Chapter 15
Murong Qiufeng clenched his fists tightly, but suddenly felt warmth enveloping his hand. He blinked and turned to see Shangguan Ye, who had somehow walked out from inside. Shangguan Ye was looking at him with a gentle gaze, as if soothing his restless mood.
The warmth in his hand brought about a strange sensation—warm and dry, contrasting with the roughness from martial arts practice. Yet, it unexpectedly calmed his mood, giving him a sense of security he had never felt before.
Shangguan Ye lightly patted his shoulder with his other hand, then turned to look at Tianyin. The gentleness in his gaze vanished instantly, replaced by a piercing and intimidating sharpness, as cold as lightning, as if it could pierce through one’s heart and soul, carrying a bloodthirsty indifference and cruelty. “Music is an elegant art. It shouldn’t be treated with such vulgarity as gambling. With this attitude, you’ve lost the qualification to exchange insights with him.”
Tianyin’s former confidence vanished upon seeing Shangguan Ye, replaced by a ghostly pallor. His eyes were filled with disbelief and panic, especially when he felt Shangguan Ye’s familiar but distant gaze, causing him to tremble involuntarily.
Tianyin was indeed talented and shrewd in understanding people’s psychology. In front of Shangguan Ye, he was like a lamb, occasionally like a proud peacock, but never as reckless as today. He only wanted to show his best side to Shangguan Ye and had succeeded. Shangguan Ye was indeed different from other noblemen; at least Tianyin felt closer to him and knew his secrets, his dual identity.
His intention to surprise Shangguan Ye in Lu City had unexpectedly turned into this.
His shock and unease weren’t about Shangguan Ye’s coldness; after spending time with him, Tianyin knew he was always like this—cold and ruthless. What concerned him was Shangguan Ye’s unfamiliar comfort and invisible tenderness towards that man.
Tianyin’s gaze fixed on their intertwined hands, his face drained of color as he took a step back involuntarily.
Quickly regaining his composure, Tianyin forced a stiff smile and tried to sound gentle, “Hehe, it was just a joke. I didn’t mean to anger you. I apologize if I overstepped. It’s an honor for me to exchange insights with you, sir.”
“I see it was a joke. Then let’s forget the overreaction.” Shangguan Ye didn’t apologize. Whether he meant it or not, Tianyin didn’t care anymore. The good mood he had earlier had vanished like water flowing eastward, never to return. “I don’t feel well today, so I won’t disturb you further. Please.”
Shangguan Ye seemed to know his thoughts. “It’s too noisy here. Why don’t you accompany me back to the mansion? It’s still early, and you haven’t eaten yet. Perfect timing.”
Shangguan Ye’s voice was low and gentle. Combined with his recent insights into music theory, Murong Qiufeng’s fondness for him increased even more. He felt Shangguan Ye was worth befriending deeply. Considering he would only face his father’s reprimand if he returned now, he nodded. “That would be fine.”
Shangguan Ye smiled faintly and, whether he forgot or not, didn’t release his hand. They naturally walked downstairs together. Murong Qiufeng was still feeling down and didn’t notice the ambiguity that emerged between them, unintentionally or not.
Shangguan Ye’s mood soared again, a pure joy shining in his eyes. Sometimes, happiness was just that simple.
The two of them left as if no one else existed, leaving the rest speechless, still shocked by Shangguan Ye’s gaze.
As for Tianyin, ignored and left alone, his face remained pale. But now, jealousy and suspicion slowly replaced his shock, accompanied by resentment and bitterness in his eyes, his heart feeling as if it had been cut by a knife.
Sometimes, men’s jealousy could be more terrifying than women’s, especially for those with dark hearts.
The mansion wasn’t far from there. Shangguan Ye and Murong Qiufeng walked side by side, seemingly trying to adjust Murong Qiufeng’s mood by chatting about random topics, diverting his attention.
Under Shangguan Ye’s eloquence, Murong Qiufeng’s mood gradually lifted. Thinking of Shangguan Ye’s earlier remark, his eyes lit up. “Your Highness, are you also familiar with music theory?”
Seeing the clear anticipation and joy in Murong Qiufeng’s eyes, Shangguan Ye’s heart softened even more. Although he had been so angry just now, he now seemed to forget all the negativity. Such simplicity, purity, and lack of ulterior motives made it hard for him not to be moved.
At that moment, he just wanted to hold Murong Qiufeng in his arms and cherish him, not allowing even a speck of impurity to touch him.
He smiled and nodded, “I once knew a friend who also liked music theory. Over time, I learned from him. When life in the military camp felt dull, I would seek out a tune to change my mood.”
Murong Qiufeng, feeling a pang of compassion and concern in his heart, remarked, “Life in the military camp must be dull.” Indeed, apart from marching and fighting, there wasn’t much else to do. Spending every day in the camp, enduring harsh living conditions, despite being a prince above tens of thousands of people, Shangguan Ye had lived in such desolation since childhood.
Seeing Murong Qiufeng’s clear expression of care and compassion, Shangguan Ye’s heart softened even more, flooded with warmth he had never felt before.
Suppressing the urge to embrace him, he shook his head gently. “I’ve gotten used to it.”
