TGMNDIAR - 39
"...I finished applying, is there anywhere else?"
"A bit below the ankle."
"Sorry, maybe I missed it because this area is not as red."
"It's okay."
"Any more?"
"No, that's it."
"Mm."
"...Xu Mu?"
"What's wrong? Did I miss anywhere?"
"No, it's just... you can let go now."
"I'm sorry! I didn't realize."
"Okay, it's fine."
...
The memory abruptly halted, Xu Mu closed his eyes in pain, clutching his head tightly, internally collapsing in madness.
Xu! Mu! What are you doing?
What were you doing last night?
Are you a pervert?
Why did you hold onto someone's ankle and not let go?
And you even rubbed it?
Touching was bad enough, but you kept touching endlessly?!
Just thinking about last night's events made Xu Mu so embarrassed that his whole body curled up, and he wanted to find a wall to crash into and die.
—If death was an option, he would welcome it.
Xu Mu muttered to himself, "Blame it on the mosquitoes, why are there still mosquitoes in this weather..."
"It's normal to have mosquitoes. They just don't move in the winter, doesn't mean they no longer exist." Lou Haoyu plopped down, gasping for air. "I'm exhausted. This woman, Nian Yueyue, always orders people around—"
Xu Mu's gaze wandered, still lost in his own world.
"Xu Mu! Do you want a guest ticket for the Snow God Festival?" Nian Yueyue came over holding Zou Ning, who was still in a mimicry state.
The sloth's claws curled around her shoulder, eyes closed, quietly leaning against her, its gray-brown fur a bit disheveled, being tidied up little by little by her.
Its round head swayed gently, showing how leisurely and lazy it was.
"Guest ticket?" Xu Mu snapped out of it.
"Yeah, the school's Snow God Festival performance evening is open to the public every year, but you need tickets. The school website randomly selects, and the rest are given to performers to invite their family or friends to watch the show."
Xu Mu's heart stirred, and he blurted out, "Can you give me one?"
Nian Yueyue readily agreed, immediately sending him an electronic ticket.
"Who are you going to invite?"
"...Not sure." Xu Mu regretted, thinking to himself: Forget it, the green snake doesn't seem that interesting.
Nian Yueyue's eyes lit up with gossip.
"If I bring a child, does it count as an extra ticket?" It was one thing to think about, but Xu Mu couldn't help asking.
Nian Yueyue was surprised. "Oh, you're bringing a kid?"
"How old? Let me ask."
"Not me—," Xu Mu didn't continue explaining. "A little over three."
A few minutes later, Nian Yueyue said, "No need, just make sure they come with an adult."
"Yeah, thanks."
"It’s no big deal, don't mention it."
Watching Nian Yueyue and the sloth interact, Xu Mu's eyebrows twitched, inexplicably reminded him of that droopy-eared rabbit.
He hasn't seen it in a while.
So, is it an orcs... or a cherishing endangered rabbit?
Xu Mu took a deep breath, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
If it's the former, could he kneel down on the spot and receive forgiveness or send himself to the police station?
Whatever, he still hadn't seen the droopy-eared rabbit... it wouldn't hurt to think about it later.
Avoiding might be shameful, but it's quite useful.
Thinking about last night's events, Xu Mu's mood was heavy—
No, he can't avoid this.
How should he face Brother Nian?
Self-blame, embarrassment, awkwardness, various emotions surged up, intertwined and indescribable.
But a subtle strange pulsation spread within him, like an iron hammer fiercely striking the deepest part of the heart, with a long echo.
Xu Mu realized something terrifying—
He seemed to deeply enjoy certain moments from the bottom of his heart, and was even reluctant to let go.
---
Fuxin Architectural Design Firm
"Brother Bai, are you off work?" Jin Fei looked up, seeing Bai Nian's desk across from hers with the screen turned off.
Bai Nian tidied up his desk and replied warmly, "Yes, I have something to attend to, so I took a half-day leave this afternoon."
"Oh, I see."
Bai Nian walked out of the company with light steps.
Instead of going straight home, he went to the supermarket to buy ingredients.
The Snow God Festival was approaching, and despite the recent warmer weather, there was suddenly a chill in the air.
All the businesses were taking advantage of the festive atmosphere, decorating their storefronts and playing cheerful Snow God celebration songs, making the place lively.
"Wow! So considerate, they've even made red bean paste?" Shi Lun teased.
Before the Snow God Festival arrives, there's a custom of making snowballs with red bean paste as gifts, symbolizing peace and joy.
Bai Nian glanced sideways, "Yeah, I've reserved one for you. I'll send it over when the time comes."
The person on the screen laughed uncontrollably, "Great, I'll be waiting."
"Okay." Bai Nian continued to stir the red beans in the pot, the color dark red, thick and fragrant.
When it was almost done, he turned off the heat and carefully poured it into the snowball mold.
"How was it last night?" Shi Lun coughed lightly, speaking seriously.
Bai Nian paused for a moment, then casually replied, "It was fine."
Shi Lun called precisely to find out what happened, but his friend was evasive in his texts, clearly just brushing him off.
"Did you make use of the black satin sexy lace tie-up panties I prepared for you?"
"...” Bai Nian remained silent.
Shi Lun was dissatisfied, tapping the screen, "Hey!"
Bai Nian's ears turned red with embarrassment, "H-He... he didn't touch me..."
Shi Lun couldn't believe it, "Wait, didn't you say when you stepped on his knee, his hand touched you?"
Bai Nian's gaze drifted, "Well..."
"He didn't touch your calf?"
Bai Nian softly corrected, "It was mainly around the ankle and foot."
"...” Shi Lun almost choked, "And then he let go?"
"He wasn't going to let go originally." Bai Nian whispered, "But I remembered what you said about playing hard to get, so I made him let go, and he really did."
Shi Lun's vision went black for a moment, "My god, who taught you to use that move at a time like this!!!"
Bai Nian was puzzled, "Why not? At the most critical moment—"
"That's not a critical moment!" Shi Lun stood up excitedly, "At least you two should have to do it!"
He slumped back into his chair, sounding resigned, "Forget it, forget it. Since it's come to this, tell me, what was his reaction afterward?"
"He blushed and then ran to the bathroom."
"How long did he stay in there?"
"Just a few minutes."
Shi Lun exclaimed, "So short?"
Bai Nian replied slowly, "You're overthinking it. He just went to wash his hands, they were stained with mosquito ointment."
Shi Lun sighed, "He's really a gentleman."
Bai Nian fell silent.
"But at least it proves that the young student isn't made of stone, he still blushes and gets shy."
Bai Nian quickened his movements, a soft smile forming on his lips.
Resting his chin on his hand, Shi Lun asked, "Are you going to play games with him tonight?"
"Yeah."
"Did you remember the key points I mentioned?"
"I did."
"Can you repeat them?"
"...Let's just skip that." Bai Nian felt a bit pressured. It's one thing to mentally go over these things, but saying them out loud felt embarrassing.
Shi Lun narrowed his eyes, "Niannian, this won't do!"
"No need to rush..." Bai Nian whispered, "It's only been half a month."
Shi Lun sighed, "Fine, since you're just started a relationship, I'll just play a supporting role—"
He changed the subject, "Did you receive the stuff I bought for you?"
Bai Nian was puzzled, "What stuff?"
"Check your logistics, it should be arriving soon."
Bai Nian followed his instructions, logged into the logistics account, and when he looked closely, he couldn't help but exclaim, "Shi Lun! What did you buy!"
Shi Lun crossed his arms, "I bought you a jersey. Come on, those everyday white cotton underwear are too old-fashioned. Let's spice things up for the big guy."
Bai Nian's face turned a mix of green and red.
The fonts overlapped line by line, the content was hot and exciting.
【Black gauze chain metal punk...】
【Transparent sexy hollow...】
【Removable bowknot printed pure white temptation...】
【Purple smoke lotus leaf satin high waist tie...】
【Sparkling low waist thong...】
Bai Nian dared not even look at what the pictures looked like. Just from the words, he knew these things were extremely outrageous.
"And this is only a part of it. Later, I'll pick out some little things suitable for wearing in bed for you. I guarantee it will drive the little guy wild..."
"..."
"But don't rush, you have to control the pace. Some cuddling and kissing are fine, give him a bit of imagination, but not too much. You have to manage this balance. Love can only last if you keep it warm for a long time. Give occasional surprises, hey, let me tell you, the younger they are, the more they fall for this stuff! They get hooked completely!"
"..."
Bai Nian rubbed his temples, "Ah Lun, you're really—"
He didn't know what to say.
Shi Lun raised an eyebrow, "Come on, these are all my heartfelt advice and secrets. I wouldn't share them with anyone else!"
Bai Nian sighed helplessly, "Then, thank you."
---
"Bad daddy... you're a bad daddy..." Ye Ye pouted, muttering.
Xu Mu held Ye Ye, typing in the password skillfully, comforting, "I'm doing this for your own good, Ye Ye. I will take you out to eat next time."
"Last week, you also said next time, next time, next time... you'll take me to eat..." Ye Ye puffed up his cheeks, already seeing through adult lies.
"The time hasn't arrived yet," Xu Mu said slowly, "Ye Ye, aren't you the bravest warrior? Can you wait a little longer?"
Ye Ye bit his little hand, "...I'm a warrior... I can!"
"Good boy." Xu Mu casually patted his head, feeling his soft hair.
"Ah Mu." A gentle voice sounded.
Xu Mu turned his head, his gaze falling to the floor. "Brother Nian... did you leave work so early today?"
"Yeah." Bai Nian smiled. "I had enough time, so dinner is ready. Come and eat."
Xu Mu's throat moved slightly. "Okay."
"Daddy!" Ye Ye reached out, struggling to be held.
Bai Nian picked up the boy and kissed his forehead.
Xu Mu silently watched, feeling stiff.
Bai Nian seemed to notice something. "Aren't you coming over?"
He teased, "Do you need a hug too?"
Xu Mu immediately shook his head. "No!"
Bai Nian chuckled, "Alright, come over."
Xu Mu's heart trembled, his legs moving involuntarily as he walked over.
After dinner, Ye Ye watched cartoons for half an hour before Bai Nian took him for a bath.
Xu Mu sat on the sofa, lost in thought. In fact, he had been in this state all night.
After what seemed like an eternity, a figure blocked his view.
"Ah Mu, do you remember what we agreed on last night?" Bai Nian bent down, smiling.
Xu Mu's vision cleared, and he noticed a small black mole on Bai Nian's neck.
"To play games together." His eyelids twitched.
"Let's go." Bai Nian's smile deepened.
"Go to my... my room?" Xu Mu stuttered inexplicably.
"Sure." Bai Nian didn't mind.
Xu Mu opened his mouth, wanting to clarify that wasn't what he meant. But in the end, he just grunted in agreement.
Entrance Hall
"The Snow God Festival performance?" Bai Nian smiled as he changed his shoes at the entrance. "Sounds good."
"Ye Ye can come too." Xu Mu added.
"Okay, I'll bring him along then."
The curve at the corner of Xu Mu's lips couldn't be suppressed. "Great."
"What will you be performing?"
Xu Mu: "...” Damn, forgot he’s a snake.
"Just... you'll see when we get there."
Bai Nian didn't press further. "Okay."
The two walked slowly to the room.
"Do you always leave your clothes piled up on the sofa like this?" Bai Nian knelt on the carpet, casually asking.
The clothes next to him were in disarray, piled up like small mountains, but in his hands, they gradually became neat and organized. Each piece of clothing found its place.
"It's like this in winter. Because I don't change out of non-undergarment clothes as often, and coats can't be washed after just one wear, so..." Xu Mu stood, then sat, not knowing how to explain. "Brother Nian, should I take care of this?"
"No need." Bai Nian said casually. "I quite enjoy the process of turning 'messy' into 'tidy', it's relaxing and interesting."
"I don't do this every day..."
"Yeah, I understand." Bai Nian nodded gently.
Xu Mu was cautious. "Nadis takes care of it regularly, and I occasionally tidy up."
"Okay, I wasn't blaming you." Bai Nian chuckled, somewhat helplessly. "Coats and such are indeed more convenient to pile up on the sofa for easy access. I get it, it's just personal habits."
"I prefer everything to be neatly folded and arranged..." He paused. "I hope my habits didn't make you uncomfortable."
Xu Mu quickly shook his head. "Not at all."
Bai Nian's eyes and brows were soft, like a tranquil pool of water. He smiled and continued to arrange things.
The gentle light from the suspended lamp fell on his face, the light flickering on his eyelashes, casting a faint golden glow.
Serene, peaceful, everything around them seemed to quiet down.
Suddenly, Xu Mu became lost in thought, staring at Bai Nian without blinking.
His heart strangely quieted down as well.
Like the noisy sea suddenly calming, the turbulent waves subsided, frozen in this moment.
---
"Playing these children's puzzle games with me must be boring for you." Bai Nian sat cross-legged on the soft blanket, tilting his head slightly, his smile stretching. "It’s a pity to waste your holographic simulator."
"It’s not boring." Xu Mu adjusted the data on the screen and took out the long-unused pure gaming controller from the box.
"I get dizzy playing with the holographic simulator, so I've always just watched and suffered when trying it myself."
Xu Mu asked, "Does it still make you dizzy if you reduce the holographic effect and do semi-manual control?"
Bai Nian nodded. "Yeah, it's really annoying."
Holographic simulation games in this world were advanced and diverse, dominating the market. Games controlled with traditional controllers were mostly obsolete, except for educational puzzle games for young children.
The former earns money from adults, while the latter earns money from middle-aged people.
The difference lies in the types of games, but they both strike a chord with both sides, tapping into their deepest needs at their current stage.
Xu Mu: "Let's play manually then. Whether it's boring or not doesn't depend on watching the game, but on the process of playing."
Bai Nian was taken aback for a moment, then smiled. "You're right."
Half an hour later, Xu Mu began to doubt life.
Bai Nian apologized, "Sorry, Ah Mu, I've dragged you down again. Maybe I'm just a black luck when it comes to games."
"...It's okay." Xu Mu sighed, not so much as angry but confused. How could someone struggle so much with simple two-player mini-games like those on 4399, barely passing the initial level countless times, relying solely on resurrection potions and time extensions to clear it in the end?
He couldn't understand.
Xu Mu reflected and planned how to teach Bai Nian some skills later.
Bai Nian leaned in a little closer. "Ah Mu, let's pause the game for now. I want to go back to the beginner training camp for more practice. Could you teach me?"
"Sure."
"Could you see what's wrong with my combo? I always seem to miss the target and can't hit it." Bai Nian didn't move, his head tilted as he leaned closer.
"Sure, let me take a look." Xu Mu felt Bai Nian's breath on his neck, slowing his response. He watched Bai Nian's movements carefully, breaking down each step, almost counting the seconds to help him release skills.
But it was futile. The game character still died.
And it died even more tragically, in various ways.
Bai Nian sighed softly. "Ah Mu, it seems I really have no talent..."
"It's okay, let's try again." Xu Mu replied earnestly.
Bai Nian's eyelashes trembled slightly as he casually said, "Maybe just listening isn't enough. Could you walk me through it while holding my hand?"
His hand clenched tightly, with a slight sweat forming in his palm. Shi Lun's words flashed through his mind from time to time.
"Remember, hand to hand contact! It's crucial! Don't force it, let it happen naturally. Just a touch, and then you lean in..."
Xu Mu responded with an "okay."
"Like this?"
"Yes."
"I still can't string them together..."
"Relax your fingers. One and three are combo attacks, you can delay two by a few seconds."
"Alright..."
"No, you pressed the wrong one. Let’s try again."
"The front part is correct, but remember to follow up with a basic attack."
"I feel like my hand is stiff..."
"Take it slow."
"Can you press down on the back of my hand to remind me?"
"Sure."
"Let's switch positions, it'll give me better leverage."
"Okay."
...
Bai Nian was half-encircled in Xu Mu's embrace, trying to lean his shoulder back.
At first, it was a tentative touch, but he gradually leaned back completely.
He could feel his heart’s pulsing against his ear, as if their heart rates were synchronizing, resonating together.
Bai Nian's long lashes fluttered, casting shadows that flickered gently.
"I think I can make it past that curved bridge now," Bai Nian whispered softly.
"Mm..." Xu Mu's throat bobbed as he swallowed, his voice becoming husky and rough.
"I want to try the offset ladder," Bai Nian shifted, moving his legs from left to right, his thighs pressing tightly against each other, radiating heat. The space of his back against Xu Mu's chest expanded.
"Okay," Xu Mu stiffened, maintaining the same posture even as the person in his arms moved around erratically, afraid to make any sudden movements.
He gripped the game controller tightly, his fingers turning pale from the pressure, veins bulging and pulsating.
Suddenly, a pair of soft hands covered his, the skin a few shades lighter, slender fingers curling and tapping lightly before gently rubbing.
Bai Nian whispered softly, "Can I borrow your luck?"
Xu Mu's hand felt itchy and hot on the back, the moment their skin touched, it felt like molten lava pouring down, burning all the way to his heart.
"Yes," he replied quickly.
Bai Nian smiled, his tone cheerful, "Thank you."
He leaned back again, tilting his head, his nose gently brushing against Xu Mu's neck.
His lips parted slightly, a breathy voice escaping his lips.
"...Your heartbeat is very fast, is it because of me?"
As Bai Nian uttered the last word, the curve of his neck reached its peak, his lips brushing lightly against Xu Mu's Adam's apple.
He blinked, seeming surprised, but didn't move away, even leaning in slightly before gently pulling back, like a dragonfly skimming the water's surface.
Boom—
Xu Mu felt as if he was experiencing an illusion, tall buildings collapsing around him, kicking up clouds of dust.
He felt a moist sensation.
Like a breeze passing by.
Gradually fading away.
Leaving ripples in its wake.
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