robes. Inside, everything gleamed.

  Crimson and gold lanterns floated in the air like stars, bathing the room in a soft, dreamlike glow. The polished floors reflected the shimmer of jewels, and delicate drapes hung between private booths like curtains of mist.

  And then there were the women.

  Jin Yu nearly choked on his own breath by what he saw.

  Women of every shape and beauty strolled or reclined around the great hall—some curvaceous, some slender, each dressed in flowing robes that left just enough to the imagination. Their movements were practiced and mesmerizing, like dancers in an endless waltz. Some played instruments, their fingers gliding over strings; others poured wine with a teasing smile, or lounged gracefully on brocade cushions, offering smoldering gazes.

  Jin Yu could feel heat crawling up his neck. What the hell is this place?! Why is it so hot in here?! His eyes darted wildly—he didn’t know where to look without feeling like a sinner.

  One woman with foxlike eyes leaned lazily against a pillar, her robe slipping slightly off one shoulder.

  Another rested on a silk divan with her legs crossed, sipping wine and watching Jin Yu with open interest.

  A third, with long black hair and a fan covering her mouth, giggled when their eyes met.

  Am I going to get a nosebleed?! Jin Yu’s face turned scarlet. He gulped and looked away—only to meet another pair of smoky eyes and a sly wink. His soul almost left his body.

  “Welcome back, Young Master Chen~”

  Several women floated toward them, their voices as smooth as honey. They surrounded Chen Haoran like petals to flame, draping themselves around him with practiced ease.

  “Who's your shy little friend?” one asked, eyes glittering.

  Chen Haoran threw an arm over Jin Yu’s shoulder and grinned. “This cute one? My junior brother. Be gentle—he’s still pure.”

  “Ohhh?” they all gasped in unison. Then, like a pack of wolves scenting a rabbit, they turned their attention to Jin Yu.

  Jin Yu took a step back. Danger. Danger! This is a battlefield I’m not trained for!

  Before he could escape, soft hands took his arms and led him toward a low seat covered in velvet cushions.

  Laughter tinkled around him as fingers brushed against his cheek and arms, voices coaxing and teasing.

  “So handsome when he blushes~”

  “Look at how stiff he is—like a little deer~”

  “You don’t have to be scared. We don’t bite... much.”

  Jin Yu was nearly melting. “I—I—I’m fine! I’m not a kid, don’t treat me like—ah, wait—!” he almost shouted when one of them touched his thigh

  Another tucked a lock of his hair behind his ear. Another poured him wine and fed him a grape. A fourth was already massaging his shoulder gently while humming,her soft breast pressing gently on his neck.

  Meanwhile, Chen Haoran leaned back with a smug grin, sipping from a jade cup. “Relax, brother. This is just the warm-up. You haven’t seen the dance yet.”

  I’m going to die here, Jin Yu thought, his face burning as he tried to hold on to whatever remained of his dignity.

  Just when Jin Yu thought things couldn’t get any worse, the music changed.

  The soft zither faded into a low, rhythmic beat—hypnotic, deliberate. The chatter quieted, and the women gracefully stepped aside as a hush fell over the room.

  From behind a curtain of beaded glass, a lone figure stepped into view.

  She didn’t glide like the others. She stalked—like a flame in human form.

  Long raven hair shimmered with silver threads, swaying behind her like a silken veil. Her robe was midnight blue, edged in gold, hugging her curves in all the right places, flowing just enough to show the barest hint of leg with every slow step.

  She didn’t smile. She didn’t need to.

  Her eyes—amber and sharp as a blade—locked onto Jin Yu’s the moment she appeared.

  And she never looked away.

  Jin Yu froze.

  Even the women around him shifted back with subtle bows, whispering her name in hushed reverence.

  “Yue…”

  She moved with purpose, the room bending to her presence. As she stepped onto the raised dais, a circle of lanterns lowered and dimmed, casting her in a soft, golden glow.

  The music deepened. Her hips swayed in perfect time. Her hands moved like flowing water—graceful, commanding. Every twist of her body drew eyes like a magnet, but hers were still on him.

  Jin Yu.

  Her gaze burned through the crowd, past the wine, the perfume, the velvet cushions.

  It was him she danced for.

  Not the guests. Not the nobles in their booths. Not even Chen Haoran, who blinked in surprise and leaned forward with a smirk.

  “You lucky bastard…” he muttered, impressed.

  Jin Yu sat frozen, unsure whether to run or bow.

  Yue moved like a storm in slow motion. One moment she spun, arms raised, the next she dropped low in a serpentine roll that made his breath catch.

  Then—she was in front of him.

  Kneeling.

  Her hand rose to brush his jawline with the back of her fingers, her lips curving into a knowing smile.

  “Do you like my dance, little deer?” she asked, voice low and sultry.

  Jin Yu swallowed hard, eyes wide. “I… uh…”

  She leaned in, her breath warm against his cheek. “Good. Because I danced only for you.”

  Jin Yu barely had time to process her words when Yue—smooth as moonlight—slid onto his lap.

  His mind went blank while his entire body stiffened like a struck bell.

  Soft curves pressed against his chest. Her scent—warm jasmine and spice—wrapped around him like a spell.

  And then—drip.

  Blood gushed from his nose.

  Fuck!