Little Pink Starfish

Qi Guanrui reacted quickly.

In the past, he might have thought that Ziche Shubai was just being cautious. But ever since he developed desires for Ziche Shubai, he had replayed all their past experiences in his mind countless times. After doing some rough calculations, he realized—wasn’t Ziche Shubai being pursued by women way too often? It was far too easy for him to run into beautiful women.

So this time, his first thought was also: There’s probably someone in that water.

—But how could he allow that?

For once, Qi Guanrui’s thinking aligned perfectly with Gu Bai’s. The warm smile that was always on his face slowly disappeared.

Gu Bai was a bit surprised. “Xiaoshan?”

That was originally a handsome face. Even without a smile, it was still handsome—but there was something unsettling about it.

Why was he being so serious all of a sudden?

Qi Guanrui said solemnly, “I’ll go scout the way for gege.”

Gu Bai nodded. “Be careful.”

Oh, so you’re worried about my personal safety. Good kid, I’ll give you a thumbs up!

Truly touching.

Qi Guanrui had Gu Bai rest in place while he himself walked through the stone gate, heading straight toward the water source.

Before long, he returned, letting out a breath as if relieved. “Gege, don’t worry. There’s no one there.”

No one on the water’s surface, no one beneath it—no one within his six senses’ range at all.

Not only had he meticulously checked every inch himself, but he had also released over ten snake gu to search both above and below. Only after confirming that it was completely empty did he relax and report back.

All threats must be eliminated in their infancy!

Gu Bai was very satisfied and stepped through the stone gate alongside him.

Sure enough, after walking a short distance, they saw shimmering waves—a flowing mountain spring.

The spring was living water, gently streaming along the mountain’s path. It wasn’t too deep, supposedly reaching only about waist height.

That clear, pristine sight was incredibly inviting.

Tiny fish swam freely in the water, indicating there was nothing harmful in it.

Seeing this, Gu Bai suddenly felt even itchier all over.

Damn, this is like being starved for three days and then seeing a steaming bowl of white rice! I can’t wait to jump in!

Taking a deep breath, Gu Bai raised his hands.

Qi Guanrui stood behind him, watching as he removed his headpiece, untied his belt, took off his shoes, and finally shed his outer robe, leaving only an inner garment.

At this moment, Gu Bai turned his head.

Gege’s about to take a bath, why are you staring? Turn around or just go outside already!

What’s so interesting about a naked dude? No matter how much you look, I’m not turning into a woman!

Sure, we bathed together as kids, but we’re all grown up now. I can get embarrassed too, okay?!

However, Qi Guanrui either didn’t get the hint or received it but chose to ignore it.

A whole herd of cao ni ma (swearing llamas) galloped through Gu Bai’s mind.

Normally, Gu Xiaoshan, aren’t we always in sync? Why are you being so slow today?!

Qi Guanrui smiled. “There are wild beasts in the mountains. I’m worried about gege’s safety.” He sighed. “Normally, I wouldn’t insist, but today is different… So, gege, please bear with it, alright?”

Gu Bai was speechless.

Dude, don’t use that coaxing tone like ‘Be good, listen, I’ll give you candy next time.’ Why does this feel so doting?! It’s too much pressure!

Then, he silently turned back around.

Fine, whatever. If you’re not afraid of burning your eyes, then look, you little brat!

Without any more hesitation, Gu Bai stripped off his inner garment and underpants as well, leaving nothing on. With his long hair cascading down his back, he walked straight into the spring.

—What, you think I took everything off too cleanly?

We’re all men here, what’s the big deal?

This is a straight man’s world, okay? You wouldn’t understand!

Ziche Shubai’s skin was incredibly fair, as if sculpted from ice and snow, making one hesitant to touch it. At the same time, it had the luster of ivory—smooth and radiant, tempting people to reach out and caress it.

When his long hair, reaching down to his thighs, draped over his bare back, the contrast between pure black and pure white gave off a sense of mystery and…

It was an allure both contradictory and mesmerizing—a feeling of distance, as if untouchable.

But that was only for ordinary people.

To Qi Guanrui, this version of Ziche Shubai had an unparalleled attraction. It made him want to touch him, kiss him, even ravage him—to lose control, to go mad—

Perhaps, he already was a little mad.

Qi Guanrui’s expression twisted slightly.

He struggled to maintain his gentle smile, unwilling to let his face contort with desire.

Finally, he raised a trembling hand, covering his face and rubbing it forcefully. When he lowered his hand again, his expression had returned to normal.

Except for his eyes, which had grown even darker, even more… suppressed.

Gu Bai stepped into the water. The spring was cool, making every pore on his body relax.

The discomfort of not bathing for days instantly transformed into sheer bliss. The fresh scent of natural spring water mixed with the aroma of grass and trees, making him feel completely at ease.

Scooping up a handful of water, he poured it over his face and down his neck.

Clear droplets trailed over his collarbones, rolling down before splashing into the water, creating a beautiful arc.

Gu Bai tilted his head slightly. Even in profile, his features were incomparably perfect, like a meticulously carved sculpture. But surrounded by rippling water, the usually untouchable air of nobility around him seemed to soften—transforming him into a spirit of the spring, alluring beyond words.

—If this continued, he was bound to be called a little seductress.

Qi Guanrui’s chest rose and fell violently for a moment before he silently turned his back.

If he kept watching, he really was going to pounce.

At that moment, Gu Bai finished the first round of washing. Noticing the silence, he turned his head to look.

He saw Qi Guanrui’s lonely figure facing away from him.

He suddenly felt guilty.

As the older brother, wasn’t it a little unfair for him to jump in first?

Thinking back to how Qi Guanrui had been following his every command, being endlessly considerate and gentle toward him, Gu Bai felt even more guilty.

Did I do something wrong?

After thinking it over, he said, “Xiaoshan, do you want to bathe together?”

Qi Guanrui heard him clearly. His lower abdomen tensed instantly.

Does Ziche Shubai even realize what he’s saying?!

Though he had always found Ziche Shubai’s thought process a little hard to predict—out of sync with normal people—today’s invitation was beyond unexpected.

To him, this was the ultimate challenge!

Taking deep breaths, Qi Guanrui turned around and, sure enough, met the gaze of the man in the spring.

That ever-expressionless face, but those eyes—so calm, so innocent.

For a moment, Qi Guanrui wasn’t sure if he should feel relieved or disappointed.

Gu Bai, completely oblivious to Qi Guanrui’s inner struggle between reason and desire, only felt bad for taking the spring first. He remembered how, back in bathhouses, he used to soak in hot water with a bunch of men. Sure, in this new world, he’d been spoiled rotten, but Gu Xiaoshan wasn’t an outsider—so what was there to be shy about?

Thinking Qi Guanrui hadn’t heard, he spoke again, “Xiaoshan, you must be tired too. If you don’t mind, you can join me.”

Qi Guanrui clenched his teeth, forcing out his usual gentle smile. “Of course… I don’t mind. Thank you, gege, for your thoughtfulness.”

Not mind? He loved it.

But loving it too much was the real problem!

Just as he started untying his belt—

Rustling noises came from the forest.

Then, chaotic footsteps.

Qi Guanrui sighed in relief even as his expression momentarily twisted. Instantly, he flung his robe like a curtain to shield Gu Bai, then pulled out a spare outfit from his spatial ring and tossed it over. Only then did he focus on the unexpected situation.

At that moment, a figure stumbled out of the bushes, collapsing at Qi Guanrui’s feet. A weak, trembling voice called out:

“Help… help me…”

Gu Bai’s face darkened.

Fuck! He had been so careful, yet there was still a girl?!

And not just any girl—of course, it had to be a damsel in distress!

Would it kill fate to let him finish his damn bath before another cliché rescue scenario?!

Gu Bai grabbed the clothes Qi Guanrui had thrown over and, with a completely blank face, walked out of the water.

At that moment, the robe that had been shielding him slipped to the ground, revealing his full figure.

As for the girl, she was the perfect image of a xiao jia bi yu (delicate, graceful beauty). Her dress was slightly torn in a few places, and her hair was a bit disheveled.

Fortunately, her skin wasn’t exposed, nor was she seriously injured.

But just as she had collapsed, a massive beast’s roar erupted from the forest behind her.

The ground trembled as heavy footsteps approached, making the girl’s face turn deathly pale.

Gu Bai glided forward. Qi Guanrui momentarily ignored the girl, instead turning to observe his very displeased city lord.

He definitely looked pissed… His martial aura was so intense that ice crystals were forming around him.

Gu Bai didn’t even spare the girl a glance. He simply leaped onto a sturdy tree branch.

In that instant, he saw the enormous beast chasing after her.

Well, well, speak of the devil… a Wu Jun-level beast.

Perfect for venting some frustration!

With his rage reaching its peak, Gu Bai didn’t bother maintaining his usual aloof elegance. He slipped on his gloves and ruthlessly stomped down on the beast’s skull.

The force sent it staggering. Without missing a beat, he drove his palm into the creature’s chest.

In the next second, pure white martial energy burst from his palm, freezing the beast from the inside out.

Less than thirty seconds later, the massive beast had turned into an ice sculpture.

Gu Bai withdrew his hand and, with a single slap, shattered the entire frozen beast into powder.

Interrupting my bath?

Fuck off!