HE With the Cold Male Protagonist C54

Chapter 54: Staying at an Inn, Moving One Step Further

Baiye discussed matters with the two men for quite some time. To ensure everything could proceed smoothly, he even revealed certain little-known secrets.

Old Master He was greatly shocked. “You—you know of such things?”

This was no trivial patient from the prefectural yamen of Xuanhe. Their target was none other than the highly favored Imperial Consort in the palace!

Hu Yaowei’s master had merely prolonged her illness and lessened her pain, yet he had already received extraordinary honors for treating such an exalted patient.

If they could, through this prescription, cure this noblewoman’s chronic ailment completely, Huichun Hall would be showered with immeasurable honors and benefits!

Of course, alongside such a shortcut came enormous risks and obstacles.

It was nearly equivalent to staking the fate of the He family’s generations!

How could Old Master He dare not be cautious?

Yet the man before him remained calm and composed, as though imperial power and wealth were of no consequence.

Baiye knew they were still puzzled as to how he knew such things, so he merely said with an air of mystery: “Hu Yaowei is not the only one with such a master.”

Indeed!

Baiye had his grandfather, the accumulated medical knowledge of his ancestors over generations, and, unbeknownst to them, the golden finger of his transmigration.

But in the eyes of the He father and son, the mystery was at last solved.

“May I ask, your esteemed master is…?” The He family had some background. They knew nearly all the famed physicians of Great Ning, and were guessing which eminent figure might have once resided here.

“Ah, I am no physician at all. I was simply forced to learn a few lifetimes’ worth of knowledge, enough to barely scrape by. Otherwise, how could a rustic villager like me have learned anything worth note?” Baiye half-truthfully muddled through, yet still gave the two men a strong tonic of confidence.

Seeing his unwillingness to reveal more, they grew all the more certain that his master must be of extraordinary origin—perhaps even a palace physician. Otherwise, how could he know secrets of the capital?

That physician likely encountered misfortune and had no choice but to impart his lifetime’s learning to Baiye.

And to have been chosen by such a master, Baiye himself could hardly be lacking. His character and aptitude must be outstanding. Old Master He had seen enough of Baiye to grasp this much.

Moreover, the prescriptions Baiye had previously sold them had already brought Huichun Hall considerable benefit. For certain difficult illnesses, Huichun Hall was becoming the sole specialized center for treatment, establishing an irreplaceable reputation.

Thus, Old Master He no longer harbored even the slightest doubt. He immediately summoned a trusted aide. “Call back Second Master, Third Master, and the Young Master. Tell them I have urgent matters to discuss!”

They were preparing to make arrangements.

Baiye was delighted to play the hidden hand behind the scenes, with no need to exert himself. Once Huichun Hall rose, his own medicinal workshop would rise with the tide.

He had not expected Old Master He to be so sincere as to grant him half a share of Huichun Hall’s profits!

Though Huichun Hall was run under Old Master He’s authority, his brothers and sons each held a share. For him to allot half a share to Baiye was truly precious.

Baiye accepted without the least politeness.

Only—“If you plan to enter the capital, might you do me a favor…”

He wished to seek out that divine physician who could cure muteness. He longed to hear Lizhi’s voice. Though Lizhi had grown accustomed to silence, Baiye could not bear the thought of him suffering misunderstanding and the pain of silent endurance ever again!

Old Master He agreed without hesitation. As Baiye prepared to depart, he even had He Lin personally escort him.

From then on, Baiye was treated as an honored guest within the He household. When he left the residence, all the servants and maids displayed respect, their manners proper and dignified.

This only made Baiye even more eager to recruit people from the He family for his own use.

No sooner had he stepped out than Shopkeeper Zhang blurted out: “Master Baiye, that Young Master Lu is waiting for you at Huichun Hall.”

He Lin, who had been about to turn back home, froze. “!”

“Haha, let me accompany you a bit further. I also have business at Huichun Hall.”

That was hardly necessary.

Baiye brushed off the hand on his shoulder. “Your father seemed to have more to discuss with you.”

“That’s not urgent, not urgent. I can return later!” He Lin rubbed his hands excitedly. Young Master Lu was a rarity encountered once in a hundred years!

Baiye had never in his life so wanted to kill someone. The man clung like a leech, ignoring every excuse, shamelessly tagging along.

“Lizhi, Lizhi!” Before Baiye could speak, He Lin had already shouted.

He abandoned all pretense of subtlety. Summing up Baiye’s success with Lizhi, he concluded it must be due to thick-skinned persistence.

Thus, He Lin too grew excessively familiar. “Lizhi, my esteemed guest!”

“Second Young Master…” Shopkeeper Zhang tried to hint delicately that Baiye’s aura was already frozen with fury.

But thickheaded He Lin failed to notice, barging into the courtyard—only to see Lizhi squatting beneath a tree, teasing the little white dog.

Baiye’s murderous aura instantly melted into tenderness.

That morning, he had thought Lizhi disliked the dog. But now, watching his fingers stroke the proud little bitch, lying belly-up in surrender, especially when Lizhi touched her swollen belly, Baiye’s heart itched unbearably.

As though teased by invisible hands.

Indeed, Baiye felt truly bewitched.

But Lizhi, though aware of his presence, neither turned nor looked his way, continuing to pet the dog. This left Baiye unsettled.

“Lizhi?”

At last, Lizhi halted, aware of his own distracted gesture. He raised his hands, wanting to wash them.

He was fastidious, disliking idle touches.

“Use mine, my handkerchief is clean.” He Lin eagerly produced a snow-white silk kerchief, hoping to impress. But Baiye strode forward in one step and used his own sleeve to carefully wipe Lizhi’s hands clean.

Before everyone’s eyes, Baiye bent down, gently wiping each slender finger and every crevice with painstaking care, as though fearful of harming the translucent, porcelain-white skin, with its fine veins and fragile beauty.

He Lin was dumbfounded. So this was the level of shameless persistence required? Truly eye-opening!

Lizhi was uneasy, but when he saw He Lin staring blankly at them, stunned, he briefly clasped one of Baiye’s fingers.

Baiye froze, about to seize his whole hand, but Lizhi withdrew calmly.

He Lin was baffled. What were they doing? Was this their private mode of communication—after all, Lizhi could not speak?

In a flash, He Lin “understood”: to converse with Lizhi, one had to learn sign language!

Since Lizhi had driven the carriage Baiye left at the tavern, he now returned directly to the carriage.

Just as he was about to board, Baiye tugged his sleeve, turning his face away from the others. His expression was deep, tender, unutterable.

“It seems to be getting late…”

Lizhi glanced at the sunset. Normally, he returned later than this, even after nightfall. At this hour, the trip back to Xishui Village was not too long.

He Lin, sharp-eared, at once invited them: “Why not stay at my house for the night? Tomorrow will be soon enough, and traveling by carriage at night is unsafe.”

“No need. We will stay at an inn.”

He Lin’s eyes brightened, growing more excited. “An inn is perfect! I’ve never stayed at one before. Let’s all three of us stay together!”

Without waiting for protest, he rushed ahead to the largest inn in the city, reserving three fine upper rooms. He planned to order good wine and dishes, determined they would drink until dawn and become friends forever!

Pleased with his scheme, Lizhi, however, understood Baiye’s true intent, leaving him conflicted. Now that the moment had arrived, he almost wished to avoid the truth.

But he could not keep running. Taking a quiet breath, he waited until He Lin had gone to set up the banquet in his own room, then knocked on Baiye’s door.

Baiye thought it was the inn boy bringing hot water. He had ordered a tub, intending to bathe before going to Lizhi’s room—tonight, he would finally hold his soft, fragrant body and sleep in peace.

But when he opened the door, he found Lizhi waiting.

Baiye was momentarily stunned. For once, Lizhi had come of his own accord. Then footsteps sounded from the corridor, and Lizhi, heart tightening, quickly stepped inside.

Too late. From across the hall, He Lin’s door opened.

Quick as lightning, Baiye pulled Lizhi by the waist, swung him inside, and shut the door with a slam.

He Lin: “?”

“Baiye, what is the meaning of this? The moment I arrive, you slam the door in my face? Do you so despise me?”

“I can’t imagine how a gentleman like Lizhi tolerates you. So heartless! Open the door, come drink with me!”

He even knocked on Lizhi’s door. “Lizhi, come drink in my room!”

No drinking tonight.

Baiye held Lizhi tightly, about to kiss him.

But Lizhi gently turned away, slipping from his arms, and seated himself solemnly at the table.

Outside, He Lin pounded at the door like a great lantern, nearly breaking it down. At last, Baiye opened, blocking the view. “We won’t be drinking. It’s late. Go rest.”

“But—it’s not late! Wait, is Lizhi inside your room? What are you two hiding from me? Don’t leave me out, I’ve had no friends since childhood—take me in!”

Baiye resisted the urge to kick him into the street, smiling thinly. “Remove your hand.”

“What…” He Lin instinctively withdrew, and Baiye slammed the door shut, bolting it tight.

“This is between us. Best be wise.”

He Lin stood outside, baffled. Perhaps they had business to discuss. Regretfully, he shook his head.

Then this supposed friendless fellow promptly summoned a crowd of companions to share his wine and feast.

Still, some vague discomfort gnawed at him, leaving him more curious than ever about Baiye and Lizhi.

But within, Baiye could restrain himself no longer. Days of pent-up longing, an entire day of stifled closeness, and now—two men alone together once more.

He approached, brushing Lizhi’s hair. “Hungry? Shall I fetch you a bite?”

Lizhi shook his head, though he remembered Baiye had not eaten since midday. Just as he was about to suggest food, Baiye murmured: “I’m hungry. I need something to fill me.”

Lizhi rose to oblige, but Baiye whispered huskily, “Why not just eat a little pear [Li-zi]?”

A pear? Where—

Crash! A chair toppled with a loud bang, like a hammer to Lizhi’s chest.

Baiye came on with fervor. Lizhi could not push him away. Sensing his turmoil, he asked lowly, “Still angry over that book?”

Lizhi pressed his lips together. In the next instant, he was pulled down onto the bed.

“A whole day’s anger—it’s killing me…” Baiye muttered with wounded grievance.

Though he had not overstepped, Lizhi’s heart thundered wildly at his sudden intensity.

His hand pressed against Baiye’s chest, feeling the vigorous, rapid heartbeat that matched his own.

“Lizhi… I only miss you too much.” His hoarse confession was filled with longing, yet he offered no soothing touch.

Never had Lizhi felt such need for closeness. Even the smallest gesture.

Baiye’s fingers traced Lizhi’s features in the air, almost touching, before curling back.

“Lest you call me reckless again.”

Lizhi’s chest heaved, his breath uneven. He longed for a kiss, lips parting slightly, his gaze misted.

Such clear invitation—yet Baiye feigned ignorance.

With a sigh, he murmured, “Ah, Lizhi is so sweet. I’m full.”

But no sweetness had been tasted. Lizhi, burning with frustration, felt his body taut and restless.

Beside him, Baiye collapsed with a laugh, throwing an arm over his eyes, heedless. Lizhi clenched his hand, about to act—

A knock came. “Guest, the hot water is here!”

Baiye rose, brushing past Lizhi. His robe brushed against exposed skin.

Again, so easily he slipped away.

Lizhi lay stiff upon the bed, shaken, disquieted.

He needed him.

The inn boy carried the water inside, surprised to see Lizhi lying there. Yet since he appeared composed, eyes lowered, the boy thought nothing of it.

Once, Lizhi would never have lain so openly in another’s bed, much less at night, beside the man he loved. But now, he seemed oblivious to propriety, his gaze drifting to Baiye with no sign of unease.

So domineering—yet now, so teasing, so cruel.

The inn’s finest room was spacious, with inner and outer chambers and a bathing alcove.

Hot water steamed, petals scattered. Baiye stripped and bathed with care.

Lizhi, listening to the water, at times calm, at times beckoning, rose from the bed.

If he must suffer, so would Baiye.

Purposeful, without restraint, Lizhi entered.

Baiye, reclining in comfort, his strong shoulders exposed, appeared softened by steam. His sharpness dulled, his roughness tempered.

Opening his eyes, he saw the holy immortal striding into his tub.

Though not small, the tub barely fit him alone. With Lizhi joining, water surged and spilled, petals drifting in waves.

Lizhi wanted to see him lose control, as he himself had.

Baiye felt the press of Lizhi’s body. So even his immortal could become so—so bewitching that hot water turned to cold, the tub nearly emptied, leaving barely a shallow veil.

At last, Baiye exhaled. He was drenched in Lizhi’s presence.

When he sought to change Lizhi’s soaked clothes, Lizhi rallied, pushing him out.

Baiye barely managed trousers. Toweling his hair in delight, he saw Lizhi emerge, wearing his outer robe.

Though loose, it suited him. Plain cloth became ethereal upon him.

Baiye knew too well the waist beneath—slender, pliant. Banishing the thought, he carefully dried Lizhi’s hair.

Let himself freeze, but not his tender Lizhi.

Silent harmony and satisfaction flowed between them. Words were needless; affection was clear.

But then the intruder burst in.

“Ah, you’re both here! Come drink!”

He Lin, wine flask in hand, gaped at Lizhi reclining in Baiye’s arms, Baiye shirtless, Lizhi’s damp hair in his fingers. “You two…”

Baiye narrowed his eyes. Seeing no ill intent, he growled, “Out. Before I strike you.”

“But you…” He Lin’s eyes flicked between them—Lizhi wore Baiye’s robe, at this hour…

Surely he was drunk, hallucinating.

Reeling, he turned to leave, but collapsed, wailing, “Don’t leave me out! Be my friends!”

Like a spoiled child, he was dragged out and tossed aside.

Baiye locked the door firmly, grateful he had not come sooner.

After drying his hair, Lizhi made no move to leave. Baiye, elated, drew him close again. “Tired? Sleep. Tomorrow I’ll buy you new clothes—yours are soaked…”

Lizhi’s face flushed. Closing his eyes, he saw the wild images again, feeling as though Baiye had fully consumed him.

He hurriedly opened his eyes, only to see Baiye gazing tenderly at him in the candlelight.

No more distance.

Lizhi felt vexed.

Scoundrel!

With his finger, he wrote swiftly on Baiye’s chest:

Are you full?

Baiye started, nearly undone, yet did not stop him.

“Full. So sweet—my Lizhi so sweet I nearly died of it…”

But his endless words halted at the next line Lizhi wrote.

—Who are you, truly?

—How much do you know of me?

Lizhi’s strokes quickened, nearly suffocated by his own questions.

Baiye’s smile faded. He had known Lizhi would doubt, but not that he cared so deeply.

At last, Lizhi wrote, trembling—

—Are you man or demon?

Baiye nearly staggered. “Lizhi, how could you think that?”

How else to explain his strangeness, his foresight, his uncanny familiarity?

Lizhi closed his eyes, certain, and wrote: You are a demon.

Baiye burst into laughter. “Then tell me, Lizhi—what demon am I?”

He had admitted it! Truly admitted it!

Lizhi’s heart tore. Demons drained life from men—was his closeness merely because of his own body’s strangeness?

Even if he could ignore it—human and demon were fated apart.

Yet Baiye spoke so lightly!

“In Lizhi’s eyes, what demon am I?” Baiye was curious how his mind worked.

He was the great protagonist—yet Lizhi suspected him thus. Perhaps he had indeed seemed too abnormal.

Still, only Lizhi had noticed, only he had dared to guess.

But never had he expected Lizhi to write those three words.

“What? How could I be—” Baiye nearly laughed in exasperation.

Yet the more Lizhi thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. The mushrooms in that forest had been unusually abundant—perhaps they were all his descendants.

At the notion, Lizhi’s brows furrowed in discomfort. By what means had he even propagated such offspring…?

“Trust you to come up with that—mushroom demon…” Baiye chuckled, half amused, half exasperated. “Why not say I’m a crab spirit, or a black bear spirit?”

“Or better yet, call me a mountain god—that would at least make sense!”

Having said so, Baiye couldn’t help but laugh aloud again.

His Lizhi—how could he be so endearing? He hadn’t stayed angry for long, all because he’d been doubting whether Baiye was some mushroom demon.

Author’s Note:

He Lin: Straight as a board, through and through.