Although You Siqi could be a bit slow-witted at times, he was still a man. After all they had been through, he understood perfectly what Shen Muzhi's tone of voice and actions implied.
He immediately struggled out of the other's embrace with all his might, his eyes wide, shaking his head frantically. "Didn't we just do this yesterday? You promised me you wouldn't be like Lu Wuming. I'm not Liu Buli; I don't have his cultivation. Besides, we've tried so many times, and my cultivation is only at the Foundation Establishment stage. If you try any more, my body will definitely break down!"
He spoke with utmost sincerity, the fear in his eyes entirely genuine.
Shen Muzhi found himself both helpless and amused by his gaze. He couldn't help but sigh softly, pressing his temples. "Siqi, we've been together for so long. Have I ever forced you or hurt you?"
Shen Muzhi had initially intended this question to bridge the gap between them, to reawaken You Siqi's trust, and to make it easier to discuss what he wanted to say next.
Thus, he braced himself for You Siqi to shake his head.
However, to his surprise, after a moment of silence, You Siqi nodded without hesitation, counting on his fingers. "Last time I told you I couldn't go on, you kept saying it was the last time. In the end, I didn't even know when I passed out. I only remember that when I was half-asleep, you didn't stop at all!"
Shen Muzhi's mouth twitched, and the gentle smile on his face faltered for a moment.
You Siqi continued, "And the time before that, my back hurt so badly. You said it was a bit swollen, and it only recovered after you applied medicine. The time before that was similar, and then..."
"Enough, that's enough, stop talking," Shen Muzhi raised a hand to cover his face, while the other reached out to press against You Siqi's mouth, silencing his incessant accusations.
He had always believed that this was a natural consequence of their mutual affection. Even if he occasionally lost control, it was entirely justifiable.
But hearing You Siqi's words now, Shen Muzhi began to reflect. Had he truly been too much, forcing the other party?
Shen Muzhi fell into a deep state of self-doubt.
You Siqi, on the other hand, pondered for a while before replying earnestly, "You don't need to be so upset. We're both men; I can understand your actions. But you still need to rest when it's time to rest. Otherwise, if you push too hard and burn out, you won't be able to play anymore, and that would be the most regrettable thing, wouldn't it?"
What he said made sense.
But Shen Muzhi felt even more dejected.
He pressed his fingers hard against his brow and asked with some uncertainty, "Why is it always me who wants to do this? It feels like I'm always forcing you. Don't you have any thoughts about this at all?"
This question was too sharp.
You Siqi looked up into Shen Muzhi's eyes.
Seeing that the other was about to put on that expression of bone-deep sadness again, he quickly waved his hand. "Don't be like that. I didn't say I have no interest in this. Although your technique wasn't great at first, it's very good now, and we cooperate well. I quite like it."
Shen Muzhi stared intently into You Siqi's eyes. "Do you like doing this, or do you like me? Before, you said you couldn't cultivate, so you couldn't answer me. Now you have spiritual energy, even if it's very thin. Since that's the case, you should give me an answer to this question, shouldn't you?"
As he spoke this time, You Siqi could clearly sense a dangerous aura.
He took a step back, but Shen Muzhi moved forward to block him.
Leaning against the wall behind him, Shen Muzhi placed his hands on either side of You Siqi, blocking all escape routes. Then, he continued, enunciating each word, "You Siqi, we've been together in this unclear state for a year. Don't you think it's time you gave me a title?"
He was too direct.
You Siqi lowered his head, not daring to meet Shen Muzhi's eyes.
After a long silence, he finally spoke, his voice barely a whisper. "Are you sure you've thought this through? If you're with me..."
"If you're going to say that nonsense you've repeated countless times, I suggest you shut up," Shen Muzhi interrupted coldly. "I don't care about anyone else's opinion, nor do I care about any so-called gossip. My younger brother will be attending this martial arts tournament, and I'll let you meet him. We won't need your help with the continuation of the Shen family line, so you don't need to worry about it."
With his words, You Siqi had no room to argue.
After a period of silence, he reached out and grabbed Shen Muzhi's clothes.
He opened his mouth, his voice incredibly faint. "Shen Muzhi, have I ever told you that I'm actually quite envious of Liu Buli and Lu Wuming? I want a wedding too, even if no one participates or blesses it, as long as it's just the two of us. What I mean is... Ah!"
Before he could finish speaking, Shen Muzhi swept him up into his arms.
When he was unceremoniously dropped onto the bed, You Siqi was still somewhat bewildered.
Then, Shen Muzhi's body pressed down, and You Siqi immediately understood what was about to happen.
He nervously pushed against the other, his eyes wide. "Didn't we agree not to do this today?"
"Who said that?" Shen Muzhi smiled, leaning down to kiss You Siqi's lips. "You said such heartwarming words, and you still expect me to control myself? That's asking too much, isn't it?"
You Siqi's eyes widened. "But..."
"No 'buts'," Shen Muzhi stroked his cheek, smiling gently. "The Medicine Master Valley is organizing a martial arts tournament, so we can't hold the Dao Companion Ceremony for now. But once things are settled, I promise you a grand Dao Companion Ceremony. It won't be quiet like Liu Buli's. We'll have a big celebration. Let others watch if they want, let them say what they want. I don't care, and I don't mind."
Shen Muzhi paused here.
He picked up the few books Liu Buli had just given him and continued, "As for now, let's try these out properly. We shouldn't waste Daoist Liu's good intentions, should we?"