I Only Choked on Noodles, Why Am I Here?! [BL]

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Lin Xin didn’t turn around. He was too focused on getting the fire started, completely unaware of the dark marks around his eyes.

Han Yan watched him for a moment, a small smile tugging at his lips as he arranged the firewood beside him.

Once the flames finally caught, Han Yan glanced at Lin Xin again. He hesitated for a moment before pointing toward his face.

"You have something on your face."

Lin Xin paused. "What?"

"Come here." Han Yan stepped closer and carefully brushed his thumb beneath Lin Xin’s eyes. "You’ve got black marks all around your eyes."

Lin Xin blinked and instinctively raised a hand to wipe them away, but Han Yan caught his wrist.

"Wait. You’ll only make them worse."

Before Lin Xin could react, Han Yan reached over and gently wiped the marks from his face. The simple touch made Lin Xin suddenly aware of how close Han Yan was, and his heart began beating faster.

He quickly looked toward the ingredients laid out beside the stove, pretending to inspect them while trying to ignore the warmth creeping up his cheeks.

"You could have told me earlier."

"I was going to."

"When?"

Han Yan smiled. "You were too busy with the fire."

Lin Xin puffed out his cheeks, forcing himself to look annoyed despite the warmth still lingering on his face.

Then he remembered why he had been upset in the first place.

"You didn’t wake me."

Han Yan’s hands paused as he looked at Lin Xin, a hint of guilt flashing across his face.

"I know."

Lin Xin stared at him for a moment, clearly not convinced.

"You were going to leave without telling me."

"I wasn’t."

"You were." Lin Xin crossed his arms and turned his face away, clearly unconvinced.

Han Yan sighed. "I was going to tell you before I left."

Lin Xin finally turned to face him. "Tell me?"

"Mm. You mean by leaving without waking me?"

Han Yan opened his mouth then closed it again. Somehow, hearing Lin Xin say it aloud made him realize how bad it sounded.

Lin Xin huffed and turned back. "You always do this. You never tell me anything."

Han Yan rubbed the back of his neck and stepped closer. "I’m sorry. I really didn’t want to disturb your sleep. You were sleeping so peacefully."

Lin Xin’s hands slowed as he arranged the firewood. "But you’re going into the mountains all day. You should’ve woken me."

"I know."

"You might not come back until late. You could even be gone until tomorrow."

Han Yan smiled helplessly. "I know."

Lin Xin finally looked at him, still wearing a small pout. "Then why didn’t you wake me? I told you that you could."

Han Yan couldn’t help laughing softly. "Because you looked too cute."

Lin Xin’s ears turned red, and he immediately looked away, mumbling, "I’m not cute."

"You are," Han Yan continued shamelessly.

Lin Xin puffed out his cheeks. "That’s not an excuse." He picked up some charcoal and smeared a little across Han Yan’s nose.

Han Yan blinked at the charcoal on his nose before letting out a quiet laugh.

"What was that for?"

He reached over and gently took the firewood from Lin Xin’s hands.

"If you’re still angry, let me make it up to you."

Lin Xin watched him for a moment, his expression slowly softening.

"Then how are you going to make it up to me?"

Han Yan glanced at him. "You tell me."

Lin Xin thought for a moment before crossing his arms. "Bring back something good."

"Something good?" Han Yan repeated with a smile. "Like what?"

"I don’t know. Just something."

Han Yan chuckled. "Alright. I’ll bring you something good."

He reached over and gently fixed one of Lin Xin’s messy curls. Lin Xin’s eyes softened, though he still tried to look annoyed.

"And you better come back safely."

The teasing smile on Han Yan’s face faded into something gentler. "I will."

Lin Xin nodded, finally satisfied. "Good. Now help me make your food."

Han Yan obediently picked up the ingredients. "Yes, wife."

Lin Xin’s ears immediately turned red again. He shot Han Yan an embarrassed look, his words stumbling out.

"D-Don’t call me that while I’m cooking."

Han Yan’s lips curled into a teasing smile. "Why? Should I call you that somewhere else, then?"

Lin Xin’s face instantly heated up. He opened his mouth, but the words got tangled on his tongue.

"I-I... that’s not what I..."

Han Yan chuckled at his flustered expression.

Lin Xin puffed out his cheeks and turned back to the earthen stove. "So shameless."

Han Yan only laughed softly, saying nothing more. For some reason, he suddenly felt like a shameless thug deliberately teasing an innocent scholar.

Outside the kitchen, Zhi Zun sat on the wall, quietly watching the two of them through the open doorway as they continued preparing breakfast together.

Zhi Zun clicked his tongue, watching Lin Xin with a look of deep disappointment.

Lan Xin was far too pure for his own good.

How was he supposed to fight against that stinky human?

Zhi Zun sighed deeply. He had clearly failed his grandmaster. After all this time, he still hadn’t managed to properly enlighten Lin Xin.

No matter. This ancestor wouldn’t give up so easily.

Zhi Zun narrowed his eyes, sinking into deep thought.

"Perhaps... he should find some of those special books?"

His tail slowly flicked.

Yes. That might work.

After all, if Lan Xin remained this clueless, then this ancestor would simply have to find a way to provide the proper teaching materials.

Zhi Zun nodded solemnly, completely satisfied with his brilliant plan.

In the kitchen, Lin Xin suddenly sneezed.

"Ah-choo!"

Lin Xin rubbed his nose, looking confused.

Han Yan glanced at him with concern. "Are you alright? You’re not coming down with a cold, are you?"

"No, I’m fine," Lin Xin said, rubbing his nose once more before turning back to the earthen stove tending to the simmering pot.

Outside, Zhi Zun calmly flicked his tail, looking as though he had just gained enlightenment.

Once the food was ready, Lin Xin helped Han Yan pack what he would need for the day.

Since Han Yan would be traveling through the mountains, they kept his portion simple and easy to carry.

Lin Xin wrapped the food neatly in a clean cloth and tied it securely, while another portion was set aside for Lin Xin and Dong Hai to eat later.

Han Yan picked up his food and tucked it securely against his side.

Lin Xin followed him outside, pulling his robe closer as the chilly morning air brushed against his skin.

"Oh, take this with you. It’s for Brother Wei Jun," Lin Xin said, handing him the cloth-wrapped food.

Han Yan glanced down at it before smiling. "I will."

They walked together toward the gate. Lin Xin stayed close beside him, his steps slowing as they approached the wooden gate.

When they reached it, Han Yan stopped and adjusted the food in his hand before turning to look at him.

"Go back inside. It’s still cold."

Lin Xin didn’t move.

"I’ll watch you leave."

Han Yan raised an eyebrow. "And then you’ll stand here until I’m out of sight?"

Lin Xin looked away. "Maybe."

A helpless smile appeared on Han Yan’s face.

He reached out and gently rubbed the top of Lin Xin’s head. "Then at least go inside afterward. And don’t forget to lock the door."

"I know."

"I’m serious."

Lin Xin puffed his cheeks. "I said I know."

Han Yan chuckled at his expression.

After a moment, his gaze shifted toward the road.

"Liu De and Wei Fan should be leaving soon.

I don’t know how long things will take in the mountains, though. If I’m delayed, I might not make it back today."

Lin Xin’s expression immediately softened with concern.

"Then when will you return?"

"Tomorrow afternoon at the latest."

Lin Xin lowered his eyes.

"Alright."

Han Yan noticed the slight disappointment on his face and reached for his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Don’t worry. I’ll be careful."

Lin Xin looked up at him.

"You and Dong Hai should take care of yourselves while I’m gone."

"We will."

"And don’t wait for me if it gets late."

Lin Xin nodded reluctantly.

Han Yan smiled before letting go of his hand.

"Now go inside."

Lin Xin took a few steps back, then raised his hand and waved.

"Be careful."

"I will."

Han Yan gave him one last smile before turning around and walking down the road.

Lin Xin remained by the gate, watching his figure grow smaller until he finally disappeared from sight.

Only then did he lower his hand.

He quietly closed the gate and slid the wooden bolt into place.

The courtyard suddenly seemed much quieter than before.

Lin Xin stood there for a moment before turning around.

He had intended to go back to bed, but after lying down for a while, he realized there was no way he was going to fall asleep again.

With a quiet sigh, he got up and went to wash.

After freshening up, he changed into a clean robe and tied his hair back neatly.

When he returned to the room, he found Dong Hai already awake.

Dong Hai sat on the edge of the bed, his hair slightly messy from sleep. He glanced around the room before looking at Lin Xin.

"Xin-ge."

Lin Xin smiled. "You’re awake?"

Dong Hai nodded, then looked toward the doorway.

"Where’s Yan-gege?"

"He left early this morning."

Dong Hai was quiet for a moment.

"He didn’t say goodbye."

There was no childish complaint in his voice, but the disappointment in his expression was clear.

Lin Xin walked over and gently smoothed down his messy hair.

"He didn’t want to wake you. He said he’d be back tomorrow afternoon."

Dong Hai looked up at him.

"Tomorrow?"

"Mm." Lin Xin smiled. "And before he left, he said he’d bring you some good meat."

Dong Hai’s expression softened slightly.

"He did?"

"Yes."

Dong Hai nodded with quiet satisfaction.

"Then I’ll wait for him."

Lin Xin smiled and lightly patted his shoulder.

"Come on. Let’s eat."

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