Liu Buli never expected Lu Wuming to ask for this. He stared, stunned for a moment, then immediately shook his head as fast as he could. "Let's forget about that. Wuming, you..."
"I'm still a child, and those books are a bit too advanced for me, so I can't read them, is that it?" Lu Wuming spoke slowly, finishing the sentence Liu Buli had intended to say.
He realized he was understanding his master more and more. For instance, at times like this, he knew exactly how Liu Buli would respond and what expression he would wear, even without seeing him. It was always precisely as he predicted.
And indeed, just as he had thought, Liu Buli fell silent when he said this.
After a long pause, he nodded. He said in a voice that lacked confidence, "I-it's not just that. The protagonist's name is you, and I-I think it would be embarrassing to read it... So, so..."
"It's not embarrassing, and I don't see any problem with it. If Master wants to talk about my age, Wuming is already an adult." Lu Wuming directly cut off all of Liu Buli's explanations. He continued, "Besides, Wuming remembers that when Master first took me in, you showed me many books about such matters. Why didn't Master say I was too young to read those things then?"
Liu Buli wanted to retort, but hearing the last few sentences, he nearly bit his tongue.
So, his education had been problematic from the very beginning?
But he had never taken on a disciple before. How could he have thought so much about it back then?
With his mind in a chaotic mess, Liu Buli once again wanted to retreat to his room and hide.
However, this time Lu Wuming didn't give him the chance.
He reached out and grabbed Liu Buli's hand, then pulled him forcefully into his embrace. Ignoring Liu Buli's struggles, Lu Wuming rested his chin on Liu Buli's shoulder and said earnestly, "Master, Wuming is not young anymore. Wuming has thought it through and wants to be with you. It doesn't matter who tries to stop us, or what others say about me. All I want is Master. So, can't I even read the story you wrote about us?"
The last sentence was spoken with profound sadness.
Liu Buli's heart panicked. He looked back and indeed saw an unconcealable, deep sorrow in Lu Wuming's eyes.
It felt as if his heart had been squeezed hard, causing Liu Buli immense pain.
That's right...
He just wanted to read the book he had written. What ill intentions could he possibly have?
Liu Buli instantly felt like slapping himself.
What kind of unreasonable master was he!
Not realizing he had walked into a trap, Liu Buli turned to face Lu Wuming, reached out, and gently stroked his head. "The book can be yours to read, but Wuming can't read it now. We made a promise. After the muscle training, we'll cultivate spiritual energy. Master will accompany you, and we'll cultivate properly. When it's time for bed at night, then we can read the book, alright?"
Lu Wuming smiled and softly agreed, "Alright."
Having achieved his goal, Lu Wuming returned to his familiar spot and sat down as usual, placing his hands on his knees and closing his eyes to regulate his breathing and circulate his energy.
Liu Buli watched him. He didn't know if it was because he already liked Lu Wuming and found him more pleasing the more he looked, or if Lu Wuming was truly perfect to an extraordinary degree. Whether he was exercising or in this state, he made Liu Buli's mouth water.
With his clothes off, revealing his muscles, Lu Wuming was the perfect, muscular man Liu Buli had imagined, especially suited for the things he wrote about in his books.
And now, with his clothes on, Lu Wuming, with his eyes closed, looked like an immortal banished from heaven. The faint luminescence emanating from his spiritual energy lent him an even greater air of nobility.
He was simply exquisitely beautiful...
Liu Buli watched him, momentarily forgetting his own cultivation.
When night fell, after they had eaten dinner and bathed, they returned to their room. As Liu Buli lay down, preparing to sleep, Lu Wuming patted him and whispered, "Master, you haven't forgotten our promise, have you?"
Liu Buli blinked, then thought for a moment before recalling.
But seeing the man's burning gaze fixed on him, Liu Buli hesitated again.
He felt like an utter fool.
Otherwise, why would he have suggested that when they were clean and lying in bed at night, they would read an adult book about themselves as protagonists with the person he cared about most?
Swallowing hard, Liu Buli said, "Wuming, I think..."
"I think if Master doesn't let me read it soon, I'll start crying right here," Lu Wuming interrupted Liu Buli, speaking earnestly.
Liu Buli was speechless.
After a moment of silence, he obediently took out the book.
He clutched it in his hand, unwilling to let go. When Lu Wuming finally snatched it away, he was still blushing and said, "You can only read it this once, okay? I won't give it to you next time!"
"Okay," Lu Wuming smirked and began to read, "The red candles flickered, figures moved, Liu Buli's hands were tied to the headboard with red silk..."
He paused for a moment, then looked at Liu Buli. A knowing smile played on his lips as he said, "Master, so you like this kind of thing?"