Chapter 2802: The Stand-In Was Forcibly Taken by the Mountain Bandit's Wife 08

Jin Chen had already sat back at the table, picking up the teapot, and poured tea into the cup slowly and deliberately.

Hot water poured into the cup, white steam swirling; he did not look at the Gu Fanghe who had entered, merely saying casually, "Sit."

Gu Fanghe stepped closer, his gaze locking onto the young lord leaning lazily against the table.

The candlelight flickered, illuminating the youth's brows and eyes clearly; the outer corners of his eyes slightly lifted, his lips moist, his skin as white as fine porcelain, even the fingertips holding the teacup glowed white in the dim light.

The ancients' saying that one admires beauties by lamplight was not an empty boast.

Gu Fanghe sat opposite Jin Chen, first placing an object lightly on the tabletop.

It was precisely that mutton fat jade cloud-pattern pendant, with blue tassels hanging down, swaying slightly.

Jin Chen glanced back at the jade pendant, then turned his gaze to Gu Fanghe.

"Young lord, as you walk around the stronghold, it's still best not to be forgetful and lose things."

Jin Chen set down the teapot, leisurely watching Gu Fanghe, their gazes faintly intertwining in the air.

He curled the corner of his mouth, drew out his tone with a hint of teasing: "Chief, how do you know this jade pendant is mine?"

"I saw you wearing it that day." Gu Fanghe stated bluntly.

Jin Chen let out an "ah," his tone winding and turning, then laughed lightly, his eyes flickering: "Such a small matter, and the chief actually keeps it in mind… truly, your favor toward me grows ever greater."

Gu Fanghe: "……"

He lowered his eyes slightly, then suddenly leaned forward, hands braced on the chair back, trapping Jin Chen in a small space, a chilling aura pressing in silently.

"Again and again, such bold words teasing…" Gu Fanghe's voice dropped, hinting at danger, "Do you truly not fear bloodshed and pain?"

Jin Chen showed no fear at all, even raising his hand to pick up the silk cord hanging below the jade pendant on the table, following Gu Fanghe's advancing posture.

He turned his wrist, actually using the jade pendant to lift Gu Fanghe's chin.

The action was frivolous, yet because the doer's brows and eyes held a smile and his appearance was peerless, it came across as charming and unrestrained.

Jin Chen smiled, staring into Gu Fanghe's suddenly deepened pupils, "In this Black Mountain Stronghold, I am not afraid of you."

Such a short sentence, yet it scratched the deepest spot in Gu Fanghe's heart.

Gu Fanghe raised his hand, pressing his fingertip to Jin Chen's lips, a possessive urge stirring secretly in his heart.

Gu Fanghe's voice hoarse, his fingertip rubbing, leaving a faint red mark: "You clearly know there's something wrong with that wood; you saved those children, why didn't you say?"

Jin Chen tilted his head slightly, his expression innocent yet matter-of-fact.

"I don't know what the chief is talking about."

"However, if the chief truly wishes to thank me, you'd better remember to prepare some fine clothes and good food for me; that coarse cloth garment is really uncomfortable."

Gu Fanghe stared at him for several seconds, then suddenly gave a low chuckle, withdrew his hand, and sat upright again.

"Bring it in."

The little bandit outside responded, the two of them working together lifted the heavy chest inside, placed it in the empty space of the room, then bowed and retreated, closing the door.

The chest opened; even though the room's light was dim, it could not conceal the sudden burst of pearl-like radiance and precious aura.

The top layer held neatly stacked fine silken garments, the fabric of excellent quality.

Below lay various antique jade articles: a mutton fat jade chessboard, an ink jade paperweight, a jadeite bracelet, a gemstone thumb ring… dazzling to the eye, enough to make one's vision blur.

Yet the most eye-catching item was placed in the very center, an imperial seal resting on a soft silk cushion.

The seal was only palm-sized, yet in the light it seemed to have red flames flowing within.

Even a layperson could tell this object was no ordinary item, it carried an aura of noble dignity.

Jin Chen leaned forward and picked it up; it felt heavy in his hand.

"What is this?"

Gu Fanghe's gaze remained fixed on his face, not shifting in the slightest.

Seeing him pick up the seal, Gu Fanghe curled the corner of his mouth: "Golden Dragon Seal."

"When the current emperor was still the Eastern Palace Crown Prince, the former emperor bestowed this coronation gift, symbolizing his status as supremely noble and unmatched under heaven."

Jin Chen: "……"

"Are you planning to rebel?"

"No wonder he's a demoted general opposed to the court!"

"Possessing such a thing, broadly speaking, could be a capital crime punishable by extermination of nine clans."

Gu Fanghe raised an eyebrow, leaned forward slightly, and asked deliberately: "How so, you don't dare to take it?"

Jin Chen met his gaze for a moment, then smiled and said: "If you dare to give it, why would I dare not to take it?"

Jin Chen took Gu Fanghe's hand, winding the silk cord of the jade pendant around his index finger, so the pendant hung below his fingertip, swaying slightly.

"This jade pendant shall count as my reciprocal courtesy."

"You really are…" Gu Fanghe shook his head, "not willing to suffer even the slightest loss."

Jin Chen gave no clear answer, only gazing at him with his rippling eyes: "Chief, if you truly want to keep me in this Black Wind Stronghold, merely these are not enough."

He leaned slightly forward, nearing the candle and also Gu Fanghe, his voice lowered: "Will you give… or not give?"

Gu Fanghe clenched the jade pendant tightly in his palm, unable to suppress the surging heat in his heart.

"If you obey, then…"

Before his words finished, Jin Chen suddenly raised his hand, his fingertip lightly brushing over the red mark beneath his eye.

Gu Fanghe's body stiffened for a moment.

That scar is a past he does not wish to recall, a mark of shame, a brand of betrayal; even he himself rarely touches it.

Yet Jin Chen has no qualms about it, always touching it.

A strange numbness and itch spread from the scar straight to his heart.

"Jin Chen."

Gu Fanghe called his name, his voice deep, laced with warning.

Jin Chen lifted his eyes, righteous and bold, "Look at you, you're scolding me again."

As he spoke, his fingertip lightly pressed on that scar.

Gu Fanghe's breath caught.

Jin Chen: "The big boss really looks that good, you've already kissed me, what's wrong with me touching?"

"Really good-looking?"

Gu Fanghe seized Jin Chen's wrist that was messing around on his face, his gaze locked on him, surging with obscure, indecipherable emotion, "Like a demon wearing a mask, how can it be called good-looking?"

He drew even closer, their noses almost touching, breaths intertwining, an overwhelming dangerous aura enveloping them.

"Jin Chen, you're deceiving me."

"You dare deceive me."

Jin Chen let him hold him, "I have excellent taste; when I say it's good-looking, it is."

Before he finished speaking, his lips were sealed.

Gu Fanghe kissed him again, more skilled than last time, lips and tongues entwined, breaths mingling.

Jin Chen did not push him away.

This time, Jin Chen was certain the person he had in mind was himself; he let his hands hang and allowed him to kiss for a while.

After a while, Jin Chen helplessly closed his eyes, yet couldn't resist opening with the tip of his tongue.

Gu Fanghe then stopped.

Lips and teeth parted, Jin Chen furrowed his brow, a bit sore from the bite, he frowned and complained.

"You're not good at kissing."

"Just biting."

"Has your wife been a bandit on the mountain too long, getting used to gnawing on wild beast meat?"

Gu Fanghe, however, chuckled happily, lowered his eyes to look at him, then leaned in and bit again, leaving a tooth mark.

"Young master," he breathed hotly, his voice hoarse and alluring, his fingertip brushing over Jin Chen's slightly messy forehead hair.

"Outside Black Mountain Stronghold, there are plenty of snakes, insects, and fierce beasts; it's late, better rest early."

Jin Chen adjusted the outer robe draped over him, his tone languid, "Take your leave, I won't see you off."