Once within the surveillance range, Yun Mingchen transformed back into the impulsive and cheeky elementary school kid.
He hugged the kitten and rubbed it back and forth, burying his face in the cat’s fur and giving it a few affectionate kisses.
After turning into a small cat, Yu Tong’s sense of smell became much more sensitive.
The unfamiliar masculine scent completely enveloped him as the antagonist repeatedly kissed his small head, making Yu Tong shiver with discomfort.
The more he resisted, the more determined Yun Mingchen became.
The system, curious about the commotion, peeked through the cat’s body to examine Yu Tong’s soul.
Watching the host, with a handsome and obedient appearance, being hugged and kissed by the antagonist, the system exclaimed, 【Oh my, quite the romantic situation.】
Yu Tong was going crazy.
He detested humans with no sense of boundaries.
When that large face approached again, Yu Tong couldn’t take it anymore and extended his claws, giving the antagonist a scratch.
It didn’t break the skin but left a small red mark on the back of his hand.
Immersed in his persona as the mischievous elementary school kid, the antagonist immediately sneered, threatening to pull out his nails and perform a “nail-removal surgery.”
A few minutes later, Yun Mingchen found a tutorial online and started earnestly trimming the small cat’s nails.
After finishing the task, he patted the kitten’s head and scratched its chin as a reward.
Initially, Yu Tong was still sulking, but after getting a few chin scratches, his limbs suddenly lost control and became soft. A strong sensation quickly spread throughout his body, following the places touched by the fingertips. He couldn’t help but purr and rub against the antagonist.
More touches, more comfort.
After petting the little cat, Yun Mingchen got up and returned to meditate on the bed. Before entering a meditative state, he saw the kitten tilting its head, staring at him with a vacant expression, seemingly contemplating something.
Yu Tong stood there in confusion.
Who was that cat from earlier – purring, limbs going soft, and tail raised while seeking affection?
Done for, he’s absolutely done for.
The system showed no concern for the host and bounced over gleefully to eat watermelon, 【 When the antagonist kissed your face, did his lips touch your mouth? Did you lose your first kiss?】
Still questioning life, Yu Tong responded blankly, “He didn’t kiss my mouth. He said I might’ve nibbled my feet and claimed my mouth was dirty. Nonsense, I wouldn’t even lick fur.”
“And even if he kissed me, it wouldn’t count as stealing my first kiss. I lost my first kiss a long time ago.”
The system, eager for gossip, asked with a face full of curiosity, 【 Lost it? When did you lose it, and who kissed you?”】
“Brother Chen kissed me. After my eighteenth birthday, he treated me to dinner to celebrate my coming of age. I got a bit drunk, and my face turned really red. Maybe thinking I was tipsy, he asked if he could kiss me. I nodded, and he did.”
【So hasty?】
“Why not?”
【Do you like him?】
“There’s some affection, not exactly liking, but he’s good to me.”
【No, if you don’t like him, why let him kiss you?】
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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【So if he holds your hand for love, you’d agree too?】
“Yeah… it’s not like it’s impossible. Our relationship is that good.”
The system pulled Yu Tong’s soul into its virtual space, shaking his shoulders back and forth.
【Wake up! Snap out of it!】
Yu Tong didn’t expect the system’s reaction to be so intense.
He remained silent for a while and then said, “I thought after he kissed me, he would suggest being in a relationship. That way, our actions wouldn’t be considered messing around. But he must’ve thought I didn’t remember, so he never brought it up. Plus, later he said he was a 0 and had a boyfriend. I didn’t want it to be awkward, so I treated it as if nothing happened, just like him.”
“It’s partly my fault for realizing it too late and being thin-skinned. I think when he kissed me, he probably didn’t have a boyfriend. If I had actively pursued him or brought it up the next day, who knows what might have happened.”
The system didn’t know what to say. It patted Yu Tong’s shoulder with a cigarette in its mouth, advising him to pay more attention to his well-being and not to let one thing lead to another.
Yu Tong looked ahead with a steady gaze, his voice elusive, “My house always has strangers coming and going. I’ve seen this kind of thing happen from childhood to now, and I never thought it was something worth paying attention to.”
He spoke quickly and somewhat chaotically. The system was confused and exclaimed, 【I don’t understand. Say it again.】
Yu Tong ignored it, appearing uninterested.
The more the system observed, the more it felt that the host was acting strange. Taking some time, it went to the archives to retrieve Yu Tong’s file.
In the section about his lover, there was a clear name written: Chen Qing.
————
According to the novel setting, cultivators could undergo fasting once they entered a meditative state.
It was enough to sustain daily needs by eating fresh fruits and vegetables or simply drinking dew and eating flower petals.
Yun Mingchen had been practicing from morning until evening, over ten hours passing without him even taking a sip of water.
Just when Yu Tong thought he was prepared to go without food for the day, Yun Mingchen reached under the bed and pulled out a large box.
Lifting the lid, the inside was stacked with snacks and beer.
Ensuring the surveillance could capture his dishevelled appearance, Yun Mingchen half-lounged in his chair, drinking beer and scrolling through his phone.
Shaking his head, Yu Tong diverted his thoughts from his memories.
As a responsible worker, he would never let personal feelings interfere with his job.
Regaining focus, Yu Tong adjusted his angle. A little cat leaped onto Yun Mingchen’s shoulder, peeking at his phone.
On the screen, a seductively dressed female anchor was dancing.
Yu Tong turned to look at the antagonist.
Yun Mingchen had a greasy smile on his face, and although his eyes were slightly narrowed, they only revealed a hint of coldness.
He didn’t glance at the female anchor, his gaze was fixed on his own fingertips.
With the help of the “Heart-to-Heart” prop, Yu Tong faintly sensed Yun Mingchen’s emotions at the moment— a subtle feeling of irritation transmitted through the prop to him.
Deciding to vent like a cat, Yu Tong jumped onto the table and aggressively started scratching at a roll of toilet paper.
Once he calmed down again, he looked at the scattered paper on the table and entered into sage mode.
He felt like he should not forget his initial purpose. If he continued indulging like this, he might end up licking fur.
The system, having completed the confidentiality agreement and returned from the archives, found Yu Tong secretly eating chocolate on the table. He had just opened the packaging when the antagonist caught him red-handed.
Yun Mingchen held Yu Tong’s scruff with one hand and used the other to search on his phone.
[Can kittens eat chocolate?]
The browser quickly provided the answer, [No, they can die from it.]
Seeing Yu Tong eagerly eyeing the snack box, Yun Mingchen continued his search.
[What human snacks are safe for kittens to consume?]
An answer popped up, [Snacks that kittens can eat are safe for kittens to consume.]
Yun Mingchen: ….
He silently put down the phone, grabbed the little kitten, and pressed him in front of the chocolate. He gently ran his fingers over the kitten’s head.
Yu Tong didn’t resist; his expression was numb as he allowed Yun Mingchen to touch his head.
Just as Yun Mingchen began to ramble on and educate the little cat, the phone placed on the side suddenly vibrated twice.
Yu Tong leaned over to look; it was a video call request. The caller’s name was displayed as “Mom”.
The ringtone continued for a while, and just as the video call was about to disconnect automatically, Yun Mingchen finally pressed the answer button.
A woman with a beautiful appearance and gentle temperament appeared on the phone screen.
With a meticulously made-up face, she wore an elegant smile and said, “Mingchen, it’s been two days without a video call. Did you miss your mom?”
“And you’re frowning again. Didn’t Mom tell you that your frown isn’t attractive at all? We know you’re diligent, and busy with cultivation every day. Your dad and I just wanted to ask how things are going with the two young ladies from the Wen family. It shouldn’t take up too much of your time.”
Yun Mingchen silently nodded.
The moment the video call connected, a strong sense of restlessness immediately surged in Yu Tong’s heart.
The “Heart-to-Heart” prop was transmitting the antagonist’s emotions to him.
A magnetic male voice came from the phone, “Mingchen, your mom asked you a question.”
Yun Mingchen sighed lightly, “After the last gathering, we haven’t been in contact.”
The man hesitated, his face immediately turning cold, “Are you dissatisfied with the Wen family’s young misses?”
“Not dissatisfied. They’re wonderful, but we’re just not compatible.”
“Why not? Miss Wen is both elegant and intelligent, while the second Miss is pure and kind. Our family’s treasure is exceptionally talented and handsome as well. Mom thinks one of the two will definitely match well with you.”
Yu Tong crouched nearby, perking his ears to eavesdrop.
Oh, it turned out to be a matchmaking and marriage proposal, no wonder the antagonist didn’t want to listen.
His own parents were better; they never pressured him to marry.
Although Yun Mingchen was very impatient, he respected his parents. Even though he was visibly annoyed, with his veins bulging, he didn’t find an excuse to end the video call.
At first, the atmosphere seemed harmonious, but somehow, things went awry later on. The conversation between the two sides fell apart.
Lord Yun, who looked like he was in his mid-twenties despite being over seventy, slammed the table heavily.
“Yun Mingchen, our intentions are clear. You need to marry Miss Wen to promote the alliance between our families. You’re an adult now; you can’t let your temper dictate everything.”
Yun Mingchen fell silent for a moment. “In the current situation, a marriage alliance has no meaning.”
Lord Yun rubbed his forehead. “You’re still young; you don’t understand. The Yun family is not what it used to be. If we don’t find a powerful…”
Before he could finish his sentence, Yun Mingchen interrupted, “The Wen family doesn’t care about their two young misses. A marriage alliance will only hasten the demise of the Yun family.”
“Who says so? Where did you draw that conclusion from?”
Yun Mingchen pursed his lips, hesitated for half a second, but ultimately said nothing.
Yu Tong didn’t know if Yun Mingchen was concerned about surveillance in the bedroom or about something else.
What he found puzzling was that given his precarious situation, why didn’t Yun Mingchen seek help from his parents privately?
The bathroom had no surveillance, giving him a perfect opportunity to pass on a message discreetly.
His father was the head of the family, and his mother’s family was also influential.
With their connections and experiences, they surely had the means to assist him.
When Lord Yun continued to urge, Yun Mingchen’s conflicted mood started to show on his face. “Enough, this topic is over. I’m not marrying them.”
Lady Yun, who had been silently observing, spoke gently, “Alright, alright, don’t be too hard on your son. Mingchen, tell Mom, are you so against this marriage proposal because you’re not interested in those two girls?”
“Yes, and that’s my problem. They are both excellent.”
“Mingchen, Mom and Dad had an arranged marriage but grew to love each other. You can try getting to know Miss Wen…”
Yun Mingchen’s face turned cold again as he interrupted, “I can’t try. I am gay.”
Lady Yun was momentarily stunned, but then her smile became even more affectionate. “It’s okay; Mom and Dad don’t mind your sexual orientation. You can marry Miss Wen and at the same time, look for a male partner. We will treat your boyfriend like a son-in-law and help you keep it a secret; no one will know.”
Lord Yun snorted coldly.
Based on both of their attitudes, he clearly knew about his son’s sexual orientation, and they had already privately discussed their stance.
Yu Tong shook his ears in surprise.
What does that mean? They were ready to throw away all shame from the start?
A strong wave of shock suddenly filled his heart.
The emotion belonged to Yun Mingchen.
The antagonist’s expression distorted for a moment, nearly shattering his facade of a calculating person with a poisonous tongue.
A brief silence enveloped the room.
When Yun Mingchen spoke again, there was a hint of unmasked bewilderment in his voice, “What are you talking about? Have you both gone insane?”
I’m not gonna lie, the set up is so good, I love me good mystery. Too many novels just directly delve into the intricacies of the MC’s background without any suspense, this is nice. Also about the comment of people coming and going… I wonder if his parents aren’t that harmonious together??
Also fuck Yun Mingchen’s parents, what the hell?? They “know” their son might be gay, and still wanted him to be married off? And force his partner to be a mistress???
Yep, those parents are insane. They’re sacrificing their son’s and some girl’s hapiness for the sake of the family. Because neither can be happy with such an arrangement, ML because he would have to keep the one he would supposedly love hidden as it would be an affair either way and the girl would be stuck with a husband who would never love her romantically.
These people are not only horrible parents but also terrible human beings..